Environmental Impact Statement - Sonoma Land Trust

California Department of Fish and Game
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Section 3.5. Biological Resources
(Takekawa et al 2002, 17).Since dredging in Tolay Creek and
establishmentconstruction of the breaches would only occur once, invertebrates
will be able to recolonize the areas and sustain their populations once the
disturbance is discontinued. The vast majority of San Pablo Bay, which would
not be affected, can provide benthic foraging and other prey items for fish in the
interim. Therefore, construction-related impacts on food availability are
considered less than significant, and no mitigation is required.
Conclusion: Less than Significant.
Full-Tidal Alternative
Impacts under the Full-Tidal Alternative are the same as those described for the
Project. Therefore, impacts of the Full-Tidal Alternative are considered less than
significant, and no mitigation is required.
Conclusion: Less than Significant.
Impact BIO-19: Reduction in Fish Habitat Due to
Restoration Activities
Proposed Project
Special-status fish and other fish species use tidal marsh habitat for rearing. Tidal
marsh habitat provides food and refugia for fish, especially juvenile Chinook
salmon. The Project would result in the temporary loss of approximately up to
5.174.6 acres of tidal marsh habitat, under the maximum impact breaching
option, in order to connect the project site to Tolay Creek and San Pablo Bay;
however, the Project also would restore 970approximately 955 acres of tidal
marsh habitat which would provide fish with substantially more habitat than is
now available. Therefore, this impact is considered beneficial, and no mitigation
is required.
Conclusion: Beneficial Impact.
Full-Tidal Alternative
Impacts under the Full-Tidal Alternative are the similar to those described for the
Project; however, the Full-Tidal Alternative would restore an additional 85.6397
acres of tidal marsh habitat. Therefore, impacts of the Full-Tidal Alternative are
considered beneficial, and no mitigation is required.
Conclusion: Beneficial Impact.
Sears Point Wetland and Watershed Restoration
Project Final Environmental Impact
Report/Environmental Impact Statement
3.5-56
April 2012