The purpose of this Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) is to evaluate potential environmental impacts that could
result from the demolition of the former Almaden Air Force Station at Mount
Umunhum, and creation of open space access facilities including trails, bathrooms,
and parking lots. Copies of the document are available at the Los Gatos Public
Library, the San Jose Almaden Branch Public Library, the MROSD Administrative
Office, as well as online (See 12/13/2011 posting below).
Members of the public are welcome to attend this public hearing and provide
comment on the environmental analysis. Responses to comments regarding environmental impacts will then be incorporated into a Final EIR. A second
public Board meeting to certify the final EIR is expected in spring 2012. Further
public meetings are expected to be held in summer 2012 to consider approval
of the project, including Board consideration of radar tower options.
Project Schedule and Implementation Phasing Plan (updated 1/6/12)
May-Jul 2010
Background Project Research + Stakeholder Meetings*
Aug 2010
Develop Project Themes
Sep 2010
First Public Workshop to Present Project Themes*
Oct 2010
Develop Vision for Public Access
Nov 17 2010
Informational Update to the Board of Directors
Nov 18 2010
Public Open House to Present Recommended Vision for Public Access*
Dec 9 2010
Public Hearing to Consider Recommendation for Public Access and CEQA Scoping Meeting*
Dec 12 2011
Release Environmental Documents for Public/Board of Directors Review*
Jan 18 2012
Public Hearing to provide comment on the environmental analysis*
Spring 2012
Board of Directors Hearing to Consider CEQA Certification*
Summer 2012
Board of Directors Hearing to Consider Final Approval of Public Access Project*
*Indicates Public Input Opportunity
Notice of Availability for the Mount Umunhum Draft
Environmental Impact Report (posted 12/13/2011)
The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (MROSD) is the Lead Agency for the public environmental review process under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as it applies to the Mount Umunhum Environmental Restoration and Public Access Project. Pursuant to CEQA, this Notice of Availability (NOA) has been issued to inform interested parties that MROSD prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the proposed Mount Umunhum Environmental Restoration and Public Access Project and is soliciting public input on the document.
More specifically, the purpose of this notice is to:
Inform the public that the Draft EIR is available;
Identify where copies of the document can be obtained; and
Provide instructions regarding how comments related to the Draft EIR can be provided.
Project Location and Description
The project site is located within the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve on the summits of Mount Umunhum and Mount Thayer, in the southern Santa Cruz Mountains, in Santa Clara County, California. The project site was previously owned and operated by the federal government as the Almaden Air Force Station (AFS) until it was decommissioned in 1980. MROSD purchased the site in 1986; it is now part of MROSD's 18,000-acre Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve and has remained closed to the public. Although the entire former AFS consists of 43.72 acres, the project site is limited to approximately 22.8 acres. The project site is accessed by Mt. Umunhum Road via Hicks Road.
The project site consists of a former military complex comprised of operations, housing and support structures, and associated infrastructure. Among the structures associated with the former AFS, a five-story concrete radar tower is located near the peak of Mount Umunhum. The radar tower originally included a large “sail” which was removed some time ago.
The project, proposed by MROSD, includes the demolition of existing structures, public access to the summit of Mount Umunhum, as well as roadway and access improvements, environmental restoration, development of public use facilities, and a range of possible amenities such as trails, observation and reflection areas, interpretive displays, picnic tables, restrooms, camp sites, and a visitor center. Other potential amenities include benches, a dedicated emergency callbox, hitching posts, bicycle posts, and non-potable water (for horses and fire protection) stored onsite. The primary purpose of the proposed project is to establish a fiscally and environmentally sustainable visitor destination that aligns with MROSD’s mission by balancing public access, enjoyment, and education with environmental restoration. Facilities at the summit will occur on land previously disturbed by activities associated with the former Almaden AFS.
The proposed project requires demolition of most, or possibly all, structures associated with the former Almaden AFS. Three options are proposed for addressing the radar tower:
Retain and seal entire structure;
Substantially remove structure but leave a publically accessible foundation; or
Remove entire structure and environmentally restore the footprint.
Project construction would be implemented in three phases:
Phase I includes demolition;
Phase II (anticipated to begin Fall 2013) includes landform and habitat restoration, construction of minimal amenities, connector trails, and parking lot improvements;
Phase III (anticipated to begin in 2017) involves summit-only improvements (one unpaved and two paved parking lots, a multi-use trail, and restoration of the former housing area).
Significant Environmental Effects
The Draft EIR indicates that the proposed project has the potential to result in significant project impacts associated with the following environmental resources or topics: air quality (construction emissions of NOX and PM10), cultural resources, biological resources, hydrology and water quality, geology and soils, wildfire-related hazards, and traffic and circulation. The Draft EIR identifies mitigation measures to reduce these impacts. (The site is not contained on any of the lists of sites (Cortese List) enumerated under Section 65962.5 of the Government Code.)
How to Participate
MROSD encourages public participation. Provide written comments on the Draft EIR or request additional information to the contact person below. The 60-day public review period has begun. All mailed comments must be postmarked by (and emailed comments received by) 5:00 p.m. on February 10, 2012.
Meredith Manning, Senior Planner
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
330 Distel Circle
Los Altos, CA 94022
(650) 691-1200
Email: mt.um@openspace.org
The Draft EIR document will also be available for review at the following locations:
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
330 Distel Circle
Los Altos, CA 94022
(650) 691-1200
Los Gatos Public Library
Town Civic Center
110 East Main Street
Los Gatos, CA 95030
(408) 354-6891
San Jose Public Library
Almaden Branch Library and Community Center
6445 Camden Avenue
San Jose, CA 95120
(408) 808-3040
Closures in Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve Announced (7/22/2011)
Since the hazardous material abatement of the former Almaden Air Force station atop Mount Umunhum in Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve, the District has seen an increased number of trespassers.
Effective July 22, 2011:
In order to protect public safety and guarantee security, we are closing some portions of Sierra Azul's Mount Umunhum area until the site is fully remediated and secure public access can be established.
Please note that the Mount Umunhum and Mount Thayer areas, where remediation work is ongoing, have been designated Hazardous Closed Areas. That means anyone who trespasses into the area will be cited for a misdemeanor.
Areas that are adjacent to Mount Umunhum and Mount Thayer have been declared Temporary Closed Areas. Trespassers will be cited for an infraction.
On July 20, 2011, KQED QUEST aired a television piece entitled Mount Umunhum: Return to the Summit.
On July 8, 2011, the Army Corps' contractor completed the hazardous materials remediation work on site. The contractor completed miscellaneous clean up and security work for the remainder of July.
The Mount Umunhum Site Restoration and Public Access Plan is currently undergoing environmental review pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act. The Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) is expected to be released in late summer/early fall for a 45-day public comment period. The DEIR is analyzing all radar tower options (see page 5 of the Notice of Preparation) at an equal level of analysis for potential impacts to the environment. No decisions regarding the radar tower will be made until after the Board of Directors certifies the Final EIR, which is expected to occur in the fall.
The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (District) issued this Notice of Preparation (NOP) in December 2010 to announce that the District is preparing an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Mount Umunhum Environmental Restoration and Public Access Project.
The deadline for public input on the NOP passed on January 12, 2011, but the public will have ample opportunity to comment on the project when the EIR is released, which is expected to occur in Fall 2011.
Past Public Hearing and CEQA Scoping Meeting (12/9/2010)
A Public Hearing was held on December 9, 2010 at the Historic Del Monte Building in Sunnyvale to provide input as the Board approved the Mount Umunhum Project Description with additions and discussed potential environmental impacts of the project. The following materials were made available:
Draft Mount Umunhum Environmental Restoration and Public Access Plan
You are invited to comment on the proposed project and project description for environmental restoration and public access to Mount Umunhum.
The goal of the proposed Project Plan is to establish a fiscally sustainable visitor destination that balances public access, enjoyment, and education with environmental restoration. This goal aligns with two directives of the District's Mission: to protect and restore the natural environment, and to provide opportunities for ecologically sensitive public enjoyment and education. This goal will be achieved through the following objectives:
Create a destination that is accessible to and accommodates a broad range of user groups and introduces new visitors to open space.
Remove or permanently cap physical hazards and restore the native landscape and habitat for wildlife as much as possible.
Provide minimal visitor amenities that complement and highlight the world-class views and open space experience.
Provide ample, rich, and diverse trail experiences for hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians.
Highlight the rich natural and cultural history of the site through self-discovery and focused interpretive and educational opportunities.
Project Schedule and Implementation Phasing Plan
May-Jul 2010
Background Project Research + Stakeholder Meetings*
Aug 2010
Develop Project Themes
Sep 2010
First Public Workshop to Present Project Themes*
Oct 2010
Develop Vision for Public Access
Nov 17 2010
Informational Update to the Board of Directors
Nov 18 2010
Public Open House to Present Recommended Vision for Public Access*
Dec 9 2010
Public Hearing to Consider Recommendation for Public Access and CEQA Scoping Meeting*
Dec 12 2011
Release Environmental Documents for Public/Board of Directors Review*
March 2012
Board of Directors Hearing to Consider CEQA Certification*
Summer 2012
Board of Directors Hearing to Consider Final Approval of Public Access Plan*
These dates are staff suggestions for getting people to Mount Umunhum as quickly as
possible; however, they are subject to change depending on Board actions and
priorities.
Board Report
You can preview the proposed project description, concept plan, and implementation timeline in the Board Report for the the upcoming December 9 meeting. These documents describe the "vision for public access" that was presented at our open house on November 18, with the exception that dogs-on-leash are not recommended at this time and are excluded from this phase of environmental review.
Past Open House (11/18/2010)
On November 18, 2010, the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District held an open house to unveil a vision for public access to Mount Umunhum and to collect public input.
Materials distributed at the open house are provided below.
An Informational Update was provided to the District Board of Directors on Wednesday, November 17 at the District Administrative Office.
Past Public Access Workshop (9/30/2010)
On September 30, 2010, the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District held the
first of two public workshops to share information and solicit input
on restoration and public access to the summit of Mount Umunhum.
Materials distributed at the first workshop are provided below. The second public workshop is tentatively scheduled for early December. Please stay tuned for meeting location and time.
The former Almaden Air Force Station at Mount Umunhum, located near Los Gatos,
was acquired by the District and added to the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve
in 1986. This high peak, with views as far as Monterey Bay, is special to the
military personnel and their families who were stationed there. Mount Umunhum is
also important to the Ohlone people as part of their creation belief. Current Santa
Clara Valley residents know Mount Umunhum as the intriguing location of the huge,
cement radar tower visible for miles. Federal funding will allow the District to begin
cleaning up the site so that planning for
restoration and public access to this
spectacular local landmark can start.
For more information, please contact mt.um@openspace.org or call the Administrative Office at 650-691-1200.
History
The District acquired Mount Umunhum, the second-highest peak in the Santa Cruz Mountains, in 1986 when it purchased the 44-acre former Almaden Air Force Station and surrounding lands from the United States Government. Prior to transferring the property to the District, the Department of Defense acknowledged that the site, which had been intensely developed with nearly 90 structures, underground conduit tunnels, and interconnecting pipelines, was contaminated due to past defense activities. While the extent of contamination was unknown, the Department of Defense assured the District that the federal government would decontaminate the site.
Unfortunately, more than 20 years after the District’s purchase, not much has happened. The Army Corps of Engineers conducted limited cleanup but at a painfully slow pace. Much remains to be done at a cleanup cost of $11 million.
Future
With its scenic views, Mount Umunhum offers tremendous potential for environmental education and public recreation. As with other open space lands, the District wishes to:
restore the site to its natural condition
protect the natural environment
provide the public with education and recreational access to the mountain's peak, with spectacular vistas of the greater Bay Area
Current Legislation to Fund Cleanup
In 2010, for the first time, Congress appropriated $3.2 million in funding for the cleanup of Mount Umunhum. While this is a significant step towards cleaning up the peak and eventually opening the summit for public visitation, cleanup of the entire site is estimated to cost $11 million.
A separate bill does allow the Army Corps of Engineers to accept private funding to underwrite the necessary work. Through your donation, you can help accelerate cleanup efforts to make this site available for public enjoyment.
) for when the public might first begin using the site are:
