APPENDIX B Biological Resources Letter Report

February 16, 2012 7199-02

Dennis Cafferty Director of Operations & Engineering El Toro Water District Offices 24251 Los Alisos Blvd. Lake Forest, California 92630

Subject: El Toro Water District Recycled Water Distribution System Expansion Project, Orange County, California

Dear Mr. Cafferty:

This letter report documents the results of a biological resources survey completed by Dudek Biologist Danielle Mullen on January 11 and February 13, 2012, for the El Toro Water District (ETWD) Recycled Water Distribution System Expansion Project (proposed project) located in Orange County, California.

This letter report is intended to: (1) describe the existing conditions of biological resources within the project site in terms of vegetation, flora, wildlife, and wildlife habitats; (2) discuss potential impacts to biological resources that would result from development of the project; and (3) recommend mitigation measures for potential impacts to special-status biological resources, if necessary.

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Project Location and Description

The proposed project is a recycled water distribution system expansion project located in the vicinity of the existing ETWD Water Recycling Plant (WRP) within the cities of Laguna Hills and Laguna Woods, Orange County, California (Figure 1). The WRP lies in the northeastern corner of the Laguna Woods Village Golf Course, west of Interstate 5, north of El Toro Road, and just south of Ridge Route Road. The proposed project consists of two systems, the West Side System and East Side System. The East Side System occurs adjacent to the east side of the golf course and is located within the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5-minute map San Juan Capistrano Quadrangle, Section 28, Township 6 South, Range 8 West; Principal Meridian: San Bernardino (Figure 2). The West Side System occurs west of Moulton Parkway extending from El Toro Road on the south end to Lake Forest Drive on the north end (Figure 3); it lies within the

Mr. Dennis Cafferty Subject: El Toro Water District Recycled Water Distribution System Expansion Project, Orange County, California

USGS 7.5-minute map San Juan Capistrano Quadrangle: Sections 29, 31, 32, and 33; Township 6 South; Range 8 West and within the Laguna Beach Quadrangle: Section 31 of Township 6 South; Range 8 West; Principal Meridian: San Bernardino (Figure 2).

ETWD currently provides domestic water; recycled water; and sanitary sewer collection, treatment, and disposal services to a population of over 52,000 in a 5,350-acre service area that includes portions of the Cities of Aliso Viejo, Lake Forest, Laguna Hills, and Mission Viejo, and all of the City of Laguna Woods.

ETWD is proposing to expand the recycled water distribution system to allow for the delivery of up to 1,175 acre-feet per year of additional tertiary-treated recycled water to existing dedicated irrigation customers within the ETWD service area. The proposed distribution system would primarily be supplied by the proposed tertiary treatment plant, with the remainder coming from a purchased water connection with the Moulton Niguel Water District. The proposed recycled water distribution system expansion project includes the construction of 18 miles of pipeline within an existing road right-of-way in existing residential neighborhoods.

2.0 METHODS

The study area included part of the ETWD WRP where construction staging would occur, the proposed pipelines, and a 500-foot buffer around the project footprint (Figure 3). For purposes of this report, listed species are those plant or wildlife species that are listed as threatened or endangered by either the California or federal Endangered Species Act. Special-status plants include listed species, candidates for listing, and species designated with a California Rare Plant Rank by the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG). Special-status wildlife species include listed species, candidates for listing, and species with a designation from CDFG of Watch List, Fully Protected, or Species of Concern.

Other sensitive biological resources include sensitive habitat; wetlands areas including riparian lands, wetlands, bays, estuaries, and marshes; and wildlife corridors. Sensitive habitats are those that are considered to support unique vegetation communities, are of particular value to special- status plant and wildlife species, or have a rank of S1–S3 on the CDFG List of Terrestrial Communities. Unique vegetation communities include habitats found only in the region, local representatives of species not generally found in Orange County, or outstanding examples of CDFG sensitive plant communities.

7199-02 2 February 2012 Mr. Dennis Cafferty Subject: El Toro Water District Recycled Water Distribution System Expansion Project, Orange County, California

2.1 Literature Review

Prior to conducting the field reconnaissance, a literature review was conducted to identify special-status biological resources present or potentially present within the vicinity of the study area using the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) (CDFG 2011a) and CNPS’s Online Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants (CNPS 2011). A “nine-quad” query was conducted of the CNDDB and CNPS of the San Juan Capistrano USGS 7.5-minute quadrangles (CDFG 2011b; CNPS 2011). A nine-quad query includes the subject quadrangle and the eight USGS quadrangles surrounding the subject quadrangle. The quadrangles queried include San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Tustin, Canada, Gobernadora, Santiago Peak, and El Toro.

2.2 Field Reconnaissance

The study area was surveyed by Dudek Biologist Danielle Mullen on January 11, 2012 and on February 13, 2012, to identify existing biological resources and potential biological constraints within the project footprint. The project footprint and a 500-foot buffer of the proposed project were reviewed in the field to identify suitable habitat areas for potentially occurring special-status species. Due to the developed nature of the site, a vegetation community map was not prepared.

General information regarding wildlife species present in the region was obtained from Sibley (2000) for birds, Zeiner (Zeiner et al. 1990) for mammals, Stebbins (2004) for reptiles and amphibians, and Emmel and Emmel (1973) for butterflies. General information regarding plant species, identification, and nomenclature was obtained from Hickman (1996).

3.0 PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

3.1 Regional Setting

The City of Laguna Woods is largely built out with residential and commercial uses. The terrain throughout the city consists of gradual and varying, slopes, hills, and low-lying areas. Based on the City of Laguna Woods General Plan, natural vegetation communities in the city include coastal sage scrub and riparian habitat. The Laguna Greenbelt occurs on the westerly edge of the City of Laguna Woods and encompasses Laguna Coast Wilderness Park and the Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. Aliso Creek transects the southeastern portion of the city for approximately 0.5 mile and, being maintained predominantly in a natural state, supports approximately 16 acres of riparian vegetation. Southern California Edison (SCE) maintains a 340-foot-wide right-of-way, which extends for more than a mile along the southwesterly edge of

7199-02 3 February 2012 Mr. Dennis Cafferty Subject: El Toro Water District Recycled Water Distribution System Expansion Project, Orange County, California

the city and comprises approximately 45 acres that serve as wildlife habitat and a continuation of the open expanse of the adjacent Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (City of Laguna Woods 2010).

The City of Laguna Woods Open Space Element of the General Plan identifies five open space areas: a 10-acre parcel adjoining El Toro Road opposite the terminus of Aliso Creek Road; the Laguna Laurel Annexation and the Laguna Road Parcels, which are composed of 10 parcels totaling approximately 178 acres that lie east of the future alignment of Laguna Canyon Road (State Highway 133) and west of the terminus of Santa Maria Avenue, Aliso Creek, and the SCE right-of-way, which although is not designated exclusively for open space uses provides habitat and movement for species.

The Conservation Element of the City of Laguna Woods General Plan identifies four areas of sensitive habitat, consisting of coastal sage scrub located within the SCE right-of-way, coastal sage scrub within a vacant parcel located south of El Toro Road and west of Moulton Parkway, and two areas of riparian habitat, including Aliso Creek.

The City of Laguna Hills predominate land use is moderate- to low-density single-family homes, although other land uses include commercial, office, mixed use, public and institutional, open space, and recreational, as well as planned community areas. Most of the native habitat in the city is associated with the natural drainages of several creeks that occur within the city or adjacent to city boundaries. Aliso Creek traverses the city. The San Diego Creek flows primarily outside of the city limits to the north; however, a tributary of this drainage connects to the Veeh Reservoir in the northwestern portion of the city. Some of these drainages support native riparian vegetation communities (City of Laguna Hills 2009).

The City of Laguna Hills contains approximately 590 acres dedicated and used for a variety of open space and/or recreational purposes. The study area is within North Laguna Hills, which includes two open space areas and three parks. The open space areas include an area adjacent to the north of Ridge Route Drive and an area within Lakeland Village. Additionally, the area adjacent to Veeh Ranch Park is a large, privately owned open space with man-made lakes and is surrounded by riparian habitat (City of Laguna Hills 2011).

3.2 Land Uses

The general vicinity surrounding the project site is developed with a mix of residential and commercial uses. Land uses within the West Side System site consist of single- and multi-family development, parks, and other community facilities. The East Side System is primarily within a

7199-02 4 February 2012 Mr. Dennis Cafferty Subject: El Toro Water District Recycled Water Distribution System Expansion Project, Orange County, California

planned multi-family development with some commercial uses with the Laguna Woods Village Golf Course to the west.

The proposed location of the West Side System is surrounded by single-family homes south of Ridge Route Drive and attached homes north of Ridge Route Drive. The Laguna Coast Wilderness Park occurs to the west. The proposed location of the East Side System is adjacent to the existing Laguna Woods Village Golf Course and would be surrounded by commercial uses to the north and south. The San Diego Freeway (Interstate 405) is east of the proposed East Side System.

3.3 Topography/Hydrology

The project vicinity is located within generally flat portions of the Saddleback Valley between the San Joaquin Hills to the west and the Santa Ana Mountains to the east. The area is mostly devoid of natural hillsides, valleys, and canyons, having been substantially graded and developed (City of Laguna Woods 2010). The Cities of Laguna Woods and Laguna Hills are within the Laguna Canyon Creek, Upper San Diego Creek, and Aliso Creek watersheds, with Aliso Creek being the primary drainage for the cities. San Diego Creek occurs to the north of the City of Laguna Hills and a tributary of this drainage connects to the Veeh Reservoir in the northwestern portion of the city (City of Laguna Hills 2009).

The East Side System study area is relatively flat with a slight increase in elevation toward the center of the study area; elevations are approximately 300 feet above mean sea level (amsl) at the outer edge of the study area and 380 feet amsl at the center. An intermittent stream is depicted on the USGS quadrangle between the golf course and development, extending approximately 1,700 linear feet south of Ridge Route Drive and terminating at the Veeh Reservoir.

The West Side System study area is composed of varying slopes and hills ranging in elevation from 220 feet amsl to 525 amsl. There are no streams mapped on the USGS quadrangle within the West Side System.

3.4 Soils

As the study area is largely developed, there are virtually no native soils present. The area is mapped as historically containing thirteen soil series: Alo variant clay, Balcom clay loam, Botella loam, Bosanko clay, Cropley clay loam, Calleguas clay loam, Capistrano sandy loam, Chino silty clay loam, Corralitos loamy sand, Soper-rock outcrop complex, Yorba cobbly sandy loam, San Emigdio fine sandy loam and Myford sandy loam (NRCS 2012).

7199-02 5 February 2012 Mr. Dennis Cafferty Subject: El Toro Water District Recycled Water Distribution System Expansion Project, Orange County, California

4.0 RESULTS

4.1 Vegetation Communities

The proposed pipelines are located entirely within the ETWD WRP and on existing roadways and disturbed/developed areas; no natural vegetation communities are present within the project footprint.

The 500-foot buffer around the pipelines is also primarily developed with residences and contains vegetation typical of residential areas, including ornamental trees and shrubs including pepper trees, eucalyptus, and pines and sycamores. These trees have potential for nesting birds; however, they are exposed to high levels of traffic flow. There is one area in the north part of the West Side System supporting riparian habitat, located across from Veeh Ranch Park, north of Camino Jalisco and Camino Grande, and bisected by Santa Vittoria Drive. This area is adjacent to a drainage channel and extends east to west from Mill Creek Drive to Laguna Wilderness Park. The area appeared heavily disturbed by traffic, pedestrians, and trash, as well as surrounding residences; however, it did contain mulefat (Baccharis salicifolia) and willows (Salix spp.). The southwestern end of the Study Area extends into the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park and the southern end of the Study Area extends into the SCE easement. As described above, these areas are undeveloped and support non-native grassland and coastal sage scrub communities.

There are no sensitive habitats as designated by the City of Laguna Woods General Plan within the portion of the study area outside of the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park and SCE easement. Although the riparian habitat in the northern portion of the West Side System is not sensitive based on CDFG’s classification of terrestrial communities, riparian habitat associated with a drainage is typically under the jurisdiction of CDFG. Additionally, the City of Laguna Hills General Plan includes Policy COS-1.13 to preserve riparian areas that support biological resources. Therefore, the riparian area is considered a sensitive habitat.

4.2 Special-Status Plant Species

No special-status plant species were identified within the study area during the reconnaissance survey conducted on January 11 and February 13, 2012. Because the study area is mostly developed and is primarily composed of disturbed habitat, there is little potential for special- status plant species to occur on site. A total of 31 vascular plant species, including 10 native species (32%) and 21 non-native species (68%) were recorded during the surveys (Appendix B).

7199-02 6 February 2012 Mr. Dennis Cafferty Subject: El Toro Water District Recycled Water Distribution System Expansion Project, Orange County, California

Table 1 lists special-status plant species documented in the literature review and their potential to occur within the study area. No listed or special-status plant species have the potential to occur within the study area due to the lack of suitable habitat.

Table 1 Sensitive Plant Species Detected or Potentially Occurring on the Project Site

Status Primary Habitat Associations/ Federal/ Life Form/ Blooming Period/ Status on Site or Scientific Name Common Name State CNPS Elevation Range Potential to Occur Aphanisma blitoides Aphanisma None/ 1B.2 Coastal bluff scrub, coastal Not expected. No None dunes, coastal scrub; annual suitable habitat on herb/ March–June/<1,000 ft. site. Atriplex coulteri Coulter’s None/ 1B.2 Coastal bluff scrub, coastal Not expected. Site is saltbush None dunes, coastal scrub, valley and developed/disturbed. foothill grassland; alkaline or clay/ perennial herb/ March- October/10–1,500 ft. Atriplex pacifica South Coast None/ 1B.2 Coastal bluff scrub, coastal Not expected. No saltscale None dunes, coastal scrub, playas/ coastal dunes on annual herb/March–October/ site. < 500 ft. Atriplex parishii Parish’s None/None 1B.1 Chenopod scrub, Playas, Vernal Not expected. No brittlescale pools/alkaline/April-October/ vernal pools on site. 30–600 ft. Atriplex serenana var. Davidson’s None/ 1B.2 Coastal bluff scrub, coastal Not expected. No davidsonii saltscale None scrub; alkaline/ annual herb/ coastal scrub on site. April–October/ 30–650 ft. Brodiaea filifolia Thread-leaved FT/ SE 1B.1 Chaparral (openings) Not expected. No brodiaea cismontane woodland, coastal suitable habitat and scrub, playas, valley and foothill slightly outside of grassland, vernal pools; often known elevation clay/ bulbiferous herb/ March- range. June/ 400–2,800 ft. Calochortus Plummer’s None/None 1B.2 Chaparral, Cismontane Not expected. No plummerae mariposa lily woodland, Coastal scrub, Lower suitable habitat on montane coniferous forest, site. Valley and foothill grassland/granitic, rocky/ May- July/ 330–5,600 ft. Calochortus weedii intermediate None/None 1B.2 Chaparral, Coastal scrub, Valley Not expected. No var. intermedius mariposa lily and foothill grassland/rocky, suitable habitat on calcareous/ May–July/ 340– site. 2,800 ft. Camissonia lewisii Lewis’s evening None/ 3 Coastal bluff scrub, cismontane Not expected. No primrose None woodland, coastal dunes, coastal dunes on coastal scrub, valley and foothill site.

7199-02 7 February 2012 Mr. Dennis Cafferty Subject: El Toro Water District Recycled Water Distribution System Expansion Project, Orange County, California

Table 1 Sensitive Plant Species Detected or Potentially Occurring on the Project Site

Status Primary Habitat Associations/ Federal/ Life Form/ Blooming Period/ Status on Site or Scientific Name Common Name State CNPS Elevation Range Potential to Occur grassland; sandy or clay/ annual herb/ March–May (June)/ <1,000 ft. Centromadia Southern None/ 1B.1 Marshes and swamps (margins), Not expected. No (=Hemizonia) parryi tarplant None valley and foothill grassland marshes on site. spp. australis (vernally mesic), vernal pools/ annual herb/ May–November/ < 400 ft. Chaenactis Orcutt’s None/ 1B.1 Coastal bluff scrub, coastal Not expected. No glabriuscula var. pincushion None dunes/ annual herb/ January– suitable vegetation. orcuttiana August/ 10–330 ft. Chorizanthe Long-spined None/ 1B.2 Chaparral, coastal scrub, Not expected. Site is polygonoides var. spineflower None meadows and seeps, valley and slightly outside of this longispina foothill grassland; often clay/ species’ known annual herb/ April–July/ 100– elevation range. 5,000 ft. Comarostaphylis Summer-holly None/ 1B.2 Chaparral, cismontane Not expected. No diversifolia ssp. None woodland/ evergreen shrub/ suitable vegetation diversifolia April-June/100–1,800 ft. and site is slightly outside of this species’ known elevation range. Dodecahema slender-horned FE/SE 1B.1 Chaparral, Cismontane Not expected. leptoceras spineflower woodland, Coastal scrub(alluvial Outside of known fan)/sandy/ April–June/ 660– elevation range. 2,500 ft. Dudleya blochmaniae Blochman’s None/ 1B.1 Chaparral, coastal bluff scrub, Not expected. No spp. blochmaniae dudleya None coastal scrub, valley and foothill suitable rocky habitat grassland, rocky; often clay or present. serpentinite/ perennial herb/ April–June/ 15–1,500 ft. Dudleya cymosa ssp. Santa Monica FT/None 1B.2 Chaparral, Coastal scrub/volcanic Not expected. ovatifolia dudleya or sedimentary, rocky/ March– Outside of known June/ 500–5,500 ft. elevation range. Dudleya multicaulis Many-stemmed None/ 1B.2 Chaparral, coastal scrub, valley Not expected. No dudleya None and foothill grassland; often clay/ coastal scrub on site. perennial herb/ April-July/ 50– 2,600 ft. Dudleya stolonifera Laguna Beach FT/ST 1B.1 Chaparral, Cismontane Not expected. No dudleya woodland, Coastal scrub, Valley coastal scrub on site. and foothill grassland/rocky/ May-July/ 30–850 ft.

7199-02 8 February 2012 Mr. Dennis Cafferty Subject: El Toro Water District Recycled Water Distribution System Expansion Project, Orange County, California

Table 1 Sensitive Plant Species Detected or Potentially Occurring on the Project Site

Status Primary Habitat Associations/ Federal/ Life Form/ Blooming Period/ Status on Site or Scientific Name Common Name State CNPS Elevation Range Potential to Occur Dudleya viscida Sticky dudleya None/ 1B.2 Coastal bluff scrub, chaparral, Not expected. No None coastal scrub; rocky/ perennial suitable rocky herb/ May–June/ 30–1,800 ft. habitat. Eryngium Pendleton None/ 1B.1 Coastal bluff scrub, valley and Not expected. No pendletonense button-celery None foothill grassland, vernal pools; suitable vegetation. clay, vernally mesic/ perennial herb/ April–June/ 50–360 ft. Euphorbia misera Cliff spurge None/ 2.2 Coastal bluff scrub, coastal Not expected. No None scrub, Mojavean desert scrub; coastal scrub on site. rocky/ shrub/ December–August/ 30-1,650 ft. Harpagonella palmeri Palmer’s None/ 4.2 Chaparral, coastal scrub, valley Not expected. No grapplinghook None and foothill grassland; clay/ coastal scrub on site. annual herb/ March-May/ 60– 3,100 ft. Helianthus nuttallii Los Angeles None/None 1A Coastal salt marsh, wetland- Presumed extinct in ssp. parishii sunflower riparian/ August–October/ 30– California (CNPS). 5,500 ft. Hesperocyparis Tecate cypress None/None 1B.1 Closed-cone coniferous forest, Not expected, no forbesii Chaparral/clay, gabbroic or suitable habitat on metavolcanic/ 260–4,900 ft. site. Hordeum intercedens vernal barley None/None 3.2 Coastal dunes, Coastal scrub, Not expected, no Valley and foothill suitable habitat on grassland(saline flats and site. depressions), Vernal pools/ March-June/ 15–3,300 ft. Horkelia cuneata ssp. Mesa horkelia None/None 1B.1 Chaparral(maritime), Not expected, no puberula Cismontane woodland, Coastal suitable habitat on scrub/sandy or gravelly/ site. February–July/ 200–2,600 ft. Imperata brevifolia California None/None 2.1 Chaparral, Coastal scrub, Not expected, no satintail Mojavean desert scrub, suitable habitat on Meadows and seeps(often site. alkali), Riparian scrub/mesic/ September–May/ 0–4,000 ft. Isocoma menziesii Decumbent None/ 1B.2 Chaparral, coastal scrub (sandy, Not expected. No var. decumbens goldenbush None often disturbed areas)/ shrub/ coastal scrub on site. April–November/ 30–450 ft. Lasthenia glabrata Coulter’s None/ 1B.1 Saltwater marsh and swamps, Not expected. No ssp. coulteri goldfields None playas, vernal pools/ annual marshes/vernal pools herb/ February–June/ <4,000 ft. on site and site is largely disturbed.

7199-02 9 February 2012 Mr. Dennis Cafferty Subject: El Toro Water District Recycled Water Distribution System Expansion Project, Orange County, California

Table 1 Sensitive Plant Species Detected or Potentially Occurring on the Project Site

Status Primary Habitat Associations/ Federal/ Life Form/ Blooming Period/ Status on Site or Scientific Name Common Name State CNPS Elevation Range Potential to Occur Lepechinia Heart-leaved None/ 1B.2 Chaparral, cismontane Not expected. cardiophylla pitcher sage None woodland, closed-cone Outside of known coniferous forest; perennial elevation range. shrub/ April–June/ 1,700– 4,500 ft. Lepidium virginicum Robinson’s None/ 1B.2 Chaparral, coastal scrub/ annual Not expected. var. robinsonii pepper-grass None herb/ January–July/ < 2,900 ft. Focused surveys negative and site is largely disturbed. Lycium brevipes var. Santa Catalina None/None 1B.1 Coastal bluff scrub, Coastal Not expected. No hassei Island desert- scrub/ June/ 30–980 ft. coastal scrub on site. thorn Monardella hypoleuca Felt-leaved None/ 1B.2 Chaparral, cismontane Not expected. ssp. lanata monardella None woodland/ rhizomatous herb/ Outside of known June-August/ 1,000–3,600 ft. elevation range. Monardella Hall’s None/None 1B.3 Broadleafed upland forest, Not expected. macrantha ssp. hallii monardella Chaparral, Cismontane Outside of known woodland, Lower montane elevation range. coniferous forest, Valley and foothill grassland/ June–October/ 2,400–7,200 ft. Myosurus minimus Little mousetail None/ 3.1 Vernal pools, valley and foothill Not expected. No ssp. apus None grassland; alkaline/ annual herb/ suitable vernal pools March–June/ 60–2,100 ft. or grassland habitat. Nama stenocarpum Mud nama None/ 2.2 Marshes and swamps, lake Not expected. Site is None margins, riverbanks/ annual- largely disturbed and perennial herb/ January–July/ no marshes. 15–1,650 ft. Navarretia prostrata Prostrate None/ 1B.1 Coastal scrub, meadows and Not expected. No navarretia None seeps, valley and foothill seeps on site. grassland, vernal pools; annual herb/ April–July/ 50–3,970 ft. Nemacaulis denudata Coast woolly- None/ 1B.2 Coastal dunes/ annual herb/ Not expected. No var. denudata heads None April-September/ < 330 ft. suitable coastal dune habitat present. Nolina cistmontana Chaparral nolina None/ 1B.2 Chaparral, coastal scrub; Not expected. None sandstone or gabbro/ evergreen Outside of known shrub/ May–July/ 460–4,200 ft. elevation range. Pentachaeta aurea Allen’s None/None 1B.1 Coastal scrub(openings), Valley Not expected. No ssp. allenii pentachaeta and foothill grassland/ March– coastal scrub on site. June/ 250–1,700 ft.

7199-02 10 February 2012 Mr. Dennis Cafferty Subject: El Toro Water District Recycled Water Distribution System Expansion Project, Orange County, California

Table 1 Sensitive Plant Species Detected or Potentially Occurring on the Project Site

Status Primary Habitat Associations/ Federal/ Life Form/ Blooming Period/ Status on Site or Scientific Name Common Name State CNPS Elevation Range Potential to Occur Phacelia keckii Santiago Peak None/None 1B.3 Closed-cone coniferous forest, Not expected. phacelia Chaparral/ May–June/ 1,800– Outside of known 5,300 ft. elevation range. Phacelia ramosissima south coast None/None 3.2 Chaparral, Coastal dunes, Not expected, no var. austrolitoralis branching Coastal scrub, Marshes and suitable habitat on phacelia swamps(coastal salt)/sandy, site. sometimes rocky/ March– August/ 15–1,000 ft. Pseudognaphalium white rabbit- None/None 2.2 Chaparral, Cismontane Not expected. No leucocephalum tobacco woodland, Coastal scrub, coastal scrub on site. Riparian woodland/sandy, gravelly/ July–August/ 0–6,900 ft. Quercus dumosa Nuttall’s scrub None/ 1B.1 Chaparral, coastal scrub, closed- Not expected. No oak None cone coniferous forest; sandy, coastal scrub on site. clay loam/ evergreen shrub/ February–April/ 50–1,300 ft. Satureja chandleri San Miguel None/None 1B.2 Chaparral, Cismontane Not expected. No savory woodland, Coastal scrub, suitable habitat and Riparian woodland, Valley and slightly outside of foothill grassland/Rocky, known elevation gabbroic or metavolcanic/ range. March-July/ 400–3,500 ft. Senecio aphanactis chaparral None/None 2.2 Chaparral, Cismontane Not expected. No ragwort woodland, Coastal coastal scrub on site. scrub/sometimes alkaline/ January–April/ 50–2,600 ft. Sidalcea salt spring None/None 2.2 Chaparral, Coastal scrub, Lower Not expected. No neomexicana checkerbloom montane coniferous forest, coastal scrub on site. Mojavean desert scrub, Playas/alkaline, mesic/ March- June/ 50–5,000 ft. Suaeda esteroa Estuary seablite None/ 1B.2 Coastal salt marshes and Not expected. Site is None swamps/ perennial herb/ May- largely disturbed. October (Jan)/ < 20 ft. Symphyotrichum San Bernardino None/None 1B.2 Cismontane woodland, Coastal Not expected. No defoliatum aster scrub, Lower montane suitable habitat on coniferous forest, Meadows and site. seeps, Marshes and swamps, Valley and foothill grassland(vernally mesic)/near ditches, streams, springs/ July- November/ 6–6700 ft.

7199-02 11 February 2012 Mr. Dennis Cafferty Subject: El Toro Water District Recycled Water Distribution System Expansion Project, Orange County, California

Table 1 Sensitive Plant Species Detected or Potentially Occurring on the Project Site

Status Primary Habitat Associations/ Federal/ Life Form/ Blooming Period/ Status on Site or Scientific Name Common Name State CNPS Elevation Range Potential to Occur Tetracoccus dioicus Parry’s None/ 1B.2 Chaparral, coastal scrub/ Not expected. tetracoccus None deciduous shrub/ April-May/ Outside of known 550-3,300 ft. elevation range. Verbesina dissita big-leaved FT/ST 1B.1 Chaparral(maritime), Coastal Not expected. No crownbeard scrub/ April–June/ 150–670 ft. coastal scrub on site.

There is no U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) designated critical habitat for listed plant species within the study area (USFWS 2012).

4.3 Special-Status Wildlife Species

One special-status wildlife species, Cooper’s hawk (Accipiter cooperii), was observed within the 500-foot buffer during the survey. Cooper’s hawks are not expected to nest on site due to lack of suitable habitat. Additionally, there is moderate potential for Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) to occur on site due to the number of eucalyptus trees, which are used as a food source for Monarchs, found within the project boundary.

Twenty-six wildlife species were observed during the focused surveys, including common bird species such as Bewick’s wrens (Thryomanes bewickii), Anna’s hummingbird (Calypte anna), house finches (Carpodacus mexicanus), and lesser goldfinches (Spinus psaltria). A full list of wildlife species observed during the survey is provided in Appendix A.

Table 2 includes special-status wildlife species documented in the literature review and their potential to occur on site based on the location of the site and general vegetation communities found in the area. Where pertinent, a distinction is made between foraging and breeding habitat available on site. With the exception of foraging raptors, no listed or special-status wildlife species are expected to occur on site based on the lack of suitable habitat. Monarch butterfly, though they have the potential to occur, do not have any regulatory designation and are not a special-status species. A discussion of their potential to occur and potential impacts is included in this report as they tend to be of interest to local residents.

7199-02 12 February 2012 Mr. Dennis Cafferty Subject: El Toro Water District Recycled Water Distribution System Expansion Project, Orange County, California

Table 2 Sensitive Wildlife Species Detected or Potentially Occurring in Project Area

Status Federal/ Status on Site or Potential to Scientific Name Common Name State/Other1 Primary Habitat Associations Occur Amphibians Anaxyrus [=Bufo] californicus Arroyo toad FE/ CSC Stream channels for breeding (typically 3rd Not expected to occur. No order); adjacent stream terraces and uplands aquatic areas for breeding for foraging and wintering. grounds on site. Spea [=Scaphiopus] hammondi Western spadefoot BLM / CSC Most common in grasslands, coastal sage Not expected to occur. No scrub near rain pools or vernal pools; riparian aquatic areas for breeding habitats grounds on site. Taricha torosa Coast Range newt None/CSC Chaparral, wetlands and grasslands Not expected to occur. No aquatic areas for breeding grounds on site. Reptiles Aspidoscelis hyperythra Orange-throated whiptail None/ CSC Coastal sage scrub, chaparral, grassland, Not expected to occur. No juniper and oak woodland suitable coastal sage scrub present. Aspidoscelis tigris stejnegeri Coastal western whiptail None/ None Coastal sage scrub, chaparral No expected to occur. No suitable coastal sage scrub present. Charina [=Lichanura] trivirgata Rosy boa FS/ None Rocky chaparral, coastal sage scrub, oak Not expected to occur. No woodlands, desert and semi-desert scrub rocky habitats occur on site. Crotalus ruber ruber Northern red-diamond None/ CSC Variety of shrub habitats where there is heavy Not expected to occur. No rattlesnake brush, large rocks, or boulders rocky habitats occur on site. Emys [=Clemmys] marmorata pallida Southwestern pond turtle FS, BLM/ CSC Slow-moving permanent or intermittent Not expected to occur. No streams, ponds, small lakes, reservoirs with aquatic areas for breeding emergent basking sites; adjacent uplands grounds on site. used during winter Lampropeltis zonata (pulchra) California mountain FS/CSC Valley foothill, riparian and wet meadows, Not expected to occur. No kingsnake (San Diego conifer, mixed and montane chaparral suitable habitat present on population) site.

7199-02 13 February 2012 Mr. Dennis Cafferty Subject: El Toro Water District Recycled Water Distribution System Expansion Project, Orange County, California

Table 2 Sensitive Wildlife Species Detected or Potentially Occurring in Project Area

Status Federal/ Status on Site or Potential to Scientific Name Common Name State/Other1 Primary Habitat Associations Occur Phrynosoma blainvillei Coast horned lizard BLM, FS/ CSC Coastal sage scrub, annual grassland, Not expected to occur. No chaparral, oak and riparian woodland, suitable coastal sage scrub coniferous forest present. Plestiodon skiltonianus interparietalis Coronado skink BLM/ CSC Grassland, riparian and oak woodland; found Not expected to occur. No in litter, rotting logs, under flat stones suitable vegetation on site. Thamnophis hammondii Two-striped garter snake BLM, FS/ CSC Streams, creeks, pools, streams with rocky Not expected to occur. No beds, ponds, lakes, vernal pools aquatic areas for breeding grounds on site. Birds Accipiter cooperii (nesting) Cooper’s hawk None/ WL Riparian and oak woodlands, montane One individual observed on canyons January 11, 2012 within 500 ft. project buffer. Not expected to nest on site. No suitable woodlands or canyons. Agelaius tricolor Tricolored blackbird BCC, BLM/ CSC/ Nests near fresh water, emergent wetland with Not expected to occur. No ABC cattails or tules; forages in grasslands, suitable wetlands present on woodland, agriculture site. Aimophila ruficeps canescens Southern California rufous- None / WL Grass-covered hillsides, coastal sage scrub, Not expected to occur. No crowned sparrow chaparral with boulders and outcrops coastal sage scrub habitat on site. Ammodramus savannarum Grasshopper sparrow None/ CSC Open grassland and prairie, especially native Not expected to occur. No grassland with a mix of grasses and forbs grassland habitat on site. Aquila chrysaetos (nesting and Golden eagle BCC/ CDF, WL, FP Open country, especially hilly and Not expected to nest or winter nonbreeding/wintering) mountainous regions; grassland, coastal sage on site. Limited and disturbed scrub, chaparral, oak savannas, open vegetation on site with few coniferous forest trees. No foraging area present.

7199-02 14 February 2012 Mr. Dennis Cafferty Subject: El Toro Water District Recycled Water Distribution System Expansion Project, Orange County, California

Table 2 Sensitive Wildlife Species Detected or Potentially Occurring in Project Area

Status Federal/ Status on Site or Potential to Scientific Name Common Name State/Other1 Primary Habitat Associations Occur Asio otus Long-eared owl None/ CSC Riparian, live oak thickets, other dense stands Not expected on site. Limited of trees, edges of coniferous forest and disturbed vegetation on site with few trees. Athene cunicularia Burrowing owl BLM, BCC/ CSC Grassland, lowland scrub, agriculture, coastal Not expected. Habitat dunes and other artificial open areas disturbed/developed on site. Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus Coastal cactus wren BCC, FS/ CSC Southern cactus scrub, maritime succulent Not expected. No suitable sandiegensis (San Diego & Orange scrub, cactus thickets in coastal sage scrub cactus or succulent scrub Counties only) habitat. Circus cyaneus (nesting) Northern harrier None/ CSC Open wetlands (nesting), pasture, old fields, Not expected. No suitable dry uplands, grasslands, rangelands, coastal wetlands on site. sage scrub Elanus leucurus (nesting) White-tailed kite None/ P Open grasslands, savanna-like habitats, Not expected on site. No agriculture, wetlands, oak woodlands, riparian suitable open habitat, wetlands, and riparian vegetation present for foraging. Empidonax traillii extimus (nesting) Southwestern willow FE/ SE/ ABC Riparian woodlands along streams and rivers Not expected. No riparian flycatcher with mature, dense stands of willows or alders; habitat on site. The riparian may nest in thickets dominated by tamarisk habitat within the study area contains little understory, is open, and is disturbed from adjacent residences. This area is not suitable for this species Eremophila alpestris actia California horned lark None/ WL Open habitats, grassland, rangeland, Not expected. No grassland shortgrass prairie, montane meadows, coastal on site. plains, fallow grain fields

7199-02 15 February 2012 Mr. Dennis Cafferty Subject: El Toro Water District Recycled Water Distribution System Expansion Project, Orange County, California

Table 2 Sensitive Wildlife Species Detected or Potentially Occurring in Project Area

Status Federal/ Status on Site or Potential to Scientific Name Common Name State/Other1 Primary Habitat Associations Occur Icteria virens (nesting) Yellow-breasted chat None / CSC Dense, relatively wide riparian woodlands and Not expected. No dense willow thickets of willows, vine tangles and dense thicket on site. brush. Laterallus jamaicensis coturniculus California black rail BCC/ ST, P/ ABC Saline, brackish, and fresh emergent wetlands Not expected. No marsh wetland vegetation on site. Passerculus sandwichensis beldingi Belding’s savannah sparrow None/ SE Saltmarsh, pickleweed Not expected to occur. No southern coastal saltmarsh on site. Polioptila californica californica Coastal California FT/ CSC/ ABC Coastal sage scrub, coastal sage scrub- Not expected. No coastal sage gnatcatcher chaparral mix, coastal sage scrub-grassland scrub on site. ecotone, riparian in late summer Rallus longirostris levipes Light-footed clapper rail FE/ SE, P/ ABC Coastal saltmarsh Not expected. No saltmarsh on site. Sternula [=Sterna] antillarum browni California least tern FE/ SE, P/ ABC Coastal waters, estuaries, large bays and Not expected. Site is (nesting colony) harbors, mudflats; nests on sandy beaches approximately 5 miles from the coast. Vireo bellii pusillus (nesting) Least Bell’s vireo FE/ SE/ ABC Nests in southern willow scrub with dense Not expected. No dense willow cover within 1-2 meters of the ground; habitat scrub on site. The riparian includes willows, cottonwoods, baccharis, wild habitat within the study area blackberry or mesquite in desert areas contains little understory, is open, and is disturbed from adjacent residences. This area is not suitable for this species. Mammals Antrozous pallidus Pallid bat BLM, FS/ CSC/ Rocky outcrops, cliffs, and crevices with Not expected. No suitable WBWG access to open habitats for foraging rocky outcrops, cliffs, and crevices.

7199-02 16 February 2012 Mr. Dennis Cafferty Subject: El Toro Water District Recycled Water Distribution System Expansion Project, Orange County, California

Table 2 Sensitive Wildlife Species Detected or Potentially Occurring in Project Area

Status Federal/ Status on Site or Potential to Scientific Name Common Name State/Other1 Primary Habitat Associations Occur Chaetodipus californicus femoralis Dulzura pocket mouse None/ CSC Coastal sage scrub, chaparral, riparian-scrub Not expected to occur. No ecotone; more mesic areas suitable coastal sage scrub habitat on site. Chaetodipus fallax fallax Northwestern San Diego None/ CSC Coastal sage scrub, grassland, sage scrub- Not expected to occur. Due to pocket mouse grassland ecotones, sparse chaparral; rocky no suitable coastal sage scrub substrates, loams and sandy loams and disturbed habitat on site. Choeronycteris mexicana Mexican long-tongued bat None/ CSC/ WBWG Desert and montane riparian, desert succulent Not expected. No suitable scrub, desert scrub, and pinyon-juniper vegetation or roosting woodland. Roosts in caves, mines, and structures/microhabitat. buildings. Dipodomys stephensi Stephens’ kangaroo rat FE/ ST Open habitat, grassland, sparse coastal sage Not expected to occur. No scrub, sandy loam and loamy soils with low suitable habitat on site. clay content; gentle slopes (<30%) Eumops perotis californicus Western mastiff bat BLM/ CSC/ WBWG Roosts in small colonies in cracks and small No suitable roosting holes, seeming to prefer man-made structures structures/microhabitat Lasiurus blossevillii Western red bat FS/ CSC/ WBWG Prefers edges or habitat mosaics with access No suitable roosting to trees for roosting and open areas for structures/microhabitat. feeding. Myotis yumanensis Yuma myotis BLM/ None/ WBWG Closely tied to open water which is used for Not expected. No suitable foraging; open forests and woodlands are forests and woodlands on site. optimal habitat Neotoma lepida intermedia San Diego desert woodrat None/ CSC Coastal sage scrub, chaparral, pinyon-juniper Not expected. No suitable woodland with rock outcrops, cactus thickets, desert habitats with dense dense undergrowth undergrowth present. Nyctinomops femorosaccus Pocketed free-tailed bat None/ CSC/ WBWG Rocky desert areas with high cliffs or rock Not expected. No suitable outcrops rocky desert habitat.

7199-02 17 February 2012 Mr. Dennis Cafferty Subject: El Toro Water District Recycled Water Distribution System Expansion Project, Orange County, California

Table 2 Sensitive Wildlife Species Detected or Potentially Occurring in Project Area

Status Federal/ Status on Site or Potential to Scientific Name Common Name State/Other1 Primary Habitat Associations Occur Perognathus longimembris pacificus Pacific pocket mouse FE/ CSC Grassland, coastal sage scrub with sandy Not expected. Site not located soils; along immediate coast along the immediate coast. Sorex ornatus salicornicus southern California None/CSC Coastal salt marshes and wetland habitat Not expected. No saltmarsh saltmarsh shrew on site. Taxidea taxus American badger None/ CSC Dry, open treeless areas, grasslands, coastal Not expected to occur. No sage scrub suitable coastal sage scrub and disturbed habitat on site. Invertebrates Branchinecta sandiegonensis San Diego fairy shrimp FE/ None Small, shallow vernal pools, occasionally Not expected. No vernal pools ditches and road ruts on site. Coelus globosus Globose dune beetle None/ None Coastal dunes Not expected. No coastal dunes on site. Danaus plexippus Monarch butterfly None/ None Overwinters in eucalyptus groves Moderate potential. Eucalyptus trees within 500 ft. buffer. Streptocephalus woottoni Riverside fairy shrimp FE/ None Deep, long-lived vernal pools, vernal pool-like Not expected. No vernal pools seasonal ponds, stock ponds; warm water on site. pools that have low to moderate dissolved solids Tryonia imitator Mimic tryonia (=California None/ None Coastal lagoons, estuaries and salt marshes Not expected. No lagoons on brackishwater snail) site. Fish Eucyclogobius newberryi Tidewater goby FE/ CSC/ AFS E Low-salinity waters in coastal wetlands Not expected. No wetlands on site. Gila orcutti Arroyo chub FS/ CSC/ AFS VU Warm, fluctuating streams with slow-moving or Not expected. No streams on backwater sections of warm to cool streams at site. depths >40 centimeters; substrates of sand or

7199-02 18 February 2012 Mr. Dennis Cafferty Subject: El Toro Water District Recycled Water Distribution System Expansion Project, Orange County, California

Table 2 Sensitive Wildlife Species Detected or Potentially Occurring in Project Area

Status Federal/ Status on Site or Potential to Scientific Name Common Name State/Other1 Primary Habitat Associations Occur mud Oncorhynchus mykiss irideus southern steelhead – FE/CSC/ AFS E Aquatic, South coast flowing waters with Not expected. No streams on southern gravelly substrate site. California DPS Rhinichthys osculus ssp. 3 Santa Ana speckled dace FS/CSC/ AFS TH Aquatic, South coast flowing waters Not expected. No streams on site.

7199-02 19 February 2012 Mr. Dennis Cafferty Subject: El Toro Water District Recycled Water Distribution System Expansion Project, Orange County, California

There is no USFWS designated critical habitat for listed wildlife species within the study area (USFWS 2012).

4.4 Wildlife Corridors and Habitat Linkages

Wildlife corridors are linear features that connect large patches of natural open space and provide avenues for the migration of animals. Habitat linkages are small patches that join larger blocks of habitat and help reduce the adverse effects of habitat fragmentation; they may be continuous habitat or discrete habitat islands that function as stepping stones for wildlife dispersal.

Due to the developed nature of the study area, there are no wildlife corridors within the study area. Although the riparian habitat in the northern part of the West Side System site connects with Laguna Wilderness Park, there is no habitat block to the east for it to serve as a corridor. The City of Laguna Woods General Plan identifies Aliso Creek as a wildlife corridor; however, it is located approximately 1 mile south of the study area.

4.5 Nesting Birds

The study area contains many trees within the Laguna Woods Golf Course and surrounding residential areas, as well as along Ridge Route Drive and within the riparian habitat that could potentially be used by migratory birds for breeding.

4.6 Jurisdictional Waters

A drainage channel bisects the northern portion of the West Side System and, based on aerial photography and description in the City of Laguna Hills General Plan, connects with San Diego Creek to the northwest of the study area. At the time of the survey, the channel contained flowing water, a clearly defined bed and bank, and riparian vegetation. It is likely that this channel is a jurisdictional water regulated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE), the California Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) and CDFG.

The stream depicted on the USGS quadrangle between the golf course and the development is no longer present.

4.7 Regional Conservation Plans

The project site is located within the boundaries of the County of Orange Central & Coastal Subregion Natural Communities Conservation Plan (NCCP)/Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP).

7199-02 20 February 2012 Mr. Dennis Cafferty Subject: El Toro Water District Recycled Water Distribution System Expansion Project, Orange County, California

ETWD is not a participating landowner under this plan and the project is not subject to the provisions of the plan.

5.0 ANTICIPATED PROJECT IMPACTS

This section addresses direct and indirect impacts to biological resources that would result from implementation of the proposed project.

Direct Impacts

For the purposes of this assessment, direct impacts were quantified by evaluating resources within the impact footprint of the proposed project, which is confined to the ETWD WRP and the proposed pipelines.

Indirect Impacts

Indirect impacts result primarily from adverse edge effects, and may be short-term in nature, related to construction; or long-term in nature, associated with development in proximity to biological resources within natural open space. For the proposed project, it is assumed that the potential indirect impacts resulting from short-term construction activities include dust and noise that may temporarily disrupt species and habitat vitality.

5.1 Sensitive Habitat

Direct Impact

The riparian habitat in the northern portion of the West Side System site is a sensitive habitat. The pipeline footprint includes Santa Vittoria Drive, which crosses over the drainage and associated riparian habitat, and Camino Jalisco, which is adjacent to the south of the riparian area. It is assumed that all construction activities would be limited to the road and no riparian vegetation would be removed. Therefore, no direct impacts to a sensitive habitat would occur.

Indirect Impact

Indirect impacts to the riparian habitat would be limited to short-term construction impacts related to noise and dust. With respect to these potential indirect impacts, however, all project grading will be subject to the typical restrictions (e.g., best management practices) and requirements that address erosion and runoff, including those of the federal Clean Water Act and National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), and preparation of a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). With implementation of these best management practices

7199-02 21 February 2012 Mr. Dennis Cafferty Subject: El Toro Water District Recycled Water Distribution System Expansion Project, Orange County, California

and permit conditions, potential indirect impacts to the sensitive habitat would be less than significant.

The Laguna Coast Wilderness Park and the SCE easement is within the project’s study area; however, both of these areas are separated from the proposed pipeline construction area by residences and no indirect impacts would occur to these areas.

5.2 Special-Status Plant Species

Direct Impact

No special-status plant species were observed within the study area and no special-status plant species have the potential to occur due to the lack of suitable habitat on site. Because no special-status species have the potential to occur, no direct impacts to special-status plant species are anticipated.

Indirect Impacts

Because no special-status species have the potential to occur, no indirect impacts to special- status plant species are anticipated.

5.3 Special-Status Wildlife Species

Direct Impacts

No listed wildlife species have the potential to occur. The only special-status species present or with the potential to occur are foraging raptors, such as Cooper’s hawk. The Monarch butterfly, though not special-status, also has the potential to occur. The project would not remove trees or other habitat utilized by Cooper’s hawk and other birds for foraging; therefore, no direct impacts to foraging raptor species would occur. Likewise, the project would not remove the eucalyptus trees potentially utilized by Monarch butterfly; therefore, there would be no direct impacts to the Monarch.

Indirect Impacts

Potential indirect impacts to special-status foraging birds, such as Cooper’s hawk, are limited to short-term construction impacts from increased noise and dust. Due to the limited amount of suitable habitat within the project footprint and the ability for foraging birds to move freely to other available habitat, indirect impacts to foraging special status bird species would be less than significant.

7199-02 22 February 2012 Mr. Dennis Cafferty Subject: El Toro Water District Recycled Water Distribution System Expansion Project, Orange County, California

5.4 Nesting Birds

Direct Impacts

Direct impacts to migratory nesting birds must be avoided in compliance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The project would be limited to existing developed roadways and no removal of trees or other nesting habitat would occur; therefore, direct impacts to nesting birds are not expected.

Indirect Impacts

Nesting birds can be significantly affected by indirect impacts from short-term construction- related noise, resulting in decreased reproductive success or abandonment of an area as nesting habitat. The residential area and the riparian habitat provide many trees and other shrubs that could provide potential nesting and foraging habitat for a variety of songbirds and raptors in the area. While no active or inactive nests were identified during the survey in 2012, the survey was conducted outside the breeding season and there is a potential for birds to nest in these areas. Indirect impacts from construction-related noise may occur to nesting birds if construction occurs during the breeding season (i.e., February 15 through September 1).

5.5 Jurisdictional Waters

Direct Impact

A potentially jurisdictional drainage channel occurs in the northern portion of the West Side System site. The pipeline footprint includes Santa Vittoria Drive, which crosses over the drainage. It is assumed that all construction activities would be limited to the road and bridge; therefore, no direct impacts to jurisdictional waters would occur. Should the project require improvements to the channel, a delineation of jurisdictional waters will be required and relevant permits from ACOE, RWQCB, and CDFG obtained prior to construction activities at Santa Vittoria Drive.

Indirect Impact

Indirect impacts would be limited to short-term construction impacts related to construction runoff and dust. All project grading will be subject to the typical restrictions (e.g., best management practices) and requirements that address erosion and runoff, including those of the federal Clean Water Act and NPDES, and preparation of an SWPPP. With implementation of these best management practices and permit conditions, potential indirect impacts to jurisdictional waters are not anticipated. Construction personnel should be made aware of the potentially jurisdictional channel at Santa Vittoria Road and all best management practices implemented to avoid indirect impacts to the channel.

7199-02 23 February 2012 Mr. Dennis Cafferty Subject: El Toro Water District Recycled Water Distribution System Expansion Project, Orange County, California

5.6 Regional Conservation Plans

The project site is not within a designated conservation area of the County of Orange NCCP/HCP. Additionally, the project site does not support suitable habitat for listed species and, therefore, does not have any permit obligations under the California or federal Endangered Species Acts. The project is not in conflict with the County of Orange NCCP/HCP.

6.0 MITIGATION

6.1 Nesting Birds

In order to avoid potential impacts to nesting birds in conformance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, a qualified biologist will conduct a nesting bird survey within 1 week of ground disturbance activities. The survey shall consist of full coverage of the proposed project footprint and up to a 300-foot buffer. The buffer will be determined by the biologist and will take into account the species nesting in the area and the habitat present. If no active nests are found, no additional measures are required. If nests are found, the nest locations shall be mapped by the biologist utilizing GPS equipment. The nesting bird species will be documented and, to the degree feasible, the nesting stage (e.g., incubation of eggs, feeding of young, near fledging). The biologist shall establish a no-disturbance buffer around each active nest. The buffer will be determined by the biologist based on the species present and surrounding habitat. No construction or ground disturbance activities shall be conducted within the buffer until the biologist has determined the nest is no longer active and has informed the construction supervisor that activities may resume.

7.0 CONCLUSION

Based on our review of biological resources in the study area, with implementation of the recommended mitigation measures, no significant impacts to biological resources would occur as a result of the project.

Should you have any questions regarding this biological assessment, please do not hesitate to contact me at 909.677.3775 or at [email protected].

Sincerely,

______Linda Archer Senior Biologist

Att: Figures 1–3

7199-02 24 February 2012 Mr. Dennis Cafferty Subject: El Toro Water District Recycled Water Distribution System Expansion Project, Orange County, California

8.0 REFERENCES

CDFG (California Department of Fish and Game). 2011a. “State and Federally Listed Endangered and Threatened Animals of California.” California Natural Diversity Database, Biogeographic Data Branch. January 2012. Accessed January 2012. http://www.dfg.ca.gov/biogeodata/cnddb/plants_and_animals.asp.

CDFG. 2011b. California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB). RareFind 4: Commercial version. CDFG, Biogeographic Data Branch. December 31, 2007. Accessed January 2012. https://nrmsecure.dfg.ca.gov/cnddb/Default.aspx.

City of Laguna Hills. 2009. Laguna Hills General Plan. July 14, 2009.

City of Laguna Woods. 2010. City of Laguna Woods General Plan Land Use Element. December 15, 2010.

City of Laguna Woods. 2011. “City of Laguna Woods Zoning Map” [map]. Prepared for the City of Laguna Woods. Irvine, California: Hogle-Ireland, Inc.

CNPS (California Native Plant Society). 2011. Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants. Online ed. Version 8-01a. Sacramento, California: CNPS. March 15, 2010. Accessed January, 2012. http://www.rareplants.cnps.org/detail/1599.html.

Emmel, T.C., and J.F. Emmel. 1973. The Butterflies of Southern California. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Science Series 26:1–148.

Hickman, J.C., ed. 1996. The Jepson Manual: Higher Plants of California. 3rd printing, with corrections. Berkeley, California: University of California Press.

NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service). Web Soil Survey. U.S. Department of Agriculture, NRCS. Accessed January 25, 2012. http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov.

Sibley, D.A. 2000. The Sibley Guide to Birds. New York, New York: Alfred A. Knopf.

Stebbins, R.C. 2003. A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians. Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton Mifflin Co.

7199-02 25 February 2012 Mr. Dennis Cafferty Subject: El Toro Water District Recycled Water Distribution System Expansion Project, Orange County, California

USFWS (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service). 2012 “FWS Critical Habitat for Threatened & Endangered Species” [Map database]. Accessed January 2012. http://criticalhabitat.fws.gov/crithab.

Zeiner, D.C., W.F. Laudenslayer Jr., K.E. Mayer, and M. White, eds. 1990. California’s Wildlife: Volume III. Mammals. Sacramento, California: California Department of Fish and Game.

7199-02 26 February 2012

APPENDIX A Wildlife Species Observed on the Project Site

APPENDIX A Wildlife Species Observed on the Project Site

WILDLIFE SPECIES – VERTEBRATES

BIRDS

ACCIPITRIDAE – HAWKS, KITES, EAGLES, AND ALLIES Accipiter cooperii – Cooper’s hawk Buteo lineatus - red-shouldered hawk

AEGITHALIDAE – BUSHTITS Psaltriparus minimus – bushtit

ANATIDAE – WATERFOWL Anas clypeata - northern shoveler

ARDEIDAE – HERONS, BITTERNS, AND ALLIES Egretta thula – snowy egret

CATHARTIDAE - NEW WORLD VULTURES Cathartes aura - turkey vulture

COLUMBIDAE – PIGEONS AND DOVES Zenaida macroura – mourning dove

CORVIDAE – JAYS AND CROWS Corvus brachyrhynchos – American crow Corvus corax – common raven

EMBERIZIDAE – BUNTINGS AND SPARROWS Zonotrichia leucophrys – white-crowned sparrow

ICTERIDAE - BLACKBIRDS & ORIOLES

Agelaius phoeniceus - red-winged blackbirdFRINGILLIDAE – FINCHES Carpodacus mexicanus – house finch Carduelis psaltria – lesser goldfinch

MIMIDAE – THRASHERS Mimus polyglottos – northern mockingbird

PARULIDAE – WOOD WARBLERS Dendroica coronata – yellow-rumped warbler

7199-02 A-1 February 2012 APPENDIX A (Continued)

Geothlypis trichas – common yellowthroat

PICIDAE – WOODPECKERS Picoides nuttallii – Nuttall’s woodpecker

RALLIDAE – RAILS, GALLINULES, AND COOTS Fulica americana – American coot

TIMALIIDAE – LAUGHINGTHRUSH AND WRENTIT Chamaea fasciata – wren-tit

TROCHILIDAE – HUMMINGBIRDS Calypte anna – Anna’s hummingbird Calypte costae – Costa’s hummingbird

TROGLODYTIDAE – WRENS Thryomanes bewickii – Bewick’s wren

TURDIDAE – THRUSHES AND BABBLERS Sialia mexicana – western bluebird

TYRANNIDAE – TYRANT FLYCATCHERS Sayornis nigricans – black phoebe Sayornis saya – Say’s phoebe Tyrannus vociferans - Cassin's kingbird

7199-02 A-2 February 2012

APPENDIX B Plant Species Observed on the Project Site

APPENDIX B Plant Species Observed on the Project Site

VASCULAR PLANT SPECIES

CONIFERS

CUPRESSACEAE – CYPRESS FAMILY Juniperus communis – common juniper

PINACEAE – PINE FAMILY Pinus sp. – Pine

ANGIOSPERMS (DICOTS)

ANACARDIACEAE – SUMAC FAMILY * Schinus molle – Peruvian pepper tree * Schinus terebinthifolius – Brazilian pepper tree

ASTERACEAE – SUNFLOWER FAMILY Baccharis salicifolia – mulefat, seep-willow, water-wally * Cynara cardunculus – artichoke thistle * Picris echioides – bristly oxtongue * Sonchus oleraceus – common sow thistle

CACTACEAE – CACTUS FAMILY Opuntia sp. – prickly pear

CAPRIFOLIACEAE – HONEYSUCKLE FAMILY Lonicera sp. – honeysuckle

EUPHORBIACEAE – SPURGE FAMILY Ricinus communis – castor bean

FABACEAE – LEGUME FAMILY * Acacia longifolia – Sydney golden or golden wattle * Medicago polymorpha – California burclover

LAMIACEAE – MINT FAMILY Salvia sp. – sage * Rosmarinus officinalis- Rosemary

MORACEAE – MULBERRY FAMILY * Ficus carica – edible fig

7199-02 B-1 February 2012 APPENDIX B (Continued)

MYRTACEAE – MYRTLE FAMILY * Eucalyptus sp. – eucalyptus * Callistemon citrinus- Bottlebrush * Leptospermum laevigatum- Australian tea tree

NYCTAGINACEAE – FOUR O’CLOCK FAMILY * Bougainvillea spectabilis – bougainvillea

OLEACEAE – OLIVE FAMILY * Olea europaea – olive

PLATANACEAE – SYCAMORE FAMILY Platanus racemosa – western sycamore

PLUMBAGINACEAE- LEADWORT FAMILY * Limonium perezii-sea lavender

POLYGONACEAE – BUCKWHEAT FAMILY * Rumex crispus – curly dock

SALICACEAE – WILLOW FAMILY Salix lasiolepis – arroyo willow

SOLANACEAE – NIGHTSHADE FAMILY * Nicotiana glauca – tobacco tree

ANGIOSPERMS (MONOCOTS)

ARECACEAE – PALM FAMILY * Washingtonia robusta – Washington fan palm Washingtonia filifera – California fan palm * Phoenix canariensis – Canary Island date palm

POACEAE – GRASS FAMILY * Arundo donax – giant reed * Cortaderia selloana – pampas grass

* Signifies introduced (non-native) species.

7199-02 B-2 February 2012