“Keep Alaska Moving through service and infrastructure.”  

DepartmentofTransportationandPublicFacilities

 DESIGN&ENGINEERINGSERVICES

PRELIMINARYDESIGN&ENVIRONMENTAL 

PO Box 196900 Anchorage, Alaska 99519-6900

Main: 907.269.0542 Toll Free: 800.770.5263

TDD: 907.269.0473 TTY: 800.770.8973 Fax: 907.243.6927

June 2, 2014 Project: Kalifornsky Beach Road MP 16-22.2 Project No.: 59778 Re: Request for scoping comments The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) has assumed the responsibilities of the Federal Highway Administration under Section 326 of amended Chapter 3 of Title 23, United States Code (23 U.S.C. 326), and is soliciting comments and information on a proposed project to resurface Kalifornsky Beach Road from milepost (MP) 16 (near Bridge Access Road) to MP 22.2 (near the Sterling Highway) in Soldotna, Alaska. The proposed project is located within Sections 15, 22, 23, 26, 31, 32, and 35, Township 5 North, Range 10 and 11 West, Seward Meridian; and on USGS Quad Maps Kenai B3, B4, and C4, Seward Meridian; Latitude 60.4885ºN, Longitude -151.1566ºW (Google Earth, center of project), in Soldotna, Alaska (Figures 1-2b). Purpose and Need The existing roadway has deteriorated pavement, limited right turn pockets at busy intersections, no curbs or pedestrian pads at signaled intersections and crosswalks, and busy intersections with no traffic signals. The purpose of the proposed project is to improve these deficiencies, increase corridor safety, extend the service life of the roadway, and reduce maintenance costs. Proposed Action The proposed project would involve the following:

Resurface Kalifornsky Beach Road from MP 16 to MP 22.2 Improve the existing traffic signals at the intersections of Kalifornsky Beach Road with Bridge Access Road and

Kalifornsky Beach Road with Poppy Lane Install two new traffic signals at the intersections of Kalifornsky Beach Road with Gaswell Road and Kalifornsky

Beach Road with Ciechanski Road; including widening intersections to accommodate the addition of right turn pockets

Utility relocation near Ciechanski Road Install signal interconnect, conduits, load centers, and junction boxes Vegetative clearing within DOT&PF right of way Install, replace, or improve as needed:

o Driveways, approaches, storm water drainage facilities, and pedestrian facilities o Guardrail, guardrail end treatments, signs, and striping

Existing Site Conditions or Facilities The proposed project section of Kalifornsky Beach Road is 6.2 miles long, traversing primarily level terrain. Adjacent land consists predominately of commercial and industrial lots with dispersed areas of residential and vacant lots, and wide

 

 

sections of State, Borough, and private lands along the northern and southern boundaries of the proposed project area. It is a minor arterial roadway through west Soldotna with two 12 foot lanes separated by a center turn lane, and 1-4 foot paved shoulders. The speed limit varies from 45 miles-per-hour (mph) through the main business corridor, to 55 mph. There are no passing lanes or right-turn pockets within the proposed project area. Gaswell Road is both a residential and collector road system with two 12 foot lanes and no paved shoulders. Gaswell Road connects residents with Kalifornsky Beach Road. The proposed project would allow residents to merge onto Kalifornsky Beach Road safely with the installation of a traffic signal and turn pockets at the intersection of Gaswell with Kalifornsky Beach Road. Ciechanski Road is a collector road with two 12 foot lanes and no shoulders. Ciechanski Road is predominately residential with some industrial development. A church and school are located near the intersection of Ciechanski Road and Kimberly Drive. The proposed project would allow residents, students, and other members of the community to merge safely onto Kalifornsky Beach road with the installation of a traffic signal and turn pockets at the intersection of Ciechanski with Kalifronsky Beach Road. The Kenai River Special Management Area runs parallel to the northern east-west stretch of Kalifornsky Beach Road that intersects with Bridge Access Road. The majority of this area is classified as freshwater forested/shrub wetland, including undeveloped land parcels on the south side of Kalifornsky Beach Road, outside the business/industrial and residential corridors. The Kenai National Wildlife Refuge boarders the Sterling Highway approximately 0.06 miles south of the proposed project area. Both the Kenai River Special Management Area and the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge have dense populations of wildlife species that migrate or cross sections of Kalifornsky Beach Road. Preliminary Environmental Research The proposed project is not expected to involve any significant environmental impacts and a Categorical Exclusion document will be prepared (23 CFR 771.117). DOT&PF conducted preliminary research using the most current available data to identify environmental resources within the proposed project vicinity (attached). To ensure that all factors are considered in developing the proposed project, please provide your written comments, recommendations, and the additional requested information to our office no later than June 30, 2014. If you have any questions on the environmental effects, please contact Kim Campo-Allen, Environmental Impact Analyst, at (907) 269-0533, or via email at kim.campo-allen@alaska.gov. Questions concerning the engineering aspects of the proposed project can be directed to Cynthia Ferguson, P.E., Project Manager, at (907) 269-0589. Sincerely,

Brian Elliott Regional Environmental Manager Attachments: Preliminary Environmental Research Figure 1 - Location and Vicinity Map Figures 2a-b – Project Area cc: Kim Campo-Allen, Environmental Impact Analyst, PD&E Cynthia Ferguson, P.E., Project Manager Elysia Retzlaff, Team Leader, PD&E

Page 1 of 5

PRELIMINARY ENVIRONMENTAL RESERCH Kalifornsky Beach Road MP 16-22.2 Resurfacing & Signalization

Air Quality A review of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Non-attainment Areas for Criteria Pollutants in Alaska on May 14, 2014, indicated the proposed project is not in an air quality maintenance or non-attainment area. Anadromous Fish Streams and Essential Fish Habitat A search of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) Atlas to the Catalog of Waters Important to the Spawning, Rearing or Migration of Anadromous Fishes on May 14, 2014, indicated three anadromous water bodies are located in or adjacent to the proposed project area (Table 1).

Table 1: Anadromous Streams and Species Stream Name AWC Code Location Anadromous/Essential

Fish Species Spawning, Rearing, or Present

Slikok Creek 244-30-10010-2030 Flows under Kalifornsky Beach Road 0.10 mile East of Gaswell Road intersection

Dolly Varden, Coho, King, Pink, Sockeye

UnNamed 244-30-10010-2010 Flows under Kalifornsky Beach Road 0.07mile West of Bridge Access Road

Dolly Varden, Coho, King, Pink, Sockeye

Kenai River 244-30-10010 Approximately 0.11 mile north of MP 21, adjacent to proposed project area

Chum, Coho, King, Pink, Sockeye, Dolly Varden, lamprey, eulachon, Pacific lamprey, Steelhead, Whitefish

The proposed project will not involve any in-stream work or placement of fill or structures below ordinary high water. No adverse impacts to anadromous streams or essential fish habitat are expected to occur as a result of the proposed project. Contaminated Sites, Spills, and Underground Storage Tanks A search of the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) Contaminated Sites Program database on May 14, 2014, indicated several contaminated releases, spills, or leaking underground storage tanks are adjacent to the proposed project area (Table 2).

Table 2 – Contaminated Sites, Spills and Underground Storage Tanks Adjacent to Proposed Project Area

Name ID Type Status UAA Kenai Fire Training Site

454 Contaminated subsurface soils, lagoon sediments, low level groundwater contamination of gasoline and diesel.

Active

Saltz General Contractors 23,115 Soil contamination near underground storage tank

Active

K-Beach Chevron 22,913 Soil contamination near underground storage tanks.

Cleanup Complete – Institutional Controls

Caston Residence 1,849 Lead battery disposal site Cleanup Complete – Institutional Controls

Page 2 of 5

Laidlaw-Milepost 19.5 Kalifornsky Beach Rd.

23,754 Petroleum contaminated soil and groundwater.

Cleanup Complete – Institutional Controls

Craig Taylor Equipment 23,763 Soil contamination near underground storage tanks.

Cleanup Complete

United Lumber, Inc. 23,522 Gas and diesel spill from fill pipe.

Cleanup Complete

Endicott Street Salvage 672 Lead contamination of soil.

Cleanup Complete

Short Stop Groceries & Gas

23,322 Soil contamination near underground storage tanks.

Cleanup Complete

Kenai Peninsula Borough Maintenance Sop-Diesel

22,931 Soil contamination near underground storage tanks.

Cleanup Complete

PTI Kalifornsky Beach 22,949 Soil contamination near underground storage tanks.

Cleanup Complete

Twin Cities Used Cars 23,740 Soil contamination due to storage tank failure.

Cleanup Complete

Alaska Oil Sales, Inc. 24,580 Soil contamination near underground storage tank.

Cleanup Complete

Red Diamond Center 23,211 Soil contamination near underground storage tank.

Cleanup Complete

Vaughns Mini-Mart 23,616 Soil contamination near piping/dispenser.

Cleanup Complete

Best Transit Mix, Inc. 24,691 Soil contamination near underground storage tank.

Cleanup Complete

Due to the nature of this project and its limited scope within the existing right of way (ROW), there is low potential for encountering contaminated sites or hazardous materials during construction. If contaminated or hazardous materials are encountered during construction, all work in the vicinity of the contaminated site will stop and ADEC would be consulted for guidance on how to proceed. Estimated Ground Disturbance and Clearing Activities Ground disturbing activities will be limited to the existing DOT&PF ROW. While the majority of the proposed improvements will be limited to existing disturbed areas, it is anticipated that ground disturbance will exceed the existing road footprint in select areas where right turn pockets and pedestrian amenities are proposed. Total project new ground disturbance is estimated at 8.68 acres. Additionally, the project will involve limited vegetation clearing in DOT&PF ROW in order to increase sight distance and re-establish ditches. Flood Plain and Regulatory Floodway A review of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Maps on May 14, 2014, indicated a section of the proposed project area is mapped as Zone A, an area subject to flooding by the 1% annual chance flood (100-year flood). The proposed project will proceed in accordance with all local flood hazard requirements. The project is located on panel 0200122045C of the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map. Due to the limited scope of work, no impacts to floodplains are anticipated. Historic Properties, Archeological and Cultural Resources On May 14, 2014, DOT&PF reviewed the Alaska Heritage Resource Survey (AHRS) database for the presence of historic properties within or adjacent to the proposed project corridor. Several historic sites are adjacent to the project corridor (Table 3).

Table 3 – AHRS Sites within Proposed Project Area Site # Site Name Eligibility KEN-00163 KEN-00163 No determination KEN-00003 KEN-00003 No determination

Page 3 of 5

KEN-00429 Slikok Creek Village Eligible KEN-00335 Slikok House 1 Eligible KEN-00337 Slikok House 3 Eligible KEN-00336 Slikok House 2 Eligible

Project development will proceed in accordance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. If cultural, archaeological, or historical sites are discovered during construction, then all work in the vicinity of the sites will cease and the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) will be consulted for guidance on how to proceed. Invasive Species A search of the Early Detection and Distribution (EDD) Mapping System of Invasive Species in Alaska and Alaska Exotic Plants Information Clearinghouse on May 14, 2014 indicated the presence of multiple invasive plant species within the vicinity of the proposed project area. The loss of native vegetation within the proposed project area during construction may allow for the introduction of new species or spread of these species. To minimize the risk of introducing or spreading invasive species, the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) will comply with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding invasive species during construction of the proposed project. The area of ground disturbance will be kept to a minimum and certified weed-free seed with be used to re-establish native vegetation after construction. Material and Disposal Sites The Contractor would supply material for the road, subgrade structure and surfacing. Similarly, the Contractor would obtain disposal sites. If the Contractor elects to use an undeveloped material site, contract language will require the Contractor to acquire all necessary permits and clearances for the site(s) and provide copies to the DOT&PF Project Engineer prior to development. Per DOT&PF specifications, the Contractor will also be responsible for implementing a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan. Material from a borrow site that has not received the appropriate permits and clearances will not be accepted for project construction. Disposal of excess material outside the ROW is not anticipated for this project. Migratory Birds and Eagles’ Nest Several species of migratory birds may pass through the proposed project area and may be disturbed by vegetation clearing operations; however, vegetation clearing associated with the project is expected to be minimal and will follow United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) recommended time periods for clearing within the Kenai Peninsula. Suitable eagle nesting habitat exists adjacent to the proposed project corridor. If active eagle nests are found within 660 feet of the project area (primary and secondary protection zones) during construction or clearing activities, construction will cease and the USFWS would be consulted for guidance on how to proceed. Navigable Waters A review of the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Alaska District’s List of Navigable Waters on May 14, 2014, indicated the Kenai River to be a navigable water of the U.S. Kenai River is adjacent to the proposed project area, approximately 0.1 to 1.9 miles from the proposed project corridor, and does not cross the proposed project area at any point. The proposed project does not involve any work in or below ordinary high water and no impact to navigable waters is anticipated. Noise The proposed project would not result in a permanent adverse change in traffic patterns, volume, or any other factor that would cause a substantial change or increase in traffic noise along the project corridor. Traffic light installation at the intersections of Gaswell Road and Ciechanski Road with Kalifornsky

Page 4 of 5

Beach Road will improve traffic flow onto Kalifornsky Beach Road. Permanent noise impacts associated with the proposed project are not expected to occur. Permits and Authorizations The following permits are anticipated for the proposed project: Title 16 Fish Habitat Permit KPB Conditional Use Permit Flood Plain Development Permit Right-of-Way All construction activities for the proposed project would occur within the existing DOT&PF ROW. No additional ROW acquisition would be required. Recreational Facilities The City of Soldotna owns and operates the Soldotna Regional Sports Complex and Centennial Park immediately adjacent to the project area along the north side of Kalifornsky Beach Road, near MP 22. Additionally, the city leases land adjacent to the Sports Complex to the Soldotna Equestrian Association and Soldotna Little League. The baseball fields are open for public use and used by the Soldotna Little League, the High School, and other local user groups. The Rodeo Grounds are used by 4-H, Rodeo, and other public users. The Tsalteshi Trails Association owns and maintains Nordic ski trails across from the Sports Center on the south side of Kalifornsky Beach Road. The trails are groomed for cross country skiing in the winter and open for hikers, runners, and mountain bikers in the summer. Construction will not restrict access to these facilities or disturb any ongoing activities. Receiving Waters and Impaired Water Bodies Storm water within the proposed project area drains into adjacent wetlands or infiltrates into adjacent ground via roadside ditches and vegetation. Potential receiving water bodies include Kenai River, Slikok Creek, Unnamed, and, ultimately, Cook Inlet. A May 16, 2014 review of the ADEC 2012 Final Integrated Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment Report indicated that none of the potential receiving bodies are listed as impaired. Social and Economic The proposed project will provide a long-term benefit to both motorized and non-motorized members of the traveling public by improving travel conditions and safety in the project area. The installation of traffic signals at the intersections of Kalifornsky Beach Road with Gaswell Road and Ciechanski Road will improve traffic flow onto Kalifornsky Beach Road and reduce the number of vehicular collisions at these intersections. The proposed project section of Kalifornsky Beach Road is predominately business and industrial with some vacant private land. The proposed project would provide a long-term economic benefit by improving the safety and efficiency of commercial traffic on the roadway. No permanent adverse economic or social impacts are expected to occur. State Parks, National Parks, National Forests, Wild and Scenic Rivers Review of the National Parks Service (NPS) website on May 19, 2014, indicated no monuments, national parks, preserves, or wild and scenic rivers are in or adjacent to the proposed project area. A review of the Alaska Department of Natural Resources (ADNR) Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation (DPOR) website on May 19, 2014, indicated the Kenai River Special Management Area runs adjacent to the proposed project area along the Kenai River. The Kenai River Special Management Area

Page 5 of 5

varies in distance from the proposed project area from 0.1 miles (near MP 21) to 2 miles (near MP 18.5). While the proposed project will occur adjacent to the Kenai River Special Management Area (along Kalifornsky Beach Road), impacts to the resource are not anticipated. A review of the U.S. Forest Service website on May 19, 2014, indicated that no national forests are located within the proposed project area. State Refuges, National Wildlife Refuges, Critical Habitat Areas and Sanctuaries A review of the ADF&G listing of State of Alaska Refuges, Critical Habitat Areas, and Sanctuaries on May 16, 2014, indicated no state refuges, critical habitat areas, or sanctuaries in or adjacent to the project area. A review of the USFWS National Wildlife Refuge website on May 16, 2014, indicated that no national wildlife refuges exist within the proposed project corridor. The Kenai National Wildlife Refuge boarders the Sterling Highway approximately 0.06 miles south of the proposed project area. Impacts to the resource are not anticipated. A review of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and National Parks Service (NPS) web sites on May 19, 2014, found that no Federal Recreational Areas exist in the proposed project area. Threatened and Endangered Species The USFWS and ADF&G Threatened and Endangered Species websites were both reviewed on May 19, 2014, to determine if any threatened or endangered species or their habitats are located within the proposed project corridor. Both the Short-tailed Albatross (an Endangered Species) and Steller’s Eider (a Threatened Species) are listed as having a range that encapsulates the Kenai Peninsula. Both species are marine birds that generally stay in coastal marine waters except when they go inland to nest. According to the ADF&G website, Alaska’s breeding population of Steller’s Eider nest in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta and the Arctic Coastal plain, while the Short-tailed Albatross nests in small island groups south of Japan. Although possible, it is unlikely either species would be encountered within the project area. Adverse impacts to these species are not anticipated. Water Quality There may be temporary degradation of water quality due to ground disturbing activities and storm water runoff. These impacts will be minimized through the development and implementation of a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) in accordance with the ADEC Alaska Pollution Discharge Elimination System Construction General Permit. Wetlands and Other Waters of the U.S. A review of the USFWS National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) on May 19, 2014, indicated multiple emergent and freshwater forested/shrub wetlands adjacent to the roadway near mileposts 20 to 22 and from milepost 16 to 17. Due to the limited scope of the proposed project, no adverse impacts are anticipated. The proposed work will not involve the discharge of dredge or fill material into these wetlands.

BETHEL

KODIAK

ANCHORAGE

JUNEAU

BARROW

C A N A D A FAIRBANKS

HOOPER BAY

DATE:

BY

SCALE:

PRELIMINARY DESIGN AND

ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP

STATE OF ALASKA

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

AND PUBLIC FACILITIES

NTS

5/27/2014

K. CAMPO-ALLEN

LOCATION & VICINITY MAP

PROJECT NO. 59778

SOLDOTNA, ALASKA

FIGURE 1

LOCATION MAP

KALIFORNSKY BEACH RD. MP 16-22.2

RESURFACING & SIGNALIZATION

KALIFORNSKY BEACH ROAD

END OF

PROJECT

KALIFORNSKY BEACH ROAD, MP 16 TO 22.2 PAVING

REHABILITATION & SIGNALIZATION

LEGEND

PROJECT AREA

STREAM

Date:

Scale:

By::

PRELIMINARY DESIGN AND

ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP

STATE OF ALASKA

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

AND PUBLIC FACILITIES

NTS

5/22/2014

K. CAMPO-ALLEN

PROJECT AREA

PROJECT NO. 59778

SOLDOTNA, ALASKA

FIGURE 2b

POPPY LN

GASWELL RD

SLIK

OK

CR

KENAI RIVER

N

S

T

E

R

L

I

N

G

H

W

Y

KALIFORNSKY BEACH ROAD, MP 16 TO 22.2 PAVING

REHABILITATION & SIGNALIZATION

Date:

Scale:

By::

PRELIMINARY DESIGN AND

ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP

STATE OF ALASKA

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

AND PUBLIC FACILITIES

NTS

5/22/2014

K. CAMPO-ALLEN

PROJECT AREA

PROJECT NO. 59778

SOLDOTNA, ALASKA

FIGURE 2a

BRIDGE

ACCESS RD

BEGINNING OF

PROJECT

K

A

L

I

F

O

R

N

S

K

Y

B

E

A

C

H

R

O

A

D

CIECHANSKI RD

KENAI RIVER

N

LEGEND

PROJECT AREA

STREAM

UNNAMED STREAM

59778_AgencyScoping_Letter.pdf59778_AgencyScoping_PER.pdf59778 Figure 1.pdf59778 Fig 2a_b.pdf