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LBA ASSOCIATES. INC. CEQA INITIAL STUDY /MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION MARCH 2011 PREDA STREET PIPE BRIDGES UPGRADE SAN LEANDRO. CALIFORNIA and/or erosion will be avoided through the implementation of BMPs (including a wire- reinforced silt fence and installation of construction fencing) and suspending a drop cloth below the bridges to prevent debris from falling into the channel (see project description). Nevertheless, the following mitigation measures are proposed to ensure that individual steelhead or pond turtles potentially occurring in the creek channel at the time of construction are not injured or killed: Mitigation Measure 810 - 1: All construction activities shall be conducted when San Leandro Creek is dry between June I and October 15 to minimize adverse impacts to fish (including steelhead) and other aquatic wildlife species associated with the creek (including western pond turtle). Mitigation Measure B10 - 2: Prior to the initiation of construction, a qualified biologist shall conduct a brief environmental training session to project contractors at the on -site kick -off meeting. At a minimum, the training shall include a description of steelhead and western pond turtle and their habitats; the specific measures being implemented to avoid impacts to these species; and the boundaries within which work may be conducted. Mitigation Measure B10 - 3: Within seven days prior to the start of construction, a qualified biologist shall conduct a preconstruction survey of San Leandro Creek for western pond turtle. If any individuals are detected below the immediate work area, the biologist shall contact CDFG to determine if relocation and/or further monitoring is appropriate. No pond turtles will be relocated without first obtaining authorization from CDFG.(LTS) b) 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 Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? • Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated. Two native riparian tree species, arroyo willow and blue elderberry. are present on site. Although the site lacks the diverse structure and species composition of typical native riparian habitats, the presence of these two species lends a native riparian component to the predominately non - native plant species composition at the site. The proposed project will likely require the removal of the large arroyo willow and blue elderberry adjacent to the southeastern end of the bridge and two blue elderberry at the • northwestern end of the bridge. Potentially significant impacts to riparian habitat would be reduced to a less- than - significant level with implementation of the following mitigation measure: Mitigation Measure 810 - 4: The City shall prepare and submit a Streambed Alteration Agreement (SAA) application to the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) for working on the upper banks of San Leandro Creek. pursuant to Section 1602 of the Fish and Game Code. The application will describe proposed replanting efforts to offset the loss of the arroyo willow, three blue elderberry. and any other native riparian vegetation identified for removal during project planning. Three new native riparian trees shall be planted on or near the site for every impacted tree measuring 6 to 24 inches diameter at breast height (DBH) (3:1 replacement ratio), while five new trees shall be planted for every impacted tree greater than 24 inches DBI-I (5:1 replacement ratio). Replanting efforts shall be described in a creek restoration and monitoring plan prepared by a qualified biologist and /or restoration specialist. and submitted to CDFG for approval prior to the commencement of construction. (LTS) P:\ EG1080110EQA \Preda_FINAL_IS- MND.doc (03(28/11) 2 I