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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 10122010 - C.05RECOMMENDATION(S): APPROVE the Marsh Creek Reservoir Sediment Removal Project [DCD-CP#10-53] Project No.: 7521-6D9104; and FIND the project is a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Class 1 Categorical Exemption, pursuant to Article 19, Section 15301(1) (d) of the CEQA Guidelines; and DIRECT the Director of Conservation and Development to file a Notice of Exemption with the County Clerk; and AUTHORIZE the Chief Engineer to arrange for payment of $25 fee to Conservation and Development for processing, and a $50 fee to the County Clerk for filing the Notice of Exemption. FISCAL IMPACT: There is no impact to the County General Fund. This project is funded by Flood Control Zone 1 funds (100%). APPROVE OTHER RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE Action of Board On: 10/12/2010 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED OTHER Clerks Notes: VOTE OF SUPERVISORS AYE:John Gioia, District I Supervisor Gayle B. Uilkema, District II Supervisor Mary N. Piepho, District III Supervisor Susan A. Bonilla, District IV Supervisor Federal D. Glover, District V Supervisor Contact: Hillary Heard, 313-2022 I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered on the minutes of the Board of Supervisors on the date shown. ATTESTED: October 12, 2010 David J. Twa, County Administrator and Clerk of the Board of Supervisors By: EMY L. SHARP, Deputy cc: S. Ybarra, Auditor-Controller, S. Alcantar, DCD, P. Denison, Finance, L. Chavez, Environmental, H. Heard, Environmental, A. Knapp, Maintenance, P. Detjens, Flood Control, N. Chuhak, Environmental, T. Torres, Environmental C. 5 To:Board of Supervisors From:Julia R. Bueren, Public Works Director/Chief Engineer Date:October 12, 2010 Contra Costa County Subject:Approve Marsh Creek Reservoir Sediment Removal Project and make related findings under CEQA BACKGROUND: The project consists of sediment removal within Marsh Creek Reservoir at the intake structure that meters flows from the reservoir downstream to Marsh Creek. Marsh Creek Reservoir was designed specifically for the purpose of flood protection to the surrounding urban environment, which includes homes, local industries and schools. Periodic maintenance of the reservoir is required in order to ensure the reservoir continues to maintain functionality. Recent observations indicate that the sediment and debris level, due in part to beaver activity, around the intake structure has cut off flows exiting the reservoir. The intake structure cannot function appropriately without removal of the sediment and debris. Flood Control District staff has coordinated with a biological consulting firm and engineering firm regarding the feasibility of clearing the blocked structure without eradicating the beavers. The biologists and engineers that have considered this option have arrived at the collective conclusion that the beavers cannot remain within the reservoir without creating an unacceptable risk of flooding to the City of Brentwood. California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) has issued a depredation permit for the beavers since trapping and relocating the beavers is prohibited by state law. Approximately 200 cubic yards of sediment will be removed from the area around the inlet structure. The sediment has been analyzed for heavy metals due to known historical mercury mining activity upstream. The sediment has been determined to be below state levels for toxicity; therefore, the sediment removed from the reservoir will be disposed of at an upland location within the Flood Control District’s holdings at the reservoir. A biologist will be on-site during sediment and debris removal activities to monitor for the presence of wildlife in the vicinity of the structure. If any listed species are observed, work will cease and U.S. Fish and Wildlife and CDFG will be contacted for guidance. In order to minimize any impact to the reservoir and the downstream channel during construction, the project has been designed to include several Best Management Practices (BMPs). These BMPs will ensure that no sediment is transported downstream as a result of the project. Additional BMPs include daily trash removal from the site to ensure the area is maintained in a clean condition, and fueling and maintenance of equipment at designated areas away from the reservoir. To minimize impact to adjacent annual grassland vegetation in the reservoir, access to the intake structure will be accomplished via the existing access road along the base of the dam. No riparian or wetland vegetation will be removed. Work will be conducted with a long reach excavator or the Kaiser Spyder, an articulated arm excavator that has less weight impact than other pieces of heavy equipment. CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION: Delay in approving the project will result in a delay of maintenance activities and create an unacceptable risk of flooding to the City of Brentwood. CHILDREN'S IMPACT STATEMENT: Not Applicable. ATTACHMENTS Initial Study of Environmental Significance Figure 1 - Project Location Map Figure 2 - Vicinity Map Notice of Exemption