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4 Environmental Analysis 4.4 Biological Resources residential areas in the western portion of the Project site and to the north of the Project site have high levels of disturbance and are less likely to support nesting. No trees exist within the area to be developed (Figure 4.4-5). The only special-status raptor species observed during the surveys was ferruginous hawk, which does not nest in the San Joaquin Valley. Project construction would occur in Swainson's hawk and raptor foraging habitat on the area to be developed (30.9 acres), which consists of non-native grassland. Overall, the Project would impact a very small percentage of total potential Swainson's hawk foraging habitat in a 10-mile radius around the area to be developed. In addition, although suitable for foraging, potential use of the area to be developed by Swainson's hawks and other raptors is likely lower than surrounding areas that have less disturbance from grazing and human activity. The Project would not reduce the number or restrict the range of the species. Therefore, the construction impact to foraging habitat would not result in substantial adverse effects on the species. Ground disturbance, noise, vehicle traffic, and on-site personnel may also disturb these species if nesting near the area to be developed during construction. However, implementation of Mitigation Measures BIO-1, BI0-2, and 113I0-3, including preconstruction surveys, would reduce construction impacts to Swainson's hawk, white-tailed kite, and other raptors to a less than significant level and ensure that the Project would have no substantial adverse effects on these species. Potential direct impacts, such as injury or mortality, to raptor species from Project O&M may occur through the collisions into and/or electrocution from transmission lines or structures to be installed. Raptors may use the solar panels, perimeter fencing, and utility structures for perching while hunting. While collision/electrocution impacts to raptors are potentially significant, impacts would be reduced through the implementation of Mitigation Measure BIO-2, which requires power lines to be installed per the most recent Avian Power Line Interaction Committee (APLIC) guidance (APLIC 2012)to reduce the potential for bird injury and mortality from collisions and electrocution. Vehicle traffic and on-site personnel during Project O&M are unlikely to impact Swainson's hawk, white-tailed kite, and other raptors since on-site traffic and presence would be minimal, and heavy equipment would be infrequently used. Furthermore, infrastructure areas where the activities would occur are unlikely to support nesting raptors. The minor increase in vehicle traffic and on- site personnel would be temporary and normal wildlife behavior is expected to resume after the disturbance. If vegetation removal is required in areas of potential habitat, Mitigation Measures BIO-1, BI0-2, and 113I0-3 would be implemented to protect nests. Therefore, Project O&M would have no substantial adverse effects on these species, and the impact would be less than significant with mitigation incorporated. Special-status Migratory Birds Special-status migratory birds known to occur on the Project site include loggerhead shrike and California horned lark. The area to be developed does not provide potential nesting sites (i.e., trees and shrubs) for loggerhead shrike, but potential nesting sites do occur in residential areas on the Project site. Loggerhead shrike may nest in non-native grassland areas on and surrounding the area to be developed. Construction of the proposed Project would develop potential foraging habitat that could be used by special-status birds. However, as described above for raptors, this represents a very small percentage of the total suitable foraging habitat available in the region and would result in an insignificant impact. In addition, ground disturbance, noise, vehicle traffic, and on-site personnel during construction have the potential to disturb nesting birds in and near Griffith Energy Storage Project 4.4-34 Tetra Tech/SCH 2022120675 Draft Environmental Impact Report August 2023