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ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER Governor

State of California—Health and Human Services Agency

Department of Health Services

SANDRA SHEWRY Director

MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION VILLA DEL MONTE WATER COMPANY SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

This document is considered draft until it is adopted by the California Department of Health Services, the CEQA Lead Agency for the Villa del Monte Water System – Infiltration Gallery Replacement, SkyView Terrace Water Treatment Plant and Tank Improvement Project. The Mitigated Negative Declaration includes this introduction, the Initial Study Checklist (Appendix G), the Notice of Intent to Adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration, a list of additional geotechnical, cultural resources and biological studies and contacts for each state responsible and federal agency. PROJECT BACKGROUND AND HISTORY The Villa del Monte Water Company (VDMWC) is a small mutual water system located in the Santa Cruz Mountains above Los Gatos, California (commonly known as the summit area) within the Soquel Creek watershed. The system serves approximately 350 people through 117 active residential connections on 341 acres (See Location Map attached). The water system consists of a connection to the Montevina Pipeline, a surface water intake facility at Laurel Creek; a raw water transmission line to an 800,000 gallon raw water reservoir; an in-line filtration treatment plant; a 270,000 gallon treated water storage tank, several distribution lines measuring between 2 to 4 inch galvanized mains and a booster station to serve the Upper Pressure Zone. The existing development and service area is laid out as a 225-acre subdivision over steep terrain defined by the summit ridge itself along Summit Road, the Taylor Gulch and Burns Creek drainage systems east and west of the site. The site was originally the summer residence of a prominent San Francisco family with a 1920 water right to extract sixty-seven thousandths (0.067) cubic foot per second every year from the Laurel Creek, translating to 48.5 acre-feet per year at a sustained pumping rate of 43,200-gallons per day. The proof of claim of water right was updated with the adjudication of the creek in September 30, 1973 and is on file at the State Water Resources Control Board – Division of Water Rights, Permit #876. Following the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, VDMWC actively pursued the connection to the Montevina Pipeline to offset the declining quantity and quality of water resulting from the loss of many of the individual groundwater production wells in the service area. The wells that remain are susceptible to earthquake destruction and have rendered the mutual with decreased production to serve the existing connections. There are currently 23 requests for service on file with the Mutual that are dependent upon the reliability of both the surface water extraction, the

Division of Drinking Water and Environmental Management Safe Drinking Water State Revolving Fund

1616 Capitol Avenue, MS 7418, P.O. Box 997413, Sacramento, CA 95899-7413 916.449.5600

Internet Address: www.dhs.ca.gov/ps/ddwem/SRF/srfindex.htm

Villa Del Monte Mutual Water System New Infiltration Gallery, Treatment Plant and Tank Improvement Project January 8, 2007 of 15

Montevina pipeline and the treatment process which is currently out of compliance with the Long Term Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule. If the raw water supply can be optimized, the Mutual has sufficient supply from Laurel Creek to meet the majority of their demand for perhaps half the year. The shortfall will increase during the warm months but will be offset by the Montevina Pipeline. PROBLEM The primary source of water for VDMWC is the surface water right from the Laurel Creek. The water supply is subject to the requirement of the Surface Water Treatment Rule. The current system treatment technology (in-line filtration) is not an approved technology and therefore, does not comply with the Rule. In addition, VDMWC has several deficiencies related to the surface water intake facility and the raw water transmission line. The antiquated chemical feed and instrumentation at the Sky View Terrace Treatment Plant prevents the system from providing a reliable and safe water supply to their existing residential customers. The 270,000-gallon treated water storage tank that serves as the clearwell for disinfection was damaged during the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake and needs to be replaced and relocated. The 2 1/2 inch transmission line from Laurel Creek to the raw water reservoir is approximately 80 years old and is corroded, limiting the delivery of an adequate water supply. A broken section is connected over a landslide and needs to be relocated and replaced. The intake facilities including the pump at the forebay, must be replaced to reduce turbidity in the raw water and to eliminate the damage frequently sustained by the pump during winter storms. These problems have been verified by consultation with the Santa Cruz County Environmental Health Department. CDHS reviewed documentation from the County stating that the VDMWC is out of compliance with current drinking water regulations. The water company has applied for CDHS State Revolving Funds to finance the required construction and equipment to bring the system into compliance with State and Federal Regulations. As part of the SRF Program, the project must demonstrate compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Additionally, “NEPA-like requirements” apply to the project review as outlined in the Environmental Protection Agency Operating Agreement with CDHS. Early consultation with several State responsible and trustee agencies in addition to any federal agencies that have jurisdiction over biological and environmental resources has been initiated. PROJECT DESCRIPTION An engineering report written by Wy’east Engineering (December 2004) was submitted to CDHS and outlines individual project components in order to overcome the problems with the existing system. Following is a list of the required elements to bring the water system into compliance with all state and federal drinking water standards along with photographs and maps of these areas:


Surface Water Intake Facilities: Currently, water from Laurel Creek is picked up by a flexible pipe with screening that is laid on the streambed above an old concrete dam structure. The pipe captures surface flow from the creek. At times of low flow, the pipe is moved to a small side tributary adjacent to the dam. When the flow is very low or during drought years, the water level in the streambed drops so low that the flexible pipe cannot take in any water. During winter storms, the creek water is extremely turbid and the operator has to remove the pipe from the creek to prevent the “forebay” collection basin from filling up with sand and silt.

Flexpipe intake in Laurel Creek Flexpipe empties into cement vault Therefore, water from Laurel Creek is inaccessible during both high and low stream flow events. To solve this problem, the system proposes to install an infiltration gallery in the streambed to capture subsurface flow when the water level in the creek is low. In addition, the infiltration gallery will be designed to filter out sediments allowing the system to capture water from Laurel Creek during high flow events (winter storms) when the water carries a high sediment load. In constructing the infiltration gallery, approximately 85 cubic yards of streambed material will be spread back over a gabion header and reno mattress used to protect the inlet pipe. The gabion basket will not extend above the streambed and is not intended to impede streamflows. The exact height and depth of the gabion header can only be estimated until final engineering studies are conducted during the design phase. The infiltration gallery design will include a flushing system to remove accumulated sediments from the screens. This is the only component of the project that will occur within the limits of the Laurel Creek.


Laurel Creek looking downstream to headworks Laurel Creek streambed characteristics The new construction will entail a 33-foot long gabion basket to act as the header for the infiltration field, construction of a six-inch reno mattress above the infiltration field and placement of the infiltration gallery five feet below the creekbed. See Infiltration Gallery – Preliminary Plan – Attachment A. No pumping will be required during construction. A small cofferdam will be constructed above the site and the streamflow will be directed through a flexpipe and around the worksite until complete. Work is scheduled to begin during August and/or September 2007 and is anticipated to take no more than three weeks. Staging area for construction here will be directly 50 feet west of the pump station. Small equipment (skid steer or bobcat excavator) will be staged up on the bank of the creek. Forebay Retrofit and Pump Replacement: Currently, water collected by the flexible pipe is diverted into the forebay vault, a 6,500-gallon collection basin. The forebay is located within the stream adjacent to the dam. Suspended sediments in the water accumulate in the forebay resulting in wear and tear on the pump. During high flow events, such as winter storms, the forebay can fill with sand and silt burying the pump intake. The water system usually suspends water extraction from Laurel Creek during high flow events to avoid filling the forebay with sediment and debris. The existing pump, a vertical turbine pump that pumps the water from the forebay to the raw-water reservoir, is located on the roof of the forebay vault directly exposed to stream flows. During storm events, the pump has been damaged due to high flows and debris battering the pump’s motor and head.


The water system proposes to retrofit the forebay by sealing all openings to the forebay vault, installing a below-grade inlet for the infiltration gallery inlet line, and installing a new outlet. A new overflow will be installed equipped with a check valve. The existing pump will be removed and the opening sealed. The system proposes to install two new submersible slurry pumps inside the forebay vault. These are small submersible pumps capable of pumping a high volume of sediment. Although the newly constructed infiltration gallery should significantly reduce the sediment loading in the vault, the proposed pumps will provide added protection without increasing the cost of the project. The slurry pumps will lift the water from the forebay vault to the new headworks booster station located above the streambed. The booster station will consists of a baffled settling tank for sediment removal, a holding tank, and new booster pumps to be located on the site of the existing pump house on the existing slab. Small backhoes will be staged at the same area. Containment structures will be installed under parked vehicles at night to contain any fluids or liquids.

Raw Water Transmission Main: The system proposes to replace 2 sections of the existing raw water transmission main that runs from the Laurel Creek pumping facility (headworks) to the 800,000-gal raw water reservoir. The upper pipeline, which is approximately 2,000 ft of 2 ½ inch galvanized iron pipe, needs to be replaced. The pipe is approximately 75 to 80 years old, and the interior is significantly corroded creating high friction losses and restricting the flow. The system proposes to replace the old 2 ½ inch line with 2,300 feet of 4-inch diameter PVC AWWA C900 pipe. In addition, the system proposes to replace 475 feet of the lower portion of the transmission line with 4 inch ductile iron pipe.


Pictures of road view - current alignment of mainline

The main was originally installed in the late 1920’s to serve the family estate located near the top of the ridge. When the Villa del Monte development was constructed, this line was interconnected to the looped 2½-inch main constructed in Sky View Terrace in the vicinity of Tree View Trail. These lines were separated due to the changes in regulation requiring treatment of surface waters prior to distribution. Periodic repairs have been made, most notably after the Loma Prieta Earthquake, by installing repair clamps on leaking sections as they appear. This section must be replaced to optimize the pumping operation from the head works to the reservoir. Given the geographic and topographic conditions of the area, the reach from Sky View Terrace to the reservoir will route essentially along the current alignment while the lower reach will route to and along the right of way of Tree View Trail to connect to the 3inch galvanized iron pipe previously constructed in Tree view trail and Sky View Terrace. Due to terrain and length of run, the water system will use 4-inch diameter AWWA C900 joint pipe. This will permit the replacement of pipeline without equipment of large work crews and provide security and flexibility this type of installation requires. Below grade and above grade ductile iron from the booster station at the headworks will tie into an existing line at Tree view Trail.

800,000-Gallon Raw Water Reservoir: To reduce the algae growth in the reservoir the system proposes to install an aeration unit in the reservoir. The purpose of the aeration unit is to turn over the reservoir volume once per day. The actual aeration unit will sit in the bottom of the reservoir and a small compressor will be installed adjacent to the site that will deliver air through the compressor and into the water.


Raw Water Reservoir at the top of the hill

Filter Pumps: The existing filter pumps are old and both pumps must run simultaneously to provide the needed plant flow rate of 60 gpm. VDMWC proposes to replace the existing filter pumps with two new pumps. Each new filter pump will have a capacity of 60 gpm. The new pumps will operate in an alternating pattern and construction will be limited to the confines of the existing treatment plant building.

Pressure Filters: The pressure sand filters are currently used as pre-filters for the bag filtration system. The system proposes to replace the pneumatic control valves used during the backwash process and the valve that directs the spent filter backwash and rinse water to waste. A new attendant manifold will route high pressure water to the manifold for the backwash cycle and redirect the spent filter backwash and rinse water to the 800,000-gallon raw water reservoir for


settlement and reuse. In order to provide the required backwash flow rate for these filters, the system plans to install a permanent connection to the high pressure zone (hydro-pneumatic booster system). The connection will include a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention device to prevent cross connections. No new construction is proposed. Existing piping will be replaced and rerouted.

Backwash Disposal: The system proposes to return the spent filter backwash water to the 800,000-gallon raw water reservoir. A baffled settling tank will be installed to settle suspended solids from the spent backwash water prior to discharging it into the raw water reservoir.

Coagulation Process: Currently Villa Del Monte MWC uses a mixing chamber consisting of approximately 30 feet of 4-inch pipe with hollow, perforated styrene balls to mix the coagulant before the water enters the pressure filters. The existing mixing chamber is not a standard static mixer and does not provide the required rapid mixing needed for adequate floc formation. The system proposes to install a static mixer to improve the coagulation process and improve floc formation. In addition, the system plans to replace the chemical injection pumps and the batch tanks because the existing equipment is very old and unreliable.


New static mixer to replace inline system

Disinfectant equipment: The water system proposes to replace the existing disinfection equipment with a new MIOX system. The existing hypochlorite system is very old and needs to be replaced. The system plans to install two HACH C117 chlorine residual analyzers, one at the point of entry to the finished water storage tank and one at the effluent of the finished water tank for continuous monitoring of chlorine residual.

Instrumentation and Controls: The existing instrumentation and controls do not provide the reliability required by the SWTR. Currently, the instrumentation and controls for the treatment plant consist of level controls in the raw water reservoir, the finished water storage tank, and the hydro-pneumatic tank. Each of these controls operates independently. In addition, the instrumentation includes a HACH 1720C on-line turbidimeter and a chlorine analyzer. The old HACH 1720C turbidimeter has failed, and the system must replace it. The turbidimeter and the chlorine analyzer are equipped with controls that shutdown the plant in the event of high turbidity or low chlorine residual in the finished water. All other plant processes are operated manually by the operator. The water system plans to install a new instrumentation and control system within the existing treatment plant building that would include:

• New instrumentation to monitor differential pressure across the manifold in the pressure filters and across each of four sets of Strainrite’s bag filters, which consist of a pre-filter bag followed by a final-filter bag.

• Continuous monitoring of suction and discharge pressure at each pumping facility

• Level sensors in the raw water reservoir, the finished water storage tank, the creek pump forebay and the raw water holding tank at the headworks

• Continuous monitoring of raw water turbidity at the headworks


• Continuous turbidity monitoring before and after the pressure filters and after the bag filters (combined filter effluent) with the capability of monitoring from each individual bag filter effluent

• Continuous monitoring of disinfectant residual at the point of entry to the finished water storage tank and at the effluent of the finished water tank (clearwell)

• Continuous flow monitoring at the headworks pump station, filter pumps, effluent of the finished water storage tank, and the hydro-pneumatic booster system

• Continuous parallel monitoring of the Montevina Pipeline operation.

• A new central control panel with a programmable logic controller (PLC). The new control system will include alarms to provide warning of system failures and automatic shutdown alarms.

• A new SCADA system.

Strainrite Bag Filtration System: The system proposes to install a bag filtration system to provide treated water that meets the requirements of the SWTR and the LT1ESWTR. The bag filtration system would consist of four Strainrite systems installed in parallel. The Strainrite filtration system would include a pre-filter bag in front of a final-filter bag. Strainrite’s “AQUA-RITE” Potable Water Filtration system consists of Strainrite’s HPM99-CC-2-SR pre-filter bag installed in front of Strainrite’s HPM99-CCX-2-SR final-filter bag. The four final-filter bags and vessels have already been purchased and installed by the water system.

Replacement of the 270,000-gallon Finished Water Storage Tank: The finished water storage tank provides the chlorine contact time needed for disinfection. The existing tank is in an advance state of deterioration. There is significant corrosion around the entire bottom of the tank, as well as on the sides and roof. The tank suffered structural damage during the Loma Prieta Earthquake, and was repaired by replacing several shell plates and adding reinforcing structural members to the lower third of the tank. The structural integrity of the tank is poor, and the engineering report indicates it would fail under seismic forces. The system plans to replace the tank with a new Glass-Fused-to-Steel bolted steel tank with a concrete floor. The new tank will have the same capacity as the existing tank (i.e., 270,000 gallons). The new tank will be installed in the northwest corner of the raw water reservoir site at the existing facility located at the intersection of Skyview Terrace and Evergreen Lane. Building the new tank at this location will allow the water system to continue using the existing storage tank until the new tank is completed. The old tank will be disassembled onsite and hauled away for proper disposal. Unbolted section will be tested for lead paint and contractor will uphold all regulations for hazardous materials.


Old tank corrosion and patchwork on the roof

New tank site behind fenced area Street scene of new tank site

The geographic location of the system with respect to existing geological stability is a significant consideration in design, operation and construction of the water system. The system is situated in one of the most seismically active areas in the world, the San Andreas Rift Zone. The epicenter of the Loma Prieta Earthquake was within one mile of the tank site. There are numerous fault traces throughout the area, although no new fractures, displacements or faulting was observed within the existing tank site or reservoir site themselves. The potential for significant ground movement up to and including ruptures of several feet is quite real and shall be considered in the design of the new structure. In an effort to understand these geological conditions and develop basic design parameters, Pacific Crest Engineering, Inc. of Watsonville, California was consulted to both investigate these conditions and provide guidelines and recommendations for design. Their recommendations and design conformance is outlined in


their report dated November 2004 entitled Geotechnical Investigation for New Tank and Headworks improvement – Villa del Monte Subdivision Santa Cruz County, California.

The initial preparation of this location will consist of the removal of trees and shrubs, as required. The soils at the tank location will be removed to a minimum depth of 48 inches below the existing grade. Cypress and acacia will be removed. Native trees oaks, redwoods and shrubs will be revegitated.

Hydro-pneumatic Booster System: The Hydro-pneumatic Booster Station serves the Upper Pressure Zone, and, as part of the proposed project, it will supply the back wash water for the sand pressure filters. The Upper Pressure Zone Booster Station consists of a 15 hp pump and a 1,000-gallon hydro-pneumatic tank. There is a second 3 hp pump installed in parallel with the 15 hp pump. However, the second pump is not capable of supplying the required flow rate to meet system demand in the event that the main pump fails. Therefore, the booster station lacks redundancy. In addition, the existing 15 hp pump is very old and near the end of its useful life. The system proposes to replace the existing booster pumps with a new package booster station that includes two new pumps, each capable of meeting the system’s flow and pressure requirements under average day demand conditions. The pumps would operate in a lead/lag pattern. This would provide full redundancy in the event that one of the pumps failed. The new package booster station also includes a new pressure tank. The existing 1,000-gallon hydro-pneumatic pressure tank, which is very old and does not function properly, will be replaced by the new pressure tank that is part of the package booster station. The new Upper Pressure Zone Hydro-pneumatic Booster Station pumps would be appropriately sized to provide the required back wash flow rate for the sand pressure filters of 12 gpm/ft2 without causing low pressure and low flow problems in the distribution system. Pipe configuration will be different but no new grading, cutting or construction will be necessary.

Emergency Generators: Currently, the water system does not have emergency generators capable of running the treatment facility and pumps during a power outage. The system proposes to install a 60 KW propane generator with automatic transfer switch at the treatment plant. In addition, the system proposes to build an emergency generator receptacle at the headworks booster station. The receptacle will allow the water system to connect a portable generator at the headworks booster station.


New Water Line Connection to the 270,000- gallon Storage Tank (Bridge Elements): Since the new 270,000-gallon storage tank will be installed in a new location, the water system will have to install approximately 200 feet of 4-inch PVC pipe to connect the treatment plant to the new storage tank. In addition, the system will need to install approximately 600 feet of 6-inch PVC pipe to connect the distribution system to the new storage tank.

New line from tank to new storage tank will be installed in this dirt roadway

ADDITIONAL PERMITS AND AGREEMENTS REQUIRED California Department of Health Services SDWSRF Funding Contract California Department of Fish and Game Streambed Alteration Agreement (1600) Army Corps of Engineers Section 404 permit Santa Cruz County Planning Department County Building Permit STATE AND FEDERAL AGENCY CONSULTATION REQUIRED As part of the State Revolving fund program, CDHS contacted the following federal agencies to seek concurrence regarding project impacts on historic properties and federally-listed endangered and threatened species. State Historic Preservation Officer, National Historic Preservation Act, Section 106 Native American Heritage Commission and tribes, Section 106 US Fish and Wildlife Service, Endangered Species Act, Section 7 National Marine Fisheries Service, Endangered Species Act, Section 7 US Army Corps of Engineers, Clean Water Act, Section 404


LIST OF RESOURCES, STUDIES, REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE 2004 AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT PLAN for the Monterey Bay Region, Fourth Revision to the 1991 Air Quality Management Plan for the Monterey Bay Region, Prepared by Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District, September 2004 California Department of Conservation, California Geological Survey/US Geological Survey (2004) State Minerals Statistics and Information California Department of Health Services, Monterey District, Villa Del Monte Mutual Water Company Technical Project Report, prepared by Querube Moltrup, July 10, 2006 California Department of Fish and Game, Natural Diversity Database species List for Villa Del Monte Mutual Water Company, May 18, 2005 Cultural Resources Survey for the Villa Del Monte Water System Infiltration Gallery and Distribution Upgrade Project, Prepared by Susan K. Stratton, Ph.D, RPA California Department of General Services, April 2006 Geotechnical Investigation for New Water Tank and Headworks Improvements, Prepared for the Villa Del Monte Mutual Water Company by pacific Crest Engineering Inc. November 2004 Habitat Assessment for California Red-Legged Frog at Laurel Creek, Prepared for the Villa Del Monte Mutual Water Company by Dana Bland, Wildlife Biologist, Dana Bland & Associates, February 2006 Soquel Creek Watershed Assessment and Enhancement Project Plan, Prepared for the Santa Cruz County Resource Conservation District by D.W. Alley and Associated. Revised on November 20, 2003 and January 27, 2004 United States Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Informal Consultation Letter, September 6, 2006 SWR/F/SWR3/2005/07419:JMA United States Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, Informal Consultation Letter, May 8, 2006 Office of Historic Preservation, State Historic Preservation Office, Informal Consultation Letter, April 5, 2006 Villa Del Monte Mutual Water Company Engineer’s Report, Prepared by Wy’east Engineering, November 2004 Response to September 6, 2006 Letter from NOAA National Marine Fisheries, Wy’east Engineering, October 24, 2006.


Santa Cruz County Planning Department Interactive Mapping Application developed by the Santa Cruz Geographic Information System Section.

Villa del Monte Mutual Water Company Infiltration Gallery, Treatment Plant and Tank Improvement Project January 2007 -1-

APPENDIX G Environmental Checklist Form

1.

Project Title: Villa del Monte Mutual Water System – Infiltration Gallery Replacement, Skyview Terrace Water Treatment Plant and Tank Improvement Project

2.

Lead agency name and address: California Department of Health Services 1616 Capitol Avenue, MS 7418 Sacramento, CA 95899-7413

3.

Contact person and phone number: Veronica L. Malloy, Staff Environmental Scientist 916-449-5641

4.

Project location: Santa Cruz County - California

5.

Project sponsor’s name and address: California Department of Health Services

6.

General plan designation: Tank parcel: Public Facility Headworks and Infiltration Gallery parcel: Rural Residential

7. Zoning: R-1-1-AC, PF

8.

Description of project: The project involves the reconstruction of an infiltration gallery on the Laurel Creek, a new 270,000 gallon storage tank for drinking water, and new transmission lines connection the infiltration gallery to the treatment facility. The project is designed for construction at the location of existing drinking water facilities, on a privately-held parcel within the existing service area. The project will be undertaken in two phases. Phase 1 will consist of the following improvements: Environmental – Conduct biological survey of infiltration gallery project area for assessment of the red-legged frog. Comply with CEQA and NEPA requirements. Install aeration system in the 800,000-gallon raw water reservoir Complete installation of the Strainrite bag filter systems – a pre-filter bag will be installed ahead of each final-filter bag Install differential pressure switch assembly for Strainrite filters. Install individual bag filter turbidity sampling system – Solenoid Valves Replace disinfection equipment Install two 4-inch Siemens Mag 5000 Flowmeters at the surface water treatment plant Install two HACH 1720E Turbidimeters at the treatment plant with two sampling setups each Install two HACH CL17 Chlorine Analyzers at the treatment plant Install new 3-inch Westfall Series 2800 static mixer upstream from the sand pressure filters. Replace filter pumps Install filter manifold Install new Upper Pressure Zone package booster station with booster pumps, pressure tank and pump manifoldsInstall controls and SCADA system at the treatment plant


Phase 2 will include the following components: Replace the upper section of the raw water transmission main from Sky View Terrace to the 800,000-gallon raw water reservoir with 2,300 feet of 4-inch Certa-Lok restrained joint PVC (C900) pipe. Replace 475 feet of the lower portion of the raw water transmission line with 4-inch ductile iron pipe (DIP) (including Appurtenances). Install 2,775 feet of 2-inch PVC conduit Construction of the infiltration gallery Install HACH 1720E Turbidimeter at the headworks New 4-inch Siemens Mag 5000 flowmeter for the headworks pumping station Install new controls for the headworks facilities Structure – Build new shed at the old storage tank site Install intake pumps and raw water booster pumps and manifolds at the headworks Installation of the headworks settling tank Installation of the headworks holding tank Install emergency generator at the surface water treatment plant Build new 270,000-gallon treated water storage tank Demolition of existing 270,000-gallon storage tank Install 200 feet of 6-inch PVC Pipe (C900) from the treatment plant to new 270,000-gallon storage tank Install 600 ft of 6-inch PVC Pipe (C900) to connect the new 270,000-gallon storage tank to the Distribution system

9. Surrounding land uses and setting: Briefly describe the project’s surroundings: The Laurel Creek watershed is a rural residential area with steep slopes that impede development under the current standards set by the Santa Cruz County Planning Department. The basin is according to the Soquel Creek Watershed Assessment and Enhancement Project Plan, at approximately 75% build-out. Many of the lots have completed structures and improvements in place and will not be subject to a change in character impacting the watershed. The remaining 25% cannot be developed due either to the severity of the terrain or the instability of the underlying slope structure.

10.

Other public agencies whose approval is required California Department of Health Services SDWSRF Funding Contract The California Department of Health Services will be funding the project through the SDWSRF program. The proposed project may also require an amended water supply permit from the Santa Cruz County Environmental Health Department. California Department of Fish and Game Streambed Alteration Agreement The California Department of Fish and Game is responsible for the protection , conservation, and enhancement of California’s wildlife and vegetation resources. This department enforces laws and regulations protecting sensitive biological resources and habitats. The Laurel Creek is an area of potential concern. United States Army Corps of Engineers Section 404 permit The US Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for floodplain and wetland management services along waterways. The agency also regulates the discharge of dredge and fill material to navigable waters of the US. The Corps has been contacted for early consultation and may


require a Section 404 permit. Santa Cruz County Planning Department County Building Permit The County Planning Department will require a construction permit to relocate the existing tank. United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) The US Fish and Wildlife Service agency is responsible for conserving and protecting endangered species and their habitat for the benefit of the public at large. This agency acts as the responsible agency for the Federal Endangered Species Act and Migratory Bird Act. As such the agency is interested in project impacts to California Red-legged Frog.


ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED: The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project, involving at least one impact that is a “Potentially Significant Impact” as indicated by the checklist on the following pages.

Aesthetics

Agriculture Resources

Air Quality

Biological Resources

Cultural Resources

Geology /Soils

Hazards & Hazardous Materials

Hydrology / Water Quality

Land Use / Planning

Mineral Resources

Noise

Population / Housing

Public Services

Recreation

Transportation/Traffic

Utilities / Service Systems

Mandatory Findings of Significance

DETERMINATION: (To be completed by the Lead Agency) On the basis of this initial evaluation:

I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.

X

I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because revisions in the project have been made by or agreed to by the project proponent. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.

I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required.

I find that the proposed project MAY have a “potentially significant impact” or “potentially significant unless mitigated” impact on the environment, but at least one effect 1) has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and 2) has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described on attached sheets. An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required, but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed.

I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, because all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION pursuant to applicable standards, and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project, nothing further is required.


Signature

Date

Signature

Date

EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS: 1) A brief explanation is required for all answers except “No Impact” answers that are

adequately supported by the information sources a lead agency cites in the parentheses following each question. A “No Impact” answer is adequately supported if the referenced information sources show that the impact simply does not apply to projects like the one involved (e.g., the project falls outside a fault rupture zone). A “No Impact” answer should be explained where it is based on project-specific factors as well as general standards (e.g., the project will not expose sensitive receptors to pollutants, based on a project-specific screening analysis).

2) All answers must take account of the whole action involved, including off-site as well as

on-site, cumulative as well as project-level, indirect as well as direct, and construction as well as operational impacts.

3) Once the lead agency has determined that a particular physical impact may occur, then

the checklist answers must indicate whether the impact is potentially significant, less than significant with mitigation, or less than significant. “Potentially Significant Impact” is appropriate if there is substantial evidence that an effect may be significant. If there are one or more “Potentially Significant Impact” entries when the determination is made, an EIR is required.

4) “Negative Declaration: Less Than Significant With Mitigation Incorporated” applies

where the incorporation of mitigation measures has reduced an effect from “Potentially Significant Impact” to a “Less Than Significant Impact.” The lead agency must describe the mitigation measures, and briefly explain how they reduce the effect to a less than significant level.

5) Earlier analyses may be used where, pursuant to the tiering, program EIR, or other CEQA

process, an effect has been adequately analyzed in an earlier EIR or negative declaration. Section 15063(c)(3)(D). In this case, a brief discussion should identify the following: a) Earlier Analysis Used. Identify and state where they are available for review. b) Impacts Adequately Addressed. Identify which effects from the above checklist

were within the scope of and adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant


to applicable legal standards, and state whether such effects were addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis.

c) Mitigation Measures. For effects that are “Less than Significant with Mitigation Measures Incorporated,” describe the mitigation measures which were incorporated or refined from the earlier document and the extent to which they address site-specific conditions for the project.

6) Lead agencies are encouraged to incorporate into the checklist references to information

sources for potential impacts (e.g., general plans, zoning ordinances). Reference to a previously prepared or outside document should, where appropriate, include a reference to the page or pages where the statement is substantiated.

7) Supporting Information Sources: A source list should be attached, and other sources used

or individuals contacted should be cited in the discussion. 8) This is only a suggested form, and lead agencies are free to use different formats;

however, lead agencies should normally address the questions from this checklist that are relevant to a project's environmental effects in whatever format is selected.

9) The explanation of each issue should identify:

a) the significance criteria or threshold, if any, used to evaluate each question; and b) the mitigation measure identified, if any, to reduce the impact to less than

significance


Issues:

Potentially Significant

Impact

Less Than

Significant with Mitigation

Incorporation

Less Than Significant

Impact

No

Impact

I. AESTHETICS -- Would the project:

a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista?

X

b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway?

X

c) Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings?

X

d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area?

X

a) The improvements to the existing infiltration gallery, treatment plant and water storage tank will not substantially effect any scenic vistas. The gabion baskets for the infiltration gallery headworks may change the streambed character and will be addressed through the streambed alteration agreement.

b) The project is not located next to or near a scenic highway. c) The new tank will be visible from the intersection of SkyView Terrace and Evergreen

Lane and to mitigate the visual impact of the tank, the Villa Del Monte MWC Board has agreed to plant trees between the storage tank and the fence.

d) Lighting in and around the project area will not produce a substantial glare.


II. AGRICULTURE RESOURCES: In determining whether impacts to agricultural resources are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to the California Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site Assessment Model (1997) prepared by the California Dept. of Conservation as an optional model to use in assessing impacts on agriculture and farmland. Would the project:


Impact

Less Than


Incorporation


Impact

No

Impact

a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to non-agricultural use?

X

b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act contract?

X

c) Involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland, to non-agricultural use?

X

a) The project is located in a rural residential area of the Santa Cruz Mountains and will not convert Prime Farmland.

b) The Villa Del Monte Mutual Water Company service area is not zoned for agriculture. c) The changes that will occur as a result of this project will not convert farmland to non-

agricultural uses.


III. AIR QUALITY -- Where available, the significance criteria established by the applicable air quality management or air pollution control district may be relied upon to make the following determinations. Would the project:


Impact

Less Than


Incorporation


Impact

No

Impact

a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan?

X

b) Violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation?

X

c) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is non-attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard (including releasing emissions which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors)?

X

d) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations?

X

e) Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people?

X

The Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District is one of 35 districts established to protect air quality in California. Its jurisdiction is the North Central Coast Air Basin (NCCAB), comprised of Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito counties. The Basin does not meet the State Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone or inhalable particulate matter (PM10). The basic strategy for improving air quality is to reduce emissions of those air pollutants which cause violations of ambient air quality standards. Because ozone is a regional pollutant, emissions affecting the entire North Central Coast Air Basin (NCCAB) are considered in the 2004 Air Quality Management Plan. The ARB provided guidance to the District in 1994 regarding the level of emission reductions needed to achieve the State ozone standard based on an ozone design value. An ozone design value is defined as the highest recorded violation during the three year period evaluated, excluding the days on which an exceptional event, extreme concentration event, or overwhelming transport from an upwind area occurred. Based on the "Second Triennial Review of the Assessment of the Impacts of Transported Pollutants on Ozone Concentrations in California" prepared by the ARB, the District's design value is 0.10 ppm. The ARB's 1994 guidance estimated that a 20 percent reduction in 1987 (base year) VOC and NOx emissions was needed to meet the ozone standard based on a design value of 0.10 ppm. This reduction was addressed in the 1997 AQMP which showed that a 20 percent reduction from the 1987 emission inventory was 19.6 and 20.3 tons per day of VOC and NOx, respectively. The actual reductions achieved were 36 percent and 26 percent for VOCs and NOx, respectively. Although the


emission reduction targets were met, air monitoring data for the NCCAB continued to indicate that the area had not achieved the standard. In 2000, with the focus no longer on the ozone design value strategy, the ARB stated that since the NCCAB did not attain the State ozone standard by 1997, that the "feasible measure" criterion is applicable to the District. In a letter dated December 8, 2000, the ARB Executive Officer stated that for districts that have not achieved a five percent annual reduction of nonattainment pollutants or their precursors, they are to implement every feasible measure on an expeditious schedule. The letter further recommended adoption of the ARB’s Suggested Control Measure (SCM) for Architectural Coatings. In 2002, the District adopted the SCM for architectural coatings. In this current plan, the following additional control measures are adopted to address all feasible measures criterion. Solvent Cleaning Operations: This control measure would reduce VOC emissions by the establishment of a 25 gram/liter VOC limit on general cleaning applications, cleaning of ink application equipment, and polyster resin application equipment. Spray Booths - Misc. Coating and Cleanup Solvents: This control measure would require the reduction of VOC emissions from miscellaneous coating and cleanup solvents at spray booth operations, which are not affected by other coating regulations. Control requirements include: 1) reformulated low-VOC or waterbased coatings and cleanup solvents, 2) alternative operating/cleaning methods, 3) improved transfer efficiencies, and 4) add-on control equipment, using vapor collection with thermal destruction, carbon adsorption, or condensation systems. Degreasing Operations: This control measure would reduce VOC emissions from degreasing operations by the establishment of a 50 gram/liter VOC limit on the cleaning solution. As an alternative, an airtight/airless cleaning system could be used in lieu of complying with the 50 gram/liter VOC limit. Adhesives and Sealants: This control measure would reduce VOC emissions from the use of adhesives/sealants and cleanup solvents by requiring low-volatile organic compounds (VOC) adhesives/sealants and clean-up solvents and improved adhesive transfer efficiency. As an alternative, add-on emission control equipment (carbon adsorption or incineration systems) could be used. Natural Gas-Fired Fan-Type Central Furnaces and Residential Water Heaters: This control measure would reduce NOx emissions by establishing a limit of 40 nanograms/joule (55 ppm (@ 3% O2) for new and replacement installations. The district plan also outlines the following contingency measures to be implemented upon a finding by the ARB that the district is failing to achieve interim goals or maintain adequate progress toward attainment (H&S 40915). Automobile Refinishing: This measure would reduce VOC emissions and affect refinishing of motor vehicles and other mobile equipment using lacquers, enamels, and other coatings sprayed in paint booths or in the open. Boilers, Steam Generators and Process Heaters: This control measure would reduce NOx

emissions from boilers, steam generators, and process heaters (with a rated heat input of 2 million Btu's per hour and greater) used in industrial, institutional, and commercial operations by requiring such devices to comply with a 30 parts per million NOx emission limit (at 3 percent


oxygen) for gaseous fuels and a 40 parts per million NOx emission limit (at 3 percent oxygen) for liquid fuels. Fiberglass Fabrication/Polyester Resin Use: This control measure would reduce VOC emissions from fiberglass operations by specifying monomer resin content limits and requiring use of vapor suppressants, high transfer techniques, and low-VOC cleanup solvents. Fixed and Floating Roof Petroleum Storage Tanks: This control measure would require a tightfitting secondary seal on most floating-roof storage tanks. Fugitive Emissions from Petroleum Production: This control measure would reduce fugitive VOC emissions from valves, fittings, pumps, compressors, pressure relief devices, stuffing boxes, diaphragms, hatches, sightglasses, meters, and other components at oil and gas production fields/processing facilities and pipeline transfer stations. Graphic Arts Printing and Coating Operations: This control measure would reduce emissions from graphic arts operations by establishing solvent content limits for inks, fountain solutions, and clean-up solvents. Marine Coatings: This control measure would require the use of lower volatile organic compound content for high volatile solvent content coatings currently in use. Petroleum Dry Cleaners: Several cleaning agents are used in the cleaning industry. The most common are perchloroethylene and Stoddard solutions. Perchloroethylene is not considered as a 6-5 reactive compound in the formation of ozone. This control measure would require operators of drycleaning facilities which use Stoddard, a petroleum-based solvent, to control VOC emissions by at least 90 percent by use of activated carbon absorption or other appropriate means. This measure would also include operating requirements to control fugitive VOC Emissions. Stationary Internal Combustion Engines: This control measure would reduce NOx emissions from gas-fired stationary internal combustion engines rated at 50 or more horsepower by requiring the following: 1) NOx emissions from a rich-burn engine shall not exceed 50 parts per million, as corrected to 15% oxygen, or shall be reduced by 90%. 2) NOx emissions from a lean-burn engine shall not exceed 115 parts per million, as corrected to 15% oxygen, or shall be reduced by 80%. 3) Whenever an internal combustion engine is replaced, the replacement power unit must be an electric motor, if feasible. Wood Products Coatings: This control measure would reduce VOC emissions from wood coating operations by requiring the use of low-VOC coatings, more efficient application techniques, and the use of low-VOC cleanup solvents. As an alternative, add-on emission control equipment, such as carbon adsorption or incineration systems, could be used. Commercial Charbroiling: This control measure would reduce VOC and PM10 emissions from chain-driven charbroilers through the use of flameless catalytic oxidizers. Food Product Manufacturing & Processing Operations: This control measure would reduce VOC emissions from the use of solvents in food manufacturing by establishing a VOC limit of 120 grams/liter for general process solvents and 200 grams/liter for sterilization solvents. As an 6-6 alternative, add-on emission control equipment (carbon adsorption and incineration systems) could be used.


Large Water Heaters and Small Boilers: This control measure would reduce NOx emissions by establishing limits for new and replacement installations of 55 ppm (@ 3% O2) for units greater than 75,000 Btu/Hr to 400,000 Btu/Hr and 30 ppm (@ 3% O2) for units greater than 400,000 Btu/Hr. Lime Kilns: This control measure would reduce NOx emissions from lime kilns by establishing the following limits: 0.10 lbs NOx/MMBtu for gaseous fuel, 0.12 lbs NOx/MMBtu for distillate oil fuel, and 0.20 lbs NOx/MMBtu for residual oil fuel. Metal Parts and Products: This control measure would reduce VOC emissions from the coating of metal parts and products by limiting the VOC content of the coatings. As an alternative, add-on emission control equipment (carbon adsorption and incineration systems) could be used. Applicable APCD Rule: 434 - Coating of Metal Parts and Products Semiconductor Manufacturing Operations: This control measure would reduce organic solvent emissions from semiconductor manufacturing operations by requiring: 1) exhaust emission controls (carbon adsorption, thermal or catalytic incineration) on photoresist lines, which have an emission control efficiency of at least 90%, 2) the use of low-VOC/vapor pressure cleanup solvents, and 3) cleaning station sinks with covers and minimum freeboard ratios of 1.

a) The Villa Del Monte construction project will not conflict with the implementation of the above air quality plan or any of the control measures.

b) The construction of the new tank may generate short-term increases in VOC depending on the type of tank lining used.

c) There will potentially be short term increases of fugitive dust and possible exhaust from construction equipment, but no cumulative increase in any criteria pollutant.

d) The project will not create objectionable odors to a substantial number of people

Mitigation Measures: 1. Construction equipment shall be maintained in good condition and in proper tune

as per manufacturer’s specifications. 2. Drip pans will be used under equipment to contain any petroleum products or

engine lubricating materials 3. During grading for the new tank, the area will be watered to avoid excessive

amounts of dust generated from wind or earth movement.


IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES -- Would the project:


Impact

Less Than


Incorporation


Impact

No

Impact

a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?

X

b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations or by the California Department of Fish and Game or US Fish and Wildlife Service?

X

c) Have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means?

X

d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites?

X

e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance?

X

f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan?

X

A report was printed on May 18, 2005 from the California Department of Fish and Game Natural Diversity Database, Version 3.1.0. to search for species of state and federal concern. The project occurs within the range of the California red-legged from and within the Soquel Creek watershed. The report listed the following species were likely to occur in the Laurel, Santa Cruz and Felton quadrants:

California tiger salamander Ambystoma californiense, Robust spineflower Chorizanthe robusta var. robusta, Santa Clara Valley dudleya Dudleya setchellii,


California red-legged frog Rana aurora draytonii Metcalf Canyon jewel-flower Streptanthus albidus ssp albidus.

The California Department of Health Services sought early consultation with the Army Corps of Engineers, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Marine Fisheries Service and the California Department of Fish and Game requesting concurrence that the project may affect but is not likely to adversely affect the above listed species. The request and response are in accordance with section 7(a)(2) of the endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. A habitat assessment survey was conducted at the proposed project site. No backwater pools were found that were suitable as breeding habitat for California red-legged frogs (Villa Del Monte Mutual Water Company Habitat Assessment for California red-legged frog at Laurel Creek, Santa Cruz County, February 2006, Dana Bland & Associates) and no emergent or overhanging vegetation was observed along the creek within approximately 100 meters upstream and downstream of the project site. Laurel Creed was describes as swiftly flowing in the winter with a reduced channel-width during the summer months. The creek does not provide deep pools for red-legged frogs. The proposed project occurs within the range of the California tiger salamander but suitable upland habitat for salamanders does not exist at the proposed project site, based upon an inspection of aerial photographic images and contiguity of habitat. (Written communication, McIver March 2006). The proposed project site occurs within the historic range of robust spineflower. Based upon inspection of aerial photographic images and contiguity of upland habitat, Laurel Creek likely does not contain plant communities that support robust spineflower. Additionally the project site occurs outside of the known range of Metcalf Canyon jewelflower and Santa clara Valley dudleya and are not likely to occur at the proposed project site (McIver, 2006) To avoid adverse effects to California red-legged frog, the following measures will be included as mitigation Mitigation Measure – BIO

1) A qualified biologist will conduct a biological resources education program for workers prior to the beginning of construction activities, and appoint a crew member to act as an on-site biological monitor. The educational program will include a description of the California red-legged frog and its habitat, and the guidelines that will be followed by all construction personnel to avoid take of the species during construction activities. The crew foreman would be responsible for ensuring that crewmembers comply with the guidelines.

2) Before work activities begin each day, the on-site biological monitor will inspect

equipment to look for California red-legged frogs. If any life stage of California red-


legged frog is found during these checks or during construction activities, all activities will stop until the Service is consulted and appropriate actions are developed to determine whether additional consultation is required.

3) If a California red-legged frog or other federally listed species are found at the project

site before or during construction, Villa del Monte Water System will immediately cease all construction activities at the project site and notify the Service to determine whether additional consultation is required.

4) For pumps or water bypasses used during construction activities, intakes will be

completely screened with wire mesh not larger than 0.2 inch to prevent California red-legged frogs from entering the pump or bypass system.

5) All refueling, maintenance, and staging of equipment and vehicles will occur at least 60

feet from riparian habitat or water bodies in a location where a spill would not drain directly toward aquatic habitat. Workers will ensure that contamination of habitat does not occur during such operations. Prior to the onset of work, the contractor will ensure that a plan is in place for prompt and effective response to accidental spills. All workers will be informed of the importance of preventing spills and of the appropriate measures to take will a spill occur.

6) During project activities, all trash that may attract predators will be put in sealed trash

containers, removed from the work site, and disposed of regularly. Following project activities, all trash and construction debris will be removed from work areas.

7) 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 goals.



Impact

Less Than


Incorporation


Impact

No

Impact

V. CULTURAL RESOURCES -- Would the project:

a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource as defined in §15064.5?

X

b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to §15064.5?

X

c) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature?

X

d) Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries?

X

In order to comply with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966, as amended, the project area was subject to a cultural resources literature and archival review and a historical field survey of the lands potentially affected by the proposed action. CDHS determined that the Area of Potential Effect (APE) for archaeological resources includes all areas that would be subject to ground disturbance as part of the proposed action. The Native American Heritage Commission was contacted for information regarding the location of any sacred lands or traditional cultural places. The Northwest Information Center located at Sonoma State University was contacted requesting a formal record search of their files for identified cultural resources and studies within a one-mile radius of the project area. A cultural resources report entitled Cultural Resource Survey for the Villa Del Monte Water System Infiltration Gallery and Distribution Upgrade Project, Santa Cruz County, California was prepared by the Environmental Services Section of the California Department of General Services (Stratton, April 2006). The report includes the results of the Northwest Information Center record search and an archaeological survey of the project site. The archival research revealed that there were no recorded archaeological sites located within or adjacent to the subject area. Due to the sensitive nature of the overall area for the potential presence of cultural resources, the following mitigation measures shall be adopted Mitigation Measure CUL

1. A professional archaeologist shall be present during all ground disturbing activities to assist in the identification, evaluation and recommendations for inadvertent discoveries of cultural materials.

2. As a result of the consultation process with project area Native American


individuals/organizations, a request (Patrick Orozco, Tribal Chairperson, Pajaro Valley Ohlone Indain council) was made for a Native American Costanoan monitor to be present during all ground disturbing activities.

3. If human remains are encountered during the construction activities, all work shall cease in the vicinity of the find and the appropriate measures taken as outlined in Health and Safety Code 7050.5 and Public Resources Code 5097.98

4. A stone/masonry wall constructed near the existing water system located adjacent to Laurel Creek shall be avoided during all construction activities. The wall measures approximately 4 ft. high by 8 ft. long and was constructed some time in the 1920s.

Based upon the cultural resource report, the Northwest Information Center record search findings, additional historical background research, field survey results and consultation with Native Americans, the State Historic Preservation Officer concurred with the finding of no adverse effect on historic properties on April 28, 2006.


VI. GEOLOGY AND SOILS -- Would the project:


Impact

Less Than


Incorporation


Impact

No

Impact

a) Expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving:

i) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault? Refer to Division of Mines and Geology Special Publication 42.

X

ii) Strong seismic ground shaking?

X

iii) Seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction?

X

iv) Landslides?

X

b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil?

X

c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on- or off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse?

X

d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating substantial risks to life or property?

X

e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative waste water disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of waste water?

X

In order to evaluate the projects’ geotechnical concerns, a report entitled, Geotechnical Investigation for New Water Tank and Head-works Improvements, Villa Del Monte Subdivision, Santa Cruz County, California was prepared by Pacific Crest Engineering Inc. in November 2004. Reference is made to a preliminary geologic investigation undertaken in conjunction with the Pacific Crest by Rogers E. Johnson & Associates in October, 2004. The proposed location of the new storage tank and the headworks improvements are located within the San Andreas Fault Zone. Significant earth movement due to seismic shaking occurred


in the area of the sites as a result of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake (Johnson, 2004). Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that the project area will experience significant shaking during the lifetime of the project. Flooding and erosion along Laurel Creek also present potential hazards. The results of both investigations indicate that from a geotechnical engineering standpoint the project may be designed and constructed as proposed provided the recommendations are included in the design and construction. In preparing the report, a review of all pertinent county, topographic and geologic material concerning the site was conducted. Three test borings were drilled to evaluate soil types and major geologic units in order to make recommendations for design and construction. The specific hazards identified in the report include:

• The potential for ground surface fault rupture, intense seismic shaking and seismic induced ground acceleration at the location of the proposed new water storage tank.

• Possible amplification of seismic shaking, possible extensional forces on the foundation and the potential for voids opening beneath the foundation at the proposed storage tank site.

• High vertical accelerations during a major seismic event. • The location of both the new water tank and the headworks on a very large

landslide • The consequences of flash flooding if the proposed new tank fails or partially fails

during a seismic event • The potential for boulders to impact the existing headworks facility and the

headworks improvements • The potentially high to very highly expansive nature of the near surface soils

underlying the proposed location of the new water storage tank. Mitigation Measure - GEO Prior to final plan approval, all recommendations for grading and structural design detailed in the Geotechnical Engineering Investigation Reports shall be incorporated in to the final project design and permit conditions. These recommendations include, but are not limited to site preparation, compaction, cut and fill slopes, erosion control, tank failure and flooding hazard mitigation, foundation specifications, utility trenches, lateral pressures, surface drainage, pavement design and plan review.


VII. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS – Would the project:


Impact

Less Than


Incorporation


Impact

No

Impact

a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials?

X

b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment?

X

c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school?

X

d) Be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result, would it create a significant hazard to the public or the environment?

X

e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area?

X

f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area?

X

g) Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan?

X

h) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving wildland fires, including where wildlands are adjacent to urbanized areas or where residences are intermixed with wildlands?

X

The proposed project is an upgrade to an existing infiltration gallery , a new drinking water storage tank and various other instrument and mechanical upgrades. a-h) There will be no hazardous materials generated or released as a result of the project or the operation of the treatment plant. The service area of the proposed project is rural residential and


is not located near a school or within the vicinity of a private airport nor is it located within an airport use plan. The residential subdivision is not located on a hazardous waste site list compiled pursuant to Government Code 65962.5. Most of the project components are replacing structures and pipes that are already on site and will not interfere with the adopted emergency response plan. The water system is proposing to use an on-site MIOX generator for disinfection. These units are based on electrolysis that produces a liquid stream of oxidants from salt, water, and power. There are no hazardous chemicals used or stored.


VIII. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY -- Would the project:


Impact

Less Than


Incorporation


Impact

No

Impact

a) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements?

X

b) Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that there would be a net deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of the local groundwater table level (e.g., the production rate of pre-existing nearby wells would drop to a level which would not support existing land uses or planned uses for which permits have been granted)?

X

c) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, in a manner which would result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site?

X

d) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, or substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner which would result in flooding on- or off-site?

X

e) Create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff?

X

f) Otherwise substantially degrade water quality?

X

g) Place housing within a 100-year flood hazard area as mapped on a federal Flood Hazard Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate Map or other flood hazard delineation map?

X

h) Place within a 100-year flood hazard area structures which would impede or redirect flood flows?

X

i) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving flooding, including flooding as a result of the failure of a levee or dam?

X


j) Inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow? X The proposed project is being considered because the water system is in violation of the Safe Drinking Water Act and cannot meet the drinking water standards pursuant to the Surface Water Treatment Rule. The redesigning and reconstruction of the infiltration gallery will allow the Villa del Monte Water System to operate during periods of high stream flow by protecting the pumps from silt buildup during the winter. In the summer, when the streamflow is at its lowest, the newly designed gallery will allow the system to maintain a sustained pump rate. The water system has an appropriative right to 48.5 acre-feet per year of water from the Laurel Creek and does not rely on groundwater sources. It will be necessary to alter the streambed during the installation of the reno mattress and gabion baskets. A small cofferdam will be erected above the work and the streamflow will be run through a flexible pipe attached to a 12 or 18 inch drainpipe. It will discharge behind a second cofferdam below the existing weir. The design engineer for the water system is currently notifying the California Department of Fish and Game of their to determine if a Streambed Alteration Agreement is necessary. The agreement will identify measures the water system will need to incorporate into the project to protect any fish or wildlife resource. The report entitled, Geotechnical Investigation for New Water Tank and Headworks Improvements (Pacific Crest Engineering, Inc November 2004) outlines specific design and construction measures for the new tank. The measures were recommended to minimize the potential for tank topple during a significant seismic or landsliding event that would result in flooding. These measure include but are not limited to:

• The tank should have as large a tank diameter to tank height ratio as possible • Reinforcement of the tank structure to allow the tank to handle the potential

consequences of a significant seismic event and/or landsliding event. • A secondary containment structure which could include a concrete wall or compacted

soil berm surrounding the tank. The concrete wall or compacted soil berm could completely contain any water loss from the tank or could re-direct any water loss from the tank to an area where flooding damage would be minimal and/or such that existing houses and structures are not threatened.

Mitigation Measure – HYDRO Prior to final plan approval, all measures outlined in the Geotechnical Investigations (Pacific Crest Engineering) shall be incorporated into the specifications to minimize tank failure and flooding hazards.


IX. LAND USE AND PLANNING - Would the project:


Impact

Less Than


Incorporation


Impact

No

Impact

a) Physically divide an established community?

X

b) Conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, or regulation of an agency with jurisdiction over the project (including, but not limited to the general plan, specific plan, local coastal program, or zoning ordinance) adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect?

X

c) Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plan?

X

The Villa del Monte Mutual was established approximately 45 years ago to provide potable water to as many as 169 residential customers. The proposed project will not physically divide the community nor is it in conflict with any land use plan adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating for an environmental effect.


X. MINERAL RESOURCES -- Would the project:

a) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of value to the region and the residents of the state?

X

b) Result in the loss of availability of a locally-important mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local general plan, specific plan or other land use plan?

X

Searching through the USGS database for State Minerals and Statistics, Santa Cruz County has areas containing limestone, industrial sand and shale. The only major production is the CEMEX plant located in Davenport. Using the County of Santa Cruz interactive mapping application developed by the County of Santa Cruz located at http://gis.co.santa-cruz.ca.us, the parcel numbers for the headworks and infiltration gallery were entered into the database. According to the information, no mineral resources exist on either parcel.


XI. NOISE – Would the project result in:


Impact

Less Than


Incorporation


Impact

No

Impact

a) Exposure of persons to or generation of noise levels in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies?

X

b) Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels?

X

c) A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project?

X

d) A substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project?

X

e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels?

X

f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels?

X

Currently, the project engineer is proposing to use a small skid or bobcat to scrape streambed material in order to make room for the gabion and reno mattress. Using the smaller machinery will help reduce the levels of ambient noise that would be expected with larger excavators. No blasting will be necessary as the amount of material to remove is minimal, the depth to bedrock is suspected to be no more than 3 to 4 feet from the surface. All work will be done during daylight hours. Mufflers and other noise-reducing fittings shall be in good working order. The project should take approximately three to four weeks and will not result in permanent increases in ambient noise levels. The project is not located within an airport land use or within the vicinity of an airstrip and will therefore not expose people to excessive noise levels.


XII. POPULATION AND HOUSING -- Would the project:


Impact

Less Than


Incorporation


Impact

No

Impact

a) Induce substantial population growth in an area, either directly (for example, by proposing new homes and businesses) or indirectly (for example, through extension of roads or other infrastructure)?

X

b) Displace substantial numbers of existing housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere?

X

c) Displace substantial numbers of people, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere?

X

a-c) The proposed project is to serve the existing residents of the subdivision and to meet the Safe Drinking Water standards for surface water supplies. No existing housing will be displaced nor will it necessitate construction of replacement housing elsewhere. XIII. PUBLIC SERVICES

a) Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives for any of the public services:


Impact

Less Than


Incorporation


Impact

No

Impact

Fire protection?

X

Police protection?

X

Schools?

X

Parks?

X

Other public facilities?

X

Since the proposed project is to rebuild the existing water distribution system without creating new capacity, no new or altered governmental facilities will be impacted from the proposed project. The project will not impact the existing service ratios, response times or other


performance objectives for fire or police service. There will be a small increase in the total square footage of the existing treatment building in order to accommodate the bag filter unit however, it is not considered a significant expansion. XIV. RECREATION --


Impact

Less Than


Incorporation


Impact

No

Impact

a) Would the project increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated?

X

b) Does the project include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment?

X

The proposed project will not increase the use of parks or other facilities nor does it include the construction or expansion of recreational facilities XV. TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC -- Would the project:


Impact

Less Than


Incorporation


Impact

No

Impact

a) Cause an increase in traffic which is substantial in relation to the existing traffic load and capacity of the street system (i.e., result in a substantial increase in either the number of vehicle trips, the volume to capacity ratio on roads, or congestion at intersections)?

b) Exceed, either individually or cumulatively, a level of service standard established by the county congestion management agency for designated roads or highways?

c) Result in a change in air traffic patterns, including either an increase in traffic levels or a change in location that results in substantial safety risks?

d) Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment)?

e) Result in inadequate emergency access?


f) Result in inadequate parking capacity?

g) Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs supporting alternative transportation (e.g., bus turnouts, bicycle racks)?

The proposed project will result in short term increases in truck traffic and small excavation equipment, but the long-term capacity ratios will remain the same. The improvements to the main transmission line from the headworks will alleviate many of the current routine maintenance trips. XVI. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS – Would the project:


Impact

Less Than


Incorporation


Impact

No

Impact

a) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board?

X

b) Require or result in the construction of new water or wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects?

X

c) Require or result in the construction of new storm water drainage facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects?

X

d) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project from existing entitlements and resources, or are new or expanded entitlements needed?

X

e) Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider which serves or may serve the project that it has adequate capacity to serve the project’s projected demand in addition to the provider’s existing commitments?

X

f) Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted capacity to accommodate the project’s solid waste disposal needs?

X

g) Comply with federal, state, and local statutes and regulations related to solid waste?

X

The proposed reconstruction of the existing infiltration gallery will result in the new construction


of a gabion basket and the installation of a reno mattress to enable the Villa Del Monte Mutual Water Company to extract its adjudicated right to 48.5 acre-feet per year. No new stormwater drainage facilities are to be built and no new demand on a wastewater treatment provider is proposed. The only disposal issues will be the hauling away of the old tank once it is dismantled. The paint will be tested and the contractor will follow proper procedures for materials handling. XVII. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE --


Impact

Less Than


Incorporation


Impact

No

Impact

a) Does the project have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory?

X

b) Does the project have impacts that are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable? (“Cumulatively considerable” means that the incremental effects of a project are considerable when viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, the effects of other current projects, and the effects of probable future projects)?

X

c) Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly?

X

The Santa Cruz County Resource Conservation district prepares and updates the Soquel Creek Watershed Assessment and Enhancement Project Plan with the assistance of D.W. Alley and Associates. The Assessment concluded that the Central California Coast distinct Population Segment steelhead are not found in Laurel Creek. Numerous impediments to migrating fish include areas of bedrock falls, chutes, debris and most importantly, the Laurel Mill Dam located approximately 1 mile below the project site. As part of the Section 7 informal consultation for the Endangered Species Act, CDHS received a concurrence letter from the NOAA Fisheries stating that the project is not likely to adversely affect CCC steelhead or their designated critical habitat because the proposed action is located in a stream reach above the upper access of historic anadromy (McInnis, 2007).

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