08 - Laserfiche WebLink

AUGUSTIN BERNAL MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL PROJECT DRAFT INITIAL STUDY • Construction contracts shall prohibit the use of monofilament plastic netting in erosion-control materials to avoid entrapment of snakes and other native wildlife. • The City shall designate qualified biologists to monitor project construction. Biologists shall have appropriate training and experience with Alameda whipsnakes. • A qualified biologist shall provide pre-project environmental awareness training to all construction crew members about the potential presence of Alameda whipsnake on the projectsite.The training shall include basic information on species identification and habitat,describe how the species may be encountered in the work area,and review all species protection measures. • A qualified biologist shall be present on site during all ground-disturbing activities(e.g.,vegetation clearing and grading). Prior to the clearing of shrubs or dense ground vegetation for the new trail, a biologist shall survey the work area to confirm that Alameda whipsnakes are absent before activities commence. Workers shall not clear any vegetation from a given trail section until it has been cleared by an approved biologist and without a qualified biologist present. • Construction crews or an approved biologist shall inspect open trenches in the morning and evening for trapped Alameda whipsnakes and other reptiles. • Qualified biologists shall have the authority to stop work if Alameda whipsnakes are found during construction.Any Alameda whipsnake found in a location where it may be at risk shall be allowed to leave the area on its own accord.The City shall report any Alameda whipsnake observations to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and California Department of Fish and Wildlife within 24 hours and initiate formal consultation under the federal Endangered Species Act and California Endangered Species Act, respectively. Nesting Bird AMM:Conduct Pre-Construction Survey for Nesting Birds.No construction shall occur between March 1 and April 30. Prior to beginning project construction activities between May 1 and August 31, a pre-construction nesting bird survey shall be conducted by a qualified biologist within 7 days prior to construction activities to determine if any native birds are nesting on or near the project site (including a 300-foot buffer for raptors).If construction is paused between May 1 and August 31 for more than 14 days, an additional nesting bird survey shall be conducted within 7 days prior to resuming construction activities. If any active nests are observed during surveys, a suitable avoidance buffer shall be determined by the qualified biologist based on species, location, and planned construction activity. These nests shall be avoided until the chicks have fledged and the nests are no longer active, as determined by the qualified biologist. SURVEYS COMPLETED Biological and cultural resource surveys were completed as part of the trail design to inform the final proposed trail alignment with a goal of avoiding sensitive environmental resources.The methodology and findings of the biological resources survey are reported in Section 3.4 of this Initial Study. The methodology and findings of the cultural resources survey are documented in the Cultural Resources Inventory Report which is Appendix C to this Initial Study. The Cultural Resources Inventory Report is confidential; additional information about this report may be obtained by contacting the City of Pleasanton. 12956 DUDEK 12 April 2022