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City of Santa Ana <br />Environmental Checklist <br />has been developed and used as a hospital site since 1964, until the medical buildings were <br />demolished in 2011. The project site currently comprises large areas of asphalt, cement, building <br />pads, a large pile of rubble, and sand bags. Limited areas of vegetation exist in non -paved areas, <br />which consist of ruderal (weedy) vegetation, nonnative grasses, and ornamental trees and shrubs. A <br />variety of ornamental trees are located around the former hospital building footprints and along the <br />edges of the project site. The project site does not provide native vegetation or wildlife habitat that <br />has the potential to accommodate sensitive biological resources, including candidate, sensitive, or <br />special - status species. Therefore, the project would not result in impacts to sensitive habitats or <br />other direct effects that could result in a substantial adverse effect to any candidate, sensitive or <br />listed special - status species. <br />However, the ornamental trees within the project site provide potentially suitable nesting habitat <br />for various bird species. Potential impacts on nesting birds may occur if removal of the existing <br />ornamental trees occurs during the breeding season (February 15 through September 15). <br />Therefore, Mitigation Measure BIO -1 requires preconstruction nesting bird surveys to be conducted <br />and appropriate buffer areas established around any active nests if removal of the existing trees or <br />construction activities related to the existing trees occur between February 15 and September 15. <br />Implementation of Mitigation Measure BIO -1 would reduce potential impacts to nesting birds to a <br />less - than - significant level. <br />Mitigation Measure BIO -1; Prior to issuance of grading and building permits, the applicant will <br />retain a qualified biologist to conduct preconstruction nesting bird surveys prior to removal, <br />trimming, or any other tree - disturbing activities that will occur within breeding /nesting season <br />(February 15 through September 15). Prior to commencement of tree related activities during this <br />timeframe, a qualified biologist will perform a preconstruction survey to determine whether nests <br />are present in or around the proposed project area. If a nest is found, an appropriate buffer will be <br />established by the qualified biologist. No construction or other activities will be allowed to occur <br />within the buffer until the young have fledged or the nest becomes inactive. The results of the <br />preconstruction nesting bird survey will be provided to the City of Santa Ana Planning Manager, <br />prior to issuance of grading permits. <br />b. Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or othersensitive natural community <br />identified in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of <br />Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? <br />No Impact. The project site is undeveloped, but disturbed with rubble, asphalt, cement, building <br />foundations, and some ornamental landscaping. No riparian habitat or other sensitive natural <br />community exists on the proposed project site. The project would have no effect upon any riparian <br />habitat or other sensitive natural communities and no mitigation measures are required. <br />c. Have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of <br />the Clean WaterAct (including, but not limited to, marshes, vernal pools, coastal wetlands, etc.) <br />through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means? <br />Less- than - Significant Impact. The proposed project site does not contain any wetlands or vernal <br />pools, as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. However, the Santa Ana River is classified as <br />Waters of the US and Waters of the State and is located within 500 feet east of the project site. No <br />components of the proposed project would involve construction activities within or adjacent to the <br />river channel and construction activities would not result in the discharge of fill materials that could <br />impact the jurisdictional area. Also, the proposed project would be required to obtain a General <br />1 r — aucmy %.miter mgn acnow June 2012 <br />Initial Study /Mitigated Negative Declaration 3 -31 ICF June <br />2012 <br />31 B -107 <br />