HomeMy WebLinkAboutAvila Ranch BMMP Quarterly Report_2022Q2
Biological Mitigation and Monitoring Plan
2022 Quarter 2
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
July 2022
838.10
Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.10
Biological Mitigation and Monitoring Plan for Avila Ranch Development i
2022 Quarter 2
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 ................................................................................................... 8
3.8 Erosion Control BMPs ......................................................................................... 8
4 ENFORCEMENT ISSUES .......................................................................................... 9
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
Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.10
Biological Mitigation and Monitoring Plan for Avila Ranch Development 1
2022 Quarter 2
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 April 1 through June 30, 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 ninth 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 continued on the Buckley Road extension, vertical construction of Phase 1
homes, and Phase 1 landscaping. Additionally, work was completed on Phase 1 roads and
underground utilities (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
L
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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
Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.10
Biological Mitigation and Monitoring Plan for Avila Ranch Development 4
2022 Quarter 2
3 CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES
Work activities during the second 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. During this reporting period, four nests were observed within
the work area. These nests included two red-winged blackbird, one song sparrow, and one killdeer.
All nests were identified by the Environmental Monitor during clearance surveys for vegetation
management activities. In accordance with Mitigation Measure BIO-3b, 50-foot buffers were
established around all nests to restrict work activities until nests successfully fledged or became
inactive. Once buffers were removed, vegetation management activities resumed in these areas.
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 seasonal 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.
Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.10
Biological Mitigation and Monitoring Plan for Avila Ranch Development 5
2022 Quarter 2
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 was completed on the
installation of the sewer lift station and motor court utilities. Phase 1 underground utility work is
now complete.
Photo 1. Completed sewer lift station, view
west. June 29, 2022.
Photo 2. Backfill and grading of Phase 1 motor
court utilities. June 29, 2022.
3.2 Vertical Construction
Vertical construction of homes commenced on January 31, 2022. Vertical work started with the
model homes on Bravo Street and then jumped over to the western end of Earthwood Lane,
working eastward. Crews from all trades are currently onsite working on different stages of the
home building.
Photo 3. Model home progress on Bravo
Street. June 29, 2022.
Photo 4. View of different stages of home
building on Earthwood Lane. June 29, 2022.
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Biological Mitigation and Monitoring Plan for Avila Ranch Development 6
2022 Quarter 2
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. Phase 1 sidewalk and street
work was completed during this quarter.
Photo 5. Earthwood Lane roundabout paving
completed, view south. June 29, 2022.
Photo 6. Paving and sidewalks completed on
Venture Drive, view west. June 29, 2022.
3.4 Buckley Road Extension
On July 23, 2021, 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, retaining walls, and
sidewalks were the primary focus during this reporting period. Connection to existing roads and
paving are scheduled to occur during the next reporting period.
Photo 7. Buckley Road extension sidewalk,
view west. June 29, 2022.
Photo 8. Completed retaining wall, adjacent to
South Higuera Street, view northwest. June 29,
2022.
Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.10
Biological Mitigation and Monitoring Plan for Avila Ranch Development 7
2022 Quarter 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 stockpiling. June 29,
2022.
Photo 10. Phase 6 soil stockpiling, adjacent to
Buckley Road, view west. June 29, 2022.
3.6 Landscaping
Phase 1 landscaping also continued during this reporting period. Work focused on roadside and
park landscaping. Oakridge Landscape is the primary contractor for landscaping work. In addition
to new landscaping, Oakridge is also responsible for existing vegetation management activities.
Primarily, this involves weed-whacking tall vegetation in work areas to eliminate potential nesting
bird habitat and clear them for other work activities.
Photo 11. Landscaping in stormwater basin
adjacent to Park C. June 29, 2022.
Photo 12. Landscaping along Earthwood Lane.
June 29, 2022.
Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.10
Biological Mitigation and Monitoring Plan for Avila Ranch Development 8
2022 Quarter 2
3.7 Site Dewatering
The irrigation pipeline along the Phase 1 bike path, adjacent to Tank Farm Creek, continued to be
used for dewatering the large retention basin in Phase 1. The pipeline extends from the large
retention basin, through Phase 2, across the agricultural crossing, and to the borrow pit in Phase 4.
Water pumped into the Phase 4 borrow pit was left to evaporate.
Photo 13. Water pump used for dewatering at
Phase 1 retention basin. June 29, 2022.
Photo 14. Irrigation pipeline along Phase 1 bike
path. June 29, 2022.
3.8 Erosion Control BMPs
Erosion control BMPs were installed and maintained during this reporting period. This work
consisted primarily of silt fence installation and maintenance. All BMPs were installed in
accordance with the site-specific Erosion Control Plan.
Photo 15. Silt fence repairs around the Corner
Wetland. June 17, 2022.
Photo 16. Silt fence installed around model
home parking lot. June 29, 2022.
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Biological Mitigation and Monitoring Plan for Avila Ranch Development 9
2022 Quarter 2
4 ENFORCEMENT ISSUES
No compliance issues were noted during this reporting period.
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.
Photo 17. Successful willow stakes on western
bank of Outfall #2. June 29, 2022.
Photo 18. Successful willow stakes on eastern
bank of Outfall #2. June 29, 2022.
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Biological Mitigation and Monitoring Plan for Avila Ranch Development 10
2022 Quarter 2
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. 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. Revegetation has occurred in this
area. The area will continue to be monitored and managed, as described by the WRMMP.
Photo 19. Revegetation in wetland expansion
area, view south. June 29, 2022.
Photo 20. Revegetation in wetland expansion
area, view north. June 29, 2022.