Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
placement of equipment or level of visual intrusion. Surveys conducted during this
phase to evaluate the presence or significance of cultural resources in the area would
assist developers in routing and designing the project to avoid or minimize impacts
on these resources.
e
CologiCAl
r
esourCes
Impacts on ecological resources (vegetation, wildlife, aquatic, biota, special status
species, and their habitats) would be minimal and localized during surveying and
testing because of the limited nature of the activities. The introduction or spread of
some nonnative invasive vegetation could occur as a result of vehicular traffic, but
this would be relatively limited in extent. Surveys conducted during this phase to
evaluate the presence or significance of ecological resources in the area would assist
developers in routing and designing the project to avoid or minimize impacts on
these resources (e.g., wetlands, migratory birds, threatened and endangered species).
W
Ater
r
esourCes
Minimal impact on water resources, local water quality, water flows, and surface
water/groundwater interaction is anticipated. Very little water would likely be used
or generated during the site evaluation phase. Any water needed could be trucked in
from offsite.
l
And
u
se
Site evaluation activities would likely result in temporary and localized impacts
on land use. These activities could create a temporary disturbance in the immedi-
ate vicinity of a surveying or monitoring site (e.g., disturb recreational activities or
livestock grazing). Site evaluation activities are unlikely to affect mining activities,
military operations, or aviation.
s
oils
And
g
eologiC
r
esourCes
The amount of surface disturbance and the use of geologic materials are minimal
during the site evaluation phase, and soils and geologic resources are unlikely to be
affected. Surveying and testing activities would be unlikely to activate geological
hazards or increase soil erosion. Borings for soil testing and geotechnical surveys
provide useful site-specific data on these resources. Surface effects from pedestrian
and vehicular traffic could occur in areas that contain special (e.g., cryptobiotic) soils.
p
AleontologiCAl
r
esourCes
The amount of subsurface disturbance is minimal during the site evaluation phase,
and paleontological resources buried below the surface are unlikely to be affected.
Fossil material present on the surface could be disturbed by vehicular traffic, ground
clearing, and pedestrian activity (including collection of fossils). Surveys conducted
