ARCATA REDWOOD CO. - ORICK

The project proposes reinitiating commercial aggregate extraction from the channel of Redwood Creek. While the Hufford Bar site has been extracted for commercial gravel purposes in the past, it has not received federal or state permits or been extracted for commercial purposes since 2003. Formerly, the Lead Agency authorized annual extraction up to 25,000 cubic yards of river-run material from the Hufford Bar site (Mine ID 91-12-0045); actual volumes will depend on natural replenishment and agency review and approval. Annual operations may be proposed, though the Permittee states they may operate on a semi-annual or intermittent basis driven by demand. Aggregate extraction consists of the removal of flood-washed alluvial material using heavy equipment (e.g., front-end loaders, excavators, haul trucks, etc.) from the river channel and adjacent areas. Aggregate extraction methods and volumes shall be consistent with annual Pre-extraction Plans reviewed, conditioned, and approved by the gravel-review agencies. Extraction occurs during the summer low-flow period when alluvial deposits are exposed. Fisheries- and riparian-enhancement or off-channel extractions may be included and involve connection of extraction areas to the wetted channel. Temporary crossings of the wetted channel may be needed to access gravel deposits. Timing of the installation and removal of these crossings is conducted to avoid periods of peak flows, salmonid migration and spawning, and requires coordination with CDFW scientific staff. Crossings are also designed to minimize the extent of channel disturbance and avoid sensitive aquatic habitat and organisms.