Notice of Determination

NOTICE OF DETERMINATION

Office of Planning and Research Clerk of the Board 1400 Tenth Street, Room 113 County of Santa Barbara Sacramento, CA 95814 105 E. Anapamu Street, Room 407 Santa Barbara, CA 93101

SUBJECT: Filing of Notice of Determination in compliance with Section 21108 or 22152 of the Public Resources Code.

State Clearinghouse Number: 2021020258

Project Title: Floradale Crossing Sewer Line Directional Drill Project

Project Applicant: City of Lompoc

City Project Files: ER20-19

Project Location: Upstream of Floradale Bridge, City of Lompoc, and County of Santa Barbara

Project Description: The project proposes to install approximately 700 feet of inverted siphon interceptor sewer line using two 12-inch diameter High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipes and Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) trenchless technology boring under the Santa Ynez River. The second 12-inch pipe is intended to provide redundancy, stability and to allow for maintenance or repair. The sewer lines will be placed east (upstream) of the existing Floradale Bridge, extending from the southeast side of the existing Floradale Bridge, under the Santa Ynez River to the northeast side existing Floradale Bridge, within the existing 20-foot easement.

The City Council of the City of Lompoc approved the above described project on April 6, 2021, and made the following determinations:

1. The project [ will, will not] have a significant effect on the environment. 2. An Environmental Impact Report was prepared for this project pursuant to the provisions of CEQA. A Negative Declaration was prepared for this project pursuant to the provisions of CEQA. 3. Mitigation measures [ were, were not] made a condition of approval for this project. 4. A Mitigation Monitoring Program [ was, was not] adopted for this project. 5. A Statement of Overriding Considerations [ was, was not] adopted for this project. 6. Findings [ were, were not] made pursuant to the provisions of CEQA

This is to certify that the Final EIR with comments and responses and record of project approval, or the Negative Declaration, is available to the General Public at the Planning Division Counter, 100 Civic Center Plaza, Lompoc, CA, 93436.

Stacy L. Lawson Senior Environmental Coordinator 805-875-8275 Contact Person Title Telephone

4/7/2021 Signature Date Dated Received for filing at OPR: February 12, 2021 Authority Cited: Sections 21083, Public Resources Code Reference Section 21000-21174, Public Resources Code

I:\- Staff Reports\April 6, 2021\SL1 Attachment 1 Draft Mitigated Negative Declaration.doc

CITY OF LOMPOC Draft Mitigated Negative Declaration State Clearinghouse Number 2021020258 February, 2021

A. PROJECT INFORMATION: Project Title: Floradale Crossing Sewer Line Project No: ER20 -19 Directional Drill Lead Agency Name and Address: Contact Person and Phone Number: City of Lompoc, 100 Civic Center Plaza, Lompoc, Stacy L. Lawson, Senior Environmental CA 93436 Coordinator (805) 875-8273 PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

Background In 1974, double 8-inch ductile iron pipes (DIP) were placed under the Santa Ynez River in a 20-foot easement, to carry sewage from Vandenberg Village to the Lompoc Regional Wastewater Reclamation Plant.

In 1979, a scouring event compromised the two 8-inch lines and they were replaced with a single 10-inch DIP, mounted under the existing Floradale Bridge, carrying sewage from Vandenberg Village across the Santa Ynez River, down Floradale Avenue to Central Avenue and from there to the Lompoc Regional Wastewater Reclamation Plant.

In the spring of 2021, Santa Barbara County plans to begin replacement of the Floradale Bridge, relocating it 60 feet west of the existing bridge. The bridge replacement requires approximately 1,400 feet of the existing sewer line to be relocated. If the line were to be relocated onto the bridge, it will be encased within a 24-inch welded steel pipe, hampering necessary maintenance and repair. As an alternative, the City of Lompoc has chosen to utilize an existing 20-foot sewer line easement to place two inverted 12-inch siphon sewer lines below the Santa Ynez River, using directional drilling technology.

Project Location The directional drill will cross the Santa Ynez River within the existing 20-foot easement, which is located approximately 188 feet east (upstream) of the existing Floradale Bridge to the existing utility vault and alignment of the historic sewer line (Figure 2). The entrance pit will be located on the southwest bank of the Santa Ynez River, where the riverbed curves west and is approximately 413 feet wide. The exit pit will be located on the north bank of the Santa Ynez River along the Prison’s Rancho Lompoc Farm Road, where the river’s bed extends approximately 271 feet to the south. There is a significant distance between the south bank of the river’s bed at the point of crossing and the staging area.

Project Description The project proposes to install approximately 700 feet of inverted siphon interceptor sewer line using two 12-inch diameter High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipes and Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) trenchless technology boring under the Santa Ynez River. The second 12-inch pipe is intended to provide redundancy, stability and to allow for maintenance or repair.

The sewer lines will be placed east (upstream) of the existing Floradale Bridge, extending from the southeast side of the existing Floradale Bridge, under the Santa Ynez River to the northeast side existing Floradale Bridge, within the existing 20-foot easement.

The entrance pit staging areas on the south and north sides of the river will measure 40 feet by 100 feet. The entrance and exit pits, along with the staging area for this project will be located within the existing right-of-way of Floradale / Santa Lucia Canyon Road, and the utility easement adjacent to the prison farm road. The directional drill will be accomplished in a straight south/north line, within the existing 20-foot wide easement (DACA09-2-76-394). The length of the bore is estimated at 750 feet. A pipe layout area will be located on the south side of the river and east side of Floradale Avenue, extending south for approximately 580 feet from the entrance pit. The entrance pit is planned at an estimated elevation of 66 feet. The drilled line(s) will trend downward at an approximate 45-degree angle to an elevation of 20 feet above sea level, approximately 25 feet below the existing ground surface. From there the line will extend across the river for approximately 250 feet and then will trend upward at an approximate 45-degree angle to an elevation of 60 feet on the north side of the River. The depth of the proposed directional drill accounts for anticipated scour depths over a 75-year horizon.

Project Construction The directional drilling is scheduled to take place in the fall of 2021, between September 15 and October 31, when river flow is lowest and the bird-nesting season is over. Construction is anticipated to require four to five weeks to complete, involving a light horizontal directional drill rig, a support truck, a drill stem trailer and a water truck, along with small excavators, loaders and 3 to 5 utility trucks to transport four drill operators, a supervising engineer and a biologist.

Work hours are to be from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The drill crew will work single 10-hour shifts, 5 days per week for the horizontal directional drilling portion of the project.

No work shall be performed at night, on Saturdays, Sundays or on federal holidays, except with the express permission of, and under conditions stipulated in writing by, the City Engineer. Before performing any work at said times, the Contractor shall give written notice to the City Engineer so that proper inspection may be provided. "Night," as used in this paragraph, shall be deemed to include the hours from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., of the next succeeding day.

Due to borehole instability, the request to work longer hours on a given day to prevent inadvertent returns may be made. Pullback operations will be worked continuously without stopping until the pipe is properly located. Night work will involve lighting, as necessary, that will be screened and directed downward, and when possible, away from the river’s riparian edge.

When required, night work will include 2 LED Mobile Light Towers, screened and directed downward as much as possible. These lights would be expected to be Diesel / T4 engine, 6 KW Power, with a 33.6 gallon fuel tank. Four (4) Light fixtures at 1050 KW generating total lumens of 462,000.

The work area shall be flagged to identify its limits within the stream, not to exceed 10 feet upstream or 10 feet downstream from the centerline of the exit or entrance pits.

During the month of project construction, the Floradale Bridge replacement being undertaken by the County of Santa Barbara is anticipated to be in progress and will incorporate a Temporary Clear Water Diversion of existing stream flows in the Santa Ynez River during bridge removal, channel improvements and bridge construction. A Temporary Clear Water Diversion is anticipated for two working seasons from June 1, 2021, through October 31 2022.

Access A partial street closure of the northbound lane of Floradale Avenue / Santa Lucia Canyon Road may be required at times during the proposed directional drilling project. A traffic management plan will be prepared and implemented, should lane closure be required.

Fueling Equipment will be fueled on-site, at locations a minimum of 100 feet from the river’s banks. Fueling will only take place over visqueen to protect soils and a spill kit and absorbent will be readily available on-site at all times. Smoking at the job site will be prohibited and a fire extinguisher will be required to be readily available at all times.

Frac-out A Frac-out Contingency Plan shall be prepared, and adhered to, during all directional drilling activity. Containment materials (straw waddles, silt fencing, sand bags, frac-out barrels, etc.) shall be staged on-site at a location where they are readily available and easily mobilized for immediate use in the event of an accidental release of drilling mud (frac-out).

Clean up of any frac-outs in upland riparian areas shall be accomplished to minimize impact to riparian areas, and preferably by hand. The frac-out shall be contained with straw waddles, allowing it to dry, and then shoveled off the surface in riparian areas.

Bentonite Disposal The bentonite clay used in the drilling process shall be either disposed of at an approved Class II disposal facility or recycled in an approved manner. Other construction materials and wastes shall be recycled, or disposed of, as appropriate.

Plumbing Connections To prohibit and limit any spills, the inverted siphon wastewater line will have an inlet chamber with shut-off valve provisions located on the northern end of the directional drilled line and an outlet chamber with provisions to prevent backflow on the southern portion of the directional drilled line.

Biological Monitoring Project activities shall be conducted outside of the bird-nesting season, after September 15. Pre-construction surveys will be conducted within two weeks of the beginning of construction. In addition, it is anticipated, with the ongoing construction of the Floradale Bridge, substantial disturbance of the project site will already be occurring.

The project shall be completed when the Santa Ynez River is dry or when water has been diverted to accomplish the Floradale Bridge replacement. In any case, this shall also be accomplished before October 31, 2021, or if delayed for a year, before October 31, 2022.

If Southwestern Willow Flycatcher or Least Bell’s Vireo individuals or other special status species are identified in the project area, the recommendations of the qualified biologist, in coordination with CDFW and the USFWS, shall be followed.

A biological monitor will place exclusionary fencing around the entry and exit pits to protect Red-legged frogs. Exit and entry pits shall be enclosed by silt fences and straw waddles, if they are not on paved areas.

Any work required to address frac-outs within the banks of the river shall be accomplished by hand labor using hand tools.

PROJECT LOCATION: Southeast side Floradale Bridge to Northeast side Floradale Bridge, crossing within a 20-foot easement east (upstream) of the existing Floradale Bridge. (Figures 1 and 2).

Public Agencies with Approval Authority (Including permits, funding, or participation agreements): City of Lompoc Vandenberg Village Community Services District California Department of Fish and Wildlife – Streambed Alteration Agreement County of Santa Barbara – Encroachment Permit United States Bureau of Prisons – existing easements on USBOP lands.

Project Sponsor’s Name and Address: Project Consultant: City of Lompoc Wastewater Division N/A 1801 West Central Avenue Lompoc, CA 93436 (805) 736-5083 General Plan Designation: City Zoning Designation: Open Space Open Space / Public Facilities Surrounding Land Use Designation: North – Open Space South – Open Space East – Open Space West – Open Space Surrounding Land Uses: North – United States Bureau of Prisons Complex Farm South – Agricultural Fields East – Santa Ynez River & Riparian Vegetation West – Santa Ynez River & Riparian Vegetation

Environmental Setting: The proposed directional drilling project entrance pit and staging area will be located in the eastern right-of-way of Floradale Avenue, south of the existing Santa Ynez River’s Floradale Bridge. An existing 20-foot utility easement will be used for the sewer line to cross under the river, to connect with a sewer line on U.S. Penitentiary property. The project is anticipated to be completed during the time a much larger replacement and demolition of the existing Floradale Bridge will be ongoing.

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 & Forest Resources [ ] Air Quality

[ X ] Biological Resources [ X ] Cultural Resources [ ] Energy

[ ] Geology & Soils [ ] Green House Gases [ ] Hazards & Hazardous Materials

[[ X ] Hydrology & Water Quality [ ] Land Use & Planning [ ] Mineral Resources

[ ] Noise [ ] Population & Housing [ ]Public Services

[ ] Recreation [ ] Transportation & Circulation [ ] Tribal Cultural Resources

[ ]Utilities / Service Systems [ ] Wildfire [ ] Mandatory Findings of Significance

B. PROJECT PURPOSE: The proposed directional drilling project’s purpose is to replace sewer line serving Vandenberg Village that is currently located on the Floradale Bridge, which is to be demolished. The project would relocate the sewer line under the Santa Ynez River, below the scour line, to connect with a replacement line on the north side of the river that serves Vandenberg Village.

C. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS: The following checklist indicates the potential level of impact that is defined as follows:

Potentially Significant Impact: A fair argument can be made, based on substantial evidence in the file, that an adverse impact may be significant.

Less Than Significant Impact with Mitigation: Incorporation of mitigation measures has reduced an impact from a Potentially Significant Impact to a Less Than Significant Impact.

Less Than Significant Impact: An impact is considered adverse but does not trigger a significance threshold.

No Impact: There is adequate support the referenced information sources show the identified impact simply does not apply to the subject project.

Less than I. AESTHETICS Potentially significant Less Than No Significant with Significant Impact Would the project: Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? X b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic X buildings within a state scenic highway? c) In non-urbanized areas, substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of public views of the X site and its surroundings? If the project is in an urbanized

area, would the project conflict with applicable zoning and other regulations governing scenic quality? d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare which X would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area?

Comments: a. The proposed directional drilling project will not have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista, as there is no scenic vista identified in the City of Lompoc’s 2030 General Plan within the project area.

b. The proposed project is located along Floradale Avenue / Santa Lucia Canyon Road, which is a designated Scenic Road Corridor in the City of Lompoc’s 2030 General Plan. Construction work along this roadway will be temporary, and the final project will not be visible from the roadway, as the line will be underground. The roadway is not a designated state scenic highway, and no impacts to trees, rocks are proposed. There are no historic buildings within the project area. Therefore, the project will not substantially damage scenic resources.

c. The proposed project will not substantially degrade the existing visual character of public views, as the utility infrastructure will be located underground and will not be visible from the roadway.

d. The proposed project will not include the installation of any lighting fixtures or use of shiny or reflective materials. Project-related construction activities may require occasional temporary night lighting to ensure the drilling activity can continue to a point of stoppage. If needed, night lighting will be screened and directed at the area of work at the entrance and exit pits, which are outside of the riverbed. There are no residences or light-sensitive receptors adjacent to, or near, the project site that would be affected by night lighting during construction. Construction is planned prior to the time change so natural light will extend further into the evening at the time of construction. A temporary construction trailer may be used.

NO IMPACT

Less than II. AGRICULTURAL AND FOREST RESOURCES Potentially significant Less Than No Significant with Significant Impact Would the project: Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping X and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to non-agricultural use? b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a X Williamson Act contract? c) Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest land, timberland, or timberland zoned Timberland X Production? d) Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest X land to non-forest use?

e) Involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature, could result in X conversion of Farmland to non-agricultural use or conversion of forest land to non-forest use?

Comments: a. Property in the vicinity of the project area is designated as “Prime Farmland” and “Farmland of Local Importance” (2014). However, the proposed project will be accomplished outside the area of prime farmland and farmland of local importance, and will include right-of-way and existing disturbed areas adjacent to the east side of the Floradale Avenue roadway and ruderal, non-farm areas on the south side of Rancho Lompoc Farm Road, on the north side of the river. No conversion of farmland or action resulting in conversion to non-agricultural use will occur as a result of the proposed project. b. The proposed project will not conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use or a Williamson Act contract, as the project site is located within road rights-of-way and areas zoned Open Space, not under agricultural use or Williamson Act contract. c. The proposed project will not conflict with existing zoning or cause rezoning of forest land or timberland, as no forest or timberland exists within the project site or surrounding area. d. The proposed project will not result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to non-forest use, as no forest or timberland exists within the project site or surrounding area. e. The proposed project will not involve other changes to the existing environment, which, due to their location or nature will not involve conversion of forest or farmland to non-agricultural use.

NO IMPACT

Less than III. AIR QUALITY Potentially significant Less Than No Significant with Significant Impact Would the project: Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the X applicable air quality plan? b) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is in non- X attainment under an applicable federal or state air quality standard? c) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant X concentrations? d) Result in other emissions (odors) adversely affecting a X substantial number of people?

Background The project site is located in the City of Lompoc, Santa Barbara County, under the jurisdiction of the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (SBCAPCD), responsible for enforcing standards and regulating stationary sources. The SBCAPCD was designated as being in unclassifiable / attainment for the 2015 revised federal 8-hour ozone standard on April 30, 2018.

The County is in attainment for the State 8-hour ozone standard and is unclassified for the State PM2.5 standard, but is in nonattainment for the state PM10 (particulate matter with a diameter of 10 micrometers or less) standard. a. The proposed directional drilling project will not conflict with, or obstruct, implementation of the Clean Air Plan, because it will not generate additional development or growth. The dual 12-inch sewer lines are intended to provide for redundancy and stability and not to generate unanticipated unplanned growth. b. The proposed project will not 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 air quality standard. The directional drilled relocation of the sewer line crossing the Santa Ynez River will not emit pollutants, NOx, ROC, or cause or contribute to a violation of any California or National Ambient Air Quality Standard and will not exceed the APCD health risk public notification thresholds adopted by the APCD Board. The proposed project will be consist with the adopted federal and state Air Quality Plans. With no operational emissions, the project will emit less than 25 lbs. per day of NOx and ROC. The SBCAPCD does not have established thresholds of significance for construction activities. During construction, the drilling equipment is not anticipated to generate substantial dust or airborne particulates and the limited number of vehicles and drill equipment needed for the project will not exceed daily pollutant limits. c. The proposed project would not expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations, as there are no anticipated substantial airborne pollutants resulting from project operations, and there are no sensitive receptors within the project area. d. The proposed project will not generate airborne emissions, or odors, as it is an enclosed directional drilled underground utility pipeline.

NO IMPACT

Less than IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES Potentially significant Less Than No Significant with Significant Impact Would the project: Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in X local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or 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, regulations, or by the X California Department of Fish and Wildlife or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? c) Have a substantial adverse effect on state or federally protected wetlands (including, but not limited to, marsh, X vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means?

8 d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with X 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 X or ordinance? f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation X Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan?

Background The following vegetative communities and land cover types were identified within the project area of the directional drilling alignment from the drill entrance pit to the exit pit. Coyote Brush Scrub, Eucalyptus, Central Coast Willow Forest, and Non-Native Grasses.

The main channel of the Santa Ynez River is a Water of the United States, and is associated with the Central Coast Willow Forest, dominated by arroyo willow (Salix lasiolepis), red willow (Salix laevigata), and patches of sandbar willow (Salix exigua) and with mule fat (Baccharis salicifolia) and California blackberry (Rubus ursinus) as understory in undisturbed areas.

Coyote brush scrub occurs in some locations at the outer edge of the willow forest. This vegetation community grows on less mesic sites than do the riparian communities. Coyote brush scrub is characterized by coyote brush (Baccharis pilularis) with associated species including blue elderberry (Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea) and California sagebrush (Artemisia californica). Eucalyptus woodlands occur in narrow, planted strips of trees with very little undergrowth.

In the more disturbed portion of this habitat, the understory consists of native and non-native forbs and grasses, including black mustard (Brassica nigra), summer mustard (Hirschfeldia incana), rough cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium), Canada horseweed (Erigeron canadensis), bristly ox-tongue (Picris echioides), and biennial wormwood (Artemisia biennis).

Special-Status Plant Species While there is low potential for these species to recruit into the project site, suitable habitat exists for California sawgrass (Cladium californicum) (California Rare Plant Rank [CRPR] List 2.2) and black-flowered figwort (Scrophularia atrata) (CRPR List 1B.2).

Special-Status Wildlife Species The project area is located within the USFWS-designated critical habitat area for the southern California steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss). River flows during relatively higher seasons facilitate movement of this species upriver to spawning areas. (California Department of Fish and Wildlife [CDFW] 1996).

Suitable Habitat also exists in the project area for Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus), Least Bell’s Vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus), Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus occidentalis), Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia), and Yellow-Breasted Chat (Icteria virens)

The California red-legged frog (Rana draytonii) has the potential to occur within the project site for at least a portion of its life cycle. A California red-legged frog, a federal-listed threatened and

California Species of Special Concern, was found in the Santa Ynez River, less than 1 mile to the west of the project area (CDFW 2017).

Other special-status reptiles that could occur in the project area include the two-striped garter snake (Thamnophis hammondii), Blainville’s horned lizard (= coast horned lizard (Phrynosoma blainvillii), and the southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys pallida). Suitable Foraging Habitat also exists for Yuma myotis (Myotis yumanensis), silver-haired bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans), pallid bat (Antrozous pallidus) and hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus). The pallid bat is a California state Species of Special Concern. The other three bat species are regional species of concern.

Comments: a. The proposed project will not have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as candidate, sensitive, or special-status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, with implementation of proposed mitigation measures B-1 to B-16. The project does not involve vegetation removal, and the entrance and exit pits are outside the banks of the waterway, in areas devoid of vegetation, or having only ruderal vegetation. Presence of special-status species will be presumed. Construction timing will be limited to after bird nesting season, September 15 – October 31, and pre-construction surveys will be conducted to look for special-status fauna. b. The proposed project will not have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, and regulations or by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, with the implementation of proposed mitigation measures B-1 to B-16. The proposed project is the placement of an underground directionally drilled sewer line. It does not involve native vegetation removal, and the entrance and exit pits are in areas devoid of vegetation or in areas of only ruderal vegetation. The primary vegetation communities in this vicinity include Coyote Brush Scrub and eucalyptus in the area of the entrance pit and staging area, ruderal vegetation and non-native grasses in the area of the exit pit, and Central Coast Willow Forest within the stream channel. Due to the use of horizontal direction drilling technology, no effects to the Central Coast Willow Forest habitat are anticipated. c. The proposed project will not have a substantial adverse effect on state or federally protected wetlands (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal wetlands, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means, as the project does not involve wetland impacts, removal, filing, or interruption. The project is the placement of underground sewer line via directional drilling below the scour line of the Santa Ynez River. Portions of the waterway will be diverted during the construction of the new Floradale Bridge and demolition of the existing Floradale Bridge, anticipated to be concurrent with the three- to four-week directional drilling time frame. As the project does not propose work between the banks of the river, no impact is anticipated. d. The proposed project will not interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species, or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors. The project will not impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites. The project entails temporary directional drilling to place a sewer line below the scour depth of the Santa Ynez River. The construction will take 3-4 weeks and is scheduled for September 15 to October 31, when river flows are lowest. Work will not take place within the riverbed, but from beyond each of the northern and southern banks. The separate Floradale Bridge project, being undertaken by Santa Barbara County is anticipated to temporarily divert the

streamflow as a part of construction of the new bridge and demolition of the old bridge during summer and fall 2021 and 2022. e. The proposed project will not conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance, as no trees or vegetation are proposed to be removed, and no permanent aboveground structures are proposed to be constructed. This is a sewer line directional drilling project only. f. The proposed project will not conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan, as there are no such plans applicable to this location.

LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT WITH MITIGATION INCORPORATED

Less than V. CULTURAL RESOURCES Potentially significant Less Than No Significant with Significant Impact Would the project: Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance X of a historical resource pursuant to Section 15064.5? b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to Section X 15064.5? c) Disturb any human remains, including those interred X outside of formal cemeteries?

Comments: a. The proposed project will not cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource, as there are no historical resources identified within the project area. ESA/CA SBA-2268H is located northwest of the proposed project area at the NW corner of the intersection of Western Prison Farm Road and Santa Lucia Canyon Road, across the street and some distance from the project site. Mitigation Measure CR-1 is recommended, applying Standard Discovery Conditions to address the potential for accidental discovery of cultural resources. b. The proposed project will not cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to Section 15064.5, as there are no known resources located in the directional drilling alignment (existing 20-foot easement), entrance or exit pit or staging area. CA-SBA-2267 is located on the bluff north of the existing Eastern Prison Farm Road, at least 147 feet north of the area of the directional drilling exit pit and location of connection to the existing sewer line. The proposed pipe installation will be directional drilled underground and will not disturb unidentified cultural resources. Mitigation Measure CR-1 is recommended, applying Standard Discovery Conditions to address the potential for accidental discovery of cultural resources when excavating the entrance and exit pits. c. The proposed project is not anticipated to disturb any human remains, as the project entry and exit excavations will be limited in size, located in previously disturbed areas, and no historic burial sites have been identified in the region. Mitigation Measure CR-1 is recommended to apply Standard Discovery Conditions in case of accidental discovery of human remains.

LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT WITH MITIGATION INCORPORATED

Potentially Less than Less Than No VI. ENERGY Significant significant Significant Impact Impact with Impact Would the project: Mitigation Incorporated a) Result in a potentially significant environmental impact due to wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary X consumption of energy resources, during project construction or operation? b) Conflict with, or obstruct, a state or local plan for renewable energy or energy efficiency? X

Comments: a. The proposed project would not result in a potentially significant environmental impact due to wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources, during project operation. Energy required to directional drill the subject sewer lines will be limited and the project does not require pumps, but operates by gravity flow. b. The proposed project would not conflict with, or obstruct, a state or local plan for renewable energy or energy efficiency, including the state’s Energy Action Plan II, and its 2008 update. This gravity flow sewer line segment relocation does not conflict with the Key Actions found in the Energy Action Plan II and its update.

NO IMPACT

Less than VII. GEOLOGY AND SOILS Potentially significant Less Than No Significant with Significant Impact Would the project: Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated a) Directly or indirectly cause potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving:

i), Rupture of a known earthquake fault as delineated on X 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? X

iii) Seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction? X

iv) Landslides? X

b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil? X c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or X 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 X substantial risks to life or property? e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal X systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of wastewater? f) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological X resource or site or unique geologic feature?

Comments: a. The proposed project will not result in strong seismic ground shaking, seismic related ground failure, liquefaction or landslides. No major faults are located in or adjacent to the project area. The closest fault is the Santa Ynez River Fault, several miles to the south, and there are no Alquist Priolo Zone Faults in the region. Directional drilling of the sewer line will not result in seismic activity, liquefaction or landslide. b. The proposed project will not result in substantial soil erosion or loss of topsoil, as the project is a directional drill, and the entrance and exit pits are limited in size and will be located a significant distance from the banks of the river on level ground. The entry and exit pits will be limited in size, and located a significant distance from the river’s banks. c. The proposed project will not be constructed in an unstable geologic unit, and will not result in on-or off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse. The proposed directional drilled sewer line will be will be underground and the entry and exit pits will be on level ground a significant distance from the banks of the river. d. The proposed project will not involve impacts associated with septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems. The project does not involve development of structures or improvements, no septic systems are proposed, and a hydrology report identifying the scour depth at this point in the Santa Ynez River has been reviewed. The project has been designed with this scour depth in mind. e. The proposed project does not involve the installation or operation of septic tanks, or wastewater systems where sewers are not available. The proposed project is the replacement of an existing sewer line. f. The proposed project will not directly or indirectly destroy unique paleontological resources, sites or unique geologic features, as it is a directional drill to a depth of approximately 46 feet beneath the Santa Ynez Riverbed. As such, it is not likely to encounter, or destroy any unique geologic or paleontological features.

NO IMPACT

Less than VIII. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS Potentially significant Less Than Significant with Significant No Impact Would the project: Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated a) Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly, or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the X environment? b) Conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of X greenhouse gases?

The Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District’s greenhouse gas (GHG) threshold is defined in terms of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e), a metric that accounts for the emissions from various GHGs based on their global warming potential. Thresholds of significance are no more than 10,000 metric tons of GHG per year (MtCO2e per year from a stationary source. A project which has no effect above threshold values individually or cumulatively will generally be determined to not have a significant environmental effect. a. The proposed project will not generate greenhouse gas emissions, does not qualify as a stationary source, and will not, either directly, or indirectly, have a significant impact on the environment. Applying the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District’s thresholds of significance, the proposed project will emit less than the screening significance of 10,000 metric tons per year of Carbon Dioxide Equivalent (C02e), and would therefore not have a significant direct or indirect effect on the environment. Project-related emissions will be limited to construction only. A limited number of vehicles will be traveling to, or be utilized on, the project site, including a light horizontal directional drill rig, a support truck, a drill stem trailer and a water truck, along with small excavators, loaders and 3 to 5 utility trucks to transport drill operators, a supervising engineer and biologists.

Construction will last 15 to 20 working days. After construction, no regular travel to the project site will occur. The proposed project will emit only a fraction of the threshold amount of 10,000 metric tons of C02e per year. Given an average US vehicle CO2e emission of 411 grams per mile, and an estimated 70 miles of travel to the jobsite each day, for 5 vehicles over 15 days, that equates to approximately 2,877,000 grams or 2.87 metric tons during the project’s construction and for the remainder of the year. This is significantly less than 10,000 metric tons per year and therefore the project will not have a significant environmental effect on greenhouse gas levels. b. The proposed project will not conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases, as the project does not involve construction of housing, retail, office, transportation or industrial uses.

NO IMPACT

Less than Less IX. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS Potentially significant Than Significant with No Impact Significant Would the project: Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, or X disposal of hazardous materials? b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and X accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment? c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within X 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 X Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result, would it create a significant hazard to the public or the environment? e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles X of a public airport or public use airport, would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area? f) Impair implementation of, or physically interfere with, an adopted emergency response plan or emergency X evacuation plan? g) Expose people or structures, either directly or indirectly, to a significant risk of loss, injury or death X involving wildland fires.

Comments: a., b., c., d., e., f., The proposed project will pose a less than significant hazard to the public or the environment, as it will not involve the use, transportation or storage of hazardous materials. The project site is not located on a site listed in Government Code Section 65962.5 or within an airport land use plan.

The project will not impair implementation of, or physically interfere with, an emergency evacuation or response plan as it will not obstruct access ways and will be conducted on existing right-of-way outside of the paved street. The proposed project will not expose people or structures to the risk of loss injury or death involving wildfires, as the project area does not have structures or areas of residence or congregation of persons.

NO IMPACT

Less than X. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY Potentially significant Less Than Significant with Significant No Impact Would the project: Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated a) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements, or otherwise substantially degrade surface X or groundwater quality? b) Substantially decrease groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge, such X that the project may impede sustainable groundwater management of the basin? c) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, or through the addition of impervious surfaces, in a manner which would:

i) result in substantial erosion or siltation on or off- site; ii) substantially increase the rate of amount of surface X run-off in a manner, which would result in flooding on-or off-site; iii) create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned storm water drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff; or iv) Impede or redirect flood flows? d) In flood hazard, tsunami, or seiche zones, risk release X of pollutants due to project inundation? e) Conflict with, or obstruct, implementation of a water quality control plan or sustainable groundwater X management plan?

Comments: a. The proposed project will not violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements, or otherwise substantially degrade surface or groundwater quality, with adoption of the mitigation measure proposed. There should be no impact on groundwater quality from the directional drilling installation of this 12-inch sewer pipe. Mitigation Measures HWQ-1–HWQ-10 recommend development and implementation of a Frac-out Contingency Plan, and other measures to ensure proper handling of bentonite clay and appropriate actions are taken in case of a frac-out. b. The proposed project will not substantially decrease groundwater supply or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge, as the installation of an underground pipe, using directional drilling will not require water service and will not inhibit groundwater recharge. c. The proposed project will not substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, the addition of impervious surfaces in a manner which would result in substantial erosion or siltation on or off-site; substantially increase the rate of amount of surface run-off in a manner which would result in flooding on-or off-site; create or contribute to run-off water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned storm water drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted run-off. The project will not impede or redirect flood flows, as

it will not involve drainage pattern alteration. The directional drill will not cause erosion or siltation, or increase the amount of surface run-off, as the line will be underground, the entrance and exit pits will be away from the river’s banks. d. The proposed project will not increase flood hazard, tsunami, or seiche zones, or risk release of pollutants due to project inundation. The proposed project is the installation of an underground sewer line using directional drilling. The scour depth of the Santa Ynez River has been identified and the sewer line will be installed below that depth. e. The proposed project will not conflict with, or obstruct, implementation of a water quality control plan or sustainable groundwater management plan, because the proposed project is the placement of a sewer line under the Santa Ynez River to serve Vandenberg Village. The project will not require water or groundwater, and will not conflict with, or obstruct, a sustainable groundwater management plan or water quality control plan.

LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT WITH MITIGATION INCORPORATED

Less than Potentially Less Than XI. LAND USE AND PLANNING significant with Significant Significant No Impact Mitigation Impact Impact Would the project: Incorporation a) Physically divide an established community? X b) Cause a significant environmental impact due to a conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, X or regulation adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect?

Comments: a. The proposed project will not physically divide a community, as it is the directional drilled location of an underground sewer line to connect a community to the Regional Wastewater Reclamation Plant. b. The proposed project will not cause a significant environmental impact due to conflict with plans, policies and regulations intended to avoid or mitigate an environmental effect. The project will comply with, and be consistent with, environmental regulations and does not conflict with plans or policies intended to avoid or mitigate an environmental effect.

NO IMPACT

Less than XII. MINERAL RESOURCES Potentially significant with Less Than Significant Mitigation Significant No Impact Impact Impact Would the project: Incorporated a) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of value to the X region and the residents of the state? b) Result in the loss of availability of a locally important mineral resource recovery site X delineated on a local general plan, specific plan or other land use plan?

Comments: a., b. The proposed project will not result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource of value regionally, statewide or locally, and the project area does not appear on the County’s Comprehensive Plan, City’s General Plan or other land use plan as a mineral resource site. The directional drilling location of a sewer line is not in an area of identified mineral resources, and will not preclude future recovery of a mineral resource, should it be identified.

NO IMPACT

Less than XIII. NOISE Potentially significant Less Than Significant with Significant No Impact Would the project: Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated a) Generation of substantial temporary or permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the vicinity of the X project, in excess of standards established in the local General Plan, or applicable standards of other agencies? b) Generation of excessive ground borne vibration or X ground borne noise levels? c) For a project located within the vicinity the Lompoc Airport Land Use Plan, would the project expose people X residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels?

Comments: a. The proposed project will not generate substantial temporary or permanent increases in ambient noise levels in the vicinity of the project, in excess of standards established in the local General Plan, or applicable standards of other agencies. Noise impacts will be temporary, during drilling and construction. There are no nearby residences or sensitive receptors to be impacted by noise and the noise is anticipated to be during the regular workday only, as nighttime work will only occur as necessary. The term of the directional drilling project is three to four weeks. b. The proposed project will not generate excessive ground borne vibration or noise levels. While there will be some ground vibration due to drilling, construction times will be during the day and there are no sensitive receptors in the area to be impacted by this transient vibration. c. The proposed project is not located within the vicinity of the Lompoc Airport Land Use Plan and thus, would not expose people working in the project area to excessive noise levels. There are no persons living in the project area.

LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

Less than XIV. POPULATION AND HOUSING Potentially significant Less Than Significant with Significant No Impact Would the project: Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated a) Induce substantial unplanned population growth in an X area, either directly or indirectly? b) Displace substantial numbers of existing people or housing, necessitating the construction of replacement X housing elsewhere?

Comments a., b. The proposed project will not induce substantial unplanned population growth in the area of service, either directly or indirectly. The maximum size of the two (dual function) sewer lines to be placed is 12-inches, however two lines of any combination of sizes 8-inch, 10-inch or 12-inch could be included in the final design, depending on the results of a flow study. In evaluating the invert siphon nature of the proposed directional drilled lines, two lines will allow for regular cleaning and maintenance, and provide stability and redundancy, should one line fail. The proposed project will not result in the displacement of people or housing, and is not designed to serve substantial unplanned population growth. The project will provide long-term dependable and resilient sewer service to Vandenberg Village.

NO IMPACT

Less than Less XV. PUBLIC SERVICES Potentially significant Than No Significant with Significant Impact Would the project result in: Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated a) Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could X cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives for any of the public services? b) Fire Protection? X

c) Police protection? X

d) Schools? X

e) Parks? X

f) Other public facilities? X

Comments: a., b., c,. d., e., f. The proposed project will not result directly, or indirectly, in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the construction of new or physically altered government facilities, including those required for fire and police protection, schools, parks or other public facilities. The proposed sewer line will replace an existing sewer line. It is not sized to allow new development or

19 other improvements, which could result in adverse physical environmental impacts on Public Services.

NO IMPACT

Less than XVI. RECREATION Potentially significant Less Than Significant with Significant No Impact Would the project: Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated a) Would the project increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational X facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated? b) Does the project Include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities, X which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment?

Comments a., b. The proposed sewer line replacement will not increase the use of existing local or regional parks, or recreational facilities, accelerating their deterioration. The project does not include any form of recreational facility as a project element.

NO IMPACT

Less than XVII. TRANSPORTATION/CIRCULATION Potentially significant Less Than Significant with Significant No Impact Would the project: Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated a) Conflict with a program, plan, ordinance, or policy addressing the circulation system, including transit, X roadway, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities? b) Conflict or be inconsistent with CEQA Guidelines X Section 15064.3 subdivision (b)? c) Substantially increase hazards due to a geometric design feature (e.g. sharp curves or dangerous X intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g. farm equipment)? d) Result in inadequate emergency access? X

Comments a. The proposed project will not conflict with a transportation program plan or ordinance. No temporary closures of streets are proposed, and the directional drilling project will not impact roadways or accesses. b. The proposed project will not conflict with CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.3 subdivision (b), as it will not have any impact on Vehicle Miles Traveled. Once constructed, this project will not involve residents, commuters, or customers, as it is only an underground line.

Construction impact will be off peak and not included in VMT, with an estimate of 10 vehicles maximum during any of the 15-20 working days. c. The proposed project will not create or increase hazards due to sharp curves or dangerous intersections or similar hazards, as there will be no road construction or alteration as a part of this project. d. There will be only limited potential need for partial lane closure during construction. After construction, there will be no aboveground structures in the project area. Emergency access will not be constrained as a result of this project.

NO IMPACT

XVIII. TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES

Less than Would the project cause a substantial adverse change Potentially significant Less Than in the significance of a tribal cultural resource, defined in Significant with Significant No Impact Public Resources Code section 21074 as either a site, Impact Mitigation Impact feature, place, cultural landscape, that is geographically Incorporated defined in terms of the size and scope of the landscape, sacred place of object with cultural value to a California Native American tribe, and that is: a) Listed or eligible for listing in the California Register of Historical Resources as defined in Public Resources X Code section 5020.1(k)? b) A resource determined by the lead agency in its discretion and supported by substantial evidence, to be X

significant pursuant to criteria set forth in subdivision c of Public Resources Code Section 5024.1?

Comments a. The proposed project will not cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a tribal cultural resource, as there are no listed tribal cultural resources in the project area or tribal cultural resources eligible for listing in the California Register of Historical Resources as defined in Public Resources Code section 5020.1(k) in the project area. In addition, the project is a limited placement of an underground sewer line using directional drilling technology. b. The proposed project will not cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a tribal cultural resource, as the project area does not include or impact a resource determined to be significant, including those significant to a California Native American Tribe, pursuant to criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resources Code Section 5024.1. In addition, the project is a limited placement of an underground sewer line using directional drilling technology.

NO IMPACT

Less than XIX. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS Potentially significant Less Than Significant with Significant No Impact Would the project: Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated a) Require or result in the relocation or construction of new or expanded water or wastewater treatment or storm water drainage, electric power, natural gas, or X telecommunications facilities, the construction of which or relocation of which could cause significant environmental effects? b) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project and reasonably foreseeable future development X during normal, dry and multiple dry years? c) Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider, which serves or may serve the project, that it has adequate capacity to serve the project’s projected X demand, in addition to the provider’s existing commitments? d) Generate solid waste in excess of state or local standards, or in excess of the capacity of local X infrastructure, or otherwise impair the attainment of Solid Waste reduction goals? e) Comply with federal, state, and local management and X reduction statutes and regulations related to solid waste?

Comments: a. The proposed project will not result in, or require, the relocation or construction of a new or expanded utility line, as the project is a replacement wastewater line, reduced to one 12-inch pipe from two 8-inch pipes. No additional need for replacement or expanded service has been identified. b. The proposed project is intended to address existing sewer line use and sewage treatment needs. No additional water source or volume is required to implement the project. c. The proposed project will not result in a determination by the wastewater provider there is inadequate capacity to serve the project, as the project is a wastewater infrastructure replacement project, designed to ensure there is adequate capacity to continue to serve Vandenberg Village with regional wastewater reclamation services. d. The proposed project will not generate solid waste in excess of state or local standards. Little, if any, solid waste is anticipated to be generated by this limited duration directional drilling project. e. The proposed project will comply with federal, state and local management and reduction statutes and regulations related to solid waste, as little, if any, solid waste will be generated by the project, and any waste which can be will be recycled or re-used.

NO IMPACT

Less than X XX. WILDFIRE Potentially Less Than significant with No Significant Significant If located in or near state responsibility areas or lands Mitigation Impact Impact Impact classified as very high fire hazard severity zones, would the Incorporated project: a) Substantially impair an adopted emergency response X plan or emergency evacuation plan? b) Due to slope, prevailing winds, and other factors exacerbate wildfire risks, and thereby expose project X occupants to pollutant concentration 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 X 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, X as a result of run-off, post-fire slope instability, or drainage changes?

Comments a. The proposed project will not substantially impair an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan. No road closures are required for construction and once installed, this underground sewer line will not cause any impairment of a response plan. b. The proposed project will not exacerbate wildfire risks, as it is an underground wastewater utility line and there will be no project occupants. c. The proposed project will not require the installation or maintenance of additional infrastructure, and therefore will not exacerbate wildfire risk or result in impacts to the environment. d. The proposed project will not expose people or structures to significant risks as a result of flooding, run-off or post fire instability or drainage changes. The project is an underground wastewater pipe location, well below the scour depth of the Santa Ynez River.

NO IMPACT

Less than XXI. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE Potentially significant Less Than No Significant with Significant Impact Does the project: Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated a) Have the potential to 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 X animal community, substantially reduce the number, or restrict the range, of a rare or endangered plant or animal, or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory? b) Have impacts that are individually limited, but X cumulatively considerable? c) Have environmental effects, which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or X indirectly?

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 proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there will X not be a significant effect in this case because revisions to the project have been made by or agreed to by the project proponent. 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 is required. I find that the proposed project MAY have a “potentially significant impact” or “potentially significant unless mitigated” impact on the environment, but at least one effect 1) has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and 2) has been addressed by

mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described on attached sheets. An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required, but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed. I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, because all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION, pursuant to applicable standards, and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project, nothing further is required.

2/9/2021 Stacy L. Lawson, Senior Environmental Coordinator Date

I hereby confirm that the project description is accurate and that the mitigation and monitoring measures set out in the Mitigation and Monitoring Plan are acceptable.

__2/9/2021______Dong Hyun Chon, Ph.D., P.E. Wastewater Superintendent Date

MITIGATION MONITORING PLAN:

The following Mitigation Measures shall be Conditions of Approval for ER20-19

BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES

Mitigation B-1 Within three days of the start of construction, a qualified wildlife biologist shall conduct pre- construction clearance surveys for special status species within 100 feet of the pipe laydown and staging areas, to confirm the presence/absence of special status species likely to be found in the area during the proposed operations. Survey techniques, timing, and schedule shall be as directed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). Survey results, analyses, and recommendations, along with field notes shall be provided to the CDFW, prior to commencing construction.

Monitoring The Site Supervisor shall ensure a qualified wildlife biologist surveys the area within 100 feet of the pipe laydown and staging areas, to confirm the presence/absence of the special-status species with the potential to be found in the area within three days of the start of project construction. The Site Supervisor shall ensure survey techniques, timing, and schedule are as approved by the CDFW and are provided to the CDFW, prior to construction. If Southwestern Willow Flycatcher or Least Bell’s Vireo individuals are identified in the project area, the Site Supervisor shall ensure the recommendations of the biologist, in coordination with the CDFW and the USFWS, as appropriate, are followed.

Mitigation B-2 A qualified biologist should monitor the laydown and staging areas, as well as the river channel during Horizontal Directional Drilling activities with an emphasis on detecting possible frac-outs.

Monitoring The Site Supervisor shall ensure a qualified biologist is present and monitoring the laydown and staging areas, as well as the river channel during Horizontal Directional Drilling Activities, with an emphasis on detecting possible frac-outs.

Mitigation B 3 A qualified biologist, with appropriate handling permits to capture, temporarily possess, and relocate wildlife to avoid harm or mortality in connection with Project construction and activities, shall be available during the pre-construction survey and on the initial day of construction.

Monitoring The Site Supervisor shall ensure a qualified biologist, with appropriate handling permits to capture, temporarily possess, and relocate wildlife to avoid harm or mortality in connection with Project construction and activities, is available during the pre-construction survey and on the initial day of construction, in case any SSC in need of relocation are identified.

Mitigation B 4 Worker Environmental Awareness Training shall be conducted by a qualified biologist, prior to the commencement of construction, identifying for all Horizontal Directional Drilling personnel, Species of Special Concern (SSC) that could be encountered as a part of the project. The biologist shall communicate to workers that upon an encounter with an SSC (e.g., during construction or equipment

25 inspections), work must stop, a qualified biologist must be notified, and work may only resume once a qualified biologist has determined that it is safe to do so, without injuring the species of concern.

Monitoring The Site Supervisor shall ensure a Worker Environmental Awareness Training addressing the requirements of Mitigation B-3 above, is conducted, prior to the commencement of construction.

Mitigation B 5 If SSC are identified on or near the project staging, entry or exit pits, wildlife shall be protected, allowed to move away on its own (noninvasive, passive relocation), or relocated, if necessary, to adjacent appropriate habitat on site or to suitable habitat adjacent to the project area. SSC shall be captured only by a qualified biologist with proper handling permits. The qualified biologist shall prepare a species-specific list (or plan) of proper handling and relocation protocols and a map of suitable and safe relocation areas, prior to relocation of any SSC. If positive detections of SSC and suitable habitat are made, then the detection location shall be mapped and photographed and reported to the California Natural Diversity Database.

Monitoring The Site Supervisor shall ensure if any potential SSC are identified on or near the project staging, entry or exit pits, a qualified biologist will be called on-site to determine if the species is a SSC and if so, how best it should be protected.

Mitigation B 6 If any SSC are harmed during relocation or a dead or injured animal is found, work in the immediate area shall stop immediately, the qualified biologist shall be notified, and dead or injured wildlife documented. A formal report shall be sent to CDFW and the City within three calendar days of the incident or finding. Work in the immediate area may only resume once the proper notifications have been made and additional measures have been implemented to prevent additional injury or death to SSC.

Monitoring The Site Supervisor shall ensure if any SSC are harmed or found dead or injured, a qualified biologist shall be notified to document the occurrence and a report sent to the CDFW.

Mitigation B-7 Construction equipment with noise reduction features (e.g. mufflers and engine shrouds) that are no less effective than those originally installed by the manufacturer will be required.

Monitoring The Site Supervisor shall ensure construction equipment with noise reduction features (e.g. mufflers and engine shrouds) that are no less effective than those originally installed by the manufacturer are required.

Mitigation B 8 Although vegetation clearing is not proposed, if any vegetation clearing does occur as a part of this project, a qualified biologist shall conduct daily biological monitoring during the clearing (including ruderal areas, open ditches or pits, or modification of natural habitat).

Monitoring The Site Superintendent shall ensure that if any limited ruderal vegetation is cleared, the qualified biologist is available to monitor during the clearing activity.

Mitigation B-9 The directional drill alignment, boundaries of the pipe laydown area and staging areas, and the associated 20-foot easement shall be conspicuously marked with flagging, pin flags, or construction fencing, to identify their limits, and not to exceed 10-feet upstream or 10-feet downstream from the centerline of the easement. All project equipment and vehicles should be contained within the marked boundaries. A qualified biologist shall accompany the persons doing the flagging.

Monitoring The Site Superintendent shall ensure pipe laydown area, and staging areas, along with the alignment of the associated 20-foot easement is flagged, prior to the start of construction, by persons walking into the riverbed. In addition, the Site Superintendent shall ensure a qualified biologist shall accompany the persons doing the flagging, and all project equipment and vehicles should be contained within the marked boundaries.

Mitigation B-10 Work shall be staged within the designated project staging area, on the right-of-way of Floradale Avenue / Santa Lucia Canyon Road, completely outside the riparian zone.

Monitoring The Site Supervisor shall ensure staging shall be limited to the designated staging area, entrance and exit pits, all of which shall be located in areas beyond the banks of the river and riparian vegetation.

Mitigation B 11 Exit and entry pits shall be enclosed by construction fencing, and silt fences or straw waddles, to reduce sedimentation and prevent entry of CRLF into work areas. Isolation fencing shall be inspected daily during the drilling period.

Monitoring The Site Supervisor shall ensure the contractor surrounds entrance and exit drill pits with construction fencing, and silt fencing or straw waddles, and that isolation fencing is inspected daily during the drilling activity.

Mitigation B 12 Should a frac-out occur, impacts to riparian areas shall be avoided. The frac-out shall be contained with straw waddles or Brady barrels and allowed to dry, and then shoveled off the surface, in riparian areas. Foot traffic in and around riparian vegetation shall be limited to that which is essential to address the any frac-out which occurs.

Monitoring The Site Supervisor shall ensure cleanup of frac-outs avoids impacts to riparian areas and follows the procedures identified above. The Site Supervisor shall ensure no unnecessary foot traffic occurs that will damage riparian resources.

Mitigation B 13 All construction and drilling equipment shall be cleaned and free of weed seeds and invasive aquatic species, prior to delivery to the site.

Monitoring The Site Superintendent shall ensure all construction and drilling equipment is cleaned and free of weed seeds and invasive aquatic species prior to delivery to the site.

Mitigation B-14 Any non-native vegetation, including, but not limited to, tree tobacco, castor bean, giant cane, cape ivy, periwinkle, and ice plant shall be removed from the work area and shall be disposed of in a manner and at a location, which prevents its re-establishment.

Monitoring The Site Superintendent shall ensure non-native vegetation is removed from the work areas and properly disposed of to prohibit its re-establishment.

Mitigation B 15 Any areas of disturbed soil in the project staging area, entry or exit pits, shall be seeded with a native seed mix after the project is completed.

Monitoring The Site Superintendent shall ensure any disturbed area of the work area is seeded with native seed, on project completion.

Mitigation B-16 An end-of-project report should be prepared by a biologist that describes the HDD activities, measures taken to protect habitats and species, the effectiveness of those measures, and the project’s level of compliance with permit conditions. The report shall be submitted to the City’s Senior Environmental Coordinator and Senior Engineer, within one month of the end of project construction activity.

Monitoring The City Senior Environmental Coordinator and Senior Engineer shall ensure a qualified biologist prepares and end-of-project report as described above.

CULTURAL RESOURCES

Mitigation CR-1 a. If archaeological artifacts are unearthed or exposed during construction, all ground disturbing work within 50 feet of the archaeological find shall stop immediately and the City’s Environmental Coordinator and Project Engineer shall be notified. The artifacts and site shall be evaluated by an RPA qualified archaeologist. An appropriate plan for the avoidance or preservation of the artifacts from the site shall be prepared and its implementation overseen by an experienced archaeologist, prior to the restarting of ground disturbing work within 50 feet of the archaeological find. b. If paleontological artifacts are unearthed or exposed during construction, all ground disturbing work shall stop immediately and the City’s Environmental Coordinator and Project Engineer shall be notified. The artifacts and site shall be evaluated by a qualified paleontologist (per Society of Vertebrate Paleontology standards [SVP 1995, 1996]) and that paleontologist shall prepare an appropriate plan for the preservation of the artifacts from the site. The plan shall be reviewed and approved by the City of Lompoc, and its implementation shall be overseen by the qualified paleontologist.

c. If human remains are accidentally discovered or recognized during construction, all excavation and ground disturbing work on, or adjacent to, the project site (or area of discovery) shall stop immediately. The Santa Barbara County Coroner shall be contacted, and if the County Coroner determines that the remains are Native American, then the City shall contact the California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC), pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 7050.5 of the Health and Safety Code. The Native American Heritage Commission’s recommendations and requirements shall be adhered to, prior to continuation of ground-disturbing work.

Monitoring The Site Supervisor shall ensure in the event of accidental discovery of cultural resources, the procedures identified above are followed.

HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY

Mitigation HWQ-1 All contractors and biological monitors shall be trained in the Caltrans directional drilling class or through Bariod Industrial Drilling Products, Inc., and have a certificate to prove they passed the class. Contractors shall have at least two years’ experience in conducting boring operations and shall show evidence of that experience.

Monitoring The Site Supervisor shall ensure all contractors and biological monitors shall be trained in the Caltrans directional drilling class or through Bariod Industrial Drilling Products, Inc., and have a certificate to prove they passed the class. Contractors shall have at least two years’ experience in conducting boring operations and shall show evidence of that experience.

Mitigation HWQ 2 The wastewater line shall have a shut-off valve located on the north side of the directional drilled segment and a butterfly valve located on the southern side of the directional drilled segment.

Monitoring The City Wastewater Division shall ensure there are shut-off valves on the 12-inch line crossing the river, located on either side of the directional drilled segment.

Mitigation HWQ-3 A Frac-out Contingency Plan shall be prepared and all its provisions shall be adhered to. The Frac- out Contingency Plan shall be available on-site at all times during construction and contractors shall have pre-arranged duties in case of a frac-out. The Frac-Out Contingency Plan shall include the following provisions:  Pressure levels shall be monitored randomly by the Monitors/Inspectors and recorded. Pressure levels shall be set at minimum level to prevent frac-outs.  Non-toxic, water-based drilling fluid, of benign material shall be used to avoid contamination of any water or habitat.

 Boring/drilling shall occur only when conditions are dry, and no water is flowing in the channel, or when the water has been diverted as a part of the concurrent Santa Barbara County Floradale Bridge Replacement project.

 Boring shall not occur 12 hours prior to any forecasted measurable rainfall of 30% chance or higher. If the storm does not increase stream flow, CDFG shall be notified and, at its discretion, may allow boring 24 hours after the storm. If stream flow increases due to rain run-off, the boring shall cease for the winter storm season or until the flows return to pre-storm levels. Monitoring The Site Supervisor shall ensure all provisions of the approved Frac-out Contingency Plan are adhered to and is available on-site at all times during construction.

Mitigation HWQ-4 Biological monitors shall be on-site during operations. Monitors shall search for frac-outs and report any to the CDFG immediately. Monitors shall have the authority to stop operations when a frac-out occurs, or if there is a lack of returns in the pit.

Monitoring The Site Supervisor shall ensure Biological monitors shall be on-site during operations and shall survey for species prior to construction. If any species are found in the path of construction, the monitor shall relocate the species to a safe location. Monitors shall search for frac-outs and report any to the CDFG immediately. Monitors shall have the authority to stop operations when a frac-out occurs, or if there is a lack of returns in the pit.

Mitigation HWQ 5 Bentonite clay used in the drilling process shall be properly disposed of, as required by law, or recycled in an approved manner. All construction material and waste shall be cleaned from the project site, once the project is completed. Construction materials and wastes shall be recycled, or properly disposed of.

Monitoring The Site Supervisor shall ensure all construction material and waste is cleaned from the site once the project is completed and disposed of, or recycled, as appropriate. The Contractor shall ensure bentonite clay is disposed of properly, as required by law, or properly recycled for re-use.

Mitigation WQ-6 Containment materials (straw waddles, silt fencing, sand bags, frac-out barrels, etc.) shall be staged on-site at a location where they are readily available and easily mobilized for immediate use in the event of an accidental release of drilling mud (frac-out).

Monitoring The Site Supervisor shall ensure that containment materials are in place, and readily available in case of a frac-out, prior to beginning any drilling activity.

Mitigation HWQ-7 The contractor shall stop all boring when there is a drop in pressure or a lack of returns in the entrance pit. Monitors and contractors shall immediately search for the frac-out. If and when all monitors are convinced that a surface frac-out did not occur, drilling may continue, at a reduced speed and pressure until the monitors are comfortable with continuing the bore.

Monitoring The Site Supervisor shall ensure the contractor stops all boring when there is a drop in pressure or a lack of returns in the entrance pit. Monitors and contractors shall immediately search for the frac- out. If and when all monitors are convinced that a surface frac-out did not occur, drilling may continue, at a reduced speed and pressure until the monitors are comfortable with continuing the bore.

Mitigation HWQ-8 Pressure levels shall be monitored randomly by the monitors and shall be recorded. Pressure levels shall be set at a minimum level to prevent frac-outs.

Monitoring The Site Supervisor shall ensure pressure levels shall be monitored randomly by the monitors and shall be recorded. Pressure levels shall be set at a minimum level to prevent frac-outs.

Mitigation HWQ-9 Clean-up of all spills shall begin immediately. The CDFW shall be notified immediately by the Site Supervisor and Biological Monitor of any spills and shall be consulted regarding clean-up procedures. A Brady barrel shall be on-site and used if a frac-out occurs. Containment materials, such as straw bales, shall also be on-site prior to, and during, all operations.

Monitoring The Site Supervisor shall ensure CDFW is notified immediately of any spills and is consulted regarding clean-up procedures. The Site Supervisor shall also ensure a Brady barrel is on-site and ready for use if a Frac-out occurs, and that containment materials including straw bales, are also on- site during all drilling operations.

Mitigation HWQ-10 Water containing mud, silt, bentonite, or other pollutants from equipment washing or other activities, shall not be allowed to enter the Santa Ynez River riverbed or be placed in locations that may be subjected to high flows.

Monitoring The Site Supervisor shall ensure water containing mud, silt, bentonite, or other pollutants shall not be allowed to enter the Santa Ynez River riverbed, or be placed in locations that may be subjected to high flows.

Sources Consulted:

Kleinfelder / GANDA Inc., Biological Resources Review Memorandum for Floradale Avenue Crossing of the Santa Ynez River via Horizontal Directional Drilling, February 22, 2021.

City of Lompoc 2030 General Plan, October 2009, Rincon Consultants, Inc.

City of Lompoc Zoning Ordinance

County of Santa Barbara Department of Public Works, Transportation Division, Draft Mitigated Negative Declaration Floradale Avenue Bridge Replacement, 18NGD-00000-00003. August 2018.

Design Hydraulic Study, Floradale Avenue Bridge at Santa Ynez River, Bridge Number 51C0006, Santa Barbara County, CA, Avila & Associates Consulting Engineers, Inc., January 2018.

USGS Fault Mapping https://usgs.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=5a6038b3a1684561a9b0aadf884 12fcf

FIGURE 1

FIGURE 2

COMMENT AND RESPONSE TO COMMENT

PREPARED BY THE CITY OF LOMPOC

FLORADALE CROSSING SEWER LINE DIRECTIONAL DRILL PROJECT

SCH NO. 2021020258

CITY PROJECT NO. ER20-19 / MARCH 2021

COMMENT AND RESPONSE TO COMMENT

This document provides copies of the comments on the Draft MND, received in written form, during the public review period, as well as the City of Lompoc’s responses to those comments. The comment letters are followed by the City’s responses.

The City's Response to the Comments received on the Draft MND represents a good faith, reasoned effort to address the environmental issues identified by the comments. Under the CEQA Guidelines, the City is not required to respond to all comments, but only to respond to those comments that raise environmental issues. Case law under CEQA recognizes the City need only provide responses to comments that are commensurate in detail with the comment itself. In the case of specific comments, the City has responded with specific analysis and detail; in the case of a general comment, the reader is referred to a related response or a specific comment, if possible. The absence of a specific response to every comment does not violate CEQA if the response would be cumulative to other responses.

AGENCIES AND INDIVIDUALS THAT COMMENTED ON THE DRAFT MND Letters commenting on the information and analysis in the Draft MND were received from the following parties: 1. Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District 2. California Department of Fish and Wildlife 3. Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians

Letter No. 1 Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (SBCAPCD)

February 26, 2021 Stacy Lawson City of Lompoc Planning Division 100 Civic Center Plaza Lompoc, CA 93436

Re: Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District Suggested Conditions on the Floradale Crossing Sewer Line Directional Drill, ER20-19

Dear Stacy Lawson:

The Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (District) has reviewed the referenced project, which consists of the installation of approximately 700 feet of sewer line using trenchless technology boring under the Santa Ynez River. Construction is expected to take four to five weeks to complete and involves the use of a drill rig, support truck, drill stem trailer, water truck, small excavators and loaders, and three to five utility trucks. The subject property, zoned Open Space and identified in the Assessor Parcel Map Book as APN 095-040-004, is located upstream of the Floradale Bridge in the City of Lompoc.

The proposed project is subject to the following regulatory requirements that should be included as conditions of approval in the applicable land use permit:

1. All portable diesel-fired construction engines rated at 50 brake horsepower or greater must have either statewide Portable Equipment Registration Program (PERP) certificates or District permits prior to grading/building permit issuance. Construction engines with PERP certificates are exempt from the District permit, provided they will be on-site for less than 12 months.

In addition, the District recommends that the following best practices be considered for inclusion as conditions of approval, in the interest of reducing short-term construction emissions.

2. To reduce the potential for violations of District Rule 345 (Control of Fugitive Dust from Construction and Demolition Activities), Rule 302 (Visible Emissions), and Rule 303 (Nuisance), standard dust mitigations (Attachment A) are recommended for all construction and/or grading activities. The name and telephone number of an on-site contact person must be provided to the District prior to grading/building permit issuance.

3. The State of California considers particulate matter emitted by diesel engines carcinogenic. Therefore, during project grading, construction, and hauling, construction contracts must specify that contractors shall adhere to the requirements listed in Attachment B to reduce emissions of particulate matter (as well as of ozone precursors) from diesel equipment. Recommended measures should be implemented to the maximum extent feasible. Prior to grading/building permit issuance and/or map recordation, all requirements shall be shown as conditions of approval on grading/building plans, and/or on a separate sheet to be recorded with the map. Conditions shall be adhered to throughout all grading and construction periods. The contractor shall retain the Certificate of Compliance for CARB’s In-Use Regulation for Off-Road Diesel Vehicles onsite and have it available for inspection.

If you or the project applicant have any questions regarding these comments, please feel free to contact me at (805) 961-8878 or via email at [email protected].

Sincerely,

Emily Waddington Air Quality Specialist Planning Division

Attachments: Fugitive Dust Control Measures Diesel Particulate and NOx Emission Measures cc: Planning Chron. File

ATTACHMENT A - FUGITIVE DUST CONTROL MEASURES

These measures are required for all projects involving earthmoving activities regardless of the project size or duration. Projects are expected to manage fugitive dust emissions such that emissions do not exceed APCD’s visible emissions limit (APCD Rule 302), create a public nuisance (APCD Rule 303), and are in compliance with the APCD’s requirements and standards for visible dust (APCD Rule 345).

• During construction, use water trucks or sprinkler systems to keep all areas of vehicle movement damp enough to prevent dust from leaving the site and from exceeding the APCD’s limit of 20% opacity for greater than 3 minutes in any 60 minute period. At a minimum, this should include wetting down such areas in the late morning and after work is completed for the day. Increased watering frequency should be required when sustained wind speed exceeds 15 mph. Reclaimed water should be used whenever possible. However, reclaimed water should not be used in or around crops for human consumption.

• Onsite vehicle speeds shall be no greater than 15 miles per hour when traveling on unpaved surfaces.

• Install and operate a track-out prevention device where vehicles enter and exit unpaved roads onto paved streets. The track-out prevention device can include any device or combination of devices that are effective at preventing track out of dirt such as gravel pads, pipe-grid track-out control devices, rumble strips, or wheel-washing systems.

• If importation, exportation, and stockpiling of fill material is involved, soil stockpiled for more than one day shall be covered, kept moist, or treated with soil binders to prevent dust generation. Trucks transporting fill material to and from the site shall be tarped from the point of origin.

• Minimize the amount of disturbed area. After clearing, grading, earthmoving, or excavation is completed, treat the disturbed area by watering, OR using roll-compaction, OR revegetating, OR by spreading soil binders until the area is paved or otherwise developed so that dust generation will not occur. All roadways, driveways, sidewalks etc. to be paved should be completed as soon as possible.

• Schedule clearing, grading, earthmoving, and excavation activities during periods of low wind speed to the extent feasible. During periods of high winds (>25 mph) clearing, grading, earthmoving, and excavation operations shall be minimized to prevent fugitive dust created by onsite operations from becoming a nuisance or hazard.

• The contractor or builder shall designate a person or persons to monitor and document the dust control program requirements to ensure any fugitive dust emissions do not result in a nuisance and to enhance the implementation of the mitigation measures as necessary to prevent transport of dust offsite. Their duties shall include holiday and weekend periods when work may not be in progress.

The name and telephone number of such persons shall be provided to the Air Pollution Control District prior to grading/building permit issuance and/or map clearance.

PLAN REQUIREMENTS: All requirements shall be shown on grading and building plans and/or as a separate information sheet listing the conditions of approval to be recorded with the map. Timing: Requirements shall be shown on plans prior to grading/building permit issuance and/or recorded with the map during map recordation. Conditions shall be adhered to throughout all grading and construction periods.

MONITORING: The Lead Agency shall ensure measures are on project plans and/or recorded with maps. The Lead Agency staff shall ensure compliance onsite. APCD inspectors will respond to nuisance complaints.

ATTACHMENT B - DIESEL PARTICULATE AND NOX EMISSION REDUCTION MEASURES

Particulate emissions from diesel exhaust are classified as carcinogenic by the state of California. The following is a list of regulatory requirements and control strategies that should be implemented to the maximum extent feasible.

The following measures are required by state law:

• All portable diesel-powered construction equipment greater than 50 brake horsepower (bhp) shall be registered with the state’s portable equipment registration program OR shall obtain an APCD permit.

• Fleet owners of diesel-powered mobile construction equipment greater than 25 hp are subject to the California Air Resource Board (CARB) In-Use Off-Road Diesel-Fueled Fleets Regulation (Title 13, California Code of Regulations (CCR), §2449), the purpose of which is to reduce oxides of nitrogen (NOx), diesel particulate matter (DPM), and other criteria pollutant emissions from in-use off-road diesel-fueled vehicles. Off-road heavy-duty trucks shall comply with the State Off-Road Regulation. For more information, see www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/ordiesel/ordiesel.htm.

• Fleet owners of diesel-fueled heavy-duty trucks and buses are subject to CARB’s On-Road Heavy- Duty Diesel Vehicles (In-Use) Regulation (Title 13, CCR, §2025), the purpose of which is to reduce DPM, NOx and other criteria pollutants from in-use (on-road) diesel-fueled vehicles. For more information, see www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/onrdiesel.htm.

• All commercial off-road and on-road diesel vehicles are subject, respectively, to Title 13, CCR, §2449(d)(3) and §2485, limiting engine idling time. Off-road vehicles subject to the State Off-Road Regulation are limited to idling no more than five minutes. Idling of heavy-duty diesel trucks during loading and unloading shall be limited to five minutes, unless the truck engine meets the optional low- NOx idling emission standard, the truck is labeled with a clean-idle sticker, and it is not operating within 100 feet of a restricted area.

The following measures are recommended:

• Diesel equipment meeting the CARB Tier 3 or higher emission standards for off-road heavy-duty diesel engines should be used to the maximum extent feasible. • On-road heavy-duty equipment with model year 2010 engines or newer should be used to the maximum extent feasible. • Diesel powered equipment should be replaced by electric equipment whenever feasible. Electric auxiliary power units should be used to the maximum extent feasible. • Equipment/vehicles using alternative fuels, such as compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), propane or biodiesel, should be used on-site where feasible. • Catalytic converters shall be installed on gasoline-powered equipment, if feasible. • All construction equipment shall be maintained in tune per the manufacturer’s specifications. • The engine size of construction equipment shall be the minimum practical size.

• The number of construction equipment operating simultaneously shall be minimized through efficient management practices to ensure that the smallest practical number is operating at any one time. • Construction worker trips should be minimized by requiring carpooling and by providing for lunch onsite. • Construction truck trips should be scheduled during non-peak hours to reduce peak hour emissions whenever feasible. • Proposed truck routes should minimize to the extent feasible impacts to residential communities and sensitive receptors. • Construction staging areas should be located away from sensitive receptors such that exhaust and other construction emissions do not enter the fresh air intakes to buildings, air conditioners, and windows.

PLAN REQUIREMENTS AND TIMING: Prior to grading/building permit issuance and/or map recordation, all requirements shall be shown as conditions of approval on grading/building plans, and/or on a separate sheet to be recorded with the map. Conditions shall be adhered to throughout all grading and construction periods. The contractor shall retain the Certificate of Compliance for CARB’s In-Use Regulation for Off- Road Diesel Vehicles onsite and have it available for inspection.

Response to Comment 1

Comment noted. The proposed utility line location in an existing utility easement does not require a Land Use Permit. However, the commenter’s recommendations will be given consideration for inclusion in project construction plans and specifications developed for the proposed directional drilling sewer line placement.

Letter Number 2 – California Department of Fish and Wildlife

Response to Comment Letter 2, California Department of Fish and Wildlife

Comment Noted.

The City of Lompoc recognizes the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s role as both a Trustee and a Responsible Agency, and as noted in this DMND, the City plans to notify the CDFW of the project, allowing CDFW to determine whether a Streambed Alteration Agreement will be required.

Comment No. 1, Impacts to California Species of Special Concern

The proposed project is a directional drilling project to place two lines underground from an entry point on the right-of-way of Floradale Avenue to an exit point on the right-of-way of the Prison Farm Road and the existing sewer line easement. Each of these areas are either devoid of vegetation or have ruderal vegetation only.

Qualified biologists have surveyed the project site and found no Species of Special Concern (SSC) and no habitat for these species present. Additional surveys will occur prior to construction and a biologist will be present on the initial day of construction, as well as at any time issues related to SSC might arise. The work area is in existing disturbed rights-of-way and easement area, and presence of SSC are presumed, and avoidance measures have been incorporated into the mitigation for the project.

The commenter is incorrect in stating the “Project implementation includes staging and using heavy equipment within and adjacent to the active river channel. These activities included increased ambient noise and vibration, night lighting…”

No heavy equipment is to be used within the river channel and the entrance pit, drilling equipment and pipe laydown area are to be located more than 350-feet south of the river bank and riparian vegetation and the exit pit is to be located 230 feet north of the northern river bank. The proposed project does not plan to use equipment within the riparian area or within the banks of the river. Night work and night lighting is not proposed as a part of the project, either within or adjacent to the river channel.

The City proposed directional drilling project will occur during a portion of the year-long Floradale Bridge replacement, for a maximum of five weeks, Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 5:00 pm only. The project will take place from September 15 through October 31. This is outside the bird nesting season and before winter rains, when the river is driest. No entry into the riverbed is planned, with the exception of a biologist and crew members on foot to flag the easement location and if any frac-out occurs, to clean it up by hand.

Due to the fact night work is not proposed, and Daylight Savings will still be in effect during the project, there will be plenty of daylight to construct the project between the hours of 7:00 am and 5:00 pm. The proposed project is not to take place during bird nesting season, and as the project will not take place at night, bats and owls, will not be impacted. Habitat is not present in the project area and vegetation removal is not proposed.

There is, however, a concurrent project undertaken by Santa Barbara County in the same area approximately 160 feet to the west. This project involves construction of a new bridge and demolition of the existing Floradale Avenue Bridge. The project is currently in construction and will continue in construction through spring, 2023. This project has already removed a significant

53 amount of riparian vegetation within the riverbanks and the riverbed, and has, and will have, heavy equipment within the riverbed. The river will be diverted for the term of that project.

CDFW Recommended Potentially Feasible Mitigation Measures, Pages 4 and 5.

MM1 – Comment noted. This issue is addressed by Mitigation Measure B-3.

MM2 and 3 –This issue is addressed by Mitigation Measure B-7.

Construction equipment with noise reduction features (e.g. mufflers and engine shrouds) that are no less effective than those originally installed by the manufacturer will be required. Project hours will be from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday only. Note the concurrent bridge construction and demolition project would result in substantially greater noise in the project area and monitoring noise of just one drilling rig exclusive of other construction activity is infeasible.

MM4 – Comment noted. Qualified biologists have surveyed the project area, found no SSC and no habitat for SSC. A preconstruction survey will also be conducted, along with contractor environmental training, and a qualified biologist will be on-site on the first day of construction and available thereafter as necessary.

MM5 – This issue is addressed by Mitigation Measure B-5.

MM6 – This issue is addressed by Mitigation Measure B-4.

MM7 – This issue is addressed by Mitigation Measure B-6.

Comment 2: Impacts to Riparian Resources

Potential for frac-out will be limited, as frac-outs occur when drilling pressure is greatest, in the downward and upward trajectory of the drill. During the downward and upward trajectory, a drilling sleeve or outer pipe will be used to place the sewer lines, providing a second line of containment defense in the area of greatest potential for frac-out. Pressures are lowest on level portions of the drill. The portion under the riverbed is the level portion and the river itself will already be diverted by the County’s project. A frac-out contingency plan to direct cleanup response and limit pressures will be prepared.

The City does not propose to divert or obstruct the river’s flow. It will already be diverted as a part of the County’s bridge construction and demolition project. The City will not change the bed, channel or bank of the river, use material from the river or deposit material into the river. Underground directional drilling will not change geomorphologic processes in the river. The directional drilled lines will be placed 25 feet below the existing river’s thalwag.

MM1 – The City has stated in the MND CDFW will be notified.

MM2 – This issue is addressed by Mitigation Measures B-13 and B-14.

Weed control mitigation added for any disturbed soil in the ruderal project area (entrance, exit pits and laydown area alongside Floradale Avenue.) No soil disturbance or vegetation removal is proposed).

Recommendation 1 – The option of strapping the pipeline under the new Floradale Bridge is not only infeasible, but carries with it substantial additional risk to fish and wildlife, as opposed to the directional drilled lines under the river’s thalwag and scour depth. Sewer lines located beneath bridges are exposed to the elements and vandalism, require substantially more maintenance in the form of painting and repair. In addition, they are subject to damage from flood flows and floating debris. On the new Floradale Bridge, the City of Lompoc to Vandenberg Village sewer lines were planned to be placed on the upstream side of the bridge, directly in the area of highest impact and damage in case of flood flows. The downstream side of the new bridge is not available as it is being used by Vandenberg Air Force Base to locate their sewer lines. Maintenance work on bridges regularly runs the risk of nesting bird impacts and of material entering the riverbed and waterway, as well as the potential need for equipment to be used in the riverbed.

The proposed project has an anticipated 50-year life and will require very little maintenance. The cited potential for future erosion, undercutting, washouts, spills, settling and vegetation removal is substantially overstated, as maintenance work on directional drilled lines is conducted from the entry and exit pit areas, adjacent to the road pavement, well beyond the limits of the riverbed and its’ riparian zone. The proposed lines will be installed at an elevation that is way too deep for any surface repairs to be conducted.

Recommendation 2 – This issue is addressed by Mitigation Measure HWQ-3.

Comment 3: Survey and Assessment Methodology Qualified biologists have surveyed the project area (see photos taken by biologists below) and found no SSC, either plant or animal and no habitat for SSC. Proposed mitigation measures are adequate to address the project with its limited disturbance area and documented lack of habitat.

The following recommendations were made by qualified biologists Brett D. Hartman, Ph.D. and Wayne Vogler, of Kleinfelder / Ganda, after a desk top review of Special Status Species occurrences in the region of the project.

“Recommendations Although the riparian forest associated with the Santa Ynez River is suitable habitat for some special-status species, this habitat will not be affected by the HDD project pipe laydown and staging areas. These project sites do not contain suitable habitat for special-status plant or wildlife species. Rare plant surveys are not recommended during the blooming period due the lack of habitat at the staging areas to the north and the south of the river. Additionally, protocol level surveys are not recommended for wildlife species such as southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus), least Bell’s vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus) and California red-legged frog (Rana draytonii) because habitat for these species does not occur in the project area.”

Entrance Pit Location (South) Exit Pit Location (North)

Pipe Laydown Area (South)

MM1 – Comment noted. Reference Mitigation Measures B-1 through B-16. No SSC were located during qualified biologist surveys and no habitat was present. No mapping is needed as no SSC or their habitat is located in the project area. Proposed mitigation measures are adequate.

Letter Number 3 – Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians

Response to Comment 3: Comment Noted.