Environmental Impact Statement - Sonoma Land Trust

California Department of Fish and Game
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Section 3.15. Environmental Justice
• result in disproportionately high and adverse environmental effects
(including effects on the natural or physical environment) that would
substantially and adversely affect minority, low-income, or Native American
populations.
A disproportionate effect is defined as one that is predominantly borne, more
severe, or of a greater magnitude in areas with environmental justice populations
than in other areas.
Impacts and Mitigation Measures
No-Action Alternative
Under the No-Action Alternative, no restoration activities would occur. SLT
would still transfer title of the Sears Point properties to CDFG and USFWS. The
Black Point Sports Club lease would not be renewed. USFWS may continue
agricultural leases in the area between Highway 37 and the railroad tracks,
subject to a Special Use permit, and grazing operations would continue north of
Highway 37. The proposed tidal wetland restoration site would continue to
support related buildings, roads and infrastructure and(buildings that are no
longer needed would may have to be removed). The area south of the rail line
would be maintained as pumped, diked bayland. As such, no new impacts with
the potentialseasonal wetlands and saturated grasslands. Public recreational
access to affect minority or low-income groups would occur under the No-Action
Alternativethe site, including access for waterfowl hunting, would increase
compared to current conditions. Some pumping of stormwater would continue to
prevent flooding; however, the level of pumping conducted would not exceed,
and is likely to be less than, current levels.
Conclusion: No Impact.
Action Alternatives
Impact EJ-1: Temporary or Permanent Effects on Minority
or Low-Income Groups in the Project Vicinity
Proposed Project
Vicinity of the Project Site
As discussed above, the community situated in the vicinity of the project site
does not have a minority population that is greater than 50 percent of county
average. However, one of the block groups that comprise the community
contains a greater number of individuals in poverty than the countywide median.
As such, the information derived from the data collected shows a portion of the
surrounding rural community is low-income and may be affected by
environmental justice concerns.
Sears Point Wetland and Watershed Restoration
Project Final Environmental Impact
Report/Environmental Impact Statement
3.15-5
April 2012