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4 Environmental Analysis 4.4 Biological Resources Crotch's Bumble Bee The area to be developed contains annual grasslands with small mammal burrows and potential floral host plants, which is considered suitable habitat for the Crotch's bumble bee. However, because the site is routinely grazed and trampled by cattle, which likely interferes with the habitat requirements of this species, the habitat suitability is considered to be low (Xerces Society et al. 2018). Construction activities, such as excavation, grading, or stockpiling of soil or fill, could result in direct injury or mortality of individuals. Potential direct impacts include mortality or injury by equipment, entrapment in burrows, and removal or disturbance of grassland habitat that results in damage or elimination of suitable burrows. The potential for lethal take is considered low with the implementation of the Mitigation Measures BIO-1 and 13I0-2. Therefore, construction impacts would be reduced to a less than significant level with mitigation incorporated, and the Project would have no substantial adverse effects on Crotch's bumble bee. Project O&M are unlikely to impact Crotch's bumble bee since vehicle traffic and on-site personnel would be minimal, and heavy equipment would be infrequently used. Similarly, the Project would not create additional barriers to dispersal for Crotch's bumble bee, as they can fly over the facility. Thus, no impacts to this species are anticipated during Project O&M. IMPACT 4.4-2: Would the project have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? (No Impact) No riparian habitat or sensitive natural community occurs in the area to be developed or Project site. Therefore, no impact to any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community would occur. IMPACT 4.4-3: Would the project have a substantial adverse effect on state or federally protected wetlands (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means? (Less than Significant Impact with Mitigation Incorporated) An ephemeral pond is located in the southeast portion of the Project site, outside of the Project footprint. The Project would not directly remove this feature that ponds infrequently, likely only during very high rainfall years. However, the Project may impact the ephemeral pond indirectly during Project operations as the Project could be constructed as close as 40 feet to the ephemeral pond. This pond is not a USACE wetlands due to the lack of hydrophytic vegetation. This pond is not a WOTUS because it is hydrologically isolated. However, it may be a Water of the State and/or a 1602 feature, and thus is regulated by the RWQCB and CDFW. Since the pond would not be directly removed, a CDFW Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement is not required since alterations of the ephemeral pond would not be performed. However, the Project could have an impact on state jurisdictional waters through indirect effects. With the implementation of Mitigation Measure 13I0-4, impacts to state jurisdictional waters would be less than significant with mitigation incorporated. IMPACT 4.4-4: Would the project interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites? (Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated) Griffith Energy Storage Project 4.4-37 Tetra Tech/SCH 2022120675 Draft Environmental Impact Report August 2023