Central Coastal Seismic Imaging Project Attachment 1

ATTACHMENT 1

PACIFIC GAS and ELECTRIC COMPANY APPLICATION FOR RESOURCE LEASE, PERMIT OR OTHER ENTITLEMENT FOR USE

CENTRAL COASTAL CALIFORNIA SEISMIC IMAGING PROJECT

Part 1, Section A, Item1. The following PG&E personnel are the project contacts throughout the environmental analysis and permitting processes for the Central Coastal California Seismic Imaging Project (CCCSIP): Mr. Mark Krause, Director, State Agency Relations 1415 L. Street, Suite 280 Sacramento, California 95814 Phone: 916-721-5709 Fax: 916-386-6720 e-mail: [email protected]

Mr. Loren Sharp, Senior Director, Technical Services Diablo Canyon Power Plant Mail Code 104/6/603 PO Box 56 Avila Beach, California 93424 Phone: 805-781-9785 Fax: 805-545-4884 e-mail: [email protected]

Dr. Stuart Nishenko, Senior Seismologist, Geosciences Mail Code N4C PO Box 770000 San Francisco, California 94177 Phone: 415-973-1213 Fax: 415-973-1409 e-mail: [email protected]

Sarah Gassner, Supervisor, Land-Environmental Planning and Permitting 1455 E. Shaw Avenue Fresno, California 93710 Phone: 559-263-5073 Fax: 559-263-5262 e-mail: [email protected] Part 1, Section A, Item 2. PG&E has designated following company/personnel as agents for the Offshore Seismic Imaging Project: Mr. Ray de Wit, Senior Project Manager Padre Associates, Inc. 1485 Enea Court, Bldg. G, Suite 1480 Concord, California 94520 Phone: 925-685-9441 X 21 Fax: 925-685-8401 e-mail: [email protected]

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Central Coastal California Seismic Imaging Project Attachment 1

Mr. Simon Poulter, Partner Padre Associates, Inc. 5290 Overpass Road, Suite 217 Goleta, California 93111 Phone: 805-683-1233 X 4 Fax: 805-683-3944 e-mail: [email protected]

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Central Coastal California Seismic Imaging Project Attachment 2

ATTACHMENT 2

PACIFIC GAS and ELECTRIC COMPANY APPLICATION FOR RESOURCE LEASE, PERMIT OR OTHER ENTITLEMENT FOR USE

CENTRAL COASTAL CALIFORNIA SEISMIC IMAGING PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Part I, Section E, Item 1. On large-scale and small-scale maps or drawings, show the location of the State land or resource, the site of the project and the surrounding area. Include such features as: roads and waterways; city and county boundaries; north arrow; scale and date. If available, also include: section, township, range and base & meridian; USGS quad sheet name(s); chain of title; legal description; Assessor’s parcel or lot numbers; and any zoning information. The proposed Central Coastal California Seismic Imaging Project (CCCSIP) will be conducted within the coastal and offshore marine waters between Cambria and San Luis Bay, offshore San Luis Obispo County, California (Figure 1.1).

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Figure 1.1 Proposed CCCSIP Survey Area

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

Part I, Section E, Item 2. Describe the project, its objectives and its relation to the State land or resource. Describe the State land or resource as it exists before the project and include information on topographic, geologic and biologic features and any cultural, historic and scenic aspects. Indicate the type of land use (agricultural, residential, etc.). Describe any existing structures on the State land and any proposed use of the structures. Include photograph(s) of the location of the State land or resource, the site of the project and surrounding area, if available. The following project description was prepared by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) in support of the proposed Offshore Central Coastal California Seismic Imaging Project (CCCSIP) located within the central area of San Luis Obispo County, California (Figure 1.1). The following provides a preliminary summary of the proposed offshore deep seismic data collection survey.

1.1 Purpose and Objectives The purpose of the proposed survey is to implement the recommendations of Assembly Bill 1632 (Blakeslee) and the recommendations from the California Public Utilities Commission [Docket No. 07-03-044] related to assessing the impact of various fault zones surrounding the Diablo Canyon Power Plant (DCPP). The proposed deep (10 to 15 kilometers [km] or 6 and 9 miles [mi]), high energy seismic survey (energy >2 kilo joule) would complement the shallow (< 1km), low energy (< 2 kilo joule) 3D seismic reflection survey that was conducted offshore DCPP by PG&E during November 2010 through January 2011. The objectives of the proposed survey are to: • Conduct deep (10 to 15 km [6 to 9 mi]) seismic reflection profiling of major geologic structures and fault zones in the vicinity of DCPP that span the thickness of the seismogenic crust in this region. • Record wide 2D or narrow 3D profiles that improve migration imaging by recording and accounting for out-of-plane energy along the profile routes. • Obtain improved deep (> 1 km [> 0.6 mi]) imaging of the Hosgri and Shoreline fault zones in the vicinity of the DCPP to constrain fault geometry. • Obtain improved (> 1km [> 0.6 mi] depth) imaging of the intersection of the Hosgri and Shoreline fault zones near Point Buchon. • Obtain improved (> 1 km [> 0.6 mi]) imaging of the intersection of the San Simeon and zones near Point Estero.

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2.0 PROJECT SUMMARY

2.1 Project Location The proposed CCCSIP will be conducted within the nearshore and offshore marine waters between Cambria and San Luis Bay, offshore San Luis Obispo County, California (Figure 1.1). These profiles will cross all the major geologic units that will be imaged in the entire offshore program, providing actual measurements of ground vibration as a function of position and distance from each seismic source as it is operated within each geologic unit. At this time, the final offshore transect and nearshore geophone locations have not been determined; as such, the transect corridors identified are approximate and subject to change. It is expected that vessel support operations will be based out of either Morro Bay or Port San Luis. The following summarizes the acquisition target areas. 3D Seismic Data Acquisition Target Areas 3D program encompasses a total area of approximately 830 km2 divided between the two primary target areas, as described below and shown on Figure 1.1. CCCSIP activities, which include vessel and onshore vehicle operations and the deployment and recovery of intertidal and nearshore geophones, are proposed within the two green rectangular areas (vessel operations) and the two smaller yellow-outlined onshore areas (geophone and onshore vehicles) in Figure 1.1. The offshore (vessel) survey will be conducted in both federal and state waters and water depths within the proposed survey areas range from 0 to over 400 m (1,300 ft); the State Three-Mile Limit is the orange line in Figure 1.1. Zone 1: Cambria to Point Estero: • Area: 345 km2 (133 mi2) • Improve imaging (> 1 km) of the intersection of the Hosgri and San Simeon fault zones offshore Cambria to Point Estero Zone 2: Point Buchon to Point San Luis • Area: 484 km2 (187 mi2) Zone 2 incorporates two target areas near Point Buchon and Point San Luis (Zones 2a and 2b) that will be imaged concurrently to minimize mobilization and maximize vessel use time. • The Point Buchon area (Zone 2a, area 108 km2) is identified to improve imaging (> 1 km [0.6 mi]) of the intersection of the Hosgri and Shoreline fault zones offshore Point Buchon. • Proposed high energy seismic survey (HESS) in Zone 2a would complement the low energy, shallow 3D seismic reflection survey conducted offshore DCPP by PG&E during the November 2010 through January 2011 period. • Proposed HESS would also be used to refine data collected east of the Hosgri fault during the 1988 Long Term Seismic Program and to provide active sources for the onshore 2D seismic program.

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• The Point San Luis area (Zone 2b, area 117 km2 [45 mi2]) is identified to determine the southern boundary of the Shoreline fault zone as well as the geometry of offshore fault systems including the Hosgri, Shoreline, Southwest Boundary Zone (Rattlesnake, Olsen), and Pecho faults.

2.2 Project Activities The proposed activities comprise both in-water and nearshore actions. The offshore components consist of operating a geophysical vessel and support/monitoring vessels within the areas shown in Figure 1.1 and transiting between the site and either Port San Luis or Morro Bay. The geophysical vessel will tow a series of sound-generating air guns and sound-recording hydrophones along pre-determined shore-parallel and shore-perpendicular transects. The nearshore actions include the placement of geophones (e.g. Fairfield Z700 nodal units) through the intertidal zone and into shallow water areas (to approximately the 30 m [100 ft] isobath) and the generation of an onshore sound source that will be recorded by the geophones. Detailed descriptions of the proposed actions for each component are provided below. Offshore Survey Operations The proposed offshore seismic survey will be conducted with geophysical vessels specifically designed and built to conduct such surveys. The following outlines the general specifications for the geophysical survey vessel and the support vessels needed to complete the offshore survey: In water depths from 30 to 305 m (100 to >1,000 ft), 6 to 12, 4.0 to 8.0 km-long (2.5 to 5.0 mi) streamers will be towed behind the primary survey vessel. The streamers will contain hydrophones placed at 2 to 30 m (6 to 100 ft) intervals to maximize efficiency and minimize the number of source points while achieving overall project objectives. • Primary vessel (60 to 100 m [200 to 305 ft] length): suited for work in shallow waters and obstructed areas, outfitted to deploy/retrieve hydrophone streamers and airgun arrays, air compressors for the airgun array, and survey recording and processing facilities (Figure 2.1). • Secondary vessel (approximately 50 m [150 ft] length): would be used to deploy/retrieve seafloor geophones in the shallow water (0-20m) zone. • Third vessel (approximately 15 m [50 ft] length): would act as a scout boat and support vessel for survey craft.

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Figure 2.1 Typical Geophysical Survey Vessel The sound source will consist of a tuned air gun array, comprising a series or “string” of individual air guns (e.g. Bolt Technology Corporation model 1500LL and 1900 LLX) that have individual volumes ranging from ~ 0.0006 to approximately 0.006 m3 (40 to 360 in3). The total volume of the array will be up to 0.05 m3 (3,000 in3) and will be used along pre-plotted, shore- parallel/perpendicular transects within the two survey areas as shown in Figure 1.1. One of the smaller air guns in the array (60 to 70 in3) will be used as the sound source when the vessel is turning (between the end of one transect line and the beginning of the next transect) and as a mitigation air gun. The air gun array will be towed at a depth of approximately 20 ft and vessel speed during data collection will range from 4 to 5 nautical miles per hour (knots). The sound source will be generated by the discharge of the air guns approximately every 15 to 20 seconds; discharge interval will, therefore, be between 30 to 50 m (100 and 170 ft) (Figure 2.2).

Figure 2.2 Typical Air Gun and Steamer Deployment

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It is anticipated that the hydrophone/geophone array in water depths > 30- 40 m will be as follows: • 6 to 12 streamers of 4,000 to 8,000 m (2.5 to 5.0 mi) individual length. • Group Interval of 2 to 30 m (6 to 100 ft), hydrophone streamer array will be designed to maximize efficiency and minimize the number of source points while achieving overall project objectives. • Recording time per shot point: 15 to 20 sec. Marine Mammal Monitoring Measures During marine survey operations one key concern will be the potential impacts to marine wildlife due to exposure to high sound levels associated with the use of the air guns and from direct collisions with the survey vessels. PG&E is proposing to implement a Marine Wildlife Contingency Plan that includes measures designed to reduce the potential impacts on marine wildlife, particularly marine mammals, from the proposed operations. This program will be implemented in compliance with measures developed in consultation with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries) and will be based on anticipated safety zones derived from modeling of the selected energy source levels. These safety zones will be reviewed in context with Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to be conducted by NOAA Fisheries as part of the project review under the Federal Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act. Currently PG&E is working with potential survey contractors to establish anticipated energy source levels and associated sound level permutations from the air gun array. Energy levels and associated modeling of sound levels will be used to establish both a safety zone and preclusion zone for marine mammals ranging from 120 to 190 dB re 1 μPa. Once these zones are established PG&E will implement the Marine Wildlife Contingency Plan to ensure protection of potential effected species. Measures that may be included in the plan include: • Marine mammal observers will be stationed on primary survey vessel. • A 15 m (50 ft) scout vessel will be deployed with marine mammal observers to monitor marine wildlife within the survey exclusion zone. • Aircraft-based monitoring of larger safety area will be conducted, if necessary. • Use of power up, ramp up, and shutdown procedures will be observed for air gun operations. • Mitigation air gun will be used during survey turns outside of the 3D survey area. In addition, the proposed survey timing (September through November) has been developed in consideration of the generally lower presences of migrating and summer season whales in the project area. Nearshore Survey Operations To collect deep seismic data in water depths that are not accessible by survey vessel, either accelerated weight drop (AWD) or VibroseisTM (a tired or tracked vehicle with a vibrating device), will be used to generate seismic signals from onshore. Areas where these onshore activities will occur are shown as “indents” in the shoreward boundary of the investigation area in Figure 1.1.

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Within these areas (water depths < 30 to 40 m [100 to 130 ft]), seafloor devices will be deployed, which record the onshore and offshore signals as outlined below: • A grid of nodal seafloor geophones (e.g. Fairfield Nodal Z700) will be deployed in the near shore/ tidal area off of Point Buchon and Point San Luis to provide additional cross line coverage, allowing construction of “dip lines” from the 3D data acquisition • Seafloor equipment will be in place for the duration of the experiment approximately one month including deployment and recovery. A description of the two proposed sound sources are provided below. Accelerated Weight Drop Nitrogen spring AWD sources produce high energy output in a small, safe and robust package and can be mounted on tracked vehicles to reduce impact on the terrain. AWD utilizes a base plate that shields the ground from impact and reduces peak ground pressure (< 6 psi) for use in environments that prohibit using conventional sources (Figure 2.3).

Figure 2.3 Typical Accelerated Weight Drop Testing of AWD systems indicate that they will not provide sufficient energy to image deeper than 4 to 6 km (2.5 to 3.7 mi), and thus AWD alone will not provide a signal that is sufficient to image crustal structure to depths of 10 to 15 km (6.2 to 9.3 mi), as required to identify and characterize active faults. Consequently it will also be necessary to use VibroseisTM to achieve sufficient signal strength to meet the crustal imaging requirements. VibroseisTM Modern vibrators with improved feedback control electronics are the only non-explosive onshore seismic source that provides sufficient energy to meet the project objectives and image to depths of up to 15 km (9.32 mi). Vehicle-mounted vibrators (Figure 2.4) are the proposed method of source generation and would be utilized to the greatest extent possible in accessible areas.

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Vibrators can only be used along portions of the profile routes with sufficiently wide roads and moderate grades.

Figure 2.4 Typical Vehicle-mounted Vibrator

2.3 Preliminary Schedule The proposed activities, including mobilization and demobilization, are expected to take two to three months to complete. This estimate includes time for instrument deployment, profiling, and instrument recovery, and demobilization. The surveys are being targeted for September through November 2012 following completion of all required permitting. Current operations are planned for daylight only; however activities are expected to occur seven days a week.

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Central Coastal California Seismic Imaging Project Attachment 2

3.0 EXISTING CONDITIONS

The proposed survey is located in the nearshore and offshore coastal and marine areas of the Point Buchon-Estero Bay region of the central California coastline. The shoreline within the region varies from rocky, vertical cliffs and narrow sandy to cobble beaches at the northern and southern boundaries and off Morro Rock to sandy beaches north and south of Morro Rock. Offshore, the seafloor habitats are similar to those along the shoreline, with rocky substrate characteristic of areas to 37 m (120 ft) water depth off the Point Buchon peninsula and to over 200 ft offshore the Montana del Oro State Park south of Morro Bay. Similar rocky substrate is also present in the subtidal areas off Point Estero at the northern edge of the proposed survey area.

3.1 Air Quality and Meteorology The proposed Project is located in San Luis Obispo County (on the central coast of California) in the South Central Coast Air Basin. Summers are mild and typically characterized by early morning and afternoon fogs. Winters are usually cool and wet with the rainy season extending from late November to early April. Airflow plays an important role in the movement and dispersion of air pollutants in the San Luis Obispo region. The speed and direction of local winds are controlled by (1) the location and strength of the Pacific High pressure system and other global patterns, (2) topographical factors, and (3) circulation patterns resulting from temperature differences between land and sea. During the spring and summer when the Pacific High attains its greatest strength, onshore winds from the northwest generally prevail during the day. As evening approaches, onshore winds are reduced, and the wind direction reverses with winds flowing down the coastal mountain and valleys to form light easterly breezes. In the fall, onshore surface winds decline and the marine layer becomes shallow, allowing for an occasional reversal to a weak offshore flow. This, along with the diurnal alteration of land-sea breeze circulation, can sometimes produce a "sloshing" effect. Under such conditions, pollutants may accumulate over the Pacific Ocean and subsequently be carried back onshore with the return of sea breezes. The United States (U.S.) Environmental Protection Agency has designated all areas of the U.S. as having either air quality better than (attainment) or worse than (nonattainment) the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The NAAQS are federal air quality standards established under the Clean Air Act (CAA). The CAA also mandates that the state submit and implement a State Implementation Plan for local areas not meeting those standards. The plans must include pollution control measures that demonstrate how the standards will be met. “Non-attainment” areas are further categorized as either: marginal, moderate, serious, severe or extreme, depending upon the numerical exceedance of the priority pollutant standard and the measures that are in place to reduce these pollutant levels. These designations are specific to the area and the pollutant.

Because the local air basin does not meet State standards for O3 and inhalable particulate matter (PM10), San Luis Obispo County is considered a state nonattainment area for those pollutants; however, the air basin is considered to be in attainment for PM2.5, CO, NO2, and SO2. Table 3.1 lists Federal and state attainment status for the San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) portion of the South Central Coast Air Basin.

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Table 3.1 Federal and State Attainment Status for San Luis Obispo County APCD Portion of the South Central Coast Air Basin

Pollutants Federal Classification State Classification

O3 (1-hour standard) Classification revoked June 2005 Moderate Nonattainment

O3 (8-hour standard) Unclassified/Attainment Nonattainment

PM10 Unclassified Nonattainment

PM2.5 Unclassified/Attainment Attainment CO Unclassified/Attainment Attainment

NO2 Unclassified/Attainment Attainment

SO2 Unclassified Attainment

3.2 Marine Protected Areas As discussed above and as shown in Figures 3.1 and 3.2, two Marine Protected Areas (MPA), the Point Buchon and Point Piedras Blancas, are within the project region. Each has two different area designations, the inshore State Marine Reserve (SMR) and the offshore State Marine Conservation Area (SMCA), which have specific restrictions on “take” as defined in the State Marine Protection Act. According to California Code of Regulations, Title 14 Section 632, sub- section (b)(47), an SMR designation prohibits the take of all living marine resources. The take of all living marine resources is prohibited except the commercial and recreational take of salmon and albacore within an SMCA according to California Code of Regulations, Title 14 Section 632, sub- section (b)(48). PG&E is currently working with the California Fish & Game Commission to explore the possibility of authorizing the proposed survey by either revising the regulations or by granting permission to complete the proposed actions within the MPA boundaries.

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Figure 3.1 Point Buchon Marine Protected Area Below is a summary of the existing resources and uses within the proposed survey area. A more detailed description will be developed during the environmental document preparation. 3.3 Other Sensitive Biological Resources and Habitats In addition to the aforementioned MPAs, rocky intertidal and subtidal habitat and kelp are located along and offshore the Point Buchon peninsula in water depths up to 37 m (120 ft) between Point San Luis and the mouth of Islay Creek. Deeper water areas of rock are also common along the southern transect in water depths of up to 60 m (200 ft). Rocky intertidal habitats throughout the project site should be considered sensitive and in addition to offshore kelp beds, some nearshore rocky features could support stands of surf grass (Phyllospadix spp), which is considered an important habitat for commercial invertebrates and fish, and the federally-endangered black abalone (Haliotis cracherodii).

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Central Coastal California Seismic Imaging Project Attachment 2

Figure 3.2 Piedras Blancas Marine Protected Area

The region supports important habitat for seabirds, sea otters and sea lions, and cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises). In addition to the diverse habitats of the Morro Bay estuary and surrounding lands, specific areas of importance include nesting areas for seabirds (including black oystercatchers [Haematopus bachmani], cormorants [Phalacrocorax spp], and pigeon guillemots [Cepphus columba]) along Point Buchon and foraging habitat for shorebirds, including the threatened western snowy plover (Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus), along Sandspit Beach south of the entrance to Morro Bay harbor. Estero Bay is also a foraging ground for marine mammals, and pinnipeds use the nearby beaches and rocky shoreline to haul-out throughout the year. Cetaceans that may be encountered in nearshore areas include bottlenose and common dolphins (Tursiops truncatus and Delphinus delphis, respectively), humpback whales (Megaptera

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Central Coastal California Seismic Imaging Project Attachment 2 novaeangliae), and Minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) during summer and fall, and gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) during the spring and winter migration periods. Gray whales are most common from December to May, being most abundant in January during the southward migration, and in March during the northward migration. Gray whales tend to come relatively close to Point Buchon. 3.4 Commercial and Recreational Fishing Commercial fishing vessels use the project area from the two major harbors, Morro Bay and Port San Luis. Hook and line, trap, net (set, drift, and seine), and trawl are the four most commonly-used commercial gear types within the project area. Based on California Department of Fish and Game provided catch data, nearshore (within 60 km [10 mi] of the shoreline) fisheries tend to concentrate on market squid (seine), hagfish (trap), cabezon (hook and line and trap), and Dungeness and rock crabs (trap). Further offshore, sablefish, and thornyhead rockfish (trap and hook and line) are caught year-round and seasonal catches of salmon (troll) and thresher shark (drift net) are common. Recreational fishing, including commercial passenger fishing vessels (CPFV) from Morro Bay and Port San Luis, tend to stay within three miles of the shoreline and target rocky habitat associated species including rockfish, lingcod, and Cabezon. Seasonal open- water trolling for albacore and salmon occurs further offshore and fishers target California halibut and other flatfish in nearshore sedimentary habitats. 3.5 Cultural and Historical Resources Areas of the Outer Continental Shelf predicted to be sensitive for submerged prehistoric resources have been identified by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE, previously the U.S. Minerals Management Service). These areas correspond to the locations of sensitive landforms (paleoembayments, submerged channel systems, and island complexes) along the shoreline at various periods ranging from approximately 18,000 to 7,500 years ago. The submarine channel system that extends offshore Morro Bay is considered sensitive for such buried landforms. However, the BOEMRE cautioned that the site predictions had to be made with available data that were “very limited, generalized, and lacking in localized details”. To date, however, no known occurrences of in-situ remains of prehistoric habitation sites have been reported offshore Morro Bay or elsewhere within the project region. The closest recorded underwater site is located at Avila Beach (Port San Luis) to the south of the project area. BOEMRE marine archaeological studies and databases indicate that a small offshore area centered on the north side of Morro Bay is considered sensitive for historic shipwrecks. The location of one wreck has been established approximately 3.7 km (2.3 mi) north of the Montana del Oro State Park. The locations of the remaining four historically-significant ship wrecks (Challenge, Golden Gate, Lena and Otsego) are not known with any certainty. One more recent shipwreck, the Vienni Su (1945) has also been reported north of Point Buchon. Additional research conducted for previously-completed projects within the area indicates that three early 20th century shipwrecks– The Eclipse, a schooner; The Yellowtail, a motor vessel; and The New Sunset, an oil screw, none of which have been evaluated for importance as cultural resources, and one recent shipwreck, The Hi C, are reported possibly within project area.

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Onshore cultural resources have been relatively well documented. An important onshore site is the SLO-2 site located around Diablo Creek, north of the DCPP. Documented sensitive resources will be avoided or mitigated in accordance with existing regulations, however until the nearshore and onshore locations are finalized, the proximity and potential sensitivity of those resources to the proposed actions cannot be determined. 3.6 Water Quality and Oceanography Nearshore water quality is influenced by a number of factors, including local currents, nearby ocean outfalls and discharges, and freshwater inflow. Petroleum development activities, commercial vessel traffic, natural hydrocarbon seeps, river runoff, municipal wastewater outfalls and minor industrial outfalls all contribute to increased levels of nutrients, trace metals and synthetic organic contaminants in offshore waters. However, compared to coastal water of the Bight, anthropogenic (human-induced) inputs into the water of the Santa Maria Basin, including Estero Bay and the project area, are fewer and, therefore, these marine waters are considered relatively clean. The largest municipal outfall in the project region is located approximately two miles north of Morro Rock, in the southern portion of Estero Bay and serves the combined communities of Morro Bay and Cayucos. Historically this outfall has had low impacts to local water and sediment quality beyond 50 ft of the zone of initial dilution surrounding the outfall. Nearshore ocean temperatures along the California coast north of Point Conception are largely influenced by the California and Davidson currents and the seasonal upwelling of deeper ocean water. Surface water temperatures within Estero Bay typically range from 48 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit (°F) with a mean of 57 °F. The winds promote the offshore movement of the surface water mass and its subsequent replacement by the upwelling of cold, nutrient rich water from deeper layers. Seasonal upwelling plays an important role in temperature and nutrient cycling within the bay and along the entire coast of California. Upwelling is not, however, restricted temporally, and can occur at anytime during the year when the appropriate wind conditions persist. Deep water offshore swells generally approach Estero Bay from the south to northwest; between 190° and 310° relative to azimuth true north. Point Estero to the north and Point Buchon to the south provide sheltering from waves traveling in directions outside that approach window. Table 3.2 provides some wave statistics from data collected from 1956 through 1975 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at the wave station nearest Morro Bay. Additional information is available from the Scripps wave rider located offshore of the DCPP intake bay. Table 3.3 provides a summary of extreme wave conditions also compiled by the Corps of Engineers based on data collected during the same 20 year period. Table 3.2 Deep Water WIS Hindcast Wave Data for the Project Region

Wave Data Measurement Mean significant wave height 2.4 m (8 ft) Mean peak period 10.3 seconds Most frequent wave direction 292.5° azimuth (re: True North) Largest significant wave height 85. m (28 ft) Peak period associated with highest wave 12.5 seconds

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Table 3.3 Extreme Wave Conditions for the Project Region

Return Period (Years) Wave Height in Meters (ft) 10 6.4 (21.0) 25 7.9 (25.9) 50 9.0 (29.5) 100 10.1 (33.0) 3.7 Marine Transportation Latest available information suggests that more than 4,000 large vessels travel along the central California coast every year, most within 15 mi of the shoreline of San Luis Obispo County. The majority of them are fishing and recreational vessels that operate out of Morro Bay and to a lesser extent, Port San Luis. In the year 2000, an agreement between United States (U.S.) shipping officials, the International Maritime Organization, and the Monterey Bay, Gulf of the Farallones, and Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuaries specified distances from the shoreline that various commercial vessel types were to remain while in transit offshore the central California coast. While large vessels were to remain 24 to 37 km (15 to 23 mi) offshore, ships carrying hazardous materials were to remain from 46 to 55 km (29 to 34.5 mi) offshore, and tankers were required to stay at least 92 km (57.5 mi) offshore. The combined “resident fleet” of Morro Bay and Port San Luis is estimated to be approximately 400 vessels, of which about half are commercial fishing vessels; the remainder are pleasure craft. In Morro Bay there are approximately 140 moorings and 270 slips located along the Morro Bay Embarcadero and in the Morro Bay State Park Marina. In addition, two T-piers can accommodate at least another 60 boats and an anchorage area can accommodate up to 8 small boats or 1-2 larger vessels. In Port San Luis there are approximately 250 privately-owned moorings, and limited space for vessel anchorage between the Avila Pier and Cal Poly Pier. There are no dock slips in Port San Luis, but vessels use Harford Pier on a temporary basis to offload/onload passengers, equipment, and fish. Harbor Department manages 50 slips, most of which are utilized by commercial fishing vessels. The entrance to Morro Bay has historically been considered one of the most dangerous on the west coast of the U.S.; however, since the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers initiated a larger dredging program in 1995, the sand bar that historically developed at the mouth of the harbor and resulted in breaking waves has been decreased.

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Central Coastal California Seismic Imaging Project Attachment 3

ATTACHMENT 3

PACIFIC GAS and ELECTRIC COMPANY APPLICATION FOR RESOURCE LEASE, PERMIT OR OTHER ENTITLEMENT FOR USE

CENTRAL COASTAL CALIFORNIA SEISMIC IMAGING PROJECT Part I, Section E, Item 3. Identify other public agencies that may have approval authority over the project. Submit copies of all acquired approvals and/or letters or other evidence from the public agency indicating the status of the pending approvals. The table below provides PG&E’s preliminary list of public agencies that will or are expected to have regulatory authority over the proposed project. To date, no project-specific approvals or authorizations have been obtained, however all copies of permits will be provided to the CSLC. Regulatory/Permitting Requirements for the Proposed Project

Permit/ Agency Regulated Activity Authority Approval Federal Agencies Endangered Species Act, Section 7 consultation required 50 CFR Section 17. for USACE approval. Impacts of survey activities to federally listed animals and marine Section 305(b)(2) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act NOAA Fisheries mammals. Magnuson-Stevens Essential Fish Habitat Fishery Conservation and Impacts to managed fish species. Assessment. Management Act Possible NEPA Compliance. Section 404 Clean Water U.S. Army Corps of Section 404/Section 10 Activities below Mean High Tide Act , Section 10 of the Engineers (USACE) Nationwide Permits 5, 6, or 18 Line and within navigable waters. Rivers and Harbors Act Endangered Species Act, U.S. Fish and Impacts to federally listed species 16 USCA 1513, 50 CFR Section 7 consultation required Wildlife Service and species proposed for listing. Section 17 for USACE approval. U.S. Coast Guard Notice to Mariners Work within navigable waters 33 CFR Part 72 State and Local Agencies

Geophysical survey permit. California Public Resources Code Section State Lands Lease for use of submerged Work seaward of Mean High Tide 6826 Commission lands. Line to three miles offshore. California Government CEQA compliance Code Section 65940 Coastal Development Permit, California Coastal Coastal Zone Management Act Survey activities seaward of Mean California Coastal Act Commission consistency determination High-High Water. required for USACE approval Regional Water Discharges or seafloor disturbance Section 401 certification Quality Control from geophone placement that Clean Water Act. required for USACE approval Board (RWQCB) may affect ocean water quality. State Historical Section 106 review required Impacts to historic and prehistoric Section 106, National Preservation Office for USACE approval resources Historic Preservation Act (SHPO) California Department of Conditional Use Permit for Access to and work within Park State Regulations Parks and Park Service Roads or Areas Service lands Recreation Page - 1

Central Coastal California Seismic Imaging Project Attachment 4

ATTACHMENT 4

PACIFIC GAS and ELECTRIC COMPANY APPLICATION FOR RESOURCE LEASE, PERMIT OR OTHER ENTITLEMENT FOR USE

CENTRAL COASTAL CALIFORNIA SEISMIC IMAGING PROJECT

Section F, Explanation of Assessment of Environmental Impacts. Will the proposed project result in: 1. A change in existing features of any bays, tidelands, beaches, lakes or hills, or substantial alteration of ground contour? Response: No. The only “grounded” equipment will be the temporary placement of the nearshore geophones which are generally rounded, can-shaped objects approximately 17 inches in diameter. The geophones will be connected by a polyethylene or similar material line. Each geophone is self-contained and requires no external power or transmitting cable. The geophones will remain in-place for up to one week and could be moved to multiple locations within the survey area. 2. A change in scenic views from existing residential areas, public lands, or roads? Response: No. The short-term presence of the primary survey vessel and possible support vessels is not considered a significant change in scenic views. Onshore sound-generating equipment will be located off of major roadways and will be on-site temporarily (up to two days at each survey area). No long term changes in scenic views will result from the proposed actions. Small surface buoys aid in locating the equipment, will be tied to the offshore terminus of the geophone lines. These buoys will be in-place for up to two weeks and are not expected to result in significant aesthetics or visual impacts. 3. A change in pattern, scale or character of the land use at or in the general area of the project? Response: No. All proposed actions are offshore and will not result in substantial alteration or change in the land use or land form of the project area. 4. Impacts to plants or animals? Response: Yes. Potential impacts to the existing biota are possible from the placement of the geophones onto the seafloor and from the noise generated by the onshore and offshore sound sources. Other impacts are those resulting from an accidental discharge of petroleum products or wastewater and from the placement of the nearshore geophones. Mitigations to reduce potential impacts from these sources are discussed in the sections below and will be incorporated into the proposed project. 5. Significant amounts of solid waste or litter? Response: No. PG&E’s contractor will be required to adopt a zero discharge policy for onshore and offshore operations. The proposed operations are not expected to generate substantial amounts of solid waste or litter. The offshore and onshore operations will result in paper and food waste. Covered trash receptacles will be onboard the project vessels and trash and

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Central Coastal California Seismic Imaging Project Attachment 4

garbage will be disposed of at permitted onshore facilities as required. Trash and litter generated during onshore operations will be collected in appropriate receptacles and disposed of at permitted onshore facilities at the end of each day. 6. Generation of or additional dust, ash, smoke, fumes, or odors in the vicinity? Response: No. The onshore sound-generating vehicles will utilize existing roadways, some of which may be unpaved and therefore some dust may be generated. Other emissions will be associated with the usual types of exhausts generated by gasoline/diesel engines that propel the vehicles and vessels. The amount of these emissions is expected to be less than significant and will be limited to “normal” exhaust and dirt-disturbing material. No significant impacts are expected to result from these emissions. A Dust Control Plan will be developed if unpaved roadways are utilized and dust generation is possible. 7. A change in ocean, bay, lake, stream or ground water quality or quantity, or an altering of existing drainage patterns? Response: No. Short term changes in ocean water quality is possible from the resuspension of seafloor sediments during placement and recovery of the nearshore geophones and in the event of an accidental discharge of petroleum products or other accidental release from project vessels or vehicles. The seafloor sediments within the water depths where geophones will be placed are expected to be sandy and therefore are less likely to contain contaminants. The short-term increase in turbidity associated with resuspension of surficial seafloor sediments is expected to less than significant and pre-installation conditions would be expected to occur shortly after the activities. Potentially significant degradation of the water quality would result from the discharge of petroleum products (i.e. diesel fuel, hydraulic fluid, lubricating fluids) from offshore vessels or from onshore vehicles working near water course and/or the shoreline. PG&E will prepare a project-specific Oil Spill Response and Recovery Plan (OSRRP) that will specify the amount and type of cleanup and recovery equipment that will be maintained on project vessels as well as methods to reduce the chances of a discharge occurring. Off-site spill response resources will also be identified in the OSRRP. Because existing roadways and bridges will be utilized for the onshore vehicles, no alteration of existing drainage patterns is expected from the proposed activities. 8. A change in existing noise or vibration levels in the vicinity? Response: Yes. As mentioned previously, offshore and onshore deep seismic data collection requires the generation of a sound source that is sufficient to penetrate the earth’s surface to the desired depth. As discussed above the onshore sound will be generated by either accelerated weight drop or vibrator methods, and both will generate local, short-term increases in noise and vibration immediately around the vehicle. Both methods are designed to be operated near structures and along roadways and therefore focus the sound downward, into the soil and rock, however noise levels will vary depending upon the type of surficial material, with hard material generally resulting in higher external noise levels and vibrations. A project- specific Onshore Noise and Vibration Plan will be prepared and will include methods to mitigate the potential effects of vibrations to existing buildings and geologic resources, and the potential effects of sound to sensitive receptors.

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Central Coastal California Seismic Imaging Project Attachment 4

The offshore sound source would be generated by air guns (see description in Attachment 2) that will produce underwater noise peak levels that are expected to range from 225 to 259 dB re 1 μPa at 1 meter within a relatively narrow frequency range of from 0 to 188 Hz. The attenuation of the peak noise level depends upon water depth and physical characteristics. PG&E will provide the results of sound level modeling prior to the initiation of the environmental analysis process. Irrespective of the attenuation, the sound levels are expected to result in potentially significant effects on marine wildlife (whales, dolphins, sea otters, and turtles)and to exceed the “take” levels for cetaceans and pinnipeds established by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). Exceeding those thresholds will require PG&E to acquire an Incidental Take/Harassment Authorization (ITA/IHA) from NMFS and to develop project-specific mitigations to reduce those effects. PG&E will initiate formal consultation with NMFS, complete the required research on noise effects on biological resources, and incorporate those findings in an ITA/IHA permit application and, as required, in a project-specific Marine Wildlife Contingency Plan (MWCP). The MWCP will specify equipment operational procedures, monitoring methods and locations, and response measures that will be incorporated into the proposed project. Below is a partial list of the mitigations that are incorporated into the proposed actions and that will be included in that MWCP: • Marine mammal observers stationed on primary survey vessel and within aircraft (if needed) with the authority to cease survey operations if marine wildlife are being affected. • Surveys proposed during the late fall, the period of low use by cetaceans (whales). • Use of a small (50-ft) support vessel will have onboard marine mammal observers to monitor marine wildlife within the survey exclusion zone and who have the same authority to cease operations. • Use of power up/ramp up, and shutdown procedures to be used for air gun operations. • Use of the mitigation (smaller volume) air gun during survey turns outside of the 3D survey area. 9. Construction on filled land or on slope of ten percent (10%) or more? Response: No. No construction is proposed for the Offshore Seismic Imaging Project. The temporary placement of nearshore geophones will be on natural intertidal and seafloor substrate and onshore sound-generating operations will be on existing roadways. 10. Use or disposal of potentially hazardous materials such as toxic or radioactive substances, flammables, or explosives? Response: Yes. Petroleum-base fuel and lubricants, which are flammable, will be stored on and used by the project vessels and vehicles. The proposed project will include requirements that all fuel be stored within appropriate and approved containers and that no refueling of vessels or vehicles will occur during field data collection. Other incorporated measures include specification that fueling will occur at the designated fuel dock within the mooring location (vessels) or at existing service stations (vehicles) as needed. USGC-approved fire extinguishers and other fire fighting equipment will onboard all project vessels and the appropriate type of fire extinguisher will be on each vehicle. Other than the fuel, no toxic, hazardous, explosives, or radioactive substances will be utilized.

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Central Coastal California Seismic Imaging Project Attachment 4

11. A change in demand for municipal services such as police, fire, water, or sewage? Response: No. The proposed project is the collection of deep seismic data and will be completed using contracted equipment, vessels, and vehicles. The project, including mobilization and demobilization is expected to take up to three months to complete and will not result in the need for any additional municipal services. 12. Increase in the consumption of energy such as fossil fuels or electricity? Response: No. Although project vessels and vehicles will utilize petroleum-base fuels and lubricants, the project will not result in a significant increase in the regional consumption of fossil fuels or electricity. Operations are planned for daylight hours only and transit time for the survey and support vessels will be minimized by locating mooring facilities are nearby, existing ports/harbors such as San Luis Bay or Morro Bay. Onshore vehicles will likewise be parked at existing parking facilities when not in use and will operate only during daylight hours. No substantial consumption of energy is expected from the proposed project. 13. A larger project or series of projects? Response: No. The data collected during the proposed survey will be used to enhance existing data on the structure of the offshore geological conditions and specifically to characterize the fault system adjacent to and around the DCPP. Similar onshore data is being collected during a separate survey and those data will be compared to the offshore information to more completely define the geological characteristics of the region. Each survey is considered separate due the location and method of data collection. 14. Historic structures and/or archeological sites? Response: No. Surficial disturbance is only proposed along the corridor within which the nearshore geophones will be placed (to a depth of 30 m [100 ft], Mean Lower Low Water [MLLW]) and along segments of the coastline where onshore sound source vehicles will be located. As is discussed elsewhere, the offshore area does not appear to support any archaeological or cultural resource sites, however a records search for the project region will be completed and the results submitted to the California State Lands Commission prior to the initiation of detailed environmental analysis. Likewise, available databases for onshore cultural/archaeological sites and historic structures will be accessed and the location and sensitivity of regional sites (i.e. the previously-documented SLO-2 site) will be identified. PG&E will locate the geophones to avoid offshore cultural sites, and will locate onshore vehicle operations outside of the pre-defined clearance area around any archaeological site. If required, PG&E will have a qualified cultural resource specialist on-site during onshore operations. Similar mitigations (i.e. location of onshore sound sources outside of the pre- designated safety zone) will be institute to assure that no historic structures will be affected by the onshore sound production/vibration.

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Central Coastal California Seismic Imaging Project Attachment 3

Permit/ Agency Regulated Activity Authority Approval California Section 2081 consistency Potential adverse effects to State Fish and Game Code Department of Fish determination listed species Section 2081 and Game (CDFG) Local Coastal Plan. Development within jurisdictional County of San Luis Coastal Development Permit. San Luis Obispo County areas (if needed). Use of county Code and the California Obispo Encroachment permit. roadways (if needed). Streets and Highways Code

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