ARCHIVED REPORTS_DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT

Home Browse Search

reconnaissance surveys, observation of exposed cuts, and possibly subsurface testing, a qualified paleontologist can determine whether the area should be categorized as having high or low sensitivity. In keeping with the significance criteria of the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology(1995), all vertebrate fossils are generally categorized as being of potentially significant scientific value. The significance of potential adverse impacts on paleontological resources under CEQA,resulting from project- related activities at the proposed project area,was determined using the criteria discussed above. THRESHOLDS OF SIGNIFICANCE For purposes of this analysis,the following applicable thresholds of significance have been used to determine whether implementing the proposed project would result in a significant impact. These thresholds of significance are based on Appendix G of the State CEQA Guidelines,viewed in light of the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology guidelines. The proposed project would result in significant paleontological resources impacts if it would directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site. For the purposes of this DEIR, an individual vertebrate fossil specimen may be considered unique or significant if it is identifiable and well preserved, and it meets one of the following criteria: ► a type specimen(i.e.,the individual from which a species or subspecies has been described); ► a member of a rare species; ► a species that is part of a diverse assemblage (i.e., a site where more than one fossil has been discovered) wherein other species are also identifiable, and important information regarding life history of individuals can be drawn; ► a skeletal element different from, or a specimen more complete than,those now available for its species; or ► a complete specimen(i.e., all or substantially all of the entire skeleton is present). The value or importance of different fossil groups varies depending on the age and depositional environment of the rock unit that contains the fossils,their rarity,the extent to which they have already been identified and documented, and the ability to recover similar materials under more controlled conditions (such as for a research project). Marine invertebrates are generally common;the fossil record is well developed and well documented, and they would generally not be considered a unique paleontological resource. Identifiable vertebrate marine and terrestrial fossils are generally considered scientifically important because they are relatively rare. IMPACT ANALYSIS IMPACT Paleontological Resources—Disturbance of Paleontological Resources During Earthmoving 4.8-1 Activities.Although no previously recorded paleontological sites are known to occur at the WQCF site, pumping station sites, or within the proposed collection system and recycled water distribution system pipeline routes,previously undiscovered paleontological resources could be present in sediments of the Modesto Formation that underlie the project area. In addition, fossils have been found at excavations in similar soils less than 2 miles from the project area. Therefore, construction activities could potentially disturb unknown subsurface paleontological resources. This would be a potentially significant impact. Based on the records search conducted at UCMP,there are no previously recorded fossil sites along the pipeline alignments for the proposed collection system and recycled-water distribution system, at the WQCF, along the proposed outfall pipeline route, or at the side-bank outfall structure. Some of the proposed pipeline routes would be located within Holocene-age Dune Sand deposits. These deposits are too young to contain fossils; therefore, project-related construction activities in the Dune Sands would have no impact on paleontological resources. EDAW Manteca WQCF and Collection System Master Plans EIR Paleontological Resources 4.8-6 City of Manteca