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Caples Lake Maintenance Station Rehabilitation Caples Lake Maintenance Station off State Route 88 in Alpine County 10-ALP-88-1.9 Project Number [PHONE REDACTED] Initial Study with Proposed Negative Declaration Volume 1 of 2 Prepared by the State of California Department of Transportation July 2021 ---PAGE BREAK--- General Information About This Document What’s in this document: The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has prepared this Initial Study, which examines the potential environmental impacts of alternatives being considered for the proposed project in Alpine County in California. The document explains why the project is being proposed, the alternatives being considered for the project, the existing environment that could be affected by the project, potential impacts of each of the alternatives, and proposed avoidance, minimization, and/or mitigation measures. What you should do: · Please read the document. Additional copies of the document and the related technical studies are available for review at the Caltrans district office at 1976 East Doctor Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard, Stockton, California 95205; the Markleeville Library at 270 Laramie Street, Markleeville, California 96120; and at the Bear Valley Library at 367 Creekside Drive, Bear Valley, California 95223. · Tell us what you think. If you have any comments regarding the proposed project, send your written comments to Caltrans by the deadline. Submit comments via U.S. mail to: Jaycee Azevedo, Senior Environmental Planner, Central Region Environmental, California Department of Transportation, 1976 East Doctor Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard, Stockton, California 95205. Submit comments via email to: [EMAIL REDACTED]. · Submit comments by the deadline: January 30, 2022. What happens next: After comments are received from the public and reviewing agencies, Caltrans may 1) give environmental approval to the proposed project, 2) do additional environmental studies, or 3) abandon the project. If the project is given environmental approval and funding is appropriated, Caltrans could design and construct all or part of the project. Printing this document: To save paper, this document has been set up for two-sided printing (to print the front and back of a page). Blank pages occur where needed throughout the document to maintain proper layout of the chapters and appendices. For individuals with sensory disabilities, this document can be made available in Braille, in large print, on audiocassette, or on computer disk. To obtain a copy in one of these alternate formats, please write to or call Caltrans, Attention: Jaycee Azevedo, Senior Environmental Planner, Central Region Environmental, 1976 East Doctor Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard, Stockton, California 95205; phone number [PHONE REDACTED] (Voice), or use the California Relay Service 1-[PHONE REDACTED] (Teletype), 1-800-735- 2929 (Voice), or 711. ---PAGE BREAK--- Caples Lake Maintenance Station Rehabilitation y i 10-ALP-88-1.9 Project Number [PHONE REDACTED] Rebuild or rehabilitate structures at Caltrans’ Caples Lake Maintenance Station off State Route 88 in Alpine County INITIAL STUDY with Proposed Negative Declaration Submitted Pursuant to: (State) Division 13, California Public Resources Code THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA Department of Transportation and Responsible Agency: California Transportation Commission The following individual can be contacted for more information about this document: Jaycee Azevedo, Senior Environmental Planner; 1976 East Doctor Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard, Stockton, California 95205; [PHONE REDACTED] ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- Caples Lake Maintenance Station Rehabilitation y iii DRAFT Proposed Negative Declaration Pursuant to: Division 13, Public Resources Code District-County-Route-Post Mile: 10-ALP-88-1.9 EA/Project Number: EA 10-1H560 and Project Number [PHONE REDACTED] Project Description The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) proposes to rebuild or rehabilitate structures at Caltrans’ Caples Lake Maintenance Station off State Route 88 in Alpine County. Determination An Initial Study has been prepared by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), District 10. On the basis of this study, it is determined that the proposed action will not have a significant effect on the environment for the following reasons: The project would have no effect on aesthetics, agriculture and forest resources, air quality, cultural resources, energy, geology and soils, hydrology and water quality, land use and planning, mineral resources, noise, population and housing, public services, recreation, transportation, tribal cultural resources, and wildfire. The project would have no significant effect on biological resources, greenhouse gas emissions, hazards and hazardous materials, and utilities and service systems. Philip Vallejo Environmental Office Chief, North California Department of Transportation Date ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- Caples Lake Maintenance Station Rehabilitation y v Table of Contents DRAFT Proposed Negative Declaration iii Chapter 1 Proposed Project 1 1.1 Introduction 1 1.2 Purpose and Need 2 1.2.1 Purpose 2 1.2.2 Need 2 1.3 Project 2 1.4 Project Alternatives 4 1.4.1 Build Alternative 4 1.4.2 No-Build (No-Action) Alternative 5 1.5 Standard Measures and Best Management Practices Included in All Alternatives 5 1.6 Discussion of the NEPA Categorical Exclusion 6 1.7 Permits and Approvals Needed 6 Chapter 2 CEQA Evaluation 7 2.1 CEQA Environmental Checklist 7 2.1.1 Aesthetics 7 2.1.2 Agriculture and Forest Resources 8 2.1.3 Air Quality 9 2.1.4 Biological Resources 10 2.1.5 Cultural Resources 14 2.1.6 Energy 14 2.1.7 Geology and Soils 14 2.1.8 Greenhouse Gas Emissions 15 2.1.9 Hazards and Hazardous Materials 17 2.1.10 Hydrology and Water Quality 19 2.1.11 Land Use and Planning 20 2.1.12 Mineral Resources 21 2.1.13 Noise 21 2.1.14 Population and Housing 22 2.1.15 Public Services 22 2.1.16 Recreation 23 2.1.17 Transportation 23 2.1.18 Tribal Cultural Resources 24 2.1.19 Utilities and Service Systems 25 2.1.20 Wildfire 26 2.1.21 Mandatory Findings of Significance 27 Appendix A Title VI Policy Statement 29 ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- Caples Lake Maintenance Station Rehabilitation y 1 Chapter 1 Proposed Project 1.1 Introduction The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is the lead agency under the California Environmental Quality Act (known as CEQA). This project is funded under Caltrans’ State Highway Operation and Protection Program and does not have federal funding. Caltrans proposes to rebuild or rehabilitate structures at Caltrans’ Caples Lake Maintenance Station off State Route 88 in Alpine County. The Caples Lake Maintenance Station, Facility Number 31M5730, is in Alpine County at 7,965 feet elevation along State Route 88, about 1.9 miles east of the Amador County line. See Figures 1-1 and 1-2. The facility is on U.S. Forest Service property; operations at the facility are covered under a special use permit agreement between the U.S. Forest Service and Caltrans. The facility serves as a base for maintenance and snow removal operations on State Route 88, which is a year-round trans-Sierra pass between California and Nevada; it operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week during the winter months. The Caples Lake Maintenance Station includes five buildings that support maintenance operations—a mechanic shop, an equipment shed, a generator room, a sand shed, and a dormitory that houses seasonal employees. A leach field services the facility. The project proposes to demolish and rebuild the existing dormitory and sand shed and rehabilitate the existing generator room. The existing dormitory is a three-story structure with 23 sleeping rooms, four restrooms, a laundry room, office, recreational room, kitchen and dining room, and auxiliary kitchen. The lower level of the dormitory building houses the boiler used for heating the building and nine parking stalls. There is a 12-stall carport next to the building used for employee parking. The existing generator room houses three generators and two 10,000-gallon water storage tanks that supply the facility. The sand shed is used to store snow removal materials and abrasives used in maintenance operations. All three structures have deficient features, with upgrades needed. ---PAGE BREAK--- Chapter 1 y Proposed Project Caples Lake Maintenance Station Rehabilitation y 2 1.2 Purpose and Need 1.2.1 Purpose The purpose of the project is to accommodate the current and future needs of Caples Lake Maintenance Station. 1.2.2 Need The project is needed to address outdated facilities at the Caples Lake Maintenance Station that are not in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and current building codes. 1.3 Project Description This section describes the proposed action developed to meet the purpose and need of the project. The project proposes to build a new dormitory building, demolish the existing dormitory building, rebuild the sand shed, and rehabilitate the generator building at Caples Lake Maintenance Station along State Route 88 in Alpine County to meet current State Fire Marshal, Americans with Disabilities Act, and building code requirements, and to provide the facility with an upgraded onsite domestic waste water disposal system. ---PAGE BREAK--- Chapter 1 y Proposed Project Caples Lake Maintenance Station Rehabilitation y 3 Figure 1-1 Project Vicinity Map ---PAGE BREAK--- Chapter 1 y Proposed Project Caples Lake Maintenance Station Rehabilitation y 4 Figure 1-2 Project Location Map 1.4 Project Alternatives This section describes the proposed project alternatives developed to meet the purpose and need of the project while avoiding or minimizing environmental impacts. Under consideration for the proposed project are a Build Alternative and a No-Build Alternative. 1.4.1 Build Alternative The project would rebuild or rehabilitate three structures at the Caples Lake Maintenance Station. The following work would occur at each structure: · The existing dormitory would be demolished, and a new dormitory would be built to the southeast of the existing dormitory, within the maintenance ---PAGE BREAK--- Chapter 1 y Proposed Project Caples Lake Maintenance Station Rehabilitation y 5 station footprint. The new dormitory would include energy-efficient appliances, adequate insulation and windows, a security system, and a fire sprinkler. · The existing sand shed would be demolished, and a new, larger sand shed would be built to house additional deicing material and a new salt brine system. · The existing generator room would be rehabilitated. The existing roof and interior and exterior wall would be removed and replaced. New lighting, electrical panels, and controls would be installed. Also, new leach lines would be added to the existing leach field at the maintenance station, and an additional mound leach field would be built northwest of the existing leach field. This project contains standardized project measures that are used on most, if not all, Caltrans projects and were not developed in response to any specific environmental impact resulting from the project. These measures are listed later in this chapter under “Standard Measures and Best Management Practices Included in All Alternatives.” 1.4.2 No-Build (No-Action) Alternative Under the No-Build Alternative, the existing dormitory, sand shed, and generator building would remain in their current condition. 1.5 Standard Measures and Best Management Practices Included in All Alternatives BIO-1 Limit vegetation removal. BIO-2 Tree removal should occur from October 1 to January 31, outside of the bird nesting season. BIO-3 If construction occurs during the nesting season, preconstruction surveys for nesting migratory birds and raptors would be conducted no more than 14 days before construction. BIO-4 If active nests are found, biological monitoring may be necessary to ensure that appropriate no-work buffers around active nest sites are being enforced. The buffer for migratory birds will be a radius of 100 feet, and the buffer for raptors will be a radius of 300 feet. BIO-5 Preconstruction wildlife surveys for North American porcupine dens will take place no more than 14 days before tree removal. ---PAGE BREAK--- Chapter 1 y Proposed Project Caples Lake Maintenance Station Rehabilitation y 6 BIO-6 Disturbed areas would be treated with erosion control measures and revegetated with native species. CC-1 Caltrans’ Standard Specifications Sections 7-1.02A and 7-1.02C, Emissions Reduction. Contractors are required to comply with all laws applicable to the project and to certify they are aware of and will comply with all California Air Resources Board emission reduction regulations. CC-2 Caltrans’ Standard Specifications Section 14-9.02, Air Pollution Control. Contractors are required to comply with all air pollution control rules, regulations, ordinances, and statutes. Certain common regulations, such as equipment idling restrictions, that reduce construction vehicle emissions also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. CC-3 Caltrans’ Standard Specifications Sections 10-4, Water Usage, 10-6, Watering, and 20-2.01, Irrigation. CC-4 Caltrans’ Standard Specifications Section 14-10, Solid Waste Disposal and Recycling. HW-1 Caltrans’ Standard Special Provision Section 7-1.02K(6)(j)(iii), Earth Material Containing Lead. NQ-1 Caltrans’ Standard Specifications Section 14-8.02, Noise Control WQ-1 Caltrans’ Standard Specifications Section 13, Water Pollution Control 1.6 Discussion of the NEPA Categorical Exclusion This document contains information regarding compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and other state laws and regulations. Separate environmental documentation supporting a Categorical Exclusion determination will be prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). When needed for clarity, or as required by CEQA, this document may contain references to federal laws and/or regulations (CEQA, for example, requires consideration of adverse effects on species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special-status species by the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service—in other words, species protected by the Federal Endangered Species Act). 1.7 Permits and Approvals Needed No permits, licenses, agreements, and certifications are required for project construction. ---PAGE BREAK--- Caples Lake Maintenance Station Rehabilitation y 7 Chapter 2 CEQA Evaluation 2.1 CEQA Environmental Checklist This checklist identifies physical, biological, social, and economic factors that might be affected by the proposed project. Potential impact determinations include Significant and Unavoidable Impact, Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated, Less Than Significant Impact, and No Impact. In many cases, background studies performed in connection with a project will indicate that there are no impacts to a particular resource. A No Impact answer reflects this determination. The questions in this checklist are intended to encourage the thoughtful assessment of impacts and do not represent thresholds of significance. Project features, which can include both design elements of the project and standardized measures that are applied to all or most Caltrans projects such as Best Management Practices and measures included in the Standard Plans and Specifications or as Standard Special Provisions, are considered to be an integral part of the project and have been considered prior to any significance determinations documented below. “No Impact” determinations in each section are based on the scope, description, and location of the proposed project as well as the appropriate technical report (bound separately in Volume and no further discussion is included in this document. 2.1.1 Aesthetics Considering that the project is within an existing Caltrans maintenance facility, the following significance determinations have been made: Except as provided in Public Resources Code Section 21099: Question—Would the project: CEQA Significance Determinations for Aesthetics a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? No Impact b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway? No Impact ---PAGE BREAK--- Chapter 2 y CEQA Evaluation Caples Lake Maintenance Station Rehabilitation y 8 Question—Would the project: CEQA Significance Determinations for Aesthetics c) In non-urbanized areas, substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of public views of the site and its surroundings? (Public views are those that are experienced from a publicly accessible vantage point.) If the project is in an urbanized area, would the project conflict with applicable zoning and other regulations governing scenic quality? No Impact d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area? No Impact 2.1.2 Agriculture and Forest Resources In determining whether impacts to agricultural resources are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to the California Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site Assessment Model (1997) prepared by the California Department of Conservation as an optional model to use in assessing impacts on agriculture and farmland. In determining whether impacts to forest resources, including timberland, are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to information compiled by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection regarding the state’s inventory of forest land, including the Forest and Range Assessment Project and the Forest Legacy Assessment Project; and the forest carbon measurement methodology provided in Forest Protocols adopted by the California Air Resources Board. Considering the information included in the Alpine County General Plan and that the project would take place entirely within the footprint of an existing Caltrans maintenance facility, the following significance determinations have been made: Question—Would the project: CEQA Significance Determinations for Agriculture and Forest Resources a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and No Impact ---PAGE BREAK--- Chapter 2 y CEQA Evaluation Caples Lake Maintenance Station Rehabilitation y 9 Question—Would the project: CEQA Significance Determinations for Agriculture and Forest Resources Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to non-agricultural use? b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act contract? No Impact c) Conflict with existing zoning, or cause rezoning of, forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code Section 12220(g)), timberland (as defined by Public Resources Code Section 4526), or timberland zoned Timberland Production (as defined by Government Code Section 51104(g))? No Impact d) Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to non-forest use? No Impact e) Involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland to non-agricultural use or conversion of forest land to non-forest use? No Impact 2.1.3 Air Quality Where available, the significance criteria established by the applicable air quality management district or air pollution control district may be relied upon to make the following determinations. Considering the information included in the Air Quality Memorandum dated April 14, 2021, the following significance determinations have been made: Question—Would the project: CEQA Significance Determinations for Air Quality a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan? No Impact b) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is non-attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard? No Impact ---PAGE BREAK--- Chapter 2 y CEQA Evaluation Caples Lake Maintenance Station Rehabilitation y 10 Question—Would the project: CEQA Significance Determinations for Air Quality c) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations? No Impact d) Result in other emissions (such as those leading to odors) adversely affecting a substantial number of people? No Impact 2.1.4 Biological Resources Considering the information included in the Natural Environment Study, Minimal Impacts, June 21, 2021, the following significance determinations have been made: Question—Would the project: CEQA Significance Determinations for Biological Resources 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 Department of Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries? Less Than Significant Impact b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations or by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? No Impact c) Have a substantial adverse effect on state or federally protected wetlands (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means? No Impact d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites? No Impact ---PAGE BREAK--- Chapter 2 y CEQA Evaluation Caples Lake Maintenance Station Rehabilitation y 11 Question—Would the project: CEQA Significance Determinations for Biological Resources e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance? No Impact f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan? No Impact Affected Environment A Natural Environment Study, Minimal Impacts, dated June 21, 2021, was completed for this project. The Natural Environment Study, Minimal Impacts, contains U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service lists for the project. Instructions for requesting copies of the study are included at the end of this document. Field studies were conducted within the biological study area, which consists of the project area and surrounding vicinity. The biological study area includes 3.35 acres on either side of Schneider Cow Camp Road along State Route 88. The landscape within the biological study area consists of ruderal habitat with forested areas. Several trees surround the maintenance station that could provide habitat for migratory birds. A creek runs next to the maintenance station; however, it is outside of the project area. Caples Lake is about 1,000 feet south of the maintenance station and is also outside of the project area. There are no waters of the U.S., waters of the State, or communities of natural concern within the project area. The existing maintenance station is a paved, well-developed facility that Caltrans maintenance workers use daily. The vicinity is ruderal, meaning the area is repeatedly disturbed, and the vegetation is composed largely of nonnative, disturbance-tolerant grasses and forbs. The forested area within the biological study area consists primarily of lodgepole pine and annual grassland. Soils within the biological study area are moderately susceptible to yellow star-thistle invasion and susceptible to invasion by medusa’s head. Migratory Birds and Raptors The Migratory Bird Treaty Act protects migratory birds. Several species of migratory birds could potentially nest on the ground or within shrubs and trees within the project area. Field surveys were conducted on May 17, 2021. No ---PAGE BREAK--- Chapter 2 y CEQA Evaluation Caples Lake Maintenance Station Rehabilitation y 12 nesting bird species were seen, but pine trees in the project area are suitable habitat for migratory and raptor bird nesting habitat. Tree Roosting Bat Species Pallid bat, Townsend’s big-eared bat, long-legged myotis bat, and fringed myotis bat are special-status bat species with the potential to occur in the project area. Pallid bats and Townsend’s big-eared bats are California species of special concern, long-legged myotis is tracked by the California Natural Diversity Database, and fringed myotis is a U.S. Forest Service species of special concern. Also, state laws protect bats and their occupied roosts from harassment and destruction. Several bat species use trees as daytime roosts for thermal regulation, predator avoidance, and reproduction. Several other bat species occasionally day roost in trees or use trees as night roosts for temporary resting and feeding between foraging flights. Tree-roosting bats may roost in cavities, under bark, and in foliage. Suitable habitat within the project area that could support tree-roosting bats would include mature trees with exfoliating bark, which the bats could wedge under. Field surveys were conducted on May 17, 2021; no bat species were seen within the biological study area. North American Porcupine The North American porcupine is a species tracked by the California Natural Diversity Database. The species is present in forested habitats in the Sierra Nevada, Cascade, and Coast Ranges and has been seen in forested areas in the Transverse Ranges. North American porcupines inhabit a wide variety of coniferous and mixed woodland habitat and can use trees as dens. The project area contains suitable habitat for the species within the Biological Study Area; six sightings of the species within 5 miles of the biological study area have been recorded in the California Natural Diversity Database. No signs of the species, including individuals, tracks, scat, or tree damage, were seen during field surveys within the biological study area on May 17, 2021. Environmental Consequences The project would not affect federally listed plant or animal species. The Natural Environment Study, Minimal Impacts, contains U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service lists for the project. Instructions for requesting copies of the study are included at the end of this document. Migratory Birds and Raptors Nesting birds were not seen during the field survey conducted on May 17, 2021. However, the project would remove approximately 15 large pine trees that are suitable nesting habitat for migratory birds or raptors. ---PAGE BREAK--- Chapter 2 y CEQA Evaluation Caples Lake Maintenance Station Rehabilitation y 13 Trimming or removing trees or shrubs in the project area may be required, including removing approximately 15 lodgepole pine trees that are potential habitat for migratory birds. Tree-Roosting Bat Species Pallid bat, Townsend’s big-eared bat, fringed myotis bat, and long-legged myotis bat have the potential to occur in the project area. Bat species were not seen during the field survey conducted on May 17, 2021. Mature trees in the project area are potential habitat for tree-roosting bat species. The project would remove about 15 large pine trees; however, the pines are a poor roosting candidate for tree-roosting bats because the bark is thin and scaly. North American Porcupine There is suitable habitat for the North American porcupine within the project area. Individuals of the species, tracks, scat, and tree damage associated with the species were not seen during field surveys on May 17, 2021. The following standard measures would be included in the project: BIO-1 Limit vegetation removal. BIO-2 Tree removal should occur from October 1 to January 31, outside of the bird nesting season. BIO-3 If construction takes place during the bird nesting season, preconstruction surveys for nesting migratory birds and raptors would be conducted no more than 14 days before construction. BIO-4 If active nests are found, biological monitoring may be necessary to ensure that the appropriate no-work buffers around active nest sites are being enforced. The buffer for migratory birds would be a radius of 100 feet, and the buffer for raptors would be a radius of 300 feet. BIO-5 Preconstruction wildlife surveys for North American porcupine dens would take place no more than 14 days before tree removal. BIO-6 Disturbed areas would be treated with erosion control measures and revegetated with native species. Avoidance, Minimization, and/or Mitigation Measures With the incorporation of the standard measures outlined above, the project would have a less than significant impact on biological resources. Project- specific avoidance, minimization, and/or mitigation measures are not required. ---PAGE BREAK--- Chapter 2 y CEQA Evaluation Caples Lake Maintenance Station Rehabilitation y 14 2.1.5 Cultural Resources Considering the information included in the Screening Memorandum dated April 12, 2021, the following significance determinations have been made: Question—Would the project: CEQA Significance Determinations for Cultural Resources a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource pursuant to Section 15064.5? No Impact b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to Section 15064.5? No Impact c) Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of dedicated cemeteries? No Impact 2.1.6 Energy Considering the scope and duration of the project, the following significance determinations have been made: Question—Would the project: CEQA Significance Determinations for Energy a) Result in potentially significant environmental impact due to wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources during project construction or operation? No Impact b) Conflict with or obstruct a state or local plan for renewable energy or energy efficiency? No Impact 2.1.7 Geology and Soils Considering the information in the California Earthquake Hazards Zone Application from the California Department of Conservation, the following significance determinations have been made: ---PAGE BREAK--- Chapter 2 y CEQA Evaluation Caples Lake Maintenance Station Rehabilitation y 15 Question—Would the project: CEQA Significance Determinations for Geology and Soils a) Directly or indirectly cause potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving: i) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault? Refer to Division of Mines and Geology Special Publication 42. No Impact ii) Strong seismic ground shaking? No Impact iii) Seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction? No Impact iv) Landslides? No Impact b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil? No Impact c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in onsite or offsite landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse? No Impact d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating substantial risks to life or property? No Impact e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of wastewater? No Impact f) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature? No Impact 2.1.8 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Considering the information included in the Climate Change/Greenhouse Gas Analysis dated June 23, 2021, the following significance determinations have been made: ---PAGE BREAK--- Chapter 2 y CEQA Evaluation Caples Lake Maintenance Station Rehabilitation y 16 Question—Would the project: CEQA Significance Determinations for Greenhouse Gas Emissions a) Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment? Less Than Significant Impact b) Conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases? Less Than Significant Impact Affected Environment This project proposes to demolish and replace the existing dormitory and sand shed, rehabilitate the existing generator room, and create a new leach field at Caltrans’ Caples Lake Maintenance Station in Alpine County. The Caples Lake Maintenance Station is off State Route 88 at Schneider Cow Camp Road in Kirkwood, California. The California Air Resources Board sets regional targets for California’s 18 metropolitan planning organizations to use in their Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy to plan future projects that will cumulatively achieve greenhouse gas reduction goals. Targets are set at a percent reduction of passenger vehicle greenhouse gas emissions per person from 2005 levels. The proposed project is within the jurisdiction of the Alpine County Local Transportation Commission, which is the Regional Transportation Planning Agency for Alpine County. The Alpine County Local Transportation Commission is not a metropolitan planning organization and is not required to have a Sustainable Communities Strategy or California Air Resources Board-established goals. However, the 2020 Regional Transportation Plan does identify strategies for Alpine County to reach climate change-related goals. Environmental Consequences The purpose of the proposed project is to rebuild or rehabilitate structures at the Caples Lake Maintenance Station in Alpine County. The project would not increase the vehicle capacity of the roadway. This type of project generally causes minimal or no increase in operational greenhouse gas emissions. Because the project would not increase the number of travel lanes on State Route 88, no increase in vehicle miles traveled would occur due to project implementation. While some greenhouse gas emissions during the construction period would be unavoidable, no increase in operational greenhouse gas emissions is expected. Construction greenhouse gas emissions would result from material processing, onsite construction equipment, and traffic delays due to construction. These emissions would be produced at different levels ---PAGE BREAK--- Chapter 2 y CEQA Evaluation Caples Lake Maintenance Station Rehabilitation y 17 throughout the construction phase; their frequency and occurrence can be reduced through innovations in plans and specifications and by implementing better traffic management during construction phases. Construction greenhouse gas emissions for the project were calculated using Caltrans’ Construction Emissions Tool V1.1. The project’s construction activities are expected to generate about 856 tons of carbon dioxide during 350 working days. The following standard measures would be included in the project: CC-1 Caltrans’ Standard Specifications Sections 7-1.02A and 7-1.02C, Emissions Reduction. Contractors are required to comply with all laws applicable to the project and to certify they are aware of and will comply with all California Air Resources Board emission reduction regulations. CC-2 Caltrans’ Standard Specifications Section 14-9.02, Air Pollution Control. Contractors are required to comply with all air pollution control rules, regulations, ordinances, and statutes. Certain common regulations, such as equipment idling restrictions, that reduce construction vehicle emissions also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. CC-3 Caltrans’ Standard Specifications Sections 10-4, Water Usage, 10-6, Watering, and 20-2.01, Irrigation. CC-4 Caltrans’ Standard Specifications Section 14-10, Solid Waste Disposal and Recycling. The new dormitory would be built with adequate insulation and windows and would be outfitted with energy-efficient appliances. The dormitory would be required to have energy modeling performed to establish the insulation values for the building envelope and would also be designed to comply with the mandatory measures of the California Green Building Standards Code. These features would save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Avoidance, Minimization, and/or Mitigation Measures With the incorporation of the standard measures outlined above, the greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the project would have a less than significant impact on the environment. Project-specific avoidance, minimization, and/or mitigation measures are not required. 2.1.9 Hazards and Hazardous Materials Considering the information included in the Initial Site Assessment dated June 2, 2021, the following significance determinations have been made: ---PAGE BREAK--- Chapter 2 y CEQA Evaluation Caples Lake Maintenance Station Rehabilitation y 18 Question—Would the project: CEQA Significance Determinations for Hazards and Hazardous Materials a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials? No Impact b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment? No Impact c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within 0.25 mile of an existing or proposed school? No Impact 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 it create a significant hazard to the public or the environment? Less Than Significant Impact e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within 2 miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project result in a safety hazard or excessive noise for people residing or working in the project area? No Impact f) Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan? No Impact g) Expose people or structures, either directly or indirectly, to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving wildland fires? No Impact Affected Environment This project proposes to demolish and replace the existing dormitory and sand shed, rehabilitate the existing generator room, and create a new leach field at Caltrans’ Caples Lake Maintenance Station in Alpine County. The Caples Lake Maintenance Station is off State Route 88 at Schneider Cow Camp Road. ---PAGE BREAK--- Chapter 2 y CEQA Evaluation Caples Lake Maintenance Station Rehabilitation y 19 There is one closed Leaking Underground Storage Tank site within the project area. The site in the project area has been appropriately remediated and has received No Further Action Required letters from the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board. The scope of work near the site is limited to shallow excavation for building foundations. Environmental Consequences The excavation for a septic leach field on the south side of the project area is outside the area impacted by the Leaking Underground Storage Tank; the potential to encounter contaminated soil on this project is considered minimal. There is potential to encounter nonhazardous concentrations of aerially deposited lead while working in unpaved areas within the project limits. Additionally, there is potential to encounter asbestos-containing materials and lead-based paint during the demolition and rehabilitation of the existing dormitory, sand shed, and generator buildings. The following standard measure would be included in the project: HW-1 Caltrans’ Standard Special Provisions Section 7-1.02K(6)(j)(iii), Earth Material Containing Lead. Avoidance, Minimization, and/or Mitigation Measures The following avoidance, minimization, and/or mitigation measures would be included in the project: HW-2 A project-specific survey for asbestos-containing materials and lead- based paints would be conducted at the existing dormitory, sand shed, and generator buildings. 2.1.10 Hydrology and Water Quality Considering the information included in the Water Compliance Memorandum dated December 24, 2020, the following significance determinations have been made: Question—Would the project: CEQA Significance Determinations for Hydrology and Water Quality a) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements or otherwise substantially degrade surface water or groundwater quality? No Impact ---PAGE BREAK--- Chapter 2 y CEQA Evaluation Caples Lake Maintenance Station Rehabilitation y 20 Question—Would the project: CEQA Significance Determinations for Hydrology and Water Quality b) Substantially decrease groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that the project may impede sustainable groundwater management of the basin? No Impact c) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river or through the addition of impervious surfaces, in a manner which would: result in substantial erosion or siltation onsite or offsite; No Impact (ii) substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner which would result in flooding onsite or offsite; No Impact (iii) create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff; or No Impact (iv) impede or redirect flood flows? No Impact d) In flood hazard, tsunami, or seiche zones, risk release of pollutants due to project inundation? No Impact e) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of a water quality control plan or sustainable groundwater management plan? No Impact 2.1.11 Land Use and Planning Considering the information included in the Alpine County General Plan and that the project location is within an existing Caltrans maintenance facility, the following significance determinations have been made: Question—Would the project: CEQA Significance Determinations for Land Use and Planning a) Physically divide an established community? No Impact ---PAGE BREAK--- Chapter 2 y CEQA Evaluation Caples Lake Maintenance Station Rehabilitation y 21 Question—Would the project: CEQA Significance Determinations for Land Use and Planning b) Cause a significant environmental impact due to a conflict with any land use plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect? No Impact 2.1.12 Mineral Resources Considering the information included in the Alpine County General Plan, the following significance determinations have been made: Question—Would the project: CEQA Significance Determinations for Mineral Resources a) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of value to the region and the residents of the state? No Impact b) Result in the loss of availability of a locally important mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local general plan, specific plan, or other land use plan? No Impact 2.1.13 Noise Considering the information in the Noise Compliance Memorandum dated January 30, 2021, the following significance determinations have been made: Question—Would the project result in: CEQA Significance Determinations for Noise a) Generation of a substantial temporary or permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the vicinity of the project in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies? No Impact b) Generation of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels? No Impact ---PAGE BREAK--- Chapter 2 y CEQA Evaluation Caples Lake Maintenance Station Rehabilitation y 22 Question—Would the project result in: CEQA Significance Determinations for Noise c) For a project located within the vicinity of a private airstrip or an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within 2 miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? No Impact 2.1.14 Population and Housing Considering the scope and location of the proposed project within an existing Caltrans maintenance facility, the following significance determinations have been made: Question—Would the project: CEQA Significance Determinations for Population and Housing a) Induce substantial unplanned population growth in an area, either directly (for example, by proposing new homes and businesses) or indirectly (for example, through extension of roads or other infrastructure)? No Impact b) Displace substantial numbers of existing people or housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? No Impact 2.1.15 Public Services Considering the scope and the location of the proposed project within an existing Caltrans maintenance facility, the following significance determinations have been made: ---PAGE BREAK--- Chapter 2 y CEQA Evaluation Caples Lake Maintenance Station Rehabilitation y 23 Question: CEQA Significance Determinations for Public Services a) Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives for any of the public services: Fire protection? No Impact Police protection? No Impact Schools? No Impact Parks? No Impact Other public facilities? No Impact 2.1.16 Recreation Considering the scope and location of the proposed project within an existing Caltrans maintenance facility, the following significance determinations have been made: Question—Would the project: CEQA Significance Determinations for Recreation a) Would the project increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated? No Impact b) Does the project include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment? No Impact 2.1.17 Transportation Considering the information included in the Alpine County Regional Transportation Plan, 2015, the following significance determinations have been made: ---PAGE BREAK--- Chapter 2 y CEQA Evaluation Caples Lake Maintenance Station Rehabilitation y 24 Question—Would the project: CEQA Significance Determinations for Transportation a) Conflict with a program, plan, ordinance, or policy addressing the circulation system, including transit, roadway, bicycle and pedestrian facilities? No Impact b) Conflict or be inconsistent with CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.3, subdivision No Impact c) Substantially increase hazards due to a geometric design feature sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses farm equipment)? No Impact d) Result in inadequate emergency access? No Impact 2.1.18 Tribal Cultural Resources Considering the information included in the Screening Memorandum dated April 12, 2021, the following significance determinations have been made: 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: Question: CEQA Significance Determinations for Tribal Cultural Resources 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 5020.1(k), or No Impact 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 of Public Resources Code Section 5024.1. In applying the criteria set forth in subdivision of Public Resources Code Section 5024.1, the lead agency shall consider the significance of the resource to a California Native American tribe. No Impact ---PAGE BREAK--- Chapter 2 y CEQA Evaluation Caples Lake Maintenance Station Rehabilitation y 25 2.1.19 Utilities and Service Systems Considering the scope and location of the proposed project within an existing Caltrans maintenance facility, the following significance determinations have been made: Question—Would the project: CEQA Significance Determinations for Utilities and Service Systems a) Require or result in the relocation or construction of new or expanded water, wastewater treatment or stormwater drainage, electric power, natural gas, or telecommunications facilities, the construction or relocation of which could cause significant environmental effects? Less Than Significant Impact b) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project and reasonably foreseeable future development during normal, dry and multiple dry years? No Impact c) Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider which serves or may serve the project that it has adequate capacity to serve the project’s projected demand in addition to the provider’s existing commitments? No Impact d) Generate solid waste in excess of state or local standards, or in excess of the capacity of local infrastructure, or otherwise impair the attainment of solid waste reduction goals? No Impact e) Comply with federal, state, and local management and reduction statutes and regulations related to solid waste? No Impact Affected Environment This project proposes to demolish and replace the existing dormitory and sand shed, rehabilitate the existing generator room, and create a new leach field at Caltrans’ Caples Lake Maintenance Station in Alpine County. The Caples Lake Maintenance Station is off State Route 88 at Schneider Cow Camp Road. The maintenance station has an existing leach field to service the facility. Additional leach lines and a new leach field would be built to provide additional service. ---PAGE BREAK--- Chapter 2 y CEQA Evaluation Caples Lake Maintenance Station Rehabilitation y 26 Environmental Consequences New leach lines would be installed between the existing leach lines, and a new mound leach field would be built northwest of the existing leach field within the existing maintenance station. Approximately 15 lodgepole pine trees are expected to be removed to accommodate project activities, including the leach fieldwork. The standard measures outlined in Section 1.5 and Appendix B of this document would be included in the project. Avoidance, Minimization, and/or Mitigation Measures With the incorporation of the standard measures outlined in Section 1.5 of this document, the expanded leach field utility service would have a less than significant impact on the environment. Project-specific avoidance, minimization, and/or mitigation measures are not required. 2.1.20 Wildfire Considering the information included in the California Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map and given the scope and location of the proposed project within an area of federal responsibility, the following significance determinations have been made: If located in or near state responsibility areas or lands classified as very high fire hazard severity zones: Question—Would the project: CEQA Significance Determinations for Wildfire a) Substantially impair an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan? No Impact b) Due to slope, prevailing winds, and other factors, exacerbate wildfire risks, and thereby expose project occupants to pollutant concentrations from a wildfire or the uncontrolled spread of a wildfire? No Impact c) Require the installation or maintenance of associated infrastructure (such as roads, fuel breaks, emergency water sources, power lines or other utilities) that may exacerbate fire risk or that may result in temporary or ongoing impacts to the environment? No Impact ---PAGE BREAK--- Chapter 2 y CEQA Evaluation Caples Lake Maintenance Station Rehabilitation y 27 Question—Would the project: CEQA Significance Determinations for Wildfire d) Expose people or structures to significant risks, including downslope or flooding or landslides, as a result of runoff, post- fire slope instability, or drainage changes? No Impact 2.1.21 Mandatory Findings of Significance Question: CEQA Significance Determinations for Mandatory Findings of Significance a) Does the project have the potential to substantially degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, substantially reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory? No Impact—The proposed project would not have the potential to substantially degrade the quality of the environment. With standard measures incorporated, the project would have a less than significant impact on biological resources and no impact on cultural resources. 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 when viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, the effects of other current projects, and the effects of probable future projects)? No Impact—The proposed project would take place within an existing maintenance facility and would not have cumulatively considerable impacts. c) Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly? No Impact—The proposed project would take place within an existing maintenance facility. With standard measures incorporated, the project would have a less than significant impact on human beings, either directly or indirectly. ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- Caples Lake Maintenance Station Rehabilitation y 29 Appendix A Title VI Policy Statement ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- Caples Lake Maintenance Station Rehabilitation y 31 List of Technical Studies Bound Separately (Volume 2) Air Quality Memorandum Noise Compliance Study Water Compliance Memorandum Natural Environment Study, Minimal Impacts Screening Memorandum Initial Site Assessment To obtain a copy of one or more of these technical studies/reports or the Initial Study, please send your request to: Jaycee Azevedo Central Region Environmental, California Department of Transportation 1976 East Doctor Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard, Stockton, California 95205 Or send your request via email to: [EMAIL REDACTED] Or call: [PHONE REDACTED] Please provide the following information in your request: Project title: Caples Lake Maintenance Station Rehabilitation General location information: Caples Lake Maintenance Station off State Route 88 in Alpine County District number-county code-route-post mile: 10-ALP-88-1.9 Project Number: [PHONE REDACTED]