Agmt09 TRA Environmental Sciences, Inc

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1250, 1252, and 1254 Edgewood Road, Redwood City Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Proposal March 25, 2009 Page 15 approval in the early 1980's. TRA prepares formal Biological Assessments, as required under the Federal Endangered Species Act for Section 7 take permits, and conducts biological work integral to preparation of HCPs for incidental take permits (Section 10(a)(I)(B)). California Department of Transportation. TRA has assisted Lead Agencies on projects involving federal grant funds issued through the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). TRA has prepared detailed project descriptions and analyses for submittal to Caltrans including Preliminary Environmental Studies (PES) Form, Biological Technical Memorandum, Air Quality Technical Memorandum, Natural Environment Study (NES) with supporting biological surveys, wetland delineations, Location Hydrology Study, Section 106 Cultural Resources Study including APE Map and record surveys for the State Historic Preservation Office, and a AD 1006 consultation with the Natural Resource Conservation Service for agricultural impacts. TRA has also facilitated Endangered Species Act consultations with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to obtain agency concurrence with project findings of No Effect or Not Likely to Adversely Affect endangered species. GIS and Visual Simulation. TRA has advanced computer-generated mapping and graphic techniques. We operate ArcView and ArcGIS, the most widely used geographic information systems (GIS) software, on a network providing database and mapping integration for detailed project analysis. Software links allow export and import of information between the AutoCAD and GIS systems. The AutoCAD system is used to prepare visual impact analyses simulating project impacts on a two or three-dimensional landscape from the viewpoint of sensitive receptors. AutoCAD and GIS capabilities have also been used to develop alternative project designs, quantify and portray impacts to vegetative communities, illustrate wildlife corridors, depict slope, present conservation options, and geographically present the results of noise and air quality models. Biological Surveys. In addition to formal Biological Assessments, TRA biologists regularly conduct less formal biological surveys. Staff is familiar with all of the research methods and databases that the resource agencies expect to see in biological site assessments, including the California Natural Diversity Database, the Wildlife Habitat Relationships Database, the Manual of California Vegetation, state and federal survey protocols, California Native Plant Society protocols, and the usual field guides and floras. We have expertise in assessing the potential occurrence of many sensitive species, including California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, many butterfly species, birds such as Western burrowing owl, and mammals such at San Joaquin kit fox, dusky-footed wood rat, and bats. When needed, TRA works with a network of subcontractors with special expertise in particular endangered species. Such individuals are selected based on their demonstrated ability and knowledge with particular species, as well as possession of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service permits and California Department of Fish and Game authorizations where required. The number of these permits is very limited, and if the species must be handled in order to do a survey, an individual or firm with the required permit must be used in the study. Wetland Delineations and Permitting. TRA staff conducts wetland delineations to determine whether specific areas are covered under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), California Regional Water Quality Control Board, California and Local Coastal plans, or other regulatory agency jurisdiction. Our biologists are trained in the USACE (Cowardin et al. 1979) method of wetland delineation. TRA can assist clients with obtaining nationwide permits TRA ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES, INC.