February12,2016

TO: CommissionersandAlternates

FROM: LawrenceJ.Goldzband,ExecutiveDirector(415/352-3653lgoldzband@bcdc.ca.gov)AnnikenLydon,CoastalProgramAnalyst(415/352-3624,anniken.lydon@bcdc.ca.gov)

SUBJECT: StaffRecommendationfortheSanFrancisquitoCreekJointPowersAuthority’sBCDCPermitApplicationNo.2013.007.00fortheSanFrancisquitoCreekFloodProtectionandEcosystemRestorationProject(ForCommissionconsiderationonFebruary18,2016)

RecommendationSummary

ThestaffrecommendsapprovalofBCDCPermitApplicationNo.2013.007.00,totheSan

FrancisquitoCreekJointPowersAuthorityfortheSanFrancisquitoCreekFloodProtectionand

EcosystemRestorationProjectlocatedontheborderbetweenSantaClaraandSanMateo

Counties,which,asconditioned,willauthorizethefollowingactivities:

(1) Removalofportionsoftheexistingsouthernlevee,whileleavingasmallsectionof

theleveetocreateFriendshipIsland,andrealigningthesouthernleveetoallowfor

increasedflowcapacitytoalleviatefloodingwithintheCitiesofEastPaloAltoand

PaloAlto;

(2) RepairingportionsofdegradedleveesalongtheFaberTractMarsh,restoringa

portionoftheOuterFaberMarshleveetomarshplainelevation,andplacingriprap

inthechannelalonglevees,infrontoffloodwallsandaroundFriendshipIslandfor

shorelineprotection;

(3) RestoringandcreatingtidalmarshhabitatsalongtheedgesofSanFrancisquito

Creek(SFC),creatingadditionalhightiderefugiaenhancementsinOuterFaber

MarshandenhancingtransitionzonehabitatsalongFaberTractMarsh;

(4) Installingrequiredpublicaccessimprovementsandinterpretivesignagebothinside

andoutsideBCDC’sjurisdiction;and

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(5)Maintenanceofexistingleveeslopesandpublicaccessareas.

TheSanFrancisquitoCreekFloodProtectionandEcosystemRestorationproject(SFBayto

Highway101)willbeconstructedoveratwo-yearperiod,duringtheauthorizedin-streamwork

windowsfromJune1stthroughOctober15thandout-of-channelwindowfromMay1stthrough

October15th,unlessanextensionoftimeisapprovedonbehalfoftheCommission.Thefirst

yearofconstructionwillincludeallutilitylinework,constructingasetbackportionoftheSFC

southlevee(ExhibitB)withinthePaloAltoGolfCourse(golfcourse),constructingfloodwallsin

specifiedlocationsalongthecreek,excavatingapproximately1,470cubicyardsofsediment

fromwithinthechannel,andremovingapproximately37,680squarefeet(3,380cy)offillfrom

theOuterFaberMarshlevee.Inthesecondyearofconstruction,theprojectincludesremoving

60,380squarefeetoffillfromtheexistingSFClevee(leavinganapproximately13,830square

footsectiontocreateFriendshipIsland),constructing2,060squarefeet(0.05acre)ofpile-

supportedfillfortheboardwalkconnectingFriendshipIslandtotherealignedsouthernlevee,

placingapproximately56,530squarefeetofriprapwithintheCommission’sjurisdiction,and

finishingconstructionofallfloodwallsandconnectionswithadjacentlevees.

Additionally,theprojectwillimprovehabitatinthecreekandadjacentareasandincludes:

placingbetween55and110cy(1,250squarefeet)ofcleanfillinOuterFaberMarshtocreate

hightiderefugiaislands;importingsmallamountsofcleanfillandplantingnativevegetation

alongapproximately6.0acresofleveessurroundingFaberMarshtoenhancehightiderefuge

areas;andbothcreatingandrestoring3.44acresofhighmarshandtransitionzonehabitats

alongtheedgesoftheSanFrancisquitoCreek.Followingthecompletionofallconstruction

activitiesrevegetationofnativetidalsaltmarshplantswilloccurbetweenNovember1stand

January31stof2018andthesuccessofthehabitatrestorationwillbemonitoredannually

betweenSeptember1standDecember1stfollowingthefirstgrowingseason,foratleastfive

yearsoruntilsuccesscriteriainthefinalapprovedMitigationandMonitoringPlanarereached.

The total project site is 263.5 acres, 13.6 acres of which are within the Commission’s

jurisdictionalongthelowerreachoftheSanFrancisquitoCreek.Theprojectitselfwillresultin

approximately24,000squarefeetofBayfill,whichincludesbothsolidfillandpile-supportedfill

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(Table 1). However, with the realignment of the southern levee along the creek and the

loweringofaportionoftheOuterFaber levee,theprojectwillresult inanet increase inBay

surfaceareaofapproximately25,535squarefeet(0.59acres),restoreapproximately3.44acres

oftidalmarshhabitatsandenhance6.0acresofhightiderefugeareaswithintheCommission’s

jurisdiction(Table2).

Table1.FillAreasfortheproject(insquarefeet)

BayJurisdiction(sf) ShorelineBandJurisdiction(sf)

Description TypeofFill ToBeRemoved

ToBePlaced ToBeRemoved

ToBePlaced

TotalNetFillArea

(sf)SFCnorthandsouth

leveeriprapSolid

0 7,130 0 21,350 28,480

FriendshipIslandRiprap

Solid 0 2,650 0 23,690 26,340

SFCnorthleveeoutboardside

Solid 0 8,460 0 2,680 11,140

Fishpassagestructures(rock)

Solid 0 1,710 0 0 1,710

SFCsouthleveefill Solid 0 3,530 -60,380 52,950 -3,900

OuterFaberMarshleveedegrade

Solid -2,810 0 -34,870 0 -37,680

EarthfillforFaberMarshleveesandhigh

tiderefugia

Solid0 1,250 0 540 1,790

TemporaryCofferdamandotherconstruction

structures

Temporary-12,810 12,810 0 0 0

TotalSolidFill 21,920(9,990cy) 5,960 27,880

Boardwalk Pile-Supported

0 2,060 0 0 2,060

TotalPile-SupportedFill 2,060 2,060

TOTALBAYFILL(sf) 23,980 29,940

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Table2.HabitatRestorationinBCDC'sjurisdiction(inacres)

Restoration Technique

Habitat Restoration Surface Area (acres)

Bay Jurisdiction Shoreline Band Jurisdiction Total

Faber Marsh

Active Revegetation Creation

High Marsh Habitat 0.00 0.00

High Marsh Transition Habitat 0.00 0.80

Active Revegetation Enhancement

High Marsh Habitat 0.00 0.00

High Marsh Transition Habitat* 0.09 0.00

Passive Re-establishment** 0.81 0.00

Faber Marsh Tidal Habitat 0.90 0.80 1.7

Active Revegetation Enhancement

Upland Berm Refugia Habitat 0.00 6.00

Faber Marsh Total *** 0.90 6.80 7.7

San Francisquito Creek

Active Revegetation Creation

High Marsh Habitat 0.31 0.03

High Marsh Transition Habitat 0.36 0.18

Active Revegetation Enhancement

High Marsh Habitat 0.54 0.00

High Marsh Transition Habitat 0.00 0.00

Passive Re-establishment 0.29 0.03

San Francisquito Creek Subtotal 1.50 0.24 1.74

Total 2.40 7.04 9.44 * Includes 0.03 ac of tidal marsh within Bay Jurisdiction that will be temporarily impacted by refuge island construction and actively revegetated with native marsh vegetation. ** Includes 0.16 ac of tidal marsh within Bay Jurisdiction that will be temporarily impacted by refuge island construction access and will re-establish naturally post-construction.

*** Tidal marsh habitat and berm refugia habitat combined

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StaffRecommendation

ThestaffrecommendsthattheCommissionadoptthefollowingresolution:

I. Authorization

A. Subject to the conditions statedbelow, thepermittee, the San FrancisquitoCreekJointPowersAuthority,isgrantedpermissiontodothefollowing:

Location: IntheBayandwithinthe100-footshorelineband,withinthelowerreachoftheSanFrancisquitoCreekChannelandadjacentFaberTractMarsh,betweentheCountiesofSanMateoandSantaClara.

IntheBay:

1. Constructuptofive,hightiderefugiaislandsinOuterFaberMarshbyplacingapproximately1,250squarefeet(250squarefeetperisland;0.006acres)ofimportedsolidfillintheMarsh.Eachislandwouldbeapproximately10feetby30feetinsizeandconstructedtoaninitialelevationofapproximately8.8feet(NAVD88),plantedwithnativemarshgumplantandothertallstaturewetlandvegetation(ExhibitF);

2. Excavateapproximately1,470cubicyards(cy)ofsedimentfromanapproximately23,600-square-footareaofthecreekchannelanddisposeofthematerialatanuplanddisposallocation;

3. Remove390feetofabandonedsanitarysewerlinewithinBCDC’sBayjurisdictionlocatednearFriendshipBridgeandinstall810feetofnewsewerlineembeddedatleast6.0feetordeeperbelowthechannelmudline;

4. Constructanapproximately2,062-square-foot,wooden,pile-supportedboardwalk(approximately202feetlongand10feetwide)overthenewlycreatedmarshplainterracetoconnecttheabutmentoftheleftsideofFriendshipIslandtothenewlyrealignedSFCsouthleveewithintheCommission’sfutureBayjurisdiction;

5. Constructone“steelheadpassagefeature”inthecreek,includingapermanentrockspur(partialweir),consistingofapproximately1,710squarefeetoflargerockandothersolidfillinthechannel;and

6. Placeapproximately12,810squarefeetoftemporarysolidfillduringin-channelconstructionoccurringoveratwo-yearperiod,whichincludes:

a. Installinganapproximately1,850-foot-long,36-inchdiameterHDPEdiversionpipealongtheoutboardsideoftheSFCnorthlevee;

b. Constructingatemporary,steelsheetpilecofferdam,approximately12feettalland160feetlong,spanningthewidthofthechannel;

c. Placinggravel-filledbagsaroundtheconnectionbetweenthepipeandthecofferdamwalls;

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d. Placingapproximately7,256squarefeetofrockwithinthechannelasan

energydissipaterforthediversionpipewateroutflow;

e. Dewateringthechannelandcreekforin-channelconstructionactivitiesfromJunethroughOctoberduringeachyearofthetwo-yearconstruction(2016-2018);and

f. Removingalltemporaryfill(waterdiversionpipes,rockandcofferdam,etc.)followingtheclosureofthein-channelworkwindow.

PartiallyWithintheBayand100-footShorelineBand:

1. Placeapproximately26,340squarefeetofripraparoundtheeasternfootingsofFriendshipBridge(futureFriendshipIsland);

2. Placeapproximately28,480squarefeetofriprapalongtheinboardsideoftheSFCnorthlevee,alongFaberTractMarshnearFriendshipBridge,andalongtheinboardsideoftheSFCsouthernleveetostabilizeshorelinefeaturesduringincreasedfloodflowswithinthecreek;

3. Placeapproximately11,140squarefeetofcleanfillalongtheoutboardsideoftheSFCnorthlevee,intheFaberTractMarshtostabilizeandrestorelowportionsoftheleveefrom11feet(NAVD88)toapproximately13feet(NAVD88).ExtendtheoutboardsideofaportionoftheSFCnorthleveeata6:1slopeintoFaberTractMarshtoprotectthetoeoftheexistingleveefromfailureduringhighflowevents;

4. Restore1.74acresofhighmarshandtransitionalhabitatalongandwithinSanFrancisquitoCreek,andthenorthandsouthleveesaspartofthetotal15.14-acrehighmarsh/transitionzonerestorationeffort.Thiswouldinclude0.88acresofnewlycreatedhighmarshplainterraceintheCommission’sfutureBayandshorelinebandjurisdictionsandrestorationof0.86acresofhighmarsh/transitionzonealongtheedgesofthecreek;and

5. Restore1.7acresofhighmarshandtransitionzonehabitatsintheFaberTractMarshwithintheCommission’sBayandshorelinebandjurisdictions.

Withinthe100-footShorelineBand:

1. Degradeapproximately600linearfeet(37,680squarefeet)ofanunmaintainedsectionoftheexistingSFCnorthleveethatrunsbetweentheOuterFaberMarshandtheterminusofSanFrancisquitoCreekfrom10-12footelevation(NAVD88)toapproximately8feet(NAVD88)tocreateaconnectionbetweenthecreekandtheOuterFaberMarshduringhighflowperiods.Useapproximately4,000cyofexcavatedsoilsforleveefillifitissuitableforthisuse;

2. DegradeportionsoftheexistingpavedSFCsouthlevee(approximately700linearfeet;60,380squarefeet)toanelevationof7feet(NAVD88)andwidentheexistingchannel,andsetbackportionsoftheexistingSFCsouthleveeintothegolfcourse,outsidetheCommission’scurrentjurisdiction.Settingthelevee

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backwouldexpandtheCommission’sBayandshorelinebandjurisdictionsbeyondtheircurrentboundary(ExhibitC);

3. Placeapproximately56,480squarefeetofnewfillforaportionofthenewlyalignedSFCsouthlevee,withintheCommission’sexistingandfutureshorelinebandjurisdictionandrealign600linearfeetofthepublicaccessalongthenewSFCsouthleveetop.ThenewSFCsouthleveealongthegolfcoursewouldbeapproximately80feetwideatthebaseand14feettall;

4. Paveandmaintain600linearfeetofthenewlyrealignedpublicaccesstrailrunningalongthecrownoftherealignedSFCsouthleveeandthereforerestoringtheBayTrail;

5. TemporarilycloseexistingpublicaccesstrailsonthesouthsideoftheSanFrancisquitoCreeknearFriendshipBridgeduringconstructionoperations;

6. LeaveportionsoftheexistingSFCsouthleveeconnectionwithFriendshipBridgetocreateanisland(FriendshipIsland)inthecenterofthenewlywidenedchannel;

7. Stockpiletopsoilremovedduringexcavationandreusestockpiledsoiltorepairareasdisturbedduringconstruction;

8. InstallandmaintainatleastoneinterpretivesignrelatedtoFaberTractMarshatanapprovedlocationnearFriendshipBridgeorthenewlyconstructedboardwalk;

9. InstallandmaintainatleastsevenBCDCpublicshorelinesignsatapprovedlocationstonotifythepublicofwheretoaccesstheshoreline;

10. RemoveoldPG&Egasutilitylinesandinstallanew24-inchgaslineupstreamofFriendshipBridgeviamicro-tunneling;

11. Constructasteelsheetpilefloodwalluptofourfeetabove(18.40NAVD88)theexistingSFCnorthleveetopofbankandalongapproximately500feetofshorelineneartheO’ConnorWayPumpStationandFriendshipBridge(betweenaboutSTA28+00toSTA33+00)toconnecttheoutfallstructuretotheadjacentlevees,aportionofwhichiswithintheCommission’sjurisdiction;

12. Plantnativehighmarshvegetationonapproximately5,120feet(approximately6acres)alongtheleveesonthenorth,east,andsouthsidesofFaberTractMarshtoimprovehightiderefugeareas;

13. Utilizecertainareasforthestagingofconstructionequipmentormaterials(ExhibitD);and

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14. Install,useandmaintainafencetoexcludepredatorsfromenteringtheFaber

TractMarshonthenorthernsideoftheSanFrancisquitoCreekviatheSFCnorthlevee.Thelength,heightandmaterialsofthefenceshallbereviewedandapprovedpursuanttoSpecialConditionII-G-3,herein.

B. ThisauthorityisgenerallypursuanttoandlimitedbyyourapplicationdatedAugust26,2013,includingallaccompanyingandsubsequentlysubmittedcorrespondenceandexhibits,subjecttothemodificationsrequiredbyconditionsherein.

C. WorkauthorizedhereinmustcommencepriortoSeptember1,2016,orthispermitwilllapseandbecomenullandvoid.AllworkauthorizedhereinmustbediligentlypursuedtocompletionandmustbecompletedwithintwoyearsofcommencementorbyOctober15,2018whicheverisearlier,unlessanextensionoftimeisgrantedbyamendmentofthepermit.Changesintheworkauthorizedwilllikelyrequireamendmentstotheauthorization.

D. Aftercompletionofconstruction,theprojectwillresultintheplacementofapproximately2,060squarefeet(0.05acres)ofpile-supportedfillfornewpublicaccessovertheBayandapproximately22,000squarefeet(9,990cy)ofsolidfill.TheprojectwillopenupaconstrictionpointnearthemouthofSanFrancisquitoCreek,byremovingapproximately37,680squarefeet(3,380cy)ofexistingfill.IntheCommission’sBayandshorelinebandjurisdictions,theprojectwillplaceapproximately54,820squarefeet(10,150cubicyards)ofsolidfill(rockriprap)toreinforcepartsoftheinboardsidesofSFCnorthandSFCsouthleveesandprotectfootingsonFriendshipBridge,andwillplaceapproximately11,140squarefeet(12,000cy)ofsolidfill(soil)toreinforceaportionoftheSFCnorthlevee.Theprojectwillplacesmallamountsoffillforhabitatimprovements,including1,250squarefeetforhightiderefugiaislandsandapproximately1,710squarefeetofrockforsteelheadhabitatfeatures.Intotal,theprojectwillresultinanetincreaseofBayfillofapproximately24,000squarefeet(0.55acres).

II. SpecialConditions

Theauthorizationmadehereinshallbesubjecttothefollowingspecialconditions,inadditiontothestandardconditionsinPartIV:

A. SpecificPlansandPlanReview.

1. Construction.ThefinalconstructionplanssubmittedpursuanttothisconditionshallgenerallyconformtoHDR’sSanFrancisquitoCreekFloodReduction,EcosystemRestoration,andRecreationProject(100%DesigndatedJuly2015).Additionally,thepermitteeshallsubmitconstructionplansforthepile-supportedboardwalk,bollards,publicaccesssigns,steelheadpassagefeaturesoranyotherprojectelementsnotincludedintheSanFrancisquitoCreekFloodReduction,EcosystemRestoration,andRecreationProject(100%DesigndatedJuly2015)constructionplanspriortoconductinganyworkontheseprojectelements.Finalplansfortheconstructionofthestructuresauthorizedherein

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shallbepreparedandsubmittedforCommissionreviewasdescribedbelow.NosignificantchangestothedesignoftheprojectshallbemadewithoutreviewandwrittenapprovalbythestaffonbehalfoftheCommission.

2. PlanReview.Noworkwhatsoevershallbecommencedpursuanttothisauthorizationuntilfinalprecisesite,demolition,constructionstaging,engineering,architectural,grading,landscaping,andbestmanagementpracticesplansandanyotherrelevantcriteria,specifications,andplaninformationforthatportionoftheworkhavebeensubmittedto,reviewed,andapprovedinwritingbyoronbehalfoftheCommission.Constructionstagingplansshallensurethatthereisminimalimpacttotidalmarshareasandpublicaccessareas,subjecttoSpecialConditionII-Cbelow.ThespecificdrawingsandinformationrequiredforapprovalwillbedeterminedbytheCommissionstaff.Preliminarydrawingsshouldbesubmittedandapprovedpriortosubmissionoffinaldrawings.

a. Site,Architectural,andPublicAccessPlans.Allplansshallincludeandclearlylabel:theshoreline(MeanHighWaterLineortheinlandedgeofmarshvegetationupto5feetaboveMeanSeaLevelwheretidalmarshispresent);theline100feetinlandoftheshoreline;propertylines;Highway101;EastBayshoreRoad;theboundariesofallareastobereservedforpublicaccesspurpose;anddetailsshowingthelocation,types,dimensions,andmaterialstobeusedforallstructures,irrigation,landscaping,drainage,bollards,signs,lighting,fences,paths,trashcontainers,utilitiesandanyotherimprovements.

b. EngineeringPlans.Engineeringplansshallincludeacompletesetofconstructiondrawings,specificationsanddesigncriteria.Thedesigncriteriashallbeappropriatetothenatureoftheprojectandincludetheuseofanystructures,andsoilandfoundationconditionsatthesite.Finalplansshallbesignedbytheprofessionalsofrecordandbeaccompaniedby:

(1) Evidencethatthedesigncomplieswithallapplicablecodes;and

(2) Evidencethatathoroughandindependentreviewofthedesigndetails,calculations,andconstructiondrawingshasbeenmade.

c. PreliminaryandFinalPlanSubmital.Notlaterthan60dayspriortoplannedcommencement,plansshallbeaccompaniedbyaletterrequestingplanapprovalandincluding:identifyingthetypeofplanssubmitted;theportionoftheprojectinvolved;andindicatingwhethertheplansarefinalorpreliminary.Approvalordisapprovalshallbebasedupon:

(1) Completenessandaccuracyoftheplansinshowingthefeaturesrequiredabove,particularlytheshoreline,propertylines,andtheline100-feetinlandoftheshoreline,andanyothercriteriarequiredbythisauthorization;

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(2) Consistencyoftheplanswiththetermsandconditionsofthis

authorization;

(3) Theprovisionoftheamountandqualityofpublicaccesstoandalongtheshorelineandthroughtheprojecttotheshorelinerequiredbythisauthorization,butlimitedtoensuring:(a)thepublic’suseandenjoymentoftheaccessarea;(b)publicsafety;(c)accessiblityforpersonswithdisabilities;(d)sufficientdurabilityandmaintenanceofmaterialsandstructures;and(e)thattheaccessisclearandcontinuousandencouragespublicuse;

(4)WhetherthefillintheBaydoesnotexceedthisauthorizationandwillconsistofapproprateshorelineprotectionmaterialsasdeterminedbyoronbehalfoftheCommission;

(5)Whethertheappropriateprovisionshavebeenincorporatedforsafetyincaseofseismicevent;

(6)WhethertheplacementoffillintheBaywillavoidorminimizeimpactstotheBayandadjacenttidalmarshhabitats;

(7)Whethertheappropriateelevationswillbeachievedtominimizeovertopping,flooding,and100-yearstormeventsinallpublicaccessareas;and

(8) Assuringthatexistingpublicaccesswillnotbeimpededduringconstructiontothemaximumextentfeasibleandiftemporarayclosureisnecessary,thepermitteeshallprovideinformation,forstaffreviewandapproval,ontheperiodoftimeforthetemporaryclosureandatimelineforreopeningthepublicaccess.

PlanreviewshallbecompletedbyoronbehalfoftheCommissionwithin45daysafterreceiptoftheplanstobereviewed.

3. ConformitywithFinalApprovedPlans.Allwork,improvements,andusesshallconformtothefinalapprovedplans.Priortoanyuseofthefacilitiesauthorizedherein,theappropriatedesignprofessional(s)ofrecordshallcertifyinwritingtotheCommissionthat,throughpersonalreview,theworkcoveredbytheauthorizationhasbeenperformedinaccordancewiththeapproveddesigncriteriaandinsubstantialconformancewiththeapprovedplans.Nonoticeablechangesshallbemadethereaftertoanyfinalplansortotheexteriorofanyconstructedstructure,plantings,trails,signage,orshorelineprotectionworkwithoutfirstobtainingwrittenapprovalofthechange(s)byoronbehalfoftheCommission.

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4. DiscrepanciesbetweenApprovedPlansandSpecialConditions.Incaseofany

discrepancybetweenfinalapprovedplansandSpecialConditionsofthisauthorizationorlegalinstrumentsapprovedpursuanttothisauthorization,theSpecialConditionorthelegalinstrumentshallprevail.ThepermitteeisresponsibleforassuringthatallplansaccuratelyandfullyreflecttheSpecialConditionshereinandanylegalinstrumentssubmittedpursuanttothisauthorization.

5. AppealsofPlanReviewDecisions.Anyplanapproval,conditionalplanapprovalorplandenialmaybeappealedbythepermitteeoranyotherinterestedpartytotheDesignReviewBoard,theEngineeringReviewBoard,orifnecessary,subsequentlytotheCommission.SuchappealsmustbesubmittedtotheExecutiveDirectorwithin30daysoftheplanreviewactionandmustincludethespecificreasonsforappeal.TheDesignReviewBoardshallholdapublichearingandactontheappealwithin60daysofthereceiptoftheappeal.IfsubsequentlyappealedtotheCommission,theCommissionshallholdapublichearingandactontheappealwithin90daysofthereceiptofthesubsequentappeal.

B. ConstructionOperations.

1. TestingImportedSoils.PriortoimportingsoilsforfillthatwouldcomeintocontactwithwatersoftheBay,allsoilsshallbetestedforelevatedlevelsofcontaminantsinaccordancewiththeprovisionsoftheReionalWaterQualityControlBoard’s(WaterBoard)ConditionalWaterQualityCertification(WQC)issuedonApril7,2015.NosoilsfoundtohavelevelsofcontaminantsabovelevelsapprovedbytheWaterBoardshallbeimportedtoorutilizedatthesite.

2. BestManagementPractices.Thepermitteeshallalsoemploybestmanagementpractices,suchasuseof:soilcompaction;siltfences;dustcontrol;cofferdams;waterdiversionpipes;minimizingimpactsfromhumanandvehicletraffic;revegetationandplantingnativespeciesinimpactedareas;andotherpracticestoassurethatmaterialplacedtoenhanceexistingshorelineprotectionfeaturesandtocreateanewleveealignmentwillminimizeimpactstothecreekandtidalmarshhabitatandinhabitingspecies.SpecialcareshouldbegiventoensurenewlyplacedsoilsdonoterodeintotheBay.

3. MarshandUplandPlantProtectionDuringConstruction.Theworkauthorizedbythispermitshallbeperformedinamannerthatwillprevent,avoid,orminimizetotheextentfeasible,anysignificantadverseimpactonanytidalmarsh,othersensitivewetlandresources,andexistingnativeuplandvegetation.Ifanyunforeseenadverseimpactsoccurtoanysuchareasasaresultoftheactivitiesauthorizedherein,thepermitteeshallrestoretheareatoitspreviouscondition,includingreturningthedisturbedareatoitsoriginalelevationandsoilcompositionand,iftheareadoesnotrevegetatetoitsformerconditionwithinoneyear,thepermitteeshallseedalldisturbedareaswithappropriatevegetationconsistentwithplansapprovedbyoronbehalfoftheCommission.

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Thepermitteeshallemploymeasurestominimizeimpactstowetlandareas,suchas:(a)minimizingalltrafficinmarsh/mudflatareas;(b)ensurethatanyimportedfillmaterial,soilamendments,gravel,etc.placedwithin12inchesofthegroundsurfaceshallbefreeofvegetationandplantmaterial;(c)carefullyremove,store,andreplacewetlandvegetationthathasbeenremovedor“peeledback”fromconstructionareasassoonaspossiblefollowingconstruction;and(d)reusestockpiledsoil,whereappropriate,forre-establishmentofdisturbedprojectareasfollowingconstruction.

4. WorkerEducationProgram.Allproposedprojectconstructionstaffshallbetrainedbyaqualifiedbiologistinidentifyingspecialstatusspecieswithintheprojectarea,theirhabitats,andavoidanceandminimizationmeasurespriortoanyworkbeingperformed.Thetrainingshallincludeinformationonthesaltmarshharvestmouse,CaliforniaRidgway’srail,othersensitivespeciesintheareaandsensitivehabitatsinaccordancewiththeUnitedStatesFishandWildlifeService’s(USFWS)BiologicalOpinion(BO)datedJanuary15,2016.

5. ConstructionStaging.Stagingareasforconstructionshallbegenerallylocatedwithinthedesignatedareasshownontheplantitled,“StagingAreaMap,”preparedbytheSanFrancisquitoCreekJointPowersAuthorityinthe“DraftBiologicalandEssentialFishHabitatAssessmentfortheSanFrancisquitoCreekFloodReduction,EcosystemRestoration,andRecreationProjectSanFranciscoBaytoHighway101”(November2012;ICFInternational)andbeinaccordancewithmethodsspecifiedintheNationalMarineFisheriesService(NMFS)BiologicalOpinion(BO)datedDecember30,2015,USFWSBOdatedJanuary15,2016,andtheCaliforniaDepartmentofFishandWildlife(CDFW)StreambedAlterationAgreement(SAA)datedFebruary9,2016.Allworkareasshallbeappropriatelyscreenedandfencedandanyon-landconstructionequipmentshallbeoperatedinamannertoensurethatimpactstopublicaccessareasandadjacentbaylandsareminimized.

6. RemovalofTemporaryFill.Alltemporaryfill(includingcofferdams,constructionequipment,diversionpipes,rockplacedasenergydissipaters,andothernecessaryconstructionmaterials)placedwithintheCommission’sjurisdictionduringconstructionshallberemovednomorethan30daysfollowingtheendofconstructionactivitiesduringeachyearofconstructionorifmoretimeisneeded,thepermitteeshallnotifyCommissionstaffinwritingandsubstantiatethetimeperiodrequiredandshallobtainstaffapproval.

7. DebrisRemoval.AllconstructionoperationsshallbeperformedtopreventconstructionmaterialsfromfallingintotheBay.IntheeventthatsuchmaterialescapesorisplacedinanareasubjecttotidalactionoftheBay,thepermitteeshallimmediatelyretrieveandremovesuchmaterialattheirexpense.

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8. CertificationofContractorReview.Priortocommencinganygrading,

demolition,orconstruction,thegeneralcontractororcontractorsinchargeofthatportionoftheworkshallsubmitwrittencertificationthats/hehasreviewedandunderstandstherequirementsofthepermitandthefinalBCDC-approvedplans,particularlyastheypertaintoanypublicaccessoropenspacerequiredherein,orenvironmentallysensitiveareas.

C. SanFrancisquitoCreekWidening.Thepermitteeshallremoveamaximumofa3-feetthicklayerofsedimentalongthecreekedgesandshallutilizeequipmentthatminimizesimpactstothesurroundingcreekandmarshhabitats.AllmaterialshallbedisposedorplacedatanappropriatelocationoutsidetheCommission’sjurisdiction.

1. DewateringPlan.Priortoin-streamconstruction,thepermitteeshallsubmitforCommissionreviewaDewateringPlanthatincludesaSurfaceWaterDiversionPlanandGroundwaterManagementPlan,bestmanagementpracticestoensurethatgroundwaterflowsareappropriatelypumped,contained,andmeetapplicablewaterqualityobjectivesbeforedischargingtheflowbackintothecreekdownstreamofthecofferdam.

2. In-StreamConstruction.Thepermitteeshallinstallcofferdamsduringallworkintidalareasthecreek.DischargewaterscomingfromthecofferdambypasspipesshallnotexceedparticulatelimitsdefinedintheUSFWSBOdatedJanuary15,2016andtheWaterBoard’sWQCdatedApril7,2015.

3. WaterQualityBestManagementPractices.Inordertominimizeimpactstonaturalresources,thepermitteeshallimplementthemitigationmeasures,bestmanagementpracticesandotherconditionsrequiredinitsapprovedWQCdatedApril7,2015andshallbeincompliancewiththeStatewideNationalPollutantDischargeEliminationSystem(NPDES)GeneralPermitforDischargesofStormwaterAssociatedwithConstructionActivities,andanapprovedStormWaterPollutionPreventionPlan.Priortobeginningconstruction,thepermitteeshallobtainfinalwrittenapprovalfortheprojectconstructionfromtheExecutiveOfficeroftheWaterBoardandsubmitacopyofthisapprovaltotheCommissionstaff.

4. HazardousMaterial/SpillPrevention.Thepermitteeshallimplementmeasurescontainedinanapprovedhazardousmaterial/spillpreventionplan.IfhazardousmaterialsarereleasedintowatersoftheStateduringconstructionactivities,thepermitteeshallimplementcleanupproceduresidentifiedintheapprovedplanandnotifyCommissionstaffwithin48hours.

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D. MarshRestorationWorkandPlans

1. MarshRestorationPlan.Within90daysofissuanceofthispermit,thepermitteeshallworkwiththeCommissionstaffandtheResourceAgenciestofinalizeandsubmittheMitigationandMonitoringPlan(MMP),includingthemarshrestorationandenhancementplanandprogramforreviewandapprovalbyCommissionstaff.TheMMPshallinclude,ataminimum,thefollowinginformation:

a. SiteConditionsandModifications.Atopographicmapofthesiteinone-footcontoursandatopographicmapshowingtheproposedmodifications.AllelevationsshallberelativetoNationalGeodeticVerticalDatum(NGVD88).

(1)WithinSanFrancisquitoCreek,theplanshallincludetypicalcross-sectionsshowingproposedfinalelevationofmarshplainandcreekchannel,andanyhighspots.Theplansshallshow:(a)figuresfortheratiosoftypicalhorizontaltoverticalslopesforexistingandproposedmarshsurface,channels,andsloughs;(b)proposedplantspeciesalongthecross-sectionsaccordingtotheirexpectedzoneofgrowth;(c)theelevationofadjacentsurroundinglevees;and(d)theestimatedtidalrangerelatedtoMeanHigherHighWater,MeanHighWater,MeanLowerLowWater,MeanSeaLevel,themaximumpredictedtide,andthe100-yeartide.

(2)WithinandadjacenttoFaberTractMarsh,theplanshallincludetypicalcross-sectionsshowingproposedfinalelevationofmarshplain,transitionalhabitatalongtheleveetoe,degradedlevee(outerFaberTract)andmarshmounds.Theplansshallshow:(a)figuresfortheratiosoftypicalhorizontaltoverticalslopesforexistingandproposedtransitionalhabitatadjacenttothelevees,thedegradedlevee;(b)locationofthemarshmounds;proposedplantspeciesalongthecross-sectionsaccordingtotheirexpectedzoneofgrowth;(c)theelevationofadjacentsurroundinglevees;and(d)theestimatedtidalrangerelatedtoMeanHigherHighWater,MeanHighWater,MeanLowerLowWater,MeanSeaLevel,themaximumpredictedtide,andthe100-yeartide.

b. PlantingsandRevegetationPlan.Theplanshallmaximizetheuseofnativeplantsconsistentwiththeadjacentbaylandsandhighprofilemarshvegetation;andshallutilizeappropriatenativemixerosion-controlseedmixeswhereappropriate,suchasleveeslopes.

c. IdentificationofaSuitableReferenceSite.Theplanshallincludeappropriate,nearbyreferencesitesforevaluatingtheprogressoftherestorationandenhancementsitethatshallbeusedasacomparisonsiteinthemonitoringprogram.

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d. SoilandWaterInformation.Therestorationprogramshallincludeareport

identifyingthetypeofsoilsfoundatthesiteandthesoiltypeofanyfilltobeimportedtothesite,includingallnecessarysedimenttestingrequiredundertheWaterBoard’sWQC.Informationshallbeprovidedonthequantitativesoilmeasurementsofsalinity,pH,organiccontent,andbulkdensity.Allimportedsoilsmustbewithin10%oftherangeofvaluesfoundatthe“referencemarsh”forsoilqualitiessuchasgrainsize,organiccontent,salinity,andpH.Informationshallalsobeprovidedonthewater,includingwateranalysisofsalinity,pH,biochemicaloxygendemand(BOD),dissolvedoxygen(DO),and,ifappropriate,heavymetals.

e. Schedule.Theplanshallincludeaconstruction,plantingandtemporaryfillremovalscheduleconsistentwithwaterqualityandwildlifeprotectionsdescribedherein.

f. InvasiveSpeciesControl.Theplanshallincludeappropriatemeasurestopreventthespreadofinvasiveplants.Undesirableexoticplantspeciessuchaspepperweed(Lepidiumlatifolium),Spartinaalterniflora,broom,orstarthistleshallbereasonablycontrolled(coverageoflessthan5percentoftheexpectedzoneofgrowth)duringthefirstfiveyearsoruntilinvasiveplantsareeliminatedin90%ofthesite.

2. Monitoring.BeginningFebruary1,2018,andeachFebruaryinyearsfollowing,thepermitteeshallreporttotheCommissiononthesuccessoftheprojectinrestoringtidalmarshandtransitionzonehabitatsatthelocationsidentifiedintheapprovedMMP.Themonitoringperiodshalllastforaminimumoffiveyears,andcontinuinguntilthoseportionsoftherestorationsitesubjecttotidalactionmeetthedesignatedsuccesscriteriaasspecifiedintheMMPascomparedwithnearbyreferencemarshes,orforuptotenyears,whicheveroccursfirst.MonitoringshallgenerallyoccurbetweenSeptember1standDecember1stasspecificiedintheUSFWSBO.

Thepermitteeshallsubmitannualreportsandafinalcomprehensivereportthatincludesthepercentageofthesiterevegetated,plantsurvivalrates,invasivespeciescoverage,approximatepercentagerepresentationofdifferentplantspecies,andaqualitativeassessmentofplantgrowthratesforthealltidalandcreekrestorationareas,includingadjacenttransitionzonehabitats.

ThepermitteeshallmonitorthesuccessofhightiderefugeislandsforaminimumoffiveyearsandgenerallyinaccordancewithanMMPapprovedbyoronbehalfoftheCommission.

Shouldadverseconditionsbeidentifiedduringthefiveyearsofmonitoringfollowingconstruction,thepermitteeshalltakecorrectiveaction,inareasonableperiodoftime,asspecifiedbyoronbehalfoftheCommission.Once

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correctiveactionshaveoccurred,thepermitteeshallcommenceadditionalmonitoringasspecifiedbytheCommissiontoidentifyadditionalissuesorfindtheprojecthasmetitssuccesscriteria.

3. RestorationPlanSubmittalandReview.Atleast60dayspriortothecommencementofanyworkatanylocationpursuanttothisauthorization,thepermitteeshallsubmitthefinalMitigationandMonitoringPlan(MMP),whichincludesthemarshrestorationandenhancementplanandprogram,tobeapprovedbyoronbehalfoftheCommissionfortherestorationandenhancementofareaswithinandalongtheSanFrancisquitoCreekandadjacenttoFaberTractMarsh.Thetidalmarshrestorationandbermenhancementprogramshallconsistofnotlessthan9.44acresofrestoredhabitatareas.

4. MarshRestorationWork.Priortothecompletionofallconstructionactivitiesauthorizedherein,thepermitteeshallundertakeallnecessarygrading,installationoftemporaryirrigation,plantingofmarshplantsandmonitoring,generallyinaccordancewiththefinalMitigationandMonitoringPlanasapprovedbyoronbehalfoftheCommissionasdescribedabove.

E. MinimizeImpactstoWildlife.Inordertominimizeimpactstolistedandspecialstatusspecies,thepermitteeshall,tothemaximumextentfeasible,takeallprecautionstoavoidadverseimpactstotheCaliforniaRidgeway’srail,Californiablackrail,saltmarshharvestmouse,greensturgeon,longfinsmelt,steelhead,andCaliforniared-leggedfrogandotherspeciesofconcernthatmayoccurintheprojectarea.Thepermitteeshallemploytheconservationmeasuresoutlinedinitspermitapplicationandsubsequentsubmittals,andadheretotheavoidanceandminimizationmeasuresidentifiedintheCDFWSAAdatedFebruary9,2016,theconservationmeasuresintheUSFWSBOdatedJanuary15,2016,andthereasonableandprudentmeasuresidentifiedintheNMFSBOandIncidentalTakeStatement.AllconstructionactivitieswithinSanFrancisquitoCreekshalloccurbetweenJune15ththroughOctober15thofanyyearandworkoutsidethecreekshalloccurbetweenMay1standOctober15thofanyyear,unlessanextensionoftimeisrequestedbythepermitteeinwritingandisapprovedonbehalfoftheCommission.

1. BiologicalMonitors.Thepermitteeshallemployaqualifiedbiologist(s)toconductonsitemonitoringduringconstructionactivitiesforpotentialimpactstoCaliforniared-leggedfrog,SanFranciscogartersnake,CaliforniaRidgway’srail,Californiablackrailandsaltmarshharvestmouse,specialstatusplantspeciesandtheirhabitat.

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2. Thepermitteeshallberesponsibleforimplementingthefollowingminimization

measuresspecifictospeciesprotectionforworkinandadjacenttoFaberTractMarsh:

a. CaliforniaRidgway’sRail:

(1) ForanyworkperformedduringtheRidgway’srailbreedingseason(February1stthroughAugust31st),weeklycallcountsshallbeconductedeachyearduringtherailcourtingperiod;

(2) SurveysshallbecoordinatedwiththeUSFWS,butwillgenerallyfollowtheprotocolsoutlinedintheUSFWSBO,datedJanuary15,2016;

(3) A700-foot-widebuffershallbemaintainedatactiveRidgway’srailnestsitesandbemonitoredbyaqualifiedbiologist;and

(4) Allactivitynearthebufferareashallbeevaluatedbythefieldbiologistinanefforttoeliminateanypossibledisturbanceofadultorjuvenilebirds.

b. SaltMarshHarvestMouse:

(1) Installationofmouseexclusionfencingaroundthedefinedworkareafollowinganyvegetationremoval;and

(2) Anyworkwithin300feetoftidalorpickleweedhabitatsshallhaveabiologistinspecttheworkareaandadjacenthabitatstodetermineifsaltmarshharvestmicearepresentandthebiologistshallremainonsitetomonitorduringoperations.

3. EndangeredSpeciesSiting.NoworkshallbeperformedifthequalifiedbiologistdeterminesthatanyCaliforniaRidgway’srail,Californiablackrail,orsaltmarshharvestmouseiswithintheworkarea.Anyindividualoftheselistedspeciesthatisfoundwithintheworkareashallbeallowedtoleavetheworkareaofitsownvolition.

4. WorkLimitation.Noworkshalloccurwithin2hoursofextremehightides(6.5feetNAVD88orabove)withinthehabitatsoftheCaliforniaRidgway’srail,Californiablackrail,andsaltmarshharvestmousehabitat.

5. LimitsforPesticideandHerbicideUse.Thepermitteeshallnotutilizerodenticidesorfumigantswithin328feetofsuitablehabitatforthesaltmarshharvestmouseorCaliforniaRidgway’srail.AllherbicidesshallbeincompliancewiththeState-certifiedapplicatorsandunderthedirectionofalicensedPestControlAdvisor.Onlyherbicidesandsurfactantsapprovedforaquaticuseshallbeappliedtothechannel/creekbanksandwithin20feetofanywaterpresentonsite.AquaticherbicideuseshallbelimitedtousefrombetweenJuly1stthroughOctober15thinaccordancewiththeUSFWSBOdatedJanuary15,2016andtheCDFWSAAdatedFebruary9,2016.

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6. ProtectionofNestingShorebirds.Migratorybirdnestingsurveysshallbe

performedpriortoanyproposedproject-relatedactivitiesthatmayimpactnestingmigratoryspecies(nestingseasonbetweenJanuary15thandSeptember1st)inaccordancewiththeUSFWSBOandtheCDFWSAA.

7. PredatorControl.ThepermitteeshalldevelopandimplementapredatorcontrolprogramforcontrollingpredatorsaroundandwithinthemarshandshallsubmitacopyoftheplantoCommissionstaffforapproval.

F. Mitigation.Tomitigateforimpactstospeciesandhabitat,thepermitteeshallconstructthefollowinghabitatfeatures.ThesefeaturesshallbeconstructedasauthorizedinSectionI-AhereinandasdepictedonfinalplansandspecificationsapprovedpursuanttoSpecialConditionII-A,herein.

1. HighTideRefugeIslands.Withintwoyearsofprojectcommencement,thepermitteeshallconstructatleastfivehightiderefugeislands.

2. SteelheadPassageFeatures.AspartofthewideningandrestorationofSanFrancisquitoCreek,thepermitteeshallconstructsteelheadhighflowrefugiafeatures.ThesefeaturesshallbeconstructedconcurrentlywiththecreekrestorationandnotlaterthanOctober15,2017.Thesteelheadhighflowrefugiashallbeconstructedwitheitherquarryrock,treerootwadsorotherinertmaterialapprovedbyoronbehalfoftheCommission.

3. TidalMarshRestoration.Tomitigateforboththetemporaryimpactsandpermanentlossofmarsh,thepermitteeshallrestoreaminimumof3.44acresofhighmarshandhighmarshtransitionhabitatswithintheCommission’sjurisdiction.TherestorationworkshalloccurconcurrentlywiththeprojecttothemaximumextentfeasibleandmustbecommencedbyAugust1,2017oralaterdateapprovedbyCommissionstaff.By,August31,2016,thepermitteeshallsubmitfinalplansforthepreparation,planting,establishmentcare,andmonitoringoftheseoftidalmarshrestorationareasforreviewandapprovalbyCommissionstaff.

4. FaberMarshBermEnhancements.ByDecember30,2018,thepermitteeshallconstructallbermenhancementsinandaroundFaberMarsh,unlessalatercompletiondateisapprovedbyCommissionstaffbyAugust31,2016,thepermitteeshallsubmitfinalplansforthe preparation,planting,establishment,care,andmonitoringofFaberMarshBermEnhancementsasdescribedintheUSFWSBOdatedJanuary15,2016.

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G. PublicAccess

1. TotalArea.Thepublicaccessprovidedbythisprojectshalltotalapproximately209,120squarefeet(4.8acres),ofwhichapproximately47,500squarefeetwillbenewpublicaccessaddedaspartofthisprojecttothecurrentlyexistingpublicaccess,bothinsideandoutsidetheCommission’sjurisdiction,andshallbemadeavailableexclusivelytothepublicforunrestrictedpublicaccessforwalking,bicycling,viewing,andrelatedpurposes.Allpublicaccessimprovementsincluding,butnotlimitedto,trailalignments(includingconfigurationanddimensions),benches,overlookimprovements,signage,railings,trashcontainers,fencingandinterpretiveexhibitsshallbesubjecttofinalplanreviewapprovalpursuanttoSpecialConditionII-Aofthispermit.Onlimitedandrareoccasions,ifthepermitteewishestousetherequiredpublicaccessareasforusesotherthantheusesdescribedabove,suchasextendedclosuresforleveemaintenanceorrepair,thepermitteemustobtainwrittenapprovalbyoronbehalfoftheCommissionatleast30dayspriortosuchuseofthepublicaccessarea.

2. PublicAccessImprovements.Nolaterthansixmonthsaftersubstantiallycompletingleveerealignmentsandimprovementsauthorizedherein,orbyOctober15,2018,whicheverissooner,thepermitteeshallinstallthefollowingpublicaccessimprovements,asgenerallyshownonExhibitD,andmaketheimprovementsavailableexclusivelytothepublicforunrestrictedpublicaccess:

a. ImprovementswithintheCommission’sjurisdictionshallinclude:

(1) Removeapproximately700linearfeetofexistingpavedBayTrailrunningalongtheexistingSFCsouthleveeandrealignapproximately600linearfeetofthepavedpublicaccesstrailalongthenewrealignedSFCsouthlevee.Thenewtrailshallbeaminimumof10feetwideandmaybeupto16feetwide;

(2) Constructanapproximately202-linear-foot,10-foot-wide,wooden,pile-supportedboardwalkacrossthenewlywidenedSanFrancisquitoCreek(fromtherealignedSFCsouthleveetoFriendshipIsland),connectingsectionsoftheBayTrailonthenorthandsouthsidesoftheprojectarea;

(3) Installandmaintaintwoapproximately,250-square-footoverlookareas(oneoneachendoftheboardwalkconnectingFriendshipIslandandtheSFCsouthlevee)withoverlookimprovementssuchas,bicyclepull-outspacesandbenches,andinstallandmaintaininterpretivesignagerelatedtoFaberTractMarshneartheoverlookareas;

(4) Placecompactedaggregate(4-inchminimumdepth),suchasdecomposedgranite,onportionsofthetrailnorthofFriendshipBridgeandneartheO’ConnorPumpStation.

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b. ImprovementsWithintheTotalPublicAccessArea.Priortothecompletion

oftheprojectauthorizedherein,thepermitteeshallinstallthefollowingimprovements,asgenerallyshownontheattachedExhibitD:

(1) Approximately2,500linearfeetofasphaltpavedtrailrunningfromthenewboardwalkconnectionontheSFCsouthleveetoptotheGengRoadaccesspoint.Thetrailshallbeaminimumof10feetwideandmaybeupto16feetwideinsomelocations;

(2) Approximately1,590linearfeetofcompactedaggregate(4-inchminimumdepth)trailrunningalongtheSFCsouthleveefromabouttheGengRoadaccesspointtotheendoftheprojectconstructedtrail,whichconnectstoanexisting220-footsectionofpavementnearEastBayshoreRoad(ontheSFCsouthleveeneartheEastBayshoreRoadaccesspoint).Thetrailshallbeaminimumof12feetwideandmaybeupto16feetwideinsomelocations;

(3) Approximately3,070linearfeetofcompactedaggregate(4-inchminimumdepth)trail,suchasdecomposedgranite,alongthetopoftheSFCnorthleveeextendingfromtheO’ConnorPumpStationtoEastBayshoreRoad.Asmallportion(1,450linearfeet)oftheSFCnorthleveetrailnearDaphneWaywillremainastheexistingearthentrail.Thetrailsmustbeaminimumof12feetwideandmaybeupto16feetwideinsomelocations;

(4) InstallandmaintainnofewerthansevenBCDCpublicshorelinesignsplacedatapprovedlocations.ThereshallbeonesignlocatedneareachofthetrailaccesspointsgenerallyshownonExhibitD,andonesignplacedneartheintersectionofGengRoadandEmbarcaderoRoadintheCityofPaloAltotodirectpublicaccessuserstothetrail;

(5) EstablishnewformalaccesspointsforthetrailbyprovidingpublicaccessimprovementsatVerbenaDrive,DaphneWay,andEastBayshoreRoad(onboththeSFCnorthandSFCsouthlevees)thatshallincludesignage,andanyotherpublicaccessimprovementsneededtoclearlyidentifytheaccesspointsforthepublicandtopreventunauthorizeduseofthetrail;and

(6) InstallbollardsandotherpublicaccessimprovementneartheO’ConnorPumpStationandGengRoadaccesspointstopreventunauthorizedvehiclesfromenteringthepublicaccessarea.

SuchimprovementsshallbeconsistentwiththeplansapprovedpursuanttoConditionII-AofthisauthorizationandgenerallyconformtotheareasshownonExhibitDofthisauthorization.

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3. FencingImpactsonPublicAccess.Thepermitteeshallsubmitplansforall

fencingproposed,includingpredatorexclusionfencing,aspartoftheproject,whichshallundergoplanreviewperSpecialConditionII–Aabove.Thepermitteeshalldiscussdesignconsiderations(dimensions,height,fencingtype,etc.)withstaffduringplanningandgainstaffapprovalthroughplanreviewpriortoconstructinganypermanentfencingontheprojectsite.ThepermitteeshallutilizefencingmaterialsthatmaximizeviewstotheBayandsurroundingsfromthepublicaccesscorridorstothemaximumextentfeasible.

4. TemporaryClosureofPublicAccess.Thepermitteeshallplaceappropriatesignageoneithersideofconstructionareas,asneeded,toalertthepublicofthework,advisingcautionandpotentialdelays,indicatingwhenpublicaccessareasmaybeclosed,cleared,andre-opened,andindicatingthelocationofalternativeroutesaroundtheconstructionprojecttoaccesstheBayTrail.Thepermitteeshallprovidealternativeroutesaroundconstructionzoneswhenpossibleandensurethatappropriatesignageandpersonnelareon-sitetore-routethepublicaroundanyportionofthepublicaccessareasthatmaybeclosedduringconstructionactivities.

5. ReasonableRulesandRestrictions.Thepermitteemayimposereasonablerulesandrestrictionsfortheuseofthepublicaccessareastocorrectparticularproblemsthatmayarise.Suchlimitations,rules,andrestrictionsshallhavefirstbeenapprovedbyoronbehalfoftheCommissionuponafindingthattheproposedruleswillnotsignificantlyaffectthepublicnatureofthearea,willnotundulyinterferewithreasonablepublicuseofthepublicaccessareas,andwilltendtocorrectaspecificproblemthatthepermitteehavebothidentifiedandsubstantiated.Rulesmayincluderestrictinghoursofuseanddelineatingappropriatebehavior.

6. MaintenanceofPublicAccessImprovements.Theareasandimprovementswithinthe209,120squarefeet(4.8acres)publicaccessareadescribedaboveshallbepermanentlymaintainedbyandattheexpenseofthepermitteeortheirassignees.Suchmaintenanceshallinclude,butisnotlimitedto:repairstoallpathsurfaces;replacementofanyplantmaterialsthatdieorbecomeunkempt;repairsorreplacementasneededofanypublicaccessamenitiessuchassigns,benches,bollards,etc.;periodiccleanupoflitterandothermaterialsdepositedwithintheaccessareas;removalofanyencroachmentsintothepublicaccessareas;assurancethatthepublicaccesssignsremaininplaceandvisible;andrepairstoanypublicaccessareasorimprovementsthataredamagedbyfuturesubsidenceorunevensettlement,orflooding,orinundationcausedbysealevelrise,includingraisinglandelevationsorredesigningpublicaccessfeaturestoprotectandensuretheusabilityofthepublicaccessareasandimprovementsatalltimes.Within30daysafternotificationbystaff,oralongerperiodoftimerequestedbythepermitteeandapprovedbyCommissionstaff,thepermittee

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shallcorrectanymaintenancedeficiencynotedinastaffinspectionofthesite.ThepermitteeshallobtainapprovalbyoronbehalfoftheCommissionofanymaintenancethatinvolvesmorethanin-kindrepairandreplacement.

7. Assignment.ThepermitteeshalltransfermaintenanceresponsibilitytoapublicagencyoranotherpartyacceptabletotheCommissionatsuchtimeasthepropertytransferstoanewpartyininterestbutonlyprovidedthatthetransfereeagreesinwriting,acceptabletocounselfortheCommission,tobeboundbyalltermsandconditionsofthispermit.

H. RiprapandShorelineProtection.Riprapplacedwithintheprojectsiteshallbeeitherquarryrockorspeciallycastorcarefullyselectedconcretepiecesfreeofreinforcingsteelandotherextraneousmaterialandconformingtoqualityrequirementsforspecificgravity,absorption,anddurabilityspecifiedbytheCaliforniaDepartmentofTransportationortheU.S.ArmyCorpsofEngineers.Thematerialshallbegenerallyspheroid-shaped.Useofdirt,smallconcreterubble,concretepieceswithexposedrebar,largeandoddshapedpiecesofconcrete,andasphaltconcreteasriprapisprohibited.

1. Placement.Riprapmaterialshallbeplacedsothatapermanentshorelinewithaminimumamountoffillisestablishedbymeansofanengineeredslopenotsteeperthantwo(horizontal)toone(vertical)unlessslopeiskeyedatthetoe.Theslopeshallbecreatedbytheplacementofafilterlayerprotectedbyriprapmaterialofsufficientsizetowithstandwindandwavegeneratedforcesatthesite.Further,allrock-slopeprojectionsshallbeinamannerthatminimizesspacesbetweentherocksthatmayprovidepredatordenningareasinaccordancewiththeUSFWSBOdatedJanuary15,2016.

2. Design.ProfessionalsknowledgeableoftheCommission’sconcerns,suchascivilengineersexperiencedincoastalprocesses,shouldparticipateinthedesignoftheshorelineprotectionimprovementauthorizedherein.

3. Maintenance.Theshorelineprotectionimprovementsauthorizedhereinshallberegularlymaintainedby,andattheexpenseofthepermittee(s),anyassignee,orothersuccessorininteresttotheproject.Maintenanceshallinclude,butnotbelimitedto,collectinganyriprapmaterialsthatbecomedislodgedandrepositioningtheminappropriatelocationswithintheriprapcoveredareas,replacingin-kindriprapmaterialthatislost,repairingtherequiredfilterfabricasneeded,andremovingdebristhatcollectsontopoftheriprap.Within30daysafternotificationbythestaffoftheCommission,thepermittee(s)oranysuccessororassigneeshallcorrectanymaintenancedeficiencynotedbythestaff.

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I. LeveeandFloodwallMaintenanceRestrictions.Theleveesandfloodwall

improvementsauthorizedhereinshallberegularlymaintainedby,andattheexpenseofthepermittee(s),anyassignee,orothersuccessorininteresttotheproject.Maintenanceshallinclude,butnotbelimitedto,replacingin-kindmaterialthatislost,repairingdegradedportionsoftheleveesand/orfloodwallsasneeded,andremovingdebristhatcollectsontheleveesandnearfloodwalls.Within30daysafternotificationCommissionstaff,thepermittee(s)oranysuccessororassigneeshallcorrectanymaintenancedeficiencynotedbythestaff.Furthermaintenancelimitationsforallleveesauthorizedhereininclude:

1. Rodentcontrol.NorodenticidesshallbeusedinareaswithinoradjacenttoknownandpotentialhabitatforsaltmarshharvestmouseandRidgway’srail.InareasnearsuitablehabitatsforthesaltmarshharvestmouseandRidgway’srail,thepermitteeshalluseonlylivetrapstocontrolrodentsincompliancewiththeUSFWSBOandCDFWSAA.Intheeventthatalistedspeciesbecomestrapped,theappropriateResourceAgenciesshouldbecontactedforinstructionsregardingreleaseorcarefortheanimal.

2. LeveemowingforOperationsandMaintenance.ThegrasslandhabitatalongtheSanFrancisquitoCreekleveeslopesupshallbemowednotmorethanthreetimesperyeartomaintainacceptableroughnessandpreventfirehazards.However,priortomowing,thepermitteeshallconductcuttingofvegetationinaccordancewithUSFWSBOdatedJanuary15,2016andtheCDFWSAAdatedFebruary9,2016.

3. TransferofMaintenanceResponsibility.Operationandmaintenance,oftheleveesonly,maybetransferredtotheSantaClaraValleyWaterDistrictStreamMaintenanceProgram(SMP)uponapprovaloftheSMPbyoronbehalfoftheCommission.

J. CreosoteTreatedWood.NopilingsorotherwoodstructuresthathavebeenpressuretreatedwithcreosoteshallbeusedinanyareasubjecttotidalactionintheBayoranycertainwaterway,inanysaltpond,orinanymanagedwetlandwithintheCommission’sjurisdictionaspartoftheprojectauthorizedherein.

III. FindingsandDeclarations

ThisauthorizationisgivenonthebasisoftheCommission'sfindingsanddeclarationsthattheworkauthorizedhereinisconsistentwiththeMcAteer-PetrisAct,theSanFranciscoBayPlan(BayPlan),theCaliforniaEnvironmentalQualityAct(CEQA),andtheCommission’samendedcoastalzonemanagementprogramforSanFranciscoBayforthefollowingreasons:

A. BayFill.TheCommissionmayallowfillonlywhenitmeetstherequirementsidentifiedintheMcAteer-PetrisActSection66605,whichstates,inpart,that:“[(a)]thepublicbenefitsfromfillintheBayshouldbeauthorizedwhenpublicbenefitsfromfillclearlyexceedpublicdetrimentfromthelossofwaterareas,fillshouldbe

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limitedtowater-orientedusesorminorfillforimprovingshorelineappearanceandpublicaccess;(b)thereisnoalternativeuplandlocation;(c)thefillistheminimumamountnecessary;(d)thefillisdesignedtominimizeharmfuleffectstotheBayArea,includingreducingimpactstowatercirculation,waterquality,marshesandwildlife,andotherconditionsoftheenvironment;(e)thatthefillshouldbeconstructedinaccordancewithsoundsafetystandards,whichofferprotectiontopersonsandpropertyagainstthehazardsofunstablegeologicorsoilconditionsoroffloodorstormwaters;(f)authorizedfillshouldestablishapermanentshoreline;and(g)thefillshouldbeauthorizedonlywhentheapplicanthasvalidtitle.”

Theprojectwouldresultinthenetplacementofapproximately24,000squarefeetofnewpermanentfillintheBayforavarietyofuses,includingthoserelatedtostabilizationandprotectionofexistingleveesalongthecreek,constructionofafloodwall(partofwhichisintheCommission’sjurisdiction),constructionofanewpile-supportedboardwalk,replacementofutilitylines,creationofhightiderefugiaislandsintheOuterFaberMarsh,placementofin-streamfishhighflowrefugiastructures(steelheadpassagefeatures),andprotectionofbridgefootings/abutmentslocatedwithinthestreambed.SolidfillplacedontheoutboardsideoftheSFCnorthleveeinOuterFaberTractwouldbeprimarilyforthecreationofhightiderefugia(ExhibitD).FillforpublicaccesswithintheBaywouldincludeapproximately2,062squarefeetofthefillforthenewwooden,pile-supportedboardwalkovernewlycreatedopen-waterareaandtidalmarshterracewithintheCommission’sfutureBayjurisdiction.TheCommission’sBayandshorelinebandjurisdictionswillbeexpandedasaresultoftheproject.

Placementoftemporaryfillincludescofferdams,waterdiversionpipes,andenergydissipaterstodewateranddivertstreamflowsfromupstreamduringthein-channelconstructionperiod.Approximately12,810squarefeetoftemporaryfill,necessaryfortheconstructionofatemporarycofferdamandwaterdiversionstructure,wouldbeplacedwithinthecreek.Thecofferdamwouldconsistofsheetpilesdrivenapproximately20feetdeepintothechannel.A36-inchHDPEdiversionpipewouldrunalongthesurfaceoftheFaberTractMarsh(1,850feetlong,1,940cyoffill)temporarilycoveringabout5,550squarefeetofthemarsh.Attheendofthediversionpipe,arockenergydissipaterwouldbeconstructedwithinthechannel,resultinginapproximately540cyoftemporarysolidfill(7,260squarefeet).Thepipesandtherockenergydissipaterwouldberemovedattheendofeachconstruction,JunethroughOctober,andstoredoutsideBCDC’sjurisdiction.

1. PublicBenefit.Theexistingshorelineandcreekconsistsofanundersizedfloodprotectionchannel;floodprotectionleveesinneedofrepair;andanexistingmarshthatlacksconnectiontothecreekandhaslimitedexistinghightiderefugiaforcertainspecies.Inaddition,leveesonthenorthsideofthecreekarelowerthantheothersidecreatingagreaterfloodriskforEastPaloAlto,andaninadequateleveloffloodprotectionexistsforthecurrentandfutureconditionsasevidencedbyrecentfloodevents.Currently,thelowerportionofthecreekis

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constrained,andpartiallyfilledwithsediment,reducingfloodcapacity.DegradingtheleveealongtheOuterFaberMarshwillreducetheconstrictionpointneartheBayandreducefloodelevationsfurtherupstreamduringhighflows.

TheFaberTractMarshisborderedonfoursidesbyleveesorearthenbermsthatrestrictfluvialandtidalexchangeofsedimentintothemarsh.Themarshhaslimitedexistingtransitionzonesandhightiderefugia,sothehighesttidesfullyinundatethemarsh.Duringhightides,wildlife,includingtwofederally-andstate-listedspecies,mustmovetotheedgesofthemarshwherepredationratescanbehigh.Thefillplacedwithinthemarshtocreatehightiderefugiaislandsandalongtheedgestoprovideadditionaltransitionalspaceatthetoeoftheleveewillprovidemuchneededopportunitiesforspeciestoreachhigherelevationsduringhightides.

TheCommissionfindsthatthepublicbenefitsassociatedwiththefillplacedwithintheCommission’sjurisdictiontoenhanceexistingleveesandwidenthecreektoprotectinlandareasfromfloodingexceedsthepublicdetrimentfromitsplacement.Additionally,theCommissionfindsthatfillplacedforhightideandtransitionzonehabitatswillprovideasignificantpublicbenefitbysupportingnativeBayspecies,especiallythosewithcriticalpopulationissuesassociatedwithhabitatloss.

2. WaterOrientedUse.WithintheCommission’sjurisdiction,approximately30,000squarefeetoffillisproposedwithintheCommission’sBayand100-footshorelinebandjurisdictionsforthepurposeoffloodprotection.Whilenotexplicitlydescribedasa“waterorienteduse”bytheMcAteer-PetrisAct,shorelineprotectionsystems,havebeenauthorizedinnumerouslocationsaroundtheBaybytheCommission,andhavebeenfoundtobeawater-orienteduse.TheBayPlanhasanentiresectionwithfindingsandpoliciesonShorelineProjectionintheBay.Finding(b)oftheCommission’sShorelineProtectionpoliciesrecognizesthat,“[m]oststructuralshorelineprotectionprojectsinvolvesomefill….”Theprimarypurposeofmuchoftheproposedprojectelementsthatincludefill,istoprovideupstreamfloodprotectionforresidentswithintheCityofEastPaloAltoandtoprovideprotectiontopropertyownersintheCityofPaloAltobyreinforcing,realigningorenhancingexistinglevees.

TheCommissionfindsthatthefillassociatedwiththeproject(riprapandearthenfill)protectsresidentsagainstfloodingandservesawater-orientedusesimilartoothershorelineprotectionsystemsapprovedbytheCommission.

3. AlternativeUplandLocation.Thefloodcontrolprojectisdesignedtoprotectresidentsinthefloodplainfromflooding.Thereisnoalternativeuplandlocationforthefillproposedinthechannelbecauseshorelineprotectionfeaturesarenecessaryforthebasicprojectpurposeandneed.Inadditiontofloodprotection,theprojecthasothergoals,includinghabitatenhancement,

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restoration,andcreatinguplandrefugia.FaberTractMarshwouldbesubjecttomorefrequentfloodingeventsaftertheloweringoftheleveebetweentheSanFrancisquitoCreekandtheOuterFaberMarsh,andtherefore,theproposedfillisnecessarytoprovidehigherelevationrefugiaforRidgway’sRailandsaltmarshharvestmicethatlivethere.

TheCommissionfindsthatthereisnoalternativeuplandlocationfortheriprapandearthenfillneededtoprotectleveesfromerosionandprotectresidentsfromflooding.Additionally,theCommissionfindsthatthereisnoalternativeuplandlocationfortheearthenfillneededtoprovidehightiderefugia,anecessaryhabitatfeatureformarshdependent,specialstatusspeciesandtoadapttosealevelrise.

4. MinimumAmountNecessary.Theprojectwillinvolveanetplacementofapproximately24,000squarefeetofnewfillintheCommission’scurrentandfutureBayjurisdiction(Table1).Thepermitteestatedthatthisistheminimumamountoffillnecessarytoconstructprojectelementsandachievethefloodprotectionandhabitatrestorationgoalsoftheproject.

OfthenewBayfill,approximately18,240squarefeetofsolidfill,consistingofriprapandearthenfill,isnecessaryforprotectingexistingleveesandreinforcinglowsectionsoftheoutboardsideoftheSFCnorthlevee;andprotectingareasofFriendshipIslandfromerosion.Duetothevelocityofthewaterflowingthroughthechannelduringhighflows,rockandconcreteareneededtomaintaintheleveesinthechannelassoftersedimentswouldlikelybewashedoutoreroded.

Toconnectthenewlywidenedcreekandthepublicaccesstrails,approximately2,060squarefeetofthenewpile-supportedfillisneededtoprovidecontinuityalongthetrail.Ifthisboardwalkisnotprovided,agapwouldexistbetweenthetrailonthenorthandsouthsidesofthecreek.

AsrequiredbyNMFSandCDFW,theprojectwillalsoinvolveminoramountsofsolidfillconsistingofmainlyrock(approximately1,710squarefeet)withinthecreektocreateoneofsixhighvelocityrefugeareasformigratingsteelhead(fivefeaturesareoutsidetheCommission’sjurisdiction).Thisrefugeareawouldallowforindividualsteelheadandotherfishspecieslivingwithinandtravelingthroughthechanneltohaveanareaofrespite.Ifthefishpassagefeatureswerenotcreated,steelheadmigratinginthechannelwouldnothavethenecessaryquietwaterstorestandfeedduringmigration,whichcouldleadtothespeciesabandoningthiscreekovertime.Becausethesefeaturesarespecificallydesignedforthispurpose,thepermitteehasstateditistheminimumamountoffillnecessary.

Additionally,approximately1,250squarefeet(110cy)ofthenewfillwillbeforthecreationoffivehightiderefugiaislandsintheOuterFaberMarsh.Thepermitteehasstatedthatthefillistheminimumamountnecessarytoachievethedesiredhabitatfeatureswithminimalreductioninexistingmarshhabitat

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andtomitigatefortemporaryorpermanentlossofhightiderefugeareasresultingfromtheproject.ThesefeatureshavebeenincorporatedintotheprojectasmitigationforhabitatlossandspeciesimpactsandarerequiredbytheResourceAgencies.

ThepermitteewillalsoberemoveaminoramountofexistingBayfill(approximately2,810squarefeet)alongtheOuterFaberMarshlevee(ExhibitD)torestoretheareatomarshplainelevation.

Becausemostofthefillplacedaspartofthisprojectwillbeforshorelineprotection,andminoramountsoffillisforpublicaccessalongtheshorelineandthecreationofimportanthabitatfeaturesforspecialstatusspecies,theCommissionfindsthatthisistheminimumamountoffillnecessarytoconstructtheproject.

5. PermanentShoreline.ThefillplacedalongtheleveesaspartofthisprojectandwithintheCommission’sBayandshorelinebandjurisdictionwouldbolsterexistinglevees,increasechannelfloodcapacityandprotecttheadjacentcommunitiesalongtheSanFrancisquitoCreekfromflooddamagebyprotectingresidentsandthesurroundinglandfromfloodingthatwouldoccurduringa100-yearstormeventoccurringatatimewhentheBayexperiences26inchesofsealevelriseinthefuture.Inaddition,theprojectwouldresultinanetincreaseintheCommission’sBayjurisdictionafterthewideningoftheSanFrancisquitoCreekiscompleted.Theproposeddesignisanticipatedtobealong-termsolutionthatwouldestablishapermanentshorelineuntilatleast2067.Beyondthatdate,projectmodificationsandadaptationsmaybeneededtofurtherprotectresidentsandadjacentpropertiesfromfutureconditions.

6. ValidTitle.Allworkfortheproject,withinBCDC’sjurisdiction,wouldbeconductedonpropertyownedbytheCityofPaloAlto.TheCityofPaloAltograntedaneasementforworkontheproposedprojecttotheSantaClaraValleyWaterDistrict,whichisamemberoftheJPA.

Forthesereasons,theCommissionfindsthatthefillplacedduringthisprojectistheminimumamountnecessary,hasbeendesignedandwillbeconstructedtosoundssafetystandards,willestablishapermanentshorelineandwillminimizeharmfulimpactstotheBayArea.

B. NaturalResources.WithintheCommission’sjurisdiction,theprojectwouldimpactapproximately2.19acresoftidalmarshhabitatandproposestorestoreandenhanceatotalof9.44acresoftidalmarsh,transitionzone,andhightiderefugehabitats.Theprojectwould:(1)widenthetidalcreekbyrealigninganadjacentlevee;(2)excavateuplandhabitatthathasdevelopedwithinthecreekchannelandrestoretidalmarshalongtheedgesofthechannel;(3)fillsmallamountsoftidalmarshintheFaberTractMarshtocreatehightiderefugiaislandsandenhanceadjacenttransitionalareastoimproverefugehabitatforthesaltmarshharvest

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mouseandtheRidgway’sRail;(4)installfishvelocityrefugefeatureswithincreekusingsolidfill,suchaslargerock;and(5)placefillontheoutboardsideoftheSFCnorthleveetoreduceerosionoftheleveetoeduringovertopping.

1. Fish,WildlifeandTidalMarshHabitat.TheBayPlanpoliciesonFish,OtherAquaticOrganisms,andWildlifestate,inpart,that“[t]oassurethebenefitstofish,otheraquaticorganismsandwildlifeforfuturegenerations...theBay’stidalmarshes,tidalflats,andsubtidalhabitatshouldbeconserved,restored,andincreased.”Similarly,theBayPlanpoliciesonTidalMarshesandTidalflatsstate,inpart,“[t]idalmarshesandtidalflatsshouldbeconservedtothefullestpossibleextent.Filling,diking,anddredgingprojectsthatwouldsubstantiallyharmtidalmarshesortidalflatsshouldbeallowedonlyforpurposesthatprovidesubstantialpublicbenefitsandonlyifthereisnofeasiblealternative.”Thesepoliciesfurtherstatethatanyproposedprojectsintheseareas,“[s]houldbethoroughlyevaluatedtodeterminetheeffectoftheprojectontidalmarshesandtidalflats,anddesignedtominimize,andiffeasible,avoidanyharmfuleffects,”andthat“[p]rojectsshouldbesitedanddesignedtoavoid,orifavoidanceisinfeasible,minimizeadverseimpactsonanytransitionzonepresent….”Thepoliciesencouragethat“shorelineprojectsshouldbedesignedtoprovideatransitionzonebetweentidalanduplandhabitats.”

Fish,OtherAquaticOrganismsandWildlifePolicy4statesthat“[t]heCommissionshouldconsultwiththeCaliforniaDepartmentofFishandWildlifeandtheU.S.FishandWildlifeServiceortheNationalMarineFisheriesServicewheneveraproposedprojectmayadverselyaffectanendangeredorthreatenedplant,fish,otheraquaticorganismsorwildlifespecies...andgiveappropriateconsiderationof(their)recommendationsinordertoavoidpossibleadverseimpactsofaproposedprojectonfish,otheraquaticorganismsandwildlifehabitat.”

TidalMarshPolicy6states,inpart,that,“[a]nyecosystemrestorationprojectshouldincludeclearandspecificlong-termandshort-termbiologicalandphysicalgoals,andsuccesscriteria,andamonitoringprogramtoassessthesustainabilityoftheproject.Designandevaluationoftheprojectshouldincludeanalysisof:(a)howthesystem’sadaptivecapacitycanbeenhancedsothatitisresilienttosealevelriseandclimatechange;(b)theimpactoftheprojectontheBay’ssedimentbudget;...(e)potentialinvasivespeciesintroduction,spread,andtheircontrol;(f)ratesofcolonizationbyvegetation;(g)theexpecteduseofthesitebyfish,wildlifeandotheraquaticorganismsandwildlife;...and(i)sitecharacterization.Ifsuccesscriteriaarenotmet,appropriateadaptivemeasuresshouldbetaken.”

Finally,Fish,OtherAquaticOrganismsandWildlifePolicy5statesthat“[t]heCommissionmaypermitaminoramountoffillordredginginwildliferefuges,shownonthePlanMaps,necessarytoenhancefish,otheraquaticorganisms

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andwildlifehabitatortoprovidepublicfacilitiesforwildlifeobservation,interpretationandeducation.”TidalMarshPolicy8furtherstatesthat“[b]aseduponscientificecologicalanalysisandconsultationwiththerelevantfederalandstateresourceagencies,aminoramountoffillmaybeauthorizedtoenhanceorrestorefish,otheraquaticorganismsorwildlifehabitatiftheCommissionfindsthatnoothermethodofenhancementorrestorationexceptfillingisfeasible….”

Toassesstheimpactstohabitatsandspecies,theprojectunderwentaCaliforniaEnvironmentalQualityAct(CEQA)review,aswellasreviewbytheStateandFederalResourceAgencies,resultingintheissuanceoftwoBiologicalOpinionsandaStreambedAlterationAgreementfromCDFW.

a. CreekAlteration.Asproposed,theprojectwouldaltertheexistingtidalcreekhabitatwithintheCommission’sBayandshorelinebandjurisdictionsbywideningareastoincreasefloodflows.Intheprocess,bothtidalandriparianhabitatswouldbeaffectedthroughexcavationofuplandareaswithinthelowerreachofthecreek.Therealignmentofthechannelwouldimpactapproximately1.15acresoftidalmarshhabitatwithinBCDC’sjurisdiction.Theproposedexcavationactivitieswouldremoveapproximately1,470cyofsedimentwithinthechannelandwouldtemporarilyimpact16,120squarefeetofruderalandhighmarshhabitatwithinthechannel,butwouldrestoreelevationsinthecreektoapproximatelyMeanHigherHighWater(6.0-8.0ftNAVD88,gradedatapproximately30:1)andallowforpassiverevegetationofhighmarshhabitatalongthechanneledges.Additionally,transitionalhabitatwouldbeconstructedalongtheleveeslopeswithintheCommission’sjurisdiction.Postconstruction,theprojectwouldprovideatotalof15.14acresoftidalmarshandtransitionzonehabitatsoverthefulllengthofthelowerreachofthecreek,1.74acresofwhicharewithintheCommission’sexistingandfuturejurisdiction.

Oncethecreekiswidened,itwillincludealowflowchannelandawiderhighflowchannel,atappropriateelevationsfornormalandfloodflows.Theprojectwillalsocreateanewhightidemarshterracearea,betweenFriendshipIslandandtheSFCsouthlevee,withinthewidenedcreek,whichwouldbeplantedwithhighmarshplantsincludingalkaliweed,saltgrass,alkaliheath,marshjaumea,andperennialpickleweed.Thein-channeltidalmarshandtransitionzonehabitatswillimprovehabitatconnectivitybetweenthecreekandsurroundingbaylands,enhancingecosystemfunctionality.

CaltransworkupstreamoftheprojectsitewillwidenthebridgeoverSanFrancisquitoCreek,allowingadditionalflowsintotheprojectreach.Thisworkcouldincreasevelocitieswithinthechannelandhavethepotentialtoimpactsteelhead.Asdiscussedinmoredetailbelow,six“steelheadpassagefeatures”wouldbeinstalledalongthelowerreachofSanFrancisquitoCreek

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andconsistmainlyofrockandrootwadmaterials.Ofthesixsteelheadpassagefeatures,onehighvelocityrefugeareawouldbelocatedwithintheCommission’sjurisdiction.Thiswouldprovidedesirablehabitatfeatureswithinthechannel,whichisexpectedtohavelong-termbenefitsforfishandwildlifespecieswithintheprojectarea.

WhiletheSanFrancisquitoCreekcouldaccommodategreaterfloodflows,thewidenedportionofthecreekwouldnotbeexpectedtosignificantlyimpactthetidalhydrologyandsedimentmovementwithintheBayandwouldreduceupstreamfloodelevations.

BetweenJune15ththroughOctober15th,in2016and2017,theprojectwouldhavetemporaryimpactstothechannelandtidalhydrologyduringthein-streamconstructionwindow.Duringthisperiod,temporaryfillforconstruction,includingplacementoftwocofferdams,oneattheBaywardendofthechannelandoneupstreamoftheCommission’sjurisdiction,wouldbenecessarytodewaterthecreekandperformwork.Theconstructionwouldalsorequiretemporaryuseofa36-inchHDPEwaterdiversionpipethatwouldberoutedalongtheoutboardbankoftheFaberTractmarshleveetoanenergydissipater(consistingmostlyofrock)justdownstreamfromthecofferdam.Theenergydissipaterwouldhelppreventtheerosionofchannelbanksduetooutflowfromthediversionpipe.

Theprojectwillhavebothtemporaryandpermanentimpactsonin-streamtidalmarshandtransitionzonehabitats.SpecialConditionsII-B-1throughII-B-8andSpecialConditionII-Ehavebeenincludedhereintoensurethattheprojectutilizesbestmanagementpracticesduringconstructiontominimizeimpactstothesehabitatareas.Someminoramountsoftemporaryfillarerequiredduringconstruction,butSpecialConditionII-B-6ensuresthatthepermitteewillremovealltemporaryfillandSpecialConditionII-B-3ensurestheseimpactedareaswillberestoredthrougheitherpassiveoractiverevegetation.Minoramountsofpermanentfillarenecessarytocreatehabitatfeaturesforsteelhead.Theprojectwillalsocreatenewtidalmarshwithinthecreek,restoretidalmarshalongtheedgesofthecreek,andrestoreareastemporarilyimpactedbytheprojectthatarewithintheCommission’scurrentandfuturejurisdictions.SpecialConditionII-Fhasbeenincludedhereintoensurethatthesehabitatfeaturesarebuiltinareasonableamountoftimeafterthein-streamconstructionontheprojectiscomplete.Theprojectwillresultintherestorationofmoretidalmarshandtransitionzonehabitatswithinthecreekthantheamountofhabitatimpactedbytheproject.

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TheCommissionfindsthattheproject,inimplementingbestmanagementpracticesandrestoringaffectedhabitatwithinthecreek,hasbeendesignedandconditionedhereintominimizeharmfulimpactsresultingfromfillplacement.

b. FaberTractMarsh.TheFaberTractMarshisa95-acretidalsaltmarshsituatedalongthenorthsideofSanFrancisquitoCreek,andsupportsoneofthelargestpopulationsofCaliforniaRidgway’srailintheregion.ItisalsopartoftheUSFWS’designatedCentral/SouthSanFranciscoBayRecoveryUnitfortheCaliforniaRidgway’srail,andthereforeisconsideredanimportantandsensitivearea.Italsosupportsasignificantpopulationofsaltmarshharvestmouse,blackrailsandothermarshdependentspecies.Currently,FaberTractMarshcontainslittleelevationdiversityandisprimarilytidalsaltmarshwithafewsaltpannes.

TorestorefloodprotectionalongthecreekandprotectspecieslivinginFaberTractMarsh,lowspotsontheSFCnorthleveeadjacenttothemarshwouldberepaired.InreinforcingtheSFCnorthlevee,thetoeoftheleveewouldbewidenedintothemarshtocreateanewgentlerslopeata6H:1Vratiotoreduceerosionoftheleveeandadjacentmarshduringleveeovertopping.Thewideningofthetoeoftheleveewouldprovidetransitionalhabitatbetweenthemarshandlevee,therebyprovidinganecosystemenhancementthatwillsupportmidandhighmarshhabitats.TheprojectwouldalsodegradeanunmaintainedleveebetweenSanFrancisquitoCreekandOuterFaberMarsh(finalelevationwouldbe8feetNAVD88)toallowfloodwatertoflowintothemarsh,nearthemouthofthecreek,tofurtherreduceupstreamfloodelevationsandprovidegreaterhabitatconnectivity.Theproposedprojectwouldimpactapproximately1.04acresoftidalmarshhabitatswithinFaberTractMarsh.

Aspartofthemitigationpackageproposedbythepermittee,andagreedtobytheResourceAgencies,theprojectwouldrestoreandcreateapproximately1.7acresoftidalmarshandhighmarshtransitionhabitatswithinandaroundFaberTractMarsh.TheprojectwouldincludethecreationofuptofivemarshmoundsintheOuterFaberTracttoprovidehightiderefugiaforspecialstatusspecies.Thesemoundswouldproviderelieffromhightidesandincreasedinundationduetofloodingandsealevelriseovertime.Themarshmoundswouldrequireapproximately1,250squarefeetoftotalfill(0.006acresfootprintforeachofthefiveislands)andbeconstructedusingimportedfillmaterialfreefromvegetationorplantmaterial.Theconstructedelevationoftherefugiaislandswouldbeapproximately8.8feet(NAVD88)andwouldbeplantedwithhighprofilemarshvegetationthatwouldallowCaliforniaRidgway’srailsandsaltmarshharvestmicetoescapecurrentkingtides.Theislandsareanticipatedtosettletoafinalelevationofabout8.4feet(NAVD88)atfiveyearspostconstruction.Theproposedfill

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volumeforeachislandissimilartovolumesthattheCommissionapprovedfortheCaliforniaStateCoastalConservancytobuildhightiderefugiahabitatinothermarshlocationsaroundSanFranciscoBay(BCDCPermitNo.M2014.025.00)andwasconsideredaminoramountoffillforhabitatpurposes.

Additionally,thepermitteewouldprovideapproximately6.0acresofbermenhancementsandrevegetationoftheleveessurroundingFaberTractMarsh(leveestothenorth,southandeastofthemarsh)tofurtherprovidehightiderefugeareasforCaliforniaRidgway’srailandsaltmarshharvestmouse.Bermenhancementswouldincluderemovalofinvasivespecies,plantingofhighmarshandtransitionaluplandhabitatnecessaryforthesespecies,andmonitoringoftherevegetationeffortsalongtheselevees,asdiscussedbelow.

TheleveessurroundingFaberTractMarshandthehightiderefugiaislandswouldbeplantedwithhighmarshandtransitionalvegetationconsistentwiththeleveelocationsandadjacentbaylands.PlantingvegetationisanimportantaspectoftheprojectbecausetheleveesandboardwalksaroundtheprojectsiteprovidepotentialaccessformammalianpredatorsoftheCaliforniaRidgway’srailandthesaltmarshharvestmouse.Additionally,utilitytransmissiontowersandlineslocatedwithinandadjacenttothemarshprovideartificialperchesandnestingplatformsforraptorsandotheravianpredatorsthatmaypreyupontheRidgway’srailandsaltmarshharvestmouse.Predationratesareknowntoincreaseduringextremehightideeventswhenappropriatecoverisnotavailable.Thevegetationwillprovideanadditionalprotectivemeasureforthesespeciesduringhightide.Together,thisportionoftheprojectwouldenhanceapproximately7.7acresofhighmarsh,transitionalandhightiderefugiahabitatsinandaroundFaberTractMarsh.

SpecialConditionsII-BandII-ChavebeenaddedhereintominimizetheimpactsoftheprojectontidalmarshhabitatswithinandaroundFaberTractMarsh.Additionally,SpecialConditionII-Fhasbeenaddedhereintoensurethathabitatrestoration/enhancementsoccurinareasonableamountoftimeandwithintheconstructionperiodoftheproject.SpecialConditionII-Densuresthatthepermitteewillmonitorthesuccessoftherestorationeffortswithinthemarsh.SpecialConditionsII-E-4andII-E-7havebeenaddedhereintofurtherrequireprotectionofspecialstatusspeciesfrompredationthatmayoccurduringhightideswhiletherestorationofthehightiderefugehabitatareasisunderway.

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Therefore,theCommissionfindsthattheprojectasdesignedandconditionedhereinwillminimizeimpactstoFaberTractMarshandwhereimpactsareunavoidable,thepermitteewillmitigatefortheimpactsthroughhabitatrestorationandwillberesponsibleformonitoringthesuccessoftherestorationefforts.

c. Wildlife.Withinthefullprojectarea,thereareseveralstate-andfederally-listedspecies,orspeciesofspecialconcernthatcouldbeaffectedbytheproject,includingCentralCaliforniaCoaststeelhead,longfinsmelt,Californiared-leggedfrog,greensturgeon,westernsnowyplover,blackrail,saltmarshharvestmouse,CaliforniaRidgway’srail,SanFranciscogartersnake,Californialeasttern,white-tailedkite,westernpondturtle,westernburrowingowl,northernharrier,SanFranciscocommonyellowthroat,andAlamedasongsparrow;othernativeandnon-nativefishspecies,andnestingbirds.WithintheCommission’sjurisdiction,thespeciesofconcernexcludesthefreshwaterspecies,suchasthepondturtleandred-leggedfrog.

OnDecember30,2015,NMFSissuedaBOthatdeterminedthattheproposedprojectis“notlikelytojeopardizethecontinuedexistenceofthethreatened[CentralCaliforniaCoast]CCCsteelhead(Oncorhynchusmykiss)orsoutherndistinctpopulationofgreensturgeon,norisitlikelytoadverselymodifytheircriticalhabitat.”However,NMFSdeterminedthatincidentaltakeofCCCsteelheadwouldoccurduringprojectconstruction,asjuvenilesteelheadarelikelytobepresentduringthedewateringofthesiteforconstruction.NMFSprovidedreasonableandprudentmeasuresandconditionstominimizeimpactstosteelheadinthechannel,whichincludedmeasurestoreduceharmduringdewateringofthechannel;monitoringandreportingofsteelhead“take”duringconstructionactivities;buildingsteelheadhabitatcomplexityfeatures(steelheadpassagefeatures)suchasrockweirsordebrisjamsthatofferrefugeduringfuturefloodflows;andperformingannualinspectionsoffishhabitatfeatures.Additionally,NMFSconcludedthattheproposedproject“wouldadverselyaffectEFH[EssentialFishHabitat]forspeciesmanagedwithinthePacificCoastGroundfishandCoastalPelagicSpeciesFisheryManagementPlans,”specificallyimpactingPacificGroundfishandCoastalPelagicspeciesthatusethecreekandadjacentsubtidalareas.NMFSfoundthatpreyitemswithintheprojectareaforthesecoastalpelagicandgroundfishspecieswouldlikelytakeatleastoneyeartore-establishintheareaafterconstructionactivitieshavefinished.NMFSprovidedconservationrecommendationsintheBO,whichwouldavoid,minimize,orotherwiseoffsetpotentialadverseeffectsonEFH.NMFSrecommendin-kindcompensatorymitigationataratioof1:1on-siteorataratioof3:1ifoff-sitetocompensatefortemporalimpactstoEFHoveranestimated6.9acresofchannelhabitatresultingfromallconstructionactivitiesduringtheproposedproject.However,thepermitteeprovided

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NMFSwithfurtherinformationdescribinghowtheprojectasdesignedwilloffsettemporaryimpactstoEFH,andonFebruary4,2016NMFSagreedwiththepermittee’sjustification.

TheUSFWSissuedaBOonJanuary15,2016andfoundthat,whiletheprojectwilloccurinanareathoughttobehabitatforanumberoffederally-listedspecies,theprojectwas“notlikelytoadversely”affectthesespeciesbecausemanyofthespecieshavenotbeenfoundinoraroundtheprojectsiteorwillnotoccurinthisareaduringconstructionactivities.IntheBO,USFWSdidprovidegeneralconservationmeasuresforprotectedspeciesintheprojectarea,includinggeneralsiteconstruction,waterqualitymeasures,useofpesticides,limitsonoperationandmaintenanceoflevees,andvegetationmanagement.

TheUSFWSdeterminedtheprojectasproposedwouldresultinpotentialimpactstotheRidgway’srailandsaltmarshharvestmouseintheformofincreasedlikelihoodofpredationfromincreasedhabitatinundationinOuterFaberMarshandremovaloftheuplandrefugiaalongtheOuterFaberlevee.Duringtheconsultationphase,thepermitteeandtheUSFWSenteredintodiscussionstoreduceimpactstolistedspecies,particularlyinregardstothemarshhabitatinFaberTractMarsh.IntheBO,theUSFWSprovidedconservationmeasuresspecifictoRidgway’srailandsaltmarshharvestmouse,whichitdeterminedwhenimplementedwouldensurethattheproposedprojectwouldnotbelikelytojeopardizethecontinuedexistenceofthesespecies.Theprojectwouldminimizeimpactstothesespeciesthroughimplementationoftheconservationmeasuresrelatedtopredatormanagement,vegetationremoval,creationandrestorationofhightiderefuge,andothermeasures.TheBOalsorequiresconditionsrelatedtoconstructionofspecifichabitatfeatures,andmonitoringofthesefeatures.

TheCDFWissuedaStreambedAlterationAgreement(SAA)onFebruary9,2016,inwhichCDFWdeterminedthattheproposedproject“couldsubstantiallyadverselyaffectexistingfishorwildliferesources.”CDFWpreparedtheSAAfortheproject,whichincludesmeasurestoprotectfishandwildlifespecieswithintheprojectarea.WithoutimplementationofprotectionmeasuresidentifiedintheSAA,CDFWbelievesthattheprojectwouldresultinpermanentlossofnaturalbedorbank;channelprofilewidening;lossofbankstabilityduringconstruction;increasedbankerosion;acceleratedchannelscour;increasedturbidity;changesinpH;short-termreleaseofcontaminants;short-termchangesindissolvedoxygen,watertemperature,andstreamflow;drybackofstreamchannels;permanentlossofwetlandvegetation;permanentdeclineinvegetativediversity;colonizationbyexoticplantspecies;changeinstreamflow;temporaryimpactstostreamduetodewateringactivities;directtakeofaquaticspeciesfrompumps;constructionoftrenchesthatcancaptureterrestrialandsemi-

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aquaticorganisms;temporarylossofwildlifeconnectivitytowatersource;temporarylossofterrestrialanimalspecies’travelroutesduetoconstruction;disturbanceormortalityofterrestrial,aquatic,andsemi-aquaticfishandwildlifespecies;anddisturbancetonestingbirds.However,theSAAincludesavoidanceandminimizationmeasurestoreduceimpactstostate-listedspeciesbyrequiringanumberofconstructionbestmanagementpractices,onsitemonitoringbyaCDFWapprovedbiologist,andanumberofotherminimizationmeasures.Additionally,theSAAalsorequiresmitigationforbothtemporaryandpermanentimpactstohabitatasaresultoftheproject.TheSAAalsoincludesarequirementforafinalized,approvedMMPforallhabitatmitigationwork(habitatrestoration,enhancementandcreation).

SpecialConditionII-EhasbeenaddedhereintoensurethattheprojectisincompliancewiththeNMFSBO,USFWSBO,andCDFWSAAregardingspecialstatusspecieslivingwithintidalmarshhabitats.SpecialConditionII-DrequiresthesubmittalofafinalMitigationandMonitoringPlanandapprovalbyoronbehalfoftheCommission.ItalsoensuresthattheMMPwillbeconsistentwithmonitoringrequiredbytheResourceAgenciesandwillprovidelong-termmonitoringofallhabitatrestorationelementsauthorizedhereinandassesswhethertherestorationsiteshavemettherequiredsuccesscriteria.

TheCommissionfindsthatthefillplacedaspartofthisprojectprovidessubstantialpublicbenefitsbyprotectingthesurroundingareasfromfloodingandthattheprojectasdesignedandconditionedhereinwillminimizeimpactstoBayspeciesandtidalmarshhabitats,withinSanFrancisquitoCreekandFaberTractMarsh.

C. WaterQuality.TheBayPlanpoliciesonWaterQualitystate,inpartthat“Baywaterpollutionshouldbepreventedtothegreatestextentfeasible.TheBay’stidalmarshes,tidalflats,andwatersurfaceareaandvolumeshouldbeconservedand,wheneverpossible,restoredandincreasedtoprotectandimprovewaterquality.”Theyfurtherstatethat“theCommissionshouldconsidertherecommendations,decisions,andadviceandauthorityof…theRegionalBoard,”andthattheBoard’srecommendationsanddecisionsshouldbethebasisforcarryingouttheCommission’swaterqualityresponsibilities.Thepoliciesalsostatethat“Newprojectsshouldbesited,designed,constructedandmaintainedtopreventor,ifpreventionisinfeasible,tominimizethedischargeofpollutantsintotheBay.…”

Theprojectincludesgradingandtheexcavationofuplandsedimentswithinthechanneltoenhancefloodcapacity,restoremarshelevationsandhabitatfunctionalityandconnectivityinandaroundtheprojectsite.ThroughrestorationandexpansionofthelowerreachofSanFrancisquitoCreek,theprojectwouldresultinanetincreaseinthesurfaceareaandvolumeoftheCommission’sBayjurisdictionandimprovethequalityoftidalmarshhabitat.Theproposedprojectincludes

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enhancementoflocalecosystems,andanenlargedBay/creekinterface,whichwillimprovethepassageforsteelheadmigratingfromtheBayintothecreekandupperwatershed.

Asistypicalofconstructionprojects,potentialsourcesofwaterpollutionincludetheuseofsmallamountsofhazardousmaterialssuchasfuels,oils,concreteandasphaltintheconstructionoftheproposedprojectelements.ThepermitteehasstatedthattheywouldworkwiththeselectedconstructioncontractortoprepareaStormWaterPollutionPreventionPlan(SWPPP)andwouldprovideittotheCommissionwhenavailable.Thisplanwouldincludeconstructionbestmanagementpracticestominimizeconstructionrelateddischargesintothecreek,includingconstructiondebris,nouseofchemically-treatedwoodinthechannel,minimizingdisturbanceandremovalofvegetation,andminimizingdisturbancetothecreekwherepossible.

Adjacenttotheprojectsite,aformerlandfillislocatednearthePaloAltoBaylandsAthleticCenter.Inaddition,afewundergroundstoragetanksthatmayhavecontainedpetroleumhydrocarbonsarelocatedalongthecreek.Currently,anautomotiverepairbusinessislocatedalongtheleftbankofthecreek.TheFinalEIRfoundthattheprojectisnotlikelytoencounteranyoftheabove-mentionedpotentialsourcesofcontaminationbecausetheyarelocatedoutsideoftheconstructionfootprintandtherefore,theprojectwouldnotresultinsoilandgroundwatercontamination.

OnApril7,2015,theWaterBoardissuedaconditionalWaterQualityCertification(WQC)fortheproject.TheWQCrequiresthepermitteetoprovideareviseddewateringplantoaddressbothsurfacewaterandgroundwatermanagementtoensuretheproposeddischargeswouldmeetapplicablewaterqualityobjectivesandtofurtherreducepotentialforpollutantstoentertheBay.Inaddition,itrequiresthepermitteetotestanyimportedsoilthatwouldbeplacedbelowtopofbank,onleveesandatanyotherlocationswhereithasthepotentialtodischargetothecreekorotherwatersoftheStatetoensureitdoesnothaveelevatedlevelsofcontaminants.

Regardingthedischargeofstormwatersthroughthechannel,thepermitteeisrequiredtoobtaincoverageundertheNPDESGeneralPermitfortheDischargesofStormwaterAssociatedwithConstructionActivity(WaterBoardOrderNo.DWQ-2009-0009asamendedbyOrdersNos.2010-0014-DWQand2012-006-DWQ).

Toensurepotentialwaterqualityimpactsareminimized,SpecialConditionsII-C-2throughII-C-4andII-JhereinrequirethatthepermitteecomplywiththeWaterQualityCertificationissuedbytheWaterBoard.Additionally,SpecialConditionII-B-1ensuresthatsoilsbroughtonsitewillnothaveelevatedlevelsofcontaminants,andthatthepermitteeteststhesoilsproposedforuseonsite.SpecialConditionII-C-1requiresthepermitteetosubmitanupdateddewateringplantotheCommissionforreviewpriortoinitiatingconstructionactivities.

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TheprojectwillresultintherestorationoftidalmarshandtransitionzonehabitatsandwillincreasetheBay’swatersurfaceareaasaresultofwideningthecreek.Further,thepermitteewilltakemeasurestoensurehazardousmaterialsareproperlycontained,andthatsoilsbroughtonsitewillbefreefromcontaminants.Therefore,theCommissionfindsthattheprojectasdesignedandconditionedhereinwillpreventpollutiontothegreatestextentfeasibleandthattheBay’swaterqualitywillbemaintained.

D. Mitigation.TheBayPlanpoliciesonmitigationstatethat“[p]rojectsshouldbedesignedtoavoidadverseenvironmentalimpactstoBaynaturalresources….Wheneveradverseimpactscannotbeavoided,theyshouldbeminimizedtothegreatestextentpracticable…andwhenunavoidableadverseimpactsoccur,mitigationshouldberequired.”Themitigationpoliciesalsostate,inpart,that“IndividualcompensatorymitigationprojectsshouldbesitedanddesignedwithinaBay-wideecologicalcontext,asclosetotheimpactsiteaspracticableto:(1)compensatefortheadverseimpacts;(2)ensureahighlikelihoodoflong-termecologicalsuccess;and(3)supporttheimprovedhealthoftheBayecologicalsystem....”Additionally,thesepoliciesstate,“[t]heamountandtypeofcompensatorymitigationshouldbedeterminedforeachmitigationprojectbasedonaclearlyidentifiedrationaleandanalysisofanumberofmetrics.Further,themitigationshould,beprovidedpriorto,orconcurrentlywiththeoccurrenceofprojectimpacts.”TheCommission’spoliciesallowforcompensatorymitigationwhennecessary,aspartofamitigationprogramandfurtherdescribethecomponentsofaproposedmitigationandmonitoringplannecessarytoensuresuccess.

Thepermitteedescribestheproject’simpactswithintheCommission’sjurisdictionsasoccurringintidalportionsofSanFrancisquitoCreekandFaberTractMarshandseekstomitigatefortheseimpactsthroughacombinationofhabitatenhancementsandrestoration.Asproposed,theprojectwouldimpactatotalof2.19acresofexistinghabitats,including:1.15acresoftidalmarshhabitatimpactsfromtheexcavationofsedimentandvegetationwithinthecreek,andapproximately1.04acresofbothtemporaryandpermanentimpactstotidalmarshwithinFaberTractMarshduringthecreationofthewiderleveetoeslopeontheSFCnorthleveeandwithinthemarsh.Inimpactingthesehabitats,wildlifespeciesthataredependentonthesehabitatsarealsoimpactedasdescribedinthefishandwildlifesectionabove.

1. ProposedMitigation.MitigationfortheseimpactsisbothproposedbythepermitteeinthedraftMitigationandMonitoringPlan(December2015)(MMP)andrequiredbytheResourceAgenciesandtheWaterBoard.TocompensatefortheimpactstothetidalcreekandinFaberTractMarsh,thepermitteehasproposedtocreate1.68acresofnewmarshhabitatwithintheCommission’sjurisdictionandrestore1.76acresoftidalmarshhabitat:foratotalof3.44acresoftidalmarshandtransitionzonehabitatrestoration.Inwideningthecreek,theprojectwillprovidealowflowchannelwithadjacentmarshplainbenchesthat

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canaccommodatefloodflows,muchlikeanaturalcreekwould.Thiswouldimprovetheexistinghabitatandincreaseavailablelow,mediumandhighmarshwithinthechannel.ThisproposalisconsistentwiththerequirementsoftheWaterBoard,USFWSandCDFWformitigationofimpactstothisportionoftheprojectandisalsosubjecttofinalapprovalandagreementbyBCDCandtheseagencies.

NMFS,CDFW,andtheWaterBoardidentifiedpotentialimpactstonativesteelheadthatmigrateupSanFrancisquitoCreekannuallytospawninggroundshigherinthewatershed.Theseagenciesfoundthatincreasedwaterflowandreducedrestingareas(highflowrefugia)couldimpactthislistedspeciesaswellasothernativespeciesthatusethecreek.Tomitigateforthisimpact,theprojectincludestheplacementofhighvelocityrefugeareas(steelheadpassagefeatures)withinthecreek,usinglargerockandrootwadstocreateareasofcalmwaterforrestingandforagingfish.Ofthese,oneislocatedwithintheCommission’sjurisdiction.Additionally,theprojectwouldincludetherestoration(activeandpassivere-establishment)ofabout1.74acresoftidalmarshhabitatswithinthecreek,withinBCDC’sjurisdiction,tosupportfishandotherwildlifeutilizingthecreekandadjacenthabitats.Thein-streamrestorationworkwouldbeperformedata1:1ratiofortemporaryprojectimpacts,anda2:1ratioforpermanenthabitatloss/impacts,asagreeduponbyCDFWandtheWaterBoard.Additionally,NMFShadoriginallyrecommendedmitigationforin-streamimpactstoEssentialFishHabitat,butthepermitteeprovidedNMFSwithfurtherinformationdescribinghowtheprojectasdesignedwilloffsettemporaryimpactstoEFH,andNMFSagreedwiththepermittee’sjustification.

ToadditionallycompensatefortheimpactsoftheprojectonFaberTractMarsh,thepermitteeproposedtoprovidehabitatenhancementswithintheFaberTractMarsh,withwhichtheUSFWS,CDFWandWaterBoardhaveagreed.Theseenhancementsinclude:constructionofuptofivehightiderefugiaislands;enhancingapproximately6.0acresoftransitionzoneandhightiderefugiahabitatalongtheleveessurroundingthemarsh;removalofinvasivespeciesalongthelevees;andplantingnativemidandhighmarshspeciesonthehightiderefugiaislandsanddegradedlevees.Together,allhabitatcreation,restorationandenhancementfeaturesprovide21.17acresofenhancedmarshhabitat,transitionzone,andhightiderefugehabitats,ofwhich9.44acreswouldbewithintheCommission’sjurisdiction.Thesehabitatimprovementswouldlikelyresultinincreasedspeciessurvivalduringmarshinundationasaresultofincreasedvegetativecoverageintherefugeareas,whichwouldreducechancesofpredation.

InreviewingtheWaterBoard’smitigationrequirements,theyappeartobeconsistentwiththeproposedmitigationpackagerequiredbyotheragenciesandfortheprojectareaswithintheCommission’sjurisdiction.However,theWaterBoardincludedaconditionthatincreasesmitigationrequirementsiftheinitially

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requiredmitigationisnotcompletedwithin12monthstimeofwhentheassociatedimpactfirstoccurred.Ifmitigationconstructiondoesnotoccurwithinayearoftheimpacts,thenthepermitteewouldberesponsibleforanadditionaltenpercentmitigationperyear,asappropriate,onoradjacenttotheprojectsite,fortheportionofthemitigationnotcompletedwithin12monthsoftheimpactoccurrence.Further,ifonsitemitigationisnotavailable,theWaterBoardhasrequiredmitigationatanalternatesiteathigherratiosthancurrentlyproposed.

Theprojectwillhavebothtemporaryandpermanentimpactson2.19acresoftidalmarshandhighmarshtransitionhabitatswithintheCommission’sjurisdictionasaresultofconstructionactivitiesduringtheprojectandwillimproveatotalof9.44acresofhabitataroundtheprojectsite,ofwhich3.44acreswillbetidalmarshandtransitionhabitats.TheCommissionfindsthattheprojectasdesignedandconditionedhereinwillminimizeimpactstotidalmarshareas,andwhereimpactsareunavoidable,thepermitteehasproposedhabitatimprovementsthatconstitutein-kindmitigationatagreaterthan1:1ratiowithintheCommission’sjurisdiction.Additionally,thepermitteewillconstructsteelheadpassagefeaturesalongthecreektomitigateforimpactstosteelheadtroutresultingfromincreasedflowsthatmayoccurasaresultoftheproject.SpecialConditionsII-F-1throughII-F-4havebeenincludedhereintoensurethatthehabitatimprovementsoccurinatimelymannerduringconstructionoftheproject.TheCommissionfindsthatthepermitteehasproposedsufficientamountsofin-kindandout-of-kindmitigationtomitigateforthetemporaryandpermanentimpactsoftheproject.

2. Monitoring.ThepermitteesubmittedadraftMitigationandMonitoringPlan(December2015)andadraftHighTideRefugeHabitatEnhancementPlan(H.T.Harvey&Associates2015),whichidentifyseveralelementsthatwillbemonitoredforsuccessfulhabitatrestorationandenhancement.Thepermitteeisproposingannualmonitoringofrestorationareasoveratleastafive-yearperiod,whichwillbeoverseenandconductedbyaqualifiedbiologist.Thepermitteeisproposingtocontinuemonitoringuntildefinedandagreeduponsuccesscriteriaaremet.Thepermitteeisproposingthattargetsuccesscriteriaforthechannelbesetat60%restoredvegetativecover,whichthepermitteebelievesisreasonablegiventhattheprojectsiteisinatidalchannelthatexperiencesbotherosionalanddepositionalforces.

MonitoringofthemarshbermenhancementsandtidalmarshrestorationeffortswithinFaberTractwouldproceedonceconstructioniscompleteandcontinueoverfiveyears,oruntilthesuccesscriteriahavebeenmet.Thepermitteeisproposing60%vegetativecoverastargetsuccesscriteriawithnomorethan5%invasivespecies.Forthehightiderefugeislands,thepermitteeisproposingsuccesscriteriaof70%vegetativecoverwithnomorethan5%invasivespecies.Inthepast,theCommissionhasrequired90%vegetativecoverasthesuccess

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criteriaforsimilarprojects.TheMonitoringandManagementPlaniscurrentlyinadraftform.TheCommissionstaffwillcontinuetoworkwiththepermitteetoreachagreementonrequiredelementsandsuccesscriteriaofthemonitoringprogram,priortoapprovaloftheplan.

SpecialConditionsII-D-1throughII-D-7requirethepermitteetosubmitamitigationandmonitoringplanandgainfinalapprovalfromCommissionstaffregardingthemonitoringofhabitatrestorationeffortsandimprovements.ThisspecialconditionalsoensuresthatdiscussionsbetweenthepermitteeandCommissionstaffcontinueregardingtheappropriatesuccesscriteriaforthesehabitatimprovementsandtheappropriatemonitoringtimelineuntilanagreementisreached.TheCommissionfindsthattheprojectasconditionedhereinwillprovideappropriatemonitoring,approvedbyCommissionstaff,forthehabitatimprovementsauthorizedandrequiredherein.ThepermitteeisrequiredbySpecialConditionII-D-2hereintosubmitannualreportsontherestorationprogressandconsultwithstaffintheeventthatrestorationsuccesscriteriaarenotachievedafterthefirstfiveyearsofmonitoring.

TheCommissionfindsthattheSpecialConditionsaddedhereinminimizeimpactstonaturalresourceswithintheCommission’sjurisdiction,andwhereimpactstonaturalresourcesareunavoidable,theCommissionfindsthatthepermitteewillprovideappropriatemitigationfortheimpacts.Further,theCommissionfindstheprogramformonitoringtherestorationandhabitatenhancementsisgenerallyconsistentwiththeBayPlanmonitoringrequirements,butissubjecttofurtherrefinementandapprovalbyCommissionstaffinthefuture.

E. PublicAccessandScenicViews.TheMcAteer-PetrisActandtheBayPlanpoliciesrequirethatprojectsprovidethemaximumfeasiblepublicaccessconsistentwiththeproject,thatproposedpublicaccessbecompatiblewithwildlife,thatprojectsbedesignedtopreserveviewstotheBay,andthatanypublicaccessprovidedaspartoftheprojectremainviableassealevelrises.

1. MaximumFeasiblePublicAccess.Section66602oftheMcAteer-PetrisActstatesthat,“…water-orientedlandusesalongthebayshorelineareessentialtothepublicwelfareofthebayarea…thatexistingpublicaccesstotheshorelineandwatersoftheSanFranciscoBayisinadequateandthatmaximumfeasiblepublicaccessconsistentwithaproposedproject,shouldbeprovided.”TheBayPlanPublicAccessPolicy1states,“[a]proposedfillprojectshouldincreasepublicaccesstotheBaytothemaximumextentfeasible….”

Intheprojectvicinity,theBayTrailrunsalongGengRoadfromEmbarcaderoRoadtoSanFrancisquitoCreek(ExhibitD),continuesalongthesouthernbankoftheprojectsitetoFriendshipBridge,andthennorthalongtheleveeadjacenttoEastPaloAltoresidencesandthePaloAltoBaylandsNaturePreserve.TherearethreeexistingaccesspointstotheBayTraillocatedat:(1)GengRoad;(2)theLucyEvanstraileastofthePaloAltoAirportinPaloAlto;and(3)theO’Connor

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PumpStationviaFriendshipBridgeinEastPaloAlto.Additionally,therearethreeotherinformalaccesspointsalongtheleveesthatarecurrentlyusedbythepublicandgenerallylocatednear(1)VerbenaDrive,(2)DaphneWay,and(3)EastBayshoreRoadontheSFCsouthlevee.

ThepermitteewillconstructandenhanceanumberofnewpublicaccessfeaturesbothwithinandoutsidetheCommission’sjurisdiction,includingnewly,realignedleveestrails,newboardwalkspanningthewidenedsectionofthecreek,interpretivesignagerelatedtoFaberTractMarsh,andtwonewoverlookareasforthepublictositandviewSanFrancisquitoCreekandtheBay.

WithintheCommission’sjurisdiction,thepermitteewillrealigntheSFCsouthleveeandwidenthecreek.Asaresult,anapproximatelyone-milestretchofBayTrailwillberealignedandpavedconsistentwiththeexistingtrailinthisarea.ThenewboardwalkconstructedintheCommission’sjurisdictionwouldmatchthedesignofFriendshipBridgeinaccordancewiththeBayTrailDesignGuidelines.Theboardwalkwillincludetwoviewingplatforms,oneoneachendoftheboardwalk,withinterpretivesignageandalsoincludebenches,andotherpublicaccessamenities.

FromMaythroughOctoberin2016and2017,theportionoftheBayTrailportionlocatedalongthecrownofleveebetweenthegolfcourseandSanFrancisquitoCreekwillbetemporarilyclosed.Afterconstructioniscomplete,allrecreationalfacilitieswillbeavailableforfullusebythepublic.

Becauseopportunitiestoincreasepublicaccesswithintheprojectsitearelimited,thepermitteewillprovideadditionalpublicaccessandrecreationalopportunities,andimprovementsoutsideofBCDC’sjurisdiction(ExhibitD).Theseinclude:(a)wideningsectionsoftrailfrom10feetto12-16feetandplacinganaggregatebasealongthetrailtoimprovethetrailsurfacealongtheSFCnorthlevee,(b)providinganadditionaltrailaccesspointlocatedatEastBayshoreRoadontheSFCnorthlevee;(c)pavingandimprovingsectionsoftrailalongtheSFCsouthlevee;and(d)furtherimprovingallaccesspointsbyformalizingtrailconnectionsthroughtheuseofgateimprovements,signage,andotherpublicaccessamenities.Bollardsandgatesimprovementsattheaccesspointswouldalsoservetolimitunauthorizedrecreationalmotorvehicleaccesstothetrails,andprotectpedestrians,bicyclists,andwildlife.

SpecialConditionsII-G-1throughII-G-7havebeenincludedhereintoensurethatthepermitteewillobtainfinalapprovalforallpublicaccessplans,constructthepublicaccessaccordingtothesubmittedplansandmaintainpublicaccessovertime.TheCommissionfindsthatthepublicaccessimprovementsrequiredhereinwillimprovecurrentpublicaccesstrails,providemoreformalaccesstothetrailsaroundSanFrancisquitoCreekandwillprovidethemaximumfeasiblepublicaccessconsistentwiththeproject.

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2. MinimizeImpactstoWildlife.TheBayPlanPublicAccesspolicy2states,inpart

that“…publicaccesstotheBay…shouldbeprovidedinandthrougheverynewdevelopmentintheBayorontheshoreline…exceptincaseswherepublicaccesswouldbeclearlyinconsistentwiththeprojectbecauseofpublicsafetyconsiderationsorsignificantuseconflicts,includingunavoidable,significantadverseeffectonBaynaturalresources.Inthesecases,inlieuaccessatanotherlocationpreferablyneartheprojectshouldbeprovided.”Additionally,PublicAccesspolicy3statesinpart,“…projectsin[naturalareaswithsensitivewildlife]shouldbecarefullyevaluatedinconsultationwithappropriateagenciestodeterminetheappropriatelocationandtypeofaccesstobeprovided.”PublicAccesspolicy4states,inpart,that“[p]ublicaccessshouldbesited,designedandmanagedtopreventsignificantadverseeffectsonwildlife….”

ThroughitsBO,theUSFWSexcludedtheuseoftheleveesalongthenorth,southandeasternsideofFaberTractMarshforpublicaccessinordertoprotectlistedspeciesandtheirhabitat.Limitingpublicaccessontopoftheseleveesisprotectiveofthestate-andfederally-listedRidgway’srailandsaltmarshharvestmousefoundinandaroundFaberTractMarsh.TofurtherprotecttheseandotherspeciesandinresponsetoUSFWSrequirements,thepermitteeproposestoinstallapredatorexclusionfencealongtheSFCnorthleveeneartheconnectionpointtotheBayTrailandFriendshipBridge(ExhibitB).Thisfencingisintendedtokeepoutmammalianpredatorsandpreventhumansfromenteringthearea.Thedesignofthisfenceisstillinreview,andstaffwillworkwiththepermitteetoauthorizeafencethatbothreducespredatoraccessanddoesnotunnecessarilyblockviewstotheBay.SpecialConditionII-G-3includedhereinensuresthatthepermitteewillcontinuetoworkwithCommissionstafftodetermineappropriateheightsandmaterialsthatwillminimizeimpactstowildlifeandmaximizeviewsoftheBayandFaberTractMarsh.

3. ViablePublicAccessandMaintenance.BayPlanpoliciesonpublicaccessstatethat“[p]ublicaccessshouldbesited,designed,managedandmaintainedtoavoidsignificantadverseimpactsfromsealevelriseandshorelineflooding.”TheprojectwouldprovidepublicaccessalongthecrownoftheleveesoneithersideoftheSanFrancisquitoCreek.BayPlanPublicAccesspolicy6states,“[w]heneverpublicaccesstotheBayisprovidedasaconditionofdevelopment,onfillorontheshoreline,theaccessshouldbepermanentlyguaranteed…anypublicaccessprovidedasaconditionofdevelopmentshouldeitherberequiredtoremainviableintheeventoffuturesealevelriseorflooding,orequivalentaccessconsistentwiththeprojectshouldbeprovidednearby.”

Thepublicaccessproposedbythepermitteeislocatedprimarilyonleveetops,onandadjacenttoabridgecrossingthecreek,andaboardwalkovernewlycreatedmarsh(ExhibitD).Thefloodprotectionleveesandbridgearedesignedtothe100-yearfloodlevel,witha100-yeartideandsealevelrise(26inches)forthelifeoftheproject(2060).Beyond2060,thepermitteehasstatedthat

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earthenleveesincludedintheprojecthavethepotentialtoberaisedfurtherbyaddingearthenbasketsoradditionalfloodwallsofsyntheticpilingandthatexistingsteelsheetpilefloodwallscouldberaisedbyweldingadditionalsteelsheetstotheexistingstructure.ThepermitteeusedtheOurCoastOurFuture(OCOF)projections(ExhibitM)toillustratethatevenwithaboutfivefeetofsealevelriseat2100,whichisthebestavailabledataatthistime,floodingwouldlikelyoccurwithintheFaberTractMarshandthegolfcoursetothenorthandsouthofthecreek,butthattheleveesaremostlynotovertoppedbaseduponthecurrentdesign.Therefore,thepublicaccesswouldremainviablethroughthelifeoftheproject.

TheCommissionfindsthatthepublicaccessprovidedbytheprojectasdesignedandconditionedhereinwillprovidethemaximumfeasiblepublicaccess,protectadjacentwildliferefugeareasandspecieswithinthoseareas,andremainviableoverthelifeoftheproject.

F. BayPlanPriorityUseAreas.PortionsoftheprojectarelocatedwithintwopriorityuseareasdesignatedintheBayPlanasshowninBayPlanMap7:thenorthernleveeadjacenttoFaberTractisdesignatedasaWaterfrontParkpriorityuseareaandFaberTractisdesignateasaWildlifeRefugepriorityusearea.TheRefugehasclosedthepublicaccessalongtheseleveestoprotectRidgway’srailandsaltmarshharvestmouseinhabitingFaberTractMarsh,therebylimitingtheuseasaWaterfrontPark.TheprojectwouldprovideinterpretivesignagenearFriendshipBridgeandthenewboardwalktoprovideinformationrelatedtoFaberTractMarshandthewildlifewithinthearea,thussupportingtheWaterfrontParkuseintheadjacentarea,whileprotectingsensitivespeciesandtheirhabitat.

Inaddition,thePaloAltoGolfCourse(golfcourse)isdesignatedasawaterfrontparkpriorityusearea.Theprojectwouldpermanentlyimpactasmallportion(8.6acres)ofthisusebydecreasingthesizeofthegolfcoursetowidenthecreek,providingadditionalflowcapacityandcreatingnewtidalmarsh.AccesstothegolfcoursewouldbetemporarilyclosedduringtheprojectandwhiletheCityofPaloAltoworksonaplannedreconfigurationofthegolfcourse.Inapproximatelytwoyears,recreationalopportunitiesatthegolfcoursewouldbefullyrestored.

TheWildlifePriorityUseareawouldbeimpactedduringtheconstructionofthehightiderefugia,transitionalslopesandleveerepair.Whiletherewillbesomedisruptiontowildlifeuse,theconstructionwilloccurduringenvironmentalworkwindowsfromJune15thtoOctober15th.Theworkonthetoeoftheleveesislimitedtoafewsmallareas,andcarewillbetakentoavoidharmtolistedspeciesthroughbestmanagementpractices.Workwithinthemarshisexpectedtobeconductedmostlywithhand-operatedtools,andthereforewilllimitimpactsonwildlifeuseofthearea.

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TheCommissionfindsthattheprojectasdesignedwouldtemporarilyaffecttheWaterfrontParkandWildlifeRefugepriorityuseareas,butafterconstructioniscomplete,theusewouldberestored.TheexceptiontothisisthelimiteduseoftheleveealongFaberTract,butinterpretivesignagesupportsthedesignatedWaterfrontParkuseandtheclosureoftheleveeisconsistentwithwildlifeprotection.Therefore,theprojectasauthorizedandconditionedisconsistentwiththeWaterfrontParkandWildlifeRefugepriorityusedesignationsoftheBayPlan.

G. ProtectionofShoreline.BayPlanpoliciesonShorelineProtectionPolicy1,states,inpart,“[n]ewshorelineprotectionprojectsandmaintenanceorreconstructionofexistingprojectsandusesshouldbeauthorizedif:(a)theprojectisnecessarytoprovidefloodorerosionprotectionfor(i)existingdevelopment,useorinfrastructure,or(ii)proposeddevelopment,useorinfrastructurethatisconsistentwithotherBayPlanpolicies…(c)theprojectisproperlyengineeredtoprovideerosioncontrolandfloodprotectionfortheexpectedlifeoftheprojectbasedona100-yearfloodeventthattakesfuturesealevelriseintoaccount…[and](e)theprotectionisintegratedwithcurrentorplannedadjacentshorelineprotectionmeasures….”

BayPlanPolicy3requiresthatauthorizedshorelineprotectionprojectsberegularlymaintainedaccordingtoalong-termmaintenanceprogramandassureprotectionfromtidalerosionandfloodingandminimizeimpactstonaturalresourcesduringthelifeoftheproject.ShorelineProtectionPolicy4requiresthatwheneverfeasible,shorelineprotectionprojectsshouldincludenonstructuralelementsthatincludeelementsforBayecosystemenhancementandthatinshorelineareasthatsupportmarshvegetation,theCommissionshouldrequiretheinclusionofprojectprovisionsforestablishingmarshandtransitionalhabitatsaspartofshorelineprotectionmeasures.ShorelineProtectionPolicy5requiresthatimpactstonaturalresourcesandpublicaccessfromnewshorelineprotectionprojectsbeavoided,mitigatedoralternativepublicaccessshouldbeprovided.

Inordertoimproveshorelineprotection,theprojectwouldconstructasteelsheetpilefloodwallalongapproximately500linearfeetneartheO’ConnorWayPumpStationandFriendshipBridgetoconnecttheoutfallstructureatthepumpstationtotheadjacentupstreamanddownstreamleveesforshorelineprotection.Approximately200linearfeetofthefloodwallwouldbewithintheCommission’sshorelinebandjurisdiction,withportionsofthefloodwallembeddedwithintheleveeonthesouthernedgeofFaberTractMarsh.Thesheetpilefloodwallwouldprovidecontinuousshorelineprotectionandstrengthentheleveeagainsthighervolumesandvelocitiesoffloodwaterthattheprojectwouldaccommodate.

Torestorefloodprotectionalongthecreek,lowspotsontheunmaintainedleveenorthofSanFrancisquitoCreekwouldberepairedwithengineeredsoilstostrengthentheleveeandaccommodateanticipatedfuturehighflowevents.Thefinalheightoftheleveewouldbeamaximumof13feet(NAVD88).Inreinforcing

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thelevee,thetoeoftheleveewithinFaberTractwouldbewidenedandanewslopeatsixhorizontaltooneverticalfootwouldbecreatedtoprotectagainstleveeerosionduetoflowovertopping,andreducepotentialimpactstotheadjacentmarsh.Thewideningofthetoeoftheleveewillstabilizeitwithouttheneedforplacingriprapwithinthemarsh.

InaccordancewithPolicy4,thepermitteeanticipatesthattidalmarshvegetationandtransitionzonehabitatswouldmigrateuptheleveeslopesadjustingtothechanginghydrologyandwouldremainpresentwithtwofeetofpredictedsealevelrise.However,thereispotentialforsubstantiallossoftidalmarshhabitatwithintheprojectareawithpredictedsealevelriseofaboutfivefeet,buttheseimpactswouldbebeyondthecurrentplannedlifeoftheproject.RegardingShorelineProtectionPolicy5,theprojectwouldhavepotentialimpactstohabitatandwildlife,whichitisaddressingthroughmitigationmeasuresdiscussedunderthemitigationsectionabove.

Theprojectincludestheplacementofminoramountsoffillforshorelineprotectionandtheuseofhabitatfeaturestosupportandrestoremarshvegetationwithinthecreek.SpecialConditionsII-Hhereinrequiresthatallriprapinstalledduringtheprojectwillbeappropriatelydesignedandmaintainedoverthelifeoftheproject.Additionally,SpecialConditionsII-BandII-Crequireconstructionbestmanagementpracticestominimizeimpactstoadjacentmarshandaquaticenvironmentsduringprojectconstruction.Impactsassociatedwiththeplacementofriprap,constructionoffloodwallsandleveeswillbemitigatedthroughhabitatrestorationinSanFrancisquitoCreekandFaberMarshandasrequiredinSpecialConditionII-F.

SpecialConditionshavebeenaddedhereintoensurethattheshorelineimprovementsarebuilttoappropriateengineeringsafetystandardsandundergoplanreviewandthattheshorelineprotectionfeatures(levees,floodwalls,riprap,etc.)areappropriatelymaintainedoverthelifeoftheproject.Theprojecthasalsobeendesignedtoaccountforreasonableforeseeablefloodingandstormwaterhazardsoverthelifeoftheproject.

WiththeSpecialConditionsincludedabove,theCommissionfindsthattheprojectdesignwillbeconstructedinaccordancewithsoundsafetystandards,offerprotectiontopersonsandpropertyagainstfloodingorstormwaterhazardsoverthelifeoftheproject,willminimizeimpactstonaturalresources,andthattheauthorizedfillwillestablishapermanentshorelinetoprotectresidentsinareasadjacenttothecreek.

H. ReviewBoards

1. EngineeringCriteriaReviewBoard.TheEngineeringCriteriaReviewBoarddidnotevaluatetheproposedproject.

2. DesignReviewBoard.Giventhenatureoftheproposedimprovements,theDesignReviewBoarddidnotevaluatetheproposedproject.

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I. EnvironmentalReview.InaccordancewiththeCaliforniaEnvironmentalQualityAct

(CEQA)requirements,theJPAcertifiedtheFinalEnvironmentalImpactReport(FEIR)fortheprojectonOctober25,2012(JPAResolutionNumber12-10-25A).TheFEIRfoundthattheprojectwouldhavesignificantimpactstosomespecialstatusspeciesandtheirhabitatareas,airquality,andrecreation,ofwhichmostimpactscouldbereducedtoaless-than-significantlevelthroughminimizationandmitigationmeasures.However,theCEQAreviewfoundthattheprojectwouldlikelyresultinsignificantandunavoidableeffectsonairqualityassociatedwithconstructionofvariousprojectelementsduringallprojectphases.Additionally,theprojectwouldhavesignificantandunavoidableeffectsonrecreationduetoareductioninthesizeoftheexistinggolfcourse(lossof7.4acresofgolfcourse)asaresultoftheleveerealignmentandcreekwidening.TheJPAhascommittedtoallfeasiblemitigationtoreduceimpactsonairquality,buttheresidualeffectisstilllikelytobesignificant.TheproposedmitigationmeasureforrecreationimpactsisoutsidetheJPA’sjurisdictionandthereforecannotbeguaranteed.Noadditionalfeasiblemitigationforrecreationalimpactsisavailable.

TheJPAadoptedaStatementofOverridingConsiderations,whichacknowledgedtheexistingfloodrisksalongSanFrancisquitoCreekassociatedwithlackofadequatecapacityinthecreek,andconsideredtheanalysisofalltheprojectoutcomes.TheJPAfoundthattheeconomic,social,andenvironmentalbenefitsofmeetingtheproject’sfloodprotectiongoalsoutweighthesignificantandunavoidableairqualityandrecreationimpactsassociatedwiththeproject’sconstructionandoperation.TheWaterBoardagreedonApril7,2015thattheFEIRappropriatelyaddressedtheforeseeablepotentialenvironmentalimpactsfromtheproject.

J. Conclusion.Foralltheabovereasons,theCommissionfinds,declares,andcertifiesthat,subjecttotheSpecialConditionsstatedherein,theprojectauthorizedhereinisconsistentwiththeMcAteer-PetrisAct,theSanFranciscoBayPlan,theCommission’sRegulations,theCaliforniaEnvironmentalQualityAct,andtheCommission’sAmendedManagementProgramfortheSanFranciscoBaysegmentoftheCaliforniacoastalzone.

IV. StandardConditions

A. PermitExecution.Thispermitshallnottakeeffectunlessthepermittee(s)executetheoriginalofthispermitandreturnittotheCommissionwithintendaysafterthedateoftheissuanceofthepermit.NoworkshallbedoneuntiltheacknowledgmentisdulyexecutedandreturnedtotheCommission.

B. NoticeofCompletion.TheattachedNoticeofCompletionandDeclarationofComplianceformshallbereturnedtotheCommissionwithin30daysfollowingcompletionofthework.

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C. PermitAssignment.Therights,duties,andobligationscontainedinthispermitare

assignable.Whenthepermittee(s)transferanyinterestinanypropertyeitheronwhichtheactivityisauthorizedtooccurorwhichisnecessarytoachievefullcomplianceofoneormoreconditionstothispermit,thepermittee(s)/transferorsandthetransfereesshallexecuteandsubmittotheCommissionapermitassignmentformacceptabletotheExecutiveDirector.AnassignmentshallnotbeeffectiveuntiltheassigneesexecuteandtheExecutiveDirectorreceivesanacknowledgmentthattheassigneeshavereadandunderstandthepermitandagreetobeboundbythetermsandconditionsofthepermit,andtheassigneesareacceptedbytheExecutiveDirectorasbeingreasonablycapableofcomplyingwiththetermsandconditionsofthepermit.

D. PermitRunsWiththeLand.Unlessotherwiseprovidedinthispermit,thetermsandconditionsofthispermitshallbindallfutureownersandfuturepossessorsofanylegalinterestinthelandandshallrunwiththeland.

E. OtherGovernmentApprovals.Allrequiredpermissionsfromgovernmentalbodiesmustbeobtainedbeforethecommencementofwork;thesebodiesinclude,butarenotlimitedto,theU.S.ArmyCorpsofEngineers,theStateLandsCommission,theRegionalWaterQualityControlBoard,andthecityorcountyinwhichtheworkistobeperformed,wheneveranyofthesemayberequired.Thispermitdoesnotrelievethepermittee(s)ofanyobligationsimposedbyStateorFederallaw,eitherstatutoryorotherwise.

F. BuiltProjectmustbeConsistentwithApplication.Workmustbeperformedintheprecisemannerandatthepreciselocationsindicatedinyourapplication,assuchmayhavebeenmodifiedbythetermsofthepermitandanyplansapprovedinwritingbyoronbehalfoftheCommission.

G. LifeofAuthorization.Unlessotherwiseprovidedinthispermit,allthetermsandconditionsofthispermitshallremaineffectiveforsolongasthepermitremainsineffectorforsolongasanyuseorconstructionauthorizedbythispermitexists,whicheverislonger.

H. CommissionJurisdiction.AnyareasubjecttothejurisdictionoftheSanFranciscoBayConservationandDevelopmentCommissionundereithertheMcAteer-PetrisActortheSuisunMarshPreservationActatthetimethepermitisgrantedorthereaftershallremainsubjecttothatjurisdictionnotwithstandingtheplacementofanyfillortheimplementationofanysubstantialchangeinuseauthorizedbythispermit.AnyareanotsubjecttothejurisdictionoftheSanFranciscoBayConservationandDevelopmentCommissionthatbecomes,asaresultofanyworkorprojectauthorizedinthispermit,subjecttotidalactionshallbecomesubjecttotheCommission’s“bay”jurisdiction.

48

I. ChangestotheCommission’sJurisdictionasaResultofNaturalProcesses.This

permitreflectsthelocationoftheshorelineofSanFranciscoBaywhenthepermitwasissued.Overtime,erosion,avulsion,accretion,subsidence,relativesealevelchange,andotherfactorsmaychangethelocationoftheshoreline,whichmay,inturn,changetheextentoftheCommission’sregulatoryjurisdiction.Therefore,theissuanceofthispermitdoesnotguaranteethattheCommission’sjurisdictionwillnotchangeinthefuture.

J. ViolationofPermitMayLeadtoPermitRevocation.Exceptasotherwisenoted,violationofanyofthetermsofthispermitshallbegroundsforrevocation.TheCommissionmayrevokeanypermitforsuchviolationafterapublichearingheldonreasonablenoticetothepermittee(s)ortheirassigneesifthepermithasbeeneffectivelyassigned.Ifthepermitisrevoked,theCommissionmaydetermine,ifitdeemsappropriate,thatallorpartofanyfillorstructureplacedpursuanttothispermitshallberemovedbythepermittee(s)ortheirassigneesifthepermithasbeenassigned.

K. ShouldPermitConditionsBeFoundtobeIllegalorUnenforceable.UnlesstheCommissiondirectsotherwise,thispermitshallbecomenullandvoidifanyterm,standardcondition,orspecialconditionofthispermitshallbefoundillegalorunenforceablethroughtheapplicationofstatute,administrativeruling,orcourtdetermination.Ifthispermitbecomesnullandvoid,anyfillorstructuresplacedinrelianceonthispermitshallbesubjecttoremovalbythepermittee(s)ortheirassigneesifthepermithasbeenassignedtotheextentthattheCommissiondeterminesthatsuchremovalisappropriate.AnyusesauthorizedshallbeterminatedtotheextentthattheCommissiondeterminesthatsuchusesshouldbeterminated.

L. PermissiontoConductSiteVisit.Thepermittee(s)shallgrantpermissiontoanymemberoftheCommission’sstafftoconductasitevisitatthesubjectpropertyduringandafterconstructiontoverifythattheprojectisbeingandhasbeenconstructedincompliancewiththeauthorizationandconditionscontainedherein.Sitevisitsmayoccurduringbusinesshourswithoutpriornoticeandafterbusinesshourswith24-hournotice.

M.Abandonment.If,atanytime,theCommissiondeterminesthattheimprovementsintheBayauthorizedhereinhavebeenabandonedforaperiodoftwoyearsormore,orhavedeterioratedtothepointthatpublichealth,safetyorwelfareisadverselyaffected,theCommissionmayrequirethattheimprovementsberemovedbythepermittee(s),itsassigneesorsuccessorsininterest,orbytheowneroftheimprovements,within60daysorsuchotherreasonabletimeastheCommissionmaydirect.

49

O. In-Kind Repairs and Maintenance. Any in-kind repair and maintenance work

authorized herein shall not result in an enlargement of the authorized structuralfootprint and shall only involve construction materials approved for use in SanFranciscoBay.Workshalloccurduringperiodsdesignatedtoavoid impacts to fishand wildlife. The permittee(s) shall contact Commission staff to confirm currentrestrictedperiodsforconstruction.

ICF INTERNATIONAL

CJ Project Site

USGS Topo Base: Mountain View Quad 1991, PaloMo Quad 1991 .

0 I

SAN MATEO

co

ALAMEDA CO

.~ SANTA CLARA CO

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SANTA · CRUZ co

Figure 1 Vicinity Map

San Francisquito Creek Flood Reduction, Ecosystem Restoration & Recreation Project

!.

!.

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£¤101

Faber Marsh

Outer Faber Marsh

San Francisquito Creek

City of East Palo AltoSan Mateo County

City of Palo AltoSanta Clara County

New FenceApproximate Location

Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, i-cubed, Earthstar Geographics,CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP,swisstopo, and the GIS User Community

®0 410 820 1,230205

Feet

GIS themes are for illustration and general analysispurposes and are not accurate to surveying orengineering standards. Information is not guaranteedto be accurate, current, or complete and use of thisinformation is your responsibility

San Francisquito Creek Flood Reduction, Ecosystem Restoration, andRecreation Project from San Francisco Bay to Highway 101

Figure 1: Proposed Project Elements

January 2016

Legend!. Predator Exclusion Fence Location

!. Approximate Velocity Refuge Locations

Fence

General Refuge Island Location

Berm Enhancement Areas

Rock Slope Protection

Floodwalls

Bay Levee Degrade/Tidal Marsh Restoration and Access

Levees

Tidal Marsh Restoration Areas

Approximate Soil Stockpile Location

Staging Areas

SFC North Levee

SFC South Levee

Exhibit B

Potential refuge island locations. The footprint of construction in this area is not shown because it has not been finalizedyet and would not be legible at this scale.

Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, i-cubed, Earthstar Geographics,CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP,swisstopo, and the GIS User Community

GIS themes are for illustration and general analysis purposes and are notaccurate to surveying or engineering standards. Information is not guaranteedto be accurate, current, or complete and use of this information is yourresponsibility

San Francisquito Creek Flood Reduction, Ecosystem Restoration, and

Recreation Project from San Francisco Bay to Highway 101

Figure 3b: Post-project BCDC Jurisdiction Map

January 2016®0 220 440 660 880110Feet

Legend

Project Footprint

Post-project BCDC Jurisdiction

Bay

Shoreline Band

Newly Incorporated BCDC Jurisdiction

Exhibit C

!.

!.

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!.

!.

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GIS themes are for illustration and general analysis purposes and are not

accurate to surveying or engineering standards. Information is not guaranteed

to be accurate, current, or complete and use of this information is your

responsibility

San Francisquito Creek Flood Reduction, Ecosystem Restoration, and

Recreation Project from San Francisco Bay to Highway 101

January 2016®0 300 600 900 1,200150

Feet

Exhibit A: Public Access DiagramBCDC Permit No. 2013.007.00

Legend

!. Trail Access Points

Existing Trail to Remain

Existing Trail to be Improved (BCDC Required)

New Trail to be Constructed (BCDC Required)

Exi

stin

g Tra

il

Trail Access Point

with signage and

bollards, typ.

Existing Friendship

Bridge to remain

New Boardwalk to

be constructed

(interpretive signage

will be added here)

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Daphne W

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O'Connor St

Runnymeade St

Service Layer Credits: Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe,

GeoEye, i-cubed, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus

DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP,

swisstopo, and the GIS User Community

Exhibit D

SFC North Levee

SFC South Levee

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LEGEND:

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HJ. HARVEY & ASSOCIATES Figure 8: High Tide Refuge Island Typical Cross-Section Son froncisquito Cree~ Flood Proteciion Projeci

Conceptual High nde Refuge Habitat Creation and Revegetofion Planning 13700-01) December 20t 5