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Vantage to Pomona Heights Chapter 2 230 kV Transmission Line Project FEIS Proposed Action and Alternatives PAGE 2-47 GEN-10: Within the limits of standard transmission tower design and in conformance with engineering and Pacific Power requirements, structures will be placed as to avoid sensitive features, including but not limited to, wetlands, riparian areas, water courses, sensitive habitats and species, and cultural resources. GEN-11: Construction holes left open overnight will be covered to prevent livestock or wildlife from falling in. 2.3.2 Biological Resources BIO-1: Prior to construction, all supervisory construction personnel will be instructed on the protection of ecological resources. To assist in this effort, Pacific Power’s construction contract will address: (a) federal and state laws regarding plants and wildlife; (b) the importance of these resources and the purpose and necessity of protecting them; and (c) methods for protecting sensitive resources. BIO-2: Reasonable and prudent measures and terms and conditions identified during the consultation period under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA; 1973) as amended will be adhered to as specified by the USFWS. Conservation measures identified by USFWS and the National Marine Fisheries Service, if applicable, during consultation and coordination will be applied on a discretionary basis. If conferencing occurs on species proposed for listing under ESA, recommendations for reducing adverse effects provided by the USFWS in a conference report will be considered by the BLM and other appropriate federal agencies, and implemented by Pacific Power as necessary. BIO-3: Special status species or other species of particular concern will be considered in accordance with management policies set forth by appropriate federal and state land management agencies and county officials (e.g., DNR, WSDOT, BPA, BLM, JBLM YTC, Reclamation, etc.). This would entail conducting surveys for special status plant and wildlife species along the proposed transmission line route and associated facilities (e.g., access and spur roads, staging areas) as agreed upon by the agencies and county officials. In cases where such species are identified, appropriate action will be taken to avoid adverse impacts on the species and their habitats. This may include altering the placement of roads or structures, where practical, as approved by the agencies and county officials as approporiate. BIO-4: Populations of plant species of concern will be delineated on Project maps as “Avoidance Areas” and will be marked in the field prior to the start of construction. Field marking will consist of wooden stakes spray painted the same color (e.g., high visibility blue) for all sensitive areas. Populations of plant species of concern will be staked with a 100-foot buffer around the edge of each population. Stakes shall be placed such that they can easily been seen from the adjacent stake. Staking of populations will be done by a qualified botanist during the time of year when the species of concern can be readily identified. After construction activities are complete or no longer pose a concern in a given area, the stakes will be promptly removed. In the event any special status plants would require relocation, permission will be obtained from the appropriate land management agencies. If avoidance or relocation is not practical, the topsoil surrounding the plants will be salvaged, stored separately from subsoil and spread during the rehabilitation process. This will be done to preserve the seed bank and localized species habitat conditions. All borrow material and soil to be used for rehabilitation for any part of the proposed Project will be weed free. Weed free borrow material will be obtained from sites inspected by a qualified botanist or environmental inspector knowledgeable about noxious weeds. BIO-5: To eliminate the spread of noxious weeds and invasive species from proposed Project activities, a Noxious Weed and Invasive Plant Management Plan will be developed and incorporated into the final POD. The plan will be developed in consultation with the appropriate agencies and local weed control