Attachment_5_K7-Project_Specific_Environmental_Requirements.docx

FA4610-15-R-0005

Attachment 5

2.0 Environmental

2.1 Cultural Resources

Project compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act resulted two main cultural resources commitments for the project: (1) the requirement of using non-ground disturbing techniques in the removal of poles with archaeological site boundaries and (2) the monitoring of ground-disturbing project-related activities within and adjacent to archaeological sites by a representative of the Federally-recognized Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians (hereafter, Tribe). Locations restricting ground disturbance are illustrated on the attached maps.

The VAFB Cultural Resources Group, in consultation with the Tribe, has determined that Native American monitoring will be required for new feeder line construction, old feeder line demolition, and periodic spot checking the project area to ensure avoidance measures remain adequately implemented. The Tribe's hourly rate for monitoring is $60 per hour, or $480 per day. A copy of the Tribe's monitoring contract is included within this attachment. In addition to Native American monitoring, archaeological monitor for the project is also required. Archaeological monitoring is required at National Register eligible sites for feeder line construction and feeder line demolition within and immediately adjacent to archaeological site boundary. The archaeological monitor will ensure avoidance measures are being implemented, that proper staging areas are being

In order to avoid impacts to cultural resources, the contractor will comply with instructions on the detail sheets within this attachment. The sheets illustrate where the existing power line bisects cultural resources. In several cases, existing power poles must be removed with extreme caution as well as coordination with the Air Force cultural resource manager.

The contractor will decide how to remove poles without disturbing cultural resources. Previously, poles have been cut off at the base and removed by a crane positioned on an adjacent paved or graveled road surface. In areas where a crane cannot reach a felled pole, the pole could be cut into small sections and removed by hand crews.

Protection measures should be implemented at each of the archaeological sites in the project are as outlined below. Each of these locations are shown on the attached maps.

SBA-1130: There are 3 poles being removed and replaced at this site. Native American monitoring required. No vehicle, equipment, pole, or hardware staging in this area. No driving off road. Poles should be cut off at ground level and removed in a way that will not cause ground disturbance.

SBA-931: There are 11 poles within and adjacent to the site boundary that are to be removed. Native American and archaeological monitoring required for all work in this location. No vehicles, equipment, pole, or hardware staging in this area. No driving off of dirt access road. Poles should be cut off at ground level and removed in a way that will not cause ground disturbance.

SBA-932: There are 10 poles to be installed within and adjacent to the site boundary. Native American monitoring required for all excavation and ground disturbance at this location. Poles should be cut off at the base to be removed.

SBA- 2412/2941: Four poles will be removed and replaced within and adjacent to the site boundary. Native American and archaeological monitoring required for all work in this location. No vehicles, equipment, pole, or hardware staging in this area. No driving off of dirt access road. Poles should be cut off at the base to be removed.

SBA-2946H: Two poles are being removed and replaced within the site. Archaeological monitor will check work. Vehicles may drive into site for work. No pole, hardware, or equipment staging within site boundary. Poles should be cut off at the base to be removed.

SBA-3107H: Six poles are to be installed adjacent to the site boundary. An archaeological monitor is necessary to ensure work does not encroach upon site. No vehicles, equipment, pole, or hardware staging in this area. No driving off of dirt access road.

SBA-2952: One pole is to be removed from this site. Native American and archaeological monitoring required for all work in this location. No vehicles, equipment, pole, or hardware staging in this area. No vehicle traffic within site boundary. Pole should be cut off at ground level and removed in a way that will not cause ground disturbance.

SBA-923: Eight poles are being removed from this site. Native American and archaeological monitoring required for all work in this location. No vehicles, equipment, pole, or hardware staging in this area. No vehicle traffic within site boundary. Pole should be cut off at ground level and removed in a way that will not cause ground disturbance.

Cultural Resources Manager: Ms. Kelli Brasket (805) 606-9687

2.2 Biological Resources

The Contractor will hire a Qualified Biologist (Biologist) for 1) on-site monitoring of biological and natural resources, 2) vegetation survey and planning along old power line access roads, 3) biological awareness training for work crews, 4) ensuring the project adheres to all requirements in the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) biological opinion, and 5) biological reporting.

1. On-site Monitoring of Biological and Natural Resources:

a. Three days prior to commencement of construction in a particular area. The Biologist will delineate areas of avoidance and quantify expected areas of disturbance. Staff from 30 CES/CEANC will participate to oversee and advise the monitor’s work.

b. First two weeks of construction & last two weeks of construction. The Biologist is expected to be on site first and leave site last to conduct work site inspections. The site inspection should include 1) looking for presence of California red-legged frogs, and 2) ensuring the all biological mitigation measures are securely in place.

c. Two half-days per work week throughout duration of construction, and three full days each week from 1 June to 15 September (see e, below). The Biologist will ensure that protected areas are avoided and that work sites are clean. The Biologist will conduct briefings to any newly-arrived construction personnel.

d. All work in Honda Creek: during construction, the Biologist must also be on site for any activities taking place in and in the immediate area of Honda Creek (defined as 1/10th of 1 mile north and south). All work is expected to stay out of running water in the Honda Creek area, and biological/environmental impacts in this area are expected to be very minimal – contractor is expected to “span” over Honda Creek, not drive through the creek or place any poles or appurtenances within the creek or within 20 feet of the creek.

e. Biologist on site all day, every day for all actions on the Phase 2 portion (Honda Ridge Road to Tranquillon Peak).

f. Biologist on site all day, every day for all actions in known occupied Vernal pool fairy shrimp habitat at the extreme eastern portion of phase 3.

In addition to above duties, the Biologist must provide a final number of sensitive plant species disturbed as a result of project activities. The Biologist in consultation with 30CES/CEANC will then select a site and oversee invasive species removal which is intended to compensate for disturbed plants. Removal will require the use of the primary Contractor's heavy equipment (backhoe, bobcat or dozer). Compensatory invasive species removal is expected to take place in areas dominated by iceplant and should not contain any seacliff buckwheat, beach layia or other sensitive species.

30 CES/CEANC will provide information and photographs that would facilitate the Contractor and the Biologist with recognition of federally listed threatened and endangered species on Vandenberg AFB, including Gaviota tarplant, beach layia, California red-legged frog, and El Segundo blue butterflies and their seacliff buckwheat habitat. The Biologist must be capable of identifying these species and educate the Contractor on species identification.

2. Vegetation Survey & Planning Along Former Power Line Access Roads:

The Biologist will walk the existing power line route in order to 1) determine where old access roads are present, 2) determine if rehabilitation or revegetation is needed to restore the landscape, and 3) provide recommendations to 30 CES/CEANC. The Biologists’ recommendations can be submitted in any format, but an annoted map is suggested.

Following demolition of the existing power line, the Biologist will conduct this survey and determine areas of disturbance in need of restoration. Restoration planning should include calculating accurate acreages of plant communities disturbed and lost and preparing a list of recommended plant species to be used and specifications for the seed mixes.

3. Biological Training for the Contractor’s Work Crews

The Biologist will prepare and present to all on-site construction workers an awareness briefing about Threatened and Endangered Species, required minimization measures, and additional requirements of the Biological Opinion. The briefing should be presented at the start of the project and as new workers arrive on site. The biologist should provide sign-in sheets with legibly-printed names and signatures of personnel who have attended the briefing. Briefings are not expected to exceed 10 minutes in length.

4. Ensuring the project adheres to requirements set out in the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) biological opinion.

5. Biological Reporting

The Biologist will submit a biweekly status reports to 30CES/CEANC. These reports can be submitted via email. Upon project conclusion, a 6-10 page (text only) draft report will be submitted to 30CES/CEANC for review. With appropriate maps and imagery, the report should not exceed 15 pages. After a 30 day government review period (in addition to any subcontractor-contractor review period), the Biologist will submit the final report in required format for submittal to USFWS. The report will be forwarded to the USFWS by 30CES/CEANC.

Monitoring reports shall be prepared and submitted to the VAFB Biological Resources POC (30 CES/CEANC).

Minimum Qualifications for Biologists:

1. Bachelor’s degree in biology, natural resources management or a closely related subject.

2. At least one year of biology-related field experience on the Central Coast of California.

3. Ability to identify California red-legged frog, Vernal pool fairy shrimp and seacliff buckwheat, the host plant of the El Segundo blue butterfly (ESBB). Experience with these organisms in context of Endangered Species Act section 7 or section 10(a) authorizations/recovery permits is preferred.

4. Biologists must be approved by the USFWS.

Upon request by the Contractor, 30 CES/CEANC can recommend qualified biologists.

Biological Resources POC: Mr. Rhys Evans (805) 606-4198

2.3 Water Resources

Road construction, vegetation removal and heavy equipment access shall be avoided in surface water drainages. If access requires crossing a surface water drainage, a biological monitor is required. Temporary matting may be needed to avoid erosion/degradation.

New roads shall be designed and constructed to prevent erosion. New roads will require a gravel overlay or equivalent surface erosion control.

Vegetation removal for temporary access roads shall be minimized.

The Contractor will refer to the California Dept. of Parks and Recreation OHV Best Management Practices (BMP) Manual - EP-4, Land and Road Grading to minimize erosion and for temporary stream crossings.

Link: http://www.watchyourdirt.com/watchyourdirt-erosion-control/2009/5/25/free-erosion-and-sediment-control-bmp-manual.html.

These measures are necessary to avoid potential impacts to Waters of the U.S. and the need for Clean Water Act 404 and 401 permits. Also to prevent erosion and meet the conditions for termination of coverage under the NPDES Construction General Permit.

Water Resources POC: Ms. Tara Wiskowski (805) 605-0503

2.4 Hazardous Materials

Hazardous materials may not be brought on base without prior coordination, approval and tracking barcode issued by the HazMart. Upon commencement of the contract, the contractor must apply for a shop code and enroll in the EESOH-MIS hazardous material authorization and tracking system.

Hazardous Materials POC: Mr. Dan Narciso (805) 605-7573

2.4.1 Hazardous Waste

All unusable/unserviceable utility poles and cross-arms generated during this project are considered treated wood waste, and whether disposed by the contractor or disposed through the Consolidated Collection Accumulation Point (CCAP) contractor, requires coordination and waste characterization with CCAP personnel and the 30 CES/CEANP Hazardous Waste Program Manager prior to transport and disposal (NO EXCEPTIONS). All Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest’s (UHWM) are required to be tracked and signed by authorized CCAP or 30 CES/CEANP personnel only. Contractors are not authorized to sign UHWM for waste generated on Vandenberg AFB.

Hazardous Waste POC: Mr. Daniel Carson (805) 606-2359

2.4.2 Solid Waste

The contractor shall be responsible for segregating and transporting all reusable or recyclable materials to the Material Diversion Center (MDC). Anticipated reusable or recyclable materials include, but are not limited to: utility poles, other dimensional lumber and treated lumber, conductors (cables and wires), metal hardware, and ceramic insulators. The Government retains all rights to the value of all demolition/deconstruction materials, and the installation Qualified Recycling Program (QRP) will retain all proceeds from reuse or recycling any materials related to the project.

Based on visual observation of over 80 power poles, VAFB’s solid waste managers determined that roughly five percent of the total linear feet of existing poles are non-recyclable & non-reusable. Portions of poles that cannot be re-used or recycled should be separated (cut) from reusable/recyclable lengths of pole and segregated in waste piles.

Criteria for waste (non-recyclable or reusable) pole segments includes lengths of wood that exhibit excessive charring or significant material loss (reduced diameter) from fire damage, splintered or split sections that have material loss (reduced diameter) from physical damage, and/or lengths that exhibit rot or mold resulting in structural compromise or material loss.

Segments of poles or poles designated as waste shall be treated as hazardous waste. The Contractor shall manage, track and dispose of all hazardous waste generated on VAFB through the Government contracted and operated Consolidated Collection Accumulation Point (CCAP). The CCAP personnel assist the waste generators with waste stream classification including Land Disposal Restrictions and generate shipping documents and manifests to ensure hazardous waste transportation and disposal regulations are strictly adhered to.

The Contractor shall not remove any hazardous waste generated on VAFB without approval from 30 CES/CEANP or the authorized CCAP representative. Only the 30 CES/CEANP or the CCAP representative is authorized to sign Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifests. The Contractor shall not sign any of their own Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifests unless they have their own established EPA Generator ID number.

Solid Waste POC: Mr. Dayle Russell (805) 605-0544

2.5 Contaminated Soil/Remediation Sites

The Contractor will work with the Contaminated Soil Remediation POC to avoid contaminated soil areas along the N-Feeder power line. The attached detail sheets are annotated to show the location of contaminated soil sites. These annotations are labeled “IRP” for installation remediation program. The Contractor must make all efforts to avoid ground disturbance in these contaminated sites. In the event that an IRP site cannot be avoided, the Contractor will work with the Contaminated Soil POC to develop an avoidance or best management practice strategy.

Additionally, contaminated sites have remediation monitoring wells, which must be avoided during all construction activities. The Contractor will work with the Remediation POC to identify the location of these wells and plan for avoidance.

Contaminated Soil/Remediation POC: Amena Atta (805) 605-7249

2.6 Air Quality

Under no circumstance may sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) from gas insulated switchgear be released to the environment. The 30 CES Electric Shop (30 CES/CEOFE) must be notified of actions involving SF6 in gas insulated switchgear, such as puffer switches and high voltage circuit breakers, so that proper regulatory inventory and recordkeeping actions IAW 17 CCR 95350 et seq can occur. Puffer switches containing SF6 shall NOT be abandoned in-place, but removed for proper accounting and disposal. Contact the 30 CES Electric Shop for locations of puffer switches on in-place distribution lines.

2.7 Staging Areas

The Contractor shall identify proposed staging area during the design phase of the project. Staging area locations shall be reviewed by Base CE to ensure environmental requirements are met. Staging areas are for temporary storage of nonhazardous materials necessary for construction of the subject project.

2.8 UXO Monitor

A Tech II UXO escort is required to be present during all construction activities in UXO designated areas.