Figure 4.12-1 - Calaveras County Home

Transcription

PRE
ELIMIN
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012  RELEASE STATEMENT  PRELIMINARY DRAFT GENERAL PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT SETTING SECTION DECEMBER 2012 As part of the Calaveras County General Plan Update Process an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) will be prepared. The first part of that document – the setting section ‐ is now released as a preliminary draft. The setting section contains the background information related to the required topics that must be addressed in the General Plan EIR. Those topics include: 
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Aesthetics Air Quality Agricultural, Forestry and Mineral Resources Biology (section to be completed) Cultural Geology, Soils and Seismicity 
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Greenhouse Gas Emissions Hydrology and Water Quality 
Noise (section to be completed) Land Use Population and Housing Public Services Recreation Traffic and Circulation (section to be completed) Utilities and Service Systems The setting section establishes the baseline condition against which the project (the General Plan Update) is evaluated. Creation of the 2012 Setting Section accessed previously prepared documents and new information readily available from local, state and federal data sources. The preparers also reviewed comments made on the previous 2007 Baseline Report. There are a variety of ways to review the Preliminary Draft Setting Section:  On line at: http://www.co.calaveras.ca.us/cc/Departments/PlanningDepartment/GeneralPlanUpdate.aspx 
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In person at the Planning Department (1 copy available for on‐site review) In person at the main Calaveras County Library (2 copies) Make your own copy (master available at the San Andreas Print Shop 45 E. Saint Charles Street). Persons wishing to comment on the document can do so using one of the following methods:  Via email to: [email protected]  Via mail to: General Plan Update, Planning Department, 891 Mountain Ranch Road, San Andreas, CA 95249 No formal presentation or hearing is planned for the preliminary draft setting section. It is being made available to familiarize the public and decisionmakers with existing conditions within the county and set the stage for the remainder of the EIR which focuses on project impacts and mitigation measures. Once the entire Draft EIR is prepared, it will be released and a 45‐day public review period will allow ample time for public comment and discussion. Report Preparers
Calaveras County Planning Department
Rebecca Willis, Planning Director Brenda Gillarde, General Plan Coordinator Debra Lewis, Planner III Doug Polzoni, GIS 
Raney Planning & Management
Timothy Raney, Project Director Cindy Gnos, Project Manager Rod Stinson, Division Manager Angela Stinson, Associate Ariel Calvert, Associate Nick Pappani, Special Project Manager Preliminary Draft Environmental Impact Report Setting Section Preliminary Draft Environmental Impact Report Setting Section 2012 December
TABLE OF CONTENTS 4.1 AESTHETICS Introduction…………………………………………………………………..….…… 4.1‐1 Scenic Highways………………………………………………………………..….…. 4.1‐1 Rural Landscape….………………………………………………………...…….…… 4.1‐6 Community Character………………………………………………………….…...... 4.1‐14 4.2 AGRICULTURAL, FOREST, AND MINERAL RESOURCES Introduction…..………………………………………………………………..…..… 4.2‐1 Agricultural Resources…………………………………………………………..…… 4.2‐2 Forest Resources………………………………………………………………..…… 4.2‐8 Mineral Resources..……………………………………………………………..…… 4.2‐9 4.3 AIR QUALITY Air Basin Characteristics…………………………………………………………..…. 4.3‐1 Ambient Air Quality Standards……..………………………………………….……. 4.3‐1 Attainment Status and Regional Air Quality Plans…………………………………. 4.3‐7 Air Quality Monitoring……………………………………………………………….. 4.3‐7 4.4 BIOLOGY (to be completed) 4.5 CULTURAL RESOURCES Introduction………………………………………………………………………….. 4.5‐1 Prehistoric Setting…..……………………………………………………………….. 4.5‐1 Ethnographic Setting...……………………………………………………………… 4.5‐3 Historic Setting…..…….…………………………………………………………….. 4.5‐4 Existing Historic Resources...……...………………………………………………… 4.5‐7 4.6 GEOLOGY, SOILS AND SEISMICITY Introduction…………………………………………………………………………. 4.6‐1 Regional Characteristics…….………………………………………………………. 4.6‐1 Rocks………………....……………………………………………………………… 4.6‐1 Soils…………..…..…….……………………………………………………………. 4.6‐2 Geologic Hazards……….....……...………………………………………………… 4.6‐2 Seismicity……………………………………………………………………………. 4.6‐4 Seismic‐Related Hazards…….………………………………………………………. 4.6‐4 4.7 GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS Introduction………………………………………………………………………..… 4.7‐1 Global Climate Change..…….……………………………………………………..… 4.7‐1 Global Warming Potential...…….……………………………………………….….. 4.7‐2 Changes in the Western United States and California Climate……………….…… 4.7‐3 Uncertainty Regarding Global Climate Change.. ………………………….….….… 4.7‐4 Global Climate Change and CEQA...................…………………………….…….….. 4.7‐5 Preliminary Draft Environmental Impact Report Setting Section Preliminary Draft Environmental Impact Report Setting Section 2012 December
4.8 HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 4.9 Introduction………………………………………………………….…..………… 4.8‐1 Airport Hazards………..…….…………………………………………...………… 4.8‐1 Fire Hazards……………......…….…………………………………….…..….….… 4.8‐1 Human‐Made Hazards……………………………………….……….……..……... 4.8‐2 HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY Introduction………………………………………………………………..…….… 4.9‐1 Precipitation….………..…….………………………………………………..….… 4.9‐1 Surface Water…………......…….……………………………………………..…... 4.9‐1 Groundwater………..……………………………………….……………………... 4.9‐7 Flooding……………..……………………………………….……………………... 4.9‐8 4.10 NOISE (to be completed) 4.11 TRAFFIC AND CIRCULATION (to be completed) 4.12 LAND USE Introduction………………………………………………………………..…..….. 4.12‐1 Existing County General Plan…….…….……..…………………………………… 4.12‐1 Adopted Community Plans……………………..…………………………….…… 4.12‐8 Proposed Community Plans……………………………….………………............ 4.12‐24 Calaveras County Special Plans……….…………………………………..….….... 4.12‐24 Specific Plans…….…….………………………………………………………...… 4.12‐31 Existing Zoning………...…………………………………………………………… 4.12‐34 4.13 POPULATION AND HOUSING Introduction………………………………………………………………..…….... 4.13‐1 Population…………………..…….…….……..…………………………….…...… 4.13‐1 Housing…………………………………………..……………………………….… 4.13‐2 4.14 PUBLIC SERVICES Introduction……………………………………………………………..………… 4.14‐1 Law Enforcement…………………...….……..……………………….……….…. 4.14‐1 Fire Protection and Emergency Response……..…………..………………..…... 4.14‐5 Schools……………………………………………………………………..………. 4.14‐16 Library Services……………………...….……..…………………………………... 4.14‐22 Hospital and Ambulance Services……..…………………..…………………....… 4.14‐23 Communications…………......……...….……..………………………………..…. 4.14‐24 Natural Gas and Electric Services……..…………………..…………………...….. 4.14‐24 4.15 RECREATION Introduction………………………………………………………………..………. 4.15‐1 Recreational Facilities………..……...….……..………………………………..…. 4.15‐1 Preliminary Draft Environmental Impact Report Setting Section Preliminary Draft Environmental Impact Report Setting Section 2012 December
4.16 UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS Introduction………………………………………………………………..………. 4.16‐1 Water………………..………..……...….……..……………………………….….. 4.16‐1 Calaveras County Water District……..……..…………………………………. 4.16‐1 Wallace Community Services District..……..…………………………………. 4.16‐10 Calaveras Public Utility District……….……..……………………………...…. 4.16‐13 Valley Springs Public Utility District…….…..……………………………….… 4.16‐16 Union Public Utility District……..…………..……………………………...…. 4.16‐18 Utica Power Authority………………..……..………………………………… 4.16‐21 Wastewater………………………...……..……..……………………………...…. 4.16‐21 Calaveras County Water District……..……..…………………………………. 4.16‐21 Wallace Community Services District..……..……………………………...…. 4.16‐25 Murphys Sanitary District………….….……..……………………………..…. 4.16‐27 San Andreas Sanitary District…………...…..……………………………..….. 4.16‐29 Mokelumne Hill Sanitary District………..…..………………………………… 4.16‐30 Valley Springs Public Utility District…..……..………………………………… 4.16‐31 Storm Drainage……………………………………………………………………. 4.16‐32 Solid Waste…...……………………………………………………………………. 4.16‐37 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 4.1‐1 Ebbetts Pass Scenic Byway Map………………………………………… 4.1‐2 Figure 4.1‐2 Western Ebbetts Pass Views……………………………………………. 4.1‐3 Figure 4.1‐3 Eastern Ebbetts Pass Views………………………………………….…. 4.1‐4 Figure 4.1‐4 Additional Ebbetts Pass View…………………………………………... 4.1‐4 Figure 4.1‐5 Tower Barn in Salt Spring Valley……………………………………..…. 4.1‐7 Figure 4.1‐6 Barn on Whittle Ranch Property …………………………………….…. 4.1‐8 Figure 4.1‐7 Rock Walls near Highway 4….……………………………………….…. 4.1‐8 Figure 4.1‐8 Mining Era Ditch.…………………………………………………….….. 4.1‐9 Figure 4.1‐9 Placer Mining Debris.……………………………………………….…... 4.1‐10 Figure 4.1‐10 Gold Cliff Mine Pit………………………………………………………. 4.1‐10 Figure 4.1‐11 Stanislaus National Forest…………………………………………….... 4.1‐11 Figure 4.1‐12 Calaveras Big Trees State Park View………….……………………..…. 4.1‐13 Figure 4.2‐1 Williamson Act Lands.……..……………………………………….……. 4.2‐7 Figure 4.2‐2 Mine Locations…..………………………………………………….…… 4.2‐13
Figure 4.6‐1 Fault Activity Map……………………………………………………..… 4.6‐6 Figure 4.8‐1 Fire Hazard Severity Zones.…………...………………………….…….. 4.8‐4 Figure 4.8‐2 Calaveras County Mines………………………………………….…….. 4.8‐7 Figure 4.9‐1 Surface and Groundwater Resources……………………..…….……... 4.9‐2 Figure 4.12‐1 1996 General Plan Land Use………………………………………....…. 4.12‐5 Figure 4.12‐2 Adopted (Prior 2012) Community Plans………………………..……... 4.12‐9 Figure 4.12‐3 1998 Arnold Community Plan…………….……………………………. 4.12‐11 Preliminary Draft Environmental Impact Report Setting Section Preliminary Draft Environmental Impact Report Setting Section 2012 December
Figure 4.12‐4 1999 Avery‐Hathaway Community Plan.…………....……...……….… 4.12‐13 Figure 4.12‐5 1988 Mokelumne Hill Community Plan……………………...……...…. 4.12‐15 Figure 4.12‐6 1988 Murphys/Douglas Flat Community Plan……………………….… 4.12‐18 Figure 4.12‐7 1988 San Andreas Community Plan ………………………………....... 4.12‐21 Figure 4.12‐8 1983 Valley Springs Community Plan…………………………………. 4.12‐23 Figure 4.12‐9 1988 Ebbetts Pass Special Plan…….………….………………........…. 4.12‐26 Figure 4.12‐10 1999 Rancho Calaveras Special Plan …....……………………………. 4.12‐28 Figure 4.12‐11 2010 Calaveras County Airport Plan……………………………..…….. 4.12‐30 Figure 4.12‐12 Adopted Specific Plan Areas……….………….………………........…. 4.12‐33 Figure 4.14‐1 Fire Districts and Facilities………………………………………..…..... 4.14‐6 Figure 4.14‐2 School Districts and Educational Facilities…….……………….....…… 4.14‐17 Figure 4.15‐1 Recreational Resource Landowners……………………………..…..... 4.15‐4 Figure 4.15‐2 Public Parks and Recreation Facilities…...…….……………….......…. 4.15‐9 Figure 4.15‐3 Calaeras County Veterans District….……………………………..……. 4.15‐11 Figure 4.15‐4 Local Park and Recreation Dsitrict….…...…….……………….......…. 4.15‐12 Figure 4.15‐5 Local Schools with Recreation Facilities…….…………………..……. 4.15‐13 LIST OF TABLES Table 4.1‐1 Census Designated Community Areas…….………………………….…. 4.1‐15 Table 4.2‐1 Leading Farm Commodities 2011………….………………………….…. 4.2‐3 Table 4.2‐2 Overall Agricultural Production Trends 2008‐2011…….….………...….. 4.2‐3 Table 4.2‐3 Agricultural Production Value Trends – Leading Commodities…….….. 4.2‐4 Table 4.2‐4 Agricultural Production Value Trends – Field Crops…………...……….. 4.2‐4 Table 4.2‐5 Acreages Harvested by Commodity Type…..….…………………….…. 4.2‐5 Table 4.2‐6 Acreage Under Williamson Act Contract………..…….….………...….. 4.2‐8 Table 4.2‐7 Timber Production Trends……………………………………..…….….. 4.2‐9 Table 4.2‐8 Mine Information………………………………….…………...……….. 4.2‐14 Table 4.3‐1 Major Criteria Pollutants……..………………………………...……….. 4.3‐5 Table 4.3‐2 Ambient Air Quality Standards………..…...……………..……………. 4.3‐6 Table 4.3‐3 Attainment Status Designations…………………………….....………. 4.3‐7 Table 4.3‐4 Air Quality Data Summary……….....…………………………………... 4.3‐8 Table 4.5‐1 Select Historic Properties……………………………….….........………. 4.5‐8 Table 4.6‐1 Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale……………………………...…………. 4.6‐8 Table 4.7‐1 Global Warming Potentials and Atmospheric Lifetimes……..…………. 4.7‐2 Table 4.9‐1 Calaveras County FEMA FIRMs…..……………………….……….….…. 4.9‐1 Table 4.12‐1 1996 General Plan Land Use ……………………………………..……... 4.12‐4 Table 4.12‐2 1996 General Plan Land Use with Maximum Densities……...….……… 4.12‐7 Preliminary Draft Environmental Impact Report Setting Section Preliminary Draft Environmental Impact Report Setting Section 2012 December
Table 4.12‐3 1998 Arnold Community Plan Designations……….....………..........…. 4.12‐10 Table 4.12‐4 1999 Avery‐Hathaway Community Plan Designations…..….….......….. 4.12‐12 Table 4.12‐5 1988 Mokelumne Hill Community Plan Designations…….......……….. 4.12‐14 Table 4.12‐6 1988 Murphys and Douglas Flat Community Plan Designations….….. 4.12‐17 Table 4.12‐7 1988 San Andreas Community Plan Designations ……………..…..…. 4.12‐20 Table 4.12‐8 1974‐1994 Valley Springs Community Plan Designations…….............. 4.12‐22 Table 4.12‐9 1988 Ebbetts Pass Highway Special Plan Designations…………....…. 4.12‐25 Table 4.12‐10 1999 Rancho Calaveras Special Plan Designations…………..…….…. 4.12‐27 Table 4.12‐11 Zoning Consistency Matrix…..……………………………………..….. 4.12‐35 Table 4.13‐1 Population and Growth Rates for Calaveras County…...…..……..…… 4.13‐1 Table 4.13‐2 Population and Growth Rate Projections.…….…………….......…….. 4.13‐2 Table 4.13‐3 Calaveras Housing Units…………..……….…………………….…….. 4.13‐3 Table 4.14‐1 Sherriff Department Staff and Positions….......……….………………. 4.14‐2 Table 4.14‐2 Crime Statistics for 2011…...…………….….…………….………...….. 4.14‐3 Table 4.14‐3 Copperopolis Fire District Staffing and Equipment……...……...……. 4.14‐9 Table 4.14‐4 Copperopolis Fire District Incidents…...…..……………..……....…… 4.14‐9 Table 4.14‐5 Ebbetts Pass Fire District Staffing and Equipment…...…………...….. 4.14‐13 Table 4.14‐6 Ebbetts Pass Fire District Service Calls………………..………...….…. 4.14‐14 Table 4.14‐7 Calaveras Unified School District Enrollment and Capacit……...….…. 4.14‐18 Table 4.14‐8 Bret Harte Union High School District Enrollment and Capacity....….. 4.14‐19 Table 4.14‐9 Vallecito Union School District Enrollment and Capacity….…...….…. 4.14‐21 Table 4.14‐10 Calaveras County Electricity and Natural Gas Consumption...…..…… 4.14‐25 Table 4.15‐1 Recreational Facilities within the Calaveras Ranger District….…….…. 4.15‐5 Table 4.15‐2 Local Reservoir Recreation Areas….......…………………..…….....….. 4.15‐7 Table 4.15‐3 Local Parks and Recreation Facilities….……….…...…..……..….…… 4.15‐10 Table 4.16‐1 New Hogan/Camanche/Valley Springs Supply to Demand.….…..……. 4.16‐7 Table 4.16‐2 Copper Cove/Copperopolis Supply to Demand...... ………….…….….. 4.16‐8 Table 4.16‐3 Ebbetts Pass/State Route $ Suppy to Demand…..………….......……. 4.16‐8 Table 4.16‐4 West Point/Wilseyville Supply to Demand.…….………….…..…….… 4.16‐9 Table 4.16‐5 Sheep Ranch Supply to Demand......……………………..………..….. 4.16‐9 Table 4.16‐6 Transfer Station Disposals.…….…….………….…..………......…..…. 4.16‐38 Table 4.16‐7 Waste Generation Trends..…..….…………….…..……….....…...…… 4.16‐38 Preliminary Draft EIR Setting Section
Calaveras County General Plan Update
November 2012
4.1
AESTHETICS
INTRODUCTION
The Aesthetics chapter of the EIR describes existing visual and aesthetic resources for the
Calaveras County General Plan Update (CCGPU) project (proposed project) area and the region,
and evaluates the potential aesthetic impacts of the proposed project. The California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) describes the concept of aesthetic resources in terms of
scenic vistas, scenic resources (such as trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a
State scenic highway), the existing visual character or quality of the project area, and light and
glare impacts. The following impact analysis is based on information drawn from the Ebbetts
Pass National Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan,1 U.S. National Park Services,2 and the
California Department of Parks and Recreation.
EXISTING ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
The following setting information provides an overview of the existing condition of visual
resources within Calaveras County.
Scenic Highways
The 58-mile stretch of SR 4 and 89 known as the Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway is located
in the counties of Calaveras and Alpine, including 24 miles of road within Calaveras County
from east of Arnold to the Alpine County line, between Arnold and Markleeville (See Figure
4.1-1). Ebbetts Pass is considered the longest and one of the most scenic drives of all routes over
the Sierra Nevada Mountains. National forests and wilderness areas surround the majority of the
route. The Pass is bounded by Calaveras Big Trees State Park and Grover Hot Springs State
Park, and passes through the Stanislaus and Humboldt-Tioyabe National Forests. Expansive
views of granite outcrops, basalt columns, ancient volcanic peaks, deep river canyons, glacially
carved valleys, majestic stands of conifers including giant sequoias, open meadows, clear
mountain lakes, and flowing streams and rivers are afforded along the Ebbetts Pass National
Scenic Byway. In addition, the area, which was home to Native Americans and pioneer
emigrants alike, provides a rich historic background. Ebbetts Pass provides a variety of points of
interest, such as the Pacific Crest Trail, Mosquito Lake, Spicer Reservoir, as well as various
campgrounds and vistas.
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Figure 4.1-1
Ebbetts
E
Passs Scenic Byw
way Map
Source: htttp://byways.org
g/explore/bywa
ays/2305/traveel.html
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The physsical setting of Ebbetts Pass
P
ranges in
i elevation from approxximately 3,0000 to 8,5000 feet.
Vegetatio
on along thee byway is prrimarily den
nse mixed coonifer forestss and high eelevation lakkes on
the westeern side of the
t pass (Seee Figures 4.1-2), while tthe eastern sside of the ppass is noticeably
drier, offfering open vistas and grasslands with
w trees inn the lowerr elevations concentratinng in
riparian (river,
(
mead
dow, and wettland) areas and north exxposed slopes (See Figuure 4.1-3). F
Figure
4.1-4 preesents additio
onal examples of the vieews offered aalong Ebbettts Pass.
Figure 4.1-2
Western Ebbetts
E
Passs Views
Spicer Reserrvoir; Source: http://scenic4..org/poispicerrres.html
Sourgrass Slid
de; Source: http
p://scenic4.orgg/poisourgrasssslide.html
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Figure 4.1-3
Eastern Ebbetts Pass Views
Cape Horn Vista; Source: Corrido
or Managemen
nt Plan Ebbettss Pass Nationaal Scenic Bywayy, August 20044.
Figure 4.1-4
Additional
A
Ebbetts
E
Passs Views
Hangman’ss Bridge; Source: http://sceniic4.org/poihanng.html
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Carson River Resort;
R
Source:: http://scenic44.org/poicarsonnriver.html
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Ebbetts Pass was designated as a California State Scenic Highway in 1971 and was granted a
national designation by the U.S. Department of Transportation on September 22, 2005. The
scenic designation is meant to preserve the unique scenic, natural, historical, cultural,
archaeological, and recreational resources along the scenic byway. An Ebbetts Pass National
Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan was prepared in 2004, which provides the vision,
goals, and management recommendations for protecting and enhancing the Ebbetts Pass National
Scenic Byway. The Corridor Management Plan is designed to provide guidance to federal, state,
and local agencies, private landowners, and interested businesses in showcasing the spectacular
scenery, historical significance, and extensive recreation opportunities present along the route. A
non-profit corporation, the Ebbetts Pass Scenic Byway Association, formed in 2006 to
implement preservation and enhancement programs to protect the scenic and recreational
resource.
In addition, Calaveras County developed a Ebbetts Pass Highway Special Plan in 1988 that is
intended to guide the management of private lands in the vicinity SR 4. While the Plan
recognizes the unique natural and scenic attributes of the area, few specific provisions are made
in the Plan for the preservation of these attributes. The land use diagram for the Ebbetts Pass
Highway Special Plan designates much of the land along the SR 4 corridor for resource
production. However, land uses such as community centers, resort centers, and other
commercial, recreational, and residential uses are also allowed, especially near the existing
communities of Dorrington and Cottage Springs.
Rural Landscape
In 1998, the American Planning Association conferred its most prestigious honor, the Daniel
Burnham Award, on a Sierra Business Council report published the previous year entitled
Planning for Prosperity: Building Successful Communities in the Sierra Nevada.3 The report
cited “safeguarding the rural character of the Sierra Nevada by maintaining a clear edge between
town and country” as first among a list of ten principles for sound development in the Sierras. A
question arising from this principle, however, concerns the precise nature of the “rural character”
being safeguarded. The concept of a cultural landscape, as used by the U.S. National Park
Service (Park Service), can serve to more clearly demark the specific qualities of what is meant
by rural landscape or character.
Developing a precise description and definition of a given cultural landscape requires research,
inventory, site analysis, and planning work by appropriate landscape architecture, historic
preservation, and other design professionals that is beyond the scope of this EIR. Nevertheless, at
least three widespread cultural landscapes within Calaveras County could be defined in broad
terms: ranching landscapes, mining landscapes, and forest landscapes. The aforementioned
landscapes are what the Park Service describes as “historic vernacular landscapes.” Unlike
consciously-designed cultural landscapes, these vernacular landscapes reflect the physical,
biological, and cultural character of the everyday lives of individuals, families, or communities.
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Ranching
g Landscapees
g and agricu
ulture play a vital role in
i the modeern Calaveraas County ecconomy andd also
Ranching
contributte in a majorr way to thee County’s landscape
l
off grassy opeen areas brokken by oak trees,
barns, co
orrals, fencess, gates, and
d rock walls.. This signatture landscaape is closelyy associatedd with
the Sierraa foothills th
hat visitors and
a residentss often see frrom Calaveraas County’s highways.
Figure 4..1-5 shows a typical open landscape that charactterizes majorr portions off the Countyy. The
photo deepicts the Tower
T
Barn
n in the rem
mote Salt S
Spring Valley area andd illustratess key
componeents of the County’s
C
vissual character: the expaansive, openn quality of the landscaape, a
historic barn,
b
and thee presence off cattle on th
he land.
Figure 4.1-5
To
ower Barn in
i Salt Spriing Valley
Sourrce: Judith Marrvin, Foothill R
Resources Ltd.
hows a barn
n as part off working raanching landdscape (the Whittle Raanch).
Figure 4.1-6 also sh
Howeverr, Figure 4.1-6 was taken in the spriingtime in a foothill, as opposed to a valley loccation
as shown
n in Figure 4.1-5.
4
As succh, several icconic landsccape featuress (the barn, tthe large herritage
oak, the fencing, thee rolling hillls, the small flowers in a low-lyingg portion of the meadow
w) are
shown in
n the image.
Rock waalls, as show
wn in Figuree 4.1-7, form
m a part of tthe ranchingg landscape in many parrts of
Calaveraas County. The rock walls are very distiinct landscaape featurees, evocativve of
Mediterranean landsccapes, but with
w a rural California
C
quuality that is vvery much thheir own.
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Figure 4.1-6
Barn
B
on Whiittle Ranch Property
Resources Ltd.
Figure 4.1-7
Rock Wallls near High
hway 4, Wesst of Coppeeropolis
Resources Ltd.
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Mining Landscapes
L
he California Gold Rush
h, Calaverass County waas a hot spott for gold miining, as maassive
During th
amounts of gold werre produced
d in the regio
on, which w
was nicknam
med the Mothher Lode. N
Nearly
every riv
ver, creek, stream, moun
ntain, and hill
h was strippped clean bby miners inn search of gold.
Most Calaveras Cou
unty towns date
d from thee Gold Rushh era, and evvidence of m
mining activvity is
abundantt throughoutt the rural laandscape. Ass discussed in Chapter 44.2, Agriculttural, Forestt, and
Mineral Resources, of this Drafft EIR, at leeast 26 mineerals have bbeen producced commerccially
he County, in
ncluding golld. Mining activities
a
andd methods ffor removal of local minnerals
within th
such as dredging,
d
bllasting, tunn
nels, shafts, and stamp m
mills have ddramaticallyy transformeed the
landscape within the County.
Figure 4.1-8
4
shows a mining era
e ditch, on
ne of manyy originally built for w
water conveyyance
purposes. Many of su
uch ditches have
h
colorfu
ul names, inccluding Kadiish Ditch, Pooverty Bar D
Ditch,
Jupiter Ditch,
D
Utica Ditch, Frico
ot Ditch, and Rock Cre ek Ditch. H
Historic ditchhes often proovide
good wallking trails and
a habitat values.
v
Otheer evidence of the Goldd Rush and m
mining era iss less
visible to
o the untrain
ned eye. In Figure
F
4.1-9
9, grass and trees cover a hillock of rock debriis left
over from
m placer miining activitty not far frrom New M
Melones Reservoir. Suchh sites are ffound
througho
out Calaveraas County. Extensive
E
hard rock m
mining leavess a differennt imprint onn the
landscape from placer mining. Figure
F
4.1-10 shows thee pit of the former Goldd Cliff hardd rock
mine locaated near An
ngels Camp.
Figure 4.1-8
Minin
ng Era Ditcch
Resources Ltd.
Chapter 4.1
4 – Aesth
hetics
4
4.1 - 9
Pr
reliminary D
Draft EIR S
Setting Sec
ction
Cala
laveras Cou
unty Gener
ral Plan Up
pdate
N
November 2
2012
Figure 4.1-9
Hillock
H
of Pllacer Minin
ng Debris
Resources Ltd.
Fig
gure 4.1-10
Gold Cliff
C Mine P
Pit
Resources Ltd.
Chapter 4.1
4 – Aesth
hetics
4.1
1 - 10
Pr
reliminary D
Draft EIR S
Setting Sec
ction
Cala
laveras Cou
unty Gener
ral Plan Up
pdate
N
November 2
2012
Forest Laandscapes
i located in the footthills of thhe Sierra N
Nevada Mouuntains, bettween
Calaveraas County is
Sacramen
nto and Yossemite on Staate Route (S
SR) 49. Giveen the Counnty’s proximiity to the Sierras,
forest lan
ndscapes aree abundant. National
N
forest lands com
mprise apprroximately 12 percent off land
within th
he County. In
I addition, the U.S. Bu
ureau of Laand Manageement owns approximattely 5
percent of
o land withiin the Countty. These lan
nds include a large portion of the Stanislaus Nattional
Forest, Calaveras
C
Big
g Trees Statte Park, and the Mokeluumne Coast tto Crest Traail, which proovide
recreation
nal opportun
nities such as
a hiking ass well as serrve as refugge for wildliife species iin the
area.
The Stan
nislaus Natio
onal Forest iss one of Callifornia’s olddest nationall forests, established in 1897.
Substantiial acreage of
o the Stanisslaus Nation
nal Forest is located withhin the easteern portion oof the
County, including a small portion of the Mokelumne
M
W
Wilderness area. The C
Calaveras Raanger
w
the C
County and also withinn Alpine Coounty.
District encompasses the SR 4 corridor within
Features of the forestt landscapes of the Staniislaus Nationnal Forest innclude rugged slopes vollcanic
nd peaks, river
r
canyon
ns, conifer forest, streaams, deep ggranitic canyyons, lakes,, and
ridges an
meadowss. Figures 4.1-11 and 4.1-12 illu
ustrate exam
mples of foorest landsccapes withinn the
Calaveraas Ranger Diistrict of the Stanislaus National
N
Foreest.
Fig
gure 4.1-11
Stanislaus Nation
nal Forest V
Views (1 of 22)
Sourcee: http://www.fs
fs.usda.gov/reca
area/stanislauss/recreation/w
wintersports/reccarea/?recid=114835&actid=89
Chapter 4.1
4 – Aesth
hetics
4.1
1 - 11
Pr
reliminary D
Draft EIR S
Setting Sec
ction
Cala
laveras Cou
unty Gener
ral Plan Up
pdate
N
November 2
2012
Fig
gure 4.1-11
Stanislaus Nation
nal Forest V
Views (2 of 22)
Source: http:///www.summitp
post.org/imagees/medium/2800647.JPG
Calaveraas Big Trees State Park is
i bisected by
b the Northh Fork Stanislaus River and straddlees the
Calaveraas-Tuolumnee County lin
ne, with 40 percent of tthe 6,000 aacres (or 2,4400 acres) w
within
Calaveraas County. Calaveras
C
Biig Trees beccame a Statee Park in 19931. The keey features oof the
forest lan
ndscapes of Calaveras Big
B Trees Staate Park are the two grovves of giant sequoias, knnown
for their impressive height
h
and girth, and freq
quented by vvisitors sincee the mid-18800’s (See F
Figure
4.1-12). Chapter 4.1
4 – Aesth
hetics
4.1
1 - 12
Pr
reliminary D
Draft EIR S
Setting Sec
ction
Cala
laveras Cou
unty Gener
ral Plan Up
pdate
N
November 2
2012
Fig
gure 4.1-12
Callaveras Big Trees Statee Park View
w
Source:
http://www
w.cdfa.ca.gov/p
/plant/ppd/Luciid/Novakia/keyy/Novakia/Meddia/Images/MiddsizeThumbs/C
CBT_northgrovve.jpg
Chapter 4.1
4 – Aesth
hetics
4.1
1 - 13
November 2012
The Mokelumne Coast to Crest Trail is one of 27 official California State Parks trail corridors
that form a statewide trail system linking mountain, valley and coastal communities to
recreational, cultural and natural resources throughout the state. The trail roughly follows the
Mokelumne River from the river’s headwaters at the Sierra Crest down to the river’s mouth near
Martinez on the Carquinez Strait. Five segments make up the trail, which are spread over six
counties. The Upper and Middle Mokelumne segments of the trail run from Tiger Creek
Reservoir at the western end of the Stanislaus National Forest east along the northern boundary
of Calaveras County, continue to Ebbetts Pass in Alpine County, and end at the Highway 49
Bridge. As the Upper and Middle Mokelumne segments of the Mokelumne Coast to Crest Trail
are located in national forest land, similar forest landscape features and views as the Stanislaus
National Forest are offered.
Community Character
Throughout the County, residents take pride in their connection with the scenic and historical
rural landscapes that surround them. However, each community within Calaveras County is
distinctive from the next in both obvious and subtle ways. Table 4.1-1 shows some of the more
obvious or “objective” distinctions between the larger communities in Calaveras County. These
include population size, elevation level, and the relationship of a given community to SR 4, SR
26, and SR 49. The objective distinctions have a strong influence on the character of a given
community. For example, communities at lower elevations (to the west) are closer to major
urban centers and tend to have larger long-distance commuter populations. Whereas,
communities at higher elevations (to the east) tend to have fewer commuters and often more
strongly depend on tourism, rural home businesses and cottage industries. Communities
immediately adjacent to SR 4, a major tourist corridor, are more likely to provide sites for
significant second home development and tourism-related businesses. The most rural portion of
the county, generally speaking, is north of SR 4 and east of SR 49, although some very rural
places (Salt Spring Valley for example) exist in low-elevation locations west of SR 49.
In addition to the communities listed in Table 4.1-1, other communities exist within Calaveras
County that the U.S. Census Bureau has not designated as official census places. Among the
undesignated places are rural hamlets (e.g., Cave City or Campo Seco), housing developments
adjacent to other towns (e.g., Douglas Flat or Hathaway Pines), and dispersed rural communities
(e.g., Paloma and Sheep Ranch). Individual neighborhoods within larger Calaveras County
towns such as Arnold, Angels Camp, Copperopolis, and others may in some cases self-identify
as distinct communities.
4.1 - 14
November 2012
Table 4.1-1
Census-Designated Community Areas Within Calaveras County
Relative to SR
26
Below 1,000 feet
Relative to SR
49
Relative to SR 4
Community
2010 Census
Population
Copperopolis
3,671
South of SR 26
West of SR 49
South of SR 4
5,325
South of SR 26
West of SR 49
North of SR 4
3,553
On SR 26
West of SR 49
North of SR 4
403
North of SR 26
West SR 49
North of SR 4
Rancho
Calaveras
Valley Springs
Wallace
1,000 feet to 2,000 feet
Angels Camp
3,836
South of SR 26
On SR 49
On SR 4
Mokelumne Hill
646
On SR 26
On SR 49
North of SR 4
San Andreas
2,783
South of SR 26
On SR 49
North of SR 4
Vallecito
442
South of SR 26
East of SR 49
On SR 4
Mountain Ranch
1,628
South of SR 26
East of SR 49
North of SR 4
Murphys
2,213
South of SR 26
East of SR 49
On SR 4
Rail Road Flat
475
South of SR 26
East of SR 49
North of SR 4
West Point
674
On SR 26
East of SR 49
North of SR 4
Arnold
3,843
South of SR 26
East of SR 49
On SR 4
Avery
646
South of SR 26
East of SR 49
On SR 4
East of SR 49
On SR 4
Above 4,000 feet
Dorrington
609
South of SR 26
Source: Census 2010 and USGS.
4.1 - 15
November 2012
1
Federal Highway Administration, USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region, California Department of
Transportation, and many State and Local partners. Corridor Management Plan Ebbetts Pass National Scenic
Byway. August 2004.
2
U.S. National Park Service. Guidelines for the Treatment of Cultural Landscapes. Version as updated 2007.
3
Sierra Business Council. Planning for Prosperity: Building Successful Communities in the Sierra Nevada. 1997.
4.1 - 16
Calaveras County General Plan Update EIR
November 2012
AGRICULTURAL, FOREST, AND
MINERAL RESOURCES
4.2
INTRODUCTION
This chapter of the EIR includes a description of the existing agricultural, forest, and mineral
resources within Calaveras County. The Agricultural Resources portion of the chapter examines
how buildout of the Calaveras County General Plan will affect agricultural resources and
operations within the General Plan study area. The Forest Resources portion of the chapter
analyzes how buildout of the General Plan will affect existing forest land or land zoned
Timberland Production within the County. The Mineral Resources portion of the chapter
describes the mineral characteristics of the project site and evaluates the extent to which
implementation of the proposed project could affect the availability of locally and regionally
valuable mineral resources. The following information sources were utilized for this evaluation:
Mines and Mineral Resources of Calaveras County, California,1 the California Geological
Survey, the California Department of Conservation Office of Mine Reclamation (OMR), the
Calaveras County 2011 Report of Agriculture (Report of Agriculture),2 and the Calaveras
County General Plan Update, Agriculture, Forestry and Mineral Element.
An Agriculture, Forestry and Mineral Element, which addresses the conservation, management
and utilization of resource production lands, was prepared as part of the Calaveras County
General Plan Update. The Agriculture, Forestry and Mineral Element is consistent with the
requirements set forth in California Government Code Section 65302 and other applicable
sections.. The Element addresses requirements set forth in the mandatory Land Use,
Conservation and Open Space Elements required by the Planning and Zoning Law in the
California Government Code.
According to the Agriculture, Forestry and Mineral Element, resource production lands are key
to the preservation of the County’s rural character, which was identified as being of primary
importance to its residents. These resource production lands maintain the rural character of
Calaveras County while creating products and jobs. Resource production operations are a major
contributor to the economic engine of the County. This economic fact goes well beyond the sale
of food, fiber and minerals. Resource production lands play a major role in the growth of tourism
and the resulting restaurants, lodgings and stores. Equally important is this equation is the role
resource production lands play in providing the County and its residents with open space,
wildlife habitat, watershed protection, oak woodlands, recreational opportunities and food
security.
Prudent utilization of the County’s natural resources is needed to provide future generations with
affordable, locally available products in addition to opportunities to experience both the full
economic benefits and rural lifestyle resource production lands provide across a range of parcel
sizes. Traditional agriculture, including but not limited to cattle ranching and the recent growth
of wineries and vineyards, is subject to the cyclical nature of economic well-being. Agritourism
Chapter 4.2 – Agricultural, Forest, and Mineral Resources
4.2 - 1
November 2012
not only serves as a way of educating residents and visitors about local agriculture, but also
provides a partial solution to some of those economic pressures. The economic viability of many
segments of agriculture in the County is directly related to the success of agritourism and the
economic benefits it provides.
Agricultural Resources
The Agricultural Resources section of this chapter provides the following information: a general
description of existing agricultural operations in the Planning Area; a description of dominant
crops and trends in County agriculture; a discussion of Important Farmlands; and identification
of current Williamson Act lands.
Overview of Existing Agricultural Production
A wide variety of agricultural products are grown and produced in Calaveras County, which
contributes to the richness of the local and statewide agrarian tradition. Many fruit and nut crops,
including wine grapes, field crops, vegetable crops, apiary products, nursery crops, livestock and
poultry, and timber are part of the Calaveras agricultural industry. Cattle and calves are the
County’s leading farm commodity. This sector of the industry led the overall County total in
production value for the past 12 years, from 1999 through 2011. In addition to cattle and calves,
wine grapes and poultry are major contributors to County agricultural production. Timber is not
considered a farm product, but as an agricultural commodity, timber is considered an important
part of the agricultural industry in Calaveras County. Timber production in the County increased
significantly from 2010 to 2011 – 33,661 million board feet of timber were produced in 2011, as
compared to 25,679 million board feet in 2010.
In 2011, cattle and calves were Calaveras County’s leading farm commodity, with a value of
$7.6 million, which is an increase of 8.5 percent from 2010. Wine grapes were ranked as the
second most valuable farm commodity with a value of $2.916 million, which is a 6.5 percent
decrease from 2010. According to the Report of Agriculture, 2011 was a cool, wet year, which
reduced grape yields by 20 percent. Poultry was the third most valuable farm commodity with a
value of $2.894 million. The value of poultry decreased from 2010 by approximately 28 percent
due to lower prices and lighter weights of the birds.
According to the Report of Agriculture, the leading farm commodities are valued as shown in
Table 4.2-1. 2-1. The total 2011 agricultural production value, which includes the commodities
listed in Table 4.2-1 and field crops and timber, was $23,782,000.3
4.2 - 2
November 2012
Table 4.2-1
Leading Farm Commodities – Calaveras County (2011)
Commodity
Cattle and Calves
Wine Grapes
Poultry
Walnuts
Nursery Products
Pistachios
Sheep and Lambs
Christmas Trees
Olives
Grain Hay
2011 Value
$7,600,000
$2,916,000
$2,894,000
$1,360,000
$300,000
$169,000
$155,000
$124,000
$116,000
$104,000
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Statistics Service. 2011.
Regional Trends in Farmland Use and Conversion
The total 2011 agricultural production value of $23,782,000 represents an approximately 9
percent increase from the 2010 gross production value of $21,695,800. The increase in
production from 2010 to 2011 was due primarily to the increase in amount of timber harvested in
the County over the amount harvested in 2010, as well as rising timber prices. From 2010 to
2011, timber production increased from 25,679 million board feet of timber to 33,661 million
board feet of timber, which corresponded to an agricultural production value increase of
$2,315,000 (from $1,830,000 in 2010 up to $4,145,000 in 2011). Other factors involved were an
increase in price for cattle and sheep, an increased harvest for the pistachio crop, and a modest
increase in the value of walnuts.
The amount of farmland in the County has remained consistent, as shown below in Table 4.2-2.
The County consists of approximately 663,000 acres of total land within the planning boundaries
and farmland consists of approximately 30 percent of this land.
Table 4.2-2
Overall Agricultural Production Trends from 2008-2011
Year
2008 2009 2010 2011 Production Value
(dollars)
$20,449,500 $20,332,000 $21,695,800 $23,782,000 All Farmland*
(acres)
201,026 201,026 201,026 201,026 Land in Agricultural
Preserves
(acres)
139,000 141,067 136,544 136,544 Land in Timber
Preserves
(acres)
77,300 77,300 77,300 77,300 Source: Calaveras County. Reports of Agriculture. 2008-2011.
*According to the Calaveras County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office, the “farmland” category includes
rangeland, irrigated pasture, and fruit and nut crops (personal communication, November 8, 2012). Rangeland
comprises the majority of the farmland category in Calaveras County.
4.2 - 3
November 2012
Agricultural Production
The Calaveras County Environmental Management Agency, Department of Agriculture
publishes a yearly report describing the agricultural economy of the previous year. This report
identifies recent changes in agricultural production and lists the top agricultural producing
sectors as ranked by agricultural production value. As noted previously, the number one
agricultural commodity in the County is cattle and calves. Table 4.2-3 shows the leading farm
commodities for the years 2008 through 2011. Table 4.2-4 shows the leading field crop
commodities for the years 2008 through 2011.
In addition to identifying the top agricultural production sections in relation to production value,
the Report of Agriculture also identifies the land acreage under production for various
agricultural commodity types. Table 4.2-5 shows the trends in agricultural land use by crop type
from 2008 to 2011 for several of the County’s top acreage uses. As shown in the table, wine
grapes have shown a consistent increase in acreage harvested, from 650 acres in 2008 to 900
acres in 2011. Cattle and calves have fluctuated between 2008 and 2011, but remain the
County’s top producing sector.
Table 4.2-3
Agricultural Production Value Trends 2008-2011 (Leading Farm Commodities)
Agricultural Commodity
Cattle and Calves
Grapes (Wine)
Poultry
Livestock & Poultry Products
Olives*
Walnuts
Christmas Trees
Nursery Crops
Apiary Products
Vegetable Crops
Sheep and Lambs
Miscellaneous**
2008
$6,122,000
$1,287,000
$3,102,000
$21,000
$49,000
$630,000
$112,500
$300,000
$82,300
$200,000
$91,300
$126,000
2009
$5,766,000
$3,360,000
$3,192,000
$21,000
$79,800
$876,000
$110,000
$300,000
$91,400
$200,000
$88,700
$175,000
2010
$7,002,000
$3,120,000
$4,042,000
$22,000
$105,000
$1,024,000
$120,000
$300,000
$91,000
$200,000
$106,000
$100,000
2011
$7,600,000
$2,916,000
$2,894,000
$25,000
$116,000
$1,360,000
$124,000
$300,000
$81,000
$225,000
$155,000
$204,000
* Includes fresh and oil
** Includes apples, berries, cherries, peaches, pears, pistachios, various nuts, etc.
Source: Calaveras County. Reports of Agriculture. 2008-2011.
Table 4.2-4
Agricultural Production Value Trends 2008-2011 (Field Crops)
Field Crop
Grain Hay
Irrigated Pasture
Rangeland
Miscellaneous*
2008
$28,000
$260,000
$3,201,000
$32,900
2009
$67,500
$260,000
$3,201,000
$30,000
2010
$100,800
$260,000
$3,201,000
$32,000
2011
$104,000
$260,000
$3,201,000
$32,000
* Includes legume hay, native hay, etc.
4.2 - 4
November 2012
Table 4.2-5
Acreages Harvested by Commodity Type: Trends from 2008-2011
Agricultural
Commodity
Grapes (Wine)
Walnuts
Olives
Cattle & Calves
Sheep & Lambs
Grain Hay
Irrigated Pasture
Rangeland
2008
650
800
140
11,500 head
1,000 head
200
2,000
188,300
2009
800
800
140
11,300 head
1,000 head
300
2,000
188,300
2010
800
800
140
11,400 head
1,000 head
300
2,000
188,300
2011
900
800
140
11,000 head
1,000 head
400
2,000
188,300
Crop Type Distribution
Lands classified as Deciduous Fruits and Nuts account for the largest portion (acreage) of land in
agricultural production within the County and are generally found in the vicinity of West Point
and southwest of New Hogan Reservoir.
Certain areas of the County have greater densities of agricultural activity. The western part of the
County to the southwest of the community of Valley Springs and the New Hogan Reservoir is
characterized by a variety of crop types with olives and wine grapes predominating. South and
southeast of SR 12 are two areas with pistachios and cherries.
The southwestern portion of the County includes the Salt Springs Valley Reservoir and land to
the east. This region contains two identified crop types – olives and wine grapes. Crops in the
southeastern portion of the County, which covers the community of Murphys and extends
southwest toward City of Angels, primarily consist of wine grapes. Several large plots containing
apples are located west of SR 4 and south of Murphys. This area also contains small sections of
land with Christmas trees and olives.
Important Farmland
Calaveras County does not have important farmland data mapped by the California Department
of Conservation (DOC). Information about Prime, Unique, or other important farmlands is
currently unavailable for Calaveras County. However, given the rich characteristics of soils and
agricultural resources in the County, it is possible that some lands within the Planning Area meet
the various criteria for important farmlands.
Williamson Act Contracts
A Williamson Act contract represents agreements to restrict land to agricultural or open space
uses in return for lower than normal property tax assessments. Figure 4.2-1 provides the
locations of parcels within the Planning Area that have an active Williamson Act Contract or a
4.2 - 5
November 2012
Williamson Act Contract in non-renewal status (Calaveras County Planning and GIS
Departments, November 2012).
4.2 - 6
El Dorado
49
þ
}
|
·
Sacramento
Figure 4.2-1
88
þ
}
|
·
WILLIAMSON ACT
LANDS IN
CALAVERAS
COUNTY
Amador
88
þ
}
|
·
88
þ
}
|
·
West Point
^
Glencoe
26
þ
}
|
·
Mokelumne Hill
^
12
þ
}
|
·
^
Wallace
Burson
^
Alpine
^
Rail Road Flat
^
^
Highways
Calaveras County
Boundary
Valley Springs
^
San
Joaquin
Dorrington
Mountain Ranch
^
^
Arnold
^
Sheep Ranch
þ
}
|
·
Towns
^
þ
}
·
|
26
þ
}
|
·
San Andreas
Jenn
y
Legend
Tamarack
þ4
}
|
·
^
Williamson Act Lands
NonRenewal
^
Jenny Lind
^
Li nd
49
þ
}
|
·
Tuolumne
Murphys
Surrounding Counties
Alpine
^
Amador
El Dorado
Angels Camp
^
þ4
}
|
·
Sacramento
San Joaquin
Copperopolis
Stanislaus
^
Tuolumne
Stanislaus
108
þ
}
|
·
I
20,0 00
R:\Projects\PLANNING\GP\PROJECTS\COMMUNITY_PLANS\WILLIAMSON.MXD
108
þ
}
|
·
R:\Projects\PLANNING\GP\PROJECTS\COMMUNITY_PLANS\PLOTS\WILLIAMSON_111912.PDF
Map Design and Cartography
By Calaveras County GIS
San Andreas, California
Novembe r, 2012
10,0 00
0
Feet
For planning purposes only.
All feature locations are approximate.
20,0 00
November 2012
As shown in Table 4.2-6, below, an estimated 138,816 acres of land (21 percent of the total
County land) are currently under an active Williamson Act Contract. A total of 7,580 acres (one
percent of the total County land) are currently in non-renewal for Williamson Act contracts.
Table 4.2-6
Calaveras County Acreage under a Williamson Act Contract
Contract Status
Active Contract
Non-Renewal
Total
Acreage/Percent of Total County
133,405 acres/20%
7,534 acres/1%
140,939 acres/21%
Source: Calaveras County Planning and GIS Department, November 2012
Forest Resources
Forests in Calaveras County are an important natural and economic resource. Forest lands
provide opportunities for recreation, natural habitats, and timber production.
Forest Types and Habitats
Calaveras County has a diverse range of forest types and vegetation. Cover types in the County
include blue oak foothill pine, blue oak woodlands, montane hardwood, montane hardwoodconifer, and Sierran mixed conifer, Ponderosa pine, Jeffrey pine, and Douglas fir. Sierran mixed
conifer is dominated by Jeffrey pine and white fir, with incense cedar, ponderosa pine, sugar
pine, and red fir found as associated conifer species. The eastern higher elevations of the County
primarily consist of Sierran mixed conifer and large swathes of Ponderosa pine, red fir, and
lodgepole pine. Red fir and lodgepole pine are not traditionally used for timber production. The
eastern portion of the County contains approximately 145,641 acres of land with a zoning
designation that allows timber production.
Stanislaus National Forest
The Stanislaus National Forest was created in 1897 and covers approximately 900,000 acres
throughout Alpine, Calaveras, Mariposa, and Tuolumne Counties. This national forest covers
about 78,000 acres in Calaveras County (12% of the total land area). This is the only national
forest in the county. Elevations throughout the Stanislaus National Forest range from 840 feet to
11,570 feet. The forest supports a wide variety of wildlife and plant species due to the diversity
in climate, elevation, and geology. The Stanislaus National Forest contains approximately
325,000 acres of commercial forest land. The National Forest is also home to the Emigrant
Wilderness, Mokelumne Wilderness, and the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness (United States
Department of Agriculture (USDA) 2005b; USDA 2007).
Timber Industry
The timber industry plays an important role in the agricultural sector, and the economy in
general, in Calaveras County. Trends for timber production are shown in Table 4.2-7, below. The
value and amount of timber production substantially increased from 2008 to 2011, and
4.2 - 8
November 2012
production value of timber in 2011 increased by over 100 percent above 2010 production;
however, production value has not reached previous production levels (2004 and before).
Table 4.2-7
Timber Production Trends from 2008-2011
Year
2008 2009 2010 2011 Amount
(Million Board Feet)
33,000 16,165 25,679 33,661 Value (Dollars)
4,720,000 2,473,000 1,830,000 4,145,000 Source: Calaveras County. Reports of Agriculture. 2008-2011.
Mineral Resources
As discussed in further detail in Chapter 4.6, Geology, Soils, and Seismicity of this Draft EIR,
rocks in Calaveras County are divided into two major groups - the older Bedrock series and the
younger Superjacent series. The Bedrock series includes metamorphic rocks that were intruded
by large granitic masses and by smaller bodies of basic and ultrabasic rocks. Associated with the
intrusion of granitic rocks was widespread deposition of gold-quartz veins in the Mother Lode,
East Belt, and West Belt, as well as copper and zinc in the Foothill copper belt. Chromite
deposits were formed during the intrusion of ultrabasic rocks. The Superjacent series consists of
auriferous gravel, clay, sand, and volcanic rocks.
At least 26 minerals were produced commercially within the County. Gold, copper-zinc,
limestone, and limestone products account for the greatest contribution towards the County’s
total mineral production. Other mineral commodities that were produced in quantity include
silver, lead, tungsten, chromite, asbestos, quartz crystals, clay, sand, and gravel. Below are
descriptions of some of the most prominent mineral resources within Calaveras County.
Gold
Gold is the most well-known mineral commodity of Calaveras County and was the main
attractrant to early settlers in the area. Only minor amounts of gold are currently produced within
the County, although proprietary information derived from mining exploration activities
indicates that significant gold reserves still exist in the County.
Lode gold mines are grouped in three areas – the Mother Lode, East Gold Belt, and West Gold
Belt. The Mother Lode Gold Belt is a roughly 120-mile long system of gold-quartz veins and
mineralized schist and greenstone that extends from the town of Mariposa, north and northwest
along the State Route 49 corridor to northern El Dorado County. The East Gold Belt in Calaveras
County includes the communities of Sheep Ranch, Railroad Flat, and West Point, while the West
Gold Belt includes the communities of Hodson and the Salt Springs Valley.
The primary source of lode gold was from the Mother Lode belt, but appreciable quantities were
mined at West Point, Sheep Ranch, and Murphys in the East Belt and at Hodson in the West
4.2 - 9
November 2012
Belt. The principal sources of lode gold were the Angels, Boston, Carson Creek, Carson Hill,
Collier, Gold Cliff, Gwin, Lightner, Madison, Mountain King, Royal, Sheep Ranch, Utica, and
Washington mines. By-product gold was recovered in quantity from the Foothill copper-zinc belt
at Copperopolis.
Large amounts of placer gold, which primarily occurs in river deposits, were mined in the
County as well. The primary sources of placer gold were surface placers mined during the early
gold rush days, and drift and hydraulic mines on Tertiary-aged channels in the Murphys, Douglas
Flat, Vallecito, Angels Camp, Mokelumne Hill, and San Andreas areas.
Limestone
The quarrying of limestone and the manufacture of cement by the Calaveras Cement Company
was the most lucrative segment of the mineral industry in Calaveras County; the plant closed in
1983 Not only did the cement plant account for the largest portion of the mineral output in the
County for many years, but the extensive limestone and dolomite deposits countywide form
some of the largest undeveloped reserves in the State. The extensive undeveloped limestone and
dolomite deposits are located in the Columbia, Murphys, Cave City, and Jesus Maria areas.
Currently many of the deposits are relatively inaccessible; however, depending on the demand
for limestone, dolomite, and lime products in California, Calaveras County deposits may
increase in importance as potential sources of raw material. Although limestone is a principal
constituent of cement, large quantities are also used in the manufacture of lime and beet sugar, as
metallurgical flux, and in the agricultural, glass and chemical industries. Numerous deposits of
marble are also found within the County, three of which have yielded small amounts of stone for
decorative facings and terrazzo.
Several limestone caves exist in Calaveras County, which range in size from small openings only
a few feet in extent to large caverns hundreds of feet in length and depth with numerous
passageways, rooms, and formations. Some caves are not well known, but others including
Mercer Caverns, Moaning Caverns and California Caverns are major tourist destinations. These
are more fully described in Chapter 4.15, Recreation, of this Draft EIR .
Copper-Zinc
Calaveras County was the principal source of copper and zinc in the Sierran Foothill copper belt.
Large amounts of copper were mined in the Foothill belt at Campo Seco and Copperopolis
during the 1860s and again during the two world wars. In more recent history, smaller amounts
were recovered as a by-product of gold mining in the Mother Lode and East Belt deposits.
Construction Aggregates
Aggregates are the primary mineral resources extracted today in Calaveras County. Aggregates
are low-value, heavy-weight building materials used in construction, including sand, gravel,
crushed stone and recycled concrete and mine wastes. Aggregates are mined and either used as
raw materials in construction or serve as composite materials in the production of concrete and
asphalt. The largest sand and gravel deposits are located in river gravels and hydraulic tailings in
4.2 - 10
November 2012
the vicinity of the Calaveras River in western Calaveras County. Lightweight aggregate is
obtained from deposits of pumicite and rhyolite tuff mined from the Valley Springs Formation.
Clay
The Eocene Ione formation, the major source of raw material for the ceramic industry in northern
California, crops out in a belt of discontinuous patches along the western Sierra foothills. In
Calaveras County, the Ione formation covers an area of approximately four square miles and is
divided into an upper and a lower member. The upper member, consisting of clay and clayey
sand, is the main source of commercial clay.
Silica
Vast quantities of silica (largely in the form of quartz sand, but to a lesser extent in quartzose
gravel) are present in Calaveras County. Substantial amounts of silica sand are extracted for
manufacturing glass containers. The silica sand primarily originates from quartz mined at
Camanche from the upper member of the Eocene Ione formation, and at Carson Hill. Quartzose
gravel that was deposited in early Tertiary channel deposits is abundant in the County,
particularly in Chili Gulch where extensive accumulations of hydraulic mine tailings with a high
percentage of quartz pebbles, cobbles, and boulders are present. The most viable silica deposits
are at Carson Hill and Chaparral Hill, where massive veins of white “bull quartz” tens of feet
thick and several thousand feet in length exist. Another undeveloped massive quartz vein
approximately 100 feet long and 30 to 40 feet wide is located along the extreme southwest
border of the County on the Echandi Ranch.
Asbestos
Asbestos was historically produced in Calaveras County, primarily from sources in these general
areas: the Voorhees or American deposit located seven miles southeast of Copperopolis; the
Turner and Lloyd prospect located over three miles north of Copperopolis and the Angels Camp
deposit, east of SR 49; and several small prospects northwest of San Andreas, near Valley
Springs. The largest open-pit asbestos mine in the U.S. (57 acres in area and over 500 feet in
depth) operated between 1962 and 1987 about 5 miles southeast of the community of
Copperopolis. The open pit associated with the former asbestos mining operation is now utilized
as a landfill repository for asbestos-containing wastes and waste tires. Serpentine, the host rock
of chrysotile asbestos, is abundant in the western portion of Calaveras County. Potential hazards
associated with Naturally Occurring Asbestos (NOA) are discussed in greater detail in Chapter
4.3, Air Quality, of this Draft EIR.
Chromite
The majority of chromite production within Calaveras County occurred during World War I.
Estimated chromite reserves in the County today are small, as many of the mines are reported to
be exhausted. Any future chromite production would depend upon new discoveries. The most
likely area in Calaveras County for potential chromite reserves is believed to be in the French
Creek area, five miles southeast of Copperopolis.
4.2 - 11
November 2012
Lead
Small amounts of lead were produced in Calaveras County, mostly as a by-product of copperzinc mining in the Foothill belt. The Penn and Quail Hill mines were the primary producers.
Smaller amounts were recovered as a by-product of gold mining. In some East Belt gold ores,
lead is present in quantity and is associated with free gold, pyrite, and chalcopyrite.
Mining Operations
The State of California Office of Mine Reclamation (OMR) provides mine information to the
public and has an online mapping system, designed with geographic information system (GIS)
features, that identifies the mine name, location, commodity, and status. Figure 4.2-2 shows
existing mine locations in Calaveras County according to the latest mapping data, updated by
OMR in January 2012. At least quarterly, OMR publishes a list of mines regulated under the
Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA) that meet the provisions set forth under
California’s Public Resources Code, Section 2717(b). The list is generally referred to as the AB
3098 list. Sections 10295.5 and 20676 of the Public Contract Code prohibit mining operations
not on the AB 3098 list from selling sand, gravel, aggregates, or other mined materials to state or
local agencies. For a mining operation to be on the AB 3098 list, the operation must meet all of
the following conditions:





The operation has an approved reclamation plan;
The operation has an approved financial assurance;
The operation has filed an annual report;
The operation has paid a reporting fee; and
The operation has had an annual inspection by the lead agency which reflects the
operation is in full compliance with the law.
The most recent AB 3098 list was published January 6, 2012. Table 4.2-8 presents a list of mines
using the OMR online mapping system, the mines’ identification number (Mine ID), name and
operator, main commodity, status, and whether or not the mine is on the most recent AB 3098
list. See Figure 4.2-2 shows the approximate location for the various mines throughout Calaveras
County.
4.2 - 12
Pr
reliminary D
Draft EIR S
Setting Sec
ction
Calaver
ras Countyy General P
Plan Updat
te EIR
N
November 2
2012
Figure 4.2-2
Ca
alaveras Co
ounty Mine Locations
N
Source: Office
O
of Minin
ng and Reclam
mation Mines On
O Line Data base http://m
maps.conservation.ca.gov/mo
ol/mol‐
app.html, A
Accessed Junee 28, 2012.
Chapt
ter 4.2 – Ag
gricultura
al, Forest, a
and Minera
al Resources
4.2
2 - 13
November 2012
Table 4.2-8
Calaveras County Mine Information
Mine ID
Description
Operator
Commodity
Status
91-05-0001
91-05-0002
91-05-0003
91-05-0004
91-05-0005
91-05-0006
91-05-0007
91-05-0008
91-05-0009
91-05-0010
91-05-0011
91-05-0012
91-05-0013
91-05-0014
91-05-0016
91-05-0017
91-05-0018
91-05-0019
91-05-0020
Snyder Clay Pit
Royal Mountain King Facility
Redhill Mine - Reclaimed
K.R. Mine - Reclaimed
John Hertzig Sand & Gravel
Robie Ranch Gravel
Teichert-Reed - Reclaimed
Valley Springs Clay Pit
Gnm #6 Shale Quarry
Quarry #7
All Rock - Exempt
Cataract Limestone Quarry
Wolin & Sons Aggregate
Hogan Quarry
Mccarty Pit
Alto Mine - Reclaimed
Carson Hill Rock Products
E.I.G. Mine
Jenny Lind Aggregate Quarry
Jenny Lind Tailing Pile
Removal
Snyder Clay Pit
John W. Hertzig
7/11 Materials, Inc.
Valley Springs Clay Pit, LLC
Lehigh Southwest Cement Company
Charles Larson Construction
Ford Construction Company, Inc.
Ford Construction Company, Inc.
Carson Hill Rock Products
-
Lode Gold
Lode Gold
Lode Gold
Lode Gold
Lode Gold
Lode Gold
Lode Gold
Lode Gold
Lode Gold
Lode Gold
Lode Gold
Lode Gold
Lode Gold
Lode Gold
Lode Gold
Lode Gold
Lode Gold
Lode Gold
Lode Gold
Active
Active
Inactive
Inactive
Active
Active
Inactive
Active
Active
Active
Inactive
Active
Active
Active
Active
Inactive
Active
Active
Active
On Current
AB 3098 List
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
-
Lode Gold
Active
No
91-05-0021
Sources:
OMR’s Mines Online (MOL), http://maps.conservation.ca.gov/mol/mol-app.html, accessed January 26, 2012.
OMR’s AB 3098 List, http://www.consrv.ca.gov/omr/ab_3098_list/Pages/index.aspx, accessed January 26, 2012.
4.2 - 14
November 2012
Endnotes
1
California Division of Mines and Geology. Mines and Mineral Resources of Calaveras County, California. 1962
Calaveras County Department of Agriculture. 2011 Report of Agriculture. 2011.
3
Calaveras County Department of Agriculture. 2011 Report of Agriculture. 2011, p. 11.
2
4.2 - 15
November 2012
4.3
AIR QUALITY
Introduction
The Air Quality chapter of the EIR describes the effects of the Calaveras County General Plan
Update (CCGPU) project (proposed project) on local and regional air quality. The chapter
includes a discussion of existing air quality, construction-related air quality impacts resulting
from grading and equipment emissions, direct and indirect emissions associated with the project,
the impacts of these emissions, including greenhouse gas emissions, on both the local and
regional scale and mitigation measures warranted to reduce or eliminate any identified
significant impacts. The chapter is based on the regulations of the Calaveras County Air
Pollution Control District (CCAPCD) and the air quality analysis performed by Raney Planning
& Management, Inc. (See Appendix E).
Existing Environmental Setting
The following information provides an overview of the existing air quality in Calaveras County.
Air Basin Characteristics
Calaveras County is located within the Mountain Counties Air Basin (MCAB), which is an
approximately 11,000-square-mile area that encompasses Amador, Calaveras, Mariposa,
Nevada, Plumas, Sierra, and Tuolumne Counties, as well as portions of El Dorado and Placer
Counties. Most of the MCAB is located in the northern Sierra Nevada, although the western
boundary of the MCAB extends into the Sacramento Valley.
The general climate of the MCAB varies considerably with elevation and proximity to
mountains. The mountains and hills are primarily responsible for wide variations in rainfall,
temperatures, and localized winds that occur throughout the region. The temperature variations
have a significant influence on wind flow, dispersion along mountain ridges, vertical mixing, and
photochemistry within the MCAB. Climates vary from alpine in the eastern areas to more arid at
the western edge of the MCAB.
Ambient Air Quality Standards
Both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) and the California Air Resources
Board (CARB) have established ambient air quality standards for common pollutants. These
ambient air quality standards for each contaminant represent safe levels that avoid specific
adverse health effects. Pollutants for which air quality standards have been established are called
“criteria” pollutants.
4.3 - 1
November 2012
Table 4.3-1 identifies the major pollutants, characteristics, health effects and typical sources. The
federal and State ambient air quality standards are summarized in Table 4.3-2. The federal and
State ambient standards were developed independently with differing purposes and methods. As
a result, the federal and State standards differ in some cases. In general, the State of California
standards are more stringent, particularly for ozone and particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), than
the federal standards.
Ozone
Ozone is the most prevalent of a class of photochemical oxidants formed in the urban
atmosphere. The creation of ozone is a result of a complex chemical reaction between reactive
organic gases (ROG) and nitrogen oxide (NOX) gases in the presence of sunshine. Unlike other
pollutants, ozone is not released directly into the atmosphere from any sources. Factories,
automobiles, and evaporation of solvents and fuels are the major sources of ozone precursors.
The health effects of ozone are difficulty in breathing, lung tissue damage, and eye irritation.
Particulate Matter (PM)
Suspended particulate matter (airborne dust) consists of solid and liquid particles small enough
to remain suspended in the air for long periods. “Respirable” particulate matter (PM) consists of
particles less than 10 microns in diameter, and is defined as “suspended particulate matter” or
PM10. Particles between 2.5 and 10 microns in diameter arise primarily from natural processes,
such as wind-blown dust or soil. Fine particles are less than 2.5 microns in diameter (PM2.5).
PM2.5, by definition, is included in PM10. Fine particles are produced mostly from combustion or
burning activities. Fuel burned in cars and trucks, power plants, factories, fireplaces, and wood
stoves produce fine particles.
Particulate matter is a complex mixture that consists of dry solid fragments, solid cores with
liquid coatings, and small droplets of liquid. These tiny particles vary greatly in shape, size, and
chemical composition, and can be made up of many different materials such as metals, soot, soil,
and dust. Particulate matter is divided into two classes, primary and secondary. Primary particles
are released directly into the atmosphere from sources of generation. Secondary particles are
formed in the atmosphere as a result of reactions involving gases. Particles greater than 10
microns in diameter can cause irritation in the nose, throat, and bronchial tubes. Natural
mechanisms remove many of these particles, but smaller particles are able to pass through the
body’s natural defenses, including the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract, and
enter into the lungs. The particles can damage the alveoli, tiny air sacs responsible for gas
exchange in the lungs. The particles may also carry carcinogens and other toxic compounds,
which adhere to the particle surfaces and can enter the lungs.
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas produced by incomplete burning of
carbon-based fuels such as gasoline, oil, and wood. When CO enters the body, the CO combines
with chemicals in the body, which prevents blood from carrying oxygen to cells, tissues, and
organs. Symptoms of exposure to CO can include problems with vision, reduced alertness, and
4.3 - 2
November 2012
general reduction in mental and physical functions. Exposure to CO can result in chest pain,
headaches, reduced mental alertness, and death at high concentrations.
Nitrogen Oxide Gases (NOx)
NOX are produced from burning fuels, including gasoline and coal. Nitrogen oxides react with
ROG (found in paints and solvents) to form ozone, which can harm health, damage the
environment, and cause poor visibility. Additionally, NOX emissions are a major component of
acid rain. Health effects related to NOX include lung irritation and lung damage.
Sulfates (SOx)
Sulfates are colorless gases and constitute a major element of pollution in the atmosphere. SOX is
commonly produced by fossil fuel combustion. In the atmosphere, SOX is usually oxidized by
ozone and hydrogen peroxide to form sulfur dioxide and trioxide. If SOX is present during
condensation, acid rain may occur. Exposure to high concentrations for short periods of time can
constrict the bronchi and increase mucous flow, making breathing difficult. Children, the elderly,
those with chronic lung disease, and asthmatics are especially susceptible to these effects.
Lead
Lead is a gray-white metal that is soft, malleable, ductile and resistant to corrosion. Sources of
lead resulting in concentrations in the air include industrial sources and crustal weathering of
soils followed by fugitive dust emissions. Health effects from exposure to lead include brain and
kidney damage and learning disabilities. Lead is the only substance which is currently listed as
both a criteria air pollutant and a toxic air contaminant. However, ambient lead concentrations
have decreased dramatically and inhalation of airborne lead is expected to continue to decline
due to the phase-out of leaded gasoline.
Hydrogen Sulfide
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a colorless, flammable, poisonous compound having a characteristic
rotten-egg odor. Hydrogen sulfide is used in industrial processes and may be emitted into the air.
Hydrogen sulfide can affect the body if it is inhaled or it comes in contact
with the eyes, skin, nose or throat. It can also affect the body if it is swallowed. Inhalation of low
concentrations may cause headache, dizziness and upset stomach. At higher concentrations
hydrogen sulfide may cause loss of consciousness and death. People who work in pulp and paper
mills, rayon textiles manufacturing, petroleum and natural gas drilling, farms with manure
storage pits or landfills, sewers and wastewater treatment plants are at an increased risk of
exposure to hydrogen sulfide.
Vinyl Chloride
Vinyl chloride, or chloroethene, is a colorless compound that is used in industrial processes for
making polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic and vinyl products. At ambient pressure and
temperature, vinyl chloride is a gas with a sweet odor. Acute (short-term) exposure to high levels
4.3 - 3
November 2012
of vinyl chloride in air has resulted in central nervous system effects, such as dizziness,
drowsiness, and headaches in humans. Chronic (long-term) exposure to vinyl chloride through
inhalation and oral exposure in humans has resulted in liver damage. Cancer is a major concern
from exposure to vinyl chloride via inhalation, as vinyl chloride exposure has been shown to
increase the risk of a rare form of liver cancer in humans. Vinyl chloride is highly toxic,
flammable, and is classified as a human carcinogen.
4.3 - 4
November 2012
Table 4.3-1
Major Criteria Pollutants
Pollutant
Ozone
Carbon
Monoxide
Nitrogen
Dioxide
Sulfur Dioxide
Characteristics
A strong smelling, pale blue,
reactive toxic chemical gas
consisting of three oxygen
atoms. Ozone exists in the
upper atmosphere ozone layer
(stratospheric ozone) as well
as at the Earth's surface in the
troposphere (ozone). Ozone in
the troposphere causes
numerous adverse health
effects is a criteria air
pollutant, and is a major
component of smog.
A colorless, odorless gas
resulting from the incomplete
combustion of hydrocarbon
fuels. Over 80 percent of the
carbon monoxide emitted in
urban areas is contributed by
motor vehicles.
Nitrogen dioxide is typically
created during combustion
processes, and is a major
contributor to smog formation
and acid deposition.
A strong smelling, colorless
gas that is formed by the
combustion of fossil fuels.












Health Effects
Breathing difficulties
Lung tissue damage
Damage to rubber and
some plastics
Eye and skin irritation
Examples of Sources
Formed when reactive
organic gases (ROG)
and nitrogen oxides react
in the presence of
sunlight. ROG and NOX
sources include any source
that burns fuels, (e.g.,
gasoline, natural gas,
wood, oil) solvents,
petroleum processing and
storage and pesticides.
Chest pain in heart
patients
Headaches and nausea
Reduced mental
alertness
High concentration can
result in death
Lung irritation and
damage
Reacts in the
atmosphere to form
ozone and acid rain
Any source that burns fuel
such as automobiles,
trucks, heavy construction
equipment, farming
equipment and residential
heating.
Increased lung disease
and breathing problems
for asthmatics
Reacts in the
atmosphere to form acid
rain
Increased respiratory
disease
Lung damage
Premature death
Reduced visibility
Any source that burns fuel
such as automobiles,
trucks, heavy construction
equipment, farming
equipment and residential
heating.
Coal or oil burning power
plants and industries,
refineries, and diesel
engines.
Any material, except pure
Fuel combustion in motor

water, that exists in the solid
vehicles, equipment and
or liquid state in the
industrial sources,

atmosphere. The size of
residential and agricultural

particulate matter can vary
burning. Also formed

from coarse, wind-blown dust
from reaction of other
particles to fine particle
pollutants (acid rain, NOX,
combustion products.
SOX, organics).
Source: California Air Resources Board, http://www.arb.ca.gov/html/gloss.htm, accessed November 2011.
Particulate
Matter (PM10
and PM2.5)
4.3 - 5
November 2012
Table 4.3-2
Ambient Air Quality Standards
Pollutant
Ozone*
Carbon Monoxide
Nitrogen Dioxide
Sulfur Dioxide
Respirable
Particulate Matter
(PM10)
Fine Particulate
Matter (PM2.5)
Sulfates
Lead
Hydrogen Sulfide
Vinyl Chloride
Averaging Time
1 Hour
8 Hour
8 Hour
1 Hour
Annual Mean
1 Hour
24 Hour
3 Hour
1 Hour
California
Standards
0.09 ppm
0.07 ppm
9 ppm
20 ppm
0.03 ppm
0.18 ppm
0.04 ppm
0.25 ppm
Annual Mean
20 ug/m3
24 Hour
Annual Mean
24 Hour
24 Hour
30 Day Average
Calendar Quarter
1 Hour
24 Hour
3
50 ug/m
12 ug/m3
25 ug/m3
1.5 ug/m3
0.03 ppm
0.01 ppm
Federal Standards
Primary
Secondary
Same as primary
0.075 ppm
9 ppm
None
35 ppm
0.053 ppm
Same as primary
0.100 ppm
0.14 ppm
0.50 ppm
0.075 ppm
150 ug/m3
15.0 ug/m3
35 ug/m3
N/A
1.5 ug/m3
N/A
N/A
Same as primary
Same as primary
N/A
Same as primary
N/A
N/A
ppm = parts per million
ug/m3 = micrograms per cubic meter
Source: California Air Resources Board, Ambient Air
http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/aaqs/aaqs2.pdf, June 7, 2012.
Quality
Standards,
available
at:
Toxic Air Contaminants (TACs)
In addition to criteria pollutants, TACs are a category of environmental concern. Many types of
TACs exist, with varying degrees of toxicity. Sources of TACs include industrial processes such
as petroleum refining and chrome plating operations, commercial operations such as gasoline
stations and dry cleaners, and motor vehicle exhaust. Cars and trucks release at least 40 different
TACs. In terms of health risks, the most volatile contaminants are diesel particulate, benzene,
formaldehyde, 1,3-butadiene and acetaldehyde.
Public exposure to TACs can result from emissions from normal operations as well as accidental
releases. Heath effects of TACs include cancer, birth defects, neurological damage, and death.
Naturally Occurring Asbestos(NOA)
Naturally Occurring Asbestos is found in some areas throughout California, most commonly
where ultramafic rock or serpentinite rock is present. Because asbestos is a known carcinogen,
naturally-occurring asbestos is considered a TAC. Asbestos includes fibrous minerals found in
Chapter 4.3 – Air Quality
4.3 - 6
November 2012
certain types of rock formations. Natural weathering or human disturbance could generate
microscopic NOA fibers which are easily suspended in air. Calaveras County has been identified
by the California Department of Conservation as an area where NOA is located.
Attainment Status and Regional Air Quality Plans
The Federal Clean Air Act and the California Clean Air Act require all areas of California to be
classified as attainment, non-attainment, or unclassified as to their status with regard to the
national and/or State Ambient Air Quality Standards. Under the Federal Clean Air Act and the
California Clean Air Act, the CARB is to designate portions of the State based on air quality
monitoring data. Because of the differences between the national and State standards, the
designation of nonattainment areas is different under the federal and State legislation. Calaveras
County has been designated nonattainment for the State and federal ozone standards and for the
State PM10 standard. Designations for all other ambient air quality standards within Calaveras
County are unclassified or attainment (See Table 4.3-3).
Air Quality Monitoring
The CARB operates the air quality monitoring site San Andreas-Goldstrike Road, which is
located in the northwestern portion of Calaveras County. Table 4.3-4 shows historical
occurrences of air pollutant levels exceeding the State and federal ambient air quality standards
for 2008 through 2010. The number of days that each standard was exceeded is presented in the
table.
Table 4.3-3
Calaveras County Attainment Status Designations
Pollutant
Ozone*
Particulate Matter (PM2.5)
Particulate Matter (PM10)
Carbon Monoxide
Nitrogen Dioxide
Sulfur Dioxide
Sulfates
Lead
Hydrogen Sulfide
Visibility Reducing Particulates
Federal Designation
Nonattainment
Unclassifiable/Attainment
Unclassified
Unclassified
No Federal Standard
No Federal Standard
No Federal Standard
No Federal Standard
State Designation
Nonattainment
Unclassified
Nonattainment
Unclassified
Attainment
Attainment
Attainment
Attainment
Unclassified
Unclassified
Source: California Air Resources Board, http://www.arb.ca.gov/desig/adm/adm.htm, accessed November 2011.
Unclassified/Unclassifiable: any area that cannot be classified on the basis of available information as
meeting or not meeting the national primary or secondary ambient air quality standard for the pollutant.
(Source: U.S. EPA, http://www.epa.gov/oaqps001/greenbk/define.html)
* The federal 8-hour ozone status is proposed to be changed to attainment. Federal Register /Vol. 77, No. 179 /
Friday, September 14, 2012 / Proposed Rules.
4.3 - 7
November 2012
Table 4.3-4
Air Quality Data Summary for San Andreas-Goldstrike Road (2008-2010)
Pollutant
Ozone (O3)
PM2.5
PM10
Standard
State
Federal
1-Hour
—
8-Hour
—
—
8-Hour
—
24-Hour
24-Hour
24-Hour
Days Exceeding Standard During
2008
2009
2010
8
1
2
32
32
18
16
9
7
2
0
0
1/0
0/0
0/0
Source: California Air Resources Board, Aerometric Data
http://www.arb.ca.gov/adam/welcome.html, accessed November 2011.
Analysis
and
Management,
Calaveras County is under the jurisdiction of the Calaveras County Air Pollution Control District
(CCAPCD), which is recognized as a Special District and is governed by the Calaveras County
Air Pollution Control Board. The CCAPCD manages the County’s air quality through education
and enforcement of CCAPCD rules and CARB measures and regulations.
Sensitive Receptors
Sensitive receptors are typically defined as facilities where sensitive receptor population groups
(children, the elderly, the acutely ill, and the chronically ill) are likely to be located. Land uses
considered more sensitive to air pollution than others include residences, schools, playgrounds,
childcare centers, retirement homes, convalescent homes, hospitals, and medical clinics. Existing
sensitive receptors are spread throughout the County.
4.3 - 8
November 2012
4.4
BIOLOGY
PLACEHOLDER – SECTION TO BE COMPLETED
November 2012
4.5
CULTURAL RESOURCES
INTRODUCTION
The Cultural Resources chapter of the EIR describes cultural (prehistoric and historic) and
historical resources known to be located on the project site. Prehistoric resources are those sites
and artifacts associated with indigenous, non-Euroamerican populations, generally prior to
contact with people of European descent. Historical resources include structures, features,
artifacts and sites that date from Euroamerican settlement of the region. The extent to which
development of the proposed project could remove, damage, or destroy existing historic or
prehistoric resources is evaluated.
This section discusses the County’s historic, prehistoric, and ethnographic settings, as well as the
existing historic resources and historic and prehistoric archaeological resources within Calaveras
County.
Prehistoric Setting
California archaeology can be described as a series of patterns. Fredrickson (1973) defines
pattern as an essentially non-temporal, integrative cultural unit–the way of general life shared by
people within a given geographic region. Until quite recently, archaeological researchers
developed culture-histories for the Sierran foothill region based on the more studied areas of the
western Great Basin and California Central Valley. A recent study for the East Sonora Bypass
Project (Rosenthal 2006), however, developed an entirely new chronology focusing on a
synthesis of local data from more than 100 excavated sites in the watersheds of the Mokelumne,
Calaveras, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne rivers. Based on spatial and stratigraphic analyses of more
than 200 radiocarbon dates, more than 4,000 source-specific obsidian hydration readings, slightly
more than 875 projectile points, and close to 600 shell beads, five major time periods are
defined: Early Archaic, Middle Archaic, Late Archaic, Recent Prehistoric I, and Recent
Prehistoric II.
Early Archaic (11,500-7000 Before the Present (BP)1
Early Archaic deposits are quite rare in the Sierra Nevada foothills, identified locally at two sites,
both discovered in buried stratigraphic contexts. They include abundant Wide-Stem and Large
Stemmed Dart points, hundreds of handstones and millingstones, as well as a variety of cobblecore tools, large percussion-flaked “greenstone” bifaces, and comparatively high frequencies of
obsidian from the Bodie Hills source.
Chapter 4.5 – Cultural Resources
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Middle Archaic (7,000 – 3,000 BP)
Middle Archaic sites, also often buried, are primarily distinguished by Corner-notched Dart
points, an occasional mortar and pestle, and the earliest house structures in association with large
subterranean storage pits. Soapstone “frying pans” and other vessels first appear in the local
record during the Middle Archaic, along with various stone pendants, incised slate, and stone
beads. The presence of atlatl weights and spurs in these deposits confirms that the dart and atlatl
were the primary hunting implements.
Late Archaic (3,000-1,100 BP)
Late Archaic sites are among the most common on the western slope, again with many occurring
in buried stratigraphic contexts. Late Archaic lifeways, technologies, and subsistence patterns
were quite similar to those of the previous time period, with the primary difference being an
increase in the use of obsidian between about 3000 and 1100 BP. Chert, only available in the
foothills of the western Sierra below about 3,000 feet, is common at Archaic sites in the lower
Montane Forest up to about 6,000 feet. However, flaked stone assemblages on the western slope
found above 6,000 feet are composed almost entirely of obsidian (>80%), suggesting that groups
who utilized upper elevations of the western Sierra arrived from the east side where obsidian was
the primary toolstone.
Recent Prehistoric I (1,100-610 BP)
The beginning of the Prehistoric Period coincides with a region-wide interval of reduced
precipitation known as the Medieval Climatic Anomaly. Among the most important changes in
the archaeological record of the western slope at this time was the introduction of the bow and
arrow (about 1100 cal BP2), an innovation apparently borrowed from neighboring groups to the
north or east. This shift in technology is clearly reflected by the dominance of small stemmed
and corner-notched arrow points in Recent Prehistoric I sites.
Recent Prehistoric II (610-100 BP)
The common occurrence of bedrock mortars at Recent Prehistoric II sites suggests that they
became an important milling technology by 610 cal BP. Bedrock milling fixtures are established
across the landscape, near well-developed residential middens and as isolated features. It also
appears there was greater settlement differentiation during the Recent Prehistoric II Period, with
clear residential sites, often including house-depressions and other structural remains, but also
special-use localities consisting simply of bedrock milling features. Many more specialized
technologies are associated with the Recent Prehistoric II Period than were evident during the
Archaic, including stone drills and the common occurrence of bone awls, suggesting that
basketry and other composite implements may have taken on a new importance. The Desert
Side-notched arrow point is first introduced on the western slope at about 610 cal BP, clearly
adopted from Great Basin people to the east. Circular stone shaft-straighteners are also common
in these sites, consistent with the use of the bow and arrow. Imported shell beads from coastal
California first appear in appreciable amounts in Recent Prehistoric II village sites, as do other
rare items such as shell ornaments and bone whistles.
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Prehistoric Archaeological Resources
Evidence from previous survey work and site investigations in the Planning Area indicates that
the following prehistoric site types may be encountered throughout unsurveyed portions of the
Planning Area:


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
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Surface scatters of lithic artifacts associated with or without associated midden
accumulations, resulting from short-term occupation, and/or specialized economic
activities, or long-term occupation.
Bedrock milling stations, including mortar holes and metate slicks, in areas where
suitable bedrock outcrops are present.
Petroglyphs and/or pictographs.
Isolated finds of cultural origin, such as lithic flakes and projectile points.
Deeply buried sites dating to Archaic periods.
Ceremonial sites and site of cultural significance.
Traditional resource gathering sites.
The New Melones Dam and Reservoir is the site of an especially significant prehistoric site. In
the environmental work connected with construction of the New Melones Dam and Reservoir,
archaeologists identified prehistoric occupation in the region dating back 10,000 years. The New
Melones archaeological record includes evidence from the entire Holocene epoch, as well as
approximately 700 archaeological sites within the Planning Area. The site contains information
on diverse, prehistoric Native groups, as well as the Gold Rush and ranching eras of the
nineteenth century.
Ethnographic Setting
The ethnographically known people (the Native American people occupying the Planning Area at the
time of contact with non-Native American peoples such as explorers and settlers) are called Mi-Wuk
(also spelled Miwok or Me-Wuk). The Mi-Wuk traditionally occupied a large portion of the central
Sierra Nevada range, the adjacent foothills, and a portion of the adjacent Sacramento-San Joaquin
River valley (Barrett and Gifford 1933; Kroeber 1925). Anthropologists and linguists are not certain
when the Mi-Wuk arrived in central California, or from where; the native people themselves believe
they were created on this land and have always been here. Heizer and Elsasser (1980:37) list the MiWuk as one of the “five Penutian nations;” that is, they all traditionally spoke languages of the PenUtian stock as first defined by Dixon and Kroeber (1913, 1919). Linguistic studies suggest the
ancestral Mi-Wuk occupied the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta area about 2,500 years ago, but did
not arrive in the Sierra foothills and mountains until almost 800 years ago.
The Mi-Wuk was a well-established society of hunters, fishermen, and plant-food gatherers whose
territory stretched from the edge of the San Joaquin Valley to the high elevations of the Sierra
Nevada. This wide topographic and vegetative range provided the native people with all manner of
foods: antelope, elk, rabbit, salmon, waterfowl, and valley-oak acorns in the lowest zone; deer,
rabbit, salmon, valley quail, gray pine nuts, and blue- and live-oak acorns in the foothills; and, at
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higher elevations, deer, squirrel, trout, mountain quail, pigeons, sugar-pine nuts, and black-oak
acorns (Heizer and Elsasser 1980:10). Acorns were particularly important and, according to Heizer
and Elsasser, “the [ethnographic-period] Sierra Mi-Wuk carefully preserved the oak trees from
which they annually gathered their staple food” (1980:23).
In Calaveras County, the old Mi-Wuk villages that are known to anthropologists were clustered
along the Mokelumne, Calaveras, and Stanislaus River drainages. Traditional Mi-Wuk houses
reportedly were made of thatching, tule matting, or slabs of bark over a conical framework of
poles (Levy 1978:408). Other important structure types were the sweat lodge and the dance
house, both of which are still in use today. Sweathouses are used mainly by men for health and
purification, while the semi-subterranean dance houses are used as an assembly hall and for
important ceremonies. Remains of some of these large structures were found at archaeological
sites in the central Sierra foothills.
The archaeological record also contains remnants of a rich material culture, including: flaked
stone hunting and butchering tools; plant-processing implements; cooking, eating, and storage
vessels (including beautifully made stone bowls); and beads and ornaments made of shell, animal
bone, and stone. There were a great many other items made of basketry, cordage, or wood which
have not survived. Like other northern and central California groups, the Mi-Wuk made (and still
make) excellent baskets, but as far as is known they did not traditionally make or use pottery.
Small lumps and objects of baked clay have been found at several sites in the valley and lower
foothills (e.g., Johnson 1990), but no pots or dishes. The foothill groups did make vessels from
soapstone, and many of these have been found in archaeological deposits.
Historic Setting
Prior to the turn of the nineteenth century, most European involvement in California was
centered on the Spanish missions that lined the coastal area between San Francisco and San
Diego. Travel beyond the coast was typically limited to recovery efforts to retrieve runaway
neophytes back to the missions. Gabriel Moraga’s campaigns into the Californian interior in
1806 through 1811 were scouting undertakings meant to protect the farms and pueblos that were
developing in central California. During his journey, Moraga “discovered” and named many of
the rivers in California, including the Mokelumne, Stanislaus and Calaveras Rivers. Tradition
states that Calaveras County derived its name from the river named by Gabriel Moraga in 1808
(Hoover 1966: 41). The name Calaveras, Spanish for “skulls,” was in reference to the skulls and
bones encountered by Moraga in the river during his encampment (Lewis Publishing Company
1891). It is also possible, however, that the name references the effect of the malarial epidemic
of 1833 that wiped out thousands of Native Americans, leaving villages with no one to bury the
dead (Mace 2002: 63).
For the following half century, non-native involvement in the area was dominated by fur
trapping and military interests. After Mexico declared its independence in 1821, more land
grants were distributed throughout California, drawing more permanent, non-native settlers into
central California. This led to an increased Mexican military presence, such as the expeditions of
General Mariano Vallejo against the Native population in 1829. There was also an increased
presence of American and European fur trappers throughout California during this time. In 1826
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Jedediah Strong Smith led a fur trapping company into California from Utah, and became the
first American to enter the region that would come to be referred to as the Mother Lode (Mace
2002: 2). Barring these few, there was a very limited white presence in the area of Calaveras
County until the discovery of gold in 1848.
Calaveras County encompasses roughly one quarter of California’s Southern mines, and is one of
the eight counties encompassed by the Mother Lode. In 1848 the area was thoroughly explored
by Californians entering the area in search of gold (Wood 1955: 6). Mexicans Don Antonio
Coronel and Benito Perez of Los Angeles were some of the earliest prospectors to enter
Calaveras County, arriving in the spring of 1848. That summer, miners George and Henry Angel,
John and Dan Murphy, and James Carson left Hangtown, now Placerville, and established the
camps along streams that now bear their names (Mace 2002: 2). By 1849 the gold country was
inundated with thousands of prospective miners, and would continue to be so throughout the
following decade. The prominence of mining accounted for the names and locations of many of
the towns and communities that developed in Calaveras County. Towns were often named after
prominent miners, locations, events, or geographic features (Marvin 2007). Large towns
developed commensurate with major strikes or supply encampments.
The Gold Rush drew people from across the globe to Calaveras County: Chile, Ireland, England,
China, Australia, and Mexico to name a few. Mokelumne Hill, during its tenure as county seat,
had a sizable Chinatown located at its outskirts in Chinagulch. In 1860 the Chinese represented
23 percent of the population, as opposed to 16 percent represented in the state as a whole (Mace,
2002: 15). Campo Seco also had a considerable Chinatown during the 1850s (Mace 2002: 51).
Chili Gulch derives its name from the sizable number of Chilean workers who occupied the
space, and the Mexicans congregated in Campo Seco. Race relations were tense during the Gold
Rush, with violent disputes occurring between groups regularly (Mace 2002: 51-53).
In 1850, California attained statehood and Calaveras County was among the 27 original counties
established by the government. Calaveras was originally proposed to be a huge county,
stretching from the coastal mountains outside of the San Francisco Bay to the Nevada border
(Mace 2002: 5). Its final size was considerably smaller, but still included portions of present day
Amador, Alpine, and Mono Counties. Pleasant Valley, a small mining camp near present day
Jenny Lind, was designated by legislature as the first County Seat in January 1850. Almost
immediately, the County Seat was moved to Double Springs in April 1850. The County Seat was
controversially moved to Jackson in 1851 when locals appropriated government records through
subterfuge. Less than a year later, the State legislature moved the County Seat to Mokelumne
Hill. In 1854 the citizens of Jackson seceded, forming Amador County from the area north of the
Mokelumne River. Finally, in 1866 the County Seat was moved for the last time to its current
location of San Andreas (Hoover 1966: 41).
During its more than 150 years of existence, the economy of Calaveras County has been driven
by three major industries: mining, lumber, and agriculture. Pan (or placer) mining dominated the
efforts of miners during the first few years of the Gold Rush. Within a decade numerous new
methods to increase efficiency in mining were introduced, changing the most prevalent
demographic of the mining community from the individual miners to mining companies. By
1853 hydraulic mining, using high powered hoses to wash away mountains in search of gold,
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came into play in the gold fields. Chili Gulch, north of San Andreas, is the most obvious example
of hydraulic mining in Calaveras County. Drift mining, digging a tunnel to reach the gold pocket
itself, was introduced in Calaveras County in 1855. Quartz mining was introduced in the 1860s
and developed with the advent of deep rock mining in the late 1880s. Drift tunnels and deep rock
quartz mines represented more than half of the gold recovered in Calaveras County (Mace 2002:
74-75).
The golden years of gold mining in Calaveras County were between the mid-1880s and the
1910s. During the 1910s many of the big mines were finally exhausted or forced to shut down
due to the labor shortages of World War I (Limbaugh 2004: 205). The needs of the war effort
impacted what was mined, with gold mining being set aside in favor of necessary base metals
like copper. While pre-war production experienced a brief revival following the end of the war,
the predominance of Calaveras County’s gold mining era ended.
Minerals other than gold also had their place in the mining history of Calaveras County. Campo
Seco was a center for copper mining for over a century. Copper production in that area began in
1859, but was hit hard by the copper market glut of the late 1860s. The Penn Mining Company
was established in the 1880s and continued on and off, supporting the community until the
closing of the Penn Mine in 1959 (Mace, 2002: 51-53). Copperopolis has its roots in the Civil
War era, when it shipped more than $1,600,000 worth of copper east via Stockton (Lewis
Publishing Company 1891). Thanks to the boom caused by military demand, copper production
briefly vitalized an area that had been left out of the Gold Rush (Mace 2002: 76). The
Copperopolis Armory, constructed in 1864 for the Union Guard, was used by military men for
training and storage. With the end of the war, demand for copper dropped and the prices
plummeted. Interest in cheaper shipment of copper to Stockton instigated the construction of the
Stockton-Copperopolis Railroad in the early 1870s. Milton was established a mile off the eastern
terminus of the railroad and acted as a transportation center and the railhead into the county. In
1885 the Southern Pacific absorbed the Stockton-Copperopolis Railroad and it, along with two
other short railroads in the county, supported local transportation until automobiles attained
dominance in the 1930s (Mace, 2002:81-83).
Following the Gold Rush, settlers of Calaveras County turned to various other avenues of
economic development. Agriculture flourished in many sections during the late nineteenth
century, particularly in the western parts, around towns such as Milton. The 1880 Census shows
467 farms assessed at 10 times the value of the 1850 Census (Lewis Publishing Company 1891).
Early agricultural efforts focused predominantly on fruit, grains, and mixed-use subsistence
farming. Locals turned to ranching when farming failed to produce the desired economic revival
for the region (Marvin 2007). Through the 1960s, agricultural activity focused predominantly on
livestock, but also included crops such as hay, fruit, and nuts (Clark 1962; Lewis Publishing
Company 1891). During the latter half of the twentieth century, commercial crops such as wine
grapes and olives began to gain prominence along with the traditional livestock and timber
interests.
Lumber has a long standing history in Calaveras County reaching back prior to the Gold Rush.
Communities in the eastern portion of the county, such as Arnold, Avery and White Pines, have
been involved in the logging industry since the 1850s. Sawmills were constructed to provide
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timber for the booming mining industry, and this need increased with the advent of drift mining
in the late nineteenth century. Using first animal, then steam, and finally electric power to run
saw mills, the region supplied timber to consumers throughout the region, including Sacramento
and Nevada. Mining interests provided the main source of demand until World War I. World
War II led to increased demand, and the lumber industry in Calaveras County expanded (Sierra
Nevada Logging Museum 2007a). The community of White Pines developed in the 1940s in
response to the needs of the workers of the Blagen Mill. During the 1950s and 1960s the timber
industry focused on the areas surrounding West Point and Wilseyville. Due to the closure of
various mills, such as Blagen Mill in 1963, Calaveras County’s percentage of the state’s
production diminished in the 1960s, and recreational interests began to develop in the area.
The Calaveras Cement Company was established in San Andreas in 1924, with the company
plant opening in 1926. The company thrived during World War II, expanding through the late
1950s (Limbaugh 2004: 290). Calaveras Cement was involved in various major projects
throughout the western United States, such as the Pardee Dam and the construction of the San
Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. The plant, located approximately 1.5 miles south of San
Andreas, remained open until 1983 and was demolished in 2004.
Existing Historic Resources
Many historic properties in the Planning Area are identified through historic building surveys
and previous cultural resource studies. Table 4.5-1 shows information on select cultural
resources located in Calaveras County. A complete list of properties either listed on or found
eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places is presented in Appendix __ of this
Draft EIR. Appendix __contains properties listed under either the NRHP or California Register,
as Calaveras County does not currently have a County register of historical properties. The
appendix also includes information on properties not yet evaluated for significance.
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Table 4.5-1
Select Historic Properties within Calaveras County
Year
Constructed
Historic
Landmark
Designation
Site/Building
Location
Dorrington
Hotel and
Restaurant
3431 SR 4,
Dorrington
1852
SPHI
Sperry-Perry;
Mitchler;
Murphys
Hotel
457 Main
Street,
Murphys
1856
NR; SHL 267
Europa, De
France, Leger
Hotel
Main Street,
Mokelumne
Hill
1854
SHL 663
Avery HotelHalfway
House
Moran Road,
Avery
1853
SPHI
Description
The Dorrington Hotel is listed by
the
Office
of
Historic
Preservation as dating to 1852.
The property was purchased by
John and Rebecca Gardner in
1868. It was originally the stage
coach stop on what was called
The Big Tree-Carson Valley toll
road.
One of the oldest operating
hotels in California, James L.
Sperry and John Perry opened
the Sperry and Perry Hotel
August
20,
1856
to
accommodate travelers on their
way to view the Giant Sequoia
Redwoods.
A portion of this building served
as the Calaveras County
courthouse from 1852 to 1866,
when the County Seat was
removed to San Andreas. George
W. Leger then acquired the court
building and made it a part of his
adjoining hotel, which has been
operated since early gold mining
days
Built in 1853, the Avery Hotel is
the oldest continually operating
hotel in Calaveras. The original
four-room Avery home was
expanded and converted into a
hotel in 1886. It was known as
the “Half Way House” because
of its location between the gold
fields of Murphys and the giant
Sequoia groves now known as
Calaveras Big Trees State Park.
Sources: Directory of Properties in the Historic Property Data File for Calaveras County; Office of Historic
Preservation. SPHI: State Point of Historical Interest; SHL: State Historical Landmark; NR: National Register
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National Register of Historic Places
According to the California Environmental Resources Evaluation System (CERES), the
following Calaveras County location is listed on the National Park Service National Register of
Historic Places:

Angels Hotel, Main Street and Bird Way, City of Angels Camp (NPS-72000220) .The
canvas hotel that C. C. Lake erected here in 1851 was replaced by a one-story wooden
structure, and then in 1855 by one of stone - a second story was added in 1857. It was
here that Samuel Clemens first heard the yarn that was later to bring him fame as Mark
Twain, author of The Jumping Frog of Calaveras County.
California Historical Landmarks
According to the California State Parks Office of Historic Information, the following sites are
California Historical Landmarks (CHLs), and include buildings, structures, sites, or places
determined to have statewide historical significance by meeting at least one of the criteria listed
below:



The first, last, only, or most significant of its type in the state or within a large geographic
region (Northern, Central, or Southern California).
Associated with an individual or group having a profound influence on the history of
California.
A prototype of, or an outstanding example of, a period, style, architectural movement or
construction or is one of the more notable works or the best surviving work in a region of
a pioneer architect, designer or master builder.
Angels Camp: Angels Camp was founded in 1849 by George Angel, who established a mining
camp and trading store. Angels Camp was in a rich gravel mining area that was also one of the
richest quartz mining sections of the Mother Lode – production records reached over $100
million for Angels Camp and its vicinity. Prominent in early-day California history, Angels
Camp was said to be frequented by Joaquin Murieta, Black Bart, and other early-day bandits, and
was the locale of Mark Twain's famous story, The Jumping Frog of Calaveras County.
Angels Hotel: Angels Hotel is located at the northeast corner of Main Street and Bird Way in
Angels Camp. The canvas hotel that C. C. Lake erected here in 1851 was replaced by a one-story
wooden structure, and then in 1855 by one of stone – a second story was added in 1857. It was
here that Samuel Clemens first heard the yarn that was later to bring him fame as Mark Twain,
author of The Jumping Frog of Calaveras County. Angels Hotel is listed on the National Register
of Historic Places (NPS-72000220).
Altaville: The history of Altaville is closely identified with that of Angels Camp. Altaville has
been the foundry town of Calaveras County since D. D. Demerest established a foundry there in
1854. Most of the stamp mills and a large part of the mining machinery erected in Calaveras and
Tuolumne Counties were built at the Altaville Foundry. A brick schoolhouse was built at
Altaville in 1858 and the townsite was established in 1873.
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Big Bar: Big Bar is located on State Route (SR) 49, four miles south of Jackson. The
Mokelumne River was mined at this point in 1848. Established in 1840, the Whale Boat Ferry
operated until the first bridge was built in approximately 1852.
Birthplace of Archie Stevenot: The Birthplace of Archie Stevenot is located on SR 4
approximately four miles south of Angels Camp. The Stevenot family established the borax
industry in California – Archie Stevenot was proclaimed “Mr. Mother Lode” by resolution of the
1961 session of the State Legislature. He, his father, and his grandfather lent fame to the Carson
Hill region of California.
Calaveritas: Calaveritas, located 4.5 miles southeast of San Andreas, was a flourishing mining
town complete with stores, saloons, gambling houses, and fandango halls, the latter two said to
be frequented by Joaquin Murieta. The town was destroyed by fire in 1858.
California Caverns at Cave City: The historical significance of California Caverns is well
established as a major cavern system and as one of the earliest officially recorded caves (1850) in
the Mother Lode region of California. The early commercial enterprise associated with
California Caverns is evidenced by the historical documents verifying organized tourist activities
as early as 1854. Although one of numerous caves in the Mother Lode region, California
Caverns claims the distinction of having the most extensive system of caverns and passageways.
The California Caverns at Cave City are located on Cave City Road, approximately four miles
from Mountain Ranch Road, 11 miles east of SR 49 in San Andreas.
Camanche: Once called Limerick, the town became Camanche (after Camanche, Iowa) in 1849.
Rich mining at nearby Cat Camp, Poverty Bar, and Sand Hill brought its population to a peak of
1,500. Mokelumne River water was brought in by Lancha Plana and Poverty Bar Ditch. A fire on
June 21, 1873 destroyed Camanche's large Chinatown. Buhach, an insect powder made from a
plant, was manufactured on the nearby Hill Ranch. Camanche is now inundated by Camanche
Reservoir.
Campo Seco: Campo Seco was settled in 1849 by Mexicans who worked placers in Oregon
Gulch. The largest living cork oak tree in California was planted here in 1858. The iron doors of
the ruined Adams Express Building were still standing in 1950.
Carson Hill: Gold was discovered in the creek just below Carson Hill in 1848 by James H.
Carson, whose name was given to the creek, hill, and town. In November 1854 the largest gold
nugget in California, weighing 195 pounds troy, was found. It was worth $43,000 at that time.
Carson Hill is located on SR 4, approximately four miles south of Angels Camp.
Chili Gulch: Chili Gulch, which is located on SR 49, 1.4 miles south of Mokelumne Hill, was
the richest placer mining section in Calaveras County. It received its name from Chileans who
worked it in 1848 and 1849, and was the scene of the so-called Chilean War. The largest known
quartz crystals were recovered from a mine on the south side of the gulch.
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Congregational Church: The Congregational Church is located at the northeast corner of Main
and Church Streets in Mokelumne Hill. The church building, erected in 1856, is the oldest
Congregational Church building in the state.
Double Springs: Founded February 18, 1850, Double Springs was once the seat of Calaveras
County. The old courthouse, said to be constructed of lumber brought from China, is still
standing, but not on its original site.
Copperopolis: W. K. Reed and Thomas McCarty discovered copper in Copperopolis in 1860.
The mines were utilized during the Civil War, when they were the principal copper producing
section of the United States, and World Wars I and II.
Courthouse of Calaveras County and Leger Hotel: A portion of this building served as the
Calaveras County Courthouse from 1852 to 1866, when the county seat was removed to San
Andreas. George W. Leger then acquired the court building and made it a part of his adjoining
hotel, which has been in operation since early gold mining days – it was known as the Grand
Hotel in 1874 when fire damaged it and destroyed its dance hall. Restored in 1879, it has since
been known as the Leger Hotel.
Douglas Flat: Douglas Flat, located on SR 4, was a roaring mining camp of the early 1850s. In
1857 the Harper and Lone Star Claims produced $130,000 worth of gold. The so-called Central
Hill Channel, an ancient river deposit from which vast quantities of gold have been taken, is
located here.
El Dorado: Patented as a townsite in 1872, El Dorado derived its name from a sawmill located
here. Mountain Ranch, the post office established in 1856, was moved to El Dorado in 1868, so
El Dorado became known as Mountain Ranch. The bell was used in the local school from 1885
to 1953. Established as Cave City School District in 1855, this school joined with the Banner
District in 1946 to become the El Dorado Union Elementary School District.
Fourth Crossing: Fourth Crossing is located west of Highway 49 south of San Andreas. The
name originates from the fact that is was the fourth crossing of the Calaveras River on the
Stockton-Murphys Road. Fourth Crossing was an early mining settlement, once called Foremans,
that was famous in the 1850s for its rich placer ores. Later, as an important stage and freighting
depot, the settlement served the southern mines until after the turn of the century.
Glencoe: Glencoe, which is located on SR 26, was formerly called Mosquito Gulch. The
business portion of the town was on the north side of Mosquito Gulch, but not one of the old
buildings remains. The mines were first worked in the early 1850s – quartz mining predominated
but there was some placer mining.
I.O.O.F. Hall, Mokelumne Hill: The I.O.O.F. Hall is located at the northeast corner of Main and
Center Streets in Mokelumne. This is said to be California's first three-story building erected
outside the coastal towns. The original building was erected in 1854 as a two-story building – a
third story to be used for lodge purposes was added later.
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Jenny Lind: Jenny Lind, located on the north bank of the Calaveras River, was a placer mining
town as early as 1849. Most of the placer mining was done along the hillsides above the river later the river was mined with dredgers.
Jesus Maria: Jesus Maria, which is located on County Road 27 approximately five miles
southeast of Mokelumne Hill, was the center of a large placer mining section and was named for
a Mexican who raised vegetables and melons for the miners. Jesus Maria was settled in the early
1850s with a large population of Mexicans, French, Chileans, and Italians.
Milton: Completion of the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1871 marked the birth of the town of
Milton. Named after Milton Latham, one of the railroad construction engineers, this town was
the first in Calaveras County to have a railroad. Freight and passengers continued their journeys
to other parts of Calaveras County by wagon and stagecoach.
Mitchler Hotel: The Mitchler Hotel (aka Murphys Hotel)is located at 457 Main Street in
Murphys: One of the principal mining communities in Calaveras County, Murphys was named
for the discoverer of gold on the flat in 1849. A suspension flume conveying water across
Murphys Creek and drainage race draining the flat were two outstanding accomplishments of
early day miners. Although destroyed by fire three times (1859, 1874 and 1893) the town rebuilt
itself and it flourishes today as a major Calaveras County tourist destination.
The hotel is one of the oldest hotels still operating in California. First called the Sperry and Perry
Hotel, it was opened by James L. Sperry and John Perry on August 20, 1856. Henry Atwood was
its proprietor in 1881; later, ownership passed to Harvey Blood. Renamed the Mitchler Hotel in
1882, and the Murphys Hotel in 1945 by the McKimins family, it was bought by a College of the
Pacific group in 1963.
Mokelumne Hill: Mokelumne is an Indian word, first applied to the nearby river. Earliest
settlement was at Happy Valley by French trappers. Gold was discovered by discharged
members of Stevenson's Regiment in 1848. Mokelumne Hill was the center of the richest placer
mining section of Calaveras County and one of the principal mining towns of California. Corral
Flat produced over thirty million in gold.. The so-called “French War” for possession of gold
mines occurred in 1851. The town was destroyed by fires in 1854, 1864, and 1874. Mokelumne
Hill was the county seat of Calaveras County from 1853 to 1866 and is known today for its
quaint charm as one of the county’s premier living historic communities.
O'Byrne Ferry: O'Byrne Ferry was located on County Highway 48 approximately 71 miles
southeast of Copperopolis. In 1852, a chain cable bridge replaced the ferries that once crossed
here, to be supplanted in its turn by a covered truss structure in 1862. Some writers claimed this
was the locale of Bret Harte's Poker Flat. In late 1849, a large camp was located here, with
miners washing gold out on both banks of the Stanislaus River.
Old Mining Camp of Brownsville: A thriving mining camp on rich Pennsylvania Gulch in the
1850s and 1860s, the Old Mining Camp of Brownsville was named for Alfred Brown, former
owner of Table Mountain Ranch. Laws of the Brownsville mining district provided that each
miner could own one wet and one dry claim, not to exceed 150 square feet each.
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Paloma: Gwin Mine, Paloma, and Lower Rich Gulch (located approximately five miles
southwest of Mokelumne Hill) were mined for placer gold in 1849, and quartz was discovered by
J. Alexander in 1851. Property here was acquired by Wm. M. Gwin, California's first U.S.
Senator, in 1851. After yielding millions of dollars in gold, the Gwin Mine closed in 1908.
Peter L. Traver Building: Constructed by Peter L. Traver in 1856, this is the oldest stone
building in Murphys. Its iron shutters and sand on the roof protected it from the fires of 1859,
1874, and 1893. The Peter L. Traver Building served as a general store, a Wells Fargo office,
and, later, a garage.
Pioneer Cemetery: Pioneer Cemetery, which is located on SR 12, 1.8 miles west of San
Andreas, was said to have been established in 1851. Most of the graves are unmarked – stones
appeared over only three of them in 1936. This cemetery is located almost opposite where the
town of North Branch originally stood, before the site was mined for gold.
Prince-Garibardi Building: The Prince-Garibardi Building is located at 298 S. Main Street in
Altaville. The structure was constructed in 1852 by B. R. Prince and G. Garibardi for a general
merchandise business. Improved in 1857 with living quarters on the second floor, the building is
still used today.
Rail Road Flat: Rail Road Flat was named after primitive mule-drawn ore cars used here. It was
the site of an Indian council as well as the center of rich placer and quartz mining. Its largest
producer was the Petticoat Mine. The post office was established in 1857, and the Edwin Taylor
store built in 1867. The town’s population was decimated in 1880 by black fever.
Red Brick Grammar School: The Red Brick Grammar School is located at 125 N. Main Street in
Altaville. This brick building, constructed in 1848 with funds raised by a dance in the Billiard
Saloon of the N.R. Prince Building, is one of the oldest schools of California. It was in use until
1950, when it was replaced by the Mark Twain Elementary School in Altaville.
Robinson’s Ferry: In 1848, John W. Robinson and Stephen Mead established ferry transport for
freight, animals and persons across the river. In 1856, Harvey Wood purchased interest and later
acquired property which was maintained by Wood Family until 1911. Robinson’s Ferry is
located on SR 49, approximately five miles south of Angels Camp.
San Andreas: San Andreas is located at the northwest corner of SR 49 and Main Street. Settled
by Mexicans in 1848 and named after the Catholic parish St. Andres, San Andreas has been a
noted mining camp since early days. Gold from the surrounding ancient river channels and
placer mines contributed greatly to the success of the Union during the Civil War. The first
newspaper was published here on September 24, 1846. Destroyed by fire June 4, 1858, and in
1863, San Andreas became the seat of Calaveras County in 1866. It was said to be a rendezvous
for Joaquin Murieta and the notorious stage robber Black Bart was tried here and sent to prison.
Sandy Gulch: Sandy Gulch is located on SR 26, approximately two miles west of West Point. A
monument was erected to the memory of pioneers of Sandy Gulch, an 1849 trading center for
miners of northeastern Calaveras County. The settlement, in an area that was home to many
4.5 - 13
November 2012
Miwok Indians, was named after the gulch where William and Dan Carsner found large nuggets
of gold embedded in the coarse sands. Water for mining was brought from the middle fork of the
Mokelumne River through Sandy Gulch and Kadish Ditches – quartz mining began in the early
1850s, and the first custom stamp mill in the district was located at the head of Sandy Gulch.
School and election precincts were established early, and one of California's many Hangman's
Trees stood near the center of town.
Stone Corral: Stone Corral is located on SR 26, 9.5 miles southwest of Valley Springs. Stone
Corral consisted of a hotel, barns, and the large corrals for which it was named, and was one of
the stopping places on the road from the mines to Stockton.
Vallecito: Vallecito, which is located on SR 4, was a mining camp of the early 1850s that was
almost totally destroyed by fire on August 28, 1859. Nearby is Moaning Cave, which the Indians
used as a burial ground.
Vallecito Bell Monument: Named “Little Valley” by Mexicans, Vallecito was one of California's
important early-day mining towns. Gold was discovered in Vallecito by the Murphy brothers in
1849, and it was originally called “Murphy's old diggings.” The Vallecito Bell, which is located
at the intersection of Church Street and Cemetery Lane, was cast at Troy, New York in 1853.
The bell was purchased from the ship with funds contributed by early-day residents and brought
to Vallecito to be erected in a large oak tree in 1854.
Valley Springs: Valley Springs is located at the intersection of SRs 12 and 26. In 1885, the San
Joaquin and Sierra Nevada Railroad Company completed a narrow-gauge railroad from Brack's
Landing to Valley Springs. The line eventually became the property of Southern Pacific
Company, and a standard-gauge line into Valley Springs was substituted.
West Point: West Point, which is located at the intersection of SR 26 and Main Street, was
named by scout Kit Carson, who was searching for a pass over the Sierra. One emigrant road
forked by Big Meadows – its north branch came directly to West Point, which was a thriving
trading post prior to the gold discovery.
Historic Archaeological Resources
Evidence from previous survey work and site investigations in the Planning Area indicates that
the following historic archaeological site types may be encountered throughout portions of the
Planning Area:






Historic artifact features and buried deposits of historic debris and artifacts.
Building foundations and associated deposits (homes, businesses, barns, mines, mills,
etc).
Mining remains (shafts, adits, waste rock, tailings)
Water related (ditches, dams, reservoirs, penstocks)
Transportation (roads, trails, railways)
Ranching and Agriculture (terracing, fences, corrals, water troughs)
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1
2
Conventional radiocarbon years before AD 1950
Calibrated years before the present; used to express calibrated radiocarbon ages
4.5 - 15
November 2012
4.6
GEOLOGY, SOILS, AND SEISMICITY
INTRODUCTION
The Geology, Soils, and Seismicity chapter of the EIR describes the geologic and soil
characteristics of the proposed project site and evaluates the extent to which implementation of
the project could be affected by seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction, and soil
stability, including landslides, loss of top soil, and expansive soil. Information sources for this
evaluation include the Mines and Mineral Resources of Calaveras County, California,1 and the
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Resource Conservation Service
(NRCS). Impacts related to soil erosion are discussed in further detail in Chapter 4.9, Hydrology
and Water Quality, of this Draft EIR.
The following existing environmental setting information focuses on the geology and seismicity
of the region and geological characteristics of Calaveras County.
Regional Characteristics
Calaveras County is located within the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The terrain ranges from low
rolling foothills in the western portion of the County to rugged high mountains, with elevations
over 8,000 feet, in the east. The planning area lies within the geologic region of California
referred to as the Sierra Nevada geomorphic province. The Sierra Nevada geomorphic province
is a tilted fault block almost 400 miles long and extends from the eastern slope to the western
slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Calaveras County is located on the western slope of the
Sierra Nevadas. Though major rivers or glaciated canyons are not found within the County, the
western slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains are marked by such canyons, including the scenic
Yosemite Valley located south of the County. The Sierra Nevada geomorphic province overlies
metamorphic bedrock that contains gold-bearing veins in the northwest trending Mother Lode.
The Mother Lode region in the Sierra Nevada extends from El Dorado County, passes through
Calaveras County, and ends in Mariposa County.
Rocks
The rocks in Calaveras County are divided into two major groups, which are as follows:


Bedrock series – consisting of steeply dipping metamorphic rocks of Paleozoic and
Mesozoic age, and intrusive rocks of Mesozoic age; and
Superjacent series – the overlying nearly flat beds of sedimentary and volcanic rocks of
Tertiary age.
Chapter 4.6 – Geology, Soils, and Seismicity
4.6 - 1
November 2012
The metamorphic rocks occupy broad belts trending north-northwestward in the central and
western portions of the County and are by far the most abundant rocks in the County, covering
slightly more than two-thirds of the total area. Metamorphic rocks in the County consist of the
following: schist, slate, and limestone of the Calaveras formation (Carboniferous and Permian);
schist, greenstone, and slate of the Amador group (Middle or Upper Jurassic); slate of the
Mariposa formation (Upper Jurassic); and amphibolites and chloritic schist, greenstone, and
phyllite of undetermined age. Granitic rocks of the Sierra Nevada Batholith, exposed primarily in
the narrow eastern portion of the County, range in composition from granite to gabbro,
granodiorite being the most abundant type. Smaller amounts of basic and ultrabasic intrusive
rocks, largely altered to serpentine, are found in narrow, northwestward-trending lenses in the
west-central portion of the County.
The Tertiary rocks in Calaveras County consist of the following: quartz sand, clay, and coal of
the Ione Formation and auriferous quartzose gravel (Eocene); rhyolitic ash and tuff of the Valley
Springs Formation (Miocene); and andesitic lahars and detritus of the Mehrten Formation (MioPliocene). Small patches of basalt of Quaternary age are found in the eastern portion of the
County. Sand and gravel lie in and adjacent to existing stream beds. Small glacial moraines are
found in the eastern part of the County.
Soils
Soils information is described in the Calaveras County Soil-Vegetation handbook published by
the Caalveras County Farm Advisor’s Office in 1982. The NRCS does not currently have a soil
survey for Calaveras County. The closest NRCS survey area is the Stanislaus National Forest
soil survey, which has some overlapping areas with the eastern portion of the County. Future
development projects within the planning area would be able to provide soil types and conditions
based on impending data and site-specific soil testing.
Geologic Hazards
Geologic hazards include soil erosion, expansive soils, landslides, and exposure to Naturally
Occurring Asbestos (NOA).
Soil Erosion
Soil erosion occurs when soil materials are worn away and transported to another area either by
wind or water. Rates of erosion can vary depending on the soil material, structure placement, and
the general level of human activity. Soil containing high amounts of sand and silt could be easily
eroded while clay soils are less susceptible. Calaveras County contains a wide range of soils that
have varying levels of susceptibility to erosion, ranging from slight to extremely high (NRCS
2007; Calaveras County Farm Advisor’s Office 1982). As stated previously, potential impacts
related to soil erosion are discussed in further detail in Chapter 4.9, Hydrology and Water
Quality, of this Draft EIR.
4.6 - 2
November 2012
Expansive Soils
Expansive soils possess a shrink-swell characteristic. Structural damage could result over a long
period of time, usually resulting from inadequate soil and foundation engineering or the
placement of structures directly on expansive soils. Expansive soils are largely comprised of
clay, which expand in volume when water is absorbed and shrink when dried. Several of the soil
types located within the County are comprised of potentially expansive materials. Such areas
would be considered more likely to contain expansive clays. Therefore, potential for expansive
soils should be taken into consideration during future planning activities and site-specific project
design.
Landslides
Ground failure including landslides is dependent on slope and geology as well as the amount of
rainfall, excavation, or seismic activities. A slope failure is a mass of rock, soil, and debris
displaced down a slope by sliding, flowing, or falling. Steep slopes and downslope creep of
surface materials characterize landslide-susceptible areas. Debris flows consist of a loose mass of
rocks and other granular material that, if present on a steep slope and saturated, can move down
slope. The rate of rock and soil movements can vary from a slow creep over many years to
sudden mass movements. Landslides occur throughout the state of California, but the density of
incidents increases in zones of active faulting. Because Calaveras County is not located in a
seismic hazard zone, as discussed in further detail below, the County is not considered to be at
risk from landslides as a result of active faulting. However, areas of the County that contain
slopes of 20 percent or greater have a higher potential for the occurrence of landslides in the
event of high amounts of rainfall or snowmelt.
Naturally Occurring Asbestos (NOA)
Asbestos is a general term used for naturally occurring fibrous materials that are found
throughout California. NOA is most commonly found where ultramafic rock or serpentinite rock
is present. Ultramafic rocks are an igneous type of rock that is formed in high temperatures
below the surface of the earth. When ultramafic rocks are exposed at the surface, they may be
altered to serpentinite or chrysotile asbestos or tremolite-actinolite asbestos. Serpentinite refers to
the name of a rock type, whereas serpentine refers to a group of minerals that makes up the rock,
serpentinite. Chrysotile fibers are a type of asbestos that are formed in serpentine. Due to the
high likelihood for asbestos occurrences in California to be found within ultramafic rocks, the
location of ultramafic rocks have been mapped by the Division of Mines and Geology in an
effort to generally identify areas likely to contain NOA. Ultramafic rock occurs within the
western portion of Calaveras County and generally extends north to southwest following the
Bear Mountain and Melones Fault Zones. Specifically, areas identified as potentially containing
NOA include the following: from Pardee Reservoir extending southwest through the Valley
Springs area to just southeast of New Hogan Reservoir; north of Copperopolis extending
southeast through New Melones Reservoir; and in the Mountain Ranch area.
4.6 - 3
November 2012
The State considers all types of asbestos to be hazardous and identifies asbestos as being a
carcinogen. Exposure to airborne asbestos fibers can result in several common diseases found in
the lungs, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. The risk of contracting any one
of these diseases depends on intensity and duration of exposure. Potential impacts related to the
release of airborne asbestos fibers is discussed in further detail in Chapter 4.3, Air Quality, of
this Draft EIR.
Seismicity
A fault is defined as a fracture or zone of closely associated fractures along which rocks on one
side have been displaced with respect to those on the other side. A fault zone is a zone of related
faults that commonly are braided and subparallel, but may be branching or divergent. Most faults
are the result of repeated displacements over a long period of time. Movement within a fault
causes an earthquake. When movement occurs along a fault, the energy generated is released as
waves that cause ground shaking. Ground shaking intensity varies with the magnitude of the
earthquake, the distance from the epicenter, and the type of rock or sediment through which the
seismic waves move.
Major faulting along the east flank of the Sierra Nevada Mountains has had a profound influence
on the geologic history of Calaveras County. Faulting occurred on the east flank during the end
of the Pliocene epoch and at the beginning of the Pleistocene epoch, creating the elevation of the
Sierra Nevadas, which became asymmetrical in form, with a broad, gently dipping western slope
and short, steeply dipping eastern slope.
The County is located within Seismic Risk Zone 3, which is considered to pose less of a risk than
areas in Zone 4 (e.g., San Francisco Bay Area). According to the California Department of
Conservation’s 2010 Fault Activity Map of California, the nearest potentially active faults
(Quaternary and Late Quaternary) are the Bear Mountains Fault Zone and the Melones Fault
Zone, which generally frame the Foothills Fault System. The Fault Zones pass through the
western portion of the County and are identified near Valley Springs, Mokelumne Hill, south of
Melones near Jamestown, and south of Copperopolis (See Figure 4.6-1). Faults located near
Valley Springs and Mokelumne Hill include the Poorman Gulch, Youngs Creek, Waters Peak,
and Ione Faults. Rawhide Flat East Fault is the fault located south of Melones near Jamestown,
and the Bowie Flat, Rawhide Flat West, and Negro Jackpoint Faults are located south of
Copperopolis.
Seismic-Related Hazards
Seismic-related hazards include surface fault rupture, ground shaking, and liquefaction.
Surface Fault Rupture
The 1972 Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act required the State Geologist to establish
regulatory “Earthquake Fault Zones” around the surface traces of active faults, in order to
mitigate the hazard of surface fault rupture to structures for human occupancy. For the purposes
of the Act, an active fault is one that has ruptured in the last 11,000 years. The Act only
4.6 - 4
November 2012
addresses the hazard of surface fault rupture and is not directed toward other earthquake hazards.
Calaveras County is not located within or adjacent to an Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone.
Surface fault rupture is associated with being located on or within close proximity of an active
fault. Rupture could occur vertically, horizontally, or both and can be devastating to structures
and infrastructure. Because the County is not within, and does not cross, an Alquist-Priolo
Earthquake Fault Zone, the risk of surface fault rupture within the County is considered low.
4.6 - 5
Preli
liminary Dra
aft EIR Sett
ting Sectio
on
Calave
eras Count
ty General Plan Updat
te
Nov
vember 2012
Figure 4.6-1
Fau
ult Activitty Map
Source: Ca
alifornia Department of Consservation’s 201
10 Fault Activiity Map of Caliifornia; http://w
www.conservaation.ca.gov/cg
gs/cgs_history/P
Pages/2010_faaultmap.aspx
Chap
pter 4.6 – Geology,
G
Soils, and Seismicity
4.6 - 6
November 2012
Ground Shaking
Ground shaking is described as strong ground motion of sufficient strength to affect people and
their environment or ground movement recorded on a strong-motion instrument or seismograph.
Ground shaking intensity is partly related to the size of an earthquake, distance to a site, and the
response of the geologic materials that underlie a site. As a rule, the greater the earthquake
magnitude and the closer the fault rupture to a site, the greater the intensity of ground shaking.
Violent ground shaking is generally expected at and near the epicenter of a large earthquake;
however, different types of geologic materials respond differently to earthquake waves. For
example, deep unconsolidated materials can amplify earthquake waves and cause longer periods
of ground shaking. In addition, some structures experience substantially more damage than
others. The age, material, type, method of construction, size, and shape of a structure are all
factors that contribute to how a structure performs during an earthquake.
While magnitude is a measure of the energy released in an earthquake, intensity is a measure of
the observed ground shaking effects at a particular location. The Modified Mercalli (MM) scale
is commonly used to measure earthquake intensity due to ground shaking. Table 4.6-1 presents a
description of the MM scale. The MM values for intensity range from I (earthquake not felt) to
XII (damage nearly total). MM intensities ranging from IV to X can cause moderate to
significant structural damage.
The common way to describe ground motion during an earthquake is with the motion parameters
of acceleration and velocity, as well as the duration of the shaking. A common measure of
ground motion is the peak ground acceleration (PGA), which is the largest value of horizontal
acceleration obtained from a seismograph. PGA is expressed as the percentage of the
acceleration due to gravity (g), which is approximately 980 centimeters per second squared. In
terms of automobile accelerations, one “g” of acceleration is a rate of increase in speed
equivalent to a car traveling 328 feet from rest in 4.5 seconds. For comparison purposes, the
maximum peak acceleration value recorded during the Loma Prieta earthquake of 1989 in the
vicinity of the epicenter, near Santa Cruz, was 0.64 g. The lowest values recorded were 0.06 g in
the bedrock on Yerba Buena Island. A Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Assessment for California
was completed by the California Geological Survey to describe the statewide distribution of
estimated ground motion throughout the state. The assessment provides a conservative estimate,
through probabilistic analysis, of the PGA for all regions of California. Based on the estimates of
the assessment, PGA in Calaveras County has the potential to reach or exceed less than 0.1 to 0.2
g, which equates to one chance in 475 of being exceeded each year). See Table 4.6-1 for a
general comparison between the potential ground shaking in Calaveras County and the MM
scale. As shown in the table, Calaveras County could result in an intensity value of I, II, or III,
which few people recognize as earthquakes when felt.
Liquefaction
Liquefaction is the sudden temporary loss of shear strength in saturated, loose to medium-dense,
granular sediments subjected to ground shaking. Liquefaction generally occurs when
seismically-induced ground shaking causes soil pore water pressure to increase to a point equal
to the overburden pressure.
4.6 - 7
November 2012
Table 4.6-1
Modified Mercalli (MM) Intensity Scale
Intensity
Value
I
II
Description
Average
PGA
< 0. 17
0.17–1.4
Not felt except by a very few persons under especially favorable circumstances.
Felt only by a few persons at rest, especially on upper floors on buildings. Delicately
suspended objects may swing.
III
Felt noticeably indoors, especially on upper floors of buildings, but many people do
0.17–1.4
not recognize it as an earthquake. Standing motor cars may rock slightly, vibration
similar to a passing truck.
IV
During the day felt indoors by many, outdoors by few. At night, some awakened.
1.4–3.9
Dishes, windows, doors disturbed; walls make cracking sound. Sensation like heavy
truck striking building. Standing motor cars rocked noticeably.
V
Felt by nearly everyone, many awakened. Some dishes and windows broken; a few
3.5–9.2
instances of cracked plaster; unstable objects overturned. Disturbances of trees, poles
may be noticed. Pendulum clocks may stop.
VI
Felt by all, many frightened and run outdoors. Some heavy furniture moved; and
9.2–18
fallen plaster or damaged chimneys. Damage slight.
VII
Everybody runs outdoors. Damage negligible in buildings of good design and
18–34
construction; slight to moderate in well-built ordinary structures; considerable in
poorly built or badly designed structures; some chimneys broken. Noticed by persons
driving.
VIII
Damage slight in specially designed structures; considerable in ordinary substantial
34–65
buildings, with partial collapse; great in poorly built structures. Panel walls thrown
out of frame structures. Fall of chimneys, factory stacks, columns, monuments, walls.
Heavy furniture overturned. Sand and mud ejected in small amounts. Changes in well
water. Persons driving motor cars disturbed.
IX
Damage considerable in specially designed structures; well-designed frame structures
65–124
thrown out of plumb; great in substantial buildings, with partial collapse. Buildings
shifted off foundations. Ground cracked. Underground pipes broken.
X
Some well-built wooden structures destroyed; most masonry and frame structures
> 124
destroyed with foundations; ground badly cracked. Rails bent. Landslides
considerable from riverbanks and steep slopes. Shifted sand and mud. Water splashed
over banks.
XI
Few, if any, masonry structures remain standing. Bridges destroyed. Broad fissures in
> 124
ground. Underground pipelines completely out of service. Earth slumps and land slips
in soft ground. Rails bent greatly.
XII
Damage total. Practically all works of construction are damaged greatly or destroyed.
> 1.24
Waves seen on ground surface. Lines of sight and level are distorted. Objects are
thrown upward into the air.
Sources: Association of Bay Area Governments, http://quake.abag.ca.gov/shaking/mmi/, accessed February 2012.
USGS, http://earthquake.usgs.gov/learn/topics/mercalli.php, accessed February 2012.
4.6 - 8
November 2012
Liquefaction causes foundation failure of buildings and other structures due to the reduction of
foundation bearing strength. The potential for liquefaction depends on the duration and intensity
of earthquake shaking, particle size distribution of the soil, density of the soil, and elevation of
the groundwater. Areas at risk due to the effects of liquefaction are typically those with a high
groundwater table and underlying loose to medium-dense, granular sediments, particularly
younger alluvium and artificial fill. Because Calaveras County is not located in a seismic hazard
zone, the County is not considered to be at risk from liquefaction hazards.
1
California Division of Mines and Geology. Mines and Mineral Resources of Calaveras County, California. 1962
4.6 - 9
November 2012
4.7
GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
Introduction
The Greenhouse Gas Emissions chapter of the EIR describes the effects of the Calaveras County
General Plan (CCGP) project (proposed project) on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and global
climate change. This analysis is required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
section 15064.4).Chapter 4.7 includes an introduction to global climate change and common
components of GHGs, as well as direct and indirect GHG emissions associated with the project,
the impacts of these emissions on both a local and regional scale, and mitigation measures
warranted to reduce or eliminate any identified significant impacts. The chapter is primarily
based on the greenhouse gas analysis performed by Raney Planning & Management, Inc. (See
Appendix E).
The following section provides details and descriptions regarding GHG emissions, the existing
climate, and global climate change.
Global Climate Change
Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are gases that trap heat in the atmosphere. They are emitted by both
natural processes and human activities. The accumulation of GHGs in the atmosphere regulates
the earth’s temperature. Without natural GHGs, scientists estimate the Earth’s surface would be
approximately 61 degrees Fahrenheit cooler.i Scientists also believe that the combustion of fossil
fuels (coal, petroleum, natural gas, etc.) for human activities, such as electricity production and
vehicle use, have elevated the concentration of these gases in the atmosphere beyond the level of
naturally occurring concentrations. The increase in atmospheric concentration of GHGs has
resulted in more heat being held within the atmosphere, which is the accepted explanation for
global climate change.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Climate Change 2007ii report indicates
that the average global temperature is likely to increase between 3.6 and 8.1 degrees Fahrenheit
by the year 2100, with larger increases possible but not likely. Temperature increases are
expected to vary widely in specific locations depending on a variety of factors. The increase in
temperature is expected to lead to higher temperature extremes, a larger variability in
precipitation leading to increased flooding and droughts, ocean acidification from increased
carbon content, and rising sea levels.
Chapter 4.7 – Greenhouse Gas Emissions
4.7 - 1
November 2012
Global Warming Potential
According to the U.S. EPA, the global warming potential of a gas, or aerosol, to trap heat in the
atmosphere is the “cumulative radiative forcing effects of a gas over a specified time horizon
resulting from the emission of a unit mass of gas relative to a reference gas.” Common
components of GHGs include water vapor, carbon dioxide (CO2), methane, nitrous oxides,
chlorofluorocarbons, hydro-fluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, sulfur hexafluoride, ozone, and
aerosols. Carbon dioxide is widely used as the reference gas for comparison of equivalent global
warming potential. The CO2 equivalent is a good way to assess emissions because it provides a
benchmark for assessing the global warming potential of the gas. Methane gas, for example, is
estimated by the Association of Environmental Professionals and the U.S. EPA to have a
comparative global warming potential 21 times greater than that of CO2, as shown in Table 4.71.
Table 4.7-1
Global Warming Potentials and Atmospheric Lifetimes Of Select Greenhouse Gases
Gas
Carbon Dioxide
Methane
Nitrous Oxide
HFC-23
HFC-134a
HFC-152a
PFC: Tetraflouromethane (CF4)
PFC: Hexaflouroethane (C2F6)
Sulfur Hexaflouride (SF6)
Atmospheric Lifetime
(years)
50-200
12 ± 3
120
264
14.6
1.5
50,000
10,000
3,200
Global Warming Potential
(100 year time horizon)
1
21
310
11,700
1,300
140
6,500
9,200
23,900
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. DRAFT: Global Anthropogenic Non-CO2 Greenhouse Gas
Emissions: 1990 – 2030 (EPA 430-D-11-003). August 2011. Available at:
http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/Downloads/EPAactivities/EPA_NonCO2_Projections_2011_draft.pdf.
Accessed October 24, 2012.
At the extreme end of the scale, sulfur hexafluoride is estimated to have a comparative global
warming potential 23,900 times that of carbon dioxide. The “specified time horizon” is related to
the atmospheric lifetimes of such GHGs, which are estimated by the U.S. EPA to vary from 50200 years for carbon dioxide, to 50,000 years for tetrafluoromethane. Longer atmospheric
lifetimes allow GHGs to build up in the atmosphere; therefore, longer lifetimes often correlate
with higher values for the global warming potential of a gas.
One teragram (equal to one million metric tons) of CO2 equivalent (Tg CO2 Eq.) is defined by
the U.S. EPA as the emissions of the reference GHG multiplied by the equivalent global
warming potential. In 2004, total worldwide GHG emissions have been estimated to be 20,135
Tg in CO2 equivalents. In 2004, the U.S. contributed the greatest percentage of worldwide GHG
emissions (35 percent). In 2004, the U.S. EPA estimates that GHG emissions in the U.S. were
7074.4 Tg of CO2 equivalent, which is an increase of 15.8 percent from 1990 emissions.
California is a substantial contributor of GHG; it is the second largest contributor in the U.S. and
the sixteenth largest in the world. In 2004, it was estimated that California produced seven
4.7 - 2
November 2012
percent of the total U.S. emissions. The major source of GHG in California is transportation,
which contributes 41 percent of the State’s total GHG emissions, followed by electricity
generation, which contributes 22 percent of the State’s GHG emissions.
Changes in the Western United States and California Climate
Climate models indicate that if GHG emissions continue to proceed at a medium or high rate,
temperatures in California are expected to increase by 4.7 to 10.5 degrees Fahrenheit by the end
of the century.iii Lower emission rates would reduce the projected warming to three to 5.6
degrees Fahrenheit. Almost all climate scenarios include a continuing trend of warming through
the end of the century given the vast amounts of GHGs already released, and the difficulties
associated with reducing emissions to a level that would stabilize the climate. According to the
2006 Climate Action Team Reportiv the following climate change effects are predicted in
California over the course of the next century:






Diminishing Sierra snowpack declining by 70 percent to 90 percent, threatening the
State’s water supply;
Increasing temperatures from eight to 10.4 degrees Fahrenheit, under the higher emission
scenarios, leading to a 25 to 35 percent increase in the number of days ozone pollution
levels are exceeded in most urban areas;
Increased coastal erosion along the length of California and seawater intrusion into the
Delta from a 4 to 33-inch rise in sea level. This would exacerbate flooding in already
vulnerable regions;
Increased vulnerability of forests to forest fires due to increased temperatures and pest
infestation;
Increased challenges for the State’s important agriculture industry from water shortages,
increasing temperatures, and saltwater intrusion into the Delta; and
Increased electricity demand, particularly in the hot summer months.
Therefore, temperature increases would lead to environmental impacts in a wide variety of
interrelated areas: reduced snowpack resulting in changes to the existing water resources,
increased risk of wildfires, changing weather expectations for farmers and ranchers, and public
health hazards associated with higher peak temperatures, heat waves, and decreased air quality.
Water Resources
Depending on the climate model, precipitation for temperate climates is expected to decrease
with an increased potential for drought. Topographical and geographical factors will likely result
in substantial variation in the net change in precipitation. However, the form in which
precipitation occurs is anticipated to change substantially. Warmer winters would lead to less
snow and more rain. As a result, the Sierra snowpack would be reduced and would melt earlier.
This change could lead to increased flood risks as more water flows into reservoirs and rivers
during the winter rainy period. Furthermore, earlier melting of the snowpack would reduce late
spring and summer flows to reservoirs, which combined with hotter, drier summers, could lead
to water shortages and restricted water supplies for cities, agriculture, and rivers.
4.7 - 3
November 2012
Increased temperatures would also lead to a rise in the sea level, from both thermal expansion
and the melting of land-based glaciers. During the past century, sea levels along the California
coast rose by approximately seven inches. Climate forecasts indicate the sea level would rise by
seven to 23 inches over the next 100 years depending on the climate model.v Substantial melting
of either the Greenland or Antarctic ice sheets would lead to an even greater increase; however,
the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) models do not indicate this would occur
within the next 100 years, which is the boundary of most climate models. Longer forecast
periods are inherently less reliable as they require more assumptions, and tend to compound the
effects of assumptions that may be incorrect. Increases in sea level could lead to increased
coastal flooding, salt water intrusion into aquifers, and disruption of wetlands and estuaries.
Wildfires
Increased temperatures would lead to increases in evapotranspiration. The summers would likely
be drier, and vegetation would also be more likely to dry out, resulting in increasingly more
flammable forests and wildlands. In addition, warmer temperatures could lead to the expansion
of pests that kill and weaken trees, leading to increases in the amount of highly flammable dead
trees, increasing the risk of large forest fires.
Weather Extremes
The temperature increases presented in climate change models are yearly averages. Within those
averages is the potential for substantially hotter summers and/or colder winters. As a result of
GCC, the weather is expected to become more variable, with larger extremes. In California, the
increase in temperatures is expected to lead to more days with temperatures in excess of 95
degrees. An increase in the number of extreme heat days has public health implications, as
residents of the State would face greater risk of death from dehydration, heat stroke/exhaustion,
heart attack, stroke, and respiratory distress. In addition, increased temperatures have
implications for agricultural crops, particularly long-term crops such as grapes and fruit trees that
are planted in particular locations to take advantage of micro-climates.
Air Quality
Increased temperatures create the conditions for increased ozone formation, which would lead to
adverse air quality impacts. In addition, hotter temperatures would likely result in increased
electricity use to power air conditioners and refrigerators. Increased power use has the potential
to result in increased air pollutant emissions, as more electrical generation is needed to meet the
demand.
Uncertainty Regarding Global Climate Change
The scientific community has largely agreed that the earth is warming, and that humans are
contributing to that change. However, the earth’s climate is composed of many complex
mechanisms, including: ocean currents, cloud cover, as well as the jet-stream and other
pressure/temperature weather guiding systems. These systems are in turn influenced by changes
4.7 - 4
November 2012
in ocean salinity, changes in the evapotranspiration of vegetation, the reflectivity (albedo) of
groundcover, as well as numerous other factors. Some changes have the potential to reduce
climate change, while others could form a feedback mechanism that would speed the warming
process beyond what is currently projected. The climate system is inherently dynamic; however,
the overall trend is towards a gradually warming planet.
Global Climate Change and CEQA
As required by CEQA, analyzing global warming presents several unique challenges, largely
because of its “global” nature. Typical CEQA analyses address local actions that have local – or,
at most, regional – impacts. Global warming, however, presents the considerable challenge of
analyzing the relationship between local and global activities and the resulting potential, if any,
for local and/or global environmental impacts. Most environmental analyses examine the projectspecific impacts that a particular project is likely to generate. With regard to global warming,
however, it is generally accepted that the magnitude of global warming effects is so substantial
and the contribution of an individual project to global warming is so small that direct significant
adverse impacts (albeit not necessarily cumulative significant adverse impacts) would be highly
unlikely.
The issue of global climate change is also fundamentally different from any other areas of air
quality impact analysis, which are all linked to some region or area in which the impact is
significant. Instead, a global climate change analysis must be conducted on a global level, rather
than the typical local or regional setting, and requires consideration of not only emissions from
the project under consideration, but also the extent of the displacement, translocation, and
redistribution of emissions. In the usual context, where air quality is linked to a particular
location or area, it is appropriate to consider the creation of new emissions in that specific area to
be an environmental impact whether or not the emissions are truly “new” emissions to the
overall globe. The approval of a new developmental plan or project does not necessarily create
new automobile drivers – the primary source of a land use project’s emissions. Rather, a new
land use project may simply redistribute existing mobile emissions; accordingly, the use of
models that measure overall emission increases without accounting for existing emissions will
substantially overstate the impact of the development project on global warming. This makes an
accurate analysis of GHG emissions substantially different from other air quality impacts, where
the “addition” of redistributed emissions to a new locale can make a substantial difference to
overall air quality in that area.
Calaveras County is under the jurisdiction of the Calaveras County Air Pollution Control District
(CCAPCD), which is recognized as a Special District and is governed by the Calaveras County
Air Pollution Control Board. The CCAPCD manages the County’s air quality through education
and enforcement of CCAPCD rules and California Air Resources Board (CARB) measures and
regulations.
4.7 - 5
November 2012
i
Association of Environmental Professionals, Alternative Approaches to Analyzing Greenhouse Gas Emissions and
Global Climate Change in CEQA Documents, June 29, 2007.
ii
Meehl, G.A., T.F. Stocker, W.D. Collins, P. Friedlingstein, A.T. Gaye, J.M. Gregory, A. Kitoh, R. Knutti, J.M.
Murphy, A. Noda, S.C.B. Raper, I.G. Watterson, A.J. Weaver and Z.-C. Zhao, 2007: Global Climate Projections.
In: Climate Change 2007: The Physical Science Basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Fourth Assessment
Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [Solomon, S., D. Qin, M. Manning, Z. Chen, M.
Marquis, K.B. Averyt, M. Tignor and H.L. Miller (eds.)]. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United
Kingdom and New York, NY, USA.
iii
California Climate Change Center, Our Changing Climate: Assessing the Risks to California, 2006.
iv
California Climate Action Team, Climate Action Team Report, March 2006.
v
California Climate Action Team, Climate Change 2007, March 2006.
4.7 - 6
November 2012
4.8
HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
INTRODUCTION
The Hazards and Hazardous Materials chapter of the EIR describes existing and potentially
occurring hazards and hazardous materials within the planning area, and discusses potential
impacts posed by those hazards to the environment, as well as to workers, visitors, and residents
within and adjacent to the planning area. More specifically, the chapter describes potential
effects on human health that could result from soil contamination stemming from past uses, or
from exposure to hazardous materials used during previous agricultural operations within the
planning area.
The Existing Environmental Setting section includes discussions regarding existing hazards
within Calaveras County, including airport hazards, fire hazards, and human-made hazards.
Airport Hazards
Airport Hazards consists of physical flight hazards (e.g. structures or power transmission lines
obstructing air space) as well as hazards associated with airport operations; including aircraft
accidents during takeoff and landing due to light and glare, electronic interference, and wildlife
hazards.
Calaveras County Airport/Maury Rasmussen Field is currently the only public use, general
aviation airport in the County. The Airport is located off of State Route 49, just south of the
town of San Andreas. The airport was constructed in the 1980’s and currently consists of 93
acres with a single 3,602-foot runway, 65 hangar spaces, 7 maintenance hangars and 64
tiedowns. The Calaveras County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (ALUCP) was updated
June 2, 2010. Annual flight operations as of 2011 totaled approximately 32,000. Approximately
60 aircraft are based at the airport, consisting mainly of single-engine aircraft (approximately
90%). Multi-engine piston aircraft, transient jets, experimental aircraft, ultralights and
helicopters utilize the airport on a limited basis. There are four Aviation Maintenance FBOs
(Fixed Base Operators). The County of Calaveras is the FBO operating the fuel facility. There
is an FAA designated flight examiner at the airport also which generates a notable amount of air
traffic.
Fire Hazards
Urban and wildland fire is a constant threat within the County that poses a risk of injury, loss of
life, and property damage. Urban fires primarily involve either the intentional or accidental
burning of homes, businesses, and other structures. Wildland fires can be caused either by human
Chapter 4.8 – Hazards and Hazardous Materials
4.8 - 1
November 2012
activities or natural forces, such as lightning strikes. Currently (2010), over 590,000 (89%) acres
in the County are classified as having either High or Very High fire risk. The remaining 73,000
acres (11%) in the County are classified as Little, No Threat, or Moderate Threat. Please see
Figure 4.8-1 for a map of Fire Hazard Severity Zones.
Factors that increase urban fire hazards include substandard building construction, the type of
building materials (e.g. highly flammable materials), insufficient fire protection services, and
response time delays. Factors that increase wildland fire hazards include climate, topography,
presence of highly combustible vegetation, and human hazards (e.g. camp fires, debris burning,
smoking, etc.).
Human-Made Hazards
Human-made hazards within the County include Hazardous Materials Transport, Storage and
Handling of Hazardous Materials and Hazardous Waste, Leaking Underground Storage Tanks
(LUST), Landfills, Railroads, Mining, Utility Corridors, and Cleanup Sites (including those
classified as “Superfund Sites” and “Spills, Leaks, Investigations, and Cleanups (SLIC) Program
Sites”).
Hazardous Materials Transport
The interstate transportation of hazardous materials is regulated by the U.S. Department of
Transportation (USDOT) regulations, which are enforced by the USDOT Federal Railroad
Administration (FRA). According to the regulations, transporters and shippers of hazardous
materials must maintain and adhere to security plans as well as train all employees employees
involved in offering, accepting, or transporting hazardous materials on both safety and security
matters.
Storage and Handling of Hazardous Materials and Hazardous Wastes
Facilities that store and/or handle hazardous material and hazardous waste must comply with
Local, State and Federal laws and regulations. The Calaveras County Environmental Health
Department regulates establishments which use hazardous materials, dispose of hazardous
wastes, and have underground storage tanks and/or aboveground ground storage tanks. The
primary purpose for these regulations is to protect the health and safety of Calaveras County
citizens and emergency response personnel. There are currently approximately 217 businesses
that are permitted within the County.
Leaking Underground Storage Tanks (LUST)
According to the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) online GeoTracker Database,
there are currently seventeen LUST sites within the County undergoing the various stages of
remediation. In addition to these sites, there are one hundred thirteen closed sites that have
completed remediation as well as thirty-three currently permitted USTs within the County.
Landfills
Calaveras County has nine permitted solid waste facilities. Eight of the facilities are owned and
operated by the County and one is privately owned. The facilities are utilized by Calaveras
County and western Alpine County residents. The Rock Creek Solid Waste Facility, which is a
4.8 - 2
November 2012
Class II Landfill, consists of a Landfill and Transfer Station. The Rock Creek Transfer Station
building is a Waste Recovery and Transfer Center with a permanent household hazardous waste
facility. Six other transfer stations, San Andreas, Wilseyville, Paloma, Copperopolis, Red Hill
and Avery, are situated less than two miles distance from 92% of the County residents. The
California Asbestos Monofill (CAM) is located in Copperopolis and permitted to landfill
asbestos containing waste and accept/store used tires. CAM also accepts waste generated from
outside the County.
4.8 - 3
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Railroad
Potential hazards associated with railroads include collisions and train derailment. Either of these can
lead to human injury or death as well as various environmental impacts. According to the 2007 Calaveras
County Regional Transportation Plan, the only branch of railroad line within the County, which formerly
extended from Lodi to the Calaveras Cement Plan (near San Andreas), was closed in 1984. Union Pacific
Rail Authority sold the right-of-way after abandoning the line in 1999. Therefore, no rail service through
the County is anticipated in the near future.
Mining
Mining hazards include both environmental hazards, such as impacts to surface water and ground
water from mining activities, and physical safety hazards from mine features such as shafts and
adits, tailings piles and deteriorated machinery and facilities associated with abandoned mines.
There are eleven active mines in Calaveras County, as shown on the Office of Mine
Reclamation’s AB 3098 List. An additional five mines are inactive and undergoing reclamation
(please see Figure 4.8-2 for a map of existing mines within the County). Active mines operate in
compliance with Waste Discharge Requirements imposed by the Regional Water Quality Control
Board to minimize adverse impact to water quality. The Carson Hill Gold Mine, Royal Mountain
King Mine, Red Hill Mine, Alto Gold Mine, Penn Mine, and Copperopolis Mining District are
among the historic mines continually being monitored for water contamination.
In addition, there are a number of abandoned mines located within Calaveras County, which may
present physical and environmental hazards. The Department of Conservation Office of Mine
Reclamation 2002 California Abandoned Mines Report lists two mines in Calaveras County on a
list of 100 “High Risk” Abandoned Mines. Mines are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being
the greatest hazard, exposure, and risk. The Detert Deposit Mine, located northwest of Valley
Springs, has a chemical risk rating of 1 and a physical risk rating of 5 due to the presence of over
a dozen openings in a steep ravine enclosed by vegetation. The Penn Mine, located just east of
the Camanche Reservoir, has a chemical risk rating of 5 due to persistent ARD and heavy metal
contamination of the Reservoir and Mokelumne River. In addition to the list of 100 “High Risk”
mines, the Wet Gulch Mine, located near the northwest corner of the Community of Mountain
Ranch, is listed in the California Abandoned Mines Report under mines with a physical risk of 4
or greater due to the presence of dangerous openings.
The exact number of abandoned mines within the County is unknown as the Office of Mine
Reclamation does not maintain lists of historic and/or closed mines. The Surface Mining and
Reclamation Act defines an Abandoned Mine as mined lands that 1) mining operations have
ceased for a period of one year or more; 2) there are no approved financial assurances that are
adequate to perform reclamation in accordance with SMARA; and 3) the mined lands are
adversely affected by past mineral mining, other than mining for coal, oil, and gas, and mineral
material mining.
Utility Corridors
Hazards associated with Utility Corridors consist of damage to pipelines from construction
and/or excavating activities (which can lead to hazardous health and safety conditions due to
4.8 - 5
November 2012
leaks or ruptures) as well as potential hazards associated with electromagnetic fields from
electric transmission lines.
According to the California Energy Commission’s Map of Natural Gas and Pipeline Storage
Facilities, PG&E natural gas pipelines are located in the northwest portion of the County
Planning Area. Additional pipelines distribute natural gas throughout the County to end-users.
In addition, major PG&E electric transmission lines run through the mid-western portion of the
County.
Cleanup Sites
Hazardous materials and waste are a reality for any community and can pose a significant public
health and safety issue. In addition to the LUSTs discussed above, there are a number of sites
within the County classified as “Superfund Sites” or “Spills, Leaks, Investigations, and Cleanups
(SLIC) Program Sites. According to the SWRCB online GeoTracker Database, there are
currently five open SLIC cleanup sites; including the Angels Camp Gun Club, Calaveras Tool
Rental (former), Pesticide Dump Site on Gregory Road, Save Mart No. 46, and Wells Fargo
Bank San Andreas. Three completed SLIC cases exist within the County; including the PG&E
Angels Camp Service Center, S.O.B. Restorations, and Snyder Lumber. In addition, there are
three active Superfund Sites within the County, according to EPA’s Superfund Information
System, including the Diamond XX, Mitchell Mill Drug Lab, and Penn Mine sites.
4.8 - 6
P
Preliminary Dr
raft EIR Settin
ng Section
Cal
alaveras Coun
nty General Pl
lan Update
Novem
mber 2012
Figure
F
4.8-2
Map of Callaveras County Mines
Sourcce: Office of Minin
ng and Reclamation
n Mines On Line Database
D
http://ma
aps.conservation.caa.gov/mol/mol‐app
p.html, Accessed JJune 28, 2012.
Chapter 4.8 – Hazards and
d Hazardous Materials
M
4..8 - 7
PRELIMINARY DRAFT EIR SETTING SECTION
November 2012
4.9
HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY
INTRODUCTION
The Hydrology and Water Quality chapter of the EIR describes existing drainage patterns and
water resources for the project area and the region, and evaluates potential impacts of the project
with respect to drainage and water quality concerns. The hydrology and water quality impact
analysis is primarily based on information drawn from the Calaveras County Local Agency
Groundwater Protection Program, the Mokelumne/Amador/Calaveras Integrated Regional Water
Management Plan and the Calaveras County Water District’s Urban Water Management Plan
2010. Water supply, wastewater systems, and storm drainage are addressed in Chapter 4.17,
Utilities and Service Systems, of this Draft EIR.
The following setting information provides an overview of the existing water resources,
drainage, and water quality conditions in Calaveras County.
Precipitation
The topography in Calaveras County varies greatly, from near sea level in the Central Valley
(western portion of the County) to elevations around 8,100 feet in the mountainous Sierra
Nevadas (eastern portion of the County). Due to the pronounced difference in elevation from
west to east, precipitation varies throughout the County. Average precipitation is 20 inches per
year in the western region and 60 inches per year in the northeastern region. The rainy season is
from October 1 through May 1. Precipitation increases with altitude and includes both snow and
rain. Snow accounts for much of the precipitation in the higher elevations (up to 300 inches per
year), while snowfall is rare in the foothills.
Surface Water
Three significant rivers are present within Calaveras County – Mokelumne, Calaveras, and
Stanislaus. The rivers carry runoff from the western slopes of the Sierra Nevadas from east to
west across Calaveras County, and into the Central Valley. All three rivers are dammed in one or
more locations. The lower stretches of the rivers provide irrigation water for valley agriculture
and are used for municipal water supply within and beyond the County.
Figure 4.9-1 shows the location of the three major rivers within Calaveras County and their
associated watersheds.
Chapter 4.9 – Hydrology and Water Quality
4.9 - 1
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R:\Projects\PLANNING\GP\PROJECTS\COMMUNITY_PLANS\WATER.MXD
R:\Projects\PLANNING\GP\PROJECTS\COMMUNITY_PLANS\PLOTS\WATER_111912.PDF
20,0 00
November 2012
Watersheds within Calaveras County include:
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Upper and Lower Mokelumne;
Upper and Lower Calaveras;
Upper and Lower Stanislaus; and
Lower San Joaquin River.
The watersheds listed above represent all or part of a surface water drainage basin or distinct
hydrologic features. Boundaries of the watersheds are not coterminous with the boundaries of the
County. The watersheds primarily consist of a major river system (the Mokelumne, Calaveras, or
Stanislaus), together with their tributaries. Each of the aforementioned river systems are further
discussed below.
Mokelumne River
The Mokelumne River runs in three forks (North, Middle, and South) from the Sierra Nevada
Mountains in Alpine County. Snowmelt serves as the primary source of water for the
Mokelumne River. An area of approximately 660 square miles is drained by the Mokelumne
River, which flows southwest, with the forks all joining near Lodi, then turns northwest to end in
the Sacramento River delta lands, and finally emptying into the San Joaquin river approximately
20 miles north of Stockton. The Mokelumne River forms the County’s northern boundary with
neighboring Amador County, and was considered the division between the southern and northern
mining districts during the Gold Rush. The river passes through several reservoirs in the County,
including Salt Springs Reservoir, Pardee Reservoir, and Camanche Reservoir.1
Calaveras River
The Calaveras River originates in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, extends west-southwest
approximately 60 miles toward and through the Stockton metropolitan area, and terminates at the
San Joaquin River, outside of Calaveras County. Within the County, the Calaveras River runs in
two forks (North and South). The river is fed almost entirely by rainfall and encompasses
approximately 550 square miles. In the Upper Calaveras watershed, above New Hogan Dam and
within the County, the primary tributaries are Esperanza, Jesus Maria, Calaveritas, San Antonio,
and San Domingo Creeks. Below New Hogan Dam, in the Lower Calaveras watershed, the main
tributaries conveying runoff in the County are the Cosgrove, Indian, and South Gulch Creeks.
Stanislaus River
The Stanislaus River drains a narrow basin of approximately 980 square miles above the foothills
on the western slope of the San Joaquin River, forming the southern boundary of the County.
Elevations along the river range from 15 feet above sea level at the river mouth to 10,000 feet at
the crest of the drainage area. The three tributary forks (North, Middle, and South) of the
Stanislaus join above New Melones Lake, approximately three miles north of Parrots Ferry. The
1
RMC. Mokelumne/Amador/Calaveras Integrated Regional Water Management Plan: Public Draft. October 2006,
adopted December 14, 2006.
4.9 - 3
November 2012
North Fork is located within Calaveras County while the Middle and South Forks are in
Tuolumne County.
Lakes and Reservoirs
Naturally-occurring lakes of notable size do not exist in the County; however, some smaller
mountain lakes are found within the Sierra Nevadas. Several reservoirs are located within the
County and are described in detail below. Additional information regarding the local reservoirs is
presented in Chapter 4.15, Recreation, of this Draft EIR. Locations of the reservoirs are shown
on Figure 4.9-1.
Pardee Reservoir
Pardee Reservoir is owned and operated by the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD),
was completed in 1929, receives water from the Mokelumne River, and provides municipal and
industrial water, flood control, and hydroelectric power. The reservoir straddles the Mokelumne
River above Camanche Reservoir, with a capacity of 198,000 acre feet (af). Water in the Pardee
Reservoir is an important source of domestic drinking water. As such, the water is subject to
strict water quality standards and is not used as intensively for recreational uses as other
reservoirs within the County.
Camanche Reservoir
Camanche Reservoir is owned and operated by the EBMUD, is located downstream of Pardee
Reservoir within the Mokelumne River watershed, and was completed in 1963 with additional
recreational and power uses added in 1983. Capacity of the reservoir is 417,000 af. Camanche
Reservoir is a source of municipal and industrial water supplies, and provides flood control.
New Hogan Reservoir
New Hogan Reservoir is owned and managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE),
was completed in 1964 for purposes of flood control and water supply, and receives water from
the Calaveras River. The reservoir is located 28 miles northeast of Stockton along the Calaveras
River. Storage capacity of the reservoir is 317,000 af, which supplies irrigation water to the
Stockton East Water District and the Calaveras County Water District.
Tulloch Reservoir
The Tulloch Reservoir was developed as part of the Tri-Dam Project in the 1950s by the Oakdale
and South San Joaquin Irrigation Districts, and continues to be managed by them for use as
irrigation and domestic water supply. Tulloch Reservoir is located in Copperopolis on the lower
Stanislaus River below New Melones Reservoir. Capacity of the reservoir is approximately
67,000 af.
4.9 - 4
November 2012
New Melones Reservoir
New Melones Reservoir was completed in 1978 and is owned and operated by the U.S. Bureau
of Reclamation. With a capacity for 2,420,000 af, New Melones Reservoir is one of California’s
largest reservoirs, located behind the 625-foot New Melones Dam on the Stanislaus River.
Irrigation water, flood control, and hydroelectric power are provided by New Melones.
Salt Springs Reservoir
Salt Springs Reservoir was completed in 1931 and is owned and operated by the Pacific Gas and
Electric Company (PG&E) for hydroelectric power purposes. The reservoir is located at a high
elevation within the Stanislaus National Forest along the North Fork of the Mokelumne River on
the Calaveras/Amador County border. Salt Springs has a capacity of approximately 140,000 af.
Spicer Reservoir
Spicer Reservoir is owned by the Calaveras County Water District and operated by the Northern
California Power Agency for power generation. The reservoir is located at a high-elevation on
the Stanislaus River system, eight miles southwest of State Route (SR) 4.
In addition to the reservoirs described above, a number of smaller older reservoirs built for
irrigation and flood control purposes are found throughout the County. Such reservoirs include
Hunter Reservoir, Salt Springs Valley Reservoir, Tiger Creek Reservoir, Calaveras Reservoir,
Emery Reservoir, Schaads Reservoir, Old McCormick Reservoir, Copperopolis Reservoir, and
the Goodwin Diversion Dam. In addition, several reservoirs were created as part of mine
reclamation, such as Mine Run Reservoir near Camanche Reservoir.2
Major Streams and Diversion Canals
A number of streams and diversion canals are located throughout the County, as shown on
Figure 4.9-1. Below is a list of the County’s 23 major streams and diversion canals. Lesser
perennial and seasonal creeks are not included in the list below.
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
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



2
Airola Creek
Angel's Creek
Bear Creek
Blue Creek
Calaveras Public Utility Ditch
Calaveritas Creek
Cherokee Creek
Dutch Creek
Alpers, Charles N., Scott N. Hamlin, and Michael P. Hunerlach. Alpers et. al. Hydrogeology and Geochemistry of
Acid Mine Drainage in Ground Water in the Vicinity of Penn Mine and Camanche Reservoir, Calaveras County,
California: Summary Report, 1993-95. U.S. Geological Survey. 1999.
4.9 - 5
November 2012

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
Esperanza Creek
Forest Creek
Indian Creek
Jesus Maria Creek
Licking Fork
McCarty Creek
Moore Creek
Murray Creek
San Antonio Creek
San Domingo Creek
Steele Creek
Spring Valley Creek
Swamp Creek
Telegraph Creek
Utica Ditch
Surface Water Quality
Typically, water quality issues stem from runoff during wet weather events, direct discharge
associated with industrial/commercial activities, resource extraction activities, leaking sewer
infrastructure, and illicit dumping. Additional potential sources of polluted water within the
County include past waste disposal practices, agricultural chemicals, and chemicals and
fertilizers applied to landscaping. Characteristic water pollutant contaminants may include
sediment, hydrocarbons and metals, pesticides, nutrients, bacteria, and trash.
The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), in compliance with the Clean Water Act,
Section 303(d), prepared a list of impaired water bodies in the State of California. The list was
approved by the US EPA in 2003. The Lower Stanislaus River is listed as being impaired by
Diazinon, Group A pesticides, and mercury. Group A pesticides include chlordane, toxaphene,
heptachlor, endosulfan, and several other pesticides. Diazinon and the Group A pesticides likely
resulted from agricultural applications. Mercury likely originated from mining activities. The
Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board (CVRWQCB) is required to develop and
implement a plan to lower the amounts of the known contaminants in the Lower Stanislaus River
to an acceptable level.3
Findings from a watershed assessment report prepared for the Upper Mokelumne River
watershed provide information regarding the quality of water in the watershed.4 Contaminants
and characteristics of concern identified by the watershed assessment include turbidity,
alkalinity, aluminum, nitrate, and pathogens. Each of these constituents is found in elevated
levels throughout the watershed. High levels of turbidity and low alkalinity were determined to
3
Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board. CWA Section 303(d) List of Water Quality Limited
Segment. 2002. Approved by USEPA July 2003.
4
Upper Mokelumne River Watershed Authority. Technical Memorandum Number 9: Watershed Assessment. Upper
Mokelumne River Watershed Assessment and Planning Project. April 2007.
4.9 - 6
November 2012
be the result of the natural conditions of the watershed. High levels of aluminum could be a
result of natural watershed conditions as well, but also could have originated from mining
activities. High levels of nitrates could be resultant of the natural watershed conditions and/or
human activities, such as failing septic systems. Elevated pathogen concentrations are a major
concern for the Upper Mokelumne River watershed and were observed in the Middle Fork,
North Fork, and Main Stem of the Mokelumne River. The majority of the County was found to
have moderate susceptibility to the transference of the aforementioned water quality constituents.
High to very high susceptibility to the constituents was identified for areas of the County that had
a combination of the following factors: close proximity to water (less than 300 feet); high clay
content in the soils; and high occurrence of vegetation with a low ability to provide a protective
layer between rainfall and soil, such as leaf debris and roots.
Groundwater
Groundwater is used by local water purveyors and individuals to meet domestic and agricultural
demands. A portion of western Calaveras County overlies the Eastern San Joaquin groundwater
sub-basin, which is a part of the larger San Joaquin Valley groundwater basin (see Figure 4.9-1).
The sub-basin extends from the western corner of the County to west of the cities of Stockton
and Lodi. Use of water from the Eastern San Joaquin groundwater sub-basin for irrigation and
municipal purposes has resulted in a continuous decline of available groundwater over the past
40 years. As of 1990, annual groundwater extractions in San Joaquin County exceeded the
estimated safe yield. Overdraft of the groundwater in the sub-basin has created groundwater
depressions below Stockton, east of Stockton, and east of Lodi.
Although groundwater resources occur in other parts of the County, officially delineated
groundwater basins do not exist to define such areas. The majority of the groundwater used
within the County is obtained from these groundwater resources which are typically found in
hard rock formations and are retrieved from fractured rock, faults, or changes in stratigraphy.
The bulk of Calaveras County is underlain by the faulted and folded igneous and metamorphic
rocks of the Sierra Nevadas. A portion of the County is within the Calaveras County Water
District Groundwater Management Plan area (see Figure 4.9-1), which is underlain by westward
thickening alluvial sediments. Groundwater occurs in the faults and fractures of the Sierra
Nevada rocks and in the pore space of alluvial sediments in the Plan area. Wells drilled into the
Sierra Nevada rocks may yield small amounts of water to domestic wells; however, water supply
and availability are unpredictable.
Wells drilled into the alluvial sediments of the Planning area are more reliable than those in the
Sierra Nevada rocks, but are becoming less reliable as the demands placed on the aquifer have
increased. In the northwest portion of Calaveras County, the bedrock of the Sierra Nevada is
overlain by the alluvial sediments of the Central Valley. The alluvial aquifer yields more water
than the bedrock aquifer, and is more reliable and manageable. Groundwater wells in the
Planning area typically extract water from these eastward-thinning alluvial deposits.5
5
Calaveras County Water District. Urban Water Management Plan 2010. June 2011.
4.9 - 7
November 2012
Groundwater Quality
The water quality in the Eastern San Joaquin groundwater sub-basin is impaired and has been
directly affected by the severe overdraft that has occurred in the sub-basin. As water levels in the
sub-basin have declined, a saline front originating in the western portion of the basin has moved
eastward. From 1994 through 2000, samples taken from wells within the impacted area of the
sub-basin yielded water quality results that exceed maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for
constituent pollutants. Constituent pollutants include inorganic and radiological pollutants,
nitrates, pesticides, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and semi-volatile organic compounds
(SVOCs).
Continuous monitoring of the groundwater quality from the Wallace Community Services
District (WCSD) wells shows little change in the last 15 years. The water from the wells
generally has iron and manganese concentrations above the MCL. However, implementation of
industry standard treatment practices using a potassium permanganate additive and filtering
results in concentrations typically in the range of 10 percent of the MCLs.
The quality of the remainder of the groundwater found throughout the County, in addition to the
Eastern San Joaquin groundwater sub-basin, may be affected by activities that include Class V
injection wells, abandoned mines, abandoned wells, underground storage tanks, hazardous waste
sites, on-site septic systems, failing septic systems, and solid waste sites. Contaminants that may
be released from these sources into groundwater include fecal coliform, nitrate, nitrite, VOCs,
and synthetic organic compounds.
Flooding
Calaveras County consists of three general topographic areas along the western Sierra Nevada
Mountains: 1) the western portion of the County is located on the eastern edge of the Central
San Joaquin Valley; 2) the central portion of the County is located within rolling foothills; and 3)
the eastern portion of the County consists of moderate to steep slopes as one travels eastward
into the Sierra Nevada Mountains. As discussed previously, the County has three major
drainages – the Mokelumne River, the Calaveras River, and the Stanislaus River. The
Mokelumne River generally defines the northern boundary of the County and the Stanislaus
River generally defines the southern boundary of the County. Passing through the central portion
of the County is the Calaveras River and its three forks flowing in an east-west direction.
Calaveras County could be subject to the following four types of flood events:


Dam Failure Inundation – Occurs as a result of structural dam failure. Produces a large
release of water from a reservoir flowing downstream and overtop the banks of rivers
and/or creeks. Further details regarding dam failure inundation are presented below.
Flash Flood – A flood that rises very quickly, occurring suddenly, within a short time
(from minutes to less than six hours), and usually is characterized by high flow velocities.
Flash floods often result from intense rainfall over a small area, usually in areas of steep
terrain.
4.9 - 8
November 2012
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Riverine Flooding – Occurs when a river or stream flows over the banks and causes
considerable inundation of nearby land and roads. Riverine flooding is a longer-term
event that may last a week or more. Overbank flows along the Mokelumne and Stanislaus
Rivers and portions of the Calaveras River system usually result from heavy snow melt
combined with heavy rainfall.
Urban Flooding – Occurs as land is converted from fields or woodlands to roads, parking
lots, and other impervious surfaces, thus, losing the ability to absorb precipitation.
Other types of floods include general rain floods, thunderstorm floods, snowmelt and rain on
snow floods, and local drainage floods.
Flood Zones
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently updated the Flood Insurance
Rate Maps (FIRMs) for Calaveras County, which became effective December 17, 2010. The
FIRMs show the areas of the County at high risk for flooding, which is intended to aid the
County, as well as the communities within, in the management of floodplain development. Table
4.9-1 below presents a list of the FEMA FIRM Panel numbers for Calaveras County and
incorporated areas available for viewing on the FEMA Map Service Center website.6
Table 4.9-1
Calaveras County FEMA FIRMs dated December 17, 2010
Community
Angels Camp
Community Number
06009C
Calaveras County
(Unincorporated Areas)
06009C
Located on Panels
0558E, 0566E, 0575E
0075E, 0100E, 0125E, 0150E, 0175E,
0200E, 0225E, 0250E, 0275E, 0288E,
0300E, 0325E, 0350E, 0354E, 0362E,
0364E, 0375E, 0400E, 0425E, 0450E,
0451E, 0475E, 0500E, 0525E, 0550E,
0558E, 0566E, 0575E, 0600E, 0625E,
0650E, 0675E, 0725E, 0750E
Source: FEMA Map Service Center, June 2012.
According to the FIRMs prepared for the County, the areas located within the Special Flood
Hazard Areas (SFHAs) are located immediately adjacent to waterways, such as those shown if
Figure 4.9-1 above, including significant areas near the Camanche Reservoir, New Hogan
Reservoir, New Melones Reservoir, Salt Springs Valley Reservoir, Tulloch Reservoir, Calaveras
River, Cosgrove Creek, as well as the remaining creeks and rivers found throughout the County.
These areas within the SFHAs are designated as Zone A (Base Flood Elevations not provided) or
Zone AE (Base Flood Elevations provided). All remaining areas within the County have been
determined to be located in Zone X, which is outside of the 500-year flood level and is
considered a minimal flood hazard.
6
U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Federal Emergency Management Agency Map Service Center. Available
at:
https://msc.fema.gov/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/FemaWelcomeView?storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&langId=1. Accessed, June 2012.
4.9 - 9
November 2012
Dam Failure Inundation
As discussed above, Calaveras County’s three major river systems (Mokelumne, Calaveras, and
Stanislaus) have dams and large reservoirs along them. Dams are used for downstream flood
control, agricultural water storage, and hydroelectric generation. Dam failure occurs
independently from the other flooding events discussed above. Dam failure may result from
earthquakes, internal erosion caused by embankment and foundation leakage, or inadequate
spillway capacity leading to overtopping and erosion.
The County’s larger dams and reservoirs are located in the western portion of the County (New
Hogan, Camanche, New Melones, Pardee and Tulloch). Smaller dams are found throughout the
County; however, the dam inundation threats for the smaller dams are less than from larger dams
in the western portion of the County. The California Emergency Management Agency maintains
records of dam failure inundation maps for jurisdictional dams in Calaveras County. Because of
recent Homeland Security Concerns such maps are not routinely published in public documents
such as a General Plan.
4.9 - 10
November 2012
4.10
NOISE
November 2012
4.11
TRAFFIC AND CIRCULATION
Calaveras County General Plan Project
November 2012
4.12
LAND USE
Introduction
This chapter describes overall existing (1996 General Plan) land use conditions in Calaveras
County and provides a detailed discussion of the County’s more densely developed areas.
Existing County General Plan
1996 General Plan Content and Organization
In terms of the underlying land use framework it expresses, the 1996 General Plan is
substantially similar to earlier versions of the Calaveras County General Plan completed in 1982
and 1986.
The 1996 General Plan contains an introductory section and seven elements. The following is a
summary of the status of these elements:
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Land Use Element (Adopted December 1996; one minor amendment in 1998; multiple land use
designation changes for specific properties);
Circulation Element (Adopted December 1996, one minor amendment in 1998);
Conservation Element (Adopted December 1996; one minor amendment in 1998);
Open Space Element (Adopted December 1996; one minor amendment in 1998);
Noise Element (Adopted December 1996; no changes or amendments);
Safety Element (Adopted December 1996; no changes or amendments); and,
Housing Element (updated and adopted June 2010).
The following paragraphs describe each of the 1996 General Plan elements, briefly summarizing
their structure and general content.
Land Use Element
The existing 1996 Land Use Element is divided into eight parts. The first is an introduction
briefly summarizes issues relating to legal authority, the relationship of the Land Use Element to
other general plan elements, land use categories, maximum densities, and development flexibility
including clustering and density transfer. The “Future Land Use Plan” (commonly referred to as
the “Land Use Diagram” in general plans) is included in the introductory section. Also included
is a table that provides an inventory of land in the county. This table breaks lands down into two
CHAPTER 4.12 – LAND USE
4.12 - 1
November 2012
basic land use designation categories–Natural Resource Lands and Community Development
Lands–with several subcategories under these.
The second and third parts of the Land Use Element discuss Natural Resource Lands and
Community Development Lands in more detail, enumerating several specific land use
designations underneath these overarching categories. These designations are shown on the
Future Land Use Map.
The third part of the Land Use Element also describes community plan areas, special and specific
plan areas, the City of Angels Sphere of Influence, mixed use/master project areas, community
and residential centers, and single family residential areas. All of these areas are shown as blank
spaces on the Future Land Use Map.
The remaining five parts of the Land Use Element discuss industrial areas, recreation-oriented
commercial, business in the home, legally existing nonconforming land uses and zoning, and
schools, waste disposal system, solid and liquid waste and sewage.
Circulation Element
The 1996 Calaveras County General Plan Circulation Element is divided into two parts. The
first part addresses the road system, consisting of State highways, County roads, and private
roads used for motor vehicle traffic. The second part addresses the balance of the transportation
system (public transit, bicycle, pedestrian and equestrian traffic, scenic highways, airports,
railroads, and pipelines).
Several maps are included describing Calaveras County’s
transportation system and possible improvements to that system. Understandably, much of the
background information included in the Calaveras County General Plan Circulation Element is
out of date, reflecting conditions from the mid-1980s.
Conservation Element
The Conservation Element addresses identification, conservation, and utilization of the county’s natural
resources. Individual parts of the Conservation Element focus on soils, agriculture lands, forest resources,
mineral resources, water resources, and the county’s energy system.
Open Space Element
The Calaveras County General Plan Open Space Element is intended to address open space from
two perspectives: 1) the relationship of open space to natural resources preservation; and 2) the
role of open space in providing recreational land and cultural opportunities. In keeping with this
general purpose, the Open Space Element includes sections on ecological resource areas;
cultural, historical, scenic and recreational resources.
4.12 - 2
November 2012
Noise Element
The Calaveras County General Plan Noise Element examines technical data on noise sources in
the county, with a view toward identifying and appraising the potential for noise problems. The
element addresses noise that affects the community at large, rather than noise associated with
working conditions at individual workplaces. Particular sources of noise addressed include
vehicle traffic, railroad, airport, and fixed noise sources from industrial facilities. The plan also
notes that land uses on which noise may have a significant impact include residences, schools,
conservation areas, and hospitals or other care facilities.
Safety Element
The Calaveras County General Plan Safety Element focuses on seismic and a variety of other
safety hazards. Particular safety hazards analyzed in the Safety Element include seismicity,
ground shaking, liquefaction hazards, slope instability, expansive soils, erosion, fire hazards,
flood hazards and dam failure inundation, hazardous materials, and airport operations.
Housing Element
Due to special requirements in State law, housing elements are required to be updated on a faster
time cycle than the rest of the General Plan (typically every five years). The current Calaveras
County General Plan Housing Element, adopted in June 2010, covers the time frame from July
2009 to June 2014. A new element will need to be adopted by June 2014 for the five year time
frame of July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2019.
The Housing Element provides detailed technical information related to population, household,
and housing characteristics; special needs households; and housing constraints. The Housing
Element also reflects projections provided by the State Department of Housing and Community
Development (HCD) regarding housing needs, particularly for lower income groups, and details
policy and implementation measures to facilitate housing construction for all income groups.
1996 General Plan Land Use Designations
The existing Calaveras County General Plan applies to the unincorporated area of the County
outside the boundaries of the City of Angels. For development proposals within the City of
Angels city limits, the City of Angels General Plan applies. According to the 1996 Calaveras
County General Plan, the processing of subdivisions, rezoning, and use permits within the
unincorporated sphere of influence will be coordinated with City policies and recommendations.
The existing (1996) Land Use Element sets forth two broad, encompassing land use categories:
Natural Resource Lands and Community Development Lands.
Underneath these broad categories are a variety of more specific land use designations. The
Natural Resources Lands Category encompasses six basic land use designations: 1) Wildlife,
Botanical; 2) Agriculture Preserves; 3) Timberlands; 4) Dam Inundation; 5) Mineral Resource
2A, and, 6) Mineral Resource 2B. The Community Development Lands category encompasses
the following five basic land use designations (not including the City of Angels and Community,
4.12 - 3
November 2012
Special, or Specific Plans): 1) Community Centers; 2) Residential Centers; 3) Future SingleFamily Residential; 4) Industrial Corridor; and 5) Recreationally-Oriented Commercial. The
Community Centers land use designation includes single-family residential, multi-family
residential, commercial, and light industrial land use designations and in essence functions as a
mixed use land use category.
Table 4.12-1 shows the acreage associated with the 1996 general plan land use designations in
the Planning Area. A variety of land use designations also exist in community and special plans.
Those are discussed further on in this section. Figure 4.12-1 provides a visual complement to
Table 4.12-1, and shows where the County applied these different land use designations.
Table 4.12-1
1996 General Plan Land Use Designations
General Plan Land Use Designation
Community Plan Area/Special Plan Area
Specific Plan Area
Community Center
Residential Center
Residential Center 2
Future Single Family Residential 5
Future Single Family Residential 20
City of Angels Sphere of Influence
Community Development Lands Subtotal
Agricultural Preserve
Timberlands/Mineral Resource 2A/Dam Inundation
Mineral Resource Area 2B
Wildlife Habitat/Botanical Areas
Lake
Natural Resource Land Subtotal
TOTAL
Acres
Percent
47,645
7.2%
4,134
0.6%
11,032
1.7%
24,341
3.7%
3,353
0.5%
179,405
27.1%
11,160
1.7%
9,107
1.4%
290,176
43.8%
116,414
17.6%
146,209
22.1%
20,782
3.1%
80,118
12.1%
9,091
1.4%
372,615
56.2%
662,791 100.0%
Source: 1996 Calaveras County General Plan
4.12 - 4
þ
}
|
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Figure 4.12-1
Amador
1996
GENERAL PLAN
LAND USE
DESIGNATIONS
88
þ
}
|
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88
þ
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Glencoe
Mokelumne
Hill
26
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^
12
þ^
}
|
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Wallace
Calaveras
^
San
Joaquin
^
Alpine
^
^
Tamarack
Rail Road Flat
^
26
þ
}
|
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Burson
^
^
West Point
Valley
Springs
Dorrington
Mountain
Ranch
San
Andreas
^
^
Jenny Lind
Sheep
Ranch
Wh
Pi n
^
A r no
ld
i te
es
þ4
}
|
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^
Highways
Roads
Calaveras County
Boundary
NRL_MRA
Community Plan Areas
Residential Center
Arnold
Special PLan
Angels Camp
Sphere of Influence
Future Single Family Residential
20 Acre Density
^
Angels
Camp
Community Centers
Residential Center
40 Acre Density
49
þ
}
|
·
Future Single Family Residential
5 Acre Density
Murphys
Lake
Tuolumne
^
Mineral Resource Area 2B
Timberlands/Mineral Resource
2A/Dam Inundation
Wildlife Habitat/Botanical Areas
4
^
|
þ
}
·
Towns
General Plan Future Land Use
^
þ
}
|
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^
Legend
Copperopolis
Alpine
Amador
El Dorado
Sacramento
San Joaquin
108
Stanislaus
þ
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I
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Natural Resource Lands
As shown in Table 4.12-1, 56.2 percent of the Planning Area is designated under the broad
“Natural Resource Lands” category. This category includes the Agricultural Preserve designation
(17.6 percent of the Planning Area); the Timberlands, Mineral Resource 2A, and Dam
Inundation designations (which, when combined, comprise 22.1 percent of the Planning Area);
the Mineral Resource 2B designation (3.1 percent of the Planning Area); the Wildlife
Habitat/Botanical Areas designation (12.1 percent of the Planning Area); and Lake designation
(1.4 percent of the Planning Area).
Community Development Lands
The remaining 43.8 percent of the Planning Area is designated under the broad “Community
Development Lands” category. More than 190,000 acres (28.8 percent of the Planning Area) of
Calaveras County are designated as either 5-acre or 20-acre “Future Single-Family Residential.”
The existing set of land use designations allows a pattern of widespread rural residential land
use. The category also includes Residential Center and Residential Center 2 (4.2 percent of the
Planning Area); Community Center (1.7 percent of the Planning Area); Specific Plan Area (0.6
percent of the Planning Area); Community Plan Area/Special Plan Area (7.2 percent of the
Planning Area); and City of Angles Sphere of Influence (1.4 percent of the Planning Area).
Table 4.12-2 below provides a general overview of land use designations in the existing General
Plan and their associated maximum densities. The table indicates that the maximum density
standards are applied differentially depending on zoning, levels of service, and water/sewer
service.
4.12 - 6
November 2012
Table 4.12-2
1996 General Plan Land Use Designations with Maximum Densities
(From Table II-4 of the 1996 Land Use Element)
Designation
Natural Resource Lands
Wildlife, Botanical
Agriculture Preserves
Timberlands
Dam Inundation
Mineral Resources 2A
Mineral Resources 2B
Maximum Density Standards
Between 40-acre and 160-acre minimum lot size, depending on zoning
20-acre minimum lot size
Community Development Lands
Community Centers
Single-Family
Residential
Multi-Family Residential
Commercial
Light Industrial
Resource Zones
Between 7,000 square feet and 40-acre minimum lot size, depending on zoning,
level of service, and water/sewer
Between 3,500 square feet and 1.67-acre minimum lot size, depending on zoning,
level of service, and water/sewer
100 percent lot coverage less setback and landscaping requirements, depending on
zoning, level of service, and water/sewer
1
Between 20-acre and 160-acre minimum lot size, depending on zoning, level of
service, and water/sewer
Residential Centers
Single-Family
Residential
Between 0.5 acre and 40 acre minimum lot size, depending on zoning, level of
Future Single-Family Residential
Single-Family
Residential
Single-Family
Residential with 50
Percent or Greater Slopes
Industrial Corridor
Industrial Corridor
Recreationally-Oriented Commercial
Direct RecreationallyOriented Commercial
Indirect RecreationallyOriented Commercial
35 percent of lot coverage, depending on zoning, level of service, and water/sewer
“Shall be located where consistent with commercial uses and zoning”
1
Levels of Service (LOS) are those defined in Table III-1 of the Circulation Element of the 1996 General Plan.
LOS corresponds to the traffic conditions on the roadway system.
4.12 - 7
November 2012
Community Centers
The Community Center designation is assigned to the smaller towns for which Community,
Special, or Specific Plans have not been prepared. The areas designated Community Centers on
the General Plan Future Land Use Map tend to follow the boundaries of the County's original
townsites or early subdivision maps. In addition to Community, Special, and Specific Plan areas,
Community Centers tend to be centers of regional life in the County. The following Community
Centers are designated in the 1996 Calaveras County General Plan: Avery, Burson, Camp
Tamarack, Carson Hill, Copper Cove/Poker Flat, Copperopolis, Glencoe, La Contenta, Mountain
Ranch, Rail Road Flat, Sheep Ranch, Vallecito, Wallace, and West Point.
According to the 1996 Plan, public facilities and services are generally available within
Community Centers, allowing the more intensive land usage generated by multi-family,
commercial and light industrial uses. Public facilities and services within Community Centers
generally include adequate roads, water supply, sewage disposal, and the availability of fire
protection services.
Adopted Community Plans in Calaveras County
Adopted Community Plans exist for some areas surrounding and including the larger towns in
the County where the greatest concentrations of single family, multiple family, commercial and
industrial land uses are found. Community Plans contain a greater level of specificity regarding
permitted land uses than are established under the General Plan. Community Plans show specific
land uses on a parcel by parcel basis. The Plans also augment the General Plan with respect to
land use policies, consistent zoning, and issues of local concern. In this regard, the more specific
Community Plan policies supplement and refine the policies of the General Plan. When a
Community Plan does not address an issue that is covered in the General Plan, the policies of the
General Plan apply.
Calaveras County’s adopted community plans include the following:




Arnold Community Plan (initially adopted 1968; revised 1980 and December 1998);
Avery-Hathaway Pines Community Plan (adopted April 1999);
Mokelumne Hill Community Plan (initially adopted 1983; revised June 1988);
Murphys & Douglas Flat Community Plan (initially adopted 1986; revised December
1988);
 San Andreas Community Plan (initially adopted 1981; revised June 1988); and
 Valley Springs Community Area General Plan (initially adopted 1975; revised September
1983).
Figure 4.12-2 shows all the existing adopted community plan areas.
4.12 - 8
El Dorado
49
þ
}
|
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Sacramento
ADOPTED
(Prior 2012)
COMMUNITY PLAN
AREAS
88
þ
}
|
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88
þ
}
|
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^
^
26
þ
}
|
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Legend
Alpine
^
Tamarack
^ Rail Road Flat
^
þ
}
|
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^
Burson
^
Highways
Roads
Lakes
Community Plans
Valley
Springs
^
San
Andreas
Mountain
Ranch
^
Arnold
Wh
i te
P in
e s
^
Ar
þ4
}
|
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(1998) Arnold
Community Plan
^
Dorrington
(1999) Avery
Community Plan
no
ld
(1998) Mokeulmne Hill
Community Plan
^
Sheep Ranch
26
þ
}
|
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Towns
Calaveras County
Boundary
26
þ
}
|
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Wallace
San
Joaquin
^ West Point
Amador
Mokelumne
Hill
12
þ
}
|
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^
Figure 4.12-2
88
þ
}
|
·
^ Jenny Lind
(1988) Murphys
Community Plan
49
þ
}
|
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Murphys
(1988) San Andreas
Community Plan
^
(1983) Valley Springs
Community Plan
Tuolumne
^ Angels
Alpine
Amador
Camp
El Dorado
þ4
}
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Sacramento
Copperopolis
San Joaquin
Stanislaus
Tuolumne
Stanislaus
108
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Arnold Community Plan
The Arnold Community Plan, initially adopted in 1968 and revised in December 1998, includes
an introductory section, eight relatively brief Elements (Land Use, Circulation, Conservation,
Open Space, Safety, Noise, Housing, and Economic), and a Community Plan Map. Each
Element includes a list of goals and policies that provide recommendations. The Arnold
Community Plan encompasses approximately eight (8) square miles located in the Ebbetts Pass
area of Calaveras County. The area is located 20 miles northeast of Angels Camp and State
Route 49, and approximately 12 miles northeast of Murphys.
The Community Plan states that, “It is the overall desire of the Arnold community to retain the
rural and small town atmosphere.” The Community Plan Map reflects this desire, designating
much of Arnold as single-family residential.
Circulation and safety improvements are important themes in the Arnold Community Plan,
which includes several figures describing new road connections and circulation and safety
improvements. The Plan’s Land Use Element states that “pedestrian pathways” should be part of
the “intermix” of future commercial and residential development.
Table 4.12-3 and Figure 4.12-3 show the land use designations that guide the Arnold Community
Plan.
Table 4.12-3
1998 Arnold Community Plan
Land Use Designations
Land Use Designation
Rural Residential
Single-Family Residential
Mixed Use
Mixed Use-Planned Development Combining District
Commercial
Commercial and/or Multi-Family Residential
Professional Office
Manufacturing
Public Service
Recreation
Forest
TOTAL
Acres
483
3,397
161
6
46
119
6
6
58
109
342
915
5,648
Percent
8.6%
60.1%
2.9%
0.1%
0.8%
2.1%
0.1%
0.1%
1.0%
1.9%
6.1%
16.2%
100.0%
Source: Calaveras County Planning and GIS Departments, November 2012
4.12 - 10
Figure 4.12-3
ARNOLD
ADOPTED
(1998)
COMMUNITY PLAN
Legend
4
HW
Y
White
^ Pines
TOWNS
^
HIGHWAYS
Roads
PARCELS
AN
O
R
Arnold CP Land Use
Commercial/Multi-Family
Residential
M
Arnold
Calaveras County
Boundary
RD
^
Commercial
Forest
Manufacturing
Multi-Family
Residential
Mixed Use
4
Mixed Use/Planned
Development
W
Y
H
MO
N
RA
Professional Office
RD
Public Service
Recreation
Rural Residential
Single Family Residential
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November 2012
Avery-Hathaway Pines Community Plan
Calaveras County adopted the Avery-Hathaway Pines Community Plan in April 1999. The plan
includes an introductory section, seven different elements (Land Use, Circulation, Conservation,
Open Space, Noise, Housing, and Economic), and a Community Plan Map.
The Community Plan Map shows commercial, residential, and industrial designations clustered
near the center of the already built-up Avery-Hathaway Pines community along State Highway
4. Resource production and rural residential uses predominate at the periphery of the area. A
large site outside of town along Avery-Sheep Ranch Road is designated for recreation.
Table 4.12-4 and Figure 4.12-4 show the land use designations that guide the Avery-Hathaway
Pines Community Plan.
Table 4.12-4
1999 Avery-Hathaway Community Plan
Rural Residential (5 Acre Density)
Professional Offices
Commercial
Industrial
Public Services
Recreation
Resource Production (USFS Land)( 40 Acre
Density)
Resource Production ( 40 Acre Density)
Right of Way
TOTAL
Acres
1,137
221
19
17
52
21
128
139
Percent
9.8%
1.9%
0.2%
0.1%
0.4%
0.2%
1.1%
1.2%
6,349
54.6%
3,463
82
11,628
29.8%
0.7%
100.0%
4.12 - 12
White Pines
H
W
Y
AVERY
HATHAWAY PINES
4
RD
Arnold
ADOPTED
(1999)
COMMUNITY PLAN
M
O
R
AN
^
Figure 4.12-4
^
Legend
^
TOWNS
HIGHWAYS
Roads
PARCELS
Avery CP Land Use
Commercial
Industrial
HWY 4
Multi-Family
Residential
Professional Office
Public Service
N R
D
Single Family
Residential
O
RA
Recreation
M
Right of Way
Resource Production
(USFS Land) 40 Acre Density
RD
Avery
Resource Production
40 Acre Density
^
P
SHE E
R
AV
E RY
C
AN
H
Rural Residential
5 Acre Density
Hathaway Pines
^
H
W
Y
I
4
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November 2012
Mokelumne Hill Community Plan
The Mokelumne Hill Community Plan, adopted in 1983 and revised in June 1988, contains land
use designations with consistent zoning, a map of the Community Plan area, and multiple
introductory and background sections. The Community Plan covers approximately 5¼ square
miles of the unincorporated areas of Mokelumne Hill, adjacent to the Mokelumne River Canyon
in north central Calaveras County. Goals and policies pertaining to the following topics are also
included: citizen involvement, growth management, commercial, housing, parks and recreation,
safety, roads, public services, parking, mineral resources, agriculture, and cluster housing.
Among the “General” goals of the Community Plan is the protection and enhancement of the
friendly, historical, small town atmosphere of Mokelumne Hill, as well as the community’s
historic integrity and atmosphere. The Mokelumne Hill Community Plan provides a detailed
inventory of historical structures, including photographs.
Another notable aspect of the plan is the concept of cluster housing. The plan encourages
“cluster density” within the R-1, RR½, RR, and A-1 community plan designations. A list of land
use designations and consistent zoning is provided in Section X of the Community Plan. The
community submitted an update to the existing 1988 plan in 2009.
Table 4.12-5 and Figure 4.12-5 show the land use designations that guide the 1988 Mokelumne
Hill Community Plan.
Table 4.12-5
1988 Mokelumne Hill Community Plan
Rural Residential
Rural Residential 1/2 Acre Density
Single Family Residential-Planned Development
Multi-Family Residential Planned Development - 6 units per acre
Multi-Family Residential Planned Development – 12 units per acre
Commercial or Residential Planned Development – Single Family Residential density
Commercial or Residential Planned Development – Rural Residential 1/2 density
Commercial-Planned Development
Public Service
Recreation
Agriculture
Agriculture-Mineral
Right of Way
TOTAL
Acres Percent
1,107
33.8%
289
8.8%
118
3.6%
.5
0.0%
13
0.4%
1
0.1%
10
0.3%
18
0.6%
35
1.1%
622
19%
14
0.4%
793
24.2%
153
4.7%
97
3.0%
3,271 100.0%
4.12 - 14
Figure 4.12-5
MOKELUMNE HILL
ADOPTED
(1988)
COMMUNITY PLAN
Legend
^
Towns
Highways
ROADS
Parcels
Mokelumne Hill CP Land Use
Agriculture
Agriculture/Mineral
Commercial/Planned Development
Commercial/Residential
Single Family Residential Density
Planned Development
Commercial/Residential
1/2 Acre Density
Planned Development
6 Units Per Acre
Planned Development
12 Units Per Acre
Planned Development
^ Mokelumne Hill
Rural Residential
Rural Residential 1/2 Acre
Planned Development
Public Service
Recreation
ROW
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November 2012
Murphys and Douglas Flat Community Plan
The Murphys and Douglas Flat Community Plan, adopted in 1986 and revised in June 1988,
includes an introductory section, an implementation program, and a Community Plan Map. It
also includes goals and policies related to the following topics: land use, future land use plan
and plan amendments, domestic watershed, open space, parks and recreation, public services,
mobile home residences, multiple-family residential development, and transportation.
On the Community Plan Map, large portions of the western perimeter of the planning area are
designated for low-density “Rural Transition” or “Rural Residential.” Significant tracts of land
in the eastern portion of the Planning Area are designated as “Resource Production” and
“Agriculture Preserve.” Residential designations predominate in the central portion of Murphys
along SR 4.
The desire to preserve the “rural character” of the Murphys and Douglas Flat area is a recurrent
theme or vision throughout the document.
Table 4.12-6 and Figure 4.12-6 show the land use designations that guide the Murphys and
Douglas Flat Community Plan.
4.12 - 16
November 2012
Table 4.12-6
1988 Murphys and Douglas Flat Community Plan
Rural Transition Existing Lot Size
Rural Transition 20 Acre Density
Rural Residential Existing Lot Size
Rural Residential 10 Acre Density
Single Family Residential 4 Units per Acre
Multi-family Residential 12 Units per Acre
Mixed Use
Commercial
Industrial
Domestic Watershed
Public Service
Recreation
Resource Production 20 Acre Density
TOTAL
Acres
574
1,260
207
265
154
41
1,399
217
492
74
13
32
84
1
63
66
8
1,795
468
457
7,670
Percent
7.5%
16.4%
2.7%
3.5%
2.0%
0.5%
18.2%
2.8%
6.4%
1.0%
0.2%
0.4%
1.1%
0.0%
0.8%
0.9%
0.1%
23.4%
6.1%
6.0%
100.0%
4.12 - 17
Figure 4.12-6
MURPHYS
DOUGLAS FLAT
E
SH
ADOPTED
(1988)
COMMUNITY PLAN
H
D
Legend
Murphys
^
^
Towns
Highways
Roads
Parcels
Murphys-DF CP Land Use
Commercial
Industrial
Multi Family Residential
12 Units Per Acre
Mixed Use
4 Units Per Acre
Rural Residential Existing Lot Size
^
Rural Transition Existing Lot Size
Douglas Flat
Public Service
Domestic Watershed
Recreation
Agriculture Preserve
W
Y
4
H
R
W
Y
4
EP
R ANC
H
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November 2012
San Andreas Community Plan
The San Andreas Community Plan, adopted in 1981 and revised in June 1988, contains land use
designations, implementation programs, a Community Plan Map, and multiple introductory and
background sections. The Community Plan covers nine (9) square miles – approximately 5,760
acres, including the unincorporated community of San Andreas and the surrounding countryside.
Goals and policies are also included pertaining to the following topics: citizen involvement,
agricultural land, air and water quality, hazards, recreation, economy, housing, public facilities,
transportation, trails, energy, natural resources, retail sales, growth management, and industrial.
On the Community Plan Map, a substantial portion the southwestern section of the study area is
devoted to industrial use, while large amounts of land in the northern part of the study area are
designated rural residential. Two substantial parcels of land in the northeast and southeast parts
of the study area are designated for agricultural use. The central portion of San Andreas running
along SR 49 is designated for a variety of residential, commercial, public service, and other uses.
Several parcels of land near the SR 49 corridor are also marked “planned development.”
The San Andreas Community Plan includes two maps of historic structures, makes note of
fifteen individual historic structures, and designates a historic zone in central San Andreas. The
plan also states that the County will develop specific architectural standards to preserve and
promote Gold Rush style architecture. The community submitted an update to the 1988 plan in
2009.
Table 4.12-7 and Figure 4.12-7 show the land use designations that guide the 1988 San Andreas
Community Plan.
4.12 - 19
November 2012
Table 4.12-7
1988 San Andreas Community Plan
Rural Residential
Single Family Residential-Planned Development
Two-Family Residential
Multi-Family Residential-Planned Development
Commercial
Commercial-Planned Development
Industrial
Industrial-Planned Development
Professional Offices & Multi-Family Residential
Public Service
Recreation
Agriculture
TOTAL
Acres
1,972
1,286
4
55
112
150
107
130
845
109
58
200
5
863
5,896
Percent
33.5%
21.8%
0.1%
0.9%
1.9%
2.5%
1.8%
2.2%
14.3%
1.8%
1.0%
3.4%
0.1%
14.6%
100.0%
4.12 - 20
Figure 4.12-7
SAN ANDREAS
HW
ADOPTED
(1988)
COMMUNITY PLAN
Y 49
Legend
Y
Towns
Highways
Roads
12
Parcels
H
W
^
SAN ANDREAS CP Land Use
Commercial
H
Commercial
Planned Development
W
Y
Neighborhood Commerical
4
9
SA
IN
T
Industrial
CH
AR
LE
S
Industrial
Planned Development
S
T
W
^
Planned Development
S
A
Two Family Residential
I
N
T
CH
Planned Development
ST
A
T E
S S
L
LE
O
P
O
AR
San Andreas
MO
U N TA
IN
RA
NC
H
R
D
Rural Residential
Planned Development
Offices/Multi Family Residential
Public Service
T
IO
Recreation
N
Agriculture
R
D
H
W
Y
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1,250
625
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1,250
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November 2012
Valley Springs Community Area General Plan
The Valley Springs Community Area General Plan, adopted in 1975 and revised in September
1983, contains a development policy section, a description of the community area, and a table of
consistent zones.
The report also includes two Community Plan Maps–an overall map for the entire plan area, and
an inset map showing the central portion of Valley Springs. Large portions of the land area
covered by the larger-scale overall map are designated “agricultural rural,” while two relatively
small areas near the northeast and southwest corners are designated “agricultural preserve.” The
inset map for the central portion of Valley Springs includes commercial, single family
residential, multiple family residential, industrial, and public land use designations.
The 1974-1994 Community Plan promoted growth in Valley Springs, but sought to reduce
sprawl by encouraging compact development and growth near utilities. The Plan encouraged
commercial activity along State Route (SR) 12 and discouraged strip development. Recently
there have been several efforts to update the 1974-1994 Plan. As of this writing the update is still
in process; if completed prior to release of the Draft General Plan Update EIR this section will be
amended accordingly.
Table 4.12-8 and Figure 4.12-8 show the land use designations that guide the Valley Springs
Community Plan.
Table 4.12-8
1974-1994 Valley Springs Community Plan
Commercial Recreation
Commercial
Industrial
Public Service
Agricultural Rural
Right of Way
TOTAL
Acres
444
44
18
234
81
11
247
2,820
33
3,932
Percent
11.3%
1.1%
0.5%
5.9%
2.0%
0.3%
6.3%
71.7%
0.8%
100.0%
4.12 - 22
Figure 4.12-8
VALLEY SPRINGS
ADOPTED
(1983)
COMMUNITY PLAN
Legend
Towns
^
Highways
Roads
Parcels
Valley Springs
Valley Springs CP Land Use
HWY
Commercial
12
Commercial/Recreation
Industrial
^
HW
Y
26
Agriculture/Rural
Public Service
H WY 1 2
Right of Way
HW
Y
26
I
910
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0
910
Feet
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Proposed Community Plans
Since the inception of the County General Plan Update effort in 2006, twelve communities
produced draft community plan update documents or new plans: Mokelumne Hill, San Andreas,
Valley Springs, Copperopolis (in progress), Mountain Ranch, Railroad Flat/Glencoe, Sheep
Ranch, Paloma, Wallace, West Point and Wilseyville. They will become part of the General Plan
Update document either directly or by reference.
As presented to the County the community plans vary in size and scope. The core essence of
each plan is the land use map which ascribes countywide land use designations to each
community plan area.
Placeholder for additional information on Community Plans.
Calaveras County Special Plans
The County adopted two special plans: the Ebbetts Pass Highway Special Plan (1988) and the
Rancho Calaveras Special Plan (1999). Special Plans are a part of the General Plan, although
contained in a separate published booklet. Special Plans address areas possessing architectural or
historic characteristics, scenic resources, or special use. Special Plans are utilized primarily by
larger subdivisions, scenic highway corridors, and areas of the County which share a common
bond.
Special Plans contain a greater level of specificity regarding permitted land uses than established
in the General Plan with respect to land use policies, consistent zoning, and issues of local
concern. In this regard, the more specific Special Plan policies supplement and refine the policies
of the General Plan. When a Special Plan does not address an issue that is covered in the General
Plan, the policies of the General Plan apply.
Ebbetts Pass Highway Special Plan
The Ebbetts Pass Highway Special Plan, adopted in 1984 and revised in June 1988, includes an
introductory section, an implementation program, and Special Plan Map. Goals and policies are
included pertaining to the following topics: land use designation, zoning consistency, general,
community centers, resort centers, recreation, multiple-family residential, single-family
residential, commercial, timber harvesting and resource production, and circulation.
The Ebbetts Pass Highway Special Plan (3,122 acres) defines land use designations along a 35mile portion of the Ebbetts Pass Scenic Highway Corridor (9,860 acres) located between
Murphys and the Alpine County line. The Murphys/Douglas Flat Community Plan Area is
located to the south of the Special Plan area and is covered by a separate community plan. The
communities of Arnold and Avery-Hathaway Pines lie to the north along the Corridor, and are
also covered by separate community plans. An approximately five-mile section of the Special
Plan area, located between the Murphys/Douglas Flat and Avery/Hathaway Pines Community
Plan Areas, is designated mostly single-family residential with some commercial and resource
4.12 - 24
November 2012
production lands. This section accounts for 42.7 percent of the total land uses in the Special Plan
area.
Land use designations located north of the Arnold Community Plan Area and the town of
Dorrington are scattered but account for 57.3 percent of the total land uses in the Special Plan
area. Part of this section of the Ebbetts Pass Scenic Highway Corridor is designated “Timber
Harvest Special Treatment Area.” Within the community of Dorrington, most lands are
designated either “Community Center” or “Single Family Residential.”
Table 4.12-9 and Figure 4.12-9 show the land use designations that guide the Ebbetts Pass
Highway Special Plan.
Table 4.12-9
1988 Ebbetts Pass Highway Special Plan
Commercial
Community Center
Park
Recreation
Resort Center
Resource Production
TOTAL
Acres
1,447
60
346
958
154
117
40
3,122
Percent
46.3%
1.9%
11.1%
30.7%
4.9%
3.7%
1.3%
100.0%
4.12 - 25
Figure 4.12-9
Sheep Ranch
^
Arnold
EBBETTS PASS
Camp Connell
White Pines
ADOPTED
(1988)
SPECIAL PLAN
^
^
Dorrington
^
^
Legend
^
Towns
Highways
Avery
Roads
^
I
Hathaway Pines
^
Calaveras County
Boundary
Tuolumne
4,500
2,250
Parcels
Special Plan Boundary
0
4,500
Feet
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Ebbetts Pass
Timber Harvest
Special Treatment Area
Ebbetts Pass Land Use
Commercial
Community Center
Alpine
Bear
Valley
^
Tamarack
^
Park
Recreation
Resort Center
Resource Production
Alpine
HWY 4
Tuolumne
Camp
Connell
^
Dorrington
^
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I
Tuolumne
4,900
2,450
0
Feet
4,900
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November 2012
Rancho Calaveras Special Plan
Calaveras County adopted the Rancho Calaveras Special Plan in May 1999. The community
submitted some editorial and minor policy language changes in 2010 for incorporation into the
General Plan Update. The plan includes an introductory section and a Special Plan Map, along
with background information and policies pertaining to: commercial land uses, multi-family
residential and accessory dwelling uses, single-family residential uses, easements for pedestrians
and equestrians, and domestic animals/livestock.
The Rancho Calaveras Special Plan contains a very clear statement of intention in its preface,
which notes that the Rancho Calaveras community “desires to maintain the rural residential
atmosphere and to prohibit commercial and multifamily development.” The Special Plan Map
reaffirms this intention, designating the entirety of the Rancho Calaveras Special Plan area as
Rural Residential One Acre, Rural Residential Three Acre, and Recreation.
Table 4.12-10 and Figure 4.12-10 show the land use designations that guide the Rancho
Calaveras Special Plan.
Table 4.12-10
1999 Rancho Calaveras Special Plan
Recreation
TOTAL
Acres
3,245
2,014
126
5,385
Percent
60.3%
37.4%
2.3%
100.0%
4.12 - 27
Figure 4.12-10
HW Y 1 2
RANCHO
CALAVERAS
HW
Y
26
ADOPTED
(1999)
SPECIAL PLAN
Legend
^
Towns
Highways
Roads
26
Parcels
HW
Y
Rancho Calaveras
Special Plan Land Use
Rural Residential
1 Acre Density
Rural Residential
3 Acre Density
Recreation
I
HWY 26
2,900
M ILTO N RD
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0
2,900
Feet
Jenny Lind
^
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November 2012
Calaveras County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan
Calaveras County adopted the Calaveras County Airport Special Plan in October 1992. The Plan
includes an introduction, a description of the Calaveras County Airport, an evaluation of land use
compatibility, policies and standards, and specific coordination measures.
Calaveras County’s one public use airport, Maury Rasmussen Field, is located approximately
four miles south of San Andreas and five miles north of the City of Angels. With built-up parts
of the county so near to the airport, the central intent of the Calaveras County Special Plan
relates to land use compatibility. This involves: 1) compatibility of surrounding land uses with
respect to airport noise levels; 2) compatibility of surrounding land uses in terms of exposure of
people to on-the-ground hazards associated with aircraft; and 3) protection of airspace used by
aircraft through appropriate height restrictions. Figure 4.12-11 shows the Airport Compatibility
Map.
4.12 - 29
Figure 4.12-11
R
N
Land Use Compatibility
Plan
(June 2010)
SO
L
ROCKY
D
CALAVERAS COUNTY
AIRPORT
Legend
CEME
Y4
CH
R
UL
OL
D
T
Zone B2
Zone C
H
SS
9
C
ST
HO
Zone B1
IN
G
HW
B1
Zone A
RD
RD
L
A
WN
RO
N RD
CA
S TATIO
ED
Compatibility Zones
O
CR
Zone A - Zone D
Limited Human
Occupied Uses
Acceptable
Zone D
Zone E Most Human Occupied
Uses Acceptable
RT
L
N
D
T CI T Y R
CO
I
R
DO GTO
D
Existing Runway
Protection Zone
Future Runway
Protection Zone
Runway 13-31
Length: 3,602'
Future Runway 13
Extension Length: 398'
Aerobatics Activity Area
Airport Influence Area
FAA Height
Notification Area
High Terrain Zone
U
O
NC
B2
N
G
Calaveritas
^
F
B2
KE
N T PLA N T R
D
Airport Property
F
O
B1
A
PO
CO
N
CO U
RD
E
D
E
IT
AS
C
YD
R
B2
LA
VER
HIGH
CA
RY R D
D
DE
L
D
L
^
D
Towns
Roads
State Highway
Parcels
Notes
For complete information on
compatible land uses in zones
refer to
Adopted 2010
Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan,
pp. 2-31 to 34.
C H A PA R
WY
A
R
S
JO ST
JA Q U I M
D
RI
AT
A
C OS
GRA
VE
I
RD
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2,000 1,000
0
Feet
2,000
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Specific Plans
Specific plans, unlike community/area plans, are not considered part of the general plan under
State planning law. Instead, these plans are considered a tool for “systematic implementation” of
the general plan, typically within a defined area. A specific plan may be as general as setting
forth broad policy concepts, or as detailed as providing direction to every facet of development.
A specific plan may be developed in response to a single policy issue. The County has three
adopted specific plans:
 Saddle Creek Specific Plan (adopted December 1993)
 Oak Canyon Ranch Specific Plan (adopted November 2003)
 Tuscany Hills Specific Plan (adopted July 2007)
A fourth specific plan, the Spring Valley Estates Specific Plan, was vacated on July 6, 2004, and
the property was rezoned consistent with underlying General Plan land use designations.
Saddle Creek Specific Plan (formerly Calaveras Country Club Specific Plan)
Saddle Creek resort is a major residential and golf course community near Copperopolis. The
developers of this community initially received entitlements under a specific plan adopted
December 1993.
The Saddle Creek Specific Plan includes an introductory section, an analysis of physical and
natural resources, a Development Element describing proposed residential, commercial, and
other land uses, a Traffic and Circulation Element, and a Public Facilities and Services Element.
Extensive goals, policies, and implementation measures are also included, together with
proposed zoning and site development standards for the Specific Plan area.
At buildout, the Saddle Creek Specific Plan projects construction of 1,213 residential units, not
to exceed 1,650 units. The Specific Plan projects construction at densities of 1.5 to 1.86
dwelling units per acre for the overall project area, with higher density at sites marked “Cluster
Residential Area” and “Single-Family High Density.” Figure 4.12-12 shows the area included in
the Saddle Creek Specific Plan.
Oak Canyon Ranch Specific Plan
The Oak Canyon Ranch Specific Plan addresses a 3,251-acre property just north of the existing
Saddle Creek resort in the community of Copperopolis. Under the specific plan, this site is
envisioned to become “one of the first exclusive residential-resort-golf course-conference center
communities in the Central Sierra Nevada,” catering to “the newly evolving market of visitors
and residents with high disposable incomes.” This development plan addresses issues related to
community design, land use designations, traffic and circulation, public facilities and services,
and site and resource management. Figure 4.12-12 shows the area included in the Oak Canyon
Ranch Specific Plan.
4.12 - 31
November 2012
Tuscany Hills Specific Plan
The Tuscany Hills development is an entitled but not built 335-unit residential and golf
community on 1,113 acres just south of Oak Canyon Ranch and Saddle Creek in the
Copperopolis area. The Tuscany Hills Specific Plan, approved in 2007, provided a mechanism to
implement a ‘density transfer’ of a certain number of equivalent residential units from an
adjacent 561-acre property onto the Tuscany Hills lands. The Specific Plan was created to
designate those off-site lands which now have a development density potential of zero. Figure
4.12-12 shows the area included in the Tuscany Hills Specific Plan.
4.12 - 32
Figure 4.12-12
Copperopolis
^
M
ADOPTED
SPECIFIC PLAN
AREAS
A
IN
S
T
H
W
Y
4
^
Legend
Towns
Highways
Roads
Parcels
OB
Calaveras County
Boundary
4
NE
Specific Plan
Boundaries
S
Y
YR
HW
FE
RRY
RD
Oak Canyon Ranch
Specific Plan (2003)
Saddle Creek
Tuscany Hills
Stanislaus
OB
Tuolumne
YR
NE
S
R
F
E
R
Y
RD
I
Tuolumne
Stanislaus
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0
3,000
Feet
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Existing Zoning Summary
The Calaveras County Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance establishes zoning regulations for
unincorporated areas of the County. The Zoning Ordinance regulates land uses, performance
standards, and site development standards that relate to development on individual properties.
Under State law, cities and counties have broad latitude in establishing zoning standards and
procedures. One key requirement, however, is that zoning regulations be consistent with the
general plan. Subsequent to the adoption of the new Calaveras County General Plan Policy
Document, the existing Calaveras County Zoning Ordinance will need to be reviewed and
updated, as appropriate, to establish consistency between the two comprehensive land use
documents.
Table 4.12-11 below provides a matrix that shows which land use designations articulated in
Calaveras County’s 1996 General Plan link to the zones specified in the County’s Zoning
Ordinance.
4.12 - 34
November 2012
Table 4.12-11
Land Use Designations and Zoning Contistency Matrix
General Plan Designation1
Wildlife, Botanical
Agriculture Preserves
Timberlands
Dam Inundation
Mineral Resource 2A
Mineral Resource 2B
Community, Special, and Specific Plans. City of Angels
Community Centers (Single-Family Residential)
Community Centers (Multi-Family Residential)
Community Centers (Commercial)
Community Centers (Light Industrial)
Community Centers (Resource Zones)
Residential Centers (Single-Family Residential)
Future Single-Family Residential (Single-Family Residential)
Future Single-Family Residential
(Single-Family Residential w/50% or Greater Slope)
Industrial Corridor
Recreationally-Oriented Commercial
1
Consistent Zones
A1, AP, GF, TP, PS
A1, AP, PS
A1, AP, GF, TP, PS
A1, EP, PS
A1, AP, GF, RA, TP, PS
A1, AP, GF, RA, TP, PS
Not described in existing General Plan
RA, RA, RR, PS
R2, R3, PS
C1, C2, CP, RC, PS
M1, M4, RM, PS
A1, AP, GF, TP, PS
R1, RA, RR, PS
RA, RR, PS
A1, RA, RR, PS
M1, M2, M4, RM, PS
REC, PS
General Plan designations are those referenced in Table II-4, pp. II-25 to 28 of the existing 1996 General Plan.
Source: Calaveras County General Plan (1966)
4.12 - 35
November 2012
4.13
POPULATION AND HOUSING
INTRODUCTION
The Population and Housing chapter of the EIR describes existing and projected population and
conditions in Calaveras County. Information for this section is based on the Calaveras County
Housing Element,1 as well as Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI),2 the Census
Bureau and the California Department of Finance. ESRI is a reputable statistical data resource
that uses information gathered from the aforementioned sources and is updated annually in order
to maintain the most accurate and up to date information.
The following setting information provides an overview of the existing population and housing
supply and characteristics in Calaveras County.
Population
Table 4.13-1 shows population growth in Calaveras County from 1920 to 2010.
Table 4.13-1
Population and Growth Rates for Calaveras County
Year
1920
1930
1940
1950
1960
1970
1980
1990
2000
2010
Population
6,183
6,008
8,221
9,902
10,289
13,585
20,710
31,998
40,554
45,578
Change
-175
2,213
1,681
387
3,296
7,125
11,288
8,556
5,024
AAGR (%)
-0.3
3.2
1.9
0.4
2.8
4.3
4.4
2.4
1.1
Sources: Calaveras County Housing Element, 2010 and ESRI, 2012.3
As shown in the table, between 1970 and 1980, the Average Annual Growth Rate (AAGR) for
Calaveras County was 4.3 percent. Between 1980 and 1990, the County added residents even
more quickly, with an AAGR of 4.4 percent. From 1990 to 2000, growth slowed to an AAGR of
2.4 percent. According to the 2010 Census, the 2010 population in Calaveras County was
45,251. Thus, from 2000 to 2010, the population AAGR was 1.1 percent, much slower than the
rate of growth seen in the 1970s and 1980s. As such, the County added more people during the
Chapter 4.13 – Population and Housing
4.13 - 1
November 2012
1980s than during any other decade in recent history. In the last 2 years (2010-2012), population
slightly declined to 44,840 as of January 1, 2012 (California Department of Finance),
Population Projections
The DOF produces population projections for all counties in California, including Calaveras
County. The DOF prepared the Interim Projections of Population for California: State and
Counties for July 1, 2015 to 2050 in five-year increments. Table 4.13-2 below shows the DOF’s
population projections in Calaveras County for 2015 through 2050, as well as the AAGR for
each time period. As shown in the table, Calaveras County’s population is projected to increase
from 45,578 in 2010, as presented above, to 47,386 in 2015. By 2035, the General Plan horizon
year, the County’s population is projected to be 55,541. Future growth rates are projected to be
lower than the historical growth rates shown in Table 4.13-1.
Table 4.13-2
Population and Growth Rate Projections for Calaveras County
Year
2015
2020
2025
2030
2035
2040
2045
2050
Population
47,386
49,007
51,236
53,161
55,541
58,118
60,902
63,926
Change
1,808*
1,621
2,229
1,925
2,380
2,577
2,784
3,024
AAGR (%)
0.8*
0.7
0.9
0.7
0.9
0.9
0.9
0.9
*Compared to the 2010 population presented in Table 4.13-1.
Sources: California Department of Finance, 2012.4
Housing
According to the DOF, as of January 1, 2012, Calaveras County has a total number of housing
units of 28,128, with a vacancy rate of 32.38 percent and an average person per household of
2.33. Of the total households, approximately 19,020 are occupied. Table 4.13-3 below
summarizes the number of housing units per housing type within the County. As presented in the
table, approximately 24,893 of the total housing units are single-family units, 1,062 are multifamily units, and 2,173 are mobile home units.
According to ESRI, of the occupied housing units in 2010, approximately 52 percent were family
households, including 6.7 percent for single-parent households. Non-family households made up
29.4 percent of all households in Calaveras County, of which 24.7 percent were comprised of
individuals living alone. In 2010, 76.9 percent of the total housing units in the County were
owner-occupied, and 23.1 percent of the units were renter-occupied.
4.13 - 2
November 2012
Table 4.13-3
Calaveras County Housing Units (as of January 1, 2012)
Unit Type
Single Family
2-4
5+
Mobile Homes
Total
Number of Units
24,893
670
392
2,173
28,128
Sources: California Department of Finance, 2012.5
Housing Projections
The California Department of Housing and Community Development issued new Regional
Housing Need Allocation (RHNA) numbers in June 2012. Calaveras County received a total
allocation of 1,240 units for the 5.5 year projection period from January 1, 2014 through June 30,
2019. This allocation reflects the Department’s statewide distribution of anticipated residential
units needed during the 5.5 year projection period, broken down by four income groups: verylow, low, moderate and above-moderate. For this RHNA cycle only, an adjustment was made to
account for the abnormal vacancies and unique market conditions due to prolonged recessionary
conditions, high unemployment and unprecedented foreclosures. As a comparison, the RHNA
for the prior planning period (2007 to 2014) was 2,344 units.
Department of Finance data6 projects 55,541 persons countywide, including Angels Camp, in
Year 2035, the General Plan horizon date. This represents a 22 percent increase (9,963 persons)
above existing 2010 population (45,578) over a 25 year period. Using a persons per household
ratio of 2.33 this would result in approximately 4,276 more units above existing 2012 units
(28,128) or a 15 percent increase.
1
Mintier Harnish. Calaveras County Housing Element. Adopted June 22, 2010.
Esri Business Analyst. Market Profile Calaveras County, CA. Accessed February 1. 2012.
3
Esri Business Analyst. Census 2010 Summary Profile Calaveras County, CA. Accessed February 1. 2012.
4
California Department of Finance. Interim Projections of Population for California: State and Counties July 1,
2015 to 2050 (in 5-year increments). May 7, 2012.
5
California Department of Finance. Table 1: E-5 County/State Population and Housing Estimates, 1/1/2012.
Released on May 1, 2012.
6
California Department of Finance, Demographic Research Unit, Interim Projections for California and Counties:
July 1, 2015 to 2050 in 5-y7ear increments, May 2012. Includes Angels Camp.
2
4.13 - 3
November 2012
4.14
PUBLIC SERVICES
Introduction
This section will summarize existing setting information and identify potential new demands
resulting from buildout of the Calaveras County General Plan on law enforcement, fire
protection, schools, libraries, hospitals, and natural gas and electric facilities. Information for this
section is based on several primary source documents as well as direct personal communication
with applicable service providers and County Departments. All persons and sources consulted
while preparing this chapter are provided in the endnotes.
The following existing setting information provides an overview of the existing public services
in Calaveras County, including law enforcement, fire protection, schools, libraries, medical
services, and natural gas and electric facilities.
Law Enforcement
The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Department acts as the police department on a non-contract
basis. Only one incorporated city is located within the County, which requires the Sheriff’s
Department to provide services for 95 percent of the County’s population.
The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Department consists of the main sheriff’s office and County Jail
located in San Andreas at the Government Center, as well as five substations:





Valley Springs Substation with two patrol beats (pending)
Copperopolis Substation with one patrol beat
West Point Substation with one patrol beat
Arnold Substation with one patrol beat
Mokelumne Hill Substation with one patrol beat (same patrol beat as the West Point
Substation)
Additionally, the Sheriff’s Department runs the Office of Emergency Services (OES), the Marine
Safety, Hazardous Materials Team, and the Explosives Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Unit, all
located at the County Airport. The County Haz Mat and EOD team provides services for four
counties: Calaveras, Amador, Tuolumne, and Alpine. The EOD Team also covers Stanislaus
County on a fill in basis. The Investigations Division, Narcotics Enforcement Unit (CNEU and
CHAPTER 4.14 – PUBLIC SERVICES
4.14 - 1
November 2012
CALMMET) and Animal Services are also overseen by the Sheriff’s Department and are located
at separate offices in San Andreas.
In addition to the programs described above, the Sheriff’s Department includes the following
additional programs:
 Calaveras Methamphetamine Enforcement Team (CALMET)
 Special Enforcement Team (SET)
 Bicycle Patrol
 Dive Rescue and Recovery Team
 SWAT Team
 Hostage Negotiations Team (HNT)
 Off-Highway Vehicle Patrol (OHV)
 Search and Rescue (SAR)
 Volunteer Unit
 Reserve Deputies Program
 Chaplains Program
As indicated in Table 4.14-1, currently, the Sheriff’s Department has a total of 89 paid staff and
72 volunteers.
Table 4.14-1
Calaveras County Sherriff’s Department Staff & Positions
Sheriff
Captains
Lieutenants
Sergeants
Corporals
Deputies
Records Manager
Budget Analyst
Sheriff Service Technicians
CSI/Evidence Room Manager
Lead Mechanic
Senior Dispatchers
Dispatch Clerks
X-Hire Dispatch Clerk
Correctional Sergeants
Correctional Corporals
Correctional Officers/Matrons
Correctional Cooks
Total Paid Staff
1
2
2
9
11
24
1
1
6
1
1
3
8
1
2
4
10
2
89
4.14 - 2
November 2012
Volunteers
Search and Rescue
Sheriff Volunteer Unit
Patrol Volunteers
Office Volunteers
Reserve Deputies
Chaplains
30
20
7
12
3
Source: Calaveras County Sheriff’s Department May and November 2012.
The Sheriff Department’s current response time goal for emergency calls is 11-13 minutes. In
2011, the Department received 35,343 calls for service with an average response time of 41
minutes.1
Crime Statistics
Crime statistics for the County are tabulated on a year-to-date basis. Crime statistics for the 2011
calendar year are shown below in Table 4.14-2.
Table 4.14-2
Crime Statistics for 2011
Classification
2006 Year Total
Homicide
1
Rape
10
Robbery
10
Assault
575
Burglary
331
Larceny
399
Motor Theft
8
Domestic Violence
152
Total
1334
Source: Calaveras County Sheriff’s Department, May 2012.
2011 Year Total
1
14
8
329
314
655
5
170
1496
5 Year Change in Crime
0
+4
-2
-246
-17
+256
-3
+18
+162
Calaveras County Jail
The current Calaveras County Jail was built in 1963. The jail was originally constructed to house
45 male inmates, 4 female inmates, and 10 juvenile inmates. While housing units were assigned
for the female population, typically female inmates were housed in the Amador County Jail.
From 1963 until 1980 sworn deputies rotated time between staffing the jail and patrol duties.
Deputies also staffed the 911/dispatch center as part of the jail until a new dispatch unit was
added in the early 1980s. Correctional officers took over the duties of the jail in 1980.
Due to growth in the community, more bed space was required in the jail. Thus, in 1983, the first
modifications to the jail were set in motion. A new male housing wing was added and an
existing wing was converted to house the growing population of female inmates. Modifications
and additions were done to the kitchen, visitation room, and laundry rooms, along with the
4.14 - 3
November 2012
construction of a library. A secure exercise yard was also added. Even with these expanded
facilities, population growth overwhelmed the jail and dangerous jail overpopulation situations
were occurring. A population cap was placed on the jail in 1993 by the Calaveras County
Superior courts to help control the overpopulation problems.
In 1999 the jail experienced its second expansion push with the addition of a maximum-security
wing. This wing was built to separate the more violent offenders from the general jail population.
The jail also had increased safety features to aid the correctional staff. Even with the addition of
more beds, overpopulation problems have continued. Plans for a new jail have been in the works
for several years. With the passage of Assembly Bill 900 (Public Safety and Offender
Rehabilitation Services Act of 2007) and the passing of a local bond measure to leverage AB 900
funding, the Sheriff’s Department and County have placed themselves in the best possible
position to obtain funding for a new jail. In the November 4, 2007 elections, voters in Calaveras
County passed Measure J. Measure J allows the County to issue $31 million dollars of bonds to
construct a new County Sheriff’s jail, 911 dispatch center, and support facilities. Since that time
the County and consultants have completed the design and started construction of the project
which consists of a new 76,500 square foot adult detention facility and a 41,500 square foot
Sheriff’s Office building. State funding from AB 900 has been established in the amount of
$26,387,591. The total budget for the project is currently $58,977,963. Construction of these
facilities will provide jail facilities that will meet the needed jail inmate capacity. According to
the March 31, 2012 Project Report, as of March 31, 2012 construction of the jail and Sheriff’s
Office project is approximately 22 percent complete with completion of the project anticipated in
November 2013.2
Emergency Communication
Efficient functioning of both voice and data communications systems are vital to the ongoing
mission of Calaveras County public services. The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office has
traditionally used VHF Low Band (approx. 45MHz) for voice radio communications due to the
fact that Low Band’s coverage historically had a distinct advantage over higher frequencies in
terrain like Calaveras County. Designed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, over the years,
coverage has degraded in many communities. In response the Sheriff’s Office expanded from a
two (2) Repeater system to four (4) Repeater sites with voted multicast features. County owned
Repeater sites at Ross Drive and Blue Mountain operate half of the Low Band repeaters and
leased sites from the Department of General Services at Sierra Vista and Fowler Peak house the
other two Sheriff’s Office Low Band repeaters. The voice quality of the Low Band system
continues to degrade as populated areas of the county locate beyond the boundaries that the radio
system was originally engineered to serve, or new development locates where no repeating
towers exist to carry the signal.
New towers are needed or current towers need to be retrofitted to expand the geographic radio
coverage as well as enhance a system that is limited with current technology. The Low Band
system is no longer providing adequate county-wide communications, and the single voice
channel cannot be expanded to more channels as well as lacks interoperability with adjoining
4.14 - 4
November 2012
county Sheriff’s Offices. Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office is working on the build out of a VHF
High Band system with the implementation of two (2) repeaters at the Sierra Vista and Fowler
Peak locations, but complete build-out of a county wide system is still needed. Additionally, the
Sheriff’s Office is enhancing county-wide technology opportunities with the construction of a
county owned microwave system that currently serves the south-western portion of Calaveras
County. This system is being developed with ample bandwidth to provide technology for all
Calaveras County public services and is currently being utilized to stream mission critical
information to mobile data terminals in the Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicles. Again, in order for
expansion of the microwave system, new towers are needed or current towers need to be
retrofitted to expand the geographic coverage.
Fire Protection and Emergency Response
Fire Operations Facilities
Calaveras County is divided into nine (9) different fire districts; the incorporated City of Angels
operates the Angels Camp Fire Department. Central Calaveras Fire District provides services for
areas outside the 9 fire district boundaries. In addition to the County districts, the California
Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) serves the County. Figure 4.14-1 shows
the locations of fire response facilities and the boundaries of the different fire districts. Fire
response facilities in Figure 4.14-1 are defined as follows:
 Fire Department: These facilities are operated by local town/community Fire Protection
Districts. For example, F23 “Copperopolis Fire Protection District Station” is operated
by the Copperopolis Fire Protection District.
 Forest Fire Station: These facilities are operated primarily by CAL FIRE and include
Hermit Springs Forest Fire Station, West Point Forest Fire Station, Esperanza Forest Fire
Station, Arnold Forest Fire Station, Valley Springs Forest Fire Station, Murphys Forest
Fire Station, Altaville Forest Fire Station and Copperopolis Forest Fire Station.
 Look Out: These facilities are operated by CAL FIRE and include the Blue Mountain
Look Out in Arnold, the Sierra Vista Look Out in San Andreas, and the Fowler Peak
Look Out in City of Angels.
4.14 - 5
El Dorado
49
þ
}
|
·
Sacramento
Figure 4.14-1
FIRE DISTRICTS
AND
FACILITIES
88
þ
}
|
·
Amador
88
þ
}
|
·
88
þ
}
|
·
F09
Mokelumne Hill
12
þ
}
|
·
^
F20
Burson
F25
San
Joaquin
!
^
!
^
F33
F38
San Andreas
!
F32
^!
!
F08
^
!
F36
Jenn
y
^
!
Lind
F35
F07
F19
Dorrington
!
!
Mountain Ranch
!
Jenny Lind
!
Arnold
!
^
F04 !
! F18
F10
!
^
Sheep Ranch
F26
þ
}
|
·
F31
F12
Murphys
F37
F01
!
!
Angels Camp
F02
!
^
F03
!
!
F34
Copperopolis
^
!!
F29
F30
!
^
!
F13
Stanislaus
!!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
108
þ
}
|
·
Roads
Lakes
Conservation Corps
Fire Department
Forest Fire Stations
Look Out
Cal Fire HQ
US Forest Service
Fire Districts
Altaville Melones
Central Calaveras
!!
F22
þ4
}
|
·
þ4
}
|
·
Tuolumne
Highways
Facilities
F17
49
!
F15
^
F16
Towns
Calaveras County
Boundary
City of
Angels Camp
Tamarack
^
!
Valley Springs
!
!
Rail Road Flat
|
þ
}
·
Alpine
F23
F06
F21
!
^
^
F05
F24
þ
}
|
·
! West Point
!
^
! F40
Glencoe
26
þ
}
|
·
Wallace
!
^
26
þ
}
|
·
F27
^
!
Legend
F41
F39
F1
F2
F3
F4
F5
F6
F7
F8
F9
F10
F11
F12
F13
F14
F15
F16
F17
F18
F19
F20
F21
F22
Fire Response Facilities
Altaville Forest Fire Station
F23 Hermit Springs Forest Fire Station
Altaville-Melones Fire Station
F24 Jenney Lind Fire Station #1
Angels City Fire Station
Arnold Forest Fire Station
Blue Mountain Look Out
F27 Mokelumne Hill Fire Station #1
Central Calaveras Fire Station #1
F28 Murphys Fire Station #1
F29 Murphys Fire Station #2
F30 Murphys Forest Fire Station
F31 San Andreas Fire Station
F32 Sierra Vista Look Out
Copperopolis Fire Station #1
F33 Stanislaus National Forest
Calaveras District Office
F34 Stanislaus National Forest
Copperopolis Forest Fire Station
Dorrington Station
Ebbetts Pass Fire Station #1
F35 Tuolmne-Calaveras
Regional Unit HQ
F36 Vallecito Conservation Corps
F37 Valley Springs Forest Fire Station
Esperanza Forest Fire Station
F38 West Point Fire Station #1
Foothill Fire Station #1
F39 West Point Fire Station #2
Foothill Fire Station #2
F40 West Point Forest Fire Station
Fowler Peak Look Out
Protected by Central
Copperopolis
Ebbetts Pass
Calaveras Consolidated
Mokelumne Hill
Murphys
San Andreas
West Point
Alpine
Amador
El Dorado
Sacramento
San Joaquin
Stanislaus
Tuolumne
R:\Projects\PLANNING\GP\PROJECTS\COMMUNITY_PLANS\FIRE.MXD
108
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}
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 CDF Regional Unit HQ: The Tuolumne-Calaveras Regional Unit HQ is the only facility
in this category. This facility is located in San Andreas and is operated by CAL FIRE.
 US Forest Service: Two U.S. Forest Service facilities are located in the County. The
facilities are Stanislaus National Forest Dorrington Fire Station and Stanislaus National
Forest Calaveras District Station. Both of these facilities are operated by the United
States Forest Service.
Mokelumne Hill Fire Protection District
The Mokelumne Hill Fire Protection District (FPD) serves an approximate 34-square mile area.
This District includes the towns of Mokelumne Hill and Paloma, as well as subdivisions and the
populations east and west on State Route 26 and north and south on State Route 49. The District
is served by an elected Board of Directors and an appointed Fire Chief.
Mokelumne Hill FPD has one fire station, located at 8160 Church Street in Mokelumne Hill.
The District has plans for a second station in the Paloma area.3 In addition to the Fire Chief,
staffing consists of two part-time paid staff: one Captain and one firefighter. Only one person is
on at any time. Currently, a total of 12 volunteer firefighters are on the District’s roster. Station
equipment includes two Type 3 engines, two Type 2 engines, one Type 1 engine, one 3,000
gallon water tender, one light rescue vehicle, and one command vehicle. Target response times
for the District are 3-5 minutes for in town areas and 5-10 minutes for out of town areas. The
District currently is able to meet these response time goals. The District receives approximately
235 calls for response annually, including rescue, medical response, wildland fire, structure fire,
and vehicle accident calls.
The Insurance Service Office (ISO), through their Public Protection Classification Program
(PPC), issues ratings to Fire Departments throughout the country for the effectiveness of their
fire protection services and equipment to protect their community. The ISO rating is a numerical
grading system and is one of the primary elements used by the insurance industry to develop
premium rates for residential and commercial businesses. ISO collects information on municipal
fire protection efforts in communities throughout the United States. In each of those
communities, ISO analyzes data using a Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS) and then
assigns a Public Protection Classification from 1 to 10. Class 1 generally represents superior
property fire protection and Class 10 indicates that the area's fire suppression program does not
meet ISO's minimum criteria. The District’s ISO rating is 5 in town and 8 out of town.
The District has auto-aid agreements with San Andreas FPD, Central Calaveras Fire & Rescue
Protection District, Foothill FPD, and West Point FPD.
4.14 - 7
November 2012
Murphys Fire Protection District
Murphys Fire Protection District serves the communities of Murphys, Douglas Flat, and
Vallecito and surrounding rural areas, with a total service area of approximately 46 square miles.
The District is a volunteer organization with a part-time fire chief, part-time secretary, and 35
volunteers. The District includes two stations. Station 1 (District Headquarters) is located at 37
Jones Street in Murphys; and Station 2 is located at 3224 Main Street in Vallecito. Equipment
consists of the following:






Two Type I engines
Two Type II engines
Two Type III engines
One Type 1 3,000 gallon water tender
One firefighter support unit
Four command vehicles
The District has no established response time goal given that all calls for service are responded to
by volunteers. Response time average for the District is 7-8 minutes 80 percent of the time.4 In
2011, a total of 466 calls for service were received by the District.
The District’s current ISO rating is 5 in areas where hydrants are located within 1,000 feet and 8
outside of these areas. Murphys FPD currently has mutual and automatic aid agreements with all
neighboring fire agencies, including Ebbetts Pass FD, Altaville-Melones FD, Angels Camp FD,
Central Calaveras Fire & Rescue Protection District, and CAL FIRE.
Copperopolis Fire Protection District
The Copperopolis Fire Protection District (FPD) provides structural fire protection services
(including houses, commercial buildings, and related structures), support for wildland fire
protection services, and emergency medical services to an area of approximately 187 square
miles. Copperopolis FPD has offered fire protection since 1937 when the Fire District was
formed as an independent special district. In addition, Copperopolis FPD maintains an
emergency heliport at its Main Street Station. The District also provides advanced life support
(ALS) and first response emergency medical service, as well as first response involving
hazardous material spills. The District currently has three stations. Staff includes a chief, one
captain, three engineers, 15 per-diem paramedics, two interns, and twenty volunteer firefighters.
Equipment and staffing for the three stations are shown below in Table 4.14-3. The District
obtains its funding primarily from secured taxes, service charges, and special taxes.
4.14 - 8
November 2012
Table 4.14-3
Copperopolis Fire Protection District Staffing and Equipment2011
Station
Location
Staff Per Shift
1
370 Main Street,
Copperopolis
2
1927 Quiver Street,
Copperopolis
3
9164 Pool Station
Road
Equipment
One (1) paid officer, 1 intern, and
volunteers. Station is staffed 24
hours a day/7 days a week
One (1) paid officer, 1 intern, &
volunteers. One (1) paramedic,
paid or per diem, is always on
duty. Station is usually staffed 24
hours a day/7 days a week
Volunteers
Three (3) engines, 1 water
tender, miscellaneous
support vehicles
Two (2) engines, 1 medic
unit
One (1) engine
Source: Chief Jeff Millar, Copperopolis Fire Protection District, May 2012
The District has established a goal of a 7-minute response time for incidents. Depending on the
type of incident, services could be drawn from one, two, or all three of the District’s stations.
The District indicated it is difficult to achieve the 7-minute response time goal due to the
geographic diversity of the area served. Actual response times vary from 2-20 minutes,
depending upon the location of the incident. Similarly, the location of the incident (i.e., distance
to nearest station and fire hydrant) affects the District’s ISO rating, which range from 7 to 10.
The overall call volume trend has rapidly increased each year for the past 25 years,
corresponding with a population increase in the Copperopolis area. Fire calls have not increased
as rapidly as medical aid calls. From 1980 to 2011 the total call volume increased from 60
incidents to 476 incidents. From the three-year period of 2009-2011, the District averaged 460
calls per year, with an average of 420 emergency calls and 40 non-emergency calls. A
breakdown of incidents in 2011 is shown below in Table 4.14-4.
Table 4.14-4
2011 Copperopolis Fire Protection District Incidents
Type of Call
Structure Fires
Wildland Fires
Vehicle Fires
Vehicle Accidents
Mutual Aid
Medical Aid
Others
Total
Number of Calls
12
25
7
48
4
318
61
476
Source: Chief Jeff Millar, Copperopolis Fire Protection District,
May 2012
4.14 - 9
November 2012
West Point Fire Protection District
The West Point Fire Protection District (FPD) provides firefighting and EMT/Medical Response
services to the towns of West Point and Wilseyville, with a total service area of approximately
110 square miles. The District includes two fire stations: 195 Spink Road in West Point; and
3910 Railroad Flat Road in Wilseyville. Staffing consists of one part-time paid chief, two paid
captains, one paid engineer, three interns, one volunteer captain, 1 volunteer engineer, and 12
volunteer firefighters. The West Point station is staffed on a 24/7 basis, while the Wilseyville
station is staffed by volunteers who live in the community. The District does not have a
recommended staffing standard. Equipment consists of two Type 1 engines, one Type 2 engine,
one Type 3 engine, one Type 2 water tender, one utility vehicle and one Chief’s vehicle. Funding
for this District primarily comes from secured taxes and special taxes.
West Point FPD currently achieves its response time goal of three minutes for emergency calls.5
On average, West Point FPD receives approximately 400 service calls per year. The District’s
current ISO rating is 5 in hydranted areas and 8B in non-hydranted areas. The District has
automatic mutual aid agreements with CAL FIRE, Central Calaveras Fire & Rescue Protection
District, and Mokelumne Hill FPD.
Calaveras Consolidated Fire Authority6
Calaveras Consolidated Fire Authority recently formed as a result of a joint powers agreement
(JPA) between the Foothill Fire Protection District and Jenny Lind Fire Protection District,
which was effective July 1, 2012. Final merging of the two Districts is expected to occur within
the next year after LAFCO approval is obtained. The resultant service area of the JPA will cover
approximately 163 square miles.
The Calaveras Consolidated Fire Authority operates out of 5 fire stations:
Station 1- 3255 Helisma Road in Burson
Station 2- 129 E SR 12 in Valley Springs.
Station 3- 6501 Jenny Lind Road in Jenny Lind.
Station 4- 2232 Danaher Drive in Valley Springs.
Station 5- 11823 Main Street in Jenny Lind.
Station 3 is designated as the District Headquarters and contains the District’s administrative
offices, training room, living quarters, as well as emergency equipment.
Staffing is provided by 1 part time Fire Chief, 1 part time District Clerk, 1 full time Deputy Chief
and two firefighters out of Station 2 in Valley Springs, and two out of Station 3 in Jenny Lind
24/7. Additional hours of operation are handled by volunteer personnel. Currently, the District’s
total roster of volunteer personnel is 40 volunteers. The District has a recommended staffing
standard of one Chief Officer and two firefighters at each of the Valley Springs and Jenny Lind
Fire Stations 24/7. The available equipment for Calaveras Consolidated Fire is as follows:
4.14 - 10
November 2012
Station 1
 One Type 3 Wild Land engine
 One 55-foot ladder truck
 One 3,000 gallon water tender
 One Type 1 (1,500 gpm Pumper)
 Two Staff pickups
Station 2
 One Type 3 Wild Land engine/rescue
Station 3
 One 3,000 gallon water tender
 Three Utility vehicles
Station 4
Station 5
 Storage
A majority of the District’s funding is provided by fees that are collected with property taxes on
a per-parcel basis, with some funding coming from specific ownership taxes, gifts and grants,
response fees, other fees, and interest earnings on invested cash balances.
The District uses a response time goal of 4 minutes. The actual response time from dispatch to
on-scene is now 4:46 minutes. The District averaged 1,400 emergency calls over the last year
(2011 to 2012).
The District’s current ISO rating is 6 in areas where fire hydrants are within 1,000 feet and 8
where hydrants are not within 1,000 feet. Calaveras Consolidated has formal mutual aid and
automatic mutual aid agreements with neighboring fire districts, including San Andreas FPD
(auto aid–structure fires only), Linden, and Clements FD (mutual aid on request).
Ebbetts Pass Fire District
The Ebbetts Pass Fire District covers an approximate 205-square mile area. The western
boundary lies at an elevation of approximately 2000 feet above sea-level east of Murphys and the
eastern boundary terminates at the Alpine County line at an elevation of approximately 8000
feet above sea-level. The southern border adjoins the Tuolumne County border and the North
4.14 - 11
November 2012
Fork of the Stanislaus River Canyon. California Highway 4 bisects the District and runs
approximately 40 miles from the eastern boundary to the western boundary. The District
provides ALS service and transport to the western section of Alpine County including Bear
Valley, the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness, and Mokelumne River Canyon Wilderness. This adds
approximately 400 square miles to the District's response area. Additionally, the Ebbetts Pass
Fire District provides mutual aid response to wildland and structure fire to the areas of Alpine
County and the Murphys Fire District.
The District has four fire stations, two of which are staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with
full-time paid firefighters and firefighter paramedics, which provide structural and wildland fire
protection and ambulance service. The Ebbetts Pass Fire District is a combination fire
department with both paid division and volunteer division. The paid division has a staff of 24,
breaking down into 21 firefighter/firefighter-paramedics, a Fire Chief, an Executive
Administrator, and a part-time Fire Prevention Officer. The volunteer division currently shows a
roster of 25 volunteers, 6 college interns and 2 cadets. Additionally, the District has a 5-member
Board of Directors. The breakdown of positions is as follows:







1 Fire Chief
3 Battalion Chiefs
3 Captains (2 of whom are paramedics)
7 Engineers (3 of whom are paramedics)
35 Firefighters (9 of whom are paramedics)
1 Executive Administrator
1 Prevention Officer
Additionally the Ebbetts Pass Fire Protection provides the following services to the communities
of the Ebbetts Pass Fire District:

Fire Suppression – EPFD provides structural, vehicle and wildland fire suppression.

Emergency Medical Response – EPFD provides paramedic level response to medical
emergencies from Engine Company Based Paramedics and Paramedic Transport Units.
EPFD equips five fully stocked paramedic rescue units including Paramedic Level
Defibrillators, Medications, Advanced Airway Management Equipment as well as the
Basic Life Support Bandaging and Splinting Supplies.

Technical Rescue Response – EPFD provides industry standard Water Rescue, Over the
Bank Rope Rescue, Structural Collapse Response Rescue as well as Vehicle Extrication
Rescue to our diverse response area.

Hazardous Materials Response – EPFD provides First Responder Operations level
response to Hazardous Materials Response.
4.14 - 12
November 2012

Fire Prevention and Code Enforcement – EPFD inspects all multi-residential and
commercial occupancies on an annual basis for compliance with the California Fire
Code.

Regional Emergency Command and Control – The EPFD main station training classroom
is designed to be used as a regional Emergency Operations Center.

Education of the Community – EPFD personnel provide First Aid, CPR/AED training for
the community. All aspects of the American Heart Association’s Chain of Survival are
provided by EPFD.
Staffing and equipment at each fire station within the district is shown below in Table 4.14-5.
Table 4.14-5
Ebbetts Pass Fire District Staffing and Equipment
Station
Number
Location
Staff Per Shift
1
1037 Blagen Road,
Arnold
Staffed 24/7 with a minimum of
five full time paid firefighters;
7-10 volunteers.
2
5510 Meko Drive, Camp
Connell
3-4 volunteers
3
40 Canyon View Drive,
Hathaway Pines
2038 Moran Road, Arnold
Staffed 24/7 with two full time
paid firefighters; 5-6 volunteers
4-5 volunteers
4
Equipment
Two Type 1Fire Engines
One Type 2 Fire Engine
One 105' Aerial Truck
One Water Tender
Three Ambulances
One Squad/Rescue Vehicle
Four Utility Vehicles
One Snowplow
One Ambulance
One Snowplow
One Ambulance
One Type 1 fire engine
Source: Chief David Baugher, Ebbetts Pass Fire District, April 2012
The Ebbetts Pass Fire District staffing standards are specified in the District's Policy Manual.
However, The District has not determined current or projected firefighter/population service
ratios and does not utilize firefighter/population ratios to determine level of service. Funding for
the District is provided through secured/unsecured taxes, special taxes, and service charges.
Due to the varied topography, elevation and geography of the District, it is difficult to have
targeted response times. Chain controls are routinely in place along State Route 4 during the
winter. Per the provider contract with Calaveras County the District is broken down into 25
separate response zones with response times ranging from 8-42 minutes. The average response
time is not to exceed 13 minutes for the entire District and responses to each zone is monitored
on a monthly basis. The Ebbetts Pass Fire District has not exceeded the contracted average
response time.7
4.14 - 13
November 2012
Service call volumes for the past three years are as follows:
Table 4.14-6
Ebbetts Pass Fire District Service Calls
Year
Calls
Average/Day
2009
1088
2.9
2010
1172
3.2
2011
1147
3.2
Source: Chief David Baugher, Ebbetts Pass Fire District, April 2012
The Ebbetts Pass Fire District maintains an ISO rating of 4 in hydranted areas (i.e., hydrant
within 1,000 feet) and 8 in non-hydranted areas. The District has automatic and/or mutual aid
agreements with CAL FIRE, the United States Forest Service (USFS), Alpine County/Bear
Valley, Murphys Fire Protection District, and all other Calaveras County Fire Districts.
San Andreas Fire Protection District
The San Andreas Fire Protection District (FPD) has been providing service to the community of
San Andreas since 1858. San Andreas FPD has one fire station consisting of two main buildings.
The first building houses the office and headquarters and is located at 37 Churchill Road. The
second building houses equipment and apparatus and is located at 20 East Saint Charles. The
main building at 37 Churchill Road houses two Type 1 engines, two Type 2 engines, three Type
3 engines, one water tender, one rescue unit, three command and two utility vehicles, and 1 quint
engine. San Andreas FPD includes a total of 36 personnel. The staffing breakdown is as follows:
three Chief Officers, five Captains, eight engineers, and 20 firefighters. A majority of the
funding for the District comes from fees that are collected with property taxes on a per-parcel
basis.
The District has established a goal of a 3-minute response time for incidents. The District has
indicated that it is difficult to achieve the 3-minute response time goal and actual response times
range from 5-8 minutes.8 In 2011, a total of 942 calls for service were received by the District.
The District’s current ISO rating is 5 within five miles of the station and 8 beyond 5 miles. San
Andreas FPD has mutual aid agreements with six surrounding communities: Mokelumne Hill
FPD, Central Calaveras Fire & Rescue, Foothill FPD/Jenny Lind FPD, Altaville-Melones FPD,
and Angels City Fire. Additionally, the District has a mutual aid agreement with CAL FIRE
units within Calaveras County and participates in the State Wide Master Mutual Aid Agreement
administered by CAL-EMA.
4.14 - 14
November 2012
Altaville-Melones Fire Protection District
The Altaville-Melones Fire Protection District (FPD) serves an approximate area of 82 square
miles and consists of two fire stations: Station 1 is located at 144 Monte Verde Street, Angels
Camp; and Station 2 is located at 3424 Main Street, Vallecito, CA. The District is comprised of
two part-time staff and 20 volunteers. Equipment consists of two Type 1 engines, two Type 3
engines, one rescue vehicle, and one water tender. Funding is provided by secured taxes and
development impact fees.
The District established a 5-10 minute response time goal. The District indicated that actual
response times range from 5-12 minutes.9 In 2011, a total of 370 calls for emergency service
were received by the District.
The District’s current ISO rating is 5 within hydranted areas and 8 within rural areas. AltavilleMelones FPD is a signatory to the State Master Mutual Aid Plan. Additionally, the District has
auto aid agreements with the City of Angels, Murphys FPD, and San Andreas FPD.
Central Calaveras Fire & Rescue Protection District
Central Calaveras Fire & Rescue Protection District has been providing services since 1999 to
the communities of Glencoe, Rail Road Flat, Eagle Ridge Ranch/Airport, Mountain Ranch, and
Sheep Ranch, with a total service area of approximately 152 square miles.10 The District
provides fire suppression and rescue operations of all types (structural, wildland, aircraft,
vehicle, and over-the-bank rescue), as well as EMS, basic life support (BLS), hazardous material
response/decontamination support, and has members assigned to the County’s fire investigation
unit. The District also assists in local fire code enforcement, and presents public education and
safety programs to local schools and businesses.
The District has five stations, as follows:
 Station #1: 19927 Jesus Maria Road, Mokelumne Hill (headquarters)
 Station #2: 6338 Swiss Ranch Road, Mountain Ranch
 Station #3: 8041 Washington Street, Mountain Ranch
 Station #4: 15815 Hwy 26, Mokelumne Hill
 Station #5: 11309 Sheep Ranch Road, Sheep Ranch
Currently, the District has 22 personnel, consisting of the following: one part-time Fire Chief,
two paid Fire Captains, one paid Firefighter/Apparatus Operator, one paid Administrative
Assistant, four resident volunteer firefighters, 12 volunteer firefighters, and one volunteer
Cartographer. At least one paid firefighter is on duty 24 hours a day. District-wide, the
equipment consists of one Type 1 Engine, one Type 2 Engine, two Type 3 engines, one patrol,
one water tender, and three command / utility vehicles. Secured taxes and special taxes provide
funding for the District.
4.14 - 15
November 2012
The District has established a 10 minute response time goal for emergencies and 15 minutes for
non-emergencies. The District indicated that actual response times average 15 minutes for
emergencies and 17 minutes for non-emergencies.11 In 2011, a total of 277 calls for emergency
service and 46 calls for non-emergency service were received by the District.
The District’s current ISO rating is 8 district-wide. The District currently has mutual aid
agreements with San Andreas FPD, Mokelumne Hill FPD, and West Point FPD.
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (“CAL FIRE”)
CAL FIRE is responsible for fire protection within State Responsibility Areas (SRA). SRAs are
found in 56 of California’s 58 counties and total more than 31 million acres. A majority of
Calaveras County is located within an SRA. The town of San Andreas and the City of Angels
Camp are within Local Responsibility Areas (LRAs). U.S. Forest Service lands in the eastern
portion of the County are covered by Federal Responsibility Areas (FRAs). FRA lands in
Calaveras County are protected by the Stanislaus National Forest Fire Management Unit. CAL
FIRE provides protection against wildland fires, such as forest and grassland fires on areas
within the county designated as an SRA. CAL FIRE stations within the County provide a broad
range of fire suppression equipment and crews. Station locations are shown in Figure 4.14-1
above.
Schools
Calaveras Unified School District
Calaveras Unified School District is composed of the following schools: Calaveras High School,
Jenny Lind Elementary School, Mokelumne Hill Elementary School, Railroad Flat Elementary
School, San Andreas Elementary School, Toyon Middle School, Valley Springs Elementary
School and West Point Elementary School (See Figure 4.14-2). Additionally, the following
Alternative Education Programs are part of this district: Gold Strike High School, Jenny Lind
Alternative High School, and Sierra Hills Educational Center.
The current student to teacher ratio is 25 students per one teacher for preschool and grades K-3.
The ratio for grades 4-12 is 30 students per one teacher. The recommended ratios are the same
as the current ratios. As such, the district is meeting the standard. In terms of new students, the
students per household yield factor is 0.5 students per home. The current school developer fee
per square foot of residential land use is $3.20 per square foot
4.14 - 16
El Dorado
49
þ
}
|
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Sacramento
Figure 4.14-2
88
þ
}
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SCHOOL DISTRICTS
AND
EDUCATIONAL
FACILITIES
Amador
88
þ
}
|
·
88
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}
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Glencoe
Mokelumne Hill
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12
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Burson
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Valley Springs
San
Joaquin
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Rail Road Flat
S13
S26
S27
San Andreas
S30
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Mountain Ranch
S21
Sheep Ranch
Jenny Lind
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49
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Arnold ^
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Copperopolis
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!
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S4
Calaveras Unified
School District
Mark Twain Union
Elementary School
District
Education Facilities
S1
S2
S3
S4
S5
S6
S7
S8
S9
S10
S11
S12
S13
S14
S15
S16
S17
Albert Michelson Elementary School Grade K-5
Angels Creek Community Day School
Arnold High School
Avery Middle School Grade 6-8
Bret Harte Union High School District
Bret Harte Union High School Grade 9-12
Calaveras County Office of Education
Calaveras High School Grade 9-12
Calaveras Unified School District
Community Day School
Copper Cove High School
Copperopolis Elementary School Grade K-6
Gold Strike High School Grade 10-12
Hazel Fisher Elementary School Grade K-5
Home School Academy
Jenny Lind Alternative High School Grade 9-12
Jenny Lind Elementary School Grade K-6
S18
S19
S20
S21
S22
S23
S24
S25
S26
S27
S28
S29
S30
S31
S32
S33
S34
S35
Mark Twain Union Elementary School District
Mark Twain Union Elementary School Grade K-8
Mokelume Hill Elementary School Grade K-6
Mountain Oaks School
Mountain Ranch Community School
Oakendell Court School
Rail Road Flat Elementary School Grade K-6
Rite of Passage -ATCS
San Andreas Elementary School Grade K-6
Sierra Hills Education Center
Special Education Administration Unit
Toyon Middle School Grade 7 & 8
Transition Program
Vallecito High School
Vallecito Union School District
Valley Springs Elementary School Grade K-6
West Point Alternative High School Grade 9-12
West Point Elementary School Grade K-6
Vallecito Union
School District
Alpine
Amador
El Dorado
Sacramento
San Joaquin
Stanislaus
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Tuolumne
R:\Projects\PLANNING\GP\PROJECTS\COMMUNITY_PLANS\EDUCATION.MXD
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Schools
Bret Harte Union
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108
108
School District
Offices
School Districts
Murphys
S15
Roads
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Highways
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k
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Towns
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Tamarack
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R:\Projects\PLANNING\GP\PROJECTS\COMMUNITY_PLANS\PLOTS\EDUCATION_111912.PDF
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School Enrollment and Capacity
The District currently employs 152.5 teachers to serve 3,214 students. The District has capacity
for 3,080 additional students.12 The breakdown by school is shown in Table 4.14-7 below.
Table 4.14-7
2012 Enrollment and Additional Capacity for Calaveras Unified School District
School
Enrollment
Additional Capacity
Teachers
Jenny Lind Elementary
569
421
21
Valley Springs Elementary
478
457
18
San Andreas Elementary
268
257
9
Railroad Flat Elementary
68
101
3
West Point Elementary
84
140
4
Mokelumne Hill Elementary
103
151
4
Toyon Middle School
504
236
21
Calaveras High School
1034
369
46
Gold Strike Alt. High School
48
72
3
Jenny Lind Alt. High School
12
44
1
Sierra Hills Education Center
40
20
2
Source: Personal email communication with Mark Campbell, Superintendent, Calaveras Unified School District,
April 5 and August 23, 2012.
As indicated in Table 4.14-7, the existing school capacities within the District are adequate to
meet the current student population.
Bret Harte Union High School District
Bret Harte Union High School District includes Bret Harte Union High School (comprehensive),
Vallecito High School (continuation) and John Vierra High School (independent study).
The current student to teacher ratio within the district is 19 students per one teacher. The
District’s recommended standard is 27 to 1, which is the State standard. As such, the district is
exceeding the standard. In terms of new students, the most recent developer fee justification
study indicated a 0.2 student generation factor from new home construction. The current school
developer fee for residential land use is $2.77 per square foot and for commercial uses the fee is
$0.47 per square foot.
The current enrollment and capacity statistics for the District are shown in Table 4.14-8 below.
4.14 - 18
November 2012
Table 4.14-8
2012 Enrollment and Capacity for Bret Harte Union High School
District
School
Enrollment
Total Capacity
Bret Harte High School
688
1,080
Vallecito High School
45
60
John Vierra High School
22
40
Source: Personal email communication with Lucinda Brower, Technology Director,
Bret Harte Union High School District, April 5 and August 23, 2012.
As indicated in Table 4.14-8, the existing school capacities within the District are adequate to
meet current student population. The District currently has seven portables, but the portables will
be replaced with a permanent classroom building. Construction is scheduled to begin in June
2012.
Mark Twain Union Elementary School District
The Mark Twain Union Elementary School District consists of two major communities: the City
of Angels and Copperopolis. The District includes the following two schools:
 Mark Twain Elementary School (K-8): Capacity of approximately 610 students.
Currently 555 students with 21 teachers. The Calaveras County Office of Education also
operates 2 classrooms with 23 students and 2 teachers on campus.
 Copperopolis Elementary School (K-6): Capacity of approximately 290 students.
Currently, 267 students with 11 teachers. Copperopolis Elementary School is comprised
entirely of portable units.
The District’s student to teacher ratio goals are 20 students per teacher for grades K-3 and 28
students per teacher for grades 4-8. The K-3 Class Size Reduction program class size limits have
been relaxed by the State allowing slightly larger class sizes with graduated funding penalties as
class sizes increase. The District currently maintains the ratio in the K-3 grades at or below 25 to
1. Recommended standards in upper grades are based on the numbers of special needs students,
grade make-up (single grade versus combination grade classrooms), and other criteria. Funding
reductions and other factors have required increases in ratios above targeted goals in upper grade
classes. The following special programs are offered through the Mark Twain Union Elementary
School District at the Mark Twain and Copperopolis sites (Mark Twain Union Elementary
School District 2012):
 Learning Center: Students may receive academic support in the Learning Centers under
the supervision of our Resource Specialist Teachers. Students are grouped based on
academic need and receive instruction in a small group setting. The Learning Centers are
very successful in providing students with direct instruction in both reading/language arts
and mathematics.
4.14 - 19
November 2012
 English Language Development: Students identified as English Learners receive support
within their classrooms and additional English Language Development in a small group
setting.
 Speech Therapist Services: The speech and language therapist is available on a regular
basis to evaluate students to determine needs and provide services when necessary in the
speech and language areas.
 Psychologist: The primary purpose of the psychologist is to assess children who may
have identified learning needs. Services are provided on an as-needed basis. The
psychologist also provides counseling and support services on the Mark Twain
Elementary campus.
 School Counselor: The school counselor provides services to students, staff, and parents
at Copperopolis Elementary School. Such support includes peer support, group and
individual counseling, and family consultation. The counselor develops and implements
character education programs for the school sites.
 Mental Health Services: In collaboration with Calaveras County Mental Health, mental
health services are provided to eligible students on the Mark Twain campus.
Vallecito Union School District
The Vallecito Union School District is comprised of two K-5 schools (Hazel Fischer Elementary
and Albert Michelson Elementary) and one 6-8 middle school (Avery Middle School, located in
Avery).
In regards to new housing development within the district, the District uses a student generation
factor of 0.5 students per household (0.4 for K-6 and 0.1 for 7-8). A fee of $2.97 per square foot
for residential construction and a fee of $0.47 per square foot for commercial/industrial
construction are currently assessed on applicable permits pulled in the District. The 2012
Developer Fee Justification Study proposes to increase the fee by $0.23 per square foot and
$0.04 per square foot for residential and commercial/industrial construction, respectively.
As indicated in Table 4.14-9, the District currently has more than adequate capacity to serve the
existing student population.
4.14 - 20
November 2012
Table 4.14-9
2011/12 Enrollment and Capacity for Vallecito Union School District
School Facility
Enrollment
Total Capacity
Grades K-6
495
1,177
Grades 7-8
166
351
Source: 2012 Developer Fee Justification Study for Vallecito Union School District,
SchoolWorks, Inc., March 2012.13
The 2012 Fee Justification Study projects that an additional 48 students (38 elementary school
students and 10 middle school students) would be generated from new residential construction
over the next five years. This amount of additional students would be easily accommodated in
the District’s available capacity.
Calaveras County Community Schools
The Calaveras County Community Schools were established through the cooperative efforts of
the Calaveras County Office of Education, Calaveras County School Districts, School
Attendance Review Board, and the Calaveras County Probation Department to provide a
structured educational opportunity for those students unable to adjust to the programs available
in the traditional school. The following Community Schools are currently in use:
 Calaveras River Academy: Located at 150 Old Oak Road in San Andreas. Calaveras
River Academy serves as an alternative school for students in grades six through twelve
who reside in the Calaveras Unified School District. The focus of the Community School
is to remediate identifiable weaknesses with the students’ known strengths while building
self-image and personal worth. Emphasis is also placed on community services and
numerous activities are organized which involve students directly with community
projects.
 Mountain Oaks School: Mountain Oaks School is a K-12 charter school sponsored by the
Calaveras County Board of Education, serving families seeking a non-traditional, nonclassroom based educational setting. Mountain Oaks’ mission is to support
homeschooling families so that students develop the academic, personal, social skills and
qualities of lifelong learners. The total K-12 population is approximately 400 students.
The primary three counties served by Mountain Oaks School are: Calaveras, Amador and
Tuolumne. The main resource center is located in San Andreas, with satellite resource
centers in Ione (Amador) and Sonora (Tuolumne). The Mountain Oaks staff consists of
approximately 25 credentialed teachers and 23 classified staff.
 Oakendell Community School: Located on Hawver Road in San Andreas. Oakendell
Community School serves as a resident school for male students grades seven through
twelve who are wards of the court and/or the State Social Welfare Department. The
young men come from various parts of the State and live on-site at the Oakendell
Community Home.
4.14 - 21
November 2012
Library Services
The Calaveras County Library System is a countywide system consisting of a Central Library
located in San Andreas and seven branch facilities located in the communities of City of Angels,
Arnold, Copperopolis, Mokelumne Hill, Murphys, Valley Springs and West Point. According to
definitions set by the California State Library these seven facilities are “outlets” not branches,
where a branch is defined as: An extension library open some part of each of five days a week,
has at least 1,400 square feet of floor space, a general book collection of at least 7,000 volumes,
and is staffed with the equivalent of at least one librarian and one clerical employee during open
hours for service.
Standards on Providing Library Services
The State of California does not have an established set of standards for public libraries. In the
document entitled California Library Statistics 2011 (Fiscal Year 2009-10) comparisons are
included that provide goals for the Calaveras County Library System to aspire to:
 Total materials (books, audio, film, etc.) per capita for Calaveras County was noted at
2.31, while the statewide mean was 2.16 and the highest level was 21.58.
 Population served per one full-time employed staff was 6,600 for Calaveras County,
while the statewide mean was 3,266 and the lowest ratio was 286.
The current square footage for the Calaveras County Library System is approximately 32,000
square feet.14
Library Programs
In addition to providing library materials, the San Andreas Library houses the Calaveras Adult
Tutoring Program. Each of the 8 library facilities in the Calaveras County Library System serves
as a meeting place for students and tutors to meet one-on-one.
The Calaveras County Library System introduces preschoolers and school-age children and their
parents to books and reading, providing activities that enhance childhood learning. This includes
programs for preschool and school age children in addition to programs for adults.
The libraries in the Calaveras County Library System serve a role in providing a “commons”
environment in the community. This includes provision of meeting rooms, study rooms, and
open space that invite conversation and discussion. Types of groups using the rooms include
Calaveras Genealogy, Alcoholics Anonymous, Hospice Support, 4-H, Master Gardeners,
Cemetery District, Farm Advisor, computer users group, County government and Mountain Oaks
School.
4.14 - 22
November 2012
Anticipated Expansion of Services
The Valley Springs Branch Library is currently co-housed in the Valley Springs Elementary
School. This facility is approximately 4,000 square feet and is considered an interim measure to
meet the needs of the growing Valley Springs community. A much larger stand-alone facility is
needed. Larger library facilities are also needed in the communities of City of Angels,
Copperopolis, and West Point. The following communities presently are not served by library
facilities:
 Mountain Ranch
 Railroad Flat
 Sheep Ranch
 Milton
The Calaveras County Library Commission recommended a bookmobile to service underserved
areas. The primary constraint to future library system growth is lack of funding for the necessary
expansion of facilities and an increase in number of paid personnel.
Hospital and Ambulance Services
Calaveras County is served by Mark Twain St. Joseph's Hospital (MTSJH) located in San
Andreas. Mark Twain St. Joseph’s Hospital was opened in 1951 and is a Catholic Healthcare
West (CHW)-affiliated hospital. MTSJH is a 48-bed hospital providing inpatient acute care and
emergency services, fully licensed by the California Department of Health Services, and
accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, and the
California Medical Association. The hospital's medical staff averages 85 individuals and
represents a range of specialties. On average, more than 300 people are employed at the hospital
and its four clinics. In addition, local MTSJH and Sonora Regional Medical Center clinics serve
as urgent care during normal business hours. Urgent care services provide unscheduled, walk-in
care outside of a hospital emergency department. Urgent care centers are primarily used to treat
patients who have an injury or illness that requires immediate care but is not serious enough to
warrant a visit to an emergency room.
Ambulance Services
Although the County is divided into three ambulance response areas, ambulance services
throughout the entire County, except within the Ebbetts Pass Fire Protection District, are
provided by the American Legion Ambulance Service. This service was formed in Amador
County by the members of Amador Post 108 in 1929. On July 1, 2005, American Legion Post
108 Ambulance Service expanded its operations into Calaveras County, almost doubling the size
of its operation. Today American Legion Post 108 Ambulance Service employs over 80
Paramedics, EMT-I's and Registered Nurses.15
American Legion Post No. 108 Ambulance Service provides Advanced Life Support (ALS)
emergency 911 response to Amador and Calaveras Counties. On a daily basis American Legion
4.14 - 23
November 2012
staffs six 24-hour units and two 12-hour units for response to 911 calls, covering approximately
1,400 square miles with a population of approximately 75,000.
Communications
Communications are provided in the County by various private sector service providers.
Telephone service is provided by American Telephone and Telegraph (AT&T), Volcano
Communications Group, and Calaveras Telephone (“CalTel”). Cable television service is also
provided by AT&T, Volcano Communications Group, and CalTel, as well as by Comcast.
Additionally, many residents utilize various satellite dishes for television services. For most of
the County, internet service, including broadband service, is provided by the three telephone
service providers (AT&T, Volcano and CalTel) as well as by Comcast and other Internet Service
Providers such as America Online, Earthlink, and other smaller local companies. Additionally,
many of the County’s residents are outside of the service areas for these providers and utilize
satellite internet services instead.
Natural Gas and Electric Service
Natural gas and electric services in Calaveras County are primarily provided by PG&E. PG&E,
incorporated in California in 1905, is one of the largest combination natural gas and electric
utilities in the United States. Based in San Francisco, the company is a subsidiary of PG&E
Corporation. The company provides natural gas and electric service to approximately 15 million
people throughout a 70,000-square-mile service area in northern and central California. Pacific
Gas and Electric Company and other utilities in the state are regulated by the California Public
Utilities Commission. The California Energy Commission (CEC) lists a total of six
hydroelectric power plants (greater than 0.1 megawatts) in Calaveras County, with a total online
megawatt generation of approximately 259 MW.16 These plants are located within PG&E’s
service area, but are owned and operated by other entities, including but not limited to Calaveras
County Water District, Utica Power Authority, and Rock Creek Water District. Two plants are
located in Murphys, two plants in San Andreas, one plant in Angels Camp, and one plant in Salt
Springs Valley.
Table 4.14-10 provides data on Calaveras County’s electricity and natural gas consumption for
2010 for residential and non-residential uses.
4.14 - 24
November 2012
Table 4.14-10
Calaveras County Electricity and
Natural Gas Consumption
Electricity
Sector
2010
kWh (in millions)
Residential
Non-Residential
Total
199
126
325
Natural Gas
Sector
2010
Millions of Therms
Residential
0.43
Non-Residential
0.47
Total
0.9
Source: California Energy Commission;
http://www.ecdms.energy.ca.gov/elecbycounty.aspx;
accessed June 18, 2012.
4.14 - 25
November 2012
Endnotes
1
Personal email communication with Natalie Jackson, Sheriff Services Technician III, Calaveras County Sheriff’s
Department, May 1, 2012.
2
Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office. Project Report: Calaveras Adult Detention Facility and Sheriff’s Office, March
31, 2012.
3
Personal email communication with Skip Cavalli, Fire Chief, Mokelumne Hill Fire Protection District, April 13,
2012.
4
Personal phone communication with Steve Kovacs, Fire Chief, Murphys Fire Protection District, June 19, 2012.
5
Personal email communication with Bill Fullerton, Captain, West Point Fire Protection District, April 3, 2012.
6 Personal email communication with Jason Robitaille, Deputy Fire Chief, Calaveras Consolidated Fire Authority,
August 31 and September 2, 2012.
7
Personal email communication with David Baugher, Fire Chief, Ebbetts Pass Fire District, April 16, 2012.
8
Personal email communication with Erie Young, Fire Chief, San Andreas Fire Protection District, May 9, 2012.
9
Personal fax communication with Jim Rosbrook, Operations Chief, Altaville-Melones Fire Protection District,
May 12, 2012.
10
Personal phone communication with Deborah Grant, Administrative Assistant, Central Calaveras Fire & Rescue
Protection District, June 18, 2012.
11
Personal email communication with Jeff Stone, Fire Chief, Central Calaveras Fire & Rescue Protection District,
April 6, 2012.
12
Personal email communication with Mark Campbell, Superintendent, Calaveras Unified School District, April 5,
2012.
13
School Works, Inc. 2012 Developer Fee Justification Study for Vallecito Union School District, March 2012.
14
Personal email communication with Maurie Hoekstra, Librarian, Calaveras County, April 9, 2012.
15
American Legion Post 108 Ambulance Service website: http://www.alpost108.org/index.php/about-us/history;
accessed June 18, 2012.
16
California Energy Commission website: http://energyalmanac.ca.gov/powerplants/index.html; accessed June 18,
2012.
4.14 - 26
November 2012
4.15
RECREATION
INTRODUCTION
The Recreation chapter of the EIR describes the recreation facilities within the project area and
the associated potential impacts to the facilities that would result from the proposed project. This
chapter also discusses thresholds of significance for such impacts, and develops mitigation
measures and monitoring strategies, if necessary. Information for this analysis is drawn from the
Calaveras County Profile prepared by the Calaveras County Economic Development Company,1
and the Calaveras County Interim Parks and Recreation Plan. January 8, 2008.2
Calaveras County offers an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities given the County’s
proximity to the Sierra Nevada Mountains and historic gold rush towns. The County is located in
the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, between Sacramento and Yosemite on State Route
(SR) 49, which links the towns of the California Gold Country. To the north and south, the
County is bordered by two major rivers, Mokelumne and Stanislaus, respectively, and has a
number of public lakes. Calaveras County also has a state park, a national forest, and several
wilderness areas, as well as multiple of large caverns. Yosemite National Park and Lake Tahoe,
which offer additional recreational activities, are a short distance away. As a result, the County
offers a variety of recreational activities including, gold mining and panning, camping, biking,
hiking, rafting, kayaking, horseback riding, and fishing. Furthermore, Calaveras County offers a
variety of performing arts, special events, visual arts, museums, golf courses, wineries, microbreweries, and antique shops.
Recreational Facilities
The various recreational facilities located within Calaveras County, including federal, state, and
local public and private facilities, are described below. Approximately 147,451 acres (or 22
percent) of land within the County is owned by different federal, state or other agencies. They
are described below.
Federal Resources
U.S. Bureau of Land Management
The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) owns 35,000 acres of land in various locations
throughout Calaveras County. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) owns 19,581 acres
in association with the BLM for the operation of reservoirs. Residents near BLM land often use
CHAPTER 4.15 – RECREATION
4.15 - 1
November 2012
the areas informally for hiking. In addition, the lands serve as habitat for wildlife species in the
area.
The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) owns the Stanislaus National Forest, which is one of
California’s oldest national forests, established in 1897. Substantial acreage of the Stanislaus
National Forest (78,000 acres) is located within the eastern portion of the County, including a
small portion of the Mokelumne Wilderness area (See Figure 4.15-1). The Stanislaus National
Forest also includes substantial portions of land within Alpine, Mariposa, and Tuolumne
Counties. The Calaveras Ranger District encompasses the SR 4 corridor within the County and
also within Alpine County. Over 20 campgrounds and recreational facilities are within the
Calaveras Ranger District (See Table 4.15-1).
Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway
The 58-mile stretch of SR 4 and 89 known as the Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway is located
in the counties of Calaveras and Alpine, including 24 miles of road within Calaveras County
from east of Arnold to the Alpine County line, between Arnold and Markleeville, and is
considered the longest of all routes over the Sierras. The Pass is one of the most scenic drives
across the Sierras, is bounded by Calaveras Big Trees State Park and Grover Hot Springs State
Park, and passes through the Stanislaus and Humboldt-Tioyabe National Forests. Expansive
views of granite outcrops, basalt columns, ancient volcanic peaks, deep river canyons, glacially
carved valleys, majestic stands of conifers including giant sequoias, open meadows, clear
mountain lakes, and flowing streams and rivers are afforded along the Ebbetts Pass National
Scenic Byway. In addition, the area, which was home to Native Americans and pioneer
emigrants alike, provides a rich historic background.
Ebbetts Pass was designated as a California State Scenic Highway in 1971 and was granted a
national designation by the U.S. Department of Transportation on September 22, 2005, which is
meant to preserve the unique scenic, natural, historical, cultural, archaeological, and recreational
resources along the scenic byway. The Ebbetts Pass Scenic Byway Association works to protect
this scenic and recreational resource through preservation and enhancement programs.
State Resources
Calaveras Big Trees State Park
Calaveras Big Trees State Park is bisected by the North Fork Stanislaus River and straddles the
Calaveras-Tuolumne County line, with 45 percent of the 6,000 acres (or 2,697 acres) within
Calaveras County. Calaveras Big Trees park became a State Park in 1931 to preserve the North
Grove of Sierra Redwoods (sequoiadendron giganteum), commonly known as the giant sequoia.
The North Grove includes the "Discovery Tree", also known as the "Big Stump", which is the
first Sierra redwood noted by Augustus T. Dowd in 1852, and has been a major tourist attraction
ever since. Over the years, other parcels of mixed conifer forests have been added to the park and
potential for expansion of the park within Calaveras County still exists. According to the
4.15 - 2
November 2012
California Department of Parks and Recreation, Calaveras Big Trees State Park is considered the
longest continuously operated tourist facility in California.
Other Providers
There are several other agencies that own acreage within Calaveras County that provide
recreational resources. East Bay Municipal Utility District owns 11,244 acres in the northern
portion of the County adjacent to the Amador County line and Comanche Reservoir. These lands
are accessible to the public by permit. Tri-Dam owns 455 acres in the Lake Tulloch area and
Pacific Gas and Electric owns 474 acres of lands within the Mokelumne watershed.
4.15 - 3
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Figure 4.15-1
RECREATIONAL
RESOURCE
LANDOWNERS
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Mokelumne Hill
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Wallace
Burson
^
San
Joaquin
26
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Alpine
Glencoe
26
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^
Legend
West Point
^
Rail Road Flat
^
Roads
Calaveras County
Boundary
Army Corp Engineers
Bureau of Land Management
Dorrington
Mountain Ranch
^
Arnold
^
Sheep Ranch
þ4
}
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Bureau of Reclamation
^
Big Trees State Park
East Bay Municipal District
^
Jenny Lind
^
Highways
Lakes
^
^
^
þ
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Towns
Landowners
San Andreas
Jenn
y
|
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·
Tamarack
Bureau
of
Reclamation
Valley Springs
^
Tri-Dam Authority
Pacific Gas & Electric
Lind
49
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Murphys
Alpine
^
Angels Camp
Amador
Tuolumne
El Dorado
Sacramento
^
San Joaquin
Stanislaus
þ4
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Copperopolis
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Stanislaus
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Table 4.15-1
Recreational Facilities within the Calaveras Ranger District
Recreational Facility
Description
A primitive walk-in campground located in a dense lodgepole pine and fir
Backpacker’s Camp
forest within view of Lake Alpine.
A scenic campground located within a mature conifer forest of red fir and
lodgepole pine, with scattered quaking aspen, adjacent to SR 4, nine miles
Big Meadow and Big
southwest of Lake Alpine, 20 miles east of Arnold. The group campground is
Meadow Group
located in an open, grassy meadow surrounded by granitic outcrops and
mature conifer forest of red fir, lodgepole pine, and quaking aspen.
Unimproved campground located in a timbered setting along the banks of the
North Fork Mokelumne River near Highland Lakes, two miles south of the
Bloomfield
Ebbetts Pass summit.
Chickaree Day Use
A free day use area for picnicking located at the east shore of Lake Alpine.
Cottage Springs Day Use A day use picnic area located four miles east of Camp Connell on SR 4.
Crescent Cove Day Use A day use picnic area located one mile west of Hathaway Pines on SR 4.
A large, open area with scattered timber and rock outcrops near the North
Fork Mokelumne River and Mosquito Lakes, five miles west of Ebbetts Pass
Hermit Valley
summit on SR 4. Campsites available in lower Hermit Valley as well as at the
upper, northeast end of Hermit Valley, at Grouse Flat.
Covering 180 acres, the lake lies in a timbered setting at an elevation of 7,350
feet, located on SR 4, 50 miles east of Angels Camp. The recreational area is
Lake Alpine
at the west end of Lake Alpine and offers a boat ramp, camping, and
picnicking.
Group campground located within the Alpine Lake basin, two miles west of
Lodgepole Group
Lake Alpine on SR 4. The overflow campground is located adjacent to the
Campground and
group campground in a large, open, flat area near Lake Alpine and is only
Overflow
open when the Alpine Lake basin is full.
A day use area used for picnicking located at the west end of Lake Alpine,
Marmot Day Use
next to the Lake Alpine campground.
A limited camping and picnic area with 11 campsites, located six miles east of
Mosquito Lakes
Lake Alpine.
Recreation area in Alpine meadow and forest, a quarter mile south of SR 4 at
Pacific Valley, midway between Lake Alpine and Ebbetts Pass, adjacent to
Pacific Valley
the Mokelumne River and near Mosquito Lakes. Offers camping, fishing in
Pacific Creek and the Mokelumne River, hunting, and hiking.
A campground located in a mature conifer forest on the eastern shores of Lake
Pine Marten
Alpine, near Chickaree Picnic Area.
Six campsites in a wooded area with picnic tables and campfire rings near the
Sand Flat
North Fork of the Stanislaus river.
Silver Valley
A campground in a timbered setting at the east end of Lake Alpine.
A campground in a mature conifer forest located two-thirds of a mile west of
Silver Tip
Lake Alpine on SR 4.
Day use area for picnicking, fishing, and hiking located outside Dorrington on
North Fork Stanislaus river at Sourgrass/Board’s Crossing Road, across river
Sourgrass Day Use
from Wa Ka Luu Hep Yoo (Wild River) Campground.
Stanislaus River
Campground with 25 campsites and picnic tables in a mature conifer forest on
the North Fork Stanislaus River near Spicer Reservoir, southwest of SR 4 on
Spicer Reservoir Road. Rafting trips are available along the North Fork
(Continued on next page)
4.15 - 5
November 2012
Table 4.15-1
Recreational Facilities within the Calaveras Ranger District
Recreational Facility
Description
Stanislaus River, which provides a five-mile stretch of Class IV whitewater
rapids between Sourgrass, near Dorringtong, and Calaveras Big Trees State
Park, just east of Arnold.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. Stanislaus National Forest Recreation. Available at:
http://www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/stanislaus/recreation. Accessed January 2012.
The most significant natural features and most popular tourist attractions of Calaveras Big Trees
State Park are the North Grove, which is within Calaveras County, and the South Grove, which
is within Tuolumne County, of giant sequoias. The tallest tree in the park is over 300-feet tall
and some of the older trees are estimated to be around 3,000 years old. A five-mile hiking trail
through a grove of giant sequoias is offered at the South Grove. Other attractions in the Park
include the Stanislaus River, Beaver Creek, the Lava Bluff Trail, and Bradley Trail. Recreational
activities offered at the Park include evening ranger talks, numerous interpretive programs,
environmental educational programs, junior ranger programs, hiking, mountain biking, bird
watching, and more. In addition, two main campgrounds, with 129 campsites, six picnic areas,
and several miles of established trails, are located within the Park along SR 4 and near Salt
Springs Reservoir in Amador County.
Mokelumne Coast to Crest Trail
The Mokelumne Coast to Crest Trail is one of 27 official California State Parks trail corridors
that form a statewide trail system linking mountain, valley and coastal communities to
recreational, cultural and natural resources throughout the state. A non-motorized and multi-use
trail bisecting California, the Mokelumne Coast to Crest Trail roughly follows the Mokelumne
River from the river’s headwaters at the Sierra Crest down to the river’s mouth near Martinez on
the Carquinez Strait. The trail is split into five segments which spread over six counties. The
Upper and Middle Mokelumne segments of the trail run from Tiger Creek Reservoir at the
western end of the Stanislaus National Forest east along the northern boundary of Calaveras
County, continue to Ebbetts Pass in Alpine County, and end at the SR 49 Bridge. A non-profit
corporation called the Mokelumne Coast to Crest Trail Council stewards the public input
process, design, and maintenance of the trail, in partnership with public and private organizations
in the six-county cross-section of California between San Francisco and the Sierra Nevadas.
Reservoir Recreation Areas
Local reservoirs offer many recreational activities within Calaveras County. Brief descriptions of
these local reservoir recreational resources are presented in Table 4.15-2 below.
4.15 - 6
November 2012
Table 4.15-2
Local Reservoir Recreation Areas
Reservoir
Pardee Reservoir
Camanche Reservoir
New Hogan Reservoir
Tulloch Reservoir
New Melones Reservoir
Salt Springs Reservoir
Salt Spring Valley
Reservoir
Spicer Reservoir
Description
Owned and operated by the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD).
Receives water from the Mokelumne River and serves as an important source
of domestic drinking water. Only non-contact recreational activities (e.g.,
fishing, camping, and picnicking) are allowed.
Owned and operated by the EBMUD. Located downstream of Pardee within
the Mokelumne River watershed. Contact recreational activities (e.g.,
swimming and boating are permitted. Campgrounds and other recreational
activities available as well.
Owned and managed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers
(USACE). Receives water from the Calaveras River. Recreational activities
include boating, swimming, fishing, picnicking, and camping.
Owned and operated by the Tri-Dam Authority for irrigation and domestic
water supply. Located in Copperopolis it is a central focal point and asset for
the community. Boating and swimming is permitted.
Owned and operated by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. Located behind the
625-foot New Melones Dam on the Stanislaus River. Recreational activities
include boating, fishing, swimming, camping, and other use.
Owned and operated by the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) for
hydroelectric power purposes. Located at a high-elevation within the
Stanislaus National Forest along the Mokelumne River. Fishing, boating,
swimming, rock climbing, and camping are permitted.
Privately owned campground and reservoir. Located in the lower foothills of
Calaveras County, north of Copperopolis. Fishing, boating, swimming,
hunting, and camping are permitted.
Owned by the Calaveras County Water District and operated by the Northern
California Power Agency for power generation. Located at a high-elevation
on the Stanislaus River system, eight miles southwest of SR 4. Recreational
activities include boating, camping, fishing, hiking, and equestrian
opportunities.
Source: Calaveras County Interim Parks and Recreation Plan, 2008.
Private Parks and Recreational Facilities
Many private developments throughout the County provide on-site parks and recreational
facilities to serve project residents. The County encourages placement of such facilities in private
developments as well as integrated pathways located and designed to be near adjacent projects,
shopping areas, and other public facilities.
4.15 - 7
November 2012
Public Parks and Recreational Facilities
As presented above, major recreational facilities are geographically dispersed throughout the
County and provide substantial recreational opportunities to County residents and tourists alike.
Although the major facilities provide a large range of activities, they do not adequately meet the
needs of more localized, small-scale parks and community meeting places. Local public parks
are scattered unevenly across the County (See Figure 4.15-2), the majority of which are operated
and maintained by dedicated citizens and community groups. Table 4.15-3 presents the local
parks and recreation facilities within Calaveras County and the local community each park
serves. Calaveras County has a passive involvement in the local parks program and does not
directly maintain a system of park and recreation facilities.
The County owns Murphys Park, which is located in the town of Murphys; however, the
Community Club takes responsibility for park maintenance. Ownership of other publicly
accessible recreation facilities in Calaveras County is divided among public agencies, such as
school districts, and private foundations/clubs, such as veteran’s districts. Facilities operated by
the veteran’s districts for their communities are a major component of the local park system.
Boundaries of the local veteran’s districts that offer recreational activities are shown in Figure
4.15-3. The boundaries of the San Andreas Recreation and Parks District, the only parks and
recreation district within the County, are shown in Figure 4.15-4. Community halls provide local
community event facilities on County land as well. Playgrounds provided by elementary, middle,
and high school sites throughout the County contribute to the local facilities network. As shown
in Figure 4.15-5, these school facilities are found throughout the developed communities within
the County. In addition, the Calaveras County Water District also provides or allows for park
facilities on their land.
Other Recreational Resources
Various other recreational facilities exist within Calaveras County, including those discussed in
further detail below, such as commercial facilities, trails, scenic byways, historical facilities, and
more.
Limestone Caves
Several large limestone caves are located and represent a significant and unique recreational
feature within the County. The three major private commercial cavern facilities operating within
the County are the Mercer Caverns, Moaning Cave, and California Caverns.
The Mercer Caverns, located in the Sierra Foothills just outside of Murphys, is a privately owned
and operated facility that was discovered and opened to the public in 1885. The owners of the
facility claim that the cavern is the oldest continually operating commercial cavern in California.
Numerous unusual and beautiful calcite formations are found within the three million year old
cave, including some of the five rarest calcite formations. The cave was used as a mortuary site
by a Native American Tribe called the Yokuts in prehistoric times.
4.15 - 8
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Basketball
Playground
Sport Field
Trails
Vet Mem Hall
12
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^
Community Hall
Horse Arena
Park Sport Field
Tennis
Wallace
Burson
Park
^
San
Joaquin
þ
}
|
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^
Mokelumne Hill
26
þ
}
|
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^
^
Lind
^
Rail Road Flat
^
Tamarack
^
26
þ
}
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Legend
^
Valley Springs
^
Community Hall
Park
Playground
Sport Field
Swim Pool
Tennis
49
þ
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^
Copperopolis
^
Community Hall
Arnold
^
Sheep Ranch
Basketball
Community Hall
Playground
Sport Field
^
Angels Camp
^
þ4
}
|
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Park
Swim Pool
Sport Fields
Tennis
Towns
Highways
Roads
Lakes
Calaveras County
Boundary
^
Alpine
Boating
Community Hall
Park
Playground
Sport Fields
Murphys
Frogtown
Sport Field
þ4
}
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Dorrington
Mountain Ranch
^
Stanislaus
Community Hall
|
þ
}
·
^
Jenny Lind
Alpine
Glencoe
San Andreas
Jenn
y
Figure 4.15-2
PUBLIC PARKS
AND
RECREATION
FACILITIES
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El Dorado
Sacramento
San Joaquin
Tuolumne
Stanislaus
Tuolumne
Basketball
Gymnasium
Parks
Playground
Swim Pool
Sport Fields
Tennis
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Table 4.15-3
Local Parks and Recreation Facilities
Park/Recreation Facility Name
Tryon Park
Frogtown Baseball Fields
Utica Park
Gateway Park
Copello Park Ball Fields
Bret Harte Sports Complex
Emmerson Courtright Field
Calaveras Timber Trails Park
Black Creek Park
Jenny Lind Veterans Memorial
District Park
C. B. Hobbs Field
Horse Arena
Barry’s Tennis Courts
Shutter Tree Park
Mountain Ranch Community Park
Murphys Tennis Courts
Feeney Park
Murphys Community Park
Murphys Community Pool
Gerald Turner Park
San Andreas Community Park
Nielsen Park
Calaveras Pool
Tennis Courts
The Clay Pits
White Pines Lake and Park
Independence Hall
Community
Angels Camp
Angels Camp
Angels Camp
Angels Camp
Angels Camp
Angels Camp
Arnold
Avery
Copperopolis
Street
SR 4
SR 49
Utica Lane
Greenhorn Creek Road
Copello Drive
Murphys Grade Road
Blagen Road
Sheep Ranch Road
Blcak Creek Drive
Jenny Lind
Daphne Road
Mokelumne Hill
Mokelumne Hill
Mokelumne Hill
Mokelumne Hill
Mountain Ranch
Murphys
Murphys
Murphys
Murphys
San Andreas
San Andreas
San Andreas
San Andreas
San Andreas
Valley Springs
White Pines
White Pines
Lafayette Street
Lafayette Street
Marredda Street
Main and Center
Whiskey Slide Road
School Street
Pennsylvania Gulch Road
Algiers Street
Church Street
Treat Avenue
Park Drive
California Street
Paloma Road
Blagen Road
Blagen Road
4.15 - 10
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Figure 4.15-3
88
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CALAVERAS
COUNTY
VETERANS DISTRICT
Amador
88
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Glencoe
Mokelumne Hill
26
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^
Wallace
12
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^
San
Joaquin
þ
}
|
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^
^
Alpine
Rail Road Flat
Tamarack
^
^
26
þ
}
|
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Burson
^
Valley Springs
^
San Andreas
Mountain Ranch
^
Jenn
y
Legend
West Point
88
þ
}
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^
Sheep Ranch
Jenny Lind
^
|
þ
}
·
^
4
þ
}
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Roads
Angels Camp
Ebbetts Pass
^
Jenny Lind
Mokelumne Hill
^
^
Highways
Calaveras County
Boundary
Veterans District
Dorrington
Arnold
Towns
Li nd
San Andreas
49
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West Point
Murphys
Not in a District
^
Angels Camp
Alpine
^
Amador
þ4
}
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El Dorado
Tuolumne
Copperopolis
^
Sacramento
San Joaquin
Stanislaus
Tuolumne
108
Stanislaus
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Figure 4.15-4
HW
Y
49
J E SU
S
LOCAL PARK
AND
RECREATION
DISTRICT
26
Paloma
^
H
W
Y
26
WY
H
R
HW
Mountain Ranch
^
D
C
H
Y
^
HW
Y
TA
IN
12
HW
Y
MO
12
U
N
Roads
Parcels
San Andreas
^
MO U N T A IN
O
P
O
Towns
Highways
R
A
49
N
Legend
RA N C H
San Andreas
Park & Recreation
District
RD
L
ST
AT
N
IO
R
D
HW
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Calaveritas
^
49
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W
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El Dorado
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Sacramento
Figure 4.15-5
88
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88
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West Point
88
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!
^
Alpine
Glencoe
Mokelumne Hill
26
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^!
12
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Wallace
!^
!^
þ
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San Andreas
Arnold
^
^
^
Sheep Ranch
^!
þ4
}
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þ
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!
!
Murphys
!
^!
!
!
^
þ
}
|
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!
^
BretHarte UHSD
MarkTwain UESD
Amador
El Dorado
Sacramento
Copperopolis
San Joaquin
Stanislaus
Tuolumne
108
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Calaveras USD
Alpine
Angels Camp
Stanislaus
108
Vallecito USD
Tuolumne
4
Roads
School Districts
!
!
Highways
Calaveras County
Boundary
^
ny L
i nd
49
Towns
Lakes
Dorrington
Mountain Ranch
Jenny Lind
26
^
Legend
þ
}
·
|
!
^!
!
Je n
Tamarack
!
Valley Springs
San
Joaquin
Rail Road Flat
26
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^
^
LOCAL SCHOOLS
WITH
RECREATION
FACILITIES
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Moaning Cavern Park, located near the town of Vallecito, holds the largest public cave chamber
in California. Many recreational activities are offered at Moaning Cavern, such as guided walk
tours, descending down 165-feet below ground on a spiral staircase, rappelling into the cave, zip
lining, and others. Human remains discovered in the Moaning Cavern are believed to be among
the oldest ever found in North America.
California Cavern, a State historic landmark, is the oldest commercial cave in Calaveras County,
being the first show cave in the State that opened to the public in 1850. Numerous chambers,
passageways, and lakes up to 200 feet deep can be found at the California Cavern, which is
located at Cave City near Mountain Ranch. Activities available at California Cavern include
guided walking tours and spelunking.
In addition to the three major, commercially-operated caverns, other caves in Calaveras County
are of recreational interest, particularly to spelunkers, including the large Crystal Palace Cave,
which is home to an unusual species of spider.
Shared Use Trails
According to the Calaveras County Pedestrian Master Plan and the Calaveras County Bicycle
Master Plan, both dated 2007 but not adopted, various existing and proposed Class I shared-use
pathways are located throughout the County. For example, existing continuous walkways or
trails are present in parts of San Andreas, Angels Camp, Murphys, and Arnold. Potential for
further connectivity development exists in these areas as well as the more rapidly developing
areas such as those in Copperopolis.
Historic Ditches
Calaveras County is home to numerous ditches built during the Gold Rush era for irrigation and
mining purposes, including Kadish Ditch, Poverty Bar Ditch, Jupiter Ditch, Utica Ditch, Fricot
Ditch, Rock Creek Ditch, and others. The ditches are important historical landscape features
within the County and provide walking trails and positive habitat values.
Frogtown
Located approximately one mile south of Angels Camp, Frogtown is the site of the annual
Calaveras County Fair and Jumping Frog Jubilee. The State of California owns the 68-acre site.
Numerous public activities are held at Frogtown throughout the year, including the annual frog
jump competition. Camping is also available at the site.
1
2
Calaveras County Economic Development Company. Calaveras County Profile. 2011.
Calaveras County Parks and Recreation Commission. Calaveras County Interim Parks and Recreation Plan.
January 8, 2008.
4.15 - 14
November 2012
4.16
UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS
Introduction
This section will summarize existing setting information and identify potential new demands
resulting from buildout of the Calaveras County General Plan on water supply, wastewater
systems, storm drainage, and solid waste disposal. Information for this section is based on
several primary source documents as well as direct personal communication with applicable
service providers and County Departments. All persons and sources consulted while preparing
this chapter are noted in the relevant sections.
The following existing setting information provides an overview of the existing public services
and utilities in Calaveras County, including the water system, wastewater collection and
treatment, storm drainage, and solid waste disposal.
Water
Calaveras County Water District
Calaveras County Water District (CCWD) was organized in November 1946 under the laws of
the State of California as a public agency for the purpose of developing and administering the
water resources and wastewater service in Calaveras County. The District’s service area includes
all of Calaveras County, but the area is separate from the Calaveras County government. CCWD
is the largest public water purveyor in the County in terms of service area, number of customers
served, and amount of water delivered. Combined, CCWD provides water and/or wastewater
service to an estimated seventy-percent of the residents of Calaveras County. While the District’s
boundaries are coterminous with Calaveras County’s boundaries, the District does not provide
water and/or wastewater services to all communities in the County. Large sections of the more
rural areas of the County are served by private wells; and other towns and developed areas are
served by other public or private agencies, which are described below. As of 2010, the District
provided water service to nearly 13,000 customers (8,985 af) (up from approximately 10,000 in
2002) municipal, residential, and commercial customers through five independent water systems
located throughout the County, as follows:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Jenny Lind
Copper Cove/Copperopolis
Ebbetts Pass
West Point
Sheep Ranch
CHAPTER 4.16 – UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS
4.16 - 1
November 2012
CCWD also provides wholesale water to Snowshoe Springs, Fly-In Acres, and on an
emergency basis to Blue Lake Springs MWC and Valley Springs Public Utility District
(PUD). They also provide Irrigation water to 92 customers (1,955 af) and have three systems
with recycled water that provide water to Saddle Creek, Forest Meadows and La Contenta
Golf courses (1,057 af).
The following descriptions of CCWD’s five independent water systems in Calaveras County are
taken from CCWD’s Urban Water Management Plan 2010 (UWMP),1 which is an update to the
District’s 2005 UWMP in accordance with California’s Urban Water Management Planning Act.
Water System Descriptions
1. Jenny Lind
The Jenny Lind system, located in the northwest region of the County, receives surface
water from New Hogan Reservoir through a non-Central Valley Project (CVP) contract
with the United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR). The diversion point is an
infiltration gallery located on the lower Calaveras River, approximately one mile
downstream of the New Hogan Dam. The Jenny Lind Water Treatment Plant serves the
area with an existing capacity of 6.0 million gallons per day (mgd), with plans to expand
the plant capacity to meet near-term and long-term demands. The distribution system is
divided into five tank service zones and contains two clear wells, six storage tanks, eight
booster pumping stations, and 16 pressure reducing valves. The system hydraulic grade
line varies from 485 to 918 feet.
2. Copper Cove and Copperopolis
One connected water system serves the two areas of Copper Cove and Copperopolis,
located in the southwest sub-region of the County. The Copperopolis improvement
district was formed on April 4, 1952, and the Copper Cove improvement district was
formed on July 2, 1969. Both systems are physically connected and as such are treated as
one system. The service area is approximately 3,270 acres and serves the town of
Copperopolis and the Lake Tulloch and Copper Cove subdivisions. According to the
2010 UWMP, the planning area is also expected to experience substantial growth over
the next 40 years, with an ultimate equivalent single family unit connection total of near
16,000 in the planning area, compared to the approximately 2,500 connections in 2010.
The service area is predominately new housing developments, with accompanying
recreational land uses such as golf courses and open space. As connections increase,
water management planning will address wastewater disposal, recycled water
opportunities, and the infrastructure necessary to maintain supply and water quality.
Agricultural raw water supply is also under consideration for this area. As interest and
requests are made to CCWD, CCWD looks to meet these demands through partnerships
to diversify its rate base and help diversify the County’s economy and agricultural base.
4.16 - 2
November 2012
Potential agriculture customers represent approximately 10,000 acres in the Salt Springs
Valley and nearby areas. These demands are now included in District planning as the
County looks to diversify its economic base.
The system receives water from the North Fork Stanislaus River through Tulloch
Reservoir. One (1) 4.0 mgd water treatment plant currently serves the area. The
distribution system is divided into 10 pressure zones using one clear well, four storage
tanks, two booster pumping stations, and pressure reducing valves. The system hydraulic
gradeline varies from 775 to 1,267 feet.
3. Ebbetts Pass
The Ebbetts Pass service area, located in the southeast sub-region of the County, covers
the State Route 4 corridor from Avery to Arnold. The Ebbetts Pass improvement district
was formed on January 28, 1964 to provide water and wastewater services, and includes
the Forest Meadows subdivision. The system includes six wholesale connections in
addition to approximately 5,800 retail connections. Projected growth is moderate with an
ultimate retail connection estimate of 7,200. The Ebbetts Pass area has been a second
home destination for many of the homeowners. However, trends indicate that year-round
residency is increasing, exerting a larger demand for water supply and creating larger
volumes of wastewater to discharge. The District incorporated these trends in recent
updates to facilities plans in the service area, and will continue to modify water
management strategies to meet the needs of the changing demographics.
A new demand recently identified for the Murphy’s area is agricultural, specifically grape
vines. These potential water demands and infrastructure requirements to serve those
demands are currently under investigation in collaboration with neighboring water supply
providers and are now included in District planning as the County looks to diversify its
economic base.
The system receives water from North Fork Stanislaus River through the Collierville
Tunnel. The existing Hunters Lake Water Treatment Plant capacity is 4 mgd. The
distribution system contains 17 storage tanks, 10 pumping stations, and over 100
pressure-reducing stations. The upper system hydraulic grade line varies from less than
3,000 feet in elevation to over 5,355 feet.
4. West Point
CCWD’s West Point system serves the communities of West Point, Wilseyville, and
Bummerville. The West Point improvement district was formed on May 25, 1954, and
the Wilseyville improvement district was formed on May 16, 1974. Approximately 560
existing retail connections are located in the West Point system, with ultimate buildout
estimated at over 1,000 retail connections. Although more connections are expected, the
District faces management and funding issues for this small area. Facilities are aging and
need replacement with the cost per connection difficult to justify financially because of
4.16 - 3
November 2012
the small population. In addition, the area’s economic base is less than the growth of
other areas in the County. As a result of its rural nature and low median household
income, the District seeks every State and federal grant opportunity to fund infrastructure
replacement and maintain and improve water quality for the Community of West
Point/Wilseyville.
A new demand recently identified through the District’s potential agricultural water
demand efforts is agriculture located along State Route 26 and the Blue Mountain area.
Existing agriculture in the area includes apples, vines, blueberries, along with other fruits,
nuts, and vegetable crops. These potential water demands and infrastructure requirements
to serve those demands are currently under investigation in collaboration with
neighboring water supply providers and are now included in District planning as the
County looks to diversify its economic base.
The water supply for the West Point/Wilseyville area is from the Bear Creek Diversion
and the Middle Fork of the Mokelumne River (pumped). The existing West Point WTP
capacity is 1 mgd. The distribution system is divided into two tank service zones and
contains one clear well, one storage tank, and two booster pumping stations. The system
hydraulic grade line varies from 2,910 to 3,230 feet.
5. Sheep Ranch
Sheep Ranch is a small, rural community near build out. The Sheep Ranch improvement
district was formed on March 2, 1960. The service area is approximately 120 acres and
serves approximately 50 customers in the rural community of Sheep Ranch. Significant
growth is not planned for this area. The District faces management and funding issues for
this small area. Facilities are aging and need replacement, but the area is not large enough
to fund new facilities without significant financial impacts. Additionally, the area’s
economic base is less than the growth of other areas in the County. Similar to West Point,
the District must evaluate funding mechanisms that are financially feasible to maintain
and improve water quality.
The system receives its water supply from water released from White Pines Lake by the
District into San Antonio Creek. The water is then pumped to the Sheep Ranch Water
Treatment Plant. The treatment plant capacity is 30,000 gallons per day. Water is stored
in one storage tank prior to distribution. The service area elevation is approximately
2,300 feet.
Water Supplies
The District obtains its water supply from three main watersheds that drain the western slope of
the Sierra Nevada Mountains and foothills before the water enters the northern San Joaquin
Valley.2 The snow fed North Fork Stanislaus River forms the District’s southern boundary, and
serves communities from the Ebbetts Pass area in the east to the Copper Cove/Copperopolis area
in the west. The lower elevation Calaveras River watershed is wholly enclosed in the District’s
4.16 - 4
November 2012
boundaries and serves the middle and northwestern portion of the District. The snow-fed
Mokelumne River serves as the District’s northern boundary, and provides the water supply to
the West Point/Wilseyville community.
1. North Fork Stanislaus River
The North Fork Stanislaus River provides water to the Ebbetts Pass and the Copper
Cove/Copperopolis service areas. The North Fork Stanislaus River watershed is located
on the District’s southern boundary with its headwaters in Alpine, Tuolumne, and
Calaveras counties. The North Fork River forms the Calaveras-Tuolumne County
boundary. Water is stored in the upper reaches of the watershed in four main reservoirs as
part of the District’s North Fork Stanislaus River Project. New Spicer Meadow, Union,
Utica, and Lake Alpine are operated for hydropower and consumptive uses by CCWD
and the Northern California Power Agency (NCPA). Flows in the lower Stanislaus River
are regulated by the 2,420,000 acre-feet multi-purpose storage facility New Melones
Reservoir.
The District holds pre-1914 and post-1914 rights for hydropower and consumptive use on
the Stanislaus River system. Pursuant to the terms and conditions of its post-1914 water
right permits, and agreements with NCPA, the District may be able to divert up to 8,000
acre-feet per year to supply the Ebbetts Pass system,3 and up to 6,000 acre-feet per year
from Lake Tulloch to supply the Copper Cove/Copperopolis system. However CCWD
must demonstrate need, receive approval of the NCPA and receive approval from
SWRCB. Some or all of these amounts could be increased if CCWD files a change
petition with the State Water Resources Control Board and demonstrates the need for
increased supplies within its service area. Utica Power Authority (UPA) and CCWD have
agreed to use best efforts to transfer some of this water to UPA for consumptive use.
2. Calaveras River
The Calaveras River provides water supply to the Jenny Lind and Sheep Ranch service
areas and agricultural users along the lower Calaveras River.. The Calaveras River
watershed is located entirely within the District’s boundary. The headwaters are located
in mid-level elevations just north of State Route 4 near Arnold. The Calaveras is a unique
river for the foothill area in that the watershed is at lower elevation and contains little
snowpack. Therefore, the river flow is mostly rain dependent, which gives it an annual
runoff pattern much different than other snowpack-based rivers. The Calaveras River
flows from central Calaveras County into New Hogan Reservoir, owned by the United
States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR). Water released from the reservoir flows westerly
in the lower Calaveras River out of Calaveras County and into the San Joaquin Valley.
The New Hogan Reservoir is operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) for
flood control and by the Stockton East Water District (SEWD) (on behalf of itself and
CCWD) for water conservation.
4.16 - 5
November 2012
The District holds water right permits for storage and diversion on the Calaveras. The
Calaveras Public Utilities District (CPUD) also holds water rights to the Calaveras River,
however, the CCWD is making use of a portion of this source. White Pines is a 250 acrefoot reservoir owned by CCWD, located in the upper watershed on San Antonio Creek, a
tributary to the Calaveras. The District holds a license for 25 acre-feet per year of storage
plus pre-1914 water rights. This supply serves the Sheep Ranch system.
The District also obtains water from the Calaveras River system at New Hogan Reservoir
pursuant to agreements with the USBR and Stockton East Water District (SEWD). The
agreements allocate 43.5 percent of the New Hogan Project yield to CCWD, typically
estimated at 30,928 acre-feet per year based on average long-term estimated yield, plus
350 acre-feet per year in riparian flows from New Hogan, for a total of 31,278 acre-feet.
The District diverts its consumptive allocation downstream of the New Hogan
powerhouse through an infiltration gallery located in the streambed. Private agricultural
users divert water pursuant to settlement rights, and pay the District for use. La Contenta
Golf Course diverts from New Hogan Reservoir under CCWD’s water use contract and
pays CCWD for its use. La Contenta’s primary supply source is CCWD’s Title 22
recycled water, with New Hogan raw water as its secondary supply to meet its agronomic
needs.
3. Mokelumne River
The Mokelumne River provides water supply to the West Point service area. The
Mokelumne River watershed is located on the District’s northern boundary with the
headwaters in parts of Calaveras, Alpine, and Amador counties. The majority of flow is
derived from snowmelt. The watershed above Pardee Reservoir is mostly protected and
undeveloped, with a large portion located in the Mokelumne Wilderness. Many
tributaries flow into the Mokelumne before it reaches Pardee Reservoir. Reservoirs in the
higher portions of the watershed include Lower Bear and Salt Springs, both owned by
Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E). Pardee and its downstream companion,
Camanche, are owned and operated by the East Bay Municipal Utilities District
(EBMUD). CCWD, Calaveras Public Utility District (CPUD) and EBMUD are the water
rights holders in the Mokelumne. Most of the Mokelumne water goes to EBMUD which
was acquired years ago.
The District holds water right permits for storage and diversion on the Bear Creek, a
tributary to the Mokelumne. The storage right is for 150 acre-feet per year. The diversion
right is a year-round diversion of 4 cubic feet per second (cfs) with a maximum annual
diversion of 1,830 acre-feet. However, Bear Creek cannot support a 4 cfs diversion
during seasonal dry periods. To supplement supply, the District maintains a contract with
Calaveras Public Utilities District (CPUD) to provide 150 acre-feet annually from the
Middle Fork of the Mokelumne through the pre-1914 Schaads Reservoir.
4.16 - 6
Pr
reliminary D
Draft EIR S
Setting Sec
ction
Calav
averas Coun
nty Genera
al Plan Pro
oject
N
November 2
2012
Current and
a Future Water
W
Supply
ly and Dema
and Estimatees
ge of availab
ble supplies is
i compared
d to the curreent and projeected demannd for each oof the
The rang
District’ss service areeas and poteential waterr customers within the sub-region in Tables 44.16-1
4
through 4.16-5.
4
In preparing
p
th
he UWMP, CCWD
C
coorrdinated withh the Countty’s Generall Plan
Update process
p
to prepare
p
for these new customers and utilized Californiaa Department of
Finance population
p
projections
p
to
o estimate fu
uture demandd through 20050.5
CCWD assumes
a
for planning pu
urposes thatt demands reemain consttant during a single yeaar and
multiple dry year scenario (cf. UWMP, p.
p 7-1). For the UWMP
P, the Distrrict assumedd the
maximum
m available supply is eq
qual to the upper
u
limits of its contrract and perm
mit values uunless
otherwisee noted.
Ta
able 4.16-1
Neew Hogan/C
Camanche/V
Valley Sprin
ngs Supply tto Demand Comparisoon, ac-ft/yr
The New Hogan/Caman
nche/Valley Sp
prings sub-reggion includes pprojections forr the Jenny
Lind Serv
vice Area as well
w
as the laarger regionall area comprissing the comm
munities of
Wallace, Southworth
S
Esttates, and Bursson. Agriculturral lands withinn the 30,000-aacre area are
also contaiined within thee projections.
CHAPTER
R 4.16 – UTIILITIES AND S ERVICE SYST
TEMS
4.1
16 - 7
Pr
reliminary D
Draft EIR S
Setting Sec
ction
Calav
averas Coun
nty Genera
al Plan Pro
oject
N
November 2
2012
Ta
able 4.16-2
Copper Cove/Copp
peropolis Su
upply to Dem
mand Comp
parison, ac--ft/yr
Ta
able 4.16-3
Ebbettss Pass/State Route 4 Supply to Dem
mand Comp
parison, ac-fft/yr
CHAPTER
TEMS
4.1
16 - 8
Pr
reliminary D
Draft EIR S
Setting Sec
ction
Calav
averas Coun
nty Genera
al Plan Pro
oject
N
November 2
2012
Ta
able 4.16-4
West Point/Wilseeyville Supp
ply to Demaand Comparrison, ac-ft/yyr
Ta
able 4.16-5
Sheep
S
Ranch Supply to
o Demand C
Comparison, ac-ft/yr
The above tabless indicate that CCW
WD may experience shortages in the New
Hogan\C
Camanche\Vaalley Spring
gs and West Point/Wilseeyville regioons based onn the supplyy and
demand assumptionss presented in
i the UWM
MP. The Disstrict is curreently investiigating its suupply
reliability
y and projected demaands. CCWD is also evaluating groundwateer rechargee and
conjunctiive use opp
portunities, regional an
nd inter-regiional partneerships for improving w
water
supply reliability
r
du
uring dry years,
y
impro
oving waterr conservattion opportuunities, ratiooning
measuress, and the strrategic use of
o groundwaater supply w
wells to meeet peaking annd dry year w
water
supply neeeds. Analysis and results of these studies are oongoing andd will be revvised and updated
as new information
n and data develops. As
A part of its water m
management efforts, CC
CWD
d water shorrtage contin
ngency plan as discusseed below annd is continnually
maintains a detailed
preparing
g to manage supplies and demands during
d
drougghts and watter shortagess to ensure a high
quality, reliable
r
wateer supply to its
i customers.
Water Sh
hortage Conttingency Pla
an
During the
t 1976-19
977 droughtt, the 1987--1992 drougght, and moore recentlyy the Goverrnor’s
declaratio
on of droug
ght during 2008-2010, CCWD
C
restrricted water use in its C
Copperopoliss and
Ebbetts Pass
P
service areas once. CCWD emp
ployed multtiple conservvation measuures as part of its
contingen
ncy planning
g, such as voluntary
v
cuttbacks in waater usage, ppublic inform
mation camppaign
to conserrve water, water
w
conserv
vation adverttisements, annd bill insertts. Records sshow that deespite
CHAPTER
TEMS
4.1
16 - 9
November 2012
extreme summer temperatures, demand did not increase as measurably as it would have without
the conservation program in place. During the last drought, the 100-percent metering and tiered
pricing structure suggests that these conservation measures are effective for encouraging wise
use of water. As part of its water contingency program, CCWD adopted Ordinance 77-1. This
ordinance constituted a water shortage response plan specifically applied to the Ebbetts Pass and
Copper Cove/Copperopolis areas impacted through a Board declaration (Resolution 2160) to
address water supply shortages. Ordinance 2010-02 was also adopted to prohibit water waste as
part of the district’s AB 1420 water conservation compliance program. Since then, the District
refined its water shortage contingency plan as presented in this section. In addition, CCWD’s
North Fork Stanislaus project improved the firm yield of the Ebbetts Pass and Copper
Cove/Copperopolis areas. The District’s water shortage contingency plan and wasteful use of
water ordinance are presented in Appendices D and E, respectively, of the UWMP, which is
available at the Calaveras County Planning Department for review (891 Mountain Ranch Road,
San Andreas, CA 95249).
Wallace Community Services District
District Background
Wallace Community Service District (WCSD) was formed on November 8, 1990 as an
independent special district. The District was established to provide water, wastewater, road,
streetlight, and recreational facility maintenance and repair, and garbage collection in Wallace
Lake Estates and the unincorporated town of Wallace. The District is comprised of two zones.
Zone 1 encompasses the Wallace Lake Estates subdivision, where the District provides all
approved services. In Zone 2, the town of Wallace, the District only provides water and
wastewater services.
WCSD is located near the intersection of SR 12 and Camanche Parkway South, immediately
northeast of the unincorporated community of Wallace. The boundaries of WCSD extend
easterly from SR 12 to just beyond Wallace Lake, and from just south of Wallace Lake to
Camanche Parkway South in the north. The District has a boundary area of approximately 381
acres or 0.6 square miles. The District’s Sphere of Influence (SOI) was last updated by the
Calaveras County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) in 2004, and extends beyond
the District’s boundaries in the north to just beyond SR 12, in the west to the county line, and in
the south to just beyond EBMUD Road. The SOI encompasses approximately 1.9 square miles
or 1,206 acres.
Water Supply
WCSD relies entirely on well water for its retail water services. The District owns three wells;
however, only two of the three wells are active. Well 1 has been inactive since it was drilled and
does not have electrical service, pumps or motors. Well 2 is the active well, while Well 3 serves
as a standby well should any additional flow be required. Wells 2 and 3 are activated
automatically by the water level in storage. Combined, Wells 2 and 3 have the capacity to pump
approximately 0.46 mgd—well beyond the capacity of the treatment facility (0.27 mgd), average
daily demand (0.06 mgd in 2009), and peak day demand (0.18 mgd in 2009).6
4.16 - 10
November 2012
The wells draw water from the East San Joaquin Groundwater Basin, which covers about 70
square miles of the County. According to the California Department of Water Resources (DWR),
the basin has experienced a continuous decline in groundwater levels over the past 40 years
leading to an overdraft of the aquifer and leaving groundwater depressions below the City of
Stockton, east of Stockton and east of Lodi.7 Due to proposed development in the Wallace area
and questions of adequate groundwater supply, a developer completed an aquifer study, which
found that there is capacity to serve at least an estimated additional 400 equivalent dwelling
units. A peer review of the study was completed, which concurred with these results. Although
the studies found that there is presently sufficient groundwater supply for additional units,
several agencies question the results. The District has initiated a groundwater monitoring
program that has identified critical drawdown times. The District is presently operating under the
conservative estimate that the groundwater supply can accommodate a total of approximately
290 additional EDU’s. To mitigate concerns of overdraft, eliminate obstacles to development and
provide a backup to the current system, the District is in the process of searching for a surface
water source.
The East Bay Municipal Utility District’s (EBMUD) Mokelumne River Aqueduct runs
approximately three-quarters mile south of the WCSD’s district boundary. This aqueduct carries
untreated water from EBMUD’s Pardee Reservoir to the San Francisco Bay region. The 2004
Wallace MSR recommended negotiating with EBMUD to receive a reliable water supply from
the Mokelumne River Aqueduct. Since then, WCSD applied for surface water through CCWD
from the Camanche South Shore Treatment Plant proposed by EBMUD. However, the treatment
plant has not yet come to fruition; and the application fee was never paid by the developer to
finalize the application to CCWD. WCSD is still in discussions with CCWD and Stockton East
Water District to receive surface water for a long-term water supply.8
Water Quality
The District has ongoing challenges complying with iron and manganese MCLs. In 2005, the
California Department of Public Health (DPH) issued a citation to the District due to the poor
performance of the treatment system and iron and manganese concentrations in excess of their
MCLs. Well 3 has been out of compliance on numerous occasions due to high iron and
manganese levels. Thus, the well is only a standby well and not to be used unless absolutely
necessary. Well 2 had problems meeting manganese maximum contaminant levels (MCLs), but
has remained in compliance since 2007. In 2006, the District began using potassium
permanganate, which is more effective at keeping iron and manganese levels within required
limits. Since 2007, iron or manganese has not been found in the distribution system at levels that
exceed their respective MCL’s.
Water System Infrastructure
Key infrastructure for water service includes the District’s treatment plant, seven miles of
distribution mains, three wells, and two storage tanks. The District owns, operates and maintains
4.16 - 11
November 2012
the treatment facility for groundwater pumped from the wells. The plant was constructed in 1989
and was identified by the District as being in good condition.
The plant has a permitted treatment capacity of 0.27 mgd. Based on the District’s average daily
demand, the District is using on average 22 percent of its permitted capacity; however, during
periods of peak demand, the District uses up to 66 percent of its treatment capacity. Based on the
current peak demand rate of use among the existing connections, the system has space for
approximately 50 additional connections. According to growth projections provided by the
District, based on planned and proposed development, the treatment plant would require
additional capacity around 2018.
Emergency Plans/Storage
WCSD owns and maintains two storage facilities. Water is pumped from the treatment plant into
a ground level tank located adjacent to the plant and from there the water is pumped to the 60gallon elevated tank. The storage tanks have a combined storage of 0.29 mg of water. The
storage facilities would provide approximately 1.75 days of water based on average daily usage,
while maintaining at least two hours of commercial fire flow (1,500 gpm).
An additional storage tank will be necessary once the system is serving in excess of 200 EDUs.
The Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) shows plans to install the new tank between FY 15 and FY
16; however, timing will be adjusted based on the level of demand.
The District does not have interconnections with other water systems. In the event of a stop in
water production, the District would rely on its short-term storage and then transport water in
from another source. The District proposed a contract with CCWD to provide an emergency
water supply should the need arise. In addition, the District plans to purchase a portable back-up
generator, in case of a well pump failure.
Needed System Improvements
CCWD identified $85,000 in infrastructure needs for the WCSD.9 Major infrastructure needs and
deficiencies that had been planned for capital improvement by 2016 are outlined in the District’s
CIP for the wells and treatment plant. Timing for the nine needs and deficiencies listed here from
the CIP will be based on priority as funds permit. The District reported that repairs over $40,000
will be deferred until additional connections have been added to the system or reserves become
available.


Installation of a new computerized control system: This system will improve operations
of the multiple wells and give improved control of the backwash process. This system is
estimated to cost approximately $30,000 and is needed in the short-term.
Purchase an emergency well power source: The District plans to purchase a portable
generator to connect to any of the wells in the event that there is a power outage. The
generator will cost approximately $10,000.
4.16 - 12
November 2012





Bring Well 1 online: Well 1 is presently inactive, and has not been permitted by the State.
The well permitting process needs to be completed, and is expected to entail installation
of electrical controls, pumps, piping, testing and DPH approvals. The project will cost
approximately $50,000.
Variable frequency drive (VFD) and valves for alternate pressure source: In order to
enable the elevated water storage tank to be taken offline for repairs and re-coating the
interior, the VFD will be installed in one of the booster pumps at the plant, in FY 14.
VFD is estimated to cost $14,000.
Add additional treatment filter: Depending on the capacity needs of the plant, the District
is considering installing an additional final stage filter in parallel with the current filter in
FY 15 for approximately $40,000.
Refurbish Wells 1, 2 and 3: The District plans to refurbish each well every five years. All
three wells are planned to be refurbished between FY 14 and FY 16 for a total of about
$160,000.
Replace original water treatment filter tank: The District plans to upgrade the existing
steel filter vessel with a fiberglass unit as part of a redesign to increase plant capacity.
The CIP shows plans to replace the filter in FY 16; however, the actual timing will
depend on the rate of development in the area. The filter will cost approximately $15,000.
Current and Future Water Supply and Demand Estimates
According to Table 15-3 of the Calaveras Local Agency Formation Commission Adopted Water
and Wastewater MSR,10 the groundwater supply available to WCSD is currently adequate to
serve existing demand and will be adequate in future years to serve increased demand. However,
in order to address groundwater overdraft concerns, eliminate obstacles to development and
provide a backup to the current system, the District is in the process of searching for a surface
water source. If secured, WCSD would still face the challenge of transporting the water to the
community.11
On July 16, 2010, LAFCo conducted a public hearing and approved Resolution 2012-05
regarding the WCSD’s divesture of water and wastewater powers and appointed CCWD as the
successor agency for these services but this is not finalized. As of this writing, CCWD is
reviewing the agreement between CCWD and WCSD to ensure compliance with the terms and
conditions agreed upon by both the WCSD and CCWD. This must occur before LAFCO
finalizes and records the divestiture.
Calaveras Public Utility District
District Background
The Calaveras Public Utility District (CPUD) was formed on January 18, 1934 as an independent
special district. The District was established to provide water services to the communities of
Mokelumne Hill and San Andreas. Shortly after its formation, CPUD acquired a Gold Rush era
system of ditches and flumes from the Mokelumne River Power and Water Company.
4.16 - 13
November 2012
The boundaries of CPUD encompass approximately 38 square miles and extend from
Mokelumne Hill in the northwest along the Mokelumne River to Glencoe, and south to the South
Fork Calaveras River including the community of San Andreas. The District boundaries also
include an eastern arm along Ridge Road toward Railroad Flat, as well as a non-contiguous area
in the community of Paloma.
The CPUD sphere of influence is substantially more expansive than the CPUD boundary area,
encompassing about 159 square miles. Beginning near the Channel Arm of Pardee Reservoir, the
northern SOI runs along the Mokelumne River. Near Glencoe the SOI runs east along the South
Fork Mokelumne River beyond Railroad Flat Road. The SOI extends east beyond Railroad Flat
Road, including the community of Mountain Ranch. The SOI runs south along San Antonio
Creek, the South Fork Calaveras River and along the north of New Hogan Reservoir.
Water Supply
CPUD purchased its original water system from Mokelumne River Power and Water Company
in 1939, and with it came water rights on the Middle, Licking and South Forks of the
Mokelumne River. The District negotiated an agreement the following years with EBMUD
which provides up to 9,125 afa, including rights to store water in Schaads reservoir. A
subsequent water right order limits the maximum diversion to 6,656 af; that amount is more than
adequate to supply the 2,181 af in projected CPUD water demand well past 2030.12
CPUD obtains its water from the South Fork of the Mokelumne River where the District has a
diversion dam. The dam is located just below the confluence of the South and Licking Forks of
the Mokelumne River. The dam causes the river water to pool, so CPUD can extract the water
from the river through a pump station (3,300 gpm capacity) and transport the water via a threemile pipeline (9.7 mgd capacity) to the Jeff Davis Reservoir. From there, the water enters the
treatment plant and then flows through transmission mains into the distribution system.
The District also has facilities for extracting water from the Middle Fork of the Mokelumne
River. CPUD’s Schaads Reservoir on the Middle Fork of the Mokelumne River is used to supply
CCWD with up to 200 afa. The reservoir capacity is 1,800 afa. Historically, water was moved
from Schaads Reservoir through a diversion canal to the Licking Fork of the Mokelumne River
(which is upstream from the CPUD pump station). Due to the poor condition of the diversion
canal, the Middle Fork water has not been diverted into the Licking Fork for some time. Schaads
Reservoir is not connected hydraulically to the CPUD treated water system at this time. Schaads
Reservoir needs improvements to remove siltation, install flashboards and reconstruct the
pressure reducing facility there. CPUD plans to complete these improvements by FY 12-13.
CPUD reported that it has rights to store 400 afa of Calaveras River water at its Redhawk
Reservoir located to the east of the intersection of Ridge Road and Railroad Flat. The water was
used in the past to supply downstream agricultural users. CPUD has not supplied those
agricultural users since approximately 2002, and is not actively operating the Redhawk
Reservoir.
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November 2012
The District owns, operates and maintains a treatment plant for surface water. The Jeff Davis
Water Treatment Plant (WTP) consists of six dual media pressure filters, and has capacity to
produce 6 mgd of treated water. The WTP was designed to allow for expansion to 12 mgd
capacity with the addition of six pressure filters. By comparison, average day demand is 1.3 mgd
and peak day demand is 3.02 mgd. In short, adequate WTP capacity exists to serve current water
demand. The WTP is in good condition, having been upgraded recently. When the WTP is
expanded, the WTP will need to provide more treated water storage.
The transmission system consists of 18 miles of mains made primarily from cement, mortarlined, and coated steel pipe of 16 to 27 inches in diameter. The transmission main runs from the
WTP and generally follows SR 26 but crosses open country in some locations. The distribution
system consists of 20 miles of pipeline made of steel, PVC and other materials; some distribution
pipelines are 50 years or older in age. The most recent State inspection report indicated that a
majority of distribution lines are steel mains installed in the 1940s and 1950s.
The Agency owns and maintains six treated water storage facilities. The storage tanks have a
combined storage of 5.66 mg of water. Treated water storage would accommodate 1.9 days of
peak demand or 4.4 days of average system demand. Four storage tanks were built in the 1970s,
a minor storage tank in Golden Hills was built in the 1980s, and the Railroad Flat storage tank
was built in 2002. Storage facilities in Golden Hills and Paloma lack capacity to meet District
standards.
CPUD infrastructure needs include aging pipelines, water pressure issues, reservoir deficiencies,
and storage capacity. The CPUD master plan calls for $795,000 in annual pipeline replacement
expenditures to replace aging pipelines. Under this plan, 25 percent of the CPUD pipeline would
be replaced by 2030, which will address a portion of the elderly steel mains. Jeff Davis Reservoir
is leaking, and Schaads Reservoir needs significant improvements (removal of siltation,
installation of flashboards and reconstructing the pressure reducing facility) which CPUD plans
to complete by 2013. Storage facilities in Golden Hills and Paloma lack capacity to meet District
standards. Pressure-reducing stations along the transmission main need to be rebuilt to increase
capacity.
According to Table 8-4 of the Calaveras Local Agency Formation Commission 2012 Adopted
Water and Wastewater MSR,13 CPUD has adequate water rights to supply projected growth in
demand well past 2030. In addition, CPUD has adequate treatment capacity to accommodate
near-term growth, and plans to initiate WTP expansion planning in the next 10-15 years to
accommodate long-term growth needs.
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November 2012
Valley Springs Public Utility District
District Background
The Valley Springs Public Utility District (VSPUD) was formed in April of 1948 as a public
utility to provide water to the community of Valley Springs. A separate district, the Valley
Springs Sanitary District (VSSD), was formed in January of 1940 to provide wastewater services
to Valley Springs. In October of 1998, LAFCO adopted Resolution No. 98-01 approving a
reorganization of VSPUD and VSSD. This action and a subsequent action by the County Board
of Supervisors consolidated VSSD with VSPUD and designated VSPUD as the successor district
to assume the functions of VSSD. The reorganization also provided for the annexation of
additional territory to VSPUD.
The boundaries of VSPUD extend from just north of Sequoia Avenue, south to Jean Street in the
east and Daphne Street in the west, and from the end of Daphne Street in the west to just west of
Lime Creek Road, in the community of Valley Springs. The District has a boundary area of
approximately 0.44 square miles or 190 acres.
Water Supply
VSPUD relies entirely on well water for its retail water services. The District owns two wells:
Well 4 and Well 6 (completed in 2011). Presently, Well 4 has the capacity to pump
approximately 0.36 mgd -- well beyond the existing average daily demand (0.12 mgd in 2009).14
Well 6 was completed in 2011 and cost approximately $1.3 million. The District financed the
new well with a loan and partial grant from the USDA.
The wells draw water from the East San Joaquin Groundwater Basin, which covers about 70
square miles of the County. According to DWR, the basin has experienced a continuous decline
in groundwater levels over the past 40 years leading to an overdraft of the aquifer and leaving
groundwater depressions below the City of Stockton, east of Stockton and east of Lodi. The
District has reportedly not had problems with groundwater levels in the past.15 The District
recently began groundwater monitoring with a transducer, and prior to that completed an annual
draw down test. During the historical draw down tests, the District estimated that the day
following the tests groundwater levels would return to previous levels. The District has
considered finding a surface water source that could be used to supplement the groundwater.
Prior to the decline in the housing market, VSPUD approached CCWD regarding a surface water
supply to serve proposed large subdivisions in the vicinity of VSPUD; however, these
discussions have been put on hold until development activity increases.
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November 2012
Water Quality
As mentioned above, in the past, the District had problems with positive coliform tests and iron
and manganese levels in excess of MCLs. Consequently, the District closed three wells. Water
from Well 4 has never been out of compliance with contaminant limitations.
The District owns, operates, and maintains well head treatment equipment for groundwater,
which treats with chlorination at the site of each active well prior to pumping to the storage
tanks. Improvements to the treatment system that were completed with recently awarded United
States Department of Agriculture (USDA) funds include installing Supervisory Control and Data
Acquisition capability (SCADA) for the whole system and standby generators. Other needs have
not been identified for the treatment system.
The well and distribution system have a capacity of approximately 0.598 mgd. Based on the
District’s average daily demand, the District is using on average 20 percent of its capacity;
however, during periods of peak demand, the District uses up to 47 percent of its capacity. Based
on the current peak demand rate of use among the existing connections, the system has capacity
for approximately 300 additional connections.
The distribution system consists of five miles of mains that were originally installed in 1950 with
galvanized steel pipes. Since then the entire system has been replaced with asbestos cement pipes
and more recently with PVC pipes. The existing system is composed primarily of asbestos
cement with nine percent composed of PVC and three percent of galvanized steel. The pipelines
range in size from one to 10 inches in diameter. The system is considered to be in good condition
according to California State Department of Health (DPH).
The District owns and maintains three storage facilities. The storage tanks have a combined
storage of 0.49 mg of water. The District reported that both tanks are in good condition and
deficiencies have not been identified for two older tanks.16 The storage facilities would provide
approximately 3.4 days of water based on average daily usage, while maintaining at least two
hours of commercial fire flow (1,500 gpm).
The District has an intertie with CCWD’s Jenny Lind system for emergency purposes and fire
flow needs. The District can receive up to 0.25 mgd through this intertie during emergency
periods. This intertie also allows for CCWD to purchase water from VSPUD, which has occurred
in the past prior to the expansion of the Jenny Lind treatment plant.
According to the Calaveras Agency Formation Commission 2012 Adopted Water and
Wastewater MSR,17 the District has not specified existing needs or deficiencies with respect to
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November 2012
the distribution system. According to DPH, the VSPUD water system is well maintained and
operated.
Water and Wastewater MSR,18 VSPUD’s current well system can adequately serve existing and
future water demand. However, the District is in need of a surface water source to supplement
the area’s groundwater. The District approached CCWD regarding a surface water supply to
serve proposed large subdivisions in the vicinity of VSPUD; however, these discussions have
been put on hold until development activity increases.
Union Public Utility District19
District Background
The Union Public Utility District (UPUD) was formed on July 26, 1946 as an independent
special district. The District was formed to provide agricultural and domestic water services.
PG&E provided water to the UPUD service area until 1961 when UPUD acquired its water
supply and distribution system from the Calaveras Water Users Association.
The boundaries of UPUD extend in the north to the Utica Canal, north of Murphys, and
encompass the community of Murphys, Vallecito, and Douglas Flat; then the boundaries extend
south along South Ditch to include the community of Carson Hill. The District has a boundary
area of approximately 19.1 square miles. The District’s SOI is coterminous with its bounds. The
SOI presently overlaps approximately 190 acres of the City of Angels’ SOI.
Water Supply
UPUD provides raw and treated water services. The District relies directly on Utica Power
Authority (UPA) for delivery of surface water from the North Fork Stanislaus River to UPUD
facilities. UPA, in turn, relies on upstream CCWD facilities. The District does not provide
recycled water services.
The District’s primary water source is the North Fork Stanislaus River. Historically, UPUD
obtained water from PG&E who held pre-1914 rights to the water until selling off these
operations to CCWD in 1996 and 1997. Under UPUD’s agreement with PG&E, UPUD obtained
6.75 cfs (equivalent to 4,882 afa) at a rate of $1 per af, and can obtain an additional 1,000 af at a
rate of $15 per af. CCWD transferred these water rights (for direct diversion and storage) to
Utica Power Authority (UPA) and Northern California Power Agency (NCPA). UPA now holds
the rights to the source water delivered to UPUD. UPUD would need additional water supplies to
serve build-out of its service area.
UPUD does have adequate contracted water supplies during the irrigation season to meet new
demand. There is a limitation on new irrigation connections due to infrastructure limitations in
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November 2012
certain locations. Additional upstream storage reservoirs and supplies during the irrigation
season would enhance the irrigation water supplies to accommodate growth in service demand.
CCWD conveys the water from its Collierville Tunnel into the UPA Utica Hydroelectric Project.
UPA transfers water to a flume that flows into Hunters Reservoir in Avery, then into Lower
Utica Canal, and finally into Murphys Forebay, Murphys Powerhouse, and Murphys Afterbay.
UPUD’s domestic water supply is diverted from UPA above Murphys Forebay, and flows into
UPUD’s Cademorti Reservoir from whence the water flows into the WTP.
UPUD’s agricultural water is delivered by UPA to two points of diversion: agricultural water for
the Murphys customers is delivered above Murphys Forebay, and agricultural water for
Vallecito, Douglas Flat, and Carson Hill customers is delivered below Murphys Afterbay. The
majority (70 percent) of UPUD’s water demand is irrigation water.
Each year, the water supplied to UPA depends on unimpaired runoff in the Stanislaus River. In
the driest of years (i.e., drier than the 1977 drought), UPA would be over-committed during the
dry season with deliveries exceeding commitments by 14-24 percent.20 With no shortage plan to
determine how much water each entity would receive, the District’s water allocation in such a
drought is unknown. The City of Angels Camp has recommended pursuing a shortage plan with
UPA to determine safe annual yield during drought conditions.
The District’s secondary water source is surface water from Taylor Creek. Taylor Creek flows
seasonally. Typically, the creek is dry by late May or early June. A typical annual supply from
the creek is approximately 100 af, with actual supplies dependent on rainfall and varying from
60-130 af. This water supply is used exclusively for irrigation purposes, and is included in
UPUD’s contractual allocation from UPA.
The District owns, operates and maintains a water treatment plant (WTP) for surface water,
which was upgraded in 2006 and is in good condition. The WTP is located below Cadematori
Reservoir. The WTP capacity is 2 mgd and the UPUD residential demand in 2010 was 1,034 af.
As of 2011, the District has 1604 connections, which include 1382 single and multi-family
connections, 123 commercial and 99 irrigation meter connections.
Average daily flow treated at the facility is 850,000 gallons. The WTP will need an additional
filter at an estimated cost of $0.5 million to expand its capacity in order to accommodate future
growth. In addition, installation of a conventional contact clarification would be needed to
accommodate future growth due to the effect of higher flows on clogging filters.
The domestic distribution system consists of 33.1 miles of distribution pipeline. UPUD has
reported the water loss rate is approximately 7 percent;21 by comparison the 2004 Master Plan
reported the average historical domestic loss rate at 8-11 percent. UPUD’s agricultural water
delivery system consists of two irrigation ditches, some of which are composed of pipeline.
Approximately 17.0 miles exist in the irrigation distribution system. The North Ditch begins at
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November 2012
Murphys Forebay and ends at Stephen’s Reservoir, and is composed of open ditch and pipeline.
Agricultural water is distributed to the Murphys area via pipeline. The South Ditch begins at
Murphys Afterbay and flows via open ditch and pipeline to Siebel Reservoir; from there, the
water flows via pipelines to Vallecito and then to Airola Reservoir. The irrigation water loss rate
is 10 percent, as reported by UPUD.
Infrastructure needs or deficiencies in the domestic distribution system include increasing main
pipeline size to provide adequate fire flows, replacing 0.5 miles of older mains and service lines,
installing additional fire hydrants in the Vallecito area, Douglas Flat, and Murphys Ranch
subdivision. The 2004 Master Plan identified $2.5 million in capital needs associated primarily
with replacing undersized mains and increasing fire flow. The most significant needs are
associated with replacing 3.8 miles of undersized mains between Vallecito Tank and Carson Hill.
UPUD’s irrigation system continually needs replacement, with portions of the system more than
60 years old. Projected needs for replacement of the irrigation system (last updated in 1999)
indicated annual costs of $104,000 over a 30-year period. Actual replacement needs are greater,
as UPUD capital expenditures in recent years have not kept pace with the 1999 plan.
The District’s 2004 Master Plan projects zero growth in irrigation use due to a net freeze on
irrigation accounts. The District does not consider this freeze to be a “moratorium” as the District
connects new irrigation users when prior users disconnect from the system. The District reported
in 2008 that it had not been able to extend service to a growing number of vineyards. UPUD’s
water supplier Utica Power Authority reported a moratorium on new agricultural connections
within UPA’s service area.
The District owns and maintains four treated water storage facilities and four raw water
reservoirs. The storage tanks have a combined storage of 3.35 mg of water. Tank locations are
near the WTP (0.25 mg capacity), in Murphys on Sheep Ranch Road (1 mg), in Vallecito on
Redhill Road (0.1 mg), and in Murphys at the WTP (2 mg capacity). The 2 mg tank is in
excellent condition, having been purchased recently in 2006. The Murphys tank on Sheep Ranch
Road was installed in 1992, and the Vallecito tank was installed in 1989. The tanks were last
inspected and cleaned in 2012. The smaller tank at the WTP is relatively old, but was repaired in
2007, and last inspected and cleaned in 2008. Additional storage would be needed to
accommodate build-out of the UPUD service area. Treated water storage would accommodate
1.4 days of peak demand or 1.9 days of average system demand.
The UPUD system contains four reservoirs. Cademorti is the most significant based on capacity
and function. Cademorti reservoir holds the incoming raw water and is connected directly to the
WTP. The other three reservoirs function as storage for raw water deliveries to agricultural
customers. Two of the raw water reservoirs are in good condition, and one is in fair condition.
4.16 - 20
November 2012
Additional storage reservoirs would enhance the irrigation water supplies to accommodate
growth in service demand.
Water and Wastewater MSR,22 UPUD has adequate water supply to serve existing and future
water demand within the District. However, as noted above, the District would need to expand its
treatment and distribution systems to serve future growth in its domestic system.
Utica Power Authority
The Utica Power Authority (UPA) was formed in December 1995 as a joint powers authority
(JPA) whose members at that time were the City of Angels, CCWD and UPUD. As a JPA, UPA
is not under the jurisdiction of LAFCO. The JPA was formed to manage a water conveyance and
hydroelectric power system that PG&E was in the process of selling to CCWD at the time of
UPA formation.
The UPA infrastructure originated in the nineteenth century as a system of ditches, flumes, a
dam and a reservoir built to convey water from the North Fork Stanislaus River to Angels Creek
(MWH, Calaveras County General Plan: Water Element Baseline Report Supplement, Feb.
2009, p. 20. ) The Utica Gold Mining Company constructed a powerhouse and conveyance line
to transport water to Angels Camp prior to the mine’s closure in 1918. PG&E purchased the
system in 1946, operating two hydroelectric projects known as the Utica Project and Angels
Project, and supplied water to customers in Murphys, the City of Angels and surrounding areas
over the ensuing 50 years. PG&E supplied water to irrigation users along the canals and ditches,
and to the Dogtown Ditch area northwest of the City of Angels.
In 1996, PG&E sold the system to CCWD. CCWD then sold a portion of the system to UPA,
including PG&E’s contractual obligations to supply water to Murphys, The City of Angels Camp
and surrounding areas.( Memorandum of Understanding and Settlement Agreement by and
Between Calaveras County Water District and Utica Power Authority, Nov. 3, 2009).
Wastewater
Eight public agencies are located within Calaveras County that provide wastewater services.
These agencies provide wastewater services to the populated areas of the County. The remaining
parts of the County rely on individual septic systems. The following section describes the current
conditions of the wastewater providers within Calaveras County, with the exception of East Bay
Municipal Utility District (EBMUD), which provides wastewater service at its Camanche South
Shore recreation area and its upcountry headquarters facility Pardee Center.
Calaveras County Water District (Wastewater Service)
CCWD provides wastewater collection, treatment and disposal services to 13 communities in the
County:
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November 2012
1.
Arnold: The Arnold Waste Water Treatment Plan (WWTP) receives flows primarily
from the Arnold commercial corridor, White Pines, and residences in the area, as well
as from a school and mobile home park in Avery just outside the improvement district
bounds. This system provides secondary treatment at its activated sludge WWTP and
disposal via spray irrigation during dry months and via subsurface disposal beds during
wet months. The collection system serves 483 connections through 15 miles of pipe and
four lift stations. Existing infrastructure needs are as follows:
 A second clarifier is needed for redundancy and routine maintenance to occur.
A wet weather evaluation of the subsurface disposal bed and spray irrigation
areas is needed to assess disposal capacity.
 To accommodate projected growth, Arnold WWTP needs an additional 22 acres
of spray field irrigation, six percolation beds and lift station improvements at an
estimated cost of $865,000; this expansion will be needed when ADWF
approaches 130,000 gpd.
 To accommodate buildout, (ADWF of 0.245 mgd) treatment plant expansion
and additional improvements will be needed at an estimated cost of $2.4
million.
2.
Copper Cove: The largest of CCWD’s wastewater systems, the system serves 1,751
connections in the communities of Copper Cove, Conner Estates, Copper Meadows,
Saddle Creek and Lake Tulloch. CCWD recently expanded the system capacity to serve
this high-growth service area. Copper Cove provides secondary treatment at its older
WWTP and tertiary treatment at an adjacent WWTP, and disposal of secondary effluent
to sprayfields and tertiary effluent to irrigate a golf course. CCWD’s Copper Cove
WWTP is operating at 96 percent permitted capacity. The collection system consists of
about 19 miles of pipeline and 31 lift stations. Existing infrastructure needs are as
follows:
 Storage capacity is inadequate. CCWD plans to expand storage capacity by
expanding its storage pond from 205 to 415 af, although the timeline for this
$5.6 million improvement is uncertain due to financial hardship.
 Lift stations need storage to avoid spills.
 To accommodate buildout capacity needs (ADWF 1.8 mgd) would require
upgrades at the secondary WWTP, expansion of storage pond capacity by 475
af, and expansion of irrigation areas by 300 acres.
3.
Country Houses: This small system was built to accommodate a development and
provides primary treatment and disposal at onsite leachfields to 25 connections on
septic systems located east of Dorrington. No infrastructure needs are identified for this
system.
4.
Forest Meadows: This system provides tertiary treatment, storage and disposal to 610
connections in the residential golf course community. The Forest Meadows service area
is approximately four miles east of Murphys. The tertiary wastewater treatment facility
consists of preliminary screening, sludge-settling storage basin, dissolved air flotation
4.16 - 22
November 2012
thickeners, sand filters, ultraviolet disinfection and effluent storage pond. Disposal
facilities include on-site leachfields, golf course irrigation, and seasonal discharges to
Stanislaus River during wet weather. The collection system consists of 11.3 miles of
sewer pipe. Existing infrastructure needs are as follows:
 Construction of a pumping station and force main for discharge to the Stanislaus
River is needed. A portion of the design work is completed, but the $2.6 million
remaining project cost is not presently funded.
 To accommodate projected growth, the District needs to add a treatment filter.
The $0.7 million project is not presently funded.
 To accommodate buildout capacity needs (ADWF 0.273 mgd) would require a
new sewer trunk (to be paid by developers), treatment plant upgrades, increase
of capacity from 58.4 to 66.3 af, and completion of the pipeline for discharge to
Stanislaus River.
 A segment of force main needs replacement due to failures and leaks; the
$200,000 capital project is not presently funded.
 Relatively high infiltration and inflow occurs in spite of a 2002 collection
system rehabilitation.
5.
Indian Rock: This small system provides secondary treatment via recirculating bed sand
filtration and disposal at onsite leachfields to 20 connections on septic systems. The
service area is located 1.7 miles southeast of Murphys. Nonfrastructure needs are
identified for this system.
6.
La Contenta: This system provides tertiary treatment, storage and disposal to 960
connections in the La Contenta subdivision, New Hogan and adjacent areas. The
service area is located adjacent to Valley Springs. The La Contenta wastewater
treatment facility consists of a bar screen, activated sludge, secondary clarifier, sand
filters and ultraviolet disinfection. Treated effluent is stored in two reservoirs during
wet months and used as golf course irrigation during dry months. The collection system
consists of about 18 miles of pipeline in addition to two miles of force main. The
CCWD La Contenta WWTP has an existing average dry weather flow (ADWF) that
exceeds permitted plant capacity. Existing infrastructure needs are as follows:
 Relatively high infiltration and inflow (I&I) occurs in the system; a study is
needed to determine the extent of the I&I problems in this system.
 Inadequate disposal capacity on the golf course exists to accommodate peak
flows and planned growth. If the District gains regulatory approval for
discharges to the Calaveras River, construction of a gravity main for said
disposal would be needed. The District submitted an application for a seasonal
discharge permit. If granted, no additional storage and disposal capacity is
needed. If not, the District will need to develop additional land disposal capacity
(at a cost of $3.4 million) and/or reclaimed water distribution systems.
To accommodate buildout capacity needs (ADWF of 0.63 mgd, peak wet weather flow
(PWWF) of 2.8 mgd) requires $1.5 million in collection system upgrades (replacement
of undersized collection pipes construction of parallel force main, and pump station),
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November 2012
$6.4 million in treatment upgrades, and $5-13 million in storage and disposal upgrades
(cost depends on whether or not surface water discharge is approved by the Regional
Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB)).
CCWD staff is pursuing a new permit for La Contenta to allow for an increase in Plant
expansion.
7.
Millwoods: This system provides secondary treatment via septic tank settling and
disposal at onsite leachfields to 194 connections on modified, forced-storage septic
tanks. The service area is located in northern Arnold on Manuel Road. The District
plans ultimately to connect Millwood to the Arnold system. Existing infrastructure
needs are as follows:
 A considerable amount of solids is being conveyed to the lift station, and
leachfield. Installation of a settling basin and septic tanks screens is needed.
Alternatively, the District is considering tying the Millwoods system into
Arnold to avoid system upgrades.
 Septic tank lids need to be replaced and fastened directly to the concrete tank.
 Septic tank discharge pipelines are undersized and subject to overflows, and
needed to be replaced with larger diameter pipe, which is estimated to cost
about $250,000.
8.
Sequoia Woods/Mountain Retreat: This small system provides disposal at an onsite
leachfield to 23 connections on septic systems. The system was built in 1974 to
accommodate a development and was transferred to CCWD in 1984. The service area
encompasses two small subdivisions—Mountain Retreat and Sequoia Woods—with
vacation properties located south of Big Trees State Park. Mountain Retreat is a 30-unit
condo complex, and Sequoia Woods is a 10-unit townhouse complex. CCWD plans to
expand the Sequoia Woods leachfield to remedy operational issues.
9.
Six Mile: A collection system conveys effluent from 66 connections on septic tanks to
the City of Angels for treatment and disposal. CCWD contracts with the City of Angels
for these services. Existing infrastructure needs are as follows:
 The force main is in poor condition. Solids tend to accumulate in the line,
portions of which require weekly flushing to eliminate clogs and maintain flow
capacity. The estimated replacement cost is $265,000 and is not funded.
 High I&I occurs in the collection system. Leaking septic tank lids are suspected
to be a contributing factor. Septic tank discharge pipelines are undersized,
subject to clogs and difficult to flush due to lack of access (e.g., cleanouts).
10.
Southworth: This small system provides secondary treatment via recirculating sand
filters, a storage pond and disposal to an onsite sprayfield. The facility serves 58
connections on septic tanks within the Southworth Ranch Estates subdivision located
southeast of Wallace. No infrastructure needs are identified for this system.
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November 2012
11.
Vallecito/Douglas Flat: This system provides secondary treatment to 256 connections
in the communities of Vallecito and Douglas Flat located near Murphys. Treatment is
via activated sludge and extended aeration processes at two separate facilities, two
storage ponds and disposal to 26 acres of spray fields. The collection system consists of
10.6 miles of sewer pipe. Existing infrastructure needs are as follows:
 The system lacks adequate storage and disposal capacity. Minimal space exists
to increase disposal storage and funding sources are not identified to cover the
estimated $2-5 million in costs to expand storage and disposal for Vallecito.
 The treatment plant needs $0.8 million in improvements to prevent overloading,
control odors and properly convey and screen solids.
 CCWD plans to complete a new Douglas Flat WWTP in 2012, which will treat
at tertiary levels.
12.
West Point: This system provides secondary treatment to 163 connections on septic
tanks in the West Point community. Treatment is through a recirculation sand filter
system and disinfection by chlorine, storage in two ponds, and onsite disposal to 45
acres of spray fields. The collection system consists of 13 miles of pipeline. Existing
infrastructure needs are as follows:
 To accommodate irrigation demand the system would require upgrading the
WWTP at a cost of $390,000.
 The collection system is subject to blockage particularly at septic tanks with
small-diameter pipes.
 The West Point collection system experiences I&I issues, and may need
improvements.
13.
Wilseyville Camp: This small system provides secondary treatment via an aerated pond
and 10-acre spray field disposal system. The system serves 29 connections and is
considered at buildout. Wilseyville is located 0.5 miles from the West Point WWTP,
but CCWD found it would not be cost-effective to combine the two systems. The only
infrastructure need for this small system is the installation of disinfection before spray
irrigation.
With the exception of Six Mile Village, CCWD provides collection treatment and disposal
services directly with district staff. In addition to these communities, CCWD also operates and
maintains WCSD’s wastewater facilities by contract and provides back up emergency services to
other providers when necessary.
Wallace Community Services District
In addition to the above-discussed 13 wastewater systems owned and operated by CCWD,
Wallace Community Services District contracts with CCWD to operate its wastewater facilities.
In July 2012, the Calaveras Local Agency Formation Commission approved an application by
the Wallace CSD for a divestiture of water and wastewater powers. Finalization of this process
is pending satisfaction of the terms and conditions assigned by LAFCo.
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November 2012
As discussed above, Wallace Community Service District (WCSD) was formed on November 8,
1990 as an independent special district. The District was formed to provide water, wastewater,
road, streetlight, and recreational facility maintenance and repair, and garbage collection in
Wallace Lake Estates and the unincorporated town of Wallace. The District is comprised of two
zones. Zone 1 encompasses the Wallace Lake Estates subdivision, where the District provides all
approved services. In Zone 2, the town of Wallace, the District only provides water and
wastewater services. The District has a boundary area of approximately 381 acres or 0.6 square
miles.
Key WCSD wastewater infrastructure includes one wastewater treatment plant, a storage
reservoir, 12 acres of spray fields, and seven miles of sewer pipes.
Wastewater Treatment
Each lot has a private sealed septic tank where effluent collects. The septic tank is used primarily
to treat solids while liquid effluent gravity flows or is pumped into the District’s collection
system to the WWTP. Maintenance and pumping of the septic tanks is the responsibility of the
landowner. Sludge needs to be removed from the individual septic tanks every three to five years
depending on the amount of use. In addition to the septic tank effluent, the WWTP also treats the
WTP backwash.
At the WWTP, effluent is treated to tertiary standards. The treatment process consists of aerobic
trickling filters, sedimentation, sand filtering and disinfection. The WWTP and collection system
were installed in 1989 when the subdivision was developed. After treatment, effluent is stored in
a percolation pond. The District has a 12-acre spray field where it is permitted to use the treated
effluent for irrigation purposes; however, due to the high percolation rates of the pond, it has not
been necessary to use the spray field.
With the Plant’s existing ADWF of 12,000 gpd, approximately 27 percent of the WWTP’s
permitted capacity is being used. The District reports that the current Plant has capacity to serve
a total of approximately 200 EDUs; although, the 2012 MSR predicts that the Plant may be able
to handle a total of 364 connections.23 Once the existing plant reaches capacity, an additional
mirror plant will be constructed that would handle 200 additional connections. The District
estimates that a new plant would cost approximately $1.5 million. Should development occur at
the pace that the District anticipates, a new Plant would be necessary by about 2020.
Major infrastructure needs and deficiencies identified by a CCWD engineering study for
District’s capital improvement plan for the plant and spray fields include:
 Disposal system: In order to comply with the regulatory permit, the District needs to
restore its irrigation system and install a 50,000 gallon holding tank to store peak effluent
flows. The CCWD engineers report estimated this project would cost $250,000.
 A computerized control system: A computerized system would allow for programming
and trouble shooting from a remote laptop. The project is expected to cost $30,000.
 Rebuilding and replacement of the trickling filters: The trickling filters are outdated and
need replacement at a cost of approximately $60,000.
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November 2012

New groundwater monitoring well: One of the District’s three groundwater monitoring
wells is dry and will likely need to be redrilled in a new location. The District is unsure of
when this will need to be addressed, but anticipates that it will cost approximately
$10,000.
In addition, because the WWTP treats the WTP backwash, the WWTP may be susceptible to
high flows that maximize the Plant’s capacity should the valves of the backwash system fail—
which occurred in the past. This could also lead to a high iron content in the percolation pond
and subsequently the groundwater monitoring wells, which would give cause to RWQCB to
require that the pond be lined. In order to mitigate this risk, the District plans to install a settling
tank at the WTP, eliminating the treatment of the backwash at the WWTP. The settling tank will
cost approximately $40,000 and is planned to be constructed in FY 15 or whenever the WWTP is
closer to capacity and the funding is available.
Collection System
The collection system consists of seven miles of PVC pipes from two to four inches in diameter.
The system primarily uses gravity flows with only a few septic pumps throughout the system.
The District needs to install flushing ports in the collection lines to allow technicians to find and
flush out blockages.
Murphys Sanitary District
The Murphys Sanitary District (MSD) was formed in the early 1960s under the provisions of the
California Sanitary District Act of 1923. MSD provides wastewater collection, treatment, and
disposal services for the community of Murphys. MSD’s current district boundaries cover the
area within and around the communities of Murphys and northeasterly along SR 4. The District
boundaries encompass approximately 1,611 acres (2.5 square miles). The MSD lies within the
Murphys Community Plan area with the exception of 80 acres to the north. The 80 acres lies
within the County’s Ebbetts Pass Highway Plan area.
Key MSD wastewater infrastructure includes three treatment ponds, a storage pond, 13.9 miles
of sewer pipes and one lift station. Wastewater is collected in a gravity collection system to a
pump station west of Murphys. From the pump station, wastewater enters three treatment ponds
and a storage pond where it is treated with aeration and sand filtration. After leaving the ponds,
the effluent enters a WWTF where the treatment process is completed to secondary standards
with a clarifier, filters and chlorine. Treated effluent is used for drip irrigation at Ironstone
Vineyards year round.
The District estimated that at the existing irrigation rate there is remaining capacity for
approximately 233 new connections based on an average flow of 150 gpd per connection.24
Should the contract with Ironstone Vineyards be updated to receive the maximum amount of
discharge permitted by the State, the District anticipates capacity for a total of 333 additional
4.16 - 27
November 2012
customers. By comparison, based on the actual ADWF of 192 gpd per connection and the
existing inflow capacity of the system of 0.183 mgd, the system presently has space for
approximately 183 additional connections. It is anticipated that once the contract is updated,
space will exist for 260 total additional connections. The District is reevaluating its available
capacity based on recent flow data.
The treatment facilities were originally built in the 1980s and upgraded in 2002. Improvements
included a new filtration system, a clarifier, sludge drying beds, a chlorine detention basin,
electrical upgrades, and expansion of the storage pond. According to a later report, the aim of the
2002 improvements was to upgrade the facility to tertiary treatment; however, the existing
system is not able to treat to tertiary standards due to a failure to provide Department of Healthapproved components. Other needs and deficiencies identified in a 2007 treatment facility
evaluation included 1) poor drainage for the backwash solids basin, 2) an overflowing chlorine
contact chamber riser, and 3) inadequate consideration of maintenance needs for the chlorine
contact chamber. The District has not estimated the cost of these improvements to go to tertiary
treatment; however, the FY 12-13 budget will include funds for a preliminary engineering report
for tertiary improvements.
In addition to these deficiencies that need to be corrected to reach tertiary treatment, numerous
issues exist that are currently undergoing review, including proper disposal of accumulated
biosolids and the lack of an influent flow meter.
The District was issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) in 2012. The NOV was the result of
violations which included bypass of treatment units, on-site storage of biosolids, and improper
sampling and instrument calibration procedures. Additionally, the District reported an increasing
trend of nitrate in groundwater. In April 2012, the District met with RWQCB staff and proposed
corrective steps to address the aforementioned violations. The stockpiles of biosolids are to be
removed by October 2012. To address the groundwater quality issue, MSD will redevelop the
wells, remove biosolid stockpiles, and perform eight quarters of groundwater monitoring with an
expanded parameter list. Additionally, to ensure proper groundwater sampling and calibration,
MSD will contract with a private groundwater sampler and train all field employees on proper
methods and documentation for sampling and calibration. RWQCB also ordered that MSD
submit a Groundwater Quality Corrective Action Plan, a Storage Capacity Evaluation Report,
and Biosolids Removal Monthly Status Reports.
Collection System
The system is a standard gravity collection system that flows to a single pump station adjacent to
Angels Creek. According to the District’s capital improvement plan, the District plans to replace
300 linear feet of force main annually. Of the total collection system, the District reported that
approximately 10 percent of the piping needs to be replaced as it is older and composed of clay.
Specifically, six problem areas were identified in the District’s Master Plan, which are yet been
addressed - manholes 31 and 27 which only have access from private property; a sewer line that
crosses the bottom of Angels Creek; a length of main located between manholes 40 and 25 which
is prone to backups due to a slight upwards slope; manhole 172 which has many recorded
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November 2012
overflows in the past; and the manholes and lines directly above the lift station which are
difficult to access. Based on the capital improvement plan, the District plans to address three of
these problem areas by 2016, in addition to two other areas of concern. These projects are
estimated to cost a total of $1.3 million.
San Andreas Sanitary District
The San Andreas Sanitary District (SASD) provides wastewater collection, treatment, and
disposal services for the community of San Andreas and surrounding area. San Andreas is the
County seat of Calaveras County. The SASD was formed in July 1948 under the Sanitary
District Act of 1923. The District’s wastewater system was constructed in the 1950s with
significant improvements made in 1969 and in 1982. Additional improvements to the system
were made in 1992 and 1994. SASD’s current district boundaries include approximately 1,387
acres (about 2.2 square miles) and cover the areas within and around the community of San
Andreas.
Key SASD wastewater infrastructure includes one wastewater treatment plant, leach fields, 23.5
miles of sewer pipes and 5 lift stations.
Wastewater is treated to tertiary levels, discharged into an effluent storage reservoir and then
pumped to two miles of on-site evaporation, transpiration and percolation ditches. The WWTP
was upgraded in 2011. Under the District’s former waste discharge requirements permit (R52003-0151), treated effluent was discharged exclusively to the percolation ditches during the dry
months from May 1 to October 31. During wet weather, from November 1 to April 30, treated
effluent was discharged to the land disposal area to the extent possible; however, treated effluent
that could not be discharged to the land was discharged into the San Andreas Creek. The former
permit required that discharges to the San Andreas Creek, as well as the North Fork Calaveras
River, be diluted to a daily average of 20:1 (receiving water flow: treated effluent flow) or
receive tertiary treatment after April 1, 2006. SASD has since constructed an outfall pipeline to
the North Fork Calaveras River, to discharge excess secondary treated effluent from November 1
to April 30, and has discontinued discharging to San Andreas Creek. Dried sludge is disposed of
at the Forward Landfill.
The WWTP has a design capacity of 0.4 mgd average dry weather flow. While the District’s
average dry weather flow is 0.29 mgd or 73 percent of the WWTP’s capacity, the District
reported that due to high flows during work periods, the WWTP is essentially at capacity.25
Based on the design capacity of 0.4 mgd, the District can treat approximately 277 gpm; however,
during work hours on weekdays the Plant treats up to 350 gpm. During evening hours, the
Districts flow can be as low as 90 gpm. The District estimates that it can accept a maximum of
22 new connections. Due to limitations on capacity expansion at the existing WWTP, the District
reported it will need a new plant to serve projected growth. The District reported that reserve
capacity does not exist for in-fill development.
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November 2012
Collection System
The collection system was originally constructed in the 1950’s. Significant improvements have
been made since then in 1969 and 1982. The system consists of 23.5 miles of pipes ranging in
size from four to 24 inches in diameter. The District reported a problem with I&I, as peak wet
weather flows exceed permitted wet weather capacity of the Plant of 0.9 mgd and permitted wet
weather discharge of 1.5 mgd. A storm by-pass device allows the diversion of excess storm
inflow to a high-flow treatment system and storage reservoir, which has a capacity of six million
gallons. However, in 2005, during a 40-year rain event, the District experienced a peaking factor
of 12. Since then, the District replaced approximately 600 feet of main which corrected those
areas with the most significant I&I problems.
The District's Master Plan outlines the need for a formalized rehabilitation and replacement plan
that identifies and prioritizes deficiencies and establishes a short- and long-term replacement
schedule. The District reported that at least 2,000 feet of main needs to be replaced.
Mokelumne Hill Sanitary District
Mokelumne Hill Sanitary District (MHSD) was formed on August 20, 1945 as an independent
special district. MHSD provides wastewater collection, treatment and disposal services to the
unincorporated community of Mokelumne Hill. Unserved areas with septic systems do not exist
within the District. All operation and management services are provided directly by the agency
through district staff, with the exception of billing which is provided by Calaveras Public Utility
District. CCWD provides backup emergency response in the event that the District does not have
the necessary tools or equipment to repair a problem.
Key MHSD wastewater infrastructure includes one wastewater treatment plant, irrigation fields,
3.2 miles of sewer pipes and two lift stations. Effluent is treated to a secondary level at the
WWTP, discharged into a storage pond and then used to irrigate a 10-acre field on the WWTP
property during summer months.
The WWTP has a permitted capacity of 0.15 mgd average dry weather flow. As of 2010, the
WWTP had an average dry weather flow of 0.035 mgd or 23 percent of the WWTP’s permitted
capacity. However, during wet weather months, the limiting factor of the treatment system is the
District’s treated effluent storage capacity, as the District is restricted from irrigating during
those months and must store the effluent until the dry months. The District estimated that during
wet weather months, sufficient capacity exists to treat and store on average 0.06 mgd.
Consequently, during the wet weather months, the District uses approximately 58 percent of its
capacity. The District does not presently have any will serve letters, but reports that sufficient
capacity exists to serve infill and future development.26
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November 2012
MHSD’s treatment infrastructure needs and planned improvements include:
 The District reported that there is a need to upgrade the chlorination system, which has
occasionally stopped working in the past. An upgrade to a commercial unit would ensure
reliable operation. A new chlorination system would cost approximately $500,000.
 Additional facility and equipment needs that may contribute to district efficiency are an
on-site space with a computer, internet connection, and printer and a company vehicle.
The plant operator presently completes administrative work at his residence.
Collection System
The collection system was originally installed in 1947 and extended and updated in 1974, the
1990s and 2005. Of the 3.2 miles of existing pipeline, approximately 6,800 feet (40 percent of
the total system) remain of the original clay piping. The District identified the collection system
as generally being in good condition, with the exception of the 6,800 feet of original clay piping
that is in poor condition and needs to be replaced. The District is in the process of applying for
funding to replace this portion of the system, and estimates that it will cost approximately $1.6
million. Once this section is completed, the collection system would have no infrastructure needs
or deficiencies.
Valley Springs Public Utility District
The Valley Springs Public Utility District (VSPUD) primarily serves the community of Valley
Springs and surrounding area with water supply, wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal
services. VSPUD provides these services to single-family residential, multi-family residential
and commercial customers. The VSPUD current district boundaries cover an area of 190 acres
or 0.44 square miles.
The District’s key wastewater infrastructure include 3.5 miles of sewer pipelines, a WWTP,
which includes a headworks and an aeration tank, two aeration ponds, a polishing pond, and a 92
acre-foot clay lined effluent storage reservoir. Effluent is disposed of by spray irrigation on 33
acres of land. Dried sludge is disposed of at a local landfill.
The WWTP and ponds were constructed in 1956. Influent enters the WWTP through a
comminutor, which automatically cuts coarse sewage solids into small settable solids that settle
out in a settling tank. After sewage goes through the comminutor, the sewage enters an Aeration
Tank. Sewage discharged from the Aeration Tank enters two treatment ponds (Aeration Pond
Nos. 1 and 2) and a polishing pond (Pond No. 3) in succession and finally stored in the storage
reservoir. VSPUD historically disposes of wastewater on approximately 15 acres of hillside east
of the wastewater treatment and storage system. To increase its disposal capacity, the District
expanded the spray disposal area to approximately 22 acres in 2004 and then to 33 acres in 2006.
The Discharger has a lease agreement with a local farmer to allow horses to graze within the
sprayfield boundaries.
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November 2012
As of 2009, ADWF at the Plant was 60,000 gpd. Based on the ADWF, the District is using 77
percent of the system’s permitted capacity.27 The district’s permitted capacity is 78,500 gpd per
existing RWQCB permit. The District’s Wastewater Facilities Master Plan outlines four phases
to increase the WWTP and disposal area capacity to 120,000 gpd. As of May 2012, the first two
phases of the plan are completed. The District reported that the timing for Phases 3 and 4 would
depend upon the rate of future growth and demand, as the District is presently operating within
its permitted capacity. Phase 3 improvements will increase capacity to 100,000 gpd. Phase 3 was
estimated to cost approximately $234,000 in 2003 dollars. Improvements will include modifying
a portion of the spray field area to a trench system, enlarging Aeration Pond 2, replacing the
aerators, modifying the headworks and grit chamber, and modifying the spray field pump system
at the storage reservoir. Completion of Phase 4 projects will expand the system to a capacity of
120,000 gpd. Phase 4 projects were estimated to cost a total of $246,000 in 2003. Improvements
will include expansion of the spray irrigation fields to the maximum of the existing District
property, construct pond 5, and modify the existing sludge drying beds.
Infrastructure needs and deficiencies at the treatment plant and ponds include improvements to
the storage reservoir to allow the District to keep pH and BOD levels within required levels.
Presently, the District reported that the size of the reservoir makes it difficult to control levels,
and consequently, RWQCB issued a Notice of Violation to the District for multiple months in
excess of mandated maximum levels. In FY 09-10, the District budgeted $107,500 for a lift
station upgrade and fencing, a roof blower room, painting the WWTP, and other WWTP
improvements.
In addition, a shortfall of land area currently exists, which will limit the system’s long-term
growth potential. Potential options to resolve this issue include 1) collecting and discharging to
CCWDs La Contenta WWTP although capacity does not presently exist at the WWTP to accept
VSPUD’s effluent, 2) discharging into Cosgrove Creek during winter months, which is
challenging given increasing regulations, and 3) acquisition of additional land, which may be
financially implausible.
Collection System
The collection system was originally installed in 1940. The system is composed of a combination
of six and eight diameter mains consisting of vitrified clay (90 percent) and the remaining is
primarily plastic with small amounts of asbestos cement and galvanized steel. In the past, the
District had issues with I&I; however, a smoke test of the entire system was completed in 2002
and improvements made to the 51 identified locations of infiltration by 2005. The District
instituted a regular replacement schedule for the collection system and budgeted $150,000 in FY
09-10 for collection system repairs, which consisted of replacement of 630 feet of mains and
installation of four manholes.
Storm Drainage
The Calaveras County Storm Water Management Plan (Calaveras County Public Works
Department 2007) includes background information about major surface water resources that are
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November 2012
the receiving waters for all stormwater runoff from within the County. This Plan also includes a
brief description of existing stormwater drainage systems and conveyances within the County
and identifies future efforts that will be undertaken to more clearly define the location,
characteristics, and maintenance responsibilities for existing stormwater infrastructure. The
following information, with the exception of the “Grading and Drainage Ordinance” section, was
excerpted from the County’s Stormwater Management Plan.
Designated Communities and Stormwater Discharge Permit Areas
The community areas within Calaveras County that are designated as “regulated small MS4s” by
the RWQCB include:






Arnold
Murphys
San Andreas
Valley Springs/Burson
Rancho Calaveras
Copperopolis
RWQCB requires that the County specify geographical limits for “stormwater discharge permit
areas” that include one or more of the designated communities. Because legal descriptions do not
exist that clearly define the limits of each designated community area, stormwater permit
discharge boundaries are established as part of the Stormwater Management Plan. All discharges
to County-maintained storm drain systems within each designated permit area are subject to
regulation under the statewide Stormwater Discharge Permit and all new developments and
redevelopment projects within the stormwater discharge permit areas must conform to water
quality-based land use controls and design guidelines.
For Arnold, Murphys, and San Andreas, stormwater discharge permit boundaries were selected
to be coincident with adopted Community Plan areas. For Copperopolis, permit boundaries were
selected to be coincident with the area’s then proposed 2007 Community Plan boundary. For
Valley Springs, Burson, and Rancho Calaveras, stormwater discharge permit boundaries were
selected to coincide with the limits of the Valley Springs Benefit Basin. The following are brief
descriptions of each stormwater discharge permit area.
Unincorporated areas of the County outside of the discharge permit areas identified above are not
currently subject to regulation by the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board
(CVRWQCB) as part of the Calaveras County MS4 Stormwater Discharge Permit. However,
Calaveras County proposed that these areas be subject to many of the stormwater quality control
measures that will be implemented within designated Stormwater Discharge Permit areas.
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November 2012
Arnold and Avery/Hathaway Pines Community Plan Areas
The combined Community Plan areas for Arnold and Avery/Hathaway Pines encompass 27
square miles. Development within this area occurs on both sides of SR 4 and generally consists
of residential and small-scale commercial land uses. Stormwater runoff from areas south and
east of SR 4 generally flows into the North Fork Stanislaus River. Most areas to the north and
west of SR 4 are in the Upper Calaveras River watershed. These community areas include many
small streams and creeks tributary to the Calaveras and Stanislaus Rivers. Several small surface
water impoundments, including White Pines Lake, are located throughout the area.
Murphys/Douglas Flat Community Plan Areas
The Murphys/Douglas Flat Community Plan area covers approximately 12 square miles.
Developed land uses in the area include residential home sites, retail commercial activities, and
tourism-related uses. Retail commercial activity is primarily centered along Main Street in
Murphys and along the SR 4 corridor. Most stormwater runoff from within this area flows into
Angels Creek, which is tributary to the North Fork Stanislaus.
San Andreas Community Plan Area
As the County seat, this area includes the County Government Center, along with numerous
State and Federal government offices. The Plan area also includes the County’s only hospital and
associated medical support facilities. Most commercial activities within the San Andreas
Community Plan area are concentrated along the SR 49 corridor. The selected stormwater
discharge permit area, covering nine square miles, is located within the Upper Calaveras River
watershed. Stormwater runoff from the area north of SR 49 generally flows into Calaveritas
Creek or the North Fork Calaveras River. Areas to the south drain to the South Fork Calaveras
River.
Valley Springs Benefit Basin
This area includes the unincorporated communities of Valley Springs and Burson as well as the
Rancho Calaveras subdivision and covers approximately 85 square miles. The land uses within
Valley Springs Benefit Basin primarily consist of commercial and residential land uses. This
area is characterized by rolling hills and grasslands. Stormwater from the northern portions of
Valley Springs Benefit Basin flows into the Lower Mokelumne River. The more southern and
eastern portions of this discharge permit area are located within the Upper and Lower Calaveras
River watersheds. Cosgrove Creek is tributary to the Calaveras River and receives runoff from
the more developed areas in and around Valley Springs. Areas along Cosgrove Creek are subject
to flooding downstream of Valley Springs.
Copperopolis Community Plan Area
The Copperopolis Community Plan area is located within the Stanislaus River watershed.
Numerous subdivisions are located in this area around Lake Tulloch. Stormwater runoff flows
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November 2012
into the Stanislaus River or Lake Tulloch via numerous tributary creeks located throughout the
region. Major tributaries include McCarty Creek, Littlejohns Creek, Black Creek, and Copper
Creek.
Existing Stormwater Conveyance Systems
Unlike more urbanized areas, few discrete stormwater outlets exist in Calaveras that discharge
collected stormwater from large geographic areas. Instead, most stormwater runoff from within
the County sheet flows into roadside drainage ditches that discharge collected stormwater to
various natural swales, creeks, rivers, and intermittent and perennial streams as determined by
local topography. Culverts are typically provided to route stormwater under driveway
encroachments and roadways.
Underground drainage facilities are important because surface drainage is more subject to
flooding. Surface drainage also poses a potential threat to wildlife, livestock, and groundwater
supplies, as there is limited ability to treat the water before flowing into a basin, or other surface
waters such as a creek, irrigation ditch, or river.
Stormwater inlets are located along some County roads and State highways as well as in some
parking lots and other large, public and private paved areas. These inlets typically convey
localized drainage to adjacent open channel drainages and are not interconnected as part of a
more extensive stormwater collection network. Curbs and gutters are located in some of the
County’s newer residential developments and in some community town centers. Collected gutter
flow either discharges into natural drainage swales, into roadside ditches, or into stormwater
inlets. Stormwater flowing into inlets or catch basins is typically discharged through culverts to
adjacent natural or man-made surface drainage channels.
Potential Sources of Stormwater Pollution
The following paragraphs describe stormwater constituents that have the greatest potential to
adversely impact receiving water quality within Calaveras County. The most likely sources of
these constituents are also summarized.
Sediment
Sediment is the most significant stormwater pollutant within Calaveras County and has the
greatest potential for adversely impacting receiving surface water bodies. The primary source of
sediment is from earthmoving activities associated with large- and medium-scale construction
projects, timber harvesting, and mining operations.
Nutrients and Pathogens
Two major sources of nutrients in stormwater runoff from within Calaveras County are surfacing
effluent from failing on-site wastewater treatment systems and pollution from the application and
overuse of fertilizers on residential lawns, golf courses, and commercial properties. Failing onCHAPTER 4.16 – UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS
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November 2012
site wastewater treatment systems and wastewater treatment plant effluent also represent the
most likely anthropogenic sources of pathogen pollution within Calaveras County.
Other Sources
The excessive and/or improper use of pesticides and herbicides can contribute to stormwater
pollution. In addition, oil and grease are highly-visible pollutants when entrained in stormwater
runoff and can adversely impact receiving water resources. Primary sources of oil and grease
include runoff from paved parking areas and roads, runoff from vehicle servicing facilities, spills
and leaks from abandoned vehicles, material storage for road maintenance operations, and from
the improper disposal of used oil on land or into drainage systems by lay mechanics.
A variety of hazardous materials and hazardous waste can contribute to the pollution of
stormwater and be carried into receiving waters. These materials are of particular concern
because of their persistency and their toxicity to fish and other aquatic organisms. Sources of
hazardous material pollutants include the improper handling and disposal of household
hazardous wastes (such as chemicals, solvents, cleaners, oil-based paints and stains, etc.),
hazardous material spills, illicit discharges, heavy metals from mining activities, and the
improper disposal of electronic items and appliances. Within Calaveras County, the continuing
discovery of illegal drug labs is a major concern for pollution of stormwater because of the
hazardous nature of the chemicals involved in drug manufacture.
Industrial Stormwater Discharge Permittees in Calaveras County
All industrial facilities are required to obtain stormwater discharge permit coverage. As
conditions of this coverage, industrial facilities are required, among other things, to develop and
implement a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and to conduct visual and chemical
monitoring of off-site discharges.
The County Storm Water Management Plan identifies 19 facilities that are currently permitted
for industrial stormwater discharges. Because three of the permitted industrial facilities are
owned and operated by the County there is some regulatory overlap between the County’s role as
permittee for the County’s MS4 storm drainage system and as an operator of permitted industrial
activities. As a regulated MS4, Calaveras County is responsible for detection and elimination of
illicit pollutant discharges into County-maintained storm drain systems from permitted nonCounty owned industrial facilities. Inspection of these facilities is included as one of the
County’s proposed stormwater quality control measures. The County is also expected to
coordinate with the Regional Water Board if there are uncontrolled discharges from an industrial
site that have not yet obtained coverage as an “industrial stormwater discharger.”
Calaveras County Grading and Drainage Ordinance (Chapter 15.05 of County Code)
According to Section 15.05.170 of the Grading and Drainage Ordinance, regardless of whether
or not a grading permit is required, all grading and earthwork activities within unincorporated
Calaveras County shall employ best management practices to minimize erosion and to control
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November 2012
sediment discharges to the maximum extent practicable in accordance with the Calaveras County
Grading, Drainage, and Erosion Control Design Manual (October 2007) and as required by the
most recently adopted version of the State Water Resources Control Board’s “General Permit for
Discharges of Storm Water Associated with Construction Activities.” In addition, according to
Section 5.5 of the Grading, Drainage, and Erosion Control Design Manual, all grading plans
must include an erosion and sediment control plan designed to reduce the offsite discharge of
sediment to the maximum extent practicable.
Section 15.05.180, Drainage Control Measures, states that, for engineered grading projects, the
peak off-site storm water discharge from the project site shall not exceed pre-construction
conditions unless the applicant demonstrates that downstream stormwater conveyance systems
have sufficient capacity to handle the increased flow rate without exceeding established design
standards.
Section 15.05.180, Drainage Control Measures, states that, for engineered grading projects, the
peak off-site storm water discharge from the project site shall not exceed pre-construction
conditions unless the applicant demonstrates that downstream stormwater conveyance systems
have sufficient capacity to handle the increased flow rate without exceeding established design
standards.
Solid Waste
Rock Creek Solid Waste Facility
The Rock Creek Solid Waste Facility encompasses an active Class II landfill, a transfer station,
several recycling programs, and a household hazardous waste facility. Rock Creek accepts
garbage, recyclable toxics, household hazardous waste (temporary storage only), and several
categories of recyclables including: appliances, cardboard, concrete and rubble, mixed
construction and demolition waste, mixed recyclables (containers and paper), sheetrock, stumps,
tires, and wood and yard waste. Rock Creek is open daily from 8:00 to 4:40 p.m. and accepts
waste only from Calaveras and Alpine County sources.
As of September 17, 2009, the remaining capacity at the Rock Creek Landfill was 7,370,637
cubic yards, with 1,339,848 cubic yards in place. Of the total 8,710,486 cubic yard capacity, the
landfill has approximately 85 percent capacity remaining. The Calaveras County Public Works
Department estimates there is in excess of 30 years of capacity remaining. Solid waste and
recycling is not considered to be a limiting factor for growth in Calaveras County. The County
has ample disposal capacity to accommodate growth.
Transfer Stations
Six (6) transfer stations are located within the County. Transfer stations are facilities where
municipal solid waste is unloaded from collection vehicles and briefly held while the waste is
reloaded onto larger long-distance transport vehicles for shipment to landfills or other treatment
4.16 - 37
November 2012
or disposal facilities. Transfer stations have variable hours spanning Fridays through Tuesdays,
and all accept garbage and recycling of cardboard, containers, and mixed paper to be transported
to a disposal facility. Additionally, some transfer stations also accept appliances, tires, scrap
metal, yard waste and wood and recyclable toxics. The transfer stations do not accept hazardous
waste, animal carcasses, stumps or construction and demolition wastes from contractors. Daily
disposal allowances and total disposal for years 2010 and 2011 are shown in Table 4.16-6,
below.
Table 4.16-6
Transfer Station Disposals
Transfer Station
Permitted Daily Tons
1. Avery
2. Copperopolis
3. Paloma
4. Red Hill
5. San Andreas
6. Wilseyville
54
38
38
80
38
38
2010 Total
(Tons)
2,797
2,073
610
2,470
1,974
1,653
2011 Total
(Tons)
2,848
1,966
588
2,453
2,088
1.788
Source: Cynthia Knapp, Interim Integrated Waste Manager, Calaveras County Department of Public Works, July 9 and
September23, 2012.
Waste Generation
According to CalRecycle, total disposal in Calaveras County in 2010 was 36,447 tons. The per
capita waste generation in 2010 was 1.19 tons per person. Table 4.16-7 shows the change in
total County waste generation in relation to population growth and also shows the change in per
resident waste generation. In 2010, California's statewide disposal was 30.4 million tons and
population was 37.2 million residents. This resulted in a per resident disposal rate of 4.5
pounds/resident/day.28
Table 4.16-7
Waste Generation Trends
Year
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
Total Waste
Generation (Tons)
53,195
49,477
49,489
39,706
34,121
36,447
Per Capita Waste
Generation (Tons)
0.75
0.77
0.83
0.91
0.98
1.19
Source: CalRecycle website:
http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/LGCentral/Reports/DRS/Origin/WFOrginAnnual.aspx;
accessed April 16, 2012
4.16 - 38
November 2012
Waste Diversion
Calaveras County has been working since 1990 to meet the requirements of the Integrated Waste
Management Act of 1989 (AB 939). However, the County has yet to reach the State-mandated
diversion rate of 50 percent. The County’s diversion rate peaked at 42 percent in 2001 and has
since steadily declined. As of 2005, the County had a diversion rate of 29 percent. Recognizing
that all preceding diversion plans are fully implemented and the diversion rate is not met, the
Calaveras County Public Works Department initiated the Calaveras County Ten-Year Diversion
Plan program (June 4, 2007) to identify programs with which the County may achieve the 50
percent diversion goal (Calaveras County Solid Waste 2007).
Recycling and Garbage Collection
Curbside recycling and garbage collection are provided by private firms and are available to all
Calaveras County Residents, including City of Angels. An estimated 22 percent of residents
subscribe to curbside recycling and garbage services and an estimated 80 percent of businesses
subscribe to pickup services. Additionally, Calaveras County has numerous drop-off sites
(including local transfer stations) available for trash, toxic materials and recyclables. All six
transfer stations described previously accept various types of recyclables and toxics from
residents.
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)
Rock Creek Landfill contains a permanent household hazardous waste facility within the Waste
Recovery and Transfer Center Building. Although hazardous wastes are not accepted for
disposal at Rock Creek Landfill, the on-site household hazardous waste facility will temporarily
accept used petroleum oil, antifreeze, lead-acid batteries, water-based paint, and other household
hazardous waste materials for transport off-site for proper disposal, reuse, or recycling.
Household hazardous waste is any material used in your home that may threaten human health or
the environment when improperly discarded. Hazardous waste usually has one or more of the
following characteristics:




Flammable: It may burst into flames easily.
Toxic: It may be poisonous to humans or other living things.
Corrosive: It may eat or wear away at many materials.
Reactive: In contact with air, water, or other substances, it may produce heat or harmful vapors.
Calaveras County currently offers the following programs for HHW disposal:
 Drop-off Service: The Permanent Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility at
Rock Creek, which is open seven days a week, offers free off-site disposal of household
4.16 - 39
November 2012
hazardous wastes. State law limits transportation to a maximum of 15 gallons of liquid
hazardous waste or 125 pounds of solid hazardous waste per trip. Containers must be
adequate to contain materials and must be sealed to minimize spills.
 One-day Collection Events: Calaveras County Public Works sponsors one-day collection
events at five locations throughout the County once each year.
Businesses that generate small quantities of hazardous waste (less than 220 pounds per month)
may also use the services described above, either the Permanent Household Hazardous Waste
Collection Facility at Rock Creek or the one-day collection events throughout the County.
Endnotes
1
Calaveras County Water District, Urban Water Management Plan 2010, June 2011.
Groundwater has historically not been a long-term reliable source of water supply for large areas of the District.
Groundwater that is available is through fractured rock systems that characteristically produce small and
unpredictable yields. However, the Camanche/Valley Springs Area is part of the Eastern San Joaquin County
Groundwater Basin (DWR Bulletin 188- 80, California’s Groundwater), which is identified by Bulletin 188-80 as
being in a state of overdraft. In response to the Eastern San Joaquin County’s groundwater basin negatively
impacting groundwater levels and groundwater quality in the Camanche/Valley Springs area, CCWD utilized
Assembly Bill No. 3030 (AB 3030, 1992) to adopt a Groundwater Management Plan (GMP) for the
Camanche/Valley Springs Area in 2001. The District continues to study the groundwater basin in the
Camanche/Valley Springs area to determine potential management methods to improve the basin and/or its potential
for conjunctive use to meet future water supply needs within the region. Currently the District does not include
groundwater in its projected supplies.
3
Under State Water Resources Control Board Order WR No. 97-05, an additional 1,000 acre-feet may be diverted
through an existing “cement slurry line” right to meet agricultural needs in the State Route 4 / Murphys area.
4
Calaveras County Water District Urban Water Management Plan, 2010 Update (dated June 2011), page 7-1.
5
However, given the fact that the General Plan Update was still in process at the time of the completion of the 2010
UWMP, the Plan notes that, “The County is currently updating the General Plan, which may alter the District’s
estimates for each respective service area, expand some of the service areas, or create new service areas.”
6
See the Calaveras Agency Formation Commission “Final Water and Wastewater Municipal Service Review,”
Adopted June 18, 2012, p. 310 and Table 15-3 (p. 314) for this data.
7
See “Final Water and Wastewater Municipal Service Review,” p. 310.
8
9
10
See Table 15-3 (p. 314) of “Final Water and Wastewater Municipal Service Review.”
11
12
13
See Table 8-4 of “2012 Water and Wastewater Municipal Service Review,” cf. p. 176.
14
15
16
17
18
See Table 14-4 (p. 286) in “Final Water and Wastewater Municipal Service Review”.
19
MSR for the UPUD adopted June 18, 2012, LAFCo Resolution #2012-04.
2
4.16 - 40
November 2012
20
22
See Table 13-3 (p. 268) in “Final Water and Wastewater Municipal Service Review.”
23
24
25
26
27
21
28
See http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/LGCentral/GoalMeasure/DisposalRate/MostRecent/default.htm; accessed April
16, 2012.
4.16 - 41

Figure 4.12-1 - Calaveras County Home

Transcription

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