environmental assessment for the hog lake road improvement project

Ramona Hog Lake Road Improvement Project August 2011
Project site. While no recent occurrences of these plants were documented within
the Project area during plant surveys conducted in 2005 or 2008, there is a chance
that unobserved or new growth could be present at the time of construction.
Mitigation measures/design criteria will be implemented to reduce the chances of
any direct impacts to these plants (see Table 1: Mitigation Measures/Design Criteria;
Biological Resources).
Indirect impacts to sensitive botanical species could occur as a result of chemical
emissions, fugitive dust, human presence, and invasive species. Increases of
chemical emissions and fugitive dust during construction would be temporary and
due to the linear nature of the Project would be continually progressing along the
Project area, which would limit the time any one area would be exposed. Release of
chemical emissions from vehicles would increase during construction, however due
to the remote location, open area and overall minimal traffic, emissions should
disperse. Impacts of chemical emissions after construction are not expected to
increase substantially over current levels. The road is not a through road and would
still only be utilized by the small number of residents and guests of the Reservation.
Fugitive dust rates could increase during construction, but would be significantly
reduced from the existing levels over the long-term by the paving of this access
road. Mitigation measures/design criteria will be incorporated to minimize indirect
impacts to the extent possible during construction (see Table 1: Mitigation
Measures/Design Criteria; Biological Resources). The reduction in dust disturbance
resulting from the paving of the current dirt road is considered a positive effect for
species in the area.
A potential increase in non-native plant species would likely only occur along the
perimeter 0.15 acre impact area, but could also occur along the road edges. The
limited impact area and hardscape within the impact area would limit the potential
areas for invasive species to take hold. Invasive and noxious weed species seed
could be spread or introduced into the area by construction equipment or normal
traffic. Mitigation measures/design criteria will be employed to reduce the spread of
noxious and non-native species (see Table 1: Mitigation Measures/Design Criteria;
Biological Resources).
Wildlife Species
California Spotted Owl
No direct effects are expected. The proposed impact area and immediately adjacent
lands do not support any suitable forest habitat typical to this species for nesting or
roosting. The Project area is within the range of an historic, currently unoccupied
California spotted owl territory. If occupied, the Project area could be utilized for
foraging. Indirect effects could include avoidance of foraging in the area due to
construction noise and disturbance and/or reduction in prey due to direct or indirect
impacts to general small mammal species. With the wide territories of the California
Frank Springer & Associates, Inc. Page 46 of 79 Environmental Assessment