Chapters 1 - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Chapter 5
included in this section is an analysis of the potential effects of increased traffic on local and
regional traffic circulation. Adverse effects related to traffic would be considered significant if:
Project-related traffic would exceed accepted increases in roadway volume to capacity
ratios as established by the affected jurisdictions.
The public utilities/easements section analyzes the potential effects of the various management
alternatives on existing public utilities and easements in the immediate vicinity of the Refuge.
Adverse effects to public utilities and easements would be considered significant if:
Direct or indirect damage to utilities, utility service, or other public facilities would occur
as a result of a proposed action.
Utilities or other public facilities would be relocated, either permanently or temporarily to
accommodate a proposed action.
Disruption of access to a public utility or other facility or temporary obstruction of an
easement would occur during implementation of a proposed action.
With regard to vectors and odors, this section discusses the potential prevalence of vector
populations under each of the alternatives, as well as the potential generation of unpleasant odors.
Effects related to vectors would be considered significant if:
Habitat changes would necessitate substantially increasing levels of mosquito abatement
programs to maintain mosquito populations at pre-project levels (adverse).
Habitat changes would result in a substantial decline of available mosquito breeding
habitat (beneficial).
The generation of offensive odors could represent a nuisance to adjacent residents located in
adjacent recreational areas, work sites, and commercial areas. Offensive odors can represent a
significant adverse effect if the strength and/or the persistence of the odors are substantial and if
the odors would affect a substantial number of people.
With regard to economics/employment, this section discusses the direct and indirect economic
effects on the regional economy of implementing the various alternatives presented for the Refuge.
Economic or social changes resulting from an action are considered to produce significant effects if
they result in a substantial adverse physical change in the environment (e.g., urban blight).
The environmental justice section evaluates the potential for adverse human health or
environmental effects to minority populations or low-income populations living in the vicinity of the
Refuge as a result of implementing the various actions proposed in each alternative. Impacts
related to environmental justice would be considered significant if:
A proposed action would result in disproportionate adverse human health impacts or
environmental effects to low-income or minority populations.
5-72 Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge