Appendix A Natural Environment Study (Minimal Impacts)

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Natural Environment Study (Minimal Impacts) native habitat in the BSA, this limitation is not expected to severely influence the results or substantially alter the findings. Although information was gathered from the entire BSA, Project effects discussed in this report are considered for biological resources that fall within the Project footprint and in adjacent areas that may be directly or indirectly affected by the Project. 3. Results: Environmental Setting 3.1. Description of the Existing Biological and Physical Conditions 3.1.1. Study Area The BSA is located on the Anaheim, California 7.5-minute series USGS topographic map (Figure 1). Figure 2 shows the limits of the BSA and provides an aerial view of the Project Area. The BSA is located in Santa Ana in Orange County along North Fairview Street between West Civic Center Drive and West 17th Street. The 27.32-acre (ac) BSA (shown on Figure 2) encompasses the Project direct impact areas (temporary and permanent) as well as a buffer area to account for any potential proximity effects (e.g., noise, vibration, dust, or lighting) that may occur outside the direct impact areas. 3.1.2. Physical Conditions The BSA is almost entirely developed with residential, commercial, and transportation uses. Vegetation within the BSA primarily consists of ornamental trees and shrubs, lawns, and several disturbed and barren areas. Fairview Triangle contains ornamentally planted native trees and shrubs, and is located in the central portion of the BSA adjacent to the Santa Ana River. Elevations range from approximately 80 to 95 ft above mean sea level (amsl) across the entire BSA. The topography of the BSA gently slopes downhill from east to west. The climate is classified as Mediterranean (i.e., and climate with hot, dry summers and moderately mild, wet winters), with the average annual precipitation being 13.6 inches. Although most of the precipitation occurs from November through March, thunderstorms may occur at other times of the year and can cause high precipitation rates. On average, monthly high temperatures range between 69 degrees Fahrenheit (°F) and 85°F, and monthly low temperatures range between 46°F and 64°F. ................................................................................................................................................ . Fairview Street Improvements from 9th Street to 16th Street and Bridge Replacement Project 15