DOCSLIB.ORG

Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences December 2006

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences December 2006 Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences December 2006 Chapter 3 - Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences .........6 Introduction..................................................................................................................... 6 Organization....................................................................................................................7 Background..................................................................................................................... 9 Cumulative Impacts ...................................................................................................... 10 Past, Present and Reasonably Foreseeable Actions .................................................. 10 3.1 Human Environment...................................................................................14 3.1.1 Wilderness................................................................................................14 3.1.1.1 Background....................................................................................................... 14 3.1.1.2 Methodology..................................................................................................... 15 Analysis Elements..................................................................................................... 16 3.1.1.3 Overview – Common to All.............................................................................. 22 Affected Environment............................................................................................... 22 Current Condition of the Kaiser Wilderness............................................................. 22 Current Condition of the Dinkey Lakes Wilderness................................................. 27 Environmental Consequences................................................................................... 33 3.1.1.4 Wilderness Level Evaluation ............................................................................ 35 KAISER WILDERNESS ........................................................................................ 35 DINKEY LAKES WILDERNESS .......................................................................... 46 ANSEL ADAMS AND JOHN MUIR WILDERNESSES .................................... 61 Affected Environment............................................................................................... 61 Environmental Consequences................................................................................... 61 3.1.2 Recreation – Non-Wilderness .................................................................63 3.1.2.1 Background....................................................................................................... 63 3.1.2.2 Methodology..................................................................................................... 67 Analysis Elements..................................................................................................... 67 3.1.2.3 Overview – Common to All.............................................................................. 69 Affected Environment............................................................................................... 69 Environmental Consequences................................................................................... 71 3.1.2.4 Analysis Unit Level Evaluation........................................................................ 75 NELDER (NED) ...................................................................................................... 75 Affected Environment............................................................................................... 75 Environmental Consequences................................................................................... 77 CLOVER (CLO) ...................................................................................................... 78 Affected Environment............................................................................................... 78 Environmental Consequences................................................................................... 80 EDISON (EDI)......................................................................................................... 81 Affected Environment............................................................................................... 81 Environmental Consequences................................................................................... 82 CHINQUAPIN (CHQ)............................................................................................. 83 Affected Environment............................................................................................... 83 Environmental Consequences................................................................................... 84 FLORENCE (FLO) ................................................................................................. 84 Affected Environment............................................................................................... 84 Commercial Pack Station Permit Reissuance and Trail Management Plan 3-1 Chapter 3 – Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences December 2006 Environmental Consequences................................................................................... 85 EAST HUNTINGTON (HNE) ................................................................................ 86 Affected Environment............................................................................................... 86 Environmental Consequences................................................................................... 87 WEST HUNTINGTON (HNW).............................................................................. 88 Affected Environment............................................................................................... 88 Environmental Consequences................................................................................... 89 DINKEY FRONT COUNTRY (DFC).................................................................... 90 Affected Environment............................................................................................... 90 Environmental Consequences................................................................................... 91 TULE MEADOW (TUL) ......................................................................................... 92 Affected Environment............................................................................................... 92 WISHON (WIS)....................................................................................................... 93 Affected Environment............................................................................................... 93 Environmental Consequences................................................................................... 93 3.1.3 Trails .........................................................................................................95 3.1.3.1 Background....................................................................................................... 95 3.1.3.2 Methodology..................................................................................................... 96 Analysis Element ...................................................................................................... 97 3.1.3.3 Overview – Common to All.............................................................................. 97 Affected Environment............................................................................................... 97 Environmental Consequences................................................................................. 100 3.1.3.4 Analysis Unit Level Evaluation...................................................................... 113 NELDER (NED) .................................................................................................... 113 Affected Environment............................................................................................. 113 Environmental Consequences................................................................................. 114 CLOVER (CLO) .................................................................................................... 117 Affected Environment............................................................................................. 117 Environmental Consequences................................................................................. 118 EDISON (EDI)....................................................................................................... 120 Affected Environment............................................................................................. 120 Environmental Consequences................................................................................. 121 CHINQUAPIN (CHQ)........................................................................................... 123 Affected Environment............................................................................................. 123 Environmental Consequences................................................................................. 124 FLORENCE (FLO) ............................................................................................... 125 Affected Environment............................................................................................. 125 Environmental Consequences................................................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • SCE Petition for Declaratory Order
    Troutman Sanders LLP 401 9th Street, N.W., Suite 1000 Washington, D.C. 20004-2134 troutman.com Charles R. Sensiba [email protected] June 17, 2019 Ms. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 888 First Street, NE Washington, DC 20426 Re: Southern California Edison Company; Petition for Declaratory Order and Request for Expedited Consideration; Project Nos. 67-__, 120-__, 2085-__,2086-__, 2174-__, 2175-__ Dear Secretary Bose: As set forth in the enclosed Petition for Declaratory Order (“Petition”), Southern California Edison Company (“SCE”) respectfully requests the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC” or “Commission”) to declare on an expedited basis that the California State Water Resources Control Board (“SWRCB”) has waived authority under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act1 (“CWA”) for failure to act on SCE’s requests for water quality certification (“WQC”) within the statutorily prescribed one-year time period for all six projects within the Big Creek Hydroelectric System (collectively referred to as the “Big Creek Projects”) that are pending for relicensing before the Commission. For purposes of this Petition, the Big Creek Projects consist of Big Creek Nos. 2A, 8, and Eastwood Hydroelectric Project (FERC No. 67); Big Creek No. 3 Hydroelectric Project (FERC No. 120); Mammoth Pool Hydroelectric Project (FERC No. 2085); Vermilion Valley Hydroelectric Project (FERC No. 2086); Portal Hydroelectric Project (FERC No. 2174); and Big Creek Nos. 1 and 2 Hydroelectric Project (FERC No. 2175).2 The Commission’s relicensing of the Big Creek Projects has been delayed for well over a decade—and in some instances for nearly 20 years—due in large measure to SWRCB’s consistent annual direction that SCE submit a withdrawal-and-resubmittal letter for the express purpose of attempting to provide SWRCB another year to act on SCE’s WQC requests.
    [Show full text]
  • Terr–3 Special-Status Plant Populations
    TERR–3 SPECIAL-STATUS PLANT POPULATIONS 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY During 2001 and 2002, the review of existing information, agency consultation, vegetation community mapping, and focused special-status plant surveys were completed. Based on California Native Plant Society’s (CNPS) Electronic Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of California (CNPS 2001a), CDFG’s Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB; CDFG 2003), USDA-FS Regional Forester’s List of Sensitive Plant and Animal Species for Region 5 (USDA-FS 1998), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Species List (USFWS 2003), and Sierra National Forest (SNF) Sensitive Plant List (Clines 2002), there were 100 special-status plant species initially identified as potentially occurring within the Study Area. Known occurrences of these species were mapped. Vegetation communities were evaluated to locate areas that could potentially support special-status plant species. Each community was determined to have the potential to support at least one special-status plant species. During the spring and summer of 2002, special-status plant surveys were conducted. For each special-status plant species or population identified, a CNDDB form was completed, and photographs were taken. The locations were mapped and incorporated into a confidential GIS database. Vascular plant species observed during surveys were recorded. No state or federally listed special-status plant species were identified during special- status plant surveys. Seven special-status plant species, totaling 60 populations, were identified during surveys. There were 22 populations of Mono Hot Springs evening-primrose (Camissonia sierrae ssp. alticola) identified. Two populations are located near Mammoth Pool, one at Bear Forebay, and the rest are in the Florence Lake area.
    [Show full text]
  • Upper San Joaquin River Basin Storage Investigation Draft
    Chapter 11 Geology and Soils This chapter describes the affected environment for geology and soils, as well as potential environmental consequences and associated mitigation measures, as they pertain to implementing the alternatives. This chapter presents information on the primary study area (area of project features, the Temperance Flat Reservoir Area, and Millerton Lake below RM 274). It also discusses the extended study area (San Joaquin River from Friant Dam to the Merced River, the San Joaquin River from the Merced River to the Delta, the Delta, and the CVP and SWP water service areas). Affected Environment This section describes the affected environment related to geology, geologic hazards, erosion and sedimentation, geomorphology, mineral resources, soils, and salts. Where appropriate, geology and soils characteristics are described in a regional context, including geologic provinces, physiographic regions, or other large-scale areas, with some area-specific geologic maps and descriptions of specific soil associations. Geology This section describes the geology of the primary and extended study areas. Primary Study Area A description of the surficial geologic units encountered in the primary study area is presented in Table 11-1. Geologic maps of the primary study area and the area of project features are presented in Figure 11-1 and Figure 11-2, respectively. Draft – August 2014 – 11-1 Upper San Joaquin River Basin Storage Investigation Environmental Impact Statement Table 11-1. Description of Surficial Geologic Units of the Primary Study Area Geologic Map of Millerton Lake Quadrangle, West-Central Sierra Nevada, California1 Formation Surficial Deposits General Features Abbreviation Plutonic rocks characterized by undeformed blocky hornblende prisms as long as 1 cm and by biotite books as Tonalite of Blue Canyon much as 5 mm across.
    [Show full text]
  • Floods of December 1937 in Northern California by H
    UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Harold L. Ickes, Secretary GEOLOGICAL SURVEY W. C. Mendenhall, Director Water- Supply Paper 843 FLOODS OF DECEMBER 1937 IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA BY H. D. McGLASHAN AND R. C. BRIgGS Prepared in cooperation with the I*? ;* FEDERAL EMERGENCY ADMINISTRATION OF PUBLIC WORKS, BUREAU OF RECI&MATjON AND STATE OF CALIFORNIA ~- tc ; LtJ -r Q-. O 7 D- c- c fiD : UNITED STATES l*< '.^ 0 r GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE « EJ WASHINGTON : 19.39 J* *£. ? fJ? For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, Washington, D. C. - - - Price 60 cents (paper cover) CONTENTS Page Abstract .................................... 1 Introduction .................................. 2 Administration and personnel .......................... 4 Acknowledgments. ................................ 5 General features of the floods ......................... 6 ICeteorologic and hydrologic conditions ..................... 22 Antecedent conditions ........................... 23 Precipitation ............................... 24 General features ............................ 25 Distribution .............................. 44 Temperature ................................ 56 Snow .................................... 65 Sierra Nevada slopes tributary to south half of Central Valley ..... 68 Sierra Nevada slopes tributary to north half of Central Valley ..... 70 Sierra Nevada slopes tributary to the Great Basin ........... 71 Determination of flood discharges ....................... 71 General discussion ............................. 71 Extension of rating
    [Show full text]
  • SD-B Final Technical Study Plan Package
    FINAL TECHNICAL STUDY PLAN PACKAGE for the BIG CREEK HYDROELECTRIC SYSTEM ALTERNATIVE LICENSING PROCESS August 2001 Prepared by SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON An Edison International SM Company FINAL TECHNICAL STUDY PLAN PACKAGE for the BIG CREEK HYDROELECTRIC SYSTEM ALTERNATIVE LICENSING PROCESS August 2001 Prepared by SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON An Edison International SM Company With Assistance From BIG CREEK HYDROELECTRIC SYSTEM FINAL TECHNICAL STUDY PLAN PACKAGE ALTERNATIVE LICENSING PROCESS Copyright, 2001, Southern California Edison Company. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Southern California Edison Company. Watershed above Florence Lake TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE 1.0 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................... 1-1 2.0 COMBINED AQUATICS STUDY PLANS ..................................................................... 2-1 3.0 CULTURAL RESOURCES STUDY PLANS .................................................................. 3-1 4.0 LAND MANAGEMENT STUDY PLANS ....................................................................... 4-1 5.0 RECREATIONAL RESOURCES STUDY PLANS ........................................................... 5-1 6.0 TERRESTRIAL RESOURCES STUDY PLANS ............................................................. 6-1 GLOSSARY APPENDIX A – DISTRIBUTION
    [Show full text]
  • Hydropower Technical Appendix
    Hydropower Hydropower Technical Appendix UPPER SAN JOAQUIN RIVER BASIN STORAGE INVESTIGATION Initial Alternatives Information Report Hydropower Technical Appendix TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter Page CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION.................................................................................. 1-1 STUDY AREA.........................................................................................................................1-2 SURFACE WATER STORAGE MEASURES CONSIDERED IN THE IAIR ...........................1-3 ORGANIZATION OF THIS TECHNICAL APPENDIX.............................................................1-3 CHAPTER 2. EXISTING AND FUTURE WITHOUT-PROJECT CONDITIONS......... 2-1 HYDROPOWER BACKGROUND ..........................................................................................2-1 HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE................................................................................................2-1 EXISTING HYDROPOWER FACILITIES IN THE UPPER SAN JOAQUIN RIVER BASIN....2-5 Friant Dam and Millerton Lake ............................................................................................2-9 Friant Power Project............................................................................................................2-9 PG&E Kerckhoff Hydroelectric Project ..............................................................................2-10 Kerckhoff No. 2 Powerhouse .........................................................................................2-10 Kerckhoff Dam and Lake................................................................................................2-11
    [Show full text]
  • Appendix a Big Creek Alp Hydroelectric Projects Settlement Agreement Proposed New License Conditions
    Big Creek ALP Settlement Agreement FERC Project Nos. 2085, 2175, 67 and 120 APPENDIX A BIG CREEK ALP HYDROELECTRIC PROJECTS SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT PROPOSED NEW LICENSE CONDITIONS Copyright 2007 by Southern California Edison Company February 2007 Big Creek ALP Settlement Agreement FERC Project Nos. 2085, 2175, 67 and 120 Appendix A: BCALP Hydroelectric Projects Settlement Agreement Proposed New License Conditions TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 1.0 INSTREAM FLOW, TEMPERATURE, FLOW, GEOMORPHOLOGY AND RIPARIAN RESOURCES...........................................................................1 1.1 Instream Flows ................................................................................1 1.1.1 Streamflow Requirements.....................................................1 1.1.1.1 Rock Creek ...........................................................1 1.1.1.2 Ross Creek ...........................................................2 1.1.1.3 San Joaquin River (Dam 6 to Redinger) ...............2 1.1.1.4 San Joaquin River (Mammoth Pool Dam to Dam 6) ..................................................................2 1.1.1.5 Stevenson Creek ..................................................3 1.1.1.6 Balsam Creek (Diversion to Big Creek).................3 1.1.1.7 Balsam Creek (Forebay to Diversion) ...................3 1.1.1.8 Big Creek (Dam 4 to Dam 5).................................3 1.1.1.9 Big Creek (Dam 5 to San Joaquin River) ..............3 1.1.1.10 Big Creek (Huntington Lake to Dam 4) .................4 1.1.1.11 Ely Creek ..............................................................4
    [Show full text]
  • A Comparison of the Environmental Effects of Open-Loop and Closed-Loop Pumped Storage Hydropower April 2020
    A Comparison of the Environmental Effects of Open-Loop and Closed-Loop Pumped Storage Hydropower April 2020 PNNL-29157 Acknowledgments This work was authored by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), operated by Battelle and supported by the HydroWIRES Initiative of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO), under award or contract number DE-AC05-76RL01830. HydroWIRES Initiative The electricity system in the United States is changing rapidly with the large-scale addition of variable renewables. The flexible capabilities of hydropower, including pumped storage hydropower (PSH), make it well-positioned to aid in integrating these variable resources while supporting grid reliability and resilience. Recognizing these challenges and opportunities, WPTO has launched a new initiative known as HydroWIRES: Water Innovation for a Resilient Electricity System.1 HydroWIRES is focused on understanding and supporting the changing role of hydropower in the evolving electricity system in the United States. Through the HydroWIRES initiative, WPTO seeks to understand and drive utilization of the full potential of hydropower resources to help reduce system-wide costs and contribute to electricity system reliability and resilience, now and into the future. HydroWIRES is distinguished in its close engagement with the DOE National Laboratories. Five National Laboratories—Argonne National Laboratory, Idaho National Laboratory, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and PNNL—work as a team to provide strategic insight and develop connections across the DOE portfolio that add significant value to the HydroWIRES initiative. HydroWIRES operates in conjunction with the DOE Grid Modernization Initiative,2 which focuses on the development of new architectural concepts, tools, and technologies that measure, analyze, predict, protect, and control the grid of the future, and on enabling the institutional conditions that allow for quicker development and widespread adoption of these tools and technologies.
    [Show full text]
  • California. Dept. of Fish and Garre. Biennial Report 1952-1954
    California. Dept. of Fish and Garre. Biennial Report 1952-1954. I California. Dept. of Fish and Game. Biennial Report 1952-1954. (bound volume) JCalifornia. Dept. of Fish and Game, n Biennial Report 1952-1954. (bound volume) -i California Resources Agency Library 1416 9th Street, Room 117 Sacramento, California 95814 FORTY- THIRD BIENNIAL REPORT CALIFORNIA Department of FISH^ndOAME ^'» ,^^jf% FOR THE YEARS i 1952 - 1954 m/^m^M STATE OF CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME / FORTY-THIRD BIENNIAL REPORT of the DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME November, 1954 STATE OF CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME GOODWIN J. KNIGHT, Governor FISH AND GAME COMMISSION William J. Silva, Chairman, Modesto Lee F. Payne, Los Angeles Carl F. Wente, San Francisco Harley E. Knox, Son Diego Weldon L. Oxiey, Redding TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Letter of Transmittal 4 Report of the Director 7 Water Projects 1 7 Wildlife Protection 2 1 Inland Fisheries 2 7 Game Management 45 Marine Fisheries 5 9 Appendices 79 [3] Goodwin J. Knight COMMISSIONERS GOVERNOR Seth Gordon WILLIAM J SILVA, PRESIDENT DIRECTOR MODESTO LEE PAYNE LOS ANGELES CARL F. WENTE SAN FRANCISCO HARLEY E KNOX SAN DIEGO STATE OF CALIFORNIA WELDON L OXLEY REDOING ai dxth (§nmt ^i>partxitatt ^xbI] 926 J STREET SACRAMENTO 14, CALIFORNIA His Excellency, Goodwin J. Knight Governor of the State of California Sacramento, California Sir: A\'c have the honor to submit herewith the Forty-third Biennial Re- port, covering the period July 1, 1952, through June 30, 1954. This report covers the period during which the department put into effect the decentralized reorganization plan established by the Legisla- ture on June 1, 1951, and the transfer of headquarters from San Fran- cisco to Sacramento, to create a more efficient operating agency.
    [Show full text]
  • Finding Aid Photcl SCE
    http://oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/c8np2bbp Online items available Southern California Edison Collection of Negatives and Photographs: Finding Aid photCL SCE Suzanne Oatey and Jennifer A. Watts The Huntington Library September 2019 Photo Archives 1151 Oxford Road San Marino, California 91108 [email protected] URL: http://www.huntington.org photCL SCE 1 Language of Material: English Contributing Institution: The Huntington Library. Photo Archives Title: Southern California Edison collection of negatives and photographs Creator: Southern California Edison Company Identifier/Call Number: photCL SCE Physical Description: 843 Linear Feet (822 boxes) Physical Description: approximately 80,000 Items Date (inclusive): approximately 1883-1989 Date (bulk): 1910-1960 Abstract: The Southern California Edison collection of negatives and photographs consists of roughly 80,000 images created and acquired by the company from approximately 1883-1980s, with the bulk of the collection covering 1910-1960. Formats include glass and film negatives, photo cards, loose photographs, photograph albums, lantern slides, and related materials. Most of the images were produced by Edison staff and contract photographers to document Edison facilities, products, operations, activities, and staff and for the purposes of education, advertising, training, and liability. Arrangement The collection is arranged in 10 series according to format: Series 1. Digital images (scans of items in Series 2-6) Series 2. Photo cards Series 3. Photograph albums Series 4. Loose photographs Series 5. Glass negatives Series 6. Film negatives Series 7. Lantern slides Series 8. Photo log books, photo binders, and notes Series 9. Microfilm, photo releases, and enclosures Series 10. Unprocessed materials Series 1, 4, 5, and 6 are arranged in the following subseries that were assigned by SCE: Subseries 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Combined Aquatics Working Group Cawg 14-Fish
    COMBINED AQUATICS WORKING GROUP CAWG 14-FISH PASSAGE Copyright 2004 by Southern California Edison Company Combined Aquatics Working Group CAWG 14 Fish Passage TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Executive Summary ........................................................................................................iii 1.0 Introduction........................................................................................................ 1-1 2.0 Study Implementation........................................................................................ 2-1 2.1. Study Objectives..................................................................................... 2-1 2.2. Study Element Status ............................................................................. 2-1 3.0 Methods............................................................................................................. 3-1 3.1. General Approach................................................................................... 3-1 3.2. Detailed Methodology ............................................................................. 3-1 3.2.1. Literature Review ......................................................................... 3-1 3.2.2. Fish Passage Mechanisms at Project Diversions......................... 3-2 3.2.3. Fish Passage Assessment........................................................... 3-2 3.2.3.1. Ground Surveys ........................................................... 3-2 3.2.3.2. Hydraulic Modeling Passage Analysis – CAWG 3 ....... 3-4 3.2.3.3. Fish Passage
    [Show full text]
  • Draft Wild and Scenic River Evaluation for the Inyo, Sequoia and Sierra National Forests
    Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region December 2015 Draft Wild and Scenic River Evaluation for Public Feedback on Revision of the Inyo, Sequoia and Sierra National Forests Land Management Plans In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S.
    [Show full text]