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4 Environmental Analysis 4.4 Biological Resources during Project operations as the Project could be constructed as close as 40 feet to the ephemeral pond, which is within the 250-foot required setback from vernal pools and vernal swales, per Section 5.5.98 of the SJMSCP. Also, the hydrology of the site has the potential to change after the Project is constructed. This could result in indirect effects on vernal pool branchiopods, if present. Since the ephemeral feature has been infrequently observed to be ponded in historical aerial imagery, the likelihood of fairy shrimp presence in this pond is low. Branchiopod cysts can persist in soil substrate for decades, but generally require recurring ponding to continue their lifecycle. Standing water was observed in this ephemeral pond only after the historic 2022-2023 rainfall year. With implementation of Mitigation Measures 13I0-1 and 13I0-2, all impacts to special-status vernal pool invertebrates, including indirect effects from Project operations, would be less than significant with mitigation incorporated. Burrowing Owl The area to be developed contains potentially suitable BUOW habitat. A total of eight small mammal burrows that could be used by BUOW were found on the Project site, two of which were within the area to be developed (Figure 4.4-3). No BUOWs or their sign was found during the general biological survey. Project construction, including ground disturbance, noise, vehicle traffic, temporary lighting during limited nighttime activities, and on-site personnel, may impact this species if they are present on or near the site during construction. These impacts could include direct mortality, loss of burrow or foraging habitat, behavioral disturbance, and nest failure. All construction lighting would be temporary, shielded, and directed downward to minimize potential impacts in adjacent habitat, which will remain suitable for BUOW. With implementation of Mitigation Measures 113I0-1 and 13I0-2, including a preconstruction survey and a measure to minimize lighting impacts, construction impacts would be reduced to a less than significant level and the Project would have no substantial adverse effects on BUOW. Project O&M are unlikely to impact BUOW since vehicle traffic and on-site personnel would be minimal, and heavy equipment would be infrequently used. Furthermore, infrastructure areas where the activities would occur are unlikely to support BUOW since they would be paved or support minimal vegetation and friable soils for small mammals that the BUOW requires. The minor increase in vehicle traffic and on-site personnel would be temporary and normal wildlife behavior is expected to resume after the disturbance. Lighting during operations has the potential to impact BUOW through behavioral disturbance and/or nest failure. However, all Project security lighting would be shielded, directed downward, and equipped with switches or motion detectors (rather than remaining on from dusk to dawn) to minimize potential impacts. If vegetation removal is required in areas of potential habitat, Mitigation Measures 13I0-1 and 13I0-2 would be implemented to protect BUOW. Therefore, Project O&M would have no substantial adverse effects on this species, and the impact would be less than significant with mitigation incorporated. Swainson's Hawk, White-tailed Kite, and Other Raptors Potential Swainson's hawk, white-tailed kite, and raptor nesting habitat was found within 0.5 mile of the Project site, consisting of transmission towers as well as numerous 8- to 10-foot trees in residential areas and in stands along off-site ephemeral water features (Figure 4.4-5). One inactive raptor nest was found about 100 feet east of the Project site in a transmission tower, although the survey identified the nest outside of the raptor nesting season. Trees within the Griffith Energy Storage Project 4.4-33 Tetra Tech/SCH 2022120675 Draft Environmental Impact Report August 2023