MO 2001-036 to 2001-040 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

POTENTIALLY ISSUES POTENTIALLY SIGNIFICANT LESS THAN NO F_ SIGNIFICANT UNLESS SIGNIFICANT Dd-PACT SOURCES ISSUES MITIGATION IMPACT INCORPORATED LANATION: A survey of biological resources, including the presence of potential wetland habitat, was conducted on behalf e applicant by LSA Associates, Inc. in April and May of 2000. A separate tree report was prepared on behalf of the applicant by alli LScience, Inc., dated August 2000. The reports are included in their entirety as appendices to this document The LSA report indicates that the dominant plant community on the project site is non-native grassland, which occurs in the undeveloped areas on the site. The reach of San Leandro Creek adjacent to the project site is lined with concrete and no vegetation occurs in the creek channel in this reach. Vegetation on the creek banks includes English ivy, Himalayan black berry, and small stands of willows. A narrow stand of trees grow at and near the top of the south bank that is dominated by mature eucalyptus and coast redwood . No vegetation is present on the parcel east of Preda Street due to recent grading activities. The vegetation in and near the creek corridor and open space areas on -site provide habitat for some wildlife species. A complete listing of all species is included in the LSA report. No reptiles or amphibians were observed. Potentially sensitive habitats present on and adjacent to the project site consist of the stand of willows located in the western portion of the project site, and San Leandro Creek. Special -status plant species are not expected to occur on the project site because of the extent of disturbance to the project site. No special -status wildlife species were observed on the project site, and none are expected due to the extent of disturbance to the site. It should be noted that a large raptor nest, possibly constructed by red-tailed hawks, was observed in a large eucalyptus tree along the creek bank, near the western boundary of the project site. Tree removal could not occur if red-tailed hawks are actively using the nest until after all young have fledged and are independent of the nest. Subsequent field reconnaissance and analysis of the stand of willows found that the willow thicket did not meet the federal wetland criteria. No other potential wetlands were observed during the subsequent investigation. It should be noted that the creek bed itself does qualify as a wetland and cannot be disturbed without prior consultation and approval from the Army Corps of Engineers. The tree survey reported a total of 88 trees onsite, mostly consisting of eucalyptus (48 trees), coast redwood (7), and yellow willow (8). Preliminary plans indicated the removal of 26 on -site trees that are within the parameters of the project development (i.e., future building pads or streets), including 8 eucalyptus trees in moderate to good health, 2 Coast live oak in moderate health, 3 yellow willow in moderate health, and 2 Glossy privet in moderate health. The remaining trees slated for removal are in poor health. A landscape plan will be required as part of the Planned Development process. The City does not have an adopted Habitat ,servation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan, nor it have any adopted ordinance regarding the removal/replacement of trees. Staff notes that subsequent hazardous materials )nnaissance on -site and the probable removal of soil from the site may impact many of the trees along the creek bank, including several mature eucalyptus (see discussion under Hazardous Materials below). While these trees are not native, they do provide habitats for several raptor species and also act as a screen of the project from off -site. Removal of some or all of these trees could result in significant biological and aesthetic impacts due to the potential raptor habitat and aesthetic value. The following mitigation measures are recommended in order to reduce potential impacts related to planned and potential removal of on -site trees to a level of insignificance: • Based upon the Final Remedial Action Plan (RAP) required to be submitted for remediation of on -site hazardous materials and prior to Final Map approval, a revised tree survey, indicating the trees to be removed/retained, shall be submitted for review and approval by the Development Services Director. In conjunction with the revised tree survey and prior to approval of the Final Map, a final landscape plan shall be prepared for review and approval by the Development Services Director. The number, location and size of all proposed plantings (Including groundcovers, vines, bushes and trees) shall be indicated. Staff is recommending that all street trees and replacement trees be a minimum of 24-inch box in size. In addition, in order to facilitate replenishment of the trees located along the creek bank which may be removed during site remediation and which act as a screen, fast-growing native trees (such as Coast Live Oak, willow cottonwood, etc.) that obtain a height of at least 30 feet are recommended. The applicant shall be required to submit a certificate of deposit for the full amount of proposed on -site landscaping to ensure that landscaping is planted in a timely fashion. Prior to issuance of grading permits or implementation of the RAP, whichever comes first, the applicant shall engage thi services of a qualified biologist, to be approved by the Development Services Director, to assess the presence and use of the raptor nest observed on -site. If the nest is in use, a plan shall be submitted which indicates avoidance of the tree and surrounding area for the proscribed amount of time. A subsequent site visit shall be required to verify that the nest has been vacated prior to commencement of grading in the -area or the tree being removed. Preda Street Homes - Initial Study Checklist 8 January 2001