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HomeMy WebLinkAbout6 Donner Lake CEQA Agenda Item # 6 TRUCKEE . . � . y District Memorandum To: Board of Directors From: Peter Holzmeister Date: February 9, 2001 Donner Lake CEQA Attached is a memorandum from Keith Knibb and the revised mitigated Negative Declaration relating to acquisition and upgrade of the Donner Lake water system. We have conducted the necessary public hearing and the 30 day comment period has lapsed. Several comments were received that have been evaluated by Keith and appropriate notations made in the environmental study and mitigated Negative Declaration. Keith will be at the meeting on Monday evening. You are in a position to adopt the documents as final. Saucro Ena lr+ccr ina Inc. 5'e03c56S'e� r'. 01 Sxuers IJngineering, Inc® Civil & Euviivunlcntal Rngine.e.rs ' Memorandum Fehnnary R,7001 i I TO: Rnard of Directors, and Ed Taylor; District Water Superiuteudeut FROM: Keith Knibb, Consulting Engine SUBJECT: Donner Lake Water System Acquisition and Rehabilitation -CEQA As of February 6, 2001,the California Environmental Quality Act(CF.QA)review period is closed fur the Donner Take Water System Acquisition and Rehabilitation negative declaration. Eleven comment letters were received during the review period for the original sod rcvi�cd documcnts. :The Board of Directors held a Public Hearing on January 17,2001. The District did receive oral'enmments at the public hearing. Along with this memo are copies oi`the eleven comment letters and responses to the written and oral comments. The final CEQA documents included-with this report are: Comments and Responses Final Negative Declaration Notice of Determination Mitigation Monitoring Plan i RECOMMENDATIONS I recommend the Board of Directors take the following actions: Approve the responses to comments. Adopt fire Fixml Negative Declamrion. Approve the project for purposes of CEQA. � Authorize the filing of the Notice of Deterunivatiuu with the Office of the Nevada County Clcrk and the Governor's Office of Planning and Research. Approve the Mitigation Monitoring Plata Adopt a finding that the draft documents as circulated and the negative declaration reflect the District's indepevdcatjudgement. I I 440 Lower Grass Valley Road,Suite A.Nevada City, CA 95959 (530)265-8021 Fax r510;265.6834 Sauers Ensineerins Inc. 5302656834, P. 02 NEGATIVE DECLARATION 4 ( ) Proposed (Y)�) Final NAME OF PROJECT: Donner Lake Water System Acquisition and Rehabilitation LUCAIION: Truckee, California Rntity or Person Undertaking Project: I (XX) Truckee Donner Public Utility District Other( } Name Address: Phone: i PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The proposed project involves the acquisition, operation, and maintenance of tho Donner Lake water system by the Truckee Donner Public Utility District (District) alung with the rehabilitation Of the water system to provide reliable and safe water for domestic use and fire protection. Finding: It is hereby found that the above named project will not have a significant effect upon the environment. Initial An initial study of this project was undertaken and prepared in accojdance;with Article V Study: of the District's local environmental guidelines and Section 15063 of the M,Guidelines far the California Environmental Quality Act for the purposeof ascertaining whether this project might have a significant effect upon the environment. A copy of j such initial study is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. Such initial study documents reasons to suppurt the above finding. Mitigation The following mitigation measures have heen included in the projec I t to avoid potentially Measures: significant effects: 5a. Fugitive dust emissions resulting from site clearing and any project improvements shall be minimized at all times utilizing control measures including dus� palliative, regularly appliedwater,graveled or paved haul roads,etc. Access or haul roads adjacenitto the project ,must be treated as necessary to prevent off-site migration and accumulation of dirt,soils,or other materials which can subsequently become entrained in ambient air, either from coustl uctiun relaced vehicles or from any vehicle using adjacent affected roads. I i Saucro Engineer lno inc. Se3'_''65e Sep P. 3e i i i i i t 5b. When transporting niatcrial during site Preparation or construction, measures shall be used to prevent materials from spilling or blowing onto streets and highways, Earthen materials,if transported,shall be adequately sprayed wiLh water or covered prinr to transport onto public roads. Vegetative marerinl shall be tarped as necessary prior to transport. Sperifilc.control measures shall be noted on improvement and/or grading plans. 6a.Traffic control and lane closure plans shall be submitted to and approved by the Town of Truckee as part of the encroachment permit issuance prucess. I 7a. Trees removed greater than;6" in diameter at breast height shah be replaced at a ran of 2:1 and shall consist of avcrgrecti trees. Ot7 sire planting of replacement trees will be permitted if adequate landscape area is not available within the proieet site. Replacement tree locations,species, and sizes shall be detailed on the final prujee(plans. 10a. Construction shall be restricted Monday through Friday, 7:(O ant 6.00 pin and Saturdays from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm_ Construction plans shall include reference to these restricted hours of construction, 14a. If artifacts,paleontological or cultural, or unusual amounts of stone,'bone, shell, or artifacts related to the early settlement of the Truekcc area are uncovered during cunstruc lion activity, work shall be halted and a qualifier] arch eologisr shall be consulted for an on-site review. Mitigation measures, as recommended by the archeoloRi'tin accordance with Appendix K of the CEQA Guidelines, shall be ituplcmented prior rx recommencement of construction activity, If any bone appears to be human, California)aw mandates that the Nevada County Coroner and the Native American Heritage Cururussiun bd contacted. Date: By: Peter I.. Rolm. eister, General Manager III I i I ' � 1 Su..crc Eno loser lno Inc. Se[3=6bcbcrl r'• � t NOTICE OF DETERMINATION I To:K Office of Planning and Rcacarcli From,; Truckee Dormer PLD 1400 Tonth Sorest,Room 121 P.U..NnX g09 Sacramento,CA 958A truckee, CA 96160-0309 County Clcrk County Of Nevada ' 201 Clr rch Street Ncvada City,CA 95959 Subject: Filing of Notice of Determination In cowpliance with Section 21108 or 21152 of the Public Resourcct Code. j Dontlar Ldkc Water Svctem Ae uisition and Rehabilitaion Project Title i 2001012019 Peter L,Holzmeis ter 1��SR7-3R9fi State Clearingbousc lNuxnbcr Responsible Agency Area CndefI etv'phone Contact Person Donner Lake, Tnickee,Nevada County Project Location(include wunty) I Proja Deacr(ptlun, Acquisition ofpropetty for and construction of a new production wc1l,well pump station,dud pipeline. I This is to advise that the Truckee T)nnner Public Utility District has approved the dcscribcd projctit on Fcb, 1$,2001 a rd e Lead Agency ❑ Responsible Agency Date has made the following dererminarinns regarding the above described project; 1. The project[Owill mwH1 notj have a significant effect on the environment, j r 2. ❑An Environmental Impact Report was prepared fcr this project pursuant to the provisions of CBQA, Z A Negative.declaration was prepared for this project pursuant to the prvv'inons of CEQA. 3. Mitigation measures [®were❑ weie not]rrtade a condition of the approval of the project. I. 4. A statement of Overriding considerations[❑was 0 was rot]adopted for this project, S. Finding;[M wen ❑were not]made pursua,u W Lire provisions of CEQA. This is lu certify'that the Negarive,rtac.laration with comments and racponses and record of project approval is available to the General Public at: i Truckee Donner Ptibijc Utility Dist_ P.O. Box 309 11570 Dormer Pass Road.Truckee CA 96160-0309 Peter L.Holzmeisrer,C2rnersl Manager Datc { Di0 Pee $ 0.00 � Dale received for Hung at C)PR: � a d i r i it Sa..cro Eno lnccr ino Inc. S'e326563ba. '- `�� NOTICE OF DETERMINATION To:_ Office of Planning and RV=1Lll From: -Truckee Donner PUD 1400 Tenth Street,Rocca 121 P.O.Box 309 Sacramento,CA 95014 Iiuckee,CA 96160-0309 X County Clerk County of Nevada 201 Church Street !� Nevado City,CA 95959 Suhj ecb �� Filing of Notice of Dejermivation in compliance with Section 21108 or 21152 of the Public Resource's Code. ! Dolniet Lake tYater System AcQuislHon and Rehabilitaion _ Project Title 26Q1012o19 Peter L.Holzmeister (5?Q158�-3R9Cr State Clearinghouse Dumber Responsible Agency Area CoderTelephone Contact Person Donner Lake.Truckee.Nevada County PA'u,icct Location(include county) Project Description: j Acquisition of property for and construction of new production well, well prunp station,and ptptluAn. ! Thus is to advise that the Truckee j)orner Public Utility District has approved the described projc�t on Fcb. 12,2001 and Lead Agency C' Responsible Agency Date has made The following determinations regarding the above deaeribed project j i I. The project LUwill®will not]have a significant effect on the cnviroament. 2. ❑An Environmental Impact Report was prepared for this project pursuant to the provisions of CEQA. i =A Negative Declarntinn teas prepared for this project puteuant to the provisions of CLQA. 3. btitigation measures[8 wore❑were not]made a cwiditiutt of the approval of the prnje,T. 4. A statement of Overriding Considerations[o was 0 was not]adopted for this project. 5. Findings[a were O were not]made putsumd to the provisions of CP,QA. This 1s to certify that the Negative Declaration with comments and response;and record of project apptov4l is avdi]ablc to the General Public at Truckee Donner Publie Utility Diet P p Box 309 11570 Donner Pass Road,T uukee.iCA 96160-03b9 i Peter L.Holmaiver,G,nerel Manager Date i DFG Fee S 1.250.00 Date received for filing at OPH I a F i j I S o. .cr: Enol cr ino roc. 5302e568<� Q. 06 it Truckee Donner Public Utility District Donner Lake Water System Arquisition and Rehabilitation i COMIM,h"T$ AND RESPONSE- � The following are responses to comments received during the circuladou and rev iew of the proposed negative declaration and initial study for the"Donner Lake Water System Acquisition and RchabiliLation " This includes both the original negative declaration and initial study and the revised negative declaration and amended initial study as recirculated- Copies of each of the coatunanl letters are attached. Oral comments were also received during the public hearing. Responses to the oral comments arc included below. Letter from Tmckee Sanitary District dated October 12, 2000: Comment: Truckee Sanitary District has reviewed and has no comments it this time. RJ1ldutsV:Cummenr acknowledged. No response necessary'. Letter from State Department of Health Services dated October 23, 2000: Comment: Proposed mitigation for potential biological impacts may not be adequate. Res nsc: Potential biological impacts were associated with the construct '0"of new intake facilities within the lake. Construction of new intake facilities has een eliminated from the project as discussed in the amended initial study. This eliminate:the potential biological impacts. i Comment: Crowth inducement not adds eased. Response: As explained in the Initial Study,Explanation of Checklist Ans''tvers, U. Population and Housing, the project area is lantitul due to physical factors Service would be limited to the apprnximately 1,230 existing customers plus existing undeveloped lands within the service area for an estimated total of 1,800 custom r5. The project will not extend service to auy rtcw arras not already served by the System but will alluw the continuation of infill development. ,o inept• Additional environmental review and documentation will be required'if the District intends to use Safe Drinking Water Statc Revolving Fund for projct funding. Response; Comment acknuwledged. Should the District pursue SO W SRF funding,the District will meet all applicable program requirements. I Letter from Town of Truckee dated November 5, 2000: Comment: Concerns regarding location ofproposcd water treatment plant including flooding issues, land use issues, and building permit requirements. es onse; Construction of the treatment facilities has been eliminated froth the ptojeet as disco sed in the amended initial study: This eliminates pntemial impacts associated with the tueauncm plant building. i Letter from California Regional Water Qualify Conntrul Board e8 Lahonran R on dated November G,2006 Comment: Lake intake mitigation meaeures not adequate. 1 l Sauers Ensineerins Inc. 53e2656S34 i i Response, Constructio;i of new intake facilities has been elittiivatcd from the project as discussed in the amended initial study. This eliminates the potential water quality impacts. Comment: Biological and hydrological studies should be conducted priory to adopting the negative i declaration. ! Respponsc: Potential biological and hydrological impacts requiring professional studies were associated with the construction of new intake facilities within the lake. Construction of new intake facilities has been eliminated from the projecs as discussed in the 'amended initial study. This eliminates the need for the studies. Comment: Storm water treatment facilities for the treatment plant and water tanks should be sized and identified in the CEQA documents. Response: The treatment plant has been eliminated from the project. With respect to the water tanks, the District has not done actual detailed engineering or runoff calcuiations on the proposed sites. Until the District has acquired the system, that level of design detail is considered premature. As is routine with all District projects oftpis type,the District will apply for a permit from the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board prior to construction. The permit process will include identification of nifioff and treatment facilities. I Comment: Potential 100-year floodplain impacts should be indicated in tiie C> QA documents. Restonse: The lake intake,pump station, and treatment punt have been eliminated from the project thus eliminating any floodplain issues associated with those features. Concerning pipeline trenching, if the project requires work withiu a 100 year floodplain, the District would, as is routine with all District projects of this type, apply for a permit from,the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board and all other ap ropriate agencies, prior to construction. The permit process will include identification o£;100 year floodplain areas potentially affected by the project. Comment: Regional Board would prefer the use of water for dust control rather than dust suppressing chemicals, Response: Comment acknowledged. It has been the District's practice on these types of projects to make water available to District contractors at no charge for dust control. As a result, it has been the District's expcticnce that contractors wurkicig for the District use water•exclusively fur dust control rather than chemicals. It is anticipated that the',District will make water available for dust control during this project. CommenL Tn order to determine permit requirements, more information is needc�i including acres of soil disturbance and whether wetlands ur jurisdictionalaters are involved. Response: The District does not anticipate soil disturbance within any wetlands m jurisdictional waters. Because no detailed engineering design has been done for the project,the area of disturbance has nor been determined. Until the District has apquired the system, that level of design detail is considered premature. As engineered 2 I Sauers Ensineerins Inc. 5302656834 r'• d� I I eonstruetinn plans are.developed, that information will be shared with the Rcgivnal Board through the permit process. Comment:Regional Board staff would like to see more detailed analysis'With the environmental documents. Racponse: More detailed analysis of design specific issues will be made available to the Regional Board as it is developed thtuugh the permit process. Letter firm California State Lands Commission dated November 7,2000: Comment: The Commission has an existing lease covering the water intake pipeline. A lease amendmentlassignment will be necessary for improvements to the pipeliuz and change in ownership. Response: Improvements to the lake intake have been eliminated from the proie�t. Following the acquisition of the system, the District will contact the Cnmmissrori regarding the change of ownership. Letter from.State Department of Parks and Reci cation dated 10-30-00: Coninient: Environmental documents indicate pipelines which cross over(state park property. Project features affecting state park property should be addressed in the environmental documents. District would be required to obtain a special use permit from California State Parks prior to commencement of the work. I Response: In order to provide a inure reliable water distribution system;the District is proposing to complete a pipeline loop.around Donner Lake. This proposO includes construction of pipeline across Donnei Memorial State Park property. Copstrrctinn is proposed to follow existing roads within the park. Prior to any construction work on state park property, the District will apply for a special use permit with Californa State Parka. The District understands (brie may be conditions applied to the permit. i Letter from rronick,Moskovitz,Tiedemann& Girard dated November 15,9000: I Comment Impacts associated with the flooding of Gregory Creek and the propo I od treatment plant are not adequately addressed. Response: Construction of the treatment facilities has been eliminated from the project as discussed in the amended initial study. 1 his eliminates potential impacts associated with the treatment plant building and the flooding of Gregory Creek. I Comment: Visual impacts of constructing the treatment plant ou the cornet lot art not adequately addressed. Response: Construction of the treatment facilities has been eliminated from the project as discussed in the amended initial study. This eliminates potential visual iimpacts associated with the treatment Plant building. i Comment: The analysis of traffic impacts from siting the treatment plant on the corner is insufficient. � i es einse: Construction of the treatment facilities has been eliminated from the Project as discussed in the amended initial study. This eliminates potential traffic impacts assoeiated with the treatment plant building. 3 i i - Sauers Enaineerins Inc. 5302656834 P. 99 Comment The initial study defers analysis of impacts and ideutiCicatiun of midgation on issues including impacts to fish and water quality by relying on future studies. Response: Potential biological and hydrological impacts requiting future'studies were associated with the construction of new intake facilities within the lake. tronstryction of new intake facilities has been eliminated from the project as discussed in the amended initial study. This eliminates the need for the analysis. j Letter from,State Department of Parks and Recreation dated 1-23-01: Comment: Environmental documents indicate pipelines which cross over state park property. Project features affecting state park property should be addressed in it c environmental documents. District would be required to obtain a special Use permit from California State Parks prior to commencement of the work. Response: In order to provide a more reliable water distribution system, the District is proposing to complete a pipeline loop around Donner lake. Thi.c proposal inelu�cs construction of pipeline across Donner Memorial State Park property. Copstruction is Proposed to follow existing roads within the park. Prior to arty coustrucliyn work Uri state park property, the District will apply for a special use permit with California State Parks. The District understands there may be conditions applied to the permit. T etter from Town of Truckee dated January 24,2001: Comment: Aspects of the project which involve work within Town maintained right of way create potential impacts to traff cicirculation. Town recommends an additional mitigation measure requiring traffic control plans to be approved by the T wn as part of the encroachment permit process. Res 'on e: Comment acknowledged. The final environmental documents ill be' modified such that the initial study cliycklist Scctiun VI(a) is identified as `Potentially Significant Unless Mitigated" and the following mitigation measure added: i I 6a.Traffae control and lane closure plans chat] be submitted to and approved by the Town of Truckee as part of the encroachment permit issuance process; Letter from Placer County Water Agency dated January 29,2001: Comment: Transitioning from Donner Lake surface water to groundwater could reduce the hater availability to the Tntckee River Basin tinder the Truckee River Operating Agreement (TROA). es 'onsc: TROA allocates J2,000 acre-feet of water per year to the Truckee River Basin in California of which 10,000 acre-feet may be surface water. The District currently uses i approximately 6,500 acre-feet per year of groundwater with an anticipated demand of 15,000 acre-feet per year at build-out. The District is currently undertaki , ng a safg yield study of the Martis Valley aquifer. Preliminary results of that study indicate a safe groundwater yield of approximately 20,500 acre-feet annually (See attached letter form Nimbus Engineering dated February 8, 2001). Substituting 990 acre-feet of groundwater in place of Donner Lake surface water for the Donner Lake system,does not repreisent an adverse impact to the safe yield of the Martis Valley aquifer. Alan, i Fthe District, y chooses not to use Donner Lake surface water in the future, that allocation'would presumably be available under TROA at other locations within the basin. i I 1 ] 4 a � k 1 i � Sauers Ensineerins Inc. 5302656d34 i Comment: Jnitial study stutca that the project will not chaugc withdrawls of groundwater although District intends to transition to groundwater as the source for the service area. Restio_nse: (See previous response for discussion of groundwater issues.) Although the District does intend to transition to groundwater as the source of supply for the Donner Lake system, the District is not proposing to drill a new well specifically Qor Donner Lake under this proposed project. The District is currently on a groundw4tcl suture expansion program independeni of the Donner Lake project and intends to use llistrict- wide groundwater sources as they become available. The District is unde takng a safe yield study of the Martis Valley aquifer to use as a planning loot in developing their grnundwater program.Preliminary results of the study indicate that utilizing gra ndwatcr for Donner Lake will not have an adverse impact on the safe yield of tlrc aquifer; The transition of the Donner Lake system to groundwater will occur when the bistricEt determines there is adequate well capacity far the overall District as well as Donner Lake. The District will only continue to use the existing surface water sauces£�r the Donner Lake system until that determination is made. Letter from DNB/Highlands Group LLC dated January 31,2001: Comment: The initial study statement,which indicates the project will not'Fesult n any additional groundwater withdrawls appears inconsistent with the District goal of. transitioning to groundwater. Reationse: Although the District does intend to transition to grormdwatefas the'sourcc of supply fur dw,Donner Lake system, the District is not proposing to drill a new,well specifically for Donner Lake under this proposed project. The District is 4urrentiy on a groundwater source expansion program independent of the.Donner Lake pIreject�nd intends to use District-wide groundwater sources as they become available. The District is undertaking a safe yield study of the Martis Valley aquifer to use as a planning in developing their groundwater program. Preliminary results of the study indicate that utilizing groundwater for Donner Lake will not have an adverse impact on the safe yield of the aquifer. The transition of the Donner Lake system to groundwater will occur when the District determines there is adequate well capacity for the overall District as well as Donner Lake. The District will only continue to use dIc existing surface water sources I for the Donner Lake system until that determination is made. Comment: Concern regarding the possible loss of available water resources under TROA. R esnnnse! TROA allocates 32,000 acre-feet of water per year to the True ee River Basin in California of which 10,000 acre-feet may be surface water. The Dishic currently uses approximately 6,500 acre-feet per year of groundwater. The District is currently undertaking a safe yield study of the Martis Valley aquifer. Preliminary results of that stud y indicate a safe groundwater yield of approximately 20,500 acre-feet annuall�y(See attached letter form Nimbus Engineering dated February 8, 2001). Substituting 990 acre- feet of groundwater in place of Donner' Take surface water fur the Donner Lake s�stetn does not represent an adverse impact to the safe yield of the Martis Valley;aquifet. Also, if the District chooses not to use llonner Lake surface water in the future,that allocation would presumably be available under TROA at other locations within the basin. I Letter from Kronick, Moskowitz, Tiedemann & Girard dated February 2, 2001: 5 3 i Sauers Ensineerins Inc. 5302656834 P. 11 t l i Cor merit: The initial stray should include additional discussion ofgrounttwateri issues. Response: The District currently uses approximately 6,500 acre-feet per year of groundwater with an anticipated demand of 15,000 acre-feet per year at build-out. The District is currently undertaking a safe yield study of the Martis Valley aquifer. Preliminary results of that study indicate a safe groundwater yield of approximately 20,500 acre-feet annually(See attached letter form Nimbus Engineering dated F�bruary 8, 2001). SuhstituLiug 990 acre-feet of groundwater in place of Donner Lake surr'ace water for the Donner Lake system does not represent an adverse impact to the safe yield of the Martis Valley aquifer. Comment: The potential impact on existing District customers of the use of groulydwatct for Donner Lake should be discussed. Response: 1 he transition of the Donner Lake system to groundwater will occur when the District determines there is adequate well capacity for the overall District as well,as Donner Lake. The District will only continue to use the existing surface Water sources for the Donner Lake system until that determination is made. Preliminary;result of a safe yield study of the Mat Lis Valley aquifer indicate that utilizing groundwater for Donner Lake will not have an adverse impact on the safe yield of the aquifer. The transition to groundwater should have no long or short term adverse impact on the District's existing customers. Curturrcnt; The initial study should include discussion of increased risk of azseni exposure and arsenic levels within the aquifer. Restonse: Under its perrrrit with the State Department of Health Services,the District is obligated to provide drinking water which meets or exceeds state water quIality standards, including arsenic. Throughout its history, the District has met this obligation a ut� rs comtititled to cuntinuing to provide safe drinking water. The State is cttrrpntly considering lowering allowable arsenic levels in drinking water, The District's "Draft Water Master Plan Update, January 2001"(availahle for review at the dist{ict office) includes a discussion of arsenic issues including avoidance and treatment#eehniglucs the District intends to use to assure arsenic levels at or below state sta idards. I l Comment: The initial study should include discussion of additional energy required to { pump groundwater, j Response The pumping of groundwater for transfer to the Donner Lake system will require electrical energy. In selecting well pump inuturs, the District routinely specifies the use of high efficiency motor to avoid using electricity in a wasteful manner.(The use of eidetric energy at District pump stations is considered modest, typical of a local coniniercial/industrial operation. The local electric service provider, the District,!has the capacity to provide the additional electrical energy needed for future District wc4 pumps. Comment: The construction of pipeline to serve Donner Lake is inadequ tely described and discussed. Response: As the District develops additional groundwater.,nurre.e and de#ermines there is adequate capacity for Donner Lake,.a pipeline will likely be required to convey water to the Donner Lake system. This would not necessarily be considered a`niajor 6 Saucrc Eno lacer ino Inc. P. i2 i i i i trunkline"but an extensipn of the District's existing distribution system. IUttUl thu District dctcnninns the actual Incarinn of the fitture pipeline,discussion of site-specific construction issues is considered too speculative. Oral comments were received during the public hearing held at the District board room on January 17,2001: Kathy Polortcha-Kessler, representing the Donner Lake Citizens Group for Drinking Water: Comment: The Donner Lake Citizens Group is in support of the District's'environmental review process and the District's acquisition of the water system. Resnonsa Comment acknowledged. No response ueccssary. lvlike Strain, Iahoe Donner resident: Comment: Comments related to potential fivancial impacts associated with District acquisition including finding source,financial analysis, rate structure,and potential impact to existing customers, Response: Response was provided at the public hearing by the District General Manager and.Board ofDirectors. Financial analysis has been completed and was presented including cost estiinatcs fur acquisitiun and rehabilitation and the cost to Donncr lake customers. Potential funding sources were discussed including State Revolving fund. It was stated by the District that the customers of the Donner Lake system would bear at of the costs of the proposed acquisition and rebabilitation such that tbere would be ho impact to existing District customers, j Comment: What standards of construction would be used to assure a prop riy constructed syatcxn, ; � es onset All Proposed facilities would be constructed to the District's standard§which are considered adequate for construction of water facilities in the Truckx,Davao uneut. Comment Initial study does not include legal description of the area to be'maintained following rehabilitation. Rgspb=L District has prepared legal description of the Donner Lake wate'l system as part of-the assessment district process which is available from the District, Comment: What effect will Donner Lake have on operations and maintenance cost and staffing. RgspgaaL Operations and maintenance cost and staffing will increase to cover the additional service area. This will be offset by the collcetion of water ratcs'from the additional new customers such that there will he no net effect on the existing District customers. j i l i i I i E i 7 � s a i t e I i Sauers Ensineerins roc. 530=.656S34 I i I j i Truckee Donner Public Utility District FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL INITIAL STUN' (Prepared pursuant to Article V of the Environmental Guideline's of the district) I I 1. Project Title: Donner Lake Water System Acquisition and Rehabilitation i 2. Lead Atency Name and .4ddf"e : Truckee.Donner Public Utility District P.O.Box 309 Truckee, CA 96160-0309 3. Contact Persou and Phone Number: Peter L.Hoizmeister, General Manager (530)582-39t6 9. Pro_iectLocation: Various locations around Donner Lake,Town of Truckee, Nevada County I i 5 Project Sponger's Name and Address: Truckee Donner Public Utility District P.O,box 309 Truckee,CA 96160-0309 f 6. General Plan Designation: j Varies i 7. Zoning: Varies j i 8. Description of Project: (Describe the whole aetiun Involved,Including but not 14, ited tq later phases of the project, and any secondary,support, or off-site features necessary for Its 1ntpleurenlaUun.) � i Project Purpose The proposed project involves the acquisition, operation, and maintenance of the Donner Lake}eater system by the Truckee Donner Public Utility Diotiot(District) along with the rehabilitation of tlic water system to provide reliable and safe water for domestic use and fire protection. The purpose of ili0 projccl is to improve sevvice to Donner Lake water system customers. Background' The Demmer Lake water sysiem provides service to approximately 1,230 connections composed of seasonal and year-around residences and businesses. The system is currently supplied by;t'nree lqw producing hard rock welts, one spring field under the influence of surface water, and one unfiltered lake water source. The spring field and lake water sources are chlorinated for disinfection. Presently, the spring field and lake water sources do not meet the minimum safe drinking seater standards a. as set forth in the Surface Water Treatment Requirements, Chapter 17, Title 22 of the California Code of 1 I i Sowers Eneineerins Inc. 5302656SS4 P. 14 i i Regulations,. In October 1991,the State Department of Health Services issued a notice of coutkliutce determination informing Donner)ake Water Company that the lake water source did uvt cunfo m to acceptable treatment technology. In August 1993, the State Department of Health Services issued a compiianre order requiring the Donner Lake Water Company to fully comply with the all orh a Safe Drinking Water Act. To date,the system has nol been improved to meet surface water treatment requirements and is still out of cutupliance with the California Sate Drinking Water Act, Since June 2000, the entire water system has been under a"boil water"order as a result of the State Department of Health Services determination that chronic low pressure and numerous outages have rreared and unacceptable risk of system contamination. j 40 to 50 years old. Most of the facilities arc undersized and The majority of the existing water system is have exceeded their useful life Distribution pipelines, which range from 2-inch to 8-inch die oLur,have deteriorated exressively to where pipe repairs and leaks arc numerous. Project Characteristics The acquisition of the Donner Lake water system will include the physical assets of Donner Labe Water Company. This would include water system components(pipelines, tanks,pump stations,lake intake, treatment equipment), records,accounts,property, easements,and water rights. Following acquisition, the District will provide necessary repairs to the existing system fo address the "boil water"order and reestablish the reliability of the system. The District will then proceed to rehabilitate the water supply system. Rehabilitation efforts will include repair of cxistia� facilities, replacement cf existing facilities,and construction of new facilities. The District has identified�e existing facilities to be rehabilitated along with uric lcvel of effort needed to adequately alleviate the specific facility's problqus. T11e District will proceed with the system improvements in phases according to a prioritized Iisl of projects developed by the itstrict. Following completion of the rehabilitation program, the District will provide ongoing operation and maintenance of'he Donner Lake wate system. The rehabilitation of the Donner Lake water system will include the following elements: Replacement of Southside Tank(210,000 gal)with new Southside Tank(500,000 gal) Construction of new Southside Hydropneumatic Pump Station(200 gpm domcstic/l,000 gpjxr fire) Replacement of Greenpoint Springs Tank(60,000 gal)with new Greenpoint Springs Tank(500,000 gal) Construction of Greenpoint Pump Station (500 gpui) Replacement of existing Interstate 80 Casing(8") with new Interstate NU Casing(24"y Replacement of Bihz Tank(85,000 gal)with new Biltz'I'ank(100,000 gal) Replacement of approximately 87,970 feet of 2"-6"pipeline with 8"-12" pipeline Modification and upsize of-the existing interconnection between the District and Dormer Lake systems It is anticipated that the rehabilitation of the Donner Lake water system will take three years to complete following the acquisition of the system. initially,the District intends to utilize a combination of groundwatei sources and the existing Do tmer Lake water system sources to provide water to the system. Groundwater will be provided to the lsystem through an existing intcrcomrcction located in the Amtstrong subdivision. This interconnection would be modified and upsizcd to u,crcase the amount ofwatcr which could be transferred to the Donner bake system. Enistiag Donner Lake water system.surface water sources would continue to be disinfected as is currently being done. With the rehabilitation of the leaking pipelines, it is anticipated that' this i combination of sources will meet the immediate needs of the Donner Lake water system. ; y 1 t I � i i i I � i 1 i Sauers Engineering Inc. 53026563334 P. 15 i i i I i e,District is currently engaged in a groundwater source etpansioa program. The District is iii the process of drilling and evsluating,a series of geologic test holes to detcnninc suitable locations for new production hells. The District intends to complete construction of at least one new production well by Spring of 2000 with additional wells to follow to assure an adequate Supply. As new production wells are developed and come ou-line which include capacity for the Dormer Lake water system, the District intci:ds to utilize groundwater sources exclusively and eliminate the use of the of the surface water sources. i The replacement of pipelines will involve construction within existing roads and rights-of-way.! Pipeline replaceent,cOnstraction will be typical of recent District replacement projects involving the installation tallation of distribution mains,service laterals, water services, fire hydrant assemblies, and valves. Nfatetials and cnn.etmction shall be in accordance with current District standards. i Replacement of water storage tanks will involve the removal of existing tanks and constriction of new tanks at the aaruc locations. Tanks will be sized using current District design criteria and include capacity Cur domestic:, emergency,and fire protection storage. Pump stations will be constructed'adjace It to water storage tanks to take advantage of the properties which are currently being used for water system facilities. The District Intends to acquire the water rightG rnrrentiy held by Donner Lake Water Company}o allow the use of Donner Lake water as a source of supply. According to the Sate Department of Health Services Technical Review Report for State Revolving Fund Application fur Donner Lake Water Company,Donner Lake Water Company has arnplc water rights to allow diversion of water from Donner Lake to provide water set vice W the Donner Lake service area. the District intends to utilize thip existing water rights including any restrictions and/or conditions which may be attached to those Lights. Advantages'of District Ownership and Operation I he Truckee Donner Public Utility District has been providing water service to the Truckee community since the 1940's. The District has a proven record of providing water service of the highot qualjty. I The T)is r rt is a public agency whose directors are elected from and by the District's customers, including those in the Donner Lake area. Being served by a local public agency gives District customers a,greater voice in policy decisions through direct access to their elected representatives on the lioa'd of Wectors. The Donner Lake water service area is already within the District's existing service area with the District currently providing electric service. It would be a logical progression for the District to provide both electric and water service to all of the customers within its service area. The acquisition and operation of the Donner Take water system will have no adverse ❑ffeet on c current District customers. The project will be structured such that the Donner Lake water system custo(ncr>willhe rapnnsible.for providing the resources for the acquisition, rehabititatiou, and uperatioil of tha system. i Acquisition and operation of the Donner Lake water system will increase the overall customer base of the District providing greater ecotrumics of scale fbr all District customers. I � The District currently has a fully staffed water operrations and maintenance department including around the clock emergency response. The availability of District's extensive resources and experienced staff will provide a superior level of service to Donner Lake water system customers s f v 3 i Sauers Enstneerins Inc . 5302656534 P. 16 ' I System rehabilitation projects will be designed and constructed to current District standards. This wilt ensnre adequate.domestic and fuaprotection water service for Douucr Ldkc customers. As pat of the rehabilitation piujcct, the District will install supervisory control and data,acquisition (SCADA)cquipincnt at each of the facilities. 7 he SCADA system allows the District to remotely monitor the water system in order to anticipate arty possible operational problems and provide t1mely response to any emergency conditions. i Becoming a part of the Truckee Donner Public Utility Distrirt's water system will allow the Donner Lake water system to become integrated with the District's system. This will provide system icdundancics which will increase the reliability of the Donner Cake water system. Disadvantages of District Ovwnersitlp and Operation The District will be responsible for a number of large construction contracts to be completed 1111 rclaGvuly short period of time. The District intends to complete the comprehensive rehabilitation of the Donner Lake water system within three years of the acquisition. Upon acquisition of the system,the District will have to devote Water Department staff to the ii mediate repairs necessary to reestablish a reliahle water system and eliminate the "boil water"order. This may tempnrarily shift staff from other needed maintenance activities. Alternatives to the Proposed Project No Proicct- If the District decided not to pursue the proposed project,the Donner Lake system I ould continue to be opsaatcd by the Donner Lake Water Company. The Donner Lake Water Company has beat tinder a;compliance order issued by the State Department of Health Services to filly comply with The California Safe Drinking Water Act since August 1993. The system is still out of compliance and plans to construct a new treatment plant have beet further delayed based on the proposed siting of the plant. Emergency repairs needed to eliminate the"boil water"order have not been completed. Aistrict Sale of Water to Donner Lake Water Company-The District could wholesale water frop',its sources to Donner Lake Water Company to replace the unfiltered surface watcr sown rb. to Dirlrict would have to develop additional new sources of supply to meet the water demands of the Donner Lake system. The District would also have to provide interconnecting pipelines to Transfer water froth its existing systcut to the Donner Lake system. This may result in delays in providing source water'to the Donner Lake system. Losses due to leakage in the existing Donner Lake water system pipelines[would waste District supplied water provided wholesale. I Neither of the alternatives discussed above offer any advantages over the proposed project in tcrfiis of meeting the project purpose of improving service to the Donner Lake water system customers. Thcrcfore, theprnpnsed project,District acquisition,operation,and maintenance of the Donner Lake'water systeut, is considered the preferred alternative. 9. Other agencies whose approval is required: State of California, Department of Health Services, Office of Drinking Water California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Lahontan Region Town of Truckee State of California Department of Fish and Game United States Army Corp of Engineers California State Lands Commission Truckee Sanitary District � { 4 I i Sauers Ensineerins Inc. 5302656834 P. 17 10. FnVirOnmental Setting of the project: The project involves the Donner Lake area located in the southwestern portion of the Town of Truckee_ Donner Lak¢is situated on the cast slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains at the base of Donner Summit. The lake is suiiuundcd by mountainous terrain with steeper topography along the north and south sides of d,c lake. The area is heavily treed with various species of native panes and contains many seasonal and non-seasonal springs,drainages, and creeks which ultimately discharge into Donner Lake. The lake is mostly surrounded on the north,west, and south by residences,both seaeona!and year-around, and commercial hticinecses, Donner Lake State Park is located on the east end of the l*e. Tht arc areas of undeveloped land directly abutting the lake including Donner Statc Palk, Wcat End Busch,and significant portions of the north side of the lake. ;Additional develupwont potential in the area is limited, except for the build-out of existing in-fill areas and surnc residential acreage near the west end of the lake. The tank icptaccrnents and pump stations are located in various developed residentially zoned areas around the lake. The pipelines to be replaced are located within existing roads and pipelurc rights-of- way. I,I i i I j i j i i i { i j r I 5 r d j Savers Engineering Inc. 5SO2656834 P . 18 I i I Environmental Factors Potentially Affected: The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project, involving at least one impact that is a Potentially Significant Impact"or"Potentially Significant Unless ivlitigated,"as indicated by the checklist on the following pages. i O Land Use and Planning C) Transportation/Circulation ❑ Public Services I CO Population and Housing ® Biological Resources Q Utilities and Service Systems ® Geophysical Q Energy and Mineral Resources M Aesthetics' Water ❑ Hazards M Cultural Resources ® Air li ua ®Q �' Noise ❑ Recreation' Mandatory Findings of Significance Determination. (To be completed by the Lead Agency.) j F �i i On the basis of this initial evaluation; I I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. C] I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because the mitigation measures described on the attached sheets have been added to the project. A NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. I i I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and im ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required. p I I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect(s)on the environment,but at least one effect 1)has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable,legal 1 standards, and 2)has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as des�ribed on attached sheets, if the effect is a"potentially significant impact"or"potentially significant unless mitigated." An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required,but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed. i i Signature Date Peter L. Holzineister, General Manazer Truckee Donner Public Utility Distriet Printed Name' For 6 au..cr� cno � nc cr ono tnc. _zo—`656 -1 P. 19 i I I P'valuatlon of Environmental Impacts: 1) A brief explanation i4 rcqu1redJbr all arult'er's eXcepl "Nu rmpact"atlsivers that are adp.gll I Wy siq,,iorierl 6), the irnfot»cation sourer±a lead agency Circa in dre pureniheaeaf0!(0'Nlrg WCh gu?Crrnn. A "Nn Impact"answer is adequately supported if the referenced information sources show that the impact simply does not apply to projects like the one involved(c.g.the proirct falls vutsidc a fault rupture zone). A "Nn ltn�tacf'answer should be explained whore it is based on proicet-Specific factors as well as general standards(e.g.th�project will not expose sensitive receptors to pollurauts,ywxd un a project-spedflo screening analysisi. i 1 2) All answers must take account of the whole action iovvlved.including off-site as well as on-�site,cnrpulative as "Veil as ptojett-level,indirect as well as direct,and cone uctiun ab well as operational himaets. -l) "Potentially Significant Impact"is appropriate if an effect is slit.rificaut or potentially signiFFant,or ifih2 tend agency lacks information to make a finding of insignificance. If there are one or more"Pntenrally Cignificant Impact"entries when the dctcrmination is made,EIR is tequircd. j 4) `Potentially Significant Unicss Mitigated"apPlie$ n9uro rice incorporation of mitigation messnrm his reduced an affect from`Potentially Significant Iripaee'tu a"bps Ll:an Significant Impact". The lead agency must describe the mitigation measures,and briefly explain how they rcducc the effect to a less than significant le oI (mitigation measures from Scction XVII,"Earlier Analyses", umy be ctvss-referenced). j S) Earlier analyces may be used where,pursuant to the tiering,program EIR,ur uthcr CEQA process,an effect has been adequately analyzed in an earlier EIR or negative declaration. Section 15063(c)(3)(D).,Earlier'analyses are discnmed in Section XVII at the and of the checklist. 6) Lead agencies are encouraged to incorporate into the checklibt rcfctcnccs to iuformation sources fnr Doren rill impacts(e.g.general plans,zoning orclinattecs). See the sample question below. A source list should be attached,and other sources usod or individuals contacted should be cited in the discussion. I 7) This is only a suggested form,and lead agencies are free to use different ones. i Sample Question: Potentially Potentially Slgalticmmt I I,CSS I an Si¢nlflcant Issues(and Supporting Information Sources ! ) Unless Significant No Impact iviirigated � Impact Impact 1 Would 1)w proposal result In potential impacts ia>v ving: Landslides or mudslides? (1,6) Q 1 (Attached source list explains that 1 is the general plan, and 6 is a USCS topo map, This answer would probably not need further explanation.) i 1 � I L LAND USE AND PLANNING:. wiluid th>nroposol. a) "Wilct with Deneral Plan designationorzoning? (source 4(s): 1) ❑ O U b) Conflict with applicable environmental,plans or policies adopted by agwtries vnth jilrisd¢tioh over the Project? (1) c) Affeer agriculhlral resotures or operations(e.g. impacts to soils or farmlands,or impacts from incompatible land uses)? i 1 I Saucrc Enoi cr ino Znc. So026568c� r'. =0 I I y Potentially - Potentially Significant Lc4 Tpaa 6lenitirant 1W... Stgninoat do %aeae,(pad>apparibig Znfirmatlnn Sources) Impact Mitigated impact Impact II. POP1 iT.PTION AND HOUSING. Would the proposal, P.) Oinn)(atively exceed official regional or local i population projectional (l) ❑ ❑ ❑I ❑ n) Induce substantial growth ei an area either dircctiy or indirectly (e.g,through pmjccts in an undevclepeil aroaorcxtcnsionofmajorinfLastrvttwe)? (1) ❑ ❑ ❑j ❑ c) Displace existing housing„especially affordable housing? (1) ❑ ❑ ❑ � III. GEOPHYSICAL. Would the prupusal result in or expose peoplt to poreatial irreyuc(4 in vulving. a) Sciouticity: faultrupture? (1) ❑ ❑ b) Seismicity: ground shaking or liquefaction? (1) ❑ ❑ ❑ c) Seismicity: seiche fir mmami> (1) ❑ ❑ I ❑ I d) Landslidesormudslides'? (I) ❑ ❑ ❑ e) Erosion,changes in topography or unstable soil conditions from excavation,grading or kill? (1) ❑ ® U ! ❑ f) Subsidence nt tbe.land! (1) ❑ Li i❑ g) Expansive soils'! (1) ❑ ❑ U h) ITnique geologic or physical features?(1) ❑ Q ❑ IV. WATER. Would the proposal result in: a) Changes in absorption rates,drainage patterns,or the •i 1 rate and amount of surface runoff? (1) Q ❑ ® i ❑ b) Exposure o£pcoplc or property to water related i hazards such as flooding? (1) Q Q ❑ �❑ n) Discharge into surface waters or other alwcatloll of ! surface water quality(e.g,temperahtre,dissolved I oxygen or turbidity)? (1) ❑ ❑ !! ® i ❑ d) Changes in the amount o;surface water in any water body? (1) ❑ ❑ ❑ C� e) Charges in currents.or the course or direction of water movements? (1) ❑ ❑ Q M 1) Change in the quantity of ground warms,either through direct addidons or ovithdrowa(s,or through ! interception of an aquifer by ante or a?cavations?O ❑ ❑ ® � ❑ g) Altered direction or rare of(tow of groundwater''l(} ❑ ❑ Q l�1 h) Impacts to groundwater quality? O ❑ ❑ ❑ Y, AIR QUALITY. Would the proposal: a) Violate any air quality standard or contribute to an existing orprojected air quality violation? (1) ❑ �� ❑ Q h) Expose sensitive receptors to pollutants? (1) ❑ ❑ I ❑ I Sauers Ensineerins Inc. 5302656834 P, 21 i t Potentinliy ', Potentially Significant '� Less TPmn Issues(And supporting information Source.) slgniGeant Unless Signitleant No Impact Mitigated 1 Impact Impact e) Alter air movement,moisture,or temperature,or cause any change in climate? (1) ❑ U i ❑ Q d) Create objectionable odors? (1) ❑ ❑ ❑ Ij VI. 'i'RANSPORTATION/CIRCULATION. Would thie proposal result in: i a) Increased vehicle tnps or traffic congestion? (1) l.] ❑ Q b) Hazards to safety from design features(e.g.sharp curves or dangerous intersections)or incompatible uses-(e.g.farm equipment)?(1) C� ❑ c) Inadequate emergency access or access to nearby uses? (1) ❑ ❑ ❑ d) Insufficient parking capacity on-site or off-site? (1) ❑ ❑ ❑ IN e) Hazards or barriers for pedestrians or bicyclists? (1) ❑ ❑ R ❑ 7 Conflicts with adopted policies supporting alternative transportation(e.g.bus turnouts,bicycle racks)? (1) ❑ ❑ ❑ g) Rail.waterborne or air traffic impacts? (1) ❑ ❑ ❑ VII. BIOLOGICALRFSOi1RCF& Would th¢proposal result in impacts to: i ») Fnd9ngered,threatened or tare species or their habitat 'I � (including but not limited to plants,fish, insects, anirrials,and birds)? (1) ❑ ❑ ❑ b) Locally designated species(e.g,heritage trees)? (1) Q ❑ ❑ e) Locally designated natural communities(e.g. oak forest,costal habitat,etc.)? (1) ❑ [� ❑ d) Wetland habitat(c.g, marsh,riparian and vcrnal pool ? (1) ❑ 0 ❑ c) Wil�lffc dispersal or❑vgraaon corridors? (1) Q ❑ Q 1 Q YIII. ENERGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES j K auld the proposal: a) Conflict with adopted cuergy conservation plans? (1) Q ❑ ❑ b) Use Ituu-tcncwdblc resuurces in a wasteful and incMWtmrmanner7 (1) ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ IX. HAZARDS. Would theproposal involve: a) A risk of accidental explosion or release of hazardous substances(including,but not limited to: oil, { pesticides,chemicals or radiation)? (1) Q ❑ ❑ I Q b) Possible interference with an emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan? (1) ❑ ❑ Li 9 i i 9 i 1s1 i I i Sauers Ensineerins Inc. 5302656834 P. 22 I 9 Potentially Potentially Significant Less Than '.. Issues(and supporting Information 8oaner) siznifacant Unitas i Significant No Impact Mitiliated Impact Impact c) The creation of any health hazard or potential health ❑ ❑ Q j ❑ hazard'/ (1) a d) Expasure of people to existing sources ofpptential ❑ ❑ ❑ health hazards? (1) �I e) Increased fire hazard in areas with flammable brush, grass,or trees? (1) ❑ Q cl X. NOISE. Would the proposal result in: a) Increases in existing noise levels? (1) ❑ ❑ ® j ❑ b) Expbsurt:of people to severe noise levels? (1) ❑ Cl ❑ ; M XI. PUBLIC SERVICES. Would the proposal have an effect ullon, or'result in a need for new or altered government services inanvofthefollowingareas: a) Fire'proteetion? (1) ❑ ❑ �y❑ ' ❑ h) Pnliceprntestinn,? (1) ❑ ❑ ❑ 1 (� o) 9ehnnl3? (1) ❑ ❑ Q d} MnintPnance of public facilities,including roads? (1) ❑ ❑ e) DthPr governmental services? (1) ❑ ❑ ❑ ; 4� Xii. ii',['I,L.ITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS. Would tho i proposal result in a need for new systerns, or substantial alterations to thefolloxing utilities: a) Power or natural gas?(1) [❑ L) I'I ❑ b) Communications systems? (1) ❑ O ❑ c) Local or regional water trcauxiav oe disuibutiott facilities? (1) (� ❑ ij ! ❑ d) Sew4r or soptic tanks?(1) ❑ ❑ ❑ e) Storm water drainage?(1) ❑ ❑ ❑ f) Solid waste disposal?(1) ❑ ❑ ❑ MIL AESTHETICS. Would the proposal: I a) Affect a scenic vista or scenic highway`t(1) ❑ ❑ U ❑ b) Have a demonstrable negative aesthetic effect?(1) ❑ ❑ l31 ❑ c) Create light or glare?(1) Q ❑ U ❑ i XIV. CULTI)RAL RESOURCE'S. Would the proposal: { a) Disttarb paleontological resources?(1) ❑ ® j ❑ j ❑ b) Disturb archaeological resources? (1) ❑ ❑ ❑ e) Affect historical resources? (1) Cl ❑ d) Have thepotential to cause a physical change which would affect unique ethnic culture values?(1) i...a ❑ ❑ S s f i Sauers Ensineerins Inc. 5302656834 P. 23 1 I Potentially _ Potentially Significant Less Than Issues(sad suppm Gug Iururuladen Sources) Significant Itnleec Sigancvnt No Impact Mitigated j Impact Impact i e) Restrict existing religious or sacred uses within the potential impact area?(1) !J Q! ❑ XY. Rb:CHEA11ON, Would the proposal: a) Increase the demand for neighborhood or regional parks or other recreational facilities?(1) (� a ❑ b) Aflect existing recreational opportunities?(1) l❑ ❑ 1 ❑ i XVI.MANDATORY FINDJ3lGS OF SIGNIFICANCE. a) Does the project have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species,cause a fish or wildlife population to drop helnw seJ£sustaining i levels, threaten to eliminate n plant or animal community,reduce the mimher or restrict the range of a rate or endangered plant or animal or eliminate i important examplev n f the majorperiod>of California history orprehistnry7 ❑ ' b) Dnes the prnject have the potential to achieve short term;to the disadvantage of long-term.,environmental $oala? ® ® V c) Does the project have impacts that art.individually t limited,but cumulatively considerable? ("Cumulatively considerable"means that the incremental effect,of a project arc considerable when viewed in connection,with the effects of past projects, the effects of other curve tt projects,and the effects of probable future projects.) ® ❑ 1 Q d) Docs the project have cnvituumad-a1 effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings,either directly or indireetiyl (� ❑ Q XVIL EARLIER ANALYSIS, Earlier analyses may be used where, pursuant to the tiering, program EIR,or other CEQA pfocess,one ui murc effects have been adequately analyzed in an earlier EIR or negative declaration. Section { 15063(c)(3)(D). In this case a discussion should identify the following on attached Sheets: i t a) Earlier analyses used. (Identify earlier analyses and state where they are avlailabl�for review) I This initial study uses the initial Study/Proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Donner Lake Comprehensive Water System Improvement prepared by the Town of Truckee, Community . i 1.1 '7 a t Savers Ensineerins Inc. 5302656834 P. 24 i i Development Department on behalf of the Donner Lake Water Company. This report;which was completed in February 2000,addresses many of the same site-specific issues related to the system rehabilitation being proposed by the Disttrict, The elements of the cnmprchensive water system improvements proposed by Donner Lake Water Company are in ninny respecta the sa on e as those being proposed by the District. To the extent that the two proposed projects are comparable, the earlier analysis prepared by the Tiom of Truckee adequately addresses those issues common to both projects. ; b) Impacts adequately addressed.(Identify which effects from the above chic ifflst were within the scope of and adequately analyzed by the earlier document.) Because of the similarities hehvicen the Donner Lake Comprehensive Water System Improvement project and the Di%trict's proposed rehabilitation project, the earlier analynia adpquatcly addresses aspect%of the District's proposed project in each of the checklist categories. Sitc specific, constriction related effects of the rehabilitation project are within the scope and adequately analyzed by the earlier document where the facilities proposed under the two pmjccts are similarly located � c) Mitigation measures. (For effects that are"potentially significant" or"potentially significant unless mitigated",describe the mitigation measures which were incorporated or re.flncd from the earlier document and the extent to which they address site-specifle conditions for the project.) The following mitigation measures are included and/or refined from the earlier document: 5a. Fugitive dust omissions resulting firm site clearing and airy project improvements Shall be minimized at all times utilizing-control measures including dust palliative,regularly applied water, graveled or paved haul roads,ctc. Access or haul roads adjacent to the project must be treated as necessary to prcvcnt off site migration and accumulation of dirt,soils, or other materials which can subsequently bccornc entrained in ambient air, either from construction related Fehicles or from any vchichc using adjacent affected roads. 5b. .When transporring material during site preparation or construction, measures shall be used to prevent materials Nun spilling or blowing onto street and highways. Earthen m iaterials', if transported,shall be adequately sprayed with water or covered prior to transport onto public roads. Vegetative material shall be tarped as necessary prior to transport. Specific control measures shall be noted on improvement and/or grading plans. 7c. '1 Tees removed greater than 6" in diameter at breast height shall be replaced at a ratio of 2:1 and shall consist of evergreen trees. Off-site planting of replacement trees will be permitted if adequate landscape area is not available within thet project site. Replacement tree locations, spcc�es, and sizes shall be detailed on the final project plans. 10a. Construction shall be restricted Monday through Friday, 7:00 am-6:00 prfil and Saturdays from 10:00 am-5:00 pm. Construction plans shall include reference to these restricted,hours of construction. 14a,, If artifacts,paleontological or cultural,or unusual amrnrnts of stone, bone,(shell, or artifacts related to the early settlement of the Truckee area are uncovered during construction activity,work shall be halted and a qualified archeologist shall he rnnsnlred for an on-site revierw. Mitigation measures, as recommended by the archeologist in accordance with Appendix.K of the EQA Guidelines, shalt be implemented prier to recommencement of construction activity. If any bone , appears to be human, California law mandates drat the Nevada Chun iy Coroner and the Native American Heritage Commission be contacted. i 1 E i Sauers Enaineerins Inc. 5302656834 P. 25 e i EXPLANATION OF CHECI(LIST ANSWERS A brief explanation is required for all answers except"No Impact"answers that are aderlIuately supported by the information sources a lead agency cites in the parentheses following each qucstinn. 1. LAND USE AND PLAaNNING See the Earlier Analysis as described in Sertinn.XVII of This Initial Study for a detailed discussion of Land Use and Planning issues. i The Earlier Analysis prepared by the Town of Truckee provides an Impact Discuerlion on Gencrai Plan Consistency,Zoning Consistency, and Existing Land Use. This discussion is appbcable to The District's proposed project with the following modifications. i Other aspects of the District's proposed rehabilitation project are consistent with the discussions, cnnchrginns, and recommendations in the Earlier Analysis. The acquisition and subsequent operation and maintenance of the water system bythe District is not expected to have any affect on land use and planning issues. Mitigation Measures; None required Mitigation Monitoring: None required Ii. POPULATION AND HOUSING See the Earlier Analysis as described in Section AI'II of this Initial Srudy for a detailed discussion of Population and Ilousing issues. The Donner Lake water system serves approximately 1,230 existing customers, both residential and commercial,with an estimated potential 1,800 customers at build-out. The water system service area is currently under a building moratorium due to the inadequacies of the water system and the current ,'boil water"order. Nu new building permits will be issued for the area until the reliability of the water system can be iecstablibhcd. The project as proposed will accommodate the continued development of the Donnler Lake water system service area consistent with the population and housing elements of the Town's general plan. The project does have the potential to serve a population greater than the current pOpulalio'n in accordance with the general plan. The project will not extend service into areas no}already served by the system. Although the project will accommodate growth, it is not considered to'either directly or indirectly induce growth. Urowth in the Donner Lake area is limited due to physical factors including local geography and the interstate 80 corridor. Water service would be made ava4ble to undeveloped areas only after complying with all other planning, land use, and environmental requirements imposed by the appropriate jurisdictional agencies. I Mitigation Measures: None required Mitigaiion Monitoring: None required 111. GEOPHYSICAL See the Earlier Analysis as described in Section XVII of this Initial.Study fnr a detailed discussion of j Geologic Problem issues. i The project will require a modest amount of grading to prepare the existing tank sites for the construction of larger diameter tanks and pump station building parts. Pipeline con$truction will involve excavation of trenches. As is standard with all District construction projects of this type, � d 13 a Sauers Ensineerins rnc. 5302656534 P. 26 grading and excavations will include temporary esion cnhnis and surface restoration either with paving or other permanent erosionro n control measures. Mitigation Measures: See Water discussion and mitigation measures Mitigation Monitoring: See Water discussion and mitigation mea urea IN', WATER See the Earlier Analysis as described in Section XVII of this Initial Study for a detailed discussion of Water issuer. Construction of pipelines and site preparation for tank and pump station construction have [tic potential to impact water resources by off-site erosion during storm cvcats. As is standard with all District projects of this type,contract documents will include the requircntcuts of the Laho�ttatt RWQCB Truckee River Hydrologic Unit Guidelines for Erosion Control and Best Manage a ent Practices. Mitigation Measures: Nonc required Mitigation Monitoring:None required t i V. AIR QUALITY See the Earlier Analysis as described in Section AZ71 of this Initial Study for a detailed discussion of Air Quality issues. Cousu(ictia, activities have the potential to generate Pm to emissions through the release of fugitive dust as'sociatcd with grading and excavation activities. 1VIitigatiun Measures: 5a. Fugitive dust emissions resulting from site clearing and any project improverl shall be utinunized at all times utilizing control measures including dust palliative, regularly applied water, graveled or paved haul roads,etc. Access or haul roads adjacent to the project mint be treated as necessary to prevent off-site migration and accumulation of dirt, soils, or other materials which can subsequently become entrained in ambient air,either from construction related vehicles or from any vehicle using adjacent affected roads. Jb. when transporting material during site preparation or construction,measures shall be used to prevent materials from spilling or blowing onto street and highways. Earthen materials, if transported, shall be adequately sprayed with water or covered prior to transport onto public roads. Vegctativi material shall be tarped as necessary prior to transport. Specific control measures shall he noted on improvement and/or grading plans. Mitigation Monitoring:District Civil Engineer-District in he responsible for inclluding air quality Mitigation measures in construction specifications and monitoring compliance during construction. VI. TRANSPORTATION/CIRCULATION See the Earlier Analysis as described in Section XV11 of this Initial Study for a detailed discussion of Transportation/Circulation issues. 1 During construction there will he an increase in vehicle trips to the project site.ossociatcd'' 'with the j contractor's activities. District operation and maintenance of the water system will involve additional service truck trips to the carious facilities. This would be similar to the number of Service puck tips discussed in the Parlier Analysis. Construction activities within the Town ofTmckee mauitaincd 1ighL of way may create potential,impacts to traffic circulation including lane re3trictionsiand closures. Tbis i may be considered a potentially significant impact unless mitigated, lq t i Sauers Ensineerins Inc. 5392656334 P. 27 Mitigation Measures; , 6a.Traffie control and lane closure plane shall be submitted to and approved by dzc Town urTruckee as Part Of the encroachment permit issuance process. Mitigation Monitoring: District Civil.Engineer-District to be responsible for obtaining encroachment permit. Vdi. BIOLOGICAL RESO RCps See the Earlier Analysis as described in Section XYIl of this h:ittal Study fur a det=atled discusston Of Biological RPSOttrce issues. Mitigation Measures: 7a. Trees removed greater than 6° in diatnctor at breast licigltt shall be replaoed ail a ratio of 2.1 and shall consist of evergreen trees. Oft site planting of icplaccrnent trees will be petTritted if adequate landscape area is not available within the project site. Replacement tree locations,,species, and sizes shall be detailed on the final project plans. Mitigation Monitoring:Disuict Water Superintendent, District Civil Engineer- �rces to be removed and replaced to be itidicatcl nit project plans. V111. LNERGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES See the Ear tier Analysis as described to Section AT71 of this Initial Study for a detailed discussion of Energy and Mineral Resource tssues, MitigationMemures: None required Mitigatlmt Monitoring:None required IX. HAZARDS See the Earlier Analysis as described in Section XV11 of this Initial Stutiv.for a deviled di.eeussinn of Hazard issues. Mitigation Measures: None required Mitigation Monitoring:None required X. NOISE See the Earlier Analysis as described in Section XGII of this Initial Study for a detiled discussion of Noise issues. i The project will not result in any long-term increase in nnise levels,but will increase noise',levels temporarily associated with construction activities. Restric-tine hours of operation ill mitigate short term construction noise impacts to less than significant levels i Mitigation Measures: 10a. Construction shall be restricted Monday through Friday,7:00 am-6:00 pm and Saturdays from 10:00 am-5:00 pm. Constructinn plans shall include reference to these restricted hours of construction. Mitigation Monitoring: district Civil Fn&eer-District responsible for including condit;ous ill construction plans,monitoring fur cnmpliance during construction. ! " , I 1S j j Sauers Ensineerins Inc. 5302656834{ P. 22 _ I i i XI. PUBLIC SERVICES See the EarlierAnalys s as described in Section XYIl ofthis initial 5tudy for a detailed discussion of Public Service issues. The project will be an enhancement to the fire protection capabilities ,round the Dormer Lakc area. Mitigation Measures: None required Mitigation Monitoring:None required XII. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS See the Earlier Analysis as described in Section.YYII ofthis Initial Study for a deiaited ducussron oJ' Utility and Service System isssrer. I Acquisition of the Donner Lake water system represents a significant increase in service area and water customers. Operation and maintenance of the system will n;uue additiunal resources including persoenel and equipment. Because of the condition of the e casting system,a considerable effort will be reri iircd by the water department crews to reestablish the reliability of the system and eliminate the "boil water"order. The District has a successful track record of system repairs and rehabilitation projects completed by District forces. The Dialdct also has access to outside contractors working under the direction of the water dcpaitrncni to help with repair projects. This is considered a less than significant impact. Mitigation Measures: Noncrequiicd Mitigation Monitoring:None icyuirud M11. ARSTILETICS See the Earlier Analysts as described in Section X KJI ofthis Initial Study for a detpiled discussion oJ' Aesiheti<:s issues. The Earlier Analysis includes discussions focusing on new water storage tanks and the treatment plant Tice reanoval issues associated with the treatment plant site are not applicable to this initial study, tiuwover issues related to tank colors arc applicable. ! . Mitigation Measures:None required Mitigation Monitoring:None required XIV. CULTURAL RESOURCES See the Earlier Analysis as described in Section Mfofthis Initial Studyfnr n dPt l filed discussion of Cultural Resource issues. The Earlier Analysis focuses cultural resource concerns on the currently undeveloped site proposed for the treatment plant. Because there is a possibility of uncovering significant resources during grading and excavation activities,mitigation measures have been developed to protect thesO resources. Mitigation Measures: 14a. If artifacts,Paleontological or eulhrrat,nr unusual amounts of stone,bone,shell, or artifacts related to the early settlement of the Truckee area are uncovered during construction activity,work shall be halted and a qualified archeologist shall be consulted for an on site rcvicw,1 Mitigation measures,as recommended by the archeologist in accordance with Appendix K of the CEQA Guidelines, shall be implemented prior to recnmracneement of construction activity. If any bone appears to be human, California law mandates that the Nevada County Coroner and the Native American Heritage Commission he contacted. f: t 16 . i 9 Sauers Engineering Inc. 5302656834 P. 29 i Mitigation Monitoring?District Civil Engineer- Conditions of this mitigation measure will be included in contract specifications and implemented, if necessary, by the District dpring construction. XV. RECREATION See the Earlier Analysis as dascr£bed in Section,Y7711 of this Initial Study for a detailed discussion of Recrealion issues. Mitigation Measures: Nonc required Mitigation Monitoring:None required XVI. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE The determinations of mandatory findings of significance arc sul)pottcd by the discussions,wnntaincd within the Initial Study, The Initial Study did not identify any potenitially signil'ivapn cffccU, and thcro is no substantial evidence that the project may have a significant effect on the environment. REPORT PREPARATION This Initial Study was prepared under contract with the Truckee Donner Public Utility District by Sauers Engineering, Inc. Principal author was Keith Knibb. Prepared b Date:1 �� f i i i i i j I i I 4 I i 17 { i Saucrc 6noinocrino Snc. Se026568c� P. 'ems i REFERENCES Thece refereneae arc available forrevicw at the Truckee Donncr Public Utility District offict, 11570 Donner Pass Road,Truckee, California. 1 1. Initial Study/Proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration for Donner Lake Comprehensive Water System Irnprovamtnt,Town of Truckcc,Fcbmary 2.2000. i 2. Technical Rvvicw Report for State Revolving Fund Appiicativa fur Dunncr Laku Water Cumpany a Subsidiaty of Del Offu Water Company, State Dcpartutcnt ufHad1th Scrvicus.August 17, 1999. i 1 i ' 1 i i I 's � I i � I i I i i Ifi Sauers Enslneer tns Inc. 5362656S34 i i Tructiee Doxxxxtr Public Utility District Donner Lake Water System Acquisition and Rehabilitation j MTTCC.ATTON YTONTTTnRING PROGRAM The Mitigation Monitoring Program insures the enforceuAent of AniligativaA xucasu cs included in the project's negative declaration. The Environmental initial Study identifies mitigation monitoring responsibilities including method of implementation, timing of implementation, and responsible party. The following Mitigation MonitotiAig Piugumi Cliccklist provides a method to vetify implementation of mitigation measures. Typically, mitigation measures are implemented at three phases of a project; project planning and design, project construction, and following project completion. 'The checklist shows verification of implementation at each phase fn each mitigation measure. i y 1 f G i i I i � I � Ii i i i I E i y i. I Truckee Donner Public Utility District Donner Lake Water System Acquisition and Rehabilitation MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM CHE4 CKLISI' Mitigation Measure 'vditigation Monitoring Verification at Verifcadon Verification at Comments Platttunggf Design During proj-m Consl:-uction Completion sa. Fugit'_ve dust emissions resulting ➢isziet Civil Engineer-District to be from site c:earing anc any or-ojmt responsible fo. including air quality improvements shall be minimized at all mitigation measures in construction 'jrnes utilizing omu-ol measures s-jeeificaaons and rionioering including dust palF.ative,regularly compliance during construction. LO 0 applied wa!er, graveled or pave,'haulfD c oads,.etc. Access or haul-oads adjacent o theproject mustbe treated as " necessary to prevent off-site migratio-i m and accumulation of dirt, soils, or other materials which can subsequently become entrained in ambient air, either m :roar construction related vehcles or from any vehicle using adjacent affectec roads. " Sb, When zr=sporting material during District Civil Engineer-Distract to be site preparation or construction, responsible for including air quality measures shall be used to preyert mitigation measures in constructior mater`als from spiking or blowing onto specifications and monitoring _ w street and highways. Earthen materials, compliance during constructicn. if transported, shall be adequately Q' sprayed with wa.er or cove-& prior to a co transport unto public roads. Vegetative material shall be tarped as necessary ° — prior to trarusporl Specific control measures shall be noted on irrrprovemen: and/or grading.plans. . 6a.Trtfftc control and lane cicsure plans District Civil Engineer-District to be shall be submitted to and approved by responsible for obtaining the Town of Truckee as part of the encroachment permit. encroachment permit issuance process. N 7a. Trecs removed l,_eater than 6" in District Water Superinteaden, dimucter at breast:.reight shall be District Civil Engineer-Tree;to be repla:ed at a ratio of 2:1 and shalt r moved and replaced to be indicated consist of everg-eon trees. Off-site cn project plans, plooting of replacement trees will be permitted if adequate landscape area is not available within the project site, Replacement tree locations, species, and sires shall be detaitec on the Penal projcct plans 10a. Construction shall be restricted District Civil Engineer-District Monday through Friday,7.00 am-6:00 responsible for including conditions Inn and Saturdays =rom 10 00 am - 5,00 in ounstraction plans, monitoring for Q pm. Construction plans shall include compliance during construction, c m reference to theve restricted hours of w -� construction. N m 14a. If artifacts,palcxrntologica:or Distict Civil Engineer-Conditions 3 cultural,or unusua. amomtts of scone; of this rnitigatior-measure will be 3 bone,shell, or artifacts related to the included in contract specifications m �arl settlement of the and ins I-mentec if 'D Y p .. necessary,by the , unoover•:�1 during construcio i activity, District curing constructor. work shall be halted and a guali:ied m archeologist shalll be consulted for an on- site review. Mitigation measures, as 3 recommended by the archeologist in n accordance with Appendix K of the CEQA Guidelines,shall be implemented c' a prior to ewmmcncement of m construction activity. If any bore m appears to be human,California law mandates that the Nevada County e' U! _._ Coroner and the,Native American a Heritage Corruntssion be contacted. T w w STATE OF CALIFORNIA—HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY GRAY DAVIS,Gavemor DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES Division of Drinking Water and Environmental Management 601 North 7th Street, MS 92 i. P.O. BOX 942732 , SACRAMENTO, CA 94234-7320 (916) 323-6111 October 23, 2000 Mr. Peter Holzmeister � 7 (1 �JG Truckee Donner Public Utility District 11570 Donner Pass Road Truckee, CA 96160-0309 Dear Mr. Holzmeister MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR TRUCKEE DONNER PUBLIC UITLITY DISTRICT (TDPUD) DONNER LAKE WATER SYSTEM AQUISITION AND REHABILITATION (SCH# 2000102041) Thank you for the opportunity to review the above document. The Department of Health Services (DHS), Division of Drinking Water and Environmental Management is responsible for water supply permits administered under the Drinking Water program. If TDPUD will be acquiring and rehabilitating the Donner Lake Water System, DHS will need to amend the current permit or provide a new water supply permit. As a permitting agency, DHS will be a responsible agency under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and will need to consider the subject Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study when deciding whether to approve a permit. The Mitigated Negative Declaration will be adequate for our consideration under CEQA if the following comments are adequately addressed: 1. Mitigation provided in the Initial Study for potential biological impacts does not ensure that impacts will be reduced to a level of non- significance. We do not consider the proposal for a future biological survey by itself to be mitigation. Without examples of specific mitigation that could be implemented in the event that the survey reveals a potential for significant biological impacts, we cannot conclude that the survey and forthcoming recommendations for mitigation will result in no significant impacts. We do not consider a Negative Declaration to be an appropriate document if there is no assurance that the project will not result in significant impacts. 2. The Initial Study states that the project is growth accommodating and therefore does not address growth inducement associated with the project. However, with regards to CEQA compliance, growth accommodation is generally indistinguishable from growth inducement. According to CEQA Guidelines section 15126.2 (d), projects that would remove obstacles to population growth must be included in the discussion of growth inducing impacts. Lack of capacity for water treatment and Mr. Peter Holzmeister Page 2 October 23, 2000 distribution is an obstacle to growth. Therefore, the initial study must provide an environmental analysis of the growth accommodated by the increase in water treatment/distribution capacity. The analysis should include an examination of current planning documents summarizing the plans for infrastructure necessary to accommodate growth and the adopted mitigation measures required to mitigate its effects. If mechanisms are not available to accommodate growth associated with the project and mitigate its significant effects, an EIR must be prepared for the project. In addition, DHS is responsible for administering funding under the Safe Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SDWSRF) program for eligible drinking water treatment projects. Since the SDWSRF program is partially funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the following "National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)-like" environmental review will be required if TDPUD will be seeking SDWSRF funding for the subject project: 1 . For SDWSRF projects, we are required to coordinate directly with agencies responsible for implementing federal environmental laws and regulations. To initiate coordination with federally designated agencies, we would need six copies of the Mitigated Negative Declaration and Initial Study. 2. Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act is among the federal environmental regulations that apply in the NEPA-like process. Please contact our Cultural Resources Officer (CRO) at (916) 445-8780 to initiate the Section 106 process. The CRO will consult with the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) on your behalf at several points in the process. We will need to establish your project's Area of Potential Effects (APE) and determine whether any cultural resources are present within the APE. After the APE is established, please provide documentation of the following: (1) background research for cultural resources--including a records search with the California Historical Resources Information System, consultation with interested Native Americans, local historical societies, and any other interested parties; (2) a field survey by a qualified archaeologist and, if appropriate, historical specialist; and (3) an inventory of all cultural resources in the project's Area of Potential Effects. Additional submittals may be required to document resource significance and/or project effects. When adequate information has been submitted, our Cultural Resources Officer will review it for Section 106 compliance and will forward approved documents to the SHPO. The SHPO has a 30- day review period in which to comment or to concur that the process is complete. Mr. Peter Holzmeister Page 3 October 23, 2000 3. DHS has been also designated the federal representative for compliance with Section 7 of the Federal Endangered Species Act. Accordingly, for SDWSRF projects, we require information on federally listed species to determine if consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is required. 4. Documentation must also be provided to show compliance with the Federal Clean Air Act. The project is in a non-attainment area for Ozone. For SDWSRF funding, you will need to supply construction and emission estimates for VOC's and NOx to enable us to determine if project emissions will be under the "de minimis" thresholds for conformity determinations. If the emissions will be less than 25 tons per year for the priority pollutants (applicable de minimus threshold), a conformity determination will not be required. Alternatively, if the population projections used to determine capacity design can be shown to be consistent with the population projections used for the State Implementation Plan (air quality) and local planning documents, a conformity determination will not be required. Before a permit or amended permit can be issued, or funding approved, we will need a copy of (1) the resolution approving the project and adopting the Mitigated Negative Declaration, (2) the adopted Mitigation Monitoring Plan, (3) the public Notice of Intent to adopt a Negative Declaration, (4) all comments received and your responses, and (5) the Notice of Determination filed with the Governor's Office of Planning and Research. In addition, we would appreciate notices of any meetings or hearings scheduled regarding the document and project approval. Please call me at (916) 445-2519 if you have any questions regarding our environmental review of this project. Sincerely, y�Wdayne Hubbard �i Environmental Review Unit cc: State Clearinghouse P.0 Box Sacramento, CA 95812-3044 Sacramento District Office 8455 Jackson Road, Room 120 Sacramento, CA 95826 California Regional Water Quality Control Board Lahontan Region Nvinston H. Hiekox Internet Address: http✓/wzczv.,wreb.ca.gov/nageb6 Gray Danis Secretaryfor 25ot Lake Tahoe Boulevard.South Lake Tahoe,California 96I5o Go^ernor En,wo,onenta( Phone(530)542-5400•FAX 530)544-2271 Protecrion a November 6, 2000 Katie Shulte-Joung State Clearing House 1400 Tenth Street Sacramento, CA 95814 COMMENTS ON THE NEGATIVE DECLARATION AND INITIAL STUDY FOR THE PROPOSED DONNER LAKE WATER SYSTEM ACQUISITION AND REHABILITATION PROJECT, TRUCKEE DONNER PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT, NEVADA COUNTY The Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board (Regional Board) has received a copy of the above-mentioned Negative Declaration with a request to provide comments on the proposed development project. Thank you for providing Regional Board staff the opportunity to comment on the project documentation. PROJECT DESCRIPTION On October 10, 2000 the Regional Board received a copy of the Negative Declaration and Initial Study for the proposed Donner Lake Water System Acquisition and Rehabilitation. We understand that the Truckee Donner Public Utility District (TDPUD) plans to acquire, operate, maintain and rehabilitate the Donner Lake water system. Proposed is a new water treatment plant to be built at the site of the existing Donner Lake Water Company office and equipment yard (Del Oro Site). The project includes the removal and replacement of three above ground water storage tanks, construction of 2 pump stations, replacement of Interstate 80 eight inch casing with twelve inch casing, replacement of approximately 87,970 feet of pipeline, and the installation of an in-lake pump and intake structure. COMMENTS Lake Intake Mitigation Measures Regional Board staff understand that the TDPUD will be tiering off of the Initial Study/Proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Donner Lake Comprehensive Water System Improvement prepared by the Town of Truckee (Tiering Document). The document you are tiering off did not adequately address mitigation measures-for potential impacts-associated with California Environmental Protection: Agency Q� Rec}'cled Paper T{atie __.u ..-♦pang -� h o _tr.. .on o_ dlc Donner a .ic�k pu..�p and ....ak a ._.�.�.,_. Please to lo+ ina t...:J ith ..1� a en,, i.?ai docurnen:: How will the old intake lines "--liow till x:s-ing , umphous wall,.. *emoved? y Pow will the new lnt-k-c- 'lines be installeV ,tl Mev be trenC 'ad t :to the 1,-:_-bed? T`sa, how deep' Yf,h a silt ctutairt or -a bldity cu,—lain be u, 3d top event adverse imp lilts :o, water C uahly? f Whatffeasure3`lief be taken to ensure that the ,va-„r is not m4hdated v ith .;;aliment during the removal of old lines and installation of new intake lines`, Re,ioriai Board staff would like to point out that the CEQA document prepared by the TDPUD should contain soecific mitigation measures=associated with the proposed actib it:es and that the 7 anontan Regional Water Quality Control Board should not be relied upon to tulIiil rnitigahotl re uirements through our permitting process. In other words, the CEQA document should be able to stand on its own. Please include the details requested above and identify specific mitigation measures relating to the water intake as a condition of approval before adopting the Negative Declaration. Professional Biolosieal and Hvdrolosicai Studv on Fish Habitat/Spawning and %Vater Ouality The Basin Plan includes coidwater fish and spawning habitat among many beneficial uses to be maintained at Donner Lake. Regional Board staff are concerned that the proposed project may have significant impacts to the above mentioned beneficial uses. Staff are concerned that the operating season may have an impact on spawning fish or developing eggs. The intent of CEQA s to identify and in: potential impacts up-front within the environmental document. The Final Negative Declaration should include the findings of the professional bioiogicai and hydrological report. Preparing a document that identifies potential impacts and recommends mitigation measures after the environmental document has been approved defeats the purpose of CEQA. Please include the findings of the professional biological and hydrological report within '.he Final Negative Declaration and as a condition of approval before adapting the Negative Declaration. Retro-fitting Vr hat store:water treatment facilities exist at the Del Oro Site and existing water tanks? Regional Board staff require that the runoff from inlgcr' loos surfaces generated by a 20-year, i-hour store; be retained and treated, incorporating Best Available Technology (BAT) to reduce -constituent levels to ?rye ,ax mar.: extent pr cucal. Please indicate in the CEQA document and on plans what siori-n 'water facilities will be used at the treatment plant and water tank sites. tir here they wiil be located and submit calculations that sho°+v lim) much water will be generated from all impervious surfaces and how large storm water facilities most be in order to retain the runoff onsite. Katie Shulte-Toung -3- 100-year Floodplains The Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (Basin Plan) prohibits the discharge or threatened discharge, attributable to human activities, of solid or liquid waste materials (including but not limited to soil, silt, clay, sand and other organic earthen materials) to lands within 100-year floodplain of any tributary to the Truckee River. Tributaries include perennial surface waters (river, streams, lakes, wetlands, etc.), re-aligned historical drainages, and ephemeral drainages. An exemption from the Basin Plan prohibition can only be granted if the project meets all of the findings listed in the Basin Plan, including the finding that there is no reasonable alternative to locating the project or portions of the project within the 100-year floodplain. Trenching associated with the Donner Lake water intake is subject to this Basin Plan prohibition. Are there any ]00-year floodplains that may be impacted by trenching activities associated with the replacement of pipelines or by construction of the water treatment facility? Please indicate potential 100-year floodplain impacts within the final environmental document. Dust Control Within the environmental document, a dust palliative is referenced as a mitigation option to control dust. The Basin Plan prohibits the detection of chemicals in surface and groundwaters. Regional Board staff prefer that dust be controlled with water instead of dust suppressing chemicals. Permit Requirements Regional Board staff need more information to determine which permit you will be operating under. Please be advised that projects that include soil disturbance of more than five acres are subject to our NPDES storm water permit. All other projects less than five acres of total soil disturbance go under normal waste discharge requirements. Please specify how many acres of total soil disturbance will be created by construction areas, staging areas, excavation, pipeline trenching and any other areas where soil is disturbed. When wetlands or other jurisdictional waters of the U.S. are involved, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Sacramento) should be contacted regarding applicable federal permitting requirements. If the project is subject to the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, the Regional Board may need to certify that the project is in compliance with state water quality standards and policies pursuant to Section 401. Additional Information As proposed, the project has the potential to adversely impact water quality and beneficial uses. Regional Board staff would like to see a more detailed analysis included within the Katie Shulte-Ioung -4- environmental document. Additionally,we would like to request a set of plans for this project. Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this project. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact me at (530) 542-5449. Sincerely, Jill Wilson Environmental Specialist III Enclosures: Waste Discharge Prohibitions and Exemption Criteria for Projects within the Truckee River Hydrologic Unit Project Guidelines for Erosion Control in the Truckee River Hydrologic Unit cc: Truckee Donner Public Utility District c/o Sauers Engineering, Inc. Truckee Donner Public Utility District/Peter Holzmeister Nevada County Department of Environmental Health Department of Fish and Game/Ron Perrault Department of Fish and Game/John Hiscox JS W/arT:Donner Lake water Acquisition& Rehioilitation.NeIg.Dec [Pending Donner Lake water treatment plant,Truckee] Discharge Prohibitions -2- Exemption Criteria 9 The Basin Plan allows an exception to the prohibitions for new projects only when the Regional Board makes all of the following findings: • The project is included in one or more of the five categories listed above. ® There is no reasonable alternative to locating the project or portions of the project within the 100-year flood plain. • The project, by its very nature, must be located within the 100-year flood plain. (The determination of whether a project, by its very nature, must be located in a 100-year flood plain shall not apply to projects in category (5), above, and shall be based on the type of project proposed, not the particular site proposed.) • The project incorporates measures which will ensure that any erosion and surface runoff problems caused by the project are mitigated to levels of insignificance. • The project will not individually or cumulatively with other projects, directly or indirectly, degrade water quality or impair beneficial uses of water. • The project will not reduce the flood flow attenuation capacity, the surface flow treatment capacity, or the ground water flow treatment capacity from existing conditions. All 100-year flood plain areas and volumes lost as a result of the project must be completely mitigated by restoration of previously-disturbed floodplain %%ithin or as close as practical to the project site.' The restored, new, or enlarged floodplain shall be of sufficient area and volume to more than compensate for the flood flow attenuation capacity, surface flow treatment capacity and ground water flow [rea[ment capacity which are lost as a result of the project. :Vote: This information is derived from the water Quality Control Plan for the Lahoman Region, 1995, pages 4.1 and 4.15. AENI/info/truckee.bppi 3 This findingwill be not required for new projects necessary to protect public health and safety. For new projects necessary to provide essential public services, this finding will not be required when the Regional Board finds mitigation measures to be infeasible because the financial resources of the project proport.n.t are severely limited. Discharge Prohibitions 2- Exemption Criteria The Basin Plan allows an exception to the prohibitions for new projects only when the Regional Board makes all of the following findings: • The project is included in one or more of the five categories listed above. • There is no reasonable alternative to locating the project or portions of the project within the 100-year flood plain. • The project, by its very nature, must be located within the 100-year flood plain. (The determination of whether a project, by its very nature, must be located in a 100-year flood plain shall not apply to projects in category (5), above, and shall be based on the type of project proposed, not the particular site proposed.) • The project incorporates measures which will ensure that any erosion and surface runoff problems caused by the project are mitigated to levels of insignificance. • The project will not individually or cumulatively with other projects, directly or indirectly, degrade water quality or impair beneficial uses of water. • The project will not reduce the flood flow attenuation capacity, the surface flow treatment capacity, or the ground water flow treatment capacity from existing conditions. All 100-year flood plain areas and volumes lost as a result of the project must be completely mitigated by restoration of previously-disturbed floodplain within or as close as practical to the project site.' The restored, new, or enlarged floodplain shall be of sufficient area and volume to more than compensate for the flood flow attenuation capacity, surface flow treatment capacity and around water flow treat,-rent capacity which are lost as a result of the project. Note: This information is derived from the water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region. 1995, pages 4.1-4 and 4.1-5, AEM/info/Eruckee.bpp ' This indin will not be required for new projects necessa.g qu p j ry to protect public health and safety. For new projects necessary to provide essential public services, this finding will not be required when the Regia. =t Board finds midgadon measures to be infeasible because the financial resources of the project pr000ner,t are severely limited. TRUC�EE RIVER HYDROLOGIC UNIT PROJECT GUIDELINES FOR EROSION CONTROL In the interest of protecting surface water quality from unnatural or accelerated erosion :aused by land development, the following guidelines shall be followed: 1. Surplus or waste material and/or fill of earthen material shall not be placed in drainage ways or within the 100-year flood plain of any surface water of the Truckee River Hydrologic Unit. 2. All loose piles of soil , silt, clay, sand, debris, or other earthen materials should be protected in a reasonable manner to prevent the discharge of these materials to waters of the State. 3. After completion of a construction project, all surplus or waste earthen materials should be removed from the site and deposited in an approved disposal location or stabilized onsite. 4. Dewatering should be done in a manner so as to eliminate the discharge of earthen materials from the site. 5. Land disturbance associated with project construction is prohibited between October 15th and May 1st. For projects taking one construction season, erosion control measures are to be effective prior to the onset of winter. For projects taking longer than one season, complete winterization is required. 6. Where possible, existing drainage patterns should not be significantly modified. 7. Drainage swales disturbed by construction activities should be stabilized by appropriate soil stabilization measures to prevent erosion. 8. All non-construction areas should be protected by fencing or other means to prevent unnecessary disturbance. 9. During construction, temporary gravel , hay bale, earthen, or sand bag dikes and/or nonwoven filter fabric fence should be used as necessary to prevent discharge of earthen materials from the site during periods of precipitation or runoff. 10. Runoff from impervious surfaces shall be treated or contained onsite for up to and the including a 20-year, 1-hour storm. A 20-year, 1-hour storm would drop 0.7 inches of rain in the California portion of the Truckee River Basin. Runoff leaving the project site must meet specific constituent levels prior to discharge to storm drainage systems or natural watercourses. continued Projects Guidelines continued -2- 11. Revegetated areas should be continually maintained in order to assure adequate growth and root development. Erosion control facilities should be installed with a routine maintenance and inspection program to provide continued integrity of erosion control facilities. 12. Waste drainage waters in excess of that which can be adequately retained on the property should be collected before such waters have a chance to degrade, and should be treated, if necessary, before discharge from the property. 13. Where construction activities involve the crossing and/or alteration of a stream channel , such activities require a prior written agreement with the California Department of Fish and Game and should be timed to occur during the period in which stream flow is expected to be lowest for the year. STATE OF CALIFORNIA GRAY DAVIS, Governor CALIFORNIA STATE LANDS COMMISSION PAUL D. THAYER, Executive Officer 100 Howe Avenue, Suite 100-South (816)574-1800 FAX(916)574-1810 Sacramento, CA 95825-8202 +' California Relay Service From TDD Phone 1-800-735-2922 y from Voice Phone 1-800-735-2929 Contact Phone: (916) 574-1868 Contact FAX., (916) 574-1885 November 7, 2000 Ref: SCH#2000102041 Mr. Peter Holzmeister Truckee Donner Public Utility District 11570 Donner Pass Road Truckee, CA 96160-0309 Dear Mr. Holzmeister: Staff of the California State Lands Commission (CSLC or Commission) has reviewed the proposed Negative Declaration for the Donner Lake Water System Acquisition and Rehabilitation Project, SCH#2000102041. The CSLC is a responsible agency under the California Environmental Quality Act. Based on this review, we offer the following comments. Jurisdiction The proposed project will occupy a portion of the bed of Donner Lake at the Donner Lake Village site which is under the jurisdiction of the California State Lands Commission. There is an existing lease to Donner Lake Water Compnay, PRC4945.1, covering a water intake pipeline. However, a lease amend mentlassignment will be necessary for proposed improvements to the pipeline and the change of ownership. Please contact Bill Young at (916) 574-1867 concerning the Commission's jurisdiction and leasing process. We appreciate the opportunity to comment on this environmental document and look forward to working with the District to amend the existing lease. Sincerely, MARY RIGGS Assist t Chief Division of Environmental Planning and Management cc: Bill Young CPR J_119da ii: t4 53:?��15c"3. Si ?4E'. DT_S.T r,ES- - 2 � � "r at_� �'Z state of California-The gasopmea Agency o Gay Davis, 0Qvarn DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION Rusty Areiea, Direct i Sierra District P.O. Box 266 Tahoma, CA 96142 (530) 525-7232 10-30-00 Re: Negati�e: Declaration SCH#2000102041 1 �� b i. I Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the proposed Donner Lake Water System Acquisition and Rehabilitation Negative Declaration. California State Parks, as manager of State-held property, is for the purposes of the Public Resources Pode Section 2108.4, a Trustee Agency for natural resources, as defined in c action 15386 of the State of Caiifomia Guidelines for Donner Memorial Sate Park, a unit of the State Park System. As a Trustee Agency, we have a stroi ig1riterest in the preparation and review of any environmental document at,may affect a State Park unit. i . Our If evlew of the documents indicate there are pipelines associated with the pro`ect which cross over state park property. It is shown on the maps but there is no mention of this in the environmental document. Any pipeline or§ther aspect of the project which may directly or indirectly affect state park Property should be addressed. We re not opposed to the project. Nor do we oppose the replacement of the water tines that cross over state parr property. However, such work would require close coordination with state park staff. There will be environmental constraints applied as well as visitor service concerns that will require attention prior to the work proceeding. The entity would be required to Obtain a special use permit from California State Parks prior to commencement of the work. It is likely that we would limit the season of constructiori to outside of our high use period. Thank you. Since h/ ---_- --- t� R �> q1D !Ken Anderson �— District Ecologist f; NOY Cc: Donner Memorial SP 1 S ,A is r; Saucra Eno inccr ino Znc.. 5'e 0:6565'e9 P• 02 I I Placer County Water Agency ` RpIRp nI'!1?Pt r'itlnc ii,clnesp Cc�,i<r. Ina 1'p fpucnu R'L Rt>i5 Pn. Ip"e Ac70 ,h,hisrn, ^nlilprn In "60-i!G'7n 1 Pmdtrry !v�.rir�r ' /,o'' "'1", "Jaj E2J-dR10 nuu-nt,a nns0 Tim mn) Rai ,9r.(, 1 On. II;f1, ",,11 6o,-i. I rt 1" .i........... ra rrr.............. January 29,2001 i Truckee Donner Public Utility District Cio Sailers Enginccring, Inc; 440 Lower Grass Valley Road, Suite A Nevada City, CA r15959 Subject: Truckee banner Public Utiliiv District, Recirculation nFftnvironmental Review for the Donnas Lake Water System Acquisition and Rehobilitation i Dear Mr. Keith Knibb: I The Placer County Water Agency has reviewed the revised Mi(it sled Negative ileclurmion and the Amended Environmental Initial Study for the proicct entitled"Dumlcr Lakr:IWairr System Acquisition and Rehabilitation"_ Water resources in the Truckee River Basin,which inrludcs tire. llunner Lake water and the Martis Valley groundwater, arc important awls bo t{u citizens in both Placati and Nevada Conn(ies, ]it addition, the draft Truckcc River Opeattiul�Agrcenurn (TROA)places significant limits and conditions on the use orsvater resources w thin Iha California portion of the Truckee River'Basin. It is important that all water t'eso�Irce management decisions in the Truckee River Basin make full use of our limited, ater resources. With this perspective in mind, theAge»cy offers(he following comments. i The Agency understands that the Truckee Donner Public Utility District(District) is prnpc,smg to initially utilize the existing Donner I-akc water system sources along with grounilwalrr('mtn III,- District's system through an interconnection bet,veen the two sys(cats. The Disljicl Itten proposes to transition away Flom the Donner Lake water sysicut sources altogether as new groundwater sources are dcvcicrpul. The initial ;n.tdy notes that" by eliminming the water treatment plant and lake intoke Facilities- pu(cntially aigniricant impacts Identilio and mi(igalcd in the, previous initial study have liven egtnplc(cly avoided"_ The initial study algo points nut the District inwrlds to ae0nire thcwater rights currontly held] by (tic Durmer Lake Water Compmiy, Along with any restrictions or enndilinns whieL may bo attached to those rights, (ir allow u.an nr this snrthce Water is a source of supply. 9 I I 7Pnlrr r`omo vatfOn Is d Moot ObjrRation j 1 e Saucrc Eno inccr ino Znc. 53036568'e� P- fie 1 TRDA allocates 32,000 acre feet annually in watet resources to the Truckee RiYcr 13asin in Califurniai This altocation is exclusive of the Donner Lake water right amount PI 990 mere feet which scrVes the Placer and Nevada County based residents around the lake. The Agency is concerned that this projact could rednre the water availability in the Basin by 1 980 acre-i'eet because 990 acte-fcct is"lost"duu to the i7mmcr Lace water right water not beiltg used per TRDA and that additional groundwater totaling 990 acre-feet is be used in it I phlcc, Tile Agency requests that the Initial Study provide R,rther insight as to how the District in(caxts to snake full use of the Donncr Lake water right water given the conditions placed on this)*enter in the draft TP,OA. it appears that TROA will restrict the use of this water right to the inintcdiote Dootrcr Lake area unless otherwise agreed to by certain TRDA signatories. The Agency is rowdy to work ceilabutatively with the District to solve this issue. i On page 9 of the Initial Study, Section 1V Water, it states(with no analysis) that the ptuposal will not change the withdrawals of groundwater. This is contrary to the statement in the second paragraph of page t that the District intends to transition from Donner Lake water soitrccs,which consists primarily of surface water, to new groundwater ennrres. The Agency requeet, (hat these statements be made consistent and that the impact of using of groundwater,presiunably water extracted fYom the Mattis Valley aquifer, be anatyzcd. I The Agency appreciates the opportunity to provide comments un this important !Project, Please keep tile Agency informed of any future actions related to this project. If you have any questions regarding out cutnments,please call me at( 530) 823'4889. i I f Sincerely, i i Pi,AC,P.R COUNTY N�A'l ER AGENCY i i Mal Toy Planning Administrator 1 e Cc; PCWA Board of Directors David $reninger j d Ticdemann 3 Placer County Chief Executive Of;cer N'red:Yeager, Placer County Director of Planning t l j t M,tB/ HIGHLANDS GROUP, LLC January 31,2001 Truckee Donner Public Utility District C!o Sauers Engineering,Inc. Mr. Keith Knibb 440 Lower Grass Valley Road,Suite A Nevada City,CA 95959 Re: Truckee Donner Public Utility District, Recirculation of Environmental Review for the Donner Lake Water System Acquisition and Rehabilitation Dear Mr. Knibb: DMBfHighlands Group,LLC,is an owner of land lying within the Martis Valley which it intends to subdivide,develop and sell for residential and outdoor recreational use in accordance with Placer County's General Plan for the area and in keeping with sound environmental principles. Our experience shows that the purchasers of home sites in the Sierra Nevada are particularly aware of the need to conserve the scenic beauty and the biological diversity of the Sierra. Indeed,the ethereal experience of mountain life is the essence of our product. Obviously,the wise and careful use of both surface and groundwater supplies is absolutely essential to the continued health of the forests,meadows,wetlands and wildlife,as well as the residents and businesses of the Martis Valley. Hence,we are fully committed to a studious and long term effort to understand and cooperatively participate in the full analysis of the supply and the careful planning of the use of water within the area affected by the Truckee River Operating Agreement, (TROA.) We have reviewed the revised Mitigated Negative Declaration and the Amended Environmental Initial Study for the project entitled "Donner Lake Water System Acquisition and Rehabilitation," (the Study.) We understand that the Truckee Donner Public Utility District, (the District) proposes to utilize the 990 acre-feet of water per year currently distributed for use by the Donner Lake users for some time before transitioning to another source of water and eliminating the Donner Lake intake and water treatment plant. Although we have many questions at this time,possibly our concern is best evidenced by the responses on page 9 of the Study. The response to questions f) and h) on page 9 of the Study indicates that the Project will not result in any additional groundwater withdrawals,which appears to be clearly inconsistent with the goals of the District as set forth in the Study. Further,there is no explanation as to haw the 990 acre-feet of surface water rights currently being supplied to users of Donner Lake will be replaced. iai85 TRUCKEE TARCE"X RPORT RCAD-7 SUFFE 4Z0 t''TKU1CKEE, CA �1(1. PH 530.550.299 FY 530 550.7985 Naturally,we are concerned that the Project as proposed could represent a net loss of some 1.980 acre-feet of water per year from the TROA area,which includes Martis Valley,because the needs of the Donner Lake users would be met from groundwater within the area while the surface water rights to the Donner Lake water would be abandoned. This concern,of course, assumes that the 990 acre-feet of surface water rights are included within the 32,000 acre-feet per year allocated to the California users under the TROA. Regardless of whether the amount of water in question is 990 acre-feet or 1,980 acre-feet per year,we question the wisdom of abandoning the use of the Donner Lake surface water without a more thorough analysis of the environmental benefits of abandoning the existing intake and treatment facilities and leaving that water in Donner Lake as compared to the environmental impacts and the long term water availability impacts of the development,distribution and use of groundwater supplies from other areas to replace the Donner Lake surface water. We, therefore,respectfully suggest that further study and analysis of this issue may be beneficial before the environmental document is presented for certification. Thank you for your consideration of our comments. If you wish to discuss this matter further, please feel free to call me at 530.550.2990. Best Regards, Ron Parr cc: P.Holzmeister,General Manager,TDPUD L. Winberry,Esq. Mal Toy,PCWA Sauers Ensineerins Inc. 5302656334 P. 02 suutLv I.KAOMcu JAN K. W BuM;nq+.w E� Ri11 y.SCK DONNA M.MATT,eE fc;s POET 7ELLc5,J'a EOwAAD J.Co-CO " f K.DA.MFRYN l\ SVSAN R,DEHIOUR f1U n n LLOYD HI C.C�vnO Pw.9 M.bl0nianL TNoMAE W.EARTH STBFHAN CY.ILOoTl LLOYD i{w%eLA'.AN PNuar A.WRIOHT OC'•Voi Tf'T7 X XFN NATAL 'CLlnE0A0 W.3CHuLz DOROTHY S.L,ANOSaEAc SK v 1 j L. i gow,wn F Wnrrve, nr R+aasr 6.)Avavut N9H M EIYRaiu 4 L"'�T.�tY ���TA t )TACY L.SAM& ' KMSTLN C-CAMV ROmT S.SHELBVRN9 ]AME$P.W;UEL E EM 1 V j V MARILYN L.JAMES LOUi9 E.LiAkENWAtO JAMEE M.H65P JA, JCNhTMAN P.Cit$T]' �I}'Y ,r r�D CYNTHIA L.KNIOHiON JAWT K.(i�2,uurty l4auvi R DBAN LK\t1i11K\ OAEOQRY T LYALL i ROBIN LULIE STEwAAT EMILY E,VASQuI-c A MCVACtl10H.K1,COAro0.+nON Gvg y pvvY o1'mvrati W,u,Ay A.FEASH.AT LYLE W.COOK SCOT A.MORam RODERT A.RtmomoM R.,1v A .CC4vILR 7 2J AOUATNBY E,UOLLM CI;MLaa 2A'D,, c RUTHANN G.PIBGLEA l`Cb'_Z1a1 , _Ool y " LFON.ARD M.FAiEDMAH mt-ur. $HELLY L),CAFENE,fl, PAUL W.W.FI SHERT L LONGAYEA THOMASCONALC W.F\TzcES.III pticvna j PFNr'E LATHY L JM,17H HCtl MES ADOLPH MOsKOVra t19%4199i1 rNcuA$C.HUGHES,IL' ANTHONY B.MAHLANarI Jnu ATVA.0 K RFNNEe.. E.K.MR,t D.,vm Mil'U[L A-GW5 WILLIAM 1'.CAIEW JONATAAN P.HOBBS i DBBOAAH 1.FAIOK n,51I 3) P ADD;SON COVERT Isrnvv A. M=.LL 2 AMELIA 1,MWAERRK,DAAAI Truckee Donner Puhlin TTtilities District c/o Sauers Engineering, me. 440 Lowcr glaN, , Vallcv Road, Suite A Nevada City, CA 95959 i Re: Truckee'Donner Public. ITtilitie,s:District Recirculation of Proposed Negative Declaration for Dormer Lakc Water System Acq uisitiuu and Rehabilitatior> i Dear Mr. Ii nibb: This letterprovides 2the comments of Del 'Oro Water.Company("Dpl_Qro")to the proposed Amended NP.Sative D?claration circulated by Truckee Donner Public Utilitics District ("TDPUD"),concerning the proposed aequiaition and rehabilitation of the Cacilitics of the Donner Lake Watei Company'. � i In a letter concerning the prior proposed Negative Declaration, we pointed out that the then-proposed construction of a water treatment plant would have many of the same environmental impacts that had previously been judged to be significant when essentially the salve project was proposed by Del Oro. Apparently TDPUD agreed, for the cuucjil Amended Environmental Initial Study ("AETS") and associated Negative Declaration socks �o eliminate these impacts by eliminating the proposed water treatment plant from the proposed project. However, in;so doing, the amended project raises new environmental issues thar must be: addressed in the Initial Study and dra R Negative.Declaration. These' documents do not address these issues adequately, or at all. i In abandoning Domicr Lake and switching to groundwater as the s9le proposed water source for the community served by Donner Lake Water Company,it is obvious that some impact on local groundwater resources will occur. The AEIS notes that the Dcnn�r Lake Water Company systern cmrcnily serves 1230 connections. (AEIS at 2.) The AEIS contains no mention of water demand or of anticipated incrcasc in demand whcn the Durmcr Lake Water Company scrivicc arca is built-uui.. Under the revised project, groundwater resources wil( now, for the�rst tine,be drafted to serve water demands not previously met with groundwate7. TT)PT TD's utility planning for the use of the locally available groundwater has never before included the demands of water AT OBNBYH AT LAN' - 400 CAr.T L MALL 27-FLUUN 3AQAAMENrO,-ALIFORNIIA 9)614-44:6 TELEPHONE(916)321,4500 FAX.(916)321-4555 Savers Ens ineer ins Inc. 5302656834 P. 03 Truckee T)dnner Public Utilities District 370.4 February 2 2001 ' Page 2 'I i i of water users in the Donner bake community. Although the AEIS acknowledges that the project -represents a signiticant increase in service area and water customers," it contains no dismission whatever to,support its conclusion that there will he"nn impact" to grcundwater resources, either in the quantity of groundwater, its direction or rate of flaw or its quality,: (AEIS, 'at 9.) The AEIS does refer the reader to the "Earlier Analysis as described in Section XVII of this'Initial Study" for a"detailed discussion of Water Issues." But the only earlier analysis referred to is the one produced by the Town of Truckee for Del Orb Water Company's proposed facilities ' rehabilitation and water treatment plant_ (ARTS it I7,) That analysis contains no mention of groundwater'resources; groundwater was not'expected to be the source of supply) Likewise, and for the same reason, the previous Initial Study prepared by TDPUD contained no discussion of gtuturdwater impacts. I n � The AEIS should quantify the number and type of service connect1lnns;within the DoDnefLake Water Companyservice area;both,cxisting and atultimatebuild-oiff. It should discuss the,amount of water use that can be expected from such coancctions,11re tkraximum;day demands £utc flows,ar d the rate of increase to uSe. The local groundwater resoi ce'from,whicb these demattrds arq expected to be met should be described,including its`safe yiel The'poten6al© impa c[ Rgz Iater users wtthm,TDPUD's ex isung service arewshould be considers.-inehtding nny potcnttal,etbenshort-term or long term,,of ser�rce;shortages or additional factlitrgs,construction to accommodate the uterconnection and increased"fiow do oaaads due-to the JJonnct lakc;arc scrr-r�cc{s 'he AEIS slionld:considct wLettcr increased rate,ofgroundwater extras ou by,lllYsUll ro`serve,,the Donner;I>ake=area could impact,other local wells. Finally, the AEIS.s ould tliscuss-C whether,ashi$to groundwater creates,an increasedrisk fromsarsenit exposurerfnr i7nrtucr,Lakc areaiesidenis:;and;any`effect that mcrea:eetl groundwater pumping may have'oti'ai'senic revels 'with rn the atluifep Without such analyses, there is no basin for a rational conclusion that the proposed project will have no nnpact on groundwater resources. Additional energy will-be required to serve groundwater to the exiRing and futurc customers of Donner'Lake Water Company'o There is no discussion of the amouni of energy required. Instead of such a discussion, the ALIS again bases its conclusions on thF Earlier Analysis which, for the reasons explained above,has no discussion of the auruwa of energy required to pump groundwater flour arc local groundwater basin and further pump it uphill to the Donner Lake Water Company customers. In the absence of that discussion, the conclusions of the ALAS are not adequately supported. Finally, the construction of a major trunkline from Truckee to servg the Donner Lake service,area is inadequately described and discussed. It is included as air elclnent of "rehabilitation" of the existing system imtcad.uf a major new facility not previously considered w discussed in any earlier environmental document. The pipeline, its size and ro}rte, and any., -rroruc�c ! MOSKCA �� TLE @'d;,CtN e .T'i h.tit 3P 'M1 h� J ln VSy A � Y 1•' j M1 l ('q i Saucrc Enainccrino Snc. Sd026568d /' i Truckee Donner Public Utibtics District 370.4 February 2;2001 , page; I local impacts nf.,itc ronstnuction should be"disclose&in the ALIS, .o that the conclusion concerning significance of its impacts can be evaluated, I Del Oro Water Company appreciat.s the opportunity to comment on the;.AEIS and proposed Negative Declaration. i Sincerely, KRONICK, NIOSKOVIT7, TTFDENIANN!& GiRjL'LR 3 A Professional Corporation i JantLK. Goldsmith ( JKU(mm i cc; Robert S.Fortino i i I i i i j i I i f nn e MKSKJv11L I G .!u 1.1< .ai 1ii ' '.