Environmental Declaration WPCP 20240409

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Salt Marsh Wandering Shrew The salt marsh wandering shrew, recognized as a Species of Special Concern in California, has notably restrictive food and habitat needs, perhaps more so than any other mammal in the marshes of the greater San Francisco Bay Region. This includes even the salt marsh harvest mouse, as outlined in the Life Histories and Environmental Requirements of Key Plants, Fish, and Wildlife.18 Ideal habitats for this species are wet, medium -high salt marshes within the six- to eight -foot elevation range, abundant in driftwood and other debris, and featuring one- to two -foot high pickleweed. The site is a diked wastewater detention basin with adjacent levees and access roads predominantly characterized by ruderal upland habitat. Consequently, the salt marsh wandering shrew is presumed to be absent from the Project area. However, if it were present, any potential impacts would be mitigated by implementing the avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures described under Mitigation Measure 13I0-1(Avoid and Minimize Impacts to Salt Marsh Wandering Shrew). These measures include installing exclusion fencing around the work area and employing a biological monitor during initial habitat disturbance, thereby addressing risks such as direct mortality or disturbance from construction activities. Pallid Bat and Other Special -Status Bats The pallid bat, identified as a California Species of Special Concern, may potentially roost in structures located on or near the Project site. Although suitable roosting habitat could be present in the concrete vault box near the basin's southwestern corner, no evidence of roosting was discovered during the survey conducted. To mitigate potential impacts, Mitigation Measure BIO-2 will be enacted. This measure entails conducting pre -construction surveys simultaneously with bird surveys (Mitigation Measure BIO-3). Special -Status Birds The white-tailed kite, northern harrier, and Alameda song sparrow have been observed at or near the Proposed Project site and may nest nearby. Nearby powerlines, trees, and fence lines offer suitable hunting perches for the white-tailed kite, northern harrier and trees in and adjacent to the Proposed Project site may provide nesting habitat for the white-tailed kite. Various shrubs, small trees, and ruderal vegetation within 250 feet of the Project site may offer viable nesting habitats for species like the Alameda song sparrow and loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus). Other special -status birds could forage or pass through the area, although nesting is unlikely due to unsuitable habitat or the species' nesting range being outside the Project area. Western snowy plovers are not likely to nest in the basin due to limited suitable habitat and the prolonged period in which the basin is inundated with water during the nesting season (March 1 through September 30). 1e Goals Project. 1999. Baylands Ecosystem Habitat Goals. A report of habitat recommendations prepared by the San Francisco Bay Area Wetlands Ecosystem Goals Project. First Reprint. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, San Francisco, Calif./S.F. Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board, Oakland, Calif. San Leandro Treatment Wetland IS/MND