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HomeMy WebLinkAbout6.2 RPCA La Porte Noxious Weed Mgmt Plan (6.21.23) FINALButte County Weed Management Program Uriah Johnson, Deputy Agricultural Commissioner (Name) NOXIOUS WEED and AGRICULTURAL PEST MAINTENANCE/MANAGEMENT PLAN _______________ ________________ (Address) General Information and Data Page Authorized representative: . Title: Chief Development Officer/ ______ . Owner / Operator APN: . I am submitting an agricultural weed maintenance plan. I understand that this plan is conditional and pursuant to the Agricultural Element, County General Plan and will require approval by the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office. I agree to adhere to the following conditions and maintain the required documents. I understand that this plan may require changes in the future to address unforeseen pest control circumstances. Check list of documents:  An Agricultural Maintenance Plan, signed by the authorized representative.  A map of the site identifying the crop and pesticide application areas.  Pesticides permit and current use reports: OP ID/RMP Number :________________________________________  Any other pertinent agricultural permits or certification. (Organic, CPC, Nursery, Weed Free Certification):________________________  Registration with the Butte-Yuba-Sutter Watershed Coalition if required.  Agricultural Burn Permit (if agricultural burning is to take place) from the Air Quality Management District.________________________________ Responsible Pest Control Business or pest control employee: _____________ __________ _ Phone numbers:_______ _ ____________ Phone Numbers:_______ ________________ 5864 La Porte Road, Butte County, CA 028-240-061 Stephanie Loucas, CDO c/o Brian Madigan Senior Permitting Manager tbd RPCA Solar 11 will identify and select a responsible pest control business prior to issuance of building permit 207-370-1343 Type text hereSignature:_____________________________________Date__6/21/23_____ La Porte Road Solar + BESS Butte County Weed Management Program Uriah Johnson, Deputy Agricultural Commissioner General Conditions for Certification:  A detailed map of the project area is required.  A designated individual or Pest Control Business (or both) must be assigned as responsible for the required weed control activities:  The applicant must promptly and aggressively pursue noxious weed control in the project area, including access roads, and meet all conditions to prevent the transport of noxious weeds, from or to public or private lands on transport vehicles.  Noxious weed control must be continual and ongoing until control is gained, to the satisfaction of the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office.  The weed management plan will be updated in consultation with a County Weed Biologist as necessary to prevent infestation and spread from weed infested areas.  Vehicles or machinery will not park in or unnecessarily drive through weed infested areas.  Erosion control products (hay or straw) or groundcover or any other imported natural material used must be noxious weed free from a certified source.  Promptly take action to remove identified noxious weeds.  Identified noxious weeds must not be allowed to reach the flowering or seed dispersal stage.  Prevent small noxious weed patch reproduction (vegetative spread and seed dispersal) while steadily replacing removed weeds with desired plants (naturally or through re- vegetation)  Prevent weed invasion, establishment, and growth in “protected” areas (high quality areas with highly desirable plant cover, relatively weed-free)  Prevent or greatly reduce weed seed production and dispersal along roadways and waterways, and from crossing onto neighboring property. Specific Conditions for Certification:  Access roads:_______________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________  composting stock piles, green waist, and storage areas: ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________  Treatment of contaminated stock ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ X Access roads will be maintained free of noxious weeds using herbices. Will not be used. No nursery stock will be used. Butte County Weed Management Program Uriah Johnson, Deputy Agricultural Commissioner  Equipment and vehicle parking and storage areas ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________  Timing of chemical sprays and control activities: ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________  Disposition of slash or cutting debris containing noxious weed seeds: ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________  Priority weed and pest species list: ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ Review: Agricultural Department Representative: __________________________Date:__________ x Temporary access and staging will be kept weed free with herbicide useage. Permanent components will be rock/gravel and will be treated as needed with herbicides. As needed during construction and annual spring maintenance. See attached for details. x x Not expected. x See attached. LA PORTE ROAD SOLAR PROJECT NOXIOUS WEED AND AGRICULTURAL PEST MANAGEMENT PLAN BUTTE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA JUNE 2023 ONLY THE CLIENT OR ITS DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVES MAY USE THIS DOCUMENT AND ONLY FOR THE SPECIFIC PROJECT FOR WHICH THIS REPORT WAS PREPARED. Project 20232542.001A June 2023 Prepared for: Brian Madigan Senior Permitting Manager RPCA Solar 11, LLC Wildcat Renewables, LLC Renewable Properties, LLC 879 Sanchez Street San Francisco, CA 94114 La Porte Road Solar Project Noxious Weed and Agricultural Pest Management Plan Butte County, California Prepared by: Susan Dewar Senior Ecologist, Project Manager Reviewed by: Eliza Shepard Senior Botanist KLEINFELDER 2882 Prospect Park Drive, Suite 200 Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 June 2023 Kleinfelder Project No. 20232542.001A Project 20232542.001A June 2023 TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Page SUMMARY .................................................................................................................................................................... 1 1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................. 2  1.1 Background and Project Description ................................................................................................. 2  1.2 Objectives .......................................................................................................................................... 2  1.3 Project Location ................................................................................................................................. 2  2 REGULATORY SETTING ............................................................................................................................... 3  2.1 Butte County General Plan and Pest Management ...................................................................... 3  3 BIOLOGICAL SETTING .................................................................................................................................. 3  3.1 Existing Conditions ............................................................................................................................ 3  3.1.1 Soils .................................................................................................................................... 3  3.1.2 Vegetation Communities ..................................................................................................... 3  3.2 Potential Agricultural Pests ................................................................................................................ 4  3.2.1 Target Noxious Weeds ........................................................................................................ 4  4 CONTROL METHODS .................................................................................................................................... 4  4.1 Preventative Measures ...................................................................................................................... 4  4.2 Vegetation Management ................................................................................................................... 5  4.2.1 Mechanical Control ............................................................................................................. 5  4.2.2 Chemical Control ................................................................................................................. 5  5 REFERENCES CITED .................................................................................................................................... 8  FIGURES 1 Regional/Vicinity 2 Target Weed Observations Project 20232542.001A Page 1 June 2023 LA PORTE ROAD SOLAR PROJECT NOXIOUS WEED AND AGRICULTURAL PEST MANAGEMENT PLAN ____________________________________________________________________________ SUMMARY The proposed La Porte Road Solar Project (Project) is a small-scale utility solar generating and energy storage project located in the unincorporated community of Bangor, in Butte County, California (Figure 1). In September of 2022 and May of 2023, Kleinfelder biologists conducted a desktop review of the vicinity of the Project Area and performed a field verification survey. In addition, a Kleinfelder botanist performed a botanical survey on May 23, 2023. The field surveys focused on the approximate 23.5-acre Project Area (the area inside of the proposed fenceline and the proposed access road); however, a larger footprint was surveyed to incorporate habitats that may support source populations of target noxious weed species (Project Area and all other areas within the subject parcel south of Wilson Creek and west of a wetland seep on the east side of the parcel; “Study Area”). This Noxious Weed and Agricultural Pest Management Plan (Plan) outlines methods to ensure that the conversion of the Project Area from agriculture (i.e., grazing) to non-agricultural use does not become a nuisance to adjacent agricultural operations and presents methods to manage agricultural pests during development and operation of the Project. Project 20232542.001A Page 2 June 2023 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 BACKGROUND AND PROJECT DESCRIPTION The La Porte Road Solar Project is a small-scale utility solar generation project located on approximately 23.5 acres of an 82-acre parcel located just northeast of the community of Bangor in unincorporated Butte County. The Project is located at 5864 La Porte Road (APN # 028-240-061). Wildcat Renewables, LLC has entered into a long-term lease agreement with the property owner (Ross W. McGowan Trust) to facilitate the development of a small-scale, solar energy generating facility. The Project will generate up to 3.0 megawatts (MW) alternating current (AC) (4.2 MW direct current [DC]) of clean, reliable solar energy when complete. The Project will interconnect to Pacific Gas and Electric’s (PG&E’s) pre-existing electrical distribution system located on site. The power generated from this facility will be sold to PG&E through a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). Additionally, the Project will be equipped with battery energy storage technology that will allow on site renewable energy generation to be stored and dispatched onto the grid when needed. The Project will utilize approximately 7,776 solar modules and 24 string inverters to convert the sun’s energy into usable, AC power. Single-axis tracking technology will be utilized to allow the modules to efficiently track the sun throughout the day and maximize the efficiency of solar collection. The modules will be mounted on a steel racking system, which will be anchored into the ground using driven steel piers. The overall height of the array will be no more than 15-feet tall (i.e., panel height at maximum tilt). 1.2 OBJECTIVES The purpose of this Plan is to identify plant pests that may occur in the Project Area or Study Area and to describe methods to manage these pests in the context of protecting Butte County’s agricultural resources. 1.3 PROJECT LOCATION The approximate 82-acre parcel is located on the east side of La Porte Road, approximately 0.35-mile northeast of the intersection of Los Verjeles Road and La Porte Road (Figure 2). The Study Area is surrounded primarily by rural residential properties where grazing and small-scale agricultural practices are common. The study area is situated at an elevation of approximately 800-900 feet above mean sea level in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. No structures are located in the study area; however, a residence is located in the northern portion of the parcel (Figure 2). The study area is situated within Township 18 North, Range 5 East, and Section 27 of the Bangor 7.5-minute U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) quadrangle. The corresponding latitude and longitude at the approximate center of the Project area is 39°23'36.33" north latitude and 121°23'57.49" west longitude. Project 20232542.001A Page 3 June 2023 2 REGULATORY SETTING 2.1 BUTTE COUNTY GENERAL PLAN AND PEST MANAGEMENT Butte County is a major producer of a wide variety of farm products. The Butte County General Plan 2030 (Butte County 2010) recognizes the central role agriculture plays in the physical, economic and cultural character of Butte County. The Agriculture Element contains goals, policies and actions designed to protect, maintain, promote and enhance agriculture. The County Agricultural Commissioner is charged with the responsibility of managing nuisance pests to agriculture and protecting human health. Pursuant to the Agricultural Element, the Butte County Weed Management Program requires preparation and submittal of this Plan to the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office. 3 BIOLOGICAL SETTING The biological setting surrounding the study area is primarily rural residential development and agriculture within gently rolling hills and oak woodland habitat. 3.1 EXISTING CONDITIONS The study area is composed primarily of non-native annual grasses and forbs with scattered patches of blue oak (Quercus douglasii) woodland. There was evidence of grazing (cow patties) during the September 9, 2022 survey, and the vegetation was 2-8 inches in height. Cows were actively grazing the site during the May 11, 2023 survey; however, the grass was 8-12 inches in height at that time. A discussion of the general characteristics observed within the study area during the field survey are presented below. 3.1.1 SOILS According to the NRCS (USDA 2022), one soil type, Flanly-Swedesflat, 2 to 15 percent slopes, is present within the study area. Flanly-Swedesflat consists of shallow, well drained soils that formed in residuum from intrusive igneous rocks, mainly quartz diorite. Swedesflat soils are on ridge tops and side slopes on plutons in Sierra Nevada foothills. 3.1.2 VEGETATION COMMUNITIES Using the classifications described in A Manual of California Vegetation (Sawyer Keeler-Wolf 2009), two vegetation communities, including non-native annual grassland and blue oak (Quercus douglasii) woodland, are present within the study area. These are described in more detail below. Non-Native Annual Grassland. The primary vegetation community mapped within the study area was non-native annual grassland. Dominant plant species identified in this vegetation community during the field survey included saltgrass (Distichlis spicata), hedgehog dogtail (Cynosurus echinatus), medusahead (Elymus caput-medusae), yellow star thistle (Centaurea solstitialis), stork’s bill (Erodium sp.), wild oat (Avena sp.), trefoil (Trifolium sp.), Italian thistle (Carduus pycnocephalus), tarweed (Madia sp.), little quaking-grass (Briza minor), and soft brome (Bromus hordeaceous). Project 20232542.001A Page 4 June 2023 Blue Oak Woodland. This vegetation community was mapped in patches throughout the study area and primarily included blue oak; however, California foothill pine (Pinus sabiniana), interior live oak (Quercus wislizeni), valley oak (Quercus lobata), and California buckeye (Aesculus californica) were also observed within this vegetation community. 3.2 POTENTIAL AGRICULTURAL PESTS 3.2.1 TARGET NOXIOUS WEEDS Reconnaissance surveys identified five noxious weed species included on the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Weed Pest Ratings and CCR 4500 Noxious Weeds as of June 22, 2021 list: medusahead (distributed throughout the study area), yellow star thistle (Centaurea solstitialis; one point and two polygons with an estimated population of 195 plants), Italian thistle (Carduus pycnocephalus ssp. pycnocephalus; one point location with an estimated total population of six plants), goat grass (Aegilops triuncialis; one point with estimated population of 200 plants), and Klamath weed (Hypericum perforatum; one point with a population of four plants) (Figure 2). 4 CONTROL METHODS Because target weed species are known to occur in the Project Area, the primary objective of this plan is to prescribe preventative measures during construction and operations that will mitigate the potential for increase of these populations onsite and avoid spreading weeds offsite. 4.1 PREVENTATIVE MEASURES The following measures will be implemented as applicable and feasible, to prevent the spread of target weed species:  Ground-disturbing construction equipment, such as geotechnical boring or trenching equipment, will be cleaned prior to arrival at the work site and when leaving the Project Area. The construction contractor or designated representative will ensure that equipment is free of soil and debris capable of transporting weed seeds, roots, or rhizomes before the equipment is allowed onsite and shall refuse entry of equipment that is not in compliance.  Other construction vehicles (e.g., pick-up trucks) that will be frequently entering and exiting the site will be inspected and washed on an as-needed basis. Personal vehicles will be inspected and washed on an as- needed basis. Delivery vehicles will be exempt from this requirement. Parking and staging should be located outside of known weed infestations to the greatest extent possible.  Tools associated with ground-disturbing activities and/or vegetation trimming/removal activities will be cleaned prior to use in areas containing natural vegetation. Chainsaws and other tools and equipment will be cleaned with compressed air, water, cloth, and/or wire brush as appropriate.  After conducting work with tools involving ground-disturbing activities and/or vegetation trimming/removal activities in areas infested with weeds, tools must be cleaned before they are removed from the infested area.  “Flag and Avoid.” Prior to construction, target weed infestations will be identified and flagged in the field and reported to construction supervisor(s). The flagging will alert construction personnel and is intended to prevent access into areas slated for disturbance until weed control measures have been implemented.  Straw or hay bales, straw wattles, mats, and other plant materials used for erosion control or other purposes must be obtained from certified sources that are free of weed seeds. Additional products such as gravel, mulch, and soil, may also carry weed seeds. Such products will be obtained from suppliers who can provide weed-free certified materials. Project 20232542.001A Page 5 June 2023  To prevent contamination of construction supplies such as “weed-free” sediment barriers, weeds will be treated in construction staging areas as needed, preventing weeds from setting seed within the material stockpiles.  Stockpiles of gravel and soil will be kept in a weed-free state. During storage, they will be inspected for weeds on a regular basis (minimum of twice a year during the growing season). If stockpiles are found to be infested, treatment may be required, including herbicide treatment. Once treated, this material will be considered a source of weed seeds. The stockpile can be monitored in place until weeds are considered eradicated.  Disturbance to vegetation will be limited to the minimum necessary to perform the activity safely and as designed. 4.2 VEGETATION MANAGEMENT This section describes the manual and chemical weed control methods that will be used, as deemed necessary, within the Project Area. All weed control methods will minimize disturbance to native vegetation, limit ingress and egress to defined routes, and avoid damage from herbicide use or other control methods to any environmentally sensitive areas (ESAs; oaks, wetlands, etc.) identified within or adjacent to the Project Area. The most recent version of Project maps depicting ESAs and biological constraints will be reviewed by the construction contractor prior to implementing any physical or chemical weed control measures, to ensure that sensitive resources are avoided as necessary. Weed infestation within areas proposed for vehicular access or other ground disturbance should have live weeds treated via mechanical or chemical means prior to disturbance. Disturbed soil areas should be monitored for regrowth or new infestations and treated to avoid expansion of onsite populations and to avoid transport of weed seed offsite. 4.2.1 MECHANICAL CONTROL Mechanical control of noxious weeds can be accomplished through properly timed spot mowing, string trimming, or hand pulling of known populations. Timing is important for this treatment to be most effective, and a bi-yearly schedule is beneficial to capture species at different growth stages or that mature at different times during the year. 4.2.2 CHEMICAL CONTROL Various commercially available chemicals are useful for controlling noxious weeds. Below are four common herbicides. Any use of herbicides should follow the most current state, local, and manufacturer’s guidelines and regulations. In all cases where chemical control is used, spot treatment of target weeds is recommended versus broadcast treatment of large areas which could cause damage to other non-target species. Aminopyralid is the active ingredient in Milestone®, which is a broadleaf selective herbicide with both pre- and post- emergent activity that is used extensively in open space and wildlife areas for the control of noxious weeds. Aminopyralid, which is similar to triclopyr (below), is a selective auxin. Milestone is particularly effective on biennial and perennial thistles, knapweeds, and yellow star-thistle (Corteva Agriscience 2019a). Clopyralid is the active ingredient in Transline®. Various formulations of clopyralid are labeled for use in crops, forestry, range, and utility rights-of-way. Clopyralid is very effective on difficult-to-control broadleaf target noxious weeds, specifically thistle species. The product has minimal potential for off-target impacts and is ideal for use where desirable broadleaf plants are present in combination with target noxious weeds. Herbicide effect is apparent within 24 to 48 hours (Corteva Agriscience 2019b). Project 20232542.001A Page 6 June 2023 Glyphosate is the active ingredient in Roundup Custom®, which is a broad-spectrum, non-selective, systemic post- emergent herbicide used for control of annual and perennial plants including grasses, sedges, broad-leaved weeds, and woody plants. Glyphosate formulated as Roundup Custom® can be applied to water for aquatic vegetation management. Glyphosate has favorable environmental attributes because it degrades in soil, sediment, and natural waters over time. It also binds tightly to soils and sediment, reducing its bioavailability soon after application (Monsanto 2010). Triclopyr is the active ingredient in Garlon 3A®. Triclopyr is a broadleaf selective post-emergent terrestrial herbicide used for control of most annual and perennial broadleaf weeds and brush in both crop and non-crop sites. Triclopyr has little or no impact on grasses (Corteva Agriscience 2019c). Garlon 3A® is not registered for aquatic use. Table 1. Control Methods for Target Weeds Identified in the Study Area   Scientific Name  Common  Name Control/Avoidance Strategy Control Methods  Aegilops triuncialis Goat grass Containment. Treat known  occurrences so that sizes do not  increase or spread offsite.  Monitor and eradicate new  populations if found in disturbed  areas.  Pulling, Foliar Treatment: The highest level of  control will be achieved if plants are treated in  spring (approximately May), after tillers have  been produced, but before flowering.  Carduus  pycnocephalus  Italian thistle Containment. Treat known  occurrences so that sizes do not  increase or spread offsite.  Monitor and eradicate new  populations if found in disturbed  areas.  Pulling, Foliar Treatment: For select  occurrences, pull out entire plant and dig out  roots. Bag for proper disposal. For stands, spray  with post‐emergent herbicide in the spring  during the early bloom phase.   Centaurea  solstitialis  yellow star  thistle  Containment. Treat known  occurrences so that sizes do not  increase or spread offsite.  Monitor and eradicate new  populations if found in disturbed  areas.  Pulling, Foliar Treatment: Pulling is the  preferred method of control for this species.  Pull out entire plant and root after bolting and  prior to early flowering, and bag for proper  disposal. For foliar treatment, use a post‐ emergent herbicide during the seedling stage  and prior to bolting.   Elymus caput‐ medusae  medusahead Prevention. Apply best practices  to eliminate the transport of  weed propagules and minimize  conditions conducive to the  establishment of new  infestations onsite. Figure 2  represents presence of species  onsite as a point, however this  species is  widespread/ubiquitous  throughout the site.  Pulling, Chemical Treatment: Pulling small new  infestations may be possible. Foliar treatment  with a general herbicide such as glyphosate in  the spring, or pre‐emergent treatment with  aminopyralid in the fall.  Project 20232542.001A Page 7 June 2023 Table 1. Control Methods for Target Weeds Identified in the Study Area   Scientific Name  Common  Name Control/Avoidance Strategy Control Methods  Hypericum  perforatum  Klamath weed Containment. Treat known  occurrences so that sizes do not  increase or spread. Monitor for  occurrence and eradicate new  populations if found in disturbed  areas.  Pulling, Foliar Treatment: For select  occurrences, pull out entire plant and dig out  roots. Bag for proper disposal. For stands, spray  with post‐emergent herbicide in the spring  during the seedling phase.  Project 20232542.001A Page 8 June 2023 5 REFERENCES CITED Butte County. 2010. Butte County General Plan 2030. Accessed online at https://www.buttecounty.net/DocumentCenter/View/2136/Complete-General-Plan-PDF Corteva Agriscience. 2019a. Milestone ® Specialty Herbicide. Website https://www.corteva.us/products-and- solutions/land-management/milestone.html [Accessed March 2023] Corteva Agriscience. 2019b. Transline® Herbicide Rate Card. Website https://www.corteva.us/products-and- solutions/land-management/transline.html [Accessed March 2023] Corteva Agriscience. 2019c. Garlon 3a ® Specialty Herbicide Website https://www.corteva.us/products-and- solutions/land-management/garlon-3a.html [Accessed March 2023] Monsanto. 2010. Roundup Pro Concentrate Product Label. Website https://assets.greenbook.net/L54932.pdf [Accessed March 2023]. USDA (United States Department of Agriculture). 2022. Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Web Soil Survey. Accessed September 2022. http://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/ App/HomePage.htm. ProjectLocation ^_±0 2.5 5Kilometers Figure 1. Regional VicinityLa Porte Road Solar ProjectButte County, California01.5 3MilesCreated By: CBarkerSwitzer Document Path: \\azrgisstorp03\GIS_Projects\Client\GANDA\Renewable_Properties\20232542_RPCA_LaPorte_Solar\Figure1_LaPorte_Solar_RegionalVicinity.mxdScale 1:190,080 Source: Bing Maps 1 in = 3 miles ^_ Project Location Æÿ45 Æÿ70 Æÿ20 Æÿ49 Æÿ162 Æÿ149 Æÿ99 §¨¦80 BUTTECOUNTY SIERRACOUNTY YUBACOUNTY NEVADACOUNTY SUTTERCOUNTY Parcel Boundary Service Layer Credits: © 2023 MicrosoftCorporation © 2023 Maxar ©CNES (2023) ProjectLocation ^_± 0 75 150Meters Figure 2. Noxious WeedReconnaissance SurveyRPCA La Porte Road Solar ProjectButte County, California Source: Bing Maps Parcel Boundary Study Area (47.73 acres) Project Area (23.87 acres) Access Road Weed Occurrence Italian thistle Yellow star thistle Weed Occurrence !(Goat grass !(Italian thistle !(Klamathweed !(Medusahead !(Yellow star thistle Aquatic Features Drainage Wilson Creek 0 225 450Feet 1 Inch = 450 FeetScale1:5,400Created By: C BARKERSWITZER Document Path: \\azrgisstorp03\GIS_Projects\Client\GANDA\Renewable_Properties\20232542_RPCA_LaPorte_Solar\WEED_Figure2_LaPorte_Solar_Weed_Results.mxd