HomeMy WebLinkAboutRESO 98891
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Resolution No. 9889
Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Certifying the Adequacy of the
Final Environmental Impact Report for the Newell Road Bridge Replacement
Project, Making Certain Findings Concerning Significant Environmental Impacts,
Mitigation Measures and Alternatives, Adopting a Statement of Overriding
Considerations, and Adopting a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program,
All Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act
RECITALS
A. The City of Palo Alto (“City”) has proposed the Newell Road Bridge Replacement Project,
which includes demolition of an existing two-way bridge on Newell Road between
Woodland Avenue in East Palo Alto and Edgewood Drive in Palo Alto and construction of
a new bridge along the same alignment that meets Caltrans standards for multi-modal
access (the “Project”).
B. Approval of the Project would constitute a project under the provisions of the
California Environmental Quality Act of 1970, together with related state and local
implementation guidelines promulgated thereunder (“CEQA”).
C. The City is the Lead Agency pursuant to Public Resources Code section 21067 as it has
the principal responsibility to approve and regulate the Project.
D. The City, in compliance with CEQA, prepared an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) to
provide an assessment of the potential environmental consequences of approving and
constructing the Project. The EIR was prepared in coordination with Caltrans as a joint
EIR and Environmental Assessment (EA) under the National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA); the EIR/EA is referred to herein as the “EIR”.
E. A Draft Environmental Impact Report (“Draft EIR”) was circulated for public review from
May 31, 2019, through July 30, 2019. Public hearings and community informational
meetings were held on June 12, 2019, June 18, 2019, June 19, 2019, and July 18, 2019 to
solicit input on the Draft EIR from members of the public, the City of Palo Alto Planning
and Transportation Commission, the City of Palo Alto Architectural Review Board, and
the East Palo Alto Public Works and Transportation Committee.
F. The City considered the comments received during the Draft EIR public review period
and prepared a Final Environmental Impact Report (“Final EIR”) published on April 24,
2020.
G. The Council is the decision-making body for approval of the proposed Project.
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H. CEQA requires that in connection with approval of a project for which an environmental
impact report has been prepared that identifies one or more significant environmental
effects of the project, the decision-making body of a public agency make certain findings
regarding those significant effects on the environment identified in the environmental
impact report.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO AS
FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Certification and General Findings
The City Council, in the exercise of its independent judgment, makes and adopts the following
findings to comply with the requirements of CEQA, including Sections 15091, 15092, and 15093
of the CEQA Guidelines, based upon the entire record of proceedings for the Project. All
statements set forth in this Resolution constitute formal findings of the City Council, including
the statements set forth in this paragraph and in the recitals above.
1. The City Council was presented with, and has independently reviewed and analyzed the
EIR and other information in the record and has considered the information contained
therein prior to acting upon and approving the Project, and bases the findings stated
below on such review.
2. The EIR provides an adequate basis for considering and acting upon the Project. The City
Council has considered all of the evidence and arguments presented during
consideration of the Project and the EIR. In determining whether the Project may have a
significant impact on the environment, and in adopting the findings set forth herein, the
City Council certifies that it has complied with the provisions of CEQA including Public
Resources Code Sections 21081, 21081.5, and 21082.2.
3. The City Council agrees with the characterization of the EIR with respect to all impacts
initially identified as “less than significant” and finds that those impacts have been
described accurately and are less than significant as so described in the EIR. This finding
does not apply to impacts identified as significant or potentially significant that are
reduced to a less than significant level by mitigation measures included in the EIR. The
disposition of each of those impacts and the mitigation measures adopted to reduce
them are addressed specifically in the findings below.
4. Mitigation measures associated with the potentially significant impacts of the Project
will be implemented through the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP)
described below, which is the responsibility of the City.
5. The EIR considers a reasonable range of potentially feasible alternatives, sufficient to
foster informed decision making, public participation and a reasoned choice, in
accordance with CEQA.
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6. The Final EIR contains responses to comments received on the Draft EIR. The Final EIR
also contains corrections and clarifications to the text and analysis of the Draft EIR
where warranted. The City Council does hereby find that such changes and additional
information are not significant new information under CEQA because such changes and
additional information do not indicate that any of the following would result from
approval and implementation of the Project: (i) any new significant environmental
impact or substantially more severe environmental impact (not already disclosed and
evaluated in the DEIR), (ii) any feasible mitigation measure considerably different from
those analyzed in the Draft EIR that would lessen a significant environmental impact of
the Project has been proposed and would not be implemented, or (iii) any feasible
alternative considerably different from those analyzed in the DEIR that would lessen a
significant environmental impact of the Project has been proposed and would not be
implemented. The City Council does find and determine that recirculation of the Final
EIR for further public review and comment is not warranted or required under the
provisions of CEQA.
7. The City Council does hereby find and certify that the EIR has been prepared and
completed in compliance with CEQA and reflects the City of Palo Alto’s independent
judgment and analysis.
8. The City Council does hereby make the following findings with respect to significant
effects on the environment of the Project, as identified in the EIR, with the
understanding that all of the information in this Resolution is intended as a summary of
the full administrative record supporting the EIR, which full administrative record should
be consulted for the full details supporting these findings.
SECTION 2. Findings on Significant Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21081 and CEQA Guidelines Section 15091, the City
Council hereby makes these findings with respect to the potential for significant environmental
impacts from approval and implementation of the Project and the means for mitigating those
impacts.
These findings do not attempt to describe the full analysis of each environmental impact
contained in the EIR. Instead, the findings provide a summary description of each impact,
describe the applicable mitigation measures identified in the EIR and adopted by the City, and
state the findings on the significance of each impact after imposition of the adopted mitigation
measures. A full explanation of these environmental findings and conclusions can be found in
the EIR. These findings hereby incorporate by reference the discussion and analysis in the EIR
that support the EIR's determinations regarding significant project impacts and mitigation
measures designed to address those impacts. The facts supporting these findings are found in
the record as a whole for the Project.
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In making these findings, the City ratifies, adopts, and incorporates into these findings the
analysis and explanation in the EIR, and ratifies, adopts, and incorporates into these findings
the determinations and conclusions of the EIR relating to environmental impacts and mitigation
measures, except to the extent that any such determinations and conclusions are specifically
and expressly modified by these findings.
The EIR identified a number of significant and potentially significant environmental impacts that
the Project will cause or to which the Project would contribute. Most of these significant effects
can be fully addressed and reduced to less than significant through the adoption and
implementation of Caltrans standard project requirements incorporated as part of the Project
and feasible mitigation measures, including Avoidance and Minimization Measures (AMM) and
Mitigation Measures (MM). Those impacts, along with the standard project requirements,
avoidance and minimization measures, and mitigation measures to reduce them to less than
significant, are listed below as referenced in the EIR. Any references to “Project applicant”
below mean the City of Palo Alto and references to the “contractor” mean the City of Palo
Alto’s construction contractor.
Aesthetics
Impact AES-a: Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its
surroundings. During construction, general construction activities, construction
staging/stockpiling, the storage of building materials, the presence of construction equipment,
and temporary traffic barricades would result in temporary visual impacts by altering the
composition of the viewsheds throughout the Project corridor. In addition, the proposed
Project would remove the existing bridge; construct new approaches, and accommodate
bicycle and pedestrian travel (including a sidewalk and potential road widening for sharrows or
a mixed-use path); add and reconfigure utilities including street lighting; modify street signage;
add retaining walls; and stabilize creek bank disturbed by the construction. Construction would
also require the removal of trees to accommodate construction. This resource change (changes
to visual resources as measured by changes in visual character and visual quality) would be
moderate for Build Alternatives 1–3, including the Project during the short-term until
replacement plantings can mature.
a) Potential Impact. The impact identified above is described and discussed in Section 2.1.5,
Visual/Aesthetics, and Section 3.2.1, Aesthetics, of the EIR.
b) Mitigation Measures. The following mitigation measures will be adopted and will be
implemented as provided in the MMRP, and as further described in the remainder of these
findings.
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MM-AES-1: Install Visual Barriers between Construction Work Areas and Sensitive
Receptors. The City of Palo Alto’s contractor shall install visual barriers to obstruct
undesirable views of construction activities and staging areas from sensitive receptors,
namely residents and viewers on neighborhood sidewalks and streets, which are located
adjacent to the construction site. The visual barrier may be chain link fencing with privacy
slats, fencing with windscreen material, wood, or other similar barrier. The visual barrier
shall be a minimum of 6 feet high to help to maintain the privacy of residents and block
long-term ground-level views toward construction activities. While this visual barrier would
introduce a visual intrusion, it would greatly reduce the visual effects associated with visible
construction activities and screening construction activities and protecting privacy is
deemed desirable by residents. The contractor shall also provide daily visual inspections to
ensure the immediate surroundings of construction staging areas are free from
construction-related clutter and to maintain the areas in a clean and orderly manner
throughout the construction period.
MM-AES-2: Replace or Relocate Site Features and Landscaping Affected by the Project.
Where appropriate and to the degree possible, the City of Palo Alto’s contractor will
relocate, replace, or restore in-kind landscaping and related appurtenances, such as fencing,
driveway gates, and similar features that would be removed from private properties as a
result of construction to reduce visual impacts and to maintain the quality of views from
neighborhood roadways and sidewalks. If the site cannot accommodate this relocation or
replacement, then the Project proponent will compensate parcel owners for site features
(e.g., fencing, mailboxes, driveway gates) and landscaping that would be removed or
damaged as a result of the Project. Replacement of site features and landscaping would be
of value at least equal to that of existing features.
MM-AES-3: Implement Project Design Aesthetics. The City of Palo Alto will implement an
aesthetic design treatment with a consistent motif for new structures such as retaining
walls, bridge sides, fencing, and wing walls. Choosing earth-toned colors for the surfaces
would be less distracting to viewers than light or brightly colored surfaces. The shade of the
wall will also be carefully considered to complement the project setting. However, studies
have shown that structures two to three degrees darker than the color of the general
surrounding area have the ability to complement the surrounding vegetation and create
less of a visual impact than matching or lighter hues (U.S. Bureau of Land Management
2008). Safety barriers and fencing will be chosen, and could be plastic, powder, or vinyl
coated with colors selected using the U.S. Bureau of Land Management selection
techniques to make fences to appear more see-through than non-treated, light grey fencing
that acts as a visual barrier to a degree.
The design of the bridge will be reviewed and approved by the City of Palo Alto
Architectural Review Board (ARB). The ARB is a recommending body that reviews projects
and provides recommendations to the Director of Planning or Council. The Project would
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require Architectural Review in accordance with Palo Alto Municipal Code Section
18.76.020. The ARB reviews projects for consistency with a series of findings outlined in the
Municipal Code relating to aspects such as compatibility with the immediate environment
of the site, compatibility with the design character of the surrounding area, harmonious
transitions in scale and character in areas between different designated land uses, internal
sense of order, amount and arrangement of open space, integration of natural features, and
appropriate materials, textures, colors, and details of construction and plant material.
Although some architectural refinements may be expected as the ARB process proceeds,
such refinements are not expected to change the impact conclusions in this environmental
analysis.
MM-AES-4: Implement Project Streetscaping and Plantings along Top of Creek Bank.
Streetscaping and planting native vegetation at the tops of the creek’s banks will improve
the visual quality of the roadway corridor by improving corridor aesthetics. The City of Palo
Alto will select street tree species from the City’s approved list of street trees or will be
selected to match existing street trees in close proximity to the Project corridor and in
compliance with the City of Palo Alto Urban Forest Master Plan1, Palo Alto Tree Technical
Manual2, and the City of East Palo Alto’s Development Code. Replacement street trees shall
have attributes that are at least equivalent to the trees that are removed or that provide a
higher degree of aesthetic benefit such as better fall color, interesting bark, or less tree
litter. Tree and shrub plantings along the tops of the creek’s banks will be installed where
space allows and will utilize native plant species that are indigenous to the riparian corridor.
Low-lying evergreen and deciduous shrubs and groundcovers, such as Ceanothus spp., and
an herbaceous understory will also be planted. Plant variety will increase the effectiveness
of the streetscape by providing multiple layers, seasonality, and reduced susceptibility to
disease. Special attention should be paid to plant choices to prevent driving hazards by
obscuring site distances. Vegetation shall be planted within the first six (6) months following
Project completion. An irrigation and maintenance program will be implemented during the
plant establishment period and carried on, as needed, to ensure plant survival. However,
design of the landscaping plan will try to maximize the use of planting zones that are water
efficient. The design may also incorporate aesthetic features, such as a cobbling swales or
shallow detention areas, which can reduce or eliminate the need for irrigation in certain
areas.
c) Finding and Rationale. Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into,
the project, which avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect identified
in the EIR. MM-AES-1 would ensure that staging areas are screened, minimizing the amount
of visual disruption caused by construction staging. MM-AES-2 would relocate or replace
1 Available: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/36187
2 Available: http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/6436
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affected landscaping, fencing, and other landscape features, reducing visual impacts. MM-
AES-3 would apply aesthetic treatments to the bridge, wall surfaces, and fencing, improving
Project aesthetics and reducing visual impacts and the potential for glare. MM-AES-4 would
improve Project aesthetics by improving the visual quality of planter strips along Newell Road
through landscaping. Therefore, the impacts would be less than significant with mitigation
incorporated.
d) Remaining Impact. Mitigation Measure AES-1 through AES-4, as specified above, would
reduce all potential impacts to less than significant.
Impact AES-d: Create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect
day or nighttime views in the area. Overhead street lighting could negatively affect sensitive
receptors if the replaced lighting is modified to include light-emitting diode (LED) lighting that is
not properly designed. In particular, LED lighting can negatively affect humans by increasing
nuisance light and glare, in addition to increasing ambient light glow, if proper shielding is not
provided and blue-rich white light lamps are used.
a) Potential Impact. The impact identified above is described and discussed in Section 2.1.5,
Visual/Aesthetics, and Section 3.2.1, Aesthetics, of the EIR.
b) Mitigation Measures. The following mitigation measure will be adopted and will be
implemented as provided in the MMRP, and as further described in the remainder of these
findings.
MM-AES-5: Apply Minimum Lighting Standards. The City of Palo Alto and its contractor will
limit all artificial outdoor lighting to safety and security requirements, designed using
Illuminating Engineering Society’s design guidelines, and in compliance with International
Dark-Sky Association approved fixtures. All lighting is designed to have minimum impact on
the surrounding environment and will use downcast, cut-off type fixtures that are shielded
and direct the light only towards objects requiring illumination. Therefore, lights will be
installed at the lowest allowable height and cast low-angle illumination while minimizing
incidental light spill onto adjacent properties, the creek corridor, or backscatter into the
nighttime sky. Shielding will also be employed for traffic signals. Light fixtures will have non-
glare finishes that will not cause reflective daytime glare. Lighting will be designed for
energy efficiency and have daylight sensors or be timed with an on/off program.
LED lighting will avoid the use of blue-rich white light lamps and use a correlated color
temperature that is no higher than 3,000 Kelvin, consistent with the International Dark-Sky
Associations Fixture Seal of Approval program (International Dark-Sky Association 2010a,
2010b, 2015). In addition, LED lights will use shielding to ensure nuisance glare and that
light spill does not affect sensitive residential viewers.
Technologies to reduce light pollution evolve over time and design measures that are
currently available may help but may not be the most effective means of controlling light
pollution once the project is designed. Therefore, all design measures used to reduce light
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pollution will employ the technologies available at the time of project design to allow for
the highest potential reduction in light pollution.
Lastly, due to the short bridge length, jurisdiction limitations, and in an effort to provide a
sidewalk free of obstructions, lighting is not currently proposed on the bridge. On the East
Palo Alto side, electrical services are provided by Pacific Gas and Electric and would need to
be slightly relocated to accommodate the project. On the Palo Alto side, an existing light will
be replaced along Newell Road, due to the change in grade, in approximately the same
location. The relocated light would be less than 80-feet away from the bridge. It is not
anticipated that additional lighting would be needed on the bridge. If an additional light is
needed in the vicinity, a City of Palo Alto standard light could be added on the roadway on
the Palo Alto side. This light, if needed, as well as the other lights being replaced would be
required to conform to City standards.
c) Finding and Rationale. Changes or alterations have been required, or incorporated into
the project, which avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect identified
in the EIR. Implementation of the Mitigation Measure AES-5 would require that the applicant
employ the technologies available at the time of project design to allow for the highest
potential reduction in light pollution to mitigate the potential for risks associated with a new
source of light or glare. Therefore, the impacts would be less than significant with mitigation
incorporated.
d) Remaining Impact. Mitigation Measure AES-5 specified above would reduce all potential
impacts to less than significant.
Air Quality
Impact AIR-a: Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan
Impact AIR-b: Violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or
projected air quality violation. Table 2.2.6-3 in Section 2.2.6, Air Quality, summarizes
construction criteria pollutant emissions for all build alternatives, including the Project. Per
Table 2.2.6-3, all construction emissions would be less than the BAAQMD daily threshold except
for nitrogen oxides (NOX), which would be higher than the threshold.
a) Potential Impact. The impact identified above is described and discussed in Section 2.2.6,
Air Quality, and Section 3.2.3, Air Quality, of the EIR.
b) Mitigation Measures. The following mitigation measures will be adopted and will be
implemented as provided in the MMRP, and as further described in the remainder of these
findings.
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MM-AQ-1: Utilize clean diesel-powered equipment during construction to control
construction-related NOX emissions. The City of Palo Alto’s construction contractor will
ensure that all off-road diesel-powered equipment used during construction is equipped
with EPA Tier 4 Final engines.
SM-AQ-1: Implement California Department of Transportation Standard Specifications.
The Project applicant will comply with California Department of Transportation
Standard Specifications in Section 14-9 Air Quality (2010).
Section 14-9.02 specifically requires compliance by the contractor with all applicable
laws and regulations related to air quality, including air pollution control district and
air quality management district regulations and local ordinances.
Section 14-9.03 is directed at controlling dust. If dust palliative materials other than
water are to be used, material specifications are contained in Section 18.
SM-AQ-2: Implement BAAQMD Basic Control Measures to Control Construction-Related
Dust.
In accordance with the BAAQMD’s current Air Quality Guidelines (Bay Area Air
Quality Management District 2011), the Project applicant will implement the
following BAAQMD-recommended control measures to reduce particulate matter
emissions from construction activities.
All exposed surfaces (e.g., parking areas, staging areas, soil piles, graded areas, and
unpaved access roads) will be watered two times per day by the contractor.
All haul trucks transporting soil, sand, or other loose material off site will be covered
by the contractor.
All visible mud or dirt track-out onto adjacent public roads will be removed using
wet power vacuum street sweepers at least once per day by the contractor. The use
of dry power sweeping is prohibited.
The contractor will limit all vehicle speeds on unpaved roads to 15 miles per hour.
The contractor will complete all roadways, driveways, and sidewalks to be paved as
soon as possible.
The contractor will post a publicly visible sign with the telephone number and
person to contact at the Lead Agency regarding dust complaints. This person will
respond and take corrective action within 48 hours. The Air District’s phone number
will also be visible to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
c) Finding and Rationale. Changes or alterations have been required, or incorporated into
the project, which avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect identified
in the EIR. With implementation of the Mitigation Measure AQ-1 and Standardized Measures
AQ-1 and AQ-2, construction of the proposed project would not result in NOx emissions that
exceed thresholds established by BAAQMD. Therefore, the impacts would be less than
significant with mitigation incorporated.
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d) Remaining Impact. Mitigation Measure AQ-1, SM-AQ-1, and SM-AQ-2 specified above
would reduce all potential impacts to less than significant.
Impact AIR-c: Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for
which the project region is non-attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air
quality standard (including releasing emissions which exceed quantitative thresholds for
ozone precursors). Exceedances of the project-level thresholds would also be cumulatively
considerable. Table 2.2.6-3 in Section 2.2.6, Air Quality, summarizes construction criteria
pollutant emissions for all build alternatives, including the Project. Per Table 2.2.6-3, all
construction emissions would be less than the BAAQMD daily threshold except for nitrogen
oxides (NOX), which would be higher than the threshold.
a) Potential Impact. The impact identified above is described and discussed in Section 2.2.6,
Air Quality, and Section 3.2.3, Air Quality, of the EIR.
b) Mitigation Measures. The following mitigation measures will be adopted and will be
implemented as provided in the MMRP, and as further described in the remainder of these
findings.
MM-AQ-1: Utilize clean diesel-powered equipment during construction to control
construction-related NOX emissions. The City of Palo Alto’s construction contractor will
ensure that all off-road diesel-powered equipment used during construction is equipped
with EPA Tier 4 Final engines.
c) Finding and Rationale. Changes or alterations have been required, or incorporated into
the project, which avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect identified
in the EIR. With implementation of Mitigation Measure AQ-1, criteria pollutant emissions
during construction would not exceed BAAQMD’s thresholds for construction with
implementation of MM-AQ-1. Therefore, the impacts would be less than significant with
mitigation incorporated.
d) Remaining Impact. Mitigation Measure AQ-1 specified above would reduce all potential
impacts to less than significant.
Impact AIR-d: Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations. With respect
to toxic air contaminants, nearby sensitive receptors could be exposed to substantial pollutant
concentrations such as diesel particulate matter and emissions of particulate matter less than
2.5 microns in diameter (PM2.5) from exhaust sources during construction.
a) Potential Impact. The impact identified above is described and discussed in Section 2.2.6,
Air Quality, and Section 3.2.3, Air Quality, of the EIR.
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b) Mitigation Measures. The following mitigation measures will be adopted and will be
implemented as provided in the MMRP, and as further described in the remainder of these
findings.
MM-AQ-1: Utilize clean diesel-powered equipment during construction to control
construction-related NOX emissions. The City of Palo Alto’s construction contractor will
ensure that all off-road diesel-powered equipment used during construction is equipped
with EPA Tier 4 Final engines.
c) Finding and Rationale. Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into,
the project, which avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect identified
in the EIR. With implementation of Mitigation Measure AQ-1, toxic air contaminant
concentrations during construction, such as diesel particulate matter and emissions of
particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in diameter (PM2.5) from exhaust sources during
construction would be reduced through the requirement to use Tier 4 equipment. Therefore,
the impacts would be less than significant with mitigation incorporated.
d) Remaining Impact. Mitigation Measure AQ-1 specified above would reduce all potential
impacts to less than significant.
Biological Resources
Impact BIO-a: Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat
modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special-status species in
local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and
Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. California red-legged frogs could be directly and
indirectly affected by construction activities occurring in or adjacent to the Biological Study
Area (BSA). If California red-legged frogs are present within the construction work area, they
could be inadvertently killed or wounded by construction vehicles, construction personnel, and
accidental spill of toxic fluids. Construction activities associated with road and bridge
construction in potential California red-legged frog habitat in the Project area could result in
indirect effects on water quality downstream from the construction work area.
The proposed Project could also affect habitat conditions for Central California Coast steelhead.
Activities associated with bridge removal and reconstruction and revegetation could increase
erosional processes, thereby increasing sedimentation and turbidity in downstream waterways.
Excessive sediment deposited in or near stream channels can degrade aquatic habitats.
Increased turbidity can increase fish mortality, reduce feeding opportunities for fish including
rearing steelhead, and cause fish to avoid important habitat. The effects on essential fish
habitat for Pacific salmon would be same as the effects described for Central California Coast
steelhead.
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a) Potential Impact. The impact identified above is described and discussed in Section 2.3.5,
Threatened and Endangered Species, and Section 3.2.4, Biological Resources, of the EIR.
b) Mitigation Measures. The following mitigation measures will be adopted and will be
implemented as provided in the MMRP, and as further described in the remainder of these
findings.
MM-BIO-1: Compensate for Permanent Loss of Valley Foothill Riparian. The City of Palo
Alto will compensate for permanent construction-related loss of valley foothill riparian
habitat by replanting trees in the disturbed area after completion of the construction
activities. Loss of native riparian trees will be compensated by replanting at a ratio of 3:1
(three native trees planted for every one native tree removed that was at least 4 inches
diameter at breast height [approximately 4.5 feet above existing grade]). Loss of non-native
riparian trees will be compensated at a ratio of 1:1 (one native tree planted for every one
non-native tree removed that was at least 4 inches diameter at breast height). The
compensatory ratios and planting locations will be confirmed through coordination by the
City with other regulatory agencies as part of the environmental permitting process for the
proposed Project.
The City will prepare a riparian mitigation planting plan, including a species list and number
of each species, planting locations, and maintenance and monitoring requirements.
Plantings will consist of cuttings taken from native plants, or plants grown at a plant nursery
from local native material obtained within the San Francisquito Creek watershed. Planted
species will be similar in structure and stature (at maturity) to those removed from the
Project area. Plantings will be monitored annually for 5 years or as required in the Project
permits. If 75% of the plants survive and the riparian canopy covers 75% at the end of the
monitoring period, the revegetation will be considered successful. If this survival and
canopy cover criteria are not met at the end of the monitoring period, planting and
monitoring will be repeated after mortality causes have been identified and corrected.
AMM-BIO-1: Install Construction Barrier Fencing around Environmentally Sensitive Areas.
The City of Palo Alto or its contractor will install orange construction barrier fencing to
identify environmentally sensitive areas in and adjacent to the construction area. A
qualified biologist will identify sensitive biological resources adjacent to the construction
area before the final design plans are prepared so that the areas to be fenced can be
included in the plans. The area that would generally be required for construction, including
staging and access, is shown in Figure 2.3-1. Portions of this area that are to be avoided
during construction will be fenced off to avoid disturbance. Sensitive biological resources
that occur adjacent to the construction area include sensitive natural communities and
protected trees to be retained. Temporary fences around the environmentally sensitive
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areas will be installed as one of the first orders of work following California Department of
Transportation (Caltrans) specifications. Before construction, the construction contractor
will work with the Project engineer and a resource specialist to identify the locations for the
barrier fencing and will place stakes around the sensitive resource sites to indicate these
locations. The protected areas will be designated as environmentally sensitive areas and
clearly identified on the construction plans. The fencing will be installed before construction
activities are initiated, maintained throughout the construction period, and removed after
completion of construction.
AMM-BIO-2: Prepare Environmental Awareness Program and Conduct Environmental
Awareness Training for Construction Employees. The City of Palo Alto will retain a qualified
biologist to develop an environmental awareness program and conduct environmental
awareness training for construction employees. The program will explain the importance of
on-site biological resources, including sensitive natural communities, protected trees to be
retained, and special-status wildlife habitats, and how to avoid take of listed species. The
program will include invasive plant identification and the importance of controlling and
preventing the spread of invasive plant infestations.
The environmental awareness program will be provided to all construction personnel to
inform them on the life history of special-status species in or adjacent to the Project, the
need to avoid impacts on sensitive biological resources, any terms and conditions required
by state and federal agencies, and the penalties for not complying with biological mitigation
requirements. If new construction personnel are added to the Project, the contractor’s
superintendent will ensure that the personnel receive the mandatory training before
starting work. An environmental awareness handout that describes and illustrates sensitive
resources to be avoided during Project construction and identifies all relevant permit
conditions will be provided to each person.
AMM-BIO-3: Retain a Biological Monitor to Conduct Visits during Construction. The City of
Palo Alto will retain a qualified biologist to conduct construction monitoring in and adjacent
to all identified environmentally sensitive areas. The frequency of monitoring will range
from daily to weekly depending on the biological resource. The monitor, as part of the
overall monitoring duties, will inspect the fencing once a week at a minimum in the
construction area along the river and drainages that support woody vegetation;
surrounding native trees and woodlands; and special-status plants. The biological monitor
will assist the construction crew as needed to comply with all Project implementation
restrictions and guidelines. The biological monitor also will be responsible for ensuring that
the contractor maintains the staked and flagged perimeters of the construction area and
staging areas adjacent to sensitive biological resources.
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AMM-BIO-4: Avoid and Minimize Potential Disturbance of Valley Foothill Riparian
Community. The City of Palo Alto and its construction contractor will avoid and minimize
potential disturbance of the valley foothill riparian community by implementing the
following measures.
The potential for long-term loss of woody vegetation will be minimized by trimming
vegetation rather than removing entire shrubs. Shrubs that need to be trimmed will
be cut at least 1 foot above ground level to leave the root systems intact and allow
for more rapid regeneration. Cutting will be limited to the minimum area necessary
within the construction zone.
A certified arborist will be retained to perform any necessary pruning or root cutting
of retained trees.
The areas that undergo vegetative pruning will be inspected immediately before
construction, immediately after construction, and 1 year after construction to
determine the amount of pre-Project vegetative cover, cover that has been
removed, and cover that regrows. After 1 year, if vegetation in these areas has not
regrown sufficiently to return the cover to the pre-Project level, the City of Palo Alto
will replant the areas with native species to reestablish the cover to the pre-Project
condition.
AMM-BIO-5. Protect Water Quality and Prevent Erosion and Sedimentation in San
Francisquito Creek. The City of Palo Alto and its construction contractor shall ensure the
construction specifications include water quality protection and erosion and sediment
control BMPs, based on standard Caltrans requirements, to minimize construction-related
contaminants and mobilization of sediment to the San Francisquito Creek.
The construction contractor will select BMPs to achieve maximum sediment removal and
represent the best available technology that is economically achievable. BMPs are subject
to review and approval by the City of Palo Alto. The City will perform routine inspections of
the construction area to verify the BMPs are properly implemented and maintained. The
City will notify contractors immediately if there is a noncompliance issue and will require
compliance.
The BMPs will include, but are not limited to, the following.
All earthwork or foundation activities involving San Francisquito Creek and the
bridge will occur in the dry season (between June 1 and October 15).
A netting and tarp system will be implemented at the bridge site to prevent and
minimize debris from entering the river during demolition and construction
activities.
Equipment used around San Francisquito Creek will be in good working order and
free of dripping or leaking engine fluids. All vehicle maintenance will be performed
at least 300 feet from all drainages and wetlands. Any necessary equipment washing
will be carried out where the water cannot flow into drainages or wetlands.
A hazardous material spill prevention control and countermeasure plan will be
developed before construction begins that will minimize the potential for and the
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effects of hazardous or toxic substances spills during construction. The plan will
include storage and containment procedures to prevent and respond to spills and
will identify the parties responsible for monitoring the spill response. During
construction, any spills will be cleaned up immediately according to the spill
prevention and countermeasure plan. The City of Palo Alto will review and approve
the contractor(s)’ toxic materials spill prevention control and countermeasure plan
before allowing construction to begin. The following types of materials will be
prohibited from being rinsed or washed into the streets, shoulder areas, or gutters:
concrete, solvents and adhesives, thinners, paints, fuels, sawdust, dirt, gasoline,
asphalt and concrete saw slurry, and heavily chlorinated water.
Baseline turbidity, pH, specific conductance, and temperatures in the San
Francisquito Creek channel will be measured when flow is present. As required by
the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB), water quality standards
specified in the Basin Plan standards will not be exceeded over the natural in-situ
conditions. If dewatering activities are required, water samples will be taken
periodically during construction.
Any surplus concrete rubble, asphalt, or other rubble from construction will be taken
to a local landfill.
An erosion and sediment control plan will be prepared and implemented for the
proposed Project. It will include the following provisions and protocols. The
stormwater pollution prevention plan for the Project will detail the applications and
type of measures and the allowable exposure of unprotected soils.
o Discharge from dewatering operations, if needed, and runoff from disturbed
areas will be made to conform to the water quality requirements of the waste
discharge permit issued by the RWQCB.
o Temporary erosion control measures, such as sandbagged silt fences, will be
applied throughout construction of the proposed Project and will be removed
after the working area is stabilized or as directed by the engineer. Soil exposure
will be minimized through use of temporary BMPs, groundcover, and
stabilization measures. Exposed dust-producing surfaces will be sprinkled daily, if
necessary, until wet; this measure will be controlled to avoid producing runoff.
Paved streets will be swept daily following construction activities.
o The contractor will conduct periodic maintenance of erosion and sediment
control measures.
o An appropriate seed mix of native species will be planted on disturbed areas
upon completion of construction.
o The contractor will cover or apply nontoxic soil stabilizers to inactive
construction areas (previously graded areas inactive for 10 days or more) that
could contribute sediment to waterways.
o The contractor will enclose and cover exposed stockpiles of dirt or other loose,
granular construction materials that could contribute sediment to waterways.
Material stockpiles will be located in non-traffic areas only. Side slopes will not
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be steeper than 2:1. All stockpile areas will be surrounded by a filter fabric fence
and interceptor dike.
o Runoff from disturbed areas will be contained and filtered by berms, vegetated
filters, silt fencing, straw wattle, plastic sheeting, catch basins, or other means
necessary to prevent the escape of sediment from the disturbed area.
o Other temporary erosion control measures (such as silt fences, staked straw
bales/wattles, silt/sediment basins and traps, check dams, geofabric, sandbag
dikes, and temporary re-vegetation or other ground cover) will be used to
control erosion from disturbed areas as necessary.
o The contractor will avoid depositing or placing earth or organic material where it
may be directly carried into the channel.
AMM-BIO-9: Avoid Work during Active Breeding and Dispersal Period for Special-Status
Frogs (October 15 through June 1). The City of Palo Alto’s contractor will conduct site
preparation and construction activities that involve earthwork, other ground disturbance,
and/or vehicle traffic through frog-sensitive areas (intermittent stream and riparian habitat)
outside the period when special-status frogs are actively breeding and dispersing (October
15 through June 1).
AMM-BIO-10: Conduct Preconstruction Surveys at Work Sites in and near Frog-Sensitive
Areas (no more than 3 days prior to onset of construction). No more than 3 days prior to
the onset of site preparation and construction activity at each site, a qualified wildlife
biologist will conduct a preconstruction survey for special-status frogs within the Project
footprint. The survey will cover all areas where special-status frogs may be present or
concealed, including cracks, burrows, vegetation adjacent to wet areas, and other
temporary refugia, as well as any riparian or intermittent stream habitat affected. If special-
status frogs are determined to be absent from the Project footprint, no further action will
be required with regard to these species. If any special-status amphibians are found within
the Project footprint, whenever possible, construction work in their vicinity will be avoided
until they have moved outside of the Project area of their own volition.
AMM-BIO-11: Provide Construction Worker Awareness Training for Special-Status Frogs.
The City of Palo Alto will provide, or require contractors to provide, worker awareness
training for construction personnel to enable them to recognize special-status frogs and
other aquatic and riparian wildlife. Trained construction personnel will also understand
where sensitive resource areas are within the construction zone so they can minimize their
impact on upland (dispersal and aestivation) habitat. Training will be presented by a
qualified wildlife biologist experienced in training non-specialists. The training program will
include at least the following: a description of the special-status species likely to use the
site, and their habitat needs; photographs of these species; an explanation of the legal
status of these species and their protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and
other laws and regulations; a list of measures being taken to reduce effects to these species
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during Project construction; and distribution of a fact sheet summarizing training content.
The City of Palo Alto will also distribute, or require contractors to distribute, the training
summary fact sheet to anyone else who may enter the Project site. Upon completion of
training, employees will sign a form stating that they attended the training and understand
all the conservation and protection measures.
AMM-BIO-12: Install Exclusion Fencing and Conduct Construction Monitoring for Special-
Status Frogs. Once it has been determined that no special-status frogs are present on the
Project site, the City of Palo Alto’s contractor will install barrier fencing along the perimeter
of the work area where necessary to ensure that frogs do not enter the site during
construction. Fencing will be installed promptly (within 3 days) after clearance surveys are
performed, to prevent frogs from entering the work area. A qualified biologist will be
present during the installation of exclusion fencing, will determine which areas need to be
monitored on a daily basis during construction activities to avoid harm to California red-
legged frog, and will be responsible for follow-up monitoring as needed. The monitor will
inspect and maintain the integrity of the exclusion fencing.
AMM-BIO-13: Limit Stream Bank Construction to Dry Season (June 1 through October 15).
The City of Palo Alto’s contractor will limit stream bank construction from June 1 to October
15 in order to avoid the migratory season for adult steelhead. This timing will also limit any
excess sedimentation and runoff from entering the San Francisquito Creek.
c) Finding and Rationale. Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into,
the project, which avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect identified
in the EIR. With implementation of the Mitigation Measure BIO-1 and AMMs BIO-1 through
AMM-BIO-5 and AMM-BIO-9 through AMM-BIO-13, impacts on water quality and habitat
would be reduced. In addition, work would be seasonally limited to avoid the breeding season
and worker awareness and biological monitoring would be required. With implementation of
these measures, impacts on California red-legged frog, Central California Coast steelhead,
and essential fish habitat would be reduced. Therefore, the impacts would be less than
significant with mitigation incorporated.
d) Remaining Impact. Mitigation Measure BIO-1 and AMMs BIO-1 through AMM-BIO-5 and
AMM-BIO-9 through AMM-BIO-13, as specified above, would reduce all potential impacts to
less than significant.
Impact BIO-b: Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive
natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the
California Department of Fish and Wildlife or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Construction of the
Project on the proposed alignment would result in permanent loss of some riparian vegetation
along San Francisquito Creek within the Project footprint.
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a) Potential Impact. The impact identified above is described and discussed in Section 2.3.1,
Natural Communities, and Section 3.2.4, Biological Resources, of the EIR.
b) Mitigation Measures. Mitigation Measure BIO-1 and AMMs BIO-1 through AMM-BIO-5, as
described above, will be adopted and will be implemented as provided in the MMRP, and as
further described in the remainder of these findings.
c) Finding and Rationale. Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into,
the project, which avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect identified
in the EIR. Implementation of Mitigation Measure BIO-1 as well as AMM-BIO-1 through AMM-
BIO-5 would reduce impacts on valley foothill riparian and require compensation for the
permanent loss of valley foothill riparian. In addition, implementation of these measures
would ensure that the proposed Project minimizes direct and indirect effects on intermittent
stream habitat. Therefore, the impacts would be less than significant with mitigation
incorporated.
d) Remaining Impact. Mitigation Measure BIO-1 and AMM-BIO-1 through AMM-BIO-5, as
specified above, would reduce all potential impacts to less than significant.
Impact BIO-c: Have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands as defined by
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal,
etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means. Activities
associated with the removal of existing abutments, construction of new abutments and the
installation of check dams would result in direct impacts within the creek, which is considered a
water of the state and a water of the U.S. Additionally, indirect impacts on intermittent stream
habitat could occur from construction activity due to erosion and sedimentation and discharge
of pollutants into the creek.
a) Potential Impact. The impact identified above is described and discussed in Section 2.3.2,
Wetlands and Other Waters, and Section 3.2.4, Biological Resources, of the Final EIR.
b) Mitigation Measures. Mitigation measures AMM-BIO-1 through AMM-BIO-5, as described
above, will be adopted and will be implemented as provided in the MMRP, and as further
described in the remainder of these findings.
c) Finding and Rationale. Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into,
the project, which avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect identified
in the EIR. Implementation of AMM-BIO-1 through AMM-BIO-4 minimize the impacted area,
increase construction worker awareness of potential impacts, and require a biological
monitor during construction to monitor activities and reduce impacts on wildlife. AMM-BIO-
5 would ensure that the proposed Project minimizes direct and indirect effects on
intermittent stream habitat and waters of the U.S. Therefore, the impacts would be less than
significant with mitigation incorporated.
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d) Remaining Impact. Implementation of AMM-BIO-1 through AMM-BIO-5, as specified
above would reduce all potential impacts to less than significant.
Impact BIO-d: Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory
fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or
impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites. Activities associated with bridge removal and
reconstruction and revegetation could increase erosional processes, thereby increasing
sedimentation and turbidity in downstream waterways. Excessive sediment deposited in or
near stream channels can degrade aquatic habitats. Increased turbidity can increase fish
mortality, reduce feeding opportunities for fish including rearing steelhead, and cause fish to
avoid important habitat, causing impacts on migratory fish. Impacts are potentially significant
and the following mitigation measure and avoidance and minimization measures are proposed.
a) Potential Impact. The impact identified above is described and discussed in Section 2.3.1,
Natural Communities, and Section 3.2.4, Biological Resources, of the Draft EIR.
b) Mitigation Measures. Mitigation Measures MM-BIO-1, AMM-BIO-1 through AMM-BIO-5,
and AMM-BIO-9 through AMM-BIO-13, as described above, will be adopted and will be
implemented as provided in the MMRP, and as further described in the remainder of these
findings.
c) Finding and Rationale. Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into,
the project, which avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect identified
in the EIR. With implementation of the Mitigation Measure BIO-1 and AMM BIO-1 through
AMM-BIO-5 and AMM BIO-9 through AMM-BIO-13, would reduce the area of temporary and
permanent disturbance, require biological monitoring and preconstruction surveys, increase
worker awareness, limit the time period of in-creek construction to the dry season, and
reduce erosion and siltation that can result in increased turbidity. Therefore, the impacts
would be less than significant with mitigation incorporated.
d) Remaining Impact. Implementation of MM-BIO-1, AMM-BIO-1 through AMM-BIO-5, and
AMM-BIO-9 through AMM-BIO-13, as specified above would reduce all potential impacts to
less than significant.
Impact BIO-e. Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources,
such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance. The loss of the protected oak and seven other
regulated trees (street trees) within the City of Palo Alto would be an impact. However,
removal of these trees is allowed in accordance with Palo Alto Municipal Code Section
8.10.050(d)(1). As outlined in the Municipal Code, replacement for these trees is required in
accordance with the Tree Technical Manual, which includes a formula for replacement based
on the measured size of the canopy lost. In addition, the City of East Palo Alto requires
replacement of trees approved for removal in accordance with the East Palo Alto Municipal
Code Section 18.28.040(I), which similarly requires replacement of the canopy. However,
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because replacement of these trees in accordance with the Tree Technical Manual may not be
feasible within the Project area, impacts are potentially significant.
a) Potential Impact. The impact identified above is described and discussed in Section 3.2.4,
Biological Resources, of the EIR.
b) Mitigation Measures. The following mitigation measures will be adopted and will be
implemented as provided in the MMRP, and as further described in the remainder of these
findings.
MM-BIO-2: Tree Replacement Plan. The City of Palo Alto shall be required, in accordance
with the Tree Protection and Management Regulations (Palo Alto Municipal Code Chapter
8.10) and the Tree Technical Manual (Palo Alto Municipal Code Section 8.10.120), to replace
the tree canopy for the eight protected trees, in accordance with the tree canopy formula
identified in the Tree Technical Manual (Tree Technical Manual, Section 3.20). If the tree
canopy cannot be replaced on-site, the canopy shall be replaced off-site as close to the
Project site as feasible. If trees are being replaced off-site, the City applicant must submit a
Tree Planting Plan to the Urban Forestry Division and obtain the Urban Forestry Division’s
approval of the plan prior to issuance of a building permit. The Tree Planting Plan must
include the following:
The canopy calculation for trees removed and the number of trees planned to
replace them, consistent with the formula identified in the Tree Technical Manual
The specific location where the new trees would be planted with specific baseline
information about that proposed site (e.g., surrounding vegetation or development)
The species of trees to be planted
Specific planting details (e.g., size of sapling, size of containers, irrigation plan)
Success criteria
Monitoring and maintenance schedule
Replacement tree planting will be monitored by a qualified arborist. To verify the success of
replacement trees, monitoring shall occur for two years after initial planting. After the two-
year period, the arborist will determine if the trees are capable of surviving without further
maintenance.
c) Finding and Rationale. Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into,
the project, which avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect identified
in the EIR. Compliance with the East Palo Alto Municipal Code, Palo Alto Municipal Code, and
the City of Palo Alto Tree Technical Manual, which is incorporated by reference as part of the
Palo Alto Municipal Code, as well as implementation of MM BIO-2 for the replacement of any
trees off site, which would ensure that if trees cannot be replaced on site, suitable locations
will be found off site, would reduce impacts associated with the removal of the protected and
regulated trees. Therefore, the impacts would be less than significant with mitigation
incorporated.
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d) Remaining Impact. Mitigation Measure-BIO-2, as specified above would reduce all
potential impacts to less than significant.
Cultural, Paleontological, and Tribal Cultural Resources
Impact CUL-c: Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological
resource pursuant to Section 15064.5 of the CEQA Guidelines. There is limited archaeological
sensitivity within the area of potential effects (APE) and it is not anticipated that previously
unidentified prehistoric or historic archaeological sites are located in the APE. However,
unknown cultural materials could be discovered during construction.
a) Potential Impact. The impact identified above is described and discussed in Section 2.16,
Cultural Resources, and Section 3.2.5, Cultural Resources, of the EIR.
b) Mitigation Measures. The following mitigation measure will be adopted and will be
implemented as provided in the MMRP, and as further described in the remainder of these
findings.
SM-CUL-1: If cultural materials are discovered during construction, the City of Palo Alto’s
contractor will cease all earth moving activity within and around the immediate discovery
area until a qualified archaeologist can assess the nature and significance of the find and
recommend/implement appropriate data collection/recovery activities.
c) Finding and Rationale. Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into,
the project, which avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect identified
in the EIR. With implementation of SM-CUL-1, archeological resources, if discovered during
construction, would be protected. Therefore, the impacts would be less than significant with
mitigation incorporated.
d) Remaining Impact. Implementation of SM-CUL-1, as specified above would reduce all
potential impacts to less than significant.
Impact CUL-c. Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique
geologic feature. For build alternatives 3 and 4, due to excavation activities, there is a potential
to disrupt, alter, or eliminate undiscovered archeological resources including those of human
remains.
a) Potential Impact. The impact identified above is described and discussed in Section 2.2.4,
Paleontology, and Section 3.2.5, Cultural Resources, of the EIR.
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b) Mitigation Measures. If the approved project is build alternative 3 or 4, the following
mitigation measures will be adopted and will be implemented as provided in the MMRP, and
as further described in the remainder of these findings. (Because Impact CUL-c was not
identified for projects alternative 1, 2, or the No Build Alternative_, this mitigation measure
will not be implemented if either of those alternatives is the approved Project.)
MM-PA-1: Educate Workers, Stop Work in Case of Discovery of Paleontological Resources,
and Prepare and Implement a Recovery Plan. Given the potential for paleontological
resources to be present in construction areas at ground surface and at excavation depths
below 5 feet in sensitive geologic units in the Project area, the following measures will be
undertaken to avoid any potentially significant effect from the improvements on
paleontological resources. Before the start of any excavation, the California Department of
Transportation (Caltrans) and the City of Palo Alto will retain a qualified paleontologist, as
defined by the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology. If paleontological resources are
discovered during earthmoving activities, the construction crew will immediately cease
work near the find and notify Caltrans and the City of Palo Alto. Construction work in the
affected areas will remain stopped or be diverted to allow recovery of fossil remains in a
timely manner. Caltrans and the City of Palo Alto will retain a qualified paleontologist to
evaluate the resource and prepare a recovery plan in accordance with Society of Vertebrate
Paleontology guidelines (Society of Vertebrate Paleontology 2010). The recovery plan may
include a field survey, construction monitoring, sampling and data recovery procedures,
museum storage coordination for any specimen recovered, and a report of findings.
Recommendations in the recovery plan that are determined by Caltrans and the City of Palo
Alto to be necessary and feasible will be implemented before construction activities can
resume at the site where the paleontological resources were discovered. Caltrans and the
City of Palo Alto will be responsible for ensuring that the paleontologist’s recommendations
regarding treatment and reporting are implemented.
c) Finding and Rationale. Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into,
the project, which avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect identified
in the EIR. With implementation of the Mitigation Measure PA-1, the project would be
required to prepare and implement a Recovery Plan for paleontological resources in the
event that they are uncovered due to work in previously undisturbed soil. Therefore, the
impacts under build Alternatives 3 and 4 would be less than significant with mitigation
incorporated.
d) Remaining Impact. Mitigation Measure-PA-1, as specified above would reduce all
potential impacts to less than significant.
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Impact CUL-d. Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal
cemeteries. There is limited archaeological sensitivity within the area of potential effects (APE)
and it is not anticipated that previously unidentified prehistoric or historic archaeological sites
are located in the APE. However, unknown human remains could be discovered during
construction.
a) Potential Impact. The impact identified above is described and discussed in Section 2.16,
Cultural Resources, and Section 3.2.5, Cultural Resources, of the EIR.
b) Mitigation Measures. The following mitigation measures will be adopted and will be
implemented as provided in the MMRP, and as further described in the remainder of these
findings.
SM-CUL-2: If human remains are discovered, California Health and Safety Code Section
7050.5 requires that the contractor will stop further disturbances and activities in any area
or nearby area suspected to overlie remains, and the contractor will contact the County
Coroner. Pursuant to Public Resources Code (PRC) Section 5097.98, if the remains are
thought to be Native American, the coroner will notify the Native American Heritage
Commission (NAHC), which will then notify the Most Likely Descendant (MLD). At this time,
the person who discovered the remains will contact the Caltrans District 4 Office of Local
Assistance archaeologist so that they may work with the MLD on the respectful treatment
and disposition of the remains. Further provisions of PRC Section 5097.98 shall be followed
as applicable.
c) Finding and Rationale: Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into,
the project, which avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect identified
in the EIR. In the event of the unanticipated discovery of human remains, implementation of
SM-CUL-2 would reduce impacts by stopping construction activities within the area of the
remains until the remains are properly treated in accordance with state regulations.
d) Remaining Impact: Implementation of SM-CUL-2 specified above would reduce all
potential impacts to less than significant.
Geology and Soils
Impact GEO-aii: Expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including
the risk of loss, injury, or death involving strong seismic ground shaking. The Project area is
likely to experience strong ground shaking due to earthquake during the life of the Project.
Therefore, the project, if not properly designed could expose people or structures to potential
substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death
a) Potential Impact. The impact identified above is described and discussed in Section 2.2.3,
Geology/Soils/Seismic/Topography, and Section 3.2.6, Geology and Soils, of the EIR.
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b) Mitigation Measures. The following mitigation measure will be adopted and will be
implemented as provided in the MMRP, and as further described in the remainder of these
findings.
SM-GEO-1: The City of Palo Alto will adhere to current Caltrans Seismic Design Criteria (SDC)
for bridge design and construction.
c) Finding and Rationale: Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into,
the project, which avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect identified
in the EIR. Implementation of SM-GEO-1 would reduce the effects from earthquakes and the
potential for damage resulting from strong ground shaking due to earthquake.
d) Remaining Impact: Implementation of SM-GEO-1, as specified above, would reduce all
potential impacts to less than significant.
Impact GEO-aiii: Would the project expose people or structures to potential substantial
adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving seismic-related ground
failure, including liquefaction. The Project area contains soils that have a risk of liquefaction,
which could result in structural damage to the bridge during an earthquake.
a) Potential Impact. The impact identified above is described and discussed in Section 2.2.3,
Geology/Soils/Seismic/Topography, and Section 3.2.6, Geology and Soils, of the EIR.
b) Mitigation Measures. The following mitigation measure will be adopted and will be
implemented as provided in the MMRP, and as further described in the remainder of these
findings.
SM-GEO-1: The City of Palo Alto will adhere to current Caltrans Seismic Design Criteria (SDC)
for bridge design and construction.
c) Finding and Rationale: Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into,
the project, which avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect identified
in the EIR. Implementation of SM-GEO-1 would ensure that the bridge is properly designed
so as to not exacerbate the liquefaction tendencies of soils present at the site. Accordingly,
effects from earthquakes would be minimized, and the potential for damage resulting from
liquefaction due to earthquake would be reduced.
d) Remaining Impact: Implementation of SM-GEO-1, as specified above, would reduce all
potential impacts to less than significant.
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Impact GEO-b: Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil. Site preparation and
grading associated with Project construction activities would potentially expose bare soil to
erosive forces.
a) Potential Impact. The impact identified above is described and discussed in Section 2.2.3,
Geology/Soils/Seismic/Topography, and Section 3.2.5, Cultural Resources, of the EIR.
b) Mitigation Measures. The following mitigation measure will be adopted and will be
implemented as provided in the MMRP, and as further described in the remainder of these
findings.
SM-WQ-2: Prepare and Implement Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). The
project will comply with the Construction General Plan by preparing and implementing a
SWPPP to address all construction-related activities, equipment, and materials that have
the potential to impact water quality for the appropriate risk level. The SWPPP will identify
the sources of pollutants that may affect the quality of storm water and include BMPs to
control the pollutants, such as sediment control, catch basin inlet protection, construction
materials management, and non-storm water BMPs. All work must conform to the
construction site BMP requirements specified in the latest edition of the Caltrans
Construction Site Best Management Practices Reference Manual (California Department of
Transportation 2011) to control and minimize the impacts of construction and construction-
related activities, materials, and pollutants on the watershed. These include, but are not
limited to, temporary sediment control, temporary soil stabilization, scheduling waste
management, materials handling, and other non-storm water BMPs. In addition, a
temporary creek flow diversion will be installed prior to any construction to prevent
sediments from washing downstream. Temporary BMPs will be selected and identified in
the SWPPP to protect water bodies, within or near the project limits, from potential storm
water runoff resulting from construction activities. Temporary sediment and erosion control
measures may include the following.
Fiber rolls and/or silt fences.
Gravel bag berm.
Rolled erosion-control product (e.g., netting).
Designated construction entrance/exit.
Re-establishment of vegetation or other stabilization measures (hydroseeding,
mulch) on DSAs and newly constructed slopes.
Wind erosion control.
c) Finding and Rationale: Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into,
the project, which avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect identified
in the EIR. Standardized Measure-WQ-2 would require that Project would incorporate BMPs
that include but are not limited to stabilizing soil through mulching, hydroseeding, use of soil
binders, or other means; temporary sediment control measures; and wind erosion control
measures, reducing impacts associated with soil erosion.
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d) Remaining Impact: Implementation of SM-WQ-2 specified above would reduce all
potential impacts to less than significant.
Impact GEO-C: Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become
unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on- or off-site landslide, lateral
spreading, subsidence, liquefaction, or collapse.
Impact GEO-D: Would the project expose people or property to major geologic hazards that
cannot be mitigated through the use of standard engineering design and seismic safety
techniques. Unstable soils are present in the study area and the potential for lateral spreading
in the Project area is high.
a) Potential Impact. The impacts identified above are described and discussed in Section
2.2.3, Geology/Soils/Seismic/Topography, and Section 3.2.6, Geology and Soils, of the EIR.
b) Mitigation Measures. The following mitigation measures will be adopted and will be
implemented as provided in the MMRP, and as further described in the remainder of these
findings.
SM-GEO-1: The City of Palo Alto will adhere to current Caltrans Seismic Design Criteria (SDC)
for bridge design and construction.
c) Finding and Rationale: Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into,
the project, which avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect identified
in the EIR. SM-GEO-1 would ensure that the bridge is designed so as to reduce effects from
earthquakes, and the potential for damage resulting from unstable soils, lateral spreading
due to earthquake-induced liquefaction.
d) Remaining Impact: Implementation of SM-GEO-1 specified above would reduce all
potential impacts to less than significant.
Hazardous Waste and Materials
Impact HAZ-a: Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the
routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials.
Impact HAZ-b: Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through
reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous
materials into the environment. Impacts from lead contamination from paint could occur
where reconstruction of the bridge involves disturbing or removing the existing paint, which
could create a hazard to the public or to the environment during routine transport, use or
disposal of hazardous materials or through upset and accident conditions. In addition,
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construction activities could produce dust, which could expose workers or nearby residents and
business occupants to lead via inhalation.
a) Potential Impact. The impacts described above are discussed in Section 2.2.5,
Hazardous Waste/Materials, and Section 3.2.8, Hazards and Hazardous Materials, of the
EIR.
b) Mitigation Measures. The following mitigation measures will be adopted and will be
implemented as provided in the MMRP, and as further described in the remainder of
these findings.
MM-HAZ-1: Properly Dispose of and Abate Potential Lead-Based Paint. All paint will be
treated as lead-containing for the purposes of complying with Division of Occupational
Safety and Health worker safety requirements, which apply to all worksites where
construction workers may be exposed to lead. The California Department of
Transportation (Caltrans) and the City of Palo Alto will have all lead-based paint abated
and removed by a licensed lead-based paint contractor. The licensed lead-based paint
contractor shall dispose of all lead-based paint or coatings at landfills that meet
acceptance criteria for the waste being disposed.
MM-HAZ-2: Properly Handle and Dispose of Potentially Contaminated Soils and
Materials Caltrans and the City of Palo Alto’s contractor shall stockpile soil generated by
construction activities on site in a secure and safe manner. All contaminated soils
determined to be hazardous or nonhazardous waste shall be adequately profiled (i.e.,
sampled and analyzed) prior to acceptable reuse or disposal at an appropriate offsite
facility. Specific sampling, handling, and transport procedures for reuse or disposal shall
be in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal agencies’ laws, in particular
the Regional Water Quality Control Board, the Department of Toxic Substances Control,
the City of Palo Alto, the City of East Palo Alto, Santa Clara County, and San Mateo
County. Material from existing roadway or bridge elements that is removed or modified
by the contractor will be handled and disposed of in accordance with all local, state, and
federal requirements.
c) Finding and Rationale. Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated
into, the project, which avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect
identified in the EIR. With implementation of the Mitigation Measures HAZ-1 and HAZ-2,
impacts associated with the removal of lead-based paint and the presence of
construction related dust that could be contaminated would be minimized through
proper handling and disposal of paint and soil. Therefore, the impacts would be less
than significant with mitigation incorporated.
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d) Remaining Impact. Mitigation Measures HAZ-1 and HAZ-2 specified above would
reduce all potential impacts to less than significant.
Impact HAZ-g: Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency
response plan or emergency evacuation plan. During construction of the Project, the existing
Newell Road Bridge would be closed to vehicles, including emergency services. As a result, first
responders would have to use other existing nearby crossings (University Avenue and West
Bayshore Road).
a) Potential Impact. The impact described above is discussed in Section 2.1.3, Utilities
and Emergency Services, and Section 3.2.8, Hazards and Hazardous Materials, of the
EIR.
b) Mitigation Measures. The following mitigation measures will be adopted and will be
implemented as provided in the MMRP, and as further described in the remainder of
these findings.
SM-TR-1: A Traffic Management Plan will be prepared by the Project proponent or its
contractor. A Traffic Management Plan (TMP) will be prepared by the City of Palo Alto or
its contractor (and approved by the City of Palo Alto), and will be implemented by the
contractor during construction activities. The TMP will contain requirements for public
noticing, traffic control implementation, signage, property and business access, parking,
and safety during construction. It also will contain information about the construction
schedule and detours.
Advance notice and coordination with businesses and property owners will be
included in the TMP to minimize any potential temporary impacts on commute
times.
Advance notice and coordination with emergency service providers will be included
in the TMP to minimize any potential temporary impacts on response times.
c) Finding and Rationale. Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated
into, the project, which avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect
identified in the EIR. With implementation of SM TR-1, advance notice and coordination
with emergency service providers will be included in the Traffic Management Plan to
minimize any potential temporary impacts on response times. Therefore, the impacts
would be less than significant with mitigation incorporated.
d) Remaining Impact. Implementation of SM-TR-1, as specified above would reduce all
potential impacts to less than significant.
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Hydrology and Water Quality
Impact WQ-a. Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements.
Impact WQ-c. Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including
through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, in a manner which would result in
substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site.
Impact WQ-d. Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including
through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, or substantially increase the rate or
amount of surface runoff in a manner which would result in flooding on- or off-site.
Impact WQ-e. Create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing
or planned stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of
polluted runoff.
Impact WQ-f. Otherwise substantially degrade water quality.
During construction, potential short-term increases in turbidity would result from soil erosion
and suspended solids being introduced into San Francisquito Creek from both in-water and land
construction activities. As a result, temporary increases in turbidity may occur in the immediate
area and potentially downstream. Therefore, these construction activities could violate water
quality standards or waste discharge requirements related to turbidity since the waterbody is
already impaired for sediment, and would have the potential to result in adverse effects on the
physiology, behavior, and habitat of aquatic life.
a) Potential Impact. The impacts described above are discussed in Section 2.2.2, Water
Quality and Storm Water Runoff, and Section 3.2.9, Hydrology and Water Quality, of the
EIR.
b) Mitigation Measures. The following mitigation measures will be adopted and will be
implemented as provided in the MMRP, and as further described in the remainder of
these findings.
SM-WQ-1: Implement National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
Permit and Construction General Permit Water Quality Measures. The Project will
comply with the provisions of the California Regional Water Quality Control Board San
Francisco Bay Region Municipal Regional Storm water NPDES Permit (Order No. R2-
2015-0049-DWQNPDES No. CAS612008) and the NPDES General Permit for Storm Water
Discharges Associated with Construction and Land Disturbance Activities (Construction
General Permit) Order No. 2009-0009-DWQ, NPDES No. CAS000002 as amended by
2010-0014-DWQ and 2012-0006-DWQ and any subsequent permits in effect at the time
of construction. In addition, the City of Palo Alto and/or its construction contractor shall
ensure the construction specifications include water quality protection and erosion and
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sediment control BMPs to minimize construction-related contaminants and mobilization
of sediment to San Francisquito Creek. The City will perform routine inspections of the
construction area to verify the BMPs are properly implemented and maintained.
SM-WQ-2: Prepare and Implement SWPPP. The project will comply with the
Construction General Plan by preparing and implementing a SWPPP to address all
construction-related activities, equipment, and materials that have the potential to
impact water quality for the appropriate risk level. The SWPPP will identify the sources
of pollutants that may affect the quality of stormwater and include BMPs to control the
pollutants, such as sediment control, catch basin inlet protection, construction materials
management, and non-storm water BMPs. All work must conform to the construction
site BMP requirements specified in the latest edition of the Caltrans Construction Site
Best Management Practices Reference Manual (California Department of Transportation
2011) to control and minimize the impacts of construction and construction-related
activities, materials, and pollutants on the watershed. These include, but are not limited
to, temporary sediment control, temporary soil stabilization, scheduling waste
management, materials handling, and other non-stormwater BMPs. In addition, a
temporary creek flow diversion will be installed prior to any construction to prevent
sediments from washing downstream. Temporary BMPs will be selected and identified
in the SWPPP to protect water bodies, within or near the project limits, from potential
stormwater runoff resulting from construction activities. Temporary sediment and
erosion control measures may include the following.
Fiber rolls and/or silt fences.
Gravel bag berm.
Rolled erosion-control product (e.g., netting).
Designated construction entrance/exit.
Re-establishment of vegetation or other stabilization measures (hydroseeding,
mulch) on DSAs and newly constructed slopes.
Wind erosion control.
c) Finding and Rationale. Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated
into, the project, which avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect
identified in the EIR. With implementation of SM-WQ-1 and SM-WQ-2, water quality
protection measures would be implemented during construction to prevent or minimize
sediment and suspended solids from entering the creek. In addition, the Project design
would incorporate post-construction measures and other permanent erosion control
elements to ensure that stormwater runoff would not cause soil erosion, and to reduce
or avoid permanent impacts on water quality. Therefore, the impacts would be less than
significant with mitigation incorporated.
d) Remaining Impact. Implementation of SM-WQ-1 and SM-WQ-2, as specified above
would reduce all potential impacts to less than significant.
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Noise
Impact NOI-a. Exposure of persons to or generation of noise levels in excess of standards
established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other
agencies.
Impact NOI-b. Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive groundborne vibration or
groundborne noise levels.
Impact NOI-c. A substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the
project vicinity above levels existing without the project.
Noise from Project construction activities may intermittently dominate the noise environment
in the immediate area of construction. Equipment operations associated with demolition and
building activities would be a source of noise. Implementation of detours may increase noise in
some areas as a result of temporarily diverted traffic. Noise increases during construction could
be substantial at nearby residences. In addition, the operation of heavy equipment would
generate localized groundborne vibration during construction of the Project. For construction
activities of the bridge, a pile driver, which is considered to be impact equipment, would be
required. The level of vibration generated by pile driving and transmitted to nearby structures
would depend on the type of pile driver used and site-specific soil properties. Some existing
homes are located 25 to 50 feet from where the pile driver could be operated, and under
average soil conditions, those homes could be exposed to vibration levels in excess of the 0.3
and 0.4 inches per second PPV thresholds at which vibration may damage older residential
structures and be severely perceptible to observers, respectively. Vibration impacts may also be
potentially significant for homes located within approximately 50 feet of the construction site
when the use of non-impact construction equipment (i.e., a large bulldozer) occurs. These
residences could experience vibration levels as high as 0.089 inches per second PPV, which
would exceed the threshold of perceptibility and could cause annoyance.
a) Potential Impact. The impact described above is discussed in Section 2.2.7, Noise,
and Section 3.2.12, Noise, of the EIR.
b) Mitigation Measures. The following mitigation measures will be adopted and will be
implemented as provided in the MMRP, and as further described in the remainder of
these findings.
SM-NOI-1. The City of Palo Alto’s construction contractor must comply with Caltrans
Standard Specifications Section 14-8.02, Noise Control, which states the following:
Control and monitor noise resulting from work activities.
Do not exceed 86 A-weighted decibels (dBA) at 50 feet from the job site activities
from 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
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SM-NOI-2: All equipment used by the City of Palo Alto’s contractor will have sound-
control devices that are no less effective than those provided on the original equipment.
No equipment will have an unmuffled exhaust.
SM-NOI-3: The City of Palo Alto and/or its construction contractor will do the following.
Review and ensure that construction activities are conducted in accordance with
local noise standards from the cities of Palo Alto and East Palo Alto.
Implement additional noise mitigation measures, including changing the location of
stationary construction equipment, turning off idling equipment, rescheduling
construction activity to allowed timeframes, notifying adjacent residents in advance
of construction work, and installing acoustic barriers around stationary construction
noise sources, as appropriate.
MM-NOI-1: Provide advance notification of construction schedule and 24-hour hotline
to residents. The City of Palo Alto’s construction contractor will provide advance written
notification of the proposed construction activities to all residences and other noise-
sensitive uses within 750 feet of the construction site. Notification will include a brief
overview of the proposed project and its purpose, as well as the proposed construction
activities and schedule. It will also include the name and contact information of the
project manager at the City of Palo Alto or another City of Palo Alto representative or
designee responsible for ensuring that reasonable measures are implemented to
address the problem.
MM-NOI-2: Designate a noise disturbance coordinator to address resident concerns.
The City of Palo Alto’s construction contractor will designate a representative to act as
construction noise disturbance coordinator, responsible for resolving construction noise
concerns. The disturbance coordinator’s name and contact information will be included
in the preconstruction notices sent to area residents, per MM-NOI-1. The coordinator
will be available during regular business hours to monitor and respond to concerns; if
construction hours are extended, the disturbance coordinator will also be available
during the extended hours. In the event a noise complaint is received, she or he will be
responsible for determining the cause of the complaint and ensuring that all reasonable
measures are implemented to address the problem.
MM-NOI-3: Install temporary noise barriers. As described in MM-NOI-1 and MM-NOI-2,
the City of Palo Alto’s construction contractor will notify noise-sensitive land uses near
the site of upcoming activity before construction begins, will require construction-site
noise reduction measures, and will provide a 24-hour complaint hotline. If a resident or
other noise-sensitive person submits a complaint about construction noise and the
contractor is unable to reduce noise to a level that does not cause annoyance or
disruption to adjacent land uses through other means, the contractor will install
temporary noise barriers to reduce noise levels below the applicable construction noise
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standard. Barriers will be installed as promptly as possible, and work responsible for the
disturbance will be suspended or modified until barriers have been installed. The
following minimum criteria will be required of the contractor.
The barrier will be 10 feet tall. It will surround the work area to block the line of
sight for all diesel-powered equipment on the ground, as viewed from any
private residence or any building.
The barrier will be constructed of heavyweight plywood (5/8 inch thick) or other
material providing a Sound Transmission Classification of at least 25 dBA. Note
that 5/8 inch is sufficiently thick to provide optimal noise buffering; increasing
the thickness of the barrier above 5/8 inch would not provide a noticeable
improvement in noise reduction.
The barrier will be constructed with no gaps or holes that would allow noise to
transmit through the barrier.
To minimize reflection of noise toward workers at the construction site, the
surface of the barrier facing the workers will be covered with a sound-absorbing
material meeting a Noise Reduction Coefficient of at least 0.70.
MM-NOI-4: Conduct construction vibration monitoring and implement control
approach(es). During periods of construction, the City of Palo Alto’s construction
contractor will retain a qualified acoustical consultant or engineering firm to conduct
vibration monitoring at homes or occupied vibration-sensitive buildings located within
315 feet3 of pile driving locations and 25 feet of construction sites using other non-
impact equipment. If at any point the measured PPV is in excess of 0.3 in/sec,
construction activity will cease and alternative methods of construction and excavation
will be considered to prevent possible exposure of vibration-sensitive buildings and
structures to levels of 0.3 in/sec PPV or higher. Prior to construction activity, and
assuming the property owner gives permission, a preconstruction survey will be
conducted that documents any existing cracks or structural damage at vibration-
sensitive receptors located within the distances identified above by means of color
photography or video. Additionally, a designated complaint coordinator will be
responsible for handling and responding to any complaints received during such periods
of construction. The construction contractor will also implement a reporting program
that will be required to document complaints received, actions taken, and the
effectiveness of these actions in resolving disputes.
c) Finding and Rationale. Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated
into, the project, which avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect
identified in the EIR. Construction noise is controlled by Caltrans Standard Specifications
Section 14-8.02, Noise Control and local noise standards (see SM-NOI-1, SM-NOI-2, and
3 Beyond 315 feet, vibration from pile driving would attenuate to less than 0.4 inches per second and thus less than the distinctly
perceptible threshold.
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SM-NOI-3 in Section 2.2.7.4, Avoidance, Minimization, and/or Mitigation Measures) and
with adherence to SM-NOI-1, SM-NOI-2, and SM-NOI-3, these potential impacts would
be reduced. This potential impact would be further minimized through implementation
of mitigation measures MM-NOI-1, MM-NOI-2, and MM-NOI-3, which would ensure
that construction noise does not cause excessive increases in ambient noise levels at
any noise-sensitive land uses. These mitigation measures would provide advance notice
to nearby residences, designate a disturbance coordinator to handle resident
complaints, and install noise barriers to further attenuate noise. Therefore, the impacts
would be less than significant with mitigation incorporated.
d) Remaining Impact. Implementation of MM-NOI-1, MM-NOI-2, MM-NOI-3, and MM-
NOI-4, and SM-NOI-1, SM-NOI-2, and SM-NOI-3, as specified above, would reduce all
potential impacts to less than significant.
Transportation
Impact TRA-a: Conflict with an applicable plan, ordinance, or policy establishing measures of
effectiveness for the performance of the circulation system, taking into account all modes of
transportation including mass transit and non-motorized travel and relevant components of
the circulation system, including but not limited to intersections, streets, highways and
freeways, pedestrian and bicycle paths, and mass transit
Impact TRA-b: Conflict with an applicable congestion management program, including, but
not limited to level of service standards and travel demand measures, or other standards
established by the county congestion management agency for designated roads or highways
a) Potential Impact. The impact identified above is described and discussed in Section
2.1.4, Traffic and Transportation/Pedestrian and Bicycle, and Section 3.2.16,
Transportation/Traffic, of the EIR.
b) Finding and Rationale. Table 2.1.4-2 shows the LOS and delay for diverted traffic
from Newell Road Bridge to University Avenue during construction. The Woodland
Avenue/University Avenue intersection would continue to operate at LOS D during the
a.m. and p.m. peak periods. However, the East Crescent Drive/University Avenue
intersection would operate at unacceptable LOS F and E during the a.m. and p.m. peak
periods respectively, exceeding the CEQA delay threshold of 4 seconds.
Although this would be a temporary impact, impacts are potentially significant during
construction. There is no feasible mitigation to reduce this impact. It is not feasible to
keep the bridge open during construction due to the constricted area surrounding the
bridge.
c) Remaining Impact. Significant and unavoidable.
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Impact TRA-e: Result in inadequate emergency access. The existing Newell Road Bridge would
be closed to vehicles, including emergency services. As a result, first responders would have to
use other existing nearby crossings (University Avenue and West Bayshore Road).
a) Potential Impact. The impact described above is discussed in Section 2.1.3, Utilities
and Emergency Services, and Section 3.2.8, Hazards and Hazardous Materials, of the
EIR.
b) Mitigation Measures. The following mitigation measures will be adopted and will be
implemented as provided in the MMRP, and as further described in the remainder of
these findings.
SM-TR-1: A Traffic Management Plan will be prepared by the Project proponent or its
contractor. A Traffic Management Plan (TMP) will be prepared by the City of Palo Alto or
its contractor (and approved by the City of Palo Alto), and will be implemented by the
contractor during construction activities. The TMP will contain requirements for public
noticing, traffic control implementation, signage, property and business access, parking,
and safety during construction. It also will contain information about the construction
schedule and detours.
Advance notice and coordination with businesses and property owners will be
included in the TMP to minimize any potential temporary impacts on commute
times.
Advance notice and coordination with emergency service providers will be included
in the TMP to minimize any potential temporary impacts on response times.
c) Finding and Rationale. Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated
into, the project, which avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect
identified in the EIR. With implementation of SM TR-1, advance notice and coordination
with emergency service providers will be included in the Traffic Management Plan to
minimize any potential temporary impacts on response times. Therefore, the impacts
would be less than significant with mitigation incorporated.
d) Remaining Impact. Implementation of SM-TR-1, as specified above would reduce all
potential impacts to less than significant.
SECTION 3. Findings on Project Alternatives
Feasibility of Project Alternatives
Public Resources Code Section 21002 provides that “public agencies should not approve
projects as proposed if there are feasible alternatives or feasible mitigation measures available
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which would substantially lessen the significant environmental effects of [the] project.” Where
a lead agency determines that, even after the adoption of all feasible mitigation measures, a
project as proposed will still cause one or more significant environmental effects that cannot be
substantially lessened or avoided, the agency, prior to approving the project as mitigated, must
first determine whether there are any project alternatives that are feasible within the meaning
of CEQA and that would substantially lessen or avoid the project's significant impacts. Although
an EIR must evaluate this range of potentially feasible alternatives, a lead agency’s decision-
making body may ultimately conclude that a potentially feasible alternative is actually
infeasible. (California Native Plant Society v. City of Santa Cruz (2009) 177 Cal.App.4th 957,
1001-1002.) CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.6(f)(1) provides that among the factors that may
be taken into account when addressing the feasibility of alternatives are “site suitability,
economic viability, availability of infrastructure, general plan consistency, other plans or
regulatory limitations, jurisdictional boundaries, and whether the proponent can reasonably
acquire, control or otherwise have access to the alternative site ….”
Grounds for a conclusion of infeasibility might be the failure of an alternative to fully satisfy
project objectives deemed to be important by decision-makers, or the fact that an alternative
fails to promote policy objectives of concern to such decision-makers. (Id. at 992, 1000-1003.)
The definition of feasibility encompasses “desirability” to the extent that an agency’s
determination of infeasibility represents a reasonable balancing of competing economic,
environmental, social, and technological factors supported by substantial evidence. (City of Del
Mar v. City of San Diego (1982) 133 Cal.App.3d 410, 417.) Thus, even if a project alternative will
avoid or substantially lessen any of the significant environmental effects of a proposed project
as mitigated, the decision-makers may reject the alternative for such reasons.
CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.6(f) states that the range of alternatives required in an EIR is
governed by a “rule of reason” that requires the EIR to set forth only those alternatives
necessary to permit a reasoned choice. Further CEQA Guidelines Section 15126(a) requires that
an EIR describe a reasonable range of alternatives that would “feasibly obtain most of the basic
project objectives” but would avoid or substantially lessen any of the significant environmental
effects of the project and evaluate the comparative merits of the alternatives. CEQA case law
has further indicated that the lead agency has the discretion to determine how many
alternatives constitute a “reasonable range” and that an EIR need not present alternatives that
are incompatible with fundamental project objectives. Thus, the project objectives described in
the EIR provided the framework for defining the possible alternatives. Based upon guidance
contained in the CEQA Guidelines and applicable case law as well as the project objectives, the
EIR considered four build alternatives including the proposed Project (referred to in the EIR as
Build Alternative 2 (LPA): as well as the no project alternative (referred to as the No Build
Alternative) as required by CEQA.
The City Council finds that a good faith effort was made to evaluate a reasonable range of
potentially feasible alternatives in the EIR that are reasonable alternatives to the project and
could feasibly obtain most of the basic objectives of the project, even when the alternatives
might impede the attainment of some of the project’s objectives.
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There are no feasible build alternatives or mitigation that could substantially reduce or
eliminate the identified significant transportation impact. Due to the constricted area
surrounding the bridge, closure of Newell Road bridge is necessary for construction of any of
the build alternatives. Therefore, the proposed project as well as all build alternatives would
have a significant and unavoidable impact to traffic during construction.
Alternatives to the Proposed Project
A. No Project Alternative (No Build Alternative)
1. Description
Under the No Project Alternative, no changes would be made to the existing bridge
and approaches. No construction activities would occur and there would be no
change in the operations of the existing facilities.
2. Comparison to Proposed Project
Since the No Build Alternative would preserve the existing conditions, it would have
a lesser environmental impact on all environmental resources, except hydrology.
Therefore, the No Project Alternative is the environmentally superior alternative. At
the same time, the No Project Alternative would not include the environmental
benefits of the proposed Project, as discussed below and more fully in the EIR.
3. Finding
Although there would be no new environmental impacts from the No Project
Alternative, this alternative would not meet or achieve any of the project objectives.
It would not include roadway improvements including new bike and pedestrian
facilities, and thus would not improve safe pedestrian and bicycle access across the
bridge, nor would it allow for improved vehicular safety. Under the No Project
Alternative, the flooding risk along San Francisquito Creek would not be addressed.
The existing bridge flow that can pass under is 6,600 cfs, which can handle the
existing flow of 5,400 cfs, but would not be sufficient to handle the future natural
creek flow of 7,500 cfs for the 70-year storm event. The two existing bridge
restrictions within San Francisquito Creek would remain as 5,400 CFS and 6,600 CFS
for Pope/Chaucer and Newell Road bridges, respectively, far below the natural creek
flow capacity of 7,500 cfs. The No Project Alternative would also not include
additional environmental benefits of the proposed Project, including, but not limited
to, bank stabilization that would improve creek hydrology and water quality. In each
of these respects, the No Project Alternative would not achieve the environmental
and other benefits of the proposed project and the other build alternatives.
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The No Project Alternative may be environmentally superior in a technical sense in
that, without demolition of the bridge, it avoids the identified significant
unavoidable impact that would occur during the construction period, and other
potential impacts. However, as discussed above, this alternative would fail to
achieve any of the project’s objectives and is therefore rejected as infeasible.
B. Build Alternative 1
1. Description
Under Build Alternative 1, the existing bridge would be demolished and replaced
with a one-lane bridge with two-way traffic (under signal control) on the existing
alignment of Newell Road. Bicycle access across the bridge would be via a shared
vehicle/bicycle lane and would be subject to the traffic signal control for the
bridge. Complete signalization of the intersections of Newell Road with
Woodland Avenue and Edgewood Avenue would be required to control the
direction of travel on the bridge and adjacent roadways. One additional signal
would be provided for the sole residential driveway on the Palo Alto side of the
bridge to indicate the direction of traffic on Newell Road at all times.
2. Comparison to Proposed Project
Alternative 1 would result in longer delays at Newell Road/Woodland Avenue
(North Leg) and Newell Avenue/Edgewood Drive compared to the proposed
project and other build alternatives. The number of required easements would
be similar to the proposed project and the anticipated impacts on
paleontological resources would be less than significant, similar to the proposed
project. Impacts to trees would be substantially similar to those under the
proposed project. The area of disturbance would be the same (45,000 sf) but
there would be less impervious surface added (666 sf versus 1,700 sf) because
the single lane bridge would be narrower than a two-lane bridge.
3. Findings
The City Council finds that Build Alternative 1 would not reduce any significant
and unavoidable impact of the proposed project because closure of the existing
bridge would be required for construction of Alternative 1, similar to the
proposed project. Although this alternative would slightly reduce the total
impervious surface of the project, it would permanently increase impacts on
traffic, specifically at the Newell Road/Woodland Avenue (North Leg) and Newell
Avenue/Edgewood Drive intersections. Build Alternative 1 would provide bicycle
access across the bridge via shared vehicle/bicycle lanes (sharrows) (10-foot-
wide travel lanes for vehicles and 4-foot-wide shoulders for bicyclists), similar to
the proposed project. However, bicycles would only be allowed to travel in the
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same direction as the vehicle traffic. Control of bicyclist movement would rely on
the ability/willingness of bicyclists to obey the traffic signals at each intersection.
Overall, although Alternative 1 meets the project objectives, it would not meet
the objectives as well as the proposed project. Specifically, the installation of
traffic signals and the change from a two-lane bi-directional bridge to a one-lane
bi-directional bridge would be less desirable for multi-modal circulation.
Bicyclists and vehicles would be required to stop at traffic lights, resulting in
delays in comparison to the proposed project.
Additionally, under Alternative 1 the replacement bridge would remain
functionally obsolete in that the deck geometry would still not conform to
Caltrans standards, and thus would not be eligible for Federal Highway
Administration/Caltrans funding for bridge design and construction of
Alternative 1. This funding is available only for improvement projects that
address functionally obsolete roadways.
For all of the above reasons, and each of them, this alternative is rejected as
infeasible.
C. Build Alternative 3
1. Description
Under Build Alternative 3, the existing bridge would be demolished and replaced
with a standard two-lane bridge (with stop signs) on a partial realignment of
Newell Road.
2. Comparison to Proposed Project
Under Alternative 3, Newell Road south of Woodland Avenue would be partially
realigned (approximately 30 feet) so that the degree of offset between the
existing north and south intersections with Woodland Avenue would be reduced
compared to the existing condition. Because the alignment would change,
Alternative 3 would involve disturbance of previously undisturbed soil in the
area of the road alignment; therefore, impacts on sensitive paleontological
resources would be more significant in comparison to the proposed project.
requiring mitigation to reduce this impact to a less than significant level.
Alternative 3 would affect the same number of trees as the proposed project,
but would require removal of 2 more trees than in comparison to the proposed
project. The area of disturbance would slightly increase and the area of
impervious surface would also increase in comparison to the proposed project.
Alternative 3 would also require at least one additional temporary easement.
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3. Findings
The City Council finds that Build Alternative 3 would not reduce any significant
and unavoidable impact of the proposed project because closure of the existing
bridge would be required for construction of Alternative 3, similar to the
proposed project. This alternative would not reduce the degree of impacts of the
proposed project. It would increase the degree of impacts on paleontological
resources, necessitating mitigation to reduce impacts to a less than significant
level. Additionally, because the bridge would be realigned, the total area of
disturbance would slightly increase, resulting in slightly increased impacts to
biological resources and resulting in the need for at least one additional
easement. The total cost for construction of the project is also anticipated to
increase in comparison to the proposed project. For these reasons, and each of
them, this alternative is rejected.
D. Build Alternative 4
1. Description
Under Build Alternative 4, the existing bridge would be demolished and replaced
with a standard two-lane bridge (with stop signs) on a full realignment of Newell
Road.
2. Comparison to Proposed Project
Newell Road south of Woodland Avenue would be fully realigned (approximately
90 feet) to eliminate the offset between the existing north and south
intersections with Woodland Avenue. This would provide a standard four-way
intersection at Newell Road and Woodland Avenue. Alternative 4 would increase
overall soil disturbance, including increased impacts to intermittent stream and
valley foothill riparian habitat, and increase the total impervious area in
comparison to the proposed project. It would slightly increase permanent noise
levels at the nearest sensitive receptors, and would permanently increase the
overall visual impacts due to vegetation removal, including the removal of 6
more trees in comparison to the proposed project. Alternative 4 would also
require approximately 100 additional feet of retaining wall in comparison to the
proposed project.
3. Findings
The City Council finds that this alternative would not reduce or avoid any
significant impacts in comparison to the proposed project. It would increase the
degree of impacts on paleontological resources, necessitating mitigation to
reduce impacts to a less than significant level. Additionally, because the bridge
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would be realigned, the total area of disturbance would slightly increase,
resulting in slightly increased impacts to biological resources, and aesthetics, and
resulting in the need for at least one additional easement. The total cost for
construction of the project is also anticipated to increase in comparison to the
proposed project. For these reasons, and each of them, this alternative is
rejected.
SECTION 4. Statement of Overriding Considerations
The City Council adopts and makes the following Statement of Overriding Considerations
regarding the significant, unavoidable impact of the project and the anticipated benefits of the
Project.
A. Significant Unavoidable Impact
With respect to the foregoing findings and in recognition of those facts that are included in the
record, the City has determined that the Project will result in a significant unmitigated impact
to transportation as disclosed in the EIR, to wit: a temporary impact to the East Crescent
Drive/University Avenue intersection would occur during construction of the Project.
Specifically, while Newell Road bridge is closed, diverted traffic would cause the East Crescent
Drive/University Avenue intersection to operate at unacceptable LOS F and E during the a.m.
and p.m. peak periods respectively, exceeding the CEQA delay threshold of 4 seconds. The
impact would not be reduced to a less than significant level by feasible mitigation or
alternatives to the Project.
B. Overriding Considerations
After review of the entire administrative record, including, but not limited to, the EIR, the staff
reports, applicant submittals, and the oral and written testimony and evidence presented at
public hearings, the City Council finds that specific economic, legal, social, technological and
other anticipated benefits of the Project outweigh the unavoidable adverse environmental
impact, and therefore justify the approval of this Project. The City Council specifically adopts
and makes this Statement of Overriding Considerations that this Project has eliminated or
substantially lessened all significant effects on the environment where feasible (including the
incorporation of feasible mitigation measures), and finds that the remaining significant,
unmitigated or unavoidable impacts of the Project described above are acceptable because the
benefits of the Project outweigh them. The City Council finds that each of the overriding
considerations expressed as benefits and set forth below constitutes a separate and
independent ground for such a finding. The Project will result in the following substantial
benefits, which constitute the specific economic, legal, social, technological and other
considerations that justify the approval of the Project.
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C. Benefits of the Project
1. Improves safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, as well as motor vehicle drivers. The project
will create designated lanes for vehicles and sidewalks for pedestrians. Bicyclists will
continue to share the road but will now be in the appropriate directional lane.
2. Improves visibility for all modes of transportation by eliminating sight distance
constraints caused by overgrown landscaping and steep roadway slope at the Woodland
Avenue approach.
3. Replaces a 110-year-old, functionally obsolete bridge. The 18-foot wide bi-directional
bridge continues to deteriorate; over the years the structure has been maintained by
the cities of Palo Alto and East Palo Alto, and replacing it will eliminate the increased
maintenance needs that result from an aging structure.
4. Improves circulation by standardizing the signing and striping on the bridge and
adjacent streets consistent with current City and Caltrans standards.
5. Maintains the current bridge/roadway alignment while requiring all users to perform
complete stops at the Woodland Avenue and Newell Road intersection.
6. Facilitates area-wide and regional bike and pedestrian multi-modal travel. The project is
located near the recently completed East Palo Alto Bike and Pedestrian bridge that
crosses over Highway 101, and will encourage regional multi-modal use.
7. Increases flow capacity within San Francisquito Creek from 6,600 CFS to 7,500 CFS,
allows the conveyance flows from a 70-year storm event, thus reduces the flooding risks
imposed by the existing bridge abutments within the creek. Higher flows would be
allowed to pass, but under pressurized conditions.
8. This Project is part of a multi-agency effort to increase flow capacity within San
Francisquito Creek. Replacing Newell Road Bridge will allow the replacement of the
Pope/Chaucer Street bridge and in channel improvements thus avoiding future flooding
and substantial property loss of the kind that occurred in 1998, the largest flood on
record.
9. Provides the opportunity to add a new special feature, fiber and power lines to serve a
creek level sensor and allow the community to monitor water levels during storm
events.
10. Removes the abutments in San Francisquito Creek and restores a small section of the
creek with more natural material.
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SECTION 5. Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
(a) CEQA requires the lead agency approving a project to adopt a Mitigation
Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) for the changes made to the project
that it has adopted in order to mitigate or avoid significant effects on the
environment. An MMRP has been prepared and is recommended for adoption
by the City Council concurrently with the adoption of these findings to ensure
compliance with standard project requirements incorporated as part of the
project and mitigation measures during Project implementation. As required by
Public Resources Code section 21081.6, the MMRP designates responsibility and
anticipated timing for the implementation of the mitigation measures
recommended in the Final EIR. The MMRP will remain available for public review
during the compliance period.
(b) The City Council hereby adopts the MMRP for the Project attached hereto as
Exhibit A and incorporated by reference, and finds, determines, and declares
that the adoption of the MMRP will ensure enforcement and continued
imposition of the mitigation measures recommended in the Final EIR, and set
forth in the MMRP, in order to mitigate or avoid significant impacts on the
environment.
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SECTION 6. Location and Custodian of Records
The documents and other materials that constitute the record of proceedings on which the City
Council based the foregoing findings and approval of the Project are located at the Department
of Planning and Development Services, City Hall, 250 Hamilton Avenue, 5th Floor, Palo Alto, CA
94301. The official custodian of the record is the Planning Director at the same address.
INTRODUCED PASSED: June 1, 2020
AYES: CORMACK, DUBOIS, FILSETH, FINE, KNISS, KOU, TANAKA
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
ATTEST: APPROVED:
__________________________ _____________________________
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED:
__________________________ _____________________________
Assistant City Attorney City Manager
_____________________________
Director of Public Works
_____________________________
Director of Planning and
Development Services
Attachment C, Exhibit A
APPROVAL NO. 2018-
RECORD OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO LAND USE ACTION FOR NEWELL
ROAD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT: ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW, ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT REPORT/ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSEMENT, AND MITIGATION MONITORING
AND REPORTING PLAN [FILE NO 19PLN-00130]
On _________, 2020, the City Council certified the Environmental Impact Report and
Approved the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program as well as the Architectural Review application to
allow for demolition of an existing two-lane bi-directional bridge on Newell Road between Woodland Avenue
in East Palo Alto and Edgewood Drive in Palo Alto and construction of a new bridge along the same alignment
making the following findings, determination, and declarations:
SECTION 1. BACKGROUND. The City Council of the City of Palo Alto (“City Council”) finds,
determines, and declares as follows:
A. On April 17, 2019 the City of Palo Alto Public Works Engineering Division applied for
Architectural Review [19PLN-00130] for the replacement of the existing Newell Road Bridge across San
Francisquito Creek between Edgewood Drive in Palo Alto and Woodland Avenue in East Palo Alto.
B. The project site includes work within public right-of-way along Newell Road and
Woodland Avenue within the Cities of Palo Alto and East Palo Alto, as well as five private parcels, including:
APN Nos. 063-515-370; 063-515-380; and 063-513-350 in East Palo Alto; APN No. 063-514-130 which spans
Palo Alto and East Palo Alto within San Francisquito Creek; and APN 003-12-013, in Palo Alto. Work on
property owned by the private entities require access/encroachment permits, which will be obtained by the
City following adoption of the environmental analysis and approval of the Architectural Review application.
Such permits are required as a condition of approval of the project, as outlined in Section 4 of this Record of
Land Use Action.
C. Following staff review, the Architectural Review Board (ARB) reviewed the project and
considered the EIR/EA for the Newell Road Bridge Replacement Project as well as the Mitigation Monitoring
and Reporting Plan (MMRP) and recommended adoption of the EIR/EA, approval of the MMRP, and
approval of the Architectural Review application on May 7, 2020 subject to conditions of approval.
D. On June 1, 2020, the City Council reviewed the project design, the EIR/EA and the
MMRP. After hearing public testimony, the Council voted to approve the Architectural Review
Application subject to the conditions set forth in Section 4 of this Record of Land Use Action.
SECTION 2. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW. In conformance with the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the City and the California Department of
Transportation (Caltrans) prepared an Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Assessment (“EIR/EA”)
to provide an assessment of the potential environmental consequences of approving and constructing the
Project. A Draft EIR/EA was circulated for public review for a 60 day period from May 30, 2019 through July
30, 2019. A Final EIR/EA was prepared to respond to comments and published on April 24, 2020; the City
Council certified and made related findings by resolution No ___ on June 1, 2020, prior to approval of the
decision that is the subject of this RLUA. All mitigation measures as stated in the approved Mitigation
Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) have been incorporated into the conditions of approval. The
MMRP is included in Exhibit A of this Record of Land Use Action.
SECTION 3. ARCHITECTURE REVIEW BOARD FINDINGS. The design and architecture of the
proposed improvements, as conditioned, complies with the Findings for Architectural Review as
required in Chapter 18.76 of the PAMC.
Finding #1: The design is consistent with applicable provisions of the Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan, Zoning
Code, coordinated area plans (including compatibility requirements), and any relevant design guides.
The project is consistent with Finding #1 because:
The proposed project is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation
(BPTP) Plan. Table 1 includes an analysis of the projects consistency with applicable goals and policies outlined
in the City of Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan and Table 2 includes an analysis of the project’s consistency with
applicable goals and policies outlined in the City of Palo Alto BPTP. The project includes modifications to a bridge
and City streets within the public right-of-way and therefore is not subject to zoning and land use restrictions
for any specific zone district or land use designation. Some minor work on private properties would be
necessary, primarily for temporary access to build retaining walls and guard rails along the shared property line
between the public right-of-way and private properties. Although this roadway project is not subject to zoning
regulations for a specific zone district, the project is designed to fit in with the adjacent area and would not
create any conflicts with zoning requirements for adjacent parcels, which include single family residential (R-
1[10,000]) zoned parcels in Palo Alto and Multiple family High Density Residential (R-HD-5) zoned parcels in East
Palo Alto. There are no other coordinated area plans or relevant design guides adopted by the City of Palo Alto
or East Palo Alto that are applicable to the project/project site. Therefore, the project is consistent with the
Comprehensive Plan, Zoning code, and applicable design guides.
Table 1: Analysis of Project’s Consistency with the City of Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan
Comp Plan Goals and Policies How project adheres or does not adhere to Comp Plan
The Comprehensive Plan land use designation for
the site is Single-family Residential.
The project consists of the replacement of an existing
bridge within the public right-of-way with a new bridge
in the same location that conforms to Caltrans standards
for multi-modal transportation (vehicles, bicyclist, and
pedestrians) and site distances.
Land Use and Community Design
Goal L-1: A compact and resilient city
providing residents and visitors with
attractive neighborhoods, work places,
shopping districts, public facilities and open
spaces.
The proposed project provides the city with an attractive
bridge, similar to the existing bridge. The bridge is
designed to accommodate all modes of transportation
and was designed in coordination with the ARB to meet
the City’s Architectural Review Findings.
Policy L-1.3: Infill development in the urban
service area should be compatible with its
surroundings and the overall scale and character
of the city to ensure a compact, efficient
development pattern.
The proposed project is compatible with its
surroundings and the overall scale and character of the
city. It includes the replacement of an existing bridge in
the same location but the new bridge is designed to
accommodate multi-modal access.
Policy L-2.2 Enhance connections between
commercial and mixed use centers and the
surrounding residential neighborhoods by
promoting walkable and bikeable connections
and a diverse range of retail and services that
caters to the daily needs of residents.
The project includes better pedestrian and bicycle
connections between neighborhoods.
Policy L-5.3. Design paths and sidewalks to be
attractive and comfortable and consistent with
the character of the area where they are located.
This project would improve pedestrian facilities within
this area by providing pedestrian access across San
Francisquito Creek.
Policy L-6.1: Promote high-quality design and
site planning that is compatible with
surrounding development and public spaces.
The project would be compatible with surrounding
development and public spaces because there would be
no change in land use and it would provide better
connections between neighborhoods.
Goal L-9: Attractive, inviting public spaces and
streets that enhance the image and character of
the city.
The project includes replacement of an existing bridge
with a new bridge that allows for better connections
between neighborhoods. The project would include
landscaping and better pedestrian facilities, consistent
with Goal L-9.
Policy L-9.3. Treat residential streets as both
public ways and neighborhood amenities.
Provide and maintain continuous sidewalks,
healthy street trees, benches and other
amenities that promote walking and “active”
transportation.
The project allow for a continuous sidewalk crossing San
Francisquito Creek, making the area safer for residents.
Transportation Element
Goal T-1: Create a sustainable transportation
system, complemented by a mix of land uses,
that emphasizes walking, bicycling, use of public
transportation and other methods to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions and the use of single-
occupancy motor vehicles.
The project improves circulation along a portion of
Newell Road and would improve existing pedestrian and
bike safety.
Policy T-1.19: Provide facilities that encourage
and support bicycling and walking
The project improves existing pedestrian and bike safety
and allow for better, safer multi-modal access between
neighborhoods across San Francisquito Creek
Goal T-3: Maintain an efficient roadway network
for all users.
The project provides safe access for pedestrians and
bicyclists, encouraging multi-model transportation.
Policy T-3.2: Enhance connections to, from and
between parks, community centers, recreation
facilities, libraries and schools for all users.
The project improves existing pedestrian and bike
connections between Palo Alto and East Palo Alto across
San Francisquito Creek.
Policy T-3.5: When constructing or modifying
roadways, plan for use of the roadway by all
users.
The project improves bike, pedestrian, and automotive
safety along a portion of Newell Road.
Goal T-6: Provide a safe environment for
motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists on Palo Alto
Streets.
Policy T-6.1: Continue to make safety the first
priority of citywide transportation planning.
Prioritize pedestrian, bicycle, and automobile
safety over motor vehicle level of service at
intersections and motor vehicle parking.
Goal T-7: Provide mobility options that allow
people who are transit dependent to reach their
destinations.
The project complies with Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA) requirements and would improve
infrastructure to allow for all modes of transit to more
safely utilize this bridge.
Policy T-7.1: Support mobility options for all
groups in Palo Alto who require transit for their
transportation.
Policy T-7.2: Utilize the principles of Universal
Design, and local and State design standards, to
guide the planning and implementation of
transportation and parking improvement
projects to ensure the needs of community
members with limited mobility, including some
seniors and people with disabilities, are
addressed.
Natural Environment Element
Policy N-2.1: Recognize the importance of the
urban forest as a vital part of the city’s natural
and green infrastructure network that
contributes to public health, resiliency, habitat
values, appreciation of natural systems and an
attractive visual character which must be
protected and enhanced
The EIR/EA requires replacement of the tree canopy at
the ratios described in the East Palo Alto and Palo Alto
Municipal codes for trees removed within their respective
jurisdictions. Landscaping will be replaced, to the extent
feasible, within the project area. Any trees that cannot be
replaced within the project area will be replaced within
the vicinity as required by the mitigation measures in the
EIR/EA.
Safety Element
Policy S-2.8—Minimize exposure to flood
hazards by protecting existing development
from flood events and adequately reviewing
proposed development in flood prone areas.
The project is integral to flood control efforts for the
region that are designed to better protect existing
development from flood events. It removes the existing
abutments within the creek, allowing for greater capacity
to flow beneath Newell Road bridge.
Program S2.8.3—Collaborate with the San
Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority and
the Santa Clara Valley Water District on
environmentally-sensitive efforts to stabilize,
restore, maintain and provide one percent
(100-year) flood protection adjacent to San
Francisquito Creek.
The project is designed to accommodate the 70-year
flood event to improve flood control within San
Francisquito Creek. The project is specifically designed so
as not to preclude future improvements that will work
toward the 100-year flood protection.
Program S2.8.4—Work with East Palo Alto,
Santa Clara Valley Water District and San
Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority on
Replacement of Newell Road bridge with a bridge that
allows for greater flow capacity will allow for upstream
improvements planned by the SFCJPA, including
efforts to increase the flows within the San
Francisquito Creek. Possible solutions include
replacing the City-owned Newell Road Bridge
and District-owned Pope Chaucer Street Bridge.
replacement of the Pope Chaucer Bridge. The
replacement of these bridges is part of a series of
solutions that work toward better flood control within
San Francisquito Creek.
Table 2: Analysis of the Project’s Consistency with the Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan
BPTP Plan Objectives and Policies How project adheres or does not adhere to BPTP
Objective 1: Double the rate of bicycling for
both local and total work commutes by 2020 (to
15% and 5%, respectively).
The project encourage bicycling and walking by providing
better, safer access for multi-modal transportation across
San Francisquito Creek.
Objective 2: Convert discretionary vehicle trips
into walking and bicycling trips in order to
reduce City transportation-related greenhouse
gas (GHG) emissions 15% by 2020.
Objective 3: Develop a core network of shared
paths, bikeways, and traffic-calmed streets that
connects business and residential districts,
schools, parks, and open spaces to promote
healthy, active living.
Objective 4: Plan, construct, and maintain
‘Complete Streets’ that are safe and accessible
to all modes and people of all ages and abilities.
The project furthers the objectives of providing complete
streets by providing continuous sidewalks and sharrows.
Policy T-1: Make land use decisions that
encourage walking, biking, public transit use.
The project encourages bicycling and walking by
improving access for these modes of transportation.
Policy T-25: When constructing or modifying
roadways, plan for usage of the roadway space
by all users, including motor vehicles, transit
vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians
The project plans for the use of roadway space by all
modes of transportation.
Policy T-42: Address the needs of people with
disabilities and comply with the requirements of
the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) during
the planning and implementation of
transportation and parking improvement
projects.
The project replaces the existing Newell Road bridge,
which is not ADA compliant, with a new bridge that is ADA
compliant.
Finding #2: The project has a unified and coherent design, that:
a. creates an internal sense of order and desirable environment for occupants, visitors, and the
general community,
b. preserves, respects and integrates existing natural features that contribute positively to the site and
the historic character including historic resources of the area when relevant,
c. is consistent with the context-based design criteria of the applicable zone district,
d. provides harmonious transitions in scale, mass and character to adjacent land uses and land
use designations,
e. enhances living conditions on the site (if it includes residential uses) and in adjacent residential areas.
The project is consistent with Finding #2 because:
It enhances the existing conditions at the site by mitigating flood risk and impacts for nearby parcels; allowing
for additional flood control projects to be constructed upstream of the project site; and by improving safety
for bicyclists, pedestrians, and vehicles along Newell Road. There are no historical features at/immediately
adjacent the site and there are no other context-based design criteria applicable to this area.
Although the project would remove existing vegetation at the site, including mature trees and valley foothill
woodland riparian habitat; Mitigation measures (MM) BIO-1 and MM BIO-2, which have been incorporated as
conditions of approval of the project, require the replacement of the riparian habitat and tree canopy,
respectively, consistent with California Department of Fish and Wildlife recommendations and the Cities of
Palo Alto and East Palo Alto’s municipal codes. The bridge is designed to be as narrow as feasible while still
meeting the Caltrans bridge design standards and the basic project objectives. The bridge is also designed to
be as low as possible, while still meeting all applicable Caltrans bridge design standards and Federal
Emergency Management Agency requirements. The proposed project assessed in the environmental analysis
assumes a worst-case-scenario; however, City of Palo Alto Public Works Engineering is working in conjunction
with wildlife and water resource agencies to identify creek bank stabilization measures that utilize bio-
engineering techniques rather than hardscape. It is anticipated that these will be feasible and would be
utilized to the extent feasible in order to improve the overall native riparian habitat within this area of San
Franciquito Creek. Therefore, with implementation of the conditions of approval, the proposed project would
be consistent with Finding 2.
Finding #3: The design is of high aesthetic quality, using high quality, integrated materials and
appropriate construction techniques, and incorporating textures, colors, and other details that are
compatible with and enhance the surrounding area.
The project is consistent with Finding #3 because:
The project will utilize galvanized steel guardrails and cement, as is appropriate for a roadway project. The
project minimizes the height and width of the bridge to the extent feasible, as discussed in Finding 2, while
still meeting Caltrans bridge design standards and meeting all other applicable safety requirements. City of
Palo Alto Public Works Engineering is working with wildlife agencies to reduce stream bank impacts by
utilizing bio engineering techniques rather than hardscape for a more natural setting and channel. It has
been verified that soil nail walls will not be required for the project. A landscaping plan has been developed
for the replacement of trees within the public right-of-way and the City will work with private property
owners to replace any landscaping removed within their property. Therefore, the project is consistent with
Finding 3.
Finding #4: The design is functional, allowing for ease and safety of pedestrian and bicycle traffic and
providing for elements that support the building’s necessary operations (e.g. convenient vehicle access to
property and utilities, appropriate arrangement and amount of open space and integrated signage, if
applicable, etc.).
The project is consistent with Finding #4 because:
The project has been identified as a capital improvement PE-12011 in past capital improvement plans and the
currently adopted 2020 Capital Improvement Plan. It is specifically designed to improve safety and
connections for all modes of transportation and to mitigate flood risk within the City of Palo Alto and
neighboring jurisdictions. Special consideration has been given to ensuring safety of all users by ensuring
visibility around corners, providing signage, ensuring ADA accessibility, and ensuring that all aspects of the
design are functional for a variety of users.
Finding #5: The landscape design complements and enhances the building design and its surroundings, is
appropriate to the site’s functions, and utilizes to the extent practical, regional indigenous drought resistant
plant material capable of providing desirable habitat that can be appropriately maintained.
The project is consistent with Finding #5 because:
Consistent with MM BIO-1 and MM BIO-2, and in accordance with City of Palo Alto and SCVWD
requirements for work adjacent stream banks, the landscape design utilizes native plants that are
appropriate to the site. All plants that are proposed are drought tolerant. The landscaping is designed to
avoid line-of-sight conflicts at the bridge approaches. Landscaping along the adjacent roads will ensure
preservation of the pedestrian experience.
Finding #6: The project incorporates design principles that achieve sustainability in areas related to
energy efficiency, water conservation, building materials, landscaping, and site planning.
The project is consistent with Finding #6 because:
The project will use native, low water-use, drought resistant plants. In accordance with MM BIO-1 and BIO-
2, all existing vegetation will be replaced in accordance with City of Palo Alto, City of East Palo Alto and wildlife
agency (California Department of Fish and Game and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) requirements. The City of
Palo Alto Public Works Department will continue to work with wildlife agencies throughout the permitting
process to improve the habitat within the creek bank as part of the proposed project. The project also provides
a dedicated pedestrian and bicycle connection, which help to reduce the use of single-occupancy vehicles,
which, in turn, helps to reduce emissions. Therefore, the project is consistent with Finding #6.
SECTION 4. Conditions of Approval.
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
1. CONFORMANCE WITH PLANS. Construction and development shall conform to the approved plans entitled,
"Newell Road Bridge Over San Francisquito Creek Replacement Project,” stamped as received by the City
on January 27, 2020 on file with the Planning Department, 250 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto, California
except as modified by these conditions of approval.
2. BUILDING PERMIT. Apply for a building permit and meet any and all conditions of the Planning, Fire, Public
Works, and Building Departments.
3. BUILDING PERMIT PLAN SET. The approval letter, including all Department conditions of approval for the
project, shall be printed on the plans submitted for building permit.
4. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS. All modifications to the approved project shall be submitted for review and
approval prior to construction. If, during the Building Permit review and construction phase, the project is
modified by the applicant, it is the responsibility of the applicant to contact the Planning Division/project
planner directly to obtain approval of the project modification. It is the applicant’s responsibility to highlight
any proposed changes to the project and to bring it to the project planner’s attention.
5. MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM. The Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
associated with the project and attached here as Exhibit A is incorporated by reference and all mitigation
measures shall be implemented as described in such document.
6. TEMPORARY AND PERMANENT EASEMENTS. Prior to issuance of the building permit, the City of Palo Alto
Public Works Engineering Division shall work with applicable private property owners to obtain the
necessary temporary easements for access to those properties, as identified in Table 1-3, Permanent ROW
Acquisitions and Temporary Easements, of the Final EIR. Prior to final inspection, the City of Palo Alto Public
Works Engineering Division shall work with all applicable private property owners and the City of East Palo
Alto to record any permanent right-of-way acquisitions/access easements for future maintenance of the
bridge and will record a maintenance agreement for the future repair of the bridge and associated
improvements.
7. PLAQUE. Prior to approval, the building permit plans shall show the location and details of a plaque that
identifies the bridge and acknowledges the effort involved by various agencies in replacing the bridge. The
plaque may also reference associated projects along San Francisquito Creek.
8. FINAL INSPECTION. A Planning Division Final inspection will be required to determine substantial
compliance with the approved plans prior to the scheduling of a Building Division final. Any revisions during
the building process must be approved by Planning, including but not limited to; materials, landscaping and
hard surface locations. Contact your Project Planner, Claire Raybould, at claire.raybould@cityofpaloalto.org
to schedule this inspection.
PUBLIC WORKS ENGINEERING
The following comments are required to be addressed prior to any future related permit application such as a
Building Permit, Excavation and Grading Permit, Certificate of Compliance, Street Work Permit, Encroachment
Permit, etc.
9. OTHER PERMITS AND APPROVALS. Applicant shall provide evidence of Santa Clara Valley Water District
(SCVWD), San Franciscquito Creek Joint Powers Authority (SFCJPA) and all other affected agencies and/or
neighboring cities review/approval prior to issuance of any City permits.
10. STAGING. The access route to the staging area shall be prepared with material to minimize damage to the
existing surface and shall be restored to original condition or as otherwise shown on the approved plans at
the end of the project.
11. DEMOLITION PLAN. Place the following note adjacent to an affected tree on the Site Plan and Demolition
Plan: “Excavation activities associated with the proposed scope of work shall occur no closer than 10-feet
from the existing street tree, or as approved by the Urban Forestry Division contact 650-496-5953. Any
changes shall be approved by the same”.
12. GRADING PERMIT. A separate Excavation and Grading Permit will be required for grading activities on
private properties that fill, excavate, store or dispose of 100 cubic yards or more based on PAMC Section
16.28.060. The applicant shall prepare and submit an excavation and grading permit to Public Works
separately from the building permit set. The permit application and instructions are available at the
Development Center and on our website.
http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/gov/depts/pwd/forms_and_permits.asp
13. GRADING & DRAINAGE PLAN. The building plan set must include a grading & drainage plan prepared by a
licensed professional that includes existing and proposed spot elevations, earthwork volumes, finished floor
elevations, area drain and bubbler locations, drainage flow arrows to demonstrate proper drainage of the
site. Adjacent grades must slope away from the house a minimum of 2% or 5% for 10-feet per 2013 CBC
section 1804.3. Downspouts and splashblocks should be shown on this plan, as well as any site drainage
features such as swales, area drains, bubblers, etc. Grading that increases drainage onto, or blocks existing
drainage from neighboring properties, will not be allowed. Public Works generally does not allow rainwater
to be collected and discharged into the street gutter, but encourages the developer to keep rainwater
onsite as much as feasible by directing runoff to landscaped and other pervious areas of the site.
14. PUBLIC WORKS STANDARDS CONDITIONS. The City's full-sized "Standard Conditions" sheet must be
included in the building permit plan set. Copies are available from Public Works on our website:
http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?t=67175.06&BlobID=66261
15. STORM WATER POLLUTION PREVENTION. The City's full-sized "Pollution Prevention - It's Part of the Plan"
sheet must be included in the building and grading permit plan sets. Copies are available from Public Works
on our website http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/2732
16. LOGISTICS PLAN. The contractor shall submit a logistics plan with the building plan that addresses all
impacts to the City of Palo Alto and City of East Palo Alto’s right-of-way, including, but not limited to:
pedestrian control, traffic control, truck routes, material deliveries, contractor’s parking, concrete pours,
crane lifts, work hours, noise control, dust control, storm water pollution prevention, contractor’s contact,
noticing of affected surrounding properties, and schedule of work.
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?BlobID=2719
PUBLIC WORKS UTILITIES DIVISION
17. UTILITY INSPECTOR. The applicant shall notify the Electric Utility Inspector prior to construction near any
electric utility substructure. The inspector can be reached at 650-496-6977.
18. UNDERGROUND SERVICE ALERT. The contractor shall contact underground service alert (800) 227-2600 a
minimum of 48 hours in advance of starting excavation to provide marking of underground utilities.
19. POTHOLING. Electric utilities found to be in proximity of the proposed work area shall be potholed.
Verification by the Electric Utility Inspector is required.
20. CLEARANCE. The contractor shall maintain 12” clear, above and below from the existing utilities to new
underground facilities.
21. UTILITY PROTECTION. The Applicant shall provide protection for utility lines that may be subject to damage.
Exposed electric conduit or duct shall be inspected by the Electrical Utility Inspector prior to backfilling.
22. DISTRIBUTION LINES. Any extension or relocation of the existing distribution lines or equipment shall be
done at customer/developer’s expense.
23. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM DAMAGE. The applicant’s contractor shall immediately notify the Utilities Department
(650) 496-6914 if the existing electric system is damaged or disturbed.
24. UTILITIES OUTSIDE OF CPA. Overhead facilities on East Palo Alto side of the project are not part of the
CPAU electric system. The applicant shall obtain all necessary approvals from Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E)
and follow applicable PG&E specifications for work on the electrical system outside of CPAU’s jurisdiction.
PUBLIC WORKS URBAN FORESTRY DIVISION
25. HAND EXCAVATION. Regarding tree #3, 4, 22, 42, 54 and 57: As noted on sheet 19 of 22 in the 1/27/2020
submittal, roots of these tree will be excavated and assessed during demolition to determine the potential
to retain these trees. Given the undetermined status of these trees as to be retained or removed, the
following change should be made to the drawing set at building permit phase: all trees to be excavated by
pneumatic and hand tool methods for the assessment of potential tree preservation, must be labeled as such
on the plan drawing and in the legend, to clearly differentiate the trees to protect, remove and potentially
preserve.
26. TREE PROTECTION. The owner and contractor shall implement all protection and inspection schedule
measures, design recommendations and construction scheduling as stated in the TPR & Sheet T-1, and is
subject to code compliance action pursuant to PAMC 8.10.080. The required protective fencing shall remain
in place until final landscaping and inspection of the project. Project arborist approval must be obtained and
documented in the monthly activity report sent to the City. The mandatory Contractor and Arborist Monthly
Tree Activity Report shall be sent monthly to the City (pwps@cityofpaloalto.org) beginning with the initial
verification approval, using the template in the Tree Technical Manual, Addendum 11.
27. TREE DAMAGE. Tree Damage, Injury Mitigation and Inspections apply to Contractor. Reporting, injury
mitigation measures and arborist inspection schedule (1-5) apply pursuant to TTM, Section 2.20-2.30.
Contractor shall be responsible for the repair or replacement of any publicly owned or protected trees that
are damaged during the course of construction, pursuant to Title 8 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, and city
Tree Technical Manual, Section 2.25.
28. GENERAL. The following general tree preservation measures apply to all trees to be retained: No storage of
material, topsoil, vehicles or equipment shall be permitted within the tree enclosure area. The ground under
and around the tree canopy area shall not be altered. Trees to be retained shall be irrigated, aerated and
maintained as necessary to ensure survival.
29. TREE PROTECTION VERIFICATION. Prior to any site work verification from the contractor that the required
protective fencing is in place shall be submitted to the Urban Forestry Section. The fencing shall contain
required warning sign and remain in place until final inspection of the project.
30. EXCAVATION RESTRICTIONS APPLY (TTM, Sec. 2.20 C & D). Any approved grading, digging or trenching
beneath a tree canopy shall be performed using ‘air-spade’ method as a preference, with manual hand shovel
as a backup. For utility trenching, including sewer line, roots exposed with diameter of 1.5 inches and greater
shall remain intact and not be damaged. If directional boring method is used to tunnel beneath roots, then
Table 2-1, Trenching and Tunneling Distance, shall be printed on the final plans to be implemented by
Contractor.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
31. BRIDGE LOADING. The bridge shall support a 75,000 lbs fire apparatus.
BUILDING DIVISION
32. SOIL REPORT. A soil report shall be required for the foundation design.
WATERSHED PROTECTION DIVISION
33. MUNICIPAL STORMWATER PERMITS. All Bay Area Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit requirements shall
be followed.
34. USE OF PESTICIDE. Add this bullet as a note to the building plans: “Do not use chemical fertilizers,
pesticides, herbicides or commercial soil amendment. Use Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI)
materials and compost.” Refer to the BayFriendly Landscape Guidelines:
http://www.stopwaste.org/resource/brochures/bayfriendly-landscape-guidelines-sustainable-practices-
landscape-professional for guidance.
35. SOIL COMPACTION. Add this bullet as a note to the building plans: “Avoid compacting soil in areas that will
be unpaved”
36. COVERAGE OF WASTE. Temporary and permanent waste, compost and recycling containers shall be
covered to prohibit fly-away trash and having rainwater enter the containers.
37. SOIL CELLS AND BIOTREATMENT. Meet with PW Storm Drain Engineering, Urban Forestry and WPG to
discuss potential soil cell and biotreatment soil mix implementation relative to any new trees being planted
according to the landscape plan.
UTILITILES- WATER, GAS, WASTEWATER
38. SERVICE CONNECTION APPLICATION. The applicant shall submit a completed water-gas-wastewater service
connection application - loadsheet per unit for City of Palo Alto Utilities. The applicant must provide all the
information requested for utility relocations.
39. UTILITY IMPROVEMENT PLANS. The applicant shall submit improvement plans for utility construction. The
plans must show the size and location of all underground utilities within the development and the public
right of way including meters, backflow preventers, fire service requirements, sewer mains, sewer
cleanouts, sewer lift stations and any other required utilities.
40. RELOCATION OF UTILITY SERVICES. The approved relocation of services, meters, hydrants, or other facilities
will be performed at the cost of the person/entity requesting the relocation.
41. UTILITY ABANDONMENT. All existing water and wastewater services that will not be reused shall be
abandoned at the main per WGW utilities procedures.
42. PLACEMENT OF UTILITIES. Utility vaults, transformers, utility cabinets, concrete bases, or other structures
cannot be placed over existing water, gas or wastewater mains/services. Maintain 1’ horizontal clear
separation from the vault/cabinet/concrete base to existing utilities as found in the field. If there is a
conflict with existing utilities, Cabinets/vaults/bases shall be relocated from the plan location as needed to
meet field conditions. Trees may not be planted within 10 feet of existing water, gas or wastewater
mains/services or meters. New water, gas or wastewater services/meters may not be installed within 10’
or existing trees unless otherwise approved by WGW Utilities. Maintain 10’ between new trees and new
water, gas and wastewater services/mains/meters unless otherwise approved by WGW Utilities.
43. CPAU STANDARDS. All utility installations shall be in accordance with the City of Palo Alto current utility
standards for water, gas & wastewater.
SECTION 5. Term of Approval.
Architectural Review Approval. The project approval shall be valid for a period of two years. In
the event a building permit(s), if applicable, is not secured for the project within the time limit specified
above, the Architectural Review approval shall expire and be of no further force or effect. Application for
extension of this entitlement may be made prior to the one year expiration.
PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
ATTEST:
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED:
Senior Assistant City Attorney Director of Planning and
Development Services
EXHIBIT A:
MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM
TABLE A: MITIGATION MEASURES ADOPTED AS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL FOR THE NEWELL ROAD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT
(TO BE IMPLEMENTED BY THE CITY OF PALO ALTO)
Mitigation Measures
Responsibility
for
Implementation
Mitigation
Schedule
Monitoring/
Report
Responsibility
Status/Date
Completed
Community Impacts
AMM-COM-1: The contractor will provide bilingual notification of
construction activities including any utility disruptions to the local
residents and businesses.
Contractor. Prior to and
during
construction.
City of Palo Alto;
Caltrans.
When
construction is
complete.
AMM-COM-2: The contractor will maintain ongoing coordination
with the Orthodox Jewish Community during pre-construction and
construction of the Project. In the event that the poles supporting
the eruv over Newell Road require moving during any period of
construction when the bridge structure is in place and accessible to
pedestrians, the contractor will take the following steps to ensure a
temporary eruv is in place prior to any Friday evening.
The existing poles must be dug out completely so that they may
be reused.
Temporary replacement shall be installed consisting of 20-foot
conduits to be fastened to nearby structures.
Fishing line, or other unobtrusive wire, shall be fastened to the
conduits to maintain the eruv alignment.
Contractor. Prior to and
during
construction;
prior to every
Friday evening.
City of Palo Alto;
Caltrans.
When
construction is
complete.
AMM-COM-3: Access to all properties for property owners and
users will be maintained by the contractor during construction.
Contractor. During
construction.
City of Palo Alto;
Caltrans.
When
construction is
complete.
Utilities/Emergency Services
SM-UT-1: The contractor will provide bilingual notification of
construction activities including any utility disruptions to the local
residents and businesses.
Contractor. Prior to and
during
construction.
City of Palo Alto;
Caltrans.
When
construction is
complete.
TABLE A: MITIGATION MEASURES ADOPTED AS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL FOR THE NEWELL ROAD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT
(TO BE IMPLEMENTED BY THE CITY OF PALO ALTO)
Mitigation Measures
Responsibility
for
Implementation
Mitigation
Schedule
Monitoring/
Report
Responsibility
Status/Date
Completed
Traffic and Transportation/Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities
SM-TR-1: A TMP will be prepared by the Project proponent or its
contractor, approved by the City of Palo Alto, and will be
implemented by the contractor during construction activities. The
TMP will contain requirements for public noticing, traffic control
implementation, signage, property and business access, parking, and
safety during construction. It also will contain information about the
construction schedule and detours.
Advance notice and coordination with businesses and property
owners will be included in the TMP to minimize any potential
temporary impacts on commute times.
Advance notice and coordination with emergency service
providers will be included in the TMP to minimize any potential
temporary impacts on response times.
Contractor. Prior to and
during
construction.
City of Palo Alto;
Caltrans.
Following
approval of the
TMP by the City
of Palo Alto;
when
construction is
complete.
AMM-TR-1: Access along Edgewood Drive for the southeast
resident’s driveway will be maintained by the contractor at all times
during construction.
Contractor. During
construction.
City of Palo Alto;
Caltrans.
When
construction is
complete.
AMM-TR-2: On Woodland Avenue, the contractor will maintain one-
lane of traffic to assure passage along Woodland Avenue during the
majority of construction. When one-lane of traffic is not available a
detour route will be identified. The construction zone will be
established such that the maximum amount of existing parking is
available in the area during non-construction hours.1 Access for all
residents on Woodland Avenue in the study area will be maintained
throughout the construction period.
Contractor. During
construction.
City of Palo Alto;
Caltrans.
When
construction is
complete.
1 The allowed hours of construction are M-F 8-6PM, Sat 9AM-6PM in Palo Alto (Municipal Code 09.10.060) and M-F 7AM-6PM, Sat 9AM-5PM in East Palo Alto (Municipal Code
15.04.125), and both jurisdictions prohibit construction activities on Sunday/Holidays,
TABLE A: MITIGATION MEASURES ADOPTED AS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL FOR THE NEWELL ROAD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT
(TO BE IMPLEMENTED BY THE CITY OF PALO ALTO)
Mitigation Measures
Responsibility
for
Implementation
Mitigation
Schedule
Monitoring/
Report
Responsibility
Status/Date
Completed
AMM-TR-3: The City of Palo Alto shall coordinate with the City of
East Palo Alto to identify nearby locations including private parcels
where additional parking accommodations can be provided during
construction.
City of Palo Alto. During
construction.
City of Palo Alto;
Caltrans.
When
construction is
complete.
AMM-TR-4: During stages 2, 3, and 4 of construction, the contractor
will make accommodations for nighttime parking during non-
construction hours. This would include opening the work zone up
for residents to park at night and utilizing head-in (perpendicular)
parking rather than parallel parking in these areas.
Contractor. During stages 2,
3, and 4 of
construction.
City of Palo Alto;
Caltrans.
When
construction is
complete.
Visual/Aesthetics
MM-AES-1: Install Visual Barriers between Construction Work
Areas and Sensitive Receptors. The contractor shall install visual
barriers to obstruct undesirable views of construction activities and
staging areas from sensitive receptors, namely residents and
viewers on neighborhood sidewalks and streets, which are located
adjacent to the construction site. The visual barrier may be chain
link fencing with privacy slats, fencing with windscreen material,
wood, or other similar barrier. The visual barrier shall be a
minimum of six (6) feet high to help to maintain the privacy of
residents and block long-term ground-level views toward
construction activities. While this visual barrier would introduce a
visual intrusion, it would greatly reduce the visual effects associated
with visible construction activities and screening construction
activities and protecting privacy is deemed desirable by residents.
The contractor shall also provide daily visual inspections to ensure
the immediate surroundings of construction staging areas are free
from construction-related clutter and to maintain the areas in a
clean and orderly manner throughout the construction period.
Contractor. Daily during
construction.
City of Palo Alto;
Caltrans;
contractor to
monitor on a
daily basis.
When
construction is
complete.
TABLE A: MITIGATION MEASURES ADOPTED AS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL FOR THE NEWELL ROAD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT
(TO BE IMPLEMENTED BY THE CITY OF PALO ALTO)
Mitigation Measures
Responsibility
for
Implementation
Mitigation
Schedule
Monitoring/
Report
Responsibility
Status/Date
Completed
MM-AES-2: Replace or Relocate Site Features and Landscaping
Affected by the Project. Where appropriate and to the degree
possible, the contractor will relocate, replace, or restore in kind
landscaping and related appurtenances, such as fencing, driveway
gates, and similar features that would be removed from private
properties as a result of construction to reduce visual impacts and to
maintain the quality of views from neighborhood roadways and
sidewalks. If the site cannot accommodate this relocation or
replacement, then the Project proponent will compensate parcel
owners for site features (e.g., fencing, mailboxes, driveway gates)
and landscaping that would be removed or damaged as a result of
the Project. Replacement of site features and landscaping would be
of value at least equal to that of existing features.
Contractor. Following
completion of
construction.
City of Palo Alto. When
construction is
complete.
MM-AES-3: Implement Project Design Aesthetics. The City of Palo
Alto will implement an aesthetic design treatment with a consistent
motif for new structures such as retaining walls, bridge sides,
fencing, and wing walls. Choosing earth-toned colors for the
surfaces would be less distracting to viewers than light or brightly
colored surfaces. The shade of the wall will also be carefully
considered to complement the project setting. However, studies
have shown that structures two (2) to three (3) degrees darker than
the color of the general surrounding area have the ability to
complement the surrounding vegetation and create less of a visual
impact than matching or lighter hues (U.S. Bureau of Land
Management 2008). Safety barriers and fencing will be chosen, and
could be plastic, powder, or vinyl coated with colors selected using
the U.S. Bureau of Land Management selection techniques to make
fences to appear more see-through than non-treated, light grey
fencing that acts as a visual barrier to a degree.
City of Palo Alto. During final
design.
City of Palo Alto
Architectural
Review Board.
Following
approval of the
aesthetic design
treatments and
bridge design.
TABLE A: MITIGATION MEASURES ADOPTED AS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL FOR THE NEWELL ROAD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT
(TO BE IMPLEMENTED BY THE CITY OF PALO ALTO)
Mitigation Measures
Responsibility
for
Implementation
Mitigation
Schedule
Monitoring/
Report
Responsibility
Status/Date
Completed
The design of the bridge will be reviewed and approved by the City
of Palo Alto Architectural Review Board. The Architectural Review
Board is a recommending body that reviews projects and provides
recommendations to the Director of Planning or Council. The Project
would require Architectural Review in accordance with Palo Alto
Municipal Code Section 18.76.020. The Architectural Review Board
reviews the project for consistency with a series of findings outlined
in the municipal code relating to aspects such as compatibility with
the immediate environment of the site; compatibility with the
design character of the surrounding area; harmonious transitions in
scale and character in areas between different designated land uses;
internal sense of order; amount and arrangement of open space;
integration of natural features; and appropriate materials, textures,
colors and details of construction and plant material. Although some
architectural refinements may be expected as the Architectural
Review Board process proceeds, such refinements are not expected
to change the impact conclusions in this environmental analysis.
MM-AES-4: Implement Project Streetscaping and Plantings
along Top of Creek Bank. Streetscaping and planting native
vegetation at the tops of the creek’s banks will improve the visual
quality of the roadway corridor by improving corridor aesthetics.
The City of Palo Alto will select street tree species from the Cities’
approved list of street trees or will be selected to match existing
street trees in close proximity to the Project corridor and in
compliance with the Urban Forest Master Plan2, Palo Alto Tree
Technical Manual3 and East Palo Alto’s Development Code.
Replacement street trees shall have attributes that are at least
equivalent to the trees that are removed or that provide a higher
City of Palo Alto. Select tree
species during
final design;
plant
landscaping
within the first
six (6) months
following Project
completion, and
maintenance
City of Palo Alto;
Caltrans.
Following
selection of tree
species, planting
of landscaping,
and ongoing
during project
operation to
ensure survival.
2 Available: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/36187
3 Available: http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/6436
TABLE A: MITIGATION MEASURES ADOPTED AS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL FOR THE NEWELL ROAD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT
(TO BE IMPLEMENTED BY THE CITY OF PALO ALTO)
Mitigation Measures
Responsibility
for
Implementation
Mitigation
Schedule
Monitoring/
Report
Responsibility
Status/Date
Completed
degree of aesthetic benefit such as better fall color, interesting bark,
or less tree litter. Tree and shrub plantings along the tops of the
creek’s banks will be installed where space allows and will utilize
native plant species that are indigenous to the riparian corridor.
Low-lying evergreen and deciduous shrubs and groundcovers, such
as Ceanothus spp., and an herbaceous understory will also be
planted. Plant variety will increase the effectiveness of the
streetscape by providing multiple layers, seasonality, and reduced
susceptibility to disease. Special attention should be paid to plant
choices to prevent driving hazards by obscuring site distances.
Vegetation shall be planted within the first six (6) months following
Project completion. An irrigation and maintenance program will be
implemented during the plant establishment period and carried on,
as needed, to ensure plant survival. However, design of the
landscaping plan will try to maximize the use of planting zones that
are water efficient. The design may also incorporate aesthetic
features, such as a cobbling swales or shallow detention areas,
which can reduce or eliminate the need for irrigation in certain
areas.
during project
operation.
MM-AES-5: Apply minimum lighting standards. The contractor
and the City of Palo Alto will limit all artificial outdoor lighting to
safety and security requirements, designed using Illuminating
Engineering Society’s design guidelines, and in compliance with
International Dark-Sky Association approved fixtures. All lighting is
designed to have minimum impact on the surrounding environment
and will use downcast, cut-off type fixtures that are shielded and
direct the light only towards objects requiring illumination.
Therefore, lights will be installed at the lowest allowable height and
cast low-angle illumination while minimizing incidental light spill
onto adjacent properties, the creek corridor, or backscatter into the
nighttime sky. Shielding will also be employed for traffic signals.
Contractor. During
construction.
City of Palo Alto;
Caltrans.
When
construction is
complete.
TABLE A: MITIGATION MEASURES ADOPTED AS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL FOR THE NEWELL ROAD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT
(TO BE IMPLEMENTED BY THE CITY OF PALO ALTO)
Mitigation Measures
Responsibility
for
Implementation
Mitigation
Schedule
Monitoring/
Report
Responsibility
Status/Date
Completed
Light fixtures will have non-glare finishes that will not cause
reflective daytime glare. Lighting will be designed for energy
efficiency and have daylight sensors or be timed with an on/off
program.
LED lighting will avoid the use of blue-rich white light lamps and use
a correlated color temperature that is no higher than 3,000 Kelvin,
consistent with the International Dark-Sky Associations Fixture Seal
of Approval program (International Dark-Sky Association 2010a,
2010b, 2015). In addition, LED lights will use shielding to ensure
nuisance glare and that light spill does not affect sensitive
residential viewers.
Technologies to reduce light pollution evolve over time and design
measures that are currently available may help but may not be the
most effective means of controlling light pollution once the project is
designed. Therefore, all design measures used to reduce light
pollution will employ the technologies available at the time of
project design to allow for the highest potential reduction in light
pollution.
Lastly, due to the short bridge length, jurisdiction limitations, and in
an effort to provide a sidewalk free of obstructions, lighting is not
currently proposed on the bridge. On the East Palo Alto side,
electrical services are provided by Pacific Gas and Electric and
would need to be slightly relocated to accommodate a wider bridge.
On the Palo Alto side, an existing light will be replaced along Newell
Road, due to the change in grade, in approximately the same
location. The relocated light would be less than 80-feet away from
the bridge. It is not anticipated that additional lighting would be
needed on the bridge. If an additional light is needed in the vicinity,
a City standard light could be added on the roadway on the Palo Alto
side. This light, if needed, as well as the other lights being replaced
would be required to conform to City standards.
TABLE A: MITIGATION MEASURES ADOPTED AS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL FOR THE NEWELL ROAD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT
(TO BE IMPLEMENTED BY THE CITY OF PALO ALTO)
Mitigation Measures
Responsibility
for
Implementation
Mitigation
Schedule
Monitoring/
Report
Responsibility
Status/Date
Completed
Cultural Resources
SM-CUL-1: If cultural materials are discovered during construction,
the contractor will cease all earth-moving activity within and
around the immediate discovery area until a qualified archaeologist
can assess the nature and significance of the find and
recommend/implement appropriate data collection/recovery
activities.
Contractor;
qualified
archaeologist.
During
construction.
City of Palo Alto;
Caltrans.
When
appropriate data
collection/
recovery
activities have
been
recommended
and
implemented.
SM-CUL-2: If human remains are discovered, State Health and Safety
Code Section 7050.5 states that the contractor will stop further
disturbances and activities in any area or nearby area suspected to
overlie remains, and the contractor will contact the County Coroner.
Pursuant to PRC Section 5097.98, if the remains are thought to be
Native American, the coroner will notify the NAHC, which will then
notify the MLD. At this time, the person who discovered the remains
will contact the District 4 Cultural Resources Studies Office so that
they may work with the MLD on the respectful treatment and
disposition of the remains. Further provisions of PRC Section
5097.98 are to be followed as applicable.
Contractor. During
construction.
City of Palo Alto;
Caltrans; County
Coroner; Most
Likely
Descendent (if
applicable).
When the County
Coroner and Most
Likely
Descendent (if
applicable) have
been contacted.
Water Quality and Storm Water Runoff
SM-WQ-1: Implement NPDES Permit and Construction General
Permit Water Quality Measures. The Project will comply with the
provisions of the California Regional Water Quality Control Board
San Francisco Bay Region Municipal Regional Storm water NPDES
Permit (Order No. R2-2015-0049-DWQNPDES No. CAS612008) and
the NPDES General Permit for Storm Water Discharges Associated
with Construction and Land Disturbance Activities (Construction
Contractor. During
construction.
City of Palo Alto;
Caltrans.
When
construction is
complete.
TABLE A: MITIGATION MEASURES ADOPTED AS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL FOR THE NEWELL ROAD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT
(TO BE IMPLEMENTED BY THE CITY OF PALO ALTO)
Mitigation Measures
Responsibility
for
Implementation
Mitigation
Schedule
Monitoring/
Report
Responsibility
Status/Date
Completed
General Permit) Order No. 2009-0009-DWQ, NPDES No. CAS000002
as amended by 2010-0014-DWQ and 2012-0006-DWQ and any
subsequent permits in effect at the time of construction. In addition,
the Project proponent and/or their construction contractor shall
ensure the construction specifications include water quality
protection and erosion and sediment control BMPs to minimize
construction-related contaminants and mobilization of sediment to
San Francisquito Creek. The Project proponent will perform routine
inspections of the construction area to verify the BMPs are properly
implemented and maintained.
SM-WQ-2: Prepare and Implement SWPPP. The project will
comply with the Construction General Plan by preparing and
implementing a SWPPP to address all construction-related activities,
equipment, and materials that have the potential to impact water
quality for the appropriate risk level. The SWPPP will identify the
sources of pollutants that may affect the quality of storm water and
include BMPs to control the pollutants, such as sediment control,
catch basin inlet protection, construction materials management,
and non-storm water BMPs. All work must conform to the
construction site BMP requirements specified in the latest edition of
the Caltrans Construction Site Best Management Practices Reference
Manual (California Department of Transportation 2011) to control
and minimize the impacts of construction and construction-related
activities, materials, and pollutants on the watershed. These include,
but are not limited to, temporary sediment control, temporary soil
stabilization, scheduling waste management, materials handling,
and other non-storm water BMPs. In addition, a temporary creek
flow diversion will be installed prior to any construction to prevent
sediments from washing downstream. Temporary BMPs will be
selected and identified in the SWPPP to protect water bodies, within
or near the project limits, from potential storm water runoff
Contractor. During
construction.
City of Palo Alto;
Caltrans.
When
construction is
complete.
TABLE A: MITIGATION MEASURES ADOPTED AS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL FOR THE NEWELL ROAD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT
(TO BE IMPLEMENTED BY THE CITY OF PALO ALTO)
Mitigation Measures
Responsibility
for
Implementation
Mitigation
Schedule
Monitoring/
Report
Responsibility
Status/Date
Completed
resulting from construction activities. Temporary sediment and
erosion control measures may include the following.
Fiber rolls and/or silt fences.
Gravel bag berm.
Rolled erosion-control product (e.g., netting).
Designated construction entrance/exit.
Re-establishment of vegetation or other stabilization measures
(hydroseeding, mulch) on DSAs and newly constructed slopes.
Wind erosion control.
AMM-WQ-1: Flood Capacity. The City of Palo Alto will not reduce
the flood capacity of existing drainage or water conveyance features
within the Project study area during construction or operation in a
way that causes ponding or flooding during storm events.
City of Palo Alto. During
construction and
operation.
City of Palo Alto;
Caltrans.
When
construction is
complete and
ongoing during
Project
operations.
AMM-WQ-2: Limit Stream Bank Construction to Dry Season. The
contractor will limit stream bank construction from June 1 to
October 15 in order to avoid the migratory season for adult
steelhead and to limit any excess sedimentation and runoff from
entering San Francisquito Creek.
The Project proponent will compensate for temporary construction-
related loss of valley foothill riparian habitat by replanting trees in
the temporarily disturbed area after completion of the construction
activities and before October 15 to minimize erosion and
sedimentation into San Francisquito Creek.
The Project proponent will compensate for the permanent loss of
riparian vegetation by planting riparian trees at a minimum ratio of
3:1 (three trees planted for every one tree removed) in the project
vicinity as determined appropriate by a qualified biologist and
Contractor; City
of Palo Alto;
qualified
biologist.
During
construction.
City of Palo Alto;
Caltrans.
When
construction is
complete.
TABLE A: MITIGATION MEASURES ADOPTED AS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL FOR THE NEWELL ROAD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT
(TO BE IMPLEMENTED BY THE CITY OF PALO ALTO)
Mitigation Measures
Responsibility
for
Implementation
Mitigation
Schedule
Monitoring/
Report
Responsibility
Status/Date
Completed
Project proponent. This ratio and the location will be confirmed
through coordination with the Project proponent and other agencies
as part of the permitting process for the Project.
Geology/Soils/Seismic/Topography
SM-GEO-1: The City of Palo Alto will adhere to current Caltrans SDC
for bridge design and construction.
City of Palo Alto. During final
design.
Caltrans. When the bridge
is fully designed.
Paleontology
MM-PA-1: Educate workers, stop work in case of discovery of
paleontological resources, and Prepare and Implement a
Recovery Plan. Given the potential for paleontological resources to
be present in construction areas at ground surface and at excavation
depths below 5 feet in sensitive geologic units in the Project area,
the following measures will be undertaken to avoid any potentially
significant effect from the improvements on paleontological
resources. Before the start of any excavation, the California
Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the City of Palo Alto
will retain a qualified paleontologist, as defined by the Society of
Vertebrate Paleontology. If paleontological resources are discovered
during earthmoving activities, the construction crew will
immediately cease work near the find and notify Caltrans and the
City of Palo Alto. Construction work in the affected areas will remain
stopped or be diverted to allow recovery of fossil remains in a
timely manner. Caltrans and the City of Palo Alto will retain a
qualified paleontologist to evaluate the resource and prepare a
recovery plan in accordance with Society of Vertebrate Paleontology
guidelines (Society of Vertebrate Paleontology 2010). The recovery
plan may include a field survey, construction monitoring, sampling
and data recovery procedures, museum storage coordination for
any specimen recovered, and a report of findings. Recommendations
Contractor;
qualified
paleontologist.
During
excavation
depths below 5
feet.
City of Palo Alto;
Caltrans.
Following
approval of a
recovery plan
and
implementation
of treatment and
reporting (if
required).
TABLE A: MITIGATION MEASURES ADOPTED AS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL FOR THE NEWELL ROAD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT
(TO BE IMPLEMENTED BY THE CITY OF PALO ALTO)
Mitigation Measures
Responsibility
for
Implementation
Mitigation
Schedule
Monitoring/
Report
Responsibility
Status/Date
Completed
in the recovery plan that are determined by Caltrans and the City of
Palo Alto to be necessary and feasible will be implemented before
construction activities can resume at the site where the
paleontological resources were discovered. Caltrans and the City of
Palo Alto will be responsible for ensuring that the paleontologist’s
recommendations regarding treatment and reporting are
implemented.
Hazardous Waste/Materials
MM-HAZ-1: All paint will be treated as lead-containing for the
purposes of complying with Division of Occupational Safety and
Health worker safety requirements, which apply to all worksites
where construction workers may be exposed to lead. The California
Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the City of Palo Alto
will have all lead-based paint abated and removed by a licensed
lead-based paint contractor. The licensed lead-based paint
contractor shall dispose of all lead-based paint or coatings at
landfills that meet acceptance criteria for the waste being disposed.
Licensed lead-
based paint
contractor.
During all
removal of paint
during
construction.
City of Palo Alto;
Caltrans.
Following
removal of all
paint during
construction.
MM-HAZ-2: Caltrans and the contractor shall stockpile soil
generated by construction activities on site in a secure and safe
manner. All contaminated soils determined to be hazardous or
nonhazardous waste shall be adequately profiled (i.e., sampled and
analyzed) prior to acceptable reuse or disposal at an appropriate
offsite facility. Specific sampling, handling, and transport procedures
for reuse or disposal shall be in accordance with applicable local,
state, and federal agencies’ laws, in particular the Regional Water
Quality Control Board, the Department of Toxic Substances Control,
the City of Palo Alto, the City of East Palo Alto, Santa Clara County,
and San Mateo County. Material from existing roadway or bridge
elements that is removed or modified by the Contractor will be
Contractor. During
construction.
City of Palo Alto;
Caltrans.
When
construction is
complete.
TABLE A: MITIGATION MEASURES ADOPTED AS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL FOR THE NEWELL ROAD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT
(TO BE IMPLEMENTED BY THE CITY OF PALO ALTO)
Mitigation Measures
Responsibility
for
Implementation
Mitigation
Schedule
Monitoring/
Report
Responsibility
Status/Date
Completed
handled and disposed of in accordance with all local, state, and
federal requirements.
Air Quality
SM-AQ-1: Implement California Department of Transportation
Standard Specifications
The Project applicant will comply with California Department of
Transportation Standard Specifications in Section 14-9 Air
Quality (2010).
Section 14-9.02 specifically requires compliance by the
contractor with all applicable laws and regulations related to air
quality, including air pollution control district and air quality
management district regulations and local ordinances.
Section 14-9.03 is directed at controlling dust. If dust palliative
materials other than water are to be used, material
specifications are contained in Section 18.
Contractor. During
construction.
City of Palo Alto;
Caltrans.
When
construction is
complete.
SM-AQ-2: Implement BAAQMD Basic Control Measures to
Control Construction-Related Dust
In accordance with the BAAQMD’s current Air Quality
Guidelines (Bay Area Air Quality Management District 2011),
the Project applicant will implement the following BAAQMD-
recommended control measures to reduce particulate matter
emissions from construction activities.
All exposed surfaces (e.g., parking areas, staging areas, soil piles,
graded areas, and unpaved access roads) will be watered two
times per day by the contractor.
All haul trucks transporting soil, sand, or other loose material
off site will be covered by the contractor.
All visible mud or dirt track-out onto adjacent public roads will
be removed using wet power vacuum street sweepers at least
Contractor. During
construction.
City of Palo Alto;
Caltrans.
When
construction is
complete.
TABLE A: MITIGATION MEASURES ADOPTED AS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL FOR THE NEWELL ROAD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT
(TO BE IMPLEMENTED BY THE CITY OF PALO ALTO)
Mitigation Measures
Responsibility
for
Implementation
Mitigation
Schedule
Monitoring/
Report
Responsibility
Status/Date
Completed
once per day by the contractor. The use of dry power sweeping
is prohibited.
The contractor will limit all vehicle speeds on unpaved roads to
15 miles per hour.
The contractor will complete all roadways, driveways, and
sidewalks to be paved as soon as possible.
The contractor will post a publicly visible sign with the
telephone number and person to contact at the Lead Agency
regarding dust complaints. This person will respond and take
corrective action within 48 hours. The Air District’s phone
number will also be visible to ensure compliance with
applicable regulations.
MM-AQ-1: Utilize clean diesel-powered equipment during
construction to control construction-related NOx emissions.
The construction contractor will ensure that all off-road diesel-
powered equipment used during construction is equipped with EPA
Tier 4 Final engines.
Contractor. During
construction.
City of Palo Alto;
Caltrans.
When
construction is
complete.
Noise
SM-NOI-1: The construction contractor must comply with Caltrans
Standard Specifications Section 14-8.02, Noise Control, which states
the following:
Control and monitor noise resulting from work activities.
Do not exceed 86 dBA at 50 feet from the job site activities from
9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Contractor. During
construction.
City of Palo Alto;
Caltrans.
When
construction is
complete.
SM-NOI-2: All equipment used by the contractor will have sound-
control devices that are no less effective than those provided on the
original equipment. No equipment will have an unmuffled exhaust.
Contractor. During
construction.
City of Palo Alto;
Caltrans.
When
construction is
complete.
TABLE A: MITIGATION MEASURES ADOPTED AS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL FOR THE NEWELL ROAD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT
(TO BE IMPLEMENTED BY THE CITY OF PALO ALTO)
Mitigation Measures
Responsibility
for
Implementation
Mitigation
Schedule
Monitoring/
Report
Responsibility
Status/Date
Completed
SM-NOI-3: The Project proponent and/or their construction
contractor will do the following.
Review and ensure that construction activities are conducted in
accordance with local noise standards from the cities of Palo
Alto and East Palo Alto.
Implement additional noise mitigation measures, including
changing the location of stationary construction equipment,
turning off idling equipment, rescheduling construction activity
to allowed timeframes, notifying adjacent residents in advance
of construction work, and installing acoustic barriers around
stationary construction noise sources, as appropriate.
Contractor. During
construction.
City of Palo Alto;
Caltrans.
When
construction is
complete.
MM-NOI-1: Provide advance notification of construction
schedule and 24-hour hotline to residents
The construction contractor will provide advance written
notification of the proposed construction activities to all residences
and other noise-sensitive uses within 750 feet of the construction
site. Notification will include a brief overview of the proposed
project and its purpose, as well as the proposed construction
activities and schedule. It will also include the name and contact
information of the project manager at the City of Palo Alto or
another City of Palo Alto representative or designee responsible for
ensuring that reasonable measures are implemented to address the
problem.
Contractor. Prior to
construction
activities and
during
construction.
City of Palo Alto;
Caltrans.
When
construction is
complete.
MM-NOI-2: Designate a noise disturbance coordinator to
address resident concerns
The construction contractor will designate a representative to act as
construction noise disturbance coordinator, responsible for
resolving construction noise concerns. The disturbance
coordinator’s name and contact information will be included in the
Contractor;
construction
noise disturbance
coordinator.
During
construction.
City of Palo Alto;
Caltrans.
When
construction is
complete.
TABLE A: MITIGATION MEASURES ADOPTED AS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL FOR THE NEWELL ROAD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT
(TO BE IMPLEMENTED BY THE CITY OF PALO ALTO)
Mitigation Measures
Responsibility
for
Implementation
Mitigation
Schedule
Monitoring/
Report
Responsibility
Status/Date
Completed
preconstruction notices sent to area residents, per MM-NOI-1. The
coordinator will be available during regular business hours to
monitor and respond to concerns; if construction hours are
extended, the disturbance coordinator will also be available during
the extended hours. In the event a noise complaint is received, she
or he will be responsible for determining the cause of the complaint
and ensuring that all reasonable measures are implemented to
address the problem.
MM-NOI-3: Install temporary noise barriers. As described in MM-
NOI-1 and MM-NOI-2, the construction contractor will notify noise-
sensitive land uses near the site of upcoming activity before
construction begins, will require construction-site noise reduction
measures, and will provide a 24-hour complaint hotline. If a resident
or other noise-sensitive person submits a complaint about
construction noise and the contractor is unable to reduce noise to a
level that does not cause annoyance or disruption to adjacent land
uses through other means, the contractor will install temporary
noise barriers to reduce noise levels below the applicable
construction noise standard. Barriers will be installed as promptly
as possible, and work responsible for the disturbance will be
suspended or modified until barriers have been installed. The
following minimum criteria will be required of the contractor.
The barrier will be 10 feet tall. It will surround the work area to
block the line of sight for all diesel-powered equipment on the
ground, as viewed from any private residence or any building.
The barrier will be constructed of heavyweight plywood (5/8
inch thick) or other material providing a Sound Transmission
Classification of at least 25 dBA. Note that 5/8 inch is
sufficiently thick to provide optimal noise buffering; increasing
Contractor. During
construction
following noise
complaint that
cannot be
resolved.
City of Palo Alto;
Caltrans.
When
construction is
complete.
TABLE A: MITIGATION MEASURES ADOPTED AS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL FOR THE NEWELL ROAD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT
(TO BE IMPLEMENTED BY THE CITY OF PALO ALTO)
Mitigation Measures
Responsibility
for
Implementation
Mitigation
Schedule
Monitoring/
Report
Responsibility
Status/Date
Completed
the thickness of the barrier above 5/8 inch would not provide a
noticeable improvement in noise reduction.
The barrier will be constructed with no gaps or holes that would
allow noise to transmit through the barrier.
To minimize reflection of noise toward workers at the construction
site, the surface of the barrier facing the workers will be covered
with a sound-absorbing material meeting a Noise Reduction
Coefficient of at least 0.70.
MM-NOI-4: Conduct construction vibration monitoring and
implement control approach(es). During periods of construction,
the construction contractor will retain a qualified acoustical
consultant or engineering firm to conduct vibration monitoring at
homes or occupied vibration-sensitive buildings located within 315
feet4 of pile driving locations and 25 feet of construction sites using
other non-impact equipment. If at any point the measured PPV is in
excess of 0.3 in/sec, construction activity will cease and alternative
methods of construction and excavation will be considered to
prevent possible exposure of vibration-sensitive buildings and
structures to levels of 0.3 in/sec PPV or higher. Prior to construction
activity, and assuming the property owner gives permission, a
preconstruction survey will be conducted that documents any
existing cracks or structural damage at vibration-sensitive receptors
located within the distances identified above by means of color
photography or video. Additionally, a designated complaint
coordinator will be responsible for handling and responding to any
complaints received during such periods of construction. The
construction contractor will also implement a reporting program
Contractor;
qualified
acoustical
consultant or
engineering firm;
complaint
coordinator.
Prior to and
during
construction.
City of Palo Alto;
Caltrans.
When
construction is
complete.
4 Beyond 315 feet, vibration from pile driving would attenuate to less than 0.4 inches per second and thus less than the distinctly perceptible threshold.
TABLE A: MITIGATION MEASURES ADOPTED AS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL FOR THE NEWELL ROAD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT
(TO BE IMPLEMENTED BY THE CITY OF PALO ALTO)
Mitigation Measures
Responsibility
for
Implementation
Mitigation
Schedule
Monitoring/
Report
Responsibility
Status/Date
Completed
that will be required to document complaints received, actions
taken, and the effectiveness of these actions in resolving disputes.
Natural Communities
AMM-BIO-1: Install Construction Barrier Fencing around
Environmentally Sensitive Areas. The Project proponent or its
contractor will install orange construction barrier fencing to identify
environmentally sensitive areas in and adjacent to the construction
area. A qualified biologist will identify sensitive biological resources
adjacent to the construction area before the final design plans are
prepared so that the areas to be fenced can be included in the plans.
The area that would generally be required for construction,
including staging and access, is shown in Figure 2.3-1. Portions of
this area that are to be avoided during construction will be fenced
off to avoid disturbance. Sensitive biological resources that occur
adjacent to the construction area include sensitive natural
communities and protected trees to be retained. Temporary fences
around the environmentally sensitive areas will be installed as one
of the first orders of work following California Department of
Transportation (Caltrans) specifications. Before construction, the
construction contractor will work with the Project engineer and a
resource specialist to identify the locations for the barrier fencing
and will place stakes around the sensitive resource sites to indicate
these locations. The protected areas will be designated as
environmentally sensitive areas and clearly identified on the
construction plans. The fencing will be installed before construction
activities are initiated, maintained throughout the construction
period, and removed after completion of construction.
Contractor;
qualified
biologist.
Identify the
sensitive
biological
resources on
plans during
final design;
prior to and
during
construction.
City of Palo Alto;
Caltrans.
When
construction is
complete.
AMM-BIO-2: Prepare Environmental Awareness Program and
Conduct Environmental Awareness Training for Construction
Employees. The Project proponent will retain a qualified biologist
Contractor;
qualified
biologist.
Prior to and
during
construction.
City of Palo Alto;
Caltrans.
When
construction is
complete.
TABLE A: MITIGATION MEASURES ADOPTED AS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL FOR THE NEWELL ROAD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT
(TO BE IMPLEMENTED BY THE CITY OF PALO ALTO)
Mitigation Measures
Responsibility
for
Implementation
Mitigation
Schedule
Monitoring/
Report
Responsibility
Status/Date
Completed
to develop an environmental awareness program and conduct
environmental awareness training for construction employees. The
program will explain the importance of on-site biological resources,
including sensitive natural communities, protected trees to be
retained, and special-status wildlife habitats, and how to avoid take
of listed species. The program will include invasive plant
identification and the importance of controlling and preventing the
spread of invasive plant infestations.
The environmental awareness program will be provided to all
construction personnel to inform them on the life history of special-
status species in or adjacent to the Project, the need to avoid
impacts on sensitive biological resources, any terms and conditions
required by state and federal agencies, and the penalties for not
complying with biological mitigation requirements. If new
construction personnel are added to the Project, the contractor’s
superintendent will ensure that the personnel receive the
mandatory training before starting work. An environmental
awareness handout that describes and illustrates sensitive
resources to be avoided during Project construction and identifies
all relevant permit conditions will be provided to each person.
TABLE A: MITIGATION MEASURES ADOPTED AS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL FOR THE NEWELL ROAD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT
(TO BE IMPLEMENTED BY THE CITY OF PALO ALTO)
Mitigation Measures
Responsibility
for
Implementation
Mitigation
Schedule
Monitoring/
Report
Responsibility
Status/Date
Completed
AMM-BIO-3: Retain a Biological Monitor to Conduct Visits
during Construction. The Project proponent will retain a qualified
biologist to conduct construction monitoring in and adjacent to all
identified environmentally sensitive areas. The frequency of
monitoring will range from daily to weekly depending on the
biological resource. The monitor, as part of the overall monitoring
duties, will inspect the fencing once a week at a minimum in the
construction area along the river and drainages that support woody
vegetation; surrounding native trees and woodlands; and special-
status plants. The biological monitor will assist the construction
crew as needed to comply with all Project implementation
restrictions and guidelines. The biological monitor also will be
responsible for ensuring that the contractor maintains the staked
and flagged perimeters of the construction area and staging areas
adjacent to sensitive biological resources.
Contractor;
qualified
biologist.
Daily or weekly
during
construction.
City of Palo Alto;
Caltrans.
When
construction is
complete.
AMM-BIO-4: Avoid and Minimize Potential Disturbance of
Valley Foothill Riparian Community. The Project proponent and
its construction contractor will avoid and minimize potential
disturbance of the valley foothill riparian community by
implementing the following measures.
The potential for long-term loss of woody vegetation will be
minimized by trimming vegetation rather than removing entire
shrubs. Shrubs that need to be trimmed will be cut at least 1
foot above ground level to leave the root systems intact and
allow for more rapid regeneration. Cutting will be limited to the
minimum area necessary within the construction zone.
A certified arborist will be retained to perform any necessary
pruning or root cutting of retained trees.
The areas that undergo vegetative pruning will be inspected
immediately before construction, immediately after
Contractor;
certified arborist.
During
construction; for
vegetation
pruning, before
construction,
immediately
after
construction, and
1 year after
construction.
City of Palo Alto;
Caltrans.
When
construction is
complete; for
vegetation
pruning, 1 year
after
construction.
TABLE A: MITIGATION MEASURES ADOPTED AS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL FOR THE NEWELL ROAD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT
(TO BE IMPLEMENTED BY THE CITY OF PALO ALTO)
Mitigation Measures
Responsibility
for
Implementation
Mitigation
Schedule
Monitoring/
Report
Responsibility
Status/Date
Completed
construction, and 1 year after construction to determine the
amount of pre-Project vegetative cover, cover that has been
removed, and cover that regrows. After 1 year, if vegetation in
these areas has not regrown sufficiently to return the cover to
the pre-Project level, the Project proponent will replant the
areas with native species to reestablish the cover to the pre-
Project condition.
MM-BIO-1: Compensate for Permanent Loss of Valley Foothill
Riparian. The Project proponent will compensate for permanent
construction-related loss of valley foothill riparian habitat by
replanting trees in the disturbed area after completion of the
construction activities. Loss of native riparian trees will be
compensated by replanting at a ratio of 3:1 (three native trees
planted for every one native tree removed that was at least 4 inches
diameter at breast height [approximately 4.5 feet above existing
grade]). Loss of non-native riparian trees will be compensated at a
ratio of 1:1 (one native tree planted for every one non-native tree
removed that was at least 4 inches diameter at breast height). The
compensatory ratios and planting locations will be confirmed
through coordination with the Project proponent and other agencies
as part of the environmental permitting process for the proposed
Project.
The Project proponent will prepare a riparian mitigation planting
plan, including a species list and number of each species, planting
locations, and maintenance and monitoring requirements. Plantings
will consist of cuttings taken from native plants, or plants grown at a
plant nursery from local native material obtained within the San
Francisquito Creek watershed. Planted species will be similar in
structure and stature (at maturity) to those removed from the
Project area. Plantings will be monitored annually for 5 years or as
required in the Project permits. If 75% of the plants survive and the
City of Palo Alto;
contractor.
During
construction;
monitored
annually for
5 years or as
required in the
Project permits.
City of Palo Alto;
Caltrans.
When
construction is
complete; 5 years
after Project
completion.
TABLE A: MITIGATION MEASURES ADOPTED AS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL FOR THE NEWELL ROAD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT
(TO BE IMPLEMENTED BY THE CITY OF PALO ALTO)
Mitigation Measures
Responsibility
for
Implementation
Mitigation
Schedule
Monitoring/
Report
Responsibility
Status/Date
Completed
riparian canopy covers 75% at the end of the monitoring period, the
revegetation will be considered successful. If this survival and
canopy cover criteria are not met at the end of the monitoring
period, planting and monitoring will be repeated after mortality
causes have been identified and corrected.
AMM-BIO-5. Protect Water Quality and Prevent Erosion and
Sedimentation in San Francisquito Creek. The Project proponent
and/or their construction contractor shall ensure the construction
specifications include water quality protection and erosion and
sediment control BMPs), based on standard Caltrans requirements,
to minimize construction-related contaminants and mobilization of
sediment to the San Francisquito Creek.
The BMPs will be selected to achieve maximum sediment removal
and represent the best available technology that is economically
achievable. BMPS are subject to review and approval by the Project
proponent. The Project proponent will perform routine inspections
of the construction area to verify the BMPs are properly
implemented and maintained. The Project proponent will notify
contractors immediately if there is a noncompliance issue and will
require compliance.
The BMPs will include, but are not limited to, the following.
All earthwork or foundation activities involving San
Francisquito Creek and the bridge will occur in the dry season
(between June 1 and October 15).
A netting and tarp system will be implemented at the bridge site
to prevent and minimize debris from entering the river during
demolition and construction activities.
Equipment used around San Francisquito Creek will be in good
working order and free of dripping or leaking engine fluids. All
vehicle maintenance will be performed at least 300 feet from all
Contractor. During final
design;
construction.
City of Palo Alto;
Caltrans.
When
construction is
complete.
TABLE A: MITIGATION MEASURES ADOPTED AS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL FOR THE NEWELL ROAD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT
(TO BE IMPLEMENTED BY THE CITY OF PALO ALTO)
Mitigation Measures
Responsibility
for
Implementation
Mitigation
Schedule
Monitoring/
Report
Responsibility
Status/Date
Completed
drainages and wetlands. Any necessary equipment washing will
be carried out where the water cannot flow into drainages or
wetlands.
A hazardous material spill prevention control and
countermeasure plan will be developed before construction
begins that will minimize the potential for and the effects of
hazardous or toxic substances spills during construction. The
plan will include storage and containment procedures to
prevent and respond to spills and will identify the parties
responsible for monitoring the spill response. During
construction, any spills will be cleaned up immediately
according to the spill prevention and countermeasure plan. The
Project proponent will review and approve the contractors’
toxic materials spill prevention control and countermeasure
plan before allowing construction to begin. The following types
of materials will be prohibited from being rinsed or washed into
the streets, shoulder areas, or gutters: concrete, solvents and
adhesives, thinners, paints, fuels, sawdust, dirt, gasoline, asphalt
and concrete saw slurry, heavily chlorinated water.
Baseline turbidity, pH, specific conductance, and temperatures
in the San Francisquito Creek channel will be measured when
flow is present. As required by the Regional Water Quality
Control Board (RWQCB), water quality standards specified in
the Basin Plan standards will not be exceeded over the natural
in-situ conditions. If dewatering activities are required, water
samples would be taken periodically during construction.
Any surplus concrete rubble, asphalt, or other rubble from
construction will be taken to a local landfill.
An erosion and sediment control plan will be prepared and
implemented for the proposed Project. It will include the
following provisions and protocols. The stormwater pollution
TABLE A: MITIGATION MEASURES ADOPTED AS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL FOR THE NEWELL ROAD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT
(TO BE IMPLEMENTED BY THE CITY OF PALO ALTO)
Mitigation Measures
Responsibility
for
Implementation
Mitigation
Schedule
Monitoring/
Report
Responsibility
Status/Date
Completed
prevention plan for the Project will detail the applications and
type of measures and the allowable exposure of unprotected
soils.
o Discharge from dewatering operations, if needed, and
runoff from disturbed areas will be made to conform to the
water quality requirements of the waste discharge permit
issued by the RWQCB.
o Temporary erosion control measures, such as sandbagged
silt fences, will be applied throughout construction of the
proposed Project and will be removed after the working
area is stabilized or as directed by the engineer. Soil
exposure will be minimized through use of temporary
BMPs, groundcover, and stabilization measures. Exposed
dust-producing surfaces will be sprinkled daily, if
necessary, until wet; this measure will be controlled to
avoid producing runoff. Paved streets will be swept daily
following construction activities.
o The contractor will conduct periodic maintenance of
erosion and sediment control measures.
o An appropriate seed mix of native species will be planted on
disturbed areas upon completion of construction.
o The contractor will cover or apply nontoxic soil stabilizers
to inactive construction areas (previously graded areas
inactive for 10 days or more) that could contribute
sediment to waterways.
o The contractor will enclose and cover exposed stockpiles of
dirt or other loose, granular construction materials that
could contribute sediment to waterways. Material
stockpiles will be located in non-traffic areas only. Side
slopes will not be steeper than 2:1. All stockpile areas will
be surrounded by a filter fabric fence and interceptor dike.
TABLE A: MITIGATION MEASURES ADOPTED AS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL FOR THE NEWELL ROAD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT
(TO BE IMPLEMENTED BY THE CITY OF PALO ALTO)
Mitigation Measures
Responsibility
for
Implementation
Mitigation
Schedule
Monitoring/
Report
Responsibility
Status/Date
Completed
o Runoff from disturbed areas will be contained and filtered
by berms, vegetated filters, silt fencing, straw wattle, plastic
sheeting, catch basins, or other means necessary to prevent
the escape of sediment from the disturbed area.
o Other temporary erosion control measures (such as silt
fences, staked straw bales/wattles, silt/sediment basins
and traps, check dams, geofabric, sandbag dikes, and
temporary re-vegetation or other ground cover) will be
used to control erosion from disturbed areas as necessary.
o The contractor will avoid depositing or placing earth or
organic material where it may be directly carried into the
channel.
MM-BIO-2: Tree Replacement Plan. The applicant shall be
required, in accordance with the Tree Protection and Management
Regulations (Palo Alto Municipal Code 8.10) and Tree Technical
Manual (Palo Alto Municipal Code 8.10.120), to replace the tree
canopy for the six protected trees, in accordance with the tree
canopy formula identified in the Tree Technical Manual (Tree
Technical Manual, 3.20). If the tree canopy cannot be replaced on-
site, the canopy shall be replaced off-site as close to the Project site
as feasible. If trees are being replaced off-site, the applicant must
submit a Tree Planting Plan to the Urban Forestry Division and
obtain the Urban Forestry Division’s approval of the plan prior to
issuance of a building permit. The Tree Planting Plan must include
the following:
The canopy calculation for trees removed and the number of
trees planned to replace them, consistent with the formula
identified in the Tree Technical Manual
City of Palo Alto;
qualified arborist.
During final
design;
construction; 2
years after initial
planting.
City of Palo Alto;
Caltrans; if trees
are planted
offsite, City of
Palo Alto Urban
Forestry Division.
If trees are
planted offsite,
following
approval of the
Tree Planting
Plan by the City
of Palo Alto
Urban Forestry
Division; 2 years
after initial
planting if trees
can survive
without further
maintenance.
TABLE A: MITIGATION MEASURES ADOPTED AS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL FOR THE NEWELL ROAD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT
(TO BE IMPLEMENTED BY THE CITY OF PALO ALTO)
Mitigation Measures
Responsibility
for
Implementation
Mitigation
Schedule
Monitoring/
Report
Responsibility
Status/Date
Completed
The specific location where the new trees would be planted
with specific baseline information about that proposed site (e.g.,
surrounding vegetation or development)
The species of trees to be planted
Specific planting details (e.g., size of sapling, size of containers,
irrigation plan)
Success criteria
Monitoring and maintenance schedule
Replacement tree planting will be monitored by a qualified arborist.
To verify the success of replacement trees, monitoring shall occur
for two years after initial planting. After the two-year period, the
arborist will determine if the trees are capable of surviving without
further maintenance.
Animal Species
AMM-BIO-6: Conduct Preconstruction Surveys for Western
Pond Turtles; Relocate if Needed. A qualified biologist will
examine the BSA for western pond turtles and their nests no more
than 24 hours before Project activities begin and during any initial
removal of vegetation, woody debris, or trees, or other initial
ground-disturbing activities. If a western pond turtle is observed at
any time before or during Project activities, all activities will cease. If
western pond turtles are determined to be absent from the Project
footprint, no further action will be required with regard to these
species. If any western pond turtles are found within the Project
footprint, whenever possible construction work in their vicinity will
be avoided until they have moved outside of the Project area of their
own volition. If the relocation of western pond turtle is necessary, a
relocation plan will be developed and submitted to CDFW for
approval. The plan will include subsequent details of monitoring by
Contractor;
qualified
biologist; CDFW-
approved
biologist (if
required).
No more than 24
hours before
Project activities
begin and during
any initial
removal of
vegetation,
woody debris, or
trees, or other
initial ground-
disturbing
activities.
City of Palo Alto;
Caltrans; CDFW.
Following
approval of a
relocation plan (if
required);
following
completion of
vegetation,
woody debris, or
tree removal, or
other initial
ground-
disturbing
activities.
TABLE A: MITIGATION MEASURES ADOPTED AS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL FOR THE NEWELL ROAD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT
(TO BE IMPLEMENTED BY THE CITY OF PALO ALTO)
Mitigation Measures
Responsibility
for
Implementation
Mitigation
Schedule
Monitoring/
Report
Responsibility
Status/Date
Completed
a CDFW-approved biologist, agency-approved disinfection and
handling protocols, animal care while being relocated, suitable
deposition locations, and reporting requirements. The CDFW-
approved biologist will follow all applicable CDFW disinfection and
handling protocols per the relocation plan.
AMM-BIO-7: Conduct Preconstruction Surveys for Pallid and
Hoary Bats. A qualified biologist will examine trees within the BSA
for roosting hoary bats no more than 24 hours before any initial
removal of vegetation, woody debris, or trees, or other initial
ground-disturbing activities. If a bat is observed roosting at any time
before or during Project activities, all activities will cease. The
Project proponent will coordinate with CDFW to develop and
implement avoidance measures before commencing Project
activities.
Contractor;
qualified
biologist.
No more than 24
hours before
Project activities
begin and during
any initial
removal of
vegetation,
woody debris, or
trees, or other
initial ground-
disturbing
activities.
City of Palo Alto;
Caltrans; CDFW.
Following
approval of
avoidance
measures (if
required);
following
completion of
vegetation,
woody debris, or
tree removal, or
other initial
ground-
disturbing
activities.
AMM-BIO-8: Implement Nesting Bird Impact Avoidance
Measures. The Project proponent and/or their construction
contractor will be responsible for avoiding effects on migratory and
non-migratory birds including special-status species (e.g., snowy
egret, saltmarsh common yellowthroat). Accordingly, the following
measures will be implemented.
Vegetation (including trees) trimming or removal will be
conducted during the nonbreeding season (September 1 to
January 31), to the extent feasible.
Contractor;
qualified wildlife
biologist.
During
construction.
City of Palo Alto;
Caltrans; CDFW,
USFWS.
After a biologist
determines that
the young have
fledged and
moved out of the
Project area;
completion of
construction.
TABLE A: MITIGATION MEASURES ADOPTED AS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL FOR THE NEWELL ROAD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT
(TO BE IMPLEMENTED BY THE CITY OF PALO ALTO)
Mitigation Measures
Responsibility
for
Implementation
Mitigation
Schedule
Monitoring/
Report
Responsibility
Status/Date
Completed
Construction activities will be conducted during the
nonbreeding season (September 1 to January 31), to the extent
feasible.
Construction activities will begin during the nonbreeding
season (September 1 to January 31) and prior to the nesting
season (February 1 to August 31), if feasible. Beginning
construction prior to the breeding season will establish a level
of noise disturbance that will dissuade noise-sensitive raptors
and other birds from attempting to nest within or near the
study area.
Bridge work (including existing bridge expansion and new
bridge installation) will be conducted during the nonbreeding
season (September 1 to January 31), to the extent feasible. It is
recommended that inactive nests be removed from any bridge
work location and from any vegetation or structure within the
Project area or within 50 feet of where bridge work will take
place. In addition, nest exclusion measures (e.g., fine mesh
netting, panels, or metal projectors) are recommended to be
installed outside of the nesting season, to the extent feasible. If
installed, exclusionary devices will be monitored and
maintained throughout the breeding season to ensure that they
are fully functional (i.e., successful in preventing the birds from
accessing cavities or potential nesting sites).
If construction activities (including vegetation trimming or
removal and bridge work) occur within the breeding season
(February 1 to August 31), a qualified wildlife biologist with
demonstrated nesting bird survey experience will conduct
preconstruction surveys for nesting birds. A minimum of three
separate surveys will be conducted for migratory birds,
including raptors. Surveys will include a search of all suitable
nesting habitat (e.g., grassland, bushes, trees, bridges, culverts,
TABLE A: MITIGATION MEASURES ADOPTED AS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL FOR THE NEWELL ROAD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT
(TO BE IMPLEMENTED BY THE CITY OF PALO ALTO)
Mitigation Measures
Responsibility
for
Implementation
Mitigation
Schedule
Monitoring/
Report
Responsibility
Status/Date
Completed
overpasses, and structures) in the Project area. In addition, a
300-foot area around the Project area will be surveyed for
nesting raptors. When feasible, surveys should occur during the
height of the breeding season (March 1 to June 1) with one
survey being conducted in each of 2 consecutive months within
this peak period and the final survey being conducted within 1
week of the start of construction. If no active nests are detected
during these surveys, no additional measures are required.
If a lapse in construction activities of 3 days or longer at a
previously surveyed study area occurs, another preconstruction
survey will be conducted.
If an active nest is found in the Project area, a no-disturbance
buffer (marked with high-visibility fencing, flagging, or pin
flags) will be established by a qualified wildlife biologist around
the site to avoid disturbance or destruction of the nest until the
end of the breeding season (August 31) or until after the
biologist determines that the young have fledged and moved out
of the Project area (this date varies by species). The extent of
these buffers will be determined by the biologist in coordination
with USFWS and/or CDFW as appropriate. Buffer size will
depend on the level of noise or construction disturbance, line-
of-sight between the nest and the disturbance, ambient levels of
noise and other disturbances, and other topographical or
artificial barriers. Buffer size is based on a species' sensitivity to
disturbance and planned work activities in the vicinity and has
the potential to vary with different species. Typical buffer sizes
are 300 feet for raptors and 50 feet for other birds.
Threatened and Endangered Species
AMM-BIO-9: Avoid Work during Active Breeding and Dispersal
Period for Special-Status Frogs. The contractor will conduct site
Contractor. During
construction.
City of Palo Alto;
Caltrans.
Completion of
construction.
TABLE A: MITIGATION MEASURES ADOPTED AS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL FOR THE NEWELL ROAD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT
(TO BE IMPLEMENTED BY THE CITY OF PALO ALTO)
Mitigation Measures
Responsibility
for
Implementation
Mitigation
Schedule
Monitoring/
Report
Responsibility
Status/Date
Completed
preparation and construction activities that involve earthwork,
other ground disturbance, and/or vehicle traffic through frog-
sensitive areas (intermittent stream and riparian habitat) outside
the period when special-status frogs are actively breeding and
dispersing (October 15 through June 1).
AMM-BIO-10: Conduct Preconstruction Surveys at Work Sites in
and near Frog-Sensitive Areas. No more than 3 days prior to the
onset of site preparation and construction activity at each site, a
qualified wildlife biologist will conduct a preconstruction survey for
special-status frogs within the Project footprint. The survey will
cover all areas where special-status frogs may be present or
concealed, including cracks, burrows, vegetation adjacent to wet
areas, and other temporary refugia, as well as any riparian or
intermittent stream habitat affected. If special-status frogs are
determined to be absent from the Project footprint, no further
action will be required with regard to these species. If any special-
status amphibians are found within the Project footprint, whenever
possible, construction work in their vicinity will be avoided until
they have moved outside of the Project area of their own volition.
Contractor;
qualified wildlife
biologist.
No more than 3
days prior to the
onset of site
preparation and
construction
activity.
City of Palo Alto;
Caltrans.
Completion of
construction.
AMM-BIO-11: Provide Construction Worker Awareness
Training for Special-Status Frogs. The City of Palo Alto will
provide, or require contractors to provide, worker awareness
training for construction personnel to enable them to recognize
special-status frogs and other aquatic and riparian wildlife. Trained
construction personnel will also understand where sensitive
resource areas are within the construction zone so they can
minimize their impact on upland (dispersal and aestivation) habitat.
Training will be presented by a qualified wildlife biologist
experienced in training non-specialists. The training program will
include at least the following: a description of the special-status
Contractor;
qualified wildlife
biologist.
Prior to the start
of construction.
City of Palo Alto;
Caltrans.
After all
employees sign a
form stating that
they attended the
training and
understand all
the conservation
and protection
measures.
TABLE A: MITIGATION MEASURES ADOPTED AS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL FOR THE NEWELL ROAD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT
(TO BE IMPLEMENTED BY THE CITY OF PALO ALTO)
Mitigation Measures
Responsibility
for
Implementation
Mitigation
Schedule
Monitoring/
Report
Responsibility
Status/Date
Completed
species likely to use the site, and their habitat needs; photographs of
these species; an explanation of the legal status of these species and
their protection under the ESA and other regulations; a list of
measures being taken to reduce effects to these species during
Project construction; and distribution of a fact sheet summarizing
training content. The City of Palo Alto will also distribute, or require
contractors to distribute, the training summary fact sheet to anyone
else who may enter the Project. Upon completion of training,
employees will sign a form stating that they attended the training
and understand all the conservation and protection measures.
AMM-BIO-12: Install Exclusion Fencing and Conduct
Construction Monitoring for Special-Status Frogs. Once it has
been determined that no special-status frogs are present on the
Project site, the contractor will install barrier fencing along the
perimeter of the work area where necessary to ensure that frogs do
not enter the site during construction. Fencing will be installed
promptly (within 3 days) after clearance surveys are performed, to
prevent frogs from entering the work area. A qualified biologist will
be present during the installation of exclusion fencing, will
determine which areas need to be monitored on a daily basis during
construction activities to avoid harm to California red-legged frog,
and will be responsible for follow-up monitoring as needed. The
monitor will inspect and maintain the integrity of the exclusion
fencing.
Contractor;
qualified
biologist.
Within 3 days
after clearance
surveys are
performed; daily
during
construction as
needed.
City of Palo Alto;
Caltrans.
Completion of
construction.
AMM-BIO-13: Limit Stream Bank Construction to Dry Season.
The contractor will limit stream bank construction from June 1 to
October 15 in order to avoid the migratory season for adult
steelhead. This timing will also limit any excess sedimentation and
runoff from entering the San Francisquito Creek.
Contractor. During
construction
City of Palo Alto;
Caltrans.
Completion of
construction.
TABLE A: MITIGATION MEASURES ADOPTED AS CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL FOR THE NEWELL ROAD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT
(TO BE IMPLEMENTED BY THE CITY OF PALO ALTO)
Mitigation Measures
Responsibility
for
Implementation
Mitigation
Schedule
Monitoring/
Report
Responsibility
Status/Date
Completed
Invasive Species
AMM-BIO-14: Avoid the Introduction of Invasive Plants. The
Project proponent, or their contractor, will be responsible for
avoiding the introduction of new invasive plants and the spread of
invasive plants previously documented in the BSA. Accordingly, the
following measures will be implemented during construction.
Surface disturbance within the construction work area will be
minimized to the greatest extent possible.
All disturbed areas will be seeded with certified weed-free
native mixes and mulched with certified weed-free mulch (rice
straw may be used in upland areas).
Native, noninvasive species will be used in erosion control
plantings to stabilize site conditions and prevent invasive
species from colonizing.
Contractor. During
construction.
City of Palo Alto;
Caltrans.
Completion of
construction.
Certificate Of Completion
Envelope Id: BAEEDF49AD034ECB93F0AC78ACFA0F08 Status: Completed
Subject: Please DocuSign: RESO 9889 Certifying the EIR and Making Findings for Newell Bridge Replacement...
Source Envelope:
Document Pages: 89 Signatures: 6 Envelope Originator:
Certificate Pages: 2 Initials: 0 Kim Lunt
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Time Zone: (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
250 Hamilton Ave
Palo Alto , CA 94301
kimberly.lunt@cityofpaloalto.org
IP Address: 199.33.32.254
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6/9/2020 5:07:33 PM
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kimberly.lunt@cityofpaloalto.org
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Sandra Lee
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Jonathan Lait
Jonathan.Lait@CityofPaloAlto.org
Interim Director Planning and Community
Environment
City of Palo Alto
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Brad Eggleston
brad.eggleston@cityofpaloalto.org
Director of Public Works
City of Palo Alto
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Ed Shikada
ed.shikada@cityofpaloalto.org
Ed Shikada, City Manager
City of Palo Alto
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Adrian Fine
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Beth Minor
Beth.Minor@CityofPaloAlto.org
City Clerk
City of Palo Alto
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