-,,,_ -,
DAM
MASTER PLAN
AND
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 1
LOPEZ DAM MASTER PLAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District
June2005
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Lopez Dam Basin Master Plan - 1 Table of Contents
Section · Page TABLE OF CONTENTS ...... 2
PREFACE ························································································································· 5 CHAPTER I - INTRODUCTION ...... 6 1.1 Location ...... 6 1.2 Project Authorization ...... 6 1.3 Project Purpose ...... 6 1.4 Land Allocation ...... 6 1.5 Purpose of Master Plan ...... 7 1.6 Project Scope ...... 8
CHAPTER 2 - GOVERNING LAWS AND REGULATIONS ...... 11 2.1 Applicable Public Laws...... 11 2.1.1 Federal Laws ...... 11 .2.1.2 State Laws ...... 12 2.2 Applicable Regulations ...... 12 2.3 Pertinent Publications ...... 13
CHAPTER 3 - PROJECT DESCRIPTION ...... 14 3.1 Introduction ...... 14 3.2 Flood Damage Reduction Project Component...... 14 3.2.1 Project Data ...... 14 3.2.2 Reservoir Operations and Management ...... 14 3.2.3 Flood Damage Reduction Requirements ...... 15 3.2.4 Flood Damage Reduction Structures ...... 16 3.3 Recreation Project Component ...... 22 3.3.1 Existing Recreation Use ...... 22 3.3.2 Recreation Supply ...... 22 3.3.3 Opportunities and Constraints ...... 22 3.3.4 Flood Damage Reduction Structures ...... 25 3.3.5 Recreation Demand ...... 25 3.4 Demographics ...... 26
CHAPTER 4 - RESOURCE USE OBJECTIVES ...... 27 4.1 Authorization- Recreation Resource Development ...... 27 4.2 General Resource Objectives ...... 27 4.3 Recreation Resource Objectives ...... 27 4.4 Environmental Resource Objectives ...... 28
CHAPTER 5 - EXISTING RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT...... 29 5.1 Development of Existing Facilities ...... 29
Lopez Dam Basin Master Plan -2 CHAPTER 6 - RESOURCE ANALYSIS ...... 30 6.1 Biological Resources ...... 30 6.1.1 Introduction ...... 30 6.1.2 Vegetation ...... 30 6.1.3 Environmentally Sensitive Species ...... 34 6.2 Geology ...... 34 6.2.1 Site Geology ...... 34 6.2.2 Seismicity ...... 35 6.2.3 Performance History ...... 35 6.3 Watershed Hydrology ...... 35 6.3.1 Groundwater...... 35 3.3.2 Surface Water Quality ...... 35 6.4 Climate ...... 36 6.5 Air Quality ...... 36 6.6 Historic, Archaeological, and Cultural Features ...... 37 6.7 Access ...... 37 6.8 Existing Adjacent Land Uses...... 37 6.9 Utilities ...... 37 6.10 Outgrants ...... 37 . CHAPTER 7-LAND CLASSIFICATION ...... 40 7.1 Land Classifications ...... 40 7.2 Classification Definitions Per ER 1130-2-550 ...... 40 7.2.1 Project Operations ...... 40 7.2.2 Recreation ...... 40 7.2.3 Mitigation ...... 40 7.2.4 Multiple Resource Management...... 40 7.2.5 Easements...... 41 7.3 Proposed Lopez Dam Land Classifications ...... 41 7.3.1 Proposed Operations ...... 41 7.3.2 Recreation ...... 41 7.3.3 Multiple Resource Management...... 41 7.3.4 Easements...... 42 CHAPTER 8 - PROPOSED RESOURCE USE PLAN...... 44 8.1 Resource Development ...... 44 8.1.1 Planning Area 1 ...... 44 8.1.2 Planning Area 2 ...... 44 8.1.3 Planning Area 3 ...... 44 8.1.4 Planning Area 4 ...... 45 8.1.5 Planning Area 5 ...... 45
CHAPTER 9- CONCLUSION ...... 48 9.1 Conclusion ...... 48 9.2 Fut~re Development...... 48
CHAPTER 10- RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 49
Lopez Dam Basin Master Plan i --' -3
I ,J TABLES
Table 3.2 Max. Inflow, Outflow, and Elevation for Frequencies ...... 14 Table 3.2.4 Pertinent Data for Lopez Dam and Reservoir ...... 15 Table 3.3 Minimum Guidelines for Basin Land Use Projects ...... 23 Table 3.4 Demographics ...... 25
PLATES
Plate 1 Regional Map ...... 9 Plate 2 Site Location Map ...... 1O Plate 3 Flood Lines Map ...... 17 Plate4 Pool Area Map ...... 18 Plate 5 Area and Capacity Curves ...... 19 Plate 6 Reservoir Profile ...... 20 Plate 7 Existing Vegetation Map ...... 32 Plate 8 . Real Estate Map ...... 39 Plate 9 Proposed Land Classification Map ...... 43 Plate 10 Proposed Resource Use Plan ...... 46
APPENDICES
Appendix A Environmental Assessment (EA) ...... 50
Lopez Dam Basin Master Plan -4 PREFACE
This Master Plan presents an overall view of the present and proposed uses planned for Federally owned land in the Lopez Dam Basin. Lands designated for recreation development may be leased to local sponsors interested in developing, operating, and maintaining recreation facilities within specified areas.
The Master Plan describes all existing recreation facilities, and potential future recreation opportunities by any future recreation lessees. Specific development guidelines and engineering feasibility will be evaluated when the Corps receives specific use proposals. Future proposals will be evaluated for consistency with the approved Master Plan.
Lopez Dam Basin, an area conducive to passive recreation has aesthetic qualities, some natural, operations and management restrictions, and the potential for creative design. In addition to proposing activities and facilities to meet increasing recreational demand in the area, the Master Plan accommodates permanent public use open space, while protecting the natural environment.
Future development of recreation facilities will not conflict with the project purpose of flood damage reduction, and are planned to exist in balance with the natural elements of the environment.
Lopez Dam Basin Master Plan _I -5 1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Location
Lopez Dam is located on Pacoima Wash in the northeastern part of the San Fernando Valley, about 2.2 miles northeast of the City of San Fernando and entirely within the City and County of Los Angeles, California. Lopez Dam is approximately 3.5 miles northwest of Hansen Dam, about 1.5 miles downstream from Pacoima Dam. The drainage area for Lopez Dam is 34 sq. miles, including 28.2 sq. miles for Pacoima Dam. (See Regional Map, Plate 1 and Site Map, Plate 2.)
1.2 Project Authorization
The Flood Control Act of 1936 authorized construction of Lopez Dam. This act was amended (P.L. 738, 74th Congress) in 1954, and construction was completed in December 1954. Lopez Dam is owned and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It was designed to control sediment/debris from Pacoima Wash, and to provide an entry point for flood and conservation flows into the Pacoima Wash channel improvement.
1.3 Project Purpose
The primary project purpose of the Lopez Dam is flood damage reduction, as set forth in the Flood Control Act of 1936. The Master Plan is intended as a guide for the orderly and coordinated development and management of all land and water resources within the project area. A plan is formulated for managing and developing project land, water, and other resources in the best possible manner considering costs, future recreation demand in hopes of natural and cultural values, and the carrying capacity of the project. The master plan will be updated every 5 years or revised as needed to keep up with changing needs and conditions.
The secondary purpose, is recreation as authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1944, as amended (Public Law 78-534), which authorizes the Corps to construct, maintain, and operate public park and recreation facilities at water resource development projects. The Corps is permitted to authorize local interests to construct, maintain, and operate recreational facilities. As indicated in EC 1130-2-121, dated 14 March 1973, "Project Operation, Recreation Development Completed Projects", local sponsors assume operation and maintenance costs for such facilities. !
1.4 Land Allocation
Land allocations are the authorized purpose for which project lands are acquired or designated. As indicated in EP 1130-2-550, "Master Plan Contenf' the four primary land allocations applicable to Corps projects are:
• Operations- for operation and maintenance of the project, flood damage reduction, hydropower, etc. • Recreation- separable lands acquired in accordance with public recreation. • Fish and Wildlife- separable lands acquired in accordance with fish and wildlife management. • Mitigation- lands acquired or designated to offset losses associated with the project development.
Congress initially authorized Lopez Dam as a reservoir project for the sole purpose of flood
Lopez Dam Basin Master Plan - 6 damage reduction. All land in Federal ownership at Lopez Dam Basin is therefore, allocated for operations, and specifically designated for flood damage reduction. Subsequent authorization by Congress expanded the land allocations to include recreation and mitigation.
1.5 Purpose of Master Plan
The master plan is intended as a guide for the use and development of all resources within Lopez Dam Basin. Available land and other resources are considered in a manner that would provide the best possible use of land, taking into consideration the requirements of flood damage reduction, water conservation, site conditions, the protection and maintenance of environmentally sensitive areas, and the recreation needs of the community. ER 1130-2-550, "Project Master Plans and Operational Management Plans" (November 1996) lays out the Corps policy as follows:
• Master plans shall be developed and implemented for each Corps civil works project and are intended to work in tandem. • Master plans are to be developed and kept current for all Civil Works projects and other fee owned lands for which the Corps has administrative responsibility for management. • Master plans should take Tier II, Ill, and IV performance measures into account when the plans are developed and/or revised. • The master plan shall cover a single project or several projects, depending on what is best for management of the resources involved. The master plan shall cover all resources, including but not limited to fish and wildlife, vegetation, cultural, aesthetic, interpretive, recreational, mineral, commercial, and outgranted lands, easements, and water. • Interdisciplinary master plan teams, appointed by district team leaders, shall identify information needs and means for obtaining resources, study costs, schedules, tasks, and responsibilities. • Master plans shall focus on three primary components: (1) regional and ecosystem needs, (2) project resources and capabilities, and (3) expressed public interests and desires. • District commanders shall be responsible for approving master plans, supplements and updates which meet the criteria listed in Chapter 3 of EP 1130-2-550. Each master plan shall be reviewed on a periodic basis, such as five years, and shall be revised as required. • Based on an approved MP, projects shall develop and implement an Operational Management Plan (OMP) to achieve the objectives outlined in the MP. • Project personnel shall develop and fully implement project OMP, in accordance with the approved project of, MP. • The master plan is ·an essential element in fostering an efficient and cost-effective project natural resources program. • The master plan provides direction for project development and use, and as such, is a vital tool for the responsible stewardship of project resources for the benefit of the present and future generations. • The master plan promotes the protection, conservation, and enhancement of natural, cultural, and man-made resources.
The goal of the Lopez Dam Basin Master Plan is to provide guidelines for public use of project lands, while preserving wildlife habitat, vegetation and cultural resource values, in addition to supporting the authorized project purpose of flood damage reduction. The plan identifies land use types and recreation intensities for the project lands based on analysis of existing recreational facilities and use patterns, capabilities of undeveloped resource lands, and project formulated objectives. The Lopez Dam Basin Master Plan examines the above factors, most of which were analyzed to identify land use classifications.
Lopez Dam Basin Master Plan -7 In addressing proposed recreational facilities, the plan focuses on where proposed development would take place or where proposed land classifications would be recommended. Preparing the Master Plan is necessitated by changing conditions and needs of the region, due primarily to the increase in population and proposed development by an interested local sponsor.
1.6 Project Scope
This Master Plan is prepared to guide the development of natural and man-made resources within the Lopez Dam Basin. It provides a summary of existing facilities and activities and addresses objectives for the use of the resource base. In preparing the Master Plan, consideration was given to available land, water and other resources in the basin area. Particular attention was given to the need for recreational development, and the amount of recreational development considered desirable. Maintenance of open space was taken into consideration in the formulation of the Master Plan. Due to rapid urbanization of surrounding areas, the environmental resources within the basin take on greater significance, and the open space provides an important wildlife habitat within the project area.
Attainable recreation options are explored within the framework of applicable Federal laws and regulations, resource capabilities, and the regional recreation needs. Consideration was also given to the administration of the recreation area to ensure the use of the basin for the primary purpose of flood damage reduction.
In reviewing potential facilities and activities that the resource base is capable of providing, the Master Plan analyzes each potential recreation use by evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of the manner in which the program will be provided or considered.
The adjacent Los Angeles Mission College and the LA County Department of Parks and Recreation, administrating El Cariso Regional Park, were consulted in the preparation of this plan.
Lopez Dam Basin Master Plan -8 I f Lo.5 /t.nqe/e_5 Counfy Drainu,Je !t.rea ; II ! : r"'° Aniy.IL""r. Cou11'( ,...-----()nnsr. <":<1tJ'lt:-· iJ,,.·~ PACIFIC OCEAN '~ - 9 I 5 I 11 El Cariso Regional County Park Los Angeles Mission College El Cariso County Golf Course Looking upstream, prop:lsed project area on left Photo 3 & 4 Looking west. towards project area Photo 5· Looking upstream at Jan 2005 flood damages. LA Mission College project area on left Photo 6: Looking downstream at damages to road and bank erosion. LAMC project area on right I 210 Freeway lOPEZ Dlr/1 Hlr5TEK PlltN U.5. llrriy Corp~ of Erqi~r5- 1-11 Di5lrid Ft. 1 t~ 860 1,290 1.720 JuneZ00'5 n-11re. 2 L_~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~-~~~~~~~~ • 2.0 GOVERNING LAWS AND REGULATIONS 2. 1 Application of Public Laws 2.1.1 Federal Laws Public Law 534. Seventy-eighth Congress (Flood Control Act of 1944, as amended in 1946, 1954, 1960, and 1962) authorizes the Corps to construct, maintain, and operate public parks and recreational facilities at water resources development projects and to permit local interests to construct, maintain, and operate such facilities. The Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act of 1958 (PL 85-624) requires that any agency impounding, diverting, or controlling water consult the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. USFWS would determine possible damage resulting to wildlife resources and the means and measures to prevent the damage and provide concurrency for the development and improvement of such wildlife resources. The Federal Water Project Recreation Act of 1965, accompanied by House Committee Report No. 254 (Public Law 89-72), requires that full consideration be given to opportunities that the project affords for outdoor recreation and for fish and wildlife enhancement. It also provides for non-Federal participation in land acquisition, the development and management of recreational facilities, and fish and wildlife resources. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 (PL 91-190) requires that the environmental effects of each project and the means and measures to minimize any adverse effects be evaluated and presented in an environmental impact statement. In accordance with Corps policy outlined in ER 200-2-2, however, an environmental assessment and statement of findings will determine whether an environmental impact statement is required for the recreational development at a project. The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (PL 965-15) as amended, requires the Federal agency to take into account the effect of the undertaking on any property included in or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places and shall afford the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation a reasonable opportunity to comment. The Archeological Recovery Act of 1960, as amended (PL 93-291) provides for the preservation of historical and archeological data, which might otherwise be irreparably lost or destroyed as the result of any alteration of the terrain by any Federal construction project, or Federally licensed project, activity, or program. The Clean Air Act of 1977, as amended (PL 91-604) requires any activity which may result in discharge of air pollutants must comply with Federal, state, interstate, and local requirements respecting control and abatement of air pollution. Endangered Species Act of 1973 (PL 93-205), amended 1978, 1979, and 1982, requires Federal agencies, in consultation with the USFWS to utilize their authorities in furtherance of the purpose of the Act by carrying out programs for the conservation of endangered and threatened species protected by the Act. Section 7(c) specifically requires Federal agencies to request information from the USFWS and National Marine Fisheries Service on endangered and threatened species that may be in the proposed project area. If listed species may be present, Federal agencies are Lopez Dam Basin Master Plan - 11 required to prepare an environmental assessment to identify any listed species likely to be effected by the project. Clean Water Act of 1977 (PL 95-217) as amended, requires that sites for the discharge of dredged or fill material be specified through the application of EPA guidelines. Furthermore, discharge of dredged or fill materials into Waters of the United States would require application for a Section 404 permit or preparation of a 404 (b) (1) Water Quality Evaluation. Floodplain Management. 24 May 1977 (Executive Order 11988) requires that the Corps and other Federal agencies prevent avoidable adverse or incompatible developments in floodplains by assessing a proposed course of action, considering alternative approaches when adverse effects would result, and formulating designs and project modifications in order to minimize the potential harm. Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990: Public Law101-601 The Native American Grave Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) addresses the recovery, treatment and repatriation of Native American and Native Hawaiian remains, including human remains, associated funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of cultural patrimony. Applies on Federal lands only. 2.1.2 State Laws The local sponsor developing future recreation facilities is responsible for complying with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) of 1972. 2.2 Applicable Regulations 1. Engineer Circular (EC) 1105-2-404 (Planning Civil Work Projects Under the Environmental Operating Principles. May 2003) Reaffirms policy and describes procedures for formulating and evaluating projects consistent with environmental sustainability as defined in the Corps Environmental Operating Principles and Implementation Guidance. Conveys that the "avoidance of disrupted natural processes is preferable, where practical, to creating new resources." 2. ER 1165-2-400 Recreation Planning, Development and Management Policies (August 1985} Defines the objectives, philosophies, and basic policies for the planning, development, and management of outdoor recreation and enhancement of fish and wildlife resources at Corps water resource development projects. 3. ER 200-2-2 Environmental Quality: Policy and Procedures for Implementing NEPA (August 1980) Provides policy and procedural guidance to supplement the Council on Environmental Quality final regulations implementing the procedural provisions of NEPA. 4. EM 1110-1-400 Recreation Planning and Design Criteria (July 1987) Provides guidance compiled from experience and research for use in the planning and design for recreation areas, sites, and facilities. 5. Engineer Regulation (ER) 1130-2-550 (Project Operations, 15 November 1996, Chapter 3 Project Master Plans and Operational Management Plans) Provides updated policy and guid~mce on development of master plans and operational management plans for Corps civil works projects. Lopez Dam Basin Master Plan -12 6. ER 1165-2-501 (Civil Works Ecosystem Restoration Policy. September 1999) Provides policy on Corps involvement in ecosystem restoration and protection through Civil Works programs and activities. 2.3 Pertinent Publications Los Angeles County Drainage Area, Water Conservation and Supply, Final Reconnaissance Report, May 1994. Lopez Dam Basin was included for potential water supply and storage, but was not carried through to the Feasibility Study due to constraining factors. ,. 1 I' Lopez Dam Basin Master Plan -13 _J 3.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION 3.1 Introduction As stated in Section 1.2, the primary authorized purpose of Lopez Dam Basin is flood damage reduction, as set forth by the Flood Control Act of 1941. The Flood Control Act of 1944 authorized a secondary purpose, recreation. The main components of the Master Plan are flood damage reduction and recreation. These components are discussed in the paragraphs that follow. 3.2 Flood Damage Reduction Project Component 3.2.1 Lopez Dam Basin Project Data Lopez Dam is located on Pacoima Wash in the north-eastern part of the San Fernando Valley, about 2.2 miles northeast of the City of San Fernando and entirely within the city and county boundaries of Los Angeles, California. Lopez Dam is approximately 3.5 miles northwest of 2 Hansen Dam. The drainage area at the dam is 34.0 mi • Lopez Dam is an integral unit on the Pacoima-Tujunga Wash system of tributaries to the Los Angeles Rivers. The purpose of the project, a unit under the approved comprehensive plan for flood damage reduction in the Los Angeles County Drainage Area (LACDA), is to provide protection against debris-laden floodwaters for large areas between the dam site and the Los Angeles River. Important improvements in these areas include valuable industrial, business, residential properties and transportation systems. Over the years the reservoir area behind Lopez Dam has been filled almost to spillway crest with sediment and has had a limited effect on reducing sediment in flows passing over the spillway. The dam also forms headworks to direct flows into the Pacoima Wash channel. Lopez Dam at one time had water conservation activities, but difficulties with excessive reservoir sedimentation have caused suspension of the programs. Pacoima Dam located upstream on Pacoima Wash, 2 has a drainage area of 28.2 mi , and is owned and operated by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works. The function of Pacoima Dam is primarily water conservation. The Corps of Engineers operates and maintains the flood damage reduction works at Lopez Dam. Pursuant to Public Law 534, approved 22 December 1944, the Chief of Engineers issued instructions on 10 September 1946, for the development of recreational programs at existing Corps projects. This program included provision for preliminary reports on authorized projects, for which recreational possibilities had not been previously considered. Lopez Dam and Reservoir is an important part of the comprehensive plan for flood damage reduction in the Los Angeles County Drainage Area and an important recreational resource in Los Angeles County. 3.2.2 Reseivoir Operation and Maintenance Lopez Dam is operated according to design criteria. This facility functions to collect inflow from the natural upstream channel to convey it into the downstream concrete channel with no reduction in peak flow. The downstream channel capacity is 11,000 ft3/s. Design criteria call for passing all low flows_(up to about 400 ft3/s) through the gated outlet until the water surface reaches spillway crest. The gate is then closed completely. All appreciable flood flows pass uncontrolled over the spillway. Most storm events readily fill what is left of the pool to spillway crest in little time. Thus, Lopez Dam Basin Master Plan -14 Lopez Dam does not provide any significant flood peak reduction. Frequency discharges and elevations for Lopez Dam are shown in the table below. Table 3.2 Maximum Inflow, Outflow, and Elevation for Selected Frequencies at Lopez Dam (in ft3/s) Frequencv (years) 2 5 10 25 50 100 200 500 Max. Inflow 200 800 900 940 1,980 2,330 3,600 6,200 Max. Outflow 160 290 380 915 1,980 2,330 3,600 6,200 Max. Elevation 1259.4 1263.5 1269.4 1273.7 1275.1 1275.5 1277.2 1279.7 Source: LACDA Review, US Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District 1984. Note: Discharges in ft3/s and elevations in ft NGVD. Lopez Reservoir is primarily a dry-land basin with no permanent impoundment. The operation of the basin is based on the control of the basin design flood to pass the spillway design flood as described in the "Reservoir Regulation Manual for Lopez Dam Flood Control Reservoir'' dated January 1986. Area and capacity curves for Lopez Dam are presented on Plate 6. Maintenance at Lopez Dam has been minimal in recent years; the reservoir area is almost completely filled with sediment. Routine maintenance of the outlet works is done by LACDPW, primarily for their diversion to downstream spreading grounds. The design sediment capacity of Lopez Dam was 794 af. Lopez Dam has been cleaned out several times by the CORPS and a few times by LACDPW as part of an agreement on sluicing from Pacoima Dam. From records at LACDPW, the last time sediment was removed from behind Lopez Dam was in 1985. LACDPW removed approximately 700,000 cubic yards (433 af) of material at a cost of $1,847,800. Prior to that, 170,000 cubic yards (105 af) were removed in 1984 and 100,000 cubic yards (62 af) were removed in 1983 at costs of $457,000 and $489,000, respectively. All of the material was used for landfill at development projects upstream from Lopez Dam. The August 1995 survey shows there is only about 216 af of storage available below spillway crest (elev. 1272.92 ft). The 1979 survey indicated about 441 af available below spillway crest. 3.2.3 Flood Damage Reduction Requirements The project completely contains 10-, 50-, and 100-year flood volumes within the reservoir area; these areas can be seen on Plate 4. The primary purpose of Lopez Dam is flood damage reduction; recreation opportunities cannot interfere with flood damage reduction operations. Corps guidelines for basin land use are based on 10-year, 50-year, and 100-year flood lines. This is the major constraint to development. Areas on higher ground may have closed, flood proof structures. Each specific development proposal should be evaluated using the guidelines in Table 3-2 to determine what kinds of structures are appropriate. In the event of a flood requiring evacuation of recreation areas of the basin, the appropriate local agency h.as.,.. the responsibility to notify and evacuate the area without being notified by the Corps . Lopez Dam Basin Master Plan - 15 3.2.4 Flood Damage Reduction Structures The primary flood damage reduction structures are the dam embankment, outlet, and spillway. Pertinent information for Lopez Dam and Reservoir is provided in table below. The top of the dam is at elevation 1298.92 ft. The spillway is a broad-crested weir, 11 O feet long; with a crest elevation at 1272.92 ft. Lopez Dam has one gated outlet (5 feet in diameter) with an invert elevation of 1253. 72 ft. The maximum discharge at spillway crest is 422 ft:3/s. With the gate open at 5 feet, the reservoir can be completely evacuated within one day with no inflow. The current approved Water Control Manual was completed in January 1986. The operation schedule for the dam calls for leaving the gated outlet wide open until water surface reaches spillway crest, then closing the gate completely. The design discharge for the downstream channel is 11,000 ft:3/s, and the design discharge for the spillway is 31,000 ft:3/s. The outlet channel width converges from 110 feet at the axis of the dam to 30 feet at the end of the spillway transition where it joins the downstream Pacoima Wash Channel. Table 3.24: Pertinent Data for Lopez Dam and Reservoir-August 1995 Survey Construction Completion Date: 1Dec1954 Stream System: Pacoima Wash Drainage Area: 34.0 mi2 Reservoir Elevation: Streambed at Dam 1253.72 ft Debris Pool 1272.92 ft Flood damage Reduction Pool (spillway crest) 1292.80 ft Top of Dam 1298.92 ft Reservoir Area: Spillway Crest 34.5 ac Spillway Design Surcharge Level 65.7 ac Top of Dam 78.8 ac Reservoir Gross Capacity: Spillway Crest 216 af Spillway Design Surcharge Level 1305 af Top of Dam 1734 af Allowance for Sediment {50- year) 794 af Dam: / Type Earth fill \,:. ' Height above Original Streambed 1,/ 50 ft Top Length 1,330 ft TopWid1h 20 ft Freeboard 6.1 ft Slope, Upstream and Downstream Face 1:2 Lopez Dam Basin Master Plan - 16 Pertinent Data for Lopez Dam and Reservoir - August 1995 Survey Slope Protection Loose Rock Spillway: Type Broad-crested Crest Length 110 ft Design Surcharge 19.9 ft 3 Design Discharge 31,000 ft /S Outlets: 1 Number and Size of Gates 1 - 5' Diameter I l l Length 428 ft I Entrance Invert Elevation 1253.92 ft Standard Project Flood: Duration (inflow) 3 days Total Volume 14,100 af (7.78 in) Inflow Peak 11,200 tt3/s Outflow Peak 11,200 tt3/s Probable Maximum Flood: Duration (inflow) 1 day Total Volume 19,900 at (10.97 in) Inflow Peak 30,400 ft3/s Outflow Peak 30,200 ft3/s Historic Maximums: 3 Maximum Inflow (mean hourly) 12,940 ft /S Date 02-10-1978 Maximum Release 13,000 ft3/s Date 02-10-1978 Maximum Water Surface Elevation 1277.7 ft ~ Date 02-10-1978 Maximum Storage .e686 af, ...... Date 02-10-1978 Lopez Dam Basin Master Plan - 17 J ~ Los Angeles -~ El Cariso Regional I . \ Mission College . \ County Park F l- 0 LINE 100 year flood line 50 year flood line El Cariso County Golf Course 10 year flo·:>d line Photo 1· Looking upstream (north) into Pacoima Wash. Standing above Maclay St Photo 2 Looking east towards Lopez Dam. Photo 3: Looking downstream (south) towards the bridge on Maclay St over Pacoima Wash. Photo 4 Looking downstream (south) at the Lopez Dam spillway L-OPEZ Dlt/1!f1t?TER PLAN U.5. !lrr1y Corp!5 of En Spillway Crest El Carisa County Top of Dam Golf Course Photo 1: Looking upstream (north) into Lopez Dam Basin. Photo 2: Looking west towards Lopez Dam. Photo 3: Looking upstream (noth) into Lopez Dam Basin. Photo 4: Looking downstream (south) standing on the Lopez Dam structure. 1-0PEZ Dlt/1 !11t5TER' Pl-ltN U.5. ltrny Corp::;, of Enqine~r::;,- lit Di?lrid ~·••c::J ~ ___ June 2005 ~ FL.ATE 4 Pool areas based on August 1995 survey. 0 21~ 430 N 860 ft. ------~ ------ -19 Allt~ J:llU.R~S ;;:.._,_---,--!1~()--~~.;;_C__-"il.(>~---'41l"'--.,-__.:~"-----'«1_,.___,-'-~-~-";no~•• ----7--r--- - -. ·-1--~-:~)' _, 'f·: ,.~OQt.11~ W&$11. C~'"'"Oflf/IA \· LOPC%0.... ! l. ·I· .; .. -:. - i ·-·!.·---~ .--.~-- 1: ...... -- . i . . ~ ...... 1.- .. ,... __ ..... Ii.'!. Afffll'r ¢QO\Ji 00" [llGLUll'.Jt5 LO~ •IO'".£l(~ ot~IOC'T I ' 1 L-OPEZ D/r.11 !1/r.5TEK PL-AN 11KEA ~ CAPl1CITY CUl 441 il.C-FT FLOOOCDNTROL o. A. = 34 sa. M 1• SPF INFL. PEAK •11•20Q Cf5 PliF' [NFL. PEAK - -'«il I 400 CF HISTORCC MAXIMUMS ~x. REL. = 31900 CFS MAX. WSEL = 11277.7 1 NGVO LOS ANGELES COUNTY DRAINAGE AREA 3.3.1 Existing Recreation Use At Lopez Dam Lopez Dam has very limited value as a recreation resource. The purpose of Lopez Dam was flood damage reduction when constructed in 1954. The dam project was not as such intended for multi- purpose use, to include recreational activities. Since then, single purpose use for limited resources is no longer considered prudent nor the recommended plan in areas in critical need of affordable recreation. Guidance, however, should be sought on the planning and development of outdoor recreation facilities. Important considerations include what recreation facilities may be cost shared, a discussion of locally preferred plans, and reporting guidelines for plans recommending recreation development. 3.3.2 Study Area Recreation Supply Local recreation facilities in the immediate area of Lopez Dam includes El Carisa Golf Course, El Carisa Regional County Park, Veterans Memorial County Park, baseball fields (Sylmar Independent Baseball League) and, to the east, hiking trails in the nearby mountains of the Angeles National Forest. The El Carisa Golf Course is an 18-hole, par-62 facility with approximately 4493 total yards. Course walking is allowed. The golf course has a driving range, a putting green, a snack bar, and restaurant. The golf course is located on 90 acres of land. This golf course is heavily used, as are all Los Angeles County golf courses. El Carisa Park has 5 ball fields, a swimming pool, 11 tennis courts, three basketball courts, a number of volleyball courts, 5 major restrooms, and is located on 79 acres. It has 10 picnic shelters with large grassy areas. Although parking capacity for vehicles is small for El Carisa, this park is heavily used, and there is a high use of street parking by park users. Veterans Memorial Park has been part of the Los Angeles County Park and Recreation system since 1977. It was dedicated on February 9, 1979, and is situated on 96 acres of former Federal lands occupied by the US Veterans Memorial Hospital (which was destroyed in the 1971 Sylmar earthquake). It has areas for family and group picnics, contains a disc (Frisbee) golf course, a Cultural Art Center, Community Building, group overnight camping areas (for use with special permission), and a grassed recreation area. The Sylmar Independent Baseball League (SIBL) is located on a 22-acre parcel; much was converted into baseball fields in the 1980's. Presently, there are 9 baseball fields. A small roadway to the ball fields passes across Corps land (this road has been recently washed out and a temporary is being constructed for the 2005 ball season). 3.3.3 Study Area Recreation - Opportunities and Constraints Lopez Dam Basin has limited parking on unimproved grounds and no street parking is available. Without' parking improvements, recreational use is limited to local residents and, currently no facilities, such as restrooms, are provided. Permanent buildings are not allowed in areas within Lopez Dam Basin Master Plan - 22 the 10-year flood plain. An abandoned roadway (Maclay Street} lies below the sand settlement upstream of Lopez Darn. Passive and low impact recreation appears to be the most appropriate uses of the Lopez Darn area. Passive recreation would include trails and walkways for viewing with low impact activities such as hiking and exercising along the boundaries of Lopez Darn site. This would offer about one mile of walkway. The inclusion of bicycle and equestrian use on trails and walkways around Lopez Dam would require further study of potential impacts to the area. The use of bikes and horses may or may not be compatible or complementary with basic hiking, walking, and running trail/walkway use. Picnicking and camping are possible, but would require additional improvements and regular site maintenance. Past use of the Lopez Dam site has included, in the dry season, flying model planes. The continued use of the site for flying model planes should be reviewed if other recreational uses are to be considered. However, the presence of flying model planes should not preclude other recreational uses. During the rainy season, water flows from the north, down from the mountains into the Pacoirna Wash, under the highway bridge (Harding Street} into the Lopez Dam Basin. At the highway bridge and the spillway at Lopez Dam trail/walkway breaks would occur unless improvements are made to circumvent those points. Use of the dam top for trail and walkway has not been precluded. In the Whittier Narrows Darn Master Plan, comments from public meetings conducted at locations throughout the County of Los Angeles during October and November of 1991 were collected. Many of those comments continue to be relevant and may be applicable to the Lopez Dam Master Plan. Applicable comments of those meetings are summarized below: 1. Enlarge existing local parks where adjacent property is available. 2. Acquire and develop local parks of "any and all size" in both rapidly expanding areas and built-out areas of the county. 3. Increase the safety police enforcement activities in parks to improve overall safety. 4. Provide amenities for existing trails, i.e., tree plantings along the trail for shade, rest areas, and water. 5. Utilize volunteer and community groups to assist in making repairs and improvements to local parks. 6. Provide sufficient equipment and facilities for youth groups and individuals to participate in recreation programs. 7. Assure that contracted services, facilities and programs are compatible with park use and user demand. 8. Coordinate recreation programs, especially after school, with local schools. 9. Provide better communication with all users, youth groups, corporate groups, local schools, etc., regarding available programs and facilities, responsibilities of users, etc. Lopez Darn Basin Master Plan - 23 Table3.3 Minimum Guidelines For Basin Land Use Projects Lopez Dam Basin Los Angeles County Drainage Area, California Elevation Frequency Development Constraints Acceptable Range Up to 10-year Food Line Subject to prolonged Structures of any type are not permitted. Nature trails inundation, and open play fields are acceptable uses. sedimentation, and wave erosion 10-year flood line to 50 Subject to frequent Open-type of floodable structure and field facilities that year flood line flooding, sedimentation, can sustain inundation with acceptable maintenance and wave erosion costs. Concession stands with portable contents equestrian trails, shade and picnic armadas, backstops, goalposts, floodable restrooms, and aooropriate structures, as determined. 50-year flood line to 100 Subject to periodic Floodable structures and multi-purpose paved year flood line flooding, sedimentation, surfaces that can sustain inundation with acceptable and wave erosion maintenance costs. Floodable restrooms and picnic areas are considered appropriate. 100-year flood line to Subject to infrequent Flood-proof closed structures are permitted. The Standard Project Flood flooding, sedimentation, District Engineer will approve all appreciable Elevation and wave erosion. structures. However, structures conducive to human habitation are prohibited. Table 3.3 Definitions: 1.0 Flood proofing- a combination of structural changes and/or adjustments incorporated and/or construction and alteration of individual buildings, structures or properties subject to flooding primarily for the reduction or elimination of flood damages. 2.0 Structure- walled or roofed buildings, including mobile homes and gas or liquid storage tanks that are primarily above ground. 3.0 Facility - any man made or man placed item other than a structure. 4.0 Open Structure- a structure that may or may not have a sealed roof, but does not have sufficient walls to obstruct the flow of floodwaters. 5.0 Floodable Structure- a structure that is able to withstand structural loads up to 100-year flood conditions. Contents and interior finished materials restricted to types that are neither hazardous nor vulnerable to loss under these conditions. Floodwaters will either be able to pass through these structures, or these spaces will be flooded with floodwater by automatic means. Vents will be provided to prevent the formation of air pockets. Lopez Dam Basin Master Plan - 24 3.3.4 Cost Shared Facilities The following is a checklist of facilities that may be cost shared as part of recreation development at ecosystem protection and restoration projects. The source is EP 1165-2-502, Appendix B, dated 30 September 1999. 1. Access and Circulation: roads; turnarounds; trails (multiple-use); parking; bridges and 1 culverts; walks and walkways; steps/ramps and footbridges . 2. Structures: sanitation - vault toilets, comfort stations; shelters - picnic and trails. 2 3. Utilities: water supply - municipal system , wells, drinking fountains and faucets; sewage and wastewater disposal - municipal system, septic tanks and tile fields; storm drainage and public telephone. 4. Site Preparation/Restoration: clearing and grubbing; grading and land form; vegetative restoration - includes native trees, shrubs and turf establishment. 5. Park Furniture: picnic tables; trash receptacles/holders and benches. 6. Signs: entrance - directional - maker; traffic control (vehicular and pedestrian) and instructional (includes fire danger notices). 7. Protection, Control, Health and Safety: gates and barricades; cattle guards; walls and fencing; guardrails; entrance stations; lighting and handrails. Footnotes: 1 Footbridges are to be austere and used only when other crossing methods are impractical. Footbridges that are the center of a recreation experience are to be constructed at non-Federal cost. Pedestrian bridges at highways or railroads are normally a non-Federal cost; however, if they are integral to the recreation feature and comprise the most cost effective alternative for crossing, they may be cost shared. 2 Connection to an existing municipal system. 3.3.5 Recreation Demand Lopez Dam Basin is located within the City of Los Angeles and in the far Northwest corner of Los Angeles County. It is north of Interstate Highway 210 and east of the intersection of Interstate 5 and 210. Adjacent cities and communities are San Fernando, Lakeview Terrace, Pacoima, and Sylmar. In the 1990 census, the City of San Fernando had a population of 22,580. In the 2000 census, the City of San Fernando population was 23,534, which represents a 4 percent increase in population from the previous census. The City of Los Angeles in the 1990 census had a population of 3,485,398. In the 2000 census, the City of Los Angeles population was 3,694,834, which represents a 6 percent increase in the population from the previous census. The County of Los Angeles, in the 1990 census, had a population of 8,863,164. In the 2000 census the County of Los Angeles population was 9,519,338, which represents a 7 percent increase in population from the previous census. The demand for recreation is present and continues to grow with such increases in population. Existing recreation facilities in the study area are heavily used. Visitation statistics of the Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation Department show that El Cariso Park had 300,805 visitors~sers in calendar year 2004. Veterans Memorial Park, a more passive activity park, had 130,089 visitors/users in calendar year 2004. The recreation demand for this area is substantial and growing. Previous open land area to the north of Lopez Dam, up to the base of the Angeles Lopez Dam Basin Master Plan - 25 Crest, has been replaced by residential housing. Recreation within the Lopez Dam Basin can increase the diversity of available varying opportunities in the local region and add capacity. l - t 3.4 Demographics Demographics in the vicinity of Lopez Dam have changed dramatically since the Corps of Engineers constructed the dam in 1954. It has evolved from a rural farm area to a suburbanized community. The Lopez Dam area is located in Los Angeles County and within the City of Los Angeles, with the nearest incorporated city being San Fernando. Table 3.4 presents the demographics of the County of Los Angeles, City of Los Angeles and the City of San Fernando. Table 3.4 Demographics 2000 Census Los Angeles County City of Los Angeles City of San Fernando Area 4,061 square miles 465.9 square miles 2.4 square miles Population 9,519,338 3,694,834 23,534 Population density 2,344 persons/sq mi 7 ,930 persons/sq mi 9,806 persons/sq mi Total Housing Units 3,270,909 1,337,706 5,943 Owner-occupied housing units 1,499,700 491,836 3,115 Percent of Owner- occupied housing units 45.8% 36.8% 52.4% Households 3,133,774 1,276,609 5,795 Average household size 2.98 2.83 4.05 Median age 32.0 31.8 27.8 The nearby City of San Fernando, and local communities within the City of Los Angeles, surround the Lopez Dam site.· The local communities consist of Lakeview Terrace, Pacoima, and Sylmar. The population density of these communities is approximately the same as the City of San Fernando, which is shown on the Table 3.4. Lopez Dam Basin Master Plan - 26 4.0 RESOURCE USE OBJECTIVES 4.1 Authorization-Recreation Resource Development The Flood Control Act of 1944, as amended (Public Law 78-534) authorized the Corps to construct, maintain, and operate public parks and recreational facilities at water resources development projects. The Federal Water Project Recreation Act, as amended (Public Law 89-72) requires that full consideration be given to opportunities for recreation, and fish and wildlife enhancement at water resource development projects. The law also requires that recreation planning be based on coordination of use with existing and planned Federal, state, and local recreation, and that non-Federal administration of recreation and enhancement areas be encouraged. The law permits the Corps to authorize local interests to construct, maintain, and operate recreational facilities. 4.2 General Resource Objectives Resource objectives are developed to guide future design, development and management of the resource base, natural and man made, to obtain the greatest possible benefit through meeting the needs of the public and protecting and enhancing environmental quality. Resource objectives shall, at a minimum, consider authorized project purposes, applicable Federal laws and directives, regional needs, resource capabilities, and expressed public desires. Resource objectives are guidelines developed in coordination with the resource base analysis and land use suitability. The resource objectives provide and approach to resource use planning at Lopez Dam Basin that allows flexibility in the selection of the specific uses for each area by the corps or local sponsor. Existing recreational development at Lopez Dam Basin provides a foundation for future land use decisions. Current public use patterns, public expressed needs and adjacent land use have created a basis for future recreation development. These have been utilized in developing the following resource objectives for Lopez Dam Basin: • To integrate recreation with the primary purpose of flood damage reduction. • Enhance public benefits from recreation resources. • Provide additional recreation opportunities consistent with environmental resources available in the Lopez Dam Basin. • Provide development criteria for open space and recreation. 4.3 Recreation Resource Objectives The Lopez Dam basin is within a 45-minute drive of broad socio-economic population. There is a substantial unmet public demand for a wide range of recreational pursuits. Objectives: • To provide the best possible combination of responses to regional needs, resource capabilities and suitability, and expressed public interests and desires consistent with authorized project purposes. • To provide passive recreation areas. Lopez Dam Basin Master Plan - 27 • To provide open space for sports activities. • To provide non-motorized circulation opportunities, including hiking, bicycling, and equestrian paths. • To provide opportunities for special use recreational facilities. • To provide recreational opportunities that promotes revenue generation to offset the costs of maintaining, replacing, and developing park facilities. • To contribute towards providing a high degree of recreation diversity within the region. • To emphasize the particular qualities, characteristics, and potentials of the project. • To exhibit consistency and compatibility with national objectives and other state and regional goals and programs. 4.4 Environmental Resource Objectives The basin encompasses a diversity of vegetation assemblages and their corresponding wildlife habitat resources. Objectives: • To provide vegetation management which preserves and enhances wildlife and their habitats, and safeguards, through resource management essential plant communities. • To provide wildlife resource management, including conservation and enhancement, with particular attention to Federal or state listed special status species (e.g., threatened, endangered} or other sensitive species and their habitat. • To create, restore, or enhance, native vegetation types as a mitigation measure for increased recreational or other resource use. • Provide and maintain regional native plant materials within the public use areas that are compatible with public safety. The use of environmentally and economic beneficial practices on Federal landscapes grounds is mandated by DoD Directive 4715.3, Section 02 and Presidential memorandum for the heads of executive departments and agencies on environmentally and economically beneficial practices on Federal landscaped ground (Federal Register 59:161, Clinton, W.J. 1994). • Landscape practices should benefit the environment, and generate long-term cost savings for the Federal Government. • Reduce fertilizer, pesticides, and irrigation demands and their associated costs. • Use regionally native plants for landscaping incorporate directive into landscaping programs and practices by February 1996. Lopez Dam Basin Master Plan - 28 5.0 EXISTING RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT 5.1 Development of Existing Facilities In 1946, the Chief of Engineers issued instruction for the development of recreational programs at existing Corps projects. Under the Code 710 funding program, as defined by Administrative Directive EC 1130-2-121, dated 14 March 1973, "Project Operation, Recreation Development at Completed Projects, Code 710 Program," and EC 1130-2-119, dated 30 May 1975, "Recreation Development at Completed Projects, Code 710 Program," Federal funding was costs for recreational development at completed Corps of Engineers projects, and assume operation and maintenance costs for such facilities. In the event funding is unavailable, the local sponsor would be required to provide 100 percent funding. (The Code 710 program is not currently being funded.} No recreational facilities currently exist in the Lopez Dam Basin. Lopez Dam Basin Master Plan - 29 6.0 RESOURCE ANALYSIS 6.1 Biological Resources 6.1.1 Introduction The Lopez Dam Flood damage Reduction Basin and its environs currently have several planning and environmental documents in various phases of development. One of these project efforts is the Los Angeles Mission College (LAMC) Facilities Master Plan and the Public Recreation Improvement Program. The planning and environmental documentation are currently being developed by PCR Services Corporation (PCR}, Irvine CA, under contract by LAMC. PCR has preformed field investigations as well as documenting their projects existing environmental conditions. The LAMC project boundary overlaps within the northern limits of the Corps' Lopez Dam Recreation Master Plan. Since the existing environmental conditions being described for several projects is for the same landscape, this Corps project will adhere to the same description and nomenclatures used by PCR. The Corps project ecologist evaluated PCR's existing environmental conditions with several field investigations. The existing environmental conditions as described for the LAMC project are accurate and correct. Thus the Corps will use the same environmental baseline condition description and augments the existing conditions of the LDRMP project area. 6.1.2 Vegetation (see plate 7.) Vegetation type (plant community} and hierarchical structure listed below follows the Californian Department of Fish and Game (CDFG} List of California Terrestrial Natural Communities Recognized by the Natural Diversity Data Base, May 2002 Edition. The California Natural Diversity Data Base (CNDDB} classification code is recorded with each vegetation type listed and a brief summary of each natural community is discussed. If a vegetation type found in the project boundary did not conform to any of the communities in the CNDDB, it was classified after the dominant plant species found within the polygon. Vegetation type descriptions are based on PCR field investigations, using Sawyer and Keeler-Wolfe (1995), and Holland (1986 and 1992 update} where appropriate. Vegetation types within the Lopez Dam Master Plan area are mapped on Plate 7 with corresponding photographic images. a. Planning Area 1 Disturbed Disturbed areas are mostly devoid of vegetation due to recent disturbances. Types of disturbed areas found on-site include disked or cleared land, dirt access roads, and areas used by off-road vehicles. Disturbance-tolerant vegetation typically found in these areas on-site includes castor bean, Russian thistle, pineapple weed (Chamomilla suaveolens}, and jimson weed (Datura wrightit). Within the disturbed regions, an isolated sycamore occurs in an area surrounded by bare ground. Califorrl'la Sagebrush Scrub Sagebrush scrub vegetation type communities consist of drought-tolerant shrubs on well-drained soils. Within the project area this vegetation type is dominated by California sagebrush (Artemisia Lopez Dam Basin Master Plan - 30 californica). Associated, less common species found dispersed throughout this community include California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum), mule fat (Baccharis salifcifolia), horehound (Marrubium vulgare), and deerweed {lotus scoparius). California Sagebrush California Buckwheat California sagebrush-California buckwheat is similar to the California sagebrush scrub, but has more than one dominant species. Within the project area, California Sagebrush-California Buckwheat scrub, is dominated by California sagebrush and California buckwheat. Additional species include mule fat, Mexican elderberry (Sambucus mexicana), laurel sumac (Malosoma laurina), chaparral yucca (Yucca whipple~. exotic, non-native castor bean (Ricinis communis), wishbone bush (Mirabilis califomica), and wild cucumber (Marah macrocarpus). Scalebroom-Hairy Verba Santa-Chaparral Yucca Scalebroom-hairy yerba santa-chaparral yucca is a vegetation type of coastal scrub community that is not dominated by a single plant species. Within the project boundary, this plant assemblage is dominated by hairy yerba santa (Eriodictyon crassifolium) and California sagebrush. Associated species include scalebroom (lepidospartum squamatum}, chaparral yucca, cholla ( Opuntia sp.), and laurel sumac. An isolated patch of southern portion of the Corps property is dominated by a dense cover of ceanothus ( Ceanothus sp. ). Scalebroom-hairy yerba santa-chaparral yucca/disturbed has dominant plant species that are characteristic of the scalebroom-hairy yerba santa-chaparral yucca, however, evidence of disturbance is apparent. This assemblage of plants lacks the hairy yerba santa component, but still contains all other plant indicators of scalebroom-hairy yerba santa-chaparral yucca vegetation type. Non-native grasses dominate the understory and extreme off-road vehicle activity has destroyed much of the vegetation. Southern Willow Scrub Within the project site, southern willow scrub is dominated primarily by willow species, including Godding's {Black) willow (Salix goodingi~, arroyo willow (Salix lasiolepis), and sandbar willow (Salix exigua). Associated species found in this community on-site include mule fat, Mexican elderberry, white nightshade (Solanum douglasi1), nettle (Urtica sp.), castor bean, milk thistle (Silybummarianum), wild cucumber, mugwort (Artemisia douglasiana), and ash (Fraxinussp.) b. Planning Area 2 Nearly all of Planning Area 2 is disturbed habitat. See description above, in Planning Area 1. c. Planning Area 3 Mule fat Scrub Areas of mule fat scrub support fairly tall riparian scrub species with herbaceous characteristics. Within the project site, mule fat scrub is dominated by mule fat and some willow species. Gooding Willow Forest Within the Master Plan boundary below (south) Harding Street within the Lopez Dam Basin, this series level vegetation type is found as a dense canopy (>60%), with the canopy almost continuous. This willow forest is dominated by black willow with a shrub understory <10 feet (arroyo"willow, mulefat), however, sparse under tree canopy. A very sparse landscape of cottonwoods may be present. Shrubs include mule fat, mugwort, nettle, and other smaller willow species. Lopez Dam Basin Master Plan - 31 Mixed Willow Riparian Woodland This series level vegetation type is found with the Lopez Dam Basin below {south} of Harding Street, immediately adjacent to the disturbed/barren habitat. Typically, stands of willow species are co-dominant in this low elevation series with minor shrub understory. Canopy cover is<60%, with a shrub and herbaceous layer. Plants include Gooding {black) willow, arroyo willow and sand bar willow. c. Planning Area 4 Developed Developed areas are devoid of native vegetation due to on-going and permanent disturbances. Portions of the project site that have been developed include many ornamental plantings of turf grass and trees such as eucalyptus, jacaranda, pine, palm, juniper, and coral. d. Planning Area 5 This planning area consists of costal sage scrub and disturbed habitat. For complete descriptions see Planning Area 1 above. Lopez Dam Basin Master Plan - 32 ~ Los Angeles ~ El Cariso Regional (:J,,---- E 7- /1~ /\) ·\Mission College . \ County Park VE TIC PLANT COMMUNITIES 1) CSS/DIS Costa! Sage Scrub- Disturbed ' / ~ \, ,,/ I Disturbed El Carisa County Mule Fat Scrub Golf Course 5"C / l Southern Willow Scrub CSSIDIS I Gooding Willow Forest California Sagebrush- California Buckwheat Scrub S'JVS I SHC Scalebroom-Hairy Verba Santa-Chapparal Scrub SHC/DIS Scalebroom-Hairy Verba Santa-Chapparal Scrub Disturbed WIL/MWRW Willow - Mixed Woodland Riparian Willow DEV Developed Looking upstream (north) into Lopez Basin Looking west towards El Carisa Golf Course i l-OPEZ Dld1 !1115TEK PLAN -=-i••c:::J___ U.5. !lmy Corp5 of Enqinee(5- Lil Dis/rid ~ Ju~ 200'5 [ f'L.lirE 1 N 0 215 430 860 ft. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~-~~~~~~-- - 33 6.1.3 Federal and State Listed Special Status Species Least Bells' Vireo The Gooding or black willow forest (GWF) vegetation type (with the Lopez Dam Basin (north of the dam) can be considered to be converging on the primary constitute elements for LBVI nesting habitat. The mixed willow riparian woodland (MWRW) vegetation type is also converging towards LBVI nesting habitat but not on the scale of the GWF. The physiognomy of the vegetation is lacking in its structural integrity. The MWRW is in an early successional stage, however, could occupy this habitat given its continuity and proximity to the GWF as well as its structural habitat components. Constituent elements for LBVI habitat include riverine and floodplain habitats, particularly associated willow- and cottonwood-dominated plant communities that provide for the nesting foraging and other habitat requirements of least Bell's vireo within its breeding range. Floodplains with appurtenant riparian vegetation and associated upland habitats represent primary constituent elements. Vireos obtain all their survival needs (food, cover, nest sites, nestling and fledgling protection) within the riparian zone. Southwestern Willow Flycatcher The only vegetation type in which southwestern the willow flycatcher (WIFL) would be found to occupy would be the GWF. However, the structural integrity as well as its physiognomy is at the lower end or marginal suitable WIFL habitat. The southwestern willow flycatcher currently breeds in relatively dense riparian habitats. The WIFL breeds in riparian habitats along rivers, streams, or other wetlands, where relatively dense growths of trees and shrubs are established, near or adjacent to surface water or underlain by saturated soil. Habitat characteristics such as dominant plant species, size and shape of habitat patch, canopy structure, vegetation height, and vegetation density vary widely among sites. California Gnatcatcher Furthermore, no California gnatcatchers were observed during focused surveys; therefore, these communities are not expected to support sensitive species and impacts are considered less than significant. Similar to the impacts discussed above for California sagebrush scrub and California sagebrush-California buckwheat scrub, no sensitive plant species were observed during the sensitive plant surveys and no coastal California gnatcatchers were observed during focused surveys within the scalebroom-hairy yerba santa-chaparral yucca. 6.2 Geology 6.2.1 Site Geology Lopez Dam is founded on coarse sand and gravel mixed with boulders, which are brought down from the mountains by Pacoima Creek. This material is chiefly of granitic origin and deposited almost entirely during flood times. A low terrace consisting of clayey sand, silt and gravel overlain by a reddish-brown, clayey soil extends northwest from the toe of the right abutment for about 0.5 miles. Underlying these unconsolidated formations is the Saugus (Quaternary) formation, which forms the bedrock of this area. It is primarily unlithified gravelly sandstone, which contains some interbedded layers of sandy siltstone. The sandstone at the dam site is relatively soft and not well cementep with the exception of occasional harder layers. Bedrock is exposed on both abutments and is approximately 50 feet below original ground surface beneath the embankment. l i ) Lopez Dam Basin Master Plan - 34 Data from water and observation wells indicate that the depth to groundwater at the site is highly variable; measurements between 13 feet and 58 feet have been recorded. 6.2.2 Seismicity There are 21 major faults within a 50-mile radius of the dam. Of these, the fault, which has the most significant impact on the peak ground accelerations, is the Sierra Madre, a thrust fault located about one mile from the darn. A maximum magnitude of 6.8 at the closest distance of one mile was used to determine the estimated peak ground motion at bedrock of 1.29g. Assuming that the darn is operated as a flood damage reduction structure, a very conservative analysis indicates that the embankment will be stable under this event and that permanent deformation will be less than 6 inches. The most recent Dam Safety Assurance Program report indicates that further investigations of upstream shell and core material are recommended should plans for operation be modified so as to increase the duration of pool retention. 6.2.3 Performance History Nine miles from the epicenter of the February 1971 San Fernando earthquake, peak ground accelerations experienced at the darn were estimated to have been in the range of 0.5g to 0.75g. The embankment sustained damage; concrete spillway, spillway sub-drain system and pool drain conduits. Post-earthquake surveys indicate a general uplift of the dam and basin of approximately 6.5 feet. Repairs were completed later that year. The darn is located approximately 11 miles from the epicenter of the 17 January 1994 Northridge Earthquake. A post-event field inspection found no significant damage to the embankment or related structures. In February 1983, water in the reservoir had been maintained near spillway crest elevation for conservation purposes. During a site inspection on February 28, roughly 100 gallons per minute was emitting at approximate elevation 1240 near the right abutment on the downstream toe. Seepage was also noted in the downstream toe of the embankment about 150 feet west of the west spillway channel wall. The downstream toe area was completely saturated but no sinkholes or boils were observed. Similar observations were recorded in March 1958. No such events have been documented since 1983. Lopez Dam Basin Master Plan - 35 6.3 Watershed Hydrology The watershed above Lopez Dam is a primarily undeveloped steep mountainous area primarily uninhabited National Forest lands. There are several residential and commercial developments immediately upstream and adjacent to the reservoir. Elevations in the drainage area range from a peak of 6,532 feet above National Geodetic Vertical Datum (ft NGVD) on Mount Gleason in the San Gabriel Mountains to approximately 1,250 ft at Lopez Dam. The longest watercourse in the area, Pacoima Wash, is about 19 miles in length with an average gradient of 275 feet per mile. Pacoima Dam located on Pacoima Wash lies upstream from Lopez Dam and has a drainage area 2 of 28 mi • In the mountains, runoff concentrates quickly from the steep slopes; hydrographs show that the stream flow increases rapidly in response to effective rainfall. High rainfall rates, in combination with the effects of shallow surface soils, impervious bedrock, fan-shaped stream systems, steep gradients, and occasional denudation of the area by fire, result in intense debris-laden floods. However, flood and debris flows are regulated at existing dams and debris basins. Runoff from urban watersheds is characterized by high flood peaks of short duration that result from high-intensity rainfall on watersheds that have a high percentage of impervious cover. Flood hydrographs from single storm events are typically of less than 12 hours duration and are almost always less than 48 hours duration. 6.3.1 Groundwater Lopez Dam is located in the San Fernando Valley. Under natural conditions, groundwater in the San Fernando Basin flows eastward across the valley in the west and southeastward in the east, towards the Los Angeles River Narrows, where it discharges from the basin. However, local flow patterns in the east are influenced by groundwater extraction for water supply. In the area around Lopez Dam, groundwater flows toward the south and has a relatively high gradient. Groundwater quality directly underneath Lopez Dam is of good quality. However, there are four superfund sites in the San Fernando Valley with varying degrees of quality. The groundwater basins in the San Fernando Valley are natural groundwater reservoirs that represent an important source of drinking water for the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Groundwater extraction, particularly in the San Fernando Basin, has been affected by the presence of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in groundwater in the vicinity of a number of the well fields. The cities of Los Angeles, Burbank, and Glendale have been regularly monitoring their production wells for voes since 1980, when concentrations of trichloroethylene (TCE) and tetrachloroethene (PCE) in excess of state and Federal drinking water standards were detected in the groundwater of the San Fernando Valley. State and local agencies acted to provide alternative water supplies and to investigate and clean up potential sources. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other agencies became involved in coordinating efforts to address the large-scale contamination. In 1984, the USEPA proposed four sites for inclusion on the National Priorities List (NPL): North Hollywood, Crystal Springs, Pollock, and Verdugo, which were subsequently placed on the NPL in 1986. EPA is currently conducting groundwater monitoring and other remedial activities. In summary, groundwater quality directly underneath Lopez Dam is of good quality. TCE and PCE plumes existing in the San Fernando Basin are hydraulically downstream of the Lopez Dam area. Both EP-A and DWP are currently monitoring the groundwater quality in this area. 6.3.2 Surface Water Quality The water quality of Pacoima Wash is considered to be good. Inflow into the Lopez Reservoir comes from Pacoima Wash. Substantial inflow into the reservoir is ephemeral. Inflow rates drop rapidly between storms; however, a low to moderate inflow can last for several months following Lopez Dam Basin Master Plan - 36 major storms. The majority of the upstream watershed is uninhabited National Forest land. The main water quality problem with the flow in Pacoima Wash is the high turbidity resulting from its high sediment load. Testing of chemical and physical quality of nearby Hansen Dam surface water had been performed by the State of California Department of Health from 1977 through April 1981. The testing provided some data on concentrations of iron, manganese, and pH. Iron and Manganese concentrations in the water column regularly exceeded State and Federal standards during this period. State and Federal standards of 0.3 milligrams per liter (mg/I) of iron for freshwater aquatic life were exceeded regularly. Total iron concentrations ranged from 0.10 to 3.50 mg/I. State and Federal standards of 0.05 mg/I of manganese for drinking water were also exceeded most of the time. Concentrations as high as 2.4 mg/I of manganese have been recorded. Concern behind the standard for iron in drinking water is for aesthetic reasons rather than toxicological significance. The standard is designed to prevent objectionable tastes and laundry staining; it constitutes only a small fraction of the iron normally consumed by humans. However, low concentrations of iron are toxic to fish and to some insects consumed by fish so that a standard has been set for freshwater aquatic life. As with iron, the standard for manganese in drinking water is based upon aesthetics (taste and laundry staining) rather than health concerns. No agricultural or industrial activity is present upstream from the reservoir. Under these conditions, water quality of inflow to Lopez Reservoir is expected to have negligible concentrations of heavy metals, pesticides and other pollutants. In the past, high concentrations of suspended solids and non-vegetative debris from storm run-off and sluing operations from upstream Pacoima Reservoir have resulted in a continual problem of sediment deposition in Lopez Reservoir. 6.4 Climate The climate of the watershed is characterized by warm, dry summers and cool, moist winters. The climate varies throughout the watershed due to the variation in elevation. The higher elevations are generally slightly cooler and receive more precipitation than the lower portion of the watershed. Nearly all the precipitation occurs during the months of December through March. Elevations above 5,000 ft frequently experience snowfall with the snow usually melting rapidly except on higher peaks and northern slopes. The average annual temperature at the City of San Fernando is 63.6 degrees F. The lowest average monthly temperature is 54.2' degrees F in January and the highest average monthly temperature is 74.6 degrees F in August. The average annual rainfall recorded at the San Fernando station is 16.12 inches. The average monthly rainfall for this station is heaviest in January (3.39 inches) and is lightest in July (0.02 inches). Precipitation in the Lopez Dam drainage area occurs both in the form of general winter storms associated with extra tropical cyclones of North Pacific origin and convective type storms generally occurring during the summer. Estimates of probable maximum precipitation furnished by the U.S. Weather Bureau indicate that the highest rate of discharge from the drainage area for Lopez Dam would result from a 6-hour convective type storm. Precipitation in the area is highly variable. 6.5 Air Quality The So~th Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) maintains a network of air quality monitoring stations within the basin. The stations monitor the surrounding air for the presence of: ozone (03), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide 2 (SO\ nitrogen dioxide (N0 ), total suspended particulate (TSP), lead (Pb), sulfate and nitrate. Excepting nitrate, these are pollutants for which the State and Federal governments have established air quality standards and, in some cases, episode criteria. Lopez Dam Basin Master Plan - 37 The Reseda monitoring station is closest to the site and is assumed to represent the Lopez Dam project area. Air quality monitoring data show the number of days of exceeding particulate standard, and the State annual geometric mean particulate standard (SCAQMD, 1984). The air quality in the project area is representative of the air quality within the San Fernando Valley. 6.6 Historic, Archaeological, and Cultural Features Based on data from record and literature searches, there is no evidence of previously recorded archaeological or historic sites with the basin at Lopez Dam. If cultural material is discovered during any earth disturbing activities in the basin, the following process should be followed: l J Unanticipated Discovery: Pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, 36 CFR 800.13(2), any discoveries of either human remains or archeological deposits shall result in the following process: • Corps of Engineers Archeology Staff shall be notified of discovery. • Corps Archeology Staff shall determine if discovered cultural mater is an isolated find, or consists of a deposit of some extent. If needed, hand excavations shall be conducted to determine if the deposit is of sufficient content and integrity to be eligibly for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The Corps shall determine eligibility, and effect in consultation with the State Historic Preservation Officer pursuant to 36 CFR 800. 6.7 Access Currently there are two ways to access the Lopez Dam Basin. One entrance is at the crest, off the road, and the other is by a gated entrance along the west side of the basin. 6.8 Existing Adjacent Land Uses Residential areas surround Lopez Dam Basin on the northeast, west and southwest sides. Adjacent to the basin to the southeast the topography inclines into the mountains and leads up to Boy Scout Mountain Way Trails. Pacoima Wash is directly north of Lopez basin area. El Carisa Golf Course, El Carisa Regional County Park, and Los Angeles Mission College are northwest of the Lopez Dam Basin. Any proposed development shall not have significant impact on existing adjacent land uses. 6.9 Utilities No relocation of utilities is required for this recreational development. As mainline under city streets are already in place, only connections are necessary. 6.10 Outgrants The property is owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Several easements and licenses extend into the Lopez Dam Flood Damage Reduction Basin. (See Plate 8.) They are: 1) An easement to the City of Los Angeles in perpetuity for Maclay Street extension, a 60 ft-wide roadway (13.49 acres), which extends Maclay Street at the southwest Lopez Basin boundary, into the basin and along the sewer right-of-way for approximately 2000 ft. to intersect Harding Street within the Lopez Basin western perimeter. Lopez Dam Basin Master Plan - 38 2) An easement to the City of Los Angeles, Department of Public Works, for the 16' sewer line area directly under Maclay Street and Harding Street (.98 acres), which expires in 2037. 3} A license renewal on 17.26 acres to Port-A-Patti Flying Club for model airplanes, which expires in 2008. 4) An easement granted to Los Angeles Mission College for the time period of April 2005 through April 2006 for construction, operation, and maintenance of a City of Los Angeles public road and bridge replacement of 60 feet, encompassing 18 acres. 5) An easement to the Department of Water and Power for six utility poles located to the north of Harding Street, of approximately .17 acres, 5 feet on each side of the existing pole line. This easement was granted on 28 Mar 2001 and is indefinite. All land classifications and future development will be subject to existing easements and licenses. Lopez Dam Basin Master Plan - 39 \... Los Angeles \... El Cariso Regional IL r '\Mission College '\county Park ,t( E /1 L E5T /I I E Ea<:erneot<: Permits and I jceoses Unit Gcontee Grant Ter:r; ;.,cres R-1 t='c:-A-Potti Flying Club Mode' Airplane Field 15 Nov 93- 11Nov08 17 2": El Cariso County A-1 City of Los Angeles Road Easement for Harding St 3 Oct 56 - lndef 13 ,,g Golf Course 0-7 Los Angeles Mission College Temporary Road Replacement 15 Apr 05 -14 Apr 06 18 U-1 CttJ of Los Angeles Sewer Easement 31 Apr97 -11Aug2037 99 U-2 Dept. of Water and Power Utility Pole Easement 28 Mar 01- lndef. 0.17 Looking northeast. Harding St. (A-1) on right side. Looking north. existing conditions of 0-7, location of utility poles (U-2) shown above. temporary road replacement Looking south. Harding St. (A-1) bridge over Looking south from Harding St. bridge into the Pacoima Wash in proximity to (U-2) utility poles model airplane field easement area (R-1) t lOPEZ DAt1 HA5TEK PlAN : (Note: Uti~ty poles have been increased in scale for visibillty purposes.) U.5. Amy Corp? ofEnqineel?- LA Di=iricf June 2005 _____J______' ______PlltTE 8 0 215 430 860ft. - 40 - 7.0 LAND CLASIFICATION 7.1 Land Classifications The proposed land classifications for Lopez Dam Basin are identified and defined below. Project lands are classified to provide for development and resource management consistent with authorized project purposes and the provisions of NEPA and other Federal Laws in compliance with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regulations. The Corps may allow agricultural use on an interim basis, or until development of an area is prescribed. Bicycle and equestrian trail systems may occur throughout the basin in, or adjacent to, nearly all land classifications. The narrow corridor they require, and relative control possible along these trails, is consistent with the various land classifications. The Environmental Assessment addresses concerns relating to environmental sensitivity and potential mitigation requirements for each of the specific planning areas, based on their proposed land classification and future development potential. 7.2 Classification Definitions per ER 1130-2-550 In 1996, ER 1130-2-550, "Project Master Plans and Operational Management Plans" superseded the 1987, ER 1130-2-435, "Preparation of Project Master Plans". The following define the land categories provided. 7.2.1 Project Operations In many cases the majority of lands (rim lands etc.) on Corps projects will be allocated to project operations. This classification category should include those lands required for the structure, operations center, office, maintenance compound and other areas that are used solely for project operations. Project operations includes sediment removal in the basin as needed. 7 .2.2 Recreation Land developed for intensive recreational activities by the visiting public, including developed recreation areas for concession, resort, and quasi-public development. At new projects, recreation areas planned for initial development will be included in this classification. Future areas will be classified as multiple resource management until initiation of the development. 7 .2.3 Mitigation This will only include land acquired or designated specifically for mitigation. Land classified in this category should be evaluated for consideration for lease or license to the Department of the Interior or the State. 7.2.4 Multiple Resource Management Lands managed for one or more of, but not limited to, these to the extent that they are compatible with the primary allocation(s). The activities will be fully explained in the narrative portion of the master plan. 1) Inactive and/or Future Recreation Areas: Recreation areas planned for the future. These lands will be classified as multiple resource management in the interim. Lopez Dam Basin Master Plan - 41 2) Recreation- Low Density: Low density recreation activities such as hiking, primitive camping, wildlife observation, hunting, or similar low-density recreational activities. 3) Wildlife Management General: Fish and wildlife management activities. Lands in this sub category are evaluated in consideration for lease or license to the Department of the Interior of the State. 4) Vegetative Management: Management activities for the protection and development of forest and vegetative cover. 7.2.5 Easement lands All lands for which the Corps holds an easement interest but not fee title. Planned use and management of easement lands will be in strict accordance with the terms and conditions of the easement estate acquired for the project. 7.3 Proposed Lopez Dam Basin Land Classifications The land Classification Plan proposes the following land use designations: Project Operations, Recreation, Multiple Resource Use Management, and Easements. There are presently no lands within the Lopez Dam Basin that require the environmentally sensitive land classification or mitigation classification. However, in the event that scientific, ecological, cultural, or aesthetic features are identified, that classification would be added. The Proposed Land Classification Plan illustrates the areas that compromise each classification. The plan does not represent exact boundaries, and areas may vary somewhat in the field. (See plate 9.) 7.3.1 Project Operations Facilities (dam structure, floodgates/spillway), areas and access roads involved with the operation and maintenance of the flood damage reduction project. At Lopez Dam Basin, this classification occurs on both sides of the dam, and expands around the spillway on the east side of the dam. Generally, this includes areas with limited or disallowed public access due to reservoir flood damage reduction operational hazards, environmental sensitivity, or inaccessible landscape buffering. 7.3.2 Recreation Areas located to the north and west sides of Maclay Street identified on the land classification map are designated as recreation resource areas. It is possible to develop intensive recreational facilities on the designated grounds for concession, resort and quasi-public development. This classification is specific to Planning Area 1. 7.3.3 Multiple Resource Management a. Recreation- Low Density: This sub-classification is specific to Planning Areas 2 and 5. This area lies within the 10 ye_ar flood zone, which is subject to prolonged inundation, sedimentation, and wave erosion. Tnerefore, structures of any type are prohibited in this area. (Refer to Table 3-3). Only disturbed vegetation is present in this area allowing potential low-density recreational opportunities such as primitive camping, nature trails, wildlife observation, open play fields or similar low-density recreational activities. b. Recreation- Low Density and WildlifeNegetation Management: Lopez Dam Basin Master Plan - 42 This sub-classification refers to planning area 3. This lies within the 10-year flood zone and significant wildlife and vegetation is present. Low-density recreation activities such as hiking, wildlife observation, or nature trails are possible in these areas, while keeping the preservation of the natural habitat as a first priority. 7.3.4 Easements The Corps of Engineers has currently leased out a 17.26-acre parcel to Port-A-Patti Flying club, for a model airplane field in the northeast portion in the basin. A road easement exists for the construction and maintenance of Maclay and Harding Street, encompassing a total bf 13.49 acres. A 16-foot wide easement over .98 acre parcel of land exists for a sewer line below Maclay and Harding Street and was granted to Los Angeles County. The Corps has granted Los Angeles Mission College a license to grade, construct and maintain a temporary replacement road segment to restore access from public streets (Maclay and Harding). An easement of .17 acres exists directly above Harding St. encompassing six utility poles and five feet on either side of the existing pole line. Lopez Dam Basin Master Plan - 43 ~Los Angeles ~ El Cariso Regional ·\Mission College . \ County Park L It ;V CL1,55/F/CltT/(JN5 ···2'1~~~------·1 PROPOSED LAND CLASSIFICATIONS Project Operations El Cariso County Recreation Golf Course .. Multiple Resource Management Easements U-2 1 ~p~~..i:R- - /, I' I R-1 U-1 I ~--, I l ;._7L I +N 0- 215 430 860 fl 8.0 PROPOSED RESOURCE USE PLAN 8.1 Resource Development The Proposed Resource Use Plan provides guidance for the development of recreation facilities within each land classification. The existing resource development has also been reviewed, and where appropriate, the plan provides guidance for the types of activities suitable for undeveloped lands. Any proposed development must comply with NEPA and flood damage reduction requirements, and must receive approval by the Los Angeles District of the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers. Existing general resource uses and proposed resource uses occur within each land classification category as outlined in Corps ER 1130-2-550. The proposed resource use plan identifies specific planning areas where future development is proposed, or where proposed land classification changes are recommended. The following paragraphs describe the planning areas, and discuss possible and/or proposed recreation development for each area. (See plate 10.) 8.1.1 Planning Area 1 - 23 acres The areas located to the north and west sides of Maclay Street identified on the land classification map are designated as recreation resource areas. It is possible to develop intensive recreational facilities on the 23 acres of designated grounds for concession, resort and quasi-public development. However, consideration of biological reports is imperative when developing recreation in this area due to the possibility of Federal or state listed endangered/threatened/rare species present in a nearby parcel. It is recommended, specifically, that if listed special status species are present nearby that a natural landscape buffer be planned to separate any intensive recreation from significant habitat areas. Because this area would not be subject to flooding, development of structural facilities would be permitted. (See plate 3.) 8.1.2 Planning Area 2 - 33 acres This area encompasses 33 acres located in the northern half of the Lopez Dam Basin. Planning Area 2 lies within the 10-year flood zone, which is subject to prolonged inundation, sedimentation, and wave erosion. Structures of any type are prohibited in this area. (Refer to Table 3-3). Only disturbed vegetation is present in this area, however, allowing potential low-density recreational opportunities such as primitive camping, nature trails, wildlife observation, open play fields or similar low-density recreational activities. For future planning considerations, it should be noted that this area would likely require sediment removal. 8.1.3 Planning Area 3 - 43 acres Planning area 3 lies within the 10-year flood zone, and provides significant wildlife habitat as well as significant local and regional vegetative type areas. Federal and State listed special status species could potentially be present or occur in this area. Various serial stages of vegetation types occur such as Southern Willow Scrub, Mule fat Scrub, Gooding Willow Forest, and Mixed Willow Riparian Woodland. Development of structures is prohibited, however low-density recreation is possible such as nature trails, wildlife viewing and primitive camping areas are potentially acceptable. For future planning considerations, it should be noted that this area would likely require sediment removal. Lopez Dam Basin Master Plan j -45 8.1.4 Planning Area 4 - 10 acres This area includes the operational dam area as well as the spillway and surrounding dam. Generally, this area has limited or disallowed public access due to reservoir flood damage reduction operational hazards, environmental sensitivity, or inaccessible landscape buffering. There is, however, a potential to open up access to the top of dam for a trail connection. 8.1.5 Planning Area 5 - 10 acres Planning Area 5 lies downstream of Lopez Dam, out-side the flood plain. This area contains disturbed habitat, and has the potential for low-density recreation such as trails, primitive campgrounds, or picnic areas. However, priority use of this area remains under the jurisdiction of operations, due to the proximity of the dam. :;<.· Lopez Dam Basin Master Plan - 46 ~Los Angeles ~ El Cariso Regional I I ·\Mission College . \ County Park E u 11< E .._/ 5E PROPOSED RESOURCE USES Planning Area 1 - 23 acres El Cariso County .. Planning Area 2 - 33 acres Golf Course - Planning Area 3 - 43 acres 1111 Planning Area 4 - 10 acres .. Planning Area 5 - 10 acres RESOURCE USE DESCRIPTIONS Planning Area 1- Intensive Recreation (potential for high impact recreation) Planning Area 2- Multiple Resource Management Low-impact Recreation (trails, camping etc.) - Planning Area 3- Multiple Resource Management (wildlife habitat and trails) Planning Area 4- Operations Area (potential trail on top of dam) Planning Area 5- Multiple Resource Management (habitat and trails) LOPEZDAH HA5TER' PLAN U.5. tlmy Corp5 of Enqine:er~-;,- L.tl Di?frid Juf'lt! 2005 f'l!lre 10 215 430 860 ft ~~~~~~~~-~~--~~~~~~~- -- -47 9.0 CONCLUSIONS 9.1 Conclusion The Lopez Dam Master Plan provides guidance for the future administration of the Lopez Dam Basin. It establishes areas for Project Operations, Recreation, Mitigation, and Multip1e Resource Management, and provides guidance for development within the specific planning areas. The Master Plan provides guidance to insure: • Compliance with the authorized purposes of flood damage reduction and recreation development. • Appropriate land classifications based on compatibility with flood damage reduction requirements, existing and adjacent land uses, environmentally sensitive areas and accessibility. • Opportunities for increased recreational development. • Protection of environmental resources and open space, especially the Mitigation areas, and • Balanced recreational use of available land. 9.2 Future Development Specific proposals for future development must: • Comply with flood damage reduction requirements. • Comply with the Classification Plan. • Comply with NEPA. • Comply with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will evaluate each proposal based on the requirements listed above. The development of new facilities will provide recreational opportunities for the surrounding urban area. The character of the recreation area will be maintained as new features are interwoven with existing elements to create a dynamic recreation facility. Lopez Dam Basin Master Plan -48 10.0 RECOMMENDATIONS I recommend that this Master Plan for the Lopez Dam Basin be approved for the orderly development of recreational facilities. This Master Plan provides for the creation of new recreational opportunities for public use at the Lopez Dam Basin. Alex C. Dornstauder Date Colonel, US Army District Engineer Lopez Dam Basin Master Plan -49 Appendix A Lopez Dam Basin ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT June 2005 FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMP ACT LOPEZ DAM BASIN MASTER PLAN City ofLos Angeles, San Fernando Valley Los Angeles County, California I have reviewed the attached final Draft Environmental Assessment (DEA) prepared for the Lopez Dam Basin Master Plan. Lopez Dam Basin covers an area of approximately 120 acres and is located in the City of Los Angeles in the northeastern portion of the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles County, California. Neither a Master Plan nor recreation facilities have ever been developed for the Lopez Dam Basin. The proposed Master Plan provides guidance for the orderly development and management of potential recreation areas within the basin area. General land use designations are proposed, and appropriate uses for those designations are identified to serve as guidelines for future development proposals. Because specific development proposals are not included in the Master Plan, no impacts to cultural resources, biological resources, or environmental quality will occur. Available land and other resources are considered in a manner that would provide the best possible use of land, taking into consideration the requirements of flood damage reduction, water conservation, site conditions, the protection and maintenance of environmentally sensitive areas, and the recreation needs of the community according to ER 1130-2-550, "Project Master Plans and Operational Management Plans". (November 1996) Specific future development proposals, therefore, will require preparation of appropriate documentation in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and potential environmental impacts will be avoided or minimized to negligible levels through the implementation of environmental constraints and special conditions. The current study is in compliance with all applicable laws, including sections 401 and 404 of the Clean Water Act, Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, and the Clean Air Act. Because the Corps has identified no listed, candidate, or special status species as occurring in the Lopez Dam area, no coordination with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife · Service has been necessary to ensure that threatened, endangered, and sensitive species are not affected. Any specific development proposals within the subject land use planning parcels would require appropriate NEPA, as well as California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) clearance to address potential effects ofthose proposals. I have considered possible impacts of implementation of the Master Plan on the environment, including those associated with the significant resources as discussed in the Environmental Assessment. I have considered the available information contained in the DEA. It is my determination that the proposed project will not result in a significant effect to the existing environment. Therefore, preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is not required. Alex C. Domstauder Date Colonel, US Army District Engineer Executive Summary: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is preparing a Master Plan for the Lopez Dam Basin, an area of approximately 120 acres. This Environmental Assessment (EA) provides documentation on potential impacts to the site as mandated by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The Master Plan will prescribe the range of activities and future developments to be permitted, in addition to the existing operation and maintenance activities. The discussion of the affected environment, or environmental setting, as presented in the EA is framed around five land use zones designated in the Master Plan. They include: (1) Planning Area 1 - Intensive Recreation, Potential for High Impact Recreation; (2) Planning Area 2 - Low Intensity Recreation, Trials and Camping; (3) Planning Area 3 - Multiple Resource Management with Wildlife Habitat and Associated Observation Trail; (4) Operations Area, Potential for Multi-Use Trail Atop Dam; Planning Area 5 - Operations Area, South of Dam. Any specific development proposals within the overall, or general, land use planning parcels would require appropriate NEPA, as well as California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) clearance to specifically address the potential effects of those proposals. A Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) will be signed after the required circulation of the EA in the public review process. Table of Contents Section CHAPTER 1 - LOCATION...... 3 CHAPTER 2 - PROJECT BACKGROUND ...... 4 CHAPTER 3 - NEED FOR PROPOSED ACTION ...... 5 CHAPTER 4 - PROPOSED ACTION ...... 6 CHAPTER 5 - ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED ...... 7 5.1 Master Plan Preparation Alternative ...... 7 5.2 No Action Alternative ...... 7 CHAPTER 6 - ENVIRONMENTAL SETIING ...... 8 6.1 Land Use ...... 8 6.2 Geology ...... 8 6.3 Biological Resources ...... 8 6.4 Cultural Resources ...... 20 6.5 Water Resources ...... 21 6.6 Aesthetics ...... 22 6. 7 Air Quality ...... 22 6.8 Noise ...... 22 6.9 Traffic...... 23 6. 10 Recreation ...... 23 6.11 Health and Safety ...... 24 CHAPTER 7 - ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS ...... 25 7.1 Land Use ...... 25 7.2 Geology ...... 25 7.3 Biological Resources ...... 25 7.4 Cultural Resources ...... 28 7.5 Water Resources ...... 29 7. 6 Aesthetics ...... 29 7.7 Air Quality ...... 29 7.8 Noise ...... 29 7.9 Traffic...... 30 7 .10 Recreation ...... 30 7.11 Health and Safety ...... 30 CHAPTER 8-COMPLIANCE WITH ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS ...... 31 8.1 Flood Control Act of 1944...... 31 8.2 Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act of 1958...... 31 8.3 Federal Water Project Recreation Act of 1965...... 31 8.4 National Historic Preservation Act of 1966...... 31 8.5 National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ...... 31 Lopez Dam Basin Environmental Assessment - 1 8.6 Clean Air Act (1970, 1977)...... 31 8.7 Endangered Species Act of 1973 ...... 31 8.8 Floodplain Management Act of 1977...... 32 8.9 Clean Water Act of 1977...... 32 8.10 California Environmental Quality Act of 1972...... 32 CHAPTER 9 - COORDINATION ...... 33 CHAPTER 10- LIST OF PREPARERS ...... 34 CHAPTER 11- REFERENCES...... 35 APPENDICES: APPENDIX A- Mailing List...... 36 \ \ APPENDIX B - Native American Contacts ...... 38 APPENDIX C- Correspondence with State Historic Preservation Officer...... 40 APPENDIX D- Public Comments and Responses...... 38 Lopez Dam Basin Environmental Assessment -2 Lopez Dam Basin Master Plan Environmental Assessment 1.0 LOCATION The study area for this Master Plan comprises the approximately 120-acre Corps of Engineers' (Corps) Lopez Dam Basin. It is situated in the San Fernando Valley adjacent to the Los Angeles Mission College campus, El Carisa County Park and the El Carisa County Golf Course in the Sylmar section of the City of Los Angeles, in northwestern Los Angeles County (see master plan Plate 1). The site is located just south and west of the Angeles National Forest, about 20 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles, and within the Pacoima Wash portion of the upper Los Angeles River Watershed. Runoff in this area originates in the Angeles National Forest (to the north}, and flows from Pacoima Canyon Creek downstream to Pacoima Reservoir, and some 2 miles further downstream (as Pacoima Wash) to the project area. Pacoima Wash flows in a generally southerly direction along the southeastern boundary of the project area. Where flows from the project area return to the Wash, they travel another four miles south before discharging into Tujunga Wash, and another 3 miles before entering the channelized Los Angeles River proper. Lopez Dam Basin is directly bounded by single- and multi-family residential developments to the north, south, and west, and Pacoima Wash to the east. The Corps has divided the Basin into five areas based on use, termed "Planning Areas" (see Plate 10 in master plan document). The documentation and conclusions provided in this Environmental Assessment are framed to conform to these planning areas. Lopez Dam Basin Environmental Assessment - 3 2.0 PROJECT BACKGROUND Construction of Lopez Canyon Dam was authorized in the Flood Control Act of 1936, and was completed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1954 as part of the comprehensive Los Angeles County Drainage Area (LACDA) Flood Damage Reduction initiative. In September 1946, the Chief of Engineers of the Corps issued instructions under Public Law 634, December 22, 1944 for the development of park and recreational facilities as a secondary purpose of flood damage reduction projects. The recreation program included provisions for development of preliminary reports on authorized projects for which recreational possibilities had not been considered before. As the smallest of the five LACDA reservoirs, neither a master plan nor recreation facilities have ever been developed at Lopez Dam. Because the dam operator for Hansen Dam has performed operations and maintenance, based downstream, no office, residence, vehicles, or supporting facilities have been located or constructed in or adjacent to Lopez Dam. The County, however, has maintained spreading grounds within the dam basin. ..~ .. Lopez Dam Basin Environmental Assessment -4 3.0 NEED FOR PROJECT ACTION A Corps of Engineers Master Plan for recreation development, is required to conform to implementing Corps policies on master plans. These policies, stated in ER 1130-550 (15 November 1996), establish that: a. "Master plans shall be developed and kept current for all civil works projects and other fee owned lands for which the Corps has administrative responsibility for management.. b. The master plan shall cover all resources, including but not limited to fish and wildlife, vegetation, cultural, aesthetic, interpretive, recreational, mineral, commercial, and outgranted lands, easements, and water... c. Master plans shall focus on three components: (1) regional and ecosystem needs, (2) project resource capabilities and suitabilities, and (3) expressed public interests and desires ...The master plan will ensure that environmental mandates and considerations are incorporated. The master plan shall ensure that economy and quality shall be given equal attention in the development of new recreation facilities." It is Corps policy, in turn, that "programs and activities related to outdoor recreation will have as their design base ...the following mission statement: "The Army Corps of Engineers is the steward of the lands and waters at Corps water resources projects. Its Natural Resources Management Mission is to manage and conserve those natural resources, consistent with ecosystem management principles, while providing quality public outdoor recreation experiences to serve the needs of present and future generations. In all aspects of natural and cultural resources management, the Corps promotes awareness of environmental values and adheres to sound environmental stewardship protection, compliance and restoration practices. The Corps manages for long-term public access to, and use of, the natural resources in cooperation wit other Federal, State, and local agencies as well as the private sector. The Corps integrates the management of diverse natural resource components such as fish, wildlife, forests, wetlands, grasslands, soil, air, and water with the provision of public recreation opportunities. The Corps conserves natural resources and provides public recreation opportunities that contribute to the quality of American life." Consistent with these policies, the master plan is intended to provide guidance for the orderly development and management of the recreation resources within the reservoir area of the basin. As stated in the master plan, the plan was developed to achieve the following objectives. a. To support the project purposes offload damage reduction and recreation. b. To derive the optimum benefit from recreation resources and optimize competing resources. c. To utilize environmental resource values with existing facilities; and d. To mtegrate proposed development with existing facilities; and e. To provide development criteria for open space and recreation use. Lopez Dam Basin Environmental Assessment - 5 4.0 PROPOSED ACTION The Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District (LAD), is preparing a master plan for the Lopez Dam basin. This master plan is intended to provide guidelines for future operations and limit the kinds of development within the footprint of the approximately 120-ac parcel. The project is divided into five planning areas, of which four are carried through in this document, to help minimize potential impacts to the environment. These areas are as follow: Planning Area 1 - Intensive Recreation, Potential for High Impact Recreation Encompasses almost 23-ac located in the north and west portions of the basin, but separated from the main portion of the basin by Maclay Street. This constitutes a recreation resource area on the land classification map determined suitable for high intensity recreation. Planning Area 2 - Low Intensity Recreation, Trails and Camping Structures of any kind would be prohibited in this area, which covers some 33-ac, owing to its position in the 10-year floodplain. Because only disturbed vegetation is present in this area, it has the potential to support such low-intensity recreational opportunities as primitive camping, nature trails, wildlife observation, and open play fields. Planning Area 3 - Multiple Resource Management, Wildlife Habitat and Associated Observation Trail Significant wildlife and vegetative resources occur in this basin bottom area, of nearly 43-ac, which falls within the 10-year flood zone. Vegetation thriving in this area includes willows, mule fat scrub and cottonwood willow scrub. While placement of structures would be prohibited, permissible low-intensity recreation would include such features as nature trails, wildlife viewing and primitive camping. Planning Area 4 - Operations Area with Potential for Multi-Use Trail Atop Dam Includes the operational dam and the adjacent concrete structure, encompassing approximately 10-ac of land. The possibility exists of opening access to the top of the dam to provide a trail connection in the immediate neighborhood. Planning Area 5 - Operations Area below Dam This area is outside the floodplain. It contains degraded habitat and has a potential for such low intensity recreation uses as trails, primitive campgrounds, or picnic areas. Priority use of this area, encompassing about 1O acres, is controlled by the Corps Operations Branch, which will judge the appropriateness of any proposed added facilities. This zone, therefore, is not included in the potential impact discussions provided in this document. Lopez Dam Basin Environmental Assessment - 6 5.0 ALTERNATIVES For this project, two alternatives are proposed for consideration. They include: (a) development and implementation of the following comprehensive Master Plan for the Federal Lopez Dam Flood Damage Reduction Basin, as described in Section 4.0, the "Proposed Action"; and (b) a "No Action" alternative. 5.1 Master Plan Preparation Alternative The U.S, Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District, is preparing a Master Plan for the Lopez Dam Basin land parcel of some 120-ac, which prescribes the kinds of activities and future development that may be permitted within the basin, in addition to basic operations and maintenance activities. Discussion of the affected environment, or environmental setting, and potential environmental impacts in this document are based on evaluation of the land use designations proposed in the Master Plan. Specific development proposals within the overall or general land use planning areas will require appropriate NEPA and CEQA clearance to address specific potential effects associated with the subject proposals. 5.2 No Action Alternative The No Action alternative would result in the Master Plan being not formulated or implemented for the Lopez Dam Flood Damage Reduction Basin. The No Action alternative would result in continued administration of this parcel in an unsystematic or fragmented manner, which may pose a threat to the continued existence of some resources in the absence of management for balanced set aside of wildlife areas and specified intensities of recreational activities. Lopez Dam Basin Environmental Assessment - 7 6.0 ENVIRONMENTAL SEITING In this chapter, a general discussion of the affected, or existing, environment is provided in consideration of land use, geology, biological resources, cultural resources, water resources, aesthetics, air quality, noise, traffic, and health and safety. The general discussion includes site specific information where appropriate. This section on existing environment is based on field reconnaissance conducted in the fall and winter of 2004/2005, in addition to information available in several NEPA/CEQA documents recently developed for this area. 6.1 Land Use The primary purpose of Lopez Dam, situated within the City of Los Angeles, is to control storm runoff and debris production in a drainage area of approximately 34 square miles. Lopez Dam is bordered by residential tract housing primarily on the west and south sides of the dam structure. A public elementary school, Harding School, is located in the residential neighborhood to the west of the basin. On the north side of the basin, some agricultural uses still occur to include orange groves. The El Carisa Golf Course, operated by the County of Los Angeles, Parks and Recreation Department, is located within one quarter mile of the north end of the basin Lands further east of the basin comprise hilly terrain and open space. The boundary of the Federal Angeles National Forest occurs approximately one half mile east of the basin. 6.2 Geology The project site is located south of the San Gabriel Mountains in the Transverse Ranges Geomorphic Province, near the mouth of Pacoima Canyon, on an alluvial fan surface that slopes toward the south-southwest. This range is seismically active, and contains a number of strike-slip and thrust faults. The epicenter of the 1971 Sylmar earthquake was located in Lopez canyon. Strong ground shaking can be expected on the project site during moderate to severe earthquakes in the general region. Surface and near-surface soils in the project area vary in composition, but are generally silty sand. Past geological reports have indicated that these dense alluvial soils extend to the order of several hundred feet below the ground surface. Soil liquefaction is considered a low risk at this site, because ground water has not been found any closer to the surface than 100-150 feet. 6.3 Biological Resources Lopez Dam is located upstream of the Corps' Hansen Dam, and downstream of Pacoima Dam, which is owned and operated by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works (LACDPW). Biological studies have been conducted in the basin by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS, 1984), and by the Los Angeles District of Corps of Engineers (LAD/COE, 1986). 6.3.1 Vegetation Vegetation type (plant community) and hierarchical structure listed below follow the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) List of California Terrestrial Natural Communities Recognized by the Natural Diversity Data Base, May 2002 Edition. The California Natural Lopez Dam Basin Environmental Assessment - 8 Diversity Data Base (CNDDB} classification code is recorded with each vegetation type listed, and a brief summary of each natural community is discussed. If a vegetation type found in the project boundary did not conform to any of the communities in the CNDDB, it was classified after the dominant plant species found within the polygon. Vegetation type descriptions are based on PCR field investigations, using Sawyer and Keeler-Wolfe (1995), and Holland (1986 and 1992 update} where appropriate. It should be noted that the vegetation types within the basin of Lopez Dam have undergone disruption by past and on-going sediment removal activities. Vegetation types within the Lopez Dam Master Plan area are mapped on Plate 7 of the Master Plan, which also provides corresponding photographic images. a. Planning Areas 1 and 2 Disturbed Disturbed areas are mostly devoid of vegetation due to recent disturbances. Types of disturbed areas found on-site include disked or cleared land, dirt access roads, and areas used by off-road vehicles. Disturbance-tolerant vegetation typically found in these areas on-site include castor bean, Russian thistle, pineapple weed (Chamomi/la suaveo/ens}, and jimson weed (Datura wrighti~. Within disturbed regions, one isolated sycamore occurs in an area surrounded by bare ground. Non-native Grassland (42.000.00) Non-native grasslands typically occur in upland areas with deep soils of relatively flat terrain, or on gradual slopes, below 3,000-ft above MSL. This vegetation type is typically represented by a dense to sparse cover of annual grasses of Mediterranean origin, and is often associated with numerous species of showy flowered, native, annual forbs. Floristic richness is affected to a high degree by land use patterns, such as intensity and duration of grazing, fire frequency, and other anthropogenic disturbances. This vegetation type is also associated with California sagebrush scrub, and with California sagebrush-California buckwheat scrub as the understory, in areas of less dense shrub cover. In some areas, large mats of popcornflower (P/agiobothrys nothofu/vus} intermixed with evening primrose ( Oenothera sp} occur. California Sagebrush Scrub (32.010.00) Sagebrush scrub vegetation type communities consist of drought-tolerant shrubs on well-drained soils. Within the project area this vegetation type is dominated by California sagebrush (Artemisia californica}. Associated, less common species found dispersed throughout this community include California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum}, mule fat (Baccharis salifcifolia}, horehound (Marrubium vulgare}, and deerweed (Lotus scoparius}. California Sagebrush California Buckwheat (32.110.00) California sagebrush-California buckwheat is similar to California sagebrush scrub, but has more than one dominant species. Within the project area, California Sagebrush-California Buckwheat scrub is dominated by California sagebrush and California buckwheat. Additional species include mule fat, Mexican elderberry (Sambucus mexicana}, laurel sumac (Ma/osoma laurina), chaparral yucca (Yucca whipple1}, exotic, non-native castor bean (Ricinis communis). wishbone bush (Mirabilis californica}, and wild cucumber (Marah macrocarpus}. Scalebroom-Hairy Verba Santa-Chaparral Yucca (32.070.02) Scalebroom-hairy yerba santa-chaparral yucca is a vegetation type of coastal scrub community that is not dominated by a single plant species. Within the project boundary, this plant assemblage is dominated by hairy yerba santa (Eriodictyon crassifolium) and California Lopez Dam Basin Environmental Assessment - 9 sagebrush. Associated species include scalebroom (Lepidospartum squamatum), chaparral yucca, cholla ( Opuntia sp.), and laurel sumac. An isolated patch in the southern portion of the Corps property is dominated by a dense cover of ceanothus ( Ceanothus sp.). Scalebroom-hairy yerba santa-chaparral yucca/disturbed has dominant plant species that are characteristic of the scalebroom-hairy yerba santa-chaparral yucca, however, evidence of disturbance is apparent. This assemblage of plants lacks the hairy yerba santa component, but still contains all other plant indicators of scalebroom-hairy yerba santa-chaparral yucca vegetation type. Non-native grasses dominate the understory and extreme off-road vehicle activity has destroyed much of the vegetation. Southern Willow Scrub (61.208.00) Within the project site, southern willow scrub is dominated primarily by willow species, including Gooding's (Black) willow (Salix goodingil), arroyo willow (Salix /asiolepis), and sandbar willow(Salix exigua). Associated species found in this community on-site include mule fat, Mexican elderberry, white nightshade (Solanum doug/asJi), nettle (Urtica sp.), castor bean, milk thistle (Silybummarianum), wild cucumber, mugwort (Artemisia douglasiana), and ash (Fraxinus sp.) b. Planning Area 3 Planning Area 3 lies within the 10-year flood zone, and provides significant wildlife habitat as well as significant local and regional vegetative type areas. Federal and State listed special status species could potentially be present or occur in this area. Various series stages of vegetation types occur such as Southern Willow Scrub, Mule fat Scrub, Goodings Willow Forest, and Mixed Willow Riparian Woodland. Although development of structures is prohibited in this area, such low intensity recreation features as nature trails and, wildlife viewing areas may be acceptable. Mule fat Scrub (63.510.00) Areas of mule fat scrub support fairly tall riparian scrub species with herbaceous characteristics. Within the project site, mule fat scrub is dominated by mule fat and some willow species. Gooding Willow Forest (61.211.01) Within the Master Plan boundary below (south) Maclay Avenue, and within the Lopez Dam Basin, this series level vegetation type is found as a dense canopy (>60%); with the canopy almost continuous. This willow forest is dominated by black willow with a shrub understory <10 feet (arroyo willow, mulefat), but has a sparse under tree canopy. A sparse landscape of cottonwoods may be present. Shrubs include mule fat, mugwort, nettle, and other smaller willow species. Mixed Willow Riparian Woodland (61.208.00) This series level vegetation type is found within the Lopez Dam Basin below (south of) Maclay Avenue, immediately adjacent to the disturbed/barren habitat. Stands of willow species are co dominant in this low elevation series, with minor shrub understory. Canopy cover is<60%, with a shrub and herbaceous layer. Plants include Gooding (black) willow, arroyo willow and sand bar willow. Lopez Dam Basin Environmental Assessment - 10 c. Planning Area 4 Developed Developed areas are devoid of native vegetation due to on-going and permanent disturbances. Portions of the project site that have been developed include many ornamental plantings of turf grass and trees such as eucalyptus, jacaranda, pine, palm, juniper, and coral. d. Planning Area 5 This planning area consists of coastal sage scrub and disturbed habitat. For complete descriptions see Planning Area 1 above. 6.3.2 Threatened and Endangered Wildlife Species The Corps has identified no listed, candidate, or special status species as occurring in the Lopez Dam area. The following discussion describes plant and wildlife species present or potentially occurring within the general area of the project site, based on an evaluation of the habitats present. These species have been afforded special recognition by local, state, or Federal resource conservation agencies and organizations, principally due to the species' declining or limited population sizes, usually resulting from habitat loss. Because the Lopez Dam area is under Federal ownership, jurisdiction and management, the Master Plan recognizes Federal listed special status species. It will, however, conform to other environmental documents recently developed {e.g., Los Angeles Mission College District, Master Plan and Public Recreation Improvement Program, Draft EIR February 2005) by including State of California, Department of Fish and Game listed special status species in Table 6.5.1.2, but with no further discussion. For all Federal and state sensitive species, species of special concern or resources conservation organizations {i.e., California Native Plant Society), these lists are incorporated by reference into this document. The Federal Endangered Species Act {FESA) of 1973 defines an "endangered species" as "any species which is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range." "Threatened species" are defined as "any species, which is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range." Under provisions of Section 9{a){1 ){B) of FESA it is unlawful to "take" any listed species, where "take" is defined as "... harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct" {FESA Section 3(18)). Further, the USFWS, through regulation, has included certain types of habitat modification in their interpretation of the terms "harm" and "harass" as a form of take. This interpretation, however, is generally considered and applied on a case-by-case basis and often varies from species to species. Table 6.3.1 Plants, and Table 6.3.2, Animals, are adopted from the LAMC Master Plan and Public Recreation Improvement Program, Draft Environmental Impact Report, February 2005. Field surveys and focused species surveys were performed by PCR Services Corporation for LAMC, and field verified by the Corps project ecologist. Although the tables have been modified for the Federal project Master Plan project on Federal owned property, CDFG listed species have been included in order to segway between the various Federal and non-Federal projects on or within the Lopei! Dam environs. Corps biologists from Operations Branch and Environmental Resources Branch have been performing irregular site visits, with no Least Bell's vireo {LVBI) occurring to date. LVBI surveys Lopez Dam Basin Environmental Assessment - 11 will be continued, however, by both branches in order to cover the spring nesting season for vireos as well as the Western Willow Flycatcher (WIFL}. California gnatcatcher (CAGN} field surveys have been accomplished within the boundary of the Master Plan as well as in coastal sage scrub habitat to the east of Lopez Dam. No CAGN have been heard or observed to date. Nevin's Barberry ( Berberis nevini~ Chaparral with strong desert affinities is the primary habitat for this shrub. Shrub cover is relatively low growing and Nevin's Barberry may tower above the surrounding subshrubs. Berberis neviniigenerally grows in sandy/gravelly places between 800 and 2,700-ft (240-820-m} in elevation, on steep north-facing slopes or on low gradient, (south-facing} washes. Bedrock is typically of sedimentary origin (Boyd 1987). Associated plant communities are alluvial scrub, riparian scrub or woodland, coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and/or oak woodland (CNDDB 2000). A notable floristic feature of sites examined was the presence of several desert species not characteristic of cismontane chaparral (Boyd 1987; Mistretta and Brown 1989). Little information is available on life history, population demographics, breeding system, and pollination biology of this species. One observation has been that the development of fertile seed rarely occurs (Mistretta and Brown 1'989). Berberis nevinii's distribution is disjunct with populations scattered over southern California in Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. Historically, this species was distributed from San Francisquito Canyon in the Liebre Mountains to San Fernando Valley and the Arroyo Seco near Pasadena (Los Angeles County}, to San Antonio Wash along the southern base of the San Gabriel Mountains (San Bernardino County}, to Scott Canyon and San Timoteo Canyon near Redlands, and to Dripping SpringsNail Lake area (Riverside County} (CNDDB 2000). The natural versus introduced origin of several historical occurrences have not been ascertained. In Los Angeles County, Nevin's barberry has been found in Lopez Canyon in the Angeles National Forest; San Francisquito Canyon north of Saugus on both sides of the highway before Powerhouse #2; nearby in San Francisquito Canyon, 0.5 mile north of the San Francisquito Powerhouse ( 1 plant}; just west of Padua Avenue in the vicinity of San Antonio Wash, a few miles west of Upland and just north of Claremont; on the east bank of Arroyo Seco 0.5 mile north of the Rose Bowl, near the corner of Arroyo and Washington Streets (may not be native}; and near Vista Del Valle Road in Griffith Park, where likely introduced. Most of the historical habitat of Berberis neviniihas been eliminated by agriculture, urban development, and flood damage reduction and stream channelization (Mistretta and Brown 1989). Other threats associated with several occurrences, in addition to ongoing development, are brush clearing, road maintenance, invasion by exotic plant species, off-road vehicle damage, and other recreational activities (CNDDB 2000). In addition, predation on berries by birds has been observed (Mistretta and Brown 1989). The majority of known occurrences, including those natural occurrences with the largest number of individuals, is located on private property and are not protected. Only three natural occurrences are located on Federal lands (national forest system lands} and subject to Federal protection. The closest known occurrence is the presence of one large individual in Lopez Canyon of the Angeles National Forest (Soza and Boyd 2000). Lopez Dam Basin Environmental Assessment - 12 Table 6.3.1 Federal Special Status Species - Plants VASCULAR PLANTS Flowering Occurrence Scientific Name Common Name Period Federal State Preferred Habitat Distribution On-site 1 Asteraceae .. Sunflower Family Deinandra minthornit Santa Susana tarplant Jul-Nov NONE SR Rocky soils in coastal sage Known from Los Angeles NE scrub and chaparral. and Ventura Counties. Berberidaceae Barberry Family Berberis nevinii Nevin's barberry Mar-Apr FE SE Sandy or gravelly soil in Known from Riverside, San chaparral, cismontane Bernardino, and San Diego NE woodland, coastal scrub Counties. and riparian scrub. Fabaceae Leaume Family Astragu/us brauntonii Braunton' milk vetch Mar-Jul FE NONE Found In recent burns or Known from fewer than 10 disturbed areas in closed- occurrences in Los cone pine forests, Angeles, Orange and NE chaparral, coastal scrub, Ventura Counties. vallev, and orasslands. Polemonlaceae Phlox Family Navarretia fossalis spreading navarretia Apr-Jun FT NONE Associated with vernal Known from Los Angeles, pools, vernal floodplains, Riverside, and San Diego and alkali grasslands in Counties. NE silty clay soils. Associated with vernal pools. Polvaonaceae Buckwheat Family Chorizanthe parryi var. San Fernando Valley Apr-Jun FC SE Sandy coastal sage scrub. Known from Los Angeles Fernandina spineflower and Ventura Counties. Most historic locations are heavily urbanized and may be extirpated. Historic NE occurrences from near the project site include Pacoima wash, Little Tujunga Canyon, and Newhall. Lopez Dam Basin Environmental Assessment -13 VASCULAR PLANTS Flowering Occurrence Scientific Name Common Name Period Federal State Preferred Habitat Distribution On-site 1 Dodecahema leptoceras slender-horned Apr-Jun FE SE Found in association with Known from eight spineflower mature alluvial scrub or populations In Los Angeles, ~i chamise chaparral that San Bernardino, and receives overbank deposits southwestern Riverside NE every 50 to 100 years. Counties. Historic Occurs in sandy soils often occurrences from near the associated with project vicinity at Pacoima cryptogrammic crusts. wash and Newhall. Poaceae Grass Family Orcuttia californica California orcutt grass Apr-Aug FE SE Vernal pools Known from fewer than 20 extant populations that are in southern California or NE Baja California. Reported from Newhall Key to Species Listing Status Codes FE Federally Listed as Endangered SE State Listed as Endangered FT Federally Listed as Threatened ST State Listed as Threatened SR State Rare 1 = Key to Occurrence on-site NE= Focused survey performed -Species not expected to occur within the Master Plan boundary Lopez Dam Basin Environmental Assessment - 14 Table 6.3.2 Federal Special Status Species - Animals VERTEBRATES Occurrence In Scientific Name Common Name Federal State Preferred Habitat Distribution Study Area 1 AMPHIBIANS Bufonidae True Toads Bufo californicus arroyo toad FE csc Semi-arid areas in riparian habitat Southern Coast Ranges NE including washes or intermittent from S.L.O. Co. to Baja CA. streams. Comments: The arroyo toad is recorded in the CNDDB from the Santa Clara River, Newhall Quad (1994) and from Chatsworth Creek, Canoga Park, Calabasas and CanoQa Park Quads (1970). BIRDS Tyrannidae Tyrant Flycatchers Empidonax trail/ii extimus southwestern willow FE NONE Low elevation sites: Riparian So. CA, from the Santa NE flycatcher woodlands that contain water and Ynez River south. low growing willow thickets. High elevation sites: Large, flat, wet meadows that contain patches of willow trees. Comments: Focused surveys were conducted in 2004 for this species due to the presence of marginal riparian habitat on-site and the known occurrence of this species at Lopez Dam approximately 0.5 mile south of the study area (Taylor & Company 2000). PCR Corp Biologist Kristin Szabo and Susan Erickson did not observe this soecies within the study area durina the focused survey effort. Lopez Dam Basin Environmental Assessment - 15 VERTEBRATES Occurrence In Scientific Name Common Name Federal State Preferred Habitat Distribution StudvArea 1 Vireonidae Vireos Vireo be/Iii pusillus least Bell's vireo FE SE Perennial and intermittent streams A patchily distributed OB with low, dense riparian scrub and summer resident across riparian woodland habitats below So. CA. ti 2,000 feet elevation; nests primarily in willows and forages in the riparian and occasionally in adjoining upland habitats. Associated with willow, cottonwood, and mule fat. Comments: The least Bell's vireo is recorded in the CNDDB from Van Norman Dam in San Fernando, approximately four miles from the study area (1978). One least Bell's vireo was observed within the study area during two of the eight focused surveys conducted. The least Bell's vireo was observed in the southern willow scrub vocalizing on-site, and then flying off-site into Pacoima Wash. It was also observed carrying nesting material into Pacoima Wash. The least Bell's vireo appeared to be a lone male that was vocalizing and spending time in the willow scrub within the study area as well as within newly created riparian habitat adjacent within the LAMC study area. Sylviidae Old Worid Warblers, Gnatcatchers Polioptila californica Coastal California FT csc Coastal sage scrub vegetation So. Ventura Co., south NE gnatcatcher below 2,500 feet . elevation in through Los Angeles, Riverside Co. and generally below Orange, Riverside, San 1,000 feet elevation along the Bernardino Cos., and south coastal slope; generally avoids through the coastal foothills steep slopes and dense vegetation of San Diego Co. for nesting. Comments: The coastal California gnatcatcher is recorded in the CNDDB from Burbank, Van Nuys, and Sunland Quads. Focused surveys conducted in 2004 did not detect this soecies within the study area. Key to Species Listing Status Codes FE Federally Listed as Endangered SE State Listed as Endangered FT Federally Listed as Threatened ST State Listed as Threatened SR State Rare 1 =Key to Occurrence on-site NE = Focused survey performed - Species not expected to occur within the Master Plan boundary OB =Observed Lopez Dam Basin Environmental Assessment - 16 6.3.2.1 Least Bell's Vireo (Vireo be/Iii pusillus) Early to mid-successional riparian habitat is typically used for nesting by the Least Bell's Vireo because it supports the dense shrub cover required for nest concealment as well as a structurally diverse canopy for foraging. Vegetation characteristics of riparian stands between five to ten years of age are most suitable for nesting Least Bell's Vireo (Goldwasser 1981, Kus 1998, RECON 1989, Fish & Wildlife Service 1998). Restored riparian in the coastal lowlands of southern California has the habitat structure to support breeding vireos within 3-5 years particularly if they are adjacent to established riparian areas (Kus 1998). Least Bell's Vireo nests are normally found in areas with dense understory (RECON 1989, Salata 1981 and 1983, Goldwasser 1981). At the Santa Ynez River (Santa Barbara County), below 1.0m, mugwort (Artemisia douglasiana) and summer mustard (Brasica nigra} contribute most to foliage density (Olson & Gray 1989}. Willows mainly dominate the canopy of riparian habitat. On the Santa Margarita River, at Camp Pendleton, 97% of the canopy around the nest is willow spp. and the average percent canopy cover within 0.4ha (about 1 acre} of a nest= 25% (Salata 1983}. San Diego County most dominant trees are black willow (Salix goodingi~ and arroyo willow (Salix lasiolepes} (RECON 1989). Least Bell's Vireos place their nests in a variety of plants that provide concealment in the form of dense foliage. The most frequently used species include willows (Salix sp.), mulefat (Baccharis glutinosa}, California wild rose (Rosa californica}, poison oak ( Toxicodendron diversilobum), mugwort (Artemisia douglasiana), and cottonwood (Populus fremonti1) (Olson & Gray 1989, RECON 1989). Average host heights range from 2.8-5 meters (9 ft - 16 ft). Vireos tend to occupy areas, which support dense shrub cover (Salata 1981, Salata 1983, Goldwasser 1981 }. The proportion of tress with shrub understory was significantly higher at sites occupied by vireos than at those in which vireo did not occupy (RECON 1989 p 27). On Sweetwater River, San Diego River, and San Luis Rey River in San Diego County the most common shrub species (92 % of territories) is mulefat (Baccharis glutinosa} (RECON 1989). On Sweetwater River, San Diego River, and San Luis Rey River (San Diego County), mulefat (Baccharis glutinosa) is the most dominant followed in high number by the willow shrubs (Salix spp.), and tamarisk ( Tamarixsp.) (RECON 1989). The greatest foliage density around nests occurs between 0.2 and 1.0m (0.6ft and 3.3ft) and consists mostly of mugwort (Artemisia douglasiana) and summer mustard (Brassica nigra) (Olson & Gray 1989, RECON 1989}. The proportion of nests, at several sites in San Diego County, that were concealed by ground cover are: Sweetwater River 62 percent, San Luis Rey River 65 percent and San Diego River 29 percent (RECON 1989). Least Bell's Vireo prefer to nest in areas with low aquatic and herbaceous cover (RECON 1989). In a study along the Santa Ynez River (Santa Barbara County), trees at successful nest sites were significantly greater in mean DBH than unsuccessful nests (Olson & Gray 1989). The average DBH for trees surrounding nests was 15.Scm (0.5 ft) with a range of 1.8-50.0cm (0.06ft to 1.5ft) (Olson & Gray 1989). 6.3.2.2 Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax trail/ii extimus) The Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (E.t. extimus) is a riparian obligate species restricted to dens_€! streamside vegetation. The native broadleaf dominated habitat is composed of a single species (e.g., Gooding's or other willow species) or a mixture of broadleaf trees and shrubs, including cottonwood (Populus), willow (Sa/iX), box elder (Acer negundo), ash (Fraxinus), alder (A/nus), and button bush ( Cephalanthus), from 3 - 15 m (1 - 50 ft) tall, and characterized by trees of different size classes yielding multiple layers of canopy (Sogge et al. 1997a). Some of the more common tree and shrub species currently known to comprise nesting habitat include Gooding's willow (Salix gooddingit), coyote willow (Salix exigua) Geyers willow (Salix geyerana), and arroyo willow (Salix /asiolepis). Generally, you would not find southwestern willow flycatchers Lopez Dam Basin Environmental Assessment -17 nesting in an area without willows. On the San Luis Rey River, the broadleaf habitat is dominated by coast live oaks (Craig, D. and P. L. Williams. 1998). The mixed native/exotic habitat is composed of dense mixtures of native broadleaf trees and shrubs mixed with introduced species such as salt cedar or Russian olive. The vegetation of occupied sites includes dense patches often interspersed with small openings, open water, or shorter vegetation, creating a mosaic that is not uniformly dense (Sogge et al. 1997a). Southwestern willow flycatchers nest in thickets of trees and shrubs ranging in height from 2 m to 30 m (6 to 98 ft). Nest sites typically have dense foliage at least from the ground level up to approximately 4 m (13 ft) above ground, although dense foliage may exist only at the shrub level, or as a low dense canopy. Nest sites typically have a dense canopy. 6.3.2.3 California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica) California Gnatcatcher's generally prefers open sage scrub with California sagebrush (Artemisia californica) as a dominant or co-dominant species (as summarized in Atwood and Bontrager 2001). The gnarcatcher appears to be more abundant near sage scrub-grassland interface than where sage scrub grades into chaparral. Dense sage scrub is occupied less frequently than more open sites. Mostly absent from coastal areas dominated by black sage (Salvia mellifera), white sage (S. /eucophyl/a), or lemonade berry (Rhus integrifolia). Nest placement is typically in areas with less than 40 percent slope gradient; gullies and drainages, when available within territory are used as nest sites. The nesting substrate used is proportional to shrub species availability: typically California sagebrush, California buckwheat (Eriogonum fascicu/atum), California sunflower (Encilia californica), broom baccharis (Baccharis sarothroides), and laural sumac (Malosma laurina). Many other common sage scrub species plant taxa are used less frequently. The California gnatcatcher prefers nesting in areas with less than 40 percent slope gradient (Mock and Bolger 1992, J.L. Atwood, unpublished data). 6.3.3 Wildlife and Wildlife Corridors In most topographically varied areas the patterns of human land use are fairly predictable and often result in the creation of many isolated fragments of natural vegetation. Another consequence of human settlement patterns is that some vegetation types are lost at higher rates than others. In this sense, some vegetation types are relatively protected from loss by virtue of their occurrence on-steep slopes. Nevertheless, remaining fragments of vegetation types may be quite small and isolated from other native landscape elements, such as watercourses. Even where remaining habitats are still relatively large and connected, the presence of urbanization in the landscape appears to affect the abundance of shrubland and riparian birds and more importantly, the movement of megafauna through remaining habitats. Fragmented vegetation types may not provide enough continuous acreage to support those birds, mammals, or reptiles that require significant areas of habitat for an individual to survive. However, even birds that can survive in smaller patches of habitat may disappear from fragmented areas. This is because individual birds may have difficulty moving from one habitat fragment to another when the fragments are separated by inhospitable developed areas or over very large parcels of urbanized landscapes. Movement through fragmented vegetation types becomes more risky for the individual animals that move (usually juveniles) and thus the number disp~rsing successfully from one population to another is reduced. This movement of individuals (dispersal) is necessary to prevent the extinction of animal's species because the survival of a population in one habitat patch may depend on the influx of new individuals from other plant community patches. Also, if local extinction occurs (i.e., a distinct population dies out), the colonization of that habitat by other individuals of that species may be delayed or prevented. Such systems of isolated Lopez Dam Basin Environmental Assessment - 18 vegetation type remnants connected by occasional dispersal events are referred to as "metapopulations." A reduction in dispersal also can cause a reduction in genetic exchange between populations. A landscape containing many isolated habitat fragments can be compared to an ocean with many islands. One idea that comes from studying islands (the equilibrium theory of island biogeography; MacArthur and Wilson 1967) states that colonization and extinction rates on habitat islands are influenced by the size of islands and degree of isolation from other islands or "mainlands." This means that more species are typically present on larger and less isolated islands, and the same pattern often holds true for habitat fragments. Fragmentation frequently creates patches of vegetation types that have long boundaries with developed areas, and this can create conditions that further compromise the ecological integrity of the community. Although natural ecotones (edges) between native habitat types usually provide conditions that enhance diversity (Brown and Gibson 1983), anthropogenic edges often are accompanied by reductions or losses of specialist species (e.g., Bolger et al. 1997). In California wildland-urban interfaces, improving vegetation structure and increasing the availability of water and food may improve habitat value near edges for some species. Compiex interfaces often mimic natural ecotones in that they support enhanced diversities of birds (Guthrie 1974). However, negative edge effects include the creation of barriers to dispersal, increases in native and non-native predators (Crooks and Soule 1999), and increase in community structure change with the invasion on invasive exotic plant species The mosaic of vegetation types discussed is comprised of numerous plant species and provide habitat for the assemblage of wildlife species. While a few wildlife species are entirely dependent on a particular natural community, the entire mosaic of all vegetation types within the landscape of the Master Plan boundary and adjoining areas constitutes a functional ecosystem for a multiplicity of wildlife species, both within the project site and as part of the regional ecosystem. The Master plan boundary, which is situated in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, is located within a highly urbanized area of the San Fernando Valley. Although there is vast open space to the north (i.e., San Gabriel Mountains), the area is surrounded in all other directions by urban development. Similarly, Pacoima Wash occurs within the boundary and provides passable resources for wildlife movement, nonetheless, wildlife traveling within the wash would soon reach the existing urban barrier to the east, south, and west (MP Plate 2). Most secretive species such as mountain lion, bobcat, and gray fox would possibly learn to avoid this route. Therefore, due to its location in an already urbanized area, the project site would not be a significant part of a regional wildlife corridor. Furthermore, PCR biologist consulted the Missing Linkages report (Penrod, 2000) and the their project site is outside of any identified potential linkage areas or obstruction points. However, the Lopez Dam Master Plan may likely be linkage for a variety of wildlife species between the San Gabriel mountains Range (Angeles National Forest) and the lower elevation habitats. Although it is not expected that many megafauna will utilize the project boundary as a corridor, a few ubiquitous species such as raccoon, Virginia opossum, striped skunk, and coyote do move through the properties on a local basis utilizing the resources found in urban areas. Even though limited in size proportional to other urban interface habitats, the master plan project site provides inadequate native scrub and but very adequate riparian plant communities and "open space" area. Finally, several features recognized as facilitating movement of wildlife, including a portion of the Pacoima Wash floodplain, concrete-lined channels, a riparian corridor, and several box culverts, are found within or directly adjacent to the project site. The most significant natural featu{e facilitating wildlife movement within the master plan boundary itself is Pacoima Wash. Observations of wildlife or wildlife signs (scat, tracks) during general surveys were limited. Nonetheless, the presence of many common species such as coyote, raccoon, striped skunk, Virginia opossum, and a myriad of bird species are likely to be the presence through much of the Pacoima Wash environ and associated open space east of the project site. The presence of these species within the master plan boundary would indicate that local wildlife movement is occurring. Local wildlife movement includes movement of individual animals that are resident on Lopez Dam Basin Environmental Assessment - 19 or adjacent to the project site. This type of movement consists of traveling to and from foraging and resting areas usually along a consistent route. Movement of this type is common wherever open space is sufficient enough to support wildlife. For medium and large mammal species, the likely travel routes within the boundary will be through the Pacoima Wash environs. Birds are less restricted but more frequently move through contiguous habitat connections. This will be intensify during severe Pacific winter storms when there will be elevational migration down slope into the lower elevations where resources will be more readily available. 6.4 Cultural Resources The cultural environment includes those aspects of the physical environment that relate to human culture and society, along with the social institutions that form and maintain communities and link them to their surroundings. Section 101 (b)(4) of NEPA established a Federal policy of conserving the historic and cultural, as well as the natural, aspects of our national heritage. Federal undertakings include projects, activities, or programs funded in whole or in part by a Federal agency, or requiring a Federal permit, license, or approval. Regulations for Protection ofHistoric Properties (Title 36 CFR, Part 800) implement the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (NHPA) by defining a process for demonstrating appropriate consideration of National Register listed or eligible properties through consultation with State Historic Preservation Officers, the Federal Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, and other interested organizations and individuals. Cultural resources are addressed in this EA in compliance with both NEPA and NHPA. There are two principal methods of locating cultural resources. Before starting a project, a records and literature search is conducted at any number of repositories of archeological site records. The search may show that an archeological, or historical survey had been conducted and some cultural resources were identified. That information may be enough to proceed with the significance evaluation stage of the project. If a conclusion is reached that (1) no previous survey had been done, or (2) a previous survey was either out of date or inadequate, the project cultural resources expert, an archeologist, will need to carry out a pedestrian surface survey to determine if any cultural resources are within the proposed project boundaries. After a cultural resource(s) has been identified during a survey or record and literature search the Federal Agency overseeing the undertaking embarks on a process that involves determining if the cultural resource is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places (National Register). Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act mandates this process. The Federal Regulation that guides the process is called 36 CFR 800. For a cultural resource to be determined eligible for listing in the National Register it has to meet certain criteria. The resource has to be either minimally 50 years old or exhibit exceptional importance. After meeting the age requirement, cultural resources are evaluated according to four criteria: a, b, c, and d. The National Register criteria for evaluation as defined in 36 CFR 60.4 are: The quality of significance in American history, architecture, archeology, engineering, and culture is present in districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects that possess integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association and (a) that are associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history; or {b) that are associated with the lives of persons significant in our past; or (c) that embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction, or that represent the work of a master, or that possess high artistic values, or that represent a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction; or (d) that have yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history. Lopez Dam Basin Environmental Assessment - 20 After a cultural resource has been determined eligible for inclusion in the National Register it is accorded the same level of protection as a property that is included. It then becomes formally known as a "historic property" regardless of age. Record and Literature Search In accordance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, a records and literature search was conducted at the South Coastal Archaeological Information Center, and involved review of archeological resources maps, historic topographic maps, and historic register lists. Historical registers include the National Register of Historic Places (2000}, the California State Historic Resources Inventory (2000}, the California Points of Historical Interests (1992} and the California Historical Landmarks (1996}. Previous surveys on file at the Los Angeles District Corps of Engineers (Cottrell et al. 1985, Demcak 1979, and Martz 1977} observed no cultural material. There are no previously recorded historic properties within .5 mile of the Area of Potential Effect (APE) of the proposed project. Native American Concerns Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, the American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978, the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990, and Executive Order 13084 of May 14, 1999: Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments all require that government agencies consult with Native Americans to determine their interests in Federal projects. A search at the California Native American Heritage Commission (CNAHC} determined that no sacred sites are recorded within the project area. The Lopez Dam basin does not have significant cultural resources associations. 6.5 Water Resources Lopez Dam is located about 1200 feet upstream of the mouth of Pacoima Canyon. Pacoima Dam is located approximately 2 miles lies upstream of Lopez Dam. The other major tributary of Lopez Dam is the creek in May Canyon. The Lopez Dam watershed includes many steep hills and highly erodable soils, which result in high velocity, debris-laden flows entering the basin. Runoff to Lopez Dam is almost entirely from non-urban areas. Lopez Canyon is tributary to the Los Angeles River and is considered a portion of the San Fernando Drainage Area of the LACDA system as defined by Unitex (1985}. Flows from Lopez Dam enter Pacoima Wash, a concrete-lined, open channel; and eventually reach the Los Angeles River after connecting with the Tujunga Wash Channel. A portion of the surface flows that enter Lopez Dam are diverted to spreading grounds within the basin, where they percolate into the ground to help recharge the underground aquifer. Opportunities for recharge are limited to the basin and upstream, since channels downstream are lined. In addition, some flows are diverted from Pacoima wash to a spreading ground approximately 3 miles downstream of Lopez Dam. It should be noted that runoff from precipitation in Pacoima Creek (among others} is used to estimate local recharge to the groundwater basin as part of the management of extractions for water supply. The quality of the semi-natural waters entering Lopez Dam is generally good. Waters are generally high in sediment content, however, gradually reducing percolation capacities at spreading grounds. Lopez Dam Basin Environmental Assessment - 21 Lopez Dam lies within the San Fernando Valley drainage basin. Prior to the use of the local aquifer as a source of water, the groundwater in the San Fernando Valley flowed eastward across the valley toward the Los Angeles River Narrows where it left the basin. The safe yield value for the San Fernando basin is 90,680 ac-ft (Unitex, 1986). Historic data show that there was actually a net increase in storage in the basin between the 1950s and 1990s. Recharge of the basin from surface runoff is augmented by recharge with imported water. Although water quality over the entire San Fernando Valley is generally fair to poor owing primarily to high mineralization in the soils of the area, and other localized problems such as nitrate concentrations and trace organics, the quality of the groundwater is considered good in the immediate vicinity of the Lopez Dam basin. Downstream of the basin there are known plumes of groundwater contaminants, particularly trichloroethylene (TCE) and tetrachloroethene (PCE). 6.6 Aesthetics The study area is within the 50-year floodplain of Pacoima Wash. It is moderately disturbed by human activity with numerous cross linked trails, and partially tramped down brushy vegetation, all of which deprive the area of any pristine character from the local streamside landscape. Much of the study area has an open space and park ambience, which is sought after by local residents. 6. 7 Air Quality The project site lies within the South Coast Air Quality Basin, which is monitored by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). The distinctive climate of the basin is determined by its terrain and geographical location. The basin is a coastal plain with connecting broad valleys and low hills bounded by the Pacific Ocean in the southwest quadrant, with high mountains forming the remainder of the perimeter and the site's immediate backdrop. The region is situated in the semi-permanent high-pressure zone of the eastern Pacific. As a result, the climate is mild, tempered by cool sea breezes. This usually mild climatological pattern is interrupted infrequently by periods of extremely hot weather, intense winter storms, or desiccating Santa Ana winds. The SCAQMD and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) maintain a network of air quality monitoring stations within the basin. The stations monitor the surrounding air for the presence of: 2 ozone (03), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (S0 ), nitrogen dioxide (NO\ total suspended particulate (TSP), lead (Pb), sulfate and nitrate. Excepting nitrate, these are pollutants for which the State and Federal governments have established air quality standards and, in some cases, episode criteria. The Reseda monitoring station is closest to the site and is assumed to represent the Lopez Dam project area. Air quality monitoring data show the number of days of exceeding particulate standard, and the State annual geometric mean particulate standard (SCAQMD, 1984). The air quality in the project area is representative of the air quality within the San Fernando Valley and does not degrade the region's air particulate standards. Within the basin, there are occasions where there are higher short-term increases in the suspended particulates, which results from the winds picking up particulates from areas with bare soil within the basin. This condition is being rectified by natural conditions because the black willow forest cover is expanding, and will cover most bare soil surfaces within a few years. 6.8 Noi~e Noise levels at Lopez Dam tend to be quiet compared to other basins within the LACDA system. This is due to the basin's relatively remote location away from freeway noise; its location adjacent to a quiet neighborhood; and its proximity to the El Carisa Golf Course and the Angeles National Forest. In addition, because there is no established recreational activity on the site, and a very Lopez Dam Basin Environmental Assessment - 22 small amount, if any, quarry or construction activity occurring in the basin, there are no significant sound sources in the vicinity. Noise level measurements, or project operations composite noise levels, were completed at the LAMC site in 2003, for Lopez Dam. The basin generally had a measured noise level of 77 dBA, with a 73.5 contribution to CNEL(Appendix H, D. EIR, 2003). 6.9 Traffic Direct access to Lopez Darn and the basin is via Maclay Street, a two-lane collector road that serves the growing residential section east of the basin. Maclay Street forms an interchange with the Foothill (210) Freeway approximately one half mile south and easterly of Lopez Darn. Access is also available via Pacoima. A number of primary arterial roadways, which run diagonally, also provide access to the site. These include Foothill Boulevard, Glenoaks Boulevard and San Fernando Road. Major freeways connected to the Foothill (1-210) Freeway include the Golden State Freeway (1-5), which connects 4.5 miles north of the Maclay Street interchange, and alternately, 3.5 miles east via the Simi Valley (118) or Ronald Reagan Freeway. Recent studies have indicated an ambient growth rate of 1% annually from existing traffic counts. 6.10 Recreation Lopez Dam has had very limited value as a recreation resource. The purpose of Lopez Dam was flood damage reduction, when construction was completed in 1954. The dam project was not as such intended for multi-purpose use, to include recreational activities. Since then, single purpose use for limited resources is no longer considered prudent, nor the recommended plan, in areas in critical need of affordable recreation. Guidance, however, should be sought on the planning and development of outdoor recreation facilities. Important considerations include what recreation facilities may be cost shared, a discussion of locally preferred plans, and reporting guidelines for plans recommending recreation development. Local recreation facilities in the immediate area of Lopez Darn include El Carisa Golf Course, El Carisa Regional County Park, Veterans Memorial County Park, baseball fields, (Sylmar Independent Baseball League) and to the east, hiking trails in the nearby mountains of the Angeles National Forest. The El Carisa Golf Course is an 18-hole, par-62 facility with approximately 4493 total yards. Course walking is allowed. The golf course has a driving range, a putting green, and a snack bar. The golf course is located on 90 acres of land. This golf course is heavily used, as are all Los Angeles County golf courses. El Carisa Park has 5 ball fields, a swimming pool, 11 tennis courts, three basketball courts, a number of volleyball courts, 5 major restrooms, and is located on 79 acres. It has 10 picnic shelters with large grassy areas. Although parking capacity for vehicles is small for El Carisa, this park is heavily used, and there is a high use of street parking by park users. Veterans Memorial Park has been part of the Los Angeles County Park and Recreation system since 1977. It was dedicated on February 9, 1979, and is situated on 96 acres of former Federal lands occupied by the US Veterans Memorial Hospital. It has areas for family and group picnics, con!ains a disc (Frisbee) golf course, a Cultural Art Center, Community Building, group overnight camping areas (for use with special permission), and a grassed recreation area. The Sylmar Independent Baseball League (SIBL) is located on a 22-acre parcel, much of which was converted into baseball fields in the 1980's. Presently, there are 9 baseball fields. Although a small roadway to the ball fields passes across Corps land, this road recently washed out. A temporary replacement road is being constructed for the 2005 ball season. Lopez Dam Basin Environmental Assessment - 23 Lopez Dam Basin offers limited parking on unimproved grounds, and no street parking is available. Without parking improvements, recreational use is limited to local residents, and no facilities, such as restrooms, are provided. Permanent buildings are not permitted in areas within the 10-year flood plain. An abandoned roadway (Maclay Street} lies below the sand settlement upstream of Lopez Dam. Passive and low impact recreation appear to be the most appropriate uses for the Lopez Dam area. Passive recreation opportunities would include trails and walkways for viewing and for such low impact activities as hiking and jogging along the boundaries of the Lopez Dam site. This would offer about one mile of walkway. The inclusion of bicycle and equestrian use on trails and walkways around Lopez Dam would require further study of potential impacts to the area, because use of bikes and horses may or may not be compatible or complementary with basic hiking, walking, and running trail/walkway use. Picnicking and camping are possible, but would require additional improvements and regular site maintenance. Past use of the Lopez Dam site has included, in the dry season, flying model planes. The continued use of the site for flying model planes should be reviewed if other recreational uses are to be considered. However, the presence of flying model planes should not preclude other recreational uses. During the rainy season, water flows from the north, down from the mountains into the Pacoima Wash, under the highway bridge (Harding Street} into the Lopez Dam Basin. At the highway bridge and the spillway at Lopez Dam trail/walkway breaks would occur unless improvements are made to circumvent those points. Use of the dam top for trail and walkway has not been precluded. 6.11 Health and Safety Three park police personnel from Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation El Carisa Park, handle existing safety concerns. Eight full-time supervisory staff are based in the recreation area, with two shifts (6 a.m. to 10 p.m.} of four personnel each. Park hours are officially stated as 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., with no variation during the summer and winter months. Campus security at Los Angeles Mission College polices the campus area, along with LAPD and L.A. City Fire Department staff are available for patrolling or incident response, including swift water rescue during high flows in the rainy season. Los Angeles City Fire Department would generally be the first responder in the case of falls from channel banks, snakebite, and the like. The Corps of Engineers sends rangers from its main office for occasional site visits but does not, as noted earlier, maintain a staff presence in the Lopez Dam basin. Lopez Dam Basin Environmental Assessment - 24 7.0 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS/EFFECTED ENVIRONMENT The purpose of this Environmental Assessment is to evaluate potential environmental effects of actions resulting from the Lopez Darn Basin Master Plan and activities contemplated in the subject 120-ac of Corps land in and around that basin. This document draws upon recent work conducted by the Los Angeles Community College District's L. A. Mission College, located adjacent to the site. Their Draft Environmental Impact Report and Technical Appendices. Los Angeles Mission College Facilities Master Plan and the Public Recreation Improvement Plan,3 Vols., October 29, 2003, incorporates recent observations and measurements of environmental site characteristics as well as socio-economic parameters for a 60 acre zone that overlaps the Corps Lopez Darn basin discussed in this document. 7.1 Land Use Environmental Impacts There are no joint uses of Federal lands proposed for Lopez Darn and the associated basin that would be adversely affected by expansion activities. Likewise, these activities will not affect land use or ownership on Planning Areas 1-4. The proposed land use changes outlined in the Master Plan will not result in any impacts to surrounding land uses. Any structures or facilities within the basin will be developed and evaluated in accordance with Corps regulations and in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and other pertinent laws and regulations. Mitigation Measures No mitigation measures are required for this action. 7.2 Geology 7.2.1 Soils Impacts Detailed soil studies have not been prepared for each planning area identified by the master plan, and potential soil constraints within each planning area cannot be precisely determined. Soil conditions, however, are not expected to result in significant constraints to development proposed in accordance with the master plan. It should be noted that this determination might vary for individual planning areas, depending on the results of future site-specific soils studies. 7.2.2 Seismic Impacts Any future development and higher recreation uses within the project area will likely result in increased numbers of persons and structures subjected to the potential hazards of seismic events. These impacts cannot be avoided, but they can and will be minimized through sound construction methods and the maintenance of emergency access to and within the project area. 7.3 Biological Resources 7.3.1 Vegetation Types Implementation of the Lopez Darn Master Plan would result in direct removal of numerous common plant species in the study area above Maclay Avenue. The majority of these plant species, however, are non-native, ornamental plantings. Common plant species present within native plant communities occur in large numbers throughout the region and are not expected to be significantly impacted. In addition, common plant species existing within disturbed or Lopez Dam Basin Environmental Assessment - 25 developed areas on-site are typically disturbance-tolerant, and would be expected in abundance off-site on suitable habitat in remaining open space throughout the region. The Lopez Dam Master Plan may impact California sagebrush scrub and as well as the California sagebrush-California buckwheat scrub vegetation types, both of which are considered sensitive plant communities due to their potential to support sensitive species. No sensitive plant species were observed, however, during field verification of the LAMC draft EIR biological environment. The proposed master plan could potentially affect a monotypic and disturbed plant community of scalebroom-hairy yerba santa-chaparral yucca, which is considered sensitive by several state and Federal agencies. Because the loss of this community would not threaten the regional distribution of this scalebroom-hairy yerba santa-chaparral yucca series, however, these impacts are not considered significant. 7.3.2 Threatened and Endangered Species The Gooding or black willow forest (GWF) vegetation type (within the Lopez Dam Basin (north of the dam) appears to be converging on the primary constitute elements for LBVI nesting habitat. The mixed willow riparian woodland (MWRW) vegetation type is also converging towards LBVI nesting habitat but not on the scale of the GWF. The physiognomy of the vegetation is lacking in its structural integrity. Because the MWRW is in an early successional stage, however, the LBVI could occupy this habitat given its continuity and proximity to the GWF, as well as its structural habitat components. Constituent elements for LBVI habitat include riverine and floodplain habitats, and particularly associated willow and cottonwood-dominated plant communities that provide for the nesting foraging and other habitat requirements of least Bell's vireo within its breeding range. Floodplains with appurtenant riparian vegetation and associated upland habitats represent primary constituent elements. Vireos obtain all their survival needs (food, cover, nest sites, nestling and fledgling protection) within the riparian zone. Least Bell's Vireo The general features of the Lopez Dam Master Plan would not affect the LBVI or its habitat. During specific project implementation, a more comprehensive LBVI protocol survey and analysis would have to be accomplished as part of the environmental process. There are three primary reasons why development of structures would be prohibited in Planning Area 3, as follow: 1. It lies within the 10-year flood zone, 2. It provides significant wildlife habitat and significant local and regional vegetative type areas, 3. Federal and State listed special status species that potentially may be present or occur in this riparian habitat vegetation types. Low intensity recreation uses such as nature trails, and wildlife viewing are, however, potentially acceptable in or adjacent to this area. Southwestern Willow Flycatcher The only vegetation type southwestern willow flycatcher (WIFL) would be found to occupy in the Lopez Dam basin would be the GWF. The structural integrity as well as physiognomy of this area, however, is at the lower end or marginal suitable WIFL habitat. The southwestern willow flycatcher currently breeds in riparian habitat along rivers, streams, or other wetlands, where relatively dense growths of trees and shrubs are established, near or adjacent to surface water or underlain by saturated soil. Habitat characteristics such as dominant plant species, size and shap~ of habitat patch, canopy structure, vegetation height, and vegetation density vary widely among sites. 1. The general features of the Lopez Dam Master Plan would not affect the WIFL or its habitat. During specific project implementation, a more comprehensive WIFL protocol survey and analysis would have to be accomplished during the environmental process. There are a three primary reasons why development of structures would be prohibited in Planning Area 3, as follow: It lies within the 10-year flood zone, Lopez Dam Basin Environmental Assessment - 26 2. It provides significant wildlife habitat and significant local and regional vegetative type areas, 3. Federal and State listed special status species that potentially may be present or occur in this riparian habitat vegetation types. Low intensity recreation features such as nature trails and wildlife viewing features are, however, potentially acceptable. California Gnatcatcher Because no California gnatcatchers were observed during focused surveys, these communities are not expected to support sensitive species, and impacts are considered less than significant. Similar to the impacts discussed above for California sagebrush scrub and California sagebrush California buckwheat scrub, no sensitive plant species were observed during the sensitive plant surveys and no coastal California gnatcatchers were observed during focused surveys within the scalebroom-hairy yerba santa-chaparral yucca. Any development proposals, including revegetation, proposed for this area should be confined, if possible, to existing disturbed areas. Additionally, any revegetation occurring in riparian scrub or riparian forest/woodland habitat should be conducted outside the breeding season (March through July) to avoid potential impacts to breeding bird species. Nevins Barberry Chaparral with strong desert affinities is the primary habitat for this shrub. Shrub cover is relatively low growing and Nevin's Barberry may tower above the surrounding subshrubs. Berberis nevinii generally grows in sandy/gravelly places between 800 and 2, 700 feet (240-820 m) in elevation, on steep north-facing slopes or on low gradient, (south-facing) washes. Bedrock is typically of sedimentary origin (Boyd 1987). Associated plant communities are alluvial scrub, riparian scrub or woodland, coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and/or oak woodland (CNDDB 2000). A notable floristic feature of sites examined was the presence of several desert species not characteristic of cismontane chaparral (Boyd 1987; Mistretta and Brown 1989). Little information is available on life history, population demographics, breeding system, and pollination biology of this species. The majority of known occurrences, including those natural occurrences with the largest number of individuals, are located on private property and not protected. Only three natural occurrences are located on Federal lands (national forest system lands) and subject to Federal protection. The closest know occurrence is the presence of one large individual in Lopez Canyon of the Angeles National Forest (Soza and Boyd 2000). The Lopez Dam Master plan or other incipient specific projects will not affect this plant species. 7.3.3 Wildlife and Wildlife Corridors The general aspect of the Lopez Dam Master Plan could have a potential significant effect/impact upon the existing wildlife corridor. Currently, there is minor developed recreation within the area north of Maclay Avenue. Even though existing vegetation is in some form of disarray or disturbance due to anthropogenic causes, megafauna as well as well as small mammals and reptiles still have the ability to move through the existing wildlife corridor to the Lopez Dam Basin. This becomes a crucial factor in the management of "natural" areas. Durfilg specific project implementation insignificant disturbances would effect local wildlife movement in the master plan area. Initially, temporary, short-term impacts would be imposed on wildlife movement during any construction activities, to include increased noise, light, loss of habitat, and other human related impacts. Post construction, impacts would potentially include increased ambient noise, increased ambient light, increased night lighting, domestic pets, and pedestrian activities. Regional wildlife movement within the vicinity is not entirely realized or understood. During specific project development and implementation, therefore, more Lopez Dam Basin Environmental Assessment - 27 comprehensive analysis of the extant wildlife corridor in relation to the Lopez Dam Basin will be required; especially in relation to listed special status species and megafauna movement. Relative to general features of this Master plan, impacts are not anticipated to significantly affect regional wildlife movement. 7.3.4 General Affects to Wildlife Specific project implementation within the framework of the Master Plan I over the short and long term could result in direct removal of existing wildlife habitat above Maclay Avenue, and in the loss of common wildlife species in the impacted area. Because these impacts by themselves would not be expected to reduce general wildlife populations below self-sustaining levels in the region; elimination or disruption of habitat for these species would not represent a regionally significant impact. Although long and short-term impacts may occur as a result of construction activities, these potential impacts are considered less than significant. Although amphibians or reptiles were observed in the study area, only a few reptile species have any likelihood of occurring within suitable habitat. These species include the coast horned lizard, silvery legless lizard, and the coast patch-nosed snake. Species that are not expected to occur due to the lack of suitable habitat include western spadefoot and arroyo toad. Planning efforts may influence these representative species, but potential impacts are considered to be less than significant. Several bird species were observed or heard in the planning area: the turkey vulture, red-tailed hawk, red-shouldered hawk, American kestrel (pair), Cooper's hawk, American crow, common raven, scrub jay, yellow warbler, yellow-breasted chat, song sparrow, white-crowned sparrow, northern mockingbird, western meadowlark, Brewer's blackbird, and house finch to name a few. Several other avian species not observed on-site, but which have at least a moderate likelihood of occurrence, include the white-tailed kite, northern harrier, sharp-shinned hawk, merlin, prairie falcon, loggerhead shrike, California horned lark, southern California rufous-crowned sparrow, and Bell's sage sparrow. Because loss of individuals would not threaten regional populations, removal of or change within their habitat represents a less than significant impact to regional populations of these species. Portions of the planning area have a high potential to support raptor nests due to the large number of trees. In addition, two raptor species were observed and several others have the potential to occur within the study area. Other bird species also have the potential to nest in the area. Breeding typically occurs from February 15 through August 30. Disturbing or destroying active nests is a violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Because project implementation may impact raptor and songbird nests, such impacts are considered potentially significant if and when specific projects are implemented during the nesting season within the Master Plan boundary. Although no sensitive mammal species were observed within the planning area, several species have the potential to occur on-site including the pallid bat, Townsend's western big-eared bat, western mastiff bat, San Diego black-tailed jackrabbit, San Diego desert woodrat, and the southern grasshopper mouse. The relocation of these species loss of individuals would not threaten the regional populations; therefore, removal of or change within their habitat represents an adverse but less than significant impact to regional populations of these species 7.4 Cultural Resources 7.4.1 Proposed Action There is no potential to cause effects on historic properties. Lopez Dam Basin Environmental Assessment - 28 7.4.2 No Action Alternative There is no potential to cause effects on historic properties. 7.5 Water Resources Future development proposals would include site planning, landscaping, facilities placement and construction activities, which avoid wetland areas and impacts to wetland areas wherever feasible to the maximum extent possible. All specific, future development proposals would be evaluated for the potential for discharge of dredged or fill material into surface waters and if potential for such discharges are determined to occur, application for a Section 404 permit in accordance with the Clean Water Act of 1977, as amended would be required for such development. Future development proposed in accordance with the Master plan should be coordinated with the local water district to ensure the availability and most efficient use of municipal water supplies. All future development should be proposed with consideration given to the use of drought resistant landscaping and the potential use of reclaimed water. 7.6 Aesthetics All specific development proposals should be evaluated and implemented with maximum regard given to the esthetic compatibility of proposed development features with the natural environment. The placement and building materials of all outdoor facilities, including lighting facilities, should be designed to attempt to minimize the effects of light and glare on surrounding land uses, sensitive on-site biological habitat, surrounding land uses and local roadways. 7.7 Air Quality Construction activities for all specific, future development proposals should verify that construction emissions are minimized and that fugitive dust generation is minimized through suppression techniques in accordance with Air Quality Management District regulations (SCAQMD Rule 403). All specific future development proposals should verify compliance with the Clean Air Act, Air Quality Management District regulations and the Air Quality Management Plan. Incremental contributions to existing air quality problems should be minimized with coordination of overall project area development that encourages and provides for a reduction in automobile traffic to and within the project area. 7.8 Noise ;z: Construction of future development in the vicinity of sensitive off-site land uses should be scheduled with consideration given to local noise ordinances for construction activity. All future development in the project area should be evaluated and implemented with consideration given to appropriate noise/land use compatibility guidelines both for on-site land uses and adjacent off-site land uses. Lopez: Dam Basin Environmental Assessment - 29 All future development in the project area should consider the effects of noise on sensitive wildlife habitat, and the design of such development should implement noise control through proper site planning, landscaping and the allowance of buffer zones between proposed intensive uses and sensitive habitat areas. (Please refer to Section 8.03, "Biological Resources" for further mitigation recommendations for potential impacts to wildlife.) 7.9 Traffic As individual project site plans are developed, potential site-specific mitigation (signage, access control, and signalization) should be evaluated as future specific uses for each Planning Area are contemplated, developed and implemented. The Master Plan will not induce traffic increase, but proposes uses and activities that will accommodate some of the anticipated increased growth in parcels near or adjacent to the site from expected continued regional population increase. 7.10 Recreation Existing recreation facilities in the study area are heavily used. Visitation statistics of the Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation Department show that El Cariso Park had 300,805 visitors/users in calendar year 2004. Veterans Memorial Park, a more passive activity park, had 130,089 visitors/users in calendar year 2004. The recreation demand for this area is substantial and growing. Previous open land area to the north of Lopez Dam, up to the base of the Angeles Crest, has been replaced by residential housing. Recreation within the Lopez Dam Basin can increase the diversity of available varying opportunities in the local region and add capacity. The development of recreation facilities within the Lopez Dam Basin will help relieve the pressure on the neighborhood recreation facilities. 7.11 Health and Safety Future development proposals should consider placement of and access to facilities in a manner that minimizes risks to human health and safety, which may result from on-site land uses, such as greatly increased visitation in the near future, or off-site land uses, such as higher traffic from continued conversion of open space to tract housing, in the vicinity of the Lopez Dam basin. Lopez Dam Basin Environmental Assessment - 30 8.0 COMPLIANCE WITH ENVIRONMENTAL STATUTES 8.1 Flood Control Act of 1944 The Corps is authorized by this law to construct, maintain and operate public parks and recreational facilities at the Lopez Dam Flood Damage Reduction Basin. 8.2 Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act of 1958 The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service will be contacted and/or consulted at the time of project specific implementation. 8.3 Federal Water Project Recreation Act of 1965 Consideration of fish and wildlife enhancement is demonstrated as an integral part of the Master Plan in the Resource Objectives section and in the section on Land Classification and Resource Plans. 8.4 National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 Each individual development proposal or operational undertaking will require separate consultations pursuant to Section 106 of the Act (36 CFR 800). Continued management of the resources of the project will proceed in compliance with Section 106 of the Act. A letter was sent to the California State Historic Preservation Officer to advise of the planning process. A copy of this letter is included as an appendix to this Environmental Assessment. 8.5 National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 Preparation of this Environmental Assessment, which describes the potential impacts associated with Master Plan development and recommendations to mitigate those impacts with Master plan developments and recommendations to mitigate any such impacts, satisfies the requirements of this Act that such an assessment be performed for projects involving Federal participation. Specific future development proposals are stated in the Master plan and in this EA to require site specific NEPA documentation prior to development. 8.6 Clean Air Act (As Amended 1970, 1977) Implementation of MP development in accordance with the recommendations presented in this EA will ensure compliance with this Act. 8.7 Endangered Species Act of 1973 (As Amended) The Endangered Species Act protects Federally Listed and Proposed Endangered and Thre13tened species. Consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is required if a proposed action may affect a Listed species. Other laws may protect other sensitive species. The Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act applies to other wildlife and habitat in water resources projects, and requires coordination with the FWS. Lopez Dam Basin Environmental Assessment - 31 8.8 Floodplain Management Act of 1977 Flood plain management is demonstrated as an integral consideration in Section 4.01 (Resource Objectives) and throughout Chapter 6.0 (Land Classification and Resource Plans). Table 4.7 ("Minimum Guidelines for Reservoir Land Use Projects") further specifies developmental constraints and acceptable land uses with regard to area flooding, sedimentation and erosion. Implementation of Master Plan development in accordance with the guidelines set forth in the Master Plan will assure compliance with this Act. 8.9 Clean Water Act. of 1977 {As Amended) Implementation of Master Plan development in accordance with the recommendations presented in this Environmental Assessment (Chapter 8.0) will ensure coordination with this Act. 8.10 California Environmental Quality Act. of 1972 This Environmental Assessment is prepared in accordance with NEPA and does not address the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Any future development proposals that require local governmental action, as defined by CEQA, must obtain CEQA clearance. Lopez Dam Basin Environmental Assessment - 32 9.0 COORDINATION Since the Master Plan document prescribes no action, coordination will be undertaken with appropriate resource agencies only at such time as a site-specific proposal is planned. This has been noted in various places in this document. The single exception is the contact made with the State Historic Preservation Officer this spring in compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act. It appears as Appendix C in this EA. Lopez Darn Basin Environmental Assessment - 33 10.0 LIST OF PREPARERS The following members of the Los Angeles District participated in the preparation and review of this document. Preparers: Pamela Conrad, Study Manager, Landscape Architect Tom Keeney, Biologist Ron Lockmann, Environmental Coordinator Pam Maxwell, Archeologist Reviewers: Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District Debbie Lamb, Project Manager Brian Whelan, Interim Project Manager Nedenia Kennedy, Chief, Regional Planning Section, Katie Parks, Operations Branch Alex Watt, Chief, Environmental Resources Branch Grigor Grigorian, Acting Chief, Planning Division Kerry Casey, Engineering Division Lopez Dam Basin Environmental Assessment - 34 11.0 REFERENCES Cottrell, Marie, J. N. Hill, S. Van Wormer and J. Cooper. Cultural Resources Overview and Survey for the Los Angeles County Drainage Area Review Study. Archaeological Resources Management Corp., Fullerton, California. 1985 (On file: Los Angeles District, Army Corps of Engineers.) Demcak, Carol. Cultural Resource Survey of Hansen Basin and Lopez Dam Basin. Archaeological Resource Management Corp., Fullerton, California. 1979 (On file: Los Angeles District, Army Corps of Engineers.) Garrett, K. and J. Dunn. Birds of Southern California: Status and Distribution. 1981 Los Angeles Audubon Society, Los Angeles: Artisan Press. Los Angeles Community College District. Draft Environmental Impact Report and Technical Appendices, Los Angeles Mission College Facilities Master Plan and the Public Recreation Improvement Program. October 29, 2003 (State Clearinghouse No. 2003081063) Vols 1-3. Martz, Patricia. Description and Evaluation of the Cultural Resources Within Haines Debris Basin, Hansen Dam, Lopez Dam, and Sepulveda Dam, Los Angeles County, California. Dry Lands Research Institute, University of California, Riverside. 1977. (On file: Los Angeles District, Army Corps of Engineers.) Munz, P.A. A Flora of Southern California. 1974. Berkeley: Univ. of California Press. U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (Los Angeles District). Final Environmental Assessment for the Maclay Avenue, Harding Street Bridge and Tract Slope Development. 2000. ------· Lopez Dam, Pacoima Wash, Los Angeles county Drainage Area, California: Dam, Outlet Works and Spillway. Periodic Inspection Report No. 6. September 1995. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Noise From Construction Equipment and Operations, Building Equipment and Home Appliances, 1971. Washington D.C.: USGPO. U. S. Geological Survey. San Fernando Quadrangle, 1:24,000 scale. 7.5' Topographic Quadrangle Series. 1995 version. Lopez Dam Basin Environmental Assessment - 35. Appendix A - Mailing List Mr. Alex Padilla Government Agencies: Councilman, 7'h District 13517 Hubbard Street Sylmar, CA 91342 Environmental Protection Agency Region IX Congressman Brad Sherman Attn: Ms. Lily Wong 27th District 75 Hawthorne Street 5000 Van Nuys Blvd. San Francisco, California 94105 Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Congressman Howard Berman 1 South Pacific Division 28 h District Attn: Todd Snow 14546 Hamlin Street, Suite 202 333 Market Street, Room 923 Van Nuys, CA 91403 San Francisco, California 94105-2195 Senator Barbara Boxer U.S. Forest Service 312 N. Spring Street Attn: Ms. Jody Noiron- Forest Supervisor Suite 1748 701 N. Santa Anita Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012-4701 Arcadia, California 91006 Resource Agencies: State Clearinghouse Office of Planning and Research State Water Resources Control Board Attn: Director Division of Water Quality P.O. Box 3044 Attn: Donielle Jackson, Student Interns Sacramento, CA 95814 401 Water Quality Control Unit P.O. Box 100 1001 "I" Street U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Sacramento, California 95812-4025 Attn: Jim Bartel 6010 Hidden Valley Road California Regional Water Quality Control Board Carlsbad, CA 92009 Los Angeles Region Attn: Ms. Wendy Phillips California State Department of Fish and Game 101 Center Plaza Drive Attn: Charles F. Raybrook Monterey Park, California 91754 Region 5 4949 Viewridge Los Angeles County Department of Environmental San Diego, CA 92123 Health Attn: Mr. Jack Petrallia, Director, Env. Protection County of Los Angeles Dept. of Parks and 2525 Corporate Place Suite 150 Recreation Monterey Park, California 91754 Attn: Joan Rupert Section Head, Environmental Los Angeles County Fire Department South Vermont Avenue, Room Forestry Division 51 O 201 Los Angeles, California Attn: Lilly Cusick 90020 1320 N. Eastern Avenue Los Angeles, California 90063-3294 City of Los Angeles . . Los Angeles Community College D1stnct 770 Wilshire Blvd. Board of Sup~rvisors Los Angeles, California 90017 County of Los Angeles Attn: Mr. Zev Yaroslavsky Los Angeles Mission College Supervisor, Third District Attn: Luis Cruz 821 Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration 13356 Eldbridge 500 West Temple Street Sylmar, CA 91342-3200 Los Angeles, CA 90012 Lopez Dam Basin Environmental Assessment - 36 Appendix A- Mailing List (cont'd) Private Citizens: Historic Preservation Officer Attn: Milford Wayne Donaldson Edgar Rios Office of Historic Preservation 639 N. Lazard Street P.O. Box 942896 San Fernando, CA Sacramento, CA 94296-0001 Alex and Maria Reza Local Libraries: 25024 Highspring Avenue Newhall, CA Sylmar Branch Library 14561 Polk Street Karen Ellinwood Sylmar, CA 91342 13691 Gavina Ave., #568 Sylmar CA 91342 Sun Valley Branch Library 7935 Vineland Avenue Victor Quevas Sun Valley, CA 91352 11351 Goleta Street Lakeview Terrace, CA Pacoima Branch Library 13605 Van Nuys Boulevard Augustine Parra Pacoima, CA 91331 12937 Fernmont Street. Sylmar, CA 91342 Sunland - Tujunga Branch Library 7771 Foothill Boulevard Lydia Shanley Tujunga, CA 91042 15718 Drell Street Sylmar, CA Frank Muniz 700 N. Huntington St. San Fernando, CA 91340 Dorothy Boyer 13414 Sayre Street Sylmar, CA Lopez Dam Basin Environmental Assessment - 37 APPENDIX B: NATIVE AMERICAN CONTACTS Randy Guzman-Folkes Chumash 3044 East Street Fernandifio Simi Valley, CA 93085-3929 Tataviam Shoshone Paiute Coastal Gabrieleno Diegueno Jim Velasquez 5776 42nd Street Gabrielino Riverside, CA 92509 Kumeyaay Gabrielino/Tongva Council Gabrielino Tongva Nation Sam Dunlap, Tribal Secretary 501 Santa Monica Blvd. Ste. 500 Santa Monica, CA 90401-2415 Gabrielino Band of Mission Indians of CA Ms. Susan Frank P.O. Box 3021 Gabrielino Beaumont, CA 92223 Gabrielino Tongva Indians of California Tribal Council Robert Dorame, Tribal Chair/Cultural Resources 5450 Slauson Ave., Ste. 151 PMB Gabirelino Culver City, CA 90230 Tongva Gabrielino Tongva Indians of California Tribal Council Mercedes Dorame, Tribal Administrator 2090 Las Flores Mesa Drive Gabrie/ino Malibu, CA 90202 Tongva Fernandeiio/Tataviam/San Fernando Mission Indians Rudy J. Ortega, Jr., Tribal Administrator 601 South Brand Blvd., Ste. 102 Gabrielino San Fernando, CA 91340 Chumash [email protected] Tataviam Fernandeno/Tataviam/San Fernando Mission Indians Lisa Ornelas, Senator of Cultural Affairs 601 South Brand Blvd., Ste. 102 Gabrielino San Fernando, CA 91340 Chumash Charles Cooke Chumash 32835 Santiago Road Femandefio Acton, CA 93510 Tataviam Beverly Sala*ar-Folkes Chumash 1931 Shadybrook Drive Tataviam Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 Femandefio Samuel H. Dunlap Gabrielino P.O. Box 1391 Cahuil/a Temecula, CA 92593 Luiseno Lopez Dam Basin Environmental Assessment - 38 FernandefiofTataviam/San Fernando Mission Indians Rudy J. Ortega, Sr., Chairperson Gabrielino 601 South Brand Blvd., Ste. 102 Chumash San Fernando, CA 91340 Tataviam LA City/County Native American Indian Comm. Ron Andrade, Director 3175 West 6th Street, Room 403 Los Angeles, CA 90020 Tl'At Society Cindi Alvitre 6602 Zeleah Avenue Gabrie/ino Reseda, CA 92335 Tongva Ancestral Territorial Tribal Nation John Tommy Rosas, Tribal Administrator 4 712 Admiralty Way, Suite 172 Gabrie/ino Marina Del Rey, CA 90202 Tongva San Fernando Band of Mission Indians John Valenzuela, Chairperson Fernandefio P.O. Box 221838 Tataviam Newhall, CA 91322 Serrano GabrielinofTongva Tribal Council Anthony Morales, Chairperson P.O. Box693 Gabrielino San Gabriel, CA 91779 Tongva Craig Torres 713 E. Bishop Gabrie/io Santa Ana, CA 92701 Tongva Lopez Dam Basin Environmental Assessment - 39 APPENDIXC: Correspondence with State Historic Preservation Officer Lopez Dam Basin Environmental Assessment -40 DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY LOS ANGELES DtSTRICr COAPS OF ENGINEER8 P.0.80Xm711. LOS ANGELES, CALFQllNIA llODISW325 April 13, 2005 Planning Division Office of the Chief Mr. Milford Wayne Donaldson State Historic Preservation Officer Office ofHistoric Preservation P.O. Box 942896 Sacramento, California 94296-0001 Dear Mr. Donaldson: This letter is in regard to the Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District (Corps) Master Plan and Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Lopez Dam Basin, Los Angeles County, California. Lopez Dam is located on Pacoima Wash i.p. the north central part of the San Fernando Valley, and entirely within the city and county ofLos Angeles. The Corps has defined the Area of Potential Effect as the entire Lopez Dam Basin (Enclosme). The master plan is an updated master plan, which would serve as a guide for the orderly and coordinated use, development and management ofall resources within the Lopez Dam basin. The EA is for the Master Plan and a proposed land exchange. The land exchange involves Los Angeles Mission College (LAMC), Los Angeles County Department ofParks and Recreation's El Cariso Park, and an 8-acre parcel owned by the Corps. This parcel will be leased to Los Angeles County. As part ofthe proposed land exchange, LAMC would make a series of improvements and enhancements in the existing El Cariso Parle and on the combined the Los Angel~$ Community College District (LACCD) and Corps 16-acre parcel. LAMC intends to: .;; ·•. 1. Enhance the existing baseball diamond 2. Design and build a new four field softball complex on the combined LACCD and Corps 16 acre parcel 3. Desig:I\,and build two multi-purpose fields for soccer and football within the existing park. · In accordance with Section 106 ofthe National Historic Preservation Act, a records and literature search was conducted at the South Coastal Archaeological Informa.tion ·Center, and involved review of archeological resources maps, historic topographic maps, -2 and historic register lists. Historical registers include the Natiotial Register ofHistoric Places (2000), the California State Historic Resow-ces Inventory (2000), the California Points ofHistorical Interests (1992) and the California Historical LaJu/marks (1996). Previous S1ll'Veys on file at the Corps District Office (Cottrell et al. 1985, Demcak 1979, and Martz 1977) observed no cultural material. There are .no previously recorded historic properties within .5 mile ofthe Area ofPotential Effect (APE) ofthe proposed project. A search at the California Native American Heritage Commission determined that no sacred sites are recorded within the project area. A list of Native American tribes and groups with interest the Corps' project area was also requested and received. The draft EA will be sent to those on the list for review and comment. Based on the infonnation provided above, and pursuant to 36 CFR 800.4(d)(l), the Corps has determined that the Lopez Dam Project will have no effect on historic properties. We request that this submittal be considered as an expedited consultation under "36 CFR 800.3(g). We look forward to your response within thirty days. Please send Correspondence to: Ms. Ruth Villalobos .. Chief, Planning Division U.S. Anny Corps ofEngineers Attn: (CESPL-PD-RL, Maxwell) P.O. Box 532711 Los Angeles, CA 90053-2325 Questions regarding this evaluation may be refeITed to Ms. Pamela Maxwell, Staff Archeologist, at (213)452-3877, or via email at [email protected]. Sincerely, --~ Enclosure "° JUN-07-2005 TUE 12:33 PM FAX ND. P. 02 SIA.TE OF CAUi:oRNIA -11iE RESOURCES AGENcY ARNOW> SCHWARZENEGGER, Governor OFFICE OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION P.O. SOX942898 SACRAMENTO, CA ~1 1(81~ ~ filX: (916) 6SS-8824 j calahpoOonp.patM.ca.gov ; ~.chp.patles.ca.p May 24. 2005 Rtlth Villalobos Chief, Planning Division Los Angeles Di8tricc U.S. Army Corps ofEngineers P.O. Box 532711 Los Angeles, CA 90053-2325 Attention: Pamela Maxwell, Staff Archaeologist In reply refer to: COE050418D RE: Section 106 Consultation for the Master Plan and Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Lopez Dam Basin, Los Angeles. County. California Dear Ms. Villalobos: Thank you for your submittal ofApril· 13, 2005, which under applicable law and regulation initiates consultation with the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) regarding the undertaking referenced. above. Your letters inform me that the Corps is ~g my concurr~nce regarding the Corps' fmding of "No Historic Properties Affected" for the proposed \llldertak.ing. 1am unable to concur with the Corps' finding at the present time because I am uncertain what the undertaking is and am therefore also uncertain about what efforts might be appropriate to identify historic properties that may be affected by the undertaking. The April 13 submittal mentions efforts to update a "master plan," a.s well as an Environmencal Assessment (EA) associated with the updated master plan and it "proposed land exch8!lge." It is \lnclear. however, ifthe land e;cchange is part of updating the master plan, or is a separate undertaking. A briefdescription of the proposed land exchange identifies at least four different landowners and two parcels (8 acres 11Dd 16 acres), but the relationship between the different landowners a.nd parcels is ultimately unclear. as is the full range of effects associated with the proposed exchange. I am requesting that the Corps provide a more complete and clear description of ~e project(s), as well as any necessary supporting materials. so that I have the information I need to adequately understand and review this undertaking. I look forward to resuming my review upon receiving these maceri'lls. Ifyou have any questions or comments in the meantime, please contact Joho Sharp, StaffArc:haeologist, at (916) 653-2716 or [email protected]. Sincerely. -~ I I J:< j • Milford Wayne Donaldson, FAlA State Historic Preservation Officer DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY LOS ANGELES DISTRICT, CORPS OF ENGINEERS P.O. BOX 532711 LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90053-2325 June 8, 2005 REPLY TO ATTENTION OF: Office of the Chief Planning Division Mr. Milford Wayne Donaldson State Historic Preservation Officer Office of Historic Preservation P.O. Box 942896 Sacramento, California 94296-0001 Dear Mr. Donaldson: Thank you for your letter of May 24, 2005 regarding the Los Angeles District (Corps} Master Plan and Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Lopez Dam Basin, Los Angeles County, California (Ref: COE050418). Lopez Dam is located on Pacoima Wash in the north central part of the San Fernando Valley, and entirely within the city and county of Los Angeles. The Corps has defined the Area of Potential Effect as the entire Lopez Dam Basin (Enclosure). The undertaking is the preparation of an updated master plan, which would serve as a guide for the orderly and coordinated use, development and management of all resources within the Lopez Dam basin. A baseline analysis of resources (cultural, biological, etc.), is a part of the plan. The EA is for the Master Plan, and also includes a proposed land exchange involving an 8 acre parcel of the basin, owned by the Corps, to be leased to the Los Angeles County. The 8-acre parcel will be used, for the following purpose: • Design and build a new four field softball complex on the combined LACCD and Corps . 1 16 acre parcel; and I • Design and build two multi-purpose fields for soccer and football within the existing park. In accordance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, a records and literature search was conducted by a Corps staff archeologist·at the South Coastal Archaeological Information Center. The search involved review of archeological resources maps, historic topographic maps, and historic register lists. Historical registers include the National Register of Historic Places, the California State Historic Resources Inventory, the California Points of Historical Interests and the California Historical Landmarks. There are no previously recorded historic properties within .5 mile of the Area of Potential Effect (APE) of the proposed project. Reports 6p previous surveys of Los Angeles County flood control basins, including Lopez Dam are on file at the Los Angeles District Corps of Engineers (Cottrell et al. 1985, Van Horn I I !. 1979, and Martz 1977). The first survey was conducted in 1977 by personnel from the i. Archaeological Research Unit, University of California, Riverside (Martz); the second by Archaeological Associates in 1979 (Van Hom), and; the third in 1984 (Cottrell, Demcak and Sanburg). No cultural material was observed during any of the surveys. Although the surveys 2 were conducted over twenty years ago, the results provide, at the least, the lack of resources within an active drainage system. The entire basin is highly disturbed and scoured from years of flooding, including recent impacts from this year's storms. Potential for the presence of intact cultural deposits within the basin (APE) Is extremely low. A search at the California Native American Heritage Commission (CNAHC) determined that no sacred sites are recorded within the project area. A list of Native American tribes and groups with interest the Corps' project area was also requested and received. The draft EA has been mailed to those on the list for review and comment. We hope the above information clarifies the issues brought forth in your letter. Based on the information provided above, and pursuant to 36 CFR 800.4(d)(1), the Corps has determined that the Lopez Dam Project will have no effect on historic properties. We look forward to your response. Please send Correspondence to: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District Ms. Ruth B. Villalobos, Chief Planning Division Attention: (CESPL-PD-RL, Maxwell) P.O. Box 532711 Los Angeles, CA 90053-2325 Questions regarding this evaluation may be referred to Pamela Maxwell, Staff Archeologist, at {213) 452-3877, or via [email protected]. Sincerely, Enclosure 1. FAX NO. P. 02 JUN-10-2005 FRI 01:29 PM STATE OF CALIFORNIA- THE RESOURCES AGENCY ARNOLD SCHWARZSNEGG!iA, Governor OFFICE OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION P.O.SOX~6 SACFIAMENTO, CA 94296-()001 (916) 6S3.e624 Fu: (916) 853-8824 cal&hpo@otlp.~.ea.p -.ohp.parkli.ca.QOll Junc9, 2005 Ruth Villalobos Chief, Planning Division Los Angeles District U.S. Anny Corps of Engineers P.O. Box 532711 Los Angeles, CA 90053~2325 Attention: Pamela Maxwell. StaffAtchaeologist In reply refer to: COEOS0418D RE: Continued Section 106 Consultation for the Master Plan and Environmental Assessment (EA) far the Lopez Dam Basin, Los Angeles County. California. Dear Ms. Villalobos: Thank you for your submittal ofJune 8, 2005, which under applicable law and regulation continues consultation with the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) regarding the undertaking referenced above. Your letter responds to my review eomments ofMay 24, 2005, and informs me that the Corps is again seeking my conc:u:nence regarding the Coi:ps' fin.ding of "No Historic Properties Affected" for the proposed underta.ki~g. The Corps' undertaking consists of the preparati0t1 of ati updated master plan for federally managed lands within the Lopez Dam basin. Currently, local agencies lease land within the basin for recreational activities. a practice which is projected to continue in the future. The purpose of the updated plan is therefore to ensure that the development ofrecreational and other facilities withiu the basin occurs in an orderly and coordinated fashion that is compatible with the Corps' responsibility to manage the basin's natural resources. ., The Corps' present submittal is supported by the following study: Lopet Dam Baai>i Maner 'Plan and Environmental Asse.ument, by the U.S. Army Corps ofEngineers, Los Angeles District, May 2005. This study sll1tlllli1l'izes past historic property identification efforts associated With the Lopez Dam Basin. and documents the absence ofknown hiscoric properties within the undertaking's Area ofPotential Effects. After reviewing the submitted materials, I am able to col).Cur with the Corps' fmding of "No Historic Properties Affected.. for the. proposed undertaking. Ifyou have any questions or cOl'llJnents. please contact John Sharp, Staff Archaeologist. a.t (916) 653-2716 or [email protected]. Sincerely, S'h£. ~~~ I Milford FAIA (. f~on, I State Historic Preservation Officer Appendix D PUBLIC COMMENTS From the Draft Master Plan and Environmental Assessment Review Period June 2005 Lopez Dam Basin Environmental Assessment - 47 COMMITTEE ON C!Congressman Jirab ~berman FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE ON 27tfJ l\1strid, CaUfomta INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS RANKING MEMBER. SUBCOMMITTEE ON SERVING THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM, NoNPROUFERATION AND HUMAN RIGHTS May 26, 2005 COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE Ms. Ruth Villalobos Chief, Planning Division U.S. Army Corps ofEngineers Attn: (CESPL-PD-RL, Maxwell) P.O. Box 532711 Los Angeles, CA 90053-2325 Re: Lopez Dam Basin Master Plan and Environmental Assessment Dear Ms. Villalobos: Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the proposed Lopez Dam Basin Master Plan. I am encouraged to hear the U.S. Army Corps ofEngineers is proposing a master plan for the 120-acre Lopez Dam Basin that will promote new recreational opportunities. It is important for us to meet future recreational demand in the San Fernando Valley, particularly the northeastern portion. In partnership with a variety of agencies and organizations, the Lopez Dam Basin Master Plan will guide future development ofan environmental resource for wildlife habitat and recreational users. I encourage the Corps of Engineers to explore how best to connect the proposed recreational area with existing recreational facilities located in the surrounding area. In addition, recreational users will find more benefits through cost-share agreements with various agencies and organizations committing funding toward recreational enhancements. I look forward to participating in any future discussion concerning the Lopez Dam Basin Master Plan. Please do not hesitate to contact me or Michael Tou in my San Fernando Valley District Office ifyou have any additional information. Sincerely, RECEIVED ~~ JUN 3 2005 BRAD SHERMAN PLANNING:"">. J Member of Congress DIVISION . t~ WASHINGTON. DC OFFICE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY OFFICE 1030 LONGWORTH HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING 5000 VAN Nuvs BOULEVARD, SUITE 420 WASHINGTON, DC 20515 SHERMAN OAKS, CA 91403 (202) 225-5911 (818) 501-9200 FAX: (202) 225-5879 FAX: (818) 501-1554 E-mail: [email protected] * PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER Web 5ite; http;//www.hou11e.gov/aherman DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY LOS ANGELES DISTRICT CORPS OF ENGINEERS P.O. BOX 532711 LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90053-2325 June 23, 2005 REPLY TO ATTENTION OF Office ofthe Chief Planning Division Congressman Brad Sherman 27th District 5000 Van Nuys Blvd. Sherman Oaks, California 91403 Dear Mr. Sherman: Thank you for your response during the review period ofthe Draft Lopez Dam Basin Master Plan and Environmental Assessment. The Los Angeles District, U.S. Army Corps ofEngineers will continue to explore how to promote needed recreational opportunities in the northeastern portion ofthe San Fernando Valley, along with ways to best connect the Lopez Dam Basin to existing recreational facilities in surrounding areas. The purpose ofthe Lopez Dam Basin Master Plan is to guide future development by providing guidance for orderly development and management ofrecreation areas on federal land in the basin area. General land use designations are proposed, and appropriate uses for those designations are identified. No specific developments are included in the Master Plan. Specific future development proposals will require evaluation of reasonable alternative proposals and related documentation in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The final Master Plan and Environmental Assessment will be available for your viewing by July of2005. Should you have any future questions regarding the EA and Master Plan, please contact Mr. Alex Watt, Environmental Resources Branch Chief, at (213) 452-3840. Sincerely, ~~ ~/v[uth B. Villalobos Chief, Planning Division Enclosure --~ -· -·-·-- -- S T A T E OF C A L I F 0 R N I A Governor's Office of Planning and Research State Clearinghouse and Planning Unit Arnold Sean Walsh· Schwarzenegger Director Governor June 14, 2005 Priscilla Perry U.S. Army Corps ofEngineers 915 Wilshire Boulevard . Los Angeles, CA 90053-2325 Subject: Draft Lopez Dam Basin Master Plan and Environmental Assessment SCH#: 2005054006 The State Clearinghouse submitted the above named Environmental Assessment to selected state agencies for review. The review period closed on June 13, 2005, and no state·agencies submitted comments by that date. This letter acknowledges that you have complied with the State Clearinghouse review requirements for draft environmental documents, pmsuant to the California Environmental Quality Act. Please call the State Clearinghouse at (916) 445-0613 ifyou have any questions regarding the environmental review process. Ifyou have a question about the above-named project, please refer to the ten-digit State Clearinghouse number when contacting this office. Sincerely, ~· '1:::::1, ~ Director, State Clearinghouse 1400 TENTH STREET P.O. BOX 3044 SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA 95812-3044 TEL (9.16} 446-0613 FAX (916) 323-3018 www.opr.ca.gov Document Details Report State Clearinghouse Data Base SCH# 2005054006 Project Title Draft Lopez Dam Basin Master Plan and Environmental Assessment Lead Agency U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Type EA Environmental Assessment Description The primary project pupose of the Lopez Dam is flood damage reduction, as set forth in the Flood Control Act of 1936. The Master Plan is intended as a guide for the orderly and coordinated development and management of all land and water resources within the project area. A plan is formulated for managing and developing project land, water, and other resources in the best possible manner considering costs, future recreation demand in hopes of natural and cultural values, and the carrying capacity of the project. The master plan will be updated every 5 years or revised as needed to keep up with changing needs and conditions. Lead Agency Contact Name Priscilla Perry Agency U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Phone (213) 452-3867--- Fax emaii Address 915 Wilshire Boulevard City Los Angeles State CA Zip 90053-2325 Project Location County Los Angeles City Region Cross Streets Harding Street I Maclay Street Parcel No. Township Range Section Base Proximity to: Highways 210 Airports Railways Waterways Pacoima Wash Schools LA Mission College Land Use Project Issues AestheticNisual; Air Quality; Archaeologic-Historic; Drainage/Absorption; Flood Plain/Flooding; Geologic/Seismic; Landuse; Population/Housing Balance; Public Services: Recreatipn/Parks; Schools/Universities; Vegetation; Wetland/Riparian; Wildlife Reviewing Resources Agency; Regional Water Quality Control Board, Region 4; Department of Parks and Agencies Recreation; Native American Heritage Commission; Office of Emergency Services; Office of Historic Preservation; Department of Forestry and Fire Protection; Department of Fish and Game, Region 5; D_epartment of Water Resources; Department of Conservation; Caltrans, District 7; State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Water Rights; State Lands Commission Date Received 05/24/2005 Start of Review 05/24/2005 End ofReview 06/13/2005 United States Forest Angeles National Forest 701 N. Santa Anita Ave. Department of Service so Arcadia, CA 91006-2725 Agriculture 626-574-1613 Voice 626-447-8992 TTY File Code: 1530 Date: June 9, 2005 Ms. Ruth B. Villalobos Chief, Planning Division Department ofthe Anny Los Angeles District Corps ofEngineers P.O. Box 532711 Los Angeles, CA 90053-2325 Dear Ms. Villalobos: Thank you for the invitation to comment on the Draft Master Plan and Environmental Assessment for the Lopez Dam Basin project. The Angeles National Forest recognizes the present and increasing demand for quality recreation opportunities in Los Angeles County. As previously open spaces are converted to urban uses, managers ofthe public lands within the County must consider the recreation and resources needs ofthe burgeoning population. The US Army Corps ofEngineers' proposal to formalize passive recreation activities in the Lopez Dam Basin is consistent with land designations and is an appropriate use ofFederal lands. I have reviewed the two documents, and I find that the information contained therein is sufficient to conclude that any proposed developments would be thoroughly analyzed and would not have adverse effects on National Forest Lands. I am especially pleased to note the intent to remove exotic vegetation species and to replace them with native species. I appreciate your including the Angeles National Forest in the review ofthese documents. If your staff should need further input from our staff specialists, please feel free to have them contact Karen Lessard, Forest Planner/NEPA Coordinator, at (626) 574-5255. Sincerely, ~ Caring for the Land and Serving People Printed on Recyded Paper '-J