SU0007861 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

r Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Report Page IV.A-11 J Forward Inc. Landfill 2014 Expansion Project observed at the landfill during a survey conducted in April 2012. (Yakich, 2012; see Appendix D of the 2013 EIR). No gulls were observed at the landfill in two surveys conducted since the preparation of the 2013 EIR,in April 2013 and April 2014, respectively. (Yakich, 2013, and Yakich, 2014;see Appendix Q. In addition to the biologist's surveys described above, observations are made by an independent observer as part of the bird control program, to provide added oversight. The independent observer noted two cases on Thursday, February 7, 2013 where gulls began feeding at the active face. In both cases, the gulls were able to begin feeding but were deterred by the control program prior to reaching the site-specific failure criteria. Forward staff was notified regarding the gull incidents. Based on discussions with landfill staff, it appears that the position of the active face may have prevented the controllers from observing the gull landings. The controller was notified of this incident. Measures taken to deter future gull landing and feeding included requiring the controller to monitor areas that may be screened with the support of landfill staff in constructing additional access roads. During surveys of gulls at the Forward Landfill from fall of 2010 to spring of 2013, other species of birds have been recorded. (Davis, 2014). There are four species of raptors that generally occur in the area: Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, Swainson's Hawk, and American Kestrel. Each of these species occupies large home ranges of which the landfill is only a small, non- essential part. The species do not feed at the landfill and would still occur in the same areas -- even if the landfill were not present. The landfill sometimes attracts small numbers of European Starlings and Brown-headed Cowbirds. These birds may attempt to feed at the waste disposal area, but the numbers remain low because they are deterred by the falcons used in the _ gull control program. The closed,vegetated parts of the landfill attract the same species in the same numbers as the surrounding agricultural areas, and the airport property itself. Through monitoring, evaluations, and implementation of the gull program, the landfill has continued to not create a bird hazard to aircraft at the Stockton Airport. With the adopted and existing land use measures in place to prevent potential bird strikes, the gull control program continues to be successful, therefore ensuring compatibility of existing landfill operations and the proposed expansion areas for land uses located within the Conical Surface Zone for Stockton Airport. County General Plan The 1992 County General Plan (Aviation) contains a discussion of the growth of air commerce and general aviation needs of the County, while minimizing environmental and land use — impacts. The County shall continue to support and participate in the San Joaquin Council of Governments aviation planning activities, including the Airport Land Use Plans, which shall be used in development review (Volume I, IV-153). Table II.0-13 provides land use guidelines for airport zones. For "Areas under Horizontal and Conical Surfaces" the guideline states: "Most uses provided they do not present hazard to pilot." Section IV at page 153 of Volume I (Policies/Implementation) of the 1992 General Plan states: "Only compatible land uses shall be permitted near airports. Airport operations shall be protected from: Projections of structures into navigable airspace, light and glare, emissions affecting visibility, interference from communications, bird hazards, such as from ponds or landfills." According to Section IV at pages 110/111 of Volume I (Policies/Implementation), new sanitary landfills shall be located at least 10,000 feet from a Stockton Metropolitan Airport runway. The 2014 Expansion Project, which would expand the permitted landfill footprint of the existing Forward Landfill, is not considered to be a new sanitary landfill and is located at least 10,000 feet from the end of the Stockton Metropolitan Airport runway. A finding that the proposed conditional use permit is consistent with the County General Plan would require a determination by the Board of Supervisors that the 2014 Expansion Project