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HomeMy WebLinkAbout041-080-027 (6)APPE11DIX F f •ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST FORM (Tobe completed by Lead Agency) I. BACKGROUND.' .ERD Log, 81-10-28-03 AP N 41-08-27 1. -Nama of Proponent RonaH R. Logan. 2. Address and Phone Number of.Froponent: 409S Dry Creek Road c/o Russell R. Logan Oroville, CA 9S96S- LU181 Lott -RoacT_ Durham, CA 95938 -3. Datee-of Checklist Submitted 4. Agency Requiring Checklist 5. Name o f Proposal, i f a p p I i c aFf _eNTWt7n -9 -P-e-r—M -1f --a-nU—: -Reclama.tion.Plan for gold mining II. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS (Explanations . . of all "yes" and "maybe" answers are required on attached sheets.) V4. YES MAYBE ..NO l.' Earth-. 1•]i11.. the. proposal. result in significant a.. Unstable earth conditions or in r changes in geologic substructures? W b. Disruptions, displacements,.com- paction..or.overcoverin'g of the soil? c. Change'in topography or ground sur- face relief features or removal of topsoil? d. -Destruction,covering o-r-modifica-_ -tion of any unique geologic or physical features? e Increase in wind or water erosion AMii of soils, either on or off the site? f. �-`hanges i"n...,deppsitio.n. or erosion 0. '-in.silta- bda&h sands,. or.change$ tion:; -3 t iod or erosion:..which: ­_-' : epO,S. may ..podif .. , 1 Y the channel of a rive! -.or stream or the bed of the ocean or. any bay, inlet or lake? g. Loss of prime;agriculturally jagriculturally 'pro- ductive-soils.outside designated,-: urban areas? Appendix F - page 1 of 9 YES MAYBE NO h. Exposure of people or property.to • geologic hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, mudslides, ground failure, or similAr hazards? 2. Ai.r. Will'the proposal result in: a. Substantial deterioration of ambient or local air quality? b. The creation 01. objectionable odors, smoke or fu,nes? c. Significant alter tion of air movement, moisture -or temperature, or any change in climate, either locally or regionally? 3: Water.. Will the proposal result ih substantial: a.' Changes in currents, or the course or direction of water movements? -- b. Changes in absorption rates, drainage patterns, or the rate and amount of surface water runoff? c. Peed for off-site surface drainage improvements, including vegetation removal, channelization or. culvert installation? ;i. Alterations to the course or flow of flood waters? e'. Change in -the amount of surface �. water. in any water body? f. Discharge into surface waters, or' in any alteration of surface ''water. quality, including but not limited.-:to.temperature, dissolved oxygei.or,turbidity? g. Alteration of the direction or rate of flow of ground waters? h. Change in the quantity or -quality of ground waters, either through �.. direct additions or withdrawals, interception of an or through • aquifer by cuts or excavations? 40 A ----A,,, T. -41 Appendix F - page 3 of 9 YES MAYBE NO • i. Reduction in the amount of water otherwise available for pudic water supplies? j. Exposure of people or property to.water related hazards such as flooding? C 4. Plant":'Life. Will the proposal result in sii tantial: a. Loss of veetation or change in the diversity of species or number. of any species of plants (including trees,. shrubs, grass, crops, microflora and aquatic plants)?. b. Reduction of the numbers of any . unique, _-are or endangered species of plants? C. Introduction of new species of plants into an area,. or in a barrier to the normal replenishment of • existing species? d. a ri- Reduction in acreage. of. any g g culturA `_ crop? S. Animal Life.'.Will.the proposal result in substantial: a. Change in the diversity of species, or numbers of any species of. animals birds, 1and:, animals:, including .r.eptil`es-,,-::..fish. aril shell= fish, benthic organisms, insects or ! micro fauna) ? b. Reduction of.the numbers of any unique, rare or endangered species of animals? c. Introduction of new species of ;. animals into :an .area, or,result in: �. a barrier to' the migrat-.ion or movement of animals? d. Reduction of,.encroachment upon, or ' deterioration. to existing fish or --an wildlife habitat? -41 Appendix F - page 3 of 9 YES MAYBE NO 6. Noise. Will the Proposal result in substantial: a. Increases in noise levels? Y b.Exposure of people to severe noise. levels? 7. Light and Glare. Will the.proposal. Produce signs scant light or glare? 8. Land Use. Will the proposal result in a signif icant a Alteration of the planned land use of an area, or establish a trend which will demonstrably lead to such alteration? b. Conflict with uses.on adjoining. properties, or: conflict with establi:;'-%d recreational-, educa- tional'; religious or scientific uses. of an area? 9. Natural Resources.. Will the proposal ..result in substantial: a: Demand for, .or increase in'the rate of use of any natural.resources? b. Depletion of any nonrenewable natural.resource? 10. Risk of U set...Does the proposal invo ve a risk of.an explosion or the release of hazardous substances (including, but not limited to, oil, pesticides, chemicals or radiation)' in the event of an accident or upset conditions? 11.Popiilattiio4. Will the proposal. sign cantly alter the location, distribution., 14ensity.,..or : grow:th rate o..t:he human, population; of an area or' 6hys:ie;ally divide an established community? •12. Hous ihg. Will the proposal signs scantly affect existing housing, or create a demand for additional housing? 0 r YES MAYBE NO 13. Trans. ortation/Circulation.. Will the result in: proposal a. -Generation of substantial additional vehicular movement? b. Significant effects on exi.stinr parking facili.tieg, or demand for new parking? c.. Substantial impact upon existing :transportation systems? d. Significant alterations to present patterns of circulation or movement. .. o -f. people and/or goods? e. Alterations to waterborne, rail or air. tra.f f ic? f: Increase in traffic hazards to motor Avbk vehicles, bicyclists or pedestrians? 14. Public Services. Will the proposal have. an effect -upon, or result in a substantial need for new or altered governmental `:. • servicers in any of the following areas: a. Fire protection? b. Police protection? c. Schools? d. Parks or other recreational facilities? e.. Maintenance of public facilities, .'.including roads? f. Other governmental services? 15. Energy. Will the proposal.result in: a. "Use of substantial :amounts. of fuel or energy? b. -Substantial increase in demand upon : existing sources of energy, or require the development of -new sources of energy?. 43 AnnPncii x F -- naoP Utilities. Will the proposal result in a nee for -new -systems, orsub- stantial alterations to the following utilities: a. Power:o r natural gas? b. Communications systems? c. Water? d. Sewer (will trunk line be extended, providing capacity to serve new development).". e._ Storm water.:drainage? 17. Human Health. Will the proposal. result..in: a. -Creation : of '. any .health hazard or D.otential health hazard (excluding. mental health)? b. ;Exposure .of people to potential health hazards?: ... So.lid..Waste. Will thero osal result P P .in any significant impacts associated - with solid waste disposal or litter control? 19. Aesthetics.. Wi11-the proposal result in the obstruction of any public designated.or recognized scenic vista open to the public, or will .the proposal-tesult­ in- the..,c :eat o`ii:of' an` aesthetically offensive 'site open to public view? 20. Recreation. Willthe proposal result in an impact upon the quality or quantity of existing p«blic.recrea-. tion -facilities? 21. Archeolo ical'/Historical:` Will the proposal resu.t in an a teration.of a significant archeological. or historical site, structure, object or building?. 0 YES MAYBE NO C 44 Apperidix F - .page 6 of 9 YES MAYBE NO '112.' Mandatory Findings of Significance. a. Does the project have the potential to'.degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, .cause.a.fish or wildlife population to..drop below self sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a;plantor animal com munity,:reduce.the number or restrict the..range .of a rare or. endangered plant• or. -animal or eliminate important examples of -the major periods. of California history or prehistory? b. Does the project have -the -potential. to achieve short term benefit: to, the detriment of:oublicly adopted long-term envircnmental goals? c. Does the project have impacts which are individually limited, but i cumulatively considerable? (a project may impact.on two. or more separate resources where --he-impact on each resource is relatively small,.but where the effect of the total of those impacts on the environment is .significant . ) d. Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings,' either directly or indirectly? 45 Appendix F - nage 7 of 9 PORTI-4 F f -) 7. S' 4IJA�RANGL$ 1 is.It v .� I 1 P A • \\ t '• 1, ' 1 I I tl 31 IN 1. J unkla / �- ��1' ' ` -� :°• Ret 'T\ \ •\:/�`-!'i /`,`t\\� -�; t( .1, 1411 _ 1� 1 '�r-'X ( _�• �t I - :n i f 1 1•'- I• � s Iq P �- SITE F.. lne•- , . \ li ( ,% / o i1++4i n Sd0 sb I�a ev'r )�-1•1\ `,V Q.. .i. I' i.•.I .� �•" /� I r' ''+`•x:012 ' 11, /•:•'�"�_l '�.a_��', , ::/ ''.l\ �`� JL T,] _ �:� /1 n `,'.• '• - \J \ 964. .�xt1i� ':� j. �' ,, is � � r•� t.•�• •; .f. S �1-; , '�� :(� '_ r �; ,,�-\.�-!a' _ ,• •_ ��/ �, / 1 �1� 1` �� { �� �1' I• i % Lime .. s' • � ' i'�• l ' / �, I( i / �' 1. 1 j 1 g \ _.r_ • .,,�Sdddiei r / n „t!a / r 1 ; �• �, J I , 1 \ %a L\ - Fo11 111,w btDntlde ) ,Sit I . .\_• • , 1 � 1 REGIONAL MAP .. i WTT ll . fC * CITY. I` DE ( (� f —t!M. L f AIA rA 1 RILOA f , Ir BAR Gil- co irCo ► p f )..: o ect S± tpp� tC ' ;.ate •--t� 'L �. J FE D YT �I ...r .° •, ' d LNERO t BERRY CREEK iv�2¢ Du Nhle .... .-- fCATN[✓ FALLS A • ` .� •�i � Vii' '�. � �%°r" �' NE SON ui ' .'•�' ..+• .nae _.,.r •a ,� c A MILLS rorroESTw». r---� � NJ VALE rFBIGG 'O F .° 47 BUTTE COUNTY i Applicant: Ronald R. hr' I.A`�essor' s Parcel f/ 1+1-08-2 DATA SHEET EIW Log # 81-10-28-03 ASroject Description 1. Type of Project: Mining and Rerlauiation" Permit — .2. Brief Description: Placer mine with "cut and covei''reclamation. 3. Location: :West side Dry Creek Road, 3/4 mile west of Pentz-Magalia HIShifEiy; south of Paradise. Cherokee Quad. LI. Proposed -Density of Development: ITA 5. Amount of -Impervious Surfacing: -.;Ione 6. Access -and Nearest Public Road(s): Access via Dry Creek Road (pvt roadway), 2 1/4 north from intersection with Messilla Valley. Road. 7.. Method of Sewage Disposal: NA -septic -at -'house. 8. _ Source of . Wate-r Supply: Siring; water. 9. Proximity "of Power Lines: Existing to home site'. 10. Potential for further land divisions and development: None foreseen. B. Environmental Setting. 1. h sical Environment_: 1. Terrain.. a. General_ TopograpiAc Cha;rac.ter: Moderate to steeply sloping caryonland. b. Sl.opes: Slopes are in the 10 -over 30.E range in canyon.area. On- _ site slopes are in the 10-30,� range.. c. Elevation: About 700 feet above sea level, d. Limiting Factors:. Ground stability in th.e face of steeply. sloping. 2. Soils terrain.. a. Types and Characteristics: Toomes-gravelly loam; Peters -clay loam; Pentz-sandy loam. Thin layer of soil over tertiary gravel, Coarse subsurface. Moderate permeability & erosion Well. drained. b. Limiting Factors: Erosion in face of vast soil surface disruption, 3. Natural Hazards of the..Land a. Earthquake Zone: Inferred fault passes just south of site. b. Erosion Potential: i--ioderate d: Fire Hazard: High c. Landslide Potential: Moderate e. Expansive Soil Potential: `_..• Lo IT 4. Hydrology a. Surface Water: Dr OreelG on ^ite. Numerous surinr�snhemerf y - streams.from hillside. Annendix F - naze 7a of 9 1 b. Ground Water: Potentially limited reseurce.' Numerous springs. C.. Drainage Characteristics: Canyon drained by Dry Creek_ d. Aiumal Rainfall (normal): About 40 inches annual y e. 'Limiting Factors: 5. Visual/Scenic Quality: Very High. Very lots population density. 6. Acoustic Quality: Excellent. Very low population density, 7. Air Quality: .Good. Biological Environment:-. 8. Vegetation: Plant communities stratified along canyon walls due to water requirements. Woodland, oak scrub, ridarian communities. 9. Wildlife Habitat: Upper Sonoran Life Zone. Low level of human activity. Abundant ifildl.ife. deer, coyote, wild turkey, aquatic life, etc. Cultural Environment 10. Archaeological and Historical Resources iri the -area:.Sensi tiTre . area, :iumerous resources* exist.in area. 11. Butte County General Plan designation:Apricili i,ral Residential �. Existing. 'Zoiiing : A-2 13. Existing Land Use on-site: Single-family residence with outbuildings. Existing -old nine with permit. r 14. Surrounding Area: a. Land Uses: Hostly open foothill terrain. Several residences to sou.th along Dry Creek Road. Powerhouse 1 mile east. b. Zoning A-2 Gen. Plan designations: Ajzricultural Residential: Grazing -Open land io.js'outh .f,, southwest. d. Parcel Sizes: 20 acres and larger.. e. Population: Very low.ponulation density. 15: Character of Site and Area: Open Canyonlands south of Paradise. 16. Nearest Urban Area: Paradise -11 miles to .downtown by roadway. 17. Relevant Spheres of Influence: 11A 18. Improvements Standards Urban Area,: a 1 Fire Protection Service: a. Nearest County (State) Fire Station: b. Water Availability? Creek, settline. ond, springs, truck capacity. 20. Schools in Area: 14A L Appen .t F - page 7b of .asiwJi:c:- ... _,.:.�.... .��. .. .: ..W .^Suess'',.`..'as'�':'litluilLi��•'^�_'tu-'.`r'�,�y_. _ —_ _ y_ ...._.._�_ __-_. _. __.. .. VJ DISCUSSION OF ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION AP 41-08-27 Summary: The project is a permit for a'placer mine and a reclamation plan. The proje-:t area has been exten- sively.:nbrkaed in the past and has been knowft as the NewEra Mine. The gold bearing strata crosses the'canyon from east to. west and the gold is contained in tertiary gravel. deposit -3 above.a bedrock of Mariposa slate.' The strata is believed to be a portion df the tertiary i•Iagalia chaiinel. , The gold bearing strata'is believed to be about 1/3 to.2/3 milewide and between 90 -to 180 feet in depth as it passes throu'g'n the canyon. The subsurface is composed of cemented, -river washed gravels ranging from small stones to very large boulders'.'suggesting a large.flow quantity in the.channel in the pabst.' The 14aripasa slate has been 'turned sideways. under' the gravels creating a natural' trap for gol& of all sizes. Assay'. information indicates rich depos- its of, mineral -s .throughout the .tertiary ;ravel. layers. The minirig'operation. 'itself -rill. be open=pit and irrill be' staged `• over a::p.eriod of years. The, operation is proposed to be a wet -operation.. Mr-. Logan is, presently. mining from one .of. the old historic shafts and has an existing permit for mining and a stream alteration agreement with the Depar.tment.of Fish and Game. (Mr. Gayland Taylor of Paradise is working with the applicant). During operation.of the go'.d mine the applicant hopes to process up to 80 yards of rock per Jay•.(about 100 tons/day). materia removea from the mine 1 ou e grizzly'; washed and separated into at least6 different sized piles and stored in mounds beside the first pit (shosm as E months on plan). Fines to be deposited in the existing holding pond on -sits ifnich may need to be enlarged as the operation increases in size. :.,10 water will .be released to Dry Creek. All water u�-,ad in the operatiori is to'be recirculated. Reclamation of the land is propused to be cut and cover. Materials extracted from one pit will be used in covering the previous pit and so forth. Pits are to be excavated with a dozer and rock pushed to the various locations in'the same manner. A'front loader may be used at sone point in the future as operations warrant. No blasting is planned at this time although at some point in the future blast- ing may be requ. red. The following -environmental Impacts and concerns have been identi- fied -for this proposal. These .concerns will extend over: the 5+ ;; ear period for which mining; is proposed. Appendix F - page 8 of 9 50 ' !�'•:.f :: t. �i: \14 �(i )�' 'S(,y�, 41l.ii{t i- •,1� ��.. ���'�� h ..\ `l �.� -f\. '.l< AP 41-08-27 DISCUo5ION CONTINUED la: There will be modifications and changes to .the geologic subsurface. Ground will be removed dctim to.the Mariposa slate bedrock which will then be scraped and washed. lb, lc:' Large amounts of tonsoil i•rill be removed and di:?placed. The reclamation _plan will replace stratified gravel .and topsoil. lc, lL& 'As pits are cut back into the hillside, .,extensive visual .hanges to the canyonside drill` occur. le, 3b: There. will be veneration of runoff and erosion from the steeply sloping; canyonside terrain. if -:Pediment produced from runoff and:erosion may .: be - discharged to -Dry Creek. Tlie creel: is located on-site; . downslope -from the proposed bits. Aquatic life is se' riou^ly affected.by 'siltation. lh: There may be potential induced earth.movements such as rock - Slides or landslides: Thee;oiieri pits.,gill be' dug into the canyonside,s and benched to reduce the potential 'for ground failure. The .subsurface: profile is. made up: of large rock. cemented with. • sand: w tl: sone`.-con�loirerate. 'Rocksll a .presents a real hazard due to the -.subsurface profile which is susceptible to runoff: Vegetation" trill not lend• stability. 'to. the ground since all the large trees have been removed from the area where the proposed pits are to be e::cavated. rack slope of excavated material should be desi<<Z-ed to withstand an earthquake of magnitude 6.5 Richter. 2b: There trill be increased dust generation from rock moving during mining operations and truck traffic operating; on and off-site, 'The access road leading to the site is especially dry and dusty during; the dry parts of the year. 3b -,3f: Removal of portion: of the canyonside gill'result in increased, runoff entering; t.:.e creel: and also entering the open pit nine. eater enteri'n- the pit mai- have. to be pumped. out into the holdin,;.ponds since tne..b�3drock slopes away i -sora the creep on the .dozen-7radient underneath the canyonside. Turbidity may °increase aue to` .sediment deposition in Dry .Creek. 39,"'Al j j :...: _j,U eroua springs 'exi t:.thr.ou-ho ut the area and on the:` sub. ect ro ert Old historic. shafts which n p.. y-: , exist- ori -site 'f 122 :w1tn .Zrater to' a shallow depth due to spring water which infiltrate-... into' the Uravels from above. Bedrock slopes doVm_ and away from the creel: and catches groundwater. This ;round rater may need to be n_ unped, from the pits to the holdjug;. Appendix "r• - aag;e 8a of g.` 1 a 1101 DISCUSSION C0 MiMED Al' 41-08-27 pond. This will result in a decrease in groundwater. quantity and quality. There are no domestic wells in the area. The holding pond existing on-site is small at the present time and is ' situated very close to the-crech'. This pond,. -may need .tp.:b;e relocated i-rith a greater setback from the creek to reduce surface .;rater quality impacts. The streambanr should be reinforced and culvert- installation *z -rill be required jrnere stream crossings are anticipated. Standing water in the holding pond should not be a problem since the grater will continually circulate through extraction machinery, 4a: 'There will be removal.of vegetation as part of the mining operation. Only Grasses and small shrubs will 5e removed since all large trees have been removed from this portion of. the site in `the past. Reve etatioin of the hillside i -Till be part of the reclamation planin'an .effort. to stabilize'the ground surface after mininjr'has taken place. 5d: riildlife habitat will be reduced for.. the duration of the minim operation. Tlie site :is very: rood low elevation wildlife habitat and animal life is abundant including ifild turkeys, deejq:coyote, etc. Once-. reclamation is complete the: • habitat .will: be partially restored. 6a,,b.: There will be"Ekenerat'lo-n llo l•se due ;;o the mining operation. Tile . near.est residence beinfr occupied at this .. tine is 1: 1/2 miles . away*. Blasting "(with explosives) may occur as part of the over- a.tIon . 8: Grazing land will be reduced, to some degree temporarily, until.. reclamation is complete. 10, 17b: There irill be creation of potential health hazards and rim:= of .upset. 11oice to workers, traffic -hazards and the use and storaf-e of .fuel and/or e :Plosives on --site gill all require safety mea-ures to be undertaken on-site. 9a: 14atural resources including gold and other minerals trill be consumed at an increased rate. Fuel will also be consumed. i`_inerals trill probably be replenisaed to some de ree as more are brout;lit dot•rn fron the iii; L1 country by, runoff. 13a,13c, 13d, 13f: The proposal trill generate additional traffic along Dry Creel: Road. Other roadways leading to file site include Messilla Valley Road, Pentz Road, Highway7U and Hi liway 99. - ,mployee vehicles and haulin,; trucks will be the primary reason for the increase. Dry Creek Road is a narrow, poorly maintained roadway which is impassable to two Tray traffic at most spots. i:ormal traffic may not be able to reach the site during periods of heavy runoff during the rainy .season. Dry Creels Road will need to be inDroved over the - 2 1/2 mile stretch leading toMessilla Vallq_Y Road to reduce, impacts to the road itself and al:.o to reduce the impact. of dust generation affecting resp I-nts ' -110 n I-, this roadway. Appendix P - nage 8b of 9. AP 41-08-27 DISCUSLUO1 CONTILUL'll 14a: Th A. u area' has a hir-Jt fire hazard rating. Tree proposed mininf; bnoration ahould employ some -on-site fire protec- tion: :ieasuro7:,' onnocially in ;the, face of use and .storage of fuel o'n-auto.: .. 15)a ..'L'ner„y: in. tho :form of focsil.:fuels'. V111 be consumed at an incrc.:ood rate. 17b: The;ro frill be an exposure of people and .property to the fol.low,- inr, hoalth ha::ardc : fire. hazards, heavy truck travel (s.ome carryinj; Diflai-Imableb)'over a hazardous mountain roadway, storage O41 infleruiableo on-:,ite, severe noise levels,. potential rock or land slidoo at the open rine, risk of upset'., into spring water used. for domestic use. 19: Th'e- visual character., of the site will change due 'to the, introductioA cf gaining equipmeiit onsite* and the formation, of o;icii minim; nits and roc'; ;Hounds. Vegetation removal will be Iimlted ..to ,raszcs -and small shrubo in the beginning. 21: `Phe n r o jdct cite is iri avex^f. sensitive archeological area. • A site survey is'beinr completed and will be' appended to this renott. The :Ie:r Bra fans is an area trlth many old mine .shafts, some of which mai- be :o:f his.torical importance +. The. Office. of Historic Preservation located at 1220 K Street, Third Floor; Sacramento, California, 95814, ( 916) 44:5-8006, should be contacted regarding .�hri P ctori al .l�i�Rrt^n 2 of h s ine. Bulie in 18g of tie a irn a �1vi oT dines �eo�ogy has information aLout the ewa zne. Additional Comments: 1. A Streambank Alteration Permit trill be required from the Uenartment of Pish and Gane; The applicants existing permit Nill need to be revier,,cd periodically as the size of the operation iner.pase.s. 2. A Report of Tactei,rater Discharge trill be required from the State ;tater Quality Control 13oard since �•he mining operation is to be- a. .ret one. 3. ` The possibility' of the applicant securing a bond.' to ensure implem&n'ia.tion: of the Reclamation Plan s%iould be studied. 4. The .mining, operation will involve 5 to 10 people over a period of. up to 5 year:. • 5. Any net -r areas to be mined till be subject to Cowlty and State. review of the Rehlamation Plan and the '.,ining Permit. 53 l lendix P - Pal. e 8c of 9 y 1 AP 41-08-27 • DISCUSSION CONT1Nur;b 22'c: The potentially significant impacts on a cumula ive basis are those identified with a "mA_ybe" response in. the checklist .2 2-d: Environmental effects', namely those relative to water quality, air quality and the *ambient noise levels,. may adversely affect persons in the area. Addendum: 4b:. Two rare and endangered plants the Red Bluff Rush and the Butte County Checkermall.ow, occur witl.in 1'i. to 2 miles,* to the northeast and southeast of .the project site. Since the habitat descriptions for these plants does not correspond to the subject area, a botanical survey for .these .potential plant 'species is not deemed necessary. 8b: The public hearings before the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors on this project, between August and October 19P1, demonstrated that there is serious public controversy concerning the environmental effects of this project. -In accordance with Section 15084 (c)''of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, an environmental.impact report (EIR) should be prepared in such instances. An exception is made to.the EIR requirement when the controversy isnot related to an environmental_ issue.- In this case, many of .the. concerns raised by ,property owners in the vicinity and by representatives of local and state agencies do pertain to.environmental issues. Appendix F = page 8d of 9 54 • J.