HomeMy WebLinkAboutAvila Ranch BMMP Quarterly Report_2022Q1
Biological Mitigation and Monitoring Plan
2022 Quarter 1
for
Avila Ranch Development Phases 1-3
City of San Luis Obispo, California
Prepared for
Avila Ranch, LLC
735 Tank Farm Road, Suite 240
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
by
ALTHOUSE AND MEADE, INC.
BIOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
1602 Spring Street
Paso Robles, CA 93446
(805) 237-9626
April 2022
838.10
Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.10
Biological Mitigation and Monitoring Plan for Avila Ranch Development i
2022 Quarter 1
Table of Contents
1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ 1
1.1 Permit Background and Purpose ......................................................................... 1
1.2 Location ............................................................................................................... 1
1.3 Contact Information ............................................................................................. 1
2 SUMMARY OF PREVIOUS QUARTERLY REPORTS ............................................... 1
3 CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES ................................................................................... 4
3.1 Phase 1 Underground Utilities ............................................................................. 5
3.2 Vertical Construction ........................................................................................... 5
3.3 Sidewalk and Street Construction........................................................................ 6
3.4 Buckley Road Extension ...................................................................................... 6
3.5 Phase 3 and Future Phase 6 Soil Stockpiling ...................................................... 7
3.6 Landscaping ........................................................................................................ 7
3.7 Site Dewatering ................................................................................................... 7
3.8 Erosion Control BMPs ......................................................................................... 8
4 ENFORCEMENT ISSUES .......................................................................................... 8
5 WETLAND MITIGATION MEASURES ....................................................................... 9
5.1 Storm Drain Outfall #2 ......................................................................................... 9
5.2 Corner Wetland Expansion ................................................................................ 10
Table
TABLE 1. RESPONSIBLE PARTIES ............................................................................. 1
List of Figures
FIGURE 1. UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY TOPOGRAPHIC MAP ............ 2
FIGURE 2. AERIAL PHOTOGRAPH.............................................................................. 3
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Biological Mitigation and Monitoring Plan for Avila Ranch Development 1
2022 Quarter 1
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Permit Background and Purpose
This summary report has been prepared in accordance with quarterly reporting requirements
outlined in Mitigation Measure BIO-1b of the Biological Mitigation and Monitoring Plan
(BMMP) for Avila Ranch Development (Project), which states:
The Environmental Monitor shall provide quarterly reports to the City regarding
construction activities, enforcement issues and remedial measures.
This report covers the period of January 1 through March 31, 2022.
1.2 Location
Monitoring activities were conducted within the Project area located near the intersection of
Buckley Road and Vachell Lane, in the City of San Luis Obispo, California. Project location
coordinates are 35.23850°N, 120.66880°W (WGS84) in the Pismo Beach United States Geological
Survey (USGS) 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle (Figure 1). A Project aerial photograph is
provided as Figure 2.
1.3 Contact Information
Contact information for the Project property owner representative, biological consultant, and lead
agency is provided in Table 1.
TABLE 1. RESPONSIBLE PARTIES
Owner Representative Biological Consultant Lead Agency
Avila Ranch, LLC
Dan Garson
735 Tank Farm Rd., Ste. 240
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
(805) 595-5440
Althouse and Meade, Inc.
LynneDee Althouse
LynneDee@alt-me.com
Greg Salas
Greg@alt-me.com
1602 Spring Street
Paso Robles, CA 93446
(805) 237-9626
City of San Luis Obispo
Office of Sustainability
Robert Hill
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
(805) 781-7211
2 SUMMARY OF PREVIOUS QUARTERLY REPORTS
This is the eighth BMMP Quarterly Summary Report for the Project. Ground disturbance at the
Project was initiated on February 12, 2020 for Phases 1-3. Construction activities have continued
through this reporting period. Thus far, work has primarily been focused on Phase 1 of the Project
and the Buckley Road extension. Major grading has been completed in these areas. During this
reporting period, work started on vertical construction of Phase 1 homes and Phase 1 landscaping.
Additionally, work continued on essential infrastructure (roads and utilities) in Phase 1 and the
Buckley Road extension (Figure 2). To date, there have been no compliance issues reported.
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Legend
Action Area
Active Phase
Inactive Phase
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Avila Ranch
Map Center: 120.67218°W 35.23753°N
San Luis Obispo, California
Imagery Source: USDA NAIP, 05/21/2020
0 500 1,000 Feet
Figure 2. Aerial Photograph
Higuera Street
Buckley Road
Vachell Lane
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s Osos Valley Road
Tank Farm Road
Phase 4
Phase 3
Phase 2
Phase 1
Phase 5
Phase 6
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Buckley Ro a d E x t e n s i o n
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3 CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES
Work activities during the first quarter of 2022 included continued underground utility work in
Phase 1, vertical construction, sidewalk and street construction, Buckley Road extension work,
soil stockpiling in Phase 3 and future Phase 6, landscaping, site dewatering, and ongoing erosion
control BMP upkeep.
According to Mitigation Measure BIO-1b of the BMMP, “a CDFW-approved biologist shall be
present during all construction occurring within 50 feet of Tank Farm Creek, riparian habitat,
drainages, and seasonal or permanent wetlands.” A qualified Environmental Monitor was present
for all work conducted within the 50-foot buffer zone. No sensitive species or compliance issues
were noted.
According to Mitigation Measure BIO-3a of the BMMP, “The City-approved qualified biologist
shall conduct training to all construction personnel to familiarize construction crews with sensitive
species that have the potential to occur within the Project site.” Worker education was provided
to all construction staff prior to the start of work. A log of all trained employees is kept onsite
with the Environmental Monitor.
According to Mitigation Measure BIO-3b of the BMMP, the Nesting Bird Season is from February
15 to August 15 and “a pre-construction nesting bird survey shall take place within one week of
habitat disturbance.” Pre-construction surveys were conducted immediately prior to the start of
any vegetation-disturbing activities. No nests were observed.
According to Mitigation Measure BIO-3c of the BMMP, “within 48 hours prior to construction
activities within 50 feet of Tank Farm Creek, drainages, and seas onal wetlands, the Project site
shall be surveyed for California red-legged frogs.” Pre-construction surveys were conducted
immediately prior to the start of any work within the 50-foot buffer zone. No frogs were observed
during the surveys, and none have been observed onsite to date.
According to Mitigation Measure BIO-3d of the BMMP, “within 48 hours prior to construction
activities within 50 feet of Tank Farm Creek, drainages, and seasonal wetlands, the Project site
shall be surveyed for western pond turtles.” Pre-construction surveys were conducted immediately
prior to the start of any work within the 50-foot buffer zone. No turtles were observed during the
surveys, and none have been observed onsite to date.
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3.1 Phase 1 Underground Utilities
Trenching for underground utilities, sewer, and storm drains in Phase 1 started on September 23,
2020, and continued through this reporting period. All trenching work areas were previously
disturbed by initial site grading work. During this reporting period, work continued with
installation of the sewer lift station and motor court utilities.
Photo 1. Sewer lift station paving completed,
view north. March 29, 2022.
Photo 2. Motor court utility trenching. March
9, 2022.
3.2 Vertical Construction
Vertical construction of homes started on January 31, 2022. So far, work has consisted of pouring
the concrete pads for homes and framing of the homes. Vertical work started with the model
homes on Bravo Street and then jumped over to the western end of Earthwood Lane, working
eastward.
Photo 3. Housing pad concrete form install on
western Earthwood Lane. March 7, 2022.
Photo 4. Framing of model homes on Bravo
Street. March 23, 2022.
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3.3 Sidewalk and Street Construction
Construction on the Phase 1 sidewalks and streets began on May 10, 2021. To date, streetlights,
sidewalks, gutters, and asphalt have been installed in all of Phase 1. R.W. Scott is the primary
contractor for the sidewalk and street work.
Photo 5. Earthwood Lane roundabout prior to
paving, view south. February 7, 2022.
Photo 6. Asphalt paving work on Venture
Drive, view east. March 7, 2022.
3.4 Buckley Road Extension
Photo 7. Placement of gravel fill in Corner
Wetland, view south. February 17, 2022.
Photo 8. Completed lower retaining wall,
adjacent to South Higuera Street, view north.
March 7, 2022.
On July 23, work started on the Buckley Road extension from Vachell Lane to South Higuera
Street. The large cut for the right of way is complete and the spoils were relocated to future Phase
6 for stockpiling. Buckley Road infrastructure, including storm drains, the extension of a box
culvert under South Higuera Street, and retaining walls were the primary focus during this
reporting period. Additionally, during this reporting period, work was started on the Buckley Road
expansion into the Corner Wetland on February 14, 2022. A small portion (1,832 square feet or
0.04 acre) of the western edge of the approximately 0.29-acre wetland was filled in, and
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permanently impacted, in preparation for the expansion of Buckley Road. Mitigation work for
this agency-approved impact has already been initiated and is reported in Section 5.2.
3.5 Phase 3 and Future Phase 6 Soil Stockpiling
Soil stockpiling in future Phases 3 and 6 continued during this reporting period. The soil is coming
from onsite operations, as well as import from other sites.
Photo 9. Phase 3 soil stockpile, view north.
February 24, 2022.
Photo 10. Phase 6 soil stockpile, view west.
February 24, 2022.
3.6 Landscaping
Along with vertical construction, Phase 1 landscaping also started during this reporting period.
Work included irrigation installation and planting along main roads.
Photo 11. Irrigation install and prep work at
Park C, facing northwest. January 26, 2022.
Photo 12. Trees planted along Earthwood Lane.
March 29, 2022.
3.7 Site Dewatering
Heavy rainfall in December once again caused site flooding, due to heavy clay soils. Water was
allowed to evaporate from the site, but eventually it was decided that the irrigation pipeline , used
for dewatering in 2021, would need to be reinstalled to facilitate construction progress. On
February 21, work commenced on constructing the irrigation pipeline parallel to Tank Farm Creek,
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along the Phase 1 bike path. The pipeline extends from the large retention basin in Phase 1, through
Phase 2, across the agricultural crossing, and to the borrow pit in Phase 4. Water was pumped out
of the Phase 1 basin and Phases 2 & 3 and deposited into the Phase 4 borrow pit. Water has been
left in the Phase 4 borrow pit to evaporate.
Photo 13. West end of irrigation pipeline at
large retention basin in Phase 1. February 22,
2022.
Photo 14. East end of irrigation pipeline
pumping water into Phase 4 borrow pit.
February 24, 2022.
3.8 Erosion Control BMPs
Erosion control BMPs were installed and maintained during this reporting period. This work
consisted primarily of silt fence maintenance and straw wattle installation. All BMPs were
installed in accordance with the site-specific Erosion Control Plan.
4 ENFORCEMENT ISSUES
No compliance issues were noted during this reporting period.
According to Mitigation Measure BIO-1a of the BMMP, “Construction shall occur during daylight
hours (7:00 AM to 7:00 PM or sunset, whichever is sooner) to avoid impacts to avoid impacts to
nocturnal and crepuscular (dawn and dusk activity period) species. No construction night lighting
shall be permitted within 100 yards of the top of the creek banks.” On February 15th, 2022, Bob
Hill (SLO City) was notified that concrete work at the sewer lift station would need to occur on
February 16th and 17th prior to sunrise. The need for this work was caused by a shortage of
available concrete trucking and the time needed to complete the finishing work of the concrete
pads (i.e., there were no available delivery options post-sunrise that would allow enough time to
complete the work pre-sunset). Pre-sunrise work did occur on February 16th but did not end up
needing to occur on the 17th. To address the concerns brought up in Mitigation Measure BIO-1a,
the following actions were taken:
• A nesting bird survey of the adjacent riparian habitat was conducted on February 15th to
ensure no nesting birds would be impacted by the night lighting. No nests or birds
displaying nesting behavior were observed.
• Night lighting was placed in a manner that prevented it from shining on Tank Farm Creek.
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• A qualified biologist conducted a pre-activity survey of the work area and adjacent riparian
habitat to clear for California red-legged frog and western pond turtle. No individuals were
observed, and none have seen to date on the Project.
• A qualified biologist was present to monitor all night work activities.
Photo 15. Night lighting placed in a manner to
prevent light from shining on Tank Farm Creek.
February 16, 2022.
Photo 16. Night lighting placed in a manner to
prevent light from shining on Tank Farm Creek.
February 16, 2022.
According to Mitigation Measure BIO-6 of the BMMP, “All work in and within 100 feet of Tank
Farm Creek, including work within the creek setback, shall occur outside of the rainy season
(April 15th to October 15th, unless approved otherwise by the RWQCB), during periods when the
creek channel is dry and water flows are absent.” The RWQCB was contacted in 2020 for approval
to continue work within the 100-foot setback beyond October 15th. On November 10, 2020, the
RWQCB (Phil Hammer, via email) confirmed that they had no requirements against the work,
provided all water quality standards were complied with. Work within the 100-foot setback has
continued and no water quality issues have been noted.
5 WETLAND MITIGATION MEASURES
5.1 Storm Drain Outfall #2
Installation of a storm drain outfall was conducted on September 28, 2020. To make room for the
outfall, willow trees in the work area were trimmed prior to the start of work, on September 25,
2020. According to Mitigation Measure BIO-2c of the BMMP, “Riparian trees four inches or
greater measured at diameter-at-breast- height (DBH) shall be replaced in-kind at a minimum ratio
of 3:1 (replaced: removed). Trees measured at 24 inches or greater DBH shall be replaced in-kind
at a minimum ratio of 10:1.” One tree meeting the “four inches or greater” criteria was removed
and required mitigation.
On March 3, 2021, twelve live willow stakes were planted around the banks of the storm drain
outlet. Currently, seven of the twelve stakes have been successful. The willow stakes will continue
to be monitored for success by the Environmental Monitor.
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Photo 17. Outfall #2, facing northwest.
January 13, 2022.
Photo 18. Outfall #2, facing south. March 11,
2022.
5.2 Corner Wetland Expansion
Phases 1 through 3 will result in permanent impact to a portion of one isolated state-regulated
wetland in the southwest corner of the property (Corner Wetland), as a result of bike path and road
expansion. As of this reporting period, a small portion (1,832 square feet or 0.04 acre) of the
western edge of the approximately 0.29-acre wetland has been permanently removed by the
development of a bicycle pathway and expansion of Buckley Road. Per the Project Wetland and
Riparian Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (WRMMP) for Phases 1-3, the eastern side of the
wetland was expanded on October 6, 2021, to mitigate for the lost portion. The impacts were
mitigated at a 1.5:1 ratio of habitat impacted to habitat created, for a total of 2,748 square feet
(0.06 acre) of created wetland habitat. Approximately 0.06 acre of adjacent ground was lowered
to match the grade of the wetland and the area was seeded, as described by the WRMMP. During
this reporting period, water was observed ponding in the created wetland area and revegetation has
occurred. The area will continue to be monitored and managed, as described by the WRMMP.
Photo 19. Ponding water and revegetation in
wetland expansion area, facing south. February
1, 2022.
Photo 20. Further vegetation growth in wetland
expansion area, facing north. March 23, 2022.