120-03 June 9, 2020
Al & Pat Naticchioni ReMax of Redding 20 Hilltop Drive, Ste. A Redding, CA 96003
SUBJECT: Biological Screening Evaluation for the Twin View Boulevard Site
This is to confirm that ENPLAN has conducted a biological screening evaluation addressing a ±3.0-acre site located on the east side of Twin View Boulevard, approximately 1,500 feet north of Lake Boulevard, in the City of Redding, Shasta County. The study site consists of a portion of Shasta County Assessor’s Parcel Number 116-040-003, as well as a portion of the Twin View Boulevard right-of-way immediately west of 116-040-003. Boulder Creek runs through the northern portion of the project area in a southeasterly direction. We understand that construction of an office building is proposed on the subject portion of APN 116-040-003, and that a sewer line will be installed in the road right-of-way. An aerial photograph of the site is provided in Figure 1. Site photographs are provided in Appendix A.
The undeveloped study site consists of a relatively level upper terrace on which the office building would be constructed and a lower terrace on the south side of Boulder Creek. To the north of Boulder Creek, the sites rises evenly to its northern terminus. The study site ranges in elevation from 620 feet to 640 feet above sea level. A mobile home park is present immediately south of the site, an RV park is present immediately northeast of the site, and Twin View Boulevard is immediately northwest of the site.
Records Review Records reviewed to determine the potential presence/absence of special-status species consisted of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB)1, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) species list2, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) species list3, and the NMFS essential fish habitat mapper4.
Field Reconnaissance The field reconnaissance was conducted on April 1, April 24, and June 3, 2020. In addition to the study site, our field observations included areas immediately off-site to allow evaluation of potential indirect impacts to special-status species and/or their habitats. Some of the special-status species potentially occurring in the area would not
1 California Natural Diversity Data Base, May 2020. 2 https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/ 3 http://www.westcoast.fisheries.noaa.gov/maps_data/california_species_list_tools.html 4 https://www.habitat.noaa.gov/application/efhmapper/index.html
ENPLAN • 3179 Bechelli Lane, Suite 100, Redding, CA 96002 • 530/221-0440 • FAX 530/221-6963 • www.enplan.com N:\companyfiles\01-Jobs Active\120-03 Naticchioni - Twin View Blvd\1-Documents\Nattichioni Biological Screening 06092020.docx Al and Pat Nattichioni June 9, 2020 Page 2 have been evident at the time the fieldwork was conducted. However, the potential presence of species not readily identifiable during the field studies was determined on the basis of observed habitat characteristics.
Natural Communities Field review found that natural communities on the study site consist primarily of a disturbed annual grassland and patches of oak/pine woodland on the upper terrace, oak/pine woodland on the slope between the upper and lower terraces, annual grassland and ceanothus scrub on the lower terrace, and annual grassland and oak/pine woodland north of Boulder Creek. In addition to Boulder Creek, aquatic features on or adjacent to the site include a drainage channel (diverted stream) that flows in a northeasterly direction parallel to Twin View Boulevard. The drainage disperses into the lower terrace on the south side of Boulder Creek, where it forms a large debris fan with pockets of wetland depressions. A created seasonal wetland is present immediately west of the sewer manhole at the northern site terminus.
Plant species present in the annual grassland include slender wild oats, soft chess, barbed goatgrass, medusahead, foxtail barley, purple needlegrass, gumhead, jointed charlock, and various clovers. The oak/pine woodland supports interior live oaks, blue oaks, gray pines, poison oak, toyon, chaparral honeysuckle, and Himalayan blackberry. The poorly developed riparian area adjacent to Boulder Creek includes arroyo willow, rattlebox, Chinese tallow, pennyroyal, common monkeyflower, and water speedwell. The ceanothus scrub is dominated by buckbrush and has very little understory vegetation. The seasonal wetlands include panicled rush, annual ryegrass, Greene’s popcorn-flower, and curly dock.
None of the terrestrial communities present on the site are considered sensitive, as identified in the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s California Sensitive Natural Communities5. However, Boulder Creek, the diverted stream/drainage, and the seasonal wetlands are expected to qualify as “Waters of the State” and/or “Waters of the United States;” work in these waters would be subject to permit requirements from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Regional Water Quality Control Board, and/or the U.S. Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers. The approximate locations of the waters are shown in Figure 1.
Special-Status Plant Species CNDDB records did not identify any special-status plant species as being previously reported within the study site. However, six special-status plant species have been previously reported within a five-mile radius of the study site: maverick clover, Red Bluff dwarf rush, Sanford’s arrowhead, slender Orcutt grass, silky cryptantha, and Sulphur Creek brodiaea. Two non-status plant species were also identified within a five-mile radius of the study site: dubious pea and Henderson’s bentgrass. USFWS records do not identify any additional plant species not identified in CNDDB records.
5 CDFW. California Sensitive Natural Communities. November 8, 2019. Accessed May 22, 2020, at
Red Bluff dwarf rush occurs on the edges of vernal pools and swales. As no vernal pools are present in the study site, Red Bluff dwarf rush would not be present. Likewise, slender Orcutt grass would not be present because no suitable vernal pool habitat is present.
The project site does contain potentially suitable habitat for Sulphur Creek brodiaea, maverick clover, silky cryptantha, and Sanford’s arrowhead. All of these species would have been identifiable at the time of the field surveys, but none were observed on the site. Therefore, the proposed action would have no effect on Sulphur Creek brodiaea, maverick clover, silky cryptantha, or Sanford’s arrowhead. A list of plant species observed during the field surveys is provided in Appendix B.
Special-Status Animal Species CNDDB records do not identify any special-status animal species as being previously reported from within the study site; however, one non-status species, the silver-haired bat, was recorded in the immediate site vicinity in 1990. CNDDB records identify nine special-status animal species as being previously reported within a five-mile radius of the study site: bald eagle, Central Valley spring-run Chinook salmon Evolutionarily Significant Unit (ESU), Central Valley steelhead Distinct Population Segment (DPS), foothill yellow-legged frog, Sacramento River winter-run Chinook salmon ESU, valley elderberry longhorn beetle (VELB), vernal pool fairy shrimp, vernal pool tadpole shrimp, and western pond turtle. In addition to the silver-haired bat, three other non-status animal species have been reported within five miles of the study site: California linderiella, kneecap lanx, and Shasta chaparral. The USFWS identifies four additional special-status species as potentially being affected by the proposed work: California red-legged frog, Conservancy fairy shrimp, delta smelt, and northern spotted owl. The NMFS further identifies the green sturgeon southern DPS as occurring in the Enterprise quadrangle.
The project site is not in close proximity to large fish-bearing waters and does not include large trees suitable for bald eagle nests; therefore, bald eagles would not nest on the site. The site does not support dense, old-growth, multi-layered mixed coniferous forest; therefore, northern spotted owls would not be present. No vernal pools or similar features capable of supporting large branchiopods are present; therefore, neither vernal pool fairy shrimp, Conservancy fairy shrimp, nor vernal pool tadpole shrimp would be present. No valley elderberries (host plant of the valley elderberry longhorn beetle) were observed on or immediately adjacent to the site, therefore, VELB would not be present.
Delta smelt are primarily limited to the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta; thus, the species would not be present. California red-legged frogs prefer ponded areas with dense overhanging vegetation. No such habitat is present on or adjacent to the site, and the California red-legged frog is extirpated in Shasta County; this species would thus not be present.
Al and Pat Nattichioni June 9, 2020 Page 4
Boulder Creek is a small intermittent stream that is tributary to the Sacramento River (via Churn Creek) about 14.5 miles downstream of the study site. Boulder Creek typically loses connectivity with downstream waters between April and June. Although most of the stream is dry throughout the summer, it appears based on aerial imagery that water persists throughout the summer in a small scour pool at the base of the box culvert under Twin View Boulevard. Green sturgeons rely on large perennial steams such as the Sacramento River and would not be present in Boulder Creek. Foothill yellow-legged frogs and western pond turtles rely on perennial or near-perennial waters, and are thus not likely to reside in Boulder Creek. Although the scour pool may retain water for long duration, the pool is small, offers limited shelter for either species, and has no turtle basking habitat. No western pond turtles or foothill yellow-legged frogs were observed during the biological field surveys, nor are they expected to be present.
Maslin et al.6 conducted studies on approximately 30 intermittent streams tributary to the Sacramento River between Chico and Keswick Dam to document their potential for providing rearing habitat for Chinook salmon. While the authors did not survey Boulder Creek itself, Churn Creek was found to support fall-run and spring-run Chinook salmon. Central Valley steelhead are also known to occur in Churn Creek. The portion of Boulder Creek within the study site is approximately 2.5 miles upstream from the confluence of Boulder Creek and Churn Creek; salmonids that utilize Churn Creek could potentially utilize Boulder Creek as rearing habitat during the winter months when sufficient flow is present. Nevertheless, salmonids would not be affected by the proposed action because the sewer line would be installed underneath Boulder Creek using trenchless drilling techniques, and best management practices would be implemented to provide for erosion control and spill prevention.
A list of wildlife species observed during the field surveys is provided in Appendix C.
Critical Habitat and Essential Fish Habitat Based on the results of the NMFS records search, the Enterprise quadrangle supports critical habitat for spring-run Chinook salmon, winter-run Chinook salmon, steelhead, and green sturgeon. In each case, this critical habitat is located in the Sacramento River, downstream from the project area. Additionally, designated critical habitat for spring-run Chinook salmon extends up Churn Creek to a point just north of Rancho Road. Essential fish habitat for Chinook salmon occurs in the Enterprise quadrangle. Review of the NMFS essential fish habitat mapper determined that the project area is within a hydrologic unit (Clear Creek - Sacramento River - Below Dam) designated as essential fish habitat for Chinook salmon. Because Boulder Creek is accessible to Chinook salmon (rearing), it is included as essential fish habitat.
Although no in-water work would occur, potential indirect effects on salmon, sturgeon, and steelhead critical habitat, as well as Chinook salmon essential fish habitat, could occur if sediment-laden water enters Boulder Creek and flows downstream to such
6 Maslin, P., J. Kindopp, M. Lennox, and C Storm. Intermittent Streams as Rearing Habitat for Sacramento River Chinook Salmon: 1997, 1998, and 1999 Updates. Al and Pat Nattichioni June 9, 2020 Page 5 habitats. However, with the implementation of Best Management Practices for erosion control and spill prevention, neither critical habitat nor essential fish habitat would be affected by the proposed action.
Nesting Migratory Birds Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) of 1918, migratory bird species, their nests, and their eggs are protected from injury or death, and any project-related disturbances during the nesting period. In addition, California Fish and Game Code §3503 and §3503.5 provide regulatory protection to resident and migratory birds and all birds of prey within the State.
The project site has a moderate potential to support nesting birds in future seasons. Construction activities could directly affect nesting migratory birds as a result of tree removal. Indirect effects such as increased noise levels and increased human activity could lead to nest abandonment by adults. Most birds expected to occur on the site nest between February 1 and August 31. Removal of potential nesting habitat at other times of the year (i.e., between September 1 and January 31) is unlikely to affect nesting birds, and is the preferred method for ensuring that nesting birds are not adversely affected. If work must occur during the nesting season, a nesting survey should be conducted in advance of vegetation removal. If active nests are present, a buffer zone should be established around the nest to ensure that nesting birds are not directly or indirectly affected. Implementation of standard construction practices (see below) would preclude disturbance to nesting migratory birds.
Conclusions and Recommendations Based on the records search results, field observations, and the above analyses, we make the following findings:
• Project implementation would not adversely affect sensitive terrestrial natural communities. • Project implementation could adversely affect Waters of the State or United States. If avoidance of these waters is not feasible, then permits from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Regional Water Quality Control Board, and/or US Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers, may be required. Compliance with the permit conditions would ensure that work would not adversely affect waters. • No special-status plant species would be directly or indirectly affected by project implementation. • No special-status animal species other than rearing salmonids are likely to be utilize the study area. Because the sewer line would be installed under Boulder Creek using trenchless techniques and because Best Management Practices for erosion control and spill prevention would be implemented, no adverse effects on special-status animals are expected. Al and Pat Nattichioni June 9, 2020 Page 6
• Essential fish habitat is present in Boulder Creek and designated critical habitat for winter-run and spring-run Chinook salmon is present downstream in Churn Creek and the Sacramento River. However, these habitats would not be adversely affected by project implementation because the sewer line would be installed under Boulder Creek using trenchless techniques and because Best Management Practices for erosion control and spill prevention would be implemented. • Migratory birds could potentially nest in and adjacent to the work areas and could be directly or indirectly affected by project implementation. Implementation of the following standard construction measure would ensure that nesting birds are appropriately protected. In order to avoid impacts to nesting birds and raptors protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and California Fish and Game Code §3503 and §3503.5, including their nests and eggs, one of the following shall be implemented: a. Vegetation removal and other ground-disturbance activities associated with construction shall occur between September 1 and January 31 when birds are not nesting; or b. If vegetation removal or ground disturbance activities occur during the nesting season (February 1 – August 31), a pre-construction nesting survey shall be conducted by a qualified biologist to identify active nests in and adjacent to the work area. Surveys shall begin prior to sunrise and continue until vegetation and nests have been sufficiently observed. The survey shall take into account acoustic impacts and line-of-sight disturbances occurring as a result of the project in order to determine a sufficient survey radius to avoid nesting birds. At a minimum, the survey report shall include a description of the area surveyed, date and time of the survey, ambient conditions, bird species observed in the area, a description of any active nests observed, any evidence of breeding behaviors (e.g., courtship, carrying nest materials or food, etc.), and a description of any outstanding conditions that may have impacted the survey results (e.g., weather conditions, excess noise, the presence of predators, etc.). The results of the survey shall be submitted to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife upon completion. The survey shall be conducted no more than one week prior to the initiation of construction. If construction activities are delayed or suspended for more than one week after the pre-construction survey, the site shall be resurveyed. If active nests are found, appropriate actions shall be implemented to ensure compliance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and California Fish and Game Code. Compliance measures may include, but are not Al and Pat Nattichioni June 9, 2020 Page 7
limited to, exclusion buffers, sound-attenuation measures, seasonal work closures based on the known biology and life history of the species identified in the survey, as well as ongoing monitoring by biologists.
Please contact me if you have any questions regarding our findings or recommendations.
Sincerely,
Donald Burk Environmental Services Manager encl. Figure 1. Survey Results Appendix A. Representative Photos Appendix B. Plant Species Observed Appendix C. Wildlife Species Observed Study Site Boulder Creek (Estimated) Created Seasonal Wetland Limits of Debris Fan and Scattered Ponded Depressions Channelized Stream/Ditch Culvert Flow Direction
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: h t a P All depictions are approximate. Not a survey product. 05.30.20 Figure 1 Feet X 0 60 Survey Results
Appendix A. Representative Photos
Annual grassland (foreground) and oak/pine woodland (background on upper terrace, view to east
Oak/pine woodland on slope between upper and lower terraces, view to southeast
Ceanothus scrub community on lower terrace, view to east
Sewer line corridor from edge of upper terrace, view to north
Boulder Creek at sewer line undercrossing, view to south
Lower end of debris fan, view to southwest; note piles of leaves deposited by high flows from ditch
Appendix B. Plant Species Observed
CHECKLIST OF VASCULAR PLANT SPECIES OBSERVED Twi n V i ew Boul evard April 1, April 24, and June 3, 2020
Agavaceae Century-plant Family Chlorogalum angustifolium Narrow-l eaved soap pl ant Chlorogalum pomeridianum var. pomeridianum Wavy-l eaved soap pl ant
Alliaceae Onion Family Allium amplectens Clasping onion
Anacardiaceae Sumac Family Toxicodendron diversilobum Poison-oak
Apiaceae Carrot Family Eryngium articulatum Jointed coyote thistle Perideridia sp. Y ampah Sanicula bipinnatifida Purple sanicle Torilis arvensis Fi el d hedge-parsl ey
Aster aceae Sunflower Family Carduus pycnocephalus Italian thistle Centaurea solstitialis Yellow star thistle Centromadia fitchii Fi tch’ s spi keweed Grindelia camporum V al l ey gumpl ant Hypochaeris glabra Smooth cat’ s ear Lactuca serriola Prickly lettuce Leontodon saxatilis Hawkbi t Logfia gallica Narrow-leaved cottonrose Microseris acuminata Sierra foothill microseris Senecio vulgaris Old-man-in-the-Spring Soliva sessilis L awn burweed Sonchus asper subsp. asper Prickly sow thistle Xanthium strumarium Cocklebur
Boraginaceae Bor age Family Plagiobothrys greenei Greene’ s popcorn-flower
Br assicaceae M ustard Family Barbarea verna Earl y wi ntercress Lepidium nitidum Shining peppergrass Nasturtium officinale Water cress Raphanus raphanistrum Jointed charlock
Caprifoliaceae H oneysuckle Family Lonicera interrupta Chaparral honeysuckle
Caryophyllaceae Pink Family Spergularia rubra Ruby sand spurry
Cyper aceae Sedge Family Cyperus eragrostis Nutsedge Eleocharis macrostachya Creeping spikerush
120-03 Twin View Blvd Plant List 6-5-20 Sorted 1 of 4 CHECKLIST OF VASCULAR PLANT SPECIES OBSERVED Twi n V i ew Boul evard
Er icaceae Heath Family Arctostaphylos viscida subsp. viscida Whi te-l eaf manzani ta
Euphorbiaceae Spurge Family Croton setigerus Dove weed Triadica sebifera Chi nese tal l ow
Fabaceae L egume Family Acmispon americanus Spanish lotus Lathyrus hirsutus Cal ey pea Lathyrus latifolius Perenni al sweet pea Lupinus bicolor Bicolored lupine Medicago polymorpha California bur-clover Sesbania punicea Rattl ebox Trifolium campestre Hop clover Trifolium glomeratum Sessi l e-headed cl over Trifolium hirtum Rose cl over Vicia sativa Garden vetch Vicia villosa Wi nter vetch
Fagaceae Oak Family Quercus douglasii Bl ue oak Quercus lobata V al l ey oak Quercus wislizeni I nteri or l i ve oak
Ger aniaceae Geranium Family Erodium botrys L ong-beaked f i l aree Geranium dissectum Cut-l eaf gerani um Geranium molle Dove’ s-foot geranium
H yper icaceae St. John’s-wort Family Hypericum perforatum K l amath weed
Juncaceae Rush Family Juncus phaeocephalus var. paniculatus Panicled rush
Lamiaceae M int Family Mentha pulegium Pennyroyal
Lythraceae Loosestrife Family Lythrum hyssopifolia Hyssop l oosestri f e
Onagr aceae Evening-Primrose Family Epilobium brachycarpum Tall annual willowherb Ludwigia sp. L oosestri f e
Phrymaceae L opseed Family Erythranthe guttata Common monkey-flower
Pinaceae Pine Family Pinus sabiniana Grey pine
120-03 Twin View Blvd Plant List 6-5-20 Sorted 2 of 4 CHECKLIST OF VASCULAR PLANT SPECIES OBSERVED Twi n V i ew Boul evard
Plantaginaceae Plantain Family Kickxia elatine Sharp-l eaved f l uel l i n Plantago coronopus Cut-l eaf pl antai n Plantago erecta Hooker’ s plantain Plantago lanceolata English plantain Veronica anagallis-aquatica Water speedwel l
Poaceae Grass Family Aegilops triuncialis Barbed goatgrass Anthoxanthum aristatum V ernal grass Avena barbata Slender wild oats Br i za maxi ma Big quaking grass Briza minor L i ttl e quaki ng grass Bromus hordeaceus Soft chess Cynodon dactylon Bermuda grass Cynosurus echinatus Hedgehog dogtail Elymus caput-medusae M edusahead Festuca microstachys Ref l exed f escue Festuca perennis A nnual ryegrass Hordeum marinum subsp. gussoneanum M edi terranean barl ey Hordeum murinum Foxtai l barl ey Nassella pulchra Purpl e needl egrass Paspalum dilatatum Dallis grass Poa annua Annual bluegrass Polypogon monspeliensis Annual beardgrass
Polygonaceae Buckwheat Family Rumex cr i spus Curly dock Rumex obtusifolius Bitter dock Rumex pulcher Fiddle dock
Rhamnaceae Buckthorn Family Ceanothus cuneatus var. cuneatus Buckbrush Frangula californica Cof f eeberry
Rosaceae Rose Family Heteromeles arbutifolia Toyon
Rubiaceae M adder Family Galium aparine Cl eavers Galium porrigens var. tenue Climbing bedstraw
Salicaceae Willow Family Salix lasiolepis Arroyo willow
Scr ophular iaceae Snapdragon Family Verbascum blattaria Moth mullein
T ecophilaeaceae Tecophilaea Family Odontostomum hartwegii Hartweg’ s odontostomum
120-03 Twin View Blvd Plant List 6-5-20 Sorted 3 of 4 CHECKLIST OF VASCULAR PLANT SPECIES OBSERVED Twi n V i ew Boul evard
T hemidaceae Brodiaea Family Brodiaea elegans subsp. elegans El egant brodi aea Dichelostemma multiflorum Round-toothed ookow
120-03 Twin View Blvd Plant List 6-5-20 Sorted 4 of 4
Appendix C. Wildlife Species Observed
Twin View Boulevard Parcel Wildlife Species Observed March 28 and April 24, 2020
Reptiles Alligator lizard Elgaria sp. Western fence lizard Sceloporus occidentalis occidentalis
Fish Sunfish/Bluegill Lepomis sp.
Birds American crow Corvus brachyrhynchos American robin Turdus migratorius Anna’s hummingbird Calypte anna California quail Callipepla californica Canada goose Branta canadensis European starling Sturnus vulgaris Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Mourning dove Zenaida macroura Northern flicker Colaptes auratus Northern mockingbird Mimus polyglottos Red-tailed hawk Buteo jamaicensis Scrub jay Aphelocoma californica White-crowned sparrow Zonotrichia leucophrys Wrentit Chamaea fasciata
Mammals Gray squirrel Sciurus griseus
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