Vantage Bay PUD Final Development Plan Index Master File

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Iq EAS ENVIRONMENTAL AsSESSMENT SERVICES July 20, 2006 Results of the WDFW database request were received by BAS on 04-21-06 and results of the WDNR database request were received by BAS on 05-05-06. No significant natural features were reported within the footprint of the development (see attachment A -letter from Wa. Dept. of Nat. Res. to Mr. Brett Tiller dated 05-01-06). There were however, three significant natural features adjacent to the proposed development footprint; I) an active bald eagle nest, 2) a small inletlbackwater slough, and 3) areas of vegetation identified in the national wetlands inventory: Avian Resources: An active bald eagle (Haliaeetus /eucocehpa/us) nest was reported this spring approximately I OOOft to the east of the proposed housing development footprint. This nest site was first documented early in calendar year 2006, and subsequently verified by EAS and the State WDFW regional biologist (JeffBernetowitz [509] 457-9304). Figure 2.0 illustrates the location of this nest in context to the proposed development footprint. BAS staff consulted with WDFW in May, 2006 and provided theWDFW with a copy of Figure 2.0. WDFW staff subsequently prepared a letter to BAS to address the potential need of a site-specific Bald Eagle Site Management Plan (BESMP) for the" development, consi~tent with State and Federal Bald & Golden Eagle Protection Guidelines. This letter was prepared on July 12,2006 and is attached as Appendix A of this letter report. In summary, WDFW has concluded that no further actions are necessary at this time. However, if re-nesting is observed there in subsequent years, some protection measures may be necessary (see Attachement B -Letter from WDFW to B. Tiller dated July 12, 2006). Water Resources: Adjacent to the proposed development foot-print (southern region and .... 200 meters to the east) there is a relatively small back-water slough that is connected to the Wanapum pool of the Columbia River and likely provides waterfowl, amphibian, and fish habitat (see Fig.1). The slough is generally shallow (maximum depth ~ :feet) but likely contaIDs a number of warm':'water fishes during high-water periods. The slough may provide some habitat for juvenile salmonids during the rearing periods, but the lack of free-flowing water (i.e. resulting high water temperatures) and the reservoir's water-level fluctuations (potential stranding areas) limit the utility of this site as suitable juvenile salmonid habitat. Aside from possible reduction of waterfowl use caused by increased human activities near there, the slough's biological resources are not likely to be affected by the proposed development. No water from the development is expected to enter the slough as the black and grey water are to be contained [pers. comm. Skip Coddington (developer) June, 2006]. Plant Resources: WDFW priority habitats database identified a national wetlands area located east of the slough. ~e "national wetlands area is located on adjacent property that is controlled by Grant County Public Utility District and is approximately 1000 feet away from the proposed development footprint. The national wetlands area is not likely to be affected by the proposed development. PO Box 265 • Richland, WA 99352 • (509) 375-148 1 • bretttiller@charter.net Index #9