|
3.5.6.1. Species of Concern
A total of 61 federal- or state-listed or proposed T/E wildlife
species; USFWS special status species; BLM sensitive species ; and/or California
species of concern were identified from lists which are known to occur in
the general vicinity of the area
of the Proposed Action (Rado 1995; Rado 1997). These species are identified
in Table 3.10. Twenty-nine (29)
of these identified wildlife species do not have potential habitat within
the area of the Proposed
Action. For example, several sensitive
species , including the Andrews= dune scarab beetle (Pseudocotalpa
andrewsi) and Colorado Desert fringe-toed lizard (Uma n. notata),
are closely associated with fine sand substrates not present in the area of the Proposed Action
(Rado 1995; Rado 1997).
Table 3.10
| Wildlife Species of Concern Known to Occur in the Vicinity
of the Area of the Proposed Action |
Common Name |
Scientific Name |
Statusa |
| Alkali skipper |
Pseudocopaedes eunus eunus |
BLM/USFWSb |
| Cheeseweed owlfly |
Oliarces clara |
BLM/USFWS |
| Andrews= dune scarab beetle |
Pseudocotalpa andrewsi |
BLM/USFWSb |
| Brown-tassel trigonoscuta weevil |
Trigonoscuta brunnotasselata |
BLM/USFWSb |
| Desert pupfish |
Cyprinodon macularius |
BLM/FE/SEb |
| Razorback sucker |
Xyrauchen texanus |
BLM/FE/SEb |
| Flannelmouth sucker |
Catastomus latipinnis |
BLM/USFWSb |
| Roundtail chub |
Gila robusta |
BLM/USFWSb |
| Colorado squawfish |
Ptychocheilus lucius |
FE/SEb |
| Arizona southwestern toad |
Bufo microscaphus microscaphus |
BLM/USFWS/CSCb |
| Yavapai leopard frog |
Rana yavapaiensis |
BLM/USFWSb |
| Couches= spadefoot toad |
Scaphiopus couchi |
BLM/USFWS/CSCb |
| Desert tortoise |
Gopherus agassizii |
BLM/FT/ST |
| Flat-tailed horned lizard |
Phrynosoma mcallii |
BLM/CSC |
| Chuckwalla |
Sauromalus obesus |
BLM/USFWS |
| Colorado Desert fringe-toed lizard |
Uma notata notata |
BLM/USFWS/CSCb |
| Bald eagle |
Haliaeetus leucocephalus |
BLM/SE/FEb |
| Brown pelican |
Pelecanus occidentalis |
BLM/FT/STb |
| Peregrine falcon |
Falco peregrinus |
BLM/USFWS/FE/SE |
| Yuma clapper rail |
Rallus longirostris yumanensis |
BLM/FE/SEb |
| Aleutian Canada goose |
Branta canadensis leucopareia |
BLM/FT/STb |
| Southwestern willow flycatcher |
Empidonax traillii extimus |
BLM/FPE/SEb |
| Arizona Bell's vireo |
Pireo bellii arizonae |
BLM/SEb |
| Western yellow billed cuckoo |
Coccyzus americanus occidentalis |
SEb |
| California black rail |
Laterallus jamaicensis coturniculus |
BLM/USFWS/STb |
| Black tern |
Coalitionist niger |
BLM/USFWS/CSCb |
| Burrowing owl |
Athene cunicularia |
BLM/USFWS/CSC |
| LeConte's thrasher |
Toxostoma LeConte |
CSC |
| Golden eagle |
Aquila chrysaetos |
CSC |
| Prairie falcon |
Falco mexicanus |
CSC |
| Ferruginous hawk |
Buteo regalis |
BLM/USFWS/CSC |
| Sharp-shinned hawk |
Accipiter striatus |
CSC |
| Northern harrier |
Circus cyaneus |
CSC |
| Cooper's hawk |
Accipiter cooperii |
CSC |
| Large-billed savannah sparrow |
Passerculus sanwichensis rostratus |
BLM/USFWS/CSCb |
| Loggerhead shrike |
Lanius ludovicianus |
BLM/USFWS/CSC |
| Black-tailed gnatcatcher |
Polioptila melanura |
CSC |
| Long-eared owl |
Asio otus |
CSC |
| Barn owl |
Tyto alba |
CSC |
| Elf owl |
Micrathene whitneyi |
SEb |
| Gila woodpecker |
Melanerpes uropygial is |
BLM/USFWS/SE |
| Mountain plover |
Charadrius montanus |
BLM/USFWSb |
| Western least bittern |
Ixobrychus exilis hesperus |
BLM/USFWS/CSCb |
| White-faced ibis |
Plegadis chichi |
BLM/USFWS/CSCb |
| Crissal thrasher |
Toxostoma dorsale |
CSC |
| Vaux's swift |
Chaetura vauxi |
CSC |
| Gilded northern flicker |
Colaptes auratus chrysoides |
SEb |
| California leaf-nosed bat |
Macrotus californicus |
BLM/USFWS/CSC |
| Greater western mastiff bat |
Eumops perotis californicus |
BLM/USFWS/CSC |
| Occult little brown bat |
Myotis lucifugus occultism |
BLM/USFWS/CSC |
| Spotted bat |
Euderma maculatum |
BLM/USFWS/CSC |
| Small-footed myotis |
Myotis ciliolabrum |
BLM/USFWS |
| Yuma myotis |
Myotis yumanensis |
BLM/USFWS |
| Cave myotis |
Myotis velifer |
BLM/USFWS/CSC |
| Desert pallid bat |
Antrozous pallidus pallidus |
CSC |
| Townsend's big-eared bat |
Plecotus townsendii |
BLM/USFWS/CSC |
| Yuma hispid cotton rat |
Sigmodon hispidus eremicus |
BLM/USFWS/CSCb |
| White-throated woodrat |
Neotoma albigula venusta |
BLM/USFWS/CSC |
| Colorado River cotton rat |
Sigmodon arizonae plenus |
BLM/USFWS/CSCb |
| Yuma puma |
Felis concolor browni |
BLM/USFWS/CSC |
| American badger |
Taxidea taxus |
CSC |
aLegend:
FE: Federal listed as endangered
FPE: Federal proposed for endangered status
FT: Federal listed as threatened
FTE: Federal proposed for threatened status
SE: California state listed as endangered
ST: California state listed as threatened
SP: California Special Plant
BLM: Designated a sensitive
species by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management
USFWS: Designated a special status species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service
CSC: California species of concern
bNo potential habitats for species present within the area
of the Proposed Action
Source: Rado 1995; Rado 1997
The following wildlife species have geographic ranges and preferred habitats
that indicate that they may potentially occur on or near the area of the
Proposed Action. Descriptions of the species, together with results of applicable
historic surveys, are provided below.
Cheeseweed owlfly: The cheeseweed owlfly is closely related to lacewings,
antlions, and fishflies in the insect order Neuroptera. It is approximately
1.5 inches in length and resembles a large winged termite. Eggs are
laid and hatch in the soil. Larvae burrow into the soil and attach to roots
of their host plant, creosote bush. Adults emerge from the soil between
March and May, in aggregations that are short-lived, typically less than
four (4) days in duration (Faulkner 1990). The emergence of adults
for breeding does not follow a regular pattern, but is dependent upon preceding
winters of high precipitation; during dry years no emergence may occur (Faulkner
1990).
The distribution of this species in the deserts of southeastern California,
southern Nevada and western Arizona is not well understood. Widely dispersed
locality records and the wide distribution of the host plant, creosote bush,
suggest that the species is difficult to document due to its unpredictable
and short-duration emergences as an adult (USBR 1996). Locality records
are widely dispersed, and include the vicinity of Mecca (California), near
Parker (Arizona), the Gila Mountains (Arizona), Boulder City (Nevada), Telegraph
Pass (Arizona), Black Mountain (California), along the road between Rice
and Blythe (California), and the vicinity of Palm Springs (California) (USBR
1996). There is no text in the literature identifying the species as rare
and, given the huge range of locality records for its host plant, the species
could actually be common, but because of its irregular emergence pattern
it is difficult to observe. The species was originally listed as a Category 2
species (i.e., more information is needed), and it is currently considered
a special status species by the USFWS and a sensitive
species by the BLM (Personal Communication,
Ted Rado, February 9, 1996).
Flat-tailed horned lizard: The flat-tailed horned lizard is a medium-sized
horned lizard, approximately six (6) inches in total length, that ranges
from southeastern California into extreme southwestern Arizona and Sonora,
Mexico. Coloration is usually whitish, with a narrow dark stripe extending
down the center of the back. A series of six (6) elongated head scales,
typical of the genus, are located at the base of the skull. The centermost
of these head spines (called occipital horns) are unusually elongate and,
together with the long flattened tail and center dark dorsal stripe, distinguish
this horned lizard species from other members of the genus (Smith 1967).
The flat-tailed horned lizard is principally associated with sandy habitats,
often interspersed with harder soils that support colonies of harvester
ants, a primary food source for this lizard (CDFG 1991). The flat-tailed
horned lizard is generally considered to be difficult to locate, and relatively
rare throughout its geographic range (Norris 1949; Klauber 1939). Regional
surveys to determine relative abundance and distribution have confirmed
this scarcity (Turner et al 1980b; Turner et al 1978), and also suggest
declines where prior researchers have documented relatively high abundance,
such as at the Algodones Sand Dunes (Mayhew 1965).
In California, the geographic range of the flat-tailed horned lizard extends
over approximately 2,700 square miles. A total of 330 square miles
of this area, located on the East Mesa and in the Yuha Basin of central
Imperial County, have been identified as optimal habitat for this species
(Turner et al. 1980b; Rado no date). Repeat surveys on flat-tailed horned
lizard optimal habitat on Bureau of Land Management lands at East Mesa and
Yuha Basin have recorded declines in relative abundance in both areas (Olech
no date). The documented scarcity of this species, threatened habitat, and
documented declines in populations resulted in a proposal to list the flat-tailed
horned lizard as a threatened species in 1993 (58 Federal Register
62624-62629). However, the proposed rule to list the species was subsequently
withdrawn on July 15, 1997 (62 Federal Register 37852-37860).
Nearest locality records to the Project mine and process area are from the
vicinity of Ogilby (Townships 15 and 16 South, Range 20 East),
located approximately ten to twelve (10-12) miles south-southwest of the
Project mine and process area along the eastern edge of the Algodones Sand
Dunes (Bolster 1989). Turner et al. (1980a), completing a range-wide inventory
of public lands administered by the BLM for the
flat-tailed horned lizard, did not document the species within any Townships
encompassing the Project area. Reasons for this apparent absence probably
relate to substrate. The Project mine and process area and the Project ancillary
area, as well as the overbuilt 92 kV/34.5 kV transmission line
corridor, consist principally of desert pavement, coarse gravel, and compacted
gravelly sands not commonly occupied by this species. Jennings and Hayes
(1994), in a comprehensive overview for the California Department of Fish
and Game, state that the flat-tailed horned lizard "...is a specialized
sand-dweller that has not been observed outside of areas with a shifting
sand substrate." Most records for flat-tailed horned lizards come from
the creosote (Larrea tridentata) white bursage (Ambrosia dumosa)
series of Sonoran desert scrub (Turner and Brown 1982). It is this open
community in association with sandy flats and valleys that is often described
as flat-tailed horned lizard habitat (Stebbins 1985; Turner and Medica 1982;
Rorabaugh et al. 1987). Although most records for the species are from sandy
flats or areas with a veneer of fine, windblown sand, the flat-tailed horned
lizard has also been collected or observed in areas with little or no windblown
sand, such as badlands in the Yuha Basin and the Borrego Valley, and on
saltbush flats at the northeastern end of the Salton Sea (Turner et al.
1980). The species has also been recorded in the mixed scrub series of Sonoran
desert scrub (Turner and Brown 1982), on gravelly soils in Anza-Borrego
Desert State Park, and in association with senita cactus (Lophocereus
schotti) in Sonora, Mexico. Flat-tailed horned lizards are probably
absent or rare in the unvegetated portions of major dune systems, such as
the Algodones Sand Dunes and the dunes of the Gran Desierto (Luckenbach
and Bury 1983; McCalvin 1993).
Chuckwalla: The chuckwalla is a large, robust, nonvenomous lizard
species closely associated with rock outcrops and rock crevices in the Mojave,
Colorado, and Sonoran deserts (Stebbins 1985). Total length in males may
approach eighteen (18) inches. Overall body shape is flattened, with
loose skin folds on the sides, and a large fleshy tail used to store fat.
Scalation consists of many fine scales, giving the skin a sand-paper texture.
Food consists of a variety of plants including the flowers of creosote bushes.
Coloration is highly variable, and usually approximates that of the rock
outcrops inhabited by a particular population. Typically the body is dark,
with a lighter tail (Miller and Stebbins 1964; Stebbins 1985; Smith 1967).
Desert tortoise: The desert tortoise is widely distributed over portions
of the Mojave, Sonoran, and Colorado deserts of the western United States
and northwestern Mexico. Habitats occupied include plains and valleys in
the Mojave Desert, bajadas and low mountain
slopes in the Sonoran Desert, and thorn scrub forest in Mexico. Dominant
vegetation includes creosote bush, burrobush, Joshua trees, ocotillo, palo
verde, and several species of saltbush (Woodbury and Hardy 1948; Schwartzmann
and Ohmart 1977; Berry 1975; Berry and Nicholson 1984). Critical habitat
for the species has been identified by the USFWS, and the BLM
has established Desert Wildlife Management Areas (DWMA's) as part of the
Desert Tortoise (Mojave Population) Recovery Plan. The nearest desert tortoise
critical habitat to the area of the Proposed Action is the Chuckwalla Unit,
the southern end of which is located approximately two (2) miles northwest
of the Project mine and process area (see Figure 3.15).
The desert tortoise is a highly adapted, adept digger. Burrows are constructed
to avoid harsh temperatures and to avoid predators. Burrows used by tortoises
include a shallow "pallet" that is used regularly during seasonal
activity periods, and a deeper, more extensive burrow that is used during
periods of inactivity (Woodbury and Hardy 1948; Berry 1975). Burrows may
be constructed almost anywhere, including under boulders, canopies of shrubs,
wash embankments, or in the open (Woodbury and Hardy 1948; Berry 1972; Burge
and Bradley 1976; Coombs 1977).
The species is herbivorous. Tortoises eat a variety of annual flowers, perennial
grasses, a few half shrubs, and flowers of perennial shrubs. Desert tortoises
also rely heavily on intermittent rainfall to re-hydrate, and would emerge
in numbers immediately following the onset of spring and summer rains to
drink (Medica et al. 1982).
Desert tortoises are mature at approximately 15-20 years of age (Woodbury
and Hardy 1948). One to two (1-2) clutches of 2-14 eggs are laid during
the spring or early summer in or near the females burrow (Miller 1955; Turner
et al. 1987). Eggs hatch in about 105-135 days (Coombs 1977). Individual
animals may live for over 100 years (Woodbury and Hardy 1948).
Desert tortoise populations have declined in recent years as a consequence
of several factors. Man-induced activities, including urbanization, highway
construction, livestock grazing, motorized recreation, utility and pipeline
corridors, mineral exploration and development, and energy development,
have contributed to habitat loss and degradation (Berry and Nicholson 1984).
Populations have also suffered major declines as a result of disease outbreaks
and excessive predation by ravens, a major predator of juvenile tortoises
(BLM, et al. 1989).
American peregrine falcon: The American peregrine falcon is a large
falcon, with narrow, pointed wings that extend to a total length of about
40 inches. Adults are bluish in coloration above and light-buff below.
The head is very dark, with a "cap" that extends on both sides
to well below the eyes. Peregrine falcons feed entirely on other birds that
are caught in the air. The species suffered precipitous declines attributed
principally to nest failure as a result of pesticide (e.g., DDT) effects
(CDFG 1991; BioSystems 1991; USBR 1996).
Preferred habitat typically consists of cliff faces near optimal foraging
habitat, usually close to rivers, lakes, or streams (USBR 1996). Surveys
of the lower Colorado River system during 1990 did not document nesting
activities south of Lake Mohave; however, potential peregrine falcon nesting
habitat exists in a narrow series of steeply rising bluffs bordering the
lower portion of the Colorado River in Topock Gorge and near Bill Williams
delta (USBR 1996). The area
of the Proposed Action does not lie within the identified breeding range
of the American peregrine falcon (BioSystems 1991).
Golden eagle: The golden eagle favors mountainous and hilly terrain
with open country for foraging. This large raptor can have a wingspan up
to 6.5 feet and weigh as much as 14 pounds (BioSystems 1989).
Adult birds are mainly dark brown, with immature birds showing some white
plumage. All ages possess golden feathers on the head and shoulder region.
This species feeds on a variety of mammals, snakes and other birds and carrion.
Golden eagles nest in large trees, cliffs, escarpments and occasionally
on transmission towers. Golden eagles are relatively rare in the Colorado
Desert (Garrett and Dunn 1981).
Northern harrier: The northern harrier is distinguished by its owl-like
facial disk and white rump patch. Males are generally gray above, white
below with black wing tips, while females are brown above and white below
with heavy brown streaking (National Geographic Society 1987). Harriers
usually fly very close to the ground when foraging for prey such as amphibians,
reptiles, small birds and mammals. This species is most common in the vicinity
of wetlands and agricultural areas, but can be observed in sparsely vegetated
areas and the desert while migrating. In the winter, this species can be
observed along the Colorado River and in agricultural areas of the desert.
Miller and Stebbins (1964) record this species as an infrequent migrant
in Joshua Tree National Park. Weathers (1983) also records it as a migrant
in Deep Canyon, near Palm Springs. The species has also been reported from
the Algodones Sand Dunes, about fifteen (15) miles west of the Project
mine and process area, between the months of January and April (BLM records).
Ferruginous hawk: The ferruginous hawk derives its common name from
its rust-colored back and shoulder regions that contrast sharply with its
mainly white underparts. This is one of the largest hawks in the United
States that favors open dry country. In southern California this species
is a winter visitor, typically arriving in early fall and departing in early
spring. Ferruginous hawks can be observed in the vicinity of grassland and
agricultural areas in the desert, but they are rather rare and uncommon
near the Colorado River (Garrett and Dunn 1981). Ferruginous hawks have
been reported in the vicinity of the Coachella and All American Canals between
the months of January and April (BLM records).
This species is a California Species of Concern as a wintering bird in southern
California.
Sharp-shinned hawk: The sharp-shinned hawk is a small raptor distinguished
by its small size and square-tipped tail. Coloration on the back is charcoal
to brownish, with a lighter colored breast mottled with reddish brown streaks
or bars. The long tail is distinctly banded. It feeds on a variety of other
birds, including juncos and warblers (Weathers 1983). Geographic range for
this species is extensive, and includes most of California.
Within the Colorado and Mojave Desert, sharp-shinned hawks are uncommon
winter residents. Miller and Stebbins (1964) note occurrences of this species
at Joshua Tree National Park between October and February. Weathers (1983)
has noted it as an "uncommon migrant" in Deep Canyon near Palm
Springs. It has also been recorded from eight (8) miles east of Picacho
(about twenty (20) miles east of the Project mine and process area)(BLM data).
Burrowing owl: The burrowing owl is an owl of sparsely vegetated
habitats but also frequents golf courses, abandoned agricultural fields,
road cuts and airports. Although nocturnal, it commonly perches conspicuously
during daylight hours at the entrance to its burrow or on some low post.
These small owls feed on insects, small birds, and mammals. Burrowing owls
usually nest in single pairs or as small colonies, and utilize abandoned
mammal burrows or rarely burrows that they construct for themselves for
nesting and shelter. This species is common in the agricultural areas of
Imperial Valley and near the Colorado River (BioSystems 1989).
Cooper's hawk: The Cooper's hawk is an uncommon bird often associated
with open woodlands. It is slightly larger in size than a sharp-shinned
hawk and similarly colored, with a strongly barred and rounded tail. Food
consists of a variety of birds and small mammals (Weathers 1983). Weathers
(1983) notes that Cooper's hawks are uncommon throughout the year in Deep
Canyon, with numbers increasing during the winter months. Miller and Stebbins
(1967) also record it as an uncommon winter visitor at Joshua Tree National
Park, with park records between August and November. The species has been
recorded from January in the Algodones Sand Dunes, approximately twenty (20)
miles southwest of the Project area (BLM records).
Long-eared owl: Long-eared owls are medium-sized owls, distinguished
by long prominent feather "tufts." It is widely distributed across
the Northern Hemisphere. The plumage is intricately patterned, with mottling
of grey, black and white feathers dorsally and a series of brown and grey
streaks and bars ventrally. Prey includes a variety of small nocturnal mammals.
Miller and Stebbins (1964) record it as "rare" in Joshua Tree
National Park. It has been reported from "Glamis Forest" in Township
13 South, Range 18 East, approximately twenty (20) miles
west of the Project area (BLM data).
Prairie falcon: The prairie falcon is a large falcon, with a brownish
dorsal coloration with a light breast stippled with brown and black. Wingspan
is about 30 inches. Primary prey includes other birds, although small
mammals may also be eaten. Nesting occurs typically on cliff edges, cliff
faces, or in potholes on precipitous slopes, usually at a height of 30 or
more feet above ground level. The range of this species in the California
deserts is extensive, and includes virtually the entire Colorado Desert.
It is intolerant of disturbance during nesting, and nests may be abandoned
as a result of human intrusion (BioSystems 1989; Weathers 1983).
Barn owl: The barn owl is a medium-size owl with a widespread distribution
across the northern hemisphere. Dorsal coloration is light brownish. Ventral
coloration is off-white, with darker fine stippling. The face is distinctly
"heart-shaped," with small dark eyes. Legs are distinct and long.
Barn owls forage for mice from mine shafts and tunnels, natural caves and
rock fissures, and abandoned buildings. Eggs are laid at approximately two (2)-day
intervals, resulting in nests comprised of several young of differing size.
Young fledge in about 60 days (Weathers 1983). The distribution within
the California deserts is extensive. Barn owls have been reported from agriculturally
developed areas around El Centro, and from creosote bush scrub habitats
in the Algodones Sand Dunes area, approximately fifteen (15) miles
west of the Project area (BLM data).
Loggerhead shrike: The loggerhead shrike is a species that can be
found in both open or brushy country, from desert to coastal habitats. Loggerhead
shrikes are strikingly marked grayish white and black birds with a conspicuous
dark eye "mask." This bird is often observed perched on some form
of "lookout" (e.g., tree limb, fence post, ocotillo, etc.),
from which it would dive on prey. Prey, consisting of insects, reptiles
and small mammals, is often impaled on some sharp object (e.g., thorns,
barbed wire, etc.) and left for future consumption. The loggerhead shrike
is found in shrub habitats throughout California.
Arizona Bell's vireo: The Arizona Bell's vireo is a subspecies of
Bell's vireo with isolated willow-mesquite habitat in California in the
vicinity of Needles and the Laguna Dam along the Colorado River (CDFG 1991).
Plumage of this small species is grayish above and whitish below. The species
is generally indistinct and hard to identify when not singing. Bell's vireo
song is distinct among vireos. Prey consist of insects, spiders, and fruits.
The subspecies is listed as endangered by California due to loss of riparian
habitat and the invasion of remaining habitat fragments by brown-headed
cowbirds which parasitize this vireo's nests. A single Bell's vireo was
observed in Tumco Wash, approximately ten (10) miles south of the Project
mine and process area, during a biological survey in 1992 (Western Resource
Development 1993).
Black-tailed gnatcatcher: The black-tailed gnatcatcher is blue-gray
above, and grayish white below. The outer tail feathers are mostly black
with some white markings below. A common resident of the Colorado Desert,
it is found in the catclaw acacia-smoke tree vegetation of the southeastern
deserts. Prey consists of a variety of insect species. This species is a
common resident along the Colorado River, but it tends to avoid agricultural
areas and tamarisk groves (Garrett and Dunn 1981). Its geographic range
extends from southern Inyo County to the United States-Mexican border in
the United States. The close association of this species with wash vegetation
has been noted by Miller and Stebbins (1964) and by Weathers (1983).
LeConte's thrasher: LeConte's thrasher is a pale grayish-brown thrasher
that is lighter in coloration than other thrasher species. Other distinguishing
field marks include dark eyes, bill and tail. LeConte's thrashers prefer
arid, sparsely vegetated habitats (e.g., desert washes and flats) in both
the Mojave and Colorado Deserts of California. This bird is uncommon throughout
most of its range. LeConte's thrasher is absent from the irrigated portions
of the Imperial Valley and the Colorado River, but it breeds in drier habitats
outside of these areas (Garrett and Dunn 1981).
LeConte's thrasher has been previously recorded from the general vicinity
of the area of the Proposed
Action (CNDDB records). Prior records include drainages in Sections 11
and 28 of Township 14 South, Range 20 East, located west
of the Project area (BLM data).
Gila woodpecker: The Gila woodpecker is a large woodpecker with grayish-brown
overall coloration. The back is barred with black and white. In flight,
there is also a white patch on each wing, and the tail is barred with black
and white. Principal food includes other bird eggs, vegetable and fruit
material, and insects (CDFG 1991).
Gila woodpeckers are cavity nesters that prefer mature cottonwood and willow
trees within riparian habitats. Although originally ranging along the lower
Colorado River in California, the species is currently restricted to isolated
disjunct occurrences between Needles and Yuma. Currently, about 200 individual
birds are known to occur in this area (CDFG 1991). The Gila woodpecker has
been listed as endangered by California as a result of habitat loss and
degradation and from nest competition with the introduced European starling
(Sturnis vulgaris). General area records include eight (8) miles
east of Picacho (twenty (20) miles east of the Project mine and process
area) and Blythe (35 miles northeast of the Project) (BLM
data).
Crissal thrasher: The crissal thrasher is a medium-sized songbird,
distinguished by its downward-curved bill and rusty-colored undertail. Overall
coloration is brown. The species is closely associated with densely vegetated
canyons and desert washes (Robbins 1996; Weathers 1983). The crissal thrasher
has been previously recorded from Indian Wash, where an estimated three (3)
breeding pairs were recorded during June 1977 (CNDDB records).
Vaux's swift: The Vaux's swift is a small streamlined bird adapted
for highly maneuverable flight. Coloration is charcoal above and pale gray
and white below. This species migrates extensively. Vaux's swifts breed
from southeastern Alaska south to central California, and in southern Mexico
south to Panama (Miller and Stebbins 1964). The nearest breeding areas to
the Project area are in the Sierra Nevada of central California (Personal
Communication, Peter Woodman, 1996). Vaux's swift appear in southern California
as spring and fall migrants, typically flying alone or in small groups of
up to as many as fifteen (15) individuals. Miller and Stebbins (1964)
cite several records of small groups of migrating birds in Joshua Tree National
Park during the months of April-May and again in September.
White-throated woodrat: The white-throated woodrat is a stocky-shaped
medium-sized rodent, with a total length of about fifteen (15) inches.
The body plan for this species is highly generalist. The tail, comprising
about half of this length, is grayish above and white below. The belly is
whitish. The dorsal coloration is grayish intermixed with dusky hairs. This
subspecies is distinguished by all others by the throat region, where hairs
are pure white to their roots (Ingles 1965). The geographic distribution
of the subspecies venasta of the white-throated woodrat ranges roughly
from southwestern and west-central Arizona west into extreme southeastern
California, to the vicinity of Borrego Springs (Hall 1981). Associated habitats
often include mesquite woodland (Ingles 1965) and large patches of beavertail
cactus (Williams 1986). Large quantities of dead trees enhance woodrat populations
by providing nest material and cover (Personal Communication, Nancy Nicolai,
BLM, 1996). Local records include the vicinity
of Glamis (fifteen (15) miles west of the Project area) and Pilot
Knob (approximately three (3) miles southeast of the southern end of
the overbuilt 92 kV/34.5 kV transmission line corridor).
Yuma puma: The Yuma puma is a narrowly-distributed light race of
the mountain lion restricted to the lower Colorado River drainage. This
is a large feline, with a total length of about six to eight (6-8)
feet, including an approximately three (3)-foot long tail. General
coloration on this race is very pale above and whitish below. Prey includes
burro deer, rodents, and rabbits (Williams 1986). Grinnell (1933) noted
that they were associated with dense "bottomland" vegetation along
the Colorado River and nearby rocky uplands. Very little is known about
the population status of this race and its ecology. Records proximate to
the Project area include twelve (12) miles north of Yuma (1903 record),
twenty (20) miles north of Picacho (no date), and sightings from the
Imperial National Wildlife Refuge during the 1940's (Williams 1986). The
Project area lies near the western edge of the historical range of the Yuma
puma. A contract survey conducted for the USFWS in the 1980's to collect
recent possible sightings of the Yuma puma did not result in any new records.
There are unconfirmed reports of mountain lions in the Picacho State Recreation
Area, principally reported to the CDFG by deerhunters (Personal Communication,
Rusty McBride, CDFG, 1995). More recently, a critical review of the status
of the Yuma puma was undertaken (McIvor, et al. 1994). Much confusion exists
over the taxonomic status of the Yuma puma, as well as the viability of
a population of mountain lions along the Lower Colorado River. Based on
available information, it was concluded that Felis concolor brownii
does not deserve subspecific designation. Nevertheless, a population of
mountain lions does exist along the Lower Colorado River, and the greatest
threat to their survival appears to be loss of habitat, particularly riparian
and wetland communities, as it relates to loss of prey species, especially
deer herds.
American badger: The American badger is widely distributed across
the west-central Canada, the western United States, and northern Mexico.
Habitats occupied include deserts, plains, foothills, and mountain valleys.
The badger is characterized as a short, stout predator, with powerful forelegs
and claws for digging out its rodent prey. Coloration is brownish or grayish
dorsally, with a striking black-and-wide striping across the face. The ears
are small and tail short (Ingles 1965; Burt and Grossenheider 1964). Overall
length is about 28 inches, and weight about twenty (20) pounds.
Messick (1987) cited studies documenting home ranges of American badgers
of about 1,400 acres and 2,100 acres.
California leaf-nosed bat: The California leaf-nosed bat is a medium-sized
species distinguished by its combination of large ears and vertical "leaf-like"
projection on its nose. The species is distributed in southern California,
extreme southern Nevada and western and southern Arizona (Burt and Grossenheider
1964). It is closely associated with mine shafts and tunnels (Brown 1989
and 1993). Leaf-nosed bats forage primarily along microphyll washes for
their insect prey, that includes grasshoppers, beetles and moths. Brown
(1992b and 1994) captured and telemetered California leaf-nosed bats during
studies in the Cargo Muchacho Mountains, about five (5) miles south
of the Project mine and process area. She noted that most foraging occurs
within a one (1)-mile radius of the roost site, with forays to a five (5)-mile
radius during warm months.
Greater western mastiff bat: The greater western mastiff bat is characterized
by its free tail and comparatively large size from other bats in the Project
area. Coloration is a deep brown. The geographic range of this species extends
from central California south and east into northern Mexico (Burt and Grossenheider
1964; Hall 1981). Habitat for roosting consists of large cracks in exfoliating
slabs of granite or sandstone that open downward, typically on cliffs (Williams
1986). Williams (1986), overviewing the status of this species, mentions
severe declines for largely unknown reasons.
Spotted bat: The spotted bat is a medium-sized species distinguished
from other bats by the three (3) large distinctly patterned light spots
on its torso and its large ears. The geographic range of this bat is very
extensive, including central Montana, across the Great Basin, Mojave, Sonoran
and Chihuahuan Deserts into central Mexico (Hall 1981). Very little is known
of the life history of this species. Miller and Stebbins (1964) mention
a record from Twentynine Palms. Brown (1992a and 1993), during surveys in
the Cargo Muchacho Mountains, may have heard this species.
Townsend's big-eared bat: This is a medium-sized bat with extremely
large ears joined across the forehead. Two prominent lumps are also present
on the nose. Coloration is olive-brown (Burt and Grossenheider 1964). The
geographic range extends from over much of the western United States into
central Mexico (Hall 1981). Known roosting sites in California include caves,
mine tunnels, and abandoned buildings. Food consists of a variety of insects.
The species is extremely intolerant of disturbance, and even a single visit
into a roosting site may cause these bats to abandon the site (Williams
1986).
Yuma myotis: This is a small myotis characterized as having its interfermoral
membrane haired almost to its knees. Coloration is brownish. It roosts in
colonies in caves, tunnels and abandoned buildings in arid areas. The U.S.
Bureau of Reclamation (USBR), overviewing its biology, mentions a close
association with water (USBR 1996). The geographic range extends from southwestern
Canada across the western United States into northwestern Mexico (Hall 1981).
Cave myotis: The cave myotis is a comparatively large bat identified
by a wing membrane that extends to its toes. Coloration is dull brown (Burt
and Grossenheider 1964). Roost sites include caves, tunnels, mine shafts
and under bridges (USBR 1996). The geographic distribution of the cave myotis
extends from the central Oklahoma area through most of Arizona and southwest
Texas west into extreme southeastern California and south through most of
Mexico (Hall 1981). California records include the Riverside Mountains,
35 miles north of Blythe, and the vicinity of Needles (Hall 1981).
Brown (1997; see Appendix J), evaluating the possible use of the Project
area by cave myotis, estimated a low potential for roosting and a medium
potential for foraging.
Small-footed myotis: The small-footed myotis is one of the smallest
bat species in the United States. It is distinguished by yellowish long
silky fur and a black mask across the face. Roosting sites include caves,
tunnels, rock crevices and forested areas (Burt and Grossenheider 1964).
The geographic range is extensive, and includes western Canada, south into
the southwestern United States into northwestern Mexico (USBR 1996).
Occult little brown bat: The occult little brown bat is a small bat
species characterized by hairs on its back that have glossy tips, giving
the pelage a glossy sheen. Roosting sites include caves, mine shafts and
tunnels, hollow trees, and buildings (Burt and Grossenheider 1964). The
geographic range of this subspecies of little brown bat extends from extreme
southeastern California east into western New Mexico, then south into central
Mexico (Hall 1981). California records include Ripley, five (5) miles
south of Blythe, and the Riverside Mountains (Hall 1981).
Desert pallid bat: The pallid bat is a medium-sized bat identified
by its large ears and yellowish fur. Roosts include rock crevices, caves,
mine tunnels, buildings and trees (Burt and Grossenheider 1964). The geographic
range of the pallidus subspecies ranges from northern Utah and Colorado
south into central Mexico and west into extreme southeastern California.
California records include Indian Cove and Cottonwood Spring at Joshua Tree
National Park (Miller and Stebbins 1964).
3.5.6.2. Biological Survey Findings
Systematic biological surveys were conducted coincident with the botanical
surveys in July, August, and September 1994; and February, April and
May 1995 for the entire Project area, including the Project mine and
process area, Project ancillary area, and alternate transmission line corridors,
including buffer areas (Rado 1995; see Appendix H). A 120-foot wide
corridor centered on the overbuilt 92 kV/34.5 kV transmission
line corridor was also surveyed along the entire length of the corridor
during August and September, 1995 (Rado 1997). The biological survey also
included collection of prior data for the area from other sources, including:
the CNDDB for the Hedges, Ogilby and Grays Well NE USGS 7.5 minute
quadrangles; discussion with Glamis Imperial staff; and review of prior
biological survey reports conducted in the general area (Turner et al. 1980b;
Environmental Solutions 1987; Kiva Biological Consulting 1991; Western Resource
Development 1993; WESCO 1992; Office of Arid Land Studies 1992; Karl 1994;
BLM undated; BLM 1994a).
Target species investigations were also conducted as part of the biological
survey. Target species investigations included: supplemental bird surveys
conducted within the Project area in July 1994 and February, March,
and April 1995; rodent live trapping conducted within the Project mine
and process area in August 1994; and deer habitat evaluations conducted
within and surrounding the Project area in September 1994 (Rado 1995).
Additional deer habitat evaluations of the Project mine and process area
were conducted in July 1995 (Krausman 1995; see Appendix I), and supplemental
bat surveys of this same area were conducted in June 1997 (Brown 1997;
see Appendix J). A survey for flat-tailed horned lizard was conducted
in June 1997 along the southernmost portion of the overbuilt 92 kV/34.5 kV
transmission line corridor (Barrett 1997; see Appendix K). The observations
and findings made during these biological surveys are provided in appendices
to this EIS/EIR and are briefly summarized below.
Wildlife species and sign observed during surveys included eighteen (18) reptiles,
44 birds, and sixteen (16) mammals. With the exception of the
desert tortoise, chuckwalla, and flat-tailed horned lizard, all reptile
species are common, widely distributed, and lack special management status.
Bird species observed included year-round residents, such as Gambel's quail
(Lophortyx gambelii), as well as seasonal migrants, such as white
crowned sparrows (Zonotrichia leucophrys) (Rado 1995).
Mammals include a variety of rodents. Livetrapping results indicate that
the dominant rodent species are the Merriam kangaroo rat (Dipodomys merriami)
and the desert woodrat (Neotoma lepida). Larger mammals include such
predators as kit fox (Vulpes macrotis) and coyotes (Canis latrans).
An active kit fox pupping den was observed within the Project mine and process
area during the survey (Rado 1995). The Project area provides habitat for
deer, although the area is not consistent with habitat used to support resident
herds (Krausman 1995).
- Federal or State Listed Species:
Desert Tortoise: A single federally listed species, the desert
tortoise (Gopherus agassizii), was observed throughout the Project
area and along the overbuilt 92 kV/34.5 kV transmission line
corridor. A total of 32 observations of live animals, 247 burrows
and pallets, 103 scat, 2 nesting sites, and 14 carcasses
were observed. For reasons which are not known, most of the individuals
and sign were observed in the eastern half of the Project mine and process
area (Rado 1995). Based on survey information, an estimated total of between
33 and 57 animals are present (Rado 1997).
Gila woodpecker: An adult Gila woodpecker (Melenerpes uropygialis),
a California-listed endangered species, was observed near the southwest
corner of the Project mine and process area on January 12, 1995, by
a biologist monitoring exploratory drilling. The individual woodpecker was
originally perched on a large ironwood tree in a large wash near the western
border of the Project area. Additional searches for this and other Gila
woodpeckers, including using recorded bird calls in an effort to elicit
a response, were negative. This single observation is believed to have been
a transient bird (Rado 1995).
No other federal or California listed or proposed wildlife species were
observed during any of the biological surveys within the area of the Proposed
Action.
- Other Special Status Wildlife Species:
Several wildlife species that are either USFWS Special Status Species,
BLM Sensitive Species, and/or designated state
Species of Special Concern were recorded during the surveys. These species
include the chuckwalla (Sauromalus obesus), flat-tailed horned lizard
(Phrynosoma mcallii), loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus),
sharp-shinned hawk (Falco striatus), northern harrier (Circus
cyaneus), and American badger (Taxidea taxus).
Chuckwalla: The surveyed lands were found to contain only marginal
chuckwalla habitat. A total of three (3) chuckwallas were observed
during surveys of the Project area. All were associated with fractured rocks,
where small rock crevices afforded thermal cover and concealment. Although
about half of the Project mine and process area is comprised of rocky substrates,
larger rock outcrops and associated crevices that constitute optimal chuckwalla
habitat are absent from the Project area (Rado 1995).
Flat-tailed horned lizard: Records indicate no occurrence of the
flat-tailed horned lizard, a California species of concern, in the vicinity
of the Project area. This species is associated with fine, sandy-based soils
which are absent from the Project area. This species was not documented
during surveys of the Project area or the overbuilt 92 kV/34.5 kV
transmission line corridor (Rado 1995; Barrett 1997). However, potential
marginal flat-tailed horned lizard habitat is located along portions of
the southern end of the overbuilt 92 kV/34.5 kV transmission line
corridor (Barrett 1997), and favorable flat-tailed horned lizard habitat
exists near the intersection of Ogilby Road and Interstate Highway 8
(Rado 1995). Sand sheets, extending east from the Algodones Sand Dunes,
provide favorable flat-tailed horned lizard habitat north and northwest
for an approximate distance of one (1) mile from this road intersection.
White-throated woodrat: The white-throated woodrat was not documented
during surveys of the Project area, which included livetrapping and release
for small mammals (Rado 1995). The potential for occurrence of this species
in the area of the Proposed
Action is low (Personal Communication, Nancy Nicolai, BLM,
1996).
Yuma Puma: The Yuma puma, if present in this area, would use the
area for hunting deer, a principal prey species. No natural rock shelters
or man-made caves or adits that could be used by mountain lions for refuge
or concealment are present within the Project area. The biological survey
completed by Rado (1995) concluded that the Project area contains a potential
prey base population of deer for mountain lions. However, no mountain lion
observations, nor any sign of mountain lions (e.g., tracks), were recorded
during the biological surveys of the Project area (Rado 1995).
American badger: American badgers utilize the Project area for hunting.
A single live badger was observed in a large wash approximately one (1)
mile north of the Project mine and process area in September 1994. Additional
badger-excavated rodent burrows were observed in the northern portion of
the Project area during transect surveys. The entire Project area is probably
used by low numbers of badgers for foraging (Rado 1995).
Loggerhead shrike: Loggerhead shrikes were frequently observed during
transect surveys. Observations included two family groups, strongly indicating
that both foraging and nesting occurs within the Project mine and process
area (Rado 1995).
Crissal thrasher: A single crissal thrasher was observed during surveys
of the Project area. The species is closely associated with drainages and
wash "edge" vegetation. Based on the presence of wash channels,
the species may both forage and breed within the Project area (Rado 1997).
Vaux's swift: Vaux's swifts were observed flying over the Project
area during the spring bird surveys. The species would be expected to utilize
the general area, including the Project area, during spring and fall migration,
but the species does not nest in this region (Rado 1997).
Arizona Bell's vireo: No Arizona Bell's vireo were observed within
the Project area during the biological surveys. Based on the complete absence
of habitat for this species, it would not be expected to be encountered
within the Project area (Rado 1997).
Black-tailed gnatcatcher: Black-tailed gnatcatchers were often observed
during surveys of the Project area. The species was most frequently observed
in secondary drainages, typically those less than twenty (20) feet
in width, where young ironwood and palo verde trees provide cover (Rado
1995). This species most likely breeds in the Project area (Personal Communication,
Nancy Nicolai, BLM, 1996).
LeConte's thrasher: No LeConte's thrashers were observed during surveys
of the Project area. Surveys for this species were intensive, and included
the use of tape-recorded calls to elicit responses from birds during the
breeding season (Rado 1995).
Non-resident raptors and other bird species are expected to seasonally
forage in, or migrate through, the Project area. Migrants and other non-resident
species would more likely utilize the Project area as winter range than
during other seasons. No raptor nests have been observed within the Project
area or within adjacent areas (Rado 1995). Raptors observed consist of low
numbers of individual birds that utilize the Project area for foraging.
Northern harrier: A total of two (2) northern harrier observations
were made during the surveys. Both observations occurred in September and
consisted of a single animal foraging over the western portion of the Project
area. Based on these findings, the northern harrier appears to seasonally
utilize the Project area for foraging (Rado 1995).
Sharp-shinned hawk: A single sharp-shinned hawk was observed in the
northwestern portion of the Project area during September. This single bird
was observed foraging in the largest ephemeral stream channel system along
the western edge of the Project mine and process area. No additional observations
were made. Based on this single observation, the species appears to infrequently
forage in the larger ephemeral stream channels which transect the Project
area (Rado 1995). The sharp-shinned hawk probably occurs throughout the
Project area as a seasonal winter migrant. Low numbers of birds may utilize
the general area, including the Project area, for foraging during winter
months.
Peregrine falcon: Surveys of the Project area did not document the
occurrence of the American peregrine falcon (Rado 1995 and 1997). The species
has also not been recorded during prior inventories of this area (BLM records; BLM 1994a; Condor
1991). The steeply walled canyons and cliffs favored by this species for
nesting are absent from the Project area and surrounding area. Additionally,
the Project area is not proximate to wetland habitats also favored by peregrine
falcons for foraging.
Golden eagle: Surveys of the Project area did not document the occurrence
of any golden eagles (Rado 1995). The golden eagle could infrequently utilize
the general area, including the Project area, for foraging during winter
months.
Ferruginous hawk: No ferruginous hawks were observed during surveys
of the Project area (Rado 1995). The ferruginous hawk could infrequently
utilize the general area, including the Project area, for foraging during
winter months.
Burrowing owl: No burrowing owls were observed during surveys of
the Project area (Rado 1995). The burrowing owl may utilize the general
area, including the Project area, for foraging.
Cooper's hawk: No Cooper's hawks were observed during surveys of
the Project area (Rado 1995). However, low numbers of birds may utilize
the general area, including the Project area, for foraging during winter
months.
Long-eared owl: No long-eared owls were recorded during surveys of
the Project area (Rado 1995). Potential nesting habitat occurs in the Project
area (Personal Communication, Nancy Nicolai, BLM,
1996). The long-eared owl may utilize the general area, including the Project
area, for foraging.
Prairie falcon: No prairie falcons were observed during the biological
surveys (Rado 1995). Prairie falcons may utilize the general area, including
the Project area, for foraging. There are no potential nesting sites for
prairie falcons within the Project mine and process area.
Barn owl: No barn owls were observed during the biological surveys,
but no owl surveys were conducted. Barn owls may utilize the general area,
including the Project area, for foraging (Rado 1995).
Several bat species were identified from vocalizations, including two
audible passes over the Project mine and process area by western mastiff
bats by Brown (1997). The characteristic signals of pocketed free-tailed
bats (Nyctinomops femorosaccus) were also detected on three occasions,
and sounds of both western pipistrelles (Pipistrellus hesperus) and
the California myotis (Myotis californicus) were detected. However,
conditions generally suitable for breeding and roosting were not observed
within the Project mine and process area. Individual colonial bats may roost
in the palo verde or ironwood trees within the Project area, or may utilize
the few small rock crevices found within the Project area.
Although suitable colonial roosting sites are not available, one or more
sensitive bat species may also forage in the area. Several sensitive
species of bats are known to inhabit areas of the Cargo Muchacho Mountains,
approximately six (6) miles southeast of the Project area. Surveys
of the American Girl Mining Project site (BLM
1994a) have documented the occurrence of the California leaf-nosed bat (Macrotus
californicus), Townsend's big-eared bat (Plecotus townsendii),
and Western mastiff bat (Eumops perotis). Two other sensitive bat
species, the Spotted bat (Euderma maculatum) and the Cave myotis
(Myotis velifer), may also have been heard during these surveys of
the American Girl Mining Project site. Each of these species may utilize
the Project area for foraging (Brown 1997).
A survey and focused assessment of the Project area with respect to bat
habitat and occurrences was conducted by a third-party consulting biologist
(Brown 1997). This assessment, which is provided as Appendix J, concludes
that, as no mine adits, caves, or large rock crevices exist in the Project
area, the sensitive bat species, including the Townsend's big-eared bat,
western mastiff bat, and spotted bat, would not day-roost in the Project
area, but they could forage in the Project area at night.
Desert washes are the prime type of foraging habitat of the California leaf-nosed
bat. Leaf-nosed bat populations have been documented in the Cargo Muchacho
and eastern Chocolate Mountains. Leaf-nosed bats usually forage within five (5)
miles of their roosts in warm months. During summer months they may roost
at night between foraging flights in trees in the washes, but in colder
months they return to caves or mine shafts or adits for night roosting.
As no caves or mine shafts or adits exist in the Project area, leaf-nosed
bats would not roost in the area during the day, but could roost in the
trees in the Project area at night between foraging bouts. The nearest known
diurnal roost to the Project area is a mine adit approximately 4.5 miles
south in the Cargo Muchacho Mountains. However, since the distance of the
nearest diurnal roost to the Project area approaches the foraging range
of the bat, Brown (1997) concluded that, unless a leaf-nosed bat diurnal
roost is discovered closer to the Project area, the Project area is probably
not regularly visited by the leaf-nosed bat. Other bats, including most
Myotis species and bats of the Tadarida and Eumops
genera, forage farther from their roosting areas than the leaf-nosed bat
and, thus, may forage in the Project area. The USFWS Special Status or California
Species of Concern (CSC) bats which could possibly roost on, or forage over,
the Project area are identified in Table 3.11.
Table 3.11
Common Name |
Scientific Name |
Status |
Roost |
Forage |
| Yuma myotis |
Myotis yumanensis |
USFWS |
Low |
Medium |
| Small-footed myotis |
Myotis ciliolabrum |
USFWS |
Low |
Low |
| Cave myotis |
Myotis velifer |
USFWS/CSC |
Low |
Low |
| Occult myotis |
Myotis lucifugus occultus |
USFWS/CSC |
Low |
Low |
| Desert pallid bat |
Antrozous pallidus |
CSC |
High |
High |
| Townsend's big-eared bat |
Plecotus townsendii |
USFWS/CSC |
None |
Low |
| Spotted bat |
Euderma maculatum |
USFWS/CSC |
None |
Low |
| Western mastiff |
Eumops perotis |
USFWS/CSC |
None |
High |
| Big free-tailed |
Nyctinomops macrotis |
USFWS/CSC |
None |
Low |
| Pocketed free-tailed |
Nyctinomops femorosaccus |
CSC |
None |
High |
| California leaf-nosed bat |
Macrotus californicus |
USFWS/CSC |
None |
Medium |
Source: Brown 1997
Several species of game birds are present within the Project area, including
Gambel's quail, mourning dove (Zenaida macroura) and white-winged
dove (Zenaida asiatica), which were observed in the moderate-to-larger
ephemeral stream channels (Rado 1995). These hunted species are common residents
or migrants in the area (see Section 3.9.2.3).
Mule deer: Mule deer are widely distributed throughout the Project
area and surrounding vicinity. Based upon a survey of the ephemeral stream
channel system, it was found that the channels are regularly used by deer,
with principal movements occurring at night (Rado 1995). Deer sign (i.e., tracks
and/or scat) were observed in all major channels within the Project mine
and process area, and those extending one (1) or more miles from the
Project mine and process area boundaries. The microphyll woodlands typical
of these channels apparently serve as movement corridors for the deer. However,
fresh deer tracks and scat were also regularly observed on the interspersed
desert pavement, showing that deer are dispersed and move freely about cross-country
between drainages. No permanent water sources are present within the boundaries
of the Project mine and process area which would serve to concentrate deer;
however, a CDFG-managed "guzzler" constructed to provide a water
source for deer is located off of Hyduke Road, approximately two (2)
miles south-southwest of the Project mine and process area. This water source
is believed to contribute to the observed east-west movement of deer through
the Project area, at approximate right angles to the washes. After the biological
field surveys, two (2) new "guzzlers" were reported to have
been constructed by the CDFG/Imperial County Fish and Game Commission (ICFGC)
approximately 0.8 miles and 2.5 miles, respectively, from the
eastern boundary of the Project mine and process area in September 1995
(Personal Communication, Ted Rado,1995; Rister 1996). Approximate locations
of these three "guzzlers" with respect to the Project mine and
process area are shown on Figure 3.14. In addition, numerous
natural "tinajas," which provide seasonal water sources for deer
and other wildlife, are located in the mountainous portions of the Indian
Pass and Picacho Peak Wilderness Areas, and other "guzzlers" are
located in the Cargo Muchacho Mountains (Rister 1996)
A focused evaluation of the Project area with respect to deer was conducted
contemporaneous with the biological survey by a third-party consulting biologist
(Krausman 1995). This evaluation, which is provided as Appendix I,
included reviewing reports of previous deer investigations in the vicinity
of the Project area, reviewing potentially applicable deer herd management
plans, communicating with other consulting biologists and agency biologists,
and an inspection of the Project area in July 1995.
The evaluation concludes that there is some ambiguity as to whether or not
the desert deer in the Project area are a subspecies of deer called the
"burro" deer (Odocoileus hemionus eremicus), which some
have reported to differ from desert mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus crooki)
based on physical differences in the deer. However, more recent investigations
suggest there may be no difference in the mitochondrial DNA haplotype of
the "burro" deer to distinguish it from other mule deer populations.
Whether the deer in the area are "burro" deer or desert mule deer,
their ecology is reported to be similar and habitat components include washes
(ephemeral stream channels) with dense vegetation, rolling to steep topography,
and water availability. Fawning typically occurs in low, broken hills with
vegetated washes near water (Celentano and Garcia 1984).
In late summer the deer move away from the Colorado River to the desert
mountains, and in the late spring they return to the river. Migration routes
follow major desert wash systems, and the ephemeral stream channels in the
Project area are used by deer as evidenced by tracks and pellets. However,
steep topography does not exist within the boundaries of the Project mine
and process area, nor does a water source. It was noted that "... the
area in and around the Imperial Project is used by deer moving across the
desert flats from mountain foothills to water sources or other important
habitat components (Krausman 1995)." By comparison, mule deer in the
Belmont Mountains of Arizona were more probably limited by forage availability
than by any other factor, including water availability, and that the Belmont
Mountain forage area provided more vegetation than the desert flats provide
around the Project area. Based on this comparison, the Project area was
judged to be inconsistent with habitat used to support a resident deer herd
or as important deer fawning habitat.
These findings appear to conflict with unpublished information provided
by the CDFG and ICFGC indicating that the microphyll woodland in the major
washes within the Project area and vicinity provide deer fawning habitat,
support substantial numbers of deer, and provide a critical east-west migration
corridor for the deer (Personal Communication, Rusty McBride, CDFG, 1995;
Rister 1996). Rister (1996) also reports that over the last two (2)
decades, the ICFGC has determined that the local deer population ranges
from the western edge of the Algodones Sand Dunes through the Project area
to the Colorado River in an east-west pattern of summer/winter migration,
utilizing the various identified man-made and natural water sources.
The CDFG has prepared a deer herd management plan for the deer population
inhabiting southeastern San Bernardino, Riverside, and Imperial Counties
(Celentano and Garcia 1984). Deer densities within the general area were
reported to average approximately 0.2 animals per square mile (Celentano
and Garcia 1984 after McLean 1940). However, because of low density and
scattered distribution, an accurate estimation of the desert deer herd population
is difficult. CDFG records of hunter success in the area have trended upwards
since the 1940's, suggesting the deer herd density in the area may be increasing
(see Section 3.9.2.3). Deer move seasonally in order to take
advantage of water supplies and forage. Principal use of areas removed from
the Colorado River takes place during the fall and winter. Fawning typically
occurs in the late summer or early fall, within habitats characterized by
broken hills and interconnecting washes within one (1) mile of a dependable
water source (Celentano and Garcia 1984).
The CDFG is especially concerned about the cumulative loss of microphyll
woodland habitat utilized by deer and other species (Personal Communication,
Nancy Andrew, CDFG, 1996). CDFG has also estimated that vehicle-related
mortality accounts for the loss of one (1) to three (3) percent
of the deer population in the region (Wolf 1996).Desert bighorn sheep:
Krausman (1995) evaluated the Project area with respect to bighorn sheep
that may range in the vicinity. It was concluded that the Project area and
immediate vicinity are not in, or adjacent to, bighorn sheep habitat, and
there is no evidence that the Project area is in a corridor between bighorn
habitat (Krausman 1995). This analysis is also supported by biologists who
evaluated southeastern Imperial County for bighorn sheep on behalf of the
CDFG (Weaver and Mensch 1968). They concluded that the area encompassing
the proposed Project area was not bighorn seasonal or permanent range. No
dispersal corridors that would be used to travel between mountain ranges
by bighorn were identified (Weaver and Mensch 1968). Bighorn sheep occur
in the hills and mountain slopes several miles east of the Project area,
including Picacho Peak to the east of the Project mine and process area,
and Peter Kane Mountain (Figure 3.17). CDFG reported that bighorn
were repeatedly located in microphyll woodland habitats in the desert flats
one (1) to two (2) miles east of Black Mountain and Indian Pass
(Wolf 1996). Population and ecology studies reported by ICFGC to have been
conducted in 1991-1992 by CDFG staff of the bighorn sheep provided evidence
of the historic presence of bighorn throughout the Black Mountain and Picacho
Peak area, and seasonally in the Cargo Muchacho Mountains (Rister 1996).
Rister (1996) also states that CDFG has photographs which document the use
of guzzlers in these areas by bighorn sheep.
A single radio-telemetered ram, originally recorded from the Peter Kane
Mountain area, was documented at the extreme northern end of the Cargo Muchacho
Mountains, about five (5) miles southeast of the Project mine and process
area (Personal Communication, Rusty McBride, CDFG, 1995). The specific route
this ram traveled to arrive in the Cargo Muchacho Mountains is not known.
There is some speculation that the bighorn would likely have traveled along
the ridge extending through Indian Pass from Black Mountain toward Picacho
Peak (Personal Communication, Nancy Andrew, CDFG, 1996), although others
have thought that the ram would have taken the more direct path, directly
through the Project mine and process area (Rister 1996). Rister (1996) believes
that the Project area is in a north/south migration path for the bighorn
sheep. However, no bighorn sheep trails were identified during the surveys
of the Project area; therefore, the area is not currently considered to
be a bighorn movement corridor.
3.6. Cultural and Paleontological Resources
3.6.1. Regulatory Framework
Federal regulations (36 CFR Part 800.2) define historic
properties as "any prehistoric or historic district, site, building,
structure, or object included, or eligible for inclusion in, in the National
Register [of Historic Places]." Section 106 of the National Historic
Preservation Act [NHPA] (Public Law 89-665; 80 Stat 915;
USC 470, as amended) requires a federal agency with jurisdiction over
a project to take into account the effect of the project on properties included
in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), and
to afford the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP)
a reasonable opportunity to comment. The term "cultural resource"
is used to denote a historic or prehistoric district, site, building, structure,
or object, regardless of whether it is eligible for the NRHP.
3.6.2. Cultural Resources
In addition to other changes, this section has been substantially modified
from the November 1996 Draft EIR in response to comments to: undertake and
complete an intensive cultural resource resurvey of all areas of potential
surface disturbance with the involvement of the Native Americans; and undertake
meaningful consultation with the Quechan Indian Tribe and other Native American
tribes.
Cultural resource inventories were first conducted for the Imperial Project
by ASM Affiliates, Inc. (1996a, 1996b). Responding to comments from the
Quechan Indian Tribe and other public comments, the BLM
determined in June, 1997 that additional surveys should be undertaken with
tribal participation. Additional archaeological survey and background research
was conducted by KEA Environmental, Inc. (Pigniolo et al. 1997), and additional
ethnohistoric research was conducted by Tierra Environmental Services (Baksh
1997). The KEA and Tierra reports, supplemented by previous research in
the area, form the basis for the following discussion of cultural resources;
the non-confidential portions of the KEA report, which summarizes (and includes
as an appendix) the Tierra report, is provided in Appendix L of this
EIS/EIR.
3.6.2.1. Cultural History
Five major periods of potential human occupation or use of the Project
area were identified.
The Malpais period is thought by some archaeologists to predate 12,000 years
before present (12,000 years B.P.), but
this dating has not been confirmed scientifically. Sites considered typical
of the Malpais consist of highly patinated crude stone tools, rock rings,
and other rock features. However, none of these sites has been clearly dated
prior to 12,000 years B.P. (Moratto 1984;
Pigniolo et al. 1997; Schaefer 1994).
The Paleoindian period (12,000 years to 7,000 years B.P.)
evidences the first well-dated Native American occupation of the region.
At least three distinct cultural complexes potentially relevant to the area
of the Proposed Action have been identified during this time-frame. The
fluted point complex is manifested throughout the western states, but in
California most fluted points have been found in isolated surface contexts,
severely constraining the reconstruction of cultural relationships and patterns.
More commonly occurring are the Lake Mojave and San Diego complexes, which
share several key artifact types. The Lake Mojave complex was centered in
the southwestern Great Basin, while the closely related San Dieguito complex
has been found more widely, from coastal California to the Colorado Desert,
including, potentially, the area
of the Proposed Action. Artifacts typical of the San Dieguito complex
include crescentics, scrapers, and large bifaces. Site types identified
as San Dieguito in the Colorado Desert typically consist of trails, cleared
circles, rock rings, other rock features and heavily varnished crude stone
tools. However, confirming the absolute dates of sites thought to be San
Dieguito is typically difficult due to an absence of organic remains suitable
for radiocarbon assay. Attempts have been made to date San Dieguito sites
by the degree of patination developed on stone tools, but patination is
affected by a variety of locally variable conditions, and this dating technique
is not generally considered definitive (Harry 1992).
The Archaic period (7,000 years to 1,500 years B.P.)
is poorly represented in the Colorado Desert, and few sites have been securely
dated to this interval. The reasons for this are poorly understood, because
elsewhere sites post-dating 4,000 years B.P.
increase in frequency. In neighboring regions the Archaic period generally
saw a diversification of artifact assemblages, including the introduction
of the widespread use of groundstone technologies, signaling the increased
importance of hard seeds and other plant foods requiring grinding. These
trends probably occurred in the Lower Colorado River area as well, but evidence
is lacking in the immediate area of the river due to flooding. The atlatl
was the principal weapon utilized in hunting, and a variety of stemmed,
corner-notched and side-notched dart points of the Pinto and Amargosa series
are considered time-markers of the Archaic period in the southern California
deserts.
The Patayan (or Late Prehistoric) Period (1,500 years to 450 years
B.P.) saw the introduction of floodplain horticulture,
ceramics, and the bow and arrow. Native American populations in the vicinity
of the area of the Proposed Action appear to have expanded dramatically
at this time. In addition to population growth associated with the introduction
of agriculture and more sedentary villages along the Lower Colorado River,
increased occupation of the deserts was prompted by cyclic fillings of Lake
Cahuilla, in the Salton Trough of the Imperial Valley, resulting from the
natural diversions of the Colorado River. This series of very large fresh-water
lakes was very attractive to human utilization in an otherwise arid environment
of low biotic productivity. By this time, an extensive trail system across
the desert linked the Lower Colorado River peoples with related groups and
with religious and cultural shrines to the north, south, east and west.
Extensive trade networks connected agricultural groups in the greater Southwest
with the Gulf of California and the Pacific Ocean.
Spanish exploration of the Lower Colorado area began with the visits of
Alcarón and Melchior Diaz in 1540, ushering in the Historic period.
The impact of 16th century exploration on Native peoples appears
to have been relatively minimal in the Lower Colorado area, although elsewhere
severe epidemics appear to have preceded Euroamerican colonization (Cook
1978). In the following century, however, Spanish settlement of the colonial
frontier quickly engendered increased raiding, intergroup military/political
alliances, and slave-trading in the Lower Colorado River area (Forbes 1965).
This was also a period of increased movement of Native American groups along
the Colorado River corridor (Forbes 1965). At least by the time of the 1701-1702
Kino expedition, the Quechan were established in the Yuma area and controlled
a territory from 20 miles north of Yuma to just south of Pilot Knob.
They held an area some 20 miles up the Gila River in Arizona to the
Sand Hills in the west. The establishment of Yuma Crossing and Fort Yuma
in 1852 brought increased Euroamerican settlement to the vicinity of the
area of the Proposed Action.
Mining was well established in the Tumco-Hedges district by 1884. The Project
area was utilized for desert warfare training during World War II,
and one of General Patton's major camps, Camp Pilot Knob, is crossed by
the existing Sidewinder Road and the existing 34.5 kV transmission
line which is to be overbuilt with a 92 kV transmission line as part
of the Proposed Action.
The area in and around the Project mine and process area was heavily used
by Native Americans for religious observances, as a travel route, and as
a source for tool-grade lithics. Archaeological evidence indicates that
there were no permanent habitation sites in the immediate area; however,
the Project mine and process area is proximate to both Indian Pass and the
Indian Wash area, which were natural travel corridors through which substantial
foot traffic traveled from the area of the Colorado River to the inland
desert areas and north along the Colorado River. Native American travel
through the area is marked by an extensive network of trail segments that
are most apparent on stable desert pavements. Trails were important not
only economically but also as an integral part of Quechan belief systems.
This is evidenced archaeologically by shrines that were often erected along
trails (Rogers N.D.; Waters 1982) and by several geoglyphs in the Project
area found in close proximity of trails. Ethnographic and ethnohistoric
accounts (Forbes 1965; Forde 1931) tell of a close connection of trails
to religious beliefs centered on the dream world, which was a source of
knowledge and power for traditional religious practioners. Members of the
Quechan tribe have identified a geoglyph in the vicinity of the Project
ancillary area as having been made by the Quechan in the 1940's and have
cited this geoglyph as evidence of continuing religious use of the area.
The Indian Pass Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC)
(see Section 3.9.2.2), located about three-quarters (3/4) of
a mile north of the Project mine and process area (see Figure 3.12),
was specifically designated to protect cultural resources in the form of
prehistoric artifacts located in Indian Pass and the adjacent Chocolate
Mountains. The ACEC contains an extensive assemblage
of Native American scratched petroglyphs. Native American use of the Project
area for toolstone procurement is evidenced by the numerous "flaking
stations" located on desert pavements. Some wide-ranging foraging activities
may also be evidenced from the cleared circles and rock rings that may represent
short-term encampment, as well as religious activities.
3.6.2.2. Native American Values
The NHPA, the American Indian Religious Freedom Act (AIRFA)
and the Executive Order 13007 require federal agencies to consider
Native American concerns in their land-use decisions and to grant access
to Native American groups for religious observations, where possible. The
BLM has issued internal guidelines which instruct
that this consultation should be initiated early in the project review or
decision-making process, and be conducted at the highest levels within the
BLM jurisdiction responsible for the decision.
The BLM initiated this consultation process with
the Quechan Tribe in 1996, and the Quechan Tribe subsequently requested
that members be directly involved in the cultural resource study and report.
The consultation process is ongoing as of September 1997.
In addition to this consultation process, a third-party ethnographic study
based principally upon consultation with the Quechan Tribe has been completed
to help identify contemporary Native American concerns and values associated
with the area of the Proposed
Action, document current Native American knowledge about the function
and/or interpretation of available resources, and record the meaning and
significance of resources to Native Americans today. The study also attempted
to assist the BLM in its significance evaluation
of sites and their eligibility for the NRHP (see also Section 4.1.6.1),
and to identify mitigation measures that Native Americans believe would
be appropriate to minimize Proposed Action-related impacts to sensitive
cultural resources.
Native American groups, most notably the Quechan Indian Tribe but also including
the Colorado River Indian Tribes and the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe (all of
which are federally recognized groups), have expressed strong cultural connections
to the Project area, and strong concerns about the Proposed Action. This
has included letters commenting on the November 1996 Draft EIS/EIR from
the Quechan tribal chairperson, the Quechan Tribe's cultural committee,
and interested tribal members; participation in public hearings on the November
1996 Draft EIS/EIR; and participation in a series of meetings with the BLM and the cultural resource contractors held since
December, 1996. Native American concerns center on the following issues:
- The Project mine and process area is located within an area of high
religious, cultural, and educational value to the Quechan;
- The area is connected by a trail system to several other areas of similar
importance, including Pilot Knob, Picacho Basin and Muggins Mountain; these
trails are important in Quechan belief systems;
- The area has been used as recently as the 1940's for specific religious
observances that can only occur in this place; Quechan tribal members plan
to conduct such observances at this location in the future;
- The area is necessary for religious practioners to gain requisite knowledge
for continuation of Quechan religious beliefs and practices;
- The area is necessary for teaching Indian youth about Quechan tribal
history, religion, and culture; and
- The Quechan nation has stated that development of the mine pits, heap,
and waste rock stockpiles would destroy their ability to perform their
religious, cultural and educational practices.
3.6.2.3. Survey Results
An intensive Class III pedestrian survey and cultural resources
inventory of the survey area (the Project area and additional buffer areas)
was first conducted by ASM Affiliates, Inc. in 1996 (ASM 1996a). A total
of 2,212 acres were included in the area surveyed: 1,648 acres
occupying the Project mine and process area and Project ancillary area (less
the 335 acres which had been previously surveyed at the same level),
as well as an additional 564 acres of buffer area adjacent to these
areas. Subsequently, an intensive Class III cultural resources inventory
of the overbuilt 92 kV/34.5 kV transmission line corridor and
buffer areas was conducted by ASM Affiliates, Inc. (ASM 1996b). These intensive
surveys were conducted to inventory the cultural resources within the survey
areas and to evaluate these resources for eligibility under the National
Register of Historical Places (NRHP) guidelines.
In response to concerns expressed by the Quechan Tribe and others, the survey
area was expanded and entirely resurveyed by KEA Environmental, Inc. with
Quechan participation. The expanded survey area included the Project mine
and process area with a 500-foot buffer (a total of about 2,000 acres);
the Project ancillary area, including a 50-foot buffer on the northwest
side of Indian Pass Road and a 150-buffer southeast of the proposed transmission
line; and a 200-foot (or greater) area along the existing 34.5kV transmission
line that would be overbuilt with a 92 kV transmission line as part
of the Proposed Action. In addition, eight transect surveys spaced equidistantly
around the Project mine and process area were subjected to archaeological
reconnaissance to provide some comparison of the cultural resources of the
Project mine and process area vicinity of the Project mine and process area
itself. As with the previous surveys, the goal of the survey was to inventory
cultural resources that could be affected by the Proposed Action and to
evaluate their eligibility for the NRHP.
The entire survey area was subjected to pedestrian survey at a maximum 20-meter
interval between crew members. Within cultural resource site areas, the
transect interval was reduced to a maximum of 5 meters. Due to a high
density of cultural material, virtually the entire Project mine and process
area was surveyed at the reduced interval. Due to poor contrast between
cultural materials and the surrounding ground surface, 5-meter transects
were also utilized in many non-site areas in the Project ancillary area
and along the overbuilt 92 kV/34.5 kV transmission line corridor.
This reduced transect interval allowed for more intensive coverage and resulted
in a dramatic increase in the total number of cultural features recorded
both in the Project mine and process area and along the overbuilt 92 kV/34.5 kV
transmission line corridor.
The survey was conducted in two concurrent phases. Initially, the survey
crews flagged cultural features and artifact concentrations. Subsequently,
the recording crew: recorded feature locations, including chipping stations,
using sub-meter global position system (GPS) units; noted assemblage content
and other relevant information; and recorded a sample of features through
photographs and sketches. Members of the Quechan tribe accompanied the archaeological
recording crew. They provided input on the interpretation of potential cultural
features and helped to identify and record cultural materials. Recording
in much of the Project area was assisted by Mr. Jay von Werhlof
of the Imperial Valley College Museum.
The results of the survey are summarized in Table 3.12.
Twenty-four sites and one (1) isolated artifact were recorded in the
Project mine and process area. It should be noted that application of the
site recording guidelines of the California Office of Historic Preservation
(1995) resulted in the realignment of site designations previously recorded
for this area. In accordance with these guidelines, prehistoric trails are
now designated by distinct numbers, even though they may be found within
larger archaeological sites. There are sixteen (16) prehistoric trail
sites within the Project mine and process area. Additionally, because of
increased recordation of surface density, many sites that had previously
been recorded as separate occurrences have now been grouped into seven (7)
larger multi-component sites. These sites contain a variety of Native American
artifacts and features, including thousands of flaking stations; over 60 ceramic
concentrations; a limited amount of groundstone; pecked rocks, possibly
associated with bipolar reduction; rock circles; cleared circles; geoglyphs;
shaman's hearths; vision quest loci; and a scratched petroglyph. The flaking
stations include a high frequency of broken quartz, which may reflect religious
activities as well as toolstone procurement. In addition to trail sites
and multi-component sites, one (1) flaking station received a separate
site designation. There is also evidence of recent mining claims and rock-hound
activities that have not been recorded as historic.
Native American cultural materials are not evenly distributed throughout
the Project mine and process area. The densest concentration is found along
a terrace east of Indian Pass Road. The frequency of cultural materials
decreases east and west of this terrace. Within this overall distribution,
several clusters of cultural features were also noted. One such cluster
occurs in the area of the West Pit.
Historic period materials and features also occur within the multi-component
sites. Most of this is associated with a World War II era military
training camp located within CA-IMP-4970, but this material also occurs
within other sites. World War II-era materials include tent pads, historic
refuse (cans, glass, ceramics), rock cairns, and craters.
Table 3.12
| SUMMARY OF CULTURAL RESOURCES IDENTIFIED WITHIN THE AREA OF
THE PROPOSED ACTION |
| Resource Number |
Description |
National Register Evaluation (Significance/Criteria) |
| Mine and Process Area (N = 24 Sites, 1 Isolate) |
| CA-IMP-4970 |
Multi-component |
Eligible/A, C, D |
| CA-IMP-4971 |
Multi-component |
Eligible/A, C, D |
| CA-IMP-5010 |
Prehistoric trail |
Eligible/C, D |
| CA-IMP-5061 |
Multi-component |
Eligible/A, D |
| CA-IMP-5067 |
Multi-component |
Eligible/A, D |
| CA-IMP-5494 |
Multi-component |
Eligible/D |
| CA-IMP-5526 |
Multi-component |
Eligible/A, C, D |
| CA-IMP-7388 |
Prehistoric trail |
Eligible/D |
| CA-IMP-7408 |
Multi-component |
Eligible/A, D |
| F-4 |
Prehistoric trail |
Eligible/C, D |
| F-298 |
Prehistoric trail |
Eligible/C, D |
| F-745 |
Prehistoric trail |
Eligible/D |
| F-940 |
Prehistoric trail |
Eligible/D |
| F-1020 |
Prehistoric trail |
Eligible/D |
| F-1336 |
Prehistoric trail |
Eligible/D |
| F-1500 |
Prehistoric trail |
Eligible/C, D |
| F-1792 |
Flaking station |
Not Eligible |
| F-2142 |
Prehistoric trail |
Eligible/D |
| F-2202 |
Prehistoric trail |
Eligible/D |
| F-2282 |
Prehistoric trail |
Eligible/D |
| F-2294 |
Prehistoric trail |
Eligible/D |
| F-3024 |
Prehistoric trail |
Eligible/C, D |
| F-4028 |
Prehistoric trail |
Eligible/C, D |
| F-4132 |
Prehistoric trail |
Eligible/C, D |
| F-4018 |
Isolated metate |
Not Eligible |
| Ancillary Area (N = 18 Sites, 2 Isolates) |
| CA-IMP-2727 |
Multi-component (Running Man site) |
Eligible/A, C, D |
| CA-IMP-5359 |
Prehistoric trail |
Eligible/C, D |
| CA-IMP-5360 |
Prehistoric trail |
Eligible/C, D |
| CA-IMP-6661 |
Ring geoglyph, possible anthropomorph |
Eligible/C, D |
| AA-1 |
Lithic scatter, historic component |
Not Eligible |
| AA-2 |
Lithic scatter |
Not Eligible |
| AA-3 |
Lithic scatter |
Not Eligible |
| F-3147 |
Flaking station |
Not Eligible |
| F-3167 |
Shaman's hearth |
Eligible/Contributing to ATCC |
| F-3169 |
Flaking station |
Not Eligible |
| TL-1 |
Recent rock ring encircling a cairn |
Not Eligible |
| TL-2 |
Lithic scatter |
Not Eligible |
| TL-3 |
Ring geoglyph |
Eligible/C, D |
| TL-4 |
Ceramic scatter |
Eligible/D |
| TL-5 |
Ring geoglyphs |
Eligible/C, D |
| TL-42 |
Ring geoglyphs |
Eligible/C, D |
| TL-43 |
Lithic scatter |
Not Eligible |
| TL-44 |
Ceramic scatter |
Eligible/D |
| TLI-1 |
Isolated pecked rock |
Not Eligible |
| TLI-8 |
Isolated WWII era flashlight part |
Not Eligible |
| Transmission Line Corridor (N = 46 Sites, 6 Isolates) |
| CA-IMP-1469 |
Prehistoric trail |
Eligible/D |
| CA-IMP-1471 |
Possible prehistoric trail |
Indeterminate |
| CA-IMP-2878 |
Two large geoglyphs, ring geoglyphs |
Eligible/C, D |
| CA-IMP-3297 |
Prehistoric ceramic scatter, mining era refuse |
Eligible/D |
| CA-IMP-4131 |
Ceramic scatter, geoglyph, WWII era component |
Eligible/C, D |
| CA-IMP-7269 |
Probable prehistoric trail, mining era component |
Eligible/D |
| CA-IMP-7272 |
Prehistoric trail |
Eligible/D |
| CA-IMP-7273 |
Historic campsite, with rock alignment |
Not Eligible |
| CA-IMP-7274 |
Probable historic trail, historic component |
Indeterminate |
| CA-IMP-7275 |
Probable historic trail, historic component |
Indeterminate |
| CA-IMP-7276 |
Ring geoglyph, ring geoglyph, ceramic scatter |
Eligible/C, D |
| CA-IMP-7339 |
Ceramic scatter, not relocated |
Not Eligible |
| CA-IMP-7340 |
Lithic scatter |
Not Eligible |
| TL-6 |
Recent rock ring encircling a cairn |
Not Eligible |
| TL-7 |
Rock alignment, possibly historic |
Not Eligible |
| TL-8 |
Ceramic scatter |
Eligible/D |
| TL-9 |
WWII era refuse scatter |
Not Eligible |
| TL-10 |
Three ring geoglyphs |
Eligible/C, D |
| TL-11 |
Ring geoglyph with stone in center |
Eligible/C, D |
| TL-12 |
WWII era refuse scatter |
Not Eligible |
| TL-13 |
Three trails, probably historic |
Not Eligible |
| TL-14 |
Seven possible WWII era foxholes |
Not Eligible |
| TL-15 |
Ring geoglyph |
Eligible/C, D |
| TL-16 |
Three ring geoglyphs |
Eligible/C, D |
| TL-17 |
Possible geoglyph |
Not Eligible |
| TL-18 |
Ceramic scatter |
Eligible/D |
| TL-19 |
WWII era refuse scatter |
Not Eligible |
| TL-20 |
Refuse scatter, mining and WWII era components |
Not Eligible |
| TL-21 |
Mining era refuse scatter |
Not Eligible |
| TL-22 |
Historic trail network |
Not Eligible |
| TL-23 |
Buried historic water pipeline |
Indeterminate |
| TL-24 |
Possible historic trail |
Indeterminate |
| TL-25 |
Lithic quarry |
Eligible/D |
| TL-26 |
Two ring geoglyphs |
Eligible/C, D |
| TL-27 |
WWII era refuse scatter |
Not Eligible |
| TL-28 |
Refuse scatter, mining and WWII era components |
Not Eligible |
| TL-29 |
WWII era refuse scatter |
Not Eligible |
| TL-30 |
Lithic scatter |
Not Eligible |
| TL-31 |
WWII era refuse scatter |
Not Eligible |
| TL-32, TL-33, TL-34, TL-35 |
Camp Pilot Knob, two sets of three cleared circles, three ring geoglyphs |
Eligible/A, D |
| TL-36 |
Prehistoric trail |
Eligible/D |
| TL-37 |
Prehistoric trail |
Eligible/D |
| TL-38 |
Prehistoric trail |
Eligible/D |
| TL-39 |
Road to Tumco/Hedges |
Eligible/D |
| TL-40 |
Prehistoric trails |
Eligible/C, D |
| TL-41 |
Prehistoric trail |
Eligible/C, D |
| TLI-2 |
Isolated hammerstone |
Not Eligible |
| TLI-3 |
Isolated historic brake shoes |
Not Eligible |
| TLI-4 |
Isolated historic Ford radiator |
Not Eligible |
| TLI-5 |
Isolated historic universal joint |
Not Eligible |
| TLI-6 |
Isolated historic ironstone plate |
Not Eligible |
| TLI-7 |
Isolated WWII era dry cell battery |
Not Eligible |
Survey of the Project ancillary area yielded a total of eighteen (18)
sites and two (2) isolates. Sites included one (1) multi-component
site, two (2) trail sites, seven (7) lithic scatters or flaking
stations, two (2) ceramic scatters, four (4) geoglyphs, a shaman's
hearth, and a relatively recent rock feature of non-traditional design.
The multi-component site CA-IMP-2727 includes a feature known as the Running
Man geoglyph which post-dates Rogers= recording of the site in the 1930's.
The proposed new transmission line/water pipeline passes northwest of this
geoglyph feature. A human bone fragment found by others in the Running Man
geoglyph area was determined to be from a modern cremation.
Survey of the overbuilt 92 kV/34.5 kV transmission line corridor,
which currently contains the existing 34.5 kV transmission line, yielded
46 sites and six (6) isolates. Sites included thirteen (13)
trail sites (prehistoric and/or historic), nine (9) geoglyphs,
three (3) lithic scatters, four (4) ceramic scatters, thirteen (13)
historic sites (mining refuse, World War II-era sites), two (2)
prehistoric/historic sites, and two (2) rock features of non-traditional
design. The prehistoric/historic sites include Camp Pilot Knob, a major
World War II-era training camp established by General Patton.
Three small bone fragments were previously discovered near the Project area
in April, 1997 by Karen Collins of Imperial Valley College while conducting
an archaeological training class on site recording. This training session
was totally independent from the Imperial Project. The fragments were collected
by the BLM for identification (human/non-human)
by a forensic anthropologist. Dr. Madeleine Hinkes, Ph.D. identified
the fragments as human bone, sex and race unable to be determined. She stated
that the bone exhibited characteristics of burning at a temperature in excess
of 1,200 degrees F, which is entirely consistent with modern cremation.
California law (Health and Safety Code Section 7054(a)) makes it illegal
to dispose of cremated remains by any means other than internment in a cemetery;
burial at sea; or kept in a home, church or religious shrine. Notwithstanding
this law, during the public comment period for the November, 1996 Draft
EIS/EIR, members of the general public stated that they had personal knowledge
of non-Indian cremains being scattered in the vicinity of the Project area.
The cremated bone fragments found in April, 1997 are consistent with being
deposited by one of these individuals.
KEA has evaluated the significance of each of the cultural resources encountered
during the survey (see Appendix L). None of the nine (9) isolates
meet the NRHP criteria. Of the 88 prehistoric and historic sites, 28 do
not meet the NRHP criteria. Sites evaluated as not eligible generally have
low information potential, are not clearly associated with significant events
or individuals, and are not noted as being of particular traditional cultural
concern (see Section 3.6.2.4). Typically evaluated as not eligible
are small lithic scatters, sparse scatters of historic refuse, non-traditional
rock features (various rock alignments or cairns that do not conform to
known Native American types and appear to be recent constructions), historic
period trails, and isolated World War II-era features.
Fifty-five (55) sites are evaluated as eligible for the NRHP. The large
multi-component sites in the Project mine and process area and Project ancillary
area are evaluated as eligible because they contain information relevant
to a variety of regional research questions (see Appendix L), and because
of their cultural significance to the Quechan Tribe (see Section 3.6.2.4).
They include features that are prime examples of a type of prehistoric construction
(geoglyphs, rock circles, trails, and cleared circles) and are associated
with important events in Quechan history. Prehistoric trails are generally
evaluated as eligible for their informational value in reconstructing trail
networks and tracing how these were altered over time. These trails also
have strong cultural significance to the Quechan Tribe as examples of tribal
history. Geoglyphs are evaluated as eligible for informational value in
reconstructing prehistoric belief systems and as prime examples of prehistoric
construction. Ceramic scatters are evaluated as eligible because of the
information they contain on changing patterns of Native American utilization
of the desert and because of their utility in addressing issues of prehistoric
ceramic typology. One (1) historic site was evaluated as eligible.
Camp Pilot Knob was closely associated with General Patton's famous desert
training exercises and retains numerous archaeological features with good
integrity.
These features would be useful in reconstructing daily camp life and in
commemorating the war preparation efforts of thousands of soldiers. Camp
Pilot Knob also encompasses three prehistoric geoglyphs, and these features
are evaluated as contributing to the eligibility of the site.
Five (5) linear sites have not been evaluated. Three (3) are trails
of undetermined date (prehistoric/historic), two (2) of which have
historic components in association. The two (2) remaining sites are
historic features, a water pipeline and a historic trail, which cross the
overbuilt 92 kV/34.5 kV transmission line corridor, have not been
evaluated. They appear to be associated with the mining town site of Hedges,
which has been evaluated as eligible for the NRHP. However, the overbuilt
92 kV/34.5 kV transmission line would not impact these features,
and a full evaluation of their significance is not necessary.
3.6.2.4. Area of Traditional Cultural Concern
In addition to the archaeological and historical sites discussed above,
an "area of traditional cultural concern" (ATCC)
has been identified in the survey area. The ATCC
encompasses the archaeological sites in the Project mine and process area
and some sites in the Project ancillary area, but extends beyond the Project
area, with a total length of approximately 8.2 miles. It is designated
as the Indian Pass-Running Man ATCC. The potential
boundaries of the Indian Pass-Running Man ATCC,
which have been discussed with Quechan tribal members, are based on the
distribution of extant Native American trail segments in the vicinity and
on a high concentration of evidence of Native American religious practices,
including geoglyths, broken quartz, broken pots, and cleared circles. The
Indian Pass-Running Man ATCC averages about
2.5 miles in width and has a maximum width of 5.2 miles. Although
the distribution of archaeological material helped in defining the Indian
Pass-Running Man ATCC boundaries, the Indian
Pass-Running Man ATCC exists somewhat independently
of those materials in that religious activities are only partially represented
by the presence of the archaeological remains.
The Indian Pass-Running Man ATCC is linked by
an extensive Native American trail system to several other locations of
high religious and cultural significance to the Quechan. These trails have
cultural value in their own right, and major trail systems converge in the
Indian Pass-Running Man ATCC. Another of the
properties that make this area special to Native Americans is the expansive
view available from much of the Indian Pass-Running Man ATCC,
particularly in the direction of Picacho Basin and Picacho Peak, two other
areas of traditional cultural significance. The Quechan say that the area
is a place of solitude where religious practitioners came to seek knowledge
and spiritual power. According to knowledgeable Quechan representatives,
the area was the first of a series of four areas that a religious practitioner
must encounter and learn from in his spiritual quest. The Quechan plan to
use the Indian Pass-Running Man ATCC in the
future for religious and cultural education.
Because the Indian Pass-Running Man ATCC is
linked to other potential areas of traditional cultural concern through
a culturally important trail system, final boundary determinations for purposes
of evaluating the area as a "traditional cultural property" (TCP)
in accordance with National Register Bulletin No. 38 has not been possible
to date. The data are insufficient to determine whether the Indian Pass-Running
Man ATCC should stand alone as a potential TCP,
or should be evaluated as part of a larger complex that encompasses other
areas of traditional cultural concern and connecting trails. Regardless,
the evidence is clear that the Indian Pass-Running Man ATCC
should be treated as a significant resource.
The Indian Pass-Running Man ATCC has been evaluated
as eligible for the NRHP in accordance with Department of the Interior guidelines
found in National Register Bulletin No. 38 (Parker and King 1992).
It is associated with important events in Quechan history; it embodies distinctive
characteristics of Quechan religious structures and/or built objects, such
as geoglyphs, petroglyphs, and cleared circles; and its various components
combine to create a unique and distinguishable entity that is held in very
high regard by the Quechan Tribe. The Indian Pass-Running Man ATCC
also retains a high degree of integrity. Indian Pass Road, which is unpaved,
represents the single greatest intrusion, but the road cannot be seen from
much of the Indian Pass-Running Man ATCC area
and traffic during most times is very light.
Views are generally unspoiled by modern intrusions. Many trail segments
remain intact and retain close integrity of association with pot
drops and certain rock features. In sum, the values that make the Indian
Pass-Running Man ATCC eligible for the NRHP
have not been severely impacted by existing modern development.
The Quechan have also expressed strong cultural concerns for the Trail of
Dreams, a Native American trail that passes through the Indian Pass-Running
Man ATCC. This trail links Pilot Knob to Newberry
Mountain, two (2) highly important places in Quechan traditional cultural
beliefs. The ability to travel along this trail, both physically and spiritually,
is very important in Quechan religious beliefs, and the Quechan are highly
concerned that the Project will cut-off their ability to use the Trail of
Dreams for traditional cultural purposes.
3.6.3. Paleontological Resources
No paleontological resources have been identified within the area of
the Proposed Action, and none are expected to be found. This is primarily
because the metamorphic and igneous origin of the bedrock units found in
the area essentially preclude paleontological resources in these units.
Similarly, the cemented alluvial material overlying the area is too young
to contain substantial paleontological resources, and was deposited in such
a high energy environment that it would not be expected to contain such
resources.
3.7. Visual Resources
3.7.1. Regulatory Framework
Scenic quality is a measure of the visual appeal of a parcel of land.
Section 102(a)(8) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of
1976 (FLPMA) placed an emphasis on the protection of the quality of scenic
resources on public lands. Section 101(b) of the National Environmental
Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 required that measures be taken to ensure that
aesthetically pleasing surroundings be retained for all Americans.
To ensure that these objectives are met, the BLM
devised the Visual Resource Management (VRM )
System. The VRM System provides a means to identify
visual values; establish objectives for managing these values; and provide
information to evaluate the visual effects of proposed projects. The inventory
of visual values combines evaluations of scenic quality, sensitivity levels,
and distance zones to establish visual resource inventory classes, which
are "informational in nature and provide the basis for considering
visual values in the [land use planning process]. They do not establish
management direction and should not be used as a basis for constraining
or limiting surface disturbing activities" (BLM
1986b).
Visual resource management classes are typically assigned to public land
units through the use of the visual resource inventory classes in the BLM's land use planning process. One (1) of
four (4) visual resource management classes is assigned to each unit
of public lands. The specific objectives of each of the visual resource
management classes are presented in Table 3.13.
The Project area is located within the California
Desert Conservation Area (CDCA), which was created by FLPMA in recognition
of the unique management requirements of the California Desert (see Section 3.9.1).
The BLM's CDCA Plan has assigned one (1)
of four (4) multiple use class designations to each unit of BLM-administered public lands within the CDCA. The Project
area is designated as Class L - Limited Use. In the CDCA, visual
resource management objectives are generally based upon the guidelines associated
with each of the multiple use classes. Areas designated as Class L
are generally managed to VRM Class II visual
resource management objectives (Personal Communication, Tim Finger, BLM El Centro Resource Area, October 27, 1997).
Table 3.13
| Class |
Description |
| I |
The objective of this class is to preserve the existing character of the
landscape. This class provides for natural ecological changes; however,
it does not preclude very limited management activity. The level of change
to the characteristic landscape should be very low and must not attract
attention. |
| II |
The objective of this class is to retain the existing character of the landscape.
The level of change to the characteristic landscape should be low. Management
activities may be seen, but should not attract the attention of the casual
observer. Any changes must repeat the basic elements of form, line, color,
and texture found in the predominant nature features of the characteristic
landscape. |
| III |
The objective of this class is to partially retain the existing character
of the landscape. The level of change to the character should be moderate.
Management activities may attract attention, but should not dominate the
view of the casual observer. Changes should repeat the basic elements found
in the predominant natural features of the characteristic landscape. |
| IV |
The objective of this class is to provide for management activities which
require major modification of the existing character of the landscape. The
level of change to the characteristic landscape can be high. Management
activities may dominate the view and be the major focus of viewer attention.
However, every attempt should be made to minimize the impact of these activities
through careful location, minimal disturbance, and repeating the basic element. |
Source: BLM 1986b
3.7.2. Existing Visual Resources
The Project area landscape consists of a series of gently rolling ridge
lines and upland areas interspersed with a series of slightly incised subparallel
ephemeral drainage channels which all gently slope from north-northeast
to south-southwest at approximately one (1) percent. The Project area
is relatively undisturbed, with only a few roads and trails and minor disturbances
from historic and ongoing mineral exploration activities. The upland areas
support a sparse creosote bush scrub plant community, dominated by creosote
bush (Larrea tridentata), ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens),
and small numbers of desert shrubs and forbs. The ephemeral stream channels
and the adjacent areas are dominated by a sparse community of desert ironwood
(Olneya tesota), palo verde (Cercidium floridum), cat claw
(Acacia greggii), burrobush (Ambrosia dumosa), brittle-bush
(Encelia farinosa), with a few other desert shrubs and forbs. Much
of the upland areas are covered by well-developed desert pavement of gravel-
to cobble-size rocks.
The landscape color consists principally of browns, tans, and grays, while
vegetation colors are generally browns, greens, yellows, and tans. Because
of the sparse vegetation cover, the existing landscape colors meld with
vegetation colors from distant points.
The visual resources of the Project area were evaluated using the methods
outlined in Section 8431 - Visual Resource Contrast Rating
of the BLM VRM Manual
(BLM 1986a). The contrast rating system is a
planning and design guide which is used to assess the degree to which a
proposed project contrasts with the existing visual character of the project
area. It is used to identify visual impacts of proposed management activities
and to identify mitigation measures which can be taken to reduce the identified
visual impacts resulting from discordant project features (BLM
1986a).
Contrast ratings for the Project area were determined from four (4)
viewing locations, known as Key Observation Points (KOPs), which were selected
as representative of the possible views of the Project area. The selected
KOPs, as shown in Figure 3.18, were: from Ogilby Road, at the
45 degree turn to the northwest located approximately four (4)
miles southwest of the Project mine and process area (KOP #1); from
a point near the telecommunication stations atop Black Mountain, approximately
five (5) miles northwest of the Project mine and process area (KOP #2);
from a hilltop just south of Indian Pass in the Picacho Peak Wilderness
Area, approximately two (2) miles northeast of the Project mine and
process area (KOP #3); and from an informal overnight camping spot
adjacent to Indian Pass Road, approximately two (2) miles southwest
of the Project mine and process area (KOP #4). The visual contrast
rating for the Project mine and process area from each of the KOPs was completed
using the Visual Contrast Rating Worksheet (Bureau Form 8400-4). The
completed worksheets are attached as Appendix M.
Portions of the Project mine and process area are potentially visible only
from a short section of Ogilby Road, at the point where the road turns to
the northwest approximately four (4) miles southwest of the Project
mine and process area (KOP #1). Views of the Project mine and process
area from other portions of Ogilby Road are blocked, either by slightly
elevated topography or by dense vegetation located adjacent to Ogilby Road.
Persons viewing the Project mine and process area from this point, KOP #1,
would currently view a landscape which has flat form and an undulating line
in the middleground and a rhomboid form and angular to jagged line in the
background (see Figure 4.2). The middleground texture is smooth
with a tan to gray color. The background texture is smooth to rough with
a brown to tan color.
The entire Project area is visible from elevated vantage points on Black
Mountain, approximately five (5) miles to the northwest of the Project
mine and process area. Persons viewing the Project mine and process area
from the southern end of the top of Black Mountain (KOP #2) would currently
see a landscape which has a flat, smooth-to-simple form and a flowing to
weak line in the middleground, and a steep, smooth-to-simple form and geometric-to-soft
line in the nearground (see Figure 4.4). The middleground texture
is striped to directional with a gray to brown color. The nearground texture
is granular to patchy with a black to brown color.
The entire Project area is also visible from the most elevated vantage points
within the recently created Picacho Peak Wilderness Area, including the
hilltop immediately south of Indian Pass and Indian Pass Road, approximately
two (2) miles northeast of the Project mine and process area. Persons
viewing the Project mine and process area from this point (KOP #3)
would view a landscape which has a flat, smooth-to-minor rolling form and
an undulating-to-irregular line (see Figure 4.6). The texture
is granular, sparse-to-patchy with a tan, brown to black color.
The Project mine and process area is also partially visible from portions
of Indian Pass Road, especially as the road approaches the Project mine
and process area itself. An informal overnight camping area adjacent to
Indian Pass Road was selected as KOP #4 as it is a point where members
of the public may have an extended view of the Project. KOP #4 is located
approximately two (2) miles southwest of the Project mine and process
area. Persons viewing the Project mine and process area from this point
would currently view a landscape which has flat form and an undulating line
in the middleground and a rhomboid form and angular-to-jagged line in the
background (see Figure 4.8). The middleground texture is smooth
with a tan to gray color. The background texture is smooth-to-rough with
a brown to tan color.
3.8. Noise
3.8.1. Regulatory Framework
The Noise Element of the Imperial County General Plan provides a program
for incorporating noise issues into the land use and planning process, with
a goal of minimizing adverse noise impacts to sensitive noise receptors.
The Noise Element establishes goals, objectives and procedures to protect
the public from noise intrusion. The Noise Element for Imperial County is
applicable to lands owned or zoned by the county. However, lands regulated
by the state or federal government, such as those within and surrounding
the Project area, are preempted from local land use policy (County of Imperial
1993).
Noise is a form of energy that is generally described as unwanted sound.
Noise levels, or sound pressure levels, are typically measured in units
of A-weighted decibels [dB(A)] using a logarithmic scale which "frequency-weights"
sounds within the audible range to approximate human hearing. Human hearing
typically encompasses the sound range from approximately 5 dB(A) at
the quietest end to approximately 140 dB(A), where pain is produced
in most listeners.
3.8.2. Existing Noise Levels
Ambient noise level measurements for the Project area are not available.
However, ambient noise levels in the Project area and vicinity are assumed
low and typical of isolated desert areas (i.e., 35 to 50 dBA), except as
may be modified by those noise generating activities in the Project area
and vicinity, including:
- Traffic traversing Indian Pass Road through the Project area;
- Infrequent and intermittent military aircraft maneuvers and military
weapons explosions associated with the use of the Chocolate Mountain Aerial
Gunnery Range (CMAGR), located to the northwest of the Project area;
- Infrequent military aircraft overflights associated with Visual Flight
Rule (VFR) corridors located above and adjacent to the Project area;
- Military helicopter use of the Project area as a training ground for
the use of night vision devices;
- Noise associated with dispersed recreational activities, including:
off-highway vehicle (OHV), hunting, and camping uses of the Project area
and vicinity;
- Mineral exploration, including drilling by Glamis Imperial under existing
BLM approvals; and
- Natural sources, such as wind, rain, thunder, and wildlife.
Sensitive noise receptors are, in general, those areas of human habitation
or substantial use where the intrusion of noise has the potential to adversely
impact the occupancy, use, or enjoyment of the environment. These can include
residences, schools, hospitals, parks, and places of business requiring
low levels of noise. Since the Project area is situated in a very remote
area, there are no such typical sensitive human receptors in or anywhere
near the Project area. There are temporary human receptors associated with
the use of the Indian Pass recreation corridor, including the two (2)
new wilderness areas, located within one-half (2) and one and one-half (12)
miles of the Project mine and process area (see Figure 3.15
and Section 3.9.2.1). However, sensitive noise receptors may
also be defined to include potentially noise-sensitive wildlife, which may
currently be present in or near the Project area (see Section 3.5.6).
3.9. Land Use
3.9.1. Regulatory Framework
Plans and policies applicable to the Proposed Action depend upon the
agency responsible for managing the lands involved. For those lands under
private ownership along the southernmost end of the overbuilt 92 kV/34.5 kV
transmission line corridor, the applicable land management plans and policies
include:
- The Imperial County General Plan
- Imperial County Zoning Regulations
- Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Regional Comprehensive
Plan and Guide (RCPG.)
All of the remaining lands directly affected by the Proposed Action are
public lands managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management; the applicable
land management plan is the:
As Imperial County has no direct land use jurisdiction over public lands,
neither the General Plan nor the Imperial County zoning regulations are
directly applicable to activities proposed on public lands.
The state-mandated Imperial County General Plan (General Plan) was developed
to create a balanced, comprehensive guide for future physical growth of
lands within the County, and provides mechanisms to achieve the County's
desired goals and objectives (County of Imperial 1993). The General Plan
strives towards achieving a balance between development and economic, social,
and environmental resources. The General Plan consists of nine (9)
elements: Land Use, Housing, Circulation and Scenic Highways, Noise, Seismic
and Public Safety, Agriculture, Conservation and Open Space, Geothermal
and Transmission Resources, and Water Resources (County of Imperial 1993).
A Land Use Map is provided as part of the Land Use Element of the General
Plan (Land Use Plan) which depicts projected land use development patterns
within Imperial County. The Land Use Plan indicates that the entire area
of the Proposed Action, including the southernmost portion of the overbuilt
92 kV/34.5 kV transmission line corridor, is located within a
large expanse of land currently dedicated to open space/recreation uses.
Essentially all of those lands under private ownership along the southernmost
end of the overbuilt 92 kV/34.5 kV transmission line corridor
are also within the boundaries of the Felicity Specific Plan Area (County
of Imperial 1993). The General Plan provides for the preparation and adoption
of specific plans as "planning tools" to implement the general
plan for further studies are needed prior to development. The Felicity Specific
Plan Area is intended to be developed with a full range of residential,
commercial, and light industrial uses in a manner which is compatible with
the natural setting of the site and its visibility from Interstate Highway 8.
The Felicity Specific Plan is currently under development by the ICPBD (Personal
Communication, John L. Morrison, ICPBD, October 14, 1997).
Imperial County zoning and other land use regulations are designed to promote
land use compatibility by designating acceptable uses and activities within
identified areas or zones. Zoning regulations promote or prohibit uses,
and designate appropriate building classes or structures within the various
zones which are, in part, intended to prevent or inhibit conflicting or
incompatible growth or uses within the respective zones. The Project area
is currently zoned "S-Open Space."
The Conservation and Open Space Element of the Plan is concerned with mineral
resources, open space and other environmental resources. The purpose of
the Conservation and Open Space Element of the General Plan is to:
- Promote the protection, maintenance, and County's natural resources
with particular emphasis on scarce resources and resources that require
special control and management;$ Prevent the wasteful exploitation, destruction,
and neglect of the State's natural resources;
- Recognize that natural resources must be maintained for their ecological
value as well as for the direct benefit to the public; and
- Protect open space for the preservation of natural resources, the managed
production of resources, outdoor recreation, and public health and safety.
In 1976, Congress enacted the Federal Land Policy and Management Act
(FLPMA) and established the 25 million acre California Desert Conservation
Area (CDCA). The CDCA Plan is a comprehensive, long range plan for
the management, use, development, and protection of the 12 million
acres of public land within the boundaries of the CDCA which are administered
by the BLM. The CDCA Plan was adopted in 1980,
and has been subsequently amended on a periodic basis. The goal of the CDCA
Plan is to provide and enhance uses for public lands without diminishing
the environmental, cultural, and aesthetic values of these lands (USDI 1980).
The area of the Proposed
Action is located entirely within the CDCA. The majority of the public
lands within the CDCA have been designated under a multiple use classification
system. Four (4) multiple use classes have been established: Class C
(Controlled Use); Class L (Limited Use); Class M (Moderate Use);
and Class I (Intensive Use).
Specific guidelines have been established for each recognized activity in
each multiple use class. All of the Project area, and approximately the
northernmost mile of the overbuilt 92 kV/34.5 kV transmission
line corridor, are located entirely in an area designated Class L,
or Limited Use. Class L areas are intended to generally protect sensitive,
natural, scenic, ecological, and cultural resources, and are typically managed
to provide for generally lower-intensive, controlled, multiple use of resources,
while ensuring that sensitive resources are not significantly reduced. Mineral
exploration and development projects are allowed in Class L areas.
All of the remainder of the overbuilt 92 kV/34.5 kV transmission
line corridor (except for those public lands interspersed with the private
lands near Interstate Highway 8, which are unclassified) is located
entirely in an area designated Class M, or Moderate Use. Class M
areas are intended to provide a controlled balance between higher intensity
use and protection of public lands, and specifically provides for a wide
variety of present and future uses, such as mining, livestock grazing, recreation,
energy, and utility development.
The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) has adopted the
Regional Comprehensive Plan and Guide (RCPG) as a guide for regional planning.
The RCPG is divided into core chapters covering Growth Management, Regional
Mobility, Air Quality, Hazardous Waste Management, and Water Quality, which
constitute the base on which local governments ensure consistency of their
plans with applicable regional plans under CEQA.
3.9.2. Existing Land Uses
The entire Project area is located within a remote area of eastern Imperial
County on undeveloped public lands administered by the BLM.
Current land uses in the area consist of mineral exploration and development,
aerial military training overflights, utility corridors, and dispersed recreational
activities by the general public. Similar public lands with similar uses
generally surround the Project area. However, access to these similar lands
off Indian Pass Road for recreational use by motorized vehicles is limited
to designated trails. The nearest residence to the Project mine and process
area is at Gold Rock Ranch, which is located approximately seven (7)
miles southwest of the Project mine and process area. No other permanent
residences are known to exist within ten (10) miles of the Project
area.
Several operating mines are located in the vicinity of the Project mine
and process area. The American Girl/Oro Cruz Mine is located about seven (7)
miles south of the Project mine and process area; the Mesquite Mine is located
about ten (10) miles to the northwest of the Project mine and
process area; and the Picacho Mine is located about eight (8) miles
east of the Project mine and process area.
The U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) maintains the Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery
Range (CMAGR), which at its closest is approximately ten (10) miles
northwest of the Project area. The CMAGR is actively used for military aircraft
training and live ordnance delivery. The USMC conducts both daytime and
nighttime helicopter flight training in and around the Project area, and
two (2) military visual flight rule (VFR), low-level flying routes
for fixed wing aircraft are located in the vicinity of the Project area
(Personal Communication, T.A. Manfredi, USMC, June 2, 1995).
The BLM is currently drafting a long-term regional
management plan which would include the Project area. The plan, entitled
"Northern and Eastern Colorado Desert Coordinated Management Plan"
(NECDMP), would address a broad spectrum of land uses which include mineral
exploration and development as well as protection of biological resources.
Plan decisions would involve only state and federal lands and would provide
the basis for the BLM to amend its 1980 California Desert Conservation
Area Plan (CDCA) and the cooperating agencies to update their land and
resource management plans. An overview and progress report on the plan was
published in July 1995 and addresses those comments received during the
public scoping period. The scoping process has been completed and a draft
plan is anticipated for release in 1998.
3.9.2.1. Wilderness Areas
The Wilderness Act of 1964 established the National Wilderness Preservation
System which is comprised of public and other federal lands designated by
Congress as wilderness. The California
Desert Protection Act of 1994 gave wilderness designation to 69 individual
areas of public land within the CDCA. Two (2) Wilderness Study Areas
(WSA ) in the vicinity of the Project area, Picacho
Peak (CDCA 355A) and Indian Pass (CDCA 355), were designated as
wilderness areas (USDI 1995) (see Figure 3.14). The wilderness
boundaries as shown in Figure 3.14 were set using legal descriptions
drafted by the BLM from the maps adopted by Congress
in 1994. The Picacho Peak Wilderness Area encompasses a total of approximately
7,700 acres, and is located approximately one-half (2) of a mile northeast
of the Project mine and process area at its nearest point (USDI 1994). The
Indian Pass Wilderness Area encompasses a total of approximately 33,855 acres
within the Chocolate Mountains, and is located approximately one and one-half (12)
miles north of the Project mine and process area at its closest point. The
southeastern boundary of the Indian Pass Wilderness Area is generally separated
from the northwestern boundary of the Picacho Peak Wilderness Area by Indian
Pass Road, which provides access to both of the wilderness areas from the
southwest (USDI 1994).
3.9.2.2. Areas of Critical Environmental Concern
FLPMA defines an Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC)
as an area within public lands where special management attention is required
to protect and prevent irreparable damage to important historic, cultural,
or scenic values; fish and wildlife resources; other natural systems or
processes; or to protect human life and safety from natural hazards (USDI
1980). ACECs are managed for multiple use, but
with special restrictions, and they do not preclude appropriate development
if protection of sensitive values can be assured.
The Project area is not located within any designated ACEC.
The nearest ACEC is the Indian Pass ACEC, located about three-quarters (3/4) of a mile
north of the Project mine and process area at its closest point (see Figure 3.14).
The Indian Pass ACEC was designated to protect
cultural resources in the form of prehistoric artifacts located in the Chocolate
Mountains approximately four (4) miles southeast of Quartz Peak. The
only other ACEC located in the vicinity of the
Project area is the Singer Geoglyphs ACEC, located
about ten (10) miles west-northwest of the Project area. This ACEC was also nominated to protect cultural resources
in the form of a number of intaglios located within that area.
3.9.2.3. Recreation Resources
In addition to other changes, this section has been modified from the
November 1996 Draft EIR in response to comments to: provide additional information
regarding recreational uses in the area, including recreational use of the
wilderness areas.
Numerous dispersed recreational opportunities exist in the vicinity of the
Project area. These uses include: hunting, camping, hiking, picnicking,
rock collecting (rock hounding), photography, and off-highway vehicle (OHV)
use. The nearest developed recreational facilities include the private Gold
Rock Ranch, a small campground facility with a general store located approximately
seven (7) miles southwest of the Project mine and process area, and
the Picacho State Recreational Area, located about six (6) miles northeast
of the Project mine and process area along the Colorado River. At this time,
there is no known plan or proposal to incorporate the Project area or vicinity
into either the state or federal park system.
Indian Pass Road serves as the primary access route to the new Indian Pass
Wilderness Area and Picacho Peak Wilderness Area. The wilderness areas are
likely to attract campers, rock collectors, and sightseers. Indian Pass
Road also serves as a secondary route to the Picacho State Recreation Area,
located approximately six (6) miles northeast of the Project mine and
process area, and the road forms a loop with Picacho Road, circling back
south to Interstate Highway 8.
Recreation resources in the Project area encompass an approximately one
(1) to two (2) mile wide corridor parallel to Indian Pass Road (Indian Pass
recreation corridor) from Ogilby Road to the Colorado River and the Picacho
State Recreation Area. The Indian Pass recreation corridor is considered
an undeveloped, high use, recreational corridor. No improved campsites or
facilities exist in the immediate area, but old fire rings and indirect
evidence of primitive campsites were observed at locations along the wash
west of Indian Pass Road between its intersection with Ogilby Road and the
Project mine and process area. Many people drive through the area while
going to the Colorado River and the Picacho State Recreation Area, and many
people use the area as a vehicle tour route and may do some four-wheeling.
People with both two-wheel and four-wheel drive vehicles come into the area
and hike. The Indian Pass recreation corridor also provides informal overnight
vehicle camping, especially in the microphyll woodland areas. People are
attracted to the microphyll woodland areas because of the vegetation, hiking
is easy in the washes, and the vegetation often attracts wildlife. Rock
hounding is another popular recreational use in the area. During hunting
season, the area is used by many hunters looking for deer, quail and mourning
doves. Some people use the area for geology, natural history, and archaeology
classes. There have also been some reports of World War II veterans
returning to visit the area, which was used for some training exercises,
and of the recent scattering of cremated human remains in the vicinity (Geisinger
1997). The BLM has been considering proposing
Indian Pass Road as a "backcounty-byway" to promote vehicle access
for "off-the-beaten-path"type of road use for the general public;
however, no formal proposals have been made. Although the BLM
does not have quantifiable use numbers for the Indian Pass recreation corridor,
it is probably the most heavily used dispersed recreation area east of the
intensely used Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area.
The Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area (ISDRA) is located approximately
ten (10) miles west of the Project area in the Algodones Sand Dunes.
The area south of State Route 78 is used for camping and off-highway
vehicles (OHV), while the area north of State Route 78 is reserved for more
passive recreational uses. The Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area is perhaps
the most well known landmark in Imperial County and attracts thousands of
off-highway (OHV) enthusiasts each year. The dunes extend for more than
40 miles along the eastern edge of the Imperial Valley and average
approximately five (5) miles in width.
The D-12 deer hunt zone, which encompasses over 7,000 square miles
in the eastern portions of San Bernardino, Riverside and Imperial Counties,
including the Project area, has long been recognized by local hunters as
providing valued desert deer hunting opportunities (Celentano and Garcia
1984). In recent years, hunting interest has increased, bringing additional
pressures on the local deer population (Davis Schaefer 1995). The estimated
total population of deer in the D-12 zone is 1,700 (CDFG 1996a); however,
total deer population in the area is difficult to estimate and data is particularly
expensive to obtain due to the low density and scattered distribution of
the deer. As such, the herd size is typically discussed in relative terms
based on climatic conditions, plant productivity, herd composition, and
harvest data (Celentano and Garcia 1984). The CDFG recently compared
the following methods for collecting deer data in the Sonoran desert: helicopter
surveys, ground surveys, and hunter interviews. It was concluded that each
of the three (3) methodologies provided generally comparable findings
with respect to estimating the frequency of male, female, and juvenile mule
deer within the survey area (Thompson and Bleich 1993). Based, in part,
on these findings, the CDFG is currently using hunter surveys to provide
demographic information about deer in the D-12 zone. Hunter survey data
for the D-12 deer hunt zone has now been collected for two (2) years
(i.e., the 1994 and 1995 hunting seasons) (Personal Communication, Nancy
Andrew, CDFG, 1996).
The voluntarily reported deer take in the D-12 zone in 1995 was 60 deer
(CDFG 1996b). Using the estimated statewide average nonreporting of 49 percent,
an additional 60" nonreported deer were probably also taken, for
an estimated total of about 120 deer harvested within the D-12 zone.
The Project area is located in Area IV of the D-12 zone (an area south
of State Route 78 extending to the U.S.-Mexico border, and from the
Colorado River west to the Imperial Valley). According to the two (2)
recent deer hunter surveys compiled by the CDFG, a total of three (3)
bucks were taken by the 26 hunters responding to the survey who hunted
in Area IV during the 1994 season (approximately a 12 percent
success rate); and a total of twelve (12) bucks were taken by the 29 hunters
responding to the survey who hunted in Area IV in 1995 (about a 41 percent
success rate). These survey numbers can be compared to the average hunter
success rates statewide and the entire D-12 zone, including Area IV,
over the past six (6) years (see Table 3.14).
The CDFG expects to issue 1,100 deer tags for the 1996 hunt in the
D-12 zone.
Table 3.14
| Area |
Hunter Success Rates by Percent by Year |
1990 |
1991 |
1992 |
1993 |
1994 |
1995 |
Statewide |
14 |
12 |
12 |
10 |
11 |
8 |
D-12 Deer Hunt Zone |
3 |
6 |
6 |
7 |
6 |
6 |
Source: CDFG 1996a
It is unclear from the information available if the reported higher relative
success rate of hunters in Area IV is a result of an increasing population
of deer resulting from consecutive years of favorable conditions (see Section
3.5.5), or other factors such as continuing increased OHV use and hunting
pressure, as suggested by Celentano and Garcia (1984) to reflect the increased
deer kill trend observed within the D-12 zone over the years 1945 to 1984.
Game birds, including Gambel's quail, mourning dove, and white-winged dove,
inhabit the washes in the Project area. Relatively little statistical information
is available regarding small game in the area, but it is reported that some
hunters from the Imperial Valley favor hunting game birds in the desert
washes over hunting these species within the Valley proper (Personal Communication,
Carol Sassie, CDFG, 1996).
3.10. Socioeconomics
The Proposed Project would have an influence on the socioeconomic environment
of both Imperial County, California and Yuma County, Arizona. Pertinent
socioeconomic data and background data for both Yuma and Imperial Counties
is summarized below.
3.10.1. Imperial County, California
Imperial County occupies an area of 4,284 square miles in the southeastern
corner of California. It is bounded on the north by Riverside County, on
the west by San Diego County, on the south by Mexico, and on the east by
the Colorado River and Yuma County, Arizona.
3.10.1.1. Demographics
The Project area lies within a sparsely populated, unincorporated area
of Imperial County. According to demographic statistics available from the
State of California Department of Finance, Demographic Research Unit, Imperial
County had a total population of 135,675 as of January 1, 1994 (California
Department of Finance 1994).
The principal population centers located within California nearest the Project
area are the City of Holtville, located approximately 50 road miles
to the southwest; the City of Brawley, located approximately 56 road
miles to the west-northwest; and the City of El Centro, located approximately
60 road miles to the southwest of the Project mine and process area.
The estimated 1994 population for the cities of Holtville, Brawley, and
El Centro were 5,576; 21,738; and 36,717; respectively (California
Department of Finance 1994).
3.10.1.2. Housing
According to estimates based upon the 1990 U.S. Census, Imperial
County was projected to have 40,366 households by 1994. The estimated
number of persons per household in 1994 was projected to be 3.48 (California
Department of Finance 1994).
3.10.1.3. Employment and Income
The labor force for Imperial County in 1994 was estimated by the State
of California Economic Development Department to be 48,825. Per capita income
in 1990 was estimated at $15,343 for residents of Imperial County. Median
family income for 1990 was estimated at $25,147.
The local economy of Imperial County is based principally on agriculture,
government services, and retail trade. According to 1990 estimates, 35.1 percent
of the county's work force was employed in agriculture, 21.3 percent
was employed in government services, and 15.2 percent were employed
in retail trade. Unemployment rates were estimated at 19.3 percent
of the total work force of Imperial County in 1994.
3.10.2. Yuma County, Arizona
Yuma County occupies 5,509 square miles, and is situated in the
far southwest corner of Arizona. Yuma County is bounded on the west by the
Colorado River and Imperial County, California, on the north by La Paz
County, on the east by Maricopa and Pima Counties, and on the south by Mexico.
The City of Yuma is the county seat.
3.10.2.1. Demographics
Yuma County was projected to have a population of 120,827 in 1995 (Yuma
Economic Development Corporation 1994). The City of Yuma in Yuma County,
Arizona, approximately 30 road miles southeast of the Project area,
is the nearest major population center to the Project area. The 1993 population
of the City was estimated to be 57,730 (Yuma Economic Development Corporation
1994).
3.10.2.2. Housing
Yuma County was estimated to have 35,791 occupied housing units
in 1990 (Arizona Public Service Company, Economic Development Department,
and Azstats 1994). For the same period, the estimated number of persons
per household was 2.9 (Yuma Economic Development Corporation 1994).
3.10.2.3. Employment and Income
The 1993 work force for Yuma County was estimated to be 45,300. The estimated
1992 per capita income for Yuma County was $12,504, and the 1990 median
family income was estimated at $25,648 (Arizona Public Service Company,
Economic Development Department, and Azstats 1994).
Yuma County's leading employers are agriculture, government, and tourism.
The largest employers in Yuma County are the U.S. Marine Corps Air Station
(MCAS) and Yuma Proving Grounds (Yuma Economic Development Corporation 1994).
The estimated 1992 unemployment rate for Yuma County was 22.8 percent
(Arizona Public Service Company, Economic Development Department, and Azstats
1994).
3.11. Roads and Public Services
3.11.1. Roads and Transportation System
Although the Project area is located in a relatively remote section of
Imperial County, the existing road system provides direct access from the
west. The Project mine and process area is located along Indian Pass Road,
approximately five (5) miles northeast of the intersection of Indian
Pass Road with Ogilby Road. Main access to Indian Pass Road and the Project
area is via Ogilby Road, either from the south, approximately thirteen (13) miles
from the Ogilby Road exit off Interstate Highway 8, or from the north,
approximately eleven (11) miles from the intersection of Ogilby Road
with State Route 78 (see Figure 3.18).
Indian Pass Road is an approximately 24-foot-wide, graded gravel road which
provides access to Indian Pass and the southern Chocolate Mountains, Picacho
State Recreation Area, and the recently created Indian Pass Wilderness Area
and Picacho Peak Wilderness Areas, for campers, rockhounds, sightseers,
and OHV users. Indian Pass Road is the primary access route between Ogilby
Road and Picacho State Recreation Area. Indian Pass Road is maintained by
the Imperial County Public Works Department (ICPWD), Road District No. 5,
Holtville, under the general right-of-way granted by federal Revised Statute 2477
(R.S. 2477) on July 26, 1866, for public highways across public
lands which were not otherwise reserved for any use. FLPMA rescinded R.S. 2477
in 1976, but no right-of-way under the FLPMA right-of-way regulations (43 CFR 2800)
has been requested by Imperial County or granted by the BLM.
Hyduke Road is an approximately 15-foot-wide dirt road which extends from
Ogilby Road to the Colorado River in the east. It provides access to the
recently created Picacho Peak Wilderness Area and to the Picacho State Recreation
Area Headquarters located along the western shoreline of the Colorado River,
and is used by campers, rockhounds, sightseers, and OHVs. Hyduke Road is
maintained by the BLM as a 4-wheel drive road.
Both Indian Pass Road and Hyduke Road are being considered for inclusion
in the BLM's National Backcountry Byways program.
This program is the BLM's contribution to the
larger National Scenic Byways program, which is intended to increase the
awareness of scenic corridors that are "off the beaten path" (USDI
no date).
Ogilby Road (County Road S-34) is a two-lane, paved county road also
maintained by the ICPWD. State Route 78, a paved two-lane state highway,
and Interstate Highway 8, a four-lane interstate highway, are both
maintained by District 11 of the California Department of Transportation
(Caltrans ).
Traffic volume counts [average weekday vehicle trip ends (AWVTE)]
were taken in 1993 on several roads in the vicinity of the Project area,
although no traffic volume counts on Ogilby Road in the vicinity of Indian
Pass Road, or on Indian Pass Road itself, were taken. The available counts
are given in Table 3.15.
Table 3.15
| Location |
AWVTE |
Interstate Highway 8 between Gordon's Well Road and Ogilby Road |
10,000 |
Interstate Highway 8 between Pilot Knob Road and Ogilby Road |
10,300 |
Ogilby Road just south of its crossing of the Southern Pacific railroad
tracks |
928 |
State Route 78 between Glamis Road and Ogilby Road |
1,500 |
State Route 78 at Palo Verde Ave. in Palo Verde |
1,550 |
Source: Personal Communication, Neil Jorgensen, ICPWD, November 1995
All public lands are classified by the BLM
within one (1) of three (3) vehicle use categories: open, closed,
or limited (BLM No Date). The Project area and
surrounding areas are designated as Limited Use Areas. Limited Use Areas
are those areas which are available for motorized vehicle use subject to
certain restrictions. Within Limited Use Areas, routes of travel are further
designated as either open, closed, or limited. Vehicle access within Limited
Use Areas are restricted to open and limited approved routes of travel.
Figure 2.8 shows the routes of travel within the Project area
and vicinity (BLM No Date). All routes associated
with Project activities within the Project area were either pre-existing
or were contained in an approved Plan of Operations.
The main line of the Southern Pacific Railroad operates in the vicinity
of the Project area. The rail line crosses Ogilby Road at a point approximately
nine (9) miles south of the intersection of Ogilby Road with Indian
Pass Road, and approximately 3.7 miles north of Interstate Highway 8.
The Ogilby Road railroad track crossing is secured with standard crossing
gates with flashing lights and warning bells (Personal Communication, Neil
Jorgensen, ICPWD, November 1995).
3.11.2. Utilities
The Project area lies within the service area of the Imperial Irrigation
District (IID), a state-chartered municipal utility which provides electrical
energy to nearly all of the residential, commercial, and industrial users
within Imperial County and southeastern Riverside County. The IID electrical
service line nearest the Project area is a 34.5 kV transmission/distribution
line which crosses Indian Pass Road just northeast of its intersection with
Ogilby Road (see Figure 3.15). This transmission line transmits
power from the higher voltage IID transmission lines in the south to the
telecommunications equipment located atop Black Mountain. The IID has indicated
that this 34.5 kV transmission line has insufficient capacity to supply
the electrical requirements of the Project (see Section 2.3.1.6).
A Western Area Power Authority (WAPA ) 161 kV
transmission line runs parallel and immediately adjacent to the IID 34.5 kV
transmission line; however, WAPA has determined
that it could not provide the Project with "firm," or non-discretionary,
capacity to transmit the required power to the Project from this transmission
line.
Because of its strong agricultural base, Imperial County's economy is tied
to the availability of inexpensive water. Most agricultural and potable
water for use in Imperial County is supplied from the Colorado River by
the IID via the All-American Canal. However, due to its remoteness, there
is no public water service available to the Project area from the IID or
others. Potable and process water for other projects located in the vicinity
of the Project area is typically obtained from private wells.
Sewer district's are located in most of the cities and unincorporated population
centers of Imperial County and Yuma, although no sewer district covers the
Project area. Sanitary waste treatment for areas not within a sewer district
is typically handled by individual on-site septic tanks and leaching systems
in accordance with Imperial County Health Department regulations.
Natural gas is available in many parts of Imperial County and Yuma County;
however, there are no gas lines in the vicinity of the Project area, and
natural gas service is not available. Propane supplied from individual tanks
is readily available from several suppliers in Imperial County and Yuma
County.
Telephone service is not currently available to the Project mine and process
area. The operating mines in the vicinity of the Project either have telephone
service from Pacific Bell or operate an on-site microwave telephone system.
Additionally, field communications for the Project would be provided by
a FM mine communication system. The microwave and FM communications used
by the Project would be regulated by the FCC. Both of these systems are
outside the communications band used by the military.
As of 1993, there were ten (10) Imperial County-operated Class III
disposal sites located throughout Imperial County which were authorized
to accept non-hazardous solid waste (County of Imperial 1993). Three (3)
of these landfills were located on land owned by Imperial County; six (6)
were operated by Imperial County on public lands managed by the BLM; and one (1) was located on the Fort Yuma Indian
Reservation. In addition to these facilities, one (1) privately operated
public Class III waste disposal site was located in an unincorporated
area northwest of the City of Imperial; one (1) privately operated
public Class I landfill facility authorized to accept specific hazardous
wastes was located west of the City of Westmorland; and one (1) private
Class II solid waste disposal/storage facility authorized to accept
designated waste was located northwest of the City of Westmorland (County
of Imperial 1993).
3.11.3. Public Services
Police service for the Project area is provided by the Imperial County
Sheriff's Department, which maintains a substation in Winterhaven, California,
an unincorporated community located across the Colorado River from the City
of Yuma, Arizona, and approximately 28 road miles from the Project
mine and process area. Fire service for the Project area is provided by
the Winterhaven Fire Department.
The nearest hospital to the Project area is the Yuma Regional Medical Center,
located within the City of Yuma, Arizona, a distance of approximately 30 road
miles from the Project mine and process area. The El Centro Regional Medical
Center is located approximately 60 road miles from the Project mine
and process area.
Imperial County's education system consists of eighteen (18) school
districts which contain 37 elementary schools, seven (7) high
schools, six (6) adult schools, one (1) community college (Imperial
Valley College) and one (1) satellite campus of San Diego State University
(County of Imperial 1993). Yuma County contains 24 elementary schools,
four (4) high schools, four (4) private and parochial schools,
and one (1) community college (Arizona Western College). Public school
enrollment in Yuma County is approximately 24,250 students. An additional
500 students are enrolled in private and parochial schools (Yuma Economic
Development Corporation, 1994).
3.12. Other Resources
The Project area is not in or adjacent to an area of prime or unique
farmland or a designated wild, scenic, or recreational river.
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