Appx C - 400 Aircraft Parking Ramp Repavement Phase 2 NLAA_20170512.pdf

400 Aircraft Parking Ramp Re-pavement Phase 2 at Travis

AFB, CA

12 May 2017

I. INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this initiation package is to request United States Fish and Wildlife Service

(USFWS) concurrence that Travis Air Force Base’s (AFB) action to remove and replace concrete on the 400 Aircraft Parking Ramp (Phase 2) in the vicinity of Travis AFB may affect but is not likely to adversely affect any threatened or endangered species. The following information is provided to comply with statutory requirements to use the best scientific and commercial information available when assessing the potential risks posed to listed species by the proposed federal actions. This initiation package is prepared in accordance with legal requirements set forth under regulations implementing Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act

(50 CFR 402; 16 U.S.C. 1536 (c)).

Threatened and Endangered Species: The following species were considered during our evaluation of the proposed action:

California tiger salamander, (Ambystoma californiense), CTS, Main (Central Valley) Population

—Federally Threatened;

Vernal pool fairy shrimp (Branchinecta lynchi), VPFS, Population—Federally Threatened;

Contra costa goldfields (Lasthenia conjugens) CCG—Federally Endangered;

Vernal pool tadpole shrimp (Lepidurus packardi) VPTS—Federally Endangered;

Conservancy fairy shrimp (Branchinecta conservatio) – CFS—Federally Endangered and

Delta green ground beetle (Elaphrus viridis)- DGGB— Federally Threatened

Special Status Species removed from further discussion:

At this time there are no verified occurrences of Delta green ground beetle (DGGB; Elaphrus viridis) or Conservancy fairy shrimp (CFS; B. conservatio) on any of the Travis AFB properties or GSUs (TAFB 2017), therefore these species are removed from further discussion.

Vernal pool fairy shrimp (Branchinecta lynchi), Vernal pool tadpole shrimp (Lepidurus packardi), and Contra costa goldfields (Lasthenia conjugens) do not occur within 250 feet of the

Action Area therefore are removed from further discussion.

Critical Habitat: The action addressed in this document does not fall within Critical Habitat for any of the listed species considered during our evaluation.

II. CONSULTATION TO DATE

Travis, AFB previously consulted informally on the first phase of this project, 400 Aircraft

Parking Ramp Re-pavement Phase 1 and Temporary Concrete Batch Plant (08ESMF00-2016-

I-0326-2 –See Appendix 1). The Temporary Batch Plant and Contractor Staging area that is currently being used for 400 Aircraft Parking Ramp Re-pavement Phase 1 will continue to be used for Phase 2. Travis AFB assumes the FWS concurrence from Phase 1 still applies as the

Temporary Batch Plant and Contractor Staging area will continue to be used in the exact same way that it has been used for Phase 1.

The proposed project consists of 11 Phases and this document initiates informal consultation with the USFWS for only Phase 2 of the project. Travis, AFB is preparing a Biological

Assessment for a permanent concrete batch plant that would accommodate the concrete needs for

400 Aircraft Parking Ramp Re-pavement of Phases 3-11 and will initiate consultation for Phases

3-11 at a later time.

III. PURPOSE AND DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT

Purpose and Need:

Numerous areas on the existing concrete 400 Aircraft Parking Ramp (400 Ramp) on Travis AFB are deteriorated to the point where it has become a Foreign Object Damage (FOD) hazard to parked aircraft. If the Ramp is not repaired, Travis AFB will have to close many of the parking spots, severely limiting the support of the 60 Air Mobility Wing mission. The purpose of this project is to replace the existing concrete parking ramp and repave the asphalt shoulders of the

400 Ramp at Travis AFB (Figure 1).

Description of the Proposed Project:

Demolish and replace existing Ramp 400 Phase 2 concrete and asphalt pavements, including adjoining taxiway concrete pavement surface and asphalt shoulders, demolition of PCC pavement and construction of HMA transition pavement between construction project phases, and demolition of HMA transition pavement for PCC pavement, demolition and replacement of existing drainage utilities, and all other work necessary to make the project complete and usable.

Estimated scope is 225,000 square feet of area subject to construction.

The work consists of the removal of the existing Portland Cement Concrete (PCC) and granular base, and placement of the new PCC layer. The PCC layer will be placed over a drainage layer which will be placed over aggregate base layers which will be placed over a lime-modified subgrade layer. The asphalt shoulders will then be repaved with hot mix asphalt (HMA).

The cementitious material, aggregates, water, and admixtures would be placed in transit agitator trucks or mixer trucks and transported from the temporary batch plant to the project site and unloaded into the paver machine. Two to four 10 cubic yard mixer trucks would be needed depending on Contractor production rates. Work would occur between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to

7:00 p.m., however, it is likely that some minor “wet” concrete saw cutting of the control joints would be required to ensure no cracking of the pavement while it cures at night or in the early morning. This would require small equipment that is pushed by hand by two people within the

Action Area. There would be no concrete placement at night or in the early morning. Early morning or night-time work would be subject to traffic and noise limitations of the city of

Fairfield’s ordinances and would have to be coordinated with the city by the contractor.

Travis AFB proposes to begin work in winter 2018 and the work is projected to take approximately 7 months to complete.

Existing fuel hydrants, electrical and communication utilities are to remain; however, utility manholes and/or structures that are disturbed by construction will be replaced with new structures. A hydrant fueling network exists to supply fuel via underground piping to each of the

400 Ramp parking spots. Hydrant fueling pits are located west and north of the nose gear location for each parking spot, however, these will not be replaced and paving will occur around them to match the existing pit lid. In addition, some utilities fall within the pavements to be replaced. Utility structures within the pavement (Electrical, Communications) can and will be reconstructed to meet the proposed pavement grade. Underground electric and communication lines pass through the project footprint in a north-south direction adjacent to parking row 420.

There are three existing monitoring wells within the project footprint which will be protected from damage during re-construction activities.

Two ingress/egress routes would be used to gain access to the project footprint. The South Gate entrance (Peterson Road) would be used for material delivery and large equipment truck entry onto the base. The Main Gate entrance (Airbase Pkwy) would be used for exit of delivery trucks and large equipment trucks as well as all other traffic entering/exiting the base (Figure 1).

Summary of Project Characteristics:

2 Ingress/egress routes from off base to project site will be from established paved roads

Contractor Staging/Material Storage area for Phase 2 will be on a previously disturbed area (historically designated area for contractor staging)

Temporary Concrete Batch Plant would be utilized for Phase 2

1 ingress/egress route to project site from Temporary Concrete Batch Plant

The Contractor Staging/Material Storage area and the Temporary Concrete Batch Plant share the same area encompassing 4.48 acres

Location Acres

400 Parking Ramp Phase 2 6.82 (only previously existing paved surface will be disturbed)

TOTAL ACREAGE 6.82

Duration of construction activity: 7 months, approximately January 2018- June 2018

Equipment: Heavy/specialized equipment will be used to transport material (soil, PCC, granular base, asphalt). Below is list of equipment:

• Pickup trucks

• 9CY Concrete Delivery Trucks

• Slipform Paver (roughly 25-50ft wide by 20ft long by 15ft tall)

• 20CY Dump Trucks to haul material

• Water Truck

• Cat 320 Excavator/ 24” (12’W x 40’L x 30’H)

• Backhoe (7’W x 10’L x 8’H)

• Scraper Cat 623 (45’L x 12’W x 12’H)

• Dozer (12’W x 15’L x 10’H)

• Grader 14’ Cat 140H (14’W x 30’L x 11’H)

• Wheel Loader Cat 950H (10’W x 31’L x 12’H)

• Roller Compactor (5’W x 9’L x 9’H)

• Skidsteer w/ breaker

• Skip loader/Gannon Box Case 580

• Concrete Saw (walk behind equipment)

• Tack Pot (towed on trailer behind 1Ton pickup)

• Asphalt Paving Machine (9’W x 20’L x 9’H)

Schedule Work Activity Dry Season (May 1-Oct 15) or

Wet Season (Oct 16-Apr 30)

Removal of the existing Portland Cement

Concrete (PCC) and granular base on parking ramp

Wet Season

Utility replacement (if necessary) on parking ramp

Wet Season

Placement of lime-modified subgrade layer, aggregate base layer, and drainage layer on parking ramp

Wet Season

Separation and drainage layers to be installed

Wet Season

Concrete placement on parking ramp Dry season

Joint sealing, HMA paving and paint striping on parking ramp

Dry season

IV. DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTION AREA

400 Aircraft Parking Ramp (400 Ramp)

The Airfield Ramp 400 is part of a bigger airfield parking area (Ramp 200, 300, and 500) used for parking military planes and is a heavily used industrial area. The Action Area is composed of a concreted airplane parking ramp surrounded on three sides by parking ramp or taxiway and on one side by disturbed habitats consisting of upland grassland vegetation with non-native species.

Any burrows or soil cracks are visible in the upland grassland area as vegetation is maintained at a low height by operational mowing activities. The surrounding area maintains existing infrastructure including buildings, parking lots, and sidewalks. A portion of the Action Area occurs within the outermost sector of the 1.3 mile historical migration range circle from a known off-base CTS breeding pond (Figure 1). This CTS breeding pond is east of the Action Area and is approximately 1.17 miles away, however potential CTS breeding ponds are 0.97 miles away.

CTS would have to move through and around some infrastructure to access the Action Area, such as buildings, curbs, and parking lots. There are no wetlands present within the Action Area

(Auxilio 2015); however, the closest wetland is 180 feet away but it is separated from the Action

Area by a taxiway.

Conservation Measures

Conservation measures (taken from TAFB PBA) will be implemented as follows:

Note: Some Measures may contain changes from TAFB PBA. These changes are italicize text=removed text or bold text=added text.

General Avoidance and Minimization Measures

Monitoring

MM-1. A Service-approved Biologist will conduct preconstruction surveys of all ground disturbance areas within sensitive habitats to determine if any federally-listed species may be present prior to the start of construction. These surveys will be conducted prior to the start of construction activities in and around any sensitive habitat. If any federally-listed species are found during the preconstruction surveys, the Service-approved Biologist will contact the

Service to determine how to proceed. At least 10 business days prior to the onset of activities, Travis AFB will submit the name(s) and credentials of biologists who will conduct these preconstruction surveys if they have not previously received Service approval for similar surveys. No project activities will begin until proponents have received written approval from the

Service that the biologist(s) is qualified to conduct the work.

MM-2. A Service-approved Biologist will monitor construction activities in or adjacent to sensitive habitats as required. The Biologist will ensure compliance with all applicable avoidance and minimization measures required to protect federally-listed species and their habitats. If federally-listed species are found that are likely to be affected by work activities, the Service-approved Biologist will have the authority to stop any aspect of the project that could result in unauthorized take of a federally-listed species. If the Biologist exercises this authority, he/she must coordinate this with 60 CES/CEIE who will notify the Service and the California

Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) by telephone within one working day and in writing within five working days.

MM-3. A Service-approved Biologist will conduct environmental awareness training for all construction personnel working within and near sensitive habitat on Base. Training will be provided at the start of work and within 15 days of any new worker arrival. The program will consist of a briefing on environmental issues relative to the proposed project. The training program will include an overview of the legal status, biology, distribution, habitat needs, and compliance requirements for each federally-listed species that may occur in the project area. The presentation will also include a discussion of the legal protection for endangered species under the Act, including penalties for violations. A fact sheet conveying this information will be distributed to all personnel who enter the project site. Upon completion of the orientation, employees will sign a form stating that they attended the program and understand all avoidance and minimization measures. These forms will be maintained at Travis AFB and will be accessible to the appropriate resource agencies.

Service Notification

MM-4. Travis AFB will track the areal extent and location of impacts resulting from projects covered under the PBO and will submit an annual report to the Service listing each project covered under the PBO and summarizing the impacts to each species and their habitat on a project by project basis.

Buffers and Site Restoration

MM-5. Wetlands/drainages/vernal pools, if present, will have erosion control measures (straw waddles, silt fencing) installed where hydrological continuity exists between the construction activities and the wetland. A Service-approved Biologist will determine whether erosion control measures should be utilized, weighing the potential for impacts to other species including CTS.

Construction boundaries within the buffer will be designated with fencing or other suitable means to ensure no equipment and/or construction workers access protected wetland resources.

Additional Measures

MM-7. Off-road travel outside of the demarcated construction boundaries will be prohibited.

MM-8. Prior to initiation of construction activities, sensitive areas, such as vernal pools, wetlands, riparian areas, and potential habitat for federally-listed species (i.e., VPFS/VPTS, CCG, CTS), will be staked and flagged as exclusion zones where construction activities cannot take place. Orange construction barrier fencing (or an appropriate alternative method) will designate exclusion zones where construction activities cannot occur. The flagging and fencing will be clearly marked as an environmentally sensitive area (ESA). The contractor will remove all fencing, stakes and flagging within 60 days of construction completion.

MM-9. Any worker that inadvertently kills or injures a federally-listed species, or finds one injured or trapped, will immediately report the incident to the on-site Biologist. The Biologist will inform the Travis Natural Resource Manager (NRM) immediately (60 CES/CEIE). The

Travis NRM will verbally notify the Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office within one day and will provide written notification of the incident within five days.

MM-10. Motor vehicles and equipment will only be fueled and serviced in designated service areas. All fueling and maintenance of vehicles and other equipment and staging areas will occur in a designated area with appropriate spill containment. Any newly established, project specific fueling and maintenance areas will be located at least 250 feet from any wetland/drainage habitat or water body. Prior to the onset of work, Travis AFB will ensure a plan to allow a prompt and effective response to any accidental spills is in place. All workers will be informed of the importance of preventing spills and of the appropriate measures to take should a spill occur.

MM-11. During construction activities, all trash that may attract predators will be properly contained, removed from the work site daily, and disposed of properly. Following construction, all refuse and construction debris will be removed from work areas. All garbage and construction-related materials in construction areas will be removed immediately following project completion.

MM-12. Unless otherwise designated as part of a habitat restoration plan, all excess soil excavated during construction occurring near vernal pools and other wetlands will be removed and disposed of outside the project area. Coordination with the Travis AFB Environmental

Office and appropriate regulatory agencies is required prior to disposal of the excavated soil.

MM-13. The number of access routes, number and size of staging areas, and the total area of the activity will be limited to the minimum necessary to achieve the project goal. Routes and boundaries will be clearly demarcated, and these areas will avoid wetlands/drainage areas whenever feasible.

MM-14. All vehicle operators will follow the posted speed limit on paved roads and a 10- mile per hour speed limit on unpaved roads.

MM-15. No pets or non-military firearms will be allowed in the project area.

MM-18. No work requiring vehicles/equipment will be done when the ground is soft enough where travel will cause depressions.

CTS-2. A Service-approved Biologist will be on-site during all activities that could result in the take of listed species. As outlined in PBA Section 1.4.3, the qualifications of the biologist(s) will be presented to the Service for review and approval at least 10 working days prior to any groundbreaking activity at the project site. If any of the requirements associated with these measures are not being fulfilled, the Biologist will have the authority to stop project activities, through communication with the Project Manager.

CTS-3. Construction personnel will be instructed to exercise caution when commuting within the area to be disturbed.

CTS-4. Construction activities will occur between 30 minutes after sunrise and 30 minutes before sunset unless otherwise specific in the Project Analysis.

CTS-5. At the end of every work day, trenches, pits, and excavations shall be provided with escape ramps constructed of earth fill or wooden planks at a 3:1 slope. Before such trenches, pits, and excavations are filled, they will be thoroughly inspected for trapped wildlife.

CTS-6. If CTS exclusion barriers or fencing are used, a Service-approved Biologist will be on-site to conduct morning inspections of the barrier fencing before construction activities begin each day of work activity. If a CTS is observed within or near the barrier fencing, the individual will be relocated outside of the project area following the procedure provided in Section 4.4.5) and the Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office will be contacted.

CTS-7. Seasonal Avoidance/Wet Season Procedures (Oct 16 – Apr 30): Work will not be conducted in the rain. The Service-approved Biologist will monitor the weather forecast and authorize work when the forecast indicates a period of dry days (5 – 10 days of no rain) before starting the project. The Travis Environmental Office will document through email notification to the Service when work will commence. The weather forecast and hourly weather data for

Travis AFB will be monitored and can be found by entering the zip code 94535 (Travis AFB) at http://www.weather.gov/srh/. A Service-approved Biologist will be on-site for morning inspections before the start of work. Morning inspections consist of examination of all trenches, pits, excavations, equipment, California tiger salamander exclusionary barriers (if present), all suitable upland habitat including refugia habitat such as small woody debris, refuse, burrow entries, etc. will be properly inspected and all other areas within the project site. In addition, the project work crew will be notified to maintain vigilance regarding CTS activity. If feasible, the work crew will participate in the morning inspection(s). Modifications to this timing may be approved on a case-by- case basis by the Service.

CTS-8. Seasonal Avoidance Dry Season Rain/High Humidity Procedures (May 1 to October 15):

Work will not be conducted if raining. The Service-approved Biologist will check the National

Weather Service by 6:00 AM on the day prior to a scheduled work day to see if there is a 50% or greater probability of rain forecasted overnight. If there is, then before work begins the next morning, the Service-approved Biologist will conduct an even more extensive morning inspection. The inspection will include searching the work area and a wider perimeter of the area for presence of CTS. In addition, the work crew will be notified to maintain vigilance regarding

CTS activity. If feasible, the work crew will participate in the morning inspection(s).

Modifications to this timing may be approved on a case-by-case basis by the Service. The weather forecast and hourly weather data for Travis AFB should be monitored and can be found by entering the zip code 94535 (Travis AFB) at http://www.weather.gov/srh/

CTS-9. If dry season (May 1 – October 15) night time work is necessary, the following additional conservation measures shall be implemented:

a. Work would only occur within paved areas (greater than 20 feet from uplands)

b. A 6-inch high CTS exclusionary barrier will surround the work area during work, with ingress/egress access being the only break in the barrier.

c. A Service-approved Biologist will be onsite during all to inspect the CTS exclusionary barrier prior to the start of night time work and will routinely monitor inspect the CTS exclusionary barrier at the conclusion of the night time work. and the project site.

d. Work will not be conducted at night time if there is a 50% or more chance of rain predicted overnight.

CTS-10. Water shall not be pumped, sprayed, or allowed to flow over undisturbed uplands that can support CTS as part of planned project activities outside of pre-approved requirements (i.e.

dust control). Water applied for pre-approved requirements shall be applied in the minimum quantities necessary only to disturbed soils. If excess water accumulates as the result of construction activity, water may be pumped through a screened pump and removed from the construction area as deemed necessary by the on- site biologist in coordination with Travis

Natural Resources Management (NRM) staff. If water inadvertently or purposefully enters construction trenches, pits, or excavations, a Service-approved Biologist will remain on site until water is pumped from the trench, pit, or excavation. Following pumping, the Biologist shall inspect the trench, pit, or excavation area and the surrounding uplands to determine if disturbance to CTS has occurred. and implement any other measures necessary (e.g. placement of cover boards, exclusionary fencing or barriers) to protect CTS that may emerge due to the wet soil.

CTS-11. Pipes laid underground or stored on the ground shall be capped, covered, or taped in a manner that exclude CTS from entering the pipe prior to the completion of the construction project. Long-term storage of pipes and other construction material should be placed on asphalt and raised above the ground by no less than 1.5 inches (on top of 2 by 4 inch supports).

CTS-12. Trenches, pits, and excavations shall be covered in a manner that exclude CTS from entering during weekends, holidays, humid days, rain events, etc. Specifically, gaps no greater than one inch shall be allowed within cover materials. if biologists will not be present the following day or if rain events or high humidity days are expected to occur. Before such trenches, pits, and excavations are filled, they will be thoroughly inspected for trapped wildlife.

CTS-14. At the end of the work day the work site will be enclosed by a 6-inch-high exclusionary barrier (with no gaps), sufficient to prevent CTS movement onto the work site. A Service-approved Biologist will monitor the installation of the barrier to ensure its integrity and will inspect the barrier every day (including weekends, holidays, and non-work days) during morning inspections. prior to the start of work. On work days, the morning inspection will occur prior to the start of work. The exclusionary barrier may be removed after the morning inspection and then re- installed at the end of the work day, but only after the Service-approved

Biologist has inspected the work area to be re-enclosed.

CTS-16. Erosion control Best Management Practices implemented in accordance with the Travis

AFB Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan will be placed so as not to create a hazard to CTS.

CTS-17. A Service-approved Biologist or Natural Resource Monitor (depending on effect level of project) shall perform construction site inspections to ensure the contractor completes the proposed action as described and complies with all proposed minimization measures.

CTS-18. Concrete waste and water from curing operations will be collected in washouts and will be disposed of properly and not allowed into watercourses or CTS upland habitat.

CTS-19. In the event that CTS are encountered on the project site, the Service-approved

Biologist or Natural Resource Monitor will contact the Travis AFB Natural Resource Manager who will then contact the Service. If CTS are captured, they should be released as near as possible to the point of capture, in a manner that maximizes their survival. Refer to the CTS

Relocation Plan described in Section 4.4.5.

No habitat mitigation is proposed at this time.

V. STATUS OF THE SPECIES AND CRITICAL HABITAT IN THE ACTION AREA

An adult CTS was seen traveling west (from off-base private lands to the base interior) across the main runway on Travis AFB on 29 January 2014. On July 5 and July 8, 2015 two dead individual CTS were found on the eastern portion of the base. These two individuals were most likely responding to either ponded water as a result of a break in a water main near their estivation sites, humid weather conditions, or both. On April 5, 2016, an adult CTS was observed swimming inside an electrical vault and was relocated to a nearby burrow. In the early morning hours of February 4, 2017 a CTS was observed crossing the Assault Landing Zone runway.

These CTS encounters are not located in the Action Area; however, they indicate that CTS are estivating and dispersing through the upland habitat on the eastern portion of the base. The locations of these CTS sightings are over 0.90 mile from the Action Area. In April 2016, a new

CTS breeding pond was identified just outside the base boundary fence approximately 0.97 miles southwest of the Action Area (Figure 2).

There is no critical habitat or documented occurrence of listed species (CTS) within the work area. Critical habitat for VPFS, VPTS, CCG, and CFS is located on lands immediately adjacent to the southeastern boundary of the base on private land as well as the Wilcox Ranch, which is owned by the Solano Land Trust, Solano County and the City of Fairfield. Critical habitat for

CTS and DGGB is located approximately 5 miles east of the base's eastern boundary in the

Jepson Prairie Preserve area. The Endangered Species Act Section 4(a) (3) (B) exempts military lands from critical habitat designation that are subject to an Integrated Natural Resources

Management Plan prepared under section 101 of the Sikes Act (16 U.S.C. 670a), if the Secretary of the Interior determines in writing that such plan provides a benefit to the species for which critical habitat is proposed for designation. However, Travis AFB acquired land that is designated as critical habitat for VPFS, VPTS, CFS and CCG for a project at the South Gate.

Additionally, Travis AFB owns the railroad right of way to the west of the Aero Club which contains critical habitat for VPFS, VPTS, and CCG as well as two geographically separated units that have critical habitat for CTS, DGGB, VPFS, and VPTS. This is the only land owned by

Travis AFB that is designated as critical habitat.

VI. EFFECTS OF THE ACTION

400 Aircraft Parking Ramp Phase 2 (400 Ramp)

There is no grassland habitat within the project boundary; however, the Action Area is within the outermost portion of the 1.3 mile radius of their historical migration range from one known off-base CTS breeding pond (Figure 2). The upland grassland areas adjacent but not within the project footprint contain small mammal burrows and are included as part of the grounds maintenance contract and for airfield safety reasons, receives periodic mowing and maintenance activity. There is no CTS habitat within the project footprint and existing infrastructure

(buildings, warehouses, 6 inch curbing, Union Creek) should provide some barriers to CTS dispersal onto the project footprint.

Known CTS breeding ponds are located within 1.3 miles of the Action Area; however, no breeding ponds are present within the Action Area. The nearest known CTS breeding pond is off base approximately 1.17 miles away from the project boundary. An adult CTS was seen traveling west (from off-base private lands to the base interior) across the main runway on TAFB on 29 January, 2014, however, the location of the sighting is approximately 1.37 miles away from Action Area. On July 5 and July 8, 2015 two dead individual CTS were found on the eastern portion of the Base approximately 0.91 and 104 miles away from the Action Area. These two individuals were most likely responding to either ponded water as a result of a break in a water main near their estivation sites, humid weather conditions or both. The 2016 and 2017 sightings were farther than 1.3 miles from the Action Area. These CTS encounters are not located in the Action Area; however, they indicate that CTS are estivating and dispersing through the upland habitat on the eastern portion of the base.

One wetland is 180 feet away from the Action Area and a Taxiway separates this wetland from the project impact area. This wetland is not expected to be impacted by the project as

Conservation Measures such as MM-5 and MM-8 will ensure this resource is not impacted

(Figure 3).

VII. CONCLUSION

Effects on CTS are not likely to occur because proper conservation measures will be implemented and continuously monitored. Construction activities would begin in the wet season and continue into the dry season, however, CTS barriers and other conservation measures would prevent migrating salamanders from entering the project impact area. Additionally, all work is occurring on paved surfaces, therefore, no habitat disturbance and no permanent loss to suitable upland migratory corridors is believed to be impacted. The action may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect CTS. Travis AFB will reinitiate consultation with the USFWS if a new species is listed or if the project description changes.

VIII. REFERENCES

Auxillio Management Services. 2015. Jurisdictional Delineation for Travis Air Force Base, Fairfield, California. April.

CH2M HILL. 2006. Summary of Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Species Associated with

Seasonal Wetlands. Technical Memorandum. September.

$#Main Gate

South Gate

1.17 miles

1.05 miles

0.97 miles

0 0.75 1.50.375 Miles

IRamp 400 Phase 2 Travis AFB Figure 1

$ Potential CTS Breeding pond

Distance to CTS Breeding Pond Ingress_Egress

$ CTS Breeding Pond

# CTS Sighting # Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp # Tadpole Shrimp # California Linderiella # Water Scavenger beetle # Burrowing Owl

Ditch Perennial Stream Seasonal Wetland Vernal Pool

Legend

Wetland Swale Travis AFB Boundary

Batch_Plant

1.3 mile buffer on CTS Breeding Ponds

Action Area 250_ft_wetland_buffer

180 feet

1.17 miles

1.05 miles

0.97 miles

0 0.25 0.50.125 Miles

IRamp 400 Phase 2 Travis AFB Figure 2

$ CTS Breeding Pond $ Potential CTS Breeding pond # CTS Sighting # Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp # Tadpole Shrimp # Water Scavenger beetle # Burrowing Owl

Perennial Stream Seasonal Wetland Vernal Pool

Distance to CTS Breeding Pond

Legend

Wetland Swale Travis AFB Boundary

Action Area 250_ft_wetland_buffer

1.3 mile buffer on CTS Breeding Ponds Ingress_Egress

180 feet

1.05 miles

0.97 miles

0 260 520130 Feet

IRamp 400 Phase 2 Travis AFB Figure 3

Legend

250_ft_wetland_buffer Ingress_Egress Seasonal Wetland

Action Area

United States Department of the Interior

In Reply Refer to:

08ESMF00-

2016-l-0326-2

Brian L. Sassaman

FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office

2800 Cottage Way, Suite W-2605 Sacramento, California 95825-1846

Flight Chief, Installation Management 411 Airman Drive, Building 570 Travis AFB, California 94535-2001

AUG 0 4 2016'

Subject: Informal Consultation on the Proposed 400 Aircraft Parking Ramp Re-pavement Phase 1 and Temporary Concrete Batch Plant, Travis Air Force Base, Solano County, California

Dear Mr. Sassaman:

This letter is in response to Travis Air Force Base's (Travis AFB/base) May 27, 2016, request for initiation of informal consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) on the proposed 400 Aircraft Parking Ramp Re-pavement Phase 1 and Temporaiy Concrete Batch Plant (proposed project) in Solano County, California. However, the initiation package you provided was insufficient for the Service to concur with your determination. On May 27, 2016, the Service emailed Travis AFB requesting additional information, and recommended further conservation measures be implemented as part of the proposed project. Subsequently, on July 25, 2016, our office received a revised request for initiation of consultation via email, and the revised 400 Aircraft Parking Ramp Re-pavement Phase 1 and Temporal)' Concrete Batch Plant, Travis AFB, California (biological assessment). The updated initiation package presents an evaluation of the proposed project's effects on species federally-listed under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. §1531 et seq.) (Act).

On December 22, 2015, the Service issued a concurrence letter to Travis AFB for the proposed project (08ESMF00-2016-I-0326). However, since the issuance of tl1e December 22, 2015 concurrence letter, the scope of the proposed project has changed. Due to the change in project scope, tl1e Service is rescinding the December 22, 2015 concurrence letter and this document will provide our concurrence for the proposed project. It should also be noted that due to changes to the proposed project, which increases tl1e distance of the project activities to existing wetlands, Travis AFB is no longer consulting on the faiiy shrimp for the proposed project.

The federal action we are consulting on is the removal and replacement of concrete on the 400 Aircraft Parking Ramp (400 Ramp) at Travis AFB. A temporary concrete batch plant will be constructed on Travis AFB for mixing and delivering concrete to the project site. This response is provided under the authority of the Act, and in accordance with the implementing regulations pertaining to interagency cooperation (50 CFR 402). The proposed project is not within designated or proposed critical habitat for any federally-listed species.

111e findings presented in the biological assessment conclude that the proposed project may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect the federally-listed as tl1reatened Central Valley population of the California tiger salamander (Amf?ystoma califomiense) (California tiger salamander). The findings and recommendations in this

400 Aircraft Parking Ramp Re-pavement Phase 2 Appendix 1

Mr. Brian L. Sassaman 2 consultation are based on: (l) your July 25, 2016, letter initiating consultation; (2) the biological assessment prepared by Travis AFB; (3) email and telephone correspondence between the Service and Travis AFB; and

(4) other information available to the Service.

Project Description

Portions of the existing concrete 400 Ramp at Travis AFB are deteriorated to the point where it has become a hazard to parked aircraft. If the 400 Ramp is not repaired, Travis AFB will have to close numerous parking spots which will severely limit the support of the 60 Air Mobility \\ling mission. Travis AFB is proposing to replace the existing concrete and repave the asphalt shoulders of the 400 Ramp. Construction of the proposed project will include the removal of existing Portland Cement Concrete (PCC) and granular base.

In order to place the new PCC layer, a drainage layer will be placed over aggregate base layers, which will be installed over a lime-modified subgrade layer. The asphalt shoulders will then be repaved with hot 1mx asphalt.

The cementitious material, aggregates, water and admixtures will be placed in a transit agitator or 1mxer trucks, transported from the on-base temporary concrete batch plant to the project site, and then unloaded into the paver machine. Two to four 10 cubic yard mixer trucks will be needed depending on contractor production rates. \\fork will occur between sunrise and sunset; however, night time work during the dry season may be necessary to adhere to tight scheduling of completing some aspects of the project before the wet season begins. If dry season night time work is necessary, this work would consist of the removal of the existing PCC and granular base and placement of new granular base and stabilized drainage layer on the parking ramp. Travis AFB proposes to begin work in the summer of 2016 and construction is estimated to take 10 months to complete.

The existing fuel hydrants, electrical and communication utilities will remain; however, the utility manholes and/ or structures that are disturbed by construction of the proposed project will be replaced with new structures. There is an existing underground hydrant fueling network that supplies fuel to each of the 400 Ramp parking spots. Hydrant fueling pits positioned west and north of the nose gear location for each parking spot will not be replaced, and any paving activities near the fueling pits will occur around them to match the existing pit lid. A new storm drain pipeline system will be installed from the western boundary of the 400 Ramp to the east, and will end within the upland grassland habitat where it will be connected to an existing storm drain pipeline system. The electrical and communication utilities that are within the existing pavement proposed to be replaced will be reconstructed to meet the proposed pavement grade. There are a number of existing monitoring wells within the proposed project area that will be protected from damage during reconstruction activities.

Two ingress/ egress routes will be used for access to the proposed project. The South Gate entrance (Peterson Road) will be used for material delivery and large equipment truck entry onto the base. The Main Gate entrance (Airbase Pk-wy) will be used as an exit for delivery and large equipment trucks, and it will be used for all other traffic entering/ exiting Travis AFB. The staging area for the proposed project will be located in an area that has been used for the past 12 years as a contractor storage area and for the placement of temporary contractor trailer offices.

The proposed project will result in impacts to 13.32 acres. About 8.84 acres of impact will occur at the 400 Ramp project site, which includes paved surfaces and 0.37 acre upland grass habitat. An exclusionary barrier will be in place during the upland work at the 400 Ramp. This barrier will be removed prior to the wet season, or as soon as it is feasible after work in the upland is completed. Additionally, 4.48 acres of impact will occur at the temporary concrete batch plant and contractor staging area (contractor staging area).

Impacts to upland habitat from the installation and connection of the new storm drain pipeline system to the

Mr. Brian L. Sassaman 3 existing storm drain pipeline system will be temporary. After construction activities are completed, the habitat will be restored to pre-project conditions.

Avoidance and Minimization Measures for the California Tiger Salamander

Travis AFB proposes to implement the following measures in order to prevent adverse effects to the California tiger salamander and its habitat:

1) Prior to the start of construction activities, a Service-approved biologist will provide education and training sessions for all individuals that will be involved with site preparation or construction. The training will focus on habitat sensitivity and identification of the California tiger salamander. The training will include species description and behavior, general measures to be taken to protect the species, the penalties for noncompliance, and the boundaries of the project area. A fact sheet or other supporting materials containing this information will be prepared and distributed to construction personnel. Upon completion of training, employees will sign a form stating that they attended the training and understand all the conservation and protection measures;

2) Construction activities in the grassy area (upland habitat at the 400 Ramp) and in paved areas within 20 feet of upland habitat within the project footprint will be timed to occur during the diy season ((May 1 - October 15) between sunrise and sunset to minimize potential effects to California tiger salamander dispersal;

3) Construction activities greater than 20 feet from upland habitat will be conducted during the dry season (May 1 - October 15) between sunrise and sunset. However, night time work during the dry season may be necessary to adhere to tight scheduling of completing some aspects of the project before the wet season begins. If dry season night time work is necessary, this work will consist of removing the existing PCC and granular base and placement of new granular base and stabilized drainage layer on the parking ramp. The additional conservation measures implemented for the above described dry season night time work are:

• Work would only occur within paved areas (greater than 20 feet from uplands)

• A California tiger salamander barrier will be in place during work, with ingress/ egress access being the only break in the barrier.

• A Service-approved biologist will be on-site during all night time work and will routinely monitor the California tiger salamander barrier and the project site.

• Work will not be conducted at night time if there is a 50 percent or more chance of rain predicted overnight;

4) Within 14 days of the start of construction activities, a Service-approved biologist will perform a pre construction survey and identify potential refuge habitats (burrows) suitable for the California tiger salamander. In the unlikely event that a California tiger salamande1· is encountered, the biologist will contact the Service for instructions;

5) A Service-approved biologist will be on-site during all ground disturbing activities which includes pavement work within 20 feet of upland habitat where the native ground beneath the pavement will be disturbed (such as.during removal of the existing PCC and granular base on the parking ramp).

The qualifications of the biologist(s) will be presented to the Service for review and approval at least 10 working days prior to any groundbreaking at the project site. If any of the requirements associated with these measures are not being fulfilled, the biologist will have the authority to stop project activities;

]\fr. Brian L. Sassaman 4

6) Before work begins, the contractor will clearly delineate (e.g., stake, chalk, or flag) the disturbance boundaries and prohibit any off-road traffic outside of these boundaries;

7) The contractor will confine all equipment to designated work zones (including access roads and laydown) within the area to be disturbed;

8) Construction personnel will be instructed to exercise caution when commuting within the area to be disturbed. A 10 mph speed limit will be observed on all unpaved surfaces;

9) All project related vehicle traffic will be restricted to established roads and other designated areas;

10) At the end of every work day, trenches, pits, and excavations will be provided with escape ramps constructed of earth fill or wooden planks at a 3:1 slope. Before such trenches, pits, and excavations are filled, they will be thoroughly inspected for trapped wildlife;

11) All trash (food related items such as wrappers, bottles, cans, food scraps, etc.) will be placed in closed containers and removed from the project site on a daily basis;

12) A Service-approved biologist will conduct morning inspections before the start of work. Morning inspections consist of examination of all trenches, pits, or excavations, equipment, California tiger salamander exclusionary barriers, all suitable upland habitat including refugia habitat such as small woody debris, refuse, burrow entries, etc., will be properly inspected and all other areas within the project site;

13) Dry Season Rain/High Humidity Procedures (May 1 - October 15): \'York will not be conducted if raining (measureable amount of rain). The Service-approved biologist will check the National \Xfeather Service by 6:00 a.m. on the day prior to a scheduled work day to see if there is a 50 percent or greater probability of rain forecasted overnight. If there is, then before work begins the next morning, the Service-approved biologist will conduct a more extensive inspection of the area to include, searching a wider perimeter of the area for presence of California tiger salamanders and put the work crew on notice to maintain vigilance regarding California tiger salamander activity. If feasible, the work crew should participate in the morning inspection. If there is a California tiger salamander exclusionary barrier around the project site, the Service-approved biologist will check them on both work and non-work days. Modifications to this timing may be approved on a case-by case basis by the Service. The weather forecast and hourly weather data for Travis AFB should be monitored and can be found by entering the zip code 94535 (Travis AFB) at http://www.srh.noaa.gov/ forecast;

14) Wet Season Avoidance Measure (October 16 -April 30): Work will not be conducted if raining (measureable amount of rain). Potential work during the wet season is restricted to paved surfaces only. The Service-approved biologist will check the National \'\feather Service by 6:00 a.m. on the day prior to a scheduled work day to see if there is a 50 percent or greater probability of rain forecasted overnight. If there is, then before work begins the next morning, the Service-approved biologist will conduct an extensive morning inspection and will be present 100 percent of the time during all work activities that take place for the entire work day. The inspection will include searching the work area and a wider perimeter of the area for presence of California tiger salamanders. In addition, the work crew will be notified to maintain vigilance regarding California tiger salamander activity. If feasible, the work crew should participate in the morning inspection. Modifications to this timing may be approved on a case-by-case basis by the Service. The weather forecast and hourly weather data for

Mr. Brian L. Sassaman 5

Travis AFB should be monitored and can be found by entering the zip code 94535 (Travis AFB) at http://www.srh.noaa.gov/ forecast;

15) Construction activities will occur between sunrise and sunset for wet season work;

16) At the end of each work day, the Ramp 400 work site will be enclosed by a 6 inch high exclusionary barrier (with no gaps), sufficient to prevent the California tiger salamander movement onto the work site. No ground disturbance will occur with the installation of the exclusionary barrier. The Service approved biologist will monitor the installation of the barrier to ensure integrity of the barrier and will inspect the barrier during morning inspections prior to the start of work. The exclusionary barrier may be removed after the morning inspection, and then re-installed at the end of the work day, but only after the approved-biologist has inspected the work area to be re-enclosed by the exclusionary barrier. The Service-approved biologist will conduct morning inspections of the barrier on non-work days following high humidity or rain events;

17) \X'ater will not be pumped, sprayed, or allowed to flow over undisturbed uplands that can support California tiger salamanders as part of planned project activities outside of pre-approved requirements (i.e. dust control). Water applied for pre-approved requirements will be applied in the minimum quantities necessary only to disturbed soils. If excess water accumulates as the result of construction activity, water may be pumped through a screened pump and removed from the construction area as deemed necessary by the Service-approved biologist in coordination with Travis Natural Resources Management (NRM) staff. If water inadvertently or purposefully enters construction trenches, pits, or excavations, the Service-approved biologist will remain on-site until water is pumped from die trench, pit, or excavation. Following pumping, tl1e Service-approved biologist will inspect the trench, pit, or excavation area and the surrounding uplands to determine if disturbance to any California tiger salamanders has occurred and implement any other measures necessary (e.g. placement of cover boards or exclusionary fencing) to protect any California tiger salamanders that may emerge due to the wet soil;

18) Pipes laid underground or stored on tl1e ground will be capped, covered, or taped in a manner that exclude California tiger salamander from entering the pipe prior to tl1e completion of the construction project. Long-term storage of pipes and other construction material should be placed on asphalt and raised above the ground by no less than 1.5 inches (on top of 2x4 inch supports);

19) Trenches, pits, and excavations will be covered in a manner tl1at exclude California tiger…