13330 Magnolia Avenue Residential Development – IS-MND
The project consisted of constructing a multi-family housing complex on approximately 4.5 acres in the Community of Home Gardens in unincorporated Riverside County immediately northeast of the City of Corona. Enermax Global, Inc., the project applicant, constructed a 90-unit housing development composed of 46 single family residential units and 44 attached townhouses. There is a community recreation facility with a pool and landscaping along the interior roadways. Each residential unit has two garage parking spaces with an additional 32 open parking spaces. The single entrance to the complex is from Magnolia Avenue, with an emergency evacuation exit to the south to Tolton Avenue.
Literature Review
UltraSystems biologists researched readily available information, including relevant literature, databases, agency web sites, various previously completed reports and management plans, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data, maps, and aerial imagery from public domain sources to assess: (1) habitats, special-status plant and wildlife species, jurisdictional waters, critical habitats and wildlife corridors that may occur in and near the project site, (2) local or regional plans, policies and regulations that may apply to the project, and (3) relevant management plans, policies or regulations.
Reconnaissance-Level Biological Field Survey
Following the literature review, biologists conducted a reconnaissance-level field survey of the area where the project site is located. The area included a 150-meter (500-foot) zone out from the site. The survey includes the following: biological study and plant community mapping, general plant survey, general wildlife survey, jurisdictional assessment, wildlife movement evaluation, and BUOW habitat locations.
The survey was conducted during the daylight hours and covered all accessible areas of the BSA. The biologists characterized the existing habitat and search for the presence of sensitive plant communities, special-status plants and wildlife, jurisdictional areas and potential wildlife corridors. Observed plant and wildlife species were recorded. Potential BUOW locations, if any, were mapped.
Biological Resources Report
UltraSystems prepared one draft Biological Resources Report to detail the literature review and field findings.
This report contained the following: (1) summary of existing conditions, (2) assessment of the potential presence of sensitive biological resources, (3) analysis of the potential impacts on those resources from project construction, (4) recommendations, best management practices (BMPs), avoidance and protection measures, and (5) project design features to reduce or avoid any potential environmental effect, as appropriate.
The report addressed the potential for a suitable burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia; BUOW) habitat and detailed the suitability of the site to support BUOW during breeding or non-breeding seasons, and provided recommendations as appropriate.
Initial Study
Additionally, UltraSystems prepared an Initial Study (IS) pursuant to the requirements of CEQA § 21080 and § 15060 through § 15065 of the CEQA Guidelines. Technical analyses were conducted for each of the environmental factors, as warranted. Responses for all questions listed under each environmental factor in CEQA Guidelines Appendix G were provided.
