My comments & concerns regarding the DEIR for proposed SDG Commerce 220 Distribution Center Project.
I wonder what kind of environmental report can honestly be done on this property. I walked the area some time ago & the area had already been graded & looked like it was being prepared for construction. If an environmental report is to be done, seems like it is too late. Surrounding the area , according to Special-Status & Sensitive Natural Communities (p.7) of the report,are many endangered species of mammals, plants, fish,birds, amphibians & reptiles. The cumulative effect on construction will impact all these species.
I understand there are 3 small wetlands on the property. What I witnessed were the areas cordoned off with plastic orange fencing. My concern is what is the plan for these wetlands? How does a wetland survive amidst the concrete & noise of a warehouse? Are there biologists assisting with the planning of keeping the wetlands viable? Has there been any study on the proximity of the warehouse development to our treasured wetlands to the west...American Canyon's jewel.
According to the DEIR there will be a cumulative significant unavoidable impact on the environment as a result of the vehicles miles traveled (VMT) report based on the number of cars & diesel trucks traveling in& out of the facilities. According to the DEIR,the facilities will employ 225 workers when fully operational.The impact of the air & noise pollution on the wildlife& neighboring elementary school is worrisome.
One last comment: I find it confusing that this area was zoned Commercial Recreation by City of American Canyon General Plan & a Recreation Zoning District Code Amendment was adopted by the City Council in January 2018. This ordinance allows wine related warehousing & distribution facilities as a condition permitted use within the REC Zone district. My question is, how is a warehouse considered "Recreation" ?
Thank you for listening to my thoughts and concerns.
1. This property has already been graded and the trees cut down. There is nothing left to protect except two small wetlands. Who will manage these wetlands and protect them from further destruction? Will the wetlands include a protected corridor so they can be accessible to wildlife? Who will measure the wildlife numbers using these wetlands?
2. The surrounding areas support a number of wildlife species that are currently threatened or endangered. The monarch butterflies are currently using the eucalyptus trees adjacent to this property for overwintering roosting. They were seen this past February and there have been numerous sightings by local walkers. There are also bats and raptors using these trees. This is an important area for wildlife protection. There is a cumulative effect of the recent decline in wildlife as these three warehouses have been built. We have no measure of the loss of wildlife and their absence only assumes that they've died because there isn't any place to relocate along this corridor of development.
Nocturnal species are especially difficult to gauge. Excessive noise, lighting, dust and fumes will continue to drive out animals, birds and bats. Is there a possibility that all construction be halted between the hours of 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.? That would give animals at least 12 hours of respite. Also, the property should eliminate all-night lighting. Will the owner of the property consider putting up bat boxes and roosting areas for the wildlife? Can native trees and vegetation be planted in the landscaping?
3. The wetlands will be surrounded by concrete, and trucks lumbering daily will destroy any wildlife attempting access to them. Can a riparian habitat be developed around the wetlands? And, would wildlife corridors be considered? The property is close to the estuary, thereby making it a natural place for animals to cross and congregate. Would the landscape architect work with a wildlife biologist to develop the best habitat possible to replace what's been destroyed? Should pollinator friendly landscaping (ie. milkweed) be planted? Will the landscaper consider native plants ?
4. Will the developer agree to a "no pesticide, no herbicide" policy? This is especially relevant with poison bait stations. This area is heavily used by rodents, including ground squirrels They are food for the raptors. No bait stations or poisons, please.
5. Will this warehouse be using MCE instead of PG&E?
My comments & concerns regarding the DEIR for proposed SDG Commerce 220 Distribution Center Project.
I wonder what kind of environmental report can honestly be done on this property. I walked the area some time ago & the area had already been graded & looked like it was being prepared for construction. If an environmental report is to be done, seems like it is too late. Surrounding the area , according to Special-Status & Sensitive Natural Communities (p.7) of the report,are many endangered species of mammals, plants, fish,birds, amphibians & reptiles. The cumulative effect on construction will impact all these species.
I understand there are 3 small wetlands on the property. What I witnessed were the areas cordoned off with plastic orange fencing. My concern is what is the plan for these wetlands? How does a wetland survive amidst the concrete & noise of a warehouse? Are there biologists assisting with the planning of keeping the wetlands viable? Has there been any study on the proximity of the warehouse development to our treasured wetlands to the west...American Canyon's jewel.
According to the DEIR there will be a cumulative significant unavoidable impact on the environment as a result of the vehicles miles traveled (VMT) report based on the number of cars & diesel trucks traveling in& out of the facilities. According to the DEIR,the facilities will employ 225 workers when fully operational.The impact of the air & noise pollution on the wildlife& neighboring elementary school is worrisome.
One last comment: I find it confusing that this area was zoned Commercial Recreation by City of American Canyon General Plan & a Recreation Zoning District Code Amendment was adopted by the City Council in January 2018. This ordinance allows wine related warehousing & distribution facilities as a condition permitted use within the REC Zone district. My question is, how is a warehouse considered "Recreation" ?
Thank you for listening to my thoughts and concerns.
Jeannette Goyetche , American Canyon resident
1. This property has already been graded and the trees cut down. There is nothing left to protect except two small wetlands. Who will manage these wetlands and protect them from further destruction? Will the wetlands include a protected corridor so they can be accessible to wildlife? Who will measure the wildlife numbers using these wetlands?
2. The surrounding areas support a number of wildlife species that are currently threatened or endangered. The monarch butterflies are currently using the eucalyptus trees adjacent to this property for overwintering roosting. They were seen this past February and there have been numerous sightings by local walkers. There are also bats and raptors using these trees. This is an important area for wildlife protection. There is a cumulative effect of the recent decline in wildlife as these three warehouses have been built. We have no measure of the loss of wildlife and their absence only assumes that they've died because there isn't any place to relocate along this corridor of development.
Nocturnal species are especially difficult to gauge. Excessive noise, lighting, dust and fumes will continue to drive out animals, birds and bats. Is there a possibility that all construction be halted between the hours of 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.? That would give animals at least 12 hours of respite. Also, the property should eliminate all-night lighting. Will the owner of the property consider putting up bat boxes and roosting areas for the wildlife? Can native trees and vegetation be planted in the landscaping?
3. The wetlands will be surrounded by concrete, and trucks lumbering daily will destroy any wildlife attempting access to them. Can a riparian habitat be developed around the wetlands? And, would wildlife corridors be considered? The property is close to the estuary, thereby making it a natural place for animals to cross and congregate. Would the landscape architect work with a wildlife biologist to develop the best habitat possible to replace what's been destroyed? Should pollinator friendly landscaping (ie. milkweed) be planted? Will the landscaper consider native plants ?
4. Will the developer agree to a "no pesticide, no herbicide" policy? This is especially relevant with poison bait stations. This area is heavily used by rodents, including ground squirrels They are food for the raptors. No bait stations or poisons, please.
5. Will this warehouse be using MCE instead of PG&E?