|
Appendix C:Initial Study Checklist Former Marley Cooling Tower Company,Stockton,CA
<br /> The Giant garter snake (GGS), (Thamnophis gigas), listed as federal and state threatened, was sighted I the Stockton
<br /> Diverting Canal, 0.5 miles east of Highway 88 at Highway 99 in 1976. The snake prefers fresh water marsh and low
<br /> gradient streams. This is the most aquatic of the garter snakes in California.
<br /> Special status birds that may occur in the general Stockton area include the following. The burrowing owl (Athene
<br /> cunicularia), state species of concern, prefers open, dry annual or'perennial grasslands, deserts, and scrublands. It is a
<br /> subterranean nester. The owl was sighted near Arch Road in 1987, at the Stockton Airport and Sharpe Army Depot
<br /> Complex in 1993, and near Mariposa Road in 2000. Swainson's hawk (Buten swainsoni), state threatened, breeds in
<br /> stands with few trees in juniper-sage flats, riparian areas, and oak savannah. It was sighted near highways 99 and 4 in
<br /> 1984, at Duck Creek in 1990, at Arch Road in 1990, and at Mariposa Road in 1992.
<br /> Analysis as to whether or not project activities would:
<br /> a. Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a
<br /> candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California
<br /> Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
<br /> Impact Analysis: The GGS has potential to reside within the Stockton Drainage Canal, a man-made feature. Because
<br /> the project Site is fully paved, it does not provide habitat to species. The above-listed birds that occur in the Stockton
<br /> area require habitat that is not found on the project Site, although they could potentially inhabit the Stockton Drainage
<br /> Canal area. No adverse effects are expected to occur due to exposure to the chemicals of concern because the
<br /> margins of safety used to derive toxicity values for birds and mammals are so high. Drilling will not occur in GGS
<br /> habitat; therefore, no direct modification of habitat will occur.
<br /> The chemicals used in the injection drilling will be contained in tanker trucks. There is a minimal potential for an
<br /> accidental spill to occur during the proposed project. This could lead to an excessive leakage of chemicals into the
<br /> Stockton Drainage Canal if containment procedures are not followed. All safety procedures will be in place at all
<br /> times to prevent such a leakage; however, if leakage occurs, immediate containment procedures outlined in the
<br /> remediation plan will be implemented, and all necessary agencies will be notified.
<br /> Conclusion:
<br /> ❑ Potentially Significant Impact
<br /> ❑ Potentially Significant Unless Mitigated
<br /> ❑ Less Than Significant Impact
<br /> ® No Impact
<br /> b. Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or
<br /> regional plans, policies, regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife
<br /> Service.
<br /> Impact Analysis: The Stockton Drainage Canal will not be impacted by the drilling. As outlined above, the potential for
<br /> an accidental spill will be handled according to containment procedures.
<br /> Conclusion:
<br /> ❑ Potentially Significant Impact
<br /> ❑ Potentially Significant Unless Mitigated
<br /> ❑ Less Than Significant Impact
<br /> ® No Impact
<br /> c. Have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act
<br /> (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption,
<br /> or other means.
<br /> Impact Analysis: No Drilling will occur in wetland habitat. In the event of an accidental spill, containment procedures
<br /> will be employed. The project Site operates under a NPDES permit, and contaminant levels are set low enough to
<br /> avoid impacts to species.
<br /> Conclusion:
<br /> ❑ Potentially Significant Impact
<br /> ❑ Potentially Significant Unless Mitigated
<br /> ❑ Less Than Significant Impact
<br /> ® No Impact
<br /> Page 9 of 25
<br />
|