2001 Environmental Review of City Activities

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Introduction Purpose of the Environmental Review The basic purpose of the Environmental Review was to evaluate City of Eugene (City) practices and activities for their potential to affect the environment. A key factor that prompted the Environmental Review was the recent listings and rulemakings related to threatened salmonid species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). However, the Environmental Review evaluated not only the potential for City activities to affect ESA-listed species and their habitats, but comprehensively evaluated the potential for City activities to affect all aspects of the natural environment. In the fall of 1999, the City Council chartered an Environmental Policy Team (EPT), and charged it with the oversight and coordination of the City's diverse environmental programs. The EPT, comprised of Public Works and Planning and Development Department managers, organized a subgroup into an Environmental Review Team (ERT). Among its duties, the ERT oversaw the planning and implementation of the Environmental Review. CH2M Hill was retained by the ERT to conduct information collection and analysis for the Environmental Review. The specific objectives of the Environmental Review were to: 1. Conduct interviews and compile information sufficient to define City activities and estimate their potential to affect the overall natural environment, habitat, and ESA-listed species. 2. Determine the general locations, timing, factors, and pathways by which such effects might occur. 3. Rate and prioritize the activities and effects for potential further management analysis or action. 4. In conducting the above assessment, develop an assessment methodology and tool that can be used on an on-going basis if desired. Organization of This Report This report summarizes the overall process, analysis, and findings of the Environmental Review. The report is organized in sections that describe methodology, summarize City activities that most affect the overall environment and habitat, summarize City activities with important ESA relevance, and provide other observations. Attachments to the report include worksheets and tables that serve as the basis of the analysis conducted during the Environmental Review. How to Interpret Results of the Environmental Review The following notes, assumptions, and definitions are important for interpreting the contents and results of this Environmental Review: 3 PRELIMINARY REVIEW DRAFT (1!23/2001). MAY CONTAIN INACCURACIES. DO NOT CITE.