Control Number: 51737
Item Number: 2 Addendum StartPage: 0 r.. STANDARD 2021 FEB -!+ AM ID: I 3 APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OFi¢ONNKNIENCE AND
NECESSITY FOR A PROPOSED TRANSMISSION LINE
DOCKET NO. 51737
Submit seven (7) copies of the application and aU attachments supporting the application. If the application is being Jiled pursuant to 16 Tex. Admin. Code §25.101(b)(3)(D) (TAC) or 16 TAC §25.174, include in the application aH direct testimony. The application and other necessary documents shall be submitted to:
Public Utility Commission of Texas Attn: Filing Clerk 1701 N. Congress Ave. Austin, Texas 78711-3326 Standard Application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity for a Proposed Transmission Line and Application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity for a Proposed Transmission Line Pursuant To 16 TAC §25.174
Note: As used herein, the term "joint application" refers to an application for proposed transmission facilities for which ownership will be divided. All applications for such facilities should be filed jointly by the proposed owners ofthe facilities. 1. Applicant (Utility) Name:
For joint applications, provide all information for each applicant.
Applicant (Utility) Name: Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC ("Oncor" or "Company")
Certificate Number: 30043
Street Address: 1616 Woodall Rodgers Freeway Dallas, Texas 75202
Mailing Address: 1616 Woodall Rodgers Freeway Dallas, Texas 75202-1234
2. Please identify all entities that will hold an ownership interest or an investment interest in the proposed project but which are not subject to the Commission's jurisdiction.
Oncor will hold the sole ownership interest in the Kyle Ranch Substation - Quarry Field Switch 138 kV Transmission Line Project.
3. Person to Contact: Ife Adetoro Title/Position: Regulatory Project Manager Phone Number: (214) 486-4918
Mailing Address: 1616 Woodall Rodgers Fwy, Suite 6A-014 Dallas, Texas 75202-1234 Email Address: [email protected]
3a. Legal Counsel: Jaren A. Taylor Winston P. Skinner Phone Number: (214) 220-7754 Mailing Address: Vinson & Elkins LLP Trammell Crow Center 2001 Ross Avenue, Suite 3700 Dallas, Texas 75201 Email Address: [email protected]
2 February 4,2021 Standard Application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity for a Proposed Transmission Line and Application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity for a Proposed Transmission Line Pursuant To 16 TAC §25.174
[email protected] Please contact Jaren Taylor with any inquiries regarding the project.
4. Project Description:
Provide a general description of the project, including the design voltage rating (kV), the operating voltage (kV), the CREZ Zone(s) (if any) where the project is located (all or in part), any substations and/or substation reactive compensation constructed as part of the project, and any series elements such as sectionalizing switching devices, series line compensation, etc. For HVDC transmission lines, the converter stations should be considered to be project components and should be addressed in the project description.
If the project will be owned by more than one party, briefly explain the ownership arrangements between the parties and provide a description of the portion(s) that will be owned by each party. Provide a description of the responsibilities of each party for implementing the project (design, Right-Of-Way acquisition, material procurement, construction, etc.).
If applicable, identify and explain any deviation in transmission project components from the original transmission specifications as previously approved by the Commission or recommended by a PURA §39.151 organization. Name or Designation of Project: Kyle Ranch - Quarry Field 138 kV Transmission Line Project Design Voltage Rating (kV): 138 kV Operating Voltage Rating (kV): 138 kV Normal Peak Operating Current (A): 2569 A
The Kyle Ranch Substation - Quarry Field Switch 138 kV Transmission Line Project ("Proposed Transmission Line Project") is a new single-circuit 138 kilovolt ("kV") transmission line to be built on double-circuit capable structures between the newly- constructed Kyle Ranch Substation and the newly-constructed Quarry Field Switch station, both of which are located in Loving County, Texas. This project was previously approved in Commission Docket No. 49302, including the re-location of the Kyle Ranch Substation approximately 3 miles east of its originally proposed location. However, the single route for the Proposed Transmission Line Project presented herein results from numerous conversations with directly affected landowners, all of whom have consented to a series of route modifications from the settlement route approved in Docket No. 49302. The Kyle Ranch Substation is located in Loving County approximately 6 miles southeast of the intersection of County Road ("CR") 300 and Farm-to-Market ("FM") 652. Quarry Field Switch is located approximately six miles north of the community of Mentone, Texas, also in Loving County.
Construction ofthe Kyle Ranch Substation, and halfof its estimated cost, was included with the Riverton - Kyle Ranch 138 kV Line approved in Commission Docket No. 49304, while the other half ofthe Kyle Ranch Substation's construction cost, as well the construction and
3 February 4,2021 Standard Application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity for a Proposed Transmission Line and Application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity for a Proposed Transmission Line Pursuant To 16 TAC §25.174
cost of Quarry Field Switch, were included in Docket No. 49302. Those stations have now been constructed. The Kyle Ranch Substation and Quarry Field Switch station costs, as well as the three miles of new transmission line construction from the re-located Kyle Ranch Substation site west to the terminus of the Riverton - Kyle Ranch transmission line approved in Docket No. 49304, will continue to be reported in Oncor's monthly construction progress reports under Docket No. 49302. Neither of these two stations nor that 3-mile portion of the previously-approved transmission line are at issue in this proceeding. As addressed in the cover pleading submitted concurrently with this Application, the portion of the transmission line from re-located Kyle Ranch Substation to Quarry Field Switch is being re-submitted for Commission approval.
Please see Attachment No. 1 for a map regarding project approvals that illustrates: (1) the Riverton - Kyle Ranch 138 kV transmission line route, as approved in Docket No. 49304, (2) the re-located Kyle Ranch Substation, the Quarry Field Switch station, and the 3 miles of transmission line west from the re-located Kyle Ranch Substation to the terminus of the Riverton-Kyle Ranch transmission line's terminus, all of which were previously approved in Docket No. 49302 and are not at issue in this proceeding, and (3) the proposed transmission line route from the re-located Kyle Ranch Substation to Quarry Field Switch, which is at issue in this proceeding.
The length of the Proposed Transmission Line Project is approximately 11.3 miles based on the route proposed herein.
5. Conductor and Structures: Conductor Size and Type: 1926.9 kcmil ACSS/TW Number of conductors per phase: 1 Continuous Summer Static Current Rating (A): 2569 A Continuous Summer Static Line Capacity at Operating Voltage (MVA): 614 MVA Continuous Summer Static Line Capacity at Design Voltage (MVA): 614 MVA Type and composition of Structures: Double-Circuit Steel or Concrete Pole Height of Typical Structures: 85 - 105 feet* *This number reflects the approximate visible height ofthe structure from ground to structure top. Please see the drawing of a typical tangent structure in Figure 1 - 2 , page 1 - 7 , of the Environmental Assessment and Alternative Route Analysis for Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC's Proposed Kyle Ranch - Quarry Field 138 kV Transmission Line Project in Loving County , Texas (" Environmental Assessment and Routing Study "), prepared by HalffAssociates, Inc. in connection with Docket No. 49302, and included as Attachment No. 2.
4 February 4,2021 Standard Application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity for a Proposed Transmission Line and Application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity for a Proposed Transmission Line Pursuant To 16 TAC §25.174
Explain why these structures were selected; include such factors as landowner preference, engineering considerations, and costs comparisons to alternate structures that were considered. For joint applications, provide and separately identify the above-required information regarding structures for the portion(s) of the project owned by each applicant.
Oncor selected the double-circuit 138 kV steel and concrete monopoles for numerous reasons including costs, technical specifications, structure footprint right-of-way ("ROW") requirements, the specific characteristics of the study area and other items. This structure type is also Oncor's current standard for new single- and double-circuit 138 kV construction. This structure selection was approved by the Commission in Docket No. 49302.
Provide dimensional drawings of the typical structures to be used in the project. A drawing of the typical tangent structure is shown in Figure 1-2, page 1-7, of the Environmental Assessment and Routing Study included as Attachment No. 2.
6. Right-of-way: For joint applications, provide and separately identify the above-required information for each route for the portion(s) of the project owned by each applicant. Miles of Right-of-Way Approximately 11.3 miles Miles of Circuit Approximately 11.3 miles Width of Right-of-Way 70 feet Percent of Right-of-Way Acquired 2%* *This represents the portion of ROW relating to the Proposed Transmission Line Project that was donated to Oncor by Z&T Cattle Company, LLC pursuant to Ordering Paragraph 15 of the Commission's final order in Docket No. 49302. Provide a brief description of the area traversed by the transmission line. Include a description of the general land uses in the area and the type of terrain crossed by the line. The project area is situated in a relatively remote portion of Loving County. No incorporated cities, unincorporated towns, or communities are located within the project area. Almost the entirety of the study area consists of rural, undeveloped land used primarily for livestock grazing or oil and gas production. Residential development and commercial development are scarce as CR 300 and CR 22 represent the few public roads within the study area. Much of the county road network has been incorporated into private oil and gas operations. The topography ofthe study area is sloping from the northeastern corner to the southwestern corner of the study area towards the Pecos River located over a mile outside of the study area. A variety of grasses, forbs, and woody species pervade unimproved rangeland pastures.
5 February 4, 2021 Crl Standard Application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity for a Proposed Transmission Line and Application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity for a Proposed Transmission Line Pursuant To 16 TAC §25.174
Specific discussion regarding natural, human and cultural resources in the project area is set forth in the Environmental Assessment and Routing Study, Sections 3.2 through 3.8, pages 3-1 through 3-57, included as Attachment No. 2. Substations or Switching Stations: List the name of all existing HVDC converter stations, substations or switching stations that will be associated with the new transmission line. Provide documentation showing that the owner(s) of the existing HVDC converter stations, substations and/or switching stations have agreed to the installation of the required project facilities. Oncor's Kyle Ranch Substation Oncor's Quarry Field Switch station List the name of all new HVDC converter stations, substations or switching stations that will be associated with the new transmission line. Provide documentation showing that the owner(s) of the new HVDC converter stations, substations and/or switching stations have agreed to the installation of the required project facilities. None Estimated Schedule:
Estimated Dates of: Start* Completion*
Right-of-way and Land Acquisition 5/2021 10/2021
Engineering and Design 1/2021 4/2021
Material and Equipment Procurement 4/2021 10/2021
Construction of Facilities 10/2021 3/2022
Energize Facilities 3/2022 3/2022 *Estimated schedule assumes administrative approval of CCN and numerous other factors. If a hearing is required to process this CCN, the anticipated energization date would be November 2022. The estimated construction schedule should not in any way be considered a representation, promise, or guarantee. Counties: For each route, list all counties in which the route is to be constructed.
The proposed route is located wholly within Loving County.
10. Municipalities:
For each route, list all municipalities in which the route is to be constructed. The proposed route will not traverse any municipality.
For each applicant, attach a copy of the franchise, permit or other evidence of the city's consent held by the utility, if necessary or applicable. If franchise, permit, or other evidence
6 February 4,2021 J) Standard Application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity for a Proposed Transmission Line and Application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity for a Proposed Transmission Line Pursuant To 16 TAC §25.174
of the city's consent has been previously filed, provide only the docket number of the application in which the consent was filed. Each applicant should provide this information only for the portion(s) of the project which will be owned by the applicant. Not applicable
11. Affected Utilities:
Identify any other electric utility served by or connected to facilities in this application.
No other electric utility will initially be served by or connected to the Proposed Transmission Line Project. Describe how any other electric utility will be affected and the extent of the other utilities' involvement in the construction of this project. Include any other electric utilities whose existing facilities will be utilized for the project (vacant circuit positions, ROW, substation sites and/or equipment, etc.) and provide documentation showing that the owner(s) of the existing facilities have agreed to the installation of the required project facilities. No other electric utility will be involved in the construction of the Proposed Transmission Line Project. No other utilities' existing facilities will be utilized. 12. Financing:
Describe the method of financing this project. For each applicant that is to be reimbursed for all or a portion of this project, identify the source and amount of the reimbursement (actual amount if known, estimated amount otherwise) and the portion(s) of the project for which the reimbursement will be made. Oncor proposes to finance the facilities included in the Proposed Transmission Line Project with a combination of debt and equity in compliance with its authorized capital structure, which is similar to the means used for previous construction projects. Oncor plans to utilize internally generated funds (equity) and proceeds received from the issuance of securities. Oncor will typically obtain short-term borrowings as needed for interim financing of its construction expenditures in excess of funds generated internally. These borrowings are then repaid through the issuance of long-term debt securities, the type and amount of which are as ofyet undetermined. Oncor is the sole applicant, and therefore no other party will be reimbursed for any portion ofthe project. 13. Estimated Costs: Provide cost estimates for each route of the proposed project using the following table. Provide a breakdown of "Other" costs by major cost category and amount. Provide the information for each route in an attachment to this application.
7 February 4,2021 Standard Application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity for a Proposed Transmission Line and Application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity for a Proposed Transmission Line Pursuant To 16 TAC §25.174
Transmission Substation Facilities* Facilities **
Right-of-way and Land $1,260,000 Acquisition
Engineering and Design (Utility) $386,000
Engineering and Design $827,000 (Contract)
Procurement of Material and $4,077,000 Equipment (including stores)
Construction of Facilities $0 (Utility)
Construction of Facilities $10,611,000 (Contract) Other (all costs not included in the above categories)
Estimated Total Cost $17,161,000 * This estimate includes the costs to construct the transmission line from the re-located Kyle Ranch Substation to Quarry Field. As discussed above, the 3 miles of transmission line construction west of Kyle Ranch Substation, to the terminus of the transmission line approved in Docket No. 49304, is fully constructed and thus not included in this filing. The cost estimate difference between the route approved in Docket No 49302 and the single route proposed herein is attributed to two partially off- setting sets ofchanges: removing the already-constructed 3 mile section mentioned above, while adding new structures to accommodate the proposed route. ** The Kyle Ranch Substation's construction costs were included in Docket Nos. 49302 and 49304. respectively, and Quarry Field Switch's construction costs were also included in Docket No. 49302. Therefore no station costs are included in this Application. For joint applications, provide and separately identify the above-required information for the portion(s) of the project owned by each applicant. Not applicable.
14. Need for the Proposed Project:
For a standard application, describe the need for the construction and state how the proposed project will address the need. Describe the existing transmission system and conditions addressed by this application. For projects that are planned to accommodate load growth, provide historical load data and load projections for at least five years. For projects to accommodate load growth or to address reliability issues, provide a description of the steady state load flow analysis that justifies the project. For interconnection projects, provide any documentation from a transmission service customer, generator, transmission service provider, or other entity to establish that the proposed facilities are needed. For projects
8 February 4, 2021 00 00 Standard Application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity for a Proposed Transmission Line and Application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity for a Proposed Transmission Line Pursuant To 16 TAC §25.174
related to a Competitive Renewable Energy Zone, the foregoing requirements are not necessary; the applicant need only provide a specific reference to the pertinent portion(s) of an appropriate commission order specifying that the facilities are needed. For all projects, provide any documentation of the review and recommendation of a PURA §39.151 organization. The need for the Proposed Transmission Line Project was previously reviewed and approved in Docket No. 49302, and the same justifications still apply. The need for the Proposed Transmission Line Project, as discussed in Oncor's application in Docket No. 49302, is substantially re-produced below, with appropriate updates for historical and projected load numbers and recent construction projects. ERCOT's Regional Planning Group ("RPG"), Technical Advisory Committee, and Board of Directors have recommended approval of the "Far West Texas Project 2" as a Tier 1 transmission project. ERCOT performed power flow studies as part of the ERCOT RPG process and found voltage violations under NERC Standard TPL-001-4 reliability criteria. In its Independent Review of the Far West Texas Project 2 (included as Attachment No. 3 to the Application), ERCOT recommended construction of the Quarry Field Switch station on the Wink - Riverton 138 kV line, and it also recommended construction of a new Kyle Ranch - Riverton 138 kV line. In its Independent Review, ERCOT also analyzed the Kyle Ranch - Quarry Field 138 kV Line proposed in this Application as a project already in- place in order to serve new loads, since it is considered a Tier 4 neutral project under ERCOT Protocols. Thus, ERCOT's recommended solution contemplated creation ofa 138 kV loop between Quarry Field Switch, Kyle Ranch Substation, and Riverton Switch, as shown on pages 5 and 16 of its Independent Review. See ERCOT Endorsement Letter dated June 12,2018, and Independent Review dated May 2018, included as Attachment No. 3. Oncor continues to experience load growth in West Texas due to oil and natural gas production, mid-stream processing, and associated economic expansion in the area referred to as the Delaware Basin. In order to meet this need, a new transmission line in Loving County is being proposed to connect Oncor's Quarry Field Switch Station, located in Loving County, to Oncor's Kyle Ranch Substation, located in Loving County. This new transmission line, in conjunction with the Riverton - Kyle Ranch 138 kV Line (recently approved in Commission Docket No. 49304), will create a new 138 kV transmission circuit between the Quarry Field Switch station and the Riverton Switch station, located in Reeves County, as envisioned in ERCOT's approval of the Far West Texas Project 2. Loving County lies within the West Texas region of the Delaware Basin where deep underground shale deposits referred to as "plays " are providing opportunities for oil and natural gas exploration and production. Improvements in oil and natural gas exploration technologies have increased activity in the area and resulted in electric load growth at substations within the Delaware Basin. This growth has resulted in increased load served on the existing Oncor Wink - Culberson Switch 138 kV Line and the Oncor Yucca Drive Switch - Culberson Switch 138 kV Line (together, "Culberson Loop"). Table 1 below shows the sum of historical and projected summer peak loads (MW) for the substations on the Culberson Loop transmission lines. The loads from 2015 to 2019 are actual non-coincident summer peaks and the loads for 2020 to 2024 are projected non-
9 February 4,2021 (D Standard Application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity for a Proposed Transmission Line and Application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity for a Proposed Transmission Line Pursuant To 16 TAC §25.174
coincident summer peaks. These projections only include confirmed load increases for Oncor substations and customer requests that have signed agreements for service.
Historical Load Projected Load 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020* 2021 2022 2023 2024 Total 93.7 205.4 246.4 406.2 640.2 1,237.2 1,522.1 1,726.7 1,857.9 1,910.0 (MW) Table 1 - Historical and Projected Load on the Wink - Culberson and Yucca Drive - Culberson 138 kV Transmission Lines *Load information for 2020 is currently being compiled and actuahzed. finalized numbers are expected by March 2021 in accordance with the Annual Load Data Request (ALDR) Instructions referenced in ERCOT Planning Guide Section 6 5 This rapid load growth causes concerns for transmission reliability in the area. ERCOT's steady state load flow analysis identified single-contingency outages which would cause the Culberson Loop 138 kV Lines to be unable to maintain adequate system operating conditions, resulting in an unsolved contingency during load flow analysis. The unsolved contingencies show an inability of the power system to maintain acceptable voltages following a disturbance, resulting in potential voltage collapse along these lines which could potentially cause all load on these lines to be dropped. The Proposed Transmission Line Project will address these reliability concerns by being one of the elements that creates a new 13 8 kV pathway from the Quarry Field Switch station to the Riverton Switch station. The Quarry Field Switch station is the site for a dynamic reactive device (DRD)-including one 250 MVAR STATCOM and 150 MVAR static capacitors-and the Riverton Switch station is the site for a 345 kV injection, both of which are referenced in the ERCOT approved Far West Texas Project 2. See Attachment No. 3. Creating a new electrical connection between these two points will result in a 138 kV system that will become more networked and allow bi-directional flow in the area, ultimately allowing the voltage support from the DRD and the 345 kV injection to address the reliability concerns during outage conditions. In addition, this would improve operational flexibility during emergency conditions, obtaining clearances for maintenance of equipment, and connecting new loads to the system. ERCOT found on page 10 of its Independent Review that "the new 138 kV lines proposed in the [Far West Texas Project 2] are necessary to strengthen the Culberson Loop and provide operational flexibility under normal and outage conditions." Load Additions In addition to addressing transmission reliability concerns, the Proposed Transmission Line Project is needed to serve load growth in the area by establishing transmission service for new substations. Oncor needs to serve customers in the geographic area north of the existing Wink - Riverton 138 kV Line. This area is extremely active with oil and natural gas customers, yet there are no transmission or substation facilities in the vicinity. Oncor continues to receive multiple customer inquiries for electric service in this area, notably north toward the Texas-New Mexico border. With these growing load additions in remote locations, distribution feeder performance is a major concern. Customers in the area rely on long-distance distribution feeders from the El Mar and Mason substations, which have limited reach to customers in
10 February 4,2021 Standard Application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity for a Proposed Transmission Line and Application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity for a Proposed Transmission Line Pursuant To 16 TAC §25.174
these portions of Loving County . See Attachment No . 4 showing the area transmission infrastructure. These long feeders have a higher probability of forced outages due to increased exposure to storm events. They are also prone to low voltage problems due to the length of the feeder and have strict motor start limitations imposed on them to limit voltage fluctuations. These performance issues can currently be seen on distribution feeders in the area since many of them are several miles long. The existing distribution facilities in the area and the El Mar and Mason substations do not have capability to serve allload requests. As a result ofthese limitations, more than 20MW of load requests were put on hold until the new Kyle Ranch Substation was established. Oncor proposes to construct a new 138 kV transmission line from the Quarry Field 138 kV Switch station. The Quarry Field 138 kV Switch station will provide a connection to the existing Wink - Riverton 138 kV Line, the closest 138 kV interconnection point available. In conjunction with the Riverton - Kyle Ranch 138 kV Line (which, as approved in Docket No. 49304, would remain a radial line without interconnection to the Proposed Transmission Line Project), the Proposed Transmission Line Project will also allow for bi- directional, looped service which would allow the ability to segment this line via remote switches at the substations. This will provide operational flexibility to sectionalize the entire transmission line and maintain service to these customers during construction, maintenance, or outages. 15. Alternatives to Project:
For a standard application, describe alternatives to the construction of this project (not routing options). Include an analysis of distribution alternatives, upgrading voltage or bundling of conductors of existing facilities, adding transformers, and for utilities that have not unbundled, distributed generation as alternatives to the project. Explain how the project overcomes the insufficiencies of the other options that were considered. Potential alternatives to the Proposed Transmission Line Project were considered and rejected in Docket No. 49302. Discussion of those potential alternatives, as contained in Oncor's application in Docket No. 49302, is re-produced below.
Due to the existing system configuration and remote location of the surrounding transmission lines, alternatives to the Proposed Transmission Line Project that address all load growth and reliability concerns are limited. Alternatives to the Proposed Transmission Line Project were studied as part of the ERCOT RPG process for the Far West Texas 2 Project. ERCOT's independent review considered three project options, all of which included the Quarry Field - Kyle Ranch 138 kV Line as a project already in-place in order to serve new loads. Distribution alternatives would not improve the reliability and operational capability of the transmission system, and thus would not address the reliability criteria violations previously discussed. Additionally, distribution alternatives are not practical in serving new large load additions with the distribution system in the area already strained. Without a new transmission line in the area and the subsequent new substation, numerous customer sites
11 February 4,2021 Standard Application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity for a Proposed Transmission Line and Application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity for a Proposed Transmission Line Pursuant To 16 TAC §25.174
would still have difficulty being served from the distribution system due to long feeders that will be prone to low voltage problems and suffer from insufficient motor start capability. Upgrading voltage of existing facilities is not practical. A new 345 kV source in the area would be needed to upgrade voltage because all existing facilities in the area are constructed and operated at 138 kV. Additionally, all loads in the area are served from the 138 kV transmission system. Bundling of conductors would not address the reliability and operational issues under the contingencies of concern since any bundled circuits would be located on the same structures as the existing 138 kV lines in the area. The existing Oncor Wink - Riverton 138 kV Line is already a double-circuit. Additionally, bundling conductors does not provide new transmission service closer to the customers who have signed new service agreements. Adding transformers to existing substations would not address the distribution feeder or transmission reliability issues noted above. Oncor has constructed the Quarry Field Switch station where a Dynamic Reactive Device ("DRD") has been installed as approved by ERCOT in connection with the Far West Texas Project 2. Additionally, Oncor has constructed new 345 kV facilities at the Riverton Switch station. While these projects will provide voltage support to serve area load growth, they do not provide transmission service in an area near where customers' load can be served. 16. Schematic or Diagram: For a standard application, provide a schematic or diagram of the applicant's transmission system in the proximate area of the project. Show the location and voltage of existing transmission lines and substations, and the location of the construction. Locate any taps, ties, meter points, or other facilities involving other utilities on the system schematic. A schematic ofthe transmission system in the proximate area ofthe Proposed Transmission Line Project is shown in Attachment No. 5. The location and voltage of existing transmission lines, substations, taps, ties, meter points or other facilities involving other utilities in relation to the Proposed Transmission Line Project are included. A map outlining the project area can be found in Figure 3-1 of the Environmental Assessment and Routing Study, included as Attachment No. 2. 17. Routing Study: Provide a brief summary of the routing study that includes a description of the process of selecting the study area, identifying routing constraints, selecting potential line segments, and the selection of the routes. Provide a copy of the complete routing study conducted by the utility or consultant. State which route the applicant believes best addresses the requirements of PURA and P.U.C. Substantive Rules. In Docket No. 49302, Oncor retained Halff Associates, Inc. ("Halff') to prepare the Environmental Assessment and Routing Study. Given the single route proposed in this Application and its similarity to the settlement route approved in Docket No. 49302, Oncor is relying on the Environmental Assessment and Routing Study produced in Docket No. 49302 for this Application, which is included as Attachment No. 2. Discussion of that Environmental Assessment and Routing Study, as contained in Oncor's application in
12 February 4,2021 Standard Application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity for a Proposed Transmission Line and Application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity for a Proposed Transmission Line Pursuant To 16 TAC §25.174
Docket No. 49302, is largely re-produced below, except that the route proposed herein best meets the requirements of PURA and Commission rules for the reasons discussed throughout this Application.
The objective of the Environmental Assessment and Routing Study was to provide information in support of this Application in addressing the requirements of Section 37.056(c)(4)(A)-(D) of the Texas Utilities Code, the PUCT CCN Application form, and 16 Tex. Admin. Code ("TAC") § 25.101 as these apply to the Proposed Transmission Line Project. By means of examination of existing environmental conditions, including the human and natural resources that are located in the project area, the Environmental Assessment and Routing Study appraises the environmental effects that could result from the construction, operation, and maintenance of the Proposed Transmission Line Project between the proposed Kyle Ranch Substation and the proposed Quarry Field Switch in Loving County. The Environmental Assessment and Routing Study may also be used in support of any additional local, state, or federal permitting activities that may be required for the Proposed Transmission Line Project. To assist Halff in its evaluation, Oncor provided information regarding the project endpoints, the need for the project, engineering and design requirements, construction practices, and ROW requirements for the Proposed Transmission Line Project. After considering environmental and geographical data, Halff defined a study area that encompassed the provided endpoints with a sufficient area to identify routing. See Section 3.0 of the Environmental Assessment and Routing Study, included as Attachment No. 2, for a discussion of the study area. Routing constraints were identified after collection of area data from many sources (e.g., governmental agencies, evaluation of aerial photography), consideration of criteria established in Section 37.056(c)(4)(A)-(D) of the Texas Utilities Code, the PUCT's CCN Application form, and 16 TAC § 25.101. Potential links were identified by evaluating the constraints mapped for the study area and then developing potential opportunity areas such as existing corridors and other linear features. Corridors were identified and developed into potentially viable routes. These preliminary routes were further evaluated based on information received from government agencies and the public participation meeting. Impacts were evaluated by Halff for each identified alternative route. Specific discussion regarding the study area, identification of constraints, selection of potential line segments, and alternative route analysis is set forth in the Environmental Assessment and Routing Study.
Given the consent obtained from all directly affected landowners, Oncor is filing the single route proposed herein. A series of maps showing this route and the relevant portion of the route approved in Docket No. 49302 are also attached hereto as Attachment No. 6. Halff has also re-calculated the relevant environmental and land use data for the proposed route, and compared it to the route previously approved in Docket No. 49302, based on recent investigations of publicly-available information and the Environmental Assessment and
13 February 4,2021 Standard Application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity for a Proposed Transmission Line and Application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity for a Proposed Transmission Line Pursuant To 16 TAC §25.174
Routing Study conducted in Docket No. 49302. That environmental and land use data table and comparison for the proposed route is included as Attachment No. 7. 18. Public Meeting or Public Open House:
Provide the date and location for each public meeting or public open house that was held in accordance with 16 TAC §22.52. Provide a summary of each public meeting or public open house including the approximate number of attendants, and a copy of any survey provided to attendants and a summary of the responses received. For each public meeting or public open house provide a description of the method of notice, a copy of any notices, and the number of notices that were mailed and/or published. With respect to the single route proposed in this Application, no public meeting was necessary prior to this filing under 16 TAC § 25.52, as less than 25 landowners would be directly affected by the proposed route. With respect to the version of this project as proposed in Docket No. 49302, the relevant information from that Application is re-produced below. One public participation meeting was hosted by Oncor and attended by Oncor and Halff personnel, as well as personnel from TRC Solutions, Inc., a contractor who assists Oncor in abstracting. The public participation meeting was held January 15,2019, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at the Kermit Community Center in Kermit, Texas. Oncor mailed a total of approximately 25 individual written notices of the meeting to all owners of property within 300 feet of the centerline of the preliminary alternative route links for the Proposed Transmission Line Project. Also, a public notice was placed in the local newspaper listed below announcing the location, time, and purpose of the meeting. Oncor also emailed notice of the public meeting to the Department of Defense Siting Clearinghouse. January 2019 Meeting Newspaper County The Winkler County News Loving The meeting was designed to solicit comments and input from residents, landowners, public officials, and other interested parties concerning the Proposed Transmission Line Project. The objectives included promoting an understanding of the Proposed Transmission Line Project including the purpose, need, and potential benefits and impacts; informing and educating the public with regard to the routing process and schedule; and gathering information about the values and concerns of the public and community leaders. The meeting was configured in an informal information station format rather than a formal speaker/audience format with each station assigned to a particular aspect of the project, or routing process, and staffed with Oncor representatives and/or Halff staff. Each station had exhibits, maps, illustrations, aerial photography, or other information describing certain project aspects and subject matter information. It was Oncor's intent to encourage attendees to visit each station in order, so the entire process could be explained in the general sequence of project development. Oncor has found this meeting format valuable due to its informality and because it allows attendees the opportunity to gather information most important to
14 February 4,2021 Standard Application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity for a Proposed Transmission Line and Application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity for a Proposed Transmission Line Pursuant To 16 TAC §25.174
them and to spend as much time as necessary with those particular project aspects. Additionally, individual discussions allow for and encourage more interaction from attendees who otherwise might be hesitant to participate in a more formal setting. Neither notified property owners nor other members of the public attended the public participation meeting. No comments or letters were received via mail or phone at a later date by either Oncor or Halff. Additional discussion concerning the public involvement program and specific information regarding the public participation meeting may be found in the Environmental Assessment and Routing Study, Sections 2.5 and 5.0, included as Attachment No. 2. A representative copy of the notice that was provided to property owners and a copy of the questionnaire provided to meeting attendees is included in Appendix B of Attachment No. 2. 19. Routing Maps: Base maps should be a full scale (one inch = not more than one mile ) highway map of the county or counties involved, or other maps of comparable scale denoting sufficient cultural and natural features to permit location of all routes in the field. Provide a map (or maps) showing the study area, routing constraints, and all routes or line segments that were considered prior to the selection of the routes. Identify the routes and any existing facilities to be interconnected or coordinated with the project. Identify any taps, ties, meter points, or other facilities involving other utilities on the routing map. Show all existing transmission facilities located in the study area. Include the locations of radio transmitters and other electronic installations, airstrips, irrigated pasture or cropland, parks and recreational areas, historical and archeological sites (subject to the instructions in Question 27), and any environmentally sensitive areas (subject to the instructions in Question 29). With respect to the single route proposed in this Application, a map containing the information required in this Question, which also shows this proposed route and the route approved in Docket No. 49302, is included as Attachment No. 6 to this Application. With respect to the maps originally included in the Docket No. 49302 Environmental Assessment and Routing Study, the relevant information from that Application is re- produced below. A one inch = 3,000 feet map (Environmental Assessment and Routing Study Figure 3-1) is included in the map pocket of Attachment No. 2. This base map includes sufficient cultural and natural features to permit the location of all routes in the field. This figure delineates the study area, routing constraints, and route links considered in the selection of routes. The map also depicts the approximate locations of radio transmitters and other electronic installations, airstrips, irrigated pasture or cropland, parks and recreational areas, historical and archeological sites, and any environmentally sensitive areas. Figure 3-1 depicts existing facilities in the area of the Proposed Transmission Line Project, including taps, ties, meter points, or other utility facilities, as applicable. Provide aerial photographs of the study area displaying the date that the photographs were taken or maps that show (1) the location of each route with each route segment identified, (2) the locations ofall major public roads including, as a minimum, all federal and state roadways, (3) the locations of all known habitable structures or groups of habitable structures (see Question 19 below) on properties directly affected by any route, and (4) the boundaries 15 February 4,2021 Standard Application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity for a Proposed Transmission Line and Application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity for a Proposed Transmission Line Pursuant To 16 TAC §25.174
(approximate or estimated according to best available information if required) of all properties directly affected by any route. Figure 3-1 of the Environmental Assessment and Routing Study included as Attachment No. 2 depicts on an aerial photograph: (1) the location of each route with each route segment identified, (2) the locations of all major public roads including all federal and state roadways, (3) the locations ofall known habitable structures on properties directly affected by any route, and (4) the boundaries (approximate or estimated according to available county tax information) of all properties directly affected by any route. In addition, the locations of radio transmitters and other electronic installations, airstrips, irrigated pasture or cropland, parks and recreational areas, historical and archeological sites, and any environmentally sensitive areas are depicted, if any. Similarly, Attachment No. 6 provides this information with respect to the proposed route and the route approved in Docket No. 49302. For each route, cross-reference each habitable structure (or group of habitable structures) and directly affected property identified on the maps or photographs with a list of corresponding landowner names and addresses and indicate which route segment affects each structure/group or property. Attachment No. 8 is a table that cross references each property directly affected by the proposed route and includes corresponding landowner names and addresses. No known habitable structures were identified within 300 feet of any route at the time they were proposed in Docket No. 49302; however, as shown in Attachment No. 6, the route approved in Docket No. 49302 would directly affect at least one set of habitable structures.
No known habitable structure was identified within 300 feet of the route proposed herein.
20. Permits: List any and all permits and/or approvals required by other governmental agencies for the construction of the proposed project. Indicate whether each permit has been obtained. The following permits/approvals will be obtained after PUC approval of the CCN and prior to beginning construction, if necessary: 1. Texas Department of Transportation permit(s) for crossing a state-maintained roadway. 2. A Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan will be prepared and a Notice of Intent will be submitted to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality under the Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System program. 3. A cultural resources survey plan will be developed with the Texas Historical Commission for the proposed project. 4. Consultation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will occur following the Commission's approval ofthis Application to determine appropriate requirements under Section 404/Section 10 Permit criteria.
16 February 4, 2021 Standard Application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity for a Proposed Transmission Line and Application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity for a Proposed Transmission Line Pursuant To 16 TAC §25.174
5. Consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will occur following the Commission's approval ofthis Application to determine appropriate requirements under the Endangered Species Act. 21. Habitable structures:
For each route list all single-family and multi-family dwellings and related structures, mobile homes, apartment buildings, commercial structures, industrial structures, business structures, churches, hospitals, nursing homes, schools, or other structures normally inhabited by humans or intended to be inhabited by humans on a daily or regular basis within 300 feet of the centerline if the proposed project will be constructed for operation at 230 kV or less, or within 500 feet of the centerline if the proposed project will be constructed for operation at greater than 230 kV. Provide a general description of each habitable structure and its distance from the centerline of the route. In cities, towns or rural subdivisions, houses can be identified in groups. Provide the number of habitable structures in each group and list the distance from the centerline of the route to the closest and the farthest habitable structure in the group. Locate alllisted habitable structures or groups of structures on the routing map. The following information is based on the Environmental Assessment and Routing Study conducted in Docket No. 49302 and Halffs investigation of publicly-available databases regarding this information conducted in December 2020, as it relates to the proposed route. As depicted on Attachment No. 6 and listed on Attachment No. 7, no known habitable structures were identified within 300 feet of the centerline of the proposed route. 22. Electronic Installations: For each route, list all commercial AM radio transmitters located within 10,000 feet of the center line of the route, and all FM radio transmitters, microwave relay stations, or other similar electronic installations located within 2,000 of the center line of the route. Provide a general description of each installation and its distance from the center line of the route. Locate all listed installations on a routing map. The following information is based on the Environmental Assessment and Routing Study conducted in Docket No. 49302 and Halffs investigation of publicly-available databases regarding this information conducted in December 2020, as it relates to the proposed route. There are no known AM radio transmitters that are located within 10,000 feet of the centerline ofthe proposed route and no known FM radio transmitters that are located within 2,000 feet of the centerline of the proposed route. There are two known communication towers (microwave relay stations or other similar electronic installations)-one existing and one planned-that are within 2,000 feet of the proposed route. The approximate distances from each ofthe alternative route links and corresponding routes to the communication towers are summarized in the table below. Facility ID Installation Type Distance to Route (feet) Direction
*** THERE ARE NO AM RADIO TRANSMITTERS WITHIN 10,000 FEET OF A ROUTE ***
17 February 4, 2021 Standard Application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity for a Proposed Transmission Line and Application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity for a Proposed Transmission Line Pursuant To 16 TAC §25.174
Facility ID Installation Type Distance to Route (feet) Direction
*** THERE ARE NO FM RADIO TRANSMITTERS WITHIN 2,000 FEET OF A ROUTE ***
OTHER ELECTRONIC INSTALLATIONS WITHIN 2,000 FEET OF ROUTE
Tower 1 (proposed) Unknown 960 West Tower 2 Unknown 670 West See also Sections 3 . 7 . 7 and 7 . 7 . 6 of the Environmental Assessment and Routing Study , included as Attachment No. 2. Communications towers located within the relevant distances from the proposed route are shown in Attachment No. 6 and listed in Attachment No. 7.
23. Airstrips: For each route, list all known private airstrips within 10,000 feet of the center line of the project. List all airports registered with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with at least one runway more than 3,200 feet in length that are located within 20,000 feet of the center line of any route. For each such airport, indicate whether any transmission structures will exceed a 100:1 horizontal slope (one foot in height for each 100 feet in distance) from the closest point of the closest runway. List all listed airports registered with the FAA having no runway more than 3,200 feet in length that are located within 10,000 feet of the center line of any route. For each such airport, indicate whether any transmission structures will exceed a 50:1 horizontal slope from the closest point of the closest runway. List all heliports located within 5,000 feet of the center line of any route. For each such heliport, indicate whether any transmission structures will exceed a 25:1 horizontal slope from the closest point of the closest landing and takeoff area of the heliport. Provide a general description of each listed private airstrip, registered airport, and heliport; and state the distance of each from the center line of each route. Locate and identify all listed airstrips, airports, and heliports on a routing map. The following information is based on the Environmental Assessment and Routing Study conducted in Docket No. 49302 and Halffs investigation of publicly-available databases regarding this information conducted in December 2020, as it relates to the proposed route. Halff's review of federal and state aviation/airport maps and directories, aerial photography, and reconnaissance surveys identified the following: no FAA-registered airports with a runway greater than 3,200 feet in length within 20,000 feet ofthe proposed route; no private airstrip or FAA-registered airport with a runway no more than 3,200 feet in length within 10,000 feet of the proposed route; and no heliport within 5,000 feet of the proposed route.
See also Sections 3 . 7 . 6 and 7 . 7 . 5 of the Environmental Assessment and Routing Study , included as Attachment No. 2, and Attachment Nos. 6 and 7. 24. Irrigation Systems: For each route identify any pasture or cropland irrigated by traveling irrigation systems (rolling or pivot type) that will be traversed by the route. Provide a description of the irrigated land and state how it will be affected by each route (number and type of structures etc.). Locate any such irrigated pasture or cropland on a routing map.
18 February 4,2021 Standard Application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity for a Proposed Transmission Line and Application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity for a Proposed Transmission Line Pursuant To 16 TAC §25.174
The following information is based on the Environmental Assessment and Routing Study conducted in Docket No. 49302 and Halff's investigation of publicly-available databases regarding this information conducted in December 2020, as it relates to the proposed route. Results of aerial photography interpretation and field reconnaissance surveys did not identify any pasture or cropland irrigated by traveling irrigation systems (rolling or pivot type) that will be traversed by any of the proposed routes of the Proposed Transmission Line Project. See Table 7-2 in Appendix E ofthe Environmental Assessment and Routing Study, included as Attachment No. 2, and Attachment Nos. 6 and 7. 25. Notice: Notice is to be provided in accordance with 16 TAC §22.52.
A. Provide a copy of the written direct notice to owners of directly affected land. Attach a list of the names and addresses of the owners of directly affected land receiving notice. A copy of the written direct notice, with attached map, that will be provided to owners ofdirectly affected land and all parties that intervened in DocketNo. 49302 is included as AttachmentNo. 9. A list ofthe names and addresses ofthose owners of directly affected land and Docket No. 49302 parties to whom notice will be mailed by first-class mail is included as Attachment No. 8. B. Provide a copy of the written notice to utilities that are located within five miles of the routes. Not Applicable - no other utilities are located within five miles of the Proposed Transmission Line Project. C. Provide a copy of the written notice to county and municipal authorities, and the Department of Defense Siting Clearinghouse. Notice to the DoD Siting Clearinghouse should be provided at the email address found at http://www.acq.osd.mil/dodsc/. osd.dod-sitinq-clearinghouse(Ei.mail.mil A representative copy of the written notice, with attached map, that will be provided to county and municipal authorities is included as Attachment No. 10. The following county agencies will be provided the requisite notice on or before the filing date: Loving County, County Judge The following municipalities will be provided the requisite notice on or before the filing date:
Not Applicable - no municipalities are located within the project area.
19 February 4, 2021 Standard Application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity for a Proposed Transmission Line and Application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity for a Proposed Transmission Line Pursuant To 16 TAC §25.174
A representative copy of the written notice, with attached map, that will be provided to the Department of Defense Siting Clearinghouse at the specified email address is included as Attachment No. 10. D. Provide a copy of the notice that is to be published in newspapers of general circulation in the counties in which the facilities are to be constructed. Attach a list of the newspapers that will publish the notice for this application. After the notice is published, provide the publisher's affidavits and tear sheets. Notice for this Application will be published in The Pecos Enterprise , a newspaper of general circulation in Loving County. A copy of the newspaper notice to be published is included as Attachment No. 11. Proof of publication will be provided in the form of publisher's affidavits and tear sheets following publication ofthese notices. For a CREZ application, in addition to the requirements of 16 TAC § 22.52 the applicant shall, not less than twenty-one (21) days before the filing of the application, submit to the Commission sta ff a "generic" copy of each type of alternative published and written notice for review. Staffs comments, if any, regarding the alternative notices will be provided to the applicant not later than seven days after receipt by Staff of the alternative notices, Applicant may take into consideration any comments made by Commission staff before the notices are published or sent by mail. Not applicable. A copy of the Application, in addition to written notice and maps, will be provided to the Texas Office of Public Utility Counsel ("OPUC"). A copy of the notice and maps that will be provided to OPUC is included as Attachment No. 10. 26. Parks and Recreation Areas: For each route, list all parks and recreational areas owned by a governmental body or an organized group, club, or church and located within 1,000 feet of the center line of the route. Provide a general description of each area and its distance from the center line. Identify the owner of the park or recreational area (public agency, church, club, etc.). List the sources used to identify the parks and recreational areas. Locate the listed sites on a routing map. The following information is based on the Environmental Assessment and Routing Study conducted in Docket No. 49302 and Halff's investigation of publicly-available databases regarding this information conducted in December 2020, as it relates to the proposed route. After review of federal, state, and local websites and maps, as well as field reconnaissance surveys, no parks or recreational areas owned by a government body or an organized group, club or church were identified within the study area or located within 1,000 feet of the proposed route centerline. See also Sections 3 . 7 . 2 and 7 . 7 . 2 of the Environmental Assessment and Routing Study , included as Attachment No. 2, and Attachment Nos. 6 and 7. 27. Historical and Archeological Sites: For each route, list all historical and archeological sites known to be within 1,000 feet of the center line of the route. Include a description of each site and its distance from the center line.
20 February 4, 2021 Standard Application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity for a Proposed Transmission Line and Application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity for a Proposed Transmission Line Pursuant To 16 TAC §25.174
List the sources (national, state or local commission or societies) used to identify the sites. Locate all historical sites on a routing map. For the protection of the sites, archeological sites need not be shown on maps. The following information is based on the Environmental Assessment and Routing Study conducted in Docket No. 49302 and Halff's investigation of publicly-available databases regarding this information conducted in December 2020, as it relates to the proposed route. A review of the maps at the Texas Archeological Research Laboratory and the Texas Historical Commission's Archeological Sites Atlas, along with field reconnaissance, were conducted to locate known cultural resources within 1,000 feet of the route for the Proposed Transmission Line Project. THC records indicated no historical or archeological sites known to be within 1,000 feet of the proposed route centerline. THC records indicated no National Register of Historic Places ("NRHP"), State Antiquities Landmarks ("SALs 5,\),or cemeteries recorded within 1,000 feet of the proposed route centerline. See also Sections 3 . 8 and 7 . 8 ofthe Environmental Assessment and Routing Study , included as Attachment No. 2, and Attachment Nos. 6 and 7. 28. Coastal Management Program: For each route, indicate whether the route is located, either in whole or in part, within the coastal management program boundary as defined in 31 T.A.C. §503.1. If any route is, either in whole or in part, within the coastal management program boundary, indicate whether any part of the route is seaward of the Coastal Facilities Designation Line as defined in 31 T.A.C. §19.2(a)(21). Using the designations in 31 T.A.C. §501.3(b), identify the type(s) of Coastal Natural Resource Area(s) impacted by any part of the route and/or facilities. The Proposed Transmission Line Project is not located, either in whole or in part, within the coastal management program boundary as defined in 31 T.A.C. §503.1. 29. Environmental Impact: Provide copies of any and all environmental impact studies and/or assessments of the project. If no formal study was conducted for this project, explain how the routing and construction of this project will impact the environment. List the sources used to identify the existence or absence of sensitive environmental areas. Locate any environmentally sensitive areas on a routing map. In some instances, the location of the environmentally sensitive areas or the location of protected or endangered species should not be included on maps to ensure preservation of the areas or species. The Environmental Assessment and Routing Study prepared by Halff in Docket No. 49302 is included as Attachment No. 2. The relevant tabulation of environmental and land use data relating to the proposed route herein is included as Attachment No. 7. Within seven days after filing the application for the project, provide a copy of each environmental impact study and/or assessment to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) for its review at the address below. Include with this application a copy of the letter of transmittal with which the studies/assessments were or will be sent to the TPWD. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Director of Wildlife Mr. Clayton Wolf
21 February 4,2021 Standard Application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity for a Proposed Transmission Line and Application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity for a Proposed Transmission Line Pursuant To 16 TAC §25.174
4200 Smith School Road Austin, Texas 78744 The applicant shall file an affidavit confirming that the letter of transmittal and studies/assessments were sent to TPWD. A copy of the Environmental Assessment and Routing Study from Docket No. 49302, as well as the maps of the project approvals and the proposed route along with the environmental and land use data table for the proposed route, which are included as Attachment Nos. 1, 2, 6 and 7, will be provided to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department ("TPWD") for review within seven days following the filing of the Application for the Proposed Transmission Line Project. See Attachment No. 13 for a copy of the transmittal letter which will be sent to the TPWD. 30. Affidavit Attach a sworn affidavitfrom a qualified individual authorized by the applicant to verify and affirm that, to the best of their knowledge, a!1 information provided, statements made, and matters set forth in this application and attachments are true and correct.
31. List of Attachments to the CCN Application Attachment No. 1: Map Regarding Project Approvals Attachment No. 2: Environmental Assessment and Routing Study from Docket 49302 Attachment No. 3: ERCOT Endorsement Letter, Independent Review Report dated June 12,2018 Attachment No. 4: Existing Transmission Area Map Attachment No. 5: Schematics of Transmission System in Proximate Area of Project Attachment No. 6: Project Map of Proposed Route (Overview and Figures 1-11) Attachment No. 7: Environmental and Land Use Data for Proposed Route (with Comparison to Route Approved in Docket No. 49302) Attachment No. 8: Notice Mail Out List for Directly Affected Land Owners and Docket No. 49302 Parties Attachment No. 9: Copy of Direct Notice to Directly Affected Land Owners and Docket No. 49302 Parties Attachment No. 10: Copy of Direct Notice to Utilities5 Counties, Municipalities, OPUC, and Department of Defense Siting Clearinghouse Attachment No. 11: Copy of Newspaper Notice Attachment No. 12: Copy of Direct Notice to Pipeline Owners/Operators and Permian Basin Petroleum Association Attachment No. 13: Transmittal Letter to TPWD Attachment No. 14: Affidavit
22 February 4,2021 Kyle Ranch-Quarry Field 138kV ~ RIVERTON-KYLE RANCH Transmission Line Project: /.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.. TERMINUS Map Regarding Project Approval ,
1 KYLE RANCH/ SUBSTATION
1 0 4,000 8,000 16,000
Scale in Feet 0 1 2 4 (*=t RIVERTON U <+Ph-l SWITCH Scale in Miles Legend Approved in Dkt. 49302 (Not Subiect to this Filing) Approved in Dkt. 49304 ATTACHMENT ~ Kyle Ranch-Quarry Field Project Endpoint ® Riverton-Kyle Ranch Project Endpoint td Kyle Ranch - Quarry Field PUC Approved Route .4.'Riverton-Kyle Ranch PUC Approved Route -Wansmission Line Route Sublect to this Filing /~Proposed Modified Route QUARRY FIELD
NO. SWITCH
1 r ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND ALTERNATIVE ROUTE ANALYSIS
for the proposed
Kyle Ranch-Quarry Field 138 kV Transmission Line Project in Loving County, Texas
Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC P.O. Box 970 Fort Worth, Texas 76101
By ...... HALFF 1201 North Bowser Road Richardson, Texas 75081
MARCH 2019
ATTACHMENT NO 2 25 Printed on 100% post-consumerrecycled fiberand Sustainable Forestry lnitiative certified fiber. Made in the USA...... TABLE OF CONTENTS
List of Tables...... iv List of Figures...... iv Acronyms and Abbreviations ...... v
1.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION 1-1 1.1 Scope of the Project...... 1-1 1.2 Need for the Project...... 1-2 1.3 Description of Proposed Construction...... _...... 1-2 1.3.1 Transmission Line Design...... 1-2 1.3.2 Right-of-Way Requirements...... 1-2 1.3.3 Clearing Requirements...... 1-2 1.3.4 Monopole Structure Assembly and Erection...... 1-3 1.3.5 Conductor Stringing...... 1-3 2.0 ROUTE SELECTION METHODOLOGY 9-1 2.1 Study Area Delineation...... 2-1 2.2 Data Collection...... 2-2 2.2.1 Solicitation of Information from Local, State, and Federal Officials and Agencipg 2-2 2.2.2 Reconnaissance Surveys...... 2-8 2.3 Constraints Mapping...... 2-8 2.4 Identification of Preliminary Alternative Route Links...... 2-9 2.5 Public Involvement Program...... 2-10 2.6 Adjustments of Alternative Route Links Following the Public Participation Meeting. 2-11 2.7 Evaluation of the Alternative Routes 9-11 3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING OF THE STUDY AREA 3.1 Constraints Mapping...... 3-1 3.2 Physiography and Geology...... „...... 3-1 3.3 Soils...... 3-2 3.3.1 Soil Associations ...... 3-2 3.3.2 Prime Farmland...... 3-9 3.4 Water Resources...... 3-9 3.4.1 Surface Waterand Floodplains...... 3-9 3.4.2 Groundwater/Aquifer...... 3-10 3.5 Ecology...... 3-11 3.5.1 Vegetation...... 3-11 3.5.1.1 Terrestrial Vegetation...... 3-16 3.5.1.2 Aquatic/Hydric Vegetation...... 3-25 3.5.1.3 Commercially or Recreationally Important Vegetation 3-26 3.5.1.4 Endangered and Threatened Plant Species...... 3-26 3.5.2 Fish and Wildlife .3-28 3.5.2.1 Terrestrial Wildlife...... 3-28 3.5.2.2 Fish and Aquatic Wildlife...... 3-38 3.5.2.3 Commercially or Recreationally Important Fish and Wildlife Species .3-38 3.5.2.4 Endangered and Threatened Fish and Wildlife Species...... 3-39
Halff Associates Page i ...... 3.6 Community Values and Community Resources...... 3-47 3.7 Land Use...... 3-48 3.7.1 Urban/Residential Areas . 3-48 3.7.2 Recreation Areas...... 3-49 3.7.3 Agriculture...... 3-50 3.7.4 Industry...... 3-50 3.7.5 Aesthetics...... 3-50 3.7.6 Transportation/Aviation...... 3-51 3.7.7 Communication Towers...... 3-52 3.8 Cultural Resources...... 3-52 3.8.1 Cultural History 3.8.1.1 Paleoindian...... 3-53 3.8.1.2 Archaic...... 3-54 3.8.1.3 Late Prehistoric...... 3-54 3.8.1.4 Protohistoric...... 3-55 3.8.1.5 Historic...... 3-55 3.8.2 Records Review...... 3-55 3.8.2.1 Previous Archaeological Investigations ...... 3-55 3.8.2.2 Previously Recorded Archaeological Sites ...... 3-56 3.8.2.3 Historic Sites ...... 3-56 4.0 IDENTIFICATION OF PRELIMINARY ALTERNATIVE ROUTE LINKS 5.0 PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT PROGRAM.., 5-1 6.0 MODIFICATION OF ALTERNATIVE ROUTE LINKS 6-1 7.0 EVALUATION OF THE ALTERNATIVE ROUTFR 7-1 7.1 Impacts on Physiographyand Geology...... 7-1 7.2 Impacts on Soils...... 7-1 7.2.1 Soil Associations ...... 7-1 7.2.2 Prime Farmland...... 7-2 7.3 Impacts on Water Resources...... 7-2 7.3.1 Surface Water and Floodplains...... 7-2 7.3.2 Groundwater/Aquifer...... 7-4 7 . 4 Impact on Ecosystems ...... 7 - 5 7.4.1 Vegetation...... 7-5 7.4.1.1 Terrestrial Vegetation ...... 7-5 7.4.1.2 Aquatic/Hydric Vegetation ...... 7-6 7.4.1.3 Commercially or Recreationally Important Vegetation...7-6 7.4.1.4 Endangered and Threatened Plant Species...... 7-6 7.4.2 Fish and Wildlife...... 7-7 7.4.2.1 Terrestrial Wildlife...... 7-7 7.4.2.2 Fish and Aquatic Wildlife...... 7-9 7.4.2.3 Commercially or Recreationally Important Fish and Wildlife Species...... 7-10 7.4.2.4 Endangered and Threatened Fish and Wildlife Species...... 7-10 7.5 Summary of Natural Resources Impacts...... 7-12 7.6 Impacts on Community Values and Community Resources...... 7-12 77 Land Use Impacts ...... 7 - 13 7.7.1 Urban/Residential...... 7-13 7.7.2 Recreation Areas...... 7-14
Page ii Halff Associates ...... 7.7.3 Agriculture...... 7-14 7.7.4 Aesthetics...... 7-14 7.7.5 Transportation/Aviation...... 7-15 7.7.6 Communication Towers...... 7-17 7.8 Cultural Resources Impacts...... 7-17 7.8.1 Historical Summary...... 7-19 7.8.2 Archaeological Summary...... 7-19 8.0 LIST OF PREPARERS 8-1 9.0 REFERENCFR 9-1
APPENDICES A Agency Correspondence B Public Involvement C Preliminary Route Modifications D Link Composition of Alternative Routes E Environmental Data for Evaluation of Alternative Routes F Environmental and Land Use Constraints Map
Halff Associates Page iii ...... TABLES 2-1 Newspaper and Publication Date for Notice of Public Participation Meeting... 2-10 3-1 Soil Association within the Study Area...... 3-5 3-2 Upland Plant Species inthe Study Area ...... 3-24 3-3 Endangered, Threatened, or Rare Plants...... 3-28 3-4 Amphibian Species within the Study AreA 3-30 3-5 Reptile Species within the Study Area...... 3-30 3-6 Bird Species which May Permanently Reside within the Study Area...... 3-31 3-7 Bird Species which May Breed within the Study Area...... 3-32 3-8 Bird Species which May Winter within the Study Area...... 3-33 3-9 Bird Species which May Migrate through the Study Area...... 3-35 3-10 Mammal Species within the Study Area...... 3-36 3-11 Game Species within the Study Area...... 3-39 3-12 Endangered, Threatened, or Rare Wildlife Potentially in the Study Area...... 3-40 7-1 Link Composition of Alternative Routes...... Appendix D 7-2 Environmental Data for Alternative Route Evaluation ...... Appendix E 7-3 Alternative Link Proximity to High Probability Areas for Archaeological Sites.. 7-20 8-1 List of Preparers...... 8-1
FIGURES 1-1 Project Location Map...... 1-5 1-2 Typical 138 kV Tangent Double-Circuit Monopole with One Circuit in Place..... 1-7 2-1 Project Area Map...... 2-3 2-2 Study Area Boundary Map...... 2-5 3-1 Environmental and Land Use Constraints Map...... Appendix F 3-2 Geologic Atlas of Texas Map...... 3-3 3-3 Soil Association Map...... 3-7 3-4 Major Land Resources Area Map...... 3-13 3-5 Land Cover Map .3-17 6-1 Revisions of Links B2, D3, and D4...... C-1 6-2 Revisions of Links C3 and G4...... C-3 6-3 Revisions of Link D2...... C-5 6-4 Revisions of Links G2 and 12...... C-7 6-5 Revision of Link Il ...... C-9 6-6 Revision of Link I3...... C-11 6-7 Revision of Link Jl ...... C-13 6-8 Revision of Link J2...... C-15 6-9 Revision of Link Kl...... C-17
Page iv Halff Associates ...... ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS A . D . anno Domini ( after Christ ) APLIC Avian Power Line Interaction Committee ARC AR Consultants, Inc. B.C. Before Christ BEG Bureau of Economic Geology BMP Best Management Practice C Candidate Species CCN Certificate of Convenience and Necessity CFR Code of Federal Regulations Centerline CNAH Center for North American Herpetology CR County Road DM Recovered, delisted, or being monitored species DoD Department of Defense E State Listed Endangered Species e.g. exemp# gratia (for example) EMST Ecological Mapping Systems Cover Type EOID Element Occurrence Identification number EPA Environmental Protection Agency EPRI Electric Power Research Institute ESA Endangered Species Act ESI Environmental Science Institute et al . et alia ( and others ) FAA Federal Aviation Administration FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency FM Farm-to-Market Road (e.g. FM 866) FPPA Farmland Protection Policy Act GIS Geographic Information System GHMs General Highway Map GLO Texas General Land Office Halff Halff Associates, Inc. HPA High Probability Area . e . id est ( that is ) ISD Independent School District kV kilovolt (1,000 Volts) LRR Land Resource Region LE Federally Listed Endangered Species LT Federally Listed Threatened Species MBTA Migratory Bird Treaty Act MLRA Major Land Resource Area msI Mean Sea Level
Halff Associates Page v ...... ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS NDD Natural Diversity Database NGS National Geographic Society NHD National Hydrology Data Set NRCS Natural Resources Conservation Service (an agency of the USDA) NRHP National Register of Historic Places NWI National Wetlands Inventory NWP Nationwide Permit Oncor Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC OTHM Official Texas Historical Markers PCN Pre-construction Notification PUCT Public Utility Commission of Texas ROW Right-of-Way RRC Railroad Commission of Texas SAL State Antiquities Landmark SCS Soil Conservation Service (agency was renamed NRCS, see above) SGCN Species of Greatest Conservation Need SH State Highway (e.g. 302) sp. Species spp. Species (plural) SWPPP Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan T State Listed Threatened Species TARL Texas Archeological Research Laboratory TASA Texas Archaeological State Atlas TDA Texas Department of Agriculture TCEQ Texas Commission on Environmental Quality THC Texas Historical Commission TNRIS Texas Natural Resource Information System TPWD Texas Parks and Wildlife Department TWDB Texas Water Development Board TxDOT Texas Department of Transportation U.S. United States US United States Highway USACE United States Army Corps of Engineers USDA United States Department of Agriculture USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service USGS United States Geological Survey USNPS United States National Park Service var. Variation
Page vi Halff Associates ...... 1.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
1.1 Scope of the Project Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC (Oncor) proposes to construct a 138 kilovolt (kV) transmission line from the proposed Kyle Ranch Substation to the proposed Quarry Field Switch, both located in Loving County, Texas, United States (U.S.). The proposed Kyle Ranch Substation will be located west of County Road (CR) 300 (referred to as CR 2 in Appendix A), approximately 5 miles southeast from the intersection of Farm-to-Market (FM) 652 and CR 300. The proposed Quarry Field Switch will be located west of CR 300, approximately 5 miles north of the intersection of CR 300 and CR 22. The proposed transmission line project will be approximately 15 to 21 miles long. Each of these project endpoints is shown relative to the location of the nearby towns and communities and the state and county boundaries on Figure 1-1.
Oncor retained Halff Associates, Inc. (Halff) to identify and evaluate alternative routes, and to prepare an Environmental Assessment and Alternative Route Analysis report to support its application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CCN). The routing study conducted is incorporated into this document. This report has been prepared to provide information and address the requirements of Section 37.056(c)(4)(A)-(D) of the Texas Utilities Code, Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) Procedural Rules Section 22.52(a)(4), PUCT Substantive Rules Section 25.101, and the PUCT CCN application form for a proposed transmission line. This report may also be used in support of local, state, or federal permitting activities that may be required for the proposed project.
To assist Halff in the evaluation of the proposed project, Oncor provided Halff with information regarding the need, construction practices, and right-of-way (ROW) requirements for the proposed project. Oncor also provided information regarding the engineering and design requirements for the routing study.
The following sections include a description of the proposed project (Section 1.0), an explanation of the methodology used to select alternative routes (Section 2.0), a description of the existing environmental and social conditions in the study area (Section 3.0), and a description of the preliminary alternative routes that were developed by this process (Section 4.0). The public involvement program is described in
Halff Associates Page 1-1 ...... Section 5.0, and a discussion of changes to preliminary alternative route links following the receipt of public input and other information is described in Section 6.0. An evaluation of expected environmental impacts is presented in Section 7.0, followed by a list of report preparers (Section 8.0), and bibliographical references used in preparing this report (Section 9.0). The appendices include copies of agency correspondence (Appendix A), public participation meeting information (Appendix B), preliminary route modifications (Appendix C), route definitions (Appendix D), alternative route environmental data (Appendix E), and environmental and land use constraints maps (Appendix F).
1.2 Need for the Project Oncor will provide support for the purpose and need for the proposed project as a part of the CCN application.
1.3 Description of Proposed Construction
1.3.1 Transmission Line Design For the proposed project, Oncor anticipates the use of a self-supporting, double-circuit steel or concrete pole (Figure 1 -2). Design criteria will comply with applicable statutes, the appropriate edition of the National Electrical Safety Code, and Oncor's standard design practices. The typical structure height is anticipated to be 85 to 105 feet, but pole height will vary depending on terrain. The results of site-specific geotechnical and engineering studies will be used to determine the appropriate design and placement of the structures.
1.3.2 Right-of-Way Requirements The proposed ROW width for the proposed project will be approximately 70 feet. The ROW normally extends an equal distance on both sides of the transmission line centerline. Additional ROW may be required at line angles, dead ends, or for terrain-related constraints.
1.3.3 Clearing Requirements All brush and undergrowth within the ROW will be removed and maintained. For areas requiring hand-clearing, vegetation will be cut level with the ground. No stump exceeding 2 inches above the ground will remain. Any tree located in a fence line having a diameter greater than 4 inches will be cut even with the top of the fence. Stumps located on hillsides
Page 1-2 Halff Associates ...... or uneven ground will be cut where a mowing machine can pass over the ROW without striking any stumps, roots, or snags.
1.3.4 Monopole Structure Assembly and Erection Foundations for the monopole structures will be completed before erecting the structures. If the monopole is to be directly embedded, then a single hole will be augured into the ground at each structure location. Once the structure has been placed, the foundation will be filled with concrete, native material, or other approved material to hold the structure securely in place.
If the pole is to have an anchor bolted foundation, a hole will be augured into the ground at each structure location, an anchor bolt cage will be placed in addition to steel rebar to reinforce the foundation, and the hole will be filled with concrete. Depth and diameter of the foundation will vary depending on the design of the structure specific to that location.
1.3.5 Conductor Stringing Once a series of structures has been erected along the transmission line centerline, the conductor stringing phase can begin. Specialized equipment will be attached to properly support and protect the conductor during the pulling, tensioning, and sagging operations. Once conductors and shield wire are in place and tension and sag have been verified, conductor and shield wire hardware are installed at each suspension point to maintain conductor position. Conductor stringing continues until the transmission line construction is complete. All construction equipment will be removed. All temporary culverts and environmental controls previously installed will be removed.
Halff Associates Page 1-3 ......
THIS PAGE LEFT BLANK INTENTIONALLY
Page 1-4 Halff Associates ...... l3* UF &* DIAA ~~ l 4--L L=1= l L.L ill,=
0
652
85 GGV
ORLA
k .al-
MENTONI 285
VICINITY MAP
**n»rrlili r'l It 1
285
FIGURE 1-1. PROJECT LOCATION MAP KYLE RANCH-QUARRY FIELD 138 kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT EXISTING TRANSMISSION O KYLE RANCH SUBSTATION O QUARRY FIELD SWITCH »/ LINE 0 2f 5 10
W r SCALE IN MILES 41 Halff Associates Page 1-5 ...... THIS PAGE LEFT BLANK INTENTIONALLY Page 1-6 Halff Associates ...... A I A I ftttllt,ltllttt~tt *ttlttltttlltttl , I i 1 0 Q cotb @O :4 0 *Itltltttltttltt ' b La' B % 2 GROUND LINE ¥ '**MMNVANV®HVAWM#*VAHMRWWAWAWW#miqm%2))36*%~NWZNWAHW.Iwi N~;%* 0&)%0%„k*)**%6N>k*ukKmZNW*)%*=)%N)),*%#=*W;%,»kb*M&mEMHI/wwV~ CENTERLINE OF TRANSMISSION LINE 35-Fr , 70-Fr - FIGURE 1-2. TYPICAL 138 kV TANGENT DOUBLE-CIRCUIT MONOPOLE WITH ONE CIRCUIT IN PLACE KYLE RANCH-QUARRY FIELD 138 kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT - FIGURE NOT TO SCALE - *138 kV tangent double-circuit monopole with one circuit in place graphic provided by Oncor Halff Associates Page 1-7 ...... THIS PAGE LEFT BLANK INTENTIONALLY Page 1-8 Halff Associates ...... 2.0 ROUTE SELECTION METHODOLOGY The objective of the routing study is to identify and evaluate alternative transmission line routes for the proposed project. Throughout this report, the terms "environment" or "environmental" are used to include both the human and natural environment. Halff utilized a comprehensive transmission line routing methodology to identify and evaluate alternative transmission line routes. Potential routes were identified and evaluated in accordance with Section 37.056(c)(4)(A)-(D) of the Texas Utilities Code, PUCT Substantive Rules Section 25.101, including the PUCT policy of prudent avoidance, PUCT Procedural Rules Section 22.52(a)(4), and the PUCT CCN Application Form for a Proposed Transmission Line. The following subsections provide a description of the route selection methodology, including study area delineation, data collection, reconnaissance surveys, constraints mapping, identification of preliminary alternative routes, public involvement program, adjustment of preliminary alternative routes following field review and a public participation meeting, and evaluation of the alternative routes. 2.1 Study Area Delineation The first step in the identification of alternative routes was to define a study area. The standard process is to define an area that encompasses the proposed endpoints (e.g. the Kyle Ranch Substation) and includes an area large enough that a reasonable number of forward progressing, geographically diverse alternative routes can be identified. Once defined, the study area established boundaries and limits for the information gathering process (i.e. identifying environmental and land use constraints) and allowed Halffto focus its evaluation within a specific area. Halff reviewed United States Geological Survey (USGS) 1:24,000 scale topographic maps (USGS, 1961-1991) and aerial photography (DigitaIGIobe, 2017) to develop and refine the study area boundary for the proposed project. Halff located and depicted the project endpoints on the various maps and identified major features in or near the study area, such as United States Highway (US) 285, State Highway (SH) 302, FM 652, the Loving County-Reeves County line, and the Texas-New Mexico state boundary. Figure 2-1 Halff Associates Page 2-1 ...... shows the study area boundary Halff delineated overlain on aerial photography and general constraints resulting from the above-described process. Figure 2-2 provides a more detailed map of the study area. The study area is a rectangular shape, with the longer parallel axes (approximately 12 miles) aligned north- to-south and the shorter parallel axes (approximately 10 miles) aligned east-to-west. The Kyle Ranch Substation is located in the general northwestern region of the study area, while the Quarry Field Switch is found in the south-central region of the study area, south of an existing transmission line. As shown on Figure 2-2, the public road network within the study area is very limited. 2.2 Data Collection 2.2.1 Solicitation of Information from Local, State, and Federal Officials and Agencies Once the study area boundary was identified, Halff initiated a variety of data collection activities. One of the first such activities was the development of a list of officials to whom a consultation letter regarding the proposed project would be mailed. The purpose of the consultation letters was to inform the various officials and agencies of the proposed project and give them the opportunity to provide information they may have regarding the study area. Halff utilized the Texas Municipal League and other regional planning websites, as well as confirmation via telephone calls, to identify incorporated cities and towns within and near the study area and identify the local officials within each city or town. State and federal agencies that may have potential permitting requirements for or other interests in the proposed project were also identified. Correspondence was sent to the following federal or state agencies, and local officials and departments. Copies of all correspondence to and from these agencies are included in Appendix A. Page 2-2 Halff Associates . 652 0 i ORLA ' %€. & --i:. l-44 X i 4l 285 /'MENTON~ n·2 V~i4 -.f# f' 22,/-E, «li*-·Nect;,1'. r FIGURE 2-1. PROJECTAREA MAP KYLE RANCH-QUARRY FIELD 138 kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT O KYLE RANCH SUBSTATION O QUARRY FIELD SWITCH ~ STUDY AREA 0 2.5 5 10 1 J IV SCALE IN MILES uNCpR. BASE MAP DIGITALGLOBE, 2017 Halff Associates Page 2-3 ...... THIS PAGE LEFT BLANK INTENTIONALLY Page 2-4 Halff Associates h FIGURE 2-2. 0 STUDYAREABOUNDARYMAP KYLE RANCH - QUARRY FIELD 138 kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT Legend KYLE RANCH SUBSTATION LOVING QUARRY FIELD SWITCH COUNTY 000 STUDY AREA ,/KV.' EXISTING TRANSMISSION LINE Q ~ COUNTY BOUNDARY ' MAJOR ROAD ABANDONED RAILROAD TERRACE -'.nv- STREAM/RIVER ~ WATERBODY . SOURCE: TEXAS NATURAL RESOURCES / INFORMATION SYSTEM (TNRIS), 2018 MAP VIEW EXTENT . 0 % NTONE d=z e 1 Gal Q 1. bj =L a/ -~Ecd~2:%; 0\ 57-- / 4 l 0 \ 0 0 r4- 0 1 2 0 PECOS RIVER -- REEVES W- - 1 1 crt COUNTY 15621~TEXAS t i r €PR. V ...... THIS PAGE LEFT BLANK INTENTIONALLY Page 2-6 Halff Associates FEDERAL AGENCIES • Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) - Southwest Division • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) • Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) - Albuquerque District • U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) - Siting Clearinghouse) • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) - Austin Field Office STATE AGENCIES • Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) • Texas Archeological Research Laboratory (TARL) • Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) - Aviation Division, Odessa District, and Office of Environmental Affairs • Texas General Land Office (GLO) • Texas Historical Commission (THC) • Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) • Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board • Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) REGIONAL OR INDEPENDENT AGENCIES • Permian Basin Regional Planning Commission COUNTY AGENCIES • Loving County Historic Commission • Loving County Officials (County Judge, County Commissioners) SCHOOL DISTRICTS • Wink-Loving Independent School District (ISD) Other data collection activities included a file and record review of various regulatory agency databases, a review of published literature, and review of a variety of maps, including recent aerial photography (DigitaIGIobe, 2017), seamless USGS topographic maps (National Geographic Society [NGS], 2016), county highway maps, and county Halff Associates Page 2-7 ...... appraisal district land parcel boundary maps. Findings of the data collection activities are detailed in Section 3.0. 2.2.2 Reconnaissance Surveys Halff conducted multiple reconnaissance surveys of the study area to develop and confirm the findings of the above-mentioned research and data collection activities and to identify existing conditions or constraints that may not have been previously noted. Results from the site visits were also utilized to assist in the alternative route selection process. Ground reconnaissance surveys were conducted by visual observations of study area characteristics from public roads and public ROW located within the study area. Reconnaissance survey information was noted in the field and geographically referenced to digital aerial photography base maps. Reconnaissance surveys (including aerial fly- overs) were conducted on the following dates: • November 15,2018 • December 11,2018 • February 26, 2019 The data collection effort, although concentrated in the early stages of the proposed project, continued up to the point of final development of alternative routes. Results of the various data collection activities (e.g. solicitation of information from local, state, and federal officials and agencies, file/record review, and visual reconnaissance surveys) are included in Section 3.0 and Section 7.0 of this report. 2.3 Constraints Mapping The data and information collected from the activities outlined above were used to develop an environmental and land use constraints map. The constraints map, public maps, aerial photography, reconnaissance surveys, and other research were used to identify and select potential preliminary alternative routes within the study area. In this context, constraints are land use or landscape features that may affect or be affected by the location of a transmission line. The goal of this approach is to identify opportunity areas, which are areas where constraints are absent or fewer, or those areas with a lower likelihood of containing existing natural or human resources that could be negatively affected by a transmission line. For linear projects, crossing over or near certain Page 2-8 Halff Associates ...... constraints is often unavoidable. In these instances, special considerations or mitigation measures may be used, even though there is no law or regulation that would otherwise prohibit the proximity of a transmission line. 2.4 Identification of Preliminary Alternative Route Links Upon completion of initial data collection activities and the constraint mapping process, the next step was to identify preliminary alternative route links to connect the project endpoints. Halff utilized the following sources of information to identify the preliminary alternative routes: • input received from correspondence with agencies and local officials, as described in Section 2.2.1; • results from the visual reconnaissance surveys of the study area; • review of recent aerial photography; • findings of publicly available data collection activities; • environmental and land use constraints map; • apparent property boundaries; • existing compatible corridors; • locations of existing developments; and • other information. Preliminary alternative route links were identified in accordance with Section 37.056(c)(4)(A)-(D) of the Texas Utilities Code and PUCT Substantive Rules Section 25.101, including the PUCT policy of prudent avoidance. The intent was to identify an adequate number of geographically diverse alternative routes, which were environmentally acceptable considering such factors as the following: community values; park and recreation areas; historical and aesthetic values; vegetation, wildlife, and water resources; environmental quality; length of route parallel to or utilizing existing compatible corridors; length of route parallel to apparent property boundaries; and the PUCT policy of prudent avoidance. In addition, Oncor provided engineering guidance relating to paralleling existing compatible corridors in the study area and setback guidelines for oil and gas wells and wind turbines. The preliminary alternative route links identified by Halff were then presented at a public participation meeting on January 15, 2019. A more detailed discussion of the development of alternative routes is presented in Section 4.0. Halff Associates Page 2-9 ...... 2.5 Public Involvement Program Once the preliminary alternative routes were identified, a public participation meeting was held. The public participation meeting was held on January 15, 2019 from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at the Kermit Community Center in Kermit, Texas. The purpose of the public participation meeting was to: • solicit comments and input from residents, landowners, public officials, and other interested parties concerning the proposed project, preliminary alternative routes, and the overall transmission line routing process; • promote a better understanding of the proposed project including the need, purpose, potential benefits, potential impacts, and the CCN certification process; • inform the public regarding the routing process, schedule, and the decision-making process; and • identify the values and concerns of the public and community leaders. Oncor mailed a written notice of the public participation meeting to owners of property crossed by or within 300 feet of the centerline of the preliminary alternative routes. In addition, advertisements were published in local newspapers announcing the location, time, and purpose of the meeting. The DoD Siting Clearinghouse and oil and gas pipeline operators were notified of the public participation meeting. A summary of the newspapers in which public meeting notices were published and the dates of publication are shown in Table 2-1, and a copy of the notices can be found in Appendix B. TABLE 2-1. NEWSPAPER AND PUBLICATION DATE FOR NOTICE OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION MEETING. NEWSPAPER PUBLICATION DATE The Winkler County News January 10, 2019 At the public participation meeting, Oncor and Halff set up information stations in the meeting room. Each station was devoted to a particular aspect of the proposed project and was staffed by Oncor and/or Halff representatives. Each station had maps, illustrations, photographs, and/or text explaining each topic. Interested citizens and property owners are encouraged to visit each station so that the entire process could be explained in the general sequence of project development. The information station format Page 2-10 Halff Associates ...... is advantageous, because it allows attendees a chance to receive the information in a relaxed manner and allows them to focus on their particular area of interest and ask specific questions. Furthermore, the one-on-one discussions with Oncor, Halff, and the other representatives encouraged more interaction from those who might be hesitant to speak out in a speaker/audience forum. Upon entering, visitors are asked to sign in and are handed an information packet, including an explanation of the proposed project, a map of preliminary alternative route links, and a questionnaire. The information packet also included answers to frequently asked questions, a drawing of the proposed typical transmission structure, and a fiow chart that detailed the CCN certification process for new transmission lines. The questionnaire solicited comments on the proposed project, as well as an evaluation of the information presented at the public participation meeting. Copies of the information packet and questionnaire can be found in Appendix B. Halff reviews and evaluates the responses to the questionnaire that are submitted at the meeting. Attendee comments are considered and factored into the overall evaluation of the alternative routes. 2.6 Adjustments of Alternative Route Links Following the Public Participation Meeting Following the public participation meeting, modifications were made to several of the links presented at the public meeting. These modifications were the result of Halff's further evaluation of the preliminary alternative route links. The modified route links are located throughout the study area and are further described and discussed in Section 6.0. 2.7 Evaluation of the Alternative Routes Possible alternative route combinations were recalculated after making the route link adjustments noted above, and then evaluated in detail. The analysis of the alternative routes presented in Section 7.0 involved the inventory and tabulation of data related to multiple environmental and land use evaluation factors. Many of these factors relate to natural and man-made features that would be crossed by an alternative route (e.g. number of stream crossings, length across cropland, etc.). Some of the evaluation factors include features that are counted or measured if an alternative route link would be within a Halff Associates Page 2-11 ...... specified distance of a feature (e.g. airports or communication towers). Other factors included the length of an alternative route that runs parallel to and/or utilizes existing compatible corridors, such as electric transmission lines and public roads. The number or amount of each factor was determined primarily by reviewing recent aerial photography within a Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping program and, where possible, verified by visual observations during field reconnaissance. Page 2-12 Halff Associates ...... 3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING OF THE STUDY AREA 3.1 Constraints Mapping Halff identified environmental and land use constraints within the study area. A constraints map was developed that identifies the locations of environmentally sensitive areas and other land use constraints, all of which are mapped on an aerial photograph base that is shown on Figure 3-1 (Appendix F). The information obtained and reviewed in completing the routing study, as well as the environmental and land use constraints depicted in this figure, are described in detail in the following sections. 3.2 Physiography and Geology As shown in Figure 3-2, the study area lies in the Southern High Plains subregion of the High Plains physiographic region (or 'province') that eventually grades into the Edwards Plateau (Bureau of Economic Geology [BEG], 1996). Caliche and windblown sand sheet deposits typify most of the surface geology throughout the study area. The northwestern extent of the study area consists of pond deposits. In the southwestern corner are fluviatile terrace deposits from the Pecos River system. Additionally, there are a couple outcrops of the Dockum Group (undivided) (BEG, 1976; BEG, 1983; BEG, 1996; USGS and BEG, 2018). Rocks and unconsolidated deposits from the Quaternary and Triassic geologic periods are represented in the study area. The Quaternary geologic period deposits within the study area primarily consists of caliche, fluviatile terrace deposits, pond deposits, and the Gatuna Formation. Fluviatile terrace deposits include gravel, sand, and silt, trending from north to south along the Pecos River floodplain, while alluvium deposits are comprised of sandy silts and are modified by the local geology. The older alluvium deposits consist mainly of gravels deriving from wind or alluvial processes occurring over the past two million years. Pond deposits derived from gastropod-bearing, sandy silt, and silty clay deposited in either ponds or shallow swales and may locally include Tahoka deposits. The primary attributes of the Gatuna Formation are comprised of sand, mari, conglomerate, gypsum, silt, shale, and Iimestone. The Triassic geologic period deposits consist of the Dockum Group (undivided). The primary attributes of the Dockum Group (undivided) are comprised of shale, siltstone, and gravel (BEG, 1976; 1983). Halff Associates Page 3-1 ...... The topography of the study area is sloping. The Southern High Plains province generally has a moderate elevation of approximately 3,800 feet above mean sea level (msl) (BEG, 1996). The elevation of the study area ranges from 3,000 feet above msI near the northeastern corner of the study area, to 2,700 feet above msI near the southwestern corner of the study area (Texas Natural Resources Information System [TNRIS], 2018). 3.3 Soils 3.3.1 Soil Associations Data from the NRCS (formerly the Soil Conservation Service [SCS]) were used to identify and characterize the soils that encompass the study area. In 2006, the NRCS completed its Digital General Soil Map of the United States, which consists of a broad inventory and mapping of general soil association units. Soil associations are main patterns of soils defined and delineated based on criteria, such as soil texture, parent material, slope, characteristics of horizons in soil profile, and degree of erosion (NRCS, 2018a). The NRCS project merged soil association data from the myriad of county soil surveys into a seamless national data set. This soil mapping approach resolved a basic challenge in using individual county soil surveys, which often reflect different soil names for similar soils from one county to the next. A brief description of each soil association's general characteristics is in Table 3-1, and Figure 3-3 shows the NRCS-mapped soil associations within the study area. The soil associations in the seamless NRCS map were compared graphically with the soil associations defined and mapped in the county-level soil surveys for Loving County (NRCS, 2018a; SCS, 1999), and the column on the right side of Table 3- 1 shows the names of the corresponding soil association(s) from the Loving County soil survey, where applicable. Page 3-2 Halff Associates FIGURE 3-2. GEOLOGIC ATLAS OF TEXAS MAP ~Qun/ KYLE RANCH - QUARRY FIELD QC 138 kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT Legend Geologic Unit 63€ KYLE RANCH ~-6-3 CALICHE SUBSTATION -=~ DEPOSITS QUARRY FIELD SWITCH LOVING SAND SHEET t )-J Qs-, COUNTY f STUDY AREA -"" DEPOSITS EXISTING ~-j TERRACE ./KV.' TRANSMISSION -- DEPOSITS LINE QC Qs COUNTY ·-,q POND 0 BOUNDARY ' 9= DEPOSITS - MAJOR ROAD DOCKUM ABANDONED m,j GROUP; ~«*/ RAILROAD UNDIVIDED TERRACE '4.A~- STREAM/RIVER WATERBODY SOURCE BUREAU OF ECONOMIC GEOLOGY, 1976 MAP VIEW EXTENT Wc QS QC Qci~ Td Wi >Qt 10 0 2 4 - 00£-bio PECOS RIVER L-J Miles N 302 E C-e COUNTY EPR, ...... THIS PAGE LEFT BLANK INTENTIONALLY Page 3-4 Halff Associates ...... TABLE 3-1. SOIL ASSOCIATION WITHIN THE STUDY AREA. Soil Association Map Study County Soil Survey: Description of Soil Association 2 Unit # - Name 1 Area % Soil Association Name 3 Nearly level, well-drained to s7542 - Pecos-Patrole- moderately well-drained, very deep, 1.4 Loving: Harkey-Patrole-Pecos Gilia-Arno saline, Ioamy and clayey soils on the floodplain along the Pecos River Gently undulating, shallow to very s7577 - \Ahckett- Loving Wickett-Pyote- 11.2 deep, sandy and Ioamy soils on Sharvana-Pyote upland plains and ridges Sharvana Well-drained, gently undulating, s7646 - Wickett- shallow to deep Ioamy and gravelly Loving. Tencee-Mentone- Simona-Sharvana- 87.4 soils on uplands plains, ridges, and Delnorte Delnorte playas Sources' (NRCS, 2018a, SCS, 1999) Notes. 1 Map unit # and name correspond with the number and name assigned to each association in the 2006 NRCS Digital General Soil Map of the U.S., as shown for the study area in Figure 3-3. 2. The description used for the soil association is a composite of the descriptions for the soil associations from individual county soil surveys that correspond geographically with the 2006 NRCS Digital General Soil Map. 3 This column shows the soil association names from the county soil surveys that correspond to the 2006 NRCS Digital General Soil Map There are three different soil associations within the study area, one of which is associated with floodplains (i.e. Pecos-Patrole-Gilia-Arno). The surface geology discussed in the previous section is the foundation for the soils found within the study area, and soil maps bear a general similarity with geologic maps of the area. Regardless of the type of underlying bedrock, the upland soils throughout the study area occur in a variety of landscapes, from nearly level, gently sloping, undulating, or rolling topography, consisting of predominantly sandy, Ioamy, and gravelly texture (NRCS, 2018a; SCS, 1999). Halff Associates Page 3-5 ...... THIS PAGE LEFT BLANK INTENTIONALLY Page 3-6 Halff Associates FIGURE 3-3. SOIL ASSOCIATION MAP KYLE RANCH - QUARRY FIELD 138 kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT Legend Soil Association \ dn KYLE RANCH 7542 - PECOS- Lj SUBSTATION m PATROLE- ~ QUARRY FIELD GILA-ARNO LOVING SWITCH 7577 7577- WICKETT \\ ~ STUDY AREA ~ SHARVANA- COUNTY PYOTE :4 7577 EXISTING ~9' TRANSMISSION 7646 - WICKET LINE -2& SIMONA COUNTY __1' SHARVANA- BOUNDARY DELNORTE / \,/ MAJOR ROAD 7646 ABANDONED ~«*/ RAILROAD TERRACE -- STREAM/RIVER f~ WATERBODY SOURCE NRCS, 2018a MAP VIEW EXTENT 7542 10 - -CR-300 4 Miles N CC REEVES 1362 COUNTY 0 TEXAS ~ *EPR...... THIS PAGE LEFT BLANK INTENTIONALLY Page 3-8 Halff Associates ...... 3.3.2 Prime Farmland In the Farmland Protection Policy Act (FPPA), federal law defines prime farmland as "land that has the best combination of physical and chemical characteristics for producing food, feed fiber, forage, oilseed, and other agricultural crops with minimum inputs of fuel, fertilizer, pesticides, and labor..." (7 U.S. Code Section 4201(c)(1)(A)). Such lands 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 areas with soils that meet most of the requirements of prime farmland but fail, because they lack water management facilities, such as irrigation systems, or they lack sufficient natural moisture; such areas would be regarded as prime farmland if these areas were irrigated. Within the study area, no soils are considered prime farmland, according to county soil surveys (NRCS, 2018a; SCS, 1999). The NRCS encourages the use of accepted erosion control methods during the construction of all projects, regardless of exemption status. 3.4 Water Resources 3.4.1 Surface Water and Floodplains The study area lies within the Lower Pecos-Red Bluff Reservoir Sub-basin (TPWD, 2018a). The Pecos River is the predominant, perennial river southwest of the study area. As shown on any of the figures in Section 3.0, numerous smaller tributaries are common near the Pecos River, many of which drain east-to-west into the river. Prevalent throughout the study area are additional draws that do not necessarily drain to the Pecos River tributary system, instead ending in playas located in the core of the study area and to the southeast. The National Hydrology Dataset (NHD) shows numerous small surface water bodies scattered across the study area that vary greatly in size and type. Aerial photography supports that many of these are playa type depressions that may dry up periodically and may exhibit wetland characteristics, whereas others are excavations or impoundments along existing drainages. Halff Associates Page 3-9 ...... State legislation in 1997 (see Texas Water Code Section 16.051) modified the state-wide water resources planning process by authorizing regional planning groups to recommend ecologically unique river and stream segments to the Texas State Legislature in regional and state water plans (TWDB, 2017b). A primary purpose for this approach is to ensure that future water impoundments do not destroy stream segments that are considered unique under specified designation criteria (see 31 Texas Administrative Code Section 357.8), which include biologic functions and habitat for threatened and endangered species. State designation as ecologically unique would also prevent state agencies or municipalities from acquiring property or easements that would destroy the ecological values forming the basis for the designation. Part of the process for designating ecologically unique stream segments requires regional water planning groups to coordinate with TPWD about candidate stream segments (Freese and Nichols, Inc. and LBG - Guyton Associates, Inc., 2016; TWDB, 2017b). No stream segments in the study area are designated as ecologically significant under the relevant designation criteria (TPWD, 2002). No rivers or streams within the study area are listed under the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) under Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act as being monitored for impairment or having other water quality concerns (TCEQ, 2014; 2018). FEMA has not prepared any Flood Insurance Rate Maps or detailed floodplain analyses for Loving County, with the exception of the area immediately surrounding incorporated towns and cities (FEMA, 2018), none of which are located within the study area. 3.4.2 Groundwater/Aquifer The Cenozoic Pecos Valley is the major aquifer residing within the study area (TWDB, 2007; George et al., 2011). The Cenozoic Pecos Valley Aquifer extends through much of Reeves County, and includes most of Winkler, Ward, and Crane counties, and parts of Loving, Pecos, Ector, Andrews, and Upton counties. Water bearing sediments include alluvial and windblown deposits in the Pecos River Valley. These sediments fill several structural basins, the largest of which are the Pecos Trough in the west and Monument Draw Trough in the east. Thickness of the alluvial fill reaches 1,500 feet, and freshwater saturated thickness averages about 250 feet. The water quality is highly variable, the water typically being hard, and generally better in the Monument Draw Trough than in the Pecos Trough. Total dissolved solids in groundwater from Monument Draw Trough are Page 3-10 Halff Associates ...... usually less than 1,000 milligrams per Iiter. The aquifer is characterized by high levels of chloride and sulfate in excess of secondary drinking water standards, resulting from previous oil field activities. In addition, naturally occurring arsenic and radionuclides occur in excess of primary drinking water standards. More than 80 percent of groundwater pumped from the aquifer is used for irrigation, and the rest is withdrawn for municipal supplies, industrial use, and power generation (George et al., 2011). Water-level declines in excess of 200 feet historically have occurred in south-central Reeves and northwest Pecos counties, but have moderated since the mid-1970s with the decrease in irrigation pumpage. Ground water that once rose to the surface and flowed into the Pecos River now flows in the subsurface toward areas of heavy pumpage. Consequently, baseflow to the Pecos River has declined (Environmental Science Institute [ESI], 2017). A minor aquifer within the study area includes the Rustler Aquifer, which extends into Brewster, Culberson, Jeff Davis, Loving, Pecos, Reeves, and Ward counties. The Rustler Formation is 250 to 670 feet thick and extends downdip into the subsurface toward the center of the Delaware Basin. Groundwater occurs in partly dissolved dolomite, Iimestone, and gypsum. Most of the water production comes from fractures and solution openings in the upper part of the formation. Although some parts of the aquifer produce freshwater containing less than 1,000 milligrams per Iiter of total dissolved solids, the water is generally slightly to moderately saline and contains total dissolved solids ranging between 1,000 and 4,600 milligrams per Iiter. The water is used primarily for irrigation, livestock, and water-flooding operations in oil-producing areas (George et al., 2011). Groundwater resources for Loving and Reeves counties are located within the Groundwater Management Area #3 (TWDB, 2018). No Groundwater Conservation District services are available for Loving County (TWDB, 2017a). 3.5 Ecology 3.5.1 Vegetation The NRCS has studied the characteristics of ecological regions for decades to better understand the biology and management of natural resources. The NRCS published a handbook in 2006 that maps general Land Resource Regions (LRRs) that share similar geology and land physiography, moisture and climate, and soils characteristics (NRCS, Halff Associates Page 3-11 ...... 2006). The study area is located within the Western Range and Irrigated Region LRR. The Western Range and Irrigated Region LRR extends across much of the southwestern U.S. Within this LRR, annual precipitation ranges widely, from 6 inches on some of the plains and in some basins to 42 inches on some of the higher mountains (NRCS, 2006). As shown in Figure 3-4, NRCS soil scientists have further subdivided the LRR within the Major Land Resource Areas (MLRAs). As the criteria used to define both MLRAs and the larger LRRs focus fundamentally on soils and soil-forming factors, the delineation of MLRAs is therefore closely linked to the various soil associations that have been mapped over the past half century. This approach to the study of vegetation focuses on the land's potential for supporting natural vegetation or agricultural practices, rather than simply reporting a snapshot of vegetation as it may exist at a single point in time. The study area is located within the boundary of the Southern Desertic Basins, Plains, and Mountains (MLRA 42). The Southern Desertic Basins, Plains, and Mountains has an average annual precipitation of 8 to 14 inches in the eastern and southern parts of this MLRA (which includes the study area). Most of the rainfall occurs as high-intensity, convective thunderstorms from mid-spring to mid-autumn. This area does not receive significant amounts of winter precipitation. The growing season averages 320 days (NRCS, 2006). The physiography of this MLRA is distinguished by intermontane desert basins and broad valleys bordered by gently sloping to strongly sloping bajadas, alluvial fans, and terraces. The geology of this MLRA is varied, and includes linear, isolated mountain ranges. In the study area, Quaternary and Tertiary continental sediments accumulated to form the aggraded desert plains lying between the mountain ranges. The dominant soil orders in this MLRA are Aridisols, Entisols, Mollisols, and Vertisols. The soils generally are moderately deep to very deep, well-drained, and Ioamy or clayey. Some of the soils are shallow or very shallow over a petrocalcic horizon (caliche) or bedrock. Page 3-12 Halff Associates h FIGURE 3-4. MAJOR LAND RESOURCES AREA MAP KYLE RANCH - QUARRY FIELD 138 kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT LEGEND O KYLE RANCH SUBSTATION ~ QUARRY FIELD SWITCH LOVING ~ STUDY AREA COUNTY ,~~»~' EXISTING TRANSMISSION LINE ~ COUNTY BOUNDARY O UNINCORPORATED PLACE - MAJOR ROAD ,«,/' ABANDONED RAILROAD TERRACE STREAM/RIVER ~ WATERBODY MAJOR LAND RESOURCE AREA SOUTHERN DESERTIC BASINS, - - PLAINS, AND MOUNTAINS (100%) SOURCE: NRCS, 2006 MAP VIEW EXTENT . O MENTONE ' / 285 PECOS 285 J-4 % 0 1 2 4 RIV~~~0:~0~0,~~ LIIIIIIIIIIIJ e ~ ,PECOS Miles Dqi L-£ REEVES ~ e TEXAS ¢*R. £ \~ COUNTY ...... THIS PAGE LEFT BLANK INTENTIONALLY Page 3-14 Halff Associates ...... The Southern Desertic Basins, Plains, and Mountains support desert grass-shrub vegetation . The dominant grass species include blue grama ( Bouteloua gracilis), black grama (Boute/oua eriopoda), and sideoats grama (Boute/oua curtipendu/a) on prairie grasslands . On sandier soils , typical vegetation consists of giant dropseed (Sporobolus giganteus), mesa dropseed ( Sporobo / us f/ exuosus ), and scattered shrubs , such as sand sagebrush (Artemisia filifolia) and yuccas ( Yucca spp ). Creosotebush (Larrea tridentata), tarbush (Flourensia cemua), and catclaw acacia (Senegalia greggm grow on gravelly , calcareous soils on footslopes . Giant sacaton (Sporobolus wrightif), vine - mesquite (Panicum obtusum), desert willow (Chilopsis linearis), and brickellbush (Brickellia spp .) grow in drainageways and depressions. Two-thirds or more of this area is rangeland of low carrying capacity. Three percent of this MLRA is cropland, of which less than 1 percent is irrigated. The Ecoregions of Texas Level Ill and Level IV maps were prepared by a collaborative effort between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), TCEQ, and the NRCS (Griffith et al., 2007). This classification system analyzes the ecoregions at a finer scale than the MLRAs. While the spatial extent may vary in some areas, this general description of the overall vegetation type, based on NRCS research, is consistent with other regional descriptions of ecological regions in west Texas, including the Ecoregions of Texas maps. Under the Ecoregions of Texas Level Ill classification, the entire study area is located within the Chihuahuan Deserts ecoregion. The Chihuahuan Deserts ecoregion physiography is generally a continuation of basin and range terrain (excluding the Stockton Plateau) that is typical of the Mojave Basin and Range and the Central Basin and Range ecoregions to the west and north, although the pattern of alternating mountains and valleys is not as pronounced as it is in those neighboring ecoregions. Vegetative cover is predominantly semi-desert and arid shrubland, except for high elevation islands of oak (Quercus spp.), juniper (Junipems spp.), and pinyon pine (Pinus spp.) woodland. At Level IV, the study area is located within the Chihuahuan Basins and Playas ecoregion. The Chihuahuan Basins and Playas ecoregion have saline or alkaline soils and areas of salt flats, dunes, and windblown sand. Albeit, no sand dunes are present within the boundary of the study area. The typical desert shrubs and grasses growing in these environments , such as creosotebush , tarbush , four - wing saltbush (Atriplex canescens), blackbrush (Vachellia rigidulal gyp grama ( Bouteloua breviseta), and alkali sacaton Halff Associates Page 3-15 ...... ( Sporobolus airoides), must withstand large diurnal ranges in temperature , low available moisture , and an extremely high evapotranspiration rate . The alien saltcedar (Tamarix spp .) and common reed (Phragmites australis) have invaded riparian areas . Land use , particularly grazing, is limited in these areas due to sparse vegetation and lack of water. Limited areas of agriculture exist where irrigation water is available. Oil and gas production is extensive throughout this ecoregion. 3.5.1.1 Terrestrial Vegetation GIS data from the TPWD Texas Ecological Mapping System were used to estimate areas of major types of existing vegetation cover within the study area. Data were developed from satellite imagery with 10-meter by 10-meter mapping resolution collected from 2005 to 2007 and refined with in situ data. Using this refined imagery, TPWD created a statewide land cover data set that includes a sufficient number of land cover classes to provide insights for planning and management at a variety of scales (Elliott, 2014; TPWD, 2014). For this study area, the more specific ecological classifications were grouped into eight general land cover classes. Figure 3-5 displays the TPWD land cover data by different land/vegetation cover types, as it was grouped for the purposes of this study. Use of TPWD digital data yielded the following estimates of cover as applied to the study area: 54 percent shrubland; 40 percent grassland; 2 percent salty shrubland or forest; 1 percent forest, woodland, or shrubland (riparian); 1 percent salty grassland; and 1 percent barren. The remaining cover classes cumulatively account for less than 1 percent of the total acreage within the study area. This review of land cover in the study area clearly shows that shrubland and grassland vegetation is dominated by grassland species vegetation types. Since a majority of the area is dominated by various types of grassland and shrubland areas are sparse; cattle ranching is present, but not widespread. The description of study area terrestrial vegetation that follows is based on field observations, interpretation of recent aerial photography (DigitaIGIobe, 2017), and a review of reports and maps produced by NRCS (2006), TPWD (1984, 2007), and TCEQ (Griffith et al., 2007). Cover types are provided in the general order as shown on Figure 3-5. Page 3-16 Halff Associates ~6523 FIGURE 3-5. LAND COVER MAP KYLE RANCH - QUARRY FIELD 138 kV TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT LEGEND LAND COVER TYPES KYLE RANCH UPLAND COVER TYPES SUBSTATION 1 ~ BARREN (0.65%) QUARRY FIELD 'r SWITCH LOVING ~ GRASSLAND (40.42%] STUDY AREA I ~ FOREST/SHRUSLAND (54.47%) COUNTY BOUNDARY RIPARIAN COVER TYPES EXISTING ~ RIPARIAN BARREN (< 0.01%) TRANSMISSION LINE tlt . ~ RIPARIAN FOREST/WOODLANDI SHRUBLAND(1.48%) MAJOR ROAD ~ SALTY BARREN (0.05%) ABANDONED RAILROAD TERRACE ~ SALTY GRASSLAND (1.24%) SALTY SHRUBLAND/ STREAM/RIVER FOREST (1.68%) SOURCE: TPWD, 2012 MAP VIEW EXTENT T 0 -i- 1 2 4 PECOS RIVER Miles REEVES 1 TExls 1 NCQR J/-e \ COUNTY ...... THIS PAGE LEFT BLANK INTENTIONALLY Page 3-18 Halff Associates ...... The barren cover type includes areas where little or no vegetation cover existed at the time of image data collection. This cover type also includes the Trans-Pecos: Desert Pavement Ecological Mapping Systems Cover Type (EMST). The barren cover class is dominated by predominantly unvegetated, bare ground notably located at the southern half of the study area within desert grassland types in relation to CR 300 and surrounding areas, which runs north to south through the center of the study area. Additionally, isolated clusters throughout the study area. This cover type is proportionately small compared to other cover types. Upland grassland or prairie is the second most dominant land cover type found throughout the study area, as shown in Figure 3-5. This land cover type is composed of two EMST cover types (in order of prevalence) 1. Trans-Pecos: Sandy Desert Grassland; and 2 Trans-Pecos: Loamy Plains Grassland. The Trans-Pecos: Sandy Desert Grassland EMST cover type is the most prevalent land cover across the study area, as well as for the upland grassland classification. The herbaceous layer is dominated with black grama, mesa dropseed, sand dropseed (Sporobolus cryptandrusj , sand muhly ( Muhlenbergia arenicola), alkali sacaton , common sandbar (Cenchrus spinifexl and threeawn ( Aristida sp .). A scattered woody component may include species such as honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa), soaptree yucca (Yucca elata), plains yucca (Yucca campestris), Torrey ' s yucca ( yucca torreyi), and creosotebush . Lehmann Iovegrass (Eragrostis lehmanniana) and Mediterranean Iovegrass ( Eragrostis barreliem are frequent non - native species present in this cover type . Trans-Pecos: Loamy Plains Grassland cover type occurs throughout the study area on level deep Ioams of intermountain basins. Typical vegetation found within this cover type include blue grama , sideoats grama , black grama , tobosa (Pleuraphis mutica), burrograss (Scleropogon brevifolius), silver bluestem (Bothriochloa saccharoides), cane bluestem (Bothnbch/oa barbinodis), and fluffgrass (Dasyoch/oa pu/che//a). Honey mesquite, creosotebush, and tarbush are common invasive species. Halff Associates Page 3-19 ...... Upland shrubland is the most dominant land cover type within the study area, as shown in Figure 3-5. This cover type is composed of seven EMST cover types (in order of prevalence): 1. Trans-Pecos: Creosotebush Scrub; 2. Trans-Pecos: Mixed Desert Shrubland; 3. Trans-Pecos: Sparse Creosotebush Scrub; 4. Native Invasive: Mesquite Shrubland; 5. Native Invasive: Mesquite-Creosotebush Shrubland; 6. Trans-Pecos: Desert Deep Sand and Dune Shrubland; and 7. Non-native Invasive: Saltcedar Shrubland. The Trans-Pecos: Creosotebush Scrub and Trans-Pecos: Sparse Creosotebush Scrub EMSTs are also common cover types throughout the study area. These systems often are located on flat or gently rolling Iandforms occupying outwash plains and basins found on intermountain basins. Creosotebush is often the primary dominant species, typically to the exclusion of other species. The Trans-Pecos: Mixed Desert Shrubland EMST cover type is prevalent throughout the study area, on moderate slopes, usually in hills and low mountains rather than alluvial or colluvial desert basins. Shrub diversity is often relatively high, and common components include mariola (Parthenium incanum) 1 creosotebush , whitethorn acacia (Vachellia constricta), skeleton - leaf golden eye (Viguiera stenoloba), honey mesquite , catclaw mimosa (Mimosa aculeaticarpa var . biunciferal Torrey ' s yucca , Iechuguilla ( Agave lechuguilla), smooth sotol ( Dasylirion leiophyllum), and cenizo (Leucophyllum sp .). The herbaceous layer is typically low but may include black grama , chino grama ( Bouteloua ramosa), sideoats grama , red grama (Bouteloua trifida), threeawn , fluffgrass , and curlyleaf muhly (Muhlenbergia setifolia) The Native Invasive: Mesquite Shrubland EMST cover type is commonly found between the transition from shrubland/forest and grassland cover types across the study area. This area is often dominated by honey mesquite. Other important species include huisache (Acacia famesiana), sugar hackberry (Celtis Iaevigata), ashe juniper Wuniperus ashei ), cedar elm (Ulmus crassifolia), Iotebush (Ziziphus obtusifolia), agarito ( Mahonia Page 3-20 Halff Associates ...... trifoliolata), winged elm (Ulmus alata), sumac ( Rhus spp .), brasil ( Conda / ia hooker ), common persimmon ( Diospyros virginiana), Texas persimmon ( Diospyros texana), granjeno (Celtis ehrenbergianal and Lindheimer pricklypear ( Opuntia enge /mannii var . /indheimen). A sparse canopy may occur, with plateau live oak (Quercus fusiformis), coastal live oak (Quercus virginiana), and post oak (Quercus stellata) The Native Invasive: Mesquite-Creosotebush Shrubland EMST cover type is scattered throughout the study area. This area is dominated by invasive shrublands of honey mesquite and creosotebush. Tarbush, mariola, whitethorn acacia, and four-wing saltbush are also common species within this cover type. Trans-Pecos: Desert Deep Sand and Dune Shrubland EMST cover type includes shrubby sites on dunes associated with aeolian sands of the Trans-Pecos, often resulting from degradation of grasslands. Within the study area, this cover type is found in isolated clusters primarily within the eastern region. Common dominant plants include honey mesquite and sand sagebrush , yet soaptree yucca , tree cholla (Cylindropuntia imbricata), four - wing saltbush , and mormon - tea (Ephedra spp .). The Non-native Invasive: Saltcedar Shrubland EMST cover type is located along an unnamed tributary of the Pecos River floodplain in the southwestern region of the study area. This cover type is often dominated by saltcedars, yet shrubby sumpweed (/va frutescens), baccharis (Baccharis spp .), honey mesquite , huisache , sugar hackberry , and sea ox - eye daisy ( Borrichia frutescens) may also be present . Riparian cover types within the study area are found associated with the Pecos River floodplain and the larger tributary components. As seen on Figure 3-5, the riparian cover types are further divided into riparian and salty subtypes. The riparian subtype is predominantly associated with the unnamed drainages that drain into the Pecos River, while the salty subtype is most prominently associated with the floodplain valley of the Pecos River. The riparian barren cover type consists of the Trans-Pecos: Desert Wash Barren EMST cover type. The Trans-Pecos: Desert Wash Barren cover type is mapped in sparsely vegetated areas along arroyos and draws at relatively low elevations in the Trans-Pecos. Halff Associates Page 3-21 ...... Meanwhile, the salty barren cover type is associated with the Trans-Pecos: Gyp Barrens EMST cover type. This cover type is represented by essentially barren areas over gyp- influenced soils. Sparse cover of gyp-tolerant shrubs and grasses is usually present. Both cover types are relatively sparse compared to other cover types. Riparian shrubland class is classified as riparian forest, woodland, or shrubland and salty shrubland or forest, as shown in Figure 3-5. This cover type is composed of three EMST cover types (in order of prevalence): 1. Trans-Pecos: Gyp Shrubland; 2. Trans-Pecos: Desert Wash Shrubland; and 3. Trans-Pecos: Salty Desert Scrub. The Trans-Pecos: Gyp Shrubland EMST cover type is one of two classified as salty shrubland, found scattered throughout the study area. The Trans-Pecos: Gyp Shrubland is the more prevalent of the two salty shrubland cover types and is mapped over gyp- influenced soils, usually at relatively low elevations. Important shrubs may include honey mesquite , four - wing saltbush , Torrey jointfir ( Ephedra torreyana), creosotebush , burrobush (Ambrosia dumosa), Torrey's yucca, and javelina bush (Conda/ia ericoides). Other common species include gyp dropseed (Sporobolus nealley ), gyp grama , hairy crinklemat (Tiquilia hispidissima), bristly nama (Nama hispidum), threadleaf glowwort (Sartwe#ia f/averiae), and onion blanket-flower (Ga#/ardia mu/ticeps). The Trans-Pecos: Desert Wash Shrubland is mapped along relatively low elevation arroyos and draws. A variety of water regimes are represented, and hence a variety of shrubland types. Common shrubs and small trees include honey mesquite, creosotebush, Iittleleaf sumac (Rhus microphylla), little walnut (Juglans microcarpa), ocotillo (Fouquieria sp / endens ), desert willow , netleaf hackberry (Celtis reticulata), whitethorn acacia , and junipers . Torrey ' s yucca , smooth sotol , and Christmas cactus (Cylindropuntia Ieptocaulis) are common succulents . Sideoats grama , alkali sacaton , streambed bristlegrass (Setaria leucopila), silver bluestem , and tobosa are common grasses . The Trans-Pecos: Salty Desert Scrub EMST cover type is the second EMST cover type classified as salty shrubland, found in saline depression basins and river floodplains along Page 3-22 Halff Associates ...... the Pecos River floodplain in the southwestern corner the study area. This cover type typically includes significant shrub cover of four - wing saltbush , pickle - weed (Allenrolfea occidentalis), desert seepweed (Suaeda suffrutescensl Christmas cactus , honey mesquite , allthorn (Koeberlinia spinosa), tubercled saltbush (Atriplex acanthocarpa), tarbush , and Iotebush . Non - native halophiles , such as prickly Russian thistle (Salsola tragus), camelthorn (Alhagi mauroruml African rue ( Peganum harma /a ), and saltcedar , are commonly encountered within this cover type. The riparian grassland cover type is classified as salty grassland, as shown in Figure 3- 5. This cover type is composed of two EMST cover types (in order of prevalence): 1. Trans-Pecos: Gyp Grassland; and 2. Trans-Pecos: Salty Desert Grassland. The Trans-Pecos: Gyp Grassland EMST cover type is one of two land cover types classified as the salty grassland cover type. It occurs on rolling uplands with minor erosional scarps and level basins or drainages. These sites are often attributed to a sparse shrub layer and either a barren to vegetated herbaceous layer. Frequent species found include gypgrass (Sporobolus nealleyij , gyp grama , rough coldenia (Tiquilia hispidissima), sand nama ( Nama camosum), threadleaf glowwort , onion blanket - flower , ringstems (Anolocaulis spp .), moonpods ( Se #nocarpus spp .). In addition , four - wing saltbush , Torrey jointfir , Hartweg evening primrose (Calylophus hartwegi ), hoary rosemary-mint (Po/iomintha incana), Torrey's yucca, alkali sacaton, burrograss, honey mesquite, creosotebush, javelina bush, and sand dropseed. Trans- Pecos: Salty Desert Grassland is the second EMST cover type classified as salty grassland, present only at the southwestern extent of the study area, along the Pecos River floodplain. This cover type is classified with significant cover with graminoid vegetation , such as alkali sacaton , big sacaton (Sporobolus wrightib , saltgrass (Distichlis spicata), false Rhodes grass (Trichloris crinita), pink pappusgrass ( Pappophorum bicolof), tobosa, and burrograss. A shrub canopy cover is typically sparse or absent. A list of plant species commonly found in upland areas throughout the various cover types in the study area is presented in Table 3-2. The prairie component in these cover types Halff Associates Page 3-23 ...... was originally maintained by periodic fires that destroyed invading woody species, such as honey mesquite and redberry juniper Uuniperus pinchoti) During historic times , farmers and ranchers have used fire, as well as mechanical clearing and herbicides to suppress encroaching woody plants. TABLE 3-2. UPLAND PLANT SPECIES IN THE STUDY AREA. Common Name Scientific Name Common Name Scientific Name G rasses Major Associated Woody Plants (continued) Alkali sacaton Sporobolus airoides Creosotebush Larrea tridentata Big sacaton Sporobolus wrightii Desert willow Chilopsis Means Black grama Bouteloua eriopoda Four - wing saltbush Atriplex canescens Blue grama Bouteloua gracilis Granjeno Celtis ehrenbergiana Burrograss Scleropogon brevifolius Honey mesquite Prosopis glandulosa Cane bluestem Bothriochloa barbinodis Huisache Acacia farnesiana Chino grama Bouteloua ramosa Javelina bush Condalia encodes Curlyleaf muhly Muhlenbergia setifolia Juniper Juniperus spp Common reed Phragmttes australis Little walnut Juglans mlcrocarpa False Rhodes grass Tnchloris cnnita Littleleaf sumac Rhus microphylla Fluffgrass Dasyochloa pulchella Lotebush Ziziphus obtusifolia Giant dropseed Sporobolus giganteus Mariola Parthenium incanum Giant sacaton Sporobolus wrightii Mormon - tea Ephedra spp Gyp dropseed Sporobolus nealleyi Netleaf hackberry Celtis reticulata Gyp grama Bouteloua breviseta Oak Quercus spp Gypgrass Sporobolus nealleyi OcotlllO Fouquieria splendens Lehmann Iovegrass Eragrostis Iehmanniana Pickle - weed Allenrolfea occidentalis Mediterranean Eragrostis barrelieri Pinyon pine Pinus spp Iovegrass Mesa dropseed Sporobolus flexuosus Plateau live oak Quercus fusiformis Pink pappusgrass Pappophorum bicolor Prickly Russian thistle Salsola tragus Red grama Bouteloua trifida Post oak Quercus stellata Sand dropseed Sporobolus cryptandrus Redberry Juniper Juniperus pinchotli Saltgrass Distichlis spicata Saltcedar Tamarix spp Sand muhly Muhlenbergia arenicola Sand sagebrush Artemisia fihfolia Sideoats grama Bouteloua curtipendula Shrubby sumpweed Iva frutescens Silver bluestem Bothriochloa saccharoides Skeleton - leaf golden eye Viguiera stenoloba Streambed bristlegrass Setaria Ieucopila Sugar hackberry Celtis Iaevigata Tobosa Pleuraphis mutica Sumac Rhus spp Threeawn Anstida sp Tarbush Flourensia cernua Vine-mesquite Panicum obtusum Major Associ ated Woody Plants Texas persimmon Diospyros texana Agarito Mahonia trifoliolata Tubercled saltbush Atriplex acanthocarpa African rue Peganum harmala Whitethorn acacia Vachellia constncta Allthorn Koeberlinia spinosa Winged elm Ulmus alata Ashe Juniper Juniperus ashei Representative Associated Forbs Bacchans Baccharis spp. Bristly nama Nama hispidum Blackbrush Vachellia ngidula Burrobush Ambrosia dumosa Brasil Condalia hookeri Common sandbar Cenchrus spinifex Brickellbush Brickellia spp Desert seepweed Suaeda suffrutescens Camelthorn Alhagi maurorum Hairy crinklemat Tiquilia hispidissima Catclaw acacia Senegalia greggii Hartweg evening Calylophus hartwegii primrose Catclaw mimosa Mimosa aculeatlcarpa var Hoary rosemary - mint Poliomintha incana biuncifera Cedar elm Ulmus crassifolia Moonpods Selinocarpus spp Cenizo Leucophyllum sp Onion blanket - flower Gaillardia multiceps Page 3-24 Halff Associates ...... TABLE 3-2. UPLAND PLANT SPECIES IN THE STUDY AREA. Common Name Scientific Name Common Name Scientific Name Coastal live oak Quercus virginiana Ringstems Anolocaulis spp . Common persimmon Diospyros virginiana Rough coldenia Tiquilia htspidissima Representative Associated Forbs (continued) Representative Associated Succulents Sand nama Nama carnosum Christmas cactus Cylindropuntia Ieptocaulis Sea ox - eye daisy Borrichia frutescens Lechuguilla Agave Iechuguilla Threadleaf glowwort Sartwellia flaveriae Lindheimer pricklypear Opuntla engelmannii var . Ilndhelmen Torrey Jointfir Ephedra torreyana Plains yucca Yucca campestris Soaptree yucca Yucca elata Smooth sotol Dasylirion Ieiophyllum Tree cholla Cylindropuntia imbricata Torrey ' s yucca Yucca torreyi Yucca species Yucca spp Sources: Elliott, 2014, Griffith et al., 2007; NRCS, 2006, TPWD, 1984; TPWD, 2007, TPWD, 2014 The bulk of the region is used for oil and gas production or range for livestock. Cropland is largely absent from the study area, as well as low prevalence throughout Loving County (NRCS, 2018a; TPWD, 2014; U.S. Department of Agriculture [USDA], 2012). A variety of grasses, forbs (non-grass herbaceous plants), and woody species pervade unimproved rangeland pastures and roadside areas. As previously noted, unmanaged, grass- dominated areas (in the absence of fire) eventually become upland shrubland areas. These shrubland areas continue to provide rangeland pasture for livestock, although of decreasing forage quality and quantity. Without periodic mechanical removal, herbicide treatment, or prescribed burning to control woody plants, grass-dominated areas eventually develop into shrubland. 3.5.1.2 Aquatic/Hydric Vegetation The hydric habitats in and near the study area are limited, and are generally adjacent to impoundments, depressions, stream channels, and larger tributaries of the Pecos River. Much of the surface water in this part of the Chihuahuan Basins and Playas occurs in seasonal playa lakes that form in small depressions. Cidnegas are also present, which are small, isolated, spring-fed wetlands in the desert basins. Impoundments generally result in either permanent, intermittent, or ephemeral freshwater flat wetlands, marshes, or fringe marshes. Vegetation in aquatic habitats would typically be limited to the shallow edges of the water . Plant species common to this habitat type include rushes (Juncus spp .), sedges ( Carex spp .), cattail ( Typha spp .), flatsedges (Cyperus spp .), smartweeds ( Po /ygonum spp .), and spikerushes (Eleocharis spp .) Halff Associates Page 3-25 ...... To identify areas that may potentially contain wetland habitats, National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) maps Con 1:24,000 scale topographic base maps) were examined. These maps highlight areas where potential jurisdictional wetland features may be found, based on aerial photography and ground topography (USFWS, 1994). The NWI maps depict several mapped features identified as freshwater ponds throughout the upland regions of the study area. These freshwater pond features range from temporarily to intermittently flooded. Excavated ponds are found near habitable structures and oil and gas facilities. A few of these wetland features are located within naturally occurring depressions and vary in terms of flooding regime (e.g. intermittent to seasonally flooded) and salinity. Throughout the study area are drainages, streams, or minor tributaries of the Pecos River, all of which are classified as riverine and range from seasonally to permanently flooded. Livestock watering ponds are also frequently mapped water features on the NWI maps, many of which would likely not be considered jurisdictional (i.e. those wetland areas subject to USACE regulations) under current USACE regulations. Otherwise, the other hydric areas in the study area may be jurisdictional wetlands, if they are associated with streams that have a surface connection to relatively permanent waters that connect with navigable waters. 3.5.1.3 Commercially or Recreationally Important Vegetation Within the study area and the surrounding areas, production of crops is absent. Rangeland for livestock would be the most suitable agricultural land use within the study area. Grass production is normally sparse and the native grassland in the region has been grazed for several generations. As a result, a high percentage of the more desirable grass and forbs for livestock have been grazed out. This has permitted less desirable grasses, weeds, and brush to invade. Habitat, rather than any particular plant species, is important for recreational hunting in the study area. Birds and mammals that prefer open habitat make use of the abundant rangeland throughout the study area. 3.5.1.4 Endangered and Threatened Plant Species TPWD maintains the Natural Diversity Database (NDD) to track known occurrences of threatened, endangered, and otherwise rare plant and animal species throughout Texas. Page 3-26 Halff Associates ...... The NDD provides information about the locations and descriptions of rare habitats and areas managed to achieve high species diversity as well as provide quality habitat for common and rare wildlife species. Typically, information obtained from the NDD includes a descriptive record with Element Occurrence Identification (EOID) numbers corresponding with mapped locations of all rare habitats within the study area. TPWD and USFWS lists of endangered and threatened species for Loving County were also reviewed, and neither TPWD nor the USFWS designate any endangered or threatened species for Loving County (TPWD, 2018b; TPWD, 2018c; USFWS, 2018a; USFWS, 2018b). Maps and data received from the NDD in September 2018 indicated there are recorded observations of one state or federally listed plant species within the study area (TPWD, 2018b). It is important to note that because the NDD is based on the best data available to TPWD regarding rare species, these data cannot provide a definitive statement as to the presence, absence, or condition of specific species, natural communities, or other significant features in any area. Given the small proportion of public versus private land in Texas, the NDD does not include a representative inventory of rare resources in the state. Also, the data are not complete, as there are gaps in coverage due to the lack of access to land or data and a lack of staff and resources to collect and process data on all rare and significant resources. Through the Texas Conservation Action Plan, TPWD strives to keep "species of greatest conservation need" (SGCN), whether terrestrial, freshwater, or marine species, including birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, fishes, plants, and plant communities. Species that are uncommon or exhibit declining numbers may be designated as SGCN by TPWD. Often these designations are placed on species for which little is known as a precautionary measure and to focus attention on gaining insight into the species' life histories before they become rare. The goal for the Texas Conservation Action Plan is to identify and classify species as SGCN to develop a plan to prevent future listings underthe Endangered Species Act (ESA). This designation indicates the agency's awareness of the species but does not signify a regulatory status (TPWD, 2012). Data from the TPWD county lists indicate the following species shown in Table 3-3 are known to occur in Loving County (TPWD, 2018c). Halff Associates Page 3-27 ...... TABLE 3-3. ENDANGERED, THREATENED, OR RARE PLANTS. Listing Statusl Species Likely to Common Name Scientific Name Occur within Federal State Study Area? Bigelow ' s desert grass Blepharidachne bigelovii -- SGCN Yes Cory ' s ephedra Ephedra coryi -- SGCN Yes Sources' USFWS, 2018a; USFWS, 2018b, TPWD, 2018c, TPWD, 2018d Notes 1. TPWD listing codes: SGCN = Species of Greatest Conservation Need (i.e. rare species with no regulatory listing status) 2. USFWS listing codes: blank = no federal status Bigelow's desert grass is an inconspicuous perennial species of desert flats, mesas, and Iimestone hills in the Trans-Pecos region. This grass is restricted to xeric Iimestone or various gypsum-influenced habitats. Bigelow's desert grass flowers and fruits from March to December (TPWD, 2018c). Bigelow's desert grass is documented in the NDD database in Loving County, less than 6 miles northwest of the study area (TPWD, 2018b). This species is likely to be present wherever suitable habitat exists. Cory's ephedra is found on dunes, sandy areas, or dry grasslands in the Southern Plains country. This perennial shrub flowers April to September and fruits May to September (NatureServe Explorer, 2018; TPWD, 2018c). With the presence of sandy soils and dry prairies throughout the study area, there is potential for Cory's ephedra to be present wherever suitable habitat exists. Although not included on TPWD state county lists, the NDD database includes records for two additional species for Loving County, both of which are associated with active sand dune habitat outside the extent of the study area and not expected to occur within the study area. Neither of these species are state or federally protected species (TPWD, 2018b; TPWD, 2018c; USFWS, 2018a; USFWS, 2018b). 3.5.2 Fish and Wildlife 3.5.2.1 Terrestrial Wildlife A wide variety of vertebrate species including amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and birds occur throughout the study area. These animals are addressed below in two groups: commonly occurring (i.e. "common") species; and species that are considered threatened, endangered, or rare by TPWD or USFWS. The information about common wildlife species Page 3-28 Halff Associates presented in Tables 3-4 through 3-11 is generally based on reference sources that provide species distribution information on a county-by-county basis. Species with specific geographic locations, assumed endemic to montane habitats, or limited ranges isolated from the study area were not included in Tables 3-4 through 3-11. Species with broad habitat requirements or not geographically bound within Loving County may be expected to occur within the study area, where suitable habitat is present. Habitat types for the wildlife discussed below are grouped into seven general categories: woodland; desert; shrubland; open; water; cultivated; and urban. Woodland habitat is home to species that live on or in the ground within forested areas or are arboreal in nature; woodland areas include riparian forest areas found in stream floodplains and can overlap water habitats to some extent. Deserts are located in arid regions, and may contain a mix of grassland, shrubland, or open habitat. Shrubland habitat is dominated by woody vegetation but is generally low-growing and lacks taller trees. Open habitat includes grasslands or arid/semi-arid rocky areas. Cultivated areas consist of row crops, orchards, or grain fields; hay meadows would be considered grassland habitat. Water habitat is for all aquatic species, as well as those which live exclusively near water (e.g. frogs or wading birds). Urban habitats are favored by those animals which thrive in man- made environments and succeed in disturbed areas. Amphibians According to Conant and Collins (1998) and the Center for North American Herpetology (CNAH; CNAH, 2018), one caudate species (salamanders and newts) and four anuran species (frogs and toads) may be found in the study area (Table 3-4). Salamanders and newts are restricted to aquatic or moist habitats, but some frogs/toads inhabit more arid environments. All species require water during reproduction, either during the act of mating or for rearing young. Amphibians are ectothermic (i.e. "cold blooded," lacking the ability to internally regulate body temperature) and are particularly vulnerable to pollution, because they respire through their skin. Halff Associates Page 3-29 ...... TABLE 3-4. AMPHIBIAN SPECIES WITHIN THE STUDY AREA. Common Name 1 Scientific Name I Habitat Preference(s) Order: Anura (frogs and toads) Couch ' s spadefoot toad Scaphiopus couchii Open Great Plains bad Anaxyrus cognatus Open - Cultivated Texas toad Anaxyrus speciosus Open - Cultivated Western green toad Anaxyrus debilis insidior Open - Desert Order: Caudata (salamanders and newts) Barred tiger salamander \ Ambystoma mavortium \ Water Sources. Conant and Collins, 1998; CNAH, 2018; Dixon, 2013 Reptiles Reptile species native to west Texas include turtles, snakes, and lizards. Reptiles have thick, scaly skin to protect their bodies. Most lay soft, Ieathery eggs, although some bear live young. Reptiles, like amphibians, are ectothermic. Table 3-5 presents the reptile species known to occur within the study area. TABLE 3-5. REPTILE SPECIES WITHIN THE STUDY AREA. Common Name Scientific Name Habitat Preference(s) Order: Squamata (snakes and lizards) Black-tailed rattlesnake Crotalus molossus Open Bullsnake Pituophis catenifer sayl Open - Desert Checkered garter snake Thamnophis marcianus Open - Water Chihuahuan night snake Hypsiglena Jani Open Common checkered whiptail Cnemidophorus tesselatus Desert - Open - Woodland Common side-blotched lizard Uta stansbunana Open Desert kingsnake Lampropeltis getula splendida Water Desert massasauga Slstrurus catenatus edwardsii Desert Desert spiny lizard Sceloporus magister Open Eastern collared lizard Crotaphytus collaris collaris Open Eastern fence lizard Sceloporus undulatus Open Greater earless lizard Cophosaurustexanus Desert - Open Great Plains lesser earless lizard Holbrookia maculata maculata Open Great Plains rat snake Elaphe emoryi Open Great Plains skink Eumeces obsoletus Open - Water Little striped whiptail Cnemidophorus inornatus Desert - Open Long-nosed leopard lizard Gambelia wislizenii Open Long-nosed snake Rhinocheilus lecontei Open Marbled whiptail Cnemidophorus marmoratus Desert - Open New Mexico threadsnake Rena dissectus Desert - Open Plains black-headed snake Tantilla nigriceps Open - Open Prairie rattlesnake Crotalus viridis Open Prairie ring-necked snake Diadophis punctatus arnyi Open Regal ring-necked snake Diadophis punctatus regalis Water - Woodland Round-tailed horned lizard Phrynosoma modestum Desert - Open Smith's black-headed snake Tantilla hobartsmithi Woodland - Open - Shrubland Texas banded gecko Coleonyx brevis Open Texas horned lizard Phrynosoma comutum Open Trans-Pecos threadsnake Rena humilis segregus Desert - Open Twin-spotted spiny lizard Sceloporus bimaculosus Desert - Shrubland Variable groundsnake Sonora semiannulata semiannulata Desert Western coachwhip Masticophis flagellum testaceus Open Western diamondback rattlesnak€ Crotalus atrox Open Page 3-30 Halff Associates ...... TABLE 3-5. REPTILE SPECIES WITHIN THE STUDY AREA. Common Name 1 Scientific Name 1 Habitat Preference(s) Order: Testudines (turtles) Ornate box turtle Terrapene ornata ornata Open Red - eared slider Trachemys scripta Water Rio Grande cooter Pseudemys gorzugi Water Spiny softshell Apalone spinifera Water Yellow mud turtle Kinosternon flavescens Water Sources Conant and Collins, 1998, CNAH, 2018; Dixon, 2013 Birds Birds differ from other animal groups in that feathers cover part or all of their bodies, and they lay hard, calcium-rich eggs. The four tables below present bird species, which could occur in the study area at various times throughout the year. They are divided into groups based on residency: permanent residents (Table 3-6); breeding (i.e. summer) residents (Table 3-7); winter residents (Table 3-8); and those which migrate through the area between their breeding and winter grounds (Table 3-9). TABLE 3-6. BIRD SPECIES WHICH MAY PERMANENTLY RESIDE WITHIN THE STUDY AREA. Common Name Scientific Name Order Habitat Preference(s) American coot Fulica amencana Gruiformes Water American kestrel Falco sparverius Falconiformes Open Barn owl Tyto alba Strigiformes Woodland - Urban Bewick's wren Thryomanes bewickii Passeriformes Woodland Black phoebe Sayornis nigricans Passeriformes Woodland Black-throated sparrow Amphispiza bilineata Passeriformes Shrubland Brown-headed cowbird Molothrus ater Passeriformes Woodland - Open Burrowing owl Athene cunicularia Strigiformes Open Campylorhynchus Cactus wren brunneicapillus Passeriformes Desert - Shrubland Canyon towhee Melozone fusca Passeriformes Shrubland - Open Canyon wren Catherpes mexicanus Passeriformes Desert Cassin's sparrow Peucaea cassinii Passeriformes Open Chihuahuan raven Corvus cryptoleucus Passeriformes Shrubland Cooper's hawk Accipiter cooperii Falconiformes Woodland Crissal thrasher Toxostoma cnssale Passeriformes Shrubland Curve-billed thrasher Toxostoma curvtrostre Passeriformes Shrubland Eastern meadowlark Sturnella magna Passeriformes Open Eurasian-collared dove Streptopelia decaocto Columbiformes Urban European starling Stumus vulgans Passeriformes Woodland - Urban Great blue heron Ardea herodias Pelecaniformes Water Greater roadrunner Geococcyx californianus Cuculiformes Woodland - Open Woodland - Open - Great horned owl Bubo virginianus Stngiformes Urban Great-tailed grackle Quiscalus mexicanus Passeriformes Open - Urban Harris's hawk Parabuteo unicinctus Accipitriformes Shrubland Horned Iark Eremophila alpestris Passeriformes Open Woodland - Open - House finch Haemorhous mexicanus Passeriformes Urban House sparrow Passer domesticus Passeriformes Urban Halff Associates Page 3-31 ...... TABLE 3-6. BIRD SPECIES WHICH MAY PERMANENTLY RESIDE WITHIN THE STUDY AREA. Common Name Scientific Name Order Habitat Preference(s) Inca dove Columbina inca Columbiformes Urban Killdeer Charadrius vociferus Charadniformes Open Ladder-backed woodpecker Picoides scalaris Piciformes Shrubland Lark sparrow Chondestes grammacus Passenformes Open Lesser goldfinch Spinus psaltria Passeriformes Woodland - Open Loggerhead shrike Lanius ludovtcianus Passeriformes Open Woodland - Open - Mourning dove Zenaida macroura Columbiformes Urban Northern bobwhite Colinus virginianus Galliformes Open Northern cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis Passeriformes Woodland Northern mockingbird Mimus polyglottos Passenformes Woodland - Open Pied - billed grebe Podilymbus podiceps Podicipediformes Water Prairie falcon Falco mexlcanus Falconiformes Open Pyrrhouloxia Cardinalis sinuatus Passeriformes Shrubland Red - ta [ Ied hawk Buteo jamaicensis Falconiformes Woodland - Open Red - winged blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus Passeriformes Open Rock dove Columba livia Columbiformes Open - Urban Rock wren Salpinctes obsoletus Passeriformes Open - Desert Say ' s phoebe Sayornis saya Passeriformes Open Scaled quail Callipepla squamate Galhformes Open Verdin Auriparus flaviceps Passeriformes Shrubland Western grebe Aechmophorus occidentalis Podicipediformes Water Western meadowlark Sturnella neglecta Passeriformes Open White - winged dove Zenaida asiatica Columbiformes Woodland - Open Wild turkey Meleagris gallopavo Galliformes Open - Woodland Sources. Cornell, 2018; eBirc 2018; NatureServe Explorer, 2018, S bley, 2003 TABLE 3-7. BIRD SPECIES WHICH MAY BREED WITHIN THE STUDY AREA. Common Name Scientific Name Order Habitat Preference(s) Ash-throated flycatcher Myiarchus cinerascens Passeriformes Open - Woodland Barn swallow Hirundo rustlca Passeriformes Open - Urban Bell's vtreo Vireo bellti Passeriformes Shrubland Black-necked stilt Himantopus mexicanus Charadmformes Water Black-chinned hummingbird Archilochus alexandrt Caprimulgiformes Woodland Blue-gray gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea Passeriformes Woodland Blue grosbeak Passerina caerulea Passeriformes Woodland Bullock's oriole Icterus bullockli Passeriformes Open Western kingbird Tyrannus verticalis Passeriformes Open Cave swallow Petrochelidon fulva Passeriformes Open Clark's grebe Aechmophorus clarkii Podicipediformes Water Cliff swallow Petrochelidon pyrrhonota Passeriformes Open - Water Common nighthawk Chordeiles minor Caprimulgiformes Open Common poorwill Phalaenoptilus nuttallii Caprimulgiformes Shrubland Elf owl Micrathene whitneyi Strigidae Woodland - Shrubland Lesser nighthawk Chordeiles acutipennis Caprimulgiformes Open Northern rough-winged swallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis Passenformes Open - Water Olive-sided flycatcher Contopus coopen Passeriformes Woodland Orchard oriole Icterus spurius Passeriformes Woodland Page 3-32 Halff Associates ...... TABLE 3-7. BIRD SPECIES WHICH MAY BREED WITHIN THE STUDY AREA. Common Name Scientific Name Order Habitat Preference(s) Painted bunting Passerina ciris Passeriformes Shrubland Scissor - tailed flycatcher Tyrannus forficatus Passenformes Open Scott ' s oriole Icterus pansorum Passenformes Woodland - Open Snowy plover Charadnus nivosus Charadniformes Water Summer tanager Piranga rubra Passeriformes Woodland Swainson ' s hawk Buteo swainsoni Accipitriformes Open Woodland - Open - Turkey vulture Cathartes aura Falconiformes Urban Vermilion flycatcher Pyrocephalus rubinus Passeriformes Open Western kingbird Tyrannus verticalis Passeriformes Open Yellow - billed cuckoo Coccyzus amencanus Cuculiformes Woodland Yellow - breasted chat Icteria vjrens Passeriformes Shrubland Sources Cornell, 2018, eBird 2018, NatureServe Explorer, 2018; Sit)ley, 2003 TABLE 3-8. BIRD SPECIES WHICH MAY WINTER WITHIN THE STUDY AREA. Common Name Scientific Name Order Habitat Preference(s) American bittern Botaurus Ientiginosus Pelecaniformes Water American goldfinch Carduelis tristis Passeriformes Woodland - Open American pipit Anthus rubescens Passeriformes Open American robin Turdus migratorius Passeriformes Woodland American wigeon Anas americana Anseriformes Water Bald eagle Haliaetus Ieucocephalus Accipitriformes Woodland Belted kingfisher Megaceryle alcyon Coraciiformes Water Black-crowned night-heron Nycticorax nycbcorax Pelecaniformes Water Blue-winged teal Anas discors Anseriformes Water Urban - Cultivated -- Brewer's blackbird Euphagus cyanocephalus Passeriformes Open Brown creeper Certhia americana Passenformes Woodland Bufflehead Bucephala albeola Anseriformes Water Canada goose Branta canadensis Anseriformes Open - Water Canvasback Aythya valisinena Anseriformes Water Cedar waxwing Bombycilla cedrorum Passeriformes Woodland - Open Chestnut-collared Iongspur Calcarius ornatus Passeriformes Open Chipping sparrow Spizella passerine Passerlformes Woodlands - Open Cinnamon teal Spatula cyanoptera Anseriformes Water Clark's grebe Aechmophorus clarkii Podicipediformes Water Common goldeneye Bucephala clangula Anseriformes Water Common grackle Quiscalus quiscula Passeriformes Open - Urban Common merganser Mergus merganser Anseriformes Water Dark-eyed junco Junco hyemalis Passeriformes Woodland Double-crested cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus Suliformes Water Eared grebe Podlceps nigricollis Podtcipediformes Water Eastern bluebird Sialia sialis Passeriformes Woodland Eastern phoebe Sayornis phoebe Passeriformes Woodland - Urban Ferruginous hawk Buteo regalis Accipitriformes Open Field sparrow Spizella pusilla Passeriformes Open Fox sparrow Passerella iliaca Passenformes Woodland - Open Gadwall Anas strepera Anseriformes Water Golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos Accipitriformes Open Golden-crowned kinglet Regulus satrapa Passeriformes Woodland Greater yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca Charadriiformes Water Green-tailed towhee Pipilo chlorurus Passeriformes Shrubland Halff Associates Page 3-33 ...... TABLE 3-8. BIRD SPECIES WHICH MAY WINTER WITHIN THE STUDY AREA. Common Name Scientific Name Order Habitat Preference(s) Green-winged teal Anas crecca Anseriformes Water Hermit thrush Catharus guttatus Passeriformes Woodland - Open Hooded merganser Lophodytes cucullatus Anseriformes Water House wren Troglodytes aedon Passeriformes Woodland Lark bunting Calamospiza melanocorys Passeriformes Open Least sandpiper Calidris minutilla Charadriiformes Water Lesserscaup Aythya affinis Anseriformes Water Lincoln's sparrow Melospiza lincolnil Passertformes Woodland - Open Long-eared owl Asio otus Strigiformes Woodland Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Anseriformes Water - Open Marsh wren Cistothorus palustns Passeriformes Water McCown's Iongspur Rhynchophanes mccownii Passeriformes Open Merlin Falco columbarius Falconiformes Open Mountain bluebird Sialia currucoides Passeriformes Open - Woodland Northern flicker Colaptes auratus Piciformes Woodland Northern harrier Circus cyaneus Falconiformes Open Northern pintail Anas acuta Anserlformes Water Northern shoveler Anas clypeata Ansenformes Water Pine siskin Spinus pinus Passeriformes Woodland - Open Red-breasted nuthatch Sitta canadensis Passeriformes Woodland Redhead Aythya americana Anseriformes Water Ring-billed gull Larus delawarensis Charadriiformes Open - Water Ring-necked duck Aythya collaris Anseriformes Water Rough-legged hawk Buteo Iagopus Falconiformes Open Ruby-crowned kinglet Regulus calendula Passeriformes Woodland Ruddy duck Oxyura jamaicensis Anseriformes Water Sagebrush sparrow Artemislospiza nevadensis Passeriformes Shrubland Sage thrasher Oreoscoptes montanus Passeriformes Shrubland Sandhill crane Antigone canadensis Gruiformes Open - Water Savannah sparrow Passerculus sandwichensis Passeriformes Open Sharp-shinned hawk Accipiter striatus Falconiformes Woodland Short-eared owl Asio flammeus Strigiformes Open Song sparrow Melospiza melodia Passeriformes Woodland Sora Porzana carolina Gruiformes Water Spotted sandpiper Actitis macularlus Charadniformes Water Spotted towhee Pipilo maculatus Passenformes Shrubland Sprague's plptt Anthus spragueii Passeriformes Open Swamp sparrow Melospiza georgiana Passeriformes Open - Water Townsend's solttaire Myadestes townsendi Passeriformes Open - Woodland Vesper sparrow Pooecetes gramineus Passenformes Open Western bluebird Sialia mexicana Passeriformes Open - Woodland White-crowned sparrow Zonotrichia Ieucophrys Passeriformes Woodland - Open White-throated sparrow Zonotrichia albicollis Passeriformes Woodland \Ahlson's snipe Gallinago delicata Charadritformes Water Wood duck Aix sponsa Anseriformes Water - Woodland Yellow-bellied sapsucker Sphyrapicus varius Piciformes Woodland Xanthocephalus Yellow-headed blackbird xanthocephalus Passeriformes Open Yellow-rumped warbler Dendroica coronata Passeriformes Woodland Sources: Cornell, 2018, eBird 2018; NatureServe Explorer, 2018, Sibley, 2003 Page 3-34 Halff Associates g£-£ e6ed seje!oossv JJ'eH uedo SeuIJOJ!!ipeieqo snleujied!ules snupeieqo JeAOId pejeluled!wes pueipooM seluloil6lnluudeo sn,nj snjoqdseies P]!q6uill.Ilunil snoinhl je}eM - uedo Selu-IOJ[JeSUV IlssoJ Jesuv esoo6 s,ssohl jejeM Seluiopupejello snleqoi sndoleieqd edoJeielld payoeu-pehl JeleM Seuuopupeiello snlnueo s!JP!leo jouM peM iejBM SeluJOJ!ueoeied sueoseJru eu€u53 lejfie 4s!.ppehd JeleM SelUJOJ!.JeSUv Joielles SnfieIAI Jesuemelu peiseeq-peu pueipoOM Sel.UJOJI.JeSSed sneqiunld oel!A Oel[A Snoeqlunld J 8~eM Sel.UJOJI!JpeJe43 snpoiew snupejello JeAold Bu!d!d JawM selUJOJ!uooie:J snu,JBeied ooied uooie, eu!36eied JawM seuuoJ!!Jpee40 SO}OUeleUI S!·IP!!eo Jedidpues ieioped J 8 ·leM seluJOJ!uooie:1 snjeeilell uoipued ieidso puelpooM Seuuo#uessed e}eleo s!dAILI;OeJO Jelq.IeAA peUAAOJO-e5UeJO jejeM - pueipooM SeLUJOJ!Jessed s!SUGOBJOqeAOU eisa>lied 4sruqueje/vA uje41JON PlleIPOOAA seuuowessed eilideouru sidfiltloeio Jelq.eAA ell!A4seN JejeM SeLUJOJ!1JpeJe40 eopw esowll liN\pofi peiqleIAI uedo - pueipooM Sewioillessed !0!ullo; s!d/tll#oe9 leiqleAA S,XeJA!111£)Oew jejeAA Sel.UJOJ!!Ipeie40 SneoedolooS Snwolpouluil Je40}!AAOp pell!q-buol iejeAA - uedo SeUJJOj!1.Jpele40 snueopewe sn!UelilnN AAellnO pelliq-Buol JeleAA SeLUJOilupeJe40 sed,Aeu ef~uu.L SSei/v\olieX Jesse-1 pueipooM Sel.UJOJ!.Iessed Snl.UIU!iu xeuopldu.13 Je40}eoiu lseel uedo Sel.UJOJIJ8SSBd eueouje eupessed Buqunq iinzel PUBPOOM Sel.UJOJIJ8SSEd eeueio euuessed Mu!}unq otj!pul JejeM - uedo SeLUJOJ!!Jp&840 snjejuebie Snjel Iinti 5uweH puelpooM SeiUJOJ!.IeSSed !!puOLULUe4 XeUOP!dul3 Jellojeoxll S,pUOLUU.IeH JeleM Seluloliueoejed SUeOSeJIA SepIJO}ng UOJe4 Uee.19 esoo6 JeWAA - uedo Selu.IoJ!JeSUV suouiqle jesuv pejUOJJ-el!4M Jeleelg JeleM saw]%!ueoeied eqie eepiv lejfe leeig pueiqmlls Se WJOJ!Jessed l!145!JAA xeuop!dul3 384Oleoiu XeJE) 38 jeM S8UJJOJ!IJpeJe40 ueoxld!d sneeqdoone-1 iln5 s,uilyuei:I jejeAA SeLUJOJ!!Jpe.Ie40 !.Iejslol eluejs UJ.J S,le#SJO=I pueipooM - uedo SelluOJ!.leSSed snuueiX; snuueiil P]!q5u!M UJelse3 puelqmWS - pueipooM sel.UJOJ'Jessed uesloqleqo xeuop,dlua JellojeoXU X>Isnc] uedo seuuoj!.lessed eUeOIJel.Ue eZ.!ds less!3Mola pueipooM SeLUJOJIJeSSed 9!leluepiooo xeuopidtu3 Jellmeoiu ueieilipjoo pueiqnjqs SeU.IJOJ'JeSSed Selloul sldXilnoee leOJ41/\AolleA UOWLUOO pueiqmqs SeUIJOjIJeSSed epmed eilez!ds MOJJeds peJOIOO-Aelo JeleM seluzojiueoeied s!q! snoinqng jeJBe emeo puelpooM seuuoJ!5lnu!!Jdeo snaleo*id snjolldseies pilqBullulunll pel!ej-peOJ8 pueiqn.]l·IS SeUIJOJIJ8SSed ueAAelq ellezids AAO.ueds S,JeMGJB eilldiepel!4d JeleM - uedo SeUIJOJIIJpeje40 snieqdeoooiojqo Iin5 s,euedeuog iejeAA seuuoJuesuv SJoomp seu¥ leal pe6uIAA-enlg JelqJBM SeUJ.IOJ!.IeSSed sueoself)!u eBewdoles puelpoo/\A Xe]5 pejeo.141->pelg JeleM SeUIJOjl!JpBJB40 Jeolu se!uopil40 UJej MOBI8 pueiqnjLIS - puelpooM sel.UJOJ!.JeSSed sniewdeooueiew snoipneqd MeeqsoJ6 pepee4-Moelg puelpooM Sel.UJOJ'JeSSed eueA ejiljolun JelqjeAA el!4/V\-pUe->pelg JeleM Sell.IJOJI!Jpelello eloieienbs s!le!Anld JeAOId pelileq-Moelg JaWM - uedo Selll.JOJIJeSSed epedu euedihl MOIIBAAS >lueg JeleM SeLUJOJ!!ipeie40 !!PJ!eq Spplleo jedidpues s,pJIeEI J 8l eM SeWJO;!ueoeied Sol.IOUXLIJOJL#Ale Snueoeled ueo!1ed al'4/A UeOLJell:v pueipooM Sell.IJOi!JeSSed ellis!;n.1 eBelldoies UejSpeJ Ueopelilv J e leM seluJO=1!!Jpe.Iewo eue0!Jell!8 BJ}SOJIA.Insehj leooAe ueo!18Ulv (S)eOUa.IeieJd JeuqeH Jep.IO emeN 0!J!;ue!0S euleN UOUIUIOO VahIV AanlS 3H1 HenOEIH.L 31VhIDIVU AVIAI HOIHM S3103dS ahllEI E-£ 318¥1 ...... TABLE 3-9. BIRD SPECIES WHICH MAY MIGRATE THROUGH THE STUDY AREA. Common Name Scientific Name Order Habitat Preference(s) Semipalmated sandpiper Calidris pusilla Charadritformes Water Snow goose Chen caerulescens Anseriformes Water Snowy egret Egretta thula Pelecaniformes Water Solitary sandpiper Tringa solitaria Charadriiformes Water Stilt sandpiper Calidris himantopus Charadriiformes Water Swainson ' s thrush Catharus ustulatus Passeriformes Woodland Townsend ' s warbler Setophaga townsendi Passeriformes Woodland Tree swallow Tachycineta bicolor Passeriformes Woodland Upland sandpiper Bartramia Iongicauda Charadriiformes Open Virginia rail Rallus Iimicola Gruiformes Water Warbling vireo Vireo gilvus Passeriformes Woodland - Open Western sandpiper Calidris mauri Charadriiformes Water Western tanager Piranga ludoviciana Passeriformes Woodland Western wood - pewee Contopus sordidulus Passeriformes Woodland White - faced ibis Plegadis chihi Pelecaniformes Water White - rumped sandpiper Calidris fuscicollis Charadriiformes Water Willet Tringa semipalmata Charadriiformes Water Willow flycatcher Empidonax traillii Passeriformes Open Wilson ' s phalarope Phalaropus tncolor Charadriiformes Water Wilson ' s warbler Cardellina pusilla Passeriformes Woodland Yellow warbler Setophaga petechia Passeriformes Woodland Sources* Cornell, 2018, eBird 2018, NatureServe Explorer, 2018, Sibley, 2003 Mammals According to Davis and Schmidly (1997), 181 species of mammals reside in Texas. Mammals are distinct from other groups in that their bodies are covered with hair, and they feed milk to their young. Nearly all mammals in Texas bear live young using a placenta (i.e. Eutherian or "placental" mammals). A notable exception is the opossum, which is a pouch-rearing mammal (i.e. Marsupial). Table 3-10 presents the mammals that are expected to occur within suitable habitat in the study area. TABLE 3-10. MAMMAL SPECIES WITHIN THE STUDY AREA. Common Name Scientific Name 1 Habitat Preference(s) Order: Artiodactyla (even-toed ungulates) Collared peccary Tayassu tajacu Shrubland - Desert Mule deer Odocoileus hem , onus Open - Desert White-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus Woodland Order: Carnivora (carnivores) American badger Taxidea taxus Open Bobcat Lynx rufus Woodland Common gray fox Urocyon cinereoargenteus Woodland Common hog - nosed skunk Conepatus Ieuconotus Woodland - Shrubland - Open Common raccoon Procyon Iotor Woodland - Water Coyote Canis Iatrans Open Long - tailed weasel Mustela frenata Open Mountain lion Felis concolor Shrubland - Desert Ringtail Bassariscus astutus Woodland - Open Striped skunk Mephitis mephitis Woodland - Open Page 3-36 Halff Associates ...... TABLE 3-10. MAMMAL SPECIES WITHIN THE STUDY AREA. Common Name Scientific Name Habitat Preference(s) Swift (Kit) fox Vulpes velox Desert - Open - Cultivated Western spotted skunk Spilogale gracilis Desert - Shrubland - Urban Order: Chiroptera (bats) Big free-tailed bat Nyctinomops macrotis Desert - Grassland - Urban Big brown bat Eptesicus fuscus Woodland - Urban Brazilian free-tailed bat Tadanda brasiliensis Woodland - Urban Cave myotis Myotis velifer Desert - Urban - Shrubland Eastern red bat Lasiurus borealis Woodland Hoary bat Lasiurus cinereus Woodland Pallid bat Antrozous pallidus Open - Urban - Desert Silver-haired bat LasionycteMs noctivagans Woodland - Urban Townsend's big-eared bat Plecotus townsendii Desert - Open -- Urban Western pipistmile Pipistrellus hesperus Desert -- Open Order: Insectivora (insect-eating mammals) Desert shrew \ Notiosorex crawfordi \ Open - Shrubland Order: Lagomorpha (hares, rabbits, and picas) Black-tailed iackrabbit Lepus californicus Open Desert cottontail Sylvvllagus audubonti Grassland - Shrubland - Desert Eastern cottontail Sylvilagus floridanus Open Order: Didelphimorphia (opossums and allies) Virginia opossum \ Didelphis virginiana | Woodland - Open - Urban Order: Rodentia (rodents) Banner-tailed kangaroo rat Dipodomys spectabilis Open - Shrubland Black-tailed prairie dog Cynomys Iudovicianus Open Botta's pocket gopher Thomomys bottae Desert - Open Cactus mouse Peromyscus eremicus Desert Common muskrat Ondatra zibethicus Water Deer mouse Peromyscus maniculatus Woodland - Open Desert pocket mouse Chaetodipus penicillatus Open - Desert Hispid cotton rat Sigmodon hispidus Open - Urban Hispid pocket mouse Chaetodipus hispidus Open House mouse Mus musculus Open - Urban Jones' pocket gopher Geomys knoxjonesi Open Mearn's grasshopper mouse Onychomys arenicola Desert Merriam's kangaroo rat Dipodomys merriami Open - Desert Marriam's pocket mouse Perognathus memami Open Mexican ground squirrel Spermophilus mexicanus Shrubland - Open Nelson's pocket mouse Chaetodipus nelsoni Desert - Open Northern grasshopper mouse Onychomys Ieucogaster Open - Shrubland Norway rat Rattus norvegicus Open - Urban Ord's kangaroo rat Dipodomys ordii Open - Desert Plains harvest mouse Reithrodontomys montanus Open Plains pocket mouse Perognathus flavescens Open Porcupine Erethizon dorsatum Woodland - Open - Shrubland Rock pocket mouse Chaetodipus intermedius Open - Desert Rock squirrel Spermophilus varlegatus Woodland - Shrubland - Desert Roof rat Rattus rattus Urban Silky pocket mouse Perognathus flavus Open - Shrubland Southern Plains woodrat Neotoma micropus Shrubland - Desert Spotted ground squirrel Spermophilus spilosoma Woodland - Open - Desert Texas antelope squirrel Ammospermophilus interpres Desert Texas kangaroo rat Dipodomys elator Open - Shrubland Western harvest mouse Reithrodontomys megalotis Open - Water White-ankled mouse Peromyscus pectorialis Desert - Shrubland - Woodland White-footed mouse Peromyscus Ieucopus Woodland White-throated woodrat Neotoma albigula Shrubland - Desert Halff Associates Page 3-37 ...... TABLE 3-10. MAMMAL SPECIES WITHIN THE STUDY AREA. Common Name Scientific Name Habitat Preference(s) Yellow - faced pocket gopher Cratogeomys castanops Open - Shrubland - Desert Order: Xenarthra (other placental mammals) Nine - banded armadillo \ Dasypus novemcinctus \ Open - Woodland Source' Davis and Schmidly, 1997, NatureServe Explorer, 2018 3.5.2.2 Fish and Aquatic Wildlife As previously mentioned, stream features or other substantial surface water features are not found in the study area. As a result, habitats in the study area are unlikely to support aquatic species, such as fish and mussels, throughout the year, thereby resulting in generally low diversity in these systems. Some amphibians may be adapted to seasonal wet and dry cycles associated with playa depressions, some of which are located in the study area and appear to hold water for part of the year. 3.5.2.3 Commercially or Recreationally Important Fish and Wildlife Species Wildlife Resources Wildlife within the study area provides human benefits resulting from both consumptive (involving removal of wildlife) and non-consumptive uses. Bird watching is a popular non- consumptive use. Local Audubon society chapter members play a valuable role in assisting local fish and wildlife agencies with field updates of rare or endangered species sightings (Audubon Texas, 2018). Diverse wildlife populations in the study area provide observing and photographing opportunities, although public access is limited. According to the USFWS, more than one million people engage in recreational hunting within the state of Texas each year (USFWS, 2014). Hunting adds over two billion dollars to the state's economy each year through fees to hunt on public land, private leases, or for travel-related expenses. These numbers include hunters that are residents of Texas as well as those that travel to the state to hunt. Within the study area, established hunting seasons exist for the species listed in Table 3-11. Page 3-38 Halff Associates ...... TABLE 3-11. GAME SPECIES WITHIN THE STUDY AREA. Common Name Scientific Name Dove Zenaida asiatica; Zenaida macroura Duck and coot Numerous species Javelina Tayassu tajacu Light and dark geese Numerous species Mule deer Odocoileus hemionus Northern bobwhite quail and scaled quail Colinus virglnianus, Callipepla squamata Rails, gallinules, and moorhens Numerous species Sandhill crane Grus canadensis Tealduck Anas discors, Anas crecca, Spatula cyanoptera White-failed deer Odocoileus virginianus Snipe and woodcock Gallinago delicata, Scolopax spp. Source: TPWD, 2018e 3.5.2.4 Endangered and Threatened Fish and Wildlife Species The USFWS has authority under the ESA to list and monitor the status of species whose populations are considered imperiled. USFWS regulations that implement the ESA are codified and regularly updated in 50 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 17. The federal process identifies potential candidates based upon the species' biological vulnerability. The vulnerability decision is based upon many factors affecting the species within its range and is linked to the best scientific data available to the USFWS at the time. Species listed as threatened or endangered by the USFWS are provided full protection under the ESA including a prohibition of indirect take such as destruction of known critical habitat (i.e. areas formally designated by USFWS in the Federal Register). Texas endangered species legislation in 1973 and subsequent amendments have established a state regulatory program for the management and protection of endangered species (i.e. species in danger of extinction) and threatened species (i.e. likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future) (Texas Legislature Online, 2018). Chapters 67 and 68 of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code authorize the TPWD to formulate lists of threatened and endangered fish and wildlife species and to regulate the taking or possession of the species. Under this statutory authority, the TPWD regulates the taking, possession, transport, export, processing, selling or offering for sale, or shipping of threatened or endangered species of fish and wildlife. Table 3-12 lists wildlife species that are considered endangered or threatened by the USFWS and/or TPWD, or are designated a SGCN by TPWD, and whose geographic range includes any portion of Loving County. It should be noted that inclusion in the table does not imply that a species is known to occur in the study area but only acknowledges Halff Associates Page 3-39 ...... the potential for occurrence. The estimate of likelihood of a species to occur within the study area is based on an analysis of habitat available and the known habitat preferences for each species. A discussion of each species' habitat follows Table 3-12, grouped first by state or federal listed threatened or endangered species, and followed by the SGCN. TABLE 3-12. ENDANGERED, THREATENED, OR RARE WILDLIFE POTENTIALLY IN THE STUDY AREA. Listing Statusl Species Likely to Common Name Scientific Name Occur within Study Federal State Area? BIRDS American peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus anatum DM T Yes 2 Arctic peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus tundrius DM SGCN Yes 2 Baird's sparrow Ammodramus bairdii - SGCN Yes 2 Bald eagle Haliaeetus Ieucocephalus DM T Yes 2 Ferruginous hawk Buteo regalis - SGCN Yes Interior least tern3 Sterna antillarum LE E Yes 2 Mountain plover Charadrius montanus - SGCN Yes 2 Northern aplomado falcon Falco femoralis septentrionalis LE -- No Peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus DM T Yes 2 Piping ploved Charadrius melodus LT -- Yes 2 Prairie falcon Falco mexicanus - SGCN Yes Red knoF Calidris canutus rufa LT -- Yes 2 Snowy plover Charadrius alexandrinus -- SGCN Yes 2 Sprague's pipit Anthus spragueii - SGCN Yes 2 Western burrowing owl Athene cunicularia hypugaea -- SGCN Yes Western snowy plover Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus - SGCN Yes 2 FISHES Pecos pupfish Cyprinodon pecosensis NO MAMMALS Big free-tailed bat Nyctinomops macrotis - SGCN Yes Black bear Ursus americanus - T No Black-footed ferret Mustela nigripes LE SGCN No Black-tailed prairie dog Cynomys Iudovicianus - SGCN Yes Gray wolf Canis lupus LE E No Pale Townsend's big-eared bat Corynorhinus townsendii paliescens -- SGCN Yes Pecos River muskrat Ondatra zibethicus ripensis - SGCN No MOLLUSKS Texas hornshell \ Popenaias popeii I C I T I No REPTILES Spot - tailed earless lizard Holbrookia Iacerata - SGCN Yes Texas horned lizard Phrynosoma cornutum -- T Yes Sources: USFWS, 2018a; USFWS, 2018b; Campbell, 2003; TPWD: 2018b; TPWD, 2018c; TPWD, 2018d Notes: 1 USFWS listing codes: DM = Recovered, delisted, and being monitored; LE = Federally Listed Endangered Species (i.e. in danger of extinction); LT = Federally Listed Threatened Species (i.e. severely depleted population that may become endangered); C = Candidate species, blank = no federal status. TPWD listing codes: E = State Listed Endangered Species; T = State Listed Threatened Species; SGCN = Species of Greatest Conservation Need (i.e. rare species with no regulatory listing status): blank = no state status. 2. Assumed to be a transient species, potentially migrating through the study area and using suitable habitat for stopovers. 3. According to USFWS Information for Planning and Conservation database, the assessment of these species in the study area is only necessary for wind energy projects. 4. The USFWS list supersedes information provided for federal status in TPWD Annotated County List of Rare Species, in the case of a discrepancy The species is listed by USFWS for the county, but is not expected to occur within the study area. Page 3-40 Halff Associates ...... Listed Threatened or Endangered Species The discussion that follows describes habitat preferences and other characteristics for the state and federal threatened or endangered species shown in Table 3-12. Unless otherwise noted, the information below is drawn primarily from TPWD (2018b; 2018c) and USFWS (2018a; 2018b) online data and publications. Many of the listed threatened or endangered species that may be found in the study area are migratory birds. These species utilize the area primarily as a travel corridor, where suitable habitats are used for resting and feeding stops. Some of the more important migratory habitats within the study area include riparian zones, grasslands, wetlands, and upland woods/brush. The peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) nests on cliffs and in cliff- like areas near wetlands and water bodies . The American subspecies ( Falco peregrinus anatum) breeds throughout the western U.S., Canada, Mexico, and in the Trans-Pecos region of Texas. This subspecies is not easily distinguished at a distance from the Arctic subspecies (Falco peregrinus tundrius), which breeds within the tundra regions of Alaska , Canada , and Greenland. Both subspecies migrate through Texas and can be found seasonally along the Texas Gulf Coast. Species decline has been attributed to human disturbance, habitat loss, illegal shooting/collecting, and, most notably, past use of the pesticide dichloro- diphenyl-trichloroethane. The Arctic subspecies is no longer listed in Texas. However, because the subspecies are difficult to distinguish from one another, references are generally made at the species level. Although preferred habitat for these subspecies is very limited within the study area, there exists the potential for the area to be used for stopover during migration (Cornell, 2018; eBird, 2018; NatureServe Explorer, 2018; Sibley, 2003) Breeding habitat for the bald eagle is most commonly located within 2 to 3 miles of a major water source, which can be used for fishing. Primary food sources include fish and waterfowl, most often associated with rivers, lakes, bays, and coastal areas. Bald eagles roost and nest in large trees and often return to the same nest year after year. In Texas, bald eagle nesting typically occurs from October to July. Past threats to the species included reproductive failure due to pesticides, unrestricted taking by humans, and loss of habitat. Recovery efforts have been successful, and the bald eagle populations are currently being monitored (TPWD, 2018c). While the NDD database does not include any records of bald eagles within or near the study area (TPWD, 2018b), there has been an Halff Associates Page 3-41 ...... observation noted on eBird (2018) of a potential sighting approximately 17 miles northwest of the study area. As the nearest presence of a major body of water (i.e. the Red Bluff reservoir) is over 10 miles west and a major riparian zone (i.e. the Pecos River) is a little over a mile south of the study area, there is limited potential that bald eagles may be found within the study area. Sightings of bald eagles within the study area should be considered as incidental, due to the overall lack of major water features in the immediate vicinity (Cornell, 2018; eBird, 2018; NatureServe Explorer, 2018; Sibley, 2003). Preferred habitat for the interior least tern includes salt flats, broad sandi)ars, and barren shores along reservoirs and wide, shallow rivers. Nesting sites are chosen based on a lack of vegetation and proximity to fishing grounds. This species will, as needed, use non- traditional locations, such as gravel-mined areas and gravel rooftops, for nesting sites. The tern is a colonial species and creates a shallow depression in the sand/gravel to create its nest. The nest is susceptible to inundation, predation, and pollution, all of which threaten the terns and their offspring. The use of the study area by the interior least tern should be considered incidental relative to the large area considered as part of the migration corridor (Cornell, 2018; eBird, 2018; NatureServe Explorer, 2018; Sibley, 2003). The northern aplomado falcon is a medium-sized falcon known from open rangeland and savanna, semi-arid grasslands with scattered trees and shrubs. It is also known from coastal prairies along sand ridges, in woodlands along desert streams, and in desert grasslands with scattered mesquite and yucca. This bird was once found from southern Texas to southern Arizona. It disappeared from this area by the early 20th century; vagrants seen in New Mexico and west Texas are probably from a small extant population in northern Chihuahua, Mexico. Due to its rarity, the northern aplomado falcon is unlikely to occur in the study area (Cornell, 2018; eBird, 2018; NatureServe Explorer, 2018; Sibley, 2003). The piping plover is a compact ground bird that breeds in the Northern Plains. In Texas, it is a migrant that winters along the Gulf Coast at beaches and bayside mud or salt flats. This species is considered migratory through the study area. The use of the study area by the piping plover should be considered incidental relative to the large area considered as part of the migration corridor (Cornell, 2018; eBird, 2018; NatureServe Explorer, 2018; Sibley, 2003). Page 3-42 Halff Associates ...... The red knot is a small plump-bodied, short-necked shorebird that in breeding plumage, typically held from May through August, is a distinctive and unique pottery orange color. Red knots migrate long distances in flocks northward through the contiguous U.S. mainly April-June, southward July-October. In Texas, this bird winters along the Gulf Coast. The red knot prefers the shoreline of coast and bays and uses mudflats during rare inland encounters. Habitat consists primarily of seacoasts on tidal flats and beaches, herbaceous wetland, and tidal flaUshore. This species is considered migratory through the study area. The use of the study area by the red knot should be considered incidental relative to the large area considered as part of the migration corridor (Cornell, 2018; eBird, 2018; NatureServe Explorer, 2018; Sibley, 2003). The Pecos pupfish originally occurred within the entire Pecos River basin. Presently this fish is restricted to the upper basin only. The Pecos pupfish inhabits shallow margins of clear, vegetated spring waters high in calcium carbonate, as well as in sinkhole habitats. Other habitat includes saline springs, gypsum sinkholes, and desert streams. Sometimes this species occurs in low salinity waters, but it is most typical and abundant in highly saline habitats that support relatively few species (NatureServe Explorer, 2018). This species is documented in NDD records in the Pecos River and in Salt Creek, east and south of the study area (TPWD, 2018b). The range of observations extends from 1972 to 1980. Habitat for this observation consists of gravel and bedrock substrate and the presence of spring-fed tributaries. With no major tributaries of the Pecos River drainage system in the study area, it is not likely for Pecos pupfish to be found within the study area. In Texas, the black bear is typically found in bottomland hardwoods and large tracts of inaccessible forested areas. In the Trans-Pecos area, bears are restricted to remote mountainous areas or nearly impenetrable thickets along watercourses. Due to the lack of remote mountainous terrain, it is unlikely that the black bear would occur within the study area (Davis and Schmidly, 1997; NatureServe Explorer, 2018). The black-footed ferret formerly inhabited prairie dog towns in the general area. It is considered extirpated in Texas. Therefore, the black-footed ferret is not expected to occur within the study area (Davis and Schmidly, 1997, NatureServe Explorer, 2018). Halff Associates Page 3-43 ...... The gray wolf was formerly known throughout the western two-thirds of Texas in forests, brushlands, and grasslands. The gray wolf is considered extirpated in Texas; therefore, it is not expected to occur within the study area (Davis and Schmidly, 1997; NatureServe Explorer, 2018) The Texas hornshell is a mussel that inhabits both ends of narrow, shallow runs over bedrock. It inhabits areas of the stream where small-grained materials collect in crevices, along river banks, and at the base of boulders. This mussel is not known to occur in impoundments. The range for the Texas hornshell consists of the Rio Grande basin and several rivers in Mexico. The Texas hornshell is considered extirpated in this part of the state of Texas, and thus not likely to be present within the study area (NatureServe Explorer, 2018). The historical range of the Texas horned lizard included the entire state of Texas in arid and semiarid areas of flat, open terrain with scattered vegetation and sandy or Ioamy soils. Population declines have been linked to loss of habitat, insecticides, over-collection, and the accidental introduction of the imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta). Despite declines in east and central Texas, the Texas horned lizard is still common in portions of the Rio Grande Plains of south Texas, the Rolling and High Plains of northwest Texas, and the Trans Pecos of far west Texas. It remains possible that the Texas horned lizard could occur in the study area (CNAH, 2018; Conant and Collins, 1998; NatureServe Explorer, 2018). Species of Greatest Conservation Need Baird's sparrow inhabits shortgrass prairie with scattered low bushes and matted vegetation. This bird is mostly migratory in the western half of the state, although it winters in Mexico and just across the Rio Grande into Texas from Brewster through Hudspeth counties. This species is considered migratory through the study area. The use of the study area by Baird's sparrow should be considered incidental relative to the large area considered as part of the migration corridor (Cornell, 2018; eBird, 2018; NatureServe Explorer, 2018; Sibley, 2003). The ferruginous hawk inhabits open country, primarily prairies, plains, and badlands. This hawk nests in tall trees along streams or on steep slopes, cliff Iedges, river cut-banks, Page 3-44 Halff Associates ...... hillsides, and power line towers. The ferruginous hawk is a year-round resident in the northwestern high plains, and winters elsewhere throughout the western two-thirds of Texas. Within the study area, prairie and plains areas could provide habitat for this species during the winter (Cornell, 2018; eBird, 2018; NatureServe Explorer, 2018; Sibley, 2003). The mountain plover is a compact ground bird that nests on high plains or shortgrass prairie. Nests are constructed on the ground in a shallow depression. Non-breeding habitat includes shortgrass plains and bare, dirt (plowed) fields. This species is considered migratory through the study area. The use of the study area by the mountain plover should be considered incidental relative to the large area considered as part of the migration corridor (Cornell, 2018; eBird, 2018; NatureServe Explorer, 2018; Sibley, 2003). The prairie falcon inhabits open, mountainous areas, plains, and prairie. This species nests on cliffs. The presence of plains and prairie could provide habitat for the prairie falcon within the study area (Cornell, 2018; eBird, 2018; NatureServe Explorer, 2018; Sibley, 2003). The snowy plover was formerly an uncommon breeder in the Texas Panhandle, and winters along coastal areas. The study area lies within the migratory route used by the snowy plover and they could potentially use locations with suitable habitat as stopover sites. However, their potential use of the study area should be considered incidental relative to the large area regarded as their migration corridor (Cornell, 2018; eBird, 2018; NatureServe Explorer, 2018; Sibley, 2003). The Sprague's pipit only occurs in Texas during migration and winter (from mid-September to early April). Migration distance is short to medium, and the birds are diurnal migrants. The Sprague's pipit is strongly tied to native upland prairie and can be locally common in coastal grasslands. During migration and winter, habitat consists of pastures and weedy fields. This bird is sensitive to patch size and avoids edges. The study area lies within the migratory route used by these rare birds and they could potentially use locations with suitable habitat as stopover sites. However, their potential use of the study area should be considered incidental relative to the large area regarded as their migration corridor (Cornell, 2018; eBird, 2018; NatureServe Explorer, 2018; Sibley, 2003). Halff Associates Page 3-45 ...... The western burrowing owl occurs in the western half of North America. Nesting takes place in warmer temperate and sub-tropical regions from southern California to west Texas and south into Mexico. Typical habitat consists of open grasslands, especially prairie, plains, and savanna. Sometimes the burrowing owl is found in open areas such as vacant lots near human habitation or airports. Preferred habitat is typified by shorter vegetation accompanied by abandoned small mammal burrows, which the owl modifies for its own use. This species rarely creates its own burrows and is thus associated with known habitat for prairie dog, ground squirrel, fox, and similar ground-dwelling mammals. Species decline is primarily due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Due to the presence of prairie and plains, the western burrowing owl could occur within the study area (Cornell, 2018; eBird, 2018; NatureServe Explorer, 2018; Sibley, 2003). The western snowy plover is an uncommon breeder in the Texas Panhandle, and winters along coastal areas. The study area lies within the migratory route used by the snowy plover and they could potentially use locations with suitable habitat as stopover sites. However, their potential use of the study area should be considered incidental relative to the large area regarded as their migration corridor (Cornell, 2018; eBird, 2018; NatureServe Explorer, 2018; Sibley, 2003). While data on the big free-tailed bat is limited, it does suggest that this bat species prefers to roost in crevices and cracks found in high canyon walls, as well as some use of buildings. This species is insectivorous. Female bats congregate in nursery colonies and give birth to a single offspring each from late June to early July. Wintering habitat is currently undetermined. Although, some studies suggest big free-tailed bats may hibernate in the Trans-Pecos region. As habitat preference is still largely undetermined for this species, and it has been suggested that they may hibernate in the region, it is possible that the big free-tailed bat may occur within the study area (Davis and Schmidly, 1997; NatureServe Explorer, 2018). The black-tailed prairie dog inhabits dry, flat, short grasslands with low, relatively sparse vegetation, including areas overgrazed by cattle. These mammals live in large family groups. The availability of suitable grasslands within the study area could provide habitat for the black-tailed prairie dog (Davis and Schmidly, 1997; NatureServe Explorer, 2018). Page 3-46 Halff Associates ...... The pale Townsend's big-eared bat roosts in caves, abandoned mine tunnels, and occasionally old buildings. These bats hibernate in groups during the winter. During the summer months, males and females separate into solitary roosts and maternity colonies, respectively. Single offspring are born in May and June. Little information is available regarding the distribution of this subspecies of the Townsend's big-eared bat. However, the Townsend's big-eared bat's range includes the study area. It is possible for the pale Townsend's big-eared bat to occur within the study area (Davis and Schmidly, 1997; NatureServe Explorer, 2018). The Pecos River muskrat inhabits creeks, rivers, lakes, drainage ditches, and canals. This muskrat prefers shallow, fresh water with clumps of marshy vegetation such as cattails, bulrushes, and sedges. They live in dome-shaped Iodges constructed of vegetation. Their diet is mainly vegetation. Given the lack of permanent water features in the study area, it is unlikely for the Pecos River muskrat to be present (Davis and Schmidly, 1997; NatureServe Explorer, 2018). The spot-tailed earless lizard is found in central and southern Texas and adjacent Mexico. This lizard inhabits moderately open brushland. It prefers relatively flat areas free of vegetation or other obstructions, including disturbing areas. Given the predominance of brushland in the study area, it is possible for the spot-tailed earless lizard to occur within the study area (CNAH, 2018; Conant and Collins, 1998; NatureServe Explorer, 2018). Although not included on TPWD state county list, the NDD provides a record for an additional species for Loving County. However, as this record refers to a fish species associated with the Pecos River and its major tributaries outside the study area, it is not likely to be present in the area (TPWD, 2018c) 3.6 Community Values and Community Resources The term "community values" is included for the consideration of transmission line certification under Section 37.056(c)(4) of the Texas Utilities Code. The PUCT CCN application requires an assessment of values and resources important to the local community. At times, community values and resources could include the following: • habitable structure locations; • AM, FM, microwave, and other electronic installations in the study area; Halff Associates Page 3-47 ...... • FAA-registered airstrips, private airstrips, and heliports located in the study area; • irrigated pasture or croplands utilizing center-pivot or other traveling irrigation systems; • input from the public participation meeting; • approvals or permits required from other governmental agencies; • brief description of the area traversed; and • comments received from community leaders and members of the public. In addition to the above-listed items, Halff evaluated the proposed project for community resources that may not be listed by the PUCT, but that may also be important to particular communities as a whole. Halff defines the term "community resources" to be areas or other natural resources recognized by a national, regional; or local community. Examples of community resources would be parks, recreation areas, historical or archaeological sites, or a scenic vista. As discussed in Section 2.2.1 and Section 2.5, Halff mailed consultation letters to elected and appointed officials within the study area and hosted a public participation meeting to identify and collect information regarding community values and community resources. Oncor regional managers also met or otherwise communicated with city and county officials in the study area to discuss the proposed project. The above-listed values and resources important to the local community are discussed in the appropriate sections of this document. 3.7 Land Use 3.7.1 Urban/Residential Areas The study area is situated in a relatively remote portion of Loving County, with no incorporated cities within or extending into the study area. No unincorporated towns or communities are located within the study area. Almost the entirety of the study area consists of rural, undeveloped land used primarily for livestock grazing or oil and gas production. Residential development and commercial development are scarce as CR 300 and CR 22 represent the few public roads within the study area and have been incorporated into private oil and gas operations. The community of Orla, located approximately 10 miles west and beyond the study area, consists of an assortment of structures and oil and gas facilities at the intersection of FM 652 and US 285. Meanwhile, the community of Mentone, located approximately 4 miles south of the study area, is the Page 3-48 Halff Associates