introduction · groundwater remediation project (project) within the boeing-owned santa susana...

1861 Knoll DriveVentura, California 93003 805-644-2220 Fax 805-644-2050

January 19, 2015

Project No. 1302-2702

The Boeing Company

5800 Woolsey Canyon Road

Canoga Park, California 91304

Attention: Mr. Art Lenox

Subject: Santa Susana Field Laboratory Soils and Groundwater Remediation Project

Reclamation Ponds Waterfowl Study

INTRODUCTION

Padre Associates, Inc. (Padre) is pleased to provide your office with the following letter-

report documenting waterfowl regulatory status, waterfowl habitat assessment at three (3)

surface water reclamation ponds, waterfowl survey methods and materials, waterfowl survey

results, and conservation recommendations conducted in support of the proposed Soil and

Groundwater Remediation Project (Project) within the Boeing-owned Santa Susana Field

Laboratory (SSFL) Areas I and III, in southeastern Ventura County, California. Additionally, this

letter-report includes a map of the surveyed ponds (Appendix A) and photodocumentation of the

surveyed ponds (Appendix B). The intent of the proposed Project is to remediate soil and

groundwater affected by historical aerospace equipment development and experimentation

within Boeing-owned SSFL Administrative Areas I and III and portions of the Southern

Undeveloped Land (SUL).

WATERFOWL REGULATORY STATUS

All native species of resident and migratory waterfowl are protected under the California

Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Code and by the United States Fish and Wildlife

Service (USFWS) under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918.

WATERFOWL POND HABITAT ASSESSMENT

R-1 POND

R-1 Pond is located near the Bowl area of Area I (Refer to Appendix A, Figure 1). R-1

Pond is a relatively small pond that functions to temporarily entrain accumulated rainfall run-off.

Predominant surface water management activities at this pond allow for the accumulation of

surface water as a result of rainfall run-off, and eventual evaporation and percolation of the

surface water into the underlying substrate. Additionally, accumulated surface water can flow to

Perimeter Pond before discharging to Outfall 11, and eventually to Outfall 01. Water quality

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January 19, 2015 (1302-2702)

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testing per the SSFL California Regional Water Quality Control Board (CRWQCB) National

Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit is performed when water is discharged

from Outfall 11. The margins of R-1 Pond are surrounded by dense cover predominantly

composed of mulefat (Baccharis salicifolia) and arroyo willow (Salix lasiolepis), along with

scattered coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia) trees (Refer to Appendix B, Figure 1).

Throughout the sampling period of May 2014 through July 2014, and October 2014 and

November 2014 (2014 sampling period), no surface water was present in this pond. The lack of

surface water in this pond throughout the sampling period made this feature unlikely to support

resident and migratory waterfowl resting, feeding, or roosting habitat. Additionally, due to the

lack of surface water during the sampling period, this pond was unlikely to support resident

waterfowl nesting. If surface water is present in R-1 Pond for long periods of time (e.g.,

months), it is possible that this pond could support both resident and migratory waterfowl.

PERIMETER POND

Perimeter Pond is located near the CTL-III area of Area I (Refer to Appendix A, Figure

1). Perimeter Pond is a relatively small pond that functions to temporarily entrain accumulated

rainfall run-off. Predominant surface water management activities at this pond allow for the

accumulation of surface water as a result of rainfall run-off, and eventual evaporation and

percolation of the surface water into the underlying substrate. Additionally, Perimeter Pond can

receive water from R-1 Pond, which can then be discharged to Outfall 11, and eventually Outfall

01. Water quality testing per the SSFL CRWQCB NPDES permit is performed when water is

discharged from Outfalls 11 and 01. The margins of Perimeter Pond are surrounded by dense

cover predominantly composed of mulefat and arroyo willow (Refer to Appendix B, Figure 2).

Throughout the 2014 sampling period, no surface water was present in this pond. The

lack of surface water in this pond throughout the sampling period made this feature unlikely to

support resident and migratory waterfowl resting, feeding, or roosting habitat. Additionally, due

to the lack of surface water during the sampling period, this pond was unlikely to support

resident waterfowl nesting. If surface water is present in Perimeter Pond for long periods of

time (e.g., months), it is possible that this pond could support both resident and migratory

waterfowl.

SILVERNALE POND

Silvernale Pond is located in Area III (Refer to Appendix A; Figure 1). Silvernale Pond is

the largest of the ponds surveyed. Silvernale Pond functions to temporarily entrain accumulated

rainfall run-off. Predominant surface water management activities at this pond allows for the

accumulation of surface water as a result of rainfall run-off, before the eventual evaporation and

percolation of the surface water into the underlying substrate. Additionally, accumulated surface

water in Silvernale Pond can be discharged to the R2 Pond, located in Area II (NASA Property),

and then into the Southwest Drainage, a tributary to Bell Creek. Water quality testing per the

SSFL CRWQCB NPDES permit is performed when water is discharged from Outfall 18, which is

downstream from the R-2 Pond. The margins of Silvernale Pond are surrounded by dense

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January 19, 2015 (1302-2702)


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cover predominantly composed of mulefat, broad-leafed cattail (Typha latifolia), California

bulrush (Schoenoplectus californicus), and arroyo willow (Refer to Appendix B, Figure 3).

Throughout the 2014 sampling period, surface water was present in this pond in May 2014

through July 2014, and in October 2014. Surface water was absent in the Silvernale Pond

during the survey conducted in November 2014.

Silvernale Pond was the only pond sampled during the 2014 sampling period that

provided suitable resident and migratory waterfowl resting, feeding, and roosting habitat. If

surface water is maintained in the Silvernale Pond for long periods of time (e.g., months), it is

possible that this pond could continue to support both resident nesting and migratory waterfowl.

WATERFOWL SURVEY METHODS AND MATERIALS

WATERFOWL RELATIVE DENSITIES AT THE SAMPLED PONDS

The relative density of waterfowl in the three (3) ponds described above (R-1 Pond,

Perimeter Pond, and Silvernale Pond) was determined by establishing one (1) unequal-area belt

transect at each pond. Relative density indicates the number of waterfowl observed per each

unit area (square meter). The orientation of each unequal-area belt transect in the respective

ponds was randomly selected utilizing a random number generator set between 0° to 360°.

Each unequal-area belt transect had a width of 30 meters and variable length ranging from 24

meters to 66 meters (R-1 transect length: 30 meters; Perimeter Pond transect length: 24

meters; and Silvernale Pond: 66 meters). Unequal-area belt transects were utilized due to the

variable size differences between each pond and attempted to encompass open water habitats,

near shore habitats, and a limited amount of adjacent upland habitats that may be used by

waterfowl. A metric measuring tape and a laser rangefinder (Leupold® RX 600i) were used to

establish the unequal-area belt transects. At least two corners of each transect were marked in

the field with rebar stakes and labeled.

The 2014 sampling period at all three features was comprised of monthly surveys

conducted between May 2014 through July 2014, and October 2014 and November 2014 to

detect the utilization of the ponds by potentially migrating waterfowl. Survey bouts were

scheduled on a rotating schedule to reduce potential variability of different diurnal survey times

between ponds. Each survey bout was conducted during the morning hours on each survey

day. During each survey bout, the unequal-area belt transects in each pond was observed for a

total of 10 minutes by a single observer aided by 10x50 binoculars. During the 10-minute survey

bouts, the number and species of waterfowl that were observed within each unequal-area belt

transect was recorded. Following each survey bout, the respective water depth gauge was

measured visually and recorded. The number of waterfowl individuals recorded in each pond

on each survey day were divided by the total area (in square meters) of each unequal-area belt

transect to receive a density (number of waterfowl/ square meter) for each survey month.

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Table 1. Pond Unequal-area Belt Transect Measurements

Pond Name Transect Width (m) Transect Length (m) Area (m2)

R-1 Pond 30 30 900

Perimeter Pond 30 24 720

Silvernale Pond 30 66 1,980

WATERFOWL AND WATERBIRD SPECIES DIVERSITY AT THE SAMPLED PONDS

The species diversity of waterfowl and waterbirds within each pond was recorded

monthly within each respective feature between May 2014 through July 2014, and October 2014

through November 2014. To perform these surveys, a single observer identified all waterfowl

and waterbirds to the taxonomic species level with 10x50 binoculars or species-specific auditory

cues within each pond. All species were identified irrespective of their location relative to the

unequal-area belt transect. A list of all waterfowl and waterbird species was compiled.

WATERFOWL SURVEY RESULTS

WATERFOWL RELATIVE DENSITIES AT THE SAMPLED PONDS

The results of the five monthly waterfowl surveys conducted at the three ponds at SSFL

indicate low relative densities of waterfowl at all ponds. No waterfowl were observed within the

unequal-area belt transects in R-1 and Perimeter Ponds throughout the 2014 sampling period.

The lack of waterfowl observations in the R-1 Pond and Perimeter Pond belt transects is likely

an artifact of a lack of surface water in these ponds throughout the 2014 sampling period.

Silvernale Pond is the only pond where waterfowl were observed in the unequal-area belt

transects. The density of waterfowl observed in Silvernale Pond had an average of 0.0018/m2

(range 0.0/m2 - 0.002/m2). The relative densities recorded in Silvernale Pond indicate that

waterfowl utilize Silvernale Pond, but at very low densities. Table 2 includes the relative

densities of waterfowl observed in the three ponds at SSFL during the 2014 sampling period.

Table 3 includes the water depths (feet) in the three ponds.

Surface water depth data compiled by MWH Americas, Inc. at these three features

between 2010 and 2014 indicate that in years with average to above average annual rainfall,

significant surface water accumulates and can persist for months at all three features.

Therefore, these ponds have the potential to provide suitable habitat for waterfowl and

waterbirds during wet months of years with average to above average rainfall.

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Table 2. Monthly Pond Unequal-Area Belt

Transect Waterfowl Relative Densities

Month and Year R-1 Pond Waterfowl Relative Density (m2)

Perimeter Pond Waterfowl Relative

Density (m2)

Silvernale Pond Waterfowl Relative

Density (m2)

May 2014 0.0 0.0 0.0

June 2014 0.0 0.0 0.0005

July 2014 0.0 0.0 0.002

October 2014 0.0 0.0 0.002

November 2014 0.0 0.0 0.0

Average Relative Densities 0.0 0.0 0.0018

Table 3.Monthly Pond Surface Water Depths

Month and Year R-1 Pond Water Depth

(feet) Perimeter Pond Water

Depth (feet) Silvernale Pond Water

Depth (feet)

May 2014 0.0 0.0 4.0

June 2014 0.0 0.0 3.0

July 2014 0.0 0.0 2.7

October 2014 0.0 0.0 0.1

November 2014 0.0 0.0 0.0

WATERFOWL AND WATERBIRD SPECIES DIVERSITY AT THE SAMPLED PONDS

A total of one (1) species of waterfowl (mallard [Anas platyrhynchos]) and five (5)

species of waterbirds were observed in Silvernale Pond. Table 4 includes all waterfowl and

waterbirds observed throughout the 2014 sampling period. Due to a lack of surface water in R-

1 and Perimeter Ponds, no waterfowl or waterbirds were observed in these ponds. Table 4

includes the species diversity observed in Silvernale Pond.

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Table 4.Waterfowl and WaterbirdSpecies Observed in Silvernale Pond

Common Name Scientific Name Status

mallard Anas platyrhynchos CDFW1/MBTA2

American coot Fulica americana CDFW/MBTA

lesser yellowlegs Tringa flavipes CDFW/MBTA

killdeer Charadrius vociferus CDFW/MBTA

red-winged blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus CDFW/MBTA

snowy egret Egretta thula CDFW/MBTA

1 Protected by the California Department of Fish and Game Code 2 Protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act

Avian surveys conducted by the San Fernando Valley Audubon Society (SFVAS)

between May 2011 and September 2014, indicate that other waterbirds have been observed

within suitable habitat at SSFL. The additional waterbird species observed at SSFL include

great blue heron (Ardea herodias), American white pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos), great

egret (Ardea alba), green heron (Butorides virescens), spotted sandpiper (Actitis macularius),

black-crowned night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax), western gull (Larus occidentalis), osprey

(Pandion haliaetus), double-crested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus), greater yellowlegs

(Tringa melanoleuca), and eared grebe (Podiceps nigricollis). Although numerous species of

waterbirds were observed by the SFVAS between May 2011 and September 2014, mallard

remains the only waterfowl species that has been observed at SSFL.

CONSERVATION RECOMMENDATIONS

During the 2014 sampling period, Silvernale Pond is the only sampled pond that

exhibited surface water. Furthermore, Silvernale Pond is the only sampled pond where

waterfowl were observed in the unequal-area belt transects. No waterfowl were observed within

the unequal-area belt transects in R-1 and Perimeter Ponds throughout 2014 sampling period.

The low relative densities observed in Silvernale Pond indicate that waterfowl utilize Silvernale

Pond, but at very low densities. The lack of waterfowl observations in the R-1 and Perimeter

Pond belt transects is likely an artifact of a lack of surface water in these ponds throughout the

2014 sampling period. Therefore, the results of the five monthly waterfowl surveys conducted at

the three ponds at SSFL indicate low relative densities of waterfowl, and low waterfowl and

waterbird species diversity (i.e., six species) at all the ponds. Additionally, mallard is the only

species of waterfowl observed at the three ponds between May 2011 and November 2014,

indicating low waterfowl species diversity recorded at SSFL.

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January 19, 2015 (1302-2702)


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However, water gage data compiled by MWH Americas, Inc. between 2010 and 2014 at

these three features indicate that surface water does accumulate and can persist for months in

certain years, at which time, these features may provide suitable habitat for waterfowl and

waterbirds. To reduce the attractiveness of resident and migratory waterfowl to the ponds at

Boeing-owned SSFL Areas I and III during the implementation of the proposed Project, it is

advisable to minimize the depth and duration of accumulated surface water, or keep each

feature as dry as possible. This measure may be accomplished by discharging accumulated

surface water to Outfall 11 (for R-1 and Perimeter Pond) or the Southwest Drainage (for

Silvernale Pond). The implementation of this measure may further reduce the density and

diversity of resident and migratory waterfowl potentially occurring at the ponds during the

Project, thereby reducing the potential of affecting these biological resources.

Should you have any questions regarding this letter, please contact me at 805/290-0541

at your earliest convenience.

Sincerely,

PADRE ASSOCIATES, INC.

Kenneth L. Gilliland

Project Biologist

KG:av

The Boeing Company

January 19, 2015

Appendix A: Figure 1. Surveyed Reclamation Ponds

_̂

_̂

_̂

SilvernalePond

R-1 Pond

PerimeterPond

NORTHERN UNDEVELOPED

LAND (BOEING)

SOUTHERNUNDEVELOPEDLAND (BOEING)

AREA I(NASA)

NORTHERNUNDEVELOPEDLAND (BOEING)

AREA I(BOEING)

AREA II(NASA)

AREA IV(BOEING)

AREA III(BOEING)

Santa Susana Field Laboratory Soiland Groundwater Remediation Project

January 2015Project No: 1302-2702

SURVEYED RECLAMATION PONDSFIGURE 1

Source: NAIP Imagery, MMSCoordinate System: NAD 1983 StatePlane California V FIPS 0405 FeetNotes: This map was created for informational and display purposes only

0 850 1,700 Feet

Project Area

_̂ Reclamation PondsProposed Soil Remediation Impact AreaProposed Groundwater Remediation Impact Area

I

The Boeing Company

January 19, 2015

Appendix B: Photodocumentation of Surveyed Reclamation

Ponds

The Boeing Company January 19, 2015 Appendix B

B-1

Figure 1. Representative view of the unequal-area belt transect in the R-1 Pond, May 2nd, 2014.

Photo looking northwest.

Figure 2. Representative view of the unequal-area belt transect in Perimeter Pond, May 2nd,

2014. Photo looking southwest.

The Boeing Company January 19, 2015 Appendix B

B-2

Figure 3. Representative view of the unequal-area belt transect in Silvernale Pond, May 2nd, 2014. Photo looking northwest.

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