14. AF813 - Environmental Assessment - Agricultural Wells H2 and B5.pdf

9 CES/CEIE 9 CES/CEN 530-634-3834

Final AF813 Grazing Expansion Infrastructure Installation; TID 1790492, 8617651, 8617017

See Continuation Page 2; 4.0.

See Continuation Page 3; 5.0.

Chantz Risse, CTR 11/16/2020

None of the extraordinary circumstances that would preclude the assignment of the categorical exclusion (32 CFR 989 A2.2) are known to be present. Categorical Exclusion (CATEX) A2.3.11 assigned: Actions similar to other actions which have been determined to have an insignificant impact in a similar setting as established in an EIS or an EA resulting in a FONSI. This CATEX is assigned based on the Beale AFB, Draft and Supplemental Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection Environmental Assessments and associated Finding of No Significant Impact dated 26 July 2010.

GWENDOLYN E. VERGARA, GS-13 12/09/2020

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4.0 PURPOSE AND NEED

4.1 Purpose:

Expand grazing capacity at Beale Air Force Base (AFB) in order to provide landscape-level, low-cost, and long-term invasive plant species control and suppression.

4.2 Need:

Invasive plant species have been identified on base and require implementation of strategies and programs to eradicate them.

NEED DATE: day month year.

5.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION AND ALTERNATIVES

5.1 Proposed Action:

Work would include installing new barbed wire and electric fencing, gates, and cattle guards; repairing existing fence; installing solar and grid powered wells which includes drilling down to access groundwater;

and electrical/waterline trenching; hooking up water delivery systems to existing water systems/lines;

installing above ground water storage tanks and pressure tank and switch for Security Forces Squadron (SFS) restroom (see attached Scope of Work (SOW): Solar Well for Livestock/Restroom); and installing water troughs. All work must be coordinated by an AF approved biologist. Some biological monitoring would be required during fence building per the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Endangered Species Act Section 7 consultations to avoid all impacts to vernal pools, wetlands, elderberry shrubs, and oak trees.

Elderberry shrubs and oak seedlings/saplings should be permanently or temporarily fenced, respectively, to exclude future grazing by cattle. Biologists should complete any flagging needed of the site to avoid sensitive biological resources and to ensure the fence location is correct based on previous design. Biologists would complete the deliverables once grazing pasture infrastructure installation is complete. 9 CES/CEIE is coordinating with Mr. Seymour regarding tie-in to existing perimeter fence.

SEE ATTACHED SCOPE OF WORK FOR MORE PROJECT DETAILS.

5.2 Description of the Alternatives:

5.2.1 The No-Action Alternative

The No-Action Alternative would leave this area open with unfettered growth of invasive species that increase fire hazards in the summer.

5.2.2 Other Reasonable Action Alternatives

There are/were not other reasonable action alternatives to be considered for this project.

5.3 Section II: Environmental Issue Areas:

This project would limit access to areas except through designated gates. Gates would be placed to allow for continued fire break access. Biological monitors would ensure that no wetlands and T&E habitats are impacted by the installation of fence.

- BOX 7 Air Installation Controlled Use Zone (AICUZ): No significant direct, indirect, or cumulative impacts have been identified with either the Proposed Action or alternatives (see 5.4.).

- BOX 8 Air Quality (AQ): No significant direct, indirect, or cumulative impacts have been identified with either the Proposed Action or alternatives (see 5.4.).

- BOX 9 Water Quality: No significant direct, indirect, or cumulative impacts have been identified with either the Proposed Action or alternatives (see 5.4.).

- BOX 10 Occupational Health and Safety: If grazing is allowed in this area, it would reduce fire fuel loads in the vicinity of Housing. As such, significant, minor indirect and cumulative beneficial impacts have been identified with the Proposed Action in the form of increased safety from reduced wildfire hazard. No significant direct, indirect, or cumulative impacts have been identified with the No-Action Alternative (see 5.4.).

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- BOX 11 Hazardous Materials and Hazardous Waste (HM/HW): No significant direct, indirect, or cumulative impacts have been identified with either the Proposed Action or alternatives (see 5.4.).

- BOX 12 Biological Resources (BR): Limited access to these areas would reduce degradation caused by hunters driving off road vehicles in the winter months. If grazing is allowed in this area, it would curb the spread of invasive species in the area, enhancing the natural environment. As such, significant, minor direct, indirect, and cumulative beneficial impacts have been identified with the Proposed Action. Minor indirect and cumulative adverse impacts have been identified with the No-Action Alternative in the form of unmanaged invasive plants strangling native plant species of resources (see 5.4.).

- BOX 13 Cultural Resources (CR): No significant direct, indirect, or cumulative impacts have been identified with either the Proposed Action or alternatives (see 5.4.).

- BOX 14 Geology or Soil Resources: No significant direct, indirect, or cumulative impacts have been identified with either the Proposed Action or alternatives (see 5.4.).

- BOX 15 Socioeconomic Impacts: This action would provide temporary economic enhancement while building the fence. No significant direct, indirect, or cumulative impacts have been identified with either the Proposed Action or alternatives (see 5.4.).

- BOX 16 Other Impacts: No significant direct, indirect, or cumulative impacts have been identified with either the Proposed Action or alternatives (see 5.4.).

5.4 Design, Evaluation, and Selection Criteria:

This action must be low-cost, environmentally efficient, and must eradicate invasive species effectively.

5.4.1 Mission Requirements:

This action falls under the Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP) which is implemented in accordance with the Sikes Act, 16 USC § 670 et seq. The INRMP must identify any exotic and invasive species or feral animals present on an installation, and identify any impacts of exotic or invasive species on military activities and flight safety. The INRMP must identify any existing programs and strategies to control and/or eradicate those species when practical and consistent with the military mission.

5.4.2 Environmental Requirements:

(a) Will avoid all significant unmitigated adverse environmental impacts;

(b) All work must be coordinated by an AF approved biologist;

(c) Some biological monitoring will be required during fence building per the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA);

(d) Biologists should complete any flagging needed of the site to avoid sensitive biological resources and to ensure the fence location is correct based on previous design;

(e) Any hollow posts/piping installed must be capped to avoid future entrapment of birds;

(f) Provide and use a port-a-potty. Port-a-potty siting will be coordinated with biological monitor to avoid wetlands;

(g) Remove all debris from the site and the AFB;

(h) Remove all excess materials from the site and AFB;

(i) Repair any damage to facilities, structures, etc. to pre-work conditions (e.g., ruts must be filled and revegetated with approved native seed mix). This shouldn't be necessary if proper biological monitoring occurs;

(j) Do not establish fence posts in wetlands; a biological monitor must either flag pole locations or monitor fence installation to avoid areas where wetlands are within 200 meters;

(k) Do not travel through wetlands with vehicles or equipment. Minimize off-road travel and use the same egress/ingress routes;

(l) Provide all building materials and tools for the project;

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(m) Travel to work site with “clean” vehicles (power wash all equipment including underside and tires to prevent translocating weed species), with adequate clearance, and exhaust above the cab to prevent rangeland fires;

(n) Compatible maximum size vehicle is dependent on soil conditions;

(o) Vehicles/equipment should not leave ruts;

(p) Carry appropriate materials to extinguish any range fires;

(q) Be aware that all sites may not be accessible by large vehicles and smaller vehicles may be needed;

(r) Work should be accomplished between May 1 and November 1 and in dry soil conditions. Permission to work outside of these dates may be authorized by the Base's Natural Resource Manager by request;

(s) Respond to additional site considerations/requirements as identified by the biological monitor or Base Natural Resources Manager as they become apparent. For instance, soil piles created from post installation may need to be removed from the site if they are near a vernal pool to prevent erosion/runoff of soil into pools during the following wet season;

(t) Biological monitors must complete Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) on fence installation during construction and upon completion to include, but not limited to, distance between bottom wire and ground and tightness of strung wire to ensure design specs were followed and to minimize escaped cattle in the future and long-term integrity of the fence;

(u) Maintain compliance with Beale AFB EDCs (See 5.7), AF regulations, and state and federal laws & regulations;

(v) See attached required Environmental Design Criteria (EDCs).

5.4.3 Decision To Be Made:

The 9 CES/CEIE will determine if the Proposed Action will be implemented in coordination with the base Natural Resources Manager.

5.5 List of Required Permits and Approvals:

5.5.1 AF Form 103 is required 30 calendar days before construction begins.

5.5.2 USFWS Section 106 and 107 consultations may be required. Process takes 30-120 calendar days to complete.

5.6 Recommended Level of NEPA Documentation:

None of the extraordinary circumstances that would preclude the assignment of the categorical exclusion (32 CFR 989 A2.2) are known to be present. Categorical Exclusion (CATEX) A2.3.11 assigned: Actions similar to other actions which have been determined to have an insignificant impact in a similar setting as established in an EIS or an EA resulting in a FONSI. This CATEX is assigned based on the Beale AFB, Final and Supplemental Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection Environmental Assessments and associated Finding of No Significant Impact dated 26 July 2010.

5.7 Environmental Design Criteria (EDCs):

Refer to the attached required Draft EDCs. Note that there are specific requirements for all media areas that must be included in the awarded contract and/or project design.

5.8 References:

Draft 9 CES/CEIE Environmental Design Criteria, July 28, 2020 F:\CEAN\EIAP_NEPA\813\Grazing Expansion 2019 F:\CEAN\EIAP_NEPA\NEW_NEPA File Structure\IDT Projects For Review

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North Erie Rd

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SCOPE OF WORK

AFCE777719 INVASIVE SPECIES, CALIFORNIA,

Grazing Infrastructure for New Pastures at Beale Air Force Base

Project Description

Design Elements

Figure 1

Figure 2. H Brace design

8 , 6 square

Tension wires.

3 min

7 brace length tie twister

8 brace post

Figure 3 (left). Example configuration of gate and gate supports in wet area at Travis AFB.

Figure 4 (right). Configuration of corner post assembly in wet area at Travis AFB.

Figure 5 (left). Corner / support post installation at Travis AFB.

Figure 6 (right). Example corner post assembly installed in wet area at Travis AFB.

Requirements

Qualifications:

Deliverables:

3.

Options and Quantities

Beale Air Force Base Pasture Infrastructure Quantities

Pasture H-3 Pasture H-4 TOTAL

Type Length (ft) Length (ft) H3,H4 Electrify Existing Fencing 2,558 - 2,558 New Cattle Fence 10,373 14,816 25,189 Breakaway 30 - 30 Repair - - - # Single H Braces 9 8 17 # Corner H-braces 16 27 43 5-strand 646 5,202 5,847 4-strand 9,728 9,615 19,342

# Gates 3 4 7

Beale Air Force Base Water Infrastructure Quantities

BEALE AFB

Pasture H-1 Pasture H-2 Pasture H-3 Pasture H-4 Pasture B-5 TOTAL

# Solar Well Water Troughs 1 1 2

# Manual Fill Water Troughs 1 1 2 # Water Line Fed Water Troughs 1 1 2 PVC Pipe Linear Feet (with trench) 30 0 215 0 0 245

Appendix 1:

Appendix 2:

Appendix 3:

Appendix 4:

Appendix 5:

Appendix 6:

Appendix 7:

Appendix 8:

Statement of Work CVIA/Livestock Trough Well Installation

Project Title: Commercial Vehicle Inspection Station/Livestock Trough Well Installation

Project Description: This purpose of the project is to provide a source of water to both the Commercial Vehicle Inspection Station building 233 (CVIA) and the adjacent livestock water trough through the installation of a new well. This project involves the installation of a 6 inch well, drilled to a sustainable depth between 100’ and 300’ with drive shoe and conductor seal. Pump and controller will be installed to accommodate well. The well will be powered by adjacent utility line. The new well will be connected to an existing waterline for delivery to the CVIA and water trough. This may include the installation of a new water pressure tank or utilizing an existing water tank adjacent to the planned well location. A check valve will be installed as backflow prevention. A new above ground water line will be run along and secured to the existing decommissioned railroad track and connected to the existing water trough.

The new above ground water line will run approximately 1450 linear feet.

Figure 1. Project Location Overview.

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AIR QUALITY

POC: 9 CES/CEIER, 530-634-2844

FUGITIVE EMISSIONS

Fugitive Dust Emissions

STATIONARY AIR EMISSION SOURCES

Authority to Construct (ATC)

PORTABLE DIESEL EQUIPMENT

MANUFACTURER’S EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATIONS AND EMISSIONS DATA

CONTRACTOR VEHICLES

IDLE POLICY

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REFRIGERANT COMPLIANCE AND OZONE DEPLETING SUBSTANCES

may not

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HAZARDOUS/NON-HAZARDOUS WASTES

POC: 9 CES/CEIER, 530-634-2644

HAZARDOUS WASTES

NON-HAZARDOUS WASTES (NON-HWS)

RECYCLED MATERIALS

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ASBESTOS AND LEAD-BASED PAINT

POC: 9 CES/CEIER, 530-634-2844

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GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

POC: 9 CES/CEIER, 530-634-2559 or 530-634-2642

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NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES

POC: 9 CES/CEIEC, 530-634-2738

CULTURAL RESOURCES

ELECTRICAL SUPPORTING FACILITIES

LANDSCAPING

BIRDS

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SENSITIVE SPECIES AND/OR HABITATS

ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS TRAINING

CONSTRUCTION SEASON

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LIMITED OPERATIONS PERIOD

MISCELLANEOUS

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