Attachment_15_-_Mitigation_Paln_for_East_Housing_Area_Solar_Energy_Project.pdf

Mitigation Plan for

East Housing Area Solar Energy Project at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California

September 2014

Prepared For:

Air Force Space Command (AFSPC)

Air Force Civil Engineer Center, NEPA Center (AFCEC/CZN)

Prepared By:

U.S. Air Force, 30th Space Wing, Installation Management Flight, Environmental Section (30 CES/CEIE)

Mitigation Plan for the East Housing Solar Energy Project at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section Page

1. Introduction

1.1 Definitions

1.2 Purpose of the Mitigation Plan

1.3 Organization of the Mitigation Plan

2. Responsible Parties

3. Summary of Mitigation Measures

4. Adaptive Management

5. References

LIST OF TABLES

Table Page

Table 1. Mitigation Measures

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

AFCEC Air Force Civil Engineer Center BMP best management practice CEQ Council on Environmental Quality CFR Code of Federal Regulations CAA Clean Air Act CWA Clean Water Act EA Environmental Assessment EPM Environmental Protection Measure FONSI Finding of No Significant Impact MP Mitigation Plan NEPA National Environmental Policy Act USAF United States Air Force i

1. INTRODUCTION

The United States Air Force (USAF) has issued the Final Environmental Assessment (Final EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the East Housing Solar Energy Project at Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB) (USAF 2014). The Final EA identifies the anticipated environmental impacts resulting from implementing the analyzed alternatives and discusses measures that the USAF considered for the mitigation of adverse effects. In the FONSI, the decision maker decided to pursue the Proposed Action (Preferred Alternative) to develop the solar energy facility within the boundaries of the former East Housing Area (former EHA) at VAFB, which encompasses approximately 182 acres. The Final EA/FONSI describes measures to mitigate potential adverse environmental impacts from the Proposed Action. In accordance with 32 CFR §989.22, Mitigation, this Mitigation Plan (MP) is prepared to present the mitigation measures applicable for this project and to designate the responsible party for implementing the activities identified. Through an adaptive management process, the Air Force will monitor the performance and effectiveness of the mitigation activities and determine if any changes or supplemental measures are necessary to minimize environmental impacts under the project.

1.1 Definitions

Measures to mitigate potential impacts are listed as Environmental Protection Measures (EPMs) in the Final EA/FONSI. EPMs can be divided into two categories: mitigation measures and best management practices (BMPs). The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations (40 CFR §1500-1508) for implementing the procedural provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (42 U.S.C.

4321 et. seq.) define mitigation as follows:

• Avoiding an impact altogether by not taking a certain action or parts of an action;

• Minimizing impacts by limiting the degree or magnitude of the action and its implementation;

• Rectifying the impact by repairing, rehabilitating, or restoring the affected environment;

• Reducing or eliminating the impact over time by preservation and maintenance operations during the life of the action; and/or

• Compensating for the impact by replacing or providing substitute resources or environments.

(40 CFR § 1508.20). BMPs are commonly understood as accepted practices, techniques, methods, processes, and activities used to facilitate compliance with applicable requirements, and that provide an effective and practicable means of further mitigating environmental impacts. The Final EA/FONSI distinguished between mandatory and discretionary EPMs. As such, mandatory EPMs are required to be implemented as part of the proposed action.

Adaptive management involves monitoring outcomes of the identified EPMs and revising them if warranted. A monitoring program, if required, will be developed to track performance and effectiveness of the actions documented in this plan and may supplement the plan from time to time to address necessary updates or changed conditions.

1.2 Purpose of the Mitigation Plan

The purpose of this MP is to ensure that mitigation measures are effectively implemented so as to avoid potentially significant environmental impacts. The MP also may be revised from time to time depending on the effectiveness of the mitigation measures in this plan.

1.3 Organization of the Mitigation Plan

This MP is comprised of four additional sections. Section 2 identifies the parties responsible for implementing and funding the EPMs identified in the Final EA/FONSI. Section 3 provides a summary of the mitigation measures described in the Final EA/FONSI and a few new mitigation measures added by VAFB. Table 1 organized the EPMs by resource area with an explanation of implementation expectations associated with the EPMs. Section 4 discusses adaptive management. Section 5 provides references cited in the MP.

2. RESPONSIBLE PARTIES

This section describes the parties responsible for implementing and funding the mitigation measures.

The Air Force proponent for this action is the 30th Space Wing’s Civil Engineer Squadron (30 CES). In this particular case, AFCEC is the lead on issuing the Request for Proposal-Power Purchase Agreement (RFP-PPA) and the corresponding real property authorization (land lease). The private contractor that is selected for implementing the Proposed Action will be responsible for funding the implementation of all EPMs identified in this MP. AFCEC and 30 CES will be responsible for monitoring compliance with the MP. The Air Force NEPA Center (AFCEC/CZN) will maintain long-term tracking and will approve close-out of this MP.

3. SUMMARY OF MITIGATION MEASURES

The potential environmental impacts for which EPMs are required for the selected alternative (Proposed Action) are summarized below. For EPMs with an asterisk (*), minor edits have been made/language has been clarified since the Final EA/FONSI. EPMs that are bolded have been added as additional requirements since the Final EA/FONSI.

• NEPA: It should be noted that the Final EA/FONSI and EPMs identified therein were determined without the benefit of a project design and therefore additional requirements may be determined in the future, if the EPMs identified in this MP are determined to not be effective and/or as part of the adaptive management process.

o NEPA1 – The contractor is required to submit design plans to the USAF at VAFB to ensure compliance with NEPA. The contractor will review the Final Environmental Assessment [and Finding of No Significant Impact] for East Housing Area Solar Energy Project, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California (July 2014) and make a determination as to whether the anticipated environmental impacts of the proposed design is within the scope of analysis set forth in the Final EA/FONSI. USAF Engineers and Environmental Staff at VAFB will verify whether the anticipated environmental impacts are within the scope of environmental analysis presented in the Final EA/FONSI. If the submitted plans indicate that the environmental impacts will exceed the scope of the past analysis as presented in the Final EA/FONSI, a supplemental environmental analysis will be required. The contractor will prepare the Supplemental Environmental Assessment, if needed.

o NEPA2 – The USAF is under a continuing duty to evaluate new information to ensure compliance with NEPA. The contractor will inform the USAF as to any new information discovered during the construction, operation, and/or maintenance phases of the Proposed Action that may exceed the scope of past analysis set forth in the Final EA/FONSI. Any new information that indicates the Proposed Action may exceed the scope of environmental analysis, set forth in the Final EA/FONSI, may require supplemental environmental analysis. The contractor will prepare the Supplemental Environmental Assessment, if needed.

• Air Quality (AQ): Mandatory EPMs that were identified for implementation of the Proposed Action are largely regulatory requirements rather than additional BMPs or mitigation measures that were proposed by the USAF in response to anticipated environmental impacts. EPMs were identified for the construction and operations phases of the Proposed Action and are listed below.

o AQ1 – Obtaining an ATC permit and a Permit to Operate (PTO) permit from the Santa Barbara

County Air Pollution Control District (SBCAPCD) for affected equipment, if applicable.

o AQ2 - Asphalt paving activities shall comply with APCD Rule 329, Cutback and Emulsified Asphalt Paving Materials.

o AQ3 – SBCAPCD Rule 345, Control of Fugitive Dust from Construction and Demolition Activities. Under Rule 345, construction, demolition, and/or earthmoving activities are prohibited from causing discharge of visible dust outside the property line, and must utilize standard BMPs to minimize dust from truck hauling, track-out/carry-out from active construction sites, and demolition activities.

o AQ4 - Standard dust mitigations are required per SBAPCD Rule 345 for all construction and/or grading activities. The following dust control measures are required to be implemented during land preparation, excavation and/or demolition: (1) All soil excavated or graded should be sufficiently watered to prevent excessive dust. Watering should occur as needed with complete coverage of disturbed soil areas. Watering should be a minimum of twice daily on unpaved/untreated roads and on disturbed soil areas with active operations. (2) All clearing, grading, earth moving and excavation activities should cease during periods of winds greater than 20 miles per hour (mph) (averaged over one hour), if disturbed material is easily windblown, or when dust plumes of 20% or greater opacity impact public roads, occupied structures, or neighboring property. (3) All fine material transported off-site should be either sufficiently watered or securely covered to prevent excessive dust. (4) All haul trucks should be required to exit the site via an access point where a gravel pad or grizzly has been installed. (5) Stockpiles of soil or other fine loose material shall be stabilized by watering or other appropriate method to prevent wind-blown fugitive dust. (6) Once initial leveling has ceased, all inactive soil areas within the construction site should either be seeded and watered until plant growth is evident, treated with a dust palliative, or watered twice daily until soil has sufficiently crusted to prevent fugitive dust emission. (7) On-site vehicle speed should be limited to 15 mph. (8) All areas with vehicle traffic should be paved, treated with dust palliatives or watered a minimum of twice daily.

(9) No off-road vehicles or engines will idle for more than 5 consecutive minutes. Idling of a vehicle that is owned by a rental company will be the responsibility of the renter or lessee, and the rental agreement shall so indicate. The idling limit does not apply to: Idling when queuing, Idling to verify that the vehicle is in safe operating condition, Idling for testing, servicing, repairing or diagnostic purposes, Idling necessary to accomplish work for which the vehicle was designed (such as operating a crane), Idling required to bring the machine system to operating temperature, and Idling necessary to ensure safe operation of the vehicle.

o AQ5 - Fine particulate emissions from diesel equipment exhaust are classified as carcinogenic by the State of California. Therefore compliance with all state diesel air toxic control measures is required. The following measures should be implemented to control construction vehicle/equipment tailpipe emissions: Properly maintain and tune all internal combustion engine powered equipment; Require employees and subcontractors to comply with the ARB idling restrictions for compression ignition engines; and Use California ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel.

o AQ6 - project shall comply with all applicable SBCAPCD Rules and Regulations including:

Complying with all applicable requirements specified in SBCAPCD Regulation VIII, New Source Review, and Obtaining an ATC permit and a PTO permit from the SBCAPCD for affected equipment, if applicable.

o AQ7 - The project shall comply with all Air Toxic “Hot Spots” Information and Assessment Act requirements, including revision of existing emissions inventory plans and/or health risk assessments.

o AQ8 - The project shall comply with all applicable requirements as identified in AFI 32-7040, Air

Quality Compliance.

o *AQ9 - Air quality operational registrations or permits are required for all portable construction equipment equipped with a diesel-fired engine rated at 50 brake horsepower or greater,

• Biological Resources: Mandatory EPMs were identified for implementation of the Proposed Action to minimize unavoidable impacts in regards to invasive species and migratory birds. Preventing the further spread of invasive species is the goal for VAFB, including this project site. Because there exists the potential to remove trees and vegetation from the entire 182 acre area, migratory birds and other wildlife that may utilize the project area could be affected. Similarly, the design of the solar panels could affect migratory birds and therefore reducing impact needs to be considered in the design phase, prior to implementing the Proposed Action. As a precautionary measure, a restriction on night-lighting is required to avoid the potential for significant impact on the surrounding off-site areas that are largely undisturbed natural areas.

o BIO1 - If the eucalyptus trees south of Timber Lane along SR-1 are removed, the area will be replanted with lower-growing native shrubs to help screen the facility.

Note: this is the same measure as VR-2 below, but listed here for consistency with the Final

EA/FONSI.

o *BIO2 – Removal of trees and dense vegetation should occur after August 15 and before February 15 to avoid the bird breeding season. If this cannot be accomplished, surveys for nesting birds must be conducted prior to disturbance of the trees. If active nests are located, they must be avoided until the fledglings are no longer using the nest.

o *BIO3 - The project site shall be managed and monitored to prevent and eradicate invasive plant species. Prior to project site transport, all vehicles shall be cleaned of weed seeds. During on-site entry and exit periods, all equipment vehicles traversing the unpaved areas shall be cleaned of weed seeds to prevent the spread of Saharan mustard especially, plus other exotic invasive plant seeds. At a minimum, both manual removal and washing of soil and debris from vehicles should occur and be contained for off-site disposal. Vehicles will each be high pressure spray washed for at least 6 minutes, with particular attention paid to the undercarriage, wheel wells, and bumper areas by a well-trained wash crew. Any skid plates shall be removed for cleaning or removed and cleaned. Exotic weed seeds and other cleaning waste products will be properly disposed of;

After construction, project management and monitoring to eradicate invasive plant species with a goal of achieving 90% effective eradication of weeds will be implemented. Any use of herbicide shall adhere to Air Force pest management requirements. Any vehicles traversing the unpaved areas shall be cleaned of weed seeds as described above and seeds shall be properly disposed.

Strategy for eradication will be approved by 30 CES/CEIEA.

o BIO4 - Any night-lighting on the site shall be the minimum required for security and safety, shielded, and directed downward and toward the interior of the site rather than toward the adjacent habitat areas in order to avoid adverse effects to nocturnal animals.

o BIO5 - If landscaping will be installed on the project, a preliminary species list shall be reviewed and approved by a qualified botanist familiar with native plants of the Burton Mesa and invasive non-native species. A botanist will work with the contractor to review the sources of seeds and propagation material, and will be on-site during landscape installation to ensure that no non-native invasive plants are planted. The botanist and contractor shall coordinate with 30

CES/CEIEA.

o BIO6 - Any above ground electrical lines shall be designed and constructed to reduce the likelihood of electrocution of large birds, such as raptors, per Avian Protection Plan Guidelines developed by the Avian Power Line Interaction Committee and the USFWS (APLIC 2005). Any modification to existing power lines shall also incorporate avian protection measures.

o BIO7 - Coast live oak trees will be avoided and/or protected during construction, if possible. As recommended, consideration will be given to establishing a setback along SR 1 where many oaks are located and/or implementing an appropriate buffer zone (i.e. six-foot) with restrictions (i.e., no grading) around each tree. However, in the event of Coast live oak tree removal, for every 6-inch diameter or greater coast live oak tree to be removed or significantly disturbed, the tree would be replaced with a 5 gallon size Quercus agrifolia (coast live oak) tree obtained from locally occurring saplings or seed stock of 10 acorns. Oak planting location near or within the project area will be coordinated with 30 CES/CEIEA.

o *BIO8 - For the protection of migratory birds, the contractor will consider selecting solar panel frames that are lighter in color (e.g., silver) to keep the facility from looking like a water body;

this design feature should avoid or minimize bird collisions and/or not attract birds to the site.

o BIO9 – Environmental briefings for construction crews will be required prior to the start of construction and will be given by 30 CES/CEIEA. Coordinate 48 hours in advance (805-606- 4198).

o BIO10 –Trenches and pits must be maintained at the end of each work day to prevent wildlife from falling in. Three options for compliance are as follows:

• Filled-in at end of day;

• Covered upon completion of work each day; or

• Dig or install “ramps” every 50 feet (a sloped cut or board or stick placed to allow animals to climb out).

o BIO11 – Litter control, specifically food waste, must occur within the premises during construction and operation.

o BIO12 – Operators shall conduct frequent site patrols for deceased birds once the solar PV facility is operational. Deceased birds shall be reported to 30 CES/CEIEA.

• Cultural Resources: Mandatory EPMs were identified for implementation of the Proposed Action, which were based on two archeological sites near the site of the proposed solar energy facility and with one site being assumed eligible - CA-SBA-3270. At the time of the Draft EA/FONSI, the consulting tribe concurred with the proposed EPMs, however, at the time of the Final EA/FONSI it was verified by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) that this site was in fact ineligible.

Since follow-up communications with the tribe did not occur prior to the signing of the Final EA/FONSI, these EPMs were retained pending further discussion with the tribe regarding need for implementation based on the SHPO response.

o CR1 - Temporary exclusionary fencing will be installed around the southwestern portion of CA- SBA-3270 to prevent vehicles and equipment from inadvertently entering site boundaries.

Note: the SHPO explained that the exclusionary fencing for CA-SBA-3270 is not necessary because the site is in fact not eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places (see SHPO response in Appendix C of the Final EA/FONSI) and therefore an additional EPM (CR3) has been added to this MP.

o *CR2 - In the event that previously undocumented cultural resources are discovered during construction activities, work will stop in that area (100 foot radius of the find) and the procedures established in 36 CFR 800.13 and the VAFB Integrated Cultural Resources Management Plan shall be followed. The VAFB Cultural Resource Manager shall be contacted to assess the find.

o CR3 – The VAFB Cultural Resources Manager may conduct follow-up consultation with the

Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians to obtain concurrence with the SHPO determination that exclusionary fencing is not needed at CA-SBA-3270. Note, however, that CR1 will be implemented if the follow-up consultation does not occur.

• Noise: Mandatory EPMs were identified for implementation of the Proposed Action to avoid significant impacts in regards to noise impacts to children at the schools bordering the site of the proposed solar energy facility.

o N1 - Pile-driving of posts for the PV solar panel structural support assemblies shall either be (1) conducted with equipment noise controls/abatements or (2) scheduled to occur during weekday (e.g., after-school hours), weekend, holiday, summer or other periods when classes at Vandenberg Middle School and the Manzanita Public Charter School are not in session.

o N2 - Site grading and other construction activities that are expected to take place at a distance of less than 300 feet from the nearest school buildings shall be scheduled to occur during weekday (e.g., after-school hours), weekend, holiday, summer or other periods when classes are not in session.

o N3 - PV panel washing and other project facility maintenance activities involving mechanized equipment and/or vehicles that are expected to take place at a distance of less than 300 feet from the nearest school buildings shall be scheduled to occur during weekday (e.g., after-school hours), weekend, holiday, summer or other periods when school is not in session.

• Public Health and Safety: Mandatory EPMs were identified for implementation of the Proposed Action to ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and/or policies.

o HS1 - Proper disposal of hazardous waste would be accomplished through identification, characterization, sampling, and analysis of wastes generated.

o HS2 - All hazardous materials would be properly identified and used per manufacturer’s specifications to avoid accidental exposure to or release of hazardous materials required to operate and maintain construction equipment.

o HS3 - All equipment would be properly maintained and free of leaks during construction and maintenance activities. All necessary equipment maintenance and repairs would be performed in pre-designated controlled, paved areas to minimize risks from accidental spillage or release.

Prior to construction, a Spill Prevention Plan would be submitted to 30th Civil Engineer Squadron, Environmental Flight (30 CES/CEIE) for approval.

o *HS4 - Hazardous materials would be approved by the HazMart. Monthly usage of hazardous materials would be reported to the HazMart to meet legal reporting requirements.

o HS5 - The Air Force would ensure compliance with applicable OSHA requirements during construction, operations and maintenance activities.

o HS6 - A Health and Safety Plan would be developed and implemented. In addition, the Air Force would coordinate with the 30th Space Wing Safety-Weapon Safety (30 SW/SEW) prior to implementing the Proposed Action to ensure no adverse effects would occur from UXO issues.

o HS7 - Awareness training would be incorporated into the worker health and safety protocol to minimize potential adverse impacts from biological hazards (e.g., snakes and poison oak) and physical hazards (e.g., rocky and unstable terrain).

• Transportation: Mandatory EPMs were identified for implementation of the Proposed Action to minimize traffic impacts since the project site abuts State Route 1 (SR 1) and is located near the VAFB Main Gate.

o T1 - No commuters or construction trucks shall be allowed to enter the site at the northern intersection of SR-1 and Mountain View Boulevard while Vandenberg Middle School is in session.

o T2 - Truck deliveries shall be scheduled to avoid conflicts with school buses and, when practicable, to avoid peak traffic hours.

o *T3 - The construction contractor shall prepare a construction traffic control plan in coordination with CalTrans.

o T4 - Warning signs, cones, and flaggers shall be provided if necessary to warn roadway users of truck crossings on SR-1 and to control traffic flow.

o T5 - Construction equipment shall not be parked off-site.

o T6 - Construction workers shall be encouraged to carpool and eat lunch on the site.

• Visual Resources: Mandatory EPMs were identified for implementation of the Proposed Action to minimize unavoidable aesthetic impacts since the proposed solar energy facility may be visible from

SR 1.

o VR1 - Lighting will be directed downward and shielded to focus illumination on desired areas.

o VR2 - If the eucalyptus trees south of Timber Lane along SR-1 are removed, they will be replanted with lower-growing native shrubs to help screen the facility.

• Water Resources: Mandatory EPMs were identified for implementation of the Proposed Action, which are largely regulatory requirements rather than additional BMPs or mitigation measures that were proposed by the USAF in response to anticipated environmental impacts.

o *WR1 - State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) NPDES General Permit CAS000002 (Construction General Permit) coverage shall be obtained under prior to construction start. A Risk Assessment shall be provided to 30 CES/CEIEC a minimum of one month prior to construction for review. A draft Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) shall also be provided unless the project can qualify for an Erosivity Waiver. 30 CES or the Contractor, if acceptable to the Regional Water Board, will submit final documents to the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) via their SMARTS system. The Contractor shall file the associated annual fee with the SWRCB. The SWPPP shall be implemented, including but not limited to Best Management Practices, inspections, reporting and Sampling and Analysis requirements.

o WR2 - The project would be designed to match predevelopment hydrology per federal and state post-construction storm water requirements. An EISA Option 2 Site-Specific Hydrological Analysis and a Maximum Extent Technically Feasible Determination shall be developed during design and reviewed by the 30 CES/CEIEC Water Resources.

o *WR3 - A discharge-to-grade form for panel washing will be submitted for approval to 30 CES/CEIEC Water Resources prior to any discharge.

o *WR4 - Construction contractors and operations and maintenance (O&M) personnel shall obtain stormwater pollution prevention training as required by the Construction General Permit.

o *WR5 - The construction contractor shall follow accepted California BMP Manuals such as the California Stormwater Quality Association Manual.

o WR6 - Removal of vegetation along the storm drain that parallels SR-1 will be avoided or minimized. Soils disturbed during construction would be stabilized to meet the Construction General Permit Notice of Termination requirements.

o WR7 (Drinking Water) - Any activity requiring the connection to and the drawing of bulk water from the drinking water distribution system to support construction and repair projects shall require the approval and coordination of the Vandenberg Cross Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Program Manager, Mr. Robert Coward, 30 CES/CEOIU, 805-606-8158.

Table 1 describes the EPMs, the anticipated benefit, efficacy criteria, the method of implementation, the organization responsible for implementing the measure, funding responsibility, and the estimated completion date for each measure.

Table 1. Environmental Protection Measures (EPMs)

Mitigation Description

Anticipated Mitigation Benefit Efficacy Criteria

Mitigation Implementation/Monitoring

Requirements

Entity Responsible for Implementation of Mitigation Funding

Responsibility Estimated Completion Date

NEPA Ensuring compliance with NEPA.

Concurrence from VAFB Environmental Staff as to contractor determination.

Determination from VAFB Environmental

Staff regarding any new information.

Mitigation/Monitoring not required.

However, new information post design phase may trigger the need for supplemental environmental analysis.

Contractor Contractor

NEPA1: during design phase

NEPA2: ongoing requirement (construction, post construction, operations, and maintenance)

Air Quality

(AQ):

Ensuring that impacts to air quality remain within acceptable levels.

Compliance with Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control

District’s (SBCAPCD) and California Air Resources Board's (ARB) regulatory requirements implementing the Clean

Air Act (CAA).

As stated in permits or applicable regulations. Monitoring not required, but proof of compliance may be requested by VAFB.

If the project changes to include combustion sources, monitoring and permitting may be required.

Contractor Contractor

AQ1: prior to construction

AQ2, AQ3, AQ4, AQ5:

during construction

AQ6, AQ7, AQ8, AQ9:

operations/post construction

–ongoing requirement

Biological Resources

(BIO)

Minimizing impacts to migratory birds during the nesting season;

minimizing unavoidable impacts to migratory birds and species off-site; compensate for vegetation removal;

preventing the spread of non-native or invasive species;

None; to the satisfaction of VAFB’s

Environmental Staff overseeing compliance with environmental laws at VAFB.

Contractor to include VAFB’s Environmental Staff in review of project design submittals to ensure compliance.

Contractor to work in close coordination with VAFB’s

Environmental Staff for the life of the project in regards to invasive species and potential off-site impacts. The management of invasive species is to occur on the site to avoid further proliferation within the site and outside of the site. VAFB’s strategy is for containment and eradication over time.

Monitoring may be required.

Contractor Contractor

BIO6, BIO8, BIO4: to be completed in design phase/prior to construction

BIO9: prior to construction

BIO2, BIO10: during construction

BIO7: during construction and post construction.

BIO1, BIO5: post construction

BIO3, BIO11: during construction and operation – ongoing requirement

BIO12: during operation

Description

Anticipated Mitigation Benefit Efficacy Criteria

Mitigation Implementation/Monitoring

Requirements

Entity Responsible for Implementation of Mitigation Funding

Responsibility Estimated Completion Date

Cultural

(CR)

Avoiding impacts to known and unknown archeological sites.

None; total avoidance required.

Avoid known sites.

For inadvertent discoveries, stop work in area (within 100-foot buffer around the find) and notify VAFB’s Cultural

Resources Program Manager to evaluate the find.

Monitoring not required.

Contractor Contractor CR1, CR3: prior to construction

CR2: during construction

Noise (N)

Avoiding significant impacts to children by avoiding noise exposure during construction when noise could exceed 65 decibels.

None; total avoidance required.

Scheduling activities to avoid impacts would result in compliance.

Monitoring not required.

Contractor Contractor

N1-N2: during construction

N3: during construction and operation

Public Health and Safety (HS)

Ensuring that potential impacts to environment and site workers are avoided or minimized.

Adherence to the projects Health and Safety Plan and Spill Prevention Plan, which could consolidate these requirements.

Implement the Health and Safety Plan and Spill Prevention Plan.

Monitoring may be required.

Contractor Contractor

HS1, HS2, HS3, HS5: during construction and operation

HS4: prior to specific activities

HS6, HS7: prior to construction and operation

Transportatio n (T)

Avoiding or minimizing traffic impacts during construction as the project site is near the main gate to VAFB and also borders State Route

1.

Adherence to a VAFB-approved Traffic Control

Plan may be required, which could consolidate these requirements.

Implement Traffic Control Plan.

Monitoring not required.

Contractor Contractor T1-T6: during construction

Visual

(VR)

Minimizes unavoidable visual impacts from State

Route 1 and adjacent properties

None; implementation of the EPMs would result in compliance.

Contractor to include VAFB’s Environmental Staff in review of project design submittals to ensure compliance.

Contractor Contractor VR1: during construction and operation

VR2: post construction

Description

Anticipated Mitigation Benefit Efficacy Criteria

Mitigation Implementation/Monitoring

Requirements

Entity Responsible for Implementation of Mitigation Funding

Responsibility Estimated Completion Date

Water

(WR)

Ensuring that impacts to water resources remain within acceptable levels.

Compliance with Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board

(CCRWQCB) regulatory requirements implementing the Clean Water Act (CWA).

Contractor to work in close coordination with VAFB’s

Environmental Staff for the life of the project in regards to permit or other regulatory requirements.

Monitoring may be required.

Contractor Contractor

WR1, WR2, WR4: prior to construction

WR3: prior to discharge/during operation

WR5: during construction and operation

WR6: during construction and post construction

WR7: prior to construction

4. ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT

AFCEC and 30 CES will be responsible for monitoring implementation of the plan. AFCEC/CZN may periodically review compliance with this mitigation plan to ensure Air Force responsibilities assumed under the National Environmental Policy Act are upheld, and to aid in adjusting mitigations as required.

5. REFERENCES

USAF, 2014. Final Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for East Housing Solar Energy Project, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California (July 2014).