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Environmental Site Review <br /> A Level 1 Environmental Site Assessment should be required. The assessment consists of a visual <br /> inspection of the site, collection of some surface samples, and interviews with neighbors to <br /> determine the history of the site. This assessment can determine the location and relative quantity <br /> of materials dumped on the site and possibly whether or not they are hazardous. In addition to <br /> the danger that these materials may represent to staff or the public, the City doesn't want to <br /> unknowingly take on responsibility for hazardous material cleanup by taking title to the parcel. <br /> A Level 1 Environmental Assessment should be required on all donated parcels before <br /> acceptance. Although this option may be considered costly, the acceptance of a parcel which <br /> unknowingly contained a hazardous material could prove more costly. The City has staff with <br /> the appropriate training to conduct the Level 1 assessment. If staff is not available then we could <br /> contract out for the assessment. If evidence of the presence of hazardous materials was found <br /> then the City should require a Level 2 Environmental Assessment to be conducted by an <br /> environmental assessment company to determine the extent of contamination and the costs to <br /> clean up the site. The cost of the Environmental Assessment could either be paid by the donor or <br /> be assumed by the City and be factored into the acceptance decision rating criteria. <br /> The site should also be evaluated for environmental factors which would influence the decision <br /> to accept the parcel. A geological assessment will reveal information on the presence of springs, <br /> erosive soils, or areas prone to slides. This information will be helpful in identifying features <br /> which should be protected, site conditions which will influence the ability to locate trails and <br /> access points, as well as features which may be a hazard <br /> Size of Parcel <br /> The parcel must be large enough to be of value with regards to the intended purpose and use. If <br /> the public will use the site, there needs to be adequate room for facilities such as parking, trails, or <br /> bike paths. The area also should be able to adequately accommodate the expected number of <br /> visitors without suffering damage from the impacts. For example, if the area is to be used as an <br /> educational park, it should be large enough to accommodate approximately 20 -30 students at a <br /> time without severely impacting the resource value of the site. If the parcel is isolated from <br /> other natural areas or park land then it should also be large enough so that it is economically <br /> feasible to manage and maintain. As a general rule, to be economically feasible to maintain, an <br /> isolated site should be approximately three acres or larger in size. However, an exception could <br /> be made if a smaller isolated parcel abuts a stream which carries public water or contains a <br /> sustainable population of threatened and endangered (T &E) species and/or provides necessary <br /> habitat sites for T &E species. If the parcel will link to other natural areas or parks, then <br /> acceptance of areas smaller than three acres may be considered where they will increase the value <br /> of the linked system. <br /> Natural Resource Values <br /> The natural value of the features present on the parcel is a primary reason for considering <br /> accepting such parcels. Some features which would increase the natural resource value of a site <br /> 3 <br />