Appendix A Natural Environment Study (Minimal Impacts)

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Natural Environment Study (Minimal Impacts) Summary The City of Santa Ana, in conjunction with the California Department of Transportation, proposes to widen Fairview Street between 9th Street and 16th Street, including replacing the Fairview Street bridge over the Santa Ana River. The purpose of the project is to reduce congestion and improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety on Fairview Street between 9th Street and 16th Street, consistent with the Orange County Master Plan of Arterial Highways and the City's General Plan Circulation Element. A Biological Study Area (BSA) was established to identify potential Project effects on specific sensitive biological resources and 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. The BSA is composed entirely of developed areas, with ornamental plantings and other urban vegetation generally considered to be of low value to native plant and wildlife species. No sensitive natural communities or wetlands occur within the BSA. No listed plant or animal species are expected to occur within the BSA or be adversely affected by the Project. To minimize the potential for impacts to nesting birds protected under the California Fish and Game Code, surveys for active bird nests are recommended within 3 days prior to commencement of vegetation removal or ground disturbance activities during the bird nesting season (February 1 to September 30). Because suitable bat roosting habitat is present in the existing Fairview Street bridge, several measures are recommended to avoid, reduce, and/or compensate for potential impacts on roosting bats associated with the proposed bridge demolition and construction activities. The Project would replace the existing Fairview Street bridge over the Santa Ana River, which is considered a jurisdictional waterway. As such, the Project would require permit authorizations from the United States Army Corps of Engineers, Regional Water Quality Control Board, and/or the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. ................................................................................................................................. . Fairview Street Improvements from 9th Street to 16th Street and Bridge Replacement Project