References and Pictures of location.pdf

GENERAL INFORMATION FOR VISITORS TO THE

FARALLON NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

The Farallons are rocky islands located 30 miles from the Golden Gate Bridge off the coast of California and subject to extremes in weather and waves.

Ocean Crossing

The boat transportation to and from Southeast Farallon Island takes approximately 2½ hours (each way). The sea state is often rough, and fog and/or rain can occur.

Therefore, participants should dress warmly and in layers. Waterproof jackets and pants are recommended, and boots or sturdy shoes are essential. The transit vessel is a

65’ fishing/tour boat that is very seaworthy. Nonetheless, participants should take precautions to avoid sea sickness. There are no amenities on the island, so bring your own lunch, water, and warm clothing. We can only land on the Farallons if seas and weather are calm, so be prepared for last-minute changes to your trip.

Equipment, personal gear

All cameras, gear, lunch and other items should be packed in CLEAN, SEALED, cushioned, water resilient containers so they can be lifted separately onto the island.

Examples include daypacks and camera bags that can be sealed completely, small coolers, or small plastic totes.

No cardboard boxes, paper bags, or unsealed containers will be permitted on the island.

All gear, clothing and shoes must be clean of any plant seeds, organisms, or dirt before departure. These measures are to help us prevent accidental transport of invasive organisms (such as rodents and insects), microorganisms, and plants onto the islands.

Landing Procedures

Once we reach the island, personnel and supplies will be transferred from the main transport vessel to a small boat operated by the Refuge that can approach the island.

From the small boat, people are transferred to the island either by being lifted onto the island in the small boat with the crane, or transferring from the small boat to a platform.

Heavy supplies and equipment are transferred separately from passengers for safety reasons. It is therefore imperative that all gear (daypacks, duffels, camera and recording equipment and other sensitive electronics) be placed in water resilient bags and cushioned.

When the small boat is being lifted by the crane, all personnel on the island are required to stay back at least 30 feet from the path of moving objects, indicated by a yellow line on the ground at the landing. Once the boat has stabilized, the landing foreman may allow people to come into the landing area.

Because the transfer of personnel and supplies between boats requires flexibility and coordination, visitors to the island must be in reasonable physical shape, and not have any physical conditions that would limit them from moving quickly and using their arms and legs to steady and pull themselves up. If you feel uncomfortable with making the transfer, please voice your concern to island or charter boat personnel. In order to avoid injury, it is imperative that passengers heed all instructions from the boat operator and be aware of their body and surroundings at all times.

Visiting the Island

It is very important that you follow a few simple rules to ensure that your actions do not disturb or impact the wildlife or habitat during your visit or damage Refuge infrastructure.

All cargo including construction materials, tools, food, drink, clothing and other supplies, shall be securely packaged in clean, watertight, rodent-proof sealed containers (such as plastic totes and coolers) weighing no more than 60 pounds

(30 pounds preferred) that can be lifted / carried / transferred by hand. No sharp edges, no cardboard boxes, no paper bags are permitted. Cargo packed in paper products such as cardboard boxes or paper bags, or plastic bags, must be inspected and then placed inside a sealed rodent proof container for transport onto the Farallon National Wildlife Refuge.

All cargo must be inspected for and cleaned of any living organisms prior to landing on the Refuge. No plant seeds, rodents or other living organisms shall be present. Personal gear (such as overnight kit, sleeping bag, pillow, towel, linens, & extra cloths) shall be securely packaged in clean, rodent-proof, sealed garment bags or containers, (dry bags, plastic totes or similar are recommended).

You will be limited to paths and easily accessible areas. Do not step anywhere off the paths or trails, and especially do not step on any pipe or electrical conduits that run parallel to the paths and trails.

You may not approach wildlife without the supervision and guidance of an experienced island biologist or Refuge Manager. If the wildlife approaches you, do your best to remain calm and step away while remaining on the path.

When touring the island you must stay with your island tour guide at all times.

There are many hidden, fragile burrows of ground nesting seabirds all around the paths and trails you will be walking on. A misstep can crush burrows and cause death or injury to the life contained within.

You may only enter buildings or other structures with a valid need and/or permission of island staff.

If you need tools or other equipment, please ask island staff for permission to use it; once you are finished with the item, please have it returned to exactly where you found it, or return it to island staff and tell them where you found it.

The island does have restrooms. Do NOT flush toilet paper, sanitary napkins or anything not from your body down the toilets, there is a separate receptacle for these items next to the toilet for proper disposal.

Most water sources on the island are not suitable for human consumption. If you require water, please ask island staff for instructions on the appropriate source for your need.

Overnight Visitors to the Island

If you are an overnight visitor to the island it is important to be cognizant of all the above rules and the ones listed below.

A bed will be provided but no linens, so your own sleeping bag and pillow is recommended.

You are responsible for your own food and other personal items.

The house you will be sleeping in is not heated, so be prepared for cold nights.

Because of limited water supplies, showers are not guaranteed, but exceptions can be made with permission from the lead island biologist or Refuge Manager.

Do not shower upstairs in either house, and do not use the upstairs toilet in the

USCG House.

You must clean up after yourselves; please leave the kitchen, bathrooms, common areas, and bedrooms in exactly the same condition as you have found them.

Please turn off lights and other electrical equipment when not in use, especially at night. The island runs off limited power supplies that are energetically expensive and time consuming to replenish.

On island phone in PRBO House: (415) 367-7482

On island phone in USCG House: (415) 742-3030

Emergency Satellite phone: (254)-240-2763

Email: sefi@prbo.org

There is a Wi-Fi internet connection in the houses only. Please ask island staff for the password.

We suggest giving your family and friends the above information, since cell phones do not work on the island.

mailto:sefi@prbo.org

Farallon NWR Orientation for Overnight Guests (Revised on 7 MAR 2016) 1 of 3

Farallon National Wildlife Refuge

Orientation for Overnight Visitors

If you are reading this, you probably have the privilege of spending time on the Farallon Islands!

The information below will help you prepare for the trip.

WHAT TO BRING

Suggested clothing

*Keep in mind that if you are staying less than 2 weeks on the island, you will not have the privilege of washing your clothes (unless it is absolutely necessary), so plan accordingly.

Workpants– durable jeans, Carharts, or something flexible.

Foul weather gear – not expensive.

Windbreaker, or some other type of layer against wind and guano.

Warm jacket, warm hat or toque, warm gloves.

Layered, warm, washable clothes, i.e. long underwear.

T-shirts/shorts (field clothes for underneath Tyvek and warmer days).

Hat for sun protection and guano.

Work/hiking boots- waterproof shoes that you would not mind getting dyed blue or otherwise trashed.

Rubber boots- for wet days and also if spraying herbicide, these are nice for flatter areas to reduce herbicide on hiking/work boots. The herbicide contains a blue dye that will stain shoes and clothes. These type of boots may be supplied if available.

House shoes/slippers (this is a must since outside shoes are not allowed inside, and floors are cold, hard linoleum tiles).

House clothes – it is often nice to have a set of clean clothes to change into when you come in from conducting field work at the end of the day.

Sleeping bag and pillow (there are sleeping linens and pillows that can be provided on the island, but if you have a sensitivity to mold or like your own, many people prefer to bring their own sleeping bag and pillow that they are familiar with).

Bath towel.

Toiletries – enough to last the duration of your stay.

*Bring sturdy items you don’t mind getting heavily soiled, bleached, covered in guano, dyed and generally beat up - your clothes will never be the same.

Items not supplied

Binoculars – USFWS does not provide binoculars Personal Headlamp (preferred) or flashlight Simple day or fanny pack Camera/hard drive Batteries for personal items.

Computer items for personal use (there is WiFi in the houses) Personal medication Sunscreen Extra pair of prescription glasses

Note: We can provide general first aid type medications but please bring any specific medications/prescriptions you may require.

Farallon NWR Orientation for Overnight Guests (Revised on 7 MAR 2016) 2 of 3

CONTACT INFO

On island Phone (Coast Guard House): 415-742-3030. Email: sefi@prbo.org Alternate island phone (PRBO House): 415-367-7482 Emergency satellite phone (if all other communications have failed): 254-240-2763

We suggest giving your family the above information, since most cell phones do not have a strong enough signal to work on the island.

There is an internet connection with WiFi to surf the web and check personal e-mail accounts.

WiFi Password: SEFI2012

GETTING THERE

Seasickness o Help prevent seasickness by: Eating a good dinner, refrain from alcohol consumption the night before, get a good night of sleep, and eat a neutral, non-greasy breakfast (toast or bagel). Avoid heavy consumption of acidic liquids (e.g. coffee, orange juice). Usually one cup of coffee is okay, but more might cause nausea.

o If you want precautionary medication we recommend Bonine, which is available over the counter.

o If you are queasy on the boat, stay topside in the fresh air – going below or staying inside the cabin can often increase your nausea. If you do get sick, use the lee side of the boat rather than the toilet or the sink. If you feel really sick, it’s best to get it over with – over the rail. You will feel better afterwards.

Getting to the Island o Crossing to the island generally takes 3 – 6 hours (on most boats, some are quicker).

o Bring warm clothes, raingear and a bit of food. The crossing can be cold and wet.

o Try not to wear dark soled shoes or hiking boots on the sailboats. Marks from these shoes are difficult for skippers to remove. Non-marking rubber boots are ideal, though tennis shoes or light-soled work boots work fine.

o Occasionally the trip is sunny and warm, so sunscreen and a hat are also advisable to bring.

LIVING AND WORKING ON THE FARALLON NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

You will likely be living in the Coast Guard (CG) House. It is a 4 bedroom house with one usable bathroom. Be prepared to share a room with another visitor. The house is not heated, so bring warms clothes and slippers for mornings and evenings. Often the house is colder than outside ambient temperatures. We will return to the house to eat all meals, so there is no need to prepare meals for the field.

House amenities include: a full kitchen with refrigerator, propane oven/stove (the broiler does not work), microwave; one full bathroom with flushable toilet and hot water shower, a living room, scientific and pleasure library, ping-pong table, and weight room. We receive radio clearly from San Francisco and have a radial TV (no cable) and VCR/DVD with an assortment movies and shows. Entertainment equipment is not guaranteed to be functional.

mailto:sefi@prbo.org

Farallon NWR Orientation for Overnight Guests (Revised on 7 MAR 2016) 3 of 3

Do not drink or cook with water from the faucets in the CG House. Water is safe for cleaning dishes and other items, bathing, and brushing teeth, but it is not safe for human consumption because of elevated nitrate levels. Drinking and cooking water is provided with 5-gallon water cooler style jugs located underneath the ping-pong table and a water dispenser in the kitchen of the CG House.

All water on the island is from a rain catchment system that is energetically expensive to filter and slow to replenish. Because of this, it is imperative to practice strict water conservation rules, (i.e. shutting off water when not in use, ensuring no dripping from taps, reporting any leaks to staff, etc.). Showers are permissible every 3-5 days to conserve water and the practice of “Navy showers” is required (on to wet, off for soaping/shampooing, on to rinse). Still, for your convenience, there is hot and cold running water in the houses. Hot water is derived from a propane on-demand water heater, so it may take a minute to get hot.

Try to use the cold water if you can. It is generally a good idea to shower right after another person, as to limit the amount of cold water that is wasted. If it seems the water is not getting hot after 2 minutes, than the propane may be out, please ask an island staff member for assistance.

There are flush toilets in the houses. However, in the Coast Guard House, only use the downstairs toilet and shower. The upstairs bathroom sink can still be used. Do not flush toilet paper or anything else that does not come from your body down the toilet. There is a separate receptacle for toilet paper or sanitary napkins next to the toilet. This will later be burned. The septic system filters and recycles gray/black water from the sink/shower drains, and the toilet, so please flush the toilet after use. Do not be alarmed if the toilet water appears yellowish gray, that is just the recycled gray water.

The photovoltaic or solar power system has been very reliable; however, always practice conservation of electrical consumption. Lights should always be turned off if not in a room.

Electrical equipment (e.g. toaster, microwave, coffee maker, television, battery chargers, etc.) should be unplugged if not currently in use. Charging of batteries for laptops and other portable devices should be restricted to day-light hours only (when sunlight is recharging solar batteries) unless absolutely necessary. Bring extra batteries for portable devices to help get you through the night, or multiple foggy days when solar batteries cannot recharge.

Farallon NWR Housing Site Map Legend

200 ft

N

N © 2020 Google

© 2020 Google

© 2020 Google markharris Callout PBRO House markharris Callout Coast Guard House markharris Callout Power House markharris Callout Helicopter Pad

Mooring Buoy Location Farallon Island

NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Distance = 1,040.29 FT

Heaading = 79d 28m 12s markharris Line markharris Callout Mooring Buoy Site markharris Callout Crane Lift Site markharris Oval markharris Callout

RAIN CATCHMENT PAD

NOTE: THIS MAP IS SCHEMATIC AND IS NOT A SURVEY. THIS MAP WAS

PREPARED SOLELY FOR THE PURPOSES OF THE SEPTIC SYSTEM EVALUATION

AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS SUFFICIENT FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

LOCATIONS ARE APPROXIMATE.

COAST

GUARD

HOUSE

TRACK WALK

P.B.R.O.

TR

AIL

FEET

0 4020

1" = 10'

10N E

SW

24"

40 ft

4" ABS

1" S

C H

P

V C

1.

5"

S C

H

P V

C 2.

0"

4" ABS

RSV

PANEL

FIRE HOSE

BOX

2" A

B S

2" ABS FROM

KITCHEN SINK

4" A

B S

ADVANTEX™ AX20

FILTER PODS

OSI TCOM

CONTROL

PANEL

TWO 1,500 GALLON FRP

PROCESSING TANKS

WITH 24" DIAMETER

RISERS AND NO BAFFLES

30" DIAMETER

72" DEEP

OSI™ PUMP BASIN

WITH DUPLEX

P2005 DISCHARGE

PUMPS

FLUSHING ASSEMBLY

IN LARGE VALVE BOX

(VB1217)

FOUR 40' LONG, 12" WIDE,

PRESSURIZED DISPERSAL

TRENCHES WITH A TOTAL

DEPTH OF 12". OSI 12"

DIAMETER HALF-PIPE

INSTALLED IN TRENCHES

OVER 1" PRESSURE

LATERALS WITH 1/8"

ORIFICES PRE-DRILLED 2'

APART

INSPECTION PORT

(TYP.)

2" ABS

2 WAY

CLEANOUT

4" ABS

2 WAY

CLEANOUT

T-1

ONE 20 AMP, 120V

CIRCUIT AND PHONE

LINE IN SEPARATE

CONDUIT TO CONTROL

PANEL. ONE 230 VOLT

CIRCUIT TO PUMPS

30" DIAMETER ACCESS

RISER WITH OSI™ BIOTUBE

PUMP VAULT WITH DUPLEX

P2005 DISCHARGE PUMPS

AUTOMATIC DISTRIBUTING

VALVE (ADV) 4402CAT 5

PHONE LINE

4" ABS

2 WAY

CLEANOUT

1" SCHEDULE 40 PVC PRESSURE

LATERAL PIPE WITH 1/8" ORIFICES

SPACED 2' APART, POINTING UP

19.9 ft

16.7 ft

DISPERSAL TRENCH

CONSTRUCTION DETAIL

10.0 ft

MOUND FOR

PROPER

DRAINAGE

ESTABLISH

VEGETATIVE

COVER

INSPECTION

PORT

BACKFILL WITH NATIVE SOIL

TOPSOIL

HALF

-P

IP

E

SHELL

10"

6"

12"

END VIEW

11.6 ft

FLUSHING

ASSEMBLY

7.0"

ORIFICE

SHIELD

INSPECTION

PORT

SIDE VIEW

PRESSURE

LATERAL

DISPERSAL TRENCH FLUSHING

VALVE ASSEMBLY DETAIL

VALVE BOX

Recirculating Splitter Valve (RSV)

72"

168.0"

Recirc. Pump in BioTube Vault with Effluent Filter

38.5"

Vent

Advantex AX20 Filter Pod (no lid)

Advantex AX20 Filter Pod (open lid)

Filtrate Return Line Slope (min. 1/8"/ft.)

Tcomm Control Panel

Inlet

24" Diam.

Access Riser with Fiberglass Lid

One 120 volt, 20 Amp Circuit and Phone Line In Separate Conduit

Discharge Pump Basin

Top View

Vent

Split Flow Tee

ADVANTEX TREATMENT SYSTEM DETAIL

4" ABS Liquid Exchange Pipe with Flexible Couplings

53.5" 18" Typ.

12" Min. low L.L.

Place Concrete Block Below Split Flow Tee to Prevent Cracking Due to Soil Settlement

Recirculating Splitter Valve (RSV) with Quick Disconnect 1,500 Gallon Orenco Fiberglass Tank (no baffle)

L.L.

Filtrate Discharge to Dispersal System

30" Diameter, 72" Deep PVC Pump Basin w/ Fiberglass Lid

30" Diameter PVC Riser w/ Fiberglass Lid

PVC Splice Box with Cord Grips

Discharge Assembly Effluent Discharge to Filter Pods

Orenco Effluent Pumps

Biotube® Pump Vault

32" Typ.

65% to 75% of L.L.

50"

24" Diameter PVC Risers w/ Fiberglass Lids

1,500 Gallon Orenco Fiberglass Tank (no baffle)

12" to 24" Riser Height

OVERRIDE

TIMER ON/OFF

4" ABS Gas Exchange Pipe with Flexible Couplings

HLA

LLA- R/O

HLA

PUMP

ON

PUMP

OFF

Side View

Legend Dirt Trail

Trail

Narrow Gauge Track

Paved Walkway

N

E

S

W

100 50 0 100 Meters

TOPOGRAPHIC INDEX MAP OF

SOUTHEAST FARALLON ISLAND

BONNY DOON ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS, INC.

Design By: Patrick Gill, REHS

P. O. BOX 28, FELTON, CA 95018

(831) 423-8022 – Office

(831) 423-8052 – Fax thegills@cruzio.com

Project Location:

Contact:

SHEET 1 OF 14/4/06

Lead Agency:

Date: By: PG/ALB/alb

Southeast Farallon Island, County and City of San Francisco, California

RE

G

IS

TE

RE

D

EN

VIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST

No. 5261 Exp. 12/31/06

PA

TRICK GILL

STATE OF CALIFORNIA

Farallon Wildlife Refuge Project - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Joelle Buffa, Refuge Manager, San Francisco Bay NWR Complex

P.O. Box 524, Newark, CA 94560 PHONE: (510) 792-4275 x32

ONSITE WASTEWATER SYSTEM AS-BUILT

FOR EXISTING FACILITY ON THE SOUTHEAST FARALLON ISLAND

SYSTEM OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

• The facility management staff should read and assure that the system is operated according to the AdvanTex™ operation and maintenance literature.

• Orenco requires biannual maintenance servicing of the AdvanTex™ system by a qualified technician (service provider).

• The dispersal trench laterals should be flushed every 6 months manually.

• The treatment tank is alive with microorganisms performing oxidation and reduction of the contents. Do not add any materials (paint thinner, paint, motor oil, unused medicine, etc.) that may disrupt this process.

• The tank should be pumped when the total of the scum and sludge thickness is greater than 1/3 of the total liquid level depth. (* See Septage Management Plan)

• Repair all plumbing leaks (especially toilet leaks) promptly.

SEPTAGE MANAGEMENT PLAN

• The onsite wastewater system service provider shall bring an adequate solids-handling pump to pump the solids accumulated in the processing tanks when the total of the scum and sludge thickness is greater than 1/3 of the total liquid level depth (every 5-7 years, or as needed).

• Service provider shall supply the materials required to construct a 1,200 square foot butyl liner bed in the designated helo pad location for temporary use to dry sludge (see Sheet 1 of this plan). 2x6 lumber of other suitable material can be used to contain material while in liquid state. Screening shall be constructed over the top of the sludge drying bed to prevent the dried material from blowing away. Windy conditions are typical on the island and should speed the drying process, however, high winds may make construction of liner bed and removed of desiccated material difficult.

• When sludge is finished drying, it shall be placed in plastic bags and taken offsite for landfill disposal.