La Paloma 2016 Hydrology

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2 The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C , or call (800) (voice) or (202) (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. 2

3 Table of Contents Table of Contents... i Purpose and Need... 1 Proposed Action (Alternative 1)... 1 Modified Proposed Action (Alternative 2)... 3 Regulatory Framework Applicable to Proposed Action... 3 Affected Environment-Water Quality... 3 Beneficial Uses... 3 Water Quality Objectives... 6 Hydrography Summary... 6 Cumulative watershed effects... 7 Environmental Consequences... 8 Alternative 1-Proposed Action... 8 Direct and Indirect Effects Cumulative Watershed Effects Alternative 2-Modified Proposed Action... 9 Direct and Indirect Effects Cumulative Watershed Effects Design Measures References Appendix A- Water Quality Protection Measures: Best Management Practices (BMPs)... i Appendix B Erosion Control Plan and BMP Checklist:... iii List of Tables Table 1. Designated beneficial uses for Kern River... 3 List of Figures Figure 1. Location of project area Figure 2. Location map of mining claim area and Proposed Action Figure 3. Hydrography map of the project area i

4 Purpose and Need The Sequoia National Forest proposes to issue a decision notice, and approve the La Paloma #1 and #2 Mining Plan of Operations (La Paloma). La Paloma is an existing surface barite mine located on 40 acres of the Kern Plateau in Tulare County, within the Sequoia National Forest, Kern River Ranger District. Under the proposed action, only one acre of area is proposed for disturbance (figure 1). The Plan of Operations is needed to establish appropriate terms and conditions under which Patrick Embree may exercise his right to mine an existing claim, as established by the General Mining Law of 1872, while protecting national forest surface resources consistent with other applicable laws, regulations, and policies, including the standards and guidelines in the Sequoia National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (1988). In addition to the Proposed Action the Forest Service also evaluated the following alternative: Modified Proposed Action Responds to the plan of operation and outlines specific mitigation and reclamation measures to limit the impact of proposed sampling and geological exploration. This report was prepared in support of the Environmental Assessment (EA) to determine whether implementation of La Paloma may significantly affect the quality of the human environment and thereby require the preparation of an environmental impact statement. The purpose and need for this project is to assure public health and safety while allowing for the proposed sampling and geological exploration from the existing La Paloma #1 and #2 barite mine. Barite is a very dense, non-metallic mineral used for drilling slurry, medical products, and other various purposes. This action is needed to establish appropriate terms and conditions under which Patrick Embree may exercise his right to mine an existing claim, as established by the General Mining Law of 1872, while protecting national forest surface resources consistent with other applicable laws, regulations, and policies, including the standards and guidelines in the Sequoia National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (1988) and the Sierra Nevada Forest Plan Amendment Riparian Conservation Objectives (2004). Proposed Action (Alternative 1) The project proponent has submitted a Plan of Operation for ore testing, and continued geological exploration and sampling for a period of five years, not to exceed 990 cubic yards of crude barite ore. Proposed activities in the La Paloma Plan of Operation include scaling (removing loose material from the existing working face) and/or retrieving caved ore from the base of the existing working face of Locus 1. Less than one acre is expected to be disturbed by the proposed activities. All ore retrieval would occur within the existing open pit within a 1

5 previously disturbed area. A program of exploratory drilling would also be conducted near loci 1, 2 and 3 within previously disturbed areas (Figure 2). Figure 1. Vicinity Map 2

6 Ore would be hauled from the site by dump trucks. The Plan of Operation would be in effect for a period of five years from the date of approval. The five year period would begin when the Plan of Operation is signed by the authorizing official. Modified Proposed Action (Alternative 2) Activities proposed under Alternative 2 are identical to those proposed under Alternative 1. Alternative 2 differs from Alternative 1, however, in that it addresses comments from the public and additionally stipulates the mitigation measures identified by forest staff, reclamation measures meeting the forest s Best Management Practices, and bonding that are conditions for approval for the plan of operation. Regulatory Framework Applicable to Proposed Action Forest policy and regulations to protect water quality and ensure watershed health are detailed by Best Management Practices (BMP s) described in the FSM Soil and Water Conservation Handbook Chapter 10 - Water Quality Management Handbook, (USDA, 2011), the Riparian Conservation Objective Standards and Guides as set forth in the Sierra Nevada Forest Plan Amendment (USDA, 2004), and the Sequoia National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan as amended by the Mediated Settlement Agreement (USDA, 1988). Affected Environment-Water Quality Beneficial Uses Water quality objectives and beneficial uses in the project area are managed by the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board (CVRWQCB) under the Central Valley Basin Plan for the Tulare Lake Basin (CVRWQCB, 2006a). This plan designates the beneficial uses to be protected, water quality objectives, and an implementation program for achieving objectives. Table 1 shows the designated beneficial uses for major perennial drainage(s) downstream of the project area. Water bodies tributary to these major perennial drainages also fall under the same beneficial use criteria (i.e., the Tributary Rule ). Assuming that the water quality currently meets or exceeds water quality standards, the water is subject to the Anti-degradation Policy, which requires that wherever existing water quality is better than the established objectives, the existing quality will be maintained (CVRWCB, 2006a). Table 1. Designated beneficial uses for major perennial drainages downstream of the project area. Water Bodies MUN AGR POW REC1 REC2 WARM COLD WILD RARE SPWN GWR FRSH Kern River Above X X X X X X X X X X Lake Isabella 3

7 Figure 2. Map of mining claim boundaries and proposed mining activities. Red lines depict the previously worked faces of the mine pits. Only locus 1 will be scalled. 4

8 Municipal and Domestic Supply (MUN) - Uses of water for community, military, or individual water supply systems including, but not limited to, drinking water supply. Agricultural Supply (AGR) Uses of water for farming, horticulture, or ranching, including, but not limited to, irrigation, stock watering, or support of vegetation for range grazing. Hydropower Generation (POW) - Uses of water for hydropower generation. Water Contact Recreation (REC-1) - Uses of water for recreational activities involving body contact with water, where ingestion of water is reasonably possible. These uses include, but are not limited to, swimming, wading, water-skiing, skin and scuba diving, surfing, white water activities, fishing, or use of natural hot springs. Non-contact Water Recreation (REC-2) - Uses of water for recreational activities involving proximity to water, but where there is generally no body contact with water, nor any likelihood of ingestion of water. These uses include, but are not limited to, picnicking, sunbathing, hiking, beachcombing, camping, boating, tidepool and marine life study, hunting, sightseeing. Warm Freshwater Habitat (WARM) - Uses of water that support warm water ecosystems including, but not limited to, preservation or enhancement of aquatic habitats, vegetation, fish, or wildlife, including invertebrates. Cold Freshwater Habitat (COLD) - Uses of water that support cold water ecosystems including, but not limited to, preservation or enhancement of aquatic habitats, vegetation, fish, or wildlife, including invertebrates. Wildlife Habitat (WILD) - Uses of water that support terrestrial or wetland ecosystems including, but not limited to, preservation and enhancement of terrestrial habitats or wetlands, vegetation, wildlife (e.g., mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates), or wildlife water and food sources. Threatened and Endangered Species (RARE) uses of water that support habitats necessary, at least in part, for the survival and successful maintenance of plant or animal species established under state or federal law as, rare, threatened or endangered. Spawning, Reproduction, and/or Early Development (SPWN) Uses of water that support high quality aquatic habitats suitable for reproduction and early development of fish (SPWN shall be limited to cold water fisheries). Ground Water Recharge (GWR) Uses of water for natural or artificial recharge of ground water for purposes of future extraction, maintenance of water quality, or halting of salt water intrusion into fresh water aquifers. Freshwater replenishment (FRSH) Uses of water for natural or artificial maintenance of surface water quantity or quality. 303(d) listing A water body or segment of a water body (e.g., a fresh stream, river, or lake) that does not meet (or is not expected to meet) water quality standards may be considered a Water Quality Limited Segment (WQLS). These WQLS s are added biennially by the CVRWQCB to the Clean Water Act 5

9 Section 303(d) list of impaired waters. Lake Isabella has been listed on the State s 303(d) list of impaired waters for Dissolved Oxygen and ph, source unknown. The establishment of a TMDL is scheduled for It is important to note that, as of this writing, the perennial drainages in project area subdrainages are not included or proposed for the State s 303(d) list of impaired waters. Water Quality Objectives Water Quality Objectives are narrative or numeric limits designed to protect beneficial uses of water. The parameters with specified objectives in the Tulare Basin Plan include ammonia, bacteria, biostimulatory substances, chemical constituents, color, dissolved oxygen, floating material, oil and grease, ph, pesticides, radioactivity, salinity, sediment, settleable material, tastes and odors, temperature, toxicity, and turbidity. Project activity will be 1,000 to 1,800 feet away from any perennial water source, and as such, no degradation of the water quality objectives is expected. Hydrography Summary The project area is located in the Rattle Snake Creek HUC12 watershed. The closest perennial drainage is Bonita Creek, which is approximately 1000 feet to the northwest (Figure 3). There are no intermittent channels that are hydrologically connected to the project site and since most of the project area is located on a knoll and near a saddle, there are few Class V ephemeral channels. The La Paloma Mine site was visited on October 28, 2015 to evaluate the condition of the project roads and the potential hydrologic connectivity between the project area and sensitive riparian areas near perennial waterbodies. The site is dominated by metasedimentary rock outcrop with some occurrences of Baldmountain and Jumpe family-complex soils. The road leading to the mine site is in good condition with no signs of rilling or rut development. Waterbars are appropriately spaced and are functioning properly with no signs of excessive runoff related erosion or sedimentation. The mine site is located on a flat (<2% gradient) knoll and in a slight depression, and thus no locations in the proposed scalling area are hydrologically connected to the adjacent hillslopes, nor are there perennial waterbodies close enough to be affected by the project activity. 6

10 Figure 3. Location of the project area relative to perennial waterbodies. Cumulative watershed effects Cumulative watershed effects (CWE) are those that result from the incremental impacts of the proposed action when added to past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions. Cumulative watershed effects can result from individually minor but collectively significant actions taking place over space and time. The objective of CWE analysis is to protect the identified beneficial uses of water from the combined effects of multiple management activities. This method assumes that an acre of road represents the greatest (common) management disturbance, and normalizes all other activities to this standard, called Equivalent Roaded Acres (ERAs). Established coefficients are used to convert acres of other land disturbing activities into ERAs. Local subdrainages ( HUC14 ) are used for spatial analysis for ERA s; these subdrainages range in size from 250 to 2000 acres. The CWE model evaluates six watershed characteristics used to set watershed sensitivity and assign threshold values. These include soil, topography, climate, geology, vegetation, and fluvial geomorphology. Disturbance modeling focuses on chronic sedimentation through the adoption of disturbance coefficients derived from studies performed on the Idaho Batholith. The modeling coefficients used to derive ERA values are determined by 7

11 silvicultural prescription and logging system, as well as a suite of variables used in the model to evaluate the cumulative ERA s. ERAs for vegetation management and logging are prorated by their age, assuming that 95% recovery occurs over 30 years. Assuming 95% recovery over time, as opposed to 100% recovery, takes into account major skid roads and landings, which may not fully recover to pre-disturbance conditions. Disturbance activities include roads and OHV trails; past, present, and foreseeable vegetation management and logging activity, grazing; and land development. All known disturbances that occurred within the past 30 years and all reasonably foreseeable disturbances are included in the CWE analysis. Environmental Consequences Alternative 1-Proposed Action The project proponent has submitted a Plan of Operation for ore testing, and to continue mining for a period of five years, not to exceed 990 cubic yards of crude barite ore. Ore would be removed by scaling (scaling involves removing loose material from the previously worked face of a mine, cutbanks, and other mining surfaces) and/or retrieving caved ore from the base of the existing working face of Locus 1 (Figure 2). Less than one acre is expected to be disturbed by the proposed activities. No ore processing will take place within the project area. Ore would be hauled from the site by dump trucks and be processed at existing industrial mineral mills (mostly grinding ore to a small, uniform size). Additional testing would be conducted with a tracked or tired drill rig, drilling to depths of up to 500 feet at up to ten locations. Drilling would occur only in areas previously disturbed by past mining activities. In addition to mining, the proponent proposes to remove fallen trees and other obstructions from road No. 22S24 and to temporarily remove water bars and berms from the road to allow passage of equipment. Direct and Indirect Effects Direct effects may include increased wear on the road system used to access the mining and drilling sites, with the possibility of increased erosion from the road prism. Potential water quality impacts would be mitigated by the following stipulations in the Plan of Operation as submitted: The project will minimize erosion by conducting operations during minimal runoff periods. Operations will be scheduled and conducted to minimize erosion and sedimentation when ground conditions are such that excessive rutting and soil compaction would not occur. Water breaks will be reinstalled after each active season. Water for drilling and dust suppression will be brought in to site from an approved source. Drill holes will be grouted as according to the Tulare County Department of Health drilling permit. 8

12 Direct effects from the scalling and drilling operations will be negligible since these activities are small in scope and occurring in areas previously disturbed and not subject to accelerated erosion (i.e., these areas are dominated by bedrock). Project activities will be at least 1,000-1,800 feet away from the nearest perennial waterbody, and thus are not hydrologically connected; as such, no impact to water quality is expected. Water used for drilling will come from a private well in Kennedy Meadows. This groundwater is not subject to State water rights approval or under Forest Service jurisdiction. The limited amount of water used is not expected to result in significant impacts. The Plan of Operation as submitted does not stipulate one way or another whether adjunct lubricants will be added. The drilling will stay within the same metasedimentary formation (Calaveras Group), and thus no alteration of the hydrogeology (e.g., communication with granitic aquifers) or water chemistry is expected. Although most of the barite talus produced as part of the proposed action will be removed from the site for processing, remnant talus (gangue) would not contribute sulfate (SO4 2- ) to ground or surface waters because: 1. Barite ore in essentially insoluble in fresh water (K sp =10-10 ); and 2. The size of the talus will be greater than cobble-sized and thus have a relatively low surface area/volume ratio, greatly reducing the exposed talus surfaces to weathering. Cumulative Watershed Effects The proposed project would occur in previously disturbed areas dominated by rock outcrop. The scalling would disturb less than 0.8 acres, which equates to an ERA value of less than This would have a negligible cumulative effect and thus no CWE response is expected from the proposed action. All newly approved Plans of Operations for mining operations on National Forest System lands must comply with the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972, 33 U.S.C (Clean Water Act or CWA). Under Alternative 1, the La Paloma Plan of Operation would address water quality by will minimize erosion by conducting operations during minimal runoff periods. Operations will be scheduled and conducted to minimize erosion and sedimentation when ground conditions are such that excessive rutting and soil compaction would not occur. Water breaks will be reinstalled after each active season. Water for drilling and dust suppression will be brought in to site from an approved source. The standards set by the agency s Best Management Practices (BMPs) would not necessarily be met during the lifespan of the Plan of Operations and detrimental soil disturbances, impacts to water quality may occur. Alternative 2-Modified Proposed Action The modified proposed action would differ from Alternative 1 above in that it would include additional BMPs to mitigate project effects. 9

13 Direct and Indirect Effects Potential road impacts would be mitigated by road use and maintenance BMPs (BMPs 2.3, 2.4, 2.13). Direct effects from the scaling and drilling operations will be negligible since these activities are small in scope and occurring in areas previously disturbed and not subject to accelerated erosion (i.e., these areas are dominated by bedrock). Proposed activities will be at least 1,000-1,800 feet away from the nearest perennial waterbody, and thus are not hydrologically connected; as such, no impact to water quality is expected. Water sourced from a private well in Kennedy Meadows will be the only drilling lubricant; no other adjunct lubricants will be added. The drilling will stay within the same metasedimentary formation (Calaveras Group), and thus no alteration of the hydrogeology (e.g., communication with granitic aquifers) or water chemistry is expected. Although most of the barite talus produced as part of the proposed action will be removed from the site for processing, remnant talus (gangue) would not contribute sulfate (SO4 2- ) to ground or surface waters because: 1. Barite ore is essentially insoluble in fresh water (K sp =10-10 ); and 2. The size of the talus will be greater than cobble-sized and thus have a relatively low surface area/volume ratio, greatly reducing the exposed talus surfaces to weathering. Cumulative Watershed Effects Cumulative watershed effects (CWE) would be identical to those discussed for Alternative 1. All newly approved Plans of Operations for mining operations on National Forest System lands must comply with the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972, 33 U.S.C (Clean Water Act or CWA). The La Paloma Plan of Operation would employ a wide range of activity-specific Best Management Practices (BMPs) in order to minimize detrimental soil disturbance, protect water quality, and maintain physical stability and hydrologic connectivity of riparian and aquatic habitats. Alternative 2 project design features that provide environmental mitigations are included in Appendix B, Sections B, F and G. Design Measures Design Measures are project-specific protection measures that are in addition to the standard Best Management Practices (BMP) required for water quality protection. Relevant BMP for this project are listed in Appendix A. Operator shall comply with applicable Federal and State water quality standards, including regulations issued pursuant to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended (33 U.S.C et seq.). Incorporation of the following operational project-specific guidelines would help minimize the risk of soil erosion and degraded water quality resulting from the proposed mining activities: Back fill (reclamation) of excavation pits must be roughly sorted, with some larger diameter rock material placed at the surface to decrease the amount of fine sediment available for potential transport during periods of high flow. 10

14 Weed free mulch, erosion control blanket, and/or wattles shall be applied to all disturbed areas of soil as per the erosion control plan. Appropriate road drainage features (water bars or rolling dips) must be installed every 75 feet (except for relatively flat, less than 5 percent slope, portions of the road) on all existing, non-system, access roads to allow runoff to be discharged from the road surface. Site runoff or any other project created waste water will be prevented from flowing directly into adjacent ephemeral, intermittent, or perennial stream networks. All equipment and fuel containers will be regularly inspected for leaks. Drip pans or absorbent pads shall be used during all on-site fueling operations. Local water will be the only drilling lubricant; no other adjunct lubricants will be added. References USDA Forest Service Sequoia National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan. Sequoia National Forest, Porterville, CA. USDA, Sierra Nevada Forest Plan Amendment ROD, 2004, pages USDA, Forest Service, 2011, Forest Service Manual Soil and Water Conservation Handbook Chapter 10 - Water Quality Management Handbook. State of California. 2006a. Water Quality Control Plan for the Tulare Lake Basin, Second Edition. Central Valley Water Quality Control Board. 11

15 Appendix A- Water Quality Protection Measures: Best Management Practices (BMPs) BMP s relate to the Water Quality Best Management Practices (BMP s) that apply to the Proposed Action. These are included in the FSM Soil and Water Conservation Handbook Chapter 10 - Water Quality Management Handbook, (USDA, 2011). This handbook should be provided to the proponent prior to project activates. BMPs and erosion control measures will be employed to protect the beneficial uses of water and address watershed management concerns within the affected watersheds. BMPs are measures designed to protect watershed resources and water quality. Implementation and effectiveness monitoring would ensure that water quality objectives are being met. BMP Name, Objective, and Direction Application to the La Paloma #1 and #2 Mining Plan of Operation BMP 2.3 Road Construction and Reconstruction: To minimize erosion and sediment delivery from roads during road construction or reconstruction and their related activities. For reconstructed roads: No side-casting in SMZs/RMAs. Schedule operations when precipitation is less likely, soil moisture is optimal for construction, and rutting does not occur. BMP 2.4 Road Maintenance and Operations: To ensure water quality protection by providing adequate and appropriate maintenance and by controlling road use and operations. BMP 2.11 Equipment Refueling and Servicing: To prevent fuels, lubricants, cleaners, and other harmful materials from discharging into nearby surface Roads needed for project activities would be brought to current engineering standards of alignment, drainage, and grade before use, and would be maintained through the life of the project. Roads would be inspected at least annually to determine what work, if any, is needed to keep ditches, culverts, and other drainage facilities functional and the road stable. Identify road maintenance measures to protect and maintain water, aquatic, and riparian resources, including surfacing, out-sloping, dips and cross drains, armoring ditches, spot rocking, replacing culverts, and installing new drainage features. Where economically feasible, place aggregate on existing native surface roads located in areas with High and Very High Soil Erosion Hazard ratings. Require aggregate on road slopes greater than 5% in areas with High and Very High Soil Erosion Hazard ratings. Maintain road surfaces to dissipate water uniformly using out-sloping, rolling dips, or crossdrains. Where feasible, use out-sloping with rolling dips as the primary technique. Adjust surface drainage structures to minimize hydrologic connectivity by discharging runoff into areas with high infiltration and surface roughness; armoring outlets; or increasing the number of drainage structures. Clean ditches only as often as needed to keep them functional. Prevent unnecessary vegetation disturbance. Avoid undercutting the toe of the cut-slope. Install erosion control measures when grading hydrologically connected segments and ditches. Project personnel would be aware of the Forest Spill Plan, including who to contact and other steps to take in case of a spill. A spill kit would be kept on-site. All waste oil, containers, and other materials would be removed from NFS lands, and properly disposed of. For heavy equipment: Storage of hazardous materials (including fuels) and servicing and refueling of equipment would be conducted at pre-designated locations outside of RCAs. If fueling and/or storage of hazardous materials are needed in these areas, sites must be Appendix i

16 Appendix BMP Name, Objective, and Direction waters or infiltrating through soils to contaminate groundwater resources. BMP 2.13 Erosion Control Plan: To effectively limit and mitigate erosion and sedimentation from any ground- disturbing activity, through planning prior to commencement of project activity, and through project management and administration during project implementation. BMP 5.6 Soil Moisture Limitations for Mechanical Equipment Operations: To prevent compaction, rutting, and gullying, with resultant sediment production and turbidity. BMP 7.4 Oil and Hazardous Substance Spill Contingency Plan and Spill Prevention Containment and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan: To prevent contamination of water from accidental spills. Application to the La Paloma #1 and #2 Mining Plan of Operation reviewed and approved by the hydrologist or aquatic biologist prior to contractual agreements by the SA. Additional protection measures, such as containment devices, may be necessary. For chainsaws and other gas powered equipment: Refueling may not occur in SMZs or RMAs. In the remainder of the RCA, refueling may occur with the use of an absorbent spill pad. BMP checklists would be prepared by the hydrologist for all project activities, even when an Erosion Control Plan is not necessary. Erosion Control Plan requirements are detailed in FSH , Exhibit 13. (Appendix B for ECP). The soil moisture provisions described in BMP 1.5 would apply to mechanical operations conducted by any entity (contractor or USFS) for any treatment. Fuels clean-up, site preparation, or any other treatment utilizing mechanical equipment would occur only when soil moisture is within an appropriate range as determined by a soil scientist, if necessary. For small quantities of hazardous materials, the Forest Spill Plan would be used (see BMP 2.11) A spill contingency plan and spill prevention and countermeasure plan (SPCC) must be prepared if hazardous materials (including fuels and oils) stored on the Sequoia NF exceed 1320 gallons, or if a single container exceeds 660 gallons. The plan will at a minimum include: the types and amounts of hazardous materials located in the project area, pre-project identified locations for hazardous materials storage and fueling/maintenance activities (must be located outside of RCA unless prior approval by District Hydrologist or Aquatic Biologist is obtained), methods for containment of hazardous materials and contents of on-site emergency spill kit, and a contingency plan (including contact names with phone numbers) to implement in the event of a spill. The SPCC plan must be approved by the Forest Service prior to project implementation. Appendix ii

17 Appendix Appendix B Erosion Control Plan and BMP Checklist: BMP 2.13 Erosion Control Plan Implementation of this BMP effectively limits and mitigates erosion and sedimentation from ground-disturbing activities. This plan will include those elements identified under BMP 2.13 and include the following: a. List of anticipated ground-disturbing actions associated with the project. Use of existing L2 roads o Installation of water bars o Removal of debris and brush along the road bed for access o Add slash on access road to further prevent erosion Closing temporary roads after project completion Ground-based/ mechanized work with possible equipment: o Excavators, loaders, dump trucks, water trucks, and portable drilling rigs. b. Checklist which includes mitigation measures required by project NEPA, requirements to meet BMPs, project plans, specifications, and permits, if any. The selection of erosion and sedimentation control measures shall be based on assessments of site conditions and how storm events may contribute to erosion. Dust Abatement on access routes Water-bars and grading of access routes Use of developed draft sites Use of developed mine sites Location of all refueling sites a minimum of 100 feet from riparian features Installation of berms and trenches around refueling sites Development of SCC spill plan Project implementation during dry conditions Development of erosion control plan Pre project monitoring to establish baseline conditions Post project monitoring to evaluate project effectiveness c. Illustrations of control practices designed to prevent erosion and sedimentation. Illustrations must show construction and installation details for control practices, and must be included in the erosion control plan. (for example, California Stormwater Quality Association BMP standard specifications CASQA at or Caltrans Stormwater and Water Pollution Control guides at The access roads will have water bars to prevent erosion and sedimentation. The design procedures can be read in the Forest Service Handbook (FSH) Chapter 40. Under the Sierra Nevada Forest Plan Revision Standard and Guides, ground-based systems (e.g., excavators) will not operate on sustained slopes over 35%. d. Map/drawing(s) showing soil or water buffer zones, RCAs, RCHAs, SMZs or other soil or water protection areas to be protected from project activities. Project boundary extends beyond disturbance limits (see Hydrology Report). Appendix iii

18 Appendix e. A description of the color and/or pattern of flagging or marking for soil or water buffer zones, RCAs, RCHAs, SMZs or other soil or water protection areas for each unit. NA no SMZ buffer zones in project area. f. Relevant sections from the R5 Water Quality Protection BMPs that apply to activity/activities. The BMPs will provide guidance to prevent significant adverse impacts to water quality from wet weather operations on NFTS roads and trails. Some wet weather operations may be part of the Project. g. Forest motor vehicle use map will be used to determine season closures for all NFTS routes that are not under permit or for administrative or project use only. A storm preparedness plan that describes additional control practices to be implemented when the National Weather Service predicts a 50 percent or greater chance of precipitation. A winterization plan that describes additional control practices to be implemented to stabilize the site during periods of seasonal inactivity. The dates vary by locality, and may be determined by the individual RWQCB (for example, October 15 through May 1). Winterized means that the site is stabilized to prevent soil movement permanently if project activities are complete, or temporarily in a manner which will remain effective until end of the stabilization period. If winter activity, including over-snow operation is proposed, specifications for snow/ice depth or soil operability conditions must be described. h. Control practices to reduce the tracking of sediment onto paved roads. These roads will be inspected and cleaned as necessary. i. Control practices to reduce wind erosion and control dust. Dust abatement will be performed by watering the access roads and staging areas to reduce wind erosion and control dust. j. A proposed sequential schedule to implement erosion and sediment control measures, in addition to the general construction schedule. Project implementation will occur during the operational season (generally June 1-November 15). During project implementation, several Best Management Practices will be used within areas of the project. Roads opened (or reopened) for project use will have water bars installed in accordance with the Timber Sale Administration (TSA) Handbook R5 supplement d Skid Trail and Fire Lines Recommended Spacing Guidelines. Water bar spacing is expected to use the Soil Erosion Rating of High. Location information, including directions to access the project area. Include a scaled map, with road names/numbers. Directions from Kernville, CA are as follows: Drive north on Sierra Way (Mountain Highway 99) for approximately 19 miles to Sherman Pass Road (Forest Road 22S05). Take Sherman Pass Road over Sherman Pass to the junction of Forest Road 22S41 (Bonita Meadow turn off). Drive approximately 0.4 miles along Forest Road 22S41 to Forest Road 22S24 and bear right at the Y. Drive approximately 1.0 miles on Forest Road 22S24 to reach the project area. Appendix iv

19 Appendix Contact information of project personnel, including name and cell phone number (that is, sale administrator, contracting officer s representative, project manager, project supervisor, contractor, site superintendent, hydrologist, permit administrator and so forth) Keith Andy Stone- District Hydrologist x683 k. Maps requirements: Maps must be clear, legible, and of a scale such that depicted features are readily discernible. l. N/A a. As a means of determining BMPs and erosion control measures, a topographic map should be in the project file. The map should extend beyond the boundaries of the project site, showing the project site boundaries, and surface and subsurface water bodies (ephemeral and intermittent waters, springs, wells, and wetlands) that could be at risk of water-quality impacts from project activities. m. Diversion of Live Streams: If the project involves stream diversions for crossing construction, the erosion control plan must include detailed plans for these activities, including storm contingencies. See BMP Stream Crossings. NA n. Non-Storm Water Management: The erosion control plan shall include provisions which eliminate or reduce the discharge of materials other than storm water to the storm sewer system and/or receiving waters. Such provisions shall ensure that discharged materials shall not have an adverse effect on receiving waters. Materials other than storm water that are discharged shall be listed, along with the estimated quantity of the discharged material. Roads will be designed/maintained to reduce the potential for erosion through the installation of properly spaced water bars. Water bars will be installed in accordance with TSA Handbook R5 Supplement d Skid Trail and Fire Lines Recommended Spacing Guidelines. Water bar spacing is expected to use the Soil Erosion Rating of High. Ground disturbance associated with the Project will occur under dry conditions, during period of operation (generally June 1- November 15). o. Waste Management and Disposal: The erosion control plan shall describe waste management and disposal practices to be used at the project site. All wastes (including equipment and maintenance waste) removed from the site for disposal shall be disposed of in a manner that is in compliance with Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances. Include plan for project-specific activities that produce waste products, such as concrete truck/chute/pump washout, equipment servicing, equipment washing, and so forth. p. Maintenance, Inspection, and Repair: The erosion control plan shall include inspection, maintenance and repair procedures to ensure that all pollution-control devices identified in the erosion control plan are maintained in good and effective condition and are promptly repaired or restored. A qualified person shall be assigned the responsibility to conduct inspections. The name and telephone number of that person shall be listed in the erosion control plan. A tracking and follow-up procedure shall be described to ensure that all inspections are done by trained personnel and that adequate response and corrective Appendix v

20 Appendix actions have been taken in response to the inspection. This procedure may be in the form of a written checklist, with inspections signed and dated. Photo documentation is encouraged. Proponent shall maintain all equipment operating on the project area in good repair and free of abnormal leakage of lubricants, fuel, coolants, and hydraulic fluid. Servicing of equipment will not take place on National Forest System lands. The District Hydrologist (or another qualified staff) will routinely inspect the operations to make sure all pollution-control devices are working and in place. q. Other Plans: This erosion control plan may incorporate, by reference, the appropriate elements of other plans required by local, State, or Federal agencies. A copy of any requirements incorporated by reference shall be kept in the project file. Substance Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan will be incorporated as described in BMP 7.4. r. Post-Project Storm Water Management: The erosion control plan shall describe the storm water control structures and management practices that will be implemented to minimize pollutants in storm water discharges after project activity phases have been completed at the site. It shall also specify controls to be removed from the activity site(s) and methods for their removal. The discharger must consider site-specific factors and seasonal conditions when designing the control practices that will function after the project is complete. Roads will be designed/maintained to reduce the potential for erosion through the installation of properly spaced water bars or rolling dips. Water bars will be installed in accordance with TSA Handbook R5 supplement d Skid Trail and Fire Lines Recommended Spacing Guidelines. Water bar or rolling dip installation spacing is expected to use the Soil Erosion Rating of High. Effectiveness monitoring through Best Management Practices will be completed as directed by the Forest Service Handbook (FSH) , Chapter 10, as amended on December 5, s. Preparer: The erosion control plan shall include the title and signature of the person responsible for preparation of the erosion control plan, the date of initial preparation, and the person and date responsible for any amendments to the erosion control plan. Appendix vi