SEA_3_USFS_AdminandRec_Facilities_Relo_SEA_and_FONSI.pdf

Final Supplemental Environmental Assessment

Isabella Lake Dam Safety Modification Project

USDA Forest Service Administration and Recreation Facilities Relocation

Kern County, California

January 2016

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Sacramento District – Lead Agency

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service Sequoia National Forest – Cooperating Agency

Isabella Lake DSM Project SEA USFS Administration and Recreation Facilities Relocation Project January 2016

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CHAPTER 1.0 PURPOSE AND NEED FOR THE ACTION

1.1 INTRODUCTION

1.2 LOCATION

1.3 PROJECT AUTHORITY

1.3.1 Isabella Lake DSM Project Authority

1.3.2 Authority for Mitigation of Administration and Recreation Facilities

1.4 ISABELLA LAKE DSM PROJECT BACKGROUND

1.5 NEED FOR THE PROPOSED ACTION

1.6 PURPOSE OF THE PROPOSED ACTION AND SEA

1.7 PRIOR NEPA DOCUMENTS AND ORGANIZATION OF THIS SEA

1.8 DECISION TO BE MADE

CHAPTER 2.0 ALTERNATIVES

2.1 Introduction

2.2 Alternative Development Process

2.2.1 Recreation Facilities

2.3 Alternatives Not Considered Further

2.4 NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE

2.5 PREFERRED ACTION – RELOCATION OF USFS ADMINISTRATION AND

RECREATION FACILITIES

2.5.1 USFS Administrative Facilities – Office, Warehouse, Fire station and Visitor Information Center

2.5.2 USFS Recreation Facilities

CHAPTER 3.0 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT AND CONSEQUENCES

3.1 INTRODUCTION

3.2 ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES NOT EVALUATED IN DETAIL

3.2.1 Geology, Soils and Seismicity

3.2.2 Socioeconomics and Environmental Justice

3.2.3 Hazardous, Toxic and Radiological Waste

3.2.4 Land Use

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3.3 AIR QUALITY

3.3.1 Regulatory Setting

3.3.2 Existing Conditions

3.3.3 Effects

3.3.4 Mitigation

3.4 NOISE AND VIBRATION

3.4.1 Regulatory Setting

3.4.2 Existing Conditions

3.4.3 Effects

3.4.4 Mitigation

3.5 TRAFFIC AND CIRCULATION

3.5.1 Regulatory Setting

3.5.2 Existing Conditions

3.5.3 Effects

3.5.4 Mitigation

3.6 RECREATION

3.6.1 Regulatory Setting

3.6.2 Existing Conditions

3.6.3 Effects

3.6.4 Mitigation

3.7 WATER QUALITY

3.7.1 Regulatory Setting

3.7.2 Existing Conditions

3.7.3 Effects

3.7.4 Mitigation

3.8 AESTHETICS

3.8.1 Regulatory Setting

3.8.2 Existing Conditions

3.8.3 Effects

3.8.4 Mitigation

3.9 VEGETATION AND WILDLIFE

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3.9.1 Regulatory Setting

3.9.2 Existing Conditions

3.9.3 Effects

3.9.4 Mitigation

3.10 SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES

3.10.1 Regulatory Setting

3.10.2 Existing Conditions

3.10.3 Effects

3.10.4 Mitigation

3.11 CULTURAL RESOURCES

3.11.1 Regulatory Setting

3.11.2 Existing Condition

3.11.3 Effects

3.11.4 Mitigation

CHAPTER 4.0 CUMULATIVE AND GROWTH-INDUCING EFFECTS

4.1 LOCAL PROJECTS

4.1.1 Additional Projected Cumulative Actions

4.2 ANALYSIS OF POTENTIAL CUMULATIVE EFFECTS

4.2.1 Noise

4.2.2 Traffic

4.2.3 Air Quality

4.2.4 Recreation

4.3 GROWTH-INDUCING EFFECTS

CHAPTER 5.0 COMPLIANCE WITH ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS AND

REGULATIONS

5.1 FEDERAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS

5.2 COORDINATION AND REVIEW OF THE SEA

5.3 FINDINGS

CHAPTER 6.0 LIST OF PREPARERS

CHAPTER 7.0 REFERENCES

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TABLES

Table 1. Preliminary Recreation Mitigation Opportunities Removed From Further Consideration Table 2. Subjective Reaction to Changes in Noise Levels of Similar Sources Table 3. Estimated Recreation Construction Timeline

FIGURES

Figure 1. Project Location Map Figure 2. Isabella Lake DSM Project Features Figure 3. USFS Recreation Sites for Mitigation Actions Figure 4. USFS Kernville Work Center Site Figure 5. USFS Kernville Work Center Concept Design for Administrative Office and Warehouse Figure 6. USFS Fire Station Center Concept Design Figure 7. French Gulch Recreation Area Mitigation Figure 8. Auxiliary Dam Recreational Area Mitigation Figure 9. Old Isabella Road Recreation Area Mitigation Figure 10. South Fork Recreation Area Mitigation

APPENDICES

APPENDIX A – Draft Recreation Report APPENDIX B – USFS Facilities Summary APPENDIX C – Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine Photo APPENDIX D – USFS Biological Evaluation APPENDIX E – Additional USFS Facility Concept Drawings APPENDIX F – Draft SEA Public Comments Summary and Response APPENDIX G – SEA Mitigation Summary v

LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

ADA Americans with Disabilities Act ANSI American National Standards Institute APE Area of Potential Effect APN Assessor Parcel Number BLM United States Bureau of Land Management BMPs Best Management Practices BPGPSP Bob Powers Gateway Preserve Strategic Plan CNEL Community Noise Equivalent Level Corps United States Army Corps of Engineers CO2e Carbon Dioxide Equivalent CVRWCB Central Valley Regional Water Quality

Control Board dB Decibel DSAC Dam Safety Action Classification DSM Dam Safety Modification DSS Decent Safe and Sanitary EIS Environmental Impact Statement EKAPCD Eastern Kern Air Pollution Control District EO Executive Order ER Engineering Regulation FEIS Final EIS FONSI Finding Of No Significant Impact FS U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service HAWT Horizontal-Axis Wind Turbine HTRW Hazardous, Toxic, and Radiological Waste IRCC Incident Response Command Center IRRM Interim Risk Reduction Measures Isabella Dams Isabella Lake Main Dam, Spillway and

Auxiliary Dam KWC Kernville Work Center KRV Kern River Valley KRVHF Kern River Valley Heritage Foundation Ldn Day-Night Level vi

LEED Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design

MOA Memorandum of Agreement MOU Memorandum of Understanding NAVD North American Vertical Datum NEPA National Environmental Policy Act NHPA National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 NOx Mono-Nitrogen Oxides OM Operations and Maintenance OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration PED Preconstruction Engineering and Design PM10 Particulate Matter ROD Record of Decision ROG Reactive Organic Gases RV Recreational Vehicle SEA Supplemental Environmental Assessment SHPO State Historic Preservation Office SIP State Implementation Plan SOx Oxides of Sulfur SWPPP Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan UBC Uniform Building Code UCDC United States Department of Commerce –

U.S. Census Bureau USA United States Forest Service and Corps of Engineers USC United States Code of Federal Regulations USFS U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service USGS U.S. Department of Interior Geological Survey VAWT Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine VELB Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle VIC Visitor Information Center

CHAPTER 1.0 PURPOSE AND NEED FOR THE ACTION

1.1 INTRODUCTION

Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), as amended, this USDA Forest Service Administration and Recreation Facilities Relocation Supplemental Environmental Assessment (SEA) discusses and discloses beneficial or adverse potential effects that would result from the proposed relocation of specific USDA Forest Service, Sequoia National Forest (USFS) recreation, administrative office and fire station facilities affected by construction of the Isabella Lake Dam Safety Modification (DSM) Project. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Sacramento District, is the lead agency and the USFS is the cooperating agency for the purposes of NEPA.

The Isabella Lake DSM Project was previously evaluated under NEPA in the Isabella Lake Dam Safety Modification Project Environmental Impact Statement Draft of, March 2012, and a Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) document of the same title in October 2012.

The EIS described and assessed impacts to USFS recreation and office facilities affected by the Isabella Lake DSM Project. The Record of Decision (ROD), issued by the Corps on December 18, 2012, stated that the Corps lacked authority or appropriation to mitigate with relocations, but this authority was later found within a 1964 Memorandum of Agreement. The relocation alternatives identified within this draft SEA constitute proposed mitigation for adverse effects identified from the Isabella Lake DSM project. Alternatives assessed within the document are proposed actions which best fulfill the purpose and need of the project.

1.2 LOCATION

Isabella Lake is situated approximately 35 miles northeast of Bakersfield, along Highway 178 and one mile upstream of the town of Lake Isabella (Figure 1). Water from the Kern River is retained by Isabella Lake Dam to form Isabella Lake in the southernmost part of the Sequoia National Forest, Kern County, California. As the most southerly of the major streams flowing into the San Joaquin Valley, the Kern River drains an area of 2,100 square miles of the Sierra Nevada. The North and South Forks of the Kern River comprise the headwaters, and each flows approximately 90 miles from the High Sierra to their confluence, about 1¼ miles upstream of the dam site. Downstream of Isabella Dam, the Kern River flows through the Kern River Gorge, through the Kern Valley, and into the San Joaquin Valley.

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The locations of U.S. Department of Agriculture, Sequoia National Forest, Kern River Ranger District (USFS) recreation and administrative facilities evaluated in this SEA are found within the Lake Isabella North U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) map at Township 26 South, Range 33 East, and Section 30 within Kern County.

1.3 PROJECT AUTHORITY

1.3.1 Isabella Lake DSM Project Authority

The initial study for a flood reduction and water supply project on the Kern River was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1936, June 22, 1936. Construction of Isabella Dam and Lake was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1944, Public Law 78-534, Chapter 665, Section 10, page 901. Additional federal project authority is detailed in the Draft and Final EIS for the Isabella Lake DSM Project (Corps 2012).

Engineering Regulation (ER) 1110-2-1156 (Final 28 October 2011) describes the guiding principles, policy, organization, responsibilities, and procedures for implementing risk-informed dam safety program activities. It also describes the dam safety portfolio risk management process that is used within the Corps. The purposes of the dam safety program are to protect life, property, and the environment by ensuring that all dams are designed, constructed, operated, and maintained as safely and effectively as is reasonably practicable. When unusual circumstances threaten the integrity of a structure and the safety of the public, the Corps is provided authority to take expedient actions, require personnel to evaluate the threat, and design and construct a solution.

1.3.2 Authority for Mitigation of Administration and Recreation Facilities

The Isabella Lake DSM Project ROD for the 2012 EIS, stated that the Corps would explore and identify mitigation measures to offset adverse effects on recreation resulting from construction of the Isabella Lake DSM Project. The ROD also described the Corps lack of authority to mitigate for USFS office and recreation facilities adversely affected by the Project.

Since release of the 2012 EIS and ROD, the Corps, in coordination with the Office of Management and Budget, has concluded that sufficient authority exists to allow the Corps to use its appropriated funds to relocate all USFS facilities impacted by the Isabella Lake DSM Project.

Removal and replacement of affected USFS facilities was found to be consistent with a 1964 Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) (Corps 1964) and a 1991 Memorandum Of Understanding Between And Pertaining To Interchange Of Lands And Management Of The Water And Land Resources At Isabella Lake Project, Sequoia National Forest, Kern County, California (MOU) (Corps 1991). The following text is from the 1964 MOA:

Improvements and structures of the Department of Agriculture which will be destroyed or rendered useless by reason of the water resource development and which are still needed by the Department of Agriculture will be removed or replaced by the Department of the Army at a location to be determined by the Department of Agriculture in such kind and quantity as will provide levels of service and/or access at least equivalent to those existing prior to the project construction, subject to interagency budgetary procedures.

These written agreements state, in part, that if the Corps construction at Isabella impacted existing USFS structures or facilities, the Corps would replace the facilities with an equivalent level of service in a location determined by the USFS.

1.4 ISABELLA LAKE DSM PROJECT BACKGROUND

In 2005, the Corps determined through an agency screening-level risk assessment process that the Isabella Lake Main Dam, Spillway and Auxiliary Dam (Isabella Dams) posed unacceptable risk to life and public safety. Based on the risk assessment, the dams received a risk classification described as “urgent and compelling (unsafe)” and as “critically near failure”, or “extremely high risk”. However, failure is not believed to be imminent. The Corps commenced a dam safety study, and based on the risk assessment, the Corps classified the Isabella Dams as Dam Safety Action Classification (DSAC) I in 2008 because elements of the Isabella Dams have been determined to be unsafe under extreme loadings and could result in significant and catastrophic consequences downstream.

The Corps completed a DSM Report in October 2012 (USACE 2012) that recommended remediation measures to reduce the public safety and property damage risks posed by floods, earthquakes, and seepage at the Isabella Dams. In October 2012, the Corps published a Final EIS for the proposed remediation of the Isabella Dams. The EIS described the anticipated direct and indirect impacts expected to occur as a result of the remediation, including impacts to existing federal, state, local and privately owned infrastructure in the Isabella Dams vicinity.

The approved plan includes the following summary of refinements, which were described in the Final EIS:

Main dam full height filter and drain, with approximately 16-foot crest raise;

Retrofit of main dam control tower for access with the raised dam;

Improvements to the existing spillway;

Construction of an approximately 900-foot wide emergency spillway;

Auxiliary dam modification, with approximately 16-foot crest raise, approximately 80-foot wide downstream buttress, and shallow foundation treatment;

Realignment of the Borel Canal conduit through the right abutment of the auxiliary dam;

Relocation of the auxiliary dam control tower outside of the potentially liquefiable foundation zone; and, Relocation of State Routes 155 and 178 to accommodate the dam crest.

Since release of the 2012 EIS, the approved plan has been refined to eliminate the need for realignment of State Route 155, State Route 178, and Lake Isabella Blvd. Removal of the highway realignment from the Isabella DSM project eliminates substantial construction activity that was previously planned to be constructed in advance of the main DSM work. As a result, project costs have been reduced and environmental, economic, and human consequences have been further minimized. This refinement would meet essential Corps guidelines in accordance with the Dam Safety policy document ER 1110-2-1156. Structural highway refinements are further described in the Supplemental Environmental Assessment for the Phase II Real Estate Acquisition and Relocation Kern County, California (USACE 2015).

Recent Developments

On February 20, 2015, the Corps was invited to attend a Constituent meeting at the invitation of Congressman Kevin McCarthy (CA-23), to discuss an option for replacement of the USFS Lake Isabella Office visitor information center (VIC). Selected stakeholders were also invited, including the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Kern River Valley Heritage Foundation, USFS, and the Lake Isabella Task Force, for a discussion of a potential multi-agency visitor center to be situated on the Bob Powers Preserve in Lake Isabella proper. The Bob Powers Gateway Preserve Strategic Plan (BPGPSP) (Kern River Valley Heritage Foundation 2012) was proposed at the meeting. The 18-acre property of the Bob Powers Preserve (BPP) is owned by the County and leased to the KRVHF for long-term operations and maintenance.

Kern County followed the February meeting with a memorandum to the Corps on July 13, 2015 (Kern County 2015), with support and cost estimates for a smaller, 1,900 sq. ft. modular multi-agency visitor information center (VIC) on the BPP to include the USFS, BLM, Kern County Park and Recreation, and the Kern Valley Chamber of Commerce. The memorandum suggested funds from the Corps be used to supplement the proposed VIC; and stated: “With the exception of the replacement costs of a USFS Visitor Center provided by the ACOE, funding for any expenses over and above the amount allocated by the ACOE, including the expansion to accommodate a large Multi-Agency Visitor Center, would be outside the responsibility of the ACOE or the USFS”. Following the proposal by Kern County, the USFS made a request to the Corps in September 2015 that a VIC of 900 to 1,400 sq. ft. be constructed by the Corps on the BPP per the Kern County and Kern River Valley Heritage Foundation VIC proposals.

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Isabella Lake Dam Safety Modification Project SEA USDA Forest Service Administration and Recreation Facilities Relocation January 2016

A number of issues with the BPP site currently preclude assessment for decision purposes within this SEA, and make it necessary to defer NEPA assessment of a multi-agency visitor information center (VIC) on the BPP. The BPP site issues requires inter-agency commitment and cannot be resolved within the context of this relocation SEA, which must meet the primary goal of relocating USFS facilities before existing facilities are removed by the Isabella Lake DSM project.

In addition, with the current BPP project proposal, issues have been identified which could result in significant impacts requiring a different level of NEPA assessment and decision.

Existing issues for deferring assessment of the BPP site to subsequent NEPA assessment are as follows.

The BPP is not currently under federal ownership. In general, the Corps will acquire the minimum interest in real property necessary to support the construction, operation, and maintenance of its projects (ER 405-1-12, Chapter 12, Paragraph 12-9a). However, because the USFS will ultimately be responsible for operating and maintaining the VIC, the USFS is taking the lead on identifying and investigating real estate and other issues that may affect any VIC alternative involving the BPP site. The USFS efforts are currently ongoing and have not yet been developed in sufficient detail to be included in this EA. Therefore, alternatives for the permanent relocation of the USFS VIC will be analyzed in detail in a subsequent environmental document.

Natural resource concerns at the BPP site constitute a potentially significant issue. A Forest Service and BLM Sensitive Species, the alkali Mariposa lily (Calochortus striatus) is located on the BPP, which was established in part to protect and increase the alkali Mariposa lily population (Kern River Valley Heritage Foundation 2012). The proposed development footprint would occur directly over the alkali Mariposa lily population on the preserve. This plant is also rated as a State rare plant (rank of 1B.2), indicating it is fairly endangered in California though not yet listed. Additional global and state rankings of G3 and S3, respectively, indicate it is a plant of vulnerable status (CNPS 2015). The BPP, under Kern County approval, has also been utilized in the past as an alkali Mariposa lily transplant area for mitigation of a private development project. At this time, there has been no documented success in maintaining viability of an entire alkali Mariposa lily population by transplant actions.

Additional information on public involvement and regular status updates on the project can be found at the project website at: http://bit.ly/IsabellaDam.

1.5 NEED FOR THE PROPOSED ACTION

The Sequoia National Forest, Kern River Ranger District (USFS), Lake Isabella administrative staff office, visitor information center, wood, and welding shop, sheds, and fire response facilities (USFS Lake Isabella Compound) are currently located within the construction footprint of the approved emergency spillway, and are slated for permanent removal as part of the Isabella Lake DSM Project (USACE 2012). Permanent relocation of these facilities, situated off of Ponderosa Way, is necessary before implementation of the Isabella Lake DSM Project in order to avoid disruption of USFS agency activities. Under the 1964 MOA, the Corps would provide to the USFS, replacement facilities in such kind and quantity as would provide equivalent level of service and access to that existing prior to project construction.

The Isabella Lake DSM Project EIS determined that the DSM Project would result in significant impacts on recreation. Recreation impacts were expected to result from the multi-year construction period where access to recreational opportunities and several key facilities would be restricted or eliminated. Loss and disruption of recreational areas and activities in the vicinity of the Isabella Lake DSM Project area was found to likely reduce the quality of the recreational experience in the project area. Increased concentrations of visitors in recreational areas adjacent to closed recreation facilities were identified as potential health and safety issues.

These issues were expected to result from overcrowding of launch, restroom and parking facilities, and vehicle traffic congestion. Based on the findings in the final EIS, it was anticipated that the visitor experience would be substantially diminished at specific recreation areas if a recreation mitigation plan was not implemented to offset impacts. Recreation mitigation was determined to be necessary to provide for visitor safety in the areas adjacent to closed recreational facilities, and to comply with the commitments of the 1964 MOA.

1.6 PURPOSE OF THE PROPOSED ACTION AND SEA

The purpose of the Proposed Action is to mitigate USFS administration and recreation facilities affected by the Isabella Lake DSM project. The purpose of this SEA is to assess the relocations of the USFS administration and recreation facilities affected by the DSM project.

This SEA also fulfills the commitment to continue the NEPA analysis of the potential effects of implementing the Isabella Lake DSM Project. At the time of the DSM Project approval, specific unresolved issues were left for further analysis during the preconstruction engineering and design phase of the Isabella Lake DSM Project. As a result, it was determined that a series of supplemental NEPA analyses would be required at a later time to analyze the potential effects associated with these remaining issues.

Supplemental NEPA analyses, including the need for additional USFS recreational and administrative facility relocation, were identified in Section 1.9 of the Draft EIS and Section 1.4 of the Final EIS. This SEA also addresses in part, the Isabella Lake DSM Project Record of Decision (ROD), signed December 2012, which stated that the Corps would explore and identify mitigation measures to offset adverse effects on recreation resulting from construction of the Isabella Lake DSM Project.

1.7 PRIOR NEPA DOCUMENTS AND ORGANIZATION OF THIS SEA

The Isabella Lake DSM Project Final EIS was released for public review and comment in October 2012, and the ROD was signed on December 18, 2012. The 2012 Draft EIS is the primary source for detailed environmental assessment information for the Isabella Lake DSM Project, with the Final 2012 EIS focusing on the preferred alternative and subsequent changes to the Draft EIS analyses.

Additional NEPA documents, the Supplemental Environmental Assessments (SEA) for Phase 1 and Phase II Real Estate Acquisition and Relocation Kern County, California, were finalized with respective Findings of No Significant Impact (FONSI) in August 2014 and July 2015. These documents also partially fulfilled the commitment to continue the NEPA analysis of implementing the Isabella Lake DSM Project. The Phase 1 Real Estate Acquisition and Relocation SEA specifically evaluated the effects of acquiring affected occupied lands and relocation of residents located at the privately owned Lakeside Village Mobile Home Park and a privately owned single-family residence on Barlow Drive. The Phase II Real Estate Acquisition and Relocation SEA evaluated the effect of structure demolition and disposal associated with the proposed Phase I real estate actions, as well as the effects of acquiring additional unoccupied or unimproved lands and demolition/disposal of existing structures on all parcels affected by implementation of the Isabella Lake DSM Project.

Prior NEPA Documents for the Isabella Dam Safety Modification Project

Isabella Lake Dam Safety Modification Project Draft EIS, December 2012 Isabella Lake Dam Safety Modification Project Final EIS, October 2012, Phase I Real Estate Acquisition and Relocation SEA, Kern County, California, August 2014 Phase II Real Estate Acquisition and Relocation SEA, Kern County, California, July 2015 USDA Forest Service Administration and Recreation Facilities Relocation Draft

SEA, Kern County, CA, November 2015

The USDA Forest Service Administration and Recreation Facilities Relocation SEA is also tiered to the Draft and Final EIS. This SEA document provides additional NEPA assessment of recreation and facility relocations for which information was not previously available for inclusion within the Final EIS. The SEA will effectively reference information and assessments that have not changed since the 2012 EIS analysis. Prior NEPA documents for the Isabella Lake DSM project and supporting documents are available online at:

http://bit.ly/IsabellaDam

Copies of the Draft and Final Isabella Lake DSMP EIS may also be obtained by contacting the Sacramento District Public Affairs Office, 1325 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95814;

Phone (916) 557-5101; email: isabella@usace.army.mil.

Chapter 2 of this SEA document discusses potential alternatives to mitigate for the temporary or permanent closure of recreation facilities and administrative facilities affected by the DSM Project. Chapter 3 assesses the existing environment, affected environment and consequences expected by implementing the proposed alternatives. Chapter 4 addresses cumulative and growth inducing effects created by the proposed alternatives.

1.8 DECISION TO BE MADE

The District Engineer, Commander of the Sacramento District, must decide whether or not the proposed action qualifies for a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) under NEPA or whether a Supplemental EIS must be prepared.

CHAPTER 2.0 ALTERNATIVES

2.1 Introduction

The following section describes the alternative development process, and the alternatives that were not considered and removed from further assessment. One Preferred Alternative (Preferred Action) is identified to meet the purpose and need for the proposed action. The Preferred Action is evaluated in detail in this SEA. A No Action Alternative, required by NEPA, is also evaluated and utilized as a baseline to illustrate the potential effects of not implementing the Preferred Action.

2.2 Alternative Development Process

2.2.1 Recreation Facilities

The Isabella Lake DSM Project Draft and Final 2012 EIS document assessed the potential effects to the recreation facilities around Isabella Lake. Based on the findings, the 2012 Isabella Lake DSM Project Record of Decision (ROD) required the Corps to “identify measures for mitigation to offset adverse effects on recreation resulting from construction of the Isabella Lake DSM Project.”

Recreation preferences, obtained from public surveys, scoping meetings, stakeholders and community members, were utilized to identify a preliminary set of recreation issues and opportunities. Mitigations proposed by the public and agencies during the EIS project scoping process were used to further identify potential relocation opportunities. A public survey (Corps 2013) of recreation visitors was conducted by a Corps contractor (Gulf South Research Corporation) during the 2013 summer recreation season to assess use and preferences for the recreational experiences at Isabella Lake. Survey results included the location of lake access, the type of recreation use, the concerns of visitors, and suggestions for possible mitigation measures to address project effects. Information gathered on the type and volume of visitor use was also used to identify potential measures that could be implemented to mitigate project impacts.

Public meetings were held at Kernville on September 25, 2013 and at Lake Isabella on September 26, 2013, to present the recreation survey effort around Lake Isabella and to obtain additional public input by questionnaire.

From the surveys and input of publics and agencies, a draft Recreation Report (USACE 2014) was produced and released to the public on February 27, 2014 (Appendix A). The Draft Recreation Report summarized potentially impacted recreation areas and some mitigation opportunities to offset losses of recreation facilities resulting from the implementation of the

Isabella Lake DSM Project. The Draft Recreation Report did not recommend specific alternatives to offset impacts, but was used as a scoping tool to obtain public and agency input for identification of needs and opportunities. Two public comments, which addressed other resource issues, were received in response to the Draft Recreation Report. Without additional public input, a final Recreation Report was not produced. The next public meetings were held on November 21 and 22, 2014 in Kernville and Lake Isabella respectively, to provide an information forum and review on the project’s current progress.

Some measures identified in the Draft Recreation Report and the visitor surveys were not considered further for inclusion within alternatives because they would not mitigate for recreation impacts resulting from the Lake Isabella DSM Project. Recreational measures that were identified for further assessment were those that could mitigate for impacts resulting from the construction of the Isabella Lake DSM project, or from impacts resulting from increased use of recreation areas outside the project construction footprint due to facility closures within the construction footprint. Table 1 identifies measures eliminated from further consideration.

Table 1. Preliminary Recreation Mitigation Opportunities Removed From Further Consideration.

Measures Eliminated from Further Consideration for Mitigation

Rationale for Screening or Elimination

Construction of a Miniature Golf Course There is no existing miniature golf course to be mitigated; it does not qualify as a mitigation measure or in-kind capacity replacement.

Changes to Fisheries Management Impacts were reduced to less-than-significant from changes in the prior project design. The lowering of the pool for construction purposes was reduced to one winter season.

Boulder Gulch Improvements The site is considered too far from the area of impact compared to other recreation sites, and it is not directly impacted.

Construction of a Lake Perimeter Bike Path There is no existing bike path to be mitigated; it does not qualify as a mitigation measure for project effects or in-kind replacement.

Changes to Management of Paradise Cove Recreation Site

This was not acceptable to USFS as a mitigation measure for impacts elsewhere on the lake.

Changes in release schedule or flow regime for lower Kern River to benefit whitewater recreation

This is not a significant impact directly related to project effects. Summer flows are under the jurisdiction of the Kern River Watermaster.

Recreation locations intended for facilities mitigations were selected by the USFS per the 1964 MOA. These locations included Auxiliary Dam Recreation Area, Old Isabella Road Recreation Area, South Fork Recreation Area, French Gulch Recreation Area, Launch 19 (Main Dam Launch), and Main Dam Campground (Figure 3). Continuing coordination with the USFS identified specific parking needs and locations for boat ramps and other recreation facilities. The

USFS also requested that flush toilets be replaced by vault toilets without to reduce water use and the effort and cost associated with long-term maintenance. A relocation of water faucets was made to exterior locations.

A Design Prospectus Report (Corps 2015) was produced to illustrate design concepts of the USFS preferred recreation locations, and the prospectus was adopted by the USFS in September of 2015. Recreation objectives were further identified within the Prospectus for Isabella Lake recreation mitigation, and these were incorporated into a preferred recreation alternative:

Provide an interim boat ramp with the same capacity as Boat Launch 19.

Design facilities to allow for maximum accessibility to visitors of all ages and ability levels.

Use a design theme that incorporates the existing architectural style, colors, materials, and signs.

Design parking areas to adequately accommodate cars and pickup trucks with and without trailers.

Minimize soil erosion throughout the entire area by improving roads, and stabilizing the surface.

Provide facilities for a campground host site.

Provide kiosks to facilitate access to areas that require permits.

Protect and interpret the heritage resources on the site.

Discussion between the Corps and the USFS further identified needed recreation structures, the best available locations for placement, and preferred structure and site designs. To mitigate the closing or removal of recreation facilities due to dam reconstruction, the following facilities were identified for construction:

An interim boat ramp at French Gulch and parking and restroom facilities to mitigate the interim closure of Boat Launch 19

Relocation and installation of new facilities at Auxiliary Dam Recreation Area

An expansion of the shoreline camping area and installation of new facilities at Old Isabella Road Recreation Area

New facilities installation at South Fork Recreation Site

New restroom and restored launch and parking facilities at Launch 19 after completion of the DSM project.

Reconstruction of the Main Dam Campground for a reopening to the public after the DSM project is completed.

2.2.2 Administration Facilities – Office, Warehouse, Interim VIC and Fire Station

Three design meetings were conducted between the USFS and Corps in 2014, with multiple site visits, to identify structure needs, designs and potential locations for mitigation of the Isabella Lake Office and facilities. The Isabella Administrative facilities that were identified for displacement by the Isabella Lake DSM project include administrative office space for approximately 20 employees, a 450 sq. ft. visitor information center (VIC), a fire station which housed two engines with support facilities, and smaller District maintenance buildings. The USFS Kernville Work Center (KWC), located in the town of Kernville off of Kernville Road, was identified for the relocation of the administrative office and a larger District warehouse with supporting parking and landscaping (Figure 4).

In 2014, the USFS communicated a desire to consolidate the additional USFS workforce currently housed in a rental building in downtown Kernville, with the proposed Isabella administrative building at the KWC. The USFS proposed an addition to the new administrative building for 26 additional employees, and provided funds to the Corps for design purposes. The Corps intends to build the relocation portion of the building to accommodate displaced employees before the Isabella DSM project removes the Isabella Lake administrative office;

however, the USFS funded portion of the building may not be concurrently constructed. In addition, sites were identified at the KWC for the construction of new warehouse facility and parking. The Corps additionally agreed in September 2015 to demolish a dilapidated duplex for the construction of additional new parking at the KWC.

The USFS identified a 4.1 acre triangular portion of available National Forest land, as the preferred relocation site of a two-bay, fire engine response station accessible directly from Highway 178 or by way of Isabella Lake Blvd. through the town of Lake Isabella (Figure 3). A 450 sq. ft. modular building was requested by the USFS for an interim visitor information center (VIC) at this site. The Isabella Lake Blvd. location was preferred because it would provide access to the southern portion of the Kernville District, and efficient access to the intersection of both Highways 155 and 178. In addition, this location was visually prominent to travelers and could provide visitor information services for those entering the Lake Isabella area.

2.3 Alternatives Not Considered Further

The following mitigation measures were proposed, but not carried forward because they did not meet the project purpose and authorizations. Based upon the MOA described in Section

1.3 Project Authority, the Corps will replace USFS properties at an equivalent basis to provide such kind and quantity of services in a location as directed by the USFS.

Proposed measures that were not considered further included constructing new hotels for construction workers, removing lakebed stumps, installing floating restrooms, and creating viewing platforms. These measures did not represent in-kind replacement for such recreation uses as boat launch or camping facilities that could be impacted by the DSM Project construction.

Proposed alternatives for USFS administrative facility relocations that were considered, but eliminated from further consideration are listed below.

Combined location for all USFS administration facilities

The 4.1 acre triangular-shaped site off of Lake Isabella Blvd was proposed as a location for the combined USFS administrative building, warehouse, visitor information center (VIC) and fire station relocations. However, this site was too small, without additional land acquisitions, to support all buildings and associated parking.

Private lands for relocation of facilities

Use of private land affected, and private land not affected by the DSM project, was proposed for the relocation structures. However, these lands could not be considered because the Corps was not authorized to purchase private lands for purposes of construction to mitigate recreation or USFS administration facilities resulting from the Isabella Lake DSM project. In addition, lands acquired for DSM construction are considered high hazard areas during construction, and some parcels would not be compatible with proposed uses once construction is complete. Other parcels, such as the South Fork Union School in Weldon, did not provide visitor access within the vicinity of the junction of Highways 155 and 178, identified by the Forest Service to be an overriding consideration for location of visitor and fire response services.

Fire station and visitor information center at French Gulch recreation area

A proposal was made to relocate the fire station and the VIC to the French Gulch Recreation Area. This alternative was not adopted because of conflicts with existing use by the Nuui Cunni American Inter-Tribal Culture Center (Nuui Cunni Center), and a lack of parking area with resulting safety concerns for all facilities proposed. Also, the site is not centrally located for fire response, and the location was not convenient for visitors traveling Highway 178.

Facilities installation at the Old Air Force Camp property

The Old Air Force Camp property, located off Highway 155, west of French Gulch Recreation Area was proposed as a site for USFS facilities. This alternative was not considered further because the USFS had concerns with physical suitability due to topography, and the access is not conveniently located with respect to visitors traveling along Highway 178.

Alternative existing USFS lands for facilities installation

Other USFS land, including Hungry Gulch, Boulder Gulch, Tillie Creek, Live Oak North and South, Camp 9, Hanning Flat, Stine Cove, and Kissack Bay, were proposed for the administrative building, fire station and VIC locations. However, these locations did not provide sufficient acreage for proposed relocations, or existing recreational uses conflicted with the proposed uses. Also, these areas were not centrally located for access by visitors traveling Highway 178, or conveniently located for fire engine response to the south and east side of Isabella Lake.

Split location with the Corps quality assurance building.

An alternative was proposed to temporarily place the USFS administration building at the Kernville Work Center (KWC), and utilize the USFS Lake Isabella 4.1-acre triangular site for the fire station and an interim VIC. Following completion of DSM construction, the VIC would be permanently relocated to the Isabella Lake Corps quality assurance building located at the prior trailer park site. The option to move the VIC into the Corps quality assurance building off Highway 178 was not preferred by the USFS.

2.4 NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE

NEPA regulations and CEQ guidance require consideration of the No Action Alternative.

The No Action Alternative describes the future conditions that would reasonably be expected to exist in the absence of the proposed action and serves as the environmental baseline against which the adverse and beneficial effects of the action alternatives are evaluated. In this SEA, there is one action alternative, the Preferred Alternative (Preferred Action), which will be evaluated in detail and will be compared to the No Action alternative. The Preferred Alternative is intrinsic to the Isabella DSM project in that the DSM project would not be conducted without relocation of USFS administration and recreation facilities.

As such, the No Action Alternative would mean that there would be no Federal participation in remedial improvements to the Isabella main dam, spillway, or auxiliary dam.

The Operating Restriction at elevation 2,589.26 NAVD88 (356,700 acre-feet) would become permanent. Initiated by the Corps in 2006, the Operating Restriction, or Interim Risk Reduction Measure (IRRM) was intended as an emergency deviation from the Water Control Plan in order el la

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Si te to lower the lake level to a safe elevation and capacity. It is possible that without dam remediation to reduce the risk of dam failure and life safety concerns, the Operating Restriction would become even more restrictive. However, despite risk reduction measures, the Isabella Dams would still possess an unacceptably high risk of failure under the No Action Alternative.

The potential environmental, economic, and human consequences of dam failure could be extremely high. Not proceeding with the construction of the Isabella Lake DSM Project, is not considered a prudent or reasonable alternative due to health and safety risks. The No Action Alternative would not fulfill the purpose and need of the proposed project as defined by the 2012 EIS and approved in the 2012 ROD.

Under the No Action Alternative, the Corps would not mitigate for impacts of the Isabella Lake DSM Project because construction would not be conducted, and project related impacts would not occur on USFS administration and recreation facilities. In addition, mitigation would not be conducted by the Corps for any recreation affected by sustained Operating Restrictions. As a result, visitor experiences dependent upon higher lake levels and recreational fishing could possibly be diminished on a permanent basis.

2.5 PREFERRED ACTION – RELOCATION OF USFS ADMINISTRATION AND

RECREATION FACILITIES

USFS administration facilities to be mitigated by the Isabella Lake DSM project include the USFS Lake Isabella Office located on Ponderosa Drive, with a 450 sq. ft. visitor information center,, an associated complex of District maintenance buildings and a fire station with two engine bays and support facilities. USFS recreation facilities to be mitigated and discussed within this SEA include Launch 19, French Gulch Recreation Area, Auxiliary Dam Recreation Area, Old Isabella Road Recreation Area, South Fork Recreation Area, and Main Dam Campground. Recreation facilities of the preferred alternative are discussed below, following description of the Administrative Facilities.

2.5.1 USFS Administrative Facilities – Office, Warehouse, Fire station and Visitor Information Center

USFS Administrative Office and Warehouse – Kernville Work Center

A USFS single story administrative office of approximately 9,791 sq. ft. would be constructed by the Corps at the USFS Kernville Work Center located off Kernville Rd, in the town of Kernville (Figure 5). The maximum height of the building is expected to be 24 feet.

Construction of a portion of this building, approximately 5,420 sq. ft, would be completed by the Corps to replace the administrative function of the displaced Lake Isabella office before demolition occurs. This office space would serve to mitigate the needs of approximately 20

USFS administrative employees and law enforcement officers (LEO) displaced by the removal of the Isabella Lake administration office for the DSM project. The building would provide offices, conference rooms, rest rooms, break room, storage rooms and associated vehicle parking. The remainder of the administration building, approximately 4,371 sq. ft., would not be part of the Isabella Lake Office mitigation and would be funded by the USFS. Availability of USFS funding would determine the construction schedule for this portion of the building that would consolidate the remaining 26 employees from the Kernville Ranger District Office currently located within a rented office building in downtown Kernville.

The administration building exterior would conform to the USFS FS-710 Built Environment Image Guide (BEIG) for National Forests and Grasslands, but would also integrate architectural style and characteristics of the surrounding area and the town of Kernville. Fire resistant ceramic tiles or other durable composites with a standard USFS green metal standing-seam roof would be utilized for the building’s outer surfaces. USFS sustainability guidelines would be implemented under the Corps design for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.

A 2,700 sq. ft. two-bay warehouse would be constructed by the Corps to mitigate for storage facilities directly impacted by construction of the new dam emergency spillway. The warehouse would contain space for fire cache and general storage, and a unisex restroom/shower. Site work for both the office and warehouse will include electrical, water, septic and communication connections, and extra paving to provide for vehicles for loading and unloading. An unoccupied, single story USFS duplex at the KWC would be demolished by USFS request to provide space for an additional new parking lot with approximately thirteen vehicle parking spaces. The unoccupied single story duplex, constructed in 1953 for barracks use is not considered a historical property. The demolition contractor would be required to demolish wall foundations and properly dispose of debris and material at an approved landfill or recycling center. All demolition and activities associated with the proposed action would comply with the Kern County Ordinance Code G-8057, which governs the disposal of solid waste at Kern County waste facilities.

Coordination with the Kern County Roads Department was conducted for a new visitor entrance to the office building from Kernville Road. Site work would also include construction of a driveway and parking for approximately eleven visitor vehicles, with additional overflow parking for ten spaces. Approximately 44 new spaces would be constructed initially to accommodate parking for employees accessed by the current KWC driveway. An additional 16 parking spaces would be constructed at a later date by the USFS. The office building would be heated and cooled by central air and would include an on-site septic system with leach field, and electrical, communication and water connections. All facilities would meet or exceed ADA, UBC, and ANSI standards. Solar panels located at the KWC would provide a renewable energy source for the office. All lighting would comply with the Kern County dark sky ordinance. The project footprint would be graded with off- road or earth moving equipment in preparation for construction of buildings and parking facilities. Disturbed surfaces that are not paved or covered with structures, rock or gravels, would be reseeded with native grasses and vegetation. Native, fire resistant and drought tolerant plants would be utilized in the final KWC landscaping around the new facilities.

Fire Station Complex and Interim Visitor Information Center at Lake Isabella Blvd.

The proposed location for the fire station complex and interim visitor information center is an undeveloped 4.1 acre of National Forest land directly off of Lake Isabella Blvd., in the vicinity of the Kern County Government offices (Fig. 6). Lake Isabella Blvd. would be widened to 100 total feet in order to accommodate traffic traveling into three new constructed driveways at the Station, which would effectively separate visitor and fire vehicle traffic. Grading by heavy equipment would occur into the rear hillside topography to provide a more level building site consistent with the elevation of Lake Isabella Rd. All new facilities would be constructed at this site, including a modernized 4,000 sq. ft.