Chapter 4 Comments and Coordination - dot.ca.gov 4 Comments and... · Chapter 4 Comments and...

State Route 74 Safety Improvement Project Initial Study/Environmental Assessment

4-1

Chapter 4 Comments and Coordination Early and continuing coordination with the general public and public agencies is an essential part of the environmental process. It helps planners determine the necessary scope of environmental documentation and the level of analysis required, and to identify potential impacts and avoidance, minimization, and/or mitigation measures and related environmental requirements. Agency and tribal consultation and public participation for this project have been accomplished through a variety of formal and informal methods, including interagency coordination meetings, public meeting, public notices, Project Development Team (PDT) meetings, and Project Quality Team (PQT) meetings. This chapter summarizes the results of the California Department of Transportation’s (Caltrans) efforts to fully identify, address, and resolve project-related issues through early and continuing coordination.

4.1 Interagency Consultation and Coordination

4.1.1 Orange County Parks The Orange County Parks, Reservations and Permits Unit was contacted to obtain entry permits for biological, cultural, and paleontological surveys in Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park on May 4, 2017. The entry permit (No. P2017-00704) was signed and approved on June 13, 2017, by Helen Edwards, with an expiration date of September 9, 2017.

4.1.2 United States Forest Service The Lands and Special Uses Division of the United States Forest Service (USFS) was contacted to obtain requests for a scientific research permit to conduct biological surveys in the Cleveland National Forest on May 24, 2017. The permit (No. FS-2700-32) was signed and approved on April 28, 2017. Coordination for the purpose of Section 4(f) consultation is discussed in Section 4.1.4 below.

4.1.3 State Historic Preservation Officer As assigned by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Caltrans has evaluated a segment of State Route 74 (SR-74) between Post Mile (PM) 11.5 and PM 13.28 as not eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (National Register) or as a California Historical Landmark, and is seeking (California) State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) concurrence on this determination. Additionally, Caltrans is assuming the San Juan Hot Springs site (P-30-1723), which includes archaeological site P-30-528, is eligible for the National Register for this project only

Chapter 4 Comments and Coordination

State Route 74 Safety Improvement Project Initial Study/Environmental Assessment 4-2

under the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Section 106 Programmatic Agreement (Section 106 PA) Stipulation VIII.C.4 due to the large resource size and limited potential for effects. Caltrans has determined that a Finding of No Adverse Effects without Standard Conditions – Environmentally Sensitive Area is appropriate and is requesting SHPO concurrence on this determination under Stipulation X.B.2.

4.1.4 Section 4(f) Consultation In order to initiate early coordination, Caltrans sent a consultation letter dated December 15, 2017, to Scott Thomas, Administration Manager of OC Parks, the official with jurisdiction over Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park, a Section 4(f) property, with regard to the characterization of effects of the project in the context of the preliminary Section 4(f) de minimis finding, consistent with 49 United States Code (USC) 303(d)(3)(B). The letter included a description of the project and the potential project effects on the Section 4(f) resources in the study area, the preliminary Section 4(f) determination, and a request for OC Parks to engage in further consultation. That letter is included in Attachment B to Appendix A of this Initial Study/Environmental Assessment (IS/EA).

In addition to Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park, the San Juan Creek Trail and Cold Springs Trail within the park were identified as facilities that would potentially be affected by the Build Alternative. Permanent easements for the Build Alternative were preliminarily determined to not affect the San Juan Creek Trail, and temporary construction easements (TCEs) would temporarily interrupt the use of San Juan Creek Trail and Cold Springs Trail. Project features that are intended to protect these resources during construction of the Build Alternative are outlined in the Section 4(f) analysis contained in Appendix A. OC Parks (the official with jurisdiction) will need to concur on the description of the existing conditions, the analysis of project effects, the proposed measures to minimize harm, and the preliminary Section 4(f) de minimis determination for the park areas and trail segments in the project study area.

Caltrans contacted Jake Rodriguez of the USFS via email on November 2, 2017, in order to initiate early consultation regarding the proposed project. Caltrans followed up with phone calls to discuss Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA) coordination and the presence of natural resources within Cleveland National Forest on December 12, 2017 and February 1, 2018. Caltrans also sent a follow-up email to Mr. Rodriguez on February 1, 2018 regarding the preliminary Section 4(f) findings. Mr. Rodriguez indicated in an email to Caltrans on February 9, 2018, that the portion of Cleveland National Forest land within the project area is classified as a wildlife



refuge. It was requested that USFS provide documentation to that effect. On February 13, 2018, Kristen Winter of USFS provided a Riparian Conservation Area map for the study area and confirmed that this area meets the definition of critical habitat but is not formally designated as a wildlife refuge. This email exchange is included in Appendix A, Attachment B, of this document. Subsequently, Caltrans had discussions with Amy Reid of USFS on February 15, 2018, who indicated she would look further into this issue and provide confirmation if this area is formally designated as a wildlife refuge. If this confirmation is provided, the final environmental document will be revised accordingly. In addition, a consultation letter dated February 21, 2018, was sent to USFS that included a description of the project and the potential project effects on the Section 4(f) resources in the study area, the preliminary Section 4(f) determination, and a request for USFS to engage in further consultation. That letter is included in Attachment B to Appendix A of this IS/EA. USFS (the official with jurisdiction) will need to concur on the description of the existing conditions, the analysis of project effects, the proposed measures to minimize harm, and the preliminary Section 4(f) de minimis determination for the Cleveland National Forest land in the project study area.

In addition to the wildlife refuge coordination indicated above, on February 15, 2018, Caltrans had a discussion (telephone communication) with Ms. Reid of the USFS. Caltrans provided an update on the project scope and schedule. Ms. Reid indicated that Caltrans and the USFS should enter into an agreement (Cost Recovery Plan) for this project and requested that Caltrans send for review of the Historic Property Survey Report (HPSR) and the Natural Environment Study (NES) as early as possible. Ms. Reid also mentioned that the USFS, in coordination with the FHWA and Caltrans Districts 8, 11, and 12, is preparing a Perfection of Title, for lands that will be acquired by Caltrans in easement from the USFS. A coordination meeting has been scheduled for March 15, 2018, at the USFS office in San Diego for Caltrans (Districts 8 and 12) and the USFS, at which all relevant projects that Caltrans is proposing (including this project) will be discussed.

4.1.5 Native American Consultation Consultation with a number of Native American Tribes (groups and individuals) was conducted in May 2017 in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and Assembly Bill (AB) 52, which amended the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to require consultation with Native American Tribes as of July 1, 2015. Consultation with the Native American Heritage



Commission (NAHC) and Native American representatives is summarized in Table 4.1. A copy of the NAHC correspondence is included at the end of this chapter.

4.1.6 United States Fish and Wildlife Service Official species lists were obtained from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) IPaC website on November 5, 2017. Caltrans also consulted with USFWS on February 1, 2018, regarding project impacts and proposed mitigation for arroyo toad and its critical habitat. The species lists provide information about the threatened, endangered, and proposed species, designated critical habitat, and candidate species that may occur in the vicinity of a proposed project. The species lists provided by the USFWS are included at the end of this chapter.

4.1.7 National Marine Fisheries Service The Official Species list was requested from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) on November 5, 2017. The species lists provide information about the threatened marine species, designated critical marine habitat, and candidate marine species that may occur in the vicinity of a proposed project. The species lists provided by the NMFS are included at the end of this chapter.

4.1.8 United States Army Corps of Engineers A Preliminary Jurisdictional Delineation (JD; February 2018) report was prepared as an appendix to the Natural Environment Study (NES; February 2018) supporting this IS/EA. Areas within the study area have been identified as potentially subject to United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) jurisdiction pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. The JD will be submitted to the USACE for its review.

4.2 Community Outreach and Public Involvement

4.2.1 Project Development Team and Project Quality Team Two PDT meetings were held on May 17, 2017, and November 20, 2017. The purpose of the PDT meetings is to confirm and resolve inter-functional issues as the project was developed. The PQT meetings were held quarterly. The PQT members consist of eight core functional area representatives from project management, design, environmental, right-of-way, traffic operations, planning, construction and maintenance of the proposed project. The PQT members review the proposed project using their function’s evaluation criteria, which is defined and applied uniformly across projects and Caltrans districts. These criteria are tracked throughout the entire process of the proposed project until a resolution is recognized. Issues and concerns



Table 4.1 Summary of Native American Consultation

Groups/Individuals Contacted

(from the list provided by the NAHC)

Date of Caltrans Project Notification

Letter

Date of Tribal Response to

Letter Date and Results of Follow-up Telephone Calls and/or Emails

Native American Heritage Commission

May 10, 2017 May 15, 2017 The NAHC was contacted on May 10, 2017, and responded to Caltrans on May 15, 2017. The Sacred Lands File search submitted by Caltrans was completed with the results stating that sites have been located within the provided Area of Potential Effect (APE) that may be affected by the project; the NAHC recommended the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians Acjachemen Nation be contacted immediately for information about sites in the APE. The NAHC also recommended that four Native American individuals (listed in the table below) be contacted for information regarding cultural resources that could be affected by the project.

Juaneño Band of Mission Indians Sonia Johnston, Chairperson Juaneño

May 30, 2017 No response received.

June 22, 2017: Since no phone number was listed on the consultation list, a follow-up email was sent to Ms. Johnston. The email included an attached copy of the consultation letter and the project map originally sent by Caltrans. No response was received.

Juaneño Band of Mission Indians Acjachemen Nation - Belardes Matias Belardes, Chairperson Juaneño


June 29, 2017: The phone number provided for Mr. Belardes was actually for Joyce Perry (with the same group). A voicemail was left for Ms. Perry, asking her to contact LSA with any additional comments or concerns that she, Mr. Belardes, or the group may have about the project. No response was received; see contact with Joyce Perry.

Juaneño Band of Mission Indians Acjachemen Nation – Belardes Joyce Perry, Tribal Manager Juaneño

Caltrans coordinated with Joyce Perry

No response received.

June 28, 2017: A meeting was conducted in the field and it was communicated by Ms. Perry that the positive result from the NAHC was likely for the actual hot springs. Ms. Perry also said that, as such, since the project would not be impacting the Hot Springs, they would likely have only standard comments.



Table 4.1 Summary of Native American Consultation



Date of Caltrans Project Notification

Letter

Date of Tribal Response to

Letter Date and Results of Follow-up Telephone Calls and/or Emails

July 7, 2017: Caltrans emailed Ms. Perry to update her on the results of the archaeological survey and to follow up regarding any comments she may have on the project.

October 5, 2017: Caltrans followed up with Ms. Perry by email to request comments on the project. No response was received.

Juaneño Band of Mission Indians Acjachemen Nation – Romero Teresa Romero, Chairperson Juaneño


June 29, 2017: A voicemail was left for Ms. Romero, asking her to contact LSA with any comments or concerns that she or the group may have about the project. No response was received.

Pauma Band of Luiseño Indians – Pauma and Yuima Reservation Temet Aguilar, Chairperson Luiseño


June 29, 2017: The number for Mr. Aguilar was called, and a different extension for Chris Devers (also with the Pauma Band) was given. Mr. Devers was out of town for the week, so a voicemail was left asking him to contact LSA with any comments or concerns that the group may have about the project.

July 6, 2017: Mr. Devers called LSA and left a voicemail stating that his group has no concerns about the project. A return call was made to him by LSA to thank him for the message, during which Mr. Devers requested, that if any human remains are encountered, that the Pauma Band of Luiseño Indians be contacted. It was discussed that the Coroner would be called in the case of a human remains discovery, and Mr. Devers agreed to that process. No further response was received.

Caltrans = California Department of Transportation NAHC = Native American Heritage Commission



Table 4.2 Additional Consultation with Individuals

Additional Individuals Contacted

(in addition to the list provided by the NAHC)

Date of Contact Reason for Contact Date and Results of Contact

Juaneño Band of Mission Indians Acjachemen Nation Rebecca Robles Juaneño

May 7, 2017 Caltrans requested that LSA contact Ms. Robles because of a comment Ms. Robles had previously made to Caltrans during a project in 2014 regarding the San Juan Hot Springs’ nomination to the State of California’s Native American Heritage Commission List of Sacred Places on September 14, 2008.

July 7, 2017: A phone call was made to Ms. Robles by LSA to inform her of the project and ask for any comments or concerns, specifically regarding the San Juan Hot Springs site. After a brief phone discussion, a follow-up email was sent the same day, with an attached image showing the project limits in relationship to the San Juan Hot Springs area. The email requested that Ms. Robles contact LSA with any comments or concerns regarding project work as it relates to Native American cultural resources. No response was received.

Mrs. Ilse Byrnes July 26, 2017 Caltrans requested that LSA contact Mrs. Byrnes because she completed the Hot Springs Road National Register of Historic Places Inventory Nomination Form (P-30-176615) in 1976.

July 26, 2017: Mrs. Byrnes was contacted at the direction of Cheryl Sinopoli, Caltrans District 12 Archaeologist. The information gathered during this phone conversation was added to the historical background section of the Archaeological Survey Report.

Caltrans = California Department of Transportation NAHC = Native American Heritage Commission



discussed at the PQT meetings were assigned to specific PQT members; the members were responsible to contact Caltrans experts and the functional units to resolve the issues and/or concerns.

4.2.2 Public Participation The City of San Juan Capistrano, Orange County Public Works (OCPW), and Rancho Mission Viejo were contacted via email on January 16, 2018. In addition, due to location of the proposed project at the Orange/Riverside County line, Caltrans District 8 was also being contacted via email on January 25, 2018. The purpose of these communications was to inform these agencies that the environmental document of the proposed project would be circulated starting March 2, 2018; a project schedule and fact sheet were also being shared with the agencies. Copies of the fact sheet and the emails are included at the end of this chapter.

A public hearing (open house format) is scheduled on March 15, 2018, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Marco Forster Middle School, 25601 Camino Del Avion, San Juan Capistrano, California 92875. This public hearing will be advertised in four newspapers.

Other public participation methods used for this IS/EA include: mailing lists, newspaper notices/articles, direct mailings, and web-based information.

(1/10/2018) Page 1 of 2

NATIVE AMERICAN CONSULTATION RECORD Caltrans SR-74 Safety Improvements Project (EA 0P0300), Unincorporated Orange and Riverside Counties, California

Date the Sacred Lands File Search and AB 52 Native American Consultation list request was submitted to the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) by

Caltrans: May 10, 2017

Date the NAHC responded to Caltrans: May 15, 2017

Results of the NAHC Sacred Lands File Search: The Sacred Lands File search submitted by Caltrans was completed with the results stating that sites have been

located within the provided Area of Potential Effect (APE) that may be affected by the project; the NAHC recommended the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians

Acjachemen Nation be contacted immediately for information about sites in the APE.* The NAHC also recommended that four Native American individuals (listed in

the table below) be contacted for information regarding cultural resources that could be affected by the project.



Date of Caltrans Project

Notification Letter

Date of Tribal

Response to Letter

Date and Results of Follow-up

Telephone Calls and/or Emails

Juaneño Band of Mission Indians

Sonia Johnston, Chairperson

Juaneño

5/30/2017 No response received. 6/22/2017: Since no phone number was listed on the

consultation list, a follow-up email was sent to Ms. Johnston.

The email included an attached copy of the consultation letter

and project map originally sent by Caltrans.

No response was received.

Juaneño Band of Mission Indians Acjachemen

Nation - Belardes

Matias Belardes, Chairperson

Juaneño

5/30/2017 No response received. 6/29/2017: The phone number provided for Mr. Belardes was

actually for Joyce Perry (with the same group). A voicemail was

left for Ms. Perry, asking her to contact LSA with any additional

comments or concerns she, Mr. Belardes, or the group may

have about the project.

See results for Joyce Perry, below.

Juaneño Band of Mission Indians Acjachemen

Nation – Romero

Teresa Romero, Chairperson

Juaneño

5/30/2017 No response received. 6/29/2017: A voicemail was left for Ms. Romero, asking her to

contact LSA with any comments or concerns she or the group

may have about the project.


(1/10/2018) Page 2 of 2



Date of Caltrans Project

Notification Letter

Date of Tribal

Response to Letter

Date and Results of Follow-up

Telephone Calls and/or Emails

Pauma Band of Luiseño Indians – Pauma and

Yuima Reservation

Temet Aguilar, Chairperson

Luiseño

5/30/2017 No response received. 6/29/2017: The number for Mr. Aguilar was called, and a

different extension for Chris Devers (also with the Pauma

Band) was given. Mr. Devers is out of town for the week, so a

voicemail was left asking him to contact LSA with any

comments or concerns the group may have about the project.

7/6/2017: Mr. Devers called LSA and left a voicemail stating

that his group has no concerns about the project. A return call

was made to him by LSA to thank him for the message, during

which Mr. Devers requested that that if any human remains

are encountered that the Pauma Band of Luiseño Indians be

contacted. It was discussed that the Coroner would be called

in the case of a human remains discovery, and Mr. Devers

agreed to that process.

*Results of communication with the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians Acjachemen Nation: Caltrans coordinated with Joyce Perry, Tribal Manager for the group. A

meeting was conducted in the field on June 28, 2017, and it was communicated by Ms. Perry that the positive result from the NAHC was likely for the actual hot

springs (San Juan Hot Springs) that are outside of the proposed project impact area and if David Belardes was still here, he would know for sure. Ms. Perry also said

that, as such, since the project would not be impacting the hot springs, they would likely have just standard comments. On July 7, 2017, Caltrans emailed Ms. Perry

to update her on the results of the archaeological survey and follow up regarding any comments she may have on the project. On October 5, 2017, Caltrans followed

up with Ms. Perry by email to request comments on the project. No response was received.

Additional Individuals Contacted

(in addition to the list provided by the NAHC)

Date of Contact Reason for Contact Date and Results of Contact

Rebecca Robles 7/7/2017 Caltrans asked LSA to contact Ms.

Robles because of a comment Ms.

Robles had made to them during a

project in 2014 about the San Juan

Hot Springs site being nominated to

the State of California’s Native

American Heritage Commission List of

Sacred Places on 9/14/2008.

7/7/2017: A phone call was made to Ms. Robles

by LSA to inform her of the project and ask for

any comments or concerns, specifically

regarding the San Juan Hot Spring site. After a

brief phone discussion, a follow-up email was

sent the same day, with an attached image

showing the project limits in relationship to the

Hot Springs area. The email requested that Ms.

Robles contact LSA with any comments or

concerns regarding project work as it relates to

Native American cultural resources.


1

Kerrie Collison

From: Sinopoli, Cheryl L@DOT <[email protected]>

Sent: Wednesday, May 10, 2017 10:35 AM

To: Kerrie Collison

Subject: FW: SLF & AB52 Consultation List Request: SR-74 Improvement Project (EA 0P0300) in

Orange County

Attachments: EA 0P0300 SR-74 NAHC SLF & Local Govt Tribal request.pdf; EA 0P0300 SR-74 NAHC

request map.pptx

Fyi Kerrie:

��

��

�� !� �!�"��#��#$#�$%�&'�

�� (�)��*+��,�-�-��-�.�/,��-��.0��12��&�2��-�3��4�#-�56��3��7��%��,�- �

�

Dear NAHC,

The California Department of Transportation (District 12), proposes the SR-74 Improvement Project (EA 0P0300) along a

portion of SR-74 (Ortega Highway) within unincorporated Orange County and the Cleveland National Forest. Primary

project features include: restoring missing 4-foot shoulder sections with 10-foot shoulders at the San Juan Fire Station,

resurface pavement, upgrade existing guard rails, replace median rumble strips and curve warning signs, improve existing

drainage systems, install safety lighting at the fire station, and retaining wall construction.

Attached is the Local Government Tribal Consultation List Request & Sacred Lands File Search Request form for the

proposed project. Also attached for your reference is a project location map of the affected area.

Please let me know if you have any questions with the submitted project information.

Sincerely,

Cheryl Sinopoli

Caltrans D-12 Archaeologist

(657) 328-6165

Local Government Tr ibal Consultation List Request

Native Amer ican Her itage Commission 1550 Harbor Blvd, Suite 100 West Sacramento, CA 95691

916-373-3710 916-373-5471 – Fax [email protected]

7132139Type of List Requested CEQA Tr ibal Consultation List (AB 52) – Per Public Resources Code § 21080.3.1, subs. (b), (d), (e) and 21080.3.2"

General Plan (SB 18) - Per Government Code § 65352.3.

Local Action Type: ___ General Plan ___ General Plan Element ___ General Plan Amendment

___ Specific Plan ___ Specific Plan Amendment ___ Pre-planning Outreach Activity

Required Information

Project Title:"""UT/96"Uchgv{"Kortqxgogpv"Rtqlgev"*GC"2R2522="RO"330713808+

Local Government/Lead Agency: ""Ecnkhqtpkc"Fgrctvogpv"qh"Vtcpurqtvcvkqp"*Fkuvtkev"34+

Contact Person: "Ejgt{n"Ukpqrqnk"*F/34"Ctejcgqnqikuv+

Street Address: "3972"G0"Hqwtvj"Uv0."Uwkvg"322."Ucpvc"Cpc."EC";4927

Phone:""*879+"54:/8387" " " Fax:""*879+"54:/8737

Email:""ejgt{n0ukpqrqnkBfqv0ec0iqx

Specific Area Subject to Proposed Action

County:"Qtcpig" City/Community: Wpkpeqtrqtcvgf"Qtcpig"Eqwpv{"("Engxgncpf"Pcvkqpcn"Hqtguv

Project Descr iption: ""Ecnvtcpu"rtqrqugu"cp"kortqxgogpv"rtqlgev"qp"c"rqtvkqp"qh"UT/96"*Qtvgic"Jkijyc{+"ykvjkp"Qtcpig"Eqwpv{"dgvyggp"tqwijn{"Rquvokng"*RO+"3307"cpf"38080""Urgekhkecnn{."vjg"rtqlgev"uvctvu"20:"okngu"yguv"qh"vjg"Ucp"Lwcp"Hktg"Uvcvkqp"cpf"gzvgpfu"gcuvyctf"vq"vjg"Qtcpig1Tkxgtukfg"Eqwpv{"nkpg0""Vjg"vqvcn"ngpivj"qh"vjg"rtqlgev"ku"703"okngu."jqygxgt."vjg"rtqlgev"yqwnf"gzenwfg"korcevu"vq"vjg"jkuvqtke"Ucp"Lwcp"Ecp{qp"Dtkfig"*%77/2286+"cv"RO"3504;0""

Rtqlgev"hgcvwtgu"kpenwfg<""vgorqtct{"eqpuvtwevkqp"gcugogpvu"kp"Ecurgtu"Rctm"cpf"Engxgncpf"Pcvkqpcn"Hqtguv."tguvqtg"okuukpi"nkpmu"qh"6/hqqv"ujqwnfgtu."rtqxkfg"32/hqqv"ujqwnfgt"cv"Ucp"Lwcp"Hktg"Uvcvkqp."rcxogpv"tguwthcekpi."writcfg"gzkuvkpi"iwctf/tcknu."tgoqxg1tgrnceg"twodng"uvtkru"kp"ogfkcp."tgoqxg1tgrnceg"ewtxg"yctpkpi"ukipu."kortqxg"gzkuvkpi"ftckpcig"u{uvgou."kpuvcnn"uchgv{"nkijvkpi"cv"Ucp"Lwcp"Hktg"Uvcvkqp."tgvckpkpi"ycnn"eqpuvtwevkqp."cpf"cffkvkqpcn"tkijv/qh/yc{"pggfgf"hqt"rgtocpgpv"gcugogpvu0

Additional Request

Sacred Lands File Search - Required Information:

USGS Quadrangle Name(s):"

Ecpcfc"Iqdgtpcfqtc."EC""3;;9<V"9"U01T"8"Y0"="Ugevkqpu"5."6"("7

Ukvvqp"Rgcm."EC"3;76"*Rjqvqtgxkugf"3;::+<V"8"U01T"8"Y0="Ugevkqpu"56."57"("58V"9"U01T"8"Y0="Ugevkqpu"3."4"("5

��

��

�� !"#$%&

Begin

Construction

PM 11.50

End Construction

PM 16.6

Project Location Map: SR-74 Improvement Project EA 0P0300; 12-ORA-74

1

Kerrie Collison

From: Sinopoli, Cheryl L@DOT <[email protected]>

Sent: Thursday, October 05, 2017 7:12 AM

To: [email protected]

Cc: Kerrie Collison; Ivan Strudwick

Subject: FW: SR-74/EA 0P0300 Field Survey Results - Any Comments?

Attachments: EA 0P0300 SR-74 NAHC request map.pptx

Hi Joyce,

LSA is working on the survey report for the SR-74 Safety Improvement Project (EA 0P0300) – this is

the one we met in the field and drove the project limits near the San Juan Hot Springs. The way the

Information Center has the SJ Hot Springs delineated, it has slivers mapped within the APE for this

project – however – it is clear that it’s a mapping error that was meant to follow the road. As

proposed, no features, structures, or objects, would be affected by the project, and I plan to have ESA

fencing installed along the project boundary in this location.

The day of our fieldtrip, you indicated that you would have standard comments – but I need to know

what those are for our project report.

Hope you are good! Please let me know and I’ll incorporate them into our study. Thanks!

Cheryl

��

��

�� !��!�"!��#$�!�

�� %��&'��()��*�+��,� �&�-��.-�'�� !!��.-/�

�

Hi Joyce – I’m so glad we got a chance to drive through the SR-74 Safety Shoulder Widening Project limits (EA 0P0300).

I spoke with LSA (Ivan Strudwick) yesterday and it sounds like he had completed the field survey for this project. The

only resource within the boundaries of the APE for this project was a previously recorded historic refuse scatter along a

drainage – however – he could not relocate it even after surveying the three drainages within the area plotted on the

Information Center maps. It is possible it may have been misplotted originally, impacted by previous construction like

drainage work, etc., or hidden beneath the thick vegetation.

Outside the APE, there are a number of sites previously recorded (you can refer to the map I gave you during our field

visit). One is the SJ Hot Springs we stopped at – although no impacts are proposed. Additionally, there are previously

recorded smaller sites consisting of lithic scatters or historic buildings along the canyon that would not be impacted.

Based on all this, do you have any comments you would like included in the study?

Please let me know – thanks!!!

Cheryl

2

��

�� 0��1��

��2 ��!��!�"!��#$�!2�3 ��!��!�"!��#$�!4�

�� &'��5�-�.��%��#�6(�7��7�+��8��,��8��"��'�*��9�$.��:��

�

Hi Joyce,

For our SR-74/EA 0P0300 field meeting next Wednesday (June 28th @ 8:30 am Bravo Burger SJC), I’m attaching a

project map for your reference and some project details below:

Project activities include:

• Restore missing links of the existing shoulders to 4-foot shoulders in both directions.

• Improve existing super elevation along the curve at the San Juan Fire Station and provide 10-foot shoulders for the fire station area for ingress/egress.

• Pavement overlay and resurfacing.

• Upgrade existing guardrail.

• Replace median rumble strips in the road.

• Replace curve warning signs.

• Improve existing drainage systems.

• Install Safety Lighting near the San Juan Fire Station.

• Retaining wall construction/reconstruction.

• Additional right-of-way from Caspers Park and Cleveland National Forest needed for easements.

Ground disturbance depths:

o Roadway & Shoulder grading: appr. 3 ft.

o Drainage Improvements: appr. 5 ft.

o Safety Lighting dimensions: appr. 6 ft. (3-foot diameter)

o Retaining wall construction: appr. 30 ft. below original ground surface of descending slope

o Guardrail installation: appr. 5 ft.

I don’t think LSA has conducted the field survey yet – I’ll let you know when I see you.

See you next Wed. 6/28

Thanks!

Cheryl

657-928-6165

��

��

�� !"#$%&

Begin

Construction

PM 11.50

End Construction

PM 16.6

Project Location Map: SR-74 Improvement Project EA 0P0300; 12-ORA-74

1

Kerrie Collison

From: Kerrie Collison

Sent: Friday, July 07, 2017 12:04 PM

To: '[email protected]'

Subject: Caltrans project on Ortega Highway (SR-74)

Attachments: San Juan Hot Springs area map.jpg

��

�� !"#� ��$�� %��&'(�)%)*))+��

,� �� -��,%'.��

�� &� �� +�� /�0��

��

�

(�� &��

��+��$�� 1��1��

�� ,� �� $��

��2��$��(��

�

(�� $� �� $��

��

�� &�� 3�� +�� 4 (��&5#5!66*!)777��8�� *9:+��

�

��

�

�� ;��( ��

4 (�;�:)�'8��$��%�� :))�

��$� ��(�5:79#�

<�<�<�<�<�<�<�<�<�<�<�!�

5#5!66*!)777��8��*9:��

5#5!#9*!:9*#�=��

>��

�

November 05, 2017

United States Department of the InteriorFISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

Carlsbad Fish And Wildlife Office2177 Salk Avenue - Suite 250

Carlsbad, CA 92008-7385Phone: (760) 431-9440 Fax: (760) 431-5901

http://www.fws.gov/carlsbad/

In Reply Refer To:Consultation Code: 08ECAR00-2017-SLI-0827Event Code: 08ECAR00-2018-E-00331 Project Name: State Route -74 Safety Improvement Project

Subject: Updated list of threatened and endangered species that may occur in your proposedproject location, and/or may be affected by your proposed project

To Whom It May Concern:

The enclosed species list identifies threatened, endangered, and proposed species, designatedcritical habitat, and candidate species that may occur within the boundary of your proposedproject and/or may be affected by your proposed project. The species list fulfills therequirements of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) under section 7(c) of theEndangered Species Act (Act) of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 ).et seq.

New information based on updated surveys, changes in the abundance and distribution ofspecies, changed habitat conditions, or other factors could change this list. Please feel free tocontact us if you need more current information or assistance regarding the potential impacts tofederally proposed, listed, and candidate species and federally designated and proposed criticalhabitat. Please note that under 50 CFR 402.12(e) of the regulations implementing section 7 of theAct, the accuracy of this species list should be verified after 90 days. This verification can becompleted formally or informally as desired. The Service recommends that verification becompleted by visiting the ECOS-IPaC website at regular intervals during project planning andimplementation for updates to species lists and information. An updated list may be requestedthrough the ECOS-IPaC system by completing the same process used to receive the enclosed list.

The purpose of the Act is to provide a means whereby threatened and endangered species and theecosystems upon which they depend may be conserved. Under sections 7(a)(1) and 7(a)(2) of theAct and its implementing regulations (50 CFR 402 ), Federal agencies are required toet seq.utilize their authorities to carry out programs for the conservation of threatened and endangeredspecies and to determine whether projects may affect threatened and endangered species and/ordesignated critical habitat.

A Biological Assessment is required for construction projects (or other undertakings havingsimilar physical impacts) that are major Federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the

http://www.fws.gov/carlsbad/

11/05/2017 Event Code: 08ECAR00-2018-E-00331 2

human environment as defined in the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(c)). For projects other than major construction activities, the Service suggests that a biologicalevaluation similar to a Biological Assessment be prepared to determine whether the project mayaffect listed or proposed species and/or designated or proposed critical habitat. Recommendedcontents of a Biological Assessment are described at 50 CFR 402.12.

If a Federal agency determines, based on the Biological Assessment or biological evaluation, thatlisted species and/or designated critical habitat may be affected by the proposed project, theagency is required to consult with the Service pursuant to 50 CFR 402. In addition, the Servicerecommends that candidate species, proposed species and proposed critical habitat be addressedwithin the consultation. More information on the regulations and procedures for section 7consultation, including the role of permit or license applicants, can be found in the "EndangeredSpecies Consultation Handbook" at:

http://www.fws.gov/endangered/esa-library/pdf/TOC-GLOS.PDF

Please be aware that bald and golden eagles are protected under the Bald and Golden EagleProtection Act (16 U.S.C. 668 ), and projects affecting these species may requireet seq.development of an eagle conservation plan(http://www.fws.gov/windenergy/eagle_guidance.html). Additionally, wind energy projectsshould follow the wind energy guidelines (http://www.fws.gov/windenergy/) for minimizingimpacts to migratory birds and bats.

Guidance for minimizing impacts to migratory birds for projects including communicationstowers (e.g., cellular, digital television, radio, and emergency broadcast) can be found at:http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/CurrentBirdIssues/Hazards/towers/towers.htm;http://www.towerkill.com; andhttp://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/CurrentBirdIssues/Hazards/towers/comtow.html.

We appreciate your concern for threatened and endangered species. The Service encouragesFederal agencies to include conservation of threatened and endangered species into their projectplanning to further the purposes of the Act. Please include the Consultation Tracking Number inthe header of this letter with any request for consultation or correspondence about your projectthat you submit to our office.

Attachment(s):

Official Species List

11/05/2017 Event Code: 08ECAR00-2018-E-00331 1

Official Species ListThis list is provided pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, and fulfills therequirement for Federal agencies to "request of the Secretary of the Interior information whetherany species which is listed or proposed to be listed may be present in the area of a proposedaction".

This species list is provided by:

Carlsbad Fish And Wildlife Office2177 Salk Avenue - Suite 250Carlsbad, CA 92008-7385(760) 431-9440

11/05/2017 Event Code: 08ECAR00-2018-E-00331 2

Project SummaryConsultation Code: 08ECAR00-2017-SLI-0827

Event Code: 08ECAR00-2018-E-00331

Project Name: State Route -74 Safety Improvement Project

Project Type: TRANSPORTATION

Project Description: Caltrans proposes a safety improvement project on SR-74 between PostMiles (PM) 11.50 and 16.60 to reduce the number and severity ofcollisions.

Project Location: Approximate location of the project can be viewed in Google Maps:

https://www.google.com/maps/place/33.59068586543892N117.50010195530142W

Counties: Orange, CA | Riverside, CA

https://www.google.com/maps/place/33.59068586543892N117.50010195530142W

11/05/2017 Event Code: 08ECAR00-2018-E-00331 3

Endangered Species Act SpeciesThere is a total of 12 threatened, endangered, or candidate species on this species list. Species onthis list should be considered in an effects analysis for your project and could include speciesthat exist in another geographic area. For example, certain fish may appear on the species listbecause a project could affect downstream species. See the "Critical habitats" section below forthose critical habitats that lie wholly or partially within your project area under this office'sjurisdiction. Please contact the designated FWS office if you have questions.

Birds

NAME STATUS

Coastal California Gnatcatcher Polioptila californica californicaThere is critical habitat for this species Your location is outside the critical habitat.final .

Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/8178

Threatened

Least Bell's Vireo Vireo bellii pusillusThere is critical habitat for this species Your location is outside the critical habitat.final .


Endangered

Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Empidonax traillii extimusThere is critical habitat for this species Your location is outside the critical habitat.final .


Endangered

Amphibians

NAME STATUS

Arroyo (=arroyo Southwestern) Toad Anaxyrus californicusThere is critical habitat for this species Your location overlaps the critical habitat.final .


Endangered

Insects

NAME STATUS

Quino Checkerspot Butterfly Euphydryas editha quino (=E. e. wrighti)There is critical habitat for this species Your location is outside the critical habitat.final .


Endangered

https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/8178





11/05/2017 Event Code: 08ECAR00-2018-E-00331 4

Crustaceans

NAME STATUS

Riverside Fairy Shrimp Streptocephalus woottoniThere is critical habitat for this species Your location is outside the critical habitat.final .


Endangered

San Diego Fairy Shrimp Branchinecta sandiegonensisThere is critical habitat for this species Your location is outside the critical habitat.final .


Endangered

Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp Branchinecta lynchiThere is critical habitat for this species Your location is outside the critical habitat.final .


Threatened

Flowering Plants

NAME STATUS

Encinitas Baccharis Baccharis vanessaeNo critical habitat has been designated for this species.


Threatened

San Diego Button-celery Eryngium aristulatum var. parishiiNo critical habitat has been designated for this species.


Endangered

Spreading Navarretia Navarretia fossalisThere is critical habitat for this species Your location is outside the critical habitat.final .


Threatened

Thread-leaved Brodiaea Brodiaea filifoliaThere is critical habitat for this species Your location is outside the critical habitat.final .


Threatened

Critical habitats

There is 1 critical habitat wholly or partially within your project area under this office'sjurisdiction.

NAME STATUS








11/05/2017 Event Code: 08ECAR00-2018-E-00331 5

Arroyo (=arroyo Southwestern) Toad Anaxyrus californicushttps://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/3762#crithab

Final

https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/3762#crithab



This page intentionally left blank

1

Laura Magee

From: NMFSWCRCA Specieslist - NOAA Service Account

<[email protected]>

Sent: Sunday, November 05, 2017 12:52 PM

To: Laura Magee

Subject: Re: Caltrans: SR-74 Safety Improvement Official Species List Request

Thank you for using NMFS’ California species list, providing information for ESA, MSA, and MMPA resources under the jurisdiction of

NMFS. Messages sent to this email address are not responded to directly. For questions, please contact Darren Howe by phone at 707-575-

3152 or by email at [email protected].

Quad Name Canada Gobernadora *

Quad Number 33117-E5

ESA Anadromous Fish

SONCC Coho ESU (T) -

CCC Coho ESU (E) -

CC Chinook Salmon ESU (T) -

CVSR Chinook Salmon ESU (T) -

SRWR Chinook Salmon ESU (E) -

NC Steelhead DPS (T) -

CCC Steelhead DPS (T) -

SCCC Steelhead DPS (T) -

SC Steelhead DPS (E) - X

CCV Steelhead DPS (T) -

Eulachon (T) -

sDPS Green Sturgeon (T) -

ESA Anadromous Fish Critical Habitat

SONCC Coho Critical Habitat -

CCC Coho Critical Habitat -

CC Chinook Salmon Critical Habitat -

CVSR Chinook Salmon Critical Habitat -

SRWR Chinook Salmon Critical Habitat -

NC Steelhead Critical Habitat -

CCC Steelhead Critical Habitat -

SCCC Steelhead Critical Habitat -

SC Steelhead Critical Habitat -

CCV Steelhead Critical Habitat -

Eulachon Critical Habitat -

sDPS Green Sturgeon Critical Habitat -

ESA Marine Invertebrates

Range Black Abalone (E) -

Range White Abalone (E) -

ESA Marine Invertebrates Critical Habitat

Black Abalone Critical Habitat -

ESA Sea Turtles

East Pacific Green Sea Turtle (T) -

Olive Ridley Sea Turtle (T/E) -

Leatherback Sea Turtle (E) -

North Pacific Loggerhead Sea Turtle (E) -

ESA Whales

Blue Whale (E) -

Fin Whale (E) -

Humpback Whale (E) -

Southern Resident Killer Whale (E) -

North Pacific Right Whale (E) -

Sei Whale (E) -

Sperm Whale (E) -

ESA Pinnipeds

Guadalupe Fur Seal (T) -

Steller Sea Lion Critical Habitat -

Essential Fish Habitat

Coho EFH -

Chinook Salmon EFH -

Groundfish EFH -

Coastal Pelagics EFH -

Highly Migratory Species EFH -

MMPA Species (See list at left)

ESA and MMPA Cetaceans/Pinnipeds See list at left and consult the NMFS Long Beach office 562-980-4000

MMPA Cetaceans -

MMPA Pinnipeds -

uad Name Sitton Peak

Quad Number 33117-E4

ESA Anadromous Fish

SONCC Coho ESU (T) -

CCC Coho ESU (E) -

CC Chinook Salmon ESU (T) -

CVSR Chinook Salmon ESU (T) -

SRWR Chinook Salmon ESU (E) -

NC Steelhead DPS (T) -

CCC Steelhead DPS (T) -

SCCC Steelhead DPS (T) -

SC Steelhead DPS (E) - X

CCV Steelhead DPS (T) -

Eulachon (T) -

sDPS Green Sturgeon (T) -

ESA Anadromous Fish Critical Habitat

SONCC Coho Critical Habitat -

CCC Coho Critical Habitat -

CC Chinook Salmon Critical Habitat -

CVSR Chinook Salmon Critical Habitat -

SRWR Chinook Salmon Critical Habitat -

NC Steelhead Critical Habitat -

CCC Steelhead Critical Habitat -

SCCC Steelhead Critical Habitat -

SC Steelhead Critical Habitat -

CCV Steelhead Critical Habitat -

Eulachon Critical Habitat -

sDPS Green Sturgeon Critical Habitat -

ESA Marine Invertebrates

Range Black Abalone (E) -

Range White Abalone (E) -

ESA Marine Invertebrates Critical Habitat

Black Abalone Critical Habitat -

ESA Sea Turtles

East Pacific Green Sea Turtle (T) -

Olive Ridley Sea Turtle (T/E) -

Leatherback Sea Turtle (E) -

North Pacific Loggerhead Sea Turtle (E) -

ESA Whales

Blue Whale (E) -

Fin Whale (E) -

Humpback Whale (E) -

Southern Resident Killer Whale (E) -

North Pacific Right Whale (E) -

Sei Whale (E) -

Sperm Whale (E) -

ESA Pinnipeds

Guadalupe Fur Seal (T) -

Steller Sea Lion Critical Habitat -

Essential Fish Habitat

Coho EFH -

Chinook Salmon EFH -

Groundfish EFH -

Coastal Pelagics EFH -

Highly Migratory Species EFH -

MMPA Species (See list at left)

ESA and MMPA Cetaceans/Pinnipeds See list at left and consult the NMFS Long Beach office 562-980-4000

MMPA Cetaceans -

MMPA Pinnipeds -

External Fact Sheet

FACT SHEET FOR EA: 0P030_ IMPROVE SAFETY AND OPERATION OF ROADWAY

ORA- 074- PM 11.5/13.29 & 13.33/16.60 Project Description/Information: Location and Limits: In Orange County, on State Route 74 (SR 74), also known as Ortega Highway, from 0.80 mile west of the San Juan Hot Springs Canyon (PM 11.50) to the Orange/ Riverside County line (PM 16.60) in an unincorporated area of the County of Orange and the Cleveland National Forest. The project excludes San Juan Canyon Bridge No. 55-0064 (PM 13.29).

Description:

Project Purpose: This project is to address issues identified by the District’s Traffic Safety branch and is intended to reduce the severity and number of collisions in this area by improving visibility and the operational condition of the roadway.

Proposed Improvements: • Address wet pavement related collisions with High Friction Surface Treatment (HFST) throughout the project limits • Restore missing links of existing shoulders to a continuous 4-foot shoulder in both directions • Improve the existing super elevation at the San Juan Fire Station (PM 12.30/12.50) • Add 10-foot shoulders for acceleration/deceleration in and out of the San Juan Fire Station • Add drainage ditches to the high side of the roadway to minimize runoff onto the pavement at various locations • Improve the existing drainage systems throughout the project limits

Background:

Within the project limits, SR 74 serves the San Juan Capistrano communities of western Orange County. The SR 74 corridor is a winding mountainous alignment with limited places for passing, vehicle turnouts, or emergency clear zones. The highway begins from the I-5 freeway with four (4) lanes in each direction and ends at Interstate 15 (I-15) with one lane in each direction and carries an Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) of approximately over 11,000 vehicle per day (vpd). Within the study area, SR 74 is an undivided highway that consists of mountainous terrain, hilly, steep cut and fill slopes, and non-standard geometric features such as horizontal curve radii, lane and shoulder widths, and sight distances. On the western portion of the project location (PM 11.50/13.28), the highway has 11 to 12-foot lanes with unpaved or non-standard shoulder in each direction at various locations. On the upper Ortega Highway portion (PM 13.33/16.60), the existing roadway has two standard 12-foot lanes and 4-foot shoulders and was completed in May 2009. The Interstate 5 interchange improvements were completed in 2015.

What the work involves: . Provide consistent 4-foot shoulders. Improve road surface and drainage. Improve the super elevation in the vicinity of the San Juan Fire Station.

Project Benefits: Enhance the safety and operation of the roadway.

Design Phase Lead Agency: Caltrans

Project Schedule: PA&ED: 1/2/2019 Ready to List: 6/2/2020 Begin Construction: 1/4/2021 Project Cost: Construction Capital: $36.5 M Funding Source: SHOPP

Project Contact(s): Caltrans Project Manager: Ahmed Abou-Abdou Please be advised that all calls must be first directed through the District’s Public Information Office. (657) 328-6000



This page intentionally left blank

1

Allison Morrow

From: Allison Morrow

Sent: Friday, February 23, 2018 3:15 PM

To: Allison Morrow

Subject: FW: Ortega Highway Safety Improvement Project EA 12-0P030_

Attachments: 0P030_Fact Sheet.pdf

From: Abou-Abdou, Ahmed@DOT

Sent: Tuesday, January 16, 2018 9:10 AM

To: [email protected]; [email protected]; Jeff Thompson <[email protected]>

Cc: Lim Stamation, Mili@DOT <[email protected]>; Deshpande, Smita R@DOT <[email protected]>;

Mcgahey, Barbara A@DOT <[email protected]>; Lee, Joey H Y@DOT <[email protected]>

Subject: Ortega Highway Safety Improvement Project EA 12-0P030_

Good morning Gentlemen,

This is a courtesy email to let you know that the department is planning to circulate the environmental document for the

SR-74 Safety Project around March 2nd

, 2018.

Please see the attached fact sheet for project information and feel free to call me if you have any question.

Thank you

Ahmed Abou-Abdou, PE, PMP

Project Manager

Caltrans, D-12

657-328-6296

1

Allison Morrow

From: Allison Morrow

Sent: Friday, February 23, 2018 3:15 PM

To: Allison Morrow

Subject: FW: Fact Sheet for SR-74 Safety Project 12-0P0300

Attachments: 0P030_Fact Sheet.pdf

From: Abou-Abdou, Ahmed@DOT

Sent: Thursday, January 25, 2018 8:15 AM

To: Naguib, Nader N@DOT <[email protected]>

Cc: Hart, Lindsey@DOT <[email protected]>; Deshpande, Smita R@DOT <[email protected]>;

Mcgahey, Barbara A@DOT <[email protected]>

Subject: Fact Sheet for SR-74 Safety Project 12-0P0300

Hi Nader,

Nice talking to you this morning. I am attaching the fact sheet for your reference. Please share with district personnel as

you see fit, especially D8’s PIO and your environmental/design staff. Please share with us the D8 project information on

SR-74 to coordinate our efforts.

Project Schedule:

DED – March 2018

Public Hearing March 15, 2018

Target FED – October 2018 (CFD commitment January 2019).

RTL – June 2020

Thank you

Ahmed Abou-Abdou, PE, PMP

Project Manager

Caltrans, D-12

657-328-6296

Chapter 4 Comments and Coordination - dot.ca.gov 4 Comments and... · Chapter 4 Comments and...

Documents

Transcript of Chapter 4 Comments and Coordination - dot.ca.gov 4 Comments and... · Chapter 4 Comments and...