ARCHIVED REPORTS LEC APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATION

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5.2 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES (approximately 1 acre) is characterized by disturbed ruderal vegetation such as perennial pepperweed,foxtail barley (Hordeum murinum ssp. leporinum),rip-gut brome (Bromus diandrus), soft chess (Bromus hordeaceus),Italian thistle (Carduus pycnocephalus),yellow starthistle,blackberry (Rubus discolor) and nettle (Urtica dioica). A few large arroyo willows (Salix lasiolepis) and Fremont's cottonwood (Populus fremontii) trees are present in the southwest corner of the proposed LEC site. Four areas would be used for laydown and parking areas during construction (Figure 1.1-3). All of these areas would be located on the City-owned parcel adjacent to the WPCF. Laydown Area A includes 3.1 acres on the northeast side of the WPCF between a large water treatment pond and North Cord Road. The southern portion of this site includes a leveled gravel and landscaped area that is part of the current WPCF. Approximately two-thirds of the northern portion of the site is an open annual grassland characterized by dense rip-gut brome,with foxtail barley,yellow starthistle,wild radish (Raphanus sativa), black mustard (Brassica nigra),and fiddleneck (Amsinckia menziesii). A few small valley oaks (Quercus lobata) (6 to 8 inches in diameter at breast height) are present at the north end of the site. This grassland area appears to be routinely mowed as part of WPCF facility maintenance and fire prevention. Laydown Area B includes 2.2 acres on the southeast side of the WPCF between the paved access road to the existing STIG plant and Interstate 5. The vegetation in this area is characterized by annual grassland similar to that observed in Laydown Area A,with several large landscape trees and a few smaller valley oaks scattered throughout the area. The majority of the landscape trees are Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris) and Australian pine (Casuarina equisetifolia) with an occasional bluegum (Eucalyptus globulus). The 1.6-acre Laydown Area C is south of the WPCF between the paved access road and an irrigation canal along the southern boundary of the City of Lodi property. This site is characterized by annual grassland species similar to those observed in Laydown Area A, but the habitat is more disturbed; some areas appear to have been used for temporary laydown and storage. There is a single large Fremont's cottonwood near the eastern part of the site and a row of small valley oak trees have been planted along the south side of the access road. Laydown Area D is also on the south side of the WPCF,but is on the north side of the paved access road. The majority of the 2.9-acre site has been leveled and is highly disturbed. The east side of the site is currently a gravel parking area and most of the western side contains soil stockpiles and miscellaneous debris. A patch of weedy vegetation consisting of dense perennial pepperweed,rip-gut brome,wild radish,bur chervil (Anthriscus caucalis),and swinecress (Coronopus didymus) is present in the northwest corner of the site along the fence line of the WPCF. The proposed natural gas pipeline would extend for 2.5 miles to the east of the LEC site. The pipeline route is almost entirely within agricultural areas consisting of irrigated hay and alfalfa crops, and a small area of vineyards. The alignment would also cross a few paved roads and be located near a few residential areas and farm structures. With the exception of a small area of annual grassland associated with an open farm area at the east end of the alignment,no natural habitats are present along the proposed natural gas line. SAC/371322/082330001(LEC_5.2_BIOLOGICAL_RESOURCES.DOC) 5.2-7