Notice of Availability and Public Meeting Notice – Draft Program Environmental Impact Report for the San Juan Watershed Project
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Geomorphic Setting
DRAFT NCCP/MSAA/HCP CHAPTER 3: EXISTING BIOLOGICAL AND HYDROLOGIC/ GEOMORPHIC SETTING This Chapter describes the biological setting of the approximately 131,600-acre Southern NCCP/MSAA/HCP study area, including portions of the CNF (Figure 3-M). Within the study area, the approximately 91,660 acres of non-federal land defines the planning area for the NCCP/MSAA/HCP. Management of resources in the CNF is the responsibility of the USFS. Therefore, the description of the biological and hydrologic/geomorphic setting includes a general description of the CNF, but the main focus of this section is the 91,660-acre planning area. The 91,660-acre planning area is further subdivided into the four Subarea Plan areas described in Chapter 1 (Figure 3-M). The Subareas total approximately 86,339 acres. The remaining 5,321 acres are comprised on the cities of Lake Forest and Dana Point, and internal areas that are “not a part” of the Subareas, such as Ladera Ranch, Las Flores, the wastewater treatment plant in lower Chiquita, Tesoro High School, FTC-North, and the Nichols Institute bounded by Caspers Wilderness Park. To describe the biological setting of the NCCP/MSAA/HCP planning area, this Chapter includes the following sections: Section 3.1 Database development methods; Section 3.2 Vegetation communities that make up theplanning area and the key wildlife species that are typical of, or indicate, high quality vegetation communities; Section 3.3 Existing geomorphic and hydrologic conditions and processes; Section 3.4 Sensitive wildlife and plant species distribution in the planning areaand subarea plan areas; and Section 3.5 Regional and subregional wildlife habitat linkages. -
Sec 05 11 Tribal and Cultural Resources
Tribal and Cultural Resources 5.11 TRIBAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES 5.11.1 PURPOSE This section identifies existing cultural (including historic and archeological resources), paleontological and tribal resources within the Study Area, and provides an analysis of potential impacts associated with implementation of the General Plan Update. Potential impacts are identified and mitigation measures to address potentially significant impacts are recommended, as necessary. This section is primarily based upon the Cultural and Tribal Cultural Resources Technical Report for the Rancho Santa Margarita General Plan Update, Rancho Santa Margarita, Orange County, California (Cultural Study), and the Paleontological Resources Impact Assessment Report for the Rancho Santa Margarita General Plan Update, Orange County, California (Paleontological Assessment), both prepared by SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA) and dated April 2019; refer to Appendix F, Cultural/ Paleontological Resources Assessment. 5.11.2 EXISTING REGULATORY SETTING Numerous laws and regulations require Federal, State, and local agencies to consider the effects a project may have on cultural resources. These laws and regulations establish a process for compliance, define the responsibilities of the various agencies proposing the action, and prescribe the relationship among other involved agencies (i.e., State Historic Preservation Office and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation). The National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966, as amended, the California Environmental -
Watershed Summaries
Appendix A: Watershed Summaries Preface California’s watersheds supply water for drinking, recreation, industry, and farming and at the same time provide critical habitat for a wide variety of animal species. Conceptually, a watershed is any sloping surface that sheds water, such as a creek, lake, slough or estuary. In southern California, rapid population growth in watersheds has led to increased conflict between human users of natural resources, dramatic loss of native diversity, and a general decline in the health of ecosystems. California ranks second in the country in the number of listed endangered and threatened aquatic species. This Appendix is a “working” database that can be supplemented in the future. It provides a brief overview of information on the major hydrological units of the South Coast, and draws from the following primary sources: • The California Rivers Assessment (CARA) database (http://www.ice.ucdavis.edu/newcara) provides information on large-scale watershed and river basin statistics; • Information on the creeks and watersheds for the ESU of the endangered southern steelhead trout from the National Marine Fisheries Service (http://swr.ucsd.edu/hcd/SoCalDistrib.htm); • Watershed Plans from the Regional Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCB) that provide summaries of existing hydrological units for each subregion of the south coast (http://www.swrcb.ca.gov/rwqcbs/index.html); • General information on the ecology of the rivers and watersheds of the south coast described in California’s Rivers and Streams: Working -
Southern Steelhead Populations Are in Danger of Extinction Within the Next 25-50 Years, Due to Anthropogenic and Environmental Impacts That Threaten Recovery
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA STEELHEAD Oncorhynchus mykiss irideus Critical Concern. Status Score = 1.9 out of 5.0. Southern steelhead populations are in danger of extinction within the next 25-50 years, due to anthropogenic and environmental impacts that threaten recovery. Since its listing as an Endangered Species in 1997, southern steelhead abundance remains precariously low. Description: Southern steelhead are similar to other steelhead and are distinguished primarily by genetic and physiological differences that reflect their evolutionary history. They also exhibit morphometric differences that distinguish them from other coastal steelhead in California such as longer, more streamlined bodies that facilitate passage more easily in Southern California’s characteristic low flow, flashy streams (Bajjaliya et al. 2014). Taxonomic Relationships: Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) historically populated all coastal streams of Southern California with permanent flows, as either resident or anadromous trout, or both. Due to natural events such as fire and debris flows, and more recently due to anthropogenic forces such as urbanization and dam construction, many rainbow trout populations are isolated in remote headwaters of their native basins and exhibit a resident life history. In streams with access to the ocean, anadromous forms are present, which have a complex relationship with the resident forms (see Life History section). Southern California steelhead, or southern steelhead, is our informal name for the anadromous form of the formally designated Southern California Coast Steelhead Distinct Population Segment (DPS). Southern steelhead occurring below man-made or natural barriers were distinguished from resident trout in the Endangered Species Act (ESA) listing, and are under different jurisdictions for purposes of fisheries management although the two forms typically constitute one interbreeding population. -
Phase I Cultural Resources Reconnaissance Survey
PHASE I CULTURAL RESOURCES RECONNAISSANCE SURVEY PROPOSED ALTON PARKWAY EXTENSION PROJECT, INCLUDING BAKER RANCH, LAKE FOREST, CALIFORNIA Prepared for Mr. Gene Spindler Shea Properties Vice President, Commercial Development 130 Vantis, Suite 200 Aliso Viejo, CA 92656 USGS 7.5-Minute Quadrangle: El Toro, California BonTerra Project No. Shea J003 Prepared by Patrick O. Maxon, M.A., RPA BonTerra Consulting 151 Kalmus Drive, Suite E-200 Costa Mesa, California 92626 T: (714) 444-9199 F: (714) 444-9599 August 2008 Proposed Alton Parkway Extension Project MANAGEMENT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT PURPOSE AND SCOPE BonTerra Consulting undertook this project as part of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements for the proposed Alton Parkway Extension project. The Phase I Cultural Resources Reconnaissance Report addresses the remaining approximately 380 acres of the Baker Ranch. This cultural study includes a literature review/records search, Native American scoping, and a pedestrian reconnaissance of the project area. The format of this report follows Archaeological Resource Management Reports (ARMR): Recommended Contents and Format (Office of Historic Preservation 1990). DATES OF INVESTIGATION BonTerra Consulting Archaeologist Patrick Maxon (see Appendix A: Personnel Qualifications), a Registered Professional Archaeologist (RPA), conducted the literature review at the South Central Coastal Information Center (SCCIC) at California State University, Fullerton on July 23, 2008. The cultural resources survey of the property was conducted on July 30, 2008 by Patrick Maxon and Justin Partridge of BonTerra. Mr. Maxon visited the Lake Forest Historical Society at Heritage Hill Historical Park on August 6, 2008. This report was completed in August 2008. FINDINGS OF THE INVESTIGATION In summary, four cultural resources (CA-ORA-40, CA-ORA-758, CA-ORA-1004 and CA-ORA-1150) are recorded within the Alton Parkway/Baker Ranch project area. -
APPENDIX J Phase I Cultural Resources Assessment for the Poseidon Seawater Desalination Project Prepared by Bonterra Consulting, December 2009
APPENDIX J Phase I Cultural Resources Assessment for the Poseidon Seawater Desalination Project Prepared by Bonterra Consulting, December 2009 PHASE I CULTURAL RESOURCES ASSESSMENT FOR THE POSEIDON SEAWATER DESALINATION PROJECT, HUNTINGTON BEACH, ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA Prepared for Alan Ashimine, Senior Associate Environmental Services RBF Consulting 14725 Alton Parkway Irvine, California 92618 USGS 7.5-Minute Quadrangles Newport Beach and Tustin, California BonTerra Project No. RBF J499 Prepared by Joan C. Brown, M.A., RPA Patrick O. Maxon, M.A., RPA BonTerra Consulting 151 Kalmus Drive, Suite E-200 Costa Mesa, California 92626 T: (714) 444-9199 F: (714) 444-9599 December 2009 J-1 Proposed Poseidon Desalination TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Page Management Summary/Abstract ........................................................................................ MS-1 Section 1.0 Undertaking Information/Introduction ............................................................... 1 1.1 Contracting Data ........................................................................................ 1 1.2 Purpose ..................................................................................................... 1 1.2.1 State ............................................................................................... 1 1.2.2 City of Huntington Beach ............................................................... 2 1.3 Undertaking ............................................................................................... 2 1.4 Exhibit ....................................................................................................... -
Holy Fire Watershed Report
Burned Area Emergency Response Holy Fire Cleveland National Forest Hydrology and Watershed Specialist Report August 25, 2018 Overview of Horsethief Canyon above Interstate 15 Submitted by: Kelsha L. Anderson, Angeles National Forest Hydrologist I. Objectives This report summarizes the results from the hydrologic assessment of the Holy Fire in the center of the Santa Ana Mountains as part of the Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER). II Potential Values at Risk Values at Risk (VARs) on Forest Service land (FS) are addressed in Appendix D. Many VARs that could be impacted by the fire are on adjacent private, state, county, or local government lands. The State Watershed Emergency Response Team conducted a detailed analysis of non-FS VARs that will be published in a separate document. The FS BAER team and State WERT team collaborate and share information during post-fire assessments to ensure VARs are identified. On private lands, the primary contact for treatments is the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). III. Resource Condition Assessment Fire and Site Description The Holy Fire started on August 06, 2018 at 1:30pm (suspected arson). As of August 21, 2018 the fire had burned 22,982 acres (90% contained). The burn occurred adjacent to California State Highway 74 and Interstate 15. Much of the Holy Fire last burned between 1940-80’s. Table 1: Fire History in Holy Fire Perimeter Holy Fire area impacted Fires of Note Coldwater Canyon Silverado (1987), Unnamed (1942) Mayhew Canyon Indian (1966), Wright Cyn (1942) Indian Canyon -
Lower San Juan Creek Watershed
Lower San Juan Creek Watershed Hydrologic Water Acreage Flows to Groundwater Jurisdictions Unit Name Planning Basin(s) Area Estrella Rafael/ Big 114,329 Salinas River via Paso Robles County of San Luis 17 Spring acres Estrella River – to Obispo WPA 11, Pacific Ocean Shandon (ptn) Salinas/ (Monterey Bay Los Padres National Estrella National Marine Forest Sanctuary) WPA 14 Description: The Lower San Juan Creek watershed is located in the eastern portion of the county to the north- west of the Carrizo Plains. The headwaters are located in the La Panza range with the highest point at approximately 3600-feet. The confluence of San Juan Creek with the Estrella River occurs at Shandon. The dominant land use is agriculture. The San Juan Creek Valley is generally used most intensively for agriculture because of better soils and water availability. Irrigated production has increased during the last 10 years, particularly in vineyards and alfalfa. Dry farming and grazing operations encompass the rest of the agricultural uses. The riparian forest and a portion of the adjacent upland areas associated with the Estrella River and San Juan Creek in the vicinity of Shandon are important wildlife habitat, and serve as important corridors for wildlife movement. San Joaquin kit fox and Western burrowing owl occur in open grasslands. Another important wildlife movement corridor is located near the base of the hillside near the eastern edge of Shandon. Existing Watershed Plans: No existing plans to date Watershed Management Plan Phase 1 Lower San Juan Creek Watershed, Section 3.2.3.6, page 167 Lower San Juan Creek Watershed Characteristics Physical Setting Rainfall Average Annual: 9-13 in. -
Letter to Donna Downing and Andrew Hanson from the City of San Juan
32400 PASEO ADELANTO MEMBERS OF The CITY COUNCIL SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA 92675 (949) 493-1171 SERGIO FARIAS (949) 493-1053 FAX KERRY K. FERGUSON www.sanjuancapistrano.org BRIAN L. MARYOTT PAM PATTERSON, ESQ. DEREK REEVE June 19, 2017 Via Electronic Mail Donna Downing Jurisdiction Team Leader, Wetlands Division U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20460 [email protected] Andrew Hanson Federalism Consultation Lead U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20460 [email protected] RE: COMMENTS ON FEDERALISM CONSULTATION REGARDING THE DEFINITION OF "WATERS OF UNITED STATES" Dear Ms. Downing and Mr. Hanson: The City of San Juan Capistrano ("City") is a municipal corporation located in Orange County, California. The City is home to approximately 34,000 people and is 14.65 square miles. The City is located adjacent to San Juan Creek, a designated Water of the United States. The City operates a municipal separate storm sewer system ("MS4") as well as a water utility. Page 1 of 14 61073.00100\29883715.1 San Juan Capistrano: Preserving the Past to Enhance the Future Printed on 100% recycled paper The City submits this letter to EPA pursuant to Executive Order (EO) 13132. EO 13132 requires EPA to consult with local government agencies (or their representative national organizations) prior to issuing any regulation that may impose substantial direct compliance costs on state and local governments or preempt state or local law. EPA has proposed rescinding and revising the definition of the term "Waters of the United States" ("WOTUS") for the purposes of the federal Clean Water Act. -
GENERAL PLAN APPENDIX December 2012 TABLE of CONTENTS
County of Orange GENERAL PLAN APPENDIX December 2012 TABLE OF CONTENTS LAND USE ELEMENT Appendix III-1 Growth Management Program Guidelines …………………………………………… 1 TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT Appendix IV-1 Growth Management Transportation Implementation Manual ……………………… 9 Appendix IV-2 Planning Criteria for Determining Arterial Highway Classifications ……………….. 30 Appendix IV-3 Bikeway Designation Planning Guidelines ………………………………………….. 36 Appendix IV-4 County Designation Scenic Highways and Candidate Corridors ……………………. 38 Appendix IV-5 Scenic Highways Corridor Implementation Planning Guidelines …………………… 44 Appendix IV-6 List of Acronyms/Abbreviations …………………………………………………….. 48 RESOURCES ELEMENT Appendix VI-1 List of Acronyms/Abbreviations …………………………………………………….. 56 RECREATION ELEMENT Appendix VII-1 Local Park Implementation Plan Criteria: Private Parks, Facilities and Improvements 60 Appendix VII-2 Local Park Guidelines: Site Characteristics, Acquisition, Design, Maintenance & Funding 66 Appendix VII-3 Local Park Site Criteria ……………………………………………………………… 75 Appendix VII-4 Policy for Allocating Funds for Trail Development ………………………………… 81 Appendix VII-5 Trail Descriptions …………………………………………………………………… 85 Appendix VII-6 Staging Areas ……………………………………………………………………….. 109 Appendix VII-7 Trail Design Standards ……………………………………………………………… 115 Appendix VII-8 Regional Recreation Facilities Inventory …………………………………………… 119 Appendix VII-9 List of Acronyms/Abbreviations ……………………………………………………. 129 NOISE ELEMENT Appendix VIII-1 Noise Element Definitions and Acronyms ………………………………………… -
Tectonic Geomorphology of the Santa Ana Mountains
Final Technical Report ACTIVE DEFORMATION AND EARTHQUAKE POTENTIAL OF THE SOUTHERN LOS ANGELES BASIN, ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA Award Number: 01HQGR0117 Recipient’s name: University of California - Irvine Sponsored Projects Administration 160 Administration Building, Univ. of CA - Irvine Irvine, CA 92697-1875 Principal investigator: Lisa B. Grant, Ph.D. Department of Environmental Analysis & Design 262 Social Ecology 1 University of California Irvine, CA 92697-7070 Program element: Research on earthquake occurrence and effects Research supported by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Department of the Interior, under USGS award number 01HQGR0117. The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as necessarily representing the official policies, either expressed or implied, of the U.S. Government. p. 1 Award number: 01HQGR0117 ACTIVE DEFORMATION AND EARTHQUAKE POTENTIAL OF THE SOUTHERN LOS ANGELES BASIN, ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA Eldon M. Gath, University of California, Irvine, 143 Social Ecology I, Irvine, CA, 92697-7070; tel: 949-824-5382, fax: 949-824-2056, email: [email protected] Eric E. Runnerstrom, University of California, Irvine, 143 Social Ecology I, Irvine, CA, 92697- 7070; tel: 949-824-5382, fax: 949-824-2056, email: [email protected] Lisa B. Grant (P.I.), University of California, Irvine, 262 Social Ecology I, Irvine, CA, 92697- 7070; tel: 949-824-5491, fax: 949-824-2056, email: [email protected] TECHNICAL ABSTRACT The Santa Ana Mountains (SAM) are a 1.7 km high mountain range that form the southeastern boundary of the Los Angeles basin between Orange and Riverside counties in southern California. The SAM have three well developed erosional surfaces preserved on them, as well as a suite of four fluvial fill terraces preserved in Santiago Creek, which is a drainage trapped between the uplifting SAM and a parallel Loma Ridge. -
San Juan Creek Ocean Outfall Junction Structure Rehabilitation Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration
San Juan Creek Ocean Outfall Junction Structure Rehabilitation Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration Prepared by: South Orange County Wastewater Authority 34156 Del Obispo Street, Dana Point, CA 92629 Contact: Janie Chen SEPTEMBER 2015 Initial Study and San Juan Creek Ocean Outfall Junction Structure Mitigated Negative Declaration Rehabilitation Project TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Page No. 1 INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 California Environmental Quality Act Compliance ............................................................ 2 1.2 Project Planning Setting ...................................................................................................... 2 1.3 Public Review Process ........................................................................................................ 2 2 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS ......................................................................................................... 3 2.1 Environmental Factors Potentially Affected ....................................................................... 3 2.2 Environmental Determination ............................................................................................. 3 3 INITIAL STUDY CHECKLIST .................................................................................................. 5 3.1 Aesthetics .........................................................................................................................