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ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
TRINIDAD RANCHERIA
STORMWATER IMPROVEMENT AND
INTERPRETIVE VISITOR CENTER PROJECT
."3$) 2017
LEAD AGENCY:
Bureau of Indian Affairs
2800 Cottage Way
Sacramento, CA 95825
(916) 978-6000
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
TRINIDAD RANCHERIA
STORMWATER IMPROVEMENT AND
INTERPRETIVE VISITOR CENTER PROJECT
."3$) 2017
LEAD AGENCY:
Bureau of Indian Affairs
2800 Cottage Way
Sacramento, CA 95825
(916) 978-6000
PREPARED BY:
Analytical Environmental Services
1801 7th Street, Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 447-3479
www.analyticalcorp.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TRINIDAD RANCHERIA
STORMWATER IMPROVEMENT AND INTERPRETIVE
VISITOR CENTER PROJECT
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
1.0
INTRODUCTION
1.1
Introduction......................................................................................................................1-1
1.2
Background......................................................................................................................1-1
1.3
Location and Setting ........................................................................................................1-3
1.4
Purpose and Need for the Proposed Action .....................................................................1-3
1.5
Overview of the Environmental Review Process ............................................................1-8
1.6
Environmental Issues Addressed .....................................................................................1-8
1.7
Regulatory Requirements and Approvals ........................................................................1-8
2.0
PROPOSED ACTION AND ALTERNATIVES
2.1
Selection of Alternatives for Detailed Evaluation ...........................................................2-1
2.2
Proposed Action and Proposed Project............................................................................2-1
2.3
No-Action Alternative .....................................................................................................2-9
2.4
Comparison of the Proposed Action and the Project Alternatives.................................2-10
3.0
DESCRIPTION OF AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT
3.1
Land Resources................................................................................................................3-1
3.2
Water Resources ..............................................................................................................3-5
3.3
Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas ...................................................................................3-10
3.4
Biological Resources .....................................................................................................3-15
3.5
Cultural Resources.........................................................................................................3-21
3.6
Socioeconomic Conditions / Environmental Justice......................................................3-24
3.7
Transportation and Circulation ......................................................................................3-27
3.8
Land Use ........................................................................................................................3-28
3.9
Agriculture .....................................................................................................................3-29
3.10
Public Services...............................................................................................................3-31
3.11
Noise ..............................................................................................................................3-33
3.12
Hazardous Materials ......................................................................................................3-36
3.13
Visual Resources............................................................................................................3-36
4.0
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES
4.1
Proposed Action...............................................................................................................4-1
4.2
No-Action Alternative ...................................................................................................4-17
4.3
Cumulative Effects ........................................................................................................4-19
4.4
Indirect and Growth-Inducing Effects ...........................................................................4-25
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5.0
MITIGATION MEASURES
5.1
Land Resources................................................................................................................5-1
5.2
Water Resources ..............................................................................................................5-3
5.3
Air Quality .......................................................................................................................5-3
5.4
Biological Resources .......................................................................................................5-3
5.5
Cultural Resources...........................................................................................................5-5
5.6
Socioeconomic Conditions / Environmental Justice........................................................5-6
5.7
Transportation and Circulation ........................................................................................5-6
5.8
Land Use ..........................................................................................................................5-6
5.9
Agriculture .......................................................................................................................5-6
5.10
Public Services.................................................................................................................5-6
5.11
Noise ................................................................................................................................5-6
5.12
Hazardous Materials ........................................................................................................5-7
5.13
Visual Resources..............................................................................................................5-7
6.0
CONSULTATION, COORDINATION AND LIST OF PREPARERS
6.1
Federal Agencies..............................................................................................................6-1
6.2
Local Government ...........................................................................................................6-1
6.3
Preparers of Environmental Assessment .........................................................................6-1
7.0
BIBLIOGRAPHY............................................................................................................................7-1
LIST OF TABLES
2-1
3-1
3-2
3-3
3-4
3-5
3-6
3-7
3-8
3-9
3-10
3-11
3-12
4.1-1
4.1-2
4.1-3
4.1-4
4.1-5
4.3-1
4.3-2
Requested Trust Parcels...................................................................................................2-2
Soil Properties for Soils on the Project Site.....................................................................3-2
General Water Quality Objectives for the Eel River ......................................................3-9
2010 Clean Water Act Section 303(D) List .....................................................................3-9
Water Quality Objectives for Groundwater .....................................................................3-9
National Ambient Air Quality Standards.......................................................................3-11
NCAB Attainment Status...............................................................................................3-14
Potentially Occurring Federal Special-Status Species ...................................................3-20
Trinidad, Humboldt County, California Demographics ................................................3-25
Trinidad, Humboldt County, California Employment ...................................................3-25
Cher-Ae Heights Inidan Community of Trinidad Rancheria Estimates ........................3-26
Humboldt County Race/Income Profile.........................................................................3-26
Typical Sound Levels of Common Noise Sources ........................................................3-34
Wastewater Flows for Alternative A ...............................................................................4-3
Unmitigated Construction Emissions ..............................................................................4-7
Unmitigated Operational Emissions ................................................................................4-7
Typical Construction Noise Levels................................................................................4-15
Typical Noise Levels from Construction Equipment ....................................................4-15
Greenhouse Gas CO2 Equivalent ...................................................................................4-22
Alternative A GHG Emissions.......................................................................................4-22
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Table of Contents
LIST OF FIGURES
1-1
1-2
1-3
2-1
2-2
3-1
3-2
3-3
3-4
Regional Location............................................................................................................1-4
Site and Vicinity ..............................................................................................................1-5
Aerial Photograph ............................................................................................................1-6
Site Plan ...........................................................................................................................2-4
Interpretive Center Site Plan............................................................................................2-5
Regional Faults ................................................................................................................3-3
Soil Types ........................................................................................................................3-4
Habitat Types and Potential Waters of the U.S. ............................................................3-18
General Plan Land Use ..................................................................................................3-30
APPENDICES
Appendix A
Appendix B
Appendix C
Appendix D
Appendix E
Appendix F
Appendix G
Bay Street Stormwater Improvement Plans
New Interpretive Center Building at Trinidad Pier Plans
Pier Stormwater Plans
Biological Resources
Cultural Resources Study (Bound Under Separate Cover)
Phase I Environmental Site Assessment
CalEEMod Results
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SECTION 1.0
INTRODUCTION
1.1
INTRODUCTION
The U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is the federal agency that is charged with reviewing and approving
tribal applications pursuant to 25 C.F.R. Part 151 to take land into federal trust status. This Environmental
Assessment (EA) has been prepared for the BIA to support the application of the Cher-Ae Heights Indian
Community of the Trinidad Rancheria (Tribe) for land to be placed into federal trust (Proposed Action) in
Humboldt County, California. This land, also referred to as the Tribe’s Harbor Properties, consists of nine
parcels and three non-parceled areas, in part and whole, totaling approximately nine acres adjacent to
Trinidad Bay. The land is currently owned by the Tribe in fee simple status. This land is intended to be
used for an interpretive visitor center (visitor center), open space, and operation of currently existing
facilities (Proposed Project). Currently existing facilities consist of the Seascape Restaurant, Seascape
vacation rental house, Trinidad pier, a vessel haul-out hoist, surface parking, and several outbuildings. The
BIA will use this EA to determine if the Proposed Action would result in adverse effects to the
environment.
This document has been prepared in accordance with the requirements set out in the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 (42 United States Code [USC] §4321 et seq.), the Council on
Environmental Quality (CEQ) Guidelines for Implementing NEPA (40 C.F.R. Parts 1500-1508), and the
BIA’s NEPA Guidebook (59 Indian Affairs Manual [IAM] 3-H). Section 2.0 of this EA provides a detailed
description of the Project Alternatives. Section 3.0 provides a description of the existing environmental
conditions on and in the vicinity of the project site. Section 4.0 provides an analysis of the potential
environmental consequences associated with the Project Alternatives. A discussion of impact avoidance
and mitigation measures is provided in Section 5.0. Consistent with the requirements of NEPA, the BIA
will review and analyze the environmental consequences associated with the Proposed Action and Project
Alternatives, and either determine that a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) is appropriate, request
additional analysis, or request that an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) be prepared.
1.2
BACKGROUND
The Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria is a federally-recognized Indian Tribe
with ancestral ties to the Yurok, Wiyot, Tolowa, Chetco, Karuk, and Hupa peoples. The Tribe is located
within the ancestral territories of the Yurok, with core land holdings located on a coastal bluff east of
Highway 101, just south of the town of Trinidad. Trinidad is located approximately 25 miles north of the
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1.0 Introduction
City of Eureka. Under a 1906 Congressional act authorizing the purchase of land for “homeless Indians,”
60 acres were purchased in 1908 on Trinidad Bay for the original members of the Tribe. Federal
recognition was subsequently granted by the Department of the Interior in 1917, Articles of Association
were enacted by 1961, and a new Tribal Constitution was passed in 2008. The Tribe currently has
approximately 228 members. The governing body of the Tribe is ultimately the Community Council,
which consists of enrolled members who are eligible to vote. Eligible voters are tribal members at least 18
years of age who satisfy a number of annual requirements to maintain voting privileges. The Community
Council meets monthly as a forum opportunity to discuss aspects of Tribal business and services. The
Tribal Council is elected from those members comprising the Community Council. The duty of the Tribal
Council is to govern all the people, resources, land, and water reserved to the Tribe, in accordance with the
Tribe’s Constitution, all laws adopted by the Tribal Council, and any limitations lawfully imposed by the
Tribal Council and/or the United States through statute or Constitution. The Tribal Council Officers’ duties
include a wide range of responsibilities including attending all meetings, serving as liaisons to advisory
committees, and most importantly, upholding the Tribal Constitution. Specific responsibilities, duties,
expectations, and guidelines are thoroughly outlined in the Trinidad Rancheria’s Tribal Constitution. The
Tribal Council consists of a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary/Treasurer, and two additional
Council members.
The Tribe’s culture, including but not limited to traditional and customary fishing and gathering, is
inextricably tied to the land and marine resources found within the traditional homeland, which is defined
as a 20-mile area of interest and concern surrounding the Tribe’s lands. The Tribe has made a significant
investment to revitalize the local economy and preserve the Tribe’s cultural heritage, and has developed a
model that advances economic development and stewardship. In January 2000, Trinidad Rancheria
purchased the Trinidad Pier, harbor facilities, and the Seascape Restaurant, including the parking along Bay
Street. The Trinidad Pier was built between 1945 and 1946 to serve commercial and recreational users. A
cannery at the end of the pier was swept away by a storm in 1957 and never replaced. Due to the
deterioration of the original wooden supports, the Tribe, with funding in part by the California State Water
Resources Control Board (SWRCB), the California Coastal Conservancy (CCC), the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) Brownfield Grant, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and the BIA,
completed a reconstruction of the pier in 2013. The deteriorated creosote-treated wood pilings and the
wood decking were replaced by polymer-coated steel pilings and pre-cast concrete decking. The Trinidad
Pier is currently the northernmost oceanfront pier in California and serves a fleet of commercial winter crab
fishing vessels and year-round water angling for salmon and near shore fish species. The Trinidad
Rancheria currently operates the pier, and upland improvements including a boat launch ramp and the
Seascape Restaurant. Since taking over the operations of the Trinidad Pier and upland improvements in
2000, the Tribe has incurred losses of over $1.3 million.
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1.0 Introduction
1.3
LOCATION AND SETTING
The trust acquisition parcels addressed in this EA are located west of Highway 101 in Humboldt County,
approximately 18 miles north of the City of Eureka and within the City of Trinidad (project site). The
project site is located in Section 26 of the ‘Trinidad, CA’ U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) quadrangle
within Township 8 North and Range 1 West, and unsectioned areas of Trinidad Bay. Figures 1-1 and 1-2
show the regional location and vicinity of the project site. Figure 1-3 shows an aerial photograph of the
project site. The project site includes nine parcels, totaling approximately six and a half acres, which are
held partially or wholly in fee by the Tribe. These parcels are identified by Assessor Parcel Numbers
(APNs) 042-07-101, 042-07-102, 042-07-105, 042-07-108, 042-07-112, 042-07-113, 042-07-114, 042-09108, and 042-09-110. The project site also includes approximately two and a half acres that do not have
APNs for a total of nine acres of lands for the requested trust transfer. Although these parcels are not
contiguous with the current Rancheria, they are within approximately 0.5 miles of the Tribe’s Reservation.
Regional access is provided by Highway 101, which travels in a general north-south direction and is located
approximately 0.5 miles east of the site. Local access to the project site is provided by Lighthouse Road
and Bay Street. Lighthouse Road is a two-lane road that runs adjacent to the northwestern half of the
project site. Bay Street, which transitions from Lighthouse Road, runs northwest to southeast though the
western half of the project site. Access to Lighthouse Road from Highway 101 is provided via Main Street,
Trinity Street, and Edwards Street. Edwards Street parallels the northern border of the project site.
The project site is composed of a mosaic of ruderal and developed habitat, coastal dune grass habitat, beach,
and two vegetated rock heads which project southwards into Trinidad Bay. The topography of the site
consists of coastal beachfront and bluffs with elevations of 0 to 55 feet above mean sea level (amsl).
Surrounding land uses include private residences, surface parking, Humboldt State University’s Marine
Laboratory, Trinidad State Beach, and undeveloped parcels. The current Rancheria, approximately 0.5
miles east and opposite the bay from the project site, includes Tribal government center, Tribal housing,
and a casino and associated facilities.
1.4
PURPOSE AND NEED FOR THE PROPOSED ACTION
The Tribe’s purpose for taking the approximately nine acres of land into trust is to:
Facilitate Tribal self-governance and self-determination by allowing the Tribal Government to
exercise Tribal sovereign authority over the land;
Protect and enhance the economic well-being of Tribal resources further establishing economic
self-sufficiency;
Further the Tribe’s goal to restore its original land base;
Further the Tribe’s goal to preserve the surrounding environment and cultural resources for future
generations and the entire community;
Reduce the current stormwater runoff into Trinidad Bay from Harbor Properties improving the
quality of the Trinidad Bay;
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_
^
_ Project Site
^
Humboldt County
SCALE
¢
Ð
NOR TH
!
Miles
0
4
8
_
^
P A
C I
F I
C
O C
E A
N
Project Site
SOURCE: ESRI Data, 2016; AES, 2/12/2016
Trinidad Rancheria Fee-to-Trust and Interpretive Visitor Center Project EA / 215569
Figure 1-1
Regional Location
Patric
oint
ks P
Dr
101
£
¤
h a ve n
Dr
W es t
Propery Boundary
Sc
e
ni c
P
Dr
A
C
I
F
I C
O
C E
A N
SCALE
¢
Ð
N O R TH
!
Feet
0
1,000
2,000
SOURCE: "Trinidad, CA" USGS 7.5 Minute Topographic Quadrangle,
T8N R1W Section 26 and Unsectioned Areas of Trinidad Bay,
Humboldt Baseline & Meridian; AES, 2/25/2016
Trinidad Rancheria Fee-to-Trust and Interpretive Visitor Center Project EA / 215569
Figure 1-2
Site and Vicinity
Ewing St
Galindo St
Pacific Ct
Edwards St
Azale a Way
Property Boundary
Van Wycke St
2
Ba
y
9
St
1
8
3
4
5
6
LEGEND
7
Property Boundary 9.38 ac
PARCELS:
Pie r
1, APN 04207101, 2.02ac
2, APN 04207102, 0.50ac
h
Lig
tho
3, 04207105, 0.01ac
us
eR
d
4, APN 04207108, 2.81ac
5, APN 04207112, 0.40ac
6, APN 04207113, 0.80ac
7, 04207114, 0.46ac
8, APN 04209108, 0.22ac
9, APN 04209110, 0.38ac
No APN, 2.85ac
¢
Ð
N O R TH
!
Feet
0
125
250
SOURCE: Humboldt County Parcel GIS Data, 2013;
DigitalGlobe aerial photograph, 6/6/2013; AES, 2/25/2016
Trinidad Rancheria Fee-to-Trust and Interpretive Visitor Center Project EA / 215569
Figure 1-3
Aerial Photograph
1.0 Introduction
Highlight the cultural and economic background and importance of the Trinidad Harbor to the
surrounding region; and
Form a Trinidad Harbor District which would include all of the Tribe’s current harbor properties.
The Tribe’s culture, including but not limited to traditional and customary fishing and gathering, is
inextricably tied to the land and marine resources found within traditional homeland, which we define as a
20 mile area of interest and concern around the Tribe’s lands. The Tribe has made a significant investment
to revitalize the local economy and preserve the Tribe’s cultural heritage, and we have developed a model
that advances economic development and stewardship as complementary goals. Land acquisition and
transfer to trust is now, and has historically been, a top priority for the Tribe, which owns less than eighty
percent of the land originally purchased under the 1906 Congressional act. The Trinidad Pier and
development of harbor businesses represent the best parcels of land for economic development for the
Rancheria.
Trinidad Harbor is designated by the California Coastal Commission as a Critical Coastal Area and by the
State Water Board as an Area of Special Biological Significant (ASBS). In 2005, the Rancheria received a
cease and desist order (CDO) from the SWRCB for prohibited discharges from the Trinidad harbor and pier
facilities to the Trinidad Head ASBS. The list of prohibited discharges in the CDO included the freshwater
hose on the pier, the fish cleaning station, runoff from the pier itself, boat cleaning activities in and around
the boat launch, and runoff from the harbor parking lot facility. Since 2005, the Rancheria has completed
significant modifications at the Trinidad harbor and pier facilities to eliminate the prohibited discharges as
set forth in the CDO. Major site improvements that have been undertaken include removal of the fish
cleaning station and freshwater hose at the pier, construction of a new wastewater treatment system for the
Seascape Restaurant and adjacent vacation rental, construction of new public restrooms, and reconstruction
of the pier including installation of a stormwater capture and treatment system for runoff from the pier.
These modifications resulted in elimination of all of the discharges of concern with the exception of
stormwater runoff from the parking lot. The Rancheria is continuing to implement facility improvement
efforts to reduce nonpoint sources of discharge further, with the goal of eliminating all nonpoint-source
discharges from the Trinidad harbor and pier facilities. Public parking areas associated with the Trinidad
harbor and pier facilities include the main parking lot and boat launch area. These parking areas are used by
beachgoers, boaters, and patrons of the Seascape Restaurant, tackle shop, and pier. A significant portion of
the traffic at the main parking lot is from boaters with trailers using the launching facilities or boaters
without trailers using the mooring facilities. The main parking area contributes stormwater runoff as a
nonpoint-source to the adjacent beach area referred to as Launcher Beach. The parking lot is often used as a
staging area for boat and trailer repairs, potentially contributing repair-related pollutants to the harbor. This
parking lot has been identified by the SWRCB as a nonpoint source area that contributes discharges to the
Trinidad ASBS, and this area falls under the CDO issued in 2005
As a governmental entity, the Tribe has a responsibility to meet the economic, social, cultural and
environmental needs and concerns of its people. The primary task of the Tribe is to increase the standard of
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1.0 Introduction
living and quality of life for Tribal members for the Cher-ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad
Rancheria; and to provide employment opportunities, education and job training. Placing this land into trust
will allow the tribe to develop a stronger economic foundation, employing more tribal members, and
developing additional amenities to enhance the overall operation. It will allow the land to fall under the
Tribe’s authority, critical for the exercise of Tribal self-governance and self-determination, and is consistent
with the Bureau’s trust responsibility to Indian Tribes and the federal policies supporting Indian selfdetermination and self-sufficiency.
1.5
OVERVIEW OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW PROCESS
This EA is intended to satisfy the environmental review process of 59 IAM 3-H, 40 Code of Federal
Regulations (CFR) § 1501.3, and 40 CFR § 1508.9. The EA has been released for a 30-day comment
period. Comments will be considered by the BIA, and either a FONSI will be prepared, or additional
environmental analysis will be conducted. After the NEPA process is complete, the BIA may issue a
determination on the Tribe’s fee-to-trust application.
1.6
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES ADDRESSED
In accordance with NEPA and because the Proposed Action is located within a coastal zone, this EA
evaluates the following environmental issue areas outlined within the BIA’s NEPA Guidebook:
1.7
Land Resources;
Water Resources;
Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas;
Biological Resources;
Cultural Resources;
Socioeconomic Conditions / Environmental Justice;
Transportation and Circulation;
Land Use;
Agriculture;
Public Services;
Noise;
Hazardous Materials; and
Visual Resources.
REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS AND APPROVALS
The following direct and indirect federal approvals and actions may occur as a result of the Proposed
Action:
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1.0 Introduction
Transfer of the approximately nine-acre site into federal trust status for the Tribe by the Secretary
of the Interior.
Submission of inventory information to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the Class
V stormwater wells under the Safe Drinking Water Act Underground Injection Control Program.
Application for a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit for
Storm Water Discharges Associated with construction activity.
Consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS) under Section 7 of the Federal Endangered Species Act (ESA), if endangered
species may be impacted by the Proposed Action.
Consultation with the State Historic Preservation Office under Section 106 of the National Historic
Preservation Act (NHPA).
Request for a California Coastal Commission Federal Consistency Determination.
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SECTION 2.0
PROPOSED ACTION AND ALTERNATIVES
The Project Alternatives are described in this section. This section also summarizes the protective measures
and Best Management Practices (BMPs) incorporated into each alternative to reduce potential adverse
impacts to environmental resources.
2.1
SELECTION OF ALTERNATIVES FOR DETAILED EVALUATION
As discussed in Section 1.4, the Purpose and Need of the Proposed Action relates to the protection of the
harbor and harbor environment (including cultural resources) while furthering Tribal goals of economic
self-sufficiency, reestablishment of its original land base, self-governance, and self-determination. The
only reasonable alternatives are to either take no action or take the requested parcels into trust on behalf of
the Tribe. Other potential alternatives to the Proposed Action, such as alternative locations or a reduction in
the size of the area taken in to trust, do not meet the definition of “reasonable” under the Council on
Environmental Quality’s (CEQ’s) Regulations for Implementing the National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA) because the purpose and need would not be met. Being the only harbor currently owned by the
Tribe in close proximity to Tribe’s existing lands, there are no other available comparable lands that would
meet the purpose and need of the Proposed Action. Furthermore, all the parcels constitute the Trinidad
Harbor lands and are vital to the operation of the pier and protection of cultural resources. For example, as
shown on Figure 1-3, the spacing between Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN) 042-071-08 and 042-071-01 is
vital to maintain public access to the trail head of Trinidad Head, which can be seen on the aerial
photograph. Furthermore, APN 042-071-01 is an important storage area for operation of the pier during the
crab and fishing seasons. Accordingly, a smaller area for the trust acquisition is not evaluated within the
Environmental Assessment (EA).
The Tribe has proposed the development of a visitors’ center and formation of a Trinidad Harbor District
(Proposed Project). There are no alternative lands available that would allow the Tribe to form the Trinidad
Harbor District. Furthermore, all of the currently proposed lands are vital to the protection of the Trinidad
Harbor District. Therefore, alternative locations for trust acquisitions are not evaluated within this EA. The
Proposed Project would allow the Tribe to better market, manage, and operate its harbor properties more
effectively. The Proposed Project is detailed below in Section 2.2.
2.2
PROPOSED ACTION AND PROPOSED PROJECT
The Proposed Action consists of placing nine parcels and three non-parceled areas totaling approximately
nine acres as detailed in Table 2-1 into Federal trust status. These parcels are collectively known as the
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2.0 Proposed Action and Alternatives
Tribe’s Harbor Businesses. This includes the pier, boat launch, boat cleaning and maintenance facilities,
two parking lots (Bay Street and western parking lots), the Seascape Restaurant, a bait and gift shop, a
vacation rental house, recreation areas, and areas for boat parking. The Proposed Action would include the
construction of a visitor center, improvements to the existing parking lot, and the formation of a Trinidad
Harbor District for the Tribe’s Harbor Businesses (Proposed Project). The development footprint of the
visitor center would be approximately 0.03 acres. Approximately one acre of the project site is currently
paved or otherwise developed with existing structures and signs of surface and subsurface disturbance (such
as the presence of utilities). The majority of the project site (approximately five acres) would remain
undeveloped and would be maintained as open space.
TABLE 2-1
REQUESTED TRUST PARCELS
Assessor’s Parcel #
Size (acres)
1 042-07-101
0.99
2 042-07-102
0.44
3 042-07-105
0.01
4 042-07-108
2.64
5 042-07-112
0.26
6 042-07-113
0.80
7 042-07-114
0.38
8 042-09-108
0.24
9 042-09-110
0.35
10 No APN
3.24
Total Acreage
9.35
SOURCE: AES 2016.
PROPOSED ACTION
The Proposed Action consists of the fee simple conveyance of the approximately nine-acre project site into
federal trust status for the benefit of the Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria
(Tribe) in accordance with procedures set forth in 25 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) §151.3. This trust
action would shift civil regulatory jurisdiction over the approximately nine-acre site from the State of
California, Humboldt County (County), and City of Trinidad (City) to the Tribe and the federal
government. The State, County, and City would continue to exercise criminal jurisdiction under Public
Law 280 (18 United States Code [USC] §1162) for the law enforcement activities identified under the
Tribal Law Order Act of 2010. While the pier would be included within the trust action, in accordance with
an agreement executed April 18, 2012 between the Tribe and the California Coastal Conservancy (CCC),
the Tribe would maintain public access to the Trinidad Pier and associated marine access and recreational
improvements until 2032. Federal laws, such as the Clean Water Act (CWA) and the Endangered Species
Act (ESA), would continue to apply to tribal trust lands.
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2.0 Proposed Action and Alternatives
ALTERNATIVE A – PROPOSED PROJECT
The Tribe proposes to develop the Trinidad Harbor District. As components of the new Trinidad Harbor
District, the Tribe would designate the beaches and bluffs as protected open space, improve stormwater
quality, reduce stormwater flows generated along Bay Street, and construct a visitor center where the
existing tackle shop is located. Alternative A is further discussed below.
HARBOR DISTRICT
The Trinidad Harbor District would include all of the Tribe’s Harbor Businesses. The Trinidad Harbor
District Board of Directors would be comprised of Tribal members and staff that have current experience
with the Harbor Businesses. The board of the Trinidad Harbor District would develop a more cohesive
organization that markets, manages, and operates the businesses within the district more effectively. The
establishment of this district would provide the Tribe with means of meeting the purpose and need of the
proposed trust action.
OPEN SPACE COMPONENT
All existing open space within the project site (approximately five acres) would be preserved as open space
and the Tribe would maintain public access to the open space. The open space would include Trinidad
Little Head, all beach front, all Coastal Bluffs lands on the property, and current open space west of the
residence. Development under Alternative A would occur on existing disturbed lands constituting the
existing parking lot, storage area, and the tackle and gift shop.
BAY STREET STORMWATER IMPROVEMENTS
2.2 of the Attached (Figure 2-1). Design plans for the improved stormwater facilities are included as
Appendix A. To reduce stormwater flow four dry wells, two cisterns, and two rain gardens would be
installed around the Tribe’s Harbor Businesses and parking lot along Bay Street. In addition, rain gardens
would be developed as shown on Figure 2-1 to collect rainwater. To reduce flows from Bay Street into the
bay, the southeastern portion of the parking lot would be replaced with permeable pavers. Linear drains
would be installed throughout the parking lot to transfer runoff to a bioswale that runs along the northern
boundary of the parking lot before discharging onto the beach. The concrete rubble along the beach east of
the proposed visitor center would be removed (Figure 2-1) and replaced with rip rap. Minor excavation
would be required to develop the rain gardens, linear drains, bioswale, and the permeable pavement.
INTERPRETIVE VISITOR CENTER COMPONENT
The Tribe would develop a visitor center within the currently developed footprint between the boat launch
and Seascape Restaurant in the central portion of the site, as shown in Figure 2-2. Design plans are
included as Appendix B. The visitor center footprint would cover approximately 1,300 square feet and
would be located on previously disturbed lands that currently house storage units and the tackle and
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9.27 ac
0
30
Feet
60
Visitors Center 0.03 ac
INSTALL RAIN GARDEN #2
INSTALL DRY WELL
#2 ON DOWNSPOUTS
RESTROOM
INSTALL DRY WELL
#1 ON DOWNSPOUTS
INSTALL DRY WELL
#3 ON DOWNSPOUTS
TRINIDAD BAY
CISTERN #1
89 GAL.
UNDERGROUND
SEPTIC PUMP
SEWER
PIPES
Pie
r
Bay St
CISTERN #2
392 GAL.
PIER
RESIDENCE
INSTALL DRY WELL
#4 ON DOWNSPOUTS
E
Galindo St
Figure 2-1
Site Plan
Trinidad Rancheria Fee-to-Trust and Interpretive Visitor Center Project EA / 215569
SEASCAPE
RESTAURANT
INSTALL CONCRETE CURB
PLACE RIP RAP ON BANK
(1 TON ROCK)
E
LAUNCHER BEACH
INSTALL PERMEABLE PAVERS
INSTALL CONCRETE BLOCK MAT
INSTALL LINEAR DRAIN #7
INSTALL LINEAR DRAIN #6
INSTALL LINEAR DRAIN #5
INSTALL BIOSWALE
INSTALL LINEAR DRAIN #4
INSTALL LINEAR DRAIN #3
RESIDENCE
E
E
INSTALL LINEAR DRAIN #8
INSTALL SPEED HUMP #2
E
INSTALL RAIN GARDEN
INSTALL RETAINING WALL
E
E
E
INSTALL LINEAR DRAIN #2
E
E
E
INSTALL LINEAR DRAIN #1
E
PLANT INDIGENOUS PLANTS
NATIVE TO BEACH DUNES
E
E
SOURCE: Pacific Watershed Associates, 6/1/2016; Humboldt County Parcel GIS Data, 2013; DigitalGlobe aerial photograph, 5/28/2014; AES, 7/13/2016
¢
LEGEND
Property Boundary
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NOR T H
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7.5
Figure 2-2
Interpretive Center Site Plan
Trinidad Rancheria Fee-to-Trust and Interpretive Visitor Center Project EA / 215569
H
SOURCE: TVCE, 11/4/2015; AES, 2/23/2016
¢
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LEGEND
Property Boundary 9.27 ac
!
NO
2.0 Proposed Action and Alternatives
giftshop building. The visitor center would provide educational opportunities for tribal citizens and nontribal members of the public and would focus on regional resources including Tribal cultural resources. The
visitor center would include a seating area, reception area, two offices, a restroom, and a food preparation
area. Two public entrances would be provided at the western and southern portion of the building. Parking
for the visitor center would be provided by the existing parking lot along Bay Street. Lighting around the
building and in the parking lot would be downcast and minimized to ensure that effects to local marine life
are minimized, while remaining adequate for public safety and security. Site access would be obtained
from Lighthouse Road and Bay Street. The visitor center would result in the hiring of one full-timeequivalent employee (FTE) and would also house the existing Harbor Manager. The Tribe estimates
approximately five visitors a day are expected to patronize the visitor center during peak season.
Water Supply
Water would be supplied though the existing infrastructure connections to the City. Except for connections
from the visitor center to the existing system serving the Seascape Restaurant, no additional water
infrastructure is needed for Alternative A. Based on the addition of one FTE, the additional water demand
to the site would be de minimis compared to existing water users on the site (rental house, bait and gift
shop, and Seascape Restaurant). Visitors to the site would obtain water from the existing fountains near the
restrooms or from the Seascape Restaurant.
Wastewater Treatment and Disposal
Wastewater generated by the one toilet and from the two sinks within the visitor center would be treated by
the existing wastewater treatment system. The on-site system consists of a series of seven above ground
recirculating packed bed units located south of the public restroom/storage building and situated behind a
chain link fence. The on-site system utilizes engineered textile filter media, which works similarly to a sand
filter and produces treated effluent higher in quality than the California standard for secondary treated
wastewater (which can be discharged through land application). The seven tanks have the ability to treat up
to approximately 35,000 gallons per day (Orenco, 2016). A pump transfers the treated wastewater up to the
leach fields located along the northwestern slope of the hill near the western boundary of APN 04207108,
between the access drive to the vacation rental home and the western parking lot.
Grading and Drainage
Grading would be limited to the development footprint area of the visitor center as shown on the proposed
Site/Grading Plan (refer to Sheet C4 of Appendix B). The building would be constructed in manner
consistent with the California Building Code (CBC) applicable to the site, including seismic design criteria.
To improve drainage over existing conditions, a storm drainage inlet system would be installed west and
south of the visitor center to capture runoff from the building and from Bay Street. Three storm inlets
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would discharge to the existing retention system located beneath the asphalt in front of Seascape
Restaurant.
PROJECT CONSTRUCTION
The project components would be constructed after the approximately nine-acre property has been placed
into federal trust. The new visitor center and accompanying parking lot improvements would be
constructed over a five to sixth month period, with an anticipated completion date of 2017. The stormwater
improvements would be constructed during the first phases of the visitor center development. Construction
would involve earthwork, placement of concrete foundations, steel and wood structural framing, masonry,
electrical and mechanical work, building finishing, and paving, among other construction trades. Prior to
finalization of the grading and development plans for the property, design-level geotechnical specifications
addressing the specific grading and development plans would be developed meeting seismic requirements
of the CBC. The specifications would include, but not be limited to, the following:
Site, building and facility-specific grading recommendations regarding site preparation, clearing
and grubbing.
Select grading procedures, remedial grading procedures, material suitability, and compaction
criteria.
Cut and fill slope stability analyses, recommended slope configurations and inclinations.
Evaluation of soil expansion and corrosion potential.
Building-specific foundation design parameters.
Site-specific seismic design parameters.
Lateral earth pressure parameters for retaining wall design, if any.
Pavement design specifications.
BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND CONSERVATION MEASURES
Air Quality
Generation of construction-related emissions is a short-term nuisance impact. The following BMPs,
required through contractual obligations, would be implemented to reduce these temporary construction
emissions.
The contractor will designate an on-site Air Quality Construction BMP Manager (AQCBM) who
will be responsible for directing compliance with the following BMPs for project construction
relating to heavy-duty equipment use:
o
All diesel-powered equipment shall be properly maintained and minimize idling time to 5
minutes when construction equipment is not in use, unless per engine manufacturer’s
specifications or for safety reasons more time is required.
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o
Engines shall be kept in good mechanical condition to minimize exhaust emissions.
The AQCBM will be responsible for directing compliance with the following BMPs for fugitive
dust control practices during project construction:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Spray exposed soil with water or other suppressant at least twice a day or as needed.
Minimize dust emissions during transport of fill material or soil by wetting down loads,
ensuring adequate freeboard (space from the top of the material to the top of the truck bed) on
trucks, and/or covering loads.
Promptly clean up spills of transported material on public roads.
Restrict traffic on site to reduce soil disturbance and the transport of material onto roadways.
Locate construction equipment and truck staging areas away from sensitive receptors as
practical and in consideration of potential effects on other resources.
Provide wheel washers to remove particulate matter that would otherwise be carried off site by
vehicles to decrease deposition of particulate matter on area roadways.
Cover dirt, gravel, and debris piles as needed to reduce dust and wind-blown debris.
Fire Protection
The following BMPs, required through contractual obligations, would be included as part of Alternative A
to minimize the risk of fire during construction:
Any construction equipment that normally includes a spark arrester would be equipped with an
arrester in good working order. This includes, but is not limited to, vehicles, heavy equipment, and
chainsaws.
During construction, staging areas, welding areas, or areas slated for development using sparkproducing equipment would be cleared of dried vegetation or other materials that could serve as fire
fuel. To the extent feasible, the contractor would keep these areas clear of combustible materials in
order to maintain a firebreak.
Structural fire protection would be provided through compliance with Uniform Fire Code
requirements for residences and commercial structures similar in size to the proposed clubhouse.
The Tribe will cooperate with the fire district by allowing routine inspections The Tribe would
ensure that appropriate water supply and pressure is available for emergency fire flows.
Typical fire flow allowances would be confirmed with the local Fire Marshall prior to construction
of any water storage tank.
Hazardous Materials
The following BMPs will be required through contractual obligations and would be included as part of
Alternative A to minimize the risk from use of hazardous materials during construction:
Personnel shall follow best management practices (BMPs) for filling and servicing construction
equipment and vehicles. To reduce the potential for accidental release, fuel, oil, and hydraulic
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fluids shall be transferred directly from a service truck to construction equipment and shall not be
stored on site.
2.3
Catch-pans shall be placed under equipment to catch potential spills during servicing.
Refueling shall be conducted only with approved pumps, hoses, and nozzles.
Vehicle engines shall be shut down during refueling and idling shall be kept to a minimum.
No smoking, open flames, or welding shall be allowed in refueling or service areas.
Refueling shall be performed away from bodies of water to prevent contamination of water in the
event of a leak or spill.
Service trucks shall be provided with fire extinguishers and spill containment equipment, such as
absorbents.
Should a spill contaminate soil, the soil shall be put into containers and disposed of in accordance
with local, state, and federal regulations.
All containers used to store hazardous materials shall be inspected at least once per week for signs
of leaking or failure. All maintenance, refueling, and storage areas shall be inspected monthly.
Hazardous materials must be stored in appropriate and approved containers in accordance with
applicable regulatory agency protocols.
Potentially hazardous materials, including fuels, shall be stored away from drainages, and
secondary containment shall be provided for all hazardous materials stored during construction and
operation.
In the event that contaminated soil and/or groundwater is encountered during construction related
earth-moving activities, all work shall be halted until a professional hazardous materials specialist
or other qualified individual assesses the extent of contamination. If contamination is determined to
be hazardous, representatives of the Tribe shall consult with the BIA and EPA to determine the
appropriate course of action, including development of a Sampling and Remediation Plan, if
necessary. Any and all contaminated soils that are determined to be hazardous shall be disposed of
in accordance with federal regulations.
ALTERNATIVE B – NO-ACTION ALTERNATIVE
Under the No-Action Alternative, the approximately nine-acre site would not be placed in trust for the
benefit of the Tribe and would not be developed as identified under Alternative A. Jurisdiction of the
property would remain within the City. Ultimately, the nine-acre site could be developed consistent with
the existing commercial and recreation land uses by the Tribe. However, for the purposes of the
environmental analysis in this EA, it is assumed that, due to the economic considerations for operating the
Harbor Properties by the Tribe, the property will continue to be utilized in its current state for recreation,
parking, restaurant, boating, and fishing with no additional facilities constructed under this alternative.
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2.4
COMPARISON OF THE PROJECT ALTERNATIVES
ALTERNATIVE A
Alternative A would result in significant but mitigable environmental impacts in the following areas:
Land Resources
Water Resources
Biological Resources
Cultural Resources
Of the project alternatives evaluated in Section 4.0, Alternative A would best meet the Tribe’s objectives by
providing the Tribe with a Trinidad Harbor Visitor Center and recreational facilities for the benefit of the
Tribe and community while minimizing or eliminating adverse environmental impacts.
ALTERNATIVE B
While the No-Action alternative would not result in most of the environmental effects identified for
Alternative A, this alternative would not meet the Tribe’s objectives of exercising tribal sovereign authority
over the land and enhance the wellbeing of tribal resources; further the Tribe’s goal to reestablish its
original land base; further the Tribe’s goal to preserve the surrounding environment and cultural resources
for future generations; construct a visitor center; and form a tribal Trinidad Harbor District. The property
would continue to release contaminants from the impervious parking lots into Trinidad Bay during rain
events, potentially harming wildlife and sensitive ecosystems.
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SECTION 3.0
DESCRIPTION OF AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT
This section presents relevant information concerning existing resources and other values that may be
affected by the Project Alternatives. In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
and the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ (BIA’s) NEPA Guidebook (59 IAM 3-H), the existing conditions
described herein provide the baseline for determining the environmental effects identified in Section 4.0.
As used herewithin, the terms “project site” and “project parcels” both refer to the approximately nine acres
being requested by the Tribe for trust acquisition by the BIA. Accordingly, the term “proposed
development” refers to the proposed visitor center, roadway, and drainage improvements. Existing setting
descriptions are provided for the following resource and issue areas:
3.1
Land Resources
Water Resources
Air Quality and Greenhouse Gases
Biological Resources
Cultural Resources
Socioeconomic Conditions / Environmental Justice
Transportation and Circulation
Land Use
Agriculture
Public Services
Noise
Hazardous Materials
Visual Resources
LAND RESOURCES
The following section provides the existing topographical, geological and seismic, soil, and mineral
resource settings of the project parcels.
3.1.1 TOPOGRAPHY
The topography of the project site is influenced by the coastal beaches, dunes, and graded landscapes and
ranges from gentle slopes where the areas have been previous graded to steep and rugged bluffs. There are
also two coastal heads that project out into Trinidad Bay on the south central and south eastern portion of
the site. Overall, the northern, central, and eastern portions of the site slope south whereas the western
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portion of the site slopes east to west, draining onto Trinidad State Beach. Slopes within the project site are
varied; the proposed development area has gentle slopes between 5 to 6 percent having been previously
disturbed during paving of the access roadways and parking serving the restaurant, pier, and beaches. The
elevations of the project site range from 0 to 55 feet above mean sea level (amsl).
3.1.2 GEOLOGIC SETTING AND SEISMICITY
The bedrock underlying the project site is primarily made up of Mesozoic-Paleozoic-Precambrian
Sedimentary and Metasedimentary Rocks, more specifically, the Franciscan Complex which comprises 54.0
percent of the Trinidad Watershed (County of Humboldt, 2012a). Primary seismic concerns in Humboldt
County (County) include ground shaking and rupture along existing fault traces. Secondary concerns
include liquefaction, settlement, landslides, and tsunamis. The County is a seismically active region.
Offshore, three major faults meet at what is known as the “triple junction.” These include the San Andreas,
the Mendocino fracture zone, and the southern end of the Cascade subduction zone. The faults separate the
Pacific plate, Gorda plate, and North American plate. The project site is located outside of a designated
Alquist-Priolo zone, which is an area determined by the California Geological Survey (CGS) to be a welldefined area with sufficiently active seismicity, according to mandates of the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake
Fault Zoning Act of 1972. These Alquist-Priolo zone areas are located along active faults that are
susceptible to the hazard of surface fault rupture. The nearest Alquist-Priolo zone is approximately 0.43
miles east of the project site along the Trinidad fault and extends northwest just north of Elk Head (Figure
3-1). With the distance to the Trinidad fault and based on the regional geology, the project site is located in
an area of California determined to have a high potential for ground shaking during a seismic event (DOC,
2003).
3.1.3 SOILS
Table 3-1 lists soils found on the project site and their respective properties. The project site is composed
primarily of Oxyaquic Udipsamments – Sonoma Complex soils, but small areas of Candymountain soils are
also present (Figure 3-2).
TABLE 3-1
SOIL PROPERTIES FOR SOILS ON THE PROJECT SITE
Soil Type
157 – Oxyaquic Udipsamments –
Somoa Complex
299 – Candymountain
Slope
Limitations
0-50%
Eroded
30-75%
Eroded
SOURCE: NRCS, 2016
The coastal bluffs in the northern and eastern portion of the project site are comprised of Candymountain
soils. The remainder of the project parcels are comprised of Oxyaquic Udipsamments – Somoa Complex
soils. Oxyaquic Udipsamments soils are typically comprised of unvegetated beaches with parent material
consisting of beach sand and gravel derived from mixed sources, typical of oceanic beaches. These are
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Mo
<100,000 - late Quaternary
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Trinidad Rancheria / 215569
Figure 3-1
Regional Fault Map
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SOILS ON PROJECT SITE
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Property Boundary
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157 - Oxyaquic Udipsamments-Samoa complex, 0 to 50 percent slopes
299 - Candymountain, 30 to 75 percent slopes
596 - Flintrock-Highprairie complex, 15 to 75 percent slopes
SOURCE: USDA NRCS SSURGO Soils Data, 9/10/2015;
DigitalGlobe aerial photograph, 6/6/2013; AES, 2/25/2016
Trinidad Rancheria Fee-to-Trust and Interpretive Visitor Center Project EA / 215569
Figure 3-2
Project Site Soil Types
3.0 Affected Environment
typically moderately well drained soils with a very low runoff class and a high to very high capacity to
transmit water. Somoa soils typically comprise coastal dunes with parent material consisting of eolian and
marine sand derived from mixed sources. These are typically somewhat excessively drained soils with a
medium runoff class and a high to very high capacity to transmit water. Candymountain soils typically
comprise bluffs and marine terraces with parent material consisting of marine deposits from mixed sources.
These are typically well drained soils with a high runoff class and a moderately high to high capacity to
transmit water (NRCS, 2016).
3.1.4 MINERAL RESOURCES
The County has over 90 extraction sites that produce sand, gravel, metals, stone, and clay. Most mining
activity is sand and gravel extraction along the Mad River, Eel River-Van Duzen River complex, Willow
Creek, and Trinity River. There are over 30 permitted active hard rock quarries (County of Humboldt,
2012a). The nearest rock extraction site, Trinidad Quarry, is east of Highway 101 and greater than 1.5
miles northeast of the project parcels (USGS, 2015). No known mineral resources exist within the project
parcels.
3.2
WATER RESOURCES
The following section presents the existing surface water, drainage, flooding, water supply, groundwater,
and water quality settings of the project parcels.
3.2.1 SURFACE WATER, DRAINAGE, AND FLOODING
WATERSHEDS AND HYDROLOGY
The project site is situated within the Luffenholtz Creek-Frontal Pacific Ocean subwatershed of the
Trinidad Hydrologic Unit (HU). The Trinidad HU watershed lies immediately between the Redwood Creek
HU, approximately 16 miles to the north, and the Mad River HU, approximately 6 miles south of the
project parcels. Together, with the Eureka Plain HU, these major watersheds form the Mad-Redwood
basin, which comprises 617,426 acres within the County (Department of Conservation, 2014). Within the
Trinidad HU, Mill Creek flows to the west just north of the City and McConnahas Mill Creek flows west
bisecting the City and flowing adjacent to the north boundary of the Trinidad Rancheria. Luffenholtz Creek
is one of the main flowing water bodies in the watershed at over 12 miles in length and a starting elevation
of 269 feet, where it eventually flows and discharges into the Trinidad Bay of the Pacific Ocean
approximately 1.75 miles southeast of the project parcels. Mill Creek is the nearest inland waterbody,
which discharges to the Pacific Ocean approximately 0.3 miles north of the project parcels. However, the
project parcels are situated in Trinidad Harbor and based on the topography do not contribute hydraulically
to the surrounding watersheds.
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City Water Supply
The City’s water system serves approximately 315 connections within its sphere of influence using surface
water as the source. The City has a domestic water right for supplies from Luffenholtz Creek, located
approximately a 1.5 miles south of the City. Originally, homes in the City had individual wells or were
served from an untreated water supply from Mill Creek (also referred to as Old Mill Creek). An infiltration
gallery and water treatment plant were constructed to supply the City with water from Luffeholtz Creek
when it became clear that Mill Creek could not meet long term needs.
The pumps located at the infiltration gallery that supply pressure to move water through treatment to the
storage tanks were inundated with sediment a few years back. The pumps were rehabilitated, but have never
worked as well as expected since their repair. The pumps should be capable of delivering 120 gallons per
minute (gpm), but only deliver about 100 gallons per minute. The City of Trinidad has an operations and
maintenance program that keeps the storage, treatment, and distribution systems in good condition. The
storage tanks are regularly inspected and the steel bands tightened to prevent water losses. The City
conducted leak detection testing on the distribution system in 2003 and tested all water meters in 2003.
Major leaks detected have been repaired, and poorly functioning water meters are being replaced as funds
become available (County of Humboldt, 2007).
DRAINAGE
Slopes on the project site range from 0 to 60 percent, with the proposed development area sloping to the
west at approximately 5 to 6 percent and the steepest slopes being the coastal bluffs. Runoff across the
parking surfaces is generated as sheet flow and follows the topography towards Trinidad Bay. This sheet
flow is not collected, but drains onto the beach near the old boat launch to the south of the proposed
development. Sheet flow from the coastal bluff immediately upslope of the proposed development area is
conveyed via natural drainages in the cliff. This water also drains onto the beach.
Pier Stormwater System
Stormwater generated on the pier is collected in a series of gutters and piping where it is treated in a
sedimentation chamber and filter system located adjacent to where the pier connects to land. All
stormwater runoff from the new pier is directed thru the filters and into the infiltration chambers. Filter
cartridges are removed and maintained once every two years as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.
The stormwater filter system treats runoff captured from the pier deck, thus eliminating potential sources of
contamination from pier-generated petroleum products and other pollutants that result from activities on the
pier. Treated stormwater is then diverted to subsurface percolation chambers located beneath the asphalt
directly adjacent to the Seascape Restaurant. The Tribe has implemented a Contingency Plan for Failure of
Stormwater Disposal System plan and a Maintenance and Monitoring of Stormwater Disposal System plan
to ensure adequate operation and maintenance of the stormwater system. Both plans and the storm drain
plan sheet are included as Appendix C. Currently, only stormwater generated on the newly refurbished pier
is collected and treated in the system.
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FLOODING
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is responsible for predicting the potential for
flooding in most areas. FEMA routinely performs this function through the update and issuance of Flood
Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM), which depict various levels of predicted inundation. FEMA has not
completed an analysis of flood hazards in Trinidad; as such, a FEMA flood map is unavailable. Areas
immediately northwest of Trinidad including the Trinidad State Beach are zoned D on FEMA flood hazard
maps. Directly north of Trinidad along the Mill Creek’s crossing of Highway 101, a small area of Zone A
is identified. Zone D is reserved for areas where there is a possible but undetermined flood hazard. Zone A
is reserved for areas within the hazard of a 100-year flood (FEMA, 2016).
Areas subject to flood hazards are generally located along the Mill Creek corridor and its associated
ravines. Flood hazard concerns associated with development along the Mill Creek corridor and ravine have
been reduced by the City via a general plan amendment to not allow construction along the corridor. In
general, flooding hazard in the Trinidad area is very slight with the exception of just north of the City and
on the southern boundary where water features are located. The only waterways are small streams flowing
into the ocean and those are typical of high stream banks not subject to frequent flooding. Flooding on
Luffenholtz Creek has affected the City water pumps at times. Within the City, some ponding may occur
due to poorly drained soils. According to the Plate No. 3B in the City’s General Plan, the area just south of
Bay Street (which borders the subject property) is indicated to experience flooding. However, due to the
previous grading conducted at the project site and topography of the upland portions of the City adjacent to
the project parcels, the potential for flooding on the project site is minimal.
3.2.2 GROUNDWATER
The County has 4 main groundwater basins and 10 minor basins. The total potential groundwater yoeld
within the County is approximately 100,000 acre feet. The project site is located in the Big Lagoon Area
minor groundwater basin, which is approximately 34,000 acres (County of Humboldt, 2012b). These
watersheds are within the Coast Ranges geologic province and are mainly composed of highly unstable and
easily eroded rock which contributes to the high amounts of sedimentation in the features streams (County
of Humboldt, 2012b). Outside of the beach areas, depth to groundwater ranges from 20 to 39 inches
(NRCS, 2016). There are no groundwater wells within the project parcels.
3.2.3 WATER QUALITY
SURFACE WATER
The Clean Water Act (CWA) (33 USC 1251-1376), as amended by the Water Quality Act of 1987, is the
major federal legislation governing water quality. The objective of the CWA is “to restore and maintain the
chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Nation’s waters.” The U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (USEPA) is delegated as the authoritative body under the CWA. Important sections of the CWA
applicable to the Proposed Action are as follows:
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Sections 303 and 304 provide for water quality standards, criteria, and guidelines. Section 303(d)
requires states to identify impaired water bodies and develop total maximum daily loads (TMDLs)
for the contaminant(s) of concern.
Section 402 establishes the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), a
permitting system for the discharge of any pollutant (except for dredged or fill material) into waters
of the U.S. Each NPDES permit contains limits on pollutant concentrations of wastes discharged to
surface waters to prevent degradation of water quality and protect beneficial uses.
Antidegradation Policy
The federal antidegradation policy (40 CFR Part 131.6) is designed to protect water quality and water
resources. The policy directs states to adopt a statewide policy that includes the following primary
provisions: (1) existing instream uses and the water quality necessary to protect those uses shall be
maintained and protected; (2) where existing water quality is better than necessary to support fishing and
swimming conditions, that quality shall be maintained and protected unless the state finds that allowing
lower water quality is necessary for important local economic or social development; and (3) where highquality waters constitute an outstanding national resource, such as waters of national and state parks,
wildlife refuges, and waters of exceptional recreational or ecological significance, that water quality shall
be maintained and protected. Each state must also develop procedures to implement its anti-degradation
policy through water quality management processes. Each state’s anti-degradation policy must include
implementation methods consistent with the provisions outlined in 40 CFR 131.12 (USEPA, 1994).
Complying with the anti-degradation provision of the CWA, the North Coast Regional Water Quality
Control Board (NCRWQCB) has established general water quality objectives for all inland surface waters
under State jurisdiction to protect designated beneficial uses. The Water Quality Control Plan for the North
Coast Region (Basin Plan) outlines these surface water quality objectives. Table 3-2 lists the specific water
quality objects outlined in the Basin Plan by parameter for surface waters under State jurisdiction within the
surrounding watersheds. The Basin Plan does not currently list water quality objectives for the Trinidad
Hydraulic Unit.
The State Water Resources Control Board, in compliance with Section 303 of the Clean Water Act (CWA),
has prepared a list of impaired water bodies in California. Impaired water bodies occur where industrial
and technological waste limits or other legal mechanisms for pollution control are not enough to meet water
quality standards. The list includes a priority schedule for the development of TMDLs for each
contaminant or “stressor” impacting the water body. The Trinidad Bay is not listed on the 303(d) list for
impaired water bodies; however, Trinidad State Beach is listed for impairment of one or more beneficial
uses due to indicator bacteria (Table 3-3).
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TABLE 3-2
GENERAL WATER QUALITY OBJECTIVES FOR THE EEL RIVER
Specific
Conductance
(micro-ohm)
Total
Dissolved
Solids (mg/L)
Dissolved Oxygen
(mg/L)
90%
Upper
Limit1
50%
Upper
Limit2
90%
Upper
Limit1
50%
Upper
Limit2
Min
90%
Upper
Limit1
50%
Upper
Limit2
Min
Max
50%
Upper
Limit2
90%
Upper
Limit1
50%
Upper
Limit2
Redwood
Creek
2203
1253
1153
753
7.0
7.5
10.0
8.5
6.5
None
None
None
Mad River
3003
1503
1603
903
7.0
7.5
10.0
8.5
6.5
None
None
None
Waterbody
Hardness
(mg/L)
pH
Boron
(mg/L)
1
50% upper and lower limits represent the 50 percentile values of the monthly means for a calendar year. 50% or more of the
monthly means must be less than or equal to an upper limit and greater than or equal to a lower limit.
2 90% upper and lower limits represent the 90 percentile values for a calendar year. 90% or more of the values must be less than or
equal to an upper limit and greater than or equal to a lower limit.
3 Does not apply to estuarine areas.
SOURCE: NCRWQCB, 2011a
TABLE 3-3
2010 CLEAN WATER ACT SECTION 303(D) LIST
Location
Trinidad State
Beach
Pollutants/
Stressors
Indicator Bacteria
Potential Sources
TMDL Status
Unknown
TMDL
developed (Category 5a)
TMDL
Completion
Proposed
2019
SOURCE: NCRWQCB, 2011b
GROUNDWATER
The Basin Plan also specifies water quality objectives for groundwater in the north coast. Objectives for
groundwater are listed in Table 3-4.
TABLE 3-4
WATER QUALITY OBJECTIVES FOR GROUNDWATER
Tastes and
Odors
Cannot exceed
concentrations
that cause
nuisance or
adversely affect
beneficial uses
Bacteria1
Radioactivity1
Chemical Constituents1
Cannot exceed 1.1
MPN/100mL
Or
1 colony/100mL
Cannot exceed
California Code of
Regulations, Title 22,
Division 4, Chapter
15, Article 5, Section
64443, Table 4 and
listed in Table 3-2 of
the Basin Plan
Cannot exceed limits specified
in California Code of
Regulations, Title 22, Division
4, Chapter 15, Article 4,
Section 64435 Tables 2 and 3,
and Section 64444.5 (Table 5)
and listed in Table 3-2 of the
Basin Plan
1 Domestic or municipal sources only.
SOURCE: NCRWQCB, 2011a.
In order to protect drinking water supplies and under the mandate of the Safe Drinking Water Act, USEPA
defines National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (primary standards). These are legally enforceable
standards that apply to public water systems. These standards are established to protect human health by
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limiting the levels of contaminants in drinking water. The USEPA also defines National Secondary
Drinking Water Regulations (secondary standards). Water is supplied to facilities within the project site by
the City. The vacation rental and Seascape restaurant’s wastewater is treated by above ground treatment
tanks with disposal via a leach field.
3.3
AIR QUALITY AND GREENHOUSE GAS
The following describes existing air quality conditions, including greenhouse gases (GHG) that occur
within the project site and general vicinity.
3.3.1 REGULATORY SETTING
CLEAN AIR ACT
The Federal Clean Air Act (CAA) was enacted for the purposes of protecting and enhancing the quality of
the nation’s air resources to benefit public health, welfare, and productivity. Basic components of the CAA
and its amendments include national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) for major air pollutants and
state implementation plans (SIPs) to ensure country-wide NAAQS compliance. Regulation of air pollution
is achieved through both the NAAQS and emissions limitations for individual sources of air pollutants
established through permitting requirements. The USEPA is the federal agency responsible for identifying
criteria air pollutants (CAPs) for which NAAQS are established, updating and revising the NAAQS, and
approving and overseeing SIPs as they relate to compliance with the CAA. The USEPA has identified six
CAPs that are both common indicators of regional air quality and detrimental to human health. The six
CAPs are ozoneFDUERQPRQR[LGH &2 SDUWLFXODWHPDWWHU PLFURQVDQGPLFURQVLQGLDPHWHU
(PM10 and PM2.5)), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and lead. The NAAQS, appropriate
metrics, and violation criteria for the six CAPs are presented in Table 3-5.
Federal General Conformity
Under the General Conformity Rule of the CAA, recently updated in 2010, the lead agency with respect to a
federal action is required to demonstrate that a proposed federal action conforms to the applicable SIP(s)
before the action is taken. There are two phases to a demonstration of general conformity:
1) The Conformity Review process, which entails an initial review of the federal action to assess
whether a full conformity determination is necessary, and
2) The Conformity Determination process, which requires that a proposed federal action be
demonstrated to conform to the applicable SIP(s).
The Conformity Review requires the lead agency to compare estimated emissions attributable to the federal
action to the applicable general conformity de minimis threshold(s) for all CAPs for which the applicable air
basin or region is in nonattainment for the applicable NAAQS. If the emission estimate(s) from step one is
below the applicable de minimis threshold(s), then a General Conformity Determination is not required
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under the CAA (40 CFR Part 93). If emission estimates are greater than de minimis levels, the lead agency
must conduct a Conformity Determination.
TABLE 3-5
NATIONAL AMBIENT AIR QUALITY STANDARDS
Pollutant
Averaging Time
Ozone (O3) a
Primary NAAQS
Secondary NAAQS
1 hour
0.12 ppm
0.12 ppm
8 hour
0.08 ppm
0.08 ppm
1 hour
8 hour
35 ppm
9.0 ppm
NA
NA
Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
1 hour
Annual Mean
100 ppb
0.053 ppm
NA
0.053 ppm
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
1 hour
75 ppb
NA
3 hour
NA
0.05 ppm
24 hour
150 Pg/m3
150 Pg/m3
24 hour
Annual Mean
35 Pg/m3
12 Pg/m3
35 Pg/m3
15 Pg/m3
Quarterly Average
0.15 Pg/m3
0.15 Pg/m3
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Respirable Particulate Matter (PM10)
Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5)
Lead (Pb)
Note: a) Standard for existing ozone non-attainment area only
Source: EPA, 2011
Federal Class I Areas
Title 1, Part C of the CAA was established, in part, to preserve, protect, and enhance the air quality in
national parks, national wilderness areas, national monuments, national seashores, and other areas of special
national or regional natural, recreational, scenic, or historic value. The CAA designates all international
parks, national wilderness areas, and memorial parks larger than 5,000 acres and national parks larger than
6,000 acres as “Class I areas.” The CAA prevents significant deterioration of air quality in Class I areas
under the Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) program. The PSD Program protects Class I areas
by allowing only a small increment of air quality deterioration in these areas by requiring assessment of
potential impacts on air quality related values of Class I areas. There are no federal Class I areas within or
adjacent to the project site; refer to Section 3.3.4 for further discussion.
Federal Hazardous Air Pollutant Program
Title III of the CAA requires the USEPA to promulgate National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air
Pollutants (NESHAPs). The NESHAPs may differ between regional sources and area sources of hazardous
air pollutants (HAPs). Major sources are defined as stationary sources with potential to emit more than 10
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tpy of any HAP or more than 25 tpy of any combination of HAPs (all other non-major sources are
considered area sources under the NESHAPs program). HAPs are a specific group of airborne chemicals
designated by the USEPA. Sources of HAPs include industrial processes such as petroleum refining and
chrome plating operations, commercial operations such as gasoline stations and dry cleaners, and motor
vehicle exhaust. Cars and trucks release at least 40 different HAPs. The most important, in terms of health
risk, is diesel particulate matter (DPM), benzene, formaldehyde, 1,3-butadiene, and acetaldehyde.
HAPs are less pervasive in the urban atmosphere than CAPs, but are linked to short-term (acute) or longterm (chronic or carcinogenic) adverse human health effects. There are hundreds of different types of
HAPs, with varying degrees of toxicity. Currently, there are over 188 HAPs listed by the USEPA.
The majority of the estimated health risk from HAPs can be attributed to relatively few compounds, the
most important being DPM (CARB, 2005). Diesel engines emit a complex mixture of air pollutants,
composed of gaseous and solid material. The visible emissions in diesel exhaust are particulate matter that
includes carbon. Diesel exhaust also contains a variety of harmful gases and over 40 other cancer-causing
substances.
CLIMATE CHANGE
Federal
In 2002, President George W. Bush established a national policy goal of reducing the GHG emission
intensity (tons of GHG emissions per million dollars of gross domestic product) of the U.S. economy by
18% by 2012. No binding reductions were associated with the goal. Rather, the USEPA administers a
variety of voluntary programs and partnerships with GHG emitters, in which the USEPA partners with
industries producing and utilizing GHGs to reduce associated emissions.
Clean Air Act
In Massachusetts et al. vs. Environmental Protection Agency et al. (April 2, 2007), the US Supreme Court
ruled that the CAA authorizes the USEPA to regulate CO2 emissions from new motor vehicles. The Court
did not mandate that the USEPA enact regulations to reduce GHG emissions, but found that the only
instances where the USEPA could avoid taking action were if it found that GHGs do not contribute to
climate change or if it offered a “reasonable explanation” for not determining that GHGs contribute to
climate change. On December 15, 2009, the USEPA issued a final endangerment and cause finding (74 FR
66496), stating that high atmospheric levels of GHGs “are the unambiguous result of human emissions, and
are very likely the cause of the observed increase in average temperatures and other climatic changes.” The
USEPA further found that “atmospheric concentrations of GHG endanger public health and welfare within
the meaning of Section 202 of the Clean Air Act.” The finding itself does not impose any requirements on
industry or other entities.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
On December 7, 2009, USEPA Administrator Lisa Jackson signed a Final Action, under Section 202(a) of
the CAA, finding that six key well-mixed GHG constitute a threat to public health and welfare, and that the
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combined emissions from motor vehicles cause and contribute to the climate change problem. The
following are the most recent regulatory actions taken by the USEPA:
On July 23, 2009, the USEPA published a final “rule which proposes to establish the criteria for
including sources or sites in a Registry of Recoverable Waste Energy Sources (Registry),” as
required by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. Waste energy can be used to
produce clean electricity. The clean electricity produced by waste energy would reduce the need
for non-renewable forms of electricity production, thus reducing GHG emissions.
On September 15, 2009, the USEPA and the Department of Transportation’s National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) proposed a new national program that would reduce GHG
emissions and improve fuel economy for all new cars and trucks sold in the United States. The
USEPA proposed the first national GHG emissions standards under the Clean Air Act, and NHTSA
proposed an increase in the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards under the Energy
Policy and Conservation Act.
In response to the FY2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. 2764; Public Law 110–161), the
USEPA issued the Final Mandatory Reporting of Greenhouse Gases Rule. Signed by the
Administrator on September 22, 2009, the rule requires that suppliers of fossil fuels and industrial
GHGs, manufacturers of vehicles and engines outside of the light duty sector, and facilities that
emit 25,000 metric tons or more of GHGs per year to submit annual reports to the USEPA. The
rule is intended to collect accurate and timely emissions data to guide future policy decisions on
climate change.
On September 30, 2009, the USEPA proposed new thresholds for GHGs that define when CAA
permits under the New Source Review and title V operating permits programs would be required.
In December, 2014 The CEQ Chair released a memorandum, Revised Draft NEPA Guidance on
Consideration of the Effects of Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Emissions. The
memorandum provides guidance on how project-related GHG emission should be analyzed in
NEPA documents. The Revised Draft Guidance provides that a NEPA climate change analysis
shall provide quantification and mitigation to reduce GHG emissions. The guidance also provides
that 25,000 metric tons of GHG emissions per year may be a helpful guideline to assist lead
agencies in making informed decisions on climate change impacts resulting from a project subject
to NEPA. The guidance notes that the 25,000 metric tons is not an indicator of a threshold of
significant effects, but rather, it is an indicator of a minimum level of GHG emissions that may
warrant some description in the appropriate NEPA analysis for agency actions involving emissions
of GHGs.
3.3.2 PROJECT AREA AND VICINITY
The project site is located in the North Coast Air Basin (NCAB), which extends for 250 miles from Sonoma
County in the south to the Oregon border in the north and east through Trinity County. The climate of the
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NCAB is influenced by two major topographic units: the Klamath Mountains and the Coast Range
provinces. Both provinces are marked by large areas of rugged, mountainous terrain. The coastal plains,
which are part of the Coast Range province, constitute less than 10 percent of the area of the NCAB but
contain the major industrial and population centers. The project site is located on the edge of the coastal
plain in the foothills of the Klamath Mountains.
3.3.3 REGIONAL AIR QUALITY
NAAQS DESIGNATIONS
As shown in Table 3-6, the NCAB is in attainment or is unclassified for all CAPs under the current
NAAQS designation.
TABLE 3-6
NCAB ATTAINMENT STATUS
Pollutant
NAAQS
Ozone
Attainment/ Unclassified
PM10
Attainment/ Unclassified
PM2.5
Attainment/ Unclassified
CO
Attainment/ Unclassified
NO2
Attainment/ Unclassified
SO2
Attainment
Lead
Attainment/ Unclassified
SOURCE: NCUAQMD, 2015.
POLLUTANTS OF CONCERN
Pollutants of concern are CAPs that are present in quantities exceeding the NAAQS in the applicable air
basin or region and air pollutants that are not designated as CAPs, such as CAP precursors (NOx and ROG),
yet can be temporarily present in high concentrations in a localized region of the SCCAB. No CAPs exceed
the NAAQS in NCAB and no CAP precursors would be temporarily present in high concentration in the
NCAB. Therefore, pollutants of concerns are not present in the NCAB.
HAZARDOUS AIR POLLUTANTS
The current operations at the project site do not meet the definition of a major source for HAPs. Operations
often involve idling diesel vehicles associated with the commercial fishing operations of the pier and result
in releases of DPM.
3.3.4 FEDERAL CLASS I AREAS
The nearest federal Class I area, Redwood Creek National Park, is located approximately 10 miles east of
the project site.
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3.3.5 GREENHOUSE GASES
The extent to which human activities affect global climate change is a subject of considerable scientific
debate. It is anticipated that the average global temperature could rise 0.6 to 4.0 oC (1.08 to 7.18 oF)
between the years 2000 and 2100 (IPCC, 2007). The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
Fourth Assessment Report identifies anthropogenic GHGs as a contributing factor to changes in the Earth’s
climate (IPCC, 2007). To err on the side of caution, the analysis in this EA assumes anthropogenic GHGs
are in fact contributing to global climate change.
The Humboldt County Climate Action Plan includes a GHG inventory and establishes an emission
reduction target. The Climate Action Plan also identifies numerous goals and policies aimed at reducing
GHG emissions. These goals and policies are to be incorporated into the County of Humboldt General Plan
(County of Humboldt, 2012c).
Primary sources of GHG emissions in the region include vehicles, trucks, airplanes, mills, ships, canneries,
and electricity generation facilities. However, there are many other sources of GHG emissions in the
region.
3.3.6 SENSITIVE RECEPTORS
Sensitive receptors are facilities that house or attract children, the elderly, and people with illnesses or
others who are especially sensitive to the effects of air pollutants. Hospitals, schools, convalescent
facilities, and residential areas are examples of sensitive receptors.
The project site vicinity is characterized by low-density residential uses. One existing single family
residence (vacation rental) is present on the project site and is therefore the nearest sensitive receptor.
Construction would occur adjacent to this residence. The nearest off-site residence is located adjacent to
the northeastern boundary of the project site. The nearest school (Trinidad Elementary School) is located
approximately 0.4 miles northeast of the project site. There are no other types of sensitive receptors in the
vicinity of the project site.
3.4
BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
The following describes existing biological resource conditions, including habitat conditions and listed
species that occur within the project site and general vicinity.
Existing biological resources were evaluated through a review of pertinent literature, consultation of
relevant databases, and biological field surveys to document habitat types and the potential occurrence for
federally listed species on the approximately nine-acre project site. Biological field assessments were
conducted by AES staff on November 19 and 20, 2015.
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3.4.1 REGULATORY SETTING
FEDERAL ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT
The USFWS and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) implement the Federal Endangered
Species Act of 1973 (FESA) (16 USC 1531 et seq.). Threatened and endangered species on the federal list
(50 CFR 17.11 and 17.12) are protected from “take” (direct or indirect harm), unless a Section 10 Permit is
granted or a Biological Opinion with incidental take provisions is rendered. Pursuant to the requirements of
FESA, an agency reviewing a proposed project within its jurisdiction must determine whether any federally
listed species may be present in the project area and determine whether the proposed project will have a
potentially significant impact upon such species. Under FESA, habitat loss is considered to be an impact to
the species. In addition, the agency must determine whether a project is likely to jeopardize the existence of
species or habitat for species proposed to be listed under FESA (16 USC 1536[3], [4]). USFWS also
designates species of concern. Species of concern receive attention from federal agencies during
environmental review, although they are not otherwise protected under FESA. Project-related impacts to
such species would also be considered significant and would require mitigation.
WATERS OF THE U.S.
Any person, firm, or agency planning to alter or work in navigable waters of the U.S., including the
discharge of dredged or fill material, must first obtain authorization from the United States Army Corps of
Engineers (USACE). Permits, licenses, variances, or similar authorization may also be required by other
federal, state and local statutes. Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 prohibits the obstruction
or alteration of navigable waters of the United States without a permit from the Corps of Engineers (33
U.S.C. 403). Section 301 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and Amendments of 1972 (Clean
Water Act or CWA) prohibits the discharge of pollutants, including dredged or fill material, into waters of
the United States without a Section 404 permit from USACE (33 U.S.C. 1344). Water Quality Certification
(a CWA Section 401 permit) may be required by the USEPA before other permits are issued.
MIGRATORY BIRD TREATY ACT
Most bird species, especially those that are breeding, migratory, or of limited distribution, are protected
under federal and state regulations. Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 (16 USC 703-711),
migratory bird species, and their nests and eggs, that are on the federal list (50 CFR 10.13) are protected
from injury or death, and project-related disturbances must be reduced or eliminated during the nesting
cycle.
3.4.2 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
The project site has a maritime climate regime with warm, temperate summers and cool, wet winters. The
vicinity of the project site is a rural residential area to the east-northeast, one residence to the adjacent west,
surrounding open space, coastal bluffs, and coastal shorelines. The terrain on the project site is rolling hills
with the parking lot being relatively flat. The remaining property ranges from hilly with low elevation
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changes to coastal bluffs with extreme elevation changes. The predominant geological features are the
Trinidad Head to the west, the Trinidad Bay to the west-southwest, and Little Head to the east. The area of
the City is characterized by steep coastline. Within the developed area of the City, the topography is
relatively flat with the coastal bluffs being the most dramatic changes in topography.
VEGETATIVE COMMUNITIES
Vegetative communities are assemblages of plant species that occur together in the same area that are
defined by species composition and relative abundance. Vegetation communities were classified using the
California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Terrestrial Natural Communities of California system,
or “Holland type.” Habitat types occurring within the project site include ruderal/developed and coastal
scrub. These habitats are located within a close vicinity of urban residential and open spaces associated
with coastal bluffs and shoreline. A habitat map of the project site is presented as Figure 3-3.
Ruderal/Developed
Most of the project site consists of ruderal/developed land (Figure 3-3). Bay Street is a paved street that
connects to the site’s parking lot. Buildings and infrastructure are located on the site as described in
Section 2. Native vegetation surrounds the site and borders the site’s impervious surfaces.
Northern Coastal Scrub
Most of the undeveloped portions of the property are characterized by northern coastal scrub. Northern
coastal scrub is characterized by low shrubs in dense patches. Usually occurring on windy, exposed sites
with shallow and rocky soils. The most dominating species include Cascara (Frangula purshiana), Blue
Blossom (Ceonothus thyrsiflorus), Twinberry (Lonicera involucrate), and Silk Tassel (Garrya elliptica).
Associated native species include Douglas Iris (Iris douglasiana), Sticky Monkey Flower (Mimulus
aurantiacus), Evergreen Huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum), Bracken Fern (Pteridium aquilinum var.
pubescens), Bee Plant (Scrophularia californica), and Wild Cucumber (Marah oreganum). Northern coastal
bluff scrub is less abundant and usually only occurs where there is high salt content, constant high winds,
and poor soil conditions. All flora is similar to Northern Coastal Scrub, however, many species are dwarfed
and highly influenced by high winds and salinity of the ocean. Common native species include Coyote
Brush (Baccharis pilularis), Salal (Gaultheria shallon), Leather Fern (Polypodium scouleri), Beach
Strawberry (Fragaria chiloensis), Pacific Stonecrop (Sedum spathulifolium), Ocean bluff blue grass (Poa
unilateralis), California Bentgrass (Agrostis densiflorus), and Alumroot (Heuchera micrantha).
WILDLIFE
A variety of wildlife utilize the habitats that occur on or near the project site. Species observed or identified
by physical evidence during the November 19 and 20, 2015 site visit include: black oyster catcher
(Haematopus bachmani), turkey vulture (Cathartes aura), mourning dove (Zenaida macroura), California
gull (Larus californicus), Swainson’s thrush (Catharus ustulatus), American robin (Turdus migratorius),
double-crested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus), and harbor seal (Phoca vitulina).
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Ewing St
Azale a Way
Galindo St
Pacific Ct
Edwards St
Property Boundary
Van Wycke St
Ba
y
St
Pie r
h
Lig
tho
us
eR
d
LEGEND
Property Boundary 9.38 ac
HABITAT TYPES
Coastal Scrub
Ruderal/Developed
Shoreline/Beach
¢
Ð
N O R TH
!
Feet
0
125
250
SOURCE: Humboldt County Parcel GIS Data, 2013;
DigitalGlobe aerial photograph, 6/6/2013; AES, 4/21/2016
Trinidad Rancheria Fee-to-Trust and Interpretive Visitor Center Project EA / 215569
Figure 3-3
Habitat Types
3.0 Affected Environment
MIGRATORY BIRD HABITAT
Although the project site does not contain suitable habitat for nesting birds, there is a potential for migratory
birds to occur directly adjacent to the project parcels on the shoreline and on the coastal bluffs.
POTENTIAL WATERS OF THE U.S.
There are no surface water features, outside of the ocean, that are present within the boundaries of the
project parcels that have the potential to be classified as waters of the U.S. or wetlands.
3.4.3 SPECIAL-STATUS SPECIES
For the purposes of this assessment, “special status” is defined to be species that are of management
concern to federal resource agencies and include those species that are:
Listed as endangered, threatened, or candidate for listing under the Federal Endangered Species
Act; or
Designated as species of concern or species of local concern by USFWS.
A list of special-status plant and animal species that have potential to occur on the project site was compiled
based on a review of pertinent literature, a reconnaissance-level site assessment, informal consultation with
the USFWS, and the results of a California Natural Diversity Data Base (CNDDB) query (Appendix D).
Based upon the review of regionally occurring special-status species and their habitat requirements and the
results of the field assessment, the project site and/or surrounding vicinity represents potential habitat for
one special-status plant species and three special-status animal species. The name, regulatory status, habitat
requirements, and period of identification for potentially occurring special-status species are identified in
Table 3-7.
WESTERN LILY
The western lily is a perennial herb that grows from a bulb. The species typically grows in bogs, freshwater
marshes, coastal scrub or prairie, or gaps in coniferous forest. It often grows in association with such
species as sundew (Drosera spp.), California rose-bay (Rhododendron marcrophyllum), California
huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum), Labrador tea (Ledum groenlandicum), and red alder (Alnus rubra).
Populations are found within six miles of the coast and from near sea level to 320 feet amsl in elevation.
The western lily blooms from June through July (Hickman, 1993; CNPS, 2016). No western lilies were
observed during the December site visit. Since western lily often grows in association with other species
that were observed adjacent and to the west of the vacation rental, western lily has the potential to occur on
the project site.
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TABLE 3-7
POTENTIALLY OCCURRING FEDERAL SPECIAL-STATUS SPECIES
SCIENTIFIC NAME
COMMON NAME
FEDERAL
STATUS
PLANTS
Lilium occidentale
western lily
ANIMALS
Birds
Brachyramphus
marmoratus
Marbled Murrelet
Charadrius
alexandrinus nivosus
Western Snowy Plover
Mammals
Eumetopias jubatus
Steller Sea Lion
PERIOD OF
IDENTIFICATION
DISTRIBUTION
HABITAT REQUIREMENTS
FE
From Coos Bay in
Oregon to
Humboldt Bay in
California.
Bogs and fens, coastal bluff scrub, coastal
prairie, coastal scrub, freshwater marshes and
swamps, and openings within North Coast
coniferous forest habitat.
June - July
FT
From San
Francisco Bay to
Southern Alaska
From Mexico to
Southern
Washington
Breeding requires north coast conifer old
forests while foraging habitat requires shallow
shoreline and tidal pools.
Tidal pools and shallow tidal marshes, coastal
shoreline with or without shrubs.
Year-round
North Pacific from
Japan to Central
California
Rocky shores and haul-out areas in coastal
areas.
FT
FT
Year-round
NOTES: FEDERAL STATUS CODES: (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or National Marine Fisheries Service)
FE = Listed as Endangered by the Federal Government
FT = Listed as Threatened by the Federal Government
SOURCE: USFWS, 2016.
MARBLED MURRELET
The marbled murrelet is a small seabird found in the north pacific. It nests in old growth forests and
forages in shallow shoreline and tidal pools. They range from the San Francisco Bay area to Southern
Alaska along the Pacific coastline. Breeding habitat requirements include north coast conifer old growth
forests. Foraging habitats include shallow shoreline and tidal pools with bare beaches and some rocky
outcroppings in shallow bays. Although breeding habitat is not located on or adjacent to the proposed
project site, potential foraging habitat is located directly adjacent to the site and therefore marbled murrelet
as the potential to occur on the project site.
WESTERN SNOWY PLOVER
The western snowy plover is a small shorebird near the size of a sparrow. During the breeding season,
March through September, plovers are present on shores, peninsulas, islands, bays, estuaries, and rivers of
the Pacific coast, especially beaches and shores with plenty of wrack (debris). Breeding on the California
Coast occurs between March and June. Although the prime habitat for snowy plover has been designated in
on the shoreline of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties, snowy plover have the potential to occur
on the project site.
STELLER SEA LION (EUMETOPIAS JUBATUS) (EASTERN DPS)
Steller sea lions are found around the rim of the North Pacific Oceana and in the Bering Sea. This includes
Northern California, Oregon, Washington, Canada, and Alaska along with some spotted in Japan. Like all
eared seals, Steller sea lions hunt at sea and return to shore to rest, breed, and give birth. Steller sea lions
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can be found in rookeries and haul-outs. Rookeries are the breeding colonies where reproduction occurs.
Haul-outs are where animal rest on shore but no reproduction occurs on haul-outs. Breeding season occurs
between June and July. Due do potential rookeries and haul-outs on or near the project site, the Steller sea
lion has the potential to occur.
3.5
CULTURAL RESOURCES
Archaeological studies of the project site were conducted in 2011 by Donald Verwayen of the Humboldt
State University Cultural Resources Facility for the reconstruction of the Trinidad Pier and by AES in
November 2015; the Verwayen report is included as Appendix E under a separately bound cover due to the
sensitive nature of the material addressed. Verwayen’s study included both a field survey and literature
search to identify and evaluate potential prehistoric and historic resources. The AES effort included a field
verification of the Verwayen results and a Native American contact program. Historic-era archaeological
resources, built resources, a paleontological deposit, and several Traditional Cultural Properties were
identified during these efforts.
3.5.1 REGULATORY SETTING
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
The eligibility of a resource for listing in the NRHP is determined by evaluating the resource using criteria
defined in 36 CFR 60.4 as follows: The quality of significance in American history, architecture,
archaeology, and culture is present in districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects of state and local
importance that possess integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, association,
and:
A. That are associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of
our history;
B. That are associated with the lives of persons significant in our past;
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 to prehistory or history.
Sites younger than 50 years, unless of exceptional importance, are not eligible for listing in the NRHP.
In addition to meeting at least one of the criteria listed above, the property must also retain enough integrity
to enable it to convey its historic significance. The National Register recognizes seven aspects or qualities
that, in various combinations, define integrity. These seven elements of integrity are: location, design,
setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association. To retain integrity a property will always possess
several, and usually most, of these aspects.
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While most historic buildings and many historic archaeological properties are significant because of their
association with important events, people, or styles (criteria A, B, and C), the significance of most
prehistoric and some historic-period archaeological properties is usually assessed under criterion D. This
criterion stresses the importance of the information contained in an archaeological site, rather than its
intrinsic value as a surviving example of a type or its historical association with an important person or
event. It places importance not on physical appearance but rather on information potential.
NATIONAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION ACT
Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) as amended, and its implementing
regulations found in 36 CFR Part 800, require federal agencies to identify cultural resources that may be
affected by actions involving federal lands, funds, or permitting. The significance of the resources must be
evaluated using established criteria outlined in 36 CFR 60.4, as described below.
If a resource is determined to be a historic property, Section 106 of the NHPA requires that effects of the
federal undertaking on the resource be determined. A historic property is defined as:
…any prehistoric or historic district, site, building, structure or object included in, or eligible for inclusion
in the National Register of Historic Places, including artifacts, records, and material remains related to
such a property (NHPA Sec. 301[5])…
Section 106 of the NHPA prescribes specific criteria for determining whether a project would adversely
affect a historic property, as defined in 36 CFR 800.5. An impact is considered adverse when prehistoric or
historic archaeological sites, structures, or objects that are listed, or eligible for listing, in the NRHP are
subjected to the following:
Physical destruction of or damage to all or part of the property;
Alteration of a property;
Removal of the property from its historic location;
Change of the character of the property’s use or of physical features within the property’s setting
that contribute to its historic significance;
Introduction of visual, atmospheric, or audible elements that diminish the integrity of the property’s
significant historic features;
Neglect of a property that causes its deterioration; and
Transfer, lease, or sale of the property out of federal control without adequate and legally
enforceable restrictions or conditions to ensure long-term preservation of the property’s historic
significance.
If the historic property will be adversely affected by development, then prudent and feasible measures to
avoid or reduce adverse impacts must be taken. The State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) must be
provided an opportunity to review and comment on these measures prior to project implementation.
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TRADITIONAL CULTURAL PROPERTIES
The 1992 amendments to the NHPA allowed for a new designation of a traditional cultural property (TCP).
The amendment established "Properties of traditional religious and cultural importance to an Indian tribe or
Native Hawaiian organization" may be determined eligible for inclusion in the NRHP (Section 101(d)(6) of
the NHPA. Accordingly, a tribal TCP can only be significant and eligible for listing on the NRHP if it
meets two criteria: 1) rooted in that community’s history; and 2) are important in maintaining the
continuing cultural identity of the community”.
3.5.2 METHODOLOGY
RECORDS AND LITERATURE SEARCH
Background research for the Proposed Action and Project were taken from the Verwayen report, which also
covered the entire APE for the Proposed Action and Proposed Project. The records search and literature
review for this study were completed: (1) to determine whether known cultural resources had been recorded
within or adjacent to the study area; (2) to determine whether known resources have been reported in
archaeological, ethnographic, and historical documents and literature; and (3) to assess the likelihood of
unrecorded cultural resources based on the distribution of nearby archaeological sites in relation to their
environmental setting.
The following inventory and databases were included in the review: National Register of Historic Places,
California Register of Historical Resources, California Inventory of Historic Resources, California
Historical Landmarks, California Historic Highway Bridge Inventory, Humboldt Room of the Humboldt
State University Library, County Recorder’s Office at the Humboldt County Court House, and historic
maps.
Verwayen’s record search results included only one ethnographic resource, the Yurok village site of Tsurai
on Trinidad Bay (CA-HUM-169), east of the Proposed Action APE, and a fossil locality on the western end
of the Proposed Action APE. Twenty-one cultural resource surveys have been completed within the record
search area, three shipwrecks have been noted in Trinidad Bay, and a single historical resource, a logging
skid road associated with the Smith and Dougherty Trinidad Mill Company, is nearby but not eligible for
listing on the NRHP.
Verwayen’s 2011 cultural survey recorded eight resources, Around Chicken Hawk’s Place, a TCP on
Trinidad Bay that includes several individual loci; remnants of a whale skidway; the Trinidad Pier; the mid19th century Trinidad Dump, a multi component site that included historic debris and prehistoric lithic
artifacts and trade beads; Muggay’s Grave; Tibbett’s Grave; a marine railway, and a soapstone quarry. Two
of these were determined to be eligible for the NRHP: Around Chicken Hawk’s Place under Criterion A for
its association with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of history; and
Criterion B for association with the lives of persons significant in our past. The whale skidway was found
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eligible under Criterion C as it embodies the distinctive characteristics of 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.
Two of the Around Chicken Hawk’s Place TCP loci are within the Proposed Action APE. These are
Chicken Hawk’s House on Little Head and Chicken Hawk’s Boat, on the small peninsula east of Little
Head. The whale skidway, Trinidad Pier, the marine railway, the dump, Tibbett’s and Muggay’s graves,
the soapstone quarry, and the paleontological deposit are also all within the Proposed Action APE.
Charlane Gross, M.A., RPA and AES Staff Archaeologist, conducted a cultural resources field survey of the
project site on November 19-20. The portions of the APE that were accessible were limited. The APE
largely consisted of paved parking areas, steep, heavily vegetated embankments, the pier, or inaccessible
geographic features such as Little Head/Chicken Hawk’s House and Chicken Hawk’s Boat. The only areas
truly accessible for archaeological review were located west and northwest of the Seascape Restaurant and
the beaches on either side of Trinidad Pier; these areas were surveyed using transects 5-10 meters apart.
The two grave sites, soapstone quarry, and mid-19th century dump were either covered by dense vegetation
or gone, as no evidence for any of these sites could be found. No new resources were identified.
NATIVE AMERICAN CONSULTATION
Verwayen (2011) contacted the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) and attempted to contact
the individuals listed by the NAHC in 2011 with no specific results. A new search request was sent to the
NAHC on November 5, 2015 by AES. Results were received on November 24, 2015 and are appended to
Verwayen report and are included in Appendix E. Letters were sent to those individuals identified by the
NAHC on November 30, 2015. To date, no responses have been received. A consultation log is included
in Appendix E.
3.5.3 EXISTING FIELD CONDITIONS
The area where the stormwater improvements would be developed and the visitor’s center would be placed
are already developed, with a combination of asphalt, shipping containers, sheds, utility boxes, sewer
manholes, fire hydrants, and barricade posts, thoroughly disturbing any potential buried cultural resources.
None of the physical resources or TCP elements are within Bay Street, the parking lot, or the visitor’s
center footprints, and none should be affected by project construction.
3.6
SOCIOECONOMIC CONDITIONS / ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
The following section provides the existing socioeconomic conditions and regional setting to evaluate
environmental justice considerations for the project parcels.
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3.6.1 TRINIDAD, HUMBOLDT COUNTY
POPULATION
The City had a population of approximately 236 people (Table 3-8) (U.S. Census 2014a) according to 5year estimates for population. Humboldt County had a population estimate of approximately 14,876 people
whereas the State of California had a population of 38,066,920. Trinidad’s population is approximately
0.18 percent of the population of Humboldt County, and approximately 0.0006 percent of California’s
population. Over the next 20 years, the County’s population is expected to grow from approximately
134,876 to approximately 139,780 (California Department of Finance, 2016.)
TABLE 3-8
TRINIDAD, HUMBOLDT COUNTY, CALIFORNIA DEMOGRAPHICS
Trinidad
Humboldt County
2009-2014 5-Year Estimates1
236
134,876
California
38,066,920
SOURCE: U.S. Census, 2014a
1Total populations
EMPLOYMENT
The labor force in Trinidad is approximately 149 people of which 143 are employed (Table 3-9). The labor
force in the County is approximately 66,449 people of which 58,868 are employed. The unemployment
rate for Trinidad is 3.4 percent whereas Humboldt County is 11.3 percent (0.3 percent over the State of
California.)
TABLE 3-9
TRINIDAD, HUMBOLDT COUNTY, CALIFORNIA EMPLOYMENT
In Labor Force1
Employed
Unemployment Rate
Trinidad
149
143
3.4%
Humboldt County
66,449
58868
11.3%
California
19,098,427
16,883,249
11.0%
SOURCE: U.S. Census, 2014b
116 years and over population
3.6.2 CHER-AE HEIGHTS INDIAN COMMUNITY OF TRINIDAD RANCHERIA
Statistics for the Tribe were obtained from the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ American Indian Population and
Labor Force Estimate Report, 2005 (Table 3-10; note that the 2013 report does not provide the
socioeconomic statistics of the Tribe).
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TABLE 3-10
CHER-AE HEIGHTS INDIAN COMMUNITY OF TRINIDAD RANCHERIA ESTIMATES
Total
Tribal Enrollment
171
American Indians on or near Reservation
231
Under age 16
43
Age 16 through 64
131
Over age 64
12
Available for work
128
Unavailable for work
15
Employed in Public Sector Positions
11
Employed in Private Sector Positions
72
Employed but Below the Poverty Line
0
SOURCE: BIA, 2005.
3.6.3 ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE FOR MINORITY AND LOW INCOME POPULATIONS
On February 11, 1994, President Clinton issued Executive Order 12898, “Federal Actions to Address
Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations,” and an accompanying
Presidential Memorandum to focus federal attention on the environmental and human health conditions in
minority communities and low-income communities. The Executive Order, as amended, directs federal
agencies to develop an Environmental Justice Strategy that identifies and addresses disproportionately high
human health or environmental effects of their programs, policies, and activities on minority populations
and low-income populations. Compliance with this Executive Order has been incorporated into the NEPA
compliance requirements of the BIA for the Proposed Action.
The City is located within the census block group 060230102002 with a population of 650 people. The
total population that is reported as “low income” is approximately 30 percent (195 people) which is five
percent lower than the State estimation of low income population (EPA, 2016).
The County is approximately 18.4 percent minority (Table 3-11). In the County, American Indians make
up 5.74 percent of the population, including members of the Tribe.
TABLE 3-11
HUMBOLDT COUNTY RACE/INCOME PROFILE
Total
Race/Ethnic Population 2010
White
Hispanic
American Indian
Multi-Race
Asian
Black
Pacific Islander
Household Median Income 2007-2011
Poverty Status (All Ages)
134,623
104,373
13,211
6,988
5,419
2,886
1,410
336
$40,376
--
Percentage of Total
100%
77.53%
9.81%
5.19%
4.03%
2.14%
1.05%
0.25%
-18.4%
SOURCE: California Department of Finance, 2013
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3.7
TRANSPORTATION AND CIRCULATION
The following section provides the existing transportation and circulation settings of the project parcels.
ROADWAY SYSTEM
A brief description of the key roadways in the vicinity of the project site is provided below.
U.S. Highway 101
Within California, U.S. Highway 101 (U.S. 101) is a north-south freeway that extends north from Los
Angeles along the coast all the way to the Oregon state line. Within the County, the highway alternates
between a two-lane undivided highway and a four-lane divided highway. Within the project study area, the
highway is a four-lane divided facility with full interchanges/grade separations at all major cross roads.
Highway 101 is listed as a principal arterial roadway from the town of Wasthaven (just south of Trinidad)
extending northward to the Oregon border.
Westhaven Drive
Westhaven Drive, a minor collector roadway, extends from Westhaven, California northward
approximately 10 miles through Trinidad ending in Patrick’s Point, California.
Main Street
Main Street is an east-west paved two-lane roadway that bisects the City connecting to Westhaven Drive
North under Highway 101, and connects to Trinity Street to the west. Main Street is an approximately 20
foot wide road that connects businesses and rural residential houses in the City.
Trinity Street
Trinity Street is a north-south paved residential two-lane roadway that connects to Main Street on its north
end and Edwards Street on its south end. The roadway is similar to Main Street in width and structure.
Edwards Street
Edwards Street is an east-west paved two-lane residential roadway with side street parking for residences
on both the north and south sides. Edwards Street connects with Ocean Avenue to the east and Lighthouse
Road to the west. Edwards Street has similar width and structure of Main Street.
Lighthouse Road
Lighthouse Road is a north-south general, paved, rural/recreational roadway that connects the City to the
Trinidad Head Lighthouse. At its beginning with Edwards Street, it is a paved two-lane road for
approximately 80 feet until it turns into a one-lane road and continues up the side of Trinidad Head in a
meandering way until the top where it ends at Trinidad Head Lighthouse. Lighthouse road does not have
sidewalks or gutters as it is mainly used for hikers and maintenance vehicles traveling to the Trinidad Head
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Lighthouse. Lighthouse Road is connected to by Bay Street approximately 120 feet after it becomes one
lane.
Bay Street
Bay Street is a connecting one-lane paved roadway that runs in an east-west general direction from
Lighthouse Road on the west to the Trinidad Wharf on the east. Bay Street runs through the parking lot on
the project site and has parking for vehicles towing boats, and other vehicles. On the south side of the
parking lot, south of Bay Street, another unnamed road connects the parking lot to Lighthouse Road as well.
PUBLIC TRANSIT, BICYCLE, AND PEDESTRIAN CIRCULATION
There is currently no public transit system that serves the project site. However, public transit service is
located within 0.7 road miles northeast of the project site, with a park-and-ride stop of the Redwood Transit
line on Main Street, between the intersections of Trinidad Scenic Drive and View Avenue. The Trinidad
Stop is the northernmost stop for the Redwood Transit line which stops in the City occurring six times per
day on the weekdays and four times per day on the weekends. The Redwood Transit line is operated by the
Humboldt Transit Authority (HTA, 2016). There are no bicycle paths in the vicinity of the project site.
The Trinidad State Beach Park trails are located adjacent to the project site, with access provided by the
project parcels and from public access from the western parking lot. The Tribe is required to ensure public
access is maintained to the recreational areas in accordance with the funding agreement for the previously
completed pier reconstruction project.
3.8
LAND USE
3.8.1 REGULATORY SETTING
The Nation’s coastal waters are protected by the federal Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) of 1972,
which is administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration within the Department of
Commerce. In California, the CZMA is administered by the California Coastal Commission (CCC), which
was established by voter initiative and made permanent by the California Coastal Act of 1976. The CCC
carries out its statutory responsibilities largely through the review and approval of local coastal programs
(LCPs). The Coastal Zone is defined by the California Coastal Act as, "the land and water area of the State
of California from the Oregon Border to the border of the Republic of Mexico," as officially mapped on
7.5-minute USGS quadrangle maps and adopted by the CCC. The project site is located within the Coastal
Zone.
Title 15 CFR Part 930 requires federal consistency determinations for projects directly or indirectly
affecting any coastal use or resource. Federal consistency determinations stem from the CZMA
requirement that federal actions (that are reasonably likely to affect any land or water use or natural
resource of the Coastal Zone) be consistent with the enforceable policies of a coastal State's or territory's
federally approved Coastal Management Program (“State CMP” or “CMP”). Federal actions include: (1)
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direct federal actions--activities and development projects performed by a federal agency, or a contractor
for the benefit of a federal agency; and (2) indirect federal actions--activities not performed by a federal
agency, but requiring federal permits or licenses or other forms of federal approval, and federal financial
assistance to states, territories, and local governments.
The objective is to ensure that federal agencies and applicants for federal approvals and funding adequately
consider and comply with State CMPs. Under CZMA Sec. 307(C), each federal agency shall provide a
consistency determination to the relevant State agency designated at the earliest practical time, but in no
case later than 90 days before final approval of the federal activity (unless both the federal agency and the
State agency agree to a different schedule).
3.8.2 EXISTING SETTING
The nine-acre property is characterized by ruderal/developed land with small portions of open space, a
restaurant, one single-family residence (vacation rental), and numerous outbuildings such as a small bait
shop, storage sheds, equipment storage, boat ramp, and the pier. The project site is located adjacent to the
Trinidad Bay and portions of the open space are coastal bluffs and shoreline. Surrounding land uses vary
from recreational trails to the west to residential on the north and northeast. The project site is located
within the City and a portion of the project site is adjacent to the Trinidad Head public resource. The
current City General Plan (1978) has the project parcels zoned as commercial. The most recent draft update
to the City General Plan, which includes provisions that constitute the LCP under the CZMA, has the
project site with a land use designation of Harbor (H) (Figure 3-4) within the City limits. Trinidad Head
and Trinidad Little Head are both zoned as Open Space (OS) while residences to the north have a land use
designation of Urban Residential (UR). Although there is one residence near the project site, it is within the
Harbor land use designation and is not zoned for residential. The Harbor zoning designation is intended to
provide an area in which a mixture of limited commercial, industrial, and recreational uses can occur in the
existing Trinidad Harbor area. All functions in this designation can continue to provide mixed uses as
commercial fishing, recreational fishing, and the protection and reserve of coastal dependent and coastal
related uses. No new residential dwelling units are allowed in this designation other than a caretaker unit.
3.9
AGRICULTURE
The approximately nine-acre site is not currently used for agricultural operations. With the exception of the
coastal bluffs, the site is largely developed. The site does not provide adequate acreage for crop
development or cattle grazing and has no history of agricultural uses.
3.9.1 WILLIAMSON ACT PROVISIONS
Under the provisions of the Williamson Act (California Land Conservation Act 1965, Section 51200),
landowners contract with the County to maintain agricultural or open space use of their lands in return for
reduced property tax assessment. Withdrawal involves a ten-year period of tax adjustment to full market
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Pacific Ct
Ew ing St
Edwards St
Galindo St
Azalea Way
Van Wycke St
Bay St
Pier
Lig
ht h
ou
se
Rd
LEGEND
Property Boundary 9.27 ac
TRINIDAD LAND USE DESIGNATIONS
H - Harbor
OS - Open Space
UR - Urban Residential
¢
Ð
N OR TH
!
SOURCE: City of Trinidad, 2009; DigitalGlobe aerial
photograph, 6/6/2013; AES, 4/21/2016
Feet
0
120
240
Trinidad Rancheria Fee-to-Trust and Interpretive Visitor Center Project EA / 215569
Figure 3-4
Land Use Designation of the Project Site
3.0 Affected Environment
value before protected open space can be converted to urban uses. Consequently, land under a Williamson
Act Contract can be in either a non-renewal status or a renewal status. Lands with a non-renewal status
indicate the owner has withdrawn from the Williamson Act Contract and is waiting for a period of tax
adjustment for the land to reach its full market value for tax purposes. The project site is not under an
active Williamson Act Contract. The nearest Williamson Act Contract is more than 10 miles to the south.
3.9.2 FARMLAND PROTECTION POLICY ACT
The goal of the Farmland Protection Policy Act (FPPA) is to minimize the extent that federal actions and
programs result in the conversion of agricultural lands to non-agricultural uses. Pursuant to the FPPA, the
Farmland Conversion Rating Form (Form AD 1006) is used to determine the value of the farmland under
consideration and the level of protection such land should receive. However, one of the first questions of
the form is whether there will be a loss of prime farmland, and if the answer is no there is no need to
complete this analysis. The project site does not contain any designated prime farmland; therefore, no
further analysis as to the impact to farmland is required.
3.10 PUBLIC SERVICES
The following section provides the existing water supply; wastewater service; solid waste; electricity,
natural gas, and telecommunications; law enforcement; and fire protection and emergency medical service
settings that currently serve the project parcels.
3.10.1WATER SUPPLY
The City of Trinidad operates the water treatment facility which serves the City and surrounding
unincorporated areas, including the Harbor Properties. This facility is located at 1313 Westhaven Drive
North, Trinidad, CA. The facility supplies approximately 40,000 to 50,000 gallons of potable drinking
water per day (gpd) during the winter months and approximately 100,000 gallons per day during the
summer months on 325 service lines (Buckman, 2015).
3.10.2 WASTEWATER SERVICE
No municipal wastewater service exists on the project site. The Harbor Properties are served by the onsite
wastewater treatment system, which is owned, operated, and maintained by the Tribe. The above ground
tank system has a permitted capacity to discharge up to 4,750 gallons per day (gpd) to leachfields located
along the norther slope between the driveway to the vacation rental and the western parking lot. The
average flow for 2015 was 2,102 gpd providing more than 50 percent available capacity.
3.10.3 SOLID WASTE
Humboldt Sanitation, a private contractor based in McKinleyville, provides solid waste disposal services to
the Rancheria and associated properties, including the Trinidad Harbor. Humboldt Sanitation also operates
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Humboldt Recycling, which serves the Trinidad’s recycling needs. Waste is collected and stored at the
Humbodlt Sanitation Company transfer station in McKinleyville and then transferred to the Anderson
Landfill in Redding, California. The transfer station and has a permitted capacity of 100 tons per day and
there are no enforcement actions against the facility operation. Anderson Landfill has a maximum
permitted capacity of 1,850 tons per day and, with a remaining capacity of over 11 million cubic yards (as
of March 2008), has an expected closure date of 2055 (CalRecycle, 2016). There are no enforcement
actions against the Anderson Landfill operation.
3.10.4 ELECTRICITY, NATURAL GAS, AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
PG&E supplies electricity to existing homes and businesses in the project area. American Telephone and
Telegraph (AT&T) provides all current telephone service and also controls the telephone lines and would
be responsible for any underground or overhead extensions necessary to serve the project. Internet and
cable TV is available to the site from Suddenlink Communications and through various satellite television
services.
3.10.5 LAW ENFORCEMENT
In 2010, the City transferred law enforcement responsibilities of the Trinidad Police Department to the
County Sheriff. The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office provides law enforcement services throughout the
County. The service area includes approximately 800 square miles of area from Arcata south to Redcrest.
The Sheriff’s Office includes Administrative, Operations, and Corrections divisions. Within the Operations
division are the patrol units, criminal investigation, and court services. The Sheriff’s Office also includes a
Special Enforcement Team, boating unit, SWAT, and a drug enforcement unit. The Humboldt County
Sheriff’s Department provides primary law enforcement, while the California Highway Patrol (CHP)
provides traffic and supplemental law enforcement services to the project site. The Humboldt County
Correctional Facility is the detention facility for persons arrested in unincorporated areas including the
project site. On deputy is staffed at Trinidad for 40 hours per week, 4 days a week. During that deputy’s
off days and time, the CHP would be the first respondents to emergency 9-1-1 calls. The expected response
times for this portion of the County are estimated at from 1to 15 minutes. The Sheriff’s Office is staffed by
61 sworn deputies 45 of which are assigned to patrol and 217 total staff. The total staff includes corrections
and support staff (Cavinta, 2013). There are approximately 38 patrol vehicles plus specialized vehicles
such as 4x4s and other off-road vehicles used in drug enforcement activities. The main Eureka Station
Patrol Unit is currently compromised of 2 Lieutenants, 4 Sergeants, 6 Corporals, and 21 Deputy Sheriffs.
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office has stations in Eureka, Garberville, McKinleyville, and Hoopa. The
Main Station is located in Eureka and serves the project site. Per an agreement between the Humboldt
County Sheriff’s Office and the Tribe, the Tribe provides funding for a second deputy to patrol and provide
law enforcement services in the vicinity of the Rancheria (Cavinta, 2013).
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3.10.6 FIRE PROTECTION AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL
The Trinidad Volunteer Fire Department provides fire suppression and emergency medical services to the
areas within the City limits. The Trinidad Volunteer Fire Department also has mutual aid agreements with
the CalFire. Trinidad Volunteer Fire Department has one fire station located at 409 Trinity Street in
Trinidad, California, which is staffed entirely by volunteers, currently 29 volunteers, and therefore not
staffed on a regular basis. All staff are trained as first responders or emergency medical technicians
(EMTs), and the Trinidad Volunteer Fire Department regularly responds to medical emergency calls.
Typically, the Trinidad Volunteer Fire Department responds to approximately 50 calls per year (City of
Trinidad, 2015).
Although CAL FIRE aids local fire departments in wildfire situations, the project site is not located within a
State Responsibility Area, as mapped by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL
FIRE) (CAL FIRE, 2012). The project site is located in high fire hazard area within a Local Responsibility
Area (CAL FIRE, 2012), where CAL FIRE does not have responsibility to provide wildland fire protection
services.
Emergency medical services are overseen and authorized by the North Coast Emergency Medical Services
Authority (North Coast EMS). North Coast EMS is a Joint Powers Authority created to coordinate the
regional EMS system and to reduce the occurrence of death and disability on the north coast (North Coast
EMS, 2016). Ambulance services or emergency medical services are dispatched through 911 and are
provided by several companies on a rotating basis. The nearest hospital emergency room is Mad River
Community Hospital located at 3800 Janes Road in Arcata California. Emergency calls are routed through
the Sheriff’s Office and CHP to the respective fire department. Response times to the project site are
approximately 3 to 4.5 minutes, although this depends on available resources.
3.11 NOISE
Noise is generally defined as unwanted sound. Sound, traveling in the form of waves from a source, exerts
a sound pressure level (referred to as sound level) which is measured in decibels (dB), with zero dB
corresponding roughly to the threshold of human hearing and 120 to 140 dB corresponding to the threshold
of pain.
Environmental noise is typically measured in A-weighted decibels (dBA). A dBA is a dB corrected for the
variation in frequency response of the typical human ear at commonly encountered noise levels. In general,
A-weighting of environmental sound consists of evaluating all of the frequencies of a sound, taking into
account the fact that human hearing is less sensitive at low frequencies and extremely high frequencies but
is more sensitive in mid-range frequency. Table 3-12 presents examples of noise sources and
corresponding sound level.
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TABLE 3-12
TYPICAL SOUND LEVELS OF COMMON NOISE SOURCES
Decibels (dBA)
130
120
110
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
Description
Threshold of pain
Jet aircraft take-off at 100 feet
Riveting machine at operators position
Shot-gun at 200 feet
Bulldozer at 50 feet
Diesel locomotive at 300 feet
Commercial jet aircraft interior during flight
Normal conversation speech at 5-10 feet
Open office background level
Background level within a residence
Soft whisper at 2 feet
Interior of recording studio
SOURCE: Bollard and Brennan, 2002.
3.11.1 NOISE EXPOSURE AND COMMUNITY NOISE
An individual’s noise exposure is a measure of noise over a period of time. A noise level is a measure of
noise at a given instant in time. However, community noise varies continuously over a period of time with
respect to the contributing sound sources in the community noise environment. What makes community
noise constantly variable throughout a day is the addition of short duration, single event noise sources such
as aircraft flyovers, vehicle passbys, sirens, etc., which are readily identifiable to the individual. These
successive additions of sound to the community noise environment varies the community noise level from
instant to instant, requiring the measurement of noise exposure over a period of time to legitimately
characterize a community noise environment and evaluate cumulative noise impacts. This time-varying
characteristic of environmental noise is described using statistical noise descriptors. The noise descriptors
used in this EA are summarized below:
Leq: the equivalent sound level is used to describe noise over a specified period of time, typically
one hour, in terms of a single numerical value. The Leq is the constant sound level which would
contain the same acoustic energy as the varying sound level, during the same time period (i.e., the
average noise exposure level for the given time period).
Ldn: 24-hour day and night A-weighed noise exposure level which accounts for the greater
sensitivity of most people to nighttime noise by weighting noise levels at night (“penalizing”
nighttime noises). Noise between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM is weighted (penalized) by adding 10 dB
to take into account the greater annoyance of nighttime noises.
CNEL: similar to the Ldn, the Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) adds a 5 dB “penalty”
for the evening hours between 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM in addition to a 10 dBA penalty between the
hours of 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM
A wide variation in individual thresholds of annoyance exists, and different tolerances to noise tend to
develop based on an individual’s past experiences with noise. Thus an important way of predicting a
human reaction to a new noise environment is the way it compares to the existing environment to which one
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has adapted: the “ambient noise” level. In general, the more a new noise exceeds the previously existing
ambient noise level, the less acceptable the new noise will be judged by those hearing it. With regard to
increases in A-weighted noise level, the following relationships occur:
Except in carefully controlled laboratory experiments, a change of 1 dBA cannot be perceived;
Outside of the laboratory, a 3 dBA change is considered a just-perceivable difference;
A change in level of at least 5 dBA is required before any noticeable change in human response
would be expected; and
A 10 dBA change is subjectively heard as approximately a doubling in loudness, and can cause
adverse response, depending on the existing ambient noise level.
3.11.2 FEDERAL NOISE STANDARDS
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), a federal agency, considers outdoor day-night
noise exposure up to 65 dBA, Ldn as the maximum acceptable noise level under most circumstances (24
CFR Part 51, Subpart B). This is a 24-hour average, which is often considered in the approval of project
applications.
3.11.3 SENSITIVE RECEPTORS
Some land uses are considered more sensitive to noise than others due to the amount of noise exposure (in
terms of both exposure duration and insulation from noise) and the types of activities typically involved.
Residences, motels and hotels, schools, libraries, churches, hospitals, nursing homes, auditoriums, and
parks and other outdoor recreation areas generally are more sensitive to noise than are commercial and
industrial land uses. A sensitive receptor is defined as any living entity or aggregate of entities whose
comfort, health, or well-being could be impaired or endangered by the existence of the criteria pollutant,
whether it is air emissions or noise, in the atmosphere.
Overall, the project site vicinity is characterized by open space coastal bluffs, Trinidad Head to the west,
Trinidad State Beach to the northwest, Trinidad Bay to the southeast, and single family residential house to
the north and northeast. These single family residences, located immediately outside the project area, are
the nearest sensitive noise receptors. The nearest school (Trinidad Elementary School) is located
approximately 0.2 mile northeast of the project site. With the exception of special-status species, discussed
above in Section 3.4, there are no other noise sensitive receptors in the vicinity of the project site.
3.11.4 EXISTING NOISE SOURCES
The noise environment surrounding the project site is influenced primarily by vehicle, harbor, and tide
generated noise. Noise levels are increased during parts of the year when local fishery seasons open (e.g.,
salmon, Dungeness crab, etc.). Similarly, increased parking lot activity (e.g., conversations, car door
closing, unloading small watercraft) contributes to the existing environment, especially with the onset of
favorable weather during the summer and fall months. A 19-hour and 15-minute recording was taken in the
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vicinity of the project site. The 19-hour recording as taken immediately east of bait shop between the
storage shed and the old boat launch near Trinidad Bay. The 15-minute recording was taken above the
harbor along the bluff immediately south of the nearest single-family home. The 15-minute recorded noise
measurement was a CNEL of 70.4 dB. The recorded noise measurement for the 19 –hour recording was a
CNEL of 78.3 dB. The Trinidad General Plan, which has adopted the HUD Standards for noise pollution,
specifies the allowable noise levels for various areas based on their zoning designation. Allowable noise
levels for commercially zoned areas are specified as up to 75 dBA during the day (6:00 AM to 10:00PM)
and up to 65 dBA during the night (10:00 PM to 6:00 AM) (City of Trinidad, 1980. It should be noted that
while the intent was to collect the noise measurements during crab season, the season was postponed due to
environmental hazards and no fishing or crabbing operations were occurring during the time the noise
measurements were collected.
3.12 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (Phase I ESA) of the Subject Property was prepared for the
project parcels (Appendix F). As documented in the Phase I ESA, the project site is listed on the SWRCB
LUST, EPA US BROWNFIELDS, SWEEPS UST, EPA FINDS, EPA CUPA, HAZNET, HIST CORTESE,
and NPDES lists. Also, the Phase I ESA notes that there were seven above ground septic holding/treatment
tanks located south of the public restroom/storage building and situated behind a chain linked fence. No
visible leaks were identified and the system appeared to be working normally. Multiple electrical boxes
were located on the property but no transformers were located on the site. Behind the above ground septic
holding/treatment tanks, a newer propane tank was identified along with nine plastic 55-gallon barrels
currently used for holding bags of trash. No hazardous leaks were identified from the propane tank or the
trash bins. A “North State Rendering Co., Inc.” grease bin was located behind the restaurant and no leaks
were noticed. Next to the grease bin, two 55-gallon metal drums were noted, which appear to be used for
storage of grease. Some grease appeared to have leaked onto the concrete pad where the drums and grease
container were stored.
The Phase I ESA indicates that one listing on the Subject Property near the center on the northern portion of
the paved parking lot indicates previous hazardous materials releases. However, the releases are reported as
closed cases. In addition, the listing is a historical NPDES permit holder (Permit number: CA0024571)
which includes an industrial facility that treats and disposes liquid or semisolid wastes from any servicing,
producing, manufacturing, or processing operation of whatever nature. This listing does not constitute an
REC because it has been remediated. Its active listing for a NPDES permit does not pose a significant risk
to the Subject Property.
3.13 VISUAL RESOURCES
The visual characteristics of the project site are typical of coastal bluff, beach, bay, and harbor areas. The
vegetation component of the scenery is dominated by northern coastal scrub and grasslands. A boat launch,
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restaurant, bait shop, storage facility, restrooms, wastewater treatment tanks, and a shed converted into the
harbor manager’s office exists in the paved portions of the site. Additionally, the Trinidad Pier,
reconstructed in 2002, protrudes into Trinidad Bay just west of Little Head. There is also one single family
residence along the southwestern boundary of the site, which is currently owned by the Tribe.
The project site is located west of Highway 101 and is nestled with Trinidad Bay. Although the southern
portion of the project site is lower than the area that would be developed, the area is not visible from
Highway 101 because the corridor along Highway 101 between the project site is developed with
residential housing and buildings within the City. The area that would be developed is not visible from
Highway 101 as there is a steep hill adjacent to the project site. Furthermore, the area to be developed
currently consists of temporary structures and storage containers. Representative photos of the area to be
developed with the visitor center are included in Photos 1 through 4 below.
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Photo 1: View to the north from the southern beach. Areas proposed for the visitor center located in the center of
the photo.
Photo 2: View to the West from the coastal bluff. Proposed area for the visitor center shown in the center of the
photo.
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Photo 3: View to the south from the Bay Street parking lot. Areas proposed for the visitor center include the
tackle shop to the right and the storage shed behind and to the left of the tackle shop. The utility bay represented
by the green grass will not be disturbed under the Proposed Project.
Photo 4: View to the east from the Seascape Restaurant. Areas proposed for the visitor center include the paved
areas shown in the photo.
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SECTION 4.0
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES
In this section, environmental consequences are described for project alternatives. Resource areas that are
analyzed in this section include direct and indirect impacts to the resource settings addressed in Section 3.0.
Direct impacts are those that are caused by the action and occur at the same time and place, while indirect
impacts are caused by the action and occur later in time or further in distance, but are still reasonably
foreseeable (Council on Environmental Quality, Regulation 1508.8). Cumulative effects and growthinducing effects of the project alternatives are also assessed in this section for each of these resource areas.
Note that, consistent with the CEQ’s NEPA Regulations Section 1508.8, the term “effects” is used
synonymously with the term “impacts.”
4.1
ALTERNATIVE A – PROPOSED PROJECT
4.1.1 LAND RESOURCES
IMPACT CRITERIA
Alternative A would result in significant effects to land resources if construction or operation causes
significant alterations to the site topography, significant soil erosion, or limits access to mineral resources of
regional significance; or if geological/soil hazards associated with the existing setting would pose
limitations to the development of Alternative A or pose a significant health hazard to new habitable
structures.
TOPOGRAPHY
Alternative A would not result in substantial changes in the topography of the project site as development is
limited to the existing parking lot, Bay Street, and the area adjacent to the restaurant that has been
previously disturbed (refer to Photos 1 through 4 in Section 3.13). With gentle slopes between five to six
percent, the area of development is at low risk for landslides. As noted in Section 2.2, design-level
geotechnical specifications will be developed for the project prior to finalization of construction plans for
the property. Therefore, no significant effect to, or resulting from, topography would occur as a result of
Alternative A.
GEOLOGIC SETTING AND SEISMICITY
The project site is not located on any known “active” fault trace thus the risk of fault rupture is low.
Regional faults may, however, produce strong ground shaking within the next 50 years. As discussed in
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Section 2.2, the proposed facilities will conform to the seismic requirements of the California Building
Code (CBC). Therefore, no significant effects due to geological or seismic conditions onsite would occur.
SOILS
Excavation within the parking lot and Bay Street to develop the stormwater improvements and construction
of the proposed visitor center may expose soil and increase the risk of erosion to soils. General
construction activities associated with grading and excavation reduce the integrity of the soil structure,
increasing the likelihood of erosion from wind and/or stormwater runoff. With implementation of
protective measures outlined in a SWPPP for reducing erosion during construction activities in accordance
with the EPA’s NPDES General Construction Permit, which are listed as Mitigation Measure 5.1.1,
implementation of Alternative A would result in no significant effects related to soil erosion.
MINERAL RESOURCES
The excavation within the parking lot and Bay Street to develop the stormwater improvements and
development of the visitor center on previously graded land would not result in a loss of economically
viable aggregate rock or diminish the extraction of important ores or minerals. Because there are no known
or mapped mineral resources within the project site, development and use of the land would not affect the
extraction of known mineral resources of importance to the surrounding communities. There are no
abandoned mines, shafts, or tailing that would affect development.
4.1.2 WATER RESOURCES
IMPACT CRITERIA
Alternative A would result in significant effects to water resources if construction or operation would result
in direct significant effects to drainage patterns resulting in off-site flooding, floodplain management,
and/or cause an exceedance of applicable water quality criteria. For groundwater resources, Alternative A
is analyzed to determine if either construction or operation would result in a significant decline in
groundwater levels, a significant decline in groundwater recharge rates, and/or cause an exceedance of
applicable groundwater quality criteria.
SURFACE WATER, DRAINAGE, AND FLOODING
Alternative A would decrease the coverage of impervious surfaces on the property through the replacement
of a portion of the existing asphalt with permeable pavement. Currently, impervious surfaces result in
increased peak flows and increased total discharge of stormwater (which include motor vehicle
contaminants from the parking lot) to the Trinidad Bay. As stated in Section 3.3, the project site, and
specifically the development area, does not contribute to an inland watershed and therefore would have no
impact on inland surface waters. To reduce the impacts relating to discharges to the bay, stormwater flow
reduction and quality improvement features have been incorporated into the project design, as discussed in
Section 2.2. The new design features would divert a portion of the stormwater that currently discharges
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directly into the bay without pretreatment into cisterns, dry wells, and rain gardens. Additionally,
stormwater generated within the parking lot would be diverted to a bioswale, which would improve water
quality prior to discharge to the bay. Implementation of Alternative A would thereby improve stormwater
conditions compared to existing conditions and eliminate the direct discharges of untreated stormwater
from the parking lot to the bay. Therefore, there would be a beneficial impact from Alternative A related to
stormwater runoff.
The project site is located outside of the Federal Emergency Management Agency 100-year floodplain.
There would be no significant effects due to flooding as a result of Alternative A.
WATER AND GROUNDWATER SUPPLIES
Water demands of Alternative A would be minimal as the visitor center would include one new employee,
one restroom facility, one employee sink, and no other amenities that would require additional water
supply. The existing water supply from the City would meet the visitor center needs through connection to
existing piping to the restaurant located adjacent to the proposed development. The City has enough
capacity to accommodate Alternative A (Buckman, 2016). The City currently uses surface water diversions
to meet potable water demands and therefore no groundwater would be extracted to meet the needs of the
project. No significant effects to water or groundwater supply would occur as a result of Alternative A.
WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL
Wastewater generation from Alternative A would be minimal with the addition of one employee restroom.
Wastewater treatment would have an approximate average peak flow of 30 gallons per day (Table 4.1-1).
Description
Interpretive Visitor Center
Total Wastewater Flows
TABLE 4.1-1
WASTEWATER FLOWS FOR ALTERNATIVE A
Average Peak Average Daily
Daily Flow
Flow for
Occupancy
Units
Project
per Unit
(gpd/Unit)1
(gpd)
1
Persons
302
20
20
Average Peak
Daily Flow for
Project
(gpd)1
30
30
1 Assumed 1.5 peak day peaking factor
3 Based on 20 gpd per person
Primary treatment of wastewater would be provided by existing above ground treatment tanks which allow
time and space for heavy solids and light grease to separate from wastewater. As discussed in Section 2.2,
the above ground tanks have a capacity of approximately 35,000 gallons per day to accommodate
Alternative A. The system is currently in permit compliance and the additional 30 gallons of peak daily
flow would not cause the existing system to operate under upset conditions (backflow, reduced treatment
efficiency, etc.). Effects from wastewater under Alternative A would be less than significant.
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WATER QUALITY
Construction
Construction activities under Alternative A would include ground disturbing activities such as grading and
excavation, which could lead to erosion of topsoil. Erosion from the construction site could increase
sediment discharge thereby degrading the water quality of Trinidad Bay. Construction activities would also
include the routine use of potentially hazardous materials such as concrete washings, oil, and grease, which
may spill onto the ground and be picked up by stormwater. Releas
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