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City of Pleasanton—Hidden Canyon Residences and Preserve Draft EIR Biological Resources FirstCarbon Solutions 3.3-33 https://adecinnovations.sharepoint.com/sites/PublicationsSite/Shared Documents/Publications/Client (PN-JN)/2148/21480016/EIR/3 - Draft EIR/21480016 Sec03-03 Bio Resources.docx • If an effective no-activity zone cannot be established in either case, an experienced golden eagle Biologist will develop a site-specific plan (i.e., a plan that considers the type and extent of the proposed activity, the duration and timing of the activity, the sensitivity and habituation of the eagles, and the dissimilarity of the proposed activity with background activities) to minimize the potential to affect the reproductive success of the eagles. Compensation The project proposes to preserve approximately 104.6 acres of the project site outside of the grading envelope as open space. This amount of open space would more than sufficiently compensate for any loss of golden eagle foraging habitat. Additionally, Focal Species Impact/Mitigation Scoring Sheets located in Appendix E of the EACCS were used as part of the assessment for suitability of mitigation lands for the golden eagle. Standardized mitigation ratios for the golden eagle, according to Table 3-10 in the EACCS, is 3:1 within the East Bay Hills Mitigation Area where the project and associated conservation land are sited. The majority of the area proposed for preservation consists of grassland habitat, although it also includes woodland and riparian woodland habitat. MM BIO-1e Avoidance and Minimization Measures for American Badger Pre-construction surveys conducted for burrowing owls (MM BIO-1i) will also be used to determine presence or absence of badgers within or immediately adjacent to the development footprint. Therefore, the burrowing owl study identified in MM BIO-1i will include American badger. If an active badger den is identified during pre- construction surveys within or immediately adjacent to the construction envelope, a construction-free buffer of up to 300 feet (or other distance specified by California Department of Fish and Wildlife [CDFW]) shall be established around the den. Because badgers are known to use multiple burrows in a breeding burrow complex, a Biological Monitor shall be present on the project site during construction activities to ensure the buffer is adequate to avoid direct impact to individuals or den abandonment. The monitor would be necessary on the project site until it is determined that any badger young are of an independent age and construction activities would not harm individual badgers. Once it has been determined that badgers have vacated the project site, burrows can be collapsed or excavated and ground disturbance can proceed. Specific Avoidance and Minimization Measures for the badger reported in Table 3-3 of the East Alameda County Conservation Strategy (EACCS) include: • If potential dens are located within the proposed work area and cannot be avoided during construction, qualified Biologist will determine if the dens are occupied or were recently occupied using methodology coordinated with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and CDFW.