Appendix B. Environmental Report

Transcription

1 A JOINT VENTURE BURLEY MUNICIPAL AIRPORT Project No. AIP No Appendix B Environmental Report Site Selection Study Page B 1

2 EXCUTIVE SUMMARY This environmental site analysis report documents the results of an environmental survey conducted to identify and evaluate resources that may be impacted by the Burley Airport Site Selection in Minidoka County, Idaho. The two sites under review are located near Burley, Idaho. This project was undertaken in support of potential relocation sites for the Burley Municipal Airport. Two potential locations are proposed. The project is designed to meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) design requirements for a C-II category airport. This is a change from the current airport reference code (ARC) of B-II. The design is also intended to meet the needs of the City of Burley and have a minimal impact to the affected environment, be located adjacent to supporting transportation infrastructure and facilities such as highways and transportation services (where possible), and cause minimal impact or hazards to adjacent property and uses. There is a need to relocate the airport as the current airport runways are not long enough to safely handle the aircraft using the airport. Due to the physical constraints surrounding the airport such as the Snake River, Eastern Idaho Rail Road, US-30, Highland Avenue, and surrounding development, the runways cannot be extended. Both Site 5 and Site 6 have similar resources and impacts. Site 5 contains more potential habitat for greater sage grouse, a listed Candidate species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Site 6 contains farmland of statewide importance, if irrigated, and prime farmland, if irrigated, within areas noted as not farmland by the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Burley Airport site Selection, Minidoka County June 14, 2013 Project No. AIP No Page 1 of 14

3 Site 5 T9S, R22E, Sections 14, 15, 21, 22, 23 Burley Airport Site Selection, Minidoka County Project No. AIP No Site 5 appears to have been grazed by sheep during late fall/early spring (Photo 1). The eastern most portion of the site burned in last 3-years. All sagebrush has orange/rust colored fungus on trunks Section 4(f) Impacts An archeological and historic survey was completed for Site 5 between March 25 and March 27, Site 5 had one (1) previously recorded site and four (4) newly recorded sites. None of the sites are eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Since none of the sites are eligible for the NRHP there are no Section 4(f) impacts at Site 5. Site maps and discussion can be found in the Archaeological and Historic Survey Report - Idaho Archeological Survey submitted under separate cover. Endangered and Threatened Species The latest list of Idaho s endangered, threatened, proposed, and candidate species under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) was released on February 6, 2013 and reviewed online June 14, 2013 for the purpose of this project. The following species from the USFWS Minidoka County list were evaluated: Listed Species Listing Status (2/06/13) Snake River physa snail (Haitia (Physa) natricinia) Greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus) Endangered Candidate Candidate Snake River physa snail: This species occurs on the undersides of gravel-to-boulder size substrate in swift current in the mainstem Snake River. The project area is located more than five (5) miles north of the Snake River. There is no naturally flowing water in Site 5 thus there is no habitat for the snail (Photo 1). The project does not include any activities that would disturb aquatic habitat within the mainstem Snake River or any adjacent springs and there will be no construction in or discharges to potential Snake River physa habitat. Therefore, the proposed action will have no effect on the Snake River physa snail or areas designated as recovery habitat. Burley Airport site Selection, Minidoka County June 14, 2013 Project No. AIP No Page 2 of 14

4 Candidate status does not provide species protection under ESA Section 7. No consultation or conference is required for candidate species. If one of these candidate species becomes listed, a reevaluation of the environmental document will be completed, and a determination of effect. The conclusion of this evaluation is that the project will have no effect to any of the endangered species or their habitat that are on the USFWS Endangered, Threatened, Proposed, and Candidate Species list for Minidoka County, Idaho dated February 6, Essential Fish Habitat There is no naturally flowing water in Site 5 thus there is no essential fish habitat. Migratory Bird Act The table below lists bird species sighted in the project area and includes habitat noted. Birds protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act are noted under the column labeled MBTA. Common Name Scientific Name Sight Habitat ed Only MBTA Impacts Barn owl Tyto alba X X Gray partridge Perdix perdix X Horned lark Eremophila alpestris X X Red-tailed hawk Buteo jamaicensis X X Ring-necked pheasant Phasianus colchicus X Gulls Larus sp. X X Greater sage grouse Centrocercus urophasianus X X Western meadowlark Sturnella neglecta X X The project may need further studies to establish use of the area by species to very if the project would affect the further existence of the species. Floodplains There is no naturally flowing water in Site 5 thus there are no floodplains. Solid Waste Impact Solid waste impacts will be the same as for the existing Burley Airport. Hazardous Materials An abandoned drum was noted on the site. There were no markings. It was empty and dry and riddled with multiple bullet holes (Photo 2). There are no hazardous materials issues at Site 5. Burley Airport site Selection, Minidoka County Site 5 June 14, 2013 Project No. AIP No Page 3 of 14

5 Historical, Architectural, Archaeological, and Cultural Resources An archeological and historic survey was completed for Site 5 between March 25 and March 27, Site 5 had one (1) previously recorded site and four (4) newly recorded sites. None of the sites are eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Since none of the sites are eligible for the NRHP there are no historical or cultural resource impacts at Site 5. Site maps and discussion can be found in the Archaeological and Historic Survey Report - Idaho Archeological Survey submitted under separate cover. Water quality This project lies within the Eastern Snake River Plain Sole Source Aquifer (SSA) area. The project will increase impermeable surfaces. There is no risk of introduction of contaminants into the aquifer in quantities that may create a significant hazard to public health. Wetlands There are two (2) ditches on Site 5: one (1) on west end and one (1) along north edge of private segment (Photos 3 and 4). Neither ditch contained hydrophytic vegetation and the soils have not been developed. There are no wetlands located within Site 5. Wild and Scenic Rivers There is no naturally flowing water in Site 5 thus there are no wild and scenic rivers in the project area. Cumulative Impacts Cumulative impacts for Site 5 will be loss of habitat in an area that is already affected by grazing and human effects. Burley Airport site Selection, Minidoka County Site 5 June 14, 2013 Project No. AIP No Page 4 of 14

6 Burley Airport Field Notes 3/25/2013 Burley Airport Site 5 Burley Airport Field Reconnaissance Notes General Appears that they have grazed sheep in the area during late fall/early spring Eastern most portion of the area burned in last 3-years All sagebrush has orange/rust colored fungus on trunks Wildlife Badger-burrows/skull Barn owl Black-tailed jack rabbit Cottontail rabbit Coyote-tracks/scat Gray partridge Horned lark Mule deer-scat Pheasant-flushed 1 cock 3 hens Red tailed hawk Sea gulls-adjacent field Suitable sage grouse habitat present Western meadow lark Vegetation Basin big sage heavier close to road locations Bunch grass (blue bunch wheatgrass?) Canada thistle on edge of private land Cheatgrass Needle and thread grass Poa Private land was a hay field Rabbit brush Tumble mustard Wyoming big sage Hazmat Abandoned drum No markings, multiple bullet holes, empty and dry. NO CONCERN (photos in file). Burley Airport site Selection, Minidoka County Site 5 June 14, 2013 Project No. AIP No Page 5 of 14

7 PHOTOGRAPHS Photo 1 Private land in site 5; alfalfa field Photo 2 Drum in center of Site 5 Burley Airport site Selection, Minidoka County Site 5 June 14, 2013 Project No. AIP No Page 6 of 14

8 Photo 3 Irrigation ditch on west end of Site 5 Photo 4 Irrigation ditch on north edge of private property in Site 5 Burley Airport site Selection, Minidoka County Site 5 June 14, 2013 Project No. AIP No Page 7 of 14

9 Site 6 T10S, R25E, Sections 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 In Site 6 one third of the private land on the east side is hay fields with some grass and dandelions. The sagebrush area has been grazed by cattle. It appears that it is grazed in the spring. A playa located in the southern half of the site is about 2500 feet from west edge (Photo 5). It was dry at the time of the field survey and had no wetland characteristics. There were no signs of slickspot peppergrass on playa. Section 4(f) Impacts An archeological and historic survey was completed for Site 6 between March 25 and March 27, Site 6 had no previously recorded site and eleven (11) newly recorded sites. None of the sites are eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Since none of the sites are eligible for the NRHP there are no Section 4(f) impacts at Site 6. Site maps and discussion can be found in the Archaeological and Historic Survey Report - Idaho Archeological Survey submitted under separate cover. Endangered and Threatened Species The latest list of Idaho s endangered, threatened, proposed, and candidate species under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) was released on February 6, 2013 and reviewed online June 14, 2013 for the purpose of this project. The following species from the USFWS Minidoka County list were evaluated: Listed Species Listing Status (2/06/13) Snake River physa snail (Haitia (Physa) natricinia) Endangered Greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) Candidate Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus) Candidate Snake River physa snail: This species occurs on the undersides of gravel-to-boulder size substrate in swift current in the mainstem Snake River. The project area is located more than five (5) miles north of the Snake River. There is no naturally flowing water in Site 6 thus there is no habitat for the snail. The project does not include any activities that would disturb aquatic habitat within the mainstem Snake River or any adjacent springs and there will be no construction in or discharges to potential Snake River physa habitat. Therefore, the proposed action will have no effect on the Snake River physa snail or areas designated as recovery habitat. Candidate status does not provide species protection under ESA Section 7. No consultation or conference is required for candidate species. If one of these candidate species becomes listed, a reevaluation of the environmental document will be completed, and a determination of effect. The conclusion of this evaluation is that the project will have no effect to any of the Burley Airport site Selection, Minidoka County Site 6 June 14, 2013 Project No. AIP No Page 8 of 14

10 endangered species or their habitat that are on the USFWS Endangered, Threatened, Proposed, and Candidate Species list for Minidoka County, Idaho dated February 6, Essential Fish Habitat There is no naturally flowing water in Site 6 thus there is no essential fish habitat. Migratory Bird Act The table below lists bird species sighted in the project area and includes habitat noted. Birds protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act are noted under the column labeled MBTA. Common Name Scientific Name Sighted Habitat MBTA Impacts Barn owl Tyto alba X X Horned lark Eremophila alpestris X X Gray partridge Perdix perdix X Mallard duck Anas platyrhynchos X Northern harrier Circus cyaneus X X American crow Corvus brachyrhynchos X X American robin Turdus migratorius X X Greater sage grouse Centrocercus urophasianus X X Western meadowlark Sturnella neglecta X X The project may need further studies to establish use of the area by species to very if the project would affect the further existence of the species. Floodplains There is no naturally flowing water in Site 6 thus there are no floodplains. Solid Waste Impact Solid waste impacts will be the same as for the existing Burley Airport. Hazardous Materials A broken automotive battery was located at the well location on southern edge of project (Photo 6). There is also a new power structure at the well location on southern edge of project but there would be no PCB concerns (Photo 7). There are no hazardous materials issues at Site 6. Burley Airport site Selection, Minidoka County Site 6 June 14, 2013 Project No. AIP No Page 9 of 14

11 Historical, Architectural, Archaeological, and Cultural Resources An archeological and historic survey was completed for Site 6 between March 25 and March 27, Site 6 had no previously recorded sites and eleven (11) newly recorded sites. None of the sites are eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Since none of the sites are eligible for the NRHP there are no historical or cultural resource impacts at Site 6. Site maps and discussion can be found in the Archaeological and Historic Survey Report - Idaho Archeological Survey submitted under separate cover. Water Quality This project lies within the Eastern Snake River Plain Sole Source Aquifer (SSA) area. The project will increase impermeable surfaces. There is no risk of introduction of contaminants into the aquifer in quantities that may create a significant hazard to public health. Wetlands There is no water on the site except at the well location. Overflow from the stock pond causes ponding but there were no hydrophytic plants or hydric soils noted (Photo 8). A pair of mallard ducks were resting at the site. There are no wetlands located within Site 6. Wild and Scenic Rivers There is no naturally flowing water in Site 6 thus there are no wild and scenic rivers in the project area. Cumulative Impacts Cumulative impacts for Site 6 will be loss of farmland in an area that is agricultural. Burley Airport site Selection, Minidoka County Site 6 June 14, 2013 Project No. AIP No Page 10 of 14

12 3/26/2013 to 3/27/ Burley Airport Site 6 Field Reconnaissance Notes General Private land on east 1/3 is hay fields with some grass and dandelion Sage brush area has been grazed by cattle. It appears that it is grazed in the spring Playa located in southern half about 2500 ft from west edge it was dry no wetland characteristics. No sign of slickspot peppergrass on playa. Wildlife American robin Badger Vegetation Barn owl dead on southern portion close to Interstate Black-tailed jack rabbit Cottontail rabbit Coyote-tracks/scat Gray partridge Flushed 6 individuals Horned lark Mule deer-scat Northern harrier Raven/Crow Suitable sage grouse habitat present Western meadow lark Basin big sage Canada thistle present along fence on private land Cheatgrass Needle and thread grass Poa Private land was a hay field Rabbit brush Sandberg s bluegrass Scotch thistle on north edge of State land Tumble mustard Woolly mullein on State land Wyoming big sage Burley Airport site Selection, Minidoka County Site 6 June 14, 2013 Project No. AIP No Page 11 of 14

13 Hazmat Broken automotive battery at well location on southern edge of project (photos in file). New power structure at well location on southern edge of project (photos in file). Wetlands None present (open water at well site) Ponded water at time of survey, originates from overflow stock tank. No hydrophytic vegetation present along the banks of the pond Standing water present was approx. 10 inches deep Soils are silt loam matrix color of 10 YR 3/2, no hydric soil characteristics Heavy livestock use 2 mallard ducks on water when we reached the site Sagebrush removed due to heavy livestock use Vegetation includes cheatgrass, some poa, and blue mustard Mostly bare ground Some straw brought to area to bed cattle. Burley Airport site Selection, Minidoka County Site 6 June 14, 2013 Project No. AIP No Page 12 of 14

14 PHOTOGRAPHS Photo 5 Playa in southern portion of Site 6 Photo 6 Damaged battery at well location in Site 6 Burley Airport site Selection, Minidoka County Site 6 June 14, 2013 Project No. AIP No Page 13 of 14

15 Photo 7 New power box at well location in Site 6 Photo 8 Stock water overflow pond in Site 6 Burley Airport site Selection, Minidoka County Site 6 June 14, 2013 Project No. AIP No Page 14 of 14