HomeMy WebLinkAboutAppendix C - Bioloigcal Resources Letter
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October 13, 2021 Ms. Tracy Zinn
T&B Planning, Inc. 3200 El Camino Real, Suite 100 Irvine, CA 92602
Subject: Fontana Gateway Industrial Center-Biological Resources Dear Ms. Zinn, This letter report describes the existing biological resources on the Fontana Gateway Industrial
Center project site and evaluates the potential impacts to those resources that may occur as a result of development. This report is intended to provide the City of Fontana (City) and applicant with information necessary to assess impacts to biological resources under the California Environmental Quality Act. PROJECT LOCATION The project site is located at 13592 Slover Avenue in the City (Figures 1 and 2). An approximately 18.6-acre site was analyzed that encompasses the entire area of proposed re-development activities.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION The project would result in the re-development of the subject property with 2 warehouse distribution buildings. The project would include cargo loading areas, parking areas, landscaping,
signage, and lighting. METHODS Literature Review
Prior to conducting the biological fieldwork, background research was conducted to obtain information on the existing biological conditions within the project vicinity. Background research included a review of current local, state, and federal regulations, historical and current aerial photographs, USGS topographic maps, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural
Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) soil survey maps, the National Hydrography Dataset, and National Wetlands Inventory.
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A review of the California Natural Diversity Data Base (CNDDB) was performed to identify sensitive biological resources known from the proposed project vicinity. The CNDDB, which is administered by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), provides an inventory of
vegetation communities, plant species, and wildlife species that are considered sensitive by state and federal resource agencies, academic institutions, and other conservation groups. Historical occurrences of sensitive species from the proposed project vicinity were used to determine species with a potential to occur within and adjacent to the proposed project area.
Vegetation Mapping Biologist Brian Leatherman conducted a site visit on July 28, 2021 to identify and map existing biological resources. The site was walked; plant and animal species observed/detected were recorded; and representative site photographs were taken (Attachment A; Figure 3).
Sensitive Plants The CNDDB database search did not identify any sensitive plant species reported on site or within the project vicinity. Sensitive plants were searched for during the site visits; a focused sensitive
plant survey was not considered necessary. Burrowing Owl Habitat Assessment
During the field visit the site was evaluated for the potential to support the burrowing owl (Athene
cunicularia; federal Bird of Conservation Concern and State Species of Special Concern) according to the survey methods in the Staff Report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation (California Department of Fish and Game 2012). The site was surveyed for burrowing owl habitat characteristics including potential burrows or perches, excavated soil, whitewash (excrement),
castings (pellets), and/or feathers. Burrowing owls are known to occupy California ground squirrel
(Otospermophilus beecheyi) burrows; therefore, particular attention was paid to any areas along fence lines, or other locations where squirrels were likely to occur. Riparian/Riverine and Vernal Pool Resources
The National Hydrography Dataset and National Wetlands Inventory did not return results for any drainage features, vernal pools, or wetlands on site or in the site vicinity. During the site visit, the site was inspected for Riparian/Riverine and Vernal Pool Resources, as well as any features that have potential to be considered Waters of the U.S. (WUS) or Waters of the State (WS) under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) and/or CDFW, respectively.
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RESULTS Physical Description and Land Use
The site is flat (approximately 990 feet above mean sea level) and entirely developed with an existing, operational industrial facility. Site consists of steel frames, lifts, parking lots, industrial buildings, steel racks, gravel bins, and construction materials. Soil on site is mapped as Tujunga
loamy sand (0-5 percent slopes) and Tujunga gravelly loamy sand (0-9 percent slopes); however,
the actual site uses have likely altered the soil. There are no wildlife corridors or designated environmental preserve areas on or adjacent to the site. Additionally, there are no drainage features, ponding areas, or wetland/riparian resources within or adjacent to the site.
Vegetation Communities and Land Cover Types
The site is entirely developed and does not support any vegetation communities (Figure 3). Developed land is not considered a sensitive biological resource. Burrowing Owl Habitat Assessment
No burrowing owl sign/evidence was observed on the site. Additionally, no ground squirrels or burrows were observed on the site with the potential to support the burrowing owl. Finally, the site is surrounded by development and not adjacent to any known areas that support the burrowing owl. As such, the site is not considered suitable for the species, and a focused survey is not
warranted. Riparian/Riverine and Vernal Pool Resources
There are no riparian/riverine communities, vernal pools, or potential WUS or WS located on the
site. The property is essentially flat and does not support any aquatic features necessary for the development of these resources. Sensitive Plant Species
No sensitive plant species were observed on site, and none is anticipated to occur given the developed/disturbed condition of the site. Plant species observed on site are associated with landscaping and non-native ornamental trees on the project perimeter. The ornamental trees are eucalyptus (Eucalyptus sp.) and Mexican fan palm (Washingtonia robusta).
Sensitive Animal Species No sensitive animal species were observed or detected on site during the site visit, and none is anticipated to occur given its developed/disturbed nature. Animals observed were limited to
common, non-sensitive bird species including Anna’s hummingbird (Calypte anna), house finch
(Carpodacus mexicanus), rock dove (Columba livia), raven (Corvus corax), Eurasian collared dove (Streptopelia decaocto), and Allen’s hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin).
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One federal endangered species, Delhi sands flower-loving fly (Rhaphiomidas terminatus abdominalis), was reported to the CNDDB in the site vicinity. The Delhi sands flower-loving fly, however, occurs in association with Delhi sands soils, which are not present on site. This, along
with the developed nature of the site make it unsuitable for this species and focused surveys are not warranted. Nesting Birds
The federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) and California Fish and Game Code (sections 3503 and 3513) provide for protection of birds during the avian nesting season. While there were no nests observed, birds could build nests in the ornamental trees on the property perimeter.
PROJECT IMPACTS
The entire site would be impacted to implement the project. Vegetation Communities and Land Cover Types
The project would impact developed land, which is considered non-sensitive. Therefore, no significant impacts to vegetation communities and land cover types would occur.
Sensitive Plant Species
No sensitive plant species occur on site; therefore, no impacts to sensitive plant species would occur.
Sensitive Animal Species
The site has little to no potential to support sensitive animal species, including the burrowing owl and the Delhi sands flower-loving fly; therefore, no impacts to sensitive animal species would occur.
Nesting Birds If project construction is to occur during the avian nesting season (February 15 – September 1), significant impacts to nesting birds could occur. Therefore, a pre-construction nesting bird survey
should be conducted by a qualified biologist to ensure that no impacts to nesting birds occur.
The nesting bird survey should be completed within three days prior to the commencement of construction. If active nests are found, they should be avoided, and appropriate no-impact buffer zones should be established and maintained/monitored until after the young have fledged and are
no longer dependent on the nest as determined by a qualified biologist.
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Jurisdictional Areas (Corps, CDFW, and RWQCB)
No wetland, riparian, or drainage areas occur on site that would be considered jurisdictional by the
regulatory agencies. Therefore, no impacts would occur to jurisdictional areas, and the project would not require Corps, CDFW, or RWQCB permits. Wildlife Corridors
No local or regional wildlife corridors are present within or adjacent to the project site; therefore, no permanent or temporary impacts to wildlife movement would occur. CONCLUSION
The project site is entirely developed and is surrounded by development. The project would not impact any sensitive vegetation community or land cover type. In addition, no sensitive plant or animal species are anticipated to occur on site based on the site’s condition and historical records. The only potential impact would be to nesting birds should construction occur during the avian
nesting season (February 15 – September 1). Implementation of the pre-construction nesting bird
survey and maintaining/monitoring appropriate no-impact nest buffer zones would reduce this potential impact to a less-than-significant level. As such, the project would not result in significant impacts to sensitive biological resources. Please contact me if you have any questions regarding this letter report. Sincerely, Greg Mason Senior Biologist
Reference: California Department of Fish and Game. 2012. Staff Report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation.
March 7.
Enclosures: Figure 1 – Regional Location
Figure 2 – Project Location
Figure 3 – Biological Resources Attachment A – Representative Photographs
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Figure 1
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²Regional Location
FONTANA GATEWAY INDUSTRIAL CENTER
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Slover Ave
Valley Blvd
Jurupa Ave Cherry AveProject Site
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Commerce WayMulberry AveFONTANAONTARIO
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Figure 2
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²Project Location
FONTANA GATEWAY INDUSTRIAL CENTER
Slover Ave
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²Biological Resources
FONTANA GATEWAY INDUSTRIAL CENTER
Project Boundary
FPhoto LocationVegetationDeveloped
Representative Photographs
Photo Point 1. 07/28/21
Photo Point 2. 07/28/21
Photo Point 3. 07/28/21
Photo Point 4. 07/28/21
Photo Point 5. 07/28/21
Photo Point 6. 07/28/21
Photo Point 7. 07/28/21
Photo Point 8. 07/28/21