COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Department of Public Works

DATE:

June 8, 2005

BOARD MEETING DATE:

June 21, 2005

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

None

VOTE REQUIRED:

Majority

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Neil R. Cullen, Director of Public Works

SUBJECT:

Pescadero Creek Park Sediment Reduction Project (F-282 [2D])

Recommendation

Adopt a resolution adopting plans and specifications, determining prevailing wage scales, and calling for sealed proposals for the Pescadero Creek Park Sediment Reduction 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 Pescadero Creek from Pomponio Trail, Ridge Trail and Towne Fire Road (Trails) within Pescadero Creek Park; and from a portion of Pescadero Creek Road. The reduction in sediment will help preserve Coho Salmon and Steelhead Trout spawning areas.

Background

Previous Board Action

Adopted Resolution No. 066835 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 this 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 Creek by:

a)

constructing gravel and rock swales (rolling dips) at several locations on the Trails within Pescadero Creek Park to provide non erosive channels for storm water to cross the Trails;

b)

adding new culverts and upsizing existing culverts across the Trails to reduce the concentration of storm water to reduce outlet velocities to reduce erosion; and

c)

adding new culverts on Pescadero Creek Road to increase capacity and to eliminate erosion by reducing culvert velocities.

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

This project qualifies for a Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 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 $425,000, which is proposed to be financed as follows:

Fish and Game Grant

$ 325,000

76%

Road Fund for work on Pescadero Creek Road

$100,000

24%

Total Estimated Cost

$425,000

100%

There is no impact to the General Fund.