2012-03-07_PERMIT FILE - C2010088 (19)

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4.2.2 Raptors: Potential raptor habitat will not be physically affected by the project. The limited Bald Eagle summer foraging habitat along Reed Wash would remain available for this species. Potential nesting habitat along Reed Wash for owls and possibly Northern Harrier would not be directly affected by project construction. Effects to the present level of use by raptors will be related to disturbance factors of the locomotives and rail cars moving through the area. However, since raptor populations are low in the area, effects due to disturbance by use of the rail spur would not likely result in negative impacts to populations. Raptors that currently occupy habitat in the area around the project site have habituated to human presence and disturbance. The rail spur would encroach into a new area, but the type of disturbance is consistent with existing human related activities in the area. 4.2.3 Waterfowl: Mallards were observed using habitat in the Reed Wash riparian area within approximately 100 ft of the existing Union Pacific railroad. Passing trains did not flush these birds. Over most of the loadout rail spur, the distance will be greater than 150 -200 feet from the open water in Reed Wash. This distance will likely allow waterfowl to continue to occupy the area with little decrease in numbers. The vegetation that provides a visual barrier between the proposed spur rail line and the surface of the water will afford further protection. The depth and meanders of Reed Wash provides an additional visual buffer between the upland area and the surface of the water. Waterfowl resting on the water are not in direct line -of -sight of a large portion of the upland areas. 4.3 REPTILES 4.3.1 Snakes and Lizards: Reptile populations will be affected in areas of new disturbance. The number of snakes appears small in the project area. Lizards will be affected in the greasewood shrublands on both sides of Reed Wash. Most lizards are very mobile and individuals will likely not be directly affected by project construction. 4.4 AMPHIBIANS 4.4.1 Toads and Frogs: The riparian habitat along Reed Wash will not be affected by the project. Similarly, populations of toads and frogs will not likely be affected by the project. These species appear to habituate to disturbance; it was noted during biological surveys that bullfrogs were occupying a small wetland on the north side of the existing Union Pacific railroad. 4.5 AQUATIC RESOURCES 4.5.1 Fish: The project will not affect flows in the Reed Wash; no water depletions are expected. The construction of the spur rail line may influence overland water flows during heavy precipitation events due to the elevated rail bed. Culverts will be installed in the small drainages on either side of Reed Wash to drain surface runoff. Maintenance of current water quality standards is important to sustaining an aquatic environment suitable for the existing fish populations. Elevated concentrations of dissolved selenium in 23