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Draft Environmental Impact Report Page IV.H-27 Forward Inc. Landfill Expansion Project i lighting on migrating birds and nocturnal wildlife activity are of increasing concern to scientists. Such lighting often disrupts natural activity patterns of wildlife and discourages presence of nocturnal wildlife species (e.g., owls, mice) as it renders prey species more F susceptible to predation. This is a potentially significant impact. Because of the limited use of lighting at night, the expanded area of night lighting is not expected to substantially affect wildlife species in the region and by implementing the mitigation measures below, the impact would be considered less than significant. Additional lighting mitigation measures are included in the Visual Quality Section. Mitigation Measure H.9. The SJMSCP recommends that within habitat preserves, lighting should be directed downward and away from preserve areas (through the use of shields) to reduce impacts to areas occupied by SJMSCP Covered Species (SJCOG 2000). Night lighting with sodium lamps with sharp cutoff angles shall be used to focus light in active landfill areas (target areas) and to avoid nighttime lighting of adjacent open areas and trees. This will reduce potential impacts from nighttime lighting on SJMSCP Covered Species. Impact H.10. Use of Rodenticides in the Capped Areas of Landfill Could Result in Adverse Impacts to Wildlife. As part of permits issued to landfills, rodent control is important to maintaining the integrity of the landfill cap and liner to prevent leaching or seepage. Rodent control is conducted through the application of rodenticides that is regulated ated throe h the Department of Agriculture. Application of rodenticides could adversely affect predator species, F4' such as raptors and carnivores that feed on rodents on the site. When poisoned rodents are depredated,they can deliver significant doses to the predator. Raptors that eat small mammals in urban and agricultural areas are at risk of secondary poisoning from anticoagulant rodenticides,which can cause internal hemorrhaging and mortality. Some anticoagulants take F. several days to work(e.g.,brodifacoum) even with lethal doses, allowing rodents to forage and 1 be exposed to raptor predation before dying (Delong 2000). As a participant in the SJMSCP,the Forward proposes to incorporate SJMSCP guidelines developed to minimize potential effects of F;' rodenticides to giant garter snake,burrowing owl, riparian,brush rabbit and Swainson's hawk (Appendix A of the SJMSCP). However, this is still considered a potentially significant impact. Mitigation Measure H.10. Rodenticides and methods of application used at the landfill shall be reviewed by a qualified biologist approved by the SJMSP TAC,to determine if they reflect the most effective and safe methods for controlling rodents. That biologist shall make recommendations for improvement if needed. Impact H.11. Project Effects on Wildlife Corridors. Once the site is converted to landfill, an eight-foot high cyclone fence would surround that area. This is not likely to present a substantial movement barrier for wildlife due to the surrounding open landscape. Terrestrial mammals such as coyotes, foxes and deer would be able to move through surrounding agricultural fields and orchards, and the relocation of the South Branch of the South Fork of Littlejohn's Creek to the south of the expanded landfill area would maintain a movement corridor for aquatic wildlife (amphibians and reptiles). Therefore this impact would be Iess than significant. Mitigation Measure H.11. None required. Impact H.12. Project Effects on San Joaquin Kit Fox. Based on the lack of suitable habitat and any records of the species within the study area and surrounding region, kit foxes are not expected to occur on the site and the project would have no impact to this species. Mitigation Measure H.12. None required. 1•. 1—{