ENPLAN 3179 Bechelli Lane, Suite 100, Redding, CA 96002 530/221-0440 FAX 530/221-6963 www.enplan.com 

S:\09-Archive\000 Jobs Archive\278-08 SPI - Cogeneration Plant\1-Documents\Updated Biological for EPA review 4-10-10\Biol Rpt for EPA review 04-15-10.doc 

278-08

April 15, 2010 

Cedric Twight 

Sierra Pacific Industries 

PO Box 496014 

Redding, CA 96049-6014 

SUBJECT: Updated Biological Review for a Proposed Cogeneration Facility at the Sierra 

Pacific Industries, Inc., Sawmill in Anderson 

ENPLAN completed a biological and wetland screening for a proposed cogeneration facility at 

the Anderson Sawmill operated by Sierra Pacific Industries (SPI) on November 6, 2007. Since 

completion of the screening, the study area has been expanded to include a substation and a 

powerline corridor. Because the proposed project is subject to review by the U.S. 

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), this report focuses on potential effects to federally 

listed and candidate species presumed to occur, or potentially affected by work, in the project 

quadrangle. The potential presence of Wetlands and Other Waters of the U.S. was also 

evaluated. The proposed project is entirely on the SPI Anderson Sawmill parcel, and off-site 

improvements are not proposed in order to accommodate the proposed wood-fired 

cogeneration plant. A project vicinity map is shown in Figure 1 and an aerial photograph of the 

study area is provided in Figure 2. 

Records Review 

ENPLAN reviewed the enclosed United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) species list 

for the Cottonwood quadrangle (last updated December 1, 2009).

Field Reconnaissance 

A field reconnaissance of the cogeneration facility, substation, and powerline corridor was 

conducted on April 15, 2010. Most of the federally listed and Candidate species potentially 

occurring in the area would have been evident at the time the fieldwork was conducted. The 

potential presence of species not readily identifiable during the fieldwork was determined on the 

basis of observed habitat characteristics. 

Results

Federally Listed Plant Species 

Review of the USFWS species list for the Cottonwood quadrangle found that one federally listed 

plant species, slender Orcutt grass, is presumed to occur in or could potentially be affected by 

work in the quadrangle. Critical habitat is designated in the Cottonwood quadrangle for slender 

Orcutt grass. However, no critical habitat is designated for slender Orcutt grass on the project 

site. The potential for slender Orcutt grass to utilize the site is evaluated in Table 1. Slender 

Orcutt grass was not observed during the field inspection and is not expected to be present or 

affected by project implementation. 

Federally Listed and Candidate Wildlife Species 

Review of the USFWS species list for the Cottonwood quadrangle found that ten federally listed 

wildlife species (Conservancy fairy shrimp, vernal pool fairy shrimp, valley elderberry longhorn 
Cedric Twight 

April 15, 2010 

Page 2 

beetle, vernal pool tadpole shrimp, green sturgeon, Delta smelt, Central Valley steelhead, 

Central Valley spring-run Chinook salmon, Sacramento River winter-run Chinook salmon, and 

California red-legged frog) and one candidate wildlife species (western yellow-billed cuckoo) are 

presumed to occur in or could potentially be affected by work in the quadrangle. Critical habitat 

is designated in the Cottonwood quadrangle for the following species: vernal pool fairy shrimp, 

vernal pool tadpole shrimp, Central Valley steelhead, Central Valley spring-run Chinook salmon, 

and Sacramento River winter-run Chinook salmon. However, no critical habitat is designated 

for these species on the project site. The potential for each of these species to utilize the site is 

evaluated in Table 1. No federally listed or candidate species were observed during the field 

inspection. 

No elderberries, the larval host plant of the valley elderberry longhorn beetle, occur on the 

project site. However, several elderberries occur offsite along the banks of Spring Creek in the 

vicinity of the proposed substation. Sierra Pacific Industries has confirmed that no work is 

currently proposed within 100 feet of the elderberry shrubs. The valley elderberry longhorn 

beetle would thus not be affected by project implementation. However, if the final site plan 

shows that work would occur within 100 feet of the elderberries, the EPA may consult with the 

USFWS to assess effects on the beetle. During the consultation, the USFWS may require 

further assessment and/or mitigation. Assessment would entail documenting the size and 

number of elderberry stems ≥1” basal diameter, presence/absence of VELB exit holes, and 

characteristics of the surrounding plant community. Mitigation requirements for direct impacts 

(e.g., direct removal of shrubs or working within 20 feet of the dripline of the shrubs) would be 

determined based on the results of the field survey; potential indirect impacts would be 

minimized by installing/maintaining protective construction fencing around elderberry shrubs for 

the duration of the project, briefing construction workers of the presence of the shrubs, or 

implementation of other measures recommended by the Service. 

Chinook salmon and Central Valley steelhead are known to spawn and/or rear in the 

Sacramento River, and presumably in Spring Gulch. In addition, the nearby reach of the 

Sacramento River has a very low potential to provide spawning and rearing habitat for the green 

sturgeon. Because it is our understanding that the project proposal calls for all storm water 

runoff to be contained completely on the site and for Best Management Practices to be 

implemented for erosion control and spill prevention, we expect no adverse effects to Chinook 

salmon, Central Valley steelhead, or green sturgeon. Accordingly, no additional mitigation 

measures are proposed. 

Wetlands and Other Waters of the U.S. 

ENPLAN inspected the project site and identified one man-made pond within the study area. 

This pond appears to be isolated, and is used for mill operations. The pond is likely subject to 

the jurisdiction of the DFG and Regional Water Quality Control Board, and may be subject to 

Corps’ jurisdiction. If the powerline is suspended by supporting towers and fully avoids the pond 

permits would not be required from these agencies. However, if the proposed powerline or 

supporting towers would impact the pond, a Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement may 

required by the DFG, Water Quality Certification or a Waiver of the Waste Discharge 

Requirements may be required by the Regional Water Quality Control Board. If the pond is 

subject to the jurisdiction of the Corps of Engineers, we expect that the Corps would authorize 

the project under the non-notifying Nationwide Permit 12. Coordination with these agencies 

would be required to determine whether permits would be required for impacting the pond. 
Cedric Twight 

April 15, 2010 

Page 3 

Conclusions and Recommendations 

In summary, we find that the project site does not support any federally listed or candidate 

species. However, federally listed Chinook salmon (winter-run and spring-run), Central Valley 

steelhead, and green sturgeon in the nearby Sacramento River, and Chinook salmon and 

Central Valley steelhead in nearby Spring Creek could potentially be indirectly affected if 

sediment-laden water or pollutants are discharged into these waters. Because SPI has 

confirmed that all storm water runoff will be contained completely on the site and Best 

Management Practices will be implemented for erosion control and spill prevention, no adverse 

effects on Chinook salmon, Central Valley steelhead, or green sturgeon are expected. 

Because all work will be a minimum of 100 feet from the elderberries along Spring Creek, no 

impacts on the valley elderberry longhorn beetle would occur. However, if the final site plan 

necessitates working within 100 feet of the elderberries, the EPA may consult with the USFWS 

to evaluate potential effects on the beetle and could require mitigation for direct and/or indirect 

impacts. 

Permits from resource agencies may be required, depending on the configuration of the 

powerline and supporting towers. Coordination with the DFG, Regional Water Quality Control 

Board, and Corps of Engineers would be required to determine whether permits would be 

required for impacting the pond. 

Please contact Don Burk or me if you have any questions regarding the results or 

recommendations of our evaluation. 

Sincerely, 

Darrin Doyle 

Wildlife Biologist 

Enclosures: Figure 1. Project Vicinity Map 

Figure 2. Aerial Photograph of Study Area 

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Species List for the Cottonwood Quadrangle 

Table 1. Evaluation of the Potential for Federally Listed and Candidate Species 

Identified on the USFWS Species List for the Cottonwood Quadrangle 

to Occur on the Project Site 
Cogeneration Facility

Substation

Powerline Corridor

S:\09-Archive\000 Jobs Archive\278-08 SPI - Cogeneration Plant\3-Project GIS\3-Map Documents\vicinity map 4-15-10

04.15.10

Vicinity Map

Figure 1 Feature and boundary locations depicted are approximate only. 

X 0 1,000 2,000

Feet

SITE
S:\09-Archive\000 Jobs Archive\278-08 SPI - Cogeneration Plant\3-Project GIS\3-Map Documents\figure 2 - aerial photo for EPA biol Rpt. 4-15-10

04.15.10

Figure 2 Feature and boundary locations depicted are approximate only. 

X 0 100 200

Feet

Study Area

Aerial Photograph of Study Area
Unoffial Quick Endangered Species List, Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office

http://www.fws.gov/sacramento/es/spp_lists/QuickList.cfm?ID=629A[4/9/2010 7:20:54 AM]

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Sacramento Fish & Wildlife Office

Federal Endangered and Threatened Species that Occur in

or may be Affected by Projects in the

COTTONWOOD (629A)

U.S.G.S. 7 1/2 Minute Quad

Database last updated: December 1, 2009

Report Date: April 9, 2010

Listed Species

Invertebrates

Branchinecta conservatio

Conservancy fairy shrimp (E)

Branchinecta lynchi

Critical habitat, vernal pool fairy shrimp (X)

vernal pool fairy shrimp (T)

Desmocerus californicus dimorphus

valley elderberry longhorn beetle (T)

Lepidurus packardi

Critical habitat, vernal pool tadpole shrimp (X)

vernal pool tadpole shrimp (E)

Fish

Acipenser medirostris

green sturgeon (T) (NMFS)

Hypomesus transpacificus

delta smelt (T)

Oncorhynchus mykiss

Central Valley steelhead (T) (NMFS)

Critical habitat, Central Valley steelhead (X) (NMFS)

Oncorhynchus tshawytscha

Central Valley spring-run chinook salmon (T) (NMFS)

Critical Habitat, Central Valley spring-run chinook (X) (NMFS)

Critical habitat, winter-run chinook salmon (X) (NMFS)

winter-run chinook salmon, Sacramento River (E) (NMFS)

Amphibians

Rana aurora draytonii

California red-legged frog (T)

Plants
Unoffial Quick Endangered Species List, Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office

http://www.fws.gov/sacramento/es/spp_lists/QuickList.cfm?ID=629A[4/9/2010 7:20:54 AM]

Orcuttia tenuis

Critical habitat, slender Orcutt grass (X)

slender Orcutt grass (T)

Candidate Species

Birds

Coccyzus americanus occidentalis

Western yellow-billed cuckoo (C)

Key:

(E) Endangered - Listed as being in danger of extinction.

(T) Threatened - Listed as likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future.

(P) Proposed - Officially proposed in the Federal Register for listing as endangered or threatened.

(NMFS) Species under the Jurisdiction of the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration Fisheries Service.

Consult with them directly about these species.

Critical Habitat - Area essential to the conservation of a species.

(PX) Proposed Critical Habitat - The species is already listed. Critical habitat is being proposed for it.

(C) Candidate - Candidate to become a proposed species.

(V) Vacated by a court order. Not currently in effect. Being reviewed by the Service.

(X) Critical Habitat designated for this species
1 

Table 1. Evaluation of the Potential for Federally Listed and Candidate Species Identified on the USFWS Species List for the Cottonwood 

Quadrangle to Occur on the Project Site

COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC 

NAME STATUS GENERAL HABITAT DESCRIPTION

HABITAT 

PRESENT/

ABSENT

CRITICAL 

HABITAT 

PRESENT/ 

ABSENT

SPECIES 

PRESENT/ 

ABSENT

RATIONALE

Listed Species

Invertebrates

Conservancy 

fairy shrimp

Branchinecta 

conservatio FE

Conservancy fairy shrimp inhabit 

large, cool-water vernal pools with 

moderately turbid water.

Absent Absent Absent

Vernal pools or other 

suitable habitat for the 

Conservancy fairy 

shrimp do not occur on 

the site. The 

Conservancy fairy 

shrimp would thus not 

be present.

Vernal pool fairy 

shrimp

Branchinecta 

lynchi FT

Vernal pool fairy shrimp inhabit 

small, clear-water sandstonedepression pools and grassed 

swale, earth slump or basalt-flow 

depression pools.

Absent Absent Absent

Vernal pools or other 

suitable habitat for the 

vernal pool fairy shrimp 

do not occur on the site. 

The vernal pool fairy 

shrimp would thus not 

be present.

Valley elderberry 

longhorn beetle

Desmocerus 

californicus 

dimorphus

FT

The valley elderberry longhorn 

beetle is found only in association 

with elderberry shrubs (Sambucus 

spp.).

Absent Absent Absent

No elderberry shrubs 

occur on the project site 

or within 100 feet of 

proposed work. The 

valley elderberry 

longhorn beetle would 

thus not be present or 

affected by project 

implementation.

Vernal pool 

tadpole shrimp

Lepidurus 

packardi FE

Vernal pool tadpole shrimp occur in 

vernal pools in California’s Central 

Valley and in the surrounding 

foothills. 

Absent Absent Absent

Vernal pools or other 

suitable habitat for the 

vernal pool tadpole 

shrimp do not occur on 

the site. The vernal pool 

tadpole shrimp would 

thus not be present.
2 

Table 1. Evaluation of the Potential for Federally Listed and Candidate Species Identified on the USFWS Species List for the Cottonwood 

Quadrangle to Occur on the Project Site

COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC 

NAME STATUS GENERAL HABITAT DESCRIPTION

HABITAT 

PRESENT/

ABSENT

CRITICAL 

HABITAT 

PRESENT/ 

ABSENT

SPECIES 

PRESENT/ 

ABSENT

RATIONALE

Fish

Green sturgeon Acipenser 

medirostris FT, SSC

The green sturgeon is an 

anadromous fish that spawns in 

large rivers. In California, green 

sturgeon spawn primarily in the 

Klamath and Trinity rivers, but a 

small number is known to spawn in 

the Sacramento River (DFG, 1995). 

Most spawning in the Sacramento 

River occurs above Hamilton City, 

and may range as far north as 

Keswick Dam. Spawning in the 

Sacramento River occurs from 

March to July, when water 

temperatures are 8 to 14 C. 

Spawning occurs in deep (greater 

than three meters) water with a 

swift current. Preferred spawning 

substrate is large cobble, but may 

include clean sand to bedrock. 

Absent Absent Absent

Although the green 

sturgeon has a very low 

potential to spawn and 

rear in the nearby reach 

of the Sacramento 

River, the project site 

lacks suitable habitat for 

the green sturgeon. The 

project proponent has 

confirmed that Best 

Management Practices 

would be implemented 

for erosion control and 

spill prevention, and all 

stormwater runoff would 

be contained on the site. 

The green sturgeon 

would thus not be 

present or affected by 

site development.

Delta smelt Hypomesus 

transpacificus FT, ST

Delta smelt primarily inhabit the 

brackish waters of Sacramento-San 

Joaquin River Delta. Most 

spawning occurs in backwater 

sloughs and channel edgewaters.

Absent Absent Absent

The project site is 

outside of the known 

range of the Delta smelt 

and does not provide 

suitable habitat for the 

species. The Delta 

smelt would thus not be 

present or affected by 

project implementation.
3 

Table 1. Evaluation of the Potential for Federally Listed and Candidate Species Identified on the USFWS Species List for the Cottonwood 

Quadrangle to Occur on the Project Site

COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC 

NAME STATUS GENERAL HABITAT DESCRIPTION

HABITAT 

PRESENT/

ABSENT

CRITICAL 

HABITAT 

PRESENT/ 

ABSENT

SPECIES 

PRESENT/ 

ABSENT

RATIONALE

Central Valley 

steelhead Oncorhynchus 

mykiss FT

Central Valley steelhead inhabit 

cold-water tributaries of the 

Sacramento and San Joaquin 

rivers. Adults begin their upstream 

spawning migration from August 

through November. Spawning 

occurs between January and 

March. Spawning habitat is 

characterized by loose, clean gravel 

in cold, swiftly flowing, shallow 

water.

Absent Absent Absent

Although Central Valley 

steelhead are known to 

occur nearby in the 

Sacramento River, and 

presumably in Spring 

Gulch, the project site 

lacks suitable habitat for 

steelhead. The project 

proponent has 

confirmed that Best 

Management Practices 

would be implemented 

for erosion control and 

spill prevention, and all 

stormwater runoff would 

be contained on the site. 

The Central Valley 

would thus not be 

present or affected by 

site development.
4 

Table 1. Evaluation of the Potential for Federally Listed and Candidate Species Identified on the USFWS Species List for the Cottonwood 

Quadrangle to Occur on the Project Site

COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC 

NAME STATUS GENERAL HABITAT DESCRIPTION

HABITAT 

PRESENT/

ABSENT

CRITICAL 

HABITAT 

PRESENT/ 

ABSENT

SPECIES 

PRESENT/ 

ABSENT

RATIONALE

Central Valley 

spring-run 

Chinook salmon 

Oncorhynchus 

tshawytscha FT, ST

Central Valley spring-run Chinook 

salmon enter the Sacramento-San 

Joaquin Delta in early January, and 

enter natal streams from March to 

May. Upon entering fresh water, 

spring-run are sexually immature 

and must hold in cold water habitats 

through summer to mature. 

Typically, Central Valley spring-run 

Chinook salmon utilize mid- to highelevation streams that provide 

sufficient flow, water temperature, 

cover, and pool depth to allow oversummering. Spawning occurs 

between September and October.

Absent Absent Absent

Although spring-run 

Chinook salmon are 

known to occur nearby 

in the Sacramento River, 

and presumably in 

Spring Gulch, the project 

site lacks suitable 

habitat for the springrun. The project 

proponent has 

confirmed that Best 

Management Practices 

would be implemented 

for erosion control and 

spill prevention, and all 

stormwater runoff would 

be contained on the site. 

The Central Valley 

spring-run Chinook 

salmon would thus not 

be present or affected 

by site development.
5 

Table 1. Evaluation of the Potential for Federally Listed and Candidate Species Identified on the USFWS Species List for the Cottonwood 

Quadrangle to Occur on the Project Site

COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC 

NAME STATUS GENERAL HABITAT DESCRIPTION

HABITAT 

PRESENT/

ABSENT

CRITICAL 

HABITAT 

PRESENT/ 

ABSENT

SPECIES 

PRESENT/ 

ABSENT

RATIONALE

Sacramento 

River winter-run 

Chinook salmon

Oncorhynchus 

tshawytscha FE, SE

Sacramento River winter-run 

Chinook salmon spawn almost 

exclusively in the Sacramento 

River, and not in tributary streams. 

Spawning generally occurs in swift, 

relatively shallow riffles or along the 

edges of fast runs where there is an 

abundance of loose gravel. 

Juveniles may rear in tributaries of 

the Sacramento River.

Absent Absent Absent

Although winter-run 

Chinook salmon are 

known to occur nearby 

in the Sacramento River, 

the project site lacks 

suitable habitat for the 

winter-run. The project 

proponent has 

confirmed that Best 

Management Practices 

would be implemented 

for erosion control and 

spill prevention, and all 

stormwater runoff would 

be contained on the site. 

The Sacramento River 

winter-run Chinook 

salmon would thus not 

be present or affected 

by site development.
6 

Table 1. Evaluation of the Potential for Federally Listed and Candidate Species Identified on the USFWS Species List for the Cottonwood 

Quadrangle to Occur on the Project Site

COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC 

NAME STATUS GENERAL HABITAT DESCRIPTION

HABITAT 

PRESENT/

ABSENT

CRITICAL 

HABITAT 

PRESENT/ 

ABSENT

SPECIES 

PRESENT/ 

ABSENT

RATIONALE

Amphibians

California redlegged frog

Rana aurora 

draytonii FT, SSC

Suitable aquatic habitat for the 

California red-legged frog (CRLF) 

consists of permanent water bodies 

of virtually still or slow-moving fresh 

water, including natural and manmade ponds, backwaters within 

streams and creeks, marshes, 

lagoons, and dune ponds. The 

CRLF is not characteristically found 

in deep lacustrine habitats (e.g., 

deep lakes and reservoirs). Dense, 

shrubby riparian vegetation, e.g., 

willow (Salix) and bulrush (Scirpus) 

species, and bank overhangs are 

important features of CRLF 

breeding habitat. The CRLF tends 

to occur in greater numbers in 

deeper, cooler pools with dense 

emergent and shoreline vegetation.

Absent Absent Absent

The project site includes 

a man-made pond used

for mill operations. 

However, the pond does 

not provide suitable 

breeding habitat for the 

California red-legged 

frog because it lacks 

emergent vegetation 

and no vegetation is 

present around the 

margins of the pond. 

The California redlegged frog is thus not 

expected to be present 

or affected by project 

implementation.

Plants

Slender Orcutt 

grass

Orcuttia tenuis FT, SE, 

1B.1

Slender Orcutt grass inhabits vernal 

pools and similar habitat, 

occasionally on reservoir edges or 

stream floodplains, on clay soils 

with seasonal inundation in valley 

grassland to coniferous forest or 

sagebrush scrub.

Absent Absent Absent

The project site lacks 

vernal pools or other 

suitable habitat for the 

slender Orcutt grass. 

Slender Orcutt grass 

was not observed during 

the field reconnaissance 

and is not expected to 

be present.
7 

Table 1. Evaluation of the Potential for Federally Listed and Candidate Species Identified on the USFWS Species List for the Cottonwood 

Quadrangle to Occur on the Project Site

COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC 

NAME STATUS GENERAL HABITAT DESCRIPTION

HABITAT 

PRESENT/

ABSENT

CRITICAL 

HABITAT 

PRESENT/ 

ABSENT

SPECIES 

PRESENT/ 

ABSENT

RATIONALE

Candidate Species

Birds

Western yellowbilled cuckoo

Coccyzus 

americanus 

occidentalis

FC, SE

Western yellow-billed cuckoos 

inhabit and nest in riparian 

communities along large rivers.

Absent Not 

Designated Absent

The project site lacks 

riparian habitat. A 

narrow, small riparian 

corridor approximately 

100 feet offsite along 

Spring Creek provides 

potential nesting habitat 

for the western yellowbilled cuckoo. However, 

no western yellow-billed 

cuckoos or cuckoo nests 

were observed during 

the field inspection. The 

western yellow-billed 

cuckoo is thus not 

expected to be present

or affected by project 

implementation.