For Utilities Commission Meeting [January 21, 2020]
TO: Honorable Chairperson and Commission
APPROVAL: Thomas J. Crowley, P.E., Utilities Manager
FROM: Susanne Wilcox, Administrative Analyst
Title
Video Presentation on the Habitat Conservation Plan.
(RECEIVE AND FILE)
Body
BACKGROUND:
In late 2013 the San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District (Valley District) considered the benefits of developing a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) to evaluate the environmental mitigation measures for certain projects undertaken by Valley District within the Santa Ana River and its tributaries. An HCP is a planning document that ensures the anticipated take of a listed species will be minimized or mitigated by conserving the habitat upon which the species depends. An HCP established for the Santa Ana River can provide environmental coverage for capital projects as well as for operations and maintenance activities occurring within the Upper Santa Ana Watershed.
The HCP coalition was established by the following nine (9) agencies who agreed to participate in a scoping study of the HCP:
1. San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District
2. Western Municipal Water District
3. City of San Bernardino Municipal Water Department
4. City of Riverside Public Utilities
5. San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District
6. East Valley Water District
7. West Valley Water District
8. County of San Bernardino Flood Control District
9. Inland Empire Utilities Agency
The general tasks for the HCP are as follows:
1. Provide Management, Coordination and Support Services
2. Collect and Analyze Pertinent Information
3. Prepare Habitat Conservation Plan
4. Prepare Draft Environmental Impact Statement
5. Assist in Preparation of Implementation Agreement(s)
6. (optional) Preparation of a National Community Conservation Plan (NCCP)
ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION:
Staff would like to share a video on the Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) produced by San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There are no anticipated financial impacts from the requested action.
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and file a video presentation on the Habitat Conservation Plan.