Environmental Impact Statement - Sonoma Land Trust

California Department of Fish and Game
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Section 3.1. Geology, Soils, and Paleontology
However, the general contractor(s) selected for project implementation would be
required to prepare and implement a SWPPP in order to comply with
requirements of applicable permits under the NPDES program. Compliance with
permit conditions will adequately reduce impacts related to potential accelerated
erosion. As such, these impacts are considered less than significant, and no
mitigation is required.
Conclusion: Less than Significant.
Full-Tidal Alternative
The potential for the Full-Tidal Alternative to contribute to an increase in erosion
and sedimentation rates would be the same as for similar to the Project. Impacts
are considered less than significant, and no mitigation is required.
Conclusion: Less than Significant.
Impact GEO-5: Contribution to Substantial Loss of
Topsoil
Proposed Project
Restoration earthwork would require removal of existing surface soils from much
if not all of the site, totaling some 970 acres.a portion of the tidal restoration area
In a terrestrial environment, removal of undisturbed surface soils would typically
result in at least some loss of topsoil resources. However, the bay muds in the
diked Baylands portion of the site were formerly part of a highly dynamic tidal
system, which is not conducive to the formation of a topsoil layer. Furthermore,
as described in Chapter 1, the site has been heavily cultivated since the late 19 th
century, and any topsoil that may have been present historically has been
substantially disturbed. Thus, potential impacts on topsoil resources as a result of
project earthwork are considered less than significant, and no mitigation is
required.
Conclusion: Less than Significant.
Full-Tidal Alternative
The potential for the Full-Tidal Alternative to contribute to a substantial loss of
topsoil would be the same assimilar to for the Project. Impacts are considered
less than significant, and no mitigation is required.
Conclusion: Less than Significant.
Sears Point Wetland and Watershed Restoration
Project Final Environmental Impact
Report/Environmental Impact Statement
3.1-18
April 2012