Extracted text (via pymupdf)
20396 characters
From:
Ian Latella
To:
Ray Banker (PND)
Cc:
Project Evaluation Program - Game and Fish; Michael Sumner; Tyler Williford; Luke Thompson; Ginger Ritter
Subject:
APS Redhawk Solar
Date:
Thursday, February 3, 2022 1:14:39 PM
Attachments:
M22-01181759_AZGFD_comm_APS_Redhawk_Solar_signed2.03.22.pdf
project_report_aps_redhawk_solar_48886_50394.pdf
Mr. Banker-
The Department appreciates the opportunity to comment on the APS-Redhawk Solar Project.
Please see the attached comment letter and Environmental Review Tool report for your review.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me or Tyler Williford
(twilliford@azgfd.gov).
Sincerely,
Ian Latella
--
IAN LATELLA | HABITAT, EVALUATION, AND LANDS PROGRAM SPECIALIST
ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT
OFFICE: 928.341.4069
MOBILE: 928.580.0163
EMAIL: ilatella@azgfd.gov
azgfd.gov | 9140 E. 28th Street, Yuma, AZ 85365
Join our new Conservation Membership program and ensure a wildlife legacy for the future.
Arizona Environmental Online Review Tool Report
Arizona Game and Fish Department Mission
To conserve Arizona's diverse wildlife resources and manage for safe, compatible outdoor recreation
opportunities for current and future generations.
Project Name:
APS Redhawk Solar
Project Description:
The purpose of this request is to change the existing zoning designation of the approximately 1,423-acre
property generally located ½ mile south of Elliot Road along the 363rd Avenue alignment and then north and
south of the Union Pacific railroad, otherwise known as Maricopa County Assessor's Office Parcel Numbers
("APNs") 401-44-007C, 401-44-019C, 401-44-020, 401-44-022, 401-44-008, 401-44-023B, 401-44-006B,
401-44-002, 401-44-011, 401-44-010, 401- 44-021, and 401-44-009 (collectively the "Site"), from its current
designation of (i) "Rural-190-- 190,000 Square Feet Per Dwelling Unit" ("Rural-190") (Ordinance Section 501)
and "Special Use Permit" ("SUP") (Ordinance Section 1301) and (ii) Rural-190 to "IND-2--Light Industrial"
("IND-2") (Ordinance Section 902) and "IUPD--Industrial Plan of Development" ("IUPD") (Ordinance Section
1004). This rezoning request (and concurrent Plan of Development application) seeks to develop 46 "blocks" of
solar panel arrays over approximately 1066 acres to provide an estimated 195 MW of clean energy for Arizona
Public Service ("APS") customers.
Project Type:
Energy Storage/Production/Transfer, Energy Production (generation), photovoltaic solar facility (new)
Contact Person:
Ian Latella
Organization:
AZGFD
On Behalf Of:
MARICOPA
Page 1 of 13
Project ID:
HGIS-15308
Please review the entire report for project type and/or species recommendations for the location information
entered. Please retain a copy for future reference.
Page 2 of 13
Arizona Game and Fish Department
project_report_aps_redhawk_solar_48886_50394.pdf
Project ID: HGIS-15308
Review Date: 1/13/2022 03:18:10 PM
Disclaimer:
1. This Environmental Review is based on the project study area that was entered. The report must be updated if
the project study area, location, or the type of project changes.
2. This is a preliminary environmental screening tool. It is not a substitute for the potential knowledge gained by
having a biologist conduct a field survey of the project area. This review is also not intended to replace
environmental consultation (including federal consultation under the Endangered Species Act), land use
permitting, or the Departments review of site-specific projects.
3. The Departments Heritage Data Management System (HDMS) data is not intended to include potential
distribution of special status species. Arizona is large and diverse with plants, animals, and environmental
conditions that are ever changing. Consequently, many areas may contain species that biologists do not know
about or species previously noted in a particular area may no longer occur there. HDMS data contains
information about species occurrences that have actually been reported to the Department. Not all of Arizona has
been surveyed for special status species, and surveys that have been conducted have varied greatly in scope
and intensity. Such surveys may reveal previously undocumented population of species of special concern.
4. HabiMap Arizona data, specifically Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) under our State Wildlife
Action Plan (SWAP) and Species of Economic and Recreational Importance (SERI), represent potential species
distribution models for the State of Arizona which are subject to ongoing change, modification and refinement.
The status of a wildlife resource can change quickly, and the availability of new data will necessitate a refined
assessment.
Locations Accuracy Disclaimer:
Project locations are assumed to be both precise and accurate for the purposes of environmental review. The
creator/owner of the Project Review Report is solely responsible for the project location and thus the correctness of the
Project Review Report content.
Page 3 of 13
Arizona Game and Fish Department
project_report_aps_redhawk_solar_48886_50394.pdf
Project ID: HGIS-15308
Review Date: 1/13/2022 03:18:10 PM
Recommendations Disclaimer:
1. The Department is interested in the conservation of all fish and wildlife resources, including those species listed
in this report and those that may have not been documented within the project vicinity as well as other game and
nongame wildlife.
2. Recommendations have been made by the Department, under authority of Arizona Revised Statutes Title 5
(Amusements and Sports), 17 (Game and Fish), and 28 (Transportation).
3. Potential impacts to fish and wildlife resources may be minimized or avoided by the recommendations generated
from information submitted for your proposed project. These recommendations are preliminary in scope,
designed to provide early considerations on all species of wildlife.
4. Making this information directly available does not substitute for the Department's review of project proposals,
and should not decrease our opportunity to review and evaluate additional project information and/or new project
proposals.
5. Further coordination with the Department requires the submittal of this Environmental Review Report with a cover
letter and project plans or documentation that includes project narrative, acreage to be impacted, how
construction or project activity(s) are to be accomplished, and project locality information (including site map).
Once AGFD had received the information, please allow 30 days for completion of project reviews. Send requests
to:
Project Evaluation Program, Habitat Branch
Arizona Game and Fish Department
5000 West Carefree Highway
Phoenix, Arizona 85086-5000
Phone Number: (623) 236-7600
Fax Number: (623) 236-7366
Or
PEP@azgfd.gov
6. Coordination may also be necessary under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and/or Endangered
Species Act (ESA). Site specific recommendations may be proposed during further NEPA/ESA analysis or
through coordination with affected agencies
Page 4 of 13
Arizona Game and Fish Department
project_report_aps_redhawk_solar_48886_50394.pdf
Project ID: HGIS-15308
Review Date: 1/13/2022 03:18:10 PM
Page 5 of 13
Arizona Game and Fish Department
project_report_aps_redhawk_solar_48886_50394.pdf
Project ID: HGIS-15308
Review Date: 1/13/2022 03:18:10 PM
Page 6 of 13
Arizona Game and Fish Department
project_report_aps_redhawk_solar_48886_50394.pdf
Project ID: HGIS-15308
Review Date: 1/13/2022 03:18:10 PM
Page 7 of 13
Arizona Game and Fish Department
project_report_aps_redhawk_solar_48886_50394.pdf
Project ID: HGIS-15308
Review Date: 1/13/2022 03:18:10 PM
Page 8 of 13
Arizona Game and Fish Department
project_report_aps_redhawk_solar_48886_50394.pdf
Project ID: HGIS-15308
Review Date: 1/13/2022 03:18:10 PM
Special Status Species Documented within 5 Miles of Project Vicinity
Scientific Name
Common Name
FWS
USFS
BLM
NPL
SGCN
Antilocapra americana sonoriensis
Sonoran Pronghorn
LE,XN
S
1A
Coccyzus americanus
Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Western DPS)
LT
S
S
1A
Crotaphytus nebrius
Sonoran Collared Lizard
1B
Cylindropuntia echinocarpa
Golden Cholla
SR
Empidonax traillii extimus
Southwestern Willow Flycatcher
LE
1A
Gopherus morafkai
Sonoran Desert Tortoise
C
S
S
1A
Lithobates yavapaiensis
Lowland Leopard Frog
SC
S
S
1A
Rallus obsoletus yumanensis
Yuma Ridgway's Rail
LE
S
1A
Toxostoma lecontei
LeConte's Thrasher
S
1B
Note: Status code definitions can be found at https://www.azgfd.com/wildlife/planning/wildlifeguidelines/statusdefinitions/
.
Special Areas Documented that Intersect with Project Footprint as Drawn
Scientific Name
Common Name
FWS
USFS
BLM
NPL
SGCN
Centennial Wash
Maricopa County Wildlife Movement
Area - Riparian/Wash
Note: Status code definitions can be found at https://www.azgfd.com/wildlife/planning/wildlifeguidelines/statusdefinitions/
.
Species of Greatest Conservation Need Predicted that Intersect with Project Footprint as Drawn, based on
Predicted Range Models
Scientific Name
Common Name
FWS
USFS
BLM
NPL
SGCN
Aix sponsa
Wood Duck
1B
Ammospermophilus harrisii
Harris' Antelope Squirrel
1B
Anaxyrus microscaphus
Arizona Toad
SC
S
1B
Anaxyrus retiformis
Sonoran Green Toad
S
1B
Anthus spragueii
Sprague's Pipit
SC
1A
Aquila chrysaetos
Golden Eagle
BGA
S
1B
Botaurus lentiginosus
American Bittern
1B
Buteo regalis
Ferruginous Hawk
SC
S
1B
Calypte costae
Costa's Hummingbird
1C
Chilomeniscus stramineus
Variable Sandsnake
1B
Cistothorus palustris
Marsh Wren
1C
Colaptes chrysoides
Gilded Flicker
S
1B
Corynorhinus townsendii pallescens Pale Townsend's Big-eared Bat
SC
S
S
1B
Crotalus tigris
Tiger Rattlesnake
1B
Euderma maculatum
Spotted Bat
SC
S
S
1B
Eumops perotis californicus
Greater Western Bonneted Bat
SC
S
1B
Gopherus morafkai
Sonoran Desert Tortoise
C
S
S
1A
Page 9 of 13
Arizona Game and Fish Department
project_report_aps_redhawk_solar_48886_50394.pdf
Project ID: HGIS-15308
Review Date: 1/13/2022 03:18:10 PM
Species of Greatest Conservation Need Predicted that Intersect with Project Footprint as Drawn, based on
Predicted Range Models
Scientific Name
Common Name
FWS
USFS
BLM
NPL
SGCN
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Bald Eagle
SC,
BGA
S
S
1A
Heloderma suspectum
Gila Monster
1A
Incilius alvarius
Sonoran Desert Toad
1B
Lasiurus blossevillii
Western Red Bat
S
1B
Lasiurus xanthinus
Western Yellow Bat
S
1B
Lepus alleni
Antelope Jackrabbit
1B
Macrotus californicus
California Leaf-nosed Bat
SC
S
1B
Melanerpes uropygialis
Gila Woodpecker
1B
Melospiza lincolnii
Lincoln's Sparrow
1B
Melozone aberti
Abert's Towhee
S
1B
Micrathene whitneyi
Elf Owl
1C
Myotis velifer
Cave Myotis
SC
S
1B
Myotis yumanensis
Yuma Myotis
SC
1B
Nyctinomops femorosaccus
Pocketed Free-tailed Bat
1B
Oreoscoptes montanus
Sage Thrasher
1C
Oreothlypis luciae
Lucy's Warbler
1C
Passerculus sandwichensis
Savannah Sparrow
1B
Perognathus longimembris
Little Pocket Mouse
No
Status
1B
Rallus obsoletus yumanensis
Yuma Ridgway's Rail
LE
1A
Spizella breweri
Brewer's Sparrow
1C
Sturnella magna
Eastern Meadowlark
1C
Tadarida brasiliensis
Brazilian Free-tailed Bat
1B
Toxostoma lecontei
LeConte's Thrasher
S
1B
Troglodytes pacificus
Pacific Wren
1B
Vireo bellii arizonae
Arizona Bell's Vireo
1B
Vulpes macrotis
Kit Fox
No
Status
1B
Species of Economic and Recreation Importance Predicted that Intersect with Project Footprint as Drawn
Scientific Name
Common Name
FWS
USFS
BLM
NPL
SGCN
Callipepla gambelii
Gambel's Quail
Pecari tajacu
Javelina
Puma concolor
Mountain Lion
Zenaida asiatica
White-winged Dove
Zenaida macroura
Mourning Dove
Page 10 of 13
Arizona Game and Fish Department
project_report_aps_redhawk_solar_48886_50394.pdf
Project ID: HGIS-15308
Review Date: 1/13/2022 03:18:10 PM
Project Type: Energy Storage/Production/Transfer, Energy Production (generation), photovoltaic solar facility
(new)
Project Type Recommendations:
During the planning stages of your project, please consider the local or regional needs of wildlife in regards to movement,
connectivity, and access to habitat needs. Loss of this permeability prevents wildlife from accessing resources, finding
mates, reduces gene flow, prevents wildlife from re-colonizing areas where local extirpations may have occurred, and
ultimately prevents wildlife from contributing to ecosystem functions, such as pollination, seed dispersal, control of prey
numbers, and resistance to invasive species. In many cases, streams and washes provide natural movement corridors
for wildlife and should be maintained in their natural state. Uplands also support a large diversity of species, and should
be contained within important wildlife movement corridors. In addition, maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem functions
can be facilitated through improving designs of structures, fences, roadways, and culverts to promote passage for a
variety of wildlife. Guidelines for many of these can be found
at: https://www.azgfd.com/wildlife/planning/wildlifeguidelines/.
Consider impacts of outdoor lighting on wildlife and develop measures or alternatives that can be taken to increase
human safety while minimizing potential impacts to wildlife. Conduct wildlife surveys to determine species within project
area, and evaluate proposed activities based on species biology and natural history to determine if artificial lighting may
disrupt behavior patterns or habitat use. Use only the minimum amount of light needed for safety. Narrow spectrum bulbs
should be used as often as possible to lower the range of species affected by lighting. All lighting should be shielded,
canted, or cut to ensure that light reaches only areas needing illumination.
Minimize the potential introduction or spread of exotic invasive species, including aquatic and terrestrial plants, animals,
insects and pathogens. Precautions should be taken to wash and/or decontaminate all equipment utilized in the project
activities before entering and leaving the site. See the Arizona Department of Agriculture website for a list of prohibited
and restricted noxious weeds at https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/unitedstates/az.shtml and the Arizona Native Plant
Society https://aznps.com/invas for recommendations on how to control. To view a list of documented invasive species or
to report invasive species in or near your project area visit iMapInvasives - a national cloud-based application for tracking
and managing invasive species at https://imap.natureserve.org/imap/services/page/map.html.
To build a list: zoom to your area of interest, use the identify/measure tool to draw a polygon around your area of
interest, and select “See What’s Here” for a list of reported species. To export the list, you must have an
account and be logged in. You can then use the export tool to draw a boundary and export the records in a csv
file.
Minimization and mitigation of impacts to wildlife and fish species due to changes in water quality, quantity, chemistry,
temperature, and alteration to flow regimes (timing, magnitude, duration, and frequency of floods) should be evaluated.
Minimize impacts to springs, in-stream flow, and consider irrigation improvements to decrease water use. If dredging is a
project component, consider timing of the project in order to minimize impacts to spawning fish and other aquatic species
(include spawning seasons), and to reduce spread of exotic invasive species. We recommend early direct coordination
with Project Evaluation Program for projects that could impact water resources, wetlands, streams, springs, and/or
riparian habitats.
The Department recommends that wildlife surveys are conducted to determine if noise-sensitive species occur within the
project area. Avoidance or minimization measures could include conducting project activities outside of breeding
seasons.
Page 11 of 13
Arizona Game and Fish Department
project_report_aps_redhawk_solar_48886_50394.pdf
Project ID: HGIS-15308
Review Date: 1/13/2022 03:18:10 PM
For any powerlines built, proper design and construction of the transmission line is necessary to prevent or minimize risk
of electrocution of raptors, owls, vultures, and golden or bald eagles, which are protected under state and federal laws.
Limit project activities during the breeding season for birds, generally March through late August, depending on species
in the local area (raptors breed in early February through May). Conduct avian surveys to determine bird species that
may be utilizing the area and develop a plan to avoid disturbance during the nesting season. For underground
powerlines, trenches should be covered or back-filled as soon as possible. Incorporate escape ramps in ditches or
fencing along the perimeter to deter small mammals and herptefauna (snakes, lizards, tortoise) from entering ditches. In
addition, indirect affects to wildlife due to construction (timing of activity, clearing of rights-of-way, associated bridges and
culverts, affects to wetlands, fences) should also be considered and mitigated.
Based on the project type entered, coordination with State Historic Preservation Office may be required
(http://azstateparks.com/SHPO/index.html).
Based on the project type entered, coordination with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Migratory Bird Treaty Act) may be
required (http://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/arizona/).
Vegetation restoration projects (including treatments of invasive or exotic species) should have a completed site-
evaluation plan (identifying environmental conditions necessary to re-establish native vegetation), a revegetation plan
(species, density, method of establishment), a short and long-term monitoring plan, including adaptive management
guidelines to address needs for replacement vegetation.
The Department requests further coordination to provide project/species specific recommendations, please
contact Project Evaluation Program directly at PEP@azgfd.gov.
Project Location and/or Species Recommendations:
HDMS records indicate that one or more native plants listed on the Arizona Native Plant Law and Antiquities Act have
been documented within the vicinity of your project area. Please contact:
Arizona Department of Agriculture
1688 W Adams St.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: 602.542.4373
https://agriculture.az.gov/sites/default/files/Native%20Plant%20Rules%20-%20AZ%20Dept%20of%20Ag.pdf starts on
page 44
Analysis indicates that your project is located in the vicinity of an identified wildlife habitat connectivity feature. The
County-level Stakeholder Assessments contain five categories of data (Barrier/Development, Wildlife Crossing Area,
Wildlife Movement Area- Diffuse, Wildlife movement Area- Landscape, Wildlife Movement Area- Riparian/Washes) that
provide a context of select anthropogenic barriers, and potential connectivity. The reports provide recommendations for
opportunities to preserve or enhance permeability. Project planning and implementation efforts should focus on
maintaining and improving opportunities for wildlife permeability. For information pertaining to the linkage assessment
and wildlife species that may be affected, please refer
to: https://www.azgfd.com/wildlife/planning/habitatconnectivity/identifying-corridors/.
Please contact the Project Evaluation Program (pep@azgfd.gov) for specific project recommendations.
Page 12 of 13
Arizona Game and Fish Department
project_report_aps_redhawk_solar_48886_50394.pdf
Project ID: HGIS-15308
Review Date: 1/13/2022 03:18:10 PM
HDMS records indicate that one or more Listed, Proposed, or Candidate species or Critical Habitat (Designated or
Proposed) have been documented in the vicinity of your project. The Endangered Species Act (ESA) gives the US Fish
and Wildlife Service (USFWS) regulatory authority over all federally listed species. Please contact USFWS Ecological
Services Offices at http://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/arizona/ or:
Phoenix Main Office
Tucson Sub-Office
Flagstaff Sub-Office
9828 North 31st Avenue #C3
201 N. Bonita Suite 141
SW Forest Science Complex
Phoenix, AZ 85051-2517
Tucson, AZ 85745
2500 S. Pine Knoll Dr.
Phone: 602-242-0210
Phone: 520-670-6144
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Fax: 602-242-2513
Fax: 520-670-6155
Phone: 928-556-2157
Fax: 928-556-2121
HDMS records indicate that Sonoran Desert Tortoise have been documented within the vicinity of your project area.
Please review the Tortoise Handling Guidelines found at: https://www.azgfd.com/wildlife/nongamemanagement/tortoise/
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