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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDesignation of Wetlands in the Coastal Zone - An Assessment REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION c•-bmitted by James W. Palin Department Development Services ,.ate Prepared January 25 19 80 Backup Materiel Attached 0 Yes No Subject Designation of Wetlands in the Coastal Zone City Administrator's Comments Statement of Issue, Recommendation, Analysis, Funding Source, Alternative Actions: STATEMENT OF ISSUE: A map delineating wetland areas within the City' s coastal zone has been developed by the California Department of Fish and Game and reviewed those state agencies having permit or review authority over wetlands. resentatives of those agencies will be present at the February 4th Council study session to discuss these areas as related to the City' s local coastal plan. RECOMMENDATION: Provide input to staff and state agencies concerning the wetlands map and text. ANALYSIS: The California Coastal Act requires that local coastal plans delineate . wetland habitat areas and establish policies for their protection and enhancement. The City' s Local Coastal Plan work program does not include .funding to map wetland areas; this requires definitive identification by professional biologists. City planning staff in November 1979 requested the Regional Coastal Commission coordinate wetlands mapping efforts among state agencies. As a result, the Commission, in cooperation with-the Department of Fish and Wildife, the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers , developed the attached map and text. A glossary of terms used in the text and an outline of the permit and review authority of each agency involved in the mapping are also attached. Under the Coastal Act, wetland areas must be provided maximum protection -hin the local coastal plan. In essence, no residential, commercial industrial development may take place. Human uses would be oriented toward nature study and other passive activities. General Plan designa- tions for such areas would be "open space, " "conservation, " or "natural resources. " Request for City Council Action ,'anuary 22 , 1980 Page 2 'I'lie intent of this study session is to acquaint the Council with the state regulations and attitude regarding wetlands as mapped in the City and to allow the Council opportunity to question and give comments to Federal and State agencies and staff. Respectfully submitted, ,James W. P lin, Director Development Services JWP :JWC: s Attachment: Map and Text y t ■ COMM --, ih v � RESIDENTIAL ........., �� �. ! I LU co _ .M (^� l.: RESIDENTIAL - i. C F R - " * FUEL STORAGE BARREN ��wTq !w_F., I 17 • t TANK 111 1_ ILT I",,I LTA j ' OIL SUMP INDUSTRIA ROTARY BOAT - i - MUD . � SALES _ y ■ '�• +: \ Mobile Home D U M P � Par —N,`— ``T=%% C•�` r ^ >\'\... FUEL STORAGE J O HM6UN Co` i r I / Z POWER PLANT PACIFIC OCEAN \ L• ��'C LEGEND ,fr, C q .� o �• A. O COASTAL SALT MARSH _ C ':BEACH -qy _ Q COASTAL SALT FLAT FRESH/BRACKISH WATER MARSH - ® RIPARIAN AREA "- ® STANDING WATER AND FLOOD CONTROL DIKES RESTORABLE AREAS " -'- �` ^1�' WHICH HAVE BEEN FILLED CAI- AND/OR CLEARED �19 ti (See Accompanying Text) im , Coastal Zone Boundary WETLANDS AS DEPICTED BY THE DEPT. OF FISH AND GAP4E January 1980 1 < IIANNIN'• , AVI ! Z w W �ItI1I! Illy.I1ITi.l11 II r I, II "'V ILi R r* ut.'w�l. ...�i,/cc .: S RESIDENTIAL L X Lw- `LM RESIDENTIAL I I i _ RESIDENTIAL I Iat CAI- RYI — �r��'✓r * "- SEWAGE FACILITY v r oil A. ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION TREATMENT PLANT ysr�. ^• - LEGEND COASTAL SALT MARSH 4 BEACH -a• ` COASTA L SALT FLAT •�; ���-. �-- `" ® FRESH/BRACKISH WATER \, C MARSH ® \ _ RIPARIAN AREA ® STANDING WATER AND FLOOD CONTROL DIKES RESTORABLE AREAS ' WHICH HAVE BEEN FILLED AND/OR CLEARED (See Accompanying Text) eme Coastal Zone Boundary WETLANDS AS DEPICTED BY THE DEPT. OF FISH AND GAME January 1980 i J"t Jl. j Li, i 'd � , 1' I V �a•oP� a .L. .�1-t CF-.R o y ; L "U, I 0f1T � Q w m 2 ROTARY � _ _ M U D U—O D U M P E� , ��o" _ _ ono z PACIFIC OCEAN \ f. .4, o � O Cb (4) (6) a . KEY _(IT CalTrans 20.86 acres (2) Mills Land & Water 16.66 acres sr^ (3) McVicar 9.26 acres (4) So. Calif. Edison 19.98 acres (5) Orange County Flood Control -N C,� District 4 . 19 acres (6) a. Thorne 10„ 41 acres im ,Coastal Zone Boundary WETLANDS AS DEPICTED BY THE DEPT. OF FISH AND GAME OWNERSHIP AND ACREAGE* *In gross acres. Acreage and boundary does not indicate each owner' s complete holdings in the coastal zone . January 1980 BANNINI, 1 AVE Ou - Qy 3 � r c. uwu c• d _ j • ( •H- - I 11 TUT ♦ li ® • Q YTI J t -- C CfY c \ ORANGE COUNTY •• SANITATION TREATMENT c PLANT Cp qs o T ( va \L� tirC ,J y KEY (6) b. Thorpe 36.05 acres tiw (7) a. CalTrans 27.80 acres (7) b. CalTrans 21 . 99 acres / ^ -N- III = iCoastal Zone Boundary WETLANDS AS DEPICTED BY THE DEPT. OF FISH AND GAME OWNERSHIP AND ACREAGE* *In gross acres. Acreage and boundary does not indicate each owner' s complete holdings in the coastal zone. January 1980 GLOSSERY OF TERMS Utilized in Department of Fish and Game Report I . ".Ec_osystem" means the complex of a natural community and its environ- ment functioning as a unit in nature. (Webster ' s Dictionary) 3 . "Environmentally sensitive area" means any area in which plant or animal life or their habitats are either rare or especially valuable because of their special role in an ecosystem. (Section 30107 of the Coastal Act) . 3 , "Wetland_" is land which may be covered periodically or permanently with shallow water and includes salt water marshes , fresh water marshes , open or closed brackish water marshes, swamps and mudflats . (Section 30121 of the Coastal Act) . A more specific definition of wetlands recognized by the Coastal Commission is provided by the U .S . Fish and Wildlife Services (U .S .F.W.S. ) for purposes of technical identification: "Wetland" is land where the water table is at, near or above the land surface long enough to promote the for- mation of hygric soils or to support the growth of hydro- phytic plants. (U.S .F.W.S. ) 4 . "Hygric soils" are soils that are saturated with water at or near the surface and are deficient of oxygen long enough during the groc,- ing season to result in properties that reflect dominant wetness characteristics near the soil surface. (U .S.F.W.S . ) 5. "H dy rophytic plants" are plants which grow in or near water, wet habitats or hygric soils. (U.S.F.W.S . ) 6 . "Flats" are wetland areas where vegetation is lacking and soils are poorly developed or absent as a result of frequent or drastic fluctua- tions of surface-water levels and/or high concentrations of salt or other substances in water or substrate. (U.S .F.W.S . ) 7 . "Fresh water marshes" are marshes where the water has concentrations of salt less than five parts per 1000. (U.S .F .W.S . ) 8 . "Brackish water marshes" are marshes where the water has concentra- tions of salt ranging between five parts and thirty parts per 1000 . (U.S .F.W.S . ) 9 . "Iialine water" is water with salt concentrations of 30 to 40 parts per 1000 where the salinity is derived from the ocean. (U.S .F .W.S . ) 10 . "Hyperhaline water_" is water with salt concentrations exceeding 40 parts per 1000 . (U.S .F.W.S . ) ' "I.6_1>arian habitats" are areas exhibiting vegetation characteristics of Lliose which (.1row adjacent to freshwater water courses and the c�:ssociated animal species. (U.S .F.W.S . ) Page 1 12 . "Tidal influence" means an area is affected by tides via subterranean or surface connection to the ocean. (California Department of Fish and Game [D.F.G. ] ) 13 . "Restorable Salt Marsh" is a wetland which is filled and/or cleared and which may be easily restored as coastal salt marsh. (D.F.G . ) 14 . "Feasible" means capable of being accomplished in a successful manner within a reasonable period of time, taking into account economics , environmental, social and technological factors (Section 30108 of the Coastal Act) . 15. "Levees" are embankments to protect flooding. (Webster ' s Dictionary) 16 . "Biological productivity" refers to the rate at which energy is stored as organic material. Factors which indicate the quality of productivi- ty include the efficiency of the transfer of stored organic material as food. (D.F.G. ) SUMMARY OF STATE AND FEDERAL REGULATORY IN` QLVEMENT REGARDING WETLAND AREAS The alteration of wetlands associated with development, such .Is di.kinq, dredging or filling is subject to the r.equlatory require- ments of several federal and state agencies . For development in wetlands to occur, permits or agreements by the California Coastal Commission (CCC) , the California Department of Fish and Game , and the Corps of Engineers must be obtained. Additional permits or approvals may be needed by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) and the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) de- pending on operation proposed; and the State Lands Commission (SLC) if the project is proposed on land that is owned by the State . A. Coastal Commission Decisions regulating development in the coastal zone made by the Coastal Commission in permitting and Local Coastal Plan certification are based upon policies in the Coastal Act of 1976 . Provisions for protecting and enhancing wetlands : 1. Environmentally sensitive habitat areas shall be protected against significant disruption of habitat values (Section 30240-a) . 2 . Development adjacent to environmentally sensitive habitat areas shall be designed to be compatible with the continu- ance of such habitat areas (Section 30240-b) . 3 . Coastal-dependent developments shall not be sited in a wetland (Section 30255) . 4 . Marine resources shall be maintained, enhanced and, where feasible, restored (Section 30230) . 5. The biological productivity of wetlands appropriate to maintain optimum populations of marine organisms shall be maintained and, where feasible, restored (Section 30231) . Types of Development Permitted in Wetlands : 1 . Wetland restoration activities (Section 30233-a) . 2. Nature study, aquaculture or similar resource-dependent activities (Section 30233-a) . 3. Incidental public services which temporarily impact the re- sources of the area, such as burying cables and pipes , and maintenance of existing intake and outfall lines (Section 30233-a) . 4 . Entrance channels for new or expanded boating facilities may be constructed in wetlands (Section 30233-a) . Page 2. , 5 . In degraded wetland, as identified by the Department of Fish and Game, boating facilities other than entrance channels may be constructed under special circumstances (Section 30233-a) . 6 . Coastal-dependent industrial facilities , such as commercial fishing facilities, may be constructed or expanded (Section 30233-a) . 7. Energy facilities may be constructed or expanded (Section 30233-a) . 8. Port facilities may be constructed or expanded (Section 30233-a) . 9 . Existing degraded depths in navigational channels, turning basins and boat launch areas may be maintained or previously dredged depths may be restored (Section 30233-a) . B. California Department of Fish and Game Pursuant to Sections 1601 and 1603 of the Fish and Game Code, The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) regulates wetland altera- tions. A written agreement issued by the DFG satisfying Sec- tions 1601 and 1603 is required prior to any development in a wetland. The DFG is directed by the State Endangered Species Act and the State Native Species Conservation and Enhancement Act to protect the State' s endangered species . Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 28 (September 13, 1979) has given the DFG the responsibility of proposing plans to protect, preserve, restore , acquire and manage wetlands . In addition, the DFG reviews and comments on development permits issued by the Coastal Commission and the Corps of Engineers . Both the Coastal Commission and the DFG take under advisement the State Resources Agency Basic Wetlands Policy which states : "It is the basic policy of the Resource Agency that this Agency and its Department, Boards and Commissions will not authorize or approve projects that fill or otherwise harm or destroy coastal, estuarine , or inland wetlands . Exceptions to this policy may be granted provided that the following conditions are met: 1 . The proposed project must be water dependent or an essential transportation, water conveyance or utility project. 2 . There must be no feasible , less environmentally damaging alternative location for the type of project being con- sidered. 3 . The public trust must not be adversely affected. Page 3 4 . Adequate compensation for project-caused losses shall be a part of the project. Compensation, to be considered ade- quate, must meet the following criteria: a. The compensation measures must be in writing in the form of either conditions on a permit or an agreement signed by the applicant and the Department of Fish and Game or the Resources Agency. b . The combined long-term ' wetlands habitat value' of the lands involved (including project and mitigation lands) must not be less after project completion than the combined 'wetland habitat value ' that exists under pre-project conditions . " C. Corps of Engineers The Army Corps of Engineers (COE) , under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act of 1972 , regulates development in wetlands . Section 404 permits are required for any development that would discharge dredged or fill material into any waters of the United States, including wetlands . The Corps of Engineers wetland policy guidelines state : The purpose of a proposed structure or work will be examined with a view toward avoiding siting in wetland areas . If that purpose is not dependent on waterfront access, or can be satis- fied by the use of an alternate site or by use of existing public facilities, the application will ordinarily not be granted. The applicant will be required to demonstrate that a feasible alternate site does not exist; the inability to finance or acquire an alternate site is not a factor in the determination of feasibility. Unless the public interest requires otherwise, no permit shall be granted for work in wetlands identified as important . . . unless the District Engineer concludes, on the basis of the analysis required in . . . (the public review) . . . that the benefits of the proposed alteration outweigh the damage to the wetlands resource and the proposed alteration is necessary to realize those benefits . (33 Code of Federal Regulations 209. 120) . The guidelines mandate the denial of Section 404 permits unless the applicant is able to demonstrate both of the following: (1) that the activity associated with the fill must have direct access or proximity to, or be located in the water resource in order to fulfill its basic purpose or that other sites or con- struction alternatives are not practical ; and (2) that the pro- posed fill and the activity associated with it will not cause a permanent unacceptable disruption to the beneficial water Page 4 quality uses of the affected aquatic ecosystem (Section 230 . 5 b-8 of 33 Code of Federal Regulations) . * D. United States Fish and Wildlife Service The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (U.S .F .W.S . ) , under the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, the Estuary Protection Act, and other Federal laws, reviews 404 permits before they are issued by the Corps of Engineers . Although these permits are issued by the COE, responsibility is shared with the U.S .F.W.S . and permits must be consistent with guidelines issued by the U.S .F.W.S . , the Environmental Protection Agency and the California Coastal Management Program. The U.S.F.W.S . is authorized by federal Endangered Species legis- lation to identify federally endangered species for purposes of habitat protection. In addition to development being subject to the regulations of these federal agencies , an Environmental Impact Statement is required for any action taken by a federal agency that would have a significant impact on the environment, under Title I , Section 102 , of the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) . Such a document would require coordination with the various agencies having permit authority. * Source: Wetlands Protection: The Regulatory Role of the U.S . Army Corps of Engineers, 1978 Coastal Zone Management Journal Volume 4, Number 4. AN ASSESSMENT OF WETLAND RESOURCES WITHIN THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH BETWEEN BEACH BLVD. AND THE SANTA ANA RIVER. by Bob Radovich Department of Fish and Came Region 5 Fred Worthley, Regional Manager INTRODUCTION This report was prepared at the request of the South Coast Regional Commission staff. The Commission staff specifically requested that the Department of Fish and Came map the wetlands between Beach Avenue and the Santa Ana River within the Coastal Zone of the City of Huntington Beach. The Department was also requested to provide an assessment of the biological value of the area in question, and to provide recommendations for possible enhancement. A brief evaluation and mapping of the area in question was prepared for the State Coastal Commission in March of 1979. The present report is somewhat more detailed and the mapping is considerably more precise. The_ maps and accompanying text were prepared after review of pertinent literature, _ield surveys, and careful examination of aerial photographs. In spite of the considerable effort expended, and the attention to detail which was applied to the map delineations, it must be kept in mind that habitat maps are somewhat subjective in nature. Only rarely are divisions between plant communities rigid enough to be delineated as a line on a map. The transition from one plant community to the next is often quite subtle. The problems facing the field biologist/map delineator are often like trying to establish the precise instant when day becomes night - the change is certainly apparent but the instant is quite obscure. The accompanying maps must, therefore, be viewed for what they are - a good approximation of the various habitats available to wildlife in the area in question. DEFINITIONS .he following definitions apply: Environmentally Sensitive Area - "Any area in which plant or animal life or their habitats are either rare or especially valuable because of their special nature or role in an 2 ecosystem and which could be easily disturbed or degraded by human activities a and developments". (California Coastal Act, Section 30107. 5). Wetland - "Land where the water table is at, near or above the land surface long enough to promote the formation of hydric soils or to support the growth of hydrophytes. In certain types of wetlands , vegetation is lacking and soils are poorly developed or absent as a result of frequent and drastic fluctuations of surface-water levels , wave action, water flow, turbidity or high concentrations of salt or other substances in water or substrate. Such wetlands can be recognized by the presence of surface water or saturated substrate at some time during each year and their location within, or adjacent to, vegetated wetlands or deep-water habitats."1 Coastal Salt Marsh - A wetland, as defined above, estuarine,2 of estuarine origin, or exhibiting a water-regime and halinity which maintain vegetation characteristic of an estuarine system. For the purposes of this report let the "Coastal Salt Marsh" designation include areas which are at least 307.3 covered by salt marsh indicator plant species listed in our November 7, 1979 letter to Eric Metz of the State Coastal Commission (See attachment #1) . (These areas are shown in light green on the maps). (E2EM1K3dhg)* Coastal Salt Flat - A wetland, as defined above, where vegetation is lacking (<30% .coverage 4) and soils are poorly developed or absent as a result of frequent and drastic fluctuations of surface-water levels, wave action, water flow, turbidity or high con- centrations of salt or other substances in water or substrate. (In the case of the subject wetlands , salt in water and substrate, in combination with drastic fluctuations * in surface water levels, severely limits vegetation). (E2FL3K 1/3 dhg) *USFWS Wetland classification system. 3 Riparian Area - Areas which support riparian plant species as listed in our November 7, 1979 letter. Riparian areas are wetlands by U.S.F.W.S. definition, and for the purposes of this report shall be considered wetlands. Although the Coastal Act does not specifically list riparian areas as wetlands, they are environmentally sensitive by Coastal Act definition and have been protected as environmentally sensitive habitat areas by action of Regional and State Coastal Commissions. (These areas are shown in black on the accompanying maps). (U/O? SS 1/3 K), (Note: areas designated riparian include some coastal strand vegetation, some upland vegetation, and some saltmarsh vegetation (i.e. Juncus).) Fresh/Brackish Water Marsh - A wetland, as defined above, which supports vegetation characteristic of a fresh or brackish water marsh as listed in our November 7, 1979 letter. (These areas are shown in dark green on the accompanying maps). (PEMIM/0 hg) Flood control channels - Estuarine areas contained within flood control dikes with either permanent or semipermanent standing or flowing water (partially deep water habitat). Dikes have also been included, dikes themselves are upland. (These areas are shown in blue). ((E1/E2 FL3/UB(MUD) K2/3 t dh)/ U) Restorable Areas - Wetlands which have been filled and/or cleared, and which may be easily restored as Coastal Salt Marsh. (These areas are shown in red). (E2EM1K3dhg (filled and/or cleared)) GENERAL Historically, the subject area was part of the 2,950 acre Santa Ana River marsh which existed in the 1890's5. This historic acreage was roughly 2.5 times larger than the vacant wetland area of the Bolsa Chica gap of today. This once magnificent wetland has been filled, and developed for residential, commercial, and industrial purposes until today approximately 170 acres remain within the City of Huntington Beach. The areas delineated as wetlands on the accompanying maps are wetlands by Coastal Act * USFWS Wetland classification system 4 definition (except for riparian areas) , by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service definition, and by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers definition. P'cklewueu (Saiicornia pacifica) is the dominant salt marsh indicator species in the study area. Other salt marsh indicator species include alkali heath Frankenia rg, andiflora) , saltgrass (Distichlis spicata) and Juncus (Juncus acutus var. sphaerocarpus). Outcroppings of willows Salix sp.) , tulea Scir us sp.) , and cattails (Typha sp.) occur in several areas where haline conditions are sufficiently diluted to allow such growth. Several characteristically upland/transition species such as coyote bush Baccharis sp.) and holly-leafed cherry Prunus ilicifolia) grow near (among) willows forming dense thickets with unquestionably high value to wildlife of the area. The flood control channels support a great number of estuarine-related fish, molluscs , and crustaceans. Pickleweed is the dominant plant species and grows in narrow strips near the waters edge. For the most part these channels are either tidal mudflats or subtida' unconsolidated bottom (mud). PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS The average height of the subject area is less than 2 ft. MSL. Virtually the entire wetland area would be subject to tidal flushing were it not for dikes along the flood control channels. The entire wetland area is within the hundred year flood zone, and would have standing water 9 feet deep during such a flood.6 Soils of the subject area are organic with high halinities. Groundwater of the subject area is chemically similar to that of the ocean which indicates a hydraulic link between the ocean and the subject wetlands.7 "Schmidt (1978) indicates that the flood control channel and the ocean will exert diurnal and seasonal tidal pressure on the groundwater, causing semi-ebb and flow motions , although not to the degree of surface tidal movement."8 It seems that coastal salt marsh and coastal salt flat areas are directly influenced by tidal action lahich causes variations in saturation levels of the soil. 5 Standing water runs the full range between fresh (less than 0.5 parts/1000) and hyperhaline (greater than 40 parts/1000) depending on location, time of year, recency of rainfall, amount of rainfall, and it some instances the height of the tide. Stan- ding water is generally circumneutral to alkaline (ph 5.5 or higher) . The wetlands of the subject area have been diked, partially drained, and exhibit an artificial water regime. They are at least seasonally flooded or saturated. It is the combination of low elevation, high groundwater table, euhaline groundwater, and precipitation which allows the growth of coastal salt marsh vegetation and the maintenance of coastal salt flat areas. Riparian areas and fresh/brackish water marshes are apparently the result of urban runoff which dilutes halinities sufficiently for maintenance of these vegetative associations. There is evidence of recent vehicular activity in many wetland areas. Fill (with the exception of the trailer park, power plant , oil storage areas, and boat sales facility) is of a rather minor nature. Existing service roads are narrow and have been largely ignored in map delineations. NATURAL RESOURCE VALUES The primary resource value of this coastal wetland area is it's function as habitat for water-associated and marsh dependent bird species, both migratory and resident.9 Two endangered species (the California least tern Sterna albifrons browni) and Belding's savannah sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis beldinki)) use this area. With minor modification this wetland complex could become valuable habitat for marine fish and invertebrates. 6 SITE SPECIFIC DISCUSSION For the sake of convenience, we have divided the Huntington Beach wetland area into two subareas as follows: Subarea I - That area bounded by the Santa Ana River, Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) , Magnolia Street and the Orange County flood control channel. (This sub-area is shown on map 1). Subarea II - All areas delineated on Map 2. Subarea 1 For convenience this subarea can, in turn, be divided into 2 distinct sections. Let section A be the area bounded by the Santa Ana River, PCH, Brookhurst Street , and the Orange County Flood control channel. Let section B be the area bounded by Brookhurst Street, PCH, Magnolia Ave. and the OCFD Flood Control channel. Section A - As mitigation for impacts to the California least tern from an Orange County flood control dredging operation in the Santa Ana River, a tidal estuary was created on this site. Orange County subsequently removed the culverts which supplied tidal flushing to this area. The federal government filed suit over the County's action. This section is presently a wetland with manufactured tidal channels not subject to tidal flushing. If tidal flow is reestablished, then the area will again be estuarine in nature. Coastal salt marsh vegetation, though sparse, is present. For the purposes of this document, we have mapped the area as Coastal Salt Marsh without regard to more precise delineation. Within six months after this area was exposed to tidal inundation, a large (and suprisingly diverse) complement of fish and invertebrates had invaded the area. The California least tern fed extensively on forage fish such as mosquito fish 7 Gambusia affinis) and top smelt (Atherinops affinis). Other fish collected from the site were: staghorn sculpin (Leptocottus armatus) , long jaw mudsucker (Gillichthys mirabilis) , yellowfin goby (Acanthogob:us flavimanus) , arrow goby Clevandia ios) , Kelp bass (Paralabrax clathratus) , California halibut (Paralichthys californicus) , Opaleye Girella nigricans) , and shiner perch (Cymatogaster aggregata). Invertebrates included ghost shrimp (Callianassa californiensis) , jacknife cams (Tagus californianus) , little egg cockles (Laevicardium substriatum) , bay mussels M tilus edulis) , bent-nosed clam Macoma nasuta) , common littleneck clam (Protothaca staminea), Striped share crab (Pachygrapsus crassipes) and a crab of the genus Cancer. Additionally, this area was a valuable feeding and resting site for shorebirds and waterfowl. Our enhancement recommendations for section A would be to simply restore tidal action by replacing the culverts which were removed. It. should be pointed out that 'reestablishment of tidal flushing to other wetland areas in Huntington Beach would be likely to result in rapid colonization by the above mentioned species as well as others. Section B - This area consists primarily of a pickleweed and Juncus dominated coastal salt marsh. Riparian areas dominated by willows occur along PCH. A fresh/brackish,water marsh exists at the intersection of Magnolia Street and PCH. The area shows evidence of a historic tidal channel which has been delineated as coastal salt flat on the accompanying map. The area is quite valuable to the Belding's savannah sparrow, and is seasonally important to shorebirds and waterfowl. nur enhancement recommendations for section B would be to recreate tidal flushing 8 by the installation of culverts between the flood control channel and the subject wetlands. Some channelization of the subject wetland prior to the establishment of tidal flushing may be advisable. Extreme care would be necessary to avoid adversely impacting the Belding's savannah sparrow. Because unconsolidated fill along PCH supports rather dense vegetation of high value to wildlife, we recommend that these areas be preserved. Similarly, the fresh/brackish water marsh contributes to habitat diversity and should be maintained if such maintenance may be feasibly included in an enhancement plan: Subarea 2 This subarea may be divided into 3 sections as follows: Let section A be that area bounded by Magnolia Street, PCH, the Edison Power plant and related facilities , and the OCFCD flood control channel. Let section B those wetlands randward (generally north) of the OCFCD flood control channel as shown on map #2. Let. section C be those wetlands delineated on map 2 not included in sections A or B. Section A - This area consists primarily of a pickleweed dominated coastal salt marsh covering roughly 60% of the site, and a coastal salt flat area covering roughly 307. of the site. Additional habitat is afforded by outcroppings of willow along PCH. The Belding's savannah sparrow uses the coastal salt marsh and coastal salt flat areas. The California least tern fed extensively on mosquito fish which were introduced to the salt flat area after heavy winter rains of 1977-1978. 10 and 11 Our enhancement recommendations for this area would be to reestablish tidal flushing 9 by installation of culverts connecting the wetlands to the flood control channel . Additionally the fill area (::Mown in red on the accompanying nap) should be removed, and steps should be taken to eliminate vehicular access to this area. Section B - This area consist; of two geographically distinct subsections: The first subsection is immediately east of the "Light Industrial" designation and is shown primarily in red on the accompanying map. This entire area is re- storable by installation of culverts. During a field survey it was noted that water from the flood control channel was inundating the small area shown as coastal salt marsh (green) , and that a rather dense mat of pickleweed was present (again only in that portion of the site designated as coastal salt marsh). How the water passes through the dike is unknown as of this writing. Review of pertinent literature reveals that at least as recently as 1971 this ntire area (red and green) was coastal salt marsh as was the area immediately to the west presently occupied by the office complex ("Light Industrial"). The area designated restorable (red) has been heavily impacted, but the presence of sparsely arrayed pickleweed throughout the site indicates historical conditions. Restoration of this site should receive the lowest priority of any area discussed in this report. The second subsection is directly across Newland Street from the office complex men- tioned above. This area consists primarily of pickleweed dominated coastal salt marsh, two areas of unconsolidated fill, and a coastal salt flat area. The coastal salt marsh areais important to the Belding's savannah sparrow. The coastal salt flat area receives heavy use by waterfowl and shorebirds following heavy rains. Presumably salt fly larvae, and scuds supply a valuable seasonal food -nurce. The unconsolidated fill areas paX be ecologically important. They certainly contribute to plant diversity and may be used by the Belding's savannah sparrow as a resting site 10 when heavy rains innundate rmich of the coastal salt flat and salt marsh habitat. Their importance must be ev:lluated before recoi,Qnen,lations for their removal can be made. If it is determined that they should be removed, then it would be a very simple task to change these areas to coastal saltmarsh, saltflat, or open water habitat. Enhancement recommendations for this area would include the establishing of tidal action by placing culverts between the flood control channel and the subject wetlands. Section C - This area consists of unconsolidated fill (red) near the shopping center, pickleweed dominated coastal salt marsh, coastal salt flat, a small channel with permanent standing water, and a small fresh/brackish water marsh. The coastal salt marsh and coastal salt flat areas have essentially the same values for the same species as" those previously mentioned for these habitat types. The tidal channel is used by waterfowl and shorebirds as a feeding and resting area. The fresh/brackish water marsh contributes to habitat diversity and should be maintained, if such maintenance can be feasibly interwoven into the primary enhancement effort (i.e. restoration of tidal flushing) . The unconsolidated fill near the shopping center is restorable and should be restored as coastal salt marsh. Removal of fill might be feasibly accomplished by designating this area as a borrow site for fill material. The existence of pickleweed growing sparsely on this fill area, and the Department of Navigation and Ocean Development (DNOD) map (see attachments) indicate that this area was a viable salt marsh at least as recent- ly as 1971. There is an irregularly shaped area of low lying unconsolidated fill near the boat sales facility. Saltmarsh vegetation in this area seems to gradually blend with a 11 community made up of ruderal vegetation which characteristically colonizes recently disturbed areas. Pickleweed may be found growing as individual plants (rather than mats of many individuals) right up to the boat sales area. Precisely what is occuring in this area from a ecological standpoint is difficult to determine. It may be that saltmarsh vegetation is gradually supplanting the ruderal community, it may be that the opposite .is occuring, or it maybe that the area is relatively static. Because of the gradual nature of the transition, and because of the existence of coastal . salt marsh indicator species throughout the site, we have delineated the area as coastal salt marsh. Coastal salt marsh values might be considerably enhanced by lowering this area somewhat. Enhancement recommendations for section C would include placement of culverts and reestablishment of tidal flushing. V THE R CONSIDERATIONS Endangered :i ep cies - Of paramount concern within the subject wetlands is the retention or improvement of habitat values for the Belding's savannah sparrow and California least tern. These species should be the focal point around which restoration efforts revolve. Flood Control Channels - These channels are tidally influenced throughout the study area. Aside from the fact that they provide a readily availatle source of water for enhancement of the subject wetlands, these channels are a valuable habitat in their own right. A11 fish and invertebrates mentioned above in the discussion of subarea 1, section A are to be found in the flood control channels. These channels are used as foraging areas by the California least tern, as well as numerous other bird species. he levee embankments which adjoin wetland areas constitute most of the remaining 12 non-developed upland in the study area. If these levee embankments were planted with appropriate native plant species , the effect would 1C l.y ':a profoundly beneficial to the subject wetlands in terms of wildlife diversity. Trailer Park - The area covered by the trailer park (including narrow vacant strips along Newland Street and PCH) is restorable as wetland. The Department does not advocate immediate removal of the present land use. However, if this use is phased out , we favor marsh restoration over any other land use. The feasibility of a "phase- out" of the trailer park use, similar to that which was at one time considered for the Irvine Coastal Area, should be explored. Fuel Storage Areas - These areas are restorable as wetlands given a phase-out of the existing land use. Flood Risk - Flood risk must be taken into account prior to opening some of the discussed areas to tidal flushing. Mosquitos - Mosquito production would be likely to decrease if these wetlands were open to tidal flushing. SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS The subject wetlands constitute a valuable resource of greater than local importance. The Department recommends that the wetlands in question be preserved and enhanced as wildlife habitat. Measures necessary to insure this objective should be incorporated into the Local Coastal Program for the City of Huntington Beach. HYDROPUYTIC PLANTS - COASTAL IIABITATS Our November 7, 1979 letter to Eric Metz of the California Coastal Commission listed the following indicator species. An X indicates that the species is known to occur in the subject wetlands. Salt Marsh X Pickleweed (Salicornia Pacifica) X Glasswort (Is. subterminalis) X Saltgrass (Distichilis spicata) Cordgrass S artina foliosa) X Jaumea Jaumea carnosa) X Alkali heath (Frankenia raniflora) Salt cedar (Monanthochloe littoralis) Arrow grass Tri lochin maritima) X Sea-blite Suaeda californica var. pubescens) X Marsh rosemary Limonium californicum var. mexicanum) Gum plant (Grindel.ia stricta) Salt marsh flebane Pluchea purpurescens) X Juncus Juncus acutus var. sphaerocarpus) Freshwater Marsh X Cattails (Typha spp.) X Bulrushes Scir us spp.) Ledges Carex spp.) Rushes Juncus spp.) Spikerush (Heleochoris palustris) Pondweeds (Potamogeton spp. ) Smartweeds (Polygonum spp.) Water lilies (Nuphar spp. ) Buttercup Ranuculus aquatilus) Water-cress (Nasturtium officinale) Bur-reed (Sparganium eurycarpum) Water parsley Venanthe sarmentosa) Naiads Na as spp.) Brackish Marsh Alkali bulrush Scir us robustua) Rush Juncus balticus) Brass buttons Cotula coronopifolia) X Fat-hen Atri lex ap tula) X Olney's bulrush Scir us olneyi) X Common tule Scir us acutus) Common reed (Phragmites communis) Riparian A willows Salix spp.) Cottonwoods (Po ulus spp. ) Red alder Alnus rubra) Box elder Aur negundo) Sycamore Platanus recemosa) Blackberry Rubus vitifolia) Horsetail (Equisetum spp. ) So. Black walnut (Jugulans cal_ifornica) , California bay (Umbelularia californicum) Current Ribes spp.) BIRDS OF THE HUNTIN�TON BEACH WETLANDS These bird species are known to occur in the subject wetland area. The following list is not intended to be exhaustive. The list is based on actual field observation by the author. Wading birds: Ardeidae Great blue heron Ardea herodias Common egret Casmerodius albus Snowy egret Leucophoyx thula Cattle egret Bubulcus ibis Black-crowned night heron Nycticorax nyct.icorax Surface ducks Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Pintail Anas acute Common teal Anas crecca Green-winged teal Anas carolinensis Blue-winged teal Anas discors Cinnamon teal Anas cyanoptera American widgeon Mareca americans Shoveller Spatula clypeata Diving ducks Lesser scaup Aythya affinis Surf scoter Melanitta perspicillata Stiff-tailed ducks Ruddy duck Qxyura jamaicen: is Rites, hawks , falcons (observed foraging in wetland areas) White-tailed kite Elanus leucurus Red-tailed hawk Buteo iamaicensis Marsh hawk Circus cyaneus Sparrow hawk Falco sparverius Shorebirds ' Semipalmated plover Charadrius semipalmatus Killdeer Charadrius vociferus Black bellied plover Squatarola squatarola Long billed curlew Numenius americanus Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus Willet Catoptrophorus semipalmatus Greater yellowlegs Totanus melanoleucus Least sandpiper Erolia minutilla Dunlin Erolia alpina Western sandpiper Ereunetes mauri Marbled godwit Limosa fedoa American avocet Recurvirostra americans Black-necked stilt Himantopus mexicanus Northern phalarope Lobipes lobatus Gulls and terns Western gull Larus occidentalis Herring gull Larus argentatus California gull Larus californicus Ring-billed gull Larus delawarensis Bonaparte's gull Larus Philadelphia Heerman's gull Larus heermanni Forster's tern Sterna forsteri California least tern Sterna albifrons browni Caspian tern Hydroprogne caspia Miscellaneous wetland-related species American coot Fulica americans Belding's savannah sparrow Passerculus sandwichensis beldingii Red-winged blackbird AAelaius phoeniceus Miscellaneous species not directly related- to wetland habitat Mourning dove Zenaidura macroura Common crow Corvus brachyrhynrhos Mockingbird Mimus polyglottus Starling Sturnus vulgaris English sparrow Passer domesticus Western meadowlark Sturnella neglecta House finch Carpodacus mexicanus American goldfinch Spinus tristis Lesser goldfinch S inus psaltria Song sparrow Melospiza melodia REFERENCES CITED 1. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, "Classification of Wetlands and Deep-water Habitats of the United States (An Operational Draft)", October 1977, pages 4-5. 2. USFWS , page 14. 3. USFWS, page 35-37. 4. USFWS, page 35-37. 5. Speth, J.W. et.al. 1976, The Natural Resources of Anaheim Bay"; Calif. Dept. of Fish and Game, Coastal Wetland Series No. 18 6. Final EIR 77-9, General Plan Amendment 78-1, page 31. 7. Final EIR 77-9, page 31. 8. Final EIR 77-9, pages 32-33. 9. Mansfield, T.M. , et. al. 1979, "Evaluation of Wetlands and Natural Resources Values Adjacent to the Southern California Edison Plant, Huntington Beach, California." 10. Massey, B.W. 1978. "Proposed mitigation for loss of California least tern feeding habitat during construction of flood control improvements on the Santa Ana River." Orange County Env. Mgt. Agency. 8p. 'I. Kelly, P.R. 1979. Assistant Wildlife Biologist, Calif. Dept. of Fish and Game, Endangered Species Program, personal communication. 12. California Dept, of Navigation and Ocean Development, "Comprehensive Ocean Area Plan, Land Use-Coastal"; Sheet Number 99 of 127, August 1971. or AP I From: -'alifornia Department " of Navigation and ocean Development, "Comprehensive ; l r - -,' �•t. ;ocean l+xea. Plan, Land Use - _ Coastal"; 'Sheet Number 99' of 127, August 1971, - • j t. ,. WO R. t% 111111 k S:Cr Rid COt:i•,.�t'E! Ce �• '' Ce i CC I ce _ I m RI E ND' , Rt Crrim � .. Y r• Th •'^ •� N9 • ce Nm Id r. E �• •L Gt We •Nm CO Gs No � t '•� % • •,•' '� :. . � ND Red ` /•. 4 `• ti• ,�• a ..�. ► t �.: . y _' .,• Red of of . '-�,��:': :; ,•,.�• .:�•. •.., •,•�t'J .. '.a1 _ `' 1. o. -i^1 ':: •� , .�, 1. •. \ •'—'�' ...may_.-^�,,,, � .'...��,•^•t. :.i:,.. : �I.. C'. r .. • .� ` 7 Legend (taken from document) - fir' 'T ''�. . •'' �' ` ' '" "N m" = "Salt-water marsh" , `r'"`'—�--••••�-�.:.1 r "Nb" = "Natural Barren" "Rt" _ "Residential (trailer)" Note: This map indicates that the "Rsd" = "Residential (>4. du's/acre)" subj&t wetlands have been "Idly, f, ff „ = formally classified as wetlands Id Its It "Industrial" ' by the State of California at : "We" _ "Estuary" least since August 1971• "CA" , "Cr" = "Commercial" �vN Sn�-tt, -Aa RESIDEYTIAL po _ c M SEWAGE FALILRY RESIDENTIAL . ;Zia ra _ �F4C �li CGAST BEACH MAP L _"_raw"„�.�s.�,.+►+.i�Yrr.�w.�sn�.e,_ - -�- -' - - c?c�, RESIDENTIAL ` RESIDENTIAL RESIDEUTIA. RESIDENTIIAL RESIDENTIAL SEE MAP 2 ",roc--r--� t ..,, t � .. .. .. _ 1 •.. kA _.___..- . � I c i "tom f://• rY IL a � ."_ - _ter • -_ 1 _f._ � _ - , � S tip' '•�:; _ . . ( 1C CCAST 4:GH`w'4Y BEACH RESIDENTIAL CD Zi C • SEWAGE FA41L ITY RESIDENTIAL 14 FALiJi. CGgST- N;GN'w'AY 1. 17 N �\ BEACH 0 �l C' MAP L REST^arIAL OIL SUMP `'1 RESIDENTIAL LT. INDUSMN- FUEL STOUG 6 j" 9r RESIDETi';h POWER PLANT s'1� :R PARK s BCACH 0 1000 SCALE IN FEET MAP 2 rN RESIDENTIAL REST GENnkL 6ARAEK LT. INDUSTRIRI. RIEL SMPAOE ( 1 r TRAILER PART( • rPE,I �4�p� BOAT SALES HIGN`a;lY _..._ BEACH �EGELD I ICOASTAL 3AL',I'1dRSH ' RIPARIAN AREA COASTAL SALTFUT STANNIC WATER AND A FLOG& CONTROL DIKES RESTCRA9LE A4lEA1 VI!!LH 4iRvE yl) F, S�:,6>uCKSM Va E!l MAgSN Li 5' rN FILLED AND/CR CLEARED. � t !i\l ACc6APAU41%6 TIM SCALE IN FEET