HomeMy WebLinkAboutBUTTE CO. PLANNING DEPT. 79-11 6U ,
rid „
stem ptsnsa�ceopilsn
one
orvery litleofthearea would "ify for systems slopes,
onles
s
than 5 arses. Therefore, no zoning
for.less than 5 acre minimums
should be approved. To do otherwise would waste staff time and
create unreasonable owner expectations. On steeper 'sl'6pes,.it is Q
acknowledged that, a -much larger leach area would .be required and
zoning Minimum shouldrbe much larger. �
c Terkdih Restricts 6h Development: nt. again, specific slope
and soil
information as no's\ y'et —available and 'same should be obtained '
before"approval of,any zoning which would permit further residential.
use. Based upon..the. U.S. Soil conservation Services recommended ,
limitation of 12% maximum slope for development on r'rar tic soilso ;
all lands in excess of that slope ;,ghou:! d be zoned fd,' very large
miri,imum pareei:',s so as to 'permit adequate house ,and ie" ach f1 el f
Resid6ntial thA entire re -
9
11 parcentage o this
area�.has ground naturally, flat enough +o afford development without
alteration of the existing topography, -wherefore nearly all develop-�
mgnt in the area would require land alteration, leading erosi
q g to' on'
arid, rs_ atteindant problems.
Drainage: `brainage of contaminated storm water and percolated
wastes into �LOJM Ot&Ville and Ponderosa Res:irvoir wiill, add to the
significant erosion and}>sed. mbntatiori potential. The coMbination
w,"11 severely, damage recreational, water, and fishery, use fez` resi-
t,; dents of Orbville and Butte County.
r Summary f the Project t ,ConsY`de ations : - " To the listed "fa,cw
tors should,,be added thethe basic impact's We have suggested under
Section 151404 -
E. SECTION :151.42 DESCR.IPTTON _OV ENVIRONMENTAL SETTI;N(3
w
Soils: The indicated unpublished soil, surveys` and the6so l
vegetation ;survey OUX,rently underway „by the Forest S�rvi.ce should be
obtained before any z)�n�.ng /to approve resiarzintxal Or Commercial U00-
in
se
in talks area, unless it is to be asoumed that the soils are extremely
unstab.,Ip, erodible, and generally too shallow for septic percolation.
The on page 9 that the soil in thho. rezone area is pre-
domina t� 2 to feet deep is cnhtradicted by accnowledgments of
shallower soil, over most of the area on pages 8 and 13. Area resi-
deYats are also aware tLtat the soil, is much less than 2 to 3 feet, '
deep over much or any large portion of this area
Whereas Local health officialb are ge'hdrally-"L concerned with
soil only aS to il"s capacity' for septid percol,atk-.. j `hist r,a titin
soil, ercol"ates so well than i.'t would readil � trans art, west
p r �'�� p�
Labe Oroville and, hderosa Reye. oir.. These,ampa;
strums ,
1 'J'
sha'w7,d be thoroughly studied and input obt'Ained from the,":ity of
Orov�.Tc\, OWTD, recreationists, and water quality persoirnel. How
much more 'r,pidly would hake ,Oroville,be sedimented? Who,.;would
pay for dredg r.n�it and how much? What individual site"'studies
would be made to assure stability and ability to safely handle'
sewage?
Hydrolog,: The statement that. 1 can be expected to
supply 5 to 20 gallons per minute' 'is :not true, as per above infor-
mation from Tom Kruse`; local indicating an-average
` ot_. ,3 ,!gallons per minute, Most r�Ysidents must ration water during'
t.",- AGntlis of August through October, Thus, the EIR`'s indication
15 that only limited de%elopment of the ,water source could,
c'c'ur is true and an understatement.
Air Shed Character: With increased population and traffic,
dust, from most of thy,° xistinq roads would ,increase partlqulate
matter very substan.tia',l,lyr unless paved.
Visu tet: The visual ualit is reserr„J
a1 Char�ar " � '
.. -quality p �` ' �y high
except the view over the Sacramento Valley, which :is coni tbnly ob- "
scored by smog, except after clearing winds. The local visual
quality would change markedly with substantially increased vehicle
usage in the area.
Vegetation: It is true/ that oak toodiand-chaparral.-grass-
.and-fo
othill pine vegetation (_'lovers much of the area. The dense
tart oak indicated, however, largely to the easy" of this re—
Zone
Zone area, near Feather Fal1.s,
This land has cons"Iderably more coniferous species than
is suggested in the tIR. Most of these, however, are we7'A away
from the main roads and, nat readily visible.Porestry is the
primary industry in tr?,s area and the source for many local jobs.
Major forested acreage, privately.'and publicly owned, is unite-
eluded but surrounded by and adjacent to the prezone, area,
The climate and soils are sufficient for ti"fiber production oyer
even more of the landi if not., first develop8', aid if reseeded.'
This is income potential for residents and the County and a
superal r.,,-use of the land.
There are many unique _ ung. ue micro-climates, p 1
ar+�,�,cularly on the
north and northeasterly facing slopes; general=y'Fabove 1,50x'fest
in elevation; which resemble the climate of the paci is Northwest!
cooler temperatures, more moisture, and. some plant types not
fou-nd,.on the `:..ouch and southwesterly facing slopes. They ate
generally fragile eco--systems, ane would be jeopardized by the
impacts of increased population d nsity and more intense land use,
,,unless specificall protected ;from encroachment and despoliation.
Wildlife: This area lies"between the colder high elevations
and the more heavily populated -Talley lands.,, Accordingly, `it is
essential winter range habitat for deer, which must migrate down
from,,the =higher� eleva"'ions. The popu�;:,itio s of wildlife are not
as reduced as mtay be caggested by -the EIR, in 'that more coniferou's
p present than indicated (be, ter :habitat)
species and tarp �ak�ae
See apperdik C per development reducticn,,of this hero by 80% or
more.
,y
Sucker. Run Creek was overlooked by the EIR as a perennial
stream, hosting a substantial trout fishery. Local residents
depend upon fishing for an-important part of,,,,their food supply
and recreation. Streams and headwaters of Lake Oroville are 'fed
by this watershed and erosion siltation would damage brown and
rainbow trout feeding areas.,and kokanee salmon spawning areas.,'
Rare and Endangered Fish and Wildlife; Whereas page 21 of
the EIR inaidates the rare and endangered-Southern Fuld Eagle is
not known in this area,$ appendix C acknowledges at least two nesting
pairs in thy+ area, Which would be deplaced or eliminated by major
development in this area or even minor development in critical
" locations. Many residents have observed eagles in the areas of the
Feather River south fork and Ponderosa Reservoir; indicating there
may, be more than the two pai.7s stated.
historical Background :arid _Archaeological Resources The
rieh.archaeologidal potential of the area has not been sufficiently
inventoried. As major Oittive American .sites often occur on land
beet-suited for modern development; a professional archaeological
survey,should be conducted prior to approval of this rezone pro-
posal., Residential use of any sort will increase vandalism of
sites in the area, on developed lots and nearby. As indicated,
in the written comments of Archaeologist Keith Johnson, very large
parcel sizes are required in critical areae in order to give maXi
MUM possibility for house location without,disturbance of these
valuable resources.
Local. native Americans still use much of the area for their
traditional�-*ocial,, cultural; and religious activities. The secon-
dary impacts-6f increased population on these practices would be
R,!%Iturally destructive, Local native Amer=ic;ans should be consulted
to determine the enact nature and Oxtent of archaeological sites
within the project area so that they nay be properly located and
identified for apptopriate zoning.
XJtil: ties .and Public .Services
f, Fire Prateoti6h: As �.ri ica.ted+ Chaparral. has a high
fire hazard. Furthermore, the peaks of fire activity grIherafly'
g driest 'months of July, August, and 5'eptember,
,., occurs during the , {
r
�,� � , C`.✓' � (%�, x'41.
1 16oi;ncidental witYt periods of highest,- usage of the zon i,x.'g ,area fob '
(,recreational and second home purposes. Thus, increase :residential
.use i n the area will peak at the worst possible time.,,,,i'�� ftarther
�6 mportant fire hazard factor is slope; hea't' tends to r�,ae and fires
muchfa8ter4 ,. ,
x �r-4;;'vectionvcurrents combined withsstee tslopesrand nar;`cswgcanyar�`Can-
,swan create an ettremel dangerous suata an for s
I �,<( _y g r homes a xd rural
� � areas. Residential development on the relatively leve Q`areas
above these timber lands will be subject to extreme danger.
;,dous;:ing near forest lands and chaparralwill increase,Idli E � zk to
Jr F timber land and watershed holding eapa -ity. This must '";' Loon sidered'
with the great distance from :tra;7or fire i 1 glib ng equip f't ;'' The"
�<4 equipment in Feather Falls,;`, is vet,ry old and insu£ficients and manned
r„ by volunteers only. ; Tj';` poor roads to the area further 6 l.' tensify
the problem, andthis is still greater for the majority, Lif poteai-
tial parcels which are isolated from any paved roads, `n Ito, Gill'
pay f or tysthe lacknaf�ased taxfire ratepfor�fi.rensevices and the *�l��bab�ee
availability ► :'�>articularl ivt� J' BL,,tt
i.
County's un_.
` :?
labila ty of state funds to compensate for the proper, ,y tax loss
l{ of Proposition 13? Can any development`be permitted without pro-
yiding adequate fire protection.? , Is this reasonable fob 'Vresent
ie9tdents, new, purchasers, or owners of forest lands?
,1
Police Protection: Based on`t;he requirement of
i deputy for each 1, 000 ;people, and this rezones potential,"-xlene~�
r t * to 91000 new residents, B to 9 more deputies would be
} i` who will pay fcVX the5j- o particulael.y given the impact o „Qpositi.ori
137 L
Ac .sP,� Butte County has no plan to upgrade Lues ;1, ,n Read..
for 11 year (1995); yet the rezoning would allow and eri.,ourage
greatly ,increased traffic well before then. who will, 'pay°'for ��this
cost:2 nigh grade access is needed to avoid accidents, <<a�,?4;aIV, fire
`5 truck ,access, minimize dust, etc. The VIR anticipates ,{Y yt �rivate
1 development should bear the of such improvement, yep pa,ecemeal
j development is the primary phttern in the foothill, « TYA�-�ub'la,c
bears the t;ost for such development, amen(, yet .present: road fit .A's are c;>
;, insufficient and the t rend is for less available twx
each will improvements to Lumpki.n Road actually ,cost'+'?" S;creased
development, the State is expected Lo turn over the CrA'' �'c�ss
road to the County, at still greater improvement and ma qhs ea�� ince
cost to us. Reads ser`=i ng most 6i the present and potenew
parcels are -unpaved and there will be demands for court ' i} �rrivel=
ment after gradual, piecemeal devel.opindht4 Mote � r�fox:nat ori � s
hecessary before the area is committed by this 'rezonetf
�r s
19, SFCTIObI 1514 3' _Fi V3:R0NMFNT.AL IMP;AC'1' �' • i
Increased <Developmerit and Popu anon Growth 5v't',1,.1 the es-�
tabl:ishmor't of the many cpmmercial parcels permitted by', t:�e 6-1
0,. tp..�tudeaoiyd� hehmerchar�ts aboutOthisle merchants? (abet is;`,.t`he at-
A
r
7
C, r II
r,
Drainage: Drainage patterns within the -;project area already
are being iigerith
as a result`gf human activity. Numerous
ground_ water,: flows have already been a�tered by the construction of
rows tY. oughout the area. Field observ;-Ations by W, Ra. -+I -i"12 Muenzberg
revealed many instances of ponding of surface water runga f and blockage
of natural drainage patterns by roads or other human activity:, in
addition to interfering with''the natural drainaget,patterns, some of
these fonds are potential health hazards because 6 ':.heir tendency,
to stagnate and act as breeding grounds for mosqui;.,a. Also, par-
ticularly given the absence of waste d0posal services, some resi-
dents of the area have used some of these sites for solid waste
disposal' purposes. These pro�l.,ems(already requ roe county attention
and expense, but will be aggravated substantially With any f=ther
development. 1 _.
l; T_opogranhic Alteration and,Gensration of Erosion, -and
sed ` ment tions. up a n , oR from even the existing, ,roads already causes
Seda.rnentation • EroS� on f
e y p Oroville. As the EIR states, new roads
will reatl add to the robleA.', Not mentioned is the fact that
virtually none�of the rezone area can be built upon without some
alteration.; Given the Very acreage required for leach field:
!{ on this shallow soil, disrupti.afi for .leach fields",may be one of the
greatest land alterations. very little of the area has adequate
road ;=kdcess, so roads will be multiplied many fold. The extent of
will. be even worse:
land altera,si.on is actually understated in the MR, so the erosion
Increased.k\edimentation of Lake Oroville is expected, but.
to teat degree? We expect the useful.life of bake Or«ville Would
be s1hortened many years by the potential development under this
zoni'Ag. What will be the dredging cosi and who will pay it? What
Will! be the loss of power, recreation use, etc6 before clean up?.,
if the rate and amount of surface tater runoff is altered by human
activity, as expected, how will this alter the amount of surface
water
Water iMPbt and in Lake Oroville, Ponderdiga lteserVoi.r, and other'',bode
Water Ouali y Tmpadt8t The Environmental Health "Departm,ent,
has a��prcvea septa tanks in the area 'With insufficient soil depth;
�Ior safe percolation. Sewage effluent from development in the
Veather Falls area has been transported rapidly through the shallow
'soils and flowed out over '.he surface for many years, posing, a��
health kind contamination tEispot, which has not been corrected. ,,Phe
Health ,;e' artment undoubted! iso `, nderstaEfed already
p � � � �i ``�;'�hich Wi�.�'
be intensified by the limits r,t Proposition 18'. This rezone will.
require much more time from the bepartmont, though staff avallabil.it�
is l.ikelly to be less: This will endanger the rezoning area and
spread r�sources for she rest of the county dangerously thin. it
o „ "14..
if
is daubtfu a`taff is`T adequate for "the potential development on even
.existing parcels. "They 5.hol ld%not be saddled with- theF=°burden of
any of the development' potential under the proposed,z6ning
if roads throughout the project area ;are paved to prevent
severe erosion and dust, the subsequent runoff will bR coritamix�ated
„with chemical residues,from th,s road surface, in addition to,:,,
chemicals used by new res,identri, etc. The,,Forest ,Service has used- IC
chemical defoliants � in the area,
c� (or permitted their use') , which
already, may endanger ground water andt,rviioft water quality. The r
scarce grc_und water must be protected from further threats,'
r
Water A
vailabi.lity.' Water scarcity will be aggravated Eby
development of many of the parcels already existing and substantial
new development will crea4e acritical shortago owraers'should not
be given the false assurance of water suZficiency suggested ,by any
zoning which permits further rezidential,'jdevelopment
An added thr6at to water a:vaila'J'Alit
y 15 that cuts and
excavation; made in conjunction with road btild;ing or realignment
expose shallow springs and divert them into drainages ditches us
ult
Impact \
surface water runoff : Thi:r`typ e of im act can be seen. as a �.�.
es
of existing roads, 0
�} t y.,ail,op�. „
ment Oquid o6;cur •
Slue to the .pound Walter risuft�r..enc Only, d
arse ,dev�
y
If additional development diminishes ground water, the �.
;total amount available for nozi-domestl,7",, uses will also diminish, :f
This supply is dep6nded upon,, by the fd.,.4sts and forestry business
and the vegetation which holds the unstable granitic soiI in plane.
mhis would greatly increase etistinq erosion potential and fire
dancer: ti
are �,ossof Wild !fe� end PlarYt Rabaaai.; �T'his a is critical�y
doetwinter range. ' James SP,ot%den, W� l.dliie S3`� olog�,�.t from the
California bepartme,# ox F�.sh and Matte indica�gs 20 acre,-parcels
are -the iiiihiMUrA parcel size and a human�tol eraric e t�:�reshtfld levee; `
for deer, and s0aller parcels Mould cause starvatiori� and distuzb
;4 y y q/ A ti
i �reaeized or. tn:.quiF� anima,rs, including �heYuhe yf or endangered,
matin Snowden also indit, tes the area is h� ..
� �pottbO_ Opal and "Aii,14 !fail Cat:. These species are antold', kn � ,to an
ant�xease in human activity. Tht can be expected tc abandl6n tic,
area if there is muo-h n6W abvelopment in the vicinity,
Richard tk�lint., Fi °'her .eS Biologist for Laky, Oraville� bias
expressed concern r thr.: rish in T ayCe c?raville
foak�r;.,`sucker Ar:n
Creek. Xokaziee Salmon, small mouth bass, and btowtf and rainbow
troiA inhabit thr take and. the Greek; and the Sal.�tcin Spawn in the
preek in tho fall Thal-ceased sedimabitation from d�ivelopment will
prevent salmon and other eggs froni hatching, inc,reiased turbiditi
may cauw.s temperati're's to . rise to ar, intolerable l;ve. 4nd destroy
the food chain»
s l
'increased!;F"ire Potential: This was discussed above. The
r,
problemwould be aggravated by diminished water supply.
l .
Noise: Present traffic noise fromr logging trucks is only
evident during the week. Weekend noises would be ibstantially
aggravated by new development.
Nois�partcularly�for�be a major factor
the5��,uthr�rnBald�aglesz-ecltxci.ng wildlife habitat.,
Jt
Land Use; Although this proposal ,is for zoning more
restrictive than the present A=-2,;:,,/`,his zoniing would be a signal,
particularly to non-residents unf JEAliar with, the land, that :the
allowed USetp have County approval and are reasonably assured,
unlike the A-2 zoning. This would be a si.e'nal and e?encouragemeint
for subdividing, s e
'- g p culation and exploitaUQn of the land.
Zoning z should be consistent wi,t h: the carrying capacity of
the land,{but '1ehis proposal is not atd is internally inconsistento
ResidentLj.al and commercial development is not possible here
without great damage to the land; suixounding acreage:, the Feather
River, take Orovil.l.e, and the water supply from the Ponderosa
Reservoir: �.
`? If the land realistically will n -3t be developed to this
detrimental degree, what is the need for the propped zoning? `will
it, encourage partially completed subdivisions, without adequate
i.,nprovements or erasion controls, unsuccessful home industries, or
abandoned business ,.ass has occurred in the past?
lncreased°'Traffic and Circulation, Traffic Hatards, Abad
t ptoye4aentss The estimated 2, 000 to over 10, 000 vehicle trips
per day at maximumbuild out appears unrealistically loft, especially
given the:- li.mitod local. employment ,tppportunities Regardless the
number ofdaily 11tri ,j distances i.nt;l.ved are relatively very high
and total Milea.!b 7;:sr residence may be much greater than i.h urban
''` g „ increase energy consumpt'',on and traffic-
a:�ea5 . Th�.s , t�z„u1d rPatly
'^t related polluuxon
l � r;
is 'questionable whether Lu,Mpki.n Load can handle an
ribte ;bra-fic. �nfoj�mation is iribomplohe. Any increase, -even
vithoat large subdi.viions t w,,Ill require majbt road improvement. -r. r�
at County. IoXpense. 1�hat world be the cost? Given financial limits,
it apertrs the County cannot afford,(( this cost and, as with the lower
. 9kyvray, many deaths seem likely befl re such ,improvement would.. be
possible
1i
All
v
The State Department of Parks arj recreation apparently n
will deoed the Craig access road to the County to improve and main"
tain, '"if traffic increases on it. This should be dcterihined_, and,
costs e-stimated. Most of the dirt roads.may be impa±6sable in
winter for police and fire protection, without'substantial improve-
ment. since most of the z.oads service ziniltple parcels, the County
is unlikely, to require individual o:mers to make sufficient .improve
meats for minor, piecemeal parcel splits. Demr,.nds for County funds ;>>
can be expected. How will"`thh"cost be pakO When? What will
happen if such improvements cannot be financed?
Increased Public ,Services: What will be� t1 41)co`s.L and:. Who
�I nay for even mih r 'n�i creases in fire ani(' poi i.ce protection?
Pressure is mounting for increases,,,%oven without .aw arcels et
�-, . w_ W ��- p r y
funds are diminishing'. Anil new development proposals will cause
similar problems with Environmental Health Department, Public Works
Department, and other department staffing. The remoteness from
urban services -'makes the time and expense even greater. This is
disproportionate and unfair to residents of urban areas, where
development should occur,
Mobile homes are making up an ever increasing percentage of
Butte County's permanent hoizsing inventory. A Bank of America
study "Vocu{a on..Bttte County" (1974) projected they would maks
up 15% of the,total by 1980. This trend may go higher because of
inflation in'building costs and loan rates-. Mobile homes are
especial,y popular in this and other rural. areas. 8inoe Mobile
homes are not subject:,to property taxes, this may intensify the
shortage of .funds for'the disproportionate cost of "services to
this area: How and by whom Can the deficit be compensated? Is
the County able to continue to ,provide even the present levels of
service?
The, Feathl.t AFalls ccordz.nio x'oschool is the only primary school
i .. l..'' r i w `.1\� i g pupils,
i i
:o ri the redone area. iotrict's TrUstee Marilyn
Mowdy.,- the primary school has 70 pupils, 42 of whom are. from the `
rezone area. The present school site can accommodate 120 pupils
maximum. Hnr_ llmont is now increasing slightly: With over 500
existing, undeveloped parcels in:.the area, the school, may be filled.
Any permitted new growth clearly will require a new school.. What
will be the coni and how can it be ;paid' The need for larger
facilities
`i1 ne6,#y »orry Creek hat necessitated two d-
bonmeasurep ,
bothof which have failed,
y�tii)ue to the geographical position of the school, increasing
scho6i._�)bpulatioh in this area would require substantial bussing.
The 'presoftt school bus miake8 two .runs per day to the Enterprise
Boat ramp and back and i.s�nearl.y filed, with a capacity of 55
17
1.
r>' Pupils. What would be the cost and
bus runs and/or another bus? who would
acPPs the Pxisting CouriaY for additional
s road would require extensive improvement to road
addtianal t.raffxc and safe bis stops, Y road and Cragg
well',aWay from the main safe
b. op , particularl riunodate,
y for areas
Given Present funding levels w
Proposition 13 hich may there are ph solid waste facilitiiesrwx h fter
district for disposal of school trash.
by the BU":te Count H Despite annual iris the
tha school throw Y ealth bepartment raw s pections:;
Years.-... 9h a brushy area was o sewage flowing out behnu`>
y This Baas been corrected though to ground water o; g` the shallow soil mayl0
rollmQn s may Pollution. Funding shortages
for, So least` lea
y create a health threat. mage,, and increased n. `1 d
A)�aitional inquiries and comments on
are submif6ted se t; „
Public expense/revenues
Parately and should be considered,
Increased Water Demands e Sind
and most prob ..�-1Y wally be dep tea_,�romground water sig
and a fea;.ible alternative sources are known supplies Ma
elude all""n increased consumption,
"""new parcels until , zoning should pre:.
any limited locations where suf'E'ini ens ess a is
developed to define
Water exi.sss..
Increased Enerav:Demands and Unlit Extensions
Gas & Blectric indzcates`��
khat all new lines in thesarea.willcbeac
placed overhead and will be
This Would be a visual blighlenddaucontrasunfronl
sparse development. Yin subdivisions.
from the present
t'
There are no
public water or se
the present time
and novo are considered efeasblesdue toin ethecta at.
mum lot sizes allowed.
extensive and More intense develo meat mini-
graphy. ,.,expensive pumpingstations P Would�'toquire
�.dud to the uneven tcpo-
$Voss of _Poten
r more Camber' s tial Timber Production Area, rl exidts
does exa.st fY;ri t e area than the EIR suSJestQ°nsa'derably
r� more, unless the water table is lesthe
fire danger ane"eases The Potential
resource Would rs With further population. r, lowered and/or
anurease , , .duce the magi co Damage 'to this
features eroUaon cause loss of nuneroial enterprise in the
and aderel county revenues area,
by this rezone. affect timber land ad�acentctoaandaesthetic
considered. T'he'se impacts 'should bend
surrounded
:potenta.al air ;.-..
y determa3xod grid
'� pollution damage must be determined also
Utter and So�,a.�, Wast,
funds to Daft° C11
nuht
-funds t for present oall.ectio;n needs in sheYareauld accept respoh..
do soy
and who will What will be the cost o,t , ,r blit may.ladk the
pal? To what extent Will this decrease facilities
of the oxistir
g Land fill site and U111at costs Would a esu'tt of it life
,.a
Human Health- increased fire danger, traffic, unstable wafer`
supply, potential Water pollutiow-i valley fever from disturbance of
archaeological sites, and other potential human health problems may
result from any further development. An additional local hazard,is„
rabies, for which Butte County is an endemic area., This danger is �
compounded by the atfracti.o'n of small rrarnivores to residential
developments. As w,iJ "I habitat is destroyed apd contact with humans
increases, so also �s the danger.
Recreation: . Jo-Qlevelopea" recreational facilities suc
• has
basketball courts, tbal,l fields, or childrens t playgrounds exist
in the rezone area. The '"natural" recreational facilities such as
the trail and observation platform at Feather Falls are routinely
crowded to capacity. The trail head parking area was expanded in
recent years and is`i'enarally filled on weekends. Increased human
activity,'vould place' additional demands `on existing ,recreatioinal'.-;+'
facilities and threaten damage -by overuse. Further development :of
the . g a may be imp gssii�l:e' due to the lack of. funds«
Crax Recreation Are
The access road, Oregon Gulch Road, is unpaved and funds for paving
tato limit erosion and dust) may not,, be available. This may lead to
deterioration of this resource.
Historical and Archaeolo ical Recources.:.7'he rich archaeological
tential of the area, has not',Ibeen sufficl`erit y illventoried. A pxofes
sxonal archaeological survey should be conducte,'prior to approval of
Il
any zoning which permits flirthep development the area. Residential
use of any sort will increase vandalism of known and unknown sites:
For example, field observations of a Large archaeolog,cal site, des
cribed as a burning §round, revealed extensive vandalism.' The site,
is located in an area proposed for residential development. No
action should be taken which would Jeopardize such resources, without
a comprehensive survey. The entire area should be retained as a
virtually untouched historical: and archaeological time capsule,
otherwi.se,,this priceless resource will be jeopardized.
G. AOVERSE ENVIRONt1EVTAL EFEIt S WHICH CANNOT )Bt AVOZbRU' IF THE
PROPOSAL IS IMPLEMENTED
To the 13 items listed should be added-
14. Loss of timber production land within and adjacent
td,the rezone area.
15. increased danger to human health.
M. Loss of a remota-_ and independent lifestyle area,
17 Intensification of"msny other impacts if funds: are
not available to provide and
mitigation,.
18. Increased ehergy use.
154 Gro+ath inducing impact and/or other impacts on ad-
j anent ands .
q
C7 4J
H. 1r
MITIGATON M.EASU f!
��� 'EES PROPO'S'ED TO MINIMIZE THE IMPACT
Priiary mitigation must be. in the form of- a�,ternative
zoning. Thies County has,no conditional zoning permitting other "
forms, o niltigation in this rezoning content,.
Environmental impact of parcel maps traditiolial,ly is hot
intensively reviewed by thi:,s county, even if the meed _is shown in
preceding rezonang proceedi.rig6. Health and Public Works"Depart ,
ment staff wi3.1 become ;i.ncteasingly overworked and their pest
practices in`dic,ate they' cannot be relied upon to sufficiently
mitigate imp,-_ts'potential with this zoning.
Adoption of a dit ordinance, revision of
lection services, im rovE.l R
,p gra, g p � weste coli ,,
` g �ment of roado - _sand expanded, services,,all
would minimize= some of the impacts ��but paquire furidn; 'Which art,,'
probably unavailable and%or _poliz:�"al..__.a+�itudes by public officials
which have not been demonstrated. lr-
I. ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED ACTION
We agree, that ,the "nes project"' alternaLive iw� unacceptnble.
A combination of alternatives 3 and 4 would best mitig'ate these ;
impacts., Boundaries should be modified to place all lands with
mslopes
�mexceedin 12�v timber lands and watershed in Very
large
Parcel sizes, to minimize or prevent further residential l
development. Most car all of tll proposed
4`,.th � parcel sizes �
. he ro oac�d minimum
g /
p '`�� y _ x�.st�.n 2
sho,'u1d be sncreased su�astantxa '
acre parcels should be zoned to a 5 or 10 acre minimum size, peg.
mittiny development of existing I,o�s, but encouraging cona6lida,Ei.on
of lots -Ito rectify the origi.nAl mistake of stitch small land divisi ons:
by the U.S. oovernmprit. only :the relatively "level" lands on the µ
ridg.a top, excluding those in the easterly portion of the rezone
p
area, shc,.'-wZd be ermi�i.t:�:d in .got sizes as small as 5 di� 10 acres.
Foothill �ura�:"residential classification fox',.,,any steep, timbero
or watershed lands appears questionable. The same is true for
sands adjacent to public recreation area. A resource conse"rvation
none should be considered.
The�a.vesno the 'maximum orotectionr any zoning other than that
which will p and restrict development
for this fragile- area: ;
Butte County should initiate rezoning for all nearby Lands
in -the A. Z classificationo so .as to minimize the danger to suck
lands and further protect the land Within this proposal.
Respectful ly stamitted; r�1
PETERS y VULLPRR, ,, RUSH
0
SCHOOLING & AAS
x.
t� �:� �
, A.,e�r�eys :dor Loca esiderts
X Environmental Review Director's response to I,he letter
from John, Luvaas of peters, Fuller, Rush;' Sr,hooling and
Luvaas Attorneys at Law.
1. It is true that no study has 'been co7y,rtuutod sub-
stantiating a need for extensive foothiIJ housing in:
the area (or anywhere -in the county), 110w ver, future`
development patterns are Moo sp'eculative to evaluate.
The development potential,, is a theor(Aic{„p potential.
It does not indicate a need for nox�,•,the 1. i.kolihood of
achieving such a use fevel. .Appro Lately '1 300 new
parcels are potential. ' Ruwever, ac (,nal 1rind., division
proposals must meet specific r. equirtiiraitj of the county
before approval: adequate sewage dispo,,:al capability on
specific sites; provision of °travex ble r r;cess to all
created parcels, proof of water on pari eltl smaller than
five acres in area, proper configuiat:,oxi of created parcels,
as well as further site-specific °env:i roxaxriontal review.
2. The compromise alternative proposal me.p herewith
submitted is acknowledged. Tlill-r-1alt ornatai,ve proposes
zones of larger :minimum aacrgagear(�Ills ! primarily
TM -10; TM -201 and Fly. --5.
3. The six pages of quo'tatiore?-O�ow cm analysis of the
Butte County General Flan, ,particulwvl.y the Conservation
Fl ement ) the Op ein S� ac e Element, and. the Saf e'ty Element,
are acl'c.owledged. The conclusions are noted;
a. No commercial zoning is permitted based on the
.Land Use Map of the General Paan.
b 40 -acre minimum parcel zoning, is, sugges-ted fox
Timber, -Mountain designated rareas (the eastern
portion of the subject. land area)
c. No urbanization or urban amonities of the
project area 'is allowable.
-use accommodate or
inluce urban residential
The proposed rezoning will no
in the areae Two
and five acre parcels cannot be considered
urban de nsities. Man -7 of the General Phan
quotations refer to »rban growth and develop-
ment ratheL than the rural residential and re.
creational nature of the subject proposal
4. Additional '.impacts resulting from this rezone project
which ape addressed in the letter are listed.
a4 ln.sufficibnt water for potential development.
E.i'1 . ori page impact was address -4 in the draft
This ii Oil ppage 32.; The further emphasis of
v.,
potoal loss or Siminishment of present resi-
dents, water ,upplies upon additihnal develop-
t� �' ment is noted.
b. Potential health problems suyc;;h as Malley Fever
from disruption_ of. archaeological sites. Most
If not all yells tap groundwater at greater
depths then sewage effluent would reach. The
Butte County t.�iviromental'Health Department
e, believes effluent waters do not pe,roolate very
far through the soil structure and are used, by
local vegetation (transpiration).
C. 4►he Wildlife impact was addressed on page 34 of
he la.x.P;. Increased, use of the area would in--
rease the likelihood of wildfires with resultant
otential: lose of homes, 'timber, wildlife habitat,
sand wat#bhed'�;,,
u. Pb sibil0 lack of funding- tc, provide necessary
p� lid Services if development of the land en-
tails substantiol incre4 ses in public seg va ce
demands
e. Loss of 'timber production is addressed on pao.r, 37
�{
of -the draft E.I.R. .Associated county revenues
til on the portions of the rezone area where,timber
production ocburs (eastern portion) is possible.
Because of land divisions, potential erosion
and wildfire increases, and conflict with
adjacent residential uses, existing timber lands
would be less viable economic units.
y,
• l'he fourteen ages of comments and statements ve-�
garding all tie various sections of the draft
H.I.R. are noted and are hereby included as
part of the Environmental Impact Report.
=lacy of t1';�' comments in 'the letter have either been ,
l
adequately addressed in the revised draft Bil:.R., or in
previous responses contained in this A.ppendi: E. Some of
the information sought is more detailed than is necessary
for tHis type of project. The California 2nvixonmental.
Quality Act indicates that projects of a more general
nature (such as rezonings) need not be analyzed in as
much detail as would be necessary formore sitespecific
development projects Such, as 3 -"Ad diVi8i ns, since the
specific impacts are -too speculative for detailed evalua-
-Lion. The level of sped 'Icily of a particular protect
should determine what level of analysis is necessary in
the environmental review of the project. Some of ' the
specific data and information sought would be good to have,
but is either unavailable at this ti: e nr11too speculative
to evaluate oil 8=11 a large scalp.
s
,
u
Those'comments addressed in the letter requiring
are listed below,
a. COMMENT::
aThe proposed. zoning will�,'signal the area fol."
develo ment.
Response:
It is,, true that while the,general unolassif Ned
A-2 zoning of the area that currently exists is
much less restrictive thanthe proposed zoning
districts, the two-acre minimum parcel zoniiig
'
that is proposed may label this area as a rural
resdent*ial area, thereby encouraging growth and
development.
`1S
b. COMMENT:
Zoning must be limited to very ls.rge pwcel sizes.
f1
Response
Zoning should be compatible with the carryinv,-,, .
capacity o4'/ the land f or residential develr-piv.ei�t
(and for t1' e other various uses allowed 'n each F+
specific zone). In the subject area, very large
parcels probably are necessary on the steepex'-
sloping terrain (areas in excess of P6/07�slope)
such as in the northeastern and sdutheast,ern portions
of the area.} However, the carrying capar l.ty of the
land is Area er on the ridge-top lands � °: 6�` s7.d..:;v_,'
ing the Various environmental limitations"involved.
Very large minimum parcel. zoning may I t be r(--
qu fed on, thesef;more gentle, 10-15916 slop,7)ng Oreas.
c. CO {, 'f
Thex4_ is no need for small lot zoning ir; `;his area.
Response:
Because of the unknown or tuloortain future resi-
esi--dential
dentialuse patterns or personal desires and
•
preferences, it cannot be assumed that 'two-acre
or five-acre parcels will not be needed, gar „de-
sired in the Future. The two acre zoni�ig wJ''ll
maintain futuvo land use options while providing
S-tk4ater restriction on land use +han cui{ren-tl:y
exists. It is true that larger-than--two-acre-
minimum-parcels are necessary in arms of more
rugged terrain ('those areas off 'the'.ridge-,top,
where slopes exceed 15%) to protect the land
surf 6L6o r, r;egardl elss of demand.
d. C,CM1 ,XT c
+
Soil: i�, ve��y �.imit;ing to development � � the
Response:
Soil is generl41y dar,,pw than 'was originally
6,tatod in tho' d aft 2.I.Soil depth generally
is to S 60 Feet. Soil for
wv ''
$Ledisposal 1 V ose, �� )V`%fined !,as the
p pj
weathered' ae`x�omposed grafi articTm. not the. �
durface `U;ap-soil l.oatri. bre, Ift)-1 18notl
I
ri t
01
`,,
a serious limitation for septic-l: each Meld systems.
Effluent treatment,; occurs in the top several feet
and generally does not enter the groundwater
supply, which lies at 50 to 200 feet deep. Soil
erodibil.ity and leach. dela layou problems are
greater lihiiting factors of the land on resi=
dential development than is soil. ',depth. Soil
s; ;f
depth of the decomposed granite generally Ws
limiting only on moderate to steep slopes and
where rock outcroppings occur. Further discussion
,>-of this factor can be found in the revised odraft
e. COMMENT:
Vater^is a limiting; factor.
Response;
W,,ter availability may be the greatest limiti:o:g
factor in the rezone area since water sources
are ver-.).uncertain, until a, community water.
supply is posy; blo and. feasible. Water pro-
the is low. U�ells
duction from ells in area
W
generally are 100 to 200 feet deep, below the
assimilation regain "of the soy 1.
sewage effluent
Creation of new parcels undf r f�,ve acres in
lyy
supply
area must have proof or, _-�d44uate water pp
(3
beforo the land divisi6A can. be approved
gallons per .minute minimum, I i 5 gallons during
rt
the dry season) . parcels over five acres o
not require proof of water.:.... Existing parcels
of
c
of less than five ares mu;:c prove a source
water supply (existing webs) but are not
required to prove adequate quanlities of water.
if extensiv e development of the area ever
community water s,Tstem wil'. eventually
occurs, a
be necessary.
f. COMMENT:
Terrain restrictions -yin development.
, Response;
The Soil Conservation Servico_ recommends that
be limited to areas of less than
development
150 slope if specific soil.stability is a own.
Since most of the proposal has , 10-'1% slopes
(the ridge-top lands of t1:ye ral:Ooretown Ridge t.
ar d the Craig Area), this criterion. would
;1<
permit de�relopment on these areas. All other
lands in. the re ons. arep, Which have moderate
'to, steep slop of Creator than � �%d slopes
o, e
,
�r,'r�-'S
large minim=-p 5rcel zoning °to pro-
•tec't the land part' culArl,y since specif 106 soil
l
`
at'ld telra.i.n stability data : s unava a�,i`
�. COMMENT: Erosion and sedimentation will. increase.
Response: It is clearly pointed out in t1to ETR ),,)hat the
." theoretical development potential of `:"this
rezone pY'oposal, if fully' devoloped may
result,,:in serious erosion and 6edim.entation
problems. The actual degree o: the problem
is dependent on a number of factiors, such as
road locations, quantities and. locations of
vegetation retained, season of theyear in
which earthmoving activitie-s occur, etc.
The degree of intensity of tho problem is
therefore too speculative for evaluation' (�
h. COMMENT: Access problems and other road -related impacts.
Response: Access roads to created parcels viould be
st:ructed by private individuals as needed to,
provide thex:�equired traversable access as per
/✓„ Subdivision. Ordinance. Awing of these priv4te
roads is unlikely and therefore dust problems
from residential use of the roars will be
generated. Rda"a could become impassible in
printer for police and fire protection. Eow--
ever, ; new land div siono require two -tray
trave�sible access from a count --maintained
ty
road in order to be approved. !:his requires'
yearrolmd access capability except in snow
country. Such local access roads to more than
one residence are ,maintained by the land owners
vic, road maiziten,,�.ice agreements among the
rospective owners along the access:
Lmid divisions may have conditions applied by
the Butte County Public Works Department
which would ,r) , event the developer„ from .buil
ing roads ac`j�O' ss drainage patternii-I whithout
adequate culvert construction capable of
passing drainage. waters: There is no drainage
ordinance covering d 7 opment of existing
parcels. J
Road construction, par°L cularly on -steeper
terrain. and irk' their alignment does not follow
the contour of the terrain, is tho primary
source of erosion problems in tevraixi over
15% al.ope, since these cleared areas of bared
soil and rock: channel runoff. <,
161' COriq1]EN�. ,, , .I Wildlife imp acts tvill Occur''.
t
lZespons e . Wildlif e ,f6����oncernc and impacts t ,ave been:
previouslf'Y discussed in the draft E.I.R: and
in this Appeiidix E. Sucker RLm Creek is a
perennial stream with a yearround, fishery6
Also, streams and headwaters of Lake Oroville
;�
r I
are fed by this watershed. ThJ[�s creek lies
in. COMMENT io
the , eri her , of the ve.,!`o e area and.
on p p y: �' n
the
the probability of erosion sill,!ation of
1
creek or of any waterbody as a Iresult of the
proposal is speculative.
and vooty-zonea generally do.not extend very deep.
J, COMMENT;
More coniferous species exist aJh, the rezone area
w
then t�ie draftoEZR indicates. P'
Response:
Coniferousti.mbe,w-producing (.trees ,do exict in -
the eastarn and nd: t.heastern [portions of the
Response:
1 rezone area in relative abune�a ee. However,
==
elsewhere in the project ares, conifer species
i(
make up a small ..:percentage ot:'the total vegeta-
tion and are rather lispersG. The dense taxi
oak growth mentioned occurs ,largely east of
'�,
this rezone area., near �eatki,er Falls.
1
k: COMt`=T:
Fire .Prote6tion adequacy.
Response:
It is true that 'peak recreational use and
summer home use oT the area will coincide with,
the peak fire season. Adequate Fire pro-
Lection at ultimate development potential may
ly
be questiona..be at present service levels
and with potential acces Ycirculation problems.
1. COMME'N'T:
Potential for topogrtaplic Alteration.
Response;
The majority of the area hao SIO - 1591 slope
generally (xldge-top. lands) where roan
construction cal be undertaken without signi-
ficant, surface alteration. The steeper
areas of terrait (havin},a grcater than I%,slope)
is where potential land alteration and soil
disturbance would occur and could be signi-
igni -ficant
ficantit extensive road systems were to be
constructed and more ea.so residential use
were to bteur (on less th,-di five or ton acre
;�
parcels)
in. COMMENT io
Reduction hn groundwater quantiti es'used by
ve&. tation may occuv,)
Responset.
Vegetation uses the top several feet of soil
for water uptake of inil trating precipitation
and vooty-zonea generally do.not extend very deep.
dells, in the area generally tap ground water
�r
sources at deeper levels, 50 to 200 feet depths»
Ti. CCJI"ISNT
The development induced, by this proposal could
generate potential human health problems
Response:
lr.Creased likelihoo4, of wildfires ,'�tvgffi
.
acc 5onts, ax+baurei�d'f people to a'raba es
endtsn;.c area , and. t�,e possibility of, vailpy
fever roblessi t fto `disturbance of archaeological
p
sites may result 21.1 development and use -0:. Otho i
'�,
,rarea ,3.nGeases' i•. r. .`
o
C. The list of adverse impacts contained on page 19 of the
letter are hereby added to section 15143(b),,, Adverse
Environmental £fects It should be noted: that these
:impacts are potential and may not occur,:
CThe most reasonable proposal for rezoning 0 o the area
which is the -most ennv`iro:r�mexitally sound while allowing
ou taable lands uses of the propertios; could well be a
combination of the various alternatives under consideration
If \
\1
,I
0
,i
a
,x
SOCIETY FOR, CALIFORNIA ARCHAEOLOGY
,t District 2 Clea rirtghottse
c/o Department of Anthropology
California State University
Chico, CA 95929,
June 26 1918
Mr. Earl Nelson, Director ,
yV� Environmental Review Department
7 County center Drive
Orovill.e, CA 95955
Re: Craig-Mooretown Rezone
Dear Mt4 Nelson
1 have reviewed the draft BIR for the above referenced rezone
andi'\'ould add the following remarks regarding the arclYaeological.
potential of the area finder consideration- Although the sub-
ject property has not been systematically surveyed by archae6-
logisknowntto exist, historicrded
and there. ostculturallys gni ficant lonare
e
prehistoric
ali.ties
within the rezone area represent the villages, camp sites,
and task areas of the Maidu Indian people and their prodeces-
sort who ;held the property for 4000 or mono years prior to the
coming of the white man. tither sites include those with great
religious and social significance to the lndiah people living
in the region today and the areas or mining activities which `ti\
contain important information pertaifting to the Gold Rush era
' in 8utte Countyi All of these sites are important in. their
\, own right as they represent a segment o,i California's cultural
heritage and are finite, nonrenewable ;sources_. They take
on added 'signi.f;i.cance because the,,','waters of Lake Urovi.l.l.e
already have destroyed a major pa,�t�df the rogion's historic
and prehistoric 'values,'
Unless proper mitigation measufoL.;'are in§bituted the cultural
resources within the rezone area All be irreparably damaged
or de5tro ed by land development projects ects aria the increased
aessto jwhich
�andh'settlementyo��camnewl.ys increased population.
vandalism 1 /
• opened region i The
first 'step toward proper mitigation should be a complete
i.rnv(-.ntory of the cultural resources on the property under
cons,'ideration. Nwtt, the significance of each 'recorded site
should be determined.by a qualified professional archaeologist
and/or historian. Then protective measures should be ci,osen
carriedAnd t. All signif3l caret sites could be placed i.`,1 a t�
resourceconb,.bevation gone established for their continuec,h
�nvtranmen�ai �t.�r(►vi, bipt
Tel (016) 895 ,6109 JUN gee 10$
SOCIETY FOR CALIFORNIA ARCHAEOLOGY
District 2 Clearinghouse
r, Mr, Earl, Nelsen, page two
IV'er June 25, 157$
proted4-ion. If this is unfeasible,' the rezoning of the property
should maximize parcel size with 15 to 20 acre parcel minimums'.
Two and 5 acre parcel sizes are too small, to offer protection
to cultural. resources while the larger sizes would allow home
construction, a,cce;�,s roads, utilities, etc..and still :avoid
disturbance of significant historic and prehistoric sites.
An archaeological °easement agreement, which has been used
successfully in Butte County to, -protect cultural resources,
should be a condition of approval for any parcel map involving
historic or prehistoric sites in the Craig-1400retowh Rezone
area.
Sincerely, n
4
Keith L Lloh-son
Coordinator
District 2 Clearingho"se
cc E John Luvaaa
To )116) 605.610
n.-
el ,
Xl �7 (b) The Review Environmental
i � w Lirector�ls rlosponse to ,thp letter..'
from the Society for Califov ia. Archo.(_jology. ,,
1
The archaeological and historical sensitiv.�y'and importance
of this area is, acknowledged. Please ref or to the previous
comments ahu) responses contained ''in this Appendik � reg�d ,,^di:ng f
this subject (III (b) The Environmental Review Direct�?.ri e
response to the letter from the Calif ornu;,o,, Department,, of Parks
(r and Recreation, Office of Historic P'r- 'eserlra bion;). A complete�_,l
inventory of the subject 'land area is noir considered necessary
at this rezone level since specificland division and'Jto de
velopment proposals would require a site inventory for possible
z, archaeological and. historical[ ,resources at the time of permit
appli�.atidn.
Mitigation measures cannot be .applied to rezone proposals`to'
alleviate or reduce environme'ntal 'impacts. They can, only be
attached to actual development or i1afta divi8iontiiproposals.
The only consideration at this time is alternative zonings
which could protect archaeologiWal resources with larger mini-
mum parcel sizes.
The Conservation. consider.,At,.,on of Resource
�` � vation. zonir,., l,argex
minimum parcel z ping, and °archaeological easem r,nt agreement''
as- conditions of future parcel. map ��Pvovals where historic or
prehistoric sites exist are recommendations to be noted and 17,
,considered.
t
1
,/9
7
M71 CdJv?Y I i?D OF SUI)�W[S4U6 17/ &L COCIL
<= 00,111 .k6 6.4 X 7470 F. F ST�4i? r?T
0 -01/IC ,�
9S9�5
A"lo S-17
rLMS CO.IV,S1VI NIS i"F0IMAL S VSC i0 C��i?T,6IN r?T,IQVS
OF 71r6 D'V6 1978 641111 OVA64,7AL IAY-P�7 X)6�'712i T FOi? M6 CPAI�a.11l,?6TaPN
O
kimw B &r -i6 cmiw 6NVl1'OW tY17AL VI(fP u2T NT
ail 72IPAL COCIL,CO� I IS6D OF LcC)4t IYAIL P601S, &
' AT& kvid 6'C 771IS %�W, 45 CM6 fWS V16 OF INDIAV
lPRA MO WS#6S 70'7,,W6 .ISS06 WN 71/06 rte' 71OVS ? MT,INg
j�lO !iY%JZ,4VS OF TPIS �fA. M WSN IS 70 1606 6 % lAt 71,)6 8!11-16 CO_'!N Y
ON10 OF Strr'61VISOU A V6 INS FWA; AU CO►C&'WfD fl'l7��S �Fo
AA l/6 Rry Lfgslau,%f 7116 PPO-OS6D C I.(1-11
ON MZ 23 OF M6 i fins t LJ.�b'L 2 r,, IST l ?ICAL. Ji l h'l1 r y
� inib i`s M6 CS L , " , . , . C� T1161P Mil)Ie6 70 W6 ikS60 FCIV 4w
NIU ALIAS T716M 06S IN T716 MONI1:L S(�ZT:IOVS, t,
TNN f«' P/ OF 7716 A4776P IS MAT A'� ,414 MW I1UMVL 69
' IiV T7r FUNILIS >4
OF �,�I'/kl d 0��1.��5 LIV.Ih'C C �W IN 7/16 CMIr-'ZM,, O;UN;
ACr M6;% Af >itiN&N -FIV, , 101,4V FAVU S IPI T IV ,T1r6 AVS Z *L
M AM 6I97r POSOVS4
j
JUL. 26 1978
ri l
ON �.(1-6 Y4 OF 7116 k7JR7 UN452, W CAtOLrICAL r Satr S
SO,N NSD TNAT IN 7176 C24I9 krl W61'?f Ai� 'MR1 T(ZN
ma
;S; OVI�?SS_ SIT
DZ?(J�T INF®RMATIGV 1-�7i M L6 AL 1AMAY'608-6 1AIDIC,4i�S
711,4T CVC OF T116 ', INCI ML 'W' D POST 601 rN11Wi f)14k A5 OF FOr?r�6R �
INDIN #A817AMV IS IN T716 C291G,4. P6LIM1.6 S _' f ' S F`lw
711tc 72A01T. UO-k INIMO COi}rfiY YRY IN W6 COO TOLL US RA
7I1(Tl\& l(ei P;4ly 71116S P16 FIqPf,� OF FallMffN SI16S,M RAT y
AOS; SIDS A/'� kh%V TO V61W F6P CV 6A' MMS Sr R, IN&W 160rL6.
106A6` OF f)gnnTICUL* S RI ML '. SlWrICM65 r affD HIIV6 V61-Y/
LIM6 C&14,C6 OF Sn'avlAU�'' IN ,4��� � a`�Iiz/ THIS 15 CSr IALLV
?i U Or C nAT zc�V O;7 �Cll?ISL S1,
S '. MlCt;f .IS A L(545701 f i IAL
S176 A16111? 7I16 CSI -C'OJI P745 L i4' �N CO1''1'Ih'UAL
USC FOR >I Tmla A vt) , yu 8NI LI AL ' INDI, V P6q�M. 61~64 IN ' 71
P 04,16PIbis way, 7IJ PI T r� 7'�ADILV STA, 7 s "711AT 0 ►)6OF
7#6 4�6tL M,f�1 N F�t7S IS 711W 7116W✓- Mg,"",RPY OF ''PA ua 1,
X-CllltM rCAL SITCS X4 f 70,13,c MIND IN, il-H6
-r IN (IICI.USItt j lUG lUiSf 1 rO SM%c, T11A7 0V64LLt TNS 6. 1. R.
A776W-Ylt�O TO �jl'V6,,4 MIR AW MY6Y TIVC T OV 7116 MA7T61 OF
'r1srOIC�LD A,�CrA�O .TICAL ?fMll Zs
klvtkssiS MAT TVs A10017IOVk R 7716
TI A,6 O. 16,�ISI.OV AMINg OV `gr cml(
,` RO OF DIr,� , 701U
XII - (b) The Env'ironment al Review direct'oto the
r's response
Butte Tribal Co�uzc l letter, Glen Watson, Oha_'rman.
The additional a_r�.tormation �eoncer ing india�i cultural ;re-
sources is noted, including the fact "that 25 indian �;amili-s
' currently .reside �n tie area, and that,numorous' cultural and
arch 'eolagi al sites (recorded and unreco:Y ded sites) exibt
,in t}ie area: Also, the importance of the Craig areaas a
principle and concentrated locale of former Indian habitation
is ackrowl.edged' ' TJ �.s information is hereby made a ''part of
�
t dec�.s�.an and �n .is ElR and Zould be considered in 4rriving, at the proper
,i s • i achieving the most sound zoning for the area
.
G
t Y
i!J r
i o
PE"1` m', FULLER, RUSH, SCH06UNG 8 LuVAA5
A pgRTNL'RSHIP INC:.UDING PROFE55`IONAL v_:.ORPORATIONS
JERGMe D. PE TkRs,I99t•i9S3 AfTORC'; YS AT LAW (1
o S TEI CPtICNE
AREA>CODE 916
JL;�tld4s D.pEtFiS. IR, 4.14 '$ALCM STREET - p, P.O. 90X' 3509 342.359
«, bAVo R. FULLFR, INC•
DAVID H. RUSH % CHICO, CALIFORNIA 95927
�J JOHN W, SCHOOLING.,ItIC, �1{
JOHN L,LUVAAS.JR, �� .t7,�'ly 24, 1978
Earl Nelson
Ener�>.roizniental Re�a.ew Director
County of Buy`t e y ,
7 County Center Drive
Orovi lle, CA :'15965
ate: Crag-MaoretoiHn`' lte.7oring and SIR
i
Dear Mr. Ne 18 on II „ c
" The '" � ' " g 1 ��° � azz' m
�ollowin f additiona t
' en�Es are suY�ini%;tted for ,
• i
inclusion ift'the fi.na`L BIR oil this proposal. Th", cow_ents
are,l :limited Eo tho, subject of GUTn� VOR SNTERPPXTING ENG2NE R1+NG._
111�E5 i OF S'a%L's, wJh1ch is a �' blication of the IS I Conservation
dery .ce of the, IU, S 0 .,Depart lent b�f A3rirul tures Tht+ following;
l' Vage from,;this report' 1.s most appropriate.
1.. Page 20: Moderate Soil Limitation: "This degree
of limitation car be overcome or modified by special pl.ann_: n,g, „
design, a�' maintenance.. I' Even.` where moderate limitations exist
quiteis reza,ne area, the expense of overcoming them twill be
' .• sub8ta7` y p _
.xn, h:
he alternat Lve 't�'ill be not to overcome the l�:mxtati perky owners,
tial, both to the count and to the ro
�' ons; with
7 i
resulting ' iwatershed, streams; lakes, etc.
_.,.2, I Page 21: "Sbvere soil limitation is the rating
given soi lig, that have onef or more prope i.es unfavorable for
the, rs,-ted use, such as steep slopes,. bedtock, near th�1 'surface ,
...3'„ or ! l: jw boating strength. • This degree of limitation generally
,.r requiroa major soil reclamation, special design; or intensive
maintenance, Some .of tljiese soil s, however, c�h be improved by
reducin' or removing tl�e soil. featuie that la.mits use r but ,in
:-Orlost situat orI8 it is i`tifficult-. and costly to alter -the soil or—)
to design a s truc�tlak,
re �o as to compensate for a severe degree,,
bf limitatiori.11
3. -Page 21 "A` soil vated very severe has one or more
features so uh9avorable for the rated lisp, that the limitation is
Very diffa cult. and Opensi. y, • to overcome. ,_ " ReclR;iation would be
a �l'` di f+nom le t g i i q. removed,
extrema wxdtilt- re u rx the soil material to be
rept ce, or c p ly modii �ic,d. VeI' shallow soils over hard „
rock.:. , for e.�a .p have vel,* sev li.mitationS fob,' houses
�Rtll baseitents or far, C7k Syt SE'%n� e t1 j"J,1�5 1 .
C)
,
0
fi.P
Earl Nelson
July 24,:1978
Page Tj?" 4 -
4 a e 23 : Soil i l Limitation Ratings 'for SPt.i c Tank
k,sor tion Fields:' 11 copy of this chart is enclosed, far your
referencei Among other things it indicates a severe or very f
severe degree of soil limitation for septic tank leach :fields,.,`
with decomposed granitic soil," with a rapid percolation ra't-ej},
combined with "a caster table of less than 48 inches depth` and/or
cl.�eptlz to hardtc tof less than 48 inches andd :lope more than
5 A13 oo' I ase factors c a in' - in t - he - Z -.-ie area to `create
a severe eq ee, of soy l limitation for septic tank ;leach fields_.
A ,Vast majority of tho, xez-ane area has slopas of more than 15%,,,
granitic soils, : and w` ter,,'r t..able and/or depth to hard rock of "
les,-, than 48 inches .�S Mo6t has Well. less than 24 inches of soili
v
I, t a.a to be noted +��atth�� suggestea reguxrement of 48
inches of" soil is. contrad,i'torywith this county's health Depart-
,"Aent standards of only 2 feet f or bevel ground xrt any event,
there is almost no level gYound i�hvolved here, for which the
leal.th Department admits even more soil is requ. rod,
a. Page 24; ":Lt should, be noted that a cont,&'tn.ination
hazard may exist if water supplies, streams, ponds, lakes, or
water course's are Nearby and redeive`see,ta,Uje frc��; the ab:�orptioh �`',
field.
6. Page `25: "A seasonal wateshould be at "least
4 feet below the bottom of the trelich at all times for 'ZI -Pis
rated as having light liriiwation, further on p g,� 25 `xm-
i
1
bts,
f_
1layers,
LngonShould 4iesmorebelot,thebottonofthetilo treAchflobr"Thissugge i
that aoil depth-.rf even more than 4 feet should be required,
since the trench itself, uses aepti W an a i a n
ecessar
I
adequate soil cower M''permi.ts unfiltered S2c>yage to 'travel long`
Page 25 Creviced or fractured rock without an
`i
di8tancos ,through old or nese aquifers, as in. deeply cracked
limottone. At least 4 feet of hiode,t:ately course be finer: tex"
tured soil material should be between the bottom of the ,Ule
trenches and such ruck." " Pis indicated in the )EIRe water flowsl`
through the soil Just below, the ground surface in this areae
until. it loCate8 and kl bws=into deep fractures. 'these are `the
source of water -in present wells`. Bince there is less than 'i!°
feet o�- 80il in nearly all of th .s area, the water supply wilj..
be threatened by sewage.
I
N
,j
Earl' Nel.s,on
July 24t 1978
Page Three,
Page ;, a
�� Vxr cc
$, Fa e 25
loam sand, course sand, and g5
materials. ,These s''&il materi<
ong 4istances . ; RE,ttngs are
nate "foie ,tabl c-5hould ar�n
71 _47
er
- it C1
;e textured ,soil materials .(course
:l) are relatives oc,r r":ilterinq
.permit unfiltered sewage to travel
d on permeability cklone.,, A foot -
Lt coni amination of, nearblr water
granite, ana contaa.ns' or. I -s under:lain with course sand and grave-,
poor' filter ;ng matser . �� s . Even if there were more th"ori 4 feet of
soi'1 throug ,� itt�tYiis, urea (plus enough for the dept;; of the tiles)
the soil is a puo3; ia,ttering ma:,erial anc,",xI a hazard' to nearby water
exists. 'Since the entire area is watershed' for Ponderosa Reservoir
and. Lake Qrovil.l a major, hazard is threatened)
9 Page 2 � �o�.ls w�.th lopes of less than Hai the
be. }- ,mites for setaa�. e clzs osal Systems from the stands ointse
p y , of
�>
cons rur:tion and suo�cesa ul op,erat:.on of at n fie d,
MebTanl ar probRns ';w ayout all Construction, however, 1nEiredse
t `�
with steej nhessla9e. Lateral seepage e or down-s1.o e
g ip flow is a
; especially
psloping especially where bands of imp;(rmeable
material occur, Within the"4 foot depth. Large rocks, bouldars,
and rock outoropu `lncre�',se construction costs. The the grade is'
„ cliff ioultto maintain it, the obstacle cannot be removed:"
11 ��
I . l�ac;e ;25 r "D` terc encs in solution are readily trans-''
mitted through �=6 sc,ais\,and may contaminate ground water supplies."
ll. Page g 30. Limitation R��inS��G;F for Shallot Exca-
�s
yations • V! e attached ^hlai,;t for shallow exca ,>ations ridicates
that a seasonal, crater t,a1,,}le', above a dep th of 36inches, as in t,, tis
}�
area, and/or slope.
c� m,re than 15 + depth 'to bedrock o, Less than
A `
inches, and C+rsr�y or gra,,relly`'deeomp�lsed granitic soils create
a severe degree of soil limitation for !��hal�OW ekcavations such as
1!�ta.ln
would >>e required' here th level building sites.
g a LimitatioillThe
fsoilo
tags
limitations ;"b
;:or soil�� a season.
� ,•;��th
al (one month or more) water table above a depth of 2„0 inches j slope
of more, ,than l5t depth to bedrock of 'less than 20inohes, arid' pos�-
sibly with decomposed granite: This Creates a further sever6. jimi'-,
ta,tiop for residential use of the` areae since the seasonal. wad rk�
flow frequently is just below the ground ;5Urfac,�i and depth tv! ��o ire
less thaninches
han 7 {es
area
1
;�
y51o��'e
exceeds yc 15 et of 8 .� _
sof 5 to l5� th
t a",noderafe de ee of j� imitat cin,
g,
ti ,
r 0,
Y4 ,
Earl Nelson
July 24, 1970
Page Four
13. Page 38; Soil Limitation, Ratings for Local Roads and
Streets: Severe problems are created with S';lopes exceeding .15%xnd °
hartst
isrdn 20, neo
equiredt�odeterm ne�),whetherg�6:�ea
iticSoilsci atefmoil�;'
limitation. A moderate degree ;bf limitateion exists .evenwith slopes
of Ei to
'/15% and 20 to 40 irichesK.,of soil.. See; thy„attached chart.
- p
14. Page 39:°"Ef,fort is made in, designing and constructing
roads to have the volume of filr matPxial equal, withintshort dis-
tances, to the volume "of mate`r'ial taker from Cuts. Much of the
road fill, therefore, come from nearby cuts if material is suit- �''
able. Where cuts "do. not yield enough mater sl for' local embankments,
the fill material is obtained `from bbirrow,�, pew".a lat much greater
s ►�
expense , Furthev from page s9: If the;. thickhLoss of" sulta!Ae
materiels is less than 3 feet ,,because of sha1.].owi depth to bedrock
or to other, unsuited or noorlyy suited _material i the -;whole. soil i,s-
�] CrIV4 n . a rating of soot, tega Bless of the, aual:i ty� of the ittatgrial.
less than 3 feet thick. This limitation applies �
rezone area, so road-onstructon _r�r realignment
nese y all 'of
lim � - n ap�
r � �Ithe�� r twill •be ° extrome�
%f ly difficult, expensive, and require ,,hzuling horn and creation of
barrow pigs. Creating such borrow pits may itself create significant
environmental impacts, riot addres.6,e i'r7 the ErR.
15: See also the attached copy of sample table D, which
summarizes the degree and kind of, limitation for various soils,
n YnC� i
Yig the decomposed granite of this area,,
A complete copy of the Guide ,for lnterp'etirhg Engineering
Uses of Soila'was submitted by us to the Environmental Review ;
Director within the 30 day comment period. The enclo"8ed summary,
�-oald
not be submitted within that tame, because of the date when
the above document was obtained. This summary is submitted so
that a d6ndise analysis may be inciuded in the tit j wi:thotit the
riecessirty of including the complete document.
a
Yours very truly j n
- PExEI25C�LLEit �t�Tei#,
SCHOO & .I VAAS i
AZ'i
Zbt ttj\t R.
rA torneysv or rezone area
resident.
o.
q -
JA
1/ Class limit6 are the same as those suggested b;4'the Wotk--Planning
Conferehce of the national Cooperative Soil Survey , jThe limitation ra�.'inge
should be related to the permeability o soil. layers4l t and below depth of rt,
the the line. 1`
2/
Indicate, by foothate there pollution -�s a hazard to dater,supplied.
In arid ter semiarid areas, soils with madetately slow permeability
may`have a Iimitatiph rating of nmdetUte.
r; 4/ Bd4ed -on th
,. a absusdpt'ion that filo is, at, a depth of 2 feet::
,.
$J For class de- nition's .see szi.3 �s PP
,
1
u
Degree of soil limitation
item affezt,ing Lee .
�
Sl ght
i Moderate'
Severe
n
Pe eabilit class -1/
rm y
Ra id2/►
p
ewer end
Moderately
moderately
of moderate
s1ow3/ and
e,
rapid, and
el"a.�,
f l 0
upper end
'moderate
of
Hydraillic condtictivity ,
',Mote than
1-0,6 -1n. /hr
Less than
rate -
l din.hr2/
0.6 In. /,4r
(Uhlan'd cote method)
Perculatioh ra%:A
Faster than.
45-60 min/in.
Slower than
Auger hole me`,,,od)
45 min/in.2/
60 min/in,
Depth to hater table„ -
More 'than
48-72 in.
Less thea
0 72 in. "
48 in.
Flooding `; �i
None
Occasional
or fieq,4ent
S�Iope 1,,�
0-8 p M
8-15 pct
Mote than
`
15 pet
p'�kh: to hard rock,4/
More than
48-12 in.
Less than
bedrock, orllother
72 in,,.
48 in.
itipervidus
mr terials
x--
Stohihess classy/
n and 1
2
8, 4, and 5
Rockiness class/
-�0
1 2, 3, 4,
(I ti and 5
JA
1/ Class limit6 are the same as those suggested b;4'the Wotk--Planning
Conferehce of the national Cooperative Soil Survey , jThe limitation ra�.'inge
should be related to the permeability o soil. layers4l t and below depth of rt,
the the line. 1`
2/
Indicate, by foothate there pollution -�s a hazard to dater,supplied.
In arid ter semiarid areas, soils with madetately slow permeability
may`have a Iimitatiph rating of nmdetUte.
r; 4/ Bd4ed -on th
,. a absusdpt'ion that filo is, at, a depth of 2 feet::
,.
$J For class de- nition's .see szi.3 �s PP
,
1
u
4
e,
JA
1/ Class limit6 are the same as those suggested b;4'the Wotk--Planning
Conferehce of the national Cooperative Soil Survey , jThe limitation ra�.'inge
should be related to the permeability o soil. layers4l t and below depth of rt,
the the line. 1`
2/
Indicate, by foothate there pollution -�s a hazard to dater,supplied.
In arid ter semiarid areas, soils with madetately slow permeability
may`have a Iimitatiph rating of nmdetUte.
r; 4/ Bd4ed -on th
,. a absusdpt'ion that filo is, at, a depth of 2 feet::
,.
$J For class de- nition's .see szi.3 �s PP
,
1
u
v
,+ 30lo- -
excav ons
• 4vyshallow
5 rSo' j 4, ratio s for �y
iL scion
iu►
Gr
uide Sheet
egree of soil limitation°
o
f�£ectit& use
Moderate
Iev
tem Slight
Somewhat. paorlY
ned, poorly
r�orlexat drain
ral ly ;!
well dXaii�ed �. 'Indy
gxcessively' drams
��anage class drained., some- yery poQr1Y'
cessi Y
Soil
� st ��� and a
lwha, 1' draine•d ,
.,, drain► ;
drained depth
Well ove I
B de» hs
I
Bet wee SO
ow a�d th 30 60
t l of
R tl of n
!i n��: 17 tin .
t1n
t P
• t r'
AY
n
Jkare ��r; ,frequent
'�. None
Floodins
t�a�xs than '15
6_15 pct pct��;i
Q-S pct,.:,� 4 j si
,
Slope
�__�---- sl, � gi1,_ s3=j � r� �� i c► �o � ot�a�t3.c
s
fsl� all g llis;
all
b£ sail to sicl, scl types ravelly
Texture very, g
pth t4 be
p ,, t es
e�oavatedll �y�� � ,
Less than 40
60
yin.
n`
than
60
5 % 'More
,• Depth to' be
34�_
.and 5
2 and 5
gtoniness alassb-�
0 and 1 2, 3, 4+
0 -'"` --- �tat�ility
sidewall S
„' ltocltineas class index to work�«3•litY and ( ,
here as an aterial difficult E
used oY other m
11 Texture is �, an, duripai�, , the liraitetioh.. «acing ,? ,
if sail contaihs a tt7ick frith handtoolaan.
inc«ease"
,r impossible) to excavate �'
to o3 ht
ut not
imp t is g!��: =• sting .-- -- �'
f y one stFsp loess, «educe « t
cuts)like
unless i
. deduce
3 j if soil stetiaa in Verticil kaol.i►itie Paleudults
is fYat?le, as are some
4j
If the eo•ll with otcl na
to ._ Aa atd be dug out s ofi � a1 e
t`ating oar};`ate: r
h so that it can tedute Xatlns
s soft enoug back h6es� mo e
if bed'rbak stack as
5%equip menk, ,.
hatidtoels o't light one
step pp 21��223;
�.� and sev� by NTaniial,
b l Vo't
al"assefiti�ition3 sea foil Stix�e
;i u