3.7.2.2 Common Wildlife Species

an energized component and a ground or between two uninsulated conductors; however, the separation between wires on lines of higher capacity than 69 kilovolts (kV) is generally sufficient to eliminate the risk of electrocution, even for larger birds such as eagles. The Project’s proposed 500-kV transmission lines will exceed the minimum separation for eagles of 60 inches between components (APLIC 2006).

New access roads could disrupt and disturb habitat and movement corridors, expose small wildlife to increased risk from predators (e.g., coyotes, foxes, and avian predators), and cause vehicle-related injuries and mortalities.

Permanent surface features of the proposed Project (e.g., the upper reservoir, transmission lines, upgraded and new access roads) will cause some degree of habitat fragmentation for a variety of wildlife species, mostly terrestrial species with limited home ranges. Ultimately, however, the footprint of the Project is limited, and functionally identical habitats to those in the Footprint of Potential Disturbance are abundant and well-distributed in the region, including large areas in the immediate vicinity. Given adequate implementation of appropriate PM&E measures, the Project is anticipated to have only minor, temporary effects on local general wildlife populations and their associated habitats. Effects on specific categories of wildlife are described below. PM&E measures proposed by Black Canyon are detailed in Section 3.7.4.

3.7.2.2 Common Wildlife Species Ungulates

Construction of the upper reservoir has the potential to disturb ungulates, cause a loss of ungulate habitat, and will entail construction-related disturbances within designated statewide mule deer crucial winter-yearlong range. Construction activities are scheduled to be completed within five years of commencement and disturbed areas will be revegetated as soon as feasible following construction.

Project-related construction activities such as excavation, road construction and development, heavy equipment use, and associated noise have the potential to deter use and alter wildlife movement patterns. Subsequent operations activities, transmission and fence maintenance, surface features themselves, and associated road use could potentially disturb wintering ungulates during critical periods.

Based on WGFD habitat designations, the following big game use patterns could be temporarily disrupted by construction activities:

• Mule deer year-round habitat use in the Project vicinity. • Pronghorn year-round habitat use in the Project vicinity. • Bighorn sheep crucial winter range in the vicinity of the Morgan Creek WHMA within the Footprint of Potential Disturbance. • Elk year-round habitat use in the Project vicinity.

Black Canyon will fence the upper reservoir to prevent cattle, wild ungulates, and other medium- to large-sized animals from accessing this area. Project design for the upper reservoir (see Exhibit A) consists of a rim dike structure, approximately 175 feet tall, that

will be inaccessible to terrestrial wildlife except via a gated access road and associated ramp. The ramp is incorporated into existing design and extends into the reservoir and Black Canyon believes this ramp will provide exit opportunities for wildlife.

Construction activities can be timed to minimize disturbance during critical periods, and Black Canyon anticipates working closely with the BLM and WGFD to plan and provide data for Project construction windows that both provide for wildlife protection and allow for feasible Project construction timelines. Revegetation and restoration efforts will restore temporarily affected ungulate habitat. Given adequate and appropriate protection and mitigation measures, the Project is anticipated to have only limited, short-term effects on local ungulate populations and movement patterns.

Amphibians, Reptiles, and Small Mammals

The proposed Project is not anticipated to significantly displace wetland or riparian habitat for amphibians or reptiles; therefore, no short- or long-term effects are anticipated on local amphibian and reptile populations. The proposed upper reservoir would not mimic natural aquatic habitat because the fenced reservoir will be built of concrete approximately 175 feet above ground level and water levels within it would fluctuate rapidly and often. Therefore, it is unlikely that amphibians, reptiles, or small mammals would be attracted to this feature. Incidental direct and indirect impacts to xeric terrestrial amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals, such as collisions of slow-moving individuals with vehicles or equipment, could occur during Project construction and operations. PM&E measures proposed by Black Canyon below are expected to limit these impacts.

Bats

Bats are prone to many of the same threats as avian species (described below), including collision-related injuries and mortalities. Black Canyon’s proposals to minimize outdoor lighting are expected to reduce the potential for detrimental Project effects on bats. Additionally, construction of the upper reservoir could have a positive effect on a variety of bat species. For example, pallid bats are typically recorded at moderately sized reservoirs that allow for approach and departure (Bachen et al. 2020).

Birds

Impacts due to Project construction and operations could include abandonment of the area and local nests due to habitat conversion or disturbance. Disturbance may displace birds into less suitable habitat and, thus, reduce survival rates and reproduction. Waterfowl that travel through the proposed Project may have collision risks from the new transmission line and fence around the upper reservoir. Avian tolerance levels to disturbance can be species-specific and individual-specific. For example, red-tailed hawks could experience a reduction in terrestrial foraging habitat and noise disturbance during construction. The impact to bird species from disturbance or displacement from construction activities is likely to be short term. However, construction noise or activity during the nesting season could contribute to nest abandonment and failure for some species.

Soil disturbance for construction of Project components and vehicle travel can generate fugitive dust that can disturb nearby nesting birds and degrade habitat quality. Vehicle