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General |
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Why do I need studies?
Studies are typically required by lead agencies, such as City and County
Planning departments, as part of the CEQA process. Initial studies, Biological
Assessments and Wetland Delineations, are required as a condition for
project. |
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Who are the regulators?
California Department of Fish and Game (DFG), California Regional Water
Quality Control Board (Water Bard), US Army Corps of Engineers (Corps),
US Fish and Wildlife Service (Service). |
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Can you tell me what are
my potential costs, reports required, and timeline?
PBC will provide an estimate of services. We also conduct site specific
Constraints Analysis, outlining reports required, potential mitigation
costs, and timelines. |
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Wetlands back
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What determines a wetland?
"Wetlands" are areas characterized by growths of typical wetland
vegetation (bulrush, cattails, rushes, sedges and willows) where the soil
is saturated during a portion of the growing season or the surface is flooded
during some part of most years. Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes,
and bogs. Vernal pool wetlands in the Santa Rosa Plain are often habitats
of several endangered plant species.
Wetland Delineations are conducted to determine the actual extent of jurisdictional
wetlands, their acreage, and whether they are under State and/or federal jurisdiction.
The boundary of a wetlands is determined using a three-parameter approach by
observing hydrology, soils, and vegetation. The decision on the extent and status
of jurisdiction of the wetlands at the site resides with the Corps, and is finalized
at the site verification meeting. view Wetland Delineation flow chart |
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Do I need a wetland delineation?
What if I don't have wetlands?
view
Wetland Delineation If after an initial site
visit a biologist determines that no wetlands are present,
a wetland determination letter must be submitted to the
Corps for site verification. If the Corps concurs that no jurisdictional
features are present, the Corps will issue a confirmation letter to that
effect. |
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What is mitigation?
"Mitigation is action taken to avoid, reduce, or compensate for the effects
of environmental damage. Among the broad spectrum of possible actions
are those that restore, enhance, create, or replace damaged ecosystems" (National
Research Council 1992). |
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Why are wetlands so important? Why are they protected?
Wetlands are a biologically productive habitat. Wetlands provide habitat for
species of fish, amphibians, shrimp, insects, reptiles, and plants. Wetlands
also provide flood storage, recharge ground water, and help clean water. Vernal
pool wetlands in the Santa Rosa Plain are often habitats of several endangered
plant species. It is estimated that only 10% of the original wetland areas
remain undeveloped in California. |
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What is the typical timeline?
Wetland Delineation Report can be completed within a
few weeks. Corps site verification can take as long as
a few months. |
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How long is my approved wetland map good for?
3 years in the Santa Rosa Plain. Up to 5 years elsewhere. |
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Do I have to buy credits? Can I do onsite mitigation?
Onsite mitigation is a viable option in rare cases. Numerous agency requirements
must be met including hydrological and ecological thresholds. |
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Biological
Assessment back
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What is a biological assessment and what studies are required?
A Biological Assessment (BA) is a baseline study conducted to list sensitive
habitats and species that exist, or with the potential to occur, at a site.
DFG protocol floral surveys are required (2 years in the SR Plain) to observe
the presence or absence of sensitive species. Biological Assessments are required
in the CEQA process to look at the potential impacts from proposed development
at a site, recommend avoidance measures or mitigation to offset potential impacts,
and recommend further protocol level species surveys if necessary. Biological
Assessment Reports are used in government agency review and permitting process. view
Biological Assessment flow chart |
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If I don't have wetlands
do I still need a BA?
Yes. They are typically separate issues. |
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Why do I need floral surveys?
DFG protocol requires 1 season (3 floral surveys), with dates to coincide with
flowering of any potential listed species to determine impacts. In the SR Plain
2 seasons (6 floral surveys) are required. Floral surveys are required as part
of a Biological Assessment. |
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What is the typical timeline?
A Biological Assessment can be completed within weeks of the final
floral survey. |
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CTS back
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What is a California Tiger Salamander (CTS)?
view
CTS |
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How do I mitigate for impacts to CTS?
view
Impact Mitigation |
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Can I have surveys conducted
to prove I don't have CTS?
Under certain circumstances, yes. Contact PBC with your site specifics. |
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If I have CTS does that
mean I can't develop?
No. You may mitigate to offset impacts to CTS habitat. Close proximity
to CTS occurrences determines the mitigation ratios, and thereby costs. |
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At what stage does this come up?
Mitigation for impacts to CTS in the potential range or no effect determinations
must be acquired prior to agency permitting. |
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My neighbors are developing; does this mean I don't have to deal with CTS issues?
No. Each site is considered individually by the Service. However, developed
areas adjacent to a site can influence the impacts of a project. |
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