15 ATTACHMENTS - Laserfiche WebLink

VII. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Environmental Review The environmental review for the proposed project is covered by an updated Initial Study /Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS /MND) addressing the modification of the creek/drainage channel and the tree removal resulting from this modification and from the realigned entrance driveway. The updated IS /MND includes the analyses that were conducted for the previous IS /MND and the response to the comments of the outside agencies. The consultants' reports were peer reviewed by LSA Associates and resulted in new information being added to the updated IS /MND. The cumulative analysis for the Yee property determined the following: 1. Alameda Whipsnake The Yee property does not contain the three primary constituent elements for whipsnake critical habitat. The habitat considered most likely to support this species exists farther up on Pleasanton Ridge to the west and northwest of the site and there could be Whipsnake movement from Pleasanton Ridge to the Yee property. In light of this, a silt fence will be installed around the building envelopes and along the entire upslope edge of all grading areas to protect the Whipsnakes from construction impacts. The fence shall remain in place throughout the project grading and construction phases. 2. California Red Legged Frog (CRLF) The Yee property does not contain the four primary constituent elements for CRLF habitat. Creeks and pools are ephemeral or intermittent in nature and generally do not water late enough in the spring to support CRLF breeding. The two CRLF records are located 2.3 to 2.5 miles west of the Yee property on the west and northwest faces of Pleasanton Ridge and no location records exist along the entire eastern side of Pleasanton Ridge from Interstate 580 to State Route 84. 3. California Tiger Salamander (CTS) The Yee property does not contain the two elements essential for this species breeding sites and refuge or aestivation sites within the CTS breeding cycle; both must be present for there to be habitat. The nearest documented CTS occurrence to the Yee property is approximately 3.7 miles southeast of the site, separated from the site by terrain, development, and Foothill Road. 4. Callippe Silverspot Butterfly No evidence of the callippe silverspot butterfly host plant Johnny jump -up (Viola pedunculata) was found on the Yee property. This species blooms from late February to early April, and is also identifiable during the late spring as well. The absence of this host plant species indicates that no suitable habitat for this butterfly species is present on the project site; for this reason, the species itself is not present. 5. Nesting Birds Endangered or threatened bird species including raptors, burrowing owls, migratory species, etc., were not observed foraging or nesting on the Yee property during the surveys. To avoid any possible impacts if project construction is scheduled to occur Item 6.b., PUD- 87- 19 -03M Page 30 of 37 April 28, 2010