DATE: September 25, 2018
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Steven E. White, Director
Department of Public Works and Planning
SUBJECT: Watts Creek Bridge Replacement Project - Initial Study Application No. 7336, State Clearinghouse No. 2018071067
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
Adopt Mitigated Negative Declaration prepared for the Watts Creek Bridge Replacement Project on Watts Valley Road, approximately 5.59 miles east of Pittman Hill Road and approximately six miles south of the unincorporated community of Tollhouse. (Initial Study Application No. 7336, State Clearinghouse No. 2018071067)
REPORT
Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Department of Public Works and Planning, Development Services Division, prepared an Initial Study, which determined that mitigation measures are required to reduce project impacts on the environment to a less than significant level, see Exhibit A. A Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) have been prepared for the project, see Exhibits B and C. This item pertains to a location in District 5.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
Your Board may choose not to adopt the MND if determined that a significant environmental impact may result from the project then direct the Department to modify the MMRP or prepare an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the project.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with the recommended action. The project is eligible for 100% reimbursement under the Highway Bridge Program along with toll credits, which are allocated to local agencies by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to be used in lieu of matching funds the agency would otherwise have to contribute for Federally-funded transportation projects. Sufficient appropriations and estimated revenues are included in the Department’s Roads Org 4510 FY 2018-19 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION:
The Department prepares an Initial Study to determine whether a proposed project has a significant impact on the environment. Based on the findings in the Initial Study, a Negative Declaration, MND or EIR is prepared. A Negative Declaration is prepared if the Initial Study process determined the project will not have a significant impact on the environment. If mitigation measures are required to reduce impacts to a less than significant level, a MND and an accompanying MMRP are prepared. The EIR is required if the Initial Study determines the project may have a significant impact on the environment that cannot be reduced to a less than significant level.
The Initial Study prepared for the Watts Creek Bridge Replacement Project concluded that mitigation measures are necessary to address potential impacts and a MND and accompanying MMRP is required. The recommended action consists of the adoption of the MND in conformance with the provisions of CEQA.
The proposed project would replace the existing 22-foot long, 16-foot wide, two-lane functionally obsolete Watts Creek Bridge on Watts Valley Road with a new two-lane bridge built to current standards. The existing bridge is classified as functionally obsolete due to the narrow winding approaches, clear deck width that only allows for eight-foot wide lanes, and guardrail system that is not up to current standards. As designed, the new bridge will be a 47-foot single-span cast-in-place slab bridge to be located approximately 50 feet downstream of the existing bridge. The project will also improve and realign the approach roads. During construction, the existing Watts Creek Bridge would function as an onsite detour and be removed after project completion. The project is needed to improve public safety and increase load carrying capacity on the bridge.
Watts Valley Road is a narrow, rural road, designated by the Fresno County General Plan as a scenic drive. There are open fields on either side of Watts Valley Road. This project will not affect any structures within or adjacent to the project site or disrupt any scenic views. The bridge and roadway realignment will require the acquisition of right-of-way and temporary construction easements from private ownership.
Initial Study Application No. 7336 indicates there is no evidence that demonstrates the project will have a significant impact on the environment with the implementation of the mitigation measures included in the MMRP. The MMRP includes mitigation measures to address potential impacts to Aesthetics and Biological and Cultural Resources and project notes listing environmental permitting requirements.
Based on the Initial Study, the Department has concluded that preparation of an EIR is not required for the project, and recommends adoption of a MND based on the findings of Initial Study No. 7336. A Notice of Intent to adopt a MND for the project was published in the Fresno Business Journal on July 27, 2018.
The project will require future Board approvals to:
• Acquire right-of-way from the property owner;
• Execute temporary construction permit with property owner;
• Adopt construction plans and specifications; and
• Award the construction contract.
With your Board’s approval, the MND will be adopted for the Watts Creek Bridge Replacement Project.
OTHER REVIEWING AGENCIES:
Caltrans provides oversight on local projects where federal funds are allocated.
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
Location Map
Exhibits A-C
CAO ANALYST:
Sonia M. De La Rosa