ARCHIVED REPORTS LEC APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATION

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5.2 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 5.2.1.3 Special-status Species in the Region This section presents a list of special-status species that could occur in the northern San Joaquin Valley region and a preliminary analysis of whether each could occur in the LEC project impact areas. The designation of special-status includes all federal-and state-listed species under the federal and California Endangered Species Acts;listed as candidates or proposed for those listings;species protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act; California Species of Special Concern; California Fully Protected Species under the Fish and Game Code; and plant species designated as Rare,Threatened, or Endangered by the California Native Plant Society (CNPS). Special-status species that could occur in the region were identified from lists provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) (USFWS,2008), (Appendix 5.2A), CDFG's California Natural Diversity Data Base (CNDDB) (CDFG,2008), (Appendix 5.2B), and the CNPS electronic inventory (CNPS,2008) (Appendix 5.2C). The special-status species database searches included the Terminous,Thornton,Lodi North, and Lodi South U.S. Geologic Survey (USGS) 7.5-minute topographic quadrangles. Reported CNDDB occurrences within one and five miles of the LEC project site are shown in Figure 5.2-3. Table 5.2-1 presents a list of the special-status species identified as potentially occurring in the project area from the above sources as well as those observed during biological surveys conducted for the LEC. Table 5.2-1 also includes the habitat types that could support these species and the potential for occurrence in the project impact area. Any special-status species whose habitat(s) are present within the LEC project area were evaluated for potential impacts from construction and LEC operation. Other special-status species that were included on the USFWS, CDFG, and CNPS lists whose habitats or known distribution do not occur within the project area,were included in Table 5.2-1 but were not evaluated further. The LEC is within a developed area surrounded by highly managed lands (agricultural fields) and would have minimal impacts to natural habitats and communities. Given the existing development and ongoing construction in the area the potential for special-status species to occur on site is considered relatively low;however,some species are more tolerant to human disturbance and others may incidentally occur in the area as a result of suitable habitat in adjacent areas.Special-status species that are considered to have some potential to occur in the LEC project area include: the western and northwestern pond turtle (Clemmys marmorata marmorata and Clemmys marmorata pallida), giant garter snake (Thamnophis gigas), western burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia),Swainson's hawk (Buteo swainsoni), and white- tailed kite (Elanus leucurus). The project area is also located within designated critical habitat for the Delta smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus),but the project would not affect any creeks, drainages,wetlands or other aquatic resources. The following paragraphs describe the life histories of these species and their potential to occur in the project area. 5.2.1.3.1 Special-status Species Life Histories The northwestern and Southwestern pond turtles are California Species of Special Concern. They are found in permanent or nearly permanent water, such as ponds,lakes, streams, or irrigation canals. They overwinter under water or on land when water temperatures are below 15°C (59°F),from October or November until spring. Mating begins in April or May, but can occur year-round. The northwestern and southwestern pond turtles are differentiated by the USFWS as subspecies of the western pond turtle. The nearest 5.2-8 SAC/371322/082330001(LEC_5.2_BIOLOGICAL_RESOURCES.DOC)