CC 2017-09-26_10b Initial Study_MND_Bridge Street Bridge
MEMORANDUM
TO: CITY COUNCIL
FROM: TERESA MCCLISH, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF DRAFT INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE
DECLARATION FOR THE BRIDGE STREET BRIDGE
REHABILITATION PROJE CT
DATE: SEPTEMBER 26, 2017
BACKGROUND:
On January 27, 2015, Council selected two alternatives with which to proceed for
environmental study for the Bridge Street Bridge Improvement Project ("Project"): 1)
the Replacement Alternative that would salvage and relocate the truss on a new bridge;
and 2) the Rehabilitation Alternative that would replace the existing supplemental truss
with a new supplemental truss constructed to handle 100% of modern design loads.
RECOMMENDATION:
The Planning Commission recommends that the City Council:
1. Review the Draft Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) for the
proposed Bridge Street Bridge Rehabilitation project; and
2. Adopt a Resolution adopting the MND , and instructing the City Clerk to file a
Notice of Determination (NOD).
SUMMARY OF ACTION:
Adopting and certifying the MND for the project will provide necessary environmental
clearance in order to proceed with final design for the project.
IMPACT ON FINANCIAL AND PERSONNEL RESOURCES:
The City has been successful in securing 100% funding through the Local Highway
Bridge Program (HBP) funds for the Bridge Street Bridge project, including consultant
costs for required technical studies and environmental documentation. This item is
identified in the recently adopted City Council Goals with regard to supporting City
infrastructure .
Item 10.b. - Page 1
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF DRAFT INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE
DECLARATION FOR THE BRIDGE STREET BRIDGE REHABILITATION PROJE CT
SEPTEMBER 26, 2017
PAGE 2
On January 27, 2015, the Council also approved an amendment with Quincy
Engineering, Inc. to allow the consultant team to carry the two alternatives through the
environmental process. In response, the consultant team proceeded with preparation of
the technical studies for the two alternatives and has brought both alternatives to a 65%
design level.
On January 24, 2017, the Council received a project status update for the Bridge Street
Bridge project, and based on one of the required analyses called “the Finding of No
Adverse Effect”, concurrence with the Caltrans review team, and a recommendation
from the Bridge Street Bridge Stakeholders Group, eliminated the Replacement
Alternative from further consideration for the project.
On September 19, 2017, the Planning Commission considered the IS/MND for the
Rehabilitation Alternatives and adopted a Resolution recommending its adoption to the
City Council.
ANALYSIS OF ISSUES:
As the Rehabilitation Alternative as conditioned and mitigated will not have a significant
effect on the environment, the City prepared an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative
Declaration (IS/MND) consistent with the California Environmental Quality Act
(Attachment 1). On July 24, 2017, the Draft IS/MND was publically noticed for
circulation and sent to the State Clearinghouse and Planning Unit. No public comments
were received.
The project report and environmental documents were prepared in coordination with
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). The MND evaluates potential
impacts associated with the rehabilitation and structural improvements of the Bridge
Street Bridge (Bridge No. 49C0196) over Arroyo Grande Creek. The purpose of the
proposed project is to improve public safety, reduce future maintenance costs, and
preserve, to the greatest extent possible, the historic character of the Bridge Street
Bridge. The project would provide a rehabilitated bridge that would increase the load
carrying capacity, improve safety, upgrade bridge railings to current Association of State
Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) standards and balance the structural
design with the community’s desire for historic preservation. If the bridge is not
rehabilitated, current conditions would continue to deteriorate and eventually a bridge
closure would be required.
The MND identified nine (9) areas of potential impact that required mitigation measures:
biological resources, transportation/traffic, cultural resources, hazards and hazardous
resources, tribal cultural resources, air quality, hydrology and water quality, and noise
and recreation. The MND includes analyses of each potential impact with mitigation
measure s and includes the required monitoring plan.
Item 10.b. - Page 2
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF DRAFT INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE
DECLARATION FOR THE BRIDGE STREET BRIDGE REHABILITATION PROJE CT
SEPTEMBER 26, 2017
PAGE 3
There have been several technical studies and agency concurrences prepared in
support of the MND and concurrent National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process
for which Caltrans is the lead agency. Once the envi ronmental clearance is complete,
the City may proceed with final plans, specifications and estimates.
ALTERNATIVES:
The following alternatives are provided for the Council’s consideration:
1. Adopt a Resolution adopting a MND and instruct the City Clerk to file a NOD;
2. Modify the Resolution and adopt the MND or request re-circulation of the MND;
3. Do not adopt the Resolution and request further information; or
4. Provide direction to staff.
ADVANTAGES:
Considering hearing public comment and adopting the MND provides an opportunity to
review for adequacy, the analysis of potential environmental impacts of the Project and
proposed mitigation measures prior to approving the project.
DISADVANTAGES:
None identified.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
The Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) has been prepared by SWCA
Consultants under contract with Quincy Engineering and reviewed by City Staff. The
purpose is to evaluate the potential environmental effects of the proposed Project. This
document has been prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA), Public Resources Code §21000 et seq., and the State CEQA Guidelines,
California Code of Regulations (CCR) §15000 et seq.
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION AND COMMENTS:
The Agenda was posted at City Hall and on the City’s website in accordance with
Government Code Section 54954.2.
Attachment:
1. Initial Study/Mitigated Negative D eclaration
Item 10.b. - Page 3
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO
GRANDE ADOPTING A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION,
INSTRUCTING THE CITY CLERK TO FILE A NOTICE OF
DETERMINATION, FOR THE BRIDGE STREET BRIDGE PROJECT
APPLIED FOR THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE
WHEREAS, the City was successful in securing funding to address structural deficiencies
for the Bridge Street Bridge through the Local Highway Bridge Program (HBP); and
WHEREAS, in May 2012, the Council approved a consultant services agreement with
Quincy Engineering, Inc. to conduct public review and perform necessary studies for a
series of alternatives for the Bridge Street Bridge Improvement Project ("Project"); and
WHEREAS, on January 27, 2015, Council selected two alternatives with which to
proceed for environmental study for the Project; and
WHEREAS, on January 24, 2017, the Council received a project status update for the
Bridge Street Bridge project, and based on one of the required analyses called “the
Finding of No Adverse Effect”, concurrence with the Caltrans review team, and a
recommendation from the Bridge St. Bridge Stakeholders Group, selected to proceed
with the rehabilitation alternative for the Project; and
WHEREAS, on September 19, 2017, the Planning Commission reviewed the draft
Mitigated Negative Declaration and recommended the City Council adopt the document;
and
WHEREAS, the City Council has reviewed the project in compliance with the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the State CEQA Guidelines, and the Arroyo Grande
Rules and Procedures for Implementation of CEQA and has reviewed the draft Mitigated
Negative Declaration; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has reviewed the project at its regularly scheduled meeting
on September 26, 2017; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds, after due study, deliberation and public hearing, the
following circumstances exist:
Required CEQA Findings:
1. The City of Arroyo Grande has prepared an Initial Study pursuant to
Section 15063 of the Guidelines of the California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA), for the Bridge Street Bridge Project.
2. Based on the Initial Study, a Mitigated Negative Declaration was
prepared for public review. A copy of the Mitigated Negative Declaration
and related materials is located at City Hall in the Community
Development Department.
Item 10.b. - Page 4
RESOLUTION NO.
PAGE 2
3. After holding a public meeting pursuant to State and City Codes, and
considering the record as a whole, the City Council adopts a Mitigated
Negative Declaration and finds pursuant to CEQA Guideline 15074, on
the basis of the whole record before it (including the initial study and any
comments received), that there is no substantial evidence that the project
as conditioned and mitigated will have a significant effect on the
environment and that the mitigated negative declaration reflects the
City’s independent judgment and analysis.
4. The documents that constitute the record of proceedings upon which the
City Council’s decision is based are on file with the Community
Development Department located at 300 E. Branch Street, Arroyo
Grande, California.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Arroyo Grande
hereby adopts the Mitigated Negative Declaration as set forth in Exhibit A, a full copy of
which is on file in the Community Development Department, and instructs the City Clerk to
file a Notice of Determination, with the above findings and subject to the mitigation
measure as included in the Mitigated Negative Declaration.
On a motion by Council Member _________, seconded by Council Member __________,
and by the following roll call vote to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
the foregoing Resolution was adopted this 26th day of September 2017.
Item 10.b. - Page 5
RESOLUTION NO.
PAGE 3
_______________________________________
JIM HILL, MAYOR
ATTEST:
_______________________________________
KELLY WETMORE, CITY CLERK
APPROVED AS TO CONTENT:
_______________________________________ JAMES A. BERGMAN, CITY MANAGER APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_______________________________________
HEATHER K. WHITHAM, CITY ATTORNEY
Item 10.b. - Page 6
INITIAL STUDY/ PROPOSED
MITIGATED NEGATIVE
DECLARATION
Bridge Street Bridge Rehabilitation Project
City of Arroyo Grande, County of San Luis Obispo, California
Existing Bridge No. 49C0196
Federal Aid Project ID BRLO-5199 (027)
July 2017
EXHIBIT A
(Full copy on file in the Community Development Department)
Item 10.b. - Page 7
INITIAL STUDY/ PROPOSED
MITIGATED NEGATIVE
DECLARATION
Bridge Street Bridge Rehabilitation Project
City of Arroyo Grande, County of San Luis Obispo, California
Existing Bridge No. 49C0196
Federal Aid Project ID BRLO-5199 (027)
July 2017
ATTACHMENT 1
Item 10.b. - Page 8
INITIAL STUDY / MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION July 2017
Bridge Street Bridge Rehabilitation Project
Page 2 of 100
Project: Bridge Street Bridge Rehabilitation Project
Lead Agency: City of Arroyo Grande
Document Availability:
• City of Arroyo Grande
Community Development Department
300 East Branch Street
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
• Arroyo Grande Library
800 West Branch Street
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
• http://www.arroyogrande.org/
Project Description:
In coordination with California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), the City of Arroyo Grande
proposes to rehabilitate and address structural deficiencies associated with the Bridge Street Bridge
(Bridge No. 49C0196) over Arroyo Grande Creek. The purpose of the proposed project is to improve
public safety, reduce future maintenance costs, and preserve, to the greatest extent possible, the
historic character of the Bridge Street Bridge. The project would provide a rehabilitated bridge that
would increase the load carrying capacity, improve safety, upgrade bridge railings to current Association
of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) standards and balance the structural design
with the community’s desire for historic preservation. If the bridge is not rehabilitated, current
conditions would continue to deteriorate and eventually bridge closure would be required.
Summary Document Preparation:
Pursuant to Section 21082.1 of the California Environmental Quality Act, the City of Arroyo Grande (the
City) has independently reviewed and analyzed the Initial Study and Proposed Mitigated Negative
Declaration (IS/MND) for the proposed project and finds that these documents reflect the independent
judgment of the City. The City, as lead agency, also confirms that the project mitigation measures
detailed in these documents are feasible and will be implemented as stated in the IS/MND.
______________________________________ 7/18/2017
Prepared by: Emily Creel, JD Date
SWCA Environmental Consultants, Planning Team Lead
______________________________________
Reviewed by: Teresa McClish, AICP Date
Community Development Director
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INITIAL STUDY / MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION July 2017
Bridge Street Bridge Rehabilitation Project
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Table of Contents:
1. Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 5
Introduction and Regulatory Guidance..................................................................................................... 5
Lead Agency .............................................................................................................................................. 5
Purpose and Document Organization ....................................................................................................... 5
Summary of Findings................................................................................................................................. 6
2. Project Description ................................................................................................................................ 7
Project Location ........................................................................................................................................ 7
Existing Bridge ........................................................................................................................................... 7
Project Objectives ................................................................................................................................... 10
Proposed Bridge Rehabilitation .............................................................................................................. 10
Other Required Public Agency Approvals ............................................................................................... 15
Related Projects ...................................................................................................................................... 15
3. Environmental Checklist ..................................................................................................................... 16
Project Information ................................................................................................................................. 16
Environmental Factors Potentially Affected ........................................................................................... 17
Determination ......................................................................................................................................... 17
Evaluation of Environmental Impacts ..................................................................................................... 18
4. Environmental Issues .......................................................................................................................... 19
I. Aesthetics ............................................................................................................................................. 19
II. Agriculture and Forestry Resources .................................................................................................... 20
III. Air Quality .......................................................................................................................................... 22
IV. Biological Resources .......................................................................................................................... 27
V. Cultural Resources .............................................................................................................................. 39
VI. Geology and Soils ............................................................................................................................... 42
VII. Greenhouse Gas Emissions ............................................................................................................... 45
VIII. Hazards and Hazardous Materials ................................................................................................... 47
IX. Hydrology and Water Quality ............................................................................................................ 51
X. Land Use and Planning ........................................................................................................................ 56
XI. Mineral Resources ............................................................................................................................. 59
XII. Noise ................................................................................................................................................. 59
XIII. Population and Housing ................................................................................................................... 62
XIV. Public Services ................................................................................................................................. 63
XV. Recreation ......................................................................................................................................... 65
XVI. Transportation/Traffic ..................................................................................................................... 66
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Bridge Street Bridge Rehabilitation Project
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XVII. Tribal Cultural Resources ................................................................................................................ 69
XVIII. Utilities and Service Systems ......................................................................................................... 70
5. Mandatory Findings of Significance .................................................................................................... 72
6. Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program .................................................................................. 74
7. References .......................................................................................................................................... 98
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Bridge Street Bridge Rehabilitation Project
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1. Introduction
Introduction and Regulatory Guidance
This Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) has been prepared by the City of Arroyo
Grande (the City) to evaluate the potential environmental effects of the proposed Bridge Street Bridge
Rehabilitation Project (project). This document has been prepared in accordance with the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Public Resources Code §21000 et seq., and the State CEQA
Guidelines, California Code of Regulations (CCR) §15000 et seq.
An Initial Study is conducted by a lead agency to determine if a project may have a significant effect on
the environment (State CEQA Guidelines §15063). If there is substantial evidence that a project may
have a significant effect on the environment, an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) must be prepared, in
accordance with State CEQA Guidelines §15064(a). However, if the lead agency determines that
revisions in the project plans or proposals made by or agreed to by the applicant mitigate the potentially
significant effects to a less-than-significant level, an MND may be prepared instead of an EIR (State
CEQA Guidelines §15070). The lead agency prepares a written statement describing the reasons a
proposed project would not have a significant effect on the environment and, therefore, why an EIR
need not be prepared. This IS/MND conforms to the content requirements under State CEQA Guidelines
§15071.
Lead Agency
The lead agency is the public agency with primary approval authority over the proposed project. In
accordance with State CEQA Guidelines §15051(b)(1), "the lead agency will normally be an agency with
general governmental powers, such as a city or county, rather than an agency with a single or limited
purpose.” The lead agency for the proposed project is the City of Arroyo Grande. The contact person for
the lead agency is:
Teresa McClish, AICP
Community Development Director
City of Arroyo Grande
300 E. Branch Street
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
T: (805) 473-5420
E: tmcclish@arroyogrande.org
Purpose and Document Organization
The purpose of this document is to evaluate the potential environmental effects of the proposed
project. Mitigation measures have been identified and incorporated into the project to eliminate or
reduce any potentially significant impacts to a less-than-significant level.
This document is organized as follows:
1. Introduction – This chapter provides an introduction to the project and describes the purpose
and organization of this document.
2. Project Description – This chapter describes the background and scope of the project, all
proposed project components, and identifies project objectives.
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Bridge Street Bridge Rehabilitation Project
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3. Environmental Checklist – This chapter summarizes the project and the environmental issues to
be considered, and describes the process for evaluation of environmental impacts.
4. Environmental Setting, Potential Impacts, and Mitigation Measures – This chapter explains the
environmental setting for each environmental issue area, identifies the significance of potential
environmental impacts, and evaluates the potential impacts identified in the CEQA
Environmental (Initial Study) Checklist. Mitigation measures are incorporated, where
appropriate, to reduce potentially significant impacts to a less-than-significant level.
5. Mandatory Findings of Significance – This chapter identifies and summarizes the overall
significance of any potential impacts to natural and cultural resources, cumulative impacts, and
impact to humans, as identified in the Initial Study.
6. Summary of Mitigation Measures – This chapter summarizes the mitigation measures
incorporated into the project as a result of the Initial Study.
7. References – This chapter identifies the references and sources used in the preparation of this
IS/MND.
Summary of Findings
Chapter 3 of this document contains the Environmental (Initial Study) Checklist that identifies the
potential environmental impacts (by environmental issue) and contains a brief discussion of each
potential impact that would result from implementation of the proposed project.
In accordance with §15064(f) of the State CEQA Guidelines, an MND shall be prepared if the proposed
project will not have a significant effect on the environment after the inclusion of mitigation measures in
the project. Based on the available project information and the environmental analysis presented in this
document, there is no substantial evidence that, after the incorporation of identified mitigation
measures, the proposed project would have a significant effect on the environment. It is proposed that
an MND be adopted in accordance with the State CEQA Guidelines.
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Bridge Street Bridge Rehabilitation Project
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2. Project Description
Project Location
The Bridge Street Bridge (49C0196), over Arroyo Grande Creek, is located within the city of Arroyo
Grande, San Luis Obispo County, California. The bridge is located approximately 0.2 mile east of U.S.
Route 101 (US 101). Bridge Street Bridge is an off-system local urban road that follows a north-south
corridor through the downtown area of the city. Surrounding land uses consist of an urbanized business
district. The project vicinity and location are illustrated in Figures 1 and 2.
Existing Bridge
The existing bridge is a hybrid structure comprised of an original Pratt pony through truss, which is now
supported by a supplemental steel deck truss. The structure also has a single southern approach span
consisting of a reinforced concrete deck supported by steel stringers. The main truss span is
approximately 100 feet long and the approach span is approximately 24 feet long. Two seat-type
abutments and a single pier supports the northern end of the approach span and southern end of the
main truss. The pier consists of one approximately 4-foot-diameter reinforced concrete pile extension
under each truss bearing, which are joined together by a reinforced concrete closure wall.
The original 24-foot-wide pony truss was built in 1908 and carries two traffic lanes with pedestrian
sidewalks cantilevered on both sides outside of the truss members. In 1914, a large flow event in Arroyo
Grande Creek washed out the southern approach embankment, which resulted in the addition of the
single-approach span. The existing southern abutment was replaced in the channel and now serves as an
intermediate pier. A new steel stringer approach span and concrete abutment were constructed on the
newly formed southern embankment. The sidewalks are composed of timber supported on steel
brackets attached to the truss and approach span stringers.
This original bridge structure was first inspected by the California Department of Transportation
(Caltrans) in 1939 and was load posted at that time for 10 tons per vehicle and 17 tons per semi-truck
combination. Bridge inspection records indicate that portions of the approach span deck failed in 1970
causing a temporary closure of the bridge while the reinforced concrete deck in the first span was
replaced. The load posting for the structure was then reduced to 5 tons for all vehicles.
A further inspection in 1985 revealed a failed truss diagonal member, which resulted in load posting of 3
tons. In 1989, a vehicle collided with a vertical latticed truss post and severely damaged it. Upon
investigation of the bridge condition after this crash, severe corrosion of the bridge’s crossbeams was
discovered and the bridge was closed to all traffic. The City Council elected to repair the bridge through
design and installation of a supplemental steel deck truss (carrier truss) installed underneath the original
pony truss, which allowed for legal loads of 20 Ton-23 Ton-25 Ton Truck configurations. During final
design of this structural strengthening system, it was discovered that the concrete comprising the bridge
abutments was of poor quality and relatively low strength. At that time, the City elected to defer further
repairs to the bridge until a later date.
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Bridge Street Bridge Rehabilitation Project
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Figure 1. Project Vicinity Map
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Bridge Street Bridge Rehabilitation Project
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Figure 2. Project Location Map
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In 1997, Caltrans completed a supplemental inspection and determined that a portion of the concrete
supporting the exterior stringer for the approach span had been removed in order to install the
supporting carrier truss. This pier modification resulted in an unsupported cantilever section, which
reduced the bearing capacity under the exterior stringer. This condition is the primary reason the bridge
has remained posted for 3 tons per vehicle. As a result of the observed level of deterioration, the
existing bridge is considered structurally deficient. No previous studies have evaluated the existing
bridge for seismic or scour deficiencies. As-built plans of the substructure cannot be found, so this
analysis is not possible.
Project Objectives
The City proposes to rehabilitate and address structural deficiencies associated with the Bridge Street
Bridge (Bridge No. 49C0196) over Arroyo Grande Creek. The existing bridge is structurally deficient and
has been limited to 3-ton loads since 1985, which is the lowest posting allowed before bridge closure is
required. The existing bridge is structurally deficient to carry vehicular live loads and has significant
seismic deficiencies as well as possible foundation settlement and tilting.
The Bridge Street Bridge has been identified as one of the best California examples of a “classic” pony
truss and was determined eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) in the
1980s. The purpose of the proposed project is to improve public safety, reduce future maintenance
costs, and preserve, to the greatest extent possible, the historic character of the Bridge Street Bridge.
The project would rehabilitate the existing bridge to increase load-carrying capacity, improve safety,
upgrade bridge railings to current Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)
standards, and balance the structural design with the community’s dedication to historic preservation. If
the bridge is not rehabilitated, the existing structure would continue to deteriorate and eventually
bridge closure would be required.
Proposed Bridge Rehabilitation
The proposed bridge rehabilitation consists of replacing the existing supplemental truss with a new
higher-strength supplemental truss in order to increase live-load capacity. A new substructure consisting
of cast-in-place abutments and a pier along with a new steel girder approach span and cast-in-place
deck would be constructed to upgrade the structure to the latest scour and seismic codes. Refer to
Figures 3a and 3b for project plans.
To rehabilitate the structure, all portions of the existing bridge would be removed (the existing historic
truss would be salvaged for later reinstallation on the new stronger supplemental truss). After the
existing bridge substructure is removed, a new substructure would be constructed. Since the existing
100-foot-long truss length is set, a new pier in the channel would be required near the existing pier
location. The existing 25-foot-long steel girder approach span would also be replaced with a new
approximately 39-foot-long steel girder approach span with a new cast-in-place concrete deck.
After the new substructure is complete, a new supplemental structure would be designed to handle
100% of the current design live loads as well as support the weight of the historic truss. The
supplemental structure design would consist of a three-truss system with lateral cross bracings to
provide additional support. It was not feasible to increase the depth of the new supplemental truss due
to the existing water surface elevation; therefore, additional chord panels are proposed to provide
increased structural capacity. The supplemental truss would be painted brown similar to the existing
supplemental truss.
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Bridge Street Bridge Rehabilitation Project
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The historic truss would be removed and disassembled during new foundation construction. The existing
lead-based paint would be removed and a new coating that matches the existing color would be
applied. Most historic truss members would remain unaltered from the existing condition with the
exception of the existing concrete deck and floor beams (floor beams are steel girders that are cast in
the concrete deck and connect the two truss elements together). New floor beams will not be encased
in concrete so that they can be regularly inspected and maintained. They will be approximately 3 feet
longer than the existing beams and a new concrete deck with a curb will be used to connect the truss
elements together. The total bridge width would be approximately 40 feet 6 inches. The existing
cantilevered sidewalk members (and railings) would be replaced on the rehabilitated structure
unaltered. Rivets and pins that are removed as necessary to disassemble the truss would be replaced
with rivet bolts and pins that look similar to the existing ones.
Geotechnical/Foundations
Cast-in-Drilled Hole (CIDH) piles would be utilized to support the rehabilitation project. These
foundations would involve drilling holes, and possibly using drilling slurry, temporary casings, and/or
permanent casings to reduce the potential for caving of native materials. After the holes are drilled, a
reinforcing cage would be lowered in place, and concrete would be pumped into the hole. Currently,
30-inch-diameter piles are proposed at the abutments and a single 60- to 84-inch-diameter pile
extension is proposed at the center pier.
Drainage
The existing bridge allows roadway drainage to sheet flow directly into Arroyo Grande Creek. Current
environmental permit requirements usually specify that the stormwater on bridges be collected and
transported off the bridge into a roadway drainage facility. The proposed project would be crowned at
the roadway centerline and utilize concrete curbs and a longitudinal slope in order to convey and collect
the stormwater. Eventually, the roadway drainage system would be conveyed into the creek through
exiting culverts as part of the existing stormwater collection system. The existing culvert outlets may
need to be modified in order to allow compliance with PR1 (Site Design and Runoff Reduction) and PR2
(Water Quality Treatment) post-construction stormwater standards.
Utilities
The utilities present on the bridge are owned by the City and include a 6-inch diameter ductile iron
water supply line and an 8-inch diameter ductile iron sanitary sewer line that were upgraded in 1997.
Temporary utility relocations would be required during construction.
Construction Staging and Equipment
Construction staging areas would be established within Kiwanis Park along Olohan Alley and in the
surface parking lot associated with the historic Arroyo Grande Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF)
Hall located at 128 Bridge Street. The existing access and parking lot for the IOOF Hall would be
maintained throughout construction. Equipment anticipated to be used in the proposed project includes
excavators, dozers, cranes, dump trucks, concrete trucks, concrete pumps, and pile drilling equipment.
Removal of the existing bridge would require excavators, hoe rams, cranes, and dump trucks.
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Traffic Control/Detour
Because the bridge would be rehabilitated on the existing alignment, road closures during construction
would be required. There are available detours along Traffic Way or Mason Street adjacent to the Bridge
Street Bridge. The closures would be coordinated around the Strawberry and Harvest Festivals to the
extent possible in order to minimize impacts to the public. Road closures would eliminate staged
construction, which would reduce construction time and construction costs.
Right-of-Way
The project is located in a developed urban area within a 60-foot-wide City right-of-way centered along
the existing road. No additional right-of-way acquisitions would be required to construct this project;
however, temporary construction easements would be required to provide room for construction and
contractor staging areas.
Construction Schedule
Construction is expected to last approximately 8 months. When construction activities are complete, the
project site would be restored and revegetated.
Construction Access
The proposed project would involve minor modifications/alterations to the creek, including the
placement of a temporary road in the creek in order to allow for contractor access. This access road is
necessary to facilitate bridge removal and place the temporary bridge supports (falsework) for
installation of the new pile foundations. Construction would require clearing of the vegetation below
and adjacent to the bridge. Cofferdams, stream diversion, and dewatering may also be required to
provide a work area. Following construction, the temporary fill for the access road and diversion would
be removed and the creek would be restored to the existing topographic contours.
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Figure 3a. Site Plan
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Bridge Street Bridge Rehabilitation Project
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Figure 3b. Site Plan
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Other Required Public Agency Approvals
Project construction and implementation would require the City to obtain permits and other forms of
approval from various federal and state agencies. These authorizations may be issued in the form of
regulatory permits, agreements, or other forms of environmental review or approval. Authorizations will
likely include numerous requirements for environmental compliance, which will be enforced through
construction monitoring, documentation, and reporting. As proposed, the project is expected to require
authorizations/permits from the following agencies:
Table 1. Agency Permits/Authorizations
Responsible Agency Applicable Permit or Authorization
City of Arroyo Grande CEQA Lead Agency Environmental Clearance/Adoption
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Lead Agency
Clearance/Approval
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Section 7 Biological Opinion
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) Section 7 Biological Opinion
State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB)/
Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB)
Clean Water Act §401 Water Quality Certification
United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Clean Water Act §404 Permit
California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Section 1602 Streambed Alteration Agreement
San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District
(APCD)
Construction Permits, if necessary
Related Projects
The proposed project is not related to any other past, present, or future planned projects.
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3. Environmental Checklist
Project Information
Project Title: Bridge Street Bridge Rehabilitation Project
Lead Agency Name & Address: City of Arroyo Grande
300 East Branch Street
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
Contact Person & Telephone Number: Teresa McClish, Community Development Director
(805) 473-5420
Project Location: Bridge Street Bridge (Bridge No. 49C0196) over
Arroyo Grande Creek, Arroyo Grande, California
Project Sponsor Names & Addresses: City of Arroyo Grande
300 East Branch Street
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
General Plan Designation: Village Core with Historic Character and
Conservation/Open Space Overlays
Zoning: Village Mixed Use, Village Core Downtown,
Design Overlay D-2.4, and Public Facility
Description of Project: Rehabilitation of the Bridge Street Bridge along the
existing alignment
Surrounding Land Uses & Setting: Downtown commercial, retail, and community
facilities; Arroyo Grande Creek and riparian corridor;
Kiwanis Park
Approval Required from Other Public Agencies: Caltrans, SWRCB/RWQCB, USFWS, NOAA, USACE,
CDFW, APCD
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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,” as indicated by the checklist on the following
pages:
Aesthetics Agricultural Resources Air Quality
Biological Resources Cultural Resources Geology/Soils
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Hazards & Hazardous Materials Hydrology/Water Quality
Land Use/Planning Mineral Resources Noise
Population/Housing Public Services Recreation
Transportation/Traffic Tribal Cultural Resources Utilities/Service Systems
Mandatory Findings of Significance
Determination
On the basis of this initial evaluation:
I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment and a
NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.
I find that, although the original scope of the proposed project COULD have a significant effect
on the environment, there WILL NOT be a significant effect because revisions/mitigations to the
project have been made by or agreed to by the applicant. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE
DECLARATION will be prepared.
I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment and an
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT or its functional equivalent will be prepared.
I find that the proposed project MAY have a "potentially significant impact" or "potentially
significant unless mitigated impact" on the environment. However, at least one impact has been
adequately analyzed in an earlier document, pursuant to applicable legal standards, and has
been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis, as described in the
report's attachments. An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required, but it must analyze
only the impacts not sufficiently addressed in previous documents.
I find that, although the proposed project could have had a significant effect on the
environment, because all potentially significant effects have been adequately analyzed in an
earlier EIR or Negative Declaration, pursuant to applicable standards, and have been avoided or
mitigated, pursuant to an earlier EIR, including revisions or mitigation measures that are
imposed upon the proposed project, all impacts have been avoided or mitigated to a less-than-
significant level and no further action is required.
______________________________________
Teresa McClish, AICP Date
Community Development Director
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Evaluation of Environmental Impacts
1. A brief explanation, adequately supported by the information sources cited, is required for all
answers, except "No Impact.” A "No Impact" answer is adequately supported if the referenced
information sources show that the impact does not apply to the project being evaluated (e.g.,
the project falls outside a fault rupture zone). A "No Impact" answer should be explained where
it is based on general or project-specific factors (e.g., the project will not expose sensitive
receptors to pollutants, based on a project-specific screening analysis).
2. All answers must consider the whole of the project-related effects, both direct and indirect,
including off-site, cumulative, construction, and operational impacts.
3. Once the lead agency has determined that a particular physical impact may occur, the checklist
answers must indicate whether that impact is potentially significant, less than significant with
mitigation, or less than significant. "Potentially Significant Impact" is appropriate when there is
sufficient evidence that a substantial or potentially substantial adverse change may occur in any
of the physical conditions within the area affected by the project that cannot be mitigated
below a level of significance. If there are one or more "Potentially Significant Impact" entries, an
Environmental Impact Report (EIR) is required.
4. A "Mitigated Negative Declaration" (Negative Declaration: Less Than Significant with Mitigation
Incorporated) applies where the incorporation of mitigation measures, prior to declaration of
project approval, has reduced an effect from "Potentially Significant Impact" to a "Less Than
Significant Impact with Mitigation." The lead agency must describe the mitigation measures and
briefly explain how they reduce the effect to a less than significant level.
5. Earlier analyses may be used where, pursuant to the tiering, program EIR, or other CEQA
process, an effect has been adequately analyzed in an earlier EIR (including a General Plan) or
Negative Declaration [CCR, Guidelines for the Implementation of CEQA, § 15063(c)(3)(D)].
References to an earlier analysis should:
a) Identify the earlier analysis and state where it is available for review.
b) Indicate which effects from the environmental checklist were adequately analyzed in
the earlier document, pursuant to applicable legal standards, and whether these effects
were adequately addressed by mitigation measures included in that analysis.
c) Describe the mitigation measures in this document that were incorporated or refined
from the earlier document and indicate to what extent they address site-specific
conditions for this project.
6. Lead agencies are encouraged to incorporate references to information sources for potential
impacts into the checklist or appendix (e.g., general plans, zoning ordinances, biological
assessments). Reference to a previously prepared or outside document should include an
indication of the page or pages where the statement is substantiated.
7. A source list should be appended to this document. Sources used or individuals contacted
should be listed in the source list and cited in the discussion.
8. Explanation(s) of each issue should identify:
a) the criteria or threshold, if any, used to evaluate the significance of the impact
addressed by each question; and,
b) the mitigation measures, if any, prescribed to reduce the impact below the level of
significance.
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4. Environmental Issues
I. Aesthetics
Environmental Setting
The project site is located within the Historic Character Overlay District of Arroyo Grande (City of Arroyo
Grande and Graves 2003). The project site is surrounded by Kiwanis Park recreational area to the east
and a number of historic properties located north and south of the site, including the Arroyo Grande
IOOF Hall (128 Bridge Street) and the Olohan Building (101 West Branch Street).
Existing visual resources in the project area include views of the Arroyo Grande Creek riparian corridor,
the adjacent Kiwanis Park, and the historic bridge and downtown Village. The existing bridge structure is
built at grade, allowing views through the project site to both sides of the crossing. The only built details
that extend upward into a potential line of sight are the pony trusses and walkway railings.
Would the project:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact No Impact
a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista?
b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including,
but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and
historic buildings within a state scenic highway?
c) Substantially degrade the existing visual character or
quality of the site and its surroundings?
d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare
which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in
the area?
Discussion
a) – c) For CEQA purposes, a scenic vista is generally defined as a viewpoint that provides expansive
views of a highly valued landscape for the benefit of the general public. A substantial adverse effect on a
scenic vista would occur if the proposed project would significantly degrade the scenic landscape as
viewed from public roads or other public areas. The project site is located within an urbanized area
comprised of development and infrastructure and is not considered a scenic vista.
US 101, located 0.2 mile south of the project site, is designated as an “Eligible State Scenic Highway –
Not Officially Listed” by the California Scenic Highway Mapping System. Views of the project site from
US 101 are entirely obstructed by development within the city of Arroyo Grande. The proposed project
would not substantially alter the visual character of the historic bridge and would not impact the two
historic buildings within the vicinity of the site. There are no rock outcroppings or trees that are
considered sensitive scenic resources in proximity of the site that would be significantly altered as a
result of the proposed bridge rehabilitation.
Visual quality of the project area is dominated by Arroyo Grande Creek, urban development, and road
infrastructure. The project site is visible from Bridge Street, East Branch Street, Olohan Alley, and Nelson
Item 10.b. - Page 26
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Street. The number of viewers would be high due to high vehicular and pedestrian use within this area.
Short-term construction activities would create visual impacts in the project area due to the presence of
construction equipment, earthwork activities, detour signage, etc. However, these impacts would be
temporary in nature and limited to the construction period.
The project site would look similar to existing conditions once construction is complete. The
rehabilitated bridge would also be built at grade and would not protrude into the skyline or block views
due to a rise in elevation. The proposed project would be consistent with the historic character of the
surrounding area and would not degrade existing views.
Therefore, impacts would be less than significant.
d) The existing bridge structure does not include lighting and the project would not propose the
addition of any new lighting. Nighttime views in the vicinity of the project would not differ from existing
conditions.
Therefore, impacts would be less than significant.
Mitigation Measures and Residual Impacts
No significant impacts to aesthetic resources were identified; therefore, no mitigation measures are
necessary.
II. Agriculture and Forestry Resources
Environmental Setting
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) classifies agricultural
lands into five categories: Prime Farmland, Farmland of Statewide Importance, Unique Farmland,
Farmland of Local Importance, and Farmland of Local Potential. Non-farmlands are classified as Grazing
Land, Urban and Built-Up Land, Other Land, or Water. The project site is classified as “Urban and Built-
Up Land” based on the California Department of Conservation’s (CDOC) Farmland Mapping and
Monitoring Program (FMMP) and San Luis Obispo County Important Farmland Map (CDOC 2014).
The Agriculture, Conservation, and Open Space Element of the City’s General Plan identifies the
importance of avoiding and/or mitigating for the loss of prime farmland soils and of conserving non-
prime agriculture uses and natural resource lands. The City’s policies also recognize the importance of
allocation and conservation of ground and surface water resources for agricultural uses and the need to
minimize potential urban and fringe area development that would divert such resources away from
agricultural uses.
Would the project:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact No Impact
a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or
Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as
shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the
Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the
California Resources Agency, to non-agricultural use?
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Would the project:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact No Impact
b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use or a
Williamson Act contract?
c) Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning
of, forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code
section 12220)g)), timberland (as defined by Public
Resources Code section 4526), or timberland zoned
Timberland Production (as defined by Government
Code section 51104(g))?
d) Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of
forest land to non-forest use?
e) Involve other changes in the existing environment
which, due to their location or nature, could result in
conversion of Farmland to non-agricultural use?
* In determining whether impacts to agricultural resources are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to the
California Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site Assessment Model (1997), prepared by the California Department of
Conservation as an optional model for use in assessing impacts on agricultural and farmland.
Discussion
a) – d) The project site is within the Village Core land use designation and is designated as Urban and
Built Up Land. The project site does not contain any Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of
Statewide or Local Importance; no direct effect on these resources would occur. There are no active
agricultural lands within the project area and no direct conversion of Prime agricultural land would
occur as a result of the project. No indirect impacts on off-site agriculturally productive parcels would
occur due to the distance of any such parcel.
No portion of the project area is currently subject to a Williamson Act contract or agricultural preserve
program. Due to the distance of any proximate Williamson Act contracted lands or agricultural
preserves, the project would not conflict with or indirectly affect lands subject to an agricultural
preserve program.
There is no forestland in San Luis Obispo County and no impacts to forestland or timberland would
occur.
No impacts would occur.
e) The project would rehabilitate an existing bridge along its existing alignment. Bridge
rehabilitation would not result in other changes to the environment that would indirectly result in a loss
or conversion of agricultural land.
Therefore, impacts would be less than significant.
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Mitigation Measures and Residual Impact
No significant impacts to agricultural resources were identified; therefore, no mitigation measures are
necessary.
III. Air Quality
Environmental Setting
San Luis Obispo County is part of the South Central Coast Air Basin, which also includes Santa Barbara
and Ventura Counties. The climate of the basin area is strongly influenced by its proximity to the Pacific
Ocean. Airflow around and within the basin plays an important role in the movement and dispersion of
pollutants. The speed and direction of local winds are controlled by the location and strength of the
Pacific High pressure system and other global weather patterns, topographical factors, and circulation
patterns that result from temperature differences between the land and the sea.
The San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) has developed and updated their CEQA
Air Quality Handbook (APCD 2012) to evaluate project-specific impacts and help determine if air quality
mitigation measures are needed, or if potentially significant impacts could result. To evaluate long-term
emissions, cumulative effects, and establish countywide programs to reach acceptable air quality levels,
the APCD has prepared and adopted a Clean Air Plan.
The County’s air quality is measured by multiple ambient air quality monitoring stations, including four
APCD-operated permanent stations, two state-operated permanent stations, two special stations, and
one station operated by Tosco Oil Refinery for monitoring Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) emissions.
San Luis Obispo County is in non-attainment status for ozone (O3), respirable particulate matter (PM10)
and vinyl chloride under the California Air Resource Board (CARB) standards. The county is in attainment
status for all other applicable CARB standards.
The project site is not within an area identified as having a potential for Naturally Occurring Asbestos
(NOA) to occur based on the APCD’s NOA Map (APCD 2017).
Some land uses are considered more sensitive to changes in air quality than others, depending on the
population groups and the activities involved. The CARB has identified the following typical groups who
are most likely to be affected by air pollution: children under 14 years of age, the elderly over 65 years
of age, athletes, and people with cardiovascular and chronic respiratory diseases. Sensitive receptors
include residences, schools, playgrounds, childcare centers, athletic facilities, long-term health care
facilities, rehabilitation centers, convalescent centers, and retirement homes. Sensitive receptors near
the project area include nearby residences, Kiwanis Park, and various commercial uses associated with
the City’s Village Core where children or elderly may visit, including the Saturday Farmer’s Market
hosted in Olohan Alley.
Would the project:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact No Impact
a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the
applicable air quality plan?
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Would the project:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact No Impact
b) Violate any air quality standard or contribute
substantially to an existing or projected air quality
violation?
c) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of
any criteria pollutant for which the project region is in
non-attainment under an applicable federal or state
ambient air quality standard (including releasing
emissions which exceed quantitative thresholds for
ozone precursors)?
d) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant
concentrations?
e) Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial
number of people?
* Where available, the significance criteria established by the applicable air quality management or air pollution control district
may be relied on to make these determinations.
Discussion
a) The project would rehabilitate and improve existing infrastructure and does not propose a new
or increased use in the project area. The proposed use is consistent with existing land uses and the
general level of development anticipated and projected in the Clean Air Plan as well as other applicable
regional and local planning documents. The proposed project would not conflict with or otherwise
obstruct implementation of the Clean Air Plan.
Impacts would be less than significant.
b) – d) Construction Impacts. During construction, short-term degradation of air quality may occur due
to the release of particulate matter (airborne dust) and other pollutants generated by excavation,
grading, demolition, hauling, and various other activities related to construction. Site preparation and
roadway/bridge construction would involve clearing, cut-and-fill activities, grading, removing or
improving existing roadways, and paving roadway surfaces. Specifically, Abutment #1, located on the
north side of Arroyo Grande Creek would require 689 cubic yards of rock slope protection (RSP),
396 cubic yards of cut, and 24 cubic yards of fill material. Abutment #2, located on the south side of
Arroyo Grande Creek, would require 754 cubic yards of RSP, 74 cubic yards of cut, and 429 cubic yards of
fill. This would result in the generation of construction dust as well as short- and long-term construction
vehicle emissions, including diesel particulate matter (DPM), reactive organic gases (ROG), oxides of
nitrogen (NOx), particulate matter (PM), and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Construction activities
would be limited in scale (bridge rehabilitation) and duration (approximately 8 months).
The project site consists of approximately 2 acres. The area of proposed disturbance is less than 4 acres,
which the APCD has identified as the amount of disturbance that can exceed the 2.5-ton PM10
(particulate matter less than 10 micrometers in diameter) threshold. Specific construction equipment
and information is not yet known. Based on screening emission rates for construction activities
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identified in Table 2.2 of the CEQA Air Quality Handbook, the project is anticipated to generate the
following emissions included in Table 2.
Table 2. Estimated Construction-Related Emissions
Pollutant Estimated Emissions Applicable APCD Threshold Within Threshold?
Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM) 0.003 ton 0.13 tons Yes
Reactive Organic Gases (ROG) 0.01 ton
2.5 tons (combined) Yes Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) 0.002 ton
The project is within applicable thresholds for construction-related emissions. However, the project is in
close proximity to a limited number of sensitive receptors (i.e., park, visitor-serving uses in immediate
surrounding areas). Standard diesel idling restrictions and mitigation measures for construction
equipment and fugitive dust would apply to reduce any potentially significant impacts related to
exposure of sensitive receptors to harmful construction vehicle emissions and/or fugitive dust.
Therefore, construction-related impacts would be less than significant with mitigation.
Operational Impacts. From an operational standpoint, the project would not change air quality from
existing conditions. No increase in traffic trips or point source emissions would be generated by the
proposed bridge rehabilitation. Therefore, no significant long-term operational impacts would occur.
Operational impacts would be less than significant.
Exposure to Pollutants. Naturally Occurring Asbestos (NOA) has been identified as a toxic air
contaminant by the CARB. Any ground disturbance proposed in an area identified as having the
potential to contain NOA must comply with the CARB Airborne Toxics Control Measure (ATCM) for
Construction, Grading, Quarrying, and Surface Mining Operations. The APCD NOA Map indicates that the
project site is not within an area identified as having a potential for NOA to occur (APCD 2017).
Therefore, impacts would be less than significant.
e) Construction of the proposed project would generate odors associated with construction
smoke/dust and equipment exhaust and fumes. Excavated and demolition materials may also contain
objectionable odors within unearthed materials. The proposed construction activities would not differ
significantly from those resulting from any other type of construction project. Any effects would be
short-term in nature and limited to the construction phase of the project. Therefore, the project would
not create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people.
Impacts would be less than significant.
Mitigation Measures and Residual Impact
To minimize the potential significant impacts to air quality, the following mitigation measures would be
implemented.
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AQ/mm-1 Prior to issuance of construction permits, the following measures shall be
incorporated into the construction phase of the project and shown on all applicable plans:
Construction Equipment
a. Maintain all construction equipment in proper tune according to manufacturer’s
specifications;
b. Fuel all off-road and portable diesel powered equipment with California Air Resources
Board-certified motor vehicle diesel fuel (non-taxed version suitable for use off-road);
c. Use diesel construction equipment meeting the California Air Resources Board’s Tier 2
certified engines or cleaner off-road heavy-duty diesel engines, and comply with the
State off-Road Regulation;
d. Use on-road heavy-duty trucks that meet the California Air Resources Board’s 2007 or
cleaner certification standard for on-road heavy-duty diesel engines, and comply with
the State On-Road Regulation;
e. Construction or trucking companies with fleets that that do not have engines in their
fleet that meet the engine standards identified in the above two measures (e.g., captive
or oxides of nitrogen exempt area fleets) may be eligible by proving alternative
compliance;
f. All on- and off-road diesel equipment shall not idle for more than 5 minutes. Signs shall
be posted in the designated queuing areas and or job sites to remind drivers and
operators of the 5-minute idling limit;
g. Diesel idling shall be avoided to the greatest extent feasible throughout the duration of
construction activities. No idling in excess of 5 minutes shall be permitted as described
above;
h. Staging and queuing areas shall not be located within 1,000 feet of sensitive receptors
whenever possible;
i. Electrify equipment when feasible;
j. Substitute gasoline-powered in place of diesel-powered equipment, where feasible; and,
k. Use alternatively fueled construction equipment on-site where feasible, such as
compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), propane, or biodiesel.
AQ/mm-2 Upon application for construction permits, all required PM10 measures shall be
shown on applicable grading or construction plans, and made applicable during grading and
construction activities as described below.
a. Reduce the amount of the disturbed area where possible;
b. Use of water trucks or sprinkler systems in sufficient quantities to prevent airborne dust
from leaving the site and from exceeding the San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution
Control District’s limit of 20% opacity for greater than 3 minutes in any 60-minute
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period. Increased watering frequency would be required whenever wind speeds exceed
15 miles per hour. Reclaimed (non-potable) water should be used whenever possible;
c. All dirt stock pile areas should be sprayed daily or covered with tarps or other dust
barriers, as needed;
d. Permanent dust control measures identified in the approved project revegetation and
landscape plans should be implemented as soon as possible following completion of any
soil-disturbing activities;
e. Exposed ground areas that are planned to be reworked at dates greater than 1 month
after initial grading should be sown with a fast germinating, non-invasive grass seed and
watered until vegetation is established;
f. All disturbed soil areas not subject to revegetation should be stabilized using approved
chemical soil binders, jute netting, or other methods approved in advance by the San Luis
Obispo County Air Pollution Control District;
g. All roadways, driveways, sidewalks, etc. to be paved should be completed as soon as
possible. In addition, building pads should be laid as soon as possible after grading
unless seeding or soil binders are used;
h. Vehicle speed for all construction vehicles shall not exceed 15 miles per hour on any
unpaved surface at the construction site;
i. All trucks hauling dirt, sand, soil, or other loose materials are to be covered or should
maintain at least 2 feet of freeboard (minimum vertical distance between top of load
and top of trailer) in accordance with California Vehicle Code Section 23114;
j. Install wheel washers or other devices to control tracking of mud and dirt onto adjacent
roadways where vehicles enter and exit unpaved roads onto streets, or wash off trucks
and equipment leaving the site;
k. Sweep streets at the end of each day if visible soil material is carried onto adjacent
paved roads. Water sweepers with reclaimed water should be used where feasible.
Roads shall be pre-wetted prior to sweeping when feasible;
l. The contractor or builder shall designate a person or persons to monitor the fugitive dust
emissions and enhance the implementation of the measures as necessary to minimize
dust complaints, reduce visible emissions below the San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution
Control District’s limit of 20% opacity for greater than 3 minutes in any 60-minute
period, and to prevent transport of dust off-site. Their duties shall include holidays and
weekend periods when work may not be in progress. The name and telephone number of
such persons shall be provided to the San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control
District Engineering & Compliance Division prior to the start of any grading, earthwork,
or demolition.
With the incorporation of these measures, residual impacts to air quality would be less than significant.
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IV. Biological Resources
Environmental Setting
The following section is based largely on the Natural Environment Study (NES) prepared for the project
(SWCA 2017a).
The project area includes 250 linear feet along Bridge Street between Olohan Alley and Nelson Street
and approximately 515 linear feet of the Arroyo Grande Creek corridor. The project site encompasses
the bridge, Arroyo Grande Creek, existing surface parking areas, and sidewalks, as well as ruderal areas
within Kiwanis Park.
The project area supports two sensitive natural communities: Arroyo Willow Thicket and habitat for
South-Central California Coast steelhead. Other vegetation communities observed within the site
include ornamental plantings, ruderal, and developed landscapes.
Riparian Habitat/Jurisdictional Wetlands
Arroyo Grande Creek is a perennial stream that flows directly into the Pacific Ocean. Arroyo Grande
Creek maintains definable Ordinary High Water Marks (OHWMs), supports riparian vegetation, and has
bed and bank features. Even though the surrounding area is subject to constant disturbance from urban
influences, the creek is relatively undisturbed due to the incised nature of the channel. The riparian
system serves as a valuable wildlife habitat and an important water supply feature.
Approximately 0.16 acre of the project site has been identified as U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
jurisdictional “other waters” and approximately 1.25 acres are identified as state jurisdictional features
(SWCA 2017b). These areas include the riparian corridor of Arroyo Grande Creek that traverse the
project site. The Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) also asserts jurisdiction over waters of
the State, through the Porter Cologne Act.
Wildlife Corridors
The project site does not fall within an Essential Connectivity Area. However, the Arroyo Grande Creek
riparian corridor within the project site may be used by wildlife as a movement corridor on a smaller
scale since the Arroyo Grande Creek riparian corridor provides habitat for many species.
Special-Status Species
Based on an online query of the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB), a total of 30 special-
status plant species, 29 special-status animal species, and 5 sensitive habitats were analyzed for
potential to occur within the project area. Of the species analyzed, four special-status plant species, five
special-status wildlife species, and two sensitive wildlife groups were determined to have potential to
occur within the project area:
• Gambel’s watercress (Nasturtium gambelii)
• black-flowered figwort (Scrophularia
atrata)
• San Bernardino aster (Symphyotrichum
defoliatum)
• marsh sandwort (Arenaria paludicola)
• monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus)
• South-Central California Coast steelhead
DPS (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
• California red-legged frog (Rana draytonii)
• western pond turtle (Emys marmorata)
• nesting migratory birds
• Townsend’s big-eared bat (Corynorhinus
townsendii) and other roosting bats
Item 10.b. - Page 34
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Botanical surveys conducted during the appropriate flowering season did not identify the presence of
any sensitive plant species. No identified steelhead or California red-legged frog were identified during
field surveys; however, their presence is inferred based on their well-known occurrences in Arroyo
Grande Creek.
Would the project:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact No Impact
a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or
through habitat modification, on any species identified
as a sensitive, candidate, or special status species in
local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by
the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?
b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian
habitat or other sensitive natural community identified
in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by
the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?
c) Have a substantial adverse effect on federally
protected wetlands, as defined by §404 of the Clean
Water Act (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal
pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling,
hydrological interruption, or other means?
d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any
native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or
with established native resident or migratory wildlife
corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery
sites?
e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances
protecting biological resources, such as a tree
preservation policy or ordinance?
f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat
Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation
Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat
conservation plan?
Discussion
a) Plant Species. The project area provides suitable habitat for four sensitive plant species:
Gambel’s watercress, black-flowered figwort, San Bernardino aster, and marsh sandwort. However,
these sensitive plant species were not observed during field surveys and no impacts to these sensitive
plant species are expected to occur.
Wildlife Species. Focused surveys for South-Central California Coast steelhead were not conducted.
However, the project site is within the Arroyo Grande Creek watershed and supports a known steelhead
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population. Therefore, presence of South-Central California Coast steelhead is inferred within the
project area. If present within the project site during project activities, individual steelhead may be
directly impacted. They may be stranded in portions of the creek that must be dewatered, become
caught in dewatering pumps, or made vulnerable to predation from foraging birds and mammals. With
the implementation of avoidance and minimization measures included below, these direct impacts may
be avoided. Potential indirect impacts to steelhead from the project may also occur. Indirect impacts
include sediment deposition downstream of the work area, which may adversely impact downstream
water quality. Indirect impacts to steelhead may be avoided through the use of appropriate silt and
erosion control measures.
No protocol surveys were conducted for California red-legged frog and the species was not observed
during reconnaissance surveys. However, suitable in-stream aquatic habitat is present within the project
site and, based on previous known occurrences, the presence of the California red-legged frog within
the project area is inferred. Project construction could result in the injury or mortality of California red-
legged frogs (if present) during diversion/dewatering of Arroyo Grande Creek. The potential need to
capture and relocate California red-legged frogs could subject these animals to stresses that could result
in adverse effects. Injury or mortality could occur via accidental crushing by worker foot-traffic or
construction equipment. Erosion and sedimentation could also occur, which could directly or indirectly
affect water quality. An unknown number of California red-legged frogs could be subjected to take, but
the potential for these impacts is anticipated to be low due to no observations of the species within the
project site during surveys. However, this could change with time, where habitat conditions and/or
California red-legged frog numbers could fluctuate. The avoidance and minimization measures described
below would be required to reduce potential impacts to the red-legged frog to less than significant.
No western pond turtles were observed during surveys. Suitable aquatic habitat occurs within the
project site for this species and there is a CNDDB occurrence record (CNDDB Occ. 1165) for western
pond turtle in Arroyo Grande Creek approximately 0.5 mile north of the project site. Presence of
western pond turtle is inferred within the project site. Similar to the impacts described previously for
California red-legged frog, project construction could result in the injury or mortality of western pond
turtle during diversion/dewatering. The potential need to capture and relocate these species would
subject individuals to stresses that could result in adverse effects. Injury or mortality could occur via
accidental crushing by worker foot-traffic or construction equipment. Erosion and sedimentation could
also occur, which would directly or indirectly affect water quality. The potential for these impacts is
anticipated to be low due to no observations of the species during surveys. Mitigation and avoidance
measures included below would reduce impacts to the western pond turtle to less than significant.
Riparian habitat within the project site may provide suitable foraging habitat for least Bell’s vireo and
southwestern willow flycatcher. Nesting pairs of both of these species are considered unlikely, but
cannot be ruled out due to the presence of suitable riparian habitat. While no specific nesting migratory
bird surveys were conducted, it is inferred that nesting migratory birds would exist within the creek
corridor or on the bridge itself. The removal of vegetation could directly impact active bird nests and any
eggs or young residing in nests. Indirect impacts could also result from noise and disturbance associated
with construction, which could alter perching, foraging, and/or nesting behaviors. While temporary loss
of vegetation supporting potential nesting habitat would occur, this would be mitigated by habitat
restoration. The implementation of the avoidance and minimization measures such as appropriate
timing of vegetation removal, pre-activity surveys, and exclusion zones would reduce the potential for
adverse effects to nesting bird species.
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No bats or evidence of bat activity were observed beneath the Bridge Street Bridge or within the project
site during the field surveys. However, the existing bridge and the riparian vegetation may support
suitable roosting habitat or structure for bat species. If bats utilized the bridge or surrounding trees for
seasonal roosting, then direct impacts to bats could result during the proposed rehabilitation of the
bridge. These direct effects could result in the injury or mortality of bats or harassment that could alter
roosting behaviors. Indirect impacts could also result from noise and disturbance associated with
construction, which could also alter roosting behaviors. Implementation of pre-activity surveys and
exclusionary netting would reduce the potential for adverse effects to roosting bat species. No impacts
to Townsend’s big-eared bat and other roosting bats are anticipated with implementation of the
avoidance and minimization measures included below.
Therefore, potential impacts to sensitive species would be less than significant with mitigation.
b) The proposed project has the potential to impact areas associated with the Arroyo Grande
Creek riparian corridor within the project area. The project site supports sensitive natural communities
associated with riparian habitats, including Arroyo Willow Thicket. Temporary impacts would occur
within the areas that include the dewatering/diversion structure, slopes and areas that will be
revegetated, and associated riparian vegetation removal. Project staging areas have been selected to
minimize unnecessary impacts to native riparian vegetation. It is anticipated that the proposed project
would result in both temporary and permanent impacts to Arroyo Willow Thicket. Implementation of
Best Management Practices (BMPs) for erosion and sediment control, the use of fencing exclusion zones
for environmentally sensitive areas, preparation of a spill prevention and containment plan for
hazardous materials, and the use erosion controls and monitoring during construction would reduce
impacts to sensitive communities associated with the Arroyo Grande Creek riparian corridor. Impacted
riparian vegetation would also be restored upon completion of construction activities.
The project also has the potential to impact critical habitat for South-Central California Coast steelhead.
Arroyo Grande Creek is within the South-Central California Coast steelhead Distinct Population Segment
(DPS) Estero Bay Hydrologic Unit 3310 and Oceano Hydrologic Sub-area 331031. Following a status
review in 2005, a final listing determination was issued on January 5, 2006, for the South-Central
California Coast steelhead DPS, and critical habitat was designated within 32 DPS watersheds, including
the Arroyo Grande Creek watershed (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Marine
Fisheries Service [NOAA Fisheries] 2011). Essential spawning sites, rearing sites, suitable water quality,
migration corridors, and proper estuarine parameters are typical of this critical habitat designation. The
proposed project would result in temporary impacts to open water within Arroyo Grande Creek.
Mitigation measures described below would be required to minimize effects on the riparian habitat and
steelhead critical habitat within the project area.
Therefore, impacts on riparian and sensitive habitat areas would be less than significant with mitigation.
c) The project area contains features that are subject to USACE, California Department of Fish and
Wildlife (CDFW), and RWQCB jurisdiction due to a presence of a clear OHWM, the evidence of a defined
bed and bank, connectivity to relatively permanent waters, presence of riparian vegetation, and
evidence of wetland hydrology. Approximately 0.16 acre of the project area falls under federal
jurisdiction (Clean Water Act, Sections 401 and 404) and approximately 1.25 acres of the project area
are under state jurisdiction (Porter Cologne Act, CDFW Sections 1600–1602) (SWCA 2017b).
The proposed project would result in both temporary and permanent impacts to jurisdictional waters.
Temporary impacts would occur within the areas that include the dewatering/diversion structure, slopes
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and areas that will be revegetated, and associated riparian vegetation removal. Approximately 0.13 acre
of temporary impacts to federal jurisdictional areas and 0.57 acre of temporary impacts to state
jurisdictional areas would occur. Project staging areas have been selected to minimize unnecessary
impacts to native riparian vegetation. Temporarily impacted areas are expected to be returned to the
pre-construction condition following project completion.
Permanent impacts would result from construction of the new substructure and new pier within the
Arroyo Grande Creek channel. Approximately 0.18 acre of permanent impacts would occur to state
jurisdictional areas.
No federal wetlands or other isolated or adjacent wetland areas were delineated within the project
area. The project area does not occur within the Coastal Zone, so a one-parameter wetland delineation
is not necessary for compliance with the California Coastal Act. The project is not expected to impact
jurisdictional wetlands, but may impact other waters of the U.S. Mitigation measures described below
have been identified to reduce potential impacts.
Potential impacts would be less than significant with mitigation.
d) The project site does not fall within an Essential Connectivity Area. It is assumed that the
riparian corridor within the project site may be used by wildlife as movement corridors on a smaller
scale as the Arroyo Grande Creek riparian corridor provides habitat for many species. There are no
known fish passage issues within the site. The nearest known fish passage issue is located at the Arroyo
Grande Creek stream gauging station approximately 0.5 mile upstream from the project site. The project
area would be restored and revegetated at the conclusion of construction activities and no permanent
impacts on movement corridors would occur.
Therefore, potential impacts would be less than significant.
e) The City has coordinated with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), NOAA Fisheries, and
CDFW, and has implemented mitigation measures designed to avoid existing marginal habitat areas and
resources to the extent possible. The project would not interfere with the natural function of project
area habitats, and disturbed areas would be restored after project construction. Therefore, the project
would not be in conflict with any applicable policies protecting biological resources or environmentally
sensitive habitats.
Impacts would be less than significant.
f) The project is not within an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), Natural Community
Conservation Plan, or other HCPs.
No impacts would occur.
Mitigation Measures and Residual Impact
To minimize the potential significant impacts to biological resources, the following mitigation measures
would be implemented.
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Jurisdictional Waters and Sensitive Habitats
BIO/mm-1 Prior to construction, the City of Arroyo Grande Public Works Department will
obtain a Section 404 Permit from the United States Army Corps of Engineers, a Section 401
Water Quality Certification from the Regional Water Quality Control Board, and a Section 1602
Streambed Alteration Agreement from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for project-
related impacts that will occur in areas under federal and state jurisdiction.
BIO/mm-2 Prior to construction, the City of Arroyo Grande Public Works Department will
retain a qualified biological monitor(s) to monitor construction and ensure compliance with the
avoidance and minimization efforts outlined within all the project environmental documents. At
a minimum, monitoring will occur during initial ground disturbance activities and vegetation
removal within the Arroyo Grande Creek corridor. Monitoring may be reduced to part time once
initial disturbance and vegetation removal activities are complete. The duration of monitoring
should be at least once per week throughout the remaining construction phases, unless specified
otherwise by permitting agencies.
BIO/mm-3 Prior to construction, all construction personnel will participate in an
environmental awareness training program conducted by a qualified biologist. At a minimum,
the program shall include: descriptions of the special-status species that have potential to occur
in the project area; their habitat requirements and life histories as they relate to the project; the
avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures that will be implemented to avoid impacts to
the species and their habitats; the regulatory agencies and regulations that manage their
protection; and consequences that may result from unauthorized impacts or take of special-
status species and their habitats. Subsequent trainings shall be provided as needed for additional
construction workers through the duration of construction activities. Subsequent trainings shall
include, at minimum, a review of the training materials (i.e., a PowerPoint presentation or
handouts prepared by the qualified biologist) and a signed acknowledgement that the
construction worker has reviewed and understands the training materials. The training materials
shall identify an on-site primary point of contact for all questions related to the environmental
awareness training and actions required under the training program and shall include contact
information for that primary on-site contact.
BIO/mm-4 Construction activities within jurisdictional areas will be conducted during the
dry season when stream flows will be at annual lows (June 15 through October 31) in any given
year, or as otherwise directed by the regulatory agencies. Deviations from this work window can
be made with permission from the relevant regulatory agencies.
BIO/mm-5 Prior to initiation of any construction activities, including vegetation clearing or
grubbing, sturdy high-visibility fencing will be installed to protect the jurisdictional areas
adjacent to the designated work areas. This fencing will be placed so that unnecessary adverse
impacts to the adjacent habitats are avoided. No construction work (including storage of
materials) will occur outside of the specified project limits. The fencing will remain in place
during the entire construction period, be monitored periodically by a qualified biologist, and be
maintained as needed by the contractor.
BIO/mm-6 Prior to construction, a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan will be prepared
for the project. Provisions of this plan will be implemented during and after construction.
Construction personnel will be informed of the importance of preventing spills, the appropriate
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measures to take should a spill occur, and the measures necessary to avoid and minimize erosion
and stormwater pollution in and near the work area.
BIO/mm-7 Prior to construction, the contractor will prepare a Hazardous Materials
Response Plan to allow for a prompt and effective response to any accidental spills. Workers will
be informed of the importance of preventing spills and of the appropriate measures to take
should a spill occur.
BIO/mm-8 During construction, erosion control measures (e.g., silt fencing, fiber rolls,
barriers) will remain available on-site and will be utilized as necessary to prevent erosion and
sedimentation in jurisdictional areas. No synthetic plastic mesh products will be used for erosion
control and use of these materials on-site is prohibited. Erosion control measures and other
suitable Best Management Practices used will be checked to ensure that they are intact and
functioning effectively and maintained on a daily basis throughout the duration of construction.
The contractor will also apply adequate dust control techniques, such as site watering, during
construction to protect water quality.
BIO/mm-9 During construction, the cleaning and refueling of equipment and vehicles will
occur only within a designated staging area and at least 60 feet (20 meters) from jurisdictional
other waters or other aquatic areas. At a minimum, equipment and vehicles will be checked and
maintained on a daily basis to ensure proper operation and avoid potential leaks or spills.
BIO/mm-10 During construction, trash will be contained, removed from the work site, and
disposed of regularly. Following construction, trash and construction debris will be removed from
the work areas. Vegetation removed from the construction site will be taken to a certified landfill
to prevent the spread of invasive species. If soil from weedy areas (such as areas with poison
hemlock or other invasive exotic plant species) must be removed off-site, the top 6 inches (152
millimeters) containing the seed layer in areas with weedy species will be disposed of at a
permitted landfill.
BIO/mm-11 During construction, no pets will be allowed on the construction site.
BIO/mm-12 Prior to construction, the City of Arroyo Grande Public Works Department will
prepare a comprehensive Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Plan that provides for a 1:1
restoration ratio for temporary impacts and a 3:1 enhancement ratio for permanent impacts,
unless otherwise directed by regulatory agencies. To the extent feasible, mitigation activities will
be implemented within the project area and/or the Arroyo Grande Creek riparian corridor and in
areas in and adjacent to the project area that support exotic species, contain agricultural trash,
and have erosion. These areas provide the most optimal mitigation opportunities on-site. Any
revegetation will be conducted using only native plant species. The final Habitat Mitigation and
Monitoring Plan will identify the specific mitigation sites and it will be implemented immediately
following project completion.
BIO/mm-13 During construction, the project will make all reasonable efforts to limit the use
of imported soils for fill. Soils currently existing on-site should be used for fill material. If the use
of imported fill material is necessary, the imported material must be obtained from a source that
is known to be free of invasive plant species, or the material must consist of purchased clean
material such as crushed aggregate, sorted rock, or similar. To avoid the spread of invasive
species, the contractor shall:
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a. Stockpile topsoil and redeposit the stockpiled soil on-site at a sufficient depth to preclude
germination or spread of those species after construction is complete; or,
b. Transport the topsoil to a permitted landfill for disposal.
BIO/mm-14 Prior to construction, project plans will clearly identify the type of species,
location, and methodology of removal and disposal of invasive exotic species found within the
project site. Removal and disposal of invasive exotic plants and wildlife must be in accordance
with state law and/or project authorizations from resource agencies (e.g., USFWS Programmatic
Biological Opinion). In particular, for those invasive exotic plant species that are particular
difficult to remove (e.g., jubata grass [Cortaderia jubata]), a combination of cutting and
application of herbicide would likely be required, and thus require a request for an amendment
to the standard conditions of the USFWS Programmatic Biological Opinion. In addition, removal
of crayfish or bullfrog must be conducted lawfully using methodologies outlined in the California
Fish and Game Code.
BIO/mm-15 During construction, the biological monitor(s) will ensure that the spread or
introduction of invasive exotic plant and wildlife species is avoided to the maximum extent
possible.
BIO/mm-16 All erosion control materials including straw bales, straw wattles, or mulch used
on-site must be free of invasive species seed.
South-Central California Coast Steelhead
BIO/mm-17 In-stream work will take place between June 15 and October 31 in any given
year, when the surface water within Arroyo Grande Creek is likely to be at seasonal minimum.
Deviations from this work window will only be made with permission from the relevant
regulatory agencies. During in-stream work, a qualified biologist that is approved by the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Marine Fisheries Service and has
experience in steelhead biology and ecology, aquatic habitats, biological monitoring (including
diversion/dewatering), and capturing, handling, and relocating fish species will be retained.
During in-stream work, the biological monitor(s) will continuously monitor placement and
removal of any required stream diversions and will capture stranded steelhead and other native
fish species and relocate them to suitable habitat, as appropriate. The approved biologist(s) will
capture steelhead stranded as a result of diversion/dewatering and relocate steelhead to the
nearest suitable in-stream habitat. The approved biologist(s) will note the number of steelhead
observed in the affected area, the number of steelhead relocated, and the date and time of the
collection and relocation.
BIO/mm-18 During in-stream work, if pumps are incorporated to assist in temporarily
dewatering the site, intakes will be completely screened with no larger than 0.2-inch (5-
millimeter) wire mesh to prevent steelhead and other sensitive aquatic species from entering the
pump system. Pumps will release the diverted water so that suspended sediment will not re-
enter the stream. The form and function of pumps used during the dewatering activities will be
checked daily, at a minimum, by a qualified biological monitor to ensure a dry work environment
and minimize adverse effects to aquatic species and habitats.
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California Red-Legged Frog
BIO/mm-19 Only United States Fish and Wildlife Service-approved biologists will participate
in activities associated with the capture and handling of California red-legged frogs. Biologists
authorized under the Programmatic Biological Opinion do no need to resubmit their
qualifications for subsequent projects conducted pursuant to the Programmatic Biological
Opinion, unless the United States Fish and Wildlife have revoked their approval at any time
during the life of the Programmatic Biological Opinion.
BIO/mm-20 Ground disturbance will not begin until written approval is received from the
United States Fish and Wildlife Service that the biologist(s) is qualified to conduct the work. The
California Department of Transportation will request approval of the biologist(s) from the United
States Fish and Wildlife Service.
BIO/mm-21 A United States Fish and Wildlife Service-approved biologist will survey the
project area no more than 48 hours before the onset of work activities. If any life stage of the
California red-legged frog is found and these individuals are likely to be killed or injured by work
activities, the approved biologist will be allowed sufficient time to move them from the site
before work activities begin. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service-approved biologist will
relocate the California red-legged frogs the shortest distance possible to a location that contains
suitable habitat and will not be affected by the activities associated with the project. The
relocation site should be in the same drainage to the extent practicable. The California
Department of Transportation will coordinate with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service on
the relocation site prior to the capture of any California red-legged frogs.
BIO/mm-22 A United States Fish and Wildlife Service-approved biologist will be present at
the work site until California red-legged frogs have been relocated out of harm’s way, workers
have been instructed, and disturbance of the habitat has been completed. After this time, the
City of Arroyo Grande Public Works Department will designate a person to monitor on-site
compliance with minimization measures. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service-approved
biologist will ensure that this monitor receives the training outlined in BIO/mm-3 above and in
the identification of California red-legged frogs. If the monitor or the United States Fish and
Wildlife Service-approved biologist recommends that work be stopped because California red-
legged frogs would be affected in any manner, they will notify the resident engineer (the
engineer that is directly overseeing and in command of construction activities) immediately. The
resident engineer will either resolve the situation by eliminating the adverse effect immediately
or require that actions that are causing these effects be halted. If work is stopped, the California
Department of Transportation, City of Arroyo Grande Public Works Department, and United
States Fish and Wildlife Service will be notified as soon as is reasonably possible.
BIO/mm-23 During project activities, trash that may attract predators will be properly
contained, removed from the work site, and disposed of regularly. Following construction, trash
and construction debris will be removed from work areas.
BIO/mm-24 All refueling, maintenance, and staging of equipment and vehicles will occur at
least 60 feet from riparian habitat or water bodies and in a location from where a spill would not
drain directly toward aquatic habitat (e.g., on a slope that drains away from the water). The
monitor will ensure contamination of habitat does not occur during such operations. Prior to the
onset of work, the City of Arroyo Grande Public Works Department will ensure that a plan is in
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place for prompt and effective response to any accidental spills. All workers will be informed of
the importance of preventing spills and of the appropriate measures to take should a spill occur.
BIO/mm-25 Habitat contours will be returned to their original configuration at the end of
project activities. This measure will be implemented in all areas disturbed by activities associated
with the project, unless the United States Fish and Wildlife, California Department of
Transportation, and City of Arroyo Grande Public Works Department determine that it is not
feasible or modification of original contours would benefit the California red-legged frog.
BIO/mm-26 The number of access routes, size of staging areas, and the total area of activity
will be limited to the minimum necessary to achieve the project. Environmentally Sensitive Areas
will be established to confine access routes and construction areas to the minimum area
necessary to complete construction, and minimize the impact to California red-legged frog
habitat; this goal includes locating access routes and construction areas outside of wetlands and
riparian areas to the maximum extent practicable.
BIO/mm-27 The City of Arroyo Grande Public Works Department will attempt to schedule
work for times of the year when impacts to the California red-legged frog would be minimal. For
example, work that would affect large pools that may support breeding would be avoided, to the
maximum degree practicable, during the breeding season (November through May). Isolated
pools that are important to maintain California red-legged frogs through the driest portions of
the year would be avoided, to the maximum degree practicable, during the late summer and
early fall. Habitat assessments, surveys, and technical assistance between the California
Department of Transportation and United States Fish and Wildlife Service during project
planning will be used to assist in scheduling work activities to avoid sensitive habitats during key
times of year.
BIO/mm-28 To control sedimentation during and after project implementation, the City of
Arroyo Grande Public Works Department will implement Best Management Practices outlined in
any authorizations or permits issued under the authorities of the Clean Water Act that it receives
for the specific project.
BIO/mm-29 If a work site is to be temporarily dewatered by pumping, intakes will be
completely screened with wire mesh not larger than 0.2 inch to prevent California red-legged
frogs from entering the pump system. Water will be released downstream at an appropriate rate
to maintain downstream flows during construction. Upon completion of construction activities,
any diversions or barriers to flow will be removed in a manner that would allow flow to resume
with the least disturbance to the substrate. Alteration of the streambed will be minimized to the
maximum extent possible; any imported material will be removed from the streambed upon
completion of the project.
BIO/mm-30 Unless approved by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, water will not be
impounded in a manner that may attract California red-legged frogs.
BIO/mm-31 A United States Fish and Wildlife Service-approved biologist will permanently
remove any individuals of exotic species, such as bullfrogs, crayfish, and centrarchid fishes from
the project area, to the maximum extent practicable. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service-
approved biologist will be responsible for ensuring their activities are in compliance with the
California Fish and Game Code.
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BIO/mm-32 If the City of Arroyo Grande Public Works Department demonstrates that
disturbed areas have been restored to conditions that allow them to function as habitat for the
California red-legged frog, these areas will not be included in the amount of total habitat
permanently disturbed.
BIO/mm-33 To ensure that diseases are not conveyed between work sites by the United
States Fish and Wildlife Service-approved biologist, the fieldwork code of practice developed by
the Declining Amphibian Task Force will be followed at all times.
BIO/mm-34 Project sites will be re-vegetated with an assemblage of native riparian, wetland,
and upland vegetation suitable for the area. Locally collected plant materials will be used to the
extent practicable. Invasive, exotic plants will be controlled to the maximum extent practicable.
This measure will be implemented in all areas disturbed by activities within the project area,
unless the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, California Department of Transportation, and
City of Arroyo Grande Public Works Department have determined that it is not feasible or
practical.
BIO/mm-35 The City of Arroyo Grande Public Works Department will not use herbicides as
the primary method to control invasive, exotic plants. However, if the City of Arroyo Grande
Public Works Department determines the use of herbicides is the only feasible method for
controlling invasive plants at a specific project site, it will implement the following additional
measures to protect California red-legged frog:
a. The City of Arroyo Grande Public Works Department will not use herbicides during the
breeding season for California red-legged frog.
b. The City of Arroyo Grande Public Works Department will conduct surveys for California
red-legged frog immediately prior to the start of herbicide use. If found, California red-
legged frog will be relocated to suitable habitat far enough from the project area that no
direct contact with herbicide would occur.
c. Giant reed and other invasive plants will be cut and hauled out by hand and painted with
glyphosate-based products, such as Aquamaster® or Rodeo®.
d. Licensed and experienced City of Arroyo Grande staff or a licensed and experienced
contractor will use a hand-held sprayer for foliar application of Aquamaster® or Rodeo®
where large monoculture stands occur at an individual project site.
e. All precautions will be taken to ensure that no herbicide is applied to native vegetation.
f. Foliar applications of herbicide will not occur when wind speeds are in excess of 3 miles
per hour.
g. No herbicides will be applied within 24 hours of forecasted rain.
h. Application of herbicides will be done by a qualified City of Arroyo Grande staff or
contractors to ensure that overspray is minimized, that application is made in
accordance with the label recommendations, and that required and reasonable safety
measures are implemented. A safe dye will be added to the mixture to visually denote
treated sites. Application of herbicides will be consistent with the United States
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Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Pesticide Programs Endangered Species
Protection Program county bulletins.
i. All herbicides, fuels, lubricants, and equipment will be stored, poured, or refilled at least
60 feet from riparian habitat or water bodies in a location where a spill would not drain
directly toward aquatic habitat. The City of Arroyo Grande Public Works Department will
ensure that a plan is in place for a prompt and effective response to accidental spills. All
workers will be informed of the importance of preventing spills and of the appropriate
measures to take should a spill occur.
Western Pond Turtle
BIO/mm-36 Prior to construction, a biologist determined qualified by the California
Department of Transportation and California Department of Fish and Wildlife shall survey the
project site and, if present, capture and relocate any western pond turtles to suitable habitat
upstream of the project site. Observations of these or other special-status species shall be
documented on California Natural Diversity Database forms and submitted to the California
Department of Fish and Wildlife upon project completion. If western pond turtle or other special
concern aquatic species are observed during construction, they will likewise be relocated to
suitable upstream habitat by a qualified biologist.
Least Bell’s Vireo, Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, and Other Nesting Migratory Birds
BIO/mm-37 Prior to construction, when feasible, tree removal will be scheduled to occur
outside of the typical nesting bird season (February 15 through September 1), to avoid potential
impacts to nesting birds.
BIO/mm-38 If construction activities are proposed during the typical nesting season
(February 15 to September 1), a nesting bird survey will be conducted by qualified biologists no
more than two weeks prior to the start of construction to determine presence/absence of nesting
birds within 500 feet of the project site. The California Department of Transportation will be
notified if federally listed nesting bird species are observed during the surveys and will facilitate
coordination with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, if necessary to determine an
appropriate avoidance strategy. Likewise, coordination with California Department of Fish and
Wildlife will be facilitated by the City of Arroyo Grande Public Works Department if necessary to
devise a suitable avoidance plan for state-listed nesting bird species. If raptor nests are observed
within 500 feet of the project area during the pre-construction nesting bird surveys, the nest(s)
shall be designated an Environmental Sensitive Area and protected by a minimum 500-foot
avoidance buffer until the breeding season ends or until a qualified biologist determines that all
young have fledged and are no longer reliant upon the nest or parental care for survival.
Similarly, if active passerine nests are observed during the pre-construction nesting bird surveys,
the nest(s) shall be designated an Environmentally Sensitive Area and protected by a minimum
250-foot avoidance buffer until the breeding season ends or until a qualified biologist determines
that all young have fledged and are no longer reliant upon the nest or parental care for survival.
Resource agencies may consider proposed variances from these buffers if there is a compelling
biological or ecological reason to do so, such as protection of a nest via concealment due to site
topography.
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Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat and Other Roosting Bats
BIO/mm-39 Prior to construction, a visual survey will be conducted by a qualified biologist, at
dawn and at dusk, to identify potential roosting bat activity. This survey shall be conducted
between two to four weeks prior to bridge and/or tree removal activities that are proposed to
occur. If roosting bat activity is identified during the preconstruction survey process, the City of
Arroyo Grande will coordinate with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife regarding the
biological significance of the bat population and appropriate measures that could be used to
exclude bats from roosting under the bridge. Measures may include, but are not limited to the
installation of exclusionary devices by a qualified individual.
BIO/mm-40 If it is determined that a substantial impact to individual bat species or a
maternity roost will occur, then the City of Arroyo Grande will compensate for the impact
through the development and implementation of a mitigation plan in coordination with
California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
With the incorporation of these measures, residual impacts to biological resources would be less than
significant.
V. Cultural Resources
Environmental Setting
This section is largely based on the information provided in the Archaeological Survey Report (ASR;
SWCA 2016a); Historic Property Survey Report (HPSR; JRP Historical Consulting 2017a); Historical
Resource Evaluation Report (HRER; JRP Historical Consulting 2015); and the Findings of No Adverse
Effect with Standard Conditions (FONAE; JRP Historical Consulting 2017b) prepared for the project.
The project vicinity was inhabited by speakers of the Obispeño language of the Chumash language
family. The entire project area was surveyed for archaeological resources through preparation of the
ASR. No archaeological resources were identified.
The Bridge Street Bridge was determined eligible for listing in the NRHP in 1985 as a result of the
Caltrans Historic Bridge Inventory, which was confirmed in the Caltrans Historic Bridge Inventory update
project conducted in early 2000s. The Caltrans Historic Bridge Inventory concluded the Bridge Street
Bridge was eligible for listing in the NRHP under Criterion C as it embodied the distinctive characteristics
of type, period, and method of construction. Built in 1908, the structure is a minor example of the
American Bridge Company, a significant bridge building firm, and the bridge is an early example of a
steel pin-connected pony truss.
Two additional structures within the vicinity of the bridge are also designated historic properties: the
Olohan Building at 101 West Branch Street (located less than 75 feet northwest of the existing bridge)
and the IOOF Hall at 128 Bridge Street (located less than 75 feet southwest of the existing bridge). These
properties are from the second wave of development in Arroyo Grande associated with commercial and
transportation growth near the turn of the twentieth century. The IOOF Hall was listed in the NRHP in
1991. The building, constructed in 1902, is significant under Criterion C for its type, period, and method
of construction as an important “embodiment of the fraternal hall format” (JRP Historical Consulting
2015). The HRER determined that the Olohan Building also meets the criteria for listing in the NRHP or
California Register of Historical Resources (CRHR).
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Two other buildings within the vicinity of the project site—135 Traffic Way and 127 Bridge Street—were
also evaluated but were determined to not meet the criteria for listing in the NRHP or CRHR.
According to geologic mapping by Hall (1973), the project site is underlain by Quaternary alluvial
deposits (Holocene), which is characterized as having a low paleontological resource potential.
Would the project:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact No Impact
a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of a historical resource as defined in §
15064.5?
b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to
§ 15064.5?
c) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique
paleontological resource or site or unique geologic
feature?
d) Disturb any human remains, including those
interred outside of formal cemeteries?
Discussion
a) As described above, the HRER prepared for the project site identified three designated historical
resources within the project area including the existing Bridge Street Bridge. An FONAE has been
prepared for the project, which includes Secretary of the Interior’s (SOI) Standards to be implemented
that would reduce impacts to the bridge to less than significant.
According to the FONAE, the bridge rehabilitation is designed to retain the bridge’s integrity of location,
design, materials, workmanship, setting, feeling, and association. The bridge would retain integrity of
location because, even though it will be temporarily removed from its site, the structure will be
reinstalled in its original location. The rehabilitation would be conducted in accordance with SOI
Standards for Rehabilitation and would retain the original bridge design as a pony through truss.
Rehabilitation would also retain the character defining materials, namely the steel truss, and the
workmanship used to produce and assemble the bridge. The most significant design modification is the
proposed widening of the bridge structure by 3 feet. Materials to be replaced are common materials to
bridge construction at the time of original construction and will be replaced with similar materials.
Through implementation of SOI Standards for Rehabilitation to preserve the bridge’s original design
features, the bridge would retain the integrity of feeling and association as a small-scale truss bridge
along Arroyo Grande Creek within the Arroyo Grande commercial district. These alterations were found
to be consistent with the SOI Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.
The proposed project would not result in a change in use, alteration, physical change, repair, or
replacement of the two designated historical properties within the vicinity of the project site— the
Olohan Building and the IOOF Hall. Both buildings would retain all historic elements and remain in their
current condition. The buildings would retain their location, design, and workmanship. Furthermore, the
rehabilitation of the bridge would not introduce new visual or atmospheric effects that will alter the
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setting, feeling, or association for either building as the bridge will remain a small two-lane facility
retaining its scale and height. The FONAE determined that the application of SOI Standards and other
relevant construction measures would ensure that the project would not generate visual, atmospheric,
or audible elements that would diminish the historic integrity of either historic property.
The FONAE prepared for the project concluded that the proposed rehabilitation project would avoid
adverse effects to historic structures by designing, dissembling, and rebuilding the bridge in a manner
consistent with the SOI Standards for Rehabilitation. In addition, State CEQA Guidelines §15126.4(b),
Mitigation Measures Related to Impacts on Historical Resources, states the following:
1) Where maintenance, repair, stabilization, rehabilitation, restoration, preservation,
conservation or reconstruction of the historical resource will be conducted in a
manner consistent with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of
Historic Properties with Guidelines for Preserving, Rehabilitating, Restoring, and
Reconstructing Historic Buildings (1995), Weeks and Grimmer, the project's impact
on the historical resource shall generally be considered mitigated below a level of
significance and thus is not significant.
Therefore, potential impacts related to historic resources would be less than significant.
b) The ASR prepared for the project area determined that six previously documented
archaeological sites are located within a 0.5-mile radius. Site types include a prehistoric lithic scatter, a
prehistoric campsite, a prehistoric habitation site with bedrock mortars, and a multi-component
prehistoric and historic debris scatter (CA-SLO-2643/H). CA-SLO-2643/H is the closest of the six
previously documented archaeological resources within 0.5 mile of the archaeological Area of Potential
Effects (APE). Previous excavations revealed that the CA-SLO-2643/H site is highly disturbed, lacked
depositional integrity, and did not qualify as a historical resource as defined by CEQA. The CA-SLO-
2643/H does not extend into the project area and no further consideration of the site is warranted. The
remaining five archaeological resources are located more than 0.25 mile from the project area.
Portions of the project would require excavation in areas of native soil or at depths in subsurface areas
containing native soils. The ASR concluded that the likelihood of native soils containing intact
archaeological resources in the project area is low and, given the amount of previous disturbance within
the APE, the low geo-archaeological sensitivity, and a lack of identified archaeological resources, the
project area is considered to have low sensitivity for the presence of buried and/or obscured resources.
Standard mitigation has been proposed to ensure impacts to any unknown resources that may be
encountered during project development would be minimized.
Therefore, potential impacts associated with archaeological resources would be less than significant
with mitigation
c) The combined results of the literature review and museum records search indicate that the
project area is underlain by geologic units determined to have low paleontological resource potential.
Subsurface disturbance associated with project implementation is also minimal.
Therefore, impacts would be less than significant.
d) No human remains are known to exist within the project area outside of formally delineated
cemeteries, and the likelihood for unknown remains to exist is very low due to the extent of previous
disturbance at the site. In addition, based on the archaeological survey, there is no evidence indicating
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presence of burial sites within the affected area. However, the discovery of unknown human remains is
always a possibility during ground disturbances. Protocol for properly responding to the inadvertent
discovery of human remains is identified in the State of California Health and Safety Code §7050.5. This
code section states that no further disturbance shall occur until the County Coroner has made a
determination of origin and disposition pursuant to Public Resources Code §5097.98. The County
Coroner must be notified of the find immediately. If the human remains are determined to be
prehistoric, the County Coroner will notify the California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC),
which will determine and notify a most likely descendant. The potential for discovery of unknown buried
human remains at the site is low, and compliance with existing state law requirements would minimize
adverse impacts.
Therefore, potential impacts associated with the disturbance of human remains would be less than
significant.
Mitigation Measures and Residual Impact
To minimize the potential significant impacts to cultural resources, the following mitigation measures
would be implemented.
CUL/mm-1 If a potentially significant cultural resource is encountered during subsurface
earthwork activities, all construction activities within a 100-foot radius of the find shall cease
until a qualified archaeologist determines whether the uncovered resource requires further
study. A standard inadvertent discovery clause shall be included in every grading and
construction contract to inform contractors of this requirement. Any previously undiscovered
resources found during construction shall be recorded on appropriate California Department of
Parks and Recreation forms and evaluated for significance in terms of California Environmental
Quality Act criteria by a qualified archaeologist. Potentially significant cultural resources consist
of, but are not limited to, stone, bone, glass, ceramic, wood, or shell artifacts; fossils; or features
including hearths, structural remains, or historic dumpsites.
If the resource is determined significant under the California Environmental Quality Act, the
qualified archaeologist shall prepare and implement a research design and archaeological data
recovery plan that will capture those categories of data for which the site is significant. The
archaeologist shall also perform appropriate technical analysis, prepare a comprehensive report,
and file it with the appropriate Information Center and provide for the permanent curation of the
recovered materials.
With the incorporation of these measures, residual impacts to cultural resources would be less than
significant.
VI. Geology and Soils
Environmental Setting
The proposed project is located within the Coast Ranges province, which is characterized by its many
elongate mountain ranges and valleys, extending 600 miles along the coast of California from the
Oregon border south to the Santa Ynez River in Santa Barbara County. The Arroyo Grande Valley (and
the southern Cienega Valley portion) is located near the intersection of the California coastal ranges and
the Los Angeles ranges.
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The project site encompasses an urban area that is generally flat within the city of Arroyo Grande at
elevations ranging from 75 to 100 feet above mean sea level.
Arroyo Grande is located in a geologically complex and seismically active region. Seismic, or earthquake-
related, hazards have the potential to result in significant public safety risks and widespread property
damage. Two of the direct effects of an earthquake include the rupture of the ground surface along the
trend or location of a fault, and ground shaking that results from fault movement. Other geologic
hazards that may occur in response to an earthquake include liquefaction, seismic settlement, and
landslide.
The main trace of the Wilmar Avenue Fault is the closest fault to the project site. According to the City’s
General Plan, the Wilmar Avenue Fault is a potentially active fault adjacent to the city of Arroyo Grande.
The Wilmar Avenue Fault is exposed in a sea cliff in Pismo Beach, and the buried trace of the fault is
inferred to strike northwest-southeast parallel and adjacent to US 101 beneath portions of Arroyo
Grande. This potentially active fault poses a moderate potential fault rupture hazard to the city. The
main trace of the Wilmar Avenue Fault is located approximately 500 feet west of the project site at the
nearest point (Earth Systems Pacific 2004). The Los Osos Fault is located approximately 3 miles
northeast of the project site. There are no known faults that cross or are located immediately in the
project site (Earth Systems Pacific 2004).
Soils within the project area are Still gravelly sandy clay loam (2 to 9 percent slopes), Riverwash, and
Mocho silty clay loam (0 to 2 percent slopes, MRLA 14) (NRCS 2016). The NRCS Web Soil Survey was
used to estimate the erodibility of the project site. The erosion factor within the project area was in the
lower third of the range for erodibility.
Would the project:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact No Impact
a) Expose people or structures to potential substantial
adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or
death involving:
i) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as
delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo
Earthquake Fault Zoning Map, issued by the State
Geologist for the area, or based on other
substantial evidence of a known fault? (Refer to
Division of Mines and Geology Special Publication
42.)
ii) Strong seismic ground shaking?
iii) Seismic-related ground failure, including
liquefaction?
iv) Landslides?
b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of
topsoil?
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Would the project:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact No Impact
c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable,
or that would become unstable, as a result of the
project and potentially result in on- or off-site
landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction,
or collapse?
d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18-
1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating
substantial risks to life or property?
e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the
use of septic tanks or alternative waste disposal
systems, where sewers are not available for the
disposal of waste water?
Discussion
a) – d) The project is located in an area with multiple geological characteristics that could contribute to
unstable earth/soil conditions, including compressible/collapsible soils, high groundwater elevation,
moderate liquefaction potential, and moderately high potential for seismic activity, ground shaking, and
seismic settlement. The placement of structures within these soil conditions creates the risk for
structure instability, damage, failure, and/or collapse.
Development of the project would be required to meet or exceed the most current requirements of
AASHTO, which have been developed to establish the minimum requirements necessary for design to
safeguard the public health, safety, and general welfare through structural strength, stability, access,
and other standards. Compliance with AASHTO, Caltrans, and other applicable standards would typically
indicate that people and structures were properly safeguarded against risks, including those related to
unstable soil conditions.
The project does not propose development of any habitable structures; therefore, no risk of injury or
death as a result of damage or collapse of a habitable structure would occur. The project would improve
public safety and the stability of the bridge; through compliance with applicable standards, the
structural components of the project would be designed to withstand anticipated seismic and geologic
stresses according to current established engineering practices.
Therefore, impacts would be less than significant.
e) The project does not propose installation of any septic disposal system.
Therefore, no impacts would occur.
Mitigation Measures and Residual Impacts
No significant impacts related to geology or soils were identified; therefore, no mitigation measures are
necessary.
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VII. Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Environmental Setting
GHGs are any gases that absorb infrared radiation in the atmosphere, and are different from the criteria
pollutants discussed in Section III, Air Quality, above. The primary GHGs that are emitted into the
atmosphere as a result of human activities are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O),
and fluorinated gases. These are most commonly emitted through the burning of fossil fuels (i.e., oil,
natural gas, and coal), agricultural practices, decay of organic waste in landfills, and a variety of other
chemical reactions and industrial processes (e.g., the manufacturing of cement).
CO2 is the most abundant GHG and is estimated to represent approximately 80–90% of the principal
GHGs that are currently affecting the earth’s climate. According to the CARB, transportation (vehicle
exhaust) and electricity generation are the main sources of GHG in the state.
The passage of Assembly Bill (AB) 32, the California Global Warming Solutions Act, in 2006 recognized
the need to reduce GHG emissions and set the GHG emissions reduction goal for the State of California
into law. The law required that by 2020, state emissions must be reduced to 1990 levels. This is to be
accomplished by reducing GHG emissions from significant sources via regulation, market mechanisms,
and other actions. Subsequent legislation (e.g., Senate Bill [SB] 97, Greenhouse Gas Emissions bill)
directed the CARB to develop statewide thresholds.
In March 2012, the APCD approved thresholds for GHG emission impacts, and these thresholds have
been incorporated into the APCD’s CEQA Air Quality Handbook. APCD determined that a tiered process
for land use development projects was the most appropriate and effective approach for assessing the
GHG emission impacts. The tiered approach includes three methods, any of which can be used for any
given project:
1. Qualitative GHG Reduction Strategies (e.g., Climate Action Plans): A qualitative threshold that is
consistent with AB 32 Scoping Plan measures and goals; or,
2. Bright-Line Threshold: A numerical value to determine the significance of a project’s annual GHG
emissions; or,
3. Efficiency-Based Threshold: Assesses the GHG impacts of a project on an emissions per capita
basis.
The City of Arroyo Grande adopted a Climate Action Plan (CAP) on November 26, 2013. The City’s CAP is
a long-range plan to reduce GHG emissions from City government operations and community activities
within Arroyo Grande and prepare for the anticipated effects of climate change. To achieve the state-
recommended target of 15% below 2005 levels (71,739 metric tons of CO2 equivalent [MT CO2e]) by
2020 and prepare for the anticipated effects of climate change, the CAP identifies climate action
measures. Collectively, the measures identified in the CAP have the potential to reduce GHG emissions
within Arroyo Grande by 5,371 MT CO2e (17% below the 2005 baseline) by 2020 and meet the reduction
target.
For most projects, the Bright-Line Threshold of 1,150 MT CO2e per year (MT CO2e/yr) will be the most
applicable threshold. In addition to the land use development threshold options proposed above, a
bright-line numerical value threshold of 10,000 MT CO2e/yr was adopted for stationary source
(industrial) projects.
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It should be noted that projects that generate less than the above-mentioned thresholds will also
participate in emission reductions because air emissions, including GHGs, are under the purview of the
CARB (or other regulatory agencies) and will be “regulated” by either CARB, the federal government, or
other entities. For example, new vehicles will be subject to increased fuel economy standards and
emission reductions, large and small appliances will be subject to more strict emissions standards, and
energy delivered to consumers will increasingly come from renewable sources. Other programs that are
intended to reduce the overall GHG emissions include Low Carbon Fuel Standards, Renewable Portfolio
standards, and the Clean Car standards. As a result, even the emissions that result from projects that
produce fewer emissions than the threshold will be subject to emission reductions.
Under CEQA, an individual project’s GHG emissions will generally not result in direct significant impacts.
This is because the climate change issue is global in nature. However, an individual project could be
found to contribute to a potentially significant cumulative impact. Projects that have GHG emissions
above the noted thresholds may be considered cumulatively considerable and require mitigation.
Would the project:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact No Impact
a) Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly
or indirectly, that may have a significant effect on the
environment?
b) Conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation
adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of
greenhouse gases?
Discussion
a), b) This project includes the rehabilitation of an existing bridge and would not create a new use in
the area. No GHG emissions above existing levels would be generated by the project except during
short-term construction activities. The project would not exceed any applicable GHG threshold;
therefore, the project’s potential direct and cumulative GHG emissions constitute a less-than-significant
impact and a less-than-cumulatively-considerable contribution to global GHG emissions. State CEQA
Guidelines §15064(h)(2) provides guidance on how to evaluate cumulative impacts. If it is shown that an
incremental contribution to a cumulative impact, such as global climate change, is not “cumulatively
considerable,” no mitigation is required. Because this project’s emissions are not cumulatively
considerable, no mitigation for GHG emissions is required.
Impacts would be less than significant.
Mitigation Measures and Residual Impacts
No significant impacts related to GHGs were identified; therefore, no mitigation measures are
necessary.
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VIII. Hazards and Hazardous Materials
Environmental Setting
The information in this section relies on the Phase I Initial Site Assessment (ISA) prepared for the
proposed project (Fugro Consultants 2013).
No clean-up sites are identified within the project area in the State Water Resources Control Board’s
(SWRCB) GeoTracker database, California Department of Toxic Substances Control EnviroStor database,
or California Environmental Protection Agency’s (Cal/EPA) Cortese List (which is a list of hazardous
materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code §65962.5).
The project site does not contain hazardous waste and there is no evidence of Underground Storage
Tanks (UST), pits, sumps, clarifiers, or other potential hazardous material conditions that might impact
the underlying soil or groundwater. The project site did not reveal any indications of stained soil, or
stressed vegetation. Minor oil staining was observed on the pavement, but is considered to be a de
minimis condition. The existing bridge is generally composed of steel beams, trusses, wood planks,
concrete, and asphalt pavement. Other materials on the site include paint and tar coating. Below the
bridge, the creek embankments are relatively steep and heavily vegetated with blackberry bushes and
vines.
The project site supports local vehicular use. It is highly likely that the surface soils along these roadways
are affected by deposition of contaminants, including aerial lead, oils, fuels, and other lubricants.
Would the project:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact No Impact
a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the
environment through the routine transport, use, or
disposal of hazardous materials?
b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the
environment through reasonably foreseeable upset
and/or accident conditions involving the release of
hazardous materials, substances, or waste into the
environment?
c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or
acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste
within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed
school?
d) Be located on a site which is included on a list of
hazardous materials sites, compiled pursuant to
Government Code §65962.5, and, as a result, create a
significant hazard to the public or environment?
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Would the project:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact No Impact
e) Be located within an airport land use plan or, where
such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of
a public airport or public use airport? If so, would the
project result in a safety hazard for people residing or
working in the project area?
f) Be located in the vicinity of a private airstrip? If so,
would the project result in a safety hazard for people
residing or working in the project area?
g) Impair implementation of or physically interfere
with an adopted emergency response plan or
emergency evacuation plan?
h) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of
loss, injury, or death from wildland fires, including
areas where wildlands are adjacent to urbanized areas
or where residences are intermixed with wildlands?
Discussion
a), c) The proposed project would not change existing land uses or cause a routine or permanent
increase in the transport of hazardous substances within the project area. The closest school to the
project site is Village Preschool, located less than 0.1 mile southwest of the project site on Traffic Way.
The project would not require the use or handling of acutely hazardous materials and would not change
the long-term transport or handling of hazardous materials within proximity to adjacent schools.
Therefore, impacts would be less than significant.
b) Oils, gasoline, lubricants, fuels, and other potentially hazardous substances would be used and
stored on-site during construction activities. Should a spill or leak of these materials occur during
construction activities, sensitive resources within the project vicinity could be adversely affected. Such
activities would also occur in close proximity to Kiwanis Park and other sensitive adjacent land uses.
However, such use would be short term and subject to standard requirements for the handling of
hazardous materials. Standard mitigation would be implemented to ensure potential impacts were
reduced to less than significant.
The project does not propose the use, storage, or discharge of any hazardous substances during project
operation and would not change the existing land use of the project site or substantially increase the
potential use of hazardous materials in the project vicinity. Therefore, the project would not create a
significant long-term hazard to the public through foreseeable accident or upset.
Existing infrastructure proposed to be demolished could include asbestos-containing materials (ACM),
lead-based paint, or aerially-deposited lead. Arsenic was detected in the wooden bridge members. The
Phase I ISA prepared by Fugro Consultants detected no asbestos in the existing paint on the bridge and
railings, no asbestos in the asphalt bridge deck, and no asbestos in the concrete sidewalk leading to the
bridge or the pipe wrap below the bridge. No naturally occurring asbestos was detected in soil samples
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collected near the approaches to the bridge. The ISA confirmed that the green paint on the steel bridge
contained a lead concentration of 72,000 mg/kg and the yellow lane-dividing paint stripping on the
bridge deck contained 6,600 mg/kg of lead. Fugro observed an elevated arsenic concentration in a
sample of the wooden walkway and support beams of the bridge. No polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
were detected in the pipe wrap below the bridge. Total lead concentrations detected in surface soil
samples collected at the approaches to the bridge were less than the California Human Health Screening
Level of 80 milligrams/kilogram.
Disturbance and handling of these toxic substances can result in significant health impacts on workers or
other persons exposed to the substances. They can also damage adjacent habitats and contaminate
proximate soils, surfaces, and waters that receive stormwater runoff from within the project area.
Implementation of BMPs, included as mitigation measures below, would therefore be employed during
demolition and construction activities to reduce potential impacts to less-than-significant levels.
Therefore, potential impacts would be less than significant with mitigation.
d) There are no active hazardous material sites within the project boundary. No disturbance is
proposed within 0.5 mile of a UST clean-up site.
Therefore, potential impacts related to active hazardous material sites would be less than significant.
e), f) The project site is not located within an airport land use plan or within 2 miles of any public
airport or private airstrip. The proposed project would not substantially change existing uses and would
not result in increased hazards related to air traffic.
Therefore, impacts would be less than significant.
g) The project would improve existing transportation infrastructure to improve safety. The project
would improve long-term access and circulation in the project vicinity and adequate alternative access
exists for emergency purposes during construction activities. The project would not interfere with any
emergency response or evacuation plans.
Therefore, impacts would be less than significant.
h) The proposed project is located in an urban area and would not expose people or structures to a
substantial risk of wildfires. The Five Cities Fire Authority Arroyo Grande Station is located less than 0.5
mile from the project site and response times would be within acceptable levels.
Therefore, impacts would be less than significant.
Mitigation Measures and Residual Impact
To minimize the potential significant impacts related to hazards and hazardous materials, the following
mitigation measures would be implemented.
HAZ/mm-1 Prior to construction, the City of Arroyo Grande Public Works Department shall
prepare a Hazardous Material Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure Plan to minimize
the potential for, and effects of, spills of hazardous or toxic substances during construction of the
project. The plan shall be submitted for review and approval by the City of Arroyo Grande Public
Works Director, and shall include, at minimum, the following:
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a. A description of storage procedures and construction site maintenance and upkeep
practices;
b. Identification of a person or persons responsible for monitoring implementation of the
plan and spill response;
c. Identification of Best Management Practices to be implemented to ensure minimal
impacts to the environment occur, including but not limited to the use of containment
devices for hazardous materials, training of construction staff regarding safety practices
to reduce the chance for spills or accidents, and use of non-toxic substances where
feasible;
d. A description of proper procedures for containing, diverting, isolating, and cleaning up
spills, hazardous substances and/or soils, in a manner that minimizes impacts on surface
and groundwater quality and sensitive biological resources;
e. A description of the actions required if a spill occurs, including which authorities to
contact and proper clean-up procedures; and
f. A requirement that all construction personnel participate in an awareness training
program conducted by qualified personnel approved by the City of Arroyo Grande Public
Works Director. The training must include a description of the Hazardous Materials Spill
Prevention, Control and Countermeasure Plan, the plan’s requirements for spill
prevention, information regarding the importance of preventing spills, the appropriate
measures to take should a spill occur, and identification of the location of all clean-up
materials and equipment.
HAZ/mm-2 A Soil Management Plan and Health and Safety Plan shall be developed for the
project and subject to approval by the City of Arroyo Grande Public Works Department to ensure
contaminated soils excavated during the project construction are handled, stockpiled, and
disposed of in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations. Soils excavated during the
project shall be tested for lead concentrations and the Soil Management Plan shall establish a
Reuse Screening Level for the excavated soils; excavated soils with contaminant concentrations
below the Reuse Screening Levels may be reused during construction on the right-of-way, while
soils with contaminant concentrations exceeding the Reuse Screening Levels shall be managed as
hazardous waste and disposed of at a facility that accepts soil with the detected concentrations
of contaminants. Special handling, treatment, or disposal of aerially deposited lead in soils
during construction activities shall be consistent with the California Department of Toxic
Substances Control Lead Variance (No. V09HQSCD006) dated July 1, 2009.
HAZ/mm-3 Prior to initiation of construction, a Lead Compliance Plan shall be prepared by
the contractor to prevent or minimize worker exposure to lead from handling material
containing lead based paint or aerially-deposited lead (California Code of Regulations, Title 8,
Section 1532.1). This plan shall also be required for work performed on painted structures. The
contractor shall prepare a written, project-specific Excavation and Transportation Plan
establishing procedures the contractor shall use for excavating, stockpiling, transporting, and
placing (or disposing) of material containing lead-based paint or aerially-deposited lead. The
plan must conform to Department of Toxic Substance Control and California Occupational Safety
and Health Administration regulations. For samples where lead levels exceed hazardous waste
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criteria, the excavated soil shall be either managed or disposed of as a California hazardous
waste or stockpiled and resampled to confirm waste classification and potential utilization of
Caltrans’ hazardous waste variance agreement to recycle soil on site. The appropriate Caltrans
Standard Special Provision shall be included in the Plans, Specifications, and Estimate.
HAZ/mm-4 Conventional demolition techniques for painted surfaces and treated wood
members shall comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration and California
Occupational Safety and Health Administration statutes regarding worker awareness training,
exposure monitoring, and medical examinations, and should include a written respiratory
protection program. Dust control procedures shall be implemented in compliance with California
Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 1532.1, during abatement, demolition, and/or renovation of
the bridge. Pulverization and/or activities that may result in the generation of fine dust and
particulates shall be prohibited at the project site.
HAZ/mm-5 Materials that are excavated or water that accumulates within an excavation
during construction activities should not be discarded to the ground surface, watershed, or
waterway. Accumulated or excavated materials should be segregated, placed on and covered by
plastic sheeting, and characterized to aid in evaluating and documenting contractor-proposed
handling, re-use, or disposal. Contractor proposed handling, re-use, or disposal of waste
materials should be conducted in accordance with local material management jurisdictions
and/or receiving facility criteria.
With the incorporation of these measures, residual impacts related to hazards and hazardous materials
would be less than significant.
IX. Hydrology and Water Quality
Environmental Setting
This following information is based on information provided in the Water Quality Assessment
Memorandum prepared for the project (SWCA 2016c).
The project site is located within the Arroyo Grande Creek watershed, a coastal basin with headwaters
that originate at approximately 3,100 feet above mean sea level and eventually drain to the Pacific
Ocean. Arroyo Grande Creek drains the 157-square-mile watershed and is the dominant surface water
feature in the city. Flows in the creek are dominated by two factors: winter rains and Lopez Dam. Arroyo
Grande Creek is included on the Section 303(d) list of impaired waterbodies for elevated concentrations
of fecal coliform and Escherichia coli (E. coli).
Arroyo Grande Creek has been altered since the late 1950s for flood control, water supply, and
groundwater recharge purposes. The most substantial alterations include the construction of a flood
control channel and Lopez Dam. The Dam collects and provides water to municipalities and releases for
downstream users, while the flood control channel provides flood protection to the productive
farmlands of the Cienega Valley. Sediment buildup, increased runoff resulting from upstream
development, and settling of the earthen levees have reduced the flood protection benefits of the
channel over time, and larger storms (approximately 4.6-year storms or larger) result in localized
flooding approximately once every 5 years. In 2010, the County of San Luis Obispo developed the Arroyo
Grande Creek Waterway Management Program to restore capacity within the channel to provide flood
protection from up to a 20-year storm event while simultaneously enhancing water quality and sensitive
species habitat.
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Within the project site, Arroyo Grande Creek runs through a deep channel with steep sides and dense
vegetation. The natural depth of the channel provides capacity for significant flood protection and
within the project area, only areas within the waterway or directly adjacent to it are within the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) 100-year flood zone. The FEMA 100-year flood zone identifies
areas that would be subject to inundation in a 100-year storm event, or a storm with a 1% chance of
occurring in a year. While flood protection at the project site is generally adequate, the project area and
surrounding vicinity are heavily urbanized, which leads to increased stormwater runoff, erosion of creek
banks, and sedimentation of the creek, as well as heightened potential for substantially greater damage
and injury in a flood event.
Floodways are defined as stream channels plus adjacent floodplains that must be kept free from
encroachments to the greatest extent feasible so that 100-year floods can be carried without substantial
increases in flood elevations. According to FEMA flood maps (Map Number: 06079C1602G; Map Revised
November 16, 2012), the project site is located within a special flood hazard area subject to inundation
by the 1% annual chance flood (100-year flood) of the Arroyo Grande Creek (FEMA 2012). The project
site is located within special flood hazard areas designated as Zone AE (Floodway Area), the channel of a
stream plus adjacent areas that must be kept free of encroachment so that the 1% annual chance flood
can be carried without substantial increases in flood heights.
The project site is located within the northern portion of the Santa Maria River Valley Groundwater
Basin, in the Arroyo Grande Creek Unit. The Santa Maria River Valley Groundwater Basin encompasses
approximately 288 square miles within the coastal northern portion of Santa Barbara County and the
southern portion of San Luis Obispo County. In San Luis Obispo County, the Santa Maria Basin consists of
the main basin (Santa Maria) and three subbasins: Arroyo Grande Valley, Pismo Creek Valley, and
Nipomo Valley. The project site is within the Arroyo Grande Valley subbasin, which is drained by Arroyo
Grande Creek and its tributaries from below Lopez Lake Dam to the basin’s southern boundary at the
Wilmar Avenue Fault. Groundwater flow is generally westward toward the Pacific Ocean.
Would the project:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact No Impact
a) Violate any water quality standards or waste
discharge requirements?
b) Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or
interfere substantially with groundwater recharge,
such that there would be a net deficit in aquifer
volume or a lowering of the local groundwater table
level (e.g., the production rate of pre-existing nearby
wells would drop to a level that would not support
existing land uses or planned uses for which permits
have been granted)?
c) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of
the site or area, including through alteration of the
course of a stream or river, in a manner which would
result in substantial on- or off-site erosion or siltation?
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Would the project:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact No Impact
d) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of
the site or area, including through alteration of the
course of a stream or river, or substantially increase
the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner
which would result in on- or off-site flooding?
e) Create or contribute runoff water which would
exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater
drainage systems or provide substantial additional
sources of polluted runoff?
f) Substantially degrade water quality?
g) Place housing within a 100-year flood hazard area,
as mapped on a federal Flood Hazard Boundary or
Flood Insurance Rate Map, or other flood hazard
delineation map?
h) Place structures that would impede or redirect flood
flows within a 100-year flood hazard area?
i) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of
loss, injury, or death from flooding, including flooding
resulting from the failure of a levee or dam?
j) Result in inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow?
Discussion
a), f) Potential adverse effects of the project related to water quality are limited to construction-
related impacts such as erosion, sedimentation, and the potential release of hazardous construction-
related materials. Grading activities could result in sedimentation of the Arroyo Grande Creek if water is
present.
Arroyo Grande Creek flows are intermittent and can run dry during the summer; however, it is possible
for water to be present within the channel due to releases by the Lopez Dam. Therefore, proposed
construction activities associated with the rehabilitation of the Bridge Street Bridge, located directly
above the Arroyo Grande Creek channel, could have the potential to result in direct impacts to water
quality and hydrology whether construction activities take place during the wet season or the dry
season.
The proposed project could introduce sediment and potential sources of pollution in the form of
improper use of fuels, oils, and other construction-related hazardous waste materials, which could pose
a threat to surface and/or groundwater quality. Implementation of erosion control standards and
hazardous materials spill pollution and prevention standards would be required to ensure the proposed
project does not impact the water quality of the Arroyo Grande Creek or groundwater resources.
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For general construction activities, the proposed project would be required to comply with a National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Construction Permit to discharge stormwater
associated with construction activities. Additionally, the project would be required to prepare a
stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) that addresses the quality and quantity of stormwater
runoff generated on-site during construction and operation of the project, and incorporate temporary
BMPs. Implementation of temporary BMPs would minimize impacts to water quality that could occur as
a result of construction of the proposed project.
Long-term impacts to water quality resulting from pollutants in the form of gasoline or oil residue from
vehicle traffic collecting on the bridge and draining to the Arroyo Grande Creek would not change
substantially over existing conditions. New stormwater infrastructure would be constructed to reroute
surface runoff off the bridge to roadway drainage systems, reducing potential impacts to water quality
in the creek below.
Therefore, impacts related to water quality would be less than significant with mitigation.
b) Construction activities associated with the proposed project that require ground disturbance within
the channel could disturb the groundwater table, rendering groundwater exposed to potential
contamination. Implementation of temporary BMPs would minimize potential impacts of the project
from contributing to the impairment of groundwater. The project does not involve the construction or
use of a well or sewage disposal and would not result in a threat of aquifer contamination or a hazard to
public health. The project would not create long-term water demand and would not deplete
groundwater supplies. Short-term construction-related water demands would be served by the City’s
non-potable municipal water supply.
Therefore, impacts related to groundwater would be less than significant.
c) – e) The existing bridge allows roadway drainage to sheet flow directly into Arroyo Grande Creek.
Current environmental permit requirements usually stipulate that the stormwater on bridges be
collected and transported off the bridge into a roadway drainage facility. The proposed project would be
crowned at the roadway centerline and would utilize concrete curbs and a longitudinal slope in order to
collect the stormwater. Eventually, the roadway drainage system will empty into the creek.
The proposed modifications (particularly the widened bridge deck) would increase impervious surfaces
at the project site by less than 15,000 square feet, which would increase the volume and rate of
stormwater flows and increase the risk of erosion, sedimentation, scour, and pollutant discharge. The
project will comply with all applicable requirements outlined in the City’s Storm Water Management
Program and will satisfy Performance Requirements (PR) PR1 (Site Design and Runoff Reduction) and
PR2 (Water Quality Treatment) of the Central Coast RWQCB’s Post-Construction Storm Water
Management Requirements (Resolution R3-20132-0032025). The City proposes to meet PR1 and PR2
requirements on-site to ensure reduction of pollutant discharges to the maximum extent practicable
and prevent stormwater discharges from causing or contributing to a violation of receiving water quality
standards.
It is possible that the project would require access into the creek to install the temporary falsework and
other activities. Access may be achieved by temporarily diverting water through or around the work
area and constructing a temporary access route into the creek channel. Water diversion may be
accomplished with a combination of cofferdams, pipes, sand bags, and temporary fill. If a temporary
culvert or diversion dam is placed in the creek, it will be sized and placed appropriately to allow fish
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passage throughout construction. The temporary access route will be located on the north bank by
Kiwanis Park. The temporary access route will traverse the creek bank, enter the channel, and extend
under the proposed and existing bridge. The contractor may temporarily place clean crushed rock into
the creek in order to create the temporary path, construct the CIDH piles, and support the falsework. All
temporary fill associated with the creek diversion and the access path will be removed after
construction is complete.
Abutments located within the channel will be subject to creek flows, and soils are likely to erode from
around the abutments over time. Ungrouted RSP will be placed around the abutments to curtail the
erosion process. Based on the current project goals and plans, RSP would be placed immediately below
the bridge abutments and extend beyond the bridge rails on the northeast, northwest, and southeast
banks.
Therefore, impacts related to water diversion, drainage, flows, and surface runoff associated with
Arroyo Grande Creek would be less than significant with mitigation.
g) The proposed project would not place any housing within a 100-year flood zone.
Therefore, the proposed project would result in no impact related to the placement of housing within a
100-year flood zone.
h) The proposed project is located within the 100-year floodplain of the Arroyo Grande Creek;
however, construction of the proposed project would not impede or redirect flood flows or reduce the
capacity of the Arroyo Grande Creek or increase the boundaries of the existing 100-year floodplain.
Additionally, the Bridge Street Bridge rehabilitated structure would be designed to be capable of
withstanding flows from a 100-year storm.
Therefore, impacts would be less than significant.
i) The project would not create a new use that would expose additional people or structures to a
significant risk of loss, injury, or death from flooding, including flooding resulting from the failure of a
levee or dam. The rehabilitated bridge would be capable of withstanding flows from a 100-year storm.
Therefore, potential impacts would be less than significant.
j) The project is not in an area that would be affected by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow.
No impacts would occur.
Mitigation Measures and Residual Impact
To minimize the potential significant impacts related to hydrology and water quality, the following
mitigation measures would be implemented.
Implement Mitigation Measures BIO/mm-1, 4, 6 through 11, 17, 24, and 28; and HAZ/mm-1, 2,
3, and 5.
With the incorporation of these measures, residual impacts related to hydrology and water quality
would be less than significant.
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X. Land Use and Planning
Environmental Setting
The project site is identified as Village Core in the City’s General Plan Land Use Map (See Figure 4) and is
zoned as Village Mixed Use, Village Core Downtown, and Public Facility in the City’s Zoning Map (See
Figure 5). The project site is also within the Historic Character and Conservation/Open Space (OS) land
use overlays. Surrounding land uses include commercial uses associated with the downtown Village, as
well as community facilities such as Kiwanis Park which extends east of the bridge along the creek;
Heritage Square Park, located approximately 0.11 mile southeast of the project area; and Centennial
Park, located approximately 0.9 mile east of the project area. Other land uses within the project area
include local roadways and traffic/circulation infrastructure (i.e., sidewalks, right of way) as well as
historic buildings associated with the historic village district (refer to Section V. Cultural Resources,
above).
Would the project:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact No Impact
a) Physically divide an established community?
b) Conflict with the applicable land use plan, policy, or
regulation of any agency with jurisdiction over the
project (including, but not limited to, a general plan,
specific plan, local coastal program, or zoning
ordinance) adopted for the purpose of avoiding or
mitigating an environmental effect?
c) Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation
plan or natural community conservation plan?
Discussion
a) The project would rehabilitate an existing bridge within Arroyo Grande. The project would not
divide any portion of the City. Temporary construction-related impacts would result in a short-term road
closure on Bridge Street. However, alternative detours would be available via Traffic Way and Mason
Street, adjacent to the bridge.
Therefore, impacts would be less than significant.
b) The project does not propose activities that would conflict with applicable plans and policies or
agency regulations. Rehabilitation of the existing bridge would benefit public safety and bring the
structure into compliance with current design and load capacity standards. The proposed project would
comply with all policies within the City’s General Plan, including policies to restore historic resources and
protect creek and riparian habitat.
Therefore, impacts would be less than significant.
c) There are no applicable HCPs or natural community conservation plans in the project vicinity.
Therefore, no impacts would occur.
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Figure 4. Land Use Map
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Figure 5. Zoning Map
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Mitigation Measures and Residual Impacts
No significant impacts related to land use and planning were identified; therefore, no mitigation
measures are necessary.
XI. Mineral Resources
Environmental Setting
The project site does not contain any known mineral resources.
Would the project:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact No Impact
a) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral
resource that is or would be of value to the region and
the residents of the state?
b) Result in the loss of availability of a locally
important mineral resource recovery site delineated
on a local general plan, specific plan, or other land use
plan?
Discussion
a), b) There are no known mineral resources in the project area, and future extraction of mineral
resources is very unlikely due to the urbanized nature of the area and proximity to the historic
downtown Village.
Therefore, potential impacts would be less than significant.
Mitigation Measures and Residual Impact
No significant impacts related to mineral resources were identified; therefore, no mitigation measures
are necessary.
XII. Noise
Environmental Setting
This section is largely based on the Noise Study Memorandum prepared for the project (SWCA 2016).
The existing ambient noise environment is characterized by vehicle noise from Bridge Street and
surrounding roadways as well as surrounding commercial development.
Noise-sensitive receptors generally include land uses such as hospitals, schools, churches, libraries,
auditoriums, public meeting rooms, motels, hotels, residences, recreational facilities, and lands on
which serenity and quiet are of extraordinary importance and which serve an important public need.
The Bridge Street Bridge is located within the City’s Village Core and is surrounded by various
commercial developments that would be impacted by the proposed construction noise associated with
the project; therefore, surrounding commercial developments are considered sensitive noise receptors.
As shown in Figure 6 below and described in the Noise Study Memorandum, several noise-sensitive land
uses are located adjacent to and in the vicinity of the project area.
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Figure 6. Sensitive Receptors
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Would the project:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact No Impact
a) Generate or expose people to noise levels in excess
of standards established in a local general plan or
noise ordinance, or in other applicable local, state, or
federal standards?
b) Generate or expose people to excessive
groundborne vibrations or groundborne noise levels?
c) Create a substantial permanent increase in ambient
noise levels in the vicinity of the project (above levels
without the project)?
d) Create a substantial temporary or periodic increase
in ambient noise levels in the vicinity of the project, in
excess of noise levels existing without the project?
e) Be located within an airport land use plan or, where
such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of
a public airport or public use airport? If so, would the
project expose people residing or working in the
project area to excessive noise levels?
f) Be in the vicinity of a private airstrip? If so, would
the project expose people residing or working in the
project area to excessive noise levels?
Discussion
a), c), d) Construction-Related Noise Impacts. The nearest noise-sensitive land use is the Kiwanis
Park, located immediately east of the Bridge Street Bridge. The nearest habitable noise-sensitive land
use is a private residence, located approximately 400 feet east of the bridge (Assessor’s Parcel Number
007-491-062). Multiple additional downtown commercial uses are also considered sensitive due to the
visitor-serving nature of the project area.
Construction noise would generally be consistent with typical construction activities. No pile driving or
other high impact noise sources are proposed. Construction activities would be conducted in accordance
with Caltrans Standard Specifications §14-8 and applicable local noise standards. Construction noise
would be short term, intermittent, and overshadowed by extant local traffic. Construction-related noise
impacts are generally considered less than significant due to their limited duration. Standard mitigation
measures have been identified to ensure temporary construction noise impacts would be reduced to
less than significant levels.
Therefore, construction-related noise impacts would be less than significant with mitigation.
Operation-Related Noise Impacts. The project does not propose a new use in this area that would result
in the exposure of people to any new noise sources.
Therefore, operation-related noise impacts would be less than significant.
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b) The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment (FTA
2006) provides guidance for assessing vibration levels associated with construction activities. This
guidance was used to assess the potential project-related vibration impacts pursuant to CEQA because
the City has not established construction vibration standards. The FTA establishes a 25-foot distance
reference point from residential structures to measure the severity of potential vibration impacts
(measured by peak particle velocity [PPV]). Based on FTA vibration standards for general construction
equipment, typical equipment (e.g., a large bulldozer) would generate a vibration level of approximately
0.089 inch per second at 25 feet, which is less than the FTA’s most stringent vibration standard for older
residential structural damage of 0.5 inches per second. Since the surrounding habitable structures are all
located more than 25 feet from the project limits and no significant vibration-inducing construction
methods (such as pile driving) would be utilized during the replacement or rehabilitation of the bridge,
significant vibration-related impacts on adjacent structures would not occur.
Therefore, impacts would be less than significant.
e), f) The project site is not within 2 miles of any public airport or private airstrip. The nearest airport
is the Oceano County Airport, located approximately 4.3 miles southwest of the project site.
Therefore, the project would result in no impact related to noise and nearby airports.
Mitigation Measures and Residual Impact
To minimize potential significant impacts from construction-related noise, the following measures would
be implemented:
NOI/mm-1 Construction activities shall be limited to the daytime hours of 7:00 a.m. to 10:00
p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday or Sunday, consistent with
City of Arroyo Grande construction noise exception standards.
NOI/mm-2 All equipment will have sound-control devices that are no less effective than
those provided on the original equipment. No equipment will have an unmuffled exhaust.
With the incorporation of these measures, residual impacts associated with noise would be less than
significant.
XIII. Population and Housing
Environmental Setting
Arroyo Grande’s population has grown from 3,291 in 1960 to 17,252, based on the 2010 Census. At the
time of the 2010 Census, there were 7,628 housing units in the city of Arroyo Grande, an 822-unit
increase from 2000. The vast majority, 75%, are single-family units. The overall average household size
in Arroyo Grande is 2.41, with owner-occupied units averaging 2.45 persons per household and renter-
occupied units averaging 2.33 persons per household. This rate is relatively consistent with the 1990 city
average of 2.48, and slightly less than California’s average rate of 2.87 persons per household.
There are no residences or residential uses within the project area; however, there are residences and
commercial uses adjacent to the project site as part of the Village Core land use designation.
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Would the project:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact No Impact
a) Induce substantial population growth in an area,
either directly (for example, by proposing new homes
and businesses) or indirectly (for example, through
extension of roads or other infrastructure)?
b) Displace substantial numbers of existing housing,
necessitating the construction of replacement housing
elsewhere?
c) Displace substantial numbers of people,
necessitating the construction of replacement housing
elsewhere?
Discussion
a) The proposed bridge rehabilitation project would not develop a new land use or serve as an
inducement to population growth or affect the movement or concentration of population in the area.
The goal of the bridge is to improve safety issues associated with existing conditions. The proposed
rehabilitation project would not increase the capacity of the bridge or surrounding roadways. The
proposed project would not extend roads or other infrastructure.
Therefore, no impacts related to population inducement would occur.
b), c) The proposed project would not displace any residences or people and would not require the
construction of replacement housing elsewhere.
Therefore, no impacts would occur.
Mitigation Measures and Residual Impacts
No significant impacts to population or housing were identified; therefore, no mitigation measures are
necessary.
XIV. Public Services
Environmental Setting
Fire Protection Services. The Five Cities Fire Authority (FCFA) was established on July 9, 2010, by a Joint
Powers Agreement between the cities of Arroyo Grande, Grover Beach, and the Oceano Community
Services District to provide fire protection services of these communities. FCFA also provides services to
the Town of Halcyon and the Oceano Dunes State Vehicle Recreation Area. FCFA has three stations: one
in Arroyo Grande, one in Grover Beach, and one in Oceano. The Arroyo Grande station (Station 1) is
located at 140 Traffic Way and serves as the headquarters for FCFA and serves the city of Arroyo Grande
and the greater Arroyo Grande area. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL
FIRE) provides fire protection to surrounding communities, as well as back up support in Arroyo Grande.
CAL FIRE has four substations in the area, at the following locations: 2391 Willow Road, Arroyo Grande;
450 Pioneer Road, Nipomo; 990 Bello Street, Pismo Beach; and 2555 Shell Beach Road, Pismo Beach.
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Police Protection Services. The City of Arroyo Grande’s police station is located at 200 North Halcyon
Road. In addition to the City police station, the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office substation is
located at 1681 Front Street in Oceano and provides backup support within the city of Arroyo Grande.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) office located in San Luis Obispo serves the South County, including
the city of Arroyo Grande. The response times of both the Sheriff’s Office and CHP can be delayed due to
the large coverage area.
Emergency Medical Services. The San Luis Ambulance South County substation, located at 201 Brisco
Road in Arroyo Grande, provides southern San Luis Obispo County residents with paramedic services.
There are currently two units stationed at the South County substation, which provide South County
residents with emergency transportation to and from the Arroyo Grande Community Hospital located at
342 South Halcyon Road.
Schools. The project area is within the Lucia Mar Unified School District (LMUSD). The district serves the
City of Arroyo Grande with seven public schools, including three elementary schools, two middle
schools, one high school, and one adult school. The San Luis Obispo County Office of Education
(SLOCOE) oversees the Arroyo Grande Community School, a public alternative school, within the city
limits. In addition to these public schools, there are seven private schools in the city. The closest school
to the project site is Village Preschool, located less than 0.1 mile southwest of the project site on Traffic
Way.
Parks. Ten City parks, a 26-acre sports complex, and a community garden are located within the city of
Arroyo Grande. Kiwanis Park is located directly adjacent to the project area along Olohan Alley. Park
facilities are further discussed in Section XV. Recreation, below.
Libraries. The Arroyo Grande Library is located approximately 1 mile northwest of the project site at 800
West Branch Street. The branch library is one of 15 county libraries.
Would the project:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
a) Result in significant environmental impacts from
construction associated with the provision of new or
physically altered governmental facilities, or the need
for new or physically altered governmental facilities, to
maintain acceptable service ratios, response times, or
other performance objectives for any of the public
services:
Fire protection?
Police protection:
Schools?
Parks?
Other public facilities?
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Discussion
a) No significant project-specific impacts to public services or utilities would occur. The project
would not change the existing type or intensity of land use (a bridge) and would not increase long-term
demands on sheriff, fire, or emergency response services. Temporary detours would be necessary
during bridge rehabilitation, but adequate alternative routes for emergency response services and
access are available within 0.25 mile of the project site. The project would not induce population growth
or increase demands on local schools, roads, parks, or other public facilities.
Therefore, impacts would be less than significant.
Mitigation Measures and Residual Impacts
No significant impacts to public services were identified; therefore, no mitigation measures are
necessary.
XV. Recreation
Environmental Setting
The City of Arroyo Grande supports various community and neighborhood parks, as well as multiple
designated bikeways and recreational paths. Recreational uses include a 26-acre sports complex that
offers lighted tennis courts, little league and softball fields, and soccer and football fields; 10 City parks
that offer a variety of active and passive uses, including picnics, barbeques, playgrounds, and
entertainment areas; an off-leash dog park; and a community garden. There are also hiking and walking
trails along Arroyo Grande Creek and within the James Way Oak Habitat and Wildlife Preserve.
Kiwanis Park is located immediately east of the Bridge Street Bridge. Access and temporary use of
Kiwanis Park is necessary for the project. The park provides the best access due to gradual slopes and
undeveloped area that would not require eliminating northern parking places during construction. No
permanent changes are proposed for this area under the proposed project.
Bridge Street is designated as a Class III route in the City’s bicycle master plan. This bike route was
signed in 2001 as part of the City’s Prop 116 Bikeway One project. The bike route is currently being
signed across the bridge, down Olohan Alley to Mason Street, and then up to East Branch Street to the
east. However, the City of Arroyo Grande Bike and Trails Master Plan shows the route extending along
Bridge Street up to East Branch Street.
Would the project:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact No Impact
a) Increase the use of existing neighborhood and
regional parks or other recreational facilities, such that
substantial physical deterioration of the facility would
occur or be accelerated?
b) Include recreational facilities or require the
construction or expansion of recreational facilities that
might have an adverse physical effect on the
environment?
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Discussion
a), b) Temporary access and use of Kiwanis Park would be necessary during project construction. The
existing bike pathway would be temporarily closed throughout a portion of the project construction
schedule. Mitigation measures have been identified to ensure that the proposed project would not
result in adverse effects to the park or existing recreational bikeways during construction.
Therefore, recreation-related impacts would be less than significant with mitigation.
Mitigation Measures and Residual Impacts
To minimize potential significant impacts to recreation facilities, the following measures would be
implemented.
REC/mm-1 Construction activities shall be scheduled and conducted to minimize closure of
Kiwanis Park to the greatest extent possible. Kiwanis Park will only be closed when necessary for
contractor access, and will remain open to the public through the duration of construction
activities. All park recreational features affected by construction, such as picnic benches, will be
relocated or replaced outside of the construction limits; these features will be available for use in
adjacent areas during the duration of construction activities. Access to the park will be
temporarily relocated from the west to the east side of the park during any closure. The City of
Arroyo Grande Public Works Department will designate several parking places for park use and
avoid construction activities that would impact access to these spaces. A detour along Traffic
Way will be signed throughout the duration of construction activities to allow bicyclists
continued access to their desired destination.
With the incorporation of this measure, residual impacts associated with recreation would be less than
significant.
XVI. Transportation/Traffic
Environmental Setting
Regional access in the project vicinity is provided by US 101, a major freeway of statewide importance
that traverses north-south through the Central Coast.
The project site is surrounded by arterial and collector streets that provide access to the Village Core of
Arroyo Grande. Traffic Way is a local arterial street that provides a link between US 101 and the Village
Core of Arroyo Grande in the northwest to southeast direction. Nelson Street, located just south of the
project site, is considered a collector street and provides connectivity between the Village Core and
northern regions of the city. Branch Street, located just north of the project area, is considered a major
arterial and provides connectivity in an east to west direction between the northern region of the city to
the Village Core and US 101. West Branch Street provides access between US 101 and the Village Core
commercial district located east of the freeway.
The Arroyo Grande Circulation Element specifies a Level of Service (LOS) C or better on all streets and
controlled intersections within the city. Where LOS D exists, policies in the Circulation Element direct the
City to plan improvements to achieve LOS C or better.
Public transportation facilities within the project area include Regional Transit Authority stops along East
Branch Street near Traffic Way and Mason Street.
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Would the project:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact No Impact
a) Cause a substantial increase in traffic, in relation to
existing traffic and the capacity of the street system
(i.e., a substantial increase in either the number of
vehicle trips, the volume to capacity ratio on roads, or
congestion at intersections)?
b) Exceed, individually or cumulatively, the level of
service standards established by the county congestion
management agency for designated roads or
highways?
c) Cause a change in air traffic patterns, including
either an increase in traffic levels or a change in
location, that results in substantial safety risks?
d) Contain a design feature (e.g., sharp curves or a
dangerous intersection) or incompatible uses (e.g.,
farm equipment) that would substantially increase
hazards?
e) Result in inadequate emergency access?
f) Result in inadequate parking capacity?
g) Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs
supporting alternative transportation (e.g., bus
turnouts, bicycle racks)?
Discussion
a) – d), g) The proposed project is consistent with applicable local and regional transportation
plans, including the City of Arroyo Grande General Plan and 2014 Regional Transportation Plan (San Luis
Obispo Council of Governments 2014). The project is intended to improve public safety, reduce future
bridge maintenance costs, and preserve the historic character of the Bridge Street Bridge. If the bridge is
not rehabilitated, the condition will continue to deteriorate and eventually bridge closure would be
required. The proposed project would be beneficial to the long-term circulation patterns of the city.
The proposed project would rehabilitate an existing bridge in the same location, retaining the historic
pony truss structure and maintaining existing traffic lane capacity—a small two-lane facility retaining its
scale and height. The project would not increase the capacity of the bridge or generate any increase in
operational traffic trips. The project would generate a small number of additional construction-related
traffic trips for heavy equipment, material hauling, and worker trips, but these would be short term and
existing roadways have adequate capacity to accommodate these trips.
The project would not create unsafe conditions but would improve public safety and emergency access
through the proposed bridge improvements. The project would not conflict with any congestion
management program or any plans or programs regarding public transit, bicyclist, or pedestrian
facilities. Bikeway detours will be posted throughout construction and upon completion of the project,
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pedestrians and bicyclists would have the same access as existing conditions to cross on the bridge. The
project would not affect air traffic patterns.
Short-term construction activities would likely cause increased congestion throughout the project area
due to temporary road closures associated with Bridge Street. However, these impacts would be short-
term and minimized to the extent feasible through adherence to standard Caltrans road construction
standards and BMPs contained in the Caltrans Standard Specifications 2015 manual and City measures
contained in the General Plan. The project would not change long-term traffic conditions within the
project area; therefore, operational impacts to traffic and level of service standards would be less than
significant.
Therefore, impacts would be less than significant.
e) Rehabilitation of the Bridge Street Bridge will require bridge closure during the construction
phase of the project, prohibiting direct access from across Bridge Street to and from the downtown
Village. Alternate routes are available within 0.25 mile of the project site; however, temporary closures
on Bridge Street could result in temporary delays in emergency response to surrounding areas.
Implementation of identified mitigation, including notification to emergency providers, would minimize
short-term impacts to emergency response.
Potential impacts would be less than significant with mitigation.
f) Project development would result in temporary impacts to the parking area of Arroyo Grande
IOOF Hall located on 128 Bridge Street, just southwest of the project site, and along Olohan Alley.
Parking impacts would be limited to the duration of construction and adequate additional parking is
available in multiple locations throughout the Village Core.
Therefore, impacts would be less than significant
Mitigation Measures and Residual Impacts
To minimize potential significant impacts from temporary road closures during construction activities,
the following measures would be implemented.
TT/mm-1 Prior to any road closures, the City of Arroyo Grande shall provide notice to all
residents, business owners, and public facilities within 500 feet of the proposed project. The
notice shall include the following information: dates of construction, temporary road closures
and detours, removal of parking spaces, and contact information including the phone and email
address of the City of Arroyo Grande staff person responsible for responding to and addressing
public complaints regarding noise, air emissions, and any other issues. The notice shall be
provided at least 2 weeks prior to any planned road closure. In addition, the notice shall be
posted on the City of Arroyo Grande’s website and Facebook page.
With the incorporation of this measure, residual impacts associated with transportation/traffic would be
less than significant.
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XVII. Tribal Cultural Resources
Environmental Setting
As discussed in Section V. Cultural Resources, the project vicinity was inhabited by speakers of the
Obispeño language of the Chumash language family. The entire project area was surveyed for
archaeological resources through preparation of the ASR. No archaeological resources were identified.
The Bridge Street Bridge was determined eligible for listing in the NRHP in 1985 as a result of the
Caltrans Historic Bridge Inventory, which was confirmed in the Caltrans Historic Bridge Inventory update
project conducted in early 2000s. The Caltrans Historic Bridge Inventory concluded that the Bridge
Street Bridge was eligible for listing in the NRHP under Criterion C as it embodied the distinctive
characteristics of type, period, and method of construction. Built in 1908, the structure is a minor
example of the American Bridge Company, a significant bridge building firm, and the bridge is an early
example of a steel pin-connected pony truss.
Two additional structures within the vicinity of the bridge are also designated historic properties: the
Olohan Building (located less than 75 feet northwest of the existing bridge) and the IOOF Hall (located
less than 75 feet southwest of the existing bridge). These properties are from the second wave of
development in Arroyo Grande associated with commercial and transportation growth near the turn of
the twentieth century. The IOOF Hall was listed in the NRHP in 1991. The building, constructed in 1902,
is significant under Criterion C for its type, period, and method of construction as an important
“embodiment of the fraternal hall format” (JRP Historical Consulting 2015). The HRER determined that
the Olohan Building also meets the criteria for listing in the NRHP or CRHR.
Would the project:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact No Impact
a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of a tribal cultural resource, defined in
Public Resources Code section 21074 as either a site,
feature, place, cultural landscape that is geographically
defined in terms of the size and scope of the
landscape, sacred place, or object with cultural value
to a California Native American tribe, and that is:
i) Listed or eligible for listing in the California
Register of Historical Resources, or in a local
register of historical resources as defined in Public
Resources Code section 5020.1(k), or
ii) A resource determined by the lead agency, in its
discretion and supported by substantial evidence,
to be significant pursuant to criteria set forth in
subdivision (c) of Public Resources Code Section
5024.1. In applying the criteria set forth in
subdivision (c) of Public Resource Code Section
5024.1, the lead agency shall consider the
significance of the resource to a California Native
American tribe.
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Discussion
a-i), a-ii) As discussed in Section V. Cultural Resources, the ASR prepared for the project area
determined that six previously documented archaeological sites are located within a 0.5-mile radius. Site
types include a prehistoric lithic scatter, a prehistoric campsite, a prehistoric habitation site with
bedrock mortars, and a multi-component prehistoric and historic debris scatter (CA-SLO-2643/H).
CA-SLO-2643/H is closest of the six previously documented archaeological resources within 0.5 mile of
the archaeological APE. Previous excavations revealed that the CA-SLO-2643/H site is highly disturbed,
lacked depositional integrity, and did not qualify as a historical resource as defined by CEQA. CA-SLO-
2643/H does not extend into the project area and no further consideration of the site is warranted. The
remaining five archaeological resources are located more than 0.25 mile from the project area. No
archaeological resources were identified within the project area.
Portions of the project would require excavation in areas of native soil or at depths in subsurface areas
containing native soils. The ASR concluded that the likelihood of native soils containing intact
archaeological resources in the project area is low, and, given the amount of previous disturbance
within APE, low geo-archaeological sensitivity, and a lack of identified tribal cultural resources, the
project area is considered to have low sensitivity for the presence of buried and/or obscured resources.
Standard mitigation has been proposed to ensure impacts to any unknown resources that may be
encountered during project development would be minimized. Additionally, the City has sent the
notices required for consideration of tribal cultural resources consistent with AB 52.
Therefore, potential impacts associated with tribal cultural resources would be less than significant with
mitigation
Mitigation Measures and Residual Impact
To minimize potential significant impacts related to tribal cultural resources, the following measure
would be implemented.
Implement Mitigation Measures CUL/mm-1.
With the incorporation of this measure, residual impacts related to tribal cultural resources would be
less than significant.
XVIII. Utilities and Service Systems
Environmental Setting
Utilities in Arroyo Grande are served by both the City and other regional entities. The utilities present on
the Bridge Street Bridge are owned by the City and include a 6-inch-diameter ductile iron water supply
line and an 8-inch-diameter ductile iron sanitary sewer line that were upgraded in 1997. Temporary
utility relocations would be required during construction.
Water and wastewater services within the city are provided by the City of Arroyo Grande Public Works
Department. The City has a franchise agreement with South County Sanitary Service for collection,
diversion, and disposal of solid waste and is served by the Cold Canyon Landfill located approximately
4.0 miles north of the City in unincorporated San Luis Obispo County. The Cold Canyon Landfill has an
annual throughput of 100,000 to 249,000 tons per year and an annual capacity of 200,000 to 499,999
tons per year (California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery [CalRecycle] 2017). As of
2015, the Cold Canyon Landfill has 14,500,000 cubic yards of capacity remaining out of its total
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maximum permitted capacity of 23,900,000 cubic yards (approximately 60% available capacity
remaining) (CalRecycle 2017). The estimated closure date for this landfill is 2040.
Would the project:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact No Impact
a) Exceed wastewater treatment restrictions or
standards of the applicable Regional Water Quality
Control Board?
b) Require or result in the construction of new water
or wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of
existing facilities?
Would the construction of these facilities cause
significant environmental effects?
c) Require or result in the construction of new storm
water drainage facilities or expansion of existing
facilities?
d) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the
project from existing entitlements and resources or
are new or expanded entitlements needed?
e) Result in a determination, by the wastewater
treatment provider that serves or may serve the
project, that it has adequate capacity to service the
project’s anticipated demand, in addition to the
provider’s existing commitments?
f) Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted
capacity to accommodate the project’s solid waste
disposal needs?
g) Comply with federal, state, and local statutes and
regulations as they relate to solid waste?
Discussion
a), e) The project does not propose use or development of any on-site wastewater disposal systems or
connection to any community wastewater system. The project would not include any use that would
require wastewater discharges, except for short-term construction activities that would be serviced by
on-site portable restroom and hand-washing facilities and/or existing facilities within the project area.
Therefore, potential impacts would be less than significant.
b), d) The project does not propose any new use that would create demand for new water or
wastewater treatment facilities and would not require the construction or expansion of these facilities.
Short-term construction activities would be served by the City’s municipal water supply and portable
wastewater facilities and/or existing facilities within the project area.
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Therefore, potential impacts would be less than significant.
c) The project will comply with all applicable requirements outlined in the City of Arroyo Grande’s
Storm Water Management Program and will satisfy PR1 (Site Design and Runoff Reduction) and PR2
(Water Quality Treatment) of the Central Coast RWQCB’s Post-Construction Storm Water Management
Requirements (Resolution R3-20132-0032025). The City proposes to meet PR1 and PR2 requirements
on-site to ensure reduction of pollutant discharges to the maximum extent practicable and prevent
stormwater discharges from causing or contributing to a violation of receiving water quality standards.
The project would result in 1 acre or more of ground disturbance; therefore, the City would be required
to prepare a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) pursuant to SWRCB requirements. The
project does not propose substantial changes in long-term use of the project area, and no permanent or
substantial changes to drainage patterns or facilities would occur.
Therefore, impacts would be less than significant.
f), g) Upon completion, operation and use of the project would not generate any solid waste.
Construction activities would result in the generation of solid waste materials, including cut volumes and
demolition of existing infrastructure. The proposed project will be served by the Cold Canyon Landfill,
which has adequate permitted capacity to serve the project.
Therefore, impacts would be less than significant.
Mitigation Measures and Residual Impacts
No significant impacts to utilities and service systems were identified; therefore, no mitigation measures
are necessary.
5. Mandatory Findings of Significance
Would the project:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact No Impact
a) Substantially degrade the quality of the
environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish
or wildlife species; cause a fish or wildlife population
to drop below self-sustaining levels; threaten to
eliminate a plant or animal community; substantially
reduce the number or restrict the range of an
endangered, rare or threatened species; or eliminate
examples of the major periods of California history or
prehistory?
b) Have the potential to achieve short-term
environmental goals to the disadvantage of long-term
environmental goals?
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Would the project:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact No Impact
c) Have possible environmental effects that are
individually limited but cumulatively considerable?
“Cumulatively considerable” means that the
incremental effects of an individual project are
significant when viewed in connection with the effects
of past projects, the effects of other current projects,
and the effects of possible future projects.
d) Cause substantial adverse effects on human beings,
either directly or indirectly?
Discussion
a) The proposed project does not have the potential to substantially degrade the quality of the
environment. Implementation of the mitigation measures would ensure that the project would not
substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop
below self-sustaining levels or threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, or substantially
reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal. The proposed project
would not contribute significantly to GHG emissions or significantly increase energy consumption, and
would not eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory.
Therefore, impacts would be less than significant with mitigation described within each issue area.
b) The proposed project is designed to achieve the goal of the City to improve safety and
operations within the highway and local roadway system. The proposed project does not have the
potential to achieve short-term goals to the disadvantage of long-term environmental goals. Therefore,
impacts would be less than significant.
c) The project does not propose a new or significantly different use within the project site;
therefore, the project’s impacts would be limited in extent and duration and could be generally
minimized through application of standard control measures. The proposed project does not have
impacts that would be individually limited but cumulatively considerable with implementation of
identified mitigation. There are no proposed or planned projects in the area that would create similar
impacts, which, when considered together with the project-related impacts, would be considerable, or
which compound or increase other long-term environmental impacts. Therefore, impacts would be less
than significant with mitigation described within each issue area.
d) The proposed project would not create environmental effects that would cause substantial
adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly. The project would improve existing
infrastructure, providing beneficial impacts on existing traffic and circulation systems. Adverse project
effects would generally be limited to the construction phase of the project and minimized through
identified mitigation measures. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant with mitigation
described within each issue area.
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6. Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
Mitigation
Measure Requirements of Measure Compliance Method Verification Timing Responsible Party
Air Quality
AQ/mm-1 Prior to issuance of construction permits, the following
measures shall be incorporated into the construction phase
of the project and shown on all applicable plans:
Construction Equipment
a. Maintain all construction equipment in proper tune
according to manufacturer’s specifications;
b. Fuel all off-road and portable diesel powered
equipment with California Air Resources Board-
certified motor vehicle diesel fuel (non-taxed version
suitable for use off-road);
c. Use diesel construction equipment meeting the
California Air Resources Board’s Tier 2 certified
engines or cleaner off-road heavy-duty diesel
engines, and comply with the State off-Road
Regulation;
d. Use on-road heavy-duty trucks that meet the
California Air Resources Board’s 2007 or cleaner
certification standard for on-road heavy-duty diesel
engines, and comply with the State On-Road
Regulation;
e. Construction or trucking companies with fleets that
that do not have engines in their fleet that meet the
engine standards identified in the above two
measures (e.g., captive or oxides of nitrogen exempt
area fleets) may be eligible by proving alternative
compliance;
f. All on- and off-road diesel equipment shall not idle
for more than 5 minutes. Signs shall be posted in the
designated queuing areas and or job sites to remind
drivers and operators of the 5-minute idling limit;
Confirm inclusion of
these measures on all
applicable plans and
inspect project site
during construction
activities to confirm
implementation of
construction control
measures
Prior to issuance of
construction permits
and during
construction activities
City of Arroyo Grande
Community
Development
Department
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Mitigation
Measure Requirements of Measure Compliance Method Verification Timing Responsible Party
g. Diesel idling shall be avoided to the greatest extent
feasible throughout the duration of construction
activities. No idling in excess of 5 minutes shall be
permitted as described above;
h. Staging and queuing areas shall not be located
within 1,000 feet of sensitive receptors whenever
possible;
i. Electrify equipment when feasible;
j. Substitute gasoline-powered in place of diesel-
powered equipment, where feasible; and,
k. Use alternatively fueled construction equipment on-
site where feasible, such as compressed natural gas
(CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), propane, or
biodiesel.
AQ/mm-2 Upon application for construction permits, all required PM10
measures shall be shown on applicable grading or
construction plans, and made applicable during grading and
construction activities as described below.
a. Reduce the amount of the disturbed area where
possible;
b. Use of water trucks or sprinkler systems in sufficient
quantities to prevent airborne dust from leaving the
site and from exceeding the San Luis Obispo County
Air Pollution Control District’s limit of 20% opacity
for greater than 3 minutes in any 60-minute period.
Increased watering frequency would be required
whenever wind speeds exceed 15 miles per hour.
Reclaimed (non-potable) water should be used
whenever possible;
c. All dirt stock pile areas should be sprayed daily or
covered with tarps or other dust barriers, as needed;
d. Permanent dust control measures identified in the
approved project revegetation and landscape plans
Confirm inclusion of
these measures on all
applicable plans and
inspect project site
during construction
activities to confirm
implementation of
construction control
measures
Prior to issuance of
construction permits
and during
construction activities
City of Arroyo Grande
Community
Development
Department
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Mitigation
Measure Requirements of Measure Compliance Method Verification Timing Responsible Party
should be implemented as soon as possible
following completion of any soil-disturbing activities;
e. Exposed ground areas that are planned to be
reworked at dates greater than 1 month after initial
grading should be sown with a fast germinating,
non-invasive grass seed and watered until
vegetation is established;
f. All disturbed soil areas not subject to revegetation
should be stabilized using approved chemical soil
binders, jute netting, or other methods approved in
advance by the San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution
Control District;
g. All roadways, driveways, sidewalks, etc. to be paved
should be completed as soon as possible. In
addition, building pads should be laid as soon as
possible after grading unless seeding or soil binders
are used;
h. Vehicle speed for all construction vehicles shall not
exceed 15 miles per hour on any unpaved surface at
the construction site;
i. All trucks hauling dirt, sand, soil, or other loose
materials are to be covered or should maintain at
least 2 feet of freeboard (minimum vertical distance
between top of load and top of trailer) in
accordance with California Vehicle Code Section
23114;
j. Install wheel washers or other devices to control
tracking of mud and dirt onto adjacent roadways
where vehicles enter and exit unpaved roads onto
streets, or wash off trucks and equipment leaving
the site;
k. Sweep streets at the end of each day if visible soil
material is carried onto adjacent paved roads. Water
sweepers with reclaimed water should be used
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Mitigation
Measure Requirements of Measure Compliance Method Verification Timing Responsible Party
where feasible. Roads shall be pre-wetted prior to
sweeping when feasible;
l. The contractor or builder shall designate a person or
persons to monitor the fugitive dust emissions and
enhance the implementation of the measures as
necessary to minimize dust complaints, reduce
visible emissions below the San Luis Obispo County
Air Pollution Control District’s limit of 20% opacity
for greater than 3 minutes in any 60-minute period,
and to prevent transport of dust off-site. Their
duties shall include holidays and weekend periods
when work may not be in progress. The name and
telephone number of such persons shall be provided
to the San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control
District Engineering & Compliance Division prior to
the start of any grading, earthwork, or demolition.
Biological Resources
BIO/mm-1 Prior to construction, the City of Arroyo Grande Public Works
Department will obtain a Section 404 Permit from the United
States Army Corps of Engineers, a Section 401 Water Quality
Certification from the Regional Water Quality Control Board,
and a Section 1602 Streambed Alteration Agreement from
the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for project-
related impacts that will occur in areas under federal and
state jurisdiction.
The City of Arroyo
Grande Public Works
Department will obtain
all necessary permits
Prior to initiation of
project construction
The City of Arroyo
Grande Public Works
Department
BIO/mm-2 Prior to construction, the City of Arroyo Grande Public Works
Department will retain a qualified biological monitor(s) to
monitor construction and ensure compliance with the
avoidance and minimization efforts outlined within all the
project environmental documents. At a minimum, monitoring
will occur during initial ground disturbance activities and
vegetation removal within the Arroyo Grande Creek corridor.
Monitoring may be reduced to part time once initial
Confirm that a qualified
biological monitor has
been retained for
construction monitoring
Prior to initiation of
project construction
The City of Arroyo
Grande Public Works
Department
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disturbance and vegetation removal activities are complete.
The duration of monitoring should be at least once per week
throughout the remaining construction phases, unless
specified otherwise by permitting agencies.
BIO/mm-3 Prior to construction, all construction personnel will
participate in an environmental awareness training program
conducted by a qualified biologist. At a minimum, the
program shall include: descriptions of the special-status
species that have potential to occur in the project area; their
habitat requirements and life histories as they relate to the
project; the avoidance, minimization, and mitigation
measures that will be implemented to avoid impacts to the
species and their habitats; the regulatory agencies and
regulations that manage their protection; and consequences
that may result from unauthorized impacts or take of special-
status species and their habitats. Subsequent trainings shall
be provided as needed for additional construction workers
through the duration of construction activities. Subsequent
trainings shall include, at minimum, a review of the training
materials (i.e., a PowerPoint presentation or handouts
prepared by the qualified biologist) and a signed
acknowledgement that the construction worker has reviewed
and understands the training materials. The training
materials shall identify an on-site primary point of contact for
all questions related to the environmental awareness training
and actions required under the training program and shall
include contact information for that primary on-site contact.
Confirm that all
construction personnel
participate in an
environmental
awareness training
program conducted by a
qualified biologist.
Prior to initiation of
project construction
The City of Arroyo
Grande Public Works
Department
BIO/mm-4 Construction activities within jurisdictional areas will be
conducted during the dry season when stream flows will be
at annual lows (June 15 through October 31) in any given
year, or as otherwise directed by the regulatory agencies.
Deviations from this work window can be made with
permission from the relevant regulatory agencies.
Confirm inclusion of this
measure on all
applicable plans and
confirm appropriate
timing of project
implementation.
Prior to issuance of
construction permits
and during
construction activities.
The City of Arroyo
Grande Public Works
Department
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BIO/mm-5 Prior to initiation of any construction activities, including
vegetation clearing or grubbing, sturdy high-visibility fencing
will be installed to protect the jurisdictional areas adjacent to
the designated work areas. This fencing will be placed so that
unnecessary adverse impacts to the adjacent habitats are
avoided. No construction work (including storage of
materials) will occur outside of the specified project limits.
The fencing will remain in place during the entire
construction period, be monitored periodically by a qualified
biologist, and be maintained as needed by the contractor.
Confirm that sturdy
high-visibility fencing
(Environmentally
Sensitive Area fencing)
has been installed.
Prior to initiation of
any construction
activities
The City of Arroyo
Grande Public Works
Department
BIO/mm-6 Prior to construction, a Storm Water Pollution Prevention
Plan will be prepared for the project. Provisions of this plan
will be implemented during and after construction.
Construction personnel will be informed of the importance of
preventing spills, the appropriate measures to take should a
spill occur, and the measures necessary to avoid and
minimize erosion and stormwater pollution in and near the
work area.
Confirm that a SWPPP
has been prepared for
the project and all
associated BMPs are
implemented.
Prior to initiation of
any construction
activities
The City of Arroyo
Grande Public Works
Department
BIO/mm-7 Prior to construction, the contractor will prepare a Hazardous
Materials Response Plan to allow for a prompt and effective
response to any accidental spills. Workers will be informed of
the importance of preventing spills and of the appropriate
measures to take should a spill occur.
Confirm that a
Hazardous Materials
Response Plan has been
prepared.
Prior to initiation of
any construction
activities
The City of Arroyo
Grande Public Works
Department
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BIO/mm-8 During construction, erosion control measures (e.g., silt
fencing, fiber rolls, barriers) will remain available on-site and
will be utilized as necessary to prevent erosion and
sedimentation in jurisdictional areas. No synthetic plastic
mesh products will be used for erosion control and use of
these materials on-site is prohibited. Erosion control
measures and other suitable Best Management Practices
used will be checked to ensure that they are intact and
functioning effectively and maintained on a daily basis
throughout the duration of construction. The contractor will
also apply adequate dust control techniques, such as site
watering, during construction to protect water quality.
Confirm that erosion
control BMPs are intact
and functioning
effectively
Throughout the
duration of
construction activities
The City of Arroyo
Grande Public Works
Department and the
Contractor
BIO/mm-9 During construction, the cleaning and refueling of equipment
and vehicles will occur only within a designated staging area
and at least 60 feet (20 meters) from jurisdictional other
waters or other aquatic areas. At a minimum, equipment and
vehicles will be checked and maintained on a daily basis to
ensure proper operation and avoid potential leaks or spills.
Confirm that a plan is in
place for prompt and
effective response to
any accidental spills.
Prior to initiation of
project construction
and throughout the
duration of
construction activities
The City of Arroyo
Grande Public Works
Department and the
Contractor
BIO/mm-10 During construction, trash will be contained, removed from
the work site, and disposed of regularly. Following
construction, trash and construction debris will be removed
from the work areas. Vegetation removed from the
construction site will be taken to a certified landfill to prevent
the spread of invasive species. If soil from weedy areas (such
as areas with poison hemlock or other invasive exotic plant
species) must be removed off-site, the top 6 inches (152
millimeters) containing the seed layer in areas with weedy
species will be disposed of at a permitted landfill.
Confirm compliance
through site verification.
Throughout the
duration of
construction activities
The City of Arroyo
Grande Public Works
Department and the
Contractor
BIO/mm-11 During construction, no pets will be allowed on the
construction site.
Confirm compliance
through site verification.
Throughout the
duration of
construction activities
Contractor
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BIO/mm-12 Prior to construction, the City of Arroyo Grande Public Works
Department will prepare a comprehensive Habitat Mitigation
and Monitoring Plan that provides for a 1:1 restoration ratio
for temporary impacts and a 3:1 enhancement ratio for
permanent impacts, unless otherwise directed by regulatory
agencies. To the extent feasible, mitigation activities will be
implemented within the project area and/or the Arroyo
Grande Creek riparian corridor and in areas in and adjacent
to the project area that support exotic species, contain
agricultural trash, and have erosion. These areas provide the
most optimal mitigation opportunities on-site. Any
revegetation will be conducted using only native plant
species. The final Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Plan will
identify the specific mitigation sites and it will be
implemented immediately following project completion.
Confirm that a HMMP
has been prepared for
the project.
Prior to initiation of
project construction
The City of Arroyo
Grande Public Works
Department
BIO/mm-13 During construction, the project will make all reasonable
efforts to limit the use of imported soils for fill. Soils currently
existing on-site should be used for fill material. If the use of
imported fill material is necessary, the imported material
must be obtained from a source that is known to be free of
invasive plant species, or the material must consist of
purchased clean material such as crushed aggregate, sorted
rock, or similar. To avoid the spread of invasive species, the
contractor shall:
a. Stockpile topsoil and redeposit the stockpiled soil
on-site at a sufficient depth to preclude germination
or spread of those species after construction is
complete; or,
b. Transport the topsoil to a permitted landfill for
disposal.
Confirm compliance
through site verification.
Throughout the
duration of
construction activities
The City of Arroyo
Grande Public Works
Department
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BIO/mm-14 Prior to construction, project plans will clearly identify the
type of species, location, and methodology of removal and
disposal of invasive exotic species found within the project
site. Removal and disposal of invasive exotic plants and
wildlife must be in accordance with state law and/or project
authorizations from resource agencies (e.g., USFWS
Programmatic Biological Opinion). In particular, for those
invasive exotic plant species that are particular difficult to
remove (e.g., jubata grass [Cortaderia jubata]), a combination
of cutting and application of herbicide would likely be
required, and thus require a request for an amendment to
the standard conditions of the USFWS Programmatic
Biological Opinion. In addition, removal of crayfish or bullfrog
must be conducted lawfully using methodologies outlined in
the California Fish and Game Code.
Confirm inclusion of this
information on all
applicable plans and
confirm appropriate
timing of project
implementation.
Prior to issuance of
construction permits
and during
construction activities.
The City of Arroyo
Grande Public Works
Department
BIO/mm-15 During construction, the biological monitor(s) will ensure that
the spread or introduction of invasive exotic plant and
wildlife species is avoided to the maximum extent possible.
Confirm compliance
through site verification.
Throughout the
duration of
construction activities
City of Arroyo Grande
Public Works
Department and
Biological Monitor
BIO/mm-16 All erosion control materials including straw bales, straw
wattles, or mulch used on-site must be free of invasive
species seed.
Confirm compliance
through site verification.
Throughout the
duration of
construction activities
City of Arroyo Grande
Public Works
Department and
Biological Monitor
BIO/mm-17 In-stream work will take place between June 15 and October
31 in any given year, when the surface water within Arroyo
Grande Creek is likely to be at seasonal minimum. Deviations
from this work window will only be made with permission
from the relevant regulatory agencies. During in-stream
work, a qualified biologist that is approved by the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Marine
Fisheries Service and has experience in steelhead biology and
ecology, aquatic habitats, biological monitoring (including
diversion/dewatering), and capturing, handling, and
Retain a NMFS-
approved biologist and
confirm compliance
through site verification.
During in-stream work The City of Arroyo
Grande Public Works
Department
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relocating fish species will be retained. During in-stream
work, the biological monitor(s) will continuously monitor
placement and removal of any required stream diversions
and will capture stranded steelhead and other native fish
species and relocate them to suitable habitat, as appropriate.
The approved biologist(s) will capture steelhead stranded as
a result of diversion/dewatering and relocate steelhead to
the nearest suitable in-stream habitat. The approved
biologist(s) will note the number of steelhead observed in the
affected area, the number of steelhead relocated, and the
date and time of the collection and relocation.
BIO/mm-18 During in-stream work, if pumps are incorporated to assist in
temporarily dewatering the site, intakes will be completely
screened with no larger than 0.2-inch (5-millimeter) wire
mesh to prevent steelhead and other sensitive aquatic
species from entering the pump system. Pumps will release
the diverted water so that suspended sediment will not re-
enter the stream. The form and function of pumps used
during the dewatering activities will be checked daily, at a
minimum, by a qualified biological monitor to ensure a dry
work environment and minimize adverse effects to aquatic
species and habitats.
Confirm compliance
through site verification.
During construction
during in-stream work
City of Arroyo Grande
Public Works
Department and
Biological Monitor
BIO/mm-19 Only United States Fish and Wildlife Service-approved
biologists will participate in activities associated with the
capture and handling of California red-legged frogs. Biologists
authorized under the Programmatic Biological Opinion do no
need to resubmit their qualifications for subsequent projects
conducted pursuant to the Programmatic Biological Opinion,
unless the United States Fish and Wildlife have revoked their
approval at any time during the life of the Programmatic
Biological Opinion.
Retain a USFWS-
approved biologist and
confirm compliance with
this measure through
site verification.
Throughout the
duration of
construction activities
City of Arroyo Grande
Public Works
Department and
Caltrans
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BIO/mm-20 Ground disturbance will not begin until written approval is
received from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service that
the biologist(s) is qualified to conduct the work. The
California Department of Transportation will request
approval of the biologist(s) from the United States Fish and
Wildlife Service.
Obtain written approval
from the USFWS
Prior to initiation of
project construction
City of Arroyo Grande
Public Works
Department and
Caltrans
BIO/mm-21 A United States Fish and Wildlife Service-approved biologist
will survey the project area no more than 48 hours before the
onset of work activities. If any life stage of the California red-
legged frog is found and these individuals are likely to be
killed or injured by work activities, the approved biologist will
be allowed sufficient time to move them from the site before
work activities begin. The United States Fish and Wildlife
Service-approved biologist will relocate the California red-
legged frogs the shortest distance possible to a location that
contains suitable habitat and will not be affected by the
activities associated with the project. The relocation site
should be in the same drainage to the extent practicable. The
California Department of Transportation will coordinate with
the United States Fish and Wildlife Service on the relocation
site prior to the capture of any California red-legged frogs.
Retain a USFWS-
approved biologist and
confirm compliance with
this measure through
site verification.
Prior to initiation of
project construction
and throughout the
duration of
construction activities
City of Arroyo Grande
Public Works
Department and
Caltrans
BIO/mm-22 A United States Fish and Wildlife Service-approved biologist
will be present at the work site until California red-legged
frogs have been relocated out of harm’s way, workers have
been instructed, and disturbance of the habitat has been
completed. After this time, the City of Arroyo Grande Public
Works Department will designate a person to monitor on-site
compliance with minimization measures. The United States
Fish and Wildlife Service-approved biologist will ensure that
this monitor receives the training outlined in BIO/mm-3
above and in the identification of California red-legged frogs.
If the monitor or the United States Fish and Wildlife Service-
approved biologist recommends that work be stopped
because California red-legged frogs would be affected in any
Retain a USFWS-
approved biologist and
confirm compliance with
this measure through
site verification.
Prior to initiation of
project construction
and throughout the
duration of
construction activities
City of Arroyo Grande
Public Works
Department and
Caltrans
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manner, they will notify the resident engineer (the engineer
that is directly overseeing and in command of construction
activities) immediately. The resident engineer will either
resolve the situation by eliminating the adverse effect
immediately or require that actions that are causing these
effects be halted. If work is stopped, the California
Department of Transportation, City of Arroyo Grande Public
Works Department, and United States Fish and Wildlife
Service will be notified as soon as is reasonably possible.
BIO/mm-23 During project activities, trash that may attract predators will
be properly contained, removed from the work site, and
disposed of regularly. Following construction, trash and
construction debris will be removed from work areas.
Confirm compliance
through site verification.
Throughout the
duration of
construction activities
City of Arroyo Grande
Public Works
Department and
Contractor
BIO/mm-24 All refueling, maintenance, and staging of equipment and
vehicles will occur at least 60 feet from riparian habitat or
water bodies and in a location from where a spill would not
drain directly toward aquatic habitat (e.g., on a slope that
drains away from the water). The monitor will ensure
contamination of habitat does not occur during such
operations. Prior to the onset of work, the City of Arroyo
Grande Public Works Department will ensure that a plan is in
place for prompt and effective response to any accidental
spills. All workers will be informed of the importance of
preventing spills and of the appropriate measures to take
should a spill occur.
Confirm inclusion of this
information on all
applicable plans and
confirm compliance with
this measure through
site verification.
Prior to initiation of
project construction
and throughout the
duration of
construction activities
City of Arroyo Grande
Public Works
Department and
biological monitor
BIO/mm-25 Habitat contours will be returned to their original
configuration at the end of project activities. This measure
will be implemented in all areas disturbed by activities
associated with the project, unless the United States Fish and
Wildlife, California Department of Transportation, and City of
Arroyo Grande Public Works Department determine that it is
not feasible or modification of original contours would
benefit the California red-legged frog.
Confirm compliance
with this measure
through site verification.
Following completion
of project
construction activities
City of Arroyo Grande
Public Works
Department and
Caltrans
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BIO/mm-26 The number of access routes, size of staging areas, and the
total area of activity will be limited to the minimum
necessary to achieve the project. Environmentally Sensitive
Areas will be established to confine access routes and
construction areas to the minimum area necessary to
complete construction, and minimize the impact to California
red-legged frog habitat; this goal includes locating access
routes and construction areas outside of wetlands and
riparian areas to the maximum extent practicable.
Confirm compliance
with this measure
through site verification.
Prior to initiation of
project construction
and throughout the
duration of
construction activities
City of Arroyo Grande
Public Works
Department
BIO/mm-27 The City of Arroyo Grande Public Works Department will
attempt to schedule work for times of the year when impacts
to the California red-legged frog would be minimal. For
example, work that would affect large pools that may
support breeding would be avoided, to the maximum degree
practicable, during the breeding season (November through
May). Isolated pools that are important to maintain California
red-legged frogs through the driest portions of the year
would be avoided, to the maximum degree practicable,
during the late summer and early fall. Habitat assessments,
surveys, and technical assistance between the California
Department of Transportation and United States Fish and
Wildlife Service during project planning will be used to assist
in scheduling work activities to avoid sensitive habitats during
key times of year.
Confirm compliance
with this measure
through appropriate
timing of construction
activities.
Prior to initiation of
project construction
and throughout the
duration of
construction activities
City of Arroyo Grande
Public Works
Department
BIO/mm-28 To control sedimentation during and after project
implementation, the City of Arroyo Grande Public Works
Department will implement Best Management Practices
outlined in any authorizations or permits issued under the
authorities of the Clean Water Act that it receives for the
specific project.
Confirm compliance
with this measure
through site verification.
Prior to initiation of
project construction
and throughout the
duration of
construction activities
City of Arroyo Grande
Public Works
Department
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BIO/mm-29 If a work site is to be temporarily dewatered by pumping,
intakes will be completely screened with wire mesh not
larger than 0.2 inch to prevent California red-legged frogs
from entering the pump system. Water will be released
downstream at an appropriate rate to maintain downstream
flows during construction. Upon completion of construction
activities, any diversions or barriers to flow will be removed
in a manner that would allow flow to resume with the least
disturbance to the substrate. Alteration of the streambed will
be minimized to the maximum extent possible; any imported
material will be removed from the streambed upon
completion of the project.
Confirm compliance
with this measure
through site verification.
During and following
completion of
construction activities
City of Arroyo Grande
Public Works
Department
BIO/mm-30 Unless approved by the United States Fish and Wildlife
Service, water will not be impounded in a manner that may
attract California red-legged frogs.
Obtain approval for
impoundments from the
USFWS, if necessary
Throughout the
duration of
construction activities
City of Arroyo Grande
Public Works
Department and
Caltrans
BIO/mm-31 A United States Fish and Wildlife Service-approved biologist
will permanently remove any individuals of exotic species,
such as bullfrogs, crayfish, and centrarchid fishes from the
project area, to the maximum extent practicable. The United
States Fish and Wildlife Service-approved biologist will be
responsible for ensuring their activities are in compliance
with the California Fish and Game Code.
Retain a USFWS-
approved biologist and
confirm compliance with
this measure through
site verification.
Prior to initiation of
project construction
and throughout the
duration of
construction activities
City of Arroyo Grande
Public Works
Department and
Caltrans
BIO/mm-32 If the City of Arroyo Grande Public Works Department
demonstrates that disturbed areas have been restored to
conditions that allow them to function as habitat for the
California red-legged frog, these areas will not be included in
the amount of total habitat permanently disturbed.
Confirm compliance
with this measure
through site verification.
Following completion
of construction
activities
City of Arroyo Grande
Public Works
Department and
Caltrans
BIO/mm-33 To ensure that diseases are not conveyed between work sites
by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service-approved
biologist, the fieldwork code of practice developed by the
Declining Amphibian Task Force will be followed at all times.
Confirm compliance
with this measure
through site verification.
Prior to initiation of
project construction
and throughout the
duration of
City of Arroyo Grande
Public Works
Department and
biological monitor
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construction activities
BIO/mm-34 Project sites will be re-vegetated with an assemblage of
native riparian, wetland, and upland vegetation suitable for
the area. Locally collected plant materials will be used to the
extent practicable. Invasive, exotic plants will be controlled to
the maximum extent practicable. This measure will be
implemented in all areas disturbed by activities within the
project area, unless the United States Fish and Wildlife
Service, California Department of Transportation, and City of
Arroyo Grande Public Works Department have determined
that it is not feasible or practical.
Confirm compliance
with this measure
through site verification.
Following completion
of construction
activities
City of Arroyo Grande
Public Works
Department, Caltrans
and biological monitor
BIO/mm-35 The City of Arroyo Grande Public Works Department will not
use herbicides as the primary method to control invasive,
exotic plants. However, if the City of Arroyo Grande Public
Works Department determines the use of herbicides is the
only feasible method for controlling invasive plants at a
specific project site, it will implement the following additional
measures to protect California red-legged frog:
a. The City of Arroyo Grande Public Works Department
will not use herbicides during the breeding season
for California red-legged frog.
b. The City of Arroyo Grande Public Works Department
will conduct surveys for California red-legged frog
immediately prior to the start of herbicide use. If
found, California red-legged frog will be relocated to
suitable habitat far enough from the project area
that no direct contact with herbicide would occur.
c. Giant reed and other invasive plants will be cut and
hauled out by hand and painted with glyphosate-
based products, such as Aquamaster® or Rodeo®.
d. Licensed and experienced City of Arroyo Grande
staff or a licensed and experienced contractor will
use a hand-held sprayer for foliar application of
Confirm compliance
with this measure
through site verification.
Prior to initiation of
project construction
and throughout the
duration of
construction activities
City of Arroyo Grande
Public Works
Department and
biological monitor
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Aquamaster® or Rodeo® where large monoculture
stands occur at an individual project site.
e. All precautions will be taken to ensure that no
herbicide is applied to native vegetation.
f. Foliar applications of herbicide will not occur when
wind speeds are in excess of 3 miles per hour.
g. No herbicides will be applied within 24 hours of
forecasted rain.
h. Application of herbicides will be done by a qualified
City of Arroyo Grande staff or contractors to ensure
that overspray is minimized, that application is made
in accordance with the label recommendations, and
that required and reasonable safety measures are
implemented. A safe dye will be added to the
mixture to visually denote treated sites. Application
of herbicides will be consistent with the United
States Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of
Pesticide Programs Endangered Species Protection
Program county bulletins.
i. All herbicides, fuels, lubricants, and equipment will
be stored, poured, or refilled at least 60 feet from
riparian habitat or water bodies in a location where
a spill would not drain directly toward aquatic
habitat. The City of Arroyo Grande Public Works
Department will ensure that a plan is in place for a
prompt and effective response to accidental spills.
All workers will be informed of the importance of
preventing spills and of the appropriate measures to
take should a spill occur.
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BIO/mm-36 Prior to construction, a biologist determined qualified by the
California Department of Transportation and California
Department of Fish and Wildlife shall survey the project site
and, if present, capture and relocate any western pond
turtles to suitable habitat upstream of the project site.
Observations of these or other special-status species shall be
documented on California Natural Diversity Database forms
and submitted to the California Department of Fish and
Wildlife upon project completion. If western pond turtle or
other special concern aquatic species are observed during
construction, they will likewise be relocated to suitable
upstream habitat by a qualified biologist.
Retain a qualified
biologist and verify that
CNDDB forms are
submitted to the CDFW,
if applicable.
Prior to, during, and
following completion
of project
construction
City of Arroyo Grande
Public Works
Department
BIO/mm-37 Prior to construction, when feasible, tree removal will be
scheduled to occur outside of the typical nesting bird season
(February 15 through September 1), to avoid potential
impacts to nesting birds.
Confirm inclusion of this
measure on all
applicable plans and
confirm appropriate
timing of project
implementation.
Prior to issuance of
construction permits
and during
construction activities.
The City of Arroyo
Grande Public Works
Department and
biological monitor
BIO/mm-38 If construction activities are proposed during the typical
nesting season (February 15 to September 1), a nesting bird
survey will be conducted by qualified biologists no more than
two weeks prior to the start of construction to determine
presence/absence of nesting birds within 500 feet of the
project site. The California Department of Transportation will
be notified if federally listed nesting bird species are
observed during the surveys and will facilitate coordination
with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, if necessary
to determine an appropriate avoidance strategy. Likewise,
coordination with California Department of Fish and Wildlife
will be facilitated by the City of Arroyo Grande Public Works
Department if necessary to devise a suitable avoidance plan
for state-listed nesting bird species. If raptor nests are
observed within 500 feet of the project area during the pre-
construction nesting bird surveys, the nest(s) shall be
The qualified biologist
shall submit the
preconstruction nesting
bird survey report to the
City of Arroyo Grande
Public Works
Department. Confirm
compliance with this
measure through site
verification.
Prior to initiation of
project construction
and throughout the
duration of
construction activities
City of Arroyo Grande
Public Works
Department and
biological monitor
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designated an Environmental Sensitive Area and protected by
a minimum 500-foot avoidance buffer until the breeding
season ends or until a qualified biologist determines that all
young have fledged and are no longer reliant upon the nest
or parental care for survival. Similarly, if active passerine
nests are observed during the pre-construction nesting bird
surveys, the nest(s) shall be designated an Environmentally
Sensitive Area and protected by a minimum 250-foot
avoidance buffer until the breeding season ends or until a
qualified biologist determines that all young have fledged
and are no longer reliant upon the nest or parental care for
survival. Resource agencies may consider proposed variances
from these buffers if there is a compelling biological or
ecological reason to do so, such as protection of a nest via
concealment due to site topography.
BIO/mm-39 Prior to construction, a visual survey will be conducted by a
qualified biologist, at dawn and at dusk, to identify potential
roosting bat activity. This survey shall be conducted between
two to four weeks prior to bridge and/or tree removal
activities that are proposed to occur. If roosting bat activity is
identified during the preconstruction survey process, the City
of Arroyo Grande will coordinate with the California
Department of Fish and Wildlife regarding the biological
significance of the bat population and appropriate measures
that could be used to exclude bats from roosting under the
bridge. Measures may include, but are not limited to the
installation of exclusionary devices by a qualified individual.
The qualified biologist
shall submit the
preconstruction roosting
bat survey report to the
City of Arroyo Grande
Public Works
Department. Confirm
compliance with this
measure through site
verification.
Prior to initiation of
project construction
activities
City of Arroyo Grande
Public Works
Department and
biological monitor
BIO/mm-40 If it is determined that a substantial impact to individual bat
species or a maternity roost will occur, then the City of
Arroyo Grande will compensate for the impact through the
development and implementation of a mitigation plan in
coordination with California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Develop and implement
a mitigation plan and
monitoring plan in
coordination with
California Department
of Fish and Wildlife.
Throughout the
duration of
construction activities
City of Arroyo Grande
Public Works
Department
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Cultural Resources
CUL/mm-1 If a potentially significant cultural resource is encountered
during subsurface earthwork activities, all construction
activities within a 100-foot radius of the find shall cease until
a qualified archaeologist determines whether the uncovered
resource requires further study. A standard inadvertent
discovery clause shall be included in every grading and
construction contract to inform contractors of this
requirement. Any previously undiscovered resources found
during construction shall be recorded on appropriate
California Department of Parks and Recreation forms and
evaluated for significance in terms of California
Environmental Quality Act criteria by a qualified
archaeologist. Potentially significant cultural resources
consist of, but are not limited to, stone, bone, glass, ceramic,
wood, or shell artifacts; fossils; or features including hearths,
structural remains, or historic dumpsites.
If the resource is determined significant under the California
Environmental Quality Act, the qualified archaeologist shall
prepare and implement a research design and archaeological
data recovery plan that will capture those categories of data
for which the site is significant. The archaeologist shall also
perform appropriate technical analysis, prepare a
comprehensive report, and file it with the appropriate
Information Center and provide for the permanent curation
of the recovered materials.
Confirm monitor is on-
site prior to construction
activities and
appropriate protocol is
understood and
implemented.
Prior to
commencement of
construction activities.
City of Arroyo Grande
Public Works
Department and
Caltrans
Hazards and Hazardous Materials
HAZ/mm-1 Prior to construction, the City of Arroyo Grande Public Works
Department shall prepare a Hazardous Material Spill
Prevention, Control and Countermeasure Plan to minimize
the potential for, and effects of, spills of hazardous or toxic
substances during construction of the project. The plan shall
be submitted for review and approval by the City of Arroyo
Confirm compliance
with this measure
through site verification.
Throughout the
duration of
construction activities
City of Arroyo Grande
Public Works
Department, Caltrans,
and Contractor
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Grande Public Works Director, and shall include, at minimum,
the following:
a. A description of storage procedures and
construction site maintenance and upkeep practices;
b. Identification of a person or persons responsible for
monitoring implementation of the plan and spill
response;
c. Identification of Best Management Practices to be
implemented to ensure minimal impacts to the
environment occur, including but not limited to the
use of containment devices for hazardous materials,
training of construction staff regarding safety
practices to reduce the chance for spills or accidents,
and use of non-toxic substances where feasible;
d. A description of proper procedures for containing,
diverting, isolating, and cleaning up spills, hazardous
substances and/or soils, in a manner that minimizes
impacts on surface and groundwater quality and
sensitive biological resources;
e. A description of the actions required if a spill occurs,
including which authorities to contact and proper
clean-up procedures; and
f. A requirement that all construction personnel
participate in an awareness training program
conducted by qualified personnel approved by the
City of Arroyo Grande Public Works Director. The
training must include a description of the Hazardous
Materials Spill Prevention, Control and
Countermeasure Plan, the plan’s requirements for
spill prevention, information regarding the
importance of preventing spills, the appropriate
measures to take should a spill occur, and
identification of the location of all clean-up
materials and equipment.
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HAZ/mm-2 A Soil Management Plan and Health and Safety Plan shall be
developed for the project and subject to approval by the City
of Arroyo Grande Public Works Department to ensure
contaminated soils excavated during the project construction
are handled, stockpiled, and disposed of in accordance with
federal, state, and local regulations. Soils excavated during
the project shall be tested for lead concentrations and the
Soil Management Plan shall establish a Reuse Screening Level
for the excavated soils; excavated soils with contaminant
concentrations below the Reuse Screening Levels may be
reused during construction on the right-of-way, while soils
with contaminant concentrations exceeding the Reuse
Screening Levels shall be managed as hazardous waste and
disposed of at a facility that accepts soil with the detected
concentrations of contaminants. Special handling, treatment,
or disposal of aerially deposited lead in soils during
construction activities shall be consistent with the California
Department of Toxic Substances Control Lead Variance (No.
V09HQSCD006) dated July 1, 2009.
Prepare a Soil
Management Plan and
Health and Safety Plan
and submit to Caltrans
and the Director of the
Public Works
Department for
approval.
Prior to initiation of
project construction
activities
City of Arroyo Grande
Public Works
Department
HAZ/mm-3 Prior to initiation of construction, a Lead Compliance Plan
shall be prepared by the contractor to prevent or minimize
worker exposure to lead from handling material containing
lead based paint or aerially-deposited lead (California Code of
Regulations, Title 8, Section 1532.1). This plan shall also be
required for work performed on painted structures. The
contractor shall prepare a written, project-specific Excavation
and Transportation Plan establishing procedures the
contractor shall use for excavating, stockpiling, transporting,
and placing (or disposing) of material containing lead-based
paint or aerially-deposited lead. The plan must conform to
Department of Toxic Substance Control and California
Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations.
For samples where lead levels exceed hazardous waste
criteria, the excavated soil shall be either managed or
disposed of as a California hazardous waste or stockpiled and
Prepare a Lead
Compliance Plan and
Excavation and
Transportation Plan
submit to Caltrans and
the Director of the
Public Works
Department for
approval.
Prior to initiation of
project construction
activities
City of Arroyo Grande
Public Works
Department, Caltrans,
and Contractor
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resampled to confirm waste classification and potential
utilization of Caltrans’ hazardous waste variance agreement
to recycle soil on site. The appropriate Caltrans Standard
Special Provision shall be included in the Plans, Specifications,
and Estimate.
HAZ/mm-4 Conventional demolition techniques for painted surfaces and
treated wood members shall comply with Occupational
Safety and Health Administration and California Occupational
Safety and Health Administration statutes regarding worker
awareness training, exposure monitoring, and medical
examinations, and should include a written respiratory
protection program. Dust control procedures shall be
implemented in compliance with California Code of
Regulations, Title 8, Section 1532.1, during abatement,
demolition, and/or renovation of the bridge. Pulverization
and/or activities that may result in the generation of fine dust
and particulates shall be prohibited at the project site.
Confirm inclusion of this
measure on all
applicable plans and
confirm compliance with
this measure through
site verification.
Prior to initiation of
project construction
and throughout the
duration of
construction activities
City of Arroyo Grande
Public Works
Department, Caltrans,
and Contractor
HAZ/mm-5 Materials that are excavated or water that accumulates
within an excavation during construction activities should not
be discarded to the ground surface, watershed, or waterway.
Accumulated or excavated materials should be segregated,
placed on and covered by plastic sheeting, and characterized
to aid in evaluating and documenting contractor-proposed
handling, re-use, or disposal. Contractor proposed handling,
re-use, or disposal of waste materials should be conducted in
accordance with local material management jurisdictions
and/or receiving facility criteria.
Confirm inclusion of this
measure on all
applicable plans and
confirm compliance with
this measure through
site verification.
Prior to initiation of
project construction
and throughout the
duration of
construction activities
City of Arroyo Grande
Public Works
Department, Caltrans,
and Contractor
Item 10.b. - Page 102
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Noise
NOI/mm-1 Construction activities shall be limited to the daytime hours
of 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8:00
a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday or Sunday, consistent with City
of Arroyo Grande construction noise exception standards.
Confirm inclusion of this
measure on all
applicable plans and
confirm compliance with
this measure through
site verification.
Prior to initiation of
project construction
and throughout the
duration of
construction activities
City of Arroyo Grande
Public Works
Department, Caltrans,
and Contractor
NOI/mm-2 All equipment will have sound-control devices that are no
less effective than those provided on the original equipment.
No equipment will have an unmuffled exhaust.
Confirm inclusion of this
measure on all
applicable plans and
confirm compliance with
this measure through
site verification.
Prior to initiation of
project construction
and throughout the
duration of
construction activities
City of Arroyo Grande
Public Works
Department, Caltrans,
and Contractor
Recreation
REC/mm-1 Construction activities shall be scheduled and conducted to
minimize closure of Kiwanis Park to the greatest extent
possible. Kiwanis Park will only be closed when necessary for
contractor access, and will remain open to the public through
the duration of construction activities. All park recreational
features affected by construction, such as picnic benches, will
be relocated or replaced outside of the construction limits;
these features will be available for use in adjacent areas
during the duration of construction activities. Access to the
park will be temporarily relocated from the west to the east
side of the park during any closure. The City of Arroyo Grande
Public Works Department will designate several parking
places for park use and avoid construction activities that
would impact access to these spaces. A detour along Traffic
Way will be signed throughout the duration of construction
activities to allow bicyclists continued access to their desired
destination.
Confirm inclusion of this
measure on all
applicable plans and
confirm compliance with
this measure through
site verification. The City
of Arroyo Grande Public
Works Department will
confirm that alternative
parking places have
been designated.
Prior to initiation of
project construction
and throughout the
duration of
construction activities
City of Arroyo Grande
Public Works
Department, Caltrans,
and Contractor
Item 10.b. - Page 103
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Mitigation
Measure Requirements of Measure Compliance Method Verification Timing Responsible Party
Transportation/Traffic
TT/mm-1 Prior to any road closures, the City of Arroyo Grande shall
provide notice to all residents, business owners, and public
facilities within 500 feet of the proposed project. The notice
shall include the following information: dates of construction,
temporary road closures and detours, removal of parking
spaces, and contact information including the phone and
email address of the City staff person responsible for
responding to and addressing public complaints regarding
noise, air emissions, and any other issues. The notice shall be
provided at least 2 weeks prior to any planned road closure.
In addition, the notice shall be posted on the City’s website
and Facebook page.
The City of Arroyo
Grande shall provide
notice to all residents,
business owners, and
public facilities within
500 feet of the proposed
project.
Prior to any road
closures
City of Arroyo Grande
Public Works
Department
Item 10.b. - Page 104
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7. References
California Department of Conservation (CDOC). 2010. San Luis Obispo County Williamson Act FY
2009/2010. Available at: ftp://ftp.consrv.ca.gov/pub/dlrp/wa/SanLuisObispo_09_10_WA.pdf.
Accessed January 30, 2017.
————. 2014. Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program, San Luis Obispo County Important
Farmland 2014. California Department of Conservation, Division of Land Resource Protection.
California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle). 2017. Facility/Site Summary
Details: Cold Canyon Landfill, Inc. (40-AA-0004). Available at:
http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/SWFacilities/Directory/40-AA-0004/Detail/. Accessed July 2017.
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). 2017. California Scenic Highway Mapping System.
Available at: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/LandArch/16_livability/scenic_highways/. Accessed
January 23, 2017.
City of Arroyo Grande. 2001a. General Plan Update – Circulation Element. City of Arroyo Grande,
California.
————. 2001b. General Plan Update – Land Use Element. City of Arroyo Grande, California.
————. 2001c. General Plan Update – Parks and Recreation Element. City of Arroyo Grande, California.
————. 2001d. General Plan Update – Safety Element. City of Arroyo Grande, California.
————. 2007. General Plan Update – Agriculture, Conservation and Open Space Element. City of
Arroyo Grande, California. Amended June 12, 2007.
————. 2009. Land Use Map. City of Arroyo Grande, Community Development Department.
————. 2010. Zoning Map. City of Arroyo Grande, Community Development Department.
————. 2012. General Plan Update – Economic Development Element. City of Arroyo Grande,
California. Adopted on October 9, 2012.
————. 2013. City of Arroyo Grande Climate Action Plan. City of Arroyo Grande, California. Adopted on
November 26, 2013.
————. 2016. General Plan Update – Housing Element. City of Arroyo Grande, California. Adopted
March 2016.
————. 2017a. Arroyo Grande City Parks. Available at: http://www.arroyogrande.org/164/City-Parks.
Accessed June 2, 2017.
————. 2017b. Arroyo Grande, California Municipal Code. Available at:
http://library.municode.com/index.aspx?clientId=16194&stateId=5&stateName=California.
Accessed June 2, 2017.
City of Arroyo Grande and Graves, Catherine. 2003. Design Guidelines and Standards for the Historic
Character Overlay District (D-2.4). City of Arroyo Grande, California.
Item 10.b. - Page 105
INITIAL STUDY / MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION July 2017
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Earth Systems Pacific. 2004. Conceptual Soils Engineering Report, Bridge Street Bridge. Prepared for the
City of Arroyo Grande
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 2012. Flood Insurance Rate Map Number
06079C1602G. Map revised: November 16, 2012. Available at:
https://msc.fema.gov/portal/search?AddressQuery=-
120.578749%2C%2035.122674#searchresultsanchor. Accessed July 2017.
Federal Transit Administration (FTA). 2006. Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment. FTA-VA-90-
1003-06. May 2006. Available at:
https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/docs/FTA_Noise_and_Vibration_Manual.pdf
. Accessed in July 2017.
Fugro Consultants. 2013. Phase I Initial Site Assessment (ISA) Prepared for the Bridge Street Bridge
Rehabilitation Project.
Hall, C.A. 1973. Geology of the Arroyo Grande 15’ quadrangle, San Luis Obispo County, California.
Published by the California Division of Mines and Geology in 1973. Available at:
https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/Prodesc/proddesc_287.htm. Accessed July 2017.
JRP Historical Consulting, LLC. 2015. Historical Resources Evaluation Report, Bridge Street Bridge
(49C0196) Project. Prepared for the City of Arroyo Grande. December 2015.
————. 2017a. Findings of No Adverse Effect (FONAE) with Standard Conditions-SOIS for Bridge Street
Bridge Project. Prepared for the California Department of Transportation. February 2017.
————. 2017b. Historic Property Survey Report, Bridge Street Bridge Project. Prepared for the
California Department of Transportation. February 2017.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries).
2011. Southern California Steelhead Recovery Plan. Southwest Region, Protected Resources
Division, Long Beach, California. January 2012.
San Luis Obispo Council of Governments. 2015. SLOCOG 2014 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable
Communities Strategy. April 2015.
San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District (APCD). 2012. CEQA Air Quality Handbook – A Guide
for Assessing the Air Quality Impacts for Projects Subject to CEQA Review. April 2012. Available
at: http://www.slocleanair.org/images/cms/upload/files/CEQA_Handbook_2012_v1.pdf.
Accessed January 30, 2017.
————. 2017. Naturally Occurring Asbestos (NOA) Map. Available at:
http://www.slocleanair.org/rules-regulations/asbestos/noa . Accessed January 30, 2017.
SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA). 2016a. Bridge Street Bridge Project Archaeological Survey
Report. Prepared for the California Department of Transportation and City of Arroyo Grande.
January 2016.
————. 2016b. Bridge Street Bridge Replacement or Rehabilitation Project Noise Study. Prepared for
the California Department of Transportation. May 2016.
Item 10.b. - Page 106
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————. 2016c. Bridge Street Bridge Replacement Water Quality Assessment Memorandum. Prepared
for the California Department of Transportation. May 2016.
————. 2017a. Bridge Street Bridge Replacement or Rehabilitation Project Natural Environmental
Study. Prepared for the California Department of Transportation. February 2017.
————. 2017b. Bridge Street Bridge Replacement or Rehabilitation Project Wetlands and Waters
Assessment. Prepared for the City of Arroyo Grande and Quincy Engineering, Inc. January 2017.
United States Census Bureau. 2011. 2010 Census Summary File 1, Arroyo Grande, California. Available at:
http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/nav/jsf/pages/searchresults.xhtml. Accessed June 2, 2017.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Web Soil Survey.
Available at: https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/HomePage.htm. Accessed December
2016.
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