Biological Evaluation of the El Paso
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`(cid:1)(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:3)(cid:5)(cid:2)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:4)(cid:8)(cid:9)(cid:10)(cid:7)(cid:4)(cid:11)(cid:7)(cid:12)(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:13)(cid:8)(cid:3)(cid:14)(cid:8)(cid:12)(cid:15)(cid:16)(cid:8)(cid:1)(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:3)(cid:5)(cid:2)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:4)(cid:8)(cid:9)(cid:10)(cid:7)(cid:4)(cid:11)(cid:7)(cid:12)(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:13)(cid:8)(cid:3)(cid:14)(cid:8)(cid:12)(cid:15)(cid:16)(cid:8)(cid:9)(cid:4)(cid:8)(cid:17)(cid:7)(cid:18)(cid:3)(cid:8)(cid:9)(cid:4)(cid:8)(cid:17)(cid:7)(cid:18)(cid:3)(cid:8)
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`(cid:1)(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:3)(cid:5)(cid:2)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:4)(cid:8)(cid:9)(cid:10)(cid:7)(cid:4)(cid:11)(cid:7)(cid:12)(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:13)(cid:8)(cid:3)(cid:14)(cid:8)(cid:12)(cid:15)(cid:16)(cid:8)(cid:1)(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:3)(cid:5)(cid:2)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:4)(cid:8)(cid:9)(cid:10)(cid:7)(cid:4)(cid:11)(cid:7)(cid:12)(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:13)(cid:8)(cid:3)(cid:14)(cid:8)(cid:12)(cid:15)(cid:16)(cid:8)(cid:9)(cid:4)(cid:8)(cid:17)(cid:7)(cid:18)(cid:3)(cid:8)(cid:9)(cid:4)(cid:8)(cid:17)(cid:7)(cid:18)(cid:3)(cid:8)
`Natural Gas Picacho Compressor
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`(cid:19) (cid:7)(cid:12)(cid:11)(cid:20)(cid:7)(cid:4)(cid:8)(cid:21) (cid:7)(cid:18)(cid:8)(cid:19) (cid:7)(cid:12)(cid:11)(cid:20)(cid:7)(cid:4)(cid:8)(cid:21) (cid:7)(cid:18)(cid:8)(cid:17)(cid:2)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:6)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:19) (cid:7)(cid:12)(cid:11)(cid:20)(cid:7)(cid:4)(cid:8)(cid:21) (cid:7)(cid:18)(cid:8)(cid:19) (cid:7)(cid:12)(cid:11)(cid:20)(cid:7)(cid:4)(cid:8)(cid:21) (cid:7)(cid:18)(cid:8)(cid:17)(cid:2)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:6)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:17)(cid:2)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:6)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:8)(cid:22) (cid:3)(cid:23) (cid:24)(cid:20)(cid:16)(cid:18)(cid:18)(cid:3)(cid:8)(cid:22) (cid:3)(cid:23) (cid:24)(cid:20)(cid:16)(cid:18)(cid:18)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:8)(cid:8)(cid:8)(cid:8)(cid:17)(cid:2)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:6)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:8)(cid:22) (cid:3)(cid:23) (cid:24)(cid:20)(cid:16)(cid:18)(cid:18)(cid:3)(cid:8)(cid:22) (cid:3)(cid:23) (cid:24)(cid:20)(cid:16)(cid:18)(cid:18)(cid:3)
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`Station, Pinal County, Arizona
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`(cid:8)(cid:22) (cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:12)(cid:27)(cid:26)(cid:8)(cid:28) (cid:20)(cid:2)(cid:29)(cid:3)(cid:13)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:8)(cid:8)(cid:8)(cid:8)(cid:25)(cid:12)(cid:7)(cid:12)(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:13)(cid:25)(cid:12)(cid:7)(cid:12)(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:13)(cid:25)(cid:12)(cid:7)(cid:12)(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:13)(cid:26)(cid:8)(cid:17)(cid:2)(cid:26)(cid:8)(cid:17)(cid:2)(cid:26)(cid:8)(cid:17)(cid:2)(cid:26)(cid:8)(cid:17)(cid:2)(cid:13)(cid:13)(cid:13)(cid:13)(cid:7)(cid:7)(cid:7)(cid:7)(cid:4)(cid:4)(cid:4)(cid:4)(cid:8)(cid:22) (cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:12)(cid:27)(cid:26)(cid:8)(cid:28) (cid:20)(cid:2)(cid:29)(cid:3)(cid:13)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:25)(cid:12)(cid:7)(cid:12)(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:13) (cid:8)(cid:22) (cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:12)(cid:27)(cid:26)(cid:8)(cid:28) (cid:20)(cid:2)(cid:29)(cid:3)(cid:13)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:8)(cid:22) (cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:12)(cid:27)(cid:26)(cid:8)(cid:28) (cid:20)(cid:2)(cid:29)(cid:3)(cid:13)(cid:7)(cid:8)
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`Prepared for
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`El Paso Corporation
`(cid:9)(cid:4)(cid:8)(cid:17)(cid:7)(cid:18)(cid:3)(cid:8)(cid:22) (cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:24)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:7)(cid:12)(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:13)(cid:8)
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`Prepared by
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`SWCAEnvironmental Consultants
`(cid:25)(cid:30) (cid:22) (cid:28) (cid:8)(cid:9)(cid:13)(cid:10)(cid:2)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:13)(cid:23) (cid:16)(cid:13)(cid:12)(cid:7)(cid:4)(cid:8)(cid:22) (cid:3)(cid:13)(cid:18)(cid:11)(cid:4)(cid:12)(cid:7)(cid:13)(cid:12)(cid:18)(cid:8)
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`March 2007
`(cid:12) (cid:5)(cid:2)(cid:13)(cid:14)(cid:7)(cid:15)(cid:16)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:7)
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`

`

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`
`BIOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF THE EL PASO NATURAL GAS
`PICACHO COMPRESSOR STATION,
`PINAL COUNTY, ARIZONA
`
`
`
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`
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`Prepared for
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`EL PASO CORPORATION
`Attn: Latonia Viverette
`2 North Nevada Avenue
`Colorado Springs, CO 80903
`
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`
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`Prepared by
`
`SWCA ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS
`343 West Franklin Street
`Tucson, Arizona 85701
`(520) 325-9194
`www.swca.com
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`SWCA Project No. 12603-115
`
`March 23, 2007
`
`
`
`

`

`1.0
`
`INTRODUCTION
`
`SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA) was contracted by El Paso Corporation to complete a
`Biological Evaluation (BE) for the construction of the Picacho Compressor Station near the City of
`Coolidge, Pinal County, Arizona (Figure 1). The proposed compressor station (project area) being
`evaluated in this BE is approximately 8 acres and would serve the existing El Paso Natural Gas (EPNG)
`Line 20120. It would be located directly adjacent to an existing EPNG compressor facility that currently
`serves EPNG Lines 1600 and 2000. The project area is located just north of Randolph Road and just east
`of the Union Pacific Railroad, in the SW ¼ of Section 3, Township 6 South, Range 8 East (Figure 2).
`
`The scope of work for this BE included:
`• Review of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) list for species occurring in Pinal County;
`•
`review of the Arizona Heritage Geographic Information System (AZHGIS) for records of special-
`status species near the project area;
`field reconnaissance of the project area; and
`evaluation of the potential for the species listed in this report to occur within the project area.
`
`•
`•
`
`2.0 METHODS
`
`An SWCA biologist conducted a field reconnaissance of the project area on March 16, 2007. A U.S.
`Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5-minute topographic map (Coolidge, Arizona) and maps provided to SWCA
`by EPNG were used for general orientation and to locate the project boundaries. The field reconnaissance
`consisted of a pedestrian survey of the project area to evaluate vegetation and landscape features
`considered important to the potential occurrence of special-status plant and animal species. Vegetation was
`classified to the community level according to the map “Biotic Communities of the Southwest” in Brown
`(1994).
`
`2.1 Species Identification
`
`The special-status species evaluated in this BE were based on the list of endangered, threatened, and
`candidate species for Pinal County, Arizona, available at the USFWS website (USFWS 2007).
`The USFWS species list is provided in Appendix A. To determine whether any proposed or designated
`critical habitat or special-status species have been documented near the project area, SWCA accessed the
`Arizona Heritage Geographic Information System (AZHGIS 2007). The search results are included in
`Appendix B. The potential for occurrence within the project area of the species addressed in this BE was
`based on: 1) documented records; 2) existing information on distribution; and 3) qualitative comparisons
`between the habitat requirements of each species and vegetation communities or landscape features on the
`property.1 Possible impacts to these species were evaluated based on reasonably foreseeable project-related
`activities.
`
`
`1 We agree with Hall et al. (1997) that habitat is organism specific and thus not synonymous with vegetation community.
`However, we have refined their definition of habitat to read as follows: an area where some members of a species regularly occur
`continuously or seasonally. In the field, habitat is operationally defined by the presence or absence of a species. Areas that appear
`suitable for a species but that have not been surveyed are considered possible habitat. We avoid using the term ‘potential’ with
`respect to habitat because potential is defined as ‘capable of becoming but not yet in existence’; ‘possible,’ on the other hand, is
`defined as ‘of uncertain likelihood’.
`
`
`
`1
`
`

`

`EPNG Picacho
`Compressor Station
`Biological Evaluation
`5
`0
`2.5
`
`Miles
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`0
`
`Kilometers
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`4
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`8
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`N
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`T6S R8E, Section 3
`Pinal County, UTM NAD 27 Zone 12
`Basemap Source: © Wide World of Maps
`
`Project Location
`
`Figure 1. General location of the project area.
`
`2
`
`PINAL
`
`

`

`EPNG Picacho
`Compressor Station
`Biological Evaluation
`
`N
`
`Project Boundary
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`0
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`0
`
`Feet
`
`Meters
`
`1000
`
`2000
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`250
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`500
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`1:24,000
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`USGS 7.5 QUADRANGLE(S):
` COOLIDGE-1992
`T6S R8E, Section 3
`Pinal County, UTM NAD 27 Zone 12
`
`Project Location
`
`EPNG LINE 20120
`
`BARTLETT
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`RANDOLPH
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`EPNG LINE 2000
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`E
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`P
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`N
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`G LI N
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`E 1
`
`6
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`0
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`0
`
`3
`
`KLECK
`
`Figure 2. Project location.
`
`

`

`2.2 Species Evaluation
`
`The potential for occurrence of each species was summarized according to the categories listed below.
`Because not all species are accommodated precisely by a given category (i.e., category definitions may be
`too restrictive), an expanded rationale for each category assignment is provided. Potential for occurrence
`categories are as follows:
`• Known to occur—the species has been documented in the project area by a reliable observer.
`• May occur—the project area is within the species’ currently known range, and vegetation
`communities, soils, etc., resemble those known to be used by the species.
`• Unlikely to occur—the project area is within the species’ currently known range, but vegetation
`communities, soils, etc., do not resemble those known to be used by the species, or the project area
`is clearly outside the species’ currently known range.
`
`Species listed by the USFWS were assigned to one of three categories of possible effect, following
`USFWS recommendations. Effects determinations recommended by the USFWS include:
`• May affect, is likely to adversely affect—the project is likely to adversely affect a species if:
`1) the species is known to occur in the project area; and 2) project activities would disturb areas
`and/or habitat elements known to be used by the species, or would directly affect an individual.
`• May affect, is not likely to adversely affect—the project is not likely to adversely affect a species
`if: 1) the species may occur but its presence has not been documented; and 2) project activities
`would not result in disturbance to areas or habitat elements known to be used by the species.
`• No effect—the project will have no effect on a species if: 1) the species is considered unlikely to
`occur (e.g., range, vegetation, etc. are inappropriate); and 2) the species or its sign was not
`observed during surveys of the project area.
`
`3.0 RESULTS
`
`3.1 Ecological Overview
`
`The project area, which ranges in elevation from 1,430 to 1,440 feet above mean sea level, is located in
`and adjacent to an active agricultural field, within the Lower Colorado River Valley subdivision of the
`Sonoran Desertscrub biotic community. One small ephemeral wash intersects the western edge of the
`project area, adjacent to the Union Pacific Railroad. No aquatic habitats (including stock ponds), broadleaf
`deciduous riparian vegetation communities (i.e., communities containing willow, cottonwood, ash, etc.), or
`potential bat roost sites (e.g., natural caves or mine adits or shafts) occur within the project area. Human
`activities observed in the project area include: 1) previous road construction; 2) farming activity; and
`3) activities related to the existing EPNG compressor facility located adjacent to the project area.
`
`3.2 Vegetation
`
`The project area is located within the Lower Colorado River Valley subdivision of the Sonoran
`Desertscrub biotic community. A small portion of the project area (the western edge) contains plant species
`that are typical of this subdivision; however, the majority of the project area contains plant species that are
`not typical of this subdivision, but rather are typical of disturbed agricultural areas. Thus, two vegetation
`associations were identified within the project area: disturbed Sonoran Desertscrub upland and
`xeroriparian mixed scrub. These communities are described in detail below.
`
`
`
`4
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`

`

`The upland plant community in the project area is almost entirely contained within an active agricultural
`area. Hence, this vegetation community is disturbed and comprised mostly of cultivated alfalfa (Medicago
`sp.). Less abundant species observed included sandmat (Chamaesyce sp.), redstem stork’s bill (Erodium
`cicutarium), London rocket (Sisymbrium irio), prickly Russian thistle (Salsola tragus), purslane
`(Portulaca sp.), globemallow (Sphaeralcea sp.), and barley (Hordeum sp.).
`
`Xeroriparian mixed scrub typically occurs along washes and other water sources that receive an ephemeral
`water supply. The following plants were observed within the xeroriparian portion of the project area: desert
`broom (Baccharis sarothroides), wolfberry (Lycium sp.), velvet mesquite (Prosopis velutina), graythorn
`(Ziziphus obtusifolia), and goldenbush (Isocoma sp.).
`
`3.3 Special-Status Species Evaluation
`
`A total of 16 federally listed species is addressed in this BE. Fourteen of these species are listed by the
`USFWS as threatened or endangered and are therefore protected under the authority of the Endangered
`Species Act (ESA). The remaining two species are listed by the USFWS as candidate and currently do not
`receive any statutory protection under the ESA. All 16 species listed for Pinal County by the USFWS were
`eliminated from further consideration in this report because the project is either clearly beyond the known
`geographic or elevation range of each of these species, or does not contain vegetation or landscape features
`known to support these species. Information on habitat requirements, potential for occurrence, and possible
`effects on these 16 species is summarized in Table 1. The project area does not occur near or within any
`proposed or designated critical habitat.
`
`
`Common Name
`(Species Name)
`Acuña cactus
`(Echinomastus
`erectocentrus var.
`acunensis)
`
`USFWS
`C
`
`Potential for Occurrence
`in Project Area
`Unlikely to occur. The
`project area does not
`contain broad, dissected
`hills of granite or andesite.
`
`Determination of
`Effect
`No effect.
`
`Table 1. Federally Listed Species Potentially Occurring in Pinal County, Arizona
`Range or habitat information is from: Heritage Data Management System (HDMS 2006); USFWS Arizona Ecological Services Field Office
`(USFWS 2006); Arizona Rare Plant Field Guide (Arizona Rare Plant Committee n.d.); and Corman and Wise-Gervais (2005).
`Status* Range or Habitat
`Requirements
`Found on the tops or upper half of the side
`slopes of broad, dissected hills of granite or
`andesite at elevations between 1,200 and
`2,600 feet in the Arizona Upland subdivision of
`the Sonoran Desertscrub biome. In Arizona,
`known from: the Puerto Blanco Mountains; Little
`Ajo and Sauceda mountains; and hills between
`Florence and Kearney, north and south of the
`Gila River.
`Found on open slopes of rugged, steep-walled
`canyons with granite or dacite bedrock among
`boulder piles in Arizona desert grassland, and
`in the understory of shrubs in the ecotone
`between Madrean Evergreen Woodland and
`Interior Chaparral at elevations between 3,400
`and 5,300 feet. Range is restricted to the
`Superstition Mountains in the Tonto National
`Forest.
`Nesting sites are usually isolated, located high
`in trees or on cliffs in close proximity to water. A
`small resident population of approximately 40
`pairs nests along the Salt, Verde, Gila, Bill
`Williams, Agua Fria, San Pedro, and San
`Francisco rivers and along Tonto and Canyon
`creeks. At least 200 to 300 winter each year
`throughout Arizona, with the greatest numbers
`found along the Mogollon Rim east though the
`White Mountains.
`
`Arizona hedgehog
`(Echinocersus
`triglochidiatus var.
`arizonicus)
`
`USFWS
`E
`
`Bald eagle
`(Haliaeetus
`leucocephalus)
`
`USFWS
`T
`
`No effect.
`
`Unlikely to occur.
`Vegetation and landscape
`features in the project area
`are not similar to those
`found in areas typically
`occupied by this species.
`
`Unlikely to occur. There
`are no aquatic areas or
`suitable nest locations in
`the project area.
`
`No effect.
`
`
`
`5
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`

`

`
`
`Common Name
`(Species Name)
`California brown pelican
`(Pelacanus occidentalis
`californicus)
`
`USFWS
`E
`
`Desert pupfish
`(Cyprinodon macularius)
`
`USFWS
`E
`
`Gila chub
`(Gila intermedia)
`
`USFWS
`E
`
`Gila topminnow
`(Poeciliopsis
`occidentalis
`occidentalis)
`
`USFWS
`E
`
`Lesser long-nosed bat
`(Leptonycteris curasoae
`yerbabuenae)
`
`USFWS
`E
`
`Potential for Occurrence
`in Project Area
`Unlikely to occur. There is
`no aquatic habitat in the
`project area.
`
`Determination of
`Effect
`No effect.
`
`Unlikely to occur. There is
`no aquatic habitat in the
`project area.
`
`No effect.
`
`Unlikely to occur. There is
`no aquatic habitat in the
`project area.
`
`No effect.
`
`Unlikely to occur. There is
`no aquatic habitat in the
`project area.
`
`No effect.
`
`No effect.
`
`Unlikely to occur. While it
`is possible that this bat
`may fly over the project
`area, no potential roost
`sites or forage plants occur
`in the project area.
`
`Table 1. Federally Listed Species Potentially Occurring in Pinal County, Arizona, continued
`Range or habitat information is from: Heritage Data Management System (HDMS 2006); USFWS Arizona Ecological Services Field Office
`(USFWS 2006); Arizona Rare Plant Field Guide (Arizona Rare Plant Committee n.d.); and Corman and Wise-Gervais (2005).
`Status* Range or Habitat
`Requirements
`Found in coastal areas, with nesting occurring
`on islands. Most Arizona records are of
`transients along the Colorado River north to
`Davis Dam, Lake Mead, and the Gila River
`valley, but stragglers reach most of the state
`(Tolani lakes, Navajo Indian Reservation, Salt
`River, and other areas).
`Found in shallow waters of desert springs,
`small streams, and marshes at elevations
`below 5,000 feet. One natural population still
`occurs in Quitobaquito Spring and Quitobaquito
`Pond in Pima County, and reintroductions have
`been made in Pima, Pinal, Maricopa, Graham,
`Cochise, La Paz, and Yavapai counties in
`Arizona. New introductions continue.
`Normally found in smaller headwater streams,
`cienegas, and springs or marshes of the Gila
`River Basin at elevations below 2,720 and
`5,420 feet.
`Occurs in small streams, springs, and cienegas
`at elevations below 4,500 feet, primarily in
`shallow areas with aquatic vegetation and
`debris for cover. In Arizona, most of the
`remaining native populations are in the Santa
`Cruz River system.
`Found in southern Arizona from the Picacho
`Mountains southwesterly to the Agua Dulce
`Mountains and southeasterly to the Galiuro and
`Chiricahua mountains at elevations between
`1,600 and 11,500 feet. Roosts in caves,
`abandoned mines, and unoccupied buildings at
`the base of mountains where agave, saguaro,
`and organ pipe cacti are present. Forages at
`night on nectar, pollen, and fruit of paniculate
`agaves and columnar cacti. The foraging radius
`of Leptonycteris bats may be 30 to 60 miles or
`more.
`Found in small to large perennial creeks and
`rivers, typically in shallow, turbulent riffles with
`cobble substrate, swift currents, and
`filamentous algae at elevations below 8,000
`feet. The range in Arizona is limited to: reaches
`in the East Fork of the White River (Navajo
`County); Aravaipa, Deer, and Turkey creeks
`(Graham and Pinal counties); San Francisco
`and Blue rivers; and Eagle, Campbell Blue, and
`Little Blue creeks (Greenlee County). A
`population was discovered in the Black River in
`1996.
`Found in mature montane forests and
`woodlands and steep, shady, wooded canyons.
`Can also be found in mixed-conifer and pine-
`oak vegetation types. Generally nests in older
`forests of mixed conifers or ponderosa
`pine/Gambel oak. Nests in live trees on natural
`platforms (e.g., dwarf mistletoe brooms), snags,
`and on canyon walls at elevations between
`4,100 and 9,000 feet.
`
`Loach minnow
`(Tiaroga cobitis)
`
`USFWS
`T
`
`Unlikely to occur. There is
`no aquatic habitat in the
`project area.
`
`No effect.
`
`Mexican spotted owl
`(Strix occidentalis
`lucida)
`
`USFWS
`T
`
`Unlikely to occur. There
`are no montane forests or
`wooded canyons in the
`project area.
`
`No effect.
`
`
`
`6
`
`

`

`Common Name
`(Species Name)
`Nichol Turk’s head
`(Echinocactus
`horizonthalonius var.
`nicholii)
`Razorback sucker
`(Xyrauchen texanus)
`
`USFWS
`E
`
`USFWS
`E
`
`Potential for Occurrence
`in Project Area
`Unlikely to occur. The
`project area does not
`contain limestone-derived
`alluvium.
`Unlikely to occur. There is
`no aquatic habitat in the
`project area.
`
`Determination of
`Effect
`No effect.
`
`No effect.
`
`Southwestern willow
`flycatcher (Empidonax
`traillii extimus)
`
`USFWS
`E
`
`Unlikely to occur. There
`are no riparian habitats in
`the project area.
`
`No effect.
`
`Table 1. Federally Listed Species Potentially Occurring in Pinal County, Arizona, continued
`Range or habitat information is from: Heritage Data Management System (HDMS 2006); USFWS Arizona Ecological Services Field Office
`(USFWS 2006); Arizona Rare Plant Field Guide (Arizona Rare Plant Committee n.d.); and Corman and Wise-Gervais (2005).
`Status* Range or Habitat
`Requirements
`Found in Sonoran Desertscrub with limestone-
`derived alluvium at elevations between 2,000
`and 3,600 feet. In Arizona, the known range is
`limited to the Waterman and Vekol mountains.
`Found in backwaters, flooded bottomlands,
`pools, side channels, and other slower-moving
`habitats at elevations below 6,000 feet. In
`Arizona, populations are restricted to Lakes
`Mohave and Mead and the lower Colorado
`River below Havasu in the Lower Basin. In the
`Upper Basin, small remnant populations are
`found in the Green, Yampa, and mainstream
`Colorado rivers.
`Found in dense riparian habitats along streams,
`rivers, and other wetlands where cottonwood,
`willow, boxelder, tamarisk, Russian olive,
`buttonbush, and arrowweed are present. Nests
`are found in thickets of trees and shrubs,
`primarily those that are 13 to 23 feet tall, among
`dense and homogeneous foliage. Habitat
`occurs at elevations below 8,500 feet.
`Found in moderate to large perennial streams,
`where it inhabits moderate- to fast-velocity
`waters over gravel and rubble substrates,
`typically at elevations below 6,000 feet. In
`Arizona, populations are found in the middle
`Gila, lower San Pedro, and Verde rivers and
`Aravaipa and Eagle creeks.
`Typically found in riparian woodland vegetation
`(cottonwood, willow, or tamarisk) at elevations
`below 6,600 feet. Dense understory foliage
`appears to be an important factor in nest site
`selection. The highest concentrations in Arizona
`are along the Agua Fria, San Pedro, upper
`Santa Cruz, and Verde river drainages and
`Cienega and Sonoita creeks.
`
`Spikedace
`(Meda fulgida)
`
`USFWS
`T
`
`Yellow-billed cuckoo
`(Coccyzus americanus)
`
`USFWS
`C
`
`Yuma clapper rail
`(Rallus longirostris
`yumanensis)
`
`USFWS
`E
`
`In Arizona, found at elevations below 4,500 feet
`in freshwater marshes often dominated by
`cattails, bulrushes, and sedges. The range
`includes: the Colorado River from Lake Mead to
`Mexico; the Gila and Salt rivers upstream to the
`area of the Verde confluence; Picacho
`Reservoir; and the Tonto Creek arm of
`Roosevelt Lake. This species may be
`expanding into other suitable marsh habitats in
`western and central Arizona.
`
`
`
`Unlikely to occur. There is
`no aquatic habitat in the
`project area.
`
`No effect.
`
`Unlikely to occur. The
`AZHGIS search results
`(Appendix B) indicate that
`this species has been
`observed within 3 miles of
`the project area. However,
`there are no riparian
`woodlands in the project
`area.
`Unlikely to occur. There
`are no marsh habitats in
`the project area.
`
`No effect.
`
`No effect.
`
`*USFWS Status Definitions:
`E = Endangered. The ESA specifically prohibits the take of a species listed as endangered. Take is defined by the ESA as: to harass, harm, pursue,
`hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to engage in any such conduct.
`T = Threatened. The ESA specifically prohibits the take of a species listed as threatened. Take is defined by the ESA as: to harass, harm, pursue, hunt,
`shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to engage in any such conduct.
`C = Candidate. Candidate species are those for which USFWS has sufficient information on biological vulnerability and threats to support proposals to
`list as endangered or threatened under the ESA. However, proposed rules have not yet been issued because they are precluded by other listing activity
`that is a higher priority. This listing category has no legal protection.
`
`
`
`7
`
`

`

`4.0 CONCLUSION
`
`The project will have no effect on any of the 16 species listed for Pinal County by the USFWS. However,
`the AZHGIS search results (Appendix B) indicate that western burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia
`hypugaea) has been observed within 3 miles of the project area. The western burrowing owl is listed as a
`species of concern by the USFWS, so it does not currently receive any statutory protection under the ESA.
`However, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) gives federal protection to all migratory birds, including
`nests and eggs; therefore, in order to relocate or alter any MBTA-protected nests, it is necessary to obtain a
`permit from the USFWS to maintain compliance with the MBTA. Section 1 of the USFWS, Region 2
`“Interim Empty Nest Policy”, states that if the nest is completely inactive at the time of destruction or
`movement, a permit is not required in order to comply with the MBTA. If an active nest is observed during
`any activities related to the construction of the compressor station in the project area, measures should be
`taken to protect the nest from destruction and to avoid a violation of the MBTA. SWCA did not observe
`signs of western burrowing owl presence or suitable burrows in the project area during field
`reconnaissance.
`
`5.0 LIMITATIONS AND WARRANTY
`
`The evaluation of the potential occurrence of, or impacts to, threatened and endangered species can be
`subjective; professional biologists of equal qualifications may disagree on the assessment of habitat
`suitability or the likelihood of a species’ occurrence. The final determination of a project’s impacts to
`protected species is the responsibility of the resource agencies that regulate the proposed activities within
`the project area. Accordingly, this report should be reviewed by the appropriate regulatory agencies prior
`to any detailed site planning or construction activities.
`
`Within the limitations of schedule, budget, and scope of work, SWCA warrants that this study was
`conducted in accordance with accepted environmental science practices, including the technical guidelines,
`evaluation criteria, and species’ listing status in effect at the time this evaluation was performed.
`The results and conclusions of this report represent the best professional judgment of SWCA scientists,
`and are based on information provided by the project proponent, in addition to that obtained from agencies
`and other sources during the course of the study. No other warranty, expressed or implied, is made.
`
`
`
`8
`
`

`

`6.0 LITERATURE CITED
`
`Arizona Heritage Geographic Information System (AZHGIS). 2007. Arizona Game and Fish Department
`Online Environmental Review Tool. Available at: http://www.azgfd.gov/hgis. Accessed March 16,
`2007.
`
`Arizona Rare Plant Committee. n.d. [2002]. Arizona Rare Plant Field Guide. Arizona Rare Plant
`Committee.
`
`Brown, D.E. (ed.). 1994. Biotic Communities: Southwestern United States and Northwestern Mexico. Salt
`Lake City: University of Utah Press.
`
`Corman, T.E., and C. Wise-Gervais. 2005. Arizona Breeding Bird Atlas. Albuquerque: University of New
`Mexico Press.
`
`Heritage Data Management System (HDMS). 2007. Arizona Game and Fish Department Species of
`Concern List. Available at: http://www.azgfd.gov/w_c/edits/species_concern.shtml. Accessed
`March 16, 2007.
`
`Stebbins, R.C. 1985. A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians. Boston: Houghton Mifflin
`Company.
`
`US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2007. List of threatened and endangered species. Available at:
`http://www.fws.gov/ southwest/es/arizona/Threatened.htm#CountyList. Accessed March 16, 2007.
`
`
`
`9
`
`

`

`
`APPENDIX A
`
`USFWS Species List
`
`
`
`
`

`

`Page 1 of 5
`
`Pinal County
`
`Wednesday, May 17, 2006
`
`Pupfish (C.m.eremus).
`Pupfish (C.m.macularis) and Quitobaquito
`Two subspeices are recognized: Desert
`Creek Wash, Imperial County, California.
`Felipe Creek, Carrizo Wash, and Fish
`Springs, Pima County, portions of San
`Critical habitat includes Quitobaquito
`
`water.
`Tolerates saline and warm
`streams, and marshes.
`Shallow springs, small
`
`< 5,000 ft
`
`Yavapai
`Pinal, Santa Cruz,
`Maricopa, Pima,
`Graham, La Paz,
`
`Yavapai, Yuma
`Santa Cruz,
`Pima, Pinal,
`Mohave, Navajo,
`Maricopa,
`Greenlee, La Paz,
`Graham,
`Coconino, Gila,
`Apache, Cochise,
`
`back and silvery sides.
`juveniles tan to olive colored
`yellow on tail. Females and
`on head and sides with
`sides. Breeding males blue
`narrow vertical bars on the
`rounded body shape with
`Small (2 inches) smoothly
`
`parts.
`breast, and silver gray upper
`and neck, brownish black
`Adults have a white head
`long bill and webbed feet.
`bird with a pouch underneath
`Large dark gray-brown water
`
`Endangered
`
`macularius
`Cyprinodon
`
`Desert pupfish
`
`Endangered
`
`californicus
`occidentalis
`Pelecanus
`
`pelican
`California Brown
`
`fall. No breeding records in Arizona.
`wander up from Mexico in summer and
`Arizona lakes and rivers. Individuals
`uncommon transient in Arizona on many
`is endangered due to pesticides. It is an
`Subspecies is found on Pacific Coast and
`
`under the ESA.
`36454) but still receives full protection
`been proposed for delisting (64 FR
`continues to be a problem. Species has
`shooting, disturbance, and loss of habitat
`threatened on August 11, 1995. Illegal
`this species was down listed to
`pesticide poisoning and loss of habitat,
`78) because of reproductive failures from
`FR 4001, 03-11-1967; 43 FR 6233, 02-14-
`winter in Arizona. Once endangered (32
`reservoirs. An estimated 200 to 300 birds
`larger number winters along rivers and
`Some birds are nesting residents while a
`
`rivers.
`many Arizona lakes and
`species found around
`Coastal land and islands;
`
`Varies
`
`abundant prey.
`and streams) with
`water (reservoirs, rivers,
`Large trees or cliffs near
`
`Varies
`
`Yavapai, Yuma
`Santa Cruz,
`Pima, Pinal,
`Mohave, Navajo,
`Maricopa,
`Graham, La Paz,
`Coconino, Gila,
`Apache, Cochise,
`
`occur outside of the type locality.
`determined that the species does not
`Additional genetic studies have
`boulders, and in understory of shrubs.
`Open slopes, in narrow cracks between
`
`evergreen woodland.
`chapparal and madrean
`3,700-5,200 ftEcotone between interior
`
`Gila, Pinal
`
`COMMENTS
`
`HABITAT
`
`ELEVATION
`
`COUNTY
`
`DESCRIPTION
`
`STATUS
`
`SCIENTIFIC NAME
`
`COMMON NAME
`
`Pinal County
`
`feathers.
`plumage. Feet bare of
`degrees of mottled brown
`inches. Dark with varying
`inches; wingspan 66-96
`head and tail. Height 28-38
`Large, adults have white
`
`April-May.
`brilliant red, side of stem in
`radial spines. Flower:
`deflexed and 5-11 shorter
`central spines largest
`clusters. 1-3 gray or pinkish
`diameter, single or in
`inches tall, 2-10 inches in
`Dark green cylindroid 2.5-12
`
`Threatened
`
`leucocephalus
`Haliaeetus
`
`Bald eagle
`
`Endangered
`
`arizonicus
`triglochidiatus var.
`Echinocereus
`
`Arizona hedgehog
`
`

`

`Page 2 of 5
`
`Pinal County
`
`Wednesday, May 17, 2006
`
`Hidalgo counties in New Mexico.
`and East Forks in Catron, Grant, and
`Creek, Gila River, and its West, Middle,
`Blue Creek, Frieborn Creek, Whitewater
`River, Negrito Creek, Pace Creek, Dry
`River, San Francisco River, Tularosa
`Arizona, as well as portions of the Blue
`Graham, Greenlee, and Pinal counties,
`Little Blue Creek found in Apache,
`Blue River, Campbell Blue Creek, and
`Creek, Eagle Creek, San Francisco River,
`Aravaipa Creek, Turkey Creek, Deer
`Fork Black River, Boneyard Creek,
`East Fork Black River, North Fork East
`December 20, 2005) includes portions of
`critical habitat (70 FR 75545-75590,
`Gila River in New Mexico. Proposed
`Fork Gila River, and the mainstem upper
`Frieborn Creek, the Tularosa River, West
`and Dry Blue Creek, Pace Creek,
`Black River, and White River in Arizona,
`River, Eagle Creek, North Fork East Fork
`Campbell Blue Creek, San Francisco
`Creek, Turkey Creek, Blue River,
`Presently found in Aravaipa Creek, Deer
`
`border the remainder of the year.
`April to September and south of the
`and is present in Arizona usually from
`columnar cacti. This species is migratory
`pollen, and fruit of paniculate agaves and