Appendix G: Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program

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2 Proposed Scotts Valley Multi-Agency Regional Intertie Project The following (MMRP) has been prepared for the Scotts Valley Multi-Agency Regional Intertie Project. The MMRP identifies project impact mitigation measures and implementation plans to be undertaken by San Lorenzo Valley Water District (SLVWD), the CEQA lead agency and the design and construction lead for all facilities related to Interties 3, 4 and 6; and by Scotts Valley Water District (SCWD) as the design and construction lead for all facilities related to Interties 1 and 2. The MMRP is incorporated into the Final Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND), identified by State Clearinghouse Number (SCH#) , as an appendix. Implementation of this MMRP by SLVWD and SCWD would reduce the potential environmental effects to a less-than-significant level. Together, the Final IS/MND dated June 7, 2013 and this MMRP provide a basis for SLVWD to determine that the proposed project would not have a significant effect on the environment. G-1

3 Number Measure Responsible Party Timing Implementation Procedures BIO-1 BIO-2 Pre- Wildlife Surveys: SVWD and SLVWD and/or their will hire a qualified biologist to conduct preconstruction surveys of all ground disturbance areas within offpavement project footprint areas to determine if CRLF, FYLF, kangaroo rat, and/or nesting birds are present prior to the start of construction. The biologist will conduct these surveys no more than 2 weeks prior to the beginning of construction. The biologist will conduct pre-construction nesting bird surveys during the nesting bird season to identify active bird nests within 250 feet of construction. See BIO-3 for flagging and fencing measures. See Measure BIO-7 for relocation measures and Measure BIO-8 for entrapment avoidance measures during construction. Project Location: SVWD and SLVWD and/or their will locate construction activities, including staging, on and adjacent to current development to the maximum extent practicable. All worker parking, equipment storage, and laydown areas will be on existing paved areas. Dirt or gravel pull-offs to the side of existing roads (Interties 1, 2, and 3/4) will not be used except for the staging areas for Interties 1 and 2 which will be located on the same parcel as the pump station for Intertie 1. To minimize temporary disturbances, SVWD and SLVWD and/or their will restrict all vehicle traffic to established roads, construction areas, and other designated areas. SVWD/SLVWD Qualified biologist Conduct a preconstruction survey within 14 days prior to the commencement of ground disturbing activities in offpavement areas. Conduct nesting bird surveys if construction is scheduled to occur during nesting bird season. Resurvey required if ground disturbing activities are halted for more than 14 days after the preconstruction survey. Prior to and during construction activities. A qualified biologist hired by SVWD, SLVWD or the contractor shall conduct preconstruction surveys of all ground disturbance areas within off-pavement project footprint areas. The biologist shall determine the areas that require high visibility and/or wildlife exclusion fencing during the pre-construction surveys conducted. (See BIO-3) If any of the protected species are found during these surveys, then BIO-7 shall be applied for relocation. shall retain results of survey in a project file. A qualified biologist shall repeat procedure above if construction is delayed or suspended for more than 14 days. SVWD and SLVWD shall include these requirements in construction contracts and bid documents. G-2

4 Number Measure Responsible Party Timing Implementation Procedures BIO-3 Exclusion Fencing: Special- status plant species are known to occur adjacent to project construction and access areas. High-visibility Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) fencing shall be installed around all adjacent special- status plant species identified during the October 2012 and April 2013 rare plant surveys, which will be retained and not disturbed by the Project, to preclude encroachment within the root-zone of these plants by constructions crews or vehicles. An approved wildlife biologist will determine the areas that require high visibility and/or wildlife exclusion fencing during the pre-construction surveys conducted under BIO-1 above. It is anticipated that wildlife exclusion fencing will be installed for all off-pavement work related to the pump stations for Interties 2, 3, and 4 and offpavement work on Intertie 2 north of Mt. Hermon Road A biological monitor will also accompany the work crew during excavation and installation of exclusion fencing along the alignments to prevent harm to CRLFs that may be present and moving along the fence route. Buffers around active bird nests or other sensitive habitat to be avoided will be delineated with flagging. Buffers will be established as follows: o SVWD and SLVWD and/or their will avoid all active nests of raptors, bank swallows, and tri-colored blackbirds within a 250-foot buffer, or as determined in consultation with CDFW. o SVWD and SLVWD and/or their will avoid all active nests of other passerines via a 50-foot buffer, or as determined in Qualified biologist preparation, prior to ground disturbing activities, and throughout the construction period. SVWD and SLVWD shall incorporate into construction contract specifications. The shall install high visibility and/or wildlife exclusion fencing and create buffers around active bird nests or other sensitive habitat to be avoided with flagging in the areas specified in the measure and where determined by a qualified biologist during pre-construction surveys. A qualified biologist shall monitor installation of exclusion fences and buffers. The contractor shall maintain buffers and fencing for nesting birds until the biological monitor verifies that the birds have fledged. All other fencing will be maintained in good repair throughout the entire construction period. SVWD and SLVWD shall periodically monitor construction sites to ensure that measures are effectively implemented during the entire G-3

5 Number Measure Responsible Party Timing Implementation Procedures consultation with CDFW. BIO-4 BIO-5 Buffers and fencing for nesting birds will be maintained until the biological monitor verifies that the birds have fledged. All other fencing will be maintained in good repair throughout the entire See Measure BIO-6 for biological monitoring during construction. Worker Environmental Awareness Training: A qualified biologist will conduct training sessions to familiarize all construction personnel with the following: identification of CRLF, Mount Hermon June beetle, and Zayante band-winged grasshopper, other protected wildlife and plants, as well as their habitat, general provisions and protections afforded by the ESA, measures implemented to protect the species, penalties for violation of the ESA, reporting requirements, and a review of project footprint boundaries. SVWD and SLVWD and/or their will require all construction employees to participate in the training prior to working on-site. Pre-construction minimization and compensatory for sandhills habitat and species: Implement the following measures prior to the initiation of Project construction: o SVWD and/or SLVWD will purchase conservation credits at a 1:1 ratio from the Ben Qualified biological monitor Qualified biological monitor preparation and prior to construction activities. Prior to project construction. SVWD and SLVWD shall incorporate construction employees training requirements per this measure into construction contract specifications and bid documents. A qualified biologist shall conduct training sessions to familiarize all construction employees with the following: identification of CRLF, Mount Hermon June beetle, and Zayante band-winged grasshopper, other protected wildlife and plants, as well as their habitat, general provisions and protections afforded by the ESA, measures implemented to protect the species, penalties for violation of the ESA, reporting requirements, and a review of project footprint boundaries. SVWD and SLVWD and/or their shall require all construction employees to participate in the training prior to working on-site. SVWD and/or SLVWD shall purchase conservation credits at a 1:1 ratio from the Ben Lomond Sandhills Preserve of the Zayante Sandhills Conservation Bank for all permanent and temporary areas impacted by the Project, as defined in the IS/MND and refined during the ITP permitting process G-4

6 Number Measure Responsible Party Timing Implementation Procedures Lomond Sandhills Preserve of the Zayante Sandhills Conservation Bank for all permanent and temporary areas impacted by the Project, as defined in the IS/MND and refined during the ITP permitting process with USFWS, and subject to the approval of the County of Santa Cruz Board of Supervisors. with USFWS, and subject to the approval of the County of Santa Cruz Board of Supervisors. BIO-6 o Ben Lomond buckwheat and silverleaf manzanita located adjacent to the access road to the water tank, at Intertie 3 will be flagged and fenced to avoid construction and traffic impacts, as specified in Measure BIO-3. If avoidance is not fully feasible due to their presence along the road edge, seed collection will be conducted or cuttings taken to support native plantings under Measure BIO-10 below. Biological and Environmental Monitoring: SVWD and SLVWD and/or their will hire a USFWS-approved biological monitor to be present during vegetation removal and ground disturbing activities as detailed below: o During all work hours for: o All off-pavement work on Interties 3 and 4. o Off-pavement work on Intertie 2 north of Mt. Hermon Road. o Once a week and during rain events for: Biological monitor preparation and throughout the The contractor shall flag and fence, under the supervision of a qualified biological monitor, the Ben Lomond buckwheat and silverleaf manzanita located adjacent to the access road to the water tank, at Intertie 3 to avoid construction and traffic impacts. If avoidance is not fully feasible due to these species presence along the road edge, the biological monitor shall oversee seed collection or take cuttings to support native plantings under Measure BIO-10 below. SVWD and SLVWD shall periodically inspect to ensure that measures are effectively implemented prior to and during the entire SVWD and SLVWD shall incorporate measures into construction contract specifications and hire a USFWS-approved biological monitor. A qualified biological monitor shall be present for all vegetation removal and ground disturbing activities as specified in the mitigation measure. The biological monitor shall maintain on site, an observations record. G-5

7 Number Measure Responsible Party Timing Implementation Procedures o All work on Intertie 1 south of the any intersection of La Madrona Drive observations of concern in a project file. and Silverwood Drive. o All on-pavement work on Interties 3, 4, and 6. o Once a week only for: o All work on Intertie 2 south of Mt. Hermon Road. o All work on Intertie 1 north of the intersection of La Madrona Drive and Silverwood Drive. BIO-7 The monitor will check the exclusion fencing and buffers for active nesting birds once a week, and will verify when birds have fledged if found present before construction. The biologist will have stopwork authority in the event that a protected species is found within the active construction footprint. During construction, the biological monitor will keep a daily observation log and a photo log to describe monitoring activities, remedial actions, noncompliance, and other issues and actions taken. These logs will be kept on-site and will be made available for inspection by agency personnel. Relocation of CRLF and protected insects: If CRLF or protected insects are observed within the construction area prior to or during construction activities, the biologist will notify USFWS and upon approval a USFWS-approved biologist will capture and relocate such individuals out of the area affected by construction activities to nearby suitable habitat. The biologist will identify suitable habitats as potential release sites prior to start of construction activities. Biological monitor Prior to and throughout the SVWD and SLVWD shall hire a qualified biological monitor who shall identify suitable special-status species habitat and notify USFWS if presence of these species is observed prior to or during construction activities. all related actions in a project file. G-6

8 Number Measure Responsible Party Timing Implementation Procedures BIO-8 BIO-9 Entrapment Avoidance: SVWD and SLVWD and/or their will cover all constructionrelated holes in the ground overnight to prevent entrapment of CRLF or other native species. SVWD and SLVWD and/or their will inspect all construction pipes, culverts, or similar structures that are stored at the work area for one or more nights before the pipe is used or moved. If wildlife species are present, they will be allowed to exit on their own or an authorized biologist will move them out of the construction area. -phase minimization and avoidance measures for sandhills species: SVWD and SLVWD and/or their will implement the following construction-phase measures in sandhills habitat to minimize effects on sandhills species: o If construction occurs during any portion of the beetle s flight season (May 15 and August 15), all exposed Zayante sandy soils will be covered daily by tarps, plywood, erosion control fabric, or another suitable impervious material between the hours of 7pm and 7am. o Appropriate dust control measures, such as periodic wetting down of the work areas, will be used as necessary during excavation, grading, preparation and throughout the Throughout the construction period. SVWD and SLVWD shall incorporate measures into construction contract specifications. SVWD, SLVWD and/or their shall inspect all construction pipes, culverts, or similar structures that are stored at the work area for one or more nights before the pipe is used or moved. If wildlife species are present, they shall be allowed to exit on their own or an authorized biologist will move them out of the construction area. SVWD and SLVWD shall periodically monitor to ensure that measures are effectively implemented during the entire SVWD and SLVWD shall incorporate measures into bid documents and construction specifications. The shall cover all exposed Zayante sandy soils daily by tarps, plywood, erosion control fabric, or another suitable impervious material between the hours of 7pm and 7am during any portion of the beetle s flight season (May 15 and August 15). The shall use appropriate dust control measures, such as periodic wetting down of the work areas, during excavation, grading, vegetation clearing, or any other Project-related activities that generate dust. G-7

9 Number Measure Responsible Party Timing Implementation Procedures BIO-10. vegetation clearing, or any other Project-related activities that generate dust. This will limit the effect of dust on adult beetles and grasshoppers and accumulated dust on the special-status plants. o Any outdoor lighting installed by construction contractors will use bulbs known to not attract nocturnal insects, to limit disruption to normal behaviors and breeding activities. Post-construction avoidance and minimization measures for sandhills species: SVWD and SLVWD and/or their will implement the following post-construction measures in sandhills habitat to minimize effects on sandhills species: o SVWD and SLVWD and/or their will not use landscaping elements that degrade beetle habitat, such as turf grass, dense ground covers, weed matting, aggregate, and mulch. o Any outdoor lighting installed as part of this Project will use bulbs known to not attract nocturnal insects. o Any native sandhills seeds or cuttings collected under BIO-5 will be used in landscape plantings at pump stations 1, 2, and/or 3/4. Otherwise native sandhills species will be planted at these locations using locally-derived source material (i.e., seeds or cuttings). Post-construction, within one year of construction completion at specified sites. If needed, construction shall install outdoor lighting utilizing bulbs known not to attract nocturnal insects. SVWD and SLVWD shall periodically inspect to ensure that measures are effectively implemented during the entire construction phase. SVWD and SLVWD shall incorporate these measures into bid documents and construction specifications. SVWD and SLVWD and/or their shall not use landscaping elements that degrade beetle habitat, such as turf grass, dense ground covers, weed matting, aggregate, and mulch. SVWD and SLVWD and/or their shall install outdoor lighting as part of this Project utilizing bulbs known not to attract nocturnal insects. SVWD, SLVWD and/or their shall use any native sandhills seeds or cuttings collected under BIO-5 in landscape plantings at pump stations 1, 2, and/or 3/4. Otherwise, they will plant native sandhills species at these locations using locallyderived source material (i.e., seeds or cuttings). G-8

10 Number Measure Responsible Party Timing Implementation Procedures CR-1 CR-2 If concentrations of prehistoric or historic-period materials are encountered, all work within 50 feet of the discovery will halt until a qualified archaeologist is contacted and can evaluate the finds and make recommendations. Prehistoric materials might include obsidian and basalt flaked-stone tools (e.g., projectile points, knives, choppers) or tool making debris; culturally darkened soil ( midden ) containing heat-affected rock, artifacts, or faunal remains; and stone milling equipment (e.g., mortars, pestles, handstones). Historic-period features might include stone, concrete, adobe, or wood footings and walls; filled wells or privies; and dense deposits of metal, glass, and/or ceramic refuse associated with historic development of the Santa Cruz area. If the find is determined to be either an historical resource or a unique archaeological resource, the feasibility of avoiding the resource will be evaluated. If avoidance is determined to be infeasible, a qualified archaeologist will prepare and implement a research design and archaeological data recovery plan (mitigation plan) for the resource. The archaeologist will also conduct appropriate technical analyses, prepare a comprehensive written report and file it with the appropriate information center (NWIC), and provide for the permanent curation of the recovered materials. An inadvertent discovery clause for paleontological resources will be incorporated into the construction contract for the Project. The District will notify a qualified paleontologist of unanticipated discoveries, made by construction personnel and subsequently document the discovery as needed. In the event of an unanticipated discovery of a fossil or fossil-bearing deposit during construction, excavations within 50 Qualified archaeologist preparation. If historic subsurface cultural resources are uncovered during construction activities. If the find is determined to be either an historical resource or a unique archaeological resource. preparation. If fossil or fossil-bearing subsurface deposit are uncovered during construction activities. SVWD and SLVWD shall include an inadvertent discovery clause in construction contracts and bid documents. The shall halt work within 50 feet of the resources and SVWD/SLVWD shall consult with a qualified archaeologist to assess the significance of the find and document compliance with current professional standards in a project file. shall evaluate the feasibility of avoiding the resource. If determined to be infeasible, a qualified archaeologist shall prepare and implement a research design and archaeological data recovery plan (mitigation plan) for the resource. The archaeologist shall also conduct appropriate technical analyses, prepare a comprehensive written report and file it with the appropriate information center (NWIC), and provide for the permanent curation of the recovered materials. SVWD and SLVWD shall include an inadvertent discovery clause in construction contracts and bid documents. The Contractor shall halt work within 50 feet of the find and SVWD/SLVWD shall consult with a qualified paleontologist to assess the G-9

11 Number Measure Responsible Party Timing Implementation Procedures feet of the find will be temporarily halted or diverted until the discovery is examined by a qualified paleontologist. The paleontologist will notify the appropriate agencies to determine procedures that would be followed before construction is allowed to resume at the location of the find. significance of the find and document compliance with current professional standards in a project file. GEO-1 Condition of Approval NOI-1 A California-licensed geotechnical engineer, or engineers, will complete design-level geotechnical investigations for all project pump stations to inform final design and construction. These investigations will address potential seismic and geologic hazards. These investigations will address, among other things, the best means for complying with applicable state and local code requirements and other protective standards. The investigations will include soil sampling and laboratory testing of materials in order to provide design criteria and recommendations applicable to foundation design, earthwork, backfill, site preparation, trenching, tunneling, materials, etc. All recommendations of the geotechnical investigations and of the geotechnical engineer(s) will be incorporated into the final design and construction specifications for each pump station, and will be implemented by the construction contractors. SVWD and SLVWD and/or their will limit construction activities to the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. SVWD and SLVWD and/or their will post signs at the construction site that include permitted construction days and hours, a day and evening contact number for the job site, and a day and evening contact number for SVWD or SLVWD in the event of problems. During project design and prior to construction activity. preparation and throughout the SVWD and SLVWD shall confirm that a design-level geotechnical investigation for all pump stations has been conducted and confirm that all recommendations of the geotechnical engineer(s) are incorporated into the final design and construction specifications for each pump station. SCWD and SLVWD shall ensure that all recommendations of the geotechnical investigations and of the geotechnical engineer(s) are implemented by construction contractors. SVWD and SLVWD shall incorporate hours of construction specified under mitigation measure into construction contract specifications. The construction contractor shall post signs at the construction sites that shall include permitted construction hours and days, and day and evening contact information for job site and lead agency. G-10

12 Number Measure Responsible Party Timing Implementation Procedures Condition of Approval NOI-2 CUM-1 SVWD and SLVWD and/or their will ensure that construction equipment is properly outfitted and maintained with noise-reduction devices. SVWD and SLVWD and/or their will ensure that noise generating construction equipment includes mufflers where possible. Wherever possible, SVWD and SLVWD and/or their will buffer noise generating construction equipment from nearby residences by noise-attenuating buffers, such as structures or trucks. SVWD and SLVWD and/or their will locate stationary construction equipment centrally on site at the greatest distance possible from nearby noise-sensitive receptors. SLVWD, SVWD and/or their will coordinate with the Scotts Valley and/or Santa Cruz County Building Department and other project sponsors, as feasible, to reduce project overlap in time and footprint and to coordinate the implementation of TCPs of multiple projects if construction overlap of proximate projects will occur. / preparation and throughout the Prior to construction. SVWD and SLVWD shall periodically monitor to ensure that measures are implemented during the entire construction phase. SVWD and SLVWD shall incorporate into construction contract specifications. SVWD and SLVWD shall periodically monitor to ensure that measures are implemented during the entire construction phase. SVWD and SLVWD and their shall coordinate with the City of Scotts Valley, Santa Cruz County, and other project sponsors, if feasible, to determine and avoid additional traffic impacts from construction projects in close proximity to the Project work area. G-11