HomeMy WebLinkAboutMUP16-0007 - IS-MND - modified
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
DEPARTMENT
BUTTE COUNTY
INITIAL STUDY AND PROPOSED MITIGATED
NEGATIVEDECLARATION FOR
MINOR USE PERMIT UP16-0007 (Soper Company)
The following minor modifications and additional supporting information (shown as double underlined for new language and
strike-through as deleted language) were made after the document was circulated to the State Clearinghouse:
1. Page 3, Section L, Maintenance and Standby Generator Testing:
Typical they use a certified 30kw standby diesel generator and with a 132 1,000 gallon fuel propane tank on a concrete slab,
together with batteries.
2. Page 7, Setting, Second Sentence:
The 1.91 231.7+ acre project site is developed with four existing communication facilities and ground related structures.
3. Page 9. Impact Discussion C:
The project parcel is approximately 271 231 acres and therefore will not impact the ongoing use of the parcel for timber
harvesting.
4. Page 23, Second Paragraph
The applicant, Soper Company, is proposing a standby generator as part of the project. Soper Wheeler will be using propane to fuel
the standby generator.
5. Page 33, Second Paragraph:
Per AB 52 Notification Request, Public Resources Code Section 21080.3(b), the County received to letters for notification.
One was from the Torres Martinez Cahuilla Indians and the other was from United Auburn Indian Community. It was
determined that discussion with the Torres Martinez Cahuilla Indians, they do not identify lands within Butte County. The
United Auburn Indian Community provided a map of their area, which did not include the project site area. As part of a
Timber Harvesting Plan, a Tribal Consultation request was completed in 2012. The request included 7 groups and the NAHC
(Native American Heritage Commission). The request received one comment letter back from the Mechoopda Indian Tribe of
Chico Rancheria stating that they were not aware of any cultural resources in the area. The commented that if cultural resources
are found, please notify the Tribe so a site inspection can be performed.
Project Name: Minor Use Permit MUP16-0007 for Soper Company
■ Butte County Department of Development Services ■
■ Initial Study – Soper Company, MUP16-0007 ■ Page 1 of 39 ■
COUNTY OF BUTTE
DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
INITIAL STUDY & PROPOSED MITIGATED NEGATIVE
DECLARATION FOR
MINOR USE PERMIT MUP16-0007 (Soper Company)
1.0 PROJECT INFORMATION
A. Applicant: Soper Company
Owner: Soper Company
B. Staff Contact: Mark Michelena, Senior Planner (530) 538-7376, mmichelena@buttecounty.net
C. Project Name: Minor Use Permit MUP16-0007 (Bloomer Hill)
D. Project Location: West side of Encina Grande Road and south of Bloomer Hill Road, approximately 4.3 miles
northwest of the intersection of Encina Grande Road and Oroville-Quincy Highway in Berry Creek. Physical
access to the project site is off of Bloomer Hill Road.
E. Type of Application: Minor Use Permit
F. Assessor’s Parcel Number: 061-660-002
G. Project Parcel Size: 231.7+ acres
Lease area size: Approximately 2,500 square feet (SF). A 15-foot wide access and power lines from the
facility to the existing meter on the parcel to the north will be underground within a 5-foot wide easement.
H. Zoning: TPZ (Timber Production Zone)
I. General Plan Designation: Timber Mountain
J. Environmental Setting: The 231.7+-acre project parcel is primarily forest land. The parcel is developed
with four existing communication facilities and ground related structures. The location of the communication
facility is an area of disturbed land, near the existing communication facilities. The project site contains pine
trees and scrub brush. The communication facility and ground equipment is proposed to be located within a
2,500 square foot lease area in the northern portion of the parcel. A 15-foot wide access road between the
wireless communications facility lease area to Bloomer Hill Road provides access. Power lines from the facility
to the existing meter on the parcel to the north will be underground within a 5-foot wide easement.
The project parcel is located east of Lake Oroville and west of Oro Quincy Highway, in the Berry Creek
Area. There are no waterways on, or near, the project parcel. The project site has an approximate elevation
of 2,950 to 2,960 feet above sea level and has a slope from north to southwest. The project parcel and
proposed lease area is identified as flood zone “X.” The parcel is not within an Airport Compatibility Zone.
The site is not located within an earthquake fault zone.
K. Surrounding Land Uses:
Another communications facility and the Bloomer Hill CalFire Lookout Tower is located approximately 180
feet to the north on an adjacent 240± acre parcel owned by the Federal government in the Plumas National
Forest.
Direction General Plan Designation Zoning Existing Land Use(s)
North Timber Mountain (TM) Timber
Production
(TPZ)
Timber Land and Communications Facilities in
the Plumas National Forest
East TM & Very Low Density
Residential (VLDR) TM &
VLDR
Timber Land & Rural Residences
South TM TM Timber Land
West TM TM Timber Land
Project Name: Minor Use Permit MUP16-0007 for Soper Company
■ Butte County Department of Development Services ■
■ Initial Study – Soper Company, MUP16-0007 ■ Page 2 of 39 ■
L. Project Description: The applicant is requesting a Minor Use Permit to construct a wireless telecommunication
facility that includes a 180-foot tall self-supporting lattice tower with a 15-foot broadcast antenna, bringing the
height to 195 feet, a 12’ x 20’ pre-fabricated unmanned equipment shelter, propane powered generator with a
1,000-gallon tank, back-up batteries to be stored in the equipment shelter within a 2,500 square foot leased area,
and gravel road to serve the site. Two existing lattice towers are proposed to be removed as part of this project.
The 180-foot height of the communication facility lattice tower is needed based on the location being
approximately at a 30-foot lower elevation than the existing two towers proposed to be removed; for the
ability of the proposed tower to accommodate the existing radio and tower equipment on the existing two
towers; and to provide additional collocation space for future carriers.
The technology and consumer services proposed for the tower will include, but is not limited to:
1. 2-way communication for First Responder, emergency services, public works, and private business
operations;
2. Microwave communication;
3. Future cellular service;
4. Wireless high speed internet for rural customers in the area; and
5. Television and radio broadcasting for the local area.
A specific breakdown is included as Attachment A.
Applicant proposes to demolish two existing towers (70 foot self-supporting tower and 120 foot guyed tower)
that were not built with permits or to code and an equipment shelter.
Section 24-181(A.) of the Zoning Ordinance requires new telecommunication facilities to be located on a
parcel so that the distance from the base of the facility to the parcel boundary is equal to or greater than the
height of the facility. However, Section 24-181 A.3 allows for a reduction in the setback if the
communication facility is located more than 1,000 feet from any residential zone or existing legally
established residential dwelling with particular findings. The findings are discussed in Section 4.10 Land
Use of this document.
Public Benefits of Improved Wireless Service
This proposed facility is intended to relocate existing services that are located on two unpermitted towers, to
continue provide communication for first responder, emergency services, community safety, public works,
television and radio broadcasting, and allow for future cellular carriers to provide additional coverage to the
surround rural area.
As a backup system to traditional landline phone service, mobile phones have proven to be extremely important
during natural disasters and other catastrophes. In the future, customers from other carriers will also be able to
receive better service.
Aesthetics
The project parcel and surrounding parcels have existing vegetation, including trees that will help screen the
lower portion of the communication facility. The project parcel and adjacent parcel have existing towers on site.
The two towers that will remain on the site are approximately 140 feet and 160 feet tall. The proposed tower will
be similar in design and height to the two remaining communication facilities.
Co-Location
The proposed facility has been designed in a manner that will structurally accommodate additional antennas
and/or future collocations (up to two). Additional ground space is also available within the lease area for
additional equipment shelters.
Site Selection Process
The selection of a location for a wireless telecommunication facility that is needed to resolve the existing code
violation of the two, non-permitted and non-structurally sound, towers. The proposed tower will accommodate
all existing equipment on the two towers to be removed and also provide additional collocation for future cellular
providers.
Project Name: Minor Use Permit MUP16-0007 for Soper Company
■ Butte County Department of Development Services ■
■ Initial Study – Soper Company, MUP16-0007 ■ Page 3 of 39 ■
RF Emissions
An RF Emissions report was prepared for the proposed project. The report identified the maximum worst case
level anywhere in the buildings or on the grounds will not exceed 9.84% of the allowed levels for
Occupational/Controlled Exposure or 49.18% of allowed levels for General Population/Uncontrolled.
Maintenance and Standby Generator Testing
The applicant, Soper Company, is proposing standby generators as part of the project. Future carriers, such as
typically include a standby generator when they collocate at a facility. Typical they use a certified 30kw standby
diesel generator and with a 132 1,000 gallon fuel propane tank on a concrete slab, together with batteries. The
generator and batteries play a vital role in emergency and disaster preparedness plan. In the event of a power
outage, communication equipment will first transition to the back-up batteries. The batteries can run the site for
a few hours depending on the demand placed on the equipment. Should the power outage extend beyond the
capacity of the batteries, the standby generator will be utilized. Standby generators typically operate for
approximately 15 minutes per week for maintenance purposes, during the daytime. Backup batteries and
generators allow communication sites to continue providing valuable communication services in the event of
power outage, natural disaster or other emergency. Following construction, the security fence will include a
small sign indicating the facility owner and a 24-hour emergency telephone number.
Construction Schedule
The construction of the facility will be in compliance with all local rules and regulations. The crew size will
range from two to ten individuals. The construction phase of the project will last approximately two months and
will not exceed acceptable construction noise levels.
Lighting
The only lighting on the facility will be located by the entry door to the pre-fabricated shelter. The light will be
shielded, down-tilted, and include a motion sensor.
Compliance with FCC standards
The proposed project will not interfere with any TV, radio, telephone, satellite, or other signals.
M. Public Agency Approvals: Butte County Planning Division, Butte County Building Division, Butte County
Fire Department/CDF, Butte County Public Works Department.
DETERMINATION
[ ] I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a NEGATIVE
DECLARATION will be prepared.
[X] I find that although the proposed project COULD have a significant effect on the environment, there will
NOT be a significant effect in this case because revisions have been made by or agreed to by the project
proponent. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.
[ ] I find that the proposed project COULD have a significant effect on the environment, and an
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required.
[ ] I find that the proposed project MAY have a "potentially significant impact" or "potentially significant unless
mitigated" impact on the environment, but at least one effect 1) has been adequately analyzed in an earlier
document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and 2) has been addressed by mitigation measures based on
the earlier analysis as described on attached sheets. An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required,
but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed.
[ ] I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, because all
potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR or NEGATIVE
DECLARATION pursuant to applicable standards, and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that
earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed
upon the proposed project, nothing further is required.
Project Name: Minor Use Permit MUPI 6-0007 for Soper Company
Prepared by: Mark Michelena, Senior Planner
Reviewed by: Chuck Thistlethwaite, Planning Manager
Site Plan
Date J\JM-1,W11
Date /
•Butte County Department of Development Services •• Initial Study - Soper Company, MUP 16-0007 • Page 4 of39 •
Project Name: Minor Use Permit MUP16-0007 for Soper Company
■ Butte County Department of Development Services ■
■ Initial Study – Soper Company, MUP16-0007 ■ Page 5 of 39 ■
Project Name: Minor Use Permit MUP16-0007 for Soper Company
■ Butte County Department of Development Services ■
■ Initial Study – Soper Company, MUP16-0007 ■ Page 6 of 39 ■
Project Name: Minor Use Permit MUP16-0007 for Soper Company
■ Butte County Department of Development Services ■
■ Initial Study – Soper Company, MUP16-0007 ■ Page 7 of 39 ■
3.0 POTENTIALLY SIGNIFICANT EFFECTS CHECKLIST SETTING
A. Environmental Factors Potentially Affected:
The environmental factors checked below could be potentially affected by this project, involving at least one impact
that is a “Potentially Significant Impact” as indicated by the checklist on the following pages.
[ ] 4.1 Aesthetics [ ] 4.2 Agriculture Resources [X] 4.3 Air Quality
[X] 4.4 Biological Resources
[ ] 4.7 Greenhouse Gas Emissions
[ ] 4.10 Land Use
[X] 4.5 Cultural Resources
[ ] 4.8 Hazards/Hazardous Material
[ ] 4.11 Mineral Resources
[ ] 4.6 Geologic Processes
[ ] 4.9 Hydrology/Water Quality
[ ] 4.12 Noise
[ ] 4.13 Housing [ ] 4.14 Public Services [ ] 4.15 Recreation
[ ] 4.16 Transportation/Traffic [ ] 4.17 Utilities/Service Systems [X] 4.18 Mandatory Findings of
Significance
4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS:
4.1 AESTHETIC/VISUAL RESOURCES:
Would the proposal: Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Reviewed
Under
Previous
Document
a. Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista?
b. Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but
not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic
buildings within a state scenic highway?
c. Substantially degrade the existing visual character or
quality of the site and its surroundings?
d. Create a new source of substantial light or glare
which would adversely affect day or nighttime views
in the area?
Setting:
The project site area is characterized as a rural, forested area. The 1.91 231.7+ acre project site is developed with four
existing communication facilities and ground related structures. The parcel to the north is developed with the Bloomer
Cal Fire Lookout Tower, an existing AT&T communication tower with associated ground equipment structure and
other accessory buildings. The nearest residence is located approximately 1,530 feet to the southwest.
The project site does contain scattered pine and oak trees. The project site area has an approximate elevation of 2,950
to 2,960 feet above sea level and has slopes from north to southwest.
The Butte County General Plan depicts identified scenic resources in Butte County, including land-based and water-
based scenic resources (Figure COS-7), County scenic highways (Figure COS-8), and Scenic Highway Zones (Figure
COS-9). The nearest scenic resource identified in Figure COS-7 is the Lake Oroville Water-Based Scenic Area. The
project site is not located within, or in the vicinity of, a County-scenic Highway or Scenic Highway Zone.
Impact Discussion:
a) & b) Less Than Significant Impact. The project parcel is located east of Lake Oroville and west of Oro Quincy
Highway, in the Berry Creek Area. Surrounding uses existing communication facilities on the project site and the
Project Name: Minor Use Permit MUP16-0007 for Soper Company
■ Butte County Department of Development Services ■
■ Initial Study – Soper Company, MUP16-0007 ■ Page 8 of 39 ■
Plumas National Forest parcel to the north. There is also the Bloomer Hill CalFire Lookout Tower on the parcel to
the north. The nearest residence is located approximately 1,530 feet to the southwest.
Natural physical characteristics of the project site area have been disturbed by the existing development on site. The
project site is not located along an identified scenic-highway and it is not an officially designated scenic area.
The applicant is requesting a Minor Use Permit to construct a telecommunication facility that includes a 180-foot tall self-
supporting lattice tower designed to relocate all existing communication equipment from the two of the existing lattice
towers proposed to be removed and additional collocation spaces. At the top of the tower will be a 15-foot broadcast
antenna, bringing the total height to 195 feet. Utilities will be run underground, except for the coax between their
equipment, which will be on an ice bridge to the tower. The ground equipment facility will be situated within a 2,500 sq.
ft. lease area that will surrounded with a 6-ft tall chain link fence with 3 strand barbed wired. Access to the facility will be
provided by a 15-foot wide driveway from Bloomer Hill Road. Power lines from the facility to the existing meter on
the parcel to the north will be underground within a 5-foot wide easement.
The proposed tower would be located approximately 47 feet from the north property line.
Based on the above information, the project will be visible from closest residences. However, based on the site and
surrounding area already having existing communication facilities, the project will not result in a substantial adverse
effect on scenic vistas, nor substantially damage scenic resources.
c) Less Than Significant Impact. Standard wireless communication lattice towers can present a negative aesthetic
impact due to their high visibility and metal construction. The communication facility would be similar in size as
existing towers on site and the adjacent parcel. The existing vegetation on the project site will screen the ground
equipment and part of the tower from views from the public rights-of-ways and residences.
d) Less Than Significant Impact. Outdoor lighting for safety and security would be added at the entrance of the
pre-fabricated equipment shelter. Lighting would have a motion-sensor activation, and would be shielded and
downward-tilted. Additional lighting may be installed if other carriers collocate at the facility. Based on the location
from the nearest residential dwelling, the proposed lighting for safety and security would not have a significant impact.
Proposed lighting and future lighting would be subject to Article 14, Section 24-67 of Butte County Zoning Code,
which requires that all outdoor lighting in residential zones be located, adequately shielded, and directed such that no
direct light falls outside the property perimeter, or into the public right-of-way. With the implementation of outdoor
lighting regulations at the time of development, the proposed project would not create new sources of substantial
lighting or glare that would generate a significant impact.
Mitigation Measure: None required.
4.2 AGRICULTURE RESOURCES:
Would the proposal:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Reviewed
Under
Previous
Document
a. Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or
Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as
shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the
Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the
California Resources Agency, to non-agricultural
use?
b. Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or
a Williamson Act Contract?
Project Name: Minor Use Permit MUP16-0007 for Soper Company
■ Butte County Department of Development Services ■
■ Initial Study – Soper Company, MUP16-0007 ■ Page 9 of 39 ■
Would the proposal:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Reviewed
Under
Previous
Document
c. Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning
of, forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code
section 12220(g)), timberland (as defined by Public
Resources Code section 4526), or timberland zoned
Timberland Production (as defined by Government
Code section 51104(g))?
d. Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of
forest land to non-forest use?
e. Involve other changes in the existing environment
which, due to their location or nature, could result in
conversion of Farmland to non-agricultural use or
conversion of forest land to non-forest use?
Impact Discussion:
a) No Impact. The project site is zoned TPZ (Timber Production Zone). The TPZ zone allows wireless
communications facilities, with approval of a Minor Use Permit pursuant to Butte County Code Article 26, Section
24-179 (Table 24-179-1), unless the communication facility is located within a 1,000 feet of a residential zone. The
surrounding area is zoned TM (Timber Mountain) to the north, south, east and west and zoned VLDR (Very Low
Density Residential) to the south and east.
The site is designated as “Other Land” in the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program (FMMP). “Other Land”
includes timber area not suitable for grazing.
The project site and surrounding area is not used for agricultural. The project would not have impacts of converting
prime farmland to a non-agricultural use.
b) No Impact. The project parcel and parcels in the project vicinity are not under a Williamson Act Contract. The
project parcel and surrounding area are zoned TM (Timber Mountain) to the north, south, east and west and zoned
VLDR (Very Low Density Residential) to the south and east.
c) No Impact. The project site is an area that includes the same type of development and has already been disturbed.
The project will not require the parcel to be rezoned from TPZ to a non-timber or forest zone. The TPZ allows for
communication facilities with a Minor Use Permit. The proposed communication facility is located in an area already
disturbed with other existing communication facilities. The project parcel is approximately 271 231 acres and
therefore will not impact the ongoing use of the parcel for timber harvesting. The proposed communication facility
will also not conflict with, or cause the rezoning of, a timber resource zoning designation.
d) Less Than Significant Impact. The project site area has already been disturbed with other communication
facilities. The project site area is approximately 2,500 square feet with access provided by exiting dirt roads. The
project will not result in a significant the loss of, or conversion of forest.
e) Less Than Significant Impact. The project site is not farmland or considered forest land and therefore, the
proposed project would not result in loss or conversion farmland to a non-agricultural use or the loss or conversion of
forest land to a non-forest use.
Mitigation Measure: None required.
Project Name: Minor Use Permit MUP16-0007 for Soper Company
■ Butte County Department of Development Services ■
■ Initial Study – Soper Company, MUP16-0007 ■ Page 10 of 39 ■
4.3 AIR QUALITY:
Would the proposal: Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Reviewed
Under
Previous
Document
a. Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the
applicable air quality plan?
b. Violate any air quality standard or contribute
substantially to an existing or projected air quality
violation?
c. Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any
criteria pollutant for which the project region is non-
attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient
air quality standard (including releasing emissions which
exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors)?
d. Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant
concentrations?
e. Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial
number of people?
Setting:
The proposed project is located in the Northern Sacramento Valley Air Basin (NSVAB). The NSVAB is bounded on
the north by the Cascade Range, on the south by the Greater Sacramento Air Region and San Joaquin Valley Air
Basin, on the east by the Sierra Nevada, and on the west by the Coast Range. High temperatures and low humidity,
with prevailing winds from the south, characterize summer conditions. Occasional rainstorms, interspersed with
stagnant and sometimes foggy weather, characterize winter conditions. Southern winds continue to predominate
during the winter. Two types of inversion occur in the NSVAB: 1) during the summer sinking air forms a lid over the
region contributing to photochemical smog and 2) air cools next to the ground while air aloft remains warm causing
poor dispersion of ground level pollutant emissions.
The region’s air pollution management is guided by the Basin’s 2003 Air Quality Attainment Plan and includes a
number of feasible control measures. Butte County, under the auspices of the Butte County Air Quality Management
District (BCAQMD), has adopted some, but not all, of these measures.
The NSVAB is subject to federal, state, and local regulations. The NSVAB is designated nonattainment for PM10,
(particulate matter less than 10 microns in diameter), PM2.5 (particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in diameter) and
ozone (ROG and NOX), by the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources
Board (CARB).
The CARB prepares and submits to the EPA a State Implementation Plan explaining how the state will attain
compliance with Federal clean air standards. The NSVAB adopted an updated Air Quality Attainment Plan in 2004
as its component of the State Implementation Plan. Among other policies, the Air Quality Attainment Plan called for
the preparation and implementation of Indirect Source Review Guidelines (Guidelines). The intent of the Guidelines
is to facilitate incorporation of features and mitigations early in the planning process, rather than later during the
formal environmental review process when it may be too late or too expensive to incorporate the District’s
recommended mitigation measures.
The BCAQMD also released the CEQA Air Quality Handbook: Guidelines for Assessing Air Quality Impacts and
Greenhouse Gas Impacts for projects subject to CEQA Review (CEQA Handbook), which was approved October 23,
2014. The document establishes thresholds of significance for projects based on project size and/or projected
emissions. The thresholds were analyzed for conformance with CEQA Guidelines §15382. The districts four
categories of evaluation are:
Project Name: Minor Use Permit MUP16-0007 for Soper Company
■ Butte County Department of Development Services ■
■ Initial Study – Soper Company, MUP16-0007 ■ Page 11 of 39 ■
1. Comparison of calculated project emissions to the Districts emission thresholds;
2. Consistency with the most recent Air Quality Attainment Plan (AQAP) for Butte County;
3. Comparison of predicted ambient pollutant concentrations resulting from the project to State and Federal
health standards, where applicable; and
4. The evaluation of special conditions which apply to certain projects, such as public exposure to toxic air
contaminants.
Table ES-2, below, lists the thresholds of significant for critical pollutants of concern, and the environmental document
type, as determined by the CEQA Air Quality Handbook provided by the BCAQMD.
Project Name: Minor Use Permit MUP16-0007 for Soper Company
■ Butte County Department of Development Services ■
■ Initial Study – Soper Company, MUP16-0007 ■ Page 12 of 39 ■
Impact Discussion:
a) - d) Less Than Significant Impact with Mitigation Incorporated. Construction activities, a source of organic
gas emissions, will be limited to the proposed lattice tower, related ground equipment and removal of two existing
towers. During construction, various diesel-powered vehicles and equipment would be in use. Construction diesel
emissions are temporary, affecting an area for a period of days or perhaps weeks. Additionally, construction-related
sources are mobile and transient in nature. Because of its temporary duration and the limited area of disturbance,
Project Name: Minor Use Permit MUP16-0007 for Soper Company
■ Butte County Department of Development Services ■
■ Initial Study – Soper Company, MUP16-0007 ■ Page 13 of 39 ■
health risks from construction emissions of diesel particulate would be less-than-significant impact. The project is
not expected to create any significant amounts of fugitive dust, oxides of nitrogen, or reactive organic gases emissions.
The applicant, Soper Company, is proposing standby generators as part of the project. Future carriers, typically include a
standby generator when they collocate at a facility. The standby generator is for emergency use only, therefore the
project would not create on-going emissions. The ongoing project is not expected to generate any significant amounts
of fugitive dust because the only soil disturbance would be some very minor excavation for the concrete slabs that the
equipment cabinets, ground cables and electrical service.
Construction dust would affect local air quality at various times during construction of the proposed project. The dry,
windy climate of the area during the summer months creates a high potential for dust generation when and if
underlying soils are exposed. Clearing, grading and earthmoving activities have a high potential to generate dust
whenever soil moisture is low and particularly when the wind is blowing.
The effects of construction activities would be increased dustfall and locally elevated levels of particulates downwind
of construction activity. Construction dust has the potential to create a nuisance at nearby properties or at previously
completed portions of the proposed project. In addition to nuisance effects, excess dustfall can increase maintenance
and cleaning requirements and could adversely affect sensitive electronic devices.
Due to its limited construction and operational scope, the project would not conflict with or obstruct implementation of
the applicable air quality plan.
Negligible amounts of emissions would be generated by construction equipment during site development activities,
because of the limited amount of construction equipment and time needed to install the extension, antennas, and
equipment cabinets.
The limited scope of the project’s construction and operational phases will have no impact upon any criteria pollutant for
which the project region is non-attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard.
The project may create fugitive dust emissions during site development activities, such as grading, excavation for
trenching and utilities, and other soil work. The Butte County Air Quality Management District (BCAQMD)
recommends incorporating measures to control fugitive dust emission for all road and other construction activities
during project development, using such methods as site and driveway watering and/or use of other acceptable soil
palliatives.
e) Less Than Significant Impact. Potential standby generators are for emergency use only and will not result in
objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people. Otherwise, the proposed lattice tower and ground related
equipment will not use anything that will generate objectionable odors to the surrounding properties or area.
Mitigation Measure #1:
Dust generated by the development activities shall be kept to a minimum with a goal of retaining dust on the site.
Follow the dust control measures listed below:
Control Dust
a. During clearing, grading, earth moving, excavation, or transportation of cut or fill materials, water trucks or
sprinkler systems are to be used to prevent dust from leaving the site and to create a crust after each day’s activities
cease.
b. During construction, water trucks or sprinkler systems shall be used to keep all areas of vehicle movement damp
enough to prevent dust from leaving the site. At a minimum, this would include wetting down such areas in the
later morning and after work is completed for the day and whenever wind exceeds 15 miles per hour.
c. Soil stockpiled for more than two days shall be covered, kept moist, or treated with soil binders to prevent dust
generation.
d. On-site construction vehicles shall be limited to a speed of 15 mph on unpaved roads.
e. Haul vehicles transporting soil into or out of the property shall be covered.
f. Existing roads and streets adjacent to the project shall be cleaned at least once per day if dirt or mud from the
project site has been tracked onto these roadways, unless conditions warrant a greater frequency.
g. Other measures may be required as determined appropriate by the BCAQMD or Department of Public Works in
order to control dust.
Project Name: Minor Use Permit MUP16-0007 for Soper Company
■ Butte County Department of Development Services ■
■ Initial Study – Soper Company, MUP16-0007 ■ Page 14 of 39 ■
Post Contact Information
h. Post a publicly visible sign with the telephone number and person to contact regarding dust complaints. This
person shall respond and take corrective action within 24 hours. The telephone number of the Butte County Air
Quality Management District shall be visible to ensure compliance with BCAQMD Rule 200 & 205 (Nuisance
and Fugitive Dust Emissions).
Other Construction Practices
i. Maintain all construction equipment in proper tune according to manufacturer’s specification.
j. Where feasible, give preference to utilizing the following equipment:
Electric equipment
Substitute gasoline-powered for diesel-powered equipment
Alternatively fueled construction equipment on site such as compressed natural gas (CNG), liquid natural
gas (LNG), propane, or biodiesel.
Equipment that has Caterpillar pre-chamber diesel engines, as practical.
Diesel construction equipment meeting the CARB’s 1996 or newer certification standard for off-road heavy-
duty diesel engines.
k. Construction workers shall park in designated parking area(s) to help reduce dust emissions.”
Plan Requirements: The note shall be placed on all building and site development plans.
Timing: Requirements of the condition shall be adhered to throughout all grading and construction periods.
Monitoring: The Department of Development Services shall ensure that this note is placed on all building and site
development plans. Building inspectors shall spot check and shall ensure compliance on-site. Butte County Air
Quality Management District inspectors shall respond to nuisance complaints.
4.4 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES:
Would the proposal: Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Reviewed
Under
Previous
Document
a. Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or
through habitat modifications, on any species
identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status
species in local or regional plans, policies, or
regulations, or by the California Department of Fish
and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?
b. Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian
habitat or other sensitive natural community
identified in local or regional plans, policies, and
regulations or by the California Department of Fish
and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?
c. Have a substantial adverse effect on federally
protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 or the
Clean Water Act (including, but not limited to, marsh,
vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal,
filling, hydrological interruption, or other means)?
d. Interfere substantially with the movement of any
native resident or migratory fish and wildlife species
or with established native resident or migratory
wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife
nursery sites?
Project Name: Minor Use Permit MUP16-0007 for Soper Company
■ Butte County Department of Development Services ■
■ Initial Study – Soper Company, MUP16-0007 ■ Page 15 of 39 ■
Would the proposal: Potentially Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Reviewed
Under
Previous
Document
e. Conflict with any local policies or ordinances
protecting biological resources such as a tree
preservation policy ordinance?
f. Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat
Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation
Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat
conservation plan?
Impact Discussion:
The 231.7+ acre project parcel is primarily timber land. The only development on the subject property are the existing
communication facilities in the northern portion of the site (project site). The parcel is developed with four existing
communication facilities and ground related structures. Construction materials are located in the undeveloped portion
of the lot. The location of communication facility is an area of disturbed land, near the construction material.
Jurisdictional Waters of the United States, including Wetlands
Waters of the United States (U.S.), including wetlands, are broadly defined to include navigable waterways, and
tributaries of navigable waterways, and adjacent wetlands. Although definitions vary to some degree, wetlands are
generally considered to be areas that are periodically or permanently inundated by surface water or groundwater,
supporting vegetation adapted to life in saturated soil. Jurisdictional wetlands are vegetated areas that meet specific
vegetation, soil, and hydrologic criteria defined by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). The USACE holds
sole authority to determine the jurisdictional status of waters of the U.S., including wetlands. Jurisdictional wetlands
and Waters of the U.S. include, but are not limited to, perennial and intermittent creeks and drainages, lakes, seeps,
and springs; emergent marshes; riparian wetlands; and seasonal wetlands. Wetland and waters of the U.S. provide
critical habitat components, such as nest sites and reliable source of water for a wide variety of wildlife species.
No discernable drainages or other wetland features were identified on, or within close proximately to, the project site.
Special-Status Species
Many species of plants and animals within the State of California have low populations, limited distributions, or both.
Such species may be considered “rare” and are vulnerable to extirpation as the state’s human population grows and
the habitats these species occupy are converted to agricultural and urban uses. A sizable number of native species and
animals have been formally designated as threatened or endangered under State and Federal endangered species
legislation. Others have been designated as “Candidates” for such listing; still others have been designated as “Species
of Special Concern” by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). The California Native Plant Society
(CNPS) has developed its own set of lists of native plants considered rare, threatened or endangered. Collectively,
these plants and animals are referred to as “special status species.”
Various direct and indirect impacts to biological resources may result from the small amount of development enabled by
the project, including the loss and/or alteration of existing undeveloped open space that may serve as habitat. California
Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15065 requires a mandatory finding of significance for projects that have
the potential to substantially degrade or reduce the habitat of a threatened or endangered species, and to fully disclose and
mitigate impacts to special status resources. For the purposes of this Initial Study, the California Environmental Quality
Act (Sections 21083 and 21087, Public Resources Code) defines mitigation as measure(s) that:
Avoids the impact altogether by not taking a certain action or parts of an action.
Minimizes impacts by limiting the degree or magnitude of the action and its implementation.
Rectifies the impact by repairing, rehabilitating, or restoring the impacted environment.
Project Name: Minor Use Permit MUP16-0007 for Soper Company
■ Butte County Department of Development Services ■
■ Initial Study – Soper Company, MUP16-0007 ■ Page 16 of 39 ■
Reduces or eliminates the impact over time by preservation and maintenance operations during the life of
the project.
Compensates for the impact by replacing or providing substitute resources or environments.
a) Less Than Significant Impact with Mitigation Incorporated. The California Natural Diversity Database
(CNDDB Rarefind 5, Government Version, January 2017) was reviewed to determine if any special status animal species
or habitats occur on the project site or in the project area. Due to the small size of the lease area (2,500 sq. ft.) and that the
project area, including access, has already been disturbed, special status plant species were not considered to be potentially
present within the proposed project area. The CNDDB identified the following occurrences within two miles of the project
site:
Butte County fritillary is not a federally or state listed endangered, threatened or species of concern. The California
Native Plant Society (CNPS) ranking has it as a plant which more information is needed. Lewis Rose’s ragwort is not
a federally or state listed endangered, threatened or species of concern. The CNPS ranking identifies Lewis Rose’s
ragwort as rare, threatened or endangered. Based on the disturbed area and a site visit, the project site and surrounding
area did not have any Lewis Rose’s ragwort in the project site area.
b) No Impact. The project site is located in the Berry Creek area and does not have any, streams, creeks or riparian
habitat on site. Lake Oroville is located approximately 1,900 feet to the northwest and 2,600 feet to the southeast of
the project site. The location of the communication facility is located in an existing disturbed open area, surrounding
by oak and pines. No trees are proposed to be removed to development project.
c) No Impact. The project site is located in an area where no federally protected wetlands as defined by Section
404 of the Clean Water Act exists, or within proximity to the project site. The project site does not contain any
discernible drainage courses, inundated areas, wetland vegetation, or hydric soils and thus does not include United
States Army Corps of Engineers jurisdictional drainages or wetlands.
d) Less Than Significant Impact with Mitigation Incorporated. The proposed ground equipment of the
communication facility will be located within a 2,500 square foot fenced area. The fenced area will not substantially
interfere native wildlife in the area. The surrounding area already includes four existing communication facilities (two
of which will be removed).
The construction of new communication tower creates a potentially significant impact on migratory birds, especially
some 350 species of night-migrating birds. Communications towers are estimated to kill 4-5 million birds per year,
which violates the spirit and the intent of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) (16 U.S.C. 703-712) and related
Code of Federal Regulations designed to implement the MBTA. Some of the species affected are also protected under
the Endangered Species Act and Bald and Golden Eagle Act. Interim guidelines were developed by Fish and Wildlife
Service personnel from research conducted in several eastern, midwestern, and southern states, and have been refined
through Regional review. They are based on the best information available at this time, and are the most prudent and
effective measures for avoiding bird strikes at monopoles. Some of the guidelines are:
New facilities should be collocated on existing towers or other existing structures.
Towers should be less than 200 feet above ground level
Towers should be freestanding (i.e., no guy wires)
Towers and attendant facilities should be sited, designed and constructed so as to avoid or minimize habitat
loss within and adjacent to the monopole “footprint”.
New towers should be designed structurally and electrically to accommodate the applicant/licensee’s
antennas and antennas for at least two additional users (minimum of three users for each monopole structure.
Security lighting for on-ground facilities and equipment should be down-shielded to keep light within the
boundaries of the site.
Monopoles no longer in use or determined to be obsolete should be removed within 12 months of cessation
of use.
Project Name: Minor Use Permit MUP16-0007 for Soper Company
■ Butte County Department of Development Services ■
■ Initial Study – Soper Company, MUP16-0007 ■ Page 17 of 39 ■
The project is consistent with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service interim guidelines because the proposed 180-foot
lattice tower (with a 15-foot broadcast antenna) is less than 200 feet in height and no guyed wires are necessary. In
fact, two existing lattice towers, 120 feet with guyed wires and a 70 foot tower, will be removed. The footprint of the
proposed lease area would not encroach onto any environmentally sensitive habitat.
Although the proposed project will be in a relatively small area of the project site, there is the potential for impact to
the nesting of migratory and raptors in the project area. Mitigation measures are included that requires a nesting bird
survey and preconstruction survey for raptors prior to project construction.
(e.) No Impact. The project site area has already been disturbed. Adjacent to the project site area is developed four
communication facilities. As part of the project, two of the existing communication facilities will be removed. There
are no oak trees in, or near the project site area.
(f.) No Impact. This site is located outside the area for which the area of the Butte Regional Conservation Plan
(BRCP) coordinated by the Butte County Association of Governments or other approved habitat conservation plan
area.
Mitigation Measure #2:
If construction occurs between March 1st and September, 15th the developer shall engage the services of a qualified
biologist to survey the project site and area within 250 feet of the site for nesting birds of prey and migratory birds,
no more than thirty days prior to the initiation of construction. Results of the preconstruction survey shall be submitted
to the Butte County Development Services Department.
a. If an active nest is located within 250 ft. of the project study area, a qualified biologist will monitor the
nest weekly during construction to evaluate potential nesting disturbance caused by construction activities.
The biologist monitoring the site will immediately notify the Department of Development Services of any
potential nesting disturbance caused by construction activities. The Department of Development Services
will have the authority to stop construction if construction appears to be resulting in nest abandonment or
forced fledging.
b. If an active nest occurs in a tree scheduled for removal, the species of bird using the nest will be
determined by the qualified biologist. The biologist making the determination will immediately notify the
Department of Development Services of any active nest in a tree scheduled for removal. The nest tree will
be preserved until it is outside of the breeding season for that species or until the young have fledged. If
construction cannot be delayed until the end of the breeding season, guidance from the California Department
of Fish & Wildlife shall be requested.”
Plan Requirements: The note shall be placed on all building and site development plans.
Timing: Requirements of the condition shall be adhered to throughout all grading and construction periods.
Monitoring: The Butte County Department of Development Services shall ensure the condition is met at the time of
development and during construction activities.
4.5 CULTURAL RESOURCES:
Would the proposal: Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Reviewed
Under
Previous
Document
a. Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance
of a historical resource as defined in §15064.5?
b. Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of
an archaeological resource pursuant to §15064.5?
c. Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological
resource or site or unique geologic feature?
Project Name: Minor Use Permit MUP16-0007 for Soper Company
■ Butte County Department of Development Services ■
■ Initial Study – Soper Company, MUP16-0007 ■ Page 18 of 39 ■
Would the proposal: Potentially Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Reviewed
Under
Previous
Document
d. Disturb any human remains, including those interred
outside of formal cemeteries?
Impact Discussion:
(a.)(b.)(c.)(d.) Less Than Significant Impact with Mitigation Incorporated. Cultural resources include prehistoric
and historic period archaeological sites; historical features, such as rock walls, water ditches and flumes, and
cemeteries; and architectural features. Cultural resources consist of any human-made site, object (i.e., artifact), or
feature that defines and illuminates our past. According to Butte County constraints mapping, the project site is located
in an area considered to have a low archeological sensitivity. Prehistoric resources sites are found in foothill areas,
areas with high bluffs, rock outcroppings, areas overlooking deer migratory corridors, or above bodies of water. The
project site area is near Lake Oroville. The portion of the subject property where the proposed lattice tower and ground
equipment would be located is substantially disturbed and has been previously cleared and disturbed. All of the
structures on the project site are of modern construction and are not considered historic or unique.
Nevertheless, grading and other soil disturbance activities on the project site have the potential to uncover historic or
prehistoric cultural resources. To prevent impacts to historic or prehistoric cultural resources that may be uncovered
during development activities on the project site, a mitigation measure is recommended that requires all construction
activity halt and the county Planning Division and a professional archaeologist be consulted to evaluate the find(s).
Mitigation Measure #3:
Should development activities reveal the presence of cultural resources (i.e., artifact concentrations, including arrowheads
and other stone tools or chipping debris, cans, glass, etc.; structural remains; human skeletal remains), work within 50 feet
of the find shall cease immediately until a qualified professional archaeologist can be consulted to evaluate the resource
and implement appropriate mitigation procedures. Should human skeletal remains be encountered, State law requires
immediate notification of the County Coroner ((530) 538-6759). Should the County Coroner determine that such remains
are in an archaeological context, the Native American Heritage Commission in Sacramento shall be notified immediately,
pursuant to State law, to arrange for Native American participation in determining the disposition of such remains.
Plan Requirements: This note shall be placed on all building and site development plans.
Timing: This measure shall be implemented during all site development activities.
Monitoring: The applicant/developer shall notify the Planning Division if any cultural resources are uncovered.
Should cultural resources be discovered, the Planning Division shall coordinate with the developer and appropriate
authorities to avoid damage to cultural resources and determine appropriate action.
Project Name: Minor Use Permit MUP16-0007 for Soper Company
■ Butte County Department of Development Services ■
■ Initial Study – Soper Company, MUP16-0007 ■ Page 19 of 39 ■
4.6 GEOLOGIC PROCESSES:
Would the proposal: Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Reviewed
Under
Previous
Document
a. Expose people or structures to potential substantial
adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or
death involving:
1. Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as
delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo
Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the
State Geologist for the area or based on other
substantial evidence of a known fault? Refer to
Division of Mines and Geology Special
Publication 42.
2. Strong seismic ground shaking?
3. Seismic-related ground failure, including
liquefaction?
4. Landslides?
b. Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil?
c. Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or
that would become unstable as a result of the project,
and potentially result in on- or off-site landslide, lateral
spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse?
d. Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18-1-
B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating
substantial risks to life or property?
e. Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use
of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal
system where sewers are not available for the disposal
or wastewater?
Impact Discussion:
a.1) - a.3) Less Than Significant Impact. The Seismic Safety Element of the Butte County General Plan indicates
that all of Butte County is in Moderate Earthquake Intensity Zone VIII. The site is not within an Alquist-Priolo
Earthquake fault zone or an aftershock zone. The only known active fault in Butte County is the Cleveland Hill fault,
where activity on August 1, 1975 resulted in the Oroville earthquake. This earthquake had a Richter magnitude of 5.7
and resulted in approximately 2.2 miles of ground rupture along the western flank of Cleveland Hill. The project site
is located approximately 11.1 miles north of this known active fault. Impacts are considered less than significant
because no known earthquake fault exists in the project area.
Like most of north central California, the site can be expected to be subjected to strong seismic ground shaking at
some future time. Accordingly, the proposed wireless communications facility extension would be designed and
installed in accordance with International Building Code requirements. Because the project appears to be located such
that the probability of significant groundshaking is low, and because any structures that are built during the course of
the project will be designed and installed in accordance with International Building Code standards for the appropriate
Seismic Hazard Zone, potential geologic impacts would be less than significant.
a.4) Less Than Significant Impact. The Landslide Potential Map (Figure HS-4) of the Health and Safety Element
of the Butte County General Plan indicates that there is a high potential for landslides in this area. Due to the relatively
level proposed project area, minimum disturbance of the project and existing vegetation on the site, the potential for
a landslide is unlikely.
Project Name: Minor Use Permit MUP16-0007 for Soper Company
■ Butte County Department of Development Services ■
■ Initial Study – Soper Company, MUP16-0007 ■ Page 20 of 39 ■
b) Less Than Significant Impact. There is ‘severe’ soil erosion potential for the project site, according to the Butte
County General Plan Health and Safety Element (Figure HS-5). The project does not involve large amounts of soil
disturbance that could result in significant soil erosion impacts. The construction activities would result in a land
disturbance of less than one acre and therefore are not expected to require a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Permit
(SWPPP) from State Water Resources Control Board prior to construction. Due to the relatively small amount of soils
disturbance required for construction, erosion potential will be less than significant.
c) Less Than Significant Impact. The Butte County Seismic Safety Element’s Maps indicates that the site has a
generally low potential for liquefaction and for expansion. Due to the relatively small amount of soils disturbance
required for construction, the potential for unstable soils is minimal.
d) Less than Significant Impact. The Health and Safety Element's Expansive Soils Map (Figure HS-6) indicates
that the project site has a low expansive soil potential. The project would be required to comply with applicable
portions of the International Building Code as adopted by Butte County, which would offset potential impacts resulting
from expansive soils.
e) No impact. The project does not require the use of septic systems.
Mitigation Measure: None required.
4.7 GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS:
Would the proposal:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Reviewed
Under
Previous
Document
a. Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or
indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the
environment?
b. Conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation
adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of
greenhouse gases?
Impact Discussion:
Global climate change is the observed increase in the average temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere and oceans along
with other significant changes in climate (such as precipitation or wind) that last for an extended period of time. The term
“global climate change” is often used interchangeably with the term “global warming,” but “global climate change” is
preferred to “global warming” because it helps convey that there are other changes in addition to rising temperatures.
Global surface temperatures have risen by 0.74°C ± 0.18°C over the last 100 years (1906 to 2005). The rate of warming
over the last 50 years is almost double that over the last 100 years.1 The prevailing scientific opinion on climate change is
that most of the warming observed over the last 50 years is attributable to human activities. The increased amounts of
carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) are the primary causes of the human-induced component of
warming. GHGs are released by the burning of fossil fuels, land clearing, agriculture, and other activities, and lead to an
increase in the greenhouse effect.2
1 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), 2007. Climate Change 2007: The Physical Science Basis.
Contribution of Working Group I to the Fourth Assessment Report of the IPCC.
2 The temperature on Earth is regulated by a system commonly known as the "greenhouse effect.” Just as the glass in a
greenhouse allows heat from sunlight in and reduces the amount of heat that escapes, greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide,
methane, and nitrous oxide in the atmosphere keep the Earth at a relatively even temperature. Without the greenhouse
effect, the Earth would be a frozen globe; thus, although an excess of greenhouse gas results in global warming, the naturally
occurring greenhouse effect is necessary to keep our planet at a comfortable temperature.
Project Name: Minor Use Permit MUP16-0007 for Soper Company
■ Butte County Department of Development Services ■
■ Initial Study – Soper Company, MUP16-0007 ■ Page 21 of 39 ■
GHGs are present in the atmosphere naturally, are released by natural sources, or are formed from secondary reactions
taking place in the atmosphere. The following are the gases that are widely seen as the principal contributors to human-
induced global climate change:3
Carbon dioxide (CO2)
Methane (CH4)
Nitrous oxide (N2O)
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
Perfluorocarbons (PFCs)
Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6)
Over the last 200 years, human activities have caused substantial quantities of GHGs to be released into the atmosphere.
These extra emissions are increasing GHG concentrations in the atmosphere and enhancing the natural greenhouse effect,
which is believed to be causing global warming, while manmade GHGs include naturally-occurring GHGs such as CO2,
methane, and N2O, some gases, such as HFCs, PFCs, and SF6 are completely new to the atmosphere.
Section 15064.4 of the CEQA Guidelines sets forth guidance for determining the significance of Impacts from Greenhouse
Gas Emissions. The guidelines allow impacts from a particular project to be described quantitatively or qualitatively and
direct that impacts should be evaluated in consideration of existing environmental setting, applicable thresholds of
significance, and compliance with regulations and requirements adopted to implement the mitigation of greenhouse gas
emissions.
Section 15064 (h)(3)of the CEQA Guidelines specifies that a project’s contribution to a cumulative effect may be found
‘not cumulatively considerable’ if the project will comply with the requirements in a previously approved plan or
mitigation program, including plans or regulations for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Butte County has not
adopted a plan or mitigation program for the reduction of greenhouse gases as of the publication of this study. Likewise,
it has not adopted thresholds of significance for evaluating greenhouse gas emissions. This section evaluates greenhouse
gas emissions relative to the existing environmental setting and compliance with air quality regulations relative to
automobile emissions, the primary contributor to greenhouse gas emissions from the proposed project.
A 2006 baseline GHG emission inventory was prepared for unincorporated Butte County. The inventory identified the
sources and the amount of GHG emissions produced in the county. Within Butte County, the leading contributors of GHG
emissions are agriculture (43%), transportation (29%), and residential energy (17%).
A Climate Action Plan (CAP) was adopted by Butte County on February 25, 2014. The CAP provides a framework for
the County to reduce GHG emissions while simplifying the review process for new development. Measures and actions
identified in the CAP lay the groundwork to achieve the adopted General Plan goals related to climate change, including
reducing GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. In an effort to implement the measures of the CAP, a development
checklist was created to evaluate a new projects consistency with the CAP, and to identify which GHG emission reduction
measures would be implemented with project approval.
a) Less Than Significant Impact. The proposed project is a communication tower that would not contribute to the
existing greenhouse gas inventory for Butte County. Short term construction will occur to install the tower and ground
equipment and removal of existing communication facilities. Standby generators will only be used during power
outages and for short duration during testing. Vehicle trips will be associated with construction and routine
maintenance. GHG emissions generated by the development and vehicle trips would be of a limited scope and
duration, but would be cumulatively considerable, which was addressed through the Supplemental EIR for the Climate
Action Plan.
b) Less Than Significant Impact. The Butte County General Plan and Butte County Climate Action Plan establish
numerous policies relative to greenhouse gases. The everyday operation of the proposed communication facility
would not generate greenhouse gas emissions. Due to the short term construction, limited vehicle trips to the site and
3 The greenhouse gases listed are consistent with the definition in Assembly Bill (AB) 32 (Government Code §38505).
Project Name: Minor Use Permit MUP16-0007 for Soper Company
■ Butte County Department of Development Services ■
■ Initial Study – Soper Company, MUP16-0007 ■ Page 22 of 39 ■
monthly testing of the standby generators, the anticipated increase in emissions would not conflict with the applicable
with policies adopted for the purpose of reducing GHG emissions.
Mitigation Measure: None required
4.8 HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS:
Would the proposal: Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Reviewed
Under
Previous
Document
a. Create a significant hazard to the public or the
environmental through the routine transport use, or
disposal of hazardous materials?
b. Create a significant hazard to the public or the
environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and
accident conditions involving the release of hazardous
materials into the environment?
c. Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely
hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one-
quarter mile of an existing or proposed schools?
d. Be located on a site which is included on a list of
hazardous materials sites complied pursuant to
Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result,
would it create a significant hazard to the public or the
environment?
e. For a project located within an airport land use plan or,
where such a plan has not been adopted, within two
miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the
project result in a safety hazard for people residing or
working in the project area?
f. For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip,
would the project result in a safety hazard for people
residing or working in the project area?
g. Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an
adopted emergency response plan or emergency
evacuation plan?
h. Expose people or structures to a significant risk or loss,
injury or death involving wildland fires, including
where wildlands are adjacent to urbanized areas or
where residences are intermixed with wildlands?
Impact Discussion:
a) - d) Less Than Significant Impact. Construction activities associated with the development of the proposed
project would involve the use of potentially hazardous materials, including vehicle fuels, oils, and transmission fluids.
However, all potentially hazardous materials would be contained, stored, and used in accordance with manufacturers’
instructions and handled in compliance with applicable standards and regulations.
Implementation of the proposed project would result in the development of a wireless communications facility. It is
not anticipated that large quantities of hazardous materials would be permanently stored or used within the project
site. Similarly, the project would not emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous materials. Small quantities of
publicly-available hazardous materials (e.g., paint, maintenance supplies) may be routinely used within the project
site for maintenance and cleaning. However, these materials would not be used in sufficient strength or quantity to
Project Name: Minor Use Permit MUP16-0007 for Soper Company
■ Butte County Department of Development Services ■
■ Initial Study – Soper Company, MUP16-0007 ■ Page 23 of 39 ■
create a substantial risk of fire or explosion, or otherwise pose a substantial risk to human or environmental health.
Therefore, implementation of the proposed project would not create a permanent significant hazard to the public or
environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials.
The applicant, Soper Company, is proposing a standby generator as part of the project. Soper Wheeler will be using
propane to fuel the standby generator. Future carriers will also typically include a standby generator when they collocate
at a facility. The storage of diesel fuel on the project site requires that the applicant complete a “Hazardous Materials
Release Response Plan” pursuant to the California Health and Safety Code and is regulated by the Butte County
Environmental Health Division. With the submittal and implementation of the Hazardous Materials Release Response
Plan” the project is not expected to create any hazardous conditions or emissions.
The proposed communications facility will also have large batteries within the equipment cabinets. Such batteries are
typically classified as non-hazardous material for transportation. The use of these batteries on the project site is not
expected to create any hazardous materials or emissions. The Butte County Environmental Health Division requires
that the applicant complete a “Hazardous Materials Release Response Plan” pursuant to the California Health and
Safety Code.
People living near the proposed communications facility have the potential to be exposed to limited radio-frequency
(RF) emissions from the proposed facility. Existing wireless facilities located on two existing towers (proposed to be
removed) onsite will be relocated to the proposed facility. An RF emissions study was prepared and determined the
proposed facility will not exceed the FCC ET Docket 93-62 allowed levels. The maximum worst case level anywhere
in the buildings or on the grounds will not exceed 9.84% of allowed levels for Occupational/Controlled Exposure or
49.18% of allowed levels for General Population/Uncontrolled. The nearest offsite residential dwelling to the
proposed communication facility is located approximately 1,530 feet to the southwest.
Wireless communication systems emit non-ionizing, electromagnetic energy. The perceived health risk of this
emission has been identified as a potential public health and safety issue. However, no studies to date have
demonstrated a specific correlation between wireless communication facilities and health problems. The actual use
of radio frequency transmission requires only a small amount of energy, making mobile phone technology one of the
most efficient forms of communication available. Unlike television and radio transmitters which work at full power
all the time, a mobile phone site is designed to control its output so that it provides exactly the signal strength required
to handle the number of calls being made at that moment, no more and no less. Therefore, if no calls are being made
at any one moment, the cell site will virtually shut itself down. The antennas are designed to transmit most of the
signal away horizontally, or just below the horizontal, rather than at steep angles to the ground.
e) & f) No Impact. The project site is not located within an airport compatibility zone or in the vicinity of a private
airstrip.
g) No Impact. The proposed project will not physically interfere with existing emergency evacuation plans.
h) No Impact. The proposed facility is located in a residential area, subject to wildfires. The proposed use is
unmanned and will not subject additional people to risk of fire.
Mitigation Measure: None required
Project Name: Minor Use Permit MUP16-0007 for Soper Company
■ Butte County Department of Development Services ■
■ Initial Study – Soper Company, MUP16-0007 ■ Page 24 of 39 ■
4.9 HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY:
Would the proposal: Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Reviewed
Under
Previous
Document
a. Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge
requirements?
b. Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or interfere
substantially with groundwater recharge such that there
would be a net deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of
the local groundwater table level (e.g., the production
rate of preexisting nearby wells would drop to a level
which would not support existing land uses or planned
uses for which permits have been granted)?
c. Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the
site or area, including through the alteration of the course
of a stream or river, in a manner which would result in
substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site?
d. Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the
site or area, including through the alteration of the course
of a stream or river, or substantially increase the rate or
amount of surface runoff in a manner which would result
in flooding on- or off-site?
e. Create or contribute runoff water which would exceed
the capacity of existing or planned storm water drainage
systems or provide substantial additional sources of
polluted runoff?
f. Otherwise substantially degrade water quality?
g. Place housing within a 100-year flood hazard area as
mapped by Federal Flood Hazard Boundary, Flood
Insurance Rate Map, or other flood hazard delineation
map?
h. Place within a 100-year flood hazard area structures
which would impede or redirect flood flows?
i. Expose people or structures to a significant risk or loss,
injury, or death involving flooding, including flooding as
a result of the failure of a levee or dam?
j. Inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow?
Impact Discussion:
a) & b) No Impact. The project does not require the use of water and would not create any water discharges.
c) - f) Less Than Significant Impact. An equipment shelter is proposed within the 2,500 square foot fenced lease
area. The proposed area to be developed, including the lattice tower location and the ground equipment area has
already been disturbed. The 15-foot wide access easement is already a disturbed access area for the site and will not
create any significant impact to drainage patterns or create significant amount of runoff.
g) - i) No Impact. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is responsible for mapping areas subject to
flooding during a 100-year flood event (i.e., 1 percent chance of occurring in a given year). According to floodplain
mapping of the project area, the project site is located within the X zone. The X zone (Unshaded) is defined by FEMA as
areas of minimal flood hazard from the principal source of flood in the area and determined to be outside of the 0.2 percent
annual chance floodplain.
Project Name: Minor Use Permit MUP16-0007 for Soper Company
■ Butte County Department of Development Services ■
■ Initial Study – Soper Company, MUP16-0007 ■ Page 25 of 39 ■
j) No Impact. The project site has an approximate elevation of 2,950 to 2,960 feet above sea level and the height
of the improvements to the tower for collocation indicate that it will not be subject to inundation by seiche, tsunami, or
mudflow.
Mitigation Measures: None required.
4.10 LAND USE:
Would the proposal: Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Reviewed
Under
Previous
Document
a. Physically divide an established community?
b. Conflict with an applicable land use plan, policy, or
regulations of an agency with jurisdiction over the
project (including, but not limited to, the general
plan, specific plan, local coastal program, or zoning
ordinance) adopted for the purpose of avoiding or
mitigating an environmental effect?
c. Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation
plan or natural community conservation plan?
Impact Discussion:
The applicant is requesting a Minor Use Permit to construct a wireless telecommunication facility that includes a 180-foot
tall tower with a 15-foot broadcast antenna, bringing the height to 195 feet, a 12 x 20 pre-fabricated unmanned equipment
shelter, propane powered generator with a 1,000-gallon tank, back-up batteries to be stored in the equipment shelter within
a 2,500 square foot leased area, and gravel road to serve the site.
The 180-foot height of the communication facility lattice tower is needed based on the location being approximately
at a 30-foot lower elevation than the exiting two towers proposed to be removed and for the ability of the new tower
to accommodate the existing radio and tower equipment on the existing two towers and provide additional collocation
space for future carriers.
The technology and consumer services proposed for the tower will include, but is not limited to:
1. 2-way communication for first responder, emergency services, public works, private business operations;
2. Microwave communication;
3. Future Cellular service;
4. Wireless High Speed intendent for rural customers in the area; and
5. Television and radio broadcasting for the local residing area.
A specific breakdown is included as Attachment A.
Applicant proposes to demolish two existing towers (70 foot self-supporting tower and 120 foot guyed tower) that were
not built with permits or to code and an equipment shelter. The project parcel is designated by the General Plan as
Timber Mountain and is zoned TPZ (Timber Production Zone).
Once constructed and operational, the communications facility would provide 24-hour service to customers seven
days a week. Apart from initial construction activity, no personnel will be stationed at the site. Routine maintenance
and inspection of the facility would occur once a month during normal business hours. No water or sewer service is
required as the site would normally be unmanned.
a) Less Than Significant Impact. No new parcels or substantial development would result from this project. The
project would not divide any established community. The proposed communication facility (tower) will accommodate
the existing radio and tower equipment on the existing two towers and provide additional collocation space for future
Project Name: Minor Use Permit MUP16-0007 for Soper Company
■ Butte County Department of Development Services ■
■ Initial Study – Soper Company, MUP16-0007 ■ Page 26 of 39 ■
carriers. This proposed communication facility is intended to continue existing, and improve, coverage to the residents in
the area.
Additionally, this site will serve as a backup to the existing landline service in the area and will provide improved wireless
communication, which is essential to first responders, community safety, local businesses and area residents. As a backup
system to traditional landline phone service, mobile phones have proven to be extremely important during natural disasters
and other catastrophes.
b) Less Than Significant Impact. The proposed project was reviewed for constancy with the zoning code.
Wireless Communication Facilities are regulated by Article 26 of the Butte County Code. The Purpose (Section 24-
176) of the Telecommunication Facilities is to:
A. Allow reasonable opportunities for wireless communication providers to provide such services to the
community in a safe effective and efficient manner.
B. Encourage the location of new monopoles, towers and antennas in non-residential areas, thereby discouraging
the need for such facilities in residential areas.
C. Minimize the total number of antennas through the county.
D. Encourage co-location of facilities at appropriate new and existing monopoles, towers and antenna sites.
E. Encourage wireless communication providers to locate new monopoles, towers and antennas in areas that
minimize adverse impact on agricultural and air navigation.
F. Require wireless communication providers to design and configure wireless communication facilities in a
way that minimizes visual impacts.
The proposed communication facility (lattice tower) is located within the Timber Production Zone. The 180-foot
height of the communication facility lattice tower is needed based on the location being approximately at a 30-
foot lower elevation than the exiting two towers proposed to be removed and for the ability of the new tower to
accommodate the existing radio and tower equipment on the existing two towers and provide additional
collocation space for future carriers.
Section 24-181 (General Requirements):
A. Setbacks.
3. Minimum setbacks for telecommunication facilities that are within a non-residential zone and
located more than 1,000 feet from any residential zone or existing legally established residential
dwelling may be reduced with approval of a Minor Use Permit or Conditional Use Permit in the
case of the Airport (AIR) zone. To approve the reduced setback, the review authority shall find that:
a. Setback distances for the facility are greater than or equal to setbacks for primary structures in
the applicable district, or a minimum of 20 feet, whichever is greater;
b. The facility is not located within the Scenic Highway (SH) overlay zone;
c. The facility is not located within 500 feet of any building or feature located on a local or State
historic or cultural significant list;
d. The facility is compatible and consistent with any applicable adopted airport land use plan, and
the facility would not interfere with agricultural aircraft operations;
e. The facility does not create a hazardous conditions to the general health, safety, or welfare; and
f. Modifications of setback standards would not interfere with other standards or requirements
addressed within the Zoning Ordinance.
The proposed communication facility is located approximately 1,680 feet from the nearest
residential zone and more than 1,500 feet from the nearest residential dwelling. The TPZ has a
minimum front setback of 20 feet. The proposed tower is located approximately 47 feet from the
front property line and associated ground related equipment also meet the 20 foot minimum setback.
The facility is not located with the Scenic Highway (SH) overlay zone. The nearest SH overlay zone
is approximately 2.3 miles to the southeast. The project site area is not located within 500 feet of
any building or feature located on a local or State historic or cultural significant list. The project
Project Name: Minor Use Permit MUP16-0007 for Soper Company
■ Butte County Department of Development Services ■
■ Initial Study – Soper Company, MUP16-0007 ■ Page 27 of 39 ■
site is not located within any public or private airport compatibility zones and therefore is consistent
with the Butte County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan. The project site is located within the
500 foot Military Airspace Overlay. The project was reviewed by the Navy Region Southwest for
conformance and the facility was determined there would be no impact to their operations. There
are no surrounding agricultural uses that require aerial applications. An RF emissions study was
prepared and determined the proposed facility will not exceed the FCC ET Docket 93-62 allowed
levels. The maximum worst case level anywhere in the buildings or on the grounds will not exceed
9.84% of allowed levels for Occupational/Controlled Exposure or 49.18% of allowed levels for
General Population/Uncontrolled. The nearest offsite residential dwelling to the proposed
communication facility is located approximately 1,530 feet to the southwest. Based on the size of
the project parcel (231.7 acres), the small project area (2,500 square feet) and the existing
communication facilities in the project vicinity, the reduction of the setback will not interfere with
other standards or requirements addressed in the Zoning Ordinance.
B. Height.
1. The maximum height for telecommunication facilities in all zones shall be 100 feet, except in
Commercial and Industrial zones where it shall be 150 feet. The review authority may approve
additional height based on justifiable need. No structures shall exceed the maximum permitted
height in areas as specified in Section 24-50. (Section 24-50 refers to Section 24-51, which refers
to Section 24-51, which refers Telecommunication Facilities back to Article 26 –
Telecommunication Facilities)
The 180-foot height of the communication facility lattice tower (with an additional 15-foot
broadcast antenna on top) is needed based on the location being approximately at a 30-foot lower
elevation than the exiting two towers proposed to be removed and for the ability of the new tower
to accommodate the existing radio and tower equipment on the existing two towers and provide
additional collocation space for future carriers. The existing towers (AT&T and Verizon) are
limited on the space available for the needed relocation of the existing facilities on the other two
towers proposed to be removed and provide additional space for future cellular service providers.
N. Distance Between Facilities.
1. A facility shall not be located within 1,000 feet of any other existing facility.
2. The minimum required distance between facilities may be reduced with approval of a Minor Use
Permit. To approve the reduced separation, the review authority shall find that one or more of the
following apply:
a. Visual impacts are negligible; or
b. The applicant can demonstrate that the site is a technical necessity to meet the demands of the
geological service area and the applicant’s network.
The project site is already developed with four towers (160 feet, 140 feet, 120 feet and 70 feet). The
120-foot (with guyed wires) and the 70-foot tower will be removed. The addition of a 180-foot tower
(with an additional 15 foot broadcast antenna) on top will no create any new significant visual
impacts to the area. The nearest residences are located more than, 1,500 feet way. Based on this
distance and the fact there are existing antennas in the project site area, the visual impacts will be
negligible.
The 180-foot height of the communication facility lattice tower (with an additional 15-foot
broadcast antenna on top) is needed based on the location being approximately at a 30-foot lower
elevation than the exiting two towers proposed to be removed and for the ability of the new tower
to accommodate the existing radio and tower equipment on the existing two towers and provide
additional collocation space for future carriers. The existing towers (AT&T and Verizon) are
limited on the space available for the needed relocation of the existing facilities on the other two
towers proposed to be removed and provide additional space for future cellular service providers
Project Name: Minor Use Permit MUP16-0007 for Soper Company
■ Butte County Department of Development Services ■
■ Initial Study – Soper Company, MUP16-0007 ■ Page 28 of 39 ■
(c.) No Impact. This site is not located within the area for which the area of the Butte Regional Conservation Plan
(BRCP) coordinated by the Butte County Association of Governments.
Mitigation Measure: None required.
4.11 MINERAL RESOURCES:
Would the proposal: Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Reviewed
Under
Previous
Document
a. Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral
resource that would be of value to the region and the
residents of the state?
b. Result in the loss of availability of a locally important
mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local
general plan, specific plan, or other land use plan?
Impact Discussion:
a) & b) No Impact. The California Geological Survey (CGS) has not classified the project site as being located in a
Mineral Resource Zone (MRZ). The proposed project would not use or extract any mineral or energy resources and
would not restrict access to known mineral resource areas.
Mitigation Measure: None required.
4.12 NOISE:
Would the proposal: Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Reviewed
Under
Previous
Document
a. Exposure of persons to or generation of noise levels in
excess of standards established in the local general plan
or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other
agencies?
b. Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive
ground borne vibration or ground borne noise levels?
c. A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise
levels in the project vicinity above levels existing
without the project?
d. A substantial temporary or periodic increase in
ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above
levels existing without the project?
e. For a project located within an airport land use plan
or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within
two miles of a public airport or public use airport,
would the project expose people residing or working
in the project area to excessive noise levels?
f. For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip,
would the project expose people residing or working
in the project area to excessive noise levels?
Project Name: Minor Use Permit MUP16-0007 for Soper Company
■ Butte County Department of Development Services ■
■ Initial Study – Soper Company, MUP16-0007 ■ Page 29 of 39 ■
Impact Discussion:
The project site is located in rural area that includes residential, undeveloped and Federal (Plumas National Forest)
land. The nearest residence is located over 1,500 feet to the southwest. Noise levels very in the project area. The
proposed wireless communications facility is unmanned and would therefore not expose people at the facility to
noise levels.
a) & c) No Impact. Uses associated with this project would not create a significant increase in ambient noise
levels within or in proximity to the project site. The potential use of onsite emergency standby generators would
provide power until normal power is restored. The use of standby generators will be short term in duration and will
not create significant impacts.
b) No Impact. The proposed project would not include the development of land uses that would generate substantial
ground-borne vibration or noise or use construction activities that would have such effects. No structures are proposed
that would require heavy footings where the use of heavy pile drivers would be required.
d) Less Than Significant Impact. Construction activity on the site has the potential to generate high noise levels
on and adjacent to the project site intermittently during project development activities. During construction, the
highest noise levels would result from operation of heavy equipment, which can be expected to generate noise levels
of between 85 to 90 decibels (dBA) at a distance of 50 feet from the source. Noise levels will be reduced, however,
by a factor of six dBA with each doubling of distance from the noise source and by intervening topography.
Construction noise activities related to the construction is temporary in nature and is not seen will not be significant,
given the distance, approximately 1,530 feet to the nearest residence. The General Plan Health and Safety Element
policy HS-P1.7 limits noise generating construction activities located within 1,000 feet of residential uses to daytime
hours between 7:00am and 6:00 pm on weekdays and non-holidays. The anticipated noise generated by the project,
construction and potential standby generators, are considered exemptions under Butte County Code Section 24-153
B. Given the distance from the nearest residential structures, construction noise is not expected to have a significant
impact on nearby residence. Furthermore, any such noise disturbance would be intermittent, short-term in nature
and required to be in compliance with the General Plan Health and Safety Element policy HS-P1.7.
e) & f) No Impact. The project is located more than two miles from the nearest airport or private airstrip.
Mitigation Measure: None required.
4.13 HOUSING:
Would the proposal: Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Reviewed Under
Previous
Document
a. Induce substantial population growth in an area, either
directly (for example, by proposing new homes and
businesses) or indirectly (for example, through
extension of roads or other infrastructure?
b. Displace substantial numbers of existing housing,
necessitating the construction of replacement housing
elsewhere?
c. Displace substantial numbers of people, necessitating
the construction of replacement housing elsewhere?
Impact Discussion:
a) No Impact. The project would not affect the population of the area because no new parcels would be created and
no additional dwellings would be placed on the project site as a result of this project.
Project Name: Minor Use Permit MUP16-0007 for Soper Company
■ Butte County Department of Development Services ■
■ Initial Study – Soper Company, MUP16-0007 ■ Page 30 of 39 ■
b) & c) No Impact. The project would not displace individuals or housing. The project does not require the
extension of any infrastructure, such as roads, water, or sewer systems. Therefore, the project would not induce
substantial population growth in the project area.
Mitigation Measure: None required.
4.14 PUBLIC SERVICES:
Would the proposal: Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Reviewed
Under
Previous
Document
a. Would the project result in substantial adverse
physical impacts associated with the provision of
or need for new or physically altered
governmental facilities, the construction of which
could cause significant environmental impacts, in
order to maintain acceptable service ratios,
response times, or other performance objectives
for any of the public services?
1. Fire protection?
2. Police Protection?
3. Schools?
4. Parks?
5. Other public services?
Impact Discussion:
a1) Less Than Significant Impact. The project is within the State Responsibility Area of Butte County
Fire/California Department of Forestry (CalFire). The project would not increase the level of fire protection service
needed on the site because wireless communication facilities do not normally require such services.
a2) The proposal is not expected to result in an increase in demand for police services because wireless
communication facilities do not normally require such services.
a3) The communication facility is an unmanned facility and therefore will not result in an increase in demand for
school facilities in the area.
a4) The communication facility is an unmanned facility and therefore will not create an increase in park usage.
a5) The communication facility is an unmanned facility and therefore will not require other public services. The
Butte County Department of General Services is implementing a new 700 MHz P25 Radio System to support first
responders on a communications tower located approximately 200± feet to the north of the project site. The applicant’s
consultant, ComSites West LLC, has consulted with the County’s representatives to ensure compatibility between the
two facilities.
Mitigation Measure: None required.
Project Name: Minor Use Permit MUP16-0007 for Soper Company
■ Butte County Department of Development Services ■
■ Initial Study – Soper Company, MUP16-0007 ■ Page 31 of 39 ■
4.15 RECREATION:
Would the proposal: Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Reviewed
Under
Previous
Document
a. Increase the use of existing neighborhood and
regional parks or other recreational facilities such
that substantial physical deterioration of the facility
would occur or be accelerated?
b. Include recreational facilities or require the
construction or expansion of recreational facilities
which might have an adverse physical effect on the
environment?
Impact Discussion:
a) & b) No Impact. The project is located in the Feather River Recreation and Park District. The communication
facility is an unmanned facility and therefore will not create an increase in park usage. No recreational facilities are
proposed under this proposal and none are located on the project site. No impacts on existing or future recreational
facilities would occur.
Mitigation Measure: None required.
4.16 TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC:
Would the proposal: Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Reviewed
Under
Previous
Document
a. Conflict with an applicable plan, ordinance or policy
establishing measures of effectiveness for the
performance of the circulation system, taking into
account all modes of transportation including mass
transit and non-motorized travel and relevant
components of the circulation system, including but
not limited to intersections, streets, highways and
freeways, pedestrian and bicycle paths and mass
transit?
b. Conflict with an applicable congestion management
program, including but not limited to level of service
standards and travel demand measures, or other
standards established by the county congestion
management agency for designated roads or
highways?
c. Result in a change in air traffic patterns, including
either an increase in traffic levels or a change in
location that results in substantial safety risks?
d. Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature
(e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or
incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment)?
Project Name: Minor Use Permit MUP16-0007 for Soper Company
■ Butte County Department of Development Services ■
■ Initial Study – Soper Company, MUP16-0007 ■ Page 32 of 39 ■
Would the proposal: Potentially Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Reviewed
Under
Previous
Document
e. Result in inadequate emergency access?
g. Conflict with accepted policies, plans or programs
supporting alternative transportation (e.g., bus
turnouts, bicycle racks)?
Impact Discussion:
Access to the facility will be provided by a 15-foot wide gravel road from Bloomer Hill Road. Power lines from the
facility to the existing meter on the parcel to the north will be underground within a 5-foot wide easement.
a) & b) Less Than Significant Impact. Boomer Hill Road, in the project area has minimal traffic volumes. The
proposed wireless communication facility would temporally generate additional vehicle traffic in the project area
during construction activities. This would be minor and would not have a significant impact on vehicular circulation
in the project area. Once construction has been completed, traffic will return to pre-construction levels. After
construction activities have been completed, the project would require only one to two site visits per month. This very
low number of vehicle trips would not have any impact on vehicular circulation in the project area.
c) No Impact. The project site is not located within an Airport Compatibility Zone.
d) No Impact. The project design does not involve any modifications to Bloomer Hill Road, or create any additional
hazards of safety concerns.
e) No Impact. Since the project is an unmanned facility and does not involve a substantial number of vehicle trips,
the project will not result in inadequate emergency access.
f) No Impact. Since the project is an unmanned facility and does not involve a substantial number of vehicle trips,
the project will not impact parking capacity.
g) No Impact. Since the project is an unmanned facility and does not involve a substantial number of vehicle trips,
the project will not conflict with plans for alternative transportation.
Mitigation Measure: None required.
4.16 TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES:
Would the project cause a substantial adverse change in
the significance of a tribal cultural resource, defined in
Public Resources Code section 21074 as either a site,
feature, place, cultural landscape that is geographically
defined in terms of the size and scope of the landscape,
sacred place, or object with cultural value to a
California Native American tribe, and this is:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Reviewed
Under
Previous
Document
a. Listed or eligible for listing in the California Register
of Historical Resources, or in a local register of
historical resources as defined in Public Resources
Code section 5020.1(k) or
b. A resource determined by the lead agency, in its
discretion and supported by substantial evidence, to be
significant pursuant to criteria set forth in subdivision (c)
Project Name: Minor Use Permit MUP16-0007 for Soper Company
■ Butte County Department of Development Services ■
■ Initial Study – Soper Company, MUP16-0007 ■ Page 33 of 39 ■
Would the project cause a substantial adverse change in
the significance of a tribal cultural resource, defined in
Public Resources Code section 21074 as either a site,
feature, place, cultural landscape that is geographically
defined in terms of the size and scope of the landscape,
sacred place, or object with cultural value to a
California Native American tribe, and this is:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Reviewed
Under
Previous
Document
of Public Resources Code section 5024.1. In apply the
criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of the Public
Resources Code section 5024.1, the lead agency shall
consider the significance of the resource to a California
Native American tribe.
Impact Discussion:
a) & b) Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated. A Tribal Cultural Resource is a site feature, place,
cultural landscape, sacred place or object, which is of cultural value to a Tribe. According to Butte County constraints
mapping, the project site is not located in an area considered to have a high archeological sensitivity. Often cultural
resources are found in foothill areas, areas with high bluffs, rock outcroppings, areas overlooking deer migratory
corridors, or near bodies of water. The project site is located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range
and could have been utilized in historic or prehistoric times. The project site area has been extensively disturbed by
existing communication facilities. The project site area does not contain any rock outcroppings that could have be
utilized for shelter.
Per AB 52 Notification Request, Public Resources Code Section 21080.3(b), the County received to letters for
notification. One was from the Torres Martinez Cahuilla Indians and the other was from United Auburn Indian
Community. It was determined that discussion with the Torres Martinez Cahuilla Indians, they do not identify lands
within Butte County. The United Auburn Indian Community provided a map of their area, which did not include the
project site area. As part of a Timber Harvesting Plan, a Tribal Consultation request was completed in 2012. The
request included 7 groups and the NAHC (Native American Heritage Commission). The request received one
comment letter back from the Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria stating that they were not aware of any
cultural resources in the area. The commented that if cultural resources are found, please notify the Tribe so a site
inspection can be performed.
Mitigation Measure: Refer to Mitigation Measure #4 in Section 4.5 Cultural Resources.
4.18 UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS:
Would the proposal: Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Reviewed
Under
Previous
Document
a. Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the
applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board?
b. Require or result in the construction of new water or
wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of
existing facilities, the construction of which could
cause significant environmental effects?
c. Require or result in the construction of new storm
water drainage facilities or expansion of existing
facilities, the construction of which could cause
significant environmental effects?
Project Name: Minor Use Permit MUP16-0007 for Soper Company
■ Butte County Department of Development Services ■
■ Initial Study – Soper Company, MUP16-0007 ■ Page 34 of 39 ■
Would the proposal: Potentially Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Reviewed
Under
Previous
Document
d. Have sufficient water supplies available to serve
the project from existing entitlements and
resources, or are new or expanded entitlements
needed?
e. Result in a determination by the wastewater
treatment provider which serves or may serve the
project that it has adequate capacity to serve the
project’s projected demand in addition to the
provider’s existing commitments?
f. Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted
capacity to accommodate the project’s solid waste
disposal needs?
g. Comply with federal, state, and local statutes, and
regulations related to solid waste?
Impact Discussion:
The 180-foot lattice tower and ground equipment facility will be situated within a 2,500 sq. ft. lease area that will
surrounded with a 6-ft tall chain link fence with 3 strand barbed wire on top. Access to the facility will be provided by an
existing and proposed 15-foot wide gravel road from Bloomer Hill Road.
a) - g) No Impact. Implementation of the project would not require domestic water or wastewater treatment, or
solid waste facilities. It would not be in non-compliance with any statutes or regulations relating to solid waste, nor
would it employ equipment that would introduce interference into any system. Thus, the project would have no impact
on any utilities or service systems.
Mitigation Measure: None required.
4.19 MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE (SECTION 15065):
Would the proposal: Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Reviewed
Under
Previous
Document
a. Have the potential to substantially 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 plant or animal
community, 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?
Project Name: Minor Use Permit MUP16-0007 for Soper Company
■ Butte County Department of Development Services ■
■ Initial Study – Soper Company, MUP16-0007 ■ Page 35 of 39 ■
Would the proposal: Potentially Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Reviewed
Under
Previous
Document
b. Have impacts that are individually limited, but
cumulatively considerable? (“Cumulatively
considerable” means that the incremental effects of a
project are considerable when viewed in connection
with the effects of past projects, the effects of other
current projects and the effects of probable future
projects)?
c. Does the project have environmental effects which
will cause substantial adverse effects on human
beings, either directly or indirectly<
Impact Discussion:
(a.) Less Than Significant Impact with Mitigation Incorporated. With the implementation of mitigation measures
included in this Initial Study, the proposed project would not degrade the quality of the environment; result in an
adverse impact on fish, wildlife, or plant species including special status species, or prehistoric or historic cultural
resources. Prehistoric or historic cultural resources would not be adversely affected because no archeological or
historic resources are known to exist in the project area and project implementation includes following appropriate
procedures for avoiding or preserving artifacts or human remains should they be uncovered during project excavation.
(b.) Less Than Significant Impact with Mitigation Incorporated. This project has the potential to contribute
impacts that are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable with respect to air quality, noise and cultural
resources. Cumulative impacts to these areas would be mitigated due to the inclusion of the Mitigation Measures
listed below, as itemized under Section 5 – Mitigation Measures and Monitoring Requirements.
Past, current, and probable future projects in the vicinity of the project site were reviewed to determine if any additional
cumulative impacts may occur with the approval of this project. A two mile radius was used in determining cumulative
impacts. No additional cumulative impacts were discovered.
(c.) Less Than Significant Impact with Mitigation Incorporated. There have been no impacts discovered through
the review of this application demonstrating that there would be substantial adverse effects on human beings either
directly or indirectly. However, the proposed project has the potential to cause both temporary and future impacts to
the area by project-related impacts relating to air, noise and cultural resources. With implementation of mitigation
measures included in this Initial Study, these impacts would be effectively mitigated to a less than significant level.
5.0 MITIGATION MEASURES AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS:
Mitigation Measure #1:
Dust generated by the development activities shall be kept to a minimum with a goal of retaining dust on the site.
Follow the dust control measures listed below:
Control Dust
a. During clearing, grading, earth moving, excavation, or transportation of cut or fill materials, water trucks or
sprinkler systems are to be used to prevent dust from leaving the site and to create a crust after each day’s activities
cease.
b. During construction, water trucks or sprinkler systems shall be used to keep all areas of vehicle movement damp
enough to prevent dust from leaving the site. At a minimum, this would include wetting down such areas in the
later morning and after work is completed for the day and whenever wind exceeds 15 miles per hour.
c. Soil stockpiled for more than two days shall be covered, kept moist, or treated with soil binders to prevent dust
generation.
d. On-site construction vehicles shall be limited to a speed of 15 mph on unpaved roads.
e. Haul vehicles transporting soil into or out of the property shall be covered.
Project Name: Minor Use Permit MUP16-0007 for Soper Company
■ Butte County Department of Development Services ■
■ Initial Study – Soper Company, MUP16-0007 ■ Page 36 of 39 ■
f. Existing roads and streets adjacent to the project shall be cleaned at least once per day if dirt or mud from the
project site has been tracked onto these roadways, unless conditions warrant a greater frequency.
g. Other measures may be required as determined appropriate by the BCAQMD or Department of Public Works in
order to control dust.
Post Contact Information
h. Post a publicly visible sign with the telephone number and person to contact regarding dust complaints. This
person shall respond and take corrective action within 24 hours. The telephone number of the Butte County Air
Quality Management District shall be visible to ensure compliance with BCAQMD Rule 200 & 205 (Nuisance
and Fugitive Dust Emissions).
Other Construction Practices
i. Maintain all construction equipment in proper tune according to manufacturer’s specification.
j. Where feasible, give preference to utilizing the following equipment:
Electric equipment
Substitute gasoline-powered for diesel-powered equipment
Alternatively fueled construction equipment on site such as compressed natural gas (CNG), liquid natural
gas (LNG), propane, or biodiesel.
Equipment that has Caterpillar pre-chamber diesel engines, as practical.
Diesel construction equipment meeting the CARB’s 1996 or newer certification standard for off-road heavy-
duty diesel engines.
k. Construction workers shall park in designated parking area(s) to help reduce dust emissions.”
Plan Requirements: The note shall be placed on all building and site development plans.
Timing: Requirements of the condition shall be adhered to throughout all grading and construction periods.
Monitoring: The Department of Development Services shall ensure that this note is placed on all building and site
development plans. Building inspectors shall spot check and shall ensure compliance on-site. Butte County Air
Quality Management District inspectors shall respond to nuisance complaints.
Mitigation Measure #2:
If construction occurs between March 1st and September, 15th the developer shall engage the services of a qualified
biologist to survey the project site and area within 250 feet of the site for nesting birds of prey and migratory birds,
no more than thirty days prior to the initiation of construction. Results of the preconstruction survey shall be submitted
to the Butte County Development Services Department.
a. If an active nest is located within 250 ft. of the project study area, a qualified biologist will monitor the
nest weekly during construction to evaluate potential nesting disturbance caused by construction
activities. The biologist monitoring the site will immediately notify the Department of Development
Services of any potential nesting disturbance caused by construction activities. The Department of
Development Services will have the authority to stop construction if construction appears to be resulting
in nest abandonment or forced fledging.
b. If an active nest occurs in a tree scheduled for removal, the species of bird using the nest will be
determined by the qualified biologist. The biologist making the determination will immediately notify
the Department of Development Services of any active nest in a tree scheduled for removal. The nest
tree will be preserved until it is outside of the breeding season for that species or until the young have
fledged. If construction cannot be delayed until the end of the breeding season, guidance from the
California Department of Fish & Wildlife shall be requested.”
Plan Requirements: The note shall be placed on all building and site development plans.
Timing: Requirements of the condition shall be adhered to throughout all grading and construction periods.
Monitoring: The Department of Development Services shall ensure that this note is placed on all building and site
development plans. The Department shall ensure the condition is met at the time of development and during
construction activities.
Project Name: Minor Use Permit MUP16-0007 for Soper Company
■ Butte County Department of Development Services ■
■ Initial Study – Soper Company, MUP16-0007 ■ Page 37 of 39 ■
Mitigation Measure #3:
Should development activities reveal the presence of cultural resources (i.e., artifact concentrations, including arrowheads
and other stone tools or chipping debris, cans, glass, etc.; structural remains; human skeletal remains), work within 50 feet
of the find shall cease immediately until a qualified professional archaeologist can be consulted to evaluate the resource
and implement appropriate mitigation procedures. Should human skeletal remains be encountered, State law requires
immediate notification of the County Coroner. Should the County Coroner determine that such remains are in an
archaeological context, the Native American Heritage Commission in Sacramento shall be notified immediately, pursuant
to State law, to arrange for Native American participation in determining the disposition of such remains.
Plan Requirements: This note shall be placed on all building and site development plans.
Timing: This measure shall be implemented during all site development activities.
Monitoring: The applicant/developer shall notify the Planning Division if any cultural resources are uncovered.
Should cultural resources be discovered, the Planning Division shall coordinate with the developer and appropriate
authorities to avoid damage to cultural resources and determine appropriate action.
Project Name: Minor Use Permit MUP16-0007 for Soper Company
■ Butte County Department of Development Services ■
■ Initial Study – Soper Company, MUP16-0007 ■ Page 38 of 39 ■
6.0 ENVIRONMENTAL REFERENCE MATERIAL:
1. Butte Association of Governments. Butte Regional Conservation Plan, First Administrative Draft. Accessed
March 2012. (available at http://www.buttehcp.com/BRCP-Documents/1st-Admin-Draft-BRCP/index.html)
2. Butte County 2030 General Plan. Environmental Impact Report. Oroville, CA. April 8, 2010. (Available at
http://www.buttegeneralplan.net/products/2010-08-30_FEIR/default.asp.)
3. Butte County General Plan 2030. Oroville, CA. October 26, 2010. (available at
http://www.buttegeneralplan.net/products/2010-10-26_GP2030/Butte_County_General_Plan.pdf)
4. Butte County 2030 General Plan. Settings and Trends Report. Public Draft. Oroville, CA. August 2, 2007.
(Available at http://www.buttegeneralplan.net/products/SettingandTrends/default.asp.)
5. Butte County Climate Action Plan. Adopted February 25, 2014. (Available at ButteCap.net)
6. Butte County. Resolution 10-150. Resolution of the board of supervisors of the County of Butte, state of
California, making findings of fact in support of Butte County General Plan 2030 and its associated
environmental impact report, rejecting alternatives, adopting a mitigation monitoring and reporting plan, and
adopting a statement of overriding considerations. Adopted October 26, 2010.
7. Butte County. Section III, Seismic and Geologic Hazards, Health and Safety Element of the Butte County
General Plan (2010-2030). 2010.
8. Butte County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan
9. California Air Resources Board. “ARB approves tripling of early action measures required under AB 32”.
News Release 07-46. http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/nr102507.htm . Retrieved October 25, 2007.
10. California Air Resources Board. Climate Change Scoping Plan: a framework for change. December 2008.
11. California Air Resources Board. Expanded List of Early Action Measures to Reduce Greenhouse Gas
Emissions in California Recommended for Board Consideration. October 2007.
12. California Department of Conservation. Fault-Rupture Hazard Zones in California. Altquist-Priolo
Earthquake Fault Zoning Act with Index to Earthquake Fault Zone Maps. Special Publication 42. Interim
Revision. 2007.
13. Department of Toxic Substance Control. Envirostor Database. Accessed November 18, 2014.
http://www.envirostor.dtsc.ca.gov/public.
14. California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) accessed through Rarefind 5, Government Version, January
2017.
15. U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, Obstruction Marking & Lighting,
Advisory Circular, February 1, 2007.
16. Radio Frequency NIER Report, Soper Company, Accord Communications, November 10, 2016.
P:oject Name: Minor Use Penn it MUPI 6-0007 for Soper Company
7.0 CONSUL TED AGENCIES:
[X]Environmental Health [X]Public Works [ ] Building Manager
[ ] BCAG [ ] ALUC [ ] LAFCo
[X]Assessor [X]Development Services [ ] Chico Unified School Distr.
[ ] Air Qual. Management Dist. [ ] City of Chico [ ] City of Biggs
[ ] City of Gridley [ ] City of Oroville [ ] Town of Paradise
[X]CA Department of Forestry [ ]Caltrans (Traffic) [ ] Central Reg. Water Quality
[ ] Department of Conservation [X]CA Dept. ofFish & Wildlife [ ] Highway Patrol
[ ] Army Corps of Engineers [X]US Fish & Wildlife Service [ ] Agricultural Commissioner [ ] Butte Co. Farm Bureau [ ] Oroville Union School Dist. [ ] Feather River Rec. Dist.
[ ] El Medio Fire Dept. [ ] SFWPA. [ ] LOAPUD
[ ] PG&E [ ] Pacific Bell [ ] Palermo Union School Dist.
[ ] Animal Control [X]County Counsel [X]Butte Co. General Services
8.0 PROJECT SPONSOR(S) INCORPORATION OF MITIGATION INTO
PROPOSED PROJECT:
I/We have reviewed the Initial Study for Soper Company Minor Use Permit (APN 061-660-002)appUcation and particularly the mitigation measures identified herein. I/We herebymodify the application on file with the Butte County Planning Department to include and
r:erpojt� miti ti s se 1orth in this Initial Study.
� ---:1.nJE::k, 20,7 Project Sponsor/Project Agent Date �,tst..c.. � � �"/
Project Sponsor/Project Agent Date
•Butte County Department of Development Services••Initial Study- Soper Company, MUP16-0007 • Page 39 of39•
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MUP16-0007 ´0 1,600 3,200 4,800 6,400800
Feet
Attachment A
CLIENT ANTENNA MOUNT# HEIGH HEIGHT COAX/CABLE COAX/ NOTES . MAKFJMODEL /azimuth TTO TO CABLE
CIR BASE LADD ---
Digital Path 2X Wireless 110-8 107.75' NIA quantity2 A-C
VFDD-120° CATS IDMA 0.3"
Digital Path Ubiquiti AM SG-90-17 110-2 111.25' NIA quantity2 A-C
315° CATS
0.3"
Digital Path Ubiquiti AM 5G-90-20 110-2 109.25' NIA quantity2 A-C
315° CATS 0.3"
Day Wireless dbSpectra 110-2 NIA 107.75' LDFS-A-C INVERT
DS4C06F36U-omni 50A 7/8"MOUNT
D
110-7 NIA 107.75' LDFS-A-C INVERT
omni SOA 718"MOUNT
Paradise Unified dbSpectra 110-5 NIA 107.75' LDFS-A-C INVERT
School District DS4C06F36U-omni 50A 7/8" MOUNT
Recology -Butte dbSpectra 110-3 NIA 107.75' LDFS-A-C INVERT
Colusa DS4C06F36U-omni SOA 7/8"MOUNT
Recology -Yuba Sutter dbSpectra 110-6 NIA 107.75' LDF5-A-C INVERT
DS4C06F36U-omni 50A 7/8" MOUNT
Digital Path Radio Waves HP4 Leg C 90' NIA quantity2 A-C
120° CATS
0.3"
GOCOM mWave Mark P-22A72G !§f.}90'NIA LDFS-A-C
SOA 718"
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Bamford Transport Sinclair 70-5 NIA 71.25' LDF-450A A-C SD210-HF2P4LDF omni Yi"
Butte Broadcasting Kathrein-Scala PR-950 70-2 68.75' NIA LDF-450A A-C286° Y:i"
Ubiquiti AG-HP-2G20 70-2 72.25' NIA CAT-5 A-C286° 0.3"
GOCOM BMS model BMA 14-0 70-3 NIA 67.0' LDF5-A-C292° 50A 7/8"
5/8" control cable
Digital Path Ubiquiti NB-5G22 70-b 70.0' NIA quantity2 A-C342 CATS 0.3"
Digital Path 2X Wireless 70-1 67.75' NIA quantity2 A-CVFDD-3os0 CATS TDMA 0.3"
Digital Path Ubiquiti AM 50�90-17 70-9 70.25' NIA quantity2 A-C135° CATS 0.3"
Digital Path 2X Wireless 70-9 67.5' NIA quantity2 A-CVFDD-168° CATS TDMA 0.3"
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CLIENT ANTENNA MOUNT# HEIGH HEIGHT COAX/CABLE COAX/ NOTES
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CIR BASE LADD ,.,,,:--
Digital Path Ubiquiti AM SG-90-17 70-9 68.75' NIA quantity2 A-C
190° CATS
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Digital Path 2X Wireless 70-t 67.5' NIA quantity2 A-C
VFDD-198 CATS
TDMA 0.3"
Digital Path Ubiquiti AM 50-90-17 70-t 70.25' NIA quantity2 A-C
210 CATS
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Digital Path Ubiquiti AM 50-90-17 70-8 68.75' NIA quantity2 A-C
21s0 CATS
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Digital Path Ubiquiti AM SG-90-17 70-8 72.25' NIA quantity2 A-C
22s0 CATS
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Digital Path 2X Wireless 70-7 70.25' NIA quantity2 A-C
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Digital Path Ubiquiti AM 50-90-17 70-7 68.75' NIA quantity2 A-C
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Digital Path Radio Waves 50-4 53.25' NIA quantity2 A-CHP2-ll 135° CATS 0.3"
Digital Path 2X 5o-i 51.0' NIA quantity2 A-CWire 110 CATS less 0.3"
Digital Path 2X 50-4 55.5' NIA quantity2 A-CWire 100° CATS less 0.3"
Digital Path Radio Waves 50j 53.25' NIA quantity2 A-CHP4 240 CATS 0.3"
Digital Path Radio Waves 50-2 53.25' NIA quantity2 A-CHP2-1 l 296° CATS 0.3"
Digital Path Radio Waves 50-3 52.5' NIA quantity2 A-CHP2-1 l 206° CATS 0.3"
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Digital Path 2XWireless 50-1 49.5' NIA quantity2 A-C
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4.The proposed communication facility pre-fabricated building will stand no more than 15' above existing normal grade. The
proposed Tower will stand 180' and no more than 200' above existing normal grade.
NOTES
5.The proposed facility will require the following; Approximately a 12x20' pre-fabricated unmanned shelter and a 3 leg self-support
180' tall tower.
6.The hazardous materials that will be required on the site are as follows. We will have a propane powered generator with a 1000-
gallon tank to provide backup power service due to the importance of the services provided on the facility this will be located in
the site compound. We will also have small batteries on site for the individual carriers for immediate back up during the transfer
from provided power to generated power these batteries will be located in the equipment shelter.
7.The landscaping of the proposed facility will consist of gravel road to enter the site area gravel within the proposed site area and
restore any disturbed natural landscape that surrounds the construction site area. As the site in nested in the forest we will keep
its integrity.
...__....,,,.....�._�, • .,.._.....__. __ .._).11·"""" Marth n. 2016 12