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COUNTY OF SAN MATEOInter-Departmental Correspondence |
Department of Public Works |
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DATE: |
May 24, 2004 |
BOARD MEETING DATE: |
June 8, 2004 |
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TO: |
Honorable Board of Supervisors |
FROM: |
Neil R. Cullen, Director of Public Works |
SUBJECT: |
Colma Creek Habitat Mitigation Project - South San Francisco Area |
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Recommendation |
Acting as the governing board of the San Mateo County Flood Control District, adopt a resolution adopting plans and specifications, determining prevailing wage scales, and calling for sealed proposals for the Colma Creek Habitat Mitigation Project (Mitigation Project). |
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Previous Board Action |
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Adopted a resolution awarding and authorizing execution of a contract for channel and bridge improvements in Colma Creek between Spruce and San Mateo Avenues in South San Francisco (Channel Project). |
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Key Facts |
1. |
We are required to mitigate the impacts to 0.50 acres of Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 404 jurisdictional wetlands (Jurisdictional Wetlands) as a result of implementing the Channel Project in Colma Creek. |
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2. |
The Mitigation Project will replace the 0.50 acres of Jurisdictional Wetlands and allow us to comply with the various regulatory agency permits that were needed for the Channel Project. |
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Discussion |
The proposed Mitigation Project will remove the invasive smooth cord grass (Spartina alternaflora) from a downstream reach of Colma Creek and create 1.5 acres of saltmarsh wetlands in the same area, to increase the available wetland habitat for endangered species. It was also determined, through consultation with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the United States Army Corps of Engineers, that the mitigation project would have no adverse effects on the California clapper rail (Rallus longirostris obsoletus), an endangered species, and would improve the habitat for the clapper rail and other species. A California clapper rail was seen in the area while conducting surveys to fulfill the conditions of the California Department of Fish and Game permit. |
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Vision Alignment |
We believe our recommendation is consistent with the Shared Commitment to "preserve and provide people access to our natural environment" and Goal Number 14 "important natural resources are preserved and enhanced through environmental stewardship," as the proposed mitigation project improves the wetland habitat quality, and increases available wetland habitat for endangered species. |
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Fiscal Impact |
The estimated cost for implementing the mitigation project is $350,000, which is proposed to be financed with funds from the Colma Creek Flood Control Zone of the San Mateo County Flood Control District. |
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There is no impact to the General Fund. |
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A form of resolution has been approved by County Counsel. |
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