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Biological Resources Although the majority of both existing correctional complexes would be re-used for new and rehabilitated facilities, the project would involve some grading and site preparation for new buildings, removal of trees, improvements to infrastructure, etc. Grading could potentially conflict with existing foraging habitat of local raptor species. There is a potential that all or a significant number of the existing trees within the DeWitt Nelson compound would need to be removed to address security concerns with adult male inmates, a limited number of trees facing Arch Road just west of NCRF may also be subject to removal due to street widening. Tree removal could result in the removal of active raptor nests or the potential for future use of the trees as nesting sites. Operation of the proposed lethal electrified fences could also result in the individual take of some species. The potential for both projects to adversely affect special-status species and their habitat will be analyzed in the EIR. Cultural and Historical Resources None of the buildings on either project site are over 50 years old and, therefore, none would be considered historic resources. Although both projects would primarily be constructed on previously disturbed areas, some land that has not been disturbed could be affected on both the NCRF project and DeWitt sites_ These areas could contain known and/or unknown cultural resources. Both projects' potential to affect cultural resources will be analyzed in the EIR. Geology, Soils, and Paleontological Resources Construction of the NCRF project and the DeWitt Nelson Conversion project could result in impacts related to geotechnical hazards, including seismicity of the area, potential for liquefaction and subsidence, erodibility of the sites' soils, soil stability characteristics, and shrink/swell potential of site soils, as applicable. Furthermore, it is currently unknown whether the soils of these project sites have the potential to contain paleontological resources. If such resources exist on either or both sites, soil disturbing construction activities could result in potentially significant impacts. The EIR for the proposed project will evaluate potential impacts related to geology, soils, and paleontological resources. Hazards and Hazardous Materials The former DeWitt Nelson Youth Correctional Facility includes a former auto body shop and a paint spray booth (with a current permit from San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District, permit number N-581-3-0, expiration date August 31, 2014). Potential soil or other contamination associated with these facilities will be examined in the EIR. Rehabilitation of the former NCWF facility and the former youth correctional facility could involve exposure of workers to asbestos containing materials (ACMs), lead based paint (LBP), as well as mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from fluorescent lighting fixtures. Furthermore, operation of the proposed health care facility on the former DeWitt Nelson site would involve disposal of medical waste, and operation of the firing range for peace officers that would result in the handling of hazardous materials and equipment including live and spent ammunition and firearms. The EIR will evaluate the potential for both projects to result in impacts associated with hazards and hazardous materials. Revised Notice of Preparation/Initial Study NCRFand DeWitt Nelson Conversion Project August 2010 16 California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation