HomeMy WebLinkAboutAttach 4 InitlStudy/MitigNegDecCITY OF DUBLIN
100 Civic Plaza, Dublin, California 94568
Website: http://www.ci.dublin.ca.us
MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION
ProjeCt Title:
Tassajara Road and Fallon Road Ultimate Right-of-Way Alignment
Description of Project:
Establishment of an ultimate right-of-way alignment for the future
widening of a portion of Tassajara Road to six (6) vehicle lanes and for
the future construction of a portion of Fallon Road to include 4 (four)
vehicle lanes within the Eastern Dublin planning area pursuant to Dublin
Municipal Code Chapter 7.68.
Project Location:
For Tassajara Road, generally following the existing alignment of
Tassajara Road from the Alameda County limit line to the north and the
intersection of Tassajara Road and Shadow Hills Road to the south.
Fallon Road will be constructed from the future intersection of Fallon
Road and Tassajara Road to a point approximately 1,500 feet east of
the intersection of Fallon Road and Tassajara Road.
Name of Proponents:
City of Dublin, Public Works Department
Determination:
I hereby find that although the above project could have a significant
effect on the environment, there WILL NOT be a significant effect in this
case because revisions in the project have been made and incorporated
into the project, and because a Mitigated Negative Declaration Will be
adopted that mitigates any project-related impacts of this project to a
level of insignificance through the adoption of mitigation measures and a
Mitigation Monitoring Program.
Melissa~"(~-rt~n, Public W'0~k~ Director
Copies of the Initial Study documenting the reasons to support the above finding are available at the
City of Dublin, Public Works Department, 100 Civic Plaza, Dublin, CA 94568, or by calling (925) 833-
6630.
Attachments
Date Published: ~/0 E./04-
Date Posted:
Date Notice Mailed:
Considered by:
On:
N.O.D. filed:
Council Resolution No.
ATTACHMENT
Area Code (925) · City Manager 833-6650 · City Council 833-6650 - Personnel 833-6605 · EconomiC Development 833-6650
Finance 833-6640 · Public Works/Engineering 833-6630 , Parks & Community Services 833-6645 · Police 833,6670
Planning/Code Enforcement 833-6610 · Building Inspection 833-6620 · Fire Prevention Bureau 833-6606
Printed on Recycled Paper
Table of Contents
Introduction ................................................................................................................... 2
Applicant/Contact Person ........................................................................................... 2
Project Location and Context ...................................................................................... 2
Project Description ........................................................................................................ 3
Environmental Factors Potentially Affected ............................................................. 15
Evaluation of Environmental Impacts ....................................................................... 17
Attachment to Initial Study ......................................................................................... 29
1. Aesthetics ....................................................................................................... 29
2. Agricultural Resources ................................................................................. 35
3. Air Quality ..................................................................................................... 35
4. Biological Resources ..................................................................................... 40
5. Cultural Resources ........................................................................................ 55
6. Geology and Soils .......................................................................................... 56
7. Hazards and Hazardous Materials ............................................................. 60
8. Hydrology and Water Quality .................................................................... 61
9. Land Use and Planning ................................................................................ 64
10. Mineral Resources ....................................................................................... 66
11. Noise ............................................................................................................. 66
12. Population and Housing ............................................................................ 68
13. Public Services ........................................................... : ................................. ?0
14. Recreation ..................................................................................................... ?1
15. Transportation / Traffic ............................................................................... 72
16. Utilities and Service Systems ..................................................................... 73
17. Mandatory Findings of Significance ........................................................ 74
Initial Study Preparers .................................................................................................. 76
Agendes and Organizations Consulted .................................................................... 76
References ....................................................................................................................... 76
City of Dublin
Environmental Checklist/
Initial Study
Introduction
This Initial Study has been prepared in accordance with the provisions of the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and assesses the potential environmental impacts
of implementing the proposed project described below. The Initial Study consists of a
completed environmental checklist and a brief explanation of the environmental topics
addressed in the checklist.
Applicant/Contact Person
City of Dublin
Public Works Department
100 Civic Plaza
Dublin CA 94568
Attn: Michael Stella, P.E.
Project Location and Context
The project is located in the northern area of the City of Dublin and in the
unincorporated portion of Alameda County, south of the Alameda/Contra Costa
County line. It includes establishing a right-of-way alignment for both Tassajara Road
and a portion of Fallon Road in accordance with Chapter 7.68 of the Dublin Munidpal
Code. Adoption of these right-of-way alignments establishes a more precise locaQon f?r
these roads, the general location of which have already been established in the City ot
Dublin Eastern Dublin General Plan and Specific Plan.
The adoption of this alignment satisfies Mitigation Measure 3.3/14.0 of the Eastern
Dublin EIR.
The alignment fadlitates the proposed widening of Tassajara Road, a major north-south
roadway located between the 1-580 freeway and Contra Costa County, and fadlitates
the completion the northern portion of Fallon Road, a proposed road just east of and
intersecting Tassajara Road. Tassajara Road is an existing two,lane road that is
proposed to be widened to six lanes (three each in a northbound and southbound
direction) in its ultimate configuration. Fallon Road is planned to have four travel lanes,
two in each direction.
Exhibit 1 depicts the regional setting of Dublin and Exhibit 2 shows the location of the
project in context with nearby features.
The project area is located within the Eastern Dublin Specific Plan and General Plan
planning area. Existing land uses adjacent to the project area include (from north to
south) scattered single family dwellings along the both sides of Tassajara Road, a
City of Dublin Page 2
Initial Study/Tassajara Road/Fallon Road Ultimate Precise Alignment
March 2004
firewood sales Iot, Quarry Lane School on the east side of TaSSajara Road and the
Kobold landscaping yard south of Quarry Lane School. The Haight, Silveria Ranch, and
Nielsen properties were recently annexed to the City of Dublin by LAFCO Resolution
No. 2003-01-A, and entitlements for 254 multi-family and single famiIy homes were
subsequently approved by the City of Dublin for the Haight and Silveria properties.
The primary natural feature of the project area includes Tassajara Creek immediately
west of the Tassajara Road. Two unnamed tributaries of Tassajara Creek presently, flow
under the existing road from the east. These are identified in this Initial Study as the
Northern Tributary and the Southern Tributary.
Exhibit 3 is an aerial photograph of the p~roject area and Exhibit 4 shows photographs of
existing site conditions along the right-or-way.
Project Description
Tassajara Road overview
Exhibit 5 depicts the proposed ultimate alignment and widening of Tassajara Road and
Fallon Road. The proposed project involves establishing an ultimate precise alignment
for the future widening of Tassajara Road between the intersection of Tassajara Road
and Shadow Hill Drive to the south (Sin. 145+89, as shown on Exhibit 5), then northerly
to the proposed new intersection with Fallon Road (Sin. 182 +53 back, Sin 1+00
forward), then northerly to the Alameda County/Contra Costa County limit line (Sm
27+ 41). The alignment conforms to the previously established right-of-way _alig .nme,.,n.t
for the southern segment of Tassajara Road adopted as Ordinance No. 20-99 by the City
of Dublin. The ultimate configuration of Tassajara Road would include six travel lanes
(three in each direction) as well as a landscaped center median, bicycle lanes, curb and
gutter, sidewalks and parkways, traffic control devices, utilities, storm drain lines and
landscaping. Improvements would connect to existing roadway improvements at the
south end of the project area and will also connect with proposed improvements to the
north, within Contra Costa County.
Fallon Road overview
The project would also include establishing an ultimate right-of-way width and
alignment for aportion of Fallon Road, which would extend from the proposed
intersection with Tassajara Road (Station 250+66) southeasterly to the southerly
boundary of the Silveria Ranch property (Sin. 235 + 50). Fallon Road does not currently
exist, although this roadway is a plarmed thoroughfare as shown in the Eastern Dublin
General Plan and Specific Plan. Fallon Road is planned as a four-lane roadway (two
lanes in each direction) as well as a landscaped center median, bicycle lanes, curb and
gutter, sidewalks and parkways, traffic control devices, utilities, storm drains and
landscaping, Improvements are proposed to connect with the propo~sed extension of
Fallon Road through the Dublin Ranch property to the Silveria Ranch bou~ry as
governed by an Improvement Agreement between the City of Dublin and
Acquisitions LLC recorded as Series Number 2001058052. Fallon Road currently exists
approximately 1700 feet south of the proposed Dublin Ranch extension.
Following the establishment of ultimate rights-of-way for both roads, each road will
eventually be widened and / or constructed Wlthin the approved right-of-way lines. In
City of Dublin
Initial Study/Tassajara Road/Fallon Road Ultimate Precise Alignment
Page 3
March 2004
the interim period before the widening and/or construction Occurs, the Dublin
Municipal Code prohibits construction of new buildings or structures or expansion of
existing private facilities that presently lie within the ultimate rights-of-way for these
two roads, once ultimate precise alignments are adopted by the City of Dublin.
Exhibits 6a-k shown individual plats of proposed right-of-way acquisition of real
property to accommodate road widenings. Exhibit 7 shows local property ownerships
adjacent to the roadways.
In addition to establishing ultimate precise roadway alignments, other key features of
the proposed project would include:
· Acquisition of rights-of-way from various property owners along both sides of
existing Tassajara Road to allow for roadway widening as identified on Exhibits
6 a-k. An ultimate right-of-way of 128 feet is planned for Tassajara Road,
pursuant to the Eastern Dublin Specific Plan. This is discussed further in Section
4.7, Land Use. A portion of the proposed Tassajara Road right-of-way would
contain 122 feet, accounting for a separate multi-use trail adjacent to the road
right-of way.
· The proposed alignment of Tassajara Road would swing in an easterly direction
from its present location to provide maximum protection for Tassajara Creek.
The new alignment would include a four-way, signalized intersection with
Fallon Road on the current Silveria Ranch property.
· Acquisition of right-of-of-way to allow for the constr~, ction'of Fallon Road with
an ultimate width of 110 feet, to include four vehicle travel lanes (two each
direction), bicycle lanes on each side of the road, a landscaped median and
parkways and sidewalks on each side of the road.
· Construction of new curb, gutter and sidewalks adjacent to the widened
Tassajara Road. Along a portion of the westerly side of the road, the sidewalk
would be replaced by a multi-use trail that would generally parallel the road, but
which would be located closer to Tassajara Creek, as allowed by the City's
adopted Eastern Dublin Comprehensive Stream Restoration Program.
· Grading of properties to the two roads to allow for planned improvements to be
constructed.
· Construction of new retaining walls of varying heights between the new
alignment of Tassajara Road and Tassajara Creek to stabilize the creek bank.
· Replacement of two existing culverts at the Northern and Southern Tributaries
with two clear-span bridges over these watercourses. New storm drainage
out_falls into Tassajara Creek would also be included at the two new bridges. In-
stream improvements are also proposed within the Northern Tributary to
provide a more gradual elevation change between the flow line of the Tributary
and Tassajara Creek. This improvement is proposed to include grading of the
creek bed and placement of cobble and boulders to ensure that the creekbed has
a natural appearance.
· Construction of a pedestrian and bicycle overcrossing over the proposed
southbound free right-turn lane on Tassajara Road at the Fallon Road
intersection. This would allow southbound traffic to move unimpeded through
the intersection while eliminating potential conflicts with pedestrian and bicycle
drculation.
City of Dublin
Initial Study/Tassajara Road/Fallon Road Ultimate Precise Alignment
Page 4
March 2004
Undergrounding and/or extension of existing utilities adjacent to or within the
two roads. This would include undergrounding existing overhead electrical lines
adjacent to Tassajara Road and construction of new potable water, recycled
water, sewer and drainage lines within the right-of-way of Tassajara Road. New
underground facilities would also be constructed within the right-of-way of
Fallon Road.
Phasing of improvements
Construction of two additional travel lanes on Tassajara Road, for a total of four lanes,
would occur as a result of land development within the City of Dublin along this
corridor following approval of this environmental document and issuance of any other
required regulatory permits. Construction of the final two lanes, resulting in an ultimate
configuration of 6 travel lanes, would occur in the future and would be triggered by
future planned growth to the north in the southerly portion of Contra Costa County.
This last phase of Tassajara Road construction will be funded by fees collected pursuant
to the Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement pertaining to Dublin-Contra Costa Fees by
and between City of Dublin and Contra Costa County executed on June 1, 2000.
Fallon Road is proposed to be constructed in two phases. The outer lanes would be
constructed as part of development of the adjoining Haight/Silveria Ranch project.
Inner lanes to complete the improvements would be constructed when warranted by
traffic demands at a future date.
Proposed funding
Funding of the additional two travel lanes on Tassajara Roa~l (for a total of 4 lanes), is
proposed to be partially financed by Traffic Impact Fees (TIF) paid to the City of Dublin
by project developers in Eastern Dublin, although frontage improvements and any
improvements not utilized in the ultimate 6-lane configuration would be financed
directly by the developers. Working with adjacent land owners, the City of Dublin may
also use other techniques to finance the proposed improvements to Tassajara Road and
Fallon Road, including but not limited to benefit districts, assessment districts,
reimbursement agreements and other methods of infrastructure finance. Ultimate
construction of the final two travel lanes would be funded by traffic impact fees
imposed and collected in Contra Costa County and provided to the City of Dublin for
the improvement of Tassajara Road via the above-referenced agreement.
City of Dublin
Initial Study/Tassajara Road/Fallon Road Ultimate Precise Alignment
Page 5
March 2004
San
Mill
Valle~
San Francisco
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Half
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Bay
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San Mateo
Redwood
Martinez
Palo
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Hayward
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DUBLIN
Fremont
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Santa Clara
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CITY OF DUBLIN
TASSAJARA ROAD WIDENING
NEGATIVE DECLARATION
N
Exhibit 1
REGIONAL LOCATION
0 2 '~ S 8 10 rntles
Fa/ton Ret,
Haciencla Dr.
rnold Roi.
SOURCE: MacKay & Somps, 9-18-2002.
CITY OF DUBLIN
TASSAJARA ROAD WIDENING
NEGATIVE DECLARATION
Exhibit 3
AERIAL PHOTO
All photos
look North
along road
CITY OF DUBLIN
TASSAJARA ROAD WIDENING
NEGATIVE DECLARATION
Exhibit 4a
SITE PHOTOS
All photos
look North
along road
CITY OF DUBLIN
TASSAJARA ROAD WIDENING
NEGATIVE DECLARATION
Exhibit 4b
SITE PHOTOS
TASSAJARA
PRECISE
CITY
CITY OF
ROAD AND FALLON ROAD
ULTIMATE 'ALIGNMENT
OF DUBLIN, ALAMEDA
DUBLIN
COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
- CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 96400
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LEGEND
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SQ.FT. SQUARE FEET
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EXISTING PROPERTY LINE
CONTROL UNE
R.O.W. RIGHT OF WAY
R.O.W. PER TRACT 6925
DUBLIN RANCH
SOURCE: Ruggeri-Jensen-Azar & Associates, 2-6-2004.
CITY OF DUBLIN
TASSAJARA ROAD WIDENING
NEGATIVE DECLARATION
Exhibit 6a
RIGHT-OF-WAY ACQUISITIONS
MATCH
LINE TABLE
LINE BEARING D/STANCE
L19 S00'$4'48"I¢ ,74.44'
L20 S82'07'$1 "HI 1.707'
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soURCE: Ruggeri-.Jensen-Azar & Associates, 8-06-2003.
CITY OF DUBLIN
TASSAJARA ROAD WIDENING
NEGATIVE DECLARATION
Exhibit 6b
RIGHT-OF-WAY ACQUISITIONS
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APN: 885 -0002-008-02
8ERIE8 NO, 08-447165
CURVE TABLE
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RADIUS
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DELTA
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LINE TABLE
LINE BEARING D/STANCE
L4 NO4'OO'20"E 10Z 15'
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LEGEND
P.O.B. POINT OF BEGINNING
SO.FT. SQUARE FEET
-- -- NEW RIGHT OF WAY LINE
EXISTING PROPERTY LINE
CONTROL LINE
R.O.W. RIGHT OF WAY
SOURCE: Ruggeri-Jensen-Azar & Associates, 8-06-2003,
CITY OF DUBLIN
TASSAJARA ROAD WIDENING
NEGATIVE DECLARATION
Exhibit 6c
RIGHT-OF-WAY ACQUISITIONS
P.O.B.
(R)
gQ.FT.
R.O.W.
LEGEND
BRAGG & 81LVA
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POINT OF BEGINNING
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EXISTING PROPERTY LINE
CONTROL UNE
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LINE TABLE
LINE BEARING D/STANCE
L5 S82'25'14"E 3. 74'
LIS S85'25'14"E 3.00'
SOURCE: Ruggeri-Jensen-Azar & Associates, 8-06-2003.
CITY OF DUBLIN
TASSAJARA ROAD WIDENING
NEGATIVE DECLARATION
Exhibit 6d
RIGHT-OF-WAY ACQUISITIONS
CURVE
¢1
CURVE TABLE
RADIUS DELTA
767.00',
LENGTH
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SOURCE: Rugged-Jensen-Azar & Associates, 8-06-2003.
CITY OF DUBLIN
TASSAJARA ROAD WIDENING
NEGATIVE DECLARATION
Exhibit 6e
RIGHT-OF-WAY ACQUISITIONS
LEGEND
P.O.B.
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RANCH. iLO
L/NE' TABLE'
UNE EF_,,4RIN~ DISTANCE
L$ S56"38'5~ 32.22'
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CURVE TABLE
CURVE RADIUS DEL TA LENGTH
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C4 237.00' t1'24"08" 47.16'
C5 219.00' 0'55'54" .7.56'
C6 219.00' 10'26'56" 39.94'
SOURCE., Ruggeri-Jensen-Azar &Assoc/ates, 8-06-2003.
CITY OF DUBLIN
TASSAJARA ROAD WIDENING
NEGATIVE DECLARATION
Exhibit 6f
RIGHT-OF-WAY ACQUISITIONS
LEGEND
P.O.B. POINT OF BEGINNING
(R) RADIAL
SQ.FT. SQUARE FEET
--' --- NEW RIGHT OF WAY LINE
EXISTING PROPERTY ENE
.... CONTROL UNE
R.O.W. RIGHT OF WAY
LINE TABLE
LINE-/ BE~ING DISTANCE
L9 / S881~0'06~/ 28. 11'
MOLLER TRU8T/
APN: e85 -0001-q01
8ERIE8 NO.
SOURCE: Ruggeri-Jensen-Azar & Associates, 8-06-2003.
CITY OF DUBLIN
TASSAJARA ROAD WIDENING
NEGATIVE DECLARATION
Exhibit 6g
RIGHT-OF-WAY ACQUISITIONS
MATCH LINE
8EE SHEET
LEGEND
P.O.B. POINT OF BEGINNING
(R) RADIAL
SCl. FT. SClUARE FEET
-- -- NEW RIGHT OF WAY LJNE
EXISTING PROPERTY lINE
----- CONTROL UNE
R.O.W. RIGHT OF WAY
MATCH LINE
SEE SHEET 7
MOLLER TRUST
APN: 985 -0001-001
8ERIE8 NO. 87-0164806
SOURCE: Ruggeri-Jensen-Azar & Associates, 8-06-2003.
CITY OF DUBLIN
TASSAJARA ROAD WIDENING
NEGATIVE DECLARATION
Exhibit 6h
RIGHT-OF-WAY ACQUISITIONS
(~ ~4 ~s~)
LINE TABLE
LINE BEARING DISTANCE
L 11 S07'47'163¢ .32.59'
L 10 N23'58'Sg'~ 1,76.84'
TIPPER
APN: 886 -0004-001
8ERIE8 NO. 86-01~417
MOLLER TRUST
APN: 885 -0001-001
8ERIE8 NO. 117-01,.64806
EXIS17NG
R.O.I~.
SHEET 8
LEGEND
P.O.B.
P.O.C.
(R)
SQ. FT.
R.O.W.
POINT OF BEGINNING
POINT OF COMMENCEMENT
RADIAL
SQUARE FEET
NEW RIGHT OF WAY LINE
EXISTING RIGHT OF WAY LINE
CONTROL LINE
RIGHT OF WAY
SOURCE: Ruggeri-Jensen-Azar & Associates, 8~06-2003.
CITY OF DUBLIN
TASSAJARA ROAD WIDENING
NEGATIVE DECLARATION
Exhibit 6i
RIGHT-OF-WAY ACQUISITIONS
/% / 81LVERIA FIANOH, J:d~.C
--',,// APN: 986 -O00t2.~008-~02
/
/
LEGEND /
P.O.B. POI~IT OF BEGINNINO
(R) RAplAL
SO. FT. SC/UARE FEET
--- -..- N~W RIGHT OF WAY UNE
F~XISTING PROPERTY UNE
CONTROL UNE
R.O.W. #IGHT OF WAY
I
MATCH
SEE BI'IL=ET 11
SOURCE: Rugger/-Jensen-Azar & Associates, 8-06-2003.
CITY OF DUBLIN
TASSAJARA ROAD WIDENING
NEGATIVE DECLARATION
Exhibit 6j
RIGHT-OF-WAY ACQUISITIONS
MATCH UNE SEE SHEET 10
LEGEND
P.O.B.
(R)
SQ.FT.
R.O.W.
POINT OF BEGINNING
RADIAL
SQUARE FEET
NEW RIGHT OF WAY UNE
EXISTING PROPERTY LINE
CONTROL UNE
RIGHT OF WAY
81LVERIA RANCH. LLC
APN: 985 -0002-008-02
8ERIE8 NO. 98-447166
Al=N: 885 -~0001-002
8ERIE8 NO. ~446181
SOURCE: Ruggeri-Jensen-Azar & Associates, 8-06-2003.
CITY OF DUBLIN
TASSAJARA ROAD WIDENING
NEGATIVE DECLARATION
Exhibit 6k
RIGHT-OF-WAY ACQUISITIONS
MOLLER
WALLIS
RANCH
(LIN)
~FREDRICH
/
BRAGG --~
SILVERIA
/
MISSION
PEAK
HOMES
County Right-of-Way
NIELSEN
CITY OF DUBLIN
TASSAJARA ROAD WIDENING
NEGATIVE DECLARATION
SPERFSLAG '~
[---- EBRPD I
QUARRY LANE
SCHOOL
(ARAC)
KOBOLD
SHEA HOMES/
MSSH DUBLIN
DEVELOPMENT LLC.
Exhibit 7
PROPERTY OWNERSHIP
::~ :~ ~ Project Site
0 300 600 r200 feet
1. Project description:
Establishment of an ultimate right-of-way, future
acquisition of additional fight-of-way and widening
of Tassajara Road from two to four ~ravel lanes north
of the existing City of Dublin limit line to the
Alameda County-Contra Costa County line, with the
eventual widening to six travel lanes plus additional
turning lanes. Establishment of an ultimate right-of-
way line and future acquisition of property for Fallon
Road from the planned intersection of Tassajara Road
and Fallon Road to a point approximately 1400 feet
east. Other improvements include installation of new
curb, gutters, sidewalks, bicycle lanes adjacent to the
widened roads, utility extensions and
undergrounding and installation of larger culverts
under existing streams and drainage channels.
2. Lead agency:
City of Dublin
Public Works Department
100 Civic Plaza
Dublin CA 94568
3. Contact person:
Michael Stella, P.E.
Senior Civil Engineer
(925) 833 6630
4. Project location:
Generally located along the existing alignment of
Tassajara Road, south of the existing
Alameda/Contra Costa County line and north of the
intersection of Shadow Hills Drive and Tassajara
Road in the Eastern Dublin area.
5. Project sponsor:
City of Dublin
6. General Plan designation:
County of Alameda: Agriculture
City of Dublin: Residential (various densities) and
Open Space
7. Zoning:
County of Alameda (northerly portion): Agriculture &
Rural Residential
City of Dublin (southerly portion): Planned
Development
City of Dublin
Initial Study/Tassajara Road/Fallon Road Ultimate Precise Alignment
Page 13
March 2004
8. Public agency required approvals:
Approval of Mitigated Negative Declaration (City of Dublin)
Approval of Ultimate Precise Right-of-Way line for portions of
Tassajara Road and Fallon Road (City of Dublin)
Approval of Road Improvement Plans for portions of Tassajara Road
and Fallon Road (City of Dublin)
Approval of a 404 Nationwide Permit for new drainage outfalls into
nearby creeks and drainage courses (Army Corps of Engineers)
(probable)
Approval of a Streambed Alteration Agreement for new bridges over
Tassajara Creek drainage tributaries (California Department of Fish
and Game) (probable)
Approval by San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control
Board for improvements within creeks and drainage courses
(probable)
Notice of Intent to State Water Resources Control Board (probable)
Consultation with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (probable)
City of Dublin
Initial Study/Tassajara Road/Fallon Road Ultimate Precise Alignment
Page 14
March 2004
Environmental Factors Potentially Affected
The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project,
involving at least one impact that is a "potentially significant impact" as indicated by the
checklist on the following pages.
x
x
Aesthetics
Biological
Resources
Hazards and
Hazardous
Materials
Mineral Resources
' Public Services
Utilities / Service
Systems
x
Agricultural
Resources
Cultural Resources
Hydrology / Water
Noise
Recreation
Mandatory
Findings of
Significance
Air Quality
Geology / Soils
Land Use/
Planning
x
Population/
Housing
Transportation/
Circulation
Determination (to be completed by Lead Agency):
On the basis of this initial evaluation:
I find that the proposed project could not have a significant effect on the
environment and the previous Negative Declaration certified for this project by the
City of Dublin adequately addresses potential impacts.
X I find that although the proposed project could have 'a significant effect on the
environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because the mitigation
measures described on an attached sheet have been added to the project. A Negative
Declaration will be prepared.
I find that although the proposed project may have a significant effect on the
env{ronment, but at least one effect 1) has been adequately a~alyzed in an earlier
document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and 2) has been addressed by
mitigation measures based on earlier analysis as described on the attached sheets, if the
effect is a "potentially significant impact" or "potentially significant ttnless mitigated."
An Environmental Impact Report is required, but must only analyze the effects that
remain to be addressed.
I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the
environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because all potentially
significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR pursuant to
City of Dublin
Initial Study/Tassajara Road/Fallon Road Ultimate Precise Alignment
Page 15
March 2004
avvlicable standards, and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier
E~fl, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed on the proposed
project.
Signature: ~~ ~ (.7 (f Date:
Printed Name: ~t~b.~, ~K~ { d t~ For:
City of Dublin
Initial Study/'l'assajara Road/Fallon Road Ultimate Precise Alignment
Page 16
March 2004
Evaluation of Environmental Impacts
1)
A brief explanation is required for all answers except "no impact" answers that are
adequately supported by the information sources a lead agency cites in the
parenthesis following each question. A "no impact" answer is adequately
supported if the referenced information sources show that the impact simply does
not apply to projects like the one involved (e.g. the project falls outside a fault
rupture zone). A "no impact" answer should be explained where it is based on
project-specific factors as well as general factors (e.g. the project will not expose
sensitive receptors to pollutants, based on a project-specific screening analysis).
2)
3)
All answers must take account of the whole action, including off-site as well as on-
site, cumulative as well as project-level, indirect as well as direct, and construction
as well as operational impacts.
"Potentially Significant Impact" is appropriate if there is substantial evidence that
an effect is significant. If there are one or more "potentially significant impact"
entries when the detenYdnation is made, an EIR is required.
4)
"Less Than Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated" implies the incorporation
o!,mitigation measures has red,~ced an effect from "potentially significant effect" to
a less than significant impact. The lead agency must describe the mitigation
measures and briefly explain how they reduce the effect to a less than significant
level.
City of Dublin
Initial Study/Tassajara Road/Fallon Road Ultimate Precise Alignment
Page 17
March 2004
Environmental Impacts (Note: Source of determination listed in parenthesis. See listing
of sources used to determine each potential impact at the end of the checklist)
Note: A full discussion of each item is found
following the checklist.
1. Aesthetics. Would the project:
a) Have a substantial adverse impact on a scenic
vista? (Source: 2,9)
b) Substantially damage scenic resources,
including but not limited to trees, rock
outcroppings, and historic buildings within a
state scenic highway? (Source: 2,9)
c) Substantially degrade the existing visual
character or quality of the site and its
surroundings? (Source: 9)
d) Create a new source of substantial light or
glare which would adversely affect day or
nighttime views in the area? (Source: 9, 10)
2. Agricultural Resources
Would the project:
a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland or
Farmland of Statewide Importance, as
showing on the maps prepared pursuant to
the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring
Program of the California Resources
Agency, to a non-agricultural use? (Source:
2, 9)
b) Conflict with existing zoning for agriculture
use, or a Williamson Act contract? (Source:
2, 9)
c) Involve other changes in the existing
environment which, due to their location or
nature, could result in conversion of
farmland to a non-agricultural use? (Source:
2,9)
3. Air Quality (Where available, the significance
criteria established by the applicable air
quality management district may be relied
on to make the following determinations).
WouM the project:
a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of
the applicable air quality plan? (Source: 2)
b) Violate any air quality standard or contribute
substantially to an existing or projected air
quality violation? (Source: 2)
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Less than
Significant
Impact
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
No
Impact
X
City of Dublin
Initial Study/Tassajara Road/Fallon Road Ultimate Precise Alignment
Page 18
March 2004
c) 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 (including releasing
emissions which exceed quantitative
thresholds for ozone precursors? (2)
d) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial
pollutant concentrations? (Source: 2, 10)
e) Create objectionable odors? (Source: 2,9)
4. Biological Resources. Would the project
a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either
directly 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 Game
or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?
(Source: 2, 4)
b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any
riparian habitat or other sensitive natural
community identified in local or regional
plans, policies or regulations or by the
California Department of Fish and Game or
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? (Source:
2,4)
c) Have a substantial adverse impact on
federally protected wetlands as defined by
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act
(including but not limited to marsh, vernal
pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal,
filling, hydrological interruption or other
means?
(Source: 2, 4)
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? (Source: 2, 4)
e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances
protecting biological resources, such as tree
protection ordinances? (Source: 2, 4)
Potentially
Significant.
Impact
Les~ Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
X
X
X
Less than
Significant
Impact
X
X
X
No
Impact
X
X
City of Dublin
Initial Studyfrassajara Road/Fallon Road Ultimate Precise Alignment
Page 19
March 2004
f) Conflict with the provision of an adopted
Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural
Community Conservation Plan or other
approved local, regional or state habitat
conservation plan? (Source: 1)
5. Cultural Resources. WouM the project
a) Cause a substantial adverse impact in the
significance of a historical resource as
defined in Sec. 15064.5? (Source: 2, 5)
b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of an archeological resource
pursuant to Sec. 15064.5 (Source: 2, 5)
c) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique
paleontological resource or unique geologic
feature? (Source: 2, 5)
d) Disturb any human remains, including those
interred outside of a formal cemetery?
(Source: 2, 5)
6. Geology and Soils. WouM the project
a) Expose people or structures to potential
substantial adverse effects, including the risk
of loss, injury, or death involving:
i) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as
delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo
Fault Zoning Map issued by the State
Geologist or based on other known evidence
of a known fault (Source: 2, 6)
ii) Strong seismic ground shaking (2, 6)
iii) Seismic-related ground failure, including
liquefaction? (2, 6)
iv) Landslides? (2, 6)
b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of
topsoil? (2)
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- and off-site landslide, lateral spreading,
subsidence, liquefaction or similar hazards
(Source: 2, 6)
d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in
Table 13-1-B of the Uniform Building Code
(1994), creating substantial risks to life or
property? (Source: 2, 6)
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Le~s Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
X
X
X
X
X
X ,
X
X
X
City of Dublin
Initial Study/Tassajara Road/Fallon Road Ultimate Precise Alignment
Page 20
March 2004
e) Have soils capable of adequately supporting
the use of septic tanks or alternative
wastewater disposal systems where sewers
are not available for the disposal of waste?
(Source: 7)
7. Hazards and Hazardous Materials. Would the
project:
a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the
environment through the routine transport,
use or disposal of hazardous materials
(Source: 2, 7)
b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the
environment through reasonably foreseeable
upset and accident conditions involving the
release of hazardous into the environment?
(Source: 2,7)
c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle
hazardous materials, substances, or waste
within one-quarter mile of an existing or
proposed school? (Source: 2, 7)
d) Be located on a site which is included on a
list of hazardous materials sites complied
pursuant to Government Code Sec. 65962.5
and, as a result, would it create a significant
hazard to the public or the environment?
(Source: 2, 7)
e) For a project located within an airport land
use plan or, where such plan has not been
adopted, would the project result in a safety
hazard for people residing or working in the
project area? (Source: 2, 7)
f) For a project within the vicinity of private
airstrip, would the project result in a safety
hazard for people residing or working in the
project area? (Source: 2, 7)
g) Impair implementation of or physically
interfere with the adopted emergency
response plan or emergency evacuation
plan?
(Source: 2, 10)
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Less than
Significant
Impact
X
No
Impact
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
City of Dublin
Initial Study/Tassajara Road/Fallon Road Ultimate Precise Alignment
Page 21
March 2004
h) Expose people or structures to a significant
risk of loss, injury or death involving
wildland fires, including where wildlands
are adjacent to urbanized areas or where
residences are intermixed with wildlands?
(Source: 7)
8. Hydrology and Water Quality. Would the
project:
a) Violate any water quality standards or waste
discharge requirements? (Source: 2, 9)
b) Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or
interfere substantially with groundwater
recharge such that there would be a net
deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of the
local groundwater table level (e.g. the
production rate of existing nearby wells
would drop to a level which would not
support existing land uses or planned uses
for which permits have been granted?
(Source: 2, 9)
c) Substantially alter the existing drainage
pattern of the site or area, including through
the aeration of the course of a stream or
river, in a manner which would result in
substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-
site? (Source: 7, 8.9)
d) Substantially alter the existing drainage
pattern of the site or areas, including through
the alteration of a course or stream or river,
or substantially increase the rate or amount
of surface runoff in a manner which would
result in flooding on- or off-site? (Source: 7,
9)
e) Create or contribute runoff water which
would exceed the capacity of existing or
planned stormwater drainage systems or
provide substantial additional sources of
polluted runoff? (Source: 7, 9)
f) Otherwise substantially degrade water
quality? (Source: 2)
g) Place housing within a 100-year flood hazard
area as mapped on a Flood Hazard Boundary
or Flood Insurance Rate Map or other flood
delineation map? (Source: 7)
Potentially Les-s Than Less than No
Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact With Impact
Mitigation
X
X
t X
X
X
X
X
X
City of Dublin
Page 22
Initial StudYfrassajara Road/Fallon Road Ultimate Precise Alignment
March 2004
h) Place within a 100-year flood hazard area
structures which impede or redirect flood
flows? (Source: 7)
i) Expose people or structures to a significant
risk of loss, injury, and death involving
flooding, including flooding as a result of
the failure of a levee or dam? (2)
j) Inundation by seiche, tsunami or mudflow?
(2)
9. Land Use and Planning. WouM the project:
a) Physically divide an established community?
(Source: 1, 2, 70)
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,
or zoning ordinance) adopted for the purpose
of avoiding or mitigating an environmental
effect? (Source: 1, 2)
c) Conflict with any applicable habitat
conservation plan or natural community
conservation plan? (1, 2, 7)
10. Mineral Resources. Would the project
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?
(Source: I, 2)
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? (Source: 1, 2)
11. Noise. WouM the proposal result in:
a) Exposure of persons to or generation of noise
levels in excess of standards established in
the general plan or noise ordinance, or
applicable standards of other agencies?
(Source: 2)
b) Exposure of persons or to generation of
excessive groundborne vibration or
groundborne noise levels? (Source: 2, 7)
c) A substantial permanent increase in ambient
noise levels in the project vicinity above
existing levels without the project? (Source:
2, 70)
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
X
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
City of Dublin
Initial Study/Tassajara Road/Fallon Road Ultimate Precise Alignment
Page 23
March 2004
d) A substantial temporary or periodic increase
in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity
above levels without the project? (Source:2)
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
expose people residing or working n the
project area to excessive noise levels?
(Source: 2)
f) For a project within the vicinity of a private
airstrip, would the project expose people
residing or working in the project area to
excessive noise levels? (Source: 2)
12. Population and Housing. Would the project
a) Induce substantial population growth in an
area, either directly or indirectly (for
example, through extension of roads or other
infrastructure)? (Source: 2, 10)
b) Displace substantial numbers of existing
housing, necessitating the construction of
replacement housing elsewhere? (10)
c) Displace substantial numbers of people,
necessitating the replacement of housing
elsewhere? (Source: 10)
13. Public Services. WouM the proposal:
a) Would the project result in substantial adverse
physical impacts associated with the
provision of new or physically altered
governmental facilities, the construction of
which could cause significant environmental
impacts, in order to maintain acceptable
service rations, response times or other
performance objectives for any of the public
services? (Sources: 2, 9)
Fire protection
Police protection
Schools
Parks
Solid waste
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
X
Less than
Significant
Impact
X
X
No
Impact
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Page24
City of Dublin
Initial Study/Tassajara Road/Fallon Road Ultimate Precise Alignment
March 2004
14. Recreation:
a) Would the project increase the use of existing
neighborhood or regional facilities such that
substantial physical deterioration of the
facility would occur or be accelerated
(Source: 2)
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?
(Source: 2)
15. Transportation and Traffic. Would the
project:
a) Cause an increase in traffic which is
substantial in relation to the existing traffic
load and capacity of the street system (i.e.
result in a substantial increase in either the
number of vehicle trips, the volume to
capacity ratio on roads or congestion at
intersections)? (2, 10)
b) Exceed, either individually or cumulatively, a
level of service standard established by the
County Congestion Management Agency for
designated roads or highways? (2)
c) Result in a change in air traffic patterns,
including either an increase in traffic levels
or a change in location that results in
substantial safety risks? (10)
d) Substantially increase hazards due to a design
feature (e.g. sharp curves or dangerous
intersections) or incompatible uses, such as
farm equipment? (7, 10)
e) Result in inadequate emergency access? (10)
f) Result in inadequate parking capacity? (7)
g) Conflict with adopted policies, plans or
programs supporting alternative
transportation (such as bus turnouts and
bicycle facilities)
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
X
Less than
Significant
Impact
X
No
Impact
X
X
X
X
X
X
City of Dublin
Initial Study/Tassajara Road/Fallon Road Ultimate Precise Alignment
Page 25
March 2004
16. Utilities and Service Systems. Would the
project
a) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of
the applicable Regional Water Quality
Control Board? (2)
b) Require or result in the construction of new
water or wastewater treatment facilities or
expansion of existing facilities, the
construction of which could cause
significant environmental effects? (2, 10)
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 environmental
effects? (8)
d) Have sufficient water supplies available to
serve the project from existing water
entitlements and resources, or are new or
expanded entitlements needed? (2, 8)
e) 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 providers existing
commitments? (8)
f) Be served by a landfill with sufficient
permitted capacity to accommodate the
project's solid waste disposal needs? (2)
g) Comply with federal, state and local statutes
and regulatons related to solid waste? (2)
17. Mandatory Findings of Significance.
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 community,
reduce the number of 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?
Potentially
Significant
Impact
LeSs Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Less than
Significant
Impact
X
X
X
X
No
Impact
X
X
X
City of Dublin
Initial Study/Tassajara Road/Fallon Road Ultimate Precise Alignment
Page 26
March 2004
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).
c) Does the project have environmental effects
which will cause substantial adverse effects
on human beings, either directly or
indirectly?
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Less than
Significant
Impact
Sources used to determine potential environmental impacts
1. Eastern General Plan Amendment/Specific Plan
2. Eastern Dublin General Plan Amendment/Specific Plan EIR
3. Eastern Alameda County General Plan (ECAP)
4 Biological Resources Reconnaissance (LSA Associates)
5. Archeological/Cultural records Search (NWIC)
6. Geotechnical Report for Wallis Ranch (Berlogar)
7. Preliminary Improvement Plans for Proposed Project (City of Dublin)
8. Discussion with City staff or service provider
9. Site Visit
10. Other Source
No
Impact
X
X
XVII. Earlier Analyses
a) Earlier analyses used. Identify earlier analyses and state where they are available for
review.
Portions of the environmental setting, project impacts and mitigation measures for this
Initial Study refer to environmental information contained in the 1992 Eastern Dublin
General Plan Amendment and Specific Plan Environmental Impact Report (State
Clearinghouse No. 91103064), hereinafter referred to as the Eastern Dublin EIR. The
Eastern Dublin EIR is a Program EIR which was prepared for the Eastern Dublin
General Plan Amendment and Specific Plan of which this Project is a part. It was
certified by the Dublin City Council on May 10, 1993. As part of the certification the
Council adopted a Statement of Overriding Considerations for the following impacts:
cumulative traffic, extension of certain community fadlities (natural gas, electric and
telephone service), regional air quality, noise and visual.
City of Dublin
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The Eastern Dublin EIR contains a large number of mitigation measures that apply to
this Project and that would be applied to any development within the Project area.
Specific mitigation measures identified in the certified Eastern Dublin EIR for potential
impacts are referenced in the text of this Initial Study.
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15162 and 15163, this Initial Study is intended to
identify the potential for any new or substantially increased significant impacts on or of
the Project that were not evaluated in the Eastern Dublin EIR and that would require
additional environmental review.
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Attachment to Initial Study
Discussion of Checklist
1. Aesthetics
Environmental Setting
The project is set in an existing rural area of Eastern Dublin that is transitioning to
urban uses under the auspices of the City of Dublin Eastern Dublin Specific Plan and
General Plan Amendment, adopted in 1994.
The northerly portion of the project area is generally rural, with scattered low density,
single-family dwellings on larger lots and agricultural accessory outbuildings. The
southerly portion of the project area represents a transition to more urban uses,
including the Quarry Lane School, located on the east side of Tassajara Road north of
the intersection of Shadow Hill Drive.
The existing alignment of Tassajara Road traverses a combination of flatter lands
located on the westerly side of the road with rolling hills to the east, in the location of
proposed Fallon Road. A number of mature oak trees and other tree species are
growing at selected locations adjacent to both sides of the roadway. Passersby can
glimpse views of Tassajara Creek and its associated riparian area immediately west of
the road. Beyond Tassajara Creek to the west, mid-range to distant views are available
of roiling foothills.
Overhead utility lines on poles have been installed along the easterly edge of the road
right-of-way, which cross the road for a short section along the west side at one of the
curving sections of the road.
As a largely undeveloped area, minimal light sources exist within and adjacent to the
project area, primarily building and yard lights assodated with rural density residential
development. The one major source of light within the project area is Quarry Lane
School, recently constructed, that has a number of building and parking lot lights.
Regulatory framework
East County, Area Plan (ECAP)
The largest portion of the project area lies outside the incorporated City of Dublin
within the unincorporated area of Alameda County, although it is within the City's
Sphere of Influence. AccordinglY, current land uses are governed by the East County
Area Plan (ECAP), which contains the following goals and polities relatiVe to Sensitive
Viewsheds.
Goal: To protect unique visual resources and protect sensitive viewsheds.
Polities 105-120: These polities deal with ridgeline protection (including ridgelines
of Pleasanton, Main and Sunol west of Pleasanton; ridgelines of Schafer, Shell,
Skyline, Oak and Divide ranges west of Dublin; ridgelines above Collier Canyon
and Vasco Road and around Brushy Peak in North Livermore; ridgelines above.
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vineyards in South Livermore; and ridgelines above Happy Valley south of
Pleasanton), limitations on placement of new structures, provision of community
separators, protection of mature trees, landscaping provisions, prescriptions on
grading and alteration of landforms (refer to ECAP for the complete text of these
policies).
Alameda County Scenic Route Element
In May, 1966, Alameda County adopted a Scenic Route Element of the County General
Plan. The Element identifies Tassajara Road as a Major Rural Road. The General Plan
Element has been incorporated by reference into the City of Dublin General Plan.
The Element contains the following principles that apply to scenic route rights-of-way:
· Design scenic routes to minimize grading in rights-of-way;
· Design scenic routes for leisurely rather than high speed travel;
· Enhance scenic route rights-of-way through outstanding design of highway
structures;
· Landscape rights-of-way of existing and proposed routes;
· Utilize scenic route identification signs.
Eastern Dublin Spedfic Plan / General Plan Amendment
The City of Dublin adopted the Eastern Dublin General Plan Amendment/Specific Plan
(EDSP) in 1994 to guide the future development of approximately 7,200 acres of land in
the eastern Dublin area. The Specific Plan Amendment/General Plan includes a number
of policies and programs dealing with visual resources, including but not limited to
protection of ridgelines and ridgelands, scenic corridors, and hillside development. Key
polities dealing with the aesthetic treatment of Tassajara Creek and other stream
corridors i's as follows
Policy 6-39: Tassajara Creek and other stream corridors, shown on Figure 4.1 of the
EDSP, are visual features that have spedal scenic value for the planning area. The
visual character of these corridors should be protected from unnecessary alteration
or disturbance, and adjoining development should be sited to maintain visual access
to the stream corridors.
Program 60: The City should officially adopt Tassajara Road, 1-580 and Fallon Road
as designated scenic corridors, adopt a set of scenic corridor polides and establish
review procedures and standards for projects within the scenic corridor viewshed.
The City of Dublin did adopt the Eastern Dublin Scenic Corridor Policies and Standards
document in 1996 to fulfill this measure.
Eastern Dublin General Plan Amendment/Specific Plan EIR
In 1994, in conjunction with the Eastern Dublin General Plan Amendment and Spedfic
Plan (EDSP), the City of Dublin adopted an Environmental Impact Report (herein
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referred to as the "Eastern Dublin EIR") that, among other CEQA-mandated topics,
addressed Visual Resources (Section 3.8).
Eastern Dublin EIR Impact IM3.8/J, Scenic Routes, identifies a potentially significant
impact of altering the visual experience of travelers on scenic routes in Eastern Dublin.
Formerly quiet rural roads wilI be transformed into major suburban thoroughfares
carrying significant traffic loads. Foreground views of the site as well as distant views
of the surrounding Tri-Valley may be partially or completely obstructed.
Adherence to the following recommended mitigation measures are recommended in
the Eastern Dublin EIR to reduce this impact to a level of insignificance:
Mitigation Measure 3.8/8.0: Adherence to Action Program 6Q, discussed above.
This has already been satisfied by the City of Dublin as noted above.
Eastern Dublin EIR Impact 3.8/D identifies potentially significant impacts related to
grading and excavation of building sites in hillside areas that would severely
compromise the visual quality of the project site. The following measures are included
in the Eastern Dublin EIR to reduce potential aesthetic impacts to a level of
insignificance:
Mitigation Measure 3.8/4.0: Visual impacts of extensive grading shalI be reduced by
sensitive engineering design, by using gradual transitions from. graded areas to
natural slopes and by revegetation.
Mitigation Measure 3.8/4.1: A.Iterations of existing natural contours shall be
minimized. Grading shall maintain the natural topography as much as possible,
Grading beyond actual development areas shall be for remedial purposes only.
M_itigation Measure 3.8/4.4: Graded slopes shall be re -contoured to resemble
existing Iandforms in the immediate area. Cut and graded slopes shall be
revegetated with native vegetation suitable to hillside environments.
Mitigation Measure 3.8/4.5: The height of cut and fill slopes shall be minimized to
the greatest degree possible. Grades for cut and fill slopes should be 3:1 or less
wherever feasible.
Eastern Dublin Scenic Corridor Policies and Standards
In 1996, the City of Dublin adopted scenic polities and standards for the Eastern Dublin
area, known as the Eastern Dublin Scenic Corridor Policies and Standards. The purpose of
this document is to implement EDSP polices as related to individual development
projects. The document identifies the Tassajara Creek Valley as a scenic corridor.
Applicable polities and standards from this document include:
Policy 6: Emphasize valley character by creating viewpoints and view corridors to
knollk, foreground hills and to Tassajara Creek.
Standard 6.1: Allow intermittent views from Tassajara Road to the hills, knolls
and creek.
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Standard 6.2: Where Tassajara Creek's intermittent branch crossed Tassajara
Road, maintain views to the creek and riparian vegetation and to the open space
to the east.
Policy 7: Emphasize the semi-rural character of the area.
Standard 7.1: Streetscape should reinforce semi-rural ambience.
Project Impacts
a) Have a substantial adverse impact on a scenic vista? LS. The Eastern Dublin EIR
identifies that implementation of the Eastern Dublin Specific Plan would result in
a potentially significant impact (Impact 3.8/I, Development on the project site
will alter the character of existing scenic vistas and may obscure important
sightlines). Adherence to Mitigation Measure 3.8/7.0 contained in the Eastern
Dublin EIR would reduce this impact to a less-than-significant impact. This
measure requires the City to complete a visual assessment and guidelines for the
eastern Dublin area. The required visual resources survey as required by
Mitigation Measure 3.8/7.0 was completed in 1996 and was approved by the
City of Dublin as the Eastern Dublin Scenic Corridor Policies and Standards. The
proposed project would therefore comply with this Eastern Dublin EIR
Mitigation Measure.
The proposed road right-of-way project would not re.suit in the construction of
substantial new above-ground structures that could block scenic vistas of nearby
hills or Tassajara Creek from the existing road. Similarly, no existing designated
scenic overlooks would be removed to allow for roadway widening nor would
significant amounts of permanent open space identified in the Eastern Dublin
Specific Plan be removed or impacted. Therefore, the proposed project would
have less-than-significant impacts on scenic vistas.
b)
Substantially damage scenic resources, including state scenic highway? LS. Although
Tassajara Road is identified as a scenic highway in both the Alameda County
General Plan and the City of Dublin General Plan, it is not identified as a State
Scenic Highway. The Eastern Dublin EIR identifies that implementation of the
Eastern Dublin Specific Plan and General Plan Amendment to add new
residential, commercial and similar urban uses in the project area would result in
a significant and irreversible impact to the portion of Tassajara Road near the
northern portion of the project area. Mitigation measures have been included in
the Eastern Dublin EIR to minimize hillside grading, although some amount of
hillside grading would likely be needed to accommodate proposed road
widening. Adherence to Mitigation Me asures 3.8 / 4.0, 3.8/4.1, 3:8 / 4.4, and
3.8/4.5 contained in the Eastern Dublin EIR would reduce potential substantial
damage to scenic resources by the proposed widened roadway to a less-than-
significant level. Fallon Road is not designated as a scenic highway by either the
City of Dublin or Alameda County.
The proposed project shall to comply with the above referenced Eastern Dublin
EIR Mitigation Measures restated below.
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c)
Mitigation Measure 1. Visual impacts of extensive grading shall be reduced
by sensitive engineering design, by using gradual transitions from graded
areas to natural slopes and by revegetation. (Eastern Dublin EIR Mitigation
Measure 3.8 / 4.0)
Mitigation Measure 2. Alterations of existing natural contours shall be
minimized. Grading shall maintain the natural topography as much as
possible, Grading beyond actual development areas shall be for remedial
purposes only. (Eastern Dublin EIR Mitigation Measure 3.8 / 4.1)
Mitigation Measure 3. Graded slopes shall be re -contoured to resemble
existing landforms in the immediate area. Cut and graded slopes shall be
revegetated wi~h native vegetation suitable to hillside environments. (Eastern
Dublin EIR Mitigation Measure 3.8 / 4.4)
Mitigation Measure 4. The height of cut and fill slopes shall be minimized to
the greatest degree possible. Grades for cut and fill slopes should be 3:1 or
less wherever feasible. (Eastern Dublin EIR Mi~gation Measure 3.8/4.5)
Substantially degrade existing visual character or the quality of the site? LS. The
proposed project includes establishing an ultimate future right-of-way to allow
the future widening of Tassajara Road and the construction of a portion of Fallon
Road. Aesthetic impacts would include additional paving of undeveloped land
adjacent to the existing road to create the widened roadway. The Eastern Dublin
EIR addressed the following potential impacts related to visual and aesthetics
impacts of adopting the Eastern Dublin Specific Plan, which includes the
ultimate development of Tassajara Road as a 6-lane roadway and the future
construction of Fallon Road for four lanes:
Impact 3.8/B: Urban development of the project site will substantially alter
the existing rural and open space qualities that characterize Eastern Dublin
The Eastern Dublin EIR identified one measure to mitigate this impact
(Mitigation Measure 3.8/2.0, "Implement the land use plan for the Project site
which emphasizes retention of predominant natural features..."), however the
EIR concludes that even with adherence to this mitigation, alteration of rural and
open space in the project area would remain a potentially significant impact, so
no additional analysis of this impact is required in this Initial Study.
A related impact identified in the Eastern Dublin EIR is Impact 3.8/F, alteration
of the visual character of flatlands.
Impact 3.8/F: Commerdal and residential development of the Project site's
flatlands will completely alter the existing visual character resulting from
valley grasses and agricultural fields.
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d)
A related impact would also be loss of trees adjacent to portions of the road to
allow for the proposed widening. This impact is addressed in Section 4,
Biological Resources.
A third potential visual impact would be grading and recontouring of hillside
areas adjacent to the existing roadway which would be required to create a fiat
roadbed. Grading and recontouring of hillsides adjacent to Tassajara Road and
Fallon Road may require the construction of retaining wails. The Eastern Dublin
EIR includes the adopted mitigation measures identified and discussed in section
"b," above related to grading and recontouring of property in Eastern Dublin.
Adherence to the above mitigation measures as discussed in item "b" will reduce
grading and related aesthetic impacts to adjacent hillside areas associated with
the roadway widening to a less-than-significant level. Retaining walls near the
widened roadway would likely require innovative design and engineering
solutions to comply with adopted mitigation measures for reduction of potential
visual impacts.
No other impacts to scenic vistas are antidpated, since the project proposes no
construction of above-ground structures. Existing overhead utility lines adjacent
to Tassajara Road would be undergrounded as the road is widened which would
result in a positive impact on local scenic qualities. Future utilities adjacent to
Fallon Road would be undergrounded as part of project construction. The
ultimate project will include a landscaped center median as well as landscaping
within the right-of-way along the frontage of the adj3ining properties; the
landscaping will be installed in phases dependent on the development of
adjoining property. The design of future private streetscape plantings will be
reviewed and approved by the City of Dublin to ensure that scenic qualities are
maintained.
Overall, with adherence to applicable eastern Dublin EIR Mitigation Measures as
discussed above, project impacts on existing scenic qualities and vistas would be
less-than-significant.
Create light or glare? LS/M. A number of light sources presently exist within the
project area and construction of the proposed project would add additional light
sources in the form of streetlights along the widened road. Since properties
adjacent to the project area are primarily rural, new light sources associated with
the project could be a potentially significant impact. Adherence to the following
measure will reduce light and glare impacts to a less-than-significant level:
Mitigation Measure 5. Street lights installed as part of the road widening
plan shall be equipped with cut-off lenses to prevent spill over of light
beyond the roadway. Lighting levels shall be limited to the minimum level of
illumination needs for safety purposes.
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2. Agricultural Resources
Environmental Setting
The Eastern Dublin General Plan EIR identifies lands immediately east of Tassajara
Road as "lands of locally important farmlands," and larger parcels adjacent to Tassajara
Road, such as the Lin property (west of Tassajara Creek) and the Silveria property (east
of Tassajara Road) have been used for cattle grazing and likely dry crop farming for a
number of years.
Project Impacts
a,c) Convert prime farmland to a non-agricultural use or involve other changes which could
result in conversion of farmland to a non-agricultural use ? LS. Implementation of the
proposed project would convert a small portion of locally important farmland
along the east side of the existing right-of-way to a public thoroughfare. Impact
3.1/D within the Eastern Dublin EIR identifies loss of farmland of local
importance as an insignificant impact, since none of the lands found within the
Eastern Dublin EIR project area are considered prime agricultural soils.
Conversion of prime farmlands is therefore considered to be less-than-significant
level.
b)
Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a WilIiamson Act contract? LS.
On~ property immediately east of Tassajara Road, the Moiler property, is
presently encumbered with a Williamson Act Agreement. Proposed future
widening of Tassajara Road would encroach onto this property, however, the
amount of property converted to roadway and appurtenances would be minor
and less-than-significant. Alth,o, ugh presen,fl, y unincorporated properties adjacent
to Tassajara Road are zoned 'Agriculture by Alameda County, the Agriculture
zoning district would allow construction of a public road.
3. Air Quality
Environmental Setting
The project is within the Amador Valley, a part of the Livermore sub-regional air basin
distinct from the larger San Francisco Bay Area Air Basin. The Liverrnore sub-air basin
is surrounded on all sides by high hills or mountains. Significant breaks in the hills
surrounding the air basin are Niles Canyon and the San Ramon Valley, which extends
northward into Contra Costa County.
The terrain of the Amador Valley influences both the climate and air pollution potential
of the sub-regional air basin. As an inland, protected valley, the area has generally
lighter winds and a higher frequency of calm conditions when compared to the greater
Bay Area.
The occurrence of episodes of high al:mospheric stability, known as inversion
conditions, severely limits the ability of the atmosphere to disperse pollutants vertically.
Inversions can be found during all seasons in the Bay Area, but are particularly
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prevalent in the summer months when they are present about 90% of the time in both
morning and afternoon.
According to the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, air pollution potential is
high in the Livermore-Amador Valley, especially for ozone in the summer and fall.
High temperatures increase the potential for ozone, and the valley not only traps locally
generated pollutants but can be the receptor of ozone and ozone precursors from
upwind portions of the greater Bay Area. Transport of pollutants also occurs between
the Livermore Valley and the San Joaquin Valley to the east.
During the winter, the sheltering effect of terrain and its inland location results in
frequent surface-based inversions. Under these conditions pollutants such as carbon
monoxide from automobiles and particulate matter generated by fireplaces and
agricultural burning can become concentrated.
Ambient air quality standards
Both the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency and the. California Air Resources Board
have established ambient air quality standards for common pollutants. These ambient
air quality standards are levels of contaminants which represent safe levels that avoid
specific adverse health effects associated with each pollutant. The ambient air quality
standards cover what are called "criteria" pollutants because the health and other effects
of each pollutant are described in criteria documents. The federal and California
ambient air quality standards are summarized in Table 1 for importantpollutants. The
federal and state ambient standards were developed independently with differing
purposes and methods, although both federal and state standards are intended to avoid
health-related effects. As a result, the federal and state standards differ in some cases. In
general, the California state standards are more stringent. This is particularly true for
ozone and PM~0.
Table 1. Federal and State Ambient Air Quality Standards
Pollutant Averaging Federal State
Time Primary Standard
Standard
Ozone 1-Hour 0.12 PPM 0.09 PPM
8-Hour 0.08 PPM --
Carbon Monoxide 8-Hour 9 PPM 9.0 PPM
1-Hour 35 PPM 20.0 PPM
Nitrogen Dioxide Annual Average 0.05 PPM --
1-Hour - 0.25 PPM
Sulfur Dioxide Annual Average 0.03 PPM --
24-Hour 0.14 PPM 0.05 PPM
1-Hour -- 0.25 PPM
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PM~0 Annual Average 50 ug/m3 30 ug/m3
24-Hour 150 ug/m3 50 ug/m3
i PM2.s Annual 15 ug / m3 --
I 24-Hour
i 65 ug / m3 --
PPM = Parts per Million
_g/m3 = Micrograms per Cubic Meter
Source: Bay Area Air Quality Management District
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1997 adopted new national air quality
standards for ground-level ozone and for fine Particulate Matter. The existing 1-hour
ozone standard of 0.12 PPM will be phased out and replaced by an 8-hour standard of
0.08 PPM. New national standards for fine Particulate Matter (diameter 2.5 microns or
less) have also been established for 24-hour and annual averaging periods. The current
PM~0 standards were retained, but the method and form for determining compliance
with the standards were revised.
Implementation of the new ozone and Particulate Matter standards has been
complicated by a lawsuit. On May 14, 1999, the Court of Appeals for the District of
Columbia Circuit issued a derision ruling that the Clean Air Act as applied in setting
the new public health standards for ozone and particulate matter, Was unconstitutional
as an improper delegation of legislative authority to the Environmental Protection
Agency. The derision has been appealed, but the legal status of the new standards will
probably remain uncertain for some time.
Ambient air quality
The project is within the nine-county Bay Area Air Basin. The Bay Area Air Quality
Management District (BAAQMD) operates a network of air quality monitoring sites in
the region, including one in central Livermore on Old First Street. Table 2 shows a
summary of air quality data for this monitoring site for the period 1995-1999. Data are
shown for ozone, carbon monoxide, PM~0 and nitrogen dioxide. The number of days
exceeding each standard are shown for each year.
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Table 2. Air Quality Data for Livermore, 1995-1999
Pollutant Standard Days Exceeding Standard In:
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
Ozone Federal 1-Hour 7 8 0 6 2
Ozone State 1-Hour 20 22. 3 21 14
Ozone Federal 8-Hour 11 10 0 10 5
Carbon State / Federal 0 0 0 0 0
Monoxide 8-Hour
PM~0 State 24-Hour 6 6 12 12 18
PM~o Federal 24-Hour~ 0 0 0 0 0
Nitrogen State 1-Hour 0 0 0 0 0
Dioxide
Source: Air Resources Board Aerometric Data Analysis and Management System (ADAM)
Table 2 shows that concentrations of carbon monoxide and _nitrogen dioxide at the
Livermore monitoring site meet State/Federal standards. Ozone concentrations exceed
both the State and Federal standards, and exhibit wide variations from year-to-year
related to meteorological conditions in the Tri-Valley area. Years where the summer
months tend to be warmer than average tend to have higher average ozone
concentrations while years with cooler than average temperatures tend to have lower
average ozone concentrations.
Levels of PM~0 at Livermore meet the Federal ambient standards, but exceed the more
stringent State standard.
Attainment status
The federal Clean Air Act and the California Clean Air Act of 1988 require that the State
Air Resources Board, based on air quality monitoring data, designate air basins within
the state where the Federal or State ambient air quality standards are not met as
"nonattainment areas." Because of the differences between the Federal and State
standards, the designation of nonattainment areas is different under the Federal and
State legislation.
The Bay Area is currently a nonattainment area for the Federal 1-hour ozone standard.
Under the California Clean Air Act, the Bay Area is a nonattainment area for ozone and
PMm.
To meet Federal Cie.an Air Act requirements, the District has adopted an Ozone
Attainment Demonstration Plan. In addition, to meet California Clean Air Act
requirements, the District has also adopted and updated a Clean Air Plan addressing
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the California ozone standard. The control strategy contained in these plans include
new limits on emissions from industry, prohibitions on sources of hydrocarbons,
regional transit and HOV programs, buy-back programs for older vehicles, and
educational programs.
The California Legislature, when it passed the California Clean Air Act in 1988,
recognized the relative intractability of the PM~0 problem with respect to the state
ambient standard and excluded it from the basic planning requirements of the Act. The
Act did require the CARB to prepare a report to the Legislature regarding the prospect
of achieving the State ambient air quality standard for PM~0. This report recommended
a menu of actions, but did not recommend imposing a planning process similar to that
for ozone or other pollutants for achievement of the standard within a certain period of
time.
Sensitive Receptors
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District defines sensitive receptors as facilities
where sensitive receptor population groups (children, the elderly, the acutely ill and the
chronically ill) are likely to located. These land uses include residences, schools
playgrounds, child-care centers, retirement homes, convalescent homes, hospitals and
medical clinics. One such sensitive receptor in the project vicinity is the Quarry Lane
School, a private K-12 school, located on the east side of Tassajara Road. The school is in
the process of expanding its campus.
Project Impacts
a) Would the project conflict or obstruct implementation of an air quality plan? NI. The
proposed project would not conflict with the local Clean Air Plan adopted by the
Bay Area Air Quality Management District, since no habitable development is
proposed to occur that would generate either additional auto trips or land uses
that would result in a greater number of automobile trips.
The two roads (Tassajara Road and Fallon Road) have been included in the Eastern
Dublin Spedfic Plan and General Plan Amendment and assodated air quality
impacts have been addressed in Section 3.11 of the Eastern Dublin EIR, certified in
1993. Air quality impacts addressed in that EIR included Impact 3.11 / C (Mobile
sources of Reactive Organic Gasses (ROG) and Nitrogen Oxide (NOX)) and
Impact 3.11/D (Impact of carbon monoxide). The Eastern Dubhn EIR concluded
that impacts related to ROG and NOX could not be mitigated to a less-than-
significant level and would remain a significant impact. This impact was included
in the City of Dublin's Statement of Overriding Considerations in adopting the
Eastern Dublin EIR. No additional analysis of this issue is therefore required. If
this project were to be approved, a Statement of Overriding Considerations would
need to be adopted by the City of Dublin.
b)
Would the project violate any air quality standards? LS. Air quality impacts of buLldout
of the Eastern Dublin Specific Plan were addressed in the Eastern Dublin EIR.
Specifically, Impact 3.11/A assessed dust generated by construction activities,
Impact3.11/B addressed vehicle emissions from construction vehicles, Impact
3.11/C dealt with Reactive Organic Gas and Nitrogen Oxide emission and Impact
3.11/D addressed carbon monoxide emission from new project-related traffic.
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c)
d,e)
The Eastern Dublin EIR identified the following mitigation measures to reduce
potentially significant air quality impacts to a less-than-significant level. These
mitigations also apply to this proposed project.
Mitigation Measure 6. Future precise road improvement plans and
specifications shall include comprehensive dust control measures for all
construction projects, including but not limited to watering of construction
sites, daily clean up of dust and mud, revegetation of graded areas and similar
steps. (EDSP EIR Mitigation Measure 3.11 / 1.0)
Mitigation Measures 7. Future precise road improvement plans and
specifications shall include scheduling of construction of activities during non-
peak traffic times, installation of emission controls on construction vehicles and
similar steps. (EDSP EIR Mitigation Measures 3.11/2.0-4.0)
With adherence to mitigation measures contained in the Eastern Dublin El[R,
impacts related to air quality standards would be less-than-significant.
'Would the project result in cumulatively considerable air pollutants ? NI. The proposed
project would not generate additional automobile trips or land uses that would
induce additional auto trips within Dublin that have not already been analyzed in
the Eastern Dublin EIR. The project would also not involve any manufacturing or
processing that would generate air pollutants. No impacts are therefore anticipated.
Expose sensitive receptors to significant pollutant concentrations or create objectionable
odors ? LS. One school (Quarry Lane School) and limited, Iow-density residential
uses have been constructed adjacent to Tassajara Road. No other sensitive
receptors exist in the immediate vicinity. Future levels of air pollutants in the
project vicinity have been addressed in the Eastern Dublin EIR, which will be less-
than-significant. Since the proposed project does not include manufacturing uses,
no objectionable odors would be created.
4. Biological Resources
(Note: the following section is largely based on a biological reconnaissance of the
project site by LSA Assodates, which is attached to this Initial Study.)
Environmental Setting
Large portions of the Tassajara Road widening project site were graded over 30 years
ago for the existing Tassajara Road roadway. Grading included removing maferial from
high ground areas to lower them and the placement of fill in low areas forming a
relatively level strip of roadway that was paved to a width of approximately 25 feet.
The portions of the right-of-way that are graded, but not paved, as well as the adjacent
ungraded portions of the site, have been disturbed by road construction and
maintenance, livestock grazing, and the placement of spoils material. These
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undeveloped areas support, for the most part, ruderal and non-native grassland plant
species
Vegetation and habitats
Vegetation in the portions of the road widening area that have not previously been
disturbed is a mix of ruderal and non-native grassland. Two tributaries to Tassajara
Creek cross the road widening project area and contain riparian vegetation.
Non-native grassland and ruderal plant communities. The project site passes through
several privately held parcels of land, each showing varying degrees of disturbance.
Most of the lands on these parcels have been fenced to contain livestock. The renting is
in various stages of decay, removal, or replacement. Grazing intensity varies from
heavy to light. The historic grazing on these lands has fostered the removal of native
grasses and forbs that have been replaced by introduced annual grasses and introduced
annual forbs. The majority of the undeveloped portions of the project area are
dominated by introduced annual grass spedes including wild oats (Avena sp), ripgut
brome (Bromus diandrus), and foxtail barley (Hordeurn murinum). A number of ruderal
introduced weed species, such as yellow-star thistle (Centaurea solstitiaIis), Russian
thistle (Salsola tragus) and bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis), are also present in this
vegetation type. The proportion of ruderal plants to non-native grasses in the activity
area appeared to be evenly divided.
Along both sides of the existing roadbed area, there is a small strip, of land located
between the paved roadway and the fenced private lands. This strip was originally
disturbed during road grading and includes areas that were cut or filled to level the
roadway. This strip appears to be fallow although there was evidence that it is
occasionally sprayed to control weeds. The original and conQnued disturbance,
combined with the exclusion of livestock, has again favored weedy species of non-
native grasses and ruderal vegetation. Tall ruderal spedes such as Italian thistle
(Carduus pycnocephalus) and black mustard (Brassica nigra) dominated the vegetation in
this strip. The lack of grazing has also permi~ed several trees such as valley oak
(Quercus lobata) and almond (Prunus dulcis) to establish. Many of these trees are located
immediately adjacent to the existing roadway.
One portion of private land in the project area on the we_st side of Tassajara Road has
been used to stockpile spoils material. The elevation of this site has been raised two to
four feet and the spoils material has covered the original vegetation growing on the site.
Ruderal plant species similar to those mentioned above dominate this site.
Riparian habitats. Two tributaries to Tassajara Creek cross the project site. The northern
most tributary is located approximately a quarter of a mile south of the Contra
Costa/Alameda county line. The upstream portion of this tributary, east of Tassajara
Road, has been slightly downcut so that the banks are steeply rounded and
approximately 10 feet high. Valley oaks and willows (Salix sp,) grow along the banks
and at the edge of the channel, which was dry at the time of the site visit. The tributary
enters a culvert to cross under Tassajara Road. The portion of the tributary downstream
of (to the west of) the road has been severely eroded and has become deeply incised.
Banks in this area are very steep extending 20 to 30 feet above the channel bottom. A
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few small willows were observed growing around a small earthen pooI in the channel
bottom, otherwise the banks are largely barren.
The southern most tributary was also dry, but densely vegetated with riparian tree
species. Trees observed included numerous valley oak, willows, and cottonwood
(Populus fremontii). Tassajara Road is elevated over the creek which flows beneath the
road in a culvert.
Wildlife values. Wildlife associated with the Tassajara Road project site are species such
as ground squirrel (Spermophilus beecheyi), black-tailed hare (Lepus californicus) and
morning dove (Zenaida macroura) adapted to dry grassland conditions and generalist
species such as Brewer's blackbird (Euphagus cyanocephalus), coyote (Canis latrans),
western fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis), and racoon (Procyon Iotor), that can use a
variety of habitat types including disturbed grassland and ruderal areas.
A nest typical of those constructed by a small raptor was observed in one of the valley
oaks along the existing roadway. No other stick nests were observed. Several raptor
species are likely to perch in the on-site or adjacent trees. A red-tailed hawk (Buteo
jamaicensis) nest is present just outside the project area to the west in a eucalyptus.
Many species of raptor forage over the site.
Aquatic and semi-aquatic spedes such as mosquito fish (Gambusia affinis), California
roach (Lavinia symmetricus), and western pond turtle (Clemmys ma~morata), are likely to
occur in and along the tributaries to Tassajara Creek when a~.d where water is present.
Many species will use riparian corridors as movement corridors
Sensitive habitats
The CaLifornia Natural Diversity Data Base (CNDDB) reports seven sensitive habitats in
the general Dublin/Livermore area; alkali meadow, alkali seep, cis-montane alkali
marsh,, sycamore alluvial woodland, valley needlegrass grassland, and valley sink
scrub. None of these sensitive habitats occur within the Tassajara Road area. The parcel
of land located west of Tassajara Road and immediately north of the southern most
tributary (Wallis Ranch) may support plants similar to those in alkali meadows. The
portions of the parcel in the project site do not meet the criteria for this vegetation type.
None of the other habitats have been reported from or were observed nearby.
The two IMbutaries to Tassajara Creek that cross the project area appear to meet the
definition of jurisdictional waters of the United states. No other potential waters or
wetlands were observed on the project site. The approximate jurisdictional area is 9,000
square feet (0.21 acres), all of which is located in the two tributaries.
Plant Spedes. Table 3 presents a list of nineteen spedal-status plant species considered
potentially occurring in the Livermore/Amador Valley vidnity. Fifteen of the spedes
on this list were eliminated from consideration because the necessary habitats that
support them were absent from the project area (Tibor, 2000). Possible habitat for caper-
fruited tropidocarpum is present. However, the extent of habitat disturbance on the
project site, and the fact that this spedes is considered extinct, make its presence so
unlikely that it has also been eliminated from consideration.
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Habitats in the Tassajara Road project site are suitable for big tarplant, San Joaquin
spearscale and Congdon's tarplant. The ruderal/non-native grassland located in the
undeveloped portions of the site would be considered marginal habitat for these three
species. These species were identifiable at the time of the surveys and big tarplant and
San Joaquin spearscale were not observed. These two species should be considered
unlikely to occur on the site. Congdon's tarplant was observed on the site in a heavily
grazed field on the west side of Tassajara Road, just north of the southernmost tributary
to Tassajara Creek (Wallis Ranch). Several additional populations were observed in the
same field outside of the project area. A small number of Congdon's tarplants (5 or 6)
were also observed on the east side of the project at the Silveria Ranch Property.
Wildlife Species Table 4 presents a list of nineteen spedal-status wildlife species
considered to potentially occur in the Livermore/Amador Valley. Twelve of the species
on the list were eliminated from consideration because suitable habitat for them is not
present on the site. California homed lark was considered but eliminated as well.
California homed Iark will nest in short-grass grasslands similar to those present within
the road widening project area, but prefer undisturbed sites with greater amounts of
suitable habitat present. The project site grasslands are located within several yards of
Tassajara Road and California homed larks are also unlikely to nest this dose to the
road.
California tiger salamanders live in rodent burrows or other retreat sites located in
grassland habitats. They breed in seasonal ponds and vernal pools. The grasslands
within the project boundaries represents suitable habitat for_adult California tiger
salamanders and burrows suitable for use by this species were observed in several
locations along the project alignment. The species is known to breed in ponds in this
area of East Dublin. California tiger salamander may live in burrows located in the
grasslands along the road corridor or cross the project site while migrating.
California red-legged frog and western pond turtle occur in creek habitats similar to
those present in the tributaries to Tassajara Creek. Both spedes have been observed in
Tassajara Creek immediately west of the road corridor and California red-legged frog
has been reported from upstream locations in both of the two tributaries that cross the
project site. The presence of the roadway, and its assodated traffic, within the project
right of way severely reduces the suitability of the upland communities as potential
upland habitat, nesting habitat, or migration corridors for these two spedes. California
red-legged frog and western pond turtle are likely to use or occupy the sections of the
tributaries to Tassajara Creek within the Tassajara Road Widening project site.
San Francisco dusky-footed woodrats build stick nests in scrub and forest communities
including riparian forests. The dense riparian vegetation located along the southern
tributary to Tassajara Creek appears suitable for the San Francisco dusky-footed
woodrat. No woodrat nests were observed in the southern tributary riparian vegetation
during our site visits. The species is unlikely to be effected by the Tassajara Road
Widening project.
Suitable nesting habitat is present for white-tailed kite and other nesting raptors. One
nest typical of those constructed by smaller sized raptors, such as a kite, was observed
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in one of the taller trees along the existing roadway. White-tailed kite or other species of
raptor could nest within the project area.
Western burrowing owls forage in grassland and ruderal habitats like those along the
road widening project area. This species occupies ground squirrel burrows in these
habitats. Numerous ground squirrel burrows suitable for use by burrowing owl were
observed within the road corridor. These burrows provide suitable habitat for
burrowing owl and the presence of this species cannot be ruled out.
Bats including pallid bat and Townsend's big-eared bat are known to roost under
bridges and in large culverts. The southern tributary culvert may provide suitable
habitat for colonies of roosting bats.
Several surveys for San Joaquin kit fox have been conducted in the project area. No kit
fox or sign of kit fox presence has been detected during these surveys and there are no
verified incidental observations of kit fox from the East Dublin area. The likelihood of
their presence within the road corridor is very low. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
considers the location of the road corridor to be suitable kit fox habitat and potentially
occupied by the species.
Regulatory framework
Federal Endangered Species Act. The federal Endangered Spedes Act (FESA) protects
listed species from harm or a "take" which is broadly defined as to harass, harm,
pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, collect, or attempt to engage in any such
conduct. Take can also include habitat modification or degradation that results in death
or injury to a listed species. An activity can be defined as take even if it is unintentional
or accidental. Listed plant species are provided less protection than listed wildlife
species. Listed plant species are legally protected from take under FESA if they occur on
federal lands or if the project requires a federal action, such as a wetland fill permit.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has jurisdiction over federally-listed
threatened and endangered species under the FESA. The USFWS also maintains lists of
proposed and candidate species that are not legally protected under the FESA, but
which may become listed in the near future and are often included in their review of a
project.
California Endangered Species Act. The California Endangered Species Act (CESA)
prohibits the take of any plant or animal listed or proposed for listing as rare (plants
only), threatened, or endangered. In accordance with the CESA, California Department
of Fish and Game (CDFG) has jurisdiction over state-listed species (California Fish and
Game Code 2070). Additionally, the CDFG maintains lists of "species of special concern"
that are defined as species that appear to be vulnerable to extinction because of
declining populations, limited ranges, and/or continuing threats.
California Environmental Ouality Act. Section 15380(b) of the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines provides that a species not listed on the federal or state
lists of protected species may be considered rare or endangered if the species can be
shown to meet certain specified criteria. These criteria have been modeled after the
definitions in FESA and CESA and the section of the California Fish and Game Code
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dealing with rare or endangered plants or animals. This section was induded in the
guidelines primarily to deal with situations in which a public agency is reviewing a
project that may have a significant effect on a spedes that has not yet been listed by
either the USFWS or CDFG,
Clean Water Act. Under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers (Corps) is responsible for regulating the discharge of fill material into waters
of the United States. Waters of the U.S. and their lateral limits are defined in 33 CFR
Part 328.3 (a) and include streams that are tributary to navigable waters and their
adjacent wetlands. Wetlands that are not adjacent to waters of the U.S. are termed
"isolated wetlands" and, depending on the circumstances, may also be subject to Corps
jurisdiction.
In general, a Corps permit must be obtained before placing fill in wetlands or other
waters of the U.S. The type of permit depends on the acreage involved and the purpose
of the proposed fill. Minor amounts of fill can be covered by a Nationwide Permit. An
Indivtdual Permit ts reqmred for projects that result tn more than a mammal ~mpac
on jurisdictional areas. Individual Permits require evidence that jurisdictional fill has
been avoided to the extent possible and a review of the project by the public.
California Water Quality, and Waterbody Regulatory. Programs. Pursuant to Section 401
of the federal Clean Water Act, projects that are regulated by the Corps must obtain
water quality certification from the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB).
This certification ensures that the project will uphold state water quality standards. The
RWQCB may impose mitigation requirements even if the Corps does not.
The CDFG exerts jurisdiction over the bed and banks of watercourses and water bodies
according to provisions of Section 1601 to 1603 of the Fish and Game Code. The Fish
and Game Code requires a Streambed Alteration Permit for the fill or removal of
material within the bed and banks of a watercourse or waterbody.
Other Statutes, Codes, and Policies. The federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C.,
Sec. 703, Supp. I, 1989) prohibits killing, possessing, or trading in migratory birds except
in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Interior. This act
encompasses whole birds, parts of birds, and bird nests and eggs. Most native bird
spedes on the project site are covered by this Act.
The California Native Plant Society (CNPS), a non-governmental conservation
organization, has developed lists of special status plant species of concern in California
(Tibor 2001). Vascular plants included on these lists are defined as follows:
List lA
List lB
List 2
List 3
List 4
Plants considered extinct.
Plants rare, threatened, or endangered in California and elsewhere.
Plants rare, threatened, or endangered in California but more
common elsewhere.
Plants about which more information is needed - review list.
Plants of limited distribution - watch list.
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Although the CNPS is not a regulatory agency and plants onthese lists have no formal
regulatory protection, plants appearing on List lB or List 2 are, in general, considered to
meet CEQA's Section 15380 criteria and adverse effects to these species are considered
"significant."
Eastern Dublin General Plan Amendment/Specific Plan EIR. The City's Eastern Dublin
General Plan Amendment/Specific Plan identifies a number of impacts related to the
adoption and implementation of the Eastern Dublin General Plan Amendment and
Specific Plan. These include:
Impact 3.7/A: Direct Habitat Loss, including loss, degradation or disturbance of
up to 3,700 acres of existing vegetation, which will reduce the habitat and range
for botanical and wildlife species on the site or which migrate through the site.
Impact 3.7/B: Indirect Loss of Vegetation Removal, including increased soil and
erosion and sedimentation, slope failure potential and alteration of drainage
patterns.
Impact 3.7/C: Loss or Degradation of Botanically Sensitive Habitat area.
Impacts 3.7/D-I: Impacts to San Joaquin Kit Fox, Bald eagle, peregrine falcon and
Alameda whipsnake, red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, western pond
turtle, tri-colored blackbird,
Impacts 3.7/J-L: Impacts To Golden Eagle.
Impacts 3/7/M-S: Impacts to burrowing owl, American badger, prairie falcon,
southern harrier, black-shouldered kite, sharp-shinned hawk, Cooper's hawk,
short-eared owl, California horned lizard and spedaI-status invertebrates.
The Eastern Dublin EIR also includes a wide range of mitigation measures to reduce
impacts of the project on biological resources to a less of less-than-significance.
The Eastern Dublin Comprehensive Stream Restoration Program was adopted by the City of
Dublin in 1996 as an implementation program required by the Eastern Dublin General
Plan Amendment and Specific Plan. The purpose of this document is to provide more
detailed requirements relating to hydrologic and biological conditions for individual
development projects proposed adjacent to Tassajara Creek, specifically to ensure that
Tassajara Creek restoration policies and programs are fully implemented.
Project Impacts
a) Have a substantial adverse impact on a candidate, sensitive, or special-status species ?
LS/M. The proposed widening of Tassajara Road would result in loss of
approximately 10.5 acres of non-native ruderal and grassland plant communities.
These communities occur on the site as the result of historical disturbance and
livestock grazing that allowed introduced non-native plants to colonize and
displace the native plant species that existed here. These non-native habitats are
presently common throughout the State of California. The loss of non-native
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grassland as a community in the East Dublin area would be considered less-than-
significant.
The proposed roadway widening project could result in potentially significant
impacts to populations of the following sensitive animal species: San Joaquin kit
fox, California tiger salamander, California red-legged frog, western pond turtle,
roosting bats, burrowing owl, and raptors nesting in trees on and adjacent to the
project site. Potentially significant impacts could also result to Congdon's
tarplant, a special-status plant species These potential impacts will require
mitigation to reduce their level to a less-than-significant level as identified below.
Burrowing owl, California tiger salamander and San Toaquin kit fox impacts: The
project would result in the removal of approximately 10.5 acres of grassland
habitat for western burrowing owl, California tiger salamander and San Joaquin
kit fox. Construction activity could result the removal or disturbance of occupied
burrows. Adherence to the following two mitigation measures will reduce this
impact to a less-than-significant level:
Mitigation Measure 8. Pre-construction surveys to determine if western
burrowing owl, are present within the area of disturbance of the road
widening should be conducted by a qualified biologist no more than 30 days
prior to the initiation of any construction related activities.
If burrowing owls are observed on or near the project site during these
surveys, the project will implement an exclusion zone around the nest
location. Exclusion zones should be 160 feet during the non-breeding season
of September 1-January 31. Passive relocation of owls that includes the
placement of one-way doors over burrow entrances, allowing owls to exit but
not return, may be used at that time. During the breeding season of February
1-August 31, exclusion zones should be at least 250 feet from occupied
burrows. All project related activity will occur outside of the exclusion area
until the young have fledged (California Department of Fish and Game,
1995). If owls are detected breeding within the construction zone, 6.5 acres of
burrowing owl habitat shall be preserved for each active nest detected. The
location of the preserved habitat shall be determined in consultation with the
CDFG. To the fullest extent possible, mitigation areas shall be located on the
adjoining property where owl habitat is identified.
Mitigation Measure 9. Surveys to determine if California tiger salamander
are present within the area of disturbance of the road widening should be
conducted by a qualified biologist. These surveys should be conducted in
accordance with the protocols outlined by the CDFG.
If California tiger salamanders are determined to be present, the project will
implement a salvage program. The salvage program will include placement
of fencing to prevent movement of salamanders into the project site and
trapping in the project area to capture salamanders for relocation to off-site
locations by a qualified biologist who possesses necessary collection permits
an such collection is done in conformance with methods described in the
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USFWS/DFG Interim Guidance on Conducting Site Assessments and Field Surveys
for Determining Presence of the California Tiger Salamander. The project shall
replace California tiger salamander habitat at a 1:1 (mitigation area: impact
area) replacement ratio. All replacement mitigation acreage must be protected
in perpetuity by designation as permanent open space with a conservation
easement placed over it. The location of the preserved habitat will require the
approval of the CDFG. CDFG approved mitigation habitat must be secured
prior to construction of the road widening. To the fullest extent possible,
mitigation areas shall be located on the adjoirdng property where tiger
salamander habitat is identified.
Mitigation Measure 10. Preconstruction surveys for the presence of San
Joaquin kit fox shall be completed as required by the Eastern Dublin Specific
Plan EIR. If San Joaquin kit fox are observed on or near the project site during
these surveys, consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will be
initiated and the project will incorporate the Terms and Conditions contained
in the Biological Opinion. Mitigation Measures 3.7/18.0 through 19.0 as set
forth in the Eastern Dublin EIR shall also be implemented.
A summary of the Mitigation Measures identified in Mitigation Measure 10
includes:
Eastern Dublin EIR Mitigation Measure 3.7/18.0: A United States Fish and
Wildlife Service Section 7 Consultation may be req_uired regarding kit fox.
Eastern Dublin EIR Mitigation Measure 3.7/18.1: The City of Dublin shall
work with other agencies to develop a management Plan that identifies
measures to protect viable habitat for kit fox in the Tri-Valley area.
Eastern Dublin EIR Mitigation Measure 3.7/19.0: Limitations on use of
herbicides and pesticides within the Eastern Dublin project area to minimize
impacts on wildlife.
Impact to California red-legged frog and western pond turtle: Culvert removal
and bridge construction over the two tributaries could result in the removal or
disturbance of California red-legged frog and western pond turtle living within
the construction area. These impacts will require the Corps of Engineers to enter
into a Section 7 Endangered Species Act consultation with the USFWS as part of
the Corps permit process.
Adherence to Mitigation Measure 11 will mitigate for impacts to aquatic habitats
for California red-legged frog and western pond turtle. The replacement of the
existing culverts with bridges will increase red-legged frog habitat and pond
turtle habitat and remove barriers to their movement. Adherence to Mitigation
Measure 11 will reduce potential impacts to red-legged frog and western pond
turtle to a less-than-significant level.
Mitigation Measure 11. Measures shall be implemented to ensure California
red-legged frogs and western pond turtle are not present within the
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disturbance area during development. Any project related work in the
tributaries or adjacent to the "ox-bow" section of Tassajara Creek shall be
restricted to the period when these features are dry (usually from mid-
summer through October). A USFWS and CDFG approved biologist shall
conduct pre-construction surveys to determine if California red-legged frog
or western pond turtle are present within these areas within three days prior
to initiation of construction activities. If any red-legged frogs are found, the
biologist shall contact the USFWS to determine if moving them is
appropriate. Immediately following the preconstruction survey, all portions
of the project site proposed for grading shall be separated from open space
areas by fencing appropriate to prevent California red-legged frogs and
western pond turtle from entering the development area. A second survey
shall be conducted within the fenced area no earlier than 24 hours before the
onset of activities to ensure no California red-legged frogs or pond turtles are
entrapped in the construction area by the fence. Any western pond turtles
found within this area will be captured and relocated downstream. If
relocation of red-legged frogs is allowed by the USFWS, any California red-
legged frogs captured will be relocated downstream.
Impacts to raptor nests: The proposed project could result in the removal or
disturbance of occupied raptor nests. Adherence to the following measure would
mitigate this impact to a less-than-significant level.
Mitigation Measure 12. All trees within the cons _truction zone which will
need to be removed for road widening, should be cut during the non-nesting
season (August 1 to January 30) in the year prior to when road widening is
expected to occur. If tree removal cannot occur as outlined above and must
take place when road widening occurs then pre-construction surveys for
active nests will be required.
Surveys to determine the presence of raptor nests should be conducted by a
qualified biologist no more than 30 days prior to the initiation of any
construction related activities. If raptors are observed nesting on or near the
project site during these surveys, exclusion zones will be established around
all active nests. The project will consult with CDFG to determine the size of
the exclusion zone, usually 100-300 feet, around the nest location. All project
related activity will occur outside of the exclusion area until the young in the
nest have fledged.
Impacts to occupied bat roosts: The project could result Ln the removal or
disturbance of an occupied bat roosts. Adherence to the following measure
would mitigate this impact to a less-than-significant level.
Mitigation Measure 13. Surveys of the existing southern tributary culvert
should be conducted by a qualified biologist to determine the presence of
roosting bats no more than 30 days prior to the initiation of any construction
related activities. If a bat roost is observed in the culvert during these surveys,
the biologist will determine the type of roost, (daytime, nighttime, or
maternity), and construction on and in the immediate vicinity of the culvert
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b, c)
will stop until the bats have been excluded from the roost site. If a nighttime
roost is present, any demolition work on the culVert will be limited to
daytime hours when bats are not present. If a daytime roost is present, the
roost site will be outfitted with bat exclusion devices that allow bats to exit
the roost site, but not return. Demolition of the culvert will begin only after
the biologist has determined that the roost has been successfully abandoned.
If a maternity roost is present, the exclusion zone will remain in place until
the young have fledged. After fledging, bats will be excluded and the culvert
demolished as spedfied for a daytime roost. Both new bridges should be
designed to permit bats to establish roost, after construction.
Impacts to Congdon's tarplant: The project will result in the removal of two
small populations of Congdon's tarplant. The population on the Wallis Ranch is
located within the proposed roadbed and will be removed as part of project
grading. The population on the Silveria Ranch will be removed during grading
to reduce landslide potential on adjacent hillsides. Adherence to the following
measure would mitigate this impact to a less-than-significant level.
Mitigation Measure 14. The project will determine the size of the two
populations and preserve habitat that supports a known population of
Congdon's tarplant at an acreage ratio of 1:1 (preserved: impacted).
Have a substantial adverse impact on riparian habitat or federally protected wetlands ?
LS/M. Construction of the northern and southern tributary bridges and removal
of the existing culverts at these locations would require realignment or
disturbance of an approximately 700-foot reach of the northern tributary stream
and an approximately 48 foot reach of the southern tributary, together with the
installation of a series of stabilized drops in the stream channel. ~'he existing
northerly tributary culvert has significant vertical drop (approximately 10 foot
vertical drop at the downstream end), which would need to be replaced by
smaller changes in stream elevation over a longer section of stream channel to
allow for unimpeded movement of terrestrial and aquatic wildlife. Segments of
the existing stream banks within the affected reaches which are not realigned are
proposed to be graded to a stable slope angle from their near vertical or unstable
condition. This work would result in the removal of all riparian vegetation
growing within and along these reaches of the northern and southern tributaries
and the temporary dislocation of all wildlife species associated with it. This
would be a potentially significant impact.
This work will be subject to the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
(Corps), California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) and Regional Water
Quality Control Board (RWQCB) and permits from all of these agencies will be
required for this work. This potential impact would be a potentially significant
impact. This work would occur in areas subject to the jurisdiction of the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers, California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) and
Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) and permits from these
agencies will be required. Adherence to the following mitigation measure will
reduce this impact to a less-than-significant level:
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Mitigation Measure 15.
a) Prior to initiation of work in the northern and southern tributaries, a
Creek Restoration Plan will be prepared which specifies how the
disturbed reaches of the streams will be placed in a stable condition
and their banks revegetated with riparian species native to these
tributaries or Tassajara Creek. This plan will require the review and
approval of the Corps, DFG and RWQCB.
b) Individual grade control structures will have vertical drops of no
more than two feet or cascade drops of no more than three feet at any
specific location to allow for unimpeded movement of aquatic species.
c) All potentially jurisdictional areas located adjacent to the project area
wiI1 be avoided during construction and no fill will be allowed to
enter these areas. Exclusion fencing (construction or silt fendng) will
be installed at the boundary between these features and the active
project area to protect them and to delimit the boundary of
construction and heavy equipment activity. A biological monitor, shall
oversee the installation of the fencing and periodically monitor ~e
development sites to document avoidance of the off-site areas. The
monitor will provide a report to the City and other agencies
documenting the avoidance during construction.
d) During project construction, no material shall be allowed to enter, or
be stored in, any off-site potentially jurisdictional areas. Project
related dirt and other material shall be kept at least 50 feet far away
from off-site drainage features. All equipment washing will occur
downslope from off-site drainage features.
Construction of the southerly bridge precludes tree reestablishment but does
provide the opportunity for herbaceous or shrub vegetation to become
established, primarily at the upstream and downstream ends of the structure.
When complete installation of the two bridges would allow unimpeded
movement up and down the stream corridor by terrestrial and aquatic wildlife.
The road alignment would encroach on the upper bank of a portion of a cutoff
oxbow bend in the creek channel. The project would include the installation of a
160-foot long retaining wall with a maximum height of approximately twelve
feet at this location to prevent the need to fill a portion of the oxbow which is a
jurisdictional feature. All existing riparian vegetation and this portion of the
natural channel bank will be removed at the location of the wall.
This work will be subject to t. he jurisdiction of the Corps, DFG, and RWQCB and
permits from all of these agencies will be required for this work
Construction of the retaining wall is subject to the jurisdiction of the California
Department of Fish and Game (DFG) and a Streambed Alteration Agreement
will need to be obtained from DFG for its construction. As the retaining wall is a
mitigation feature of the project designed to minimize Ioss of riparian habitat and
jurisdictional area no additional mitigation is necessary for its construction.
City of Dublin
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d)
e, f)
Interfere with movement o, f native fish or wildlife species ? LS. Approval of the
ultimate precise rights-of-way and construction of the proposed widening of
Tassajara Road and the construction of Fallon Road would add additional travel
lanes to these roads, but with adherence to Mitigation Measure 9, regarding fish
species, this impact would be reduced to a less-than-significant level. Since
Tassajara Road presently exists as a major north-south arterial roadway,
widening of this road would be expected to have a less-than-significant impact
with regard to blockage of upland wildlife species. Similarly, the proposed
construction of approximately 1400 feet of Fallon Road just east of Tassajara
Road is anticipated to be an incremental amount of new road that would have a
less-than-significant impact regarding blockage of upland species movement.
Conflict with local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources or any adopted
Habitat Conservation Plans or Natural Community Conservation Plans ? NI. The
proposed ultimate precise alignment of Tassajara Road would be located just east
of the existing Tassajara Creek Management Plan. The Tassajara Creek
Management Plan was established as part of environmental mitigation for
development of portions of the Dublin Ranch located east of Tassajara Road. This
area, located within and adjacent to the right-of-way of Tassajara Creek, is
proposed to be preserved under a conservation easement and managed as a
conservation area in perpetuity to protect and conserve mixed riparian
woodland and aquatic habitats found within Tassajara Creek. The precise
alignment of Tassajara Road lies outside the boundaries of the Management Plan
easement, so no impacts are anticipated.
The City of Dublin has also adopted the Eastern Dublin Comprehensive Stream
Restoration Program to implement biological resource conservation goals and
polities contained in the Eastern Dublin General Plan Amendment and Specific
Plan as well as mitigation measures contained in the Eastern Dublin EIR. Section
6.1 of this document establishes a recommended 100-foot wide setback from top
of bank of major creeks, such as Tassajara Creek. In some instances, the precise
ultimate right-of-way for Tassajara Creek would encroach into this
recommended setback area. However, based on the need to reduce grading of
sensitive hillside areas on the east side of Tassajara Road and adherence to
Mitigation Measures 8 through 15 of this Initial Study to protect se_nsitive-sta~s
plant and animal species within and adjacent to Tassajara Creek, the propose
project would be consistent with the Comprehensive Stream Restoration Program.
The site is not located within the boundaries of any Habitat Conservation Plan or
Natural Community Conservation Plan. No impacts would therefore result.
City of Dublin
Initial StudyFFassajara Road/Fallon Road Ultimate Precise Alignment
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Table 3. Special-Status Plant Species,
Livermore/Amador Valley
Suit-
able
Status' Habitat
Species (Federal/State/CNP Habitat Notes Present
S) on Site
Arctostaphylos auriculata -- / -- / List lB Chaparral and woodlands No
Mt. Diablo manzanita usually on siliceous shale
soils; blooms January-
March
ArctostaphyIos manzanita ssp --/-- / List lB Chaparral and woodlands No
Iaevigata usualIy in rocky soils;
Contra Costa manzanita blooms January-February
Atriplex joaquiniana -- / -- / List lB Grasslands and seasonal Yes
San Joaquin spearscale wetlands with alkaline
soils; blooms April-
November
Balsamorhiza macrolepis var B/B/List lB Thin, rocky soil on hillsides, No
macrolepis sometimes-on serpentine,
Big-scale balsamroot grasslands and woodlands;
blooms March-June
Blepharizonia plumosa ssp B/B/List lB Thin soils in grasslands; Yes
plumosa blooms July-October
Big tarplant
Calochortus pulchellus B/B/List lB Openings in chaparral, No
Mt. Diablo fairy-lantern coastal scrub, and
assodated grasslands;
blooms April-June
Cordylanthus palmatus FE / SE / List lB Alkaline vernal pools and No
Palmate-bracted bird=s-beak seasonal wetlands; blooms
May-October
Deinandra bacigalupi --/-- / List lB Alkaline meadows and No
Livermore tarplant seeps; blooms June-October
Dirca occidentalis B / B / ListlB Occurs in variety of forest No
Western leatherwood and woodland habitats;
blooms January-April
Eriogonum truncatum --/--/List lA Occurs in sandy soils of No
Mt. Diablo buckwheat grassland, scrub and
chaparral habitats on
hillsides; blooms April-
September
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HelianthelIa castanea --/--/List lB Thin, rocky soil, grassy No
Diablo helianthella hillsides, 500-4,000 feet;
foothill woodland,
chaparral; blooms April-
May
Hemizonia parryi ssp. congdonii --/_/List lB Alkaline or saline clay soil Yes
Congdon's tarplant in armuaI grasslands in
valleys; blooms June-
November.
HesperoIinon breweri --/_/List lB On serpentine soil, No
Brewer's dwarf flax chaparral and oak
woodland; blooms May-
Malacothamnus hallii --/--/List lB Chaparral habitats; blooms No
Hall=s bush mallow May-September
Phacelia phacelioides --/--/List lB Rocky soils in chaparral 'No
Mt. Diablo phacelia and woodland habitats;
blooms April-May
SanicuIa saxatiIis B/B/List lB Rocky soils in chaparral, No
Rock sanicle forests, and associated
grasslands~ blooms April-
May
Streptanthus albidus ssp --/B/List lB Serpentine soils in No
peramoenus grasslands and chaparral;
Most beautiful jewel flower blooms April-June
Streptanthus hispidus --/_/List lB Rocky soils in grasslands No
Mt. Diablo jewel flower and chaparral on hillsides;
blooms March-June
Tropidocarpum capparideum --/--/List lA Alkaline-day soils in Yes
Caper-fruited tropidocarpum grassland, oak woodland
on hillsides; blooms March-
April
'Status:
FE = federally listed as "endangered;"
SE = State listed as "endangered;"
List 1 = rare and endangered throughout its range (A - presumed extinct; B - still existing).
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Table 4 - Special-Status Wildlife Species,
Livermore/Amador Valley
Species Status* Habitat Notes Suitable
Federal/ Habitat
State Present
on Site
Branchinecta lynchi FT/-- Vernal pools and other ponding No
Vernal pool fairy, shrimp seasonal wetlands
Ambystoma californiense C/SC Seasonal ponds; upland Yes
California tiger salamander grassland/savanna for estivation
Rana aurora draytonii FT/SC Ponds and streams Yes
California red-legged frog
Rana boylii 4SC Perennial creeks and streams No
Foothill yellow-legged frog usually with cobble bottoms
Clernmys rnarrnorata 4SC Ponds and streams Yes
Western pond turtle
Maszicophis lateralis euryxanthus FT/ST Scrub and associated grasslands No
Alameda whipsnake
Aquila chrysaetos (nesting) BA/SC Large trees for nesting; No
Golden eagle
Falco peregrinus anatum (nesting) --/SE Nests on cliffs, forages over No
American peregrine falcon variety of habitats
gccipiter striatus (nesting) dSC Nests in dense woodlands and No
Sharp-shinned Hawk forests, forages in same
Accipiter coo2veri (nesting) dSC Nests in trees in woodlands, No
Coopers Hawk forages in a variety of habitats
Elanus caeruleus -/CFP Nests in trees and tall shrubs, Yes
White-tailed kite forages over a variety of habitats
Speotyto cunicularia hyl~ugea dSC Grassland/pastureland; nest in Yes
(nesting) ground squirrel dens
Western burrowing owl
Eremophila al2vestris (nesting) dSC Large patches of well grazed Yes
California homed lark grassland
Agelaius tricolor (nesting) dSC Nests in dense emergent No
Tricolored blackbird vegetation
Neotorna fuscipes annectens dSC Riparian, woodland, and upland No
San Francisco dusky-footed woodrat scrub habitats
City of Dublin
Initial Studyfrassajara RoadlFallon Road Ultimate Precise Alignment.
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Vulpes macrotus mutica FE/ST Grassland, savanna, and other No
San Joaquin kit fox open habitats
Antrozous pallidus (roosts) -/SC Roosts in caves, tunnels, No
Pallid bat buildings; forages over variety of
habitats
Plecotus townsendii townsendii -/SC Roosts in caves, runnels, No
(roosts) buildings; forages over variety of
Townsend's big-eared bat habitats
Eumops perotis californicus -/SC Roosts in crevices of large No
California mastiff bat outcrops; forages over wide
variety of habitats
FE = federally listed as endangered
FT = federally listed as threatened
C = candidate for listing as threatened or endangered
BA= Federal Bald Eagle Act
SE = California listed as endangered
ST = California listed as threatened
SC = California species of special concern
CFP=Califomia fully protected
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5. Cultural Resources
Environmental Setting
A cultural records search of the project area was completed by the Northwest
Information Center at Sonoma State University in October, 2002. The search included
consultation of California Office of Historic Preservation records, base maps, historic
maps and literature for Alameda County on file at the Northwest Information. No
recorded Native American or historic period archeological resources are identified on
the project site. However, a historic period dairy farm is identified on the west side of
Tassajara Road dating to the mid 1920's (6582 Tassajara Road).
Native American archeological sites in this portion of Alameda County tend to be
located on alluvial fiats at the base of hills near sources of water, such as springs. Since
the project area is located along alluvial benches associated with the confluence of
seasonal drainages and Tassajara Creek, it is therefore considered an archeologically
sensitive area. In addition, several Native American archeological sites have been
recorded downstream along Tassajara Creek south of the project area. Given the
environmental setting of the project and the archeological sensitive nature of the
general area, the project site has a moderate potential for Native American sites.
Historic archeological sites associated with early ranching and agricultural uses in the
area may also be present in the area, so that there is a moderate potential of
encountering historic-period archeological deposits in the project area.
Project Impacts
a) Cause substantial adverse change to significant historic resources? NI. Although one
historic site (an early 20th-century ranch/homestead complex) was identified
near the project area, proposed construct/on of the widened road would not be
located near this resource. Therefore, no impact would result to historic resources.
b, c)
Cause a substantial adverse impact or destruction to archeological or
paleontological resources ? LS/M. There is a remote but potentially significant
possibility that construction activities, inducting site grading, trenching and
excavation, may uncover significant archeological and/or paleontological
resources on the site. The Eastern Dublin EIR categorized these resources as pre-
historic cultural resources. Three potential pre-historic sites were identified by
the ErR within the proposed Specific Plan project area. The Eastern Dublin ErR
assumed that all pre-historic sites would be disturbed or altered in some manner.
This potential impact was identified and addressed in the Eastern Dublin EIR
(Impact 3.9/A) and implementation of Mitigation Measures 3,9/1.0 through
3.9/4.0 reduce this impact to a less-than-significant level. These mitigation
measures include:
Mitigation Measure 16. Final roadway construction plan(s) and specifications
shall require mechanical or hand subsurface testing on all locations of
prehistoric resources to determine the presence or absence of midden deposits.
(Eastern Dublin ErR Mitigation Measure 3.9 / 1.0)
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d)
Mitigation Measure 17. Final roadway construction-plan(s) and specifications
shall requires all locations containing either midden components or
concentrations of cultural materials on the surface to be recorded on State of
California survey forms. (Eastern Dublin EIR Mitigation Measure 3.9/2.0.)
Mitigation Measure 18. Final roadway construction plan(s) and specifications
shall require evaluative testing if proposed development would directly or
indirectly impact recorded and mapped location of resources. (Eastern Dublin
EIR Mitigation Measure 3.9 / 3.0)
Mitigation Measure 19. Final roadway construction plan(s) and specifications
shall require a qualified archeologist to develop protect/on programs for
significant resources whose conditions would be altered by proposed
development. (Eastern Dublin EIR Mitigation Measure 3.9/4.0)
Mitigation Measure 20. Final roadway construction plan(s) and specifications
shall require grading and construction to cease in the event that historic or
prehistoric resources are discovered during such activities. (Eastern Dublin EIR
Mitigation Measure 3.9/5.0)
Adherence to the above Mitigation Measures would reduce potential impacts to
archeological or palentological resources to a less-than-significant level.
The Eastern Dublin Specific Plan also contains policies (Policies 6-24 and 6-25)
requiring research of archaeological resources prior to construction and
determination of the significance and extent of any resources uncovered during
grading and conslamction.
Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of a formal cemetery?
LS/M. A remote possibility exists that historic or pre-histori~ human resources
could be uncovered on the site during construction activities. Implicit in the
mitigation measures of the Eastern Dublin EIR and Eastern Dublin Specific Plan
policies is the potential for discovery of human resources near or within the
identified pre-historic and historic sites. With implementation of Mitigation
Measures 16 through 20, and adherence to the Eastern Dublin Specific Plan
policies relating to cultural resources (Policies 6-24 and 6-25), this impact would
be less-than-significant.
6. Geology and Soils
Environmental Setting
Geology and soils
The project area is located in the central portion of the Coast Ranges geomorphic
province. The Coast Ranges are characterized by.a series of parallel, northwesterly
trending, folded and faulted mountain chains. A dominant structural feature is Mt.
Diablo, located approximately nine miles north of the project area.
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The project area does not lie within an Earthquake Fault Zone (formerly Alquist-Priolo
Special Studies Zone). Maior active faults in the region that influence earthquake
susceptibility include the San Andreas, Hayward, Calaveras, and Greenville Faults.
Topographically, the project area is relatively fiat, with moderate to steep slopes located
immediately adjacent to portions of the roadway to the east. Tassajara Creek lies
directly west of the project area with incised banks located approximately 30 to 50 feet
below the existing roadbed elevation.
Regulatory framework
The Eastern Dublin Comprehensive Streambed Restoration Program, adopted in 1998 to
fulfill a Mitigation Measure of the Eastern Dublin Specific Plan requires a 100-foot wide
setback from tops of bank of major creeks (which includes Tassajara Creek) to ensure
both structural safety to buildings and related improvements adjacent to creeks and to
provide a buffer of sensitive habitat within creeks.
The City of Dublin has also adopted Ordinance No. 52-87, which requires
improvements be setback a minimum of 20 feet from tops of banks of creeks, or from a
2:1 projected slope from the toe of slope if the bank is irregular, to ensure stamctural
safety and minimize the effects of bank erosion.
Project Impacts
a) Expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse impacts, including loss,
injury or death related to grOund rupture, seismic ground shaking, ground failure, or
landslides? LS/M. Similar to many areas of California, the project area is likely
subject to ground shaking caused by seismic activity on the regional faults
identified above. Under moderate to severe seismic events, which are probable in
the Bay Area over the next 30 years, utilities and other improvements
constructed in the project area would be subject to damage caused by ground
shaking. However, since the project area is not located within an Earthquake
Fault Zone (formerly Alquist-Priolo Zone), the potential for ground rupture is
anticipated to be minimal.
The Eastern Dublin EIR identified that the primary and secondary effects of
ground-shaking (Impacts 3.6/B and 3.6/C) could be pote.ntially significant. .
impacts. With implementation of Mitigation Measure 3.6/1.0 the primary effects
of ground-shaking are reduced to a less-than-significant level by using modern
seismic design for resistance to lateral forces in construct/on, which would
reduce the potential for structure failure, major structural damage and loss of
life.
Mitigation Measures 3.6/2.0 through 3.6/7.0 contained in the Eastern Dublin EIR
will be implemented to reduce the secondary effects of ground-shaking on
proposed project improvements to a less-than-significant level. These mitigation
measures include:
Mitigation Measure 21. Setbacks shall be established from unstable and
potentially unstable landforms as well as use of appropriate project
City of Dublin
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b)
engin'e, ering design techniques to ensure safety. (Eastern Dublin EIR Mitigation
Measure 3.6 / 2.0)
Mitigation Measure 22. Appropriate grading and design shall be used to
completely remove unstable and potentially unstable materials in hillside
development areas. (Eastern Dublin Mitigation Measure 3.6/3.0)
Mitigation Measure 23. Engineering techniques and improvements, such as
retention structures, drainage improvements, properly designed keyways and
adequate compaction shall be used to improve the stability of fill areas and to
reduce seismically induced fill settlement. (Eastern Dublin EIR Mitigation
Measure 3.6/4.0 and 5.0)
Mitigation Measure 24. Roads, structural foundations, utilities shall be
designed in such a mariner as to accommodate estimated settlement without
failure, especially across areas of cut and fill. (Eastern Dublin Mitigation
Measure 3.6/6.0)
Adherence to Mitigation Measures 21 through 24 will ensure that infrastructure
facilities built within the project area will comply with generally recognized
seismic safety standards so that effects due to ground shaking and ground
failure will be less-than-significant.
Is the site subject to substantial erosion and/or the loss of to. psoil? LS/M. Construction
of the proposed road widening would modify the existing ground surface and
alter patterns of surface runoff and infiltration and could result in a short-term
increase in erosion and sedimentation caused by grading activities. Long-term
impacts could result from modification of the ground-surface and removal of
existing vegetation (Eastern Dublin EIR Impact 3.6/L). With implementation of
Mitigation Measures 3.6/27.0 and 28.0 contained in the Eastern Dublin EIR and
re-stated below, both of these impacts would be less-than-significant. These
mitigation measures include:
Mitigation Measure 25. Grading activities shall be timed to avoid the rainy
season as much as possible and that interim erosion control measures be taken
to control runoff and minimize erosion. (Eastern Dublin EIR Mitigation
Measure 3.6 / 27.0)
Mitigation Measure 26. Long-term erosion and sedimentation shall be reduced
through appropriate design, construction and continued maintenance of
surface and subsurface drainage. Future road improvement plan(s) and
eeCifications for this project incorporate erosion control plans for all aspec~ of
project that would involve trenching, excavation or stockpiling of dirt.
plan(s) shall be prepared by a registered civil engineer and be consistent with
applicable City of Dublin and Regional Water Quality Control Board guidelines
and standards. (Eastern Dublin EIR Mitigation Measure 3.6/28.0)
City of Dublin
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c,d)
e)
The Eastern Dublin Specific Plan also contains a policy (Policy 6-43), which
requires that new development be designed to provide effective control of soil
erosion as a result of construction activities.
Is the site located on soil that is unstable or expansive or result in potential lateral
spreading, liquefaction, landslide or collapse? LS/M. Portions of the project area are
underlain by soil types with high shrink-swell potential, which have the
potential to cause damage to foundations, slabs, and pavement (Eastern Dublin
EIR Impact 3.6/H). With adherence to the following mitigation measures,
contained in the Eastern Dublin EIR, potential shrink-swell impacts would be
less-than-significant.
Mitigation Measure 27. A design-level geotechnical investigation shall be
prepared to characterize site-specific soils and bedrock condilSons and to
formulate specific design criteria for development projects. (Eastern Dublin EIR
Mitigation Measure 3.6/14.0)
Mitigation Measure 28. Specific measures shall be included in future specific
roadway plan(s) and specifications to control moisture in the soil to reduce
impacts from expansion soil and rock. (Eastern Dublin EIR Mitigation Measure
3.6/15.0)
Mitigation Measure 29. Appropriate foundation and pavement design shall be
employed, based on a site-specific geotechnical study, for new structures to
minimize effects of expansive soil and rock. (Eastern Dublin EIR Mitigation ·
Measure 3.6/16.0)
In certain limited locations, the proposed roadway would not comply with either
the 100-foot setback generally required by the Comprehensive Stream Restoration
Program or the 20-foot structural setback required by Ordinance No. 52-87. This is
based on the close proximity of existing Tassajara Road to Tassajara Creek on the
west and to steep hillsides on the east. The proposed alignment of Tassajara
Road near Tassajara Creek would be stable if based on site-specific geotechnical
recommendations. Based on preliminary review of the proposed ultimate
alignment by Klein/elder, the City of Dublin's geotechrdcal consultant, a
vertically-faced retaining wall system is feasible geotechnically along a portion of
the proposed road alignment, provided the wall is designed for both static and
seismic stability. Such a wall has been incorporated into the preliminary design
of the project (see Exhibit 5). Therefore, less-than-significant impacts would occur
with regard to future landslides and soil stability.
Have soils incapable o/supporting on-site septic tanks if sewers are not available? NI.
The proposed project involves widening of an existing roadway, so there would
be no impacts with regard to septic systems.
Page 59
City of Dublin
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7. Hazards and Hazardous Materials
Environmental Set°ting
The project area consists of paved roadways with open grasslands on each side.
Historically, the properties adjacent to the project area have been used for agriculture,
primarily as grazing land and limited dry-farming of crops. Some pesticide and
herbicide use may be associated with historic and on-going agricultural uses and some
petroleum-based products may have been used to run and maintain farm equipment.
Project Impacts
a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport,
use or disposal of hazardous materials? NI. There would be no impacts with regard to
transport, use or disposal of hazardous materials, since the proposed project
involves establishing ultimate precise roadway alignments for thoroughfares in
the Eastern Dublin area and would not involve any type of industrial or mineral
exl:raction processes.
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? LS. Although small quantities o£ residual potentially hazardous
materials may be present within t. fie ground surface adjacent to the roadway,
primarily petroleum produc~s dropping by passing vehicles and chemicals related
to agricultural operations, this amount is anticipated to be minimal and less-than-
significant.
c)
Emit hazardous materials or handle hazardous materials or acutely hazardous materials,
substances, or waste within one-quarter mile of an exist2'ng or proposed school? NI. One
private school exists on the east side of Tassajara Road (Quarry Lane School).
Other public schools are planned for properties east and west of Tassajara Road.
However, approval and implementation of the proposed project would have no
impact with regard to these schools, since the project involves widening of an
existing roadway arid would not result in the emission of hazardous materials or
substances.
d)
Is the site listed as a hazardous materials site? NI. No properties comprising the project
site are listed on the State of California Department of Toxic Substances Control as
an identified hazardous site as of January 10, 2003. There is therefore no impact
with regard to t. his topic.
e,f)
Is the site located within an airport land use plan ora public airport or private airstrip? NI.
The project area is not located near a public or private airport, airfield or airstrip.
No impacts are therefore anticipated regarding airport safety issues.
g)
Interference with an emergency evacuation plan? NI. The proposed project would
include the ultimate widening of an existing major roadway, which should
improve emergency evacuation in this portion of Eastern Dublin. TherefOre, no
impacts are anticipated with regard to interference with emergency evacuation
plans.
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h)
Expose people and structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving
wiIdland fires or where residences are intermixed with wiIdlands? NI. Although the
project area lies in a substantially undeveloped area, the proposed project does not
include construction of flammable improvements and would provide improved
access to portions of the Eastern Dublin for firefighting purposes. No impacts are
therefore anticipated.
8. Hydrology and Water Quality
Environmental Setting
Local surface water
The project area is located within the Alameda Creek watershed which drains to the San
Francisco Bay via the Arroyo Del Valle and Arroyo de la Laguna. The closest main
surface body of water to the project area is Tassajara Creek, which flows in a north-
south direction immediately west of existing Tassajara Road. Two unnamed tributaries
to Tassajara Creek currently flow under Tassajara Road, one immediately south of the
Quarry Lane School site and the second in the northerly portion of the project area.
The project area is located within the jurisdiction of Zone 7 of the Alameda County
Flood Control and Water Conservation District (Zone 7). Zone 7 provides maintenance
of regional drainage facilities within this portion of Alameda County.
Surface water quality
Water quality in California is regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's
National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), which controls the
discharge of pollutants to water bodies from point and non-point sources. In the San
Francisco Bay area, this program is administered by the San Francisco Bay Regional
Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB). Federal regulations issued in November 1990
expanded the authority of the RWQCB to include permitting of stormwater discharges
from municipal storm sewer systems, industrial processes, and construction sites that
disturb areas larger than five acres. The City of Dublin is a ~co-permittee of the Alameda
County Clean Water Program, which is a coordinated effort by local governments in
Alameda County to improve water quality in San Frandsco Bay.
In 1994, the RWQCB issued a set of recommendations for New and Redevelopment
Controls for Storm Water Programs. These recommendations include polities that
define watershed protection goals, set forth minimum non-point source pollutant
control requirements for site planning, construction and post-construction activities,
and establish criteria for ongoing reporting of water quality constriction activities.
Watershed protection goals are based on polities identified in the San Frandsco Bay
Basin Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan), and the entire program relies on the
implementation of Best Management Practices to limit pollutant contact with
stormwater runoff at its source and to remove pollutants before they are discharged
into receiving waters. The California Stormwater Quality Task Force has published a
series of Best Management Practices handbooks for use in the design of source control;
and treatment programs to achieve the water quality objectives identified by the Basin
Plan for the benefidal uses of surface waters, groundwaters, wetland and marshes.
City of Dublin
Initial Study/Tassajara Road/Fallon Road Ultimate Precise Alignment
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Existing surface water quality is affected by a number of pollutants generated from
existing structures, parking area and open space uses on the project site, including but
not limited to petrochemicals (oiI and grease), yard and landscape chemicals
(herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers), erosion from construction sites and similar
sources.
Flooding
Portions of the project area located within Tassajara Creek are included within a 100-
year flood hazard area as shown on the applicable Flood Insurance Rate Map for
eastern Dublin (Community Panel No. 060705 0002 B). None of the upland portion of
the project area is located within a flood hazard area.
Project Impacts
a) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements? LS/M. Approval
of the ultimate precise alignment and construction of proposed road widenings
consistent with the approved alignments could result in potentially significant
discharges of erosion of graded material into Tassajara Creek and other bodies of
water. Long-term, runoff of oil, grease and other chemicals from the roadway
could discharge into Tassajara Creek, degrading surface water quality. Adherence
to Mitigation Measures 3.5/53.0, 54.0 and 55.0 contained in the Eastern Dublin EIR
and re-stated below, will ensure that surface water quality standards will be met
during the construction and operational phases of roadway widening. These
mitigation measures require:
Mitigation Measure 30. The proposed project shall incorporate Best
Management Practices to minimize stormwater pollution. (Eastern Dublin EIR
Mitigation Measure 3.5 / 53.0)
Mitigation Measure 31. The proposed project shall meet all water quality
standards set forth in the City's NPDES Permit. (Eastern Dublin EIR Mitigation
Measure 3.6 / 54.0)
b)
Mitigation Measure 32. The proposed project shall meet water quality
standards imposed under the Alameda County Clean Water Program. (Eastern
Dublin EIR Mitigation Measure 3.6/55.0)
Pursuant to these three adopted mitigation measures, it is therefore recommended
that final project improvement plan(s) and specifications incorporate requirements
that future roadway and related improvements to include Best Management
Practices as included in the Alameda County Clean Water Program to minimize
surface water quality impacts. Less-than-significant impacts are therefore
antidpated.
Substantially deplete groundwater recharge areas or lowering of water table? LS. Less-
than-significant impacts are anticipated with regard to depletion of groundwater
resources, since minor new areas of paving would be added to increase the width
of Tassajara Road and to construct a portion of Fallon Road that could reduce
groundwater recharge. The amount of paving would not be significant, however,
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c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
given the length of the roadway through the project area. Since the proposed
project would not include habitable buildings or structures, the project would not
utilize groundwater quantities, so no impacts would result with regard to lowering
of the water table.
Substantially alter drainage patterns, including streambed courses such that substantial
siltation or erosion would occur? LS. New paved surfaces would be added adjacent to
the existing roadway, so that the quantity (square footage) of impervious surfaces
would be increased, however as noted above, the amount of new paved surfaces
would be less,than-significant. Existing drainage patterns may be slightly
modified based on the new alignment, however adherence to Mitigation Measure
33 contained in this Initial Study will reduce surface water quality impacts from
the widened roadways to a less-than-significant level. In addition, stormwater
runoff from properties adjacent to the project area are required by the City of
Dublin to prepare and implement Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans to
minimize polluted stormwater runoff from reaching the Tassajara Road and Fallon
Road.
Substantially alter drainage patterns or result in flooding, either on or off the project site?
NI. No impacts or significant changes to drainage patterns are anticipated since
minor additions to existing impervious surfaces are proposed in the project.
Create stormwater runoff that would exceed the capacity of drainage systems or add
substantial amounts ofpolluted runoff?. LS/M. Minor increases in the quantity of
existing stormwater runoff would result as part of the widening of Tassajara Road
and construction of portion of Fallon Road based on an estimated minor increase
in the amount of impervious surface. Increased runoff would be disposed of in
Tassajara Creek via two new storm drain outfalls (one each located at the southerly
and northerly tributaries to Tassajara Creek) and ulffmately transported to San
Francisco Bay.
The addition of polluted stormwater from the project site into adjacent creeks
could result in potentially significant impact regarding degradation of surface
water quality and the following measure is recommended to reduce this impact to
a less-than-significant level.
Mitigation Measure 33. Storm drain outfall structures installed as part of the
proposed project shall be equipped with storm drain filters as approved by
the Dublin Public Works Department and that comply with Regional Water
Quality Control Board standards.
Substantially degrade water quality? LS/M. Less-than-significant water quality
impacts would occur through approval and implementation of the proposed
project. Adherence to Mitigation Measures 30 through 32, as described above, will
ensure that water quality issues will be less-than-significant.
Place housing within a lO0-year flood hazard area as mapped by a Flood Insurance Rate
Map? NI. The proposed project does not include a housing component, so there
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CITY OF DUBLIN
TASSAJARA ROAD WIDENING
NEGATIVE DECLARATION
Exhibit 8
LOCAL CREEKS
Project Site
0 300 600 1200 feet
h,i)
j)
would be no impact with regarding to placement of housing within a 100-year flood
plain.
Place within a l O0-year flood hazard boundary structures that impeded or redirect flood
flow, including dam failures? NI. The proposed project would include replacement of
existing culverts with bridges over both the northern and southern tributaries of
Tassajara Creek. Both creek tributaries lie within 100-year flood plain areas. The
proposed replacement bridges would be designed as "clear span" bridges so that
no piers or other stractural obstructions to flood waters would be creased. No
impacts are anticipated with regard to impedance of floodwaters or flows since the
proposed bridges would not block flood flows.
Result in inundation by seiche, tsunami or mudflows? NI. The project area is located
well inland from San Francisco Bay or other major bodies of water to be impacted
by a tsunami or seiche. No impacts would therefore result.
9. Land Use and Planning
Environmental Setting
Existing land uses
Land uses flanking Tassajara Road and the future alignment of Fallon Road include
primarily open, undeveloped properties with scattered Iow-density rural residential
dwellings. The southerly end of the project area along Tassajara Road includes Quarry
Lane School, which was initially developed in the unincorporated portion of Alameda
County, but which has been annexed to the City of Dublin. A landscape contractor yard
has been established immediately south of the school. An equipment storage yard also
exists on the west side of Tassajara Road on the Wallis Ranch property.
Generally, land uses to the south of the project area along Tassajara Road are more
urban in nature and include recently constructed single family subdivision, multi-
family housing complexes and neighborhood-serving commercial centers. North of the
project area, within Contra Costa County, land uses generally consist of agricultural;
rural residential and / or undeveloped properties.
As noted in the Project Description section, the major natural feature of the project site
is Tassajara Creek, which meanders along the west side of Tassajara Road.
Regulatory framework
Tassajara Road presently traverses through the unincorporated portion of A1 _ameda
County, although the Local Agency Formation Commission has placed properties
within this portion of the County within the Sphere of Influence of the City of Dublin,
which means that Dublin will likely ultimately annex these properties.
A request has been filed to annex the Wallis Ranch and adjacent smaller properties on
the west side of Tassajara Road into the City. The Silveria/Haight/Nielsen annexation,
located on the east side of Tassajara Road, has recently been approved by the Alameda
County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO). When and if annexation of the
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Wallis Ranch property is approved by LAFCO, a majority of properties adjacent to
Tassajara Road would be located within the incorporated City of Dublin.
Land uses for unincorporated properties adjacent to Tassajara Road are governed by the
East County Area Plan (ECAP), adopted by Alameda County in 1994, most rec_entl.y
updated in 2000. ECAP identifies properties along Tassajara Road as lying within the
Urban Growth Boundary adjacent to the City of Dublin. Existing County Zoning is A-
Agricultural, which permits a range of low density housing on large lots, crop
production, cattle grazing, hiking and riding trails and similar uses. More intensive
land uses are allowed subject to the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit by Alameda
County.
The Eastern Dublin Specific Plan and General Plan Amendment was adopted in 1993 to
guide the future development of properties east of Parks RFTA. Land uses included in
the Eastern Dublin General Plan and Specific adjacent to Tassajara Road includes a mix
of Residential uses at various densities, and Open Space.
Both the ECAP Plan and the City of Dublin Eastern Dublin General Plan and Specific
Plan call for the ultimate widening of Tassajara Road to six travel lanes.
Project Impacts
a) Physically divide an established community? LS. Approval of the ultimate precise
alignment and future construction of the proposed roadway widenings could
interfere with future local residents east of Tassajara Road from accessing planned
local and regional parks on the west side of the road. Specifically, the City of
Dublin has planned a local park on the L. in property(also knowr~, as .Dublin Ranch
West). An application has been filed with the City of Dublin to develop this
property. The East Bay Regional Park District is also planning a regional multi-use
trail on the west side of Tassajara Creek. The inclusion of a future pedestrian
bridge overcrossing over widened Tassajara Road would allow for a safe roadway
crossmg.
Implementation of the proposed project would also require either dedication .or
purchase of additional right-of-way from property oWners abutting the existing
roadway and the future alignment of Fallon Road. The amount of future right-of-
way is not known at this time and will depend on the final road alignment
adopted by the City of Dublin. Since the widening of Tassajara Road and the
construction of Fallon Road have been identified in appropriate land use
regulatory documents adopted by the City of Dublin and Alameda County,
dedication or purchase of future right-of-way is anticipated to be less-than-
significant.
b)
Conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy or regulation? NI. Adoption of the
ultimate precise road alignments and the future road widening would be
consistent with the number of travel lanes envisioned in both City and County
planning documents for Tassajara Road. The entirety of Fallon Road is within the
City of Dublin and future construction of this road is included in the Eastern
Dublin General Plan and Specific Plan. No impacts would therefore result.
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c)
Conflict with a habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plan? NI.
See section 4 e and f of this Initial Study.
10. Mineral Resources
Environmental Setting
The project area contains no known mineral resources. This is based on the Eastern
Dublin EIR.
Project Impacts
a, b) Result in the loss o/availability o/regionally or locally significant mineral resources? NI.
The Eastern Dublin EIR does not indicate that significant deposits of minerals exist
in the project area, so no impacts would occur.
11. Noise
Environmental Setting
The City defines "noise" as a sound or series of sounds that are intrusive, irritating,
objectionable and/or disruptive to daily life. Noise is primarily a concern with regard to
noise sensitive land uses such as residences, schools, churches and hospitals. Although
noise is controlled around commerdal, industrial and recreation uses, community noise
levels rarely exceed maximum recommended levels for these uses.
The Noise Element of the General Plan EIR identifies the following primary sources of
noise in Dublin: traffic noise from freeways and major roadways within the community
and noise generated by the BART line adjacent to the 1-580 freeway.
Near the project area, the Eastern Dublin EIR notes that major noise sources include
traffic noise and helicopter overflights from nearby Camp Parks RFTA, west of
Tassajara Road. Figure 3.10A contained in the Eastern Dublin EIR identifies a corridor
of properties adjacent to Tassajara Road as being subject tonoise levels above 60
decibels.
The Noise Element identifies the following maximum noise exposure levels by land use
type.
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Table 5. City of Dublin Land Use/Noise Compatibility Standards (decibels)
Land Use Normally Conditionally Normally Clearly
Acceptable Acceptable Unacceptable Unacceptable
Residential 60 or less 60-70 70-75 75+
Lodging Facilities 60-70 70-80 80+ -
Schools, churches, 60-70 70-80 80+ ! -
nursing homes
Neighborhood ~ 60 or less 60-65 65-70 70+
i parks i
Office / Retail i 70 or less 70-75 75-80 80+
Industrial 70 or less ~ 70-75 i 75+ --
Source: Dublin General Plan Noise Element, Table 9-1
The City of Dublin also enforces an interior noise standard of 45 decibels for residential
dwellings.
Project Impacts
a) Would the project expose persons or generation of noise levels in excess of standards
established by the General Plan or other applicable standard? LS. Adoption of ultimate
precise aligru'nent for the two roadways would increase the number of vehicle trips
using the road, resulting in future noise increases based on greater vehicular noise.
This could result in significant noise impacts in excess of City noise standards for
future residents near the widened road (Eastern Dublin EIR Impact 3.10/A).
However, adherence to Mitigation Measure 3.I0/1.0 would reduce noise impacts
to future residents along the roads to a less-than-significant level. This Mitigation
Measure requires future residential subdividers to prepare acoustic reports for
future residential development adjacent to Tassajara Road and Fallon Road and to
implement site-specific noise reduction methods contained in these reports.
Noise impacts from the proposed widening of Tassajara Road on existing residents
near the road was also identified as a potentially significant noise source in the
Eastern Dublin EIR (Impact 3.10.2.0). Even with adherence to Mitigation Measure
3.10/2.0, that requires future subdividers to provide noise barriers for existing.
residences, including construction of solid fences around existing structures, this
impact was determined to be significant and unmitigatable and was included in
the Statement of Overriding Considerations when the Eastern Dublin EIR was
certified by the City of Dublin. Therefore, no future analysis of this impact is
required. A statement of overriding considerations with regard to noise would
have to be adopted by the City of Dublin if this project were to be approved
b) Exposure of people to excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels? LS/M.
Implementation of the proposed roadway improvements would use standard
construction techniques. Adherence to Mitigation Measures 3.10/4.0 and 3.10/5.0
(discussed under item "d," below) will ensure that groundborne impacts would be
limited to normal construction hours and would result in less-than-significant
impacts.
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c)
d)
e, f)
Substantial increases in permanent in ambient noise levels? NI. There would be no
changes and no impacts with regard to potential permanent noise impacts since no
noise-generating uses are associated with the proposed project.
Substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity
above levels without the project? LS/M. Construction of the project could result in
short-term noise and vibration due to trenching, grading and similar activities.
There would also be increased noise levels from trucks and other construction
vehicles needed for the project. This impact was addressed in the Eastern Dublin
EIR as Impact 3.10/E, Exposure of Existing and Proposed Residents to
Construction Noise. The following mitigation measures have been included in the
Eastern Dublin EIR and are restated below to reduce construction noise to a less-
than-significant level.
Mitigation Measure 34. Construction Management Plan(s) shall be filed with
the City of Dublin Public Works Department prior to commencement of any
cor~struction. The Plan(s) shall identify specific measures to be taken to
minimize short-term noise on local resident, including but not limited to
limitations on hours of operation for construction, including unloading of
material, equipment warm up and tune-up times, and a requirement that all
gasoline-powered equipment be equipped with mufflers. (Eastern Dublin EIR
Mitigation Measure 3.10/4.0)
Mitigation Measure 35. Requires compliance with local noise standards
relating to construction activities, including limitation on hours of Construction
operation. (Eastern Dublin EIR Mitigation Measure 3.10/5.0)
The above mitigation measures will also serve to limit any groundbome vibrations
to a less-than-significant level.
For a project located within an airport land use plan, would the project expose people to
excessive noise levels? NI. Although the southerly p.ortion of the project ar.ea !les
within the Livermore Airport P1an Referral area, He project does not include
construction of buildings or facilities that would house people. No impacts are
therefore anticipated in terms of this topic.
12. Population and Housing
Environmental Settin~
The Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG), the Council of Governments
organization responsible for preparing and tracking population and
demographic changes within the Bay Area region anticipates that the Bay Area
will continue to grow at a steady rate. Factors contributing to this growth include
a favorable climate, recreational activities, top universities and career
opportunities. Over the next 20 years, the population is expected to increase to
more than 8 million persons, a 16% increase over the current (2002) population.
t_ :-
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Population increases are expected to be primarily due to increases in births and
longer life expectancies rather than significant in-migration.
Table 6 depicts anticipated comparative growth in the Bay Area, Alameda
County and Dublin.
Table 6. Regional, County and Dublin Total
Population (Pop) & Household (HH) Projectionsm
2000 I 2010 2020
Pop. ' HHs ! Pop. HHs Pop. HHs
Region 6,783,760 2,466,019 7,513,800 2,697,080 8,014,100 2,894,370
Alameda !1,443,741 523,366 1,588,900 526,010 1,669,400 595,400
Dublin I 30,007 9,335 47,500 15,330 57,900 19,260
Source: ABAG Projections 2002
Alameda County's growth is expected to reach a level of 1.67 million over the
next 20 years, making it the second most populous county in the ABAG region
behind Santa Clara County. ABAG notes that the Tri-Valley areas are anticipated
to experience the highest growth rates in Alameda County over the next 20 years.
The Eastern Dublin Specific Plan and General Plan Amendment, adopted in
1994, ant/cipates a buildout population of 17,979 residents within the Project
area.
Project Impacts
a) Induce substantial population growth in an area, either directly or indirectly? NI.
Approval of the proposed project would not increase population growth in the
Eastern Dublin area, since the proposed roadways have been plat[ned by both the
City of Dublin as part of the Eastern Dublin Specific Plan and General Plan
Amendment, as well as Alameda County's East County Area Plan regarding
Tassajara Road. Although the widened roadways would allow for additional
residential and non-residential growth in Eastern Dublin, such growth has been
planned and analyzed as part of previously approved environmental documents,
including but not limited to the Eastern Dublin EIR. No impacts are therefore
anticipated.
b,c)
Would the project displace substantial numbers of existing housing units or people? LS.
Additional right-of-way would be required to widen both roads. Based on the
ultimate roadway alignment adopted by the City of Dublin, one residential
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dwelling unit would need to be removed to accommodate the proposed widening
of Tassajara Road. One family would need to be displaCed to implement the
proposed project. Purchase of the dwelling the property and, if necessary,
payment of relocation costs by the City of Dublin would reduce this impact to a
less-than-significant level. Alternatively, relocation of the dwelling on the site
would also reduce this impact to a less-than-significant level.
13. Public Services
Environmental Setting
The following provide essential services to the community:
Fire Protection. Fire protection services are provided by the Alameda County
Fire Department, which is the contract fire agency for the City of Dublin. The
Department provides fire suppression, emergency medical response, fire
prevention, education, building inspection services and hazardous material
control.
Police Protection: Police and security protection is provided by the Alameda
County Sheriff, on a contract basis to the City of Dublin, which maintains a
24-hour security patrol throughout the community. Other services provided
include crime prevention, investigation services, youth services and traffic
control.
· Schools. The Dublin Unified School District provides K-12 educational
services to the community.
· Maintenance. Maintenance of streets, roads and other governmental facilities
are the responsibility of the City of Dublin.
Solid Waste: Solid waste service is provided by the Dublin/Livermore
Disposal Company, which provides residential and commercial solid waste
and recycling pick-up.
Project Impacts
a) Fire protection? NI. Approval of the proposed project would have no impact to fire
protection since no habitable structures or improvements would be constructed
that would require Fire Department service. Implementation of the proposed
project would have a benefidal impact with regard to fire service, since improved
access would be provided to this portion of Eastern Dublin.
b)
Police protection? NI. Since no habitable structures or other facilities would be
constructed that would require additional police services, there would be no
impacts with regard to the Police Department.
c)
Schools ? NI. There would be no impact to school service should the proposed
project be approved since no new residential development would occur. Potential
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d)
e)
indirect impacts of establishing the ultimate precise alignment for the two
roadways in terms of inducing additional housing .development has been
addressed in the Eastern Dublin EIR.
Other governmental service, including maintenance of public facilities ? NI. There would
be no impact to maintenance services provided by the City, since the proposed
widened roads would be constructed to City of Dublin standards that would
minimize the need for maintenance for a number of years.
Solid waste generation ? LS. Less-than-significant impacts regarding generation of
solid waste is anticipated since construction of the project would generate
additional quantities of construction debris. In the long-term, no additional solid
waste would be generated, since no habitable facilities would be built.
14. Recreation
Environmental Setting
The nearest City of Dublin community park to the project site is Emerald Park, located
on the southwest corner of Tassajara Road and Gleason Drive, just south of the project
area. Emerald Park consists of approximately 23 acres of land and provides a wide
range of recreation and open space amenities for Dublin residents.
The Eastern Dublin Spedfic Plan and General Plan designates an ll.8-acre
neighborhood park and 2.8-acre neighborhood square on the west side of Tassajara
Creek on the Wallis property. An application has been filed with the City of Dublin to
amend the Eastern Dublin Spedfic Plan and General Plan to provide a 5-acre
neighborhood park on the Wallis property and to delete he neighborhood square land
use designation. This application is currently pending.
Other recreation facilities exist or are planned in or near the project area by the East Bay
Regional Park District. The District presently owns property on the west side of
Tassajara Road in the southerly portion of the project area immediately adjacent to
Tassajara Creek. The District has long-term plans to incorporate this property into a
regional recreational trail that is tentatively planned to nm from the intersection of
Dublin Boulevard and Tassajara Creek on the south along Tassajara Creek and then
along the easterly boundary of Parks RFTA and into Contra Costa County to the north,
Project Impacts
a) Would the project increase the use of existing neighborhood or regional parks? L$.
Approval and construction of the proposed project would not directly increase the
use of nearby City or regional recreational facilities, since it would not include
increasing the local population. Indirectly, widening of Tassajara Road would
increase access potential to park facilities in Eastern Dublin. However, this would
be a less-than-significant impact, since the proposed roadway widening has been
planned as part of the Eastern Dublin Specific Plan and General Plan Amendment.
The inclusion of a planned pedestrian overcrossing structure would allow for safe
access between future residents east of Tassajara Road and future parks that are
planned to be built west of Tassajara Road.
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b)
Does the project include recreational.facilities or require the construction o,f recreationaI
`facilities? NI. Although the provision of additional park land is not required, since
the project would not include habitable structures that would increase the local
population, the proposed ultimate rights-of-way do include a combination
sidewalk/pathway along the sides of the roadways that would expedite pedestrian
access to recreational facilities.
15. Transportation/Traffic
Environmental Setting
Tassajara Road is a major road in this portion of Alameda and Contra Costa County. It
extends north from Pleasanton (where it is called Santa Rita Road), past the 1-580
freeway, through the project site and then north into Contra Costa County, where it
becomes Camino Tassajara. The road has been improved through the project area with
two travel lanes (one north, one south) where it serves rural residential and agricultural
uses. South of the project site, Tassajara Road has been widened to four lanes and serves
newer single-family development, higher density residential complexes and
commercial centers. Tassajara Road has east- and west-bound on- and off-ramps at the
580 freeway.
Fallon Road is induded in the Eastern Dublin General Plan and Spedfic Plan as an east-
west arterial roadway near Tassajara Road that transitions to a north-south road east of
the project area. Fallon Road presently has east-and west-bound ramps at the 1-580
freeway.
The most recent data available from the City of Dublin Public Works Department
indicate that the current Average Daily Trip volumes on Tassajara Road are 14,500
vehicles, which was recorded in February, 2003 on Tassajara Road just north of Gleason
Drive. Future traffic projections along Tassajara Road estimate 44,100 vehicles at
buildout of the Eastern Dublin Specific Plan.
Project Impacts
a) Cause an increase in traffic which is substantial to existing traffic load and street capacity?
NI. This project is being proposed in response to increased development in the
Eastern Dublin and southern Contra Costa County area. It is proposed to carry
additional traffic that would be generated from land uses antidpated in the
Eastern Dublin Spedfic Plan and General Plan and other land use plans adopted
by Contra Costa County. No impacts regarding traffic increases are therefore
anticipated.
b)
Exceed, either individually or cumulatively, a LOS standard established by the County
CMA for designated roads)? NI. Since no vehicular-generating development is
proposed as part of the project there would be no impact to CMA routes.
c)
Change in air traffic patterns? NI. The proposed project would have no impact on air
traffic patterns, since it involves an upgrade to an existing major roadway.
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d)
e)
f)
g)
Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature or incompatible use? LS/M. No
permanent changes are proposed to the street system, other than widening and
installation of related improvements. However, temporary const:mction activities
could partially block existing private driveways along Tassajara Road during
construction periods. This could result in a potentially significant impact due to
disruption of local traffic patterns, especially during peak hour traffic periods, and
inconvenience to local residents.
The following mitigation measure is therefore recommended to reduce this
potential impact to a less-than-significant level:
Mitigation Measure 36. A Traffic Construction Management Plan shall be
prepared by the City of Dublin Public Works Department prior to
commencement of construction, identifying specific methods to be undertaken to
ensure that access to abutting properties is maintained for residents and
emergency veh/cles. The Management Plan shall be reviewed and approved by
the Alameda County Fire Department and Dublin Police Services Department.
Key elements of the Traffic Construction Management Plan shall be incorporated
into project plans and specifications for implementation by the project contractor.
Result in inadequate emergency access? LS/M. Short-term access to abutting
properties may be restricted near project construction zones. Adherence to
Mitigation Measure 11, above, would ensure that access would remain adequate to
emergency service providers.
Inadequate parking capacity? NI. No impacts to existing parking patterns are required
since no development is proposed as part of the project.
Hazards or barriers for pedestrians or bicyclists? LS. Preliminary project plans indicate
that sidewalks would be constructed adjacent to the widened roadways to allow
for access by pedestrians and bicyclists. Proposed construction of a pedestrian
bridge over Tassajara Road would minimize future barriers to pedestrian use
between future residential development east of Tassajara Road and planned City
of Dublin parks west of Tassajara Road. Less-than-significant impacts would
therefore result.
16. Utilities and Service Systems
Environmentai Setting
The project area is served by the following service providers:
· Water supply: Dublin San Ramon Services District (DSRSD) and Zone 7
· Sewage collection and treatment: Dublin San Ramon Services District (DSRSD)
· Storm drainage: City of Dublin (local facilities), Zone 7 (regional facilities)
· Electrical and natural gas power: Pacific Gas and Electric Co.
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· Communications: Southwestern Bell (formerlY Padfic Bell).
Project Impacts
a) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements o//the R WQCB ? NI. The proposed project
involves establishing an ultimate precise alignment for Tassajara Road and a
portion of Fallon Road and would not generate any quantity of wastewater. No
impacts are therefore anticipated.
b)
Require new water or wastewater treatment //acilities or expansion o/existing facilities ? NI.
Since the proposed proiect does not include habitable building space, no new water
or wastewater treatment facilities would be needed to serve the widened road. No
impacts are anticipated.
c)
Require new storm drainage facilities ? LS. New storm drain facilities would be
needed to accommodate incrementally increased quantities of stocmwater runoff
from the widened roadways. New storm drain out/ails are also proposed into
adjacent surface bodies of water. As part of the project and as described in the
Biological Resources section of this Initial Study, the City will obtain necessary
permits from applicable state and federal regulatory agencies. Less-than-significant
impacts would therefore result.
d)
Are sufficient water supplies available? LS. Minor and less-than-significant additional
water supplies are necessary to construct the proposed .roadway widening. Water
supplies would be required for roadway cleaning purposes and for general
construction.
e)
Adequate wastewater capacity to serve the proposed project? LS. See response to "a,"
above.
e, f)
Solid waste disposal? LS. Small quantities of solid waste would be generated by the
implementation of the proposed project, which would be construction debris. This
amount of solid waste is anticipated to be less-than-significant and can be
accommodated in the local sanitary landfill.
g)
Comply with federal, state and local statutes and regulations related to solid waste? NI.
The existing service provider will ensure adherence to federal, state and local solid
waste regulations shOuld the proposed reorganization be approved. No impacts are
antidpated in this regard.
17. Mandatory Findings of Significance
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 community, reduce the
number of or restrict the range, of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate
important examples of the maTor periods of California history or prehistory ? No. The
preceding analysis indicates that the proposed project, with adherence to
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b)
c)
mitigation measures specified in this Initial Study, will not have a significant
adverse impact on overall environmental quality, inclUding biological resources or
cultural resources.
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 the
proposed project involves widening of an existing arterial roadway in the Eastern
Dublin area. The project has been designed to accommodate new growth
consistent with the City's adopted Eastern Dublin Specific Plan and General Plan
Amendment and adopted land use plans adopted by Contra Costa County.
Cumulative effects of constructing the project have been addressed in the Eastern
Dublin EIR, adopted by the City of Dublin in 1994.
Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on
human beings, either directly or indirectly? No. No such impacts have been
discovered in the course of preparing this Initial Study.
City of Dublin
Page 75
Initial StudyfTassajara Road/Fallon Road Ultimate Precise Alignment
March 2004
Initial Study Preparers
Jerry Haag, Urban Planner, project manager
Malcolm Sproul, LSA Associates, biological resources
Jane Maxwell, report graphics
Agencies and Organizations Consulted
The following agencies and orgamzations were contacted in the course of this Initial
Study:
City of Dublin
Melissa Morton, P.E., Public Works Director
Lee Thompson, P.E., Public Works Director (former)
Michael Stella, P.E., Senior Civil Engineer
Mark Lander, P.E., Consulting Engineer
Ray Kuzbari, Senior Traffic Engineer
Jeri Ram, AICP, Planning Manager
Janet Harbin, Senior Planner
Alameda County Planning Department
Shareen Bausnia, Planning Technician
East Bay Regional Park District
Steve Fiala, Trails Specialist
Larry Tong, Plarming Manager
California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC)
Website
References
Dublin General Plan, City of Dublin, Updated through 11 / 5 / 02
Eastern Dublin General Plan, Wallace Roberts & Todd, 1993
Eastern Dublin Sped tic Plan and General Plan Environmental Impact Report,
Wallace Roberts & Todd, 1994
Eastern Dublin Comprehensive Stream Restoration Program, Sycamore
Associates, 1996
Eastern Dublin Scenic Corridor Polities and Standards, David Gates &
Associates, 1996
East County Area Plan, a Portion of the Alameda County Genera/Plan,
Alameda County Planning Department, Amended ~ough November,
2000.
City ot Dublin
Initial Study/Tassajara Road/Fallon Road Ultimate Precise Alignment
Page 76
March 2004
Tassajara Road Widening Biological Resources RepOrt, LSA Associates,
December, 2003
City of Dublin
Initial Study/Tassajara Road/Fallon Road Ultimate Precise Alignment
Page 77
March 2004
List of Mitigation Measu~res
Mitigation Measure 1. Visual impacts of extensive grading shall be reduced by
sensitive engineering design, by using gradual transitions from graded areas to natural
slopes and by revegetation. (Eastern Dublin ErR Mitigation Measure 3.8/4.0)
Mitigation Measure 2. Alterations of existing natural contours shall be minimized.
Grading shall maintain the natural topography as much as possible, Grading beyond
actual development areas shall be for remedial purposes only. (Eastern Dublin ErR
Mitigation Measure 3.8 / 4.1)
Mitigation Measure 3. Graded slopes shall be re -contoured to resemble existing
landforms in the immediate area. Cut and graded slopes shall be revegetated with
native vegetation suitable to hillside environments. (Eastern Dublin EIR Mitigation
Measure 3.8/4.4)
Mitigation Measure 4. The height of cut and fill slopes shall be minimized to the
greatest degree possible. Grades for cut and fill slopes should be 3:1 or less wherever
feasible. (Eastern Dublin ErR Mitigation Measure 3.8/4.5)
Mitigation Measure 5. Street lights installed as part of the road widening plan shall be
equipped with cut-off lenses to prevent spill over of light beyond the roadway. Lighting
levels shall be limited to the minimum level of illumination.needs for safety purposes.
Mitigation Measure 6. Future precise road improvement plans and specifications shall
include comprehensive dust control measures for all construction projects, including
but not limited to watering of construction sites, daily clean up of dust and mud,
revegetation of graded areas and similar steps. (EDSP EIR Mitigation Measure 3.11 / 1.0)
Mitigation Measures 7. Future predse road improvement plans and spedfications shall
include scheduling of construction of activities during non-peak traffic times,
installation of emission controls on construction vehicles and similar steps. (EDSP.EIR
Mitigation Measures 3.11/2.0-4.0)
Mitigation Measure 8. Pre-construction surveys to determine if western burrowing
owl, are present within the area of disturbance of the road widening should be
conducted by a qualified biologist no more than 30 days prior to the initiation of any
construction related activities.
If burrowing owls are observed on or near the project site during these surveys, the
project will implement an exclusion zone around the nest location, Exclusion-zones
should be 160 feet during the non-breeding season of September 1-January 31. Passive
relocation of owls that includes the placement of one-way doors over burrow entrances,
allowing owls to exit but not return, may be used at that time. During the breeding
season of February 1-August 31, exclusion zones should be at least 250 feet from
occupied burrows. All project related activity will occur outside of the exclusion area
until the young have fledged (California Department of Fish and Game, 1995). If owls
are detected breeding within the construction zone, 6.5 acres of burrowing owl habitat
City of Dublin
Initial Study/'l'assajara Road/Fallon Road Ultimate Precise Alignment
Page 78
March 2004
shall be preserved for each active nest detected. The location-of the preserved habitat
shall be determined in consultation with the CDFG. To the fullest extent possible,
mitigation areas shall be located on the adjoining property where owl habitat is
identified.
Mitigation Measure 9. Surveys to determine if California tiger salamander are present
within the area of disturbance of the road widening should be conducted by a qualified
biologist. These surveys should be conducted in accordance with the protocols outlined
by the CDFG.
If California tiger salamanders are determined to be present, the project will implement
a salvage program. The salvage program will include placement of fencing to prevent
movement of salamanders into the project site and trapping in the project area to
capture salamanders for relocation to off-site locations. The project shall preserve
California tiger salamander habitat at a 1:1 (mitigation area: impact area) replacement
ratio. All preserved acreage must be protected in perpetuity by designation as
permanent open space with a conservation easement placed over it. The location of the
preserved habitat will require the approval of the CDFG. CDFG approved mitigation
habitat must be secured prior to construction of the bridge. To the fullest extent
possible, mitigation areas shall be located on the adjoining property where tiger
salamander habitat is identified.
Mitigation Measure 10. Preconstruction surveys for the presence of San Joaquin kit fox
shall be completed as required by the Eastern Dublin Specific Plan EIR. If San Joaquin
kit fox are observed on or near the project site during these surveys, consultation with
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will be initiated and the project will incorporate the
Terms and Conditions contained in the Biological Opinion. Mitigation Measures
3.7/18.0 through 19.0 as set forth in the Eastern Dubhn ErR shall also be implemented.
Mitigation Measure 11. Measures shall be implemented to ensure California red-legged
frogs and western pond turtle are not present within the disturbance area during
development. Any project related work in or along the tributaries shall be restricted to
the period when these features are dry (usually from mid-summer through October). A
USFWS and CDFG approved biologist shall conduct pre-construction surveys to
determine if California red-legged frog or western pond turtle are present within this
area within three days prior to any construction activities. If any red-legged flogs are
found, the biologist shall contact the USFWS to determine if moving them is
appropriate. Immediately following the preconstruction survey, ali portions of the
project site proposed for grading shall be separated from open space areas by fencing
appropriate to prevent California red-legged frogs and western pond turtle from
entering the development area. A second survey shall be conducted within the fenced
area no earlier than 24 hours before the onset of activities to ensure no California red-
legged frogs or pond turtles are entrapped in the construction area by the fence. Any
western pond turtles found within this area will be captured and relocated
downstream. If relocation of red-legged frogs is allowed by the USFWS, any California
red-legged frogs captured will be relocated downstream.
Mitigation Measure 12. All trees within the construction zone which will need to be
removed for road widening should be cut during the non-nesting season (August 1 to
City of Dublin
Initial Study/Tassajara Road/Fallon Road Ultimate Precise Alignment
Page 79
March 2004
January 30) in the year prior to when road widening is expected to occur. If tree
removal cannot occur as outlined above and must take place when road widening
occurs then pre-construction surveys for active nests will be required.
Surveys to determine the presence of raptor nests should be conducted by a qualified
biologist no more than 30 days prior to the initiation of any construction related
activities. If raptors are observed nesting on or near the project site during these
surveys, exclusion zones will be established around all active nests. The project will
consult with CDFG to determine the size of the exclusion zone, usUally 100-300 feet,
around the nest location. All project related activity will occur outside of the exclusion
area until the young in the nest have fledge&
Mitigation Measure 14. The project will determine the size of the two populations and
preserve habitat that supports a known population of Congdon's tarplant at an acreage
ratio of 1:1 (preserved: impacted).
Mitigation Measure 15.
a) Prior to initiation of work in the northern tributary a Creek Restoration Plan will
be prepared which spedfies how the disturbed reach of the stream will be placed
in a stable condition and its banks revegetated with riparian spedes native to this
tributary or Tassajara Creek. This plan will require the review and approval of
the Corps, DFG and RWQCB.
c) Individual grade control structures will have vertical, drops of no more than two
feet or cascade drops of no more than three feet at any spedfic location to allow
for unimpeded movement of aquatic species.
c) AH potentially jurisdictional areas located adjacent to the project area will be
avoided during construction and no fill will be allowed to enter these areas.
Exclusion renting (construction or silt fencing) will be installed at the boundary
between these features and the active project area to protect them and to delimit
the boundary of construction and heavy equipment activity. A biological
monitor shall oversee the installation of the fencing and periodically monitor the
development sites to document avoidance of the off-site areas. The monitor will
provide a report to the City and other agendes docUmenting the avoidance
during construction.
d) During project construction, no material shall be allowed to enter, or be stored in,
any off-site potentially jurisdictional areas. Project related dirt and other material
shall be kept at least 50 feet far away from off-site drainage features. All
equipment washing will occur downslope from off-site drainage features.
Mitigation Measure 16. Final roadway construction plan(s) and specifications shall
require mechanical or hand subsurface testing on all locations of prehistoric resources
to determine the presence or absence of midden deposits. (Eastern Dublin EIR
Mitigation Measure 3.9/1.0)
Mitigation Measure 17. Final roadway construction plan(s) and specifications shall
requires all locations containing either midden components or concentrations of
cultural materials on the surface to be recorded on State of California survey forms.
(Eastern Dublin EIR Mitigation Measure 3.9/2.0.)
City of Dublin
Initial Study/Tassajara Road/Fallon Road Ultimate Precise Alignment
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March 2004
Mitigation Measure 18. Final roadway construction plan(s) and specifications shall
require evaluative testing if proposed development would directly or indirectly impact
recorded and mapped location of resources. (Eastern Dublin EIR Mitigation Measure
3.9/3.0)
Mitigation Measure 19. Final roadway construction plan(s) and specifications shall
require a qualified archeologist to develop protection programs for significant
resources whose conditions would be altered by proposed development. (Eastern
Dublin EIR Mitigation Measure 3.9/4.0)
Mitigation Measure 20. Final roadway construction plan(s) and specifications shall
require grading and construction to cease in the event that historic or prehistoric
resources are discovered during such activities. (Eastern Dublin EIR Mitigation
Measure 3.9/5.0)
Mitigation Measure 21. Setbacks shall be established from unstable and potentially
unstable landforms as well as use of appropriate project engineering design techniques
to ensure safety. (Eastern Dublin EIR Mitigation Measure 3.6/2.0)
Mitigation Measure 22. Appropriate grading and design shall be used to completely
remove unstable and potentially unstable materials in hillside development areas.
(Eastern Dublin Mitigation Measure 3.6/3.0)
Mitigation Measure 23. Engineering techniques and improvements, such as retention
structures, drainage improvements, pr.operly designed keyways and ad,equate -1
compaction shall be used to improve the stability of fill areas and to rectuce seismica_t y
induced fill settlement. (Eastern Dublin EIR Mitigation Measure 3.6/4.0 and 5.0)
Mitigation Measure 24. Roads, structural foundations, utilities shall be designed in
such a manner as to accommodate estimated settlement without failure, especially
across areas of cut and fill. (Eastern Dublin Mitigation Measure 3.6 / 6.0)
Mitigation Measure 25. Grading activities shall be timed to avoid the rainy season as
much as possible and that interim erosion control measures be taken to control runoff
and minimize erosion. (Eastern Dublin EIR Mitigation Measure 3.6 / 27.0)
Mitigation Measure 26. Long-term erosion and sedimentation shall be reduced
through appropriate design, construction and continued maintenance of surface and
subsurface drainage. Future road improvement plan(s) and specifications for this
project incorporate erosion control plans for all aspects of the project that would
involve trenching, excavation or stockpiling of dirt. The plan(s) shall be prepared by a
registered civil engineer and be consistent with applicable City of Dublin and Regional
Water Quality Control Board guidelines and standards. (Eastern Dublin EIR Mitigation
Measure 3.6 / 28.0)
Mitigation Measure 27. A design-level geotechnical investigation shall be prepared to
characterize site-specific sods and bedrock conditions and to formulate spedfic design
criteria for development projects. (Eastern Dublin EIR Mitigation Measure 3.6/14.0)
Page 81
City of Dublin
Initial: Study/Tassajara Road/Fallon Road Ultimate Precise Alignment
March 2004
Mitigation Measure 28. Specific measures shall be included in future specific roadway
plan(s) and specifications to control moisture in the soil to reduce impacts from
expansion soil and rock. (Eastern Dublin EIR Mitigation Measure 3.6/15.0)
Mitigation Measure 29. Appropriate foundation and pavement design shall be
employed, based on a site-specific geotechnical study, for new structures to minimize
effects of expansive soil and rock. (Eastern Dublin EIR Mitigation Measure 3.6 / 16.0)
Mitigation Measure 30. The proposed project shall incorporate Best Management
Practices to minimize stormwater pollution. (Eastern Dublin EIR Mitigation Measure
3.5 / 53.0)
Mitigation Measure 31. The proposed project shall meet all water quality standards set
forth in the City's NPDES Permit. (Eastern Dublin EIR Mitigation Measure 3.6/54.0)
Mitigation Measure 32. The proposed project shall meet water quality standards
imposed under the Alameda County Clean Water Program. (Eastern Dublin EIR
Mitigation Measure 3.6/55.0)
Mitigation Measure 33. Storm drain outfall structures installed as part of the proposed
project shall be equipped with storm drain filters as approved by the Dublin Public
Works Department.
Mitigation Measure 34. Construction Management Plan(s)-shall be fried with the City
of Dublin Public Works Department prior to commencement of any construction. The
Plan(s) shall identify specific measures to be taken to minimize short-term noise on
local resident, including but not limited to limitations on hours of operation for
construction, including unloading of material, equipment warm up and tune-up times,
and a requirement that all gasoline-powered equipment be equipped with mufflers.
(Eastern Dublin EIR Mitigation Measure 3.10/4.0)
Mitigation Measure 35. Requires compliance with local noise standards relating to
constamction activities, induding limitation on hours of construction operation.
(Eastern Dublin EIR Mitigation Measure 3.10/5.0)
Mitigation Measure 36. A Traffic Construction Management Plan shall be prepared by
the City of Dublin Public Works Department prior to commencement of construction,
identifying specific methods to be undertaken to ensure that access to abutting
properties is maintained for residents and emergency vehicles. The Management Plan
shall be reviewed and approved by the Alameda County Fire Department and Dublin
Police Services Department. Key elements of the Traffic Construction Management
Plan shall be incorporated into project plans and specifications for implementation by
the project contractor.
City of Dublin
Initial Study/Tassajara Road/Fallon Road Ultimate Precise Alignment
Page 82
March 2004
LSA Report
City of Dublin
Initial Study/Tassajara Road/Fallon Road Ultimate Precise Alignment
Page 83
March 2004
LSA ASSOGIATES, lNG. TASSAJARA ROAD WIDENING
I. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
This section of the report presents information on biological resources found on and in the Project
vicinity. The setting section of this chapter describes the habitats and biological resources on the site.
Information in this section is used to evaluate the potential impacts of the Project with respect to the
significance criteria set forth in the Impacts and Mitigations section.
1. Methods
Prior to conducting field work, LSA biologists searched the California Natural Diversity Data Base
(CNDDB) (CDFG 2001) and the CNPS Electronic Inventory (2001) to locate records of special status
species and sensitive communities/habitats in the general region of East Dublin. Using information
from these sources and the biologist's knowledge of plants and wildlife in the Livermore/Amador
Valley, lists of potentially occurring special status species and sensitive habitats were developed.
LSA biologist David Muth visited the Tassajara Road widening project area on September 25, 2002.
LSA botanists Eva Buxton and Greg Gallaugher visited the site on November 19, 2002. All three
walked the entire activity area mapping habitats and searcking for sensitive plant communities/habitats
and evidence of special status species or habitats that could support such species. Plants and animals
observed during the survey were recorded in field notes.
2. Regulatory Context
Federal Endangered Species Act. The federal Endangered Species Act (FESA) protects listed species
from harm or "take" which is broadly defined as to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap,
capture, collect, or attempt to engage in any such conduct. Take can also include habitat modification
or degradation that results in death or injury to a listed species. An activity can be defined as "take"
even if it is unintentional or accidental. Listed plant species are provided less protection than listed
wildlife species. Listed plant species are legally protected from take under FESA if they occur on
federal lands or if the project requires a federal action, such as a wetland fill perm/t.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has jurisdiction over federally-listed threatened and
endangered species under the FESA. The USFWS als0 maintains lists of'proposed' and candidate
species that are not legally protected under the FESA, but which may become listed in the near future
and are often included in their review of a project.
California Endangered Species Act. The California Endangered Species Act (CESA) prohibits the
take of any plant or animal listed or proposed for listing as rare (plants only), threatened, or
endangered. In accordance with the CESA, California Deparmaent offish and Game (CDFG) has
jurisdiction over state-listed species (California Fish and Game Code 2070), Additionally, the CDFG
maintains lists of"species of special concern" that are defined as species that appear to be vulnerable
to extinction because of declining populations, limited ranges, and/or continuing threats.
California Environmental Quality Act. Section 15380('0) of the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) Guidelines provides that a species not listed on the federal or state lists of protected species
may be considered rare or endangered if the species can be shown to meet certain specified criteria.
These criteria have been modeled after the definitions in FESA and CESA and the section of the
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LSA ASSOCIATES, INC, TASSAJARA ROAD WIDENING EIR
FEBRUARY 2004 IV, SETTING. IMPAGTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
I. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
California Fish and Game Code dealing with rare or endangered plar~ts or animals. This section was
included in the guidelines primarily to deal with situations in which a public agency is reviewing a
project that may have a significant effect on a species that has not yet been listed by either the USFWS
or CDFG.
Clean l~ater Act. Under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
(Corps) is responsible for regulating the discharge of fill material into waters of the United States.
Waters of the U.S. and their lateral limits are defined in 33 CFR Part 328.3 (a) and include streams
that are tributary to navigable waters and their adjacent wetlands. Wetlands that are not adjacent to
waters of the U.S. are termed "isolated wetlands" and, depending on the circumstances, may also be
subj eot to Corps jurisdiction.
In general, a Corps permit must be obtained before placing fill in wetlands or other waters of the U.S.
The type of permit depends on the acreage involved and the purpose of the proposed fill. Minor
amounts of fill can be covered by a Nationwide Permit. An Individual Permit is required for projects
that result in more than a "minimal" impact on jurisdictional areas. Individual Permits require
evidence that jurisdictional fill has been avoided to the extent possible and a review of the project by
the public.
California Water Quality and Waterbody Regulatory Programs. Pursuant to Section 401 of the
federal Clean Water Act, projects that are regulated by the Corps must obtain water quality
certification from the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB). This certification ensures
that the project will uphold state water quality standards. The RWQCB may impose mitigation
requirements even if the Corps does not.
The CDFG exerts jurisdiction over the bed and banks of watercourses and waterbodies according to
provisions of Section 1601 to 1603 of the Fish and Game Code. The Fish and Game Code requires a
Streambed Alteration Permit for the fill or removal of material within the bed and banks of a
watercourse or waterbody.
Other Statutes, Codes, and Policies. The federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C., Sec. 703,
Supp. I, 1989) prohibits killing, possessing, or trading in migratory birds except in accordance with
regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Interior. This act encompasses whole birds, parts of
birds, and bird nests and eggs. Most native bird species on the project site are covered by this Act.
The California Native Plant Society (CNPS), a non-governmental conservation organization, has
developed lists of special status plant species of concern in California (Tibor 200 I). Vascular plants
included on these lists are defined as follows:
List lA
List lB
List 2
List 3
LiSt 4
Plants considered extinct.
Plants rare, threatened, or endangered in California and elsewhere.
Plants rare, threatened, or endangered in California but more common
elsewhere.
Plants about which more information is needed - review list.
Plants of limited distribution - watch list.
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LSA ASSOCIATES, INC. TASSAJARA ROAD WIDENING ErR
Although the CNPS is not a regulatory agency and plants on these lists have no formal regulatory
protection, plants appearing on List lB or List 2 are, in general, considered to meet CEQA's Section
15380 criteria and adverse effects to these species are considered "significant".
a. Existing Conditions. Large portions of the Tassajara Road widening project site were graded
over 30 years ago for the existing Tassajara Road roadway. Grading included removing material from
high ground areas to lower them and the placement of fill in low areas fonmng a relatively level strip
of roadway that was paved to a width of approximately 25 feet. Tassajara Road is a well traveled,
heavily used road connecting developed portions of southern Contra Costa County to Interstate 580.
The port'ions of the right-of-way that are graded, but not paved, as well as the adjacent ungraded
portions of the site, have been heavily disturbed by road construction and maintenance, livestock
grazing, and the placement of spoils material. These undeveloped areas support, for the most part,
ruderal and non-native grassland plant species.
(1) Vegetation and Habitats. Vegetation in the portions of the road widening area that have not
previously been disturbed is best described as a mix ofruderal and non-native grassland. Two
tributaries to Tassajara Creek cross the road widening project area and contain vegetation best
described as riparian.
Non-native grassland and ruderal plant communities. The project site passes through several
privately held parcels of land, each showing varying degrees of disturbance. Most of the lands on
these parcels have been fenced to contain livestock. The fencing is in various stages of decay,
removal, or replacement. Grazing intensity varies from heavy to hght. The historic grazing on these
lands has fostered the removal of native grasses and forbs that have been replaced by introduced
annual grasses and introduced annual forbs. The majority of the undeveloped portions of the project
area are dominated by introduced annual grass species including wild oats (Arena si)), ripgut brome
(Bromus diandrus), and foxtail barley (Hordeum murinum). A number ofruderal introduced weed
species, such as yellow-star thistle (Centaurea solstitialis), Russian thistle (Salsola tragus) and
bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis), are also present in this vegetation type. The proportion ofruderal
plants to non-native grasses in the activity area appeared to be 50/50.
Along both sides of the existing roadbed area, there is a small strip of land located between the paved
roadway and the fenced private lands. This strip was originally disturbed during road grading and
includes'areas that were cut or filled to level the roadway. This strip appears to be fallow although
there was evidence that it is occasionally sprayed to conlrol weeds. The original and continued
disturbance, combined with the exclusion of livestock, has again favored weedy species of non-native
grasses and ruderal vegetation. Tall ruderal species such as Italian thistle (Carduus pycnocephalus)
and black mustard (Brassica nigra) dominated the vegetation in this strip. The lack of grazing has also
permitted several trees such as valley oak (Quercus lobata) and almond (Prunus dulcis) to establish.
One portion of private land in the project area on the west side of Tassajara Road has been used to
stockpile spoils material. The elevation of this site has been raised two to four feet and the spoils
material has covered the original vegetation growing on the site. Ruderal plant species similar to those
mentioned above dominate this site.
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LgA ASSOCIATES, INC.
FEBRUARY ~00~
TA$$AJARA ROAD WIDENING EIR
IV, SETTING, IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
I. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
Riparian. Two tributaries to Tassajara Creek cross the project site. The northern most tributary is
located approximately a quarter of a mile south of the Conlra Costa/Alameda county line. The
upstream portion of this tributary, east of Tassajara Road, has been slightly downcut so that the banks
are steeply rounded and approximately 10 feet high. Valley oaks and willows (Salix sp.) grow along
the banks and at the edge of the channel, which was dry at the time of the site visit. The tributary
enters a culvert to cross under Tassajara Road. The portion of the Iributary downstream of (to the west
of) the road has been severely eroded and has become deeply incised. Banks in this area are very steep
extending 20 to 30 feet above the channel bottom. A few small willows were observed growing
around a small earthen pool in the channel bottom, otherwise the banks are largely barren.
The southern most tributary was also dry, but densely vegetated with r/parian tree species. Trees
observed included numerous valley oak, willows, and cottonwood (PopulUsfremontii). The tributary
passes under Tassajara Road in a culvert.
(2) Wildlife Values. Wildlife associated with the Tassajara Road Widening project site are
species such as ground squirrel (Spermophilus beecheyi), black-tailed hare (Lepus californicus) and
morning dove (Zenaida rnacroura) adapted to dry grassland conditions and generalist species such as
Brewer's blackbird (Euphagus cyanocephalus), coyote (Canis latrans), western fence lizard
(Sceloporus occidentalis), and racoon (Procyon lotor), that can use a variety of habitat types including
disturbed grassland and mderal areas.
A nest typical of those constructed by a small raptor was observed in one of the valley oaks along the
ex/sting roadway. No other stick nests were observed. Several raptor species are likely to perch in the
on-site or adjacent trees. A red-tailed hawk (Buteojamaicensis) nest is present just outside the project
area to the west in a eucalyptus. Many species ofraptor forage over the site.
Aquatic and semi-aquatic species such as mosquito fish (Garnbusia affinis), California roach (Lavinia
symrnetricus), and western pond turtle (Clemrnys marmorata), are likely to occur in and along the
tributaries to Tassajara Creek when and where water is present. Many species will use riparian
corridors as movement corridors.
(3) Sensitive Habitats. The CNDDB reports seven sensitive habitats in the general
Dublin/Livennore area; alkali meadow, alkali seep, cis-montane alkali marsh, sycamore alluvial
woodland, valley needlegrass grassland, and valley sink scrub. None of these sensitive habitats occur
within the Tassajara Road widening area. The parcel of land located west of Tassajara Road and
immediately north of the southern most tributary (Wallis Ranch) may support plants similar to those in
alkali meadows. The portions of the parcel in the project site do not meet the criteria for this
vegetation type. None of the other habitats have been reported from or were observed nearby.
The two tributaries to Tassajara Creek that cross the project area appear to meet the definition of
jurisdictional waters of the United States. No other potential waters or wetlands were observed on the
project site. The approximate jurisdictional area is 9,000 square feet (0.21 acres), all of which is
located in the two tributaries.
(4) Special Status Species. For the purpose of this EIR, special status species are defined as
follows:
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LSA ASSOCIATES. INC. TASSAJARA ROAD ~WIDENII'IO EIR
FEBRUARY 2001 IV. SETTING. IMPACTS AND MITIOATION MEASURES
I. BiOLOOICAL RESOURCES
· Species that are listed, formally proposed, or designated as candidates for listing as threatened or
endangered under the Federal Endangered Species Act.
· Species that are listed, or designated as candidates for listing, as rare, threatened, or endangered
under the California Endangered Species Act.
· Plant species on List IA, List lB, and List 2 in the California Native Plant Society's (CNPS)
Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of California (Tibor, 2001).
· Wildlife species listed by the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) as species of
special concern, or as protected or fully protected species.
° Species that meet the definition of rare, threatened, or endangered under the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). (Under Section 15380 of the CEQA Guidelines, a species
not included on any formal list "shall nevertheless be considered to be endangered, rare or
threatened if the species can be shown to meet the criteria for listing.")
· Considered to be a taxon of special concern by local agencies.
Plant Species. Table A presents a list of nineteen special-status plant species considered
potentially occurring in the Livermore/Amador Valley vicinity. Fifteen of the species on this list were
eliminated from consideration because the necessary habitats that support them were absent from the
project area (Tibor, 2000). Possible habitat for caper-fruited tropidocarpum is present. However, the
extent of habitat disturbance on the project site, and the fact that this species is considered extinct,
make its presence so unlikely that it has also been eliminated from consideration.
Habitats in the Tassajara Road widening project site are suitable for big tarplant, San Joaquin
spearscale, and Congdon's tarplant. The mderal/non-native grassland located in the undeveloped
portions of the site would be considered marginal habitat for these three species. These species were
identifiable at the time of the surveys and big tarplant and San Joaquin spearscale were not observed.
These two species should be considered unlikely to occur on the site. Congdon's tarplant was
observed on the site in a heavily grazed field on the west side of Tassajara Road, just north of the
southmost tributary to Tassajara Creek (Walhs Ranch). Several additional populations were
observed in the same field outside of the project area. A small number ofCongdon's tarptants (5 or 6)
were also observed on the east side of the project at the Silvera Ranch Property.
Wildlife Species. Table B presents a list of nineteen special-status wildlife species considered to
potentially occur in the Livermore/Amador Valley. Twelve of the species on the list were eliminated
from consideration because suitable habitat for them is not present on the site. California homed lark
was considered but eliminated as well. California homed lark will nest in short-grass grasslands
similar to those present within the road widening project area, but prefer undisturbed sites with greater
mounts of suitable habitat present. The project site grasslands are located within several yards of
Tassajara Road and California homed larks are also unlikely to nest this close to the road.
California tiger salamanders live in rodent burrows or other retreat sites located in grassland habitats.
They breed in seasonal ponds and vernal pools. The grasslands within the project boundaries
represents suitable habitat for adult California tiger salamanders and burrows suitable for use by this
species were observed in several locations along the project alignment. The species is known to breed
\XRIC06XPROJ',CDU 730\TassRdWidening~4i-BIO2.doc (02/06/04)
LSA ASSOCIATES, INC. TASSAJARA ROAD WIDENING EIR
FEBRUARY 2004 IV. SETTING, IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
I; BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
in ponds m this area of East Dublin. Catifomia tiger salamander may live m burrows located in the
grasslands along the road corridor or cross the project site while migrating.
California red-legged frog and western pond turtle occur in creek habitats similar to those present in
the thbutaries to Tassajara Creek. Both species have been observed in Tassajara Creek immediately
west of the road corridor and California red-legged frog has been reported from upsl~eam locations irt
both of the two tributaries that cross the project site. The presence of the roadway, and its associated
traffic, within the project right of way severely reduces the suitability of the upland communities as
potential upland habitat or migration corridors for these two species. California red-legged frog and
western pond turtle are likely to use or occupy the sections of the tributaries to Tassajara Creek within
the Tassajara Road Widening project site.
San Francisco dusky-footed woodrats build stick nests in scrub and forest communities hucludmg
riparian forests. The dense riparian vegetation located along the southern tributary to Tassajara Creek
appears suitable for the San Francisco dusky-footed woo&at. No woo&at nests were observed in the
southern tributary riparian vegetation during our site visits. The species is unlikely to be effected by
the Tassajara Road Widening project.
Suitable nesting habitat is present for white-tailed kite and other nesting raptors. One nest typical of
those constructed by smaller sized raptors, such as a kite, was observed in one of the taller trees along
the existing roadway. White-tailed kite or other species ofraptor could nest within the project area.
Western burrowing owls forage in grassland and ruderal habitats like those along the road widening
project area. This species occupies ground squirrel burrows in these habitats. Numerous ground
squirrel burrows suitable for use by burrowing owl were observed within the road comdor. These
burrows provide suitable habitat for burrowing owl and the presence of this species cannot be ruled
out.
Bats including pallid bat and Townsend's big-eared bat are known to roost under bridges and culverts.
The slructure associated with the culvert over the southern Wibutary to Tassajara Creek may provide
suitable habitat for colonies of roosting bats.
Several surveys for San Joaquin kit fox have been conducted in the project area. No kit fox or sign of
kit fox presence has been detected during these surveys and there are no verified incidental
observations of kit fox from the East Dublin area. The likelihood of their presence within the road
comdor is very low. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service considers the location of the road corridor to
be suitable kit fox habitat and potentially occupied by the species.
2. Impacts And Mitigation Measures
a. Criteria for Significance. The proposed project would have a significant knpact on biological
resources if it would:
· Substantially diminish habitat for fish, wildlife, or plants or threaten to eliminate a plant or animal
community;
\kRIC06XPROACDU 730\TassRdWidening~4i-BIO2.doc (02/06/04)
· Substantially affect a rare, threatened, or endangered plant or animal species (including those
species that meet the definition of rare and endangered according to CEQA), or the habitat of such
species;
· Interfere substantially with the movement of any resident or migratory fish or wildlife species;
· Cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining levels; or
· Create runoffthat significantly impact wildlife habitat.
b. Impacts and Mitigation Measures. This section describes potential impacts to biological
resources that occur or are likely to occur within the Tassajara Road widening project area. This
section also includes the measures necessary to reduce significant impacts to biological resources to a
less-than-significant level.
(1) Less-than-Significant Biological Resource Impacts. The proposed widening of Tassajara
Road will result in loss of about 10.5 acres of non-native ruderal and grassland plant communities.
These communities occur on the site as the result of historical disturbance and livestock grazing that
allowed introduced non-native plants to colonize and displace the native plant species that existed
here. These non-native habitats are presently common throughout the State of California. The loss of
non-native grassland as a community in the East Dublin area would not be considered significant.
(2) Significant Biological Resource Impacts. The Tassajara Road Widening project could result
in significant impacts to 9000 square feet of waters of~e US, populations ofCongdon's tarplant,
California tiger salamander, California red-legged frog, western pond turtle, roosting bats, burrowing
owl, and raptors nesting in trees on and adjacent to the project site. These potential impacts will
requ/re mitigation to reduce their level to insignificant.
Impact BIO-l: Construction of the northern tributary bridge and removal of the existing culvert
at this location will require realignment or disturbance of an approximately 700 foot reach of
this stream and the installation of a series of stabilized drops in the' stream channel. The
existing culvert has an approximately 10 foot vertical drop at its downstream end which will
need to be replaced by smaller changes in stream elevation over a longer section of stream
channel to allow for unimpeded movement of terrestrial and aquatic wildlife. Segments of
existing stream bank within this 700 foot reach which are not realigned will be graded to a
stable slope angle from their near vertical condition. This work will result in the removal of all
riparian vegetation growing within and along this reach of the northern tributary and the
temporary dislocation of all wildlife species associated with it.
The proposed stream realignment and installation of grade control structures associated with
culvert removal and bridge construction in the nOrthern tributary would be a potentially '
significant impact. This work will be subject to the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers (Corps), California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) and Regional Water
Quality Control Board (RWQCB) and permits from ali of these agencies will be required for
this work.
Mitigation Measure BIO-la: Prior to initiation of work in the northern and southern tributaries a
Creek Restoration Plan will be prepared which specifies how the disturbed reach of these streams
w/Il be placed in a stable condition and their banks revegetated with ripman species native to this
-/
\~RiC06X, PROJXCDU 730\TassRdWidening\4i-BIO2.doc (02/06/04)
LSA ASSOCIATES. INC. TASSAJARA ROAD WIDENING EIR
FEBRUARY 2004 IV, SETTING, IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
I. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
tributary or Tassajara Creek. This plan will require the review and approval of the Corps, DFG
and RWQCB.
Mitigation Measure BIO-lb: Individual grade control structures will have vertical drops of no
more than two feet or cascade drops of no more than three feet at any specific location to allow for
unimpeded movement of aquatic species.
Mitigation Measure BIO-lc: All potentially jurisdictional areas located adjacent to the project
area will be avoided during construction and no fill will be allowed to enter these areas. Exclusion
fencing (construction or silt fencing) will be installed at the boundary between these features and
the active project area to protect them and to delimit the boundary of construction and heavy
equipment activity. A biological monitor shall oversee the installation of the fencing and
periodically monitor the development sites to document avoidance of the off-site areas. The
monitor will provide a report to the City and other agencies documenting the avoidance during
construction.
Mitigation Measure BIO-Id: During project construction, no material shall be allowed to enter, or
be stored in, any off-site potentially jurisdictional areas. Project related dirt and other material
shall be kept at least 50 feet far away from off-site drainage features. All equipment washing will
occur downslope from off-site drainage features. (LTS)
Impact BIO-2: Construction of the southern tributary bridge and removal of the existing culvert
would require removal of riparian vegetation along an approximately 48 foot reach of this
stream. Native trees found at this location consist of coast live oak, valley Oak, and arroyo
willow. Construction of the bridge precludes tree reestablishment but does provide the
opportunity for herbaceous or shrub vegetation to become established, primarily at the
upstream and downstream ends of the structure. When complete installation of the bridge will
allow unimpeded movement up and down the stream corridor by terrestrial and aquatic
wildlife.
This work will be subject to the jurisdiction of the Corps, DFG, and RWQCB and permits from
all of these agencies will be required for this work.
Implement Mitigation Measures BIO-la to Bio-Id.
Impact BIO-3: The road alignment encroaches on the upper bank of a portion of a cutoff oxbow
bend in the creek channel. The project proposes to install a 160 foot long retaining wall with a
maximum height of approximately twelve feet at this location to prevent the need to f'ffi a
portion of the oxbow which is a jurisdictional feature. All existing riparian vegetation and this
portion of the natural channel bank will be removed at the location of the wall.
Construction of the retaining wall is subject to the jurisdiction of the California Department of
Fish and Game (DFG) and a Streambed Alteration Agreement will need to be obtained from
DFG for its construction. As the retaining wall is a mitigation feature of the project designed to
minimize lOss of riparian habitat and jurisdictional area no additional mitigation beyond
conforming with Measures BIO-la to BIO-ld is necessary for its construction,
\~IC06'~PROJ~CDU730~Ta~sRdWideningX4i-BIO2.doc (02/06/04)
LSA ASSOCIATES. INC. TASSAJARA ROAD WIDENING
FEBRUARY 2004 IV, SETTING, IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
I. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
Impact BIO-4: The project will result in the removal of approximately 10.5 acres of grassland
habitat for western burrowing owl and California tiger salamander. Construction activity
could result in the removal or disturbance of occupied burrows.
Mitigation Measure BIO-4a: Pre-construction surveys to determine if western burrowing owl, are
present within the area of disturbance of the road widening should be conducted by a qualified
biologist no more than 30 days prior to the initiation of any construction related activities.
If burrowing owls are observed on or near the project site during these surveys, the project will
implement an exclusion zone around the location of all occupied burrows. Exclusion zones should
be 160 feet during the non-breeding season of September 1-January 31. Passive relocation of owls
that includes the placement of one way doors over burrow entrances, allowing owls to exit but not
return, may be used at that time. During the breeding season of February 1-August 31, exclusion
zones should be at least 250 feet from occupied burrows. All project related activity will occur
outside of the exclusion area until the young have fledged (California Department offish and
Game, 1995). If owls are detected breeding within the construction zone, 6.5 acres of burrowing
owl habitat will be preserved for each active nest detected. The location of the preserved habitat
will be determined in consultation with the CDFG.
Mitigation Measure BIO-4b: Surveys to determine if California tiger salamander are present
within the area of disturbance of the road widening should be conducted by a qualified biologist.
These surveys should be conducted in accordance with the protocols outlined by the CDFG
(CDFG, 1997).
If California tiger salamanders are determined to be present on the project site, the project will
implement the following. A salvage program will include placement of fencing to prevent
movement of salamanders into the project site and trapping in the Project area to capture
salamanders for relocation to off-site locations. The project shall preserve California tiger
salamander habitat at a 1:1 (mitigation area: impact area) replacement ratio. All preserved acreage
must be protected in perpetuity by designation as permanent open space with a conservation
easement placed over it. The location of the preserved habitat will require the approval of the
CDFG. CDFG approved mitigation habitat must be secured prior to road widening.
Mitigation Measure Bio-4c: If San Joaquin kit fox are observed on or near the project site during
these surveys, consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will be initiated and the project
will incorporate the Terms and Conditions contained in the Biological Opinion.
Impact BIO-5: Culvert removal and bridge construction could result in the removal or
disturbance of California red-legged frog and western pond turtle living within the construction
area. These impacts will require the Corps of Engineers to enter into a Section 7 Endangered
Species Act consultation with the USFWS as part of the Corps permit process.
\xRIC06~PROJ~CDU730\TassRdWidening~4i-BIO2.doc (02/06/04)
9
TASSAJA~A ROAD WIDENING
LSA ASSOCIATES, INC. IV, SETTING, IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
FEBRUARY ~0o~, I. BIOLOOICAL RESOURCES
Miff Ration Measure BIO-5 a: Implementation of Mitigation Measure BIO- 1 a and BIO-lb will
mitigate for impacts to aquatic habitats for California red-legged frog and western pond turtle. The
replacement of the existing culVerts with bridges will increase red-legged frog habitat and pond
turtle habitat and remove bamers to their movement.
Mitigation Measure BIO-5b: The project shall implement measures to ensure California red-
legged frogs and western pond turtle are not present within the disturbance area during
development. Any project related work in or along the tributaries or adjacent to the ox-bow shall
be restricted to the period when these features are dry (usually from md-summer through
October). A USFWS and CDFG approved biologist shall conduct pre-construction surveys to
determine if California red-legged frog or western pond turtle are present within these areas within
three days prior to any construction activities. If any red-legged frogs are found, the biologist shall
contact the USFWS to determine if moving them is appropriate. Immediately following the
preconstruction survey, all portions of the project site proposed for grading shall be separated from
open space areas by fencing appropriate to prevent California md-legged frogs and western pond
turtle from entering the development area. A second survey shall be conducted within the fenced
area no earlier than 24 hours before the onset of activities to ensure no California red-legged frogs
or pond turtles are entrapped in the construction area by the fence. Any western pond turtles
found within this area will be captured and relocated downstream. If relocation of red-legged
frogs is allowed by the USFWS, any California red-legged frogs captured will be relocated
downstream.
Impact BIO-6: The project could result in the removal or disturbance of occupied raptor nests.
Mitigation Measure BIO-6: All trees within the construction zone which will need to be removed
for road widening should be cut during the non-nesting season (August 1 to January 30) in the year
pr/or to when road widening is expected to occur. If tree removal cannot occur as outlined above
and must take place when road widening occurs then pre-construction surveys for active nests will
be requ/red.
Surveys to determine the presence ofraptor nests should be conducted by a qualified biologist no
more than 30 days prior to the initiation of any construction related activities. Ifraptors are
observed nesting on or near the project site during these surveys, exclusion zones will be
established around all active nests. The project will consult with CDFG to determine the size of
the exclusion zone, usually 100-300 feet, around the nest location. All project related activity will
occur outside of the exclusion area until the young in the nest have fledge&
Impact BIO-7: The project could result in the removal or disturbance of an occupied bat roost.
_Mitigation Measure BIO-7: Surveys of the existing culvert structure under the southern,most
tributary to Tassajara Creek should be conducted by a qualified biologist no more than 30 days
prior to the initiation of any construction related activities to detme if roosting bats are present.
10
','a~IC06~PROACDU730\Tas s RdWideningX4i-BIO2.doc (02/06/04)
TASSAJARA ROAD WIDENING
LSA ASSOCIATES, INC. IV.SETTING, IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
FEBRUARY 2004 I. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
If a bat roost is observed during these surveys, the biologist w/Il determine the type of roost,
(daytime, nighttime, or maternity), and conslruction on and in the immediate vicinity of the
crossing will stop until the bats have been excluded from the roost site. If a nighttime roost is
present, any demolition work on the culvert will be limited to daytime hours when bats are not
present. If a daytime roost is present, the roost site w/Il be outfitted with bat exclusion devices that
allow bats to exit the roost site, but not return. Removal of the culvert will begin only after the
biologist has determined that the roost has been successfully abandoned, If a maternity roost is
present, the exclusion zone will remain in place until the young have fledged. After fledging, bats
will be excluded and the culvert removed as specified for a daytime roost. Both new bridges
should be designed to permit bats to establish roosts, after consumction.
Impact BIO-8: The project will result in the removal of two small populations of Congdon's
tarplant. The population on the Wallis Ranch is located within the proposed roadbed and will
be removed as part of project grading. The population on the Silveria Ranch will be removed
during grading to reduce landslide potential on adjacent hillsides.
Mitigation Measure Bio-8a: The project will determine the size of the two populations and
preserve habitat that supports a known population of Congdons tarplant at an acreage ratio of 1:1
(preserved: impacted).
11
\h~LIC06XPROJ\CDU730\TassRdWidening~i-B IO2.doc (02/06/04)
REFERENCES
American Ornithologist's Union (AOU). 1998.
Allen Press, Lawrence, Kansas. 1998.
Check-List of North American Birds. 7th edition.
California Department ofFish and Game. 1995. Staff Report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation. Memo
to Div. Chiefs from C.F. Raysbrook, Interim Director. Sacramento, Ca. October 17, 1995.
California Department of Fish and Game, 1997. Survey Protocol for California Tiger Salamander
(Ambystoma californiense). CDFG Informational Leaflet No. 44.
Califomia Department of Fish and Game. 2002. California Natural Diversity Data Base search of the
USGS 7.5 m/nute Altamont, Livermore, Tassajara, and Pleasanton quadrangles.
California Native Plant Society. 2002 CNPS Electronic Inventory search of the USGS 7.5 minute
Altamont, Livermore, Tassajara, and Pleasanton quadrangles.
Tibor, D.P. 2001. Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of California. Special
Publication #1, 5th Ed. California Native Plant Society, Sacramento, California. 1994.
Williams, D.F. 1986. Mammalian Species of Special Concern in Califo~ia. Wildlife Management
Division Admin. Report 86-1. California Department ofFish and Game. June 1986.
\',RIC06~RO J~CDU730\TassRdWidening~4i-BIO2.doc (02/06/04)
12
TA$ SAJARA ROAD
LSA ASSOCIATES. INC. I~. ~ETTING, IMPACT~ AND MITIGATIONMEA~U~ES
FEBKUARY 2004 I. BIOLOGICAL
Table A - Special-Status Plant Species, Livermore/Amador Valley
Species
Status'
(Federal/State/CNPS)
Habitat Notes
Suitable
Habitat
Present
on Site
Arcrostaphylos auriculata
Mt. Diablo manzanita
Arctostaphylos manzanita ssp
laevigata
Contra Costa marrzanita
Atriplex joaquiniana
San Joaquin spearscale
Balsamorhiza macrolepis var
macrolepis
Big-scale balsamroot
Blepharizonia plumosa ssp
plurnosa
Big tarplant
Calochortus pulchellus
Mt. Diablo fairy-lantern
Cordylanthus palmatus
Palmate-bracted bird's-beak
Deinandra bacigalupi
Liverrnore tarplant
Dirca occidentalis
Western leatherwood
Eriogonum truncatum
Mt. Diablo buckwheat
Helianthella castanea
Diablo helianthella
--/--/List lB
--/--/List lB
--/--/List lB
-/-/List lB
-/-/List lB
-/-/List lB
FE/SE/List lB
--/--/List lB
-/-/ListlB
-/--/List lA
--/--/List lB
Chaparral and woodlands
usually on siliceous shale soils;
blooms January-March
Chaparral and woodlands
usually in rocky soils; blooms
January-February
Grasslands and seasonal
wetlands w/th alkaline soils;
blooms Apr/l-November
Thin, rocky soil on hillsides,
sometimes on serpentine,
grasslands and woodlands;
blooms Mar-ch-June
Thin soils in grasslands;
blooms July-October
Openings in chaparral, coastal
scrub, and associated
grasslands; blooms April-June
Alkaline vernal pools and
seasonal wetlands; blooms
May-October
Alkaline meadows and seeps;
blooms June-October
Occurs in variety of forest and
woodland habitats; blooms
January-April
Occurs in sandy soils of
grassland, scrub and chaparral
habitats on hillsides; blooms
Apr/l-September
Thin, rocky soil, grassy
hillsides, 500-4,000 feet;
foothill woodland, chaparral;
blooms April-May
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
P :\CPU730\TassPatWidening\WLivermoreSSSPlant-doc (02/06/04)
TASSAJARA ROAD WIDENING EIR
LSA ASSOCIATES. INC. IV. SETTING, IMPACTS AND MITIGATIONMEASURES
FEBRUARY 2004 l, BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
Species
Status'
(Federal/State/CNPS)
Habitat Notes
Suitable
Habitat
Present
on Site
Hemizonia parryi ssp. congdonii
Congdon's tarplant
Hesperolinon breweri
Brewer's dwarf flax
Malacothamnus hallii
Hall's bush mallow
Phacelia phacelioides
Mt. Diablo phacelia
Sanicula saxatilis
Rock sanicle
Streptanthus albidus ssp
peramoenus
Most beautiful jewel flower
Streptanthus hispidus
Mt. Diablo jewel flower
Tropidocarpum capparideum
Caper-fi'uited tropidocarpum
--/ /List lB
--/ /List lB
--/--/List lB
--/--/List lB
-/-/List lB
--./-/List lB
--/ /List lB
--/--/List lA
Alkaline or saline clay soil in
annual grasslands in valleys;
blooms June-November.
On serpentine soil, chaparral
and oak woodland; blooms
May-July
Chaparral habitats; blooms
May-September
Rocky soils in chaparral and
woodland habitats; blooms
Apr/l-May
Rocky soils in chaparral,
forests, and associated
grasslands; blooms Apr/l-May
Serpentine soils in grasslands
and chaparral; blooms Apr/l-
June
Rocky soils in grasslands and
chaparral on hillsides; blooms
March-June
Alkaline-clay soils in
grassland, oak woodland on
hillsides; blooms March-April
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
*Status:
FE = federally listed as "endangered;"
SE = State listed as "endangered;"
List 1 = rare and endangered throughout its range (A - presumed extinct; B - still existing).
P:\CD U730\TassRdWidening\WLivermomSS SPlant~ doc (02/06/04)
TASSAJARA ROAD WIDENING EI~
LSA ASSOCIATES, II~G. IV.SETTING, IMFACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
FEBRUARY 2004, I. BIOLOGIGAL RESOUROES
Table B - Special-Status Wildlife Species, Livermore/Amador Valley
Status*
Species Federal/ Habitat Notes
State
Suitable
Habitat
Present
on Site
Branchinecta lynchi
Vernal pool fairy shrimp
Ambystoma californiense
California tiger salamander
Rana aurora draytonii
California red-legged frog
Rana boylii
Foothill yellow-legged frog
Clemmys marmorata
Western pond turtle
Masticophis lateralis euryxanthus
Alameda whipmake
Aquila chrysaetos (nesting)
Golden eagle
Falco peregrinus anatum (nesting)
American peregrine falcon
Accipiter striatus (nesting)
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Accipiter cooperi (nesting)
Coopers Hawk
Elanus caeruleus
White-tailed kite
Speotyto cunicularia hypugea (nesting)
Western burrowing owl
Eremophila alpestris (nesting)
California homed lark
Agelaius tricolor (nesting)
Tricolored blackbird
Neotoma fuscipes annectens
San Francisco dusky-footed woodrat
Vulpes macrotus mutica
San Joaquin kit fox
Antrozous pallidus (roosts)
Pallid bat
C/SC
FT/SC
-/SC
-/SC
FT/ST
BA/SC
-4SE
4SC
4SC
4CFP
4SC
-/SC
-/SC
4SC
FE/ST
-/SC
Vemal pools and other ponding
seasonal wetlands
Seasonal ponds; upland
grassland/savarma for estivation
Ponds and streams
Perennial creeks and streams
usually with cobble bottoms
Ponds and streams
Scrub and associated grasslands
Large trees for nesting;
Nests on cliffs, forages over variety
of habitats
Nests in dense woodlands and
forests, forages in same
Nests in trees in woodlands,
forages in a varietyof habitats
Nests in trees and tall shrubs,
forages over a variety of habitats
Grassland/pastureland; nest in
ground squirrel dens
Large patches of well grazed
grassland
Nests in dense emergent vegetation
Riparian, woodland, and upland
scrub habitats
Grassland, savanna, and other open
habitats
Roosts in caves, runnels, buildings;
forages over variety of habitats
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
P:\CDU730\TassRdWidening\WLiverm oreSSSWildlife, doc (02/06/04)
TA$SAJARA ROAD WIDENING
LSA ASSOCIATES, INC.
FEBRUARY 2004 IV. SETTING. IMPACTS AI~ID MITIGATION MEASURES
I. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
Species
Status*
Federal/
State
Habitat Notes
Suitable
Habitat
Present
on Site
Plecotus townsendii townsendii (roosts)
Townsend's big-eared bat
Eumops perotis californicus
Califomia mastiff bat
-/SC
-/SC
Roosts in caves, runnels, buildings;
forages over variety of habitats
Roosts in crevices of large
outcrops; forages over wide variety
of habitats
No
No
FE = federally listed as endangered
FT = federally listed as threatened
C = candidate for listing as threatened or endangered
BA= Federal Bald Eagle Act
SE = California listed as endangered
ST = California listed as threatened
SC = California species of special concern
CFP=Califomia fully protected
p :\CDU730\TaSsRdWidening\WLivermoreS SSWildtife.do ¢ (02/06/0,*)