SCRP Environmental Assessment

8/13/2019 SCRP Environmental Assessment

1/108

Strawberry Creek Restoration Project

Environmental Assessment

Redwood National Park

Humboldt County, CA

Prepared by

EcoLogic Letting nature take its course

December 2012


2/108

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This document assesses the potential environmental impacts of the Strawberry Creek Restoration

Project (SRCP) in Redwood National Park (RNP) in Orick, California pursuant to the National

Environmental Policy Act. The lead agency for the SCRP is RNP with funding coming from the

National Park Service, California Department of Fish and Game and the California Coastal

Conservancy (Arguello 2012). The purpose of the SCRP is to create suitable habitat for the

anadromous salmonids coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) and steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus

mykiss) and includes four phases. The first phase is the planning, environmental review and

permit attainment period. The second phase involves the excavation a new stream channel,

culvert replacement and the removal of invasive reed canary grass (RCG)(Phalaris

arundinacea). Currently fish have not been able to migrate into Strawberry Creek due to the poor

downstream estuary conditions caused by an abundance of RCG in and around the stream

channel, which has limited the amount of dissolved oxygen and degraded water quality (Arguello

et al. 2012). The third phase involves planting a dense riparian vegetation buffer along the new

stream channel to shade out RCG and stabilize the streambank, as well as placing temporary

electric fences around the project area to keep wildlife out (Arguello et al. 2012). Phase four

includes the restoration of four upper hillslope stream crossings to reduce sediment input from

erosion into the stream. The proposed alternative to the SCRP is to reduce the density vegetation

buffer by planting trees every six feet rather than every two feet, with all other components the

same. However, to ensure the best possible habitat for salmonids, all four components of the

proposed action should be completed. Due to the nature of this project, the short-term negative

impacts resulting from sedimentation during the construction phase will be offset by mitigation

and long term positive habitat improvements to salmonids.


3/108

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Executive Summary ....................................................................................................................................... 2

1.0 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................................... 5

1.1 Project Description .............................................................................................................................. 51.2 Purpose and Need ............................................................................................................................... 7

1.3 Scoping Considerations and Permits Required ................................................................................... 9

1.4 Proposed Action and Alternatives .................................................................................................... 12

2.0 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING, IMPACT ANALYSIS, & MITIGATION .......................................................... 14

2.1 Threatened & Endangered Species ................................................................................................... 14

2.2 Geology & Soils ................................................................................................................................. 18

2.3 Hydrology and Water Quality ........................................................................................................... 23

2.4 Biological Resources .......................................................................................................................... 29

2.5 Socioeconomics................................................................................................................................. 33

2.6 Noise ................................................................................................................................................. 37

2.7 Aesthetics .......................................................................................................................................... 42

2.8 Forest and Agriculture Resources ..................................................................................................... 48

2.9 Recreation ......................................................................................................................................... 51

2.10 Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emissions .................................................................................... 55

2.11 Impacts to Remaining Categories ................................................................................................... 60

3.0 CUMULATIVE EFFECTS, UNAVOIDABLE SIGNIFICANT ADVERSE IMPACTS, &

MITIGATION/MONITORING PLAN ............................................................................................................... 64

3.1 Cumulative Effects ............................................................................................................................ 64

3.2 Unavoidable Significant Adverse Impacts ......................................................................................... 65

3.3 Mitigation & Monitoring Plan ........................................................................................................... 65

4.0 ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS & ENVIRONMENTALLY PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE....................................... 68

5.0 REPORT PREPARERS AND CONTRIBUTORS ........................................................................................... 73

6.0 REFERENCES .......................................................................................................................................... 74

Appendix A: NEPA Checklist ........................................................................................................................ 81

Appendix B: figures ..................................................................................................................................... 85

Appendix C: Tribal Contact Information ..................................................................................................... 94

Appendix D: NMFS Indicators of Aquatic Habitat Suitability for Coho Salmon .......................................... 95


4/108

Appendix E: Impact Matrix.......................................................................................................................... 97


5/108

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

STRAWBERRY CREEK RESTORATION PROJECTPAGE 5

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Project Description

The Strawberry Creek Restoration Project (SCRP) is located in Redwood National Park in

Humboldt County, California, one mile southwest of the city of Orick. The SCRP involves the

restoration of a stream that is highly channelized and degraded. The project area is

approximately 185 acres and consists of a wetland area, stream channel, two culverts, an

unpaved service road, and hillsides to the east and south (Figures 1, 1a, and 2). The current

stream channel is linear with no vegetative buffer which creates an unsuitable habitat for fish and

stresses the need for this restoration. A new stream channel will be excavated and will contain

sinuous curves which will intersect the current stream. Surrounding the new stream channel will

be a dense riparian vegetation buffer. This vegetative buffer is critical to the project because, by

providing shade, it will act as the necessary agent to rid the stream of the shade intolerant reed

canary grass (RCG)(Phalaris arundinacea),which has encroached into the current stream

channel and is the leading cause of salmonid habitat loss.

The four phases of this project include the planning phase, construction of the new channel,

planting of the riparian buffer, and lastly, the pulling RCG, stabilizing the hillslopes and

monitoring.

The initial phase of the project includes assessing the purpose and need of the project,

which is to restore historically abundant salmonid habitat as a consequence of habitat loss

due to invasive RCG. Phase one also includes preparing the Environmental Assessment

and applying for the necessary permits.


6/108

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION


Phase two involves the construction aspect of the project, which includes the dewatering

and excavation of the stream channel and the replacement of two undersized culverts in

order to provide an easier pathway for fish to pass through. The major part of phase two

is excavating the new stream channel, which will include strategic instream log

placement to create ideal habitat for fish spawning (Appendix B, Figures 6 and 7). Phase

two also includes the installation of an electric fence around the project area to keep

wildlife away.

Phase three is the planting of the vegetative riparian buffer. A native tree species, either

Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis), red alder (Alnus rubra) or willow (Salix spp.) will be

planted every 2 feet. Also included in phase three is installation of an electric fence

around the planting mounds to protect saplings from elk and beaver disturbance.

Phase four includes manually pulling RCG during the initial tree growth period when

enough shade cannot be produced by the saplings to inhibit the growth of RCG and also

includes the upper hillslope stream crossing restorations of the main tributary watershed

to the south (Figure 1). This portion of phase four will entail excavating the ground where

abandoned logging roads currently are in order to create a tributary stream channel. This

will allow for increased headwater flow and a reduction in sediment and erosion. Also

included in this phase is the monitoring of the new stream channel to document the

restoration efforts.

Some activities associated with the construction period are building a temporary access road

from the current road for excavator access and acquiring the necessary permits. In order to create

this access road for the excavator, approximately 15 trees would need to be cut and erosion


7/108

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION


mitigation tools put in place. After the construction period is over, trees would be re-planted

where they were cut to restore the slope integrity and aesthetics.

The project once completed will contain a more historically natural stream channel adjoined to

and stemming from the main tributary from the watershed to the south. The new stream channel

will contain a dense riparian vegetative buffer whose shade will disable any RCG growth. Within

the new stream channel native logs will be secured in place to create favorable fish spawning

environments. Collectively the new channel, logs, shade-providing vegetation and improved

hillslope channels will create and allow for healthy stream flow and enhanced salmonid habitat.

1.2 Purpose and Need

Strawberry Creek is a perennial tributary of Redwood Creek in the lower Orick valley that once

supported a productive coastal cutthroat trout fishery and healthy populations of Southern

Oregon/ Northern California Coast coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) and North California

steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Historically, Strawberry Creek flowed from its upland

watershed across an alluvial fan and through a wetland system into the lower part of Redwood

creek. The site, originally a Sitka spruce forest, began to be converted from forest to agriculture

land in the 1800s and was mostly pasture and agriculture land by 1935 (Arguello et al. 2012). In

order for the site to be converted into agriculture land, Strawberry Creek was channelized and

adjacent forested wetlands were cleared and drained which created favorable conditions for

invasive RCG (Arguello et al. 2012). The current reed canary grass-dominated channel blocks

fish passage and greatly decreases water quality, specifically by reducing dissolved oxygen,

raising water levels and flood occurrences on adjacent lands, by increasing water temperature

and by promoting turbidity within the channel (Arguello et al. 2012).


8/108

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION


The Wilderness Society estimates that in California, coho salmon are extinct throughout 26% of

their historic range, endangered in 22%, and threatened in the remaining 52%. Furthermore,

reports have shown that habitat degradation has been associated with 90% of documented

extinctions or declines in pacific salmon stocks (Gregory & Bisson 1997). Coho salmon and

steelhead have demanding habitat requirements and are most abundant in the least disturbed and

more heavily forested watersheds. The restoration of Strawberry Creek by reconstructing the

stream channel and replacing RCG with native Sitka spruce, red alder, and willow is an

important step toward improving the current ecological issues mentioned above, returning the

ecosystem to its native state, and protecting endangered fish populations. This project falls in line

with the Humboldt County General Plan, which cites that restoring habitat for threatened

salmonids is an important priority (Humboldt 2012). Although coho and steelhead are not

currently found in the proposed project area, they are known to occupy downstream reaches of

the creek and also in Redwood Creek, which Strawberry Creek is a tributary to.

Restoration will directly benefit habitat within the project area and indirectly benefit nearby

waterways and salmonid populations, consistent with the National Marine Fisheries Service

(NMFS) recovery plan to establish inter- and intra-stream connectivity in Strawberry Creek as to

not inhibit the possible passage of migrant fish from nearby populations (NMFS 2021a). Aside

from the potential ecological benefits of restoring Strawberry Creek, the potential socioeconomic

benefits include increased fishery stocks that will benefit fishermen, the incorporation of

ecotourism into the project site with trails and educational signs, and the opportunity to learn

from this attempt at saving salmonids through ecosystem restoration.


9/108

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION


1.3 Scoping Considerations/Permits Required

During the scoping process of SCRP there were factors that had to be considered such as what

permits needed to be obtained, determination of which agencies would need to be consulted, and

which specific individuals and/or groups would be affected in the process of the project. This

section of the EA will go into further detail about each of these considerations.

The SCRP is contingent to the permits from necessary federal, state and local agencies,

specifically those agencies who deal with federally threatened species such as coho salmon or

steelhead, which is the pinnacle purpose of SCRP. An Incidental Take Permit (ITP) from Section

7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) had to be awarded after receiving a biological opinion

from United State Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and National Marine Fisheries Service

(NMFS). The lead agency for this project, the National Park Service (NPS), is responsible for

contacting USFWS or NMFS to obtain ITPs and a biological opinion. Since the SCRP is near

the coastal zone, the California Coastal Commission will also be consulted with.

The rechannelization of the stream is an essential part of the project which also calls for permits.

These permits would be for the use of heavy machinery and approval from the U.S. Army Corps

of Engineers (USACE) for the excavation of the culverts and filling of the old streambed.

Concerns about the water quality due to increased sediment loading from the culvert replacement

and channel realignment will have to get a Section 404 permit pursuant of the Clean Water Act

(CWA). The agency that will be responsible for the quality of water and wetlands is the USACE.

A CWA Section 402-National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Construction

Stormwater general permit will also need to be attained because the SCRP will disturb more than

one acre of soil and will discharge stormwater into surface waters of the state (Washington State


10/108

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION


Department of Transportation 2012). A Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act permit will

also need to be attained, which requires a permit for any work in, over or under navigable waters

of the U.S. (Washington State Department of Transportation 2012). The confirmation of

wetlands, soil series and a detailed soil analysis has been done by the US Department of

Agriculture and Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA, NRCS 2011).

In accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act, a Section 106 compliance permit is

needed because SCRP activities may potentially impact historic properties and archaeological

resources. Pursuant to California state law, a State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) is

required due to the potential impacts on historic cultural resources within the project footprint

(California State Parks 2012).

The specific groups that will be affected by this project range from tribal constituents to

environmentalist groups based on the preservation of plants or the threatened coho and steelhead

salmonids. The main tribes affected by this project will be the Yurok and Hoopa tribes. Contact

information for both tribes is listed in Appendix C. The tribes livelihoods are dependent on

increased fish populations. Other groups that will support the increase of wildlife into the

watershed are Salmon Forever, Ducks Unlimited, and the National Wildlife Federation. A group

with a vested concern in the plant life in the project area is the California Native Plant Society,

who is in favor of the restoration. Environmental Assessments are not only important for public

transparency, ecological health and long term planning, they are also critical for protection

against litigation from private interest groups (Environmental Protection Information Center

(EPIC) and Northcoast Environmental Center) that are against a specific cause. However, since


11/108

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION


this project will be benefiting fish habitat and the greater ecosystem, there is no anticipation that

SCRP will encounter resistance from these private interest groups.

In order to ensure transparency, we will consult with the public and various non-governmental

organizations via public meetings, newspaper announcements and internet postings describing

the proposed SCRP and its purpose and need. The most immediate public affected by this project

will be the downstream landowner, who is also undergoing a restoration plan to remove RCG

and benefit salmonid habitat. Coordination between the downstream restoration and this

restoration is critical to the success of the SCRP. If downstream RCG does not get removed and

salmonid habitat not improved, the SCRP will not be successful or viable into the future.

Neighbors and other landowners downstream will be affected by this project if noise is increased

by the use of heavy machinery during construction. Residents of Orick and Redwood National

Park visitors will also be affected by this project in the future, by being provided with a new

recreational area for activities such as wildlife spotting or birding. Branching out farther from the

epicenter of the SCRP, the Humboldt State University (HSU) community will benefit from this

project because it is an example of a restoration project in action, and could pose further research

and educational opportunities as well. Additionally, HSU students could monitor the progress of

the SCRP into the future, which again would provide educational resources to the University and

local community. The last community that will be affected in a positive way from this project

will be commercial fisherman and other native tribes in the coastal area, since increased salmon

stocks will benefit their livelihood.


12/108

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION


1.4 Proposed Action and Alternatives

Proposed Action: The proposed action is to restore the Strawberry Creek ecosystem and provide

suitable habitat for endangered salmonid species by reconstructing the stream channel through

excavation and the installation of wood structures, removal of invasive RCG from in and around

the stream channel, planting of a dense riparian buffer of Sitka spruce, red alder, and willow to

provide ample shade to the creek and create conditions that prevent the growth of RCG, and

restoring four hillslope stream crossings to reduce sediment delivery into the creek.

Alternative 1: The first alternative considered is to leave the channel as it currentlyis, remove

the invasive RCG, and replant the riparian zone with a native vegetation buffer. The main

difference between this alternative and the proposed action is the realignment of the stream

channel. This alternative would cut the cost of the project as well as decrease the amount of work

due to no excavation, but if the channel remains as is, it will lack important in-stream structures

such as pools, glides and riffles that control channel bed elevation, dissipate energy flow, and

provide fish habitat.

Alternative 2: The second alternative considered is to restore the stream channel as in the

proposed project and remove the RCG. However, this alternative entails a less dense riparian

buffer due to planting trees every 6 ft. rather than every 2 ft. and the use of herbicides. By re-

constructing the stream channel the creek will have in-stream structures beneficial for salmonid

habitat, but the reduced planting and herbicide use will likely affect the long-term success of

RCG removal due to less shade and the introduction of chemicals.


13/108

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION


Alternative 3: The third alternative considered is to manage RCG by practicing mowing at least

five times per year, which would reduce the RCG seed germination from further sprouting for

the following spring. Possible use of a shade cloth or herbicides after mowing could be a viable

option to keep these shade intolerant plants from further growth. This alternative would neither

restore the stream channel nor revegetate the riparian zone with native spruce, alder, and willow.

Alternative 4: The fourth alternative involves the introduction of grazing onto the project area to

remove the RCG. Riparian vegetation will be planted every two feet as well as other combined

treatment methods such as shade cloths which in conjunction with goat and sheep grazing could

be used in eliminating the growth of RCG, but could also eliminate the growth of desired plant

species. This alternative would replant the riparian area with native tree seedlings, but this

alternative would not restore the stream channel.

No Action Alternative: Theno action alternative would not change the stream channel nor

remove the RCG. This no action alternative wouldcontinue to limit access of coho salmon and

steelhead into and within the tributaries.


14/108

CHAPTER 2 CORINNE KENNAH (1)

ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING, IMPACT ANALYSIS, & MITIGATION

STRAWBERRY CREEK RESTORATION PROJECT

PAGE14

2.0 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING, IMPACT ANALYSIS, & MITIGATION

2.1 Threatened & Endangered Species

Environmental Setting/ Affected Environment:

The reach of Strawberry Creek that would be affected by this project is not currently accessible

to the federally threatened Southern Oregon/Northern California Coast (SONCC) coho salmon

(Oncorhynchus kisutch) or the Northern California steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

However, both are known to occur in the lower reaches of the stream and also in Redwood

Creek, to which Strawberry Creek is a tributary. Within the project area, an undersized stream

crossing and the dense growth of invasive RCG in the channel inhibit fish passage, and the

channelized nature of the stream and problems associated with the growth of RCG lead to

decreased water quality and a habitat that is overall unsuitable to supporting the anadromous

salmonids. Other protected species which can be found locally, such as the northern spotted owl,

marbled murrelet, or California red-legged frog, are not know to occur within the project

footprint and will not be affected by this project or analyzed in this report.

Impact Analysis:

Criteria:

The criteria that will be used to assess the impacts this project may have on salmonids in

Strawberry Creek and nearby waterways is taken from the National Marine Fisheries Service

(NMFS) Draft SONCC Coho Recovery Plan and describes quantitative measures of habitat

suitability for the following parameters: floodplain, channel structure, sediment supply, water


15/108




PAGE15

quality, and riparian conditions (NMFS 2012a). A detailed description of this criterion can be

found in Appendix D.

Impacts of the Proposed Project:

Due to the low gradient nature of the stream it is not expected that construction of the stream

channel or removal of RCG will negatively impact salmon habitat in the downstream reaches of

Strawberry Creek or in Redwood Creek. However, preventative measures will be taken during

the project implementation and monitoring phases to further reduce the possibility of harm, and

are discussed in the mitigation section below. Overall, this project is expected to provide greatly

positive impacts to threatened coho and steelhead populations.

Excavation of the stream channel to restore a sinuous flow to the channelized portion may cause

minor temporary increases in sediment loads traveling downstream, indirectly affecting water

quality in downstream areas. Once the construction of the channel is complete, the sinuous

nature of the creek will directly improve the in-stream habitat for salmonids by slowing the rate

of water flow, decreasing sediment inputs from bank erosion, and lowering the potential for

flooding. Indirect benefits of restoring the channel include creating an environment that is less

suitable to the growth of invasive RCG.

The removal of RCG during the construction phase of this project may also lead to temporary

minor increases of sediment traveling downstream, but once completed the resulting impacts to

coho and steelhead will be greatly positive. Removal of RCG from within the stream will

directly improve the ability of fish to pass through the channel, which is currently not possible

because RCG growth within the creek bed is so dense that it chokes the channel and impedes fish


16/108




PAGE16

passage. In addition to the direct impact of allowing fish passage, removing RCG will also

benefit the salmonids by improving factors that are disturbed by RCG growth, such as dissolved

oxygen levels, sedimentation, and flooding potential. These positive impacts are supported by

data collected after removal of RCG from downstream areas in a 2006-2007 project by Pacific

Coast Fish, Wildlife and Wetlands Restoration Association that showed immediate results of

lower water levels, increased dissolved oxygen, and even the presence of juvenile salmonids in

the stream after RCG removal (FWS 2010).

The SONCC coho recovery plan lists that road crossing barriers in the lower Strawberry Creek

basin are one of the major factors causing impediments to fish passage (NMFS 2012b). The

replacement of the undersized culvert in the West Tributary will directly improve fish passage

into the channel and will also control flooding in upstream areas. Some minor increases in

sedimentation may occur during the brief installation period, but it is not expected that there will

be a negative impact on downstream areas.

The installation of in-stream structures including rock and log steps and weirs during the

construction phase of the project will cause direct positive improvements in habitat quality for

salmonids. The pools, glides, and riffles created by placing large woody debris in the stream

channel create excellent areas for salmonid spawning and juvenile rearing, and will also help to

control the channel bed elevation and dissipate energy flow in the channel.

Finally, decommission and restoration of the four hillslope stream crossings will indirectly

benefit water quality in the portion of Strawberry Creek within the project area and also in

downstream reaches. The existence of these former logging roads in upstream areas currently


17/108




PAGE17

causes increased sediment levels in the creek due to erosion of the roads, which decreases water

quality and overall habitat of the coho and steelhead.

Determination of Impacts:

By implementing minor mitigation measures to decrease any temporary negative effects to coho

and steelhead, this project will have greatly positive impacts to the federally listed anadromous

salmonids.

Mitigation/ Minimization Measures:

To decrease the possibility of harm to salmonids in the downstream areas of Strawberry Creek

and in Redwood Creek during the construction phase of the project, particularly from increased

sediment load traveling downstream, no construction activities will occur during the peak

spawning season which runs from November through January. Fish nets will be installed in both

downstream and upstream locations of the project area to prevent any fish that may migrate

through the channel from entering the portion of the creek under construction. Furthermore, a

NMFS biologist will be contracted to assess the water quality in areas downstream of the project

and in the portion of Redwood Creek that meets Strawberry Creek. The NMFS biologist will

conduct this analysis during the construction phase of the project and again at project

completion. Once the project is completed and the habitat within the project area is restored and

capable of supporting salmonids, a NMFS biologist will be contracted to survey for the presence

of fish in the creek. If either or both of the listed salmonids are present in the restored reach of

Strawberry Creek, Redwood National Park staff will work with NMFS to develop a separate

management plan to regulate the protection of these threatened species.


18/108

CHAPTER 2 TONY FERNANDEZ (1)ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING, IMPACT ANALYSIS, & MITIGATION


PAGE18

2.2 Geology & Soils

Environmental Settings/ Affected Environment:

The current environmental settings surrounding the Strawberry creek are composed mainly of

forested coastal slopes and wetland meadows with a diverse set of soil characteristics. There are

four major soil units surrounding this project site. On the lower portion of the wetlands, the soil

units 119 and 171 meet the criteria for hydric indicators because of their parent materials that

consist of silty clay loam and silt loam characteristics. These soils tend to become inundated

during the growing season. The soil units 174 and 553 that are found along the hill slopes tend

to have a lower frequency of ponding primarily because of their slope and drainage class. Soil

characteristics consist of sandy loam to silty loam material for map unit 174 with slopes of 2-9%

and 30-50% for soil map unit 553, which consist of a more gravelly clay loam characteristic thus

allowing further infiltration through its profile (Web Soil Survey). There are several soil types

along Strawberry Creek (see Appendix B, Figure 8).

Impact Analysis:

Criteria:

The criteria used to assess the levels of significance are taken from the comprehensive watershed

restoration strategy for the Strawberry Creek (RCWG 2006) which encompasses both channel

restoration and upslope erosion control. The project being implemented will improve water

quality and aquatic habitat by reducing soil erosion and sedimentation along the lower portions

of the tributary. The levels of erosion will be determined along slopes exceeding 15 percent and

the levels of saturation in the soil. However, impacts will be non-significant because the timing


19/108



PAGE19

when the restoration will take place is expected to take place during the drier months of June

through the end of October. Low levels of water are expected for this period of time which also

enables listed fish species to access this tributary and allows for construction to take place during

these times of low precipitation. Short term impacts may be significant once the system is

functioning, however long-term outcomes for this project will be overall beneficial to the

biological integrity of this tributary.


There are several impacts that may have negative environmental effects along the restoration

site. Many of these sites will be most affected during the initial stages of its construction and

during the times of heavy water flows. Long term conditions are expected to improve the overall

biological integrity of the project site by reducing sediment accumulation along the stream thus

improving water quality and stabilizing the soil along sloping terrain and stream banks. Some of

the major components that play a major influence on soil characteristics along the proposed

project include:

Channel Restoration: In the attempt to implement a comprehensive watershed

restoration strategy for the Strawberry Creek, the proposed project is expected to

excavate a new meandering channel that would allow for a more natural stream flow.

Some indirect impacts associated with the excavation is the removal and translocation of

the soils to a new site, I is suggested that soil be disposed of accordingly because of the

threat of possible invasion from the soil seed bed which contains the noxious RCG. Once

in operation the new functioning stream is expected to initially discharge sedimentation


20/108



PAGE20

and increase turbidity during its first high water flows. Furthermore bank erosion and

stream landslide may directly impact the stream if not given enough time to stabilize its

stream banks with vegetation. Plantings along the stream banks during the months of

June 15 through October 31 are expected to provide optimal conditions for the planted

species to become well established along the stream banks, thus reducing the chances of

stream side erosion. (EXHIBIT- A, 2010)

Upslope erosion control: Altering sediment on the upslope portion of the watershed by

removing trees and vegetation cover would provide stress to all life stages of the

Strawberry Creek, such as logging and road construction. With proper restoration efforts,

tree removal along with large movements of earth can be properly managed so as to

reduce direct impacts along the hillslopes. Erosion is expected to occur on slopes greater

than 10-15%. Soils along the upper watershed of the strawberry creek are highly

permeable and have high runoff potential as well as high risk of erosion when saturated;

therefore soil structure and vegetative cover must be mitigated so as to retain a healthy

vegetative cover for it soil structure.

Humboldt crossings/ Decommissioned Roads: Stream crossing removal is intended to

reduce mass-wasting and surface erosion by eliminating anthropogenic problems such as

roads, landings, and stream crossings. The purpose is to restore natural riparian

topography and surface hydrology thereby increasing the stability and rehabilitation of

the site (BMP 2003). The decommissioning of roads and the removal of Humboldt

crossings may directly impact soil erosion along the slopes thus transporting sediment to

riparian channels, however with mitigation; hill slopes can be protected with a mantle of

mulch that allows for structure develop in the soil profile.


21/108



PAGE21

Culvert Replacement:

Along the channel there are two culvers that will need replacement thus allowing for a

greater volume of water transport through the riparian stream. During the replacement

stage of the culverts, large amounts of soil are expected to cause direct impacts on the

water quality thus causing increase in turbidity and decrease in water quality along the

lower portion of the tributary. Erosion control methods will be used to avoid additional

loss of top soil.


The channel restoration is expected to have an environmental impact during its initial

construction stage; however the level of determination for its impact would indicate a less than

significant impact if mitigation is incorporated. Upslope erosion is expected to provide sediment

runoff along disturbed areas, however it is most significant during times when soil is saturated,

the level of significance would indicate less than significant if mitigation is incorporated.

Humboldt crossings removal along with the decommissioning of the roads would significantly

reduce erosion runoff at the top of the headwaters thus making its determination of impact less

than significant if mitigation is incorporated. The replacement of the culverts is considered to

have a less than significant impact to soils therefore no mitigation will be needed.


To decrease the levels of sedimentation and bank erosion along the strawberry creek, mitigation

measures will be implemented so as to provide the soil some structure from further erosion.

Mitigation measures will need to be put in place for the removal of trees during the construction


22/108



PAGE22

stage, which may increase the chances of erosion. Trees will be replanted along the slopes where

they had once been removed by allowing sufficient time for the soil to become stabilized thus

improving infiltration rates and surface vegetation. Minor slope adjustments to surface erosion

may occur after treatment; however mitigation to minimize surface erosion will be conducted

with the addition of mulch cover to bare ground cover and near stream channels. Mitigation for

the removal of Humboldt crossing should be intended to protect fisheries from sediment delivery

from construction and other debris. Mitigation will include efforts to excavate the remaining fill

and either leave the crossing in an excavated state or replace the crossing with modern culverts.

Similarly the removal of decommissioned roads would mitigate to restore the integrity of the

hillslopes, channels, flood plains and their related ecological processes. Mitigation for culvert

replacement should include erosion control methods that can be used to avoid additional loss of

topsoil.


23/108

CHAPTER 2 KERRY McNAMEE (2)



PAGE 23

2.3 Hydrology and Water Quality

Environmental Setting/Affected Environment:

The present water quality and hydrologic conditions within the project footprint are poor due to

historic land manipulations. By 1935 a large portion of the alluvial bottoms had been drained

and cleared of trees in order to transform the perennial wetland and Sitka spruce forest to

livestock ranches and pastureland (Arguello et al. 2012). The actions associated with this

conversion include straightening Strawberry Creek, its tributaries and installing culverts. These

actions greatly disrupted the natural hydrology of the riparian plane, reduced salmonid habitat

and caused favorable conditions for invasive RCG to thrive. The landscape has continued to

deteriorate since 1935 due to the abundant growth of RCG, which reduces water quality in an

array of facets: oxygen depletion, increased sedimentation, increased temperatures and decreased

habitat quality as well as decreased hydrologic flow (Arguello et al. 2012). The thick mats of

RCG also increase water levels which exacerbates flooding, blocks fish passage and intrusively

chokes the Strawberry Creek channel causing a negative shift in the entire ecosystem. Currently,

the water quality is poor which is verified by the absence of fish, abundance of RCG and a lack

of flow within the stream channel (Arguello 2012).

Impact Analysis:

Criteria:

In order to accurately determine the significance of impacts from the SCR, thresholds of

significance should be determined regarding quantifiable water quality criteria, as well as

qualitative water quality indicators (see Table 1). Some foreseeable initial impacts of the


24/108




PAGE 24

proposed project include increased sedimentation and turbidity, increased temperatures, altered

dissolved oxygen, chemical contamination and disrupted hydrologic flow (CA Department of

Fish and Game 34). However, after phase two of the SCR these impacts will be alleviated.

Table 1.Quantitative Water Quality Criteria of Significance

Impact Threshold of Significance

Suspended Fine Sediment and Turbidity Not more than 20% of pre-construction levels

[1]

Dissolved Oxygen At least 5 mg/L [2]

Temperature Salmonid fish growth stops at 17.5 C [3]

Sources:

[1]: CA Department of Fish and game 34.

[2]: Environmental Protection Division, Government of British Columbia Table 10.

[3]: Sensitivity by Lifestage 2011

Impacts of Proposed Project:

The SCR will have long term positive effects on water quality and hydrologic movement,

however during various phases of the restoration there will be negative implications to hydrology

and water quality.

Phase one of the project will not bring about any environmental impacts because phase one is the

visioning, scoping and planning rather than the actual physical restoration work.


25/108




PAGE 25

Phase two will produce the majority of impacts because of the rigorous channel excavation,

culvert removal and replacement and RCG removal. In order to excavate the new channel

without water present, the current channel will be blocked at its entrance into the wetland with

logs causing direct impacts to hydrology (Arguello 2012). This disruption in hydrology would

result in a saturated area lacking flow thus adding to the nature of the marsh landscape. Once the

proposed channel is dredged, the log blockage to the current channel will be removed allowing

natural surface and predominantly subsurface flow movement to come into confluence with the

proposed channel (Figure 1a). Direct effects of RCG removal regarding dissolved oxygen are

positive for water in close proximity of the RCG removal (Arguello et al. 2012). However

indirectly, the water buttressed behind the blocked channel, a consequence of the construction,

will continue to decline in dissolved oxygen because it is still in an area with RCG present..

The culvert will be removed and replaced with a larger culvert producing a direct impact of

increased water flow, which will improve hydrology and increase oxygen due to the increased

velocity over rocks, woody debris and other riffles causing bubbles (Wilzbach 2012a). Other

direct impacts include increased sedimentation and turbidity resulting from the magnitude of

force into the soil by heavy machinery during channel excavation and culvert removal, which

loosens soil particles and allows them to become entrained in waterways (Pennekamp et al. 10).

Indirect impacts of the channel excavation are positive and will result in a more natural

meandering channel which balances the potential and kinetic energy within the channel, and

reduces flooding (Wilzbach 2012c). A foreseeable indirect impact involves the oil and

chemicals that could drip from heavy machinery and therefore negatively impact water quality

via nonpoint source pollution.


26/108




PAGE 26

Phase two would directly increase temperatures to the buttressed water in the current riparian

channel due to decreasing its depth and thus increasing its surface area contact with the

atmosphere (Wilzbach 2012d). However, indirectly the water temperature within the proposed

stream channel will eventually decrease because of increased depth and shading from vegetation

resulting in a positive impact.

Phase three of the SCR, planting the vegetative riparian buffer, will not have negative impacts on

water quality nor hydrology. Phase three may directly cause some sedimentation and erosion in

the stream channel due to human interaction close to the stream bank during planting. However,

once established the riparian vegetation will create stability in the stream bank and will reduce

future erosion and sedimentation (Welsh et al. 3). Indirectly, the mature trees will continue to

strengthen the stream banks, increase flow velocity and input energy into the stream via leaf

debris (Welsh et al. 3).

Phase four involves manually pulling RCG while the riparian vegetation saplings are growing

and unable to provide shade, as well as construction to abandoned logging roads. The direct

impacts of manually pulling RCG include possible increases in sedimentation and turbidity to the

stream depending on how carefully the RCG is pulled. The excavation and decomissioning of

abandoned logging roads will directly negatively impact turbidity and sedimentation levels due

to the slackened soil particles on the upstream hillslopes. Indirectly, the dredging will create

stream channels which will eventually greatly reduce sediment loads to downstream Strawberry

Creek and also increase infiltration and ground water recharge (Brown et al. 329). In a similar

project, the infiltration rate on an abandoned logging road was 0-12 mm/hour and post road

decommissioning was 14-31 mm/hour, a significant positive impact (Brown et al. 330).


27/108




PAGE 27

Determination of Impact:

The proposed SCR project will produce an array of impacts, with the majority being negative in

the short term and positive long term. Due to the present degraded water quality and hydrologic

conditions, the direct negative impacts from phase two are minor especially because they are

precursors to the desired outcome: a healthy ecosystem able to support endangered salmonids

(Arguello et al 1). Therefore the proposed SCR project will have an insignificant environmental

impact on water quality and hydrology.

Mitigation/Minimization Measures:

The SCR project will overwhelmingly produce long term positive environmental impacts to

water quality and hydrology. The initial negative impacts associated with construction are all

minimized as the project proceeds, such as temperature, dissolved oxygen, flow, turbidity and

sedimentation. The elimination of RCG allows the stream ecosystem to regenerate itself and find

homeostasis, thus not requiring additional mitigation.

Of all the negative impacts to water quality and hydrology, turbidity and sedimentation are

environmental impacts that can readily be minimized as they are being produced. A

minimization measure that can be taken to reduce sedimentation and turbidity in the water

column is to place sand bags or screens at streambanks with a high slope in areas downstream of

the channel excavation taking place in phase two. Another mitigation measure would be to create

a buffer with sand bags downstream of where the logging roads will be decommissioned in phase

four. After the earth is dredged and the stream channel created, the accumulated earth material

would be removed from behind the buffer and out of the stream channel. A minimization

measure to alleviate turbidity, dissolved oxygen, temperature fluctuations and flow


28/108




PAGE 28

inconsistencies would be to undertake the project in the dry season, specifically July-October.

This time period will not disturb endangered fish species because they are currently not present

in the project area. As the wet weather commences, it is expected that there will be an initial

high amount of turbidity in the creek, however that will subside as the stream channel stabilizes.

Monitoring will be an important aspect of the SCR and will include routinely removing RCG and

ensuring that when ready, the riparian vegetation is properly shading the RCG out. Strawberry

Creek water will also be sampled and monitored to ensure turbidity is substantially less than it

was before the proposed project, that temperature is facilitating optimal fish growth at a range of

9 degrees C and 17.5 degrees C and that dissolved oxygen is above the threshold 6 mg/L

(Sensitivity by Lifestage 2011;Environmental Protection Division, Table 10). Monitoring of the

stream ecosystem via invertebrate abundance will also be undertaken to ensure adequate

biological health (Wilzbach 2012b). Future monitoring will be implemented for at least twenty

years subsequent to the projects completion to ensure the integrity of the SCR, as well as the

efficiency of other partner projects such as the downstream restoration project.


29/108

CHAPTER 2 SABRENA AMBREZEWICZ (1)

ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING, IMPACT ANALYSIS & MITIGATION


PAGE 29

2.4 Biological Resources


Strawberry Creek watershed before the SCRP is infested with reed canary grass ( RCG) this

invasive grass is choking out native plants and decreasing dissolved oxygen in the stream making

it impossible for anadromous fish species to survive. The two anadromous species of fish

addressed in this project are coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) and steelhead (Oncorhynchus

mykiss) since there is no supporting evidence that these species are in the creek no harm can be

done to them. The other biological resources that will be modified during this project is the

wetlands, riparian plants, and wildlife that can be affected by electric fences.

Impact Analysis:

Criteria:

Assessing impacts of these resources the criteria of each resource must be explicitly stated. The

threshold of significance for the removal of RCG is that 90 percent or more of the invasive

species is eliminated to give room for proper water flow and plant species. This threshold is to be

met during phase four of the project. The threshold of significance for replanting of alders (Alnus

rubra), willows (Salix) and sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) is that the survival rate of the planted

riparian vegetation will exceed 80 percent of the total number initially planted for at three years.

This threshold must be met during phase three of the project and after the completion of the

project. The threshold of significance for the electric exclusion fences have an average voltage

between 3,500 to 7,500 (deCalesta and Witmer 2005). The criteria for wetlands section 404 a of


30/108




PAGE 30

the clean water act will be used to address the adverse effects of removal of wetlands to increase

water quality into the creek. Directly from the EPA website explains section 404, (a) The

Secretary may issue permits, after notice and opportunity for public hearings for the discharge

of dredged or fill material into the navigable waters at specified disposal sites. Water quality

will be measured by sensitive macroinvertebrates that will be counted after the project. These

insects mayfly (Ephemeroptera), stonefly (Plecoptera), and caddisfly (Trichoptera) are

bioagents for great water quality. Insects such as midge flies (Chironomidae), black flies

(Simuliidae),earthworms (Annelida), and flatworms (Platyhelminths) are evidence of poor water

quality since they have a high tolerance to pollutants.

Impact of proposed Project:

The proposed project is split up into four phases which addresses the biological resources that

will be affected by SCRP. The construction phase of the project will increase minimal sediments

into the stream this would be a concern about water quality. The water quality will be monitored

by sensitive or highly tolerant insects.The water measurement will be done after the construction

to see the effects. The second phase of the project planting of the riparian buffer will have a

positive impact on the surrounding area. Once the trees mature the will shade out the RCG and

create an overall beneficial habitat for coho salmon and steelhead. The monitoring of the survival

of the alders, willows, and spruces will be done for three to five years to make sure the threshold

is met. The third phase of the project is putting the six strand exclusion fences around the

riparian buffer. There has been multiple studies and versions of these fences that show the fences

as a deterrent after the first jolt a large elk or beaver will experience, the elk will avoid the fence

altogether (Byrne 1989). The exclusions fences are extremely durable and require very low


31/108




PAGE 31

maintenance since they are a form of lined fencing if a strand falls off it can be easily to re-tie a

broken fence. A broken fence could be a source of harm from this project, however the

monitoring of this fences will be done by the National Park Service and immediate attention will

be given to a malfunctioning fence (Arguello 2012). The last phase is pulling the RCG which

will have direct and indirect effects of benefiting the watershed. In the Montana Interagency

Plant Materials Handbook by Smoliak et al, the description of RCG is that it thrives in disturbed

areas along ditches and canals, this dense mat of grass can cause limited water movement. In the

case of strawberry creek this is the main reason for adopting this plan. The impact will be

negative to RCG but beneficial to the rest of the watershed.

Determination of impacts:

The following table determines whether each impact is significant or not based on thresholds and

the proposed project description.

Impacts No Impact Less than

Significant

Less than

Significant withMitigation

Significant

Wetlands x

Water quality x

Riparian buffer x

Exclusion Fences x

Pulling of RCG x


32/108




PAGE 32

Mitigation/ Minimization measures:

The creation of the new stream channel will result in a permanent loss of a portion of the

wetland. This was considered a significant effect that can be reduced to less than significant with

mitigation. Restoring another wetland within Redwood National Park is a way of mitigating this

impact; however the water being brought into this watershed will benefit the surroundings.

Monitoring the quality of water (with sensitive macroinvertebrates) going into the remaining

wetland will be assessed by biologist from National Park Service monthly after the project is

complete. A mitigation measure for the riparian buffer is that the planting mounds will be created

from material excavated from the stream channel and the upslope stream crossings. The other

essential part of this impact is that only native trees will be planted before the growing season to

ensure best plant growth. Monitoring of the buffer will go up to three years or until the canopy

produces enough shade to prevent RCG from growing. During this time more seedlings will be

planted as necessary and several photopoints will be used to document the development of the

riparian zone. The fall season is an optimal time to replant since there is when the raining season

starts and to maintain integrity with the photopoints they will be taken approximately at the same

time each year for ten years at the same reference location.The monitoring for the exclusion

fences will be done monthly to check for signs of damage and malfunction by the National Park

Service. A Mitigation measure for RCG is that the recently pulled RCG can be used for

composting within the park or burned to prevent spreading. The monitoring of RCG will

continue until the riparian trees are large enough to shade out the grass.


33/108




2.5 Socioeconomics


The proposed site of the SCRP currently has a negligible influence on local socioeconomics. The

only source of economic input generated from the project area is from the salaries paid to the

RNP employees who manage the area in addition to their duties managing other areas of the

park. Unlike other areas in the park, this site currently receives no recreational visitors, and thus

does not contribute to the economic benefits that RNP ecotourism brings to local businesses.

Sport and commercial fishing are important ways that many locals, including Native Americans,

earn or supplement their income. Sport fishing is permitted in RNP, but the current creek channel

is so overgrown with invasive RCG that it creates a barrier which makes the creek inaccessible to

fish, so at this time no sport fishing occurs on the site. In addition, since the creek is inaccessible

to fish that otherwise might spawn in the creek, before making their way to the ocean as adults,

Strawberry Creek does not currently have any impact on the commercial ocean fishing industry.

Impact Analysis:

Implementation of this project will have direct and indirect effects on opportunities for

socioeconomic growth in Humboldt County. Direct short-term economic gains will be achieved

by purchasing the materials needed to implement the project from local suppliers whenever it is

feasible to do so, and through utilizing the local workforce for the construction phase of the

project, and possibly after the project is completed for monitoring activities. It is anticipated that

indirect long-term social and economic gains may be had in the future when and if the creek is

opened for sport fishing and the creation of suitable habitat in the creek benefits the stocks of

local commercial ocean fisheries.


34/108




Criteria:

The criteria that will be used to analyze the effects this project will have on local

socioeconomics, through the creation of jobs and the purchasing of materials from local

suppliers, is that the impacts will be considered positive if any money is circulated into the local

economy by these means. The criteria used to assess the impacts this project will have on the

commercial and sport fishing industry is taken from the California Department of Fish and

Games (DFG) Recovery Strategy for California Coho Salmon. The effects of this project will be

considered positive if Strawberry Creek is restored to the point that it becomes suitable habitat

for the ESA listed salmonids and thus fosters the recovery of these vulnerable species so that the

DFG recovery goal of restoring coho salmon numbers to the point where tribal, sport, and

commercial can occur is achieved (DFG 2004).


Short-term positive economic impacts will occur as a result of this project due to the creation of

jobs during the construction phase of the project. Workers will need to be hired to operate the

heavy machinery needed for the removal of RCG, culvert replacement, excavation of the new

stream channel, placement of in-stream structures within the new channel, and restoration of the

four upslope stream crossings. It is possible that RNP will also intermittently require additional

workers for monitoring activities once the construction phase of the project has been completed.

Purchasing the materials needed to complete the project will create a one-time positive economic

impact for the local businesses from which the supplies are purchased from. Some of the


35/108




materials that are needed to implement this project include mulch, top soil, timber used for in-

stream structures, and many Sitka spruce, red alder, and willow seedlings.

The most significant socioeconomic gain that could occur as a result of this project is currently

hypothetical and depends on whether the project is successful in restoring suitable salmonid

habitat to the creek, and if this restoration helps foster the recovery of the ESA listed

anadromous salmonids, coho salmon and steelhead trout. The commercial and sport fishing

industries have historically had a prominent influence on Humboldt Countys economy. An

article from Humboldt State Universitys Osprey Magazinereported that Northern California

coastal communities generated between $60 and $70 million dollars per year during the 1970s

from commercial fishing for coho salmon alone (Preston 2001). Currently, however, the profits

generated by these communities has almost completely ceased due to the heavy fishing

restrictions put in place to protect the listed salmonids. Freshwater and Ocean Fishing

Regulations for 2012 to 2013 mark another year that sport fishing for coho in any freshwater or

ocean habitat is prohibited, and fishing for steelhead is heavily restricted such that it is prohibited

in most locations, but acceptable in others provided that the steelhead caught is a hatchery fish

(DFG 2012). Commercial fishing for coho and steelhead is also prohibited. The Humboldt

County Draft General Plan estimates that these restrictions have caused the local commercial

fishing industry to shrink by two-thirds (Humboldt 2012), negatively effecting local

socioeconomics. In addition, ESA restrictions on coho negatively impact economic growth

driven by other local industries, such as timber harvesting, ranching, and development. Since

ESA restrictions for coho encompass most of the Northern California coast, the economic

impacts of such restrictions being removed as a result of a stable recovery of the listed species,

would be very significant.


36/108





Based on the analysis it is determined that the impacts of this project can only be positive. The

effects range from immediate short-term minimally positive impacts to long-term greatly

positive impacts in the future.


Although it has been determined that no negative socioeconomic impacts will occur a result of

this project, SCRP attempts to enhance the likelihood that positive impacts will occur. The new

stream channel will be closely monitored into the foreseeable future to determine the success of

the project in terms of providing suitable salmonid habitat that is capable of supporting the

rehabilitation of coho and steelhead populations. Every effort will be made to ensure that the

conditions of the stream are fit to support thriving populations that will contribute to the recovery

of these species and pave the road for reopening of commercial and sport fishing opportunities

that will greatly benefit the local economy. In addition, if RNP staff should find that they could

use additional help for post-project monitoring and follow-up activities, they will offer volunteer

opportunities to Humboldt State University students who are seeking to pursue careers in

ecosystem restoration after graduating.


37/108




2.6 Noise

Environmental Setting/Affected Environment:

The present noise levels within the project footprint are minimal. The landscape is currently an

open space wetland surrounded by thick forest to the west, south and east (Figure 1 and 2). The

small city of Orick is situated approximately one mile north east of the SCR project area, and

does not contribute to the ambient noise levels in the SCR area. The SCR area of RNP is

available to visitors by foot, however it is not heavily used by pedestrian visitors. No

unauthorized (personal) vehicles are allowed into the park, which partially contributes to the low

ambient noise levels as well. Current noise levels are generated from large trucks on highway

101, wildlife, hunters, visitors, and the occasional gate opening/closing due to authorized park

employee vehicles, and are estimated to be approximately 45 dBa or below (Perea 376).

Impact Analysis:

Criteria:

In order to determine whether the proposed SCR project will produce significant noise impacts,

various criteria to determine significance must be established. The Humboldt County General

Plan is one of the resources that set guidelines from which future decisions, development and

thresholds can be determined, and thus serves as the threshold of significance regarding noise

levels in the SCR project. The maximum allowable short-term noise level in a Timber

Production Zone (TPZ) is 85 decibels (dBA) between 6:00 am and 10:00 pm (Humboldt County

Planning Commission 3).


38/108





The potential impacts resulting from an increase in noise would be minimal due to the location of

the project. The SCR project area is not in a residential area, approximately one mile away from

the nearest residences and businesses. Therefore the increase in short-term noise would have a

minor effect on any human population residing in the area, rather predominantly it would have

an effect on workers operating the machinery and wildlife present inside and near to the SCR

project area.

Phase One of the project wont entail any construction, thus wont produce any extra noise.

Phase Two includes the majority of the construction, in which earthen materials will be

excavated to create the new stream channel. There will be a short term increase in traffic and

thus noise from the increase in vehicles and machinery entering the site. However, the increase

in traffic would take place during the time window of 6am-10pm approved by the Humboldt

County Planning Commission. The heavy equipment that will be used in the SCR project are

excavators, bull dozers, dump trucks and back hoes. Manual labor using various hand tools will

also be a big part of the SCR project. The associated noise levels with each piece of machinery

can be found in Table 1. Phase Three will not include much heavy machinery, due to the fragility

of planting saplings. The upslope restorations of Phase Four will result in noise due to heavy

machinery use, in which large amounts of earth will be moved from abandoned logging roads.

The 85 dBA threshold of significance falls between the general 76-92 dBA noise outputs.


39/108




Table 1. Average noise levels associated with various heavy equipment

Sound Source (distance) dBA

Excavator (50 ft.) 80-92

Bull Dozer (50 ft.) 80-92

Dump Truck (50 ft.) 76-88

Backhoe (50 ft.) 80-92

1:A-weighted noise levels approximates the frequency response of the human ear (King County8-2).

Table Source: King County 8-2.

Direct effects occur at the same time and place of the action. The direct effects of increased

noise include heightened sound and ground vibrations. Both will be felt by the workers and

wildlife in the vicinity. There will be approximately 15-20 people working at the site, enduring

loud noise which will probably result in some miscommunications and ear ringing. There are no

threatened or endangered terrestrial animals within the project boundary, however wildlife such

as elk, birds, beavers and rodents are abundant. Ground vibrations could create false cues to

wildlife, triggering a changed behavior (Schlaepfer et al. 474). The well-known endangered

species northern spotted owl and marbled murrelet nest in old growth redwoods. However since

there are no old growth redwoods within the project area, the noise restrictions dont have to be

as stringent as they typically would if that caliber of protection was necessary.

Indirect effects occur later in time and/or are farther removed in distance, yet are still reasonably

foreseeable. An indirect effect of increased noise relating to the SCR project will affect the City

of Orick, however it will be minimal because of the one mile distance between the project site


40/108




and the residential area. The sound level will decrease by 6 dBA every time distance is doubled

from the point source of noise. Therefore at 50 ft there is an average sound production of 85 dBA

from all heavy machinery, thus at 100 ft the sound level would be 79 dBA and so on (Table 2) At

6400 ft the City of Orick is able to hear the remaining emanated noise. The sound associated

with 43 dBA is comparable to a loud whisper (US Dept of Labor 2012).

Table 2. Sound levels from source to city center

Average Sound Level Distance dBA Heard

85 dBA 50 ft 85 dBA

85 dBA 100 ft 79 dBA




85 dBA 1600 ft 55 dBA

85 dBA 3200 ft 49 dBA

85 dBA 6400 ft * 43 dBA

Source: Perea 376 *=6400 ft equates to 1.2 miles


The proposed SCR project will produce an insignificant amount of noise, and thus will not

impact the environment. The short temporal nature of the project and its location away from


41/108




civilians, residences, businesses and endangered species are the grounds for deeming this impact

insignificant.

Minimization Measures:

Of all the groups affected by noise, the construction workers bear the brunt of the noise pollution

due to their close proximity to the heavy equipment. To minimize the harmful impacts to

hearing, construction and site personnel will be required to wear hearing protection devices such

as ear plugs whenever heavy machinery is in use. Another minimization measure will limit

heavy equipment use to a time frame of 9 am-7 pm, so as to allow for nocturnal wildlife to carry

on as they normally would, and to allow for citizens of Orick to sleep without any additional

sound no matter how slight. Phase Two of the SCR project, in which the majority of construction

takes place, will take place from July-September, and the construction component of Phase Four

is slated to take place in late September-mid October. Therefore the construction will be

relatively short-lived and neither mitigation/minimization measures nor hearing conservation

plans are necessary.


42/108

CHAPTER 2 TONY FERNANDEZ (2)



2.7 Aesthetics


The Strawberry Creek is a tributary situated inside the lower portion of the Orick valley which is

roughly found between the town of Orick and the Pacific Ocean. About one mile inland from the

coast this tributary connects to the much larger Redwood Creek; from here the flows make their

way into the ocean. Its ecological values have decreased over time because of many

environmental factors such as agriculture, and the straightening of the channel which have

affected the coastal fisheries that once supported cutthroat, coho salmon and steelhead

populations. This tributary is not very easily identifiable when driving through along highway

101; however its ecological contribution to the ecosystem still remains valuable to many species

and is most noticeable during the wet season when the area tends to become inundated. The

agency responsible for the maintenance and upkeep for the ecological setting is the Redwood

National Park (NPS), whose contributions with this restoration project are intended to provide

suitable habitat for both native and invasive species thus providing pleasant scenic vistas to the

observer. The State Redwood Highway (101) provides passage for travelers in both directions

along this roadway where the viewer can enjoy scenic vistas that are typical of Northern

Californias coastal landscapes. For the typical viewer who travels through these landscape

settings, it is important that they observe the appropriate visual characters that are mandated by

the Californias official designated State Scenic Highway (CODSH).


43/108




Impact Analysis:

Criteria:

The visual characteristics for the Strawberry Creek are determined by how well the landscape

settings blend with the surrounding landscape for this general project area. The criteria used to

assess the levels of significance are referenced from the comprehensive watershed restoration

strategy for the Strawberry Creek (SCWR) which encompasses the project goals including the

qualitative measures of habitat suitability for the affected environments such as: excavation, tree

removal, erosion and sedimentation, and impacts on water quality (SCWR 2006). The CEQA

Guidelines (Appendix G) provide an environmental checklist that allows the viewer to evaluate

the significance of the affected environment in relation to the aesthetics. These guide lines are

used to help evaluate the significance of impacts on the visual quality for the project site. The

alterations on the landscape from the excavation and the revegetation are expected to change the

aesthetic characteristics for this project site during and after the construction stage.


There are several impacts that may have negative effects on the proposed project. The project

site will have the greatest influence during the initial stages; however this will contribute to the

short term visual impacts on the aesthetic values. The visual character will temporarily be

influenced by heavy equipment that will be used to excavate the new meandering channel, thus

exposing the soil in large stock piles, including culvert replacement, impacts on roads from

transport of construction material, and the removal of vegetation and potential damage to slopes.

When transporting soils to different sites, it should be noted the potential of re-emerging invasive

reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) at new site. Sediment control on the upper watershed


44/108




would be small scale; this includes the decommissioning of the roads inside the forested areas.

Impacts to visual resources will directly have the greatest impact on the viewers traveling

alongside the Redwood Highway. Those who decide to access the public road to the Redwood

National Park decommissioned service station along Hilton Rd will witness the greatest adverse

effects on the scenic vista, since this is where the project will take place.

The project would involve the excavation of the Strawberry Creek channel for approximately 0

.6 miles, where the removal of wetland vegetation would temporarily impact the dominant

vegetative features. The visual character would change from a densely vegetated facultative

wetland species to the densely growth of newly planted willows and alder trees alongside the

stream channel. The long term conversion of planted tree species would significantly change the

appearance of the tributary.

The wetland meadows surrounding the project area would have a less probability of becoming

hydric soil indicators after the construction of the new meandering stream given the right

weathering conditions. Probabilities of flooding would be less likely since the new stream is

expected to support more volumes of water, thus reducing the flooding potential for the project

area. In the attempt to closely recreate historic condition for this site, the short term visual

characteristics will appear to have negative impacts on the appearance and aesthetic value to this

ecological site, however the long term conditions are expected to improve the overall biological

integrity of the system. The proposed revegetation is expected to restore the biological function

along the stream channel including the decrease in sedimentation; this would reduce the visual

impacts to a less significant level. The visual character would be further altered by the removal


45/108




from the two culverts along the existing channel; this would result in an increase in

sedimentation during the early stages of significant water flows.

Sediment runoff from the top of the tributary would not change significantly the visual character

of the surrounding project area except for the minor revegetation strategies that will be needed to

stabilize and restore the natural character from further damage on eroded sites. The long term

project improvements would blend well with the existing surrounding conditions, thus providing

open views to the wet meadows, riparian areas, and forested slopes. The wildlife that that is

currently inhabiting the area include elk and neighboring sheep grazing operation located on the

private side of the property which would remain consistent with the natural resources and would

not have significant impact on the quality and character of any scenic view from the redwood

highway.

There will be no effects from any new lighting or reflective surfaces that would cause any glare

from heavy machinery inside the project area. Construction for the restoration site will take place

during the daylight hours; therefore no lighting components will be used during the construction

stage. The minimal light and glare from the project site would have no significant impact to

viewers.

Determination of Impacts :

The visual characteristics for the proposed project at the strawberry creek will impact many of

the current aesthetic values that influence the scenic vistas. The changing characteristics for the

site will substantially damage scenic resources including the new meandering channel, the

removal of trees along the hill slopes, increase in suspended sediment load in the stream, light

and glare, and other visual characteristics from the roadway. However the initial stages of the


46/108




project are expected to have the greatest impacts on the site characteristics of the restoration, yet

the long-term components to the projects will yield positive results to the whole biological

function of the system and thus provide positive character to the project site. Therefore, the

proposed projects would have a less than significant impact to any of the proposed project

alternatives.

Mitigation/Minimization Measures:

The degree of impacts on the project site along the Strawberry Creek will not require mitigation

for any of the aesthetic requirements; however minimization measures to reduce the level of

footprint will be applied to each of the proposed actions. Several design elements have been

projected for the project that will further enhance the visual character and will resemble a more

natural approach to the landscape setting. With the excavation of the new meandering channel,

the removal of aquatic vegetative species will be replaced with beneficial pioneer species such as

willow trees which will help improve the overall function of the stream, thus reducing sediment

loads, p

SCRP Environmental Assessment

Documents

Transcript of SCRP Environmental Assessment