CDVA Northern California Veterans Cemetery Columbaria Addition
Summary
SCH Number
2010088146
Public Agency
Department of Veterans Affairs
Document Title
CDVA Northern California Veterans Cemetery Columbaria Addition
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
8/10/2010
Document Description
The project will add 2,000 niches within the existing Northern California Veterans Cemetery (NCVC). The NCVC opened for interments on December 21, 2005. The NCVC was designed in 2002 with both in-ground burial plats and columbaria niches (walls with niches for interring cremated remains). The existing cemetery consists of approximately 13 acres of facilities, including an administration/maintenance building, central assembly area, committal shelter, memorial walk and 8,530 burial spaces (CEQA/NEPA #2002042083). Since that time, it has become evident that Columbaria usage is much more common that in-ground burials. The existing area of the Columbaria is approximately 7,500 square feet. The new Columbaria addition will be approximately 12,000 square feet and built nearby the existing administration building. The new Columbaria area will include walls with niches for interring cremated remains at the cemetery. These niches will be placed on concrete slabs and match the existing Columbaria design. Columbaria are the most desired method of memorializing our veterans and it is currently anticipated that the existing Columbaria will be fully utilized by this year (2010). Upon completion of this addition, it is anticipated that there should be adequate space to last through the year 2015.
Contact Information
Name
Lynne Rodrian
Agency Name
Department of Veterans Affairs
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Counties
Shasta
Cross Streets
11800 Gas Point Road
Other Location Info
City: Igo
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 2 Sec:15302
Reasons for Exemption
The expansion of the Columbaria area of the cemetery does not expand the existing cemetary area. Instead, the columbaria off-sets the previously planned in-ground burial area. The addition provides families of a deceased veteran the opportunity to choose cremation, a more desired alternative than the more expensive in-ground burial. The nearest veteran's cemetery with available spaces is nearly 200 miles from Igo, in Dixon, California. The project will have negligible effect on resources, as the NCVC was designed and developed by 2005. The design is essentially the same as the existing columbarium but on the opposite side of the cemetery. The area of the cemetery was planned for in-ground burials and was determined not to have significant environmental impact pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act and the National Environmental Policy Act. The columbaria option of burial is a much less land intensive method of interment that in-ground burials. Only minor excavation, compactions, landscaping, paving and walkways will be developed but are consistent with the environmental review completed in 2002.
The replacement activity is consistent with original proposed usage and meets the requirements set forth in Section 15302 where the new structure (Columbaria) will be located on the same site as was previously planned for in-ground burial. The change of burial option has the same purpose and meets the increased demand for this burial option by family members.
Disclaimer: The document was originally posted before CEQAnet had the capability to host attachments for the public. To obtain the original attachments for this document, please contact the lead agency at the contact information listed above. You may also contact the OPR via email at state.clearinghouse@opr.ca.gov or via phone at (916) 445-0613.