+-----------------+----------------------------------------------------+
| public review   |                                                    |
| draft           |                                                    |
+-----------------+----------------------------------------------------+
| north coast     |                                                    |
| railroad        |                                                    |
|                 |                                                    |
| SOUTH END       |                                                    |
| ALTERNATE       |                                                    |
| PROJECT         |                                                    |
|                 |                                                    |
| PROGRaMMATIC    |                                                    |
| ENVIRONMENTAL   |                                                    |
| ASSESSMENT      |                                                    |
+-----------------+----------------------------------------------------+
|                 |                                                    |
+-----------------+----------------------------------------------------+
| ![](m           | *Prepared for*                                     |
| edia/image1.wmf |                                                    |
| ){width="1.1in" | **Federal Emergency Management Agency**            |
| height="1.0in"} |                                                    |
|                 | Region IX                                          |
|                 |                                                    |
|                 | 1111 Broadway, Suite 1200                          |
|                 |                                                    |
|                 | Oakland, California 94607-4052                     |
+-----------------+----------------------------------------------------+
|                 |                                                    |
+-----------------+----------------------------------------------------+
| November 2003   |                                                    |
+-----------------+----------------------------------------------------+
|                 |                                                    |
+-----------------+----------------------------------------------------+
| *Prepared by*   |                                                    |
+-----------------+----------------------------------------------------+
| ![](me          |                                                    |
| dia/image2.jpeg |                                                    |
| ){width="0.7097 |                                                    |
| 222222222223in" |                                                    |
| h               |                                                    |
| eight="0.75in"} |                                                    |
+-----------------+----------------------------------------------------+
| Nationwide      |                                                    |
| Infrastructure  |                                                    |
| Support         |                                                    |
| Technical       |                                                    |
| Assistance      |                                                    |
| Consultants     |                                                    |
|                 |                                                    |
| *A Joint        |                                                    |
| Venture of URS  |                                                    |
| Group, Inc.,    |                                                    |
| and Dewberry &  |                                                    |
| Davis LLC*      |                                                    |
+-----------------+----------------------------------------------------+
| 500 12^th^      |                                                    |
| Street, Suite   |                                                    |
| 200             |                                                    |
|                 |                                                    |
| Oakland,        |                                                    |
| California      |                                                    |
| 94607           |                                                    |
+-----------------+----------------------------------------------------+
| Contract No.    |                                                    |
| EMW-97-CO-0173  |                                                    |
|                 |                                                    |
| Task Order #61  |                                                    |
+-----------------+----------------------------------------------------+

**DRAFT Programmatic Environmental Assessment**

**FEMA-1203-DR-CA\
Federal Emergency Management Agency, Region IX**

**Project Name:** South End Railroad Project

**Subgrantee:** North Coast Railroad Authority\
**PA ID \#**: 000-91024

**Date:** November 2003\
**Project Location:** Russian River Division of the North Coast Railroad
Authority, from Lombard in Napa County (MP 1) to Willits in Mendocino
County (MP 142.5)

# 

# **1.0 INTRODUCTION**

The North Coast Railroad Authority (NCRA) has requested funding from the
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through the California
Governor's Office of Emergency Services (OES) for repairs and
modifications to the southern portion of the Northwestern Pacific
Railroad (NWP) (South End Railroad Project or "project"). The study area
for this project extends from Willits in Mendocino County (MP 142.5)
south to Lombard in Napa County (MP 1) and constitutes NCRA's Russian
River Division (Figure 1).

The NWP, including the South End portion, is not currently operational.
NCRA has identified a series of actions (described in Section 2.2 of
this document as the Proposed Action Alternative and also listed in
Appendix A) that would restore the railroad infrastructure and, in
conjunction with other actions to be taken by NCRA, contribute to the
eventual restoration of independent freight operations along the South
End of the railroad corridor. FEMA would provide Public Assistance
Program funding through OES for the identified actions.

Since the exact scope, location, and time frame for individual actions
to be undertaken for the South End Railroad project are currently
undefined, FEMA has prepared this Programmatic Environmental Assessment
(referred to herein as the South End Railroad PEA). The South End
Railroad PEA has been prepared pursuant to:

-   The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA);

-   The Council on Environmental Quality's regulations implementing NEPA
    (40 Code of Federal Regulations \[CFR\] Parts 1500-1508); and

-   FEMA's implementing regulations (44 CFR Part 10).

    The South End Railroad PEA evaluates general environmental effects
    of the Proposed Action and provides the framework for additional
    evaluation under NEPA for specific actions, as appropriate. When a
    specific action within the Proposed Action is ready for decision,
    FEMA will have an opportunity to review the action in conjunction
    with the South End Railroad PEA to determine if more site-specific
    analysis and documentation would be required at that time. If the
    level of analysis provided by the South End Railroad PEA is
    insufficient for the specific action, then additional analysis would
    be tiered from this PEA, in accordance with 40 CFR Part 1508.28.

### 1.1 Background

The NWP, which began operation in 1907, extends approximately 317 miles
from Arcata in Humboldt County to Lombard/Napa Junction in Napa County.
In 1984, ownership of the NWP was split between two organizations at
Willits in Mendocino County. The Southern Pacific Railroad operated the
southern half of the railroad, while the northern portion was sold to
the Eureka Southern Railroad. Between 1984 and 1996, the two portions of
the NWP were operated independently.

NCRA was formed in 1989 by the California Legislature under the North
Coast Railroad Authority Act to ensure continuation of railroad service
in northwestern California. In 1992, the state purchased the railroad
line from Willits north to Arcata. A separate transaction in 1995 added
the railroad line between Healdsburg and Willits to NCRA\'s holdings.
NCRA, the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway, and Transportation District
(Bridge District), and Marin County set up a joint powers authority
called the Northwestern Pacific Railroad Authority (NWPRA). This
public-private partnership took over the ownership of rail facilities
and tracks along the southern portion of the NWP from Healdsburg south
through Schellville in Sonoma County, where the railroad then feeds a
12-mile short-line through Napa County that ultimately connects to the
Union Pacific mainline at Fairfield-Suisun in Solano County. Freight
service and related maintenance of this portion of the railroad became
the responsibility of NCRA under an agreement with NWPRA**.** Until
1998, freight service operated twice daily along the railroad, carrying
mainly natural resource products. Although it was chartered by a state
mandate, NCRA was not funded by the state.

The railroad became inoperable as a result of damage sustained during
the winter storms of 1997-1998. The President declared a disaster
(FEMA-1203-DR-CA) for the counties through which the railroad passes.
Consequently, NCRA applied through OES to FEMA for funding under the
Public Assistance Program to restore the pre-disaster operations of the
railroad. Because only disaster-related portions of the proposed repairs
were eligible for Public Assistance funding, NCRA was to be responsible
for repairing sections of the track that were unstable or in deferred
maintenance before the disaster.

Given the substantial differences in the magnitude and nature of repairs
required for the two sections of the railroad (north and south of
Willits, respectively), and in consideration of the independent utility
of the respective sections, FEMA evaluated the environmental effects of
the proposed repairs for the sections separately. Only minor repairs
were anticipated for the southern section of the railroad; therefore,
FEMA determined that these repairs were categorically excluded from
further review under NEPA, pursuant to 44 CFR 10.8 (d)(2)(xvi). FEMA
determined that an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the northern
section was required. FEMA completed a draft of the EA in 2000.

Once NCRA completed disaster-related repairs to the southern section,
commercial freight service resumed between Lombard and Penngrove in
January 2001. However, service was discontinued in September 2001 due to
lack of funds for operation and completion of further rehabilitation
work. Subsequently, NCRA identified additional maintenance and
infrastructure improvements that would be necessary to restore service
in the southern portion of the NWP. Meanwhile, the rehabilitation of the
northern section of the railroad continued to be delayed. In June 2003,
NCRA requested through OES that FEMA approve a transfer of the Public
Assistance funds intended for the northern railroad project to an
alternate project. The alternate project would involve necessary
actions, combined with other activities to be undertaken separately by
NCRA, for the rehabilitation of the southern portion of the NWP so that
it could function as an independently operated freight railroad. NCRA's
letter describing the alternate project is provided in Appendix A.

**1.2 Concurrent Projects in the Vicinity**

*1.2.1 SMART Commuter Rail Project*

In 1998, the Sonoma-Marin Rail Transit Commission (SMART Commission) was
established as a ten-member commission of county and city government
representatives from Sonoma and Marin counties. The SMART Commission was
charged with developing a 75-mile commuter rail service between
Cloverdale in Sonoma County to a San Francisco-bound ferry terminal in
Marin County. Technical and environmental studies are currently underway
for the proposed passenger rail service with plans for up to 14 stations
along its route. Based on the proposed commuter route plans, the SMART
project would share approximately 60 miles of track with NWPRA, over
which NCRA maintains an exclusive freight easement. Maintenance and
operations of tracks shared for commuter, freight, or excursion services
would be coordinated through operating agreements.

In 2002, California Assembly Bill 2224 (AB 2224) created a new entity,
the Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit District (SMART II). The new rail
district, which became effective on January 1, 2003, consolidated the
SMART Commission, NWPRA, and the Bridge District's authority and assets
owned by those bodies into a single rail district. The new SMART
District has inherited the former SMART Commission's work of developing
a commuter rail system and placing funding initiatives before district
voters to help fund implementation and operation of the transit system.
AB 2224 also transfers NWPRA assets to the new district. As such, tracks
and rail facilities over which NCRA plans to operate freight service
through the South End Railroad Project are also owned by the new SMART
II rail district. Under the transfer, however, NCRA continues to have an
exclusive freight easement over the South End Railroad Project
right-of-way. As freight service along the corridor is expected to
resume before passenger service is scheduled to begin, operating
agreements between NCRA and the new SMART district will govern the
eventual coordination of operations.

2.  *NCRA Northern End Reopening Project*

As noted in Section 1.1 above, repairs to the northern portion of the
NWP are being undertaken separately by NCRA. Although the timing of the
project implementation is not certain at this time, the project may
contribute to cumulative effects in the area. These effects are
discussed in Section 4.0.

**1.3 Scope of Document**

The South End Railroad PEA tiers from the "Final Programmatic
Environmental Assessment for Typical Recurring Actions Resulting from
Flood Disasters in California" (Flood PEA) (FEMA 1998) and hereby
incorporates the Flood PEA by reference, in accordance with 40 CFR Part
1508.28. The Flood PEA can be accessed through FEMA's website at
[*www.fema.gov/regions/ix/env/nhpapa.shtm*](http://www.fema.gov/regions/ix/env/nhpapa.shtm).

The Flood PEA covers, in broad terms, the actions and alternatives
described in this document. The South End Railroad PEA further describes
the effects of certain categories of actions associated with the
rehabilitation of the railroad line between Willits and Lombard (as
described in Appendix A). However, as specific actions are identified,
additional environmental review may be warranted.

This document describes the potential environmental impacts of
undertaking the proposed actions collectively referred to as the South
End Railroad Project (defined in Appendix A). These are actions toward
which FEMA funds may be applied under the purview of the alternate
project. This document also evaluates impacts that may result from
maintaining status quo and leaving the railroad in its current state (No
Action Alternative). FEMA anticipates that this South End Railroad
Project PEA will ensure compliance with NEPA for most of the proposed
actions under this project, as the proposed actions for the South End
Railroad Project would be carried out within the existing railroad
right-of-way, where freight service was previously in operation.

If a proposed action is not fully addressed in the South End Railroad
PEA, the PEA will serve as a general document from which Supplemental
Environmental Assessments (SEAs) and their corresponding Findings of No
Significant Impact would tier to ensure compliance with NEPA. If FEMA
determines, during the preparation of an SEA, that a more detailed
environmental review is warranted, FEMA will prepare a full EA. If the
EA indicates that the action would have significant impacts, FEMA will
prepare an Environmental Impact Statement, as required by NEPA.

Operation of independent freight service along the corridor may involve
additional actions not described in the South End Railroad Project. Such
actions would be undertaken separately by NCRA, and are beyond the scope
of this document.

[]{.mark}

**1.4 Purpose of and Need for Action**

The purpose of and need for the action are described in Section 1.4 of
the Flood PEA. NCRA has determined that action is needed to protect
public health and safety, restore damaged railroad facilities, minimize
flood impacts, reduce future risks associated with damage to the
railroad, and upgrade facilities to accommodate previous levels of
service. The purpose of the Proposed Action Alternative is to
rehabilitate the railroad infrastructure so that the South End of the
NWP may eventually be restored as an independently operated freight
railroad.

**1.5 Complementary Programmatic Documents**

FEMA has programmatic documents and interagency coordination in place
that support the material contained in the South End Railroad PEA. These
documents are described in Section 1.5 of the Flood PEA.

**2.0 ALTERNATIVE ANALYSIS**

As part of this South End Railroad PEA, two alternatives have been put
forth for discussion: the No Action Alternative and the Proposed Action
Alternative. These alternatives are described below.

### 2.1 No Action Alternative {#no-action-alternative .unnumbered}

The No Action Alternative is discussed in Section 2.3.1 of the Flood
PEA. The No Action Alternative is defined as maintaining the status quo;
FEMA would not provide funding for any actions. Under this alternative,
no funds would be available to implement proposed actions, and the
repairs and modifications to the South Railroad would not be conducted.
The existing railroad would continue to be inoperable, and certain
facilities would remain vulnerable to future deterioration and damage.
Although this alternative is inherently inconsistent with FEMA's mission
(if the action is otherwise eligible for FEMA program assistance), the
No Action Alternative provides a benchmark against which the Proposed
Action Alternative may be evaluated.

2.  **Proposed Action Alternative**

The Proposed Action Alternative is described in Sections 2.3.5 and 2.5.6
of the Flood PEA. For the South End Railroad project, the Proposed
Action Alternative would involve repairing the railroad.

The Proposed Action may include the following types of individual
actions:

-   Replace and dispose of damaged ties using on-track mounted railroad
    equipment.

-   Clean and reshape drainage ditches as necessary to restore to
    pre-disaster condition.

-   Replace several at-grade crossing signal electronic components,
    replace gates that have been removed, upgrade the crossing surface
    if necessary, and reactivate the crossing protection equipment.

-   Replace ballast that has been washed away or inundated with flood
    waters.

-   Remove flood debris from drainage culverts or replace culverts that
    may have been damaged by flooding.

-   Perform other structural upgrades such as upgrading the fixed bridge
    structural components within the railroad right-of-way.

-   Transport material and equipment, as well as debris and other
    materials being disposed, using on-track mounted railroad equipment
    and railroad cars.

The actions listed below, which would also be completed under the
project, as described in Appendix A, are categorically excluded from
further review under NEPA pursuant to 44 CFR 10.8 (d)(2) and are not
addressed in the South End Railroad Project PEA.

-   Use consultants to prepare contract documents and manage the
    procurement process;

-   Use NCRA personnel to manage the consultants and provide oversight;

-   Purchase railroad equipment; and

-   Fit on-road equipment with hi-rail accessories.

## **2.3 Alternatives Eliminated from Further Consideration** {#alternatives-eliminated-from-further-consideration .unnumbered}

Alternatives usually dismissed from further consideration in any of the
environmental documents are those that require considerably more funding
than available through FEMA programs or those that do not pass a
cost-benefit analysis. Other alternatives usually eliminated, after
proper review and analysis, are those dismissed or rejected by the
applicant for reasons such as cost limitations, impracticality of
implementation, or incompatibility with local and state statutes. If an
SEA is prepared for individual action, it will address alternatives
eliminated from further consideration, if any, and the justifications
for rejection.

# **3.0 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES**

## **3.1 Geology, Geohazards, and Soils**

*3.1.1 Affected Environment*

The affected environment and regulatory framework for geology,
geohazards, and soils is described in Section 3.1 of the Flood PEA. The
study area is located within the northern California Coast Ranges
province (Section 3.1.1.2 of the Flood PEA).

*3.1.1.1 Slope Instability*

The northern California Coast Ranges region is primarily underlain by
rocks of the Franciscan Complex. This region is an area of active
landform creation synonymous with widespread landsliding. The Franciscan
Complex comprises a suite of rocks that form the remains of an ancient
ocean floor environment, including sandstone, chert, and mélange. The
last rock type is an often-chaotic mixture of blocks of sediments and
ocean floor volcanic rocks. Where the rocks are weak (in particular the
deeply weathered mélange) large, deep landslides are common. Landslides
create a lumpy, uneven topography, and vegetation is dominated by
grasslands. Remnant unweathered blocks and more resistant rock types
commonly form isolated rocky knobs or "knockers" in these areas of
landsliding.

Mass wasting is downward movement of soils and rock under gravity. This
phenomenon includes landslides, rockfalls, and debris flows. Mass
wasting requires source materials, a slope, and a triggering mechanism.
Source materials include fractured and weathered bedrock and loose
soils. Triggering mechanisms include earthquake shaking, heavy rainfall,
and erosion. Slides and earth flows are landslides that can pose serious
hazard to property in the hillside terrain of the Coast Ranges. They
tend to move slowly and thus rarely threaten life directly. When they
move---in response to such changes as increased water content,
earthquake shaking, addition of load, or removal of downslope
support---they deform and tilt the ground surface.

Deep-seated landsliding, often occurring on slide planes located
hundreds of feet below the surface and involving several square miles of
hillside, is a result of the weak nature of the Franciscan bedrock and
the over-steepening of slopes due to relatively rapid down-cutting of
rivers as the Coast Ranges are uplifted. Such landslides are perpetually
moving, as river erosion is an ongoing process removing material from
the base of these slopes, maintaining slope instability. Examples of
ongoing slope movement are common along the railroad corridor,
especially between Cloverdale and Hopland. Smaller-scale slope movements
also occur on an almost annual basis as winter rains saturate shallow
soils and colluvial deposits. As these materials become water logged,
they often lose mechanical strength and develop into shallow debris
flows or soil slides. These landslides are common where a cover of
unconsolidated material occurs over relatively intact bedrock.

*3.1.1.2 Subsidence*

Land surface subsidence can result from both natural and man-made
phenomena. Natural phenomena include subsidence resulting from tectonic
deformation and seismically-induced settlements; soil subsidence due to
consolidation; subsidence due to oxidation or dewatering of organic-rich
soils and subsidence related to subsurface cavities. Subsidence or
settlement related to human activities include subsidence caused by
decreased pore pressure due to the withdrawal of subsurface fluids,
including water and hydrocarbons.

The potential for subsidence along the alignment of the South End
Railroad Project has not been documented in detail. Potential areas of
concern may be along the northern shore of San Pablo Bay where historic
subsidence, resulting from compaction of peat and water-saturated
sediment, has been noted. Evidence also indicates that this area is
undergoing tectonic subsidence; however, this phenomenon is unlikely to
have a major impact over time spans of engineering concern.

*3.1.1.3 Seismic Hazards*

The Coast Ranges is a region of moderate to high seismic activity. With
the exception of ongoing swarms of seismic activity in the geothermal
area near Healdsburg known as The Geysers, present day seismicity is
relatively low-level and associated with the known active faults. The
most significant earthquakes in this region historically have been the
1906 Great San Francisco earthquake on the San Andreas Fault and the
1969 Santa Rosa earthquakes on the Rodgers Creek Fault. The latter event
resulted in approximately \$7 million damage in and around Santa Rosa.
Several brick and wood frame buildings in Santa Rosa were damaged beyond
repair.

####### 3.1.2 No Action Alternative

Under the No Action Alternative, erosion and the resulting loss of soil
would continue to occur in areas where drainage ditches and culverts
have been damaged or are blocked by debris. Erosion and soil loss could
cause slope failures and subsidence, resulting in deterioration of, or
damage to, existing railroad facilities. Failure to remove debris
generated by prior railroad operation and maintenance could result in
soil contamination as hazardous substances, such as lubricants, leach
into the soil.

*3.1.3 Proposed Action Alternative*

Impacts of Proposed Action Alternative are described in Sections 4.1.1.3
of the Flood PEA. Construction activities may result in the disturbance
of soils through excavation, heavy equipment use, debris clearing,
vegetation removal, or similar actions. Soil loss would occur directly
from disturbance or indirectly via wind or water. NCRA would implement
Best Management Practices (BMPs), such as developing and implementing an
erosion and sedimentation control plan, using silt fences or hay bales,
revegetating disturbed soils, and maintaining site soil stockpiles, to
prevent soils from eroding and dispersing off-site. Conversely, cleaning
and repairing culverts and drainage ditches would reduce the potential
for uncontrolled erosion and soil loss.

In some cases, slope failures could be triggered by some
ground-disturbing actions occurring on steep slopes. To mitigate this
potential, NCRA would review landslide potential before engaging in
ground-disturbing actions. NCRA would mitigate potential effects by
appropriate siting of facilities and using proper geotechnical
construction practices.

The Proposed Action Alternative would not have an impact on seismic
hazards, nor would the activities undertaken alter the effects of
seismic hazards to the facility. The level of risk due to seismic
activity would remain unchanged.

## **3.2 Air Quality**

*3.2.1 Affected Environment*

The affected environment and regulatory framework for air quality is
described in Section 3.2 of the Flood PEA. The South End Railroad
Project falls within the San Francisco Bay Area, Northern Sonoma, and
Mendocino air quality management districts.

*3.2.2 No Action Alternative*

Impacts of the No Action Alternative are described in Section 4.1.2 of
the Flood PEA. The No Action Alternative would have no effect on air
quality because no construction activities would be implemented, no
ground disturbance would occur, and the railroad would remain
non-operational.

*3.2.3 Proposed Action Alternative*

Impacts associated with the Proposed Action Alternative are discussed in
Section 4.1.2 of the Flood PEA. Short-term, local impacts to air quality
from construction activities would likely include fossil fuel use for
construction equipment, use of materials containing Volatile Organic
Compounds (VOCs), and emissions of particulate matter smaller than 10
microns in diameter (PM~10~) from soil disturbance and debris removal.
Fossil-fuel use for construction equipment would produce emissions of
carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NO~x~), PM~10~, particulate
matter smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter (PM~2.5~), sulfur dioxide
(SO~2~), VOCs, and hazardous air pollutants. VOCs and hazardous air
pollutants emissions could also occur at construction sites from the use
of paints, thinners, or solvents.

The modification of previously permitted facilities or the construction
of a new facility that includes new or modified stationary sources (for
example, fossil fuel-fired electrical generators) would have the
potential to increase the level of air pollutants beyond the threshold
established by the local air quality district. If this situation occurs,
NCRA would apply for and obtain a pre-construction permit from the local
air quality district and use best available control technologies, if
required.

NCRA would also be responsible for applying for and obtaining permits
required under New Source Review and Prevention of Significant
Deterioration review, if required. Railroad ties may not be burned
without special air emission controls.

Regardless of whether a permit is needed, NCRA would employ minimization
measures to limit emissions, fugitive dust, and exhaust. These measures
may include:

-   Watering disturbed areas;

-   Spraying dirt roads with water during dry and windy days;

-   Maintaining and covering spoil piles;

-   Scheduling staging area siting to minimize fugitive dust;

-   Capping or carefully maintaining locomotive sanding towers to
    prevent sand loss;

-   Using crusting compounds to contain open hopper cars; and

-   Keeping construction equipment properly tuned.

Some local air quality districts enforce general prohibitory rules under
the Clean Air Act that require these types of good housekeeping measures
to be implemented.

Before approval of any federal action, the General Conformity Rule (GCR)
requires that the responsible federal agency make a determination of
conformity with the State Implementation Plan. NCRA would review all
actions on behalf of FEMA to determine whether they qualify for one of
the exemptions listed in the GCR. The activities to be completed under
the Proposed Action Alternative would likely qualify for an exemption
either because the action would be one of the specifically exempted
activities under the GCR, or because expected emissions from the
activity would fall below specific emission thresholds at which a
conformity analysis is required.

The following activities under the Proposed Action Alternative are
assumed to be exempt according to GCR Applicability (40 CFR Part
51.853), item (c) (2) (iv): routine maintenance and repair activities,
including repair and maintenance of administrative sites, roads, trails,
and facilities. Nevertheless, FEMA conducted an analysis of pollutant
emissions, using U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) emission
factors and conservatively assuming activities would take place each
weekday for four months. The analysis assumed the equipment used in the
repair and maintenance activities would include one switch-type
locomotive and one tracked loader. Based on the analysis, the resulting
emissions were deemed to be far below the de minimis levels for which a
conformity analysis would be required.

In the event that the proposed action goes substantially beyond what was
assumed for the current analysis, or is found not to be exempt, NCRA
would conduct an air quality analysis in conformance with GCR
requirements to demonstrate that the proposed action would not:

-   Adversely affect or delay air quality plan maintenance;

-   Contribute to any new violations of an air quality standard;

-   Increase the frequency or severity of an existing violation; or

-   Delay achieving attainment or emission reductions in any area.

FEMA would document the results of this air quality analysis in an SEA
for the action in question.

## **3.3 Hydrology and Water Quality** 

1.  *Affected Environment*

The affected environment and regulatory framework for hydrology and
water quality are described in Section 3.3 of the Flood PEA. The study
area lies mostly within the Russian River watershed, with the exception
of the southern quarter of the study area, which lies within watersheds
that drain into San Pablo Bay; and the northernmost segment near
Willits, which lies within the Eel River watershed. The main stem of the
Russian River, bordered to the west by the Coast Range, is approximately
110 miles long. From its headwaters north of Ukiah, the river flows in a
southeastward direction, turning to the west south of Healdsburg before
emptying into the Pacific Ocean at Jenner. Major tributaries to the
Russian River include the East and West forks of the main stem, Robinson
Creek, Feliz Creek, Pieta Creek, Big Sulphur Creek, Dry Creek, Maacama
Creek, Mark West Creek, and Austin Creek. The Petaluma River, Sonoma
Creek, Novato Creek, and San Antonio Creek flow south into San Pablo
Bay. Tributary streams in all watersheds are both perennial and
ephemeral. The segment of the railroad between Ignacio and Schellville
in Marin and Sonoma counties is located in the vicinity of wetlands that
border San Pablo Bay.

*3.3.2 No Action Alternative*

Impacts of the No Action Alternative are described in Section 4.1.3.1 of
the Flood PEA. Under the No Action Alternative, hydrology and water
quality have the potential to be negatively affected by future
floodwaters coming into contact with existing pollutant sources if no
action is taken to restore the railroad and its drainage system
(drainage ditches and culverts) to pre-disaster condition. Existing
conditions along the railroad include areas of potential erosion that
may cause sedimentation of waterways. Drainage ditches and culverts
containing flood debris will slow and/or block future floodwaters if
they are not cleaned or replaced, causing a back up of water out of the
floodplain that may come into contact with pollutants.

*3.3.3 Proposed Action Alternative*

Impacts of the Proposed Action Alternative are described in Section
4.1.3.3 of the Flood PEA. Most of the activities to be conducted under
the Proposed Action Alternative would not occur within rivers, streams,
or wetlands. However, construction activities may result in the
disturbance of soils, which if transported into water bodies could
affect water quality. BMPs would be employed to reduce erosion and
prevent or reduce the amount of sediment entering water bodies.

The following activities may result in work in or near water bodies:

-   Removing flood debris from culverts and replacing culverts damaged
    by flooding;

-   Upgrading structural components of bridges; and

-   Rebuilding the fender system on the Black Point Bridge over the
    Petaluma River.

The minimization measures described in Section 3.5.3.1 below would
reduce or eliminate the impacts of these activities to water quality.
The cleaning, repair, and replacement of culverts and the cleaning of
drainage ditches would improve water quality by reducing erosion and
soil loss and eliminating debris that provides potential sources of
contaminants.

Prior to implementing specific actions affecting water bodies, NCRA must
obtain the following permits, as appropriate:

-   Section 404 permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, for
    construction activities within Waters of the United States;

-   Section 401 water quality certification or waiver from the North
    Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board; and

-   Streambed Alteration Agreement from the California Department of
    Fish and Game, for work affecting the stream banks and channels.

## **3.4 Floodplain Management** 

1.  *Affected Environment*

The affected environment is described in Section 3.4 of the Flood PEA.
In compliance with Executive Order (EO) 11988, Floodplain Management,
and FEMA's implementing regulations (44 CFR Part 9), FEMA must avoid
short- and long-term impacts associated with the occupancy and
modification of floodplains to the extent practicable. According to
Flood Insurance Rate Maps published by FEMA, parts of the railroad
alignment between Willits and Lombard are located within the 100-year
floodplain, or border the floodplain.

2.  *No Action Alternative*

Impacts of the No Action Alternative are described in Section 4.1.4.1 of
the Flood PEA.

Under the No Action Alternative, there would be no direct impact to the
floodplain. Drainage ditches would not be cleared, and culverts would
not be repaired or cleaned. By not maintaining or improving drainage,
the railroad would continue to be subject to damage during storms that
cause heavy runoff and stream flooding.

3.  *Proposed Action Alternative*

Impacts of the Proposed Action Alternative are described in Section
4.1.4.3 of the Flood PEA. Because portions of the railroad are located
in the 100-year floodplain, the railroad would continue to be
susceptible to damage caused by floods. However, it is not practicable
to move the railroad alignment from the floodplain. Additionally, the
proposed modifications are minor in nature and do not increase the
impact of the facility on the floodplain.

Under the Proposed Action Alternative, drainage along the railroad would
be improved by clearing drainage ditches and repairing and cleaning
culverts, reducing the potential for future damage during storms.
However, none of the activities in the Proposed Action is expected to
change the function of the floodplain or change base flood elevations.
The proposed culvert modifications are not expected to affect downstream
discharges during a 100-year flood event. Because the crossings would be
overtopped by larger flood events, clearing, repairing, or replacing
culverts at these crossings would have no substantial effect on
downstream discharges, provided that culvert sizes are not substantially
increased. This condition would be consistent with that of the current
crossings, which in most cases are similarly overtopped by smaller, more
frequent flood events.

In compliance with EO 11988 and 44 CFR Part 9, FEMA would publicly
circulate a notice describing the Proposed Action and reasons for
undertaking certain activities in the floodplain.

## **Biological Resources**

1.  *Affected Environment*

The affected environment is described in Sections 3.5 and 3.6 of the
Flood PEA.

A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) list of federally listed
endangered, threatened, proposed, and candidate species was compiled for
the 27 U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5-minute quadrangles covered by
the study area (see Appendix B). In addition, a California Natural
Diversity Data Base (CNDDB) search was conducted for a five-mile radius
of the study area. Using these resources, a comprehensive table listing
the special status species with potential to occur in the vicinity of
the study area has been prepared. The table is presented in Appendix B.

#### *3.5.1.1 General Habitat Types*

##### [Annual Grasslands]{.underline}. Grasslands are herbaceous communities dominated by annual or perennial grasses and forbs (broad-leaved plants). Annual grasslands are dominated by a sparse to dense cover of annual grasses interspersed with native annual and perennial forbs. Dominant species include soft chess (*Bromus hordeaceus*), wild oats (*Avena* spp.), slender fescue (*Vulpia bromoides*), hare barley (*Hordeum murinum* ssp. *leporinum*), silver hair grass (*Aira caryophyllea*), dogtail (*Cynosurus echinatus*), and ripgut brome (*Bromus diandrus*). Annual forbs interspersed among the grasses include blue-eyed grass (*Sisyrinchium bellum*), clover (*Trifolium* sp.), common fiddleneck (*Amsinckia intermedia*), Pursh\'s lotus (*Lotus purshianus* var. *purshianus*), tarplant (*Hemizonia congesta* ssp. *clevelandii*), baby blue-eyes (*Nemophila menziesii* var*. menziesii*), and johnny tuck (*Triphysaria eriantha* var. *eriantha*). Perennial species include narrow-leaved onion (*Allium amplectens*), elegant harvest brodiaea (*Brodiaea elegans* ssp. *elegans*), self heal (*Prunella vulgaris* ssp. *lanceolata*), yarrow (*Achillea millefolium*), common soap plant (*Chlorogalum pomeridianum* var. *pomeridianum*), and California oat grass (*Danthonia californica*).

##### [Oak Woodlands]{.underline}. Woodland communities are dominated by deciduous hardwood trees and usually support herb and shrub layers. Oak woodlands are regionally common and are found in Marin, Sonoma and Mendocino counties.

Oak woodlands generally contain various mixtures of Oregon Oak (*Quercus
garryana*), black Oak (*Q. kelloggii*), Garry oak (*Q.* *garryana*),
California buckeye (*Aesculus californica*), California bay
(*Umbellularia californica*), Bigleaf Maple (*Acer macrophyllum*),
madrone (*Arbutus menziesii*), and Douglas-fir (*Pseudotsuga menziesii*
var. *menziesii* ). To a lesser extent, valley oak (*Q. lobata*) is
found in the study area. The shrub layer varies from dense to sparse and
consists of common manzanita (*Arctostaphylos manzanita*), poison oak
(*Toxicodendron diversilobum*), deer brush (*Ceanothus integerrimus*),
and ocean spray (*Holodiscus discolor*). Herbaceous cover is typically
40 percent to 80 percent, depending on shrub and canopy density, and is
usually dominated by perennial grasses.

Woodland structure and species compositions appear to vary with
different site conditions. For example, on rocky south-facing slopes
with shallow soils, oak woodlands have sparse tree, shrub, and herb
layers. On moist, undisturbed sites, oak woodland has a nearly closed
tree canopy with a dense understory of shrubs, perennial grasses, and
forbs.

Mature oak woodland in the study area are especially attractive to
wildlife because they provide important forage and cover for a large
number of ground-, shrub-, and tree-nesting species, including raptors
such as golden eagles (*Aquila* *chrysaetos)*, Cooper\'s hawks
(*Accipiter cooperii*), sharp-shinned hawks (*Accipiter striatus*), and
white-tailed kites (*Elanus leucurus*).

Woodpeckers excavate nestholes in live and dead oaks. These cavities are
subsequently used by other cavity-nesting species, such as American
kestrels (*Falco* *sparverius*), western screech-owls (*Otus
kennicottii*), tree swallows (*Tachycineta bicolor*), ash-throated
flycatchers (*Myiarchus cinerascens*), white-breasted nuthatches (*Sitta
carolinensis*), plain titmice (*Parus inornatus*), and western bluebirds
(*Sialia mexicana*).

[Riparian Communities]{.underline}. Riparian communities are found along
creeks, rivers, drainages, fence rows, and at other scattered locations
throughout the study area, on tributaries of the Eel, Russian, Petaluma,
and Napa Rivers. Riparian communities are characterized by plant
communities ranging from multi-layered woodlands to dense scrub
thickets. Within the same plant community type, some riparian
communities occur in moister soils and support more hydrophytic species
in the shrub and herbaceous layer than other areas in the same plant
community. The dominant species in the canopy layer are cottonwood
(*Populus* sp.), California sycamore (*Platanus racemosa*), and valley
oak. Subcanopy trees are white alder, boxelder (*Acer negundo* ssp.
*californicum*), and Oregon ash. Typical understory shrub layer plants
include poison-oak, buttonbrush, and willows (*Salix* sp.). The
herbaceous layer consists of sedges, rushes, grasses, miner's lettuce,
poison-hemlock, and hoary nettle.

Riparian habitats support the most dense and diverse bird communities in
northern California and in the study area. The variety of plant species,
multi-layered vegetation, perennial surface waters, and variety of foods
makes riparian habitats especially attractive to wildlife (Warner 1979).
Mature tree willows (*Salix* sp.), valley oaks, black oaks, and Oregon
ash (*Fraxinus latifolia*) provide high-quality nesting habitat for
raptors, such as red-tailed hawks (*Buteo jamaicensis*), red-shouldered
hawks (*Buteo* *lineatus)*, and white-tailed kites, and for
cavity-nesting birds that require mature stands of trees, such as the
Nuttall\'s woodpeckers (*Picoides nuttallii*), downy woodpeckers
(*Picoides pubescens*), northern flickers (*Colaptes* *auratus)*, plain
titmice (*Parus inornatus*, and white-breasted nuthatches (*Sitta
carolinensis)*.

Scrub/shrub willows are dominated by low-stature plants and lack the
multi-layered vegetation of most other riparian types. Although
scrub/shrub willow communities tend to support fewer wildlife species
than mixed riparian woodland communities, they do offer important cover
for deer and a variety of breeding and migratory songbirds, such as
flycatchers, vireos, and warblers.

California grapevines (*Vitus californica*), blackberries (*Rubus* sp.),
blue elderberries (*Sambucus mexicana*), valley oak, and black oaks
produce important fall and winter foods for birds and mammals. Common
wildlife species that depend on the nectar, fruits, and seeds of these
riparian plants include Anna\'s hummingbirds (*Calypte anna*),
black-headed grosbeaks (*Pheucticus* *melanocephalus)*, rufous-sided
towhees (*Pipilo erythrophthalmus)*, California towhees (*Pipilo
crissalis)*, raccoons (*Procyon* *lotor*), striped skunks (*Mephitis
mephitis*), gray foxes (*Urocyon* *cinereoargenteus*), and western gray
squirrels (*Sciurus* *griseus*).

Because many riparian communities are relatively scarce compared to
their historic extent and because they provide important foraging and
nesting habitat for many resident and migratory wildlife species, these
communities qualify as sensitive natural communities.

[Mixed North-Slope Forest]{.underline}. This habitat type is mostly
found in the Little Lake Valley near Willits. Forest communities are
dominated by tree species with canopy cover that generally exceeds 60
percent and is often nearly 100 percent. Forests are distinguished from
woodlands by their more densely vegetated canopies, well-developed shrub
layer, and scant herbaceous layer. The mid- and upper-canopy layers
provide foraging, nesting, and roosting substrates for a diversity of
wildlife, including several special status species such as northern
spotted owls.

Mixed north-slope forests are characterized by a multi-layered overstory
dominated by black oak, madrone, and California bay, intermixed with
occasional Douglas-fir and canyon live oak (*Quercus* *chrysolepis*).
The shrub layer is dominated by deer brush, poison oak, common
manzanita, mountain mahogany (*Cercocarpus betuloides*), creeping
snowberry (*Symphoricarpos mollis*), and ocean spray. The shrub layer is
dominated by species that also inhabit the nearby mixed chaparral
community. Some mixed north-slope forests contain dense understory
stands of manzanita (*Arctostaphylos* sp.) and poison oak. This
community is similar in species composition to mixed evergreen forests,
except the former has a canopy with greater than 40 percent deciduous
oak cover and the latter has a canopy with a greater percentage of
madrone, tan oak (*Lithocarpus densiflorus*), California bay, and
Douglas-fir.

[Wet Meadow]{.underline}. Wet meadows are found in both natural and
artificial settings in the study area. They develop in areas where the
soil and vegetation have remained undisturbed (or only minimally
disturbed) for many years. Under natural conditions, wet meadows in the
foothill and valley portions of the study area are found in swales,
drainages, areas of springs and seeps, and along terraces and alluvial
fans. In artificial settings, this herbaceous community is found in
drainage ditches and in depression created by excavation.

Sedges and rushes comprise approximately 40 to 80 percent of the total
hydrophytic vegetation in wet meadows. Other dominant species include
redtop (*Agrostis stolonifera*), meadow-foxtail (*Alopecurus
pratensis*), California oatgrass, creeping ryegrass, Kentucky fescue,
pennyroyal (*Mentha pulegium*), Timothy grass (*Phleum pratense*),
western buttercup (*Ranunculus occidentalis*), curly dock (*Rumex
crispus*), common velvet grass (*Holcus lanatus*), and bird's-foot
trefoil (*Lotus* *corniculatus*). In addition, ash and valley oak trees
are found sporadically in some wet meadows.

These wetlands receive water from various sources, including
agricultural field and pasture irrigation, creek floodplain aquifers,
overbank flooding and sheet drainage from excessive runoff, groundwater
springs, and shallow groundwater during winter, spring, and early
summer.

The high plant diversity and variable hydrologic characteristics of wet
meadows make them attractive foraging, nesting, and resting habitat for
many wetland-dependent birds, reptiles, and amphibians. The mosaic of
dry meadows, marshes, and open water near most of these wet meadows
enhances their value for wildlife; however, because wet meadows are
associated with saturated soils, they receive limited use by most
species of small mammals and their predators.

[Vernal Pools]{.underline}. Vernal pool plant communities are restricted
to particular landforms and soil profiles in the valley portions of the
study area. The habitat develops primarily within depressions on high
terraces with heavy clay subsoil horizons. Vernal pools are small,
internally drained basins that collect rainfall and surface runoff from
a surrounding grassland watershed. An impervious layer of subsoil
prevents water from infiltrating the soil profile, causing it to form
shallow, perched water tables that are exposed in small depressions. The
frequency and duration of ponding and saturation vary among vernal pools
due to the size of the basin and its watershed, depth to the impervious
subsoil layer, and the timing and amounts of rainfall during each wet
season.

Characteristic annual hydrophytes include bracteate popcornflower
(*Plagiobothrys bracteatus*), purslane speedwell (*Veronica peregrina*
ssp*. xalapensis*), speedwell (*Veronica anagallis‑aquatica*), downingia
(*Downingia* sp.), Bolander's water-starwort (*Callitriche heterophylla*
var. *bolanderi*), common toad rush (*Juncus bufonius* var. *bufonius*),
Baker's meadowfoam, Douglas' meadowfoam (*Limanthes douglasii* ssp.
*nivea*), semaphore grass (*Pleuropogon californicus*), and field owl's
clover (*Castilleja campestris*). Herbaceous perennials include
spreading rush (*Juncus patens)*, slender-beaked sedge (*Carex*
*athrostachya*), green-sheath sedge (*Carex feta*), meadow-foxtail
(*Alopecurus pratensis)*, Timothy grass (*Phleum pratense*), pennyroyal
(*Mentha pulegium)*, and curly dock (*Rumex crispus)*.

Vernal pools provide foraging habitat, breeding habitat, and cover for a
small number of vernal-pool-dependent wildlife species. Although vernal
pools are ephemeral aquatic habitats, many invertebrates and amphibians
have adapted to, and are dependent on, this resource.

Vernal pools are identified as sensitive natural communities because
they provide habitat for a variety of special status plant and wildlife
species and have been heavily degraded and greatly diminished in area as
a result of agricultural and urban development, water projects, and
grazing. Many of the remaining vernal pools in California are threatened
by conversion to agricultural and urban uses. The CNDDB designates this
type of wetland as a community of highest inventory priority because of
its value to wildlife and because of ongoing threats to its existence in
many areas (CNDDB 2003).

[Stream Channels]{.underline}. Stream channels in the study area are
typically rocky and unvegetated. This community type includes
intermittent and perennial stream channels. These stream channels may
provide habitat for migrating adult and juvenile salmonids, although
some spawning and seasonal rearing may occur. These areas lack
hydrophytic vegetation but are considered jurisdictional waters of the
United States.

[Tidal Salt Marshes]{.underline}. The San Francisco Bay, including San
Pablo Bay, contains the largest salt marsh systems in the state (CNR
2003). Salt marsh plants are adapted to a harsh, semi-aquatic
environment and saline soils. Species diversity is low. Stout stems,
small leaves, and physiological adaptations for salt excretion and gas
exchange characterize the inhabitants of the salt marsh, which are
mostly grasses and low perennial herbs. The tangle of marsh plant roots
and stems helps to stabilize the muddy bottom, as well as to trap debris
and dissolved nutrients with each tidal cycle. Bacteria convert this
oasis of detritus into food resources for microscopic algae,
invertebrate larvae, and larger animals.

Species composition and zonation in the salt marsh are governed by
salinity gradients in combination with the amount of intertidal
exposure. Eelgrass (*Zostera marina)* occupies the lowest or most marine
zone because it cannot tolerate a freshwater environment or intertidal
conditions that would expose its roots to air. Cordgrass (*Spartina
foliosa*) occurs in the marine-to-terrestrial transition zone,
characterized by lower salinity and periodic exposure to the air.
Inland, where conditions are even drier, pickleweed species
(*Salicornia* sp.) are common. On higher ground, where tidal intrusions
are rare, jaumea (*Jaumea carnosa*), shoregrass (*Monanthochloe
littoralis*), sea arrowgrass (*Triglochin maritima*), and the endangered
salt marsh bird\'s beak (*Cordylanthus maritimus*) are found (CNR 2003).
Saltgrass (*Distichlis spicata*) is widespread, occurring from the
middle to high marsh, as well as in dunes and on salt flats. The orange,
parasitic dodder (*Cuscuta salina*) frequently invades and covers large
areas of vegetation (CNR 2003).

###### 

[Developed Areas]{.underline}. Developed areas include road and railroad
corridors and areas of dominated by residential, commercial, and
industrial development.

#### *3.5.1.2 Regional Areas*

The habitat types described above are found in the geographic regions
described in this section.

####### [Little Lake Valley]{.underline}. Little Lake Valley is dominated by annual grasslands, oak woodlands, mixed north-slope forest, riparian communities, wet meadows, streams and channels. The City of Willits is located in Little Lake Valley.

### [Ukiah Valley]{.underline}. The Ukiah Valley historically supported a rich diversity of oak woodlands and forests. Valley oaks commonly exist in this valley. At the present time, no valley oak woodland remains in the Ukiah Valley (Mendocino County 2003). A few patches of valley oak riparian woodland are found on some creeks in the area, but this plant community no longer exists along the Russian River in the Ukiah Valley (Mendocino County 2003). Interior live oak woodlands remain in the eastern hills of the valley. Healthy stands of black oak woodlands are found in the western portions of the City of Ukiah and the western hills. Even the chaparral community, a complex of trees and shrubs, includes shrub interior live oak, scrub oak, and leather oak (Mendocino County 2003).

#### Russian River Valley from Hopland to Healdsburg. The area surrounding the Russian River from Hopland through Healdsburg is dominated by annual grasslands, oak woodlands, and riparian corridors. Agricultural areas dominated by vineyards are also found within the Russian River floodplain and the adjacent low elevation hillsides. Grape production in the area has increased dramatically in the past decade, and has resulted in the conversion of land not previously used for agriculture. The transition from agricultural areas to other habitat types is typically abrupt, but occasionally individual oak trees are left intact within or near the edges of vineyards. Seeps, seasonal wetlands, irrigation ponds may also be found in this area.

In Mendocino County, grasslands are often maintained by cattle grazing
in areas that might otherwise develop forest or chaparral communities.
Grasslands commonly grade into various shrub and tree habitats.

Blue oak woodland is an increasingly rare habitat found in California's
foothills (Mendocino County 2003). However, it is common east of State
Route 101 from Ukiah to the Sonoma County line, including the area east
of Hopland. Blue oak communities normally occur on dry, rocky slopes in
infertile soils where others oak species do not flourish. Conditions are
typically too harsh to support other hardwood or oak species.

[Santa Rosa Plain]{.underline}. The Santa Rosa Plain is characterized by
open grassland with scattered stands of oak. This plain is an area of
dense, impervious clay soil, naturally interconnected shallow ponds and
vernal pools, and scattered oaks. This area contains unique vernal pool
habitats that support one of the highest rates of endemic species of any
habitat type in Sonoma County (CNPS letter 2003).

##### [Petaluma Valley]{.underline}. The Petaluma Valley contains grassland, oak woodland, riparian communities, small vernal pools, and marsh habitats. It contains the largest remaining intact tidal marsh within the San Francisco Bay estuary (Wetland Campaign 2003). Many of the natural features in it are characteristic of the estuary\'s historic marshes. The Petaluma Marsh presents nursery habitat for young salmon, trout, and other fish and aquatic species native to the bay. The Petaluma River flows into northwestern San Pablo Bay. Large vernal pools are also known to exist in the vicinity of Petaluma (CDFG 2003).

##### [San Pablo Bay Shoreline]{.underline}. The area from Ignacio to Schellville includes open grasslands and pasture, limited oak woodlands, extensive paved areas, residential, and commercial development. It also contains salt marshes and sloughs near San Pablo Bay, and riparian communities along streams and creeks. However, the pristine landscape and its associated vegetation cover (such as oak woodland, savanna, and open grassland) have been almost completely displaced in the study area, first by agriculture and more recently by residential and commercial development. Weedy, non-native annual grasslands are abundant. Extensive salt marshes exist along the lower Petaluma River.

[Napa River Area]{.underline}. Within the study area, the Napa River
area includes a series of streams, sloughs, and tidal salt marshes. The
lower Napa River area is surrounded by the Napa-Sonoma Marshes Widlife
Area on the west side. Skaggs Island is located southwest of the
railroad alignment. The area north of the alignment includes non-native
grasslands, limited oak woodlands and riparian areas, and paved areas.

######## *3.5.1.3 Special Status Species*

The table in Appendix B provides information regarding special status
species with potential to occur in the study area.

[Fish]{.underline}. Special status fish species include:

-   Green sturgeon (*Acipenser medirostris*)

-   Tidewater goby (*Eucyclogobius newberryi*)

-   Southern Oregon/Northern California coho salmon (*Oncorhynchus
    kisutch*)

-   Central California coast coho salmon (*Oncorhynchus kisutch*)

-   Central California coast steelhead (*Oncorhynchus mykiss*)

-   Northern California steelhead (*Oncorhynchus mykiss*)

-   California coastal chinook salmon (*Oncorhynchus tshawytscha*)

-   Sacramento splittail (*Pogonichthlys macrolepidotus*)

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is currently reviewing its
critical habitat designations for anadromous fish. Currently, there are
no critical habitat designations for any of these special status fish in
California (NMFS 2003).

Along the railroad alignment, special status fish species are likely to
occur in the areas described in Table 1.

**Table 1**

**Segments in Areas with Potential to Support Special Status Fish
Species**

+---------------------+--------------------+---------------------------+
| **NRCA Segment**    | **Watershed**      | **Special Status Fish**   |
+=====================+====================+===========================+
| From Willits to     | Eel River and its  | -   Northern California   |
| approximately 5     | tributaries        |     steelhead             |
| miles south         | (Baechtel,         |                           |
|                     | Sherwood, and      | -   Southern              |
|                     | Outlet Creeks)     |     Oregon/Northern       |
|                     |                    |     California coast coho |
|                     |                    |     salmon                |
|                     |                    |                           |
|                     |                    | -   California coastal    |
|                     |                    |     chinook salmon        |
+---------------------+--------------------+---------------------------+
| Approximately 5     | Russian River      | -   California coastal    |
| miles south of      |                    |     chinook salmon        |
| Willits through     |                    |                           |
| Cotati              |                    | -   Central California    |
|                     |                    |     coast coho salmon     |
|                     |                    |                           |
|                     |                    | -   Central California    |
|                     |                    |     coast steelhead       |
+---------------------+--------------------+---------------------------+
| From Penngrove to   | Petaluma River,    | -   Central California    |
| Ignacio             | San Antonio Creek, |     coast steelhead       |
|                     | and Novato Creek   |                           |
|                     |                    | -   Green sturgeon        |
|                     |                    |     (Petaluma River only) |
+---------------------+--------------------+---------------------------+
| San Pablo Bay       | Sloughs, coastal   | -   Sacramento splittail  |
| shoreline from      | lagoons, and lower |                           |
| Ignacio to Sonoma   | stream reaches     | -   Tidewater goby        |
| Creek               |                    |                           |
+---------------------+--------------------+---------------------------+
| Sonoma Valley to    | Sonoma Creek       | -   Central California    |
| Schellville         |                    |     coast steelhead       |
+---------------------+--------------------+---------------------------+
| Schellville to      | Napa River         | -   Central California    |
| Lombard             |                    |     coast steelhead       |
|                     |                    |                           |
|                     |                    | -   Green sturgeon        |
|                     |                    |                           |
|                     |                    | -   Tidewater goby        |
|                     |                    |                           |
|                     |                    | -   Sacramento splittail  |
+---------------------+--------------------+---------------------------+

[Amphibians]{.underline}. Two special status amphibians have the
potential to occur in the study area: the California red-legged frog
(*Rana aurora draytonii*); and the California tiger salamander
(*Ambystoma californiense*). Both species require freshwater resources,
such as streams, rivers, vernal pools, stock ponds, or seasonal ponds,
in which to breed. The tiger salamander may disperse through annual
grasslands. Red legged-frogs disperse upstream and downstream in search
for suitable estivation sites, such as riparian areas (CDFG 2003). These
two amphibians may occur within portions of the study area. Figure 2
shows the areas in which the California tiger salamander is listed as a
proposed threatened species. The California red-legged frog is listed as
endangered in the Central Valley hydrographic basin (including the
Sacramento, San Joaquin, Kings, Kaweah, and Kern River systems) and from
the Santa Clara River system south to the Mexican border; it is listed
as threatened in the remainder of its range in California (CDFG 2003).
The red-legged frog's historical range extends through the Pacific slope
drainages from the vicinity of Redding (Shasta County) inland and at
least to Point Reyes (Marin County) southward to the Santo Domingo River
drainage in Baja California, Mexico (CDFG 2003). Red-legged frogs are
still locally abundant within portions of the San Francisco Bay area.

As shown in Figure 2, a known California tiger salamander breeding
population exists in Santa Rosa east of Highway 101 but west of Highway
116, near Highway 12 (USFWS 2002). The breeding population occurs mostly
near Highway 12, but salamander are known to disperse through
surrounding areas as well. Migrations to and from breeding ponds may
exceed 1,000 m (3,300 ft) (CDFG 2003).

[Birds]{.underline}. Special status bird species include:

-   Marbled murrelet (*Brachyramphus marmoratus*)

-   Western snowy plover (*Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus*)

-   Western yellow-billed cuckoo (*Coccyzus americanus*)

-   Bald eagle (*Haliaeetus leucocephalus*)

-   California clapper rail (*Rallus longirostris obsoletus*)

-   Northern spotted owl (*Strix occidentalis caurina*)

Critical habitat for the marbled murrelet and the northern spotted owl
has been designated in the vicinity of Willits.

Locations of habitat that may support these species are given in Table
2.

**Table 2**

**Locations with Potential to Support Special Status Birds**

  ------------------------------------------------------------------------
  **Likely Locations     **Habitat**              **Special Status Bird**
  Within Study Area**                             
  ---------------------- ------------------------ ------------------------
  Little Lake Valley     Mature, coastal          Marbled murrelet
                         coniferous forest for    
                         nesting                  

  Little Lake Valley     Nests in upper canopy of Bald eagle
                         large trees, usually     
                         conifers. Also nests on  
                         bridges and buildings in 
                         urban areas. Winters     
                         near lakes, reservoirs,  
                         river systems, and       
                         coastal wetlands on      
                         protected cliffs.        

  Little Lake Valley     Old-growth forests or    Northern spotted owl
                         mixed stands of          
                         old-growth and mature    
                         trees                    

  Ukiah, Russian River,  Deciduous riparian       Western yellow-billed
  Petaluma, and Napa     thickets or forests      cuckoo
  valleys                                         

  San Pablo Bay          Sandy beaches, salt      Western snowy plover
  shoreline              pans, coastal dredged    
                         spoil sites, dry salt    
                         ponds, salt pond levees, 
                         and gravel bars          

  San Pablo Bay          Tidal salt marshes near  California clapper rail
  shoreline              tidal sloughs            
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Mammals]{.underline}. The table in Appendix B lists one mammal species
-- the salt marsh harvest mouse (*Reithrodontomys raviventris)*, with
the potential to occur in the study area. This species\' preferred
habitat is pickleweed saline emergent wetlands. This species is known to
occur in the San Francisco Bay and its tributaries, on the Marin
Peninsula, through Petaluma, Napa, and Suisun Bay marshes.

[Invertebrates]{.underline}. Four special status invertebrates have the
potential to occur in the study area. These species include: vernal pool
fairy shrimp (*Branchinecta lynchi*), Callippe silverspot butterfly
(*Speyeria callippe callippe*), Myrtle's silverspot butterfly (*Speyeria
zerene myrtleae*), and the California freshwater shrimp (*Syncaris
pacifica*).

[Plants]{.underline}. As listed in Appendix B, eighteen plant species
have the potential to occur in the study area. Four special status
plants occur nowhere else except in the Santa Rosa plain: Baker's
stickyseed (*Blennosperma bakeri*), Sebastopol meadowfoam (*Limnanthes
vinculans*), Burke's goldfields (*Lasthenia burkei*), and many-flowered
navarretia (*Navarretia leucocephala* ssp. *plieantha*) (CDFG 2003).
Critical habitat for the Baker's larkspur has been proposed (but not
designated) in the vicinity of Petaluma.

1.  *No Action Alternative*

Relevant impacts associated with the No Action Alternative are discussed
in Sections 4.1.5.1, 4.2.5.1, and 4.4.5.1 of the Flood PEA. No federal
undertaking would occur under this alternative; therefore there would be
no requirement for compliance with Section 7 of the Endangered Species
Act. Federally listed threatened or endangered species would not be
adversely affected, nor would suitable habitat for such species be
adversely affected, except where degradation of the environment
(including critical habitat) continues to occur.

2.  *Proposed Action Alternative*

######### 

Relevant impacts associated with the Proposed Action Alternative are
discussed in Sections 4.1.5.3 and 4.1.6.3 of the Flood PEA.

If NCRA proposes to undertake activities that could affect federally
listed species as described below, FEMA must be notified before these
activities commence. As the lead federal agency, FEMA would consult with
either USFWS or NMFS as appropriate; prepare Biological Assessments if
required; and require that NCRA implement any mitigation measures
defined by USFWS or NMFS during consultation.

######### 3.5.3.1 Potential Impacts to Fish

Along its entire length between Lombard and Willits, the existing
railroad alignment crosses numerous water courses, both perennial and
ephemeral, most of which have historically supported anadromous fish.
Additionally, between Schellville and Petaluma, the alignment crosses or
lies adjacent to sloughs and other water bodies associated with the
estuaries and salt marshes of San Pablo Bay. Activities with the
potential to directly affect fish species include repair, replacement,
or cleaning of culverts and

modifications to existing bridges, including the reconstruction of the
fender system at Black Point Bridge on the Petaluma River. Other
activities along the railroad alignment, such as replacing ballast, may
affect fish species indirectly through discharge of sediment or other
material into water bodies. In-stream activities may affect fish
migration or result in take of individuals. Potential impacts of
excessive sediment include smothering eggs and trapping fry (newly
hatched fish) in gravel beds. Activities involving culverts and bridges
have the potential to affect federally listed species in the areas
described in Table 1.

Temporary diversion of flowing streams that may contain anadromous fish
species would require consultation with NMFS and the preparation of an
SEA.

To reduce potential impacts to fish species, NCRA would implement the
following minimization and avoidance measures:

-   No heavy machinery would be operated within the channel of a
    watercourse.

-   Ground disturbing activities within stream channels and along stream
    banks would occur outside of the rainy season (that is, between June
    1 and October 1).

-   Construction debris would not be discharged into any aquatic
    resource. Any material that falls into a stream during construction
    would be removed in a manner that has a minimum effect on the
    streambed and water quality.

-   Erosion control measures would be implemented during construction to
    reduce or eliminate possible discharge of sediment into aquatic
    resources. These measures include, but are not limited to,
    installing silt fences or other detention methods immediately
    downgradient of disturbed areas.

-   Spill prevention measures would be implemented during construction.

-   Repair of culverts and stream crossings on permanent streams shall
    be designed to pass adult and juvenile salmonid species (coho,
    chinook, and steelhead). NCRA shall adhere to either the California
    Department of Fish and Game's Culvert Criteria for Fish
    Passage (2003) or The National Marine Fisheries Service Guidelines
    for Salmonid Passage at Stream Crossings (2001).

######### 3.5.3.2 Potential Impacts to Amphibians

Activities undertaken in or adjacent to streams or other aquatic
resources that may provide habitat for California red-legged frog and
California tiger salamander could result in adverse impacts. The
minimization and avoidance measures described in Section 3.5.3.1 above
would reduce potential impacts to these species. In addition,
construction activities during the breeding season (November through
March) would be avoided.

As stated in Section 3.5.2 above, tiger salamanders are known to
disperse up to 1,000 meters from breeding ponds. Given that the railroad
alignment is located approximately 1.5 miles east of the known
population in the vicinity of Santa Rosa, construction activities near
the railroad alignment would be located a sufficient distance from the
breeding and dispersal areas of this population to avoid adverse
impacts.

######### 3.5.3.3 Potential Impact to Birds

Birds may be affected through noise disturbance associated with
construction activities for the South End Railroad Project. USFWS
considers the potential effects of noise disturbance on birds up to 0.25
mile from the noise source (Watkins 1999). Noise disturbance can disrupt
nesting activities, which could result in a take if fledgings are
abandoned as a result. Noise disturbance can also reduce breeding
success and disrupt foraging activities. Although noise generated from
railroad repair work would be transient and non-permanent, it could
adversely affect special status birds if it causes a specific adverse
long-term or irreversible effect on the species.

Potential locations of suitable habitat for special status bird species
are given in Table 2. If suitable habitat for these species is found
within 0.25 mile of construction activities, these activities should be
initiated prior to the beginning of the breeding season (that is, prior
to January 1) to minimize the effect of noise disturbance on nesting.
With implementation of this measure, noise disturbance would begin
before birds choose nesting locations. Birds would select nest sites
away from the railroad in low-noise level areas.

Some avian species have been known to habituate to increased noise
levels. However, the timing of the introduction of the noise may be the
key to whether species will continue to use the habitat. If the noise
disturbance is introduced outside the nesting season, birds may
eventually become habituated to the disturbance and cease to flee a the
onset of disturbance. Once birds are habituated, nesting could occur
without disruption from noise disturbance. However, some species are
very sensitive to disturbance, and it is unlikely that they would
habituate.

######### 3.5.3.4 Potential Impact to Mammals

The proposed project has the potential to adversely affect the salt
marsh harvest mouse, if salt marshes are found within the study area.
This habitat type may occur along the San Pablo Bay shoreline and should
be avoided during construction activities. If work is performed in salt
marshes, a qualified biologist should identify the areas dominated by
pickleweed (*Salicornia* sp.) Silt fences should be placed around the
pickleweed areas prior to starting construction.

######### 

######### 3.5.3.5 Potential Impact to Invertebrates

If construction activities and staging areas are limited to the existing
railroad alignment, no adverse effects to vernal pool fairy shrimp,
Callippe silverspot butterfly or Myrtle's silverspot butterfly are
anticipated. However, activities occurring outside the existing railroad
alignment have the potential to affect these species.

Vernal pool habitats may occur in the entire study area, but are more
likely to occur in the Santa Rosa Plain. The butterfly species may be
adversely affected by the proposed project if their host plant (*Viola*
sp.) is removed or destroyed. This plant occurs in areas immediately
adjacent to the coast, such as dunes, scrub, and grasslands along the
San Pablo Bay shoreline. If NCRA determines that work outside the
existing alignment is necessary in these areas, surveys would be
conducted to determine if these features exist. If found, they would be
fenced off and avoided.

Impacts to the California freshwater shrimp would be avoided if no work
is conducted in vernal pools or perennial freshwater streams.
Implementation of the avoidance and minimization measures described in
Section 3.5.3.1 above would reduce impacts to shrimp in perennial
freshwater streams.

######### 3.5.3.6 Potential Impact to Plants

Similarly, if construction activities and staging are limited to the
railroad alignment and no vegetation is removed or destroyed, the
proposed project will not adversely affect special status plants.
However, activities undertaken outside the railroad alignment and
resulting in the removal of vegetation, such as use of staging areas,
access areas, or areas planned for disposal of material, could affect
special status plant species. If these activities are undertaken in
areas that provide suitable habitat for these species, NCRA would
conduct plant surveys during the blooming period of the identified
special status plants. This task would be performed by a qualified
biologist. If any of these special status plants is identified during
the surveys, populations of these species would be fenced off and
avoided.

## 

## **Cultural Resources**

*3.6.1 Affected Environment*

The affected environment is described in Section 3.7 of the Flood PEA.
Because the proposed actions would be carried out within the existing
railroad right-of-way, FEMA has determined that the area of potential
effect (APE) for the project is defined as the NCRA right-of-way from
Willits (MP 142.5) south to Lombard (MP 1).

A Programmatic Agreement (PA) is in place between FEMA, OES, and the
State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) for FEMA-1203-DR-CA. Appendix
1 of the PA specifies certain activities that are programmatically
excluded from further review by the SHPO. These actions include
"replacement-in-kind" projects and those projects where activities are
confined to areas previously disturbed.

The NWP, including all of its associated components, is itself a
cultural resource that passes through regions of California that vary in
sensitivity for both prehistoric and historic cultural resources. When a
specific action is identified that would be using FEMA funds, it would
be considered an "undertaking" for purposes of compliance with Section
106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).

*3.6.2 No Action Alternative*

Impacts of the No Action Alternative are described in Section 4.1.7.1 of
the Flood PEA. Under this alternative, no action would be undertaken to
repair damage to the railroad. Therefore, there would be no requirement
for compliance with Section 106 of the NHPA.

*3.6.3 Proposed Action Alternative*

Impacts of the Proposed Action Alternative are described in Section
4.1.7.3 of the Flood PEA. Construction activities that are ground
disturbing in nature would have the potential to significantly impact
cultural resources located along the project corridor if they involve
excavation in previously undisturbed soil or if items being repaired or
replaced have attained a historic significance of their own.

For the purpose of the South End Railroad PEA, no archival or literature
reviews, field surveys, or Native American consultations have been
conducted for the Proposed Action Alternative APE. Nevertheless, based
on the governing PA, actions such as the replacement and disposal of
ties, cleaning drainage ditches, replacing ballast, and replacing
damaged drainage culverts (where the work is substantially in-kind and
the surrounding structures are not of historic significance) in
previously disturbed areas would not require further review by the SHPO.
Repair of traffic control devices (such as signals) using in-kind
systems and the procurement of materials and equipment would also not
require further SHPO review. These activities comprise the majority of
the proposed actions for the project.

Structural upgrades, such as bridges, and any activities undertaken
outside of the existing alignment in undisturbed areas, such as
construction of staging sites, may require further review depending on
their specific location and footprint. For these actions, NCRA must
evaluate the action based on the criteria set forth in Appendix 1 of the
PA to determine whether further SHPO consultation is necessary. NCRA
would conduct appropriate archival, field surveys and Native American
consultation on behalf of FEMA in order to help satisfy FEMA's Section
106 compliance responsibilities. FEMA would then conduct formal
consultation with the SHPO. Any additional actions precipitated by this
consultation would be the responsibility of NCRA to complete (for
example, site evaluations and subsequent treatment or mitigation).

All activities to be undertaken as part of the Proposed Action
Alternative are subject to the provisions of the PA. In the event of an
unanticipated discovery during any activity supported by FEMA, the NCRA
would stop work and notify FEMA immediately. FEMA would then consult
with the SHPO in accordance with Section VII of the PA. Should human
remains be encountered, work in the vicinity would halt and the NCRA
would notify the County Coroner immediately. If the remains were
determined to be Native American, the coroner would contact the Native
American Heritage Commission.

##  **Socioeconomics** 

*3.7.1 Affected Environment*

The regulatory framework and affected environment are described in
Section 3.8 of the Flood PEA. For the South End Railroad project, the
study area covers portions of Mendocino, Sonoma, and Marin counties. At
its southeastern end, the railroad also crosses a 12-mile distance
through Napa County, connecting the NWP line to the Union Pacific
mainline at Fairfield-Suisun in Solano County. Although the railroad
crosses four county lines, its impact in Napa County is limited given
the small area of the county that is affected by the project.

According to the 2000 Census data, Mendocino County has an estimated
population of 86,265, a growth of 7.4 percent from 1990. The top
employers by industry are professional services (nearly 30 percent),
sales and office occupations (23 percent), and other service jobs (19.5
percent). The per capita income in the county in 2000 was \$19,443 and
the median household income was \$35,996, while the unemployment rate
for the county was 4.5 percent and 15.9 percent of the population fell
below the poverty level. During that time, the median home price in
Mendocino County was \$170,200.

Sonoma County experienced the highest population growth in the area --
up to 458,614 in 2000 from 388,222 in 1990 (an 18 percent increase). As
in Mendocino County, the top employer was the professional services
industry (35 percent, followed by sales and office occupations (26.6
percent). In addition, other services employed nearly 15 percent of the
workforce. The unemployment rate in 2000 was 2.8 percent, and 8.1
percent of the population was below the poverty line. The per capita
income was \$25,724 and the median household income was \$53,076. The
median home price in the County was \$273,200.

Marin County had a population of 247,289 in 2000, a growth of 7.5
percent from 1990. Among the counties in the study area, Marin County
had the highest income with a per capita income of \$44,962 and a median
household income of \$71,306. Over 20 percent of the labor force was
employed in the professional services industry, followed by over 18
percent in the educational services sector. Only 6.6 percent of
individuals were recorded as being below the poverty line and the
unemployment rate was 1.9 percent. The median home price in 2000 was
\$514,600.

Napa County had a population of 124,279, a per capita income of
\$26,395, and a median household income of \$51,738 in 2000. Over 80
percent of the population was White, with the Hispanic group
representing the largest ethnic minority. Only 8.3 percent of
individuals in Napa and County fell below the poverty line in 2000.

*3.7.2 No Action Alternative*

Impacts of the No Action Alternative are described in Section 4.1.8.1 of
the Flood PEA. If no action is taken to restore the function of the
freight railroad, the region would suffer an adverse economic impact.
The freight railroad provides a commercial service, transporting goods
from one area to another. Without this service, goods are moved in
trucks on Highway 101.

*3.7.3 Proposed Action Alternative*

Impacts of Proposed Action Alternative are described in Section 4.1.8.3
of the Flood PEA. Since the railroad operated prior to the 1997-1998
flood event, rehabilitating the South End Railroad through the
implementation of the proposed actions would ultimately lead to
beneficial impacts on socioeconomic resources. Damaged facilities would
be restored, decreasing hazards to people associated with the railroad
facilities. With the eventual restoration of freight service, other
benefits to the community may also be realized. These benefits would be
associated with the operation of the railroad, and would be addressed
separately by NCRA.

In compliance with Executive Order 12898 (Environmental Justice), FEMA
determined that neither the implementation of the No Action Alternative
nor the Proposed Action Alternative is expected to result in any adverse
and/or disproportionate impacts on minority or low-income persons.

## **3.8 Land Use and Zoning**

*3.8.1 Affected Environment*

The affected environment is described in Section 3.9 of the Flood PEA.
The NWP is a pre-existing railroad. As such, NCRA owns the right-of-way
along its route. No work is proposed outside NCRA's existing
right-of-way.

*3.8.2 No Action Alternative*

Impacts of the No Action Alternative are described in Sections 4.1.9.1
of the Flood PEA. Because no new structures would be built outside
NCRA's right-of-way, the No Action Alternative would not affect land use
or zoning.

*3.8.3 Proposed Action Alternative*

Impacts of the Proposed Action Alternative are described in Section
4.1.9.3 of the Flood PEA. No impact to land use or zoning would result
from the Proposed Action Alternative. All project activities would occur
within NCRA's existing right-of-way.

##  **Public Services**

1.  *Affected Environment*

The affected environment is described in Section 3.10 of the Flood PEA.
Public services include fire protection, police protection, public
schools, parks, and other services at public facilities. Guidelines and
statutes regarding public services are generally found at the local
level. Local jurisdictions frequently establish building codes and other
construction standards and prescribe requirements for local police and
fire protection. Local planning agencies may establish goals or
ordinances for parks or keeping areas undeveloped. Although state and
the federal government constrain aspects of school policy decision
making, local school boards determine school operations.

2.  *No Action Alternative*

Impacts of the No Action Alternative are described in Section 4.1.10.1
of the Flood PEA. Under the No Action Alternative, no improvements would
be made to the railroad and no public services would be affected.

3.  *Proposed Action Alternative*

Impacts of the Proposed Action Alternative are described in Section
4.1.10.3 of the Flood PEA. No impacts to public services are expected to
result from the restoration and upgrading of the railroad facilities.
All proposed actions are within the railroad right-of-way, where the
railroad previously operated. Any temporary impacts that could restrict
the access of emergency services in the study area will be avoided.
Mitigation measures to avoid temporary impacts to public services may
include timing construction activities to minimize impacts to public
utility users. NCRA would be responsible for implementing such measures.

## **Transportation**

4.  *Affected Environment*

The affected environment is described in Section 3.11 of the Flood PEA.
The study area is located alongside Highway 101 for much of its length.

5.  *No Action Alternative*

Impacts of the No Action Alternative are described in Section 4.1.11.1
of the Flood PEA. Under the No Action Alternative, FEMA would not assist
with actions that would repair and improve the railroad; therefore,
benefits to transportation would not be realized. Without the proposed
actions, the railroad would not become operational and future disaster
events have the potential to cause additional damage.

6.  *Proposed Action Alternative*

Impacts of the Proposed Action Alternative are described in Section
4.1.11.3 of the Flood PEA. In general, the implementation of the
proposed actions may result in some temporary, minor impacts to
transportation. To minimize adverse impacts to traffic and circulation,
NCRA would be required to implement the following mitigation measures or
more stringent measures, if so required by local law or ordinance:

-   Traffic along adjacent roadways would be temporarily rerouted as
    necessary during construction activities. Traffic lane closures
    would be coordinated with appropriate community officials.

-   To the maximum extent feasible, construction-related vehicles would
    be prohibited from parking on residential streets.

-   Construction equipment and vehicle staging would be located to
    hinder the traffic flow as little as possible in the areas where the
    actions are implemented.

Adjacent residential neighborhoods and commercial/industrial areas would
be notified in advance of construction activities and any rerouting of
local traffic. Notification would identify a local contact.

## **3.11 Noise**

*3.11.1 Affected Environment*

The affected environment and regulatory background is described in
Section 3.12 of the Flood PEA.

2.  *No Action Alternative*

Impacts of the No Action Alternative are described in Section 4.1.12.1
of the Flood PEA. Under the No Action Alternative, no permanent changes
to noise levels are expected because the railroad would remain
non-operational.

3.  *Proposed Action Alternative*

Impacts of the Proposed Action Alternative are described in Section
4.1.12.3 of the Flood PEA. Construction activities would typically
result in temporary noise from construction equipment. Construction
activities would comply with local noise ordinances and state and
federal standards and guidelines. Special precautions may be required
around noise-sensitive receptors such as funeral homes, schools, or
hospitals. These precautions, which would be implemented by NCRA, may
include special work hours or public notification.

NCRA would comply with local noise ordinances and state and federal
standards and guidelines for potential impacts caused by constructing
noise-generating facilities.

## 

## **3.12 Hazardous Materials and Wastes**

*3.12.1 Affected Environment*

The affected environment is described in Section 3.13 of the Flood PEA.
Hazardous materials and wastes are grouped into the following four
categories based on their properties: toxic (causes human health
effects), ignitable (has the ability to burn), corrosive (causes severe
burns or damage to materials), and reactive (causes explosions or
generates toxic gases) (CCR Title 22, Division 4.5, Chapter 11, Article
3). Although petroleum products are not considered a hazardous material
under federal regulations, they are regulated as hazardous materials in
California.

A hazardous material is defined in many ways according to different
federal and state regulations. In California, hazardous material is
defined as:

-   Any substance designated pursuant to the Clean Water Act (CWA)
    Section 311(b)(2)(A), as amended (33 USC Section 466 et seq.);

-   Any element, compound, mixture, solution, or substance designated
    pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation
    and Liability Act (CERCLA) Section 102, as amended (42 USC Section
    9601 et seq.);

-   Any substance as defined by the California Health and Safety Code,
    Chapter 6.5, Hazardous Waste Control;

-   Any toxic pollutant listed under CWA Section 307(a), as amended (33
    USC Section 466 et seq.);

-   Any hazardous air pollutant listed under the Clean Air Act (CAA)
    Section 112, as amended (42 USC Section 1857 et seq.); and

-   Any imminently hazardous chemical substance or mixture with respect
    to which the USEPA has taken action pursuant to Toxic Substance
    Control Act Section 7, as amended (15 USC Section 2601 et seq.).

A hazardous material in California includes petroleum, natural gas,
natural gas liquids, liquefied natural gas, or synthetic gas usable for
fuel. A hazardous waste is any hazardous material that is discarded,
abandoned, or transported and stored prior to being recycled. The
criteria that render a material hazardous also make a waste hazardous.
Hazardous materials and wastes can result in public health hazards if
released to the soil or groundwater or through airborne releases in
vapors, fumes, or dust. Hazardous wastes must be disposed of in
accordance with all federal and California hazardous waste regulations.

Hazardous materials and wastes are likely to be part of the affected
environment of the South End Railroad project. In general, actions that
are foreseen to involve hazardous materials or wastes include demolition
or modification of:

-   Replaced ballasts;

-   Replaced creosote-coated railroad ties; and

-   Removed debris that may contain chemical or other potentially
    hazardous materials

*3.12.2 No Action Alternative*

Impacts of the No Action Alternative are described in Section 4.1.13.1
of the Flood PEA. Hazardous materials and wastes are not expected to be
present in the study area because the project does not involve the
transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials or wastes and would
not result in creation of a public health hazard. However, some
contamination in the debris at or around the project site may exist.

3.  *Proposed Action Alternative*

Impacts of Proposed Action Alternative are described in Section 4.1.13.3
of the Flood PEA. The restoration of exiting facilities is not expected
to directly impact hazardous materials and wastes. In general, hazardous
materials at the sites of potential actions (for example, underground
storage tanks \[USTs\] and toxic release sites) would not be altered
from their existing condition under this action. In circumstances where
hazardous materials and wastes are involved in restoration activities,
public or private entities responsible for restoration are expected to
follow all applicable local, state, and federal regulations for use,
storage, handling, and disposal of these substances.

Specific activities may disturb hazardous materials present at the site
of an action. NCRA would conduct a site assessment (such as a Phase I
Environmental Site Assessment) to determine if such materials are
present. USTs would also be identified as part of this study. NCRA would
follow local, state, and federal regulations for the handling and
disposal of hazardous materials or for removing USTs. NCRA would
coordinate with the Air Quality Management District, State Water
Resources Control Board, California Air Resources Board, and the USEPA,
as appropriate. For example, the disposal, recycling, or replacement of
railroad ties and ballast materials would require the use of gloves as
hazardous materials like creosote could be present. The removal and
proper disposal of the materials would result in a beneficial effect to
the community.

# 

# **4.0 cumulative impacts**

In 1999, the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG), Department
of Toxic Substances Control, North Coast Regional Water Quality Control
Board and the NCRA entered into a Consent Decree in an effort to resolve
claims in a complaint alleging violations of the Fish and Game Code,
Health and Safety Code, and Water Code. The Consent Decree requires that
NCRA and its contract operators perform corrective actions and adhere to
prescribed environmental management practices along both the northern
and southern portions of the NWP in order to provide appropriate
injunctive relief.

By providing funding for the South End Railroad project as an alternate
project, FEMA funds for the northern portion of the NWP would become
unavailable. Nevertheless, NCRA will continue to be responsible for full
compliance with the Consent Decree. Actions undertaken along the
northern portion of the NWP would also contribute to cumulative
environmental effects in the study area.

While individual actions taken as part of the South End Railroad project
would likely be completed prior to the earliest anticipated activity of
the SMART commuter rail project (Section 1.2.1), there are likely to be
cumulative effects associated with the development of the SMART project.
These impacts would be described in the environmental documentation for
the SMART passenger rail service. Resource areas in which cumulative
impacts may occur include air quality, biological resources,
socioeconomics, transportation, and noise.

Resumption of freight service along the railroad would have additional
cumulative environmental effects not addressed in this document. Actions
taken to resume operations that are above and beyond those described in
the South End Railroad project would be evaluated separately by NCRA.
Resource areas that would be affected by the operation of the railroad
include air quality, noise, traffic / transportation, public safety,
biological resources, and socioeconomics.

Detailed cumulative impacts are not addressed in this South End Railroad
PEA because analysis of these impacts requires specific knowledge of
actions occurring or proposed by SMART to occur within or near the study
area.

# **5.0 References**

California Air Resources Board (CARB). 2003. Ambient air quality
standards. URL: http://www.arb.ca.gov/aqs/aaqs2.pdf. California
Environmental Protection Agency, Sacramento, CA.

California Department of Water Resources. n.d. World Wide Web home pages
(links to the four California groundwater districts). Website located at
http://www.dwr.water.ca.gov/about/websites.html. Sacramento, CA.

California Natural Diversity Data Base (CNDDB). 2003. California Natural
Diversity Data Base. *Rarefind database*. California Department of Fish
and Game. April 9, 2003 version.

California Natural Resources (CNR). 2003. Website located at

> <http://ceres.ca.gov/ceres/calweb/coastal/plants/smarsh.html>.

California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG). 2003. Website located at
<http://www.dfg.ca.gov/hcpb/species/t_e_spp/tespp.shtml>.

Chaty, Dennis. Planner, County of Mendocino Planning and Building
Services. Personal communication with M. Kothari, URS on 9/18/2003.

CNPS Letter. 2003. California Vernal Pool Preliminary Report.

> URL: http://www.cnpsmb.org/pdfs/021303_cac.pdf.

FEMA 1998. Final Programmatic Environmental Assessment for Typical
Recurring Actions Resulting from Flood Disasters in California as
Proposed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. April 16, 1998.
FEMA 1203-DR-CA.

Mendocino County. 2003. Ukiah Valley Area Plan. March 18. Website at
http://www.co.mendocino.ca.us/planning/UVAP/031803/BOSUVAPIndex.htm.

National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). 2003. URL:
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/.

U.S. Census Bureau. 1990 and 2000 statistics. URL:
http://factfinder.census.gov.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2002. Website located at
http://sacramento.fws.gov/es/animal_spp_acct/california_tiger_salamander.htm.

Wakabayashi, J., and Smith, D.L. 1994. Evaluation of recurrence
intervals, characteristic earthquakes and slip-rates associated with
thrusting along the Coast Range-Central Valley geomorphic boundary.
*Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America* 84:1960-1970.

Watkin, Jim. 1999. Wildlife Biologist, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Personal communication with Kristin Byrd, URS Corporation.

Wetland Campaign. 2003.

URL: http://www.audubonsfbay.org/sfbay_2_16/whatwedo_bay_map10.html

Wicks, C.W., Thatcher, W., Monastero, F.C., and Hasting, M.A. 2001.
Steady state deformation of the Coso Range, east central California,
inferred from satellite radar interferometry. *Journal of Geophysical
Research* 106:13,769-13,780.

Youd, T.L., and Hoose, S.N. 1978. Historical ground failures in Northern
California triggered by earthquakes. *U.S. Geological Survey
Professional Paper* 993.

**Figures**

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**Appendix A -- NCRA Application for Alternate Project**

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height="9.061805555555555in"}

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# **Appendix B -- Species Table**

# 

#  

To prepare this table, species information was obtained from the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service for the geographic area covered by the
following U.S. Geological Survey 7.5-minute quadrangle maps: Burbeck,
Willits, Laughlin Range, Redwood Valley, Orrs Springs, Ukiah, Elledge
Peak, Purdys Gardens, Yorkville, Hopland, Cloverda*le, Asti,
Geyserville, Jimtown, Guerneville, Healdsburg, Mark West Springs,
Sebastopol, Santa Rosa, Two Rock, Cotati, Glen Ellen, Petaluma, Petaluma
Ri*ver, Novato, Petaluma Point, and Sears Point.

# 

# Legend: E = federally listed as endangered; T = federally listed as threatened; PT = federally proposed threatened; C = candidate

+-----------+----------+-----+----------------------+-----------------+
| # *       | **Common | **F | **Preferred          | **Likelihood of |
| *Scientif | Name**   | ede | Habitat**            | Occurring in    |
| ic Name** |          | ral |                      | the Study       |
|           |          | St  |                      | Area**          |
|           |          | atu |                      |                 |
|           |          | s** |                      |                 |
+===========+==========+=====+======================+=================+
| Amphibian |          | ##  |                      |                 |
+-----------+----------+-----+----------------------+-----------------+
| ##        | Ca       | ##  | Annual grasslands    | Potential to    |
| # *Ambyst | lifornia |  PT | and grassy           | occur if        |
| oma calif | tiger    |     | understory of        | suitable        |
| orniense* | sa       |     | valley-foothill      | habitat exists  |
|           | lamander |     | hardwood habitats,   | within the      |
|           |          |     | need underground     | study area.     |
|           |          |     | refuges, need vernal | Closest known   |
|           |          |     | pools, meadows,      | occurrence is   |
|           |          |     | seeps, stock ponds   | near the        |
|           |          |     | or other seasonal    | alignment.      |
|           |          |     | water resources for  |                 |
|           |          |     | breeding. This       |                 |
|           |          |     | species occurs from  |                 |
|           |          |     | near Petaluma        |                 |
|           |          |     | (Sonoma County) east |                 |
|           |          |     | through the Central  |                 |
|           |          |     | Valley to Yolo and   |                 |
|           |          |     | Sacramento Counties  |                 |
|           |          |     | and south to Tulare  |                 |
|           |          |     | County, and from the |                 |
|           |          |     | vicinity of San      |                 |
|           |          |     | Francisco Bay south  |                 |
|           |          |     | at least to Santa    |                 |
|           |          |     | Barbara County.      |                 |
+-----------+----------+-----+----------------------+-----------------+
| ### *Bufo | Yosemite | #   | Small montane toad,  | No potential to |
|  canorus* | toad     | # C | endemic to the       | occur within    |
|           |          |     | Sierra Nevada        | the study area  |
|           |          |     | Mountains from       | given the       |
|           |          |     | Ebbetts Pass, Alpine | species         |
|           |          |     | County to south of   | elevation       |
|           |          |     | Kaiser Pass and      | requirements    |
|           |          |     | Evolution Lake,      | and species     |
|           |          |     | Fresno County.       | range.          |
|           |          |     | Species occurs from  |                 |
|           |          |     | 6,400 to 11,300 feet |                 |
|           |          |     | elevation, with the  |                 |
|           |          |     | majority of sites    |                 |
|           |          |     | between 8,500 and    |                 |
|           |          |     | 10,000 feet; found   |                 |
|           |          |     | in open montane      |                 |
|           |          |     | meadows near         |                 |
|           |          |     | lodgepole pine       |                 |
|           |          |     | forests.             |                 |
+-----------+----------+-----+----------------------+-----------------+
| ### *Rana | Ca       | #   | Dense, shrubby       | Potential to    |
|  aurora d | lifornia | # T | riparian vegetation  | occur if        |
| raytonii* | re       |     | associated with deep | suitable        |
|           | d-legged |     | (\> 0.7 m), still or | habitat exists  |
|           | frog     |     | slow-moving water.   | within the      |
|           |          |     |                      | study area.     |
|           |          |     |                      | Closest known   |
|           |          |     |                      | occurrence is   |
|           |          |     |                      | located         |
|           |          |     |                      | approximately   |
|           |          |     |                      | 0.3 miles from  |
|           |          |     |                      | the study area. |
+-----------+----------+-----+----------------------+-----------------+

+-----------+----------+-----+----------------------+-----------------+
| # *       | **Common | **F | **Preferred          | **Likelihood of |
| *Scientif | Name**   | ede | Habitat**            | Occurring in    |
| ic Name** |          | ral |                      | the Study       |
|           |          | St  |                      | Area**          |
|           |          | atu |                      |                 |
|           |          | s** |                      |                 |
+===========+==========+=====+======================+=================+
| Birds     |          | ##  |                      |                 |
+-----------+----------+-----+----------------------+-----------------+
| *Brac     | Marbled  | #   | Occurs year-round in | Potential to    |
| hyramphus | murrelet | # T | marine subtidal and  | occur if        |
| ma        |          |     | pelagic habitats     | suitable        |
| rmoratus* |          |     | from Oregon border   | habitat exists  |
|           |          |     | to Point Sal, Santa  | within the      |
|           |          |     | Barbara County. In   | study area.     |
|           |          |     | summer forages close |                 |
|           |          |     | to shore; in         | Critical        |
|           |          |     | nonbreeding season   | habitat is      |
|           |          |     | forages farther from | found in four   |
|           |          |     | shore. Breeders      | USGS            |
|           |          |     | require mature,      | quadrangles in  |
|           |          |     | coastal coniferous   | the study area. |
|           |          |     | forest for nesting   |                 |
|           |          |     | and nearby coastal   |                 |
|           |          |     | waters for feeding.  |                 |
+-----------+----------+-----+----------------------+-----------------+
| *C        | Western  | #   | Habitats used by     | Potential to    |
| haradrius | snowy    | # T | nesting and          | occur if        |
| ale       | plover   |     | non-nesting birds    | suitable        |
| xandrinus |          |     | include sandy        | habitat exists  |
| nivosus*  |          |     | coastal beaches,     | within the      |
|           |          |     | salt pans, coastal   | study area.     |
|           |          |     | dredged spoil sites, | Closest known   |
|           |          |     | dry salt ponds, salt | occurrence is   |
|           |          |     | pond levees and      | located         |
|           |          |     | gravel bars.         | approximately   |
|           |          |     |                      | 1.7 miles from  |
|           |          |     |                      | the study area. |
+-----------+----------+-----+----------------------+-----------------+
| *Coccyzus | Western  | #   | Inhabits extensive   | Potential to    |
| am        | yello    | # C | deciduous riparian   | occur if        |
| ericanus* | w-billed |     | thickets or forests  | suitable        |
|           | cuckoo   |     | with dense,          | habitat exists  |
|           |          |     | low-level or         | within the      |
|           |          |     | understory foliage,  | study area.     |
|           |          |     | and which abut on    | Closest known   |
|           |          |     | slow-moving          | occurrence is   |
|           |          |     | watercourses,        | located         |
|           |          |     | backwaters, or       | approximately 1 |
|           |          |     | seeps.               | mile from the   |
|           |          |     |                      | study area.     |
+-----------+----------+-----+----------------------+-----------------+
| *H        | Bald     | #   | Winters throughout   | Potential to    |
| aliaeetus | eagle    | # T | most of California   | occur if        |
| leuco     |          |     | at lakes,            | suitable        |
| cephalus* |          |     | reservoirs, river    | habitat exists  |
|           |          |     | systems, and some    | within the      |
|           |          |     | rangelands and       | study area.     |
|           |          |     | coastal wetlands on  |                 |
|           |          |     | protected cliffs and |                 |
|           |          |     | ledges. Also nests   |                 |
|           |          |     | on bridges and       |                 |
|           |          |     | buildings in urban   |                 |
|           |          |     | areas. Nests are     |                 |
|           |          |     | normally built in    |                 |
|           |          |     | the upper canopy of  |                 |
|           |          |     | large trees, usually |                 |
|           |          |     | conifers.            |                 |
+-----------+----------+-----+----------------------+-----------------+
| *         | Ca       | #   | Found in estuarine,  | Not likely to   |
| Pelecanus | lifornia | # E | marine subtidal, and | occur because   |
| occ       | brown    |     | marine pelagic       | study area      |
| identalis | pelican  |     | waters along the     | lacks suitable  |
| cali      |          |     | California coast. In | habitat.        |
| fornicus* |          |     | northern California, |                 |
|           |          |     | fairly common to     |                 |
|           |          |     | common June to       |                 |
|           |          |     | November. Usually    |                 |
|           |          |     | rests on water or    |                 |
|           |          |     | inaccessible rocks   |                 |
|           |          |     | (either offshore or  |                 |
|           |          |     | on mainland), but    |                 |
|           |          |     | also uses mudflats,  |                 |
|           |          |     | sandy beaches,       |                 |
|           |          |     | wharfs, and jetties. |                 |
+-----------+----------+-----+----------------------+-----------------+
| *Rallus   | Ca       | #   | Tidal salt marshes   | Potential to    |
| lon       | lifornia | # E | near tidal sloughs;  | occur if        |
| girostris | clapper  |     | perennial inhabitant | suitable        |
| o         | rail     |     | of tidal salt        | habitat exists  |
| bsoletus* |          |     | marshes of the       | within the      |
|           |          |     | greater San          | study area.     |
|           |          |     | Francisco Bay.       | Closest known   |
|           |          |     |                      | occurrence is   |
|           |          |     |                      | near the        |
|           |          |     |                      | alignment.      |
+-----------+----------+-----+----------------------+-----------------+
| *Sterna   | Ca       | #   | Nests in flat, open  | Not likely to   |
| a         | lifornia | # E | areas along the      | occur within    |
| ntillarum | least    |     | coast near inshore   | the study area. |
| (=a       | tern     |     | estuaries, river     |                 |
| lbifrons) |          |     | mouths, or shallows, |                 |
| browni*   |          |     | sandy ground with    |                 |
|           |          |     | little or no         |                 |
|           |          |     | vegetation, bays,    |                 |
|           |          |     | freshwater ponds,    |                 |
|           |          |     | channels, lakes.     |                 |
+-----------+----------+-----+----------------------+-----------------+
| *Strix    | Northern | #   | Old-growth forests   | Potential to    |
| occ       | spotted  | # T | or mixed stands of   | occur if        |
| identalis | owl      |     | old-growth and       | suitable        |
| caurina*  |          |     | mature trees;        | habitat exists  |
|           |          |     | occasionally in      | within the      |
|           |          |     | younger forests with | study area.     |
|           |          |     | patches of big       |                 |
|           |          |     | trees. Ranges        | Critical        |
|           |          |     | through the Cascade  | habitat is      |
|           |          |     | and Sierra Nevada    | found in two    |
|           |          |     | mountains, primarily | USGS            |
|           |          |     | on the west slope,   | quadrangles     |
|           |          |     | from Shasta County   | surrounding     |
|           |          |     | south to Kern        | Willits.        |
|           |          |     | County, Tehachapi    |                 |
|           |          |     | Range, and the       |                 |
|           |          |     | mountains of         |                 |
|           |          |     | southern CA.         |                 |
+-----------+----------+-----+----------------------+-----------------+
| Mammals   |          | ##  |                      |                 |
+-----------+----------+-----+----------------------+-----------------+
| *Reithr   | Salt     | #   | Coastal salt marsh,  | Potential to    |
| odontomys | marsh    | # E | dense stands of      | occur if        |
| rav       | harvest  |     | pickleweed.          | suitable        |
| iventris* | mouse    |     |                      | habitat exists  |
|           |          |     |                      | within the      |
|           |          |     |                      | study area.     |
|           |          |     |                      | Closest known   |
|           |          |     |                      | occurrence is   |
|           |          |     |                      | located         |
|           |          |     |                      | approximately   |
|           |          |     |                      | 300 feet from   |
|           |          |     |                      | the study area. |
+-----------+----------+-----+----------------------+-----------------+
| Fish      |          | ##  |                      |                 |
+-----------+----------+-----+----------------------+-----------------+
| *         | Green    | #   | A demersal (bottom   | Potential to    |
| Acipenser | sturgeon | # C | dwelling) species,   | occur if        |
| med       |          |     | mostly seen from     | suitable        |
| irostris* |          |     | inshore waters to 60 | habitat exists  |
|           |          |     | m (197 feet). Spawn  | within the      |
|           |          |     | in the main stem of  | study area.     |
|           |          |     | large river systems  |                 |
|           |          |     | in relatively fast   |                 |
|           |          |     | water flows and      |                 |
|           |          |     | probably in depths   |                 |
|           |          |     | greater than 3 m.    |                 |
|           |          |     | Preferred spawning   |                 |
|           |          |     | substrate is large   |                 |
|           |          |     | cobble, but can      |                 |
|           |          |     | range from clean     |                 |
|           |          |     | sand to bedrock.     |                 |
|           |          |     | Spawning has been    |                 |
|           |          |     | confirmed in recent  |                 |
|           |          |     | years only in the    |                 |
|           |          |     | Sacramento River and |                 |
|           |          |     | the Klamath River,   |                 |
|           |          |     | although spawning    |                 |
|           |          |     | probably once        |                 |
|           |          |     | occurred in the Eel  |                 |
|           |          |     | River as well.       |                 |
+-----------+----------+-----+----------------------+-----------------+
| *Eucy     | T        | #   | Brackish shallow     | Potential to    |
| clogobius | idewater | # E | lagoons and lower    | occur if        |
| n         | goby     |     | stream reaches where | suitable        |
| ewberryi* |          |     | the water is fairly  | habitat exists  |
|           |          |     | still but not        | within the      |
|           |          |     | stagnant; found in   | study area.     |
|           |          |     | water with salinity  | Closest known   |
|           |          |     | levels from zero to  | occurrence is   |
|           |          |     | 10 ppt, temperature  | near the        |
|           |          |     | levels from 35 to 73 | alignment.      |
|           |          |     | degrees Fahrenheit,  |                 |
|           |          |     | and water depths     |                 |
|           |          |     | from 5 to 7.5 feet.  |                 |
|           |          |     | Historically, this   |                 |
|           |          |     | species occurred in  |                 |
|           |          |     | coastal lagoons from |                 |
|           |          |     | San Diego County to  |                 |
|           |          |     | Humboldt County, but |                 |
|           |          |     | it has disappeared   |                 |
|           |          |     | from most of these   |                 |
|           |          |     | sites.               |                 |
+-----------+----------+-----+----------------------+-----------------+
| *         | Delta    | #   | Euryhaline species,  | Unlikely to     |
| Hypomesus | smelt    | # T | but for a large part | occur. Would    |
| transp    |          |     | of its life span, it | only occur as   |
| acificus* |          |     | is associated with   | strays.         |
|           |          |     | the freshwater edge  |                 |
|           |          |     | of the mixing zone   |                 |
|           |          |     | (                    |                 |
|           |          |     | saltwater-freshwater |                 |
|           |          |     | interface). Spawning |                 |
|           |          |     | habitats are side    |                 |
|           |          |     | channels and sloughs |                 |
|           |          |     | in the middle        |                 |
|           |          |     | reaches of the       |                 |
|           |          |     | Delta. Spawn in      |                 |
|           |          |     | shallow freshwater   |                 |
|           |          |     | from December        |                 |
|           |          |     | through July (Goals  |                 |
|           |          |     | Project, 2000).      |                 |
|           |          |     | Pelagic feeder. This |                 |
|           |          |     | species occurs only  |                 |
|           |          |     | in Suisun Bay and    |                 |
|           |          |     | the Sacramento-San   |                 |
|           |          |     | Joaquin estuary      |                 |
|           |          |     | (known as the Delta) |                 |
|           |          |     | near San Francisco   |                 |
|           |          |     | Bay Area.            |                 |
+-----------+----------+-----+----------------------+-----------------+
| *Onc      | Central  | #   | Pacific Ocean,       | Unlikely to     |
| orhynchus | Valley   | # T | spawns in coastal    | occur. This ESU |
| mykiss*   | s        |     | streams and rivers,  | is defined      |
|           | teelhead |     | over gravel beds.    | outside of the  |
|           |          |     | Pool depth, volume,  | study area, but |
|           |          |     | amount of cover, and | is located      |
|           |          |     | proximity to gravel  | within a 5-mile |
|           |          |     | for spawning play    | radius of the   |
|           |          |     | key roles.           | alignment.      |
+-----------+----------+-----+----------------------+-----------------+
| *Onc      | Central  | #   | Pacific Ocean,       | Potential to    |
| orhynchus | Ca       | # T | spawns in coastal    | occur if        |
| mykiss*   | lifornia |     | streams and rivers,  | suitable        |
|           | coast    |     | over gravel beds.    | habitat exists  |
|           | s        |     | Pool depth, volume,  | within the      |
|           | teelhead |     | amount of cover, and | study area.     |
|           |          |     | proximity to gravel  | Closest known   |
|           |          |     | for spawning play    | occurrence is   |
|           |          |     | key roles.           | approximately   |
|           |          |     |                      | 0.4 miles from  |
|           |          |     |                      | study area.     |
+-----------+----------+-----+----------------------+-----------------+
| *Onc      | Northern | #   | Pacific Ocean,       | Potential to    |
| orhynchus | Ca       | # T | spawns in coastal    | occur if        |
| mykiss*   | lifornia |     | streams and rivers,  | suitable        |
|           | s        |     | over gravel beds.    | habitat exists  |
|           | teelhead |     | Pool depth, volume,  | within the      |
|           |          |     | amount of cover, and | study area.     |
|           |          |     | proximity to gravel  |                 |
|           |          |     | for spawning play    |                 |
|           |          |     | key roles.           |                 |
+-----------+----------+-----+----------------------+-----------------+
| *Onc      | Central  | #   | Pacific Ocean,       | Potential to    |
| orhynchus | Ca       | # T | spawns in coastal    | occur if        |
| kisutch*  | lifornia |     | streams and rivers,  | suitable        |
|           | coast    |     | over gravel beds.    | habitat exists  |
|           | coho     |     | Pool depth, volume,  | within the      |
|           | salmon   |     | amount of cover, and | study area.     |
|           |          |     | proximity to gravel  | Closest known   |
|           |          |     | for spawning play    | occurrence is   |
|           |          |     | key roles.           | approximately   |
|           |          |     |                      | 0.4 miles from  |
|           |          |     |                      | study area      |
|           |          |     |                      | located in the  |
|           |          |     |                      | Russian River   |
|           |          |     |                      | at Hwy 101      |
|           |          |     |                      | bridge in       |
|           |          |     |                      | Healdsburg.     |
+-----------+----------+-----+----------------------+-----------------+
| *Onc      | Southern | #   | Pacific Ocean,       | Potential to    |
| orhynchus | Oregon / | # T | spawns in coastal    | occur if        |
| kisutch*  | Northern |     | streams and rivers,  | suitable        |
|           | Ca       |     | over gravel beds.    | habitat exists  |
|           | lifornia |     | Pool depth, volume,  | within the      |
|           | coho     |     | amount of cover, and | study area.     |
|           | salmon   |     | proximity to gravel  |                 |
|           |          |     | for spawning play    |                 |
|           |          |     | key roles.           |                 |
+-----------+----------+-----+----------------------+-----------------+
| *Onc      | Ca       | #   | Pacific Ocean,       | Potential to    |
| orhynchus | lifornia | # T | spawns in coastal    | occur if        |
| tsh       | coastal  |     | streams and rivers,  | suitable        |
| awytscha* | chinook  |     | over gravel beds.    | habitat exists  |
|           | salmon   |     | Pool depth, volume,  | within the      |
|           |          |     | amount of cover, and | study area.     |
|           |          |     | proximity to gravel  |                 |
|           |          |     | for spawning play    |                 |
|           |          |     | key roles.           |                 |
+-----------+----------+-----+----------------------+-----------------+
| *Onc      | Central  | #   | Pacific Ocean,       | Unlikely to     |
| orhynchus | Valley   | # T | spawns in coastal    | occur. This     |
| tsh       | sp       |     | streams and rivers,  | species is      |
| awytscha* | ring-run |     | over gravel beds.    | primarily found |
|           | chinook  |     | Pool depth, volume,  | in the          |
|           | salmon   |     | amount of cover, and | Sacramento      |
|           |          |     | proximity to gravel  | River.          |
|           |          |     | for spawning play    | Therefore, it   |
|           |          |     | key roles.           | occurs outside  |
|           |          |     | Spring-run chinook   | of the study    |
|           |          |     | salmon are primarily | area, but it is |
|           |          |     | found in four        | located within  |
|           |          |     | tributaries to the   | a 5-mile radius |
|           |          |     | Sacramento River     | of the          |
|           |          |     | (Butte, Big Chico,   | alignment.      |
|           |          |     | Deer, and Mill       |                 |
|           |          |     | creeks), but there   |                 |
|           |          |     | are other waters     |                 |
|           |          |     | that may contain     |                 |
|           |          |     | them.                |                 |
+-----------+----------+-----+----------------------+-----------------+
| *Onc      | Central  | #   | Pacific Ocean,       | Unlikely to     |
| orhynchus | Valley   | # C | spawns in coastal    | occur. This     |
| tsh       | f        |     | streams and rivers,  | species is      |
| awytscha* | all/late |     | over gravel beds.    | primarily found |
|           | fall-run |     | Pool depth, volume,  | in the          |
|           | chinook  |     | amount of cover, and | Sacramento      |
|           | salmon   |     | proximity to gravel  | River.          |
|           |          |     | for spawning play    | Therefore, it   |
|           |          |     | key roles. Found     | occurs outside  |
|           |          |     | mainly in the        | of the study    |
|           |          |     | Sacramento River,    | area, but it is |
|           |          |     | and most spawning    | located within  |
|           |          |     | and rearing of       | a 5-mile radius |
|           |          |     | juveniles takes      | of the          |
|           |          |     | place in the reach   | alignment.      |
|           |          |     | between Red Bluff    |                 |
|           |          |     | and Redding.         |                 |
+-----------+----------+-----+----------------------+-----------------+
| *Pogo     | Sa       | #   | Euryhaline species,  | Potential to    |
| nichthlys | cramento | # T | but prefers          | occur if        |
| macrol    | s        |     | freshwater.          | suitable        |
| epidotus* | plittail |     | Primarily found in   | habitat exists  |
|           |          |     | backwater sloughs of | within the      |
|           |          |     | the Sacramento-San   | study area.     |
|           |          |     | Joaquin Delta and    | Closest known   |
|           |          |     | Suisun Marsh. They   | occurrence is   |
|           |          |     | are now largely      | near the        |
|           |          |     | confined to: (1) the | alignment.      |
|           |          |     | Delta, (2) Suisun    |                 |
|           |          |     | Bay, (3) Suisun      |                 |
|           |          |     | Marsh, (4) Napa      |                 |
|           |          |     | River, (5) Petaluma  |                 |
|           |          |     | River, and (6) other |                 |
|           |          |     | parts of the         |                 |
|           |          |     | Sacramento-San       |                 |
|           |          |     | Joaquin Estuary.     |                 |
|           |          |     | Upstream spawning    |                 |
|           |          |     | migration occurs     |                 |
|           |          |     | from November        |                 |
|           |          |     | through May into     |                 |
|           |          |     | freshwater habitats  |                 |
|           |          |     | (Goals Project       |                 |
|           |          |     | 2000).               |                 |
+-----------+----------+-----+----------------------+-----------------+
| Inve      |          | ##  |                      |                 |
| rtebrates |          |     |                      |                 |
+-----------+----------+-----+----------------------+-----------------+
| *Bra      | Vernal   | #   | Vernal pools; small  | Potential to    |
| nchinecta | pool     | # T | swales, earth        | occur if        |
| lynchi*   | fairy    |     | slumps, or           | suitable        |
|           | shrimp   |     | basalt-flow          | habitat exists  |
|           |          |     | depression basins    | within the      |
|           |          |     | with grassy or       | study area.     |
|           |          |     | occassionally muddy  | Closest known   |
|           |          |     | bottom, in unplowed  | occurrence is   |
|           |          |     | grassland (Eriksen   | located         |
|           |          |     | and Belk 1999).      | approximately   |
|           |          |     |                      | 1.3 miles from  |
|           |          |     |                      | the study area. |
+-----------+----------+-----+----------------------+-----------------+
| *Speyeria | Callippe | #   | Coastal scrub. Host  | Potential to    |
| callippe  | si       | # E | plant is violet,     | occur if        |
| callippe* | lverspot |     | including *Viola     | suitable        |
|           | b        |     | purpurea, V.         | habitat exists  |
|           | utterfly |     | pedunculata, V.      | within the      |
|           |          |     | beckwithii, V.       | study area.     |
|           |          |     | douglasii,* and *V.  | Closest known   |
|           |          |     | nuttalli*            | occurrence is   |
|           |          |     |                      | located         |
|           |          |     |                      | approximately 1 |
|           |          |     |                      | mile from the   |
|           |          |     |                      | study area.     |
+-----------+----------+-----+----------------------+-----------------+
| *Speyeria | Myrtle's | #   | Restricted to areas  | Potential to    |
| zerene    | si       | # E | immediately adjacent | occur if        |
| myrtleae* | lverspot |     | to the coast, such   | suitable        |
|           | b        |     | as dunes, scrub, and | habitat exists  |
|           | utterfly |     | grasslands. The eggs | within the      |
|           |          |     | are laid only on     | study area.     |
|           |          |     | species of *Viola*,  | Closest known   |
|           |          |     | possibly only *Viola | occurrence is   |
|           |          |     | adunca*. This        | located         |
|           |          |     | species is only      | approximately 1 |
|           |          |     | known from a few     | mile from the   |
|           |          |     | sites in northern    | study area.     |
|           |          |     | Marin County.        | This occurrence |
|           |          |     |                      | is located west |
|           |          |     |                      | of Sears Point, |
|           |          |     |                      | approximately 2 |
|           |          |     |                      | miles north of  |
|           |          |     |                      | the junction of |
|           |          |     |                      | Lakeville Hwy   |
|           |          |     |                      | and Black Point |
|           |          |     |                      | Road.           |
+-----------+----------+-----+----------------------+-----------------+
| *Syncaris | Ca       | #   | Small, perennial     | Potential to    |
| pacifica* | lifornia | # E | coastal streams.     | occur if        |
|           | fr       |     | Excellent habitat    | suitable        |
|           | eshwater |     | conditions include:  | habitat exists  |
|           | shrimp   |     | streams of 12 to 36  | within the      |
|           |          |     | inches in depth,     | study area.     |
|           |          |     | with exposed live    | Closest known   |
|           |          |     | roots of trees such  | occurrence is   |
|           |          |     | as alder and willow, | located         |
|           |          |     | along undercut banks | approximately   |
|           |          |     | greater than 6       | 0.5 miles from  |
|           |          |     | inches, with         | the study area. |
|           |          |     | overhanging          |                 |
|           |          |     | overhanging woody    |                 |
|           |          |     | debris or stream     |                 |
|           |          |     | vegetation and vines |                 |
|           |          |     | such as stinging     |                 |
|           |          |     | nettles, grasses,    |                 |
|           |          |     | vine maple and mint. |                 |
|           |          |     |                      |                 |
|           |          |     | Historically, this   |                 |
|           |          |     | shrimp was probably  |                 |
|           |          |     | common in low        |                 |
|           |          |     | elevation, perennial |                 |
|           |          |     | freshwater streams   |                 |
|           |          |     | in Marin, Sonoma,    |                 |
|           |          |     | and Napa counties.   |                 |
|           |          |     | Today, it is found   |                 |
|           |          |     | in sixteen stream    |                 |
|           |          |     | segments within      |                 |
|           |          |     | these counties, in   |                 |
|           |          |     | four general         |                 |
|           |          |     | geographic           |                 |
|           |          |     | regions: 1)          |                 |
|           |          |     | tributary streams in |                 |
|           |          |     | the lower Russian    |                 |
|           |          |     | River drainage,      |                 |
|           |          |     | which flows westward |                 |
|           |          |     | into the Pacific     |                 |
|           |          |     | Ocean; 2) coastal    |                 |
|           |          |     | streams flowing      |                 |
|           |          |     | westward directly    |                 |
|           |          |     | into the Pacific     |                 |
|           |          |     | Ocean; 3) streams    |                 |
|           |          |     | draining into        |                 |
|           |          |     | Tomales Bay; and, 4) |                 |
|           |          |     | streams flowing      |                 |
|           |          |     | southward into       |                 |
|           |          |     | northern San Pablo   |                 |
|           |          |     | Bay.                 |                 |
+-----------+----------+-----+----------------------+-----------------+
| Plants    |          | ##  |                      |                 |
+-----------+----------+-----+----------------------+-----------------+
| *A        | Sonoma   | #   | Freshwater marshes   | Potential to    |
| lopecurus | al       | # E | and swamps; riparian | occur if        |
| aequalis* | opecurus |     | scrub. The blooming  | suitable        |
| var.      |          |     | period extends from  | habitat exists  |
| *so       |          |     | May through July.    | within the      |
| nomensis* |          |     |                      | study area.     |
|           |          |     |                      | Closest known   |
|           |          |     |                      | occurrence is   |
|           |          |     |                      | located         |
|           |          |     |                      | approximately 2 |
|           |          |     |                      | miles from the  |
|           |          |     |                      | study area.     |
+-----------+----------+-----+----------------------+-----------------+
| *A        | Clara    | #   | Chaparral,           | Potential to    |
| stragalus | Hunt's   | # E | cismontane woodland, | occur if        |
| c         | mi       |     | valley and foothill  | suitable        |
| larianus* | lk-vetch |     | grassland; grows in  | habitat exists  |
|           |          |     | serpentinite or      | within the      |
|           |          |     | volcanic, rocky,     | study area.     |
|           |          |     | clay.                |                 |
+-----------+----------+-----+----------------------+-----------------+
| *Ble      | Baker's  | #   | Valley and foothill  | Potential to    |
| nnosperma | st       | # E | grassland; vernal    | occur if        |
| bakeri*   | ickyseed |     | pools. The blooming  | suitable        |
|           |          |     | period extends from  | habitat exists  |
|           |          |     | March through May.   | within the      |
|           |          |     |                      | study area.     |
|           |          |     |                      | Closest known   |
|           |          |     |                      | occurrence is   |
|           |          |     |                      | located         |
|           |          |     |                      | approximately   |
|           |          |     |                      | 0.3 miles from  |
|           |          |     |                      | the study area. |
+-----------+----------+-----+----------------------+-----------------+
| *Carex    | White    | #   | Meadows and seeps;   | Potential to    |
| albida*   | sedge    | # E | freshwater marshes   | occur if        |
|           |          |     | and swamps. The      | suitable        |
|           |          |     | blooming period      | habitat exists  |
|           |          |     | extends from May     | within the      |
|           |          |     | through July.        | study area.     |
|           |          |     |                      | Closest known   |
|           |          |     |                      | occurrence is   |
|           |          |     |                      | near the        |
|           |          |     |                      | alignment.      |
+-----------+----------+-----+----------------------+-----------------+
| *Ch       | Sonoma   | #   | Coastal prairie. The | Potential to    |
| orizanthe | spi      | # E | blooming period      | occur if        |
| valida*   | neflower |     | extends from June    | suitable        |
|           |          |     | through August.      | habitat exists  |
|           |          |     |                      | within the      |
|           |          |     |                      | study area.     |
|           |          |     |                      | Closest known   |
|           |          |     |                      | occurrence is   |
|           |          |     |                      | near the        |
|           |          |     |                      | alignment.      |
+-----------+----------+-----+----------------------+-----------------+
| *Clarkia  | Vine     | #   | Chaparral, valley    | Potential to    |
| i         | Hill     | # E | and foothill         | occur if        |
| mbricata* | clarkia  |     | grassland. The       | suitable        |
|           |          |     | blooming period      | habitat exists  |
|           |          |     | extends from June    | within the      |
|           |          |     | through August.      | study area.     |
+-----------+----------+-----+----------------------+-----------------+
| *Cor      | Soft     | #   | Coastal salt marshes | Potential to    |
| dylanthus | bird's   | # E | and swamps. The      | occur if        |
| mollis*   | beak     |     | blooming period      | suitable        |
| ssp.      |          |     | extends from July    | habitat exists  |
| *mollis*  |          |     | through November.    | within the      |
|           |          |     |                      | study area.     |
|           |          |     |                      | Closest known   |
|           |          |     |                      | occurrence is   |
|           |          |     |                      | located         |
|           |          |     |                      | approximately   |
|           |          |     |                      | 0.4 miles from  |
|           |          |     |                      | the study area. |
+-----------+----------+-----+----------------------+-----------------+
| *Cor      | P        | #   | Coniferous forest,   | Potential to    |
| dylanthus | ennell's | # E | chaparral;           | occur if        |
| tenuis*   | bir      |     | serpentinite. The    | suitable        |
| ssp.      | d's-beak |     | blooming period      | habitat exists  |
| *ca       |          |     | extends from June    | within the      |
| pillaris* |          |     | through September.   | study area.     |
+-----------+----------+-----+----------------------+-----------------+
| *D        | Baker's  | #   | Coastal scrub,       | Potential to    |
| elphinium | larkspur | # E | valley and foothill  | occur if        |
| bakeri*   |          |     | grassland. The       | suitable        |
|           |          |     | blooming period      | habitat exists  |
|           |          |     | extends from March   | within the      |
|           |          |     | through May.         | study area.     |
|           |          |     |                      |                 |
|           |          |     |                      | Critical        |
|           |          |     |                      | habitat has     |
|           |          |     |                      | been proposed   |
|           |          |     |                      | (but not        |
|           |          |     |                      | designated) in  |
|           |          |     |                      | the Petaluma    |
|           |          |     |                      | USGS            |
|           |          |     |                      | quadrangle.     |
+-----------+----------+-----+----------------------+-----------------+
| *D        | Yellow   | #   | Chaparral, coastal   | Potential to    |
| elphinium | larkspur | # E | prairie, coastal     | occur if        |
| luteum*   |          |     | scrub. The blooming  | suitable        |
|           |          |     | period extends from  | habitat exists  |
|           |          |     | March through March. | within the      |
|           |          |     |                      | study area.     |
|           |          |     |                      | Closest known   |
|           |          |     |                      | occurrence is   |
|           |          |     |                      | located         |
|           |          |     |                      | approximately   |
|           |          |     |                      | 0.7 miles from  |
|           |          |     |                      | the study area. |
+-----------+----------+-----+----------------------+-----------------+
| *Hes      | Marin    | #   | Chaparral, valley    | Potential to    |
| perolinon | dw       | # T | and foothill         | occur if        |
| c         | arf-flax |     | grassland;           | suitable        |
| ongestum* | (        |     | serpentinite. The    | habitat exists  |
|           | =western |     | blooming period      | within the      |
|           | flax)    |     | extends from April   | study area.     |
|           |          |     | through July.        | Closest known   |
|           |          |     |                      | occurrence is   |
|           |          |     |                      | located         |
|           |          |     |                      | approximately   |
|           |          |     |                      | 1.4 miles from  |
|           |          |     |                      | the study area. |
+-----------+----------+-----+----------------------+-----------------+
| *         | Burke's  | #   | Meadows and seeps;   | Potential to    |
| Lasthenia | go       | # E | vernal pools. The    | occur if        |
| burkei*   | ldfields |     | blooming period      | suitable        |
|           |          |     | extends from April   | habitat exists  |
|           |          |     | through June.        | within the      |
|           |          |     |                      | study area.     |
|           |          |     |                      | Closest known   |
|           |          |     |                      | occurrence is   |
|           |          |     |                      | near the        |
|           |          |     |                      | alignment.      |
+-----------+----------+-----+----------------------+-----------------+
| *         | Contra   | #   | Cismontane woodland, | Potential to    |
| Lasthenia | Costa    | # E | alkaline playas,     | occur if        |
| c         | go       |     | valley and foothill  | suitable        |
| onjugens* | ldfields |     | grasslands, and      | habitat exists  |
|           |          |     | vernal pools. The    | within the      |
|           |          |     | blooming period      | study area.     |
|           |          |     | extends from March   | Closest known   |
|           |          |     | through June.        | occurrence is   |
|           |          |     |                      | located         |
|           |          |     |                      | approximately 1 |
|           |          |     |                      | mile from the   |
|           |          |     |                      | study area.     |
+-----------+----------+-----+----------------------+-----------------+
| *Lilium   | Pitkin   | #   | Cismontane woodland, | Potential to    |
| p         | Marsh    | # E | meadows and seeps,   | occur if        |
| ardalinum | lily     |     | freshwater marshes   | suitable        |
| ssp.      |          |     | and swamps. The      | habitat exists  |
| pi        |          |     | blooming period      | within the      |
| tkinense* |          |     | extends from June    | study area.     |
|           |          |     | through July.        |                 |
+-----------+----------+-----+----------------------+-----------------+
| *L        | Se       | #   | Wetlands, meadows    | Potential to    |
| imnanthes | bastopol | # E | and seeps, valley    | occur if        |
| v         | me       |     | and foothill         | suitable        |
| inculans* | adowfoam |     | grasslands, and      | habitat exists  |
|           |          |     | vernal pools. The    | within the      |
|           |          |     | blooming period      | study area.     |
|           |          |     | extends from April   | Closest known   |
|           |          |     | through May.         | occurrence is   |
|           |          |     |                      | located         |
|           |          |     |                      | approximately   |
|           |          |     |                      | 0.3 miles from  |
|           |          |     |                      | the study area. |
+-----------+----------+-----+----------------------+-----------------+
| *N        | Many-    | #   | Vernal pools. The    | Potential to    |
| avarretia | flowered | # E | blooming period      | occur if        |
| leu       | na       |     | extends from May     | suitable        |
| cocephala | varretia |     | through June.        | habitat exists  |
| ssp.      |          |     |                      | within the      |
| p         |          |     |                      | study area.     |
| lieantha* |          |     |                      | Closest known   |
|           |          |     |                      | occurrence is   |
|           |          |     |                      | located         |
|           |          |     |                      | approximately   |
|           |          |     |                      | 0.9 miles from  |
|           |          |     |                      | the study area. |
+-----------+----------+-----+----------------------+-----------------+
| *P        | H        | #   | Coastal bluff scrub, | Potential to    |
| otentilla | ickman's | # E | closed-cone          | occur if        |
| h         | po       |     | coniferous forest,   | suitable        |
| ickmanii* | tentilla |     | meadows and seeps,   | habitat exists  |
|           | (=cin    |     | freshwater marshes   | within the      |
|           | quefoil) |     | and swamps. The      | study area.     |
|           |          |     | blooming period      | Closest known   |
|           |          |     | extends from April   | occurrence is   |
|           |          |     | through August.      | located         |
|           |          |     |                      | approximately   |
|           |          |     |                      | 4.5 miles from  |
|           |          |     |                      | the study area. |
+-----------+----------+-----+----------------------+-----------------+
| *         | Showy    | #   | Coastal bluff scrub, | Potential to    |
| Trifolium | Indian   | # E | valley and foothill  | occur if        |
| amoenum*  | clover   |     | grassland; sometimes | suitable        |
|           |          |     | serpentinite. The    | habitat exists  |
|           |          |     | blooming period      | within the      |
|           |          |     | extends from April   | study area.     |
|           |          |     | through June.        | Closest known   |
|           |          |     |                      | occurrence is   |
|           |          |     |                      | located         |
|           |          |     |                      | approximately   |
|           |          |     |                      | 0.2 miles from  |
|           |          |     |                      | the study area. |
+-----------+----------+-----+----------------------+-----------------+

Source: USFWS species lists for 27 USGS quadrangles and a CNDDB search
surrounding the railroad alignment using 5-mile radius.