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4 Environmental Analysis <br /> 4.4 Biological Resources <br /> If a nest is observed during the preconstruction survey, a 100-foot setback shall be <br /> established and maintained during the nesting season until the fledglings leave nests. The <br /> setback shall be applied whenever construction or ground-disturbing activities begin <br /> during the nesting season with known occupied nests. Setbacks shall be marked by <br /> brightly colored temporary fencing. <br /> San Joaquin Kit Fox <br /> This species is covered under the SJMSCP. Participation in the SJMSCP affords the Project <br /> applicant Incidental Take authorization for San Joaquin kit fox pursuant to ESA, CESA, and <br /> CEQA. The following measure would be implemented in accordance with the SJMSCP (see <br /> Section 5.2.4.25) and per the most current USFWS Standardized Recommendations for SJKF <br /> (USFWS 2011) to mitigate impacts from the project: <br /> Preconstruction surveys for SJKF shall be conducted 14 to 30 days prior to <br /> commencement of ground disturbance by a qualified biologist. Surveys shall be <br /> performed of the area to be developed and within a 250 feet buffer around the site. <br /> When surveys identify potential dens (potential dens are defined as burrows at <br /> least 4 inches in diameter which open up within 2 feet), den entrances shall be <br /> dusted and cameras will be set up and monitored for 3 days to find any SJKF <br /> present. If no SJKF activity is identified, potential dens may be destroyed. If SJKF <br /> activity is identified, then dens shall be monitored to determine if occupation is by <br /> an adult fox only or is a natal den (natal dens usually have multiple openings). If <br /> the den is occupied by an adult only, the den may be destroyed when the adult fox <br /> has moved or is temporarily absent. If the den is a natal den, a buffer zone of 250 <br /> feet shall be maintained around the den until the qualified biologist determines that <br /> the den has been vacated. If SJKF are identified, the provisions of the USFWS <br /> (2011) Standardized Recommendations for Protection of the Endangered San <br /> Joaquin Kit Fox Prior to or During Ground Disturbance will be followed (except that <br /> preconstruction survey protocols shall remain as established in this measure). <br /> These standards include provisions for educating construction workers, keeping <br /> heavy equipment operating at safe speeds, and checking construction pipes for <br /> SJKF occupation during construction and similar activities. <br /> American Badger <br /> This species is covered under the SJMSCP. The following measure would be implemented in <br /> accordance with the SJMSCP (see Section 5.2.4.26) to mitigate impacts from the Project: <br /> oo A preconstruction survey for the American badger shall occur during the SJKF <br /> preconstruction surveys. If occupied badger dens are located on the area to <br /> be developed or within 200 feet, then dens shall be monitored by a qualified <br /> biologist to determine if occupation is by an adult badger only or is a natal den. <br /> This can occur during San Joaquin kit fox den monitoring using tracking <br /> medium and cameras. If the den is unoccupied it can be collapsed, if it is <br /> occupied by an adult only, the den may be destroyed when the adult has <br /> moved or is temporarily absent. If the den is a natal den, a buffer zone of 200 <br /> feet shall be maintained around the den until the qualified biologist determines <br /> that den has been vacated. <br /> Griffith Energy Storage Project 4.4-44 Tetra Tech/SCH 2022120675 <br /> Draft Environmental Impact Report August 2023 <br />