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4 Environmental Analysis 4.4 Biological Resources adverse effects on this species, and the impact would be less than significant with Mitigation Measures BIO-1 and 113I0-2. American Badger While neither American badger nor its sign was observed during the field surveys, it could use grazed grasslands such as those on the area to be developed and Project site. 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 American badger 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 American badger. With implementation of Mitigation Measures 113I0-1 and 113I0-2, 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 American badger. Project O&M are unlikely to impact American badger 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 American badger. 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 American badger 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 BI0-2 would be implemented to protect American badger. Therefore, Project O&M would have no substantial adverse effects on this species, and the impact would be less than significant with Mitigation Measures BIO-1 and 113I0-2. Special-status Plants Overall, the area to be developed provides low quality habitat for special-status plant species due to high levels of grazing and non-native plant cover. Most special-status plant species are sensitive to disturbance and would be outcompeted by non-native plants. One special-status plant species, big tarplant (CRPR 1 B.1), was found within two small areas on the Project site that are located outside the area to be developed (Figure 4.4-2). This species can occur in disturbed areas and was found on the Project site where soil was disturbed and supported less herbaceous cover. With implementation of Mitigation Measure 13I0-1, a 30-foot no-disturbance buffer around all locations of big tarplant would be flagged in the field by a qualified biologist and maps would be provided to on-site staff for avoidance during construction. During Project operations, no ground disturbance of new areas would occur and locations of big tarplant would continue to be avoided. Furthermore, all on-site vehicle traffic and personnel would be confined to designated work areas and transportation routes. The area to be developed is anticipated to avoid all locations of this species and the 30-foot buffer. If big tarplant cannot be avoided, a restoration/enhancement plan would be prepared to mitigate impacts in accordance with Mitigation Measure 13I0-1. Therefore, the Project would have no substantial adverse effects on special-status plants, and the impact would be less than significant with mitigation incorporated. Griffith Energy Storage Project 4.4-36 Tetra Tech/SCH 2022120675 Draft Environmental Impact Report August 2023