EA 2015-0006 (Residential Chipping Fuel Reduction & Special Needs Defensible Space Assistant Project
Summary
SCH Number
2015118174
Public Agency
Yuba County
Document Title
EA 2015-0006 (Residential Chipping Fuel Reduction & Special Needs Defensible Space Assistant Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
11/16/2015
Document Description
The goal of this project is to make the Yuba County foothills more fire safe by removing hazardous forest fuels from around homes. The Yuba county Residential Chipping Program was instituted to help homeowners dispose of material they removed as part of creating 100 foot defensible space zone around homes and out buildings to meet 4291 requirements. The need to address fuels around residential areas was identified in the Yuba County foothills community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). In 2007, this program serviced 139 homes, produced342 tons of biomass, and treated 185 acres. Since the program's inception, 722 acres have been treated producing 1,207 tons of biomass.
The Special Needs Defensible Space Assistance Project's goal is to make the Yuba County foothills more fire safe by assisting residences who cannot either physically or financially complete the work needed to remove hazardous forest fuels from around their homes. Many Yuba county residences are not in compliance with vegetation clearance requirements under Public Resources Code 4291. There is a need to provide positive stimulus to the residents to make their homes more fire safe, and help to reduce the risk of a catastrophic fire damaging these small rural communities. As part of the service, on-site education about effective defensible space will be provided, and an initial one day cleanup of brush and woody fuels. The hope is to treat up to 50 homes and contractors may be used for project related works.
There will be no ground disturbing activities being performed for either project; all project activities will be conducted with hand tools.
Contact Information
Name
Kevin Perkins
Agency Name
Yuba County
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Counties
Yuba
Other Location Info
Yuba County Foothills
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
S:15304
Reasons for Exemption
The project is exempt pursuant to Section 15304 of the California Environmental Quality Act (Minor Alterations to Land). Section 15304 discusses fuel management activities within proximity to structures to reduce flammable vegetation, provided that the activities will not result in taking of endangered, rare, or threatened plant or animal species or significant erosion and sedimentation of surface waters. The exemption is extended to 100 feet of clearance in areas of high fire hazard. As indicated in the preamble to Section 15304, examples are provided as guidance and similar activities that meet the intent of the section may also be exempt.
The Planning Department finds that fuel management activities within 100 feet of a structure are essential to meeting the requirements of PRC 4291 and reducing fire hazards within the County and consistent with Section 15304 of CEQA.
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.