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Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Report Page IV.F-24 Forward Inc. Landfill 2014 Expansion Project Mitigation Measure F.2-1. To ensure that no aquatic vertebrates are stranded during abandonment of the existing South Branch of the South Fork of Littlejohn's Creek, the following measures shall be implemented: • Channel abandonment shall be restricted to the dry season(i.e.,between June 15 and r. October 15). • Channel abandonment shall occur only when the channel bottom has been dry for at least one week, that is, at least one week after the most recent release of water from L Farmington Reservoir or any other sources. • Prior to initiation of any work within the abandoned channel (e.g., construction of coffer dams, filling,connecting to the realigned channel), a qualified biologist approved by the USFWS and CDFW shall inspect the entire length of the work area for any stranded 'o aquatic vertebrates;any stranded aquatic vertebrates shall be captured and relocated to the nearest body of water in the same stream system. • Only a qualified biologist with all necessary federal and/or State permits may relocate .m fish and amphibians. Federally and State-listed species may only be relocated by biologist holding the appropriate federal or State permits. A record shall be maintained and submitted to the USFWS and CDFW of all fish and amphibians captured and ` relocated. • Any observed mortalities of species-status species shall be immediately reported to the USFWS and CDFW. Mitigation Measure F.2-2. Water shall be released into the restored South Branch of the South Fork of Littlejohn's Creek gradually to avoid creating a sediment plume downstream that could attract and cause mortality to Chinook salmon or steelhead from the San Joaquin River to enter ` the channel. After the relocation of the channel is completed and is ready to convey water, initial flows will be released at approximately 2 cubic feet/second (cfs), and shall be monitored to insure that water is released gradually through the channel for the first week after re- opening. This reduced flow would avoid causing a sediment plume. The restored channel shall not be opened prior to or during a significant rainfall event, and initial releases into the channel shall be coordinated with the Central San Joaquin Water Conservation District to insure no significant releases are scheduled during the initial opening of the channel. Implementation of these mitigation measures would reduce salmon/steelhead impacts to a less than significant level because it would avoid causing a sediment plume. Impact F.3.Potential"Take" of Giant Garter Snake. Although the study area does not provide expected habitat for giant garter snake, the species has been recorded in the watershed within approximately 8 miles of the study area. In addition,portions of the Stockton Diverting Canal, Littlejohn's Creek,Lone Tree Creek, and French Camp Slough are considered to have habitat elements for the species (SJCOG 2000). If the species were present in the South Branch of the South Fork of Littlejohn's Creek during construction, a "take" of giant garter snake could occur. %W This is a potentially significant impact. In the long term, restoration of the South Branch of the Creek, proposed as part of this project, will enhance habitat for some semi-aquatic and riparian wildlife species, and may improve conditions for giant garter snake by creating more vegetative refugia for the species. Mitigation Measure F.3. Participation in the SJMSCP affords the project proponent Incidental Take authorization for giant garter snake pursuant to ESA, CESA and CEQA. Nonetheless, to minimize the potential for "incidental take" of giant garter snake, the following measures shall be applied. These measures are consistent with the SJMSCP(SJCOG 2000) and current recommendations of the USFWS.