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Pacific
Southwest Biological Services, Inc.
Gila Biological Services, Inc. Tierra Madre Consultants, Inc. Natural Resource Consultants since 1971 THE FIRM Pacific Southwest knows how to assemble the team of specialists necessary to meet specific project requirements. The firm provides clients with quality science, appropriate reporting format, and resource management perspectives which encompass the clients’ options and choices relative to the requirements of the regulatory agencies. The services provided by Pacific Southwest are performed by experienced and appropriately permitted personnel. Field survey programs are carefully designed to ensure maximum data collection on a cost-effective basis. Data analysis and report preparation are generally accomplished by the personnel participating in the fieldwork, ensuring maximum utilization and understanding of the data. CORPORATE PHILOSOPHY Pacific Southwest performs high quality work while maintaining schedules and cost control. Projects are well planned and well organized to achieve optimum effectiveness and responsiveness to clients’ needs. Planning and organization for all projects incorporates the clients’ needs and expectations. FIRM HISTORY GENERAL AREAS OF
BIOLOGICAL SERVICES Pacific Southwest’s staff members
have experience in the interpretation and application of regulations
for the preparation of EA’s and EIS’s for the following
agencies: The successful completion of activities affecting biological issues for complex projects often requires a multidisciplinary approach. Pacific Southwest coordinates multidisciplinary projects by complementing our in-house staff capabilities with affiliates specializing in remote sensing, hydrology and water quality, air quality, noise, soils, range science, archaeology, paleontology, geographic information systems (GIS), hazardous materials (HAZMAT), land use planning, and community relations. Pacific Southwest provides a full range of environmental resource analyses for clients, and furnishes extensive expertise in natural resource-based legislation, resource and regulatory agency interface and permit processing, and habitat restoration and management. Biological site assessments: SPECIALIZED SERVICES EFFECTS, PREDICTION,
AND ANALYSIS HABITAT RESTORATION
With over 25 years of experience in the western United States, Pacific Southwest has a broad range and depth of expertise in biological issues. The firm’s extensive regulatory and legislative background includes the state and federal Endangered Species Acts, California Environmental Quality Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Clean Water Act, National Historic Preservation Act, California Fish and Game Code, and California Coastal Act. Pacific Southwest has prepared and managed over 3,500 biological studies, in excess of 900 mitigation analysis/feasibility studies, more than 190 public services/infrastructure analyses, and over 350 studies regulated by the Federal Endangered Species Act. Pacific Southwest’s credentials extend beyond plant and animal identification and location issues. They include a systematic knowledge of floristic and faunal associations related to geographic, soil, and climatic situations. Staff biologists have expertise in local, regional, and national resources, and in-depth knowledge of biological constraints imposed by the presence of sensitive species and habitats. Key Pacific Southwest staff has experience nation-wide conducting vegetation studies, collecting wildlife population baseline data, and performing habitat analyses and evaluations. The long, trend-setting history of Pacific Southwest has allowed many individuals now employed elsewhere to develop biological consulting acumen as employees of the corporation under the leadership of R. Mitchel Beauchamp. These include: Philip M. Bunch, San Diego Gas & Electric Pacific Southwest has over eight years of experience on San Clemente Island. This began with the San Clemente Island Endangered Species Recovery Plan, which was the first ecosystem-based endangered species recovery plan in the United States. This program was followed by additional studies, including San Clemente Island Rare Plant Investigations and the San Clemente Island Fire Management Plan. In the San Clemente Island Natural Resource Management Plan, Pacific Southwest updated and addressed all of the natural resources management issues of the island. Pacific Southwest botanists discovered two plant species on the island which were previously thought to be extinct. As part of the El Centro Naval Air Station East and West Mesas Study, Pacific Southwest used aerial photographs to map biological resources and vegetation communities on 500 square miles of the facility. Information collected provided biological resource data in support of a comprehensive land management plan. More recently, Pacific Southwest formulated a Habitat Management Plan for the San Diego County Water Authority’s Crestridge Mitigation Site. The firm’s site manager worked with The Environmental Trust to provide on-site management and Coastal California Gnatcatcher monitoring surveys. Pacific Southwest has extensive involvement with project mitigation, especially as it relates to wetlands and rare plant issues. Hands-on experience in rare plant transplantation and wetlands habitat restoration has resulted in the completion of over 120 acres of wetlands restoration projects in southern California. Numerous species of rare plants have been transplanted, some of which have required substantial microhabitat modification. The San Jacinto Salt Marsh and Riparian Woodland Restoration Project and the San Dieguito Estuary Enhancement Plan for the City of Del Mar, California Coastal Conservancy, and California Department of Fish and Game provided several innovative mitigation opportunities to our clients. In 1987, Pacific Southwest designed a silt curtain system which received U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service approval for use within the California Least Tern nesting season, thus allowing in-water construction within a period otherwise closed to general construction activities. The firm has further conducted California Least Tern nesting colony monitoring and maintenance and foraging studies on the species within San Diego Bay. Pacific Southwest completed a substantial avian flight pattern study within the San Diego Bay waterfront area of the Chula Vista Bayfront. This investigation included over 6.3 million pieces of information collected over an eight-month period, involving more than 2,500 hours in the field. REGULATORY AGENCY PERMITTING, COORDINATION,
AND LIAISON PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS 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 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.
BASELINE SURVEYS AND FOCUSED SENSITIVE
SPECIES STUDIES 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 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 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. ON-CALL OR AS-NEEDED
CONSULTING SERVICES Three representative
projects are described below: 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. C 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. C 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. C 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. C 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. To support client requirements, Pacific Southwest provides the biological consulting services necessary for a successful project. These services include project management, initial project planning, ongoing support and consultation, preparation of the Description of Proposed Action and Alternatives, baseline data collection programs, impact analysis and development of mitigation programs and monitoring. Program, cost, and technical control systems are used on all Pacific Southwest projects and are in place and ready to support any programs. Pacific Southwest’s Management Program is designed to provide constant monitoring and evaluation of both project management and technical progress against previously planned milestones on a near real-time basis. The program is tiered to our accounting system to insure commonality of the database and near real-time data presentation for project tracking, decision-making, and cost control. Each project is supported by the ability to plan, budget, and schedule tasks. This allows monitoring and evaluation of progress. The firm’s system also allows for the integration of Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), resource leveling and the integration and roll-up of sub-project/tasks. Pacific Southwest’s accounting system contains segments directly related to project management, scheduling, and cost control. This system, internal to the corporation, is designed to provide Pacific Southwest project managers with cost control tools tailored to our projects. The system provides managers with near real-time cost accrual data for tracking purposes. Five project significant reports are generated: (1) Program Budgets which are time-task budgets; (2) Contract (Project) status reports that summarize and break down total expenses by project and task orders; (3) Labor Utilization Reports which identify all direct labor charged against the project by week, month, and cumulatively; (4) Job status reports which identify purchase order and other ODC’s; and (5) Task order status reports which provide management with budget vs. actual costs and labor hour data on a weekly basis for integration in the Program Control system. To maintain high quality, project managers comply with standard Pacific Southwest program management policies that specify a system of technical monitoring to ensure compliance with client requirements and adequacy of technical performance. This system may include the following: A. Monthly progress reports which summarize
progress against milestones. These reports allow Pacific Southwest and
the client to perform an assessment of the overall project progress. Pacific Southwest is dedicated to employing effective technology to provide the most comprehensive services to our clients. To achieve this goal, the firm maintains high-end graphics, word processing, desktop publishing, and information management, reference, and retrieval systems. The firm uses Pentium-based computers
for the majority of our management, production, and other demanding
applications, as well as 486-based equipment for less demanding applications.
All final output is produced on Hewlett Packard LaserJet 4 laser printers
at a resolution of 600 dots per inch. Pacific Southwest subscribes to leading
technical journals and maintains a technical library that contains a
variety of current technical books and reports. Among the various publications
is a comprehensive and updated collection of local, state, and federal
guidelines and specifications related to a wide variety of technical
fields. The firm maintains an in-house library of circulated CEQA and
NEPA project documents in southern California. This collection is a
frequent reference for developers and agencies assessing impacts thresholds
or the status of as-yet undeveloped lands. An experienced staff is available
to provide resource assistance, reference, document acquisition, and
on-line literature searches. Pacific Southwest is dedicated to a strategy
of continually improving its information systems architecture, and stands
poised to readily adapt that strategy to fit the needs of our clients. Pacific Southwest has performed work for a variety of clients including federal, state, and local governments, public utilities, private organizations, corporations, and individuals. A partial list of clients is presented below: CONSERVATION ORGANIZATIONS INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT COMPANIES LOCAL GOVERNMENT
AGENCIES PUBLIC UTILITIES Douglas W. Allen R. Mitchel Beauchamp, M. Sc., President Pacific Southwest and Tierra Madre have been assessing natural resource impacts in the southwestern United States for the past quarter century under the leadership of Mitch Beauchamp. The firms specialize in sensitive species surveys, general biological inventories, wetland permit processing and habitat restoration using low cost, sustainable techniques for plant establishment and growth. Pacific Southwest, located in National City, California, is the corporate firm with the subsidiary firm, Gila Biological Services. Tierra Madre Consultants is a well respected, general biological consulting firm in Riverside, California established by Dr. Lawrence F. La Pré in 1978. In Arizona the corporation has established the firm of Gila Biological Services, Inc., located in Tempe. In Tijuana, Baja California Mr. Beauchamp is a consultant with Ecologicál, S.A. de C.V., a general consulting firm. The focus of the business activities of Mr. Beauchamp is to promote sustainable development in light of the high level of biodiversity of the southwestern U.S. and Mediterranean-climate region of Mexico. Mr. Beauchamp
was active in establishing the San Diego Chapter of the California Native
Plant Society and served for many years as the Editor of the State Newsletter
of the Society. He also is the author of A Flora of San Diego County,
California, a compilation of the native and adventive plants known from
San Diego County, an area of extremely high plant endemism in the United
States. Mr. Beauchamp served for 8 years as City Council Member of the
City of National City and was appointed as that City's representative
on the San Diego Trolley and Metropolitan Transit Development Board, the
mass-transit purveyor of south San Diego County. It was through this association
that he became involved with re-opening the rail line to the east of San
Diego. He is active with environmental issues in Mexico and he serves
as a guest lecturer at the Universidad Autonoma de Baja California on
topics of ecotourism and botany. He is now drafting a floristic complication
of the peninsula and adjacent islands of Baja California. |