COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Department of Public Works

 

DATE:

May 23, 2005

BOARD MEETING DATE:

June 7, 2005

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

None

VOTE REQUIRED:

Majority

 

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Neil R. Cullen, Director of Public Works

SUBJECT:

Tarwater Creek Sediment Reduction Project (F-282 [2C])

 

Recommendation

Adopt a resolution adopting plans and specifications, determining prevailing wage scales, and calling for sealed proposals for the Tarwater Creek Sediment Reduction Project (Project).

 

Vision Alignment

Commitment: Preserve and provide people access to our natural environment.

Goal 14: Important natural resources are preserved and enhanced through environmental stewardship.

 

The proposed Project will reduce the amount of sediment entering Tarwater Creek, a tributary of Pescadero Creek, from the Tarwater Creek Trail and Sheriff’s Honor Camp Road, to help preserve Coho Salmon and Steelhead Trout spawning areas.

 

Background

Previous Board Action

Adopted Resolution No.066836, which authorized the Director of Public Works to execute an agreement with the California Department of Fish and Game for a Fishery Restoration Grant to help fund the Project.

 

History

The Parks and Recreation Division of the Environmental Services Agency retained a consultant to evaluate sediment loads, and ways to mitigate sediment from County park property entering into Pescadero Creek (Creek) and its tributaries. The Creek supports populations of Coho Salmon and Steelhead Trout, which are listed as either endangered or threatened species, and sediment contributes to increased turbidity in the Creek making it difficult for both Coho Salmon and Steelhead Trout to spawn. The consultant prepared their report entitled “Sediment Assessment of Roads and Trails within the Pescadero/Memorial/Sam McDonald County Park Complex,” and the County subsequently obtained a Fishery Restoration Grant to finance a portion of the recommended sediment reduction work.

 

Discussion

The proposed Project will reduce the potential for sediment entering the tributary of the Creek by:

 

a)

constructing gravel and rock swales (rolling dips) at several locations on Tarwater Trail Loop Road to provide non erosive channels for storm water to cross the road;

 

b)

replacing existing deteriorated culverts with oversize culverts on the Honor Camp Road to eliminate erosion by reducing culvert outlet velocities; and

 

c)

replacing an earthen and log creek crossing (Humboldt Crossing) with a culvert and engineered fill to reduce the potential for a landslide-type failure of the crossing into Tarwater Creek.

 

The State of California Department of Fish and Game, which administers the Grant, has authorized the County to proceed with advertising for bids for the project.

 

The project qualifies for a Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section No. 15303, Class 3 of the Public Resources Code (California Environmental Quality Act [CEQA]), and a Notice of Exemption has been filed with the County Clerk Recorder as provided by County guidelines.

 

The Director of the Environmental Services Agency and the Acting Director of the Parks and Recreation Division of the Environmental Services Agency concurs in our recommendation.

 

A resolution has been approved as to form by County Counsel.

 

Fiscal Impact

The estimated cost of construction is $175,000. An appropriation has been included in the 2005-06 Capital Projects Budget as the Project is not proposed to be awarded until after the start of the 2005-06 Fiscal Year. The appropriation is proposed to be financed by the Fishery Restoration Grant.

 

There is no impact to the General Fund.