25G - ENGINEERING SRVS GRADE SEPARATION

Home Browse Search

or AECOM for the field surveys. If focused habitat evaluations for any species other than those included in this scope of work or focused surveys are required for any species then this will be communicated to the City and AECOM immediately and a separate scope and cost for this work will be provided. The study area is assumed to be the proposed project footprint plus 100 feet (where access is permissible). This task includes evaluations/determinations for the following potential resource issues: • Habitat Evaluation for Burrowing Owl - A qualified biologist will perform an evaluation of the potential for Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) to occur. All areas to be evaluated will be examined carefully for habitat characteristics and disturbance factors. The study area for this work is assumed to be the proposed project footprint and a 100-foot buffer, as accessible to ICF Jones & Stokes. An additional 400-foot buffer beyond the 100-foot buffer will be visually assessed only. This scope and cost assume that the City or AECOM will be responsible for providing access. Potentially suitable habitat will be mapped. No permits are required to perform a habitat evaluation, but the biologist must be experienced with the species' biology, identification of direct and indirect sign, and physical characteristics of potentially suitable habitat. Habitat evaluations for this species can be performed any time of year. The results will be directly incorporated into the NES/MI. This scope of work assumes that a focused survey for burrowing owl will not be required. - Jurisdictional Waters Delineation - A qualified biologist will examine all relevant portions of the site and perform a routine-level delineation of the extent of potentially jurisdictional waters under both state and federal regulations. The following field evaluations will be performed, however, it is assumed that no jurisdictional resources will be identified. Evaluation for federal wetlands will follow the applicable methods in the 1987 manual from the Corps of Engineers, the 2006 Arid West supplement from the Corps of Engineers, and the Rapanos Guidance (2007), along with subsequent supporting materials and applicable regulations, policy, and case law. The study area for this work will include the proposed project footprint along with a 50-foot buffer. This scope and cost assume that the City or AECOM will be responsible for providing access. The work will be at a routine (rather than comprehensive) level of detail, that is, point sampling and standard criteria (hydrology, soils, and vegetation) will be used to identify, map and calculate total area for federal and state jurisdiction, but no laboratory testing of soils or water, no hydrological or hydrogeomorphic analysis or modeling, no formal statistical analysis, and no extensive records searching, will be provided. Evaluation of existing functions and values for jurisdictional areas will be addressed at a qualitative level. Mapping will be performed at a scale of 1 inch equals 200 feet (1:2400) or better, with a minimum mapping unit of no more than 0.05 acres, and will reflect the delineated boundaries of any jurisdictional waters and wetlands present. Photographs representative of relevant site conditions will be taken. As noted, it is assumed that no jurisdictional waters or wetlands will be identified and no Jurisdictional Delineation Report will be required. Technical Report Preparation A draft NES/MI will be developed based on results of the biological surveys and analysis and will conform to the current Caltrans NES/MI annotated outline, as previously described. The report will describe: • The study methods used in identifying and assessing the biological resources at the project site, the personnel who conducted the studies, contacts made with agencies, and any limitations associated with the study; • The environmental setting including both the biological and physical setting at the project site; • (The results, including special-status species present on the site, if any, and a discussion of impacts and mitigation, as necessary; and • The appropriate regulatory requirements and necessary permits, if any. At this time it is assumed that jurisdictional waters will not be impacted and permitting (i.e_, Section 401 Water Quality Certification, Section 404 permit, or Section 1602 Streambed Alteration Agreement) would not be required. Therefore, the processing of permits are not included in this scope of work. If based on the field work performed it is determined that these permits would be required then a scope and cost for the preparation and processing of these permits can be provided by ICF Jones & Stokes if desired by the City and AECOM. City o/ Snnla Ana 25G-167