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6. PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY

CHAPTER 6 PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY

6. PUBLIC HEALTH & SAFETY

6.1.	Introduction …1
6.2.	Emergency Preparedness…1
6.3.	Flood Hazards…2
6.4.	Fire Protection …4 6
6.5.	Police Protection … 11
6.6.	Geologic Hazards… 11
6.7.	Hazardous Waste and Materials … 14
6.8.	Climate Change Hazards … 15
6.9.	Environmental Justice… 19

6.1. Introduction

LEGAL BASIS AND REQUIREMENTS

California State law (Government Code Section 65302 (g) requires that a safety element be included within a general plan for:

The protection of the community from any unreasonable risks associated with the effects of seismically induced surface rupture, ground shaking, ground failure, tsunami, seiche, and dam failure; slope instability leading to mudslides and landslides; subsidence and other geologic hazards known to the legislative body; flooding; wildland and urban fires.

In addition to these concerns, this element also addresses the issues of hazardous waste management, fire and police services, climate change hazards and environmental justice. This section has been prepared in conformance with State law requirements.

Many of the goals and programs of this chapter correspond to priorities established in the Siskiyou County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP). The MJHMP includes Siskiyou County and the Cities of Dorris, Dunsmuir, Etna, Montague, Mt. Shasta, Tulelake, Weed, Yreka, and the Community Service Districts of Lake Shastina and McCloud. The plan was developed in accordance with the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA 2000) and followed FEMA’s 2011 Multi-Jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan guidance. This plan, which is typically updated every seven years, forms the foundation for the region’s long- term strategy to prepare for disasters and reduce disaster losses. The MJHMP incorporates a process where hazards are identified and profiled, the people and facilities at risk are analyzed, and mitigation actions are developed to reduce or eliminate hazard risk. The implementation of these mitigation actions, which include both short and long-term strategies, involve planning, policy changes, programs, projects, and other activities. The Public Health and Safety chapter goals, objectives and programs support and are consistent with the Siskiyou County MJHMP. The MJHMP can be found on the City of Yreka Website under Residents, Emergency Information: http://ci.yreka.ca.us/272/Emergency- Information.

6.2. Emergency Preparedness

Responsibility for day-to-day emergency response falls to the Yreka Police and Fire Departments, which are first responders in emergency situations. Under more extreme general emergency conditions, other City Departments become involved, along with State, County and private agencies as needed.

SISKIYOU COUNTY EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN

The Siskiyou County Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) establishes procedures for responding to various emergency situations, including:

•  Regional Flooding
•  Nuclear Power Plant Incident
•  Volcanic Activity
•  Tsunami/Seiche Waves
•  Hazardous Materials Incident
•  Nuclear Defense Emergency
•  Dam Failure
•  Approaching Wildland Fire
•  Seismic Activity

COORDINATION OF EMERGENCY RESPONSE EFFORTS

The Siskiyou County Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) provides response guidelines for various potential emergencies. A local Incident Commander provides the coordination of response activities. The Incident Commander is established by statutory authority to act and has the ability to pay to mitigate the emergency. Usually an officer of the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Department will be

TROGRAMS

Goal PH.I - Ensure that the City and involved the Incident Commander on emergencies within and around Yreka. In situations where the Incident Command authority is shared, Incident Command is unified among those agencies with command authority.

EVACUATION ROUTES

No formal definition of ‘evacuation route’ has been provided, however for the purposes of this General Plan, evacuation routes are identified as pre-determined routes in the City that can best move residents, emergency services, and supplies to where they are needed in the event of a major disaster and to move residents away from harm in hazardous situations. Evacuation routes are necessary for the safe and effective community response to an emergency incident that may require evacuation such as a wild land fire or major flooding event. Which evacuation route to be used will depend on the type, magnitude, and location of emergency. There are limited roadways that provide an exit away from the City, therefore, the routes most likely to be used in an evacuation are Interstate 5, State Route 3/Main Street, State Route 263 and East Oberlin Road, as they provide an easily identified, paved routes to exit the City safely.

California Government Code Section 65302(g)(5) requires that the Safety Element indicate residential properties located in defined hazard areas within the City that do not have at least two emergency evacuation routes. In the southern portion of the City there are older subdivisions located on single access roads that may have difficulty evacuating in an emergency. Additionally, subdivisions located in the area west of Downtown also lack multiple points of ingress and egress.

STANDARDIZED EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

The Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS) was established by the State in response to the Oakland Hills fires and in recognition that emergency response should be better coordinated. SEMS serves as an umbrella emergency management system, which coordinates the response of various agencies and jurisdictions. Participation on SEMS is required to assure reimbursement of expenses resulting from a State declared emergency. SEMS is the standard throughout the State of California.

LOCAL ORGANIZATION

The City of Yreka is located in the Operational Area of the Siskiyou County Office of Emergency Services. A standards emergency management system (SEMS) program is in place between the City and the Office of Emergency Services. A local emergency plan guides local response to emergencies and local emergency management is conducted under the direction of the City of Yreka Police Department.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS GOALS & PROGRAMS

Goal PH.1 — Ensure that the City and involved local agencies are able to effectively respond to emergency situations, which may threaten the people or property of Yreka.

Objective: The City needs to work with County, State and Federal agencies in times of crisis. The objective of this goal is to provide the City with policies supporting this cooperation and participation in emergency planning efforts.

PROGRAM PH.1.A. The City shall continue to participate in emergency preparedness planning with Siskiyou County.

PROGRAM PH.1.B. The City shall review procedures for local implementation of the County Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and undertake the responsibility to educate the community on the need for emergency preparedness.

PROGRAM PH.1.C. The City shall encourage all persons in hazard-prone areas, especially those living in neighborhoods along single-access roads to prepare and maintain an emergency evacuation plan and know their main evacuation routes in the event of a hazardous situation.

PROGRAM PH.1.D. Ensure that the Yreka Police Department (YPD) and Yreka Fire Department (YFD) are aware of hazard areas in the City.

PROGRAM PH.1.E. The City shall maintain maps of designated emergency routes and hazard areas in

the City in coordination with the Yreka Police Department (YPD), Yreka Fire Department (YFD), Yreka Public Works Department (YPW) and Siskiyou County.

PROGRAM PH.1.F. The City shall identify existing residential properties located within a defined hazard area with inadequate access/evacuation routes and maintain an evacuation plan describing evacuation routes and or shelter-in-place plans.

PROGRAM PH.1.G. Work with Siskiyou County and other participating jurisdictions to update the County’s Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan every five years, as required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

6.3. Flood Hazards

The natural drainage features which provide local flood control are discussed in detail within the Public Facilities section of the General Plan. Goals and policies of this section address the overall issues of flood related hazards. (Figure 6-1)

LOCAL FLOODING

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is mandated by the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 and the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 to evaluate flood hazards. To promote sound land use planning and floodplain development, FEMA provides Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for use and consultation by local and regional planners and the public. Flood risk information presented on FIRMs is based on historic, meteorological, hydrologic, and hydraulic data, as well as topographic surveys, open-space conditions, flood control works, and existing development.

According to the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for the City of Yreka (FIRM # 06093C1557D), the potential for flooding exists along Yreka Creek, Greenhorn Creek, and Humbug Gulch. These maps distinguish areas within the City of Yreka Planning Area where flooding would occur during both a 100-year and 500-year event. Areas at an elevated risk of flooding are generally divided into 100-year flood zones and 500-year flood zones. A 100-year flood zone has a 1 percent chance of experiencing a major flood each year; a 500-year flood zone has a 0.2 percent chance of flooding each year. Figure 6-1 shows the 100- and 500-year flood zones in Yreka. Table 6-1 identifies the areas that would be flooded by a 100-year flood event, according to the FIRM maps. The City of Yreka also experiences localized flooding during periods of intense rain on Main Street, Miner Street and Broadway. (Figure 61)

REGIONAL FLOODING / DAM FAILURE

The probability of any type of dam failure is low in today’s regulatory and dam safety oversight environment. The most likely disaster-related causes of dam failure in Yreka are earthquakes, excessive rainfall and landslides. Greenhorn Dam Reservoir poses no real threat to Yreka. Even though it is a Class C earthfill dam, a breakage by any means would likely result in seepage rather than a complete collapse. There is a limited quantity of water impounded and Yreka Creek could accommodate the flow. The dams on the Klamath River do not pose a threat to Yreka as they are over 20 miles away with intervening topography. Figure 6-2 identifies areas at risk from potential dam failure.

FLOOD HISTORY

Flood problems on Yreka Creek have historically consisted of damage to bridges and erosion of stream banks. The erosion has in turn caused problems with structures along the banks. Yreka Creek caused flooding of the buildings along Main Street in 1861 and in 1927 flooding damaged water mains, barns, garages, outbuildings and a newly constructed sewer line. Humbug Gulch has also contributed to flooding along the city streets and in 1964 the stream flooded several houses on Yama, North and Gold Streets.

Page 6-4

Greenhorn Reservoir

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Source: California Department of Water Resources

Yreka Creek

Creek

Humbug

Gulch

Southern portion of City, from

Wide area east of 1-5 from

Sharps Road to East Oberlin

Road.

Table 6-1	Table 6-1
Yreka Creek	Southern portion of City, from City limits to West Oberlin Road. Wide area east of I-5 from Sharps Road to East Oberlin Road. Narrow area from I-5 through the middle and northern portions of the City.
Greenhorn Creek	Area upland (west) of Greenhorn. Reservoir Floodway closely following Greenhorn Creek to I-5.
Humbug Gulch	Narrow floodway (50-500 feet) from City Limits to Main Street. Broader floodway south of Lane Street.

FLOOD HAZARDS GOALS & PROGRAMS

GOAL PH.2 - Minimize the risk of personal injury and property damage resulting from flooding.

Objective: Natural waterways are not only an amenity to the community but also a potential threat during times of flood. The City has adopted policies to help protect new development from the potential dangers of flooding and the objective of this goal is to ensure those policies are clearly enumerated and provide support for the relevant ordinances that regulate development in and around a flood zone.

PROGRAM PH.2.A. Develop flood control strategies and improvement plans for the City of Yreka.

PROGRAM PH.2.B. New development shall not be approved in areas which are subject to flooding without prior review and approval of plans for improvements which provide a minimum flood protection level equal to the 100-year storm event.

PROGRAM PH.2.C. Development of structures must be in compliance with FEMA standards. All 100-year flood hazards must be completely mitigated through proper design.

PROGRAM PH.2.D. As stated in Policy LU-7.B (Public Facilities Element), all new residential development projects shall be designed to avoid increases in peak storm runoff levels entering the natural drainages in Yreka.

PROGRAM PH.2.E. Provide adequate storm drainage improvements to prevent flooding in areas that are prone to flood hazards.

PROGRAM PH.2.F. The City shall maintain a program identifying existing and planned development and utilities in flood hazard zones, including structures, roads, utilities, and essential public facilities.

6.4. Fire Protection

The City of Yreka could experience a variety of fire types. Reducing the potential for fire related injuries and property losses involves both the prevention of fires through community education and enforcement of the building and safety codes, and the ability to respond to fire related emergencies once they occur. Fire protection services within the City of Yreka are provided by the Yreka Volunteer Fire Department.

RESPONSIBILITY AREAS

Throughout the State of California, different organizations have responsibility for wildfire protection based on location. These responsibility areas are codified under state law into three categories: local responsibility areas (LRAs), state responsibility areas (SRAs), and federal responsibility areas (FRAs).

• Local Responsibility Areas (LRA) are incorporated cities, urban regions, agriculture lands, and portions of the desert where the local government is responsible for wildfire protection. These areas are protected by local agencies, including city and county fire departments, local fire protection districts, and the California Department of Forestry and Fire

Protection (CAL FIRE) when under contract to local governments. All of the land in the City of Yreka is designated as a LRA.

• State Responsibility Areas (SRA) are generally unincorporated areas that are not federally owned, are undeveloped, and are covered by wildland vegetation or rangeland. Protection for these areas is generally the responsibility of the State.
• Federal Responsibility Areas (FRA) are areas that are managed by a federal agency. Fire protection of these areas is generally the responsibility of the Federal Government.

FIRE THREAT

Wildfire is an ongoing concern for all communities in California. The combination of complex terrain and Mediterranean climate (cold and wet winters/spring and warm and dry summers/fall) supports very productive natural plant communities and contributes to one of the most fire-prone and consequently fire-adapted landscapes in the world. Generally, the fire season extends from early spring through late fall of each year during the hotter, dryer months. Fire conditions arise from a combination of high temperatures, low-moisture content in the air, plant matter, an accumulation of vegetation, and high winds.

The most likely fire threat within Yreka is the possibility of flue fires as a substantial number of people heat their homes with wood stoves and fireplaces. Other likely fire threats include structural fires within a residence or small business, urban conflagration (multiple simultaneous structural fires), and wildland and vegetation fire on the perimeter of the City. According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, no unique or significant fire hazards exist in the rural/urban interface between the City and surrounding open spaces.

URBAN FIRES

Urban fire occurs primarily in cities or towns with the potential to rapidly spread to adjoining structures. Urban fires occur largely due to human activities, although deliberate fires (arson) may be a cause of some events. Urban fires can also result from other primary natural hazards, such as earthquakes or lightning, which can cause downed power lines or result in the release of fuels that in turn cause combustion and the outbreak of a fire. Older buildings that lack modern fire safety features may face greater risk of damage from fires. To minimize fire damage and loss, the State Fire Code (Title 24, Part 9) sets standards for new building and construction.

WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE

The wildland urban interface (WUI) refers to areas where structures and other human developments meet or intermingle with undeveloped wildland. To protect the City against wildland fire threat, it is important to maintain an area of defensible space around homes and structures that exist in WUI areas. Defensible space refers to a separation zone between wildlands and structures where fuel, including natural and ornamental vegetation, man -made combustible materials, and ancillary structures, is managed or modified to minimize the spread of fire to the structure and allow space for defending structures from burning vegetation. This separation is important to improving the survivability of structures in a wildland fire event and is most readily maintained when planned for as part of project design.

WILDLAND FIRES

A wildland fire is any uncontrolled fire occurring on undeveloped land that requires fire suppression or management. Wildland fires resulting from either natural or manmade causes occur in forest, brush, grasslands, or undeveloped areas. Their potential for damage is dependent on the extent and type of vegetation, known as surface fuels, as well as weather and wind conditions.

FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) identifies, and maps Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) based on the severity of the fire hazard expected to prevail there. CAL FIRE ranks fire threat according to the availability of fuel and the likelihood of an area burning (based on topography, fire history, and climate). The rankings include little or no fire threat, moderate, high, and very high fire threat. FHSZs do not predict when or where a wildfire will occur, however, they do identify areas where wildfire hazards could be more severe and therefore are of greater concern. FHSZs are meant to help limit

wildfire damage to structures through planning, prevention, and mitigation strategies that reduce risk.

While the majority of the city is identified as having little to no wildland fire threat, some areas at the southern border of the city limits and a portion of the northwest edge of the city are identified as Local Responsibility Areas with a very high fire threat. This area encompasses approximately 2% of the total land within the city limits. Figure 6-3 shows existing fire hazard severity zones within Yreka.

PAST FIRE EVENTS

The historical record of fires within the Yreka city limits is limited, however, fires that have occurred near Yreka in the recent past have been recorded. They include:

• Badger Fire (2020): Located at Badger Mountain Road and Hawkinsville Humbug Road and burned 557 acres.
• Grade Fire (2016): Located two miles north of Yreka and burned 710 acres.

Additionally, two of the twenty largest fires in California’s fire history have occurred within Siskiyou County. In 2008 the Klamath Theater Complex fire, which was started by lightning, burned 192,038 acres, and caused two fatalities. In 2014 the Happy Camp Complex fire, which was also caused by lightning burned 134,056 acres, as well as consuming 6 structures.

None of the fire events listed above occurred within the Yreka city limits.

Further historical data on wildfires that have occurred throughout Siskiyou County can be found under Chapter 16: Wildfire of the Siskiyou County Hazard Mitigation Plan and under Section 3: Defining the Wildfire Situation of the Community Wildfire Protection Plan.

RESPONSE TIME

Target response time for fire protection and emergency medical services are seven (7) minutes or less during the daylight hours and slightly longer at night.

Response time to an emergency situation is also affected by adequate street access for emergency vehicles. Minimum standards for roadway widths and design standards adopted by the City are provided in the Circulation Element of this General Plan.

MINIMUM ROAD WIDTHS AND CLEARANCES AROUND STRUCTURES

Adequate emergency vehicle access to buildings is important for effective public safety service and emergency response. Emergency access is regulated by the California State Fire Code. Under the current State Fire Code, fire lanes shall be a minimum width of 20 feet.

Preventing the spread of wildland fires to and from structures also requires establishing defensible space around each structure through management of surrounding vegetation and clearing of fuel breaks. California Public Resources Code Section 4291 requires that in the State Responsibility Area (SRA), a person who owns, leases, controls, operates, or maintains a building or structure in or adjoining a mountainous area, forest covered lands, brush covered lands, or grass covered lands shall maintain a defensible space of 100 feet from all sides of the structure, but not beyond the property line. Proper clearance to 100 feet dramatically increases the chance of a house surviving a wildfire much more than the previous 30-foot clearance requirement.

INSURANCE SERVICES OFFICE (ISO) RATING

ISO stands for Insurance Services Office (ISO), which is an independent, for-profit organization that creates ratings for fire departments and their surrounding communities. The ISO scores fire departments on how well-equipped they are to put out fires in their community. The ISO rating scale scores fire departments from one to 10. In the ISO rating scale, a lower number is better: one is the best possible rating, while a 10 means the fire department did not meet ISO’s minimum requirements. Yreka’s ISO rating is four (4).

WATER DELIVERY SYSTEM

Domestic water service facilities are discussed in detail within the Public Facilities Element of this General Plan. One of the reasons for the City’s

excellent rating of four (4) with the Insurance Services Office (ISO) is the reliability and adequacy of t h e water supply and water pressure of the City’s fire hydrants. Pressure per hydrant ranges from 40140 pounds per square inch (PSI). The 2019 Water Audit showed average hydrant pressure is 84 PSI. Besides the City’s fire hydrants, there are eight (8) water storage tanks with a capacity of 7.98 million gallons for firefighting purposes. The City maintains an adequate water supply, fire hydrant system, and water pressure to effectively suppress fires.

FIRE STATION STAFFING/EQUIPMENT

The Yreka Volunteer Fire Department consists of a 23 member crew operating three (3) Class A vehicles, one (1) Class B vehicle, one (1) Class C vehicle, one (1) 65-foot aerial platform, and one (1) utility rig vehicle. The volunteers also respond to emergency medical calls as well as fires.

Projected needs for the Department include one to two paid personnel to handle fire prevention outreach and the paperwork necessary to satisfy State requirements. In addition, the Department would like to purchase a Rescue Unit and upgrade existing equipment.

FIRE PROTECTION GOALS & PROGRAMS

GOAL PH.3 — Protect people and property within the City of Yreka against fire related loss and damage.

Objective: With surrounding wildlands and forest, fire is a continual concern to the City of Yreka and most of Siskiyou County. The policies included within this goal are designed to ensure cooperation with the California Department of Forestry and other recommended efforts. The objective of this goal is to reduce the hazard to the City of Yreka.

PROGRAM PH.3.A. Maintain current levels of service for fire protection by continuing to require development projects to provide for and/or fund fire protection facilities, personnel, and operations and maintenance.

PROGRAM PH.3.B. Require all new development projects to design public facility improvements to ensure that water volume and hydrant spacing are adequate to support efficient and effective fire suppression.

PROGRAM PH.3.C. Strive to maintain, the City’s current Insurance Service Office (ISO) rating of four (4).

PROGRAM PH.3.D. Consider opportunities to improve the City’s ISO rating for the safety and economic benefits an improved rating would net the City and its residents.

PROGRAM PH.3.E. Enforce the requirements of Public Resources Code Sections 4290 and 4291 on all development projects. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:

•  Maintain roofs of structures free of vegetative growth.
•  Remove any portion of trees growing within ten (10) feet of chimney/stovepipe outlets.
•  Maintain screens over chimney/stovepipe outlets or other devices that burn any solid or liquid fuel.

PROGRAM PH.3.F. Following the adoption of this General Plan, the City shall develop and adopt standards for fire suppression facilities, including water supply and distribution system standards, and fire hydrant spacing.

PROGRAM PH.3.G. The City shall strongly encourage new development in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones to utilize fire-resistant building materials and consider the use of on-site fire suppression systems, including enhanced automatic sprinklers systems, smoke and/or detection systems, buffers and fuel breaks, and fire-resistant landscaping.

PROGRAM PH.3.H The City shall require all new development to plan for adequate evacuation and emergency vehicle access in accordance with State and local standards for emergency response and protection.

PROGRAM PH.3.I. For development projects located within Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones and located within the City limits, the City shall develop a plan for fuel modification and vegetation management procedures adjacent to structures, roads, and driveways to enhance the safe travel of

residents and firefighting personnel.

PROGRAM PH.3.J. The City shall encourage and promote installation and maintenance of smoke detectors and fire safety improvements in existing residences and commercial facilities that were constructed prior to the requirement for their installation.

N

Page 6-11

6.5. Police Protection

This section discusses issues related to police protection within the community. These services are provided by the Yreka Police Department.

LAW ENFORCEMENT STAFF

Police protection services within the City of Yreka are provided by the Yreka Police Department. There are currently twenty-one (21) employees in the Police Department. Of these employees, thirteen (13) are sworn officers (including the Chief of Police), and seven (7) are civilian employees. The thirteen sworn officers serve a current population (March 2021) of approximately 7,500, resulting in approximately 577 persons per officer. The Department anticipates that the current police force will be adequate to provide police protection needs at the same level of service through the life of this General Plan barring a large increase in population.

POLICE PROTECTION GOALS & PROGRAMS

GOAL PH.4 —Ensure that police protection services in the City of Yreka are adequate to protect both people and property in the community.

Objective: In addition to fire suppression, public safety needs to be considered as the community expands. Not only does population growth increase demand for public safety but increase in geographic area can reduce response times and substantially increase the amount of area under patrol by the Police Department. So even though the City’s population may not change significantly if large areas are annexed or various areas constructed that increase the road miles the Police Department has to monitor, there can be a demand on police services. The objective of this goal is to ensure that those considerations are taken into account when approving development and when the City expands. The programs of this goal also support various police activities designed to reduce crime throughout the community.

PROGRAM PH.4.A. Ensure that response time to police related emergencies are adequate for current and future demands for such services.

PROGRAM PH.4.B. Promote a safe community through outreach and public education programs.

PROGRAM PH.4.C. The City shall actively pursue programs to reduce existing and future levels of crime, particularly vandalism and violent crimes.

PROGRAM PH.4.D. The City shall continue to provide funds for police equipment and personnel, which will adequately protect the community from potential hazards.

6.6. Geologic Hazards

This section addresses seismic and geologic hazards, which could result in structural failures.

SEISMIC HAZARDS

Several faults are located in the Yreka area, as indicated by the Fault Activity Map of California. Figure 6-4 shows nearby faults. Some notable faults include the Greenhorn Fault north of the City and the Soap Creek Ridge Fault to the southwest. One small fault has been identified in the northwest section of the Planning Area near the Interstate 5-State Route 3 junction. None of these faults have shown evidence of any activity within the last 1.6 million years. The nearest recently active fault to the City is the Cedar Mountain Fault Zone, located approximately 35 miles east in the Mt. Hebron - Macdoel area. The Cedar Mountain Fault has shown evidence of activity within the last 10,000 years.

The Seismic Safety and Safety Element of the Siskiyou County General Plan states that over a 120-year period, only nine or ten earthquakes capable of ‘considerable damage’ have occurred. No deaths have been connected to these earthquakes and reported building damage has never been more than minor. No known damage has resulted from an earthquake in the Yreka area. Nevertheless, the Uniform Building Code places the Yreka area in Seismic Zone 3, defined as an area of potentially major damage from earthquakes corresponding to intensity VII on

the Modified Mercalli Scale.

LANDSLIDES

The City of Yreka is located in a hilly region; thus, landslides are a possible concern. However, due to flat topography, little landslide potential exists in the area. The underlying geology in the region consists of stable bedrock material with little propensity to give way. The only area identified as having a potential landslide hazard is the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land northwest of the City.

ABANDONED MINES

Since the Gold Rush of 1849, tens of thousands of mines have been dug in California. Many of these mines were immediately abandoned when insufficient minerals were found, others were abandoned later when poor economics of the commodity made mining unprofitable, while still others were abandoned in 1942 after the issuance of War Production Board Order L-208. The result is that California’s landscape contains tens of thousands of abandoned mine sites, many of which pose health, safety, or environmental hazards.

The City of Yreka has several abandoned mines and shafts. A location map of cave-ins and expected location of shafts is available from the City. The City routinely informs building developers of the potential hazard from these shafts if they are working in known areas of concern.

OTHER HAZARDS

LIQUEFACTION

Liquefaction occurs when loose, saturated granular soil deposits lose their strength due to a sudden excess in water pressure. This buildup is induced by a seismic event. Liquefaction tends to occur in areas near water or within shallow groundwater. The City’s 1979 General Plan states that the soil types and general geology of Yreka are not conducive to liquefaction.

VOLCANIC HAZARDS

The City of Yreka is on the edge of the volcanically active Cascade Mountain Range. Mt.

Shasta, a volcano with a height of 14,612 feet, is located approximately 40 miles southeast of the City. Mt. Shasta has erupted on average once every 600 years for the past 4,500 years. The last known eruption occurred in 1786. Hazards associated with volcanic activity at Mt. Shasta include lava flows, pyroclastic flows, lava domes, tephra (ash and rocks deposited from the atmosphere) and mudflows. Because of the distance from Mt. Shasta, the City is not likely to experience most of these volcanic hazards. However, in the event of an eruption, ash may be deposited on the City. The amount of ash deposited would depend on the direction of the eruption and meteorological conditions.

Smaller volcanic eruptions have occurred near the City. Approximately 380,000 years ago, an andesite eruption took place at a location approximately 10 miles southeast of the City. A basaltic andesite eruption occurred approximately 15 miles east of the City about 50,000 years ago.

GEOLOGIC HAZARDS GOALS & PROGRAMS

GOAL PH.5 -Minimize the threat of personal injury and property damage due to seismic and geologic hazards.

Objective: Siskiyou County is a geologically active region with the most obvious feature being that of Mt. Shasta, a volcano. There are other geological hazards in mountain communities that are often overlooked during the preparation of development plans. These include slope, and in Yreka, caves and old mining shafts. The objective of this goal is to ensure that adequate review and analysis for any development takes these factors into account and presents findings and reports designed to support the new development.

PROGRAM PH.5.A. The City may require a soils report, prepared by a licensed soils engineer, for development projects within areas of identified soils limitations. Soils reports shall evaluate shrink/swell and liquefaction potential of sites and recommend measures to minimize unstable soil hazards.

PROGRAM PH.5.B. Before construction of buildings three (3) stories or higher, probing for underground caverns shall be conducted.

PROGRAM PH.5.C. Public buildings and areas of mass assembly will be constructed so as to meet seismic safety standards. Owners of existing buildings are encouraged to pursue structural improvements to remedy seismic related hazards.

PROGRAM PH.5.D. The City shall consider funding options to assist property owners with costs related to seismic safety structural improvements.

PROGRAM PH.5.E. Make the location maps of caveins and expected location of abandoned mine shafts available to development projects. Routinely inform building developers of the potential hazard from these shafts if they are working in known areas of concern.

Little Humbug Creek

Grouse Creek

Barkhouse Creek

6223 г

Deadwood Creek

CRK. RIDGE FLT.

Fort Jones

N

Source: California Department of Conservation, California Geological Survey.

MINERAL RA

HAMLIN GULCH

BLACK

GOAL PH.6 - Minimize the risk of personal materials.

6.7. Hazardous Waste and Materials

The Siskiyou County Household Hazardous Waste Element (HHWE), completed in 1997, sets programs and goals for the proper management of household hazardous waste. In addition, the Siskiyou County Health Department has a list of Yreka businesses that are State-regulated hazardous waste generators.

BACKGROUND

The Siskiyou County Household Hazardous Waste Element (HHWE) contains provisions for decreasing the generation of household hazardous wastes (HHW) in conjunction with increasing the percentage of HHW that is recycled or reused. In addition, the HHWE is designed to prevent the HHW from being disposed of at landfills or other improper locations, i.e., into sewer systems, storm drains, natural drainages, or the ground.

As a part of this ongoing effort, Siskiyou County Department of Public Works implements periodic and mobile collection events as well as conducting monitoring and evaluation programs to determine if the goals of the HHWE are being achieved.

The Siskiyou County Department of Public Health has on file a list of Yreka businesses that are State regulated hazardous waste generators.

INTERSTATE 5 TRANSPORTATION RELATED HAZARDS

The location of Interstate 5 through Yreka raises concerns of accidents with vehicles carrying hazardous materials. The Local Emergency Planning Committee of the State Office of Emergency Services [OES] with the assistance of the California Department of Forestry has been conducting a survey of the commodities being transported on I-5. This survey was based on the number of trucks, time of year and commodities passing through the Mott Road Weight Station and the Cottonwood Weight Station. Preliminary results of data taken at these stations have identified the following commodities being transported on I-5 as: 1) Flammable liquids (fuel, kerosene, paint) and 2) Acids (bulk industrial cleaning supplies and corrosives). It was determined that every two minutes a truck carrying hazardous materials passes through the weight stations. This survey, when complete, will include data on fixed facilities and railway. Hazardous materials such as LPG (flammable materials and corrosives) are routinely transported via railway and may also be of concern to the City. This survey is available to the public as a public document.

The transportation of Risk/Table 1 commodities (explosives, etc.) is regulated under Title 49 of the California Highway Patrol and CALTRANS regulations. These regulations include the amounts and time at which these commodities can be transported and control of designated areas where these commodities can stop.

A Hazardous Materials Response Team, based out of Redding, California, with members in six counties, including Siskiyou County, with hazardous materials technicians and specialists are available in the City of Yreka to respond immediately to hazardous spills occurring on the I-5 corridor.

HAZARDOUS WASTE GOALS & PROGRAMS

GOAL PH.6 — Minimize the risk of personal injury, property damage, and environmental degradation resulting from the use, transport, disposal, and release/discharge of hazardous materials.

Objective: The City of Yreka works with Siskiyou County Health Department to regulate hazardous waste within businesses in the community. Interstate 5 is a route that is known to allow the transportation of hazardous materials through the community. It is important that all of the public agencies work together to ensure that hazardous materials are handled properly and addressed properly in the event of an accident or spill. The objective of this goal is to provide the City with policy support for the existing close cooperation between the City and

the County and these efforts.

PROGRAM PH.6.A. The City supports the provisions of the Siskiyou County Household Hazardous Waste Element (HHWE).

PROGRAM PH.6.B. Continue to coordinate hazardous waste management programs consistent with the Siskiyou County Household Hazardous Waste Element (HHWE) and the Siskiyou County Emergency Operations Plan (EOP).

PROGRAM PH.6.C. All permits for new projects or major additions to existing uses located on sites identified by the State as having or containing likely hazardous substances or materials shall be reviewed by the Siskiyou County Health Department for compliance with applicable State and local regulations.

PROGRAM PH.6.D. The transport of all hazardous substances and materials shall not be permitted on local streets and highways without the approval of the applicable State agency having permit issuing authority for such material transportation.

PROGRAM PH.6.E. Any use or manufacture of hazardous substances within one-quarter mile of any existing or proposed school, shall only be permitted when authorized by a conditional use permit, with ample assurances that the students will not be placed in a hazardous environment.

PROGRAM PH.6.F. As a means to address possible wildfire hazards on all discretionary projects on the periphery of the City, such applications shall be submitted to the California Department of Forestry for recommendations and suggested mitigation measures to be added to project approvals.

PROGRAM PH.6.G. All permits for new projects or major additions to existing uses that have the potential for using or containing hazardous substances or materials shall be reviewed by the Siskiyou County Health Department for compliance with applicable State and local regulations.

6.8. Climate Change Hazards

In 2015, California adopted Senate Bill (SB) 379, which amended Section 65302(g) of the California Government Code to require the Safety Element of the General Plan to address climate adaptation and resiliency strategies applicable to the local planning area.

Climate change refers to prolonged changes in temperature, precipitation, and wind patterns attributed to increased concentrations of greenhouse gases (Environmental Protection Agency, 2017). While some levels of these gases are necessary to maintain a comfortable temperature on Earth, an increased concentration of these gases traps additional heat, changing Earth’s climate system. These effects can lead to an increase in frequency and intensity of climate change related hazards. Climate change hazards can include flooding, severe weather, wildfires, landslides, and drought conditions, among others (US EPA, Climate Change: Basic Information).

Impacts from climate change, which are already occurring in California, include loss of snowpack, drought, sea level rise, more frequent and intense wildfires, heat waves, more severe smog, and harm to natural and working lands (OEHHA, CalEPA, 2018). How climate change affects a specific community depends on its location, natural resources, built environment, and, most importantly, the varying degrees to which community members can respond to its impacts. The following sections describe climate change impacts that may affect Yreka in the future, and the populations that will be most vulnerable to them.

STATE LEGISLATION ON CLIMATE CHANGE

Since 2005, the State of California has responded to growing concerns over the effects of climate change and has been a leader in adopting important policies, guidelines, and regulations to address climate change, including the key initiatives below.

Executive Order S-3-05: In 2005, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger issued EO S-3-05, which

established the following greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets for the state:

• By 2010, reduce GHG emissions to 2000 levels,
• By 2020, reduce GHG emissions to 1990 levels, and
• By 2050, reduce GHG emissions to 80% below 1990 levels.

This order directed the California EPA; the Business, Transportation, and Housing Agency; the California Air Resources Board (CARB); the California Energy Commission; and the Public Utilities Commission to work together to develop a Climate Action Plan and report back on progress on meeting the statewide targets.

Assembly Bill 32: In 2006, California adopted AB 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act. AB 32 required the California Air Resources Board to develop a Scoping Plan to outline how the state will reduce statewide GHG emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2020.

Senate Bill 375: In 2008, California adopted SB 375, the Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act. This bill builds on AB 32 by setting regional GHG emissions targets and calls for regional planning agencies to prepare a “sustainable communities’ strategy” (SCS) as an integral part of its regional transportation plan. Regional Transportation Planning Areas (RTPAs) which are not located within the boundaries of a metropolitan planning organization (MPO) are not required to prepare an SCS as part of their regional transportation plan. The Siskiyou County Local Transportation Commission is not located within an MPO; therefore, is not subject to the provisions of SB 375.

LOCAL CLIMATE CHANGE HAZARDS

As described in the California Adaptation Planning Guide , hazards are events or physical conditions that have the potential to cause fatalities, injuries, property and infrastructure damage, interruption of business, and other types of hard or loss (California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, 2020). Some natural hazards are not climate change related, such as seismic hazards and earthquakes. Climate change-related hazards are natural hazards that can change in frequency and intensity due to climate change. This section discusses the climate change-related hazards Yreka may face based on projections provided by Cal-Adapt, the California Fourth Climate Change Assessment, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and scholarly research.

In climate research, emission scenarios are used to provide plausible scenarios of how the future climate may change with respect to a range of variables including socio-economic change, technological change, energy and land use, and emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants (van Vuuren et al., 2011). The goal of working with scenarios is not to predict the future, but to better understand uncertainties and alternative futures, in order to consider how to plan for a wide range of possible futures.

Over time, a variety of approaches to climate modelling scenarios have been used. In order to avoid inconsistencies between climate modelling groups, researchers use the same type of scenario when they are conducting studies. Currently, climate scientists use emissions scenarios based on the concept of Representative Concentration Pathways, or RCPs. A Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) is a greenhouse gas concentration trajectory adopted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The pathways describe different climate futures, all of which are considered possible depending on the volume of greenhouse gases (GHG) emitted in the years to come. For each category of emissions, an RCP contains a set of starting values and the estimated emissions up to the year 2100, based on assumptions about economic activity, energy sources, population growth and other socioeconomic factors (Bjørnæs, 2015). Also included in the data is historic, real-world information.

The emission scenarios used in this General Plan span from a low-end scenario that requires significant emissions reductions resulting in zero global emissions by 2080 (RCP 2.5) to a high-end, ‘business-as-usual,’ fossil-fuel-intensive emissions scenario (RCP 8.5). RCP 4.5 is described by the IPCC as an intermediate

scenario. Emissions in RCP 4.5 peak around 2040, then decline (IPCC, 2014). In RCP 8.5 emissions continue to rise throughout the 21st century (IPCC, 2014).

Rising Temperature

Temperature is a direct indicator of climate change, and is an important factor affecting agriculture, forestry, and water supplies as well as human and ecosystem health. Overall temperatures are projected to rise in California during the 21st century by at least a few degrees (OEHHA, CalEPA, 2018). Although the temperature increases may appear modest, the projected high temperatures are substantially greater than historical norms (OEHHA, CalEPA, 2018).

The observed annual average maximum temperature in Yreka between the years of 1961 to 1990 was 64.4°F. By mid-century (20352064), following a RCP 8.5 scenario, Cal-Adapt shows the annual average maximum temperature will be 70.1°F (California Energy Commission, Cal-Adapt, 2018). By end-century (2070-2099) the annual average maximum temperature is projected to be 74.0°F (CEC, Cal-Adapt, 2018).

Rising temperatures can lead to a chain reaction of other changes around the world as increasing air temperature affects the oceans, weather patterns, snow and ice, and plants and animals (Buis, 2019). The warmer it gets, the more severe the impacts on people and the environment will be (Buis, 2019).

Extreme Heat

The warmer temperatures brought on by climate change are also likely to cause an increase in extreme heat events in all parts of California. Extreme heat occurs when temperatures rise significantly above normal levels. In Yreka, an extreme heat day occurs when temperatures reach above 98.5 °F (CEC, Cal-Adapt, 2018). Between the period of 1961 to 1990, Yreka experienced approximately 4 extreme heat days per year. Cal-Adapt shows that under a RCP 8.5 scenario the projected number of extreme heat days in Yreka is projected to increase to an average of 29 extreme heat days per year by midcentury and an average of 56 extreme heat days by the end of the century (California Energy Commission, Cal-Adapt, 2018).

Extreme heat can also occur in the form of warmer nights, as temperatures do not cool down overnight and provide relief from the heat. In Yreka, a warm night occurs when the temperature remains above 58.0 °F (CEC, CalAdapt, 2018). Between the period of 1961 to 1990, Yreka experienced approximately 4 warm nights per year. Under an RCP 8.5 scenario, the projected number of warm nights in Yreka is projected to increase to an average of 29 warm nights per year by mid-century and an average of 61 warm nights per year by the end of the century (CEC, Cal-Adapt, 2018).

Increased Precipitation Variability

As described in the North Coast Region Report from the California Fourth Climate Change Assessment , future trends in precipitation are uncertain, with some models suggesting modest increases in annual precipitation while others suggest lower precipitation relative to recent historical conditions (Grantham, 2018). California’s climate varies between wet and dry years. Dry years are also likely to be followed by dry years, increasing the risk of drought. While California does not see the average annual precipitation changing significantly in the next 5075 years, precipitation will likely be delivered in more intense storms and within a shorter wet season (Grantham, 2018).

On average, the state receives 75 percent of its annual precipitation from November through March, with 50 percent occurring from December through February (OEHHA, CalEPA, 2018). As the winter months have become warmer in recent years, more precipitation has been falling as rain instead of snow over the watersheds that provide most of the state’s water supplies.

The state relies on winter snowpack storing water during the cold months as runoff from melting snowpack in the warmer months supplies the water needed by the state for municipal uses and agriculture (OEHHA, CalEPA,

2018).

Between the period of 1961 to 1990, Yreka experienced an average rainfall of approximately 19.2 inches per year (CEC, Cal-Adapt, 2018). No clear trend is evident in the amount of yearly precipitation Yreka will experience in the future. It is estimated that years with extremely low and extremely high precipitation will become more frequent as the climate continues to warm (CEC, Cal-Adapt, 2019).

Drought

A drought occurs when conditions are drier than normal for an extended period of time, making less water available for people and ecosystems. Droughts are a regular occurrence in California; however, scientists expect that climate change will lead to more frequent and more intense droughts statewide (Grantham, 2018).

The universally used indicator of drought is called the Palmer Severity Drought Index. The Palmer index measures the duration and intensity of long-term drought patterns based on recent precipitation and temperature (National Centers for Environmental Information, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2021). From 2012 to 2016, California experienced record high temperatures, and a year (2015) of record low snowpack which lead the state to experience its most extreme drought since instrumental records began in 1895 (OEHHA, CalEPA, 2018).

Severe drought can reduce agricultural production, increase the threat of wildfires, and increase the demand for energy used for cooling. The high annual variability in California’s precipitation means that each year could hold the possibility of either record wet or record dry conditions (Department of Water Resources, 2020). In the absence of the ability to reliably predict seasonal precipitation, Yreka must be prepared for the possibility of extreme wet or dry conditions in any year.

In order for local governments to improve their resiliency to drought, actions like conserving water, enhancing water efficiency throughout landscapes, identifying alternative water supplies, and emergency planning for drought can be taken to prepare for future conditions.

VULNERABLE POPULATIONS

Climate change creates significant and evolving challenges to the health and well-being of the entirety of California’s population; however, some Californian’s are particularly vulnerable. There is a broad range of environmental hazards attributed to climate change including heat waves, wildfires and wildfire smoke, air pollution, sea level rise and inland flooding. Some of the public health risks posed by climate change include risks related to heat, outdoor and indoor air quality, water quality and availability, extreme weather events, flooding, infectious diseases, limitations on health services, and food safety and food security (Natural Resources Agency, 2014).

Populations considered most vulnerable to climate change impacts are children, pregnant women, older adults, and those with pre-existing conditions (Maizlish et al., 2017). In addition, social and demographic factors and inequities affect individual and community vulnerability to the health impacts of climate change. Individuals with fewer economic resources, limited mobility or access to transportation, lower English language proficiency and education, and uncertain citizenship status are at a greater risk as they have fewer resources to adapt, evacuate, or access information (Maizlish et al., 2017).

Public health adaptation strategies can help to minimize the negative health impacts of climate change. Some of these strategies include providing community education and engagement opportunities, identifying vulnerable segments of the population, and providing public resources such as cooling shelters and emergency response programs (Maizlish et al., 2017).

LOCAL ADAPTATION STRATEGIES

In many instances, responding to climate change does not require large scale changes to municipal operations, but only requires adapting exiting plans and polices to incorporate knowledge about changing levels of risk across key areas such as public health, infrastructure planning and emergency management.

Yreka has existing policies, plans and programs

to adapt to climate change and reduce potential impacts. Resources to address flooding and storm events are described in Section 6.3 of the Safety Element, and resources for fire prevention are covered in Section 6.4. In addition, the Siskiyou County Office of Emergency Services (OES) has a Hazard Mitigation Plan that includes and analysis of climate change impacts and adaptation and resiliency strategies.

CLIMATE CHANGE GOALS & PROGRAMS

GOAL PH.7 — Protect the community from risks posed by climate change.

Objective: Increase Yreka’s ability to adapt and become resilient to the effects of climate change, while achieving other health and environmental benefits .

PROGRAM PH.7.A. Monitor federal, state, and regional plans and programs to stay informed on emerging information, practices, and strategies to address climate change.

PROGRAM PH.7.B. Support public education, adaptation, and emergency response services in response to the potential long-term impacts of climate change.

PROGRAM PH.7.C. Seek to provide the community with information relating to sustainability, climate change, and innovative development strategies that directly affect City residents.

PROGRAM PH.7.D. In the event of severe weather conditions such as excessive heat, provide dedicated response services including the deployment of emergency services, opening of local cooling shelters, and community notifications.

PROGRAM PH.7.E. Participate in regional activities and initiatives to help reduce risks and economic impacts of potential disasters related to extreme weather.

PROGRAM PH.7.F. Ensure resilience to the impacts of global climate change by considering the effects (including but not limited to increasing temperatures, heavier storms and other weather events, increased fire risk) as part of best practices in all aspects of City functions.

PROGRAM PH.7.G. Reinforce critical infrastructure to ensure resilience to the potential negative impacts of climate change.

6.9. Environmental Justice

The way in which a city is planned and physically constructed provides the landscape for the way in which its community members will live their lives, and will therefore influence various aspects of overall wellness, including environmental health, levels of activity, food and nutrition, and relationships with other community members. At its most basic level, ensuring good environmental health means making sure a community’s essential environmental needs, such as clean water and clean air, can be safely met, and that people are not at risk of undue or unnecessary exposure to hazardous materials in their surroundings.

California Government Code Section 65040.12(e) defines Environmental Justice as ‘the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of people of all races, cultures, incomes, and national origins with respect to the development, adoption, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.’ In other words, your health should not suffer because of the environment where you live, work, play or learn.

The concept of environmental justice began as a movement in the 1980s due to the realization that a disproportionate number of polluting industries, power plants, and waste disposal areas were located near low-income or minority communities. The movement was set in place to ensure fair distribution of environmental burdens among all people regardless of their background.

State Legislation

The first State environmental justice legislation

was passed in 1999, when Senate Bill (SB) 115 was signed into law, defining environmental justice in statute and establishing the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) as the coordinating agency for State environmental justice programs (Gov. Code, § 65040.12). Assembly Bill (AB) 1553 subsequently required OPR to develop guidance for general plans by 2003. Since 2003, the General Plan Guidelines have provided guidance on incorporation of environmental justice considerations for local jurisdictions pursuant to Government Code section 65040.12(c)-(d). With the passage of SB 1000 in 2016, environmental justice is now a mandatory topic that must be addressed in jurisdictions with disadvantaged communities, either through integration into the seven mandatory elements, or as an optional element (Gov. Code, § 65302).

The purpose of addressing the topic of environmental justice in the General Plan is to bring awareness to the concept as well as to help reduce any unique or compounded health risks in identified disadvantaged communities by decreasing pollution exposure, increasing community assets, improving overall health and ensuring that all people have equal ability to participate in, and influence, the decision-making process regarding environmental regulations.

Disadvantaged Communities

A ‘disadvantaged community’ means an area identified by the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) pursuant to Section 39711 of the Health and Safety Code or an area that is a low-income area that is disproportionately affected by environmental pollution and other hazards that can lead to negative health effects, exposure, or environmental degradation.

CalEPA examines both characteristics of the population and the pollution burden they bear. Characteristics of the population include the number of people most vulnerable to pollution, i.e. ‘sensitive receptors’ (children, pregnant women, the sick and the elderly), and their socioeconomic status, such as poverty level and unemployment status. Social factors that may also contribute to increased environmental vulnerabilities include a lack of access to fresh food, lack of park and recreation opportunities, as well as an overabundance of liquor stores and fast-food facilities. Pollution burden is measured by the presence of direct environmental threats (i.e. proximity to a toxic cleanup site) as well as to exposure to other toxins such as air and water pollution.

CalEPA assists cities in identifying disadvantaged communities within their jurisdiction through a mapping tool called CalEnviroScreen 3.0. Using multiple environmental ‘indicators’, the mapping tool identifies census tracts that are disproportionately burdened by multiple sources of pollution. According to CalEnviroScreen 3.0, there are no designated disadvantaged communities in the Yreka Planning Area (OEHHA, 2018).

While the City does not have any designated disadvantaged communities, it is nevertheless important that the City continually consider the effects of planning and land use decisions on the lives of residents and ensure that no area or population is disproportionately affected by City actions or decisions. As a result, the City has chosen to update its General Plan with an “environmental justice in all policies” format. As such, the goals and policies related to environmental justice are not found in a single element but are placed throughout the General Plan to ensure the topic is present throughout the entire document.

Although goals, objectives, and programs addressing environmental justice are present throughout various sections of the entire General Plan, the following section is meant to serve as a comprehensive set of goals and programs to detail direct actions the City will take to ensure fair treatment of all people in Yreka.

GoAL PH8— Treat all segments of the services,

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE GOALS & PROGRAMS

GOAL PH8— Treat all segments of the community fairly in the process of creating a healthy environment and strive to equally share the benefits and the burdens associated with public services, facilities, amenities, and decisions across all members of the community.

Objective: Reduce potential environmental health risks by promoting public facilities, food access, safe and sanitary homes, physical activity, and civic engagement while reducing pollution exposure and other environmental hazards.

PROGRAM PH.8.A. The City should consider environmental justice issues as they pertain to the fair and equal distribution of public services, housing, amenities, and environmental quality.

PROGRAM PH.8.B. Apply environmental protection measures equally among geographic and socioeconomic sectors of the City.

PROGRAM PH.8.C. The City should encourage all members of the community to meaningfully participate in any civic public decision-making process.