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4 Environmental Analysis <br /> 4.4 Biological Resources <br /> plans to seek coverage for certain species under the SJMSCP and has been coordinating with <br /> SJCOG. Participation in the SJMSCP is voluntary. Should the Project participate, mitigation would <br /> be implemented for those species covered by the SJMSCP according to the SJMSCP <br /> requirements. Under this approach, EIR mitigation measures would only be implemented for the <br /> balance of species impacts identified in the EIR but not covered by the SJMSCP. <br /> Project applicants have the four following options to receive coverage, with approval by SJCOG <br /> (SJCOG 2000): <br /> 1. Pay the appropriate fee. This fee is determined based on which of the four habitats the <br /> Project lies within, <br /> 2. Dedicate habitat lands as conservation easement or fee title, <br /> 3. Purchase mitigation bank credits from a SJMSCP-approved mitigation bank, or <br /> 4. Propose an alternative mitigation plan, consistent with the SJMSCP goals. <br /> Applicants pay mitigation fees on a per-acre basis to mitigate impacts to various habitat and <br /> biological resources. Mitigation is specific to different types of land being impacted. The <br /> appropriate fees are collected by the County and remitted to SJCOG for administration. These <br /> fees are then used to purchase conservation easements or purchase land for preservation in <br /> order to offset Project impacts. <br /> Table 4.4-3 identifies the special-status species that are SJMSCP Covered Species and which <br /> ones are not covered by the SJMSCP. Special-status species that are not covered by the <br /> SJMSCP will require Project-specific consultation with wildlife agencies (USFWS and CDFW)and <br /> mitigation, as necessary. <br /> Table 4.4-3 SJMSCP Covered Species <br /> Species SJMSCP <br /> Covered Species <br /> California tiger salamander Yes <br /> California red-legged frog Yes <br /> Western spadefoot Yes <br /> San Joaquin coachwhip(also known as San Joaquin whipsnake) Yes <br /> Longhorn fairy shrimp Yes <br /> Vernal pool fairy shrimp Yes <br /> Burrowing owl Yes <br /> Swainson's hawk Yes <br /> White-tailed kite Yes <br /> San Joaquin kit fox Yes <br /> American badger Yes <br /> Big tarplant No <br /> California glossy snake No <br /> Crotch's bumble bee No <br /> Griffith Energy Storage Project 4.4-30 Tetra Tech/SCH 2022120675 <br /> Draft Environmental Impact Report August 2023 <br />