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Listed below are the mitigation measures identified in the Brooktrails Township Specific Plan Draft EIR that will be implemented in conjunction with the development of the Township. This information is provided to supplement the implementing goals and policies of the Specific Plan. 3.1 SOCIAL/CULTURAL ISSUES 3.1.1 LAND USE AND ZONING
No Land Use and Zoning mitigation measures are required. Refer to the Specific Plan, Chapter 4, Land Use and Planning, for land use and zoning goals and implementation policies.
3.1.2 TRAFFIC AND CIRCULATION
Mitigation Measures 3.1.2-1
The following roadway improvements will be required by build-out (4,000 equivalent dwelling units) to accommodate future traffic in and around Brooktrails.
Sherwood Road - Shoulders and left turn lanes from U.S. 101 to Poppy Drive. Pedestrian pathway to be included along entire length. Re-design Birch Street intersection to enhance safety.
Southern Access Road - Construct new 2-lane arterial between Primrose Dr. and S.R. 20 to relieve Sherwood Road. Signalize intersection with S.R. 20. The alignment will require the purchase of private property, and an environmental impact report.
Clover Road/Primrose Dr. - New signal required.
Primrose Dr./Sherwood Road - New signal required
Primrose Drive - Traffic volumes on Primrose Drive between the Southern Access Road and Sherwood Road are expected to increase to as a high as 900 vehicles during the peak hour, a 25 fold increase. In order to help manage this traffic, Primrose Dr. should be upgraded to enhance safety for residents and vehicles alike. This includes shoulders, pedestrian pathways, left turn bays, and horizontal and vertical geometric improvements especially near Lake Ada Rose.
State Route 20 - While entirely outside Brooktrails, S.R. 20 between the Southern Access Road and Main Street (U.S. 101) will need to be expanded to a 4-lane arterial by buildout.
Mitigation Measure 3.1.2-2
Construct new 2-lane arterial between Primrose Dr. and S.R. 20 to relieve Sherwood Road Signalize intersection with S.R. 20. The alignment will require the purchase of private property, and an environmental impact report.
Implement all of the recommendations in the Brooktrails Evacuation Plan. This includes one new all-weather route along the Meadowlark Trail in northeast Brooktrails, and a new southern access route. These corridors should be maintained to accommodate all vehicles in Brooktrails, and all residents should be notified of the evacuation route to use in the event of an emergency.
Mitigation Measure 3.1.2-3
It is recommended that current off-street parking requirements and on-street regulations be enforced by the Mendocino County Sheriff's Department. In addition, on-street parking bays should be provided throughout the Township where feasible (See Figure 3.1.2-7B). The off-street requirements identified in the Specific Plan (Chapter 10, Community Design) should be implemented.
Mitigation Measure 3.1.2-4
It is infeasible for the County of Mendocino or the Township to implement possible mitigation measures. The design and implementation of such measures would be under the jurisdiction of Caltrans.
Long-term Mitigation
A second access route will be needed by 1998 to avoid Sherwood Road exceeding LOS C. An evaluation of potential second access route alignments showed that both routes #1 (Brooktrails Drive Extension) and #3 (S.R. 20 Connection) provide the greatest (and roughly equal) functional benefits to Brooktrails (see Figure 3.1.2-9). The City of Willits General Plan Revision (1992) states a preference for route #3 in combination with an Eastside Bypass connected to Willits via Commercial Street Notably, this alternative would not provide Brooktrails with a direct connection to the future Bypass. The decision on which access route to select is inextricably linked to traffic conditions in Willits and to the status of the future U.S. 101 Bypass.
3.1.3 VISUAL QUALITY AND COMMUNITY CHARACTER
Mitigation Measure 3.1.3-1
The planning and design of projects slated for construction within the Township should conform to the goals and policies for Community Design as contained within the Community Design chapter of the Brooktrails Township Specific Plan. Conformance review would occur with each development proposal and decisions under the provisions of the Community Design chapter of the Specific Plan, inclusive of the Design Guidelines and Site Development Standards. Conformance review would occur during the Township's design review process consisting of the Architectural Review Commission and District Architect, prior to the issuance of grading and construction permits by the County of Mendocino.
3.1.4 UTILITIES
Mitigation Measure 3.1.4-1
Where possible, allow for off-grid energy systems.
Mitigation Measure 3.1.4-2
Allow for new technologies such as satellite delivery systems and improved accommodation for digital communication.
3.1.5 PUBLIC SERVICES
Mitigation Measure 3.1.5-1
Any requirements for increased Sheriff's Department staffing due to the increase of population presented by full buildout would have to be determined from reviews conducted on a yearly basis, until the number of new residences in Brooktrails has stabilized. The Township would coordinate with the Sheriff's Department as they conduct their yearly reviews to assure that any mutual concerns are addressed. Additional funding for additional manpower and/or equipment may only be provided by the Township as the need is identified in the Sheriffs Department reviews. This mitigation would reduce this impact to insignificant levels.
Mitigation Measure 3.1.5-2
In the event that buildout would generate the need for expanded or new school facilities, those responsible for new construction in the Township would pay a per unit impact fee, in accordance with the Willits Unified School District requirements, to provide a local share for funding the necessary expansions. The School District presently charges $1.50 per square foot for expanding facilities.
Mitigation Measure 3.1.5-3
Policy FS-7.2-2A of the Brooktrails Township Specific Plan requires the Township to "promote recycling of consumer and business waste to reduce landfill requirements and lengthen service of existing landfills, and to meet mandatory wastestream reduction requirements established by state law." The Township Board of Directors had adopted Resolution No. 1996-12, which specifies District policy for waste reduction and directs the Township General Manager to implement those policies, inclusive of the following:
1) Establish waste recycling bins at the following District facilities:
Office complex
Summer Lake
Lake Emily
Lake Ada Rose
2) Require that future copiers acquired by the District have two-sided printing option.
3) Require that District Offices use recycled content copy paper when it is cost effective.
4) Provide for recycling bins at all future multiple-family and commercial units as a part of development.
Such measures would serve to reduce Brooktrails contribution to the total wastestream. Quantification of any potential reductions of the Township's future solid waste generation through the application of these measures to buildout cannot be estimated at this time. In addition, the District is in the process of entering into a Solid Waste Franchise Agreement.
3.1.6 CULTURAL RESOURCES
Mitigation Measure 3.1.6-1
Any construction, grading and/or excavation within a 300 meter radius of the MEN-383 site location shall be monitored by an archaeologist. In the event that artifacts or features are discovered, the appropriate disposition of such materials as determined by the archaeologist should be coordinated with local Native American representatives and in accordance with the implementation policies of Chapter 9 of the Specific Plan, Cultural Resources.
Mitigation Measure 3.1.6-2
Should any historic or prehistoric cultural resources be encountered during construction, work should halt temporarily while a qualified archeologist assesses the significance of the find and develops a suitable mitigation plan, if required, in accordance with the implementation policies of Chapter 9 of the Specific Plan, Cultural Resources.
3.2 PHYSICAL/BIOLOGICAL ISSUES
3.2.1 GEOLOGY, SOILS AND SEISMICITY
Mitigation Measure 3.2.1-1
In response to Soils and Geology Policies ER-6.5-1A, -1B and -2A, require site-specific minimal grading concepts, stability analysis and stabilization procedures, and design criteria for cut-slopes and fill-slopes, as recommended by a California Certified Engineering Geologist and Geotechnical Engineer during the design phase for each site inclusive of geologically constrained areas of the Alquist-Priolo zone, landslide areas and steep slopes.
A. During the design phase for each site where construction is to occur or where substantial amounts of cutting or filling are to occur, the developer's registered geotechnical engineering consultant shall provide documentation that:
1. site-specific stability analyses has been conducted in the area proposed for grading to establish the design criteria for proposed cut or fill slopes, and
2. the recommended criteria have been incorporated in the design of cut and fill slopes.
B. During grading for these sites, the registered geotechnical professional shall be on the site:
1. to supervise the implementation of slope stability designs,
2. to observe areas of potential instability,
3. to supervise slope repairs, as necessary, and
4. to supervise compaction testing.
C. The registered geotechnical engineering consultant should prepare an "as built" map, to be filed with the County, showing details of the site geology, the location of foundations, retaining walls, sub-drains and cleanouts, the results of stability analyses and compaction tests, and documenting the following requirements.
1. The CUBC Seismic Zone 4 standards shall be the minimum acceptable standards for stability of new or altered slopes.
2. Only the minimum amount of grading necessary for obtaining fill material, stabilizing slopes, and installing structures or access shall be performed in areas where slopes are steeper than 20 percent, to avoid the creation of potentially unstable slopes in borrow areas or at the construction sites.
3. Cut-slopes in alluvium, and fill-slopes shall be no steeper than 3:1 (horizontal to vertical) unless the design-level geotechnical investigation can demonstrate the satisfactory stability of a steeper configuration.
4. Cut-slopes in bedrock shall be no steeper than 2:1 (horizontal to vertical) unless the design-level geotechnical investigation can demonstrate the satisfactory stability of a steeper configuration.
5. Side-hill fills, if used, shall be keyed, provided with surface and subsurface drainage, and compacted according to the design specifications of the slope stability analyses for the site provided by the geotechnical professional.
Mitigation Measure 3.2.1-2
In response to Soils and Geology Policies ER-6.5-1A and -1B, during design review, require an Erosion and Sediment Transport Control Plan, designed by an erosion control professional, or landscape architect or civil engineer specializing in erosion control, that would meet the following objectives for the grading and construction period of building projects in the Township, and throughout the lifetime of each project.
A. The Erosion and Sediment Transport Control Plan shall be submitted, reviewed, implemented and inspected as part of the approval process for the grading plans for each project.
B. The Plan shall be designed by the developers' erosion control consultant, using concepts similar to those developed by the Association of Bay Area Governments, as appropriate, based on the specific erosion and sediment transport control needs of each area in which grading and construction is to occur. Those concepts include, but are not necessarily limited to the following items.
Confine grading and activities related to grading (demolition, construction, preparation and use of equipment and material storage areas, staging areas, preparation of access roads,) to the dry season, whenever possible.
If grading or activities related to grading need to be scheduled for the wet season, ensure that structural erosion and sediment transport control measures are ready for implementation prior to the onset of the first major storm of the season.
Locate staging areas outside major streams and drainage ways.
Keep the lengths and gradients of constructed slopes (cut or fill) as low as possible.
Discharge grading and construction runoff into small drainages at frequent intervals to avoid buildup of large potentially erosive flows.
Prevent runoff from flowing over unprotected slopes.
Keep disturbed areas (areas of grading and related activities) to the minimum necessary for demolition or construction.
Keep runoff away from disturbed areas during grading and related activities.
Stabilize disturbed areas as quickly as possible, either by vegetative or mechanical methods.
Direct runoff over vegetated areas prior to discharge into public storm drainage systems, whenever possible.
Trap sediment before it leaves the site with such techniques as check dams, sediment ponds, or siltation fences.
Make the contractor responsible for the removal and disposal of all sedimentation in retention ponds, that is generated by grading and related activities of the project.
Use landscaping and grading methods that lower the potential for down-stream sedimentation. Modified drainage patterns, longer flow paths, encouraging infiltration into the ground, and slower storm-water conveyance velocities are examples of effective methods.
Control landscaping activities carefully with regard to the application of fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides or other hazardous substances. Provide proper instruction to all landscaping personnel on the construction team.
C. During the installation of the erosion and sediment transport control structures, the erosion control professional shall be on the site to supervise the implementation of the designs, and the maintenance of the facilities throughout the demolition, grading and construction period.
D. The erosion control professional shall prepare an "as built" erosion and sediment control facility map, to be filed with the Township, showing details of the biological and structural elements of the plan, and providing an operating and maintenance schedule throughout the operational period of the project.
Mitigation Measure 3.2.1-3
In response to Soils and Geology Policies ER-6.5-1A and -1C, during design review, require site-specific soil suitability analysis and stabilization procedures, and design criteria for foundations, as recommended by a California-registered soil engineer during the design phase for each site where the existence of unsuitable soil conditions is known or suspected.
A. During the design phase for each site where the existence of unsuitable soil conditions is known or suspected, the developer's registered soil engineering consultant shall provide documentation to the Township that:
1. site-specific soil suitability analyses has been conducted in the area of the proposed foundation to establish the design criteria for appropriate foundation type and support, and
2. the recommended criteria have been incorporated in the design of foundation.
B. During grading for these sites, the registered soils professional shall be on the site:
1. to observe areas of potential soil unsuitability,
2. to supervise the implementation of soil remediation programs, and
3. to verify final soil conditions prior to setting the foundations.
C. The registered soils engineering consultant shall prepare an "as built" map, to be filed with the County, showing details of the site soils, the location of foundations, sub-drains and cleanouts, the results of suitability analyses and compaction tests.
Mitigation Measure 3.2.1-4
In response to Soils and Geology Policy ER-6.5-2A, secure the recommendations of a site-specific fault trace location and activity level investigation, performed by a California Certified Engineering Geologist, a California Registered Geologist or California Registered Geotechnical Engineer, to be incorporated in the design of all structures intended for human occupancy within the Earthquake Fault Zone that crosses the Township.
A. The minimum setback from an active fault trace should be 50 feet, unless the site- specific fault investigation can demonstrate satisfactory safety conditions closer to the trace.
B. Additional seismic-resistant earthwork and construction design criteria shall be incorporated in the project as necessary, based design review and on the site-specific recommendations of a California Certified Engineering Geologist in cooperation with California Registered Geotechnical and structural engineering professionals.
C. During site preparation, the registered geotechnical professional shall be on the site to supervise implementation of the recommended criteria.
D. The geotechnical consultant shall prepare an "as built" map/report, to be filed with the County, showing details of the site geology, the location and activity level of fault traces, and the type and location of seismic-restraints used in the project facilities.
Mitigation Measure 3.2.1-5
In response to Soils and Geology Goal ER-6.5-2 and Policy ER-6.5-2B, require site-specific seismic-restraint criteria, as recommended by a California-registered geotechnical or structural engineer, to be incorporated in the design of slopes, foundations and structures for projects in the Township.
A. The minimum seismic-resistant design standards for all proposed facilities shall conform to the CUBC Seismic Zone 4 Standards.
B. Additional seismic-resistant earthwork and construction design criteria shall be incorporated in the project as necessary, based on design review and the site-specific recommendations of a California Certified Engineering Geologist in cooperation with California-registered geotechnical and structural engineering professionals.
C. During site preparation, the registered geotechnical professional shall be on the site to supervise implementation of the recommended criteria.
D. The California Certified Engineering Geologist consultant shall prepare an "as built" map/report, to be filed with the County, showing details of the site geology, the location and type of seismic-restraint facilities, and documenting the following requirements, as appropriate.
1. Engineering analyses shall demonstrate satisfactory performance of bedrock, alluvium and fill where they form part or all of the support for structures.
2. Analysis of soil expansion potential and appropriate remediation (compaction, removal, etc.) shall be completed prior to using expansive soils for foundation support.
3. Roads, foundations and underground utilities in fill or alluvium shall be designed to accommodate settlement or compaction estimated by the site-specific investigations of the geotechnical consultant.
Mitigation Measure 3.2.1-6
To offset the effects of seismic groundshaking hazards, implement Mitigation Measures 3.2.1-1 through 5. In addition, this EIR should remain available at the Township for potential builders and/or lot purchasers.
Mitigation Measures 3.2.1-7
In response to Soils and Geology Goal ER-6.5-1 and -2, require a detailed Earthquake Preparedness Plan to be prepared by the dam operations personnel and submitted for review and approval by the County.
A. The specific language of earthquake preparedness plans varies, but should include the following items:
1. Ensuring existing and proposed seismic designs meet current County, State and Federal standards, where applicable.
2. Making structural and non-structural elements secure from the effects of expected levels of groundshaking.
3. Assigning specific personnel primary and backup responsibilities to be carried out during a seismic emergency.
4. Providing supplies of emergency water, food and shelter for project personnel to remain on-site for at least three days.
5. Providing training for personnel in First Aid, CPR and other emergency response procedures.
6. Carrying out practice drills of emergency response procedures.
7. Preparation of an inundation zone map and evacuation plan.
B. Township public safety and maintenance facilities should be located out of the dam failure inundation zone.
3.2.2 HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY
Mitigation Measure 3.2.2-1
In response to Hydrology and Water Quality Policies ER-6.4A and B, require site-specific minimal grading concepts, stability analysis and stabilization procedures, and design criteria for cut-slopes and fill-slopes, as recommended in Soils and Geology Mitigation Measure 3.2.1-1, and an Erosion and Sediment Transport Control Plan, as required in Soils and Geology Mitigation Measure 3.2.1-2.
3.2.3 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
Mitigation Measure 3.2.3-1
Tree and native vegetation removal for lot development shall be minimized to the extent feasible. Fire-resistant native plant landscaping shall be encouraged to provide habitat with high value to wildlife that would act as a buffer to natural open space areas and retain the forest character of Brooktrails. These measures will be enforced during the development review process as called for in the Specific Plan.
Mitigation Measure 3.2.3-2
Surveys for north coast semaphore grass shall be conducted in May during lot development review and prior to the development of residential lots containing moist meadows. If north coast semaphore grass is found to occur, development shall be sited to avoid semaphore grass.
Mitigation Measure 3.2.3-3
To avoid the nesting season of raptors, migratory birds and other sensitive birds, all tree removals shall take place between September 1 and February 1, if feasible.
a) If it is established (and confirmed by the agencies) that suitable habitat is not present on the project site, then no northern spotted owl constraints would be placed on project development. However, habitat could become suitable over the life of the project. Therefore, consideration should be given to the long-term management of the forest to accommodate this species should it become established.
b) If it is established that suitable habitat exists on the project site, a forest management plan shall be implemented. A 50/11/40 formula has been established for timber management areas that can be used as a guideline. This formula suggests that 50 percent of the total project area be set aside with all conifers 11 inches or greater in diameter left with an average 40 percent canopy closure. (This formula is based on a forest dominated by conifers.)
c) If an active nesting territory is established, non-disturbance buffer zones and limited impact areas will need to be established. In relation to timber harvest, a 70-acre management area would need to be established around an active nest site. This would require that no harvest be allowed within 18 acres around the nest and overstory canopy closure could not be reduced below 60 percent in the remaining 52 acres. No guidelines have been established for understory vegetation (e.g. stands of tanbark oak and madrone).
d) Currently, the habitat areas with the most potential for spotted owl occurrences are the riparian corridors. Therefore, development in these areas shall be avoided and adequate buffer zones be established through permanent natural open space designation.
If tree removal between February 1 and September 1 is required, a pre-construction season survey shall be conducted to identify the presence, or lack thereof, of nests of raptors, migratory birds or other protected species. If no nests are identified in trees to be removed, no further mitigation is necessary. If nests are identified, CDFG shall be contacted and appropriate protocols for nest relocation shall be implemented.
For species protected under the Endangered Species Act, appropriate protocol consists of nest removal during the non-nesting season (see 4.7-5(a)). For birds protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty, protocols do not exist in published regulations, and need to be developed on a case by case basis in consultation with the CDFG and the USFWS.
Mitigation Measure 3.2.3-4
Implementation of the following mitigation measures would reduce the impact to an insignificant level by a) ensuring that measures would be implemented to control erosion and sedimentation (see Section 3.2.1, Soils, Geology and Seismicity), b) that disturbance to habitat of sensitive species would be avoided or minimized, and c) that construction would be timed to avoid disturbance of sensitive species during their breeding or migration seasons.
Mitigation Measure 3.2.3-5
Implementation of the following mitigation measures would reduce the above impact to an insignificant level by ensuring protection of sensitive species and aquatic life in the creeks during construction:
Implement the following Mitigation Measures to ensure reduction or avoidance of long- term sedimentation in creeks and other human disturbance impacts within Brooktrails Township.
a) Unauthorized trails leading into creek channels shall be obliterated by new plantings. Fencing and posting of signs shall be installed in consultation with CDFG, to educate the public and route access from sensitive areas.
b) Direct public access to creek banks and channels shall not be permitted except over crossings and for carefully sited view points.
Mitigation Measure 3.2.3-6
Natural open space should be left in a configuration that would provide corridors and linkages with natural areas outside the Township, to allow the movement, migration, and dispersal of wildlife between areas.
3.2.4 AIR QUALITY
Mitigation Measure 3.2.4-1
All construction contracts should include the following requirements:
Water all active construction areas at least twice a day, or as needed to prevent visible dust plumes from blowing off-site.
Use tarpaulins or other effective covers for on-site storage piles and for haul trucks that travel on public streets.
Pave, apply water three times daily, or apply (non-toxic) soil stabilizers on all unpaved access roads, parking areas and staging areas at construction sites.
Sweep all paved access routes, parking areas and staging areas daily (preferably with water sweepers).
Sweep streets daily (preferably with water sweepers) if visible amounts of soil material are carried onto public streets.
Wash trucks leaving construction site.
Select architectural coatings with low ROG emission rates.
Properly tune and maintain construction equipment.
Develop a trip reduction plan to achieve a minimum average vehicle ridership (AVR) of 1.5 for construction employees.
Utilize existing power sources (e.g., power poles) or clean fuel generators rather than temporary power generators.
Minimize obstruction of through traffic lanes.
Schedule operations affecting traffic for off-peak hours to the extent possible.
Develop a traffic plan to minimize traffic flow interference from construction activities.
If the working area of any construction site exceeds four acres at any one time, implement the following measures in addition to those above:
Apply (non-toxic) soil stabilizers to inactive construction areas.
Enclose, cover, water twice daily, or apply (non-toxic) soil binders to exposed stockpiles.
Limit construction site vehicle speed to 15 miles per hour (mph) on unpaved areas.
Replant vegetation in disturbed areas as quickly as possible.
Mitigation Measures 3.2.4-2
Implement the following Transportation Demand Management measures:
Mobile-Source Emissions
Provide on-site transit stops to link the development to major in-County destinations.
Provide ride-matching services to facilitate car pool formation among residents.
Provide space for banking and postal services in the project commercial uses.
Install 220V electrical outlets in each garage in anticipation of the potential future use of electrical vehicles.
Stationary-Source Emissions
Provide heating systems powered by propane, heating oil or electricity to serve as the primary heating source of the proposed new homes, with EPA Phase II woodburning stoves available only as a back-up source.
Retrofit existing residential units with clean burning Phase II catalytic wood-burning stoves.
New home for electrical yard equipment.
Incorporate passive solar design and solar heaters.
3.2.5 NOISE
Mitigation Measure 3.2.5-1
Construction should be limited to between 7 A.M. and 6 P.M., Monday through Friday, to minimize disruption due to noise.
Construction specifications should include a provision requiring adequate mufflers on trucks and other construction equipment.
Construction crews should be transported to the construction site by a shuttle bus from a parking area in the community to reduce traffic movements and noise on Sherwood Road.
Mitigation Measure 3.2.5-2
Install sufficient acoustic insulation in the proposed Brooktrails residences along Sherwood Road to assure that maximum noise levels in any inhabitable room will not exceed 45 dBA Ldn.
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