chapter 4 comments and coordination - dot.ca.gov · chapter 4 comments and coordination...

Chapter 4 Comments and Coordination

I-605/Katella Avenue Interchange Improvements 4-1 Initial Study/Environmental Assessment (IS/EA)

Chapter 4 Comments and Coordination Early and continuing coordination with the general public and public agencies is an essential part of the environmental process. It helps planners determine the necessary scope of environmental documentation and the level of analysis required, and to identify potential impacts and avoidance, minimization, and/or mitigation measures and related environmental requirements. Agency and tribal consultation and public participation for this project have been accomplished through a variety of formal and informal methods, including Project Development Team (PDT) meetings, a public information meeting conducted on June 29, 2017, and interagency outreach and consultation. This chapter summarizes the results of Caltrans’ efforts to fully identify, address, and resolve project-related issues through early and continuing coordination.

4.1 Project Development Team (PDT) Meetings During the preparation of the environmental document for the proposed project, monthly PDT meetings were held to discuss the proposed project design, factors to be considered during the environmental study process, key issues, and project schedule. Staff from Caltrans District 12, the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), City of Los Alamitos, and consulting firms attended these meetings.

4.2 Public Participation In order to inform the public regarding the proposed project and receive public input regarding project and environmental concerns early in the process, a Public Information Meeting was conducted on June 29, 2017. This Public Information Meeting was held from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Los Alamitos Community Center located at 10911 Oak Street, in Los Alamitos (approximately 0.1-mile northeast of the project site). Public notice of the meeting was provided via the OC Register, Excelsior/Unidos, Grunion Gazette, The Patch – Los Alamitos, and News Enterprise. Notice was also provided via the OCTA website, direct mail to a minimum 1,000-foot radius of the project site, direct-to-door fliers, email, and social media. During the public meeting, six work stations were provided to highlight the following issue areas: 1) project partners, funding, and schedule; 2) project overview and purpose and need; 3) photos of the interchange; 4) environmental review; 5) methods of receiving future project notices and information; and 6) a comment station. The primary questions and topics of concern received during the Public Information Meeting include:

• Questions regarding why the project is needed;

• Concern regarding bicycle safety through the interchange;

• Questions regarding the construction schedule related to the project;

• Concerns related to traffic safety and hazards related to existing conditions at the interchange;

• Questions regarding the relationship between the proposed project and the previously proposed Village 605 development project located north of Katella Avenue;

• Questions regarding property acquisition and where it would be required; and

• Questions regarding the environmental documentation process and next steps. A public hearing to for the proposed project to receive comments on the Draft Initial Study/Environmental Assessment (IS/EA) is scheduled for April 10, 2018 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Los Alamitos Community Center, 10911 Oak Street, Los Alamitos, CA 90720.



4.3 Cultural Resources As part of the cultural investigation, a record search was conducted with the South Central Coastal Information Center (SCCIC) of the California Historical Resources Information System (CHRIS) located at California State University, Fullerton. In addition, additional specialized listings for cultural resources were consulted. The Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) was contacted in January 2017 and letters were sent to Native American tribes consistent with Assembly Bill 52 (AB52) on August 11, 2017. Additional follow-up correspondence occurred on August 23, 2017. No tribal responses were received by Caltrans. The Los Alamitos Museum was contacted in March 2017 regarding cultural/historic resources. The consultation with the NAHC and Native American representatives is summarized in Table 4-1, Summary of Native American Consultation.

Table 4-1: Summary of Native American Consultation

Agency and Agency

Representative

Date of First Contact

(Formal Letter) Date of Reply

Date of Follow-up Contact

(Phone Call) Consultation Topic

Native American Heritage

Commission

January 24, 2017

January 26, 2017

January 24, 2017: A sacred lands file search was requested by Cogstone. January 26, 2017: NAHC responded that there are no known sacred lands within the Area of Potential Effects (APE).

Gabrieleno Band of Mission Indians-

Kizh Nation Andrew Salas, Chairperson

August 11, 2017 No Response August 23, 2017 August 30, 2017

August 11, 2017: A letter that discussed the project and requested information on cultural resources in the area that may be significant was sent via certified mail.

August 23, 2017: A follow up email was sent to Mr. Salas. August 30, 2017: A follow up phone call was made and a voicemail was left for Mr. Salas.

Gabrieleno/Tongva San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians Anthony Morales,

Chairperson

August 11, 2017 August 23, 2017 August 30, 2017


August 23, 2017: A follow up email was sent to Mr. Morales. August 30, 2017: A follow up phone call was made and Mr. Morales indicated, based on the Extended Phase I results, that he has no further comments regarding the project. He requested that in the event any cultural resources are encountered, to contact him immediately.



Table 4-1: Summary of Native American Consultation [continued]

Agency and Agency

Representative




(Phone Call)

Consultation Topic

Gabrielino/Tongva Nation

Sandonne Goad, Chairperson

and Sam Dunlap



August 23, 2017: A follow up email was sent. August 30, 2017: A follow up phone call was made and a voicemail was left.

Gabrielino Tongva Indians of

California Tribal Council

Robert F. Dorame, Chairperson



August 23, 2017: A follow up email was sent to Mr. Dorame. August 30, 2017: A follow up phone call was made and Mr. Dorame on behalf of the Gabrielino Tongva Indians of California Tribal Council, requested a digital version of the original consultation letter, which was sent to him the same day for review. Mr. Dorame has no comments on the project.

Gabrielino-Tongva Tribe

Linda Candelaria, Co-

Chairperson



August 23, 2017: A follow up email was sent to Ms. Candelaria. August 30, 2017: A follow up phone call was made and a voicemail was left for Ms. Candelaria.

Juaneno Band of Mission Indians

Acjachemen Nation,

Matias Belardes, Chairperson



August 23, 2017: A follow up email was sent to Mr. Belardes. August 30, 2017: A follow up phone call was made and, on behalf Mr. Belardes, Ms. Joyce Perry indicated that she had no concerns regarding the project.



Table 4-1: Summary of Native American Consultation [continued]

Agency and Agency

Representative




(Phone Call)

Consultation Topic

Juaneno Band of Mission Indians

Acjachemen Nation,

Teresa Romero, Chairperson



August 23, 2017: A follow up email was sent to Ms. Romero. August 30, 2017: A follow up phone call was made and a voicemail was left for Ms. Romero.

Sonia Johnston is longer a

NAHC contact

N/A N/A N/A N/A

4.4 Biological Resources Lists of special status species were generated from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB), California Native Plant Society (CNPS) Electronic Inventory, current listings for special status species from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Electronic Inventory, and the Information Planning and Conservation System (IPAC) in March 2017 and January 2018. The NMFS Species List was downloaded from the NOAA Fisheries – West Coast Region Website via the following link: http://www.westcoast. fisheries.noaa.gov/maps_data/california_species_list_tools.html. A query of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Soil Surveys for the project site was also conducted.

4.5 Hazardous Materials As part of the Phase I Initial Site Assessment (ISA) prepared for the proposed project, a records search was conducted in January 2014 with the Solid Waste Information System (SWIS), which is operated by the County of Los Angeles but provides information on solid waste disposal sites throughout California. The State Water Resources Control Board’s (SWRCB) GeoTracker database was queried in January 2014, in addition to a review of California Department of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources (DOGGR) Wildcat maps.

4.6 Air Quality The project-level particulate matter hot-spot analysis was presented to the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Transportation Conformity Working Group (TCWG) for discussion and review on March 28, 2017, pursuant to the interagency consultation requirement of 40 CFR 93.105 (c)(1)(i). The primary members of the TCWG relevant to the proposed project include:

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA);

• Federal Highway Administration (FHWA);

• California Air Resources Board (CARB);

• Caltrans;



• SCAG; and

• South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). The TCWG confirmed that the project would not be considered a project of air quality concern (POAQC) under 40 CFR 93.123(b)(1).

4.7 Parks and Recreational Facilities As part of the analysis for potential impacts related to Section 4(f) resources, Caltrans mailed a letter to Orange County Public Works (OCPW), Flood Division on January 10, 2018 and to the Los Angeles County Flood Control District (LACFCD) on April 4, 2018. The letter provided the results of analysis for short-term construction impacts to OCPW and LACFCD facilities adjacent to Coyote Creek Trail. OCPW provided a response letter to Caltrans dated February 5, 2018, which outlined OCPW’s water quality, drainage, and permitting requirements for improvements within their right-of-way. Caltrans will be in contact with OCPW and LACFCD prior to finalizing the IS/EA in order to finalize the De Minimis Determination.

4.8 Utility Coordination Standard utility notifications and map requests were sent to utility companies identified within the project area by Dig Alert. Information provided in response by the utility companies was incorporated into project base files and evaluated for potential relocations.



This page intentionally left blank.



Native American Heritage Commission Correspondence



U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Species List

United States Department of the Interior

FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICECarlsbad Fish And Wildlife Office

2177 Salk Avenue - Suite 250

Carlsbad, CA 92008-7385

Phone: (760) 431-9440 Fax: (760) 431-5901

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

In Reply Refer To:

Consultation Code: 08ECAR00-2018-SLI-0462

Event Code: 08ECAR00-2018-E-01053

Project Name: Interstate 605/Katella Avenue Interchange Improvements Project

Subject: List of threatened and endangered species that may occur in your proposed project

location, and/or may be affected by your proposed project

To Whom It May Concern:

The enclosed species list identifies threatened, endangered, and proposed species, designated

critical habitat, and candidate species that may occur within the boundary of your proposed

project and/or may be affected by your proposed project. The species list fulfills the requirements

of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) under section 7(c) of the Endangered Species Act

(Act) of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).

New information based on updated surveys, changes in the abundance and distribution of

species, changed habitat conditions, or other factors could change this list. Please feel free to

contact us if you need more current information or assistance regarding the potential impacts to

federally proposed, listed, and candidate species and federally designated and proposed critical

habitat. Please note that under 50 CFR 402.12(e) of the regulations implementing section 7 of the

Act, the accuracy of this species list should be verified after 90 days. This verification can be

completed formally or informally as desired. The Service recommends that verification be

completed by visiting the ECOS-IPaC website at regular intervals during project planning and

implementation for updates to species lists and information. An updated list may be requested

through the ECOS-IPaC system by completing the same process used to receive the enclosed list.

The purpose of the Act is to provide a means whereby threatened and endangered species and the

ecosystems upon which they depend may be conserved. Under sections 7(a)(1) and 7(a)(2) of the

Act and its implementing regulations (50 CFR 402 et seq.), Federal agencies are required to

utilize their authorities to carry out programs for the conservation of threatened and endangered

species and to determine whether projects may affect threatened and endangered species and/or

designated critical habitat.

January 25, 2018

01/25/2018 Event Code: 08ECAR00-2018-E-01053 2

A Biological Assessment is required for construction projects (or other undertakings having

similar physical impacts) that are major Federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the

human environment as defined in the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)

(c)). For projects other than major construction activities, the Service suggests that a biological

evaluation similar to a Biological Assessment be prepared to determine whether the project may

affect listed or proposed species and/or designated or proposed critical habitat. Recommended

contents of a Biological Assessment are described at 50 CFR 402.12.

If a Federal agency determines, based on the Biological Assessment or biological evaluation, that

listed species and/or designated critical habitat may be affected by the proposed project, the

agency is required to consult with the Service pursuant to 50 CFR 402. In addition, the Service

recommends that candidate species, proposed species and proposed critical habitat be addressed

within the consultation. More information on the regulations and procedures for section 7

consultation, including the role of permit or license applicants, can be found in the "Endangered

Species Consultation Handbook" at:

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

Please be aware that bald and golden eagles are protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle

Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 668 et seq.), and projects affecting these species may require

development of an eagle conservation plan (http://www.fws.gov/windenergy/

eagle_guidance.html). Additionally, wind energy projects should follow the wind energy

guidelines (http://www.fws.gov/windenergy/) for minimizing impacts to migratory birds and

bats.

Guidance for minimizing impacts to migratory birds for projects including communications

towers (e.g., cellular, digital television, radio, and emergency broadcast) can be found at: http://

www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/CurrentBirdIssues/Hazards/towers/towers.htm; http://

www.towerkill.com; and http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/CurrentBirdIssues/Hazards/towers/

comtow.html.

We appreciate your concern for threatened and endangered species. The Service encourages

Federal agencies to include conservation of threatened and endangered species into their project

planning to further the purposes of the Act. Please include the Consultation Tracking Number in

the header of this letter with any request for consultation or correspondence about your project

that you submit to our office.

Attachment(s):

▪ Official Species List

01/25/2018 Event Code: 08ECAR00-2018-E-01053 1

Official Species ListThis list is provided pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, and fulfills the

requirement for Federal agencies to "request of the Secretary of the Interior information whether

any species which is listed or proposed to be listed may be present in the area of a proposed

action".

This species list is provided by:

Carlsbad Fish And Wildlife Office

2177 Salk Avenue - Suite 250

Carlsbad, CA 92008-7385

(760) 431-9440

01/25/2018 Event Code: 08ECAR00-2018-E-01053 2

Project SummaryConsultation Code: 08ECAR00-2018-SLI-0462

Event Code: 08ECAR00-2018-E-01053

Project Name: Interstate 605/Katella Avenue Interchange Improvements Project

Project Type: TRANSPORTATION

Project Description: The purpose of the project is to improve freeway access and arterial

connection, improve interchange traffic operations, enhance safety, and

improve pedestrian and bicycle facilities within the project limits while

minimizing adjacent right of way, environmental, and economic impacts.

The proposed project includes modifications to interchange ramps and

Katella Avenue. The existing I-605 mainline would not be modified, with

the exception of the northbound No. 4 lane at the northbound exit ramp.

This lane would be restriped from a through lane to a through lane/ramp

exit option to accommodate a proposed 2nd lane on the exit ramp. Katella

Avenue would be widened and lane geometries would be modified to

provide standard lanes and shoulders through the interchange and to tie in

with proposed ramp improvements. Proposed modifications to the

northbound ramps and Katella Avenue east of the northbound ramps are

similar in both build alternatives. The project area includes the

interchange ramps and Katella Avenue from the Coyote Creek Channel

bridge to Civic Center Drive. Right of way acquisition of less than 0.1

acre of parkway may be required on the north side of Katella Avenue from

the interchange to the study area limits. Widening on the south side of

Katella Avenue would occur within an existing Orange County Flood

Division (OC Flood) easement. No other permanent right of way

acquisitions are anticipated.

Project Location:

Approximate location of the project can be viewed in Google Maps: https://

www.google.com/maps/place/33.799571246230784N118.08445304084094W

01/25/2018 Event Code: 08ECAR00-2018-E-01053 3

Counties: Los Angeles, CA | Orange, CA

01/25/2018 Event Code: 08ECAR00-2018-E-01053 4

Endangered Species Act SpeciesThere is a total of 6 threatened, endangered, or candidate species on this species list. Species on

this list should be considered in an effects analysis for your project and could include species that

exist in another geographic area. For example, certain fish may appear on the species list because

a project could affect downstream species. See the "Critical habitats" section below for those

critical habitats that lie wholly or partially within your project area under this office's

jurisdiction. Please contact the designated FWS office if you have questions.

MammalsNAME STATUS

Pacific Pocket Mouse Perognathus longimembris pacificusNo critical habitat has been designated for this species.

Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/8080

Endangered

BirdsNAME STATUS

California Least Tern Sterna antillarum browniNo critical habitat has been designated for this species.


Endangered

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


Threatened

Western Snowy Plover Charadrius alexandrinus nivosusPopulation: Pacific Coast population DPS-U.S.A. (CA, OR, WA), Mexico (within 50 miles of

Pacific coast)

There is final critical habitat for this species. Your location is outside the critical habitat.


Threatened

Flowering PlantsNAME STATUS

Salt Marsh Bird's-beak Cordylanthus maritimus ssp. maritimusNo critical habitat has been designated for this species.


Endangered

Ventura Marsh Milk-vetch Astragalus pycnostachyus var. lanosissimusThere is final critical habitat for this species. Your location is outside the critical habitat.


Endangered

01/25/2018 Event Code: 08ECAR00-2018-E-01053 5

Critical habitatsTHERE ARE NO CRITICAL HABITATS WITHIN YOUR PROJECT AREA UNDER THIS OFFICE'S JURISDICTION.



National Marine Fisheries Service

Species List

Appendix E – NMFS Species List

National Marine Fisheries Service Species List

Quad Name: Los Alamitos Quad Number: 3318-G1

ESA Anadromous Fish

SONCC Coho ESU (T)

CCC Coho ESU (E)

CC Chinook Salmon ESU (T)

CVSR Chinook Salmon ESU (T)

SRWR Chinook Salmon ESU (E)

NC Steelhead DPS (T)

CCC Steelhead DPS (T)

SCCC Steelhead DPS (T)

SC Steelhead DPS (E) X

CCV Steelhead DPS (T)

Eulachon (T)

sDPS Green Sturgeon (T)

ESA Anadromous Fish Critical Habitat

SONCC Coho Critical Habitat

CCC Coho Critical Habitat

CC Chinook Salmon Critical Habitat

CVSR Chinook Salmon Critical Habitat

SRWR Chinook Salmon Critical Habitat

NC Steelhead Critical Habitat

CCC Steelhead Critical Habitat

SCCC Steelhead Critical Habitat

SC Steelhead Critical Habitat

CCV Steelhead Critical Habitat

Eulachon Critical Habitat

sDPS Green Sturgeon Critical Habitat

ESA Marine Invertebrates

Range Black Abalone (E)

Range White Abalone (E)

ESA Marine Invertebrates Critical Habitat

Black Abalone Critical Habitat

ESA Sea Turtles

East Pacific Green Sea Turtle (T)

Olive Ridley Sea Turtle (T/E)

Leatherback Sea Turtle (E)

North Pacific Loggerhead Sea Turtle (E)

ESA Whales

Blue Whale (E)

Fin Whale (E)

Humpback Whale (E)

Southern Resident Killer Whale (E)

North Pacific Right Whale (E)

Sei Whale (E)

Sperm Whale (E)

ESA Pinnipeds

Guadalupe Fur Seal (T)

Appendix E – NMFS Species List

Steller Sea Lion Critical Habitat

Essential Fish Habitat

Coho EFH

Chinook Salmon EFH

Groundfish EFH

Coastal Pelagics EFH X

Highly Migratory Species EFH X

MMPA Species MMPA Cetaceans

MMPA Pinnipeds X

*NMFS Species List downloaded from the NOAA Fisheries – West Coast Region Website via

the following link:

http://www.westcoast.fisheries.noaa.gov/maps_data/california_species_list_tools.html



Section 4(f) Correspondence

W Katella Ave

E Willow St

Coyo

te Cre

ek

Coyo

te Cre

ek

INTERSTATE 605/KATELLA AV ENUE INTERCHANGE IMPROV EMENTS PROJECTINITIAL STUDY/ENV IRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

Coyote Creek Trail Access from Katella AvenueFigure A2

°

9/26/2017 JN M:\Mdata\155953\MXD\September 2017\Figure A2.mxd

0 125 250Feet

Source: Google Im agery 2016

LegendCoyote Creek TrailCoyote Creek Trail Access from Katella Avenue Tem porary Construction Im pacts – Trail Access to be Maintained Throughout Construction

aashimine

Text Box

1



Orange County Public Works Correspondence

chapter 4 comments and coordination - dot.ca.gov · chapter 4 comments and coordination...

Documents