CC 2021-01-26_10a Project Status Update_Adopt Mitigated Negative Dec_Brisco Halcyon Road Interchange
MEMORANDUM
TO: CITY COUNCIL
FROM: WHITNEY MCDONALD, CITY MANAGER/ACTING COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
BY: ROBIN DICKERSON, PE, CITY ENGINEER
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF A PROJECT STATUS UPDATE, ADOPTION OF
THE INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION, AND
AUTHORIZATION TO PREPARE AND ISSUE REQUEST FOR
PROPOSALS FOR DESIGN OF THE BRISCO-HALCYON ROAD
INTERCHANGE MODIFICATIONS PROJECT
DATE: JANUARY 26, 2021
SUMMARY OF ACTION:
Consideration of a project status report regarding the Brisco-Halcyon Road Interchange
Modifications Project (Project) will provide an update and opportunity for Council and the
public to discuss the status and near-term plans for the Project. Adopting the Initial
Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) (Attachment 2) will allow staff to complete
the Final Project Report with Caltrans and will provide the necessary California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) clearance required to complete the Project Approval
and Environmental Determination (PA&ED) phase and move into the design phase of the
Project, helping to meet certain grant requirements. Issuing a Request for Proposals
(RFP) for design will allow a consultant to be hired to complete design of the project.
IMPACT ON FINANCIAL AND PERSONNEL RESOURCES:
The improvements are to be funded with a combination of local funds and State
Transportation Improvement Program funding allocated by the San Luis Obispo Council
of Governments (SLOCOG). The funding amounts as shown in the Financing plan that
was submitted to SLOCOG in September 2019 (Attachment 6) can be found in Table 1
below. It is estimated that the design work contemplated for the roundabout only will cost
approximately $1.27 million dollars. The City’s current Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
Budget allocates $1.27 million dollars from the Traffic Impact Fee fund for design work.
Item 10.a. - Page 1
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF A PROJECT STATUS UPDATE, ADOPTION OF THE INITIAL
STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION, AND AUTHORIZATION TO
PREPARE AND ISSUE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR DESIGN OF THE BRISCO-
HALCYON ROAD INTERCHANGE MODIFICATIONS PROJECT
JANUARY 26, 2021
PAGE 2
TABLE 1
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended the City Council:
1. Receive a project status update for the Brisco-Halcyon Road Interchange
modifications project; and
2. Adopt a Resolution (Attachment 1) adopting the MND (Attachment 2) and
authorizing the issuance of a Request for Proposals for the design of the
Project.
BACKGROUND:
The Brisco-Halcyon Road Interchange Modifications Project (Project) has been underway
since the late 1990’s (see Attachment 3). Several alternatives have been explored by the
City and agency stakeholders, including Caltrans, for remedying deficiencies at the
intersections of West Branch/Brisco, Brisco/US101 Northbound (NB) ramps, El Camino
Real/Brisco, West Branch/Camino Mercado/US 101 NB ramps, Grand Avenue/US 101
Southbound (SB) ramps, Grand Avenue/US 101 NB ramps, Rodeo Drive/West Branch
and Grand Avenue/West Branch, all of which are addressed by the Project components
described in more detail below. As part of the City’s discussions with Caltrans over the
years, Caltrans indicated that a number of ancillary improvements are needed as part of
the overall Project and should be incorporated into the City’s planning and infrastructure
improvement efforts. These improvements were then added to the overall project, as
described below.
Council direction was received on March 26, 2019, regarding a major component of the
Project – the roundabout proposed to be installed at a new intersection of West Branch,
Rodeo Drive, and relocation of the Highway 101 northbound on- and off-ramps at Brisco
Road to Rodeo Drive. At that time, Council considered two alternatives for improvements
to this area, referred to as Alternative 1 and Alternative 4C, and recommended the Project
Design Team pursue Alternative 4C that utilized the roundabout approach (see
Attachment 4, Staff Report from the March 29, 2019 meeting).
Amount
30,000$
6,624,000$
1,150,000$
2,000,000$
959,183$
7,254,500$
18,017,683$
Debt Financing
Total
Signal Impact Fees
Funding Source
Regional State Highway Account
State Transportation Improvement Program (Regional Funds)
Local Use Sales Tax Sales Tax Fund
Transportation Impact Fees
Item 10.a. - Page 2
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF A PROJECT STATUS UPDATE, ADOPTION OF THE INITIAL
STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION, AND AUTHORIZATION TO
PREPARE AND ISSUE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR DESIGN OF THE BRISCO-
HALCYON ROAD INTERCHANGE MODIFICATIONS PROJECT
JANUARY 26, 2021
PAGE 3
The Project includes the following three components:
Roundabout Component - Construction of this component currently includes an
installation of a single lane Roundabout at West Branch and Rodeo Dr. It also
includes new northbound 101 on and off ramps, a new park and ride, relocation of
a temporary building and reconfiguration of parking at the Library/County
Government Center, five (5) retaining walls, realignment of West Branch,
realignment of Grace Lane and Rodeo Drive Intersection (not pictured below), and
reworking of Brisco from El Camino Real to West Branch. The anticipated cost for
Phase 1 as it is currently proposed is estimated at $25.9 million dollars.
Figure 1 –Installation of the Round About at West Branch and Rodeo
Sound Wall Component – This component of the Project includes the
construction of 2 sound walls at the locations depicted in the photo below. The
sound walls will range in height from 8 to 12 feet. The cost of the proposed sound
walls is estimated to be approximately $1 million dollars. Staff will complete
additional community outreach and analysis of the need for this phase of the
Project before design or construction work is proposed for this phase.
Item 10.a. - Page 3
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF A PROJECT STATUS UPDATE, ADOPTION OF THE INITIAL
STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION, AND AUTHORIZATION TO
PREPARE AND ISSUE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR DESIGN OF THE BRISCO-
HALCYON ROAD INTERCHANGE MODIFICATIONS PROJECT
JANUARY 26, 2021
PAGE 4
Figure 2 – Sound Wall Locations
Grand Avenue Southbound 101 on/off ramp Component - This component of
the Project includes the realignment of the southbound 101 off ramp and
modifications to Grand Avenue and southbound 101 on ramp. Costs for this
portion of the Project are estimated to be $1.6 million dollars. Staff is currently
working on a Circulation Element Update, which will identify this component as a
future CIP project and look at developing future impact fees to assist in paying for
this component.
Figure 3 –Highway 101 South Bound On Ramp at Grand Avenue
Item 10.a. - Page 4
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF A PROJECT STATUS UPDATE, ADOPTION OF THE INITIAL
STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION, AND AUTHORIZATION TO
PREPARE AND ISSUE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR DESIGN OF THE BRISCO-
HALCYON ROAD INTERCHANGE MODIFICATIONS PROJECT
JANUARY 26, 2021
PAGE 5
In December 2011, the SLOCOG Board adopted the 2012 Regional Transportation
Improvement Program (RTIP), which programmed $5,624,000 in State Transportation
Improvement Program – Regional Improvement Program (STIP-RIP) funding for the
construction of the Project. The California Transportation Commission (CTC) adopted the
funding recommendations of the 2012 RTIP in March 2012 as part of the 2012 State
Transportation Improvement Program. In December 2013, the SLOCOG Board adopted
the 2014 RTIP, which increased the STIP-RIP funding for this Project by $1,000,000 for
a total of $6,624,000. The funding recommendations of the 2014 RTIP were adopted by
the CTC in February 2014 as part of the 2014 STIP. The funding for this Project was
reaffirmed through subsequent RTIP and STIP cycles in 2016 and 2018. Subject to the
condition that a Council-approved financing plan identifying this Project as fully funded
(design and construction) be received by SLOCOG by September 23, 2019. City staff
prepared and submitted a financing plan to SLOCOG in September 2019 and SLOCOG
recommended that existing funding levels for this Project be maintained in the 2020
Regional Transportation Improvement Program (RTIP).
Since the Council recommendation in March 2019, City staff, the City’s consultant, Wood
Rodgers, and Caltrans have completed several rounds of review and revisions to the
Project environmental documents (including the IS/MND required by CEQA and an
Environmental Assessment required by the National Environmental Quality Act (NEPA)),
Development Design Standards (previously Design Exceptions), and, Final Project
Report (Attachment 5). This process was lengthy and required significant coordination by
the Project Design Team, including City staff and the City’s consultant, Wood Rodgers.
At this time, Caltrans has approved the Development Design Standards and the Final
Project report has been submitted to Caltrans for final review and approval. Caltrans’
approval of the Final Project Report will complete the Project Approval and Environmental
Determination (PA&ED) phase of the Project. Council adoption of the MND is needed to
complete this phase.
In addition, the City must complete the PA&ED phase and move forward with the Plans,
Specifications and Estimate (PS&E) phase of the Project to ensure that the $6.6 million
in State Transportation Improvement Funds allocated by SLOCOG will remain available
to the City. Providing authorization to staff to prepare and issue the RFP for design of the
roundabout component will move the Project to the PS&E phase.
ANALYSIS OF ISSUES:
Ongoing Need for the Project
The purpose of the Project is to maximize the efficiency of the existing State and local
roadway systems to better serve the needs of commuter traffic within the City. Therefore,
the purpose of the Project is also to correct ramp and mainline operations on US 101 at
the US 101/Brisco-Halcyon Road interchange to improve traffic flow and enhance safety
for the local and interregional movement of people and goods. While the purpose and
need for the Project remains unchanged, more recent traffic studies continue to support
Item 10.a. - Page 5
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF A PROJECT STATUS UPDATE, ADOPTION OF THE INITIAL
STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION, AND AUTHORIZATION TO
PREPARE AND ISSUE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR DESIGN OF THE BRISCO-
HALCYON ROAD INTERCHANGE MODIFICATIONS PROJECT
JANUARY 26, 2021
PAGE 6
the findings of the original traffic study.
A Traffic Forecasting and Operational Analysis for the Project was completed in
September 2012 under existing conditions (2015) and Future Design Year Conditions
(2035) to evaluate potential level of service needs, deficiencies, and requirements. The
Analysis considered intersection operations, mainline freeway and ramp junction
operations, freeway weaving, local road queuing, and safety. Although some of the
intersections were currently operating within acceptable limits, Level of Service (LOS) C
or above, at the time of the report, the projections showed that several of the intersections
would operate at a level D or below by 2035. These intersections included West
Branch/Camino Mercado/NB US 101, Brisco Road/ El Camino Real, Brisco Road/NB US
101, Grand Avenue/SB US 101, and Grand Avenue/West Branch. The level of service
at the ramp intersections of the Brisco Road and Halcyon Road interchanges are forecast
to deteriorate to unacceptable levels by year 2020. Queues that exceeded available
storage were seen at the Brisco Road/El Camino Real, Brisco Road/NB US101 Ramps
and Grand Avenue/SB 101 Ramps. The close spacing of these intersections and the
confined width of Brisco Road under the freeway undercrossing structure render it
impractical to provide additional storage to remedy the queueing problems. In addition,
the US 101 southbound off ramp to Brisco Road and the US 101 northbound off-ramp to
Camino Mercado showed a “Total” actual collision rates that exceeded their respective
Statewide averages during the three-year period between 4/1/2012 and3/31/2015.
Since 2012, additional traffic studies have been completed for projects in and around the
City supporting the conclusions of the 2012 Analysis. These studies are as follow:
Brisco Road US 101 NB Ramps Closure Traffic Analysis (2016). This study was
completed to evaluate the redistribution of traffic due to an extended closure of the
Brisco Road US 101 NB on- and off-Ramps. The temporary closure of the US 101
Northbound ramps at Brisco Road had resulted in a significant increase in delay in
the AM peak hour at the W. Branch Street/E. Grand Avenue intersection, currently
operating at LOS F. In addition, the closure reduced the level of service at the W.
Branch Street/US 101 NB ramps/Camino Mercado intersection from LOS B to LOS
D in the PM peak hour.
El Campo Road/South County Freeway Conversion - Traffic Displacement
Assessment (March 2019). This study shows the level of service for Brisco
Road/US 101 ramps and the Brisco/El Camino Real intersection will have LOS of
D and E at build-out year 2035. The assessment also concluded that queuing
lengths will significantly exceed available queuing pockets, impacting adjacent
intersections
Circulation Element update (In Process). The City is currently preparing an update
to its Circulation Element and, as part of that process, 2019 traffic data was
compiled to prepare an assessment of the City’s existing circulation infrastructure.
This assessment continues to list the current level of service for the Highway 101
Item 10.a. - Page 6
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF A PROJECT STATUS UPDATE, ADOPTION OF THE INITIAL
STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION, AND AUTHORIZATION TO
PREPARE AND ISSUE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR DESIGN OF THE BRISCO-
HALCYON ROAD INTERCHANGE MODIFICATIONS PROJECT
JANUARY 26, 2021
PAGE 7
northbound on and off ramps at Brisco at an LOS “D” with delays approaching 1
minute. It is anticipated that service levels will continue to decline as growth rates
continue to increase, taking the LOS down further to an E or F. These delays will
continue to cause people to find alternate routes and potentially impact other
roadways and intersections.
Systemic Safety Analysis Report (SSAR) (In Process, 2019 data). This report is
nearing completion, and, using 2019 traffic data, ranks the Brisco/West Branch
intersection as the City’s third worst intersection for crash rates. The West Branch
Road Segment from Brisco to East Branch is the fourth worst crash rate for road
segments in the City.
As of July 1, 2020, SB 743 went into effect amending CEQA Guidelines for measuring a
project’s transportation impacts. Under these new guidelines, automobile delay,
traditionally measured as level of service (LOS), will no longer be considered an
environmental impact under CEQA. Instead, lead agencies are required to measure
transportation impacts in terms of Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT). While LOS or other
measures of roadway congestion are no longer accepted as CEQA metrics for
transportation analysis, local agencies may continue to require LOS analysis as a local
requirement for evaluating a project’s consistency with their general plans. Staff
recommended that the City continue to apply LOS analysis thresholds, as established in
the City’s General Plan, Circulation Element, and Traffic Impact Analysis Report (TIAR)
Guidelines, to support an evaluation and determination of a project’s consistency with the
City’s General Plan, and this approach was incorporated into the City’s adopted VMT
Thresholds of Significance policy (Resolution No. 5030). While projects might no longer
create significant impacts to transportation for CEQA purposes even if they increase
congestion at certain infrastructure improvements, LOS remains relevant under the City’s
General Plan and measures impacts to the City’s infrastructure, safety, and experience
of congestion. Project-level LOS analysis will be required consistent with the City’s TIAR
Guidelines, which require focused traffic analysis for development projects that generate
projected trips during any peak hour equal to or greater than 20 trips during either the
weekday AM or PM peak hour, or the weekend peak hour. As described above, recent
studies continue to indicate that LOS at the areas addressed by the Project are at
unacceptable levels and are likely to continue to decline. Traffic analyses prepared for
future land use projects are likely to identify problems at these intersections, raising
potential General Plan inconsistencies if no project is available to remedy the problems.
Funding Plan and Considerations
In September 2019, Staff prepared and submitted a financing plan to SLOCOG identifying
the available funding sources for the Project (Attachment 6). Because the Project not
only addresses solutions to Arroyo Grande’s street network deficiencies but also
addresses ongoing regional impacts to this network, the funding for this Project has
multiple revenue participants. The table below indicates funding currently available to the
Item 10.a. - Page 7
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF A PROJECT STATUS UPDATE, ADOPTION OF THE INITIAL
STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION, AND AUTHORIZATION TO
PREPARE AND ISSUE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR DESIGN OF THE BRISCO-
HALCYON ROAD INTERCHANGE MODIFICATIONS PROJECT
JANUARY 26, 2021
PAGE 8
Project:
Table 2
As indicated in Table 2, a portion of the funding for the Project is planned to come from
Local Sales Tax revenue. In November 2006, the voters of Arroyo Grande approved
Measure O-06, which established a half-cent local sales tax to meet City needs identified
in the City’s Long Range Financial Plan. Information regarding Measure O-06 identified
a number of Transportation Improvements anticipated to be funded using revenue from
the measure. The list of improvements included the Brisco – Halcyon/Highway 101
Interchange and E. Grand Avenue/W. Branch Street Intersection, indicating an annual
debt service of $400,000 per year for 20 years. Although the revenue received from this
sales tax measure would be deposited in the City’s General Fund and could be used for
any purpose, the voters also participated in advisory votes to voice their opinions
regarding the use of revenue from the proposed new sales tax on specific items. One of
the advisory measures was specific to the Project and asked the voters whether a portion
of the Measure O-06 funds should be used to fund the Project. 70.46% (4,810) of voters
responded “yes” and 29.54% (2,017) of voters responded “no.” The City allocates
revenue from Measure O-06 and statewide sales tax each year to specific infrastructure
projects identified in the City’s CIP. Table 2 identifies the sales tax revenue allocated to
the Project since, including Local Sales Tax revenue from Measure O-06.
In addition to sales tax revenue, the Project is anticipated to be funded in part by
Transportation Impact Fees and Signal Impact Fees. These fees are collected from new
development to offset their projects’ contribution to impacts at the Project intersections.
To date, $2 million of Transportation Impact Fees have been allocated to the Project and
it is anticipated that $959,183 in Signal Impact Fees will be allocated to the Project in
future CIP budgets.
To date, $9,104,000 has been set aside to fund completion of the Project, as indicated in
Table 2 above. Another $1,659,183 is allocated for this Project in the current CIP budget
in future fiscal years. The remainder of the funds is anticipated to come from debt
financing.
Current Future Totals
30,000$ 30,000.00$
6,624,000$ 6,624,000.00$
450,000$ 700,000.00$ 1,150,000.00$
2,000,000$ 2,000,000.00$
959,183$ 959,183.00$
9,104,000$ 1,659,183.00$ 10,763,183.00$
Regional State Highway Account
State Transportation Improvement Program (Regional Funds)
Local Use Sales Tax Sales Tax Fund
Funding Source
Transportation Impact Fees
Subtotal
Signal Impact Fees
Item 10.a. - Page 8
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF A PROJECT STATUS UPDATE, ADOPTION OF THE INITIAL
STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION, AND AUTHORIZATION TO
PREPARE AND ISSUE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR DESIGN OF THE BRISCO-
HALCYON ROAD INTERCHANGE MODIFICATIONS PROJECT
JANUARY 26, 2021
PAGE 9
Phasing Plan Roundabout Component and Estimated Cost
As the Project moves into the PS&E Phase, staff will look for opportunities to achieve the
Project goals in the most affordable manner possible. To assist in reducing overall project
construction costs, staff is recommending the Project be considered in three components.
The three phases proposed are as follows:
Roundabout
Sound Walls
Grand Avenue SB ramps
The Sound Wall and Grand Avenue SB ramp components are currently shown as
separate from the Roundabout Component in the Final Project Report under review by
Caltrans and are proposed to be designed and constructed independently at a later date
when future funding becomes available. For this reason, Staff is recommending moving
forward with the Roundabout Component only and will focus the rest of this staff report
on this component discussion.
In moving into design of the Roundabout Component, the design team will be given an
opportunity to value engineer the Project and to determine if some of the components of
the Roundabout Component can be designed or deferred to further reduce the cost of the
initial construction. This will include evaluation of the proposed components to see if they
can be removed, reduced, or deferred, thereby reducing the initial project costs. For
instance, the 5 retaining walls currently included in the Roundabout Component are
estimated to cost over $6 million dollars. If these walls were reduced or removed, the
cost of construction would be significantly reduced. Another Roundabout Component that
may be value-engineered is the renaming of a portion of Rodeo Drive and realignment of
Rodeo Drive and Grace Lane, which is estimated to cost approximately $2 million dollars.
This Project component was requested by some of the residents in the area, but the need
has not been substantiated through modeling runs of traffic flows. These are just two
examples of the types of analysis that will occur during design of the Roundabout
Component, which may result in significant cost savings to the overall Project.
Table 3
Component Cost
Roundabout 25,900,000$
Retaining Walls (3,075,000)$
Rodeo/Grace Realign (2,000,000)$
Right of Way (2,000,000)$
Park and Ride (1,000,000)$
Total 17,825,000$
Item 10.a. - Page 9
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF A PROJECT STATUS UPDATE, ADOPTION OF THE INITIAL
STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION, AND AUTHORIZATION TO
PREPARE AND ISSUE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR DESIGN OF THE BRISCO-
HALCYON ROAD INTERCHANGE MODIFICATIONS PROJECT
JANUARY 26, 2021
PAGE 10
During the Council Project update in March 2019, staff provided estimated construction
costs for the roundabout component to be approximately $19,600,000. With the
finalization of the Project Report, it was determined that these costs should be updated
based on changes in construction costs between 2105 and 2020. The roundabout
component is now estimated to cost $25,900,000. Through value-engineering and final
design, staff will work to reduce construction costs to a number closer to the available
funds as shown in Table 2.
Staff is recommending that Council authorize the issuance of an RFP for design work that
is limited to the Roundabout Component, which will allow further refinement of the various
facilities and a final cost of construction.
Next Steps:
The following steps will need to be completed in order to complete the PA&ED phase and
move forward with the PS&E phase:
Comments on the Final Project report are received.
Comments are addressed and an updated Project report submitted to Caltrans
with the City adopted IS/MND.
Project Report is approved by Caltrans.
Final Project Report is routed for signature. (PA&ED Phase completed)
PS&E Phase begins – Staff prepares and issues RFP for design of the
Roundabout Component
Award of PS&E Contract for the Roundabout Component (Design Begins)
ALTERNATIVES:
The following alternatives are provided for the Council's consideration:
1. Adopt a Resolution adopting the MND and authorizing staff to prepare and issue
an RFP for design for Phase 1 of the Project;
2. Adopt a Resolution adopting the MND and authorizing staff to prepare and issue
an RFP for design for more than Phase 1 the Project, as directed by Council;
3. Adopt a Resolution adopting the MND but do not authorize staff to prepare and
issue an RFP for design;
4. Do not adopt the Resolution and request further information; or
5. Provide direction to staff.
ADVANTAGES:
Adopting the IS/MND for the Brisco-Halcyon Road Interchange Modifications Project will
allow staff to complete the PA&ED phase and move into the design phase for the Brisco-
Halcyon Road Interchange Project. Moving into the PS&E phase will allow the City to
continue securing the $6.6 million of State funds allocated by SLOCOG for the Project.
Item 10.a. - Page 10
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF A PROJECT STATUS UPDATE, ADOPTION OF THE INITIAL
STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION, AND AUTHORIZATION TO
PREPARE AND ISSUE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR DESIGN OF THE BRISCO-
HALCYON ROAD INTERCHANGE MODIFICATIONS PROJECT
JANUARY 26, 2021
PAGE 11
DISADVANTAGES:
Delaying approval of the MND and authorization to issue an RFP for design work will
jeopardize programmed funding of State Transportation Improvement Funding of $6.6
million that has been secured for construction of the Project. Direction to cancel further
work toward the Project may impact further funding opportunities in the future and may
strain relationships with Caltrans and SLOCOG on future projects.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
This Project is subject to both the CEQA and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
The City is lead agency for the CEQA review and prepared the IS/MND. Caltrans is the
lead agency for the NEPA review and the Environmental Assessment with findings of no
significant impact has been prepared. The IS/MND was prepared by SWCA under
contract with Wood Rodgers and reviewed by both the City and Caltrans. Both
documents were circulated for a 30-day public comment period, during which a public
workshop was held on April 26, 2018. The draft IS/MND was updated to incorporate
public comment and identify the preferred Alternative 4C per Council recommendation
and the Project Design Team approval, and was again reviewed and approved by
Caltrans and City staff. The IS/MND has been prepared in accordance with the CEQA,
Public Resources Code §21000 et seq., and the State CEQA Guidelines, California Code
of Regulations (CCR) §15000 et seq. The IS/MND is now proposed for adoption with the
recommended action on this item.
The IS/MND has identified 8 areas of potential impact that require mitigation measures:
agricultural resources, air quality, biological resources, cultural resources, hazard and
hazardous materials, hydrology and water quality, Land Use, Public Services, and
Transportation/Traffic. The MND includes analyses of each potential impact, proposed
mitigation measures, and required monitoring plans.
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
Attachments:
1. Proposed Resolution
2. Exhibit A to the Resolution - Initial Study /Mitigated Negative Declaration
3. Background Summary
4. Staff Report from the March 26, 2019 Council meeting regarding selection of a preferred
alternative
5. Brisco Road-Halcyon Road Final Project Report (distributed to Council under separate cover
and available on the City website for public review)
6. Financing Plan Submitted to SLOCOG 9-27-2019
Item 10.a. - Page 11
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARROYO
GRANDE ADOPTING THE INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE
DECLARATION FOR THE BRISCO-HALCYON ROAD INTERCHANGE
MODIFICATIONS PROJECT AND AUTHORIZATION TO ISSUE A
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR DESIGN WORK
WHEREAS, in January 2005, the Council approved a Consultant Services Agreement
with Wood Rodgers to prepare the required Final Project Report and supporting
environmental documents for several alternatives for the Brisco-Halcyon Road
Interchange Modifications Project (“Project”); and
WHEREAS, on March 10, 2015, the Council selected two alternatives with which to
proceed for completion of the draft environmental study for the Project; and
WHEREAS, on April 26, 2018, a public workshop was held for review and comments of
the draft environmental documents; and
WHEREAS, on March 26, 2019, the Council received a status update for the Project and
after a lengthy deliberation recommended Alternative 4C as the preferred alternative for
the Project; and
WHEREAS, planning for the Project has progressed to the point that the City intends to
issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for design work; and
WHEREAS, the Council has reviewed the Initial Study-Mitigated Negative Declaration
(IS-MND) for 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, which supports the issuance of an RFP for design work; and
WHEREAS, based upon all evidence in the record before it, the City Council hereby
adopts the following CEQA Findings in support of the Project:
1. The Initial Study-Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS-MND) was prepared and
circulated for public review in accordance with the California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA) and the State CEQA Guidelines, reflects the lead agency’s
independent judgment and analysis, and adequately addresses potential
environmental impacts associated with the proposed Project; and
2. There is no substantial evidence that the Project will have a significant effect on
the environment as mitigated in accordance with the measures identified in the IS-
MND; and
3. All potentially significant environmental effects were analyzed adequately in the
referenced IS-MND, subject to the mitigation measures identified in the IS-MND
being incorporated into the Project and subject to the mitigation monitoring
program identified in the IS-MND, which are hereby incorporated herein in their
entirety.
ATTACHMENT 1
Item 10.a. - Page 12
RESOLUTION NO.
PAGE 2
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
attached hereto, with the above findings and subject to the mitigation measures included
in the Mitigated Negative Declaration.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Arroyo Grande hereby
authorizes the issuance of an RFP for design work for the Project.
On motion of Council Member , seconded by Council Member , and
on the following roll call vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
the foregoing Resolution was passed and adopted this 26th day of January, 2021.
Item 10.a. - Page 13
RESOLUTION NO.
PAGE 3
CAREN RAY RUSSOM, MAYOR
ATTEST:
_____
ANNAMARIE PORTER, INTERIM CITY CLERK
APPROVED AS TO CONTENT:
WHITNEY McDONALD, CITY MANAGER
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
TIMOTHY J. CARMEL, CITY ATTORNEY
Item 10.a. - Page 14
INITIAL STUDY/ PROPOSED
MITIGATED NEGATIVE
DECLARATION
Brisco-Halcyon Road Interchange Modifications Project
City of Arroyo Grande, County of San Luis Obispo, California
05-SLO-101-PM 13.1/14.6; EA 05-0A370
Project ID 0500000008
September January 2020February 2018
ATTACHMENT 2
EXHIBIT A
Item 10.a. - Page 15
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INITIAL STUDY / MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION September January 2020February 20198
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Project: Brisco-Halcyon Road Interchange Modifications Project
Lead Agency: The City of Arroyo Grande (City) is the lead agency under the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is the
federal lead agency under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). A separate
NEPA compliance document has been prepared and is circulating concurrently with this
IS/MND.
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
• California Department of Transportation, District 5
50 Higuera Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
• http://www.arroyogrande.org/
• http://www.dot.ca.gov/d5
Project Description:
Operational deficiencies at the northbound US 101 on- and off-ramps at Brisco Road, and nearby
intersections, currently cause severe congestion at the Brisco Road undercrossing, resulting in queue
spillover onto adjacent roadways, particularly West Branch Street. The purpose of the proposed Brisco-
Halcyon Road Interchange Modifications Project is to provide congestion relief, alleviate queuing, and
improve the traffic operations of the regional and local street system in the vicinity of US 101. The purpose
is also to continue to accommodate access to existing and planned local development along West Branch
Street and El Camino Real in the City. To achieve this stated purpose, the project should seek to provide
direct access from US 101 to and from the commercial, governmental and recreational facilities along
West Branch Street and El Camino Real and to reduce congestion and queuing at the Brisco Road
undercrossing intersections and along Grand Avenue. The project would be designed such that it would
not preclude the ultimate widening of US 101 or future improvements at any of the affected intersections
within the project area.
The City of Arroyo Grande, in coordination with Caltrans, proposes modifications and improvements to
the US 101 interchanges at Brisco-Halcyon Road, Grand Avenue, and/or Camino Mercado in the City of
Arroyo Grande. The City and Caltrans have discussed numerous project design alternatives over the last
decade, many of which were determined to be infeasible due to geographical limitations or traffic
conditions. Alternative 1 and Alternative 4C, described in more detail below, have been carried forward
for a review that is more detailed.
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Alternative 1 proposes closure of the northbound US 101 on- and off-ramps at Brisco Road and
modifications to the adjacent interchanges at Grand Avenue and Camino Mercado. Alternative 4C
proposes closure of the on- and off-ramps at Brisco Road and modifications to the Grand Avenue
interchange, and also proposes construction of new US 101 northbound on- and off-ramps and a new US
101 ramps/Grace Lane/West Branch Street intersection at an immediately adjacent location to replace
the ramps being removed at Brisco Road. The new intersection of the new on- and off-ramps and the local
road system would consist of a single lane roundabout. The project would also include the installation of
soundwalls on the southbound side of US 101 between the Oak Park Boulevard interchange and
Stonecrest Drive and between the Halcyon Road on-ramp and the Grand Avenue off-ramp.
On March 26, 2019, after the close of the 30-day public comment period for the Draft Initial Study and
Proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND), the City Council selected Alternative 4C as the Locally
Preferred Alternative. With this selection, the City Council also voted to phase/postponedefer certain
improvements until additional funding is available. Project components to be phased to a later date were
determined to have independent utility and not necessary to meet the project’s purpose and need, and
include: (1) the physical improvements to the US 101/East Grand Avenue interchange; and (2) the
soundwalls along the southbound side of US 101. The physical improvements to the US 101/Grand Avenue
interchange, including the realignment of the US 101 southbound ramps to form a four-legged
intersection, would be postponed to a later date deferred until additional funding can be secured.
Although the physical improvements would be postponeddeferred, signal timing improvements would be
implemented during the initial project phase to improve operational efficiency at the interchange. The
construction of the soundwalls on the southbound side of US 101 would also be phased until additional
funding is available. All project components are anticipated to be completed by the design year (2035).
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.
______________________________________ September 21, 2020
Prepared by: Emily Creel, JD Date
SWCA Environmental Consultants, Environmental Planner
______________________________________
Reviewed by: Whitney McDonald Date
Community Development Director
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Table of Contents:
1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 7
Introduction and Regulatory Guidance .................................................................................................. 7
Lead Agency ............................................................................................................................................ 7
Agency Roles........................................................................................................................................... 7
Environmental Compliance Documentation .......................................................................................... 7
Purpose and Document Organization .................................................................................................... 8
Summary of Findings .............................................................................................................................. 8
2. Project Description ................................................................................................................................. 9
Project Location ...................................................................................................................................... 9
Project Background and Purpose ........................................................................................................... 9
Project Description ............................................................................................................................... 12
Other Required Public Agency Approvals ............................................................................................ 22
Related Projects .................................................................................................................................... 22
3. Environmental Checklist ....................................................................................................................... 23
Project Information .............................................................................................................................. 23
Environmental Factors Potentially Affected ........................................................................................ 24
Determination ...................................................................................................................................... 24
Evaluation of Environmental Impacts .................................................................................................. 25
4. Environmental Issues ........................................................................................................................... 26
I. Aesthetics .......................................................................................................................................... 26
II. Agriculture and Forestry Resources ................................................................................................. 28
III. Air Quality ........................................................................................................................................ 34
IV. Biological Resources ........................................................................................................................ 39
V. Cultural Resources ............................................................................................................................ 48
VI. Geology and Soils ............................................................................................................................ 53
VII. Greenhouse Gas Emissions & Energy ............................................................................................. 55
VIII. Hazards, Hazardous Materials, & Wildfire .................................................................................... 58
IX Hydrology and Water Quality ........................................................................................................... 65
X. Land Use and Planning ..................................................................................................................... 72
XI. Mineral Resources ........................................................................................................................... 82
XII. Noise ............................................................................................................................................... 82
XIII. Population and Housing ................................................................................................................ 86
XIV. Public Services ............................................................................................................................... 88
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XV. Recreation ...................................................................................................................................... 92
XVI. Transportation/Traffic ................................................................................................................... 93
XVII. Utilities and Service Systems ........................................................................................................ 98
5. Mandatory Findings of Significance ................................................................................................... 100
6. Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program ................................................................................. 102
7. References .......................................................................................................................................... 148
Appendices:
Appendix A. Farmland Conversion Impact Rating Form NRCS-CPA-106 and Land Evaluation and Site
Assessment (LESA) Worksheets
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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 Brisco-Halcyon Road
Interchange Modifications 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 (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 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, a Mitigated Negative Declaration may be prepared instead of an EIR (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 CEQA Guidelines §15071.
Lead Agency
The lead agency is the public agency with primary approval authority over the proposed project. In
accordance with 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 for compliance with CEQA and
Caltrans is the lead agency for compliance with NEPA (a separate NEPA document has been prepared and
is being separately circulated, as discussed below). The contact person for the CEQA lead agency is:
Whitney McDonaldBill RobesonTeresa McClish, AICP
Acting Community Development Director
City of Arroyo Grande
300 E. Branch Street
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
T: (805) 473-54206620
E: wmcdonaldbrobeson@arroyogrande.org
tmcclish@arroyogrande.org
Agency Roles
The City of Arroyo Grande has taken on the role of implementing all phases of this project and therefore
is managing the scope, cost, and schedule of each project component. The California Department of
Transportation (Caltrans) as the owners and operators of the highway facility must review and authorize
all proposed modifications.
Environmental Compliance Documentation
Separate environmental documents have been prepared: this Initial Study with Proposed Mitigated
Negative Declaration that complies with CEQA and state environmental laws, and an Environmental
Assessment (EA) that complies with NEPA and other federal environmental laws.
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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.
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
Section 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 CEQA Guidelines, a Mitigated Negative Declaration 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 a Mitigated Negative Declaration be adopted in accordance with the CEQA Guidelines.
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2. Project Description
Project Location
The proposed project extends along an approximately 1.5-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 101 (US 101) in
the city of Arroyo Grande. The project corridor begins just north of Arroyo Grande Creek (near the Grand
Avenue overpass) and extends northwest toward the City of Pismo Beach. It includes the northbound US
101 intersections at Grand Avenue, Brisco Road, and Camino Mercado (refer to Figures 1 and 2).
The city of Arroyo Grande is situated in southwestern San Luis Obispo County, in the Arroyo Grande Valley,
approximately 15 miles south of the city of San Luis Obispo and 10 miles north of the Santa Barbara County
line.
Project Background and Purpose
Operational deficiencies at the northbound US 101 on- and off-ramp/Brisco Road intersection, and nearby
intersections, currently cause severe congestion at the Brisco Road undercrossing, resulting in queue
spillover onto adjacent roadways. The purpose of the project is to provide congestion relief, alleviate
queuing, and improve the traffic operations of the regional and local street system in the vicinity of US
101 in the city. The purpose is also to continue to accommodate access to existing and planned local
development.
The project is needed to correct existing operational deficiencies in the project area. Increasing traffic
demand due to increasing development in and around the city, lack of alternative routes, limited freeway
crossing opportunities, and non-standard existing roadway geometrics combine to cause escalating
congestion and safety concerns within the project area. The levels of service at the northbound and
southbound ramp intersections of the Brisco-Halcyon Road interchange are forecast to deteriorate to
unacceptable levels by year 2020.
Existing interchange and ramp spacing along US 101 in the project area do not meet current standards.
Ramp closures and associated improvements to adjacent interchanges have been evaluated as a means
of improving traffic operations. The project is needed to maximize the efficiency of the existing State and
local roadway systems to better serve the needs of commuter traffic within the city.
To achieve the project purpose to an adequate degree this project should:
• Provide direct access from US 101 to and from the commercial, governmental, and recreational
facilities along West Branch Street;
• Reduce congestion and queuing at the Brisco-Halcyon Road interchange and along East Grand
Avenue; and,
• Correct ramp and mainline operation on US 101 at the Brisco-Halcyon Road interchange.
The City of Arroyo Grande (City), in conjunction with the California Department of Transportation
(Caltrans), proposes modifications and improvements to the US 101 intersections at Brisco-Halcyon Road,
Grand Avenue, and/or Camino Mercado in the City of Arroyo Grande. Numerous design alternatives have
been discussed over the last decade, many of which were determined to be infeasible due to traffic issues
or geographical limitations. Alternative 1 and Alternative 4C, described in more detail below, are now
being carried forward for more detailed review. On March 26, 2019, the City Council selected Alternative
4C as the Locally Preferred Alternative.
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Figure 1. Project Vicinity Map
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Figure 2. Project Location Map
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Alternative 1 proposes closure of the northbound US 101 on- and off-ramps at Brisco Road and
modifications to the adjacent interchanges at Grand Avenue and Camino Mercado. Alternative 4C
proposes closure of the on- and off-ramps at Brisco Road and modifications to the Grand Avenue
interchange, and also proposes construction of new US 101 northbound on- and off-ramps and a new US
101 ramps/Grace Lane/West Branch Street intersection at an immediately adjacent location to replace
the ramps being removed at Brisco Road. This intersection would include a single-lane roundabout.
The project has been presented before the Arroyo Grande City Council and Traffic Commission in various
meetings since 2009. The City held a public meeting in the spring of 2011 to allow community members
the opportunity to discuss and comment on the project. The meeting was publicly noticed and very well
attended, with an estimated 80 to 100 community members attending. The main concern expressed by
community members was increased traffic on Rodeo Drive (although traffic projections and modeling
indicate that no increase in traffic on Rodeo Drive would occur). The City has established a Council Sub-
Committee for the project, which meets on a periodic basis with local and regional stakeholders.
Project Description
Two build alternatives were are being considered to address the project objectives (Alternatives 1 and
4C). On March 26, 2019, after the close of the 30-day public comment period for the Draft IS/MND, the
City Council selected Alternative 4C as the Locally Preferred Alternative because it would best achieve the
project purpose to improve the traffic operations of the regional and local street system and provide
better access from US 101 to and from the commercial, governmental, and recreational facilities along
West Branch Street.
Caltrans concurs with the City of Arroyo Grande determination and has formally adopted Alternative 4C
as the Preferred Alternative. Although Alternative 4C has been identified by the City Council as the Locally
Preferred Alternative, bBoth alternatives are considered equally in this Initial Study to provide the City
decision makers with the CEQA documentation and environmental clearances necessary should they
decide to approve Alternative 1 either alternative. Ultimately, alternative selection and project approval
would be made by the Project Development Team, which includes the City, Caltrans, and their consultant
teams. Both build alternatives would require a superseding Freeway Agreement between Caltrans and
the City of Arroyo Grande.
The two build alternatives carried forward for analysis are detailed below and shown in Figures 3a, 3b,
and 3c.
Alternative 1
Alternative 1 proposes the removal of the US 101 northbound on- and off-ramps at Brisco Road and
improvements to the adjacent East Grand Avenue interchange to the south and the Camino Mercado
intersection to the north. Alternative 1 includes the following design elements, which are shown on Figure
3a:
• CThe phased cConstruction of an additional left-turn lane on the northbound off-ramp at the East
Grand Avenue/US 101 northbound ramps intersection and provision of an exclusive right-turn
lane on the westbound approach.
• RThe phased rRelocation of the US 101 southbound on-ramp at Grand Avenue to opposite the
existing US 101 southbound off-ramp approach, and associated traffic signal phasing
modifications. This would also include installation of a double 54-inch concrete pipe culvert to
carry storm water under the realigned ramp.
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• WThe phased wWidening of East Grand Avenue, including the East Grand Avenue overcrossing
through both ramp intersections, to provide 12-foot lanes, eight-foot shoulders, and six-foot
sidewalks, which would provide upgraded pedestrian and bicycle facilities. There are currently no
bicycle facilities on the Grand Avenue Overcrossing.
• RThe phased rReconstruction of the southbound US 101 pavement under the Grand Avenue
overcrossing on a lower profile to provide 15’0” vertical clearance under the bridge.
• Improvements to the northbound US 101 on-ramp/Camino Mercado/West Branch Street
intersection. These improvements include widening and restriping the northbound West Branch
Street approach to provide a second northbound left-turn lane to the US 101 northbound on-
ramp and modifying the northbound on-ramp to provide dual receiving lanes that merge to a
single lane with a 950+-foot auxiliary lane on northbound US 101. Provisions for future ramp
metering would be provided on the US 101 northbound on-ramp.
• Closure and removal of US 101 northbound on- and off-ramps at Brisco Road and removal of the
associated traffic signal equipment.
• Reconstruction of Brisco Road between El Camino Real and West Branch Street on a lower profile
to provide 15’0” vertical clearance at the Brisco Road undercrossing.
• At the Brisco Road/El Camino Real intersection, restriping to provide for one exclusive left-turn
lane and one shared through-right lane for the southbound Brisco Road undercrossing approach
to El Camino Real. With this improvement, the existing Brisco Road three-lane undercrossing
would be re-striped to accommodate two southbound lanes and one northbound lane. At the
Brisco Road/West Branch Street intersection, one left-turn lane and one shared left-right turn
pocket (at least 100 feet long) would be constructed for the northbound approach. Preliminary
operational analysis indicates that the existing three-lane undercrossing, with the above-noted
restriping modifications, would provide acceptable operating conditions at the Brisco Road
intersections with El Camino Real and West Branch Street.
• Permanent storm water treatment Best Management Practices (BMPs) would be constructed
within the City-owned portion of this alternative.
• No permanent storm water treatment BMPs would be constructed within the Caltrans-owned
portions of this alternative. Fill at the northwest quadrant of the US 101/Grand Avenue
interchange would cover part of an existing bio-strip. Hydroseed and compost would be placed to
restore the existing bio-strip.
• Slopes along the area of the northbound ramps at Brisco Road would be re-graded to blend with
adjacent slopes and revegetated with plantings similar to what is present along the freeway
fringes and interchange areas.
• The areas to both sides of the realigned southbound on-ramp at Grand Avenue would be re-
graded to blend with adjacent slopes. Revegetation would include plantings similar to what is
existing along the freeway fringes and in the interchange areas.
Any slopes or other areas along the highway or local roadways that are impacted by construction would
be re-vegetated with species similar to those that currently exist in adjacent areas.
Alternative 4C
Alternative 4C, which was selected by the City Council as the Locally Preferred Alternative, proposes
closure of the US 101 northbound on- and off-ramps at Brisco Road and construction of new northbound
on- and off-ramps and a new intersection to intersect with West Branch Street across from Grace Lane.
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This intersection would include a single-lane roundabout. Alternative 4C includes the following design
elements, which are shown on Figures 3b and 3c:
• RThe phased rRelocation of the US 101 southbound on-ramp at Grand Avenue to opposite the
existing US 101 southbound off-ramp approach, and associated traffic signal phasing
modifications. This would also include installation of a double 54-inch concrete pipe culvert to
carry storm water under the realigned ramp.
• Reconfiguration of the existing Grace Lane/Rodeo Drive intersection to provide a larger radius
curve on Grace Lane that would convert Grace Lane to a “through street” and Rodeo Drive to a
“side street.” Rodeo Drive currently acts as the “through” street and continues south/west to
connect to West Branch Street. With the proposed reconfiguration, Grace Lane would become
the “through” street and extend south/west from the intersection to West Branch Street. Rodeo
Drive would become a residential “side” street and terminate at the reconfigured Grace
Lane/Rodeo Drive intersection (refer to Figure 3). This modification would result in a street name
change from Rodeo Drive to Grace Lane between the Grace Lane/Rodeo Drive intersection and
West Branch Street. A retaining wall or cut slope would be required at the reconfigured
intersection, which would be visible from the roadway.
• Closure and removal of the US 101 northbound on- and off-ramps at Brisco Road and removal of
the associated traffic signal equipment.
• Construction of new US 101 northbound on- and off-ramps to intersect with West Branch Street
across from Grace Lane (formerly Rodeo Drive), and installation of a single-lane roundabout at
the new US 101 northbound ramps/Grace Lane/West Branch Street intersection.
• Realignment of West Branch Street to provide greater separation between the new US 101
northbound ramps/Grace Lane/West Branch Street intersection and the US 101 mainline.
Retaining walls would be required along the north side of West Branch Street and between the
Grace Lane off-ramp and West Branch Street, which would be visible from the roadway.
• Reconstruction of Grace Lane (formerly Rodeo Drive) on a new alignment and profile to intersect
West Branch Street opposite the proposed US 101 northbound on- and off-ramps at Grace Lane.
• At the Brisco Road/El Camino Real intersection, restriping to provide for one exclusive left-turn
lane and one shared through-right lane for the southbound Brisco Road undercrossing approach
to El Camino Real. With this improvement, the existing three-lane Brisco Road undercrossing
would be re-striped to accommodate two southbound lanes and one northbound lane. The
westbound El Camino Real approach would be modified to include a single left, through, and right-
turn lane.
• Reconstruction of Brisco Road between El Camino Real and West Branch Street on a lower profile
to provide 15’0” vertical clearance at the Brisco Road undercrossing.
• Construction of a new bridge adjacent to the Brisco Road undercrossing to carry the US 101
northbound on-ramp at Grace Lane onto US 101.
• Construction of auxiliary lanes between the US 101 northbound on-ramp at East Grand Avenue
and the northbound off-ramp at Grace Lane, and between the northbound on-ramp at Grace Lane
to the northbound off-ramp at Camino Mercado.
• Construction of a left-turn lane for the eastbound West Branch Street approach to the Arroyo
Grande Library/South County Regional Center driveway.
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• Directional signage at the Rodeo Drive/James Way intersection to reflect street name change to
Grace Lane.
• Relocation of a modular building and reconfiguration of parking at the Arroyo Grande
Library/South County Regional Center. The project would remove approximately 46 existing
parking spaces from the South County Regional Center and would construct a new parking lot on
the same parcel with 46 new parking spaces. Handicap parking spaces and ADA accessibility would
be provided.
• Development of a bus pull-out and pedestrian access improvements along Grace Lane (formerly
Rodeo Drive) in front of St. Patrick’s school.
• Permanent storm water treatment BMPs would be considered for implementation. This is
expected to include design pollution prevention infiltration type BMPs or bio-strips or bio-swales,
if feasible.
• Slopes along the area of the northbound ramps at Brisco Road would be re-graded to blend with
adjacent slopes and revegetated with plantings similar to what is present along the freeway
fringes and interchange areas.
• The areas to both sides of the realigned southbound on-ramp at Grand Avenue would be re-
graded to blend with the adjacent slopes. Revegetation would include plantings similar to what is
existing along the freeway fringes and in the interchange areas.
• Any slopes or other areas along the highway or local roadways that are impacted by construction
would be re-vegetated with species similar to those that currently exist in adjacent areas.
• CThe phased cConstruction of soundwalls on the southbound side of US 101 between the Oak
Park Boulevard Interchange and Stonecrest Drive and between the Halcyon Road on-ramp and
the Grand Avenue off-ramp. The soundwalls would be constructed at the existing Caltrans right
of way boundary and would not preclude the ultimate six-lane configuration of US 101.
Although not needed to meet the project purpose and need, Alternative 4C would also provide additional
improvements to increase alternative transportation facilities in the City.
• A Park-and-Ride lot with landscaping would be constructed on the City-owned lot between the
proposed US 101 northbound ramps/Grace Lane/West Branch Street intersection and St. Patrick’s
school. The Park and Ride Lot would include approximately 22-26 spaces and is expected to serve
workers commuting to north San Luis Obispo County, Diablo Canyon Power Plant, San Luis Obispo,
and Santa Maria. The bus stop would continue to be located on Grace Lane, not inside the Park
and Ride Lot.
The Park and Ride Lot opportunity evolved during preliminary design for Alternative 4C in response to
public comment received during stakeholder outreach efforts during its development, including those
with San Luis Obispo County, SLOCOG, and St. Patrick’s School. The Park and Ride Lot was included in
Alternative 4C when it was identified that Rodeo Drive would be realigned eastward at the area adjacent
to the City-owned vacant lot, along with other access revisions included for the County-owned property
east of the proposed roundabout and St. Patrick’s property to the west. Additionally, SLOCOG has
commented that a Park and Ride Lot located at this location is desired to work with the existing lot located
at the southbound ramps at Halcyon.
This location was included in the San Luis Obispo County Highway 101 Bus Rapid Transit Applications Study
(SLOCOG 2013) as a potential location for a Park and Ride Lot and SLOCOG has indicated strong support
for the Park and Ride Lot component under Alternative 4C. It is not anticipated that removal of the Park
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and Ride Lot would substantially reduce costs of Alternative 4C, due to the remaining need for and extent
of construction in the vicinity to realign Rodeo Drive and property access drives.
Project Phasing
The estimated cost of both alternatives exceeds the funds currently programmed for the project. On
March 26, 2019, the City Council selected Alternative 4C as the Locally Preferred Alternative. The City
Council also voted to phase/defer certain improvements until additional funding is available. An
Independent Utility Technical Memorandum was prepared (Wood Rodgers 2019), which determined that
the project would successfully meet the stated purpose and need even if the components identified for
later phases were not constructed during the initial phase.
The initial construction phase would include all improvements described above, except the physical
improvements to the US 101/East Grand Avenue interchange proposed under both alternatives, and the
soundwalls proposed along southbound US 101. All project improvements are anticipated to be fully
implemented by the design year (2035).
Under both alternatives, the physical improvements to the US 101/Grand Avenue interchange, including
the realignment of the US 101 southbound ramps to form a four-legged intersection, would be
phased/postponed to a later date deferred until additional funding is available. Although the physical
improvements would be postponeddeferred, signal timing improvements would be implemented during
initial project construction to improve operational efficiency at the interchange in the interim period
before the physical improvements can also be completed. Construction of the soundwalls along
southbound US 101 would also be phased to a later date deferred until additional funding is available.
Surface Disturbance
The project would result in a maximum disturbance of approximately 13.75 acres and up to 1.71 acres of
new impervious surface area. Estimated areas of soil disturbance and new impervious surface areas
under each design alternative are shown in Table 1, below.
Table 1. Soil Disturbance and Impervious Surface Areas
Design Alternative Disturbed Soil Area (acres) New Impervious Surface Area (acres)
Alternative 1 5.47 1.04
Alternative 4C 13.75 1.71
Source: Caltrans Draft Appendix E Long Form Storm Water Data Report (Wood Rodgers 2016)
Construction Access and Staging
Construction access would be facilitated along existing roadways within the project area, with traffic
controls implemented as appropriate. All staging is currently proposed to take place within existing right-
of-way areas or on adjacent publicly-owned parcels.
Construction is expected to last between 160 and 200 working days, or approximately 9 months for
Alternative 1 and 12 months for Alternative 4C and spanning one rainy season.
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Figure 3a. Alternative 1
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Figure 3b. Alternative 4C
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Figure 3c. Alternative 4C Detail
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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/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 2. Agency Permits/Authorizations
Responsible Agency Applicable Permit or Authorization
City of Arroyo Grande CEQA Lead Agency Environmental Clearance/Adoption
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)
Encroachment Permit
Compliance with NEPA
Superseding Freeway Agreement
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Section 7 Programmatic Biological Opinion for
California red-legged frog
State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB)/
Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB)
Clean Water Act §401 Water Quality Certification
Construction General Permit
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Clean Water Act §404 Nationwide 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
Permits in the event hydrocarbon contaminated soil is
encountered during construction, 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: Brisco-Halcyon Road Interchange Modifications
Project
Lead Agency Name & Address: City of Arroyo Grande
300 East Brach Street
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
Contact Person & Telephone Number: Whitney McDonaldBill RobesonTeresa McClish,
Acting Community Development Director
(805) 473-54206620
Project Location: US 101, postmile 13.1 to 14.6, Arroyo Grande,
California
Project Sponsor Names & Addresses: City of Arroyo Grande
300 East Brach Street
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
General Plan Designation: Multiple
Zoning: Multiple
Description of Project: Modifications to northbound US 101 ramp
intersections at Brisco Road, Grand Avenue, and/or
Camino Mercado, and adjacent roadway
improvements
Surrounding Land Uses & Setting: Regional commercial, retail, and community
facilities adjacent to US 101.
Approval Required from Other Public Agencies: Caltrans, SWRCB/RWQCB, USFWS, 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 &
Energy
Hazards &, Hazardous
Materials, & Wildfire
Hydrology/Water Quality
Land Use/Planning Mineral Resources Noise
Population/Housing Public Services Recreation
Transportation/Traffic 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.
______________________________________ September 21, 2020
Whitney McDonaldBill RobesonTeresa McClish, AICP Date
Acting 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
Southern San Luis Obispo County is characterized by both urban built environments and open space areas
that maintain a rural identity between communities and seek to prevent urban sprawl (i.e., “community
separators”). The project area encompasses a disturbed urbanized landscape within the City of Arroyo
Grande on rolling terrain at an elevation of approximately 120 to 240 feet. The project site contains
substantial public infrastructure, transportation facilities, and is surrounded by intensive commercial,
retail, mixed use, and community facility development adjacent to the US 101 corridor. Vegetation within
the project area includes primarily landscaping/ornamental vegetation, with minimal amounts of
agriculture, ruderal (disturbed), riparian, and freshwater marsh vegetation associated with channelized
drainages that bisect the area.
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 corridor extends through a highly urbanized
area comprised of substantial development and infrastructure and is not considered a scenic vista.
The project site is visible from numerous public roadways throughout the project corridor, including US
101, West Branch Street, Rodeo Drive, Brisco Road, Halcyon Road, Grand Avenue, El Camino Real, Camino
Mercado, and Rancho Parkway. The number of viewers would be very high due to high vehicular use of
this area. The project would modify and/or replace existing transportation infrastructure of relatively low
visual quality with similar transportation facilities and components. The new intersection and Park and
Ride lot proposed under Alternative 4C would be the most visually prominent features of the proposed
project and would be located in a currently vacant lot. These features would generally be consistent with
the level and types of development in surrounding areas. The All improvements would predominantly be
built at grade and would not protrude into the skyline or block views due to a rise in elevation.
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Short-term construction activities would create visual impacts in the project area associated with the
presence of construction equipment, earthwork activities, detour signage, etc. However, these impacts
would be temporary in nature and limited to the construction period (currently estimated to be between
9 to 12 months).
US 101 in the project vicinity is designated as an “Eligible State Scenic Highway – Not Officially Listed” by
the California Scenic Highway Mapping System. Visual quality of the project area is dominated by
extensive urban development and road and highway infrastructure. There are no scenic rock outcroppings
or historic buildings in the project vicinity that would be damaged as a result of project development. Both
build alternatives would require removal of a mature eucalyptus tree adjacent to the Brisco Road
undercrossing; however, widening of the existing infrastructure would not substantially change the
existing urban setting, would be minimally visible, and would not significantly degrade the view. Disturbed
areas adjacent to the modified infrastructure would be revegetated with native species and softscape
vegetation, consistent with surrounding areas.
The soundwalls proposed on the southbound side of US 101 would obstruct views across the US 101
between the Oak Park Boulevard Interchange and Stonecrest Drive and between the Halcyon Road on-
ramp and the Grand Avenue off-ramp. However, no views of identified scenic vistas are provided across
the US 101 at these locations, and the existing views across US 101 are largely obstructed by existing
infrastructure and landscaping along the southbound roadway shoulder at these locations. Impacts from
the sound walls and other unnatural elements (e.g., retaining walls) would be minimized through design
techniques and compliance with City policies. Solid (sound) wall design is required to go through the City’s
Architectural Review Committee, and design details must include stepped design and/or natural looking
rock finish (shotcrete or equivalent). Landscaping would either be maintained or replaced in the location
of the soundwalls.
Therefore, impacts would be less than significant.
d): The project proposes removal and replacement of existing traffic and safety lighting in the project
corridor to accommodate roadway modifications and improvements. The new US 101 ramps/West Branch
Street/Grace Lane intersection and Park and Ride lot proposed under Alternative 4C would also add new
sources of traffic and safety lighting in the project area. Construction of the project may also require the
use of additional temporary lighting during construction activities.
The project is proposed in a highly urbanized area predominantly comprised of roadway and highway
infrastructure, and includes substantial sources of existing light and glare, including standard traffic and
pedestrian signals, safety lighting, and outdoor lighting associated with adjacent land uses. The lighting
proposed in relation to the project would not substantially differ from existing conditions. In addition,
compliance with applicable Municipal Code standards in Section 16.48.090, including shielding of outdoor
lighting and measures to minimize light trespass onto adjacent properties and glare, would further reduce
the potential for significant impacts.
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.
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II. Agriculture and Forestry Resources
Environmental Setting
The California Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) classify
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 area encompasses a small
area of Prime Farmland south of the Grand Avenue interchange.
The Williamson Act of 1965 is the state’s principal policy for the preservation of agricultural, open-space,
and rangeland. The program encourages landowners to work with local governments to protect important
farmland and open space in exchange for tax benefits. As land is restricted to agricultural and compatible
open-space uses under the Williamson Act, it is assessed for property taxes at a rate consistent with its
actual use, rather than the potential value of the land. No portion of the project area is currently subject
to a Williamson Act contract.
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.
Two parcels located at the southeastern end of the project area are Prime Farmland and currently support
the production of row crops (APN# 006-311-067 and 006-311-076). These parcels are not subject to an
agricultural preserve or Williamson Act contract; however, they are zoned for Agricultural land use.
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?
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?
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Would the project:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact No Impact
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) – b): Based on current design/right-of-way estimates, both build alternatives would require the
acquisition of approximately 0.58 acre (25,314 square feet) of land zoned for agriculture use for the
project right of way. The area to be acquired includes approximately 0.37 acres of Prime Farmland and
0.29 acres of land currently in agricultural production (not all areas of Prime Farmland are currently in
active agricultural use). Based on current estimates, approximately 0.37 acre of prime farmland would be
acquired into the State right of way to accommodate the proposed realignment of the southbound US
101 on-ramp at Grand Avenue under Alternatives 1 and 4C. This amount comprises approximately 0.4%
of total agricultural lands within the City of Arroyo Grande.
Agricultural uses within the project area consist of vegetable crops southeast of the Grand Avenue
interchange. The estimated average value of vegetable crops in San Luis Obispo County is approximately
$7,269.00 per acre, based on 2012 San Luis Obispo County Crop Report harvested acreage and yield totals
(San Luis Obispo County 2013). The proposed project would impact two parcels currently supporting
vegetable crops. The acquisition under either alternative would be permanent.
The Arroyo Grande General Plan identifies any conversion of prime farmland as a potentially significant
impact and requires that loss of prime agricultural soils be avoided or mitigated. An exception to the
requirement that prime soils be avoided is provided for necessary public facilities. The City has determined
that roadways fall within the public facilities exception and, because they are an allowed use on
agricultural parcels, do not constitute a conversion of agricultural land that must be avoided pursuant to
the General Plan.
Because of the project location adjacent to existing highway infrastructure, surrounding development
patterns, and existing protections in place through City and County plans and policies, the conversion is
not likely to lead to additional development or conversion of farmland in this area. The project would not
conflict with the agricultural zoning or Williamson Act contracts of any adjacent parcels, which have
historically operated in similar proximity to the US 101 and other local roadways.
No secondary impacts are expected as the project would not bisect or cut off existing agricultural areas,
leaving portions unviable for agricultural uses, and would not create a new use that does not currently
exist adjacent to the agricultural parcels. A portion of the state right of way to be acquired in this area will
act as a buffer between the on-ramp and existing agricultural activities; no additional buffer area is
required or necessary to protect adjacent farmlands.
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USDA Farmland Conversion Impact Rating System
The NRCS was consulted regarding the project, and potential agricultural impacts were analyzed pursuant
to the USDA’s Farmland Conversion Impact Rating for Corridor Type Projects using Form NRCS-CPA-106.
The USDA Farmland Impact Rating System rates the value of potential impacted farmlands using a point
system based on specific site assessment criteria. Applying the point system, the project was scored at 52
points out of a possible 260 points for both build alternatives (refer to Appendix A). Although there are
different build alternatives, proposed improvements at the southbound US 101 Grand Avenue on-ramp
are the same; therefore, impacts on adjacent agricultural resources would be the same under both
alternatives.
Based on the USDA’s rating system, if the project results in a combined score of 160 or less, the land is
not subject to the provisions of the Farmland Protection Policy Act (FPPA) and the agency is not required
to consider alternatives that would avoid or lessen the impacts (USDA 2012). Therefore, a score of 160
under this rating system is typically used as the point at which impacts are considered significant. Because
the project rating is less than 160, the conversion of agricultural land is considered mitigable to less than
significant through implementation of identified mitigation measures.
California Department of Conservation, California Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site
Assessment Model
Potential effects on agricultural resources as a result of the proposed project were also analyzed under
the California Department of Conservation’s (CDC) Land Evaluation and Site Assessment (LESA) Model
(1997). The LESA Model is a point-based approach for rating the relative importance of agricultural land
resources based upon specific measurable features. The Model was developed to provide lead agencies
with an optional methodology to ensure that potentially significant effects associated with agricultural
land conversions are quantitatively and consistently considered in the environmental review process.
Based on the CDC’s LESA Model, the proposed project would result in a LESA score of 25.7, which indicates
farmland impacts that are not considered significant. The project’s rating below the threshold under both
the LESA Model and the USDA Farmland Conversion Impact Rating System is largely a reflection of the
project’s proposed location within the heavily urbanized area of central Arroyo Grande and the extent of
existing non-agricultural development throughout the project area. The LESA Model includes the
following thresholds of significance (Table 3).
Table 3. California LESA Model Scoring Thresholds
Total LESA Score Scoring Decision
0 to 39 points Not considered significant
40 to 59 points Considered significant ONLY if Land Evaluation and Site Assessment
subscores are each greater than or equal to 20 points
60 to 79 points Considered significant UNLESS Land Evaluation or Site Assessment
subscore is less than 20 points
80 to 100 points Considered significant
The project’s rating below the threshold under both rating systems is largely a reflection of the extent of
existing development at the site and the site’s landlocked position within the heavily urbanized area of
central Arroyo Grande. Additional information and graphics regarding the project’s scores and the USDA’s
rating system and CDC LESA Model processes are provided in Appendix A.
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Figure 4. Agricultural Setting Map
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The project would be required to comply with the requirements of the City’s Agriculture, Conservation
and Open Space Element, Policy Ag1-4.2, and Right-to-Farm provisions of the City’s Development Code
(Section 16.12.170(F), Agricultural Land Conversion). There is an exception in the General Plan for
necessary public facilities. The City has determined that roadways fall within the public facilities exception
and, because they are an allowed use on agricultural parcels and do not constitute a conversion of
agricultural land that must be avoided pursuant to the General Plan. Compensation for loss of agricultural
revenue is not an environmental impact under CEQA. However, the City would be required to compensate
the affected landowner consistent with City and Caltrans policies.
The loss of prime farmland would be mitigated consistent with the City’s General Plan and Agriculture,
Conservation, and Open Space Element. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant with mitigation.
c) – d): There is no forestland in San Luis Obispo County.
Therefore, no impacts would occur.
e): The proposed project would expand existing transportation infrastructure adjacent to an
intensive agricultural use. No secondary impacts are expected as the project does not bisect or cut off
existing agricultural areas, leaving portions unviable for agricultural uses, and would not create a new
incompatible use that does not currently exist adjacent to the agricultural parcels. The portion of the state
right of way to be acquired will act as a buffer between the on-ramp and adjacent agricultural activities.
Transportation and agriculture are generally compatible land uses and no additional buffer area is
required or necessary to protect adjacent farmlands.
The proposed project would not create a permanent increase in demand for groundwater; impacts on
agricultural water supplies associated with construction related water demands would be minimal.
Alternative 4C would require relocation of the San Luis Obispo County Agriculture Department building.
However, the County has indicated that relocation of the modular structure is feasible and there is
adequate space on the same parcel to accommodate the relocated structure. Permanent impacts would
be minimal and would not result in the loss or conversion of agricultural lands within the County.
Therefore, impacts would be less than significant.
Mitigation Measures and Residual Impact
To minimize the potential significant impacts to agricultural resources, the following mitigation measures
would be implemented.
AG/mm-1 Farmland impacts shall be minimized in accordance with the City’s Agriculture,
Conservation and Open Space Element, Policy Ag1-4.2, and Development Code Section
16.12.170(F). Permanent protection of prime farmlands shall be provided in the form of a
perpetual agriculture or conservation easement. The agricultural or conservation easement shall
protect lands at a 1:1 ratio if within the City limits, or at a 2:1 ratio if outside of the City limits but
within the City’s area of environmental concern. The land shall be comparable in soil quality to the
land being converted to non-agricultural uses and shall have an adequate water supply to support
agricultural use that is also protected in the agricultural conservation easement, farmland deed
restriction, or other document evidencing the permanent agricultural protection.
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As an alternative to the permanent conservation easement, the City may elect to pay in-lieu fees
if the City Council determines that the payment of fees provides a superior opportunity to satisfy
the goals and policies of the General Plan, in accordance with the Development Code (Section
16.12.170).
With the incorporation of these measures, residual impacts to Agriculture and Forestry would be less than
significant.
III. Air Quality
Environmental Setting
This section is largely based on information provided in the Air Quality Study prepared for the project
(Terry A. Hayes and Associates, Inc. [TAHA] 2017).
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 (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.
Some land uses are considered more sensitive to changes in air quality than others, depending on the
population groups and the activities involved. The California Air Resources Board (ARB) has identified the
following typical groups who are most likely to be affected by air pollution: children under 14, 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, Saint Patrick’s Catholic School, Arroyo Grande
Montessori School, and Valley View Adventist Academy.
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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?
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 replace/improve existing infrastructure and does not propose a new or
increased use in the project area. The proposed use is consistent with the general level of development
anticipated and projected in the Clean Air Plan as well as other applicable regional and local planning
documents. It would improve the function of state and local transportation systems in the project area,
thereby reducing congestion and generally benefitting air quality. Therefore, 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 emissions (airborne dust) and other pollutants generated by excavation,
grading, hauling, and various other activities related to construction. Site preparation and roadway
construction would involve clearing, cut-and-fill activities, grading, removing, or improving existing
roadways, and paving roadway surfaces.
All construction vehicles and equipment would be required to be equipped with the State-mandated
emission control devices pursuant to State emission regulations and standard construction practices.
Project construction is estimated to last between approximately 9 and 16 months. After construction is
complete, all construction-related impacts would cease. Short-term construction emissions would be
further reduced with the implementation of standard dust and diesel particulate matter (DPM)
suppression measures outlined within the APCD rules and regulations. Caltrans Standard Specifications
for Construction (Section 10 and 18 [Dust Control] and Section 39-3.06 [Asphalt Concrete Plants]) would
also be adhered to.
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The Air Quality Study prepared for the project included detailed construction emissions. Those emission
calculations have been updated to account for a 2018 start year instead of a 2016 start year. As shown in
Table 4, both alternatives would exceed the Tier 1 threshold for reactive organic gases + nitrogen oxides
but neither alternative would exceed the Tier 2 threshold. In addition, Alternative 4C would exceed the
Tier 1 threshold for diesel particulate matter but would not exceed the Tier 2 threshold. Based on the
APCD CEQA Air Quality Handbook, standard mitigation and Best Available Control Technology (BACT)
would be implemented to reduce potential effects on nearby sensitive receptors. Site disturbance would
occur within an area designated as non-attainment for fugitive dust. Therefore, in order to prevent a dust
nuisance and contribute to fugitive dust generation, standard dust control mitigation set out in APCD
regulations would be implemented. In addition, the project is located within 1,000 feet of potentially
sensitive receptors (residences), who may be adversely affected by exposure to DPM emitted by
construction equipment. Based on the APCD CEQA Air Quality Handbook, standard mitigation and BACT
would be implemented to reduce potential effects on nearby sensitive receptors.
Table 4. Construction Emissions
Pounds Per Day Tons Per Quarter
ROG + NOX DPM ROG + NOX DPM Dust (PM10)
Alternative
Alternative 1 86 2.8 2.8 0.09 0.25
Alternative 4C 115 3.7 3.8 0.12 0.49
Threshold 137 7 Tier 1 - 2.5
Tier 2 - 6.3
Tier 1 - 0.13
Tier 2 - 0.32 2.5
Source: Terry A. Hayes Associates Inc. 2017.
Therefore, construction related impacts would be less than significant with mitigation.
Operational Impacts. A regional operational emissions analysis was completed based on peak hour delay.
Both proposed build alternatives would decrease vehicle delay and congestion within the project area,
resulting in lower emission rates. Therefore, modeled regional emissions under both project alternatives
would be less than baseline conditions in years 2015 and 2035. Therefore, the build alternatives would
result in beneficial long-term air quality impacts in the project area.
Operational impacts would be less than significant.
Exposure to Pollutants. A carbon monoxide hotspot analysis was completed based on Caltrans guidance.
The analysis indicated that the proposed project would not generate a carbon monoxide hotspot.
Naturally Occurring Asbestos (NOA) has been identified as a toxic air contaminant by the ARB. Under the
CARB Airborne Toxics Control Measure (ATCM) for Construction, Grading, Quarrying, and Surface Mining
Operations, prior to any grading activities a geologic evaluation should be conducted to determine if NOA
is present within the area that will be disturbed. If NOA is not present, an exemption request must be filed
with the APCD. If NOA is found at the site, the applicant must comply with all requirements outlined in
the Asbestos ATCM. This may include development of an Asbestos Dust Mitigation Plan and an Asbestos
Health and Safety Program for approval by the APCD.
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Based on Technical Appendix 4.4 of the APCD’s CEQA Handbook, the project site is within a location of
potentially occurring NOA; therefore, compliance with the Asbestos ATCM would be required and
standard mitigation would apply.
Therefore, impacts would be less than significant with mitigation.
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.
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, including but not limited to
bulldozers, graders, cranes, loaders, scrapers, backhoes, generator sets, compressors,
auxiliary power units, with CARB-certified motor vehicle diesel fuel (non-taxed version
suitable for use off-road);
c. Maximize to the extent feasible, the use of diesel construction equipment meeting the
CARB’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 CARB’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 NOx
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 within 1,000 feet of sensitive receptors shall be avoided to the maximum
extent feasible;
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h. Staging and queuing areas shall not be located within 1,000 feet of sensitive receptors to
the maximum extent feasible;
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.
Best Available Control Technology
l. Further reduce emissions by expanding use of Tier 3 and Tier 4 off-road and 2010 on-road
compliant engines;
m. Repower equipment with the cleanest engines available; and,
n. Install California Verified Diesel Emission Control Strategies. These strategies are listed at:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/diesel/verdev/vt/cvt.htm.
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. Increased watering frequency would be required whenever wind
speeds exceed 15 miles per hour (mph);
c. Reclaimed (non-potable) water should be used whenever possible;
d. All dirt stock pile areas should be sprayed daily as needed;
e. 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;
f. Exposed ground areas that are planned to be reworked at dates greater than one month
after initial grading should be sown with a fast germinating, non-invasive grass seed and
watered until vegetation is established;
g. 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 APCD;
h. 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;
i. Vehicle speed for all construction vehicles shall not exceed 15 mph on any unpaved surface
at the construction site;
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j. All trucks hauling dirt, sand, soil, or other loose materials are to be covered or should
maintain at least two feet of freeboard (minimum vertical distance between top of load
and top of trailer) in accordance with California Vehicle Code §23114;
k. Install wheel washers where vehicles enter and exit unpaved roads onto streets, or wash
off trucks and equipment leaving the site; and,
l. 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.
All of these fugitive dust mitigation measures shall be shown on grading, construction and building
plans; and the contractor 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 20% opacity, and to prevent transport of dust off-site.
Their duties shall include monitoring the effectiveness of the required dust control measures (as
conditions dictate), and 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 APCD
Compliance Division prior to the start of any grading, earthwork, or demolition.
AQ/mm-3 Prior to issuance of grading permit, the applicant shall submit a geologic
evaluation of naturally occurring asbestos of the project site to the APCD. If naturally occurring
asbestos is present onsite, the applicant shall comply with all requirements outlined in the
Asbestos Airborne Toxic Control Measures (ATCM) for Construction, Grading, Quarrying, and
Surface Mining Operations. These requirements may include, but are not limited to: 1) an Asbestos
Dust Mitigation Plan that shall be approved by the APCD prior to construction, and 2) an Asbestos
Health and Safety Program. Prior to development on the 30-acre portion of the site, the applicant
shall submit a Naturally Occurring Asbestos Construction and Grading Permit Exemption Request
Form to the APCD.
With the incorporation of these measures, residual impacts to air quality would be less than significant.
IV. Biological Resources
Environmental Setting
The following section is based on the Natural Environment Study prepared for the project (SWCA
20202017).
The majority of the project site contains disturbed areas, such as the US 101 road surface and other roads,
medians, and developments. Vegetative communities present within the area include ruderal (disturbed),
landscaped areas (mainly ornamental groundcover and planted trees), riparian, and man-made drainage
ditches. While no jurisdictional wetlands were delineated within the project area, drainages within the
site have the potential to be considered “other waters of the U.S.” under U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
(USACE) definitions. These three drainage ditches were identified as having a significant nexus with Arroyo
Grande Creek. Some of the drainages are vegetated by riparian vegetation and an herbaceous and/or
shrubby understory; others are unvegetated or minimally vegetated with forbs, weeds, and/or species
characteristic of freshwater marsh.
Wildlife corridors are not present in the project area.
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Based on the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB), an online species list approved by U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and biologist professional knowledge and local experience, 6048 special-
status plant species, 4234 special-status animal species, and 102 sensitive habitats were considered for
potential to occur within the project corridor.
Of these species that were considered, the following were determined to have potential habitat
conditions within the project corridor based on a desktop review prior to conducting the field surveys:
Gambel’s watercress (Nasturtium gambelii), black-flowered figwort (Scrophularia atrata), San Bernardino
aster (Symphyotrichum defoliatum), saline clover (Trifolium depauperatum var. hydrophilum), south-
central California steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) (steelhead), California red-legged frog (Rana
aurora draytonii), sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus), white-tailed kite (Elanus leucurus), least Bell’s
vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus), western yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus occidentalis), purple martin
(Progne subis), and other nesting birds.
Focused Ssurveys for special-status animal species were limited to protocol California red-legged frog
surveys with a focus on a drainage ditch leading to Arroyo Grande Creek (referred to as Excavated Ditch
#3). These surveys were conducted in 2006 and 2007. The findings of the study were negative and habitat
within the project area was considered poor habitat for California red-legged frog. A revised critical habitat
designation for California red-legged frog was also finalized on March 17, 2010. The project area does not
occur within a designated California red-legged frog critical habitat unit.
Some of the drainage ditches within the BSA are tributaries to Arroyo Grande Creek and occur within the
sSouth-central California coast steelhead critical habitat unit defined as Estero Bay Hydrologic Unit 3310
– (xv) Oceano Hydrologic Sub-area 331031. Based on surveys taken in March 2006 and between March
2007 and August 2007 (eight surveys total) within the project area, it is determined that the project site
does not contain the constituent elements of critical habitat. Essential spawning sites, rearing sites,
suitable water quality, migration corridors, and proper estuarine parameters were not observed within
the project area.
A revised critical habitat designation for California red-legged frog was also finalized on March 17, 2010.
The project area does not occur within a designated California red-legged frog critical habitat unit.
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?
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Would the project:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact No Impact
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. Marginal freshwater marsh habitat for Gambel’s watercress occurs within the beds
of the drainage ditches in the project area, but this species was not observed during appropriately timed
floristic surveys performed in 2005, 2006, 2011, and 2014. The much more common watercress
(Nasturtium officinale) was observed. Marginal riparian habitat for black-flowered figwort occurs within
the project area, but this species was not observed during appropriately timed floristic surveys. This
species typically occurs on calcareous or diatomaceous soils, which were not observed in the project area.
Marginal habitat for saline clover and San Bernardino aster occurs in some of the drainage bottoms/beds
within the project area, but these species were not observed during appropriately timed floristic surveys.
Heavy equipment operation and disturbance of areas with vegetation associated with the interchange
improvements have the potential to lead to injury or mortality of native plant species; however, the
project area is not located near any known extant sensitive plant species populations. No impacts to
Gambel’s watercress, black-flowered figwort, saline clover, or San Bernardino aster are expected.
Wildlife Species. No steelhead were observed within any of the drainage ditches within the project area.
The open or concrete-lined on-site ditches convey seasonal flows and offer no habitat for fish species. In
addition, there is no opportunity for migration from Arroyo Grande Creek to these drainage ditches, due
to steep drops or other impassable barriers.
Because there is no potential for steelhead occurrence within the project area, there would be no effect
to this species. Heavy equipment operation and disturbance of the drainage ditches associated with the
interchange improvements have the potential to impact areas of extremely marginal habitat quality.
Introduction of sediment into the drainages leading to Arroyo Grande Creek could conceivably be carried
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downstream, which could adversely impact water quality and spawning habitat for steelhead; however,
this will be mitigated through the use of appropriate silt/erosion controls standard BMPs.
While a search of the CNDDB yielded 65 known occurrences of California red-legged frogs within a seven-
quadrangle search area, only two California red-legged frog occurrences have been recorded within 1 mile
(1.6 kilometers) of the project site (CNDDB 2006). To determine the potential for occurrence of the
California red-legged frog within the project area, an assessment of the habitat was conducted following
the USFWS Revised Guidance on Site Assessment and Field Surveys for California Red-legged Frogs
(USFWS 2005). A California Red-legged Frog Site Assessment Report was submitted to the Ventura USFWS
office on April 4, 2006 (Morro Group 2006). As recommended by USFWS Fish and Wildlife Biologist Mark
Elvin (2006), surveys for California red-legged frog were conducted within the project area with a focus
on Excavated Ditch 3, beginning on March 7, 2007, and ending on August 7, 2007. Eight surveys were
conducted, and no California red-legged frogs were observed during any of the survey efforts.
Habitats within the project area and within 1 mile of the BSA are highly fragmented due to urban
development, US 101, and other roads. While California red-legged frogs have the potential to occur
within large areas of good to excellent quality habitat with riparian and emergent vegetative cover,
suitable water quality, and minimal disturbance, these conditions do not occur within the project area. It
is extremely unlikely that California red-legged frogs inhabit the drainage ditches within the project area,
which are minimally vegetated to non-vegetated, typically convey only seasonal storm water flows, and
subjected to considerable disturbance (e.g., right next to road edges). Dispersal to these areas from
habitats outside of the project area would be difficult due to the extensive network of roads and urban
development existing in and near project area.
Therefore, the proposed project would have no effect on California red-legged frog. Water quality
degradation within the drainage ditches leading to Arroyo Grande Creek could result from concrete spills,
fuel spills, or excessive project-related sedimentation, which could indirectly adversely affect the species;
however, these effects will be avoided or minimized through identified best-management practices
(BMPs). Introduction of sediment into the drainages leading to Arroyo Grande Creek could conceivably be
carried downstream, which could adversely impact water quality, and foraging and breeding habitat for
California red-legged frog, but this will be mitigated through the use of appropriate silt/erosion controls.
These impacts would be avoided or minimized through standard BMPs. Furthermore, the proposed
project would require the implementation of standard avoidance and minimization measures included
within the Programmatic Biological Opinion for Projects Funded or Approved under the FHWA Federal Aid
Program (USFWS 2011).
Project construction may result in the temporary loss of vegetation that provides potential breeding and
foraging habitat for a number of protected bird species. The removal of vegetation could directly impact
bird nests and 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 trees supporting potential nesting habitat would result from tree trimming or
removal, any trees removed would be mitigated by planting new trees. Although there is marginal nesting
habitat within riparian and landscaped trees and man-made structures within the project area, no nesting
birds were observed during field surveys in 2005, 2006, 2011, and 2014. The implementation of the
avoidance and minimization measures such as appropriate timing of vegetation removal, pre-activity
surveys, and exclusion zones will reduce the potential for adverse effects to nesting bird species.
Therefore, potential impacts to sensitive species would be less than significant with mitigation.
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b): Old Ranch Road Drainage and Excavated Ditches 1, 2, and 3 (as well as an additional drainage
adjacent to the southbound off-ramp at Grand Avenue outside of the project study area) can be
considered tributaries to Arroyo Grande Creek and occur within the south-central California coast
steelhead critical habitat unit defined as Estero Bay Hydrologic Unit 3310 – (xv) Oceano Hydrologic Sub-
area 331031. It has been determined these drainages do not contain the constituent elements of critical
habitat. Essential spawning sites, rearing sites, suitable water quality, migration corridors, and proper
estuarine parameters were not observed within the project area. These drainages are man-made,
ephemeral, and function to convey storm water runoff, and they do not provide any suitable steelhead
habitat. Arroyo Grande Creek and its tributaries do not occur within a designated California red-legged
frog critical habitat unit. Therefore, impacts to critical habitat would be less than significant.
Riparian habitat occurs in scattered locations within the project area, mostly in or adjacent to the on-site
drainage ditches. The areas of riparian habitat are relatively small and fragmented. These riparian areas
do not provide adequate continuity and are too close in proximity to traffic disturbance to be considered
a substantial riparian migratory corridor within the project area. However, the proposed project has the
potential to impact riparian areas within the project area. Mitigation would be implemented to minimize
effects on riparian habitat to less than significant levels.
Therefore, impacts on riparian or sensitive habitat areas would be less than significant with mitigation.
c): An assessment of jurisdictional features was conducted to determine the extent of impacts to
wetlands within the project area (SWCA 2017). No jurisdictional wetlands were delineated within the
project area and no other isolated or adjacent wetland areas were identified 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 assessment of jurisdictional features identified three drainages within the project area that may
qualify as other waters of the U.S. (non-wetlands). These drainage ditches have a nexus with Arroyo
Grande Creek, which is considered a water of the U.S. due to its connectivity to the Pacific Ocean. The
three drainages rank low in terms of function and value. This is indicative of their relatively small size and
floodwater storage capacity, low vegetation density (especially along the beds of the drainages),
moderate groundwater discharge and low recharge capacity, and low biological diversity.
The project is not expected to impact jurisdictional wetlands, but may impact other waters of the U.S.
Mitigation has been identified to reduce potential impacts.
Potential impacts would be less than significant with mitigation.
d): The project site does not contain wildlife corridors due to the extent of urban development.
Proposed improvements would modify or replace similar existing infrastructure, and would not interfere
with the movement of species. In addition, the project would not disturb drainages or streams suitable
for fish migration.
Therefore, potential impacts would be less than significant.
e): The City has coordinated with the USFWS, CDFW, and NOAA Fisheries, 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
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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, Natural Community Conservation
Plan, or other habitat conservation plan.
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.
BIO/mm-1 Prior to project implementation, the City shall retain a qualified biological
monitor(s) approved by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to ensure compliance with
mitigation measures within the project environmental documents. Monitoring shall occur
throughout the length of construction or as directed by the regulatory agencies. Monitoring may
be reduced to part time once construction activities are underway and the potential for additional
impacts are reduced.
BIO/mm-2 During project activities, the biological monitor(s) shall coordinate with federal,
state, and local agencies and the construction contractor to ensure construction schedules comply
with biological mitigation requirements.
BIO/mm-3 The project site shall be clearly flagged or fenced so that the contractor is aware
of the limits of allowable site access points and disturbance. Areas within the designated project
site that do not require regular access shall be clearly flagged as off-limit areas to
avoid/discourage unnecessary damage to sensitive habitats within and near the project site.
BIO/mm-4 During project activities, any work that must occur within drainage ditches shall
be conducted when they do not contain flowing water, if possible.
BIO/mm-5 Erosion control measures shall be implemented during construction. Temporary
sediment control BMPs (i.e., temporary large sediment control barrier) shall be installed in
appropriate areas to prevent introduction of silt/sediment to aquatic areas within the project area.
At a minimum, temporary sediment control BMPs shall be checked and maintained on a daily basis
during the rainy season throughout the construction period. The contractor shall also apply
adequate dust control techniques, such as site watering, in areas where necessary during
construction.
BIO/mm-6 During project activities, the cleaning and refueling of equipment and vehicles
shall occur only within a designated staging area and at least 100 feet away from a concentrated
flow of storm water if performed within a flood plain, or 50 feet if outside of a flood plain. This
staging area shall conform to Best Management Practices (BMPs) applicable to attaining zero
discharge of storm water runoff. At a minimum, all equipment and vehicles shall be checked and
maintained on a daily basis to ensure proper operation and avoid potential leaks or spills.
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BIO/mm-7 All project-related spills of hazardous materials within or adjacent to project sites
shall be cleaned-up immediately. Spill prevention and clean-up materials shall be on-site at all
times during construction.
BIO/mm-8 The biological monitor(s) shall ensure that the spread of introduction of invasive
exotic plant species will be avoided to the maximum extent possible. When practicable, invasive
exotic plants in the project site shall be removed and properly disposed.
BIO/mm-9 During construction, trash shall be contained, removed from the work site, and
disposed of regularly. Following construction, all trash and construction debris shall be removed
from work areas.
BIO/mm-10 Prior to construction, when feasible, tree trimming and removal will be scheduled
to occur from September 1 through February 14, outside of the typical nesting bird season, to avoid
potential impacts to nesting birds. All tree trimming or removal should be monitored by a qualified
biologistIf feasible, removal of trees shall be scheduled to occur in the fall and winter (between
September 1 and February 15), after fledging and before the initiation of the nesting season.
BIO/mm-11 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 2
weeks prior to the start of construction to determine presence/absence of nesting birds within the
Biological Study Area (BSA) and immediate vicinity. Caltrans will be notified if federally listed
nesting bird species are observed during the surveys and will facilitate coordination with the
USFWS, if necessary, to determine an appropriate avoidance strategy. Likewise, coordination with
the CDFW will be facilitated by the City, if necessary, to devise a suitable avoidance plan for state-
listed nesting bird species. If raptor nests are observed within the BSA during the preconstruction
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 within the BSA during
the preconstruction 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.If trees must be removed from
February 15 to September 15, a qualified biologist shall be retained to conduct pre-construction
surveys for nesting bird species within the project site.
BIO/mm-12 If least Bell’s vireo or any other special-status bird is observed within 100 feet of
the BSA during the course of construction or during the preconstruction surveys, all project
activities shall cease immediately, and the pursuant resource agencies shall be consulted.
Development of additional avoidance and minimization measures will occur as necessary in
coordination with the pertinent agencies, as necessaryIf active nests are observed, the applicant
shall either: 1) wait for such nesting birds to fledge and leave the project site; 2) establish 100-foot
exclusion zones around active nests, where construction will not be allowed in these exclusion
zones until young have fledged; or 3) consult with the appropriate resource agencies for guidance
prior to site disturbance.
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BIO/mm-13 During construction, the contractor will make a deliberate effort 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 will:
a. Remove any invasive plant species within the BSA during construction activities and ensure
that they are not replanted.
b. Stockpile topsoil and redeposit the stockpiled soil on the slopes after construction is
complete; or,
c. Transport the topsoil to a permitted landfill for disposal.
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.
BIO/mm-14 During construction, the biological monitor(s) will ensure that the spread or
introduction of invasive exotic plant species is avoided to the maximum extent practicable. When
practicable, invasive exotic plants in the project site will be removed and properly disposed of.
Removed invasive plants shall be bagged and tied up so that they do not blow in the wind when
being driven off site.
To avoid the spread of invasive species, the contractor shall:
m. Stockpile topsoil and redeposit the stockpiled soil on the slopes after construction of the
new bridge is complete; or
n. Transport the topsoil to a certified landfill for disposal.
o. Prepare a Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (HMMP), which shall include
restoration planting plans that emphasize the use of native species expected to occur in
the area.
p. The necessary HMMP would incorporate an invasive species control program.
q. All erosion control materials including straw bales, straw wattles, or mulch used on-site
must be free of invasive species seed.
BIO/mm-15 The Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (HMMP) restoration planting plans
must emphasize the use of native species expected to occur in the area. The HMMP will include an
invasive species control program. All erosion control materials including straw bales, straw
wattles, or mulch used on-site must be free of invasive species seed.
The following avoidance and minimization measures are based on the specific measures included within
the Programmatic Biological Opinion for projects that are not likely to adversely affect California red-
legged frog, or its critical habitat (Programmatic Concurrence):
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BIO/mm-16 A biologist with experience in the identification of all life stages of the California
red-legged frog, and its critical habitat (75 FR 12816), will survey the project site no more than 48
hours before the onset of work activities. If any life stage of the California red-legged frog is
detected the USFWS will be notified prior to the start of construction. If Caltrans and the USFWS
determine that adverse effects to the California red-legged frog or its critical habitat cannot be
avoided, the proposed project will not commence until the Caltrans completes the appropriate
level of consultation with the USFWS.
BIO/mm-17 Work activities will take place during the dry season, between April 1 and
November 1, when water levels are typically are at their lowest, and California red-legged frogs
are likely to be more detectable. Should activities need to be conducted outside of this period,
Caltrans may conduct or authorize such activities after obtaining the USFWS's written approval.
BIO/mm-18 Before work begins on any proposed project, a biologist with experience in the
ecology of the California red-legged frog, as well as the identification of all its life stages, will
conduct a training session for all construction personnel, which will include a description of the
California red-legged frog, its critical habitat, and specific measures that are being implemented
to avoid adverse effects to the subspecies during the proposed project.
BIO/mm-19 If any life stage of the California red-legged frog is detected in the project area
during construction, work will cease immediately and the resident engineer, authorized biologist,
or biological monitor will notify the Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office via telephone or electronic
mail. If Caltrans and the USFWS determine that adverse effects to California red-legged frogs
cannot be avoided, construction activities will remain suspended until Caltrans and the USFWS
complete the appropriate level of consultation.
BIO/mm-20 During project activities, all trash that may attract predators will be properly
contained, removed from the work site, and disposed of regularly. Following construction, all trash
and construction debris will be removed from work areas.
BIO/mm-21 Prior to the onset of work, Caltrans 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 implement should a spill occur.
BIO/mm-22 All refueling, maintenance, and staging of equipment and vehicles will occur at
least 60 feet from aquatic or riparian habitat and not in a location from where a spill would drain
directly toward aquatic habitat. The monitor will ensure contamination of aquatic or riparian
habitat does not occur during such operations by implementing the spill response plan described
in measure 21.
BIO/mm-23 Plants used in revegetation will consist 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 associated with the project, unless
Caltrans and the USFWS determine that it is not feasible or practical.
BIO/mm-24 Habitat contours will be returned to their original configuration at the end of
project activities in all areas that have been temporarily disturbed by activities associated with the
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project, unless Caltrans and the USFWS determine that it is not feasible or modification of original
contours would benefit the California red-legged frog.
BIO/mm-25 The number of access routes, size of staging areas, and the total area of the
activity will be limited to the minimum necessary to achieve the project goals. Environmentally
Sensitive Areas will be delineated to confine access routes and construction areas to the minimum
area necessary to complete construction, and minimize the impact to habitat for the California
red-legged frog; this goal includes locating access routes and construction areas outside of aquatic
habitat and riparian areas to the maximum extent practicable.
BIO/mm-26 To control sedimentation during and after project implementation, Caltrans will
implement BMPs outlined in any authorizations or permits issued under the authorities of the
Clean Water Act that it receives for the specific project. If BMPs are ineffective, Caltrans will
attempt to remedy the situation immediately, in coordination with the USFWS.
BIO/mm-27 If a work site is to be temporarily dewatered by pumping, the intake will be
screened with wire mesh not larger than 0.2 inch to prevent any California red-legged frogs not
initially detected from entering the pump system. If California red-legged frogs are detected during
dewatering, and adverse effects to California red-legged frogs cannot be avoided, construction
activities will remain suspended until Caltrans and the USFWS complete the appropriate level of
consultation.
BIO/mm-28 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 creek bed will be minimized to the maximum extent possible; any
imported material will be removed from the stream bed upon completion of the project.
BIO/mm-29 Unless approved by the USFWS, water will not be impounded in a manner that
may attract California red-legged frogs.
BIO/mm-30 A qualified biologist will permanently remove any individuals of exotic species,
such as bullfrogs, crayfish, and centrarchid fishes, from the project area, to the maximum extent
possible. The biologist will be responsible for ensuring his or her activities are in compliance with
the California Fish and Game Code.
BIO/mm-31 To ensure that diseases are not conveyed between work sites by the USFWS-
approved biologist, the enclosed fieldwork code of practice developed by the Declining Amphibian
Populations Task Force will be followed at all times.
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) and
Supplemental ASR prepared for the project (Far Western Anthropological Research Group, Inc. 2012 and
2014); Historic Property Survey Report (HPSR) and Supplemental HPSR prepared for the project (JRP
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Historical Consulting, LLC 2012 and 2014); and Paleontological Evaluation Report (PER) prepared for the
project (SWCA 2014).
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 and
Supplemental ASR. No cultural materials were identified during surveys conducted during preparation of
either report. The HPSR and Supplemental HPSR further concluded that no historic architectural resources
are present within the project site.
According to geologic mapping by Hall (1973), the project area is underlain by the following geologic units,
in approximate ascending stratigraphic order: 1) Pliocene Pismo Formation; 2) Plio-Pleistocene Paso
Robles Formation; 3) Quaternary older sand dune deposits (Pleistocene); and 4) Quaternary alluvial
deposits (Holocene). Museum collection records maintained by the Natural History Museum of Los
Angeles County (LACM) indicate that at least seven fossil localities yielding scientifically significant
vertebrate specimens have been documented as close as 10 miles from the project area and within
Quaternary-age deposits, the Paso Robles Formation, and the Pismo Formation (McLeod 2011). In
addition, the University of California Museum of Paleontology has documented 11 fossil localities in the
Pismo Formation yielding at least 27 individual vertebrate specimens as well as an undisclosed number of
invertebrates. No fossil specimens were discovered during field surveys conducted in preparation of the
PER.
The combined results of the literature review and museum records search indicate that the project area
is, in part, underlain by geologic units determined to have a high paleontological resource potential
(sensitivity). Therefore, project-related ground disturbances in previously undisturbed paleontologically
sensitive geologic units may result in an adverse impact to nonrenewable fossil resources unless proper
mitigation measures are implemented.
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?
e) Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of a tribal cultural resource as defined in
Public Resources Code Section 21074?
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Discussion
a) – b): The entire project area has been the subject of multiple records searches and intensive pedestrian
surveys, and no recorded prehistoric or historic resources were identified within the project study area.
The project area is heavily disturbed and comprised largely of engineered/artificial fill material. Therefore,
potential for disturbance of unknown sub-surface archaeological resources is low. However, portions of
the project would require excavation in areas of native soil or at depths in subsurface areas containing
native soils. If native surfaces are disturbed, there would be the potential for disturbance of unknown
buried cultural materials. 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 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, in part, underlain by geologic units determined to have a high paleontological resource
potential (sensitivity). The project site is largely comprised of engineered fill associated with development
of US 101, where presence of paleontological resources is very low. However, areas of the project site
would be located in native soils or areas of minimal disturbance. Therefore, project-related ground
disturbances in previously undisturbed paleontologically sensitive geologic units may result in an adverse
impact to nonrenewable fossil resources unless proper mitigation measures are implemented.
Excavation plans have been developed for both Alternative 1 and Alternative 4C showing specific areas
where excavations are expected to occur to a depth of greater than 1.5 feet or within previously
undisturbed areas of paleontologically sensitive formations and excavations that are expected to occur
within existing fill or at a depth of less than 1.5 feet. Mitigation is identified to minimize the potential for
disturbance of paleontological resources to less than significant levels.
Therefore, impacts would be less than significant with mitigation.
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
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 Section 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 Section 5097.98. The County
Coroner must be notified of the find immediately. If the human remains are determined to be prehistoric,
the 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.
e): The Native American Heritage Commission was notified of the initial proposed project in a letter
sent by consultant staff to Rob Wood, dated September 15, 2005. The letter requested a records search
of the sacred lands files and a list of local Native American contacts with whom consultant staff could
communicate concerning the project. In a letter dated November 12, 2005, Wood responded that the
records search indicated that no Native American sacred sites were known in the immediate area. A list
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of Native American individuals/organizations that may have knowledge of local cultural resources was
provided. These individuals/organizations were notified of the project by letter (dated November 29,
2005) and asked to express any concerns they might have regarding Native American cultural sites within
the project area. Follow-up telephone contacts were conducted by consultant staff on January 2, 2006.
Comments were offered by several individuals. Julie Lynn Tumamait and Diane Napoleone felt they did
not have any specific knowledge of this area. Ms. Tumamait suggested that we speak with someone who
knows the area and can prove local lineal descent, such as Lei Lynn Odom. Ms. Odom feels that the general
area is sensitive for cultural resources and recalls that bowl fragments have been found in the vicinity. She
also noted that there are two historic-period cemeteries in the area; her great-grandmother Rosario
Cooper is buried in the Catholic cemetery. Mona Tucker also remarked on the presence of historic-period
cemeteries in the area and recommended that a monitor be involved in the project.
Additional contact was made with the Native American Heritage Commission on August 10, 2011 updating
them on project changes and requesting a current search of the sacred lands files and a list of local Native
American contacts. Program Analyst Katy Sanchez responded in a letter dated August 11, 2011 that the
records search identified no known Native American cultural resources in the immediate project vicinity.
A list of Native American contacts with potential knowledge of the area was provided. Additional letters
of notification were mailed to these individuals/groups on August 23, 2011 to update them on the project.
Responses received included a telephone call from Obispeño Chumash Peggy Odom on September 1,
2011. Ms. Odom noted that she observed site deposit and bowl mortars well to the south of the project
area. Based on mission record information, she has been informed that her ancestors Rosario Cooper and
two aunts are buried in the old cemetery north of the highway and east of Camino Mercado. Northern
Chumash Tribal spokesman Fred Collins also called to discuss the project. On September 13, 2011 Jones
spoke with Mr. Collins in detail about the project Area of Potential Effects, prior surveys, and current
negative survey results. He also has relatives buried in the old cemetery and is concerned that no impacts
are planned for this location. An email from Mona Tucker, current Tribal Chair for yak titʸu titʸu yak tiłhini
Northern Chumash, was received on October 14, 2011. The communication reiterated her families
concerns with the rich Chumash cultural of the general southern San Luis Obispo County area and stated
the need to protect cultural resources in this sensitive area.
In addition to ongoing consultation that the City has conducted throughout the project development
phase (since 2005), the City complied with Assembly Bill (AB) 52 by sending a Notice of Opportunity to
Consult to all Native American tribes that have provided notice to the City regarding consultation under
AB 52 in July 2017. The results of consultation that the City has been engaged in since 2005 identified the
general project area as sensitive for cultural resources and several potential sites and cultural resources
in the project vicinity. These resources are considered tribal cultural resources.
The project area is heavily disturbed and comprised largely of engineered/artificial fill material and no
known tribal cultural resources exist within the proposed area of disturbance. Therefore, potential for
disturbance of unknown sub-surface tribal cultural resources is low. However, portions of the project
would require excavation in areas of native soil or at depths in subsurface areas containing native soils. If
native surfaces are disturbed, there would be the potential for disturbance of unknown buried tribal
cultural materials. Standard mitigation has been proposed to ensure impacts to any unknown tribal
cultural resources that may be encountered during project development would be minimized.
Therefore, potential impacts would be less than significant with mitigation.
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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
(DPR) 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 CEQA, 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.
CUL/mm-2 A qualified paleontologist will be retained to prepare a paleontological mitigation
plan for the proposed project and supervise monitoring of construction excavations.
CUL/mm-3 All project-related ground disturbances which may disturb geologic units that are
considered to have a high paleontological sensitivity (i.e., previously undisturbed Quaternary older
sand dune deposits, or any portions of the Paso Robles and Pismo Formations) will be monitored
by a qualified paleontological monitor on a full-time basis. However, the frequency of monitoring
may be reduced at the discretion of the qualified paleontologist if the disturbed geologic units are
determined to have a low potential to yield significant fossils resources upon further examination
of the geologic units during grading operations. Based on the excavation plans provided for both
Alternative 1 and Alternative 4C, portions of the project area will involve the placement of fill
material, shallow excavation in previously-filled areas, or only surficial excavations of less than 1.5
feet in depth. These excavation areas will not require paleontological monitoring. However, the
portions of Alternative 1 and Alternative 4C that are expected to require excavations greater than
1.5 feet in depth or to any depth in previously undisturbed areas of geologically sensitive
formations, as designated in the PER (SWCA 2014) should be monitored full-time by a qualified
paleontologist.
CUL/mm-4 Paleontological resource monitoring will include inspection of exposed rock units
during active excavations within sensitive geologic deposits. The monitor will have authority to
temporarily divert grading away from exposed fossils to professionally and efficiently recover the
fossil specimens and collect associated data. All efforts to avoid delays in project schedules will be
made. Monitors will be equipped with the necessary tools for the rapid removal of fossils and
retrieval of associated data to prevent construction delays. This equipment will include handheld
global positioning system receivers, digital cameras, and cellular phones, as well as a tool kit
containing specimen containers and matrix sampling bags, field labels, field tools (e.g., awls,
hammers, chisels, shovels, etc.), and plaster kits.
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CUL/mm-5 At each fossil locality, field data forms will be used to record pertinent geologic
data, stratigraphic sections will be measured, and appropriate sediment samples will be collected
and submitted for analysis.
CUL/mm-6 Recovered fossils will be prepared to the point of curation, identified by qualified
experts, listed in a database to facilitate analysis, and reposited in a designated paleontological
curation facility. The qualified paleontologist will prepare a paleontological mitigation and
monitoring report to be filed with the City of Arroyo Grande, as lead agency, and the repository.
The report will include, but will not be limited to, a discussion of the results of the mitigation and
monitoring program, an evaluation and analysis of the fossils collected (including an assessment
of their significance, age and geologic context), an itemized inventory of fossils collected, a
confidential appendix of locality and specimen data with locality maps and photographs, an
appendix of curation agreements and other appropriate communications, and a copy of the
project-specific paleontological mitigation plan.
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. The project area extends along the base of the coastal foothill terraces that abut the extensive
dune fields bordering the Pacific Ocean, and the sloping foothill topography of much of the project area
gives way to old stabilized sand dunes to the southwest. The project area encompasses an urbanized
landscape within the City of Arroyo Grande on rolling terrain at an elevation of approximately 100 to 140
feet.
Soils within the project area are generally channery sandy clay loams to sandy loams with a portion of
Xererts-Xerolls-Urban land complex. The Soil Conservation Service (SCS) has mapped twelve soil series
within the project vicinity (SCS 1984), including map unit (MU) 115 – Chamise shaly loam, 9 to 15 percent
slopes; 116 – Chamise shaly loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes; 117 – Chamise shaly sandy clay loam, 5 to 9
percent slopes; 126 – Corralitos variant loamy sand, 175 – Mocho silty clay loam, 184 – Oceano sand, 0 to
9 percent slopes; 189 – Pismo loamy sand, 194 – Riverwash, 210 – Still gravelly sandy clay loam, 2 to 9
percent slopes; 216 – Tierra sandy loam, 2 to 9 percent slopes; and 221 – Xererts-Xerolls-Urban land
complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes.
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 US Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service’s 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.
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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?
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 the
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (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. Seismic
design is based on Caltrans Seismic Design Criteria (SDC), Version 1.7 (Caltrans SDC April 2013). Roadway,
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pedestrian, and bicycle path elements would comply with the 2011 edition of AASHTO’s “A Policy on
Geometric Design of Highways and Streets” and relevant City standards.
Compliance with AASHTO, Caltrans, and other applicable standards would typically indicate that risks to
people and structures, including those related to unstable soil conditions, were properly safeguarded
against. 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. 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.
VII. Greenhouse Gas Emissions & Energy
Environmental Setting
Greenhouse gases (GHG) 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 (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).
Carbon dioxide 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 ARB, transportation
(vehicle exhaust) and electricity generation are the main sources of GHG in the state.
The passage of AB32, the California Global Warming Solutions Act (2006), recognized the need to reduce
GHG emissions and set the greenhouse gas 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 greenhouse gas emissions from significant sources via regulation, market mechanisms, and
other actions. Subsequent legislation (e.g., SB97-Greenhouse Gas Emissions bill) directed the ARB 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,
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2. Bright-Line Threshold: 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.
For most projects, the Bright-Line Threshold of 1,150 Metric Tons CO2/year (MT CO2e/yr) will be the most
applicable threshold. The APCD thresholds are for a project’s amortized construction and operational-
related GHG emissions. 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.
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
California Air Resources Board (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): The project proposes circulation and transportation infrastructure improvements that would
alleviate traffic congestion on US 101 and the local roadway system. Project-related traffic would be
limited to construction activities and the project would require limited amounts of electricity for traffic
and safety lighting, etc. A greenhouse gas analysis was completed pursuant to Caltrans guidelines (TAHA
2017). The build alternatives would result in less GHG emissions than no-build conditions in 2015 and
2035 (TAHA 2017). In addition, certain project components would partially offset greenhouse gas
emissions, such as bicycle/pedestrian improvements, additional landscaping, and the roundabout and
Park and Ride lot proposed under Alternative 4C.
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California has passed several pieces of legislation in the past few years aimed at dealing with GHG
emissions and climate change. Executive Order S-3-05 set a goal to reduce California’s GHG emissions to:
(1) 2000 levels by 2010; (2) 1990 levels by 2020; and (3) 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. These goals were
reinforced in 2006 with the passage of Assembly Bill 32 (AB 32) which set forth the same emission
reduction goals and further mandated that the CARB create a plan, including market mechanisms, and
develop and implement rules to achieve “real, quantifiable, cost-effective reductions of greenhouse
gases.” Executive Order S-01-07 set forth California’s low carbon fuel standard, which requires the carbon
intensity of the state’s transportation fuels to be reduced by 10% by 2020. In addition, Senate Bill 97 (SB
97) required amendments to the CEQA Guidelines to address GHG emissions; the amendments were put
into effect on March 18, 2010.
The project would not exceed adopted GHG thresholds applied by the APCD and is not anticipated to
generate significant GHG emissions due to the minimal short-term traffic generated, limited energy use,
and the beneficial impact on traffic operations and congestion. The project would not conflict with the
statewide regulations listed above.
In response to CEQA legislation requiring the consideration of Appendix F Energy Conservation when
analyzing a project’s impacts, the State CEQA Guidelines were amended in 2019 to incorporate a new
subdivision (b) of Section 15126.2, Consideration and Discussion of Significant Environmental Impacts. This
new subdivision requires the evaluation of a proposed project’s estimated energy use to determine if it
would: (a) result a wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources, during project
construction or operation; or (b) conflict with or obstruct a state or local plan for renewable energy or
energy efficiency. A proposed project is required to mitigate a wasteful use of energy. The analysis may
be included in related analyses of air quality, GHG emissions, or transportation or utilities, at the discretion
of the lead agency.
Because GHG emissions resulting from construction activities, transportation, and the provision of utility
services generally correlates to the consumption of energy resources, particularly non-renewable
resources, a project’s estimated GHG emissions serves as a useful proxy to also determine if a project
would result in a wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources.
To reduce GHG emissions—which in turn could reasonably be expected to reduce the consumption of
energy resources that result in GHG emissions—the City adopted a Climate Action Plan in November 2013.
The Climate Action Plan identified transportation as the largest source of GHG emissions in the City, at
44 percent of overall emissions.
As discussed above, project construction would require limited amounts of electricity for traffic and safety
lighting. During construction, fossil fuels, electricity, and natural gas would be used by construction
vehicles and equipment. The energy consumed during construction would be temporary and would not
represent a significant or wasteful demand on available resources.
Regarding operational impacts, the Air Quality Study concluded that both alternatives would not increase
vehicle miles traveled and would improve (reduce) vehicle delay at area intersections. The intersection
improvements proposed under both alternatives and the auxiliary lane proposed under Alternative 4C
may serve to increase roadway capacity, although the increase in vehicle energy consumption would be
somewhat offset by increased vehicle speeds and reductions in congestion (which are associated with
higher fuel economy). As a result, the GHG analysis found that both Alternatives 1 and 4C would only
slightly increase emissions by 2035 due to due to higher traffic volume in future years.
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An increase in GHG emissions is associated with an increase in energy consumption. However, the
movement of vehicles along US 101 in the project area is not considered a wasteful, inefficient, or
unnecessary consumption of energy resources. The project would comply with goals and policies of the
City’s Climate Action Plan, which indicates the City as the lead agency, does not consider the project’s
impacts to be a wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources. Motor vehicles are
the primary mode of transportation in rural communities such as Arroyo Grande, and improvements to
the roadway infrastructure serve this mode of transportation in a more efficient manner. Further,
Alternative 4C proposes improvements to reduce single-occupancy vehicles, such as the bus turnout along
Grace Lane and the Park and Ride lot adjacent to the proposed roundabout intersection.
Neither alternative would conflict or obstruct a state or local plan for renewable energy or energy
efficiency. Alternative 4C would further the goal of the City’s Climate Action Plan to install bicycle routes,
street and sidewalk improvements, and park and ride facility improvements. New project components—
such as the relocated modular building and new parking lots–would be designed in accordance with
applicable efficiency codes (e.g., Title 24). The implementation of bus pull-outs, pedestrian access
improvements, and improved traffic signal phasing would further reduce congestion and fuel
consumption.
Impacts would be less than significant.
Mitigation Measures and Residual Impacts
No significant impacts related to GHGs or Energy Consumption were identified; therefore, no mitigation
measures are necessary.
VIII. Hazards and, Hazardous Materials, & Wildfire
Environmental Setting
Based on a search of the California Department of Toxic Substance Control’s EnviroStor database and the
State Water Resources Control Board’s Geotracker system, there are several environmental cleanup sites
within the project area. All sites have been determined completed and closed, indicating that the site has
been remediated to the satisfaction of regulatory agency staff. There is also a current Cleanup Program
Site within 0.5 mile of the project area at the northbound US 101 ramps/Grand Avenue intersection. The
site is related to pending cleanup of gasoline and other contaminants discovered during underground
storage tank removal in 1988.
The project area is a major transportation corridor supporting millions of trips over previous decades. 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?
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Would the project:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact No Impact
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?
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): Although US 101 and local roadways within the project area are commonly used for the routine
transport of potentially hazardous materials, the proposed project would not significantly change existing
land uses or cause a routine or permanent increase in the transport of hazardous substances within the
project area. No change in the transport or handling of hazardous materials within proximity to adjacent
schools would occur outside of construction activities.
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 Saint Patrick’s School and other sensitive adjacent land uses. However,
such use would be short-term and subject to standard requirements for the handling of hazardous
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materials. Mitigation would be implemented to ensure potential impacts were reduced to less than
significant.
The Hazardous Waste Initial Site Assessment (Haro 2017) prepared for the project identified two sites that
may have residual contamination that could impact the project area: the Arroyo Grande Shell gas station
located at 222 Grand Avenue and the Chevron USA gas station at 251 Grand Avenue. The Shell station has
a long history of releases and cleanup for petroleum related contaminants. While the site has been
deemed closed by the Central Coast RWQCB, a notation in the case file states:
“Residual soil and groundwater wastes continues to underlie the site that could pose an
unacceptable risk under certain site development activities such as site grading,
excavation, or de-watering. The County of San Luis Obispo Environmental Health
Services (EHS) and appropriate local planning and building departments must be notified
prior to any changes in land use, and site redevelopment. Future site disturbance could
require worker health and safety protection, and restrictions on the disposal of soil and
groundwater. The levels of residual wastes and any associated risks are expected to
diminish with time. Additionally, EHS may also require additional assessment and
remediation if the property is proposed to be redeveloped. Additional action by the EHS
may include, but is not limited to, a case review, further investigations, soil gas analysis,
remedial action, and human health risk assessment.”
The Chevron USA gas station was also the location of multiple investigations from underground storage
tanks releases. This site has also been closed to further action by the RWQCB. In this case, however, the
RWQCB did not place restrictions on future use or construction like those applied to the Shell station (Haro
2017).
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 hazard to the public through foreseeable accident or upset. However, existing infrastructure
proposed to be demolished could include asbestos containing materials (ACM), lead-based paint, or
aerially deposited lead.
A previous analysis was conducted for the project (Kleinfelder 2006, 2007), which included limited testing
for asbestos and aerially deposited lead. The limited asbestos survey indicated asbestos was not detected
above the reporting limit; however, ACM may still occur in other untested areas of the project area. The
limited aerially deposited lead assessment identified soils containing lead in excess of concentration
thresholds to a depth of at least 1.5 feet below ground surface. In addition, paint used on bridge railings
and other built components within the project area proposed for demolition could contain lead-based
paint. Other identified hazards identified in the project area include gas transmission lines, chemically-
treated wood posts that could contain elevated concentrations of preservative chemicals, pole-mounted
transformers that may contain polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs, a toxic pollutant previously used in
electrical components before being banned by the federal government in 1979), and yellow traffic striping
paint that may contain lead.
A review of the U.S. Geological Survey map of the Arroyo Grande Northeast 7.5-Minute Quadrangle
indicates the majority of the project area is underlain by Holocene to late-Pleistocene-aged alluvial
deposits consisting of unconsolidated sand, silt, and clay, and old Pleistocene-eolian deposits. These
deposits are not likely to contain NOA (Haro 2017). The project is not located within an area identified as
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having the potential to contain naturally occurring asbestos (NOA) based on the APCD’s NOA map.
Therefore, potential impacts associated with NOA are less than significant.
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 storm water runoff from within the project area. The
primary federal laws regulating hazardous wastes and materials are the Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) and the Resource Conservation and Recovery
Act of 1976 (RCRA). The purpose of CERCLA, often referred to as “Superfund,” is to identify and clean up
abandoned contaminated sites so that public health and welfare are not compromised. The RCRA provides
for “cradle to grave” regulation of hazardous waste generated by operating entities. Other federal laws
include: the Community Environmental Response Facilitation Act (CERFA) of 1992, Clean Water Act, Clean
Air Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, Occupational Safety & Health Act (OSHA), Atomic Energy Act, Toxic
Substances Control Act (TSCA), and Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The
California Hazardous Waste Control Law is administered by the California Environmental Protection
Agency, Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC). DTSC has adopted extensive regulations
governing the generation, transportation, and disposal of hazardous wastes. These regulations impose
cradle-to-grave requirements for handling hazardous wastes in a manner that protects human health and
the environment. The Hazardous Waste Control Law regulations establish requirements for identifying,
packaging, and labeling hazardous wastes. They prescribe management practices for hazardous wastes;
establish permit requirements for hazardous waste treatment, storage, disposal, and transportation; and
identify hazardous wastes that cannot be disposed of in landfills. Hazardous waste is tracked from the
point of generation to the point of disposal or treatment using hazardous waste manifests.
The California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal/OSHA) is responsible for assuring
worker safety in the handling and use of chemicals in the workplace. Cal/OSHA assumes primary
responsibility for developing and enforcing workplace safety regulations. Cal/OSHA hazardous materials
regulations include requirements for safety training, availability of safety equipment, hazardous
substance exposure warnings, and emergency action and fire prevention plan preparation. Cal/OSHA has
established the Asbestos Construction Standard and Lead Construction Standards to regulate all
construction work where exposure to asbestos may occur or where an employee may be occupationally
exposed to lead.
Caltrans requires that any encounter with an unknown hazardous contaminant during construction follow
the Caltrans Unknown Hazards Procedure. The procedure includes a stop work in the vicinity of the find,
field review by the Caltrans resident engineer or district construction hazardous waste
coordinator/district hazardous waste coordinator, and development of a hazardous waste investigation
and removal plan (if necessary).
Mitigation measures have been proposed to minimize the potential for exposure to unknown hazardous
contaminants, and to minimize potential impacts associated with ACM, lead-based paint, aerially
deposited lead, and other known hazards within the project area.
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 the nearest underground storage tank cleanup site, and project activities at
the northbound US 101 ramps/Grand Avenue intersection would be generally limited to minor lane
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widening and restriping. Mitigation has been identified to ensure project-related activities do not disturb
proximate contaminated sites.
Therefore, impacts would be less than significant with mitigation.
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 operation of US 101
and the local roadway network. The project would improve long-term access 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 Arroyo Grande Fire Department is located less than 0.5 mile from the
project corridor and response times would be within acceptable levels.
In response to several years of extreme and destructive fire seasons, Appendix G of the State CEQA
Guidelines was updated in 2019 to include new questions that address a project’s potential wildfire
impacts in more detail than previously required. The new questions focus on whether projects located in
or near state responsibility areas (where the state has financial responsibility of preventing and
suppressing fires), or lands classified as very high fire severity zones by local agencies, and would:
a) Substantially impair an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan?
b) Due to slope, prevailing winds, and other factors, exacerbate wildfire risks, and thereby expose
project occupants to pollutant concentrations from a wildfire or the uncontrolled spread of a
wildfire?
c) Require the installation or maintenance of associated infrastructure (such as roads, fuel breaks,
emergency water sources, power lines or other utilities) that may exacerbate fire risk or that
may result in temporary or ongoing impacts to the environment?
d) Expose people or structures to significant risks, including downslope or downstream flooding or
landslides, as a result of runoff, post-fire slope instability, or drainage changes?
As discussed above, the project site is located in an urbanized area and not located in an area designated
as a state responsibility area or lands classified as a very high hazard severity zone. In addition, the project
would improve long-term access in the project vicinity and adequate alternative access exists for
emergency purposes during construction activities. The project is located in an urbanized area of stabilized
soils and both alternatives propose storm water drainage improvements to ensure adequate conveyance
capacity. Thus, the project would not expose people or structures to significant risks related to wildfire.
Therefore, impacts would be less than significant.
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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 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 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 (BMPs) 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 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 Demolition of existing structures and/or infrastructure shall be conducted in
compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, including the requirements stipulated in the
National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants (40 CFR 61, Subpart M – asbestos
NESHAP). These requirements include, but are not limited to, notification to the APCD, an asbestos
survey conducted by a Certified Asbestos Inspector, and applicable removal and disposal
requirements of identified asbestos containing materials.
HAZ/mm-3 A Soil Management Plan and Health and Safety Plan shall be developed for the
project and subject to approval by Caltrans 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
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disposal of aerially deposited lead in soils during construction activities within that portion of the
project within Caltrans right of way shall be consistent with the California Department of Toxic
Substances Control and Caltrans Soil Management Agreement for Aerially Deposited Lead-
Contaminated Soils (effective July 1, 2016).
HAZ/mm-4 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
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
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 resampled to confirm waste classification and
potential utilization of Caltrans’ hazardous waste agreement to recycle soil on site. The
appropriate Caltrans Standard Special Provision shall be included in the Plans, Specifications, and
Estimate.
HAZ/mm-5 Built structures within the project area proposed for demolition or removal,
including all concrete, painted surfaces, and treated wood poles and soils at the base of poles,
shall be tested for asbestos containing material, lead-based paint, and petroleum hydrocarbons
and other wood preservative chemicals. Testing shall be conducted prior to initiation of
construction and estimates during the Plans, Specifications, and Estimates phase of the project
shall include provisions for proper removal and disposal by a licensed contractor. Any identified
contaminants and toxic materials shall be handled, treated, and disposed of in accordance with
applicable rules and regulations. In the event hydrocarbon-contaminated soils are encountered,
the APCD shall be contacted immediately and no later than 48 hours after affected material is
discovered to determine if an APCD permit will be required.
HAZ/mm-6 The electrical company responsible for the electrical transformers present within
the project area shall be contacted to determine if the transformers contain polychlorinated
biphenyls (PCBs). If the transformers contain polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), then they shall be
removed and disposed of in accordance with applicable rules and regulations. Any identified
leaking transformers shall be considered a potential PCB hazard unless tested and shall be handled
accordingly.
HAZ/mm-7 The gas company responsible for the gas transmission pipelines located within the
project area shall be contacted to delineate the location of the gas transmission pipelines. The
location of the pipelines shall be shown on all project plans and specifications.
HAZ/mm-8 Underground Service Alert for Northern/Central California and Nevada (USA
North) shall be contacted prior to any subsurface excavation to determine the location of any
subsurface utility lines.
HAZ/mm-9 Testing and removal requirements for yellow traffic striping and pavement
marking materials shall be performed in accordance with Caltrans Construction Policy Bulleting
99-2 (Caltrans Construction Manual Chapter 7-107E).
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HAZ/mm-10 Any previously unknown hazardous waste or material encountered as part of
construction of the proposed project shall be handled, treated, and disposed of in accordance with
Caltrans Unknown Hazards Procedures.
HAZ/mm-11 Prior to any disturbance at or within 100 feet of the Arroyo Grande Shell Gas
Station located at 222 Grand Avenue, the City shall consult with the California Department of Toxic
Substances, Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, County of San Luis Obispo
Environmental Health Department, and Caltrans Headquarters Hazardous Waste Management
Section regarding the potential disturbance of hazardous substances and materials at the site.
Prior to any disturbance at or within 100 feet of the Arroyo Grande Shell Gas Station, the City shall
prepare a Hazardous Materials/Hazardous Waste Management, Removal, and Remediation Plan.
The plan shall, at minimum, include worker health and safety protection measures and restrictions
on the disposal of excavated soil and groundwater. The plan shall incorporate any additional
assessment and remediation required by the California Department of Toxic Substances, Central
Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, County of San Luis Obispo Environmental Health
Department, and Caltrans Headquarters Hazardous Waste Management Section. The Plan shall
include measures that ensure all hazardous materials involvement would be coordinated with the
appropriate federal, state, and local regulatory agencies and all hazardous materials encountered
would be removed, handled, and disposed of in accordance with state and federal regulations.
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 section is based on information provided in the Water Quality Assessment Report prepared for the
project (SWCA 2017).
Hydrology within the project area has been significantly altered by development and road construction.
Hardscape runoff from streets and buildings in the project area is diverted through a series of manmade
drainage ditches, detention basins, and culverts. There are three man-made ditches excavated in upland
areas to capture and direct urban runoff within the project area. The ditches consist of open v-shaped
channels with exposed soil/substrate or concrete lining. They convey runoff from US 101 and surrounding
roadways to the Old Ranch Road drainage and Arroyo Grande Creek. All surface waters west of Rancho
Parkway generally flow west, eventually draining into Meadow Creek and Pismo Lake Ecological Reserve,
while all surface waters east of Rancho Parkway generally drain east towards Arroyo Grande Creek.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency Flood Insurance Rate Map indicates that floodplains are
present on the northwestern and southeastern ends of the project area. In the northwest, Meadow Creek
and the East Fork of Meadow Creek converge near the intersection of West Branch Street and North Oak
Park Boulevard with Zone AE and Zone X floodplains. In addition, a Zone A drainage is located between
West Branch Street and Highway 101 from a detention pond east of Camino Mercado to the Meadow
Creek confluence. In the southeast, Arroyo Grande Creek east of Grande Avenue contains Zone A, AE, and
X floodplains. Zone A and AE floodplains have a 1% chance of annual flooding while Zone X floodplains
generally have a 0.2% to 1% chance of annual flooding.
The project area is located in the Estero Bay Hydrologic Unit, in the Arroyo Grande Hydrologic Area, and
in the Oceano Hydrologic Sub-Area – Hydrologic Unit Number 310.31. The proposed project is located
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primarily within the Arroyo Grande Creek watershed, approximately 7.5 miles below the Lopez Lake Dam.
US Geological Service quadrangle maps for Pismo Beach, Arroyo Grande Northeast and Oceano, California
show two blue-line channels within the project area, one at the western end of the project area near the
Camino Mercado/West Branch Street intersection and another beginning just north of Old Ranch Road in
the northeastern portion of the project site. Road construction has altered the original natural channels
for these blue-line drainages, and flows are now contained by man-made channels, detention basins, and
culverts. The Camino Mercado drainage directs flows west through a culvert and concrete v-ditch to
Meadow Creek and the Pismo Lake Ecological Reserve. The Old Ranch Road drainage diverts flows east
via a culvert that passes under Grand Avenue before connecting to Arroyo Grande Creek east of the
project site (SWCA 2017).
The project area is underlain by the Santa Maria Groundwater Basin, which underlies more than 280
square miles in the southwestern corner of San Luis Obispo County and the northwestern corner of Santa
Barbara 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 area is
within the Arroyo Grande Valley subbasin, which underlies approximately 3,860 acres. The subbasin 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, which separates it from the main Santa Maria Basin.
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?
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?
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Would the project:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact No Impact
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), c) – f): Based on the highway storm water runoff data collected by the Caltrans Storm Water
Research and Monitoring Program, typical pollutants from California highways include heavy metals,
sediment, and litter. Caltrans has a well-developed storm water program that, under most circumstances,
addresses all potentially significant impacts to water quality during storm events. This program is primarily
intended to comply with Caltrans Statewide NPDES Stormwater Permit and ensures that all construction,
design, and treatment best management practices (BMPs) are implemented and comply with RWQCB
requirements.
As traffic increases in the project area, the amount of pollutants originating from cars and trucks (i.e., tire
and brake lining wear, litter, and spills during vehicle accidents) is also expected to increase. The project
would incorporate proposed design pollution prevention BMPs and temporary construction site BMPs
under both alternatives. Alternative 4C would also utilize permanent storm water treatment BMPs if the
required water quality volume cannot be infiltrated through design pollution prevention infiltration type
BMPs. The project design allows for the ease of maintaining all BMPs throughout the period of
construction. Construction activities can be phased to minimize soil-disturbing activities during the rainy
season and all disturbed soil areas would be paved or stabilized by the end of construction.
There is an existing permanent storm water treatment BMP within the project limits. Two biofiltration
swales are located on the southbound side of US 101 from postmile (PM) 13.35 to 13.61 and PM 13.19 to
13.29 (generally between the southbound Halcyon Road on-ramp and Grand Avenue overcrossing). Under
Alternative 1, fill at the northwest quadrant of the US 101/Grand Avenue interchange would cover part
of an existing bio-strip. Hydroseed and compost would be placed to restore the existing bio-strip.
All constituents and parameters in nearby surface water bodies found to be elevated (compared to
background) or exceeding published water quality standards are potential concerns for the proposed
project. The proposed project will incorporate permanent design pollution prevention BMPs (and
permanent storm water treatment BMPs under Alternative 4C, if necessary) to the maximum extent
feasible to minimize the direct discharge of highway storm water to adjacent waterways.
Permanent impacts to water quality could occur over months or years following construction of the
project. The primary causes of these impacts would be from increased storm water runoff rates and
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volumes, increased storm water pollutant loads, changes in riparian and wetland areas, and spreading of
invasive plant species that could adversely affect riparian areas.
Construction of the project is expected to take between 9 and 12 months to complete and span at least
one rainy season. The exhaust from construction equipment contains hydrocarbons, oxides of nitrogen,
carbon monoxide, suspended particulate matter, and odors, which could have an effect on adjacent
waterways. Leaky construction equipment has the potential to drip or spill fuels, petroleum products, and
hydraulic fluids among other hazardous substances. The use of asphalt, concrete, and other harmful
chemicals during construction activities would also add to the potential of these substances entering creek
channels during activities in and near water bodies and wetlands or other jurisdictional USACE waters
within the project limits.
It is estimated that the largest percentage of construction pollutants would be sediment, construction
debris from demolished structures, and dust generated during excavation, grading, hauling, demolition,
and various other activities. The impacts of these activities would vary each day as construction progresses
and onsite conditions change. Potential sources of temporary surface water impacts include construction
materials, contaminants in the existing roadway, vehicle leaks, traffic accidents, and illegal dumping.
Temporary construction site storm water BMPs will be implemented to minimize or eliminate chemical
releases to ground and surface waters.
Due to the urbanized nature of most drainage systems throughout the project corridor, many potential
opportunities exist for upgrading deficiencies and or enhancing impaired beneficial uses within the project
corridor. The proposed project would be subject to two separate National Pollution Discharge Elimination
System (NPDES) permit requirements. Areas of the project within the Caltrans right-of-way will be
regulated consistent with the requirements of the Caltrans NPDES Municipal Separate Storm Sewer
Systems (MS4) permit, and areas of the project within the City right-of-way would be regulated consistent
with the City’s NPDES MS4 permit.
The proposed project’s Project Scope Summary Report (PSSR) was signed on June 25, 2013. Therefore, it
is grandfathered under the new Caltrans NPDES permit (Order 2012-0011 DWQ). The new Caltrans Permit
Order No. 2012-0011 DWQ, effective July 1, 2013, states, under the Project Planning and Design section,
that the new permit requirements only apply to new and redevelopment projects that have not
completed the project initiation phase. Therefore, the proposed project would be subject to the
requirements contained within the Caltrans 1999 NPDES Permit Order No. 99-DWQ-06.
Standard temporary construction site and permanent design pollution prevention and sStorm water BMPs
will be utilized during and after construction of the project to control potential discharges of pollutants to
surface water. BMPs would be designed with the goal of controlling general gross pollutants and/or
sedimentation/siltation, depending on location. The required storm water pollution prevention plan
(SWPPP) will address all the BMPs necessary to prevent water quality impacts during construction of the
project. In addition, buffers from sensitive resources such as wetlands and riparian corridors would be
established throughout the project area.
Therefore, impacts would be less than significant with mitigation.
b): 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.
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Impacts would be less than significant.
g) – i): The proposed project would not place any housing within a 100-year flood zone. Based on County
mapping, small areas of disturbance near the northbound US 101 ramp intersections at Camino Mercado
and Grand Avenue would occur within areas designated as within the 100-year flood zone. However, no
new or substantially different use would be developed that would impede or redirect flood flows. On-site
drainage patterns would be controlled as described above. 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.
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.
HYD/mm-1 Prior to commencement of construction activities, the City shall prepare a Storm
Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), which shall include Best Management Practices (BMPs)
to be implemented and monitored prior to and during construction. The SWPPP would include a
Construction Site Monitoring Program that presents procedures and methods related to the visual
monitoring and sampling and analysis plans for non-visible pollutants, sediment and turbidity, and
pH.
HYD/mm-2 The City shall implement, at minimum, the following BMPs.
Temporary Construction Measures
a. All substantial ground disturbance shall be limited to the dry season or periods when
rainfall is not predicted to the extent feasible, to minimize erosion and sediment transport
to surface waters;
b. Disturbed areas shall be stabilized or re-vegetated prior to the start of the rainy season;
c. Impacts to vegetation shall be minimized. The work area shall be flagged to identify its
limits. Vegetation shall not be removed or intentionally damaged beyond these limits.
d. Construction materials and soil piles shall be placed in designated areas where they could
not enter storm drains due to spillage or erosion.
e. Waste and debris generated during construction shall be stored in designated waste
collection areas and containers away from watercourses, and shall be disposed of
regularly.
f. During construction, washing of concrete trucks, paint, equipment, or similar activities
shall occur only in areas where polluted water and materials can be contained for
subsequent removal from the site. Wash water shall not be discharged to the storm drains,
street, drainage ditches, creeks, or wetlands. Concrete washout area shall be isolated from
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storm drains, and wash water and waste shall be removed from project site. The location
of the washout area shall be clearly noted at the construction site with signs.
g. All fueling of heavy equipment shall occur in a designated area removed from on-site
drainages, such that any spillage would not enter surface waters. The designated refueling
area shall include a drain pan or drop cloth and absorbent materials to clean up spills. The
location of the fueling area shall be clearly noted at the construction site with signs.
h. Vehicles and equipment shall be maintained properly to prevent leakage of hydrocarbons
and coolant, and shall be examined for leaks on a daily basis. All maintenance shall occur
in a designated offsite area. The designated area shall include a drain pan or drop cloth
and absorbent materials to clean up spills.
i. Any accidental spill of hydrocarbons or coolant that may occur on the construction site
shall be cleaned immediately. Absorbent materials shall be maintained on the
construction site for this purpose.
j. Temporary placement of fill shall be located outside of any drainage ways.
k. Adequate measures shall be applied to all disturbed portions of the project site to control
dust, such as daily watering or hydro-mulching until vegetation cover is well established.
l. Any fill or stockpiling that is to be left more than 30 days shall be hydro-seeded or covered
immediately upon completion of the fill or stockpiling work.
m. All fill material shall be “clean” and free of any potentially hazardous materials or
hazardous waste.
n. Rain Event Action Plan (REAP). Risk Level 2 projects are required to prepare a REAP, which
will describe projected storm information and list specific actions required to be taken
before predicted rain events.
o. Soil Stabilization Measures. Minimum soil stabilization measures for the project shall
include move-in/move-out erosion control, use of temporary hydraulic mulch on any
exposed disturbed soils, temporary covers to protect disturbed soil areas, and temporary
fencing to designate environmentally sensitive areas as outside of the work area limits.
Analysis of additional soil stabilization measures will continue during the design phase.
p. Sediment Control Measures. Minimum sediment control measures for the project shall
include temporary fiber rolls to minimize sediment-laden sheet flows and concentrated
flows from discharging offsite, and temporary drainage inlet protection to prevent
sediment from entering current or proposed storm drains. Investigation into additional
sediment control measures, including the use of sediment traps, will continue during the
design phase.
q. Tracking Controls. To prevent the tracking of mud and dirt off-site, stabilized construction
entrances and exits shall be placed at multiple points throughout the project site. Street
sweeping shall be implemented to remove any tracked sediment.
r. Waste Management and Materials Pollution Control. Concrete washout bins shall be
considered for all concrete-related work activities.
s. Job Site Management. The project’s proposed Construction Site Management includes
controlling potential sources of water pollution before they enter any storm water systems
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or watercourses and employee and subcontractor training, including the proper selection,
deployment, and repair of construction site BMPs used within the project site.
t. Storm Wwater Sampling and Analysis. Risk Level 2 projects are required to perform storm
water sampling at all discharge locations during qualifying rain events. The samples shall
be analyzed for pH and turbidity, and subject to numeric action levels.
Permanent Design Measures
u. Downstream Effects Related to Potentially Increased Flows. Design pollution prevention
BMPs shall be incorporated to promote infiltration, maintain or restore pre-project
hydrology, as well as provide overall water quality improvement of discharges. Potential
water quality improvement measures include grading slopes to blend with natural terrain
and decrease the need for dikes, designing permanent drainage facilities that mimic the
existing drainage patterns of the area, constructing permanent vegetated drainage
ditches to decrease the velocity of discharge, and maintaining existing vegetated areas to
the extent feasible.
v. Alternative 4C would modify local drainage along the roadway by bisecting a roadside
ditch. Connectivity shall be maintained with a culvert crossing the north portion of the
proposed intersection.
w. Slope/Surface Protection Systems. The proposed side slopes to accommodate the new
improvements would be minor and would be 2:1 or flatter, consistent with existing slopes,
except for slopes adjacent to the realigned southbound US 101 on-ramp from Grand
Avenue, where slopes would be 4:1 (horizontal:vertical [H:V]). Other slope/surface
protection items shall include slope paving, hydroseed, and move-in/move-out.
x. Concentrated Flow Conveyance Systems. Open vegetated conveyances would be
prioritized and utilized before lined and piped conveyances. Depending on the alternative
selected, new drainage inlets and culvert pipes will be necessary to convey runoff to
existing drainage ditches. There are currently no known existing areas of erosion or slope
failures at existing culvert crossings, so additional installation of flared end sections, rock
slope protection, or other outlet protection/velocity dissipation devices may not be
required. However, because the runoff will drain to existing or proposed natural drainage
ditches, calculations will be conducted during the design phase should show that the
increase in volume can be contained within the ditches and that the increase in flow and
velocity will not result in erosion or scour if the ditches are only vegetated and lined with
rock or other hard material.
y. Preservation of Existing Vegetation. Existing vegetation shall be preserved to the
maximum extent possible. The project would result in minimal clearing or grubbing
because the majority of the project area is currently paved. Proposed roadway
improvements entail graded side slopes of 2:1 or flatter, except for slopes adjacent to the
realigned southbound US 101 on-ramp from Grand Avenue, where slopes would be
4:1 (H:V). Any slopes steeper than 2:1 (H:V) will be stabilized with retaining walls, except
the 4:1 slopes adjacent to the southbound US 101 on-ramp from Grand Avenue, which
would be stabilized with erosion control/landscaping.
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Permanent Treatment Measures
z. Treatment BMP Strategy. Permanent treatment BMPs will be considered for Alternative
4C if design pollution prevention BMPs are not sufficient to infiltrate the water quality
volume and are expected to include infiltration TBMPs. Onsite soils are most generally
classified as HSG Type D. Based on this information, it is estimated that soil amendments
will be needed to achieve a 90% infiltration ranking for biofiltration and infiltration devices
under Alternative 4C. Treatment for this project shall be to the maximum extent possible,
and the project will attempt to treat all added impervious areas, which varies based on
the alternative selected.
aa. Biofiltration Swales/Strips. Currently, vegetated ditches capture sheet flow and convey
runoff to Arroyo Grande Creek and Meadow Creek and Pismo Lake. Design pollution
prevention infiltration type BMPs will be prioritized for the project. However, under
Alternative 4C, infiltration will also occur at seven proposed biofiltration strips/swales.
Vegetation mixes appropriate for the biofiltration swales based on project climate and
location have not been determined at this time. However, biofiltration swales shall meet
100% treatment of the added impervious area.
Maintenance Treatment Measures
bb. The project will require drain inlet stenciling in areas where there is pedestrian access,
primarily at the Brisco Road undercrossing, on West Branch Street, and on Grace Lane.
Stenciling detail will follow the Caltrans Standard Plans for drain inlet stenciling. Other
types of maintenance BMPs, including maintenance vehicle pullouts, shall also be
considered during the design phase in coordination with the City and the Caltrans
Maintenance Area Manager.
With the incorporation of these measures, residual impacts related to hydrology and water quality would
be less than significant.
X. Land Use and Planning
Environmental Setting
The project corridor consists of a 1.6 mile stretch along US 101 within a highly urbanized area in the City
of Arroyo Grande. The project corridor extends from Grand Avenue and the Arroyo Grande Village Core,
through the large Five Cities regional shopping area adjacent to Brisco Road and Camino Mercado. Land
uses within the project area predominantly consist of US 101, local roadways, and related
traffic/circulation infrastructure (i.e., sidewalks, right of way, road shoulders, traffic signs and signals). The
delineated project area also includes portions of several adjacent parcels where right of way would be
acquired; land uses in these areas include agricultural row crops, private school recreational facilities, and
vacant disturbed lots. The project boundary includes the entire parcels on which Brisco’s Hardware and
the Arroyo Grande Library and San Luis Obispo County Agriculture Department buildings are situated, due
to the need to evaluate these parcels for architectural history resources per Caltrans guidance (refer to
Section V, Cultural Resources, above).
The parcels directly surrounding the proposed project area have experienced many new developments in
the past 10 years, most notably the development of 44 acres of land for the Five Cities regional shopping
center northwest of the US 101 ramps/Brisco Road interchange. This shopping center includes a Walmart,
Haggen supermarket, Office Max, Marshalls, Trader Joe’s, Chili’s Grill and Bar Restaurant, and Regal movie
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theater, and draws customers from the surrounding communities. The Brisco Road/ Halcyon Road/ US
101 interchange serves as an important connection to these and other adjacent commercial uses. Halcyon
Road is a significant regional route to the communities of Grover Beach, Oceano, and Nipomo.
Adjoining properties along the corridor have a variety of land use designations, including Community
Facilities (CF), Regional Commercial (RC), Agriculture (AG), Mixed Use (MU), Single Family Residential –
Medium Density (SFRMD), Single Family Residential – Low Density (SFRLD), and Conservation/Open Space
(C/OS) (refer to Figure 5 – Land Use Map, below). The parcels surrounding the project area are zoned
Public Facility (PF), RC, AG, Office Mixed-Use (OMU), Industrial Mixed-Use (IMU), Planned Development
(PD), Single Family (SF), Multi-Family (MF), Highway Mixed-Use (HMU), and Village Mixed-Use (VMU).
Land use categories are shown in Figure 5 and zoning categories are shown in Figure 6.
The largest designation of parcels adjacent to the project boundary is Community Facilities, with 13
parcels comprising approximately 97 acres (31%) designated for this use. Of these, four are currently
undeveloped. Existing uses on developed Community Facility parcels include St. Patrick’s Catholic School,
the Arroyo Grande Library, San Luis Obispo County Agricultural Department, the Arroyo Grande Cemetery,
Rancho Grande Park, Grace Bible Church, Hampton Inn, and the St. Patrick’s Cemetery. Other significant
adjacent land uses are Agriculture (two large parcels comprised of approximately 59 acres, 19%), Regional
Commercial (14 parcels of 27 acres, 18%) and Conservation/Open Space (2 large parcels of 51 acres, 16%).
The Agriculture parcels are in active row crop production (refer to Agricultural Resources, above), and the
Conservation/Open Space parcels are undeveloped open space lands. The Regional Commercial parcels
accommodate three large shopping centers, with a K-Mart, Walmart, Trader Joe’s, Office Max,
Albertson’s, Marshalls, Regal Arroyo Grande Stadium movie theater complex, and other large retail stores.
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 improve existing infrastructure within the City to improve the circulation
network of the US 101 and local roadway system. The project would not divide any portion of the City.
Therefore, impacts would be less than significant.
b): The San Luis Obispo Council of Government’s 2010 Regional Transportation Plan and City of
Arroyo Grande General Plan (Agriculture, Conservation and Open Space, Land Use, Circulation, Economic
Development, and Noise Elements) were reviewed for consistency with the proposed project. Both
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project alternatives are generally consistent with applicable local and regional plans, including the
Regional Transportation Plan and the City of Arroyo Grande General Plan. The project would improve
efficiency of the local circulation system and would be designed to improve the interconnectedness
between transportation modes, delaying the need for capacity expansions, consistent with RTP policies.
The proposed project is identified in the Regional Transportation Plan as an “emerging issue” and
improvements to the Brisco Road/Halcyon Road and Grand Avenue interchanges are proposed to improve
capacity and congestion issues along this section of US 101.
The project is consistent with the growth strategies and goals of the Land Use Element. It is intended to
improve circulation infrastructure within the project area and would bring the circulation system capacity
into consistency with the intensity of surrounding land uses without compromising the integrity of
adjacent land uses. The project would also bring the project area into consistency with the policies and
standards of Caltrans, the Circulation Element, and the US 101 Transportation Concept Report, which
identifies a concept peak Level of Service (LOS) D for the segment of US 101 extending through Arroyo
Grande. Under build out conditions of the Arroyo Grande General Plan (year 2035), both alternatives
would attain a LOS D or better on all intersections within the project area with the exception of Grand
Avenue/West Branch Street, which is projected to operate at unsignalized LOS F conditions under both
build alternatives and the no project alternative. Although the Grand Avenue/West Branch Street
intersection is expected to operate at LOS F conditions under all alternatives, worst-case movement
delays at this intersection is substantially reduced under Alternative 4C.
As discussed in Section 2, Project Description, above, under both alternatives, physical improvements to
the US 101/East Grand Avenue interchange would be phased to when adequate funding is available.
Under both alternatives, all improvements are anticipated to be fully implemented by the design year
(2035). A Technical Memorandum was prepared by Wood Rodgers, Inc. in April 2019 to assess the
independent utility of the phased/deferred implementation of the East Grand Avenue Interchange
improvements. The Technical Memorandum evaluated how the current US 101 southbound on-ramp and
southbound off-ramp “offset” intersection configuration would operate during the interim period before
implementing the physical improvements at the US 101/Grand Avenue interchange. Although the physical
improvements would be postponeddeferred/phased, including the realignment of the US 101
southbound ramps to form a typical four-legged intersection, signal timing adjustments would be made
to the US 101 southbound ramps at Grand Avenue to account for higher volume of vehicles during the
interim period.
As concluded in the Technical Memorandum and shown in Table 5, 2035 (Design Year) PM Peak Hour
Level of Service, in Section XVI (Transportation/Traffic) below, even if phased deferred until the Design
Year (2035), the southbound interchange would operate at an acceptable LOS (LOS C or better during the
PM Peak Hour) throughout the interim period with the implementation of signal timing improvements.
The delay would be 25.5 seconds per vehicle during the interim period and would be reduced to 22.8
seconds per vehicle when the US 101 southbound ramps are realigned to a four-legged intersection at
Grand Avenue. The Technical Memorandum also concluded that the operations of other study area
intersections would not be negatively affected through the design year if the US 101/Grand Avenue
interchange improvements are phased/deferred until a later time when funding can be secured. This is
because the benefits of the Grand Avenue interchange improvements would primarily be contained to
the US 101 southbound ramps/Grand Avenue intersection. Thus, the phased/deferred implementation of
the East Grand Avenue Interchange improvements would not result in a significant impact (LOS D or lower)
at the interchange and the project would be consistent with applicable transportation-related land use
plans.
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Figure 5. Land Use Map
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Figure 6. Zoning Map
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Despite the general consistency discussed above, the proposed project alternatives would potentially
conflict with some applicable policies related to circulation interconnection, promotion of non-motorized
and pedestrian facilities, and/or convenient and well-designed parking facilities, if those resources are not
protected through final design of the proposed project. Both alternatives would potentially interrupt or
disrupt bike and pedestrian facilities and public transportation services within the project corridor both
through the construction period and permanently if project designs do not adequately protect
connectivity and convenience of existing and planned features. Both alternatives would affect a small
portion of the parking area at Brisco’s Hardware, at the corner of El Camino Real and Brisco Road.
Alternative 1 would also require the acquisition of portions of the Arroyo Grande Shell and Chevron
stations east of the Grand Avenue/US 101 interchange to accommodate the proposed exclusive right-turn
lane along East Grand Avenue. Alternative 4C would also require the acquisition of a portion of the public
parking associated with the County of San Luis Obispo Department of Agriculture offices and Arroyo
Grande Library. This acquisition is necessary to accommodate the new US 101 northbound ramps/West
Branch Street/Grace Lane intersection.
Both alternatives would also potentially create conflicts with Land Use Element policies related to the
development of solid walls, i.e., sound or retaining walls. Both alternatives would require the installation
of several retaining walls (i.e., along West Branch Street and at the reconfigured Camino Mercado/US 101
northbound ramps, Grand Avenue/US 101 northbound ramps, and Grace Lane/Rodeo Drive
intersections). The Noise Study Report prepared for the project (refer to Section XII, Noise, below) also
analyzes the potential benefits and feasibility of noise barriers along the highway to minimize noise effects
on surrounding communities. These noise barriers, if required which are proposed along the southbound
side of US 101 between the Oak Park Boulevard Interchange and Stonecrest Drive and between the
Halcyon Road on-ramp and the Grand Avenue off-ramp, would be for noise attenuation purposes
consistent with Land Use Element Policy LU12-3.2. Mitigation measure LU/mm-6 requires development
of a solid wall design and landscape plan, including requirements for aesthetic and graffiti-proof
treatments and requirements for landscape plantings, to minimize the visual impacts of solid walls. If not
required, there would be no potential inconsistency.
Mitigation measures are identified below to ensure appropriate design elements will be incorporated to
ensure the interconnection of transportation systems, encouragement of non-motorized transportation
alternatives, design of convenient, well-designed aesthetic parking facilities, and consistency with
transportation and land use policies and goals. They also identify appropriate design and landscape
standards to ensure the project’s consistency with additional policy goals of the Land Use Element related
to solid walls.
Therefore, impacts would be less than significant with mitigation.
c): There are no applicable habitat conservation plans or natural community conservation plans in
the project vicinity.
Therefore, no impacts would occur.
Mitigation Measures and Residual Impacts
To minimize potential significant impacts associated with inconsistency with policies and goals, the
following measures would be implemented.
LU/mm-1 Prior to initiation of construction activities, the City shall prepare circulation and
traffic plans which shall incorporate and improve connectivity with existing and new public transit
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facilities, bike paths or lanes, and pedestrian access ways to the greatest extent feasible through,
at minimum, incorporation of crosswalks, sidewalks and bike lanes. All new public transit facilities,
bike paths or lanes, and pedestrian access ways shall be ADA-compliant. Temporary construction
activities shall avoid conflict with bike and pedestrian access ways to the greatest extent feasible.
If construction activities will interfere with existing bike or pedestrian routes, temporary access
shall be provided to all areas of the project area. The plan shall be approved by the City Engineer
prior to the start of construction.
LU/mm-2 Prior to the initiation of construction activities, the City shall prepare a Non-
Motorized / Public Transportation Plan in consultation with the City of Arroyo Grande Public Works
Department and the County Bicycle Advisory Committee on any improvements that may affect
facilities identified in the County Bikeway Plan. The plan shall include, at minimum:
a. Designs for providing bicycle, pedestrian and car interaction along the project area that
would minimize conflicts through the use of striping, signage, lighting, bollards, etc.;
b. Examples of the signage, striping, lighting, designs, etc. for safe bicycle, pedestrian, and
car interaction;
c. Methods for ensuring the project would not interfere in any way with existing or proposed
future bike and pedestrian lanes and paths, whether formal or informal, particularly those
associated with St. Patrick’s School, the Arroyo Grande Library, and adjacent public
buildings and facilities.
d. Methods for ensuring bike and pedestrian circulation to serve schools and public facilities
are made a priority consistent with policies of the Circulation Element.
e. Methods to ensure the project would not adversely impactinterfere, temporarily or long-
term, in any way with any routes, schedules, or operations of the RTA (Regional Transit
Authority) stops at Walmart and the Arroyo Grande Library.
f. Methods to ensure the project would not adversely impact interfere in any way with the
Park and Ride parking lots located within the project area, including the lot on El Camino
Real in between Halcyon Street and Grand Avenue.
f.g. Compliance with applicable requirements of the Complete Streets Act of 2008.
The plan shall be approved by the City Engineer prior to the start of construction.
LU/mm-3 The project shall be designed to allow convenient and/or improved access to the
Regional Transit Authority stops along West Branch Street at the Arroyo Grande Library and
Walmart and the Park and Ride lots along El Camino Real. Construction activities shall not interfere
with or inhibit access or usability of the public transportation stops or parking lots and shall take
into account existing RTA and Park and Ride schedules and routes.
LU/mm-4 All proposed areas of disturbance shall be minimized to the greatest extent
feasible and shall be clearly marked on project design plans. All adjacent areas of disturbed parcels
shall be kept open for parking and customer use to the greatest extent feasible. No adjacent
portions of the parcels’ parking area shall be utilized for staging areas or equipment storage.
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LU/mm-5 Prior to the initiation of construction activities, the City shall prepare a Parking
Plan, in consultation with the City of Arroyo Grande City Engineer, the owners of Brisco’s True
Value Hardware (APN# 077-051-019) and any other affected public or private property owners.
The Plan shall include:
a. Methods for ensuring all public parking associated with Brisco’s Hardware, the Arroyo
Grande Library and adjacent county public offices are protected from project impacts and
acquisitions and maintained to the maximum extent feasible;
b. A restriping and landscape design plan for the Brisco’s Hardware parking area, and any
City or County public facility areas that will be affected by the proposed project, which
shall be prepared in consultation with any affected private property owners, and be
prepared in compliance with the Arroyo Grande General Plan;
c. Measures to ensure visitor parking and use of these public facilities and private businesses
would not be deterred during construction of the project, to the maximum extent feasible;
and,
d. Requirements that upon completion of project construction, all adjacent disturbed areas
shall be restored to original conditions to the extent feasible.
The plan shall be approved by the City Engineer prior to the start of construction.
LU/mm-6 Prior to the initiation of construction activities, the City shall prepare a solid wall
design and landscape plan for the proposed project area that includes, at minimum, the following
provisions:
a. Design the walls with an aesthetic and graffiti proof treatment consistent with the
surrounding visual character and setting.
b. Design the walls to allow for landscape planting on any visible surface, as detailed in
subsections e. through i., below.
c. Plant vines or shrubs in front of the walls, as more particularly described in subsections e.
through i., below.
d. Treat or modify the existing walls to be visually consistent with the new walls.
e. Include large-scale trees, vines, shrubs, and bushes, as appropriate, along the base of any
retaining walls to help disguise the form and scale of the retaining walls.
f. Include shrub species on any walls and any wall benches to the greatest extent possible.
g. Select plant material for the retaining wall faces and benches which has informal growing
habits, and include species which will cascade over the steps/walls and help hide visibility
of wall geometry.
h. Select plant material for the retaining walls, benches, or fences which, when seen from a
distance, is similar in color and shade to the majority of the vegetation on existing slopes.
Avoid plants with distinctive flower colors or vegetative characteristics.
i. Select plant material horticulturally appropriate for the site, which will result in long-term
survival with a minimum amount of maintenance once established.
j. Use of drought tolerant species shall be emphasized.
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k. The project plans shall include a water efficient drip irrigation system if necessary to
maximize the establishment and long-term success of the plantings.
l. The project plans shall include a “plant establishment” requirement which guarantees the
successful establishment of the planting and replacement of plants which fail.
m. The project plans shall include a long-term maintenance strategy and resource
commitment which ensures the ongoing success and effectiveness of the planting,
including replacement of plants which fail.
n. All drainage pipes shall be placed underground, including down-drains.
Solid wall design and landscaping plans shall be approved by the City Community Development
Director prior to the start of construction. Subsequent visual review of the walls by a consultant
approved by the City shall be required once final design of the walls has been completed.
With the incorporation of this measure, residual impacts to land use and planning would be less than
significant.
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.
Therefore, no impacts to mineral resources would occur.
Mitigation Measures and Residual Impact
No impacts to mineral resources were identified; therefore, no mitigation measures are necessary.
XII. Noise
Environmental Setting
This section is based on the Noise Study Report prepared for the project (Terry A. Hayes Associates, Inc.
[TAHA] 2017). The Noise Study Report (NSR) follows the California Department of Transportation
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(Caltrans) Traffic Noise Analysis Protocol for New Highway Construction, Reconstruction, and Retrofit
Barrier Projects (Protocol) (Caltrans 2011). A field investigation was conducted to identify land uses that
could be subject to traffic and construction noise impacts from the proposed project. Noise-sensitive land
uses within the project area include residences and schools adjacent to the project corridor and the Arroyo
Grande Library. Short-term noise levels were measured at four representative locations to document the
existing noise environment and were used to calibrate the noise prediction model with concurrent traffic
counts. A total of 128 representative existing sensitive receivers were evaluated for potential noise
impacts resulting from the traffic along US 101.
The project area on the north side of Highway 101 includes a mix of large-scale commercial/retail
developments and a school site. The south side of Highway 101 includes commercial/light industrial uses,
schools, and a hotel. Single-family residences are located near Highway 101 south of El Camino Real
between North Halcyon Road and Grand Avenue.
Existing noise levels within the project area generally range from 38 to 76 decibels (dB) and US 101 was
the dominant noise source at each of the measurement locations (TAHA 2017). Predicted future noise
levels without the project were estimated to range from 45 to 77 dB. Based on the Noise Element of the
City’s General Plan, maximum allowable noise exposure from transportation noise sources is generally 60
dB for exterior areas (70 dB for playgrounds) and 45 dB for interior spaces (35 dB for theaters, auditoriums,
and music halls). Table 5 summarizes the results of the short-term noise monitoring conducted in the
project area.
Table 5. Short-term Noise Monitoring Results
Position Location Land Uses Start
time
Duration
(min.)
Measured
Leq
Number
of Auto
Number of
Trucks Observed
Speed
(mph) Medium Heavy
School
Building
St. Patrick’s
School School 9:40
a.m. 20 67.3 N/A N/A N/A 65
ST-3&4,
P
Bennett
Ave./El
Camino
Real
Residential/
School
11:10
a.m. 20 67.3 N/A N/A N/A 65
ST-5 O
Faeh
Ave./El
Camino
Real
Residential 11:45
a.m. 20 66.7 899 27 37 65
ST-5 CU El Camino
Real Residential 12:15
p.m. 20 69.1 N/A N/A N/A 65
Source: TAHA 2017.
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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) – d): Construction Impacts. During construction of the project, noise from construction activities may
intermittently dominate the noise environment in the immediate area of construction. Construction noise
is regulated by Caltrans Standard Specifications Section 14-8.02, “Noise Control” which requires the
following: Do not exceed 86 dBA Lmax at 50 feet from the job site activities from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. In addition,
the City’s Municipal Code creates an exception to noise standards for construction activities occurring
between 7:00 a.m. and 10 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays and
Sundays. Therefore, the project will meet Caltrans Standard Noise Control Specifications, and will also
meet the City’s noise standards or be limited to the hours identified as acceptable in the City’s municipal
code for construction noise in excess of those noise standards.
Table 6 summarizes noise levels produced by construction equipment that is commonly used on roadway
construction projects. Construction activities would occur intermittently over approximately 9 to 12
months. Construction equipment is expected to generate noise levels ranging from 70 to 90 dB at a
distance of 50 feet, and noise produced by construction equipment would be reduced over distance at a
rate of about 6 dB per doubling of distance.
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Table 6. Construction Equipment Noise Levels
Equipment Maximum Noise Level (dBA at 50 feet)
Scrapers 89
Bulldozers 85
Heavy Trucks 88
Backhoe 80
Pneumatic Tools 85
Concrete Pump 82
Source: TAHA 2017.
Sensitive receptors (St. Patrick’s School, the Arroyo Grande Library, and adjacent residential areas) are
located within a couple hundred feet of construction activities. Therefore, the noise levels identified in
Table 6, above, would dissipate over that distance and be reduced by approximately 6 to 12 dB at the
location of the sensitive receptors. As directed by the City and/or Caltrans, the contractor will implement
appropriate additional noise reduction measures, if necessary, to ensure compliance with Caltrans
Standard Noise Control Specifications, including changing the location of stationary construction
equipment, turning off idling equipment, rescheduling construction activity, and/or installing acoustic
barriers around stationary construction noise sources.
Construction of the proposed project will generate temporary groundborne vibrations and increase
ambient noise levels; however, the project would meet Caltrans Standard Noise Control Specifications
and City noise standards, or the days and times of construction activities would be limited per the City’s
municipal code, which creates an exception to noise standards for construction activities occurring
between 7:00 a.m. and 10 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays and
Sundays. Construction noise would be short-term, intermittent, and partially overshadowed by local
traffic noise. Therefore, this temporary increase is not anticipated to exceed the City’s thresholds for noise
(TAHA 2017).
Therefore, construction related noise impacts would be less than significant.
Operational Impacts. The Noise Study Report prepared for the project determined that potential noise
impacts from the proposed project would not be substantial and would be largely consistent with
predicted noise levels in the area without the project (TAHA 2017). No increase in noise levels over
predicted no-project conditions over 2 decibels was identified at any nearby receiver. The 2 decibel
increase would be insignificant when compared to the transportation noise currently generated by
vehicles on US 101, the main noise source for this area. In typical noisy environments, changes in noise of
1 to 2 dB are generally not perceptible.
Therefore, under CEQA, impacts associated with increased noise levels as a result of the project would be
less than significant.
Alternative 4C changes would affect the St. Patrick's Catholic School and the Arroyo Grande Library. The
roundabout would shift the intersection towards the library and away from the school, resulting in
marginally higher noise levels at the library and lower noise levels at the school. However, the change
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would not be perceptible to the human ear and the NSR concluded that the intersection would not result
in noise impacts.
Other improvements associated with Alternative 1 and Alternative 4C, including restriping, signalization,
and realignment of specific intersections were not modeled due to their minimal impacts on the noise
environment when compared to the Route 101 travel lanes. For example, the realignment of the
southbound on-ramp at Grand Avenue will align that ramp with the southbound off-ramp, moving it
approximately 100 feet to the southwest, closer to potential sensitive receivers. However, it is not a
significant noise source when compared to the Route 101 travel lanes.
As discussed in Section 2, Project Description, above, the implementation of the soundwalls would be
phased and constructed at a time when available funding is available. During the interim period, noise
levels would continue to exceed Caltrans’ federal protocols for the consideration of noise walls. However,
as discussed above, neither alternative would result in an increase in noise by more than 2 decibels over
existing conditions at any nearby receiver. In typical noisy environments, changes in noise of 1 to 2 dB are
generally not perceptible and noise impacts during the interim period prior to the construction of the
soundwalls would not generally be noticeable to adjacent sensitive receptors.
Impacts would be less than significant.
Although project development would not increase ambient noise levels above levels without the project,
current exceedances of City and Caltrans standards currently exist adjacent to the US 101 corridor due to
highway traffic noise. Therefore, though not required under CEQA, the installation of noise walls is being
considered included as part of the project per Caltrans’ federal protocol. Under NEPA 23 CFR 772, because
the noise levels at nearby receivers already approaches or exceeds the noise abatement criteria of 67 dBA,
noise abatement would need to be considered.
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 2.5 miles southwest of the project site, and airport-
related noise at the project site would generally be dominated by highway and traffic noise sources.
Therefore, impacts would be less than significant.
Mitigation Measures and Residual Impact
No significant noise impacts were identified; therefore, no mitigation measures are necessary.
XIII. Population and Housing
Environmental Setting
The City of Arroyo Grande’s population has grown from 3,291 in 1960 to 17,252, based on the 2010
Census. Population growth during the 1960s occurred rapidly, some years exceeding 12%. In the 1970s,
growth slowed to an average of 7%, falling still further in the 1980s to less than 2% from 1980 to 1990.
Annual population increases of less than 1% have been experienced since the 1990s. Growth in
surrounding areas (Nipomo, Nipomo Mesa) has outpaced all other areas of the County. Between 2000
and 2010, the population of Nipomo grew by 24.5%, compared to 12% in the total unincorporated county
and 8.5% in the county as a whole (U.S. Census).
According to the 2010 Census, Arroyo Grande’s population is 15.7% Hispanic and 84.3% not Hispanic. Of
the not Hispanic group, 85% are white, with the remaining 15% being African American, American Indian,
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Asian, or Pacific Islander. Over 21% of the population is aged 18 years and under, 59% is between 18 and
65 years, and 20% is 65 years or older.
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 corridor; however, there are numerous
residences adjacent to the project corridor both north and south of US 101.
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): Residential areas within Arroyo Grande are largely built-out and less than 3% of residentially-
zoned parcels in the City remain vacant and suitable for development (City of Arroyo Grande 2001; City
of Arroyo Grande 2011). There is currently some demand for additional residential development in the
City, evidenced by requests for conversion of non-residential classifications to residential designations
and increases in allowable densities. The proposed project could remove a potential obstacle to increased
residential development by reducing traffic congestion and potentially accommodating additional access
to residential areas or increased densities within the project vicinity. However, increased development in
this area is not an effect of the proposed project; rather, development demand presently exists regardless
of the project and residential development along Grace Lane and West Branch Street is already occurring.
In addition, although the demand for increased development currently exists, recent population growth
has been limited, declining by 0.5% between 2013 and 2014.
The goal of the project is to relieve congestion and safety issues associated with current conditions, and
the proposed project is designed to improve existing traffic conditions within the local road network and
US 101 interchanges at Brisco Road, Grand Avenue, and Camino Mercado. As with many other Caltrans
projects, the project is the result of development and growth already existing within the City of Arroyo
Grande and at the relevant intersections. The project is not expected to result in any significant direct,
indirect, or cumulative growth- related impacts in the project area.
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The project will not affect residential development or generate an increase in population. The project
makes improvements to or replaces existing roadways and intersections and does not connect or open
up areas of the urban fringe or other large undeveloped areas that are not currently accessible. The
project does not expand capacity on existing roadways to allow for greater volume of traffic; rather, it is
intended to more efficiently manage existing traffic levels. Therefore, it is best described as a reactive
measure to population growth.
Potential impacts would be less than significant.
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 resources were identified; therefore, no mitigation
measures are necessary.
XIV. Public Services
Environmental Setting
Fire Protection Services. The Five Cities Fire Authority 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. Five Cities Fire Authority also provides
services to the Town of Halcyon and the Oceano Dunes State Vehicle Recreation Area. The Authority 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 the Authority and serves the
City of Arroyo Grande and the greater Arroyo Grande area. Station 1 is serviced directly by the Grand
Avenue interchange proposed for reconfiguration under both project alternatives. The California Division
of Forestry (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.
Police Protection Services. The cities of Arroyo Grande and Grover Beach provide police services within
their respective city limits. The City of Arroyo Grande’s police station is located at 200 North Halcyon Road,
directly serviced by both the Grand Avenue and Brisco Road/Halcyon Road interchanges proposed for
reconfiguration under both project alternatives. In addition to the City police station, the San Luis Obispo
County Sheriff 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 Department
and CHP can be delayed due to the large coverage area.
Emergency Medical Services. The San Luis Ambulance South County sub-station, located at 201 Brisco
Road in Arroyo Grande, provides southern San Luis Obispo County residents 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.
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Schools. The project area is within the Lucia Mar Unified School District (LMUSD). LMUSD covers 550
square miles and serves the adjoining communities of Arroyo Grande, Grover Beach, Nipomo, Oceano,
Pismo Beach, and Shell Beach. 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 of Arroyo Grande. One of them, St. Patrick’s Catholic School, is adjacent to the project
area.
Parks. Ten City parks, a 26-acre sports complex, and a community garden are located within the City of
Arroyo Grande. One of these public park and recreation facilities, Rancho Grande Park, is located directly
adjacent to the project area delineated around the James Way/Rodeo Drive intersection (where proposed
development would be limited to new signage). Park facilities are further discussed in Section XV,
Recreation, below.
Libraries. The Arroyo Grande Library is located directly adjacent to the project area 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?
Discussion
a): The ramps/intersections proposed for construction under both project alternatives serve as
primary routes for emergency service calls. The project would result in improved circulation at the subject
intersections and along US 101; therefore, no permanent impacts to emergency facilities and services
would occur under either alternative. However, temporary impacts during construction may have a short-
term adverse effect on law enforcement, fire protection, ambulance services, and schools.
The Arroyo Grande Police station is located less than a mile from both the Brisco Road/Halcyon Road and
Grand Avenue interchanges. According to the Arroyo Grande Police Department (Sergeant Pryor, personal
communication 2007), proposed closures of the Brisco Road on- and off-ramps would not result in a
significant increase in response times during peak traffic times, and would result in decreased traffic
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congestion in the vicinity of the Brisco Road underpass, thus improving response times to areas east of US
101. Sergeant Pryor recommended implementation of measures to minimize short-term construction
delays in emergency response, namely construction traffic management. Over the long-term, emergency
responses would be improved because of better traffic flows at the Brisco Road/Halcyon Road
interchange.
According to City of Arroyo Grande Department of Building and Fire Department (Fire Captain Randy
Steffan, personal communication 2007), temporary closures of the Grand Avenue and Brisco Road ramps
may cause potentially significant impacts to fire response time goals outlined in City policy.
Implementation of recommended measures would address this delay in emergency response. Long-term
emergency response would be improved under both alternatives because of better traffic flows at the
Brisco Road/Halcyon Road interchange and along US 101. However, permanent closure of the northbound
Brisco Road ramps under Alternative 1 would require re-routing of fire response routes to the west side
of the City, as the Fire Department would no longer be able to utilize US 101 to access the Brisco Road
undercrossing. Because alternative routes exist and both alternatives would result in improved circulation
at the Brisco Road Undercrossing, this impact is considered less than significant.
Ramps proposed for modification (Grand Avenue, Brisco Road) currently act as the primary highway
access points to and from the Arroyo Grande Community Hospital and the South County San Luis
Ambulance sub-station, which serves the hospital. Both the ambulance sub-station and the hospital are
within 1 mile of the Brisco Road/Halcyon Road and Grand Avenue interchanges. According to San Luis
Ambulance Operations Manager, temporary closure of Brisco Road on- and off-ramps during project
construction would not significantly affect ambulance response travel within Arroyo Grande, as alternate
routes could be used (Joe Peidalue, personal communication 2011). However, permanent closure of the
northbound Brisco Road ramps under Alternative 1 would eliminate a primary access way used by the
ambulance station to access the hospital and may result in some delays. Because alternative routes exist
and circulation at the Brisco Road Undercrossing would be improved under both alternatives, this impact
is considered less than significant.
Both of the Brisco Road ramps serve as primary routes for traffic to and from Oceanview Elementary and
St. Patrick’s School. The proposed closure of the northbound US 101 on- and off-ramps at Brisco Road
would divert northbound traffic heading to and from Oceanview Elementary, thus increasing northbound
traffic on West Branch Street, El Camino Real and the northbound US 101 on-ramps at Oak Park and
Camino Mercado. Although there would be temporary impacts during construction, the permanent flow
of school traffic would be improved as a result of either project alternative. Measures have been
recommended to minimize temporary construction impacts.
Both project alternatives would improve traffic flows at the Brisco Road/Halcyon Road interchange and
adjacent roadways. Alternative 4C would also have a beneficial effect on services (police, fire, ambulance)
and schools by maintaining existing highway access at Brisco Road. Short-term construction impacts
would be similar under both alternatives and minimized through implementation of recommended
measures.
No changes are proposed at the James Way/Rodeo Drive intersection other than new signage under
Alternative 4C; therefore, no impacts to Rancho Grande Park would occur. Alternative 4C would require
construction within and acquisition of a portion of the Arroyo Grande Library parcel into state and/or local
right of way. Access to the library may be temporarily impacted through the duration of construction
activities, though no permanent impacts to the facility would occur. Measures have been recommended
to minimize temporary construction impacts.
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Therefore, impacts would be less than significant with mitigation.
Mitigation Measures and Residual Impacts
To minimize potentially significant construction-related impacts on public services, the following
measures would be implemented:
PS/mm-1 All construction activities shall be planned so as to minimize inconvenience to the
traveling public, i.e., through minimization of the amount and duration of lane closures,
minimization of lane closures during peak traffic hours, and goals to complete project construction
without unnecessary delay. Public traffic traveling north on US 101 should be rerouted, via
highway signage, to use the Grand Avenue exit should the northbound ramps at Brisco Road be
closed temporarily, and vice versa.
PS/mm-2 Prior to the initiation of construction activities, the City shall prepare a
Construction Timing, Access, and Circulation Plan, which shall include the following measures. This
plan shall be approved by the City Public Works Director prior to the start of construction and made
available for local residents to review and comment on prior to the onset of construction activities.
a. Methods for ensuring permanent access to the commercial/retail centers north of the
Brisco Road/US 101 interchange is preserved and/or improved to the maximum extent
feasible through implementation of the proposed project.
b. A signage plan and other methods, if feasible, for increasing the visibility of business
blocked by construction activities and educating travelers that businesses adjacent to the
project corridor are to remain open during construction;
c. Clearly marked detour routes for alternate access to any businesses that are made
inaccessible or difficult to access due to construction activities;
d. Hours of haulage (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.);
e. Designation of truck routes that avoid sensitive receptors (including residential areas,
schools, parks, day care centers, nursing homes, and hospitals) to the greatest extent
possible;
f. Methods of traffic control on adjacent streets within the project area;
g. Adequate safety signage regarding traffic control;
h. Designated construction staging areas for construction personnel vehicles, supplies, and
equipment;
i. A telephone number for local residents to call if there are issues or complaints; and
j. Measures to resolve potential conflicts between construction activities and adjacent
businesses.
Business owners directly adjacent to the project area shall be directly notified of the availability of
and allowed to comment on the plan.
PS/mm-3 Traffic control plans affecting state facilities shall be reviewed and approved by
Caltrans, and traffic control plans affecting City facilities shall be reviewed and approved by the
City Public Works Director, through consultation with affected emergency responders and service
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providers (i.e., the police department, fire department, San Luis Ambulance, and Arroyo Grande
Hospital), prior to construction activities.
With the incorporation of these measures, residual impacts associated with public services would be less
than significant.
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; ten 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.
Rancho Grande Park is located adjacent to the project boundary at the James Way and Rodeo Drive
intersection. A portion of the James Way Oak Habitat and Wildlife Preserve is also located adjacent to the
project boundary (APN# No. 007-771-059); no changes are proposed for this area under either alternative.
Another recreational area, located east of the Brisco Road/US 101 ramps/West Branch Street intersection,
is a part of the private school facilities at St. Patrick’s School and is not open to public use.
The San Luis Obispo County Bike Map identifies several “suggested bike routes” within Arroyo Grande,
including along West Branch Street and James Way within the project area (San Luis Obispo Council of
Governments 2011). Bike lanes are currently located along Rancho Parkway, approximately 0.25 mile
northwest of the Brisco Road/US 101 ramps/West Branch Street intersection, and along other portions of
James Way outside of the project area. Non-motorized vehicles, including bicycles, are prohibited within
the US 101 corridor through the project area.
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?
Discussion
a – b): No changes are proposed within the open space areas of APN# 007-771-059 or at the James
Way/Rodeo Drive intersection other than new signage under Alternative 4C; therefore, no impacts to
Rancho Grande Park or the James Way Oak Habitat and Wildlife Preserve would occur. The project does
not propose any changes along Rancho Parkway; therefore, no impacts to the Rancho Parkway bike path
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would occur. Potential impacts to planned “suggested bike routes” within the project area are discussed
in Section XVI(g), Traffic/Transportation, below.
The recreational area, track and field associated with St. Patrick’s School is located approximately 300 feet
northwest of the proposed US 101 ramps/West Branch Street/Grace Lane intersection. The new
intersection proposed under Alternative 4C would require acquisition of approximately 10,736 square
feet from the parcel on which the school and field are situated into the State and City right of way.
Based on preliminary design graphics, the proposed right-of-way acquisitions would impact usable areas
of the school field. There is an approximately 60- to 70-foot-wide buffer of vacant land and a fence
separating the maintained field area from West Branch Street. Most of the 10,736 square feet proposed
for right-of-way acquisition under Alternative 4C would be comprised of this buffer area. However,
approximately 350 square feet in the southernmost corner of the school field would be acquired to
accommodate the new alignment of West Branch Street, encroaching into the field approximately 10 feet
past the fence line at the widest point.
The area to be acquired is adjacent to the fence line in the southernmost corner of the field and does not
contain any developed infrastructure or sports or recreational facilities (i.e., track, baseball backstop and
field). It would not split or segregate any portion of the field from the remainder and the loss of lawn area
is not expected to substantially affect the current capacity or use of the field.
The proposed project would not create a new use that would generate population growth or increase
demand on existing recreational facilities. Therefore, no deterioration of existing facilities would occur as
a result of the proposed project.
The proposed project would include connections and improvements to various public bike paths and
public walkways. These improvements would be located almost entirely within existing State and/or City
right of ways, adjacent to existing transportation facilities and urbanized areas. Development of these
features would not result in impacts above those associated with the project in general and discussed in
other sections of this IS/MND.
Therefore, impacts would be less than significant.
Mitigation Measures and Residual Impacts
No significant impacts to recreational resources were identified; therefore, no mitigation measures are
necessary.
XVI. Transportation/Traffic
Environmental Setting
US 101 is a major freeway of statewide importance that traverses north-south through the Central Coast.
US 101 serves as the main travel route that connects San Luis Obispo County with San Francisco to the
north and Los Angeles to the south. According to 2013 Caltrans traffic volumes data, US 101 mainline
carries an AADT of approximately 54,400 vehicles just south of the study interchange at Brisco Road, and
approximately 57,500 vehicles just north of the study interchange area. Trucks comprise approximately
9% of the average daily traffic on US 101 through the study area.
East Grand Avenue is a major four-lane, east/west arterial roadway that extends through the main
downtown areas of Arroyo Grande and Grover Beach. It provides an essential link between the Village of
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Arroyo Grande and the residential and commercial areas located west of US 101. Halcyon Road is a two-
to four-lane roadway that connects US 101 to State Route 1. Halcyon Road provides connection from US
101 to Oceano, the Nipomo Mesa, the community of Halcyon and the Arroyo Grande Hospital. Brisco Road
is a two-lane roadway that links US 101 with East Grand Avenue. The southbound ramps at Halcyon Road
and the northbound ramps at Brisco Road form a full-access interchange with US 101, approximately
3,000 feet north of the Grand Avenue interchange. West Branch Street is a two- to four-lane facility that
runs parallel to and east of US 101, connecting Oak Park Boulevard at the north end of the City and Grand
Avenue at the south end. West Branch Street provides access between US 101 and the regional shopping
center and local businesses located east of the freeway.
The Arroyo Grande Circulation Element specifies a LOS C or better on all streets and controlled
intersections. Where LOS D exists, policies in the Element direct the City to plan improvements to achieve
LOS C or better. The US 101 Transportation Concept Report identifies peak LOS D for the segment of
freeway through Arroyo Grande.
Most intersections within the project area currently operate at a LOS C or better, with the exception of
Brisco Road/El Camino Real (LOS D), Halcyon Road/El Camino Real/US 101 southbound ramps (LOS D),
and Grand Avenue/West Branch Street (LOS E). The US 101 mainline currently operates at a LOS D
between Brisco Road and the north boundary of the City. Other insufficient Levels of Service under the
City’s Circulation Element standard exist at various US 101 ramps, including the southbound off-ramp at
East Grand Avenue, the northbound on-ramp at Brisco Road, the southbound off-ramp at Brisco Road,
and the northbound off-ramp at West Branch Street (all of which operate at LOS D).
Public transportation facilities within the project area include Regional Transit Authority stops at the
Arroyo Grande Library, Walmart, and Arroyo Grande Shell Station and Park and Ride lots along El Camino
Real between Halcyon Road and Grand Avenue.
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?
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Would the project:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Less Than
Significant
Impact No Impact
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), b), and g): This section is based largely on the Technical Memorandum: Traffic Forecasting and
Operations Analysis conducted by Wood Rodgers for the project (Wood Rodgers 2012).
In the year 2035, which is predicted to be the year the City reaches build out under the General Plan,
almost all intersections within the project area would operate at inadequate levels, with many
intersections operating at an LOS D or even F. The entire US 101 mainline and every US 101 on- and off-
ramp are estimated to operate at LOS E or worse by the year 2035, except for the southbound on-ramp
at Brisco Road (LOS D).
Under Alternative 1, the proposed project would maintain or improve traffic levels at all US 101
intersections within the project area including the Grand Avenue/US 101 southbound ramps intersection,
except for the West Branch Street/Old Ranch Road intersection which would degrade from LOS B to C. No
change to freeway mainline operations would occur, and slight improvements to freeway mainline-ramp
junction operations would result. Alternative 1 would also fragment the existing US 101 interchange at
Brisco-Halcyon Road, by removing northbound ramps at Brisco Road, and maintaining southbound ramps
at Halcyon Road.
Short-term construction activities would likely cause increased congestion throughout the project area.
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 2010 manual and City measures contained in the General Plan. Measures have been
recommended to minimize construction related traffic impacts.
Under Alternative 4C, the proposed project would improve all traffic levels at US 101 interchanges within
the project area, except for the West Branch Street/Rodeo Drive intersection, which would degrade from
LOS B to C. All study intersections are projected to operate at LOS D or better with the exception of the
Grand Avenue/West Branch Street intersection (LOS F). Although the Grand Avenue/West Branch Street
intersection would operate at LOS F conditions under all alternatives, worst-case movement delays at this
intersection is substantially reduced under Alternative 4C. No change to freeway mainline operations
would occur. Alternative 4C would improve levels of service at most project area on- and off-ramps to LOS
D or better, while three ramps would remain at LOS E and one at LOS F (southbound off-ramp at West
Branch Street/Camino Mercado). The anticipated future expansion of the US 101 mainline through the
project area would improve conditions on all ramps to LOS D or better.
Because both alternatives would improve and/or maintain traffic conditions at all study area intersections,
along the entire US 101 mainline through Arroyo Grande, and at all on- and off-ramps within the project
area, impacts to traffic and level of service standards would be less than significant.
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As discussed in Section 2, Project Description, above, under both alternatives, improvements to the
US 101/East Grand Avenue interchange would be phased and implemented at a later date when adequate
funding is available to complete these improvements. Under both alternatives, all improvements are
anticipated to be fully implemented by the design year (2035). A Technical Memorandum was prepared
by Wood Rodgers, Inc. in April 2019 to assess the independent utility of the phased/deferred
implementation of the East Grand Avenue Interchange improvements.
The Technical Memorandum evaluated how the current US 101 southbound on-ramp and southbound
off-ramp “offset” intersection configuration would operate during the interim period before the physical
improvements at the interchange are completed. Although the physical improvements would be
deferred/phased/postponed to a later date, including the realignment of the US 101 southbound ramps
to form a typical four-legged intersection, signal timing adjustments would be made to the US 101
southbound ramps at Grand Avenue to account for higher volume of vehicles during the interim period.
As concluded in the Technical Memorandum and shown in Table 7, even if postponed deferred until the
Design Year (2035), the southbound interchange would operate at an acceptable LOS (LOS C or better
during the PM Peak Hour) throughout the interim period with the implementation of signal timing
improvements. The delay would be 25.5 seconds per vehicle during the interim period and would be
reduced to 22.8 seconds per vehicle when the US 101 southbound ramps are realigned to a form four-
legged intersection at Grand Avenue. The Technical Memorandum also concluded that the operation of
other study area intersections would not be negatively affected through the design year if the US
101/Grand Avenue Interchange improvements are phased/deferred until a later date. This is because the
benefits of the Grand Avenue interchange improvements are primarily contained to the US 101
southbound ramps / Grand Avenue intersection itself. Thus, the phased/postponeddeferred
implementation of the East Grand Avenue Interchange improvements would not result in a significant
impact (LOS D or lower) at the interchange and impacts to the roadway network would be less than
significant.
Table 7. 2035 (Design Year) PM Peak Hour Level of Service
Intersection
Offset US 101 SB Ramps
(Interim Period)
Aligned US 101 SB Ramps
(Full Project Implementation)
Delay
(sec/veh) LOS Delay
(sec/veh) LOS
Grand Avenue / US 101 SB Ramps 25.5 C 22.8 C
Grand Avenue / US 101 SB NB Ramps 12.9 B 12.3 B
Source: Wood Rogers (2019)
Both proposed project alternatives are consistent with applicable local and regional transportation plans,
including the City of Arroyo Grande General Plan and 2014 Regional Transportation Plan. The proposed
project is identified in the Regional Transportation Plan as an “emerging issue” and improvements to the
Brisco-Halcyon Road and Grand Avenue interchanges are proposed to improve capacity and safety issues
along this section of US 101. The project is generally consistent with the growth strategies and goals of
the Land Use Element. It is intended to improve circulation infrastructure within the project area and bring
the circulation system capacity into consistency with the intensity of surrounding land uses. The project
would also bring the project area into consistency with the policies and standards of Caltrans, the
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Circulation Element, and the US 101 Transportation Concept Report, which identifies a concept peak LOS
D for the segment of US 101 extending through Arroyo Grande.
Alternative 1 would require relocation of the RTA bus stop at the Arroyo Grande Shell Station to an
adjacent location, so that buses were not required to enter the proposed westbound exclusive right-turn
lane on Grand Avenue. Alternative 4C would include development of a new Park and Ride lot adjacent to
the new US 101 ramps/West Branch Street/Grace Lane intersection, consistent with Circulation Element
policies and Transportation System Management Strategies of the RTP. Measures have been incorporated
(refer to Measures LU/mm-1 through LU/mm-5 in Section X. Land Use and Planning, above) to ensure that
proposed circulation patterns incorporate and improve connectivity with existing and new public transit
facilities, bike paths or lanes, and pedestrian access ways, including measures for incorporating and
improving connectivity with existing and new public transit facilities to the greatest extent feasible.
Impacts would be less than significant with mitigation.
c): The project would not affect local air traffic patterns. No impacts would occur.
d) – e): The project would improve the local transportation system by improving or replacing
infrastructure currently operating at unacceptable levels. Emergency access would be maintained at all
adjacent properties and congestion relief would improve emergency access throughout the City for police,
fire, and emergency protection services. The project would be subject to all applicable Caltrans road
design and construction standards and City measures contained in the General Plan. Therefore, no
dangerous design components would occur.
Potential impacts would be less than significant.
f): Project development would result in minimal impacts to the parking area of Brisco’s Hardware
under both design alternatives. Alternative 1 would also impact landscaping, signage, driveways, and
accessory components of the Arroyo Grande Shell and Chevron stations. Alternative 4C would also result
in the acquisition and conversion of a portion of the parking area for the Arroyo Grande Library and San
Luis Obispo County Department of Agriculture building. Approximately 46 parking spaces would be
removed to accommodate the new roundabout intersection and a new parking area behind the library
would be constructed to replace lost parking spaces.
Parking requirements by land use are identified in Municipal Code Section 16.56.060. Municipal Code
Section 16.56.050.1 allows for a discretionary parking reduction up to 20%. The City would replace all lost
parking spaces within the reconfigured parking lots to the extent feasible. Mitigation has been identified
(refer to Measures LU/mm-1 through LU/mm-5 in Section X. Land Use and Planning, above) to ensure
impacts to parking are reduced to less than significant.
Therefore, impacts would be less than significant with mitigation.
Mitigation Measures and Residual Impacts
To minimize potentially significant impacts to traffic and transportation facilities, the following measures
would be implemented:
Implement Measures LU/mm-1 through LU/mm-5 and PS/mm-1 through PS/mm-3.
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With the incorporation of these measures, residual impacts associated with traffic and transportation
would be less than significant.
XVII. Utilities and Service Systems
Environmental Setting
The project site is located within the incorporated City Limits of Arroyo Grande. Utilities will be served by
both the City and other regional entities. The exact location of existing utility components, infrastructure,
or systems in the project area, including water, sewer, natural gas, electric power, and
telecommunications has not yet been determined. However, any existing utility component or facility that
would be impacted by the project would be relocated or replaced in kind.
Water and wastewater services within the City are provided by the City 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 miles north of the City in
unincorporated San Luis Obispo County.
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?
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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 serviced by the City’s municipal water supply and portable
wastewater facilities and/or existing facilities within the project area.
Therefore, potential impacts would be less than significant.
c): The project would not result in the need for new or expanded storm water drainage or water
quality control facilities. The new infrastructure could alter surface slopes and drainage patterns within
the project area. These effects will be addressed in a drainage plan to avoid impacts to adjacent areas and
ensure that storm water continues to flow along existing contours that drain naturally into the existing
storm water drainage system.
The project would result in ground disturbance of 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;
therefore, no permanent and substantially changed effects associated with discharge into or
contamination of surface waters would result above that which currently exists.
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.
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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?
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 identified 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 greenhouse gas 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.
b): The proposed project is designed to achieve the goal of the City to improve 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): Because the project does not propose a new or significantly different use than the existing use, 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
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together with the project-related impacts would be considerable, or which compound or increase other
environmental impacts. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant with mitigation.
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 standard mitigation
measures. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant with mitigation.
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6. Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
Mitigation
Measure Requirements of Measure Compliance Method Verification Timing Responsible Party
Agricultural Resources
AG/mm-1 Farmland impacts shall be minimized in accordance with the
City’s Agriculture, Conservation and Open Space Element,
Policy Ag1-4.2, and Development Code Section 16.12.170(F).
Permanent protection of prime farmlands shall be provided in
the form of a perpetual agriculture or conservation easement.
The agricultural or conservation easement shall protect lands
at a 1:1 ratio if within the City limits, or at a 2:1 ratio if outside
of the City limits but within the City’s area of environmental
concern. The land shall be comparable in soil quality to the
land being converted to non-agricultural uses and shall have
an adequate water supply to support agricultural use that is
also protected in the agricultural conservation easement,
farmland deed restriction, or other document evidencing the
permanent agricultural protection.
As an alternative to the permanent conservation easement,
the City may elect to pay in-lieu fees if the City Council
determines that the payment of fees provides a superior
opportunity to satisfy the goals and policies of the General
Plan, in accordance with the Development Code (Section
16.12.170).
The City Engineer shall
submit
documentation
evidencing
compliance to the City
Community
Development Director
for verification prior
to construction.
Prior to issuance of
construction permits
City Engineer, City
Community
Development Director
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;
These requirements
shall be noted in plan
specifications. Plans
shall be reviewed for
consistency with
these requirements by
the City prior to
construction. The City
Prior to issuance of
construction permits
and throughout
construction activities
City Engineer
Item 10.a. - Page 116
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b. Fuel all off-road and portable diesel powered equipment,
including but not limited to bulldozers, graders, cranes,
loaders, scrapers, backhoes, generator sets, compressors,
auxiliary power units, with CARB-certified motor vehicle
diesel fuel (non-taxed version suitable for use off-road);
c. Maximize to the extent feasible, the use of diesel
construction equipment meeting the CARB’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 CARB’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 NOx 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 within 1,000 feet of sensitive receptors shall
be avoided to the maximum extent feasible;
h. Staging and queuing areas shall not be located within
1,000 feet of sensitive receptors to the maximum extent
feasible;
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.
Engineer shall
perform periodic site
inspections to ensure
compliance with these
requirements.
Item 10.a. - Page 117
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Mitigation
Measure Requirements of Measure Compliance Method Verification Timing Responsible Party
Best Available Control Technology
l. Further reduce emissions by expanding use of Tier 3 and
Tier 4 off-road and 2010 on-road compliant engines;
m. Repower equipment with the cleanest engines available;
and,
n. Install California Verified Diesel Emission Control
Strategies. These strategies are listed at:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/diesel/verdev/vt/cvt.htm.
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.
Increased watering frequency would be required
whenever wind speeds exceed 15 miles per hour (mph);
c. Reclaimed (non-potable) water should be used whenever
possible;
d. All dirt stock pile areas should be sprayed daily as needed;
e. 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;
f. Exposed ground areas that are planned to be reworked at
dates greater than one month after initial grading should
be sown with a fast germinating, non-invasive grass seed
and watered until vegetation is established;
g. 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
APCD;
These requirements
shall be noted in plan
specifications. Plans
shall be reviewed for
consistency with
these requirements by
the City prior to
construction. The City
Engineer shall
perform periodic site
inspections to ensure
compliance with these
requirements.
Prior to issuance of
construction permits
and throughout
construction activities
City Engineer
Item 10.a. - Page 118
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Mitigation
Measure Requirements of Measure Compliance Method Verification Timing Responsible Party
h. 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;
i. Vehicle speed for all construction vehicles shall not
exceed 15 mph on any unpaved surface at the
construction site;
j. All trucks hauling dirt, sand, soil, or other loose materials
are to be covered or should maintain at least two feet of
freeboard (minimum vertical distance between top of
load and top of trailer) in accordance with California
Vehicle Code §23114;
k. Install wheel washers where vehicles enter and exit
unpaved roads onto streets, or wash off trucks and
equipment leaving the site; and,
l. 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.
All of these fugitive dust mitigation measures shall be shown
on grading, construction and building plans; and the
contractor 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 20% opacity, and to prevent
transport of dust off-site. Their duties shall include monitoring
the effectiveness of the required dust control measures (as
conditions dictate), and 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
APCD Compliance Division prior to the start of any grading,
earthwork, or demolition.
Item 10.a. - Page 119
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Mitigation
Measure Requirements of Measure Compliance Method Verification Timing Responsible Party
AQ/mm-3 Prior to issuance of grading permit, the applicant shall submit
a geologic evaluation of naturally occurring asbestos of the
project site to the APCD. If naturally occurring asbestos is
present onsite, the applicant shall comply with all
requirements outlined in the Asbestos Airborne Toxic Control
Measures (ATCM) for Construction, Grading, Quarrying, and
Surface Mining Operations. These requirements may include,
but are not limited to: 1) an Asbestos Dust Mitigation Plan
that shall be approved by the APCD prior to construction, and
2) an Asbestos Health and Safety Program. Prior to
development on the 30-acre portion of the site, the applicant
shall submit a Naturally Occurring Asbestos Construction and
Grading Permit Exemption Request Form to the APCD.
Submit geologic
evaluation and
documented
compliance with
ATCM to City
Community
Development
Department and APCD
Prior to issuance of
construction permits
City Engineer, City
Community
Development
Department, APCD
Biological Resources
BIO/mm-1 Prior to project implementation, the City shall retain a
qualified biological monitor(s) approved by all involved
regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with mitigation
measures within the project environmental documents.
Monitoring shall occur throughout the length of construction
or as directed by the regulatory agencies. Monitoring may be
reduced to part time once construction activities are
underway and the potential for additional impacts are
reduced.
Retain biological
monitor, submit
weekly monitoring
reports documenting
compliance to City
Community
Development
Department
Prior to issuance of
construction permits
and throughout the
duration of
construction activities
Biological Monitor,
City Community
Development
Department
BIO/mm-2 During project activities, the biological monitor(s) shall
coordinate with federal, state, and local agencies and the
construction contractor to ensure construction schedules
comply with biological mitigation requirements.
Submit weekly
monitoring reports
documenting
compliance to City
Community
Development
Department
Throughout the
duration of
construction activities
Biological Monitor,
City Community
Development
Department
BIO/mm-3 The project site shall be clearly flagged or fenced so that the
contractor is aware of the limits of allowable site access points
and disturbance. Areas within the designated project site that
These requirements
shall be noted in plan
specifications. Plans
Prior to and
throughout the
Biological Monitor,
City Engineer, City
Community
Item 10.a. - Page 120
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Mitigation
Measure Requirements of Measure Compliance Method Verification Timing Responsible Party
do not require regular access shall be clearly flagged as off-
limit areas to avoid/discourage unnecessary damage to
sensitive habitats within and near the project site.
shall be reviewed for
consistency with
these requirements by
the City prior to
construction. The City
Engineer shall
perform site
inspections
immediately prior to
construction and
periodically thereafter
to ensure compliance
with these
requirements.
duration of
construction activities
Development
Department
BIO/mm-4 During project activities, any work that must occur within
drainage ditches shall be conducted when they do not contain
flowing water, if possible.
These requirements
shall be noted in plan
specifications. Plans
shall be reviewed for
consistency with
these requirements by
the City prior to
construction. The City
Engineer shall
perform periodic site
inspections to ensure
compliance with these
requirements.
Prior to and
throughout the
duration of
construction activities
Contractor, City
Engineer, City
Community
Development
Department
BIO/mm-5 Erosion control measures shall be implemented during
construction. Temporary sediment control BMPs (i.e.,
temporary large sediment control barrier) shall be installed in
appropriate areas to prevent introduction of silt/sediment to
aquatic areas within the project area. At a minimum,
temporary sediment control BMPs shall be checked and
maintained on a daily basis during the rainy season
These requirements
shall be noted in plan
specifications. Plans
shall be reviewed for
consistency with
these requirements by
the City prior to
Prior to and
throughout the
duration of
construction activities
Contractor, City
Engineer, Biological
Monitor, City
Community
Development
Department
Item 10.a. - Page 121
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Page 108 of 152
Mitigation
Measure Requirements of Measure Compliance Method Verification Timing Responsible Party
throughout the construction period. The contractor shall also
apply adequate dust control techniques, such as site watering,
in areas where necessary during construction.
construction. The City
Engineer shall
perform site
inspections
immediately prior to
construction and
periodically thereafter
to ensure compliance
with these
requirements. Weekly
monitoring reports
documenting
compliance shall be
submitted to the City
Community
Development
Department
BIO/mm-6 During project activities, the cleaning and refueling of
equipment and vehicles shall occur only within a designated
staging area and at least 100 feet away from a concentrated
flow of storm water if performed within a flood plain, or 50
feet if outside of a flood plain. This staging area shall conform
to Best Management Practices (BMPs) applicable to attaining
zero discharge of storm water runoff. At a minimum, all
equipment and vehicles shall be checked and maintained on a
daily basis to ensure proper operation and avoid potential
leaks or spills.
These requirements
shall be noted in plan
specifications. Plans
shall be reviewed for
consistency with
these requirements by
the City prior to
construction. The City
Engineer shall
perform site
inspections
immediately prior to
construction and
periodically thereafter
to ensure compliance
with these
requirements.
Prior to and
throughout the
duration of
construction activities
Contractor, City
Engineer, City
Community
Development
Department
Item 10.a. - Page 122
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Mitigation
Measure Requirements of Measure Compliance Method Verification Timing Responsible Party
BIO/mm-7 All project-related spills of hazardous materials within or
adjacent to project sites shall be cleaned-up immediately. Spill
prevention and clean-up materials shall be on-site at all times
during construction.
These requirements
shall be noted in plan
specifications. Plans
shall be reviewed for
consistency with
these requirements by
the City prior to
construction. The City
Engineer shall
perform site
inspections
immediately prior to
construction and
periodically thereafter
to ensure compliance
with these
requirements.
Prior to and
throughout the
duration of
construction activities
Contractor, City
Engineer, City
Community
Development
Department
BIO/mm-8 The biological monitor(s) shall ensure that the spread of
introduction of invasive exotic plant species will be avoided to
the maximum extent possible. When practicable, invasive
exotic plants in the project site shall be removed and properly
disposed.
These requirements
shall be noted in plan
specifications. Plans
shall be reviewed for
consistency with
these requirements by
the City prior to
construction. The City
Engineer shall
perform periodic site
inspections to ensure
compliance with these
requirements. Weekly
monitoring reports
documenting
compliance shall be
submitted to the City
Prior to and
throughout the
duration of
construction activities
Biological Monitor,
City Engineer, City
Community
Development
Department
Item 10.a. - Page 123
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Mitigation
Measure Requirements of Measure Compliance Method Verification Timing Responsible Party
Community
Development
Department
BIO/mm-9 During construction, trash shall be contained, removed from
the work site, and disposed of regularly. Following
construction, all trash and construction debris shall be
removed from work areas.
These requirements
shall be noted in plan
specifications. Plans
shall be reviewed for
consistency with
these requirements by
the City prior to
construction. The City
Engineer shall
perform site
inspections
immediately prior to
construction,
periodically
thereafter, and
following construction
to ensure compliance
with these
requirements. Weekly
monitoring reports
documenting
compliance shall be
submitted to the City
Community
Development
Department
Prior to, throughout
the duration of, and
following construction
activities
Contractor, Biological
Monitor, City
Engineer, City
Community
Development
Department
BIO/mm-10 Prior to construction, when feasible, tree trimming and
removal will be scheduled to occur from September 1 through
February 14, outside of the typical nesting bird season, to
avoid potential impacts to nesting birds. All tree trimming or
removal should be monitored by a qualified biologistIf
These requirements
shall be noted in plan
specifications. Plans
shall be reviewed for
consistency with
Prior to and
throughout the
duration of
construction activities
Contractor, Biological
Monitor, City
Engineer, City
Community
Item 10.a. - Page 124
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Mitigation
Measure Requirements of Measure Compliance Method Verification Timing Responsible Party
feasible, removal of trees shall be scheduled to occur in the
fall and winter (between September 1 and February 15), after
fledging and before the initiation of the nesting season.
these requirements by
the City prior to
construction. The City
Engineer shall
perform initial and
periodic site
inspections to ensure
compliance with these
requirements.
Development
Department
BIO/mm-11 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
2 weeks prior to the start of construction to determine
presence/absence of nesting birds within the Biological Study
Area (BSA) and immediate vicinity. Caltrans will be notified if
federally listed nesting bird species are observed during the
surveys and will facilitate coordination with the USFWS, if
necessary, to determine an appropriate avoidance strategy.
Likewise, coordination with the CDFW will be facilitated by the
City, if necessary, to devise a suitable avoidance plan for state-
listed nesting bird species. If raptor nests are observed within
the BSA during the preconstruction 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 within the BSA during the
preconstruction 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
These requirements
shall be noted in plan
specifications. Plans
shall be reviewed for
consistency with
these requirements by
the City prior to
construction. If
necessary, retain
qualified biologist
approved by City
Community
Development
Director. Compliance
during construction
within the nesting
season shall be
verified through on-
site monitoring and
submittal of weekly
monitoring reports
documenting
compliance to the City
Community
Development
Prior to and
throughout the
duration of
construction activities
Contractor, Qualified
Biologist, City
Engineer, City
Community
Development
Department
Item 10.a. - Page 125
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Mitigation
Measure Requirements of Measure Compliance Method Verification Timing Responsible Party
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.If trees must
be removed from February 15 to September 15, a qualified
biologist shall be retained to conduct pre-construction surveys
for nesting bird species within the project site.
Department and any
additional regulatory
permitting agencies.
BIO/mm-12 If least Bell’s vireo or any other special-status bird is observed
within 100 feet of the BSA during the course of construction
or during the preconstruction surveys, all project activities
shall cease immediately, and the resource agencies shall be
consulted. Development of additional avoidance and
minimization measures will occur as necessary in coordination
with the pertinent agencies, as necessaryIf active nests are
observed, the applicant shall either: 1) wait for such nesting
birds to fledge and leave the project site; 2) establish 100-foot
exclusion zones around active nests, where construction will
not be allowed in these exclusion zones until young have
fledged; or 3) consult with the appropriate resource agencies
for guidance prior to site disturbance.
These requirements
shall be noted in plan
specifications. Plans
shall be reviewed for
consistency with
these requirements by
the City prior to
construction. The City
Engineer shall
perform periodic site
inspections to ensure
compliance with these
requirements.
Compliance during
construction within
the nesting season
shall be verified
through on-site
monitoring and
submittal of weekly
monitoring reports
documenting
compliance to the City
Community
Development
Department and any
additional regulatory
permitting agencies.
Prior to and
throughout the
duration of
construction activities
Biological Monitor,
City Engineer, City
Community
Development
Department
Item 10.a. - Page 126
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Mitigation
Measure Requirements of Measure Compliance Method Verification Timing Responsible Party
BIO/mm-13 During construction, the contractor will make a deliberate
effort 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 will:
a. Remove any invasive plant species within the BSA during
construction activities and ensure that they are not
replanted.
b. Stockpile topsoil and redeposit the stockpiled soil on the
slopes after construction is complete; or,
c. Transport the topsoil to a permitted landfill for disposal.
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.
These requirements
shall be noted in plan
specifications. Plans
shall be reviewed for
consistency with
these requirements by
the City prior to
construction. The City
Engineer shall
perform periodic site
inspections to ensure
compliance with these
requirements. If
imported fill is
necessary, the City
Engineer shall submit
documentation
evidencing
compliance to the City
Community
Development Director
for verification.
Prior to and
throughout the
duration of
construction activities
Contractor, City
Engineer, City
Community
Development
Department
BIO/mm-14 During construction, the biological monitor(s) will ensure that
the spread or introduction of invasive exotic plant species is
avoided to the maximum extent practicable. When
practicable, invasive exotic plants in the project site will be
removed and properly disposed of. Removed invasive plants
shall be bagged and tied up so that they do not blow in the
wind when being driven off site.To avoid the spread of
invasive species, the contractor shall:
Stockpile topsoil and redeposit the stockpiled soil on the
slopes after construction of the new bridge is complete; or
Transport the topsoil to a certified landfill for disposal.
These requirements
shall be noted in plan
specifications. Plans
shall be reviewed for
consistency with
these requirements by
the City prior to
construction. The City
Engineer shall
perform periodic site
inspections to ensure
Prior to and
throughout the
duration of
construction activities
Contractor, City
Engineer, City
Community
Development
Department
Item 10.a. - Page 127
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Mitigation
Measure Requirements of Measure Compliance Method Verification Timing Responsible Party
Prepare a Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (HMMP),
which shall include restoration planting plans that emphasize
the use of native species expected to occur in the area.
The necessary HMMP would incorporate an invasive species
control program.
All erosion control materials including straw bales, straw
wattles, or mulch used on-site must be free of invasive species
seed.
compliance with these
requirements.
BIO/mm-15 The Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (HMMP)
restoration planting plans must emphasize the use of native
species expected to occur in the area. The HMMP will include
an invasive species control program. All erosion control
materials including straw bales, straw wattles, or mulch used
on-site must be free of invasive species seed.
These requirements
shall be noted in plan
specifications. Plans
shall be reviewed for
consistency with
these requirements by
the City prior to
construction. The City
Engineer shall
perform periodic site
inspections to ensure
compliance with these
requirements.
Prior to and
throughout the
duration of
construction activities
Contractor, City
Engineer, City
Community
Development
Department
BIO/mm-16 A biologist with experience in the identification of all life
stages of the California red-legged frog, and its critical habitat
(75 FR 12816), will survey the project site no more than 48
hours before the onset of work activities. If any life stage of
the California red-legged frog is detected the USFWS will be
notified prior to the start of construction. If Caltrans and the
USFWS determine that adverse effects to the California red-
legged frog or its critical habitat cannot be avoided, the
proposed project will not commence until the Caltrans
completes the appropriate level of consultation with the
USFWS.
These requirements
shall be noted in plan
specifications. Plans
shall be reviewed for
consistency with
these requirements by
the City prior to
construction. The City
Engineer shall
perform site
inspections
immediately prior to
construction,
Prior to and
throughout the
duration of
construction activities
Contractor, Qualified
Biologist, City
Engineer, City
Community
Development
Department
Item 10.a. - Page 128
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Mitigation
Measure Requirements of Measure Compliance Method Verification Timing Responsible Party
periodically
thereafter, and
following construction
to ensure compliance
with these
requirements. Weekly
monitoring reports
documenting
compliance shall be
submitted to the City
Community
Development
Department
BIO/mm-17 Work activities will take place during the dry season, between
April 1 and November 1, when water levels are typically are at
their lowest, and California red-legged frogs are likely to be
more detectable. Should activities need to be conducted
outside of this period, Caltrans may conduct or authorize such
activities after obtaining the USFWS's written approval.
These requirements
shall be noted in plan
specifications. Plans
shall be reviewed for
consistency with
these requirements by
the City prior to
construction. The City
Engineer shall
perform site
inspections
immediately prior to
construction,
periodically
thereafter, and
following construction
to ensure compliance
with these
requirements. Weekly
monitoring reports
documenting
Prior to and
throughout the
duration of
construction activities
Contractor, Qualified
Biologist, City
Engineer, City
Community
Development
Department
Item 10.a. - Page 129
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Mitigation
Measure Requirements of Measure Compliance Method Verification Timing Responsible Party
compliance shall be
submitted to the City
Community
Development
Department
BIO/mm-18 Before work begins on any proposed project, a biologist with
experience in the ecology of the California red-legged frog, as
well as the identification of all its life stages, will conduct a
training session for all construction personnel, which will
include a description of the California red-legged frog, its
critical habitat, and specific measures that are being
implemented to avoid adverse effects to the subspecies
during the proposed project.
These requirements
shall be noted in plan
specifications. Plans
shall be reviewed for
consistency with
these requirements by
the City prior to
construction. The City
Engineer shall
perform site
inspections
immediately prior to
construction,
periodically
thereafter, and
following construction
to ensure compliance
with these
requirements. Regular
reports documenting
compliance (e.g., sign-
in sheets, training
materials) shall be
submitted to the City
Community
Development
Department
Prior to and
throughout the
duration of
construction activities
Contractor, Qualified
Biologist, City
Engineer, City
Community
Development
Department
Item 10.a. - Page 130
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Mitigation
Measure Requirements of Measure Compliance Method Verification Timing Responsible Party
BIO/mm-19 If any life stage of the California red-legged frog is detected in
the project area during construction, work will cease
immediately and the resident engineer, authorized biologist,
or biological monitor will notify the Ventura Fish and Wildlife
Office via telephone or electronic mail. If Caltrans and the
USFWS determine that adverse effects to California red-
legged frogs cannot be avoided, construction activities will
remain suspended until Caltrans and the USFWS complete the
appropriate level of consultation.
These requirements
shall be noted in plan
specifications. Plans
shall be reviewed for
consistency with
these requirements by
the City prior to
construction. The City
Engineer shall
perform site
inspections
immediately prior to
construction,
periodically
thereafter, and
following construction
to ensure compliance
with these
requirements. Weekly
monitoring reports
documenting
compliance shall be
submitted to the City
Community
Development
Department
Prior to and
throughout the
duration of
construction activities
Contractor, Qualified
Biologist, City
Engineer, City
Community
Development
Department
BIO/mm-20 During project activities, all trash that may attract predators
will be properly contained, removed from the work site, and
disposed of regularly. Following construction, all trash and
construction debris will be removed from work areas.
These requirements
shall be noted in plan
specifications. Plans
shall be reviewed for
consistency with
these requirements by
the City prior to
construction. The City
Prior to and
throughout the
duration of
construction activities
Contractor, Qualified
Biologist, City
Engineer, City
Community
Development
Department
Item 10.a. - Page 131
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Page 118 of 152
Mitigation
Measure Requirements of Measure Compliance Method Verification Timing Responsible Party
Engineer shall
perform site
inspections
immediately prior to
construction,
periodically
thereafter, and
following construction
to ensure compliance
with these
requirements.
BIO/mm-21 Prior to the onset of work, Caltrans 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
implement should a spill occur.
These requirements
shall be noted in plan
specifications. Plans
shall be reviewed for
consistency with
these requirements by
the City prior to
construction. The City
Engineer shall
perform site
inspections
immediately prior to
construction,
periodically
thereafter, and
following construction
to ensure compliance
with these
requirements.
Prior to and
throughout the
duration of
construction activities
Contractor, Qualified
Biologist, City
Engineer, City
Community
Development
Department
BIO/mm-22 All refueling, maintenance, and staging of equipment and
vehicles will occur at least 60 feet from aquatic or riparian
habitat and not in a location from where a spill would drain
directly toward aquatic habitat. The monitor will ensure
These requirements
shall be noted in plan
specifications. Plans
shall be reviewed for
Prior to and
throughout the
duration of
construction activities
Contractor, Qualified
Biologist, City
Engineer, City
Community
Item 10.a. - Page 132
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Mitigation
Measure Requirements of Measure Compliance Method Verification Timing Responsible Party
contamination of aquatic or riparian habitat does not occur
during such operations by implementing the spill response
plan described in measure 21.
consistency with
these requirements by
the City prior to
construction. The City
Engineer shall
perform site
inspections
immediately prior to
construction,
periodically
thereafter, and
following construction
to ensure compliance
with these
requirements.
Development
Department
BIO/mm-23 Plants used in revegetation will consist 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 associated
with the project, unless Caltrans and the USFWS determine
that it is not feasible or practical.
These requirements
shall be noted in plan
specifications. Plans
shall be reviewed for
consistency with
these requirements by
the City prior to
construction. The City
Engineer shall
perform site
inspections
immediately prior to
construction,
periodically
thereafter, and
following construction
to ensure compliance
with these
requirements. Weekly
Prior to and
throughout the
duration of
construction activities
Contractor, Qualified
Biologist, City
Engineer, City
Community
Development
Department
Item 10.a. - Page 133
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Mitigation
Measure Requirements of Measure Compliance Method Verification Timing Responsible Party
monitoring reports
documenting
compliance shall be
submitted to the City
Community
Development
Department
BIO/mm-24 Habitat contours will be returned to their original
configuration at the end of project activities in all areas that
have been temporarily disturbed by activities associated with
the project, unless Caltrans and the USFWS determine that it
is not feasible or modification of original contours would
benefit the California red-legged frog.
These requirements
shall be noted in plan
specifications. Plans
shall be reviewed for
consistency with
these requirements by
the City prior to
construction. The City
Engineer shall
perform site
inspections
immediately prior to
construction,
periodically
thereafter, and
following construction
to ensure compliance
with these
requirements. Weekly
monitoring reports
documenting
compliance shall be
submitted to the City
Community
Development
Department
Prior to and
throughout the
duration of
construction activities
Contractor, Qualified
Biologist, City
Engineer, City
Community
Development
Department
Item 10.a. - Page 134
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Mitigation
Measure Requirements of Measure Compliance Method Verification Timing Responsible Party
BIO/mm-25 The number of access routes, size of staging areas, and the
total area of the activity will be limited to the minimum
necessary to achieve the project goals. Environmentally
Sensitive Areas will be delineated to confine access routes and
construction areas to the minimum area necessary to
complete construction, and minimize the impact to habitat for
the California red-legged frog; this goal includes locating
access routes and construction areas outside of aquatic
habitat and riparian areas to the maximum extent practicable.
These requirements
shall be noted in plan
specifications. Plans
shall be reviewed for
consistency with
these requirements by
the City prior to
construction. The City
Engineer shall
perform site
inspections
immediately prior to
construction,
periodically
thereafter, and
following construction
to ensure compliance
with these
requirements. Weekly
monitoring reports
documenting
compliance shall be
submitted to the City
Community
Development
Department
Prior to and
throughout the
duration of
construction activities
Contractor, Qualified
Biologist, City
Engineer, City
Community
Development
Department
BIO/mm-26 To control sedimentation during and after project
implementation, Caltrans will implement BMPs outlined in
any authorizations or permits issued under the authorities of
the Clean Water Act that it receives for the specific project. If
BMPs are ineffective, Caltrans will attempt to remedy the
situation immediately, in coordination with the USFWS.
These requirements
shall be noted in plan
specifications. Plans
shall be reviewed for
consistency with
these requirements by
the City prior to
construction. The City
Prior to and
throughout the
duration of
construction activities
Contractor, Qualified
Biologist, City
Engineer, City
Community
Development
Department, Caltrans
Item 10.a. - Page 135
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Mitigation
Measure Requirements of Measure Compliance Method Verification Timing Responsible Party
Engineer shall
perform site
inspections
immediately prior to
construction,
periodically
thereafter, and
following construction
to ensure compliance
with these
requirements. Weekly
monitoring reports
documenting
compliance shall be
submitted to the City
Community
Development
Department
BIO/mm-27 If a work site is to be temporarily dewatered by pumping, the
intake will be screened with wire mesh not larger than 0.2
inch to prevent any California red-legged frogs not initially
detected from entering the pump system. If California red-
legged frogs are detected during dewatering, and adverse
effects to California red-legged frogs cannot be avoided,
construction activities will remain suspended until Caltrans
and the USFWS complete the appropriate level of
consultation.
These requirements
shall be noted in plan
specifications. Plans
shall be reviewed for
consistency with
these requirements by
the City prior to
construction. The City
Engineer shall
perform site
inspections
immediately prior to
construction,
periodically
thereafter, and
following construction
Prior to and
throughout the
duration of
construction activities
Contractor, Qualified
Biologist, City
Engineer, City
Community
Development
Department
Item 10.a. - Page 136
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Mitigation
Measure Requirements of Measure Compliance Method Verification Timing Responsible Party
to ensure compliance
with these
requirements. Weekly
monitoring reports
documenting
compliance shall be
submitted to the City
Community
Development
Department
BIO/mm-28 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 creek bed will be minimized to the maximum
extent possible; any imported material will be removed from
the stream bed upon completion of the project.
These requirements
shall be noted in plan
specifications. Plans
shall be reviewed for
consistency with
these requirements by
the City prior to
construction. The City
Engineer shall
perform site
inspections
immediately prior to
construction,
periodically
thereafter, and
following construction
to ensure compliance
with these
requirements.
Prior to and
throughout the
duration of
construction activities
Contractor, Qualified
Biologist, City
Engineer, City
Community
Development
Department
BIO/mm-29 Unless approved by the USFWS, water will not be impounded
in a manner that may attract California red-legged frogs.
These requirements
shall be noted in plan
specifications. Plans
shall be reviewed for
consistency with
Prior to and
throughout the
duration of
construction activities
Contractor, Qualified
Biologist, City
Engineer, City
Community
Item 10.a. - Page 137
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Mitigation
Measure Requirements of Measure Compliance Method Verification Timing Responsible Party
these requirements by
the City prior to
construction. The City
Engineer shall
perform site
inspections
immediately prior to
construction,
periodically
thereafter, and
following construction
to ensure compliance
with these
requirements. Weekly
monitoring reports
documenting
compliance shall be
submitted to the City
Community
Development
Department
Development
Department
BIO/mm-30 A qualified biologist will permanently remove any individuals
of exotic species, such as bullfrogs, crayfish, and centrarchid
fishes, from the project area, to the maximum extent possible.
The biologist will be responsible for ensuring his or her
activities are in compliance with the California Fish and Game
Code.
These requirements
shall be noted in plan
specifications. Plans
shall be reviewed for
consistency with
these requirements by
the City prior to
construction. The City
Engineer shall
perform site
inspections
immediately prior to
construction,
Prior to and
throughout the
duration of
construction activities
Contractor, Qualified
Biologist, City
Engineer, City
Community
Development
Department
Item 10.a. - Page 138
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Mitigation
Measure Requirements of Measure Compliance Method Verification Timing Responsible Party
periodically
thereafter, and
following construction
to ensure compliance
with these
requirements. Weekly
monitoring reports
documenting
compliance shall be
submitted to the City
Community
Development
Department
BIO/mm-31 To ensure that diseases are not conveyed between work sites
by the USFWS-approved biologist, the enclosed fieldwork
code of practice developed by the Declining Amphibian
Populations Task Force will be followed at all times.
These requirements
shall be noted in plan
specifications. Plans
shall be reviewed for
consistency with
these requirements by
the City prior to
construction. The City
Engineer shall
perform site
inspections
immediately prior to
construction,
periodically
thereafter, and
following construction
to ensure compliance
with these
requirements. Weekly
monitoring reports
documenting
Prior to and
throughout the
duration of
construction activities
Contractor, Qualified
Biologist, City
Engineer, City
Community
Development
Department
Item 10.a. - Page 139
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Mitigation
Measure Requirements of Measure Compliance Method Verification Timing Responsible Party
compliance shall be
submitted to the City
Community
Development
Department
Cultural Resources
CR/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 (DPR) 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 CEQA, 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.
These requirements
shall be noted in plan
specifications. Plans
and construction
contracts shall be
reviewed for
consistency with
these requirements by
the City prior to
construction. The City
Engineer shall
perform periodic site
inspections to ensure
compliance with these
requirements.
Prior to and
throughout the
duration of
construction activities
Qualified
Archaeologist,
Contractor, City
Community
Development
Department
Item 10.a. - Page 140
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Mitigation
Measure Requirements of Measure Compliance Method Verification Timing Responsible Party
CR/mm-2 A qualified paleontologist will be retained to prepare a
paleontological mitigation plan for the proposed project and
supervise monitoring of construction excavations.
Retain qualified
paleontologist. The
paleontological
mitigation plan shall
be reviewed for
consistency with
these requirements by
the City prior to
construction. The City
Engineer shall
perform periodic site
inspections to ensure
compliance with these
requirements.
Prior to and
throughout the
duration of
construction activities
Qualified
Paleontologist, City
Community
Development
Department
CR/mm-3 All project-related ground disturbances which may disturb
geologic units that are considered to have a high
paleontological sensitivity (i.e., previously undisturbed
Quaternary older sand dune deposits, or any portions of the
Paso Robles and Pismo Formations) will be monitored by a
qualified paleontological monitor on a full-time basis.
However, the frequency of monitoring may be reduced at the
discretion of the qualified paleontologist if the disturbed
geologic units are determined to have a low potential to yield
significant fossils resources upon further examination of the
geologic units during grading operations. Based on the
excavation plans provided for both Alternative 1 and
Alternative 4C, portions of the project area will involve the
placement of fill material, shallow excavation in previously-
filled areas, or only surficial excavations of less than 1.5 feet in
depth. These excavation areas will not require paleontological
monitoring. However, the portions of Alternative 1 and
Alternative 4C that are expected to require excavations
greater than 1.5 feet in depth or to any depth in previously
undisturbed areas of geologically sensitive formations, as
These requirements
shall be noted in plan
specifications. Plans
shall be reviewed for
consistency with
these requirements by
the City prior to
construction. The
paleontological
mitigation plan shall
be reviewed by the
City for consistency
with these
requirements. Weekly
monitoring reports
documenting
compliance shall be
submitted to the City
Community
Prior to and
throughout the
duration of
construction activities
Qualified
Paleontologist, City
Community
Development
Department
Item 10.a. - Page 141
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Mitigation
Measure Requirements of Measure Compliance Method Verification Timing Responsible Party
designated in the PER (SWCA 2014) should be monitored full-
time by a qualified paleontologist.
Development
Department.
CR/mm-4 Paleontological resource monitoring will include inspection of
exposed rock units during active excavations within sensitive
geologic deposits. The monitor will have authority to
temporarily divert grading away from exposed fossils to
professionally and efficiently recover the fossil specimens and
collect associated data. All efforts to avoid delays in project
schedules will be made. Monitors will be equipped with the
necessary tools for the rapid removal of fossils and retrieval of
associated data to prevent construction delays. This
equipment will include handheld global positioning system
receivers, digital cameras, and cellular phones, as well as a
tool kit containing specimen containers and matrix sampling
bags, field labels, field tools (e.g., awls, hammers, chisels,
shovels, etc.), and plaster kits.
The paleontological
mitigation plan shall
be reviewed by the
City for consistency
with these
requirements. Weekly
monitoring reports
documenting
compliance shall be
submitted to the City
Community
Development
Department.
Prior to and
throughout the
duration of
construction activities
Qualified
Paleontologist, City
Community
Development
Department
CR/mm-5 At each fossil locality, field data forms will be used to record
pertinent geologic data, stratigraphic sections will be
measured, and appropriate sediment samples will be
collected and submitted for analysis.
The paleontological
mitigation plan shall
be reviewed by the
City for consistency
with these
requirements. Weekly
monitoring reports
documenting
compliance shall be
submitted to the City
Community
Development
Department.
Prior to and
throughout the
duration of
construction activities
Qualified
Paleontologist, City
Community
Development
Department
CR/mm-6 Recovered fossils will be prepared to the point of curation,
identified by qualified experts, listed in a database to facilitate
analysis, and reposited in a designated paleontological
curation facility. The qualified paleontologist will prepare a
paleontological mitigation and monitoring report to be filed
The paleontological
mitigation plan shall
be reviewed by the
City for consistency
with these
Prior to and
throughout the
duration of
construction activities
and following the
Qualified
Paleontologist, City
Community
Development
Department
Item 10.a. - Page 142
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Mitigation
Measure Requirements of Measure Compliance Method Verification Timing Responsible Party
with the City of Arroyo Grande, as lead agency, and the
repository. The report will include, but will not be limited to, a
discussion of the results of the mitigation and monitoring
program, an evaluation and analysis of the fossils collected
(including an assessment of their significance, age and
geologic context), an itemized inventory of fossils collected, a
confidential appendix of locality and specimen data with
locality maps and photographs, an appendix of curation
agreements and other appropriate communications, and a
copy of the project-specific paleontological mitigation plan.
requirements. Weekly
monitoring reports
documenting
compliance shall be
submitted to the City
Community
Development
Department. The
paleontological
mitigation and
monitoring report
shall be submitted to
the City for approval
to ensure consistency
with these
requirements.
discovery of any
recovered fossils
Hazards and Hazardous Materials
HAZ/mm-1 Prior to construction, the City 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
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 (BMPs) 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
These requirements
shall be noted in plan
specifications and the
Hazardous Material
Spill Prevention,
Control and
Countermeasure Plan
shall be included with
the project plans.
Plans shall be
reviewed for
consistency with
these requirements by
the City prior to
construction.
Construction
personnel training
Prior to and
throughout the
duration of
construction activities
City Public Works
Director, City
Engineer, City
Community
Development Director
Item 10.a. - Page 143
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Mitigation
Measure Requirements of Measure Compliance Method Verification Timing Responsible Party
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 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.
shall be confirmed by
the City Engineer prior
to construction by
review of appropriate
documentation of the
training, including a
list of the training
attendees. The City
Engineer shall
perform periodic site
inspections to ensure
compliance with these
requirements.
HAZ/mm-2 Demolition of existing structures and/or infrastructure shall
be conducted in compliance with applicable regulatory
requirements, including the requirements stipulated in the
National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants (40
CFR 61, Subpart M – asbestos NESHAP). These requirements
include, but are not limited to, notification to the APCD, an
asbestos survey conducted by a Certified Asbestos Inspector,
and applicable removal and disposal requirements of
identified asbestos containing materials.
These requirements
shall be noted in plan
specifications. Plans
shall be reviewed for
consistency with
these requirements by
the City prior to
construction. Reports
documenting
compliance shall be
submitted to the City
Community
Development
Department. If
Prior to and
throughout the
duration of
construction activities
City Engineer, City
Community
Development Director
Item 10.a. - Page 144
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Mitigation
Measure Requirements of Measure Compliance Method Verification Timing Responsible Party
necessary, weekly
monitoring reports
documenting
compliance with
regulatory
requirements shall be
provided throughout
construction.
HAZ/mm-3 A Soil Management Plan and Health and Safety Plan shall be
developed for the project and subject to approval by Caltrans
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 within that portion of the project within
Caltrans right of way shall be consistent with the California
Department of Toxic Substances Control and Caltrans Soil
Management Agreement for Aerially Deposited Lead-
Contaminated soils (effective July 1, 2016).
These requirements
shall be noted in plan
specifications. Plans
shall be reviewed for
consistency with
these requirements by
the City prior to
construction. The City
Engineer shall
perform periodic site
inspections to ensure
compliance with these
requirements.
Prior to and
throughout the
duration of
construction activities
City Engineer, City
Community
Development Director
HAZ/mm-4 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
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
These requirements
shall be noted in plan
specifications. Plans
shall be reviewed for
consistency with
these requirements by
Prior to and
throughout the
duration of
construction activities
City Engineer, City
Community
Development Director
Item 10.a. - Page 145
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Mitigation
Measure Requirements of Measure Compliance Method Verification Timing Responsible Party
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 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
resampled to confirm waste classification and potential
utilization of Caltrans’ hazardous waste agreement to recycle
soil on site. The appropriate Caltrans Standard Special
Provision shall be included in the Plans, Specifications, and
Estimate.
the City prior to
construction. The City
Engineer shall
perform periodic site
inspections to ensure
compliance with these
requirements.
HAZ/mm-5 Built structures within the project area proposed for
demolition or removal, including all concrete, painted
surfaces, and treated wood poles and soils at the base of
poles, shall be tested for asbestos containing material, lead-
based paint, and petroleum hydrocarbons and other wood
preservative chemicals. Testing shall be conducted prior to
initiation of construction and estimates during the Plans,
Specifications, and Estimates phase of the project shall include
provisions for proper removal and disposal by a licensed
contractor. Any identified contaminants and toxic materials
shall be handled, treated, and disposed of in accordance with
applicable rules and regulations. In the event hydrocarbon-
contaminated soils are encountered, the APCD shall be
contacted immediately and no later than 48 hours after
affected material is discovered to determine if an APCD
permit will be required.
These requirements
shall be noted in plan
specifications. Testing
reports shall be
provided to the City
and reviewed for
consistency with
these requirements by
the City prior to
construction. The City
Engineer shall
perform periodic site
inspections to ensure
compliance with these
requirements.
Prior to and
throughout the
duration of
construction activities
City Engineer, City
Community
Development Director
HAZ/mm-6 The electrical company responsible for the electrical
transformers present within the project area shall be
contacted to determine if the transformers contain
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). If the transformers contain
Proof of compliance
with this measure
shall be provided to
the City prior to
Prior to and
throughout the
duration of
construction activities
City Engineer, City
Community
Development Director
Item 10.a. - Page 146
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Mitigation
Measure Requirements of Measure Compliance Method Verification Timing Responsible Party
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), then they shall be removed
and disposed of in accordance with applicable rules and
regulations. Any identified leaking transformers shall be
considered a potential PCB hazard unless tested and shall be
handled accordingly.
construction. The City
Engineer shall
perform periodic site
inspections to ensure
compliance with these
requirements, as
necessary.
HAZ/mm-7 The gas company responsible for the gas transmission
pipelines located within the project area shall be contacted to
delineate the location of the gas transmission pipelines. The
location of the pipelines shall be shown on all project plans
and specifications.
Proof of compliance
with this measure
shall be provided to
the City prior to
construction. Plans
shall be reviewed by
the City for
consistency with this
measure prior to
construction. The City
Engineer shall
perform periodic site
inspections to ensure
compliance with these
requirements, as
necessary.
Prior to and
throughout the
duration of
construction activities
City Engineer, City
Community
Development Director
HAZ/mm-8 Underground Service Alert for Northern/Central California and
Nevada (USA North) shall be contacted prior to any
subsurface excavation to determine the location of any
subsurface utility lines.
Proof of compliance
with this measure
shall be provided to
the City prior to
construction. Plans
shall be reviewed by
the City for
consistency with this
measure prior to
construction. The City
Engineer shall
Prior to and
throughout the
duration of
construction activities
City Engineer, City
Community
Development Director
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perform periodic site
inspections to ensure
compliance with these
requirements, as
necessary.
HAZ/mm-9 Testing and removal requirements for yellow traffic striping
and pavement marking materials shall be performed in
accordance with Caltrans Construction Policy Bulleting 99-2
(Caltrans Construction Manual Chapter 7-107E).
These requirements
shall be noted in plan
specifications. The
City Engineer shall
perform periodic site
inspections to ensure
compliance with these
requirements.
Prior to and
throughout the
duration of
construction activities
City Engineer, City
Community
Development Director
HAZ/mm-10 Any previously unknown hazardous waste or material
encountered as part of construction of the proposed project
shall be handled, treated, and disposed of in accordance with
Caltrans Unknown Hazards Procedures.
These requirements
shall be noted in plan
specifications. The
City Engineer shall
perform periodic site
inspections to ensure
compliance with these
requirements.
Prior to and
throughout the
duration of
construction activities
City Engineer, City
Community
Development Director
HAZ/mm-11 Prior to any disturbance at or within 100 feet of the Arroyo
Grande Shell Gas Station located at 222 Grand Avenue, the
City shall consult with the California Department of Toxic
Substances, Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control
Board, County of San Luis Obispo Environmental Health
Department, and Caltrans Headquarters Hazardous Waste
Management Section regarding the potential disturbance of
hazardous substances and materials at the site. Prior to any
disturbance at or within 100 feet of the Arroyo Grande Shell
Gas Station, the City shall prepare a Hazardous
Materials/Hazardous Waste Management, Removal, and
Remediation Plan. The plan shall, at minimum, include worker
health and safety protection measures and restrictions on the
These requirements
shall be noted in plan
specifications. Proof
of consultation and
Plans shall be
provided to the City
and reviewed for
consistency with
these requirements by
the City prior to
construction. The City
Engineer shall
perform periodic site
Prior to and
throughout the
duration of
construction activities
City Engineer, City
Community
Development Director
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disposal of excavated soil and groundwater. The plan shall
incorporate any additional assessment and remediation
required by the California Department of Toxic Substances,
Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, County of
San Luis Obispo Environmental Health Department, and
Caltrans Headquarters Hazardous Waste Management
Section. The Plan shall include measures that ensure all
hazardous materials involvement would be coordinated with
the appropriate federal, state, and local regulatory agencies
and all hazardous materials encountered would be removed,
handled, and disposed of in accordance with state and federal
regulations.
inspections to ensure
compliance with these
requirements.
Hydrology and Water Quality
HYD/mm-1 Prior to commencement of construction activities, the City
shall prepare a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan
(SWPPP), which shall include Best Management Practices
(BMPs) to be implemented and monitored prior to and during
construction. The SWPPP would include a Construction Site
Monitoring Program that presents procedures and methods
related to the visual monitoring and sampling and analysis
plans for non-visible pollutants, sediment and turbidity, and
pH.
Submit approved
SWPPP, as recorded in
the SWRCB Storm
Water Multiple
Application and
Report Tracking
System (SMARTS)
database, to the City
Department of Public
Works and
Community
Development
Department
Prior to issuance of
construction permits
City Engineer, City
Community
Development
Department
HYD/mm-2 The City shall implement, at minimum, the following BMPs.
Temporary Construction Measures
a. All substantial ground disturbance shall be limited to the
dry season or periods when rainfall is not predicted, to
minimize erosion and sediment transport to surface
waters;
These requirements
shall be noted in plan
specifications. Plans
shall be reviewed for
consistency with
these requirements by
the City prior to
Prior to and
throughout the
duration of
construction activities
City Engineer,
Contractor, City
Community
Development
Department
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b. Disturbed areas shall be stabilized or re-vegetated prior to
the start of the rainy season;
c. Impacts to vegetation shall be minimized. The work area
shall be flagged to identify its limits. Vegetation shall not
be removed or intentionally damaged beyond these
limits.
d. Construction materials and soil piles shall be placed in
designated areas where they could not enter storm drains
due to spillage or erosion.
e. Waste and debris generated during construction shall be
stored in designated waste collection areas and
containers away from watercourses, and shall be disposed
of regularly.
f. During construction, washing of concrete trucks, paint,
equipment, or similar activities shall occur only in areas
where polluted water and materials can be contained for
subsequent removal from the site. Wash water shall not
be discharged to the storm drains, street, drainage
ditches, creeks, or wetlands. Concrete washout area shall
be isolated from storm drains, and wash water and waste
shall be removed from project site. The location of the
washout area shall be clearly noted at the construction
site with signs.
g. All fueling of heavy equipment shall occur in a designated
area removed from on-site drainages, such that any
spillage would not enter surface waters. The designated
refueling area shall include a drain pan or drop cloth and
absorbent materials to clean up spills. The location of the
fueling area shall be clearly noted at the construction site
with signs.
h. Vehicles and equipment shall be maintained properly to
prevent leakage of hydrocarbons and coolant, and shall
be examined for leaks on a daily basis. All maintenance
shall occur in a designated offsite area. The designated
construction. The City
Engineer shall
perform site
inspections
immediately prior to
construction and
periodically thereafter
to ensure compliance
with these
requirements. The
City Engineer shall
perform site
inspections and/or
coordinate with
construction
personnel prior to
every predicted rain
event to ensure
temporary soil
stabilization BMPs and
temporary sediment
control BMPs have
been applied prior to
every predicted rain
event, consistent with
the Construction
General Permit.
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area shall include a drain pan or drop cloth and absorbent
materials to clean up spills.
i. Any accidental spill of hydrocarbons or coolant that may
occur on the construction site shall be cleaned
immediately. Absorbent materials shall be maintained on
the construction site for this purpose.
j. Temporary placement of fill shall be located outside of
any drainage ways.
k. Adequate measures shall be applied to all disturbed
portions of the project site to control dust, such as daily
watering or hydro-mulching until vegetation cover is well
established.
l. Any fill or stockpiling that is to be left more than 30 days
shall be hydro-seeded or covered immediately upon
completion of the fill or stockpiling work.
m. All fill material shall be “clean” and free of any potentially
hazardous materials or hazardous waste.
n. Rain Event Action Plan (REAP). Risk Level 2 projects are
required to prepare a REAP, which will describe projected
storm information and list specific actions required to be
taken before predicted rain events.
o. Soil Stabilization Measures. Minimum soil stabilization
measures for the project shall include move-in/move-out
erosion control, use of temporary hydraulic mulch on any
exposed disturbed soils, temporary covers to protect
disturbed soil areas, and temporary fencing to designate
environmentally sensitive areas as outside of the work
area limits. Analysis of additional soil stabilization
measures will continue during the design phase.
p. Sediment Control Measures. Minimum sediment control
measures for the project shall include temporary fiber
rolls to minimize sediment-laden sheet flows and
concentrated flows from discharging offsite, and
temporary drainage inlet protection to prevent sediment
from entering current or proposed storm drains.
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Investigation into additional sediment control measures,
including the use of sediment traps, will continue during
the design phase.
q. Tracking Controls. To prevent the tracking of mud and dirt
off-site, stabilized construction entrances and exits shall
be placed at multiple points throughout the project site.
Street sweeping shall be implemented to remove any
tracked sediment.
r. Waste Management and Materials Pollution Control.
Concrete washout bins shall be considered for all
concrete-related work activities.
s. Construction Site Management. The project’s proposed
Construction Site Management includes controlling
potential sources of water pollution before they enter any
storm water systems or water courses and employee and
subcontractor training, including the proper selection,
deployment, and repair of construction site BMPs used
within the project site.
t. Storm Wwater Sampling and Analysis. Risk Level 2
projects are required to perform storm water sampling at
all discharge locations during qualifying rain events. The
samples shall be analyzed for pH and turbidity, and
subject to numeric action levels.
Permanent Design Measures
u. Downstream Effects Related to Potentially Increased
Flows. Design pollution prevention BMPs shall be
incorporated to promote infiltration, maintain, or restore
pre-project hydrology, as well as provide overall water
quality improvement of discharges. Potential water
quality improvement measures include grading slopes to
blend with natural terrain and decrease the need for
dikes, designing permanent drainage facilities that mimic
the existing drainage patterns of the area, constructing
permanent vegetated drainage ditches to decrease the
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velocity of discharge, and maintaining existing vegetated
areas to the extent feasible.
v. Alternative 4C would modify local drainage along the
roadway by bisecting a roadside ditch. Connectivity shall
be maintained with a culvert crossing the north portion of
the proposed intersection.
w. Slope/Surface Protection Systems. The proposed side
slopes to accommodate the new improvements would be
minor and would be 2:1 or flatter, consistent with existing
slopes, except for slopes adjacent to the realigned
southbound US 101 on-ramp from Grand Avenue, where
slopes would be 4:1 (horizontal:vertical [H:V]). Other
slope/surface protection items shall include slope paving,
hydroseed, and move-in/move-out.
x. Concentrated Flow Conveyance Systems. Open vegetated
conveyances would be prioritized and utilized before lined
and piped conveyances. Depending on the alternative
selected, new drainage inlets and culvert pipes will be
necessary to convey runoff to existing drainage ditches.
There are currently no known existing areas of erosion or
slope failures at existing culvert crossings, so additional
installation of flared end sections, rock slope protection,
or other outlet protection/velocity dissipation devices
may not be required. However, because the runoff will
drain to existing or proposed natural drainage ditches,
calculations will be conducted during the design phase
should show that the increase in volume can be contained
within the ditches and that the increase in flow and
velocity will not result in erosion or scour if the ditches
are only vegetated and lined with rock or other hard
material.
y. Preservation of Existing Vegetation. Existing vegetation
shall be preserved to the maximum extent possible. The
project would result in minimal clearing or grubbing
because the majority of the project area is currently
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paved. Proposed roadway improvements entail graded
side slopes of 2:1 or flatter, except for slopes adjacent to
the realigned southbound US 101 on-ramp from Grand
Avenue, where slopes would be 4:1 (H:V). Any slopes
steeper than 2:1 (H:V) will be stabilized with retaining
walls, except the 4:1 slopes adjacent to the southbound
US 101 on-ramp from Grand Avenue, which would be
stabilized with erosion control/landscaping.
Permanent Treatment Measures
z. Treatment BMP Strategy. Permanent treatment BMPs will
be considered for Alternative 4C if design pollution
prevention BMPs are not sufficient to infiltrate the water
quality volume and are expected to include infiltration
TBMPs. Onsite soils are most generally classified as HSG
Type D. Based on this information, it is estimated that soil
amendments will be needed to achieve a 90% infiltration
ranking for biofiltration and infiltration devices under
Alternative 4C. Treatment for this project shall be to the
maximum extent possible, and the project will attempt to
treat all added impervious areas, which varies based on
the alternative selected.
aa. Biofiltration Swales/Strips. Currently, vegetated ditches
capture sheet flow and convey runoff to Arroyo Grande
Creek and Meadow Creek and Pismo Lake. Design
pollution prevention infiltration type BMPs will be
prioritized for the project. However, under Alternative 4C,
infiltration will also occur at seven proposed biofiltration
strips/swales. Vegetation mixes appropriate for the
biofiltration swales based on project climate and location
have not been determined at this time. However,
biofiltration swales shall meet 100% treatment of the
added impervious area.
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Maintenance Treatment Measures
bb. The project will require drain inlet stenciling in areas
where there is pedestrian access, primarily at the Brisco
Road undercrossing, on West Branch Street, and on Grace
Lane. Stenciling detail will follow the Caltrans Standard
Plans for drain inlet stenciling. Other types of
maintenance BMPs, including maintenance vehicle
pullouts, shall also be considered during the design phase
in coordination with the City and the Caltrans
Maintenance Area Manager.
Land Use and Planning
LU/mm-1 Prior to initiation of construction activities, the City shall
prepare circulation and traffic plans which shall incorporate
and improve connectivity with existing and new public transit
facilities, bike paths or lanes, and pedestrian access ways to
the greatest extent feasible through, at minimum,
incorporation of crosswalks, sidewalks and bike lanes. All new
public transit facilities, bike paths or lanes, and pedestrian
access ways shall be ADA-compliant. Temporary construction
activities shall avoid conflict with bike and pedestrian access
ways to the greatest extent feasible. If construction activities
will interfere with existing bike or pedestrian routes,
temporary access shall be provided to all areas of the project
area. The plan shall be approved by the City Engineer prior to
the start of construction.
Plans shall be
reviewed for
consistency with
these requirements by
the City Public Works
Director prior to
construction. The City
Engineer shall
perform periodic site
inspections to ensure
compliance with these
requirements.
Prior to and
throughout the
duration of
construction activities
City Engineer, City
Public Works Director
LU/mm-2 Prior to the initiation of construction activities, the City shall
prepare a Non-Motorized / Public Transportation Plan in
consultation with the City of Arroyo Grande Public Works
Department and the County Bicycle Advisory Committee on
any improvements that may affect facilities identified in the
County Bikeway Plan. The plan shall include, at minimum:
Plans shall be
reviewed for
consistency with
these requirements by
the City Public Works
Director prior to
construction. The City
Engineer shall
Prior to issuance of
construction permits
City Engineer, City
Public Works Director
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a. Designs for providing bicycle, pedestrian and car
interaction along the project area that would minimize
conflicts through the use of striping, signage, lighting,
bollards, etc.;
b. Examples of the signage, striping, lighting, designs, etc. for
safe bicycle, pedestrian, and car interaction;
c. Methods for ensuring the project would not interfere in
any way with existing or proposed future bike and
pedestrian lanes and paths, whether formal or informal,
particularly those associated with St. Patrick’s School, the
Arroyo Grande Library, and adjacent public buildings and
facilities.
d. Methods for ensuring bike and pedestrian circulation to
serve schools and public facilities are made a priority
consistent with policies of the Circulation Element.
e. Methods to ensure the project would not adversely
impactinterfere, temporarily or long-term, in any way
with any routes, schedules, or operations of the RTA
(Regional Transit Authority) stops at Walmart and the
Arroyo Grande Library.
f. Methods to ensure the project would not adversely
impact interfere in any way with the Park and Ride
parking lots located within the project area, including the
lot on El Camino Real in between Halcyon Street and
Grand Avenue.
g. Compliance with applicable requirements of the
Complete Streets Act of 2008.
The plan shall be approved by the City Engineer prior to the
start of construction.
perform periodic site
inspections to ensure
compliance with these
requirements.
LU/mm-3 The project shall be designed to allow convenient and/or
improved access to the Regional Transit Authority stops along
West Branch Street at the Arroyo Grande Library and Walmart
and the Park and Ride lots along El Camino Real. Construction
Project plans shall be
reviewed for
consistency with
these requirements by
Prior to and
throughout the
duration of
construction activities
City Engineer, City
Public Works Director,
Contractor
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activities shall not interfere with or inhibit access or usability
of the public transportation stops or parking lots and shall
take into account existing RTA and Park and Ride schedules
and routes.
the City Public Works
Director prior to
construction. The City
Engineer shall
perform periodic site
inspections to ensure
compliance with these
requirements.
LU-mm-4 All proposed areas of disturbance shall be minimized to the
greatest extent feasible and shall be clearly marked on project
design plans. All adjacent areas of disturbed parcels shall be
kept open for parking and customer use to the greatest extent
feasible. No adjacent portions of the parcels’ parking area
shall be utilized for staging areas or equipment storage.
Project plans shall be
reviewed for
consistency with
these requirements by
the City Public Works
Director prior to
construction. The City
Engineer shall
perform periodic site
inspections to ensure
compliance with these
requirements.
Prior to and
throughout the
duration of
construction activities
City Engineer, City
Public Works Director,
Contractor
LU/mm-5 Prior to the initiation of construction activities, the City shall
prepare a Parking Plan, in consultation with the City of Arroyo
Grande City Engineer, the owners of Brisco’s True Value
Hardware (APN# 077-051-019) and any other affected public
or private property owners. The Plan shall include:
a. Methods for ensuring all public parking associated with
Brisco’s Hardware, the Arroyo Grande Library and
adjacent county public offices are protected from project
impacts and acquisitions and maintained to the maximum
extent feasible;
b. A restriping and landscape design plan for the Brisco’s
Hardware parking area, and any City or County public
facility areas that will be affected by the proposed
Parking plans shall be
reviewed for
consistency with
these requirements by
the City Public Works
Director prior to
construction. The City
Engineer shall
perform periodic site
inspections during
construction and
following construction
to ensure compliance
Prior to, throughout
the duration of, and
following construction
activities
City Engineer, City
Public Works Director
Item 10.a. - Page 157
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project, which shall be prepared in consultation with any
affected private property owners, and be prepared in
compliance with the Arroyo Grande General Plan;
c. Measures to ensure visitor parking and use of these public
facilities and private businesses would not be deterred
during construction of the project, to the maximum
extent feasible; and
d. Requirements that upon completion of project
construction, all adjacent disturbed areas shall be
restored to original conditions to the extent feasible.
The plan shall be approved by the City Engineer prior to the
start of construction.
with these
requirements.
LU/mm-6 Prior to the initiation of construction activities, the City shall
prepare a solid wall design and landscape plan for the
proposed project area that includes, at minimum, the
following provisions:
a. Design the walls with an aesthetic and graffiti proof
treatment consistent with the surrounding visual
character and setting.
b. Design the walls to allow for landscape planting on any
visible surface, as detailed in subsections e. through i.,
below.
c. Plant vines or shrubs in front of the walls, as more
particularly described in subsections e. through i., below.
d. Treat or modify the existing walls to be visually consistent
with the new walls.
e. Include large-scale trees, vines, shrubs, and bushes, as
appropriate, along the base of any retaining walls to help
disguise the form and scale of the retaining walls.
f. Include shrub species on any walls and any wall benches
to the greatest extent possible.
Plans shall be
reviewed for
consistency with
these requirements by
the City Public Works
Director prior to
construction. The City
Engineer shall
perform periodic site
inspections during
construction and
following construction
to ensure compliance
with these
requirements.
Prior to, throughout
the duration of, and
following construction
activities
City Engineer, City
Public Works Director
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g. Select plant material for the retaining wall faces and
benches which has informal growing habits, and include
species which will cascade over the steps/walls and help
hide visibility of wall geometry.
h. Select plant material for the retaining walls, benches, or
fences which, when seen from a distance, is similar in
color and shade to the majority of the vegetation on
existing slopes. Avoid plants with distinctive flower colors
or vegetative characteristics.
i. Select plant material horticulturally appropriate for the
site, which will result in long-term survival with a
minimum amount of maintenance once established.
j. Use of drought tolerant species shall be emphasized.
k. The project plans shall include a water efficient drip
irrigation system if necessary to maximize the
establishment and long-term success of the plantings.
l. The project plans shall include a “plant establishment”
requirement which guarantees the successful
establishment of the planting and replacement of plants
which fail.
m. The project plans shall include a long-term maintenance
strategy and resource commitment which ensures the
ongoing success and effectiveness of the planting,
including replacement of plants which fail.
n. All drainage pipes shall be placed underground, including
down-drains.
Solid wall design and landscaping plans shall be approved by
the City Community Development Director prior to the start of
construction. Subsequent visual review of the walls by a
consultant approved by the City shall be required once final
design of the walls has been completed.
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Public Services
PS/mm-1 All construction activities shall be planned so as to minimize
inconvenience to the traveling public, i.e., through
minimization of the amount and duration of lane closures,
minimization of lane closures during peak traffic hours, and
goals to complete project construction without unnecessary
delay. Public traffic traveling north on US 101 should be
rerouted, via highway signage, to use the Grand Avenue exit
should the northbound ramps at Brisco Road be closed
temporarily, and vice versa.
Project plans shall be
reviewed for
consistency with
these requirements by
the City Public Works
Director prior to
construction. The City
Engineer shall
perform periodic site
inspections to ensure
compliance with these
requirements.
Prior to and
throughout the
duration of
construction activities
City Engineer, City
Public Works Director
PS/mm-2 Prior to the initiation of construction activities, the City shall
prepare a Construction Timing, Access, and Circulation Plan,
which shall include the following measures. This plan shall be
approved by the City Public Works Director prior to the start
of construction and made available for local residents to
review and comment on prior to the onset of construction
activities.
a. Methods for ensuring permanent access to the
commercial/retail centers north of the Brisco Road/US
101 interchange is preserved and/or improved to the
maximum extent feasible through implementation of the
proposed project.
b. A signage plan and other methods, if feasible, for
increasing the visibility of business blocked by
construction activities and educating travelers that
businesses adjacent to the project corridor are to remain
open during construction;
c. Clearly marked detour routes for alternate access to any
businesses that are made inaccessible or difficult to
access due to construction activities;
Plans shall be
reviewed for
consistency with
these requirements by
the City Public Works
Director prior to
construction. The City
Engineer shall
perform periodic site
inspections during
construction and
following construction
to ensure compliance
with these
requirements.
Prior to and
throughout the
duration of
construction activities
City Engineer, City
Public Works Director
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d. Hours of haulage (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.);
e. Designation of truck routes that avoid sensitive receptors
(including residential areas, schools, parks, day care
centers, nursing homes, and hospitals) to the greatest
extent possible;
f. Methods of traffic control on adjacent streets within the
project area;
g. Adequate safety signage regarding traffic control;
h. Designated construction staging areas for construction
personnel vehicles, supplies, and equipment;
i. A telephone number for local residents to call if there are
issues or complaints; and
j. Measures to resolve potential conflicts between
construction activities and adjacent businesses.
Business owners directly adjacent to the project area shall be
directly notified of the availability of and allowed to comment
on the plan.
PS/mm-3 Traffic control plans affecting state facilities shall be reviewed
and approved by Caltrans, and traffic control plans affecting
City facilities shall be reviewed and approved by the City
Public Works Director, through consultation with affected
emergency responders and service providers (i.e., the police
department, fire department, San Luis Ambulance, and Arroyo
Grande Hospital), prior to construction activities.
Plans affecting City
facilities shall be
reviewed for
consistency with
these requirements by
the City Public Works
Director prior to
construction.
Caltrans-approved
plans affecting state
facilities shall be
provided to the City
prior to construction.
Prior to construction
activities
City Public Works
Director
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7. References
American Farmland Trust. 2002. Mitigation of Farmland Loss. American Farmland Trust, prepared for
United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resource Conservation Service.
Arroyo Grande, California Income, Earnings, and Wages Data. 2011. Available at: www.city-
data.com/income/income-Arroyo-Grande-California.html. Accessed on October 11, 2011.
California Department of Conservation. 2008. 2008 Field Report – San Luis Obispo County. California
Department of Conservation, Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program.
————. 2008. Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program, San Luis Obispo County Important Farmland
2008. California Department of Conservation, Division of Land Resource Protection.
————. 2009. San Luis Obispo County, 2006-2008 Land Use Conversion. California Department of
Conservation, Division of Land Resource Protection.
California Department of Finance. 2011. Table E-1 City/County Population Estimates with Annual
Percentage Change. Available at:
http://www.dof.ca.gov/research/demographic/reports/view.php. Accessed on August 4, 2011.
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). 1997. Community Impact Assessment – Caltrans
Environmental Handbook Volume 4. Department of Transportation, Cultural Studies Office.
————. 2006. Guidance for Preparers of Growth-Related, Indirect Impact Analyses. Department of
Transportation.
California Employment Development Department. 2011. California Labor Market Information,
Employment by Industry. Available at:
http://www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/cgi/databrowsing/localareaprofileqsresults.asp?selecte
darea=San+Luis%20+Obispo+County&selectedindex=1&menuchoice=localareapro&state=true&
geogarea=0604000079&countyname=. Accessed on September 1, 2011.
————. 2011. San Luis Obispo County Profile. Available at:
http://www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/cgi/databrowsing/localAreaProfileQSResults.asp?select
edarea=San+Luis+Obispo+County&selectedindex=40&menuChoice=localAreaPro&state=true&g
eogArea=0604000079&countyName. Accessed on August 4, 2011.
City of Arroyo Grande. 2001. General Plan Update – Agriculture, Conservation and Open Space Element.
City of Arroyo Grande, California.
————. 2001. General Plan Update – Circulation Element. City of Arroyo Grande, California.
————. 2001. General Plan Update – Economic Development Element. City of Arroyo Grande, California.
————. 2001. General Plan Update – Land Use Element. City of Arroyo Grande, California.
————. 2001. General Plan Update – Parks and Recreation Element. City of Arroyo Grande, California.
————. 2001. General Plan Update – Safety Element. City of Arroyo Grande, California.
Item 10.a. - Page 162
INITIAL STUDY MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION September January 2020February 20198
Brisco-Halcyon Road Interchange Modifications Project
Page 149 of 152
————. 2003. General Plan Update – Housing Element. City of Arroyo Grande, California.
————. 2009. Arroyo Grande Redevelopment Project – Five Year Implementation Plan (2009-10 through
2013-14). City of Arroyo Grande Redevelopment Agency.
————. 2009. Land Use Map. City of Arroyo Grande, Community Development Department.
————. 2010. Development Code. Available at:
http://library.municode.com/index.aspx?clientId=16194&stateId=5&stateName=California.
Accessed on August 11, 2011.
————. 2010. Zoning Map. City of Arroyo Grande, Community Development Department.
————. 2011. City Parks. Available at: http://www.arroyogrande.org/city-hall/city-
departments/recreation-and-maintenance-services/parks/city-parks/. Accessed on August 15,
2011.
County of San Luis Obispo Department of Agriculture and Weights and Measures. 2010. Reflections - 2010
Annual Report. San Luis Obispo County Department of Agriculture and Weights and Measures.
County of San Luis Obispo Department of Planning and Building. 2014. San Luis Obispo County General
Plan – Housing Element 2014-2019. San Luis Obispo County Department of Planning and Building.
June 17, 2014.
————. 2003. San Luis Bay Area Plan – Inland. County of San Luis Obispo Department of Planning and
Building.
————. 2006. San Luis Obispo County General Plan – Economic Element. County of San Luis Obispo
Department of Planning and Building and Economic Advisory Committee.
————. 2009. San Luis Obispo County General Plan – Housing Element 2009-2014. County of San Luis
Obispo Department of Planning and Building.
County of San Luis Obispo Department of Public Works. 2005. County Bikeways Plan – 2005 Update.
Bicycle Advisory Committee, Department of Public Works.
Economic Vitality Corporation of San Luis Obispo County. 2011. Economic Impact Studies. Available at:
http://www.sloevc.org. Accessed on August 23, 2011.
Far Western Anthropological Research Group, Inc. 2016. Supplemental Archaeological Survey Report for
the Highway 101 Brisco-Halcyon Road Interchange Modifications Project, Arroyo Grande, San Luis
Obispo County, California. Prepared for the California Department of Transportation.
————. 2012. Archaeological Survey Report for the Highway 101 Brisco/Halcyon/Grande I/C
Modifications Project, Arroyo Grande, San Luis Obispo County, California. Prepared for the
California Department of Transportation.
Haro Environmental. 2017. Hazardous Waste Initial Site Assessment – Brisco-Halcyon Road Interchange
Modifications Project, San Luis Obispo County, California. Prepared for Wood Rodgers.
Item 10.a. - Page 163
INITIAL STUDY MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION September January 2020February 20198
Brisco-Halcyon Road Interchange Modifications Project
Page 150 of 152
JRP Historical Consulting, LLC. 2016. Supplemental Historic Property Survey Report. Prepared for the
California Department of Transportation.
————. 2012. Historic Property Survey Report. Prepared for the California Department of
Transportation.
San Luis Obispo County Council of Governments (SLOCOG). 2010. SLOCOG 2010 Regional Transportation
Plan and Preliminary Sustainable Communities Strategy. San Luis Obispo Council of Governments.
————. 2015. 2014 Regional Transportation Plan / Sustainable Communities Strategy: Connecting
Communities. San Luis Obispo Council of Governments. April 2015.
San Luis Obispo Regional Rideshare. 2010. San Luis Obispo County Bike Map – South County. Available at:
www.rideshare.org. Accessed on August 23, 2011.
SWCA, Inc. 2017. Community Impact Assessment – Brisco-Halcyon Road Interchange Modification Project,
City of Arroyo Grande, San Luis Obispo County, California. Prepared for the California Department
of Transportation.
————. 2017. Jurisdictional Assessment for the US 101/Brisco-Halcyon & Grand Avenue Interchange
Modifications, San Luis Obispo, California. Prepared for Wood Rodgers, Inc.
————. 20172020. Natural Environment Study – Brisco-Halcyon Road Interchange Modification Project,
City of Arroyo Grande, San Luis Obispo County, California. Prepared for the California Department
of Transportation.
————. 2014. Paleontological Evaluation Report – Brisco-Halcyon Road Interchange Modification
Project, City of Arroyo Grande, San Luis Obispo County, California. Prepared for the California
Department of Transportation.
————. 2017. Paleontological Evaluation Report Addendum – Brisco-Halcyon Road Interchange
Modification Project, City of Arroyo Grande, San Luis Obispo County, California. Prepared for the
California Department of Transportation.
————. 2014. Visual Impact Assessment – Brisco-Halcyon Road Interchange Modification Project, City
of Arroyo Grande, San Luis Obispo County, California. Prepared for the California Department of
Transportation.
————. 2017. Visual Impact Assessment Addendum – Brisco-Halcyon Road Interchange Modification
Project, City of Arroyo Grande, San Luis Obispo County, California. Prepared for the California
Department of Transportation.
————. 2017. Water Quality Assessment Report – Brisco-Halcyon Road Interchange Modification
Project, City of Arroyo Grande, San Luis Obispo County, California. Prepared for the California
Department of Transportation.
Terry A. Hayes Associates, Inc. 2017. Air Quality Study, US 10/Brisco-Halcyon & Grand Avenue Interchange
Modifications. Prepared for the California Department of Transportation.
Item 10.a. - Page 164
INITIAL STUDY MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION September January 2020February 20198
Brisco-Halcyon Road Interchange Modifications Project
Page 151 of 152
Terry A. Hayes Associates, Inc. 2017. Noise Study Report, US 101/Brisco-Halcyon & Grand Avenue
Interchange Modifications. Prepared for the California Department of Transportation.
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 on July 12,
2011.
United States Department of Transportation. 1996. Community Impact Assessment – A Quick Reference
for Transportation. United States Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration.
University of California Santa Barbara Economic Forecast Project. 2009. San Luis Obispo County Economic
Outlook 2009. Santa Barbara Economic Forecast Project.
————. 2010. San Luis Obispo County Economic Outlook 2010. Santa Barbara Economic Forecast Project.
————. 2011. San Luis Obispo County Economic Outlook 2011. Santa Barbara Economic Forecast Project.
Wood Rodgers. 2019. Technical Memorandum: Independent Utility of Relocating the US 101 Southbound
On-Ramp at Grand Avenue; US 101/Brisco Road-Halcyon Road and US 101/Grand Avenue
Interchange Improvements Project, Arroyo Grande, CA. April 8, 2019.
————. 2012. Technical Memorandum: PA&ED Phase Traffic Forecasting and Operations Analysis.
September 7, 2012. Prepared by Narayanan, Ravi, P.E., T.E., and Nessar, Nawid, P.E., T.E.
————. 2014. Branch St/Rodeo Dr/US 101 NB Ramps Intersection – Roundabout Traffic Operations
Analysis. Prepared for: City of Arroyo Grande. May 7, 2014.
————. 2016. Caltrans Draft Appendix E Long Form – Storm Water Data Report. March 2016.
Item 10.a. - Page 165
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Brisco-Halcyon Road Interchange Modifications Project
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Item 10.a. - Page 166
APPENDIX A
Farmland Conversion Impact Rating Form NRCS-CPA-106 and Land Evaluation and Site
Assessment (LESA) Worksheets
Item 10.a. - Page 167
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Item 10.a. - Page 168
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Natural Resources Conservation Service
PART I (To be completed by Federal Agency)
1. Name of Project
2. Type of Project
PART II (To be completed by NRCS)
3. Date of Land Evaluation Request
5. Federal Agency Involved
6. County and State
1. Date Request Received by NRCS
YES NO
4.Sheet 1 of
NRCS-CPA-106
(Rev. 1-91)
2. Person Completing Form
4. Acres Irrigated Average Farm Size
7. Amount of Farmland As Defined in FPPA
Acres:%
FARMLAND CONVERSION IMPACT RATING
FOR CORRIDOR TYPE PROJECTS
6. Farmable Land in Government Jurisdiction
Acres:%
3. Does the corridor contain prime, unique statewide or local important farmland?
(If no, the FPPA does not apply - Do not complete additional parts of this form).
5. Major Crop(s)
8. Name Of Land Evaluation System Used 9. Name of Local Site Assessment System 10. Date Land Evaluation Returned by NRCS
Alternative Corridor For Segment
Corridor A Corridor B Corridor C Corridor DPART III (To be completed by Federal Agency)
A. Total Acres To Be Converted Directly
B. Total Acres To Be Converted Indirectly, Or To Receive Services
C. Total Acres In Corridor
PART IV (To be completed by NRCS) Land Evaluation Information
A. Total Acres Prime And Unique Farmland
B. Total Acres Statewide And Local Important Farmland
C. Percentage Of Farmland in County Or Local Govt. Unit To Be Converted
D. Percentage Of Farmland in Govt. Jurisdiction With Same Or Higher Relative Value
PART V (To be completed by NRCS) Land Evaluation Information Criterion Relative
value of Farmland to Be Serviced or Converted (Scale of 0 - 100 Points)
PART VI (To be completed by Federal Agency) Corridor
Assessment Criteria (These criteria are explained in 7 CFR 658.5(c))
1. Area in Nonurban Use
2. Perimeter in Nonurban Use
3. Percent Of Corridor Being Farmed
4. Protection Provided By State And Local Government
5. Size of Present Farm Unit Compared To Average
6. Creation Of Nonfarmable Farmland
Maximum
Points
15
10
20
20
10
25
57. Availablility Of Farm Support Services
8. On-Farm Investments
9. Effects Of Conversion On Farm Support Services
10. Compatibility With Existing Agricultural Use
20
25
10
160TOTAL CORRIDOR ASSESSMENT POINTS
PART VII (To be completed by Federal Agency)
Relative Value Of Farmland (From Part V)100
Total Corridor Assessment (From Part VI above or a local site
assessment)160
TOTAL POINTS (Total of above 2 lines)260
1. Corridor Selected:2. Total Acres of Farmlands to be
Converted by Project:
5. Reason For Selection:
Signature of Person Completing this Part:
3. Date Of Selection:4. Was A Local Site Assessment Used?
YES NO
DATE
NOTE: Complete a form for each segment with more than one Alternate Corridor
Brisco-Halcyon Rd Interchange Modifications
Highway and local roadway imrovements
1/10/12 4
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
San Luis Obispo County, California
1/10/12 Margy Lindquist
✔98,898 492 acres
wine grapes, broccoli, strawberries 299,572 14 270,407 13
CA Storie Index None 1/11/12
0.9 0.9
0 0
0.9 0.9
0.5 0.5
0 0
0.00018 0.00018
Data not available
42 42
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
5 5
55
0 0
0 0
10 10 0
42 42 0 0
0
10 10 0 0
52 52 0 0
0.9 ✔
Although there are project alternatives, proposed modifications are the same in this agricultural area. Therefore, the
alternatives would result in the same impacts to adjacent farmlands. There is no discernable environmentally preferred
alternative based on impacts to farmlands alone.
The project score (52) does not exceed 160 points; therefore, the consideration of alternative project locations is not
necessary.
Emily Creel, Environmental Planner, SWCA
1/4/16
Item 10.a. - Page 169
NRCS-CPA-106 (Reverse)
CORRIDOR - TYPE SITE ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
The following criteria are to be used for projects that have a linear or corridor - type site configuration connecting two distant
points, and crossing several different tracts of land. These include utility lines, highways, railroads, stream improvements, and flood
control systems. Federal agencies are to assess the suitability of each corridor - type site or design alternative for protection as farmland
along with the land evaluation information.
(1) How much land is in nonurban use within a radius of 1.0 mile from where the project is intended?
More than 90 percent - 15 points
90 to 20 percent - 14 to 1 point(s)
Less than 20 percent - 0 points
(2) How much of the perimeter of the site borders on land in nonurban use?
More than 90 percent - 10 points
90 to 20 percent - 9 to 1 point(s)
Less than 20 percent - 0 points
(3) How much of the site has been farmed (managed for a scheduled harvest or timber activity) more than five of the last
10 years?
More than 90 percent - 20 points
90 to 20 percent - 19 to 1 point(s)
Less than 20 percent - 0 points
(4) Is the site subject to state or unit of local government policies or programs to protect farmland or covered by private programs
to protect farmland?
Site is protected - 20 points
Site is not protected - 0 points
(5) Is the farm unit(s) containing the site (before the project) as large as the average - size farming unit in the County ?
(Average farm sizes in each county are available from the NRCS field offices in each state. Data are from the latest available Census of
Agriculture, Acreage or Farm Units in Operation with $1,000 or more in sales.)
As large or larger - 10 points
Below average - deduct 1 point for each 5 percent below the average, down to 0 points if 50 percent or more below average - 9 to 0 points
(6) If the site is chosen for the project, how much of the remaining land on the farm will become non-farmable because of
interference with land patterns?
Acreage equal to more than 25 percent of acres directly converted by the project - 25 points
Acreage equal to between 25 and 5 percent of the acres directly converted by the project - 1 to 24 point(s)
Acreage equal to less than 5 percent of the acres directly converted by the project - 0 points
(7) Does the site have available adequate supply of farm support services and markets, i.e., farm suppliers, equipment dealers,
processing and storage facilities and farmer's markets?
All required services are available - 5 points
Some required services are available - 4 to 1 point(s)
No required services are available - 0 points
(8) Does the site have substantial and well-maintained on-farm investments such as barns, other storage building, fruit trees
and vines, field terraces, drainage, irrigation, waterways, or other soil and water conservation measures?
High amount of on-farm investment - 20 points
Moderate amount of on-farm investment - 19 to 1 point(s)
No on-farm investment - 0 points
(9) Would the project at this site, by converting farmland to nonagricultural use, reduce the demand for farm support
services so as to jeopardize the continued existence of these support services and thus, the viability of the farms remaining in the area?
Substantial reduction in demand for support services if the site is converted - 25 points
Some reduction in demand for support services if the site is converted - 1 to 24 point(s)
No significant reduction in demand for support services if the site is converted - 0 points
(10) Is the kind and intensity of the proposed use of the site sufficiently incompatible with agriculture that it is likely to
contribute to the eventual conversion of surrounding farmland to nonagricultural use?
Proposed project is incompatible to existing agricultural use of surrounding farmland - 10 points
Proposed project is tolerable to existing agricultural use of surrounding farmland - 9 to 1 point(s)
Proposed project is fully compatible with existing agricultural use of surrounding farmland - 0 points
Less than 20 percent - 0 points
Acreage equal to less than 5 percent of the acres directly converted by the project - 0 points
All required services are available - 5 points
Moderate amount of on-farm investment - 19 to 1 point(s)
Less than 20 percent - 0 points
Less than 20 percent - 0 points
Site is not protected - 0 points
0 points if 50 percent or more below average
No significant reduction in demand for support services if the site is converted - 0 points
Proposed project is fully compatible with existing agricultural use of surrounding farmland - 0 points
Item 10.a. - Page 170
Land Evaluation Worksheet Site Assessment Worksheet 1
Land Capability Classification
(LCC)
and Storie Index Scores
Project Size Score
A B C D E F G H I J K
Soil Map
Unit
Project
Acres
Proportion
of
Project Area
LCC LCC
Rating
LCC
Score
Storie
Index
Storie
Index
Score
LCC
Class
I - II
LCC Class
III
LCC Class
IV - VIII
115 3.77 0.04 VIe 20 0.8 24 0.96 3.77
116 2.86 0.03 VIe 20 0.6 22 0.66 2.86
117 17.42 0.20 VIe 20 4 24 4.8 17.45
126 2.82 0.03 IIIs 60 1.8 50 1.5 2.82
175 1.56 0.02 IIs 80 1.6 81 1.62 1.56
184 0.63 0.007 VIe 20 0.14 49 0.343 0.63
189 1.32 0.01 VIIe 10 0.1 23 0.23 1.32
194 0.41 0.005 VIIIw 0 0 <5 0.025 0.41
210 1.85 0.02 IIIe 70 1.4 64 1.28 1.85
216 38.88 0.44 IIIe 70 30.8 29 12.76 38.88
221 17.58 0.20 n/a 0 0 n/a 0 17.58
Totals 89.15 (Must Sum to
1.0)
LCC
Total
Score
41.24 Storie Index
Total Score 24.18 Total Acres 1.56 43.55 44.02
Project Size
Scores 0 60 20
Highest
Project Score
Size
60
Item 10.a. - Page 171
Site Assessment Worksheet 2. – Water Resources Availability
A B C D E
Project
Proportion
Water
Source
Proportion of
Project Area
Water
Availability
Score
Weighted
Availability
Score
(C x D)
1 Irrigated 0.0231 100 2.31
2 Not irrigated 0.9769 0 0
3
4
5
6
(Must Sum to
1.0)
Total Water
Resource
Score
2.31
Item 10.a. - Page 172
Site Assessment Worksheet 3.
Surrounding Agricultural Land and Surrounding Protected Resource Land
A B C D E F G
Zone of Influence
Surrounding
Agricultural
Land Score
(From Table)
Surrounding
Protected
Resource
Land Score
(From Table)
Total Acres Acres in
Agriculture
Acres of
Protected
Resource Land
Percent in
Agriculture
(A/B)
Percent
Protected
Resource Land
(A/C)
1,449.90 86.36 0 5.96% 0% 0 0
Item 10.a. - Page 173
LESA Worksheet (cont.) Final LESA Score Sheet
Calculation of the Final LESA Score:
NOTES
(1) Multiply each factor score by the factor weight to determine the weighted score and enter Factor
Scores column.
(2) Sum the weighted factor scores for the LE factors to determine the total LE score for the project.
(3) Sum the weighted factor scores for the SA factors to determine the total SA score for the project.
(4) Sum the total LE and SA scores to determine the Final LESA Score for the project.
Factor
Scores
Factor
Weight
Weighted
Factor
Scores
LE Factors
Land Capability
Classification
<1> 41.24 0.25 10.31
Storie
Index
<2> 24.18 0.25 6.045
LE
Subtotal 0.50 16.355
SA Factors
Project
Size
<3> 60 0.15 9
Water Resource
Availability
<4> 2.31 0.15 0.3465
Surrounding
Agricultural Land
<5> 0 0.15 0
Protected
Resource Land
<6> 0 0.05 0
SA
Subtotal 0.50 9.3465
Final LESA
Score 25.7015
For further information on the scoring thresholds under the California Agricultural LESA Model, consult Section 4 of the Instruction
Manual.
Item 10.a. - Page 174
ATTACHMENT 3
BRISCO-HALCYON ROAD INTERCHANGE MODIFICATIONS PROJECT
BACKGROUND SUMMARY
In 2001, a Project Study Report-Project Development Support (PSR-PDS) was
completed to develop alternatives to improve operation of the Brisco -Halcyon
Road Road Interchange Modifications Project. The project moved from the PSR -
PDS phase to the Project Approval and Environmental Determination (PA&ED).
During PA&ED development, additional alternatives were identified and analyzed.
January 2005, City Council approved a contract with Wood Rogers to complete
the project report and environmental documents for the Brisco -Halycon Road
Interchange Modifications Project.
April 25, 2006 City Council approved Cooperative Agreement with the Caltrans for
development of the Brisco-Halcyon Road Interchange Modification Project through
PA&ED.
June 3, 2008 City Council approved Cooperative Agreement Amendment No. 1
with the Caltrans to extend the agreement for development of the Brisco -Halcyon
Road Interchange Modification Project through PA&ED
Alternatives were presented to the City Council at the August 12, 2008 meeting.
The City Council selected an alternative and directed staff and the City Council
Subcommittee to pursue approval and funding through the San Luis Obispo
Council of Governments (SLOCOG) and Caltrans. In May of 2009, the City Council
approved Contract Amendment No. 4 with Wood Rodgers, Inc. for preparation of
the design exception fact sheets for the Brisco -Halcyon Road Interchange
Modifications Project PA&ED in the amount of $17,500. Additionally, the Council
authorized the Mayor to send a letter to Caltrans regarding opposition to requests
for further analysis and urging support for the City's preferred alternative.
In August 2009, Caltrans and the City were at an impasse, each agency preferred
different project design alternatives and believed other design alternatives were
not viable. Planning Company Associates, that was later renamed Point C, LLC,
was contracted to assist in determining a design solution to t he Brisco impasse
and develop strategies to achieve project approval.
On May 11, 2010, the Council approved Contract Amendment No. 5 with Wood
Rodgers to include alternative 3B that placed ramps at Old Ranch Road and
continue an update of environmental st udies and the PA&ED project. However, it
was subsequently determined that this alternative had a fatal flaw due to the grade
separation between U.S. 101 and Old Ranch Road.
Item 10.a. - Page 175
ATTACHMENT 1
On October 26, 2010, the Council approved Alternative 4 to be included in the
PA&ED. Alternative 4 involves moving the Brisco northbound on -ramp and off
ramp to Rodeo Drive. Additionally, the Council approved the preparation of
supporting information and design exception fact sheets to provide the public an
opportunity to comment at the Traffic Commission and neighborhood meetings.
The Traffic Commission considered the project alternatives on January 10, 2011
and a well-attended neighborhood meeting was held on February 24, 2011.
Project accomplishments include completion of the Purpose and Need document,
established performance criteria and the traffic analysis with concurrence from
Caltrans District 5 Traffic Operations.
In April 2011, the Council approved Amendment No. 6 with Wood Rodgers to
update environmental studies and continue preparation of the PA&ED documents.
Caltrans reviews required more revisions and effort than was anticipated for
Amendment No. 6.
November 22, 2011 City Council approved Cooperative Agreement Amendment
No. 2 with the Caltrans to extend the agreement for development of the Brisco-
Halcyon Road Interchange Modification Project through PA&ED.
Draft funding recommendations for the project were approved at the February,
2012 San Luis Obispo Council of Governments Board of Directors meeting.
In March 2012, the California Transportation Commission programmed $5.6
million in construction funding for the project. City Council Approved an
Amendment No. 3 to the Cooperative Agreement to extend the agreement for
development of the Brisco-Halcyon Road Interchange Modification Project through
PA&ED; Plan, Specifications and Estimates (PS&E) and Right of Way (R/W)
phases
In May 2012, the Council approved Amendment No. 7 with Wood Rodgers for an
additional not to exceed amount of $103,820 in order to complete all techni cal
studies and prepare final design exception fact sheets.
In April 2013, the City Council Brisco Interchange Subcommittee, staff and
consultants met with Caltrans staff and learned that additional design and
amended technical studies were necessary for approval of design exception fact
sheets.
In December 2013, Caltrans, Consultants and staff met in Sacramento to review
comparison interchanges, and geometries for Alternative 4 and what would be
needed for approval of design exceptions. The result of the meeting was the
identification of Alternative 4C. However, additional information to reduce design
Item 10.a. - Page 176
ATTACHMENT 1
speed on West Branch, as well as to develop an alternative intersection treatment
was determined necessary to finalize feasibility.
In March 2014, the City Council approved a revised intersection treatment for
Alternative 4C to include a roundabout (RAB) and consultant contracts to complete
necessary studies.
During 2014, consultants prepared conceptual geometries and design standards
compliance documents for Alternative 4 with a signalized intersection and with a
roundabout. This included an independent peer review by Kittelson and Associates
for the preliminary RAB design as requested by Caltrans District 5. Additionally, a
revised Advance Planning Study for the structure to carry the planned on -ramp
over Brisco Road in Alternative 4 was revised and the Preliminary Drainage Report
was updated and the Stormwater Data Report prepared. Finally, several technical
studies were revised including the Natural Environment Study, the Jurisdictional
Waters Assessment, the Conceptual Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Plan, the
Archaeological Survey Report, the Historic Property Survey Report and Historical
Resources Evaluation Report, the Noise Study, Visual Impact Ass essment, Air
Quality Study Report, Water Quality Assessment Report, Paleontological
Evaluation Report. The Community Impact Assessment is in progress. The Initial
Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration has also been drafted. All of this work
was required to complete the draft Project Report and Environmental Study.
In August 2014, an additional $1,000,000 was recommended by SLOCOG to the
California Transportation Commission (CTC} for the construction phase of the
project to increase the total grant funding to $6.6 million.
In September 2014, City staff met with the San Luis Obispo Council of
Governments (SLOCOG) to go over the project schedule and verify that grant
funding status was unchanged.
In November 2014, Design Exception Fact Sheets were submit ted to Caltrans.
In January 2015, the Brisco Subcommittee met with Caltrans and SLOCOG
officials. During the meeting Caltrans staff outlined remaining concerns with
Alternative 4C. A Project Development Team (PDT) meeting was determined
necessary to determine final alternatives that will go out for public review.
At City Council's meeting on March 10, 2015 Council authorized the continued
inclusion of Alternate 1 and Alternative 4C RAB and removed from consideration
the Alternative 4C Traffic Signal from Brisco-Halcyon Road Interchange
Modification Project Approval and Environmental Determination (PA&ED) report.
On April 2, 2015 a series of project meetings were held that included a design
review meeting with Caltrans, Brisco Subcommittee Meeting, an d a Brisco
Item 10.a. - Page 177
ATTACHMENT 3
Stakeholders Meeting to provide updated information concerning the project and
obtain input. At the April 2, 2015 Design Review Meeting with Caltrans the meeting
focused on Alternative 4C RAB in order to look at alternatives to improve sight
distance for the northbound off-ramp. Based on Caltrans' input the design was
revised. The main feature of the revised design is that it lowered the RAB
approximately five feet in order to provide northbound off -ramp users vision of the
entire RAB. This revised design was submitted to Caltrans on April 19, 2015.
Caltrans reviewed this revised design and provided comments back to the City on
May 20, 2015. In order to mitigate concerns regarding stopping sight distance on
Alternative 4C RAB, the Caltrans design team and staff conducted a series of
meetings to develop additional design detail. The revised design greatly enhanced
sight stopping distance and final exhibits were transmitted to Caltrans on June 17,
2015.
On June 23, 2015 the City Council directed staff to pursue a test closure of the US
101 northbound on and off ramps at Brisco Road for the purposes of better defining
benefits and impacts to traffic flow.
On September 8, 2015 City Council Approved Test Closure Plan with test closure
beginning on September 21 and ending on November 30, 2015.
On September 29, 2015 the beginning of Test Closure is delayed due to rain until
September 29, 2015. US 101 northbound on and off - ramps at Brisco Road closed
on this date.
On October 27 2015 City Council unanimously votes to extend Test Closure
termination date from December 7, 2015 to January 11, 2016.
On December 4, 2015 Brisco Subcommittee meets to discuss Test Closure
termination date. Subcommittee decides to schedule a Brisco Project update on
the January 12, 2016 City Council agenda, including discussion of a future
potential closure through project construction.
On October 16, 2017 draft PA&ED documents are submitted to Caltrans for review.
On December 7, 2017 Comments regarding the draft PA&ED are received from
Caltrans.
A PDT meeting was held on January 19, 2018 to discuss draft PA&ED comments
and develop a path forward for approval of the draft documents.
On January 16, 2018 a PDT meeting was held to discuss Caltrans comments and
to final draft documents for Caltrans approval.
On March 21, 2018, the California Transportation Commission allocated funding
allowing for several infrastructure projects on the California Central Coast to
Item 10.a. - Page 178
ATTACHMENT 1
continue moving forward, including $6,624,000 for the US 101/Br isco Road
Interchange Project.
On April 2 2018 Caltrans approves draft project report and draft environmental
documents. These documents are now available for public review and comment
starting April 12, 2018.
On April 26, 2018 a public workshop was held regarding the public review of the
environmental documents. City Staff, consultants and Caltrans were in attendance
to work with the public, address concerns and answer questions.
On April 27, 2018 a subcommittee meeting involving City Staff was hel d to update
subcommittee on project status and public workshop.
A PDT meeting held on August 18, 2018 to review public comments from the public
workshop and to discuss steps forward.
On January 30, 2019 a Brisco subcommittee meeting was held with City Staff,
Consultants, and Caltrans to familiarize new subcommittee members on the
project, project status and steps forward.
On February 13, 2019 City staff held a public information meeting to inform the
public on project history status and steps forward.
On March 26, 2019 Council recommended Alternative 4C as the preferred
alternative to the Project Design Team (PDT).
On April 12, 2019 a meeting of the PDT team was held at the Caltrans District 5
office. At this meeting the PDT supported the recommendation of the City Council
for Alternative 4C and the team began revising the environmental documents,
design decision documents and final project report.
On September 27, 2019 the financing plan was submitted to SLOCOG for the
roundabout only.
In September 2019 City staff mailed out sound wall ballots to the effected
properties. These ballots were due September 30, 2019. The ballots received
although a majority were for the sound walls, was inconclusive since 2/3rds of the
property owners did not respond. The amount of non-responsive ballots was such
that if they would come in against the construction of the sound walls the majority
would have been for no sound walls. The City elected to continue with the sound
walls deferred to a future project and relook at them at that time.
On January 31, 2020 Caltrans received the updated documents for the preferred
Alternate 4C. These documents included the Project Report, the Storm Water
Item 10.a. - Page 179
ATTACHMENT 1
Data Report, the Environmental Assessment, the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative
Declaration and the Design Decision Documents.
On July 13, 2020 Caltrans signed the Storm Water Data Report.
On October 8, 2020 the Design Period Exception Memo signed by Caltrans.
On September 2020, both environmental documents were approved by Caltrans
,
On December 2, 2020 the Design Decision Documents were signed by Caltrans.
On December 21, 2020 the updated Final Project Report was submitted to
Caltrans for review.
Item 10.a. - Page 180
MEMORANDUM
TO: CITY COUNCIL
FROM: TERESA MCCLISH, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
BY: ROBIN DICKERSON, CITY ENGINEER
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF A PROJECT STATUS UPDATE AND
RECOMMENDATION OF A PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE FOR THE
BRISCO-HALCYON ROAD INTERCHANGE MODIFICATIONS
PROJECT
DATE: MARCH 26, 2019
SUMMARY OF ACTION:
Recommendation of a preferred alternative for the Brisco-Halcyon Road interchange
modifications project will allow staff to complete the Project Approval and Environmental
Determination (PA&ED) phase and move into the design phase for the Brisco -Halcyon
Road Interchange project.
IMPACT ON FINANCIAL AND PERSONNEL RESOURCES:
The improvements are to be funded with a combination of local funds and State
Transportation Improvement Program funding.
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended the City Council:
1.Receive a project status update for the Brisco-Halcyon Road Interchange
modifications project.
2.Adopt a Resolution selecting one of the alternatives for the Brisco-Halcyon
Road Interchange as the preferred alternative with or without phasing.
Recommended options are as follows:
1)Alternative 1 Brisco Ramp Closure with modifications to other ramps.
2)Alternative 4C Relocation of off ramp with a roundabout.
3)Alternative 1 with phasing deferral and/or removal of sound walls and
East Grand Avenue southbound off ramp.
4)Alternative 4C with phasing deferral and/or removal of sound walls and
East Grand Avenue southbound off ramp.
Alternative 1 12,300,000$
Alternative 4C 22,700,000$
Alternative 1 with phasing 9,200,000$
Alternative 4C with phasing 19,600,000$
Total Estimated Cost
Item 10.a. - Page 181
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF A PROJECT STATUS UPDATE AND A RECOMMENDATION
OF A PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE FOR THE BRISCO-HALCYON ROAD
INTERCHANGE MODIFICATIONS PROJECT
MARCH 26, 2019
PAGE 2
BACKGROUND:
The Brisco-Halcyon Road Interchange Modifications project has been underway since
the late 1990’s (see Attachment 1). Currently, the project is in the Project Approval and
Environmental Determination (PA&ED) phase with three project alternatives under
review: Alternative 1, Alternative 4C Roundabout (RAB), and no -build. Both Alternative
1 and 4C have the option to phase some improvements thereby reducing cost to the
project. During the finalization of the PA&ED documents with the selected recommended
phased alternative, staff is recommending eliminating the sound walls and incorporating
the improvements for the Highway 101 southbound off ramp at East Grand Avenue into
a future local and/or regional project.
Both build alternatives would remove the existing northbound US 101 ramps at Brisco
Road to eliminate the very tight (less than 40 feet) spacing between the northbound ramp
intersection and the adjacent Brisco Road/West Branch Street intersection. Today’s
standards require a minimum of 150 feet. Alternative 1 would improve the northbound
ramps at the adjacent East Grand Avenue interchange and Camino Mercado interchange.
Alternative 4C would relocate the northbound ramps to Rodeo Drive and West Branch
Street, which would require realignment of West Branch Street. Both alternatives would
realign the southbound on-ramp from East Grand Avenue to improve the operation of the
signalized ramp intersection on East Grand Avenue. Additional State right-of-way will be
required for the realignment of the southbound on -ramp from East Grand Avenue for
either alternative. For Alternative 1, right-of-way would also be required for the westbound
East Grand Avenue widening as it approaches the East Grand Avenue Overcrossing in
the vicinity of the Shell Station. For Alternative 4C, additional State right-of-way would be
required for the new northbound ramps and ramp intersection with West Branch Street at
Rodeo Drive in the vicinity of the South County Regional Center.
ANALYSIS OF ISSUES:
The Brisco-Halcyon Road Interchange Modifications Project is at a significant step in the
project development. In order to complete the PA&ED phase, a project alternative must
be selected and the Project Report and associated environmental documents updated
and finalized to support the preferred alternative. The City Council is tasked with
recommending a preferred alternative to the Project Development Team (PDT).
The City of Arroyo Grande, Caltrans, and associated consultants encompass the Project
Development Team (PDT), which is committed to the success the Brisco Road
Interchange Project. The roles and responsibilities of the PDT are indicated in the
project’s Cooperative Agreement. The PDT is seeking the City Council’s recommendation
on a preferred alternative (1 or 4C), and whether or not to pursue a phased approach to
the preferred build alternative. The PDT will receive the Council’s recommendation and
pursue incorporating this recommendation into the selected build alternative for the
Caltrans District Director’s approval. The effort involved with incorporating this
recommendation into the selected build alternative includes finalizing and approving the
Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) required for compliance with the California
Item 10.a. - Page 182
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF A PROJECT STATUS UPDATE AND A RECOMMENDATION
OF A PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE FOR THE BRISCO-HALCYON ROAD
INTERCHANGE MODIFICATIONS PROJECT
MARCH 26, 2019
PAGE 3
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and finalizing and approving the Environmental
Assessment (EA) required for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA), developing and approving the Design Decision Documents (formally known as
Design Exceptions), and finalizing and approving the Project Report.
When considering the recommendation for the preferred alternative, the purpose and
need of the project should be reviewed. The purpose and need o f Brisco-Halcyon Road
Interchange Modifications Project was developed as part of the Cooperative Agreement
and signed by the City and Caltrans in 2006 and amended in 2008 and 2011, and is also
included in the Draft Project Report as follows:
The purpose of the project is to provide congestion relief, alleviate queuing, and improve
the traffic operations of the regional and local street system in the vicinity of US 101. The
purpose is also to continue to accommodate access to existing and planned local
development. To achieve this stated purpose to an adequate degree this project should:
Provide direct access from US 101 to and from the commercial, governmental, and
recreational facilities along West Branch Street.
Reduce congestion and queuing at the Brisco Road undercrossing intersections
and along East Grand Avenue.
The project is needed to correct existing operational deficiencies in the project area.
Increasing traffic demand due to increasing development in and around the City, lack of
alternative routes, limited freeway crossing opportunities, and non-standard existing
roadway geometrics combine to cause escalating congestion and safety concerns within
the project area. The level of service at the ramp intersections of the Brisco Road and
Halcyon Road interchanges had been forecasted to deteriorate to unacceptable levels by
year 2035. The purpose of the project is to maximize the efficiency of the existing State
and local roadway systems to better serve the needs of commuter traffic within the City.
Existing interchange and ramp spacing on US 101 do not meet current standards. Ramp
closures and associated improvements to adjacent interchanges have been evaluated as
a means of improving traffic operations. Therefore, the purpose of the project is also to
correct ramp and mainline operations on US 101 at the US 101/Brisco-Halcyon Road
interchange to improve traffic flow and enhance safety for the local and interregional
movement of people and goods.
After years of coordination, the PDT has determined that there are two viable alternatives
as well as the no build alternative and a Draft Project Report has been prepared
(Attachment 2). Both build alternatives meet the purpose and need, but accomplish this
goal in different ways, with different associated costs and with different external benefits,
impacts, and future opportunities. Each alternative is discussed below in detail. Both
build alternatives have the same phasing options.
Item 10.a. - Page 183
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF A PROJECT STATUS UPDATE AND A RECOMMENDATION
OF A PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE FOR THE BRISCO-HALCYON ROAD
INTERCHANGE MODIFICATIONS PROJECT
MARCH 26, 2019
PAGE 4
Project Description - Common Components Alternative 1 and 4C
This report identifies improvements to the Brisco Road -Halcyon Road Interchange on
U.S. Route 101 (US 101) in the City of Arroyo Grande (City), in San Luis Obispo County,
CA and improvements to the Grand Avenue Interchange immediately to the south. These
improvements are expected to address existing congestion on Brisco Road at the Brisco
Road Undercrossing and the predicted growth occurring in accordance with the City’s
General Plan. The current interchange is inadequate to accommodate the anticipated
2035 traffic demand.
Alternative 1 and 4C have several common components as listed below:
Relocation of the US 101 southbound on-ramp at East Grand Avenue to opposite
the existing US 101 southbound off -ramp approach, and associated traffic signal
phasing modifications. This will also include installation of a double 54 -inch
concrete pipe culvert to carry storm water under the realigned ramp.
Closure and removal of US 101 northbound on- and off-ramps at Brisco Road and
removal of the associated traffic signal equipment.
At the Brisco Road/El Camino Real intersection, restriping to provide for one
exclusive left turn lane and one shared through -right lane for the southbound
Brisco Road undercrossing approach to El Camino Real. With this improvement,
the existing Brisco Road three-lane undercrossing will be re-striped to
accommodate two southbound lanes and one northbound lane. At the Brisco
Road/West Branch Street intersection, one left-turn lane and one shared left-right
turn pocket (at least 100 feet long) will be constructed for the northbound approach.
Preliminary operational analysis indicates that the existing three -lane
undercrossing, with the above-noted restriping modifications, will provide
acceptable operating conditions at the intersections with El Camino Real and West
Branch Street.
Permanent storm water treatment Best Management Practices (BMPs) would be
constructed within the City owned portion of this alternative.
Slopes along Northbound ramp at Brisco Road will be removed and will be re -
graded to blend with adjacent slopes and revegetate with plantings similar to what
is present along the freeway fringes and interchange areas.
The areas to both sides of the realigned southbound on -ramp from East Grand
Avenue will be regraded to blend with the adjacent slopes. Revegetation will
include plantings similar to what is existing along the freeway fringes and in the
interchange areas.
Any slopes or other areas along the highway (non-jurisdictional) that are impacted
by construction will be revegetate with similar species that currently exist.
Construction of sound walls on the southbound side of US 101 between the Oak
Park Boulevard Interchange and Stonecrest Drive and between the Halcyon on -
ramp and the East Grand Avenue off -ramp. The sound walls would be constructed
Item 10.a. - Page 184
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF A PROJECT STATUS UPDATE AND A RECOMMENDATION
OF A PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE FOR THE BRISCO-HALCYON ROAD
INTERCHANGE MODIFICATIONS PROJECT
MARCH 26, 2019
PAGE 5
at the existing Caltrans right of way boundary and would not preclude the ultimate
six-lane configuration of US 101.
Includes the widening of traffic lanes and shoulders to standard width on East
Grand Avenue at the southbound freeway ramps intersection, but does not include
widening the East Grand Avenue Overcrossing. The shoulders on the southbound
US 101 on-ramps from East Grand Avenue to be widened by Alternative 4C will
be widened to standard width. The pavement of Brisco Road under the Brisco
Road Undercrossing will be reconstructed on a lower profile if necessary to provide
standard 15’-0” minimum vertical clearance. This project is not planned to modify
or rehabilitate the mainline lanes of US 101.
Alternative 1
Alternative 1 proposes the removal of the Brisco Road/Halcyon Road northbound on and
off ramps and improvements to the adjacent East Grand Avenue/US 101 interchange
located to the south and Camino Mercado/US 101 intersection to the north, as shown in
Section 5B and Attachment B of the Draft Project Report. Alternative 1 would be
constructed over a period of 160 to 200 working days. Alternative 1 includes the following
design elements:
Construction of an additional left-turn lane on the northbound off -ramp at the East
Grand Avenue/US 101 northbound ramps intersection and provision of an
exclusive right-turn lane on the westbound approach.
Widening East Grand Avenue, including the East Grand Avenue Overcrossing,
through both ramp intersections to provide standard lane, shoulder and sidewalk
widths. See Attachment D for the East Grand Avenue Overcrossing Advance
Planning Study.
Improvements to the northbound US 101 on-ramp/Camino Mercado/West Branch
Street intersection. These improvements include widening and restriping the
northbound West Branch Street approach to provide a second northbound left -turn
lane to the US 101 northbound on-ramp and modifying the northbound on-ramp to
provide dual receiving lanes that merge to a single lane with a 950+ foot auxiliary
lane on northbound US 101. Provisions for future ramp metering would be provided
on the US 101 northbound on-ramp.
Alternative 1 does not propose to construct any new Park and Ride facilities, and
will have no effect on any existing or proposed Park and Ride Facilities.
Alternative 1 will replace sidewalks where existing sidewalks are impacted by
construction. Sidewalks are provided on both sides of East Grand Avenue and on
the non-freeway side of West Branch Street and El Camino Real. Sidewalk is
provided on the east side of Brisco Road between El Camino Real and West
Branch Street. Curb ramps and crosswalks will be provided to connect sidewalks
at all roadway crossings. Pedestrian signals for crosswalks will be provided at
signalized intersections. Bicycle lanes will be provided where practical on portions
of City streets modified by this project. Alternative 1 would widen the East Grand
Avenue Overcrossing to provide standard twelve (12) foot wide travel lanes, eight-
Item 10.a. - Page 185
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF A PROJECT STATUS UPDATE AND A RECOMMENDATION
OF A PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE FOR THE BRISCO-HALCYON ROAD
INTERCHANGE MODIFICATIONS PROJECT
MARCH 26, 2019
PAGE 6
foot shoulders, and six-foot sidewalks, which would provide upgraded pedestrian
and bicycle facilities. There are currently no bicycle facilities on the East Grand
Avenue Overcrossing.
Alternative 1 includes the widening of traffic lanes and shoulders to standard width
on East Grand Avenue at the intersections with freeway ramps, and widens the
East Grand Avenue Overcrossing. The shoulders on the US 101 ramps to be
widened by Alternative 1 (NB off-ramp to East Grand Avenue, SB on-ramp to East
Grand Avenue, and NB off -ramp to Camino Mercado) will be widened to standard
width. The pavement of Brisco Road under the Brisco Road Undercrossing will be
cold-planed or reconstructed on a lower profile as necessary to provide standard
15’-0” minimum vertical clearance. The profile of the SB US 101 lanes will be lower
to provide 15’-0” vertical clearance to the East Grand Avenue Overcrossing.
The total permanent right of way acquisition is 0.654 Acres and the total temporary
construction easement area is 0.07 Acres.
The construction of Alternative 1 will not require the removal of any residence, will
require permanent right of way acquisition from agricultural lands where the
southbound on-ramp from East Grand Avenue is to be realigned and will also
require a small area of right of way acquisition and a temporary construction
easement from Brisco’s Hardware to improve the curb return at the southwest
corner of the Brisco Road/El Camino Real intersection.
Alternative 1 would require permanent right-of-way and temporary construction
easements from the Shell and Chevron gas stations immediately east of the US
101/East Grand Avenue northbound ramps intersections to accommodate the
widening of East Grand Avenue. The acquisition from the Shell Station would likely
require modification to the row of gas pumps nearest East Grand Avenue and
canopy that covers the pumps. The row of gas pumps nearest East Grand Avenue
would potentially be removed, circulation in and around the gas station property
would be significantly altered, and there is a loss of a driveway which further
impacts access to the property. Loss of gas pumps, reduced circulation and loss
of a drive approach could significantly impact the business of one of the Cit y’s
highest sales tax generators.
Estimated cost of construction including right of way acquisition is $12.3 million.
Item 10.a. - Page 186
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF A PROJECT STATUS UPDATE AND A RECOMMENDATION
OF A PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE FOR THE BRISCO-HALCYON ROAD
INTERCHANGE MODIFICATIONS PROJECT
MARCH 26, 2019
PAGE 7
Figure 1 – Alternative 1 – Modifications at the Brisco Road Undercrossing (Note
these improvements are also included in Alternative 4C).
Figure 2 Alternative 1 – Modifications at the East Grand Avenue Northbound
Ramps, Bridge, and Southbound Ramps. (Note, the Southbound Ramp alignment
is also included in Alternative 4).
Item 10.a. - Page 187
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF A PROJECT STATUS UPDATE AND A RECOMMENDATION
OF A PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE FOR THE BRISCO-HALCYON ROAD
INTERCHANGE MODIFICATIONS PROJECT
MARCH 26, 2019
PAGE 8
Figure 3 Alternative 1 – Modifications in the Vicinity of Northbound Ramps and
West Branch Street at Camino Mercado.
Alternative 4C
Alternative 4C proposes closure of the US 101 northbound on and off-ramps at Brisco
Road and construction of new northbound ramps and an adjacent intersection at West
Branch Street across from Rodeo Drive. This intersection would include a single-lane
roundabout, as described in Section 5B and Attachment C of the Draft Project Report .
Alternative 4C would be constructed over a period of 160 to 200 working days. Alternative
4C includes the following design elements:
Construction of new US 101 northbound on - and off-ramps to intersect with West
Branch Street across from Rodeo Drive (The street name to be changed to Grace
Lane as part of this project), and installation of a single-lane roundabout at the
West Branch Street/Rodeo Drive/US 101 northbound on and off-ramps
intersection.
Realignment of West Branch Street to provide separation between the ramps
intersection and the mainline. Retaining walls will be required along the north side
of West Branch Street and between the Rodeo Drive off -ramp and West Branch
Street.
Construction of a new bridge adjacent to the Brisco Road undercrossing to carry
the northbound Rodeo Drive on-ramp onto US 101. See Attachment D of the Draft
Project Report for the Brisco Road Undercrossing Widening Advance Planning
Study.
Construction of US 101 northbound mainline auxiliary lanes between the on-ramp
from East Grand Avenue and the off-ramp to Rodeo Drive, and between the on-
ramp from Rodeo Drive to the off -ramp to Camino Mercado.
Item 10.a. - Page 188
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF A PROJECT STATUS UPDATE AND A RECOMMENDATION
OF A PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE FOR THE BRISCO-HALCYON ROAD
INTERCHANGE MODIFICATIONS PROJECT
MARCH 26, 2019
PAGE 9
Construction of a left-turn lane for the eastbound West Branch Street approach to
the County Government Center driveway.
Reconstruction of Rodeo Drive on a new alignment and profile to intersect West
Branch Street opposite the Rodeo Drive ramps.
Reconstruction of the existing Grace Lane/Rodeo Drive intersection north of the
ramps to provide a larger radius curve on Grace Lane. This will allow Grace Lane
to better receive through traffic and act as a collector street as it was designed . A
retaining wall or cut slope will be required at the realigned intersection.
Directional signs at the Rodeo Drive/James Way intersection.
A Park-and-Ride lot with landscaping will be constructed on the City-owned lot
between the West Branch Street/Rodeo Drive intersection and St. Patrick’s
School.
Relocation of a temporary building and reconfiguration of parking at the
Library/County Government Center. The project would remove approximately 46
existing parking spaces from the County Government Center and would construct
a new parking lot on the same parcel with 46 new parking spaces. Handicap
parking spaces and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility would be
provided.
Bus pull-out and pedestrian access improvements along Rodeo Drive in front of
St. Patrick’s school.
Permanent storm water treatment best management practices (BMPs) will be
considered for implementation. This is expected to include bio-strips or bio-swales,
if feasible.
Alternative 4C will replace sidewalks where existing sidewalks are impacted by
construction. Sidewalks are provided on both sides of East Grand Avenue and
Rodeo Drive, and on the non-freeway side of West Branch Street and El Camino
Real. Sidewalk is provided on the east side of Brisco Road between El Camino
Real and West Branch Street. Curb ramps and crosswalks will be provided to
connect sidewalks at all roadway crossings. Pedestrian signals for crosswalks will
be provided at signalized intersections. Bicycle lanes will be provided where
practical on portions of City streets modified by this project.
The total permanent right of way acquisition is 5.96 Acres and the total temporary
construction easement area is 0.43 Acres.
The construction of Alternative 4C will not require the removal of any residence,
will require permanent right of way acquisition from agricultural lands where the
southbound on-ramp from East Grand Avenue is to be realigned and will also
require a small area of right of way acquisition and a temporary construction
easement from Brisco’s Hardware to improve the curb return at the southwest
corner of the Brisco Road/El Camino Real intersection.
This project alternative would construct a retaining wall along the edge of the
Government Center parcel for the relocation of West Branch Street, which will
require both permanent and temporary right-of-way acquisition.
Item 10.a. - Page 189
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF A PROJECT STATUS UPDATE AND A RECOMMENDATION
OF A PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE FOR THE BRISCO-HALCYON ROAD
INTERCHANGE MODIFICATIONS PROJECT
MARCH 26, 2019
PAGE 10
Alternative 4C would construct retaining walls along the edge of the athletic field
of St. Patrick’s School for the relocation of West Branch Street, which will require
both permanent right-of-way acquisition and temporary construction easements.
The private school facilities at St. Patrick’s School are not open to public use.
Estimated cost of construction including right of way acquisition is $22.7 million.
Figure 4 – Alternative 4C – Installation of the Round About at West Branch and
Rodeo.
No Build Alternative
The No-Build Alternative proposes no improvements to existing facilities. No additional
lanes or improvements would be added to the subject intersections, and existing and
future congestion, circulation, capacity and control would not be relieved. Although
required to be studied, this alternative does not meet the purpose and need of the project
and staff would recommend this option not be considered as a viable alternative.
Traffic and Neighborhood Modeling
A Traffic Forecasting and Operational Analysis for the project was completed in
September 2012, analyzed Alternative 1, Alternative 4C, and the No -Build Alternative
under existing conditions (2015) and Future Design Year Conditions (2035). The Analysis
considered intersection operations, mainline freeway and ramp junction operations,
freeway weaving, local road queuing, and safety. Table 1 through Table 4 shown belo w
summarize the level of service, delay, and queuing for the study intersections.
Item 10.a. - Page 190
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF A PROJECT STATUS UPDATE AND A RECOMMENDATION
OF A PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE FOR THE BRISCO-HALCYON ROAD
INTERCHANGE MODIFICATIONS PROJECT
MARCH 26, 2019
PAGE 11
In February 2011, as part of the analysis for “Alternative 4C”, Wood Rodgers evaluated
vehicular travel times for several local route options involving the Rodeo Drive/Grace
Lane residential neighborhood. The evaluated routes included travel times from four
origin points (Grace Lane/Rodeo Drive intersection, James Way/Grace Lane intersection,
James Way/Salida Del Sol intersection and James Way/Rancho Parkway intersection) to
a single gateway destination point (US 101 northbound mainline, north of Camino
Mercado on-ramp). The route travel times’ comparative evaluation indicated that
northbound travel from James Way corridor to US 101 via Rodeo Drive will not become
more attractive under “Alternative 4C” than it is under current conditions. Therefore, no
significant volumes of cut-through (from James Way corridor through Grace Lane) and/or
traffic re-routing was projected to occur with the proposed “Alterative 4”
improvements. Based on these findings, this evaluation assumes that the re-location of
US 101 northbound ramps from Brisco Road to Grace Lane as proposed under
Alternative 4 would cause insignificant levels of vehicular traffic redistribution over existing
circulation conditions.
Since 2012, additional traffic studies have been completed for projects in and around the
City. In 2015, the East Cherry Avenue Specific Plan Transportation Impact Analysis
Report was prepared. In 2016, the Brisco Road US 101 NB Ramps Closure Traffic
Analysis was completed to evaluate the redistribution of traffic due to an extended closure
of the ramps (Attachment 3). In 2019, the El Campo Road/South County Freeway
Conversion - Traffic Displacement Assessment was prepared. These three studies have
findings that are consistent with the 2012 Analysis completed for this project.
It should be noted the City of Arroyo Grande has an LOS threshold of 'C'. Caltrans has
an LOS threshold of 'D'.
Table 1 Peak Hour Level of Service
Intersection Alternative 1 Alternative 4C
Brisco Road /
West Branch
Street
B B
US 101 NB
Ramps-Grace
Lane /
West Branch
Street
Does Not
Exist B
Item 10.a. - Page 191
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF A PROJECT STATUS UPDATE AND A RECOMMENDATION
OF A PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE FOR THE BRISCO-HALCYON ROAD
INTERCHANGE MODIFICATIONS PROJECT
MARCH 26, 2019
PAGE 12
Table 2 Peak Hour Queuing
Intersection Alternative 1 Alternative 4C
Brisco Road /
West Branch
Street
WBL
Exceeds
Storage
All Queues
Within Storage
US 101 NB
Ramps-Grace
Lane /
West Branch
Street
Does Not
Exist
All Queues
Within Storage
Alternative Considerations
In summary, the no-build alternative results in LOS F at the Brisco Road/El Camino
intersection. Further, the Brisco Road / West Branch Street intersection near the
undercrossing would operate at LOS B under both alternatives. Queueing would be better
under Alternative 4C than Alternative 1.
Over the years, many people have inquired as to why the City just doesn’t close the
Highway 101 northbound on and off ramps permanently. The closure study showed that
by closing the on and off ramp, traffic is directed to the two adjacent off ramps at East
Grand and Camino Mercado. Therefore, the closure of the Highway 101 northbound on
and off ramps would require additional modifications to existing on-ramps to support the
additional trips generated by the closure. These modifications are included as part of
Alternative 1 as Alternative 4C relocates the on and off ramp. Further factors include:
Alternative 4C does not trigger widening improvements (to two -lanes) at the Camino
Mercado on-ramp unlike Alternative 1. Alternative 1 may also need “ramp metering”
of Camino Mercado on-ramp.
Alternative 4C does not trigger the need for dual northbound left-turn lanes from the
NB off-ramp to Grand Avenue unlike Alternative 1; and
Alternative 4C provides overall local circulation flexibility by reducing congestion on
West Branch Street.
There are several important considerations related to Alternative 4C given significant cost
concerns. The primary factor is the location of the existing ramps. Alternative 4C
preserves the same number of on and off-ramps that currently serve the City. Therefore,
Alternative 4C preserves, if not enhance s, current freeway ingress/egress access
opportunities.
Alternative 4C maintains interregional access to the Brisco Road area for drivers on US
101; conversely, Alternative 1 represents a net reduction in the number of ramps serving
the system and therefore represents diminished access.
Item 10.a. - Page 192
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF A PROJECT STATUS UPDATE AND A RECOMMENDATION
OF A PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE FOR THE BRISCO-HALCYON ROAD
INTERCHANGE MODIFICATIONS PROJECT
MARCH 26, 2019
PAGE 13
The very significant secondary impact concerning Alternative 1 is the potential adverse
impacts to adjacent commercial businesses and City economy. Alternative 4C would
maintain prime access to the City’s primary economic generators. The regional shopping
center on West Branch Street and commercial areas on El Camino Real accounts for
38% of the City’s sales tax revenue as well as 88% of Transient Occupancy Tax revenue
from the three (3) hotels in the area. An analysis by the City’s sales tax consultants for
the period of the test closure of the Brisco ramps reveal that there was a slowdown for
both the Oak Park Plaza (former Kmart) and Five Cities Center (Walmart). Further,
Alternative 4C maintains direct access to the City’s primary economic opportunity sites
including the City’s vacant lot at W est Branch Street and Old Ranch Road, the significantly
underutilized area surrounding the South County Regional Center, and the significantly
underutilized area on El Camino Real including both the City’s Faeh S treet property as
well as the Industrial Mixed Use corridor.
Alternative 1 proposes to acquire additional right of way from the existing Shell gas
station. Currently the documents show this as a partial acquisition and is included in the
estimated cost of Alternative 1. However, upon further investigation with the City’s design
consultants, the acquisition could potentially require significant remodel at the station or
preclude operations which could increase acquisition costs by $2 Million. Further, the
owner has indicated owner that cost would be substantially over $2 Million based on his
experience with previous gas station sales. These numbers will be determined after
design has been completed. However, it should be noted that such right-of-way costs
would be added to the overall cost of Alternative 1 putting Alternative 1 total cost at or
above $14.3 Million.
In review of the City’s General Plan policies, it should be noted that both alternatives
support the City’s General Plan buildout traffic demands; however, Alternative 4C offers
relatively higher levels of excess capacity and flexibility in supporting future growth within
the City.
PHASING
At this time, there are two options considered fo r phasing. Both build alternatives have
the same phasing options. One option includes either removing or deferring the
construction of sound walls to a later date or another project. The second option is to
defer the realignment of the south bound on and off ramps at East Grand Avenue to a
later date.
Phasing Component 1 - Sound walls
Noise modelling was performed in the Noise Study Report (NSR) for Alternative 1
and alternative 4C, based on noise measurements and forecast traffic volumes.
Modeling for future year (2035) traffic conditions predicts that noise levels will
exceed the noise abatement criteria (NAC) at 41 receptors with (or without)
Alternative 1 and Alternative 4C for the project. Based on the Noise Study Report
Item 10.a. - Page 193
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF A PROJECT STATUS UPDATE AND A RECOMMENDATION
OF A PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE FOR THE BRISCO-HALCYON ROAD
INTERCHANGE MODIFICATIONS PROJECT
MARCH 26, 2019
PAGE 14
Predicted Future Noise Levels and Noise Barrier Analysis Tables, neither
alternative would result in noise impacts greater than 12 dBA when compared to
existing conditions.
As a result of an increase in NAC, noise abatement must be considered for
Alternative 1 and Alternative 4C. The dominant noise source within the project
limits is US 101. A Noise Abetment Decision Report (NADR) was completed in
December 2016, which used the results from the NSR to evaluate the feasibility of
soundwalls. The NADR identified two feasible locations for soundwalls under either
build alternative.
Location 1 sound wall approximately 1,700-feet long along the right of way
line of the southbound on-ramp from Halcyon Road, the auxiliary lane and
the southbound off-ramp to East Grand Avenue between the freeway
mainline and the adjacent residences, churches and Montessori school .
Location 2 sound wall approximately 2,900-feet long along the north side of
El Camino Real from east of Stonecrest Drive to Oak Park Boulevard
between the freeway mainline and the adjacent residences.
Masonry sound walls are proposed to mitigate project noise levels. The sound
walls for Alternative 1 are proposed to be 12 feet high in location 1 and 8 feet high
in location 2. For Alternative 4C, the walls are proposed to be 12 feet high in
location 1 and 8 feet high in location 2.
Non-acoustical factors related to the feasibility of the sound walls have been
considered. A significant non-acoustical factor relating to the feasibility of noise
abatement is the visual impact that large sound walls NB-2 and NB-3 would have
in the project area. The walls would block the views of adjacent residential and
commercial landscaped areas, and also have the potential to provide an attractive
substrate for graffiti. However, the area immediately adjacent to the walls is public
street (El Camino Real) and there is a reasonable distance between the proposed
walls and the existing residences further to the south, these issues are anticipated
to be moderate.
The sound walls will tend to block inter-visibility between El Camino Real and
adjacent residences and traffic on the freeway. This can be considered beneficial,
but the visibility of the residences and their yards would be blocked from the
southbound freeway, so any criminal activity would be more difficult to observe,
potentially decreasing security. The net effect upon security is not likely to be
significant.
For additional information please reference the Draft Project Report (Attachment
2).
Item 10.a. - Page 194
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF A PROJECT STATUS UPDATE AND A RECOMMENDATION
OF A PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE FOR THE BRISCO-HALCYON ROAD
INTERCHANGE MODIFICATIONS PROJECT
MARCH 26, 2019
PAGE 15
Cost for the sound walls is approximately $1 million dollars for either alternative.
Figure 5 – Alternative 1 and 4C – Soundwall Locations
Phasing Component 2 - Highway 101 southbound on-ramp alignment at East
Grand Avenue
In order to defer the realignment of the Highway 101 southbound on-ramp at East
Grand Avenue, staff must show independent utility. In other words, staff is required
to show that the proposed deferred improvements will not alter or degrade the
project if they are removed. The Project Consultant has prepared a memo showing
the independent utility of this on-ramp. Staff recommends that these on-ramp
modifications would be better suited for a future project. Cost of these on-ramp
improvements is approximately $2.1 million for either alternative.
Item 10.a. - Page 195
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF A PROJECT STATUS UPDATE AND A RECOMMENDATION
OF A PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE FOR THE BRISCO-HALCYON ROAD
INTERCHANGE MODIFICATIONS PROJECT
MARCH 26, 2019
PAGE 16
Figure 6 – Alternative 1 and 4C – Highway 101 South Bound On Ramp at Grand
Avenue.
Financial Considerations
As projects move into the design phase, financial considerations become necessary to
support the project through construction and a financing plan needs to be developed.
The total cost for each option are:
Table 5.
Since this project not only addresses solutions to Arroyo Grande’s street network
deficiencies but also addresses ongoing regional impacts to this network , the funding for
this project has multiple revenue participants. The table below indicates funding currently
available to the project:
Table 6.
Alternative 1 12,300,000$
Alternative 4C 22,700,000$
Alternative 1 with phasing 9,200,000$
Alternative 4C with phasing 19,600,000$
Total Estimated Cost
Available funding and source for any alternative
State Highway Account 30,000$
State Transportation Improvement Program (Regional Funds)6,624,000$
Transportation Impact Fees (Collected from development projects by AG)2,000,000$
Local Sales Tax Fund (Previously allocated and held on hand by Arroyo Grande) 450,000$
Subtotal (Base funding for any alternative)9,104,000$
Item 10.a. - Page 196
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF A PROJECT STATUS UPDATE AND A RECOMMENDATION
OF A PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE FOR THE BRISCO-HALCYON ROAD
INTERCHANGE MODIFICATIONS PROJECT
MARCH 26, 2019
PAGE 17
The table below indicates funding that will need financing by the City of Arroyo Grande
and estimated annual debt service based upon current bond rates.
Table 7.
In November 2006, the voters of Arroyo Grande approved Measure O -06, which
established a half -cent local sales tax to meet City needs identified in the City’s Long
Range Financial Plan. A summary of Annual Budget and Future Funding Needs flyer
(Attachment 4) indicated needs and estimated costs. Transportation Improvements
identified include the Brisco – Halcyon/Highway 101 Interchange and E. Grand
Avenue/W. Branch Street Intersection and annual debt service of $400,000 per year for
20 years. The flyer also indicates that the estimated revenue at adoption would be
approximately $1.4 million. This equates to a Brisco debt service of 28.5% of total annual
Measure O-06 sales tax revenue. A section of this flyer is presented below:
Although the revenue received from this sales tax measure would be deposited in the
City’s General Fund and could be used for any purpose, the voters also participated in
advisory votes to voice their opinion on whether any revenue from the proposed new
sales tax be spent on specific community needs. The four advisory measures and their
votes are presented below:
Amount needed to be financed by Arroyo Grande for each alternative Amount Financed * Est. Annual Debt Service (30 years)
Alternative 1 3,346,000$ 195,856$
Alternative 1 phased -$ -$
Alternative 4C 13,796,000$ 807,539$
Alternative 4C phased 10,896,000$ 637,790$
Item 10.a. - Page 197
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF A PROJECT STATUS UPDATE AND A RECOMMENDATION
OF A PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE FOR THE BRISCO-HALCYON ROAD
INTERCHANGE MODIFICATIONS PROJECT
MARCH 26, 2019
PAGE 18
1. Measure K-06. Transportation Improvements -- City of Arroyo Grande
(Advisory Vote Only)
If the proposed sales tax measure (O-06) is approved, should a portion of
the proceeds be used to fund transportation improvements, including, but
not limited to, upgrade of the Brisco Road/Halcyon Road - Highway 101
Interchange?
Results - Yes votes - 70.46% (4,810); No votes - 29.54% (2017)
2. Measure L-06. Infrastructure Funding -- City of Arroyo Grande (Advisory
Vote Only)
If the proposed sales tax measure (Measure O-06) is approved, should a
portion of the proceeds be used to fund maintenance and upgrade of the
City's infrastructure, including, but not limited to, street maintenance and
improvements, upgrade of the drainage system, and projects to prevent
pollution, erosion and sedimentation in the creek system from storm water
runoff?
Results - Yes votes - 68.58% (4,590); No votes – 31.42% (2,103)
3. Measure M-06. Public Safety Funding -- City of Arroyo Grande (Advisory
Vote Only)
If the proposed sales tax measure (Measure O-06) is approved, should a
portion of the proceeds be used to fund public safety expenses, including,
but not limited to, expansion of the Police Station, purchase of Fire
apparatus, and additional Fire Department staffing?
Results - Yes votes - 59.89% (3,983); No votes – 40.11% (2,668)
4. Measure N-06. Facilities Funding -- City of Arroyo Grande (Advisory Vote
Only)
If the proposed sales tax measure (Measure O-06) is approved, should a
portion of the proceeds be used to fund improvements to City facilities to
meet Federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements,
including, but not limited to, upgrade of the City Hall complex?
Results - Yes votes - 41.15% (2,727); No votes – 58.85% (3,900)
In order to fund any of the project alternatives, staff would recommend using revenues
from the Local Sales Tax Fund for debt service as originally intended by the Council and
supported by the voters through Advisory Measure K-06. Since 2006, the City has been
diligent in its spending of Measure O-06 funds consistent with the advisory input of the
voters. Currently, the City utilizes all of the annual revenue generated by Measure O -06
and has identified funding needs for deferred maintenance that well exceeds these
revenues. Using Measure O-06 funds for the Brisco-Halcyon interchange project will
reduce revenue available for other identified Capital Improvement Projects.
Item 10.a. - Page 198
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF A PROJECT STATUS UPDATE AND A RECOMMENDATION
OF A PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE FOR THE BRISCO-HALCYON ROAD
INTERCHANGE MODIFICATIONS PROJECT
MARCH 26, 2019
PAGE 19
A letter from SLOCOG dated March 15, 2019 stating that they would support existing
funding levels ($6.6 Million) for the project for either alternative subject to the condition
that the Council approve a financing plan identifying this project as fully funded (design
and construction). (Attachment 5)
Next Steps:
After the recommendation is provided to the PDT team, the following steps will need to
be completed in order to complete the PA&ED phase:
PDT team receives recommendation from City Council
PDT incorporates recommendation into selected preferred alternative
City and Consultants finalize environmental documents
Council Certifies MND (CEQA) Caltrans certifies EA (NEPA)
Consultants prepare Design Decision Documents
Caltrans Approves Design Decision Documents
Council approves financing planConsultant prepares Final Project Report
Project Report is approved by Caltrans
PA&ED Phase completed PS&E Phase begins
ALTERNATIVES:
The following alternatives are provided for the Council's consideration:
1. Select Alternative 1 - Brisco Ramp Closure with modifications to other ramps;
2. Select Alternative 4C - Relocation of off ramp with a roundabout;
3. Select Alternative 1 with phasing deferral and/or removal of sound walls and
Highway 101 south bound on ramp at Grand Avenue ; or
4. Select Alternative 4C with phasing deferral and/or removal of sound walls and
Highway 101 south bound on ramp at Grand Avenue ; or
5. Provide direction to staff.
ADVANTAGES:
Recommending a preferred alternative for the Brisco-Halcyon Road Interchange
Modifications project will allow staff to complete the Project Approval and Environmental
Determination (PA&ED) phase and move into the design phase for the Brisco -Halcyon
Road Interchange project. Both alternatives relieve congestion at the Brisco Road
Undercrossing and improve traffic operations.
Primary advantages of Alternative 1 include significantly reduced project cost and
widening of the East Grand Avenue bridge deck allowing for standard lane width and wide
shoulders for cyclists (although not full bike lane s). Many local residents that live on the
east side of Highway 101 in the vicinity of Rodeo Drive have indicated a strong preference
for this alternative so that their neighborhoods would not be located near northbound on
and off-ramps and potentially be impacted by additional trips.
Item 10.a. - Page 199
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF A PROJECT STATUS UPDATE AND A RECOMMENDATION
OF A PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE FOR THE BRISCO-HALCYON ROAD
INTERCHANGE MODIFICATIONS PROJECT
MARCH 26, 2019
PAGE 20
Primary advantages of Alternative 4C include maintaining a full interchange for
northbound and southbound travelers and maintaining connectivity at northbound US 101
at the City’s primary retail center, regional center, primary vacant economic opportunity
site on West Branch Street, and primary underutilized and vacant opportunity sites on El
Camino Real. Many business owners in the project vicinity have indicated a strong
preference for this alternative due to potential imp acts to their businesses due to severed
access at the northbound Brisco Interchange ramps.
DISADVANTAGES:
Delaying the recommendation of a preferred alternative would delay project
implementation and will jeopardize programmed funding of State Transportation
Improvement Funding of $6.6 million dollars that has been secured for this project.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
This project is subject to both the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The City is lead agency for the CEQA review
and the Draft Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration has been prepared (Attachment
2). Caltrans is the lead agency for the NEPA review and the Environmental Assessment
with findings of no significant impact has been prepared. Both documents were circulated
for a 30-day public comment period during which a public workshop was held on April 26,
2018. The MND will be certified by the City Council at a subsequent meeting after the
draft environmental documents and draft project report have been revised to reflect the
preferred alternative later this year. Responses to comments submitted during the
circulation of the environmental documents are included in Attachment 6.
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. Numerous comments have been received to date
(Attachments 6 & 7). An informational flyer was sent out for a public workshop held in
February 2019 (Attachments 8 & 9) and for the March 26, 2019 Council Meeting
(Attachment 10). An 1/8 page Public Notice was published in The Tribune on Sunday,
March 17, 2019, and public notices regarding this item were posted on the City’s website
and social media platforms.
Attachments:
1. Background Summary
2. Brisco Road Halcyon Road Draft Project Report
3. Test Closure report for the Brisco Road Halcyon Road Interchange Project
4. Annual Budget Flyer (2006)
5. Correspondence from the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments
6. Comments and Responses to comments received during circulation of the environmental
documents
7. Public comment correspondence
8. Public workshop flyer
Item 10.a. - Page 200
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF A PROJECT STATUS UPDATE AND A RECOMMENDATION
OF A PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE FOR THE BRISCO-HALCYON ROAD
INTERCHANGE MODIFICATIONS PROJECT
MARCH 26, 2019
PAGE 21
9. Notes from February 13, 2019 public workshop
10. Public outreach flyer for March 26, 2019 City Council Meeting
Item 10.a. - Page 201
Item 10.a. - Page 202
DTP-0001 (Revised 13 Aug 2019 v8.01g)
Assembly:Senate:Congressional:
Date:1/21/21
District EA
Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions
STATE OF CALIFORNIA ● DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
PROJECT PROGRAMMING REQUEST
General Instructions
Amendment (Existing Project)No
County Route/Corridor PM Bk PM Ahd Nominating Agency
Project ID PPNO MPO ID
05
SLO 101 13.1 14.6
MPO Element
Project Manager/Contact Phone E-mail Address
Robin Dickerson 805-473-5441 rdickerson@arroyogrande.org
Project Title
US 101/ Brisco Road Interchange Project
Location (Project Limits), Description ( Scope of Work)
The closure of the US 101 on- and off- ramps at Brisco Road and construction of a new northbound ramps and and adjacent intersection
to intersect with West Branch Street across from Todeo Drive. This intersection will include a single lane roundabout.
Component Implementing Agency
PA&ED City of Arroyo Grande
PS&E City of Arroyo Grande
Right of Way City of Arroyo Grande
Construction City of Arroyo Grande
Legislative Districts
Project Benefits
To improve traffic flow and enhance safety for the local and interregional movement of people and goods.
Purpose and Need
The purpose of the project is to provide congestion relief, alleviate queuing, and improve the traffic operations of the regional and local
street system in the vicinity of US 101. The purpose is also to continue to accommodate access to existing and planned local
development. To achieve this the project will provide ditect access from US 101 to and from the commercial, governmental, and
recreational facilities along West Branch Street. It will also reduce congetstion and queuing at the Brisco Road
Category Outputs Unit Total
Y/N No
Y/N Y/N
Project Milestone Existing Proposed
Roadway Class Reversible Lane analysis
Project Study Report Approved 09/01/01
Begin Environmental (PA&ED) Phase 07/01/05
03/01/22
Begin Right of Way Phase 03/01/22
Circulate Draft Environmental Document Document Type 04/12/18
Draft Project Report 04/02/18
End Environmental Phase (PA&ED Milestone)12/30/19
ADA Notice For individuals with sensory disabilities, this document is available in alternate formats. For information call (916)
654-6410 or TDD (916) 654-3880 or write Records and Forms Management, 1120 N Street, MS-89, Sacramento,
End Construction Phase (Construction Contract Acceptance Milestone)10/01/24
Begin Closeout Phase 04/01/25
NHS Improvements
Inc. Sustainable Communities Strategy Goals
End Closeout Phase (Closeout Report)11/01/25
End Right of Way Phase (Right of Way Certification Milestone)09/30/22
Begin Construction Phase (Contract Award Milestone)
Begin Design (PS&E) Phase 04/01/20
04/01/23
End Design Phase (Ready to List for Advertisement Milestone)
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