environmental assessment us border patrol, tucson sector

5-2123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142given special consideration when designing the proposed project to ensure incorporation ofvarious BMPs, such as straw bales, aggregate materials, and wetting compounds to decreaseerosion. A SWPPP will be prepared prior to construction activities, and BMPs described in theSWPPP shall be implemented to reduce erosion. Furthermore, all areas not immediatelydeveloped will be planted with native plant species, landscaped, or allowed to naturallyrevegetate to minimize erosion potential.5.3 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCESConstruction equipment will be cleaned prior to departing the project corridor to minimize thespread and establishment of non-native invasive plant species. Soil disturbances in temporarilyimpacted areas will be re-vegetated or landscaped. To minimize vegetation impacts, designatedtravel corridors off of the main road will be marked with easily observed removable orbiodegradable markers, and travel will be restricted to the corridor to the extent practicable.The Migratory Bird Treaty Act requires that Federal agencies coordinate with the USFWS if aconstruction activity would result in any harm to a migratory bird, including breeding andnesting activities. If construction or clearing activities were scheduled during the nesting season(typically February 1-September 1), preconstruction surveys for migratory bird species wouldoccur immediately prior to the start of any construction activity to identify active nests. Ifconstruction activities would result in the disturbance or harm of a migratory bird, thencoordination with USFWS and AZGFD would occur, and applicable permits for relocation ofnests, eggs, or chicks would be obtained prior to construction or clearing activities. In addition,where possible, buffer zones would be established around active nests until nestlings havefledged and abandoned the nest. Another BMP that would be considered is to schedule clearingand grubbing activities outside the nesting season, negating the requirement for preconstructionnesting bird surveys.Shields would be installed on lights to prevent background lighting. Lights would also beinstalled such that the direction of illumination is downward toward the station facilities, andfugitive illumination beyond the site boundaries would be less than 2 lumens.5.4 CULTURAL RESOURCESThere are no identified cultural resource sites that would be directly impacted by constructionactivities under the Preferred Alternative. An Unanticipated Discoveries Plan will be developedand implemented if ground disturbance activities uncover previously unidentified culturalresource material. If unmarked human burials are discovered during construction, work will stopin the immediate vicinity, the remains will be protected, and the local cultural resourcesrepresentative and the Arizona SHPO will be notified as soon as possible. The location of theunmarked human burial will be documented and the provisions of the NAGPRA will beimplemented, including consultation with Native American tribes.Douglas FOB EADraftAugust 2011