Environmental Impact Statement - Sonoma Land Trust

California Department of Fish and Game
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Section 3.3. Water Quality
duration of Project construction. Fuel, lubricants, coolants, and other fluids
contained by construction equipment are considered hazardous to water resources
if accidentally released due to poor equipment maintenance or an unforeseeable
incident. If these materials are not managed appropriately, long-lasting
impairment of water and sediment quality could result as some constructionrelated
materials are highly mobile, persistent, and bioaccumulative in the
environment.
However, Project construction would require permits and approvals from
regulatory agencies, such as the RWQCB (see Regulatory Setting discussion).
SLT and its contractors would be required to comply with conditions of these
permits and approvals, including water quality monitoring included in the project
monitoring plan to protect beneficial uses of water resources. Compliance with
permit conditions for construction BMPs would adequately protect against
degradation of water and sediment quality due to release of construction-related
pollutants and thus hazards due to release of such hazardous materials. In
addition, most construction activities within the new levee areas would be
completed prior to levee breaching to minimize sediment discharges during
construction.
With implementation of Mitigation Measure WQ-MM-2,1 this impact is
considered less than significant.
Mitigation Measure WQ-MM-21: Implement Water Quality Control
Measures for Project Construction
SLT, USFWS or CDFG as successor property owners, and its contractors shall
comply with conditions of construction permits from regulatory agencies,
including the RWQCB, to protect beneficial uses of water resources. RWQCB
permit conditions require protection of water and sediment quality to the
maximum extent practicable that is economically feasible and may include water
quality monitoring surrounding the construction site, if appropriate. Compliance
with permit conditions would adequately prevent degradation of water and
sediment quality due to release of construction-related pollutants.
Conclusion: Less than Significant with Mitigation.
Full-Tidal Alternative
As above, accidental spill or release of hazardous materials associated with
construction equipment wouldcould degrade water and sediment quality at the
Project site. The Full-Tidal Alternative would additionally include construction
of a box culvert/bridge for the SMART rail line, flood protection levees along
Reclamation Road and Highway 37, and an expanded trail system, thereby
increasing the potential for accidental spills or releases relative to the Project.
Compliance with permit conditions would adequately protect against degradation
of water and sediment quality due to release of construction-related pollutants
and thus hazards due to release of such hazardous materials. With
implementation of Mitigation Measure WQ-MM-21, this impact is considered
less than significant.
Sears Point Wetland and Watershed Restoration
Project Final Environmental Impact
Report/Environmental Impact Statement
3.3-15
April 2012