5

50 POWER ENGINEERS, INC. Zorn to Marion 345-kV Transmission Line Project

1.3 Agency Actions This environmental assessment (EA), prepared by POWER Engineers, Inc. (POWER), in support of LCRA TSC's application to amend its CCN from the PUCT, is intended to provide information on certain environmental and land use factors contained in Section 37.056(c)(4) of the Texas Utilities Code and the PUCT's Substantive Rule 25.101(b)(3)(B). This EA may also be used in support of any other local, state, or federal permitting requirements, if necessary.

Where a proposed route for the Project crosses a state-maintained road or highway, LCRA TSC will obtain a permit from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) if that route is ultimately approved by the PUCT. If any portion of the approved route for the transmission line will require access from a state-maintained road or highway, LCRA TSC will obtain a permit from TxDOT prior to construction. Where a proposed route for the project is parallel to TxDOT roads, LCRA TSC intends to place transmission line structures on adjacent private property and not within the road ROW. LCRA TSC does not propose to place any structures of the transmission line within any highway ROW for reasons including, but not limited to, safety, reliability, and compliance with the Texas Administrative Code, specifically TxDOT's Utility Accommodation Rules.

LCRA TSC will coordinate with Guadalupe County engineers regarding crossing of county roads as appropriate. For any portion of the Proposed Project located in the City of New Braunfels, LCRA TSC will obtain necessary permits from the City of New Braunfels prior to construction and will coordinate with the city during the design phase of the project.

Because more than one acre will be disturbed during construction of the Proposed Project, a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) will be prepared; and because more than five acres will be disturbed, a Notice of Intent (NOI) will be submitted by LCRA TSC to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). The controls specified in the SWPPP will be monitored in the field.

The General Land Office (GLO) requires a Miscellaneous Easement (ME) for any ROW crossing a state- owned riverbed or navigable stream. A few rivers/streams within the study area would likely fall into this category, and it is also likely that one or more will be crossed by the approved route of the Proposed Project. Following PUCT approval of a route for the Proposed Project, LCRA TSC will submit an application for ROW on state-owned lands to the GLO for approval. Additionally, LCRA TSC will coordinate with the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority (GBRA) regarding crossings of the Guadalupe River and associated surface waters, as appropriate. LCRA TSC will obtain necessary permits from

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GBRA prior to construction and will coordinate with GBRA during the design phase of the project. The Guadalupe River in this area is not a Navigable Water under Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act.

Upon approval of this application and prior to construction, a detailed Natural Resources Assessment (NRA) and Cultural Resources Assessment (CRA) will be performed on the approved route. Depending upon the results of these assessments, permits or regulatory approvals may be required from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). If LCRA TSC encounters previously unassessed artifacts or cultural resources during project construction, LCRA TSC will stop construction in the immediate vicinity of the site. LCRA TSC will notify and consult with the Texas Historical Commission (THC) and LCRA TSC design staff to develop a process for the site before construction continues.

Similarly, as LCRA TSC identifies other obstacles and engineering constraints along the approved route, LCRA TSC will adjust alignments, adjust structure locations/heights, and/or take other actions consistent with a Final Order approving the Proposed Project.

After all other alignments and structure locations/heights are adjusted and set based on the permitting and notices described previously, LCRA TSC will make a final determination of the need for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) notification, based on structure locations and structure designs. Based on potential impacts within the purview of the FAA, LCRA TSC may use structures of lower-than-typical heights in some areas and add marking and/or lighting to certain structures.

Appropriate measures will be taken during engineering design to ensure that special provisions of the PUCT's Final Order regarding environmental and ROW concerns are addressed. If necessary, these measures will be added to construction documents, specifications, or other documents. Following completion of the design, a preconstruction meeting will be held, which will include a review of these regulatory provisions. A physical inspection of the project will be performed following project completion to ensure all appropriate measures have been taken during construction.

LCRA TSC will report the status of the transmission line project to the PUCT on LCRA TSC's Monthly Construction Progress Report, beginning with the first report following the filing of the CCN application, and in each subsequent monthly progress report until construction is completed and actual project costs have been reported. As required by the PUCT, LCRA TSC will submit location and attribute data for the approved route after it is constructed.

HOU 146-103 (PER-02) LCRA (12/4/2015) 138626 DW PAGE 1-8 52 POWER ENGINEERS, INC. Zorn to Marion 345-kV Transmission Line Project

1.4 Description of Proposed Design and Construction 1.4.1 Design Considerations The Proposed Project will be operated as a 345-kV transmission line with bundled 959.6 thousand circular mils (kcmil) aluminum conductor, steel-supported/trapezoidal wire (ACSS/TW) "Suwannee" with two conductors per phase and one fiber optic ground wire (OPGW). A portion of the circuit will be installed on existing double-circuit capable structures and easements beginning at the existing Zorn substation and continuing to a location near the Clear Springs substation. The remaining portion will be installed on new structures and within new easements. LCRA TSC will initially install one 345-kV circuit on the new transmission line portion with the provision for a second circuit to be installed in the future.

The Proposed Project will be rated for operation at 3,296 Amperes, yielding a nominal 1969-Megavolt- amperes (MVA) capacity. The configurations of the conductor and shield wires will provide adequate clearance for operation at 345-kV, considering icing and wind conditions. The Proposed Project will be designed and constructed to meet or exceed the specifications set forth in the current edition of the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) and will comply with all applicable state and federal statutes and regulations. The results of the Natural/Cultural Resource Assessments will be considered when designing and placing new structures.

1.4.2 Typical Structures and Easements LCRA TSC proposes to use 345-kV double-circuit capable pole structures for typical tangent, angle, and deadend structures for the new construction. LCRA TSC has also considered other structure types for the new construction, including lattice towers. The geometries of the proposed and alternative, typical tangent, angle and deadend structures are shown on Figures 1-4 through 1-10. These structure geometries are illustrative. All of these structure types are capable of being constructed, operated, and maintained within the proposed easement widths described below. In some areas, such as transmission line crossings and highway crossings, shorter than typical, taller than typical, or alternative structure types may be utilized. In some locations and along certain route segments, H-frame structures may be used to avoid potential impacts (e.g., New Braunfels Municipal Airport and other FAA facilities). Actual structure types may differ slightly based on newer or different designs available at the time of construction.

The new double-circuit capable 345-kV transmission facilities will typically be constructed on new ROW within easements ranging from approximately 120 to 160 feet in width, and using typical spans that range from approximately 900 to 1,500 feet. In some areas, spans could be more or less than the typical spans, depending upon terrain and other engineering constraints. Easement widths could also vary to address

HOU 146-103 (PER-02) LCRA (12/4/2015) 138626 DW PAGE 1-9 53 POWER ENGINEERS, INC. Zorn to Marion 345-kV Transmission Line Project similar concerns. Access easements and/or temporary construction easements may be needed in some areas.

1.4.3 Substations The new circuit will connect to the existing LCRA TSC Zorn and Marion substations. Several of the route segments are located near the existing Clear Springs substation, including one segment that passes through the Clear Springs substation. However, the new circuit will not be connected electrically to the Clear Springs substation. Some new construction will be required at the Zorn and Marion substations as part of the scope of the Proposed Project.

HOU 146-103 (PER-02) LCRA (12/4/2015) 138626 DW PAGE 1-10 54 Source: LCRA 2015

Figure 1-4

Typical Double-Circuit 345-kV Steel Lattice Tower Tangent

Zorn to Marion 345-kV Transmission Line Project ^ PO6AeER ENGINEERS ^^-^ FNFIIGY • Yd1fY • COMM W IR 5P(VK6 55 1-i i Source: LCRA 2015

Figure 1-5

Typical Double-Circuit 345-kV Steel Lattice Tower Angle

Zorn to Marion 345-kV Transmission Line Project POWER ^ ^ ,A 3^..Ar.a^.^.UL

1-^6 Source: LCRA 2015

Figure 1-6

Typical Double-Circuit 345-kV Steel Lattice Tower Deadend

Zorn to Marion 345-kV Transmission Line Project ER C^^ POtWNEERS ^ FNEPGY • VdIIX • CUMMUNIIY 5!R

1-I3^ Source: LCRA 2015

Figure 1-7

Typical Double-Circuit 345-kV Steel Pole Tangent

Zorn to Marion 345-kV Transmission Line Project

"" POWER -••^- Ak ENGINEERS E!&MY. WRikA.fRVIEES

1-1 0 co

0 N

Source: LCRA 2015

Figure 1-8

Typical Double-Circuit 345-kV Steel Pole Angle

Zorn to Marion 345-kV Transmission Line Project ^I^_ POWER n .10M /k

'/►" wnEwr.wnha' cwuuwmsuvxc Source: LCRA 2015

Figure 1-9

Typical Double-Circuit 345-kV Steel Poles Deadend

Zorn to Marion 345-kV Transmission Line Project PO 0 --A ^ vp-z ENGINEERSR ft

1-1 Source: LCRA 2015

Figure 1-10

Typical Double-Circuit 345-kV Steel H-Frames Tangent

Zorn to Marion 345-kV Transmission Line Project - POWER LC^A ,^" _ -xa

1-17 POWER ENGINEERS, INC. Zorn to Marion 345-kV Transmission Line Project

1.5 Construction Considerations

Construction of the Proposed Project will require removal of vegetation, excavating for installation of foundations, structure assembly and erection, conductor and shield wire installation, and cleanup when construction is complete.

After alignments and structure locations/heights are set, construction specifications will be prepared and construction will be conducted with attention to the conservation of natural and cultural resources. The following criteria will help to attain this goal:

1. Efforts will be made to avoid oil spills and other types of pollution, particularly while performing work in the vicinity of streams, ponds, and other water bodies. 2. Water used for construction purposes will not typically be taken from streams or other bodies of water. Should water from streams be necessary, its use will be limited to volumes that will not cause harm to the ecology or aesthetics of the area. 3. Precautions will be taken to prevent the possibility of accidentally starting range fires, in compliance with local fire laws and applicable regulations. 4. Tension stringing of conductors will be employed where possible to reduce the amount of vegetation removal. Helicopters may be considered for use in some areas, potentially including areas where clearing may be difficult or particularly impactful to the environment. 5. Precautions will be taken to prevent the spread of oak wilt. ROW preparation will adhere to LCRA's Corporate Oak Wilt Policy (see Appendix F). 6. When practical, in areas of known endangered or threatened species habitat and in consultation with the USFWS, construction will be performed during seasons of low occurrence or during the non-breeding season (species dependent). 7. The Proposed Project will comply with the TCEQ construction general permit for storm water discharges. 8. If any previously unassessed archaeological materials are uncovered during construction, construction will cease in the immediate area of the discovery, and LCRA TSC will take appropriate actions consistent with those previously described in Section 1.3. 9. ROW preparation will be performed in accordance with the provisions discussed below, in order to diminish soil disturbance during construction.

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1.5.1 Right-of-Way (ROW) Preparation Trees and brush in the ROW are removed where necessary to ensure safe operation of and access to the line.

Existing and new ROW will be used for access during construction operations. Ingress and egress through private property may be required in limited circumstances to reduce construction impacts. In the event ingress and egress through private property is necessary, existing private roads will be used where practical. In some cases, culverts may be used to cross creeks and tributaries. Where culverts are not used, creek crossings may consist of rock or cobble placed on the stream bottom. The following factors, thoughtfully implemented and applicable to the Proposed Project, will minimize the potential adverse effects of the Proposed Project on the natural environment:

1. Preparation of the ROW for construction of the transmission line facilities will take into account soil stability, the prevention of silt deposition in water courses, and practical measures for the protection of natural vegetation and protection of adjacent resources, such as natural habitat, for wildlife. 2. A flail mower may be used instead of bulldozers with dirt blades, where such use will preserve the cover crop of grass, low-growing brush, and similar vegetation. 3. Vegetation will typically be removed in a straight path. 4. Removal of vegetation and grading of construction areas, such as storage areas or setup sites, will be performed in a manner that will minimize erosion and conform to the natural topography. 5. Vegetation removal will be performed in accordance with construction plans, which will be developed in accordance with natural and cultural resource regulations applicable to the area of construction and in a manner that will diminish scarring of the landscape or silting of streams, while ensuring that the transmission line facilities can be constructed, operated, and maintained safely and in accordance with the construction codes referenced above. 6. Vegetation removal will be performed in a manner that diminishes the amount of flora and fauna disturbed during construction of the transmission line, except to the extent necessary to establish appropriate clearance for the transmission line. 7. Vegetation removal and construction activities, including temporary or permanent access roads in the Waters of the United States or in the vicinity of streambeds, will be performed in a manner to minimize damage to the natural condition of the area and in accordance with USACE requirements.

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8. Vegetation removal will not be performed until a SWPPP has been prepared and a NOI has been submitted to the TCEQ for the Proposed Project. 9. Erosion control devices will be constructed where necessary to prevent soil erosion in the ROW, in accordance with the SWPPP. Erosion control devices will be maintained and inspections conducted until the site is sufficiently re-vegetated, as required by the SWPPP. 10. Roads will be provided with erosion-control measures, which may include side drainage ditches or culverts in accordance with the SWPPP. 11. Roads will be stabilized if constructed on steep slopes. Where feasible, service and access roads will be constructed jointly. 12. In or near areas where ROWs enter dense vegetation and cross major highways or rivers of high scenic value, a screen of natural vegetation may be left in the ROW while still allowing for access to the ROW.

1.5.2 Structure Assembly and Erection

Survey crews will stake or otherwise mark structure locations. Soil borings and soils testing will provide the parameters for foundation designs for new structures. Construction crews will install structures by excavating circular holes and placing in them a reinforced, concrete foundation or a direct-embed pole. Where direct-embedded poles are used, crews will install them by excavating oversized holes, lifting and setting the structure, and backfilling with native soils, select fill, or concrete, depending on soil conditions at the site. Where reinforced concrete foundations are used, crews will set structures after foundations have sufficiently cured. Following structure erection, crews will install the conductor and shield wire suspension assemblies. Conductor suspension assemblies may include porcelain and/or polymer insulators. Structure grounds will be installed using external ground rods. In some areas, avian-perching deterrents will be installed above suspension assemblies.

Although vehicular traffic is a very large part of this operation, construction crews will take care to limit damage to the ROW by minimizing the number of pathways traveled.

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1.5.3 Conductor and Shield Wire Installation Conductor, also referred to as wire, and shield wires (for lightning protection) will be installed via a tensioning system. Tensioning systems typically use ropes threaded through stringing blocks or dollies for each conductor and shield wire. Conductor and shield wires will be pulled by the ropes and held tight by a tensioner to keep the wires from coming in contact with the ground and other objects that could damage the wire. In addition, guard structures (temporary wood-pole structures) will be installed where the transmission line crosses overhead electric power lines, overhead telephone lines, roadways, or other areas requiring an additional margin of safety during wire installation. After the wire is tensioned to the required sag, the wire will be taken out of the blocks and placed in the suspension and dead-end clamps for permanent attachment.

1.5.4 Cleanup The cleanup operation involves stabilizing disturbed areas, removal of debris, and the restoration of items damaged by construction of the Proposed Project. The following criteria will guide the cleanup of construction debris and restoration of the area's natural setting. Further requirements may be imposed by land management agencies.

1. Construction equipment, supplies, and LCRA TSC or contractor property will be dismantled and removed from the ROW when construction is complete. 2. Construction waste, with the possible exception of cleared vegetation, will be removed prior to completion of the Proposed Project. 3. If cleared vegetation is mulched, it may be spread out over the ROW, given to the landowner or a nursery as a product for beneficial use, or picked up and taken to a landfill.

4. Burning is not typically conducted, but may be used as a means of disposal, if no practical alternative exists. Any material to be burned will be piled in a manner and in locations that will cause the least fire risk. Care will be taken to prevent fire or heat damage to trees, shrubs, and structures adjacent to the ROW and substation. Burning will conform to local fire and air quality regulations. 5. Soil that has been excavated during construction and not used will be evenly backfilled onto a cleared area, spread to conform to the terrain and the adjacent land, or removed from the site.

6. Replacement of soil adjacent to water crossings for access roads will be at slopes less than the normal angle of repose for the soil type involved. 7. If temporary roads are used, they will be removed and the original slopes restored and re- vegetated as required by the SWPPP.

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8. If natural re-vegetation will not provide ground cover in a reasonable length of time, seeding, sprigging or hydro-seeding of restored areas may be used to encourage growth of grasses and other vegetation that is ecologically desirable. 9. Where site factors make it unusually difficult to establish a protective vegetative cover, other restoration procedures may be advisable to prevent erosion, such as the use of gravel, rocks, or concrete. 10. LCRA TSC will return each affected landowner's property to its original contours and grades unless otherwise agreed to by the landowners' representatives. However, LCRA TSC will not restore a landowner's property to its original contours and grades if doing so will affect the safety or stability of the project's structures or the safe operation and maintenance of the line.

1.6 Maintenance

Periodic inspection of the ROW, structures, and line will be performed by the LCRA TSC Line Operations Department in order to provide for the safe and reliable operation of the transmission line. The major maintenance item will be the necessary removal of trees and other vegetation that have the potential to interfere with the safe and reliable operation of the transmission line. Preservation of the environmental, natural, and cultural resource conservation factors, designed and built into transmission system siting, require a thoughtful, comprehensive program for maintaining the facilities. The following factors will be incorporated into LCRA TSC's maintenance program for this project.

1. Native vegetation, particularly that of value to fish and wildlife, that has been preserved during the construction process and that does not impede access nor have the potential to grow close enough to the transmission line to pose a hazard to the safe operation and maintenance of the transmission line, will be allowed to grow in selected parts of the ROW. 2. Once a cover of vegetation has been established, it will be properly maintained to ensure public safety and a reliable, functioning transmission system. 3. Access roads and service roads, where practical, will be maintained with native grass cover. Where grading is necessary, access and service roads will be graded to the proper slope in order to prevent or diminish soil erosion. 4. If used, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) approved herbicides will be carefully selected and carefully applied in a manner that will diminish effects on desirable indigenous plant life, and selective application will be used whenever appropriate. To preserve the natural environment, it is essential that herbicides be applied in a manner fully consistent with the protection of the entire environment, particularly the health of humans and wildlife.

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5. Maintenance inspection intervals will be established by LCRA TSC and routine maintenance will be conducted, when possible, while access roads are firm or dry. 6. Aerial and ground maintenance inspection activities of the transmission line facility will include observation of soil erosion problems, fallen timber, and conditions of the vegetation that require attention. As an erosion-control measure, native shrubs, forbs, or grasses may be planted. 7. Transmission line ROW can be used for appropriate types of multiple-use concepts, such as trails suitable for hiking, biking, bird watching, farming, ranching and livestock grazing, wildlife production, and recreational or commercial hunting operations, as long as the activity does not impact public safety or inhibit safe operation and maintenance of the electrical system.

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2.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE STUDY AREA

The study approach utilized by POWER for this EA included the characterization and identification of environmental constraints and potential routing opportunities for the project. To accomplish this task, once the project endpoints were provided and the initial study area boundaries established, a base map was developed and several methods were then incorporated to collect pertinent environmental and land use data. Methods utilized for the development and identification for preliminary and proposed alternative routes are provided in Section 4.0.

The endpoints for this project include the existing Zorn substation and the existing Marion substation. A portion of the new transmission line can utilize a vacant position on the existing Clear Springs to Zorn 345-kV transmission line (T-51 1). The original study area boundary was drawn so that the Proposed Project would extend through the existing Clear Springs substation. The initial study area boundary, which was developed in May 2015, is depicted in Figure 2-1.

In July 2015, based on further review, LCRA TSC modified the initial study area boundary to include approximately 2.4 miles of the existing Clear Springs to Hutto 345-kV transmission line (approved by the PUCT in Docket No. 33978). The northern portion of the study area was modified to allow for the inclusion of alternate route segments that were shorter, potentially less costly, and still provide for a new circuit between Marion and Zorn substations. The revised (final) study area boundary is depicted in Figure 2-2. The study area boundaries were defined to include feasible geographically diverse alternatives for the location of a new double circuit capable 345-kV transmission line. Major physiographic features, jurisdictional boundaries, sensitive resources, land uses, and existing linear corridors (roadways and utilities) helped to define the study area boundaries. The study area covers approximately 64 square miles in Guadalupe County.

After delineation of the study area, a project base map was prepared and used to display resource data for the project area. Resource data categories and factors that were determined appropriate for evaluation based on the statutory requirements and the PUCT's rules and precedent were selected and mapped for interpretation and analysis. The base map provides a broad overview of various resource locations indicating routing constraints and areas of potential routing opportunities.

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HOU 146-103 (PER-02) LCRA ( 12/4/2015) 138626 DW PAGE 2-2 70

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74 POWER ENGINEERS, INC. Zorn to Marion 345-kV Transmission Line Project

Data displayed on the base map include but are not limited to:

• Major land jurisdictions and uses • Major roads (including county roads [CR], farm-to-market [FM] roads, state highways [SH])

• Existing transmission line and pipeline corridors • Parks and recreation areas • Major political subdivision boundaries • Rivers, streams, and ponds

Several methods were used to collect and review environmental and land use data, including incorporation of readily available Geographic Information System (GIS) coverage with associated metadata, review of maps and published literature, review of files and records from numerous federal, state and local regulatory agencies, and reconnaissance surveys of the study area. Inventory data for each resource area were collected and mapped within the study area using GIS programs and software.

Maps and/or data layers reviewed include, but were not limited to, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5 minute topographic maps, National Wetland Inventory (NWI) maps, TxDOT county highway maps, county appraisal district land parcel boundary maps, and recent aerial imagery flown on August 2nd and

3rd, 2015.

Various federal, state, and local agencies and officials that may have potential concerns and/or regulatory permitting requirements for the Proposed Project were contacted. A list of federal, state, and local regulatory agencies to receive a consultation letter regarding the Proposed Project was developed. The purpose of the letter was to inform the various agencies and officials of the Proposed Project and to provide them with an opportunity to disseminate information regarding resources and potential issues within the study area. Copies of correspondence with local/county departments and the various federal, state, and local regulatory agencies are included in Appendix A.

Ground reconnaissance surveys of the study area (limited to public viewpoints) were conducted by POWER personnel to confirm the findings of data collection activities, identify changes in land use occurring after the date of the available aerial photography, and identify potential unknown constraints that may not have been previously noted in the data. Ground reconnaissance surveys of the study area were conducted on the following dates:

• July 13, 2015

HOU 146-103 (PER-02) LCRA (12/4/2015) 138626 DW PAGE 2-7 75 POWER ENGINEERS, INC. Zorn to Marion 345-kV Transmission Line Project

• September 17, 2015 The following sections summarize the data collection methods and describe the environmental setting for each resource within the study area.

2.1 Physiography As shown in Figure 2-3, the study area is located within the Blackland Prairies Sub-province of the Gulf Coastal Plains Physiographic Province (Bureau of Economic Geology [BEG] 1996). This area of the Blackland Prairies is characterized by low rolling terrain with a gentle undulating surface. Historically, most natural vegetation has been cleared for crops. Elevations in the Blackland Prairies typically range between 450 feet above mean sea level (amsl) to 1,000 feet amsl. Elevations in the study area range between approximately 530 feet amsl along the lower portions of the Guadalupe River, to approximately 780 feet on the hilltops in the northwestern portions of the study area (BEG 1996).

2.2 Geology The BEG geologic atlas maps were reviewed for geologic formations that occur within the study area and include Quaternary and Cretaceous aged formations (BEG 1982). Geologic rock formations within the study area include the Navarro and Maribrook Marl from the Upper Cretaceous and the Leona Formation and fluviatile terrace deposits associated with Quaternary aged rock formations (BEG 1982). Descriptions of the various geologic formations mapped within the study area are described in the following sections.

Quaternary aged rock groups within the study area include the Leona Formation and fluvial terrace deposits. The Leona formation is located on the first wide terrace of Nueces and Leona Rivers below the Uvalde Formation and composed of terrace deposits made of gravel, sand, silt, and clay. Fluvial terrace deposits contain gravel, sand, silt, and clay, with gravel being more abundant along the Guadalupe River. These types of deposits are also located along streams north of the Guadalupe River. These two rock groups are found around the Guadalupe River and larger creeks within the study area (BEG 1982; USGS 2014).

HOU 146-103 (PER-02) LCRA (12/4/2015) 138626 DW PAGE 2-8 76 N Legend Figure 2-3 W-^ AE Physiographic Region Boundary LOCATION OF THE STUDY AREA us 1 Fiigh Plains IN RELATION TO THE 2 North-Central Plains PHYSIOGRAPHIC REGIONS OF TEXAS 30 60 120 180 240 3 Grand Prairie 0 4 Blackland Prairies 5 Interior Coastal Plains Zorn to Marion Miles 6 Gulf Coastal Prairies 345-kV Transmission Line Project 7 Edwards Plateau 8 Central Texas Uplift 9 Trans-Pecos Basin and Range POWER LC- P ^ County Boundary Source. Texas Bureau of Economic Geology, 1996 S^ ENGINEERS •wia.cwnraurmxavrces

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Cretaceous aged rock groups within the study area include the Navarro Group - Marlbrook Marl and Pecan Gap Chalk, both of the Taylor Group, formed during the upper Cretaceous period. The Navarro Group and Marlbrook Marl are composed of clay or mud and a fine grained mix of clay or calcium carbonate with variable amounts of silt and glauconite. This formation is primarily located in the southern and central portions of the study area. The Pecan Gap Chalk consists of chalk and chalky marl with a thickness of 100 to 400 feet and is primarily found in the northwest portion of the study area (BEG 1982; USGS 2014).

Geological Significant Features Several potential significant features affecting construction and operation of the transmission line were reviewed within the study area. Potentially hazardous areas reviewed include karst areas with known cave locations, fault lines, and subsurface contamination.

Review of Texas Speleological Survey (TSS) maps and database did not indicate any karst regions or known cave locations located within the study area (TSS 1994, 2007).

Review of the BEG geologic atlas maps indicates three normal faults (approximately 6.1, 4.8, and 1.5 miles in length) located within the northwest study area. All faults run in an approximate northeast - southwest direction, with the up-thrown side facing southeast (BEG 1982). No Quaternary faults were identified within the study area (USGS 2015a).

Subsurface contamination (soils or groundwater) from previous commercial activities or dumps/landfills may require additional considerations during routing and/or may create a potential hazard during construction activities. Review of USEPA Superfund/National Priority List Sites (USEPA 2014) and TCEQ State Superfund Sites (TCEQ 2015) did not indicate any federal or state listed sites within the study area. The Marion Landfill (inactive) is located along the southwestern boundary of the study area, located approximately 1,000 feet south of the intersection of FM 78 and Schwab Road. No active landfills were identified within the study area (TCEQ 2007).

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2.3 Soils 2.3.1 Soil Associations The published Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) soil surveys for Guadalupe County (Soil Conservation Service [SCS] 1977) were used to identify and characterize the soil associations that encompass the study area. A soil association is a group of soils geographically associated in a characteristic repeating pattern and defined as a single unit (NRCS 2015). Soil associations occurring within the study area are listed in Table 2-1, which summarizes each soil association identified within the study area and indicates if any mapped units of the soil series within the association are considered prime farmlands and/or hydric soils (NRCS 2015).

TABLE 2-1 MAPPED SOIL ASSOCIATIONS WITHIN THE STUDY AREA

PRIME SOIL PERCENT OF DESCRIPTION SOIL SERIES HYDRIC SOIL FARMLAND ASSOCIATION ASSOCIATION SOIL Deep, moderately well Branyon 52 No Yes Branyon drained to well drained, nearly Barbarosa 18 No Yes Barbarosa level to gently sloping, clayey Lewisville Lewisville 13 No Yes soils on stream terraces Other 17 - - Deep, well drained, nearly Sunev 32 No Yes level to gently sloping, loamy Sunev - Seguin Seguin 20 Yes Yes soils on bottomlands and terraces Other 48 - - Deep, moderately well Houston Black 52 No Yes Houston Black - drained to well drained, gently Heiden 29 No Yes Heiden sloping to moderately steep, clavev soils on uplands Other 19 Source: SCS 1977; NRCS 2015.

Sunev-Seguin soil units are found near the Guadalupe River and Lake McQueeney. Seguin soils are typically found on floodplains, while Sunev are typically on low terraces. Branyon-Barbarosa-Lewisville soil units cover the study area east of the Guadalupe River and also along Santa Clara Creek to the west. Within this association, Branyon is mainly found on large smooth areas, while Barbarosa and Lewisville soils are on low broad ridges. Soils in the association are typically used for cropland. Houston Black- Heiden soils are typically found on upland sites west of the Guadalupe River, and are mainly used for crops and improved pasture.

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2.3.2 Prime Farmland Soils United States Code 7-420 1 (c)(1)(A) defines prime farmland soils as those soils that have the best combination of physical and chemical characteristics for producing food, feed, forage, fiber, and oilseed crops. They have the soil quality, growing season, and moisture supply needed to economically produce sustained high yields of crops when treated and managed, including water management, according to acceptable farming methods. Additional potential prime farmlands are those soils that meet most of the requirements of prime farmland but fail because they lack the installation of water management facilities or they lack sufficient natural moisture. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) would consider these soils as prime farmland if such practices were installed. According to the NRCS Web Soil Survey (NRCS 2015), there are multiple soil series designated as prime farmland within the study area. The soil associations are listed in Table 2-1.

The NRCS responded to POWER's solicitation for information in a letter dated June 4, 2015 (Appendix A). The NRCS concluded, "if only power lines are being added, the project is considered exempt from the Farmland Protection Policy Act (FPPA). If new substations are being constructed, then the exact location and exact acreage figures are needed in order for us to make our determination." As discussed in Section 1.0, no new substations are planned in connection with this Project.

Typically, the construction of a new transmission line is not considered a conversion of Prime and Important Farmlands because the area within the ROW between the transmission line structures can still be used for agricultural purposes after construction. As a result, no long-term adverse impacts to prime farmland soils are anticipated, and without a federal nexus, the project would be exempt from the regulations listed under Part 523 - Farmland Protection Policy Act Manual; Subpart B; 523.10,B (8).

2.3.3 Hydric Soils The National Technical Committee for Hydric Soils defines hydric soils as soils that were formed under conditions of saturation, flooding, or ponding long enough during the growing season to develop anaerobic conditions in the upper part. These soils, under natural conditions, are either saturated or inundated long enough during the growing season to support the growth and reproduction of hydrophytic vegetation (NRCS 2015).

Table 2-1 lists whether there are map unit components that are rated as hydric soils in the study area. Minor soils (Other) within each association were not evaluated for this criterion. According to the NRCS

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(2015) Web Soil Survey Database, only Seguin soils are identified as a hydric soil; however, minor soil components within each soil association may be designated as hydric.

2.4 Mineral and Energy Resources

Information was reviewed for historic and active mining operations, oil/gas wells, pipelines, and supporting facilities and were identified through the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) database, USGS 7.5 minute topographic maps, and during field reconnaissance surveys.

Many oil/gas pipelines and multiple active and historic gravel quarries/pits were identified within the study area. RRC data were reviewed and no historical or current coal/uranium mining activities were identified within the study area (RRC 2015a, 2015b).

The Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority (GBRA) owns and operates a hydro-electric dam located on the south end of Lake McQueeney along the Guadalupe River. This dam is located in the south-central portion of the study area (GBRA 2015).

2.5 Water Resources 2.5.1 Surface Water The study area is located entirely within the Guadalupe River Basin and locally within the Middle Guadalupe and Cibolo Sub-basins (USEPA 2015). Information on water resources within the study area was obtained from a variety of sources, including the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), National Hydrology Dataset (Nl-ID), USGS topographical maps, aerial photographs, and through field reconnaissance.

Named surface waters located within the study area include the Guadalupe River, Lake McQueeney, Lake Dunlap, Santa Clara Creek, Long Creek, Youngs Creek, Alligator Creek, Geronimo Creek, and Walnut Branch. Additional unnamed surface waters identified within the study area include small lakes, stock tanks, retention ponds, streams, tributaries, floodplains, and a canal.

The Guadalupe River flows in a general north - south direction through the central portion of the study area. This river flows to the southeast and eventually flows into the Gulf of Mexico at San Antonio Bay, approximately 110 miles southeast of the study area. Lake McQueeney and Lake Dunlap (both dammed

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portions of the Guadalupe River) were formed with the construction of dams to provide hydroelectric power to the surrounding areas. Both lakes are owned and operated by the GBRA (GBRA 2015).

Review of the 2012 TWDB State Water Plan and 2011 Regional Water Plan (Region L - South Central Texas) did not indicate any proposed reservoir projects within the study area (TWDB 2011 a, 2012).

Under 31 TAC 357.8, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has identified Ecologically Significant Stream Segments (ESSS) based on habitat value, threatened and endangered species, species diversity, and aesthetic value criteria. One ESSS, Geronimo Creek, was identified within the study area. The ecological significance of this segment is based upon the following criteria: High Water Quality/Exceptional Aquatic Life/High Aesthetic Value-ecoregion stream; high water quality, and diverse benthic macroinvertebrate community (TPWD 2015a). The study area is located at the headwaters of Geronimo Creek and is primarily surrounded by agricultural croplands.

In accordance with Section 303(d) and 304(a) of the Clean Water Act (CWA), the TCEQ identifies surface waters for which effluent limitations are not stringent enough to implement water quality standards and for which the associated pollutants are suitable for measurement by maximum daily load. Review of the TCEQ (2012) 303(d) list indicates there are no locations within the study area that do not meet the criteria established.

2.5.2 Ground Water No major or minor aquifers were identified within the study area. The study area lies between the Edwards and Carrizo-Wilcox aquifers (TWDB 2011b).

Other ground water resources such as public and private water wells and natural springs were identified using the TWDB (TWDB 1975, 2015) data, TPWD (2015b) data, and USGS topographic maps (USGS 2015b). These features were mapped using GIS and taken into consideration during the routing process. Three-mile Creole Spring is located in the northern portion of the study area north of SH 46 and drains into an unnamed tributary approximately one-half mile north of Lake Dunlap. Two additional unnamed springs were identified near the Lake Dunlap dam. Additional springs and groundwater seeps may occur within the study area.

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2.5.3 Floodplains Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) floodplain mapping data were reviewed for the study area. Based on FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), the 100-year floodplains within the study area are associated with low lying creek beds, river bottoms, and associated depressional areas. The 100- year flood (1 % flood or base flood) represents a flood event that has a 1% chance of being equaled or exceeded for any given year (FEMA 2015).

2.6 Ecological Resources

Information on sensitive wildlife and vegetation resources within the study area was obtained from a variety of sources, including correspondence with the USFWS and TPWD. Additional information was obtained from published literature and technical reports. All biological resource data for the study area were mapped using GIS.

For the purpose of this EA, emphasis was placed on obtaining known locations of unique vegetative communities and habitat for special status species that have been previously documented within the study area. Special status species include those listed by the USFWS as threatened, endangered, proposed, or candidate; and those listed by TPWD as threatened, endangered or rare. A GIS file of known occurrences for listed species and/or sensitive vegetative communities was obtained from the TPWD Texas Natural Diversity Database (TXNDD) on May 28, 2015. Although review of the TXNDD (2015) report identified no listed species as existing within the study area, the potential for a species to exist within the study area is not precluded. Only a thorough review of existing habitats and/or a species specific survey could determine the presence or absence of a special status species.

2.6.1 Vegetation The study area is located within the southern end of the Texas Blackland Prairies Level III Ecoregion and Northern Blackland Prairie Level IV Ecoregion (Griffith et al. 2007). A general description of the historical climax vegetative communities associated with each ecoregion has been provided below. However, like many areas of Texas, suppression of fire, land conversion, and extensive clearing have greatly modified the landscape and vegetative composition of the area.

Blackland Prairies Ecore2ion The Blackland Prairies Ecoregion is characterized by gently rolling to nearly level topography with elevation variations from 300 to 800 feet amsl. Soils are characterized as fairly uniform dark-colored alkaline clays, often referred to as "black gumbo," interspersed with some gray acid sandy loams.

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Historically, this region was a true tallgrass prairie with little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) as a climax species (Griffith et al. 2007).

Northern Blackland Prairie This historic tall grass prairie was once formed by regular regimes of fire and bison grazing. Frequent widespread fire limited woody species growth, while encouraging a variety of grasses and forbs. Rivers and creeks formed natural fire breaks; therefore these bottoms were often composed of forests of mixed hardwoods (Griffith et al. 2007).

Vegetation Tynes As shown in Figure 2-4, the study area is located within the Blackland Prairie Vegetational Area (Gould et al. 1960). Historically, major grasses within this tallgrass prairie included little bluestem, big bluestem (Andropogon gerardi), indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans) and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum). Other minor species include sideoates grama (Bouteloua curtipendula), hairy grama (Bouteloua hirsuta), Mead's sedge (Carex meadii), Texas wintergrass (Nassella leucotricha), tall dropseed (Sporobolus compositus), Silveus' dropseed (Sporobolus silveanus) and buffalograss (Buchloe dactyloides) (Hatch et al. 1990).

Today, the area is dominated by cropland and pastureland, and many areas have been converted for urban and industrial purposes (Frye et al. 1984; Griffith et al. 2007). Under heavy grazing, dominant grass species include Texas wintergrass, buffalograss, and Texas grama (Bouteloua rigidiseta). In general, abandoned rangelands and croplands are replaced by areas of honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) trees and prickly pear (Opuntia spp.). Post oak (Quercus stellata) and blackjack oak (Quercus marilandica) have increased on medium to light textured soils (Griffith et al. 2007). The tree and shrub species occurring within the study area are summarized in Table 2-2. The occurrence and density of each species varies depending on location, hydrology, soil type, and magnitude of previous ground disturbance or land management activities (Simpson 1999).

HOU 146-103 (PER-02) LCRA (12/4/2015) 138626 DW PAGE 2-16 84 N Legend Figure 2-4 Vegetational Areas Boundary LOCATION OF THE STUDY AREA W_^_ E s 1 Pmeywoods IN RELATION TO THE 2 Gulf Prairies and Marshes VEGETATIONAL AREAS OF TEXAS Post Oak Savannah 0 30 60 120 180 240 3 4 Blackland Prairies n 5 Cross Timbers and Prairies Zorn to Marion Miles 6 South Texas Plains 7 Edwards Plateau 345-kV Transmission Line Project 8 Rolling Plains 9 High Plains 10 Trans-Pecos ,^" POWER ENGINEERS UK Source. Gould, F W, Hoffman, G O, and Rechenthm, C.A 1960, modified I= County Boundary wew..^i^'A w • co.wwrrc.. suvrcs

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TABLE 2-2 REPRESENTATIVE TREE/SHRUB SPECIES POTENTIALLY OCCURRING WITHIN THE STUDY AREA SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME Acer negundo Boxelder Aesculus pavia Red buckeye Carya illinoinensis Pecan Carya texana Black hickory Celtis laevigata Sugarberry Cercis canadensis Eastern redbud Crataegus viridis Green hawthorn Diospyros texana Texas persimmon Fraxinus pennsylvanica Green ash Gleditsia triacanthos Honeylocust Ilex vomitoria Yaupon Juglans nigra Black walnut hex decidua Possumhaw Maclura pomifera Bois d'arc Melia azedarach Chinaberry Morus rubra Red mulberry Platanus occidentalis American sycamore Populus deltoides Eastern cottonwood Prosopis glandulosa Honey mesquite Prunus mexicana Mexican plum Quercus macrocarpa Bur oak Quercus marilandica Blackjack oak Quercus shumardii Shumard oak Quercus stellata Post Oak Quercus virginiana Live oak Salix nigra Black willow Sapindus drummondii Western soapberry Sideroxylon lanuginosum Chittamwood Taxodium distichum Bald cypress Triadica sebifera Chinese tallow Ulmus americana American elm Ulmus crassifolia Cedar elm Viburnum rufidulum Rustv blackhaw Source: Simpson 1999

2.6.2 Terrestrial Wildlife and Habitats Terrestrial wildlife habitats within the study area include pasturelands, croplands, upland brushlands, and deciduous forests. Much of the native grasslands are converted into agricultural uses such as cow pastures, orchards, hayfields, and crops. Many of the over-grazed pastures have become overgrown with mesquite and now include grass species such as buffalograss and Texas grama throughout the southern

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The study area is located within the Texan Biotic Province (see Figure 2-5) as described by Blair (1950). Located adjacent to the Balconian and Tamaulipan provinces, overlap in species diversity between these provinces would be anticipated. The Texan Biotic Province represents a transitional area between the forested Austroriparian Biotic Province to the east and grassland provinces to the west. The combination of forests and grasslands results in a blend of vertebrate species typical of both habitats. At the time of publication, Blair (1950) described 18 anurans (frogs and toads), five urodeles (salamanders and newts), 39 snake species, 16 lizards, two land turtles and 49 species of mammals known to occur within the Texas Biotic Province.

HOU 146-103 (PER-02) LCRA (12/4/2015) 138626 DW PAGE 2-19 87 N Legend Figure 2-5 WQ A Biotic Province Boundary Vf LOCATION OF THE STUDY AREA S IN RELATION TO THE ^ County Boundary BIOTIC PROVINCES OF TEXAS 0 30 60 120 180 240 Zorn to Marion Miles 345-kV Transmission Line Project

0- ^ POWER Source Blair, 1950, modified Z^ ENGINEERS LC ;,A

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Amphibian species (frogs, toads, and salamanders) that may typically occur within the study area are listed in Table 2-3. Frogs and toads may occur in most habitat types, while salamanders are typically restricted to moist hydric habitats (Tipton et al. 2012; Dixon 2013).

TABLE 2-3 REPRESENTATIVE AMPHIBIAN SPECIES OCCURRING WITHIN THE STUDY AREA SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME Frogs/Toads Acris blanchardi Blanchard's cricket froq Anaxyrus debilis debilis Eastern Chihuahuan qreen toad Anaxyrus speciosus Texas toad Anaxyrus woodhousii woodhousii Rocky Mountain toad Gastrophryne olivaceus Western narrow-mouthed toad Hyla chrysoscelis Cope's gray tree frog Hyla cinerea Green treefrog Hyla versicolor Gray treefrog Incilius nebulifer Gulf Coast toad Lithobates berlandieri Rio Grande leopard frog Lithobates catesbeianus American bullfrog Lithobates sphenocephala Southern leopard frog Pseudacris clarkii Spotted chorus froq Pseudacris streckeri Strecker's chorus froa Scaphiopus couchii Couch's spadefoot Salamanders Ambystoma texanum Small-mouthed salamander Plethodon albagula Western slimy salamander Source: Dixon 2013.

Reptiles (turtles, lizards, and snakes) that may typically occur in the study area are listed in Table 2-4. These include those species that are more commonly observed near water (i.e., aquatic turtles) and those that are more common in terrestrial habitats (Dixon and Werler 2005; Dixon 2013).

TABLE 2-4 REPRESENTATIVE REPTILIAN SPECIES OCCURRING WITHIN THE STUDY AREA SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME

Apalone spinifera guadalupensis Guadalupe spiny softshell Chelydra serpentina Snapping turtle Kinosternon subrubrum Eastern mud turtle Pseudemys texana Texas cooter Sternotherus odoratus Eastern musk turtle Terrapene carolina Eastern box turtle Terrapene omata ornata Plains box turtle Trachemys scripta elegans Red-eared slider

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TABLE 2•4 REPRESENTATIVE REPTILIAN SPECIES OCCURRING WITHIN THE STUDY AREA Lizards Anolis carolinensis Green anole Aspidoscelis gularis Common spotted whiptail Aspidoscelis sexlineata sexlineata Eastern six-lined racerunner Hemidactylus turcicus Mediterranean gecko Holbrookia propinqua Keeled earless lizard Phrynosoma cornutum Texas horned lizard Plestiodon tetraqammus brevilineatus Short-lined skink Sceloporus consobrinus Prairie lizard Sceloporus olivaceus Texas spiny lizard Scincella lateralis Little brown skink Snakes Agkistrodon contortrix laticinctus Broad-banded copperhead Agkistrodon piscivorus leucostoma Western cottonmouth Coluber constrictor flaviventris Eastern yellow-bellied racer Coluber flagellum testaceus Western coachwhip Crotalus atrox Western diamond-backed rattlesnake Heterodon platirhinos Eastern hog-nosed snake Lampropeltis holbrooki Speckled kingsnake Micrurus tener Texas coralsnake Nerodia erythrogaster Plain-bellied watersnake Nerodia rhombifer Diamond-backed water snake Opheodrys aestivus Rough greensnake Pantherophis emoryi Great plains ratsnake Pantherophis obsoletus Western ratsnake Pituophis catenifersayi Bullsnake Rena dulcis Texas threadsnake Rhinocheilus lecontei Long-nosed snake Salvadora grahamiae lineata Texas patch-nosed snake Storeria dekavi texana Texas brownsnake Tantilla gracilis Flat-headed snake Thamnophis marcianus Checkered gartersnake Thamnophis proximus Western ribbonsnake Tropidoclonion lineatum Lined snake Virginia striatula Rough earthsnake Source: Dixon 2013

Numerous avian species are present within the study area. Bird species occurring within the study area include resident and summer/winter resident migratory species. Year-round residents are listed in Table 2- 5. Winter residents that may occur in the study area are listed in Table 2-6. Summer residents that may occur in the study area are listed in Table 2-7 (Lockwood and Freeman 2014). Additional transient bird species may migrate within or through the study area in the spring and fall and use the area to rest and

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feed before continuing migration. The likelihood for occurrence of each species will depend upon suitable habitat and the season. Migratory birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA).

TABLE 2-5 REPRESENTATIVE RESIDENT BIRD SPEC IES OCCURRING WITHIN THE STUDY AREA SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME Agelaius phoeniceus Red-winged blackbird Aix sponsa Wood duck Ammodramus savannarum Grasshopper sparrow Ardea alba Great e ret Ardea herodias Great blue heron Baeolophus atricristatus x bicolor Black-crested/Tufted titmouse Bubo virginianus Great horned owl Buteo jamaicensis Red-tailed hawk Buteo lineatus Red-shouldered hawk Camp lorh nchus brunneicapillus Cactus wren Caracara cheriway Crested caracara Cardinalis cardinalis Northern cardinal Cathartes aura Turkey vulture Charadrius vociferus Killdeer Chondestes grammacus Lark sparrow Colinus virginianus Northern bobwhite Columba livia Rock pigeon Columbina inca Inca dove Coragyps atratus Black vulture Corvus brach rh nchos American crow Corvus corax Common raven C anocitta cristata Blue jay Dendrocygna autumnalis Black bellied whistling duck Fulica americana American coot Geococcyx califomianus Greater roadrunner Haemorhous mexicanus House finch Lanius ludovicianus Loggerhead shrike Megaceryle alcyon Belted kingfisher Megascops asio Eastern screech-owl Meleagris gallo avo Wild turke Mimus ol glottos Northern mockingbird Molothrus ater Brown-headed cowbird Nycticorax nycticorax Black-crowned night-heron Passer domesticus House sparrow Picoides pubescens Downy woodpecker Picoides scalaris Ladder-backed woodpecker Poecile carolinensis Carolina chickadee Polio tila caerulea Blue-gray gnatcatcher Quiscalus mexicanus Great-tailed grackle Quiscalus uiscula Common grackle Sa ornis phoebe Eastern Phoebe Spizella asserina Chipping s arrow Spizella usilla Field sparrow Stre to elia decaocto Eurasian collared-dove Strix varia Barred owl

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I AtsLt 2-5 REPRESENTATIVE RESIDENT BIRD SPECI ES OCCURRING WITHIN THE STUDY AREA SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME Sturnella magna Eastern meadowlark Sturnus vulgaris European starling Thryomanes bewickii Bewick's wren Thryothorus ludovicianus Carolina wren Turdus migratorius American robin Tyto a/ba Barn owl Zenaida asiatica White-winged dove Zenaida macroura Mourning dove 5ource: Lockwood and Freeman 2014.

TABLE 2-6 REPRESENTATIVE WINTER BIRD SPECIES OCCURRING WITHIN THE STUDY AREA SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME Acci iterstriatus Sharp-shinned hawk Actitis macularia Spotted sandpiper Ammodramus leconteii Le Conte's sparrow Anas acuta Northern pintail Anas americana American wigeon Anas clypeata Northern shoveler Anas crecca Green-winged teal Anas platyrhynchos Mallard Anas strepera Gadwall Athene cunicularia Burrowing owl A h a affinis Lesser scau A h a americana Redhead A h a collaris Ring-necked duck A h a valisineria Canvasback Bomb cilla cedrorum Cedar waxwing Branta hutchinsil Cackling goose Bucephala a/beola Bufflehead Calidris minutilla Least sandpiper Catharus guttatus Hermit thrush Certhia americana Brown creeper Circus cyaneus Northern harrier Cola tes auratus Northern flicker Eremo hila al estris Horned lark Euphagus cyanoce halus Brewer's blackbird Fa/co columbarius Merlin Fa/co s arverius American kestrel Gallinago delicata Wilson's snipe Geothl is trichas Common ellowthroat Grus canadensis Sandhill crane Haliaeetus luecoce halus - Bald eagle Lophodytes cucullatus Hooded merganser Melospiza lincolnii Lincoln's s arrow Melos iza melodia Song sparrow Ore ofh I is celata Orange-crowned warbler Pandion haliaetus Osprey Passerculus sandwichensis Savannah sparrow

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TABLE 2-6 REPRESENTATIVE WINTER BIRD SPECIES OCCURRING WITHIN THE STUDY AREA SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME Passerella iliaca Fox sparrow Phalacrocorax auritus Double-crested cormorant Pi ilo maculatus Spotted towhee Podilymbus podiceps Pied-billed grebe Pooecetes gramineus Vesper sparrow Porzana carolina Sora Regulus calendula Ruby-crowned kinglet Setophaga coronata Yellow-rumped warbler Spinus tristis American goldfinch Toxostoma rufum Brown thrasher Tringa melanoleuca Greater yellowlegs Troglodytes aedon House wren Zonotrichia leuco hrys White-crowned sparrow Source: Lockwood and Freeman 2014.

I AtiLE Z-7 REPRESENTATIVE SUMMER BIRD SPECIES OCCURRING WITHIN THE STUDY AREA SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME Accipiter cooperii Cooper's hawk Antrostomus carolinensis Chuck-will's-widow Archilochus alexandri Black-chinned hummingbird Bubulcus ibis Cattle e ret Butorides virescens Green heron Chaetura pelagica Chimney swift Chordeiles minor Common nighthawk Coccyzus americanus Yellow-billed cuckoo Contopus virens Eastern wood-pewee Egretta thula Snow e ret Gallinula galeata Common gallinule Hirundo rustica Barn swallow Icteria virens Yellow-breasted chat Icterus spurius Orchard oriole Mniotilfa varia Black-and-white warbler M iarchus crinitus Great crested flycatcher Nyctanassa violacea Yellow-crowned night-heron Passerina caerulea Blue grosbeak Passerina ciris Painted bunting Passerina cyanea Indigo bunting Pefrochelidon fulva Cave swallow Petrochelidon pyrrhonota Cliff swallow Phalacrocorax brasilianus Neotropic cormorant Phalaeno tilus nutfallii Common poorwill Piranga rubra Summer tanager Progne subis Purple martin Sialia sialis Eastern bluebird Spinus saltria Lesser gol finch Spiza americana Dickcissel Stelgidopteryx serripennis Northern rough-winged swallow Tyrannus fotficatus Scissor-tailed flycatcher

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TABLE 2-7 REPRESENTATIVE SUMMER BIRD SPECIES OCCURRING WITHIN THE STUDY AREA SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME Tyrannus verticalis Western kingbird Vireo flavifrons Yellow-throated vireo Vireo griseus White-eyed vireo Vireo olivaceus Red-eyed vireo Source: Lockwood and Freeman 2014.

Mammals that may typically occur in the study area are listed in Table 2-8 (Schmidly 2004). The occurrence of each species will be dependent on suitable habitat available. Some species, such as bats, may migrate through the study area.

TABLE 2-8 REPRESENTATIVE MAMMALIAN SPECIES OCCURRING WITHIN THE STUDY AREA SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME Baiomys taylori Northern pygmy mouse Bassariscus astutus Ringtail Canis latrans Coyote Chaetodipus hispidus Hispid pocket mouse Cryptotis parva Least shrew Dasypus novemcinctus Nine-banded armadillo Didelphis virginiana Virginia opossum Erethizon dorsatum North American porcupine Lasiurus borealis Eastern red bat Lasiurus cinereus Hoary bat Lepus californicus Black-tailed jackrabbit Lynx rufus Bobcat Mephitis mephitis Striped skunk Mus musculus House mouse Myocastor coypus Nutria Myotis velifer Cave myotis Neotoma floridana Eastern woodrat Odocoileus virginianus White-tailed deer Perimyotis subflavus American perimyotis Perognathus merriami Merriam's pocket mouse Peromyscus attwateri Texas mouse Peromyscus leucopus White-footed mouse Peromyscus maniculatus Deer mouse Peromyscus pectoralis White-ankled mouse Procyon lotor Northern raccoon Rattus norvegicus Norway rat Rattus rattus Roof rat Reithrodontomys fulvescens Fulvous harvest mouse Reithrodontomys montanus Plains harvest mouse Scalopus aquaticus Eastern mole Sciurus niger Eastern fox squirrel Sigmodon hispidus Hispid cotton rat Spermophilus mexicanus Mexican ground squirrel

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TABLE 2-8 REPRESENTATIVE MAMMALIAN SPECIES OCCURRING WITHIN THE STUDY AREA SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME Spermophilus variegatus Rock squirrel Spilogale putorius Eastern spotted skunk Sus scrofa Feral pig Sylvilagus floridanus Eastern cottontail Tadarida brasiliensis Brazilian free-tailed bat Urocyon cinereoargenteus Common gray fox Vuipes vulpes Red fox Source: Schmidly 2004.

2.6.3 Aquatic Habitat

Mapped wetlands information from the USFWS NWI database was incorporated into the study area (USFWS 2015a). NWI maps are based on topography and interpretation of infrared satellite data and color aerial photographs and are classified under the Cowardin System (Cowardin et al. 1979). NWI wetlands types identified within the study area include freshwater palustrine emergent (PEM), forested/shrub (PFO/PSS), ponds (PUB), lacustrine (L), and riverine (R). PEM wetlands are primarily associated with depressional areas and along the margins of open water areas. PFO wetlands exist typically in depressional or riparian woodlands near creeks, lakes, and rivers. PSS typically exists along the edges of ponds or depressions that have been invaded by woody brushy vegetation. Mapped ponds and lacustrine wetlands are typically associated with shallow freshwater stock ponds, retention, lakes, ponds, SCS site reservoirs, and other impoundments. Riverine wetlands are associated with the Guadalupe River.

Perennial and intermittent streams and creeks exist in the study area, and may be prone to flash flooding after heavy rain storms. Perennial aquatic environments may support species of smartweeds and docks (Polygonaceae), pennyworts (Hydrocotyle spp.), widgeon-grass (Ruppia spp.), pondweed (Potamogetonacae), and duckweeds (Lemna spp.). Emergent wetlands may be located along the edges of ponds and streams during wetter periods and may comprise such species as rushes (Juncus spp.), spikerushes (Eleocharis spp.), sedges (Carex spp.), and flatsedges (Cyperus spp.) (Chadde 2012a, 2012b). Typical woody plant species in these wetland or riparian areas include bald cypress (Taxodium distichum), American elm (Ulmus americana), sycamore (Platanus spp.), pecan, cottonwood (Populus sp.), black willow (Salix nigra), and rattlebush (Sesbania spp). Bottomland/riparian areas were mapped by POWER personnel through aerial photography and topographic map interpretation. The intermittent flowing streams support aquatic species primarily adapted to ephemeral pool habitats. Because they consist of small headwater drainages, persistent flow is unlikely to be sufficient to support any substantial lotic assemblage. Aquatic species in this habitat are typically adapted to rapid dispersal

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and completion of life cycles in pool habitats having fine-grained substrates. In streams dominated by scoured, sandy-clay bottoms, accumulations of woody debris or leaf pack provide the most important feeding and refuge areas for invertebrates and forage fish. The softer muddy bottoms generally harbor substantial populations of burrowing invertebrates (e.g., larval diptera and oligochaetes) that can be an important food source to higher trophic levels (Hubbs 1957).

The perennial streams and lakes offer relatively stable water levels, and the constant pools and flow facilitate stable population growth. Species with flowing water or pooled area habitat requirements will use the perennial streams and those adapted for deeper waters will use the lake/pond environments. With distance downstream, especially in pooled areas, the fish community tends to be heavily dominated by widely distributed sunfish (Lepomis spp.), bass (Micropterus spp.), and catfish (Ictalurus spp.) when sufficient water is present (Hubbs 1957; Thomas et al. 2007). Several species of turtles, snakes, and amphibians are also dependent on perennial surface waters for their habitat requirements. Several of these species will infrequently use terrestrial habitats to migrate from between surface waters, but they primarily use impounded and perennial surface waters.

Ponds located in the study area exhibit variability in terms of their age, drainage, use by livestock, past fish stocking and fertilization history. These aquatic habitats are almost always exposed to full sunlight and do not typically experience the variations in flow as do streams and rivers after heavy rainfall events. Typically, fluctuations in water level are experienced during the summer months because of high evaporation rates and repeated heavy rainfall required to fill the ponds completely. Periods of extended drought in the region may reduce these seasonal water level fluctuations or dry the pond completely. Bottom materials in these ponds are typically universally silt-sized particles, either naturally occurring or added as a liner to prevent leakage.

2.6.4 Threatened and Endangered Species For this routing study, emphasis was placed on obtaining documented occurrences of special status species and/or their potential habitat within the study area. The documented occurrences of species of concern and/or other unique vegetative communities within the study area were also reviewed. Special status species include those listed by the USFWS (2015b) as threatened, endangered, proposed or candidate, and those species listed by TPWD (2015c) as threatened, endangered, or rare. POWER requested a GIS data layer of historical known occurrences for listed species and/or sensitive vegetative communities from the Texas Natural Diversity Database (TXNDD 2015). For the purpose of this study,

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the TXNDD information is not used as a substitute for a presence/absence survey, but as an indication of previous occurrences within suitable habitat for the species.

Under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the USFWS maintains a listing of all threatened, endangered, proposed, and candidate species for each county (USFWS 2015b). By definition, a threatened species is likely to become endangered within the near foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range. An endangered species is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. Candidate species are those that have sufficient information on their biological vulnerability and threat(s) to support listing as threatened or endangered and are likely to be proposed for listing in the near foreseeable future.

The ESA also provides for the conservation of designated "critical habitat," which is defined "as a specific geographic area(s) that contains features essential for the conservation of a threatened or endangered species and that may require special management and protection." These areas include sites with food and water, breeding areas, cover or shelter sites, and sufficient habitat to provide for normal population growth and behavior for the species. Critical habitat may also include areas not currently occupied by the species but that will be needed for its recovery. The primary threat to threatened/endangered species is the destruction or modification of critical habitat areas by uncontrolled land and/or water development. USFWS (2015c) data indicate no areas of designated critical habitat within the study area.

Threatened and Endanzered Plant Species

County listings for federal/state-listed species were obtained from the USFWS and TPWD (USFWS 2015b; TPWD 2015c). Review of these lists indicated no listed federal/state threatened and endangered plant species for Guadalupe County; therefore, none are expected to occur in the study area.

Threatened and Endangered Animal Species The USFWS (2015b) only lists two species (birds) as federally threatened or endangered for Guadalupe County. However, the TPWD's (2015c) Annotated County Lists of Rare Species identifies a total of 15 federally and/or state-listed, threatened, endangered, candidate, and potentially extirpated species that may occur in Guadalupe County (Table 2-9). The TPWD county listing includes the same species that USFWS lists. Although only federally listed threatened or endangered species are protected under the ESA, state-listed species may receive protection under other Federal and/or State laws, such as the MBTA, Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA), Chapters 67, 68, and 88 of the TPWD Code,

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and sections 65.171-65.184 and 69.01-69.14 of Title 31 of the Texas Administrative Code. Brief species description life history and habitat requirements are summarized below for each listed species that may occur in Guadalupe County.

TABLE 2-9 LISTED THREATENED AND ENDANGERED ANIMAL SPECIES FOR GUADALUPE COUNTY, TEXAS SPECIES LEGAL STATUS Scientific Name Common Name USFWS' TPWDz Birds Anthus spragueii Sprague's pipit C - Falco peregrinus Peregrine falcon (two subspecies) DL T Grus americana Whooping crane E E Haliaeetus leucocephalus Bald eagle DL T Mycteria americana Wood stork - T Stemula antillarum athalassos Interior least tem E E Reptiles Crotalus horridus Timber rattlesnake - T Gopherus berlandieri Texas tortoise - T Graptemys caglei Cagle's map turtle - T Phrynosoma cornufum Texas homed lizard - T Mammals Canis rufus Red wolf EXT EXT Mollusks Lampsilis bracteata Texas fatmucket C T Quadrula aurea Golden orb C T Quadrula petrina Texas pimpleback C T Quincuncina mitchelli False spike mussel - T I USFWS 2015b. z TPWD 2015c. E - Federal and/or State Listed Endangered T- Federal and/or State Listed Threatened DL - Federally Delisted C - Federal Candidate for Listing EXT - Extirpated from study area

Federally Listed Snecies BIRDS Interior Least Tern The interior least tern (Sternula antillarum athalassos) is a subspecies that nests inland along sand and gravel bars within braided streams and rivers. It is also known to nest on man-made structures (inland beaches, wastewater treatment plants, gravel quarries, etc.). USFWS recognizes any nesting least tern that is 50 miles or greater from a coastline as being an interior least tern. The bird preys on small fish and crustaceans, and forages within a few hundred feet of the nesting colony. Breeding begins as early as April and is completed by late August (Campbell 2003). The study area is not located within this species'

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breeding range, but this species may occur as a winter migrant within the study area (Lockwood and Freeman 2014).

Whooping Crane The study area is located within the Texas portion of the primary central migratory corridor for the whooping crane (Grus americana). The primary migration path includes a 220-mile wide corridor that begins at their nesting site at Wood Buffalo National Park in Canada and continues south to their wintering grounds at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge along the Texas coast. The migratory pathway contains 95% of all confirmed whooping crane stopover sightings during migration, from 1975 through spring 2007 (USFWS 2009). Whooping cranes overwinter in Texas from November through March. During migration, they typically fly at altitudes greater than 1,000 feet but will roost and feed in areas away from human disturbance during nightly stopovers. Stopover areas include large rivers, lakes and associated wetlands, playa lakes, pastureland, and cropland (USFWS 2009). This species may occur in the study area as a non-breeding rare migrant (Lockwood and Freeman 2014).

Federally Delisted Species Bald Eagle The bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) was delisted in 2007 by the USFWS because the population has recovered beyond the ESA criteria for listing. The status of the bald eagle population is currently monitored by USFWS and the species is still protected under the MBTA and the BGEPA. Bald eagles may nest and/or winter in Texas. The bald eagle is found primarily near rivers and large lakes and will build large nests in tree tops or on cliffs usually near large bodies of water (Campbell 2003). This species may occur near the Guadalupe River and other suitable habitats within the study area as a winter or nesting summer resident (Lockwood and Freeman 2014).

Peregrine Falcon The peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) state listing includes two subspecies: American peregrine falcon (F. p. anatum) and arctic peregrine falcon (F. p. tundrius). Although only the American subspecies is listed as state threatened, both sub-species are listed together because of their similarity of appearance (TPWD 2015c). Both subspecies have been delisted from federal listings because of the recovery of population numbers. The American peregrine falcon inhabits nests in tall cliff eyries and occupies many kinds of habitats during migration, including urban. Stopover habitat during migration may include lake shores and coastlines and the falcon is also a resident breeder in west Texas (Alsop 2002; TPWD 2015c). This species is not anticipated to occur in the study area except as a rare migrant (Lockwood 2008).

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