Rohnerville Air Attack Base Retardant Jettison Area
Summary
SCH Number
2011068121
Public Agency
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
(CAL FIRE)
Document Title
Rohnerville Air Attack Base Retardant Jettison Area
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
6/16/2011
Document Description
This project involves the periodic jettisoning of excess fire suppression chemicals from air tankers onto grassland at the Rohnerville Airport near Fortuna, California. CAL FIRE air tankers that respond to wild-land fires from the Rohnerville Air Attack Base are occasionally cancelled prior to dropping retardant. Depending on the air tankers capabilities and amount of residual retardant, air tankers may jettison a portion of the load to insure a safe landing. For initial attack, air tankers are not routinely loaded to full capacity so that the need to jettison retardant is minimized if the tankers are cancelled. CAL FIRE only uses fire suppression chemicals which are approved for use by the USFS. CAL FIRE limits the use of fire suppression chemical mixtures in areas adjacent to waterways. There are no waterways near the project area that might b impacted by the project. The use of this jettison site at the airport is conducted under a Memorandum of Understanding with Humboldt County.
Contact Information
Name
James M. Robbins
Agency Name
CAL FIRE
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
Fortuna
Counties
Humboldt
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
C:7,8;S:15307,15308
Reasons for Exemption
The project is classified as a Categorical Exemption, Class 7, Section 15307 & Class 8, Section 15308. These are actions by regulatory agencies for protection of natural resources and the environment. The project consists of the periodic jettisoning of excess fire retardant from air tankers onto flat grassland at the Rohnerville airport. The use of fire retardant is essential to the suppression of wild-land fires to protect the environment. The retardant jettison practice is a necessary part of the program so that aircraft can safely land.
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.