Supplemental Environmental Assessment to the Programmatic Environmental 
Assessment (PEA) for Typical Recurring Actions Resulting From Flood, Earthquake, 
Fire, Rain, and Wind Disasters in California as Proposed by the Federal Emergency 
Management Agency

University of California at Santa Cruz

Lick Observatory Vegetation Management Project

PDMC-PJ-09-CA-2005-065

February 2007

1.	INTRODUCTION
The University of California at Santa Cruz (UCSC) has applied to the Federal Emergency 
Management Agency (FEMA) through the State of California Governor's Office of 
Emergency Services (OES) for a Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) Program grant to implement 
a vegetation management project. UCSC's PDM Program grant application seeks FEMA 
funding to reduce future wildfire risks to the University of California Observatories Lick 
Observatory (LO) and appurtenant facilities.

The project area is located at the top of Mount Hamilton in Santa Clara County, California 
(Figure 1, Appendix A).

1.1	SCOPE OF DOCUMENT
FEMA has prepared the Final Programmatic Environmental Assessment for Typical 
Recurring Actions Resulting From Flood, Earthquake, Fire, Rain, and Wind Disasters in 
California (PEA), which assesses common impacts of the action alternatives that are under 
consideration at the proposed project site (FEMA 2003). The PEA adequately assesses 
impacts from the action alternatives for some resource areas, but for the specific actions of 
this particular project, some resources are not fully assessed in the PEA. Therefore, for this 
specific project to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), this 
Supplemental Environmental Assessment (SEA) has been prepared to tier from the PEA and 
fully assess the additional impacts to resources that are not adequately addressed in the PEA. 
This SEA hereby incorporates the PEA by reference, in accordance with Title 40 of the Code 
of Federal Regulations (40 CFR) Part 1508.28.

1.2	PURPOSE OF AND NEED FOR ACTION
The PDM program was authorized by Section 203 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief 
and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act), Title 42 of the United States Code Part 5133, 
as amended by Section 102 of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, Public Law 106-390, 114 
Statute 1552, to assist states and communities to implement a sustained, pre-disaster, natural-
hazard mitigation program to reduce overall risk to the population and structures, while also 
reducing reliance on funding from actual disaster declarations. Therefore, the purpose of the 
action is to provide PDM Program funding to UCSC.

LO facilities comprise 64 buildings and structures valued at $71,673,750 that are located near 
the top of Mt Hamilton. These facilities include telescope domes, offices, dormitories, 
employee residences, a dining hall, a Visitors Center, a physical plant and technical 
operations, water storage and treatment facilities, and fire booster-pump stations. Beyond the 
monetary value of the LO facilities, the LO remains an active world-class scientific facility 
supporting University of California scientists, researchers, and students. It is also valued for 
its historic role in the science of astronomy and astrophysics. In addition to the facilities at 
LO, a remotely controlled California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) fire 
search TV camera, a Santa Clara County Communications Relay Station that is used for 
emergency services to the relatively isolated rural eastern portion of Santa Clara County, and 
three telephone relay stations leased to SBC, Verizon, and AT&T are located on LO grounds. 
Approximately 30 private residents live near LO.

CDF has determined that Mt. Hamilton lies in an area of high fire danger. The burn 
recurrence interval at and near LO, which was calculated using methodology described by 
FEMA, is 146 yearsLO has not experienced a major fire within its 130-year history. 
Relatively long response times, a history of multiple simultaneous ignitions in the area, 
heavy growth of brushy fuels on inaccessible slopes, the scattered nature of the buildings, 
and the absence of an onsite wildfire protection infrastructure all contribute to the difficulty 
of providing protection to LO. In addition, as California Highway 130 provides the only 
ingress and egress to the mountaintop facilities, it is likely that LO staff and visitors would be 
trapped on the summit. Therefore, action is needed to reduce wildfire risks to LO and 
appurtenant facilities.

2.	DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTIONS AND ALTERNATIVES

2.1	NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE
The existing fire hazard would remain under the No Action Alternative. Economic losses 
from fire damage would occur in addition to the threat to public health and safety posed by a 
wildland fire. The LO and appurtenant facilities would remain vulnerable to a wildfire. Loss 
of native flora and fauna and their associated habitat would occur in the event of a wildfire, 
along with loss of topsoil due to erosion, sedimentation of local streams, and loss of 
established hardwood overstory.

2.2	PROPOSED ACTION ALTERNATIVE
Under the Proposed Action Alternative, UCSC would conduct vegetation management at LO 
facilities and the surrounding areas. The action area encompasses approximately 48 acres that 
would be divided up into 35 treatment units (Figure 2, Appendix A). Treatment units would 
consist of 100-foot-wide defensible spaces around structures and "area treatments" that 
would be outside of these spaces around structures. Treatment unit boundaries would be 
flagged on the ground. Table 1 (Appendix A) shows the vegetation management activities 
planned for individual treatment units.

To create the 100-foot-wide defensible zones surrounding structures, vegetation management 
techniques would consist of brush cutting and pruning canyon oaks, blue oaks, and foothill 
pines to a height of 8 feet; removing dead materials; and mowing brush along roadways. 
Flammable ornamental vegetation such as rosemary and juniper shrubs would be removed, 
including rootballs, and replaced with lower-hazard shrubs as identified by California Fire-
safe Council. 

Area treatments would be conducted in locations beyond the 100-foot-wide treatment units 
surrounding structures. Vegetation management techniques at area treatments would 
generally consist of thinning oak trees and mechanical mowing of brush. Hand equipment 
and tractor-mounted brush mowers would be used for mowing. 
Herbicide would be hand-applied to the stumps of scrub and canyon live oak on 33 acres (of 
the total 48-acre action area) where future vegetation management maintenance by UCSC 
staff is infeasible due to the steepness of the slopes. Herbicides would not be used where 
hand maintenance by UCSC staff is feasible. 

Hand labor would be utilized to perform the proposed action. Two 10-person work crews 
would complete the proposed action between October and May. Crews would camp onsite 
and use bathing and toilet facilities provided by LO. Equipment used by the hand crews 
would include handsaws, chainsaws, brush cutters, mowers and hand pruners. 

Cut materials would be handled in various ways including: being chipped onsite, then 
scattered or hauled away, depending on the volume; piled and left to decompose, if a suitable 
location would be available; or burned at designated locations between the months of January 
and March. Pile burning and hauling away cut materials (chipped or left un-chipped) have 
potential to disturb the ground surface. Staging areas would be located on paved roads 
adjacent to buildings.

2.3	OTHER ACTION ALTERNATIVES
Other alternatives to the proposed project are adequately addressed in Section 2 of the PEA.

3.	AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES
The PEA has adequately described the affected environment and impacts of the proposed 
action for many resource areas, except for geology and soils; air quality; water resources; 
biological resources; cultural resources; public services and recreation; noise; and visual 
resources. Therefore, the affected environment and environmental consequences for those 
resources are described in this section, which is intended to supplement the information 
contained in the PEA. Necessary avoidance and minimization measures, either stipulated in 
the PEA, or based on the results of the impact analysis in the SEA, that are appropriate for 
the proposed action, are discussed in Section 4. 

3.1	GEOLOGY AND SOILS
LO is located on top of Mount Hamilton, which is part of the Diablo Range of California's 
Inner Coast Range. Mount Hamilton is one of the tallest mountains overlooking the Silicon 
Valley at an elevation of 4,360 feet. The geology is complex and consisting of mostly Upper 
Cretaceous age rock. The topography rises sharply from the San Jose Basin, pushed up by 
action of thrust faults and restraining bends along the San Andreas Fault, forming the steep 
slopes and canyons of Mount Hamilton.
 
Soils on the upper portion of Mount Hamilton have developed in limestone and other mixed 
geology. The steepness of the slopes in the project area drives the soil characteristics; 
because of the steepness erosion rates are high and soils are unable to develop mature 
profiles, and have a shallow depth to bedrock (commonly less than 20 inches deep), have 
high percentages of rock content, have rapid rates of runoff, and are well drained. 
Unstable soils and geologic conditions have historically resulted from vegetation removal 
associated with wildfires, timber harvesting, mining, and grading as part of road building and 
site development. Depending on local topographic, geologic, and hydrological conditions, 
significant precipitation can exacerbate unstable conditions, resulting in severe surface 
erosion, landslides, and mudslides. 

FEMA has determined that implementation of the proposed action would not exacerbate 
current erosion levels or result in impacts to geology and soils with implementation of the 
avoidance and minimization measures described in Sections 4.1 and 4.3 of the SEA. 
Therefore, the proposed action would not result in adverse impacts to geology and soils.

3.2	AIR QUALITY
The project site is located in the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. Santa Clara 
County does not attain the state or Federal standards for ozone and does not attain the state 
standards for particulate matter. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in conjunction 
with the U.S. Department of Transportation, established the General Conformity Rule [40 
CFR Part 51.583(b)]. The Federal Clean Air Act defines conformity as the upholding of a set 
of air quality goals by eliminating or reducing violations of the national ambient air quality 
standards and achieving attainment of these standards. Conforming activities or actions 
should not, through additional air pollutant emissions, result in the following: cause or 
contribute to new violations; increase the frequency or severity of existing violations; or 
delay timely attainment or interim emission reductions. 

The minimum emission thresholds for which a General Conformity Rule determination must 
be performed for various criteria pollutants are 10 tons per year for ozone precursors, 70 tons 
per year for particulate matter, and 100 tons per year for all pollutants.
 
Implementation of the proposed action would result in a temporary deterioration of air 
quality. The project-related effects to air quality would include short-term increases of 
fugitive dust and equipment combustion emissions that would be created by chainsaws, 
chippers, mowers, and other equipment. In addition, pile burning would result in the 
emission of particulate matter. Assuming a 90-day project duration in the first year, the 
proposed action would create approximately 0.3 ton per year of emissions for all pollutants. 
Thus, emission estimates for PM10 (particulate matter size of 10 micrometers), nitrogen 
oxides, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and hydrocarbons (ozone precursors) fall below the 
threshold levels of the General Conformity Rule. Therefore, the proposed action qualifies as 
a General Conformity Rule exemption, and no further analysis is required to establish 
conformity with the State Implementation Plan.

3.3	WATER RESOURCES
There are no surface water bodies within the action area due to the steepness of the slopes; 
however, several ephemeral draws are located in the action area. In addition, there are five 
unnamed tributaries that occur less than 0.5 mile downgradient of the action area, and 
Sulphur Boy Creek, Isabel Creek, and Smith Creek are located approximately 0.5, 1.0, and 
1.3 miles from the action area, respectively; all are ephemeral creeks located in extremely 
steep hills. These creeks would only have flowing water for short periods of time after a rain 
event. No riparian vegetation associated with slow-moving water is present in the action area. 
The action area does not provide any ponds, seasonal wetlands, vernal pools, or artificial 
impoundments such as stock ponds. 

With implementation of avoidance and minimization measures, such as BMPs for erosion 
and sediment control, as described in Sections 4.1 and 4.3 of the SEA, impacts to water 
resources would be minimal. Buffers adjacent to ephemeral streams would be used to reduce 
sediment entering the waterways, reduce erosion along banks, and provide for infiltration 
during precipitation events that would reduce peak flows (USEPA 2004). No vegetation 
clearing activities would be allowed within these buffers. Wildfires are known contributors to 
deterioration of water quality by increased erosion, sedimentation, and ash input. 
Implementation of the proposed action would result in a long-term benefit to water quality by 
reducing the chance for a wildfire in the project area. 

3.4	BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
A reconnaissance survey was conducted and habitat of the action area was mapped October 
19, 2005. Three vegetation communities were identified in the action area: foothill 
pine/canyon oak woodland, annual grassland, and blue oak woodland (FEMA 2006a). 
Ruderal grassland is also present. 

Biosearch Associates, a consultant to UCSC, also conducted a habitat assessment of the 
action area on September 20, 2005 (Biosearch Associates 2005). In addition, Biotic 
Resources Group (BRG) conducted a rare plant survey in the action area on September 13, 
2005 (BRG 2005). No federally listed plant species were identified during the BRG rare 
plant survey.

The presence of federally listed species in the action area was evaluated based on a review of 
the existing data and the results of the FEMA, BRG, and Biosearch Associates surveys of the 
action area. Sources of existing data included the California Department of Fish and Game 
(CDFG) California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) records and a U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service (USFWS) species list obtained for the Lick Observatory, San Jose East, 
Calaveras Reservoir, Mount Day, Eylar Mountain, Isabel Valley, Mount Sizer, Morgan Hill, 
and Santa Theresa Hills 7.5-minute U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) quadrangles.
 
The background data review identified 14 wildlife species and 6 plant species that are 
federally listed as threatened or endangered, proposed, or candidate species and have 
recorded occurrences in the vicinity of the action area or have the potential to occur based on 
historic range and suitable habitat in the vicinity of the action area (Table 2, Appendix A). 
As a result of the field and background review and as explained in the species table in Table 
2 (Attachment A), FEMA determined that the action area does not provide habitat suitable to 
support any federally listed species under the USFWS' jurisdiction. 

Although the action area overlaps with Unit 6 of the designated critical habitat for the 
California tiger salamander, FEMA determined that the proposed action would not adversely 
modify or destroy the primary constituent elements of the designated critical habitat for this 
species because the action area does not provide suitable habitat to support California tiger 
salamander. 

FEMA submitted a letter report for the proposed action to the USFWS on April 12, 2006. 
FEMA received comments on the letter report from the USFWS on June 14, 2006. 
Subsequently, FEMA submitted a response letter to the USFWS on August 31, 2006, to 
provide answers to USFWS questions. On October 13, 2006, FEMA received a letter from 
the USFWS concurring with FEMA's determination that implementation of the proposed 
action is not likely to adversely affect Federally listed species or their critical habitat and that 
no avoidance and minimization measures are necessary (Appendix B).

3.5	CULTURAL RESOURCES
Cultural resource investigations were undertaken to identify both previously recorded sites 
and previously undiscovered sites within the action area in compliance with Section 106 of 
the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and the Programmatic Agreement (PA) 
Among FEMA, the California State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO), OES, and the 
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. FEMA's archaeological consultant conducted a 
pedestrian survey on November 16, 2005. No prehistoric sites were discovered during the 
survey. One historic site, a scatter of mostly tin cans, was discovered adjacent to a CDF fire 
lookout tower.

FEMA contacted the California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) on 
November 7, 2005, to request a review of its Sacred Lands File and to receive a list of the 
individuals and groups that the NAHC believes should be contacted regarding information or 
concerns related to the project areas. The NAHC responded on November 10, 2005, with 
negative results for its search of the Sacred Lands File. On February 17, 2006, URS 
transmitted an informational letter to the eight potentially interested parties identified by the 
NAHC. To date, no responses to the informational letter have been received. 

A cultural resources literature review was conducted on November 17, 2005, at the 
Northwest Information Center (NWIC) at Sonoma State University for known archaeological 
and historical sites within a -mile radius of the action area. As reported by the NWIC, no 
sites are listed, or determined eligible for listing, in the Office of Historic Preservation 
Historic Property Directory, the California Inventory of Historic Resources, the California 
Register of Historic Places, nor the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). While the 
Main Observatory (Building 7240), Crossley Observatory (Building 7211), and Shane 
Observatory (Buildings 7276 and 7277) as well as the Copernicus Peak fire lookout tower 
have been recommended as eligible to the NRHP, these properties are outside the proposed 
action's area of potential effects. 

FEMA prepared a cultural resources technical report (FEMA 2006) and transmitted this to 
the SHPO on March 29, 2006. Based on the cultural resources evaluation, FEMA made a 
determination of "no historic properties affected." The tin scatter discovered adjacent to a 
CDF fire lookout tower does not meet eligibility requirements for the NRHP. On April 19, 
2006 the SHPO responded with a letter concurring with FEMA's determination (Appendix 
C). Therefore, the proposed action complies with Section 106 of the NHPA and the PA. 
Section 4.5 of this SEA describes steps that UCSC must take in the event of an unanticipated 
discovery.

3.6	PUBLIC SERVICES AND RECREATION
Mount Hamilton hosts approximately 30,000 tourists annually. Summer public concerts and 
lectures at LO attract about 2,000 visitors each year, and an additional 1,500 come to LO for 
special academic tours. 

Temporary impacts include changes to parking areas and traffic flow. With implementation 
of the minimization and avoidance measures described in Section 4.6 of the SEA, short-term 
impacts associated with the proposed action would be minimal, and far less substantial than 
the short- and long-term impacts to the public as a result of a wildfire. 

3.7	NOISE
The action area is generally quiet, consisting primarily of natural noises (e.g., bird calls, wind 
rustling leaves in trees), except for vehicle traffic and human voice noises along Highway 
130 and within close proximity to the structures. Exceptions include summer concerts and 
public lectures that are held outside periodically. Noise-sensitive receptors within and near 
the action area include visitors, employees and research scientists within buildings and 
outside on UCSC property. Noise associated with the proposed action includes the operation 
of chainsaws, chippers, mowers, other equipment and vehicles, and human voices.

The evaluation of noise impacts is based on typical noise emission levels from chainsaws and 
mowers. The effects of large-scale terrain features and propagation through foliage were 
neglected in the noise analysis. Santa Clara County's noise ordinance sets a limit on exterior 
noise levels for residential public space land uses as 55 A-weighted decibels (dBA) between 
10:00 pm and 7 am. Noise levels at receptors farther than approximately 1000 feet from 
project activities are expected to be below 55 dBA. Receptors less than approximately 1000 
feet from chainsaws and mowers may experience temporary sound levels of between 55 and 
60 dBA. 

Noise associated with project activities would move throughout the project area, and no 
single noise-sensitive receptor would be subject to project-related noise levels above 55 dBA 
for more than a few hours at a time for a few days. Therefore, with implementation of the 
avoidance and minimization measures described in Section 4.7, impacts to noise-sensitive 
receptors would be minimal. 

3.8	VISUAL RESOURCES
The scenic qualities of the landscape on Mount Hamilton mainly consist of a naturally 
forested environment and UCSC buildings including the Main Observatory (Building 7240). 
Removal of vegetation with implementation of the proposed action would not create 
additional viewsheds or deteriorate existing views from atop Mount Hamilton. Short-term 
impacts to views within the action area would occur during vegetation clearing and brush 
piling and burning activities when crews are working within the action area. Implementation 
of the proposed action would create a more beneficial viewshed than what may occur if 
Mount Hamilton was to sustain a wildfire that could remove most of the existing vegetation.

3.9	CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
No other projects are planned in the project vicinity or in nearby areas. Therefore, no adverse 
cumulative impacts are expected to occur with implementation of the proposed action.

4.	 MINIMIZATION AND AVOIDANCE MEASURES
The following minimization and avoidance measures have been extracted from the PEA 
Section 4, or from measures developed for this SEA based on site specific impacts, and are 
applicable for the proposed action. 

4.1	GEOLOGY AND SOILS
UCSC would be responsible for implementing erosion protection measures including best 
management practices (BMPs) to minimize soil loss and sedimentation including chipping 
and scattering of cut vegetation onsite to the maximum extent possible. 

4.2	AIR QUALITY
UCSC would be responsible for reducing potential air quality impacts from vegetation 
clearing activities and employing minimization measures to limit fugitive dust and emissions. 
These measures include but are not limited to watering disturbed areas, scheduling the siting 
of staging areas to minimize fugitive dust, and keeping vehicles and chainsaws tuned 
properly. Further, UCSC would only conduct pile burning on days approved by the Bay Area 
Air Quality Management District.

4.3	WATER RESOURCES
UCSC would be responsible for implementing BMPs to reduce potential impacts to water 
resources including: 

*Designating vehicle parking areas on paved surfaces where possible to prevent 
disturbance of surface soils, 
*Leaving shredded/cut material on-site to the maximum extent possible to prevent erosion, 
*Using buffers around ephemeral streams that would consist of a vegetated strip of land 
beginning at the edge of the active channel and continuing for 5 feet perpendicular to the 
channel (on both sides) where no project-related activities, including clearing of 
vegetation, may occur,
*Applying herbicides with appropriate mitigation techniques including:

An herbicide solution would be applied directly to the cambium layer of the 
freshly cut stump within a few minutes of cutting. The herbicides would likely 
consist of a combination of Garlon? 4 (tricloypyr) or Roundup? (glyphosate) in a 
solution of water and marking dye. A typical tree requires 1 to 2 ounces of diluted 
solution. Initial application would occur during the dry season (i.e., later summer 
or fall). 

For all applications, herbicide treatment would occur only by a licensed 
applicator. Herbicides would not be applied directly to water or to plants within 
10 feet of standing water or an ephemeral stream or swale. 

No foliar herbicide application would occur, and herbicides would not be applied 
by spraying.

UCSC would also ensure that large pieces of vegetation, large limbs, soil, and other debris 
are not allowed to accumulate in a waterway that might create a blockage when flow is 
present. 

4.4	BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
No avoidance and mitigation measures are required for biological resources. 

4.5	CULTURAL RESOURCES
If previously unrecorded archaeological sites are discovered during vegetation management 
activities, UCSC would stop project activities in the vicinity of the discovery, take all 
reasonable measures to avoid or minimize harm to the site, and notify FEMA as soon as 
possible, so that FEMA can reinitiate consultation with the SHPO.

4.6	PUBLIC SERVICES AND RECREATION
UCSC would work with CDF staff to develop educational materials relating to ongoing 
maintenance activities for the duration of the proposed action. UCSC would be responsible 
for notifying the public prior to implementation of the proposed action and providing 
educational materials to the public, such as the posting of fliers at the vistor's center and 
outdoor concert areas. 

4.7	NOISE
UCSC would be responsible for implementation of the following mitigation measures to 
reduce noise levels associated with the operation equipment for proposed action activities:

*Project activity creating noise levels of above 55 dBA would not be conducted between 
10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. and not on Sundays or Federal holidays. 

*All noise-producing project equipment and vehicles using internal combustion engines would be 
equipped with properly operating mufflers and air inlet silencers, where appropriate, that meet 
or exceed original factory specification. 

4.8	VISUAL RESOURCES
No avoidance and mitigation measures are required for visual resources.

5.	REFERENCES
Biosearch Associates. 2005. Habitat Assessment for Special-Status Wildlife, Lick 
Observatory, University of California, Santa Clara County, California. Prepared 
for the University of California, Santa Cruz Office of Physical Planning and 
Construction. October 31.

Biotic Resources Group (BRG). 2005. Lick Observatory Fuel Management and Infrastructure 
Improvement Project Rare Plant Survey. Prepared for the University of California 
Santa Cruz Office of Physical Planning and Construction. September 26.

California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG). 2005. Rarefind 3, a program created by 
the California Department of Fish and Game, allowing access to the California 
Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB). October 2005 version.

California Geological Survey. 2002. Geologic Map of California. California Department of 
Conservation.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 2006. Final Cultural Resources Technical 
Report for UCSC Lick Observatory Vegetation Management Project. U.S. 
Department of Homeland Security, FEMA Region IX Environmental Office. 
1111 Broadway, Suite 1200, Oakland, California 94607.

. 2003. Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) for Typical Recurring Actions, 
Flood, Earthquake, Fire, Rain, and Wind Disasters in California. U.S. Department 
of Homeland Security, FEMA Region IX Environmental Office. 1111 Broadway, 
Suite 1200, Oakland, California 94607.

Santa Clara County. 2006. County Noise and Vibration Ordinance, Santa Clara County 
Ordinance Code Section B11-190-199. Available online at 
http://www.sccgov.org/sccsearch/ui.jsp?ui_mode=answer&prior_transaction_id=
967&iq_action=5&answer_id=16777221&highlight_info=6292530,454,512&turl
=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Esccgov%2Eorg%2Fportal%2Fsite%2Fscc%2Fmenu
item%2E2c9f27538b48f388dfe093102830a429%2F%3Fpath%3D%252Fv7%252
FSCC%2520Public%2520Portal%252FLiving%2520and%2520Working%252FR
eporting%2520Household%2520and%2520Neighborhood%2520Problems%252F
Noise%2520Pollution#__highlight

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). 2004. Aquatic Buffers. 
http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/ordinance/moll.htm.

. 1995 et seq. Compilation of Air Pollutant Emission Factors  Volume I: Stationary Point 
and Area Sources. Fifth Edition. January 1995 and subsequent supplements 
(Chapter 3.3 from October 1996 Supplement).

Appendix A  Tables and Figures 

Table 1. Vegetation Management Activities (see excel file)

Table 2 Federally Listed, Proposed, and Candidate Species With Potential to Occur in the Vicinity of LO 

Scientific Name			Common Name				Federal Status	Preferred Habitat & Likelihood of Occurrence

Ambystoma californiense		California tiger salamander		T		Annual grasslands and grassy understory of valley-foothill hardwood habitats need 
											underground refuges, need vernal pools, stock ponds or other seasonal water sources for 
											breeding. Not likely to occur. There is no suitable breeding habitat for the 
											California tiger salamander present at the federal action site (Biosearch 
											Associates, 2005). The distance to the nearest breeding onsite is 
											greater than the expected dispersal distance for this species (USFWS 
											2005). Several known CNDDB occurrences are documented from 
											within the Lick Observatory Quad, however all occurrences are at less 
											than 3,000 ft, the federal action will occur at 4,200 feet are higher. 

Ambystoma californiense		California tiger salamander		X		N/A. Not likely to affect. The federal action is located within areas 
											designated as California tiger salamander critical habitat. The federal action lacks primary 
											constituent elements required for the species namely suitable breeding habitat, upland habitat 
											adjacent to suitable breeding habitat and suitable upland dispersal habitat. (Biosearch Associates 2005)

Rana aurora draytonii		California red-legged frog		PX		N/A. Not potential to affect. The federal action is located within close 
											proximity to areas designated as California red-legged frog critical habitat. The federal action area does 
											not provide suitable nesting or breeding habitat. The distance to the nearest breeding site is greater 
											than the expected dispersal distance for the species. 

Rana aurora draytonii		California red-legged frog		T		Distinct habitat requirements that combine both specific aquatic and riparian components. 
											The adults require dense, shrubby or emergent riparian vegetation closely associated with 
											deep (greater than 2 1/3-foot deep) still or slow moving water. The largest densities of 
											California red-legged frogs are associated with deep-water pools with dense stands of 
											overhanging willows (Salix spp.) and an intermixed fringe of cattails (Typha latifolia). 
											Well-vegetated terrestrial areas within the riparian corridor may provide important 
											sheltering habitat during winter. Not likely to occur. No riparian vegetation associated with slow-
											moving water is present in the action area. The distance to the nearest breeding site is greater than 
											the expected dispersal distance for the species. There are no documented occurrences of 
											California red-legged frog within the CNDDB 9-quad review area (CNDDB 2005).

Masticophis lateralis euryxanthus Alameda whipsnake(=striped racer)	T		Typically found open, dry habitats, including scrubland, prairie, woodland and desert 
											habitats. Specifically found in chaparralnorthern coastal sage scrub and coastal sage. 
											Although home ranges of Alameda whipsnakes are centered on shrub communities, they 
											venture up to 500 feet into adjacent habitats, including grassland, oak savanna, and 
											occasionally oak-bay woodland. Found from seal level to approximately 6,020 feet.
											Not likely to occur. There are no documented occurrences of Alameda whipsnake within the 
											CNDDB 9 quad review areas (CNDDB 2005). Open, dry habitat on the southfacing slope of Mount 
											Hamilton provide suitable habitat for the San Joaquin whipsnake. Alameda whipsnakes generally 
											avoid dense vegetation (Stebbins 2003).

Masticophis lateralis euryxanthus Alameda whipsnake			PX		N/A. The federal action is not located within proposed Alameda whipsnake critical habitat of this species. 

Brachyramphus marmoratus	Marbled murrelet			T		Occurs year-round in marine subtidal and pelagic habitats from Oregon border to Point 
											Sal, Santa Barbara County. In summer forages close to shore; in non-breeding season forages 
											farther from shore. Breeders require mature,coastal coniferous forest for nesting and nearby 
											coastal waters for feeding. The estimated 2,000 breeding individuals in California are largely  
											concentrated on coastal waters off Del Norte and Humboldt Counties (about 75% of the  
											population), and in lesser numbers off San Mateo and Santa Cruz Counties (about 14%).
											Not likely to occur. There are no known occurrences of the marbled murrelet within the CNDDB 9 quad 
											review area (CNDDB 2005). The appropriate habitat characteristics are not present in the federal action 
											area. Project area is located approximately 30 miles from the ocean.

Haliaeetus leucocephalus	Bald eagle				T		Winters throughout most of California at lakes, reservoirs, river systems, and some rangelands 
											and 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.
											Not likely to occur. There are no documented occurrences of bald eagles within the CNDDB 9 quad 
											review area (CNDDB 2005). The appropriate habitat characteristics are not present in the federal action 
											area. There are no lakes, reservoirs, river systems, or protected cliffs 
											and ledges near the federal action.

Sterna antillarum (=albifrons) browni California least tern		E		California least terns nest in colonies on relatively open areas, beaches, salt evaporation 
											ponds, seasonal alkali marshes, pavement and other areas kept free of vegetation by natural 
											scouring from tidal action. Tidal salt marshes near tidal sloughs; perennial 
											inhabitant of tidal salt marshes of the greater San Francisco Bay.Not likely to occur. There are no 
											documented occurrences of California least terns within the CNDDB 9 quad review areas 
											(CNDDB 2005). The appropriate habitat for this species is not located within the federal action 
											area. There area no tidal marshes or bays located within 25 miles of the federal action. 

Vulpes macrotis mutica		San Joaquin kit fox			E		Found in grassland and scrubland communities, which have been extensively 
											modified by humans with oil exploration, wind turbines, agricultural practices and/or grazing. Not likely to occur. There is one 
											documented occurrence of the San Joaquin kit fox within the CNDDB 9 quad review areas (CNDDB 
											2005). This occurrence is documented from 1975 and is approximately 15 miles from the 
											federal action site. Grassland and savannah habitat occur at the federal action areas, and the species could occur as a vagrant (Biosearch Associates 2005). 

Hypomesus transpacificus	Delta smelt				T		Know from the Suisun Bay upstream through the Delta in Contra Costa, Sacramento, San 
											Joaquin, Solano and Yolo counties. Spawn occurs in shallow, fresh or slightly brackish 
											water upstream of the mixing zone. They have been collected from estuarine waters up to 14 
											ppt (parts per thousand) salinity. For a large part of their one-year life span, delta smelt live 
											along the freshwater edge of the mixing zone (saltwater-freshwater interface), where the 
											salinity is approximately 2 ppt. No potential to occur. There are no documented occurrences of the 
											Delta smelt within the CNDDB 9 quad review area (CNDDB 2005). The appropriate habitat 
											characteristics for this species are not found within the federal action area. There are no aquatic 
											communities located within the federal action area. 

Onchorhynchus mykiss irideus	Central valley steelhead		T		Pacific Ocean, spawns in coastal streams and rivers, over gravel beds Pool depth, volume, 
											amount of cover, and proximity to gravel for spawning play key roles. No potential to occur. There are no 
											occurrences of the Central valley steelhead within the CNDDB 9 quad review area 
											(CNDDB 2005). The appropriate habitat characteristics for this species are not found within the 
											federal action area. There are no aquatic communities located within the federal action area.

Onchorhynchus mykiss irideus	Central California coast steelhead	T		Pacific Ocean, spawns in coastal streams and rivers, over gravel beds. Pool depth, volume, 
											amount of cover, and proximity to gravel for spawning play key roles. No potential to occur. There are no documented occurrences of the 
											Central California coast steelhead within the CNDDB 9 quad review area (CNDDB 2005). The 
											appropriate habitat characteristics for this species are not found within the federal action area. There are no aquatic communities located within the federal action area.

Oncorhynchus tshawytscha	Central Valley spring run chinook salmon	T	Pacific Ocean, spawns in coastal streams and rivers, over gravel beds. Pool depth, volume, 
											amount of cover, and proximity to gravel for spawning play key roles. No potential to occur. There are no documented occurrences of the 
											Central valley steelhead within the CNDDB 9 quad review area (CNDDB 2005). The appropriate 
											habitat characteristics for this species are not found within the federal action area. There are no 
											aquatic communities located within the federal action area.

Oncorhynchus tshawytscha	Central Valley fall/late fall-run chinook salmon C	N/A. The federal action is not located within areas designated as Central 
											Valley fall/late fall run chinook salmon critical habitat.

Oncorhynchus tshawytscha	Winter run chinook salmon, Sacramento River	E	Pacific Ocean, spawns in coastal streams and rivers, over gravel beds. Pool depth, volume, 
											amount of cover, and proximity to gravel for spawning play key roles. No potential to occur. There are no documented occurrences of the 
											Sacramento river winter run chinook salmon within the CNDDB 9 quad review area (CNDDB 2005). 
											The appropriate habitat characteristics for this species are not found within the federal action 
											area. There are no aquatic communities located within the federal action area.

Euphydryas editha bayensis	Bay checkerspot butterfly		X		N/A. The federal action is not located within areas designated as Bay 
											checkerspot butterfly critical habitat.

Euphydryas editha bayensis	Bay checkerspot butterfly		T		Habitat exists on shallow, serpentine-derived or similar soils that support the plants on which 
											the caterpillars (larvae) feed. The primary larval host plant is dwarf plantain (Plantago 
											erecta). In many years, the larvae require a second host plant, purple owl's clover 
											Castilleja densiflora or C. exserta), when the plantain dries up. Not likely to occur. There are nine 
											documented occurrence of the Bay checkerspot butterfly within the CNDDB 9 quad review area 
											(CNDDB 2005). The majority of the occurrences are known from Morgan Hill and Santa Teresa Hill 
											quads. However one occurrence is located within the Lick Observatory quad. Neither the host plant nor 
											appropriate habitat characteristics are present within the federal action area. 

Castilleja affinis ssp. neglecta Tiburon Indian paintbrush		E		A hemiparasitic perennial herb that is typically found in valley and foothill grasslands on 
											serpentinite soils. This species is known from Napa, Marin and Santa Clara Counties. It 
											bloom from April through June and is known from elevations ranging from 60 to 400 meters. 
											This species is only known from six locations. No potential to occur. There are 
											two documented occurrences of Tiburon Indian paintbrush within the CNDDB 9 quad review area 
											(CNDDB 2005). Both occurrences are from the Morgan Hill quad. The federal action area is located at 
											approximately 1280 meters and well above the known occurrence elevations. The appropriate habitat 
											characteristics are not present in the federal action area.

Ceanothus ferrisiae		Coyote ceanothus			E		Typically found in chaparral, valley and foothill grassland/serpentine and coastal scrub. 
											Known to occur in Santa Clara County only at elevations of 120 to 460 meters. Blooms from 
											January to May. No potential to occur. There are four documented occurrences of the 
											coyote ceanothus located within the CNDDB 9 quad review area (CNDDB 2005). The appropriate 
											habitat characteristics are not present in the federal action area. The federal action area is located at 
											approximately 1280 meters and is well above the known occurrence elevations.

Chorizanthe robusta var. robusta Robust spineflower			E		Most occurrences extirpated. Occupied habitats include openings within cismontane woodland, 
											coastal dunes, and sandy or gravelly coastal scrub. Found at elevations ranging from 3 to 
											300 meters. No potential to occur. There is one documented occurrence of robust 
											spineflower within the CNDDB 9 quad review area (CNDDB 2005). This occurrence is possibly 
											extirpated. The federal action area is located at approximately 1280 
											meters and well above the known occurrence elevations. The appropriate habitat characteristics 
											are not present in the federal action area. 

Dudleya setchellii	Santa Clara Valley dudleya			E		A perennial herb found in valley and foothill grassland, cismontane woodland; endemic to 
											rocky and serpentine soils of Santa Clara County. Occurs at elevations ranging from 60 
											to 455 meters. No potential to occur. There are 33 documented occurrences from 
											within the CNDDB 9 quad review area (CNDDB 2005). Thirty-two occurrences are within the Santa 
											Teresa Hills, San Jose East and Morgan Hill quads. There are no occurrences within the Lick 
											Observatory quad. The appropriate habitat characteristics are not present in the project area. The 
											federal action is located at approximately 1280 meters and is well above the documents elevation of this species. 

Lasthenia conjugens	Contra Costa goldfields				E		Grows in vernal pools within open grassy areas in woodlands and valley grasslands from sea 
											level to 450 meters. Currently, 22 populations are believed to be extant in Mendocino, Napa, 
											Marin, Contra Costa, Alameda, Solano and Monterey counties.No potential to occur. There is one 
											extirpated occurrence of the Contra Costa goldfield documented within 
											the CNDDB 9 quad review area. The appropriated habitat characteristics are not present in the 
											federal action area. The federal action is located at approximately 1280 meters and is well above the documented elevation of this species. 

Streptanthus albidus ssp. albidus Metcalf Canyon jewel-flower		E		Valley and foothill grassland; endemic to Santa Clara County. Found in relatively open areas in 
											dry grassy meadows on serpentine soils; also on serpentine balds. Occurs at elevations 
											ranging from 45 to 245 meters. No potential to occur. There are 10 documented occurrences of the 
											Metcalf Canyon jewel flower within the CNDDB 9 quad review area (CNDDB 2005). The 
											appropriate habitat characteristics are not present in the federal action 
											area. The federal action is located at approximately 1280 meters and is well above the documented elevation of this species. 
Federal Endangered Species Act
	E- Endangered
	T- Threatened
	X- Critical Habitat
	C- Candidate for listing status 
	PX- Proposed Critical Habitat

Source: CNDDB search and USFWS species lists for the Lick Observatory, Mt. Sizer, Morgan Hill, Santa Teresa Hills, Eylar Mountain, Mt. Day, Isabel Valley, 
Calaveras Reservoir, and San Jose East USGS 7.5-minute quadrangles.

Biosearch Associates; Habitat Assessment for Special Status Wildlife, Lick Observatory, University of California, Santa Clara County, California. October 2005.

United States Fish and Wildlife Service. 2005. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants, Designation of Critical Habitat for the California Tiger Salamander, 
Central Population. Federal Register 70:49380-49458.

Figure 1	Map of the general location of the action area within the state of California

Figure 2	Aerial image of Mount Hamilton showing the outline/location of the 35 treatment units

Appendix B  USFWS Concurrence Letter

Appendix C  SHPO Concurrence Letter