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3.0 IMPACTS AND MITIGATIONS 3.1 SIGNIFICANCE CRITERIA Approval of general plans, azea plans, and specific project plans aze subject to the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The purpose of CEQA is to assess the impacts of proposed projects on the environment before they are carried out. CEQA is concerned with the significance of a proposed project's impacts. Whenever possible, public agencies aze required to avoid or minimize environmental impacts by implementing practical alternatives or mitigation measures. According to Section 15382 of the CEQA Guidelines, a significant effect on the environment means a "substantial, or potentially substantial, adverse change in any of the physical conditions within the area affected by the project, including land, air, water, minerals, flora, fauna, ambient noise, and objects of historic or aesthetic interest." Specific project impacts to biological resources may be considered "significant" if they would: • Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; • Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations or by the California Deparhnent of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; • Have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (including, but not limited to, mazsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means; • Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites; • Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance; or 23 55+ Biotic Evaluation Live Oak Associates, Inc.