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4 Environmental Analysis <br /> 4.4 Biological Resources <br /> schedule for natural lands (SJCOG 2022). Alternatively, credits at an agency <br /> approved mitigation bank if available for purchase or a habitat <br /> enhancement/conservation easement on a protected property could be used as <br /> mitigation. Compensatory mitigation may be combined with other special-status <br /> plant and animal species. If the Project owner chooses to establish an on-site or <br /> off-site conservation easement as compensatory mitigation, it must be managed <br /> in perpetuity to provide suitable habitat for the target species and to prohibit <br /> development/disturbance. A qualified biologist shall prepare a Habitat Mitigation <br /> and Monitoring Plan to ensure success of the compensatory mitigation site, which <br /> shall describe the long-term management plan, routine monitoring methods, and <br /> success criteria. The implementing agency shall approve the Plan prior to <br /> implementation. <br /> California Red-legged Frog <br /> This species is covered under the SJMSCP. The following measure would be implemented in <br /> accordance with the SJMSCP (see Section 5.2.4.7) and as best management practices to <br /> mitigate impacts: <br /> A qualified biologist shall conduct preconstruction surveys for CRLF within 48 <br /> hours prior to the start of construction activities, including ground disturbance, <br /> vegetation clearing, and staging of equipment. The biologist shall survey the area <br /> to be developed and all suitable habitat within 300 feet of the area to be developed. <br /> If CRLF are identified during the preconstruction survey, a 300-foot no-disturbance <br /> setback would be established in accordance with the SJMSCP to protect the <br /> species. No construction or other ground disturbances would be allowed within the <br /> setback unless concurrence was obtained by USFWS and SJCOG. The setback <br /> distance may be reduced by a qualified biologist with concurrence from the <br /> implementing agency if determined to not result in an adverse impact to the <br /> species or a reduction in the biological values of the habitat. Setbacks would be <br /> delineated with brightly colored flagging during the construction process and <br /> shown on maps that would be provided to on-site staff. If impacts are required <br /> within a setback occupied by CRLF and the species cannot or does not move off- <br /> site on its own, consultation with the USFWS and CDFW would be required to <br /> determine the appropriate course of action. The results of the preconstruction <br /> surveys shall be submitted to the implementing agency prior to start of <br /> construction. <br /> Water quality within water bodies inhabited by CRLF shall be maintained by <br /> implementing appropriate erosion control measures to reduce siltation and <br /> contaminated runoff from area to be developed (e.g., maintaining vegetation within <br /> buffers, and/or through the use of hay bales, filter fences, vegetative buffer strips, <br /> or other acceptable options per Section 5.2.4.7 of the SJMSCP). <br /> Western Spadefoot <br /> This species is covered under the SJMSCP. The following measures would be implemented in <br /> accordance with the SJMSCP (see Section 5.2.4.6) and as best management practices to <br /> mitigate impacts: <br /> A qualified biologist shall conduct preconstruction surveys prior to (or, for some <br /> Incidental Take Minimization Measures, during) ground-disturbing activities to <br /> determine if SJMSCP Covered Species are present and/or verify that the <br /> appropriate Incidental Take Minimization Measures have been implemented, as <br /> Griffith Energy Storage Project 4.4-40 Tetra Tech/SCH 2022120675 <br /> Draft Environmental Impact Report August 2023 <br />