HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES NO 129-88 RESOLUTION NO. 129-88
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF BAKERSFIELD MAKING FINDINGS, APPROVING
NEGATIVE DECLARATION AND APPROVING THE
PROPOSED REPLACEMENT OR WIDENING AND
REPAIR OF THE GORDON'S FERRY BRIDGE AT
CHINA GRADE LOOP.
WHEREAS, the Public Works Department of the City of
Bakersfield has proposed to replace or widen and repair the
existing Gordon's Ferry Bridge on China Grade Loop over the Kern
River at the northern edge of the city of Bakersfield; and
WHEREAS, the proposed widening or replacement will upgrade
the presently substandard structure to Amercian Association of
State Highway and Transportation Oificials (AASHTO) Standards for
two lane structures; and
WHEREAS, limitations on the existing structure (e.g., exposed
foundation) have created unreasomable detours for trucks exceed-
ing the bridges ten ton weight limit; and
WHEREAS, replacement or repair and widening of the bridge is
necessary to allow heavier trucks to again travel upon it; and
WHEREAS, an Environmental Assessment (EA) was prepared by
Earth Metrics, Inc. to assist the City of Bakersfield and the
State of California Department of Transportation in the federal
evaluation of the potential environmental impacts of the proposed
bridge construction project; and
WHEREAS, the requirements of the Federal National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) have been satisfied with the pro-
ject obtaining "Categorical Exemption" status; and
-2-
WHEREAS, in conf!ormance with the California Environmental
Quality Act, an Initial Study was conducted and it was determined
that, with seven measures incorporated in the project and the
conditions of development imposed herein below, the proposed pro-
ject would not have a significant effect on tile environment, and
a Negative Declaration was prepared;
and
WHEREAS, measures incorporated in the project are as follows:
Prior to ground disturbance, a biological field
survey will be performed on the expected areas
of disturbance. All potentially active kit fox
dens will be identified and marked. The project
applicant shall adhere to mitigation measures
necessary at the time of construction to satisfy
the Metropolitan Bakersfield Habitat Conservation
Plan and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Only the removal of the minimal amount of stream-
bank vegetation necessary for construction will
occur.
The riverbanks which have been stripped of vege-
tation by grading activities, including the bare
southern bank downstream of the bridge, shall be
rapidly sodded and revegetated with appropriate
streambank vegetation including cottonwoods and
willows. Revegetation will be at an appropriate
density and will utilize plants of a large
enough size to assure that the creation of a
permanent, biologically valuable wetland associ-
ation will occur, and to assure the mitigation
of potential impacts to habitat and water quality.
-3-
Nearby vegetation will be protected by careful
construction practices, including but not limited
to:
a)
Not storing any construction material or
placing any fill on top of or within the
dripline of trees which are to remain
undisturbed.
b)
Heavy equipment will not be operated or
parked underneath such trees.
c)
If large trees are very close to the area
of construction, the City will place tempo-
rary barriers around them to protect
accidental damage.
In order to avoid any significant deterioration to
existing fish and wildlife habitat in the river-
bed, a Section 1603 Permit from the California
Department of Fish and Game, possibly a wetland
protection permit from the U.S. Army Corp of
Engineers and a permit from the State Board of
Reclamation will need to be filed with the appro-
priate agencies.
In order to mitigate potential traffic problems
during construction, the applicant shall:
a)
Conduct bridge closures during non-peak
traffic hours, as possible.
b)
Complete bridge rehabilitation and widening
or reconstruction in an expedient a manner
as possible.
The bridge widening or demolition phase of either
options of the project shall avoid the cliff
swallow breeding season (from April 15 to July 31).
Historical and cultural resource mitigation:
a)
If construction activity can occur in the
area of the existing historical marker
without moving it, then the marker will
be adequately protected and marked to avoid
damage during the construction process.
-4-
b)
If the marker must be moved, it will be
placed outside the construction area, covered
and marked for protection. When construc-
tion is finished, the appropriate location
will be determined within reasonable distance
from its previous location. The following
agencies will be notified before moving the
marker: City of Bakersfield Historic Preser-
vation Commission, the Kern County Museum
(the county historic preservation liaison),
and the State of California Historic Preser-
vation Office.
c)
Any new plan, design or location for a new
marker will be submitted to the above agencies
for review.
d)
If, during the construction phase, historic
or prehistoric cultural resources are un-
earthed, work in the area of the discovery
shall cease until the finds can be evaluated,
and if necessary, mitigation applied prior to
resumption of activity;
and
WHEREAS, the law and regulations relating to the preparation
and adoption of Negative Declarations as set forth in CEQA and
City of Bakersfield Resolution No. 107-86 have been duly followed
by the City staff and Council; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED and found by the Council of
the City of Bakersfield as follows:
1. The above recitals and findings, incorporated
herein, are true and correct.
The Negative Declaration including all miti-
gation for measures listed for the bridge on
China Grade Loop is hereby approved and adopted.
The report of City staff, including maps and
all reports and papers relevant thereto, trans-
mitted by the C~ty Manager to the City Council,
is hereby received, accepted and approved.
The City Council hereby approves the replace-
ment or widening and repair of Gordon's Ferry
Bridge on China Grade Loop.
-5-
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Resolution was passed and
adopted by the Council of the City of Bakersfield at a regular
meeting thereof held on J[TN~ ??, ]988 , by the follow-
ing vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: CHILDS, OeMOND,
~NT: COUNOLU~U~ERS:
AB%T~NINg; ~OUNCILMEMBERS:
CITY CLERK and Ex officio Clerk of
Council of the City of Bakersfield
the
APPROVED JUNE 22, ]988
/s/ THOMAS A. PAYNE
MAYOR of the City of Bakersfield
APPROVED as to form:
CHINA GRADE LOOP
c;tx L_
-T29S, R28E 4
9
EXISTING
BRIDGE
ROUND MOUNTAIN ROAD
, PROPOSED
i REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT
!o O,F
GORDON S FERRY
NEW ROAD
ALIGNMENT
BRIDGE
BRIDGE ~"-----~
STAFF REPORT
CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 22, 1988
AGENDA ITEM:
APPLICANT: City of Bakersfield Public Works Department
LOCAT I ON:
Gordon's Ferry Bridge at China Grade Loop on the
Kern Fiver
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The proposed project involves the replacement or widening and
repair of the existing China Grade Loop Bridge where it crosses
the Kern River. (Refer to attached maps).
The proposed widening or replacement will upgrade the presently
substandard structure to American Association of State Highway
and Transportation o~icials (AASHTO) standards for two lane
structures. Currently, the limitations of this structure (e.g.
exposed foundation) have created a seven mile detour for oil and
sand companies whose trucks exceed the bridge's ten ton weight
limit. The additional width is to be used for emergency parking
and will also support the bridge's use by the many bicyclists
who frequent the Kern Rzver area. Replacement or repaxr and wid-
ening of the bridge is necessary to allow heavier trucks to again
travel upon it.
The China Grade Loop project area is located at the northern edge
of the C~ty and includes the existing 379 foot-long bridge and
the area around it needed for construction. I~ the structural
evaluation of the existing foundation shows that it is not feasi-
ble to be repaired, an alternative plan to replace the bridge
will be implemented, and the existing structure removed. (See
attached figures).
In the repair and widening option, the bridge would be widened
from 26 to 44 feet of roadway, with an additional 20 feet either
side of the existing structure used as a construction zone while
the bridge work is being completed. This option consists of wid-
ening the existing two lane bridge by adding ten foot wide emer-
gency shoulders to both lanes of traffic. Additionally, the
structure would be rehabilitated by driving additional piling,
replacing the foundation rip-rap, and other work as necessary to
bring the structure up to current standards.
Iz the bridge needs to be replaced, an additional 60 foot right-
of-way width, east of the existing structure, will be dedicated
and used to build an entirely new bridge.
Staff Reports, City Council, 6/22/88
AGENDA ITEM #
Page 2
ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
China Grade Loop is an arterial roadway currently striped for two
travel lanes. This roadway is designated as a major arterial on
the City of Bakersfield's Circulation Element map. It provides
an important link between the active oil fields to the north and
the Alfred Harrell Highway to the Southwest. The road's 1986
Average Daily Traf£ic (ADT) was 3,850 vehicles just south of the
bridge, and 3,600 ADT at the bridge.
The China Grade Loop Bridge is in the Kern River floodplain and
the topography to both sides of the river is relatively level.
Directly along the river banks there is an immediate rise of
approximately five feet. To the north of the bridge, the terrain
has a very slight rise. This area has been developed as oil
fields with pumps, tanks, processing facilities with little vege-
tation covering the landscape. To the south of the bridge, the
land is relatively 2_evel, with ~ew buildings, grassy terrain, and
horse corrals. The river and its immediate shoreline would be
classified as a riparian wetland with limited value, due to the
presence of concrete rip-rap and the encroachment of open types
o~ development (i.e~. oil fields, sand mines, horse corrals) into
the riparian floodplain.
BACKGROUND
In November, 1987, Earth Metrics, Inc. submitted to the City of
Bakersfield's Public Works Department a Final Environmental
Assessment for the proposed replacement or widening and repair
of the China Grade ]Loop Bridge. That Environmental Assessment
(EA) was prepared to assist the City (the project applicant) and
the State of California Department of Transportation in the eval-
uation of the poten~ial impacts of the proposed bridge construc-
tion project. Seve~al State agencies were consulted during the
EA process and assisted in mitigation evolution. The EA has
already been through the NEPA process and received a Categorical
Exemption. A copy of the EA is available in the Planning
Department for review. Although the EA addressed the land use,
circulation, soils, hydrology, floodplain, biology, and historic
resources of the project site, it was not prepared to comply with
the CEQA requirements for an Environmental Impact Report (EIR).
Its results and recommended mitigation measures, however, were
incorporated into t'he initial study and checklist and were
assumed as adequate for mitigating the possible environmental
effects of the proposed project.
Staff Reports, City Council, 6/22/88
AGENDA ITEM ~
Page 3
The Environmental Assessment, Negative Declaration and Initial
Study were available for public review for thirty days (March 21,
1988 to April 22, 1988) at the City Planning Department.
During the public review period, the City received six letters
from local agencies and one from a State Agency, all in favor of
the proposed bridge repair or replacement project. Copies of the
letters received and staff's responses to those comments are
attached in Appendices A & B, respectively. A copy of the initial
study is also attached as Appendix C.
PROJECT A~AL¥SIS
The applicant shall comply with the following discretionary con-
ditions to mitigate for potentially significant environmental
consequences associated with repairing or replacing the subject
bridge.
Prior to ground disturbance, a biological field survey will
be performed on the expected areas of disturbance. All
potentially active kit fox dens will be identified and
marked. The project applicant shall adhere to mitigation
measures necessary at the time of construction to satisfy
the Metropolitan Bakersfield Habitat Conservation Plan and
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The riverbanks which have been stripped of vegetation by
grading activities, including the bare southern bank down-
stream of the bridge, shall be rapidly sodded and revege-
rated with appropriate streambank vegetation including
cottonwoods and willows. Revegetation will be at an appro-
priate density and will utilize plants o~ a large enough
size to assure that the creation of a permanent, biologi-
cally valuable wetland association will occur, and to assure
the mitigation of potential impacts to habitat and water
quality.
Only the removal of the minimal amount of streambank vegeta-
tion necessary for construction will occur.
4. Nearby vegetat].on will be protected by careful construction
practices, inc2[uding but not limited to:
Staff Reports, City Council, 6/22/88
AGENDA ITEM #
Page 4
a) Not storing any construction material or placing any
fill on top of or within the dripline of trees which are to
remain undisturbed.
b) Heavy equipment will not be operated or parked under-
neath such trees.
c) I~ large trees are very close to the area of construc-
tion, the City will place temporary barriers around them to
protect accidental damage.
In order to avoid any significant deterioration to existing
fish and wildlJ. fe habitat in the riverbed, a Section 1603
Permit from the California Department of Fish and Game, pos-
sibly a wetland protection permit from the U.S. Army Corp of
Engineers and a permit from the State Board of Reclamation
will need to be filed with the appropriate agencies.
In order to mitigate potential traffic problems during
construction, the applicant shall:
a) Conduct bridge closures during non-peak traffic hours,
as possible.
b) Complete bridge rehabilitation and widening or recon-
struction in as expedient a manner as possible.
The bridge widening or demolition phase of either options
the project shall avoid the cliff swallow breeding season
(from April 15 to July 31).
Historical and cultural resource mitigation:
a) Ii construction actlvity can occur in the area of the
existing histo~fical marker without moving it, then the
marker will be adequately protected and marked to avoid dam-
age during the construction process.
b) I~ the marker must be moved, it will be placed outside
the construction area, covered and marked for protection.
When construction is finished, the appropriate location will
be determined within reasonable distance from its previous
location. The following agencies will be notified before
moving the marker: City of Bakersfield Historic
Preservation Commission, the Kern County Museum (the county
historic preservation liaison), and the State of California
Historic Preservation O£fice.
c) Any new plan, design or location for a new marker will
be submitted t.D the above agencies for review.
d) I~, during the construction phase, historic or prehis-
toric cultural resources are unearthed, work in the area of
the discovery shall cease until the finds can be evaluated,
and if necessary, mitigation applied prior to resumption of
activity.
Staff Reports, City Council, 6/22/88 Page 5
AGENDA ITEM
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Motion to adopt resolution making findings and approving the
Negative Declaration for the proposed replacement or widening and
repair o~ the Gordom's Ferry Bridge at China Grade Loop, includ-
ing mitigation measures listed in the staff report.
1:24,000
FIGu~d~ 4. ]-2
LO~&L SETTING 0]~ '~L~ PROJECT SITE
EXISTING'
.. ' ~' BRIDGE
.-.,, IC£RN
TZ9S RZBE
N
RiV£R
CHINA GRADE. LOOP BRIDGE
ALIGNMENT AT THE KERN RIVER
CITY OF BAKERSFIELD
CALIFORNIA
ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
APPENDIX C
Negative Declaration and Initial Study
PROPOSED
NEGATIVE DECLARATION
NO. 2477
Our File No. China
Grade Loop Bridge
Name and address of Sponsor(s) of Project:
City of Bakersfield - Public Works Department
1501 Truxtun Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Location of Project: China Grade Loop Brid~e over Kern
River at northern edce of City limits.
3. Description of Project as Proposed: Proposed replacement or
repair and wideninc of China Grade Loop Bridce.
4. The undersigned, having considered the matters provided in
city Council Resolution No. 107-86, City of Bakersfield does
hereby find and determine that the above described project
will not have a significant effect on. the environment.
The Initial Study (refer to Appendices "H" and "I")
which comprises part of the Negative Declaration, may
be inspected at the office of the Planning Director at
city ~all, 1501 Truxtun Avenue; Bakersfield,
California. Any member of the public is invited to
provide comments on the proposed action, in writing,
on or before the 22nd day of April, 1988, at the above
office.
Dated:
March 18, 1988
Posted: March 18, 1988
~a n n~D~ D irec/~
INITIAL STUDY
Replacement or Widening and Repair
of the China Grade Loop Bridge
at the Kern River
APPLICANT:
LOCATION:
City of Bakersfield Public Works Department
China Grade Loop Bridge over the Kern River
the northern edge of the City.
at
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The proposed project involves the replacement or widening and
repair of the existing China Grade Loop Bridge where it
crosses the Kern River. (Refer to attached maps)
The proposed widening or replacement will upgrade the
presently substandard structure to American Association of
State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) standards
for two lane structures. Currently, the limitations of this
· structure (e.g. exposed foundation) have created a seven mile
detour for oil and sand companies whose trucks exceed the
brldge's ten ton weight limit. The additional width is to be
used for emergency parking and will also support the bridge's
use by the many bicyclists who frequent the Kern River area.
Replacement or repair and widening of the bridge is necessary
to allow heavier trucks to again travel upon it.
The China Grade Loop project area is located at the northern
edge of the City and includes the existing 379 foot-long
bridge and the area around it needed for construction. If the
structural evaluation of the existing foundation shows that
it is not feasible to be repaired, an alternative plan to
replace the bridge will be implemented, and the existing
structure removed. (See attached figures).
In the repair and widening option, the bridge would be
widened from 26 to 44 feet of roadway, with an additional 20
feet either side of the existing structure used as a
construction zone while the bridge work is being completed.
This option consists of widening the existing two lane bridge
by adding ten foot wide emergency shoulders to both lanes of
traffic. Additionally, the structure mould be rehabilitated
by driving additional piling, replacing the foundation rip-
rap, and other mork as necessary to bring the structure up to
current standards.
If the bridge needs to be replaced, an additional 60 foot
right of way midth, east of the existing structure, will be
dedicated and used to build an entirely new bridge.
ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
China Grade Loop is an arterial roadway currently striped for
two travel lanes. This roadway is designated as a major
arterial on the City of Bakersfield's Circulation Element
map. It provides an important link between the active oil
fields to the north and the Alfred Hartell Highway to the
southwest. The road's 1986 Average Daily Traffic (ADT) was
3,850 vehicles just south of the bridge, and 3,600 ADT at the
bridge.
The China Grade Loop Bridge is in the Kern River floodplain
and the topography to both sides of the river is relatively
level. Directly along the river banks there is an immediate
rise of approximately five feet. To the north of the bridge,
the terrain has a very slight rise. This area has been
developed as oil fields with pumps, tanks, processing
facilities and little vegetation covering the landscape. To
the south of the bridge, the land is relatively level, with
few buildings, grassy terrain, and horse corrals. The river
and its immediate shoreline would be classified as a riparian
wetland with limited value, due to the presence of concrete
rip-rap and the encroachment of open types of development
(i.e. oil fields, sand mines, horse corrals) into the
riparian floodplain.
BAUKGROUND
In November, 1987, Earth Metrics, Inc. submitted to the City
of Bakersfield's Public Works Department a Final
Environmental Assessment for the proposed replacement or
widening and repair of the China Grade Loop Bridge. That
Environmental Assessment (EA) was prepared to assist the City
(the project applicant) and the State of California
Department of Transportation in the evaluation of the
potential impacts of the proposed bridge construction
project. Several State agencies were consulted during the EA
process and assisted in mitigation evolution. The EA has
already been through the NEPA process and received a
Categorical Exemption. Although the EA addressed the land
use, circulation, soils, hydrology, floodplain, biology, and
historic resources of the project site, it was not prepared
to comply with the CEQA requirements for an Environmental
Impact Report (EIR). Its results and recommended mitigation
measures, however, have been incorporated into this initial
study and checklist and assumed as adequate for mitigating
the possible environmental effects of the proposed project.
The entire Environmental Assessment will be available for
public review for thirty days at: City of Bakersfield
Planning Department, 1501Truxtun Ave., BAK., CA, 93301;
(805) 326-3733.
~OC~ SETTING OF ~ PRO.CT SITE
~CALE
Le~=h me=Pics 1:24,000
R~U~D MOUNT
\
EXISTING,
BRIDGE--
k'£RN
,.,....--NEW
BRIDGE
ROAD
N
N.T.S.
I:? I V £ t~
CHINA GRADE LOOP BRIDGE
ALIGNMENT AT THE KERN RIVER
CITY OF BAKERSFIELD
CALIFORNIA
ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
I-1
APPENDIX I
ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST FORM
(To be completed by Lead Agency)
BACKGROUND
1. Name of Proponent: City of Bakersfield Public Works
Department
2. Address and Phone Number of Proponent:
1501Truxtun Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Phone: (805) 326-3724
3. Date of Checklist Submittal: 3/18/88
4. Agency requiring Checklist: City of Bakersfield (Planning
Division)
5. Name of Proposal, if applicable:
Proposed Replacement or Widening and Repair of the China
Grade Loop Bridge
II
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
(Explanations of all "yes" and
attached sheets.)
"maybe" answers are required on
YES MAYBE NO
1. Earth Will the problem result in:
a. Unstable earth conditions or in
changes in geologic substructures?
X
b. Disruptions, displacements,
compaction, or overcovering of
the soil?
X
c. Change in topography or ground
surface relief features?
X
d. The destruction, covering, or
modification of any unique geologic
or physical features?
X
e. Any increase
erosion of soils,
off site?
in wind or water
either on or
X
f. Changes in deposition or erosion
of beach sands, or changes in
siltation, deposition or erosion
which may modify the channel of a
river or stream or the bed of the
ocean or any bay, inlet or lake?
X
I-2
g. Exposure of people or property
to geologic hazards such as
earthquakes, landslides, mudslides,
ground failure, or similar hazards?
Air Will the proposal result in:
a. Substantial air emissions or
deterioration of ambient air
quality?
b. .The creation of objectionable
odors?
c. Alteration of air movement,
moisture or temperature, or any
change in climate, either locally
or regionally?
Water Will the proposal result in:
a. Changes in currents, or the
course or direction of water
movements, in either marine or
fresh water?
b. Changes in absorption rates,
drainage patterns, or the rate
and amount of surface water
runoff?
c. Alterations to the course or
flow of fleod waters?
d. Change in the amount of surface
water in any body of water?
e. Discharge into surface waters,
or in any alteration of surface
water quality, including but not
limited to temperature, dissolved
oxygen, or turbidity?
f. Alteration of the direction or
rate of flow of ground waters?
g. Change in the quantity of
ground waters, either through
direct additions or withdrawals,
or through interception of and
aquifier by cuts or excavations?
YES
MAYBE
X
NO
X
X
X
X
X
X
I-3
Water Will the proposal result in:
{continued)
h. Substantial reduction in the
amount of water otherwise
available for public water supply7
i. Exposure of people or property
to water related hazards such as
flooding or tidal waves?
j. Will the proposal result in
water service from any public or
private entity?
Plant Life Will the proposal
result in:
a. Change in the diversity of species
or number of any species of plants
(including trees, shrubs, grass,
crops, microflora and aquatic plants)?
b. Reduction
unique, rare
of plants?
of the numbers of any
or endangered species
c. Introduction of new species of
plants into an area, or result in
a barrier to the normal replenishment
of existing species?
d. Reduction in acreage of any
agricultural crop?
Animal Life Will the proposal result
in:
a. Change in the diversity of species
or numbers of any species or animal
(birds, land animals including reptiles,
fish and shellfish, benthic organisms,
insects or microfauna)?
b. ~eduction of the numbers of any
unique, rare or endangered species
of animals?
c. Introduction of new species of
animals into an area, or result in
a barrier to the migration or
movement of animals?
YES
MAYBE
X
X
NO
X
X
X
X
(SEE COMMENT) X
X
X
I-4
10.
11.
12.
Animal Life Will the proposal result
in: (continued)
d. Deterioration to existing fish
or wildlife habitat?
Noise Will the proposal result in:
a. Increases in existing noise
levels?
b. Exposure of people to severe
noise levels?
Light and Glare Will the proposal
produce new light or glare?
Land Use Will the proposal result
in a substantial alteration of
the present or planned land use
of an area?
Natural Resources Will the proposal
result in:
a. Increases in the rate of use of
any natural resources?
b. Substantial depletion of any
nonrenewable natural resource?
Risk of Upset Does the proposal
involve a risk of an explosion
or the release of hazardous
substances (including, but not
limited to, oil, pesticides,
chemicals, or radiation) in the
event of an accident or upset
conditions?
Population Will the proposal
alter the location, distribution,
density or growth rate of the
human population of an area?
Housing Will the proposal affect
existing housing, or create a
demand for additional housing?
YES
MAYBE
NO
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
I-5
14.
15.
Transportation/Circulation
Will the proposal result in:
a. Generation of substantial
additional vehicular movement?
b. Effect on existing parking
facilities, or demand for new
parking?
c. Substantial impact upon
existing transportation systems?
d. Alterations to present
patterns of circulation or
movement of people and/or goods?
e. Alterations to waterborne,
rail or air traffic?
f. Increase in traffic hazards
to motor vehicles, bicyclists or
pedestrians?
Public Services Will the proposal
have an effect upon, or result in
a need for new or altered
governmental services in any of
the following areas:
a. Fire protection?
Police protection?
c. Schools7
d. Park or other recreational
facilities?
e. Maintenance of public
facilities, including roads?
Energy Will the proposal result in:
a. Use of substantial amounts of
fuel or energy?
b. Substantial increase in demand
upon existing sources of energy, or
require the development of new
sources of energy?
YES
MAYBE
X
NO
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
I-6
17.
18.
19.
20.
Utilities Will the proposal result
in a need for new systems, or
substantial alterations to the
following utilities:
a. Power or natural gas?
b. Communications systems?
c. Water7
d. Sewer or septic tanks?
e. Storm water drainage?
f. Solid waste and disposal?
Human Health Will the proposal
result in:
a. Creation of any health hazard
or potential health hazard
(excluding mental health)?
b. Exposure of people to potential
health hazards?
Aesthetics Will the proposal result
in the obslruction of any scenic vista
or view open to the public, or will
the proposal result in the creation
of an aesthetically offensive site
open to the public view?
Recreation Will the proposal result
in an impact upon the quality or
quantity of existing recreational
opportunities?
ArchaeoloEical/Historical Will the
proposal result in an alteration of
a significant archaeological or
historical site, structure,
object or building?
YES
MAYBE
X
NO
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
I-7
21.
Mandatory Findings of Significance
(a) Does the project have the
potential 1:o degrade the quality
of the environment, substantially
reduce the habitat of a fish or
wildlife species, cause a fish
or wildlife population to drop
below self sustaining levels,
threaten to eliminate a plant or
animal community, reduce the
number or restrict the range of
a rare or endangered plant or
animal or eliminate important
examples of the major periods
of California history or
prehistory?
(b) Does the project have the
potential to achieve short-term,
to the disadvantage of long-term,
environmental goals? (A short-
term impact on the environment
is one which occurs in a
relatively brief, definitive
period of time while long-term
impacts will endure well into
the future.)
(c) Does the project have impacts
which are individually limited,
but cumulatively considerable?
(A project may impact on two or
more separate resources where the
impact on each resource is
relatively small, but where the
effect of the total of those
impacts on the environment is
significant.)
(d) Does the project have
environmental effects which will
cause substantial adverse effects on
human beings, either directly or
indirectly?
YES
MAYBE
NO
X
X
X
I-8
IV.
DETERMINATION
(To 5e completed 5y the Lead Agency)
On the basis of this initial evaluation:
+--+ I find the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant
I ~ effect on the environment, and a Negative Declaration will
+--+ be prepared.
I find that although the proposed project could have a
significant effect on the environment, there will not be a
significanl effect in this case because the mitigation
measures identified in the Final Environmental Assessment,
and described on an attached sheets, have been added to the
project. A NEGATIVE DECLARATION MILL BE PREPARED.
I find the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on
the environment and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is
required.
Date: March 18,1988
(Signature)
For Jack Hardisty, Planning Director
I-9
APPENDIX I
Proposed Replacement or Widening and Repair
of the China Grade Loop Bridge
Explanations of all "yes" and "maybe" answers.
1. Earth
b. Yes -
Site preparation and bridge construction would require
the soils in the floodplain, which consist of alluvial
sands and gravel, classified in the Carriso Association,
to be disrupted, displaced, compacted and overcovered.
e. Yes
Although the soils in the riverbed have adequate bearing
ability and limited swell characteristics (which makes it
suitable for construction), the grading activities and
the placement of new pilings in the streambed will
temporarily disrupt the stream bottom and allow bank
erosion.
Proposed Mitigation
The riverbanks which have been stripped of vegetation by
grading activities shall be rapidly sodded and
revegetated to prevent erosion of the streambank into the
river and to mitigate potential impacts to habitat and
water quality.
f. Maybe -
Design of the proposed project is not finalized and
complete plans on grading and changes to the approaches
to the bridge are not available. Some minor grading
will be necessary, although, and the construction of
additional piers may somewhat alter the channel of the
Kern River. These alterations are considered to be
negligible, however, since the bridge widening or
reconstruction would provide a clear span equal to that
of the existing structure.
Water
a. Maybe
- The construction of additional
the Kern River channel.
piers may somewhat alter
b. Maybe -
The proposed project is within the lO0 year floodplain.
Since the number of piers will be maintained, the
hydraulic capacity of the river channel will be the
same. No decrease in the river channel discharge would
be allowed if the bridge replacement alternative is
selected. A summary of floodplain encroachment has been
filed with the Secretary of Resources noting that the
project will "provide negligible or no expansion of use
beyond that previously existing" and documenting that
"the risk of flooding associated with the
implementation of the proposed action is low."
1-10
Proposed Mitigation
The proposed project shall be designed as not to result
in a reduction in the river discharge capacity.
e. Yes -
Grading and piling construction activities will
temporarily disrupt the stream bottom and allow for bank
erosion~ These activities will lead to a temporary
reduction in water quality due to increased turbidity,
which could reduce the photosynthetic activity of aquatic
plants, act as an irritant to the gills of fish, and
reduce the aesthetic value of the river. Rapid sodding
and revegetation measures discussed above will reduce the
potential impact to water quality caused by increased
turbidity.
Plant Life
a. Yes - Construction will necessitate removal of willow trees on
both banks of the river. On the south bank several
saltbushes and bushy willows will also need to be
removed. On this bank and on a nearby midstream island,
three large willow trees are close enough to the proposed
area of construction that they may be disturbed by
construction activities.
Mitigation Measures
i) Revegetation of the bare southern bank downstream
of the bridge with appropriate streambank vegetation
including cottonwoods and willows. Revegetation will
be at an appropriate density and will utilize plants
of a large enough size to assure that the creation of
a permanent, biologically valuable wetland association
will occur.
it) Only the removal of the minimal amount of
streambank vegetation necessary for construction
Occur.
will
iii) Nearby vegetation will be protected by careful
construction practices, including but not limited to:
- Not storing any construction material or placing
any fill on top of or within the dripline of
trees which are to remain undisturbed.
Heavy equipment will not be operated or parked
underneath such trees.
If large trees are very close to the area of
construction, the City will place temporary
barriers around them to protect accidental
damage.
1-11
5. Animal Life
13.
a. Comment -
Although no impacts are expected to endangered
species (as no signs of their habitation were found
during field surveys), removal of or construction to
the bridge will affect the nests of cliff swallows,
currently attached to the underside of the existing
structure. Even though cliff swallows enjoy no
special state protection, they are protected during
their breeding season under federal law through the
Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Proposed Mitigation
The bridge widening or demolition phase of either
options of the project shall avoid the cliff swallow
breeding season (from April 15 to July
d. Maybe - Deterioration to the existing fish and wildlife habitat
is considered to be temporary and insignificant.
Proposed Mitigation
In order to avoid any significant deterioration to
existing fish and mildlife habitat in the riverbed, a
Section 1803 Permit from the California Department of
Fish and Game, and possibly a wetland protection permit
from the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, will need to be
filed with the appropriate agencies.
Transportation/ Circulation
c & d. Maybe If the bridge is rehabilitated within its existing
right-of-way, temporary closure of one or both
lanes of traffic over the bridge will be
necessary. Local traffic patterns would be
modified to accommodate bridge work using a seven
mile detour from China Grade Loop west to Manor
Street and into the City. If it is determined that
a replacement structure is needed, the new bridge
will be constructed within 80 feet east of the
existing structure. Under this alternative, no
circulation impacts are identified because the
existing bridge would remain in operation.
Proposed Mitigation
i) Conduct bridge closures during non-peak
traffic hours, as possible.
ii) Complete bridge rehabilitation and widening or
reconstruction in as expedient a manner as
possible.
20.
Archaeological/ Historical
Maybe - The single known historical resource within the project
area is a marker commemorating the site of the historical
Gordon's Ferry operations. Presently, this marker is
located on the south side of the existing bridge,
1-12
approximately four feet east of the roadway, and
approximately five feet from the edge of the south bank
of the Kern River. Based on presently available
documentation, it is not possible to pinpoint the actual
Ferry site. Best estimates place the Gordon's Ferry
location somewhere between a few yards to several hundred
yards west of the current historical marker. Because the
marker lies east of the present bridge, the proposed
activity may cause the marker to be disturbed.
Based on a cultural resource survey completed by a
consulting archaeologist, it was concluded that no
archaeological sites currently exist within the study
area boundary.
Proposed Mitigation
i) If construction
activity can occur in the area of the
existing historical marker without moving it, then
the marker will be adequately protected and marked to
avoid damage during the construction process.
ii) If the marker must be moved, it will be placed
outside the construction area, covered and marked for
protection. When construction is finished the
appropriate location will be determined within
reasonable distance from its previous location. The
following agencies will be notified before moving the
marker: City of Bakersfield Historic Preservation
Commission, the Kern County Museum (the county
historic preservation liaison), and the State of
California Historic Preservation Office.
iii) Any new plan, design or location for a new marker
will be submitted to the above agencies for review.
iv) If, during the construction phase, historic or
prehistoric cultural resources are unearthed, work in
the area of the discovery shall cease until the finds
can be evaluated, and if necessary, mitigation
applied prior to resumption of activity.