HomeMy WebLinkAboutMitigated Declaration Donner Lake Tank s y
41
r�� 1'4, IGsvl .Wt.
...
�'.'". 's`
F s�
>'
vyr - -.
" d3ffi' j'v;vx
T3 1.;
ILI
4�1
w,
JW
1
Notice of Determination Form C
To: ❑ Office of Planning and Research From: (Public Agency)
PO Box 3044, 1400 Tenth Street,Room 212 Truckee Donner Public Utility District
Sacramento,CA 95812-3044
P.O. Box 309; Truckee, CA 96160
County Clerk
County of Nevada lAddess)
950 Maidu Avenue
Nevada City, CA 95959
Subject.
Filing of Notice of Determination in compliance with Section 21108 or 21152 of the Public Resources Code.
Donner Lake Road Water Storage Tank
Project Title
2005052046 Edward Taylor (530) 582-3927
State Clearinghouse Number Lead Agency Area Code/Telephone/Extension
(If submitted to Clearinghouse) Contact Person
Between I-80 and Donner Lake Road in the Town of Truckee, Nevada County, CA
Project Location(include county)
Project Description:
The project involves the construction of a water storage tank, access road, and
pipeline to complete the Donner Lake water system improvement project. The project is
a component of the Department of Health Services Order No. 01-09-00-ORD-02 that
directs the District to improve the Donner Lake Water System and provide additional
water storage capacity, emergency storage, and fire flows to the Donner Lake area.
This is to advise that the Truckee Donner Public Utility District has approved the above described project on
Lcad Agency ❑Responsible Agency
July 6, 2005 and has made the following determinations regarding the above described project:
(Date)
1.The project[❑will JZwill not]have a significant effect on the environment.
2. ❑An Environmental impact Report was prepared for this project pursuant to the provisions of CEQA.
V A Negative Declaration was prepared for this project pursuant to the provisions of CEQA.
3.Mitigation measures[®were ❑were not]made a condition of the approval of the project.
4.A statement of Overriding Considerations[E]was VIwas not]adopted for this project.
5.Findings[[Zwere []were not]made pursuant to the provisions of CEQA.
This is to certify that the final FIR with comments and responses and record of project approval is available to the General Public at:
Truckee Donner Public Utility District; P.O. Box 309; Truckee, CA 96160
Signature(Public Agency) Date Title
Date received for filing at OPR:
January 2004 s
s
26
. .................
MITIGATION MONITORING AND
REPORTING PLAN
DONNER LAKE ROAD WATER STORAGE TANK PROJECT
JULY 2005
i
1 €
MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PLAN
The Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) prepared for this project
documents the impacts and mitigation measures that would reduce, avoid, or otherwise
minimize these impacts. This draft Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
(MMRP) would help ensure that each mitigation measure, adopted as a condition of
project approval, would be implemented. This draft MMRP would comply with CEQA
Guidelines Section 15074(d) that specifies the lead agency shall adopt a program for
reporting on or monitoring the changes that it has either required in the project or made a
condition of approval to mitigate or avoid significant environmental effects.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Truckee Donner Public Utility District (District) would adopt this MMRP when
conditions of project approval are identified in order to mitigate environmental effects. It
would be the responsibility of the District to ensure completion and adoption of the
monitoring program, and for coordination and implementation of the program.
LIST OF MITIGATION MEASURES AND DATE OF COMPLETION
The following mitigation measures have been included in the project to avoid potential
significant effects:
Mitigation Measure(s) — The following mitigation measures shall be incorporated into
the project:
3.1 Aesthetics (c): Any tree over 6" diameter that may need to be removed will be
mitigated by on-site planting of 5-gallon native trees at a 2:1 ratio. The location and
spacing of the trees shall be determined following a Town of Truckee approved
Revegetation Plan and final landscaping design. Tree size and species shall be selected so
as to insure a high likelihood of survival. The District will conduct a five year vegetation
monitoring program to ensure the success of vegetation and additional visual screening.
Yearly reports on survivorship will be prepared by the District based on field
observations. The yearly reports will include any further necessary remedial measures to
ensure likelihood of survival including; additional planting or watering.
Reporting/Responsible Party—Truckee Donner Public Utility District
Timing Process: Post construction
Verification of Compliance (Initials Date Remarks):
3.3 Air Quality (b): Fugitive dust emissions shall be minimized at all times utilizing
control measures including regularly applied water and paved haul roads. When
transporting material during site preparation or construction, measures shall be taken to
prevent material from spilling or blowing onto roadways. The District will also require
contractors to ensure that construction equipment be tuned for optimal performance. 1
2
S
z
Mitigation Monitoring—Truckee Donner Public Utility District
Timing Process: Prior to and during construction
Verification of Compliance(Initials, Date, Remarks):
3.4 Biological Resources(a; d;and e):
(a);(d):Raptor and migratory nest surveys will be conducted prior to construction
activities. If an active nest is located in close proximity to the project site based on
recommendations made to the District by the surveying biologist, the District will
immediately notify the appropriate resource agencies. Any wildlife encountered during
construction activities will be allowed to leave the area unharmed, or herded a safe
direction away from the project site.
(e): Any tree over 6" diameter that may need to be removed will be mitigated by on-site
planting of 5-gallon native trees at a 2:1 ratio. The location and spacing of the trees shall
be determined following a Town of Truckee approved Revegetation Plan and final
landscaping design. Tree size and species shall be selected so as to insure a high
likelihood of survival. The District will conduct a five year vegetation monitoring
program to ensure the success of vegetation and additional visual screening. Yearly
reports on survivorship will be prepared by the District based on field observations. The
yearly reports will include any further necessary remedial measures to ensure likelihood
of survival including additional planting or watering.
Mitigation Monitoring: Truckee Donner Public Utility District
Timing Process: Prior to, during, and post construction
Verification of Compliance (Initials, Date,Remarks):
3.5 Cultural Resources (a-d): The District will have Dr. Susan Lindstrom, a local
Truckee cultural/historic archeologist, on-call during any site disturbance. In the event
that evidence of cultural resources is encountered during construction of the water tank,
access road, and pipeline, Dr. Lindstrom would be notified to record the location of such
resources and gather available information. The District will coordinate any findings
with the appropriate state, federal, and tribal entities according to standard reporting
procedures to avoid disruption of any archaeological and historical resources.
Mitigation Monitoring—Truckee Donner Public Utility District
Timing Process: Prior to and during construction
Verification of Compliance (Initials, Date,Remarks):
3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preface 1
Additions to the Final Mitigated Negative Declaration I
1.0 Introduction 3
1.1 Introduction and Regulatory Guidance 3
1.2 Purpose 3
1.3 Summary of Findings 3
1.4 Public Participation 4
2.0 Project Description 4
2.1 Project Background 4
2.2 Project Location 4
2.3 Project Setting 5
2.4 Project Construction 5
2.5 Alternatives to the Proposed Project 6
2.6 Required Public Agency Approval 6
3.0 Evaluation of Environmental Impacts 13
3.1 Aesthetics 13
3.2 Agricultural Resources 21
3.3 Air Quality 22
3.4 Biological Resources 24
3.5 Cultural Resources 28
3.6 Geology and Soils 29
3.7 Hazards and Hazardous Materials 31
3.8 Hydrology and Water Quality 33
3.9 Land Use and Planning 37
3.10 Mineral Resources 38
3.11 Noise 38
3.12 Population 40
3.13 Public Services 41
3.14 Recreation 42
3.15 Transportation/Traffic 43
3.16 Utilities and Service Systems 44
3.17 Mandatory Findings of Significance 46
Figures
Figure 1. Location of Donner Lake Road water storage tank within the
western portion of Truckee, Nevada County, California. USGS 7.5
Minute Norden Quadranagle. 10
Figure 2. Precise location of Donner Lake Road water storage tank and
associated pipeline. 11
Figure 3. Donner Lake Road water storage tank preliminary site plan. 12
s
s
i
t
Appendices
Appendix A. Public Comments During the Review Period and Responses for
the Draft Mitigated Negative Declaration
Appendix B. USFWS Species List for the Norden and Truckee Quadrangle
Appendix C. Target List of Special-Status Wildlife Potentially Occurring in
the Project Area
Appendix D. Target List of Special-Status Plants Potentially Occurring in
the Project Area
Appendix E. Cultural Resources Record Search and Correspondence
Appendix F. Preliminary SMPs for Project Construction
Y
{
i
PREFACE
This Final Mitigated Negative Declaration has been prepared to respond to comments
received on the Draft Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND). The Draft
MND (State Clearinghouse No. 2005052046) was prepared to comply with the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and addresses the environmental impacts of
constructing the Truckee Donner Public Utility District's (District) Donner Lake Road
water storage tank, access road, and pipeline. In accordance with State CEQA Guidelines
15070, a MND may be prepared if the proposed project will not have a significant effect
on the environment after the inclusion of mitigation measures into the project.
The Draft MND was circulated for a public review period from May 9, to June 29, 2005.
During the review period, public meetings were held at District headquarters on June 1
and 15, 2005 and at the Town of Truckee on June 16, 2005. Public comments from the
District and Town of Truckee meetings were addressed with individual stakeholders and
are incorporated into this Final MND. Public comments received during the review
period for the Draft MND and responses are included as Appendix A. No comments
were received from the State Clearinghouse during the review process.
ADDITIONS TO THE DRAFT MITIGATED NEGATIVE
DECLARATION
The revisions of the Draft MND are developed in response to comments received during
the review process. The additions are indicated by an underline and deletions are
indicated by a "strike-out" where practical.
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 1 July 2005
Truckee Donner Public Utility District Inland Ecosystems
TRUCKEE DONNER PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT
INITIAL STUDY/
MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION
(Prepared pursuant to Article V of the Environmental Guidelines of the
District)
Project Title: Donner Lake Road Water Storage Tank
Lead Agency Name and Address: Truckee Donner Public Utility District
P.O. Box 309
Truckee, CA 96160-0309
Contact Person and Phone Number: Peter L. Holzmeister, General Manager
(530) 582-3916
Project Location: Approximately 1,400 feet southeast of the
intersection of Donner Lake Road and
Interstate 80, Truckee, CA
Project Sponsor's Name and Address: Truckee Donner Public Utility District
P.O. Box 309
Truckee, CA 96160-0309
General Plan Designation: Residential (1 dwelling/acre)
Zoning: Single-Family Residential
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 2 July 2005
Truckee Donner Public Utility District Inland Ecosystems
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 INTRODUCTION AND REGULATORY GUIDANCE
This Initial Study (IS) has been prepared to comply with the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) and addresses the environmental impacts of constructing the
Truckee Donner Public Utility District's (District) Donner Lake Road water storage tank,
access road, and pipeline. The proposed project will respond to the State of California
Department of Health Services (DI-IS) Order No. 01-09-00-ORD-002 that directs the
District to improve the Donner Lake Water System and provide additional water storage
capacity to the Donner Lake area. Projects previously completed under the Order were
reviewed under CEQA in the 2001 Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) for the
"Donner Lake Water System Acquisition and Rehabilitation" and the 2003 MND for the
"Donner Lake Water System Rehabilitation Project, Phase 2".
This IS has been prepared in accordance with CEQA, Public Resources Code 21000 et
seq., and the State CEQA Guidelines, Title 14 California Code of Regulations (CCR)
15000 et sq. An IS is prepared by a lead agency to determine if a project may have a
significant effect on the environment. The lead agency is the public agency with primary
responsibility over the proposed project. The lead agency for the proposed project is the
Truckee Donner Public Utility District.
1.2 PURPOSE
This IS addresses the environmental impacts of constructing the Donner Lake Road water
storage tank, access road, and pipeline. The purpose of this project is the compliance with
DHS Order No. 01-09-00-ORD-002 that directs the District to improve the Donner Lake
Water System and provide additional water storage capacity to the Donner Lake area.
The proposed project will address the inadequate storage capacity emeraency storage
and fire flow protection of the area and complete the comprehensive rehabilitation and
reconstruction of the Dormer Lake Water System that has been underway since 2001.
Mitigation measures have been incorporated into the project to reduce or eliminate
potentially significant environmental impacts.
1.3 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
Section 3 of this IS contains the Environmental Checklist that identifies potential
environmental impacts (presented by environmental subject area) and a discussion of
each impact that would result from implementation of the proposed project. Based on the
Environmental Checklist and the supporting environmental analysis provided in this
document, development of the proposed project would result in the following impacts:
• No Impact: agricultural resources, hazards and hazardous materials, land use and
planning, mineral resources, population, public services, recreation, and utilities
and service systems.
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 3 July 2005 -
Truckee Donner Public Utility District Inland Ecosystems
s
F
• Less-than-Significant Impacts: geology and soils,
noise, and traffic/transportation.
• Less-than-Significant Impacts with Mitigation Incorporated: aesthetics, air
quality, biological resources, affel cultural resources, and hydrology and water
quality.
In accordance with State CEQA Guidelines 15070, a Mitigated Negative Declaration may
be prepared if the proposed project will not have a significant effect on the environment
after the inclusion of mitigation measures into the project. There is no substantial
evidence that the proposed project, as revised by mitigation measures, would have a
significant effect on the environment based on the available project information and the
environmental analysis presented in this document. Therefore, a Mitigated Negative
Declaration is to be adopted in accordance with CEQA and State CEQA Guidelines.
1.4 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
'this IS was made available for a 30-day public review period that begun on May 9 2005
and ended on June 29. 2005. Public meetings were held at District headquarters on June
1 and 15 2005 and at the Town of Truckee on June 16 2005. No comments were
received from the State Clearinghouse during the review process Public comments from
the District and Town of Truckee meetings were addressed with individual stakeholders
and are incorporated into this Final Mitigated Negative Declaration Public comments
received during the review period for the Draft Mitigated Negative Declaration and the
District's responses are included as Appendix A
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2.1 PROJECT BACKGROUND
The project is necessary to complete the comprehensive rehabilitation and reconstruction
of the Donner Lake Water System that has been underway by the District since 2001.
The water sproposed storage tank
will address t :� a the inadequate storage capacity emergency storage and fire
flow protection in the Donner Lake area Prior to 2001, the system was owned and
operated by the Donner Lake Water Company, Since the District acquired the water
system, it has made extensive improvements in an effort to minimize water outages and
protect public health. Itrs the District's goal that once the Donner Lake Water System has
been completely rehabilitated, the District will abandon Donner Lake as a source of
domestic water and provide water from the District's main system.
2.2 PROJECT LOCATION
The proposed project site is located on the USGS 7.5-minute Norden quadrangle within
the western portion of the Town of Truckee, Nevada County, California(Figure 1).
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 4 July 2005
Truckee Donner Public Utility District Inland Ecosystems
2.3 PROJECT SETTING
The project site occurs at an elevation of approximately 6,300 feet on a dry slope of
mixed Jeffrey pine and white fir trees northwest of Donner Lake. 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 the lake. Residential homes,both seasonal mid year round, and commercial
businesses surround the north, west, and south shores 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.
2.4 PROJECT CONSTRUCTION
The District proposes to construct two a 300,000 gallon welded steel water storage tank
(eaeh 32-feet high and 40-feet in diameter), on a slope just below the Interstate 80
embankment and above Donner Lake Road near the Donner Lake exit (See Figure 2 and
Photo 1). The tanks will be situated entirely within Town of Truckee right-of-way. A
view of the proposed tank site taken from the south shoulder of Interstate 80 is provided
in Photo 2.
A 120-foot long paved access road, 12 feet wide, would be constructed from Donner
Lake Road to the tank for access and long-term maintenance of the facility. In addition,
420 lineal feet (if) of 12-inch inlet/outlet pipeline will be installed from the tank and
connect into an existing District pipeline on Donner Lake Road. A portion of the pipeline
alignment will also contain electrical and communications conduits than will connect to
an existing District utility pole. The pipeline route will be along the south shoulder of
Donner Lake Road. A site plan is provided as Figure 3.
Construction will involve grading a level pad for the tank and access around the tank,
placement of engineered fill, grading, and trenching. All ..<,.,.h,,..atef runoff ill b
difeeted to an infiltration basin designed to contain a 20 year, I hour stofm . A
final grading plan will be submitted by the District to the Town of Truckee before
construction begins. The final grading plan will include the access road and all cuts/fills
existing and proposed grade elevations, and location of slopes 30% or greater.
The existing hydrology at the proposed Donner Lake Road tank site originates from a
combination of road runoff and natural seepage altered by the construction of Interstate
80 that has created an artificial channel. The current runoff from the site is contributing to
poor water quality flowing into Donner Lake. Construction of the proposed water storage
tank will improve water quality conditions by redirecting road runoff from I-80, east of
the proposed tank location into a new meandering drainage channel constructed in an
upland area. The proposed new channel will increase the surface area available for runoff
infiltration. Three detention basins will be located along the channel to slow water
velocity and increase infiltration rates. Remaining seepage originating west of the
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 5 July 2005
Truckee Donner Public Utility District Inland Ecosystems
proposed tank will be captured within a Swale created along the south side of the new
paved access road and directed into a detention basin located on the project site. The
detention basin will be designed to accommodate the 20-year, one-hour storm event.
Gravel will also be placed around the tank site footprint to assist in infiltration. As is
standard with the District's construction projects, permanent erosion control measures
and Best Management Practices will be implemented. The District has updated its Storm
Water Pollution Prevention (SWPPP) under the State Water Resources Control Board,
General Construction Permit to include this project.
2.5 ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT
The District has investigated other notential sites for water storage tanks around Donner
Lake in order to address the inadequate storage capacity, emergency storage and fire
flow protection of the area These alternative sites included replacing existing water
storage tanks at the Red Mountain Road site on the south side of Donner Lake the
Greenpoint Springs water storage tanks on the north shore of Donner Lake and the
Upper Tanks located above I-80 at the westbound scenic view rest area Both the Red
Mountain and Greenpoint Springs sites are in sensitive high quality, wetland and wildlife
habitat. The District worked closely with the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control
Board to receive the appropriate permitting to work in these sensitive habitats However,
after re-modeling the hydraulics' of the Donner Lake water system the District
abandoned these sensitive wetland habitats in favor of the Donner Lake Road tank site as
a superior environmental and engineering alternative
During the public review process an alternative tank site approximately 50 feet to the east
was proposed for the Donner Lake Road storage tank in order to minimize the visual and
aesthetic impact. A visual simulation utilizing field methods (balloons) and graphic
artistry was performed by the District in order to properly address the significant
difference between these two sites Photos 3 and 4 depict the District's proposed tank
site and the alternative site from Donner Lake Road looking east Photo 5 depicts both of
the proposed tank sites from Donner Lake Road looking west Photo 6 depicts the view
of both tanks as seen from Interstate 80. The alternative site does not sipnifrcantly
minimize the visual and aesthetic impact.
A "No Project" alternative does not offer any advantages over the proposed project in
terms of improving the inadequate storage capacity, emergency storage and fire flow
protection in the Donner Lake area. Therefore, the proposed project is considered the
preferred alternative. Furthermore, a"No Project" alternative would result in the District
being in violation of the Department of Health Services Compliance Order.
2.6 REQUIRED PUBLIC AGENCY APPROVAL
Truckee Donner Public Utility District
Town of Truckee
State of California, Department of Health Services
State Water Resources Control Board
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 6 July 2005
Truckee Donner Public Utility District Inland Ecosystems
a
r
Tank and
interstate 80
<" Pipeline Project
rt d
z ✓
r+`"�'
t� { ti
}
Danner Lake Rd
w ...' �}$+a� ice. � � #652�' cif ,✓.e
r ' $R3L R. tt X
' ''`Zvi ' r w:... ,,,.` -s,+.v •^e'TM#i�.""`"`. t s e
r
/ r
V;� /' x
Figure 1. Location of Donner Lake Road water storage tank within the western portion of Truckee,Nevada
,- County, California. USGS 7.5 Minute Norden Quadrangle
Project Area
NN74ND
I-COSYSMAS
G
Truckee ,
rr
F
f ( 2®
X..
Tank Site-} -
l
TRUCKEE DONNER PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT
Figure 2
Precise Location of Donner Lake Water
Storage Tank and Associated Pipeline
Ylt '�` 411x ty tj S r"`S Z fa'
ry
v �
Photo 1. The Donner lake Road water tank will be located behind the existing stand of
trees.
� v
i
� ' W :F` �^�' '•,".'d+ °4 'l� yr" his}+ J
Photo 2. View of the tank site from the south shoulder of I-80.
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 10 July 2005
Truckee Donner Public Utility District Inland Ecosystems
t '` District's proposed
t tank site
9
t r < = Alternative
proposed tank site
�, �.r `�{,'3'v � ++.•�,�r�{,`'}+n'��'{t,� �.,s',�^�".t{,�''.,r'' �'�'�`' ,t"���.{�t�'h� t t a{�x?'.�f,
+'R.r ..n,'.?'� .�,'.'�'-'v�t t,�i.., tr}4vF"+�i•s„rt''2''S"ih","i`3{t#rF" i` t�>:;a',a.T'r,�t,FY}`b��"
Photo 3 and 4. View of both proposed tank sites from Donner Lake Road looking
southeast.
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration I 1 July 2005
Truckee Donner Public Utility District Inland Ecosystems
District's proposed Alternative
tank site = proposed tank site
A '
A .
r y
k
3
� xw
x
r,.
u
Photo 5. View of both proposed tank sites from Donner Lake Road looking west
District's proposed
Alternative tank site
proposed tank site '��''
fA,
F
s ,
r
3 5 + 4
M
Photo 6. View of both proposed tank sites from Interstate 80
Initial StudylMitigated Negative Declaration 12 July 2005
Truckee Donner Public Utility District Inland Ecosystems
3.0 EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
Pursuant to Section 15063 of the CEQA Guidelines, a brief explanation is required for all
answers except "No Impact" answers that are adequately supported by the information sources.
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. A "No Impact'answer should
be explained where it is based on project-specific factors as well as general standards.
3.1. AESTHETICS -- Would the Potentially Less Than Less Than No
project: Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact With Impact
Mitigation
Incorporated
a) Have a substantial adverse effect on ❑ ❑ ❑
a scenic vista?
b) Substantially damage scenic ❑ ® ❑ ❑
resources, including, but not limited
to, trees, rock croppings, and historic
buildings within a state scenic
highway?
c) Substantially degrade the existing ❑ ❑
visual character or quality of the site
and its surroundings?
d) Create a new source of substantial ❑ ❑ ® ❑
light or glare, which would adversely
affect day or nighttime views in the
area?
Response to questions:
(a);(c): The District is sensitive to the issue of scenic resources in the Truckee area and
has incomorated every reasonable measure to ensure that visible impacts are reduced to a
less than significant level. The design of the tank incorporates n-auffiber e the Town of
Truckee's design criteria for scenic highway corridors and hillside development. The
project has also been modified from the original two tank design to a one tank design in
order to minimize visual impact and number of trees that will need to be removed The
proposed new--watep-storage tank leeatien site is located on a Town of Truckee Right-of-
Way and is directly adjacent to and bounded on two sides by I-80 and Donner Lake
Road. The tank site will be placed near the center of the parcel with the top of the tank
located below the I-80 embankment. The tank will be set back from Donner Lake Road
and will be painted to blend in with the surrounding landscape of earth tones and natural
vegetative growth. Curt and fill slopes shall be revegetated following construction. The
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 13 July 2005
Truckee Donner Public Utility District Inland Ecosystems
project will not include high illumination lighting any or exterior lighting
designed t
wi1l f'"e'" " � The hill on which the tank site is located contains
several large, mature fir and pine trees. Some Approximately 12 trees will need to be
removed to accommodate construction of the storage tank and access road. The existing
trees outside of the project footprint will not be impacted and will provide long-term
visual screening of the tank.
The District Performed a visual simulation using field methods and computer graphics in
order to better evaluate the potential aesthetic impact that world result from the project
Photograph 10 depicts a view from Donner Lake Road looking west at the proposed tank
site and Photograph 11 depicts the same view with the tank simulation Photograph 12
depicts the tank site looking east on Donner Lake Road and Photograph 13 depicts the
same view with a simulated tank and access road. Photo rah 14 depicts the current
view of the tank site from eastbound I-80 and Photograph 15 depicts the same view with
the tank simulation. Photograph 16 depicts the view of the tank site looking north from
Donner Lake Road after completion of the project and Photograph 17 depicts the same
view after the proposed mitigated planting of coniferous vegetation The tank simulations
conducted by the District depict the view of the tank from several vantage points and
suggests that this site will not be visually obtrusive
The tank will only be readily visible from a relatively small section of northern Donner
Lake Road and Interstate 80. The tank will not be visible from Vista Point a popular
viewing attraction for many visitors (See Photo. The tank to L set on the h -„
below 1 90 and commutefs would only see the tank for a... few sep.
the tank. To the greatest exte
the poritRurs of the area-. Photographer and 4 8 depicts the approximate location of the
storage tank from the South Shore of Donner Lake nor standard and 3x
per-speet yes. As a visual comparison photographs 5-ands 9 shows the Bfidge-Street
Gateway tank, located within the Town of Truckee, near the intersection of CA-89 and
Donner Pass Road.
When compared to the proposed Donner Lake Road water tank, the Rr -cam
Gateway tank is considerably closer to main population centers within the downtown area
and is relatively well blended into the surrounding landscape. Given the distance to the
tank site from areas surrounding Donner Lake, the tank would not substantially degrade
the existing visual character or quality of the area and its surroundings. Implementation
of the mitigation measures outlined below would reduce this impact to a less than
significant level.
(b): The proposed water tank will not substantially damage scenic resources and/or historic
buildings within a state scenic highway. Some trees will need to be removed to
accommodate both the storage tank and access road. Replacement trees would be planted
on the downhill side of the tank in the fill slope areas to provide added visual screening.
Implementation of the mitigation measure outlined below would reduce this impact to a
less than significant level.
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 14 July 2005
Truckee Donner Public Utility District Inland Ecosystems
(d): The water tank will be painted to blend in with the surrounding landscape and would not
create a new source of substantial light or glare that would adversely affect day or
nighttime views in the area. Therefore, this impact is considered Less than significant.
Mitigation Measure(s) - The following mitigation measures shall be incorporated into the
project:
(b): Any mature tree over 12" diameter that may need to be removed will be mitigated by on-
site planting of 5-gallon native trees at a 2:1 ratio. The location and spacing of the trees
shall be determined following a Town of Truckee approved Revegetation Plan and final
landscapin design design of th b g i _a a 4110 6-,XtPW Of the +il
�
slope-areas: Tree size and species shall be selected so as to insure a high likelihood of
survival, The District will conduct a five year vegetation monitoring program to ensure
the success of vegetation and additional visual screening. Yearly renorts on survivors
will be prepared by the District based on field observations The yearly reports will
include any further remedial measures to ensure likelihood of survival including
additional planting or watering -
Mitigation Monitoring-Truckee Donner Public Utility District.
Area of Tank Site
I
E r
Photo 7. The tank will not be visible from the I-80 Vista Point a popular viewing
attraction for many visitors
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 15 July 2005
Truckee Donner Public Utility District Inland Ecosystems
Photo 8. View of the Donner Lake Road tank from I5510 South Shore Drive.
r
a �^` '��r` �`�3 t�S#',�.t""'x� �� ��e�'-"v1,}' 'fit'?����'4�-r` "�n 5r"�z�s`�•'��"�r�"-^.,�+� ,
'^+$r%'r�t lS x� err�A'"�.r'"• ��,r� '�.,r�''� �r,"n*��,�,.�'cf t�,t5,. '4�������',' ,fig';�� �k`��' �.
W ,
t~.
it
{ 3.�
Photo 9. View of existing Gateway tank located within the Town of Truckee near the
intersection of CA-89 and Donner Pass Road.
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 16
Truckee Donner Public Utility District July 2005
Inland Ecosystems
3
f
at4�
x
Photo 10. View of the proposed tank site from Donner Lake Road looking northwest
y r
... ,._.
Photo 11. Same view of the proposed tank site with the tank simulation
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 17 July 2005
Truckee Donner Public utility District Inland Ecosystems
i
i'
XXX
Photo 12. View of the proposed tank site from Donner Lake Road looking east.
AL
mxg-
r 'rx*r?`xr,,''. ,`�'"w}b ^' '",S`
L.!
x
Photo 13. Same view with the tank and access road simulation.
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 18
Truckee Donner Public Utility District July 2005
Inland Ecosystems
x
Photo 14 Current view of the tank site from eastbound 180.
tI h
S
X",
•Fy;T e`h r� "h`i 3
5"""}e tlFl V
fr
fi
t'ax � to
Photo 15. Same view with tank simulation
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 19 July 2005
Truckee Donner Public utility District Inland Ecosystems
a r {
t �I
ti
� a �
:
s
r`
Photos 16 and 17. Depicts the view of the tank site looking north from Donner Lake
Road before and after five years of revegetation growth
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 20 July 2005
Truckee Donner Public Utility District Inland Ecosystems
3.2.AGRICULTURAL Potentially Less Than Less Than No
RESOURCES: In determining whether Significant Significant Significant Impact j
impacts to agricultural resources are Impact With Impact
significant environmental effects, lead Mitigation
agencies may refer to the California Incorporated
Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site
assessment Model (1997) prepared by
the California Department of
Conservation as an optional model to
use in assessing impacts on agriculture
and farmland.Would the project:
a) Convert Prime farmland, Unique ❑ ❑
farmland, or Farmland of Statewide
Importance, as shown on the maps
prepared pursuant to the farmland
Mapping and Monitoring Program of
the California Resources Agency, to
non-agricultural use?
b) Conflict with existing zoning for ❑ ❑ ❑
agricultural use or a Williamson Act
contract?
c) Involve other changes in the existing ❑ ❑
environment, which due to their location
or nature, could result in conversion of
farmland, to non-agricultural use?
Response to questions:
(a)—(c):The project site is bounded on two sides by both 1-80 and Donner Lake Road and is
within a residential area. The site does not support any agriculture and, therefore, there
would be no impact as a result of the proposed project.
Mitigation Measure(s) -None Required
Mitigation Monitoring- None Required
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 21 July 2005
Truckee Donner Public Utility District Inland Ecosystems
3.3. AIR QUALITY -- Where Potentially Less Than Less Than No
applicable, the significance criteria Significant Significant Significant Impact
established by the applicable air Impact With Impact
quality management or air pollution Mitigation
control district may be relied upon to Incorporated
make the following determinations.
Would the project:
a) Conflict with or obstruct ❑ ❑
implementation of the applicable air
quality plan?
Lb) iolate any air quality standardtribute substantially to an existing
rojected air quality violation?
c) Result in a cumulatively ❑
considerable net increase of any
criteria pollutant for which the project
region is non-attainment under an
applicable federal or state ambient air
quality standard (including releasing
emissions which exceed quantitative
thresholds for ozone precursors)?
d) Expose sensitive receptors to ❑ ❑ ❑
substantial pollutant concentrations?
e) Create objectionable odors affecting ❑ ❑ ❑
a substantial number of people?
Response to questions:
(a): The Town of Truckee is responsible for implementing and enforcing the Town's air
quality programs. The Town Council adopted the Truckee Particulate Matter Air Quality
Management Plan in 1999 which recognized the severity of particulate matter pollution in
the Town and its environs and the urgency for reducing particulate matter emissions. The
three primary sources of PM 10 are woodstove smoke, re-entrained road dust, and
construction and demolition activities. Grading and excavation associated with the
proposed project will disturb soil on the site, generating airborne dust that may affect air
quality in the area. However, the District will ensure that the project will limit the amount
of short-term dust emissions through implementation of Best Management Practices and
erosion control measures in compliance with the Lahontan Regional Water Quality
Control Board's Guidelines for Erosion Control. Therefore, the project would not conflict
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 22 July 2005
Truckee Donner Public Utility District Inland Ecosystems
with or obstruct implementation of an applicable air quality plan and, therefore, there
would be no impact.
(b): Construction activities have the potential to generate emissions through the release of
fugitive dust and equipment exhaust associated with construction and excavation
activities. Implementation of the mitigation measures outlined below to control fugitive
dust and equipment emissions during construction activities would reduce this impact to a
less than significant level.
(c)-(e):The project site is well removed from dense population centers. Due to the short-term
nature of the project, air emissions would not be considered cumulatively considerable.
The project would not create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people
and, therefore, there would be no impact.
Mitigation Measure(s) - The following mitigation measures shall be incorporated into the
project:
(b). Fugitive dust emissions shall be minimized at all times utilizing control measures
including regularly applied water and paved haul roads. When transporting material
during site preparation or construction, measures shall be taken to prevent material from
spilling or blowing onto roadways. The District will also require contractors to ensure
that construction equipment be tuned for optimal performance.
Mitigation Monitoring - Truckee Donner Public Utility District
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 23 July 2005
Truckee Donner Public Utility District Inland Ecosystems
3.4. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES Potentially Less Than Less Than No
-- Would the project: Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact With Impact
Mitigation
Incorporated
a) Have a substantial adverse effect, ❑ ® ❑
either directly or through habitat
modifications, on any species
identified as a candidate, sensitive, or
special status in local or regional plans,
policies, or regulations, or by the
California Department of Fish and
Game or US Fish and Wildlife
Service?
b) Have a substantial adverse effect on ❑ ❑
any riparian habitat or 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?
0 Have a substantial adverse effect on ❑ ❑ ❑
federally protected wetlands as defined
by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act
through direct removal, filling,
hydrological interruption, or other
means?
d) Interfere substantially with the ❑ ❑
movement of any native resident or
77
migratory fish or wildlife species or
with established native residents or
migratory wildlife corridors or impede
the use of native wildlife nursery sites?
e) Conflict with any local policies or ❑ ® ❑ ❑
ordinances protecting biological
resources, such as a tree preservation
policy or ordinance?
f) Conflict with the provisions of an ❑ ❑ ❑
adopted Habitat Conservation Plan,
Natural Community Conservation
Plan, or other approved local regional,
or state habitat conservation tan?
s
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 24 July 2005
Truckee Donner Public Utility District Inland Ecosystems
s
Response to questions:
The biological resources responses are based on surveys conducted in accordance with the
California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) and United States Fish and Wildlife Service
(USFWS) guidelines for conducting surveys (CDFG 1984, USFWS 1996). The surveys were
conducted on foot and noted all observed species, as well as vegetation communities and habitat
types that might support sensitive or special status species. Surveys for special status plants and
wildlife species were conducted on June 10, 2003 by Chainey Botanical Consulting. The area
was re-surveyed again on March 15, 2005.
A search of the California Natural Diversity Database (CDFG 2005) was conducted for all
records of special status plant and animal species occurring within the USGS quadrangle location
encompassing the project, as well as all adjacent quadrangles. Due to the wide-ranging
capabilities of some wildlife species, a database search was done for all wildlife species
occurring in Nevada County. A species list was requested from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service (USFWS) for the Norden and Truckee quadrangles (Appendix A R). A target list of
special-status wildlife potentially occurring in the project area is contained in Appendix B C.
Appendix G D is a target list of special-status plants potentially occurring in the project area.
Surveys for special-status wildlife species were conducted within the proposed site, as well as an
examination of adjacent areas that may be influenced by the proposed project activities. Habitat
types within approximately 500 feet were examined with binoculars and/or a spotting scope.
Surveys for target raptor species that may nest in the area included "stand search" techniques
consisting of visual searches for active nests or animal sign, such as molted feathers, whitewash,
prey remains, or regurgitated pellets. The presence/absence of special-status and/or migratory
bird species was determined by examining the tree, shrub, and ground cover layers for nests.
The presence/absence of potentially occurring special-status bat species was determined by
surveying for suitable maternal, day, or night roosting habitat, such as natural cavities found in
the boles of trees or dead limbs, under loose bark, or in downed logs with fissures or crevices. In
addition, rock outcroppings were examined for signs of occupancy, such as bat guano or urine
staining.
During the public review period, comments were received at the District's public hearings that
biological resources, including mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) and a threatened species of
moss (Bruchia bolanderi), would be significantly impacted at the proposed site. Mixed
coniferous forest can provide cover, forage, and breeding habitat for a large diversity of resident
and migratory wildlife including mule deer. Mule deer migratory corridors are established
migration routes that are considered a sensitive habitat to the CDFG. Migratory corridors
generally follow major topographic features such as drainages, ridgelines, and the bases of major
slopes or prominent hills. During the course of the construction period limited short-term
interference to mule deer movement may occur, however not to such a degree that it would be
considered a significant impact. The area of the r`^^^p'" La-he RRad taflk site is bounded on two
(2) sides by 1 80 and Dafnief Lake Read. Due to the proximity of the project site to these
readways, it is unlikely giat this afea prevides suitable habitat for any significant quantity of
mule deer to migrate thfough. There was no indieation that mule deer milized the project Site
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 25 July 2005
Truckee Donner Public Utility District Inland Ecosystems
during the ielegieal field pu s Although there may be a temporary disturbance as a result of
construction: there would be sufficient room for deer to move around the project site Any mule
deer encountered during construction activities will be herded a safe direction away from the
project site. Once the tank is built there would be minimal disturbance to deer migrating through
the area and only when periodic tank maintenance is required Therefore, it is not likely that
construction of the water tank, access road, and pipeline would have an adverse long-term impact
on mule deer populations in the area. Moss samples were taken along the northeast shoulder of
Donner Lake Road and it was determined to be a common species of moss (Philanotis Fontana)
and not the rare moss species (S bolanderi) that is a California Native Plant Society List 2
species. Implementation of the mitigation measures outlined below would reduce this impact to
a less than significant level.
An understanding of the habitat requirements for species potentially utilizing the site and the
degree of existing human development in the immediate area (e.g., site location is adjacent to
well traveled roads) were factors considered in the impact assessment.
(a): No special status species were found during survey work, nor is there habitat present for
any listed plant or animal species. The proposed new water tank location is directly
adjacent to, and bounded on two sides by both Interstate 80 and Donner Pass Road.
which strongly precludes any significant use of the site by wildlife. The proposed project
will not have a significant impact on rare, endangered, threatened, or other special-status
species identified in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations or by CDFG or
USFWS.
However, numerous raptor species forage and nest in various habitats throughout the
Sierra Nevada. Raptor nests are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA)
and by Section 3503.5 of the California Fish and Game Code. Disturbance to an active
raptor nest could occur during construction activities. Disturbing an active raptor nest
would violate Sections 3503 and 3503.5 of the Department of Fish and Game Code and
would be considered a potentially significant impact. The nests of all migratory birds are
also protected under the MBTA, which makes it illegal to destroy any active migratory
bird nest. Implementation of the mitigation measure outlined below will reduce potential
impacts to special-status species and/or their habitats to a less than significant level.
(b)-(c): The project would not have a substantial adverse effect on any sensitive habitat identified
in local or regional plans, policies or regulations, or by CDFG or USFWS. The current
hydrology on the site is a result of 1-80 runoff and has created an artificial eroded channel
that contributes to poor water duality in Donner Lake Soil samples taken from the site
did not show signs of wetland conditions or obligate wetland vegetation The District
Will improve water quality above the existing conditions by redirecting the current runoff
through a newly created meandering channel and detention basins which will allow for
better filtration of containments from I-80 (See Figure 3).
(d): The proposed construction activities will not interfere substantially with the movement of
any native resident or migratory wildlife species or with established native resident or
migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites. During
initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 26 July 2005
Truckee Donner Public Utility District Inland Ecosystems
the course of the construction period limited short-term interference to wildlife
movement may occur, however, not to such a degree that it would be considered to be a
significant impact. Air), wildlife eneournered during nstfuelion activities will be
level.alIR101,ed to leave the area unharmed, of herded a safe direction away from the prejeet s
. I I 4iofi of the mitigation measure outlined below will reduee patefAial impaets 40
special status speeies and/or their habitats to a less than signifieant Implementation
of the mitigation measures outlined below would reduce this impact to a less than
significant level.
(e): Some trees will need to be removed to accommodate construction of the tank, access
road, and associated pipeline. Implementation of the mitigation measures outlined below
would reduce this impact to a less than significant level.
(f): The project will not conflict with local policies protecting biological resources or conflict
with the provisions of an HCP, NCCP, or other approved conservation plan and,
therefore, there would be no impact.
Mitigation Measure(s) - The following mitigation measures shall be incorporated into the
project:
(a);(d):Raptor and migratory nest surveys will be conducted prior to construction activities. If an
active nest is located in close proximity to the project site based on recommendations
made to the District by the surveying biologist, the District will immediately notify the
appropriate resource agencies. Any wildlife encountered during construction activities
will be allowed to leave the area unharmed, or herded a safe direction away from the
project site.
(e): Any mature tree over 12" diameter that may need to be removed will be mitigated by on-
site planting of 5-gallon native trees at a 2:1 ratio. The location and spacing of the trees
shall be determined following design of the grading plan and determination of the extent
of the fill slope areas. Tree size and species shall be selected so as to insure a hig
likelihood of survival. The District will conduct a five year vegetation monitoring
program to ensure the success of revegetation efforts. Yearly reports on survivorsbip will
be prepared by the District based on field observations. The yearly reports will include
any further necessary remedial measures to ensure likelihood of survival including;
additional planting or watering.
Mitigation Monitoring: Truckee Donner Public Utility District
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 27 July 2005
Truckee Donner Public Utility District Inland Ecosystems
3.5. CULTIIRAL RESOURCES - Potentially Less Than Less Than No
Would the project: Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact With Impact
Mitigation
Inco orated
a) Cause a substantial adverse ❑ ® ❑ ❑
change in the significance of a
historical resource as defined in
§15064.5'?
b) Cause a substantial adverse ❑ ® ❑ 1
change in the significance of an
archaeological resource pursuant to
§15064.5?
e) Directly or indirectly destroy a ❑ ® ❑ ❑
unique paleontological resource or
site or unique geologic feature?
d) Disturb any human remains, ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
including those interred outside of
formal cemeteries?
Response to questions:
'The cultural resources responses are based on a Records Search conducted by the North Central
Information Center of the California Historical Resources Information System (See Appendix D
E). The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Section 106 of the National Historic
Preservation Act (36 CFR Part 800) also require federal and state agencies to consider the
potential effects of their undertakings on cultural resources. California law recognizes the need to
protect Native American human burials, skeletal remains, and items associated with Native
American burials from vandalism and inadvertent destruction. The procedures for treatment of
Native American human remains are contained in California Health and Safety Code Sections
7050.5 and 7052 and California Public Resources Code Section 5097. Additionally, the Native
American Heritage Commission (NAHC) was contacted as part of the project. The NAHC did
not identify any Sacred Lands within the project area. Local Native American organizations
were contacted for any further information. They did not identify any Sacred Lands within the
project area(See Appendix-D E).
(a)-(d):The archaeological record searches conducted at the North Central Information Center of
the California Historical Resources Information System (NCIC File No. NEV-05-11)
indicated that there are no cultural resources located within the project area. While there
are no known archeological resources at the proposed site or along the pipeline
alignment, it would be a significant impact if such resources were present, and were
displaced or demolished during construction activities. Implementation of the mitigation
measures outlined below will reduce this potential impact to a less than significant level.
Initial Study/mitigated Negative Declaration 28 July 2005
Truckee Donner Public Utility District Inland Ecosystems
3
Mitigation Measure(s) - The following mitigation measures shall be incorporated into the
project:
(a)-(d):The District will have Dr. Susan Lindstrom, a local Truckee cultural/historic archeologist,
on-call during any site disturbance. In the event that evidence of cultural resources is
encountered during construction of the water tank, access road, and pipeline, Dr.
Lindstrom would be notified to record the location of such resources and gather available
information. The District will coordinate any findings with the appropriate state, federal,
and tribal entities according to standard reporting procedures to avoid disruption of any
archaeological and historical resources.
Mitigation Monitoring - Truckee Donner Public Utility District
3.6. GEOLOGY AND SOILS -- Potentially Less Than Less Than No
Would the project: Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact With Impact
Mitigation
Incorporated
a) Expose people or structures to ❑ ❑
potential substantial adverse
effects including the risk of loss
injury, or death involving rupture
of a known earthquake fault, as
delineated on the most recent
Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault
Zoning Map issued by the State
Geologist for the area or based on
other substantial evidence of a
known Fault? Refer to Division of
Mines and Geology Special
Publication 42.
b) Expose people or structures to ❑ ❑ ❑
potential substantial adverse
effects including the risk of loss
injury, or death involving strong
seismic ground shaking?
c) Expose people or structures to ❑ ❑ ❑
potential substantial adverse
effects including the risk of loss
injury, or death involving seismic-
related ground failure, including
liquefaction?
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 29 July 2005
Truckee Donner Public Utility District Inland Ecosystems
Potentially Less Than Less Than No
Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact With Impact
Mitigation
Incorporated
d) Expose people or structures to ❑ ❑
potential substantial adverse
effects including the risk of loss,
injury, or death involving
landslides?
e) Result in substantial soil erosion ❑ ❑ ® ❑
or the loss of topsoil?
I) Be located on a geologic unit or ❑ ❑ ❑
soil that is unstable or that would
become unstable as a result of the
project, and potentially result in
on-or off-site landslide, lateral
spreading, subsidence, liquefaction
or collapse?
g) Be located on expansive soil, as ❑ ❑ ❑
defined in Table 18-1-B of the
uniform Building Code (11994), 1
creating substantial risks to life or
property?
h} Have soils incapable of ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
adequately supporting the use of
septic tanks or alternative
wastewater disposal systems
where sewers are not available for
the disposal of wastewater?
Response to questions:
(a)-(c): The project site is not located within any fault zone of the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake
Faulting Zoning Map. The project is limited to construction of the water tank, access
road, and pipeline that would be designed in accordance with the California Health and
Safety Code. This code requires that structures be designed to resist stresses developed by
earthquakes. Project-related structures would be designed in accordance with the
standards in the Uniform Building Code. There is no aspect of the project that would
expose people or property to increased risk during strong seismic ground shaking, ground
failure, or liquefaction. Other hazards, such as lateral spreading, lurch cracking, regional
subsidence and liquefaction, are unlikely to occur during project construction and,
therefore, these impacts are considered less than significant.
L
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 30 July 2005
Truckee Donner Public Utility District Inland Ecosystems
(d);(f): Construction of the water tank, access road, and pipeline would not expose people or
structures to potential adverse effects from landslides. The water tank would not be
located on unstable soils and, therefore, there is no impact.
(e): During excavation the majority of trenching spoil material will be screened for
backfilling. Excess material would be hauled away. The project activities do not present
significant potential for soil erosion and impacts related to soil erosion would be less than
significant.
(g);(h):The project includes standard construction operations. There are no demands for
wastewater disposal systems included in the project, therefore, there would be no impact.
Mitigation Measure(s) - None Required
Mitigation Monitoring - None Required
3.7. HAZARDS AND Potentially Less Than Less Than No
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS -- Significant Significant Significant Impact
Would the project: Impact With Impact
Mitigation
Incorporated
a) Create a significant hazard to ❑ ❑ ❑
the public or the environment
through the routine transport, use,
or disposal of hazardous
materials?
b) Create a significant hazard to ❑
the public or the environment
through reasonably foreseeable
upset and accident conditions
involving the release of hazardous
materials into the environment?
c) Emit hazardous emissions or ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
handles hazardous or acutely
hazardous materials, substances, or
waste within one-quarter mile of
an existing or proposed school?
I
d) Be located on a site which is ❑ ❑ ❑
included on a list of hazardous
materials sites compiled pursuant
to Government Code Section
65962.5 and, as a result, would it
create a significant hazard to the
i public or the environment?
initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 31 July 2005
Truckee Donner Public Utility District Inland Ecosystems
Potentially Less Than Less Than No
Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact With Impact
Mitigation
Incorporated
e) For a project located within an ❑ ❑ ❑
airport Land use plan or, where
such a plan has not been adopted,
within two miles of a public
airport or public use airport, would
the project result in a safety hazard
for people residing or working in
the project area?
f) For a project within the vicinity ❑ ❑ ❑��� —�
of a private airstrip, would the
project result in a safety hazard for
people residing or working within
the project area?
g) Impair implementation of or ❑ ❑
physically interfere with an
adopted emergency response plan
or emergency evacuation plan?
h) Expose people or structures to a ❑ ❑
significant risk of loss, injury or
death involving wildland fires,
including where wildlands are
adjacent to urbanized areas or
where residences are intermixed
with wildlands?
Response to questions:
(a)-(h):The proposed project does not involve the transport, use, or disposal of hazardous
materials. The project site is not within an airport land use plan. The project site is well
removed from a school, airport, or airstrip. No component of the project activities would
impair or interfere with emergency response or evacuation, or expose people or structures
to wildland fires.
Mitigation Measure(s) - None Required
Mitigation Monitoring-None Required
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 32 July 2005
Truckee Donner Public utility District Inland Ecosystems
3.8. HYDROLOGY AND potentially Less Than Less Than No
WATER QUALITY -- Would Significant Significant Significant Impact
the project: Impact With Impact
Mitigation
Incorporated
a) Violate any water quality ❑ ❑
standards or waste discharge
requirements?
b) Substantially deplete ❑ ❑ ❑
groundwater supplies or interfere
substantially with groundwater
recharge such that there would be
a net deficit in aquifer volume or a
lowering of the local groundwater
table level (e.g., the production
rate of pre-existing nearby wells
would drop to a level which would
not support existing land uses or
planned uses for which permits
have been granted)?
c) Substantially alter the existing ❑ ❑
drainage pattern of the site or area,
including through the alteration of
the course of a stream or river, in a
manner, which would result in
substantial erosion or siltation on-
or off-site?
d) Substantially alter the existing ❑ —� ❑
drainage pattern of the site or area,
including through the alteration of
the course of a stream or river, or
substantially increase the rate or
amount of surface runoff in a
manner, which would result in
flooding on- or off-site?
e) Create or contribute runoff ❑ ❑
water, which would exceed the
capacity of existing or planned
stormwater drainage systems or
provide substantial additional
sources of polluted runoff?
f) Otherwise substantially degrade N ® ❑
water quality?
i
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 33 July 2005
Truckee Donner Public Utility District Inland Ecosystems
Potentially Less Than Less Than No
Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact With Impact
Mitigation
Incorporated
g) Place housing within a 100-year ❑ ❑ ❑
flood hazard area as mapped on a
federal Flood hazard Boundary or
Flood Insurance rate Map or other
flood hazard delineation map?
h) Place structure within a 100- ❑ ❑ ❑
year flood hazard area, which
would impede or redirect flood
flows?
if Expose people or structures to a ❑ ❑ ❑
significant risk of loss, injury or
death involving flooding,
including flooding as a result of
the failure of a levee or dam?
j) Inundation by seiche, tsunami, ❑ ❑ ❑
or mudflow?
Response to questions:
(a);(b);(e): The District will construct the water tank, access road, and pipeline under the State
Water Resources Control Board, NPDES General Permit for Construction Projects that
requires development of a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). The SWPPP
will include mitigation measures for the protection of water quality and would, therefore,
not cause any degradation to water quality within the area. The estimated surface area of
soil disturbance to install the water storage tank, access road and pipeline is 12,340
square feet. All stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces will be directed to an
infiltration basin designed to accommodate a 20-year, 1-hour storm event. Any soils
disturbed during construction will be stabilized immediately following construction
utilizing wood chips or pine needles in the area. A preliminary list of specific BMPs for
this project is provided in Appendix E F. Therefore, impacts to hydrology and water
quality are considered to be less than significant.
(c); (d); (f): The existing hydrology at the proposed Donner Lake Road tank site originates from
a combination of road runoff and natural seepage altered by the construction of Interstate
80 that has created an artificial channel (See Photo 14) The current runoff from the site is
contributing to poor water quality flowing into Donner Lake There is a significant
amount of road surface sand that has been deposited on the site (greater than 12-inches
deep) along with roadside pollutants from vehicle traffic that also flows off site and down
Donner Lake Road(See Photo 15).
f
1
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 34 July 2005
Truckee Donner Public Utility District Inland Ecosystems
Construction of the proposed water storage tank will improve water-quality conditions by
redirecting road runoff from I-80 and seepage east of the proposed tank location into a
new meandering drainage channel with detention basins constructed in an upland area
(See Figure 3) The proposed new channel will increase the surface area available for
runoff infiltration. Three detention basins will be located along the channel to slow water
velocity and increase infiltration rates Remaining seepage originating west of the
proposed tank will be captured within a swale created along the south side of a new
paved access road and directed into a detention basin located on the project site
Implementation of these mitigation measures into the project design would reduce this
impact to a less than significant level
The District has been coordinating the Donner Lake Road water storage tank with Mr.
Scott Ferguson, Chief, Northern Watershed Unit Lahontan Regional Water Quality
Control Board (LRWQCB) who has been provided with a complete photographic record
of the existing and proposed changes to drainage from the site The District also
conducted a site visit with Warden Camacho of the California Department of Fish and
Game (CDFG) and is submitting a Notification Package to CDFG to determine if the
existing drainage channel is a jurisdictional feature The District is committed to ensuring
that its activities do not impair water quality or beneficial uses of waters of the state The
District continues to work closely with the LRWQCB and CDFG to ensure its activities
improve water quality over existing conditions
(g)-(j): The proposed water storage tank is not within a 100-year flood hazard area. The proposed
project activities would not expose people or structures to risk involving flooding, and no
portion of the project area is subject to the possibility of seiche, tsunami, or mudflow.
Therefore, there would be no impacts as a result of the proposed project.
Mitigation Measure(s) -None Required
Mitigation Monitoring-None Required
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 35 July 2005
Truckee Donner Public Utility District Inland Ecosystems
`� tom,A� r ; � `-u ec:#i' � .✓S�
Location of culvert on
westbound I-80 that
�f
drains onto the tank site
x
:�—
vx
Photo 14. The existing hydrology at the proposed tank site originates from a combination
of road runoff and natural seepage altered by the construction of Interstate 80
Photo 15. There is a significant amount of road surface sand that has been deposited on
the site along with roadside pollutants from vehicle traffic that also flows off site and
down Donner Lake Road
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 36 July 2005
Truckee Donner Public Utility District Inland Ecosystems
3.9. LAND USE AND Potentially Less Than Less Than No
PLANNING -- Would the project: Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact With Impact
Mitigation
Incorporated
a) Physically divide an established ❑ ❑
community?
b) Conflict with any applicable land ❑ ❑
use plan, policy, or regulation of an
agency with jurisdiction over the
project (including, but not limited to
the general plan, specific plan, local
coastal program, or zoning
ordinance) adopted for the purpose
of avoiding or mitigating an
environmental effect?
c) Conflict with any applicable ❑ ❑ ❑
habitat conservation plan or natural
community conservation plan?
i
Response to questions:
(a)—(c):The project entails construction of a water storage tank, associated piping, and an access
road for improved management of existing District water supplies. No changes to
existing zoning or land use are proposed with this project. The proposed project area is
not affected by a Habitat Conservation Plan or Natural Community Conservation Plan,
and will therefore not impact such plans.
Mitigation Measure(s) - None Required
Mitigation Monitoring - None Required
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 37 July 2005
Truckee Donner Public Utility District Inland Ecosystems
3.10. MINERAL RESOURCES - Potentially Less Than Less Than No
- Would the project: Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact With Impact
Mitigation
a) Result in the loss of availability of Incorporated
a known mineral resource that ❑ ❑ ❑
would be of value to the region and
the residents of the state?
b) Result in the loss of availability ❑ ❑ ❑
of a locally-important mineral
resource recovery site delineated on
a local general plan, specific plan or
other land use plan?
Response to questions:
(a)—(b):No demands for energy or mineral resources are proposed with this project, therefore no
impact to mineral resources would occur as a result of the proposed project.
Mitigation Measure(s) -None Required
Mitigation Monitoring- None Required
3.11. NOISE -- Would the project
result in:
a) Exposure of persons to or ❑ ❑ ® ❑
generation of noise levels in excess
of standards established in the local
general plan or noise ordinance, or
applicable standards of other
agencies?
b) Exposure of persons to or ❑ ❑
generation of excessive groundborne
vibration noise levels?
c) A substantial permanent increase ❑ ❑
in ambient noise levels in the project
vicinity above levels existing
without the project?
d) A substantial temporary or ❑ ❑ ® ❑
periodic increase in ambient noise
levels in the project vicinity above
Levels existing without the project?
`s
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 38 July 2005
Truckee Donner Public Utility District inland Ecosystems
Potentially Less Than Less Than No
Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact With Impact
Mitigation
Incorporated
e) For a project located within an ❑ ❑ ❑
airport land use plan or, where such
a plan has not been adopted within
two miles of a public airport or
public use airport, would the project
expose people residing or working
in the project area to excessive noise
levels?
f) For a project within the vicinity of ❑ ❑ ❑
a private airstrip, would the project
expose people residing or working
in the project area to excessive noise
levels?
Response to questions:
(a)-(d):During construction activities, noise levels would increase temporarily during
construction activity but would not result in a substantial increase above levels existing
without the project. This noise increase would be of short duration, and would occur
during the daylight hours of 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. on
Saturday. Construction plans shall include reference to these restricted hours of
construction. This impact would be restricted to the construction period and is considered
less than significant.
(e)-(f):The Project site is not within an airport land use plan or private airstrip and, therefore,
there would be no impact.
Mitigation Measure(s) -None Required
Mitigation Monitoring-None Required
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 39 July 2005
Truckee Donner Public Utility District Inland Ecosystems
3.12. POPULATION -- Potentially Less Than Less Than No
Would the project: Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact With Impact
Mitigation
Incorporated
a) Induce substantial ❑ ❑ ❑
population growth in an area,
either directly (e.g., by
proposing new homes and
businesses) or indirectly (e.g.,
( through the extension of roads
or other infrastructure)?
b) Displace substantial ❑ ❑ ❑
numbers of existing housing,
necessitating the construction
of replacement housing
elsewhere?
c) Displace substantial ❑ ❑ ❑
numbers of people,
necessitating the construction
of replacement housing
elsewhere?
Response to questions:
(a)—(c):The project entails construction of a water storage tank necessary to comply with
the Department of Health Services Order No. 0 1-09-00-ORD-002 that directs the
District to provide additional water storage capacity, emergency storage and fire
flow protection to the Donner Lake area. The project would not affect local
population centers or demand for new housing. The goal of the project is a
beneficial increase in efficiency that results in a higher quality and more reliable
drinking water service. Project activities would not interfere with, or create
demands on police or fire protection, schools, parks, or other public facilities.
Mitigation Measure(s) -None Required
Mitigation Monitoring -None Required
z
initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 40 July 2005
Truckee Donner Public Utility District Inland Ecosystems
P 3.13. PUBLIC SERVICES -- otentially Le Less Than No
ss Than
Would the project result in Significant Significant Significant Impact
substantial adverse physical Impact With Impact
impacts associated with the Mitigation
provision of new or physically Incorporated
altered governmental facilities,
need for new or physically
altered governmental facilities,
the construction of which
could cause significant
environmental impacts, in
order to maintain acceptable
service rations, response time
or other performance
objectives for any of the public
services:
a) Fire protection? ❑ ❑ ❑
b) Police Protection? ❑ ❑ ❑
c) Schools? ❑ ❑ ❑
d) Parks? ❑ ❑ ❑
e) Other public facilities? ❑ ❑ ❑
Response to questions:
(a)-(e): No aspect of the proposed project would interfere with, or create a demand for, public
services and, therefore, there would be no impact.
Mitigation Measure(s)-None Required
Mitigation Monitoring- None Required
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 41 July 2005
Truckee Donner Public Utility District Inland Ecosystems
3.14. RECREATION -- Potentially Less Than Less Than No
Significant Significant With Significant Impact
Impact Mitigation Impact
Incorporated
a) Would the project increase ❑ ❑ ❑
the use of existing
neighborhood and regional
parks or other recreational
facilities such that substantial
physical deterioration of the
facility would occur or be
accelerated?
b) Does the project include ❑ ❑ ❑
recreational facilities or require
the construction or expansion
of recreational facilities, which
might have an adverse physical
effect on the environment?
Response to questions:
(a)—(b): The project will not impact existing or proposed neighborhood parks, regional parks, or
recreational facilities and, therefore, there would be no impact.
Mitigation Measures) - None Required
Mitigation Monitoring -None Required
s
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 42 July2005
Truckee Donner Public Utility District Inland Ecosystems
3.15. TRANSPORTATION/ Potentially Less Than Less Than No
TRAFFIC -- Would the Significant Significant With Significant Impact
project: Impact Mitigation Impact
Incorporated
a) Cause an increase in traffic, ❑ ❑ ® ❑
which is substantial in relation
to the existing traffic load and
capacity of the street system
(i.e., result in a substantial
increase on either the number
of vehicle trips, the volume to
capacity ratio on roads, or
congestion at intersections)?
b) Exceed, either individually ❑ ❑ ❑
or cumulatively, a level of
service standard established by
the county congestion
management agency for
designated roads or highways?
c) Result in a change in traffic ❑ ❑ ❑
patterns, including either an
increase in traffic levels or a
change in location that results
in substantial safety risks?
i
d) Substantially increase ❑ ❑ ❑
hazards due to a design feature
(e.g., sharp curves or
dangerous intersections) or
incompatible uses (e.g., farm
equipment)?
e) Result in inadequate ❑ ❑ ❑
emergency access?
f) Result in inadequate parking ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
capacity?
g) Conflict with adopted ❑ ❑ ❑
policies, plans, or programs
supporting alternative
transportation (e.g., bus
turnouts, bicycle racks)?
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 43 July 2005
Truckee Donner Public Utility District Inland Ecosystems
Response to questions:
(a): During construction, there will be an increase in vehicle trips to the project site associated
with the contractor's activities. Transportation of construction material will take place on
public roadways and will not exceed roadway capacity. Traffic control and lane closure plans
will be submitted to the Town of Truckee for approval as part of the encroachment permit
process. Therefore, this impact is considered to be less than significant.
(b) -(g): The project would not result in physical changes to roadways, and therefore, would not
result in impacts related to transportation, circulation, parking, or transportation policies, plans,
or programs.
Mitigation Measure(s) - None Required
Mitigation Monitoring- None Required
3.16. UTILITIES AND SERVICE Potentially Less Than Less Than No
SYSTEMS -- Would the project: Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact With Impact
Mitigation
Incorporated
a) Exceed wastewater treatment ❑ ❑ ❑
requirements of the applicable Regional
Water Quality Control Board?
i
b) Require or result in the construction of ❑ ❑ ❑
new water or wastewater treatment
facilities or expansion of existing facilities,
the construction of which could cause
significant environmental effects?
I
c) Require or result in the construction of ❑ ❑ ❑
new stormwater drainage facilities or
expansion of existing facilities, the
construction of which could cause
significant environmental effects?
d) Have sufficient water supplies available ❑ ❑ ❑
to serve the project from existing
entitlements and resources, or are new or
expanded entitlements needed?
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 44 July 2005
Truckee Donner Public Utility District Inland Ecosystems
Potentially Less Than Less Than No
Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact With Impact
Mitigation
Incorporated
e) Result in a determination by the ❑ ❑ ❑
wastewater treatment provider, which
serves or may serve the project that it has
adequate capacity to serve the project's
projected demand in addition to the
provider's existing commitments?
f) Be served by a landfill with sufficient ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
permitted capacity to accommodate the
project's solid waste disposal needs?
g) Comply with federal, state, and local ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ j
statutes and regulations related to solid
waste.
Response to questions:
(a)-(e): The proposed project does not require wastewater treatment.
(f)-(g): The proposed project does not require solid waste disposal.
Mitigation Measure(s)-None Required
Mitigation Monitoring- None Required
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 45 July 2005
Truckee Donner Public Utility District Inland Ecosystems
3.17. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF Potentially Less Than Less Than No
SIGNIFICANCE Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact With Impact
Mitigation
Incorporated
Does the project have the potential to El
degrade the quality of the environment,
substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or
wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife
population to drop below self-sustaining
levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or
animal community,reduce the number or
restrict the range of a rare or endangered
plan or animal or eliminate important
examples of the major periods of
California history or prehistory?
Does the project have impacts that are ❑ ❑ El
individually limited, but cumulatively
considerable? ("Cumulatively
considerable"means that the incremental
effects of a project are considerable when
viewed in connection with the effects of
past projects, the effects of other current
projects, and the effects of probably future
projects)?
Does the project have environment effects ❑ ❑
which will cause substantial adverse effects
on human beings, either directly or
indirectly?
Response to questions:
(a): With implementation of recommended mitigation, the project does not have the potential to
degrade the quality of the environment, reduce the habitat of any wildlife species nor create adverse
effects on human beings. The proposed project is comprised of standard construction activities to
install a water storage tank, associated pipeline, and an access road. This project will not adversely
affect any species identified as a candidate for sensitive, or special status species, in local or
regional plans, policies or regulations, or by California Department of Fish and Game or United
States Fish and Wildlife Service.
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration I July 2005
Truckee Donner Public Utility District Inland Ecosystems
(b): The proposed project would not result in any cumulative impacts or irreversible environmental
damage because of the relatively small scale of the project.
(c): Refer to discussion in item "a", above.
REPORT PREPARATION
This Initial Study was prepared under contract with the Truckee Donner Public Utility District by
Inland Ecosystems.Principal author was Glenn Merron.
Prepared by: _ Date:
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 2 July 2005
Truckee Donner Public Utility District Inland Ecosystems
r
i
APPENDIX A
PUBLIC COMMENTS DURING THE REVIEW
PERIOD AND RESPONSES FOR THE DRAFT
MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARTION
t_
11570 Donner Pass Road
P.O. Box 309, Truckee, Ca. 96161
Phone (530) 587-3896
Fax(530) 587-1189
Memorandum
To: Inland Ecosystems
Date: June 1, 2005- Board meeting
Re: Public Hearing: Adoption of an Initial Environmental Study and proposed Mitigated Negative
Declaration related to construction of the Donner Lake road tanks
Al Farrantine is concerned about the tank location at the West end of Donner Lake. He owns property
adjacent to the tank site and is going to build a house on this parcel. About two years ago, Mr. Farrantine
heard The Truckee Donner PUD was looking for a tank site with a specific elevation and approached Ed
Taylor. Mr. Farrantine said the PUD could purchase a corner of his property that is around the elevation
needed for the tank and had no problem with the tank on his site. Mr. Farrantine and Mr. Taylor spoke
every couple months over the last two years about what was happening with the tank project, but there had
been no negotiation of price over the last year.
About three months ago, Mr. Farrantine came in and was told his property may not be suitable for the tank
site as there were problems. But he was asked to give an estimate of what he would charge the PUD for
the property if they did decide to use it. He placed a value according to how the tank would depreciate the
value of his property. Mr. Farrantine was confused with the new location of the tank and thought it was
going to be a little lower and affect his property more.
Recently, Mr. Farrantine got a call from his engineer that the TDPUD was having a Public Hearing on the
tank site. He then found out the tank site had been moved off his property and was going to be moved onto
the cut right on the road. In addition, there was no longer one tank, but two tanks. Mr. Farrantine asked Mr.
Taylor to mark the tank site and found the location was not as bad as he originally thought. The site was
farther up, so he will not be able to see from his house.
Mr. Farrantine's issues are:
• Visibility:
o The tank location is right on the cut of the road. He feels the location he had in mind about
75 feet back would be behind the tree cover and off the road.
a
•Page 1
E
o The tank site was pushed farther down into Town Right of way. The one tank will be visible
for four years with nothing but cut and fill noticeable for the second tank. Residents will see
the tanks as they round the corner of the road. How will trees grow in an environment of 1
to 1 and 1 to 2 in order to provide visible protection of this tank?
o If one tank is moved too far, the PUD would have to get permission from Cal Trans to do a
cut back into their right of way. This could cause time delays with up to a year.
• Utilities:
o There is a problem with power lines when elevation at 6305. Sierra Pacific Power said the
site cannot be used as too close to the power lines. Mr. Farrantine said there does not
appear to be lines at the site and there are no utility easements on the title report.
Mr. Farrantine met with the board members, staff. Town council members and Donner Lake citizens to
figure out the tanks cannot be moved to a less visible spot less. He feels the CEQA process is in motion
and cannot easily be stopped.
i
i
t
• Page 2
i
f
11570 Donner Pass Road
P.O. Box 309, Truckee, Ca, 96161
Phone (530) 587-3896
Fax (530) 587-1189
Memorandum
To: Inland Ecosystems
Date: June 1, 2005- Board meeting
Re: Public Hearing: Adoption of an Initial Environmental Study and proposed Mitigated Negative
Declaration related to construction of the Donner Lake road tanks
Eric Perlman owns property to the east. He agrees and affirms that Mr. Al Farrantine laid out the issues
clearly and directly.
Mr. Perlman's issues are:
• The tanks are too close to the road, too high, have too steep a slope and are not well protected
or screened.
• The road is gateway to Truckee, if not to Donner Lake from primary traffic flow from the West.
The tank would be a visible 32' high wall of green steel.
• The tank plan has changed from a few days ago. They have been moved, fills changed, the
size of tank(s) are different and one tank is now two. Prior discussions had a larger tank with
possibly a smaller one.
• Cuts and fills-reduce
• Visibility-diminish by moving the tanks back behind tree cover.
4
k
• Page 1 }
r +�
11570 Donner Pass Road
P.O. Box 309, Truckee, Ca. 96161
Phone (530) 587-3896
Fax(530) 587-1189
Memorandum
To: Inland Ecosystems
Date: June 1, 2005- Board meeting
Re: Public Hearing: Adoption of an Initial Environmental Study and proposed Mitigated Negative
Declaration related to construction of the Donner Lake road tanks
Emilie Kashtan has been involved in the Donner Lake rehabilitation since its onset. She feels the
TDPUD has maintained the course of action set in motion four years ago.
Her only concerns are:
• Cost containment
• Drainage
• Wetlands
• Cal Trans currently has a negative declaration on a salt and sand project just up the road
j
t
•Page 1
11570 Donner Pass Road
P.O. Box 309, Truckee, Ca. 96161
Phone(530) 587-3896
Fax (530) 587-1189
Memorandum
To: Inland Ecosystems
Date: June 1, 2005- Board meeting
Re: Public Hearing: Adoption of an Initial Environmental Study and proposed Mitigated Negative
Declaration related to construction of the Donner Lake road tanks
John Eaton feels there are a number of defects in the CEQA document:
• Visual impact. Pictures were taken from across the lake and interposed. No simulations were taken
from Donner Lake Road
• Donner Lake Road is one of the gateways to Truckee. The impression of people coming to Truckee
from this particular part of Truckee would be two large tanks. This will not do people's property
values any good.
• Wildlife issues. Negro Canyon is immediately to the north and is a heavily used area for deer. They
get there through the Donner Lake underpass and get they have to go somewhere near this tank
site. There is deer travel
• Wetland. There is a stream with sinuous course and water running.
The road cut is wet and full of moss. There is a threatened species of moss. This needs evaluation.
The document says that the moss likes to grow on wet road cuts.
• An alternative site was not adequately evaluated. Could have evaluated the property offered to the
east which is east of the wetlands and the stream and sheltered by trees.
• Tony Lashbrook has not signed off this project. He is evaluating. There is no decision. There is
likely to be discussion over whether the Town should donate this land to the PUD.
• Scott Ferguson of California Regional water Quality Control Board, Lahonton Region, is not aware
of the wetlands which could require mitigation. He is now studying them.
0 Page 1
gun-07-05 01:39pm From-TOWN+OF+TRUCKEE 5305827710 T-717 P.02/04 F-795
town Counnll
Dwanmenr Heads
Craig A. Threshie,Mayor ".tJSHcI
Tony Lashnrook Town Manager
Scott Beny,Chief of Police
Beth Ingalls, Vice Mayor J.Dennis Crabb, Town Attorney
Joshua J, Susman, COUneilmember %. .�n� ra Vacant, Community Development Director
Barbera Crean, Councifinember ��rr+a, ` s'0 David M. Heath,Administrative Services Director
Richard Anderson, Councifinember Judy Ptice, Town Clark
Alex 7'enaaas,Assistant to the Town Manager
Daniel Mikins,Public Works DirectorRbwn Engineer
June 6, 2005
Truckee Donner Public Utility District
Attn: Ed Taylor, Water Utility Manager
11570 Donner Pass Road
Truckee, CA 96160
Re: Donner Lake Water Storage Tank, Proposed Negative Declaration
Dear Mr. Taylor,
Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on the proposed negative
declaration for the Donner Lake Water Storage Tank. The Town of Truckee is
supportive of your effort to improve the water quality of the Donner Lake Water System
and provide additional water storage capacity to the Donner Lake area. The Donner
Lake Water Storage Tank will be discussed at the June 161 Town Council public
meeting, therefore, the Town is requesting that the public comment review period be
extended until after the June 16th Council meeting for the Town to have an opportunity to
provide comments regarding the Donner Lake Water Storage Tank.
As per the meeting held with Ed Taylor, Dan Wilkins and Stacy Wydra on June 2nd, it is
the understanding of Staff the project proposal has been modified from two tanks (as
discussed within the Mitigated Negative Declaration) to a single tank. Staff understands
that the proposed single tank is to be approximately 32-feet tall, painted the same color
as the existing tank at the Bridge Street tank site, accessed by a single-driveway
encroachment. Although the Town is requesting a time extension to the comment review
period, the following are issues identified by the Town or request for additional
information:
Water Resources
The project site is located south of Interstate 80. The older residential neighborhoods
between Donner Lake and 1-80 are heavily impacted by runoff and flood flows. While
much of the runoff on this hillside is naturally occurring, the current flooding issues are
exacerbated by the concentration of runoff that resulted from the Construction of
Interstate 80. The Town recognizes that the additional impervious surfaces created by
10183 Truckee Airport Road, Truckee, CA 96161-3306
www.townoftruckee.com
Administration: 530-582-7700/Fax:530.582-7710/email:truckee@townoitruckee.com
Community Development: 530-582-7820!Fax: 530-582-7889!email:cdd@towno8ruckee.com
Animal ControWehicle Abatement: 530-582-7830/Fax: 530-582-7889!email:an/malcontrol@towncitruckee.com
Police Oepartment: 530-550-2328/Fax: 530-550-2326/email, polioedepartment@townoftruckee.com
� Jun-07705 01,39om From-TOWN+OF+TRUCKEE
5305327710 T-711 P D3/04 F-T96
Page 2
TOPUO Water Storage Tank
Comment Extension Request
the paving and construction of the tank associated with this project are small compared
to the runoff generated by this portion of the watershed, however, it is important to note
that any incremental increase in runoff will likely have a significant impact on
downstream properties. According to the project site plan there is an existing 24" culvert
which daylights north of the project site. It appears as though the runoff from this
drainage is going to be diverted away from the tank to flow to the west. A drainage study
should be conducted to look at the down stream impacts of the diverted drainage and its
Impacts. Based upon other project review in this area, staff would strongly suggest that a
site analysis be conducted to identify any jurisdictional drainage courses impacted by the
Project site, and to identify if there are any established wetlands and/or characteristics of
a wetland. ased upon the findings of the analysis the TDPUD should contact the
appropriates gulatory agencies and incorporate all reasonable measures to ensure
consistency With their regulations, _
Grading
Upon review of the Mitigated Negative Declaration, there is minimal Information provided
regarding the proposed grading for the project. Staff would like to request the submittal
of a grading plan for review of the project. The grading plan should include, but not be
limited to, sections of the proposed driveway and cuts/fills, including the area proposed
for the tank, existing (natural) and proposed (finished) grade elevations and contours at
2-foot intervals, locations of slopes between 20% and 30%, location of slopes 30% and
greater, location and height of cuts and fills, location and height of retaining walls (if
any), estimate in cubic yards of cut and fill, direction and method of stormwater runoff
from the tank and the impervious surfaces to on-site retention/treatment facilities to off-
site drainage facilities, type and location of retention/treatment facilities and drainage
facilities, number of trees to be removed, etc..
The Town of Truckee is also keenly interested in retaining and improving the water
quality in Gregory Creek, Donner Lake, Donner Creek and the Truckee River. Although
regulation of water quality is the purview of the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control
Board, the Town urges the Truckee Donner Public Utility District to Incorporate all
reasonable measures to ensure that the addition of vehicles, paving, construction of the
water tank, etc to this sensitive area does not reduce the water quality in these important
water bodies.
Scenic Resources and Visual Impacts
Based upon Conservation and Open Space Policy 4.3 in the Truckee General Plan, the
Town has established scenic corridor standards that apply to development visible from
Interstate 80. The Town has established specific criteria that apply to all development
within 300-feet of Interstate 80 (outside of Downtown Truckee) which are designed to
retain the scenic characteristics of the area. These include a 100-foot setback from the
freeway right-of-way for structures, height limitations, landscaping, exterior lighting and
structure design requirements intended to minimize the visibility from the freeway. The
proposed Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration concludes that the project site will
be visible "from a relatively small section of northern Donner Lake Road and Interstate
80 for a few seconds while driving past the tank; however, there is no analysis or visual
simulation provided to demonstrate the potential visual impacts. Additionally, there is no
analysis, photo-simulation or discussion of the visibility of the Water Tank from Donner
F
Jun-07-05 01:40pm From-TOWN+OF+TRUCKEE 5305827710
T-717 P.04/04 F-795
PageTOP Water Storage Tank
Comment Extension Request
Lake. Furthermore, measures should be incorporated into the project's design, i.e.
landscaping and landscaping pockets, to break up the visual impacts created by the
access road out, The Town requests that TDPUD exercise extreme sensitivity in the
design and operation of this type of facility on this or any other site within view of the
freeway and consider Section 18.46.070 of the Town of Truckee Development Code and
provide photo-simulations of the tank from Interstate 80, Donner Lake Road, and Donner
Lake,
Advisory Comments
On page 4 of the Mitigated Negative Declaration it states that 'A 120-foot long paved
access road, 12 feet wide, would be constructed from Donner lake Road to the tank for
access and long-term maintenance of the faciUty."Based upon the meeting held on June
2 nd, Mr. Taylor stated that the intent is to pave the driveway but provide 3" crushed rock
around the tank. Please clarify.
On page 9 of the Mitigated Negative Declaration it states that "Any exterior lighting shalt
be designed to operate only when necessary for operation and maintenance activities
which will rarefy occur at night on this site,"However, at the June 21" meeting Mr, Taylor
stated that no lighting will be installed at the project site. Please provide clarification.
Thank you for considering our comments. Should you have any questions, please
contact Dan Wilkins, Town Engineer at dwiikinsrrDtownoftruckae com for questions
and/or comments related to water resources, drainage and/or grading and Stacy Wydra,
Assistant Planner at s raCrC)townoftruckee Cam for scenic resources and visual
impacts related questions and/or comments.
Zcer y,
Lashbrook
Town Manager
cc: Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board
Town Council Members
{
i
Truckee Donner Public Utility District
Directors
Joseph R. Aguera
J.Ron Hemig
Patricia S. Sutton
Tim G.Tavlor
Bill Tlumtason
General Manager
Peter L Holzmeis[er
June 30, 2005
Mr. Tony Lashbrook
Town of Truckee Manager
10183 Truckee Airport Road
Truckee, CA 96161-3306
SUBJECT: Donner Lake Road Water Storage Tank
Dear Mr. Lashbrook:
Thank you for your letter of June 6, 2005 incorporating the Town of Truckee's comments
on the Truckee Donner Public Utility District's (District) Initial Study/Mitigated
Negative Declaration for the Donner Lake Road Water Storage Tank Project. Public
meetings regarding the project have been held on June I and June 15 at District
headquarters and on June 16 at the Town's Council Meeting. Oral and written comments
made at the public meetings included potential significant impacts to visual, hydrological,
and biological resources.
Scenic Resources and Visual Impacts
Visual simulations were performed by the District on June 24, 2005. Each of the
proposed tank sites were delineated with balloons (See Photo 1). Both the District's
preferred tank site and an alternative site to the east were then graphically enhanced with
water storage tanks in order to obtain a visual comparison between the two sites. Photo 2
depicts the water tanks looking south from I-80. Photos 3 and 4 depict the tanks sites and
access road from Donner Lake Road looking southeast. Photos 5 and 6 depict the two
proposed tank sites from Donner Lake Road looking northwest. Photo 6 also simulates
the District's preferred site after implementation of a revegetation plan.
P.O. Boa 309—Truckee,CA 96160—Phone 530-587-3896—www.tdpud.org
Alternative District's proposed
proposed tank site tank site
,I! 1
! ! I
l }
q
Photo I. View of the balloon visual simulation looking south from Interstate 80.
Alternative proposed District's proposed tank
site
Photo 2. View of both proposed tank sites looking south from Interstate 80.
P.O. Box 309—Truckee,CA 96160—Phone 530-589-3896—www.tdpud.org
}
District's proposed tank
site ,. ,
t
a
u
h
i �
Alternative proposed
tank site
+= y
Photos 3 and 4. View of both proposed tank sites from Donner Lake Road looking
southeast.
P.O.Box 309—Truckee,CA 96160—Phone 530-589-3896—www.tdpud.org
Alternative proposed
tank site. A number of
District's proposed tank site mature trees will need to
be removed in order to
Facilitate construction
Photo 5. View of both proposed tank sites from Donner Lake Road looking west.
District's proposed tank site
after five years of coniferous AIternative proposed
revegetation tank site
x"
,0 sl
,r r
# " s
Photo 6 View of both proposed tank sites from Donner Lake Road looking west after
implementation of a revegetation plan at the District's tank site.
P.O.Box 309—Truckee,CA 96160—Phone 530-587-3896—www.tdpud.org `
i
i
It is the District's opinion that the alternative tank site does not have any sinificant
benefit to visual resources but has a significant impact go
biological resources doe to the
need to remove six large trees. From an engineering, biological and economic standpoint
the adjacent property has more disadvantages than advantages including increased
excavation for cut and fills, tree removal and additional expense for Donner Lake water
customers.
Hydrology and Drainage
The District is committed to ensuring that its activities do not impair water quality or
beneficial uses of waters of the state. The District continues to work closely with the
Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board (LRWQCB) to ensure its activities
improve water quality over existing conditions.
The existing hydrology at the proposed Donner Lake Road tank site originates from a
combination of road runoff and natural seepage altered by the construction of Interstate
80 that has created an artificial channel. The current runoff from the site is contributing to
poor water quality flowing into Donner Lake. There is a significant amount of road
surface sand that has been deposited on the site (greater than 12-inches deep) along with
roadside pollutants from vehicle traffic that also flows off site and down Donner Lake
Road.
Construction of the proposed water storage tank will improve water quality conditions by
redirecting road runoff from I-80 east of the proposed tank location into a new
meandering drainage channel with detention basins constructed in an upland area. The
proposed new channel will increase the surface area available for runoff infiltration
greater than three times the amount of surface area currently existing at the site. Two
detention basins will also be located along the channel to slow water velocity and
increase infiltration rates. Remaining seepage originating west of the proposed tank will
be captured within a swale created along the south side of a new paved access road and
directed into a detention basin located on the project site. The District has been
coordinating the Donner Lake Road water storage tank with Mr. Scott Ferguson, Chief,
Northern Watershed Unit, LRWQCB who has been provided with a complete
photographic record of the existing and proposed changes to drainage from the site. The
District also conducted a site visit with California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG)
Warden Veda Camacho on June 24, 2005. Warden Camacho advised the District to
notify the Streambed Alteration Division to allow CDFG to make a determination as to
whether a streambed agreement will be required for the project. The District is keenly
aware of the need to implement conveyance of runoff in a manner that does not
cumulatively contribute to existing water quality impacts in Donner Lake and the
Truckee River.
Biological Resources
Comments were received at public hearings that biological resources including plants and
mammals would be significantly impacted at the proposed tank site. Specifically, `
F
P.O.Box 309—Truckee,CA%160—Phone 530-587-3896—www.tdpud.org
comment was raised about the potential for a threatened species of moss on the project
site. The moss, which is visible along the northeast shoulder of Donner Lake Road, is the
common species of moss (Philanotis fontana) and is not the rare moss species (Bruchia
bolanderi) that is a California Native Plant Society List 2 species.
The District Engineer, Neil Kaufman, and Inland Ecosystems consultant, Glenn Merton,
visited the site on June 8, 2005 with John Eaton, Executive Director of the Mountain
Area Preservation Foundation. The District Engineer explained the modified project to
Mr. Eaton and understood that based on the project redesign no significant impact to
migratory mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) routes would occur. The District fully
realizes that during the course of the construction period limited short-term interference
to mule deer movement may occur, however not to such a degree that it would be
considered a significant impact. Once the tank is built there would be minimal
disturbance to deer migrating through the area and only when periodic tank maintenance
is required. Therefore, it is not likely that construction of the water tank and access road
would have an adverse long-term impact on mule deer populations in the area.
The District would like to take this opportunity to explain how the proposed Donner Lake
Road tank site location was chosen as an alternate site to avoid water quality impacts
from potential project sites in sensitive wetland and wildlife habitat around Donner Lake.
The proposed water storage tank will replace existing water storage tanks at the Red
Mountain Road site on the south side of Donner Lake, the Greenpoint Springs water
storage tanks on the north shore of Donner Lake, and the Upper Tanks located above I-80
at the westbound scenic view rest area (See Figure 1).
The Red Mountain water storage tank is located in high quality wetland habitat. The
District worked closely with the LRWQCB to receive Clean Water Act Section 401
Water Quality Certification to install a pipeline in this sensitive habitat. However, the
District re-modeled the hydraulics, of the Donner Lake water system and decided that
abandonment of this tank site in favor of the Donner Lake Road tank site was a superior
environmental and engineering alternative.
The District is also implementing Phase I of a Greenpoint Springs tank site wetland
restoration plan under the guidance of the LRWQCB. The complex of natural seeps and
springs at the site is the largest, most diverse, and highest quality of the seep-spring and
wetland-riparian habitats found around the north shore of Donner Lake. The channels and
springs all provide a direct, overland hydrologic connection to the lake. The District is
committed to re-establishing historic wetlands at this site.
SUMMARY
The District is nearing completion of the Donner Lake water system improvement project
for the Donner Lake customers. The project started in 2001 and has evolved from a "Boil
Water Order" to an efficient and cost effective state of the art water distribution system.
The District has coordinated all components of the project with the appropriate state and
federal regulatory agencies. The Donner Lake Road water storage tank is a final
t
P.O.Box 309—Truckee,CA 96160—Phone 530-587-3896—www.tdpud.org
component of this comprehensive improvement project. The proposed location of the
water storage tank on the Town of Truckee Right Of Way is the best site for the water
tank. The District has incorporated every reasonable measure to ensure that visible
impacts are reduced to a less than significant level. It is the intent of the District to work
closely with Town Planning staff and regulatory agencies to ensure that the project
complies with all local and regional regulations and is conducted with the least amount of
environmental impact.
Please contact me at (530) 582-3927 should you require any additional information. We
appreciate your continued assistance with this final component of the Donner Lake water
system improvement project.
;S ,erely,
t.
Ed Taylor
Water Utility Manager
cc: Town of Truckee Council Members
TDPUD Board Members
Emily Kashtan, Donner Lake Homeowner Association
John Eaton,Mountain Area Preservation Foundation
Scott Ferguson, LRWQCB
Glenn Merron, Inland Ecosystems
f
i
P.O.Box 309—Truckee,CA 96160—Phone 530-587-3896—www.tdpud.org
e
s
's