Chapters 1 - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Chapter 5
Equipment will be calibrated regularly to ensure that the proper rate of pesticide is
applied to the target area or species;
When spraying large areas, use drift retardants to reduce aerial drift of pesticides;
Spray applications will be made at the lowest height for uniform coverage of target
pests to minimize or eliminate potential drift; and
If windy conditions frequently occur during afternoons, spraying (especially boom
treatments) will typically be conducted during early morning hours.
Public Use
The continuation of the limited public use program as currently conducted on the Refuge would not
result in any significant adverse effects to air quality. Vehicular emissions from the travel of
visitors to the Refuge for monthly tours are negligible in the context of the wider airshed of the
SCAQMD.
5.2.2.9 Effects Related to Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Wildlife and Habitat Management
In addition to the management activities described for Alternative A, Alternative B also proposes
the restoration and enhancement of approximately 36 acres of tidally influenced habitat, replace
the culverts in the Bolsa Cell, and remove concrete debris from the marsh. These additional
activities will result in a temporary increase in GHG emissions over those anticipated under
Alternative A, however, the proposed construction activities will occur over relatively short period
of time. The overall GHG emissions generated by two or three construction vehicles operating
over a one to two month period would be relatively low compared to the other activities occurring
within the SCAQMD. Therefore, the GHG emissions anticipated to result from the
implementation of this alternative are not expected to represent a significant direct or indirect
impact on the environment.
To further reduce the total GHG emissions generated from the operation and maintenance of the
Refuge, as vehicles are replaced, new vehicles will be selected that have better fuel economy. In
addition, where ever possible, tasks requiring off-Refuge travel will be combined to reduce the
total number of miles driven by Refuge staff. Office equipment, including light fixtures, will be
evaluated and replaced as necessary with “Energy Star” qualified products. The power
management features on all computers and monitors will be activated, laptop power cords will be
unplugged when not in use, and all equipment and lights will be turned off at the end of the day.
Public Use
The effects of the Refuge’s existing public use program on GHG emissions would be the same
under Alternative B as were described in Section 5.2.1.9 for Alternative A.
5.2.2.10 Effects Related to Contaminants
Wildlife and Habitat Management
Under Alternative B, several areas on the Refuge are proposed as sites for future restoration. Of
these restoration sites, the area southeast of the 7 th Street Pond was formerly used by the Navy as
an explosives burning ground. Groundwater sampling at this site in 2003 and 2004 indicated that
no contaminants concerns were present at the site and the site was considered closed.
Nevertheless, coordination with the Navy during the development of specific restoration plans for
this site would be conducted to ensure that no constituents of concern to Refuge trust resources or
water quality are present at the site. In addition, the monitoring wells that were installed at this
site to facilitate monitoring of contaminants levels would have to be removed prior to restoration.
5-24 Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge