Reso PC16-23 PC 0116 Reso CEQA - Sandpiper

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Section 4.0— Enzvironnmental Setting and Discussion of Impacts Nesting Raptors and Migratory Birds Migratory birds, such as nesting raptors, are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW)13 Code Sections 3503, 3503.5, and 2800. Construction activities, including equipment noise and tree removal, may result in the loss of fertile eggs or nestlings, or otherwise lead to nest abandonment. The CDFW defines "taking" as causing abandonment and/or loss of reproductive efforts through disturbance. Mature trees on the project site could provide nesting habitat for raptors and/or migratory birds. As described below, the proposed project includes mitigation measures to reduce this impact to a less than significant level. Impact BIO -I Project construction could disturb nesting raptors and/or migratory birds causing nest abandonment and/or loss of reproductive efforts. (Significant Impact) Mitigation Measure: The following mitigation measure shall be implemented to reduce impacts to nesting birds and raptors to a less than significant level. MM BIO -1 Construction should commence outside of the nesting season (February through August), if feasible. If it is not feasible to start project construction outside of the nesting season, a qualified ornithologist shall complete a pre - construction survey to identify active raptor and/or migratory bird nests that may be disturbed during project construction. This survey shall be completed no more than 14 days prior to the initiation of demolition/construction activities during the early part of the breeding season (February through April) and no more than 30 days prior to the initiation of these activities during the late part of the breeding season (May through August), unless a shorter pre -construction survey is determined to be appropriate based on the presence of a species with a shorter nesting period, such as Yellow Warblers. During this survey, the ornithologist will inspect all trees and other possible nesting habitats in and immediately adjacent to the construction areas for nests. If an active nest is found in an area that will be disturbed by construction, the ornithologist will designate a construction -free buffer zone to be established around the nest, in consultation with CDFW. The buffer would ensure that raptor and/or migratory bird nests will not be disturbed during project construction. The proposed project, with implementation of the mitigation measure listed above, would not result in a significant impact to sensitive species. (Less Than Significant Impact with Mitigation Incorporated) " Formerly the California Department of Fish and Game. City of Redwood City 32 Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Sandpiper Elementary School Facilities Expansion November 2016