The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About77-47B 7The Noise Element evaluation primarily addresseo a maximum acceptable community noise level of Lall - 60 d13 to provide a suitable noise environment inside buildings. Since outdoor living is a major activity in Butte County, this stazdard may not be low enough to permit unhi.n,dexed speech communication Outdoors, Speech communication is severely hindered when background noise levels rise to 50-55 dEA. D. POLICIES Governmental policy responses to noise problems can address themselves to different aspects of noise generation and reception. First p noise generation can be: abated by controls on the source. Secondly, insulating barriers can be placed between sound generators and the receptors, Thirdly, noise sources and noise -sensitive use,Q can be located away from each other. The response to a particular noise problem is usually determined by a comparison of the cost or feasibility of restricting noise generation versus sound barriers versus separating sensitive receptors from major noise sources. Thus, because total abatement of noise is Unfeasible, attentionshould .be placed on noise barriers and control of incompatible ;uses, on the other hand, restricting the use of noisy vehicles or equipment in residential areas is more practical than constructing sound barriers or redesigna.ting land: uses and moving houses, Table IV -6 surtmarizes thfindings discussed above, states the County's policy in responso to the findings,_ and outlines implementation measures. IV -24 Table IV-0. NfrIn n MONY FXNoINGli POLXCY IMP LEMUNTA'1ION 1. Objectionable noijo from trans.. 1 maintain err acoePtable noise On- 1. Consider adopting the State's "Mod,rl Community Noise Ordinance" portation facilities, and virnnment In all areas of the or a modification thereof, stationary socarcos can have: a county, significsant, impact; on public hoallch and welfare, 2. Some aspects of transport,:ioi- 2. Where possible, control the 2. Support State and federal regu- lationa for reducing transportation relat.ed noise can be controlled sources of transportation noise to maintain acceptable levels. noise. Consider noise in the loon- by the County. tion and design of county roads. ,Locate aircraft flight paths away from developed areas where feasible. Development along railroads 3. lainvourage rosidontlel develop- 3. Consider noise sources in review of zoning and subdivision proposals. and highways can c:4'tuse a signi- meat and other noise-sonsitive near railroads and Locate noise sensitive uses away N fi,cant noise problem. activities highways, from railroads and highways. i Ln h, l:eve:l.olancznt near aircraft flight 4. Plan Pox airport development Locate noise-oansitive uses away from 'Prepare specific paths subjaci poOPIC to objec- and dsscouraye noise-pen, itivO airports, ti.onablc± noise and threatens activities near airports. Airport Environs plans for Chico f'ut:uru airport r perati.onu . and Oroville airports. 5. Some types of recreational: 5. Control recreation activities 5..- place limits can the ravels of amplified sound and the time and activities make ohjootiunable that have the .potential to cause location of outdoor concerts, auto noise, object[onab:v noise. and motorcycle races, and similar noisy activities., 6. State legislation requires 6. Provide 60 dB noise contours 60 Develop 60 d8 noise contours this noise insulation of new Multi- around all major sources. around major sources where family dwellings constructed information is not presently within the 60 dB noise exposure available: contours 7, Noise problems cross City 7, rvf?perate w.ath the incorporated 7. Exchange noise. contour inforr oration. Develop compatible boundaries. olties to r�sr,2wte mutual noise noise control programs. problejas. 8. As the County grows and acti- 8. Keep the Ho#so Element current `�� Monitor changes in noise levels. Update noise contour data. vities change, the noise with changing conditions. environment will also change... MUM Section: V SCENIC 113:0 1WAYS ELMIN"1~ CONTENTS r Title La A. G.;«`,NEICtAL V-1 1.. State Requirements V--1 2, Planning Relationships V-1 S. Definition V-2 B. OBJECTIVES V-3 C, CORRIDOR EVALUATION AND SELECTION V.-4 D. CORRIDOR DEMOPMT AND PROTECTION V-6 1. Official 'State Designation V -G 2o Boundary beliteation V.-5 3. Development Controls V-8 . Right -of -Way V-8 b Adjacent Lands V -g 4. Local Promotion 4. POLICXES V-11 TABLES Titie p�g� V-1 Scenic Highway Element, (Vindings, Policies and Implementation) V--12 MAP Following` Title Page V-1 Scenic Highways V-1 a40tion V SC 191C HIGUWAYS, EUmm A, GENERAL 1. state Requirements Section 65302tii) of the Government Code requires county general, plans to include a Scenic Highways Element "...for the development, establishment, and protection of scenic highways pursuant to the provisions of ... the Streets and Highways Code," The General Plan guidelines adopted by the Council on Inter- governmental Relations in 1973 state tI the Scenic Highways Element should include an identif4.,,,at-. , and evaluation of scenic corridors, a map of designated routes, a statement of policies, and a guide to implementation, 2, Planning Relationships The designation of scenic highways can have a sign-lificant impact on physical development and should, therefore, be coordinated with other development controls. Special attention should be given to existing scenic highway designations by the State, by adjacent counties, and by the incorporated cities in Butte County. The routes selected in the-Sconic Highway Element should not conflict with the objectives of other elements of the Butte County General Plan., Designation should epe .Ix -reflect the County's policies eXpregsed in the Land Use, Open Space, conservation, and Circulation elements., 3 Definitions Scenic Highway - ror the purpose of this element, q Scenic Highway is defined as a main public .a:"oad throe h an area of: ictures ue natural landscapes, 1'he Scenic Fligl'zway includes not only the pavement Of traveled roadway but also the entire publicly,- owned right-of-way^Customary accessary uses usually found in the right -O' ay include bridges, drainage facilities, public utilities t walkways and trails, Protective planting and landscaping, rest areas, and Vista paints Scenic Corridor -- The Scenic Corridor is often described as "the Griew from the road." -tf---ems �as.eZ •hc view ► �'� ' distant panty - as, l l as the immedia .e r 7c ad. ide ar. erg . ' Grr1*4r, _ ,,,.�, � )�, ._.,• ¢�� 1 j/arY_ , '� pvio Imo n v, -i csrrrnrtn. S..1: n -Urba1eSLCII.7, rye A corridor should encompass the outstanding natural features and Picturesque landscapes which qualify the highway as "scenic." Eligible State Scenic Highways - Eligible state F Scenic Highways are those state highways shown on the Master Plan of State Scenic Highways. In Butte County only Highway 70 north of Highway 149 is eligible for state designation as an official - State Scenic Highway. Official. State Scenic Highways - official State Scenic Highways aro those eligible'routes whose scenic ccrridors are protected by a county -developed plan which has been ;found satisfactory and is adopted by the State Scenic Highway Advisory Committee. V-2 04ficial County Scenic Highways - Qfticial County Scenic Highways include all county highways designated in a Scenic Highways clement of the General Plan and whose corridor protection pians are approved by the Stato. ( B. V1:7yl:Ie1,l. VS Butte County has an outstanding variety of natural vistas and landscapes. In adopting a Scenic Highways Element, the County seeps to preserve the more visible portions of this natural scenery. The primary objective of this element is the protection, and enhancement of scenic areas adjacent to and visible from se- lected highways. This effort is consistent with recommend- ations of the adopted Butte County General Plan open Space and Conservation elements and reflects the County's general goal of maintaining a high quality of life for its residents. Secondary objek is are to. M Guide future scenic preservation activities Direct the development of specific legislation and programs by the County of Butte Coordinate the State Scenic Highways Program with local policies a Heighten awareness'of the visual: environment and spur community pride in our natural resources i V-3 COARTDOR VALUATION AND SELECTION For the purpose OR 0 -valuating, the highways in butte County, "Main public roads" include all state highways and count y rural arterials, collectors, and Urough toads. The only long unpaved sections evaluated were mountain toads designated as arterials Or collectors by the County Department of Public Works, Evaluation was done by Planning Department staff after On-site viewing from the road and from turnouts and vista pointso Most roads were divided into sectors for - evaluation Purposes because of distinct changes in natural and man-made features. Each road and road sector was evaluated by using the following general criteria. System CheAracteristics(R,101,I)l 10 M Closeness and convenience to urban population centers Entry at County boundaries and urban centers Integration into system; connection and intersection with other highways Access to major recreation areas Right -of -Way Characteristics 0,q road �d IUtnzBs-r-,a-A4width -of saf ety Lack of tra4fict stops, and access points,, safety Wide shoulders, turnouts, rest areas and vista Points, and space for such Natural Corridor Characteristics. Variation in slopes, elevation, and terrain Visible rock strata and Prominent land forms Clarity] depth, and width of vistas, especially hOrizr-,', silhouettes and known landmarks Abundance and variety of Plant formsk especially forests V-4 Abundance and variety of native an rnal.s, cspecial:ly doer and 'ri. par:tan birds Visibility and accossibility of creeks, rivers, marshes, and lakes a* , Man --Made Corridor Characteristic Lour population densities; small population clusters Lack of structures, especially pigns, business and 'utility structures Land --oriented uses, including agriculture, livestock grazing, 'timber management, and recreation Used by vacationer's and leisure travelers; access to campgrounds, pares, trails, or boat ramps Historic landmarks, structures, and routes Government Policies Land managR�ment by government aggencies, especially the U. S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management, and State Departments of Water Resources and Parks and Recreation Eligible State Scenic highway, County "Scenic Highway" zoning, or designation by cities or adjacent counties Consistent with other Butte County General Plan Elements, especially band Use, Open Space, Conservation, and Circulation Few highways satisfy all of the above ,x°t4�er a.A've thou each Voad a d corridor was evaluated for xts fou-l'ill- Ment of e&e criter;on, a highway lacking one.Dr' ore ch 'arac er- istics could! de�wju lection because it- met oth r cri<teria well. An e�:am le a free ' p�ay`wa.th high t affic Volum, s and speeds lthat trsersesq,rr area with outs anding natural` .. scenery and major r re`ational facile S. Ano,her e:tample wilhld be v ll J a s lacking variety or gel is features but pan,o'.amic views�k, no people, ;l.ittl.e st.ruct al�evelopment, ar igh,t traffic. w The application of the evaluation criteria was followed by consideration of other factors. Because all of the evaluation V -r cra teri,a aro not necessarily, equal in value, the uniquenose Of a corridor's attributes vas considered highly in tho eval.u- atio.n. Also weighed heavily was the consideration that a System, of scenic highways should include a variety, of distinct driving experiences* The evaluation also took into account , the possible effects of designation On Property rights, lana uset traffic, and the local. economy. ;,pp�P tA/�' It itrt `'jC' Gki�a I i he C AY,# q'pe designation as scenic highways are shown in Map V-; D. CORRIDOR DEVELOPMENT AND PROTECTION 1 Official state Designation Althoug state law requires the County .to adopt a Scenic: Highways Element of the General Plaza, it does not require the scenic highways proposed in the Element to be designated by the St&te as "Official" State or County scenic highways. However, official designation qualifies the County for certain » bene �,t s! ystdhcxezrtprr2ii. These include the placement Of colorful. "Poppy" signs, ;a indication of routes on State maps p Undergrounding of utility lines , and the possible develop- ment of rest areas. In general terms, State designation and the ensuing benefits will require the County to request designation, survey each scenic corridor, and adopt a corridor protection program which is approved by the State, The detailed Procedures for official State designation of scenic Aghways are contained in Appendix B. 2. Boundary Delineation The Scenic Highway Report required for State designation suggests boundaries for the scenic corridors along each proposed scenic highway and describes the scenic elements V-5 within the suggested corridor. State guidelines for designaw tion define the scenic corridor as "the area of land generally adjacent to and visible from the highway which requires protective measures to insure perpetuation of its scenic qualities." The evaluation of corridor characteristics includes the scenic elements which qualified the highway for designation. The corridor should inclade outstanding natural elements such as water boozes, mature timber stands, wildlife habitats, and unique landforms as well as man-made dams, bridges,, recreation facilities, historic sates, and architectural features. All types of landscapes, Whether wild, cultivated, or urban, may have scenic values and can be considered for inclusion in a scenic corridor. Corridor features may be evaluated in terms of the visual impact of t eir di.stance t sie, fo mtt, and color. F jots �iiVlr,`IYI is � Orel mme- 'r vl.11�771 1 k 1 "' f The corridor) ncludes nearby land wbere human use or development j may have an adverse effect on motorists traveling a scenic highway. Lhz-adV' IM -e ev'ts-�-cozrsell �� are -i ma�til yl:; . w usual other factors in corridor delineation are ;Legal and admin.is-- trative in nature, l,xisti.ng public land ownership and the V-7 li,Xelihood of some qovernmont acquisition should be considered. S'nca the scenic (;OrridOl.' will bo an administrative area I - precise boundaries should coincide for land use ragulatiOWIS whorever feasible with property lines, zonin,"'; district city jLjMjtsj Or other legal demarcations. Administrative purpose may in same cases ever dj.!t-ate ),)oundaries of a constant arbitrary distance from the centerline of the highway. Because of its significance and complexity, the delineation process should be iandertaken carefully and with full involvement of all concerned parties. According to the guidelines for State de, , signation, corridor boundaries should be determined by County staff and interested citizens, 3, Development Controls a. :Right -of -Way 11, developing scenic hi(jhways, Section 261 of th,-'. Streets and Highways Code requires the State Department of Transportation to consider pleasing visual appearance and impact as well as safety, uIW-jli,yj and economy Similarlyt local governments are required to pay careful attention to earthmoving, landscaping, and, the design of structures and facilities as a condition of State designation - Development of soenic -:.qhway rights-of-way should consider the visual impact on the I driver of curvest cuts, fills, bvidqes, drainage structures, road signs, guard tails, erosion controls, walk,vjaysp bikeways, plantings, and landsqapingt driving experience on a scenic highway tjudiciouq control over points of traf",,,t access and stoppin4, A consideration is the need to control location and design, Of uta litY lines and structures, .And Right-of-way development can Li Q� Jy enhanced through the provision I of areas to I turn Outr. I rest, vi,ew the scenery� and allow traffid to Pass, Tito r1aintenanco of a pleasing landscape alcr,g adoptEed scenic highways is largely dependnrlt upon local cox,trols over the developUter4t and use of Private and public lands within scenic corridors, Consequently, -the local .-;urisdiction's program for the Protection and development of scen;Ec corridors is the heart of the state's-ag4iiremeints for offic.,al designation and essential to the success '.14 a system of scenic highways According to State guidelines .dor designation, the local corridOr protection pa ogram must Include regulatioll of land. use, detailed Land planning, cOntrol of out ioor ad%rertising, careful, construction practices, landscaping, and d,sign review. The corridors along the Cour ty, s scenic highways now fall within several different zoning districts. Several of the most attractive routes were rezoned in the late 1050to to a .S -H (Scenic Highrrray) classification, whish extend::i 350 feet from the centerline of selected .highway sectors. As well as one residential, dwelling per parcel and agricui.tural •tise,s, the zne also allows with a user ; permit "highway services Primarily for the convenience of the traveling purltc " The Zack of restrictions on use in the A-'•2 zone, as well as the commercial F,rovi,s.ions in the S -H zone, has allowed F p scattered businesses along scen.0 highways. the development of This di.s ersal of comm�rc�a u es ,( nd their .direr iain p A displays) r erylf t�iN r�"t �f ij / �,/�*ctlL?' h� "� 01 V . ^ 11.�lSttL�S�� jn tLIx— #. pe° Scenic r �� 3 the safety ani convenience clualitie., �. of travelers on scenic highways are enhanced b.y off--J�oad slopping centers, as in Vorest !Ran- ht Dr compact business districts, as in Stirling City. V-9 most. o,5 the valley routes and some in the mountainsi are zoned Agricultural, Tal-mbar-Mountain r and T,im�ejerland Prosf.*rSI e i which are intended, to protect land-oriented rural. uses. 'bona allow commercial uses 'chair are not closely related, to natural resources and resource development activities. Nearly all, zoning; districts along- scenic highways allow residen- tial uses, varying,from apartments and trailer parks to one dwelling per 160 acres, Because residential structures detract' from natural scenery and block the view of motorists, the protection of scenic corridors requires low dwelling unit densities or compact residential development. The blighting effects of new development on scenic vistas can often be mitigated by locating structures farther back from a scenic highway or out of sight of passers-by. The County iow requires that all permanent structures be located more than 50 or 55 feet from the centerline of roads in unincor- porated areas. Thus, the front setback on, rural scenic highways is the same as on urban streets in the County. M The design and appearance of utility lines and new buildings in scenic corridors require County control. Utility distribution lines can be placed out of sight of scenic highways. sines and towers for electrical power transmission should be placed as inconspicuously as possible and designed attractively. County reviews is also needed to control the appearance of lards buildings which could also mar the natural landscape. scenic qualities can be especially damaged by billboards or other large off-premise signs and by moving and flashing sign displays. The intrusion of artificial st-ructures into neural landscapes can be controlled by restrictions on the location, size, height, lighting, maintenance, and subject of signs in scenic corridors. Current County ordinances only control °the street setback for signs and prohibit off- p,remise advertising in non--commercial areas. ` (�'y7.[�t'y�+�ra.I/„,, ,'N7y/'►,'.!,FY"►/y"��"rdl", /,y'{Ct�� X1li�r}.e, ohmc�� - Moot o'r 'ttlo vkt°i.-i _ �"r rontr'n n".1 thCf if imlll't,tO, l`ks A..1tx+1r.. _? irq, and TImhc)z, l.qn,d pr' g;1 q . r , otYr i rl� sx��x ] rpt. za��r��rl �Gta px1, G4.• r I("f'Gul I'11,ral, 4t.�i :1: PS)rJ s allow !'irttturt o' a (rolat`d tca na�turtrl, r+.w:1t)11rCf,1 gtnta rc� tuy r r: drauo1c�Z�rn��r►'L a:G .ti*iG:9'.cs. Nearly al.1. znn• nC, djstri.ct aV).ow rc�s'tc.7 +ntaG�7. unc�fs. Thra.px�r�Go.''l;;iati raf scenic corridors may requ ire the res°tr,i otion of residential 3.0 CW a� 3 dens�t�ir�s. Tile effects of development on scenic vis,Gas can often be r.,"tigated by lOG3i.i:17'r ,.. g Structures farther away froirj the roadslae. The County now req:,*r es that all permanent structures be :located at least 50 or 55 feet from, ul r ter, r - centerla.ne of the road, t: standard is the carne for roads in rural ar: urban arias of the County. Utility distribution lines can unuall;y be placed out of ssgixt. Tinos and towers for Power transmi sa lon can be placed as incoijsp:icuo,,rsl P as poss.i legigned' attract2-toly. Scenic qualities are affected by billboards or other large off-prewise signs, The intrusion of signs into 'the natural landscapd can be controlled by restrictions on their locatiQn,' size, height, lighting, l'Aintenance, anI S.W�fiJC PetTK_,ec. Current; County ordinances only. control the strFs:t setback f;ur and prohibit Off-pr%lisO advertising in non -commerical areas. Scenic values are affected by changes in the natural landscap:, irrcl�zd';: burring of vegetation, site clo'aranv.,, tree removal, gradirk, cu'ttirg, N.,.. filling. There activitics can be , covered by zoning re ul.ati yrs or spsp. Ordinances, 16 etsfRallmsametrr�mmnrwm �.s. �::��, _., __ AMC % of wwn c Oorr l darn re qu I r va r1{,tall; eq 'WA IY Mid planning A fit'" W111 iO t ;IM .:In t;ho corridor 411 Will dosorlbe t,ho CO,trrty'a prvgrav A ProUntion and rn,imx�momon,1r. 7°i,rx l�'lari titG[, doa7. land U00, than 10001on and dcra, of structurua, Qn dave'fiopmo nt Or tho r,l hOrpt`oty, and tho Provision of appropriate public servla()s and 4- focal, Promotion A scenic highways program wj.l� benefit from active local prcanotjQn in addi- tion .dd l -tion to Official designation To secure tho possible etonomio benefits or MHO highway designation, the system needs to be advertised to potential.. visitors. I. hbl',iCTE careful rIttention must be given to all alterations in the natural landscape including burning of vegetation, site clear- ance, tX16 removal, grading, cutting, and filling, These activities sire not controlled well by current County regulations but could be covered by zoning regulations Or Special ordinances. Complete Protecton of scenic corridors requires detailed 0 study and plannin. A specific plan would present a development scheme for all lan in a corridor and would describe -the County's program of'"hancement and protection. subjects would include not onl�-,land use and the location and design of structures but also the development of the right-of-way V and the provision of pubiic services and facilities which induce development. 4. Local Promotion An effective scenic highways program will require active local promotion in addition tolofficial designation. County residents and government staff should be informed of our scenic highways and know t , e significance of designation. Furthermore, to secure the possible economic benefits of scenic highway designation, the county's system needs to be advertised to po�dntial visitors. E. �OLICIES Table V-1 summarizes the findings discussed above"'States the County0s policy in response to the findingsr and outlines implementation measures. V-11 z';Ct�C7xNCS POLICY t• ButtCi COUnty has many arcus of C?JctUrenquo natUL`al landsu47 as. � 1. Proevot Valuah�lc, ' a5 as r IMPLEMENTATION t1CV!?l.CJ�! 8yst�lm for enjoyment- lty rtts.idea'JLn and reside of scenic high- r V104tors, Witys, an ins�iC:isted on xriap V�-1 �• pxficirll State designation of 2 is��clnic hiclhw.ays benefits the local rlur_nirW hi hwa s g y oyram �erwure ot'.�ic,�l state dosIg- nation of scenic 1J.lgliways 2i roll,ow prooecluros in np�endix E. p incl xoquires various County adopted ,in this element. aa„ t ions; 3• Scenic corridor boundaries � should Include areas visible highways, outstanding • ° , Delineate scoAld corridors with c4retU2 conGidd.ration . follow State criteria. Survey. at u al natural or .nen-made features, of all factors. scenic corridors. Solicit citizen Participation. Prepare land where development may atfgrt views, and feasible "Scenic highway Report" for each Corridor. regulatory areas. 4• t7GvelaaPtnent or scenic highway ri.r,hts-o -way has significant 9. considc5r quality of visual l`lr" iVn gip`' d. Require Planning Commission impact earl quality of visual lattclrcaPO and clrivinrl and sign tof en- pax ins e in dn_iyn nF the annual review of major road projects to incluOo eXpC'. 14�t1C:(-' roadway and other i'oaturas concern for scenic values. :in the right-of-way. 5. Numerous vehicle access points along scenic highways can impact p 5. control access,to scenicsof lax�yhw�trt to 5' Utilize existing acres where_ g driver safety and comfort, and roaclsicTe beauty. maintain safety and riencey of driving . feasible. Limit encroachment � experience, permits .for safety, 61 The. negative visual impact of Utility lines and structures 6 and design utility str,ucturus structures 6. Review the location can be mitigated by incan- Sitinq krs rniniMize visual .impact. and design of major transmission lines. and pleasing design. design. Require the least conspicuous location Of distribution lines, as feasible and where there is reasonable choice, g y p on localis.larlanrl use regulations. ompt development that ct ageiticp with 7' the natur. pearan ranee oto non-agricultural use, Rezone A-2 scenic corridors. r dors. areas. Cldtif use y permit Provisions of S-i•t zone. b. Limit the density and location structures in scenic corridors. b. Require large lot area per dwelling unit. Require increased' . ;fronset- backs, rncourage integrated, compact business areas, 'Rezone A-2 areas, mXRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT �< CONTENT Title A. INTRODUCT TO A-1 .NVIAON.ENTAL SETTING' A-3 1. Natural Environment A-3 a. General A-3 b. Geology A.--4 c. soils A-4 d. Hydrology and Fater Quality A-4 e. Air. duality A-6 f. Vegetation and Wildlife ife A-6 g. Natural, Hazards A-8 2. Human Eriv i,ronment A-9 a. Population A--9 b. Economy A-9 c. Use A�-9d. YLaynd usirg 0 e. Moose A-11 f. Public Services and Facilities A-11 Cultural Resources A-11 C. ENVI<RONMENTAE IMPACTS A-12 1. Seismic Safety Element Ar-12 a. Proposed Action A-12 b. Significant Effects A-12 C Mitigation A--15 d. Unavoidable Effects A-15 e. Alternatives A-13 f. Cumulative and Long-Term Effects A-16 g. Irreversible Effects A»16 h. Growth 'Inducing Effects A-17 Safety 8l ement A-17 a Proposed Action ' A-17 b. Significant Effects A-18 c. Mitigation A-22 d. Unavoidable ,Effects A-22 . e. Alternatives A-22 f. Cumulative and Long-Term Effects A-23 gIrreversible Effects A-23' h, Growth Inducing Effects x-24 , 31 Noise Element A-24 a. PrOPOSOd Action A-24 b. Significant Bi Eer,,,i s A-25 04 Mitigation A-28 d. Unavoidable L"ffeQt A-28 e. Alternatives A-29 E. Cumula.till : and. LoliV—Term Effects A-29 g. Irreversible 13,ffec4t:s A-29 h. Growth Inducing Effects A-30 4. scenic Highways Element A-31 a. PropQsod. Action A--31 bt Signifi.ca,nt Effect's A_31 C.6 Mitigation A-33 d. Unavoidable Lf feats A.-34 e. Alternatives A-35 E. Cumulative and Lang} -Term Effects A-36 g. Irreversible Effects A-36 h.. Growth Inducing Effects A-37 Do CONSULTA'T'IONS A-37 E. PARTICIPANTS A-07 V. R4VERENCES A --?7 TABLES Title Pa e A�1 Seismic S'af'ety Element (Vindi.ngs, Policies and lmplemientetion) A-13 A-2 Saf,-ty Element (Findings, Policies and Implementation) A-19 A-3 Noise Element (rindings, Policies and Implementation) A"26 A-•4 Sc6nic Highways Element (Findings, Policies and xmp].omentation) - A-32 ME Appendix A. INTRODUCTION This Draft Environmontal Impact Report on. the Seismic Safety, Safety, Noise, and Scenic Highway elemonts of thy; 13vtte County General Plan has been preparnd -to fulfill the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act as implemented by the State EIR Guidelines in effect as of 1 January 1977 Section 15145of the Guia.dolines state thatz IIEIR AS PART O GENERAL PLAN (a) The requ:i':_ements for an BIR on a local general plant element., or amendment thereof will be satisxi.ed by the general plan or element document, and no ";eparate EIR will be required if (1) The general plan addresses all the points required to be in an MR by Article 9 of these Guidelines. To provide a framework for evaluation, each proposed action is defined as that set of policies and Implementation measures de- signed to attain the stated basic objective of the General plan element being evaluated "Alternatives" to the proposed action must not only feasibly attain the stated basic objective, they must be reasonable as well, To be otherwise, an "alternative" would have no substance and would not deserve evaluation. Other .requirements pertinent -to an EIR. for General Plan elements relate to "Degree of Specificity" and "Incorporation by Reference." 1115147. DEGREE GE SPECTFICITYv The degree of speci city required innER will correspond to the degree of specificity involved in the under - ' g n y' Y described in the EZR. (a)An Ellti,h on aconstruction project will necessarily be more detailed in the specific effects of the project than will, 'be an EIR. can the adaption of a local general plan or comprehensive zoning ordinance because the effects of the construction can be predicted with greater accuracy. (b) An ElR on ,projects such as the adoption or amendment of a comprehensive; zoning `ordinance or a local. general plan should focus on the secondary effects that can be expected to ' follow from the adoption, 'lout, the EIR need not be as detailed: at an ETR on the specific construction projects that might follow." The Seismic Safety, Safety, Noise, and Scenic Highway elements, as parts of the total General Plan for .Butte County, are by nature and purpose generalized statements of hong--range objectives and overall policies. This bread, application A-1 should be kept in mii-id, whoa c onsa.rlaring tho relationship of t1le Ell' LO thO ons i.r c (10-A :rai Plan process of ongoing updato, rOview, Mid modification. Ls gent tall ,th envirc�rameutul, imp,~1ct, evaluation, addres,se the se;�ondaryim acts ref the 00neral, Plan process. It Is not posaiLlo. at this st ii qe of General. Plan development to � discuss the interrclati,)nahip and compatibility of all ele- ments of telae General. Plan. Thia effort= will. be forthcoming when all. of the recluirca e :foments aro integrated into a co- ordinated information t,nd Policy Package. As the General Plan unfolds and bucomus a more c Ompl ete and comprehensive document, It will servV as itS own environmental impact analysis, "15149. INCORI)t7RATION B REFERENCT. {aj An EIR may incorporate y re b�°eaxc e a1 la or portions of another document whirl, is a matter of public record or is generally available to the public. Where all or part of another document is incorporated by reforcnce the incorporated language shall be considered to lie set forth in full as part of the tet Of the BIR. (b) Where Part of another document is incorporated by reference, such othor document shall, be made available to the public for inspa tion at a public place or public b-nildin.g. The Flrlt shall state where the incorporated documents will be available, for inspection. At a minimum, the incorporated document shall be made available to the public in an office of the Lead Agency in the county where the project would Ise carried out or in one or more public buildings such as county offices or public libraries if the. Lead Agency does not have an office in the county. (c) Where an EIR uses incorporation by reference, the incorporated part of the: referenced document shall be briefly summarized where possible or briefly described if the data or information cannot be summarized. The relationship between the incorpor- ated part of the referenced document and the EIR shall be desoxibed. Most of the information presented in this EIR was developed during the preparation of the four elemeats and the analysis of environmental e- feats. Howevert where possible and appropri:k- ate, parts of other public documents relating to the environmental. . setting and the proposed actions are incorporated by reference. 'hese source documents are: n Final. Environmental immpa,ct Re,olrtFE��) , Hutte courtRe ior �4 CIAlspor�on Plant r MarcFi 1975, 0 Butte County General Plan, Third Printing, Jane '39tG A Hallsaasirvamiwa�swc'im.osm en r Seisrwic Saf(�tjr, Staifoty, Noiso�j and Scenic Highway elowents included in this, Glr;neral Plan document. An italioizea notation is used to reference sources. The notation will direct the reader to a so cwt of the source document or will precede a quoted ocotion of the source document. The quoted materials are presented as complete paragraphs from the source document. Accompanying maps, tables, etc, have riot been included and are also referenced in italics. During the public review period, tho source documents may be inspected and studied at the Butte County Planning Department, 7 County Center. Drive, in Oroville. B. ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING 1. Natural Environmont a. General VA Page Z.0, BVttO COU.7ty Gen0l'aJ Pli�ri "Butte County, with an aroa of 11054,320 acres, or 11665 square miles, embrae-s a wide range of climatic and topographic conditions. The County is geographically divided into that portion which lies In the nor the art ern part of the Sacramento Valley, and the mountaiaous country .jurr oundinc; the Valley. Approximately irlOO square miles comprise the Valley floor and foothill country. mucii of -the Valley floor is alluvial deposit accumulated through the axes by ;.aterials washed down from the face of the Sierras, It is boon led on the west by Glean and Colusa .7ountle.,,.i, with the Sacramento River form ng half of the we�.terly boundary, on the north and northwest by Tehama County, on the east by Pliamac- County, on the south. by Sutter County, and on the southearft by Yuba County, with Honout Creek forming the southeast boundary. "The topography varies from a valley floor on the west, (See Map 3) ascending eastward to rolling hills and mountain summits cut by deep canyons, wh1loh. in turn wpr�i formed by the erosion of glaciers and tumbling streams flowing westward. The Valley is t,armed by air currents coming inlan6 1=m the Pacific's warm aapanose current, which givez a hot.A dry climate in lth� moderate rainfall, tbe Valley during tho sw=er and mild , vd in the winter, Rainfall *,,Farbz thrnugh� ut the County frozrt a mean. of 20 inches in the Valley to apr:iroximately 70 itches in the high mountainous axeas. No lavqe, natural lakess exist within the County.,,, boundarios., Several artificial lakes serve as doriestic water, irrigation and power dam reservoirs and are locAted in thu, ziountain and foo"_,laill areas. some, of these are Oroville,j Philbrook, Round Valley, Wyandotte, Concowf Lost Crealtr %Iagali,tr Paradise, and Madrone reservoirs. The reservoirs constitute approxiviately 3.00 square miles of water -urfa6e.1t A.-3 Ta Sart Topography stop following gage 2,1, Butte county Genexal Plan, 0 Sega xainfall Xntens;ltg Map, following -,Age 6.1, Butte County Gene: x al Plan* BUtte County has a. rug.°ral atmosphore with ganerally Olean air, good water, and wide-open spaces. '.4et, many of the County's towns are large enough to provide the social and cultural activities that most people desire. The County has an abundance of wildlife and is well known for its sports fishing and numerous streams and lakes. The county also has mountains and lakes where active and passive recreation can ')e enjoyed. `,These scenic and esthetic features make Bi. e. County one of the bust attractive areas in California. b. Geology a see subsections C, V, ;Ind 9, section xx, seismic safety Element. See Subsections B2 through B6, Section XXX, Safety Element. Zn 5ca Map 4, "Gec.Xogical," following page 2.1, Butte County Genera! plan n. seep Map 4, 110cological ProvinCeSr tr following page 1, FEXR, Butte County Adgional Transportation Plan. G. soils 9 See :.xbscaction H2, section xxi seismic Safety Element, 93 See Subsections B2, X33, B4, ante B5, ,section XXX, Safety_ Sll omen t . a Section 1:1.3, ,page $r FEXF, Butte County Regional Wranspor- tation Plan, See Table 2: "Butte County Soils", following page 4, pRIp, Butte County Regional Transportation Plan. d. iiydrologIr and ;dater Quality Butt: County has many outstand`ng Waterways which are sources of domestic water supply and a! ,l used for recreat Lon and fisheries. The Mountainous oaoe�ally portions of the County have reasonably well-def,%nod wa,,srcourses with steep gradients. The west rly Portion of the Coun,% , on the other hand, is generally c;ori,,,ised of level terrain with poorly defined, meandering watercotrses with gentle. gradients. The southerly portion of the County consists of leveed lana lined with drainage and irrigation canals, and sloughs AY -Q The wo:: terl.y .l;ltawir)g i'brkr., of tho Feather vave.., most of the, mountain +i�f 3+x;3. 'Ii1�cA , ap drain i�ic?ai. 5aaOrr aka feta River forms most of the westerly bcaura(ljax,y cj. tbo (;r;atanty. The general: pattern of d :'ai.nage and gr cti on:t i.e.J fr am no the aot to Southwest Because the flat- ae s, ()f 11111<11 of the County, mile:, Of * raditches have been da49 t O 001100i; Vtorm water in the winter and c tarry irrigrtioxa water iai the c cv rrwinc saason. Levees have been consta:uo';ed axlOng eaca�aae: scge tiola> cit: the rive?rs to Prevent flooding of '. do„l a Important grcauaaci-water rechargo ares are along river channels where: tlme cl��nnol*k, crOSs oxpocvd aquifers, Here the channel deposits ar . eery Perme4ablo.. al1owi.hg raapi(I infiltration of water dawn to they �r��t��r�beca,� i.rag Materials, al,s Water flows over these recharge areas throughout the year. This affords a continual rep7.ex i.shnicnt of thc� CT -round water. In addition to xivOr channel recharge, smal:l.. Rmonts of recharge to eater Occurs throughout Butte County. Other probable recharge areas are located in the east -central parts of the County where water -bearing formations surface. `l'herraalito Afterbay is a rochargc area which has affected the water table in +iJestc,rn Butte County'. Butte an c>unt► is fort..uaaatei..ra that as l l ref its, a far waterways enter the Coaaaaty in a pri .,tin :a Condition. The aor;,ament,r) hive. can b(- eonsi.tic ,red: t:c� kae of goad quality, even though it carri,.2s considerable able: acJCicultural waste land. The Feather .1 7 veer �aaW� �:�crr�,�x the sub - c ��i aaa�any st��dies and these haavc goncrally cr)ncluded that the quality of its water is e.ccellent, even. thc,u(Jix effluont i,, curl'entl.y discharged to the zi.ver, This is, mviinl.y because of the initial condition of thr- water as It l r: a*rays the mountains :and the regulated flows made ;possible b7 Orovilio Daft. Current wastewater management Planning within the County calls for removal of all wastewater discharqc.—i to the Feather River "at the earliest practicable time.” When crater craaality objectives are m and if guarant«aoed rrain.imu;1 flows et axe 1111111°t~ained, the ��aat Ra fret Will raxovidW Q a maxin unt of bonefi.cial u$es for generations to came, Althou5h eosential.ly aa: int jrsa:i.t art strum, Butte Creek has fleeata�t:i.a3fjea, aazac a major r'ecr'eational resource. If carried out, PrOPOSO4. Urd;; renm development woaal.d provide for yo ar-round, flct,r jr, ;'ae c°reek. Tho Sac-Mmento Ri;r r is the largest � t� � x e g t a� t. Co'C a= t .. ' S �Watdo rway a.. Its beneficial, uses arc, numprou,r , ncj i ��a� e� s several rw �,aa��ort, �vera..l aaaa,;c�r fisheries. It r, also the o�� -,Lnt aeaj,' � �4J�:�%1.f?�i� C+am �' e,-:-krlY a,11 the waste - laden waters cry` the c'0'an t -Y. rr+h�r. f utur�: may y b bleak for mallY Of M SSC+r »�� +'ram«. � �»�"��w� � and -Aou'r4lis of Butte County. Whit.e pcaarscaa oc: c a `har90t3 will BaercOntINAle-d, the non- -Point �f�aarc�� da � �;l��rg� , ; i 1.� ,jollti.nue� to c? of t e�1� * ttPr1c. egrade the quality L 5 c Air Quality Butte County does not have high levels of air pollution primarily because there are comparatively few motor vehicles and industries in the region. However, u very seal potential for future noxious air pollution exists. The County's air already suffers from air contaminants, with present ambient levels occasionally exceeding Sta-e and Federal standards in the Chico urban area. The geography and weather of the Central Valley, often during fall, limit the disper-.sal of emissions Several factors, inversion, mountains, wind, and sun, collectively affect Butte County's local air quality. Thus affected, Butte County has conditions conducive for air pollution; periods last from several, to many days when there is paLticulate and photo- chemical hotochemical, pollution. It is estimated that most of the nitrogen oxides and most of the hydrocarbons rel • used daily in Butte County come front motor vehicles with internal combustion engines. motor vehicles also create particulate matter, but in Butte County, the chief source of particulates is smokes and dust from open fires, agriculture, construct:ion, and other activities. Air pollution from agricultural activities, particularly from the burning of rice stubble, other: field crop waste, and orchard trimmings is of considerable concern to the people in Butt: County, f. Vegetation and Wildlife The oak woodland and evergreen forest coaununity occurs in the foothills and mountains of the east County. The community is a composite of dense~ growths of trees and shrubs and open grassland with scattered trees. Plant dominants are several species of oak sand, at high elevations, pine: and evergreen forest. Once much more extensive, the woodlands have been reduced by cutting for timber and to .increase rangeland. A great many birds of prey nest in the foothill area. The County's grassland community is characterized by low, undulating -topography and few tees. The grassland surrounds the richer alluvial plains adjacent to major watercourses , Originally composed of perennial bunch grass and herbaceous plants`, the community is now dominated by annual grasses of Mediterranean origin. Vernal pools are scattered through the community. These pools are of considerable aesthetic and soietitific interest as a progression of plant lire may be observed at the perimeter as the water evaporates. Where they bordear woodiand and riparian communities, grasslands provided extensive forage area for 'wi.ld.l;ife. A-6 The Country ° z riparian community occurs along permanent and intaermi t.ten°t waterways. The vegetation is usually bush and may be in a oorririor up to several hundred yards wido. The plazats making up the communit-,y all share -the need for the water available in this environment. The vogetation 10 mostly broadleaf woodlands dominatod by cottonwood and valley oak, with thickets of shrubs si ch as blackberry and wild rose, in many areas, riparian vegetation is the only reminder of the natural settiz g of the land prior to development, The riparian habitat along the Feather River is a corridor for deer migration into the Valley. Riparian areas may provide animal migration routes also. Values of this community are high. Riparian habitat provides protection and nesting sates :dor a greater variety of wildlife than any ether type. There are two areas along the Sacramento Raver that have rookeries inhabited by the American Common egret and the Great: Blue Hexon, Much of the riparian habitat: is bein displaced by crops, The associated wildlife is being cont"ined to increas- ingly smaller areas Most 09 the species which exist in grassland habitat~ also exist 4n agricultural habitat. SpGcies which are resident or repro- duced in agr dult.ural habitats usually occupy the periphery of cultivated fields. Current farming practices are reducing this habitat. The variety of aquatic habitats within the County support a large number of fish species, some: of which are important to commercial fisheries; tethers provide, highly prized recrea- tional. opportunities. The Sacramento River is an important migratory route for Large numbers of anadromous fish including salmon, ste:elhead, sturgeon, striped 'bass, and shad. In addition there are populations of catfish and large-raout h bass. The Feather Rive: is a spawning stream for salmon during the fall.. 'While many spawn naturally in the river's gravels, most are spawned at the hatchery below arov+.l:le Lam. nrovi.11e Lake contains warmwater fish such as large -'Mouth bass and sunfish as well as coldwater trout, and kokanee salmon. The sloughs provide: habitat~ for many warmwater fishes and also serve as nursery areas for juvenile migratory species. The smaller creaks of the County sometimes contain warmwater gamefish but the fish population mainly f the minnow e iso ulat.a,on �s mai.nl o family, Marshes in the County are preseantly feet in number and small in size but important in,Providing ng food and re:�uqe for ducks, g'eose, and many shore birds. Tul.es, cattails, and rushes of this marsh, habitat also provide nesting grounds for, many smaller species of shore birds. SO& Table l_Ax Appendix A, _"character :st;,ic Specie:; of Oak woodland, tvOrgreen ForesL ltabataL .in Butte county„ tPlantrs and ilimrals) , rrI x e Butte county Regional Trans- portation Plan. A- 44 bee Table 2A� ApPandIX Al "Cha.xaOtori..t.ic species a Gravalund Habitat in Butte County" (Plants and Aniinra.ls) f i'rUp, .Putts County Ragianal TranaporGat.ion Plan: r a SOO Fable 3A, Appendix .A, "chnxaatoxist; c Bpecless of Aquatic and Riparian Habitats in Butts County" (Plants and Animals), FVXR, Butte County Roylonal Tranapoxtat.io Plan. A Sae Table 5, .Paye 27, "Rare and Endangered Plants of Butte County," VVIR, Buttes coUnta Regional Transportation plan. sea Map 13, Following Page Z7, "Buttes County - PMIdlIfe," FZXR, Hutto County Regional Transportation Plan, a see Map 15, Following Page 30, "California Endangered and Rare Vish and Wildlife," l'EXR, ,Butte County Regional Transportation Plan. see map 26, Following Page 30, "Ca.1ifc5rnla Fish and Wildlife Selected Critical Habitat and Protected Areas," PVXR, Butte Countg R09'1 ?nal Transportation Plan, Natural Hazards Plooding M See Section 1.1.81 pages 1S through 20, FEXR, Butte County Regional Txansportation Plan. seismicity �+ See Subsections C through U.' Section 11: Seismic Safety Element. - Landslides a. See' subsection 82, Section XXX Safety Element. Subsidence a see Subsection B3, Section XXT, Safety Element, Excision Sea'Subsoction 94, Section XXI, Safety Zlement. Expansive sols See subsection B5', Section XX.X, Safety SleM64t. A-� Vol oanicw See subsoction DO, sact on XXX, Safety Blemont Wil .band Fire 1 Sao subsectlon C2, section XXL`, Safoty Element_. 2. Human Environment a. Population Between 1960 and 1970, Butte County's population grew about 24 percent. in 1970, there wore 102,000 people residing in the County. in 1975 the population was about 121,000 an increase ofover18 percent in 5 years .More than three"fourtls of the County's 1975 population resides in the Chaco, Paradise, and. Orovlle urban areas. The Chico urban area contains more people: than the other two areas combined. The Paradise urban area has been the smallest of the three but is growing the fastest and will probably surpass the Oroville area's population in the near future. 'whose three: areas together grew 27 percent since 1970, signifi- cantly more than the entire County's growth. The tabulation below shows that Butts County's population is becoming proportion- ately more urban. POPULATION GROWTH OF URBAN AVERS 1970 70-.75 GROWTH 1975 % OF URBAN,. AREA POPULATION GROWTH PERCENT POPULATION COUNTY Chico 39,328 9,734 24% 49,062 41% Paradise 15,285 5,373 35% 20,658 17t Oroville 17,631 9,086 23% 21,717 18q Total 72,244 19,193 27% 91,437 76 b. Economy See Section 1.2.3, pages .38 through 40, F81A, ,sutte et on Plan. The,topics to.ics discussed County �zeg,ional Transport a include the County's economic resources, em-ploymant trends, and revenue sources. C4. Land Use in 1973r approximately 50 percent of the land ill Butte County was in agricultural use; a4.,,proximately 3 percent was urbanized. The highest PoPulaton densities in 'Butte County and the most intensive use of the land are in the irbanized areas of Chico, Orovlilef and Paradise The preponderance of industrial development is located in the Chico area A-9 The four incorporated. cities and the: Paradise area have well defined central business districts. The foothai*11 areas bisect- ing the county on a north -south axis are of mined use, low density residential development, occasional agricultural development and brushlands. Multiple r0sidential is mostly in the Chico and Oroville incorporated areas. Near the core of each of the cities of rlhico and nrovill.e are found heterogen- eous mixtures of lance uses, where a use such as commerical or Light manufacturing has intruded into a resi,dentia:l, neighbor- hood. hood. Strip commercial development is particularly prevalent In the alder area of Chico and along thoroughfares in Orovil.l.e leading to Lake Croville. Because of the limited growth in the Gridley, Biggs, and Durham areas extensive strip oommOv- cial development has not occurred. intensive Land use is precluded in a large portion of Butte County because of topography and large land holdings in the mountain areas. Approximately 200,000 acres are owned by the Federal government and additional large acreages are awned by private timber companies. The primary use of this land is related to forest management, recreation., and gran- ing. There is extensive livestock grazing in the foothills during the winter and spring months. Since this lana is predominantel.y non -irrigated, livestock raising is a seasonal land use. About 65 percent of the valley lying west of State Highway 99 is devoted to irrigated and non -irrigated agri- culture. Seventy --five percent of the irrigated agricultural land lies south of: Chico and west of Gridley. Most of: the agricultural land is held by relatively small ownerships. There are few extremely large farms. The County contains more than 35 square miles of man-made reservoirs. These reservoirs, along with the numerous waterways, mountains, forests, and wildlife found throughout the County, provide the basis for recreational activities for bath visitors and ]residents of butte County. Major water projects on the Feather . River are a nucleus for a variety ref recreational activities. Several, small settlements in the mountain areas serve as' secondary service areas for the timber industry and for recreation Changes in land use will accompany the expected increase' in population. An increase in the amount of land devoted to urban and rural residential use will occur, This change in use will reduce the amount of Land devoted to agriculture, forest management , and recreation. d. Hesus.l.nr;� A general shortage of housing has existed in the Chico area because of the growth of the University of California, Chico and the unfavorable new housing climate during the mid -seventies. A shortage would exist in the paradise: area had there not been a -large influx of mobile homes'. Croville has a slowlw A-7'0 dimin:ishi nq surplus of housing and housing has remained relatively stable in the Gridley -Biggs area. The Palermo area south of Oroville has had a moderate influx of mobile homes while the Paradise area nada has the highest proportion of mobile homes, the Orovil.l.e area has the highest ratio of single- ' family dwellings, and the Chico area has the most apartments e. Noise 0 See Subsection C, Section XV, Noise Element. f. Public Services and Facilities sa See Section 1.2 sem", pages 33 through 37, L'DXR, ';butte County Regional Transportation Elan. The services and faailities discussed include transpartatwicn, education, utilities, special districts, health care,, public buildings, police departments, and fire protection. 9 see Subsection C3, Section XXX, Safety Element. g Cultural Resources prior to the coming of the white man, the Butte County area was occupied by the northwesterA Maidu, the win.tun and the lahi Indians There is still goad evidence of the Indian occupation in the area even though some of the evidence is being lost along with the growth in population and 'increase in development. Gener:rll.y, the majority of the prehistoric sites were along streams with salmon runs, the foothill oak tree range, and the deep river canyons which gave: protection from the wand and cold The first known exploration of the area was in 1820. prom 1825 to 1840 trappers worked throughout the Sacramento Valley. The first settlements by white men began between 1$40 and 1850. During the gold rush, the population increased rapidly. Y Butte County is, an archeologically sensitive area. Preliminary information from local historical societies indicates there may be up to 500 historic sites in the County. Y 9 See map 25, "Cal iforni;a xndian zinguistic Groups," following page 44, VZ R, Butte County Regional Transportation Plan. see 14ap 26, ,mistorlcal Site inventory Map," fol.i1wing page 44, FEXR, Butte County Recyional Transportation Plan ca See Table 6, ".inventory of Historical 's.ites,rr following page 44, FVXR, Butte County ° Pegional Transportation Plana A--11 IA 110Cr alae 27, 'IArc%eo.IoqJcQJ Sans.jtjv:ity Mapx ,, fe�1Zaw.iny P,tgo 44, PL,4 R, Butte C;Q1 ntg P000nal T;z'On ,,,F%ox'i.iltion 111a)2E C, ENVIRWIY.L'A,JI.' ITAL J,J`AP,ACTS 1 a Seismic Safety Bl.emont �I Proposed, Action a Section 65302(f) of the California Government Code requires county general, plans to include a Seismic Safety Element which consists of. 116 N .an identification and appraisal, of seismic hazards such as susceptibility to surface ruptures from faulting, to ground shaking, to ground failures, or to the effects of seismically induced braves such as tsunamis and seiches "..-a.n appraisal of mudslides, landslides, and slope stability as necessary geologic hazards that must be considered simultaneously with other hazards such as possible surface ruptures fLom faulting, ground shaking, ground failure, and seismically induced waves." The basic objective of Butte County's Seismic Safety Element is "...to prescribe measures to recluse loss of life, injury, damage to property, and economic and social disruptia.,� resulting from earthquakes." The General plan Guidelines require the element to include an evaluation of seismic and geologic conditions, identification and mapping of seismic .hazards, and to take, . these factors into account in all planning programs The County's Seismic Safety Element contains a statement of objectives, the required evaluation and identification, and a statement of policies and implementation measures designed: to fulfill the basic objective. The proposed action is the set of policies and, implementation measures stated in Table 11.2 of the Seismic safety Element and shown in Table A-1. Implicit in these policies is the reoognition of the Potential hazard from seismic activity and the damage that could result in Butte. County,. The policies . and implementation measure; are but first steps in understanding seismic events and forming practical plans and regulations for dealing with existing and future: development in hazardous areas. b. Significant Effects The successful implementation of measures to achieve the objective of the Seismic Safety Element Would minimize threats to the public health and safety a.rL several ways; redo -tions in rink to individuals and to property; :veductionc in government costs for the provision of extensive disaster conLrol and relief programs and the constructiovi of facilities in high hazard areas and provention of damagca to land not directly impacted by seismic a,citi.vity. The dissemination of information about lautte County's seismic hazards may initially cause some, undue alarm among the: public, The findings and policies may be misinterpreted no matter how well presented. These people living in areas defined as high or moderate hazard may ;mistakenly assume there will be direct losses in property values and higher insurance rests as well as great risk to life and -,roxr•erty. These reactions could, however, further support the County's decision to proceed toward a rational system of development control 'based on known seismic ha.zarda., Bven through future land use decisions will primarily weigh considerations such its economics, circulation, and environ- mental factors, seismic: considerations will become a mayor land use determinant, For example, cea to inn uses ;auch as .hospitals, schools, and places for large public gatherings Are clearly not appropriate in some sej.sm.io, hazard areas. very low residential densities or open space may also be called for in certain area:. Those land use factors coupled with the reluctance to build major public facilities with inherently high casts in these hazardous areas may cause significant shifts in population distribution and impact the perceived value of property. policies affecting development in. the Special Studies Zone are not likely to impact future development, in the Zone to any significant degreo. A developer's decision to subdivide and construct homes in the area will surely be tempered by the higher casts involved in preapproval geological studies, review processes, and construction as well as the probable feelings of potential,. buyers regarding investment in a high- risk gh- zisk active fault zone. 'Thosei who already live in the Special. Studies zone are likely to be impacted in several. ways. The Spacial Studies Zone legislation does not offer protection or ` relief to those living in the zone and there is .a. possibility that their property insurance may be increased in cost if they are forced to purchase "Land Stability" coverage . Areas with high and, moderate potential for liquefaction could be significantly impacted by futtiare land use decisions and the probable adoption of building design and construction 'regulations to guard public ,safety,. Non-agricultural uses may be precluded in some areas and construction 'costs ars likely to be higher than norvialo The most significant effect, however# would be the reinforcement of land use policies to prevent the roan urbanization of prime agricultural lands. This `, p , beneficial, would further narrow the A--'14 I Choices for future urban development and possibly result in tho loss Of Pref"'.1tlY Ullai.9turbed grass' and brushland habitats. I — Mitigation Tho. proposed action does not, for the most part, Create adverse !M-.ilots that require mitigationEven though it is recognized tb4t minimizing threats to life and PrOPertY can result in adverse impacts to some iiiterests,no $necific mitigation measures are felt necessary for the general program. Those r advese impacts dealing with public understanding and the imposition of the Special Studies Zone on existing properties deserve Consideration, however. To avoid public apprehension and Misunderstanding of the findings of the Seismic Safety Element and the actions 1-.0 be taken by the County, a Carefully drawn information, program should be prepared which presents a clear picture of tho situation. Full coordiiiation, of the Proposed action with other jurisdictions will also bring about better understanding,, Some economic relief may ba offered to 'those people living in the Cleveland Hill fault Special Studies Zone in the form Of open space zoning (as enabled by Government Code 65560). The open space designation for most of the Zone may ease the tax burden on the affected properties. d. Unavoidable Effects Any action which may rebult in land iise changes, revised policies On the Provision of public services, and 'rho application Of new controls on development must also cause some amount of adverse impact. The intent of the PrOPOS(d action as described in the Seismic Safety Element is to minimize such impact. 04 Alternatives NO Action, Besides not, achieving the stated objective of the CO -13 ty, and therefore not fully qualifying ifying as an alternative, doing nothing" ha,s numerous implications. For example, the County could be liable, for damage to Property and logs of life Within devalopmen,,%--*S permitted to build in areas where hazards have been reasonably established and 'where subsequentseismic activity result$ In loss. Liability could also result if other PrupertY in lens hazardous areae is damaged due to a loss of services such as water and sewerage where the public facility Passes trough high hazard areas or is built, to setve PrOPOrties in hiT11 hozard areas. On the private side, uncontrolled 4evelopme.rAt in high hazard areas could, depending upon speolfic geologic site conditions, create a localized hazard such as a Potential landslide. If triggered by seismic activity, the 14ndslide could not only damage property but A-15 could 11$0 reatrict �Jrainagca, destroy habitat, and cause sil,ta,tiOn. Xm t: s P �, _ m�underlying pa,r� s of tha�ha bort are soano of the reasons for the devc 1OPmOnt� cif PxOgratttb to deal offecti.vel,y and ze ponsibly with Ncisglic hazards. Sarthc wake Control. It is well known that soismolo�ri.st»s are tnakk.ng gxeat a(c vances in their r;tudi.C'.s of the cause and c effects of earthquakes. Earthquake prediction is now thought of by many as a pr`omisinq and acourate boi,ence, Research is also being c 0ndueted to control the frequency and magnitude of earthquakes, however, the cc, -state of the art„ is far frsm being developed to a degree whc„ro carntrol, is possible, �xed�c tion, on -the other hand, can be an additional mechanism for reducing damage .and pry ven` 4nq loss of life through early waznincj. The County should bk�nefi:t from these techniques but could not achieve their obJcctive by these means alone. State Control (f Development, It is not unreasonable to consde tE-t t' S ate may pursue the coaatrary of de'vel.opment ii. areas of high seismic hazards. 1'n fact, the Stage has already done so in establishing the Special. Studies Zone along the Cl Gv€,l,azjCt lTi1 1. fault. The Staters restrictions on she use of the lar -1 in thE S��eoial Sturlie s zone, although net severe,wsu::l.te; from State action to control development. i"ratUre control Of dOvel O;Pment in a ei mic hazard areas on a broader basis is therefore not out of the question. it is not likely, i�c�eret�er, that Stoat;:-i.mposod restrictions" on development in loss precisely defined areas of seismic hazard are Political .l4y feasible, ospecialldv if local governments procuec With the development: and implementation of seismic` safety programs. f Cumulative and lsong-Term, Bffoc is Not taking steps to assure reasonable levels of protection from seisNio hazards could result in the social and economic disruptions feared by those who recognize the potentia,. lo> earthqu ke activity in Butte, county. The policies and implementa- tion, measures proposed in this element"~ are directed toward the long -terra preservation of the natural as well as the human� zonment, These effor .a offer both short-term and long-term bon is if e�,ui,ta,bly and positively applied. Senefici,_l VIso of the onvi.ronmont ,�rili be= blatter nainta " ; and . the ri.:�,k M the publics health and safety will, :a6 yLeatly reduced if tie proposed action is carried out g. Irreversible Effects Chngesrin land use re-sul.tiang from controls on development chara��:s >dcAe areas may imp presently Vn ist"urbed statural habitat. :les public fac l.i.t:ies may be required in these areas and existing systems may never be fully utilized if the zhift in alevglopr.ert is significant. Hopefully, once the hazards to life and property are recognized by the public at large( the response and support for the proposed action will be sustained. h. Growth lnducincr Effects The proposed acti,an will probably hgire no discernable impact on overall growth in the county. Vven though the Seismic safety Vlement officially recognize,a the hazards ds cif living where there is known seismic activity, the general public already knows of this risk and does not appear concerned to a degree where significant; in- or out -migration is taking pl.asr she implementation of programs and regulations will termporaril.y spotliaht the problem and will also show that the County is doing what it can to mitigate the hazards. The net effect is likely to be no appreciable change in projected population growth rates The Seismic Safety Clement does point out, however, that some areas of the County Lire more vulnerable to seismic activity than others. Recognition of this fact by the public may cause slight shifts in settlement patterns over time, A more significant redirection of development would occur, however, from the adoption of zcning restrictions and construc- tion requirements in hazardous ;.yeas. 2. Safety Element a. Proposed Action Section 55302.1 of the Government Cade requires county general plans to include a Safety >l.ement "...for the protection of the community from fires and nlogic hazards including features necessary for such proteG- on as evacuation routes, peak load water supply requ re.ments, minimum road widths, clearances around structures, and geologic hazard mapping in areas of known geologic hazards." There are two basic oberctives of the Butte County Safety l lenient To prescribe policios to reduce loss of life, injurie,, property damage, an(4 to deal effectively with the socio-economic disovder which could result from the geologic hazards in Butte County To prescribe policies to reduce loss of life, injuries, property damage, destruction of natural resources, and to deal effectively with the socio --economic disorder which could result from fires in the unincor- porated areas of BrA-te County The General Plan Guidelines 4,4vise that the Safety Blement should include an identification and evaluation of safety �17 hazards and a goneral: pol joy statement which establishes measures to abato and protect from the CfEOOt,s of recognized hazards. The County's Safety Bl.ement contains a statement of objoc:tivees, the reequi.rc:d i,clontifioation and evaluation, and a sta,toment of policies and implementation measures designed to fulfill the basic objectiveB. The proposed action is the set of policies and implementation measures stated in Tables IIX --1 and 111.3 of- the Safety Blement and shown in Tale A-2. Imp licit in these policies is the recognition of the potential geologic: and fixe hazards and the dalAage that could result from these hazards, The action is an initial stop in developing appropriate plans and regula- tions for dealing with theses hazards. b. Significant Effects The implementation of measures to achieve; the objective of the Safety element would minimize threats to the public health and safety in several ways: reductions in risk to individuals and to property; reductions in government costs for the provision Of extensive control and relief programs; and redactions in the oasts of constructing public facilities in high hazard areas. Even though future land use decisions will primarily weigh considerations such as economics, circulation, and environmental factors, ge=ologic and fixe hazard considalations will beconi,�major land use dc.term Liants. Certain uses such as public ouildings, residences, and places for large public gatherings- are clearly not appropriate in high and extreme hazard areas. Very low residential densities Or open space may also be called for in these areas. These land use factors coupled with the re=luctance: to build major public facilities with inherently high coats in hazardous areas may cause si gnifi.. cant shifts in popwIation distribution and impact the perceived value of property. Areas with high and. extreme Potential for landslides, erosion, subsidence, and fires could rye significantly impacted by future zoning decisions and the Probable adoption of in-depth site analysed requirements and construction regulations to guard the public safety and welfare. Intensive uses of the land may be precluded in some: hazard areas and development costs are likely to De higher than normal where construction :.s pernitted. The most significant effect however, would be the reinforcoment.of hand use policies to development of p prevent intensive, p prime' agricultural and, recreation lands This impart, although beneficial., would further narrow the choices for future development and Possibly result in the loss of presently undisturbed grass and brushland habitats in less hazardous areas Increased coasts to -the private and the public sectors are a Probable consequence of the proposed action. As 'with any A-18 ffMM xables A-2, Shi'isTY ELEMENT GEOLOGIC HAZARD SUJY-ELEMENT CINDINGS POLICY IMPLEMt'N'i ATION 1. 'the identification Of geologic 1. Xz-Farm tho public Of 90010910 1.. Approve and publish the hazard in this plan element. ]Seep hazards is in the public in- hazards. maps the information up to date. tar est. 2. Geologic hazards limit land 2. Consider yoologic 1a;izard, in 2. Determine appropriate uses for high hazard areas. Establish limits development capabilities. development of rend thgo, Housing, clrculation,,Conser- on the density and type of deve- vation and OP01) $Pace 910mnnts. lopman( permitted in high hazard areas . 3. The rink of l.cndslidas is 3. Consider 14ndulide potrnc141 in 3. Require invent:igation of landslide for proposed developr�ent. grtyEites,t i,si areas with r revi,�w of Private developmentdevelopmentpotential and Facilities in ,i,roaa Present finainla in environmental ' lrated slopes over 1a%, weak rack, public A anti 5 on NJP Srr-1, review ar:d subdivision review, and high rainfall; e!. Tho rctrcval of strri:ace h. Consider erosion potPnt;i:, ` to A. Require investigation of erosion potential for proposed development, material by -ain and Water rLv.iow of private dovealopi {int fael2its,ion in areas Pronent findings in environmental varies by slope, soil, vegetation, precipitation .find public rated high and vory high on review and subdivision review. and development. It is Map xxx-2. greatest in areas of granitic rock. 5. Grc,11pd Surfaces can sink and 5. Protect against subsidence 5. Monitor sinking as necessary. subsidence potential csu3e significant damage in from grounel-Water withdrawal ail and gas w.,ithdraw4l., in review of proposed withdrawals: ,areas where there is etc- and tonsive withdrawal of ground water, ail: and. gas. 6. Many valley areas with clay 6. Prutedt development In valley 6. Monitor shrinking and Swelling as necessary. Require mitigation soils have a high potential areas with expan3ive soils. measures for large developments for structural damage from truituial and major facilities When there aril and awef i.ng is a high potent~i.al for damage. 1' 1t3t+T14G VOLTCY 11'lIjt Of the t,.Ourt'ty hap a, xMi7I,t,Mrr T-Al, 14 notur:ll fire hazard of 1, Maki) protuutlon from fire ilt-10,16t modorate Vevorit,y.. ha4arda u conaMurat:ion in � • CODvidor Fire ha.xa.rds in x1.1.1 Nearly all of the kouthill: 4111 Nanning, regulatory, land uncr and, zatling decisiOns And mountain , roj,,; have and eapdt.alSitiprovelnGnt QnvironmC:nLtrl review? yu;,�- ` hazards of high or axtr'cme prr�ylrarn�, w$th division review and the pro„ severity. ighlotIn concern vision o£ far e'lr�a;; U;�` n1Y�y'11" :;Ind Public FiErrVicP't7. "cxtxnmc,.� t'ircr, hcvzrrr�l. The number: --f fire occurrences i; in reasing along w' • 2, preruddo adequate fire increasing numb r �3 a i tTtor tnutaon servicas in all areas 2. Tdonti: g s of visitors y present and future and resic9e"tits 161 the County. of lrnpula tlOn growth and high Iimi i ft of adOgtratc fir© pru- recrea tion trsc trlfif iur, nervic 0s. Guide do- velopmQnLt to thOSe areas through zoning/ and development review Ttosadential `l0v010PMent :.sproce!jsc ;xa occurring in the mountainous 3' Limit devv�JopmoraC wlrard natural areas of th" (,'OTAnty where firs hazirda ere high or oxtrome �" Zolle hicfh and extreme natural C natur.rl i"irO iY"uirds are until cldoluate fIrO fir'. hazard," ar(-as high or extre%(t and whore iy Prvvidad. protection in.r+i(1cluatel which are £iro y I,rrttec.tecl t^nr prot;rctrzon faoilit;ies ldw roaitlent Lal dcnsxtirAc only, " are moC;tly inadoqute and Prov "le no new Public faczlitios. di*ficult to prtavide, that eneraaarartc growth in these ureas exrc,lrt tholae 4. vegetacsscartti:vegetation i� the critical public safety, factor in £,:r+: ,proal, h. ttc Jitclhralcerr atl!]t, cdgc of clr.tr�+�p �'rg trhr? t�lur� rean and 4- Require ;.tc3.Yarcaks where 11) "high" and ,vxtrvmc" fire fea=sible Within "high" and hazard areas, extremo" fire hazard areas. �• L•'zre protection facilities $. provide adequate Fa"kQ are lacking goor r"arginal in some the County. prntcction in all areas where 5. -construct fare stations as serv.iau :lu,veds arra deficient` required to protect areas of yrcatest nred. Promote the 6• Developtnent in reservoirformation of volunteer, fire watersheds leads to fire, 6 himie development in companies in rural Communities. which thioaten c reservoir watersheds. 6. prepare zoning plans for critical water supplies. community watershed ari=as. Consider damages`to watershed in envpibl'e ron inental review; lit R FIRE HAZARD SUB -LI VNIMT (Continued) 7. Fire Control and $49p ossion is Oftenrte; fritted b y 7. srasuro that water supplies a lies F �' 7 Develop tire prataptiern standards 4nadOq'4 att; water supplies. for taew dnvoJopment are Odequaate for fire ;( rv,4Cak tJ°®ra for individual. and Community water systemp serving ri6w development.�ttrpt,se 7►pplY 'thOSO Standards to, sub- divisions, land divisions, and use permits, E. Acooss to firres by eme gt,tacy equipment is Often limited by A. �'r:Mura z'Oad a0c,0.0s for davel,apnent 0. DOved.oP Otandords for widths, inadoquato roads. nr w is ,oder as to for pr600ction grades, and curves Of now roads to .firs purposes.. Permit passage and maneuvering of emergency vehicles, Require multi- ple access whorrn �easik+l ry. 9, ' t and"y rosy nsoint tame VirarQ Often are daluyc:d by inccen- 9. Paquzre or prr�mat,a she easy IdVntifI0at$0n 5. Develop and implement a con- 'naming ane r isLt3nrl.cs and deficiencies in bereot taming and house calf stroet, and developed proportion. siGtent streetand huu e numbering syntr3m �rar the entire numbering. County. Aequtro 611 names and numbers to be Ol.early visible. 10, roma human activiLiew and Land usoa have a high 10. segUlatO 4G rr.:a asssrl those h!). Hold i aringa to adopt th8 potuntia:l for causing ixcs, activitle,; and ossa with s high fire 1 potent:i,,al. Uniform Piro Code orpmodi- fiCar ions thereof:,:. government funotion, there will bre costs incurred In the development and application of planning and regulatory programs .Building construction coasts may increase where special mitigating site development or structural, design requirements are imposed. Higher costs would also be incurred by the County in avoiding hazardous areas or in providing additional safety factors duffing the design and construction of public facil.iti:es; The east of providing adequate fire protection services in intensive use areas and in areas where service levels are defficient must be born, by the. County's citizens. This increased demand on tax res;--urces may be adverse to some people, especially those who feel they are already adequately protected. The construction of fuelbrakes in high and extreme fire hazard areas could cause significant damage to natural systems if not carefully conducted. Impacts could include loss of habitat, erosion, and siltation. c. Mitigation The proposed action does not; for the most part, create adverse impacts that require mitigation. Even though it is recognized that minimizing threats to life and property can result in adverse impacts to some Luterests, no specific mitigation measures are felt necessary for the general, program. Where fuelbrakes are constructed, the land can be reclaimed to some degree by planting perennial grasses and constructing runoff channels to prevent erasion. Similar measures may be taken where roads are constructed to provide access for emergency vehicles. d. Unavoidable Effects Any action which may result in land use changes, revised policies on the provision of public services, the regulation of uses,'and the application of new controls on development must, also cause some amount of adverse impact. The intent of the proposed action as described in the Safety dement is to minimize such impact but not necessarily avoid it completely. e. Alternatives 'No Action. Besides not achieving the stated County objectives, and therefore not fully qualifying as an alternative, "doing nothing''' has numerous implications. For example, the County could be liable for damage to property and lass of life within developments permitted to build in areas where hazards have been reasonably established and where, subsequent geologic activity or fire results in loss. Liability could also result if ether property, in Less hazardous areas is damaged due to a loss of services such as water and sewerage where the A-2 public facility passer through high hazard areas or is built to serve properties in high hazard areas on the private side t uncontrolled development in high hazard areas soul d depending upon Loral conditions, create n looalized hazard such as a potential l.andsli.de. "No action" would unnecessarily bring ,about further damage to the natural environment from fires and man -caused geologic failures. State control of Oevelopment. Tt is not unreasonable to conte that Ehe State the control of development and provision of protection services in areas of high geologic or fire hazards. in facts the 1114�qte is already controlling development in the Speci;al, Studies Zone along the Cleveland Hill fault (see Seismic Safety Element). The State's restric-, tions on the use of the Land in the Special Studies. Zone, although not severe, result from legislative action. Future control of development in hazard areas on a broader basis is therefore not out of the question. it is not likely, however, that State imposed restrictions on development in Less precisely defined areas of geologic and fire hazard are politically feasiblet especially if local governments procead with the development and implementation, of safety programs f, cumulative and Long -Term Effects Not taking steps to assure reasonable levels of protection from fire and geologic hazards could result in the social and economic disruptions feared by those who recognize the presence of these hazards in Butte County. The: policies and implementation measures proposed in the Safety Element are directed toward the long-term pteserv.a.t on of the natural as well. as the human. environment, These efforts offer both short -teres and long-term benefits if equitably and positively applied. Beneficial use of the environment will be better maintained and the risk to the public's health and safety will; be greatly reduced if, the proposed action is carried out.; g. irreversible effects Changes in land use resulting from controls on; development and the provision of public facilities in hazardous areas may impact presently undisturbed natural habitat. New public facilities maybe requirod in areas where growth is directed and existing systems may never be fully utilized if the shift in development is significant, Available water supplies may be further depleted in order to meet standards for fire protection clearance of vegetation; for fire protection, loss of habitats and tiie costs of providing adequate services in hazardous areas are commitments that cannot be avoided if the proposed measures are carried out. Hopefull.y$ once the hazards to life and property are recognized by the public at large, support for the proposed action will be sustained, A-23 Amid a MW -mcur,emm _�...�...�._._ ..-- 1 Growth Xnduaing Effect, '.Che proposed action will probably, have no discernable impact on, overall growth in -the County. Even though the Safety Element officially recognizes the hazards addressed, there is not likely to be wide public concern nor impact on migration or settlement patterns. The implementation of programs and regulations will, temporarily spotlight the problem and will. show that the County is doing what it can to mitigate the hazards and deal effectively with the problems. The net effect is likely to be no appreciable change in projected population growth rates The 'safety Element does point cut, however, that some areas of the County are more hazardous than others. Recognition of this fact: and of the higher associated costs of living in hazardous areas by the public may cause slight shifts in settlement patterns over time. A more significant redirec tion of development would, occur, however, from the adoption of zoning restrictions and construction requirements and the limitatiou on the extension of public facilities in hazardous areas. 3. Noise Element a. Proposed Action California Government Code Section 65302 (g), as amended by Senate Hill 860 (effective 7anuary 1, 1976), requires the County to prepare a Noise L•'lement which: "...shall recognize guidelines adopted by the Office of Noise Control pursuant to Section 35850.1 of the Health and Safety Code, and which quantifies the community noise environment in terms of noise exposure contours for both near and -Long_ term levels of growth th and traffic activity.activity.Such _ , noise exposure information shall become a guideline for use in development of the land use element to- achieve noose compatible land use and also to provide baseline levels and noise source identifica- tion for local noise ordinance enforcement." Section 65302 (g) also states that the adopted Noise Element shall rr ...become the guidelines for determining compliance with the State's Noise insulation standards as contained in Section 1 092 of 'Title 25 of the California Administrative Coderr A-24 �.�...� ��■aim - , The primary objective of Butte Countyls Noise Element is to proscribe policies that lead to the preservation and enhance- ment of the quality O' life for the residents of )3utte County by Socuring and maintaining an environment fres from hazardous and annoying noise This Noise Element was prepared generally in accordance with the State Office of Noise Controlrs Guidelines for the Pre- paration and Content of Noise Elements of the General P1,an dated f bruary Accor ng to t G Gu3.dQ a saes e the Noise 4lement should quantify the community noise environment in terms of noise exposure contours for both near and long-term levels of growth and traf.Eic activity, Noise exposure informa- tion guides the development of the sand Use Blement, the Circulation Bl.ement, and noise ordinances. Noise sources considered by the element include highways, railroads, airports, industrial plants, :and other stationary noise 'sources identified by the Local agency as contributing to the community noise environment. The proposed action is the set of policies and implementation measures stated in Table 11-6 of the Noise ,dement and shown here in Table A-3, Implicit in these policies is the recognition of hazards to health, the annoyance, and the disruption associated with high and intrusive noises. b. Significant Effects Carrying Out the proposed action would require a significant neat: -term expenditure of County staff resources, Many of the implementation measures involve the development of plans, ongoing programs, and formulation of ordinances and regulations. Once these efforts are underway, they must be maintained over the long term to assess changing noise conditions, to evaluate new development projects, and to ]seep abreast of new technology and changing State and Federal, programs. If these ongoing efforts are not sustained, the objective to enhance the quality of life for County residents may be foregone A significant effect of the proposal is that private development of land in unincorporated areas affected by high noise levels would be reviewed and controlled by the County. Such controls could prevent some development of land with good physcial characteristics adjacent to highway's near airports and near' y major paint-sourco generators, Preventing development of otherwise suitable sites in these areas might direct some development toward other lets suitable areas with poor site conditions and access, thus raising the costs of development for both the public and private sectors Future land use decisions will weigh considerations such as economics, circulation, and environmental factors, and noise will become a major land use determinant Certain A-25 74b1a A-3, NOISE ELEMENTS C TND7idrt;S. POLICY 1. Objectionable 1101,s r from traits- 1. IMPl�1MrN�'lti'PTC)N pOrtation VdOilit!OZ and stationary Sol roes can have xrrr- vi rernmr rrt in all araras o� tits vire men .i c�c:i-rrpr^reja rrf the i, Carr idnr auto tin r „ p " � the State s a nignificajjt, impact on publics County. 1�todat Community Noise �7rdinance'r health and woliare. or a moditicat ion thereof, 21 Tome asPOW-5 of transportation- relatoa noise can be controlled 2. Where peas •,ibla, control thu 2. by the County. saurr:I rs of tranrPOrtat.ion noisr� Su ry Support ''date and T'aci ral regu- lationo tom ainta,in aaecptable lcvcis. for reducing transportation nt,i.3e. Consider noise in the loca- tion and design Of County' road$. ". Dckv�rlcxpmcnt Locate aircraft flight paths away from developed areas ai.ranci r~a,ilroa�::x anti 11 hways can Cause a sicni„ �• dxs cu nd rc sadcarrt9.x: dttwr>1vp- 3. whore feasible. ficant noisy problem. problem. Mont and ;✓thE�r xis:#iN„�•;rnni4ive attivitics Conoider noiou sources in review of Boning and MI near ratiroads and ltigirWayv, uubdivi:,icrt proposals. Locate noi.ae sene,ii.ivc� 9. �ovelo >mGnt near airr.,raf ti flight ht 4. uses away :from ,railroads and Ili' uses. parks ub,;crts peorrlta to a1�jQc..and t a or2�k,l e 1101's t and t treat hZaA 1'`dr airport �' dt''Yr ,l rsp117Ar)t diJc orrrar3a J16 L St' ^SEd7:>i tYYe Locate no iso-sensitive uses away ons Futuro airport operations. activitiea near airiEorts. from airporto, Prepare S IdG`ii io Airport Environs plane for Chico 5' Some tykes Of recreationaland Crcville airports. activities make ObjoCtionable noise. Control rEatrEa .ti)rx aL"tivitieu that tion the potential J, place limits on the levels to cause objrxctianabXa notp ee,, of amplii'ied sound and the time and location of outdoor concerto, auto and motorcycle races and similar ' 6. State legislation re,. State � - requires �' noisy activities. noise insulation o�f new multi- Provide da noise contours 6. family dwelling$ constructed all axzrunrl nx1 major aaurcas, Develop 60 60 noise contours Within the 60 dA noise exposure contours, around major sources where this information is not presently available. 7. Poise problems cross City boundaries. 7 Cooperate with the :incorporated 7, altios to resolve, rrutuo2 noise Problems. Exchango noise contour inter- oration. bcvelop compatible 8. A5 the Count y grows and anti- B. noise control, programs. envies change, the noise: environment will, also change, Keep L•!ie Na,i;,,e �1�inerrt current w with c'h�nginq nor{didions. n. Monitor changes in noise levels. c Update noise contour data. uses sucks as hospitals, raridences., 1,r,1_1 schools are Clearly not compatible with i ndustrieO Or triMsportatioxl fao'.l it�,es that, generate high noise levels. Vo):w, low ret � ,ti,, 1 densities or open space may a . so be+ Called fol' s.Tit certain 'aieat . Other measures may call for costly sound insulati rt. to noise redaction criteria for now buildinc, 3 00nstructed in IMpacted areas. These factors and others may ca;une 11:io shifts in population and land use allocation, c. Mitigation The degree of impact will be determined by 11ow c2 oe.el, the County adheres to the policies and how ccar plgtE:ly the Imple- mentation measures are carried out.yhe irilp%ct' desr l,bsd above could be reduced by limiting the scope and execl!! on of the project or by accepting high or int;-us.',ve nois+ar� In areas of she community. The amount of County staff time required for -ha Nr-oject would be reduced by modifying the .imPlementarlo,» measures or by limiting the number of hours dwoted to :kte project. Another way of mitigating this direct impact It, to i.elay full implementation by staging the work a.eti:viticC over an extended period. The adverse impact on the development in noose it,pacted areas is probably the most difficult to mitigate. The, County can avoid inhibiting growth and diverting developmpnt to other areas only by a very careful, equitable, and JUd :ious approach to development control.. Mitigation would beat be iroposed on a project to project basis. d, Unavoidable Effects Policies restricting the use of property will lower the value of some properties while increasing the values in other locations where development is preferred. dousing costs will probably rise if insulation is required for new residential structures to achieve adequate noise reduction. Increased public expenditure will be required to develop and administer zoning plans, a, noise ordinance; and development regulations Other associated costs wi]l be incurred for pexiodic_ monitoring, the refinement and modification of programs, and the enforcement of noise reduCtion regulations The unavoidable effects of the proposed action may result from a successful noise abatement and aoitrol program. The impact can be.justified by the long-term bon,efIts accruing to the public. These benefits would include the preservation Of the existing quiet environment that most of Butte County now enjcyP and the assurance of compatibility among futur� uses, e. Alternatives No Action. By not taking action to Qontrol intrusive noises ana7iain1:ain dezirable noise levels over the long-term, the county would not attain its objective. State and Poderal noise abatement programs and the City of Chico noise control ordinance will provide protection from disturbing noise primar:- ily in the Chico area but little else will be done to abate existing noise problems or maintain desirable levels In other areas of the County. It is not likely that major noise sources will voluntarily reduce noise output nor is it probable that people will always avoid such noises when choosing a place to live. Nuisance Control. Traditionally, noise disturbances and intrusion Have -been regulated by ordinances relating to the nuisance effects of noiss. This approach has not proven , to be particularly useful in controlling increasing community noise levels nor can it deal with inherently incompatible major noise sources and sensitive receptors. Acquisition or Construction for Abatement. The County could acquire all lands affectQd by High 5FU 'Intrusive noise levels or aCquire the scurce of the noise to create a compatible environment. The County could also use structural protection measures by constructing noise barriers between Incompatible uses. The benefits of this approach are not likely to be worth the high costs to the County. Such a program would also indicate a commitment to continue resolving noise problems in this fashion. These measurescould also dislocate many families and relocation housing programs would have to be provided to ease the economic and social burden involved. f. Cumulative and Long -Term Effects The proposed action is intended to foster the long-term main-t-et- ance of an environment free from excessive noise. Assuming this measure of protection is reachedf certain other desirable environmental features may be either sacrificed or enhanced. The natural productivity of some grassland or brushland habitats may be reduced by the intentional separation of noise sources, from sengitive uses. This less compact pattern may also require presently unplanned extensions of public systems to serve newly designated development areas resulting in increased consumption of energy resources* On the other hand, separation offers an opportunity to designate new open space areas leading to the development of an open space network. in conjunction, .with other land use determinants, the overall, affect may lbe,to alter the basic form of urbanization in the County, Irreversible Effects The proposed action sho.Ald not directly cause irreversible adverse impacts. Implementation may in the long-term create A-25 now development patterns which aro essentially irreversible, but not neoessarlly adverse, For example, the protection of Chico Airport from ex r=eaching incompatible uses through the adoption of an environs plan may causo a significant shift in development. New Service systems must be provided for new areas of development and existing systems planned to serve the airport area may be underutilized. With the 4 security of the airport reasonably assured there is little likelihood '-hat the airport will be displaced in the future Hmi.lar scs ,iarios may be visualized, in other areas of the County where steps are taken to separate major noise sources from sensitive uses h_. Growth- Induoi ng Bffects The proposed action has some potential for encouraging growth because of the better noise environment that can be attained in Butte County. The Noise Element, oombi.ned with the other efforts to guide the direction and character of growth and maintain the County's natural environment and economic welfare, will no doubt attract new residents. This effect will, probably not be measurable in relation to projected growth rates. specific zoning plans and development regulations resulting from the implementation measures will certainly redirect growth from some oreas to other areas where compatibility among uses can be maintained. d ZL-J0 4. scenic Highways 8lment a. proposed .Action The t'alifornia Government Code Section 615302 (h) requIres that the County General Plan include a Scenic highways dement for the development, establishment and protection of scenic highways." The County's primary objective as stated in the Scenic Highways Element is "` .., .,the protection and enhancement of scenic areas adjacent to and visible from selected highways." The General pian Guidelines require an identification and evaluation of scenic corridors, an indication of selected highways, a statement of policies, and a guide to implementa- tion. The element contains a statement of ob.ecti.ves, a review of criteria for selection of scenic highways, findings concerning scenic corridor davel,opment and. protection, County policies and implementation measures, and a map of selected scenic highways. The proposed action is the sot of policies and implementation measures stated in Table -1 of the Scenic Highways Element and shown below in Table A--4. The policies are the responses of Butte County to the opportuni•tyiou and conditions stated in the findings. The implementation measures are intended to fulfill or parry out the policies. All implementation would be carried out through' the development of specific plans and programs, public review and deliberation, and subse- ent decisions by -the Board of Supervisors. b. Significant Effects A direct and short-term effect of the scenic 'highways program would be the barge amount of time required for the County staff toreviewactivities, prepare plans and programs,, develop regulations, and work with the public. Staff time wi?.1 be especially significant if the County decides to secure official State designation of scenic 'highways and thus follows all required procedures (outlined in Appendix E of the Scenic Highways Element). The full implementation of all proposed policies would probably take County staff time from other prdiects or may require the hiring of additional. staff. A staged reason for the protection of scenic areas and routes is to encourage recreational travel and tourism in general. -The proposed promotional program could attract large numbers. of visitors, especially on weekends and during vacation periods. This could increase traffic and use of public facilities as well as create additional demands for gas, 'food, lodging, recreation activities, and other business services. some visitors'attraeted`to Butte 'County could become permanent rr�a rbc rti F a _ i-ltirsrnhthri r:cti rrrr MnYA of -F.hp unrl P_-Ev of Tiogltive �'abzc� z,��. ,�"af"1:N741 illtrllr�ti+Y CT,C�htf'N�' , x LnTNr, l�C}T lf;X 7. 13uLtO CounL,Y hate many a>;n,9a of I. Protect Pioturosqunatural land rs iloapes, vjlrrtrl,le sccrnic ar(laa -eor nnjarfmnrrl by rn i.ctents 1. bevelcap a sYatt�m of scenio high. and visitor:;. ^:ayOr as indicated on map V_1. Of;'fi.cial, Stale designation or 2. highwxYs benefits the scenip highways program stfoure oft.+0101 8tata nation at+highways 2• ollow procelurea in Appendix 4.30enic x -requires variouscounty �doit7i in &h.is element.,, . actiono. 3. SOcnic corridor boundaries should include areae visible 3, ollncatta $canic corridors 3. Follow State criteria. from highwbyer, outstanding with careful consid��xatian of all Factors, Survey scenic corridors. Solicit, natural Or man-made features, lame: where development may citizen participation. Prepare Scenic highway Report" for affect views, and feasible each corridor, rogulatory areas, 4. nuvolo,�t unt, of :c•enJc hig}a;aa ! ri�-ft�.t;3»-cat-•wC1Y has uWni.'ficant 4, consider quality ut visual 1nZiienov 4. Requiro Planning commission W tv 11"T'Ict care quality of visual ldndstlarry arra driving UX- loadt.,?ay in d0wr of the annual r0v16W or major road projects to and drivin.° cxlrertc�rt,ac=.. 'J roarJr�a!J ,end r�tlrcrr fcaturna include concern fa,: scenic values. in the* right -got -way, 5,• Numiarous vchicic access points alunri scr�nic highways can irnfaact 5. Control ACc.w's to scenic hi hwa 'J: to 5• , r°�tc�ting access where drivor. safot,y and comforts and roadside bf maintain c,ai'ety and quant y of driving feapi l i.yanr,ble. Limit encroachment Limit uut;y, e:,'prxicrnce. pertuLn for safely, 6. The negative visual, impact of utility lines and ,trucLures 6, r,acate and design utility 6, Rr victr the iocr�i itis can be mitigated by incon�- visual im to minimize visual impa.t^ and design of major transmission lines, SPicuous sit=ing and pleasing design, Require the least conspicuous location of distribution lines as feasible and where there is 7. Protection of sceni c corridors 7a, reasonable choice. is l ar el dependent can g Y p local land use regulations, rrctect againat development that is incompatible with 7a, Limit unnecessary commercial and non-agri,oultural the natural a appearance of scenic corridors. use. Rezone A-2 A-2 areas, clarify Use permit of S -1I ose. b. Limit the density and location struccures in scenic corridors, b. Require large lot area per dwelling unit. Aequire increased :front set- backs. Encourage integrated,compact business areas. Rezone A=2 areas. The most significant effect: of 'the Scenic llighvrays i:lement is that, if implemented, all aspects of private development Of land in designated scenic c=orriaors would be reviewed and controlled by the County. The intent of County controls would be to limit development in gene:. -al and specifically prevent structures which might block or blight the views of natural scenic quality, Develoyment controls would regulate tvpe of use, road access points, outdoor advertising displays, e -th-moving operations, setbacks, vegetation removal., and residential densities in ,scenic corridors. Such controls could prevent some development of Land with good physical characteristics adjacent to paved State and County highways. Preventing development of Otherwise suitable sites along Scenic Highways might deflect some aevelopment pressure toward other less suitable areas with pour site conditions and access, thus raising the costs of development for both the public and private Sectors. The indirect benefits of restricting development in scenic corridors would be a decrease in local traffic and a Lowered need for those public facilities and servi.Ces related to residential and commercial development. The other significant effect of this action is that it may raise the costs of some semi-public and public facilities. This .impact arises from the policies on the design and construc- tion of roadways, other right -of -war Eeatua;es, utility Lines, and structures. The design of these facilities should enhance and not detract from the visual landscape. The general effect on coast is indeterminate but two type, of projects could definitely iny-ol.ve significant expenditures: the undergrounding of power and communication lines, and the construction of picnic areas, rest stops and similar right-of-way features. C. Mitigation The degree of negative impact of this type of planning project will be determined by how closely the County, adheres to -the policies ;and how completely the, implementation measures are carried out. All of the significant impacts described above could be reduced by limiting the scope and execution of the project. ,The simplest wa.y to achievo this would be to reduce the number or length of selected scenic highways The amount of County staff time required for the project could be reduced by modifying the i,,tplementation measures Or by limiting the number sof hours to be devoto,µ '-o the project. Anotter way of mitigating this direct impact R „ "-� def y implementation by staging the work activities over an extended number of years. The impacts of increasers tourism and traffic could be mitigated by not actively promoting the use of the County's system of scenic highways to those who, Live.outside the County. A-33 The adverse impact on the development of private lands in scenic corridors is probably the mast difficult to mitigate The County can avoid inhibi,tinq growth and diverting development to other areas only by a very careful, equ.itabl.e, and judicious ous approach to development contra.. With appropriate design considerations and inconspicuous siting, residential, development would not necessarily detract from the quality of the scenic corridors. Businesses and signs could also be allowed in compact groupings designed for minimal visual impact on those enjoying the corridor. Use permits for earth -moving and site clearance in scenic corridors could be approved with the condition that subsequent replanting and landscaping be done, The costs of concealing utility lines can be minimized by locating sines above ground at low elevations, behind vegetation or hills, or in other outs -of -view locations d. Unavoidable Effects If the scenic Highways Element is adopted and implemented, some actions by County personnel will be required. These actions would :include in-depth surveys of scenic corridors, review of various public and private projects, the development of plans and regulations, and the official mapping of zoning districts. The implementation measures clearly require rezoning of some areas, changes in zoning regulations and controls on signs, earth -moving, and vegetation removal. There is no doubt: that these requirements will have a significant effect on private development in the scenic corridor. A Scenic Highways Element must indicate some scenic highways. There appears to be no wording in the legislation or guidelines which could be construed to allow the County to designate no scenic highways. in addition, this option could probably only be exercised if the County found that there were no highway'corridors of scenic quality or value within the County, Itwould be difficult and not necessarily desirable to control the increased use of scenic highways by residents and visitors. Adoption of the clement unavoidably promotes scenic highways through the required distribution of drafts, and through public hearings, media coverage; and designation on publicly available maps, The unavoidable effects of the proposed action are essential parts of a successful' scenic highways program. All can be justified by the 'long-term public benefits of protecting the county's scenic areas for existing and future generations. A-34 Alternatives The proposed action is baso -d can the assumption that the county can largely achieve the preservation of valuable sueinic areas and corridors within the existing framework of State legislation. State planning law now delegates most of -the responsibility for land use planning and regulation to local governments. consequently, the County has this lead authority to protect scenic corridors through its own actions No Action. The "no action" alternative in this case would rad government rlanning, oontrol, or acquisition in scenic corridora . Government action in this alternative would be limited to designating and promoting scenic highways and encouraging voluntary protection of scenic corridors. Unfortun- ately, it is unlikely that private individuals would limit the development of their property along scenic corridors in order to provide the public with the benefit of scenic preservation. With no governmental controls, development in scenics corridors would be determined by market demands, the fi ancon of property ownersr and individual. design preferences. Voluntary protection is an unreasonable method of scenic preservation because the public" interest in controlled develop. - meat of scenic corridors conflicts with private gain from increased and generally uncontrolled development. Des to ment�Ri htss. with some changes in State and local leg;�sl.ation, scenic areas could also be preserved in a more direct fashion. The County or State could acquire development rights to all property within scenic corridors and thus prevent all development deemed inappropriate. Acquisition would take place through the normal channels of negotiation, eminent domain, condemnation, and purchase. The "development rights" acquired could be for fee title or easements which would prohibit structural development in certain areas. Purchase of scenic easements has been used by some California counties; this device can be accompanied by property tax reductions for affected. properties. Acquisition of development rights could feasibly attain the objective of sceni- preservation, but is an alternative with exoessively high costs,, The total cost of acquisition could, include not only the purchase price but also the casts of appraisal, negotiation, and legal. services. Add to this the problems of land management, contract enforcement, and removal: of property, from local tax rolls and it is easy to see why this alternative is considered infeasible in most areas, With a well executed planning program,; scenic preserva- tion can be achieved through the much less costly means of land use controls and development.. regulations. State Cnntrol. Another commonly discussed alternative in the impl.�-m anon of planning objectives is direct control. by the State of California over land use. State control: over the development og scenic corridors could be a viable A--35 alternative if it were actually initiated. However, it presently appears as an unlikely altornat:ive because of the lack of broad political support by rural counties and their legislative representatives► More politically feasible wouldbe limited State control over corridors along eligible scenic highways on the State's master:" plan. In any case, State control of lana use red oes the role of County government and places additional power and responsibility on government staff more removed in distance and outlook from these who vould be most w affected. communication and administration become more diffi- cult, and the possibility exists that statewide regulation may be inflexible and insensitive,to the details of each scenic corridor segment and the wishes of local people. f, Cumulative and Long-Term; Effect s An intended 'long-range effect of the scenic highways program is increased local acceptance of the objectivest the designated systema and the various regulations on corridor. development. it is believed that local implementation and acceptance of this program will maintain much -f the scenic qualities of the Country's natural Landscape v'Ysible from scenic highways. Most of the effects described in preceding secticns are rather long--term in nature because the proposed action is a planning and regulatory program that will require at; least several year.; to fully implement. The impacts of increased, traffic and use of public facilities, increased dp%jand for servir'es, and the possible diversion of development to other areas will all become more significant with time. The project appears to pose no long-term risks to hea.liAP and safety. Within the scenic, corridors the proposed action will dof`initely narrow the range of uses of the land. Howev it t this effect will not interfere with the long-term productivity of the environment because agriculture and other resource- production uses will be allowed in most areas, g. Irreversible Effects The proposed action may cause significant use of some non.. renewable resources. The time spent by local. government staff on this program cannot be recovered, although additional staff could be hired later if necessary, Increased traffic would o,Qn.suute fuels at an increased rate. Any new development of public facilities or business services near scenic highways or development: deflected to other areas will, require' the use of additional fuels, -building materials, and money. The most significant irreversible effect is the commitment of new development to a certain pattern. Complete implementation of the -corridor protection program would result in development away from scenic highways and presently undo eloped areas A-36 along highway:. Ns discussed before, this may raise the cost of providing roads and other public services in areas more difficult to develop. h. Growth Inducing Effects ' a Increased recreational travel, and tourism could lead to develop- meat of more business and services. Some visitors attracted by the scenic quality of the County might decide .to become } permanent residents, fostering bosh population and economic growth with its attendant problems relating to the provision of public services, and the degradation of the natural environ- ment. D. CONSULTATIONS The organizations and persons consulted in the preparation of this Environmental Impact Report are listed in Appendices B, C, D and E of the General Plan document covering the Seismic safety, Safety, Noise, and scenic highway elements. E. PARTICIPANTS This EiR was prepared by the staff of the Butte County Planning Department and personnel from the consulting firm of CH2M HILL. F. REFERENCES 4 Documents used -.n the preparation of the EIR are listed in Appendices B, C, D and E of the General Plan document covering the Seismic Safety, Safetyr Noise, and scenic Highway elements. Supplementary references includes Butte County Association of Governments, November 1971 Butte County General Plan (Third Printing, June 1976). m Butte County Association of Governments, March 1975. Final. Environmental Impact Report, Butte County Regional Trans2ortat,ion Plan, Butte County Planning Department and.C112M MILL, santiary 1977. Draft Putte County General, Plan, Seismic Safety E e ety E e nt, NF e Element, Scenic Hag ways E ement inn u .ng re erences . A-37 �{r: � I r�ti�� iq,��a