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Soil Investigations for Data Collection in the Delta Initial Study/Proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration 46 b. All on-land soil investigation Impact Areas will be located outside of wetlands as defined in the Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (USACE 1987). c. Over-water sites will be located within portions of navigable channels or sloughs that generally do not provide appropriate habitat for terrestrial plant or wildlife species, and will be authorized under the Clean Water Act sections 401 and 404, and Fish and Game Code section 1602 et seq. d. A qualified team of biologists will conduct a habitat assessment and reconnaissance level surveys approximately two weeks prior to the onset of ground disturbing soil investigation activities for any special status plants and wildlife that have the potential to occur within the project area. If the biologists identify the potential for special status wildlife impacts within the Impact Area and associated standard species buffers based on the site reconnaissance, the location will be shifted the minimum distance necessary to reduce the potential for biological impacts to a less than significant level without increasing impacts to other resources to above a level of significance. If a suitable location cannot be determined within adjacent areas, then the soil investigation at that location will not be conducted. e. The qualified biologist(s) must, at a minimum, have experience conducting surveys to identify the specific species and associated habitat that could occur on site. f. A qualified biologist will conduct an environmental awareness training session for all field personnel prior to the start of work. At a minimum, the training shall: i. include a description of each species with the potential to occur, including physical description, habitat needs, and life history as well as a discussion of the importance of avoiding impacts to special status wildlife. ii. explain the general measures that are being implemented to conserve these species as they relate to the project and project area, and procedures to follow should they encounter wildlife during work. iii. explain the stop work authority of biologists and/or cultural resource specialists. g. Any observations of federally or state-listed species or California Species of Special Concern will be reported to CDFW within three (3) working days of the observation, and the observation(s) will be submitted to the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB). Any observations of federally listed species will also be reported to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.