ARCHIVED REPORTS LEC APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATION

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5.2 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 5.2.2.2 Potential Impacts of Construction and Operation The LEC plant site would permanently occupy approximately 4.4 acres between the existing STIG plant and the WPCF. The majority of the proposed site (approximately 3.4 acres) has previously been graded and contains paved and gravel access roads or is currently being used as a laydown and storage area for ongoing construction at the WPCF. The southern portion of the site (approximately 1 acre) is characterized by disturbed ruderal vegetation with a few large arroyo willows and Fremont's cottonwood trees. Laydown and parking areas would result in additional impacts to 9.8 acres of disturbed areas and annual grassland habitat with scattered native and landscaped trees. Grading and clearing for construction of the LEC facility and associated laydown areas would result in the removal of some native trees including valley oak,arroyo willow, and Fremont's cottonwood as well as some landscape trees such as Scotch pine, Australian pine,and eucalyptus. 5.2.2.2.1 Special-status Species Special-status species observed in the vicinity of the project area during the field surveys included a nesting white-tailed kite and several Swainson's hawks. Both native and non-native trees provide suitable nesting habitat for raptors and other migratory bird species. Suitable habitat is also present for ground-nesting birds,including the western burrowing owl. No aquatic habitat is present in the project area,but a large irrigation canal south of the property provides suitable habitat for species such as the western and northwestern pond turtle and the giant garter snake, and there is potential for these special-status species to occur within adjacent upland areas. Because of the current land use surrounding the proposed project,ongoing construction activities associated with the WPCF,and highly disturbed and degraded nature of the habitat, the project is not expected to result in direct or indirect impacts to special-status wildlife species. The Applicant will coordinate with the San Joaquin Council of Governments to ensure that the project complies with all of the necessary avoidance and mitigation measures outlined in the San Joaquin County Multi-Species Habitat Conservation and Open Space Plan (MSHCP). 5.2.2.2.2 Potential for Avian Collisions Direct and indirect impacts to birds including potential for collision with structures (stacks and transmission lines) are expected to be minimal given the project location in an infill area between the existing STIG plant and WPCF. With the exception of a short transmission line that would be located immediately adjacent to the STIG plant no additional transmission lines would be constructed as part of the project. It is expected that resident and migrating wildlife in the area would be accustomed to maneuvering around such features and the potential for avian collisions is expected to be minimal. 5.2.2.2.3 Construction and Operation Noise Noise impacts associated with the project are described in more detail in Section 5.7. The LEC site is surrounded by industrial land and other uses that generate existing ambient noise levels,including noise generated by the STIG plant,the WPCF,and traffic noise from Interstate 5.Therefore,existing conditions already include some noise associated with existing industrial uses and highway traffic.Generally,noise from construction and operations would not adversely impact wildlife, as wildlife usually become accustomed to routine background noise. 5.2-26 SAC/371322/082330001(LEC_5.2_BIOLOGICAL_RESOURCES.DOC)