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Vantage to Pomona Heights Chapter 4 230 kV Transmission Line Project FEIS Environmental Consequences PAGE 4-75 platyrhynchus) occur in the Yakima and Columbia river watersheds. Sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) occur in the Columbia River Watershed, migrating through the Project study area on its way to and from the ocean. It is very unlikely that any special status fish species spawn in any streams within the Project area. Two special status species of mussels occur in the Columbia River (California floater [Anodonta californiensis] and western ridged mussel [Gonidea angulata]) and a special status dragonfly (Columbia clubtail [Gomphus lynnae]) occurs on the Yakima River. All three species are likely to occur within the Project study area. Three special status species of amphibian could possibly occur in the Project study area in or near rivers and streams (refer to Section 3.3.2.3). No construction would occur and no Project features would be located directly in the Columbia River, the Yakima River, or adjacent wetlands. Riparian areas would be spanned to avoid direct disturbance. In addition, indirect impacts to special status aquatic species would be eliminated through the implementation of RDFs: erosion would be minimized by applying and maintaining standard erosion and sediment control methods. Specific erosion and sediment control measures and locations would be identified in a SWPPP. No identifiable impacts to special status fish, amphibians, or invertebrates or their habitats are anticipated to occur through construction, operation, and maintenance of the proposed Project. Reptiles Several special status reptiles have the potential to occur within the Project study area including four that have been documented in the Project study area—night snake (Hypsiglena torquata), striped whipsnake (Masticophis taeniatus), sagebrush lizard (Sceloporus graciosus), and side-blotched lizard (Uta stansburiana). Impacts to these species could occur from biological disturbance, including injury or mortality from vehicle strikes and equipment; from biological change through direct habitat loss or degradation; and increased predation by avian predators. RDFs will minimize disturbance and change to habitat and wildlife as described in Sections 4.3.3.1 and 4.3.3.2. Species-specific impact levels will range from moderate to no identifiable impact depending on the location. Route segment-specific occurrences and impact levels are discussed in Section 4.3.4. Species Protected Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act Virtually all native bird species in the United States are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), with the exception of upland game birds (e.g., grouse, quail). This includes 30 out of the 34 special status bird species, as well as numerous additional species not listed as Federal Species of Concern, BLM Sensitive, or Washington State Threatened and Endangered, but still fully protected under MBTA. While this document does not specifically list every MBTA-protected species with potential to occur within the Project study area, the listed special status bird species are representative of the various taxonomic groups, habitat associations, and potential impacts to other bird species in the Project study area. Potential impacts to MBTA-protected birds include habitat loss and degradation, collision risk, destruction of nests during the breeding season, and disturbance particularly during the breeding season. RDFs are expected to reduce impacts to MBTA-protected birds. Some of the key RDFs include avoiding construction during the breeding season or having biologists conduct clearance surveys to find nests and buffer each nest from disturbance until the nesting attempt is complete; maintaining intact vegetation wherever possible; reseeding disturbed areas; implementing a noxious weed control plan; and adherence to reasonable speed limits. Specific impacts and RDFs are discussed in detail below, under Raptors, Waterfowl and Other Aquatic Birds, and Other Special Status Upland Bird Species. Impacts to Migratory Birds are discussed further in Appendix B-8 - Migratory Bird Conservation Plan. Raptors Five special status raptor species are documented to nest within the Project study area: golden eagle, bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), ferruginous hawk (Buteo regalis), and burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia). Other raptor species documented or likely to nest within the