HomeMy WebLinkAboutFILE #2 EIR BIDWELL HEIGHTS LAND CO. 8 OF 10V. ENVIRONVENTAL'IMPACT AND MITIGATION'
A., GEOLOGYA:44`I) SOILS IMPACT
Introduction
Material in this section (with the exception of the section on erosion) ;is taken from
the October 13 1981 geological -site reconnaissance report b PALydon. y,, Y Plea se refer
to Appendix. B for the report in its entirety as well as for a complete listing` of the
references cited here, This .report indicates that "subsidence, loss of mineral resources,
erosion, nd volcanism are, not likely to pose significant problerna, whereas expansive
soil, fault displacement, rockfalls and seismic activity might pose significant geologic
hazards,
Geo?og46al Hazards
Subsidence. Rock types present on the parcels arc of a type in which extraction of
subsurface fluids will not result in subsidence (widespread lowering of the ground
surface). This conclusion is the name as that reached in the County General Plan (Map
III"1, Butte County 1971).
LoeS of Mineral. Resources. Meld ex;�mination showed no evidence of rninera 1
deposits or, sand and gravel on the>.site., The Lovejoy -Basalt is being used, as a source of
crushed rock in. e, smallquarry located off the property access road, about 8Q0 feet south
of the Little Chico Creek crossing4 if use; of this quarry is ,discontinued anter the
property, is developed, alternative sites can be developed Upstream, ;'as: the Lovejoy is
ecposed in the canyon walls for about three miles north of the property; bound&rya
Erosion. The erosion hazard of ,Tooines $oil i~rated as "t:igh" by the Soil
CoosotVation SerVice (1967), based at Yeast in part on the. moderate to steep slopes in the
area. Under natural conditions, erosion activity is low- on the upland surfaces of Doe 11111-
Ridge, and moderate 0111 the slopes of the lower Tuscan. Under conditions of development:
activity, er6810tt in all areas, can be expected to 'increase; :especially in steeper portions
of tte site.
Must erosion, w,,suld take place during corgi ,tructton; grading fore'roads, espec4ally
side-hill cuts, can ec�ntribute to Goth wind sari cVater, erosion. Some erosion could also
take place after project' dev.elopntent froth unrevegeta_ted cut and' Ftl1 areas arlund homes
or along roads Erosion can also occur if drainage clanneis receive significantly
increasedstorm runoff and their banks erode into gullies under the force of the
stortttwAter,• this would be unlikely. impacts of Oro!ion include loss of topsoilz'
alteration'
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R t
ary effect, of an; haking,. the
Earthquake Activity. A primearthquake is ground s
horizontal, and 'vertie I vibrat;on of the ground that can result in damage to buildings,>
tanks, etc. Secondary effects inCAude liquefaction, lurching, slumping, and
pipesy'stort�ge
y ' can be a roblem in, loose, granular, saturated soil, Or
f91. Liquefaction, rvrhich P
rock ag, which
to of a liquid-like condition in soil by vibration. Lurching and slumpin
creation
are most severe is loose, granular; soil? refers° to formation of mounds, depressions, and;
by vibration. Blocks of rock that are on the verge of falling are sometimes
large cracks
.shaken loose during ail .earthquake=
free t es d soil most subject to liquefaction,
clay-free
$eeause the looses sand �, y"
and slumping are not present on the site, except perhaps_ immediately along
lurching,
intermittent stream coarsest these processes do not constitute a sign..tc ant hazard on
thesite. 'Fockfall could" be a problem in places.mainl to the
oncausative
The severity of ground shaking depends _ y the distance
earthquake, the strength of the earthquake and the nature of the soil and rocket and
of earthquW1,5 is expressed as magnitude (Richter scale),
affected site. The strength
damage in inhabited areas is expressed as intensity, (�/Iodfied 1lercalli
the severity of
scale)-
Because the site lies within the northern extension of the Foothills Fault Systpm,
the System is generalxy considered capable of producing a magaitude 65"
and because
private and public studies is summarized,. in Div.
earthquake (evidence from numerous
the site to be subjected to
Bines Geology Staffs 1979), it is reasonable" planning to expect
a magnitude 6.5 earthquake with its epicenter (a spot on the ground immediately, Above
earthquake source) located at a distance Of less than 20 tiniles:
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Studies correlating m.agnitttde, distance to epi entee and effects ata site (56ore
et.a 1978) Shovf that such sn. earthquake tetR miles t�rQrrs the site, could" result in
,t .
acceleration of 0�2 to. 0.4 g (20 0 40 percent of the acceleration of
horizontal graiand
gravity). This corresponds very, roughly to an ,intensity of VIII (Hays, The
`indicates'
follo;vin paraphrasing of part of the 1lodifLed i�lercalli scale impacts .,to
g
structures associatedwith earthquakes of intensity VI and greater.
yt: Weak plaster and unreinforcad adobe cracka windoWs break:
r
e d•' some "cracks in good., but unreinfOrced, rnasonry
VII: Weak masonry dama� , .
Good, but unrein11 farced, .. masonry damaged; some damage to' reinforced
." VIII:
d workanship loose panel walls thrown out.
with goad �nbrtar anm
structures
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B. WATER QUALITY/PUBLIC HEALTH IMPACT
SURFACE DRAINAGE
Rutnoff Yoluma;
Development which: occurs following ;project approval will cause an increase in storm
runoff quantities because of reduced ground absorption due to impervious surfaces and.
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somewhat increased concentration, times.
These impervious stifaces will be typical of developments e.veraging one unit per
three acres. Most of this runoff will be diffused, eventually draining to numerous minor -
tributaries of Little Chico Creek: 'Minor portions Would be tributary to Butte Creek.
Due to the small percentage of the, project which will be covered With impervious
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surfaces in ;comparison to the sites of the drainage basins, runoff volume increases are
expected to be insigniflea, nt Such increases are further limited by timing differential
between flood peaks in different portions of the creeks which receives runoff. For
purposes of comparison, the drainage basin for Little Chico Creek is approximately 25
;square miles in area at Stilson Bridge, and the Butte Creek Basin is 147 square miles in
area at the Covered Bridge. The project is slightly less than two square miles in area.
1Vater;.QuaUty
Pollutants may be dissolved or picked up and transported by stormwater runoff; then
• Greek, and,.to a much lesser extent, Butte Creek by surface
dise'haiged :into Little Chico
drainage Plows. While, the,, constituents of such pollutant Mixtures would be similar to
-t the concentrations Would be lower and the. intensity or.,
more densely poe zlated areas,
magnitude of the stream impacts much lower than where development is more densei
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The toes of ollutants which are likely to be ,found �n urban runoff include, oils, paint
y p _ `
residues, pesticides from home garden, use, sediment, rubber and asbestos particles,
nitrates, phosphates, ;arid, other, urban : chemicals (primarily p.etrole'um denv$l,ives)':
However, the relatively low"density (three acres per dwelling unit overall) of this project
means "runoff. pollutants 'will be more dilute than in'the pity, and will havemore ,open
area for per into, tiro soil Arid for absorption by surface. vegetation. F'or these
reasons, less of the,polluting elements' will reach the stream than is the case farther.west
where Little Chico Creek passes through file .city of Chico,.
Septic Leachfield Suitability. '
.Soils investigations shoW. adequatb" soil for- septic tank leaching purposes over ,most
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readily dispersed' in the more vigorous ds winat that elevation level, in contrast to
�:nted' -vehicles at elevations below
trapping of emissions gerated by project-rela
periodic
approximately 100A feet, where air can be seasonally more stable. (Please see Appendix
D for a wind rose and other more detailed Air Qua lity Impact `information,` and
calculations.)
The sporadic production of dust and exhaust emissions (90 X9 CO, THC) from
® ;
_construction equipmentwould take place on the project site over a period -of several
These emissions,tho�.ld be minor in quantity and should be dispersed fairly quickly.
years.
Over the long term, the project would produce some stationary source, emissions
from fireplaces, home'''heating and' cooking, and dust from dirt ;road travel in the dry
months. In, general, these emissions would be quickly dispersed and not be as potentially
significant as those generated by the vehicles commuting daily to the Chico area and
other valley ucstnations,
Emissions Generated:
Assuming 2700 trips per day generated by the project, and an average one-way trip
length of ten miles ;(to and within Chico), mobile source emissions entering the
Sacramento Valley Air Basin can be estimated as shown in Table 3.
TABLE:4
pRojT MOBILE SOURCE. EMISSIONS
Emissions: Percent of 1990
PollutantTorsJDa Bay �n Emissions _
si
Carbon monoxide (CO) 0,3034 0 037
Total hydrocarbons (THC) 0:1(l�8 1.291
Nitrogen oxides (NOx} 0.0347 0.252
.:
focal and Basin - Wider Impacts:
this
While` the percentages of air -basin pollutant emissions are small, project's
emissions would represent one o 11 f sever. al. incremental additions made by this and o"titer
Chico area residential development proposed for the same time period: To some extent'
NOx =Nitrogen oxides; CO -Carbon monoxide; TH = "rot aljHydrocarbUns,
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of significance of CO and other emissions levels will be made by the CARB`,
Consistency With. NAP, PSD Regulations:,
As stater', earlier, this project's 'growth should be within the magnitude and time
frame of the County growth projections incorporated into the Non -Attainment Plan
(NAP) for the Air Basin. No transportation control strategies have been adopted in the
NAP; however, the local Air Pollution Control District (APCD} supports County-
'measure,p t System. The mitigation
promoted measures such as the Butte County Transi
(see section on i!vitgations below)of providing a' project transit bus which would tie in
with the County's Transit line would fit in with the .APCD19 support of local
transportation ci�ntrol measures. 'In, general, mitigation measures for mobile sources
would be enforced/implemented by the CARB €1lotor Vehicle Emissions program (with an
inspection and ivaintenan,ce program likely to be reinstated in the next few years);
measures for -stationary source emissions ,, ould be overseen by the Butte County APCD`.
No Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) Rule exists for this Air Basin (since
it is aNon-Attain ment Area for some pollutants). The projvet is approximately three
Miles from the southern boundary of the Lassen Class I area; probability of pollutant
transport to this area is loSvt, since most winds are from the southeast or northwest and
would tend to, carry'pollut- is to the north and west or. to the south'and east of the Class
i 'area. The rnain'volume of emissions, those produced by commuters, would be generated
further away in, thelow. er elevations,.a.nd would tend to, remain in the Valley rather than
be carried up intci the foothills.
:
I�itigatrons: -
" ` Measures° in into Project design to: reduce trip -generation, and theref�rce
emission's, include provision of a gas station and �sinall eom�rl erciacenter on site. The
l 17' developer is also considering provision of a bus,or vary on a regular schedule to transport
project, resident to a Highway 32 bus stop (probably at Santos i�ay ; from Which they
could use the Transit System As the numbers of elementary school age
,$u{teou►3ty
etti?dterr in the project increases add%tional si hool bus service would also be provided:
D. VISUAL AESTHETIC$;,IlN ACT
The Scenic= Highways Element. of the Butte County Ge'ner.al Plan r.ecoanizes t}at
"Butte County has many areas vi picturesqIt ue natural landscapes �' oe �YIiII Ridge, vith
e looi.�nt e
its chaparral vegctation and rock outcrops in^luding bluffs andbuttes oY r yj g. h
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t
levels."
Mitigation,
Dick Dyer (Division of Aeronautics, CALTRANS) suggested that residents near the
k 'air strip (if built) be the users of the strip ,so that the noise.rvouId;besomewhat more
acceptable. For Chico Airport the 65dB CNEt, contour is about. 400 feet on Hither side of
the runway's center line; this distance could -be used as a guide for the placement of
homes: Since the strip may be a significant noise source., the County may, according to
provisions in the Noise Element of the General Plan (Section .2) and State law, require
data on airstrip activity levels and projected noise contours. iii addition, .if the, strip is
open to users other, than project residents, the t�eronautics Division of CALTFtANS Would
require a noise urvey (with contours) as part of information accompa;nyirig application
for an aitD. Ort use permit,. Thus either. the County or State may stipulate -Mitigation
measures depending on how this Iproject component fits into their regulations.
Since homes should not be within a 60dB CNEL contour o►` xighCvay, 32, no unusual
noise insulationshould be necessary. In general, vegetation around homes can ;verve to
reduce arnbient noise levels,, if desired by residents.
F. LAND USE/PLA.NNING IMPACT
The provision of suitable locations for,all: necessary community land uses—including
housing—in a variety of, settings to suit various,.incozrte levels -is an ekpressed goal of the
Land Use Element of the Butte County General Plan. Gn page; 33; the' Plan states that
Butte County should "provide a diversity of ilausing sites varying, in Size, density and
location." The project i'n- question offers; that diversity byallow}ing prospective
`
r homeowners the option of purchasing 'a home in the foothills; benefitting from. the
amenities of a rural lifestyle:
The appropriate location for .such housing is qualified by other policies within the
Plana which point out constraints and limitations to b used" in guiding coriimunity gRowth,"'
so .that the ultimate development pattern maximizes community benefits and71 minimizes
adverse environmental; changes. These policies, interpreted and ;applied in their extreme_`
sense; would block, any development' anywhere. �Vit1t policy iriterpr,etations and62
App lisa'ttons tempet`ed'by practical reality, the conflicts between policies are resol"veci`'
through theplanning process 'which yields compromises or tradeoffsin its'attem'pt to
bringabout the hest possible developmer), patterns achievable in the real tivorld. ;As an
3. Availability of adequate ,fire protection facilities.
4, Adequately maintained, approved road access with sufficient capacity, to serve
the area.
5« Reasonable accessibility to commercial services and schools (p. 49)«,
There is evidence; of water supply with a. mutual water system already in existence, fire
access exists'
protection facilities are being provided, including fire fighting equipment,
to an RS-7 standard,road, and commercial services are being provided Within the
project. Satisfaction of these criteria ,an be: insured at the subdivision tentativemap
approval stege, through application of appropriate conditions of project approval.
G. VEGETATION AND IVILDUFE IMPACT
Impacts on vegetation and wildlif e are directly related since the vegetation provides -
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food and shelter for all wildlife. The primary impact to vegetation Would be direct
removal. 'The amounts and types of vegetation removed would be directly related to the
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scale and distribution of development and also to the foresight and care taken in the
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construction process.
�g
Impacts to the abundantwildlif e in and around Doe Mill Ridge could occur from botfi
direct and`°indirect effects of both construction and long-term existence of the Bidwell
Heights project. 1Fi the short"term the sporadic disturbance of noise and human activity
due - to construction of to and homesite9 would cause 'destruction, of habitat
(permanent) and disturbance to normal movements of lamer birds and mammals
. ,. s ; construction
�, Y p wo�d shift arraund the site as
(temporar ,)« The disturbance im acts
activrties moved,
s and other develo ed areas are at tbis'�
ed and sizes o clu
st
Because t;ne' er bp
ti rime in the cwsnceptual stege, it is premature to estimate number of acres of wildlife
habitat removedby tine project, In anyCase areas ot` removed habitat Would be scattered
thro�,hout the site rather than in one or few imageIocis:
The lots surrounding the vineyard (parcels 1; tnrouh 171 and those to the north
(PFu� eLs A through 13) are ,mostly' on the flat' ridge uplands cvh`ich were scraped',of all
vegettior. Ppprcxir:tel�r l0 years; ago, The impacts. of dev:elopmerit (direct remaVal ,anal:
indirect - 'disturbances)would occur prima )IS With respect. to the potentia(after,
complete revegetation), ratiXer than present �ti�ildlife habitat value of the laird, B"ecause
��
�� d bu �di,vzded into rn�_ _� ,,
dividual two-
these uplands wo;zia not be _clustere , or three-acre lots
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full development could ;make the area from the vineyard north unsuitable for some of the
larger people-shy wildlife speeies mainly'through a proliferation of roads and scattered
habitations rather than direct removal of a significant area of habitat. Upland habitat
removed would be mostly new growth chaparral, 'with; some Digge • pine and open:
grasslands which are of moderate wildlife value, and not a rare or sensitive vegetation
community.
Vegetation types removed in the southerly clustered parcels wottl be. more varied,
•
composed of some chtiparralt, seine grasslands, some oak woodland,' and small,amounts of
ravine woodland, depending u on e1,lster placement. Oak and riparian woodlands could he
removed, in small quantit'tesl these' are the most sensitive vegetation communities: from
an ecological point Lof vt`evt in that they harbor the most wildlife and cannot readily
revegetate once' removed. • Clustering will enable -a design that avoids prune wooded
habitat areas and leaves maximum amounts of natural land ,(see mitigation Measure list).
Indirect impacts to wildlife of both construction and on-going residential use 'would"
include:
Road kills
o Poaching
® Depredation by clogs
Possible reduction of spring water in drainages downstream of project wells
other impacts a. disturbance (e.g. noise) associated with human activity.
e
These' effects would probably cause `slight, reductions in certain wildlife populations,
especially thoae inhabiting or moving through the portion zoned for two- and thcee-acre
lots. Thus the 'Sralue�of the lands just north ;and east of the. vineyard as acorridor for.
north south t�+ildlire movement could be significantly reduced upon total buildout.
In particular, the project lies near the :western eda,e but entirely within the key
p". ��tton of the T ehama Deer Het�d `,Vinter Range, and. would reduce available wintering'
or
f
habitat for this speciesby an undetermined amount, representing, a very small percentage
of the total w"rntering area, available.
Since the deet"s migratory routes have been blocked to some extent by development
44�
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further east (at higher elevations -- Forest .Ranch; Butte. Meadows area),. ;the Doe Al Ill.
d er.
Ridge area may not actually serve 'as habitat for signtfican numbers of migratory
w
r
i
t ea su orfs Appro+�mately 40 resident deer,euerirl, of these deer maybe
The' ro ec .ar ,.. P.P..
P�f
through habitat removal:arid ongoing,,,��
displaced' with development, of. the site,. both
disturbance.
Aquatic Biology; Impacts
The project area includes about 1000 feet of an intermittent stream on its western
r
edge and, about 1500 feet on its southern edge. If these streambeds are to be included in
road; home, utility line or other 'construction, a stretmbedalteration permit (a 1603`
permit), will have to be, obtained from the California. Oepartment`of Fish and Game:
Impact; of erosion and sedimentation or of surface or groundwater pollution to the
1
aquatic habitats: these intermittent streams or of Butte or Little Chico Creeks are not
anttci pated, to occur* see � _ and Mitigations sections.ins in jater Qualit Im ac+
Cumulative Im Pa cts
S9,
This project alone would result in minor, localized adverse impacts upun foothill
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ecology, providing the measures listed in the i igations section; are carried' out. Local
Wildlife populations would 'be reduced very slightly and could adapt and adjust to
disruptions in their normal movements, as long asi the surrounding lands remain
undeveloped as a, source of unrestricted act 1vi;ty: However, if adjacent lands developed
in similar fashion, the foothills outside of Chico would become unsuitable for larger
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wildlife, thus upsetting the ecological balance; In general,; the foothills are an important
habitat, being a zone of transition between the valley floor and the montane habitats.
Bothplant and wildlife species need' large ekpanses ofundisturbed land in thiw
transitional tone as a buffer from ektrer.re t^onditions temperature, rainfall, winds) in
the lower and hipper elevations. in addition, "the foothills contain a flora aid fauna of
"their' own which are important both in their own right and as links in both valley and
montane ecology.; it is thus , mportant to use moderation "both in fhe spacing out and in
theinternal spatial configurations of" foothill developments to retain as much'
I
iritereonneeted open space as possible (measures tc� this end: are listed under ytitigaton).
bh a regional scale, if dense residential developmenu; are introduced ihto the foo'ihills in
"
substantial numbers and Are located close together, foothill ecology would be asversely
affected even if, mit%gation measures as listed are implemented withineacii development;
since rio area would be °far from human babitat'ion,
Marieor Endangered Speies
Since the rare and :endangered'' "IL species potentially or actually growing on fhe
project site:. grow on steep.a rocky outcrop areas cshieh Would' not . be .disturbed byi
development, and sine the one, tulnual actually. found, onsite '(Bidwell's -knotw;eed,
,Polygonum bidw elliae) oasily reseeds itself in its steep habitat, m';itigatons for rare and
6,
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9. Use existing roadways wherever possible, to avoid cutting new roads through the
open areas. Make access roads narrow, and in general minimize) construction of
roads.
10. Around the perimeter of develoment clusters, leave an unimproved low-density
use buffer -zone (such as a foot or horse 'trail).
lands to- incorporate the
11. Coordinate planning with proposed projects on adjacent
above principles, especially leaving connections at continuous habitat amongthe
protects•
r'P a
12. Allow no free -roaming pets, i hunting, and post speed limits of 30 raph
on project roads:
[I. CULTURAL RF�SOURCES .IYIPACT
Althot,&h this property v!`as considered highly likely to contain remains of prehistoric
hunting or food gathering camps, the findings of only' one insignificant mortar after a
thorough examination lead to the recommendation that archaeological clearance be
granted for theproposed project area.
I. TRAFFIC';IMPACT
_ „_ , -
The impacts of Bidwell Heights on traffic would' occur in the same way as ��,ouid
those on noise, air quality and other, impacts of residential areas: they would occur
gr,dually over time es the project is bunt out L probably over about 10 to 15 years -land
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they would occur ij:i the i7ontext`of oxher such developtnents. Traffic `impacts would fake .
t/'plaee within the pr.'.)ojeet on local Doe tilill Rodg,e area roads, on Highway 32, and within
Chico:
Trip Generation
n s e ro"ect would generate about
At a ma.rimu�rri antz4�pater� bui.dout • , the p,- l _ a
2700 trips per dav:#
m
e
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* trip genertition factor of 7 trips(.da t per unit is used here; although GAI,'CliA
6'
uses 10 triplday, per unit, this is. felt to'be high. Butte'ounty, in. particular the�Air
Pollution Ct�ltrol District, uses 7 since ,it more closclY applies to rural ',situatigh under
dnnditi'ons of hig?I gusoline prices in which people combine trips.' School buses would take
children to school,. ,and Butte County 'Transit would also 'beavailtible, further reducing
trip generation;.
to this project (rasing a guide of 10 pe; cent ADT for peak hour) would not bring the
traffic to the con estion olnt unless other unanticipated ` g p , p ted traffic ''increases occur
between now and project build.-out., This applies also to the section of ll ghway 32
between Santos Way anci Chico.
However, since other residential growth is, proposed for the project area, a, small
potential exists that 2430 ADT from, this project added with traffic from other projects
could .extend over the projected 1991; ADT of 3600 for this sect on of ;Highway 32 and
taring the road closer to capacity.
in Chico
Not all .2430 daily trips would enter Chico via Highway 32, some would head north or
south. on Highway 99. If as much as two-thirds of project trpffic were to enter Chico, as
mentioned earlier,, congestion wouldnot, be likely unless several large developments were,
also built at around the same time, in which case entering Chico �:Ioad�,cauld become
congested at peak 'hours. b
Mitigation
14 Left turn channelization, a Jane in the downhill, (westbound) lane of 32 to
"'aceomadate ''project residents and prevent ;other :traffie fror having to stop, .if .required,
"
by CALTRANS, would aid traffic flow.
2. Any grading for. left turn or other improvements on Highway 32 should be
revegetated promptly with native vegetation p-.ia';� Q*� �xw
3. The developer has considered incorporating the f'ollorwing measures into the
project: design: (a) to provide auxiliary, access to the project without creami; undue
traffic;, in nearby neighborhoods, several local roads (marked an Project. 1rIap, Figure 3)
"would be upgraded `to all---weather traversrole (RS8, County standard) and provided with a
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gate at; project boundaries, to be for emergency use only; (b) to reduce overall trip
generation, the developer would provide a convenience shopping and gas 'station; near the
project`- entrance (see N" -C area on Protect flap, Fid re 3); and ` (c) to reduce trip
generation, the developer would provide a small transit bus or van; to circulate through
the project an tie stn wit the schedu e of ,the Butte county Transrt System, wtirch could
establish a bus $top:A Santos ;day.
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1 MaXimum streetrade on
g graveled and oiled roads should not exceed. 15
percent, otherwise they must: be paved.
2. Bridges must be s minimum of 20 feet wide and have the capacity to carry a 20 -
ton fire truck. The only bridge on the site is at least 20 -feet wide and can carry
UP to 50 tons.
3. Curve sharpness in a road must,have a minimum 400-foot,center line radius
"within a_subdivision
4.. Multiple ac
Multiplecess is required because mora than 20 lots at -e proposed for the
,
vision, at present there is only, one access route,
5. Cul de. sacs,; because the project is out of the urban area, may be of any length
but may only have 20 lots developed within them. A 50 -foot -radius ;turning
circle ;is needed to accommodate fire engines. When plan details fare complete,
this reI}uirement must be met.,
6. Road names and building numbers must be, clearly identified from; the road and
names must be approved' by the County Street Name Coordinator. 9t time of
construction this requirement will be met. -
For fire prevention and structural safety, the fire department includes the following;
requirementsfrecommendationsx which could become conditions applied to home builders
at time of eonsiructions
a• A 'Inch
one-haltspark arrestingmesh` screen be installed on chimne ys for
fireplaces And woodburning stoves,
b. Roofing and sidin materials should be constructed of fire resistant
istant
materials
c• California lain° specifies that all wildland areas with development need to
clear all flammable vegetation for 30 feet around all structures. How.ever,;
if erosion might create problems,, some ,natural vegetation may be left in
pIa, t .grass mast be moc�ied' and
Ce but all dead limbs' from tree trunks and
down, material on the ,ground must be cleared.:
ivhPre feasible,<fuel breaks 6rei reco.mmded
eft along the edges of a proposed
development; wzdth ;will vary With the type of vegetation present and
steepness.of slope:
Police Protection:
Since there is no assigned Sheri ffas patrol lit the project
area an dno future p]an for
inereasing la cv enforcehient there, the d'Iv elopment' wl create anincreased demand for ,
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police service where it is already inadeouate. Significant unmet demand Nill occur if the
surrounding areas are also developed.
Mitigtttions;:
for the
The developer is considering providing, a security officer patrol projectto be
paid for through a Homeowners` Association in the manner of a special assessment
district. This measure (also suggested by the Sheriff's Department) would provide regular
patrol in the project as well as good response time to calls. A possible further
improvement In security ty would be to tie in ia security alarm system with the cable
television line the developer 'is considering installing on site. This measure, suggested by
the developer; Would enable residents to register calls for emergency aid (police;; fire,
medical) rapidly with the project security patrol (or proposed volunteer fire department),
and would further raise the level of police protection; in the 'project.
Schools
Since capacity now exists for 830-930 school-age: children (grades Ef-12) in the Chico
`
Schools, and the BidwellHeights project would add approximately 1,00r children (at 0.5
children per household), this project. alone would not strain or exceed the schools'
capacities. , However, 'this project's addition; if accompanied by those of other large.
pro" is g p p Y rowding of one or
residential " ro'ects either exi�tin or ro osed_ m$ result in overc
more of the schools.
1
,�iti tion:
,� �,Yr,•�.
The school district would exercise :its several options to alleviate overcrocYding.
Takes paid 'by project residents would help to pay for any necessary facilities expansion.
K. UTMrTMS IMPACT
The four utilities needed by the pr.aject' would be telephone service, :electricity,
water supply and sewage disposal system maintenance. Natural, gas would not be supplied
by: the utility, those residents desiring gas would supply their own fuel from one of the
local bottleas , gcompanies.
Tokohono
c s' es o roblems. in ablit to serve tie co' et f o"
Company foee n v e r m
Pacific TelephoneC mp , y p y �' i p. J
the "lints they mairi�airi aloTsg highway 32. De4ermination of telephone Rine Tocations
within the project and financial arrangements between the Telephone.,Company and the
developer for cover in, , installation costs would take place after` the develop' n. plans
are firm and the detailed sub'divison maps have been prepared.
-4''
�1
r
Electricity
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (P G sac E) would have the ;capac'ity to supply
electricity to the project using the existing powerline on site. Their requirements
include un'dergrounding of utilities with a single-family dwelling on a parcel less than
r
three acres in size. This would apply to the parcels to be zoned SR -2; to any other
parcels with potential for' future subdivision to below three -acre parcels; and to the 40-
acre parcels to be zoned P -C with multiple Units. Power may have to be undergrounded
from the supply line to the clusters, as well as within the clusters. However, these
arrangements would be made in discussions between the developer and P G dr s New
,
Buildm , R
i epresentative after firm, detailed subdivision maps are complete. Although no
r
additilonal requirements are. apparent under County. zoning regulations, any suchlocal
ordinances would have to be checked at the time of discussions with P G do E, 'County
requirements supersede those of P °G 6c E.
r.
A concern for availability of power, especially in the summer ,months of peak
demand, has resulted in a policy set by the California Public Utilities Commission
CPUC that >
( ) the det eloper rather than the ratepayer should bear the cost of 'supplying
power at the initial stages of development planning, The developer must have a letter
from, P G cc stating that financial arrangements have been made to pay tot the power.
These arrangements would be made after subdivision maps are complete. This CP1yC'
on
Policy developer financing of power supply reflects the cumulative nature of the
impacts of development proposals on availability 'ofpower supply, l'hile the Bidwell
iieigh'ts project alone would not strain the utility, it is part of fhe ptojected demand
which together represent considerable allocationof resources for the Northern
Sacramento Valley.
Water Supoiy
Water Would be supplied to all project residences through the mutual water
companuzz Tail 1Vat'er Works, whose serVicQ: area boundarie5'cOi'lCide at present With
the property included in this report, :and which now operates the tWO wells on site. ;More
wells wouldbe developed by the water companyas needed. All wells'vou: d be'part of an
entire inter -connected system throughout the property. All residenoes �vould`be served, '
by a piped water system; with no indzviduai ~yells. The. developer would provGde pipes to
the lots, 'and' each 11bMdawner would pay a fee to 'hook tip t`o the main
pipes.
1
=4 2-
r
VII. SIGNIFICANT 'ENVIRONMENTAL EPFECTS WHICH
CANNOT BE A,VOIDFD IF PROPOSAL IS IMPLEMENTED
The following adverse impacts, would be reduced in severity by mitigating measures
a.5 listed within each impact area (Chap t W IV), but could not be eliminated. Thus these
itnpact5 would stall occur, even if at. an insip ificant level: _
Unavoidable Adverse
1. Exposure to seismic.hazard.
2. Contribution to air pollution*
3. Alteration of natural scenic vie'Ws.
4, Removal of native vegetation.
�g
5. Wildlife habitat reduction, -
5. Traffic increases at Santos Way and Highway 32,
7. Increased fire,danger and exposure to fire hazard.
B. Increase in service- load on fire and police agencies,
9. Energy use by :•comes, and commuting vehicles; (contribution to long-term
depletion of resources).
* Subject. to evaluation by the Air Resources Banrdts determination..of significenee;
project"s contribution 'may be considered insignificant.
-41
I;
i:K. SHORT-TERM vS,..L"ONC;--TERM COItiIIMITN ENTS OF RESOURCES
Ig its undeveloped state, the project site has value as wildlife habitat and watershed,
and this value will be reduced to a degree by the conversion, to residential use. After
tion, the site will take on Iona-term m value as a location for rural homesites
offering,*" the amenities of country living on the fringes of the Chico urban area.
The preservation of agricultural land on the western side of the Chico urbanized
area has lung been a stated aoal of planners and community residents alike: To protect
the fertile and roduetive a�ricultural'.Iands; the areas east of Chico have
p ra been suggested
as appropriate for development, if wildlife and watershed values can be preserved.
The project is located primarily in chaparral, a vegetation community which is well-
represented in Butte County. A review of the vegetation map prepared for the 1979.
update' of the Land Use Element of the Butte County General Planir�dieates
approximately643000 acres of chaparral are present in the Butte County foothills.
Approximately half -of thin area - that portion lying north and west of the -ToVsm of
Paradise = is protected by the '40-acre minimum parcel size'specified in the Open and
Grazinn, Lsnd Use category. The remainder is designated almost entirely Agricultural-
Residential, leaving it exposedtosmall-parcel development.. Those chaparral areas lying
within the Central Butte Study Area, 'for which a zoning; study is ;underway) and those
areas near' Or .iville and to the sout;:east should be revie iVed so the valuable chaparral
habitat can be suitably protected.
'
Tri.e Bidwell, Heights project forms �i small islancl of ,level e agricultural-
_ 7 developable
residential ,land within a large expanse ofprotedted chaparral which is designated Open
and Grazing. `Loss of this island as wildlife habitat will still leavemany thousands of
acres of `cha arral in; the northern portion: of the Count rotedted b "' a,40-, acre minimum
p p yp y
'
parcel aize.
Watershed Varies on the project' site- although reduced by development,! wit, be
presertired to a gre4�t extent by re'troi ►ing' .open areas} project mitigation'' measures and
cluster de'Velopmenfi patterns, �9aairt the island nature' .of the Ag;r cultural-Residential
land irse category rstareriunded by Open, and" Grazing) means Adjacent areas will remain in
large re parce'1 sues`:
Some short-term cammitm'n.ts of resources will occur during the construction'"
i
phases when fuels, labor, andfbuilding' materials will be put to Beneficial use. In th`
longer term., energy, for home heating and transportation back and forth to Chico will be
-48-
X. GROWTH' -INDUCING IMPACTS
Approval of thisro`ect could result in
P J growth an several fronts. The 'tax base of
the County would im-,ocase by the amount of the assessed valuation of the project, with
corresponding amounts of tares becomina collectable;
Subdivisions in adjoining areas to the north and south could be ,Facilitated by the
precedent of thin approval, together with the improved access, the public water system,
the local public; services (fire protection, security guard), and the utility extensions
(power, telephone, television cable) which will be established to serve the Bidwell
Heights development. Improved road access already exists, and is not contingent: upon
project approval. To the extent possible,. the developers of bidWell Heights would like to
limit access to adjoining properties to emergency access only to maintain a degree of
privacy. To the extent they are successful, subdivisions to the east ;and west of this
project have independent access and are not dependent on, this approvali Such prajec'ts
are sig
oh y ally isolated by steep canyon walls and are therefore somewhat isolated from
the growth --:inducing effeccs .of this project. In any case, such developinents would be
much less dense due to steep topography and sewage dispa'aI constraints.-
rt•
..CaO_
}
2. Inefficiences of piecemeal buildout would make homes more expensive.
would reclude me.thbd: of payment
i 3 Absence of Homeowners Associations wou p
for needed services, mainly fire protection, securityand transit, resulting in unmet
and over loaded service agencies.
service needs
4 Absence of PA--C zoning would provide no means of guaranteeing soutrd'
future use of non-developed lands even If homes: were clustered in some areas•.:
5. Many lots would be unfeasible to develop dire to hack of suitable soils for
, or to reventing access; therefore the overall number
septic leachfields steep slopes p
't 1n fact be loU;er than proposed,, impeding project subjectives.
of buildable un�s would
B. Entire Project Clustered, PA--O Zoning
This alternative, either, with units in several clusters, favr large clusters or one
large cluster on the property, ;is possible only in theory, since the land east and north
of the vineyard is already tentatively approved; for 3 and,--acre :lots. However, it
might be instructive to evaluate the. alternative since, like alternative A, it is an
extreme proposed; project into
.and puts the advantages an,d disadvantages of the
perspective
Benefits
wildlife habitat; visual aesthetics, land farm imwould be
1. pperi spaces
minimized through minimizing roads and maximizing. guaranteed natural areas.
2, project objectives would be met, in farms of densities and environmental
safeguards.
e efficienc of droupec units'; fewer
Eccnomi:es could be achieved throu g kh Y
roads and utility 'lines.
Costs
Residents wou'be relatively close `together if clusters were Eery and
I'd
dense.
Reduced Overall .Derisify
.
S or without clusfaring, would have the
ubstantiiill reduced �3erisity, either with
y
,
fohowing effects:
Benefits
1. project increment of cumulative adverse impacts in such areas as air
quality, visual, aesthetics, traffic, services, acid "utilities would be;less.
2, ,adverse impacts to; thr physical and biotic environ menu would be lessened
•
r.
Service Companya Chico
Gene Grant, Distract Manager
California Water
Pacific Gas Electric Company
R. J:. Lind, New Building
Representative
Jeff Blanc; Residential.
Conservation Supervisor
{
Carl Turner
Pacific Telephone Company
i
`
''�sinririwi7lrtR
�%®
,
EIR PREPARATORS
This FIR was prepared by Earl Nelson and Barbara Castro of Earl D Nelson and
Associates=, Chico, California, with the ,expert assistance of the following contributors:
Philip Lydon. - Geology
Jon Anderson -Soils
Kingsley Stern - Vegetation
Roger Lederer - Wildlife
James Manning - Cultural Resources
i
` a
1 .� .` P i 1 S� Q e i.
1
r.
w
APPENDIX 'F
° .i��'�4r ,
rENVIRONM
Revxs
NTAi CHECKLIST FORM
�'A
a� -
(To be: completed by' Lead Agency)
I. BACKGROUND
ERD Log ,
1, Name of proponent' Rldwell Heights Land
Company � q.
2. Address and bane number or Proponent:
P.O. Box 3040
G i, co , CA 95926
891-1727
_
3, Date o Ch'eckiist- Subm1:tteci 8cras
51 1
4. Agency Requiring Check}. st Butte Cou Ly PLanning, Department
Nance of Proposal, if applicab e Bi we i He�ght;s Land company ecific
r51,
®
p-lan, rezone and sub4i sion,.creating rural
homes tes on portions of ,1120 � cre
I T.. ENVIRONMENTAL I1',,,IPACTS .
'and
(ExIplanatidns of all '"gives'" "maybe" answers are required
on attached sheets.)
YES MAYBE NO
1- Earth., Will the proposal result
in significant
in
a.: Uristable earth conditions or
_
changes in geologic structures?
hG
b Disruption,, displacement, com-
paction at. over,:over i..ng of the
soil?
c. Change" in topggraphy or, groundL.
su`r Ace relief ;featUreg or
removal of ` tops'oil?
x_ _
d De°struction, covering or modi-
fication of any unique geologic
or physical features?
_ x
�j
a I0cte69e in w7,nd or, water
�j
erosion of soils, either on-
or offs -site?
x
f.' Changes in deposition or
erosion:. ' o beach sand's.,, or
changes in 's.iltationt' dopo-
siEwion�,or erosion wiich may .'
�rive;r
morii,fy the 'channe.l of
or- s-tream o`r the bed of the
6c eano, or all -y b'ay, inlet or
r.
lake f
X
g; Loss of prime agriculturally
praduc[ ive soils outside
designated urban areas?
X
1
YES
1AY$E ,
140_
h.
Exposure of people ,or propetty
to geologic hazards such as
earthquakes, landslides, mud-
slides) ground failure,, or
x
similar hazard s?
:. Air,
1:, ll the proposal r.es. zlt
a:
5ubstarntial deter! rat.Ton "of
Xc
ambLent or local air quality?
b.
The creation of obliionable
x
odor s j smoke or f ume,s ?
c.
significant alteration of air
movement, moisture or temperature
or any change in climate, either
x
•
1 tally or recr ionallY?'
3, water. j�Till the! proposal result in substantial:
a.
Changes in currents, or the
course or direction of water
x
movements?
b.
Changes in absorption rate',
drainage patterns or _the rate
and amount of surface eater
,
runoff?
----=_
c.
aed for off-site surface
drainage improvements, includ,izg
vegetation removal, channel
x
tion or culvert 16 s t, all at.iori?
Alterations to the course or
x'
flow of' flood waters?---
e.hange
in the amountOf.surface
water in any ,wa.tex body?
f'.
Discharge' into surface maters,
orin any alteration o,f surzace
water qua`11 ty;, including but
not limited to temperature,
X
dissolved �oxy en' or turbl' ty?
-- _----
g :.
A1Cera.tibrt of tFie: dtrect;ion or;
r..ate ;af flow of groans waters?
h,
Change in he auantit� or ,
,'
qua,l;t5► of ground, waters, either
'
thr'u h direct additions or
:wiGhdgr•awals� `or through inter-
cept.'On of an' aquifer'; by cuts
x
oL excaystioz�s?
Mon :�,
YES MAYBE
NO
i tteductlon in the amount of water
otherwise available for public
or private water supplies? r
3 Exposure of people ;or property'
to water related hazards such as
Xr
flood ing?
Plant Life till the proposal result in
l
sustarent I:
a Loss of vegetation or change in
thediversity of" species or number,
of any species of plants (including
trees, shrubs, grass; crops, mirro -
fl
f ora <and aquatic plants)? ,_� X
_
b. Reduction of the quaiberz o f any;
unique:, rare or end- angered
species of plants?
c: Introduction of new species or"'
plants into an area or in a
barrier to the normal replen ish- x
went of existing species?
d'. Reduction in acreage of any
x
_
agrcu tut°a1 crop?'
in,
5.
Ariimal Life: ,•lily the, proposal result
substantia
a Change in the d,iversit.y of species, _
or numbers, of any species of
animals (birds, land animals,
including rep til.esI fish, and
shellfish, berithio organisms;
insect& or miGrofaUlS)? „
�of
b. Reduction thee nutber;s df"any,
unique, ."axe or endangered
speciesof animals?
_
C Tntrod;uctioii; of new species of "
a itals into an area, or'.result
in" a bars i er to the migr a t i -ren
or movement of aniIals.?. X
d iteduction. oi; emttoachtrie"nt upon;"
o'r ion is,r deeo
fish or wildlife haC+itat?
fi'.
iioi&e will "the proposal result in.
�
substa"ntial:"
a. Increases 'in noise 0Vels?
c
x
YES MAY'S E NO
r
bv � people to severe �~
noiseuteof:s?eop
x
7.
Light ar.d Glare. Will the proposal
produce szgnifIcant light or grt are? x;
8.
Land Use. Glii1 the proposal r' sul.t
in a significant -
ignificant;a
a,. Alteration of the planned land
use of an area, or establish a
trend which gill demonstrably
lead to such alteration? x
b. Con:flic`twith uses on
aijoining properties, or con-
flict, with established recrea-
tional., educational, religious
or scientifi.c uses or an area? x
y:
natural. Resources. Wil1 theE pro osa,l
P
result In subs-t;antiali
a. Demrknd for, or increase in the
L�(I
oc use of any natural
resc�urate
e8.?
b Depi�et ion of any tion -rene'wabie
natural resource'? - a
10.
Risk of Unset. Doe`s thero osal
P P
involve a risk of an ` explosion or
the release of hazardous substances
(includtng, but not limited to,. oil,
pesticides, chem'cals or radiation)
in the event, of en adcide;nt - upset
conyit ani? x
Il:
Population: Will: the proposa
sign ffdantly alter the locatioCl,
distribution, density, orgrth
rate of the human population fAf an
area or phscjL ally di ide an
established. oonuft n,Lt o,r facilitate
deve=lopment of adjoining properties?
4
li.Housinp.
�W_11the proposal si�gni"Ei
"cantl,yafE�c.t
r
existiri hou:si.nQ �r.
�
create a deland for .additanal
Nous;in: g?
l3.'
TransporCat'ion/Ci,rculation. gill theVM
't
proposai,77i.e It 111,;
a. Generation af,substant`ial
additional vehicular movertent7' x
YE•/
MAYBE .--.O
b. Significant effects on exisCI, ng
facilities, or° demand
X
parking
for new. par k Ing?
C, Substantial impact upon existing
s?
X
------
t r a c s p o r t a t i o n s Ys t em —
._--
d.; Sign;if icxant alterations to
present patterns of circulation
movement of pe,op,le and/or
X
or
--.-
goods?
e. Alterations towaterb'orne', rail
x
or air traffic?
or
f. Increase in traffic congestion
hazards to Motor 'vehicles,
bicyclists or pedestrians?
------
l4. P blic Services. Will the proposal
a
`
have an err'ect upon, or result in
ia!`need for new or altered
subs tan
governmental services in any of the
following areas:.,
X
a. Fire protecL-ioa'. _
b. Police protection?
X_
X,
c i Schools----_
---_
d. Parks or other r'ec"reational
x
a
facilit ie,s . —
-----
Maintenance of gublc facilities,
x
includingrads? —
f . Other governit6ntal sere ices ?
X
L5',, aero W�.l the pLoposal riesult in:
Use of amounts of x'
„',substantial
fuel or energy?---
b, Suhs.tatiai increase mesad
upon ex s t ungst�ur C, S'' of energy ,
or req1te the deVelopment or
sources "of �'ener,!gY•
l6, iltilities.',Wil1 th"e,pr0posal result
in a need for Hera systems, or suo-
stacit al a=l terat ions to the foJ•i'owin'g
utilities
a. Potter or natura:�..
J?-.5
YES
MAYBE. 140
b. Communications, sy_8tems?
' X
c. Water?.
-
x
d. Sewer, (will trunk line be
e;xtended, providing capacity
to serve new development?
x
e.; Storm hater drainage?
x
17.
Human Health. Will the proposal
rosuit in:
a. Creation of any health hazard
or potent ial health hazard
(excluding mental health)?
X.
b. Exposure of people to potential
health hazards?
X.
18.
Solid Waste. Twill the proposal result
in any significant impacts associated
with solid waste disposal or litter
control?
x
ll.
aesthetics. Will the proposal result
in the obstructi.on of any public
desi-gnated,o'i- recognized cenfc vista
o enitoinhtheubreatio ill. the proposal
p
�n
resu e .of an
aestheticaTlj ofLensjv.e site open, to
Public view? ;•ii11 the proposal
significantly -alter the cfiaracter of
the area? _;;
x
2b.
Kecreation. .7ill the proposal. result
in an impact, ' upon .thee quality or
quantity -of existing public recrea-
tion facilities?
X,
21.
Arch:aeola�.ical/.Hi,st6ricali 4"ill; t ho
propo , esti t �n an` a te-rarion o;f
•.o `' a
a sinnifican archaeological or
historical site, structureobject,
or bui ld i,ng?
X�
22.
Mandatory 1±in'dzns of"5idnificance;
a. b,oes'the project have the potectial;
to de;arade the, ualit
o q x' of 'the
environment', substaatially� reduca
the habitat of a fish or.w11dl L,fe
species, 'causa a fish' ar C,�ldlfe
F 5
Bidwell 4OiIhCs r..........,
e
�..t �srli.rr,.lX�.r.. .e;�"'�.:Lt1J•..J.Y4et l�< L{ �..�
k, x
Specific plan, Lez`one and subdivision
The project is a subdivision of about 1200 acres into around -
330 homesites with appurtenant services.
Yrest side of Doe ;Jill Ridge, 7 miles ;NE of Chico, between Little Chico
•
Creek and Doe Mill Ridge Road. Portions of sections 7 an,d 18 of T22N, ISE;
and a portion rf Section 12 of T22N, R2t MMYS.
zePr,
:
0 r- 1`,: J)i 9 .y `,,,i 3 ,;i t:t : U/3 acres;, avg•
_Approx 7 percent of prolec
i.`rut,r. ;•4' j 1, T;`�.,: `4x ': t��: P t area or. lessi,
.
3;,F;; xlc ;ttdr :' ." z-. t� w . Ct,,'J j : Access would be from I'ighway 32 via Santos
Way extension through IsoM-Hall property; Dae Mill Ridge Road lies to the east.
T � S d +.+1' y+ "� tiki%i3 : Individual septic tanks.
. r. r
,_
C1Ls� a. �r� ir•x1.r°",. ::'�1k��j.�v' Individual we;Lls.
`,.
Fz'o":r1� �r,' t1"r�j"t .'' , �3: Existing to project site.
uJ' Agricultural -Rest.
ff
dential designation allows fo'r 1-40 acres /DU
Ba" r�l w�v.a.. .. 3w . *+
d
Flat to gently rolliq.% upland .nest of Doe
M%ll Ridge, with small steeper portions as land slopes to Little Chico and Butte C:Qeks'~
? �� f:,= Under 5% on main upland port on 100"� on easfern slopes,_itJ-45`r at
,
nclrth,west , south margins.
1160 - 1,640 Teets the Clot upland, 1s at around 1.460 feet- ,
4� i. e'' `.t'. 14N Fi ,, small areas of steep.slope:S —_
>�J • ,t,.�z, ,. r'>� r` Thomas so'i1s thin Sunder --2 .feet thirk5 to 1c
or' 5 feetdeep in some vans; a Ston,redciish-brown clay loaiwi th low to rnc+derat�
subsoilpermeability and medium to rapid runoff.
'Severe limitation! ratih, for suitab`i li,ty in., septic= tarok
le ChL3ehds
wr' Ek3F,1 z. "rL�cy
xi.' 'pryx J11`ti;+1 ►loderate Earthquake intensity Zoir 'VI.IZ
r
g q L �j
.do pie rate �v 1•ti.� Nt,f.s'„•i• �i�l�G..�7,t{J �..�+�
l,cw 6 r�oderate'
pond is located near the .centbt .
the property:
i
Bidwell 'Height Applicat on
IT,I. DISCUSSION OF ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION
L
(Project .information suftnar is included in re e
Y p c ding Discussion sheets)
r
1;a, b, c: Development of homesites in hillside areas vtould result in excava;kion.,.
earth ino'vement and nvercouering,clue to site preparation, and construction or roads
and buildings. E'xcavaeLion and grading may ;result its unstable cutbanks or fill
areas although this concern should not be significant if grading;requdrements
of the Uhifo m Building" code are .complied w th.
1e: Grading could expose soils. during xai.riv .season or dry sun!M6r'y increasiz"
g
risLof on-site erosion. improper channeling of'incxeased rsurEace runoff could,
cause offsite stater erosion:of soils. Existing tutbatks shota little evidence of
significant erosion, however.
1 Soil disturbance from grading anis vegetation xemoval within the Li, ttIe
Chico
Creak or. $tate Creak wwter,she�]6 may result 'in e_asion<.and siltation o: the
streams.
®l
lh: B�.ilding on #pipes c,6uI'd subject hones" to rac2csk[desl 'fractures Iii the
area may �6,e: associated vith seismic activity, and nay be unstable daring seismic
events: This hazard is common to the Califorrtia 'fout'hi l ls:,
Zs.: The addition of coi►ute tra£tfc. �t abouEOO:,hortes to and from Ghco
would add Ge, otive, organic gases,niCrous ox des ;and carbon 'monotide ami, siains
"basins
to the air air pollutant load. 1a-ing ;in ,l,aq; air
uo?;umes'should
prevent aocsimulation of these p6jlutants at chis rural loe.at on.
3b: Thi creFat%on of rods;iriveways and buildings trill increase 'the area
imperv2ouI
of s surface and tint=s increase' surface runoff Drainage patte�rns� could
be .changed b grading aetivitios,
Vit; d: Ellin, aral:ume,s and velocities may be: alitxeased, necessa,tating mea sure s
to' stabilize `channels and reduCc Velooit,ies ,to prevent erosion. Potential do�•It-
s'cr"ea4n ;Flood prob"lerns sa�ould be e+:;aniined in ;dight of potential runoff increases;
although- ,. ectad to 'be sz nifz
-hew are. ����iot e p � g_ '-dant (aee 3,j).
Bidwell DIS( USSTON p.3
TncreasE� in traffic hazards to motor vehicles could result fYom the13 f •
y 5
increased turning movements at Santos Way and HiS hwa 32 and from hea�rier
traffic on narrow locaL roads such as Doc dill Road.
14a: 80me form of ensured fixe protection wil'T be necessary since this
chaparral a:cea is one of. high fire danger. Vrovi.sions may have to be made for
an 'additional firetruck and adequate water supplie,5•
'14b: County sheriff or other polio protection are not readily available
for tl3e residents; new routes or a. shift in personnel may be. :required to cover
"have a low
this large development, or the residents would to be content with
level of police protection.,
1t�;c; r�ppzo tinateLy 3d0 Families may add ,enough children 'to the school dis-
tr,ict to necessitate school expansions•
14e: Ilue to additional txraffic, on local unpaved or unimproved roads, the
maintain certain ones to maintain
Count . may have to improve or safety
y �
15a: teased amounts of Gasoline would be used in carrsnuting to Chico;
. 1 g._sic, is for horse `heating,
electricity and as caou].d ase Used in nifi.cant amounts
cooling and appliances,
15b: Substant;ialLy' increased demand would be placed on the electrical
power distribution system, e:specja'lly a;s a Load increase in summer. mons-hs.
166, b °Te :eohone systeras would have to tie extended to the property, as caauld
natural gas, unless the residents Used electricity, solar power or battled gasp
Electrical' power line§,bn the pra e-rty Gould:have to be extended to the lots,
16e: Surface 'runrIf'f may be sofficiently incteased by impervious surfaces
that at some paint a stor'+nr:aCer drainage sygtec may have to be installett.
1176, b: Potent-01 malfunctioning of septic systems could create. a he a,l`eh
hazard in which t;round and suriacawatercould. be expbs'ed torasfi'ewater `contamin-
ation.
1�'; T,he residential development could detract from scenic qualities of
and may alter the, aper:-space charade
views £tors li ,ght.liq 3,Z, z of the area•
21:archaealagical ;purvey is required, although the litcelihood of ar.ciraeo-
iogical sites on the property is 'small•
226: vildli,fa habitat would've reduced in szze and q4 alit, e
c: Fr'o ect impacts which, thbugls indiVicua�.ly l sited I se.vgerity o2 2r 'scope,-
acld uri to make the pro jest a: source of 'consi'derab;t t ialpact, particlarlr when
t japosed development�� ,mpact�r
vi w d 'triget'her ,vith aoinint pr
•erosipn and stream sedit;entatign
-reduct.ian af.' wii.dii e 'habitat
- ignifiCant: increa in 1oc11 p pulat on aensity,
avr 00 't 't emissions, g1sc�'11�-fie. use: an�3 traffic
-increase in vehicular.
1
from, O,hicri cortmu'te
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