MSHCP Determination of Biologically Equivalent or Superior Preservation/Consistency Analysis

Transcription

1 MSHCP Determination of Biologically Equivalent or Superior Preservation/Consistency Analysis Project - City of Perris Western Riverside County, California FINAL REPORT Prepared for: Albert A. Webb Associates 3788 McCray Street Riverside, CA Contact: Stephanie N. Standerfer (951) Prepared by: Cadre Environmental 701 Palomar Airport Road, Suite 300 Carlsbad, CA Contact: Ruben Ramirez, (949) May 2017 CADRE Environmental

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION... 1 BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE... 1 DEFINITION OF THE PROJECT SITE... 1 RELATIONSHIP TO THE MSHCP... 1 SURVEY HISTORY... 4 PROJECT DESCRIPTION... 5 PROPOSED PROJECT... 5 Meetings... 5 ALTERNATIVES... 5 DESCRIPTION OF AVAILABLE BIOLOGICAL INFORMATION... 8 PLANT COMMUNITIES... 8 SENSITIVE PLANT SPECIES MSHCP Criteria Area Plant Species MSHCP Narrow Endemic Plant Species Sensitive Plant Communities Other Sensitive Plant Species SENSITIVE WILDLIFE SPECIES MSHCP Amphibian Species MSHCP Burrowing Owl MSHCP Mammal Species Other Sensitive Wildlife Species RIPARIAN/RIVERINE VERNAL POOL RESOURCES SOILS RELATIONSHIP TO MSHCP CRITERIA AREAS, CORES, AND LINKAGES LOCATION OF THE STUDY AREA WITHIN MSHCP CRITERIA CELLS LOCATION OF THE STUDY AREA WITHIN MSHCP CORES AND LINKAGES UNAVOIDABLE IMPACTS TO RIPARIAN/RIVERINE AREAS AND VERNAL POOLS DIRECT IMPACTS INDIRECT IMPACTS PROJECT DESIGN FEATURES AND MITIGATION MEASURES MEASURES TO MITIGATE IMPACTS TO RIPARIAN/RIVERINE AREAS AND VERNAL POOLS MEASURES TO MINIMIZE IMPACTS AT THE URBAN/WILDLANDS INTERFACE DETERMINATION OF BIOLOGICALLY EQUIVALENT OR SUPERIOR PRESERVATION SUMMARY OF CONSISTENCY WITH MSHCP POLICIES CRITERIA AREAS NARROW ENDEMIC PLANT SPECIES SURVEY AREA i

3 CRITERIA AREA SPECIES SURVEY AREA AMPHIBIAN SPECIES SURVEY AREA MAMMAL SPECIES SURVEY AREA BURROWING OWL SURVEY AREA RIPARIAN/RIVERINE AREAS AND VERNAL POOLS STEPHENS KANGAROO RAT HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN MSHCP LOCAL DEVELOPMENT MITIGATION FEE URBAN/WILDLANDS INTERFACE FUELS MANAGEMENT REFERENCES LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1. Regional Location Map... 2 Figure 2. Project Site Map... 3 Figure 3. Vegetation Communities Impact Map... 6 Figure 4. MSHCP Riverine Resources Impact Map... 7 Figure 5. Current Project Site Photographs... 9 Figure 6. Current Project Site Photographs Figure 7. MSHCP Relationship Map Figure 8. Soil Associations Map Figure 9. Riverpark Mitigation Bank Proximity Map LIST OF TABLES Table 1. Survey History... 4 Table 2. Vegetation Communities Impacts Table 3. MSHCP Riverine Impacts ii

4 INTRODUCTION BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE This document presents the results of a Determination of Biologically Equivalent or Superior Preservation (DBESP) analysis conducted by Cadre Environmental for the proposed Duke Patterson Avenue/Markham Street Project Site as required under Section 6.1.2, Protection of Species Associated with Riparian/Riverine Areas and Vernal Pools, of the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan MSHCP (MSHCP 2004). In addition to preparing a DBESP for the proposed project, this document also presents a consistency determination to ensure that the proposed project is in compliance with the goals and objectives of the MSHCP, including Section 6.1.4, Guidelines Pertaining to the Urban/Wildlands Interface. DEFINITION OF THE PROJECT SITE The acre Project Site consists of Assessor s Parcel Numbers (APNs) and , located in the City of Perris, western Riverside County, California (U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5 series Perris and Steele Peak Quadrangles, Township 4 South, Range 4 West, Section 1) as shown in Figure 1, Regional Location Map and Figure 2, Project Site Map. The Project Site extends south of Markham Street and east of Patterson Avenue. The majority of the Project Site is characterized as flat, highly disturbed, active agricultural lands with elevations ranging from 1,488 feet above mean sea level (AMSL) and 1,504 feet AMSL. The Project Site is occupied by habitats including field croplands, disturbed, developed and exotic vegetation. An ephemeral wash bisects the central region of the Project Site and flows from west to east. RELATIONSHIP TO THE MSHCP The Project Site is located within the Western Riverside County MSHCP Mead Valley Area Plan and is not located within an MSHCP criteria area, group, or linkage area. (Riverside County Integrated Project [RCIP] Conservation Summary Report Generator 2017). The Project Site is not located within a predetermined survey area for MSHCP Narrow Endemic plant, Criterial Area, burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia), mammal or amphibian species (RCIP Conservation Summary Report Generator 2017). 1

5 }þ 60 }þ 60 Project Site 215 }þ 74 City of PERRIS }þ 74 }þ }þ 79 Figure 1 - Regional Location Map Project CADRE Environmental not to scale

6 PATTERSON AVENUE 1 MARKHAM STREET Project Boundary # Photo Point & Direction Figure 2 - Project Site Map Project CADRE Environmental 1 inch = 200 feet

7 SURVEY HISTORY Table 1, Survey History, presents a summary of the surveys conducted within the Project Site by Cadre Environmental and Albert A. Webb Associates in Table 1. Survey History Year Survey Type Conducted By 2017 General MSHCP Habitat/Regulatory Constraints Cadre Environmental Assessment 2017 Preliminary Investigation of Jurisdictional Waters of the U.S./State and MSHCP Riparian, Riverine, Vernal Pool Resources Albert A. Webb Associates 4

8 PROJECT DESCRIPTION PROPOSED PROJECT The proposed project includes an 811,620-square foot distribution warehouse facility consisting of one (1) building and associated parking and landscaping. All acres of vegetation communities will be directly impacted as a result of project implementation as illustrated in Figure 3, Vegetation Communities Impact Map. Furthermore, all acre of MSHCP riparian resources (ephemeral wash) will be directly impacted as illustrated in Figure 4, MSHCP Riverine Resources Impact Map. The applicant will offset impacts to 0.43-acre of ephemeral wash by: 1) Purchasing 1.08 (2.5:1) credits from the Riverpark Mitigation Bank located within the San Jacinto watershed. The Project Site is located within the lower San Jacinto River Service Area Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) Meetings The following outline summarizes interagency meetings held to present/discuss existing biological conditions, anticipated impacts to jurisdictional features, and mitigation approaches. Representative agencies/jurisdictions included the City of Perris: May 10 th 2017, City of Perris Planning Division ALTERNATIVES As described above, all acres of vegetation communities will be directly impacted as a result of project implementation. The Project Site is dominated by highly disturbed habitats including field croplands, developed and exotic vegetation communities. The generally unvegetated ephemeral wash which bisects the property is dominated by ruderal non-native plant species. No native or sensitive vegetation communities occur onsite and no onsite preservation is warranted or proposed. Therefore, there are no alternatives to the proposed project design. 5

9 DIS MARKHAM STREET PATTERSON AVENUE FC FC DEV DIS FC Proposed Building FC EW Proposed WQMP Basin Project Boundary 215 EX EX DIS DIS LEGEND Acres Agriculture FC Field Croplands Developed Disturbed DIS Disturbed 0.41 DEV Developed 0.01 EX Exotic 0.14 Riverine *EW Ephemeral Wash Source: Cade Environmental 2017, *Albert A. Webb Associates 2017 Impact Area Figure 3 - Vegetation Communities Impact Map Project CADRE Environmental 1 inch = 200 feet

10 MARKHAM STREET PATTERSON AVENUE DRAINAGE A Project Boundary LEGEND 215 MSHCP Riverine Jurisdictional Resources Ephemeral Wash (0.43 acre) Drainage A Source: Albert A. Webb Associates 2017 Impact Area Figure 4 - MSHCP Riverine Resources Impact Map Project CADRE Environmental 1 inch = 200 feet

11 DESCRIPTION OF AVAILABLE BIOLOGICAL INFORMATION Cadre Environmental biologist and Albert A. Webb Associates environmental analyst assessed the Project Site in January 2017 to determine onsite conditions. The following is a summary of the current biological conditions within the Project Site. PLANT COMMUNITIES The acre Project Site consists primarily of active field croplands, disturbed, developed, exotic habitats and an ephemeral wash that bisects the central region of the Project Site. These disturbed vegetation communities are illustrated and tabulated in Figure 3, Vegetation Communities Impact Map, Figures 5-6, Current Project Site Photographs, and Table 2, Vegetation Communities Impacts. Agricultural Lands - Field Croplands The majority of the Project Site is characterized as field croplands (36.31-acres) based on the on-going cultivation of wheat (Triticum aestivum). Other common non-native species documented in this region include London rockets (Sisymbrium irio), and Russian thistle (Kali tragus). Disturbed/Developed The disturbed (0.41-acre) region of the Project Site occurs along the western boundary where agricultural activities do not occur. These areas are either devoid of vegetation or dominated by invasive species including non-native grasses, Russian thistle, yellow star thistle (Centaurea solstitialis), red-stem filaree (Erodium cicutarium), and black mustard (Brassica nigra). Native species documented in the disturbed habitats include telegraph weed (Heterotheca grandiflora) and California aster (Corethrogyne filaginifolia). A 0.01-acre developed concrete spillway is located adjacent to Patterson Avenue extending east to the ephemeral wash. Exotic A total of 0.14-acre of ornamental landscaping dominated by exotic tamarisk trees (Tamarisk sp.) occurs in the southwest corner of the Project Site. Ephemeral Wash A generally unvegetated ephemeral wash (0.43-acre) bisects the central region of the Project Site, flowing from west to east (Albert A. Webb Associates 2017). Historic drainage patterns suggest that the flows originate west of Interstate 215 and extend east through the Project Site and then south to a culvert located at the confluence of the Ramona Expressway and Webster Avenue. The culvert at the confluence then extends east where it enters an exposed road side ditch located north of the Ramona Expressway. Plant species documented in the western reach of the ephemeral wash include non-native grasses, Russian thistle, and Ranchers fireweed (Amsinckia menziesii). 8

12 PHOTOGRAPH 1 - Eastward view from northwest Project Site corner. The majority of the Project Site is active agricultural lands (Field Croplands Classification). PHOTOGRAPH 2 - Eastward view of ephemeral wash which bisects the property and flows from west to east. The wash is either unvegetated or dominated by invasive plant species. Refer to Figure 2, Project Site Map for Photographic Key Map Figure 5 - Current Project Site Photographs Project CADRE Environmental

13 PHOTOGRAPH 3 - Northeast view from southwest Project Site corner. The majority of the Project Site is active agricultural lands (Field Croplands Classification). PHOTOGRAPH 4 - Southwest view from northeast Project Site corner. Refer to Figure 2, Project Site Map for Photographic Key Map Figure 6 - Current Project Site Photographs Project CADRE Environmental

14 Vegetation Communities Table 2. Vegetation Communities Impacts Onsite (acres) Impact Totals (acres) Agriculture Field Croplands Disturbed/Developed Disturbed Exotic Developed Riverine *Ephemeral Wash TOTAL Source: Cadre Environmental 2017 and *Albert A. Webb Associates SENSITIVE PLANT SPECIES The MSHCP has determined that all of the sensitive plant species potentially occurring within the Project Site have been adequately covered (MSHCP Table 2-2 Species Considered for Conservation Under the MSHCP Since 1999, 2004). However, additional surveys may be required for Narrow Endemic and Criteria Area plant species if suitable habitat is documented onsite and/or if the property is located within a predetermined Survey Area (MSHCP 2004). MSHCP Criteria Area Plant Species The Project Site does not occur within a predetermined MSHCP Survey Area Criteria Area plant species (RCIP Conservation Report Summary Generator 2017). No additional surveys are required. MSHCP Narrow Endemic Plant Species The Project Site does not occur within a predetermined MSHCP Survey Area Narrow Endemic plant species (RCIP Conservation Report Summary Generator 2017). No additional surveys are required. Sensitive Plant Communities As stated by CDFG: One purpose of the vegetation classification is to assist in determining the level of rarity and imperilment of vegetation types. Ranking of alliances according to their degree of imperilment (as measured by rarity, trends, and threats) follows NatureServe s Heritage Methodology, in which all alliances are listed with a G (global) and S (state) rank. For alliances with State ranks of S1-S3, all associations within them are also considered to be highly imperiled (CDFG 2012) No sensitive plant communities were documented onsite. 11

15 Other Sensitive Plant Species No sensitive plants were documented onsite during the MSHCP habitat assessment. SENSITIVE WILDLIFE SPECIES The MSHCP has determined that all of the sensitive wildlife species potentially occurring within the Project Site have been adequately covered (MSHCP Table 2-2 Species Considered for Conservation Under the MSHCP Since 1999, 2004). However, additional surveys may be required for specific wildlife species if suitable habitat is documented onsite and/or if the property is located within a predetermined Survey Area (MSHCP 2004). MSHCP Amphibian Species The Project Site does not occur within a predetermined Survey Area for amphibians (RCIP Conservation Summary Report Generator 2017). No additional surveys are required. MSHCP Burrowing Owl The Project Site does not occur within a predetermined Survey Area for the burrowing owl as illustrated in Figure 7, MSHCP Relationship Map. No additional surveys are required. MSHCP Mammal Species The Project Site does not occur within a predetermined Survey Area for mammals (RCIP Conservation Summary Report Generator 2017). No additional surveys are required. Other Sensitive Wildlife Species No sensitive wildlife species were documented onsite during the MSHCP habitat assessment. RIPARIAN/RIVERINE VERNAL POOL RESOURCES No riparian or vernal pool resources were documented within or adjacent to the Project Site. The highly disturbed 0.43-acre ephemeral wash meets the MSHCP definition of riverine resources as shown in Figure 4, MSHCP Riverine Resources Impact Map. As previously stated, the generally unvegetated ephemeral wash bisects the central region of the Project Site, flowing from west to east. Historic drainage patterns suggest that the flows originate west of Interstate 215 and extend east through the Project Site and then south to a culvert located at the confluence of the Ramona Expressway and Webster Avenue. The culvert at the confluence then extends east where it enters an exposed road side ditch located north of the Ramona Expressway. Plant species 12

16 documented in the western reach of the ephemeral wash include non-native grasses, Russian thistle, and Ranchers fireweed. All 0.43-acre of MSHCP riverine areas will be directly impacted as summarized in Table 3, MSHCP Riverine Impacts, and illustrated on Figure 4, MSHCP Riverine Resources Impact Map. Table 3. MSHCP Riverine Impacts Drainage Name (linear feet) MSHCP Riverine Impacts (acres) Drainage A (1,458 lf) Source: Albert A. Webb Associates TOTAL 0.43 Riparian Bird Species No suitable habitat for the least Bell s vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus), southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus) or western yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus) was detected within or adjacent to the Project Site. No additional surveys are required. SOILS The Soil Survey of Western Riverside Area has classified the Project Site as Pachappa fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes (PaA), and Ramona sandy loam (RaA) as shown in Figure 8, Soil Associations Map. All soils documented onsite are characterized as being well drained (drainage class). This is consistent with conditions observed onsite and lack of inundation documented during a review of historical aerials for years of above average rainfall. 13

17 MARKHAM STREET PATTERSON AVENUE MSHCP Burrowing Owl Survey Area (white hatch) Project Boundary 215 Figure 7 - MSHCP Relationship Map Project CADRE Environmental 1 inch = 200 feet

18 MARKHAM STREET PATTERSON AVENUE RaA PaA Project Boundary LEGEND RaA - Ramona sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes 215 PaA - Pachappa fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes Source: NRCS 2017 Figure 8 - Soil Associations Map Project CADRE Environmental 1 inch = 200 feet

19 RELATIONSHIP TO MSHCP CRITERIA AREAS, CORES, AND LINKAGES LOCATION OF THE STUDY AREA WITHIN MSHCP CRITERIA CELLS The Project Site is located within the Western Riverside County MSHCP Mead Valley Area Plan. The Project Site is not located within a MSHCP criteria area, group, or linkage area. Therefore, a Habitat Evaluation and Acquisition Negotiation Strategy (HANS) and Joint Project Review (JPR) will not be required. As stated by the MSHCP: The target conservation acreage range for the Mead Valley Area Plan is 4,980 to 6,730 acres; it is composed of approximately 3,095 acres of existing Public/Quasi-Public Lands and 1,885-3,635 acres of Additional Reserve Lands. The City of Perris is located entirely within the Mead Valley Area Plan. The target acreage range within the City of Perris is 720-1,400 acres. The City of Perris target acreage is included within the 1,885-3,635 acre target conservation range on Additional Reserve Lands for the entire Mead Valley Area Plan. (MSHCP 2004) LOCATION OF THE STUDY AREA WITHIN MSHCP CORES AND LINKAGES The Project Site is not located within an MSHCP designated core, extension of existing core, non-contiguous habitat block, constrained linkage, or linkage area. 16

20 UNAVOIDABLE IMPACTS TO RIPARIAN/RIVERINE AREAS AND VERNAL POOLS DIRECT IMPACTS Direct impacts are considered to be those that involve the loss, modification, or disturbance of natural resources or habitats (i.e., vegetative communities or substrate) that in turn, directly affect plant and wildlife species dependent on that habitat. Direct impacts include the destruction of individual plants or wildlife of low mobility (i.e., plants, amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals). The collective loss of individuals may also directly affect area-wide population numbers or result in the physical isolation of populations thereby reducing genetic diversity and population stability. All 0.43-acre of MSHCP riverine areas will be directly impacted as summarized in Table 3, MSHCP Riverine Impacts, and illustrated on Figure 4, MSHCP Riverine Resources Impact Map. INDIRECT IMPACTS Indirect impacts are considered to be those impacts associated with the project that involve the effects of alteration of the existing habitat and an increase in human population and or landuse within the Project Site. These impacts are commonly referred to as edge effects and may result in changes in the behavioral patterns of wildlife and reduced wildlife diversity and abundance in habitats adjacent to the Project Site. Indirect impacts include the effects of increases in ambient levels of sensory stimuli (e.g., noise and light), unnatural predators (e.g., domestic cats and other non-native animals), competitors (e.g., exotic plants and non-native animals), and trampling and unauthorized recreational use due to the increase in human population. Other permanent indirect effects may occur that are related to water quality and storm water management, including trash/debris, toxic materials, and dust. The Project Site is not located adjacent to existing or proposed conserved lands. Specifically, adjacent lands are characterized as highly disturbed agricultural vegetation, with Interstate 215 located 300ft. west and residential and industrial development east of the Project Site. Future flows entering the site from the western boundary as well as those collected onsite, will be captured and treated within a proposed water quality basin that will be located along the entire length of the eastern Project Site boundary. Future off-site runoff (discharges from the basin) will follow the current flow pattern which continues south to a culvert located at the confluence of the Ramona Expressway and Webster Avenue. The existing culvert at the confluence then extends east where it enters an exposed road side ditch located north of the Ramona Expressway. Flows from the Ramona Expressway road side ditch extend east approximately 2 miles to the unvegetated reach of Perris Valley Channel. The temporary capture, treatment and release of flows is not expected to indirectly impact riparian resources of sensitive species downstream from the Project Site within the lower reach of the Perris Valley Channel. 17

21 PROJECT DESIGN FEATURES AND MITIGATION MEASURES MEASURES TO MITIGATE IMPACTS TO RIPARIAN/RIVERINE AREAS AND VERNAL POOLS To meet the criteria of a biologically equivalent or superior alternative, the applicant will offset impacts to 0.43-acre of disturbed ephemeral wash (MSHCP riverine resources) by purchasing 1.08 acres of credits (2.5:1) at the Riverpark Mitigation bank located within the San Jacinto watershed as illustrated in Figure 9, Riverpark Mitigation Bank Proximity Map. The Project Site is located within the lower San Jacinto River primary service area HUC As stated by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE): The Riverpark Mitigation Bank is a proposed 619-acre mitigation bank located along the San Jacinto River (SJR) in western Riverside County (Figures 1 and 2). The Bank property is specifically located just downstream of the Ramona Expressway and immediately upstream of Nuevo Road. The site is depicted on the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Perris and Romoland Quadrangle Rancho San Jacinto Nuevo y Potrero Land Grant (Figure 3) in unincorporated Riverside County, California (33 49' 8.4"N, ' 18"W). (USACE 2015) The primary objective of the proposed mitigation bank would be to replace functions and services of aquatic resources and associated habitats that have been degraded or destroyed as a result of activities conducted in compliance or in violation of Section 404 of the CWA. The proposed mitigation bank would provide mitigation for both permanent and temporary impacts to waters of the U.S. In addition, the proposed mitigation bank may be used to offset environmental losses resulting from unavoidable impacts related to regulated activities by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the San Diego and Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Boards. Specific objectives include: Restoration of fluvial processes on site within the San Jacinto River floodplain. Restoration of alkali playa and vernal pool habitat. Expansion of existing sensitive plant populations across the site. Removal of ongoing agricultural activities on the site. Removal of existing berms and the low flow channel. Permanent protection of the site through transfer of fee title to the Western Riverside Regional Conservation Authority (RCA). Permanent management of the site through funding of a non-wasting endowment. (USACE 2015) Due to its location along the San Jacinto River and its high potential for successful restoration upon elimination of the artificial low flow channel and berms created by historic agricultural activities, the proposed mitigation bank location has been identified by several state and Federal agencies as a high-priority restoration site. (USACE 2015) 18

22 Project Site Lake Perris Riverpark Mitigation Bank Figure 9 - Riverpark Mitigation Bank Proximity Map Project CADRE Environmental 1 inch = 200 feet

23 MEASURES TO MINIMIZE IMPACTS AT THE URBAN/WILDLANDS INTERFACE Urban/Wildlands Interface guidelines presented in Section of the MSHCP are intended to address indirect effects associated with locating commercial, mixed uses and residential developments in proximity to an MSHCP Conservation Area. Although the Project Site is not located adjacent to an existing MSHCP Conservation Area, final project design will be developed to ensure best management practices are incorporated into the proposed project including the maintenance and conveyance of seasonal clean water flows through the Project Site. Water Quality/Hydrology The project will comply with all applicable water quality regulations, including obtaining and complying with those conditions established in a Waste Discharge Requirement (WDR) and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. Both of these permits include the treatment of all surface runoff from paved and developed areas, the implementation of applicable Best Management Practices (BMPs) during construction activities and the installation and proper maintenance of structural BMPs to ensure adequate long-term treatment of water before entering into any stream course or offsite downstream conservation areas. The Project Site currently slopes at approximately 1.0% towards the east side of the project. The existing drainage pattern for the site and the general area is characterized by sheet flow. The current drainage pattern flows through the midsection of the Project Site going from west to east. The discharge then flows east towards Webster Street and then south towards Ramona Express Way. The project generally preserves the existing drainage pattern with a few areas that were modified by the grading to accommodate the proposed development footprint. The site proposes to use gutters and an underground storm drain system to convey flows into the bio-retention basin. The basin will treat the runoff before conveying it into Line F (future location of Perry Street). Toxics Storm water treatment systems will be designed to prevent the release of toxins, chemicals, petroleum products, exotic plant material, or other elements that could degrade or harm downstream biological or aquatic resources. Toxic sources within the Project Site would be limited to those commonly associated with commercial use development, such as herbicides, fertilizers, and vehicle emissions. In order to mitigate the potential effects of these toxics, the project will incorporate structural BMPs, as required in association with compliance with WDRs and the NPDES permit system, in order to reduce the level of toxins introduced into the drainage system and the surrounding areas. Lighting The Project Site is not located adjacent to an existing MSHCP Conservation Area and indirect impacts to common wildlife species as a result of lighting are not expected to occur. Adjacent lands are highly disturbed agriculture and developed properties. 20

24 Noise Because the proposed project development will not result in noise levels that exceed commercial noise standards established for Riverside County, common wildlife will not be subject to noise that exceeds these established standards. Short-term constructionrelated noise impacts will be reduced by the implementation of the following: During all Project Site excavation and grading on-site, the construction contractors shall equip all construction equipment, fixed or mobile, with properly operating and maintained mufflers, consistent with manufacturers standards. The construction contractor shall limit all construction-related activities that would result in high noise levels according to the construction hours to be determined by City of Perris staff. The construction contractor shall limit haul truck deliveries to the same hours specified for construction equipment. Invasive Species The landscape plans for the commercial development shall avoid the use of invasive species. Invasive plants that should be avoided are included in Table 6-2 of the MSHCP, Plants That Should Be Avoided Adjacent to the MSHCP Conservation Area. Barriers Barriers are intended to reduce or minimize unauthorized public access and associated impacts to protected resources. The Project Site is not located adjacent to an existing MSHCP Conservation Area and no onsite protected barriers are proposed. 21

25 DETERMINATION OF BIOLOGICALLY EQUIVALENT OR SUPERIOR PRESERVATION To meet the criteria of a biologically equivalent or superior alternative, the applicant will offset impacts to 0.43-acre of ephemeral wash (MSHCP riverine resources) by purchasing 1.08 acres of credits (2.5:1) at the Riverpark Mitigation Bank located within the San Jacinto watershed. The generally unvegetated 0.43-acre ephemeral wash is high disturbed and is dominated by non-native invasive species as shown in Figure 5, Current Project Site Photographs. The western region of the wash is also commonly used as an illegal dumpsite for garbage. The Riverpark Mitigation Bank possesses vernal pools, alkali vegetation and supports several MSHCP targeted sensitive species including burrowing owl, Stephens kangaroo rat (Dipodomys stephensi), smooth tarplant (Centromadia pungens ssp. laevis), spreading navarretia (Navarretia fossalis), San Jacinto Valley crownscale (Atriplex coronata var. notatior), and Coulter s goldfields (Lasthenia glabrata ssp. coulteri). The purchase of credits and preservation of 1.08 acres of high quality sensitive resources at the Riverpark Mitigation Bank to offset impact to acre of disturbed ephemeral wash meet the criteria of a biologically equivalent or superior alternative. 22

26 CRITERIA AREAS SUMMARY OF CONSISTENCY WITH MSHCP POLICIES The Project Site is located within the Western Riverside County MSHCP Mead Valley Area Plan. The Project Site is not located within a MSHCP criteria area, group, or linkage area. Therefore, a HANS and JPR will not be required. The project is consistent with MSHCP Section NARROW ENDEMIC PLANT SPECIES SURVEY AREA The Project Site is not located within a Narrow Endemic Plant Survey Area; therefore, no surveys are required (RCIP Conservation Summary Report Generator 2017). The project is consistent with MSHCP Section CRITERIA AREA SPECIES SURVEY AREA The Project Site is not located within a Criteria Area Species Survey Area; therefore, no surveys are required (RCIP Conservation Summary Report Generator 2017). The project is consistent with MSHCP Section AMPHIBIAN SPECIES SURVEY AREA The Project Site is not located within an MSHCP Amphibian Species Survey Area; therefore, no surveys were required (RCIP Conservation Summary Report Generator 2017). The project is consistent with MSHCP Section MAMMAL SPECIES SURVEY AREA The Project Site is not located within an MSHCP Mammal Species Survey Area; therefore, no surveys were required (RCIP Conservation Summary Report Generator 2017). The project is consistent with MSHCP Section BURROWING OWL SURVEY AREA The Project Site does not occur within a predetermined Survey Area for the burrowing owl. No additional surveys are required. The project is consistent with MSHCP Section

27 RIPARIAN/RIVERINE AREAS AND VERNAL POOLS The Project Site supports 0.43-acre of areas that meet the MSHCP definition of riverine resources (Albert A. Webb Associates 2017). All 0.43-acre will be impacted by the proposed project. To meet the criteria of a biologically equivalent or superior alternative, the applicant will offset impacts to 0.43-acre of ephemeral wash (MSHCP riverine resources, 6.1.2) by purchasing 1.08-acres of credits (2.5:1) at the Riverpark Mitigation Bank located within the San Jacinto watershed. Prior to issuance of a grading permit, the project applicant will provide the City of Perris with purchase confirmation The project is consistent with MSHCP Section STEPHENS KANGAROO RAT HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN The Project Site is located completely within the Stephens Kangaroo Rat Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) Fee Area which is administered by the Riverside County Habitat Conservation Agency (RCHCA). The SKR Fee is established at $500 per acre. MSHCP LOCAL DEVELOPMENT MITIGATION FEE The project applicant shall pay MSHCP Local Development Mitigation Fees as established and implemented by the City of Perris. URBAN/WILDLANDS INTERFACE As previously stated, all Urban/Wildlands Interface guidelines presented in Section of the MSHCP are intended to address indirect effects associated with locating commercial, mixed uses and residential developments in proximity to an MSHCP Conservation Area. Although the Project Site is not located adjacent to an existing MSHCP Conservation Area, final project design will be developed to ensure best management practices are incorporated into the proposed project including the maintenance and conveyance of seasonal clean water flows through the Project Site. The project is consistent with MSHCP Section FUELS MANAGEMENT The fuels management guidelines presented in Section 6.4 of the MSHCP are intended to address brush management activities around new development within or adjacent to MSHCP Conservation Areas. The Project Site is not located adjacent to an existing or proposed MSHCP Conservation Area. The project is consistent with MSHCP Section

28 REFERENCES Albert A. Webb Associates Preliminary Investigation of Jurisdictional Waters of the U.S/State and MSHCP Riparian/Riverine, Vernal Pool Resources. California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Natural Diversity Data Base (CNDDB) Sensitive Element Record Search for the Perris/Steele Peak Quadrangles. California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Sacramento, California. Accessed [2017]. Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP), Riverside County Integrated Project (RCIP). March Riverside County Integrated Project (RCIP) Conservation Summary Report Generator Accessed [2017]. Roberts, F. M., Jr., S. D. White, A. C. Sanders, D. E. Bramlet, and S. Boyd The vascular plants of western Riverside County, California: an annotated checklist. F.M. Roberts Publications, San Luis Rey, California, USA. Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Web Soil Survey. Available online at United States Army Corps of Engineers Prospectus for Mitigation Bank and Application for Permit - Riverpark Mitigation Bank (Public Notice/Application No.: SPL MBT). 25

29 Contact: Ruben S. Ramirez, Jr ,