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Pacific Southwest has completed numerous projects during the firm’s 29-year history, ranging in financial terms from several hundred dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars. The selected projects on the following pages provide only a brief representation of our depth and breadth of experience.

LARGE SCALE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PROJECTS

WESTERN RIVERSIDE COUNTY MULTIPLE SPECIES HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN. 1993-1995. Pacific Southwest conducted a region-wide multi-species habitat conservation planning effort for 1.4 million acres of western Riverside County. The program targeted species listed or proposed for listing under state and federal Endangered Species Acts. Pacific Southwest designed and implemented field sampling programs, GIS mapping and data management, and collection and evaluation of data for ultimate use in drafting Habitat Conservation Plans for use under the provisions of Section 10 of the Endangered Species Act. The primary objective of the program was to limit current threats to listed species within western Riverside County and preclude the need for future species listings by pursuing a proactive environmental planning approach to species conservation.

BIOLOGICAL CONSTRAINTS ASSESSMENT OF THE RIO MESA STUDY AREA, MADERA COUNTY, CA. 1991-1993. Pacific Southwest provided a biological constraint analysis of the 7,000-acre Rio Mesa Study Area adjacent to the San Joaquin River in Madera County. Pacific Southwest biologists conducted focused surveys within the study area for sensitive plants, fairy shrimp, reptiles, raptors, and riparian birds, and identification of wildlife linkages.

EL CENTRO NAVAL AIR STATION EAST AND WEST MESAS, IMPERIAL COUNTY, CA. 1986. Biological resources and vegetation were mapped for a 500-square mile area on East and West Mesas for the Naval Air Facility in El Centro, California, using aerial photographs and verifying by ground truthing. Information collected provided biological support for a comprehensive land management plan. Mapping was an adjunct to a Habitat Management Program formulated by Pacific Southwest for desert lands administrated by the Naval Air Facility.

CHOCOLATE MOUNTAINS BOTANICAL ASSESSMENT, IMPERIAL COUNTY, CA. 1983. Pacific Southwest provided biological expertise on vegetation and rare plants to the Bureau of Land Management on the Chocolate Mountains. The assessment was part of a Bureau of Land Management withdrawal application by the Department of Defense.

SAN CLEMENTE ISLAND ENDANGERED SPECIES RECOVERY PLAN, LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CA. 1981-1982. Pacific Southwest developed the first ecosystem-based endangered species recovery plan in the United States. The plan was designed to protect and promote the survival of three endangered plants, two birds, one reptile, and one mammal on the 57-square mile island military facility. The program was developed following the compilation of significant resource and ecological distribution data. The study focused on identification, preservation, and management of habitats and habitat linkages considered critical to the survival of the target species. As a result of the Recovery Plan, U.S. Navy operations were refocused outside of critical habitat areas and into zones less environmentally sensitive. The work involved extensive coordination with the Navy and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in its capacity as the agency charged with protection of endangered species. The plan was the prototype for what are now known as Habitat Conservation Plans in southern California.

As part of Pacific Southwest's ongoing work with the San Clemente Island resource management program since March 1967, the firm has completed numerous related projects, including the San Clemente Island Rare Plant Investigations and San Clemente Island Fire Management Plan. Pacific Southwest completed a draft San Clemente Island Natural Resources Management Plan, which is designed to update and address natural resource management issues of the island in a single volume. The work is a compendium of 29 years of experience with the island’s resources by Mr. Beauchamp.

BASELINE SURVEYS AND FOCUSED SENSITIVE SPECIES STUDIES

SAN DIEGO COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY EMERGENCY STORAGE PROGRAM. 1991-1994. Pacific Southwest conducted reconnaissance level biological assessments for eight alternative reservoir sites and four alternative groundwater recharge basins totaling 21,650 acres located throughout the central and northern portions of western San Diego County for the Water Authority. Vegetation maps were prepared for each site on 1:24,000 USGS Quadrangle basemaps using color photo interpretation, and were ground-truthed using helicopter and ground field surveys. In addition to habitat resources, sensitive species information was plotted from existing environmental documents, California Natural Diversity Data Base record searches, and original fieldwork. Seasonal survey constraints necessitated the requirement for identification of further focused surveys during successive spring seasons.

Using the resource information collected, Pacific Southwest developed biologically based, quantitative site-suitability ranking criteria and completed a cluster analysis for each criterion. The ultimate result of the analysis was the completion of a pairwise comparison of sites to develop a biologically defensible ranking, thus allowing refinement of project alternatives. From the results of these initial studies emerged five final candidate surface reservoir sites. Pacific Southwest conducted intensive study of these five reservoir sites, one of which was eventually selected. A focused study area included the proposed reservoir boundaries, access roads, dam construction areas, and potential outflow pipeline routes or critical adjacent habitat. For all five sites the regional study areas totaled 33,123 acres, while the focused study areas covered 10,857 acres.

SAN JUAN BASIN GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT AND FACILITY PLAN, ORANGE COUNTY, CA FOR Culbertson, Adams and Associates and the San Juan Basin Authority. 1994-1995. Pacific Southwest prepared the biological documentation for the San Juan Basin Groundwater Management and Facility Plan, a conjunctive use plan. The project would withdraw groundwater from the alluvial aquifers of San Juan Creek and Arroyo Trabuco in Orange County. Pacific Southwest’s tasks included general biological surveys, habitat mapping, focused sensitive species surveys, wetlands delineations, impact assessment, and the preparation of a Biological Technical Report. Focused sensitive species surveys were conducted on 25 sites within the project area for the Arroyo Toad, Least Bell’s Vireo, and Coastal California Gnatcatcher as well as for other sensitive fish, amphibians, reptiles, and birds. Wetlands delineations were conducted on 12 sites. Construction phase impacts were analyzed for five alternative desalting plant sites, six recharge basins, 17 well sites, and one pipeline. The assessment of operation phase impacts used the results of groundwater modeling to determine the potential effects of changes in groundwater elevations on aquatic, wetlands, and riparian habitat.

BIOLOGICAL TECHNICAL STUDY AND REPORT OF THE GREGORY CANYON LANDFILL, PALA REGION, SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA for Woodward Clyde Consultants. 1991. Pacific Southwest biologists conducted a baseline technical study on a 1,683-acre specific plan site, with special focus on a 270-acre portion to be dedicated to landfill activities. The purpose of the survey was to identify sensitive biological resources and constraints associated with the proposed landfill, and to assess the regional impacts of the project on wildlife and vegetation resources. Impact analyses and mitigation recommendations focused on Golden Eagle nesting issues, oak woodlands, wetlands, breeding riparian birds (including Least Bell’s Vireo), and raptor foraging habitat.

SWEETWATER RESERVOIR URBAN RUNOFF DIVERSION SYSTEM, SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA. 1990-1995. A biological survey was conducted in connection with a study designed to intercept the uncontrolled flow of contaminated runoff from urban developments surrounding the Sweetwater Reservoir. Pacific Southwest conducted surveys in sensitive wildlife habitat associated with such species as the Least Bell's Vireo and Coastal California Gnatcatcher. Biological issues involved temporary and permanent impacts associated with proposed interceptor channels, brow ditches, holding ponds, and roadways.

POTRERO CREEK, RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA. 1991. Pacific Southwest conducted a biological assessment and analysis of potential impacts of site development for the Lockheed Corporation’s 9,117-acre Potrero Creek property, located in the foothills of the San Jacinto Mountains between the cities of Beaumont and San Jacinto. The work included Stephens’ Kangaroo Rat and Coastal California Gnatcatcher surveys. Wetlands delineations and wildlife corridor and movement studies were also conducted. In addition to summarizing the biological conditions prevailing on the property, Pacific Southwest’s document responded to the Specific Plan submitted by providing a preliminary assessment of impacts and their significance under CEQA.

CAMP PENDLETON SENSITIVE PLANT INVENTORIES AND HABITAT MAPPING PROGRAM, PHASES I, II, AND III, SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA. 1986-1991. The rare, threatened, and endangered plants of Camp Pendleton were inventoried and the habitats mapped to assist the Natural Resources Office in managing future activities proposed on the base. The studies also facilitated identification of mitigation and enhancement potentials to assist in offsetting unavoidable losses in other sensitive areas. The quality of these studies provided the standard of comparison for all other habitat mapping projects in San Diego County to date.

IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF THE PROPOSED ALTAMIRA DEVELOPMENT TO PENINSULAR BIGHORN SHEEP AND THE OPERATIONS OF THE BIGHORN INSTITUTE, RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA. 1991. A biological assessment was conducted for a proposed housing development and country club located near the City of Palm Desert. Project impacts affecting the Peninsular Bighorn Sheep and research activities of the Bighorn Institute were the main focus of this study. In order to address impacts, Pacific Southwest conducted on-site surveys to document existing resources and performed in-depth literature reviews. In addition, the firm developed a questionnaire mailed to over 45 Bighorn Sheep experts in the western United States and Canada. Recommendations were developed based on the results of this questionnaire, the literature review, and field investigations.

BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE LINDBERGH FIELD IMMEDIATE ACTION PROGRAM, SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA. 1991. A biological assessment for the Lindbergh Field Immediate Action Program Environmental Assessment/Environmental Impact Report was performed by Pacific Southwest. The purpose of the assessment was to evaluate potential impacts of the project on existing biotic communities, analyze potential effects from construction and operation on roosting and nesting opportunities for the California Least Tern, and examine the potential impacts to any on-site wetlands. An off-site alternative at Brown Field was also evaluated.

KEENE RANCH BIOLOGICAL SURVEY AND CONSTRAINTS STUDY, KERN COUNTY, CA. 1989 - 1990. Pacific Southwest conducted a biological survey of the 13,000-acre Keene Ranch in the Tehachapi Mountains. The purpose of this survey was to identify potential constraints to future development of the property. The survey comprised investigations for sensitive plant and wildlife species.

SAN SEVAINE WASH, SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, CA. 1990. A biological survey of a 157-acre property east of the City of Rancho Cucamonga in the San Sevaine Wash area was conducted to determine the site’s biological diversity and evaluate potential impacts from proposed development. The botanical resources on-site included Alluvial Fan Scrub and disturbed vegetation. Mitigation measures were recommended to protect the Alluvial Fan Scrub vegetation and existing stream channel.

CHULA VISTA LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM RESUBMITTAL, EIR, SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA. 1990. Substantial changes to the proposed land uses within the mid-bayfront and the dedication of the Sweetwater National Wildlife Refuge required an additional environmental review of the Local Coastal Program (LCP) covering the region. Pacific Southwest conducted biological analyses on this project pursuant to CEQA requirements. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and California Department of Fish and Game requested a comprehensive avian flight study because of several tall buildings proposed as a part of the project. Pacific Southwest conducted this survey over an eight-month period involving more than 2,500 field hours and 6.3 million separate pieces of flight data.

The objectives of the avian flight pattern study were multifaceted and included seasonal Freshwater Marsh filling and high/low tide fluctuations. Horizontal and vertical flight patterns and intensity were documented within the bayfront region. A large database was developed which allowed queries regarding a number of factors including issues of flight intensity, species composition, and flight elevation frequencies at any location during any time period. Using this database, an evaluation was made of the potential for mid-bayfront development to impact existing flight patterns. Database queries were also used to examine the effects of proposed alternatives and specific structures.

BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE FEASIBILITY STUDY, CHULA VISTA NAUTICAL ACTIVITY CENTER, SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA. 1990. Pacific Southwest conducted terrestrial and marine biological surveys as a baseline for the existing biological setting portion of this study. Surveys in Salt Marsh, shallow water/mudflats, and eelgrass habitats identified these environments as requiring further biological analysis. Sensitive vertebrate species which could be impacted by the proposed development were identified. Pacific Southwest conducted a preliminary project impact analysis.

SAN DIEGO NAVAL TRAINING CENTER LEAST TERN COLONY MONITORING SURVEY, SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA. 1989-1990. Pacific Southwest performed a two-year monitoring of the Naval Training Center California Least Tern colony. This was a requirement of formal consultation under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act related to the expansion of the Applied Energy Co-generation Facilities. Monitoring consisted of observing and recording all California Least Tern activity in and around the colony site, along with potential predators and human activities associated with the co-generation plant which could have jeopardized the success of the colony. During the course of the investigations, noise studies relative to the colony were conducted and management recommendations developed to ensure viability of the species within the Naval Training Center colony.

KIMBALL ISLAND BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT, SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA. 1989. A biological assessment of a 107-acre portion of Kimball Island located near the confluence of the San Joaquin and Sacramento rivers was performed by Pacific Southwest. A biological constraints analysis was produced for this project, which identified numerous wetlands-associated resources as well as regional issues.

BLUE SKY RANCH CALIFORNIA GNATCATCHER POPULATION CENSUS FOR ACQUISITION FEASIBILITY AS OFF-SITE MITIGATION FOR THE HERITAGE HILLS COUNTRY CLUB PROJECT - POWAY, SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA. 1988. This project included multiple-visit Coastal California Gnatcatcher inventories and territorial delineation. Territories were quantitatively characterized by slope, exposure, surrounding topography, size, and vegetation height and composition. Species use of various elements in the habitats were described. The study was conducted to help identify suitable off-site habitat and to direct seed and container plant selection for use in restoring areas of open space which were disturbed by geologic testing and existing dirt roads. Blue Sky Ranch was subsequently purchased with wildlife conservation funds and Heritage Hills mitigation fees as a wildlife preserve within the City of Poway.

KONA KAI RESORT EXPANSION, MARINE RESOURCES INVENTORY AND IMPACT ASSESSMENT, SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA. 1988. Pacific Southwest completed extensive biological inventories, habitat mapping, and impact assessments required by resource agencies for the proposed Kona Kai dredging and marina expansion project. The work consisted of quantitative eelgrass habitat mapping and assessment, benthic and fouling community studies, and waterbird activity studies. The work also included a systematic California Least Tern foraging study for which Pacific Southwest developed and implemented a monitoring program to evaluate the location and intensity of site use by the species.

CENTRAL SAN DIEGO COUNTY COASTAL CALIFORNIA GNATCATCHER INVENTORY. 1987. Pacific Southwest surveyed approximately 3,000 acres in central San Diego County to determine Coastal California Gnatcatcher populations. This inventory was compiled as part of a County survey to locate potential mitigation sites.

CALIFORNIA LEAST TERN MONITORING AND COLONY MAINTENANCE PROGRAM, SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA. 1984. Pacific Southwest prepared the North Island tern colony area for the arrival of nesting California Least Terns. Continuing maintenance of the colony nesting area included predator exclusion and installation of flagging, which was used to help military personnel avoid the site. Monitoring of the nesting colony was performed to determine nesting attempts and success rate. At least 60 pairs of the species nested during the year and the colony fledged three times as many young as any other colony on the bay.

REVEGETATION AND RESTORATION PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION

CHANNELSIDE SHOPPING CENTER MITIGATION, SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA. 1994 - 1998.
Construction of the Channelside Shopping Center access bridge in Chula Vista impacted approximately 0.35 acres of Salt Marsh/Wetland vegetation. Two types of habitats were altered: Coastal Salt Marsh (0.23 acre) and Mule Fat Scrub Wetland (0.12). As a result, a total of 1.16 acres of habitat creation was required to mitigate the habitat lost. Approximately one acre (0.92 acre) of Coastal Salt Marsh was created to meet the 4:1 ratio, and approximately 0.30 acre of Mule Fat Scrub Wetland was created to meet the 2:1 ratio set forth in the Final Mitigation Plan, a site-specific plan developed by Pacific Southwest restoration specialists. Mitigation goals include expansion of the Coastal Salt Marsh, a community which potentially supports several species including the Belding's Savannah Sparrow and the Light-footed Clapper Rail, and establishment of Riparian and Coastal Sage Scrub communities to provide potential habitat for other wildlife. The mitigation area encompasses four different revegetation habitat/planting areas: Coastal Salt Marsh, Coastal Sage and Succulent Scrub Upland Buffer, Riparian Woodland, and Barrier Planting. Maintenance continues, with quarterly and annual reports.

COAST BARREL CACTUS TRANSPLANTATIONS. Several development projects in coastal San Diego County involved impacts to this rare cactus. Pacific Southwest developed successful transplanting techniques and moved cacti at the following projects: Otay Business Park, Otay Mesa; 69kV power line for San Diego Gas & Electric Company, Otay Mesa; Fleet Counter Electronics Warfare Center, Point Loma; Camino Business Park, Sorrento Valley; and Terra Nova, Rice Canyon, Chula Vista.

OTAY MESA VERNAL POOL REHABILITATION, SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA. 1992-1996. The construction of the K-Mart store in Ramona impacted vernal pools. Pacific Southwest negotiated with the resources agencies to accept a pool system on western Otay Mesa as mitigation. The Otay Mesa site was rehabilitated through placement of fences, and removal of debris and old roadbeds. The pools were augmented with several rare plants found in adjacent pool systems, including Orcuttgrass and Tiny Mouse-tails.

 

CHULA VISTA NATURE CENTER ROAD REVEGETATION, SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA. 1994. Construction of an elevated and paved access road to the Chula Vista Nature Center resulted in loss of Salt Marsh and adjacent upland vegetation on the margin of the old levee road. Pacific Southwest was retained to plant the slopes with salt-tolerant plants, which were grown at the firm’s nursery facility.

RANCHO SANTA FE FARMS GOLF CLUB WETLANDS MITIGATION PROJECT, SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA. 1986-1988. Development of a golf course in a valley tributary to the San Dieguito River required manipulation of a large agricultural pond and associated riparian vegetation. Pacific Southwest designed mitigation areas on the project site to use the stream-course water and irrigation runoff from the golf course. The sites were balanced hydrologically, based on irrigated drainage and calculated water budgets for the system, to ensure that sites would receive appropriate water to support the hydrophytic vegetation planted at this location. Pacific Southwest supplied plant materials and directed landscape crews in the planting of the final phases of the project.

SAN DIEGO CREEK PETROLEUM PIPELINE RUPTURE IMPACT ANALYSIS AND REVEGETATION PLAN, ORANGE COUNTY, CA. 1987. Pacific Southwest was contracted to assess the cleanup efforts of the 1986 pipeline rupture, which resulted in the removal of four acres of channel bottom and vegetation from San Diego Creek in Irvine. In order to assess impacts to the spill area, Pacific Southwest conducted surveys in similar adjacent habitats. From this assessment, a revegetation plan was developed and implemented.

SHADOWRIDGE PARK RIPARIAN HABITAT MITIGATION PROGRAM, SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA. 1986-1987. Pacific Southwest planned and executed the creation of riparian and freshwater marsh habitats along a portion of a tributary of Agua Hedionda Creek in Vista. The project was accomplished as mitigation for wetlands losses resulting from development. The site makes use of runoff from residential areas and park lands, as well as perennial creek flows, to support woodland habitats planted with willow and cottonwood cuttings, container plants, bare root trees, and salvaged whole trees. Cut slopes surrounding the site were restored with native sage scrub vegetation. The entire project was established in two years without supplemental irrigation.

UPPER AGUA HEDIONDA LAGOON SALT MARSH AND RIPARIAN HABITAT RESTORATION PROGRAM, SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA. 1983-1987. The elevation of several acres of upland was lowered to allow tidal inundation and restoration planting to Coastal Salt Marsh. In addition, existing tidal channels were modified to allow for more tidal flushing in the upper lagoon areas. The modification enhanced the quality and size of the salt marsh. Riparian woodland was restored along portions of Agua Hedionda Creek and a large desiltation basin constructed to reduce siltation in the upper lagoon.

CAMINO BERNARDO RIPARIAN RESTORATION PROGRAM, SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA. 1987. Riparian woodlands were created along an unnamed tributary of the San Dieguito River as mitigation for project impacts. Restoration used several techniques, such as revegetation with un-rooted willow cuttings, large cuttings (dormant stumps), and bare root tree planting. Over 20 species of understory and canopy plants were utilized in this project to restore the diversity of the system. The site was restored without the use of supplemental irrigation.

UPPER SAN LUIS REY RIVER RIPARIAN RESTORATION PROGRAM, SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA. 1986. As a requirement of mining permits to extract sand from the San Luis Rey River, Pacific Southwest developed a phased reclamation plan to create willow riparian habitats in depleted areas. A primary focus of the project was to create habitat suitable for use by the Least Bell’s Vireo.

PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE BIOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS

ROSE CANYON TRUNK SEWER, SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA. 1992 - 1997. Following complete biological assessments by Pacific Southwest of all alternative potential alignments, and monitoring by Pacific Southwest during construction of the Rose Canyon Trunk Sewer in the City of San Diego, revegetation of riparian and upland habitats was undertaken in accordance with the revegetation plan, and the maintenance and monitoring protocol, both prepared by Pacific Southwest. The plan for the monitoring of the revegetation effort for the project was designed to fulfill the requirements of the California Department of Fish and Game, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the California Environmental Quality Act mitigation measures called for in the Environmental Impact Report of the project. Construction of the pipeline impacted approximately 15 acres of Annual Grasslands, 2.1 acres of Willow Riparian, 3.5 acres of Sycamore Oak Riparian Woodlands, 2.4 acres of Mule-fat Scrub, 0.96 acres of Upland Scrub, 1.1 acres of Diegan Sage Scrub, and 0.59 acres of Old Orchard and miscellaneous landscaping. All of these areas were seeded and planted with liner and container stock, as appropriate, and are now recovering to vegetation cover. 1.1 acres of Diegan Sage Scrub in the northern sector of the alignment were disturbed as predicted and have been reseeded to a sage scrub mix. The wetland revegetation areas were recontoured by PCL Civil Constructors, Inc., the construction contractor for the project, to the specifications developed by Pacific Southwest prior to planting of the sites to enhance sheet flow of water from irrigation runoff and ambient rainfall. Plant materials were installed starting in February 1996 and continuing on until April 1996, when all construction operations had been completed. Hydro-seeding of the upland and wetland sites took place in February 1996. Subsequent replanting of wetland habitats has occurred throughout the maintenance period in those areas which were washed out by erosive flooding and failed to establish during drier periods. Maintenance of the site is ongoing, with formal semi-annual and annual reports continuing through the year 2000.

RAINBOW MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT, SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA. 1998. Pacific Southwest provided biological consulting and permit processing assistance to the Rainbow Municipal Water District in north San Diego County. A site inventory, including flora, fauna, and listing and mapping wetlands resources, was conducted for the proposed repair of three separate waterline streambed crossings and planned maintenance of a sewerline easement road. The easement road also involved focused protocol surveys for three sensitive species: the Least Bell’s Vireo, Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, and Arroyo Toad.

NOBEL DRIVE EXTENSION PROJECT, SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA. 1990-1995. Pacific Southwest performed a biological survey and evaluation of the potential impacts of the CalTrans and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Nobel Drive Extension. The survey identified sensitive biological resources and constraints for use in project planning of the Nobel Drive Extension. A technical report was prepared for inclusion in an EIR pursuant to the CEQA and appropriate NEPA documents. The proposed project study area encompasses approximately 600 acres of land in the western portion of the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar and the eastern portion of University City in the City of San Diego. Pacific Southwest also conducted Coastal California Gnatcatcher surveys in accordance with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service protocol, as well as wildlife distribution, use, and habitat fragmentation studies. Foremost among project biological considerations was the presence of vernal pools at scattered locales on the mesas. Several of these pools are large and support the federally-listed San Diego Mesa Mint.

POWAY TO RANCHO CARMEL 69KV RECONDUCTORING PROJECT, SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA. 1993-1994. As part of San Diego Gas & Electric Company’s ongoing efforts to preserve and protect the Coastal Sage Scrub within existing and proposed powerline easements, an innovative program of biological construction monitoring was initiated. The program allowed new line construction to continue while simultaneously reducing potential biological impacts. Biologically sensitive plant and animal species were recorded and mapped with focused Coastal California Gnatcatcher surveys conducted in order to ascertain the bird’s on-site breeding status. A pole position/construction constraints document was developed outlining, by pole, any biological constraints and construction recommendations. Monitoring consisted of daily surveys of all pole positions and designated Gnatcatcher territories, in concert with the flagging of biologically sensitive areas.

SANTA FE PACIFIC PARTNERS, LTD., PIPELINE AND RECEIVER, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AND ARIZONA. 1993-1994. The initial phase of this project consisted of a biological assessment of the 300-mile Colton, CA to Craig Siding, AZ pipeline route and nine sites for internal pipeline inspection activities along an existing 15-inch diameter petrochemical transporting pipeline. A number of sensitive species issues were addressed in the study, including the Delhi Sands Flower-loving Fly, Coachella Valley Fringe-toed Lizard, Desert Tortoise, Burrowing Owl, and Yuma Clapper Rail.

LAKESHORE DRIVE BRIDGE REPLACEMENT BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMEN, RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA. 1992. Pacific Southwest conducted a study consisting of a biological assessment, wetlands delineation and impact assessment for the bridge replacement and associated detour route across the San Jacinto River upstream from Lake Elsinore.

HIGHWAY 79 BRIDGE, RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA. 1990. Pacific Southwest conducted a general biological assessment of a 400-foot section of the San Jacinto River bed and adjacent uplands. This was to assist in the determination of the optimal route for placement of a new bridge and the associated highway approaches. Included was a survey for sensitive plant and animal species including the federally-listed endangered Stephens’ Kangaroo Rat.

WESTERN MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT, TANKS AND PIPELINE SITES, RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA. 1989. A biological study was conducted covering the proposed location for a pump station, five tanks, two pipelines, and associated access roads. Recommendations focused on revegetation of disturbed areas with native vegetation and the planting of visual screening trees using species requiring minimal water.

500 KV SOUTHWEST POWER LINK, SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA. 1980-1984. Pacific Southwest provided a botanical assessment and raptor impact consulting services for roadway and tower placement for the Southwest Power Link. Work was conducted by helicopter and on foot. Survey areas covered coastal foothill, coastal mountain, desert mountain, desert plain, and low desert habitats.

RESOURCE ENHANCEMENT PLANS

FAMOSA SLOUGH ENHANCEMENT PLAN, SAN DIEGO, CA. 1992-1993. Pacific Southwest completed a City of San Diego-sponsored and California Coastal Conservancy-funded restoration and enhancement planning program. The scope of the project included evaluation and documentation of existing conditions, identification of enhancement opportunities and constraints, development of refined statements of goals and objectives, and development of enhancement alternatives and conceptual enhancement designs, phasing, and cost estimates. The major objective of the plan is to restore and preserve the Slough as a natural habitat, provide a sanctuary for wildlife, and educate the public in the appreciation of the plants and animals that constitute a wetlands system. A secondary goal was to provide for stormwater pollution abatement through several alternatives, including the establishment of water treatment wetlands, tidal flow improvements, creation of drainage channels, and construction of an urban runoff diversion system to divert dry weather runoff into the local sanitary system.

LOWER OTAY RIVER RESOURCE ENHANCEMENT PLAN, SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA. 1987. A major planning effort was undertaken for the floodplain of the Otay River west of Interstate 5. Pacific Southwest performed baseline inventories of floral and faunal resources throughout the planning area along the Otay River channel and throughout the Western Salt Works pond system. The information collected through these studies was used by Pacific Southwest to direct engineering and habitat restoration and management actions to the benefit of sensitive biological resources.

SAN JACINTO WILDLIFE REFUGE ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM, RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA. 1986. Pacific Southwest was contracted to design and implement wetlands habitat improvements that would benefit wildlife on the refuge. The project entailed planning and coordination with the refuge manager to create increased habitat diversity at recently expanded ponds through the use of woodland revegetation. Woodland planting was done in a manner that would respond most successfully to the fluctuating groundwater levels around the ponds.

MITIGATION PLANNING AND PERMITTING

SAN DIEGO COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM, ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT COORDINATION. 1992-1994. Pacific Southwest was retained by San Diego County Water Authority to assist with Endangered Species Act (ESA) issues on the county-wide Capital Improvements Program (CIP). This included 34 individual projects totaling over 108 miles of pipeline and several facilities. Pacific Southwest provided biological assessment services: resource agency, lead federal agency, and expert panel coordination, mitigation program development, and document preparation services. In addition, the firm advised the Authority on ESA issues, mitigation banking, and project planning. The goal of the work was to protect ongoing and future projects from stoppage or delays related to the expected listing of the Coastal California Gnatcatcher. The mechanism used to achieve this pre-listing permit included the Section 7 conference provisions under the ESA.

VALLE DE LOS CABALLOS GROUNDWATER RECHARGE BASINS, RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA. 1992. Pacific Southwest completed the processing of a permit under the Clean Water Act for the construction of two approximately 40-acre groundwater recharge basins for the Rancho Water District. Due to construction schedule constraints, the timing of the permit process was critical. The complex permit involved Section 7 consultation under the Endangered Species Act and interaction with the County of Riverside’s Stephens’ Kangaroo Rat Habitat Conservation Plan program. The processing was completed in three months.

OTAY VALLEY ROAD WIDENING PROJECT, SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA. 1988-2000. Pacific Southwest worked with planners, engineers, and City staff to develop environmentally sound roadway-widening designs. Pacific Southwest performed biological inventories required under CEQA, wetlands delineations, and impact assessments. Pacific Southwest also developed a mitigation program for wetlands impacts, and coordinated with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and California Department of Fish and Game on issues related to wetlands and the presence of the endangered Least Bell’s Vireo. A Section 404 permit with the Corps of Engineers and a 1601 Streambed Alteration Agreement with the California Department of Fish and Game were issued based on negotiations among Pacific Southwest, the City of Chula Vista, and the resource agencies. Pacific Southwest continues to provide revegetation services and a five-year Brown-headed Cowbird trapping program for the project.

ON-CALL OR AS-NEEDED CONSULTING SERVICES

SEMPRA ENERGY ON-CALL BIOLOGICAL CONSULTING SERVICES. 1988-present. Pacific Southwest has worked with Sempra Energy (formerly San Diego Gas & Electric Company) continuously for 10 years under this on-call contract. Pacific Southwest provides expertise for a wide range of technical, regulatory and management issues ranging from small scale, rapid field checks to long-range projects involving detailed biological assessments, impact analyses, development of mitigation plans, and subsequent monitoring programs. In addition, the firm coordinates with the resource agencies, schedules and directs meetings, and builds consensus to resolve controversial issues between the client and the agencies. More than 110 specific projects have been completed under this on-call contract.

Three representative projects are described below:

Sycamore Canyon Substation and Sycamore - Creelman Transmission Line Biological Assessment and Mitigation Program for the Coastal California Gnatcatcher, San Diego County, CA. 1993 - 1998. This project comprises the proposed 31-acre Sycamore Canyon Substation and a 15-mile 69 kV transmission line from the new Sycamore Canyon Substation to the Creelman Substation in Ramona. The substation and a portion of the associated Sycamore - Creelman transmission line are located on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. The Department of the Navy acted as lead agency in the preparation of an Environmental Assessment. Pacific Southwest surveyed proposed substation sites and transmission line routes to map sensitive biological resources.

Pacific Southwest conducted focused surveys to quantify coastal sage scrub habitat and to determine the presence and distribution of the Coastal California Gnatcatcher. Pacific Southwest worked with Sempra Energy planners, designers, engineers, and surveyors to assemble project information and prepare a Biological Assessment for consultation under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act. The consultation was accomplished at an accelerated schedule.

The mitigation program prepared by Pacific Southwest included revegetation and subsequent monitoring of fill slopes associated with access road construction, and a monitoring program for the Coastal California Gnatcatcher. Pacific Southwest recently completed the final year of vegetation monitoring.

Biological Survey, Monitoring, and Revegetation in Connection with Agua Hedionda Transmission Tower Emergency Repair, San Diego County, CA. 1995-2004. Pacific Southwest responded rapidly to a short-notice Sempra Energy request to provide endangered species surveys and a wetland delineation for two transmission towers in Agua Hedionda Lagoon which were undermined by 1994-1995 storm events. Upon completion of the field surveys, Pacific Southwest biologists coordinated with the client’s land planners to coordinate a permitting approach to facilitate and expedite regulatory agency permitting for the repair action. Pacific Southwest prepared a mitigation plan for unavoidable impacts to wetlands associated with tower repairs and performed construction monitoring. Pacific Southwest is performing a 5-year monitoring of the revegetation installed according to the prepared mitigation plan.

South Bay Power Plant Repower Project Biological Investigation and Impact Analysis, San Diego County, CA. 1992. A biological survey of the 230 kV electric transmission line routes associated with Sempra Energy’s proposed repower of South Bay Power Plant Unit 3 was conducted by Pacific Southwest. These routes, which extend from the power plant eastward to Miguel and Los Coches Substations and northward to Main Street and Mission Substations, include extensive tracts of urban lands in the west which gradually give way to hillsides of Diegan Sage Scrub and disturbed grasslands to the east. Sensitive plant and animal species were surveyed within the transmission line corridor and impacts were assessed based upon these sensitive resources as well as sensitive habitats. Pacific Southwest provided the client with recommendations to avoid or mitigate impacts through project redesign, habitat restoration, or seasonal limitation of construction.

San Diego County Public Works Department On-Call Biological Services Contract. 1994-Present. For the past four years, Pacific Southwest has worked with the Department of Public Works under an on-call contract for biological services. We have provided expertise for routine field investigations, restoration design and review, environmental document preparation, sensitive species surveys in accordance with regulatory agency protocol, wetlands delineation, and seed collection and propagation. Pacific Southwest has conducted 20 separate studies under this on-call contract. Four selected projects are summarized below.

Old Highway 395 Bridge Replacement Sensitive Resource Surveys. 1994-1995. Over the life of the contract, Pacific Southwest has conducted surveys for the Coastal California Gnatcatcher, Least Bell’s Vireo, and Arroyo Toad at this bridge site over the San Luis Rey River. Communications with the Department of Public Works were established such that field biologists could notify Department representatives immediately if sensitive species were detected at the job site. Pacific Southwest performed extensive baseline surveys and impact analyses for this bridge replacement project in connection with a prior, separate contract.

Potrero Valley Reinforced Box Culvert Biological Survey. 1994-1995. Pacific Southwest performed focused surveys for the endangered Least Bell’s Vireo during the 1994 breeding season along a section of Potrero Creek in southern San Diego County. In 1995, a wetlands delineation was performed. These surveys were required of the Department of Public Works in preparation for the construction of a reinforced concrete box culvert for the road crossing of Potrero Creek. Sensitive habitats involved include willow and mule fat thickets, freshwater marsh, and oak woodlands.

Revegetation Mitigation Monitoring for the Rock Slope Protection Project, Upper San Diego River Improvement Project (USDRIP) Implementation. 1995. This rock slope protection project for the Upper San Diego River Improvement Project encompasses a 1.98-acre site situated along the north side of the San Diego River adjacent to the Lakeside Sanitation District’s Flow Equalization Facility pump station and holding tank. The San Diego County Department of Public Works contracted Pacific Southwest to oversee aspects of the revegetation work for this project performed by others. Within this context, Pacific Southwest identified exotic plant species to be removed from the project area, subcontracted with a woman-owned business enterprise for the removal of those exotics, verified grading and erosion control measures including riprap and filter fabric, examined and verified weeding conducted by others, observed the installation and operation of the irrigation system, and inspected plant holes, spacing, container stock, and planting practices during the revegetation phase. Pacific Southwest provided recommendations regarding revegetation design, project installation, and long-term maintenance and monitoring.

Jamacha/Campo road Construction Monitoring. 1998. Pacific Southwest was contracted to perform biological monitoring services for the construction of Campo Road and Jamacha Road improvements in the vicinity of Rancho San Diego. Pacific Southwest biologists with experience in construction monitoring visited the project site on a twice-weekly basis for the first month and weekly thereafter during the construction period. Standardized Construction Monitoring Report Forms were completed in the field and submitted to the County Department of Public Works Project Manager. These forms were then forwarded on to the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY AS-NEEDED SENSITIVE SPECIES SURVEYS. 1994-1995. Pacific Southwest conducted extensive biological survey work for the San Diego County Water Authority over a period of years in connection with San Diego Pipeline No. 6 and the Authority’s Emergency Storage Program. After the completion of this work, Pacific Southwest was retained by the Authority under an Aas-needed@ contract to perform focused surveys for sensitive species associated with pipeline work. Surveys for the Coastal California Gnatcatcher and the Least Bell’s Vireo were provided for Pipelines 4BII and 5EII. Contracted work also included sensitive species investigations at the Authority’s Crestridge Coastal Sage Scrub mitigation area.

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