HomeMy WebLinkAboutAvila Ranch BMMP Quarterly Report_2022Q4
Biological Mitigation and Monitoring Plan
2022 Quarter 4
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
1650 Ramada Drive, Suite #180
Paso Robles, CA 93446
(805) 237-9626
April 2023
838.10
Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.10
Biological Mitigation and Monitoring Plan for Avila Ranch Development i
2022 Quarter 4
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 ................................................................................... 5
3.1 Vertical Construction ........................................................................................... 6
3.2 Phase 3 and Future Phase 6 Soil Stockpiling ...................................................... 6
3.3 Landscaping ........................................................................................................ 7
3.4 Site Dewatering ................................................................................................... 7
3.5 Erosion Control BMPs ......................................................................................... 8
4 ENFORCEMENT ISSUES .......................................................................................... 8
5 WETLAND MITIGATION MEASURES ....................................................................... 8
5.1 Wetland and Riparian Mitigation .......................................................................... 8
Table
TABLE 1. RESPONSIBLE PARTIES ............................................................................. 1
List of Figures
FIGURE 1. UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY TOPOGRAPHIC MAP ............ 2
FIGURE 2. AERIAL PHOTOGRAPH.............................................................................. 3
FIGURE 3. PHASE 1 WETLAND AND RIPARIAN MITIGATION ................................... 4
Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.10
Biological Mitigation and Monitoring Plan for Avila Ranch Development 1
2022 Quarter 4
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 October 1 through December 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
1650 Ramada Drive, Suite #180
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 eleventh 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. Vertical
construction of Phase 1 homes started in January 2022 and is still ongoing. Work on Phase 1 roads
and underground utilities was completed during prior reporting periods. To date, there have been
no compliance issues reported.
BIOLOGICALANDENVIRONMENTALSERVICES
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BIOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
ALTHOUSE AND MEADE,INC.Map Updated:
April 21, 2023 10:41 AM by SAF
±Avila Ranch
Map Center: 120.67175°W 35.23841°N
San Luis Obispo, California
Imagery Source: USDA NAIP, 05/13/2022
0 500 1,000 Feet
Figure 2. Aerial
Buckley Road
Phase 1
Phase 2
Phase 3
Phase 4
Ph
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6
Phase 6
Phase 5
Legend
Action Area Active Phase Inactive Phase
Los Osos Valley Road
Hig
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Buckley Ro a d E x t e n s i o n
Vachell Lane
Phase 1
Phase 2
Phase 3
Phase 6
Phase 5
Figure 3. Phase 1 Wetland and Riparian Mitigation
Legend
Action Area
Riparian (State Wetland)
Special Aquatic Site
State Wetland
Mitigation Areas - Phase 1
Active Phase
Inactive Phase
Tank Farm Creek
(Waters of the U.S./State)
Site Plan
Tank F a r m Creek
Earthwood Lane
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Venture Lane
Map Updated:
April 21, 2023 11:59 AM by SAF
Avila Ranch
Map Center: 120.67301°W 35.2383°N
San Luis Obispo, California
Contour Interval: 0.5-foot
±0 100 200 Feet
Bike Path
Retaining Wall
Storm Drain
Outfall 1
Storm Drain
Outfall 2
2 - Riparian Mitigation
2
1 - Wetland Mitigation
1
Storm Drain
Outfall 1
BIOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
ALTHOUSE AND MEADE,INC.
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Althouse and Meade, Inc. – 838.10
Biological Mitigation and Monitoring Plan for Avila Ranch Development 5
2022 Quarter 4
3 CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES
Work activities during the fourth quarter of 2022 included vertical construction, soil stockpiling
in Phase 3 and future Phase 6, landscaping, site dewatering, and ongoing erosion control BMP
upkeep. In addition, work was conducted in Phase 1 mitigation areas. Information on this work
can be found in Section 5.
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 is provided to
all new 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-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 6
2022 Quarter 4
3.1 Vertical Construction
Vertical construction of homes commenced on January 31, 2022. Vertical work started with the
model homes on Bravo Street and then transitioned to the western end of Earthwood Lane, working
eastward. Crews from all trades are currently onsite working on different stages of the home
building process. Residents began moving into completed homes on August 15, 2022.
3.2 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. This soil will be used for future phases.
Photo 3. Phase 3 soil stockpiling, view north,
October 26, 2022.
Photo 4. Phase 3 soil stockpiling, view east
October 31, 2022.
Photo 1. Homes in various stages of completion
on Earthwood Lane, view northwest, October
18, 2022.
Photo 2. Construction progress of same homes
on Earthwood Lane, view northwest, December
15, 2022.
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2022 Quarter 4
3.3 Landscaping
Phase 1 landscaping also continued during this reporting period. Work focused on roadside,
pathway, 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.
Photo 5. Concrete work in Park A, view north,
October 27, 2022.
Photo 6. Trenching for irrigation at Park A,
completed playground in background, view
east, December 8, 2022.
3.4 Site Dewatering
Photo 7. Water from Phases 2 and 3 being
pumped into a storm drain, view north,
December 19, 2022.
Photo 8. Dewatering hose in western end of
Phase 1 retention basin, view northeast,
December 23, 2022.
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, and future Phases 2 and 3. Water in the
retention basin is comprised of groundwater that has seeped into buried storm drains onsite. Water
from Phases 2 and 3 is pumped into storm drains that lead to the retention basin. The pipeline
extends from the large retention basin, through Phase 2, across the agricultural crossing, and to the
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Biological Mitigation and Monitoring Plan for Avila Ranch Development 8
2022 Quarter 4
borrow pit in Phase 4. Water pumped into the Phase 4 borrow pit is left to evaporate and/or
infiltrate.
3.5 Erosion Control BMPs
Erosion control BMPs were installed and maintained during this reporting period. This work
primarily consisted of silt fence installation and maintenance. All BMPs were installed in
accordance with the site-specific Erosion Control Plan.
Photo 9. Silt fence repair along Tank Farm
Creek, November 16, 2022.
Photo 10. Silt fence repair adjacent to Corner
Wetland, November 16, 2022.
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 Wetland and Riparian Mitigation
Preparation and installation work occurred during this reporting period for wetland and riparian
mitigation areas (Figure 3). Oakridge Landscaping was the contractor for all mitigation work. All
work was done per the Project Wetland and Riparian Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (WRMMP)
for Phases 1-3. Work started on October 26, 2022 with the removal of all existing invasive
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Biological Mitigation and Monitoring Plan for Avila Ranch Development 9
2022 Quarter 4
vegetation and other weeds. Weed whackers and shovels were primarily used to remove vegetation
in the wetland and riparian mitigation areas. Site prep work was completed on November 3, 2022.
Once the mitigation sites were prepared, irrigation infrastructure was installed in the riparian
mitigation area. Planting in the mitigation areas began on November 11, 2022 and is still ongoing.
To date, the Corner Wetland has been seeded with a wetland seed mix, additional live willow
stakes and bunchgrasses have been planted at Storm Drain Outfalls 1 & 2, and trees and shrubs
have been planted in the riparian mitigation area. A detailed report will be provided in the 2023
Q1 report, upon completion of the planting effort.
Photo 11. Weedy vegetation removal in Corner
Wetland in preparation for seeding, October 31,
2022.
Photo 12. Tree and shrub planting in riparian
mitigation area, November 15, 2022.