Final Environmental Assessment for the Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP) Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) Point Mugu, California Prepared For DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY Mr. Thomas Keeney, Natural Resources Manager NBVC Point Mugu, Environmental Division Point Mugu, California Prepared By: TETRA TECH EM INC. February 2002 Final Environmental Assessment for the Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP) Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) Point Mugu, California RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY Proposed Action: Implementation of the 2002 INRMP for NBVC Point Mugu, Ventura County, California Point of Contact: Mr. Thomas Keeney Naval Air Station Point Mugu Environmental Division Code 833210E Point Mugu, CA 93042-5001 (805) 989-3808 Abstract: Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) Point Mugu proposes to implement an Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP) consistent with the military use of the property and the goals and objectives of the Sikes Act Improvement Act (SAIA) (16 U.S. C. 670a et seq) of 1997. The intent of the INRMP is to implement an ecosystem-based conservation program that provides for conservation and enhancement of natural resources in a manner that is consistent with the military mission, that integrates and coordinates all natural resources management activities, that provides for sustainable multipurpose uses of natural resources, and that provides public access for the use of natural resources subject to safety and military security considerations. The EA considers two management alternatives: the Proposed Action and No Action Alternative. Because the No Action Alternative does not fulfill statutory requirements under the SAIA for ecosystem-based, long-term natural resource planning, the No Action Alternative was rejected. Based on information gathered during preparation of the EA, the Navy finds that the proposed implementation of the Naval Base Ventura County Point Mugu INRMP would not have significant impacts or reasonably foreseeable cumulative impacts on the quality of the human or natural environment or generate significant controversy. Environmental Assessment NBVC Point Mugu Executive Summary Executive Summary Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) Point Mugu proposes to implement an Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP) consistent with the military use of the property and the goals and objectives of the Sikes Act Improvement Act (SAIA) (16 U.S. C. 670a et seq) of 1997. The proposed action would take place in Ventura County, California. The intent of the INRMP is to implement an ecosystem-based conservation program that provides for conservation and enhancement of natural resources in a manner that is consistent with the military mission, that integrates and coordinates all natural resources management activities, that provides for sustainable multipurpose uses of natural resources, and that provides public access for the use of natural resources subject to safety and military security considerations. The management objectives are to integrate natural resources management as practicable and consistent with the military mission and established land uses. Implementing the proposed action would comply with federal regulations and military requirements that mandate adequate protection of natural resources managed by the Navy. The proposed action focuses on a five-year planning period, which is consistent with the time frame mandated by the SAIA, Department of Defense Instruction 4715.3 and Chief of Naval Operations Instruction 5090.1B (Change 2). The following management alternatives were considered for the proposed action: the Proposed Action and No Action Alternative. The No Action Alternative would continue natural resource management under the existing natural resources practices, Biological Opinions, and routine and emergency maintenance procedures. Although current management strategies provide a net benefit to the natural resources, they are not based on an ecosystem approach or long-term planning guidance for managing resources in conjunction with military missions. Because the No Action Alternative does not fulfill statutory requirements under the SAIA for ecosystem- based, long-term natural resource planning, the No Action Alternative was rejected. The Proposed Action would implement the 2002 INRMP, providing stewardship actions that focus on sustaining military readiness, promoting ecological stewardship and biodiversity, conserving federally listed threatened and endangered plants and animals, protecting the habitat of resident and migratory birds, controlling erosion, and controlling exotic and invasive plant species. There would be no significant impacts upon any federally listed threatened or endangered species, critical habitat, wetlands, and archeological or historic resources. Management strategies for the federally endangered California brown pelican (Pelicanus occidentalis), Light- Environmental Assessment ES-1 NBVC Point Mugu Executive Summary footed clapper rail (Rallus longirostris levipes), California least tern (Sterna antillarum browni); the federally threatened western snowy plover (Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus); and candidate species Belding’s savannah sparrow (Passerculus sandwishensis beldingi) include habitat protection, predator control, additional surveys and studies and bird air strike hazard reduction. Habitat protection would be practiced for other federally listed species including Least Bell’s Vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus) and salt marsh bird’s beak (Cordylanthus maritimus maritimus) and the federally delisted species Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus). Navy has completed informal consultation with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, 16 U.S.C. Sec. 1531. There would be no significant impacts to surface, ground, or potable waters. There would be no significant impacts from noise, or to public health/safety and air quality. Ventura County is presently designated as a serious O3 nonattainment area. Pursuant to Section 176 © of the Clean Air Act, as amended, a conformity determination is not required. Most of the activities outlined in the INRMP are exempt from conformity requirements in accordance with 40 CFR 93.153 (c)(2). Prior to implementation, any non-exempt activity would undergo separate analysis to ensure emissions are less than established de minimis levels. There would be no impacts to air quality. There would be no adverse effects to archaeological sites. Pursuant to the requirements of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and 36 CFR Part 800, implementation of the NBVC Point Mugu INRMP would not result in the disturbance, destruction or removal of archaeological materials. Based on information gathered during preparation of the EA, the Navy finds that the proposed implementation of the Naval Base Ventura County Point Mugu INRMP would not have significant impacts or reasonably foreseeable cumulative impacts on the quality of the human or natural environment or generate significant controversy. Environmental Assessment ES-2 NBVC Point Mugu Table of Contents CONTENTS Section Page EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.........................................................................................................ES-1 SECTION 1.0: PURPOSE AND NEED FOR THE PROPOSED ACTION ............................... 1-1 1.1 COOPERATIVE AGENCIES..................................................................................... 1-1 1.2 PURPOSE AND NEED ........................................................................................... 1-2 1.3 SCOPE OF THE DOCUMENT .................................................................................. 1-3 1.4 ISSUES OF CONCERN........................................................................................... 1-4 SECTION 2.0: DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION............................................... 2-1 2.1 GOALS AND POLICIES OF THE INRMP .................................................................. 2-1 2.2 PROPOSED NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT ................................................ 2-2 2.2.1 Jurisdictional Special Aquatic Sites and Wetland Restoration............... 2-2 2.2.2 Fish and Wildlife Management............................................................... 2-4 2.2.3 Soil and Water Management ................................................................. 2-4 2.2.4 BASH Projects ....................................................................................... 2-6 2.2.5 Migratory Bird Management................................................................... 2-6 2.2.6 Outdoor Recreation Projects.................................................................. 2-7 2.3 INSTALLATION-WIDE MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES................................................... 2-7 2.3.1 Natural Resource Constraints Map........................................................ 2-8 2.3.2 Natural Resource Management Guidelines ........................................... 2-9 2.4 MANAGEMENT EMPHASIS AREAS ......................................................................... 2-9 2.4.1 Wetland Restoration Management Emphasis Area ............................. 2-10 2.4.2 Shorebird Management Emphasis Area .............................................. 2-10 2.4.3 Salt Marsh Bird's-beak Management Emphasis Area.......................... 2-11 2.4.4 Light-footed Clapper Rail Management Emphasis Area...................... 2-11 2.4.5 Western Snowy Plover Management Emphasis Area ........................