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4 Environmental Analysis 4.4 Biological Resources the area to be developed. However, implementation of Mitigation Measures BIO-2 and BIO-3, including preconstruction surveys, would reduce construction impacts to a less than significant level and ensure that the Project would have no substantial adverse effects on special-status migratory birds. Potential direct impacts, such as injury or mortality, to special-status migratory birds from Project O&M may occur through the collisions into and/or electrocution from transmission lines or structures to be installed. Special-status migratory birds may use the solar panels, perimeter fencing, and utility structures for perching. While collision/electrocution impacts to special-status migratory birds 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 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 special-status migratory birds 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 special-status nesting birds. 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 BIO-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. San Joaquin Kit Fox While neither SJKF nor its sign was observed during the field surveys, it could use the Project site due to suitable grassland habitat with abundant prey base and friable soils for burrows/dens. A total of three small mammal burrows that could be used by SJKF were found on the Project site, one of which is within the area to be developed (Figure 4.4-3). Construction of the proposed Project, including ground disturbance, noise, vehicle traffic, temporary lighting during limited nighttime activities, and on-site personnel, has the potential to affect SJKF if present in or near the construction area. These impacts may result in direct mortality or behavioral disturbance. All construction lighting would be temporary, shielded, and directed downward to minimize disturbance on adjacent areas, which will remain suitable for SJKF. With implementation of Mitigation Measures 113I0-1 and BIO-2, including preconstruction surveys 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 SJKF. Project O&M are unlikely to impact SJKF 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 SJKF. 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 SJKF through behavioral disturbance. However, all Project security lighting would be shielded, directed downward, and equipped with switches or motion detectors to minimize potential impacts. If vegetation removal is required in areas of potential habitat, Mitigation Measures BI0-1 and BIO-2 would be implemented to protect SJKF. Therefore, Project O&M would have no substantial Griffith Energy Storage Project 4.4-35 Tetra Tech/SCH 2022120675 Draft Environmental Impact Report August 2023