Environmental Impact Statement - Sonoma Land Trust

California Department of Fish and Game
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Section 3.2. Surface-Water Hydrology,
Tidal Hydraulics, and Sedimentation
It is important to note that agricultural areas north of the SMART line and the
SMART line would be better protected from flooding and associated erosion
with the Project tidal wetlands and levee compared to baseline which would
leave these areas far more vulnerable to future flooding and erosion.
Conclusion: Less than Significant
Full-Tidal Alternative
The Full-Tidal Alternative would have the same potential ecological
consequences of accelerated sea level rise as described above for the Proposed
Project for the area south of the rail line. A number of features have been
incorporated into Full-Tidal Alternative design that are intended to minimize the
impact of sea-level rise on marsh restoration and its physical evolution, and the
Full-Tidal Alternative provides for additional potential habitat on the levee slope
north of the rail line levee, as well as along the levees east of Reclamation Road
and south of Highway 37. Sea level rise could impact the tidal habitat north of
the rail line, if there is insufficient sediment accretion and/or organic matter
accretion to keep up with sea level rise. In that case, the area north of the rail line
would become a muted tidal lagoon rather than tidal marsh. Although not the
primary target habitat for this area, this would be an acceptable habitat outcome,
and the impact is considered less than significant.
Potential impacts due to coastal flooding on the SMART rail line and
surrounding roads would also be similar to the Proposed Project. The rail line
levee would be designed to address potential sea level rise through approximately
2050, and there would be direct protection for Reclamation Road and Highway
37. Potential impacts due to sea level rise associated with the Full-Tidal
Alternative would therefore also be less than significant.
Conclusion: Less than Significant
Sears Point Wetland and Watershed Restoration
Project Final Environmental Impact
Report/Environmental Impact Statement
3.2-22
April 2012