ITEM 23 ATTACHMENT 6 - Project Plans

14 5.0 METHODS OF ANALYSIS FOR GENERAL BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES A special-status plant and wildlife species database search and review was conducted using the CNDDB and other sources. An additional search was conducted for special-status plants using CNPS Inventory on-line. Special-status species reports were accessed by searching the CNDDB database for the Las Trampas Ridge, Diablo, Tassajara, Hayward, Dublin, Livermore, Newark, Niles, and La Costa Valley USGS 7.5-minute quadrangles which surround the Property, and by examining those species that have been identified in the vicinity of the Property. These quadrangles will be henceforth noted as surrounding quads. The database report identified special-status species known to occur in the region or those that have the potential to occur in the vicinity of the Property. The CNDDB report was used to focus special-status species analysis of the site prior to the reconnaissance surveys. Olberding Environmental biologists conducted a reconnaissance-level survey of the Property on August 26, 2021. The survey consisted of walking throughout the Property and evaluating the site and adjacent lands for potential biological resources. Existing conditions, observed plants and wildlife, adjacent land use, soils and potential biological resource constraints were recorded during the visit. Additional protocol level CRLF surveys were conducted from March through May 2022. Plant and wildlife species observed within and adjacent to the Property during the reconnaissance survey are listed in Attachment 2, Table 1. Site photographs are provided in Attachment 3 of this document. Attachment 1, Figure 9 shows where each site photo was taken. The objectives of the field survey were to determine the potential presence or absence of special- status species habitat listed in the CNDDB database report and to identify any wetland areas that could be potentially regulated by the Corps, RWQCB, and/or CDFW (CNDDB 2022). In addition, the Olberding Environmental biologists looked for other potential sensitive species or habitats that may not have been obvious from the background database reports or research. Surveys conducted after the growing season or conducted outside of the specific flowering period for a special-status plant cannot conclusively determine the presence or absence of such plant species; therefore, site conditions and habitat type were used to determine potential for occurrence. When suitable habitat was observed to support a special-status plant or animal species, it was noted in the discussion for that particular species. Regulatory agencies evaluate the possibility of occurrence based on habitats observed on-site and the degree of connectivity with other special-status animal habitats in the vicinity of the Property. These factors are discussed in each special-status plant or animal section. Potential for occurrence of each special- status or protected plant and animal species was evaluated using the following criteria.