To: Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Transportation and Public Works
Staff Name and Phone Number: Johannes J. Hoevertsz, 707-565-2231
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Fourth
Title:
Title
Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Gill Creek Bridge Replacement Project
End
Recommended Action:
Recommended action
Adopt a Resolution adopting the Mitigated Negative Declaration, adopting the Mitigation Monitoring Program, and approving the River Road Bridge over Gill Creek Replacement Project. (Fourth District)
end
Executive Summary:
The Department of Transportation and Public Works (TPW) is requesting adoption of a Resolution to adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration and a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program as well as approving the River Road Bridge over Gill Creek Project.
Discussion:
TPW recommends that the Board approve the attached resolution to adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring Program, approve the Project, and direct the Permit and Resource Management Department to file a Notice of Determination with the County Clerk.
The River Road Bridge over Gill Creek Project (C11002) will result in the construction of a new two-lane bridge in close proximity to the existing, but functionally obsolete two-lane bridge. The new bridge will be constructed to meet current design standards including improvements to roadway approaches and appurtenant facilities. The existing bridge will be removed during construction of the new bridge as part of this Project. A temporary bypass will be provided adjacent to the worksite to maintain traffic for the duration of construction. The Project will not increase vehicular traffic capacity but will provide two traffic lanes with shoulders as required by applicable standards. Due to the low traffic volume on River Road near Geyserville, pedestrians, bicycles and vehicles will share the travel lanes and shoulders.
The Project is receiving federal funds and must satisfy all requirements of the Federal Highway Bridge Program, including approval by Caltrans. This includes performing additional environmental studies, geotechnical investigations, and design work to comply with updated state and federal regulations. The project received NEPA approval on April 25, 2022.
A California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Initial Study was prepared for the Project and presented to the Environmental Review Committee on June 14, 2022. The Environmental Review Committee reviewed the study and recommended a Mitigated Negative Declaration be prepared. The Landmarks Commission reviewed the Initial Study on June 7, 2022, and also recommended a Mitigated Negative Declaration be prepared.
The Mitigated Negative Declaration, including the proposed mitigation measures, was circulated for public and agency review. Notice of a 30-day public review of the Mitigated Negative Declaration from June 16 through July 15, 2022 were provided in accordance with CEQA and State and County CEQA guidelines.
Based on comments and recommendations provided by relevant permitting agencies, community organizations, and private citizens, the following factors have been reviewed and addressed in the CEQA document.
1. Aesthetics - Less than significant impact with mitigation measures incorporated including minimization of tree and vegetation removal and restrictions on contractor action in designated Environmentally Sensitive Areas.
2. Agriculture and Forest - Less than significant impact with no mitigation measures
3. Air Quality - Less than significant impact with mitigation measures incorporated to control dust during construction
4. Biological Resources - Less than significant impact with mitigation measures incorporated to control erosion, prevent accidental spills and pollution, protect riparian habitat, prevent spread of invasive species, and minimize impact on native animals.
5. Cultural Resources - Less than significant impact with mitigation measures incorporated which stipulate construction shall cease if archaeological or paleontological materials are discovered until a qualified archaeologist is consulted.
6. Geology and Soils - Less than significant impact with mitigation measure incorporated.
7. Hazardous Materials - Less than significant impact with mitigation measure incorporated.
8. Hydrology - Less than significant impact with mitigation measure incorporated including limits on all construction from October 15 - June 15.
9. Transportation - Less than significant impact with mitigation measure incorporated including installation of a temporary bridge and notification of residents and first responders of delays and restrictions.
Right-of-way acquisition is expected to commence in fall 2022. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2024 and last one season.
If the Project is approved by the Board, TPW will proceed with final design and bidding, and will return to the Board for award of the construction contract.
Strategic Plan:
This item directly supports the County’s Five-year Strategic Plan and is aligned with the following pillar, goal, and objective.
Pillar: Resilient Infrastructure
Goal: Goal 3: Continue to invest in critical road, bridge, bicycle, and pedestrian infrastructure.
Objective: Objective 4: Identify and retrofit bridges in County that are at high risk for damage during earthquakes.
Prior Board Actions:
12/14/21 Item 39: Second amendment to the contract with Moffatt and Nichol Engineers for design of the River Road Bridge over Gill Creek Replacement Project.
12/12/17 -Item 29: Moffatt & Nichol First Amendment for consulting engineer design of the River Road Bridge over Gill Creek Replacement Project {C11002)
1/13/15 - Item 18: River Road over Gill Creek Replacement Bridge Design Contract Award to Moffatt & Nichol
Fiscal Summary
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with this Board Action. Expenses associated with environmental studies and reports were approved by the Board in previous professional services agreements. Environmental mitigation and monitoring costs associated with the construction phase of the project will be included in contracts to be brought to the Board at a future date.
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
N/A
Attachments:
Resolution, Mitigated Negative Declaration, Mitigation Monitoring Program
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
Location Map, Original agreement, First Amendment, Second amendment