Imperial County Baseline Inventory Report for the Conservation and Open Space Element Update
Project Specifications
Client: Imperial County
Location: Imperial County
Services: Environmental Review & Permitting, Geospatial Sciences & Data Analysis, Biological Resources, Cultural Resources
The County of Imperial was the recipient of a California Energy Commission Grant on July 15, 2013, to update the existing “Geothermal/Alternative Energy & Transmission Element” of the General Plan. Other objectives include the creation of an inventory of baseline information, identify eligible renewable energy resource opportunities, review State and Federal legislation and policies, review other elements of the General Plan for internal consistency, develop an outreach program, prepare a revised ordinance and renewable energy overlay zone, and prepare the required environmental document.
Under this contract, Aspen prepared a Baseline Environmental Inventory Report for the update to the Conservation and Open Space Element. This report made use of technical memorandums and GIS data from the existing studies being completed under the Geothermal/Alternative Energy Element Update and the DRECP. GIS mapping for each resource area has been updated using County-provided GIS base layers and existing data sets. These studies will also be used as the basis for the environmental document.
Aspen considered the following resources:
Regional Aesthetics: Evaluated existing scenic vistas and visual character within the County. The work was compiled in narrative and map format.
Biological Resources: Identified sensitive species, habitats, and resource conservation plan areas within the County. Sensitive areas were identified and mapped as appropriate.
Cultural Resources: Identified known locations of sensitive cultural and historical resources within the County. Sensitive areas were identified and mapped as appropriate using data provided by the County.
Geology and Soils: Updated existing data in the soils section of the 1993 Conservation and Open Space element and added geology information that is appropriate.
Mineral Resources: Updated information on mineral resources and mineral resource extraction activities. Historically, a wide variety of mineral resources have been found in Imperial County. These included gold, gypsum, sand, gravel, lime, clay, and stone of high economic value. This section updated the baseline information on activities from 1993 to present day for mineral resources in the region.
Open Space/Recreation: Identified regional open space resources and recreational areas, including trails, parks, OHV areas, campgrounds, and wilderness areas.
As a result of this baseline inventory assessment, each resource section provided the existing opportunities and constraints associated with the potential for designations of conservation and open space areas within the County under the Conservation and Open Space Element Update.