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Expansion Area The Expansion Area as defined here is the parcel of land immediately south and west of the current landfill that is roughly square-shaped and approximately 170 acres in size (Figure 1). The Expansion Area is flat with an elevation comparable to surrounding, non-landfill land parcels. It is bordered by the landfill to the north and east, a canal and agricultural lands to the south, and agricultural lands to the west. Methods Methodology used for the Expansion Area was similar to that of the WMU FU-13 area. The Expansion Area was traversed both by vehicle and on foot, from 10:40 AM to 12:15 PM. All burrows and similar refugia were carefully examined for any indication of BUOW presence. Adjacent roads and canals on the surrounding land parcels (either under active cultivation, or part of the landfill) were also examined visually. Results No BUOW or indication of this species presence was observed during the survey. Virtually the entire Expansion Area is currently under active row-crop cultivation or in a state of harvest/immediate post-harvest (harvest activities were occurring during the survey). Dirt roads around the perimeter and through the center (running east-west) and small associated areas with chemical tanks, piping and similar structures are the only portions of the Expansion Area that are not cultivated and/or in a post-harvest state, and thus have any potential to support BUOW due to substrate suitability and lack of vegetation. No ground squirrels or burrows were observed along the dirt roads and associated, small non- disced/cultivated areas within the vast majority of the Expansion Area, as well as the surrounding parcels. Ground squirrel burrows were observed only in the northwestern corner of the Expansion Area, adjacent to an artificial water basin lying immediately to the north. Approximately 60 burrows were found directly underneath the edge of an approximately 150- foot linear strip of concrete and an associated chain-link fence separating the water basin from the Expansion Area. Many of these burrows were dilapidated, i.e., caved in or otherwise unsuitable for squirrel or owl occupation. Approximately one-third of the burrows appeared to be maintained, although no ground squirrels were observed. All burrows in the area were carefully examined; no BUOW sign was observed, and there was no indication that this species is present at the site. Furthermore, the chain link fence directly above the row of burrows limits the direction of ingress/egrees and may be a deterrent to BUOW. No other potentially suitable BUOW refugia were noted in the Expansion Area with the exception of some loose metal pipes on the central-eastern perimeter; these pipes were examined and were empty. Recommendations WRA concludes that BUOW is not currently present within the Expansion Area, and has not observed BUOW or sign of the species during previous surveys conducted there and in other portions of the landfill site in 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2012. However, additional surveys may be required prior to major land use alterations within the Expansion Area. WRA recommends that the Expansion Area should continue to be regularly disced and/or cultivated, which will preclude BUOW occupation over most of the site. In the northwestern corner of the Expansion Area where ground squirrel burrows are currently present, vegetation along the chain link fence should be planted or allowed to grow to a height of approximately 36" 3