DOCSLIB.ORG

ARCO Pipeline Removal FINAL Mitigated Negative Declaration

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
ARCO Pipeline Removal FINAL Mitigated Negative Declaration + ARCO Pipeline Removal Combined Project 06DRP-00000-00002 County of Santa Barbara (Lead Agency) 06-058-DP City of Goleta (Responsible Agency) FINAL Mitigated Negative Declaration Vicinity Map Owner/Applicant Consultant Engineer Atlantic Richfield Company ARCADIS U.S., Inc Padre Associates, Inc. 6 Centerpointe Dr. 4640 Admiralty Way, Suite 523 5290 Overpass Road #217 La Palma, CA 90623 Marina del Rey, CA 90292 Goleta, CA 93111 For More Information Contact: Santa Barbara County Energy Division, (805) 568-2513 ARCO Pipeline Removal (06DRP-00000-00002) February, 2010 FINAL Mitigated Negative Declaration Page 1 0.0 DOCUMENT FORMATTING NOTE The proposed project involves activity in both the County of Santa Barbara and the City of Goleta jurisdictions; as such, the applicant, Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO), submitted applications to both agencies. Pursuant to Section 15051, Title 14, California Code of Regulations, the County and City agreed to designate the County as lead CEQA agency. Due to the differences in policy and environmental thresholds, the environmental analysis was divided into separate sections specific to each agency’s geographic jurisdiction. Therefore, this document is formatted with a discussion specific to the County portion of the project followed by a discussion specific to the City segment. Note that some information may be presented in both jurisdictional sections of the document and that as the lead CEQA agency for all aspects of the project in both jurisdictions; the County has fully studied and addressed all potential project impacts. The City-specific discussions are provided to ensure that the project is explicitly reviewed in the context of both the County and the City regulatory criteria. The proposed project work will be performed in four distinct geographic areas within the Third Supervisorial District, involving three riparian creeks and one marine terrace as follows and shown on Figure 1: 1. Eagle Canyon Creek Area- in the County of Santa Barbara 2. Eagle Canyon Ranch Marine Terrace Area- in the County of Santa Barbara 3. Tecolote Creek Area- in the City of Goleta 4. Bell Creek Area- near the Venoco Ellwood Onshore Facility (EOF) in the City of Goleta Figure 1 - Project Location Map ARCO Pipeline Removal (06DRP-00000-00002) February, 2010 FINAL Mitigated Negative Declaration Page 2 1.0 REQUEST/PROJECT DESCRIPTION 1.1 County Request/Project Description Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO) seeks to obtain a Demolition and Reclamation Permit (D & R) and a Coastal Development Permit requiring a public hearing (CDH) from the County of Santa Barbara to remove several abandoned pipelines and ancillary equipment associated with its former Dos Pueblos oil and gas production operation. A relatively small portion of pipeline is proposed to be abandoned in place. These pipelines originate on the former Dos Pueblos oil and gas production site, currently owned by Makar Properties, and traverse in an easterly direction across Eagle Canyon Creek and the privately owned Eagle Canyon Ranch within a former right- of-way easement leased by ARCO. The pipelines terminate on the Eagle Canyon Ranch property, with one exception. Segments of a former crude oil transport pipeline can be found eastward across the City of Goleta limit boundary. See Section 1.2 below for that discussion. ARCO proposes to remove all above-ground portions of the abandoned pipelines. Buried segments of the pipeline bundle for which ARCO has responsibility will also be removed from the Eagle Canyon Ranch property at the property owner’s request. Less than 50 cubic yards of grading is proposed. Removal of the pipeline will require the use of mechanized equipment. Structures proposed to be removed as part of this abandonment project include: • The remaining above-ground portions of a 6-inch diameter former crude oil transport pipeline running from Dos Pueblos (Makar) property to Bell Creek; • An abandoned pipeline bundle (5 lines) and associated concrete, metal, and wood pipe supports remaining on the Dos Pueblos property (a distance of approximately 300 feet), Eagle Canyon Ranch (approximately 1/3 mile), and across Eagle Canyon Creek (two metal supports atop wooden beams); Removal of the pipeline at Eagle Canyon Ranch work area will require the use of an excavator and crane. Approximately 200 feet of pipeline is located underground and will have to be precisely located and exposed prior to removal. Removed pipeline will be placed on a flatbed truck and transferred the primary staging area located on Eagle Canyon Ranch. At Eagle Canyon Creek, a temporary scaffold will be built in the creek bed to be used for removal of the pipeline and pipeline support structures. Prior to removal, the pipeline will be tapped and residual fluid will be removed. Once residual fluid is removed the pipeline will be cut at the approximate centerline and on each end outside the eastern and western bank of Eagle Canyon Creek. Each pipeline segment will be filled with sorbent pads and a plug will be placed over the end. Once plugged the pipeline segment will be rigged with a pulling sling and pulled from the creek bed to the upland areas on the eastern and western sides with the use a small bulldozer. The pipeline support structures will then be removed with the use of equipment staged on the bank of the Eagle Canyon Creek. An opening in the tree canopy will need to be created for lifting operations. Approximately 6 to 10 eucalyptus trees will need to be removed in the vicinity of the pipe supports in order to remove the pipelines. Additionally, understory vegetation will be trimmed back or matted down with planking to provide a clear working are for project personal involved in lifting operations. Removed materials will be transported to the primary staging area with the use of flat bed truck. ARCO Pipeline Removal (06DRP-00000-00002) February, 2010 FINAL Mitigated Negative Declaration Page 3 Access to the eastern side of Eagle Canyon Creek is provided through an existing unpaved road that runs west across Eagle Canyon Ranch from the Ellwood Pier access road. Access to the western side of Eagle Canyon Creek and will be provided through an existing access road on the neighboring Makar property. The majority of equipment and personal will access the site on the eastern side. Equipment Equipment estimated to be used as part of this removal project is based on the work activities required for each area. However, equipment may be subject to modifications based on the contractor selected to perform construction activities and specific equipment availability at the time of project execution. In some cases, an equivalent piece of equipment may be utilized that serves the same purpose or function of those listed above. The equipment proposed for the removal work consists of: Eagle Canyon Creek Area Pipe tapping machine, air compressor, generator, crane, diaphragm pump or vacuum truck, hand tools, four wheel pipe cutter, pneumatic hacksaw, and/or gasoline-powered cut-off saw, sorbent pads and end caps for cut pipe sections, front-end loader or similar piece of equipment, small bulldozer (Cat D6 or equivalent), crane, and roll-off bins/55-gallon capacity drums. Eagle Canyon Ranch Marine Terrance Area Vegetation/tree trimming spread, air knife unit, pipe tapping machine, air compressor, skid-steer loader, backhoe, or similar piece of equipment, crane, excavator, grout delivery truck, inline grout pump, flatbed truck, forklift, or similar piece of equipment, diaphragm pump or vacuum truck, hand tools, four wheel or hydraulic pipe cutter, pneumatic hacksaw, and/or gasoline- powered cut-off saw, containment pans, sorbent pads (in addition to those listed in Section 3.0 for spill response requirements), pipe caps/fittings, welding machine, and roll-off bins/55-gallon capacity drums. Schedule Field work activities are proposed to occur between the dates of July 1 through November 1 (or possibly until November 15 if significant rainfall does not occur). This time period represents the normal dry season, which would allow work to be completed in the creek areas during low-flow conditions and would minimize the potential for stormwater pollution to result from Project implementation. Although not currently anticipated, it is possible that work activities in upland marine terrace areas away from the creek areas could be completed outside of the dry season referenced above. If any upland work activities are performed outside of the dry season, standard best management practices and erosion control measures would be implemented to minimize the potential for stormwater runoff from construction/disturbed areas to occur. Any additional Project schedule limitations specified in permits/approvals issued for the Project would be adhered to. Following are the estimated work-day durations for each major project component in the County: Eagle Canyon Creek work activities: 18 days Eagle Canyon Ranch Marine Terrace work activities: 82 days ARCO Pipeline Removal (06DRP-00000-00002) February, 2010 FINAL Mitigated Negative Declaration Page 4 Logistics Key elements of the Work Plan include: designated work hours and days of operations, parking requirements, access, equipment staging, onsite security, pipeline tapping and residual fluid removal procedures, pipeline removal procedures, pipeline support structure removal procedures. The Work Plan also includes an Oil Spill Prevention and Contingency Plan, Waste Management Plan, Traffic Control Plan, Post Construction Soil Sampling and Analysis Plan. The Work Plan is subject to review and refinement as a part of the environmental review and permit process to ensure consistency with County policies and regulations. 1.2 City Request/Project Description Prior to initial oilfield exploration in 1929, the subject properties consisted of vacant farm and ranch land. The Ellwood Oil Field discovery well was drilled on what is now the Sandpiper Golf Course in June of 1928. From 1928 until 1994, oil and gas were extracted from wells that penetrated the Ellwood Field.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Excerpt from the Steelhead Report Concerning Napa County (212
    Historical Distribution and Current Status of Steelhead/Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in Streams of the San Francisco Estuary, California Robert A. Leidy, Environmental Protection Agency, San Francisco, CA Gordon S. Becker, Center for Ecosystem Management and Restoration, Oakland, CA Brett N. Harvey, John Muir Institute of the Environment, University of California, Davis, CA This report should be cited as: Leidy, R.A., G.S. Becker, B.N. Harvey. 2005. Historical distribution and current status of steelhead/rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in streams of the San Francisco Estuary, California. Center for Ecosystem Management and Restoration, Oakland, CA. Center for Ecosystem Management and Restoration NAPA COUNTY Huichica Creek Watershed The Huichica Creek watershed is in the southwest corner of Napa County. The creek flows in a generally southern direction into Hudeman Slough, which enters the Napa River via the Napa Slough. Huichica Creek consists of approximately eight miles of channel. Huichica Creek In March 1966 and in the winters of 1970 and 1971, DFG identified O. mykiss in Huichica Creek (Hallett and Lockbaum 1972; Jones 1966, as cited in Hallett, 1972). In December 1976, DFG visually surveyed Huichica Creek from the mouth to Route 121 and concluded that the area surveyed offered little or no value as spawning or nursery grounds for anadromous fish. However, the area was said to provide passage to more suitable areas upstream (Reed 1976). In January 1980, DFG visually surveyed Huichica Creek from Route 121 upstream to the headwaters. Oncorhynchus mykiss ranging from 75–150 mm in length were numerous and were estimated at a density of 10 per 30 meters (Ellison 1980).
    [Show full text]
  • The Southern California Wetlands Recovery Project’S Regional Strategy
    Developing a Science-based, Management- driven Plan for Restoring Wetlands: The Southern California Wetlands Recovery Project’s Regional Strategy Carolyn Lieberman U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Coastal Program Mediterranean Climate Average Monthly Temperature at Lindbergh Field, San Diego 80 70 60 50 40 30 Temperature (*F) Temperature 20 10 0 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Month Average Monthly Rainfall at Lindbergh Field, San Diego 2 1.8 1.6 1.4 1.2 1 0.8 Rainfall Rainfall (inches) 0.6 0.4 0.2 0 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Month Based on data from 1948-1990 (http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/sgx/climate/san-san.htm) Coastal Wetland Systems of Southern California • Approximately 100 distinct systems • Total of 8,237 ha • Range = 0.03 ha – 1,322 ha – Average size = 81 ha Small Creek Mouth Systems Bell Canyon Arroyo Burro Intermittently Closing River Mouth Estuaries Malibu Lagoon Open Basin, Fringing Intertidal Wetland Anaheim Bay and Seal Beach Large Depositional River Valley Tijuana River Valley Harbors, Bay, Lagoons Mission Bay Mission Bay San Diego Bay Sensitive Species in Coastal Estuaries Ridgway’s rail Western snowy plover Belding’s savannah sparrow Salt marsh bird’s beak Light-footed clapper rail California least tern Migratory Birds Southern California Wetland Recovery Project Federal Partners National Marine Fisheries Service Natural Resources Conservation Service U.S. Army Corps of Engineers U.S. Environmental Protection Agency U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service State Partners California Natural Resources
    [Show full text]
  • Southern Coastal Santa Barbara Streams and Estuaries Bioassessment Program
    SOUTHERN COASTAL SANTA BARBARA STREAMS AND ESTUARIES BIOASSESSMENT PROGRAM 2014 REPORT AND UPDATED INDEX OF BIOLOGICAL INTEGRITY Prepared for: City of Santa Barbara, Creeks Division County of Santa Barbara, Project Clean Water Prepared By: www.ecologyconsultantsinc.com Ecology Consultants, Inc. Executive Summary Introduction This report summarizes the results of the 2014 Southern Coastal Santa Barbara Streams and Estuaries Bioassessment Program, an effort funded by the City of Santa Barbara and County of Santa Barbara. This is the 15th year of the Program, which began in 2000. Ecology Consultants, Inc. (Ecology) prepared this report, and serves as the City and County’s consultant for the Program. The purpose of the Program is to assess and monitor the “biological integrity” of study streams and estuaries as they respond through time to natural and human influences. The Program involves annual collection and analyses of benthic macroinvertebrate (BMI) samples and other pertinent physiochemical and biological data at study streams using U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) endorsed rapid bioassessment methodology. BMI samples are analyzed in the laboratory to determine BMI abundance, composition, and diversity. Scores and classifications of biological integrity are determined for study streams using the BMI based Index of Biological Integrity (IBI) constructed by Ecology. The IBI was initially built in 2004, updated in 2009, and has been updated again this year. The IBI yields a numeric score and classifies the biological integrity of a given stream as Very Poor, Poor, Fair, Good, or Excellent based on the contents of the BMI sample collected from the stream. Several “core metrics” are calculated and used to determine the IBI score.
    [Show full text]
  • ACR Heron and Egret Project (HEP) 2018 Season
    ACR Heron and Egret Project (HEP) 2018 Season Dear Friends, Here it is once again, our annual call to “get HEP!” To all new and returning volunteers, thank you so much for contributing your time and expertise to the 29th season of ACR’s Heron and Egret Project. Together we continue to expand our rich, decades‐long data set that is put into action each year to increase our understanding of the natural world and promote its conservation. Last year we were pleased to tell you about the new Heron and Egret Telemetry Project. Led by Scott Jennings and David Lumpkin, we had a successful first year—safely tagging three adult Great Egrets. You can follow along as we observe the highly‐detailed log of their movements right here: https://www.egret.org/heron‐egret‐telemetry‐project. Coupled with the detailed reproductive information that you collect at each nesting site, these GPS data will help us improve our understanding of the roles herons and egrets play in the wetland ecosystem and how their habitat needs affect population dynamics. Ultimately, we hope these findings will inform conservation efforts and inspire generations of people to value these beautiful birds and the wetlands that sustain us all. As most of you already know, this is John Kelly’s last year as Director of Conservation Science at Audubon Canyon Ranch. Though it is difficult to imagine life at the Cypress Grove Research Center without John’s intelligent leadership, fierce conservation ethic, and kind support, we are all very grateful for the time he has given this organization and look forward to hearing about his new adventures.
    [Show full text]
  • WANDERING TATTLER Newsletter
    Wandering Dec. 2011- Jan. 2012 Tattler Volume 61 , Number 4 The Voice of SEA AND SAGE AUDUBON, an Orange County Chapter of the National Audubon Society President’s Message General Meeting by Bruce Aird January 20th - Friday evening - 7:30 pm So its December, and the thought on everyones mind is… “A Photographic Adventure at the holidays? No, what all birders are thinking about is Midway Atoll” Christmas Bird Counts (CBCs). You dont know about those? How is that even possible?! CBCs are a long- presented by Bob Steele standing holiday tradition - one of the best there is. Its as non-denominational as holiday cheer gets, and for just a Midway Atoll (mid-way between the U.S. mainland and $5 fee, its way cheaper than most of those other Japan) is important for many historical and biological traditions. This is when that bright Wilsons Warbler, so reasons. Today it is part of three federal designations - common as to be unworthy of notice three months ago, is Midway Atoll NWR, Papahânaumokuâkea Marine National suddenly a prize. The winter vagrants are settled in and Monument, and the Battle of Midway National Memorial. now we work to find them for the CBCs. Trust me, theres Well over a million seabirds use the three tiny islands in no better present under the tree than a previously the atoll to breed each season, including over half of the unreported Varied Thrush! world's population of Laysan Albatross. Join wildlife photographer Bob Steele as he explores the human and Heres how it works. Within established count circles of 15 natural history of this unique and fascinating place.
    [Show full text]
  • Water Quality and Tree Protection Ordinance Implementation Guide
    Implementation Guide Water Quality & Tree Protection Ordinance BACKGROUND What is the definition of “earthmoving or earth-disturbing activity,” “stream”, On April 9, 2019, the Napa County Board of and “ephemeral streams or intermittent Supervisors (BOS) amended the County’s ? streams?” How do I know if I have any Conservation Regulations with the adoption of streams on my property? the Water Quality and Tree Protection Ordinance (WQTPO) to enhance requirements DEFINITIONS for stream, wetland, and municipal reservoir setbacks, and to increase tree canopy retention “Earthmoving or earth-disturbing activity” and preservation. These new requirements went means any activity that involves vegetation into effect on May 10, 2019. clearing, grading, excavation, compaction of the soil, or the creation of fills and embankments to Since 1991, the County’s Conservation prepare a site for the construction of roads, Regulations (Chapter 18.108) prohibited the structures, landscaping, new planting, and other construction of main or accessory structures, improvements (including agricultural roads, earthmoving activity, grading or removal of and vineyard avenues or tractor turnaround vegetation, or agricultural uses of land within areas necessary for ongoing agricultural required stream setbacks. With the adoption of operations). It also means excavations, fills, or the WQTPO, existing requirements were grading which of themselves constitute expanded to apply setbacks to wetlands and engineered works or improvements. ephemeral and intermittent streams. A “stream” is any of the following: The Conservation Regulations have also required minimum vegetation retention 1. A watercourse designated by a solid line or requirements within municipal water supply dash and three dots symbol on the largest watersheds. The retention requirements for scale of the United State Geological Survey vegetation canopy have been increased from maps most recently published, or any sixty to seventy percent and expanded to apply replacement to that symbol.
    [Show full text]
  • The Biological Resources Section Provides Background Information
    4.5 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES The Biological resources section provides background information on sensitive biological resources within Napa County, the regulations and programs that provide for their protection, and an assessment of the potential impacts to biological resources of implementing the Napa County General Plan Update. This section is based upon information presented in the Biological Resources Chapter of the Napa County Baseline Data Report (Napa County, BDR 2005). Additional information on the topics presented herein can be found in these documents. Both documents are incorporated into this section by reference. This section addresses biological resources other than fisheries which are separately addressed in Section 4.6. 4.5.1 SETTING REGIONAL SETTING The Napa County is located in the Coast Ranges Geomorphic Province. This province is bounded on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the east by the Great Valley geomorphic province. A dominant characteristic of the Coast Ranges Province is the general northwest- southeast orientation of its valleys and ridgelines. In Napa County, located in the eastern, central section of the province, this trend consists of a series of long, linear, major and lesser valleys, separated by steep, rugged ridge and hill systems of moderate relief that have been deeply incised by their drainage systems. The County is located within the California Floristic Province, the portion of the state west of the Sierra Crest that is known to be particularly rich in endemic plant species (Hickman 1993, Stein et al. 2000). LOCAL SETTING The County’s highest topographic feature is Mount St. Helena, which is located in the northwest corner of the County and whose peak elevation is 4,343 feet.
    [Show full text]
  • Consultation and Coordination
    Brantley and Avalon Reservoirs RMPA Final Environmental Assessment February 2011 CHAPTER 5: CONSULTATION AND COORDINATION The preparation of the Brantley and Avalon Reservoirs Resource Management Plan Amendment (RMPA) Environmental Assessment (EA) required a comprehensive consultation and coordination effort throughout the RMPA planning process. The U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) initiated the RMPA planning process in July 2006 by requesting comments to determine the scope of issues and concerns that needed to be addressed in this Final EA document. As part of the resource inventory phase of the planning process, members of the interdisciplinary team formally and informally contacted various relevant agencies to request data to supplement Reclamation’s existing resource database. This chapter describes the coordination with agencies that either have jurisdiction by law or interest in the development of the RMPA for the Project Area. In addition, this chapter describes the public involvement process that was undertaken for the Brantley and Avalon Reservoirs RMPA project and provides a distribution list of agencies and organizations receiving a copy of this Final EA. Written comments received on the Draft EA document, along with Reclamation responses, are provided in Appendix D. 5.1 CONSULTATION A number of Federal and State government agencies, as well as local governments, were consulted during the RMPA planning process through communications, meetings, and other cooperative efforts. Cooperating agencies for this EA are the U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Carlsbad Irrigation District (CID). Additional government agencies consulted included the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the New Mexico State Historic Preservation Office (NMSHPO), the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF), and 19 Native American Tribes.
    [Show full text]
  • Biological Assessment Santa Susana Field Laboratory Area IV Radiological Study Ventura County, California (Hydrogeologic, Inc
    DRAFT BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES STUDY FOR THE BOEING COMPANY SANTA SUSANA FIELD LABORATORY SOILS AND GROUNDWATER REMEDIATION PROJECT Prepared for: The Boeing Company 5800 Woolsey Canyon Road Canoga Park, California 91304 Prepared by: Padre Associates, Inc. 1861 Knoll Drive Ventura, California 93003 805/644-2220, 805/644-2050 (fax) December 2013 Project No. 1302-2701 THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK The B oeing Company S S FL S oils & Groundwater Remediation P roj ect December 2013 B iological Resources S tudy TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 1.0 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Biological Support for Past or Ongoing Activities .......................................... 1 1.2 Report Purpose .............................................................................................. 1 2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ........................................................................................ 4 2.1 Soil Remediation Activities ............................................................................ ? 2.2 Groundwater Remediation Activities ............................................................. ? 3.0 STUDY METHODOLOGY ......................................................................................... 9 4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING ................................................................................... 10 5.0 DESCRIPTION OF BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES..................................................... 11 5.1 Vegetation .....................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Assessment of Episodic Streams in the San Diego Region
    CW Assessment of Episodic SC RP Streams in the San Diego Es 69 Region tablished 19 Raphael D. Mazor Jeff Brown Eric D. Stein John R. Olson Matthew D. Robinson Theresa Clark SCCWRP Technical Report 1011 Assessment of Episodic Streams in the San Diego Region Raphael D. Mazor1, Jeff Brown1, Eric D. Stein1, John R. Olson2, Matthew D. Robinson2, and Theresa Clark2 1Southern California Coastal Water Research Project 2California State University, Monterey Bay December 2017 Technical Report 1011 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Ephemeral streams and intermittent rivers are an important component of watersheds in arid regions, such as Southern California. They face increasing pressure from storm- or wastewater discharges, groundwater extraction, intensive recreation, and other human activities. Watershed managers need tools to assess and manage the impacts of these activities. To this end, the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board, the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, and California State University at Monterey Bay completed a pilot project to develop and evaluate potential indicators of biological condition for use in ephemeral streams during their dry phase. When complete, these tools could support the integration of ephemeral streams into Water Board programs, such as headwater protection, identification of impaired beneficial uses, and evaluation of discharges or spills in these systems. Currently, such activities focus primarily on perennial or long-duration intermittent streams, which comprise only a small portion (~10%) of the San Diego Region’s watersheds. Cold Spring Creek (left), a minimally disturbed site, and Trabuco Creek (right), a highly disturbed site, represent the range of conditions evaluated in this study. Following the EPA’s tiered approach towards wetland assessment, this study evaluated both “Level 2” (rapid, field-based) and “Level 3” (intensive) methods for assessing condition.
    [Show full text]
  • Inventoried Roadless Areas and Wilderness Evaluations
    Introduction and Evaluation Process Summary Inventoried Roadless Areas and Wilderness Evaluations For reader convenience, all wilderness evaluation documents are compiled here, including duplicate sections that are also found in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Appendix D Inventoried Roadless Areas. Introduction and Evaluation Process Summary Inventoried Roadless Areas Proposed Wilderness by and Wilderness Evaluations Alternative Introduction and Evaluation Process Summary Roadless areas refer to substantially natural landscapes without constructed and maintained roads. Some improvements and past activities are acceptable within roadless areas. Inventoried roadless areas are identified in a set of maps contained in the Forest Service Roadless Area Conservation Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS), Volume 2, November 2000. These areas may contain important environmental values that warrant protection and are, as a general rule, managed to preserve their roadless characteristics. In the past, roadless areas were evaluated as potential additions to the National Wilderness Preservation System. Roadless areas have maintained their ecological and social values, and are important both locally and nationally. Recognition of the values of roadless areas is increasing as our population continues to grow and demand for outdoor recreation and other uses of the Forests rises. These unroaded and undeveloped areas provide the Forests with opportunities for potential wilderness, as well as non-motorized recreation, commodities and amenities. The original Forest Plans evaluated Roadless Area Review and Evaluation (RARE II) data from the mid- 1980s and recommended wilderness designation for some areas. Most areas were left in a roadless, non- motorized use status. This revision of Forest Plans analyzes a new and more complete land inventory of inventoried roadless areas as well as other areas identified by the public during scoping.
    [Show full text]
  • Rancho El Escorpion Lime Kiln Historic-Cultural Monument Application Presentation
    Rancho El Escorpion Lime Kiln Historic-Cultural Monument Application Presentation This presentation will cover the following topics: • Site Introduction • An overview of West San Fernando Valley Lime Kiln sites • Rancho El Escorpion / Bell Canyon History • The Lime Kiln as it exists today 3/1/2018 Rancho El Escorpion Lime Kiln Historic-Cultural Monument 1 Statement of Significance • The Rancho El Escorpion/Bell Canyon lime-kiln site is historically significant because it • Is the last visible evidence of the most important prehistoric Native American village in the west San Fernando Valley, dating to at least 3,000 BC, that • became a historically important Mexican land-grant and rancho, • which continued to be a center for the west San Fernando Valley Native American/mixed race community during the early 20th century. • The Rancho El Escorpion kiln site is known to only a few people at this time; the general public is not aware of its existence. This even though the site is located in publicly accessible open-space, and is adjacent to a public hiking trail; the site is not marked or signed in any way. Establishing the Rancho El Escorpion kiln as a City of Los Angeles Historical-Cultural Monument will help ensure the protection of this important historic site. 3/1/2018 Rancho El Escorpion Lime Kiln Historic-Cultural Monument 2 Site Location • The Kiln is located in a City Park, on the south side of Bell Canyon Creek, which is just south of Bell Canyon Blvd. • There is a trailhead, for a walking path to the creek and kiln, on Woodglade
    [Show full text]