W912PL-17-B-0001-AM_0003.pdf

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT 1. CONTRACT ID CODE

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICAITON NO. 3. EFFECTIVE DATE 4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO. 5. PROJECT NO. (If applicble)

7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6) CODE

STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 10-83)

Prescribed by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

FACILITY CODE

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICIATION NO.

9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers is extended, is not extended.

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

(a)By completing items 8 and 15, and returning copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted;

or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment your desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPIRATION DATA (If required)

13. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO MODIFICATION OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS.

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

CHECK ONE A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER

NO. IN ITEM 10A.

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc. ) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not, is required to sign this document and return copies to the issuing office.

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15C. DATE SIGNED

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

16C. DATE SIGNED

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION ( Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

PAGE OF PAGES

6. ISSUED BY CODE

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., street, county, State and ZIP Code) (X)

CODE

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

(Signature of person authorized to sign)

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

NSN 7540-01-152-8070

Previous edition unusable

1 226

0003 Mar 15, 2017

USACE-LOS ANGELES DISTRICT

CONTRACTING DIVISION, WEST REGION BRANCH

915 WILSHIRE BLVD, SUITE 1440

LOS ANGELES, CA 90017

W912PL-17-B-0001

Feb 2, 2017

"Replace 12Kv Overhead Line and Underground Distribution Lines, B-3 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, CA" The following attachments provided within are here by made part of the contract:

Attachment 1: Comments to Drawings Attachment 2: Programmatic Biological Opinion (PBO) Attachment 3: Circuit B3 Drawing Attachment 4: Geo-technical Report The Due date remains unchanged.

INSTRUCTIONS

Instructions for items other than those that are self-explanatory, are as follows:

Item 1 (Contract ID Code) . Insert the contract type identification code that appears in the title block of the contract being modified.

Item 3 (Effective date) .

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

For a solicitation amendment, change order, or administrative change, the effective date shall be the issue date of the amendment, change order, or administrative change.

For a supplemental agreement, the effective date shall be the date agreed to by the contracting parties.

For a modification issued as an initial or confirming notice of termination for the convenience of the Government, the effective date and the modification number of the confirming notice shall be the same as the effective date and modification number of the initial notice.

For a modification converting a termination for default to a termination for the convenience of the Government, the effective date shall be the same as the effective date of the termination for default.

For a modification confirming the contacting officer's determination of the amount due in settlement of a contract termination, the effective date shall be the same as the effective date of the initial decision.

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

(f)

Item 6 (Issued By) . Insert the name and address of the issuing office. If applicable, insert the appropriate issuing office code in the code block.

Item 8 (Name and Address of Contractor) . For modifications to a contract or order, enter the contractor's name, address, and code as shown in the original contract or order, unless changed by this or a previous modification.

Item 9, (Amendment of Solicitation No. - Dated), and 10, (Modification of Contract/Order No. - Dated ). Check the appropriate box and in the corresponding blanks insert the number and date of the original solicitation, contract, or order.

Item 12 (Accounting and Appropriation Data) .

When appropriate, indicate the impact of the modification on each affected accounting classification by inserting one of the following entries.

(2) Accounting classification Net decrease $

Include subject matter or short title of solicitation/contract where feasible.

Item 16B . The contracting officer's signature is not required on solicitation amendments. The contracting offier's signature is normally affixed last on supplemental agreements.

(i)

NOTE: If there are changes to multiple accounting classifications that cannot be placed in block 12, insert an asterisk and the words "See continuation sheet".

Item 13 . Check the appropriate box to indicate the type of modification. Insert in the corresponding blank the authority under which the modification is issued. Check whether or not contractor must sign this document. (See FAR 43.103.)

Item 14 (Description of Amendment/Modification) .

Organize amendments or modifications under the appropriate Uniform Contract Format (UCF) section headings from the applicable solicitation or contract. The UCF table of contents, however, shall not be set forth in this document Indicate the impact of the modification on the overall total contract price by inserting one of the following entries:

Total contract price increased by $

Total contract price decreased by $

Total contract price unchanged.

State reason for modification.

When removing, reinstating, or adding funds, identify the contract items and accounting classifications.

When the SF 30 is used to reflect a determination by the contracting officer of the amount due in settlement of a contract terminated for the convenience of the Government, the entry in Item 14 of the modification may be limited to --

A reference to the letter determination; and

A statement of the net amount determined to be due in settlement of the contract.

(g)

(h)

(i)

(ii)

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

(i)

(ii)

(iii)

STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 10-83) BACK

(1) Accounting classification Net increase $

NEW POLE # SHEET # DISCREPENCY COMMENT RESPONSE

Relocated transformer is to be installed but sheet E-102 does not indicate any note #4.

New fuse cut outs are to be installed but sheet E-102 does not indicate any note #5.

New fuse cut outs are to be installed but sheet E-102 does not indicate any note #5.

Sheet E-301 directs provisions for future light install but sheet -102 reflects a light symbol with no note #7 Clarification for light install needs to addressed.

New fuse cut outs are to be installed but sheet E-102 does not indicate any note #5

Scope shall be per E-301. Note 4 and 7 shall apply to the pole on E102.

Scope shall be per E-301. On E-102, replace note 3 at the pole with note 4.

Scope shall be per E-301. On E-102, replace note 3 at the pole with note 5.

Scope shall be per E-301. Note 5 shall apply to the pole on E-102

Scope on E-302 to be revised to include light fixture. On E-102, replace note 3 at the pole with note 5 and apply note 7 to the pole.

B3 12KV 100% DRAWING DISCREPECIES

Scope shall be per E-301.Note 7 and lighting symbol shall apply to the pole on E -101.

Scope shall be per E-301. On E-102, replace note 3 at the pole with note 4.

Scope shall be per E-301.On E-102, replace note 3 at the pole with note 5.

Scope shall be per E-301. Note 5&7 of E-102 shall apply to the pole.

Light is to be relocated to new pole but sheet E101 Does not indicate any symbol and note #7.

Relocated transformer is to be installed but sheet E-102 Does not indicate any note #4.

New fuse cut outs are to be installed but sheet E-102 Does not indicate any symbol and note #5 in location.

New fuse cut outs are to be installed but sheet E-102 Does not indicate any symbol and note #5 in location.

E-301B3-00/15

B3-00/24

B3-00/26

B3-00/26-04

B3-00/26-06

B3-00/26-08

B3-00/28

B3-00/29

B3-00/31

E-301

E-302

E-301

E-301

Light is to be relocated to new pole but sheet E-102 Does not indicate any symbol and note #7.

Relocated transformer is to be installed but sheet E-102 Does not indicate any note #4.

E-301

E-301

E-301

E-301

Amendment 0003-Attachment 1

Sheet E-104 reflects symbol and note #5 for fuse cut outs but sheet E-302 does not direct install. Clarification of install needs be addressed.

New fuse cut outs are to be installed but sheet E-102 does not indicate any note #5.

Relocated transformer is to be installed but sheet E-102 does not indicate any note #4.

New fuse cut outs are to be installed but sheet E-102 Does not indicate any note #5 Relocated transformer is to be installed but sheet E-102 Does not indicate any note #4.

New fuse cut outs are to be installed but sheet E-107 does not indicate any note #3.

Relocated transformer is to be installed but sheet E-107 does not indicate any note #5.

Scope shall be per E-302. Transformer symbol to be added on E-102.

No fused cut outs required on this pole.

Disregard symbol and note 3 at the pole.

Relocated transformer is to be installed but sheet E-102 does not indicate any symbol.

Sheet E-106 reflects symbol and note #5 for fuse cut outs But sheet E-302 does not direct install. Clarification of install needs to be addressed.

Scope shall be per E-305. Symbol and note 3 shall apply to this pole on E-110.

Sheet E-110 indicates existing transformer to be installed but sheet E-305 does not direct installation. Clarification of install needs be addressed.

New fuse cut outs are to be installed but sheet E-110 does not indicate any symbol and note #3.

Scope shall be per E-304. On E-108 apply note 3 to the pole.

New fuse cut outs are to be installed but sheet E-108 does not indicate any note #3.

New fuse cut outs are to be installed but sheet E-110 does not indicate any symbol and note #3

Scope shall be per E-305. On E-110 apply note 3 to the pole.

Scope shall be per E-305. No transformer on this pole. Disregard symbol and noteat the pole.

Scope shall be per E-303. On E-107 apply note 3 to the pole.

Scope shall be per E-303. Note 5 shall apply to the pole on E-107.

Revise scope on E-302 to include installation of fused cutouts as shown on E-104

Scope shall be per E-301. Note 4 and 5 shall apply to the the pole on E-102

Scope shall be per E-301. Note 4 and 5 shall apply to the the pole on E-102

B3-01/06-04

B3-01/04-02

B3-01/04-04

B3-01/06-08

B3-02/12

B3-02/15

B3-02/24-02

B3-03/10-1

B3-04/04

B3-04/04-02

B3-04/12-03 E-305

E-110

E-305

E-303

E-303

E-303

E-106

E-302

E-104

E-302

E-302

Amendment 0003-Attachment 1

IN REPLY REFER TO:

08EVEN-2013-F-0430

December 3, 2015

Beatrice L. Kephart

30 CES/CEI

1028 Iceland Avenue Vandenberg Air Force Base, California 93437

Subject: Programmatic Biological Opinion on Routine Mission Operations and

Maintenance Activities, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Santa Barbara County, California (8-8-13-F-49R)

Dear Ms. Kephart:

This document transmits the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (Service) biological opinion based on our review of the U.S. Air Force’s (Air Force) programmatic biological assessment and subsequent request to reinitiate consultation on routine mission operations and maintenance activities at Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB). We received your request for reinitiation, dated August 22, 2013, in our office on August 29, 2013. At issue are the effects of Air Force activities on the federally threatened California red-legged frog (Rana aurora draytonii), vernal pool fairy shrimp (Branchinecta lynchi), western snowy plover (Charadrius nivosus nivosus), and southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis); the federally endangered beach layia (Layia carnosa), Gambel’s watercress (Nasturtium gambelii), Gaviota tarplant (Deinandra increscens ssp. villosa), Lompoc yerba santa (Eriodictyon capitatum), El Segundo blue butterfly (Euphilotes battoides ssp. allyni), tidewater goby (Eucyclogobius newberryi), unarmored threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus williamsoni), California least tern (Sterna antillarum browni), and southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus). Your request and our response are in accordance with section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act)(16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).

Your reinitiation request included a description of anticipated effects on, what was at the time, the federally proposed endangered Vandenberg monkeyflower (Diplacus vandenbergensis) and requested a conference opinion. The Vandenberg monkeyflower has since been listed as endangered (79 FR 50844). Therefore, our analysis for this species is included in our biological opinion rather than as a conference opinion. Your request to reinitiate consultation also included the California brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis). The brown pelican has been delisted and is not discussed further in this biological opinion.

After reviewing the information provided by the Air Force and the status of the species for the Gambel’s watercress, southwestern willow flycatcher, and the southern sea otter, we have

United States Department of the Interior

FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office

2493 Portola Road, Suite B Ventura, California 93003

Amendment 0003 - Attachment 2

Beatrice L. Kephart 2 concluded that the proposed project activities are not likely to adversely affect these species.

The bases for our determinations follow:

Gambel’s Watercress

VAFB contains the only known extant population of the federally endangered Gambel’s watercress. Approximately 100 individual plants were found along a deep, slow moving channel that runs along the south side of the Purisima Hills, which is part of the San Antonio Creek watershed and just north of the main entrance gate to VAFB (Keil and Holland 1998). This population occupies less than 1 acre. A historical population that was located at Barka Slough has been extirpated or has introgressed (i.e., hybridized) with the common watercress (Nasturtium officinale) (M. Elvin, Service biologist, pers. comm. 2008). Base-wide surveys for Gambel’s watercress in suitable habitat were completed on VAFB in 1996 and the Air Force conducted surveys in 2008 and 2009.

The Air Force identified a primary buffer consisting of the area within 500 feet of the extant population of Gambel’s watercress. A secondary buffer that encompasses the headwaters of the San Antonio Creek watershed beyond the primary buffer includes the area beyond already developed facility boundaries between the north cantonment area boundary and Firefighter Road.

The closest existing infrastructure to the occupied habitat is a culvert and barbed wire fence located approximately 430 feet to the east. Both structures are within the primary buffer area.

While the Air Force would perform periodic maintenance of this culvert and fence, they would restrict all other activities within this primary buffer area. In addition, the Air Force proposes to avoid adversely affecting the Gambel’s watercress and its habitat by implementing measures that include accessing the occupied area by foot only, conducting surveys for, and removal of, the common watercress if observed in occupied habitat, flagging individual Gambel’s watercress plants to avoid, using only manual methods to remove invasive plant species, restricting heavy equipment used in invasive species control efforts to existing roads and trails, using backpack sprayers and extension hoses in upland areas, cleaning all equipment (including footwear) prior to entering occupied habitats, mixing chemicals in non-sensitive areas, and a Service-approved biologist familiar with Gambel’s watercress will inform all project personnel of the occupied habitat location and the restrictions afforded to this area.

The Air Force would also implement a suite of measures within the secondary buffer area to minimize the potential impacts to the headwaters of the watershed, and within historical locations and areas that contain suitable habitat. The Air Force will minimize areas of disturbance to the maximum extent practicable, conduct maintenance and refueling of vehicles and equipment on existing roads and paved areas, restrict access for maintenance activities to existing roads, implement measures to minimize sedimentation, erosion, and the downstream deposition of project-related toxic compounds (i.e. cement), and coordinate project activities with 30 CES/CEI prior to conducting any project activities within this secondary buffer area.

The Air Force will conduct surveys during the flowering and fruiting period (April through September) at least every 3 years contingent upon funding. Based on habitat and soil

Beatrice L. Kephart 3 characteristics, which may occur at various locations throughout the base, surveys will focus on areas with high potential for the occurrence of the species. Because the federally endangered Marsh Sandwort (Arenaria paludicola) is currently not known to occur on VAFB but it occurs in similar habitat, the Air Force proposed to survey for this species concurrently with Gambel’s watercress during the base-wide survey efforts. The Air Force’s botanist, or another botanist familiar with the Gambel’s watercress and who are approved by the Service prior to conducting the surveys, would be the only biologists who could conduct the base-wide surveys.

The activities proposed by the Air Force would not affect Gambel’s watercress because of the measures the Air Force would implement to avoid adverse effects to the extant population of the species. Thus, we are not discussing Gambel’s watercress further in this biological opinion.

Southwestern Willow Flycatcher

A small population of the southwestern willow flycatchers, between one and five adults, consistently occurred on VAFB during the spring and summer months between 1995 and 2004.

This population was distributed between two sites in willow riparian habitat along the Santa Ynez River, the Wildlife Natural Resources Area and near 13th Street. At the 13th Street site, two abandoned nests were found in 1995 and breeding was documented in 1998 (Farmer et al. 2003);

however, this nesting site was destroyed by high water flows during the winter storms of 2000- 2001. Southwestern willow flycatchers were documented from 1992 through 1994 near the Miguelito Wetland on the south bank of the Santa Ynez River east of the remnants of the 35th Street Bridge, with breeding confirmed in 1992 (Farmer et al. 2003). The northernmost nesting sites along the coastal California recovery unit were documented on the Santa Ynez River (Service 2002a); however, southwestern willow flycatchers have not been observed in this area in subsequent years.

Although there have been no confirmed sightings or observed breeding activity at VAFB since 2004, the Air Force proposes to implement measures to avoid and (or) minimize potential adverse effects to southwestern willow flycatchers if individuals are observed on base. A biologist familiar with southwestern willow flycatchers will conduct surveys in riparian habitats during the breeding season (May 15 through August 15) every third year contingent upon funding, and conduct pre-activity surveys if project activities are planned to occur in suitable habitat between May through August. If southwestern willow flycatchers are observed, project activities will be confined to already developed areas, or if the project requires new areas to be cleared only those areas outside of a 500-foot buffer from the nest would be disturbed. In addition, the Air Force will monitor the first two launches of any new or louder space vehicle or program from Space Launch Complex (SLC)-3 between May 15 and August 15 (surveys will be conducted before each launch, during the launch for daytime launches, if safety allows, and following each launch). The Air Force will also monitor at the Santa Ynez River during launches from SLC-4 if flycatchers are present. The Air Force will also direct all visitors to stay on established trails at the Wildlife Natural Resources Area, remove brown-headed cowbird eggs and chicks from parasitized nests, conduct maintenance of trails near historically occupied areas outside of the breeding season (unless nests are not present), and apply herbicides at least 100

Beatrice L. Kephart 4 feet from occupied habitat; only chemicals approved for use in aquatic habitats will be authorized.

Because the Air Force has not observed southwestern willow flycatchers on the base since 2004, breeding birds or migrants, and they propose to implement measures to avoid and (or) minimize potential effects of the project activities on individuals and suitable habitat, we determined that the project activities contained within this biological opinion are not likely to adversely affect southwestern willow flycatchers. Therefore, we are not discussing this species further in this biological opinion.

Southern Sea Otter

Southern sea otters currently inhabit shallow coastal waters in San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara Counties. The range extends from around Half Moon Bay in the north to approximately Gaviota in the south. Sea otters inhabit the nearshore waters along VAFB. A small experimental population also occurs at San Nicolas Island in Ventura County;

the result of translocation efforts conducted in 1987.

Following a period of decline between 1995 and 2000, the southern sea otter population appears to be moving toward recovery, with an average growth rate of approximately 5 percent per year over the 2001 to 2007 period (U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 2007). Most of this increase has occurred at the south end of the range (south of Estero Bay), with a more sluggish rate of growth in the northern and central portions of the range where densities are highest, suggesting that sea otters may be approaching local carrying capacity in some areas (Tinker et al. 2006). The current population is estimated at approximately 2,800 individuals (USGS 2007).

The Air Force has attained monitoring data during their launch activities since 1998 that indicate launch noise and security overflights do not substantially affect the number or activities of this species in the nearshore marine environments of VAFB. The Air Force is controlling activities such as maintenance dredging and boat traffic within the harbor such that sea otters will not be affected. No other proposed project activities would affect sea otters. Therefore, we determined that the project activities contained within this biological opinion are not likely to adversely affect the sea otter, and we are not discussing this species further in this biological opinion.

Likewise, activities conducted by the Air Force at the harbor are not expected to affect any other listed species and are not discussed further.

This biological opinion was prepared using information provided in your request for formal consultation, electronic and telephone communications between our staffs, and information in our files. A complete record of this consultation can be made available at the Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office.

CONSULTATION HISTORY

Beatrice L. Kephart 5

On September 22, 2011, we issued a programmatic biological opinion (PBO) to the Air Force for routine mission operations and maintenance activities at VAFB. Over forty projects have been covered under the PBO during the first 3 years of implementation. On August 22, 2013, the Air Force requested reinitiation of formal consultation to update species distributions, refine some specific covered activity descriptions, and to include the Vandenberg monkeyflower. The Air Force provided additional information via a letter dated February 24, 2014 and via email throughout the development of this biological opinion. We met with Air Force staff on March 13, and April 15, 2014, regarding the reinitiation measures.

Superseded Existing Biological Opinions

Several existing section 7 consultations for projects similar to the project activities described in this programmatic biological opinion have been recently completed or are currently in effect.

This programmatic biological opinion would supersede the existing consultations that contain similar actions to those that are analyzed within this document. The superseded biological opinions include: Titan Space Launch Program at SLC-4 (biological opinion number 1-8-96- F/C-29), Delta II/SLC-2 Space Launch Rate Increase (1-8-96-F-53R), Theater Missile Targets Program (1-8-98-F-24), Delta II/SLC-2 and Taurus LF-576-E Launch Programs (1-8-98-F-25R), Atlas Launch Program (1-8-99-F/C-79), Landfill Operations and Cell Closure (1-8-06-F-2), IRP Site 32 Cluster Project (1-8-06-F-26), Small Missile Launch Site LF-06 (1-8-06-F-17), Firebreaks and Access Roads (1-8-06-F-43), Military Munitions Response Program (MMRP) (1- 8-07-F-54, 8-8-09-F-39R, 8-8-10-F-27R), Reinitiation of the Atlas Launch Program at SLC-3E (1-8-08-F-6R), Closure of Solid Waste Disposal Cell at the VAFB Landfill (1-8-06-F-2).

Some existing biological opinions will remain in place because the projects’ actions are not similar or are larger in scope than the actions analyzed within this programmatic biological opinion. These include: Beach Management and Water Rescue Training (8-8-12-F-11R), San Antonio Creek Restoration (8-8-09-F-49R), Borrow Pits (8-8-10-F-5), Military Family Housing (1-8-06-F-7), Modification and Operation of SLC-4E (8-8-10-F-38), and the Expandable Evolved Launch Vehicle (EELV) Program and Firebreak and Landscape Maintenance at SLC-6 (1-8-99-F-27, 1-8-06-F-18, 1-8-07-F-1R).

Qualifying Language

On September 11, 2008, we submitted comments to the Air Force regarding their use of qualifying language (e.g., “when practicable”) in the avoidance and minimization measures. We stated that if such qualifying language is associated with the measures, we do not have an adequate level of certainty that the measures will be implemented and therefore we must analyze the effects of the proposed activities without the avoidance and minimization measures being implemented.

On January 15, 2010, the Air Force stated that the avoidance and minimization measures without the qualifying language implements spatial and temporal constraints that represent an unacceptable level of restriction to the Air Force’s mission (T. Devenoge, Chief of Natural

Beatrice L. Kephart 6

Resources at VAFB, pers. comm. 2010). Consequently, the Air Force re-proposed to incorporate qualifying language into the avoidance and minimization measures in an effort to reduce the spatial and temporal constraints because the Air Force stated that it would be on a rare occasion when they could not implement the avoidance and minimization measures as part of a project’s actions. In addition, as part of the pre-project notification requirement, the Air Force stated that it would inform us when implementing the measures would not be feasible as part of a project’s actions, and they would implement the measures a vast majority of the time. Therefore, we agreed to analyze the effects of the actions as if the measures would be implemented, even if the qualifying language is incorporated; however, if the Air Force informs us in the pre-project notification that a measure is not feasible, thus not implemented, the Service will make a determination whether or not implementing a particular measure would result in effects to a federally listed species beyond our analysis. The following two scenarios would occur based on our determination:

1. If the Service determines that there is no change to the effects analysis and the project is within the scope of this biological opinion, the project could go forth as planned.

2. If the Service determines that the project would result in a change to the effects analysis and (or) is not within the scope of this biological opinion, the subject project would not be covered by this biological opinion and the Air Force must either: (a) reinitiate this biological opinion, or (b) submit a request for a separate consultation pursuant to section 7 of the Act.

Federal regulations which implement section 7 of the Act require reinitiation of consultation when new information reveals effects of the action that may affect listed species or critical habitat in a manner or to an extent not previously considered (50 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 402.16). Taking of federally listed species that results from Federal agency actions not analyzed in a biological opinion, and not exempted by an associated incidental take statement, is prohibited pursuant to section 9 of the Act.

Beatrice L. Kephart 7

BIOLOGICAL OPINION

Table of Contents

Description of the Proposed Actions………………………………………………….. 11

1. Mission Operations……………………………………………...…………………… 12

1.1. Space and Missile Launch Operation………………………………………. 12

1.2. Security and Antiterrorism Operations……………………………………

1.3. Air Operations……………………………………………………………… 14

1.4. Miscellaneous Mission Operations……………………………………… 15

2. Infrastructure Support……………………………………………………………… 16

2.1. Road Maintenance…………………………………………………………… 16

2.2. Utility Installation, Maintenance, and Removal……………..……………… 17

2.3. Landscaping………………………………………………………………… 23

2.4. Fencing Installation, Maintenance, and Removal…………………………… 24

3. Infrastructure Development………………………………………………………… 24

3.1. Development Pattern………………………………………………………… 24

3.2. Future Development………………………………………………………… 25

4. Environmental Management Programs…………………………………………… 27

4.1. Installation Restoration Program (IRP)……………………………………… 27

4.2. Military Munitions Response Program (MMRP)…………………………… 29

4.3. Environmental Compliance…………………….………………………… 32

4.4. Archeological Support……………………………………………………… 32

4.5. Invasive and Pest Species Management…………………………………….… 33

4.6. Grazing and Livestock…………………………………………………….… 35

4.7. Sensitive Species Management……………………….…………………… 36

5. Fire Management……………………………………………………………………… 37

6. Environmental Review Process……………………………………………………… 38

7. Avoidance and Minimization Measures……………………………………………… 39

7.1. Base-wide Management Practices…………………………………………… 39

Beatrice L. Kephart 8

7.2. Species Specific Measures…………………………………………………… 42

Vandenberg Monkeyflower …………………………………………… 42

Beach Layia……………………………………………………………… 43

Gaviota Tarplant………………………………………………………… 44

Lompoc Yerba Santa……………………………………………………… 44

Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp………………………………………………….. 45

El Segundo Blue Butterfly…………………………………………………. 46

California Red-legged Frog………………………………………………. 48

Tidewater Goby and Unarmored Threespine Stickleback ……………. 49

California Least Tern…………………………………………………….. 50

Western Snowy Plover…………………………………………………… 51

Analytical Framework for the Jeopardy Determination…………………………………… 52

Status of the Species……………………………………………………………… 52

Vandenberg Monkeyflower………………………………………………. 52

Beach Layia……………………………………………………………….. 55

Gaviota Tarplant…………………………………………………………… 56

Lompoc Yerba Santa………………………………………………………. 58

Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp…………………………………………………. 60

El Segundo Blue Butterfly………………………………………………… 63

California Red-legged Frog……………………………………………….. 66

Tidewater Goby…………………………………………………………… 68

Unarmored Threespine Stickleback……………………………………….. 70

California Least Tern………………………………………………………. 71

Western Snowy Plover…………………………………………………….. 74

Environmental Baseline……………………………………………………………………. 78

Vandenberg Monkeyflower ……………………………………………….. 79

Beach Layia……………………………………………………………….. 80

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Gaviota Tarplant…………………………………………………………… 80

Lompoc Yerba Santa……………………………………………………. 81

Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp…………………………………………………. 81

El Segundo Blue Butterfly……………………………………………… 82

California Red-legged Frog……………………………………………. 83

Tidewater Goby………………………………………………………… 85

Unarmored Threespine Stickleback……………………………………….. 86

California Least Tern……………………………………………………. 88

Western Snowy Plover………………………………………………….. 89

Effects of the Action………………………………………………………………………. 90

Emergency Actions………………………………………………………………… 90

Routine Mowing…………………………………………………………………… 91

Firebreaks………………………………………………………………………….. 91

Minor Construction………………………………………………………………… 92

Species-Specific Effects Analysis…………………………………………………. 92

Vandenberg Monkeyflower……………………………………………….. 93

Beach Layia……………………………………………………………….. 95

Gaviota Tarplant…………………………………………………………… 99

Lompoc Yerba Santa……………………………………………………… 101

Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp…………………………………………………. 103

El Segundo Blue Butterfly………………………………………………… 108

California Red-legged Frog……………………………………………….. 114

Tidewater Goby and Unarmored Threespine Stickleback………………… 119

California Least Tern and Western Snowy Plover………………………… 123

Cumulative Effects………………………………………………………………………… 126

Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………. 127

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Vandenberg Monkeyflower ……………………………………………… 127

Beach Layia……………………………………………………………….. 127

Gaviota Tarplant…………………………………………………………... 128

Lompoc Yerba Santa……………………………………………………

Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp………………………………………………… 128

El Segundo Blue Butterfly…………………………………………..…….. 129

California Red-legged Frog…………………………………………..……. 130

Tidewater Goby……………………………………………………...…….. 130

Unarmored Threespine Stickleback………………………………..……… 130

California Least Tern……………………………………………………... 131

Western Snowy Plover……………………………………………………. 131

Incidental Take Statement…………………………………………………………………. 132

Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp………………………………………………….. 133

El Segundo Blue Butterfly…………………………………………………. 133

California Red-legged Frog……………………………………………….. 134

Tidewater Goby and Unarmored Threespine Stickleback………………. 134

California Least Tern and Western Snowy Plover………………………… 135

Reasonable and Prudent Measures………………………………………………………… 135

Terms and Conditions…………………………………………………………………

Reporting Requirements…………………………………………………………………… 141

Disposition of Dead or Injured Specimens………………………………………………... 142

Conservation Recommendations…………………………………………………………... 142

Reinitiation Notice………………………………………………………………………… 144

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DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTIONS

The 30th Space Wing (30 SW) at VAFB is the Air Force Space Command organization responsible for Department of Defense (DOD) space and missile launch activities on the West Coast of the United States. The 30 SW supports launch activities for the Air Force, DOD, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), foreign nations, and various private industry contractors. VAFB supports the processing and launch of a variety of expendable vehicles including Atlas V, Delta IV, Delta II, Pegasus, Minotaur, Taurus, and Falcon. The 30 SW also supports Force Development Evaluation of intercontinental ballistic missiles as well as Missile Defense Agency (MDA) tests and operations. VAFB’s major tenant units include the Joint Functional Component Command for Space, 14th Air Force, 576th Flight Test Squadron, MDA, 381st Training Group, National Reconnaissance Office, 50th Space Wing, and NASA.

All actions at VAFB directly or indirectly support mission-critical defense and national security programs and objectives of the United States Air Force. For organizational purposes, supporting requirements of VAFB’s mission are classified into specific program headings. The Air Force conducts numerous mission and mission-related activities and operations on VAFB. For the purposes of this consultation only, the actions proposed by the Air Force consist of five core programs (Mission Operations, Infrastructure Support, Infrastructure Development, Environmental Management, and Fire Management) that occur throughout VAFB and are likely to adversely affect one or more of the aforementioned species and their respective habitats. The subsequent paragraphs comprise a brief description of these five programs and further describe diverse categories of launch-related, construction, and maintenance activities that would occur in accordance to these core programs. Proposed projects that exceed the scope and intensity of the anticipated work described in this document would require separate consultation pursuant to section 7 of the Act.

The Air Force will implement a suite of avoidance and minimization measures as part of its activities, which are listed following the description of the five core programs below. These measures are designed to avoid and minimize the adverse effects of all the proposed project activities on the federally listed species. Because this programmatic biological opinion contains diverse project activities and multiple species that require differing conservation strategies, the measures are arranged to include: (1) base-wide best management practices that the Air Force will implement for all project activities conducted under this biological opinion; and (2) species specific measures that the Air Force will implement to reduce adverse effects to each species.

Furthermore, we have included a description of VAFB internal environmental review process that is designed to alert the 30th Space Wing Installation Management Flight (30 CES/CEI) of activities with the potential to affect sensitive resources on the Base.

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1. Mission Operations

1.1 Space and Missile Launch Operations

VAFB is the only military installation in the United States from which government and commercial satellites are launched into polar orbit. It is also the only location from which intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) are launched to verify their accuracy and reliability.

In addition, the MDA is one of the many tenants on VAFB and conducts interceptor launches that engage targets over the broad ocean area to test their defensive missile system and has interceptors on 24-hour alert to defend the continental United States from incoming missile threats. The unique coastal geography of the base, with the north coastline facing west and much of the south coastline facing south, provides a wide range of azimuths for space and missile launches without flying over populated areas and is the principal reason why such a variety of launches are possible from VAFB.

Space Launch Programs

Current space launch facilities include six active SLCs with vehicle payload checkout and processing assemblies for heavy, medium, and small lift operations. Expendable boosters launched or planned to launch from VAFB include, but are not limited to, Atlas V, Delta II, Delta IV, Taurus, Minotaur, Pegasus, and Falcon 9. South base accommodates SLC-3E (Atlas V), SLC-4E (Falcon 9), SLC-6 (Delta IV), and SLC-8 (Minotaur). SLC-2 (Delta II) and LF- 576E (Taurus) are located on north base.

Space lift launch vehicle booster stages fall into the Pacific Ocean after their propellant has been consumed; the next stage is then fired to resume powered flight. Jettisoned objects sink to the ocean floor and are not recovered due to the extreme difficulty in locating and recovering such objects in deep ocean waters. On rare occasions launch anomalies may occur; however, because of the very low probability of this occurring, we are not analyzing the effects of launch anomalies. In fact, launch success at VAFB between 1960 and 2000 was approximately 94 percent (U.S. Air Force (USAF) 2008).

Launch frequency is variable and future launch rates are subject to change based on mission need. For the last 5 years, the Air Force has not exceeded 12 combined space and missile launches per year; however, the Air Force proposes to conduct a maximum of 50 launches in any calendar year (35 space and 15 test/missile launches), including those by the MDA and commercial operators such as United Launch Alliance (a joint venture of Boeing and Lockheed Martin).

Missile Launch Operations

The Air Force operates the Minuteman III ICBM program at VAFB from Launch Facilities (LF) 04, 09, 10, 26, which are located on north base. Operational missiles are selected from the current force; the warheads are removed and are launched into the Kwajalein Atoll at the Reagan

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Test Site. The Air Force conducts approximately three Minuteman Force Development and Evaluation launches per year. LF-06 is a Developmental Test and Evaluation launch facility to test new systems and upgrades for the Minuteman fleet using retired Minuteman II missiles. LF- 06 is also used to launch Minuteman II missiles as target missiles for MDA interceptors. LF-08 is a non-operational training launch site used to train Minuteman III maintenance personnel.

Currently unused Minuteman and Peacekeeper launch facilities include LF-05, LF-07, and LF-

25. TP-01, also on north base, under current operational plans would utilize the Minotaur IV Lite or a similar conventional strike missile.

In 2004, under Presidential Directive 23 issued on December 16, 2002, the Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) program began deploying a set of missile defense capabilities at VAFB. This directive provides for the Limited Defensive Operations, which is the ability to detect and track a limited number of long-range ballistic missiles, and launch missiles to intercept and destroy them in defense of the nation. GMD facilities consist of interceptor launch and multiple processing facilities. Five currently operational interceptor/test launch sites are LF- 02, LF-03, LF-21, LF-23, and LF-24.

The MDA Targets and Countermeasures Program includes a plan to launch a variety of target launch vehicles from north base. Target vehicles provide threat representative profiles against which the performance and capability of defensive systems can be tested and measured. Any future construction related to MDA activities would be considered minor construction, which is included in this consultation and described below, or they would require independent formal section 7 consultations because the activities could be beyond the scope of this biological opinion. Other planned and possible MDA modifications include an operationally capable GMD interceptor launch site, the Flexible Target Family of larger targets, missile processing facilities, and an administrative and storage facility likely to be located within VAFB’s main cantonment

The Air Force is developing a small targets launch site to launch targets for the Airborne Laser and Space Tracking and Surveillance System. The location of this new launch site is adjacent to LF-06 and is designated LF-06A. Additionally, the Air Force may add the capability for fixed and portable rail launchers for target vehicles, some of which are identified in the Theater Ballistic Missile Targets Programmatic Environmental Assessment (USAF 1997).

As part of the space and missile launch programs, the Air Force may reactivate existing silos and expand existing facilities. In most cases, these activities would occur within previously disturbed or developed areas. To reactivate, operate, and maintain existing launch facilities at VAFB, the Air Force may demolish and (or) remove existing equipment, fences, antenna towers, and power poles; install structures above and below ground such as subsurface communication lines and utilities, new power poles and power lines, firebreaks, diesel-powered generators, security barriers, fences, and lighting; and repave access roads.

Fires resulting from a launch are atypical but may occur near a launch site. To minimize the potential for a fire, the Air Force clears firebreaks around launch facilities to keep the fuel loads

Beatrice L. Kephart 14 to a minimum. In addition, the vegetation around security fences is mowed to establish a 50-foot security clear zone around each facility. These areas are typically mowed twice per year.

1.2 Security and Antiterrorism Operations

Security and antiterrorism operations primarily include aerial patrols, law enforcement patrols, pre-space and missile launch patrols, poacher patrols, search and rescue operations, and boundary evaluation. These operations could include using all-terrain-vehicles (ATVs) to conduct the patrols, which typically traverse the base via existing roads and trails; installing high-powered lights; and removing vegetation to improve visibility at secure facilities, gates, and similar locations. Fence maintenance and repair is another key component of security and antiterrorism operations.

1.3 Air Operations

Airfield and Flight Test Operations

Unlike most Air Force installations, use of the airfield is not the dominant activity. VAFB does not maintain an active flying mission; however, approximately 120 fixed wing aircraft flights are scheduled and approximately 6,000 take-offs and landings occur per year.

The frequency of low level airplane testing is highly variable with a maximum frequency of three flights per week with four to five passes per flight. The number of flights could range from 0 to 50 flights per year. An average of 10 flights per year, including 50 fly-over low altitude passes over the airfield per year, is a reasonable estimate.

Restrictions to airfield and Flight Test Operations are described in 30 SW Instruction 13-201, Base Airfield Operations. With notable exceptions including search and rescue missions, security incidents, or aircraft emergencies, these restrictions include:

1. Pilots climb to 1,900 feet above sea level (asl) over the Purisima Point area during the

California least tern and western snowy plover breeding seasons (March 1 through September 30).

2. Year-round avoidance of Point Sal/Lion Rock by at least 1,000 feet in all directions. This area supports pinnipeds [i.e., Pacific harbor seals (Phoca vitulina richardsi) and California sea lions (Zalophus californianus)].

3. Maintaining a year-round, minimum 500-foot altitude from Minuteman Beach to

Purisima Point, Wall/Surf Beach, and Jalama Beach because this area contains western snowy plover habitat.

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4. Maintaining a year-round minimum 1,000-foot altitude over the Vandenberg Marine

Ecological Reserve (shoreline between Point Pedernales and Oil Well Canyon) to protect marine mammals and nesting seabirds.

Aircraft are likely to cause disruptions in the area of Purisima Point during standard (southwest of runway) visual flight rules traffic pattern operations. Therefore, the following procedures are enforced from March 1 to September 30:

1. Circling approaches to the southwest are prohibited unless flight safety dictates otherwise.

2. For right traffic to Runway 12, aircraft conducting rectangular/closed traffic patterns must delay base turn until abeam Point Purisima.

3. For left traffic to Runway 30, aircraft conducting rectangular/closed traffic patterns must execute a crosswind turn prior to the departure end of the runway. If unable to execute crosswind turn prior to the departure end of the runway, then they must fly runway heading and climb to 1,900 feet above mean sea level before turning crosswind.

Limited expansion of existing airfield operations and maintenance facilities is projected under the future land use development plan, including expanded use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles likely beginning in 2011. The Air Force anticipates constructing a new air traffic control tower with associated utilities and infrastructure northeast of the existing tower within the airfield development area.

Helicopter Operations

Helicopter operations at VAFB decreased in 2007 with the deactivation of the VAFB helicopter squadron, although other squadrons and units continue to use VAFB for purposes such as transit, exercises, and launch mission support. All helicopters maintain a 1,000-foot avoidance area of pinniped haul-out sites and maintain 1,900-feet asl over the Purisima Point area during the California least tern and western snowy plover breeding seasons, and fly no lower than 500 feet above western snowy plover habitat. Exceptions may occur when performing a search and rescue mission, when responding to a security incident, or during an aircraft emergency.

1.4 Miscellaneous Mission Operations

VAFB is serviced by a boat dock located within the marine ecological reserve, near Rocky Point on south base. As part of the launch operation at SLC-6, the Air Force may dredge the harbor and pier area twice per year to accommodate vessels that unload rocket motors and large booster segments. These actions are controlled primarily by other regulatory agencies and we have previously analyzed the effects of this dredging activity in a separate biological opinion (1-8-99- F-27). We recognize that dredging activities would occur as part of VAFB’s EELV launch program; the EELV launch program is not within the scope of this biological opinion.

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The Air Force conducts emergency preparedness drills on a routine basis. The Emergency Management Program examines potential emergencies and disasters, develops and implements programs aimed to reduce the impacts of these types of events, prepares for risks that cannot be eliminated, and prescribes actions to deal with and recover from such events. The drills may involve personnel responding to a simulated emergency, such as a fire, flood, airplane crash, and earthquake. Large drills occur quarterly and smaller units are involved in drills approximately once per month.