TOWN OF TRUCKEE
AMENDED RECIRCULATED
INITIAL STUDY / MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION
Application No.:
13-024a/DP-UP AMND-MUP
Project Name:
Tahoe Donner Association Cross Country Ski Center
Project Proponent: Tahoe Donner Association
Lead Agency:
Town of Truckee Town Council
c/o Truckee Community Development Department
10183 Truckee Airport Road
Truckee, CA 96161
(530) 582-7820
(Documents and other material upon which the decision for the adoption of the Negative Declaration is based may be found at the above location.)
Contact Person: Jenna Endres, AICP
[email protected] 530-582-2922
Other agencies whose approval may be required (e.g. permits, financing approval, or participation agreement):
• Truckee Donner Public Utility District • Regional Water Quality Control Board,
Lahontan Region
• Tahoe-Truckee Sanitation Agency • Truckee Sanitary District
• Nevada County
PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND LOCATION
Project Description: The Tahoe Donner Association (TDA) is proposing to demolish the existing
Equestrian Center and Cross Country Ski Center located at 15275 Alder Creek Road with construction of a new Cross Country Ski Center (Ski Center). The new Ski Center building will replace the existing building in approximately the same location. The facility will continue to function primarily as a cross country Ski Center and the center point for the Tahoe Donner cross country ski course with support services similar to those currently being offered. TDA currently provides support services for the existing offseason equestrian activities that operate on both the subject property and on an adjacent parcel to the west in Nevada County. Upon completion of the new Ski Center, the equestrian and Bikeworks operations (i.e. rental bike business) will also be maintained within the new Ski Center. During construction, the equestrian operations will continue to operate in both the Town of Truckee and in Nevada County. The Bikeworks operations will be temporarily located to the Tahoe Donner Clubhouse on Northwoods Boulevard, through issuance of a Temporary Use Permit.
The new Ski Center will be constructed as a single-story, 10,220 square foot building and will include office space, locker rooms, light food and beverage service, equipment rental, repair space and service area for the equestrian and Bikeworks operations. Access will occur off of the existing driveway on Alder Creek Road. A total of 101 parking spaces are proposed, with a joint snow storage/overflow parking area which can accommodate 47-50 spaces when not utilized for on-site snow storage. Access to the existing equestrian facilities in Nevada County will occur through the parking area north of the new Ski Center.
Figures 1 and 2 depict the proposed and existing facilities, including facilities currently located in Nevada County as part of the permitted equestrian operations. Figure 3 includes depictions of the proposed building elevations.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Existing Facilities
New Cross Country Ski Center
The new Ski Center will be constructed as a single-story, 10,220 square foot building replacing the existing 8,271 square foot building in approximately the same location and will include office space, locker rooms, light food and beverage service, equipment rental and repair space and management area for the equestrian and Bikeworks operations. The proposed 10,220 square foot, single story building is approximately 23 percent larger than the existing building.
The new facility will continue to function primarily as a cross country ski center and the center point for the Tahoe Donner cross country ski course with support services similar to those currently being offered. The new Ski Center will also maintain offseason equestrian and Bikeworks operations.
Proposed Building Use
The updated facility and increase in square footage will accommodate existing activities currently occurring at the Ski Center. The facility will incorporate a new design focused primarily on cross country and recreational uses during the winter months, and support services for equestrian uses and Bikeworks operations during the summer months. The new facility is designed to accommodate training activities and will include locker rooms, rental/retail/repair operations, and limited food service necessary to serve the existing users. Activities associated with the cross country ski operation will continue to take place within the building, on the immediate deck outside the building, and along the 100 km of cross country ski and snowshoe trails across neighboring parcels, most of which are located on the Nevada County parcel.
The Bikeworks operations will use some of the indoor space area within the new Ski Center (some of which will be shared with other activities) which includes: check-in, point of sale, retail, day camp classrooms, staff break room, manager’s office, medical supply storage, seating, circulation, laundry, and restrooms. Several of the existing equestrian uses, including the shed, guide shack, holding pen, staging area, and loading ramp which are located northeast of the existing building will be removed. The shed is 20’ X 25’ and houses all the equipment/tack used by the Tahoe Donner horses for trail rides, pony rides, camps, and lessons. This equipment will be moved to a portable storage unit which will be placed in an upland area of the Town-side parcel on an existing path to the Tahoe Donner equestrian facilities in Nevada County. The shed also contains 14 indoor small tack rooms for private boarders which will be removed and will not be replaced. Adjacent to the shed is a holding pen for trail horses, a staging area, and a loading ramp, which are used for helping customers mount their horses. These facilities will also be removed.
The new Ski Center will employ the same number of full-time employees (25 to 35) currently employed and will operate seven days a week. The current Ski Center generally operates from 7 am to 8 pm seven days per week. For the new Ski Center, weekday operations are anticipated from 7 am to 8 pm and weekend operations are anticipated from 7 am to 10 pm. The proposed use areas that are designed to support recreational activities as well as allow for special and recurring events include the following:
• Dining and lounge areas • Retail sales area
• Nordic equipment rental and maintenance facilities • Public locker rooms
• Commercial kitchen and food service area • Administrative offices and support service
Figure 3
West Elevation – Proposed New Building
Existing Parking Facilities
Proposed Parking Facilities
Parking
The existing parking facilities currently provide approximately 110 parking stalls in paved parking areas. These stalls include a number of spaces which currently do not comply with Town development standards. Under current normal operating conditions the parking lot is approximately 40% occupied by vehicles. During special events or peak usage times when the parking lot becomes fully utilized, overflow parking (74 spaces) is currently provided along Alder Creek Road in the Town of Truckee Right-of-Way (ROW). These spaces in the ROW are available year-round and snow removal occurs during the winter months to facilitate parking.
The proposed project will repair and resurface the parking area, and provide a total of 101 parking spaces which are Development Code-compliant, including six accessible parking spaces. The updated parking spaces will be constructed within areas of previous disturbance. The paved area will also include a joint overflow/snow storage area to allow flexibility throughout the year
.
During special events and peak usage times, the TDA will provide a shuttle service to the Ski Center. The shuttle service utilizes existing parking areas within the Tahoe Donner subdivision. Visitors park at off-site locations and then are shuttled by van to the Ski Center. The TDA currently maintains a number of off-site parking locations, including the Clubhouse, downhill ski area, Trout Creek recreation center and the Tahoe Donner golf course. In general, use of these parking areas
East Elevation – Proposed New Building
for special events or peak usage times will occur during off-peak demand for parking at these sites.
Snow Storage
Snow storage will be provided within the paved area on the southern portion of the site. While this area has historically been used as a formal parking lot, its narrow width does not meet current parking standards.
The Development Code requires a total of 75% of the total parking and driveway areas to be set aside for snow storage. Additional alternatives are allowed in cases where the site cannot accommodate the required snow storage areas. These alternatives include ramping and adoption of a long-term snow hauling plan. The proposed snow storage plan provides for approximately 30% of the required snow storage on-site in the overflow parking/snow storage area. To comply with the Town’s snow storage development standards, the TDA will be seeking approval of both a ramping plan and a long-term off-haul plan. The off-haul plan will be used during large snow events when the capacity of the snow storage area and ramping plan is exceeded.
Equestrian Operations
The equestrian operation will continue in a limited capacity. The existing guide shed, holding pen, staging area, and loading ramp that are located onsite northeast of the existing building will be removed. These structures and corrals will not be relocated to the Nevada County parcel. The Nevada County parcel will remain in its existing condition and be used only for homeowner boarding during the summer season. Seasonal horse boarding already exists and has historically taken place on the Nevada County parcel over the past several years.
During
construction,
the equipment/tack used by Tahoe Donner for trail rides, pony rides, camps, and lessons will be stored in a portable, temporary storage bin located on the Town side. No structures or improvements are proposed on the Nevada County parcelas part of the proposed p
roject. Any such potential proposals must be approved by TDA’s Board of Directors andsubmitted to
Nevada County for approval.established as one of the original amenities and common facilities of
the TDA
andwas
permitted by Nevada County during the Master Plan development process in the late 1960s. The existing Equestrian Center and Cross Country Ski Center located on Alder Creek Road was approved by Nevada County in 1986 and 1989 with Use Permits prior to the Town’
s incorporation.The season for equestrian operation extends from approximately mid-June through Labor Day for ride operations. Trail rides, lessons, and pony rides are also offered during the month of September, primarily on weekends. Boarding operations begin June 1st and extend through September 30th, weather permitting.
There are currently 29 horses owned by the TDA; a string of horses that has been significantly downsized during the past 10 years from over 50 horses. The horses are used for trail rides, pony rides, private lessons and camps. The size of the string varies slightly from year-to-year. There are generally 30 to 50 horses on the property at a given time, including privately boarded horses and those owned by the TDA. The proposed project will not impact the number of horses on the property.
Current equestrian programs and activities include:
Horse
Boarding: Boarding is offered to TDA members, their guests, and the general public. Almost all boarders are currentTDA
members.Trail Rides and Pony Rides: Trail and pony rides are offered Thursdays - Mondays
between the hours of 9
am
–
4pm
. Most rides are one-hourin duration
and
utilize the trail system closest to theSki
Center. A two-hour ride is also offered, but has more limited usage; most of the trail riders are beginners and are better suited to the one-hour ride.Horsemanship Camps: Horsemanship camps operate approximately eight weeks of each summer. These camps are half-day programs, both morning and afternoon, and run Monday through Friday. This is a very popular program, but due to limited number of horses and arena space,
class size is limited to four
students per class.Lessons: Private lessons are offered on weekends for ages
seven
and up. 60-minute private lessons are offered in English or Western, beginner through advanced riders. Lessons are sold out on mostweek
ends.Events: Barbeques are held on select Saturday nights for groups of 50 - 100 people.
Wagon rides, dinner, games, photo/dress-up station, treasure hunts, and water balloon tosses are all part of the evenings events. Cowgirls and Cocktails is offered on select Friday nights from 5
pm
– 7pm.
Cowgirls (and cowboys) are invited for an early evening trail ride followed by beer, wine, and appetizers on the deck.side being less expensive than the Town side), the County-side paddocks are generally booked first (for example, if 22 horses are boarded, it is likely that 20 horses would be on the County side and two on the Town side; if only 18 horses are boarded, then all 18 would likely be on the County side). As no additional facilities are proposed on the County parcel, the elimination of the Town stalls merely reduces the number of horses boarded at Tahoe Donner during a few weekends (and usually three full weeks) in July and August.
In sum, during construction, the indoor paddocks on the Town side will be removed, but the 20 boarding spaces for homeowners will be still be offered on the Nevada County parcel. As they are every summer, the Tahoe Donner string of horses (25 horses) will still be housed on the Nevada County parcel during construction. After completion of the Ski Center, the indoor paddocks on the Town side will not be offered. The 20 boarding spaces on the Nevada County parcel will continue to be offered. The Tahoe Donner horses (25 horses) will continue to be housed on the Nevada County parcel. The Ski Center project will therefore have a net reduction in horses and horse boarding.
Special and Recurring Events
Special and recurring events are a component of the Ski Center and equestrian programs offe
red by
the facility
. Such events will continue to be offered at the new Ski Center and include the following:• Periodic meetings of various activity clubs whose members are residents of the Tahoe Donner subdivision (i.e. quilting club, bridge club, skiing club, hiking club, etc.).
• Periodic special meetings and social gatherings normally associated with a residential community facility such as private birthday parties, weddings, spaghetti dinners, fundraisers,
holiday
parties, 4th of July barbecues and similar activities.• Children’s day camps operated during daytime hours primarily in the summertime. Activities include arts and crafts, learning and play areas and structured recreational activities such as hiking, horseback riding, bike riding, nature walks, and training.
• The facility will host periodic cross-country ski race events including awards dinners and luncheons. Races may include local, regional, and national events like the USSA National Super Tour Event. Additionally,
the
TDA hosts special groups with disabilities to provide them access to cross country skiing and snowshoeing.Special events may include limited amplified outdoor music or public address systems. Regular food service currently pro
vided by the facility will remain
limited to snack bar/deli food service and limited beverage service, including beer and wine. For peak-period activities,
appropriate off-site parking and shuttle bus service to/from off-site parking areas within Tahoe Donner will be provided.Bikeworks Operation & Trailhead Access
In order to provide the membership of Tahoe Donner and the general public additional outdoor recreational services and trail access, the Bikeworks operation was developed. This outdoor recreational mountain bike rental service will operate during the summer months at the Ski Center. During construction of the new building, the Bikeworks rental service will operate out of the existing Tahoe Donner Clubhouse located on Northwoods Boulevard.
Project Location and Environmental Setting: The project area consists of one parcel within the town
of Truckee (15275 Alder Creek Road) (Figure 8). The TDA also maintains portions of its existing equestrian center and operations on an adjacent parcel in Nevada County, California. Improvements and operations in Nevada County are not the subject of this MND and are not further discussed as no changes to the Ski Center or equestrian operations are proposed by the TDA in Nevada County at this time. The parcel is currently developed with the TDA ski and equestrian center, which includes the ski center/equestrian center building, large parking lot, and ancillary horse facilities and arenas. Adjacent land uses include open space within Nevada County and residential uses within the Tahoe Donner planned community.
The proposed improvements are located largely within the existing facility footprint. The facility sits on the northwestern edge of the Tahoe Donner planned community. Terrain throughout the site is primarily flat and includes a number of delineated wetland areas as surveyed by Kelly Biological Consulting in 2009. The elevation of the property is approximately 6,600 feet. Dominant vegetation communities include Ruderal Disturbed, including upland areas such as the paved parking lot, the driveway in to the site and unvegetated dirt and wood chip areas.
Project History: The ski center and equestrian center were initially approved by Nevada County in the
1970’s. Subsequent Use Permits in 1986 and 1989 allowed expansions of the facility to accommodate increasing usage amongst the general public and Tahoe Donner members. The facility has historically been used for a wide range of activities, including day camps, trail rides, riding lessons, special events, and cross country ski races. The overflow parking lot, located southeast of the Ski Center, was originally permitted as a gravel parking lot. At some point following the initial permitting of this parking lot, it was paved with asphalt concrete paving without the benefit of permits.
Project Baseline: CEQA Guidelines Section 15125(a) requires an analysis of a proposed project’s
impacts as measured against the environmental “baseline”, which includes the existing environmental conditions at the time of project review. The baselines for the Ski Center project includes all activities and disturbance which currently exist at the site, including the existing building, which is approximately 8,271 square feet and supports cross country skiing, equestrian operations, and other outdoor recreational activities. The existing facility provides limited food service, and services with the following supporting spaces:
• Office space
• Class/meeting rooms • Retail sales area • Restrooms
• Kitchen
• Barn and stalls • Caretakers quarters
Outside uses and structures include: • BBQ & deck area
• Guide shack
• Equestrian staging area • Equestrian arena • Paddocks for boarding • Corrals and pens
• Storage rooms for tack, grain, hay, equipment and repairs
• Activities area • Trailer parking
• Waste & manure storage • Wash rack for horses • Holding pen staging area • Loading ramp
•
TrailsThe current use employs approximately 25 to 35 full-time and part-time employees
and generally
operates from 7am to 8pm
seven days a week. The site is served by public water and electrical services from Truckee Donner Public Utility District and public sewer is provided by Truckee Sanitary District. The existing parking lot includes 110 parking stalls and an additional 74 on-street parking stalls along Alder Creek. The following table summarizes the changes between the project baseline and the proposed changes:MND Section Project Baseline Proposed Project Project Change Parking Spaces On-site parking Off-site parking Overflow parking 110 spaces 74 spaces 47-50 spaces 101 spaces 74 spaces 47-50 spaces Loss of 9 spaces No change No change
Building size 8,271 square feet 10,220 square feet 1,949 square feet
Employees 25-35 full-time and part time No change No change
Hours of operation 7am-8pm, 7 days per week 7am-up to 10pm, 7 days per week
Nighttime
operations could increase by up to 3 hours
Special events Various: Includes ski races, equestrian camps, social events.
Various: Includes ski races,
equestrian camps, social events.
Could allow wider range of special events, including weddings
Equestrian use Full equestrian facility,
including horse boarding, lessons, various arenas and
Full equestrian facility, including horse boarding,
BACKGROUND REPORTS, SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION AND REFERENCES
The following documents have been used to support the analysis of potential environmental impacts from the proposed Project, and are incorporated herein by reference for this Initial Study:
a) Town of Truckee 2025 General Plan (http://www.townoftruckee.com/index.aspx?page=470) b) Town of Truckee Development Code (http://www.townoftruckee.com/index.aspx?page=124)
c) Tahoe Donner Association Nordic Center Preliminary Wetland Delineation (Kelly Biological Consulting 2013).
a) Tahoe Donner Association Cross Country Ski Center Special Status Species Evaluation (Kelly Biological Consulting 2014
day camps.
20 horse paddocks in Nevada County, plus large corral used for boarding
lessons, various arenas and day camps. String of horses reduced to 25. Indoor horse boarding removed (8 stalls) Certain facilities removed from Town of Truckee (i.e. guide shack, indoor boarding, etc.)
Site coverage (paved and developed areas) 38,580 square feet (4.1% site coverage) 43,983 square feet (4.8% site coverage) 5,403 square foot increase (.7% increase) Trails Usage Multi-purpose trail network,
includes cross-country ski/snowshoe, biking, hiking and equestrian trails.
Multi-purpose trail network, includes cross-country ski/snowshoe, biking, hiking and equestrian trails.
Evaluation of Environmental Impacts
1. AESTHETICS. Potentially Significant Impact Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant Impact No ImpactWould the project:
a. Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista?
b. Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway?
c. Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings?
d. Create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area?
Setting
The property is currently developed with a 1970’s era ski and equestrian center and ancillary buildings and structures. The facility is surrounded largely to the north by open space, which includes an extensive network of soft-surface trails for mountain biking, hiking and cross country skiing. Additionally, there are several outdoor equestrian facilities, including horse arenas, paddocks, holding and staging areas and equipment and manure storage areas.
Impact Discussion
a) While not specifically identified as a scenic vista in the Town of Truckee 2025 General Plan, the property does sit on the eastern edge of a designated prominent slope, ridgeline, bluff line or hillside. The open lands north and west of the property provide views of these designated areas and provide a scenic backdrop to the facility. Virtually all work proposed within the property will occur within previously disturbed areas and on slopes which exceed less than 10 percent. Because development will occur within slopes less than 10 percent and there are no designated scenic vistas within the property, impacts are
less-than-significant.
b) A review of the current Caltrans Map of Designated Scenic Routes indicates that there are no officially designated state scenic highways with the Town of Truckee. Interstate 80 and State Highway 89 (north of Interstate 80) are eligible to become state scenic highways but are not officially designated. However, the project area is not visible from either Interstate 80 or State Highway 89. Therefore, the proposed project would have no impact on scenic resources associated with a scenic highway or roadway, and no mitigation is required.
c) The visual context of the area surrounding the proposed project area consists of open lands and residential uses. As stated, the existing facility was constructed in the 1970’s and has remained largely unchanged since the mid-1980’s. Construction of a new facility, with updated building materials and new landscaping will provide a modernized aesthetic for the property and will enable the facility to comply with current design guidelines. Therefore, the project will improve the overall visual character of the site and the project will have no
impact.
mitigate light and glare impacts associated with the new lighting (Development Code Section 18.30.060, Exterior Lighting and Night Sky). Additional Development Code requirements ensure that lighting impacts will be less-than-significant including a requirement to retrofit any existing lighting fixtures which do not comply with current lighting standards. Lastly, consistent with Development Code Section 18.30.060.G.3, the total outdoor light output shall not exceed 100,000 lumens per net acre or the lowest level of lumens necessary to meet the lighting requirements of the site. Impacts will be less-than-significant.
Mitigation Measure
None required.2. AGRICULTURAL AND FOREST RESOURCES.
Potentially Significant Impact Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant Impact No Impact
In determining whether impacts to agricultural resources are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to the California Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site Assessment Model (1997) prepared by the California Department of Conservation as an optional model to use in assessing impacts on agriculture and farmland. In determining whether impacts to forest resources, including timberland, are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to information compiled by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection regarding the state’s inventory of forest land, including the Forest and Range Assessment Project and the Forest Legacy Assessment Project; and forest carbon measurement methodology provided in Forest Protocols adopted by the California Air Resources Board.
Would the project:
a. Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance, as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to non-agricultural use?
b. Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act contract?
c. Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code section 12220(g)), timberland (as defined by Public Resources Code section 4526), or timberland zoned Timberland Production (as defined by Government Code section 51104(g))?
d. Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to non-forest use?
e. Involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland to non- agricultural use or conversion of forest land to non-forest use?
Impact Discussion
a) Eastern Nevada County contains no prime agricultural land based on farmland soil mapping. Important Farmland Maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency does not include eastern Nevada County and the Truckee area. For this reason, the project would not result in the conversion of Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance to non-agricultural use (California Department of Conservation, 2010). Therefore, there will be no impact.
c) The site is located on lands zoned for recreational uses under the Town of Truckee Development Code and lands zoned IDR in the Nevada County zoning ordinance, which allow for temporary interim uses and previously approved uses including the equestrian and trail uses, therefore there will be no conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest land, timberland, or timberland zoned Timberland Production. Therefore there is no impact.
d) No trees within the Town will be removed in constructing the new Ski Center, as this structure will predominantly occupy the space held by the current facility. Therefore there is no impact e) There will be no changes to the existing environment that would result in conversion of
farmland to non-agricultural use or conversion of forest land to non-forest use; therefore there is no impact.
Mitigation Measure
None required.References
California Department of Conservation (DOC). 2010. Nevada County Important Farmland Map.
3. AIR QUALITY. Potentially Significant Impact Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant Impact No Impact
Would the project:
a. Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the Truckee Particulate Matter Air Quality Management Plan or other applicable air quality plan?
b. Violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation?
c. Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is non-attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard (including releasing emissions which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors)?
d. Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations?
e. Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people?
Setting
The Town of Truckee is located within the Mountain Counties Air Basin. The Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District (NSAQMD) is the local agency for air quality planning with authority over air pollutant sources within Nevada County, including the Truckee Area. Nevada County is currently designated a marginal non-attainment area by the State of California for 8-hour ozone (www.epa.gov).
Particulate matter consists of solid and liquid particles of dust, soot, aerosols, and other matter, which
are small enough to remain suspended in the air for a long period of time. Particulate matter can be divided into several size fractions. Coarse particles (PM10) are between 2.5 and 10 microns in diameter
and arise primarily from natural processes, such as wind-blown dust or soil. Fine particles (PM2.5) are less
of PM2.5 in the air is a public health concern because it can bypass the body’s natural filtration system
more easily than larger particles and can lodge deep in the lungs. A portion of the particulate matter in the air is due to natural sources such as wind-blown dust and pollen, which are associated with the aggravation of respiratory conditions. Man-made sources include combustion, automobiles, field burning, factories, and road dust. Primary sources of PM10 emissions are road traffic, construction, open burning,
and wildfires. The amount of particulate matter and PM10 generated is dependent on the soil type and the
soil moisture content. Traffic also generates particulate matter emissions through entrainment of dust and dirt particles that settle onto roadways and parking lots.
CalEEMod is a statewide land use emissions computer model accepted by the air districts of California to quantify potential criteria pollutant and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with both construction and operations from a variety of land use projects. The model quantifies direct emissions from construction and operations (including vehicle and off-road equipment use), as well as indirect emissions, such as GHG emissions from energy use, solid waste disposal, vegetation planting and/or removal, and water use. The mobile source emission factors used in the model (EMFAC2011) includes the Pavley standards and Low Carbon Fuel standards. The model also identifies mitigation measures to reduce criteria pollutant and GHG emissions along with calculating the benefits achieved from measures chosen by the user. The GHG mitigation measures were developed and adopted by the California Air Pollution Control Officers Association (CAPCOA).
For purposes of this assessment, CalEEMod 2013.2.2 was used to quantify emissions and identify mitigation measures to reduce pollutants. Assumptions used in the assessment included a net parking area of 63 stalls (102 proposed minus 39 currently allowed under previous Use Permits) and a net building area of 4000 S.F. (proposed building 10,220 square feet minus existing building to be removed 6,331 square feet of habitable space). The program does not have a Cross Country Ski Center land use so a “Health Club” land use was selected which assumes a higher vehicle trip rate than most other recreational-type land uses.
Based on current building code requirements, the new building will incorporate a much higher efficiency (and lower operational emissions) and will exceed Title 24 Energy Code requirements by approximately 10 percent, install higher efficiency lighting, low flow toilets and faucets, etc.
NSAQMD has developed thresholds of significance to determine air quality impacts and evaluate land use proposals. Thresholds of significance are based on a source’s projected impacts and are a basis from which to apply mitigation measures (NSAQMD 2009). NSAQMD has developed a tiered approach to significance levels: a project with emissions meeting Level A thresholds will require the most basic mitigations; projects with projected emissions in the Level B range will require more extensive mitigations; and those projects which exceed Level C thresholds will require the most extensive mitigations. The NSAQMD-recommended thresholds are identified below:
NSAQMD-RECOMMENDED SIGNIFICANCE THRESHOLDS Significance Level Project-Generated Emissions (lbs/day)
NOX ROG PM10
Level A <24 <24 <79
Level C >137 >137 >137 Source: NSAQMD 2009
Based on the results of the Air Quality & GHG Assessment using CalEEMod computer model (shown below), the unmitigated projected daily emissions for NOx, ROG, and PM10 are in the Level A Threshold
range:
NOx ROG PM10
Overall Construction (lbs/day) 15.0 22.5 1.7 Overall Operational (lbs/day) 2.2 1.8 0.5
Impact Discussion
a) By assessing air pollution and emissions associated with this Project and recommending mitigation measures based on Thresholds of Significance established by NSAQMD, the Project complies with both NSAQMD regulations and the Particulate Matter Air Quality Management Plan adopted by the Town of Truckee in July, 1999. As such, the Project does not conflict with or obstruct implementation of any applicable air quality plan and impacts are less-than-
significant with implementation of Mitigation Measure 3a.
b) The accepted software program to determine air quality impacts and GHG emissions (CalEEMod) was used to estimate project emissions for both construction and operational phases associated with this Project. A detailed report of the results is contained in Appendix A. The Project complies with all local air quality standards and does not contribute to any air quality violations. The proposed building will comply with current California building code regulations (and Title 24 requirements) which will considerably reduce Operational emissions over the long term. Impacts are therefore less-than-significant.
c) CEQA defines cumulative impacts as two or more individual effects which, when considered together, are considerable or which compound or increase other environmental impacts. As previously discussed, Eastern Nevada County is currently designated non-attainment by the State of California for 8-hour ozone 8-hour precursors (primarily NOx and ROG). Most of
Nevada County’s ozone is transported by wind from the Sacramento and Bay Areas. The proposed project will not result in a significant increase in particulate matter (above the Level A threshold established by NSAQMD). Additionally, Mitigation Measures d & e (listed above) will ensure than any increase to pollutants related to NOx and ROG are minimal. Therefore, this impact is considered less than significant.
e) The occurrence and severity of odor impacts depends on numerous factors, including the nature, frequency, and intensity of the source, wind speed and direction, and the sensitivity of the receptors. Land uses commonly considered to be potential sources of odorous emissions include wastewater treatment plants, sanitary landfills, food processing facilities, chemical manufacturing plants, rendering plants, paint/coating operations, and agricultural feedlots and dairies.
This project is not a source of permanent objectionable odors. Implementation of the proposed project would not result in the development or long-term operation of any on-site sources of odors. As a result, exposure of sensitive receptors to odorous emissions would be considered less than
significant.
Mitigation Measures
3a) The project will incorporate the following mitigation measures during the construction phase, as recommended by NSAQMD for emissions within the Level A Threshold range:
• Alternatives to open burning of vegetative material will be used unless otherwise deemed infeasible by the District. Among suitable alternatives are chipping, mulching, or conversion to biomass fuel.
• Grid power shall be used (as opposed to diesel generators) for job site power needs where feasible during construction.
• Prepare a Dust Control Plan in compliance with District / State Rules & Regulations as follows:
Recommended Dust Control Plan Conditions
1. The applicant shall be responsible for ensuring that all adequate dust control measures are implemented in a timely manner during all phases of project development and construction. 2. All material excavated, stockpiled, or graded shall be sufficiently watered, treated, or covered to prevent fugitive dust from leaving the property boundaries and causing a public nuisance or a violation of an ambient air standard. Watering should occur at least twice daily, with complete site coverage.
3. All areas with vehicle traffic shall be watered or have dust palliative applied as necessary for regular stabilization of dust emissions.
4. All on-site vehicle traffic shall be limited to a speed of 15 mph on unpaved roads.
5. All land clearing, grading, earth moving, or excavation activities on a project shall be suspended as necessary to prevent excessive windblown dust when winds are expected to exceed 20 mph.
6. All inactive portions of the development site shall be covered, seeded, or watered until a suitable cover is established. Alternatively, the applicant may apply County-approved nontoxic soil stabilizers (according to manufacturer’s specifications) to all inactive construction areas (previously graded areas which remain inactive for 96 hours) in accordance with the local grading ordinance.
bed of the transport vehicle.
8. Paved streets adjacent to the project shall be swept or washed at the end of each day, or more frequently if necessary, to remove excessive or visibly raised accumulations of dirt and/or mud which may have resulted from activities at the project site.
9. Prior to final occupancy, the applicant shall re-establish ground cover on the site through seeding and watering in accordance with the local grading ordinance.
Additional measures proposed in the CalEEMod assessment which are not covered within the NSAQMD recommendations include the following requirements:
• All architectural coating activities associated with construction of the proposed project shall be required to use interior and exterior coatings that contain less than 250 grams of volatile organic compounds (VOC/ROG) per liter of coating.
• All cleaning supplies used within the new facility shall be low VOC. • Wood burning stoves or fireplaces are prohibited.
• Faucets, toilets and showers shall be “low-flow”.
• The California Energy Code (Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations) shall be exceeded.
References
Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District. 2008. Northern Sierra AQMD List of Current Rules, updated April 11, 2008.
Town of Truckee. 1999. Particulate Matter Air Quality Management Plan.
4. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES. Potentially Significant Impact Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant Impact No Impact
Would the project:
a. Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?
b. Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, or
regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?
c. Have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means?
d. Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites?
e. Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance?
f. Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan?
Ecological Setting
Project Area DescriptionThe elevation within the project area is 6,600 feet. Adjacent land use is characterized by single-family residential, recreation, and open space; the site is located across the Town of Truckee/Nevada County boundary line and is a transitional area between a commercial recreation use and forested public recreational lands. Within the project area, the natural topography slopes north and west of the existing facility. There are delineated wetlands located to the north, east, south, and southwest of the existing on-site parking areas and the 100-year floodplain of a tributary of Alder Creek is located towards the eastern property line between Alder Creek Road and the on-site parking. Although no formal delineation has been verified by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Alder Creek and this tributary can be categorized as waters of the United States and waters of the State of California. An additional drainage ditch of varying width and depth abuts the west side of the building and main horse corral. A majority of the site has been altered by construction of the Ski Center and existing equestrian facilities including the main building, equestrian shed outbuilding, parking areas and ancillary uses.
Kelly Biological Consulting conducted a wetland reconnaissance of the project area on May 5, 2009 and a wetland delineation on June 1, 5, and 10, 2009. After refining the Study Area the delineation was updated on May 8 and 9, 2013. The methods used to delineate jurisdictional wetlands and waters were based on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (“Corps Manual”) (Environmental Laboratory 1987) and the Interim Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region (“Supplement”) (Corps 2010). The routine method for wetland delineation described in the Corps Manual was used to identify areas potentially subject to Corps Section 404 jurisdiction within the Study Area. In its letter dated December 18, 2013, the Army Corps of Engineers verified the findings of the Kelly Biological Consulting wetland delineation. A total of 2.44 acres of wetlands was identified and mapped within the 6.97 acre Study Area. The Study Area includes the entire Ski Center project site and some adjacent areas where wetlands are present.
Table 4-1. Wetland Acreage within the Tahoe Donner Nordic Center Study Area
Wetland Type Acreage
Ruderal Disturbed Wetland 2.05
Montane Meadow Wetland 0.32
Lodgepole Pine Wetland 0.07
Total Wetlands in Study Area 2.44
of uplands, Palustrine Emergent Wetlands and Palustrine Shrub/Scrub Wetlands as shown on the National Wetlands Inventory Map (NWI, U.S. Fish and Wildlife).
No wetland disturbance or removal is proposed or anticipated as part of the proposed project. However, Development Code Section 18.30.050.F.3 requires Minor Use Permit approval for any disturbance within 200 feet of a wetland. Development Code Section 18.30.050.B.3 also requires that runoff into wetland areas shall not be increased above or decreased below pre-project levels unless the review authority finds that the increase or decrease of runoff will not adversely affect the health, function and values of the wetland nor shall the flow path of runoff be altered (i.e., sheet flow as opposed to concentrated flow), and that runoff into wetland areas shall be treated prior to release into the wetland. The purpose of these requirements is to ensure that there will be no indirect impact to wetlands due to project proximity or operations. Because the delineated wetlands are located adjacent to parking areas where snow removal equipment, equestrian and other human activity may accidentally encroach into existing wetlands, the proposed project may have potential impacts to wetlands if not mitigated.
Regulatory Setting
Federal
Federal Endangered Species Act (16 USC 1531-1544)
The federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) provides protection for federally listed endangered and threatened species and their habitats. An “endangered” species is a species in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. A “threatened” species is one that is likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future without further protection. Other special status species include “proposed” species, and “species of concern.” Proposed species are those that have been officially proposed (in the Federal Register) for listing as threatened or endangered. “Species of concern” are species for which not enough scientific information has been gathered to support a listing proposal, but still may be appropriate for listing in the future, after further study. A “de-listed” species is one whose population has reached its recovery goal and is no longer in jeopardy. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) administers the federal ESA. A project may obtain permission to take federally-listed species in one of two ways: a Section 10 Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) to a private party, or Section 7 Biological Opinion from USFWS or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued to another federal agency that funds or permits an action (e.g., US Army Corps of Engineers). Under either section of the ESA, adverse impacts to protected species are avoided, minimized or mitigated for impacts to federally listed species.
Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 USC 703-712)
Raptors (birds of prey), passerine birds, and other migratory avian species are protected by a number of state and federal laws. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act established special protection for migratory birds by regulating hunting or trade in migratory birds. Furthermore, this Act prohibits anyone to take, possess, buy, sell, purchase, or barter any migratory bird listed in 50 CFR 10, including feathers or other parts, nests, eggs, or products, except as allowed by implementing regulations (50 CFR 21). The definition of “take” includes any disturbance that causes nest abandonment and/or loss of reproductive effort (e.g., killing or abandonment of eggs or young), and such activity is potentially punishable by fines and/or imprisonment.
The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) regulates discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA). “Discharge of fill material” is defined as the addition of fill material into Waters of the U.S., including, but not limited to the following: placement of fill that is necessary for the construction of any structure, or impoundment requiring rock, sand, dirt, or other material for its construction; site-development fills for recreational, industrial, commercial, residential, and other uses; causeways or road fills; fill for intake and outfall pipes and sub-aqueous utility lines [33 C.F.R. §328.2(f)]. In addition, Section 401 of the CWA (33 U.S.C. 1341) requires any applicant for a federal license or permit to conduct any activity that may result in a discharge of a pollutant into Waters of the U.S. to obtain a certification that the discharge will comply with the applicable effluent limitations and water quality standards.
Waters of the U.S. include a range of wet environments such as lakes, rivers, streams (including intermittent streams), mudflats, sandflats, wetlands, sloughs, and wet meadows. The USACE typically considers USGS 7.5-minute quadrangle map “blue line” drainages as jurisdictional waters. Boundaries between jurisdictional waters and uplands are determined in a variety of ways depending on which type of waters is present.
State
California Endangered Species Act (CESA) (California Fish and Game Code 2050-2116)
Similar to the federal ESA, the CESA, along with the Native Plant Protection Act, authorizes the California Fish and Game Commission to designate, protect, and regulate the taking of special status species in the State. CESA defines “endangered” as those species whose continued existence in California is jeopardized. State-listed “threatened” species are those not presently threatened with extinction, but which may become endangered if their environments change or deteriorate. Section 2080 of the Fish and Game Code prohibits the taking of state-listed plants and animals. Any projects that may adversely impact state-listed threatened or endangered species must formally consult with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). CDFW may issue incidental take permits under Section 2081 of CESA.
CDFW Species of Concern
In addition to species formally listed under the ESA and the CESA, California “species of special concern” receive additional consideration by CDFW and local lead agencies during the CEQA process. Species that may be considered for review are included on a list of “Species of Special Concern,” developed by CDFW. It tracks species in California whose breeding populations in California may be decreasing or face local extirpation. To avoid the future need to list these species as endangered or threatened, CDFW recommends consideration of these species, which do not as yet have any legal status, during analysis of the impacts of projects.
Stream Alteration
agreeable to the party, they may enter into an agreement with CDFW identifying the approved activities and associated mitigation measures
Impact Discussion
a) The proposed improvements are largely located in areas of previous disturbance, both within the existing building footprint and parking lot areas. Due to the amount of development and activity within and surrounding the Ski Center facility, it is unlikely that the project area provides suitable habitat for any special status species. The Kelly Biological Consulting report concludes that special status (i.e. rare) plants are not likely to occur in the study area due to the high level of disturbance. The exception to this could be wi ld lif e nesti ng with in the existing Jeffrey pine tree stands both within Town of Truckee and Nevada County lands. Or in the uplands or wetland areas surrounding project disturbance. However, no Jeffrey Pine trees are proposed to be removed as a result of construction of the improvements within the Town of Truckee. Due to construction, there could be potential impacts to migratory birds or raptors—including species identified as candidate, sensitive or special status species.
Mitigation Measures 4a and 4b will reduce potential impacts to less-than-significant.
b) The property includes a tributary of Alder Creek, with a designated 100-year floodplain. This floodplain was previously designated within a drainage easement recorded with the original Tahoe Donner subdivision. However, the project does not propose to alter the bed or bank of Alder Creek or this tributary. No riparian habitat or other sensitive natural communities identified by local or regional plans, policies or regulations will be impacted by the project. The proposed reconstruction of the new building and parking area avoid disturbance within the drainage easement and 100-year floodplain and impacts will be less-than-significant.
The drainage ditch to the west of the building will be protected both from post-construction changes in hydrological flow and from increases in sediments and pollutants. Development Code Section 18.30.050.B.3 requires that runoff into wetland areas shall not be increased above or decreased below pre-project levels. Temporary construction silt fencing will be installed along the top of the slope to prevent sediment and pollutants which result during construction activities. Seasonal fencing will also be installed during operations of the equestrian center to prevent horses and people from accessing the drainage ditch. This will prevent erosion and sedimentation from occurring. Lastly, the horse pathway located directly east of the drainage ditch will be covered with a soil stabilizer like wood chips or vegetative mulch. Impacts will be less-than-significant.
c) The project will not have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means. Mitigation
Measure 4c requires installation of both temporary construction fencing, and permanent
fencing or an equivalent permanent barrier between all parking areas, equestrian activity areas and adjacent wetlands. Figure 4-1 depicts the required fencing plan described in Mitigation
Measure 4c. This includes the isolated wetlands located within a proposed parking area
landscape bulb out and wetlands located to the east, south, and west of the existing and proposed on-site parking area and the wetlands located within Nevada County. Mitigation Measures
4d, 4e and 4f provide additional protection of wetland areas and an on-site drainage swale
and impacts will be less-than-significant.
habitat for wildlife. Based on a Special Status Species Evaluation provided by Kelly Biological Consulting, the project site does not serve as a movement corridor for migratory birds, fish or wildlife species. The project site also does not support any native wildlife nursery sites. The exception to this could be the existing Jeffrey pine tree stands both within Town of Truckee and Nevada County lands. However, no Jeffrey Pine trees are proposed to be removed as a result of construction of the improvements within Town of Truckee lands. As a result of construction, there could be potential impacts to migratory birds or raptors—including species identified as candidate, sensitive or special status species. Mitigation Measure 4a will reduce potential impacts to less-than-significant.
Figure 4-1
e) The Town of Truckee recognizes the importance of trees and regulates the removal of trees through Development Code Section 18.30.155. While tree removal is not specifically prohibited within the Development Code, requirements are in place to ensure that trees designated for preservation in the site plans are able to survive following construction. In particular, the Code requires a tree removal permit be obtained for tree removals and that the applicant prepare a tree protection and tree preservation plan with the permit submittal. No trees are proposed to be removed within the Town’s jurisdiction, so a tree preservation and protection plan will not be required. There is no impact.
f) Currently there are no known adopted habitat conservation plans that would result in conflicts with the project. No impact would occur.
Mitigation Measures
the pre-construction survey, the site shall be resurveyed. Preconstruction surveys shall be conducted by a qualified biologist. All suitable nesting habitat for tree nesting raptors and migratory songbirds shall be surveyed within 250 feet of the proposed project impact area. Should active nests be identified by these surveys, the nest sites shall be protected from all construction activities within 250 feet of the nest site until the young have fledged. Should construction activities cause the nesting migratory bird to vocalize, make defensive flights at intruders, get up from a brooding position, or fly off the nest, then increase the exclusionary buffer such that activities are far enough from the nest to stop this agitated behavior by the raptor or songbird. The exclusionary buffer should remain in place until the chicks have fledged or as otherwise determined by a qualified biologist. Construction activities that must occur within 250 feet of an active nest shall not take place without prior consultation with California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
4b) Within 30 days prior to grading activity, a qualified biologist shall conduct a special status plant survey of all areas proposed to be graded. In accordance with the recommendations made within the Kelly Biological Consulting report, if any special status plants are found prior to, or during the project construction, appropriate State and federal agencies such as California Department of Fish and Wildlife shall be consulted. The plant populations shall be avoided by placing exclusion fencing around each population. The fenced area shall include a minimum 25-foot buffer from the plants. Activities shall be adjusted to avoid indirect impacts such as altering the population’s site hydrology, sun or wind exposure. The survey report shall be provided to the Community Development Director within one week following completion of the special status plant survey. If any special status plants are found, the applicant may be required to submit revised site plans to ensure long-term protection of the special status species. The Community Development Director shall review the revised plans for substantial conformance with the originally-approved plans.
4c) Temporary construction fencing and permanent fencing or equivalent permanent barrier is required to be installed between all parking areas, equestrian activity areas and adjacent wetlands, consistent with Figure 4-1 and the Wetlands Fencing Plan enclosed within the MND appendices. 4d
)
Informational signs shall be installed every fifty feet along the permanent wetland barrier. Thesesigns shall be maintained by the property owner in perpetuity. This mitigation further protects wetlands from human disturbance stating “Protected Wetland Area, Do Not Disturb”
4e) The applicant shall comply with Development Code Section 18.30.050.B.3 which requires that no net increase in wetland runoff/runoff occur unless it is found that such increase or decrease will not adversely affect the health, function or values of the wetland. The applicant shall submit a grading and drainage plan that complies with Development Code Section 18.30.050.B.3 to the Town Engineers. The Town Engineer shall verify compliance with this mitigation prior to grading, demolition, or building permit issuance
4f) Disturbance is prohibited within the existing drainage swale located directly behind the Ski Center. Disturbance shall be prohibited between the top of slope on each side of the drainage and includes a prohibition on grading, slope alteration and the installation of non-native landscaping. Temporary construction fencing is required to be installed along the eastern top of the slope. This temporary construction fencing shall be installed prior to any disturbance on the project site
References
Kelly Biological Consulting. 2014. Special Status Species Evaluation. 5. CULTURAL RESOURCES. Potentially Significant Impact Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less than Significant Impact No Impact
Would the project:
a. Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historic resource as defined in Section 15064.5 of the CEQA Guidelines?
b. Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to Section 15064.5 of the CEQA Guidelines?
c. Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature?
d. Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries?
Background Setting
(Summarized from Lindström et al, 2010)
The earliest human occupation of northeastern California and northwestern Nevada is generally agreed to have occurred approximately 12,500 years before present (BP). Climate data indicate that most of the upper elevations in the northern Sierra were covered in glacial ice until sometime after 14,000 years ago. In the Tahoe Basin, alpine vegetation was gone by 10,000 BP, perhaps giving way to an environment more hospitable to humans.
The Town of Truckee lies within the ethnographic territory of the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California. In the 1850s, when non-natives began moving into their territory, the Washoe homeland surrounded Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada, south from Honey Lake, through Antelope Valley and the West Fork of the Walker River; and east from the western slopes to the top of the Pine Nut Mountains in the Great Basin. The traditional life way was based on seasonally harvested resources—fish, animals, and plants—from catchments tethered to areas associated with specific lineages. Social networks extended visiting rights and resource procurement well beyond these borders, but neighbors generally respected familial use- rights to specific areas and associated resources, and observed protocols for gaining access to hunt or collect resources outside their domains.
After initial and sporadic resistance to Euro-Americans appropriating camping and resource areas by “gradual encroachment” during the 1860s-1870s, Washoe leaders are said to have advised a strategy of accommodation and negotiation. They distanced themselves from the Pyramid Lake Paiute War of 1860, for instance, and sought assistance from federal agents for protection of their fisheries, pine nut groves, and other resources. The Washoe tribe achieved federal recognition in 1936 after establishing a government and constitution under authority of the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934.
Pass. The discovery of silver in Nevada in 1859 prompted a reverse migration, with many east-bound miners heading back through the Truckee Basin from the gold fields of the Mother Lode to the mines of the Comstock.
Although mining was carried out on an exploratory basis in the Truckee Basin, no ore bodies of any economic importance were found. There is no doubt that the focus was on hard-rock mining and silver ore; there is no mention of placer mining in the primary literature. Nonetheless, it is probable that some industrious miners engaged in limited placer mining along waterways in search of free gold washed down from the ore deposits. While several mine exploration pits (representative of hard-rock mining during this early era) have been recorded in the hills surrounding Martis Valley, no placer mining features have been formally recorded in the Truckee Basin until this project. The rudimentary technology represented by the placer workings discovered in the project area resembles shallow hand mining and/or ground sluicing. By the mid-1880s, the Truckee River and its tributaries had become a focus for the Sierra Nevada ice industry. Attracted by the steady flows of Martis Creek and its close proximity to the railroad and the existing infrastructure in place at Martis Creek Station, the Truckee Ice Company set up operations at the mouth of the creek in 1884. The company was acquired by Union Ice Company by 1891, and operations closed in 1898. In 1886, a second ice company, the Tahoe Ice Company, commenced simultaneous operations a short distance upstream. Like the Truckee Ice Company, in 1915 they sold out at the turn of the twentieth century to a large competitor, the National Ice Company. Operations closed a few years later due to river pollutants and competition with manufactured ice companies.
Impact Discussion
a) CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5 requires the lead agency to consider the effects of a proposed project on historical resources. A historical resource is defined as any building, structure, site, or object listed in or determined to be eligible for listing in the California Register of Historical Resources (CRHR), or determined by a lead agency to be significant in the architectural, engineering, scientific, economic, agricultural, educational, social, political, or cultural annals of California.
The CRHR includes resources that have been listed in or formally determined eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), as well as some California State Landmarks and Points of Historical Interest. Under U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service guidelines (NPS, 1997), buildings, structures, and objects usually need to be more than 50 years old to be eligible for listing in the NRHP. The California Office of Historic Preservation guidelines for project review and planning call for the identification and evaluation of resources that are more than 45 years old to account for the passage of time between the period of project review and project completion. Resources that are less than 50 years old are generally excluded from listing in the NRHP or CRHR, unless they can be shown to be exceptionally significant.
The proposed project would not cause a significant impact to the eligibility of a historical resource. There are no historic resources or properties located within the Ski Center facility. As no historical properties would be affected by the proposed project, there is no impact.
