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O wra _ <br /> ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS <br /> May 15, 2014 <br /> Erin Fanning '- <br /> Environmental Manager <br /> Forward, Inc. <br /> 9999 S. Austin Road <br /> Manteca, CA 95336 <br /> Email: EFanning@republicservices.com <br /> Re: April 2014 Biological Surveys at the Forward Landfill, San Joaquin County <br /> Dear Erin: <br /> The purpose of this letter is to provide the results of biological surveys conducted by WRA, Inc. <br /> (WRA) at and adjacent to the Forward Landfill (hereafter landfill) north of the City of Manteca in <br /> San Joaquin County, California, on April 30, 2014. Specifically, WRA conducted the following <br /> surveys: <br /> • A habitat assessment/survey for burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) and general <br /> breeding bird survey in the southern portion of the landfill's WMU FU-13 area (the <br /> location of a new landfill cell to be constructed). <br /> • A survey for gulls (family Laridae) at the landfill. <br /> • A survey for nesting Swainson's hawks (Buten swainsoni) within 0.25 mile of the WMU <br /> FU-13 area. <br /> All observations were made by WRA wildlife biologist Jason Yakich. The individual field efforts <br /> are discussed in more detail below. <br /> Southern WMU FU-13 area <br /> Southern WMU FU-13 is a roughly square-shaped area of land within the northeastern portion <br /> of the landfill, approximately 30 acres in size, where construction of a new cell for waste storage <br /> is planned (Figure 1, attached). This area consists of and is entirely surrounded by highly- <br /> disturbed land that has been modified for landfill purposes. The current active face of the landfill <br /> (area where trash is being deposited and consolidated) is situated in the northern portion of <br /> WMU FU-13, within 500 feet of the survey area at the time of the survey. <br /> Burrowing owl background <br /> The burrowing owl is a California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW, formerly Department <br /> of Fish and Game) Species of Special Concern, as well as a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Bird <br /> of Conservation Concern. This species inhabits open areas with sparse or non-existent tree or <br /> shrub canopies; typical habitat is annual or perennial grassland, although human-modified areas <br /> such as agricultural land and airports are also used. Burrowing owls are dependent on <br /> 2169-G East Francisco Blvd, San Rafael, CA 94901 (415) 454-8868 fel (415) 454-0129 fax info®wro-co corn www.wro-co.com <br />