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Biological Resources, MONK &c ASSOCIATES impacts and Mitigations Tracy Facility Expansion Site 13. IMPACT ANALYSIS This impact analysis is based upon Granite's January Y1999 proposed project plan that calls for excavating sand and gravel from the project site over a six year period. 13.1 Significance Level Determination Significance was determined using CEQA Statutes and Guidelines. Pursuant to CEQA Statute §21068 a significant effect on the environment means a substantial, or potentially substantial, adverse change in the environment. Pursuant to CEQA Guideline §153822, a significant effect on the environment is further defined as a substantial, or potentially substantial, adverse change in any of the physical conditions within the area affected by the project including land, air, water, minerals, flora, fauna, ambient noise, and objects of historical or aesthetic significance. Other Federal, State, and local agencies' considerations are also used in the evaluation of significance of proposed actions. Direct and indirect adverse impacts to biological resources are classified as "significant," "Potentially significant,"or are regarded as"less than significant." Biological resources are broken down into four categories: vegetation,wildlife, threatened and endangered species, and regulated"waters of the United States"and/or stream channels. "Significant" impacts as they pertain to these four categories are discussed under the appropriate heading below. A"potentially significant"designation is used under circumstances where the presence of a special-status species or resource is uncertain and project construction could result in its loss. This designation is also used if it is unclear if the proposed project would result in a significant adverse impact, but the likelihood is great. "Less than significant"impacts are those impacts not II put into either significant or potentially significant categories. Impacts would be generally considered less than significant if the habitats and species affected were common and widespread in the region and in the State. 13.1.1 VEGETATION{ Adverse impacts to general vegetation types are normally considered"significant" if the project would directly or indirectly: • substantially change the diversity or number of any species-of native plants (including tree, shrubs, grasses, and aquatic plants); • result in a barrier to the natural replenishment of existing native species; • result in the introduction of new species of plants into an area or provide conditions suitable for expansion of populations of exotic plant species; 25