SFPUC 2001 Alameda Watershed Management Plan

XII. SUMMARY OF COMMMENTS AND RESPONSESB. SUMMARY OF COMMENTS AND RESPONSESOn a program-level, implementation of the policies and management actionsdescribed above, and as described in Section IV.D, would reduce potential waterquality impacts associated with gravel mining to a less than significant level.However, expansion of mining pits south of I-680 could result in potentiallysignificant impacts to groundwater, which in turn could affect Alameda Creekand associated resources, as described above. Implementation of the mitigationmeasure described in Section IV.D would reduce this impact to a less thansignificant level. However, aAmendment of existing permits would be subject toadditional environmental review by Alameda County.A mitigation measure has been added to DEIR Section IV.D, in association with text revisions toDEIR Section IV.D:2.0 MITIGATION MEASURES IDENTIFIED IN THIS REPORTThe following mitigation measure addresses potential hydrologic impacts fromproposed mining operations.1. Prior to approval of new or amended Surface Mining Permits or miningleases for expansion of mining south of I-680, an independent study ofAlameda Creek resources shall be completed by a qualified expert andapproved by the Alameda County Planning Director and the SFPUCWatershed Manager. The study shall focus on potential impacts togroundwater and surface water hydrology and fish and wildlife species ofspecial status concern from such future mining and shall proposemitigation measures applicable to mining, if warranted, to avoidsignificant impacts. If warranted, such measures may includeestablishment of barriers to prevent adverse changes to groundwater orsurface water hydrology and the resources supported by groundwater andsurface water; special measures to avoid impact to steelhead trout (ifestablished in Alameda Creek) or other fisheries resources; and specialmeasures to avoid impacts to listed species dependent on Alameda Creekfor its riparian habitat or use as a migration corridor. All feasiblemitigation measures shall be incorporated into future Surface MiningPermit conditions of approval and mining leases.Implementation of this mitigation measure would reduce the potentiallysignificant hydrologic impact from proposed mining operations to a less thansignificant level.NOP 96.223E: Alameda Watershed Management Plan C&R.49 ESA / 930385