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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDonner Lake Water System Rehabilitation SAUERS ENGINEERING Sao 265 6694 09/29/09 02:44pm P. 001 Sauers Engineering, Inc. Civil & Environmental Engineers Memorandum September 29, 2003 TO: Board of Directors, and Peter Holzmeister, General Manager FROM: Keith Knibb, Consulting Engineer SUBJECT: Donner Lake Water System Rehabilitation, Phase 2 - CEQA At the September 10, 2003 Board Meeting, the Board was informed that additional comments were received at the last minute on the Proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Donner Lake Water System Rehabilitation, Phase 2 project. This revised information package includes the additional comments and responses. The State Clearinghouse review period was closed September 3, 2003. The Board of Directors held a Public Hearing on August 20, 2003. Four comment letters were received during the review period along with one oral comment received at the public hearing. Along with this memo are copies of the comment letters and responses to the written and oral continents. The final CEQA documents included with this report are: ► Comments and Responses ► Final Negative Declaration Notice of Determination ► Mitigation Monitoring Plan RECOMMENDATIONS I recommend the Board of Directors take the following actions: ► Approve the responses to comments. ► Adopt the Final Negative Declaration. Approve the project for purposes of CEQA. ► Authorize the filing of the Notice of Determination with the Office of the Nevada County Clerk, Office of the Placer County Clerk, and the Governor's Office of Planning and Research. ► Approve the Mitigation Monitoring Plan ► Adopt a finding that the draft documents as circulated and the negative declaration reflect the District's independent judgement. SAUERS ENGINEERING 630 295 S834 09/29I03 02:44pm P. 002 Truckee Donner Public Utility District Donner Lake Water System Rehabilitation,Phase 2 COMMENTS AND RESPONSES The following are responses to comments received during the circulation and review of the proposed negative declaration and initial study for the Donner Lake Water System Rehabilitation,Phase 2." Copies of each of the comment letters are attached. Also, one comment was received during the Public Hearing held on August 20,2003. Comments!Responses _ Page Memo from Project Consulting Archaeologist Susan 1 Lindstrom,Ph.D, dated August 8,2003 Letter from California State Lands Commission dated 2 August 26, 2003 Verbal comments from Al Farrantine at the Public 2 Hearing of August 20,2003 Letter from California Department of Transportation, 3 District 3, dated September 3,2003 Letter from California Regional Water Quality Control 4 Board, Lahontan Region, dated September 5, 2003 Memo from Project Consulting Archaeologist Susan Lindstrom, Ph.D, dated August 8, 2003: Commend: The Upper Tanks and the Greenpoint Springs Tanks are not older than 50 years and are not considered historic. Response: Comment acknowledged. This issue was discussed in the initial Study, Appendix C,Heritage Resource Inventory Phase 1,prepared by Susan Lindstrom,Ph.D. The report discusses the potential for the Upper Tanks and Crecnpoint Springs Tanks to qualify as"historic'resources should they be greater than 50 years old. No information was available at the time of the report which indicated the age of the tanks. The report states: 1 SAUERS ENGINEERING 590 28S 8884 09f2910S 02:44Rm P. 009 " Additional archival research and oral history interviews,which are outside the Phase 1 inventory scope, are necessary to determine whether or not they(the tanks) are older than 50 years. If the features are less than 50 years old and, therefore,not historic, the TDPUD should not be constrained and should be able to proceed with project activities without regard for their preservation or further archaeological study. If their historic status is confirmed,however, and their construction predates 1954, then the waterworks should be formally recorded on State of California forms." Following the distribution of the draft initial study including the archaeological report, the State Department of Health Services,Drinking Water Field Operations Branch, provided a report which included information on the construction of the tanks. The report,titled "Engineering Report In the Matter of the Permit Application From Donner Lake Utility Company Serving Donner Lake Area,Nevada County, February, 1978," included detailed information on the construction of the Upper Tanks and Greenpoint Springs Tanks, including the date constructed. According to the State's report,the Upper Tanks were constructed in 1960 and the Greenpoint Springs Tanks were constructed in 1955. Based on this information,Ms. Lindstrom concluded that the facilities are not older than 50 years and are not considered to be historic. As a result of the above conclusion, Proposed Mitigation Measure CUL-1 having to do with further evaluation of the potentially significant cultural resources prior to construction at Greenpoint Springs has been removed from the Final Negative Declaration. Letter from California State Lands Commission dated August 26, 2003: Comment: The California State Lands Commission (CSLC) has jurisdiction over beds of navigable lakes, rivers, and streams. Any physical improvement waterwokd of elevation 5933.8 feet (the low water mark for Donner Lake) will require a lease from the CSLC. Additionally, a Public Trust Easement exists between the high and low water marks, which at Donner Lake are located between elevations 5935.8 and 5933.8 feet, respectively. The proposed project must not restrict or impede this easement right of the public. Response: Comment acknowledged. The proposed project does not include any improvements waterward of the Donner Lake low water mark or between the Donner Lake high and low water mark. Verbal comments from Al Farrantine at the Public Hearing of August 20, 2003: 2 9AJER3 ENGINEERING S30 265 6634 09/29f03 02:44pm P. 004 Comment: The location of the proposed water storage tank between Donner Lake Road and 1-80 has moved 50 to 70_feet from the original proposal. The tank may be closer and more visible to a home building site. Response: Mr. Farrantine is the property owner of a portion of the proposed Donner Lake Road Tank site. Early in the planning process,Mr. Farrantine was approached by District staff regarding a possible tank project on his property. At that time the actual location of the tank had not been determined. Following favorable discussions between the District and Mr. Farrantine regarding possible acquisition of property for the tank site, the District proceeded with preliminary design of the tank to, in part, determine the actual location for the proposed tank and the portion of Mr. Farrantine's property the District would be interested in acquiring. The proposed tank location was based on elevation, access, geological suitability as a tank site, and other environmental constraints including slope and proximity to wetlands. Letter from California Department of Transportation, District 3, dated September 3, 2003: Comment: Provided mitigation measures are aeheived and highway surface water runoff is not obstructed by the construction activities of the rehabilitation project, there should be no adverse hydrologic/hydraulic impacts to the State's highway right-of-way or drainage facilities. Response: Comment acknowledged. The District does intend to achieve the mitigation measures identified under Section IV, Water, of the MND. Comment: Any increase of discharge into the State drainage system must be mitigated. Runoff must meet Lahontan RWQCB water quality standards prior to entering the State's right-of-way or drainage facilities. No net increase to the surface water peak runoff discharge (100 year storm event) within the State's right-of--way and drainage facilities may be realized as a result of the project. Best Management Practices should be included to remove objectionable pollutants and to manage stormwater prior to the State's right-of-way. Property owner must properly maintain BMP systems. Response: Comment acknowledged. The issue of runoff meeting LRWQCB standards is addressed in Section IV, Water, of the MND including Mitigation Measure BIO-3 which requires"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...". None of the proposed projects are intended to discharge to the State's right-of-way or drainage facilities. 3 SAUERS ENGINEERING 530 265 6834 09/29/03 02:44pm P. 005 Comment:Existing drainage patterns must be perpetuated, maintained or improved. Pre-and post hydrologic/hydraulic calculations should be supplied for review. Response: Comment acknowledged. None of the proposed projects will impact drainage patterns in the State's right-of-way or drainage facilities. Comment:An Encroachment Permit will be required for any work conducted in the State's right-of-way. Response: Comment acknowledged. None of the proposed projects will be in the State's right-of-way. Letter from California Regional.Water Quality Control Board,Lahontan Region, dated September 5, 2003: Comment:A National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)general permit for storm water discharges will be required due to construction activities resulting in a land disturbance of more than one acre. As part of the NPDES Permit, the applicant is required to develop and implement a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). The final MND should include a draft or final SWPPP. Response: Comment acknowledged. The District does intend to generally ermit for andfor obtain a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System(NPDES) g P torm water discharges through the Lahontan RWQCB. The permit application package will include the SWPPP. This issue is addressed in Section IV,Water, of the MND including Mitigation Measure BIO-3 which requires"Prior to any construction activities,including tree removal,the applicant will coordinate with the LRWQCB in preparation of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)." With respect to the SWPPP being included with the final MND, design level detail has not been developed at the various sites to prepare a meaningful SWPPP. The District intends to submit the SWPPP with the NPDES Permit application. The SWPPP requires specific design information which has not yet been developed for the project sites. The District typically completes the CEQA process before beginning detailed engineering design work. This is to ensure that issues arising from the CEQA review are incorporated into the design and to avoid redesigning projects to include CEQA issues. Once design work has reached a sufficient level at each of the project sites,the SWPPP will be prepared including site specific grading/drainage and erosion control plans. 4 SAUERS ENGINEERING SS0 26S 68S4 OSl29l03 02:44pm P. 006 Comment: Closely related to storm water controlltreatment is erosion control. Regional Board staff considers any increase in sediment loading to the Truckee River and its tributaries as a significant impact. The final AND should identify probable erosion control BMPs and locations were they would likely be deployed. The draft or final SWPPP could be used to provide such information. Staff recommends that erosion control BMPs focus on source control with treatment- based BMPs providing a second line of defense. Response: Comment acknowledged. As stated above, this issue is addressed in Section IV, Water, of the MND including Mitigation Measure BI0-3 which requires "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 mitigation measure also includes the following with respect to BMPs: "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." More detailed and site specific BMPs will be developed following the completion of engineering design at each of the sites. This information will be included in the SWPPP. Comment: The MND discusses potential disturbance to wetlands and surface water drainages. The Regional Board's Basin Plan contains prohibitions regarding the discharge of waste to surface waters of the Truckee River Hydrologic Unit, and the discharge of wastes to the I00-yearflood plains of the Truckee River and its tributaries. The Basin Plan also contains exemption criteria for the prohibition addressing waste discharges to I00 year flood plains of the Truckee River and its tributaries, however no such exemption criteria exists for isolated surface waters (including isolated wetlands). It is important that the final MND identifies the type of each surface water. It is also imperative that the final MND identifies each known surface water as isolated or tributary to the Truckee River_ 5 SAUERS ENGINEERING SS0 26S 6694 09/29/0S 02:44Rm P. 007 Response: Comment acknowledged. All of the wetlands and surface water features included in the MND are tributary to the Truckee River. The District does intend to meet exemption criteria for waste discharge prohibitions on the basis of water quality improvements associated with the restoration and creation of wetlands at Greenpoint Springs. Through the Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certification and General Permit process, site specific alternatives will be defined for improving water quality. The Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certification and General Permit will be subject to the review and approval of the Regional Board prior to any construction activities in these areas. The project does not include any discharges to isolated surface waters. Comment.Regional Board staff is concerned about potentially significant environmental impacts related to hazardous waste management. Regional board staff recommends that the final MND includes Material Safety Data Sheets for all stored hazardous materials so that staff can evaluate potential water quality threats. Response: The only chemical typically stored in District facilities is liquid chlorine solution for use at well facilities. District facilities using liquid chlorine utilize secondary containment for storage of the material. The proposed new well included in the MND will include secondary containment of chlorine. Comment.Regional Board staff is concerned about potentially significant environmental impacts related to construction wastes. The MND should include a Construction Waste Management Plan as an element of the SWPPP. Response: Comment acknowledged. The District intends to submit the SWPPP with the NPDES Permit application. The SWPPP requires specific design information which has not yet been developed for the project sites. Waste management issues will be addressed in the SWPPP. Comment. The MND defines "Waters of the United States"and "other waters of the United States, " but Waters of the State are not defined. It is important that Waters of the State are defined because isolated surface waters may be considered Waters of the State, but not Waters of the United States. The MND should include the definition of Waters of the State_ Response: Comment acknowledged. As discussed above, all of the wetlands and surface water features included in the MND are tributary to the Truckee River. The project does not include any isolated surface waters, therefore the definition of Waters of the United States is considered sufficient. 6 SAUERS ENGINEERING Sao 26S 6eS4 09!29t09 02:44Pm P. 006 Comment: The MND discusses State Regulation of Wetlands and Waters, It states that the SWRCB must certify that the US Army Corp of Engineers permit action meets the State's water quality objectives. The Lahontan Region Basin Plan contains other standards/regulations besides the water quality objectives. Please be aware that the SWRCB or Regional Board must certify that the ACOE permit action meets all applicable water quality standards. The MND should be amended to correct this statement. Response: Comment acknowledged. The District intends to apply for and obtain a Clean Water Act Section 404 permit from the ACOE as well as a Section 401 Water Quality Certification from the Lahontan Region. The Water Quality Certification will meet the standards of the Lahontan Region Basin Plan. Comment: The MND discusses wetlands and notes a number of small spring channels that cross the Richards Drive Booster Pump Station parcel. Regional Board staff is concerned that some of these surface waters may be isolated. Isolated surface waters must not be disturbed. The MND should be amended to include a statement that all isolated surface waters should be avoided. Response: Comment acknowledged. As discussed above, all of the wetlands and surface water features included in the MND are tributary to the Truckee River, including the Richards Drive Booster Pump Station parcel. The project does not include isolated surface waters. 7 SALTERS ENGINEERING S30 26S 6834 09/29/03 02:44pm P. 008 Susan Lindstr6m, Ph.D. Consulting Archaeologist P.O. Box 3324 Truckee CA 96160 530-587-7072 voice 530-587-7083 fax slindstrom@jps.net DATE: August 8, 2003 TO: TDPUD c/o Keith Knibb, Principal Sauers Engineering 440 Lover Grass Valley Road, Suite A Nevada City CA 95959 530-265-8021 (265-6834 fax) sauers(7ips.net RE: TDPUD Donner Lake/Old Greenwood Project Heritage Resource Study Update This memo is to notify you of recent information regarding the potential historical status of waterworks currently located at the Greenpoint Springs and Upper Tank sites. At the time the heritage study report was prepared, dates of construction were unknown and additional research was recommended in order to determine their age and significance. Recently, correspondence involving permit applications and sanitary surveys for the Donner Lake water system, on file with the State of California Department of Public Health and dating from 1978, documents the age of the Upper Tank at 1960 and the age of the Greenpoint Springs tanks at 1955. Accordingly, these facilities are not older than 50 years and are not considered to be historic. The TDPUD plans to decommission and demolish the tanks and should not be constrained in doing so, at least in terms of heritage issues. However, even though the redwood tanks are not historic, they are waterworks features of interest. The TDPUD is encouraged, but not required, to either preserve them in place or move them to another locale for adaptive reuse. SAUERS ENGINEERING 590 26S 6834 09/29/08 02:44pm P. 010 Au¢-26-2003 02:I7pm From-TRUCKEE DONNER PUD +5306871139 T-937 P.002/003 F-695 — — _ GRAY DAVIS,Govemor STATE Of cpllFORNIa PAUL D.THAYER,Executive officer (81GI 574-18DO FAX(SIG)674-1810 CALIFORNIA STATE LANDS COMi1pIS510N t GeOfomia Relay Servfce From r00 Phone 1.800.735 2932 100 Howe Avenue, Suite 100-south from voice Phone 1.900-73549228 Sacramento,CA 96825-8202 Contact Contact FAXt f916)574-1635 August 26, 2003 File Ref; SCH 2O03082017 Ms, Nadell Gayou The Resources Agency 1020 9th Street. 3rd Floor Sacramento, CA 95814 Mr. Peter L. Holzmeister General Manager Truckee D n g61Public 9h1 ity DistrictTruckee, G Dear Ms. Gayou and Mr. Holzmeister: Subject; Draft Mitigated Negative Declaration and Environmental Initial Study for Donner Lake Water System Rehabilitation Phase 2, Nevada and Placer Counties has Staff of the California State Lands Commission (CSLC) comments.rewewed the subject document. Based on our review,we offer the following in the bed of Donner Lake. As you know, the CSLC has jurisdiction over beds of the navigable lakes, rivers and streams. California holds a sovereign fee ownership 8fimprovement The CSLC recognizes the low water mark, being elevation Physicala .8 feet, National Vertical Datum, as an administration line for leasing purposes. water ward of elevation 5933,8 feet will require a lease from the CSLC. However, the proposed project may be exempted from the CSLC leasing provided that a Permit has requirement under Public Resources Cod hSeReclamat on on 6327. Board, the Department been obtained from one of the following: Water Resources or the U S. Army Corps of Engineers. h and low water Additionally, a Public Trust Easement exists between the high ris located th etween evati marks,which at Danner Lake a ovides theb h members lof eapubl c e right to navigate respectively. This easement p SAUERS ENGINEERING Sao 2SS SeS4 09/29/OS 02:44pm P. 011 AuY-26-2Dp3 02:I4m FIOm-TRUCKEE DOANER PUD +53D58T1189 '-93T P.003/003 F-695 Ms. Nadell GaYou Mr. Peter Holzmeister Page a osed ro ect and exercise the incidenCeE this neasement right of the publ cr The entee lake isalso must not restrict or imp subject to a public navigational easement. a nds under its waiver or limitation of This letter is not intended, nor should it be construed as, any right, title, or interest of the State Lands Commission in anY la jurisdiction. If you have any questions, please Thank you for the opportunity to comment. contact Bill Young, Public Land Management Specialist, at (916) 574-1867, Sincerely, ten •s1Stephen L. ins,gsst. Ghlef F3ivision of Environmental Planning and Management Cc-. Bill Young SAVERS ENGINEERING S30 265 6634 09/23/06 02:44pm P. 012 Sap-05-2003 D3:43pm From-TRUCKEE DONNER PUD +83058TIA9 T-021 P.001/002 F-823 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION WSTRICT 3 703 B STREET P. 0.BOX 911 Flex your power! MARYSVILLE,CA 95901.0911 Be energy efficient! PHON (530)741-4025 R�Cro SEP 05 2003 FAX (530)741.534E TPY (530)741-4509 September 3, 2003 03NEV0031 03-NEV-080-PM 9.01-20.83 Donner Lake Water System Rehabilitation Phase 2 MND, SCH# 2003082017 Mr.Peter Iiolzmeister, General Manager Truckee Donner Public Utility District P.O. Box 309 Truckee, CA 96160-0309 Dear Mr, Holzmeister: Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on the above referenced mitigated negative declaration (MND) for the proposed Donner Lake Water System Rehabilitation Phase 2 project. Our comments on the MND are as follows: • Provided the Mitigation Measures identified under Section IV. Water are achieved and highway surface water runoff is not obstructed by the construction activities of the rehabilitation project, there should be no adverse hydrologidhydraulic impacts to the State's highway right-of-way or drainage facilities. • If any alterations are made to the project that would impact the State's right-of-way and/or drainage facilities, then the following provisions would apply: • Any increases of discharge into the State drainage system must be mitigated. Runoff must meet Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCR) water quality standards prior to entering the State's right-of--way or drainage facilities. No net increase to the surface water (stormwater) peak runoff discharge (100 year storm event) within the State's rigbt-of-way and drainage facilities may be realized as a result of the completion of the project. Rest Management Practices (BMP) should be included to remove objectionable pollutants and to manage stormwater prior to discharging into the State's right- of-way. Once installed, the property owner must properly maintain these systems. Acceptable constituency levels and appropriate BMP information can be obtained from the RWQCR. -Caltrans emproues taability gross Cali(arn i" SAUER6 ENGINEERING 5SO 26S 68S4 09/29/03 02:44pm P. 01S Sep-05-2003 03:0pm From-TRUCKEE 004NER PUD +5305871188 021 P 002/002 F-823 Mr.Peter Hohmeister September 3,2003 Page 2 ■ Existing drainage patterns must be perpetuated, maintained or improved. Pre- and post-project hydrologic/hydraulic calculations should be supplied for our review. Please request these calculations and send them to Mr. Mike DeWall, District 3 Hydraulics Branch in Marysville for review prior to final project approval. Mr. DeWall can be reached at (530) 741-4056. • An Encroachment Permit will he required for any work conducted in the State's right-of-way, including for signs in the right-of-way, traffic control, light installation, culvert maintenance, changes in drainage patterns, sidewalk installation or construction of any new or rehabilitated access. To secure an application, please contact Mr. Bruce Capaul, Caltrans District 3, Office of Permits, at 530-741-4408. If you have any questions regarding these comments, please contact Rick Helman, Local Dervelopment/Intergovernmental Review Coordinator, at (530) 634-7612. Sincerely, BRUCE DE TERRA, Chief Office of Regional and Transit Planning Cc: State Clearinghouse "Cairrans improvew mobility acroaa California" SAJERS ENGINEERING SSO 26S 6834 09i28108 02:44pm P. 014 -- PAGE 01/04 r 09/05/2eO3 14:23 53915442271 CRAOCB California Regional Water Quality Control Board winstak ri.Fnckox Lahontan Region Gray Davis Gower or r9far 2501 take Tahoe Boulevard,South Lake Tahoe,California 96150 EnvirvAvOmnmenmf rho (530)5a2.5a00 a FAX M0)544-2271 Protection 7ntem I MtpJ/www.ause6 ca govMvgeb6 .. post-ita ax Note 7671 Rain(� �D- pages September 5,2003 to I Frm Co.roerl �. co. Phone A Phone e am 3 Fanm Peter L.liolzmeister,General Manager Truckee Donner Public Utility District P.O.Box 309 11570 Donner Pass Road Truckee,CA.96160 COMMENTS ON THE DRAFT INITIAL STUDY I NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR TICE DONNER LAKE WATER SYSTEM REHABILITATION PROJECT, PHASE 2, TOWN OF TRUCKEE, NEVADA COUNTY (SCH NO.2003082017) The Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board(Regional Board)staff has reviewed the Draft Initial Study!Mitigated Negative Declaration(U ND)for the above-referenced project that was received on August 5,2003. The Truckee Donner Public Utility District(TDPUD)is the Lead Agency for the proposed project. The TDPUD forwarded the project proposal to responsible and interested agencies for early consultation pursuant to Section 15063(g)of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has prepared an Initial Study to identify what significant impacts need to be analyzed in conjunction with this project. The Initial Study determined that although the project could have a significant effect on the environment,there will not be a significant effect in this case because the mitigation measures proposed are included in the project. Therefore,the TDPUD prepared a Mitigated Negative Declaration. PROJECT DESCWPIIONN The Donner Lake Water System Rehabilitation Project(project)involves the completion of the rehabilitation of the water system serving the Donner Lake area. The project includes construction,operation,and maintenance of 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. Regional Board staff has the following general and specific comments. GENERAL COMMENTS 1. A National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System(NPDES) generat permit for storm water discharges will be required due to construction activities resulting in a land disturbance of one acre or more. The applicant can obtain a Notice of Intent(NPDES general pemut application)for storm water discharges associated with construction activities on the web at lutD-1lwww swrcb ca ov/stonnwtr/constmction.bhna;or one can be provided upon request_ California Environmental Proterrion Agency The energy ohalirnge beamg Cadforn,is real.Every Californian Reeds to take immediate msine or reduce energy consumption.For a Est of slmpto way.you can reduce demand and cut your energy cos,4 see our wetritte as bap=lfwwws reb.ca.cOv Recycled Papr �a SAUERS ENGINEERING SS0 266 68S4 08/28/mS z2:44pm P. 01S 09/05/2003 14:23 5305442271 CRWnCB PAGE 02/e4 Peter L.Eolzmcister -2- As part of the NPDES Permit, the applicant is required to develop and implement a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan(SWPPP). The SWPPP is subject to review by the Regional Board. The Regional Board will require submittal of grading/diainage and erosion control plans as part of the SWPPP,in addition to the other required SWPPP elements. Staff Recommendation -The final MND should include a draft or final SWPPP. The NPDES Storm Water Construction General Permit requires information on elements other than a list of potential BMPs (e.g. construction waste management, BMP maintenance, training,dewatering operations,pollutant source identification). Such information will assist staff in determining if water quality will be adequately protected and will provide an improved basis for concluding that the impact of water quality will be less then significant. 2. Closely related to storm water control/treatment is erosion control. The Truckee River has been placed on the Clean Water Act Section 303(d)List, as being water quality impaired due to excessive sedimentation, Regional Board staff considers any increase in sediment loading to the Truckee River and its tributaries as a significant impact. Staff Recommendation —The final MND should identify probable erosion control BMPs and locations where they would likely be deployed. The draft or final SWPPP could'beused to provide such information,as the final SWPPP will need to identify the specific erosion control BMPs that will be used at the project site and their locations. Staff recommends that the erosion control BMPs focus on source control with treatment-based BMPs providing a second line of defense. Minimizing and stabilizing areas of disturbed soil,stockpile management/protection,dust suppression,covering stockpiles, temporarily and permanently stabilized storm water conveyance features,and sediment tracking controls are some of the source-control measures that can be incorporated into project design and construction. If proposed dust control measures include the use of dust palliatives in addition to or in lieu of water,then staff recommends that the MND includes Material Safety Data Sheets for selected dust palliatives so that staff can better evaluate if the proposed products present potential water quality threats. The North Lahontan Region Project Guidelines for Erosion Control(attached)must also be followed. Staff s experiences indicate that it is more effective to keep the soil in place(source eomro]), rather than trying to remove it once it has been mobilized by storm,water runoff or snow melt (treatment). This is why staff recommends using source-control measures as the primary line of defense with treatment measures in redundancy as the second line of defense. 3, The MND discusses potential disturbance to wetlands and surface water drainages. The Regional Board's Basin Plan contains prohibitions regarding the discharge of waste to surface waters of the Truckee River Hydrologic Unit, and the discharge and threatened discharge of wastes to 100-year flood plains of the Truckee River and its tributaries, The Basin Plan also contains exemption criteria for the prohibition addressing waste discharges to 100-year flood plains of the Truckee River and its tributaries;however,no such exemption criteria exists for isolated surface waters(including isolated wetlands). Staff Recommendation -It is important that the final MND identifies the type of each surface water(ephemeral and perennial channels/creeks/streams,wetlands,ponds, lakes, etc.) and identifies the associated 100-year flood plains where applicable. It is also imperative that the final MND identifies each known surface water as`isolated"or 'tributary to the Truckee River." Surface waters that are tributary to Donner Lake, are considered tributary to the Truckee River. California Environmental Protection Agency The energy challenge toeing Coatarhis is real Every Californian needs to lake immediate action W redone cevgy coasumpdan.Fee a list of simple ways you ten redone demand and eat your energy reels,see our Web-cite at hnpJ/www.awreb.ea.gov �N'Recycled Pope, SALTERS ENGINEERING SS0 295 SeS4 09/29/08 02:44pm P. 016 09/05/2003 14:23 5335442271 CRWDCB F'4i>t 03/04 Peter L.Holzmeister -3- If the project proposal includes discharge of waste, including but not limited to earthen materials,to a surface water that is a tributary of the Truckee River,then the final MND needs to include information demonstrating how the proposed project complies with the prohibition exemption criteria contained in the Basin Plan. If such information is not provided in the final MND,it will be difficult at best to determine if the proposed project complies with the Basin Plan. Please be aware that a Basin Plan violation is considered a significant impact. If the proposed project includes discharges of waste, including but not limited to earthen materials, to isolated surface waters,then more than likely,such a discharge will be prohibited and the project will need to be redesigned to avoid such discharges. 4. Regional Board staff is concerned about potentially significant environmental impacts related to hazardous waste management. Staff Recommendation -The pump stations may contain hazardous materials. Regional Board staff recommends that the final MND includes Material Safety Data Sheets for all stored hazardous materials so that staff can better evaluate if the proposed products present potential water quality threats and proposes secondary containment for hazardous material storage. The final MM should also discuss any other measures the District intends to implement to keep the impacts associated with hazardous materials/wastes to a less than significant level. 5. Regional Board staff is concerned about potentially significant environmental impacts related to construction wastes. Staff Recommendation-The UND should be amended to include a Construction Waste Management Plan, including details on concrete wash areas,concrete waste disposal,trash disposal,and construction equipment waste products disposal. This should be an element of the 5WPPP: SPECIFIC COMMENTS L Pages 13 and14 of the MND define"Waters of the United States"and "other waters of the United States,"but Waters of the State are not defined, it is important that Waters of the State are defined because isolated surface waters may be considered Waters of the State,but not Waters of the United States. Staff Recommendation -The MND should be amended to include the definition for "Waters of the State." 2. Page 15 of the MND discusses State Regulation of Wetlands and Waters. It states that the State Water Resources Control Board(SWRCB)must certify that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE)permit action meets the State's water quality objectives(Section 401 of the Clean Water Act). The Water Quality Control Plon for the Lahontan Region (Basin Plan)contains other standards/regulations besides the water quality objectives(beneficial use protection,prohibitions,anti-degradation policy,etc.). Please be aware that the SWRCB or Regional Board must certify that the ACOE permit action meets all applicable water quality standards. Staff Recommendation-The MND should be amended to correct this statement. California Environmental Protection Agency The energy chsllende facing Cmirarnts is real.Every Californian needs to take immediate adinn to reduce energy sensumption.For n list or simple ways yoo can reduce demand and cut your energy costs,see out wt"te at M1ttp:/Mwwewreh na.gov Recycled Paper 10 SAUERS ENGINEERING S30 28S 8884 09/29/05 02:44pm P. 017 89/b5/211003 14:13 bJUt)442211 CKWUL:d FAUt 174/Gq Peter L. Holzmeister 4- I Page 35 of the MND discusses wetlands and notes a number of small spring channels that cross the eastern half of the Richards Drive Booster Pump Station and Pipeline parcel. Regional Board staff is concerned that some of these surface waters may be isolated(not hydrologically connected)because ACOE will most likely not take jurisdiction and you need to be aware that isolated surface waters must not be disturbed (total avoidance). Although the Basin Plan contains exemption criteria to the surface 100-year flood plain discussed above in General Comment No. 3,no exemption criteria exist for these isolated surface waters. Staff Recommendation •The MND should be amended to include a statement that all isolated surface waters shall be avoided. Specific measures for how they will be avoided should be included(i.e. construction fencing). Regional Board staff appreciates you conducting your project in a manner that protects water quality: if you have any questions or comments regarding this matter,please contact Robin Mahoney,Water Resource Control Engineer, at (530)542-5417, or me at(530)542-5430. Sincerely, Scott C.Fergus , hief Truckee River Watershed Unit Enclosures: North Lahontan Region Project Guidelines for Erosion Control Summary of Waste Discharge Prohibitions and Exemption Criteria cc: Town of Truckee Community Development Department,Stacy Wydra Nevada County Planning Department,Allen Breuch Nevada County Department of Environmental Health, Janet Mann Town of Truckee,Heidi Scobie Department of Fish and Game,Region 2 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,Matt Kelly Sailers Engineering, Inc.,Keith Knibb RFMI%T:TDPUD Water Rehab MND [New Pendinr Truckee Donner PUD,Danner Lake Water System Rehabilitation-Phase 2,Placer Co.J California Environmental Protection Agency The energy challenge facing California is real-Every Californian needs to take immedtato aellon no reduce eaera consumption.Fora list of simplc rays you cea eMuee demand mad eat your energy coat,,ue our Webaite nl6npzfA w ,vrabca.gov Recycled Pormr SAUERS ENGINEERING S90 265 G884 0S/29r0S 02:44pm P. 018 NEGATIVE DECLARATION ( ) Proposed (XX) 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 of ascertaining 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-l: 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 f Q„r h,Q eYrAvatPtl material at an acceptable location protected from offsite SAJERS ENGINEERING S32) 26S GS94 0612S103 02,44pm 013 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 andlor grading plans. B10-1: 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. 11110-2: 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 die 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 Lahonern Regional Water Quality Control Board(LRWQCB), BTO-3t Prepare Mitigation Plan for Protecting Water and Soil Resources. Prior to any construction activities, including tree removal, the applicant will coordinate with the LRRTQCB in preparation ofa StormwaterPollution 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,snawwattles,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. BIO-4: Native Tree Replacement Planting Plan.Prior to constnlction,the applicant will conduct an inventory of all trees to be removed. 1f the trees are to be removed during the avian breeding season(April [-September 1, allowing for dispersal of young for some species), pre-construction surveys fornesting 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 SAVERS ENGINEERING SS0 2E5 6884 08/28/08 02e44pm P. 020 Springs.The planting plan will be prepared by a qualified restoration specialist and provide forreplacement using only locally native tree species in a minimum 5-gallon(or equivalent) container size and at a replacement ratio of 2:1. NOI-l: 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-2 If artifacts,paleontological or cultural,or unusual amounts of stone,bone,shell,or artifacts related to the early settlement ofthe 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 SAUER9 ENGINEERING 550 28S 8834 09/29/03 02:44pm P. 021 NOTICE OF DETERMINATION To:_ Office of Planning and Research From: Truckee Donner PUD 1400 Tenth Street,Room 121 P.O. Box 309 Sacramento, CA 95814 Truckee,CA 96160-0309 X County Clerk County of Nevada 201 Church Street Nevada City,CA 95959 Subject: Filing of Notice of Determination in compliance with Section 21.108 or 21152 of the Public Resources Code. Donner Lake Water System Rehabilitation Phase 2 Project Title 2003082017 Peter L. Holzmeister (530)587-3896 State Clearinghouse Number Responsible Agency Area Code/Telephone Contact Person Truckee Nevada and Placer Counties Project Location(include county) 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. This is to advise that the Truckee Donner Public Utility District has approved the described project on Oct. 1.2003 and 10 Lead Agency 0 Responsible Agency Date has made the following determinations regarding the above described project: 1. The project[Owi11®will not]have a significant effect on the environment. 2. ❑ An Environmental Impact Report was prepared for this project pursuant to the provisions of CEQA. 0 A Negative Declaration was prepared for this project pursuant to the provisions of CEQA. 3. Mitigation measures [H were 0 were not] made a condition of the approval of the project. 4. A statement of Overriding Considerations[ 0 was 0 was not] adopted for this project. S. Findings [0 were❑ were not]made pursuant to the provisions of CEQA. This is to certify that the Negative Declaration with comments and responses and record of project approval is available to the General Public at: Truckee Donner Public Utility Dist P O Box 309 11570 Donner Pass Road, Truckee CA 96160-0309 Peter L. Holzmeister,General Manager Date DEG Fee S 1,250.00 Date received for filing at OPR: SAUERS ENGINEERING SS0 2SS ee54 09I29f09 02:44pm P. 022 Truckee Donner Public Utility District Donner Lake Water System Rehabilitation, Phase 2 MITIGATION MONITORINNG PROGRAM The Mitigation Monitoring Program insures the enforcement of mitigation measures included in the project's negative declaration. The Environmental Initial Study identifies mitigation monitoring responsibilities including method of implementation, timing of implementation, and responsible party. The following Mitigation Monitoring Program Checklist provides a method to verify implementation of mitigation measures. Typically, mitigation measures are implemented at three phases of a project; project planning and design, project construction, and following project completion. The checklist shows verification of implementation at each phase for each mitigation measure. Truckee Donner Public Utility District Donner Lake Water System Rehabilitation, Phase 2 m m MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM CHECKLIST a E Mitigation Measure Mitigation Monitoring Verification at Verification Verification at Continents 0. Planning/Design During Project Construction Completion N GFO-1: Prior to excavation at the various Project Engineer-Geotechnical 0) tank sites a geotechnical investigations of the investigations will be completed as m tank sites will be conducted to determine the directed by Project Engineer with N stability of the soil and rock material to be recommendations implemented in project aexposed during construction. The tank design. 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 Project Engineer-Project Engineer will m revegetation of exposed soil areas on the cut be responsible for design of permanent and fill slopes,asphalt pavement on access BMPs,inclusion in project design,and to road and tank access area,and permanent implementation during construction, disposal of surplus excavated material at an m acceptable location protected from offsite ui migration. ALR-1: Fugitive dust emissions resulting Project Engineer-Engineer to be from site clearing and any project responsible for including air quality 0 improvements shall be minimized at all times mitigation measures in construction z utilizing control measures including dust specifications and monitoring compliance Wpalliative,regularly applied water,graveled during construction. z or paved haul roads,etc. Access or haul zroads adjacent to the project must be treated w as necessary to prevent off-site migration and accumulation of dirt,soils,or other materials W which can subsequently become entrained in N ambient au,either from construction related vehicles or from any vehicle using adjacent affected roads. Mitigation Measure Mitigation Monitoring Verification at Verification Verification at Comments Planning/Design During Project Construction Completion N e AIR-2: When transporting material during Project Engineer-Engineer to be a site preparation or construction,measures responsible for including air quality shall be used to prevent materials from mitigation measures in construction EL spilling or blowing onto street and highways. specifications and monitoring compliance It Earthen materials, if transported,shall be during construction. adequately sprayed with water or covered prior to transport onto public roads. Vegetative material shall be tarped as m necessary prior to transport. Specific control measures shall be noted on improvement and/or grading plans. BI0-1: Pre-construction Surveys for Project Biologist,Project Engineer- Special Status Wildlife. Conduct surveys Engineer to be responsible for for yellow warbler,nesting raptors, and other coordinating with biologist prior to special status wildlife prior to construction construction season. Engineer to be activities during the breeding season(April responsible for including any i-September 1, including dispersal of young recommendations of biologist in contract m for some species). If an active nest is specifications. Biologist to coordinate m located,construction activities shall be with CDFG if appropriate. N limited in the vicinity of the nest based on m recommendations by the surveying biologist m and consultation with the California Department of Fish and Game. t7 Or w w z Cs z w m a w to Mitigation Measure Mitigation Monitoring Verification at Verification Verification at Comments Planning/Design During Project to Construction Completion N © BI0-2: Wetland and Riparian Habitat Project Engineer,Project Biologist- a Mitigation. Both permanent and temporary Engineer will coordinate with Project E impacts to wetland and riparian vegetation Biologist in preparation of revegetation n will be mitigated at a ratio of 1.5:1 through a plan. Engineer will be responsible for a combination of on-site restoration and the coordination with USACF and LRWQCB a creation of similar habitat at a local site during preparation and approval of owned by applicant and to be protected in revegetation plan.Engineer will be p perpetuity through designation as a responsible for including revegetation m conservation easement, i.e., Greenpoint plan requirements in construction plans Springs. A general revegetation and and confirming during construction. 0 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 It 80. The revegetation plan will be prepared by ro a qualified restoration specialist and m consistent with guidelines for habitat mitigation plans provided by the U.S.Army N Corps of Engineers(USACOE) and the NLahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board(LRWQCB). (9 z w w z 0 z w or 01 w a ar Mitigation Measure Mitigation Monitoring Verification at Verification Verification at Comments Planning/Design During Project m Construction Completion N ® BIO-3: Prepare Mitigation Plan for Project Engineer,Project Biologist- s Protecting Water and Soil Resources. Engineer will coordinate with Project E Prior to any construction activities,including Biologist in preparation of SWPPP. v tree removal,the applicant will coordinate Engineer will be responsible for with the LRWQCB in preparation of a coordination with LRWQCB during a Stonnwater Pollution Prevention Plan preparation and approval of SWPPP. (SWPPP).The plan will include a detailed Engineer will be responsible for p erosion control plan and Best Management including SWPPP requirements in `m Practices(BMPs)for preventing impacts to construction plans and confirming during water quality,including(but not limited to): construction. 0 1)Construction adjacent to seep-spring habitats, including mamnade 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 y and access roads utilizing erosion control blankets,straw wattles,revegetation, mulches of pine needles,mulch or wood w chips,locally native seed,or rock slope N protection,depending on the soils and slope m gradient.Non-native seed,straw bales and m straw mulches will not be used; 3)Prior to construction,install silt-fencing to protect perennial or seasonal seeps,springs, 0 drainages,meadows and other sensitive z habitats adjacent to construction;4)After w construction is complete,all sites will be z restored to pre-construction conditions;and 5)prepare a detailed monitoring plan to W ensure BMP success. to rr w m Mitigation Measure Mitigation Monitoring Verification at Verification Verification at Comments Planning/Design During Project Construction Completion m BIO-4:Native Tree Replacement Planting Project Engineer,Project Biologist- a Plan.Prior to construction,the applicant will Engineer to be responsible for E conduct an inventory of all trees to be coordinating with biologist prior to a removed. If the trees are to be removed construction season in conducting the tree `t during the avian breeding season(April 1- inventory. Engineer to be responsible for ® September 1, allowing for dispersal of young including planting plan in contract for some species), pre-construction surveys specifications and confirming during for nesting birds should be conducted prior construction- to removing trees. Trees over 36-inches diameter should be avoided to the greatest e 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 to ro native tree species in a minimum 5-gallon(or m equivalent)container size and at a N replacement ratio of 2:1. s LD N0I-1: Construction shall be restricted Project Engineer-Engineer to be Monday through Friday,7:00 am-6:00 pm responsible for including noise mitigation and Saturdays from 10:00 am -5:00 pm. measures in construction specifications Construction plans shall include reference to and monitoring compliance during z these restricted hours of construction. construction. W W W z W W W ll W Q b1 Mitigation Measure Mitigation Monitoring Verification at Verification Verification at Comments Planning/Design During Project Construction Completion CO m CUL-2 If artifacts,paleontological or Project Engineer-Conditions of this a cultural,or unusual amounts of stone,bone, mitigation measure will be included in E shell,or artifacts related to the early contract specifications and implemented, EL settlement of the Truckee area are uncovered if necessary,by the District during I `t during construction activity,work shall be construction. m halted and a qualified archeologist shall be consulted for an on-site review. Mitigation measures,as recommended by the m archeologist in accordance with Appendix K a of the CEQA Guidelines,shall be 6) 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. 03 (0 m la (a N 0 Ca N 0 Z W W W Z_ 0 Z W N a' W Q (a