Attachment_17_-__Consultation_Summary.pdf

FOUR BRIDGES REPLACEMENT

Summary of Biological & Cultural Consultations

NMFS Consultation BMPs

From NMFS Concurrence letter: Create public information signs providing information about anadromous fish species that are located in Dry Creek. Conducted in coordination with the Natural Resources Manager.

4. Avoidance, Minimization, and Compensation Measures The Environmental Office has identified which avoidance, minimization, and compensation measures to be implemented as part of the proposed action (Table 2). Our assessment of the potential impacts of the proposed action is based on the implementation of these measures.

Table 2. Avoidance and Minimization Measures (Adapted from the PBO) General Avoidance and Minimization Measures

1. Preconstruction Surveys

A biologist from 9 CES/CEIE approved by the NOAA Fisheries will conduct preconstruction surveys of all in-channel disturbance areas within sensitive habitats to determine if any federally listed species may be present prior to the start of construction. These surveys will be conducted two weeks prior to the start of construction activities in any sensitive habitat. If any federally-listed species are found during the preconstruction surveys, the NOAA Fisheries approved biologist will contact the NOAA Fisheries to determine how to proceed, potentially including fish relocation prior to the start of construction. At least 15 days prior to the onset of activities, Beale AFB will submit the name(s) and credentials of biologists who will conduct these preconstruction surveys. No project activities will begin until proponents have received written approval from the NOAA Fisheries that the biologist(s) is qualified to conduct the work.

2. Biological Monitor A NOAA Fisheries approved biologist from 9 CES/CEIE will monitor construction activities in or adjacent to sensitive habitats. The biological monitor will ensure compliance with the avoidance and minimization measures required to protect federally listed species and their habitats. If federally listed species are found that are likely to be affected by work activities, the NOAA Fisheries approved biologist will have the authority to stop any aspect of the project that could result in unauthorized take of a federally listed species. If the biological monitor exercises this authority, he/she must notify the NOAA Fisheries by telephone and letter within one working day.

3. Environmental Awareness Training

Environmental awareness training will be provided for all construction personnel working on the proposed project. Training will be provided at the start of work and within 15 days of any new worker arrival. The program will consist of a briefing on environmental issues relative to the proposed project. Training will be conducted by a NOAA Fisheries approved biologist from 9 CES/CEIE. The training program will include an overview of the legal status, biology, distribution, habitat needs, and compliance requirements for each federally listed species that may occur in the project area. The presentation will also include a discussion of the legal protection for endangered species under the Endangered Species Act, including penalties for violations.

A fact sheet conveying this information will be distributed to all personnel who enter the project site. Upon completion of the orientation, employees will sign a form stating that they attended the program and understand all avoidance and minimization measures.

These forms will be filed at Beale AFB offices and will be accessible to the appropriate resource agencies.

4. Invasive Species A biological from 9 CES/CEIE monitor will ensure that the spread or introduction of invasive exotic plant species will be avoided to the maximum extent possible (see Beale AFB Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan [INRMP] [Beale AFB 2011]). When practicable, invasive exotic plants identified in the project area will be removed.

5. Erosion Control All drainages will have erosion control measures (straw waddles, hay bales, silt fencing) installed when work is within 250 feet of a drainage or where hydrological continuity exists between the construction activities and the drainage. Construction boundaries within the buffer will be designated with fencing to ensure no equipment and/or construction workers access those protected areas.

6. Exclusionary Period

No work will be conducted in the vicinity of drainages between November 1st and May 1st, unless specifically approved by the Beale AFB Environmental Office who will field verify soil saturation, visual ponding, and expected surface disturbance. The NOAA Fisheries will be notified of any work approved between November 1st and May 1st.

7. Off-Road Travel Off-road travel outside of the demarcated construction boundaries will be prohibited.

8. Demarkation of Work and Staging Areas

Beale AFB (or the contractor to Beale AFB) will provide all materials to stake and flag boundaries of the work area. Beale AFB will coordinate with the biological monitor to stake and flag the boundaries of all work and staging areas in portions that have the potential to support federally listed species or their habitat. The contractor will remove all fencing, stakes and flagging within 60 days of construction completion. Orange construction barrier fencing will designate exclusion zones where construction activities cannot occur.

9. Report Kills/Injuries

Any worker that inadvertently kills or injures a federally listed species, or finds one injured or trapped, will immediately report the incident to the biological monitor from 9 CES/CEIE. The 9 CES/CEIE will verbally notify the NOAA Fisheries within three days and will provide written notification of the incident within five days.

10. Fueling and Motor vehicles and equipment will only be fueled and serviced in

Servicing in Designated Areas designated service areas. All fueling and maintenance of vehicles and other equipment and staging areas will occur at least 250 feet from any wetland/drainage habitat or water body. Prior to the onset of work, Beale AFB will prepare a plan to allow a prompt and effective response to any accidental spills. All workers will be informed of the importance of preventing spills and of the appropriate measures to take should a spill occur.

11. Garbage Removal During construction activities, all trash that may attract predators will be properly contained, removed from the work site daily, and disposed

of. Following construction, all refuse and construction debris will be removed from work areas. All garbage and construction-related materials in construction areas will be removed immediately following project completion.

12. Disposal of Excavated Soil

All soil excavated during construction occurring near drainages will be removed and disposed of outside the project area. Coordination with Beale AFB Environmental Office and appropriate regulatory agencies is required prior to disposal of the excavated soil.

13. Minimization of Access Routes etc.

The number of access routes, number and size of staging areas, and the total area of the activity will be limited to the minimum necessary to achieve the project goal. Routes and boundaries will be limited to the minimum necessary to achieve the project goal. Routes and boundaries will be clearly demarcated, and those areas will be outside of drainages.

14. Speed Limits All vehicle operators will follow the posted speed limit on paved and a 20-mile per hour speed limit on unpaved roads.

15. Pets/Firearms No pets or non-military firearms will be allowed in the project area.

16. Pesticide Use Any pesticide use will follow the Beale AFB INRMP (Beale AFB

2011) guidelines.

USFWS Consultation BMPs

4. Avoidance, Minimization, and Compensation Measures

The Environmental Office has identified which avoidance, minimization, and compensation measures to be implemented as part of the proposed action (Table 3). Our assessment of the potential impacts of the proposed action is based on the implementation of these measures.

Table 3. Avoidance and Minimization Measures (From the PBO) General Avoidance and Minimization Measures

1. Preconstruction Surveys

A biologist from 9 CES/CEIE approved by the USFWS will conduct preconstruction surveys of all ground disturbance areas within sensitive habitats to determine if any federally listed species may be present prior to the start of construction. These surveys will be conducted two weeks prior to the start of construction activities in any sensitive habitat. If any federally-listed species are found during the preconstruction surveys, the USFWS-approved biologist will contact the USFWS to determine how to proceed. At least 15 days prior to the onset of activities, Beale AFB will submit the name(s) and credentials of biologists who will conduct these preconstruction surveys. No project activities will begin until proponents have received written approval from the USFWS that the biologist(s) is qualified to conduct the work.

2. Biological Monitor A USFWS-approved biologist from 9 CES/CEIE will monitor construction activities in or adjacent to sensitive habitats. The biological monitor will ensure compliance with the avoidance and minimization measures required to protect federally listed species and their habitats. If federally listed species are found that are likely to be affected by work activities, the USFWS-approved biologist will have the authority to stop any aspect of the project that could result in unauthorized take of a federally listed species. If the biological monitor exercises this authority, he/she must notify the USFWS by telephone and letter within one working day.

3. Environmental Awareness Training

Environmental awareness training will be provided for all construction personnel working on the proposed project. Training will be provided at the start of work and within 15 days of any new worker arrival. The program will consist of a briefing on environmental issues relative to the proposed project. Training will be conducted by a USFWS-approved biologist from 9 CES/CEIE. The training program will include an overview of the legal status, biology, distribution, habitat needs, and compliance requirements for each federally listed species that may occur in the project area. The presentation will also include a discussion of the legal protection for endangered species under the Endangered Species Act, including penalties for violations. A fact sheet conveying this information will be distributed to all personnel who enter the project site. Upon completion of the orientation, employees will sign a form stating that they attended the program and understand all avoidance and minimization measures. These forms will be filed at Beale AFB offices and will be accessible to the appropriate resource agencies.

4. Invasive Species A biological monitor will ensure that the spread or introduction of invasive exotic plant species will be avoided to the maximum extent possible (see Beale AFB Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan [INRMP] [Beale AFB 2011]). When practicable, invasive exotic plants identified in the project area will be removed.

5. USFWS

Notification

Beale AFB will track the area of impact resulting from projects covered under the Special Area Management Plan (SAMP) Programmatic Biological Opinion (PBO) and will submit an annual report to the USFWS summarizing these acreages on a project by project basis (Beale AFB personal communication 2008).

6. Erosion Control All wetlands/drainages/vernal pools, if present, will have erosion control measures (straw waddles, hay bales, silt fencing) installed when work is within 250 feet of a wetland or where hydrological continuity exists between the construction activities and the wetland.

Construction boundaries within the buffer will be designated with fencing to ensure no equipment and/or construction workers access those protected areas.

7. Reseeding All areas of ground disturbance or exposed soil will be reseeded with a native “weed free” seed mix approved by the Beale AFB Environmental Office.

8. Mowing Mowing in and around vernal pool crustacean habitat after seed dispersal and during the dry season is considered a “not likely to adversely affect” action.

9. Exclusionary Period

No work will be conducted in the vicinity of vernal pools and streams between November 1st and May 1st, unless specifically approved by the Beale AFB Environmental Office who will field verify soil saturation, visual ponding, and expected surface disturbance. The USFWS will be notified of any work approved between November 1st and May 1st.

10. Demarkation of Sensitive Areas

Prior to initiation of construction activities, sensitive areas, such as vernal pools, wetlands, riparian areas, and potential habitat for federally listed species (i.e., vernal pool crustaceans, valley elderberry longhorn beetle, giant garter snake) will be staked and flagged as exclusion zones where construction activities cannot take place.

Orange construction barrier fencing will designate exclusion zones where construction activities cannot occur. The flagging and fencing will be clearly marked as an environmentally sensitive area. The contractor will remove all fencing, stakes, and flagging within 60 days of construction completion.

11. Off-Road Travel Off-road travel outside of the demarcated construction boundaries will be prohibited.

12. Demarkation of Work and Staging Areas

Beale AFB (or the contractor to Beale AFB) will provide all materials to stake and flag boundaries of the work area. Beale AFB will coordinate with the biological monitor to stake and flag the boundaries of all work and staging areas in portions that have the potential to support vernal pool crustaceans, valley elderberry longhorn beetle, giant garter snake or their habitat. The contractor will remove all fencing, stakes and flagging within 60 days of construction completion. Orange construction barrier fencing will designate exclusion zones where construction activities cannot occur.

13. Report Kills/Injuries

Any worker that inadvertently kills or injures a federally listed species, or finds one injured or trapped, will immediately report the incident to the biological monitor. The biological monitor will inform the 9th Civil Engineer Squadron/Environmental Section (9 CES/CEIE). The 9 CES/CEIE will verbally notify the Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office within three days and will provide written notification of the incident within five days.

14. Fueling and Servicing in

Motor vehicles and equipment will only be fueled and serviced in designated service areas. All fueling and maintenance of vehicles and

Designated Areas other equipment and staging areas will occur at least 250 feet from any wetland/drainage habitat or water body. Prior to the onset of work, Beale AFB will prepare a plan to allow a prompt and effective response to any accidental spills. All workers will be informed of the importance of preventing spills and of the appropriate measures to take should a spill occur.

15. Garbage Removal During construction activities, all trash that may attract predators will be properly contained, removed from the work site daily, and disposed

of. Following construction, all refuse and construction debris will be removed from work areas. All garbage and construction-related materials in construction areas will be removed immediately following project completion.

16. Disposal of Excavated Soil

All soil excavated during construction occurring near vernal pool wetlands will be removed and disposed of outside the project area.

Coordination with Beale AFB Environmental Office and appropriate regulatory agencies is required prior to disposal of the excavated soil.

17. Minimization of Access Routes etc.

The number of access routes, number and size of staging areas, and the total area of the activity will be limited to the minimum necessary to achieve the project goal. Routes and boundaries will be limited to the minimum necessary to achieve the project goal. Routes and boundaries will be clearly demarcated, and those areas will be outside of wetland/drainage areas.

18. Speed Limits All vehicle operators will follow the posted speed limit on paved and a 20-mile per hour speed limit on unpaved roads.

19. Pets/Firearms No pets or non-military firearms will be allowed in the project area.

20. Pesticide Use The USFWS has reviewed and concurred with the Beale AFB INRMP

(Beale AFB 2011) which includes a description of any pesticide use on Beale AFB property. Any pesticide use related to projects appended to the PBO will follow those guidelines.

21. Trenches No trenches will be left open at the end of the day; trenched areas will be compacted and restored to normal grade. Excavated trenches will be revegetated.

Avoidance and Minimization Measures for Vernal Pool Crustaceans

22. Best Management Practices

Best Management Practices (BMPs) will be implemented to prevent sediment from entering avoided vernal pools that are located within 250 feet, or have a hydrologic connection to the project site, including, but not limited to, the use of silt fencing, straw bales, straw wattles, and standard procedures for temporary sediment disposal.

23. Biological Monitor A USFWS-approved biologist from 9 CES/CEIE will monitor all construction activities and the proposed work to ensure compliance with avoidance, minimization, and compensation components of the Proposed Action. The biological monitor will assist construction personnel in compliance with all conservation measures and guidelines. The monitor will be responsible for directing the placement of all fences, stakes, flags, and barriers protecting sensitive resources.

24. Environmental Awareness Training

A USFWS-approved biological monitor from 9 CES/CEIE will conduct environmental awareness training for construction crews before and during project implementation. The education program will briefly cover threatened and endangered species and their habitats that might be encountered during construction or be within close proximity of the Proposed Action project sites. Awareness training will cover all restrictions and guidelines that must be followed by construction crews to avoid or minimize impacts on threatened and endangered species and their habitat, and will include the penalties for violating the provisions of the Endangered Species Act.

Environmental awareness training will be conducted prior to construction, when crews are about to enter potentially sensitive areas, and when new personnel join the construction crews.

25. Demarking Habitat Potential vernal pool branchiopod habitat adjacent to the construction area will be protected by placing orange barrier fencing material around the perimeter of the vernal pool in coordination with the biological monitor.

26. Work and Staging Boundaries

All work boundaries and staging areas will be clearly identified with staking or flagging to ensure no vehicles or equipment will enter vernal pool areas.

27. Dust Control All road areas will be watered during project construction to prevent excessive dust from silting nearby vernal pools.

Avoidance and Minimization Measures for Giant Garter Snake

28. Snake’s Active Period Construction Activities

Construction activities will be conducted between May 1st and October 1st, when direct mortality will be lessened because snakes are likely to actively avoid danger.

29. Upland Buffer A 200-foot buffer will be implemented surrounding suitable aquatic habitat for GGS. No construction activities will occur within the 200-foot buffer from October 1st through May 1st.

30. Avoid Hibernacula Disturbance to all hibernacula areas (i.e., rocks, burrows, logs, brush piles, etc.) will be avoided from October 1st to May 1st and during cold or cool-weather periods when GGS are inactive or moving into upland habitat in search of hibernacula.

31. Prevent Entrapment

All construction-related holes, ditches, or trenches will be covered to prevent entrapment of individual GGS. Provisions for egress for trapped snakes will be provided. If a trapped GGS is discovered the Service will be immediately contacted to recommend appropriate action.

32. De-water Aquatic Habitat

Aquatic habitat must be de-watered a minimum of 15 days prior to the start of construction activities that will take place within that habitat.

All Consultations If the project is outside of the below Project Description and boundaries, these consultations will need to be updated with the appropriate agencies, coordinated through the Beale AFB Natural/Cultural Resources Manager.

2. Description of Proposed Project

Beale Air Force Base (AFB) proposes to replace four bridges over Dry Creek and Best Slough along Gavin Mandery Drive (Figure 1). These actions are covered under the Special Area Management Plan (SAMP) Programmatic Biological Opinion (PBO) (Bridges: Maintenance and Upgrades) and will involve the following activities:

Replace four bridges over Dry Creek and Best Slough along Gavin Mandery Drive (approximately 450 feet of existing bridge infrastructure along an approximately 1,125-foot stretch of road).

o The bridge replacement action would raise the bridges (less than 3 foot height increase compared to existing height) and reduce the number and size of piers within the channels.

o During demolition and construction within the Best Slough and Dry Creek channels, the channel would be temporarily dewatered using a bladder dam.

Flows would be routed through a culvert and re-enter the channel downstream of the construction area.

Reinstall communication lines attached to the bridges, moving them above the 100-year high water elevation.

Widen Gavin Mandery Drive from one to two traffic lanes through the project area, increasing the width of paved roadway from 18-22 feet (18 to 22-foot travel lanes with variable width gravel shoulders) to 32 feet (24-foot travel lanes with 4-foot paved shoulders).

Install approximately 300 feet of new below ground communication line and 60 feet of electrical line north of Gavin Mandery Drive. Electrical and communications lines would be installed within a 3- to 4-foot wide and 2- to 2.5-foot deep trench, within the graveled road shoulder of Gavin Mandery Drive.

Construction access would be from Gavin Mandery Drive and staging areas would be located along the road and/or within 50 feet of the edge of the road.

Gavin Mandery Drive, through the proposed project area, would be closed to vehicle traffic during the 3 to 5 month construction period. Residents within the MFH area would be directed to use Camp Beale Highway and 14th Street as an alternate travel route.

To eliminate the threat of overtopping the existing bridges and damage to sewer pipelines, the project should be completed prior to the start of the 2015 rainy season (generally beginning November 1). The bridge replacements are expected to take 3 to 5 months.

Best management practices (BMPs) and avoidance and minimization measures (AMMs) outlined in Section 4 will be utilized to prevent any adverse environmental impact.

Figure 1 (below) illustrates the project area, wetland features, potential threatened and endangered species habitat, staging areas, construction entrance/exit locations, and access routes.

Figure 1: Four Bridges Replacem

Cultural Resources from ICRMP/NAGPRA Plans

AF or Contractor personnel that make a potential cultural discovery shall:

Immediately notify the Cultural Resources Manager (CRM) of the nature and location of the discovery.

Immediately cease potentially damaging activities and take efforts to ensure protection of resources until arrival of the CRM or designee.

Unidentified subsurface archaeological deposits might exist within the work area boundary. If any potentially human bones or cultural artifacts are discovered, stop all ground disturbing work at the point of discovery, plus a 150 feet buffer exclusionary area. Care will be exercised when leaving the discovery area so as not to further disturb the cultural items. Work within the area will not resume until the CRM provides authorization to 9 RW/CONS. Unauthorized excavation, removal, damage, alteration, or defacement of archaeological resources is prohibited, and punishable by civil and criminal penalties.