SIERRA BOULEVARD COMPLETE STREETS CITY OF SOUTH LAKE TAHOE Final Mitigated Negative Declaration
5.0 EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
The Environmental Checklist and discussion describes the impacts of the Project, as detailed in the Project Description. The Environmental Checklist is based on the questions provided in Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines (Revised 2016). This checklist focuses on 17 different categories. If substantial evidence exists for impacts not described in the checklist, these impacts should also be considered. Potential environmental impacts are described as follows:
Potentially Significant Impact: An environmental impact that could be significant and for which no feasible mitigation is known. If any potentially significant impacts are identified in this Checklist, an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) must be prepared.
Less than Significant with Mitigation: An environmental impact that requires the implementation of mitigation measures to reduce that impact to less than significant level.
Less than Significant Impact: An environmental impact may occur; however, the impact would not be considered significant based on CEQA environmental standards.
No Impact: No environmental impacts would result from implementation of the Project.
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INITIAL STUDY CHECKLIST
I. Aesthetics
Would the Project:
Environmental Issue Impact Impact Less Than Than Less Than Less Mitigation NoImpact Significant Significant Potentially Incorporated Significantwith
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. Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings? X d. Create a new source of substantial light or glare, which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in X the area?
Discussion: The Project is in an area of the City referred to as the Tahoe Sierra subdivision that can be characterized as a High Density Residential Subdivision including both apartment buildings and single-family homes. Surrounding land uses in the Project area include more High Density Residential, Commercial to the north along Hwy 50, and Open Space to the south and east of the Project. Both the City of South Lake Tahoe General Plan and Zoning Ordinance are uniformly consistent with the TRPA Regional Plan and Code of Ordinances outlining the requirements for development for major scenic view corridors and vistas within the Lake Tahoe Basin and Project vicinity. The identified view corridors and vistas in the Lake Tahoe Basin provide views of both Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Other examples of scenic resources include areas of wildlife or open space, parks, trails, landmarks, rock outcroppings, etc.
a & c) Less than Significant Impact. A majority of the Project elements would be constructed at the existing grade with the exception of directional signage and street light style poles. The project footprint can be described as a high density residential subdivision comprised mostly of single-family homes, accessory structures, small apartment buildings and a church. Depending on time of day there are numerous cars parked along the side of the roadway. Additionally, the Project is visible from TRPA Scenic Roadway Unit #35, which has low scenic quality and in contrast the Project would incrementally improve scenic quality (CSLT, 2017). As proposed, the Project would improve the overall aesthetic nature of the immediate project vicinity by providing orderly parking stalls and landscaping. b) No Impact. According to Caltrans’s Guidelines for the Official Designation of Scenic Highways, a Scenic Corridor is an area of land generally adjacent to and visible from the highway. Highway 50 from Echo Summit to the City limits is the nearest “Officially
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Designated” segment of state highway, which is 2.5 miles southwest of the Project1. Therefore, the Project has no impact on resources within a scenic highway. d) Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated. Installation of new street lighting along the shared use and pedestrian paths would be necessary for pedestrian safety and security purposes. While there are existing light sources along Sierra Boulevard, the new light source from the addition of street lighting has the potential to increase nighttime lighting and adversely affect nearby residences with short setbacks to the street right-of- away and front facing windows. The City Zoning Code Section 6.10.160 – Exterior Lighting, requires that new light sources installed as part of a Project provide the minimum lighting levels to meet the performance standards. In addition, TRPA Code Section 36.8.1. – Exterior Lighting Standards, provides general standards for lighting including directing lights downward, installation of cut shielding if needed, and maximum fixture height based on appropriateness to the purpose of the lighting.
Mitigation Measure AES-1
New light sources installed as part of the project shall provide the minimum lighting levels to meet security and safety purposes; shall be directed downward and away from adjacent residential areas; and shall be shielded, diffused, or indirect to reduce excessive glare into adjacent residential properties.
The design engineer shall provide data to the City of South Lake Tahoe Public Works Staff or equivalent that shows the proposed lighting and resulting lighting levels to determine if excessive glare would extend into adjacent residential properties during the design phase of the project.
1 Caltrans. California Scenic Highway Mapping System. Nevada and Sierra Counties. http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/LandArch/scenic_highways/index.htm. Accessed June 06, 2017.
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SIERRA BOULEVARD COMPLETE STREETS CITY OF SOUTH LAKE TAHOE Final Mitigated Negative Declaration
II. Agricultural and Forestry Resources
Would the Project:
Environmental Issue Impact Impact Less Than Than Less Than Less Mitigation NoImpact Significant Significant Potentially Incorporated Significantwith
a. Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide or Local Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the X Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to non-agricultural use? b. Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act contract? X c. Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code section 12220(g)), timberland (as defined by Public Resources Code section 4526), or timberland zoned Timberland X Production (as defined by Government Code section 51104(g))? d. Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to non-forest use? X e. Involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland (including livestock grazing) to X non-agricultural use?
Discussion: The Project site has historically been a residential neighborhood and not used for agricultural or timberland production. There are no agricultural uses near the Project site. a & e) No Impact. There is no Prime Farmland, Farmland of Statewide Importance, or Unique Farmland located in the Project area. There will be no impact on potential farmland development as a result of the Project. b) No Impact. The Williamson Act was enacted in 1965 and allows local governments to enter into contracts with private landowners that restrict the private land from use other than farmland or related open space. The private landowner receives a tax incentive and the land is thus preserved as farmland and not developed. There are no Williamson Act contracts in the Project vicinity, nor are there any agricultural zoning designations in the Project area. c & d) No Impact. According to California Public Resource Code Sections 4526, 12220(g), and 51104 (g), the Project is not located within a designated forest land, timberland, or
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Timberland Production Zone. Neither El Dorado County nor the City of South Lake Tahoe has designated the Project area as a significant forestland or timberland resource. There will be no potential for forestland development as a result of the Project.
III. Air Quality
Would the Project:
Environmental Issue Impact Impact Less Than Than Less Than Less Mitigation NoImpact Significant Significant Potentially Incorporated Significantwith
a. Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan? X b. Violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality X violation?
c. Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the Project region is in non-attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard (including releasing X emissions which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors)?
d. Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations? X e. Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people? X
Discussion: The Project is located in the Lake Tahoe Air Basin (LTAB), which extends into portions of El Dorado and Placer Counties in California, Washoe and Douglas Counties in Nevada, and Carson City Rural District in Nevada. The LTAB is affected by both the rate and location of pollutant emissions and by meteorological conditions that influence movement and dispersal of pollutants. Atmospheric conditions such as wind speed, wind direction, air temperature gradients, and existing air pollutant sources coupled with local topography affect the dispersion of air pollution and air quality in the LTAB.
Most airborne pollutants in the LTAB come from three sources located in populated areas that generate airborne anthropogenic materials which are road dust, vehicle exhaust, and chimney smoke. Undeveloped areas in the LTAB produce airborne dust and smoke from natural sources like forest fires and also resulting from the direct and indirect effects of land management practices (i.e. controlled burns). In addition, airborne materials generated in upwind areas, including the San Francisco Bay area and the Central Valley, are carried to the LTAB by the region's prevailing winds. As a result of the various potential emission sources, air quality regulations in the LTAB focus on the following air pollutants: ozone, carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (N02), sulfur dioxide (S02), fine particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), and lead. These pollutants are commonly referred to as "criteria air pollutants."
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SIERRA BOULEVARD COMPLETE STREETS CITY OF SOUTH LAKE TAHOE Final Mitigated Negative Declaration
Air quality within the LTAB is regulated by several agencies including the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), California Air Resources Board (CARB), El Dorado County Air Quality Management District (AQMD) and Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA). These agencies develop rules, regulations, policies, and/or plans to achieve the goals and directives imposed through legislation. Summary descriptions of the applicable agency regulations are provided in the following sub sections.
According to the TRPA Environmental Threshold Carrying Capacities (ETCC) (TABLE 3 below), of the eight threshold indicators under air quality and transportation, four have shown a positive trend over the past five years. The indicators for carbon monoxide, ozone, particulate matter, and Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) are in non-attainment, while visibility and the Hwy 50 traffic volume thresholds are in attainment. For other criteria pollutants, the LTAB is either in attainment or unclassified for the remaining national, state, and regional standards.
Federal Regulations
The EPA is responsible for implementing the federal Clean Air Act (1970), including establishing health based National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for air pollutants, hazardous air pollutant standards, approval of state attainment plans, motor vehicle emission standards, stationary source emission standards and permits, acid rain control measures, stratospheric Ozone (O3) protection, and enforcement provisions. NAAQS are established for criteria pollutants under the Clean Air Act are O3, CO, NO2, SO2, PM10 and PM2.5, and lead. The standards set for criteria pollutants are periodically reviewed and revised as applicable. The NAAQS describe acceptable air quality conditions designed to protect the health and welfare of the citizens of the nation and are shown in Table 1 below.
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Table 1: California Ambient Air Quality Standards Averaging California Standards National Standards Pollutant Time Concentration 3 Method 4 Primary 3,5 Secondary 3,6 Method 7 0.09 ppm 1 Hour 3 — Same as 8 (180 μg/m ) Ultraviolet Ultraviolet Ozone (O3) Primary 0.070 ppm Photometry 0.070 ppm Photometry 8 Hour Standard (137 μg/m3) (137 μg/m3)
Respirable 24 Hour 50 μg/m3 150 μg/m3 Same as Inertial Separation Particulate Gravimetric or Primary and Gravimetric Matter Annual Beta Attenuation 3 Standard Analysis (PM10)9 Arithmetic 20 μg/m — Mean Same as Fine 24 Hour — — 35 μg/m3 Primary Inertial Separation Particulate Standard and Gravimetric Matter Annual 9 Gravimetric or Analysis (PM2.5) Arithmetic 12 μg/m3 12.0 μg/m3 15 μg/m3 Beta Attenuation Mean
20 ppm 35 ppm 1 Hour — (23 mg/m3) (40 mg/m3) Carbon Non-Dispersive Non-Dispersive Monoxide 9.0 ppm Infrared Photometry 9 ppm Infrared Photometry 8 Hour — (CO) (10 mg/m3) (NDIR) (10 mg/m3) (NDIR) 8 Hour (Lake 6 ppm (7 mg/m3) — — Tahoe)
0.18 ppm 100 ppb 1 Hour — Nitrogen (339 μg/m3) (188 μg/m3) Gas Phase Gas Phase Dioxide 10 Chemiluminescence Chemiluminescence (NO2) Annual Same as 0.030 ppm 0.053 ppm Arithmetic Primary (57 μg/m3) (100 μg/m3) Mean Standard
0.25 ppm 75 ppb 1 Hour — (655 μg/m3) (196 μg/m3)
0.5 ppm Ultraviolet Sulfur 3 Hour — — (1300 Flourescence; Ultraviolet 3 Dioxide μg/m ) Spectrophotometry 11 Fluorescence 0.14 ppm (SO2) 0.04 ppm (Pararosaniline 24 Hour (for certain — (105 μg/m3) Method) areas)11 Annual 0.030 ppm Arithmetic — (for certain — Mean areas)11 30 Day 1.5 μg/m3 — — Average 1.5 μg/m3 Calendar High Volume — (for certain Lead12,13 Quarter Atomic Absorption Same as Sampler and Atomic areas)12 Primary Absorption Rolling 3- Standard Month — 0.15 μg/m3 Average Visibility Beta Attenuation and Reducing 8 Hour See footnote 14 Transmittance Particles14 through Filter Tape No National Standards Sulfates 24 Hour 25 μg/m3 Ion Chromatography Hydrogen 0.03 ppm Ultraviolet 1 Hour Sulfide (42 μg/m3) Fluorescence
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SIERRA BOULEVARD COMPLETE STREETS CITY OF SOUTH LAKE TAHOE Final Mitigated Negative Declaration
Table 1: California Ambient Air Quality Standards Averaging California Standards National Standards Pollutant Time Concentration 3 Method 4 Primary 3,5 Secondary 3,6 Method 7 Vinyl 0.01 ppm Gas 24 Hour Chloride12 (26 μg/m3) Chromatography Source: California Air Resources Board (5/4/16) Notes: 1. California standards for ozone, carbon monoxide (except 8-hour Lake Tahoe), sulfur dioxide (1 and 24 hour), nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5, and visibility reducing particles), are values that are not to be exceeded. All others are not to be equaled or exceeded. California ambient air quality standards are listed in the Table of Standards in Section 70200 of Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations. 2. National standards (other than ozone, particulate matter, and those based on annual arithmetic mean) are not to be exceeded more than once a year. The ozone standard is attained when the fourth highest 8-hour concentration measured at each site in a year, averaged over three years, is equal to or less than the standard. For PM10, the 24 hour standard is attained when the expected number of days per calendar year with a 24-hour average concentration above 150 μg/m3 is equal to or less than one. For PM2.5, the 24 hour standard is attained when 98 percent of the daily concentrations, averaged over three years, are equal to or less than the standard. Contact the U.S. EPA for further clarification and current national polices. 3. Concentration expressed first in units in which it was promulgated. Equivalent units given in parentheses are based upon a reference temperature of 25°C and a reference pressure of 760 torr. Most measurements of air quality are to be corrected to a reference temperature of 25°C and a reference pressure of 760 torr; ppm in this table refers to ppm by volumes, or micromoles of pollutant per mole of gas. 4. Any equivalent measurement method which can be shown to the satisfaction of the ARB to give equivalent results at or near the level of the air quality standard may be used. 5. National Primary Standards: The levels of air quality necessary, with an adequate margin of safety to protect the public health. 6. National Secondary Standards: The levels of air quality necessary to protect the public welfare from any known or anticipated adverse effects of a pollutant. 7. Reference method as described by the U.S. EPA. An “equivalent method” of measurement may be used but must have a “consistent relationship to the reference method” and must be approved by the U.S. EPA. 8. On October 1, 2015, the national 8-hour ozone primary and secondary standards were lowered from 0.075 to 0.070 ppm. 3 3. 9. On December 14, 2012, the national annual PM2.5 primary standard was lowered from 15 μg/m to 12.0 μg/m The existing national 24-hour PM2.5 standards (primary and secondary) were retained at 35 μg/m3, as was the annual secondary of 15 μg/m3 standard of 15 μg/m3. The existing 24-hour PM10 standards (primary and secondary) of 15 μg/m3 also were retained. The form of the annual primary and secondary standards is the annual mean, averaged over 3 years. 10. To attain the 1-hour national standard, the 3-year average of the annual 98th percentile of the 1-hour daily maximum concentrations at each site must not exceed 100ppb. Note that the national 1-hour standard is in units of parts ber billion (ppb). California standards are in units of parts per million (ppm). To directly compare the national 1-hour standard to the California standards the units can be converted from ppb to ppm. In this case, the national standard of 100 ppb is identical to 0.100 ppm. 11. On June 2, 2010, a new 1-hour SO2 standard was established and the existing 24-hour and annual primary standards were revoked. To attain the 1-hour national th standard, the 3-year average of the annual 99 percentile of the 1-hour daily maximum concentrations at each site must not exceed 75 ppb. The 1971 SO2 national standards (24-hour and annual) remain in effect until one year after an area is designated for the 2010 standard, except that in areas designated nonattainment for the 1971 standards, the 1971 standards remain in effect until implementation plans to attain or maintain the 2010 standards are approved. Note that the 1-hour national standard is in units of parts per billion (ppb). California standards are in units of parts per million (ppm). To directly compare the 1- hour national standard to the California standard the units can be converted to ppm. In this case, the national standard of 75 ppb is identified to 0.075 ppm. 12. The ARB has identified leas and vinyl chloride as ‘toxic air contaminants’ with no threshold level of exposure for adverse health effects determined. These actions allow for the implementation of control measures at levels below the ambient concentrations specified for these pollutants. 13. The national standard for leas was revised on October 15, 2008 to a rolling 3-month average. The 1978 lead standard (1.5 μg/m3 as a quarterly average) remains in effect until one year after and area is designated for the 2008 standard, except that in areas designated nonattainment for the 1978 standard, the 1978 standard remains in effect until implementation plans to attain or maintain the 2008 standard are approved. 14. In 1989, the ARB converted both the general statewide 10-mile visibility standard and the Lake Tahoe 30-mile visibility standard to instrumental equivalents, which are “extinction of 0.23 per kilometer” and “extinction of 0.07 per kilometer” for the statewide and Lake Tahoe Air Basin standards, respectively.
State Regulations
The CARB is responsible for implementing the California Clean Air Act, 1988 and has established CAAQS, which are generally more restrictive than the NAAQS. In general, the CARB works with local agencies to develop policies, guidance, and regulations related to State and federal ambient air quality standards; coordinates with local agencies on transportation plans and strategies; and provides assistance to local districts and transportation agencies to meet air quality standards established under both the federal and California Clean Air Acts. The CARB is also the lead agency in the development of reduction strategies for greenhouse gases for the State of California (CARB, 2017). The CAAQS are presented in Table 1 above.
Local Regulations
El Dorado County Air Quality Management District
The El Dorado County AQMD is the primary agency responsible for air quality regulation in the LTAB. As part of that role, the El Dorado County AQMD has prepared the 2002 CEQA Guide to Air Quality Assessment (Guide). The purpose of the Guide is to facilitate the evaluation and review of air quality impacts for projects in El Dorado County that are subject to CEQA. The Guide’s intent is to facilitate and provide consistency in the preparation of analyses that inform decision-makers and the public about the air quality implications of a project. The Guide has established construction thresholds for air quality for priority pollutants shown in Table 2.
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Table 2: El Dorado County AQMD Threshold of Significance Pollutant Construction Threshold ROG 82 lbs/day NOx 82 lbs/day PM10 Project would cause or contribute to a violation of Ambient Air Quality Standards CO (AAQS) Source: El Dorado County 2002
For construction projects, El Dorado County has identified screening criteria to assist with determining whether a construction project would substantially impact air quality. Screening of construction equipment exhaust emissions may be done using one of two possible methods: 1) based on fuel use; and 2) based on implementation of mitigation measures. Screening of fugitive dust PM10 emissions may be accomplished based on implementation of mitigation measures. If it is determined that a construction project would have a less than significant effect on air quality after use of the appropriate screening criteria, than modeling or other steps to estimate the amount of emissions that would be generated are not required (El Dorado County, 2002).
Tahoe Regional Planning Agency
TRPA takes air quality into consideration in its planning and permitting activities to ensure compliance with State and District air quality standards for projects in the LTAB. Because the TRPA’s authority is granted directly from Congress, the TRPA has the authority to adopt air quality and other environmental quality thresholds, and to enforce ordinances designed to achieve the thresholds. Table 3 below describes the ETCC for the LTAB.
Table 3: Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Air Quality Threshold of Significance Pollutant Construction Threshold ROG 82 lbs/day NOx 82 lbs/day 8-hour average: 6 CO parts per million 1-hour average: 20 ppm (ppm) PM10 Annual arithmetic 24-hour average: 50 mean: 20 µg/m3 µg/m3 PM2.5 Annual arithmetic 24-hour average: 65 mean: 12 µg/m3 µg/m3 Ozone 8-hour average: 0.07 1-hour average: 0.08 ppm ppm Source: 2015 TRPA Threshold Report a) Less than Significant Impact. Projects that could generate emissions in excess of the El Dorado County AQMD and the TRPA ETCC recommended significance thresholds would be considered to potentially conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan. Once operational, the Project would not be anticipated to result in long-term increases of mobile-source emissions because it is a streetscape project that will improve circulation and provide safe transportation alternatives thereby reducing emissions. In addition, short- term construction-generated emissions are not projected to exceed applicable thresholds of significance due to the short duration required for construction and adherence to applicable
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El Dorado County and TRPA requirements. Thus, implementation of the Project would not conflict with nor obstruct implementation of applicable air quality plans. b) Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated. Construction of the Project could result in Short-term increases in emissions caused by grading and excavation, paving, and vehicle exhaust from construction equipment. Increased emissions would consist of ROG, 2 NO and emissions of PM1O, CO, SO2 and NOx. Emissions of ozone-precursors could result from the operation of both on and off-road motorized vehicles and equipment. Emissions of airborne PM would be dependent on the amount of ground disturbance associated with site preparation activities and could result in increased concentrations of PM causing an adverse effect on nearby sensitive receptors. Emission levels can only be estimated due to uncertainty in precise ambient air quality impacts. Construction emissions can vary substantially from day to day, depending on the level of activity, the specific type of operation, time of day, and the prevailing weather conditions. Therefore, fugitive dust (PM10 and PM2.5) emissions would primarily result from grading activities. NOx and CO emissions would primarily result from the use of construction equipment and motor vehicles.
The construction equipment that is anticipated to be used for the proposed Project includes: front-end loader, backhoe, paving machine, crane, pavement roller, milling machine, paver, dump truck, and water truck. Project construction is scheduled for spring 2018 and is expected to last approximately two construction seasons or a total of 11 months (5 months in 2018 and 6 months in 2019).
Potential construction emissions were compared to the Caltrans Highway 50 Project, which is a larger scale project also requiring compliance with local and regional air quality standards related to fugitive dust NOx and CO emissions (Caltrans, 2015). The proposed Project would also require compliance with dust control practices in compliance with the provisions of the El Dorado County Air Pollution Control District Rule 223, TRPA Regional Plan Goals and Policies related to Air Quality and the NAAQS. Due to the smaller scale and shorter construction timeframe of the proposed Project, incorporation of standard mitigation measures that would reduce fugitive dust, NOx, and CO emissions, impacts would be reduced to less than significant. The following mitigation measures would reduce potential impacts related to fugitive dust, NOx, and CO emissions from construction emissions to less than significant.
Mitigation Measure AQ-1
To reduce fugitive dust emissions from construction activities, the construction contractor shall comply with the following: All exposed surfaces (e.g., parking areas, staging areas, soil piles, graded areas, and unpaved access roads) shall be watered two times per day or to the extent necessary to adequately suppress dust.
All haul trucks transporting soil, sand, or other loose material on or off-site shall be covered.
All visible mud or dirt track-out onto adjacent public roads shall be removed using wet power vacuum street sweepers at least once per day. The use of dry power sweeping is prohibited.
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• Idling times shall be minimized either by shutting equipment off when not in use or reducing the maximum idling time to 5 minutes (as required by the California airborne toxics control measure Title 13, Section 2485 of California Code of Regulations [CCR]).
• Post a publicly visible sign with the telephone and person to contact at the Lead Agency regarding dust complaints. This person shall respond and take corrective action within 48 hours. The El Dorado County Air Pollution Control District’s phone number shall also be visible to ensure compliance with applicable regulations. c) Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated. Short-term increases in emissions could occur during construction of the Project. However, since the Project will improve an existing roadway and increase mobility for bike/pedestrian users there would be no long- term or cumulatively considerable increases in emissions. Construction generated emissions would be of a temporary duration and last only as long as the actual construction of the Project, but also have the potential to cause a significant air quality impact. Temporary generation of emissions would be associated with site grading and excavation, paving, and vehicle exhaust from construction equipment.
Temporary short-term construction emissions could result in increased emissions of ROG, 2 2 x NO and emissions of PM1O, CO, SO and NO . Emissions of ozone-precursors could result from the operation of both on and off-road motorized vehicles and equipment. Emissions of airborne PM would be dependent on the amount of ground disturbance associated with site preparation activities and could result in increased concentrations of PM than can adversely affect nearby sensitive land uses. In addition, emissions of diesel PM would be generated from different locations along the project site as construction equipment move along the roadway alignment, not exposing any single receptor to exhaust emissions for extended periods of time. Further, construction activities would be relatively minor and temporary not lasting more than two construction seasons.
Although there are existing sensitive receptors located adjacent to the project site, project construction would occur during daytime hours when residents are generally not home, thus limiting exposure from construction-related emissions to these receptors. The LTAB is currently in attainment status for US EPA NAAQS criteria pollutants (EPA, 2017). In order to comply with both the El Dorado County AQMD and TRPA ETCC fugitive dust control requirements and implementation of Mitigation Measure AQ-1 would ensure that Project generated emissions would not exceed applicable AQMD and TRPA ETCC significance thresholds. Therefore, given the short construction timeframe, temporary nature of construction activities and the linear nature of construction activities, sensitive receptors would not be exposed to excessive levels of TACs previously mentioned above from construction activities with the implementation of Mitigation Measure AQ-1. Construction generated emissions would be considered less than significant.
Mitigation Measure AQ-2
Implement Mitigation Measure AQ-1. d) Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated. Sensitive receptors are considered residences, schools, parks, hospitals, or other land uses where children or the elderly congregate, or where outdoor activity is the primary land use. Sensitive receptors within the vicinity of the project site generally consist of both multi-family and single occupancy units. Due to the proposed two season construction schedule (Year 1: June-October, Year 2: May-October) and sporadic nature of construction activities required for the Project along
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with implementation of Mitigation Measure AQ-1, impacts are considered less than significant.
Mitigation Measure AQ-3
Implement Mitigation Measure AQ-1. e) Less than Significant Impact. Once the Project is complete it would not generate objectionable odors. Nevertheless, construction operations may periodically generate odors from diesel exhaust emissions, painting, and paving operations. Odors created by construction operations would be temporary and would dissipate rapidly from the source with an increase in distance and due to the linear nature of construction activities. Therefore, impacts would be short-term and would not be objectionable to a substantial number of residents along Sierra Boulevard.
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IV. Biological Resources
Would the Project:
Environmental Issue Impact Impact Less Than Than Less Than Less Mitigation NoImpact Significant Significant Potentially Incorporated Significantwith
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 local or regional plans, policies or regulations, or by the California X Department of Fish & Wildlife or U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service?
b. Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies or regulations or by the X California Department of Fish & Wildlife or U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service?
c. Have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, X etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means? d. Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, X or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites? e. Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or X ordinance? f. Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat X conservation plan?
Discussion: A biological resources technical memorandum was prepared in August of 2017 (Appendix C) to evaluate the potential effects of the Project on special status plant and animal species as well as protected habitat in the vicinity of the Project. Background database searches were conducted and Special Status Species lists requested from the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB), California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) list of endangered and threatened species, California Native Plant Society (CNPS) list of rare plants, United States Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS) Information Planning and Conservation System (IPaC) trust resources list, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) special interest species list, the United States Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (USFS LTBMU) sensitive
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SIERRA BOULEVARD COMPLETE STREETS CITY OF SOUTH LAKE TAHOE Final Mitigated Negative Declaration species list, and the USFWS migratory bird list and other federally protected, threatened and endangered species. The results from the database searches and species list requests are presented in Table 4 below. An NCE biologist conducted a field survey in support of the biological resources technical memorandum on July 25, 2017. The field survey included mapping present invasive species within the Project area. No special status species were observed in the Project area during the field survey, as shown in Table 4.
Table 4: Special Status Species Database and List Review Species Habitat Observed Exists in Scientific Name Common Name Database/List in Project Project area area Bird Species Accipiter gentilis Northern goshawk CNDDB, TRPA, LTBMU No No Aechmophorus Western grebe USFWS Migratory Bird No No occidentalis Agelaius tricolor Tricolored blackbird USFWS Migratory Bird No No Aimophila Rufous-crowned sparrow USFWS Migratory Bird No No ruficeps Anatidae, Waterfowl (ducks, geese, TRPA No No Ardeidae, herons, terns, etc.) Sternidae families Aquila chrysaetos Golden eagle TRPA No No Asio flammeus Short-eared owl USFWS Migratory Bird No No Buteo swainsoni Swainson’s hawk USFWS Migratory Bird No No Centrocercus Greater sage-grouse USFWS Migratory Bird No No urophasianus Charadrius Snowy plover USFWS Migratory Bird No No nivosus Contopus cooperi Olive-sided flycatcher USFWS Migratory Bird No Yes Empidonax traillii Willow flycatcher CNDDB, LTBMU, USFWS No Yes Migratory Bird Flaco peregrinus Peregrine falcon TRPA, USFWS Migratory No No anatum Bird Gymnorhinus Pinyon jay USFWS Migratory Bird No No cyanocephalus Haliaeetus Bald eagle TRPA, LTBMU, USFWS No No leucocephalus Migratory Bird Leucosticte atrata Black rosy-finch USFWS Migratory Bird No No Melanerpes lewis Lewis’s woodpecker USFWS Migratory Bird No No Oreoscoptes Sage thrasher USFWS Migratory Bird No No montanus Oreothlypis Virginia’s warbler USFWS Migratory Bird No No virginiae Otus flammeolus Flammulated owl USFWS Migratory Bird No No
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Species Habitat Observed Exists in Scientific Name Common Name Database/List in Project Project area area Pandion Osprey TRPA No No haliaetus Passerella iliaca Fox sparrow USFWS Migratory Bird No No Picoides White headed USFWS Migratory Bird No Yes albolarvatus woodpecker Pipilo chlorurus Green-tailed towhee USFWS Migratory Bird No No Riparia riparia Bank swallow CNDDB No No Selasphorus rufus Rufous hummingbird USFWS Migratory Bird No No Sphyrapicus Williamson’s sapsucker USFWS Migratory Bird No Yes thyroideus Spizella breweri Brewer’s sparrow USFWS Migratory Bird No No Stellula calliope Calliope hummingbird USFWS Migratory Bird No No Strix nebulosa Great gray owl LTBMU No No Strix occidentalis California spotted owl LTBMU, USFWS Migratory No No occidentalis Bird Xanthocephalus Yellow-headed blackbird CNDDB No Yes xanthocephalus Plant, Lichen, and Moss species Arabis rigidissima Galena creek rockcress CNPS 1B.2, TRPA, LTBMU No No var. demota Arabis tiehmii Tiehm's rockcress LTBMU No No Boechera Tulare rockcress LTBMU No Yes tularensis Botrychium Upswept moonwort CNPS 2B.3, LTBMU No No ascendens Botrychium Scalloped moonwort CNPS 2B.2, LTBMU No No crenulatum Botrychium Slender moonwort LTBMU No Yes lineare Botrychium Common moonwort LTBMU No Yes lunaria Botrychium Mingan moonwort CNPS 2B.2, LTBMU No Yes minganense Botrychium Western goblin LTBMU No No montanum Bruchia bolanderi Bolander's bruchia/ CNPS 4.2, LTBMU No Yes candlemoss Dendrocollybia Branched collybia LTBMU No No racemosa Draba Tahoe draba CNPS 1B.2, TRPA, LTBMU No No asterophora var. asterophora
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SIERRA BOULEVARD COMPLETE STREETS CITY OF SOUTH LAKE TAHOE Final Mitigated Negative Declaration
Species Habitat Observed Exists in Scientific Name Common Name Database/List in Project Project area area Draba Cup lake draba TRPA, LTBMU No No asterophora var. macrocarpa Draba cruciata Mineral King draba LTBMU No No Erigeron miser Starved daisy LTBMU No No Eriogonum Goldencarpet buckwheat LTBMU No No luteolum var. saltuarium Eriogonum Donner Pass buckwheat LTBMU No No umbellatum var. torreyanum Helodium Blandow's bog moss LTBMU No No blandowii Hulsea brevifolia Short-leaved hulsea LTBMU No No Ivesia sericoleuca Plumas ivesia LTBMU No No Lewisia kelloggii LTBMU No No ssp. hutchisonii Hutchison's lewisia Lewisia kelloggii LTBMU No No ssp. kelloggii Kellogg’s lewisia Lewisia Long-petaled lewisia LTBMU, TRPA No No longipetala Meesia triquetra Three-ranked hump moss CNPS 4.2 No No Meesia uliginosa Broad-nerved hump CNPS 2B.2, LTBMU No No moss Orthotrichum Orthotrichum moss LTBMU No No praemorsum Pinus albicaulis White bark pine LTBMU No No Peltigera Goward’s water fan LTBMU No No gowardii Rorippa Tahoe yellow cress CNPS 1B.1, TRPA, LTBMU No No subumbellata Fish Species Gila bicolor Lahontan lake tui chub LTBMU No No pectinifer Oncorhynchus Lahontan cutthroat trout USFWS Federally No No clarki henshawi threatened species Amphibian Species Lithobates pipiens Northern leopard frog CNDDB No No Rana sierrae Sierra Nevada yellow- USFWS Federally No No legged frog endangered species, LTBMU Mammalian Species
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SIERRA BOULEVARD COMPLETE STREETS CITY OF SOUTH LAKE TAHOE Final Mitigated Negative Declaration
Antrozous Pallid bat LTBMU No No pallidus Corynorhinus Townsend's big-eared LTBMU No No townsendii bat Gulo gulo luscus North American USFWS federally No No wolverine proposed threatened species Gulo gulo luteus California wolverine LTBMU No No Martes caurina American marten LTBMU No No Myotis Fringed myotis LTBMU No No thysanodes Odocoileus Mule deer TRPA No No hemionus Insects Bombus Western bumble bee LTBMU No No occidentalis Helisoma Great Basin rams-horn LTBMU No No newberryi (snail) newberryi
The Project is located in an area that is predominantly roadway and disturbed road shoulder. Habitat in the Project area is mostly urban and Jeffrey pine coniferous forest. There are two types of soils that occur in the Project area, Christopher-Gefo Complex, 0-5% slopes and the Marla loamy coarse sand, 0-5 slopes. The Christopher–Gefo Complex occurs in a majority of the Project area. This soil type forms on hillslopes and outwash terraces derived from granodiorite. The depth to restrictive feature is more than 80 inches and it is excessively drained. The Marla Loamy Coarse Sand is located in the northern portion of the Project area generally following the Chris Avenue basin drainage system. This soil type is known to form on valley flats and outwash terraces on alluvium derived from granodiorite. Depth to restrictive feature is more than 80 inches and it is poorly drained and is rated as a hydric soil (NRCS Web soil survey).
Species observed during the field investigation are representative of species commonly found in the urban environment in South Lake Tahoe:
Mammals • Sylvilagus nuttallii (Nuttall’s cottontail) • Canis latrans (Coyote) • Sciurus griseus (Western gray squirrel) • Callospermophilus lateralis (Golden-mantled ground squirrel)
Birds • Cyanocitta stelleri (Stellar’s jay) • Picoides albolarvatus (White-headed woodpecker) • Euphagus cyanocephalus (Brewers black bird) • Zenaida macroura (Mourning dove) • Sitta carolinensis (White-breasted nuthatch) • Colaptes auratus (Northern flicker) • Corvus brachyrhynchos (American crow)
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SIERRA BOULEVARD COMPLETE STREETS CITY OF SOUTH LAKE TAHOE Final Mitigated Negative Declaration
Trees • Pinus jeffreyi (Jeffrey pine) • Pinus contorta (Lodgepole pine) • Populus tremuloides (Quaking aspen)
Shrubs • Purshia tridentata (Bitterbrush) • Artemisia tridentata (Sagebrush) • Rosa woodsia (Mountain rose) • Salix lemmonii (Lemmon’s willow)
Herbs • Wyethia helenioides (Mule’s ear) • Elymus trachycaulus (Slender wheatgrass) • Juncus spp. • Lupinus argenteus (Silvery lupine) • Eriogonum umbellatum (Sulphur flower buckwheat)
Noxious Weeds Several noxious weed varieties were observed in the Project area and are shown below in Table 5 and mapped locations of noxious weeds is shown in Figure 4. The California Invasive Plant council (Cal IPC) rates the severity of the risk associated with the weed varieties from Limited to High. Weed varieties encountered during the field survey and their CAL-IPC ratings are shown below.
Table 5: Noxious Weed Varieties Found in Project area and CAL-IPC Rating Weed Variety CAL-IPC Inventory Rating Bromus tectorum (Cheat grass) High Lactuca serriola (Prickly lettuce) none Tragopogon dubius (Western salsify) none Cirsium vulgare (Bull thistle) Moderate Verbascum thapsus (Mullein) Limited Cichorium intybus (Common chicory) none
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CHARLES AVE
Washoe
Placer Carson City WILLIAM AVE US ROUTE 50
ELWOOD AVE Douglas
SIERRA BLVD El Dorado MARTIN AVE ARMSTRONG AVE
PALMIRA AVE Alpine KNOX AVE CARSON AVE
RENO AVE
CHRIS AVE BERTHA AVE
OSBORNE AVE
KUBEL AVE
ALMA AVE
STOCKTON AVE
L LODI AVE IN D B E R G A V E
ROSE AVE
PINTER AVE
BEECHER AVE
FOUNTAIN AVE
LODI AVE
Legend SIERRA BLVD COMPLETE STREETS ¯ FIGURE Project Area 1 in.= 400 ft. CAL-IPC listed weed species Bromus tectorum 0 200 400 4 ft. Cirsium vulgare SOURCE JOB NUMBER DRAWN DATE REVISED APPROVED Verbascum thapsus Document Path: P:\ActiveProjects\South Lake Tahoe City - A503\503.06.25 -Sierra Blvd Complete Streets\Design & Mapping\GIS\Maps\Weeds.mxd NCE 2017 503.03.25 drios 11/13/2017 2/2/18 jhall SIERRA BOULEVARD COMPLETE STREETS CITY OF SOUTH LAKE TAHOE Final Mitigated Negative Declaration a) Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated. The Project will not permanently impact any previously undisturbed areas. All improvements will be constructed in existing Road right-of-way and public utilities easements. A review of special status species from the CNDDB, CNPS list of rare plants, CDFW list of threatened and endangered species, USFWS Information Planning and Conservation system (IPaC) trust resources list, the TRPA special interest species list, the USFS LTBMU sensitive species list, and the USFWS migratory bird list were analyzed for potential habitat within the Project area. A field survey was conducted on July 25, 2017 by an NCE biologist to confirm background research. No special status species or habitat was observed in the Project area. It is possible that adjacent habitat could be temporarily disturbed during construction due to noise and vibrations from construction equipment. This effect is less than significant with the implementation of the following mitigation measures.
Mitigation Measure Bio-1
The City or approved construction contractor shall retain a qualified biologist to conduct a pre-construction survey of the Project area to include a 100-foot buffer, as access is available, to locate active bird nests, identify measures to protect the nests, and locate any other special status species. The pre-construction survey shall be conducted no more than 14 days prior to the implementation of construction activities (including staging and equipment storage). Any active nest should not be disturbed until young have fledged or under the direction provided by a qualified biologist. Any special status species shall not be disturbed under the direction provided by a qualified biologist.
Mitigation Measure Bio-2
Any special status species observed in the Project area before or during construction by the construction contractor, project engineer, or other project personnel shall be reported immediately to the Resident Engineer or equivalent representative. In response, the City or approved construction contractor shall retain a qualified biologist to immediately (within 24 hours) implement adequate protections of special status species. b) No Impact. The Project does not contain any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural communities identified in local or regional plans, policies or regulations or by the California Department of Fish & Wildlife or U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. However, there may be a very small area of riparian habitat associated with a man-made infiltration basin in the immediate vicinity of the project located at the corner of Sierra Boulevard and Chris Avenue that could be temporarily impacted by construction activities. Because the project will involve ground disturbance in excess of 1 acre, the City will be required to apply for coverage under the Lake Tahoe Construction General Permit. This permit will require the City to develop and implement a project-specific Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). This plan will ensure temporary Best Managements Practices (BMPs) are properly installed and maintained to minimize water quality impacts. The temporary impact from noise or vibration to the riparian area during construction with the implementation of BMPs would be less than significant. c) No Impact. The Project does not propose any dredging, filling, removal or alterations to wetlands or waters of the US that would require permitting pursuant to sections 401 and 404 of the Federal Clean Water Act nor California Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) Code Section 1602 (Streambed Alteration Agreement). The on-site drainages are tributaries to the Upper Truckee River, a verified Waters of the US, which is approximately 0.25 miles southwest of the Project area. The State and Federal Regulations governing the protection of wetlands are sufficient to ensure that, if present, impacts would be less than significant.
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SIERRA BOULEVARD COMPLETE STREETS CITY OF SOUTH LAKE TAHOE Final Mitigated Negative Declaration
d) No Impact. The Project would 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, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites. There are no waterways in the Project area that would impede fish species or nursery sites. The Project area is an existing public roadway that has been in place for approximately forty years. Project construction would occur within the existing footprint and therefore would not alter any existing migratory corridors previously disturbed by the existing roadway. Due to existing conditions, any impacts to migratory corridors would be less than significant.
e) No Impact. No trees are proposed for removal as part of the Project; therefore, there is no identified conflict with local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources including a tree preservation policy or ordinance. The Project is taking place within the existing footprint of Sierra Boulevard and would not affect additional biological resources and impacts would be considered less than significant.
f) No Impact. The Project does 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. The only identified habitat conservation plan in the Project area is from the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency who established Resolution 82-11 which adopted environmental threshold standards for wildlife which includes habitats of special significance. None of the habitats of special significance are present in the Project area and therefore impact to the wildlife threshold would be less than significant.
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SIERRA BOULEVARD COMPLETE STREETS CITY OF SOUTH LAKE TAHOE Final Mitigated Negative Declaration
V. Cultural Resources
Would the Project:
Environmental Issue Impact Impact Less Than Than Less Than Less Mitigation NoImpact Significant Significant Potentially Incorporated Significantwith
a. Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource as defined in X Section 15064.5? b. Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a unique archaeological resource X pursuant to Section 15064.5? c. Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic X feature? d. Disturb any human remains, including these X interred outside of formal cemeteries?
Discussion: Historical resources are considered under 15064.5 of the CEQA Guidelines, as well as CA Public Resources Code (PRC) Sections 21083.2 and 21084.1, which established that the lead agency shall determine whether the project may have a significant effect on archaeological and historic resources. In addition, because federal funding has been granted for the Project by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), administered through the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) will be demonstrated as part of the consistency review for federal aid projects following a memorandum of understanding between the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Caltrans.
Archaeological and historic resources review included a summary of previous work, an archival records search, a reconnaissance level field inventory of the Project area, and an evaluation of cultural resources within or adjacent to the Area of Potential Effect (APE) in accordance with relevant state and federal regulations. An Archaeological Survey Report (ASR) was prepared for the Project. It is included in Appendix D.
In addition, the Project has been designed to comply with current guidelines outlined in Volume 2: Cultural Resources of the Caltrans Standard Environmental Reference (SER). Key objectives included:
• Establishing an APE; • Identifying prehistoric, ethnohistoric, and/or historic period archaeological resources within or immediately adjacent to the APE; • Evaluating identified resources as to their eligibility for listing on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and the • California Register of Historical Resources (CRHR);
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SIERRA BOULEVARD COMPLETE STREETS CITY OF SOUTH LAKE TAHOE Final Mitigated Negative Declaration
• Providing a determination of effect and management recommendations for those properties considered eligible to the NRHP/CRHR
Project activities included archival research, correspondence with Native American tribes, and a reconnaissance level field inventory. No cultural resources have been identified within the APE. However, two previously recorded sites, a segment of the historic Lincoln Highway (P-09- 0809) and the historic Stella Van Dyke Johnson Grocery Store (P-09-3437), are adjacent to the northwest margin of the APE. The areas where these sites were previously mapped were walked and photographed. In the case of P-09-0809, all traces of the historic alignment have been subsumed by modern Highway 50. As for P-09-3437, this building, located on the northwest side of Highway 50 approximately 180 feet northwest of the APE, is now the Scusa Italian Restaurant and has undergone many modern alterations. The building was photographed, but given its distance from the APE it was determined unnecessary to provide an update to the site record. a, b, c) Less than Significant Impact With Mitigation Incorporated. The APE consists mostly of developed roadways within a developed urban residential setting. As such, the majority of the ground surface has undergone some level of disturbance. However, without physical confirmation, the possibility of exposing previously undiscovered buried historic, archaeological or paleontological resources still remains. Based on the archival research and site reconnaissance conducted as part of the cultural resources investigation, the Project area has low potential to contain undocumented historic, or paleontological resources. However, given the Project areas topographic setting, the area is considered sensitive for archaeological resources. While neither historic, or paleontological resources are likely to be affected by the Project, incorporation of the following mitigation measures, as described below, would ensure that potential impacts to buried or previously undiscovered resources are less than significant.
Mitigation Measure CUL-1
Prior to the onset of construction a subsurface investigation to assess the potential for subsurface cultural resources shall be conducted either in a stand-alone manner or coincide with the aerially deposited lead (ADL) investigation required by Mitigation Measure HAZ-1. Either subsurface investigation shall include two auger holes per block (n=52) within the APE and be excavated to a maximum depth of 6.5 feet. Back dirt from those auger holes shall then be screened and evaluated by a qualified archaeologist. If the subsurface investigation coincides with the ADL investigation, the qualified archaeologist needs to have 24 hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard (HAZWOPER) training.
OR
In lieu of a subsurface investigation, the City shall retain a qualified archaeologist to prepare an Inadvertent Discovery Plan (IDP) prior to construction followed by a training session to ensure that all parties involved (archaeologist, tribal monitor, contractors, etc.) are informed of the required protocols outlined in the IDP should cultural material be discovered during construction. During construction a qualified archaeologist or tribal monitor shall be present for the duration of grading activities or other subsurface activities. Daily monitoring forms shall be prepared and the results compiled in a letter report by the onsite monitor. The IDP and construction monitoring letter report shall be submitted, as an addendum, to the current cultural resources report (Appendix D) prepared for the Project by a qualified archaeologist.
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SIERRA BOULEVARD COMPLETE STREETS CITY OF SOUTH LAKE TAHOE Final Mitigated Negative Declaration d) Less than Significant Impact with Mitigation incorporated. Based on the prehistoric and historic uses of the area and the prior ground disturbance of the Project area, human remains are not expected to be discovered during construction activities. However, in the event that unknown burials or human remains are discovered, the following mitigation measure would ensure that potential impacts to human remains would be less than significant.
Mitigation Measure CUL-2
Final plans and specifications shall include guidance in the event that human remains are discovered. The County Coroner and local law enforcement shall be notified within 24 hours of the discovery in accordance with PRC Section 5097.98 and Section 7050.5 of California Health and Safety Code to conduct proper evaluation and treatment of remains. The coroner and law enforcement agency with jurisdiction will evaluate the find to determine whether it is a crime scene or a burial. If human remains are determined to be associated with an archaeological site (burial), the California Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) will be notified. The OHP will work with appropriate tribes to determine measures to take.
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SIERRA BOULEVARD COMPLETE STREETS CITY OF SOUTH LAKE TAHOE Final Mitigated Negative Declaration
VI. Geology & Soils
Would the Project:
Environmental Issue Impact Impact Less Than Than Less Than Less Mitigation NoImpact Significant Significant Potentially Incorporated Significantwith
a. Expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including risk of loss, injury, or death involving: i.) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial X 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 that would become unstable as a result of the Project, and potentially result in on- or off- X 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), X creating substantial risks to life or property?
e. Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative waste water disposal systems where sewers are not available for X the disposal of waste water?
Discussion: The Project is located within a previously disturbed road right-of-way and public utilities easements in the City of South Lake Tahoe, California in the Lake Tahoe basin of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range in eastern California. Roughly one-third of the Lake Tahoe basin is in Nevada and two-thirds is located in California. The basin elevations range from 6,225 feet at lake level to 10,891 feet at the highest point in the basin. Lake Tahoe is the second deepest lake in the United States and represents the westernmost extension of the basin and range fault block system present in much of the inland western United States. The Project is located
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SIERRA BOULEVARD COMPLETE STREETS CITY OF SOUTH LAKE TAHOE Final Mitigated Negative Declaration in South Lake Tahoe, which represents the flattest portion of the basin. The Lake Tahoe Basin is seismically active with many known faults including the North Tahoe Fault, West Tahoe Fault, and the East Tahoe Fault (Saucedo, 2005). The Geologic Map of the Lake Tahoe Basin, California and Nevada has a northeast-southwest trending fault mapped through the Project area but its continuation or existence is uncertain (Saucedo, 2005).
There are two soils mapped in the Project area. The predominant soil is the Christopher-Gefo complex, 0-5% slopes (Soil Web Survey, NRCS). This soil consists of loamy coarse sand and gravelly loamy coarse sand. The complex occurs on hillslopes and outwash terraces and the parent material is outwash derived from granodiorite. The depth to both a restrictive feature and water table is more than 80 inches. The soil is somewhat excessively drained and has a very low surface runoff potential. Flooding and ponding do not occur in this soil type. The other soil type which extends from William Ave to just past Chris Ave along Sierra Blvd. is Marla loamy coarse sand, 0-5% Slopes (Soil Web Survey, NRCS). This soil consists of loamy coarse sand and clay loam at depth and is classified as a hydric soil. The soil occurs on valley flats and outwash terraces and the parent material is alluvium derived from granodiorite. Depth to a restrictive feature is more than 80 inches. Depth to water table is ~12-30 inches.
a) No Impact. The project would not expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including risk of loss, injury, or death involving: a)(i) Earthquake Fault. The Project is not located in an Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone (CA Geological Survey, 2005). The closest Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone is the Genoa Fault located approximately 6.6 miles to the east. The purpose of the Alquist-Priolo Geologic Hazards Zones Act is to prohibit the location of most structures for human occupancy across the traces of active faults and to mitigate potential hazards of fault-rupture. According to the Earthquake Potential Map for Portions of Eastern California and Western Nevada, the Tahoe Area is considered to have a relatively low to moderate potential for shaking caused by earthquakes (CA Geological Survey, 2005). The Geologic Map of the Lake Tahoe Basin, California and Nevada has a northeast-southwest trending fault mapped through the Project area, but its continuation or existence is uncertain (Saucedo, 2005). a(ii) Seismic Shaking. The intensity of ground shaking due to an earthquake is determined by several factors including the proximity of the earthquake, the magnitude of the earthquake, fault rupture characteristics, and the type of soil or bedrock in the area. The International Building Code’s Seismic Zone Map of the United States places El Dorado County, including the Project area, within Seismic Hazard Zone III, which corresponds to an area that may experience damage due to earthquakes having moderate intensities of V or more on the Modified Mercalli Scale, which corresponds to maximum momentum magnitudes of 4.9 or greater (IBC 2006). Ground shaking also increases the risk of avalanche during winter months. The Project is located in a relatively flat area, which minimizes the potential for avalanche to affect the Project. No buildings are proposed with the project therefore there is no potential to expose people or structures from substantial adverse effects due to seismic ground shaking. a(iii-iv) Risk of Ground Failure and Landslides. Liquefaction occurs in water-saturated sediments that are shaken during moderate to large earthquakes. Liquefied soil may become unstable and fail causing damage to structures. Soils most susceptible to liquefaction are saturated, loose, clean, uniformly graded, and fine-grained sand deposits (California Division of Mines and Geology 1997). The mapped soil in the Project area is
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SIERRA BOULEVARD COMPLETE STREETS CITY OF SOUTH LAKE TAHOE Final Mitigated Negative Declaration
Pleistocene age lacustrine terrace deposits age loamy coarse sand. Sediments deposited within the past few thousand years are generally much more susceptible to liquefaction than the more resistant Pleistocene sediments; and pre-Pleistocene sediments are generally immune to liquefaction (California Division of Mines and Geology 1997). Older, well- consolidated, well-graded soils and the lack of shallow groundwater make failure from liquefaction very unlikely, but under the right hydrologic conditions, this unit might be susceptible to liquefaction during seismic events.
A landslide is the downslope movement of rock, debris, earth, or soil. Landslides occur when gravitational and other types of shear stresses within a slope exceed the shear strength of the materials that form the slope. Factors contributing to landslide include proximity to faults, springs, seeps, or shallow groundwater, and unstable or steep terrain. The Project area is relatively level therefore landslides are not likely to occur. b) Less than Significant-Impact. The project will be completely paved or vegetated when completed. Temporary BMPs will be deployed during construction to minimize risk of soil erosion or loss of topsoil from areas being actively graded. The project will not result in substantial soil erosion or topsoil loss. c) No Impact. USGS maps indicate that the Tahoe Sierra neighborhood is constructed on Pleistocene aged lacustrine deposits which were formed when the surface elevation of Lake Tahoe was as much as 600 feet higher than its current surface elevation. During the Pleistocene glaciations, valley glaciers dammed Truckee Canyon, the lake's outlet, raising the lake level. The Project area is mapped as Qlt [Quaternary Lacustrine terrace deposits (Pleistocene)] and consists of poorly to moderately sorted silt, sand and gravel forming broad low terraces 5-10 meters above lake level which locally includes delta deposits (Saucedo, 2005). This unit will not become unstable as a result of the Project. d) No Impact. The two soils mapped in the Project area, Christpher-Gefo complex and Marla loamy coarse sand, have very low clay content and are not expansive and will not create substantial risks to life or property. e) No Impact. No septic tanks or waste water disposal systems are proposed with the Project. The South Tahoe Public Utility District maintains a sewer system throughout the Project area.
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SIERRA BOULEVARD COMPLETE STREETS CITY OF SOUTH LAKE TAHOE Final Mitigated Negative Declaration
VII. Tribal Cultural Resources
Would the Project:
Environmental Issue Impact Impact Less Than Than Less Than Less Mitigation NoImpact Significant Significant Potentially Incorporated Significantwith
Would the Project cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a tribal cultural resource, defined in Public Resources Code section 21074 as either a site, feature, place, cultural landscape that is geographically defined in terms of the size and scope of the landscape, sacred place, or object with cultural value to a California Native American tribe, and that is: a. Listed or eligible for listing in the California Register of Historical Resources, or in a local register of historical resources as defined in Public Resources Code section X 5020.1(k), or b. A resource determined by the lead agency, in its discretion and supported by substantial evidence, to be significant pursuant to criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resources Code Section 5024.1. In applying the criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resource Code X Section 5024.1, the lead agency shall consider the significance of the resource to a California Native American tribe.
Discussion: As of the mid-1800s, the Washoe inhabited the Tahoe Basin. A Hokan-speaking hunting and gathering group, the Washoe occupied the chain of valleys along the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada, from Honey Lake to Antelope Valley. The Pine Nut Mountains and the Virginia Range formed the eastern boundary of Washoe territory, while the western boundary extended several miles beyond the Sierra crest.
A great deal has been written about Washoe land use and lifeways in the Tahoe Basin (Barrett 1917; Dangberg 1968; d'Azevedo 1956, 1963, and 1986; Downs 1966; Fowler et al. 1981; Freed 1963; Lowie 1939; Nevers 1976; Price 1962, 1980; and Siskin (1941). Lake Tahoe is the center of the Washoe world, both geographically and socially. Legendary and mythological associations to places within the basin are common. While they were an informal and flexible political collectivity, Washoe ethnography hints at a level of technological specialization and social complexity uncharacteristic of their neighbors in the Great Basin. Semi-sedentism and higher population densities, concepts of private property, and communal labor and ownership are reported and may have developed in conjunction with their residential and subsistence resource stability. Additional discussion of the Washoe Ethnography can be found in Appendix D.
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SIERRA BOULEVARD COMPLETE STREETS CITY OF SOUTH LAKE TAHOE Final Mitigated Negative Declaration
On July 19, 2017, a letter was sent to the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) requesting a search of their Sacred Lands File (SLF) for information pertaining to the presence of known tribal cultural resources within or adjacent to the Project. A contact list of Tribal representatives within the Tahoe region was also requested. A response was received from the NAHC on August 2, 2017 indicating the SLF search had identified tribal cultural resources in the vicinity of the Project area and a contact list of Tribal representatives was also provided.
On August 2, 2017, a letter was mailed to each Tribe identified by the NAHC. The letter provided a project description, the location and extent of the APE, and the SLF results explaining that the NAHC had identified tribal cultural resources in the vicinity of the Project. As of October 26, 2017, a request to receive Project documentation pertaining the cultural resources investigation was made by the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians (SSB) in a letter dated October 13, 2017.
Significant impacts to a Tribal Cultural Resource (TCR) are those that diminish the integrity, research potential, or other characteristics that make a TCR significant or important. To be considered a TCR, a resource must be either: (1) listed, or determined to be eligible for listing, on the national, state, or local register of historic resources, or (2) a resource that the lead agency chooses, in its discretion, to treat as a TCR and meets the criteria for listing in the state register of historic resources pursuant to the criteria set forth in Public Resources Code Section 5024.1(c). a & b) Less than Significant Impact. Impacts could include the disturbance of TCR with respect to its subsurface component, or alteration of views or landscape features, which are not known to be a TCR in the Project area. As of the date of publication of this report, The NAHC identified one TCR located near the Project. However, no requests for formal consultation were received at the close of the 30 day consultation period. As of the date of publication of this report, a tribal representative from the SSB inquired about the Project by letter dated October 13, 2017 requesting copies of Project documentation pertaining the cultural resources investigation. A letter was sent to the SSB, dated November 3, 2017, stating that copies of the Project plans and the ASR would be provided once Caltrans review was complete. Correspondence with Native American representatives and tribal organizations to date did not identify concerns about particular TCR(s) in the Project area.
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SIERRA BOULEVARD COMPLETE STREETS CITY OF SOUTH LAKE TAHOE Final Mitigated Negative Declaration
VIII. Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Would the Project:
Environmental Issue It Impact Less Than Than Less Than Less Mitigation NoImpact Significant Significant Potentially Incorporated Significantwith
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?
Discussion: Greenhouse gas emissions can be generated during both construction and operation of a project. Greenhouse gases (GHG) absorb infrared energy that would otherwise escape from the earth and as the infrared energy is absorbed, the air surrounding the earth is heated. Since the Industrial Revolution the amount of CO2 has dramatically increased to 100 times faster than the increase when the last ice age ended, according to the National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration (NOAA). Greenhouse gases are defined as any gas that absorbs infrared radiation within the atmosphere and include; carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N20), ozone, aerosols, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), water vapor, and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). Sources of greenhouse gases, such as electricity production and tail-pipe emissions from the operation of motor vehicles, have elevated greenhouse gas concentrations within the atmosphere. Emissions of greenhouse gases in excess of natural ambient concentrations are thought to be responsible for the enhancement of the greenhouse effect and contribute to what is termed “global warming,” a trend of unnatural warming of the earth’s natural climate. Unlike criteria air pollutants and toxic air contaminants (TAC’s), which are pollutants of regional and local concern, greenhouse gases are global pollutants and climate change is a global issue. Federal, state and local actions related to GHG reduction strategies are further discussed in the following sections.
Federal
The US EPA currently has no regulations or legislation enacted specifically addressing GHG emissions reductions and climate change at the project level. In addition, the US EPA has not issued explicit guidance or methods to conduct project level GHG analysis. As of the time of preparation of this report the US EPA Website (EPA.gov) states, “The website for the United States Environmental Protection Agency is undergoing changes that reflect the agency’s new direction under President Donald Trump and Administrator Scott Pruitt. The process, which involves updating language to reflect the approach of new leadership, is intended to ensure that the public can use the website to understand the agency's current efforts. The changes will comply with agency ethics and legal guidance, including the use of proper archiving procedures.”
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SIERRA BOULEVARD COMPLETE STREETS CITY OF SOUTH LAKE TAHOE Final Mitigated Negative Declaration
State
The State of California has taken several legislative steps including Assembly Bills and Executive Orders to reduce increases in GHG emissions. A summary of California legislative actions is provided below:
• Assembly Bill (AB) 1493 Vehicular Emissions: Greenhouse Gases, 2002: This bill requires the CARB to develop and implement regulations to reduce automobile and light truck GHG emissions. Stricter emissions standards were designated by AB 1493 to apply to automobiles and light trucks beginning with the 2009 model year.
• Executive Order (EO) S-3-05 (June 1, 2005): The goal of this EO is to reduce California’s GHG emissions to: 1) year 2000 levels by 2010, 2) year 1990 levels by the 2020, and 3) 80 percent below year 1990 levels by 2050. In 2006, this goal was further reinforced by AB 32.
• AB 32, The Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006: AB 32 sets the same overall GHG emissions reduction goals as outlined in EO S-3-05, while further mandating that the CARB create a scoping plan and implement rules to achieve “real, quantifiable, cost- effective reductions of greenhouse gases.”
• EO S-20-06 (October 18, 2006): This EO defines the roles and responsibilities of the Secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA) and state agencies in regard to climate change.
• EO S-01-07 (January 18, 2007): This EO sets forth a low carbon fuel standard for California. Under this EO, the carbon intensity of California’s transportation fuels is to be reduced by at least 10 percent by the year 2020.
• SB 97 Chapter 185, 2007, Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Required the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research to develop recommended amendments to the CEQA Guidelines for addressing GHG emissions. The amendments became effective on March 18, 2010.
• SB 375, Chapter 728, 2008, Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection: This bill requires the CARB to set regional emissions reduction targets from passenger vehicles. The Metropolitan Planning Organization for each region must then develop a Sustainable Communities Strategy that integrates transportation, land use, and housing policies to plan for the realization of the emissions target for their region.
• SB 391, Chapter 585, 2009 California Transportation Plan: This bill requires the State’s long range transportation plan to meet California’s climate change goals under AB 32.
Local
The El Dorado County AQMD is the primary agency responsible for air quality regulation in the LTAB. As part of that role, the El Dorado County AQMD has prepared CEQA Guide to Air Quality Assessment. The purpose of the guide is to facilitate the evaluation and review of air quality impacts for projects in El Dorado County that are subject to CEQA. The guide’s intent is to facilitate and provide consistency in the preparation of analyses that inform decision-makers and the public about the air quality implications of a project. At this time, El Dorado County does not have any adopted quantitative federal or state guidelines for GHG emission impacts. However, the El Dorado County AQMD was part of the committee of air districts in the Sacramento Region involved in the development of GHG thresholds of 1,100 metric tons CO2E
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SIERRA BOULEVARD COMPLETE STREETS CITY OF SOUTH LAKE TAHOE Final Mitigated Negative Declaration per year for the construction phase of projects or the operational phase of land use development projects, or 10,000 direct metric tons CO2E per year from stationary source projects. If a project exceeds this threshold, the level of mitigation is based on demonstrating consistency with CARB’s Climate Change Scoping Plan and the AB 32 State goals for reducing GHG emissions, which is currently 21.7 percent reduction from 2020 “no action taken” emissions (Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District [SMAQMD] 2014).
The City planned to establish greenhouse gas thresholds by 2013 to 2015 as a requirement of the 2030 General Plan Implementation Program item 8.6. However, the City currently has not adopted any GHG thresholds. They do, however, support regional GHG thresholds established by the SMAQMD. a & b) Less than Significant Impact with Mitigation Incorporated. A traffic study conducted by LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc. concludes that once the Project becomes operational roadway capacity would not change and therefore the potential to change existing vehicular traffic patterns would be low (Appendix E). In addition, the Project is not anticipated to result in long-term increases of GHG emissions. However, construction of the Project would result in temporary, short-term increases of GHG emissions (approximately 3 months) and would only involve the use of asphalt removal and paving equipment (i.e. front-end loader, backhoe, paving machine, crane, pavement roller, pavement milling machine, paver, dump truck, and water truck). Equipment use would be staggered and no more than a few pieces of equipment would be operational at one time. Generation of GHG emissions during construction would be relatively low and given that emissions would be short-term, occurring over two construction seasons, increases in GHG emissions that could be attributed to the Project would not result in a significant impact on the environment or conflict with applicable plans, policies, or regulations for reducing GHG emissions with implementation of the following mitigation measure.
Mitigation Measure GHG-1
The Project will temporarily increase greenhouse gas emissions during construction activities. In order to reduce the impact to less than significant the following mitigation shall be included in the final construction management plan prior to issuance of a grading permit.
• Use of heavy machinery will be minimized to the fullest extent possible during construction activities. • Vehicles shall be turned off when not in use rather than remain in an idling state.
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IX. Hazards & Hazardous Materials
Would the Project:
Environmental Issue Impact Impact Less Than Than Less Than Less Mitigation NoImpact Significant Significant Potentially Incorporated Significantwith
a. Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal X 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 Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result, would X 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 of a public airport or public use airport, would the Project X result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the Project area? f. For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the Project result in a safety hazard for people X residing in the Project area? g. Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency X evacuation plan? h. Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury, or death involving wildland fires, including where X wildlands are adjacent to urbanized areas or where residences are intermixed with wildlands?
Discussion: The Project area is within an existing roadway corridor that has been used since the 1940’s by motorists and City maintenance vehicles as an access point to the homes and City maintenance lot located in the Tahoe Sierra subdivision. Utilities within the Project area include above ground, cable TV and telephone service lines and underground power lines, natural gas, sewer and water service lines. Past activities related to automobile usage and road maintenance could be sources for hazardous waste including use of hazardous materials typically associated with grading and road construction (e.g., fuel, paint, or solvents). Data
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SIERRA BOULEVARD COMPLETE STREETS CITY OF SOUTH LAKE TAHOE Final Mitigated Negative Declaration available on the RWQCB Geotracker2 and California Department of Toxic Substances Control EnviroStor3 websites were reviewed for existing hazardous sites located in or near the Project. The databases track cleanup sites, permitted sites and leaking underground storage tank (LUST) sites. Table 6 below identifies the sites within 1000 feet of the Project.
Table 6: Hazardous Waste Sites With 1000 feet of Project area Site Name Location Site Type Status 7-eleven Store 2620 Lake Tahoe LUST Cleanup Site Completed-Case Closed #1507 Blvd Liquor Shack 2525 Lake Tahoe LUST Cleanup Site Completed-Case Closed Blvd Rotten Robbie 2601 Lake Tahoe LUST Cleanup Site Completed-Case Closed Blvd South Tahoe Middle 2490 Lake Tahoe LUST Cleanup Site Completed-Case Closed School Blvd Source: Geotracker2017 and Envirostor 2017 LUST= Leaking Underground Storage Tank
a) Less than Significant Impact. The construction of the Project and intermittent maintenance by the City would require limited use of hazardous materials typically associated with grading and road construction (e.g., fuel, paint, solvents) and will be subject to standard Cal-Osha handling and storage requirements. The project does not propose to use or store hazardous materials. Accordingly, impacts related to the handling, transport, use or disposal hazardous materials are considered to be less than significant. b) Less than Significant Impact with Mitigation Incorporated. Once constructed the project would result in a roadway corridor and not result in accidental release of hazardous materials. If hazardous materials would be used during the construction of the Project, these materials would be contained and stored per health and safety requirements including individual SWPPP requirements. The Project would not construct buildings or dwelling units and therefore there would be no impacts related to vapor intrusion to indoor air from the migration of volatile chemicals in the subsurface. Shallow soils within approximately 30 feet of the edge of pavement and within the top six inches of soil in older roadway corridors have the potential to be contaminated with aerially deposited lead (ADL) from car emissions prior to the elimination of lead in gasoline in the 1990’s. Thus, exposed shallow soils during construction could be contaminated with ADL (DTSC, 2016). With the implementation of Mitigation Measure HAZ-1 potential construction related hazards created due to exposure of individuals to aerially deposited lead would be less than significant.
Mitigation Measure HAZ-1
Prior to construction of the Project, testing for aerially deposited lead contamination in soils shall be performed by the City or approved contractor. The test data will be used to asses if there is aerially deposited lead (ADL) present at concentrations requiring remediation. If remediation is required, special hazardous waste handling provisions covering the implementation of a health and safety plan, handling, and disposal implemented by the City in advance of construction or, if implemented during construction shall be included in final construction documents.
2 California Regional Water Quality Control Board Geotracker Website: http://geotracker.waterboards.ca.gov/map/?CMD=runreport&myaddress=Sierra+Blvd%2C+South+lake+Tahoe. Accessed November October 2017. 3 California Department of Toxic Substances Control EnviroStor website: http://www.envirostor.dtsc.ca.gov/public/map/?global_id=09500002. Accessed October 2017.
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c) Less than Significant Impact. There are no schools within 0.25 miles of the Project. The nearest school is the South Lake Tahoe Community College Campus, located approximately 0.5 miles northeast of the Project. The Project does not include a use that would typically emit hazardous substances or waste that would affect a substantial number of people. d) Less than Significant Impact. A review of Geotracker and EnviroStor website databases did not identify the Project area as a hazardous materials user or generator subject to clean up activities. e & f) No Impact. The closest airport or airstrip to the Project site is the South Lake Tahoe Airport, approximately 1-mile southwest of the Project site. The airport has no direct link to the Project (i.e. roadway) and no safety hazard will occur as a result of the Project. g) Less than Significant Impact. The Project would involve construction within public road right-of-way that is used for emergency response vehicles and evacuation. During the construction phase of the Project, Sierra Boulevard and associated side streets could be partially blocked by construction activities, equipment, and crews but would remain open to all emergency vehicles and evacuation. As discussed in XVII. Transportation & Traffic, the Project would implement temporary traffic control measures in accordance with the Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MTUCD) Chapter 6 where necessary during all construction activities. Thus, impacts on emergency response and evacuation would be less than significant. h) Less than Significant Impact. Once completed, the resulting Project could provide increased safety for both pedestrians and traffic including access for emergency personnel in the event of a wildland fire. The risk to people from wildland fires would remain the same as the pre-project risk.
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SIERRA BOULEVARD COMPLETE STREETS CITY OF SOUTH LAKE TAHOE Final Mitigated Negative Declaration
X. Hydrology and Water Quality
Would the Project:
Environmental Issue Impact Impact Less Than Than Less Than Less Mitigation NoImpact Significant Significant Potentially Incorporated Significantwith
a. Violate any water quality standards? X
b. Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that there would be a net deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of local groundwater supplies (i.e. the production rate of pre- X existing nearby wells would drop to a level which would not support existing land uses or planned uses for which permits have been granted)?
c. Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, in a manner which would result in X substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site? d. Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, or substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff (e.g. due to increased X impervious surfaces) in a manner which would result in flooding on- or off-site (i.e. within a watershed)? e. Create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of X polluted runoff?
f. Otherwise substantially degrade water quality? X g. Place housing within a 100-year flood hazard area as mapped on a federal Flood Hazard Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate Map or other Flood Hazard Delineation X Map or other flood hazard delineation map?
h. Place within a 100-year flood hazard area improvements which would impede or redirect flood X flows? i. Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury, or death involving flooding, including flooding as a X result of the failure of a levee or dam?
j. Inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow? X
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Discussion: The City is under the jurisdiction of the State of California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Lahontan Region (RWQCB), which adopted Order No. R6T-2011-101A1 (Permit) on October 10, 2012. This order updated the waste discharge requirements and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit (CSLT-Stormwater Management Plan, 2013) for stormwater and urban runoff discharges from the City and from the portions of El Dorado and Placer Counties lying within the Lake Tahoe Hydrologic Unit. The City of South Lake Tahoe, Placer, and El Dorado Counties are collectively referred to as “Permittees”. Section III.B. of the permit specifically requires each Permittee to develop and implement a Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP), to minimize water quality impacts resulting from various municipal activities. Additionally, since the Project will involve ground disturbance in excess of one acre of land, the City will be required to apply for coverage under the Lake Tahoe Construction General Permit (R6T-2016-0010). This permit will require the City to develop and implement at project-specific Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP).
Construction of the Project would occur only during the allowable grading season in the Tahoe Basin, which begins on May 1st and ends on October 15th of each calendar year.
According to Figure 5: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Map, the Project is located in an area determined to be outside of the 0.2 percent annual chance floodplain (Zone X). Figure 5: Flood Zone Map
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a) Less than Significant Impact. In accordance with the provisions of the General Permit and the SWMP, the City will be required to apply for coverage under the Lake Tahoe Construction General Permit (R6T-2016-0010). This permit will require the City to develop and implement at project-specific SWPP.
b) No Impact. The project would not deplete groundwater systems or create a deficit in aquifer volume in the Project area, including movement within aquifers and recharge.
c) Less than Significant Impact. The project will replace an existing roadway and add additional impervious surface for a pedestrian path, bike lane and on-street parking stalls. The stormwater runoff associated with the increase in impervious surface within the Project area would be offset with the installation of a new storm drain conveyance system by replacing the current drainage system that results in increased erosion and siltation within the Project area.
d, e, f) Less than Significant Impact. The Project includes installation of a new storm drain conveyance system, new landscaping for infiltration and does not include any new impervious surfaces that could otherwise increase runoff resulting in new flooding on- or off-site. There are currently unpaved shoulders in the Project area used for parking along Sierra Boulevard that create excessive runoff and siltation into the existing watershed. In addition, the City will be required to maintain coverage under the Lake Tahoe Construction General Permit during ground disturbing activities. This permit will require the City to develop and implement a project-specific SWPPP that describes the temporary BMPs to be installed and maintained during construction. In addition, the SWPPP will include a construction site monitoring and reporting plan that will describe the inspection, monitoring, and reporting to be conducted during construction. The temporary BMPs may include but will not be limited to silt fence, construction limit fencing, sediment and erosion control measures, and stabilization of construction access areas.
g) No Impact. The Project is a complete streets project that does not include any housing elements.
h) No Impact. The project is not located within or adjacent to any dams, levees, or mapped 100-year floodplains. The nearest 100-year floodplain is located approximately 0.2 mile southeast of the Project. The project would provide sufficient stormwater runoff facilities so as not to impede or redirect stormwater flows. i) No Impact. The Project would not expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury, or death involving flooding as a result of failure of a levee or damn. j) No Impact. The Project is not located in an area subject to seiche or tsunami.
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XI. Land Use & Planning
Would the Project:
Environmental Issue Impact Impact Less Than Than Less Than Less Mitigation NoImpact Significant Significant Potentially Incorporated Significantwith
a. Physically divide an established community? X b. Conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, or regulation of an agency with jurisdiction over the Project (including, but not limited to the general plan, specific plan, local coastal program, or zoning ordinance) adopted X for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect? c. Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plan? X
Discussion: The Project is located within the City of South Lake Tahoe (CEQA lead agency) and is also situated within the jurisdictional boundaries of the TRPA. The parcels that make up the Project are located within City owned right-of-way and public utilities easements.
Existing Land Uses
Current and surrounding land uses in the immediate vicinity of the Project site include areas characterized as a mixture of apartments and single-family homes. A church (Sierra Community Church) is located along the eastern side of Sierra Boulevard between Osborne and Kubel Avenues. The surrounding area also contains numerous recreation and open space areas. The residential lot sizes along Sierra Boulevard range from approximately 5,000 square feet to 6,000 square feet (El Dorado County Surveyor GOTNET, 2017). The Sierra Community Church property comprises the largest parcel along the Project Boundary.
Local Plans
Applicable agency regulations and standards include the City of South Lake Tahoe General Plan and City Zoning Code and the TRPA Regional Plan implementing the TRPA Code of Ordinances and Plan Area Statements (PAS’s) and are further discussed below.
City of South Lake Tahoe
2030 General Plan
The City of South Lake Tahoe 2030 General Plan is designed to meet the needs of the present community without compromising the needs of future generations. The goals, policies, and programs outline a clear direction for the City to move towards, and eventually achieve, a future
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SIERRA BOULEVARD COMPLETE STREETS CITY OF SOUTH LAKE TAHOE Final Mitigated Negative Declaration that is environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable. The 2030 General Plan Transportation Element classifies Sierra Boulevard as an arterial roadway in all segments.4
City of South Lake Tahoe Zoning Code
The land use controls contained in the City’s Zoning Code that regulate development in the Project area are based on the applicable PAS adopted from TRPA by the City. The Project area is classified by the City as a Residential Zone District within the Sierra Tract PAS (105). PAS 105 provides planning considerations for development, special policies, permissible uses, maximum densities, maximum noise levels, structure height, Lighting, guidance for additional developed outdoor recreation facilities, in addition to environmental improvement program guidance. The Land use controls are provided in in the City’s Zoning Code Chapter 6.55- Plan Area Statements and Other Land Use Regulations.5
City of South Lake Tahoe Airport Comprehensive Land Use Plan
The City’s Airport Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) was established to protect public health, safety, and welfare through the adoption of land use standards that minimize the public’s exposure to safety hazards and excessive levels of noise related to air traffic. In addition, the CLUP was established to prevent the encroachment of incompatible land uses around public- use airports, thereby preserving the utility of these airports into the future.6
Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA)
Tahoe Regional Plan
The Tahoe Regional Plan implements the TRPA Code of Ordinances and PAS’s under the Memorandum of understanding between TRPA and the City. The Project area falls within the boundaries of the Sierra Tract PAS (105), which has a residential land use classification and is the adopted ordinance by both TRPA and the City and is the same adopted planning document as the City’s adopted PAS.
2017 Regional Transportation Plan
The 2017 Regional Transportation Plan is the transportation element of the Lake Tahoe Regional Plan. The plan’s vision is a first-class transportation system that prioritizes bicycling, walking, and transit, and serves residents and visitors while contributing to the environmental and socioeconomic health of the Region. The plan offers strategies to jump start innovation through electric vehicle infrastructure, address the routine travel demands of residents and commuters, and the recreational travel demands of visitors that during peak periods stress and cause congestion on Lake Tahoe’s transportation system. Additional discussion regarding applicable transportation policies and the Project is provided in Section XVII. Transportation and Traffic. a) No Impact. The Project is located within existing road right-of-way and public utilities easements that currently provides unsafe and inefficient access and mobility for local residents. The Project would improve access and mobility to the local residents by
4 City of South Lake Tahoe. 2030 General Plan Transportation and Circulation Element Table TC-1 Roadway Functional Classifications. Adopted May 17, 2011. http://www.cityofslt.us/DocumentCenter/View/5642 Accessed June 27, 2017. 5 City of South Lake Tahoe. City Code. Current through March 22, 2017. http://www.codepublishing.com/CA/SouthLakeTahoe/ Accessed June 27, 2017. 6 City of South Lake Tahoe Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC). Lake Tahoe Comprehensive Land Use Plan. Revised May 10, 2007. Accessed online at: http://www.cityofslt.us/DocumentCenter/Home/View/1139. May 2007.
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providing lighted sidewalks for biker and pedestrians, on-street parking, landscaped medians, and roadway striping. b) No Impact. Both the City of South Lake Tahoe and TRPA have land use approval authority and have adopted land use plans which include the Project. The applicable PAS is the Sierra Tract PAS (PAS 105). The PAS was jointly prepared by the City and TRPA and subsequently adopted by both agencies. The Project proposes to improve access and circulation via a complete streets design concept and would provide the public improved access and travel mobility. The proposed Project is a permissible use as a transportation route that provides access to an existing residential neighborhood. In addition, the Project is located within the City of South Lake Tahoe Airport Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) Safety Zone 2 which restricts building heights and density. Since the Project would only install lighting consistent with city lighting standards and does not propose any structures exceeding the maximum allowable building height in the PAS there would be no impact to airport operations. c) No Impact. There are no applicable habitat conservation plans or natural community conservation plans or other approved, local, regional or state habitat conservation plan which includes or would be affected by the Project.
XII. Mineral Resources
Would the Project result in:
Environmental Issue Impact Impact Less Than Than Less Than Less Mitigation NoImpact Significant Significant Potentially Incorporated Significantwith
a. The loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of value to the region and the residents of the X state? b. The loss of availability of a locally-important mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local general plan, X specific plan, or other land use plan?
Discussion: The Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 (SMARA) requires that the State Mining and Geology Board identify, map, and classify aggregate resources throughout California that contain regionally significant mineral resources. Designations of land areas are assigned by California Department of Conservation and California Geological Survey following analysis of geologic reports and maps, field investigations, and using information about the locations of active sand and gravel mining operations.
The California Mineral Land Classification System represents the relationship between knowledge of mineral deposits and their economic characteristics (grade and size). Lands classified as a Mineral Resource Zone (MRZ) are areas that contain identified mineral resources. Areas classified as MRZ are considered important mineral resource areas.
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There are no regionally significant aggregate resources (i.e., sand and gravel resources) in the Project area, as identified by the California Department of Conservation and there are no ongoing mining activities in or near the Project. a & b) No Impact. The Project is not located within or near any active mining operation. No known mineral resources of value or recovery sites are known to occur within the vicinity. The Project would neither result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource, nor result in the loss of availability of a locally important mineral resource recovery site delineated in the City General Plan, specific plan or other plan, such as the TRPA Regional Plan. Identified thresholds of significance for the mineral resources category have not been exceeded and no significant adverse environmental effects would result from the Project.
XIII. Noise
Would the Project result in:
Environmental Issue Than Impact Impact Less Than Than Less Less Mitigation NoImpact Significant Significant Potentially Incorporated Significantwith
a. Exposure of persons to or generation of noise levels in excess of standards established in the local General Plan or X noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies?
b. Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive ground X borne vibration or ground borne noise levels?
c. A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the Project vicinity above levels existing without the X Project? d. A substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the Project vicinity above levels existing X without the Project? e. For a Project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the Project X expose people residing or working in the Project area to excessive noise levels? f. For a Project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the Project expose people residing or working in the Project X area to excessive noise levels?
Discussion: The City has adopted the noise thresholds established by TRPA for the Sierra Tract PAS, which defines a maximum community noise equivalent level (CNEL) of 55 CNEL. A portion of the Project area is located within the 55 CNEL noise contour of the South Lake Tahoe Airport CLUP area.
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SIERRA BOULEVARD COMPLETE STREETS CITY OF SOUTH LAKE TAHOE Final Mitigated Negative Declaration a & d) Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated. Construction related activities would generate a short-term increase in ambient noise levels in the area. The use of construction equipment, road grading, paving, and other construction activities could increase ambient noise levels above the 55 CNEL allowable threshold for noise in the Sierra Tract PAS. While construction activities will be temporary, sensitive noise receptors in the area including individuals who live in the surrounding residential neighborhood could be significantly impacted. Therefore, to reduce potential impacts to less than significant the following mitigation measures will be incorporated into the Project.
Mitigation Measure NOISE-1
To reduce exposure of persons to excessive noise and ground borne vibration associated with Project construction the contractor or equivalent site manager shall be prohibited from using any construction equipment during the following time periods without written authorization from the City of South Lake Tahoe Public Works Director or equivalent:
• Sundays and Federal Holidays • Between the hours of 7:00 pm and 7:00 am Monday through Friday • Between the hours of 7:00 pm and 7:00 am Saturdays
Mitigation Measure NOISE-2
The contractor or equivalent site manager shall document any violations or complaints as a result of excessive construction noise and provide written copies to the appropriate City Public Works Department project manager within 24-hours of reported violations or complaints.
b) Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated. Vibration is described in terms of frequency and amplitude. Unlike sound, there is no standard way of measuring and reporting amplitude. Construction vibration is generally associated with pile driving and rock blasting. Occasionally, large bulldozers and loaded trucks can cause perceptible vibration levels at close proximity. Project construction activities would result in intermittent exposure of ground borne vibration to the surrounding areas. However, this impact would be temporary and would be reduced with implementation of mitigation measures Noise-3.
Mitigation Measure NOISE-3
Implement Noise-1 and Noise-2.
c) Less than Significant Impact. There may be negligible increases in automobile and pedestrian traffic as a result of the Project providing better safety, accessibility, and mobility to the community. However, impacts associated with noise and increased use would be below the allowable thresholds adopted by city ordinance and would be considered less than significant. e & f) Less than Significant Impact. The Project is located within the South Lake Tahoe Airport CLUP area. The CLUP maps specific noise contours for areas potentially affected by excessive noise from the airport operations. The Project is mapped within a 55 CNEL noise contour area and would not expose people residing or working in the Project area to excessive noise levels.
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SIERRA BOULEVARD COMPLETE STREETS CITY OF SOUTH LAKE TAHOE Final Mitigated Negative Declaration
XIV. Population & Housing
Would the Project:
nt
Environmental Issue Impact Impact Less Than Than Less Than Less Mitigation NoImpact Significa Significant Potentially Incorporated Significantwith a. Induce substantial population growth in an area, either directly (i.e. by proposing new homes and businesses) or indirectly (i.e. through extension of roads or other X infrastructure)? b. Displace substantial numbers of existing housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing X elsewhere?
c. Displace substantial numbers of people, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? X
Discussion: As of 2015, the City of South Lake Tahoe had an estimated population of 21,437 residents and a housing stock consisting of 16,730 dwelling units. Of which 8,452 dwellings are occupied and 8,278 are vacant. El Dorado County had an estimated population of 655,024 and a housing stock of 261,745 units. Of which 245,287 dwellings are occupied and 16,458 are vacant (U.S. Census Bureau Fact Finder, 2015). There are 251 single-family homes and 24 multi-family apartment style units along the Project. The Project would be constructed within a previously disturbed street corridor following the current Sierra Boulevard alignment.
a) Less than Significant Impact. Construction and implementation of the Project would provide improved access and mobility for area residents. The Project would not involve development of any new housing stock, commercial development, or extension of utility lines or roadways into undeveloped land area resulting in direct or indirect population growth.
b & c) No Impact. The adjacent residential structures to the Project would not require any demolition, nor would nearby residents be displaced as part of the project. Further, no businesses or employees would be displaced by the Project. No impact related to housing, household, tenant, employee, or business displacement would occur.
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XV. Public Services
Would the Project result in:
Environmental Issue Impact Impact Less Than Than Less Than Less Mitigation NoImpact Significant Significant Potentially Incorporated Significantwith
a. Substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental services and/or facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times, or other performance objectives for any of the public services? i. Fire Protection? X
ii. Police Protection? X
iii. Schools? X
iv. Parks? X
v. Other Public Facilities? X
Discussion:
Fire Protection: The South Lake Tahoe Fire Department consists of three fire stations. The Project area is approximately equidistant from two fire stations each located approximately 1 mile away. The fire stations are located at 2102 Lake Tahoe Boulevard and 2951 Lake Tahoe Boulevard. The Department participates in automatic aid and mutual aid response with Lake Valley Fire Protection District, which serves the residents of El Dorado County in the Lake Tahoe Basin through formal contract. The City of South Lake Tahoe Fire Department also participates in mutual aid with CalFire in the Tahoe Basin and throughout the State.
Police Protection: The City of South Lake Tahoe Police Department is a full-service Police Department that responds to approximately 2,350 calls for service in a typical month. The Department consists of one Chief, two Lieutenants, five Sergeants, one Administrative Sergeant, as well as a fluctuating number of officers in charge. The Police Department has a mutual aid Critical Incident Protocol with El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office for additional policing needs.
Schools: The Lake Tahoe Unified School District includes four elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school in the City of South Lake Tahoe. The only potential disruption to school bus routes would occur during construction. Any disruption would be negligible as there will only be a few months of overlap between the construction season and when school is in session. One lane of traffic will consistently be open during construction, which would not impede school bus routes on Sierra Boulevard.
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Parks: Bijou Community Park, located on Al Tahoe Boulevard approximately 1-mile northeast of the Project, is the closest park within the vicinity of the Project. Additionally, the South Lake Tahoe recreation center and playground is located approximately 1.3-miles northeast of the Project on Rufus Allen Boulevard.
Libraries: The only public library located within the City of South Lake Tahoe is the El Dorado County library, located approximately 1.6-miles northeast of the Project on Rufus Allen Boulevard.
Churches: Sierra Community Church is located within at 1165 Sierra Boulevard. According to the Church Administrator, the Church is the largest in South Lake Tahoe and serves approximately 600 people. Church members regularly park on Sierra Boulevard because the parking lot does not provide enough spaces to accommodate parking during Church services.
a)(i) Less than Significant Impact. The Project would not involve the construction of habitable structures, nor would the Project lead to a permanent resident population at or near the Project area. The Project would not be constructed with or utilize flammable, combustible, or explosive materials. Short-term construction activities could have the potential for fire and would generate demands for fire protection services. Any contractor will be required to obtain a permit from the City to begin construction, which would prescribe restrictions and precautions that would need to be implemented to prevent wildfire along the impacted area. Therefore, no new fire protection facilities would be required to provide fire protection services to users of the newly constructed Sierra Boulevard. Impacts would be less than significant. a)(ii) Less than Significant Impact. The Project would not involve the construction of habitable structures, nor would the Project lead to a permanent resident population at or near the Project area. Pedestrian lighting and signage would be installed along the new segment of roadway to provide nighttime lighting to users as well as safety and security information. The City of South Lake Tahoe Police Department would continue to provide law enforcement services the new roadway segment and would enforce regulations established by the City of South Lake Tahoe. Therefore, no new police protection facilities would be required to provide police protection services to users of the Project. Impacts would be less than significant.
a)(iii-v) No Impact. The Project would not lead to an increase in the resident population or housing stock of the area and therefore would not create a demand for schools, or libraries, or other public facilities associated with an increase in resident population. The additional maintenance activities required for maintenance once the Project is implemented would not require new or expanded public facilities. There are existing maintenance programs, crews, and facilities within the City of South Lake Tahoe Public Works Department that would maintain the improved street corridor. No new public facilities would be required and there would be no adverse impact. The Project would not have any direct impacts on nearby schools, libraries, or other public facilities once implemented.
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XVI. Recreation
Would the Project:
Environmental Issue Impact Impact ess Than Than ess Less Than Than Less L Mitigation NoImpact Significant Significant Potentially Incorporated Significantwith
a. Increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be X accelerated? b. Include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an X adverse physical effect on the environment?
Discussion: The City of South Lake Tahoe and surrounding area provide various opportunities for outdoor recreation with activities ranging from hiking, skiing, to aquatic recreation on rivers and lakes. Sierra Boulevard is located 0.2 miles northeast of the Upper Truckee River and an adjacent hiking trail, which is used for recreational purposes by residents and visitors. Although recreational users bike and walk along Sierra Boulevard no public outdoor recreation facilities are located within the Project footprint.
a) Less than Significant Impact. The Project would expand access to park and open space facilities in the City of South Lake Tahoe by connecting bike and pedestrian paths along Highway 50 to other regional trails including the proposed Greenway Bike Trail to the south of the Project area. Some recreational users may be temporarily impacted during construction through the use of one-way traffic control being implemented. Also, improved access for pedestrians and cyclists once Project construction is complete could cause increases in the use of other recreational facilities. However, this increase would be negligible and would not increase demand on other local parks, or cause physical deterioration of existing facilities. No substantial deterioration of nearby recreational facilities would occur as a result of the Project. Additionally, the Project would not create any new housing or increase the number of residents or visitors to the Tahoe Sierra Community. Thus, it would not increase the need for expanding neighborhood or regional parks or facilities. b) Less than Significant Impact. The Project would improve connectivity between the existing paved trail along Highway 50 and the Greenway Bike Trail south of Sierra Boulevard. The Project would provide pedestrians and cyclists easier access to public parks, open spaces and other areas of the Lake Tahoe basin. This is consistent with Goal TC-3 of the City’s General Plan Transportation and Circulation Element. Specifically, Goal TC-3 seeks to “expand bicycle and pedestrian activity in community centers and throughout the City, across all seasons of the year, through enhancements to and maintenance of bike paths, bike lanes, pedestrian paths, and sidewalks.” The Project would have beneficial impacts on recreation, while short-term impacts resulting from Project construction would be less than significant.
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XVII. Transportation & Traffic
Would the Project Result in:
Environmental Issue Impact Impact Less Than Than Less Than Less Mitigation NoImpact Significant Significant Potentially Incorporated Significantwith
a. Conflict with an applicable plan, ordinance or policy establishing measures of effectiveness for the performance of the circulation system, taking into account all modes of transportation including mass transits and non-motorized travel and relevant components of the X circulation system, including but not limited to intersections, streets, highways and freeways, pedestrian and bicycle paths, and mass transit? b. Conflict with an applicable congestion management program, including but not limited to level of service standards and travel demand measures, or other X standards established by the county congestion management agency for designated roads or highways?
c. Result in a change in air traffic patterns, including either an increase in traffic levels or a change in location X that results in substantial safety risks?
d. Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or X incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment)?
e. Result in inadequate emergency access? X
f. Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs regarding public transit, bicycle, or pedestrian facilities, or otherwise decrease the performance or safety of such X facilities? g. Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs supporting alternative transportation (e.g., bus turnouts, X bicycle racks)?
Discussion: Sierra Boulevard is a 0.6-mile long roadway in the City of South Lake Tahoe with a northwest-southeast orientation located within the Tahoe Sierra subdivision. According to the South Lake Tahoe General Plan, this roadway is classified as an arterial road providing access to the Tahoe Sierra Subdivision and provides a connection for local trips between US Highway 50 and Pioneer Trail (via Martin Avenue-Black Bart Avenue).
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The roadway is characterized by the existing cross section along Sierra Boulevard that provides two travel lanes, bike lanes between Palmira Avenue and William Avenue, and dirt shoulders on both sides that are used for parking. The existing travel lanes are about 13 or 14 feet wide. Although bike lanes are not provided south of William Avenue, Sierra Boulevard is identified as a signed bike route as also described in a traffic study provided by LSC, Inc. and attached in Appendix E.
Regional Transportation Plan
The Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) is the transportation element of the Lake Tahoe Regional Plan. The 2017 RTP’s vision is a transportation system that prioritizes bicycling, walking, and transit, and serves residents and visitors while contributing to the environmental and socioeconomic health of the Tahoe Basin. Every four years, TRPA prepares a RPT that outlines the overall vision for developing, operating, and maintaining the Lake Tahoe Region’s transportation system. The 2017 RTP offers strategies to jump start innovation through electric vehicle infrastructure, address the routine travel demands of residents and commuters, and the recreational travel demands of visitors that during peak periods stress and cause congestion on Lake Tahoe’s transportation system (TRPA 2017).
Public Transit
The City of South Lake Tahoe public transit system is served by the Tahoe Transportation District (TTD). The TTD includes local-fixed route bus service and commuter bus service connecting the area with Carson City and the Carson Valley. Winter ski shuttles, summer trolley service to Emerald Bay, and summer bus service from Incline Village and Stateline to Sand Harbor is also provided by the TTD. The nearest bus stop to the Project area is along US Hwy 50 approximately 0.25 miles north of the Project. There are no plans to add a bus route to Sierra Boulevard.
Bikeways
Sierra Boulevard is shown as having existing class II bike trails (lanes) by the City of South Lake Tahoe General Plan Transportation Circulation Element Figure TC-3-Bicycle and Pedestrian Circulation Diagram. The General Plan Figure (TC-3) also identifies Sierra Boulevard as a future Class I bike trail route due to the currently proposed elements of the Project, including a class I shared use path that will connect with the Greenway Bike Trail to the southeast of Sierra Boulevard. a) Less than Significant Impact.
Construction Traffic - The Project would generate short-term vehicle trips to and from the Project area during construction. These trips would include worker commute, construction equipment and materials transport, import of fill materials and asphalt. These vehicle trips would add to existing traffic volumes on local and regional roadways. Apart from the initial transport of construction equipment and materials, relatively minor construction-related traffic would occur.
Final construction plans would incorporate a traffic control plan (TCP) using the Caltrans Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices to address the worker commutes, equipment and materials transport, and haul truck trips. Construction staging would be located within the project area as well as potentially within a segment of County right-of-way on Barbara Avenue southwest of the intersection with Sierra Boulevard. The segment of Barbara Avenue
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between Sierra Boulevard and Lodi Avenue could potentially be closed to vehicular traffic, bicyclists, and pedestrians during project construction. The existing total two-way traffic volume on this segment of Barbara Avenue during the summer PM peak hour is about 30 vehicles (or one vehicle every 2 minutes, on average). The temporary closure of this segment would not be expected to cause any undue transportation impacts, although there would be some out-of-direction travel (via Fountain Avenue, for instance).
Operational Traffic - The traffic study prepared by LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc. concludes that once the Project becomes operational roadway capacity would not change. The roadway would remain a two-lane facility, with full access provided at all intersections. No changes to intersection lane configuration or control (such as additional stop signs) are anticipated. Compared to existing conditions, the change in driver travel times after implementation of the project is expected to be minimal and therefore the potential to change existing vehicular traffic patterns would be low (Appendix E).
b) Less than Significant Impact. The Project has been designed as a streetscape project intended to improve traffic conditions, increase safety, and provide alternative pedestrian access. Construction activities could temporarily increase traffic delays along Sierra Boulevard and other nearby roads during construction. Construction would be intermittent and only occur during two consecutive summer construction seasons. Also, with implementation of traffic control measures from the TCP a less than significant Impact on traffic level of service standards in the area would occur.
c) No Impact. The Project is located within the boundaries of the South Lake Tahoe Airport Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) but only because it is within the departure zone for the airport runway and provides height restrictions associated with residential development within the Tahoe Sierra neighborhood. Since the proposed street lighting would be placed well below the existing tree line the Project would not result in a change in air traffic patterns.
d) No Impact. The Project is a streetscape project that includes design elements that would decrease hazards in the Tahoe Sierra neighborhood. For example, safety elements such as clearly striped pedestrian and vehicle travel ways will be provided as well as installation of street lighting to provide greater nighttime visibility and safety for pedestrians.
e) Less than Significant Impact. Construction activities could result in minor delays for access of emergency vehicles to adjacent residences along Sierra Boulevard. As a requirement of the TCP the City or approved contractor will be required to coordinate with law enforcement and emergency services providers prior to the start of construction to ensure construction activities do not impair law enforcement and emergency services response to emergencies. In addition, individual property owners along Sierra Boulevard would be notified prior to construction that access to their properties would not be obstructed throughout construction of the Project. f) No Impact. Currently, on-street parking along Sierra Boulevard is not designated by the City nor is the on-street parking in conformance with City standards. The Project includes well defined areas for on-street parking along Sierra Boulevard. There are no bus terminals or any bike paths, with the exception of signage, along Sierra Boulevard. Implementation of the Project would improve neighborhood parking capacity and increase safety along Sierra Boulevard.
g) No Impact. The Project has been designed as a streetscape project intended to improve traffic conditions, increase safety and provide alternative pedestrian access with the addition
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XVIII. Utilities & Service Systems
Would the Project:
Environmental Issue Impact Impact Less Than Than Less Than Less Mitigation NoImpact Significant Significant Potentially Incorporated Significantwith a. Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board? X b. Require or result in the construction of new water or wastewater delivery, collection or treatment facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which X could cause significant environmental effects? c. Require or result in the construction of new storm water drainage facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant X environmental effects?
d. Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the Project from existing entitlements and resources, or are X new or expanded entitlements needed?
e. Result in a determination by 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? f. Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted capacity to accommodate the Project’s solid waste disposal needs? X
g. Comply with federal, state, and local statues and regulations related to solid waste? X
Discussion: Utilities and service systems in the Project area include water, sewer, storm drain systems, gas, and electricity.
Water Service
Water Service is provided to the Tahoe Sierra neighborhood by the South Tahoe Public Utility District (STPUD). There are existing water mains running parallel along Sierra Boulevard within the existing road right-of-way that provides water service to each residence via meters located on individual private property..
Sewer Service & Storm Drain Systems
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There is a 6-inch sewer pipe that runs along the approximate centerline of Sierra Boulevard and a curb and gutter storm drain system on both sides of Sierra Boulevard from William Avenue to Palmira Avenue. Sewer service and storm drain systems are maintained by the City of South Lake Tahoe Public Works Department.
Gas
Natural gas service is provided by Southwest Gas Company. There is a 2-inch underground gas pipeline running parallel along Sierra Boulevard that connects to each property. The gas pipeline is located underground within the existing road right-of-way.
Electric
Electricity service is provided by Liberty Utilities along Sierra Boulevard. There are underground power lines running parallel along the eastern side of Sierra Boulevard within existing road right-of-way. a & e) No impact. The Project does not involve direct or indirect discharge of wastewater to sanitary sewer or on-site septic systems. No demand for sewer line capacity, wastewater treatment requirements, or wastewater treatment facilities would occur as a result of construction or implementation of the Project. The Project will not create wastewater and therefore will not exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the applicable Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board. b & d) Less than Significant Impact. There is sufficient water supply available to serve the Project as the only water needs would occur during construction for dust suppression. The Project would not require the construction or expansion of any new water or wastewater facilities. Water trucks would be filled using designated fire hydrants located in the project vicinity. Water usage for the construction and implementation of the Project would be negligible and existing entitlements and resources have the capacity to serve any temporary water needs for the Project. c) No Impact. The Project area currently experiences localized flooding due to inadequate grading in drainage ditches. Also, soil erosion occurs as a result of vehicles parking on unpaved shoulders as well as using unpaved driveway encroachments. The Project would improve stormwater quality through the construction of new stormwater drainage facilities along Sierra Boulevard, including curb and gutter and infiltration galleries. No measurable increases in stormwater flow would occur with construction and implementation of the Project. f & g) Less than Significant Impact. Construction activities for the Project would generate solid wastes requiring disposal at area landfills. Waste generated during Project construction would be limited to vegetation debris, asphalt, and road subgrade. Waste generation would be temporary and would not reduce available capacities at existing landfills. Disposal of construction waste would comply with federal, state, and local statutes and regulations related to solid waste including the City’s Refuse and Garbage Ordinance (Chapter 4.150).
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XIX. Mandatory Findings of Significance
Environmental Issue Impact Impact Less Than Than Less Than Less Mitigation NoImpact Significant Significant Potentially Incorporated Significantwith
a. Does the Project have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal X community, 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. Does the Project have impacts that are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable? (“Cumulatively considerable” means that the incremental effects of a Project are considerable X when viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, the effects of other current projects, or the effects of probable future projects.) c. Does the Project have environmental effects, which will cause substantial adverse effects on X human beings, either directly or indirectly? a) Less than Significant Impact with Mitigation Incorporated. As discussed in Section IV. Biological Resources, the project would have impacts on sensitive biological resources, including migratory birds, but mitigation has been provided to reduce these impacts to less than significant levels. After mitigation, the project would not have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment; would not substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species; would not cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining levels; would not threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community; and would not reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plants or animals. As discussed in Sections V. Cultural Resources, impacts on archaeological, paleontological resources and human remains would be less than significant with implementation of mitigation measures requiring a pre-construction survey or preparation of an Inadvertent Discovery Plan, and Compliance with state health and safety code related to handling the inadvertent discovery of human remains. The Project would not cause degradation of scenic resources, water quality, cultural and historic resources, or other resources associated with the physical and biological communities and environment of the Project. b) Less than Significant Impacts. The Project would not involve development or changes in land use that would result in increased population growth or demand for public services. The Project would not contribute substantially to increased automobile traffic in the area. The Project would improve connectivity between and provide better mobility to residents and visitors to the City of South Lake Tahoe. In addition, the South Lake Tahoe Public
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Utilities District (STPUD) has planned to install new water meters to the residential properties along Sierra Boulevard from the road right-of-way extending into the existing public utilities easements prior to or during construction of the Project to avoid future damage to Sierra Boulevard. The Project, when cumulatively considered with the STPUD project, would not create new or worsen environmental impacts in the area. Implementation of the Project would be consistent with the goals and policies implemented by the City of South lake Tahoe General Plan and TRPA Regional Plan. Therefore, it is anticipated that there are no significant cumulative impacts resulting from the construction and implementation of the Project. As discussed throughout this environmental document, the Project would not contribute to a substantial decline in water quality, air quality, noise, biological resources, agricultural resources, or cultural resources under cumulative conditions. Cumulatively considerable impacts associated with the Project are less than significant. c) Less than Significant Impacts. All impacts associated with construction and implementation of the Project identified in this Mitigated Negative Declaration are either less than significant after mitigation or less than significant and do not require mitigation. Therefore, the Project would not result in environmental effects that cause substantial adverse effects on human beings either directly or indirectly.
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6.0 REFERENCES
California Air Resources Board. 2017. Air Quality and Land Use Handbook. Accessed online at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/ch/landuse.htm. July 2017.
______. 2009. California Ambient Air Quality Standards Chart (Updated 2016). Accessed online at: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/aaqs/caaqs/caaqs.htm#table . July 2017.
California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire). July 2015. State Responsibility Area Viewer Accessed online at: http://bofdata.fire.ca.gov/sra_viewer/. June 2017.
California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC). March 2016. Department of Toxic Substances Control Fact Sheet: Community Update. Accessed Online at: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/env/haz/pdfs/adl/caltrans_fs.pdf. October 2017.
______. Envirostor Website. Accessed Online at: http://www.envirostor.dtsc.ca.gov/public/search.asp?basic=True .November 2017.
California Division of Mines and Geology. 1997. Guidelines for Evaluating and Mitigating Seismic Hazards in California. Special Publication 117. Sacramento, CA. May 2017.
California Geological Survey. 2007. Seismic Shaking Hazards in California. Updated: June 2008. Accessed online at: http://maps.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/fam/. May 2017.
California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). Geotracker website: http://geotracker.waterboards.ca.gov/. November 2017.
Caltrans. 2011. California Scenic Highway Mapping System. Nevada and Sierra Counties. Accessed online at: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/LandArch/scenic_highways/index.htm. June 2017.
______. Caltrans Activities to Address Climate Change: Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Adapting to Impacts. Accessed online: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/tpp/offices/orip/climate_change/documents/Caltrans_ClimateChan geRprt-Final_April_2013.pdf. April 2013.
______. Caltrans 2015. Categorical Exemption/Categorical Exclusion. http://www.caltrans.ca.gov/d3/projects/subprojects/3C380/files/pdfs/03- 3C380%20Signed%20CE%207-17-2015.pdf March 2018.
City of South Lake Tahoe Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC). Lake Tahoe Comprehensive Land Use Plan. Revised May 2007. Accessed online at: http://www.cityofslt.us/DocumentCenter/Home/View/1139. May 2017.
City of South Lake Tahoe. City Zoning Code. Current through March 2017. Accessed online at: http://www.codepublishing.com/CA/SouthLakeTahoe/. May 2017.
______. 2030 General Plan. Adopted May 17, 2011. Accessed online at: http://w.cityofslt.us/index.aspx?nid=575. May 2017.
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______. General Plan Transportation and Circulation Element Table TC-1 Roadway Functional Classifications. Adopted May 17, 2011. Accessed online at: http://www.cityofslt.us/DocumentCenter/View/5642. June 2017.
______. 2014-2022 Housing Element Update. Adopted May 2014. Accessed online at: http://www.cityofslt.us/DocumentCenter/View/5641. June 2017.
______. Stormwater Management Plan. Adopted October 2013. Accessed Online at: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/rwqcb6/water_issues/programs/tmdl/lake_tahoe/docs/cslts wpm.pdf. November 2017.
El Dorado County Air Quality Management District). 2002. Guide to Air Quality Assessment – Determining Significance of Air Quality Impacts Under the California Environmental Quality Act. July 2017.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 2017. Online Flood Mapping Tool. Available at:https://fema.maps.arcgis.com/home/webmap/viewer.html?webmap=cbe088e7c8704464a a0fc34eb99e7f30. Accessed November 2017.
NRCS. 2010. Web Soil Survey. Accessed online at: http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/. May 2017.
Saucedo, G.J. 2005. Geologic Map of the Lake Tahoe Basin, California and Nevada. California Department of Conservation, California Geological Survey.
Sacramento Air Quality Management District (SMAQMD). 2014. Justification for Greenhouse Gas Emissions Thresholds of Significance. July 2017.
Tahoe Regional Planning Agency. Code of Ordinances. Effective February 09, 2013. Accessed online at: http://www.trpa.org/wp-content/uploads/20170602_Code-of-Ordinances.pdf. June 2017.
______. Plan Area Statements: (105) Sierra Tract. Amended May 22, 2002. Accessed online at: http://www.trpa.org/wp-content/uploads/105.pdf. May 2017.
______. Regional Transportation Plan. Adopted April 26,2017. Accessed Online at: http://www.trpa.org/regional-plan/regional-transportation-plan/. July 2017.
Tahoe Transportation District. 2016. South Shore Services. Accessed Online at: http://www.tahoetransportation.org/transit/south-shore-services. July 2017.
Uniform Building Code. 2001. California Code of Regulations Title 24, Part2, Volume 2. Building Standards Commission of California.
United States Census Bureau: 2015 American Community Survey Demographic and Housing Estimates (Age, Sex, Race, Households and Housing). Accessed online at: http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/nav/jsf/pages/index.xhtml. August 2017.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2017. News Releases EPA Kicks off Website Updates. Accessed online at: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-kicks-website-updates July 2017.
______. 2015. Six Common Air Pollutants. Accessed online at: www.epa.gov/criteria-air- pollutants. July 2017.
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Appendix A MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PLAN
APPENDIX A: Sierra Boulevard Complete Streets Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan Monitoring Implemented When Monitored Verification Mitigation Measures Action and By Implemented By By/Date Frequency I. AESTHETICS Mitigation Measure AES-1: Design Project Design City of South Final Project Prior to construction New light sources installed as part of the Contractor Lake Tahoe Design Phase project shall provide the minimum lighting Public Works levels to meet security and safety purposes; staff or shall be directed downward and away from equivalent adjacent residential areas; and shall be shielded, diffused, or indirect to reduce excessive glare into adjacent residential properties.
The design contractor shall provide data to the City of South Lake Tahoe Public Works Staff or equivalent that shows the proposed lighting and resulting lighting levels to determine if excessive glare would extend onto adjacent residential properties during the design phase of the project.
II. AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY RESOURCES There are no potentially significant impacts related to agriculture and forestry resources. III. AIR QUALITY Mitigation Measure AQ-1: Contractor During City of South On a daily Submit a daily To reduce fugitive dust emissions from construction Lake Tahoe basis during construction report construction activities, the construction activities Public Works grading during grading contractor shall comply with the following: staff or activities activities for the equivalent project file All exposed surfaces (e.g., parking areas, staging areas, soil piles, graded areas, and unpaved access roads) shall be watered two times per day or to the extent
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Monitoring Implemented When Monitored Verification Mitigation Measures Action and By Implemented By By/Date Frequency necessary to adequately suppress dust.
All haul trucks transporting soil, sand, or other loose material on or off-site shall be covered.
All visible mud or dirt track-out onto adjacent public roads shall be removed using wet power vacuum street sweepers at least once per day. The use of dry power sweeping is prohibited.
Idling times shall be minimized either by shutting equipment off when not in use or reducing the maximum idling time to 5 minutes (as required by the California airborne toxics control measure Title 13, Section 2485 of California Code of Regulations [CCR]).
Post a publicly visible sign with the telephone and person to contact at the Lead Agency regarding dust complaints. This person shall respond and take corrective action within 48 hours. The El Dorado County Air Pollution Control District’s phone number shall also be visible to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
Mitigation Measure AQ-2: Contractor During City of South On a daily Submit a daily Implementation of Mitigation Measure AQ-1 construction Lake Tahoe basis during construction report activities Public Works grading during grading staff or activities activities for the equivalent project file
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Monitoring Implemented When Monitored Verification Mitigation Measures Action and By Implemented By By/Date Frequency Mitigation Measure AQ-3: Contractor During City of South On a daily Submit a daily Implementation of Mitigation Measure AQ-1 construction Lake Tahoe basis during construction report activities Public Works grading during grading staff or activities activities for the equivalent project file IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES Mitigation Measure BIO-1: City of South Conduct pre- City of South No more than Submit a biological The City or approved construction contractor Lake Tahoe construction Lake Tahoe 30 days prior survey/report for the shall retain a qualified biologist to conduct a Public surveys as in contract to ground project file pre-construction survey of the project area to Works/Qualified required, if with a disturbance include a 100-foot buffer, as access is Biologist occupied nests Qualified for tree- available, to locate active bird nests, identify are identified, Biologist nesting measures to protect the nests, and locate any establish buffer raptors, other special status species. The pre- zones and roosting bats construction survey shall be conducted no monitor in more than 14 days prior to the consultation implementation of construction activities with CDFW (including staging and equipment storage). Any active nest should not be disturbed until young have fledged or under the direction provided by a qualified biologist. Any special status species shall not be disturbed under the direction provided by a qualified biologist. Mitigation Measure BIO-2: Contractor/City During City of South On a daily Prior to the issuance Any special status species observed in the of South Lake construction Lake Tahoe basis during of a development project area before or during construction by Tahoe activities Public Works grading permit. the construction contractor, project engineer, staff or activities or other project personnel shall be reported equivalent immediately to the Resident Engineer or equivalent representative. In response, the City or approved construction contractor shall retain a qualified biologist to immediately (within 24 hours) implement adequate protections of special status species.
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Monitoring Implemented When Monitored Verification Mitigation Measures Action and By Implemented By By/Date Frequency V. CULTURAL RESOURCES Mitigation Measure CUL-1: City of South Prior to City of South Prior to Prior to the issuance Lake Tahoe construction Lake Tahoe Construction of a development Prior to the onset of construction a activities Public Works and on a daily permit. subsurface investigation to assess the staff or basis during potential for subsurface cultural resources equivalent grading shall be conducted either in a stand-alone activities manner or coincide with the aerially deposited lead (ADL) investigation required by Mitigation Measure HAZ-1. Either subsurface investigation shall include two auger holes per block (n=52) within the APE and be excavated to a maximum depth of 6.5 feet. Back dirt from those auger holes shall then be screened and evaluated by a qualified archaeologist. If the subsurface investigation coincides with the ADL investigation, the qualified archaeologist needs to have 24 hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard (HAZWOPER) training.
OR
In lieu of a subsurface investigation, the City shall retain a qualified archaeologist to prepare an Inadvertent Discovery Plan (IDP) prior to construction followed by a training session to ensure that all parties involved (archaeologist, tribal monitor, contractors, etc.) are informed of the required protocols outlined in the IDP should cultural material be discovered during construction. During construction a
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Sierra Boulevard Complete Streets City of South Lake Tahoe
Monitoring Implemented When Monitored Verification Mitigation Measures Action and By Implemented By By/Date Frequency qualified archaeologist or tribal monitor shall be present for the duration of grading activities or other subsurface activities. Daily monitoring forms shall be prepared and the results compiled in a letter report by the onsite monitor. The IDP and construction monitoring letter report shall be submitted, as an addendum, to the current cultural resources report (Appendix D) prepared for the Project by a qualified archaeologist. Mitigation Measure CIL-2: City of South During Project City of South On a daily Prior to the issuance Lake Tahoe construction Lake Tahoe basis during of a development Final plans and specifications shall include Public Works construction permit. guidance in the event that human remains staff or activities are discovered. The County Coroner and construction local law enforcement shall be notified Contractor within 24 hours of the discovery in accordance with PRC Section 5097.98 and Section 7050.5 of California Health and Safety Code to conduct proper evaluation and treatment of remains. The coroner and law enforcement agency with jurisdiction will evaluate the find to determine whether it is a crime scene or a burial. If human remains are determined to be associated with an archaeological site (burial), the California Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) will be notified. The OHP will work with appropriate tribes to determine measures to take.
VI. GEOLOGY AND SOILS There are no potentially significant impacts related to Geology and Soils. VII. TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES
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Monitoring Implemented When Monitored Verification Mitigation Measures Action and By Implemented By By/Date Frequency There are no potentially significant impacts related to Tribal Cultural Resources VIII. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS Mitigation Measure GHG-1: Project Prior to City of South Prior to Contractor’s The proposed project will temporarily increase Contractor issuance of Lake Tahoe issuance of construction greenhouse gas emissions during construction grading permit Public Works grading management plan activities. In order to reduce the impact to staff permit and should be provided to less than significant the following mitigation through the the City of South Lake shall be included in the final construction duration of Tahoe for review and management plan prior to issuance of a the project approval. The plans grading permit. shall incorporate the measures Use of heavy machinery will be minimized recommended in the to the fullest extent possible during mitigation. construction activities. Vehicles shall be turned off when not in use rather than remain in an idling state. IX. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS Mitigation Measure HAZ-1: City of South Prior to City of South Throughout Prior to or during Prior to construction of the Project, testing for Lake Construction City of South the duration construction aerially deposited lead contamination in soils Tahoe/Contractor Lake Tahoe of project shall be performed by the City or approved (if necessary) Public Works construction contractor. The test data will be used to asses Staff or by mitigating if there is aerially deposited lead (ADL) approved areas where present at concentrations requiring contractor (if lead has been remediation. If remediation is required, necessary) identified special hazardous waste handling provisions above covering the implementation of a health and acceptable safety plan, handling, and disposal regulatory implemented by the City in advance of screening construction or, if implemented during levels construction shall be included in final construction documents. X. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY There are no potentially significant impacts related to Hydrology and Water Quality. XI. LAND USE AND PLANNING
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Monitoring Implemented When Monitored Verification Mitigation Measures Action and By Implemented By By/Date Frequency There are no potentially significant impacts related to land use and planning. XII. MINERAL RESOURCES There are no potentially significant impacts related to mineral resources. XIII. NOISE Mitigation Measure NOISE 1: Contractor/ City Through the Contractor Through the To reduce exposure of persons to excessive of South Lake duration of the or equivalent duration of noise and ground borne vibration associated Tahoe Project site manager the Project with Project construction the contractor or equivalent site manager shall be prohibited from using any construction equipment during the following time periods without written authorization from the City of South Lake Tahoe Public Works Director or equivalent:
Sundays and Federal Holidays Between the hours of 7:00 pm and 7:00 am Monday through Friday Between the hours of 7:00 pm and 7:00 am Saturdays Mitigation Measure NOISE-2: Contractor/ City Through the Contractor Through the The contractor or equivalent site manager of South Lake duration of the or equivalent duration of shall document any violations or complaints Tahoe Project site manager the Project as a result of excessive construction noise and provide written copies to the appropriate City Public Works Department project manager within 24-hours of reported violations or complaints Mitigation Measure Noise 3: Contractor/ City Through the Contractor Through the Implement Noise-1 and Noise-2. of South Lake duration of the or equivalent duration of Tahoe Project site manager the Project XIV. POPULATION AND HOUSING There are no potentially significant impacts related to population and housing. XV. PUBLIC SERVICES There are no potentially significant impacts related to public services.
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Monitoring Implemented When Monitored Verification Mitigation Measures Action and By Implemented By By/Date Frequency XVI. RECREATION There are no potentially significant impacts related to recreation. XVII. TRANSPORATION/TRAFFIC There are no potentially significant impacts related to transportation and traffic. XVIII. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS There are no potentially significant impacts related to Utilities and Service Systems.
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Appendix B SITE PHOTOGRAPHS
Appendix B: Site Photos
Photo 1: View Barbara Avenue to the Southeast
Photo 2: View from Barbara Avenue to the northwest Appendix B: Site Photos
Photo 3: View from Elwood Avenue northwest toward Highway 50
Photo 4: View from Palmira Avenue southeast Appendix B: Site Photos
Photo 5: Caltrans snow storage yard at southeast terminus of Sierra Boulevard
Photo 6: Proposed Barbara Avenue staging area Appendix B: Site Photos
Photo 7: Open Space Adjacent to Sierra Boulevard Appendix B: Site Photos
Photo 8: Drainage and Erosion Conditions
Photo 9: Drainage and Erosion Conditions
Appendix C BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM
SIERRA BOULEVARD COMPLETE STREETS TABLE OF CONTENTS BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 Introduction ...... 1 2.0 Background ...... 2 3.0 Regulatory Environment ...... 3 4.0 Alternatives Evaluated ...... 4 5.0 Affected Environment ...... 5 5.1 California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) ...... 5 5.2 California Native Plant Society ...... 8 5.3 United States Fish and Wildlife Services ...... 10 5.4 Tahoe Regional Planning Agency ...... 12 5.5 The United States Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit ...... 15 5.6 Threatened Endangered and Sensitive Migratory Bird Species ...... 24 6.0 Field Work ...... 31 7.0 Mitigation Measures ...... 35 8.0 References ...... 36
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. CNDDB Map ...... 7 Figure 2. Invasive Weed Map ...... 28
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SIERRA BOULEVARD COMPLETE STREETS 1.0 INTRODUCTION BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM
1.0 INTRODUCTION
This biological resources technical memorandum evaluates the potential effects of the Sierra Boulevard Complete Streets Project on special status plant and animal species and protected habitat in the vicinity of the project area. Background databases and lists were searched including the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB), California Native Plant Society (CNPS) list of rare plants, United States Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS) Information Planning and Conservation system (IPaC) trust resources list, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) special interest species list, the United States Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (USFS LTBMU) sensitive species list, and the USFWS migratory bird list. This information was verified through a field survey conducted on July 25, 2017. During the field survey, invasive weed species were mapped in the project area. No special status species were observed in the project area during the field survey and no habitat to support special status species was observed in the project area.
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SIERRA BOULEVARD COMPLETE STREETS 2.0 BACKGROUND BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM
2.0 BACKGROUND
This project consists of planning, design, and permitting for full rehabilitation of Sierra Boulevard, an approximately 0.63 mile long arterial road in the City of South Lake Tahoe (City). This street is located within the Tahoe Sierra subdivision and extends from Palmira Avenue to Barbara Avenue; Sierra Boulevard will serve as a tie in location for the planned South Tahoe Greenway Shared Use Trail being implemented by the California Tahoe Conservancy. The project will also incorporate Caltrans’ planned intersection improvements at Sierra Boulevard and US Highway 50, which is scheduled for construction in 2018-2019.
In compliance with the City’s General Plan Policy TC-1.8 for arterial roads, the project will be a “complete streets” project and will incorporate design features meant to enable safe, convenient, and comfortable travel access for multiple users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists. Specifically, project improvements include the construction of a recreational bike trail, a five foot wide pedestrian walkway on one side of the street, City standard street lighting along the bike trail, landscaping, water quality treatment galleries, and a storm drain conveyance system. A dedicated parking lane is also proposed. The proposed project improvements will take place in existing roadway and existing disturbed right-of-way, which is a total of 81 feet wide. Staging is proposed in the paved lot used for snow storage during the winter at the south end of Sierra Boulevard and/or on an adjacent paved street which would be temporarily closed to traffic during construction. Sierra Boulevard is classified as an arterial road and is used as an access route for heavy equipment associated with Caltrans snow removal operations, however it is primarily a residential area with the exception of the Sierra Community Church.
As a result of the federal funding and the proposed design, the project must comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). In addition to these environmental approvals, the City will need to obtain permits from a variety of local agencies as well as potentially from state and federal agencies.
There are two types of soils that occur in the project area, Christopher-Gefo Complex, 0-5% slopes and the Marla loamy coarse sand, 0-5% slopes. The Christopher–Gefo complex occurs in the majority of the project area. It forms on hillslopes on outwash terraces derived from granodiorite. The depth to restrictive feature is more than 80 inches and it is excessively drained. The Marla loamy coarse sand is located in the northern portion of the project area roughly following the Chris Avenue basin drainage system. The soil forms on valley flats and outwash terraces from alluvium derived from granodiorite. Depth to restrictive feature is more than 80 inches and it is poorly drained. It is rated as a hydric soil (NRCS Web soil survey). The nearest mapped wetlands are located in the Truckee Marsh approximately 0.25 miles to the south west and Trout Creek Marsh approximately 0.4 miles to the north east (USFWS National Wetlands Inventory).
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SIERRA BOULEVARD COMPLETE STREETS 3.0 REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM
3.0 REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT
Environmental documents are being prepared for the project to comply with the requirements of CEQA. The City of South Lake Tahoe will act as Lead Agency to inform the Planning Commission and the public about the potential environmental effects of the project, including effects on biological resources.
Environmental documents are also being prepared for the project to comply with the requirements of NEPA. Federal funding is partially funding the project which is why CalTrans (with delegated authority from the Federal Highway Administration) will act as lead agency under NEPA.
The project is also required to comply with the TRPA Code of Ordinances in order to receive a permit for the project. An Initial Environmental Checklist is used to determine impacts to the environment including biological impacts and an Environmental Improvement Project Review Application is submitted to the TRPA. The project is an Environmental Improvement Project for the TRPA threshold of Air Quality/Transportation.
The City of South Lake Tahoe Planning Division staff will conduct Design Review and Approval for the project. The project approval occurs at a planning commission meeting.
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SIERRA BOULEVARD COMPLETE STREETS 4.0 ALTERNATIVES EVALUATED BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM
4.0 ALTERNATIVES EVALUATED
Several road, landscaping, pedestrian path, and bicycle path alignment alternatives were considered for the Sierra Boulevard Complete Streets Project. The project area remains within the 81 foot right-of-way for all alternatives considered and does not encroach on private property. The project does not affect any Waters of the US or Waters of the State. Each alternative would have the same effect on biological resources as they all contained the same paths, roads, and landscaping but in different configurations. The following alignment is likely the configuration that will be constructed:
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SIERRA BOULEVARD COMPLETE STREETS 5.0 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM
5.0 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT
This section is a discussion of vegetation and wildlife resources in the vicinity of the project area from databases and agencies such as the CNDDB, CNPS list of rare plants, USFWS IPaC trust resources list, the TRPA special interest species list, the USFS LTBMU sensitive species list, and the USFWS migratory bird list.
5.1 CALIFORNIA NATURAL DIVERSITY DATABASE The CNDDB was queried on July 3, 2017 for special status species that have the potential to occur in the project area on July 3, 2017. There are five wildlife species and no plant species listed within 1 mile of the project area (Figure 1). The CNDDB wildlife species listed are on Table 1.
Table 1. CNDDB List of Wildlife Species that have the Potential to Occur. Scientific Common Description Species Habitat Name Name Observe Exists in d in Project Project Area Area Preferred habitat is located near water No No such as fields, marshes, streams, and lakes. The bank swallow nests in colonies in vertical banks of dirt or sand, usually along rivers or ponds, seldom away from Riparia Bank water (http://www.audubon.org/field- riparia swallow guide/bird/bank-swallow). Habitat for the northern goshawk No No includes coniferous and mixed forests. The northern goshawk hunts by perching quietly at mid-levels in trees, watching for prey, often moving from one perch to another. When prey is spotted, hawk attacks with a short flight, putting on a great burst of speed and often plunging through tangled branches and thickets in pursuit of quarry. The northern goshawk nest site is in tree, often in deciduous tree in mixed forest, at a major crotch in the trunk Accipiter Northern (http://www.audubon.org/field- gentilis goshawk guide/bird/northern-goshawk). Habitat for the northern leopard frog No No includes a variety of aquatic habitats that include slow-moving or still water along streams and rivers, wetlands, permanent or temporary pools, beaver ponds, and human constructed habitats such as Northern earthen stock tanks and borrow pits Lithobates leopard (https://www.fws.gov/nevada/nv_speci pipiens frog es/nleopard_frog.html).
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SIERRA BOULEVARD COMPLETE STREETS 5.0 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM
Scientific Common Description Species Habitat Name Name Observe Exists in d in Project Project Area Area Habitat for the willow flycatcher includes No Yes. A <40 bushes, willow thickets, brushy fields, sq. ft. and upland small groups of trees. The portion of willow flycatcher breeds in thickets of the project deciduous trees and shrubs, especially area willows, or along woodland edges includes a (http://www.audubon.org/field- manmade guide/bird/willow-flycatcher). infiltration basin with associated Empidona Willow riparian x traillii flycatcher vegetation. Habitat for the yellow-headed blackbird No Yes. A <40 includes fresh marshes. The blackbird sq. ft. nests in colonies in marshes, with the portion of nest placed firmly lashed to standing the project aquatic vegetation, usually no more than area 3' above water's surface. includes a (http://www.audubon.org/field- manmade guide/bird/yellow-headed-blackbird). infiltration Xanthocep basin with halus Yellow- associated xanthocep headed riparian halus blackbird vegetation.
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SIERRA BOULEVARD COMPLETE STREETS 5.0 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM
5.2 CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY The CNPS list of rare plants that occur in the US Geological Survey 7.5’ South Lake Tahoe quadrangle within the elevation range of the project area is included below (Table 2). The CNPS ranking system is listed below:
California Rare Plant Ranking System (CRPRS) 1B: Plants rare, threatened, or endangered in CA and elsewhere 2B: Plants rare, threatened, or endangered in CA, but more common elsewhere 4: Plants of Limited Distribution – a watch list
Threat Ranks .1: Seriously threatened in California (over 80% of occurrences threatened/ high degree and immediacy of threat) .2: Moderately threatened in California (20-80% of occurrences threatened/moderate degree and intimacy of threat .3: Not very threated in California (less than 20% of occurrences threatened/ low degree and immediacy of threat or no current threats known)
Table 2. CNPS Database List of Rare Plants. Scientific Common Description CRPRS Species Suitabl Name Name Observe e d in Habitat Project in the Area Project Area Slender perennial plant in the No No Brassicaceae (Mustard) family. The species has small white flowers and occurs in forest openings above 7,000 feet on moderate to steep slopes, often in drainage ways, near meadow edges, or in other moisture- Arabis accumulating microsites rigidissima Galena (http://tahoemonitoring.org/land var. creek /upland-species-and- demota rockcress communities/339.html). 1B.2 Perennial fern relative, 5-12 cm No No tall. Primarily a species of open habitats, but reported from grassy to forested settings Botrych- (https://www.uwyo.edu/wyndd/ ium Upswept _files/docs/reports/speciesabstra ascendens moonwort cts/botrychium_ascendens.pdf). 2B.3 Perennial fern relative, mostly 10 No No cm or less with a single leaf. Habitat includes moist, open Botrych- montane habitats, including ium damp meadows, boggy areas and crenula- Scalloped marshes tum moonwort (http://www.uwyo.edu/wyndd/_f 2B.2
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SIERRA BOULEVARD COMPLETE STREETS 5.0 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM
Scientific Common Description CRPRS Species Suitabl Name Name Observe e d in Habitat Project in the Area Project Area iles/docs/reports/speciesabstract s/botrychium_crenulatum.pdf). Single upright stem arising from No Yes. The the ground and terminating in a road cluster of tiny ball-like structures shoulder that resemble a bunch of grapes. is Wide variety of habitats, disturb- including some highly disturbed ed. Botrych- areas ium (https://www.blm.gov/or/plans/ mingan- Mingan surveyandmanage/MR/VascularP ense moonwort lants/section4.htm). 2B.2 Moss has erect, tiny, stems and No Yes. The capsules only 5.1-12 mm tall. road Occurs as individual plants shoulder among grasses, or forms large is colonies in openings, on moist, disturb- disturbed soil with organic ed. content, shaded to partial sun in the alpine zone. Montane meadows and streambanks are favored habitat. The moss takes advantage of disturbed sites and minimal competition from other vegetation (http://explorer.natureserve.org /servlet/NatureServe?searchSpe Bruchia Bolander's ciesUid=ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.12 bolanderi bruchia 1922). 4.2 Draba Drabas are typically found at high No No astero- elevations, growing in mats that phora var. protect against windy conditions. astero- Tahoe Dark green, round to obovate phora draba leaves that are 5-15 mm long. 1B.2 In the evening primrose family No No and endemic to the high sierra Nevada. Habitat includes wet mountain meadows between 6,560-8,800 ft. in elevation Epilobium Subalpine (http://www.wow.com/wiki/Epilo howellii fireweed bium_howellii). 4.3
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SIERRA BOULEVARD COMPLETE STREETS 5.0 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM
Scientific Common Description CRPRS Species Suitabl Name Name Observe e d in Habitat Project in the Area Project Area Stems 2-14 cm tall. These No No Three- mosses occur in wetland sites, ranked specifically, within wet woods Meesia hump (https://www.revolvy.com/topic/ triquetra moss Meesia%20triquetra). 4.2 Stems 1–4 cm long, often No No branched. This moss lives in fens, peaty soil banks, seeps, meadows, and rock fissures upon exposed, damp organic soil within upper montane to subalpine coniferous forest. It prefers to live upon calcareous substrates. Broad- Its elevational range is from nerved 3,950 ft. to 8,550 ft. Meesia hump (https://www.revolvy.com/topic/ uliginosa moss Meesia%20uliginosa ). 2B.2 Rorippa Tahoe Occurs only along the sandy No No subum- yellow shores of Lake Tahoe. bellata cress 1B.1
5.3 UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICES The USFWS IPaC lists three trust resources (includes threatened and endangered species and critical habitat) that are expected to be on or near the project area. These species include the Lahontan cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki henshawi), Sierra Nevada Yellow-legged frog (Rana sierra), and the North American Wolverine (Gulo gulo luscus) (Table 3).
Table 3. USFWS IPaC List Scientific Common Description Status Species Suitabl Name Name Observe e d in Habitat Project in the Area Project Area Generally, Lahontan Federally No No cutthroat trout occur in cool threatened flowing water with available species cover of well-vegetated and stable stream banks, in areas where there are stream velocity breaks, and Oncorhync Lahontan in relatively silt free, rocky hus clarki cutthroat riffle-run areas henshawi trout (https://www.fws.gov/neva
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SIERRA BOULEVARD COMPLETE STREETS 5.0 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM
Scientific Common Description Status Species Suitabl Name Name Observe e d in Habitat Project in the Area Project Area da/protected_species/fish/s pecies/lct.html). Typical habitat for the Sierra Federally No No Nevada yellow-legged frog endangered includes lakes, ponds, species marshes, meadows, and streams. The frogs are highly aquatic and are rarely found more than 3.3 feet from water. Egg-laying sites must be connected to permanent lakes or ponds that do not freeze to the bottom in winter, because the tadpoles must live in the water over winter. If a body of water used for breeding dries up for just one season, three to four generations of tadpoles will be destroyed Sierra (https://www.fws.gov/sacra Nevada mento/es_species/Accounts yellow- /Amphibians- Rana legged Reptiles/es_sn-yellow- sierra frog legged-frog.htm). North American wolverine Federally No No habitat is primarily boreal proposed forests, tundra, and western threatened mountains. Individual species wolverines have moved into historic range in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, but have not established breeding populations there. Wolverines tend to live in remote and inhospitable places away from human populations. Wolverines are opportunistic feeders and consume a variety of foods North depending on Gulo gulo American availability. They primarily luscus wolverine scavenge carrion, but also
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SIERRA BOULEVARD COMPLETE STREETS 5.0 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM
Scientific Common Description Status Species Suitabl Name Name Observe e d in Habitat Project in the Area Project Area prey on small animals and birds, and eat fruits, berries, and insects (https://www.fws.gov/moun tain- prairie/es/wolverine.php).
5.4 TAHOE REGIONAL PLANNING AGENCY The TRPA has adopted environmental threshold standards for wildlife and plant species. The TRPA established two value statements related to wildlife conservation and management as well as vegetation conservation and management in the Region. There are two indicator reporting categories in the wildlife threshold category: 1) special interest species, and 2) habitats of special significance. The indicator reporting categories for vegetation are: 1) provide for a wide mix and increased diversity of plant communities in the Tahoe Basin, including such unique ecosystems as wetlands, meadows, and other riparian vegetation; 2) conserve threatened, endangered, and sensitive plant species and uncommon plant communities of the Lake Tahoe Basin. In addition to the species listed in the threshold standards, Sean Tevlin, Assistant Environmental Specialist at the TRPA was consulted about TRPA sensitive species in the project area. He stated on July 24, 2017, that there are no additional sensitive species listed within a half mile of the project area except for designated waterfowl sites. TRPA special interest species are listed in Table 4.
Table 4. TRPA Species Listed in the Threshold Standards Scientific Common Description Species Suitable Name Name Observed in Habitat in Project Area the Project Area Haliaeetus Bald eagle Bald Eagles typically breed and No No leucoceph- winter in forested areas alus adjacent to large bodies of water. Nests are usually constructed below the crown of a tree, often highest point where large branches join bole of tree. Bald Eagles use carrion of fish, birds, and mammals extensively wherever encountered at sites that provide disturbance-free access from the ground. Bald Eagles hunt from perches or while soaring over suitable habitat and attempt to take most prey on the wing (e.g., fish, waterfowl, small mammals).
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SIERRA BOULEVARD COMPLETE STREETS 5.0 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM
Scientific Common Description Species Suitable Name Name Observed in Habitat in Project Area the Project Area Pandion Osprey Nest site is usually on top of No No haliaetus large tree (often with dead or broken top) not far from water. Diet consists almost entirely fish. Habitat is located near water, either fresh or salt, where large numbers of fish are present (http://www.audubon.org/field -guide/bird/osprey). Aquila Golden Nest site is most often on cliff No No chrysaetos eagle ledge, also frequently in large tree, rarely on ground. Diet consists of mostly small mammals. Habitat requires open terrain. In forested eastern North America, often hunts over marshes or along rivers (http://www.audubon.org/field -guide/bird/golden-eagle). Flaco Peregrine Occupied habitat during spring No No peregrinus falcon and fall migration may include anatum urban environments. Nests are a scraping in the ground, typically on high ledges of rocks or man-made structures. Mostly eats birds. Accipiter Northern Habitat for the northern No No gentilis goshawk goshawk includes coniferous and mixed forests. The northern goshawk hunts by perching quietly at mid-levels in trees, watching for prey, often moving from one perch to another. When prey is spotted, hawk attacks with a short flight, putting on a great burst of speed and often plunging through tangled branches and thickets in pursuit of quarry. The northern goshawk nest site is in tree, often in deciduous tree in mixed forest, at a major crotch in the trunk (http://www.audubon.org/field
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SIERRA BOULEVARD COMPLETE STREETS 5.0 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM
Scientific Common Description Species Suitable Name Name Observed in Habitat in Project Area the Project Area -guide/bird/northern- goshawk). Anatidae, Waterfowl The TRPA is concerned with No No Ardeidae, (ducks, protecting habitat for waterfowl Sternidae geese, and with protecting waterfowl families herons, habitat. The basin has many terns, etc. locations which served as a stopover for waterfowl migrating along the Pacific Flyway. (http://www.trpa.org/wp- content/uploads/14_Ch8_Wildli fe_FINAL_9_30_2016.pdf). Odocoileus Mule deer Deer can be found in the Tahoe No No hemionus Basin during the summer and typically migrate to lower elevation areas with less snow for the winter (DFG 2006). They occur in diverse habitats from moist, dense coniferous forests to dry, open plains and deserts, and alpine habitats (https://www.fs.fed.us/databas e/feis/animals/mammal/odhe/a ll.html). Arabis Galena Slender perennial plant in the No No rigidissima creek Brassicaceae (Mustard) family. var. demota rockcress The species has small white flowers and occurs in forest openings above 7,000 feet on moderate to steep slopes, often in drainage ways, near meadow edges, or in other moisture- accumulating microsites (http://tahoemonitoring.org/la nd/upland-species-and- communities/339.html). Draba Tahoe Drabas are typically found at No No asterophora draba high elevations, growing in var. mats that protect against windy asterophora conditions. Dark green, round to obovate leaves that are 5- 15mm long. Draba Cup lake Small alpine perennial plant in No No asterophora draba the Brassicaceae (Mustard) var. family. Small yellow flowers and macrocarpa is characterized by a cushion
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SIERRA BOULEVARD COMPLETE STREETS 5.0 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM
Scientific Common Description Species Suitable Name Name Observed in Habitat in Project Area the Project Area growth form where all the foliage grows close to the ground in a short mound or mat. Habitat includes Granitic rock outcrops, talus, gravelly soil; 2600-3300 m; (http://tahoemonitoring.org/la nd/upland-species-and- communities/338.html). Lewisia Long- Low growing, deciduous No No pygmaea petaled perennial plant. Flower is made longipetala lewisia up of several to many stems each bearing one to three flowers. Habitat consists of alpine boulder and rock field, subalpine coniferous forest (mesic, rocky), granitic (http://explorer.natureserve.or g/servlet/NatureServe?searchN ame=Lewisia+longipetala). Rorippa Tahoe Occurs only along the sandy No No subumbell- yellow shores of Lake Tahoe. ata cress
5.5 THE UNITED STATES FOREST SERVICE LAKE TAHOE BASIN MANAGEMENT UNIT The LTBMU defines sensitive species as any species of plant or animal that has been recognized by the Regional Forester to need special management in order to prevent them to become threatened or endangered. These lists are published on the LTBMU website. Additionally, Stephanie Coppeto, Wildlife Biologist at the USFS, was contacted on September 7, 2017 to request any updated species and she provided an updated June 30, 2013 sensitive species list. The Region 5 Sensitive Species List of animal and plant species are shown on Tables 5a and 5b.
Table 5a. Region 5 Sensitive Species List of Animals Scientific Common Description Species Suitable Name Name Observe Habitat in d in the Project Project Area Area Accipiter Northern Habitat for the northern goshawk No No gentilis goshawk includes coniferous and mixed forests. The northern goshawk hunts by perching quietly at mid-levels in trees, watching for prey, often moving from one perch to another. When prey is spotted, hawk attacks with a short flight, putting on a great burst of speed and often plunging
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SIERRA BOULEVARD COMPLETE STREETS 5.0 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM
Scientific Common Description Species Suitable Name Name Observe Habitat in d in the Project Project Area Area through tangled branches and thickets in pursuit of quarry. The northern goshawk nest site is in tree, often in deciduous tree in mixed forest, at a major crotch in the trunk (http://www.audubon.org/field- guide/bird/northern-goshawk). Antrozous Pallid bat It frequents arid or semi-arid No No pallidus locations. The pallid bat is usually found in rocky, mountainous areas and near water. They are also found over more open, sparsely vegetated grasslands, and they seem to prefer to forage in the open. The pallid bat has three different roosts. The day roost is usually in a warm, horizontal opening such as in attics or rock cracks; the night roost is usually in the open, near foliage; and the hibernation roost, which is often in buildings, caves, or cracks in rocks (http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/ 1790/0). Bombus Western Bombus occidentalis typically nests No No occidentali bumble underground in abandoned rodent s bee burrows or other cavities in open west-southwest slopes bordered by trees, although a few nests have been reported from above-ground locations such as in logs among railroad ties. The habitat for this species is described as open grassy areas, urban parks and gardens, chaparral and shrub areas, and mountain meadows (http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/ 44937492/0). Corynorhin Townsend C. townsendii are found in a variety No No us 's big- of locations that range from townsendii eared bat coniferous forests and woodlands, deciduous riparian woodland, semi- desert, and montane shrublands. They are most common in evergreen forests in the warmer months. In the summer, these bats roost in a wide
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Scientific Common Description Species Suitable Name Name Observe Habitat in d in the Project Project Area Area variety of locations, including limestone caves, lava tubes, and human-made structures. Females prefer dark places for their roosts (http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/ 17598/0). Empidonax Willow Habitat for the willow flycatcher No Yes. A very traillii flycatcher includes bushes, willow thickets, small portion brushy fields, and upland small of the project groups of trees. The willow area includes flycatcher breeds in thickets of a manmade deciduous trees and shrubs, infiltration especially willows, or along woodland edges basin with (http://www.audubon.org/field- associated guide/bird/willow-flycatcher). riparian vegetation. Gila bicolor Lahontan Lahontan Lake tui chub feed mostly No No pectinifer Lake tui on zooplankton. Lahontan Lake tui chub chub are schooling fish and inhabit large, deep lakes (https://pisces.ucdavis.edu/content /siphatales-bicolor-pectinifer). Gulo gulo California Habitat is chiefly subalpine and No No luteus wolverine alpine landscapes. Dens are in caves, rock crevices, under fallen trees or tree roots, in thickest, or similar sites. Wolverines are basically terrestrial but may climb trees (https://www.eopugetsound.org/sp ecies/gulo-gulo-luteus). Haliaeetus Bald eagle Bald Eagles typically breed and No No leucocepha winter in forested areas adjacent to lus large bodies of water. Nests are usually constructed below the crown of a tree, often highest point where large branches join bole of tree. Bald Eagles use carrion of fish, birds, and mammals extensively wherever encountered at sites that provide disturbance-free access from the ground. Bald Eagles hunt from perches or while soaring over suitable habitat and attempt to take
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SIERRA BOULEVARD COMPLETE STREETS 5.0 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM
Scientific Common Description Species Suitable Name Name Observe Habitat in d in the Project Project Area Area most prey on the wing (e.g., fish, waterfowl, small mammals). Helisoma Great Habitat for this snail includes larger No No newberryi Basin lakes and slow rivers, including newberryi rams- larger spring sources and spring-fed horn creeks burrowing in soft mud just (snail) beneath the surface (http://explorer.natureserve.org/se rvlet/NatureServe?searchName=Hel isoma+newberryi). Martes American The species is typically associated No No caurina marten with late-seral coniferous forests characterized by closed canopies, large trees, and abundant standing and fallen woody material (http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/ 41648/0). Myotis Fringed The fringed bat occurs in a variety of No No thysanodes myotis habitats from desert-scrub to fir- pine associations. Oak and pinyon woodlands appear to be the most commonly used vegetative associations. Roost sites may be in caves, mines, and buildings (http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/ 14206/0). Strix California Most populations strongly associate No No occidentali spotted with old-growth conifer or oak s owl forests. Nests are generally in trees occidentali within closed-canopy forest, (usually s in cavities or on stick platforms constructed originally by raptors, wood rats or squirrels), in caves, or on cliff-ledges in steep-walled canyons (http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/ 22689089/0). Strix Great Great gray owls occur in a wide No No nebulosa gray owl range of habitats and elevations but prefer forest and meadow associations across their range Mature and old-growth coniferous and deciduous forests with a high density of snags are preferred for breeding. In the Sierra Nevada, mixed-conifer and red fir (Abies
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Scientific Common Description Species Suitable Name Name Observe Habitat in d in the Project Project Area Area magnifica) forests are used for breeding (https://www.fs.fed.us/database/fei s/animals/bird/stne/all.html). Rana sierra Sierra Typical habitat for the Sierra Nevada No No Nevada y yellow-legged frog includes lakes, ellow- ponds, marshes, meadows, and legged streams. The frogs are highly frog aquatic and are rarely found more than 3.3 feet from water. Egg-laying sites must be connected to permanent lakes or ponds that do not freeze to the bottom in winter, because the tadpoles must live in the water over winter. If a body of water used for breeding dries up for just one season, three to four generations of tadpoles will be destroyed (https://www.fws.gov/sacramento/ es_species/Accounts/Amphibians- Reptiles/es_sn-yellow-legged- frog.htm).
Table 5b. Region 5 Sensitive Species List of Plants, Moss, Lichen & Fungi Scientific Common Description Species Suitable Name Name Observed Habitat in Project in the Area Project Area Arabis Tiehm's In the mustard family. Habitat includes No No tiehmii rockcress steep outcrops, talus, and scree of weathering andesite deposits, on ridge tops, on steep, mostly west to north aspects, with sparse cover of other alpine species (http://heritage.nv.gov/sites/default/fi les/atlas/arabitiehm.pdf). Arabis Galena Slender perennial plant in the No No rigidissima creek Brassicaceae (Mustard) family. The var. rockcress species has small white flowers and demota occurs in forest openings above 7,000 feet on moderate to steep slopes, often in drainage ways, near meadow edges, or in other moisture-accumulating microsites
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Scientific Common Description Species Suitable Name Name Observed Habitat in Project in the Area Project Area (http://tahoemonitoring.org/land/upla nd-species-and- communities/339.html). Boechera Tulare Habitat includes rocky slopes, and No Yes. The tularensis rockcress sometimes roadsides in subalpine project coniferous forests and upper montane area coniferous forests. includes (http://www.rareplants.cnps.org/detai roadsides l/3566.html) . Botrychium Unswept Perennial fern relative, 5-12 cm tall. No No ascendens moonwort Primarily a species of open habitats, but reported from grassy to forested settings (https://www.uwyo.edu/wyndd/_files/ docs/reports/speciesabstracts/botrychi um_ascendens.pdf). Botrychium Scalloped Perennial fern relative, mostly 10 cm or No No crenulatum moonwort less with a single leaf. Habitat includes moist, open montane habitats, including damp meadows, boggy areas and marshes (http://www.uwyo.edu/wyndd/_files/d ocs/reports/speciesabstracts/botrychiu m_crenulatum.pdf). Botrychium Slender Plant has one leaf 6-18 cm long above No Yes. The lineare moonwort the upright subterranean stem 0.5-3 project cm long. Habitat is highly varied and area include heavily forested sites and includes grassy meadows, fen-like seeps, and roadsides gravelly roadsides . (http://www.public.iastate.edu/~herb arium/botrychium/B-lineare.pdf). Botrychium Common This species of fern is the most widely No Yes. The lunaria moonwort distributed moonwort. Habitats include project Anthropogenic (man-made or area disturbed habitats), meadows and includes fields, and wetland margins (edges of disturbed wetlands) areas. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Botrych ium_lunaria). Botrychium Mingan Single upright stem arising from the No Yes. The mingane- moonwort ground and terminating in a cluster of project nse tiny ball-like structures that resemble a area bunch of grapes. Wide variety of includes habitats, including some highly disturbed disturbed areas areas.
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Scientific Common Description Species Suitable Name Name Observed Habitat in Project in the Area Project Area (https://www.blm.gov/or/plans/surve yandmanage/MR/VascularPlants/sectio n4.htm). Botrychium Western Tiny herbaceous, perennial fern No No montanum goblin usually 4-8 cm tall. Habitat generally consists of dark coniferous forests, usually near swamps and streams (https://www.blm.gov/or/plans/surve yandmanage/MR/VascularPlants/sectio n5.htm#Species Description). Bruchia Bolander' Moss has erect, tiny, stems and No Yes. The bolanderi s candle capsules only 5.1-12 mm tall. Occurs project moss as individual plants among grasses, or area forms large colonies in openings, on includes moist, disturbed soil with organic disturbed content, shaded to partial sun in the areas. alpine zone. Montane meadows and streambanks are favored habitat. The moss takes advantage of disturbed sites and minimal competition from other vegetation (http://explorer.natureserve.org/servl et/NatureServe?searchSpeciesUid=EL EMENT_GLOBAL.2.121922). Draba Tahoe Drabas are typically found at high No No asteroph- draba elevations, growing in mats that ora var. protect against windy conditions. Dark asteroph- green, round to obovate leaves that are ora 5-15mm long. Draba Cup lake Small alpine perennial plant in the No No asterophor draba Brassicaceae (Mustard) family. Small a var. yellow flowers and is characterized by macrocar- a cushion growth form where all the pa foliage grows close to the ground in a short mound or mat. Habitat includes Granitic rock outcrops, talus, gravelly soil; 2600-3300 m; (http://tahoemonitoring.org/land/upla nd-species-and- communities/338.html). Draba Mineral Habitat includes subalpine coniferous No No cruciata King forest in gravelly soil. draba (http://www.rareplants.cnps.org/detai l/275.html) Erigeron Starved In the daisy family. Grows in rock No No miser daisy crevices in coniferous forests and talus
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Scientific Common Description Species Suitable Name Name Observed Habitat in Project in the Area Project Area (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erigero n_miser). Erigonum Goldencar This perennial herb tolerates elevations No No luteolum pet between 1730 and 1780 m. var. buckwhea (http://www.calflora.org/cgi- saltuaruim t bin/species_query.cgi?where- taxon=Eriogonum+luteolum+var.+sal tuarium). Eriogonum Donner Sandy to gravelly granitic slopes, No No umbell- pass buckbrush and manzanita atum var. buckwhea communities, montane conifer torreyanu t woodlands m (http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.as px?flora_id=1&taxon_id=250060574).
Hulsea Short- Habitat includes montane forests with No No brevifolia leaved coarse grained granitic or volcanic soil hulsea (http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.as px?flora_id=1&taxon_id=250066966). Helodium Blandow’s Habitat includes minerotrophic fens. No No blandowii bog moss (http://www.rareplants.cnps.org/detail /2076.html) Ivesia Plumas Habitat includes vernally mesic, usually No No sericoleuca ivesia volcanic areas such as Great Basin scrub, Lower montaine coniferous forest, meadows and seeps, and vernal pools http://www.rareplants.cnps.org/detail /934.html) Lewisia Hutchison Habitat includes coniferous forest No No kelloggii openings, ridgetops, often slate, ssp. 's lewisia sometimes rhyolite tuff hutchisonii (http://www.rareplants.cnps.org/detai l/1306.html).
Lewisia Kellogg’s Habitat includes openings, ridgetops, No No kelloggii often slate and sometimes rhyolite tuff ssp. lewisia in upper montane coniferous forest kelloggii (http://www.rareplants.cnps.org/detai l/3506.html). Lewisia Long- Low growing, deciduous perennial No No longipetala petaled plant. Flower is made up of several to lewisia many stems each bearing one to three flowers. Habitat consists of alpine boulder and rock field, subalpine coniferous forest (mesic, rocky),
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SIERRA BOULEVARD COMPLETE STREETS 5.0 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM
Scientific Common Description Species Suitable Name Name Observed Habitat in Project in the Area Project Area granitic (http://explorer.natureserve.org/servl et/NatureServe?searchName=Lewisia +longipetala). Orthotrichu Orthotrich Habitat includes rock, lava, dry No No m um moss montane areas of moderate elevations praemorsu (http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.as m px?flora_id=1&taxon_id=250061917). Peltigera Goward’s Habitat found on rocks in cold water No No gowardii water fan creeks with little or no sediment disturbance (http://www.rareplants.cnps.org/detai l/3811.html). Pinus White Adapted to steep slopes and windy No No albicaulis bark pine exposures (https://www.plants.usda.gov/core/pr ofile?symbol=PIAL). Rorippa Tahoe Only found on the sandy shores of Lake No No subum- yellow- Tahoe. bellata cress (http://www.rareplants.cnps.org/detai l/1433.html) Helodium Blandow's Moss habitat includes montane No No blandowii bog moss minerotrophic or “moderately rich” fens or mires, usually with calcareous groundwater, where it forms mats and small hummocks; sometimes it can be found under shrubs at the edges of these aquatic features, or within them in small rivulets (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helodiu m_blandowii). Meesia Broad- This moss lives in fens, peaty soil No No uliginosa nerved banks, seeps, meadows, and rock hump- fissures upon exposed, damp organic moss soil within upper montane to subalpine coniferous forest. More specifically, it prefers to live upon calcareous substrates, usually in alpine or arctic regions, but occurring also in rich fens at lower elevations (https://www.revolvy.com/topic/Meesi a%20uliginosa). Dendroco- Branched This fungus occurs solitary or in small No No llybia collybia groups growing from a grain-like racemosa sclerotium on the decayed remains of decayed mushrooms, or in duff of
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Scientific Common Description Species Suitable Name Name Observed Habitat in Project in the Area Project Area mixed hardwood-conifer woods; fruiting from late fall to mid-winter (http://www.mykoweb.com/CAF/speci es/Dendocollybia_racemosa.html).
5.6 THREATENED ENDANGERED AND SENSITIVE MIGRATORY BIRD SPECIES Certain birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. The species listed below are species of particular conservation concern from the USFWS that may be potentially affected by activities in the project area (Table 6). Species descriptions are from environmental conservation on-line system (ECOS) from the USFWS unless otherwise noted.
Table 6. USFWS Bird Species Bird Species Common Description Suitable Scientific Name Habitat in the Name Project Area Haliaeetus Bald eagle Bald Eagles typically breed and No leucocephalus winter in forested areas adjacent to large bodies of water. Nests are usually constructed below the crown of a tree, often highest point where large branches join bole of tree. Bald Eagles use carrion of fish, birds, and mammals extensively wherever encountered at sites that provide disturbance-free access from the ground. Bald Eagles hunt from perches or while soaring over suitable habitat and attempt to take most prey on the wing (e.g., fish, waterfowl, small mammals). Leucosticte Black rosy-finch Breeds in alpine areas, usually near No atrata rock piles, and cliffs. Winters in open country, including mountain meadows, high deserts, valleys, and plains. Nests are placed in cracks or holes of cliffs, on small cliff ledge under overhanging rocks, or under rocks in talus slides. The Black Rosy- Finch feeds on seeds and insects. It prefers walking over hopping when slowly foraging on the ground. Spizella Brewer’s Breeding habitat for the Brewer’s No breweri sparrow Sparrow is composed of shrub lands and is closely associated with sagebrush-dominated landscapes.
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Bird Species Common Description Suitable Scientific Name Habitat in the Name Project Area Populations may occur in pinon- juniper woodlands or in large tracts of coniferous forests. The diet of the Brewer’s Sparrow consists of grains and insects. Strix California This owl breeds and roosts in forests No occidentalis spotted owl and woodlands with large old growth trees and snags, dense canopies with multiple layers, and downed woody debris. The owl feeds on and medium-sized mammals, especially rodents. Stellula Calliope Habitat includes open montane No calliope hummingbird forest, mountain meadows, as well as willow and alder thickets. During migration and winter, they may also be found in chaparral, lowland brushy areas, deserts and semi- desert regions. The main food source for Calliope Hummingbirds is floral nectar and small insects. Otus Flammulated Breeds in open pine forest in No flammeolus owl mountains, especially ponderosa pine forest, with a high abundance or diversity of nocturnal arthropod prey. They will typically nest in an old woodpecker cavity, and do not typically reuse the same cavity in consecutive years. Flammulated Owls main food items are nocturnal arthropods, especially owlet and geometrid moths, crickets, grasshoppers, and beetles. Passerella Fox sparrow Fox Sparrows breed in coniferous No iliaca forest and dense mountain scrub. They spend winters in scrubby habitat and forest (https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guid e/Fox_Sparrow/lifehistory). Centrocercus Greater sage- Sage-grouse habitat is located in No urophasianus grouse sagebrush steppe of the intermountain West. Adult hens lead their growing chicks to areas with good forage, including irrigated pastures, wet meadows, and alfalfa fields, in addition to sagebrush. Sage-grouse eat leaves, buds,
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Bird Species Common Description Suitable Scientific Name Habitat in the Name Project Area flowers, forbs, and insects. Leaves (primarily of sagebrush) dominate their diet throughout most of the year. Pipilo Green-tailed Green-tailed Towhees live in dense, No chlorurus towhee shrubby habitat, sometimes with scattered trees or cacti, as well as sagebrush shrubsteppe. In winter they move to dry washes, arroyos, mesquite thickets, oak-juniper woodland, creosote bush, and desert grasslands. Green-tailed Towhees eat seeds and small insects.
Melanerpes Lewis’s Three important habitats for Lewis's No lewis woodpecker Woodpeckers include open ponderosa pine forest, open riparian woodland dominated by cottonwood, and logged or burned pine forest. Their breeding distribution is widely associated with ponderosa pine distribution in western North America. Lewis's Woodpeckers commonly reuse existing nest holes or natural cavities in trees, as they do not use newly excavated ones. During spring and summer they primarily feed on non-wood-boring insects such as ants, bees or wasps. Since they rarely excavate for wood- boring insects, they capture prey by fly-catching or gleaning. In fall and winter, they focus on acorns and fruit.
Contopus Olive-sided Breeds in montane and northern Yes. A very cooperi flycatcher coniferous forests, at forest edges small portion of and openings, such as meadows and the project ponds. Winters at forest edges and area includes a clearings where tall trees or snags manmade are present. Feeds almost infiltration exclusively on flying insects. basin with associated riparian vegetation. Falco Peregrine falcon Occupied habitat during spring and No peregrinus fall migration may include urban environments. Nests are a scraping in the ground, typically on high
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Bird Species Common Description Suitable Scientific Name Habitat in the Name Project Area ledges of rocks or man-made structures. Mostly eats birds. Consumed mammals may consist of bats, microtines, squirrels and rats.
Gymnorhinus Pinyon jay Habitat includes pinyon-juniper No cyanocephalus woodland, sagebrush, scrub oak, and chaparral communities, and sometimes in pine forests. Mostly eats pine seeds, some acorns, juniper berries, other wild berries, cultivated grains, arthropods, lizards, snakes, nestling birds, and small mammals.
Selasphorus Rufous Rufous Hummingbirds typically No rufus hummingbird breed in open or shrubby areas. During their migration, Rufous Hummingbirds can be found in mountain meadows up to 12,600 feet elevation. The female builds the nest up to 30 feet high in coniferous or deciduous trees, hidden in drooping branches. Rufous Hummingbirds feed primarily on nectar from colorful, tubular flowers. They get protein and fat from eating insects, particularly gnats, midges, and flies taken from the air. Aimophila Rufous-crowned Inhabits semiarid grassy shrublands No ruficeps sparrow and open woodlands on moderate to steep grassy and rocky hillsides and canyons from sea level to almost 3,000 m. Females build well-hidden nests, often situated at the base of a low bush, grass tussock or rock, and usually completely or partially concealed with overhanging grass, herbaceous vegetation, projecting ledge or rock overhang. Appears to eat primarily grass and forb seeds, other tender grass stems and plant shoots, and insects; may eat more insects during spring and summer, while consuming more seeds during winter. Oreoscoptes Sage thasher The Sage Thrasher breeds No montanus exclusively in shrubsteppe habitats. During migration and winter, they 27 | Page
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Bird Species Common Description Suitable Scientific Name Habitat in the Name Project Area transition to grasslands with scattered shrubs and open pinyon- juniper woodlands. Sage Thrashers primarily eat insects and arthropods, including ants, grasshoppers and ground beetles. Occasionally, they forage on berries and grapes. During breeding season they forage alone, but may do so in small groups after breeding. Asio flammeus Short-eared owl Short-eared Owls favor large areas No of open grassland. The short-eared owl nests on ground in prairies, hayfields or even stubble fields. Short-eared Owls prey on small mammals. Charadrius Snowy plover Habitat includes barren to sparsely No nivosus vegetated sand beaches, dry salt flats in lagoons, dredge spoils deposited on beach or dune habitat, levees and flats at salt-evaporation ponds, river bars, along alkaline or saline lakes, reservoirs, and ponds. Nests are a natural or scraped depression on dry ground usually lined with pebbles, shell fragments, fish bones, mud chips, vegetation fragments, or invertebrate skeletons. Terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates are their main food items. Buteo Swainson’s Swainson's Hawk breeding habitat No swainsoni hawk includes shrub-steppe areas with scattered trees, large shrubs and riparian areas. Swainson's Hawks nest in trees of a variety of species, but most often small shrubby trees in shrubb-steppe and desert habitat. Young are fed rodents, rabbits and reptiles. However, when not breeding, adults feed almost exclusively on insects, primarily grasshoppers. Agelaius Tricolored Breeding colonies require a nearby No tricolor blackbird source of water, suitable nesting substrate, and natural grassland, woodland, or agricultural cropland
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Bird Species Common Description Suitable Scientific Name Habitat in the Name Project Area biomes in which to forage. Tricolored Blackbirds are opportunistic foragers and will consume any locally abundant food resources, including grasshoppers and many other insects, rice, grains, watergrass, snails, and small clams. Oreothlypis Virginia’s Typically breeds in pinon-juniper No virginiae warbler woodlands while wintering in oak woodlands. During fall migration in New Mexico, they may be seen in pine habitats of mountainous regions. Virginia's Warblers are insectivorous. Aechmophorus Western grebe Western Grebes breed on freshwater No occidentalis lakes and marshes with extensive open water bordered by emergent vegetation. During winter they move to saltwater or brackish bays, estuaries, or sheltered sea coasts and are less frequently found on freshwater lakes or rivers. The nest is most often built on floating vegetation hidden among emergent plants. Western Grebes eat mainly fish, catching them by diving in open water.
Picoides White headed White-headed Woodpecker habitat Yes. albolarvatus woodpecker consists of montane coniferous Coniferous forests dominated by pines. Nest trees occur in a cavities are usually located low in small portion of large-diameter conifers, and are the project frequently excavated in fallen logs. area where The White-headed Woodpecker eats work is not conifer seeds and invertebrates, proposed. including ants and beetles. Sphyrapicus Williamson’s Inhabits open coniferous and mixed Yes. Coniferous thyroideus sapsucker coniferous-deciduous forests. Like trees occur in a other sapsuckers, it drills small portion of conspicuous rings of holes into tree the project trunks, specializing on coniferous area where sap and phloem during the pre- work is not nestling period. After young hatch, proposed. diet is transitioned to mainly ants. Other insects may also be eaten during the breeding season.
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Bird Species Common Description Suitable Scientific Name Habitat in the Name Project Area Empidonax Willow Habitat for the willow flycatcher Yes. A very traillii flycatcher includes bushes, willow thickets, small portion of brushy fields, and upland small the project groups of trees. The willow area includes a flycatcher breeds in thickets of manmade deciduous trees and shrubs, infiltration especially willows, or along basin with woodland edges associated (http://www.audubon.org/field- riparian guide/bird/willow-flycatcher). vegetation.
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6.0 FIELD WORK
The entire project area was traversed on foot by NCE Scientist, Kelley Kelso, on July 25, 2017 to look for special status plant and animal species as well as map invasive weed infestations. Suitable habitat does not exist for many species in the project area because the project area consists of mostly existing roadway and disturbed road shoulder. Special emphasis was placed on looking for those special status species analyzed in the tables above that have the potential to occur in disturbed areas or in the habitat surrounding disturbed areas including:
Birds Plants Olive-sided flycatcher Mingan moonwort Willow flycatcher Bolanders bruchia Yellow headed blackbird Slender moonwort Williamson’s sapsucker Common moonwort Whiteheaded woodpecker Bolander’s candlemoss
Although suitable habitat exists within the project area for some special status species, no special status species were observed during the field investigation. Suitable habitat for some species consists of disturbed road shoulder and a small riparian area.
The following species were observed in the project area during the field investigation, however, none of these are listed as special status species. No amphibian or reptile species were observed during the field investigation.
Mammals Sylvilagus nuttallii (Nuttall’s cottontail) Canis latrans (Coyote) Sciurus griseus (Western gray squirrel) Callospermophilus lateralis (Golden-mantled ground squirrel)
Birds Cyanocitta stelleri (Stellar’s jay) Picoides albolarvatus (White headed woodpecker) Euphagus cyanocephalus (Brewers black bird) Zenaida macroura (Mourning dove) Sitta carolinensis (White-breasted nuthatch) Colaptes auratus (Northern flicker) Corvus brachyrhynchos (American crow)
Trees Pinus jeffreyi (Jeffrey pine) Pinus contorta (Lodgepole pine) Populus tremuloides (Quaking aspen)
Shrubs Purshia tridentata (Bitterbrush) Artemisia tridentata (Sagebrush) Rosa woodsia (Mountain rose) Salix lemmonii (Lemmons willow)
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Herbs Wyethia helenioides (Mule’s ear) Elymus trachycaulus (Slender wheatgrass) Juncus spp. Lupinus argenteus (Silvery Lupine) Eriogonum umbellatum (Sulphur flower buckwheat)
Ms. Kelso also performed two twenty minute point counts for birds at two different locations within the project area. The first point count was performed at 5:40 AM on the corner of Chris Ave and Sierra Blvd. This location was selected because of the man-made infiltration basin at this location which has the potential to attract bird species. There was no water in the basin at the time of the survey. During the survey 23 cars drove by on Sierra Blvd. Bird species observed included:
Species Total Number Number that overflew Cyanocitta stelleri (Stellar’s 3 2 jay) Picoides albolarvatus (White 2 2 headed woodpecker)
The second point count survey occurred on the corner of Barbara and Sierra Blvd. The surrounding habitat was Jeffrey pine forest. The survey took place on the southern intersection of these streets beginning at 6:04 AM. During this time 12 cars drove by and the following bird species were observed:
Species Total Number Number that overflew Euphagus cyanocephalus 27 27 overflew above the (Brewers black bird) Jeffrey pines all from the south to the north parallel to Sierra Blvd. Zenaida macroura (Mourning 2 2 overflew dove) Cyanocitta stelleri (Stellar’s 2 2 overflew jay) Unidentified species (very 25 25 overflew high overhead flight)
Invasive Weeds Several weed species were observed in the project area and are shown on Figure 2. The California Invasive Plant council (Cal IPC) created a database to rate the severity of the risk associated with the weed species. Their categories are: • High – These species have severe ecological impacts on physical processes, plant and animal communities, and vegetation structure. Their reproductive biology and other attributes are conducive to moderate to high rates of dispersal and establishment. Most are widely distributed ecologically. • Moderate – These species have substantial and apparent—but generally not severe— ecological impacts on physical processes, plant and animal communities, and vegetation structure. Their reproductive biology and other attributes are conducive to moderate to high rates of dispersal, though establishment is generally dependent upon ecological disturbance. Ecological amplitude and distribution may range from limited to widespread. 32 | Page
SIERRA BOULEVARD COMPLETE STREETS 6.0 FIELD WORK BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES MEMORANDUM
• Limited – These species are invasive but their ecological impacts are minor on a statewide level or there was not enough information to justify a higher score. Their reproductive biology and other attributes result in low to moderate rates of invasiveness. Ecological amplitude and distribution are generally limited, but these species may be locally persistent and problematic. • Watch – These species are not currently known to have an impact in California, and have been not been assessed using the criteria system described here. Instead, they are assessed with a predictive assessment protocol (developed by UC Davis and the University of Washington) and found to be a high risk for becoming invasive in California in the future.
Weed Species CAL-IPC inventory rating Bromus tectorum (Cheat grass) High Lactuca serriola (Prickly lettuce) None Tragopogon dubius (Western salsify) None Cirsium vulgare (Bull thistle) Moderate Verbascum thapsus (Mullein) Limited Cichorium intybus (Common chicory) None
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SIERRA BOULEVARD COMPLETE STREETS 6.0 FIELD WORK BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES MEMORANDUM
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SIERRA BOULEVARD COMPLETE STREETS 7.0 MITIGATION MEASURES BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES MEMORANDUM
7.0 MITIGATION MEASURES
Based on the background research using agency special status species lists and analyzing potential habitat in the project area that could support the special status species as well as the field work performed on July 25, 2017, the following mitigation measures are proposed for the Sierra Boulevard Complete Streets Project.
Mitigation Measure 1: The City or approved construction contractor shall retain a qualified biologist to conduct a pre-construction survey of the Project area to include a 100-foot buffer, as access is available, to locate active bird nests, identify measures to protect the nests, and locate any other special status species. The pre-construction survey shall be conducted no more than 14 days prior to the implementation of construction activities (including staging and equipment storage). Any active nest should not be disturbed until young have fledged or under the direction provided by a qualified biologist. Any special status species shall not be disturbed under the direction provided by a qualified biologist.
Mitigation Measure 2: Any special status species observed in the Project area during construction by construction contractor, project engineer, or other project personnel shall be reported immediately (within 24 hours) to the Resident Engineer and protected under the direction provided by a qualified biologist.
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SIERRA BOULEVARD COMPLETE STREETS 8.0 REFERENCES BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES MEMORANDUM
8.0 REFERENCES
Audubon Guide to North American Birds. 2017. Website http://www.audubon.org/ [accessed 19 July 2017].
California Lichen Society. http://californialichens.org/Sponsorships/Peltigera_hydrothyria.pdf [accessed 25 July 2017].
California Native Plant Society, Rare Plant Program. 2017. Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants of California (online edition, v8-03 0.39). Website http://www.rareplants.cnps.org [accessed 17 July 2017].
California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB). California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Updated June 6, 2017.
Cornell Lab of Ornithology. All about birds online guide to birds. https://www.allaboutbirds.org/ [accessed 24 July 2017].
Environmental Conservation On-line System Information United States Fish and Wildlife Services. Information for Planning and Consultation (IpaC) https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/ [accessed 17 July 2017].
Flora of North America. http://www.efloras.org/flora_page.aspx?flora_id=1 [accessed 25 July 2017].
Iowa State University. Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology Ada Hayden Herbarium (ISC). http://www.public.iastate.edu/~herbarium/ [accessed 26 July, 2017].
MykoWeb Mushrooms, Fungi, Mycology. http://www.mykoweb.com/index.html [accessed 24 July 2017].
National Wetlands Inventory. https://www.fws.gov/wetlands/Data/Mapper.html [accessed 8 August 2017].
NatureServe Explorer online encyclopedia of life. http://explorer.natureserve.org/ [accessed 25 July 2017].
Revolvy discussion of Meesia ulinginosa. https://www.revolvy.com/topic/Meesia%20uliginosa. [accessed 24 July 2017].
Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Web Soil Survey. Available online at http://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/. [accessed 2 August 2017].
Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA). 1982. Environmental thresholds carrying capacities for the Lake Tahoe Region.
Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA). 1987. Regional plan for the Lake Tahoe Basin: code of ordinances, rules of procedure. Chapters 78 - 79.
Tahoe Region Planning Agency (TRPA) 2015 Threshold Evaluation Report, Final December 2016.
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SIERRA BOULEVARD COMPLETE STREETS 8.0 REFERENCES BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES MEMORANDUM
Tahoe Status and Trend Monitoring and Evaluation Program. http://tahoemonitoring.org/land/upland-species-and-communities/339.html [accessed July 19, 2017].
United States Bureau of Land Management. Survey and Manage Guidelines. https://www.blm.gov/or/plans/surveyandmanage/ [accessed 24 July 2017].
United States Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. Sensitive species lists. https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/ltbmu/learning/nature-science/?cid=fsm9_046611 [accessed July 19, 2017].
United States Department of Agriculture (2007). Region 5 Sensitive Species List (October 15, 2007 Revision). U.S. Forest Service, Region 5, San Francisco, CA.
United States Department of Agriculture, Region 5 Sensitive Species List (Amended 2006). US Forest Service, Region 5, Vallejo, CA.
University of Wyoming Natural Diversity Database. http://www.uwyo.edu/wyndd/ [accessed July 25, 2017].
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Appendix D ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY REPORT
Archaeological Survey Report for the Sierra Boulevard Complete Streets Project, City of South Lake Tahoe, California
Federal-Aid Number: CML - 5398 (012)
Reviewed By: Approved By: Prepared By: David Price Laura Loeffler NCE Associate Environmental Planner Caltrans District 3 P.O. Box 1760 PQS Level: Principal Investigator Environmental Branch Zephyr Cove, NV 89449 – Prehistoric Archaeology Chief, M1 NCE Project Number: 503.06.25
USGS 7.5’ Topographic Quadrangle: South Lake Tahoe (1992) Acres: 30.7 Archaeological Site Numbers: N/A
Jeremy Hall Cultural Resources Specialist
February 2018
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS ...... 1 1.1 Proposed Undertaking ...... 1 1.2 Purpose and Scope of the Survey ...... 1 1.3 Constraints to the Survey Effort ...... 2 1.4 Identified Archaeological Resources ...... 2 1.4.1 Caltrans Disclaimer ...... 2 2.0 INTRODUCTION ...... 3 3.0 HIGHWAY PROJECT LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION ...... 4 3.1 Project Location and Description ...... 4 3.2 Area of Potential Effect Definition ...... 4 3.2.1 Direct APE ...... 5 3.2.2 Indirect APE ...... 5 4.0 SOURCES CONSULTED ...... 6 4.1 Summary of Methods ...... 6 4.2 Summary of Native American Consultation ...... 6 5.0 BACKGROUND ...... 8 5.1 Environment ...... 8 5.2 Ethnography ...... 8 5.3 Prehistory ...... 9 5.4 History ...... 10 5.4.1 Early Development and Transportation ...... 11 5.4.2 Settlement and Agriculture ...... 11 5.4.3 Logging ...... 12 5.4.4 The Early Twentieth Century ...... 13 6.0 FIELD METHODS ...... 14 7.0 STUDY FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS ...... 15 7.1 Other Resources ...... 15 7.2 Unidentified Cultural Materials ...... 15 8.0 REFERENCES CITED ...... 17 9.0 MAPS ...... 20
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix A: Lighting Public Outreach Correspondence Appendix B: Records Search Appendix C: Native American Correspondence Appendix D: Survey Photos
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1.0 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
1.1 PROPOSED UNDERTAKING Sierra Boulevard is a minor arterial street located in the Sierra Tract residential neighborhood of the City of South Lake Tahoe (City). The City proposes to rehabilitate 0.6 miles of Sierra Boulevard from Palmira Avenue to Barbara Avenue, providing much needed repairs to the existing roadway. The City will integrate a Complete Streets design concept providing opportunities for non-motorized transportation with the addition of bike lanes, pedestrian walkways on both sides of the street, street lighting adjacent to the proposed bike lanes and pedestrian walkways, landscaping, water quality treatment galleries, and improvements to the storm drain conveyance system. On-street parking stalls will be combined with landscaping within the existing road right-of-way.
Side streets associated with Sierra Boulevard will be analyzed for potential water quality improvements. If modeling of these areas reveals adequate potential for improvement, water quality treatment galleries along the side streets may be included in the project design. For the purposes of this report, the side streets are included within the APE.
In addition, a portion of a separate project, the South Tahoe Public Utility District (STPUD) Water Meter Installation Project – Phases III through V (Water Meter Project), will be implemented during construction of the Sierra Boulevard Complete Streets Project. The Water Meter Project, as required by California State Law AB2572, consists of the installation of up to 5,300 water meters on existing unmetered residential water service connections within the STPUD’s existing service area in the City of South Lake Tahoe and portions of unincorporated El Dorado County. An Initial Study / Initial Environmental Checklist document was prepared in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (SES 2016). Along Sierra Boulevard, several water meters will be installed within the existing Public Utility Easement (PUE) during construction of the current project.
One equipment staging and storage area has been proposed for the project. The staging area will be located on the section of Barbara Avenue heading southwest from Sierra Boulevard toward Lodi Street; the area would be closed to through traffic. Construction is planned to begin spring 2018 and work is expected to last two consecutive construction seasons.
1.2 PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THE SURVEY The proposed undertaking requires compliance with Public Resource Code (PRC) Section 21083.2 and 21084.1 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). In addition, because federal funding has been received for this project from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), administered through the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) must be demonstrated.
The scope of the present archaeological survey is intended to demonstrate project compliance with Section 106 of the NHPA and CEQA. All work was designed to comply with current standards and guidelines outlined in Volume 2: Cultural Resources of the Caltrans Standard Environmental Reference (SER). Key objectives include:
Establish an Area of Potential Effect (APE); Identify prehistoric, ethnohistoric, and/or historic period archaeological resources within or immediately adjacent to the APE;
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Evaluate identified resources as to their eligibility for listing on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and the California Register of Historical Resources (CRHR); Provide a determination of effect and management recommendations for those properties considered eligible to the NRHP/CRHR
1.3 CONSTRAINTS TO THE SURVEY EFFORT The APE consists mostly of developed roadways within an urban residential setting. As such, most of the approximate top two feet of ground surface has been previously disturbed. Proposed improvements related to sidewalk and road rehabilitation will occur within this previous disturbance. However, several components including the storm drain improvements, some of the lighting, and the installation of water meters at unmetered residences will require deeper excavation (ranging from four to 6.5 feet deep).
In consultation with Caltrans, because most of the surface has been previously disturbed, an intensive pedestrian survey was determined unnecessary. Rather, a reconnaissance survey was conducted to provide documentation sufficient for the scale and scope of the undertaking. However, because the project is situated in an area that holds potential for buried archaeological material and previous disturbance is likely limited to a depth of about two feet (i.e., from road construction), a subsurface cultural resource investigation is warranted prior to construction related to the present effort. Further detail is provided in Section 7.2.
1.4 IDENTIFIED ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES No archaeological resources were identified within the APE based on archival research or the reconnaissance survey. However, two cultural resources are located near the northwestern corner of the APE: P-09-0809 and P-09-3437. Site P-09-0809 is the historic Lincoln Highway which has been subsumed by modern Highway 50 (Lake Tahoe Boulevard). Remnants of the historic grade do not exist in the area adjacent to the APE. Site P-09-3437 is the once Stella Van Dyke Johnson Grocery Store, later the Hoss Hoggs BBQ Restaurant. Currently this building is occupied by the Scusa Italian Restaurant. The building is situated on the north side of Highway 50 and therefore, not immediately adjacent to the Direct or Indirect APE boundaries. As such, potential project impacts are dropped from consideration for P-09-3437.
None of the cultural resources identified adjacent to the APE are listed on the California Inventory of Historical Resources, the OHP Archaeological Determinations of Eligibility, or the OHP Historic Properties Directory.
1.4.1 Caltrans Disclaimer It is Caltrans' policy to avoid cultural resources whenever possible. Further investigations may be needed if the site[s] cannot be avoided by the project. If buried cultural materials are encountered during construction, it is Caltrans' policy that work stop in that area until a qualified archaeologist can evaluate the nature and significance of the find. Additional survey will be required if the project changes to include areas not previously surveyed.
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2.0 INTRODUCTION
The City of South Lake Tahoe (City) proposes to rehabilitate 0.6 miles of Sierra Boulevard from Palmira Avenue to Barbara Avenue, providing much needed repairs to the existing roadway. Maps 1 through 3 located in Section 9 of this report depict the location of the project area within El Dorado County, on the South Lake Tahoe USGS 7.5’ topographic quadrangle map, and also depicted using a large scale with an aerial basemap.
A reconnaissance level pedestrian survey was conducted within the Direct APE on September 20, 2017 by NCE’s Cultural Resource Specialist, Jeremy Hall. Mr. Hall (M.A., RPA) meets the Secretary of Interior Professional Qualification Standards for Archaeology and Historic Preservation (as outlined in 36 CRF Part 61). Mr. Hall has nearly 15 years of experience as an archaeologist, 10 of those years within California and the Tahoe Basin region.
Project plans call for a Complete Streets design concept providing opportunities for non- motorized transportation with the addition of bike lanes, pedestrian walkways on both sides of the street, street lighting adjacent to the proposed bike lanes and pedestrian walkways, landscaping, water quality treatment galleries, and improvements to the storm drain conveyance system (Map 4). On-street parking stalls will be combined with landscaping, all within the existing 81 foot wide road right-of-way. Side streets associated with Sierra Boulevard will also be analyzed for potential water quality improvements. If modeling reveals adequate potential for water quality improvements, water quality treatment galleries may be included in the design for some of the side streets. For the purposes of this report, the side streets are included within the APE. And finally, as part of the Water Meter Project under separate CEQA compliance (SES 2016), several water meters will be installed within the existing PUE as part of the Sierra Boulevard Complete Streets Project (see Map 4).
One equipment staging and storage area has been proposed for the project (see Map 3). The staging Area will be located on the section of Barbara Avenue heading southwest from Sierra Boulevard toward Lodi Street; the area would be closed to through traffic. Construction is planned to begin spring 2018 and work is expected to last two consecutive construction seasons.
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3.0 HIGHWAY PROJECT LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION
3.1 PROJECT LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION The proposed Sierra Boulevard Complete Streets Project (Project) is within Caltrans District 3, El Dorado County, and has been assigned Federal-Aid number CML - 5398 (012). The Project is located off State Highway 50, approximately 1.30 miles northeast of the intersection of Highway 50 and Highway 89 (colloquially known as the “Y”) in an area known as the Sierra Tract neighborhood within the City of South Lake Tahoe, El Dorado County (see Maps 1-3). The Project extends southeast along Sierra Boulevard approximately 0.6 miles, from Palmira Avenue to the entrance of an existing Caltrans snow storage lot at Barbara Avenue. The Project is located within the existing Sierra Boulevard road right-of-way (ROW) on publicly owned parcels and public utilities easements. No new ROW is required for the Project.
Project plans call for a Complete Streets design concept providing opportunities for non- motorized transportation with the addition of bike lanes, pedestrian walkways on both sides of the street, street lighting adjacent to the proposed bike lanes and pedestrian walkways, landscaping, water quality treatment galleries, and improvements to the storm drain conveyance system (see Map 4). On-street parking stalls will be combined with landscaping all within the existing 81 foot wide road right-of-way. Side streets associated with Sierra Boulevard are being analyzed for potential water quality improvements. If modeling reveals adequate potential for water quality improvements, water quality treatment galleries may be included in the design for some of the side streets. For the purposes of this report, the side streets are included within the APE. And finally, as part of the Water Meter Project under separate CEQA compliance (SES 2016), several water meters will be installed within the existing PUE as part of the Sierra Boulevard Complete Streets Project (see Map 4).
One proposed equipment staging and storage area is proposed for the project (see Map 3). The staging area will be located on a section of Barbara Avenue heading southwest from Sierra Boulevard toward Lodi Street. This area would be closed to through traffic. Construction is planned to begin spring 2018 and work is expected to last two consecutive construction seasons.
3.2 AREA OF POTENTIAL EFFECT DEFINITION The APE was established according to the horizontal and vertical extent of proposed construction-related activities (Map 5). Proposed improvements along Sierra Boulevard are limited to the 81-foot ROW from Palmira Avenue to Barbara Avenue. Disturbance related to street and sidewalk improvements will be limited to the top two feet of ground surface. Thirty- four (34) water meters will be installed within the existing PUE at unmetered residences and will each require approximately 40 square feet of horizontal disturbance. Along side streets, improvements (if modeling deems it appropriate) would be confined to the 40-foot ROW (20 feet either side of centerline) extending northeast from Sierra Boulevard to Reno Avenue and southwest from Sierra Boulevard to Stockton Avenue. These areas represent the horizontal extent of direct impacts, calculated at approximately 29.2 acres.
Proposed elements comprising the vertical APE include the installation of a new storm drain system (drop inlets, water pipe, and infiltration galleries) within the ROW, lighting along the sidewalks, and water meters at unmetered residences within the PUE. Excluded from consideration of the vertical APE are improvements associated with street and sidewalk replacement, as these areas have undergone disturbance from various urban development in the past. The vertical disturbance associated with the storm drain system will generally range from four to five feet deep, with a maximum depth of 6.5 feet for some of the drop inlet vaults.
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Twenty-eight City lamp standards are planned for installation at street intersections and 26 bollard style path lamps are planned each mid-block for the pedestrian walkways. City lamp standards are 23 feet tall, buried six feet deep utilizing an approximate two foot diameter auger hole. The total vertical above-ground lamp height is 18 feet, eight inches. The bollard style lamps stand approximately three feet above ground and will be buried at three feet deep using an approximate two foot diameter auger hole. Irrigation pipe and electrical conduit will be installed using a trench approximately two feet wide and five feet deep. Water meters, installed outside the ROW but within the PUE, require the removal of about three cubic yards of soil to a depth of four feet.
3.2.1 Direct APE The Direct APE is the area that will potentially be physically impacted by the project. Therefore, the horizontal and vertical extent of proposed construction, as outlined above, defines the Direct APE for this project.
3.2.2 Indirect APE Indirect effects include visual, audible, or atmospheric intrusions, shadow effects, vibrations from construction activities, or change in access or use. The first row of properties (i.e., parcels) adjacent to the ROW is considered for potential indirect effects. Installation of new street lighting along the shared use and pedestrian paths will be necessary for pedestrian safety and security purposes. While there are existing light sources along Sierra Boulevard, the new light source from the addition of street lighting has the potential to increase nighttime lighting and adversely affect nearby residences with short setbacks to the street right-of-away and front facing windows.
This introduces the possibility of an indirect impact to adjacent properties. As part of its ongoing, project-specific public outreach program, the City of South Lake Tahoe sent a letter to potentially affected residents and other interested parties. The letter was intended to inform owners of homes fronting the project of the planned lighting and solicit questions and/or comments regarding the lights. The City did not receive responses that were critical of the lighting, or that raised the issue of an indirect impact. Public outreach correspondence related to the issue of lighting is available in Appendix A of this report.
Consistent with the City Zoning Code (Section 6.10.160) and the TRPA Code (Section 36.8.1) new light sources installed as part of the project will provide the minimum lighting levels needed to meet security and safety purposes; will be directed downward and away from adjacent residential areas; and will be shielded, diffused, or indirect to prevent spillover into adjacent residential properties.
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4.0 SOURCES CONSULTED
4.1 SUMMARY OF METHODS Jeremy Hall, NCE’s Cultural Resource Specialist requested a record search from the North Central Information Center (NCIC), a branch of the California Historical Resources Information System (CHRIS), on July 19, 2017. Results were received on July 27, 2017 (NCIC file # ELD‐ 17‐60). The records search request included a quarter mile (0.25 mi.) buffer of the APE for archaeological locations, non-archaeological locations, report locations, OHP Historic Properties, OHP Archaeological Determinations of Eligibility, and resources listed on the California Inventory of Historical Resources. Given the scale and scope of the project a quarter mile records search buffer was determined sufficient.
Other sources consulted included: 1955 South Lake Tahoe USGS 7.5’ topographic map 1866 General Land Office Plat map Native American Heritage Commission (see Section 4.2)
The APE has been surveyed during two previous inventories, ED-12188 and ED-7055. Report ED-12188, conducted by Lindström (2016), is entitled South Tahoe Public Utility District Water Meter Installations Project Cultural Resource Inventory. Report ED-7055, conducted by Lindström (2004), is entitled Heritage Resource Inventory Sierra Tract Project Erosion Control Project.
Based on results of the record search and archival research, no known archaeological resources are present within the APE. However, two cultural resources are located adjacent to the northwestern corner of the APE: a segment of the historic Lincoln Highway (P-09-0809) and the historic Stella Van Dyke Johnson Grocery Store (P-09-3437). Site P-09-3437 is situated on the north side of Highway 50 and therefore, not immediately adjacent to the Direct or Indirect APE boundaries. As such, potential project impacts are dropped from consideration for this resource. Details pertaining to the Lincoln Highway (P-09-0809) are outlined in Section 7.
The results of the records search are provided in Appendix B.
4.2 SUMMARY OF NATIVE AMERICAN CONSULTATION On July 19, 2017, a letter was sent to the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) requesting a search of their Sacred Lands File (SLF) for information pertaining to the presence of known tribal cultural resources within or adjacent to the project area. A contact list of Tribe representatives within the Tahoe region was also requested. A response was received from the NAHC on August 2, 2017 indicating the SLF search had identified tribal cultural resources in the vicinity of the project area. A contact list of Tribal representatives was also provided.
On August 2, 2017, a letter was mailed to each Tribe identified by the NAHC. The letter provided a project description, the location and extent of the APE, and the SLF results explaining that the NAHC had identified tribal cultural resources in the vicinity of the project area. On November 22, follow-up phone calls were made to each individual identified by the NAHC. The table below provides a summary of correspondence.
Material pertaining to Native American correspondence is provided in Appendix B.
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Representative Affiliation Letter Result Phone Call Result Grayson Coney Tsi-Akim Maidu Letter unclaimed Same organization as Don Ryberg. No interest in consulting on this project. See below. Darrell Cruz Washoe Tribe of Letter claimed 8/4/2017. n/a Nevada and Response received 11/28/2017 via California letter attached to email. Mr. Cruz specified he is unaware of cultural resources within the project area; however, requested he be contacted in the event of an inadvertent discovery. Pamela Cubbler Colfax-Todds Letter claimed 8/14/2017 – no Left message Valley response to date 11/22/2017 – no Consolidated Tribe response to date Nicholas Shingle Springs Letter claimed 8/7/2017. Response n/a Fonseca Band of Miwok received 10/13/2017 via mailed Indians letter. Mr. Fonseca specified he is unaware of cultural resources within the project area; however, would like to receive all completed record searches and/or surveys conducted as part of the project. He would also like to be contacted in the event of an inadvertent discovery. Crystal Ione Band of Letter claimed 8/7/2017 – no Left message Martinez-Alire Miwok Indians response to date 11/22/2017 with receptionist Heather. Instructed to email Randy Yonemura regarding the project. Don Ryberg Tsi Akim Maidu Letter unclaimed Contacted 11/22/2017. No interest in consulting on this project. Cosme Valdez Nashville-El Letter claimed 8/12/2017 – no Left message Dorado Miwok response to date 11/22/2017 – no response to date Gene United Auburn Letter claimed 8/7/2017 – no Left message Whitehouse Indian Community response to date 11/22/2017 – no of the Auburn response to date Rancheria Randy Ione Band of Letter claimed 8/7/2017 – no Emailed 11/22/2017 as Yonemura Miwok Indians response to date per call with Heather (receptionist) of the Ione Band of Miwok Indians
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5.0 BACKGROUND
5.1 ENVIRONMENT At a regional scale, the project area is situated within the Tahoe Basin, an intermountain basin formed by faulting within the Sierra batholith. In the Lake Tahoe Basin and nearby areas, major landforms developed due to faulting, warping, or a combination of both processes. Lake Tahoe occupies a down-dropped block bordered by steeply dipping faults. The major north-south fault zone which separates the eastern edge of the Sierra Nevada Mountains from the sequence of parallel fault-block mountains of Nevada and Utah is located about 6 miles east of the Lake Tahoe Basin. The east front of the Carson Range is a large fault scarp more than 4,000 feet high. Faults along the lake margins have not been delineated in detail, but the presence of steep, near vertical drop-off areas along the shoreline clearly suggest that faults are present (Bonham 1969; Fiero 1986; Saucedo 2005; and Stewart 1980).
Lindström’s (2004:4) inventory, which overlaps a majority of the current project area, provides a concise summary of the local environment.
The project area is located on a broad rise above the Truckee River and Trout Creek, at elevations ranging from 6,240 to 6,280 feet, and overlooking the Upper Truckee marsh which borders Lake Tahoe to the south. Typical vegetation includes mixed conifer fir forest with riparian zones along the margins of the Upper Truckee River and Trout Creek. Native vegetation within the project area only occurs in places where water accumulates, such as roadside ditches – all other areas have been disturbed or developed. Healthy timber stands are present on vacant lots. Ornamental plant species are present in a number of residential parcels. Weedy species, typical of disturbed areas at this elevation, occur throughout the developed portion of the project area. It is unlikely that modern plant and animal communities closely resemble their native, pristine composition. The pre-Euroamerican landscape is thought to have supported a plethora of native plants, abundant game populations, and seeds, nuts, and roots utilized by prehistoric peoples.
5.2 ETHNOGRAPHY As of the mid-1800s, the Washoe inhabited the Tahoe Basin. A Hokan-speaking hunting and gathering group, the Washoe occupied the chain of valleys along the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada, from Honey Lake to Antelope Valley. The Pine Nut Mountains and the Virginia Range formed the eastern boundary of Washoe territory, while the western boundary extended several miles beyond the Sierra crest.
A great deal has been written about Washoe land use and lifeways in the Tahoe Basin (Barrett 1917; Dangberg 1968; d'Azevedo 1956, 1963, and 1986; Downs 1966; Fowler et al. 1981; Freed 1963; Lowie 1939; Nevers 1976; Price 1962, 1980; and Siskin (1941). Lake Tahoe is the center of the Washoe world, both geographically and socially. Legendary and mythological associations to places within the basin are common. While they were an informal and flexible political collectivity, Washoe ethnography hints at a level of technological specialization and social complexity uncharacteristic of their neighbors in the Great Basin. Semi-sedentism and higher population densities, concepts of private property, and communal labor and ownership are reported and may have developed in conjunction with their residential and subsistence resource stability.
There was a tendency for Washoe groups to move from lower to higher elevations during the mild seasons, and to return to lower elevations the remainder of the year (Downs 1966). With the coming of spring, small bands or individual families left their winter base camps to take
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advantage of ripening plant foods in low-lying valleys. As soon as travel became possible in the spring, many able-bodied Washoe began leaving winter villages for the lake. White fish and early plants sustained these early arrivals. Later on, other family members followed. Extended kin groups returned to established camps located along streams from which they fished, harvest plants, and hunted game. Winter camps were not abandoned. Families at the lake would walk back and forth several times over the summer, bringing fish and other provisions to those that had stayed behind.
By early June, many Washoe were encamped around the shores of Lake Tahoe. Camps of five or six windbreaks (gadu) appeared adjacent to the lake’s tributaries. Each gadu housed a family. From these encampments, the Washoe took trout, sucker, and white fish that spawned in the streams. Stores of dried fish were developed for later use.
In the late summer and early fall, Washoe began leaving Lake Tahoe and dispersed in small groups to valleys east of the Sierra. Antelope and rabbit were hunted in early fall, both by individuals and in communal drives. Rabbits were dried for winter use. Late fall found the Washoe collecting pine nuts along the east face of the Sierra and in the Pine Nut Hills; deer hunting was an important activity in these locations. With the coming of heavy winter storms, Washoe families returned to their favored base camps, there sustained by stored pine nuts, seeds, and dried meat.
This general seasonal round was not rigidly adhered to by all Washoe (d'Azevedo 1986:472- 473). Some trekked to distant places for desired resources, while most circulated in the vicinity of their traditional habitation sites. They were not compelled to cover large expanses of land in their subsistence pursuits, a pattern common to other Great Basin groups. This was due to the large variety of predictable resources that were close at hand. Their relatively rich environment afforded the Washoe a degree of independence and may account for their long tenure in their known area of historic occupancy.
Washoe use of the Lake Tahoe Basin changed radically after the 1850s. The development of transportation corridors, intensive logging, recreational uses, and commercial fishing all affected the resource base on which the Washoe had depended. Traditional lifeways changed. With the decline or demise of their traditional food sources, the Washoe became increasingly dependent upon European resources and means of procurement. Many Washoe individuals and family groups retained links to their ancestral lands around Lake Tahoe by working for loggers, dairymen, fishermen, ranchers, and resort owners. These enterprises made extensive use of Indian labor and, in exchange, the Washoe were paid wages or were given food. Washoe men worked on roads, and cut and hauled firewood and Christmas trees for ranchers and lumbermen. Women performed domestic chores and made baskets to sell to tourists. Over time, some Washoe developed close relationships with their employers.
5.3 PREHISTORY Elston (1982, 1986) and Lindström et al. (2000) provide recent summaries of western Great Basin and eastern Sierra prehistory. These studies focus on adaptive strategies consisting of technological, subsistence, settlement, and ideological elements that were expressed over broad regions. Four such strategies are recognized for the Western Great Basin, including eastern Sierra basins such as the Lake Tahoe Basin. Those strategies include the Pre-Archaic (prior to 7,000 years before present), the Early Archaic (4000-7000 B.P.), the Middle Archaic (1500-4000 B.P.), and the Late Archaic (time of historic contact to 1500 B.P.).
The Pre-Archaic strategy prevailed from about 7000 to 11500 B.P., a period marked by cool, moist conditions which fostered an abundance of surface waters. Subsistence revolved around
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lakeshore and marsh resources and the taking of large game. At this time, the use of processed seeds and nuts was not prevalent. Population density was quite low, and groups were highly mobile. Originally thought to represent an adaptation to pluvial lakeshore environments, Pre- Archaic sites have increasingly been recognized in a variety of riverine and upland settings. Environmental conditions changed gradually toward the end of the Pre-Archaic period; temperatures increased, moisture patterns changed, and the amount of available surface water decreased. Eventually, these changes caused a shift in adaptive strategy. Early Archaic patterns are markedly different from those of the Pre-Archaic period. Seed processing tools make their first appearance, indicating that the resource base had become more diversified. Hunting remained a prevalent activity. The variety of site types increases during this period, suggesting again the diversity of the resource procurement strategy. Initially, the population density was lower than during the Pre-Archaic, but gradually increased.
Within the Tahoe Basin, Sierran glaciers retreated between 8000 and 9000 B.P. making it possible for people to occupy the area. Pre-Archaic sites have been identified along the Truckee River. Early Archaic sites have been recorded near Spooner Lake and in other locations within the Lake Tahoe Basin. These data suggest only a limited use of the Sierra Nevada during early times. Lindström et al. (2000) suggests that during Pre-Archaic and Early Archaic times, the level of Lake Tahoe may have been considerably lower than at present; upper reaches of the Truckee River may have been dry for centuries at a time. If this was indeed the case, Pre- Archaic and Early Archaic sites would have been located adjacent to the lake then present, but were subsequently submerged as the lake level increased.
At the onset of the Middle Archaic, about 4000 B.P., environmental conditions again changed. Increases in effective precipitation caused the expansion of resources associated with lakes and marshes. For example, Lake Tahoe presumably returned to its current configuration. Prehistoric populations increased, and pronounced cultural proliferation occurred, as evidenced by an abundance of textiles and other perishables, and more elaborate houses. Subsistence practices continued to emphasize large game hunting, but the use of seed expanded. Also, the use of upland resources increased notably. These trends are apparent in the archaeology of the Lake Tahoe Basin and the Sierra Nevada in general. The local manifestation of this adaptive strategy is the Martis Complex.
The transition from the Middle to the Late Archaic is marked by changes in technology, subsistence patterns, and settlement. Technologically, the Late Archaic saw the introduction of the bow and arrow, a diversification in ground stone implements, and a greater emphasis on the use of small flake tools. Subsistence and settlement changes appear to reflect increased local and regional population. This prompted an intensification and diversification in subsistence practices not noted previously. Low-ranked resources seldom used during earlier periods were added to the diet. The use of pinyon became pronounced during this period. The Kings Beach Complex is the local manifestation of this adaptive strategy. Sites associated with this complex are common in the basin, especially since the Late Archaic represents populations ancestral to the present day Washoe.
5.4 HISTORY Several general references are available that address the history of the Lake Tahoe Basin and the Comstock. Those employed to develop the history that follows included Lord (1883), Knowles (1942), Galloway (1947), Myrick (1962), Scott (1957 and 1973), Goodwin (1971), and Lindström and Hall (1998).
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5.4.1 Early Development and Transportation During his second expedition in 1844, explorer John C. Fremont and his party passed near Carson Pass. They sighted Lake Tahoe from Red Lake Peak. For the next 15 years, Lake Tahoe was undisturbed by the great westward migration because routes through the Lake Tahoe Basin required a double crossing of mountains - over the Carson Range east of the Lake Tahoe Basin and over the main Sierra crest to the west. With the discovery of gold in California in 1848, mining and community development created an instant demand for trans-Sierra freight routes across the Sierra Range. A system of roads soon became established linking eastern portions of the country to California. Major trails passed through the south end of the Lake Tahoe Basin and over Donner Summit to the north.
The current project area is situated near the southern route. Early in 1848, while searching for a more direct route over the central Sierra, John Calhoun “Cock-Eye” Johnson of Placerville encountered a large valley (Lake Valley) along the south shore of Lake Tahoe. “Johnson’s cut- off”, later known as the “Placerville Road”, was to become the main transportation corridor that connected California and the Comstock Lode area between the late 1850s and the early 1870s. Modern US 50 assumes much of the alignment of the old Placerville Road through Lake Valley. After entering Lake Valley, the route turned south, extended up and over Luther Pass, and then down the Carson River to Carson Valley and on to the Comstock.
Establishment of the Lincoln Highway in 1913-1914, the nation’s first transcontinental auto road, ushered in the expanding state and national highway system. The southern route of this transcontinental travelway followed the segment of Highway 50/89 that traverses east of the project area. The Pioneer Trail was also designated as the Lincoln Highway for a short period of time between 1913-1914 and 1917. In 1944-46 plans were completed to reconstruct US 50 through the South Lake Tahoe area. The new route for US 50 did not make use of the Pioneer Trail corridor. Rather, it stayed closer to the Lake, connecting with SR 89 in Tahoe Valley at what is today known as the “Y.”
5.4.2 Settlement and Agriculture Martin Smith built a trading post in Upper Lake Valley in 1851. Several other cabins were constructed in 1853, after an article appeared in the Placerville newspaper saying that gold had been discovered in the area. In 1854, Asa Hawley settled in Lake Valley and established a trading post. He owned 160 acres immediately south of Martin Smith. Hawley built what he called “2nd Elkhorn House” about 1,000 feet south of the site where a wooden bridge would later span the Upper Truckee River (Scott 1957:180). The 1866 General Land Office plat map shows the Haley House as being located in the northwest quarter of Section 17, Township 11 North, Range 18 East, directly across from where Grass Lake Creek flows into the Upper Truckee.
Carlo Celio, a native of Switzerland, was listed as a milkman in Lake Valley in 1866, although he allegedly did not settle in the valley until 1873 (Scott 1957:196; and Scott 1973: footnote 23). Celio was a dairyman in the Placerville area as early as the 1850s and evidently used Lake Valley for summer pasture. In 1873, Celio bought property from Charles Winstanley. Over the remainder of the century he continued to acquire property, eventually holding title to some 2,600 acres. Agricultural data show that 228 tons of hay were baled in Lake Valley during 1870, while 800 tons of hay were cut in 1880. Butter production in 1870 reached 100,600 pounds. Cattle raising and dairying continued to be primary activities in Lake Valley through the middle of the twentieth century. The Winstanley house and dairy are shown on the 1866 General Land Office plat map in the northeast quarter of Section 6, Township 11 North, Range 18 East. The same general location is noted as the Celio Ranch on the 1955 USGS quadrangle map.
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5.4.3 Logging Rich ore deposits were discovered in the Comstock area of western Nevada in 1859, causing the westward flow of emigrants to California to be reversed. With mining on the decline in California, news of the Comstock finds caused a “rush to Washoe”. Consequences of that rush were to have a profound effect on the Lake Tahoe Basin. Development of the Comstock Lode prompted the need for a variety of wood products. During the early 1860s, this need was met by small operations located within the Virginia Range and along the east front of the Sierra Range. By the mid-1860s, forests in the Tahoe Basin became the primary source of lumber and cordwood for the mines. Cutting began on the east side of the basin, continued to the north and south shores, and finally along the west shore. The timber harvest continued through 1897 when mine production had waned and the last major sawmill closed. By the end of the Comstock period, wood products in the form of 600 million board feet of lumber and 2 million cords of firewood had been consumed. The harvest from the Tahoe and Truckee Basins was worth in excess of 80 million dollars.
Lindström and Hall (1998) provide a detailed discussion of logging in Lake Valley. The first lumber mill in the valley was constructed in 1860 as Robert Woodburn's water-powered sawmill. It was located about two miles northeast of Meyers on the Old Placerville Road (Pioneer Trail). Woodburn supplied lumber for many of the local hostelries, barns, and stables that were built along the Old Placerville Road. During those early years, Lake Valley was home to several dairy and hay operations that provisioned the hotels and stables with supplementary feed. During the late 1870s, ranching was replaced by lumbering as the primary industry in the valley.
The Carson & Tahoe Lumber & Fluming Company (CTLFC), formed by Bliss and Yerington in l873, operated along the east, south, and west shores of Lake Tahoe. During the 1870s and 1880s, timber rights in Lake Valley were sold to the CTLFC and the Eldorado Wood and Flume Company (Galloway 1947:90). The CTLFC built two railroads into Lake Valley. The first was a standard gauge line from Camp Richardson. This line was abandoned and replaced by the narrow gauge Lake Valley Railroad (LVRR) that extended along the east and south edges of the valley, to Meyers, and on into the upper watershed of the Upper Truckee River. The mainline, spurs, and sidings covered about 13 miles and ran along portions of the Trout Creek drainage and southwest to Meyers. By the 1890s the CTLFC had obtained timber rights totaling over 6,000 acres throughout the south shore of the lake, acquiring rights on Meyers and Barton family holdings, among others. Much of Lake Valley was stripped of its marketable timber by the late 1890s and large scale logging in this region was over. The LVRR was torn up during the summer of 1898, and all salvageable materials and equipment were pooled with those from the Glenbrook railroad operation and taken by barge to Tahoe City for incorporation in the Lake Tahoe Railway and Transportation Company's passenger and freight line to Truckee.
The transport of harvested logs from their extraction point to their final destination was achieved using a variety of methods. Systems of primary, secondary, and tertiary haul roads for wagon transport were constructed. Skid trails and corduroy roads also were constructed for dragging logs with teams of animals. Rapid down slope transport over short distances was accomplished with the construction of gravity chutes. Water transport of material was accomplished with the construction of flumes, ditches, reservoirs, and splash ponds.
During the peak of Comstock era logging, the Celio family opted to retain their timber interest and resisted selling land or timber rights to the CTLFC. Deciding to cut timber on their own holdings in Upper Lake Valley, the Celios incorporated as a lumber company in 1905. In 1910, C.G. Celio and Sons established the first of two sawmills in upper Lake Valley. As was common practice the initial mill was dismantled with the depletion of marketable timber and, in 1927- 1928, the Celios built a second and larger sawmill near the junction of present-day Lake Tahoe
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Boulevard and Sawmill Road. Celio and Sons sold out to the Placerville Lumber Company in 1942, ending 47 years in the lumber business. Operations at the old Celio Sawmill ceased in 1952 when it burned down.
5.4.4 The Early Twentieth Century By the turn of the century, unregulated use of the Lake Tahoe Basin largely came to an end (Beesley 1995). A forest reserve, which included lands within the present Tahoe and El Dorado national forests, was created between 1893 and 1900 (Markley and Meisenbach 1995). Effective management did not exist until creation of the national forest system in 1907, when the Tahoe Basin was segmented under the jurisdictions of the Tahoe, the Toiyabe, and the El Dorado national forests. That agency control dramatically changed land use patterns, especially with regard to fire suppression and increased recreation through the promotion of camping, hunting/fishing, winter sports activities, and the construction of summer homes (Beesley 1995).
Another major factor tied to the early twentieth century was introduction of the automobile. The first automobiles traveled to the Lake Tahoe Basin in the mid-1910s. Their increased popularity prompted the improvement of local and regional roadways. Within the project area, the old "Scott’s Route" saw increased use. Access to Reno was enhanced in 1891 when the road over Mount Rose Pass was graded. From 1928 to 1935, the U.S. Bureau of Public Roads maintained federal highways. During that time, improvements were made to most roads in the Lake Tahoe Basin.
This caused a fundamental shift in the nature of roadways and their use. With greatly improved access, the basin saw more recreational use by the traveling public. The Post-World War I era saw a marked increase in traffic during the summer months. This spawned a new type of development. Private communities of summer homes started to appear in the mid-1920s, such as those at Lakeside Park, Tahoe Meadows, Zephyr Cove, Lincoln Park, Secret Harbor, and Kings Beach. These localized, residential developments appeared through the 1920s and 1930s. With increased accessibility by automobiles and with the increased emphasis on public recreation, the old luxury hotels declined and were replaced by rustic summer cabins, auto court motels, cafes, and service stations.
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6.0 FIELD METHODS
On September 20, 2017 a reconnaissance survey was conducted of the project’s APE by NCE Cultural Resources Specialist, Jeremy Hall. Based on consultation with Caltrans, an intensive pedestrian survey was deemed unnecessary because of the heavily developed nature of the project area within a residential neighborhood. Except for the road shoulders, comprised of approximately three to five foot swaths of bare soil, the entirety of the APE has been developed. As such, the APE was surveyed by examining road shoulders and photo documenting each intersection along Sierra Boulevard. Survey photos are provided in Appendix C.
Two previously recorded sites, a segment of the historic Lincoln Highway (P-09-0809) and the historic Stella Van Dyke Johnson Grocery Store (P-09-3437), are adjacent to the northwest margin of the APE. The areas where these sites were previously mapped were walked and photographed. In the case of P-09-0809, all traces of the historic alignment have been subsumed by modern Highway 50. As for P-09-3437, this building, located on the north side of Highway 50 approximately 180 feet northwest of the APE, is now the Scusa Italian Restaurant and has undergone many modern alterations. The building was photographed, but given its distance from the APE it was determined unnecessary to provide an update to the site record.
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7.0 STUDY FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS
Project activities have included archival research, correspondence with Native American tribes, and a reconnaissance level field inventory. No cultural resources have been identified within the APE. However, two previously recorded, built environment (non-archaeological) resources are located outside the APE.
7.1 OTHER RESOURCES Site P-09-0809 is the historic Lincoln Highway, which in this portion of the City has been completely subsumed by modern Highway 50 (Lake Tahoe Boulevard). No remnants of the historic grade or associated features exist in the area adjacent to the APE. The portion of P-09- 0809 located adjacent to the APE is not listed on the California Inventory of Historical Resources, the OHP Archaeological Determinations of Eligibility, or the OHP Historic Properties Directory. This resource does not fall within the project APE and therefore will not be impacted by the project.
7.2 UNIDENTIFIED CULTURAL MATERIALS Based on factors such as proximity to water, marsh resources, and flat ground, the current project setting is favorable for the discovery of archaeological materials. However, the majority of the Direct APE has been disturbed from urban development of the Sierra Tract which diminishes the likelihood of discovering intact cultural remains at shallow depths (approximately two feet or less). Several components of the current project require somewhat deep excavation (ranging from four to six feet), potentially into undisturbed, intact soils.
Prior to the onset of construction, a focused program will be implemented to assess the potential for subsurface cultural resources. The proponent has three options to address concerns of deep excavation within the highly sensitive area to demonstrate the presence or absence of buried cultural materials.
The first option consists of a subsurface investigation that would occur at the same time as the required Aerially Deposited Lead (ADL) investigation as part of the project’s Phase I hazardous materials study. It is recommended that two auger holes per block within the APE be excavated (n=52) to a maximum depth of 6.5 feet. Backdirt from those auger holes will be screened and evaluated by a qualified archaeologist. An Aerially Deposited Lead (ADL) investigation will be performed as part of the project’s Phase I hazardous materials study. The ADL study will coincide with the subsurface cultural testing. The qualified archaeologist will be Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard (HAZWOPER) trained (at least 24 hour certification). Results of the subsurface cultural resources investigation would be prepared in a letter report and submitted as an addendum to the present report. Additional archaeological testing efforts will be required if potentially significant cultural resources are identified as a result of the subsurface investigation.
The second option consists of a stand-alone (i.e., not conducted coincidently with the ADL investigation) subsurface cultural resources investigation to demonstrate the presence or absence of buried cultural materials prior to construction. Such a study should have a similar level of effort and documentation as described in the first option. Results of the investigation would be prepared in a letter report and submitted as an addendum to the present report. Additional archaeological testing efforts will be required if potentially significant cultural resources are identified as a result of the subsurface investigation.
The third option involves the preparation of an Inadvertent Discovery Plan (IDP) document prior to construction followed by a training session to ensure that all parties involved understand the
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protocol outlined in the IDP should cultural material be discovered during construction. During construction, it is recommended that a qualified archaeologist or an archaeological/tribal monitor (under the supervision of a qualified archaeologist) be present for the duration of construction. Daily monitoring forms should be prepared and the results compiled in a letter report. The IDP and construction monitoring letter report would be submitted as an addendum to the present report. Additional archaeological testing efforts will be required if potentially significant cultural resources are identified as a result of the inadvertent discovery of cultural materials during construction.
If previously unidentified cultural materials are unearthed during construction, it is Caltrans' policy that work be halted in that area until a qualified archaeologist can assess the significance of the find. Also, additional archaeological survey may be needed if project limits are extended beyond the present survey limits.
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8.0 REFERENCES CITED
Barrett, Samual A. 1917 The Washoe Indians. Bulletin of the Public Museum of the City of Milwaukee 2(1):1- 52.
Beesley, D. 1995 Reconstructing the Sierra Nevada Landscape: an Environmental History, 1820-1960. In Sierra Nevada Ecosystems Project: Final Report to Congress, Vol. III. Centers for Water and Wildlife Resources. University of California, Davis.
Bonham, Harold F. 1969 Geology and Mineral Deposits of Washoe and Storey Counties, Nevada. Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology Bulletin 70, University of Nevada, Reno.
Dangberg, Grace. 1968 Washoe Tales: Three Original Washoe Legends. Nevada State Museum Occasional Paper, Carson City, Nevada. d’Azevedo, Warren L. 1956 Washoe Place Names. Manuscript on file at the Department of Anthropology, University of Nevada, Reno. 1963 The Washoe Indians of California and Nevada. University of Utah Anthropological Paper 67, Salt Lake City. 1986 Washoe. In Handbook of Great Basin Indians: Great Basin, vol. 11, W.L. D’Azevedo, ed. pp. 466-498. Smithsonian Press, Washington, D.C.
Downs, J. 1966 The Two Worlds of the Washoe. Holt, Rhinehart and Winston, New York.
Elston, Robert G. 1982 Good Times, Hard Times: Prehistoric Culture Change in the Western Great Basin. In Man and the Environment in the Great Basin, edited by David B. Madsen and James F. O'Connell. Society for American Archaeology Papers No. 2. Washington D. C. 1986 Prehistory of the Western Area. In Handbook of North American Indians, Vol. 11: Great Basin, edited by Warren L. d’Azevedo, pp. 135-148. Smithsonian Institution, Washington.
Fiero, B. 1986 Geology of the Great Basin. University of Nevada Press. Reno, Nevada.
Fowler, Catherine, Robert Elston, M. Hamby, and JoAnn Nevers 1981 An Ethnographic and Ethno-archaeological Study of a Washoe Cemetery at Camp Richardson, Lake Tahoe. Prepared for the El Dorado National Forest, U. S. Forest Service, by Intermountain Research, Silver City, Nevada.
Freed, Stanley A. and Ruth S. Freed 1963 A Configuration of Aboriginal Washoe Culture. In The Washoe Indians of California and Nevada. University of Utah Anthropological Papers 67, Salt Lake City.
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Galloway, John D. 1947 Early Engineering Works Contributory to the Comstock. University of Nevada Bulletin No. 5, Geology and Mining Series No. 45. Nevada State Bureau of Mines and the Mackay School of Mines, University of Nevada, Reno.
Goodwin, Victor 1971 Historic Land and Resource Use Patterns in the Lake Tahoe Basin and their Effect Upon its Present Milieu. Manuscript on file at the U.S. Forest Service, Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, South Lake Tahoe, California.
Knowles, Constance D. 1942 A History of Lumbering in the Truckee Basin from 1855 to 1936. Report on file with U.S. Forest Service, Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, South Lake Tahoe.
Lindström, Susan G. 2004 Heritage Resource Inventory Sierra Tract Project Erosion Control Project. U.S. Forest Service Report HRR TB 2005.008. On file with the City of South Lake Tahoe, California. 2016 South Tahoe Public Utility District Water Meter Installations Project, Cultural Resource Inventory. Manuscript on file with the South Tahoe Public Utility District.
Lindström, Susan G. and Jeffrey T. Hall 1994 Cultural Resources Inventory and Evaluation Report for the Proposed Spooner Summit and East Shore Project (Big Gulp) Timber Sales. ARR# TY-93-775, CRR# 05- 19-321.
Lindström, Susan G., Penny Rucks, and P. Wigand 2000 Chapter 2: A Contextual Overview of Human Land Use and Environmental Conditions. In The Lake Tahoe Watershed Assessment, Vol. 1. USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Research Station General Technical Report PSW-GTR-175. USDA Forest Service, Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. South Lake Tahoe, California.
Lord, Eliot 1883 Comstock Mining and Miners. Department of the Interior, Monographs of the United States Geological Survey, Vo. IV. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C.
Lowie, Robert H. 1939 Ethnographic Notes on the Washoe. University of California Publications in American Archaeology and Ethnology 36(5):301-352, Berkeley, California.
Markley, R., and C. Meisenbach 1995 Historical Summary: Tahoe National Forest Environmental History. Unpublished Manuscript. Tahoe National Forest, Nevada City, California.
Myrick, David F. 1962 Railroads of Nevada and Eastern California. Vol. 1: The Northern Roads. Howell- North Books, Berkeley.
Nevers, JoAnn 1976 Wa-she-shu: A Washoe Tribal History. Inter-Tribal Council of Nevada, Reno.
Price, John A. 1962 Washo Economy. Nevada State Museum Anthropological Papers 6. Carson City.
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1980 The Washo Indians: History, Life Cycle, Religion, Technology, Economy, and Modern Life. Nevada State Museum Occasional Papers Number 4. Carson City.
Saucedo, G. 2005 Geological Map of the Lake Tahoe Basin, California and Nevada. California Geological Survey, Department of Conservation, Sacramento, California.
Scott, Edward B. 1957 The Saga of Lake Tahoe, Vol. 1. Sierra-Tahoe Publishing Company, Lake Tahoe, California. 1973 The Saga of Lake Tahoe, Vol 2. Sierra-Tahoe Publishing Company, Lake Tahoe, California.
Sierra Ecotone Solutions (SES), LLC 2016 South Tahoe Public Utility District Water Meter Installation Project – Phase III through V. Initial Study / Initial Environmental Checklist. On file with the South Tahoe Public Utilities District, South Lake Tahoe, California.
Siskin, Edgar E. 1941 Washoe Territory. American Anthropologist 40:626-627.
Stewart, J. 1980 Geology of Nevada. Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology Special Publication 4. University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada.
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9.0 MAPS
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