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HomeMy WebLinkAbout7 Donner Lake Water System Rehab Sauers Tng itiee pit—ig, lnc. A5 eno(OL Rem Civil & Environmental Engineers Memorandum July 24, 2003 TO: Board of Directors, and Ed Taylor, District Water Operations Manager FROM: Keith Knibb, Consulting Engineetr r SUBJECT: DONNER LAKE WATER SYSTEM REHABILITATION,PHASE 2 - CEQA 1. Why this matter is before the Board; The District is proposing to complete the water system improvements to the water system in the Donner Lake area. The District is also applying for funding through the State Department of Health Services State Revolving Fund. Prior to executing the funding contract as well as starting construction activities, the District is required to complete an environmental review in compliance with CEQA. 2. History Since acquiring the Donner Lake water system in 2001, the District has completed a number of water system improvements in the Donner Lake area. As a result, the boil water order in effect at the time the District took the system over was lifted and the District is providing reliable service to the Donner Lake area customers. Additional work is still needed to complete the water system rehabilitation. Prior to the acquisition of the Donner Lake system, the District adopted a CEQA Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) for"Donner Lake Water System Acquisition and Rehabilitation." The Mitigated Negative Declaration for was adopted and the Notice of Determination filed in February, 2001. In addition to the work which has been completed to date, the MND covered additional proposed facilities which were at the time considered the complete rehabilitation project. As the District has gained experience with the Donner Lake system, new and better alternatives have been developed for proposed new facilities. These new facilities are outside the scope of the original MND, therefore a new CEQA environmental review process is required. 3. New information We have prepared the proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration and Environmental Initial Study for the Donner Lake Water System Rehabilitation, Phase 2. These documents need to be circulated to responsible and interested agencies and made available for public review. The District also needs to schedule a public hearing to receive comments. Filing the documents with the county 440 L,mer Gms, Valley Road. Suite A. Ne%ada City. CA 9s959 (5 0j 265-8021 Fax (530) 205-6814 clerk and state clearinghouse will trigger a thirty day review period. Because the project has components in both Nevada and Placer Counties, the draft documents need to be filed with the county clerk in both counties. 4. Recommendation I recommend the Board take the following actions regarding the environmental review for the Donner Lake Water System Rehabilitation, Phase 2: 1. Authorize the filing of the proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration and Environmental Initial Study with the Office of the Nevada County Clerk and the Office of the Placer County Clerk. 2. Authorize the circulation of the proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration and Environmental Initial Study with responsible and interested agencies and with the State Clearinghouse. 3. Authorize publication of a Notice of Public Review Period and Public Hearing on the proposed Negative Declaration. 4. Schedule a public hearing for the proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration at the regular Board Meeting on August 20, 2003. Attachments: Proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration Environmental Initial Study x NEGATIVE DECLARATION (XX) Proposed ( ) Final NAME OF PROJECT: Donner Lake Water System Rehabilitation,Phase 2 LOCATION: Truckee, California Entity or Person Undertaking Project: (XX) Truckee Donner Public Utility District Other( ) Name: Address: Phone: PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The proposed project involves the completion of the rehabilitation of the water system serving the Donner Lake area. The project includes construction, operation, and maintenance of a three new potable water booster pump stations,three new welded steel water storage tanks,a new production well and pump station, and construction of approximately 15,000 feet of water pipeline. The purpose of the project is to provide reliable and safe water for domestic use and fire protection thereby improving service to Donner Lake water system customers. Finding: It is hereby found that the above named project will not have a significant effect upon the environment. Initial An initial study of this project was undertaken and prepared in accordance with Article V Study: of the District's local environmental guidelines and Section 15063 of the EIR Guidelines for the California Environmental Quality Act for the purpose ofascertaining whether this project might have a significant effect upon the environment. A copy of such initial study is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. Such initial study documents reasons to support the above finding. Mitigation The following mitigation measures have been included in the project to avoid potentially Measures: significant effects: GEO-1: Prior to excavation at the various tank sites a geotechnical investigations of the tank sites will be conducted to determine the stability of the soil and rock material to be exposed during construction. The tank grading plan will specify the maximum slope for cut areas and engineered fill slopes based on the slope stability determined by the geotechnical investigations. GEO-2: Permanent BMPs will include revegetation of exposed soil areas on the cut and fill slopes,asphalt pavement on access road and tank access area,and permanent disposal of surplus excavated material at an acceptable location protected from offsite migration. AIR-1: Fugitive dust emissions resulting from site clearing and any project improvements shall be minimized at all times utilizing control measures including dust palliative,regularly applied water,graveled or paved haul roads,etc. Access or haul roads adjacent to the project must be treated as necessary to prevent off-site migration and accumulation of dirt,soils,or other materials which can subsequently become entrained in ambient air,either from construction related vehicles or from any vehicle using adjacent affected roads. AIR-2: When transporting material during site preparation or construction,measures shall be used to prevent materials from spilling or blowing onto street and highways. Earthen materials, if transported, shall be adequately sprayed with water or covered prior to transport onto public roads. Vegetative material shall be tarped as necessary prior to transport. Specific control measures shall be noted on improvement and/or grading plans. BIO-1: Pre-construction Surveys for Special Status Wildlife. Conduct surveys for yellow warbler, nesting raptors, and other special status wildlife prior to construction activities during the breeding season (April I- September 1, including dispersal of young for some species). If an active nest is located, construction activities shall be limited in the vicinity of the nest based on recommendations by the surveying biologist and consultation with the California Department of Fish and Game. BI0-2: Wetland and Riparian Habitat Mitigation. Both permanent and temporary impacts to wetland and riparian vegetation will be mitigated at a ratio of 1.5:1 through a combination of on-site restoration and the creation of similar habitat at a local site owned by applicant and to be protected in perpetuity through designation as a conservation easement,i.e.,Greenpoint Springs.A general revegetation and restoration plan will be prepared for all disturbed sites. In addition, a site-specific revegetation plan will be developed for Greenpoint Springs, including the restoration of wetlands impacted historically by water diversions and the construction of Interstate 80. The revegetation plan will be prepared by a qualified restoration specialist and consistent with guidelines for habitat mitigation plans provided by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers(USACOE) and the Lahoman Regional Water Quality Control Board(LRWQCB). 111O-3: Prepare Mitigation Plan for Protecting Water and Soil Resources. Prior to any construction activities, including tree removal, the applicant will coordinate with the LRWQCB in preparation of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan(SWPPP).The plan will include a detailed erosion control plan and Best Management Practices (BMPs) for preventing impacts to water quality,including(but not limited to): 1)Construction adjacent to seep-spring habitats,including manmade channels,will be conducted during late summer to early fall when run-off and soil moisture is at a minimum; 2)Permanently stabilize all disturbed soils, including soils on fill pads and access roads utilizing erosion control blankets,straw wattles,revegetation,mulches of pine needles,mulch or wood chips,locally native seed,or rock slope protection,depending on the soils and slope gradient.Non-native seed, straw bales and straw mulches will not be used; 3)Prior to construction, install silt- fencing to protect perennial or seasonal seeps, springs, drainages, meadows and other sensitive habitats adjacent to construction;4)After construction is complete,all sites will be restored to pre-construction conditions; and 5)prepare a detailed monitoring plan to ensure BMP success. BI0-4: Native Tree Replacement Planting Plan.Prior to construction,the applicant will conduct an inventory of all trees to be removed. If the trees are to be removed during the avian breeding season(April 1-September 1, allowing for dispersal of young for some species), pre-construction surveys for nesting birds should be conducted prior to removing trees.Trees over 36-inches diameter should be avoided to the greatest extent possible.Compensate for the removal of all mature trees over 12-inches diameter through replacement on-site, or at Springs.The planting plan will be prepared by a qualified restoration specialist and provide for replacement using only locally native tree species in a minimum 5-gallon(or equivalent) container size and at a replacement ratio of 2:1. N0I-1: Construction shall be restricted Monday through Friday, 7:00 am-6:00 pm and Saturdays from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. Construction plans shall include reference to these restricted hours of construction. CUL-1:Prior to any site disturbing activities at the Greenpoint Springs site,further evaluation of the potentially significant cultural resources will be conducted by a qualified archeologist. Based on the evaluation,recommendations and/or mitigations will be incorporated into the project. CUL-2 If artifacts,paleontological or cultural,or unusual amounts of stone,bone,shell,or artifacts related to the early settlement of the Truckee area are uncovered during construction activity, work shall be halted and a qualified archeologist shall be consulted for an on-site review. Mitigation measures,as recommended by the archeologist in accordance with Appendix K of the CEQA Guidelines, shall be implemented prior to recommencement of construction activity. If any bone appears to be human,California law mandates that the Nevada County Coroner and the Native American Heritage Commission be contacted. Date: By: Peter L. Holzmeister, General Manager Truckee Donner Public Utility District ENVIRONMENTAL INITIAL STUDY (Prepared pursuant to Article V of the Environmental Guidelines of the District) 1. Project Title: Donner Lake Water System Rehabilitation,Phase 2 2. Lead Agency Name and Address: Truckee Donner Public Utility District P.O.Box 309 Truckee,CA 96160-0309 3. Contact Person and Phone Number: Peter L. Holzmeister,General Manager (530)582-3916 4. Project Location: Various locations around Donner Lake,Town of Truckee,Nevada County 5. Project Sponsor's Name and Address: Truckee Donner Public Utility District P.O.Box 309 Truckee,CA 96160-0309 6. General Plan Designation: Varies 7. Zoning: Varies 8. Description of Project: (Describe the whole action involved,including but not limited to later phases of the project,and any secondary, support,or off-site features necessary for its implementation.) Project Purpose The proposed project involves the operation and maintenance of the Donner Lake water system by the Truckee Donner Public Utility District(District) along with the rehabilitation of the water system to provide reliable and safe water for domestic use and fire protection. The purpose of the project is to improve service to Donner Lake water system customers. Background In 2001,the District acquired and took possession of the Donner Lake water system. The Donner Lake water system provides service to approximately 1,365 service connections located around Donner Lake, 61 of which are commercial accounts. There are a total of approximately 1,890 parcels in the Donner Lake service area. Most of the water system facilities and the service area are located in Nevada County. A small portion of the service area, and one of the existing water storage tanks,is located in Placer County. I In May 2001,due to failing infrastructure and severe operational problems,the Nevada County Superior Court ordered the Truckee Donner Public Utility District to take possession and operate the Donner Lake water system. Prior to this time,the system was owned and operated by Donner Lake Water Company,a private water company regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission. Since the District acquired the Donner Lake system,they have aggressively made extensive improvements in an effort to minimize water outages and protect public health. The District replaced the intake pipe at Donner Lake and installed a new twelve-inch transmission line from the lake intake around to the south side of the lake. A joint program with Southwest Gas replaced 25,000 feet of pipe from Donner Lake Avenue East towards town.Crews constructed new residential services for the West end of Donner Lake. As a result of the District's work,the boil water ordered by the State Department of Health Services in June 2000 was lifted in December 2001. The water system improvement projects completed to date were undertaken pursuant to either an emergency order related to the system outages and subsequent boil water order,or pursuant to the previously adopted CEQA Mitigated Negative Declaration(MND) for"Donner Lake Water System Acquisition and Rehabilitation." The Mitigated Negative Declaration for"Donner Lake Water System Acquisition and Rehabilitation"was adopted and the Notice of Determination filed in February,2001. The previous MND covered a number of project components some of which have been completed, some of which are scheduled, and some of which are no longer being considered as part of the Donner Lake improvements. The proposed projects included in the previous MND were contemplated prior to the District operating the system. Some of the projects were carry-overs from the former system owner's improvement plans. Since taking over the system,District personnel have gained operational experience and had an opportunity to model the system's behavior. The District also identified physical and environmental constraints associated with the system facilities and locations. Based on this information,the District has revised the proposed rehabilitation project for the Donner Lake system. In 1993,treatment requirements were established by the State of California for all surface water sources used for domestic purposes.Customers within the Donner Lake area primarily receive unfiltered chlorinated surface water from Donner Lake and spring sources that are under the direct influence of surface water.These surface water sources are not in compliance with State and Federal surface water treatment requirements. Presently,the spring field and lake water sources do not meet the minimum safe drinking water standards as set forth in the Surface Water Treatment Requirements,Chapter 17,Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations. In October 1991,the State Department of Health Services issued a notice of compliance determination informing Donner Lake Water Company that the lake water source did not conform to acceptable treatment technology. In August 1993,the State Department of Health Services issued a compliance order requiring the Donner Lake Water Company to fully comply with the California Safe Drinking Water Act. To date,the system has not been improved to meet surface water treatment requirements and is still out of compliance with the California Safe Drinking Water Act. Since June 2000,the entire water system has been under a"boil water"order as a result of the State Department of Health Services determination that chronic low pressure and numerous outages have created an unacceptable risk of system contamination. The District has identified and prioritized additional system improvements that must be completed over the next two years before they can be confident that essential public water service can be reliably provided to customers in Donner Lake. Once these improvements are completed,the District will 2 abandon the lake and spring sources and provide water from the Districts main system that meets all State and Federal treatment requirements and water quality standards. Project Characteristics The following is description of each of the proposed components of the Donner Lake Water System Rehabilitation,Phase 2 project. Cedar Point Tank-Construction of a 1,000,000 gallon welded steel water storage tank(86'e x 24'high), 12'paved tank access around tank,and 400'x 12'wide paved access road. Project includes acquisition of the tank site and access road property. The approximate area of disturbance is estimated to be 0.61 acre. Cedar Point Booster Pump Station - Construction of a booster pump station at the Cedar Point Tank site. Building dimensions approximately 18'x 24'. Pump station will pump between Cedar Point Tank and Donner Lake Road Tank. Project includes acquisition of the pump station site. The area of disturbance is included with the Cedar Point Tank. Donner Lake Road Tank-Construction of a 500,000 gallon welded steel water storage tank(52'e x 24'high), 12'paved tank access around tank,and 200'x 12'wide paved access road. Project includes acquisition of the tank site and access road property. The approximate area of disturbance is estimated to be 0.50 acre. Donner Lake Road Pipeline - Construction of approximately 2,500' of 12" pipeline between Cedar Point Booster Pump Station and Donner Lake Road Tank. Pipeline will be constructed along Donner Lake Road, a portion of Cedar Point Court,and the tank access roads. The approximate area of disturbance,excluding the portions under tank access roads,is estimated to be 0.50 acre. Montano Property Tank Site- This is a backup tank site nearby to the Cedar Point Tank site. The project would also include a pipeline and a new access road. Project would include acquisition of the tank site and access road property. The approximate area of disturbance would be similar to the Cedar Point Tank. Richards Drive Booster Pump Station and Pipelines- Construction of a booster pump station on a District owned parcel on Richards Drive. Building dimensions approximately 30, x 18'. Will include a paved driveway and parking area. Pump station piping will connect to the existing pipeline in Richards Drive in front of the station. A new 8" pipeline will also be constructed along Richards Drive to feed the existing Armstrong Tank. The approximate area of disturbance is estimated to be 0.07 acre. Greenpoint SArings Tank Removal and Wetlands Restoration - Removal of two existing redwood tanks, booster pump facility, miscellaneous piping, and concrete. This project will involve the restoration of wetlands associated with Greenpoint Springs including possible creation of a wetlands bank. Restoration will address drainage issues from spring and other sources and include drainage around West Reed structures and conveyance to Donner Lake. The restoration will also include decommissioning the existing dirt access road by regrading the road to encourage sheet flow of the seep springs. The approximate area of disturbance is estimated to be 0.22 acre. 12"Pipeline-Cedar Point Tank to Denton Avenue-Construction of a 12"pipeline from the Cedar Point Tank to Denton Avenue. A portion of this project will be built in conjunction with the West Reed to Pioneer Drive pipeline. The approximate area of disturbance is estimated to be 1.20 acre. 12"Pipeline-West Reed Avenue to Pioneer Drive-Construction of a 12"pipeline from West Reed Avenue to Pioneer Trail along an existing undeveloped right-of-way. Most of the alignment is shared with the Cedar 3 Point Tank to Denton Avenue pipeline. The approximate area of additional disturbance is estimated to be 0.16 acre. 12"Pipeline-Denton Avenue to Robin Lane-Construction of a 12"pipeline from Denton Avenue to Robin Lane along the existing undeveloped right-of-way and between existing residences. The approximate area of disturbance is estimated to be 0.31 acre. 12" Pipeline-Robin Lane to Olympic Drive - Construction of a 12" pipeline from Robin Lane to Olympic Drive. This pipeline would replace an existing 6-inch pipeline. The approximate area of disturbance is estimated to be 0.55 acre. Rehabilitation of 6" Pipeline from Robin Lane to Donner Ave - Existing pipeline will be slip-lined and service connections replaced. The area of disturbance is expected to be minimal,limited to spot excavations for connections and service installations. 8" Pipeline-East Reed Avenue to Denton Avenue-Construction of an 8"pipeline from East Reed Avenue to Denton Avenue. Pipeline will be constructed between residential parcels. The approximate area of disturbance is estimated to be 0.14 acre. Rehabilitation of Existing 18-inch Pipeline in Donner Pass Road—Inspect,clean,possible slip-line or other rehabilitation technique for existing 18"pipeline in Donner Pass Road near State Park entrance. The area of disturbance is expected to be minimal,limited to spot excavations for connections. 12"Pipeline in Donner Pass Road from Eddy venue to Donner State Park—Pipeline located in westbound travel lane of Donner Pass Road in existing paved road and public Right of Way. The approximate area of disturbance is estimated to be 1.55 acre. Upper Tank Removal and Restoration- Removal of two existing redwood tanks,abandonment in place of existing pipelines,and restoration/revegetation of tank site. Tank site is located north of I-80 near the Vista Point. The approximate area of disturbance is estimated to be 0.05 acre. Red Mountain Hvdropneumatic Pump Station and Tank- Construction of hydropneumatic booster pump station and pipelines and replacement of existing tank. This project was included in previous MND,however wetland issues need to be revisited and more thoroughly addressed. The approximate area of disturbance is estimated to be 0.06 acre. Prosser Village Production Well Pump Station. and Pipeline - Construction of a production well, pump station,and pipeline located south of Interstate 80,east of the Prosser Village Road undercrossing.. Project will include access road and parking area at pump station. Project includes acquisition of the well site and access road property. The well would include approximately 500 feet of pipeline along Truckee Airport Road to Prosser Village Road,tying into an existing distribution pipeline. Water from well development and pump testing would be discharged into an existing detention pond located across Truckee Airport Road approximately 300 feet from the well site. The approximate area of disturbance is estimated to be 0.18 acre. The total estimated area of disturbance is approximately 6.04 acres. Construction of new tanks involves the construction of three new welded steel water storage tanks,access roads, and underground utilities including pipelines, electrical conduits and communication conduits. Construction will also involve grading a level pad for the tanks and access around the tanks,construction of retaining walls,placement of engineered fill on the downhill side of the tanks,and grading of a cut slopes on 4 the uphill side of the tanks. Replacement of the existing water storage tank will involve the removal of the existing tank and construction of a new tank at the same location. Tanks will be sized using current District design criteria and include capacity for domestic, emergency,and fire protection storage. The construction of pipelines will involve construction within existing roads and rights-of-way,construction along existing dirt access roads,construction across residential parcels, and construction through currently undeveloped property. Construction will include trenching,backfill,and surface restoration consistent with the existing surface conditions. Pipeline replacement construction will be typical of recent District replacement projects involving the installation of distribution mains, service laterals, water services, fire hydrant assemblies, and valves. Materials and construction shall be in accordance with current District standards. Booster pump stations will involve construction a of masonry block or wood frame building on a concrete slab housing pump,motors,electrical control equipment,miscellaneous mechanical and electrical equipment, and communication equipment. The pump stations will also involve construction of underground utilities including pipelines connecting to the existing distribution system,primary and secondary electric conduit, and communication conduit. The new production well will involve the construction of a new well and casing followed by the construction of a well pump station. Well construction will consist of drilling a well borehole 800 to 1,000 feet below ground surface and installing a steel casing the length of the borehole. The well will be packed with gravel outside of the casing and a cement sanitary seal will be poured in the upper 100 to 200 feet of the borehole to isolate upper groundwater zones from the production well. Well pump station construction will be similar to the booster pump station construction described above. Well construction will also include well development and pump testing. Water extracted from the well during development and testing will be discharged to the surface either into an existing detention basin located near the well site. There will be an estimated 7,260,000 gallons of water discharged during development and testing. Tank removal projects will involve draining,dismantling,and removing two redwood water tanks from each of the two locations. Tanks, concrete slabs, and aboveground pipe, fittings, and appurtenances will be completely removed from the sites. Underground pipelines will be sealed and abandoned in place. The Greenpoint Springs site will also include the removal of the existing pump station and chlorination equipment. Following removal of the facilities,the sites will be restored by revegetation. The project includes restoration and enhancement of existing and historic wetlands at the Greenpoint Springs site. The Greenpoint Springs is currently a source of water for the Donner Lake system. Spring water is collected in a number of spring boxes on the hillside above and to the east of the tank site. The water is conveyed through a series of pipelines from the spring boxes to the tanks. The District is proposing to decommission the spring boxes and cap and abandon the conveyance pipelines, allowing the springs to discharge to the surface. Releasing the water to the surface will reestablish historic wetlands which have been dried up since the installation of the spring boxes. The restoration project will also include construction of surface conveyances to collect and convey surface water away from homes below the wetland area and into Donner Lake. Alternatives to the Proposed Project With respect to the overall rehabilitation of the water system serving Donner Lake, the following general alternatives have been considered. Site specific alternatives for construction of various components are described further in subsequent sections of this initial study. 5 Source A). No nroiect. This alternative involves continuing as before,to utilize lake and spring source water without filtration and with continued chlorination. B). Utilize groundwater sources from the District's main system and eliminate the use of surface water as a source. Q. Provide treatment of existing lake and/or spring sources in compliance with the Surface Water Treatment Rule. D). Construct new groundwater source wells within the Donner Lake service area. Storage A). No nroiect. This alternative involves continuing as before with no new tanks,repairing storage tanks as they break,but doing nothing to upgrade,rehabilitate,replace or enlarge them. B). Construct new water storage tanks anks providing additional capacity at new locations determined by the District. Q. Upsize existing water storage tanks anks providing additional capacity at the locations of the existing tanks. D). Replace existingtanks anks at the same capacity in the existing locations. Pum in A). No nroiect. No new pumping facilities would be constructed. B). Construction of new pumping facilities to transfer water to the Donner Lake system and within the Donner Lake system. Evaluation of Alternatives Source A). No project. By not changing the current source of supply,the system would continue to be served by unfiltered surface water. A"no project"alternative would not be responsive to the water quality concerns expressed by DHS, and the system would still not be in compliance with SWTR requirements. The "No Project"alternative is not responsive to the problems identified with the water system,and will not be further evaluated. B). Utilize groundwater sources. Except for the Donner Lake system, the Truckee Donner Public Utility District is served entirely by groundwater sources. Groundwater in the Truckee area is of excellent quality and,as indicated in various groundwater studies conducted by District,in sufficient quantity to serve the long-term needs of the District,including the Donner Lake service area. Providing groundwater source from the main system would fully integrate the Donner Lake system into the District's overall operations. Utilization of groundwater would avoid the need for construction and ongoing operation and maintenance of a surface water treatment plant. The District is currently engaged in a groundwater source development program for its main system with the intention of including capacity for the Donner Lake system. This is considered the preferred alternative for providing source to the Donner Lake system. 6 Q. Provide treatment. This alternative involves the construction of a new surface water treatment plant and continued usage of Donner Lake water. Anew treatment plant would presumably be located across Donner Pass Road from the lake intake, and include chemical feed and storage, filters, disinfection equipment, chlorine contact facilities, and pumping facilities. This was the alternative presented by the previous system owner prior to the system being acquired by the District. Although a site had been chosen, land use and environmental issues,including proximity to Gregory Creek and potential for flooding,raised questions as to the suitability of the site. The ongoing cost and effort required for operation and maintenance of a surface water treatment plant is also considerably greater than that for a well. D). Construct new wells within Donner Lake service area. This alternative would involve the construction of additional groundwater wells within the Donner Lake service area to pump directly into the system. The Donner Lake system currently includes three wells producing between 20 and 90 gpm. By contrast,production wells constructed within the District's main system typically produce between 1,000 and 2,000 gpm. Because wells constructed in the Donner Lake area are such relatively low yield wells, it is considered infeasible to supply the service area from local wells. Storage A). No project. By not constructing any new tanks,the system would continue to be served by the existing inadequately sized, leaky tanks. The Red Mountain Tank would remain out of service due to structural deficiencies further decreasing the available storage capacity. The"No Project"alternative is not responsive to the problems identified with the water system,and will not be further evaluated in this report. B). Construct new water stora a tank anks. This alternative includes the construction of three new water storage tanks, two at new locations and one replacement of an existing tank. Tank locations were chosen based on District hydraulic modeling of the distribution system and on elevation,access,and suitability of terrain for this type of construction project. Proposed tank sites have been chosen which avoid environmental constraints such as wetlands found at existing tank sites. This is considered the preferred alternative for providing storage capacity for the Donner Lake system. Q. Upsize existing water storage tanks. This alternative would involve construction of new larger tanks at the locations of the existing Red Mountain Tank and Greenpoint Springs Tanks. Both the existing Red Mountain Tank and Greenpoint Springs Tanks are located within or adjacent to delineated jurisdictional wetlands. Any increase in the footprint of the existing tanks at these locations would result in unavoidable adverse impacts to wetland resources. In order to avoid these potential impacts, consideration of this alternative was eliminated. D). Replace existing tanks. This alternative would involve replacement of the Southside (Red Mountain)Tank and Greenpoint Springs Tanks with tanks of the same size and capacity. This alternative is being considered for the Red Mountain Tank which is proposed to be replaced with an"in-kind"tank. The two existing Greenpoint Springs Tanks have a combined capacity of 60,000 gallons. It has been determined that a capacity of 1,000,000 gallons is needed for this tank location. Also,any construction work associated with the replacement of the tanks could have potential adverse effects on the surrounding wetlands. Pumping A). No proiect. By not providing any new pumping facilities,the District would not be able to transfer groundwater source into the Donner Lake system resulting in the need to provide treatment for the Donner Lake surface water source. The system would not be able to transfer water from the lower pressure zone to the upper pressure zone,and customers near Red Mountain Tank would not have adequate water pressure. The"No Project"alternative is not responsive to the problems identified with the water system,and will not be further evaluated in this report. 7 B). Construction of new pumping facilities. This alternative would involve the construction of three new booster pump stations including one hydropneumatic pump station. A new booster pump station would be constructed on the District's main system to transfer groundwater source to the Donner Lake system. A second booster pump station would be constructed adjacent to one of the proposed new water storage tanks to transfer water from the lower pressure zone to the upper pressure zone. A hydropneumatic station would be constructed near the Red Mountain Tank to provide pressurized domestic and fire water to the upper elevation customers in that area. This is considered the preferred alternative for providing pumping capacity for the Donner Lake system. 9. Other agencies whose approval is required: State of California, Department of Health Services, Office of Drinking Water California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Lahontan Region Town of Truckee State of California Department of Fish and Game United States Army Corp of Engineers 10. Environmental Setting of the Project: The majority of the project is in the Donner Lake area located in the southwestern portion of the Town of Truckee. Donner Lake is situated on the east slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains at the base of Donner Summit. The lake is surrounded by mountainous terrain with steeper topography along the north and south sides of the lake. The area is heavily treed with various species of native pines and contains many seasonal and non-seasonal springs,drainages,and creeks which ultimately discharge into Donner Lake. See Appendix A for a more complete discussion of the Donner Lake area as well as each of the individual project sites. The lake is mostly surrounded on the north,west,and south by residences,both seasonal and year-around, and commercial businesses. Donner Lake State Park is located on the east end of the lake. There are areas of undeveloped land directly abutting the lake including Donner State Park,West End Beach,and significant portions of the north side of the lake. Additional development potential in the area is limited,except for the build-out of existing in-fill areas and some residential acreage near the west end of the lake. Cedar Point Tank and Cedar Point Booster Pump Station-The Cedar Point Tank and booster pump station is located adjacent to Donner Lake Road near the eastern terminus of Cedar Point Court. The site is part of the Town of Truckee's right-of-way for Donner Lake Road. The site is covered with a mix of grasses,brush, and fir trees. The tank and pump station site has an average slope of approximately 30%. The tank site elevation ranges between 6,090 and 6,135 feet above sea level. There is an existing house at the end of Cedar Point Court which will be near the tank project. Donner Lake Road Tank - The Donner Lake Road Tank is located between Donner Lake Road and the Interstate 80 right-of-way. The tank site has an average slope of approximately 23%. The tank site elevation ranges between 6,270 and 6,315 feet above sea level. The site is predominately forested but also contains intermittent openings dominated by sagebrush and grasses. Donner Lake Road Pipeline- Construction of the Donner Lake Road Pipeline will be along proposed tank access roads and within the existing Donner Lake Road right-of-way. The pipeline will be constructed either under the paved section or under the gravel shoulder. Montano Property Tank Site-This is a backup tank site nearby to the Cedar Point Tank site. The site is near the Donner Lake Road Tank site and is in a similar environmental setting. The site is predominately forested but also contains intermittent openings dominated by sagebrush and grasses. In April 2002,the Town of 8 Truckee approved a Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Montano Subdivision(Application No.01-039) which includes the tank site. The MND provides a detailed description of the project area. Richards Drive Booster Pump Station and Pipelines-The Richards Drive site is a residential parcel owned by the District. The parcel contains jurisdictional wetlands as well as upland areas. The site is predominately covered with shrubs and grasses,with some trees in the upland areas. The site includes a rock lined drainage along the western property line and a grass lined V-ditch running parallel with Richards Drive across the front of the property. The site contains an overhead electric power line across the back of the parcel and an overhead telephone line across the front of the property. Greenpoint Springs Tank Removal and Wetlands Restoration-See Appendix A for a detail discussion of the Greenpoint Springs area. The Greenpoint Springs area includes a number of seep springs most of which are collected through a series of spring boxes and diverted to the drinking water system. The area includes jurisdictional wetlands and historic wetlands. Upper Tank Removal and Restoration-The site is in a mostly forested area north of I-80 near the Vista Point. The site is accessed by a spur road from the Vista Point parking area. Red Mountain Hydrouneumatic Pump Station and Tank - The Red Mountain site contains jurisdictional wetlands along with some wetland areas which are supported by leaks from the existing tank and pipeline. The pump station and pipeline are proposed to be placed in mostly upland areas along the eastern property line. The new tank would be located in the same location as the existing tank creating no new impacts. Production Well Pump Station and Pipeline-The production well site is located adjacent to Truckee Airport Road near the intersection with Prosser Village Road and the entrance to the Old Greenwood development. The site is predominately covered with shrubs and grasses,with some trees. A large detention basin is located directly across Truckee Airport Road where water from the construction and testing of the well will be pumped. Donner Lake Area Pipeline Projects-Appendix A includes a detailed discussion of the environmental settings of each of the pipeline projects including alignment alternatives. 9 Environmental Factors Potentially Affected: The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project,involving at least one impact that is a"Potentially Significant Impact"or"Potentially Significant Unless Mitigated,"as indicated by the checklist on the following pages. ❑ Land Use and Planning ❑ Transportation/Circulation ❑ Public Services ❑ Population and Housing ® Biological Resources ❑ Utilities and Service Systems ® Geophysical ❑ Energy and Mineral Resources ❑ Aesthetics M Water ❑ Hazards ® Cultural Resources M Air Quality ®Noise ❑ Recreation ❑ Mandatory Findings of Significance Determination. (To be completed by the Lead Agency.) On the basis of this initial evaluation: I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. ❑ I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because the mitigation measures described on the attached sheets have been added to the project. A NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required. ❑ I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect(s)on the environment,but at least one effect 1)has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and 2)has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described on attached sheets, if the effect is a"potentially significant impact"or"potentially significant unless mitigated." An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required,but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed. ❑ Signature Date Peter L. Holzmeister, General Manager Truckee Donner Public Utility District Printed Name For 10 Evaluation of Environmental Impacts: 1) A briefexplanation is required for all answers except "No Impact"answers that are adequately supported by the information sources a lead agency cites in the parentheses following each question. A"No Impact" answer is adequately supported if the referenced information sources show that the impact simply does not apply to projects like the one involved (e.g. the project falls outside a fault rupture zone). A "No Impact" answer should he explained where it is based on project-specific factors as well as general standards(e.g.the project will not expose sensitive receptors to pollutants,based on a project-specific screening analysis). 2) All answers must take account of the whole action involved,including off-site as well as on-site,cumulative as well as project-level,indirect as well as direct,and construction as well as operational impacts. 3) "Potentially Significant Impact" is appropriate if an effect is significant or potentially significant, or if the lead agency lacks information to make a finding of insignificance. If there are one or more"Potentially Significant Impact"entries when the determination is made,EIR is required. 4) "Potentially Significant Unless Mitigated"applies where the incorporation of mitigation measures has reduced an effect from"Potentially Significant Impact"to a"Less than Significant Impact". The lead agency must describe the mitigation measures,and briefly explain how they reduce the effect to a less than significant level(mitigation measures from Section XVII,`Earlier Analyses", may be cross-referenced). 5) Earlier analyses may be used where,pursuant to the tiering,program EIR,or other CEQA process,an effect has been adequately analyzed in an earlier EIR or negative declaration. Section 15063(c)(3)(D). Earlier analyses are discussed in Section XVII at the end of the checklist. 6) Lead agencies are encouraged to incorporate into the checklist references to information sources for potential impacts(e.g.general plans,zoning ordinances). See the sample question below. A source list should be attached, and other sources used or individuals contacted should be cited in the discussion. 7) This is only a suggested form,and lead agencies are free to use different ones. Sample Question: Potentially Potentially Significant Less Than Significant Unless Significant No Issues(and Supporting Information Sources) Impact Mitigated Impact Impact Would the proposal result in potential impacts involving: Landslides or mudslides? (1,6) 0 (Attached source list explains that 1 is the general plan,and 6 is a USGS topo map. This answer would probably not need further explanation.) I. LAND USE AND PLANNING. Would the proposal: a) Conflict with general plan designation or zoning? ❑ ❑ ❑ (source#(s):) b) Conflict with applicable environmental plans or policies adopted by agencies with jurisdiction over the project? O ❑ c) Affect agricultural resources or operations(e.g.impacts to soils or farmlands,or impacts from incompatible land uses)? O 0 11 Potentially Potentially Significant Less Than Significant Unless Significant Issues(and supporting Information Sources) Impact Mitigated Impact Impact II. POPULATION AND HOUSING. Would the proposal: a) Cumulatively exceed official regional or local population projections? () (3 ❑ ❑ ❑ b) Induce substantial growth in an area either directly or indirectly (e.g.through projects in an undeveloped area or extension of major infrastructure)? ( ) ❑ ❑ ❑ c) Displace existing housing, especially affordable housing? O ❑ ❑ ❑ III. GEOPHYSICAL. Would the proposal result in or expose people to potential impacts involving: a) Seismicity: fault rupture? () ❑ ❑ ❑ b) Seismicity: ground shaking or liquefaction? () ❑ ❑ ❑ c) Seismicity: seiche or tsunami? () ❑ ❑ ❑ d) Landslides or mudslides? () ❑ ❑ ❑ e) Erosion, changes in topography or unstable soil conditions from excavation,grading or fill? O ❑ ❑ ❑ I) Subsidence of the land? () ❑ ❑ ❑ g) Expansive soils? () ❑ ❑ ❑ h) Unique geologic or physical features?() ❑ ❑ ❑ IV. WATER. Would the proposal result in: a) Changes in absorption rates, drainage patterns, or the rate and amount of surface runoff? () ❑ ❑ ❑ b) Exposure of people or property to water related hazards such as flooding? () ❑ ❑ ❑ c) Discharge into surface waters or other alteration of surface water quality (e.g. temperature, dissolved oxygen or turbidity)? () ❑ ® ❑ ❑ d) Changes in the amount of surface water in any water body? O ❑ ® ❑ ❑ e) Changes in currents,or the course or direction of water movements? O ❑ ® ❑ ❑ f) Change in the quantity of ground waters,either through direct additions or withdrawals,or through interception of an aquifer by cuts or excavations?() ❑ ❑ M ❑ g) Altered direction or rate of flow of groundwater?() ❑ ❑ (2 ❑ h) Impacts to groundwater quality? () ❑ ❑ M ❑ V. AIR QUALITY. Would the proposal: a) Violate any air quality standard or contribute to an existing or projected air quality violation? () ❑ ❑ ❑ b) Expose sensitive receptors to pollutants? () ❑ ❑ ❑ 12 Potentially Potentially Significant Less Than Significant Unless Significant No Issues(and supporting Information Sources) Impact Mitigated Impact Impact c) Alter air movement,moisture,or temperature,or cause any change in climate? () ❑ ❑ ❑ d) Create objectionable odors? () ❑ ❑ ❑ VI. TRANSPORTATION/CIRCULATION. Would the proposal result in: a) Increased vehicle trips or traffic congestion? (} ❑ ❑ ❑ b) Hazards to safety from design features(e.g.sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g. farm equipment)?O ❑ ❑ ❑ c) Inadequate emergency access or access to nearby uses? ❑ ❑ ❑ d) Insufficient parking capacity on-site or off-site? O ❑ ❑ ❑ e) Hazards or barriers for pedestrians or bicyclists? O ❑ ❑ ❑ f) Conflicts with adopted policies supporting alternative transportation(e.g.bus turnouts,bicycle racks)? O ❑ ❑ ❑ g) Rail,waterbome or air traffic impacts? (} ❑ ❑ ❑ VIl. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES. Would the proposal result in impacts to: a) Endangered, threatened or rare species or their habitat (including but not limited to plants, fish, insects, animals,and birds)? O ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ b) Locally designated species(e.g.heritage trees)? O ❑ ® ❑ ❑ c) Locally designated natural communities(e.g.oak forest, ❑ ® ❑ ❑ costal habitat,etc.)? () d) Wetland habitat(e.g.marsh,riparian and vernal pool)? ❑ ❑ e) Wildlife dispersal or migration corridors? () ❑ ❑ ❑ VIII. ENERGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES Would the proposal: a) Conflict with adopted energy conservation plans? () ❑ ❑ ❑ b) Use non-renewable resources in a wasteful and inefficient manner? O ❑ ❑ ❑ IX. HAZARDS. Would the proposal involve: a) A risk of accidental explosion or release of hazardous substances(including,but not limited to: oil,pesticides, ❑ chemicals or radiation)? () ❑ ❑ b) Possible interference with an emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan? () ❑ ❑ ❑ 13 Potentially Potentially Significant Less Than Significant Unless Significant No Issues(and supporting Information Sources) Impact Mitigated Impact Impact c) The creation of any health hazard or potential health ❑ ❑ ❑ hazard? O d) Exposure of people to existing sources of potential health hazards? () ❑ ❑ ❑ e) Increased fire hazard in areas with flammable brush, grass,or trees? () X. NOISE. Would the proposal result in: a) Increases in existing noise levels? O ❑ ® ❑ ❑ b) Exposure of people to severe noise levels? () ❑ ❑ ❑ XI. PUBLIC SERVICES. Would the proposal have an effect upon, or result in a need for new or altered government services in any of the following areas: a) Fire protection? () ❑ ❑ ® ❑ b) Police protection? O ❑ ❑ ❑ M c) Schools? () ❑ ❑ ❑ d) Maintenance of public facilities,including roads? O ❑ ❑ ❑ e) Other governmental services? () ❑ ❑ ❑ XII. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS. Would the proposal result in a need for new systems, or substantial alterations to thefollowing utilities: a) Power or natural gas?() ❑ ❑ ❑ b) Communications systems? O ❑ ❑ ❑ c) Local or regional water treatment or distribution facilities? () ❑ ❑ M ❑ d) Sewer or septic tanks?() ❑ ❑ ❑ e) Storm water drainage?() ❑ ❑ ❑ f) Solid waste disposal?() ❑ ❑ ❑ M XIII.AESTHETICS. Would the proposal: a) Affect a scenic vista or scenic highway?() ❑ ❑ ®' ❑ b) Have a demonstrable negative aesthetic effect?O ❑ ❑ ❑ c) Create light or glare?() ❑ ❑ ❑ M XIV. CULTURAL RESOURCES. Would the proposal: a) Disturb paleontological resources?() ❑ ❑ ❑ b) Disturb archaeological resources? () ❑ ❑ ❑ c) Affect historical resources? () ❑ ® ❑ ❑ d) Have the potential to cause a physical change which would affect unique ethnic culture values?() ❑ ® ❑ ❑ 14 c) Mitigation measures. (For effects that are "potentially significant" or "potentially significant unless mitigated",describe the mitigation measures which were incorporated or refined from the earlier document and the extent to which they address site-specific conditions for the project.) EXPLANATION OF CHECKLIST ANSWERS A brief explanation is required for all answers except"No Impact"answers that are adequately supported by the information sources a lead agency cites in the parentheses following each question. 1. LAND USE AND PLANNING This project involves the construction of water system facilities to provide water service to existing and proposed development within the Town of Truckee. The Town of Truckee adopted a General Plan and associated environmental documents in 1996 which included the area to be served by the Donner Lake Water System Rehabilitation, Phase 2 project. The General Plan sets forth the land use and planning policies for the town. Provision of water supply facilities allows the implementation of the General Plan. The project will result in the construction of a new public water supply tanks,pump stations,well, and underground utilities. The new facilities will be an acceptable land use based on the land use and zoning designation of the project parcels. The operation and maintenance of the water system by the District is not expected to have any affect on land use and planning issues. Mitigation Measures: None required II. POPULATION AND HOUSING The Donner Lake water system serves approximately 1,230 existing customers, both residential and commercial, with an estimated potential 1,800 customers at build-out. The project as proposed will accommodate the continued development of the Donner Lake water system service area consistent with the population and housing elements of the Town's general plan. The project does have the potential to serve a population greater than the current population in accordance with the general plan. The project will not extend service into areas not already served by the system. Although the project will accommodate growth, it is not considered to either directly or indirectly induce growth. Growth in the Donner Lake area is limited due to physical factors including local geography and the Interstate 80 corridor. Water service would be made available to undeveloped areas only after complying with all other planning, land use, and environmental requirements imposed by the appropriate jurisdictional agencies. Mitigation Measures: None required III. GEOPHYSICAL The project will require a fairly extensive amount of grading to prepare a level pads for the water storage tanks. The pump stations will require a modest amount of grading to prepare the pump station building pad and parking area. Pipeline and underground electrical construction will involve excavation and backfill of trenches.As is standard with all District construction projects of this type,grading,trenching, and backfill operations will include surface restoration either with paving or other permanent erosion control measures. The Cedar Point Tank will be placed on a benched pad cut into the hillside. The depth at the back of the tank and access road cut will be approximately 36 feet. In order to stabilize to exposed embankment, it is anticipated that a 10 foot high retaining wall will be constructed for a portion of the embankment and that the remainder of the embankment will be sloped back at a stable slope. The Donner Lake Road Tank will be placed on fill material with some slope excavation for the access road and tank access. Excess suitable spoils from the Cedar Point Tank may be used as fill for the Donner Lake Road Tank. The fill 16 will be approximately 24 feet high from the tank pad to the toe of the fill slope. The Red Mountain Tank will located at the site of an existing tank;there is not expected to be any significant excavation at this site. The pump stations,including Cedar Point,Richards Drive,Red Mountain,and the production well,will involve minor excavation ofbalanced cut/fill pads for the pump station buildings. The pump station at Red Mountain will be accessed from the existing street and not involve access road or parking construction. The Cedar Point station will be accessed from the Cedar Point Tank access with no additional parking. The stations at Richards Drive and the production well will include grading for access roads and parking areas. Pipeline and conduit construction will involve excavation and backfill of trenches. Pipeline trenches are generally 5 to 6 feet deep and,depending on the diameter of the pipeline and soil conditions,3 to 5 feet wide. Typical soils in the area of the project site consist of a mixture of sands, gravels, volcanics, and decomposed organic topsoil with underlying volcanic rock such as basalt. These soils are not considered potentially expansive. There are no unique physical or geologic features associated with the project site. Because of the extent of the excavation for the preparation of tank pads and access roads, potential geophysical impacts are considered a potentially significant impact unless mitigated. Mitigation Measures: GEO-1: Prior to excavation at the various tank sites a geotechnical investigations of the tank sites will be conducted to determine the stability of the soil and rock material to be exposed during construction. The tank grading plan will specify the maximum slope for cut areas and engineered fill slopes based on the slope stability determined by the geotechnical investigations. GEO-2: Permanent BMPs will include revegetation of exposed soil areas on the cut and fill slopes, asphalt pavement on access road and tank access area, and permanent disposal of surplus excavated material at an acceptable location protected from offsite migration. IV. WATER There will be an increase in the amount of impervious surface as a result of this project including the tanks, access roads,paved tank access areas,pump station buildings,and parking areas. The estimated amount of impervious surface is shown below. Drainage will flow from the impervious areas to infiltration basins adjacent to the site locations. The infiltration basins will be sized to accommodate runoff from a I-hour, 20-year storm as defined by the Lahontan Regional Board. This is considered a less than significant impact. Project Estimated New Impervious Area Cedar Point Tank and Pump Station 14,400 s.f. Donner Lake Tank 7,200 s.f. Red Mountain Pump Station 500 s.f. Richards Drive Pump Station 2,400 s.f. Prosser Village Well 2,500 s.f. TOTAL AREA 27,000 s.f. (0.62 acre) 17 During well development and pump testing of the Prosser Village Well, water from the well will be discharged to an existing detention basin near the well site. Water will be conveyed from the well through a pipeline to the basin where it will be allowed to percolate back into the ground. This discharge will be under a Temporary Land Application Permit administered by the California Regional Water Quality Control Board-Lahontan Region. The permit allows for land application discharges including pump/well testing. The discharge must be monitored to assure it does not reach any surface waters. The District has contracted for well development and pump testing monitoring services for this project to assure compliance with permit conditions. This is considered a less than significant impact. The project includes a new production water well and will consequently involve the withdrawal of groundwater. The District has established a groundwater monitoring program through adoption of its Groundwater Management Plan. The Groundwater Management Plan provides estimates of safe aquifer yield for the Martis Valley Aquifer. This is the amount of groundwater which can be withdrawn without adversely affecting the aquifer when compared to the amount of estimated aquifer recharge. The proposed Prosser Village Well is consistent with the Groundwater Management Plan. Appendix B includes a report by District's Consulting Hydrogeologist indicating there should be no significant impact from the operation of the new well. There may be some alteration in the direction of flow of groundwater near the well as groundwater is taken into the well by pumping. This is not considered a significant impact. Groundwater quality will be protected by the installation of a sanitary seal in accordance with the State Department of Health Service requirements for construction of public water supply wells. The sanitary seal will be constructed to a depth of 200 to 300 feet below ground surface to assure there will be no influence from surface water. During construction, there is a potential for excavated material to migrate offsite in the event of a rain storm event. Prior to site disturbing activities,the District will prepare a Report of Waste Discharge in compliance with the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board. Best management practices (BMPs)will be incorporated into the project to protect water quality during and after construction. This is considered a potentially significant impact unless mitigated. Jurisdictional wetlands were found at several sites in association with seeps and springs.Impacts to seep- spring wetlands were greatly minimized through a consideration of alternatives and design modifications. Remaining permanent and temporary impacts total less than 0.42 acres across five separate sites. This potentially significant direct and cumulative impact will be reduced to a level less than significant through the implementation of mitigation measure BIO-2.See Appendix A,Sections 4 and 5,for a full description of resources, impacts and mitigation. Construction activities within or adjacent to wetlands, seep-spring habitats, and manmade channels conveying spring runoff could result in temporary impacts to water quality.Disturbed soils resulting from construction activities could also result in impacts to water quality through erosion/sedimentation. This potentially significant impact will be reduced to a level less than significant through the implementation of mitigation measure BIO-3. Mitigation Measures: BIO-2: Wetland and Riparian Habitat Mitigation.Both permanent and temporary impacts to wetland and riparian vegetation will be mitigated at a ratio of 1.5:1 through a combination of on-site restoration and the creation of similar habitat at a local site owned by applicant and to be protected in perpetuity through designation as a conservation easement,i.e.,Greenpoint Springs. A general revegetation and restoration plan will be prepared for all disturbed sites.In addition, a site-specific revegetation plan will be developed for Greenpoint Springs, including the restoration of wetlands impacted historically by water diversions and the construction of Interstate 80. The revegetation plan will be prepared by a qualified restoration specialist and 18 consistent with guidelines for habitat mitigation plans provided by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers(USACOE)and the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board(LRWQCB). BIO-3: Prepare Mitigation Plan for Protecting Water and Soil Resources. Priorto any construction activities, including tree removal, the applicant will coordinate with the LRWQCB in preparation of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). The plan will include a detailed erosion control plan and Best Management Practices(BMPs) for preventing impacts to water quality,including(but not limited to): 1)Construction adjacent to seep-spring habitats, including manmade channels,will be conducted during late summer to early fall when run-off and soil moisture is at a minimum;2)Permanently stabilize all disturbed soils,including soils on fill pads and access roads utilizing erosion control blankets, straw wattles, revegetation, mulches of pine needles, mulch or wood chips, locally native seed, or rock slope protection, depending on the soils and slope gradient.Non-native seed,straw bales and straw mulches will not be used;3)Prior to construction,install silt-fencing to protect perennial or seasonal seeps, springs, drainages, meadows and other sensitive habitats adjacent to construction; 4) After construction is complete,all sites will be restored to pre-construction conditions;and 5)prepare a detailed monitoring plan to ensure BMP success. V. AIR QUALITY Construction activities have the potential to generate PM I O emissions through the release of fugitive dust associated with grading and excavation activities. The following mitigation measures are added to the project to reduce potential impacts to less than significant: Mitigation Measures: AIR-1: Fugitive dust emissions resulting from site clearing and any project improvements shall be minimized at all times utilizing control measures including dust palliative, regularly applied water,graveled or paved haul roads,etc. Access or haul roads adjacent to the project must be treated as necessary to prevent off-site migration and accumulation of dirt, soils, or other materials which can subsequently become entrained in ambient air, either from construction related vehicles or from any vehicle using adjacent affected roads. AIR-2: When transporting material during site preparation or construction,measures shall be used to prevent materials from spilling or blowing onto street and highways. Earthen materials, if transported, shall be adequately sprayed with water or covered prior to transport onto public roads. Vegetative material shall be tarped as necessary prior to transport. Specific control measures shall be noted on improvement and/or grading plans. VI. TRANSPORTATION/CIRCULATION During construction at the various sites, there will be an increase in vehicle trips to the project site associated with the contractor's activities. This is considered a less than significant impact. Pipeline construction along existing streets may impact traffic along that street. It is anticipated that pipeline will be constructed along the shoulders and within the traveled ways of the various streets included in the rehabilitation project. District construction contracts routinely include specifications requiring contractors to prepare traffic control and lane closure plans prior to construction. These plans will be made available for review and approval by the Town of Truckee through the encroachment permit application process. This is considered a less than significant impact. The project will not have any affect on emergency access,access to nearby uses,or alternative transportation. The project will include parking for District vehicles. Mitigation Measures: None required 19 VII. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES The biological resources responses below are based on wetland delineations and field surveys for special status species conducted between May 28 and July 11,2003 by Garcia and Associates biological resources consultants. Field surveys were preceded by a review of California Department of Fish and Game ((CDFG),U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service(USFWS),CalifomiaNative Plant Society(CNPS),and Nevada County Natural Resources Report special status species lists for theproject area.See Appendix A,Sections 4 and 5, for a full description of resources,impacts and mitigation. Would the project have a substantial adverse effect,either directly or through habitat modifications,on any species identified as a candidate sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans,policies or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? No state-or federal-listed Threatened,Endangered,or Candidate species were found;nor is any critical habitat present for those species. However Sierra Nevada red fox (Vulpes vulpes necator),wolverine (Gulo gulo luteus), bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), and peregrine falcon (Falco neret>rinus anatum) could occur as transients, traveling between areas of more suitable habitat. The majority of project locations occur in close association with busy roadways and high-density residential areas; and since no breeding habitat and only poor quality foraging habitat exist,no adverse effects to these species are expected. One special status species,yellow warbler(Dendroica petechia brewsteri),a CDFG Species of Special Concern,was located breeding at one site, i.e.,Greenpoint Springs,during the field surveys.No other federal and/or CDFG Species of Special Concern were observed at any of the remaining proposed project sites and no nesting raptors or special status bat species were found breeding within the project areas. However,at least marginally suitable breeding habitat does exist for six CDFG Species of Special Concern:Cooper's hawk(Accipiter cooperii),sharp-sbinned hawk(Accipiterstriatus),osprey(Pandion haliaetus), California horned lark(Eremophita alpestris actia), Sierra Nevada snowshoe bare(Lepus americanus tahoensis), and white-tailed hare(Lepus townsendit). Potential impacts to breeding migratory bird species protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (including Federal Species of Concern and USFWS Migratory Non-game Birds of Management Concern)could occur at a number of locations; therefore,pre-construction surveys will be required at these sites. Additionally,active nests of the common nighthawk(Chordeiles minor)were found adjacent to the proposed production well site. Raptors were observed during field surveys;however,no active raptor nests were identified on or adjacent to the project sites. Nevertheless,disturbance to an active raptor nest could occur during construction activities in 2004-2005. Disturbing an active raptor nest would violate Sections 3503 and 3503.5 of the California Fish and Game Code and would be considered a potentially significant impact. Implementation of mitigation measure BIO-1, below,would reduce these potential impacts to a level less than significant.Project sites not requiring any mitigation measures are those that occur along high-use thoroughfares or where habitat is degraded by high levels of disturbance and not suitable for special status species. Mitigation Measure: BIO-1: Pre-construction Surveys for Special Status Wildlife. Conduct surveys for yellow warbler, nesting raptors, and other special status wildlife prior to construction activities during the breeding season(April I- September 1, including dispersal of young for some species). If an active nest is located,construction activities shall be limited in the vicinity of the nest based on recommendations by the surveying biologist and consultation with the California Department of Fish and Game. Would the project have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans,policies or regulations or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? 20 No perennial or seasonal streams as shown on the USGS topographic maps of the area would be affected by the project. Wetland-riparian habitats of alder and willow scrub are found at several sites in association with the wetlands described below.Permanent and temporary impacts to riparian vegetation associated with seeps and springs were greatly minimized through consideration of alternatives and resulting design modifications.Appendix...,Sections 4 and 5,contains detailed descriptions of riparian and wetland habitats found at each site and recommended mitigation measures. See discussion below regarding mitigation measures required to reduce these potential impacts to a level less than significant. Would the project have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act(including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc)through direct removal,filling, hydrological interruption, or other means? Jurisdictional wetlands were found at several sites in association with seeps and springs.Impacts to seep- spring wetlands were greatly minimized through a consideration of alternatives and design modifications. Remaining permanent and temporary impacts total less than 0.42 acres across five separate sites. This potentially significant direct and cumulative impact will be reduced to a level less than significant through the implementation of mitigation measure BIO-2. See Appendix ....,Sections 4 and 5, for a full description of resources, impacts and mitigation. Mitigation Measure: BIO-2: Wetland and Riparian Habitat Mitigation.Both permanent and temporary impacts to wetland and riparian vegetation will be mitigated at a ratio of 1.5:1 through a combination of on-site restoration and the creation of similar habitat at a local site owned by applicant and to be protected in perpetuity through designation as a conservation easement,i.e.,Greenpoint Springs. A general revegetation and restoration plan will be prepared for all disturbed sites.In addition, a site-specific revegetation plan will be developed for Greenpoint Springs, including the restoration of wetlands impacted historically by water diversions and the construction of Interstate 80. The revegetation plan will be prepared by a qualified restoration specialist and consistent with guidelines for habitat mitigation plans provided by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers(USACOE)and the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board(LRWQCB). Construction activities within or adjacent to wetlands, seep-spring habitats, and manmade channels conveying spring runoff could result in temporary impacts to water quality. Disturbed soils resulting from construction activities could also result in impacts to water quality through erosion/sedimentation. This potentially significant impact will be reduced to a level less than significant through the implementation of mitigation measure BIO-3. Mitigation Measure: BIO-3: Prepare Mitigation Plan for Protecting Water and Soil Resources. Prior to any construction activities, including tree removal, the applicant will coordinate with the LRWQCB in preparation of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). The plan will include a detailed erosion control plan and Best Management Practices(BMPs) for preventing impacts to water quality,including(but not limited to): 1)Construction adjacent to seep-spring habitats, including manmade channels,will be conducted during late summer to early fall when run-off and soil moisture is at a minimum; 2)Permanently stabilize all disturbed soils,including soils on fill pads and access roads utilizing erosion control blankets, straw wattles, revegetation, mulches of pine needles, mulch or wood chips, locally native seed, or rock slope protection, depending on the soils and slope gradient.Non-native seed,straw bales and straw mulches will not be used; 3)Prior to construction,install silt-fencing to protect perennial or seasonal seeps, springs, drainages, meadows and other sensitive habitats adjacent to construction; 4) After construction is complete,all sites will be restored to pre-construction conditions;and 5)prepare a detailed monitoring plan to ensure BMP success. 21 Would the project interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites? Only small to moderate amounts of vegetation will be removed and many of these effects will be temporary. Many project locations are under pavement or along the dry shoulder of high-use thoroughfares. Other project-related impacts are localized and would not disrupt any wildlife movements. A wildlife underpass is provided under Interstate 80 in the vicinity of the proposed production well,which may be used by the Verdi subunit of the Truckee-Loyalton deer herd and other wildlife. However, the well site is bounded by Interstate 80 and a high-use off ramp and is more than one-half mile from the underpass;therefore,no adverse effects would be expected. No critical fawning areas and no known holding areas are associated with project locations. Implementation of mitigation measure BIO-1 will reduce potential impacts to native wildlife nursery sites to a level less than significant. Would the project conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance? The TDPUD is exempt from many local development codes when providing essential public services. However, the project was analyzed for consistency with local general plan policies and ordinances (Appendix A, Section 5.3) and is consistent with local development codes regarding protection of biological resources with mitigation measures described above. There is no local tree protection ordinance and the loss of individual trees resulting from the proposed construction is not a significant impact.However,the loss of approximately 75-115 trees across all project sites could have a potentially significant cumulative effect within the context of the Donner Lake area.The applicant will reduce this potential effect through implementation of mitigation measure BI04,below. Mitigation Measure: BI0-4: Native Tree Replacement Planting Plan.Prior to construction,the applicant will conduct an inventory of all trees to be removed. If the trees are to be removed during the avian breeding season (April 1-September 1, allowing for dispersal of young for some species), pre- construction surveys for nesting birds should be conducted prior to removing trees.Trees over 36-inches diameter should be avoided to the greatest extent possible. Compensate for the removal of all mature trees over 12-inches diameter through replacement on-site,or at the local mitigation site to be protected through conservation easement, i.e., Greenpoint Springs. The planting plan will be prepared by a qualified restoration specialist and provide for replacement using only locally native tree species in a minimum 5-gallon(or equivalent)container size and at a replacement ratio of 2:1. Would the project conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan? Currently,there are no adopted or proposed Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs),Natural Community Conservation Plans(NCCPs),or other local conservation plans.Without mitigation,impacts to wetlands and other waters, and ground disturbance would conflict with regional policies of the Regional Water Quality Control Board as well as state and federal laws mandating a no net loss of wetlands or riparian vegetation. These impacts were minimized through design modifications, and remaining impacts mitigated at ratio of 1.5:1 through creation of similar habitat(see BI0-3, above). Potential impacts to special status species under the state and federal endangered species acts,the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, California Fish and Game Code,and other regulations governing impacts to wildlife and special status 22 plants are described above. Implementation of mitigation measure BIO-1 will reduce these potential effects to a level less than significant. VIII. ENERGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES The pump stations will use electrical energy. In selecting well pump motors, the District routinely specifies the use of high efficiency motors to avoid using electricity in a wasteful manner. The use of electric energy at District pump stations is considered modest,typical of a local commercial/industrial operation. The local electric service provider, the District, has the capacity to provide the additional electrical energy needed for this project. The operation of the tank facilities will not involve the utilization of any significant energy resources. Energy use for the project during construction will be limited to fuel used by contractor's equipment including excavators, trucks, personnel vehicles, generators, welding machines, and drilling and pumping equipment. This is considered less than significant. Mitigation Measures: None required IX. HAZARDS During construction there is a risk of accidental release of hazardous substances such as fuel or oil from spillage. District construction contracts require the contractor to be prepared for such accidents and provide clean-up which in this case would likely be limited to the project site. This is considered a less than significant impact. The production well pump station will include chlorination facilities utilizing a liquid chlorine solution. This may be considered an environmental or personnel safety hazard if accidentally released. As is routine for this type of facility,the District will provide safety equipment and training in conformance with County hazardous material requirements. This will include secondary containment for storage of the solution and personnel safety equipment such as sink and eye wash facilities. This is considered a less than significant impact. The project will have no impact on emergency responses. Mitigation Measures: None required X. NOISE The project will not result in any long-term increase in noise levels, but will increase noise levels temporarily associated with construction activities. Restricting hours of operation will mitigate short term construction noise impacts to less than significant levels. Mitigation Measures: NOI-1:Construction shall be restricted Monday through Friday,7:00 am-6:00 pm and Saturdays from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. Construction plans shall include reference to these restricted hours of construction. XI. PUBLIC SERVICES The project will not result in the need for new or altered government services. The project will be an enhancement to the fire protection capabilities around the Donner Lake area. Mitigation Measures: None required XII. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS 23 The project will result in improvements to the District's water system serving the Donner Lake area by increasing the capacity and reliability of the system. Following construction, the project will not generate any appreciable amount of solid waste. Solid waste generated during construction will be disposed of by the contractor at the local refuse transfer station. Mitigation Measures: None required XIII. AESTHETICS The tanks near Donner Lake Road(Cedar Point Tank and Donner Lake Road Tank)may be visible from Donner Lake Road and the house at the end of Cedar Point Court. The tanks will be partially screened by trees located around the tank sites, except for the house at the end of Cedar Point Court. The tank color will be chosen to blend with the surroundings. There will be no new lights associated with the tanks. This type of facility may be considered to have a negative aesthetic effect,but given the existing tree screening and topography, it is considered less than significant. However, in the interest of providing additional screening to the house at the end of Cedar Point Court, trees will be planted between the tank and the house consistent with Mitigation Measure BI04. The pump station sites located along Donner Lake Road,Richards Drive,and Truckee Airport Road will be visible from the adjacent streets. Building materials and colors will be chosen to complement the stations's surroundings. Materials will include a rough-hewn split face masonry block building with metal roof. Because of the relatively small size of the buildings and the choice of materials, this is considered a less than significant impact. Mitigation Measures:None required XIV. CULTURAL RESOURCES An archeological review was conducted for all of the project sites. A preliminary heritage resource study is included as Appendix C. As indicated, some potentially significant cultural resources were identified on the Greenpoint Springs project site. Because the project involves excavation,there is a possibility of uncovering cultural resources not identified during the field review. The following mitigation measure will reduce the potential impact to less than significant. Mitigation Measures CUL-l:Prior to any site disturbing activities at the Greenpoint Springs site, further evaluation of the potentially significant cultural resources will be conducted by a qualified archeologist. Based on the evaluation,recommendations and/or mitigations will be incorporated into the project. CUL-2 If artifacts, paleontological or cultural, or unusual amounts of stone, bone, shell, or artifacts related to the early settlement of the Truckee area are uncovered during construction activity, work shall be halted and a qualified archeologist shall be consulted for an on-site review. Mitigation measures,as recommended by the archeologist in accordance with Appendix K of the CEQA Guidelines,shall be implemented prior to recommencement of construction activity. If any bone appears to be human,California law mandates that the Nevada County Coroner and the Native American Heritage Commission be contacted. XV. RECREATION The project includes the decommissioning of any existing dirt road from Denton Avenue to the Greenpoint Springs Tanks in order to facilitate the restoration of the historic wetlands in the Greenpoint Springs area. The road is approximately 700 feet long. The road may be used as a walking trail. In order to allow for the restoration of the wetland, any traffic through the area including pedestrian will be highly discouraged. Because of the relatively short length of the road and the benefit to allowing the restoration of the wetland,decommissioning of the road is considered a less than significant impact. 24 Mitigation Measures: None required XVI. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE The determinations of mandatory findings of significance are supported by the discussions contained within the Initial Study. The Initial Study did not identify any potentially significant effects,and there is no substantial evidence that the project may have a significant effect on the environment. REPORT PREPARATION This Initial Study was prepared under contract with the Truckee Donner Public Utility District by Sauers Engineering, Inc. Principal author was Keith Knibb. Prepared by: Date: '`'8 -03 25 REFERENCES These references are available for review at the Truckee Donner Public Utility District office, 11570 Donner Pass Road,Truckee,California. 1. Biological Inventory and Impact Analysis for the Truckee-Donner Public Utilities District Donner Lake Water Supply Improvements Truckee,California,Garcia and Associates,July 2003 2. Prosser Village Production Well-site Evaluation,Aqua Hydrogeologic Consulting,LLC,July 2003 3. Truckee Donner Public Utility District Donner Lake Water System Rehabilitation Project Phase 2, Heritage Resource Study,Phase 1, Susan Lindstrom, Ph.D.,July 2003 4. Mitigated Negative Declaration and Amended Environmental Initial Study for Donner Lake Water System Acquisition and Rehabilitation,Truckee Donner Public Utility District,February 2001 26 APPENDIX A Biological Inventory and Impact Analysis for the Truckee-Donner Public Utilities District Donner Lake Water Supply Improvements Truckee, California Prepared by Garcia and Associates July, 2003 APPENDIX B Prosser Village Production Well-site Evaluation Prepared by Aqua Hydrogeologic Consulting,LLC July,2003 Prosser Village Production Well-site Evaluation The purpose of this document is to provide an aquifer evaluation and impact potential for the proposed production well at the Prosser Village site. As a result of the Featherstone exploration well that was drilled to a depth of 1,197 feet approximately 150 feet south of the proposed Prosser Village site a good understanding of the local geology has been created. Using this geologic information and the aquifer parameters that were generated during the Mattis Valley production well pumping tests conducted in March 2001, a good understanding of the geology and aquifer for the proposed Prosser Village site is now available. The following comparisons and parameters were used in the development of an analytical ground water model for making ground water impact projections at the Prosser Village site: Findings • A similar thickness and sequence of basalt and alluvial material were encountered at both the Featherstone well-site and at the Martis Valley well-site. • The downhole geophysical survey logs for the two boreholes showed similar characteristics with respect to the basalt layer and underlying alluvial material. • Analysis of the pumping test data completed at the Mattis Valley well produced the following aquifer parameters; 1) a transmissivity value of 45,000 gallons/day/ft(gal/d/ft), and 2) a storage coefficient value of 0.0026. • Currently the static water level at the Featherstone well is 111 feet below land surface. This level is similar to the non-pumping level recorded at the Martis Valley production well. Conclusions • There were enough similarities between the two sites to use the accumulative information and data as input into the analytical flow model. To be a little conservative, a transmissivity value of 35,000 gal/d/ft. was used along with a storage coefficient value of 0.026. The transmissivity value was lowered just to be on the conservative side, while using 0.026 value instead of 0.0026 reflects the thought that the aquifer would be slightly more unconfined at the Prosser Village site than what was observed at the Martis Valley well-site • Results from both projections show a specific capacity value approximately 14 gpmlft.dd. This value is similar to the value recorded during the pumping test conducted at the Martis Valley well. • Projections from the model indicate that after three days of pumping the Prosser Village well at 1,200 gallons per minute(gpm) there would be 84.9 feet of drawdown at the pumping well. At the Featherstone monitoring well located approximately 150 feet south of the proposed well-site the drawdown was projected to be 17 feet. The attached map/figure shows the projected drawdown contours. • When a pumping value of 1,000 gpm is used, the drawdown value at the pumping well was calculated to be 70.7 feet. At the Featherstone monitoring well,the drawdown was projected to be 12 feet. A second attached map/figure shows the drawdown contours for this pumping scenario. • Drawdown impact projections for both pumping scenarios indicate relative little effect as you move away from the propose pumping well. Both of the pumping scenarios are with the proposed well pumping for a72 hours at a constant pumping rate, when in reality the production pump probably will not be operating more than 12 hours per day on an annual basis. That being the case,the drawdown contours would show an impact of less than half what both map/figures currently show. Recommendations The production well to be conducted at the Prosser Village site should constructed with blank casing to a depth of approximately 300 feet below land surface. This action will eliminate the potential of impacting near surface water contained in the vadose zone (tree and brush root zone). , f l 3 f r` , CA— M 583 P rosser Village Production Well V" / ,� { Featherstone Monitoring Well ,ABM \. i � Y �g40 �sas+ \BM 5829 1 BM 674 i �.___- -_- - & _i Figure 2. DraMown contours for 1,000 gpm pumping rat Potas3s `� 'l 00 l I V I if Prosser Village Production Weli CV J • 1 f Featherstone Monitoring Well 1 6 i, any 14 0 �BM 6829 z � r J Figure 1. Drawdown contours for 1,200 gpm pumping rate -- r) F S 8M 5mi p APPENDIX C Truckee Donner Public Utility District Donner Lake Water System Rehabilitation Project Phase 2 Heritage Resource Study,Phase 1 Prepared by Susan Lindstrom, Ph.D., July 2003 July, 2003