Red Hill Bay Wetlands Restoration Project, Salton Sea

timothy krantz environ mental consulting

INITIAL STUDY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST THE RED HILL BAY WETLANDS RESTORATION PROJECT, SALTON SEA, IMPERIAL COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

Prepared for: Imperial Irrigation District 333 East Barioni Boulevard Imperial, California 92251-0936

Prepared by: Timothy Krantz Environmental Consulting 1216 Monterey Street Redlands, CA 92372 (909) 705-6707

April, 2014

Initial Study Checklist

1.1 ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by the proposed project, involving at least one impact that is a “Potentially Significant Impact” as indicated by the checklist.

Aesthetics

Agricultural & Forest Resources

Air Quality

Biological Resources

Cultural Resources

Geology/Soils

Land Use Planning

Hazardous & Hazardous Materials Mineral Resources

Hydrology & Water Quality Noise

Population/Housing

Public Services

Transportation & Traffic

Utilities & Service Systems

Recreation Mandatory Findings of Significance

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

1.2 DETERMINATION On the basis of this initial evaluation: I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.

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 in the project have been made by or agreed to by the project proponent. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.

I find that the proposed project MAY 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.

Signature Bruce Wilcox Imperial Irrigation District

Imperial Irrigation District Restoration of Red Hill Bay on the Salton Sea, CA

Date

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Initial Study Checklist

No Impact

Impact

Less Than Significant Impact After Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant

Potentially Significant Impact

Environmental Checklist

1. AESTHETICS. Would the project: 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 that would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area? e. Create a new source of substantial shade or shadow that would adversely affect daytime views in the area?

X X X X X

a) The proposed project will restore the scenic values that were once a feature of Red Hill Bay, and will not have a substantial adverse effect of a scenic vista. The purpose of the Red Hill Bay Restoration Project is twofold: 1) to reestablish the Red Hill Bay area as an important saline, shallow-water shorebird habitat, and 2) to cover the playa area with saline water and decrease particulate matter that become airborne during wind events. The proposed project will restore the scenic value which is representative of the Salton Sea. Up until a few years ago, this area was inundated by the Salton Sea and supported a variety of aquatic organisms and migratory birds. The project will have a beneficial effect on scenic values. b) The proposed project will not substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway. The purpose of the proposed project is to restore scenic resources that have been degraded due to the receding Salton Sea shoreline, exposing the playa and eliminating shallow water habitat. The changes in the visual character of the site during construction would not be considered significant because of the isolated nature of this area, as well as the lack of any significant visual resources within the project boundary. The project will have a beneficial effect on scenic resources. c) The proposed project will not substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings. The Red Hill Bay Restoration Project provides for the reestablishment scenic values that are associated with shallow-water shorebird habitat. The project will have a beneficial effect on the visual character of the area. d) The proposed project will not create a new source of substantial light or glare that would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area. The proposed project lies adjacent to the Red Hill Marina, public access and parking areas. The proposed project will not create a new source of lighting as lighting features are not a component of the project. No impact. e) The proposed project will not create a new source of substantial shade or shadow that would adversely affect daytime views in the area. The proposed project is a wetland restoration project and will not produce shading or shadow effects. No impact.

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No Impact

Less Than Significant Impact

Less Than Significant Impact After Mitigation Incorporated

Potentially Significant Impact

Initial Study Checklist

2. AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY RESOURCES. In order to determine whether impacts to agricultural resources are significant, the Lead Agencies may refer to the California Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site Assessment (LESA) Model (1997) prepared by the California Department of Conservation as an optional model to use in assessing impacts on agriculture and farmland. Would the project: 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? c. Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest land, timberland, or timberland zoned timberland production? d. Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to nonforest use? e. Involve other changes in the existing environment that, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland, to non-agricultural use?

X

X X X X

a) The proposed project will not 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. The proposed project is a wetlands restoration project to reestablish the Red Hill Bay area as an important saline shallowwater shorebird habitat, and to cover the playa area with water and decrease particulate matter that may become airborne during wind events. No impact. b) The proposed project will not conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act contract. The proposed project site is a shallow saline playa that has never supported agricultural land use. No impact. c) The proposed project will not conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest land, timberland, or timberland zoned timberland production. The proposed site is a treeless playa that has historically been filled by the Salton Sea. No impact. d) The proposed project will not result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to nonforest use, as the existing site is a playa, which historically contained shallow saline waters that provided shorebird habitat. No impact.

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No Impact

Less Than Significant Impact

Less Than Significant Impact After Mitigation Incorporated

Potentially Significant Impact

e) The proposed project will not result in conversion of existing farmland to non-agricultural use. The proposed project will act as mitigation that will decrease particulate matter, which may become airborne during dust events that can have an impact on nearby agricultural lands. No impact.

3. AIR QUALITY. Where available, the significance criteria established by the applicable air quality management or air pollution control district may be relied upon to make the following determinations. Would the project: a. Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air X quality plan or clean air programs? b. Violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation?

X 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 X releasing emissions, which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors)? d. Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant X concentrations? e. Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people?

X The proposed project is within the Salton Sea Air Basin (SSAB), the southern portion of which is managed by the Imperial County Air Pollution Control District (ICAPCD). All areas of Imperial County are designated as attainment for the federal NAAQS for CO, NO2, and sulfur dioxide (SO2). Imperial County is designated as a state nonattainment area for the 1-hour O3, PM10, and PM2.5 standards. The entire county is currently designated as attainment for the remaining CAAQS. In April 2012, the USEPA issued its final designations, which are based on air quality monitoring data, recommendations submitted by the states and tribes, and other technical information. Imperial County and the portion of Riverside County within the SSAB were designated as nonattainment areas, as these areas currently exceed the 2008 ozone standards. The area designations and classifications are effective July 20, 2012. SSAB is currently designated as a nonattainment area for the 8-hour non-attainment air quality standard (NAAQS) for ozone, PM10, and PM2.5. The project area is in attainment with the NAAQS for the other applicable criteria pollutants.

In 2009, ICAPCD issued the “Final 2009 Imperial County State Implementation Plan for Particulate Matter Less Than 10 Microns in Aerodynamic Diameter. This document provides an overview of ICAPCD’s PM10 control program and describes fugitive dust rules and analyses of control effectiveness. It also addresses the anticipated future impact of PM10 emissions from the receding Salton Sea on Imperial County air quality (ICAPCD, 2009).

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As described in the 2009 SIP and IID’s AQ Mitigation Program, as the Salton Sea recedes, naturally, exposed playa will be a potential source of PM10 emissions. The proposed project will be located on exposed playa and will provide pro-active dust control of emissions from this area. The proposed project provides an air quality benefit to the playa.

Table 1 Attainment Status for the Imperial County Area

Pollutant

Federal Status

Calexico

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Unclassified/attainment

Attainment

All other areas

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

All areas

Ozone (O3 ) (1-hour)

Unclassified/attainment No longer subject to 1-hour Federal standard

Attainment Nonattainment (moderate)

All areas

Ozone (O3) (8-hour)

Nonattainment (marginal)

Nonattainment

All areas

PM10

Nonattainment (serious)

Nonattainment

PM2.5

Nonattainment

Nonattainment

All other areas

PM2.5

Unclassified/attainment

Unclassified

All areas

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)

Unclassified/attainment

Attainment

All areas

Sulfur dioxide (SO2)

Attainment

Attainment

Calexico

CA Status

a) USEPA often only declares Nonattainment areas; everywhere else is listed as Unclassifiable/Attainment or Unclassifiable. b) A design value below the NAAQS for data through the full year or smog season prior to the attainment date is typically required for attainment demonstration. c) 1997 8-hour O3 standard (0.08 ppm) was reduced (0.075 ppm), effective May 27, 2008; the 1997 O3 standard and most related implementation rules remain in place until the 1997 standard is revoked by USEPA. d) New NO2 1-hour standard, effective August 2, 2010; attainment designations January 20, 2012; annual NO2 standard retained. e) The 1971 Annual and 24-hour SO2 standards were revoked, effective August 23, 2010; however, these 1971 standards will remain in effect until one year after EPA promulgates area designations for the 2010 SO2 1-hour standard. Area designations expected in 2012 with SSAB designated Unclassifiable/Attainment. f) Annual PM10 standard was revoked, effective December 18, 2006; redesignation request to Attainment of the 24- hour PM10 standard is pending with USEPA. Source: ARB 2011a, ARB 2011b, USEPA 2012c

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Table 2 Ambient Air Quality Summary – Imperial County (2009-2011) Pollutant Standards Carbon Monoxide (CO) National maximum 8-hour concentration (ppm) State maximum 8-hour concentration (ppm) State maximum 1-hour concentration (ppm) Number of Days Standard Exceeded NAAQS 8-hour (>9.0 ppm) CAAQS 8-hour (>9.0 ppm) CAAQS 1-hour (>20.0 ppm) Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) State maximum 1-hour concentration (ppm) Annual Average (ppm) Number of Days Standard Exceeded CAAQS 1-hour Ozone State max 1-hour concentration (ppm) National maximum 8-hour concentration (ppm) Number of Days Standard Exceeded CAAQS 1-hour (>0.09 ppm) CAAQS 8- hour (>0.070 ppm)/NAAQS 8-hour (>0.075 ppm) Particulate Matter (PM10) a National maximum 24-hour concentration (µg/m3) State maximum 24-hour concentration (µg/m3) State annual average concentration (µg/m3) Estimated Number of Days Standard Exceeded NAAQS 24-hour (>150 µg/m3) CAAQS 24-hour (>50 µg/m3) Particulate Matter (PM2.5) a National maximum 24-hour concentration (µg/m3) State maximum 24-hour concentration (µg/m3) National annual average concentration (µg/m3) State annual average concentration (µg/m3) Estimated Number of Days Standard Exceeded NAAQS 24-hour (>35 µg/m3)

2009

2010

2011

NA 2.6 5.0

NA 3.7 17.4

NA 7.5 25.1

0 0 0

0 0 0

0 0 0

0.107 0.008 0 0.015 0.087 9

0.141 0.004 0 0.122 0.082 3

0.117 0.009 0 0.103 0.084 5

30/11

29/10

21/12

NA 192 47.9

NA 113 33.6

NA 269 40.9

6.1 104.6

0 47.9

6.6 93.4

45.0 100.9 8.0 18.7

50.9 54.0 12.9 12.7

80.3 103.5 7.5 7.5

NA

NA

NA

Source: ARB 2012 2222012201222201320 13

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a) The proposed project will not violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation. The project will not conflict with or obstruct implementation of applicable air quality management plans. Impacts are less than significant. b) In order to reduce adverse impacts resulting from construction, all activities shall comply with applicable ICAPCD Regulation VIII rules to ensure that measures to control dust and particulates, including diesel particulate emissions, are implemented. In 2007, ICAPCD published guidelines for CEQA compliance and recommended threshold criteria for determining the significance of impacts on air quality from construction and operational activities. Construction-related emissions may exceed the recommended levels of significance for NOX for the Proposed Action. However, such constructionrelated emissions will be managed through the regulatory oversight of the ICAPCD via reporting mechanisms established by federal, state, and local laws. All other construction impacts on air quality are anticipated to be less than significant. c) The project is not anticipated to generate new vehicle trips and is not anticipated to generate any additional activities related to maintenance or operations that would increase from existing levels. Thus, the proposed project will not result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is in non-attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard, including releasing emissions that exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors.

Operational impacts on air quality shall be less than significant. d) The proposed project will not expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations as the project location is not located near schools, hospitals, or any other sensitive receptor and will not create any impact to sensitive receptors. No impact. e) The Salton Sea in the Red Hill Bay area is characterized by malodors caused by eutrophication in the Sea. The relative contribution of short-term construction impacts to odors is less than significant.

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No Impact

Less Than Significant Impact

Less Than Significant Impact After Mitigation Incorporated

Potentially Significant Impact

Initial Study Checklist

4. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES. Would the project: 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 of 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 or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites? e. Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or 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?

X

X

X X

X X

The proposal to restore open water habitat to Red Hill Bay could result in short-term adverse effects to wildlife, while providing long term benefits to migratory and resident birds. The project would convert open playa that until recently was submerged under the Salton Sea to open water, restoring wildlife habitat that until recently provided foraging and loafing areas for a broad range of migratory and wintering birds.

The purpose of the Red Hill Bay Restoration Project is twofold: 1) to reestablish the Red Hill Bay area as an important saline shallow water shorebird habitat, and 2) to cover the playa area with saline water and decrease particulate matter that become airborne during wind events. Up until several years ago, this area was inundated by the Salton Sea and supported a variety of aquatic organisms and migratory birds.

The project is a component of the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge (SBSSNWR) and is included in the SBSSNWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP). The following summarizes the other wildlife and habitat management programs addressed in the CCP.

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Step-Down Habitat Management Plan. Prepare a step-down habitat management plan for the proposed project that addresses the range of species supported on the restored wetland. As part of the management plan, or as a separate plan, address habitat development, maintenance of suitable habitat conditions, and protection of habitat from human disturbances for the Yuma clapper rail. Management planning for the rail should include an assessment of the degree of threat to adult rails and recruitment of young rails from existing and predicted selenium levels in current and future rail habitat areas on the reestablished Bay, and, if necessary, present recommendations for actions to be implemented to control this threat.

Yuma Clapper Rail Monitoring and Research. The Bay restoration proposal would include annual Yuma clapper rail surveys to tract population size within the Bay and the SBSSNWR supporting that the two units would continue. In addition, the Bay project in coordination with the SBSSNWR would seek funding to study clapper rail movement among established cattail marsh areas on the Bay and the Refuge, the effect that prescribed burns may have on rail movement and productivity, and the effects, if any, of hunting-related disturbance on rail populations in marshes located adjacent to waterfowl hunting areas. The results of this work would be incorporated into a bay-wide/refuge-wide habitat management plan, and/or a step-down Yuma clapper rail management plan.

Desert Pupfish Monitoring. Continue to actively monitor the presence of desert pupfish adjacent to the Bay and within the SBSSNWR and working with United States Department of Fish and Wildlife (USDFW) California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) through supporting the relocation of populations discovered in managed ponds to appropriate habitat in the Salton Sea or adjacent drainage ditches.

Enhanced Seabird Nesting Site Management. Maintain water levels in managed permanent open water ponds that support seabird nesting islands at a depth of at least 18 inches throughout the breeding season; to identify predators and causes of disturbance to nesting colonies especially during nocturnal periods, install motion-activated cameras in nesting areas during the breeding season; evaluate the benefits of modifying nest site substrates on selected islands to discourage competing Caspian terns and California gulls from establishing nesting colonies in nesting areas favored by gull-billed terns and black skimmers; develop a monitoring program to evaluate the extent of predation and/or disturbance from California gulls on nesting gull-billed terns and black skimmers; and implement a predator management plan (described below) to improve gull-billed tern and black skimmer productivity.

The Red Hill Bay Restoration Project would also work to establish partnerships with other land management agencies (e.g., the SBSSNWR, CDFW Imperial Wildlife Area - Wister Unit) to increase or enhance seabird nesting habitat around the Salton Sea in an effort to improve nesting success for various species of concern.

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Predator Management Plan. Consistent with the purposes of the SBSSNWR, the Red Hill Bay Wetlands Restoration Project includes a proposal to implement, per available funding, a comprehensive and integrated predator management program that includes a range of management actions from vegetation control and other nesting habitat enhancements to implement non-lethal (deterrence) control of avian and mammalian predators and lethal control of individual mammalian predators (e.g., coyotes, raccoons, feral dogs and cats) that pose a threat to ground nesting birds. The primary purpose of this predator management plan is to improve productivity for two ground nesting seabird species, the western gull-billed tern and black skimmer, both of which annually nest on the nearby SBSSNWR. Both species are identified by the Service as Birds of Conservation Concern (USFWS 2008a) and by the Service’s Migratory Bird Program as Birds of Management Concern (USFWS 2011a). In addition, the gull-billed tern is included on the Migratory Bird Program’s list of focal species (USFWS 2011a). Focal species, a subset of the Birds of Management Concern, are those species that the Migratory Bird Program believes need additional investment of resources to address pertinent conservation or management issues.

The most effective, selective, and humane techniques available to deter or remove individual predators that threaten nesting gull-billed terns and black skimmers would be implemented under this plan. The direct control of individual problem mammalian predators would be implemented as necessary to protect gullbilled tern and black skimmer breeding adults, chicks, and eggs. The primary measure to be used to deter predators would include maintenance of electrical fencing around nesting areas.

Habitat Protection. Installation of new gates, fences, signs, and other forms of traffic and access control to direct visitors through the Bay to appropriate public use areas and to minimize unauthorized vehicular and pedestrian travel along the access roads to the Bay, along various unpaved farm roads, as well as through sensitive habitat areas.

Resident Native Species Management The management actions are consistent with those vetted and approved in the SBSSNWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan and support resident native species. In addition, the proposed restoration plan would work with the SBSSNWR to identify appropriate actions for reducing the incidence of bird strikes on existing power lines.

General Habitat Management The management actions related to general habitat management are consistent with the SBSSNWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan. The proposed project would seek funding and/or partners to develop a robust program for monitoring species abundance and diversity within the Bay’s various managed habitats. The results could then be used to identify trends and variations overtime that may be attributable to changing conditions in the Salton Sea, climate change, and/or modified management practices.

Wildlife Monitoring Under this alternative, funding and partnerships would be sought for the purpose of establishing baseline productivity data for the various managed habitats within the project area, as well as for implementing subsequent periodic monitoring to identify trends and variations in species abundance and diversity over time. Included would be a monitoring plan designed to document bird use and fish/invertebrate colonization at the Red Hill Bay restoration project. This effort would allow for adaptive management of the restored shallow water habitat. In addition, the Bay would seek partners to monitor changes in avian and fish species composition and abundance in and around the Salton Sea to better understand and address the effects of receding water levels and climate change on the diversity and abundance of migratory and resident bird species in the region.

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a) The proposed project would not have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or indirectly, on any

species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status s pecies in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). The proposed project has been developed with the intent to restore natural habitat for fish and wildlife species that once utilized the Red Hill Bay wetlands. Additionally, the proposed project is a result of a well-coordinated effort between the IID, the SBSSNWR, CDFW and USFWS. The project will have a beneficial effect on federal and state special status species that may occur in the area.

b) The proposed project would not 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 Wildlife or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The proposed project is identified in the SBSSNWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan, July 2013, and encompasses a collaborative and coordinated effort between the Refuge and the CDFW and USFWS. The project will have a beneficial effect on wetlands communities. c) The proposed project will not have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands as defined

by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means. The proposed project includes saline water pumped into the playa to restore the shallow-water wetlands that previously existed on the site. The project will have a beneficial impact on federally-protected wetlands. d) The proposed project will not interfere substantially with the movement of any native, resident, or migratory fish or wildlife species; or with established native, resident, or migratory wildlife corridors n or will it impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites. The proposed project is a wetland restoration project of the Red Hill Bay to reestablish habitat for the native resident and migratory wildlife. The only native species of fish in the Salton Sea is the Federal-endangered desert pupfish. One of the restoration plan objectives of the project is to support desert pupfish in the presently-dry Red Hill Bay wetlands restoration area. The project will be monitored for desert pupfish.

The project will have a beneficial impact on fish and wildlife species. e) The proposed project will not conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources. The proposed project is consistent with the SBSSNWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan, July 2013, which outlines plans and methodologies for maintaining and restoring habitat and species in and around the Salton Sea environs. The project is consistent with local plans and policies. f)

The proposed project will not conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan. The proposed project is consistent with the SBSSNWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan, July 2013, which outlines plans and methodologies for maintaining and restoring habitat and species in and around the Salton Sea environs. Impacts are less than significant.

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No Impact

Less Than Significant Impact

Less Than Significant Impact After Mitigation Incorporated

Potentially Significant Impact

Initial Study Checklist

5. CULTURAL RESOURCES. Would the project: a. Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource as defined in CEQA Guidelines Section X 15064.5? b. Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a archeological resource as defined in CEQA Guidelines Section X 15064.5? c. Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature?

X d. Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries?

X a) The proposed project will not a cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource as defined in CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5. The Red Hill Bay is a waterless playa. The proposed project represents a restoration of the site as it existed historically.

However, there will be construction activities associated with the development of the restoration project. The project proponents shall consult with the Regional Cultural Resources team associated with the SBSSNWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan, 2013, and, when appropriate, the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO), federally-recognized Tribes, and other interested parties.

Prior to construction of the project, IID staff shall coordinate with the SBSSNWR Service’s Regional Cultural Resources team and the appropriate Tribal governments when deemed necessary in accordance with Service policy and other Federal regulations. In the event that cultural resources are discovered during project implementation, any ground disturbing activity should be halted and the FWS Regional Archaeologist should be notified at the above address. State compliance measures provide that the project shall be reported to the State Historic Preservation Office in the annual report, prepared and submitted after the end of the current fiscal year. Impacts are less than significant. b) The proposed project will not cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archeological resource as defined in CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5. The Red Hill Bay is a waterless playa that resulted from the water transfer to San Diego as an agreement that is not part of this proposal. The proposed project will be a restoration of the site as it existed historically.

However, there will be construction activities associated with the development of the restoration project. The project proponents shall consult with the Regional Cultural Resources team associated with the SBSSNWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan, 2013, and, when appropriate, the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO), federally-recognized Tribes, and other interested parties.

Impacts are less than significant.

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c) The proposed project will not directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature. A paleontological records and literature search was conducted in conjunction with the SBSSNWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan. This search indicated that no previously known paleontological resource localities have been recorded within one mile of the proposed project sites. The literature search did reveal that three fossil mollusk sites were identified within Lake Cahuilla beds in the banks of irrigation ditches along the New River drainage during a paleontological resource field survey conducted for the proposed Salton Sea Unit 6 Geothermal Power Project (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and California Natural Resources Agency 2011).

Prior to grading, IID staff would coordinate with the SBSSNWR’s Regional Cultural Resources team and the appropriate Tribal governments when deemed necessary in accordance with Service policy and other Federal regulations. Impacts to less that significant. d) The proposed project will not disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries, as the project does not lie in an area known to have any human remains.

Although finding human remains in the project area is extremely unlikely, IID staff would coordinate with the SBSSNWR Service’s Regional Cultural Resources team and the appropriate Tribal governments when deemed necessary in accordance with Service policy and other Federal regulations. .

Impacts less than significant.

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No Impact

Less Than Significant Impact

Less Than Significant Impact After Mitigation Incorporated

Potentially Significant Impact 6. GEOLOGY AND SOILS. Would the project: a. Expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving: i) 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. ii) Strong seismic ground shaking? iii) Seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction? iv) Landslides? b. Result in substantial soil erosion, loss of topsoil, or changes in topography or unstable soil conditions from excavation, grading, or fill? 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 California Building Code (2013), creating substantial risks to life or property? e. Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of wastewater?

X X X X X X

X

X X

Geology. The proposed Red Hill Bay is located within the Salton Basin and has been subject to geologic processes similar to those experienced at the south end of the Salton Sea. The geology and geomorphology is captured within the geologic development of the Sonoran Desert. This is a dynamic and diverse geological landscape formed over millions of years as a result of geological activity related to active plate tectonics processes and associated earthquake faults, mixed with intermittent flooding and continuous wind and water erosion. The result is a mosaic of mountains, washes, valleys, badlands, dunes, dry lake beds, and delta plains.

The soils along the alignment of the westernmost berm (West Berm) consisted of dominantly of gray sandy silts to a depth of 4 feet. The easternmost berm (East Berm) consisted of gray, very soft, organic-rich clays to a minimum depth of 4 feet. The sample location EB-1 had gray, organic rich clays to a depth of 2 feet and underlain by reddish brown, stiff clay to a depth of 4 feet.

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Geological Hazards. In the Coachella Valley, the North American and Pacific tectonic plates slide past one another along the San Andreas, San Jacinto, and other related faults (Figure 3-8). Scientists predict that the southern section of the San Andreas Fault, from the Coachella Valley to the Mojave Desert, will rupture in the next 30 years, producing an earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 7.2 to 8.1.

The lowlands of the Coachella Valley include alluvial fans or cones, which originate at the mouth of major drainages and have created extensive and frequently intersecting deposition areas. These geologic and topographic features are essential to the fluvial erosion and sorting process that generates the wide range of sands and gravels located on the valley floor. On the lower portions of the valley floor and following the northwest/southeast gradient of the valley, sand dunes and sand fields have formed.

Deposits in these areas shift and move over time, with intervening areas scoured clean by prevailing winds (SBSSNWR-CCP, 2013). a)

The project is in the vicinity of the southern point of origin of the San Andreas Fault and the Brawley extension zone. This area is characterized by frequent seismic activity. However, the project will not involve any habitable structures or other features that could represent a threat, were they to fail during a seismic event. Thus, the project will not expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death. i) The project will not cause or contribute to a rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist.

(Refer to Division of Mines and Geology Special Publication 42). ii) Strong seismic ground shaking? Although the project area may be subject to strong ground shaking during a seismic event, the project does not contain any features that would represent a threat under these conditions. The project is a wetlands restoration project and will not have habitable structures or other features that may represent a threat to persons in the area during a seismic event. The proposed restoration project will not expose people or structures to strong seismic ground shaking. iii) Seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction? The proposed restoration project will not be compromised due to seismic-related ground failure, as the project is a restored wetland.

Although in a seismically-active area, the project does not contain any high-profile structures. The berms and loafing islands may be subject to liquefaction in a seismic event, but these are not more than 1m high with very low-profiles (8:1 slopes) and do not represent a threat of collapse or catastrophic failure during a seismic event. iv) Landslides? The proposed project will not increase the potential for landslides in or adjacent to the site, as the project is a wetland restoration project.

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b) The proposed project will not result in substantial soil erosion, loss of topsoil, or changes in topography or unstable soil conditions from excavation, grading, or fill. The proposed project will limit work within the Red Hill Quarry to the existing area of disturbance. The western face of the westernmost berm shall be covered with a minimum of 12 inches of rip-rap in order to prevent wave erosion of the berm. Impacts are less than significant due to site design. c) The proposed project is not 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 landslides, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse. The proposed project includes a period of drying, compacting, and adding rip-rap to reduce erosion. The proposed restoration project provides for stabilization of the playa and thus the impact is less than significant. d) The proposed project is not located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18-1-B of the UBC (2009), creating substantial risks to life or property. The proposed restoration project includes a period of drying and compacting before adding water to the playa to create a shallow wetland. It will not create any additional risk to life or property as it restores the site to its historical use. Impacts are less than significant.

7. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS: Would the project: a. Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment? b. Would the Project conflict with any applicable plan or policy or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of GHGs?

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X X

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No Impact

Less Than Significant Impact

Less Than Significant Impact After Mitigation Incorporated

Potentially Significant Impact

The proposed project is located on soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of wastewater; however, the proposed project is a wetlands restoration project and will not be installing or utilizing septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems. No impacts.

CEQA thresholds for lead agencies must always be established through a public hearing process.

Imperial County has not established formal quantitative or qualitative thresholds through a public rulemaking process, but CEQA permits the lead agency to establish a project-specific threshold of significance if backed by substantial evidence, until such time as a formal threshold is approved.

Neither the County of Imperial or Imperial County Air Pollution Control District (ICAPCD) have any specific plans, policies, nor regulations adopted for reducing the emissions of GHGs. Greenhouse Gas Emissions – The USFWS has not developed a quantitative threshold for determining whether a project’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions will have a significant effect on the environment, and no statewide threshold has been adopted by the State of California. The California Air Pollution Officers Association (CAPCOA), in its publication “CEQA & Climate Change: Evaluating and Addressing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Projects Subject to the California Environmental Quality Act” (2008), does explore various options for establishing significance thresholds for GHG emissions.

These options include setting the threshold at zero and setting a non-zero level for GHG emissions.

Another option involves addressing project effects without establishing a threshold. This could be accomplished through a quantitative or qualitative evaluation of individual projects. Because significance thresholds for GHG emissions have yet to be established, our significance determination is currently based on the specific context of an individual action. To the extent possible, our determination is based on a quantitative evaluation of the effects of the action’s GHG emissions on the environment, including an estimate of the expected GHG emissions and the extent to which efforts are made to reduce expected emissions (SBSSNWR-CCP, 2013).

Based upon GHG emission reduction guidelines established by San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, a project-specific threshold below 3,000 metric tons of CO2e per year was determined to be less than significant. Project-specific Screening Tables in the above GHG reduction plans identify open space and parks projects as less than significant.

GHGs from construction activities shall be limited to the construction year only, with no emissions thereafter. a) The proposed project shall not generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment. The temporary increase of emissions of GHG associated with construction activities are not anticipated to significantly contribute incrementally to global climate change as GHGs would not increase beyond the construction phase of the project. Because those emissions would be temporary in nature and minor in magnitude, no significant exposure of people to risks associated with global climate change would occur. Impacts are anticipated to be less than significant. b) The proposed project would not conflict with any applicable plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of GHGs. CEQA thresholds for lead agencies must always be established through a public hearing process. Imperial County and the ICAPCD have not established formal quantitative or qualitative thresholds through a public rulemaking process, but CEQA permits the lead agency to establish a project-specific threshold of significance if backed by substantial evidence, until such time as a formal threshold is approved. The temporary increase of emissions of GHG associated with construction activities are not anticipated to significantly contribute to global climate change as GHGs would not increase beyond the construction phase of the project. Because those emissions would be temporary in nature and minor in magnitude, no significant exposure of people to risks associated with global climate change would occur. Impacts will be less than significant.

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No Impact

Less Than Significant Impact

Less Than Significant Impact After Mitigation Incorporated

Potentially Significant Impact 8. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS: Would the project: a. Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment 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 school? d. Be located on a site that is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled 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 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 implementation for people residing or physically working ininterfere the project g. Impair of or witharea? an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan? h. Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury, or death involving wildland fires, including where wildlands are adjacent to urbanized areas or where residences are intermixed with wildlands?

X

X

X

X

X

X X X

The project area shall be maintained free of dumping and hazardous materials.

The USFWS Environmental Contaminants (EC) Program provides support to National Wildlife Refuges to address issues related to contaminants, including evaluation of potential threats to Refuge resources from contaminants through the Contaminants Assessment Process (CAP). The EC Program also assists Refuge staff in working with the State when necessary to address hazardous waste issues identified on a Refuge.

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Solid Waste. The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 is the principle Federal law governing the disposal of solid waste and hazardous waste (Title 40, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 14 260). This law establishes state responsibility for regulating nonhazardous wastes. It also addresses the generation, transportation, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste through a comprehensive “cradle-tograve” system of hazardous waste management techniques and requirements. Although the USEPA is responsible for implementing the law, this task has been delegated to the California Department of Toxic Substances Control in California.

The California Integrated Waste Management Act of 1989 (Assembly Bill [AB] 939) regulates nonhazardous solid waste and requires that solid waste generated in the State be reduced, recycled, and reused to the maximum extent feasible in an efficient and cost-effective manner to conserve natural resources, protect the environment, and improve landfill safety. Under this bill, cities and counties in California were required to reduce 50 percent of their waste stream by 2000.

Landfills accepting solid waste are classified as Class I, Class II, and Class III. Class I landfills are designated specifically for the dumping of hazardous wastes, while Class II landfills are used for designated and/or special waste, including biosolids. A Class III landfill is designated for the dumping of nonhazardous wastes, such as municipal waste. Imperial County currently operates ten Class III landfills (Imperial County 2008a). Trash collection and recycling services in the area are supplied by Allied Waste Management. a) The proposed project would not create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, for disposal of hazardous materials, as the SBSSNWR and Red Hill Bay will comply with RCRA, presently utilizes Allied Waste Management for refuse removal and any hazardous materials are planned to be disposed of at the Kleen’s Buttonwillow in Kern County and Chemical Waste Management’s Kettleman Hills Landfill in Kings County. Impacts less than significant. a) The proposed project will not 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 as it is a wetlands restoration project adjacent to the Salton Sea. Impacts less than significant. b) The proposed project will not emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school, as nearest school is located approximately eight miles away. Impacts are less than significant.

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c) The proposed project is not located on a site that is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5, and, as a result, would not create a significant hazard to the public or the environment. The nearest area that appears on the State of CA Envirostor Hazardous Cleanup sites is a tiered permit site located at the CalEnergy – Elmore Facility located at 786 Sinclair Rd. near the intersection of Sinclair and Cox Rd. Impacts less than significant. d) The proposed project is not located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, nor 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. The closest airport it the Cliff Memorial Airport is approximately four miles away. Impacts less than significant. e) The proposed project is not located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, nor 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. The closest airport it the Cliff Memorial Airport is approximately four miles away. Impacts less than significant. f)

The proposed project will not impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan. The proposed project is a wetland restoration project and will not interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan. Impacts less than significant.

g) The proposed project will not expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury, or death involving wildland fires, including where wildlands are adjacent to urbanized areas or where residences are intermixed with wildlands. The proposed project is a wetland restoration project.

Impacts less than significant.

9. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY. Would the project: 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 pre-existing nearby wells would drop to a level which would not support existing land uses or planned uses for which permits have been granted)?

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No Impact

Less Than Significant Impact

Less Than Significant Impact After Mitigation Incorporated

Potentially Significant Impact

h) The proposed project will not expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury, or death involving wildland fires, including where wildlands are adjacent to urbanized areas or where residences are intermixed with wildlands. The proposed project is a wetland restoration project. No Impact.

c. Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of stream or river, in a manner that 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 that would result in flooding on- or off-site? e. Create or contribute runoff water, which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater 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 on a federal Flood Hazard Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate Map or other flood hazard delineation map? h. Place within a 100-year flood hazard area structures that would impede or redirect flood flows? i. Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving flooding, including flooding as a result of the failure of a levee or dam? j. Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving flooding, including flooding as a result of sea level rise? k. Inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow?

X

X X X X X X X X

Project Overview. Implementation of this project would include the construction of a set of low (approximately three feet high) berms across portions of Red Hill Bay to form a pair of cells that would hold impounded shallow saline water at a target salinity of 20,000 mg/l in the first cell and 30,000 mg/l in the second cell. The shallow impoundments would provide habitat for wading birds and shorebirds in the currently exposed playa areas. The berms would be constructed using excavators, a dredge, and/or bulldozers. Additionally, loafing and nesting islands, snags for bird perches, deeper water channels and culverts to support invertebrates (and potentially fish) would be constructed within the project site.

Portions of Red Hill Bay are currently considered Waters of the U.S. by the USACOE and waters of the State by CDFW. The project includes a water delivery system from the Alamo River and a salt water delivery system from the Salton Sea. The water delivery system from the Alamo River includes an approach channel west of the Garst Road bridge that will be excavated perpendicular to the Alamo River, approximately 20 feet wide and 40 feet long. Two pre-cast concrete vault structures and a trash rack will be installed in the approach channel to stabilize flows from the Alamo River. An unlined open channel will convey the water to a siphon under Red Hill Marina Road into a 1,900-foot-long, open channel to Red Hill Bay. The open channel will be approximately 10 feet wide with a water depth of two to three feet. Approximately two functioning 10 cubic feet per second (cfs) vertical centrifugal screw pumps will be installed in a concrete vault structure that will support all pumping facilities at the northeast corner of the Red Hill Bay restoration site (refer to Figure 4-12).

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One pump will lift Alamo River water and the other will lift Salton Sea water. The Alamo River water discharge will be routed into a mixing basin where it will blend with Salton Sea water. A small sediment basin may be constructed south of the Alamo River after the pump plant to help remove sediment before water flows to the first cell. There are two existing pumps that intermittently discharge water to the Alamo River from the freshwater Refuge ponds east of Red Hill Bay. The discharge from these two pumps will be diverted (via a culvert under Garst Road) and discharged into the Alamo River/Red Hill Bay delivery ditch to help reduce pumping needs at the new main pump location.

The saline water intake alignment will access the Salton Sea on the north side of the project, near the southern edge of Red Hill and will extend to the edge of the Salton Sea until water flows into the channel.

Initially, this channel will be about 15 feet wide at the top and approximately ten feet below existing grade. The saline water inlet will require periodic cleaning and extension as the Sea’s elevation drops.

Eventually, the elevation of the saltwater intake pump will be too high to receive saltwater from the Sea. At that point, either the intake channel will need to be excavated deeper and the pump lowered to lift saltwater into the Bay, or a separate lift pump station will have to be constructed near the junction of the current saltwater intake channel at the Salton Sea shoreline to lift water into the original intake channel.

This added intake lift pump could be powered by an extension of the grid electricity currently at Garst Road or by a photovoltaic system occupying an adjacent area of approximately 150 feet by 350 feet.

Ultimately a longer channel will be needed to access the saltwater source and its function and appearance will be similar to the original intake channel.

Dredge material from the excavation of the intake channel will form drivable berms on either side of the channel. It will extend approximately 5,800 feet east to the northeast corner of the project where the Salton Sea water will be lifted up about three feet with a screw-type pump and blended with the flows from the Alamo River.

The water delivery and drainage infrastructure will be constructed with tracked excavators and bulldozers. Additionally, rubber tire backhoes and/or excavators and haulage trucks may be utilized in the placement of the pumps, inlet and outlet structures, and water control devices. Where necessary, the inlets and outlets of the delivery system will be armored or otherwise protected from erosion.

As part of this monitoring plan, USGS would be contracted to investigate selenium and pesticide exposure risk. Twenty sediment samples from the project site would be analyzed by the USGS Pesticide Fate Research Group (PFRG) in Sacramento, California for current-use and legacy pesticides. This data would inform Refuge staff of potential hazards that may be exposed with different construction methods and allow staff to make adjustments in the construction design or methods, if necessary. Water samples collected from the Alamo River every two weeks for a full year would be sent to PFRG for current- use pesticide analysis. This sampling effort is intended to provide a snapshot of variations in concentration of 90 current-use pesticides and may identify potentially dangerous spikes or seasonal patterns of pesticide presence in the Alamo River water and suspended sediments within the river. To address selenium, USGS Western Ecological Research Center (WERC) would conduct sample collection and selenium analysis in water, sediments, and invertebrates on a bi-annual basis for at least two years. During the breeding season, additional selenium monitoring to include bird eggs and nesting success would be implemented. As sufficient selenium data is collected a risk assessment would be made and used to advise future management and continued monitoring needs.

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a) The proposed project will not violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements. Preliminary permit research has determined that a Section 404 of the Clean Water Act permit will be required. Based on the USACE determination that the Section 404 Ordinary High Water Mark is the average elevation of the Salton Sea from the previous year, the proposed project is located within the USACE jurisdictional boundaries and requires a Section 404 permit to allow the discharge of dredged material into Waters of the U.S. Impacts less than significant. b) The proposed project will not 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 pre-existing nearby wells would drop to a level which would not support existing land uses or planned uses for which permits have been granted). The proposed project will acquire its water source from the Alamo and the Salton Sea. Impacts less than significant. c) The proposed project will not substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of stream or river, in a manner that would result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site. The project proposal incorporates a design that is consistent with the existing drainage pattern. Impacts less than significant. d) The proposed project will not 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 that would result in flooding on- or off-site. The proposed project will remove water from the Alamo River for a limited period of time. Preliminary permit research has determined that a CDFW Streambed Alteration Agreement (Section 1602) will be required. Impacts less than significant. e) The proposed project will not create or contribute runoff water, which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff. The proposed project is designed to manage all water on site, as it is a wetland restoration project. Impacts less than significant. f) The proposed project will not substantially degrade water quality. The project proposal is designed to create a saline environment, rather than a freshwater environment, would reduce the potential for vegetation growth in the cells, minimizing long-term maintenance costs and reducing the potential for providing habitat suitable for mosquito breeding. g) The proposed project will not place housing within a 100-year flood hazard area as mapped on a federal Flood Hazard Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate Map or other flood hazard delineation map. The proposed project is a wetland restoration project and does not include housing development. Impacts less than significant. h) The proposed project will not place within a 100-year flood hazard area structures that would impede or redirect flood flows. The proposed project includes interpretive panels and trails which would not impede or indirect flood flows. Impacts less than significant. Proactively work with CVWD to ensure that future flood control projects will not impact sensitive habitats protected on the Refuge. i) The proposed project will not expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving flooding, including flooding as a result of the failure of a levee or dam. The proposed project is a wetlands restoration project adjacent to the Salton Sea. Flood waters in the Bay would flow over to the Salton Sea in the event of a flooding. Impacts less than significant.

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j)

The proposed project would not expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving flooding, including flooding as a result of sea level rise. The proposed project is located adjacent to the Salton Sea, an arid inland sea which is not likely to experience sea level rise. Impacts less than significant.

k) The proposed project is located near the San Andreas Fault. In the event of an earthquake, if the low-

10. LAND USE AND PLANNING. Would the project: a. Physically divide an established community? b. Conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, or regulation 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?

No Impact

Less Than Significant Impact

Less Than Significant Impact After Mitigation Incorporated

Potentially Significant Impact

relief berms failed, then any release of waters within the project would be released to the Salton Sea. Impacts are less than significant.

X X

X

The Imperial County General Plan Land Use Map indicates that the lands within the SBSSNWR have been designated as "Government/Special Public," "Recreation/Open Space," or “Agriculture” (Imperial County 2007b). The lands located between Units 1 and 2 are designated Recreation/Open Space, while to the south the land is designated for agricultural uses.

The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is responsible for regional planning in Imperial County, as well as five other counties in Southern California, including Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, and Ventura (SCAG 2008a). As the designated Metropolitan Planning Organization, SCAG is mandated by Federal and State law to research and draw up plans for transportation, growth management, hazardous waste management, and air quality. In 2008, SCAG updated its voluntary Regional Comprehensive Plan, which is a strategic plan for defining and solving the region’s inter-related housing, traffic, water, air quality, and other issues (SCAG 2008b). a) The proposed project will not physically divide an established community. The proposed project is a wetland restoration project located within designated open space. No impact. b) The proposed project will not conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, or regulation 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. The proposed project within the Red Hill Bay is consistent with the Imperial County General Plan Land Use Map. No impact.

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11. MINERAL RESOURCES. Would the project: 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?

No Impact

Less Than Significant Impact

Less Than Significant Impact After Mitigation Incorporated

Potentially Significant Impact

c) The proposed project will not conflict with any applicable habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plan. The proposed project is a feature of a larger SBSSNWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan and is meant to complement the CCP by restoring the habitat qualities of the Red Hill Bay. No impact.

X X

Minerals known to occur in Imperial County include gold, gypsum, sand, gravel, lime, clay, and stone (Imperial County 1993). A number of industrial materials are also extracted for commercial sale including kyanite, mineral fillers (e.g., clay, limestone, sericite, mica, and tuff), salt, potash, calcium chloride, manganese, and sand. There are a number of mining operations in Imperial County, but none are located near the SBSSNWR (Imperial County 1993), nor are any significant deposits of these minerals or industrial materials known to occur within the SBSSNWR and Red Hill Bay boundaries.

With respect to sand and gravel, the Imperial County General Plan (1993) indicates that there are limited suitable sand and gravel deposits within the County and none of the deposits are considered to be of exceptional quality or suitability.

Another source of minerals is brine, a byproduct of geothermal activities. Minerals are extracted from brine only when it is cost effective to do so. The brine extracted during geothermal operations near the Refuge contains high levels of sodium, arsenic, antimony, mercury, selenium, potassium, iron, tin, manganese, chlorine, boron, bromine, potash, and zinc. Precious metals, such as silver, gold, and platinum, are also present in trace concentrations. Studies of brine in the Salton Sea area have shown substantial differences in the trace element compositions even from relatively closely spaced wells, and the total dissolved solids and mineral concentrations in the brine can change with the well flow rate (Imperial County 2006). Despite these potential drawbacks, CalEnergy is currently operating a zinc extraction plant near the Salton Sea (USACE and California Natural Resources Agency 2011) and Simbol Materials is processing lithium, manganese, and zinc (materials used in the production of high performance batteries) from the byproducts of geothermal power production in the Imperial Valley.

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a) The proposed project would not 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, as there are no known deposits of the minerals that are known to occur near the Red Hill Bay. No impact.

12. NOISE. Would the project result in: 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 groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels?

No Impact

Less Than Significant Impact

Less Than Significant Impact After Mitigation Incorporated

Potentially Significant Impact

b) The proposed project will not 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, as there are no known deposits of minerals that are known to occur in or near the Red Hill Bay. No impact.

X X

c. A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project?

X d. A substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the X 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 X 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 X excessive noise levels?

The activities proposed on the Salton Sea NWR and Red Hill Bay would generate noise well below applicable county noise standards as assessed in the SBSSNWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan. In addition, the SBSSNWR and Red Hill Bay is not located in proximity to any sensitive noise receptors (e.g., residential uses). a) The proposed project would not contribute 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, as the construction of the Red Hill Bay wetlands would generate noise well below the applicable noise standards. Impacts less than significant.

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b) The proposed project would not contribute exposure of persons to or generation of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels as the project is a wetlands restoration project and is not going to create groundborne vibrations through any of the construction related activities.

Impacts less than significant. c) The proposed project will not contribute substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project. The permanent project, a restored wetland will not contribute any substantial increase in ambient noise. Impacts are less than significant. d) The proposed project will not produce a substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project. Temporary construction activities will create an increase in ambient noise levels, which will subside once the Red Hill Bay wetland restoration project is completed. No impact. e) The proposed project is not 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. The nearest municipal airport, Cliff Memorial Airport, is located about four miles away. No impact.

13. POPULATION AND HOUSING. Would the project: 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?

Imperial Irrigation District Restoration of Red Hill Bay on the Salton Sea, CA

No Impact

Less Than Significant Impact

Less Than Significant Impact After Mitigation Incorporated

The proposed project is not located within the vicinity of a private airstrip, and would not expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels. No Impact.

Potentially Significant Impact

f)

X X X

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a) The proposed project will not 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). The proposed project will restore an historical wetland. It will does not include proposing new homes or improving roads or other infrastructure. No impact. b) The proposed project will not displace substantial numbers of existing housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere. The existing land is a playa, where an historical wetland existed. There are no homes in the project area. No impact.

14. PUBLIC SERVICES. a. Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, 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: i) Fire protection? ii) Police protection? iii) Schools? iv) Parks? v) Other public facilities?

Imperial Irrigation District Restoration of Red Hill Bay on the Salton Sea, CA

No Impact

Less Than Significant Impact

Less Than Significant Impact After Mitigation Incorporated

Potentially Significant Impact

c) The proposed project will not displace substantial numbers of people, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere. The project does not include housing and therefore will not displace people from their homes. No impact.

X X X X X

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a) The proposed project will not result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, 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: i. The project proposes no changes to the Refuge’s current Fire Management Plan. ii. The project would not require an increase in police protection. iii. The proposed project will not require additional alteration or construction of school facilities. iv. The proposed project will enhance the existing marina facility, provide for an improved trail facility, updated interpretive panels, a seasonal birding trail, and additional birding opportunities.

Full descriptions of these enhancements are described under Recreation. v. The proposed project will provide for improved security measures, new public restrooms, replace/repair public walkway, and shaded visitor parking.

Improved Security - Measures such as improved lighting, fencing, and installation of security cameras will be implemented to improve security at the Refuge headquarters compound and within the visitor parking area. In addition, construct a secure, fenced area in Unit 1 that can be used to store tractors and other farm equipment.

New Public Restroom(s) - Under Alternative B, the Refuge would seek funding to expand and/or refurbish the one-room public restroom at the visitor contact station.

Replace/Repair Public Walkway - The walkway that extends from the visitor parking lot to the visitor contact station and around to the public restroom requires repair or replacement. Under Alternative B, funds would be sought to implement necessary improvements.

Shaded Visitor Parking - Seek funds to design, purchase, and install a shade structure in the visitor contact station parking lot to provide shade for five visitor parking spaces.

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b. Does the project include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities that might have an adverse physical effect on the environment?

No Impact

Less Than Significant Impact

Less Than Significant Impact After Mitigation Incorporated

Potentially Significant Impact 15. RECREATION. a. Would the project 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?

X X

Red Hill Marina Park. Operated by Imperial County, is a 10-acre park on the southeastern shores of the Salton Sea, northwest of Calipatria. The park, which is accessed from Garst Road, provides recreational vehicle hookups, a designated camping area, restrooms, ramadas, picnic tables, and opportunities for shoreline fishing. The boat launches at this site are not currently operational due to receding water levels in the Salton Sea. Improved Trail Accessibility. Funds will be sought to improve accessibility along the existing interpretive trails in Units 1 and 2. The trail in Unit 1 is relatively flat but would benefit from resurfacing to ensure a firm and stable surface. The same is true for the interpretative trail in Unit 2 that leads from the visitor parking lot to the base of Rock Hill. Alternative B proposes to resurface both of these trails with a five to six-foot-wide stabilized soil trail tread. The improvements would be implemented using appropriately sized tractors and trucks that can travel along the existing trail alignment. Minor grading to smooth the existing trail surface may be necessary in some locations.

This would be followed by the placement and compaction of four to six inches of stabilized soil over the existing trail alignment in a manner that results in a trail tread that is outsloped at 1.5 to 3.0 percent to allow for sheet flow across the trail.

Updated Interpretive Panels in Unit 1. Funds will be sought to design, manufacture, and install four new interpretive panels and two bird identification panels for the interpretive trail in Unit 1, as well as two interpretive panels for the recently constructed accessible observation deck in Unit 1. The proposed interpretive signs would address topics such as the purpose of the managed habitats in Unit 1, the importance of the Salton Sea to birds migrating along the Pacific Flyway, endangered species, the changes occurring within the Salton Sea, resident species, and foraging opportunities for birds within the managed habitats.

Seek funding to update the interpretive signs provided along the trail in Unit 1. The new signs should address issues related to the past and anticipated future conditions within the Salton Sea, the effect to migratory birds of these changes, and the role the Refuge can play in ensuring the availability of habitat essential to these species.

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New Seasonal Birding Trail in Unit 2. A route for a 1.4-mile seasonal birding loop trail will be established within the Hazard Tract utilizing existing dirt roads. The trail alignment would then be improved to provide a firm and stable surface with an appropriate cross slope to ensure a sustainable trail. Other associated improvements include a four to six-car, unpaved parking area along Garst Road and a small kiosk for posting trail regulations, birding tips, and other information.

The trail would be open for use between March 1 and September 30 of each year. The closure period will ensure that any potential conflicts between trail use and hunting activities are avoided, and would provide wildlife using the area with a month of no disturbance immediately following the close of the hunting season.

Bird Watching Opportunities at the Red Hill Bay Restoration Site. The design for the Red Hill Bay Restoration project would incorporate an opportunity for bird watchers to observe birds in the restored habitat to the west of Garst Road. As currently proposed, the berm to be constructed along the eastern edge of the project (approximately 400 feet to the west of Garst Road) would be designed to accommodate bird watching. An all-weather surface would be provided on the top of the berm and two interpretive panels would be installed to address the purpose of the restoration project and its relationship to the receding Salton Sea. The parking area proposed for the new Hazard Tract seasonal birding trail would also be available to accommodate bird watchers in this new birding area.

Bird Watching Opportunities in Unit 1. To provide bird watchers with an opportunity to observe native and migratory songbirds utilizing a recently restored three-acre willow grove along Vendel Road in Unit 1, Alternative B proposes to construct a small public parking area adjacent to Vendel Road. From this location, visitors would have the opportunity to observe wintering geese and sandhill cranes in the adjacent managed farm field. Funding would also be sought to construct a bird observation blind in this location.

Expanded Environmental Education and Interpretive Programs for Kids. Under this alternative, the current environmental education programs provided by Refuge staff would be formalized and expanded. This would require assistance from an Outdoor Recreation Planner, who would be responsible for developing and implementing a volunteer training program to assist in environmental and interpretive programs. Topics to be addressed through these programs would include a variety of topics, including migratory birds, endangered species, climate change, and the changing conditions in the Salton Sea. In addition, volunteers would be recruited to help facilitate programs focusing on connecting children with nature.

Research. Under Alternative B, the Refuge would continue to develop research partnerships with academic institutions, and other public, private, and non-profit researchers to conduct research on the Refuge that would benefit Refuge management and/or Refuge resources. Potential research topics include but are not limited to: the effects of climate change and the receding Salton Sea on the diversity of avian species present at the Salton Sea over time; Yuma clapper rail response to habitat modifications within managed cattail habitat; and nesting site selection by gull-billed terns and black skimmers. Other potential cooperative research projects may include working with researchers at USGS and/or CDFW to facilitate genetic studies of desert pupfish and the migration patterns of secretive marsh birds, and selenium monitoring in Refuge habitats including the restored Red Hill Bay.

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a) The proposed project would not 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. The proposed project is designed to restore the recreational benefits of the Red Hill Bay.

16. TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC. Would the project: 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)? e. Result in inadequate emergency access? f. Result in inadequate parking capacity? g. Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs regarding public transit, bicycle, or pedestrian facilities, or otherwise decrease the performance or safety of such facilities?

Imperial Irrigation District Restoration of Red Hill Bay on the Salton Sea, CA

No Impact

Less Than Significant Impact

Less Than Significant Impact After Mitigation Incorporated

Potentially Significant Impact

b) The proposed project will include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities that might have an adverse physical effect on the environment. However, the proposed expansion would be to complement the Salton Sea recreational benefits that were once a feature of the area prior to the loss of water in the Red Hill Bay. Thus, the potential for an adverse physical effect on the environment is less than significant.

X

X

X X X

X X

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Access to the proposed project would occur via I-10, SR-86, and HWY 111 and various improved local roads and graded roads. Construction access would be limited in duration from less than 30 days to up to 90 days and would typically involve not more than 40 average daily one-way trips for construction workers and supply deliveries. The capacity of the state routes and local roads serving the construction sites is not anticipated to be exceeded. Construction activities are not anticipated to require any road closures or detours. In addition, a Traffic Control And Implementation Plan would be prepared to minimize impacts during construction activities. Once construction is completed, vehicle access would be limited to B ay v isitor s, routine facility inspections, which would not differ from existing maintenance activities. The proposed project does not propose to alter any state or local roads or create a new land use that did not previously exist. As such, the proposed project would not result in incompatible land use, or conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs. For these reasons, traffic impacts during construction and operation would be less than significant.

The closest public airports include Cliff Hatfield Memorial Airport (approximately 4 miles to the southeast); Brawley Municipal Airport (approximately 5 miles to the southeast). These airports are generally utilized by general aviation, air taxi, and for military purposes. Given the distance, the Proposed Action would not change air traffic patterns. a) The proposed project will not 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. The proposed project is a wetland restoration project within the Salton Sea open space and SBSSNWR. Impacts less than significant. b) The proposed project will not 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. The project is a wetland restoration project within the Salton Sea open space and SBSSNWR. Impacts less than significant. c) The proposed project will not reesult 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. The proposed project is not located within a designated air traffic pattern or flight path. Impacts are less than significant. d) The proposed project will not substantially increase hazards due to a design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment). The proposed project is a wetland restoration project, a water course. Impacts are less than significant. e) The proposed project will not result in inadequate emergency access. The Red Hill Bay restoration project will not interfere with emergency access. Impacts are less than significant. f)

The proposed project will not result in inadequate parking capacity. The proposed project includes improving the existing parking located at the Red Hill Bay Marina. Impacts less than significant.

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17. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS. Would the project: 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 stormwater drainage facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? 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 that 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?

Imperial Irrigation District Restoration of Red Hill Bay on the Salton Sea, CA

No Impact

Less Than Significant Impact

Less Than Significant Impact After Mitigation Incorporated

Potentially Significant Impact

g) The proposed project will not conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs regarding public transit, bicycle, or pedestrian facilities, or otherwise decrease the performance or safety of such facilities. The proposed project is consistent with the SBSSNWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan which provides for the addition of nature trails with the Salton Sea Recreation Area. Impacts less than significant.

X X X X X

X

X

Page 30 02/2014

Operations and Maintenance. The cells within the project site would be operated as saline impoundments primarily to provide foraging and loafing habitat for migrating water birds, but also to eliminate the potential for emissive dust from the exposed playa that would result if the project were not to be implemented. The proposal to create a saline environment, rather than a freshwater environment, would reduce the potential for vegetation growth in the cells, minimizing long-term maintenance costs and reducing the potential for providing habitat suitable for mosquito breeding.

The project design calls for salt concentrations within the cells to be approximately 20 ppt to 30 ppt.

Water depths would vary depending on the existing topography of the bay substrate. The deepest areas would likely range from one to two feet and would occur along the centerline of the cells and adjacent to the constructed berms. Water depths would decrease along the eastern edge of the cells.

In addition, deeper areas will be scattered within the cell in locations where borrow material was excavated for the construction of the berms The cells would be constructed as a flow through design in which outlets would discharge water from the cells into the Salton Sea. In Phase 1, outlets constructed in the western berm of the Phase 1 cell would allow water to sheet flow onto the exposed playa areas to the west, ultimately discharging into the Salton Sea. Once Phase 2 is implemented, the western cell would receive water from the Phase 1 outlets.

The ponds will be operated and maintained by the SBSSNWR staff unless it is determined later that a contract operator is preferred.

Electrical Power. There is limited electrical power available for the operation of the required water pumps; therefore, the pump operation at the Alamo River inlet would be timed to avoid use when the existing pumps to the east of Red Hill Bay in the Hazard Tract are operational. Use of the new waters pumps would require processing an application with IID for the approval of two new electrical hookups. To operate the 20 horsepower screw pump at the Alamo River inlet would require the use of the available single-phase electrical power line located near the site.

The water pump that would move water originating from the Salton Sea would also require electrical power. Based on current estimates of saltwater use, a 15 horsepower pump would likely be required.

A three-phase extension from the IID grid at Garst Road would be run from near the SBSSNWR’s northern boundary in Red Hill Bay west into the dry eastern edge of Red Hill Bay for a distance of about 400 feet where the saltwater pump would be located. This power supply would be utilized primarily at night and during the day on an as-needed basis. Ultimately, a photovoltaic array (125 feet by 325 feet in size) would be installed immediately to the northwest of the pump station to power the saltwater pump during daylight hours.

Project Details. The saline water intake alignment will access the Salton Sea on the north side of the project, near the southern edge of Red Hill and will extend to the edge of the Salton Sea until water flows into the channel. Initially, this channel will be about 15 feet wide at the top and approximately ten feet below existing grade. The saline water inlet will require periodic cleaning and extension as the Sea’s elevation drops. Eventually, the elevation of the saltwater intake pump will be too high to receive saltwater from the Sea. At that point, either the intake channel will need to be excavated deeper and the pump lowered to lift saltwater into the Bay, or a separate lift pump station will have to be constructed near the junction of the current saltwater intake channel at the Salton Sea shoreline to lift water into the original intake channel.

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This added intake lift pump could be powered by an extension of the grid electricity currently at Garst Road or by a photovoltaic system occupying an adjacent area of approximately 150 feet by 350 feet.

Ultimately a longer channel will be needed to access the saltwater source and its function and appearance will be similar to the original intake channel.

Dredge material from the excavation of the intake channel will form drivable berms on either side of the channel. It will extend approximately 5,800 feet east to the northeast corner of the project where the Salton Sea water will be lifted up about three feet with a screw-type pump and blended with the flows from the Alamo River.

The water delivery and drainage infrastructure will be constructed with tracked excavators and bulldozers. Additionally, rubber tire backhoes and/or excavators and haulage trucks may be utilized in the placement of the pumps, inlet and outlet structures, and water control devices. Where necessary, the inlets and outlets of the delivery system will be armored or otherwise protected from erosion. a) The proposed project will not exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board. The proposed project will require a Section 401 permit Water Quality Certification from the Colorado River Basin Regional Water Quality Control Board. Impacts less than significant. b) The proposed project will not 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. The project proposal does not include a wastewater treatment facility as part of the project. Impacts are less than significant. c) The proposed project will not require or result in the construction of new stormwater drainage facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects. The project proposal does not include a stormwater drainage facility or expansion of existing facilities, or its construction. Impacts less than significant. d) The proposed project will have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project from existing entitlements and resources, or are new or expanded entitlements needed. The project will receive its water from the Salton Sea and the Alamo River through a water transfer agreement between the IID and SBSSNWR as indicated in the SBSSNWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan.

Impacts less than significant. e) The proposed project will not result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider that 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. The proposed project is a coordinated effort between the IID and the SBSSNWR. The projects wastewater treatment demand will not change or increase as a result of the wetlands restoration project. Impacts less than significant. f)

The proposed project will be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted capacity to accommodate the project’s solid waste disposal needs. Presently the Red Hill Bay is serviced by Imperial County.

Trash collection and recycling services in the area are supplied by Allied Waste Management. Impacts less than significant.

g) The proposed project will comply with federal, state, and local statutes and regulations related to solid waste. . Imperial County currently operates ten Class III landfills (Imperial County 2008a).

Trash collection and recycling services in the area are supplied by Allied Waste Management. Two Class I landfills are located in California: Safety Kleen’s Buttonwillow Landfill in Kern County and Chemical Waste Management’s Kettleman Hills Landfill in Kings County Imperial Irrigation District Restoration of Red Hill Bay on the Salton Sea, CA

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No Impact

Less Than Significant Impact

Less Than Significant Impact After Mitigation Incorporated

Potentially Significant Impact 18. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE. a. Does the project have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below selfsustaining 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? b. Does the project 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.

X

X

c. Does the project have environmental effects that will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or X indirectly? a) The proposed project does not have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self- sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a 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. The purpose of the Red Hill Bay Restoration Project is twofold: 1) to reestablish the Red Hill Bay area as an important saline shallow water shorebird habitat, and 2) to cover the playa area with saline water and decrease particulate matter that become airborne during wind events. Up until a few years ago, this area was inundated by the Salton Sea and supported a variety of aquatic organisms and migratory birds. As a result of new conservation measures implemented in the Imperial Valley to conserve water for transport to the San Diego region, this portion of the Sea has receded exposing the sea floor and eliminating shallow water habitat. The proposed project aims to restore the quality of the environment. Impacts less than significant. b) The proposed project does not have impacts that are individually limited, not those which are 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. The proposed project provides a design that aims to increase agricultural productivity and habitat values while minimizing dust and air quality issues related to the lack of water in the bay. There are no cumulative effects associated with the project as proposed. Impacts less than significant. c) The proposed project will not have environmental effects that will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly. The proposed project is a wetland restoration project that will provide the opportunity for humans to actively be connected with nature in a restored environment. The overall project provides an increase in environmental values for the species who frequent Red Hill Bay, which includes humans.

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REFERENCES BLM. (2013). Ambient Air Quality Summary and Attainment Status. In Joint Environmental Assessment/Initial Study MND for the Path 42 Transmission Upgrades Project. http://www.blm.gov/pgdata/etc/medialib/blm/ca/pdf/palmsprings/nepa/iid_path_42.Par.72499.File.dat/Pat h%2042%20Trans%20Line%20Upgrade%20EA.pdf. Retrieved February 1, 2014.

California Department of Conservation. (2013). Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program. http://www.conservation.ca.gov/dlrp/FMMP/Pages/Index.aspx. Retrieved February 10, 2014.

California Department of Toxic Substances Control. (2013). Envirostor. http://www.envirostor.dtsc.ca.gov/public/mapfull.asp?global_id=&x=119&y=37&zl=18&ms=640,480&mt=m&findaddress=True&city=salton%20sea,%20ca&zip=&county= &federal_superfund=true&state_response=true&voluntary_cleanup=true&school_cleanup=true&ca_site= true&tiered_permit=true&evaluation. Retrieved February 8, 2014.

Coachella Valley Water District. (2013). Available at: http://www.cvwd.org/. Accessed February 10, 2014.

Colorado River Basin Regional Water Quality Control Board. (2006). Water Quality Control Plan, Colorado River Basin-Region 7. Includes amendments through June 2006.

Federal Emergency Management Agency. (FEMA) (2008). Flood Insurance Rate Map Panels 060065C1615G and XX, effective date August 28, 2008. Available at FEMA Map Service Center: https://msc.fema.gov/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/FemaWelcomeView?storeId=10001&catalogId=10001& langId=-1. Accessed February 2014.

Imperial County Air Pollution Control District. (2009). State Implementation Plan for Particulate Matter Less than 10 Microns in Aerodynamic Diameter.

Imperial County Planning and Development Department. (1993) General Plan. http://www.icpds.com/?pid=829.

Retrieved February 1, 2014.

Imperial County Planning and Development Department. (2011). Imperial County Planning & Development Services Department Cluster I Solar Power Project Draft Environmental Impact Report ftp://ftp.co.imperial.ca.us/icpds/eir/cluster-I-solar/12ch3-greenhouse-emissions.pdf. Retrieved February 10, 2013.

Imperial Irrigation District. (2013). Red Hill Bay Marina Site Visit, Timothy Krantz, Shellie Zias-Roe. December 24, 2013.

Imperial Irrigation District. (2013). Water Conservation and Transfer Project and Draft Habitat Conservation Plan/Natural Communities Conservation Plan SEIS/SEIR. Landmark Geo-Engineering and Consulting. (2013). Evaluation of Proposed Berms Red Hill Bay Shallow Water Habitat Project Garst Road north of Sinclair Road Imperial County, California Miller, Russell V. (1988). Mineral Land Classification: Aggregate Materials in the Palm Springs ProductionConsumption Region, Special Report 159. Office of State Printing.

Riverside County. (2003). Riverside County General Plan. Adopted October 2003. Available at: http://www.rctlma. org/genplan/content/gp.aspx. Accessed February 10, 2014.

Riverside County. (2012). Riverside County Greenhouse Gas Screening Tables.

Schmid, Brian. (2013). E-mail correspondence. Formation Environmental, Air Quality Consultants/Salton Sea Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge Complex. (2013). Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment. Volume I.