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Buchanan Road Project - Federal Highway Administration · Buchanan Road Project . 2 . ... pollution prevention plan and erosion and sediment control plan ... The project would not

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Page 1: Buchanan Road Project - Federal Highway Administration · Buchanan Road Project . 2 . ... pollution prevention plan and erosion and sediment control plan ... The project would not
Page 2: Buchanan Road Project - Federal Highway Administration · Buchanan Road Project . 2 . ... pollution prevention plan and erosion and sediment control plan ... The project would not

Buchanan Road Project

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Summary of Changes

Project Design

The proposed improvements to Buchanan Road and the BMR Bridge are described in Chapter 3 of the 2009 EA under Section 3.2, Action Alternative (Segments 1, 2, and 3). No substantive changes to the design are proposed. Some culvert improvements have been modified to reduce the amount of riprap and level of ground disturbance, but the overall road improvements remain the same. The bridge replacement activities also remain the same, but the level of disturbance along the North Fork Tuolumne River would be less with the use of construction techniques that keep equipment and bridge components out of the river. Specifically, installation of the new pier on the west bank would be approached from the top of the bank and road, and the wetland adjacent to the river would be protected with fencing during construction. The pier on the east bank would be installed in a similar manner to keep equipment and excavation activities outside of the active river channel. Removal of the existing bridge would be done in sections from the road once the new bridge is in place, and the existing piers would be cut down to ground level and removed, with no excavation required in the active channel of the river.

The project area encompasses approximately 50 acres and is defined as a 40- to 150-foot-wide corridor along Buchanan Road on private land near Tuolumne and a 200-foot-wide corridor along the road on BLM- and Forest Service-managed lands. The current project area falls within the study limits previously addressed in the EA and supporting technical studies, but is smaller due to the removal of the Fish Hatchery Road improvements and alternatives that were previously assessed in Tuolumne. The estimated area of disturbance (construction limits) is 21 acres.

Biological Resources

Scattered oak trees occur in portions of the project area along Buchanan Road, and oak woodlands extend beyond the project area. Based on the 2009 EA and project design, the project would not affect more than a few oak trees and would not require compensatory mitigation under the Tuolumne County Oak Woodland Mitigation Program. Also, the project is exempt from the County’s ordinance for the premature removal of oak trees, which was adopted after the previous environmental analysis. No further consideration of oak trees is required.

Sensitive riparian communities occur along the north and west sides of the road near Tuolumne and along the North Fork Tuolumne River. Based on the previously mapped riparian areas, an estimated 1.8 acres of riparian communities are in the project area, which includes several small patches of riparian vegetation near Tuolumne along the western edge of the project area, patches of riparian vegetation on both sides of a tributary to the Tuolumne River on the west side of Buchanan Road, a 100-foot-wide corridor on the west side of the river, and a 60-foot-wide corridor on the east side of the river. Near Tuolumne, the proposed road improvements would not affect riparian communities, which are outside of the proposed construction limits. Near the river, the road improvements would encroach on a small portion of the riparian community on the west side of the river and at the tributary, and the bridge relocation would require removal of riparian vegetation on both sides of the river in the location of the proposed bridge. Some temporary disturbance to the riparian communities would also occur during bridge construction

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and removal. The project would affect less than 0.2 acre of riparian vegetation, and temporarily disturbed areas would be revegetated following construction (see Table 1-2 in Attachment 1). Because of the negligible loss of riparian vegetation and the potential for riparian vegetation to re-establish along the river in the location of the existing bridge once it is removed, no additional mitigation is proposed. Water quality-related impacts along the river would also be minor with implementation of standard best management practices and compliance with a storm water pollution prevention plan and erosion and sediment control plan (see Table 1-1 in Attachment 1).

The 2009 EA contains a discussion of federally listed species and BLM and Forest Service Sensitive species based on a 2007 biological assessment and 2008 biological evaluation for the project. The 2007 biological assessment addressed effects on valley elderberry longhorn beetle (Desmocerus californicus dimorphus) and bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and concluded no effect on other federally listed species. FHWA-CFLHD previously consulted with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) on the effects of the project on the valley elderberry longhorn beetle and received a Biological Opinion in July 2008 to comply with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act. FHWA-CFLHD also coordinated with the BLM and Forest Service on the effects on other species.

Since the prior analysis, regulatory statuses of some species have changed and new information has become available on some species’ ranges and habitat preferences. Table 1 identifies federally listed species that could occur in the project area based on a current FWS list obtained through the Information Planning and Conservation system. The valley elderberry longhorn beetle is no longer believed to occur in the area based on recent research, and the bald eagle is no longer a federally listed species. In February 2017, FHWA-CFLHD sent a letter to the FWS to withdraw the previous Biological Opinion and notify them of the change in our effects determination for the beetle to “no effect.” FWS concurred with our revised effects determination via letter dated March 3, 2017, and agreed that the original terms of the Biological Opinion no longer apply to the project.

Table 1. Federally Listed Species (December 2016 List)

Common Name Scientific Name Status1 Potential to Occur? Potential for Impacts?

California red-legged frog Rana draytonii

FT, SSC No; outside current range, no breeding habitat in area

No

Delta smelt Hypomesus transpacificus

FT, SE No; outside known range

No

Steelhead – Central Valley DPS Oncorhynchus mykiss irideus

FT No; outside known range

No

1 Status codes: FT = federally listed as threatened; SE = State-listed as endangered; SSC = California Species of Special Concern

The evaluation of other species in the 2009 EA remains valid because no substantive changes to the project design are proposed. Regulatory statuses of some species have changed, but no new species that should be considered were identified. The analysis of the species that BLM and Forest Service manage remains valid. Several environmental commitments identified in the 2009

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EA will be implemented to minimize impacts on sensitive species (see Table 1-2 in Attachment 1).

Cultural Resources

A cultural resources survey report was completed in August 2008, and FHWA-CFLHD contacted the California State Historic Preservation Officer, Tuolumne County Historic Preservation Review Committee, and Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians in 2008 and 2009 and sent a project update letter to the Tuolumne Band in November 2016. No response was received from the recent contact with the tribe. The report describes all historic or potentially historic resources in the project area, and a re-evaluation of the resources to consider age since the evaluation was done is not considered necessary. Three historic sites were determined to be eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), and six historic sites, including the three NRHP-eligible sites, were determined to be eligible for listing on the Tuolumne County Register of Cultural Resources. In addition, culturally significant plants were identified along Buchanan Road. Because the minor design changes would reduce the area of disturbance, the effects analysis in the 2009 EA remains valid, and the project would have no effect on historic properties pursuant to the National Historic Preservation Act. Environmental commitments identified in the 2009 EA will be implemented to minimize impacts on cultural resources (see Table 1-2 in Attachment 1).

Section 4(f) Resources

Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act applies to the project because of the use of FLAP funds. The 2009 EA did not contain an evaluation of Section 4(f) resources, so this memorandum supplements the EA analysis. The three historic sites determined eligible for NRHP listing (Eureka Ditch segment, West Side Railroad segment, and Buchanan Mine Road segment) are considered Section 4(f) resources. Although these historic sites would not be directly affected by the proposed road improvements, use of the resources (e.g., through right-of-way acquisition) was not previously evaluated. The Eureka Ditch extends to the north and south of the road, but is outside the current road right-of-way; the project would not encroach on the ditch and would not result in use of the historic site under Section 4(f). The West Side Railroad segment is north of Buchanan Road and outside the right-of-way; the project would not encroach on the railroad segment, which is also part of the West Side Trail (see below), and would not result in use of the historic site under Section 4(f). The BMR segment is northeast of the existing bridge and is outside the construction limits; the project would also not result in use of this historic site under Section 4(f). Other historic sites were determined eligible for listing in a local register (the Tuolumne County Register of Cultural Resources); however, they were not determined eligible for NRHP listing and are not considered Section 4(f) resources because they do not meet the criteria for NRHP listing.

The West Side Trail is a public trail managed by the Tuolumne Recreation District that generally follows the north side of Buchanan Road, outside the right-of-way; a trailhead parking area is located north of Buchanan Road east of Mira Monte Road. The trail and parking area are considered Section 4(f) resources. The Riverside Picnic Area is on National Forest System land managed by STF south of the BMR Bridge and is considered a Section 4(f) resource. As described in the 2009 EA, the project includes improvements to the West Side Trail parking lot,

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but the road improvements would not encroach on the parking lot or convert a portion of the parking lot to roadway. The use of the parking lot would not change; therefore, the proposed improvements do not constitute a use under Section 4(f). The trail is outside the right-of-way, and the project would not result in use of the trail as defined in Section 4(f). Similarly, the Riverside Picnic Area is south of the BMR Bridge where no road improvements or other activities are proposed. The project would not result in use of the picnic area.

Based on available information, the project would not result in the use of a Section 4(f) resource, and no further evaluation under Section 4(f) is required.

Waters of the U.S.

The original delineation of waters of the U.S. was completed in 2007, with fieldwork being done in fall 2006, and described an estimated 1.4 acres of wetlands and 0.5 acre of other waters in the study area, which included the project area and an alternative alignment corridor that is no longer being considered. By refining the project area and updating the delineation fieldwork in February 2017, the amount of wetlands and other waters in the project area was reduced to 0.015 acre of wetlands and 0.253 acre of other waters. These features include a sliver of a larger wetland off the west side of Buchanan Road near Tuolumne (identified as Wetland 1), a small depressional wetland east of the road (identified as Wetland 2), a forested wetland adjacent to the North Fork Tuolumne River (identified as Wetland 3), four ephemeral streams at culverts along the road (Streams 1, 2, 3a/b, and 4a/b), the North Fork Tuolumne River (identified as Stream 6), and an intermittent tributary to the river southwest of the bridge (identified as Stream 5a/b).

With the level of ground disturbance being reduced, the estimated impacts on waters of the U.S. would be less than those described in the 2009 EA. Table 2 presents the current estimate of impacts to waters of the U.S. based on the updated delineation data and latest design plans. The activities in waters of the U.S. will require compliance with Sections 401 and 404 of the Clean Water Act. Environmental commitments will be implemented to minimize work in streams and the North Fork Tuolumne River and avoid work in wetlands (see Table 1-2 in Attachment 1).

Table 2. Estimated Impacts to Waters of the U.S.

Feature Area in Project Area

Temporary Impact

Permanent Impact Nature of Impacts

Wetland 1 (Slope wetland)

0.003 ac n/a n/a No impact assumed, outside construction limits, wetland will be protected during culvert replacement and road work

Wetland 2 (Depressional wetland)

0.001 ac n/a n/a No impact assumed, outside construction limits, no culvert changes

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Feature Area in Project Area

Temporary Impact

Permanent Impact Nature of Impacts

Wetland 3 (Forested wetland)

0.011 ac n/a n/a No impact assumed, wetland will be protected during bridge construction

Stream 1 (Ephemeral)

0.001 ac, 30 linear feet

0.0002 ac, 7 linear feet

0.0002 ac, 6 linear feet

Potential disturbance during construction, culvert modification with headwall is permanent fill

Stream 2 (Ephemeral)

0.001 ac, 19 linear feet

n/a n/a No impact assumed, outside slope/stake limits, no culvert changes

Stream 3a & 3b (Ephemeral)

0.017 ac, 189 linear feet

n/a 0.002 ac, 18 linear feet (3a),

0.006 ac, 83 linear feet (3b)

Culvert replacement on adjusted alignment will shift drainage of 3a and 3b

Stream 4a & 4b (Ephemeral)

0.017 ac, 155 linear feet

n/a 0.001 ac, 15 linear feet (4a),

0.009 ac, 90 linear feet (4b)

Culvert replacement on adjusted alignment will shift drainage of 4b

Stream 5a & 5b (Intermittent)

0.028 ac, 134 linear feet

n/a n/a No impact assumed, outside construction limits, no culvert changes

Stream 6 (North Fork Tuolumne River)

0.189 ac, 210 linear feet

<0.001 ac, <7 linear feet

n/a Potential temporary disturbance during pier construction on south bank, all new bridge components and removal of old bridge will be on banks above ordinary high water mark (elevation 2,220 feet)

TOTALS 0.268 ac, 737 linear feet

0.001 ac, 14 linear feet

0.018 ac, 212 linear feet

Other Resource Topics

Based on current air quality standards, Tuolumne County is no longer designated non-attainment for ozone under the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 2016). Because of this change in designation, the project is not subject to transportation

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conformity requirements under the Clean Air Act. The 2009 EA indicated the project was exempt anyway, so this change does not affect the analysis in the EA.

Environmental conditions in the project area have not substantially changed since the original studies and evaluation in the 2009 EA. Key changes are described above, and for other resource topics, the 2009 EA evaluation remains valid. Several environmental commitments will be implemented to minimize impacts on affected resources (see Table 1-2 in Attachment 1).

Environmental Commitments

Standard commitments from the FHWA FP-03 Standard Specifications will be implemented for the project (see Table 1-1 in Attachment 1 for environmental-related specifications). Based on the reevaluation of impacts, project-specific environmental commitments were also reevaluated, and an updated list of commitments is presented in Table 1-2 in Attachment 1. Key changes to the list of commitments include the removal of commitments that are no longer applicable (e.g., for the valley elderberry longhorn beetle, riparian mitigation, oak trees, blasting, Summersville Common Area, fencing at the bridge for a cultural site, and mechanical erosion control) and the addition of protection measures for wetlands (complete avoidance required) and the North Fork Tuolumne River.

Permits

FHWA-CFLHD will obtain the following environmental permits prior to construction activities, and the construction contractor will be responsible for complying with the terms and conditions of the permits and approvals. The standard and project-specific environmental commitments listed in Tables 1-1 and 1-2 in Attachment 1 will ensure compliance with these permits.

• Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certification: application will be submitted to the Central Valley Regional Water Board

• Clean Water Act Section 402 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit: a stormwater pollution prevention plan will be prepared, and a Notice of Intent will be submitted to the Central Valley Regional Water Board

• Clean Water Act Section 404 Nationwide Permit: based on the impacts and nature of activities, the project qualifies under Nationwide Permits 3 and 14 and does not require notification to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; all terms and conditions of these permits must be complied with

The contractor may also be required to obtain an air quality permit from the Tuolumne County Air Pollution Control District, dewatering permit from the Central Valley Regional Water Board, and Special Use Permit or authorization from the STF, depending on the specific construction methods.

Determination

Based on the above information, I have administratively determined that the post-FONSI changes do not result in new or substantially different environmental impacts from those previously discussed in the 2009 EA. Impacts would not approach levels of significance as

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defined in the Council of Environmental Quality Regulations for Implementing the Procedural Provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act (40 CFR 1500-1508), and no further evaluation is required.

Tuolumne County has also determined via email on January 19, 2017, that the previously filed Notice of Determination for the project satisfies compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act.

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Attachment 1 Environmental Commitments

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Attachment 1. Environmental Commitments

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Table 1-1. Standard Environmental Commitments Summary Table

No. Standard Environmental Commitments From Standard Specifications (FP-03) or Special Contract Requirements (SCR) Resource(s) FP or SCR No.

SC-1

Before developing a material source, measure the sediment content of bodies of water adjacent to the work area that will receive drainage from the work area. Control all erosion so the sediment levels in the bodies of water within the drainage area of the work area do not increase. Control erosion so that sediment does not leave the work area.

Water Quality FP 105.03

SC-2 Use only approved portions of the right-of-way for storing material and placing plants and equipment. Provide all additional space needed. Do not use private property for storage without written permission of the owner or lessee. Furnish copies of all agreements. Restore all Government-provided storage sites to their original condition.

Right-of-Way FP 105.04

SC-3 Comply with the terms and conditions of the 404 permit [if one is required] and with the terms and conditions, if any, specified in the 401 certification. Comply with the terms and conditions of any permits that are issued for the performance of work within the jurisdictional waters of the U.S.

Waters of the U.S., Water Quality

SCR 107.01

SC-4 For projects disturbing more than one acre of land (the majority of FHWA projects), Clean Water Act Section 402 (NPDES) requires additional measures (including a storm water pollution prevention plan, SWPPP) that are routinely included in FHWA projects.

Water Quality SCR 107.01

SC-5 Do not disturb the area beyond the construction limits. Replace trees, shrubs, or vegetated areas damaged by construction operations as directed.

Vegetation FP 107.02

SC-6 Do not excavate, remove, damage, alter, or deface any archeological or paleontological remains or specimens. Control the actions of employees and subcontractors on the project to ensure that protected sites are not disturbed or damaged.

Cultural Resources

FP 107.02

SC-7 Properly clean up, mitigate, and remedy, if necessary, all spills of petroleum products, hazardous materials, or other chemical or biological products released from construction, fleet, or other support vehicles, or stationary sources. Respond in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations.

Immediately report to the CO any spill of petroleum products or a hazardous material. Report the spill to the appropriate federal, state, and local authorities, if the spill is a reportable quantity.

Hazardous Materials

SCR 107.10

SC-8 Do not operate mechanized equipment or discharge or otherwise place any material within the Waters of the SCR 107.10

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Attachment 1. Environmental Commitments

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No. Standard Environmental Commitments From Standard Specifications (FP-03) or Special Contract Requirements (SCR) Resource(s) FP or SCR No.

wetted perimeter of any waters of the U.S. within the scope of the Clean Water Act (33 USC § 1251 et seq.). This includes wetlands unless authorized by a permit issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers according to 33 USC § 1344, and, if required, by any State agency having jurisdiction over the discharge of material into the waters of the U.S. In the event of an unauthorized discharge:

(1) Immediately prevent further contamination;

(2) Immediately notify appropriate authorities; and

(3) Mitigate damages as required.

Comply with the terms and conditions of any permits that are issued for the performance of work within the wetted perimeter of the waters of the U.S.

Separate work areas, including material sources, by the use of a dike or other suitable barrier that prevents sediment, petroleum products, chemicals, or other liquid or solid material from entering the waters of the U.S. Use care in constructing and removing the barriers to avoid any discharge of material into, or the siltation of, the water. Remove and properly dispose of the sediment or other material collected by the barrier.

U.S., Water Quality

SC-9 All vehicles and equipment entering the project area must be clean of noxious weeds and free from oil leaks and are subject to inspection. Wash all construction equipment to thoroughly remove all dirt, plant, and other foreign material prior to entering the project. Particular attention must be shown to the under carriage and any surface where soil containing exotic seeds may exist. These efforts are critical to prevent the introduction and establishment of non-native plant species into the project area. Make arrangements for the CO to inspect each piece of equipment before entering the project. The CO will maintain records of inspections. Equipment found operating on the project that has not been inspected, or has oil leaks will be shut down and subject to citation.

Noxious Weeds SCR 107.10

SC-10 In general, when gasoline, diesel fuel, antifreeze, hydraulic fluid or any other chemical contained within the vehicle is released to the pavement or ground, proper corrective, clean-up, and safety actions specified in the SWPPP must be immediately implemented. All vehicles with load rating of 2 tons or greater should carry, at minimum, enough absorbent materials to effectively immobilize the total volume of fluids contained within the vehicle.

Repair oil leaks immediately on discovery. Do not use equipment that is leaking. Have oil pans and absorbent material in place prior to beginning repair work. Have the “on scene”

Hazardous Materials

SCR 107.10

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Attachment 1. Environmental Commitments

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No. Standard Environmental Commitments From Standard Specifications (FP-03) or Special Contract Requirements (SCR) Resource(s) FP or SCR No.

capability of catching and absorbing leaks or spillages of petroleum products including antifreeze from breakdowns or repair actions with approved absorbent materials. Keep a supply of acceptable absorbent materials at the job site in the event of spills, as defined in the SWPPP. Sand or soil are not approved absorbent materials.

Use oil pans and absorbent materials to prevent leaks, spills and draining petroleum fluids from falling onto bare ground and paved surfaces during servicing of equipment. Dig up soils contaminated with such fluids, place in appropriate safety containers, and dispose of according to state and/or federal regulations.

SC-11 Provide permanent and temporary erosion control measures to minimize erosion and sedimentation during and after construction according to the contract erosion control plan, contract permits, FP Section 107, FP Section 157, and SCR Section 157.

Water Quality, Vegetation

FP 157.03

SC-12 Before grubbing and grading, construct all erosion controls around the perimeter of the project including filter barriers, diversion, and settling structures.

Limit the combined grubbing and grading operations area to 350,000 square feet of exposed soil at one time.

Water Quality, Vegetation

FP 157.04

SC-13 Maintain temporary erosion control measures in working condition until the project is complete or the measures are no longer needed.

Water Quality, Vegetation

FP 157.13

SC-14 Control dust within the construction limits at all hours when the project is open to public traffic. When the project is not open to public traffic, control dust in areas of the project which neighbor inhabited residences or places of business. Control dust on approved, active detours established for the project.

Control dust on active haul roads, in pits and staging areas.

Air Quality FP 158.03

SC-15 Removal of structures and obstructions: Construct structurally adequate debris shields to contain debris within the construction limits. Do not permit debris to enter waterways, travel lanes open to public traffic, or areas designated not to be disturbed.

Water Quality FP 203.04

SC-16 Apply turf establishment to finished slopes and ditches within 14 days after completion of construction on a portion of the site.

Water Quality, Vegetation

FP 625.03

SC-17 Protect and care for seeded areas including watering when needed until final acceptance. Repair all damage to seeded areas by reseeding, refertilizing, and remulching.

Vegetation FP 625.09

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No. Standard Environmental Commitments From Standard Specifications (FP-03) or Special Contract Requirements (SCR) Resource(s) FP or SCR No.

SC-18 Conform to the Federal Seed Act, the Federal Noxious Weed Act, and applicable State and local seed and noxious weed laws.

Vegetation, Noxious Weeds

FP 713.04

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Attachment 1. Environmental Commitments

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Table 1-2. Project-Specific Environmental Commitments

No. Commitment Resource(s) Responsible Party SCR No.

EC-1 Cover open-bodied trucks and trailers when used for transporting materials likely to give rise to airborne dust.

Air Quality Contractor Include under SCR 105.01

EC-2 FHWA will coordinate with and notify the Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians prior to any clearing or grubbing activities to allow for collection of plants and seedlings located within the construction limits. FHWA will give a two week notice to the Tribe prior to the staking activity to allow for scheduling of the collection. The Tribe will collect plants and seedlings only after staking has occurred.

Cultural Resources

FHWA-CFLHD FHWA responsibility; also include under SCR 152.03

EC-3 The construction contractor will remove all existing waste located within the construction limits and dispose of it at an appropriate waste facility.

Hazardous Materials

Contractor Include under SCR 203.01

EC-4 Any bridge components determined to have lead paint and any removed creosote-treated guardrail posts will be handled and disposed of properly in accordance with State, Federal, and local regulations.

Hazardous Materials

Contractor Include under SCR 107.11 or 203.05(d)

EC-5 The construction contractor will be required to comply with all Federal, State, and local laws and regulations controlling pollution of the environment. Precautions will be taken to prevent pollution of streams and nearby waterways with silt, oils, fuels, bitumens, or other harmful materials. The contractor will be required to prevent pollution of the atmosphere from particulate and gaseous matter by implementing appropriate surface watering and proper maintenance of construction equipment.

Hazardous Materials

Contractor Include under SCR 107.10

EC-6 Fences will be replaced or repaired where such structures are impacted by construction operations or right-of-way acquisitions.

Land Use Contractor Include under SCR 619.03

EC-7 At the request of the Forest Service or Tuolumne County, additional construction warning signs may be considered. The locations of these will be coordinated with Tuolumne County and the Forest Service.

Land Use Contractor, FHWA-CFLHD

Include under SCR 718

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No. Commitment Resource(s) Responsible Party SCR No.

EC-8 Public notices of construction delays, closures, blasting locations, dates, and times will be given in advance through the local news media and on-site informational signs.

Land Use, Noise Contractor Include under SCR 107

EC-9 Immediate access will be provided for emergency vehicles, including fire-fighting equipment in the event of a wildfire.

Land Use, Fire Contractor Include under SCR 156.03

EC-10 During periods of full road closure, passage will be allowed in specified windows of time throughout the closure. Access to campgrounds and other developed recreation resources will be maintained throughout construction. Pedestrian access to the North Fork Tuolumne River, north of the existing BMR Bridge will be maintained throughout construction.

Land Use, Recreation

Contractor Include under SCR 108.01

EC-11 After completion of construction at the BMR Bridge, barriers will be placed north of the bridge adjacent to Fish Hatchery Road to prevent vehicular access to this previously disturbed area. The area will be reseeded with a seed mix approved by the STF and BLM.

Recreation, Vegetation

Contractor, FHWA-CFLHD

Include under SCR 107.02

EC-12 Appropriate erosion and sedimentation control will be applied on cut or fill slopes disturbed by construction. An erosion control seed mix must be approved by the Forest Service Botanist prior to use.

Vegetation, Water Quality

Contractor, FHWA-CFLHD

Include under SCR 157

EC-13 Cut and fill slopes that are capable of sustaining vegetation will be re-seeded according to the FHWA re-seeding plan approved by the STF and the BLM. The re-seeding plan will comply with the STF Policy on the Use of Native Plant Material in Restoration and other Revegetation Projects Memorandum.

Vegetation Contractor, FHWA-CFLHD

Include under SCR 713.04

EC-14 Plant material for re-vegetation will follow the seed mix recommended by STF and BLM.

Vegetation Contractor, FHWA-CFLHD

Include under SCR 713.04

EC-15 The following standard management requirements will be implemented to prevent introduction of noxious weeds:

• All heavy equipment will be cleaned prior to entering the project area;

Vegetation Contractor Include under SCR 107.10

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No. Commitment Resource(s) Responsible Party SCR No.

• All open-bodied trucks and trailers entering the project area will be covered when loaded; and

• All plant material used for erosion control and road maintenance will be certified weed free.

EC-16 Scotch broom will be surveyed, mapped, and flagged prior to construction. Work in areas with Scotch broom last, or clean any equipment that works in these areas prior to moving into other areas.

Vegetation Contractor Include under SCR 107.10

EC-17 Construction fencing will be erected between the construction limits and wetlands and maintained during construction in these areas. Specific locations are at Stations 16+60 (Wetland 1) and 32+80 (Wetland 2) and at the new bridge location (Wetland 3). No ground disturbance, equipment access, or other work is allowed in wetlands.

Wetlands Contractor Include under SCR 107.02

EC-18 To the extent practicable, bridge removal and replacement activities will be restricted to the banks of the North Fork Tuolumne River, above the ordinary high water mark of the river (2,220-foot contour). No work will be allowed in the active channel of the river at any time, and bridge removal techniques must keep bridge pieces from falling into the river.

Waters of the U.S., Water Quality

Contractor Include under SCR 107.02

EC-19 Any combustible vegetation or debris that is generated during project construction shall be properly disposed at an appropriate disposal site to prevent the combustible vegetation or debris from igniting and resulting in a wildfire.

Fire Contractor Include under SCR 203.01

EC-20 Construction equipment will be well maintained, especially with respect to mufflers and equipped with spark arrestors.

Noise, Fire Contractor Include under SCR 107.10

EC-21 The Stanislaus National Forest fire prevention plan will be incorporated into the special contract requirements. All applicable mitigation measures as required by the fire prevention plan will be implemented.

Fire FHWA-CFLHD, Contractor

Include under SCR 107.11