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1 Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Report Page IV.A-24 Forward Inc.Landfill 2018 Expansion Project The impact of the 2018 Expansion Project on FAA height limits would be less than significant and no mitigation is required. ' Impact AA: The proposed project could increase bird hazards at the Stockton Metropolitan Airport(Revises 2013 EIR Impact A.Q. The maximum elevation of the expansion area would be approximately 190 feet above mean sea level (MSL), lower than the permitted maximum height of 210 feet MSL for the existing Forward Landfill. As discussed above,the proposed expansion would not conflict with FAR height limits. However,both portions of the 2018 Expansion Project would have higher surfaces that could increase the flying altitude of any birds attracted to the landfill, and thus could create a hazard to aircraft. ' Large flocking birds(i.e.gulls,geese)are the species most associated with bird airstrikes.' Gulls are not present in the Stockton area during the summer period (May to late September), and gull control at the landfill is not required then,but migrating and wintering gulls return to major feeding areas, such as landfills,when they migrate to the area in the fall. As discussed in Surrounding and Nearby Land Uses, above, a bird control program was instituted at the landfill during the winter of 2010-2011. As discussed in Bird Strikes and Gull Control, in the Setting section above,the existing landfill has not generated significant bird strike hazards for the Stockton Metropolitan Airport from gulls or other bird species, since the implementation of the bird control program. The proposed Project would continue to employ current bird control measures including properly compacting and covering wastes at the end of each day, and use of falcons,bird flares,whistles, and bombs. The bird control program was shown to be effective at preventing gulls from feeding at, or otherwise using,the Forward Landfill. (Davis,2017). The proposed relocation of Littlejohn Creek would not result in a net increase in area of habitat for those bird species most associated with bird strike hazards for aircraft. Bird species such as gulls and geese that pose the greatest risk for aviation at the landfill are the focus of the existing bird control program. As discussed in III.Project Description,Relocate South Fork of South Littlejohns Creek,riparian habitat is proposed to be restored and/or created offsite rather than being created within the relocated creek channel,to address Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)concerns regarding creation of bird habitat. This would address the USDA Wildlife Services recommendations for review of new landscaping/development plans for wildlife hazards,water management to eliminate standing water from the landfill whenever possible,and vegetation management to eliminate brushy areas along ditches and streams. In addition to large flocking birds,raptors(birds of prey),which include special-status bird species,may also be present in the project vicinity. Based on records of bird strikes,raptors are much less likely to be involved in aircraft strikes than flocking birds such as gulls. The project site is surrounded by agricultural land,which provides extensive habitat for the prey base(e.g., rodents)of raptors. An abundant supply of prey would therefore be available whether or not the proposed relocation of Littlejohn Creek is implemented, or whether or not prey is eliminated from the landfill.' The proposed creek relocation would not substantially change the availability 'Mike Wood,Biologist,Wood Biological Consulting,Inc.,personal communication,September 12,2011. 7 Ibid.