HomeMy WebLinkAbout4 Donner Lake Rehabilitation 8AUER9 ENGINEERING 680 265 6GS4 09/04/09 09:06am P. 001
Sauers Engineering, Inc. AS-Mo Y
Civil & Environmental Engineers
Memorandum
September 4, 2003
TO: Board of Directors, and
Peter Holzmeister, General Manager
FROM: Keith Knibb, Consulting Engineer
SUBJECT: Donner Lake Water System Rehabilitation, Phase 2 - CEQA
As of September 3, 2003, the State Clearinghouse review period was closed for the Donner Lake
Water System Rehabilitation, Phase 2. The Board of Directors held a Public Hearing on August
20, 2003. Two 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 comments.
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 S90 26S 68S4 09/04/08 09:06am 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
Lindstrom, Ph.D, dated August 8, 2003 1
Letter from California State Lands Commission dated 2
August 26, 2003
Verbal comments from Al Farrantine at the Public
Hearing of August 20, 2003 2
Memo from Project Consulting Archaeologist Susan Lindstrom, Ph.D, dated August 8, 2003:
Comment: The Upper Tanks and the Greenpoint Springs Tanks are not older
than SO 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 Greenpoint 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:
" 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."
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SAWERS EN�INE=RING 530 255 5804 DW04/W O9t06a,, ?. 003
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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 Penuit Application From Danner
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 constricted. According to the %te'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 CI JL-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 phvsiccd improvement
waterward 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
e onset 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 A] Farrantine at the Public Hearing of August 20,2003:
Comment: The location of the proposed water storage lank between Donner Lake
Road and I-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
2
SAUERS ENGINEERING 630 Z65 6884 09/04/0S 09:06am P. 004
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.
3
��,unrxs erv�t�=rt � saa z� ea3a asiO4ras ao,ae�m . oral
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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( ) Namc: _
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 Uridelines for
the California Environmental Quality Act fortlte purpose ofascertaining whetherthis 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 geotechnicai 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
geoteehnicalinvestigations.
GEO-2: Permanent AMPs will include revegetation of exposed soil areas on the cut and Fill
dopes,asphalt pavement on access mad and tankaccess area,and permanent disposal
of surplus excavated material at an acceptable location protected from offshe
migration.
34UEnS ENGINEERING 550 ZBS S504 OWDOWEG 09:05am P. Oa5
I
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 Carped as necessary prior to transport. Specific
control measures shall be noted on improvement and/or grading plans.
RIO-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 toe breeding season (April 1-September I, 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.
RIO-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.,Greenpoim
Springs.A general revegetation and restoration plan will he 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).
B1O-3: Prepare Mitigation Plan for Protecting Water and Soil Resources. Prior to any
construction activities, including tree removal, the applicant will coordinate with the
LRW QCH in preparation ofa Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan(S WPPP).Theplan 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.
BIO-d: 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 durmg the avian
breeding season(April 1-September 1, allowing for dispersal of young for some species),
pre-construction surveys fornesting birds should be conducted priorto 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 S90 ZSS 5934 W8 0410g 09:0Sam P. 007
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.
NOL-1: Construction shalt 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 thesc 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 of the Truckee areaare 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
SALTERS ENW-I4EE3ING S30 ZSS B034 03I04J05 o9o0San ?. 003
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
Subjecti
Filing of Notice of Determination in compliance with Section 21108 or 21152 of the Public Resources Code.
Donner Lake Wgter,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 Sept. 10,2003 and
0 Lead Agency ❑ Responsible Agency Date
hag made the following determinations regarding the above described project:
L The project FLwill Swill not;have a significant effect on the environment.
2. ❑An Environmental Impact Report was prepared for this project pursuant to the provisions of CEQA.
&A Negative Declaration was prepared for this project pursuant to the provisions of CEQA.
3. Mitigation measures[z were❑were not]made a condition of the approval of the project.
4. A statement of Overriding Considerations[O was®was not]adopted for this project.
5. Findings[®were❑were rot]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 availehlc to the General
Public at:
Truckee Donner Public Utility Dist P.O.Sox 309 11570 Donner Pass Road Truckee CA 96 16 0-03 99
Peter L.Holzmeister,General Manager Date
DFG Fee S 1 0.00
Date received for filing at OPR:
.......... __ . ..::..
34,JERS =NGINEERING S30 2GS 3334 DEWZ)4 33 03a05am P. 003
Truckee Donner Public Utility District
Donner Lake Water System Rehabilitation, Phase 2
MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM
The Mitigation Monitoring Program insures the enforcement of mitigation measures included in
the project's negative declaration. The Enviromnental 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
MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM CHECKLIST
Mitigation Measure Mitigation Monitoring Verification at Verification Verification at Comments N
Planning(Design During Project c
Construction Completion M
GEO-I: Prior to excavation at the various Project Engineer-Geotechnical z
tank sites a geotechnical investigations of the investigations will be completed as 0
tank sites will be conducted to determine the directed by Project Engineer with 2 stability of the soil and rock material to be recommendations implemented in project A
exposed 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.
01
GEO-2: Permanent BMPs will include Project Engineer-Project Engineer will
revegetation of exposed soil areas on the cut be responsible for design of permanent ro
and fill slopes,asphalt pavement on access BMPs,inclusion in project design,and 01
road and tank access area,and permanent implementation during construction. 0
disposal of surplus excavated material at an
acceptable location protected from offsite
migration.
AIR-1: Fugitive dust emissions resulting Project Engineer-Engineer to be
from site clearing and any project responsible for including air quality
improvements shall be minimized at all times mitigation measures in construction
utilizing control measures including dust specifications and monitoring compliance 0 !;
palliative,regularly applied water,graveled during construction. a
or paved haul roads,etc. Access or haul
roads adjacent to the project must be treated m ji
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 3
vehicles or from any vehicle using adjacent
affected roads. v '•
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Mitigation Measure Mitigation Monitoring Verification at Verification Verfcaton at Comments
Planning/Design During Project
Construction Completion
AIR-I! When trausponing material during Project Engineer-Engineer to be
site preparation or construction,meagores responsible for including air qualky
shall be used to prevent materials from mitigation measures in construction u�
spilling or blowing onto street and highways, specifications and monitoring compliance J i
Earthen materials,if transported,shall be during construction.
adequately sprayed with water or covered m
Pilo] to transport onto public roads. z
Vegetative material shall be tarred as
necessary prior to tnmsport. Specific control m
measures shall be noted on improvement
and/or grading plans. '
si
BIO-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 osu m uction conste5on season. Engineer to be o
cn
activities during the breeding season(April responsible for including any
I-September 1,including dispersal of young ieconuncadations of biologist in contract in
for some species). If an active nest is specifications. Biologist to coordinate to
a
Ieweted,construction activities shall be with CDFG if appropriate m
limited in the vicinity of the nest based on
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recommendations by the surveying biologist
and consultation with the California
Department of Fish and Game,
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Mitigation Measure Mitigation Monitoring Verification at Verification Verification at Comments
Planning/Design During Project
Construction Completion
13I0-2; Wetland and Riparian Habitat Project Engineer,Project Biologist-
Mitigation.Both permanent and temporary Engineer will coordinate with Project
impacts to wetland and riparian vegetation Biologist in preparation of revegetation m
will be mitigated at a ratio of 1.5:1 through a plan. i=ginecr will he responsible for
combination of on-site restoration and the coordmation with USACE and LR WQCB �
creation of similar habitat at a local site during preparation and approval of ul
owned by applicant and to be protected in revegetation plan.Engineer will be m
perpetuity through designation as a responsible for including revegetation �u
conservation easement,i.e.,Greeupoi nt plan requirements in construction plans 1
Springs. A general revegetation and and confirming during construction. A
restoration plan will be prepared for all z
�u
disturbed sites.In additinry a site-specific
revegetation plan will be developed for
Greenpoint Springs,including the restoration
of wetlands impacted historically by water m
diversions and the construction o£Inlertate 0)
80.The revegmation plan will be prepared by ra
a qualified restoration.specialist and ut
consistent with guidelines for habitat
Mitigation plans provided by the U.S. Amy
Corps of Engineer,(USACOE)and the
Labontan Regional Water Quality Control
Board(LRWQC.B).
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Mitigation Measure Mitigation Monitoring Verification at Verification Verification at Comments
Planning/Design Luring Project
Construction Ccrznpletion
BI0-3: Prepare Mitigation Plan for Project Engineer,Project Biolugist-
Protecting Water and Soil Resources. Pnginccr will coordinate with Project
Prior to any construction activities,including Biologist in preparation of SWPPP. D
tree removal,tho applicant will coordinate Engineer will be responsible.for r_
with the I,RW QCB in preparation of a coordination with LRWQC13 during on
Stornrwaier Pollution Prevention Plan preparation and approval of SWPPP,
Un
(SWPPP).The plan will include a detailed Engineer will be responsible for III
erosion control plan and Best Management including SWPPP requirements in 2
Practices(BMPs)for preventing impacts to construction plans and confirming during In
water quality,including(but not limited to): construction.
1)Construction adjacent to seep-spring z
habitats,ine u hng manmade channels,will
be conducted during late summer to early fall
when runoff and soil moisture is at a
minimum;2)Permanently stabilize all N
disturbed soils,including soils on fill pads m
and access roads utilizing erosion control to
blankets,straw wattles,revegetation, U)
mulches of pine needles,mulch or wood as
chips,locally native seed,or rock slope P
protection, depending on the soils aid 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;A)After
construction is complete,all sites will be
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restored to pre-construction conditions;and `
5)prepare a detailed monitoring plan to m
ensure BMP success.
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Mitigation Measure Mitigation M0000ring Verification at Verification Verification at Comments
Planning!Design During Project
Construction Completion
BIO-A:Native Tree Replacement Planting Project Engineer,Frojcct Biologist-
Pian.Prior to construction. the applicant will Engineer to be responsible for
conduct on inventory of all Lees to be courdinating with biologist prior to to
removed.if the trues are to be removed construction season in conducting the Lee m
during the avian bnteding season(April 1- inventory. Engineer to be responsible for p
September 1,allowing for dispersal of young including planting plan in contract t19
for some spccies),pre-construction surveys specificafions and continuing during z
for nesting birds should be conducted prior construction.. Z
to removing trees.Trees over 36-inches m
diameter should be avoided to the greatest
extent possible.Compensate for the removal tto
of all rimure trees over 12-inches diameter
through replacement on-site,m at the local
mitigation site to be protected through
conservation easement,i.e.,Greenpoint wt
springs. The planting plan will be prepared 0
by a qualified restoration specialist and N
provide for replacement using only locally in
native tree species in a minimum 5-gallon(or
m
equivalent)container size and at a +�
replacement ratio of 2:1.
N0I-1: Construction shall he restricted Project Engineer-Fnginaer 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
these restricted hours of constmotion_ construction. a
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Mitigation Monitoring Verification at Verification Verification at Comments
F
itigafion Measurer planning/Design During Project.
Construction Completion
if artifacts,paleontological or Project Engineer-Conditions of this
l,or unusual amounts of stone,bone, mitigation measure will be included in P
or artifacts related to the early contract specifications and implemented,
m
ent of the i ruckee area are uncovered if necessary,by the District during A
m
construction activity, work shall be construction. Ft
and a qualified archeologist shall be
lted Sot an on-site review. Mitigation m
res,as recommended by the '
ologist in accordance with Appendix K H
CEQA Guidelines,shall bemented prior to ret muencennent of
construction activity. if any bone appears to
be human,California law mandates Thal the
Nevada County Coroner and the Native Ul
American ITeritage Commission be, d
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contacted.
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