Agenda packet, regular meeting, first session — Citrus Heights City Council Meetings, May 13, 2026 (part 2 of 3)

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Old
Auburn Rd
(MR#1)
Watchel Way
(MR#2)
8501 Linda
Creek Court
(MR#3)
8525 Old
Auburn Road
(MR#4)
8484 Old
Auburn Road
(MR#5)
8201 Argo
Drive
(MR#6)
Figure 4
Area of Potential Effects
Alternative 2

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Citrus Heights Gateway Activation Project
Citrus Heights, Sacramento County
, California
Source: ESRI Maps Online; Dokken Engineering 9/30/2025; Created By: amyd Area of Potential Effects
CALTRANS District 3 PQS
DateCALTRANS District 3 DLAE Date 0 300 600 900 1,200 1,500
Feet
Area of Direct Impact
Area of Potential Effects
Built Environment Resource
Citrus Heights City Limits
Parcels
1:3,600
Item 16
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Old
Auburn Rd
(MR#1)
Watchel Way
(MR#2)
8501 Linda
Creek Court
(MR#3)
8525 Old
Auburn Road
(MR#4)
8484 Old
Auburn Road
(MR#5)
Figure 4
Area of Potential Effects
Alternative 2

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Citrus Heights Gateway Activation Project
Citrus Heights, Sacramento County, California
Source: ESRI Maps Online; Dokken Engineering 9/30/2025; Created By: amyd 0 100 200 300 400 500
Feet
Area of Direct Impact
Area of Potential Effects
Built Environment Resource
Citrus Heights City Limits
Parcels
1:1,200
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Old
Auburn Rd
(MR#1)
Watchel Way
(MR#2)
8484 Old
Auburn Road
(MR#5)
8201 Argo
Drive
(MR#6)
Figure 4
Area of Potential Effects
Alternative 2

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Citrus Heights Gateway Activation Project
Citrus Heights, Sacramento County, California
Source: ESRI Maps Online; Dokken Engineering 9/30/2025; Created By: amyd 0 100 200 300 400 500
Feet
Area of Direct Impact
Area of Potential Effects
Built Environment Resource
Citrus Heights City Limits
Parcels
1:1,200
Item 16
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Old
Auburn Rd
(MR#1)
8201 Argo
Drive
(MR#6)
Figure 4
Area of Potential Effects
Alternative 2

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Citrus Heights Gateway Activation Project
Citrus Heights, Sacramento County, California
Source: ESRI Maps Online; Dokken Engineering 9/30/2025; Created By: amyd 0 100 200 300 400 500
Feet
Area of Direct Impact
Area of Potential Effects
Built Environment Resource
Citrus Heights City Limits
Parcels
1:1,200
Item 16
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Watchel Way
(MR#2)
Figure 4
Area of Potential Effects
Alternative 2

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Citrus Heights Gateway Activation Project
Citrus Heights, Sacramento County, California
Source: ESRI Maps Online; Dokken Engineering 9/30/2025; Created By: amyd 0 100 200 300 400 500
Feet
Area of Direct Impact
Area of Potential Effects
Built Environment Resource
Citrus Heights City Limits
Parcels
1:1,200
Item 16
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Watchel Way
(MR#2)
Figure 4
Area of Potential Effects
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DOKKEN ENGINEERING INITIAL STUDY/PROPOSED MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION APRIL 2026 CITRUS HEIGHTS GATEWAY ACTIVATION PROJECT

53 Discussion
a. Less than Significant. The two road segments and four houses are potential historic resources. They were evaluated by a professional historian and recommended that the properties were not eligible for listing in the NRHP at the national, state, or local level due to a lack of historic significance and lack of historic integrity.
b. Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated. Based on the historical research, a search of the Sacred Lands File by NAHC, a search of site records and survey reports on file at the NCIC, efforts to coordinate with Native American representatives, and a pedestrian survey , there are no known archaeological resources within proximity of the Proposed Project. While the APE location is within an area of older Pleistocene aged soils with very low sensitivity for buried archaeological resources, there remains a possibility that an unanticipated discovery of buried cultural materials could be encountered during construction. Impacts to unknown archaeological deposits, which could qualify as historical resources or unique archaeological sites under CEQA, could result in a significant impact under CEQA. Implementation of mitigation measures CR -1 through CR-4 will reduce these potential impacts to a less-than-significant level.
c. Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated. No human remains or cemeteries were identified within proximity of the Proposed Project. There is potential for earthwork and grading to result in the disturbance of previously unrecorded human remains, which is considered a significant impact. To reduce this impact to a less -than-significant level, the City would implement Mitigation Measure CR-3.

Mitigation Measures from City of Citrus Heights General Plan EIR that apply to the Project None
Additional Project-Level Mitigation Measures
CR-1: Prior to construction, cultural resource awareness and sensitivity training shall be provided to all construction crew members to ensure that the crew members are aware of the potential for sensitive cultural resources to be present onsite. The awareness and sensitivity training would also include an established protocol for informing the resident engineer of any accidentally discovered cultural resources.

Treatment of Discoveries:

CR-2: If significant historical, paleontological, archaeological, or tribal cultural resources are discovered within the APE, ground disturbing activities shall be suspended 100 feet around the resource(s). The archaeological monitor, a representative of the appropriate Native American Tribe(s) (if discovery is prehistoric), and the City shall confer regarding mitigation of the discovered resource(s). All discovered archaeological resources should be documented by field notation, analysis, photography, and GPS mapping. Work shall not resume in the area until mitigation has been completed, or it has been determined that the archaeological resource(s) is not significant.

Disposition of Discoveries:

CR-3: If human remains are encountered, State Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5 states that no further disturbance shall occur until the County Coroner has made a determination of origin and disposition pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 5097.98. The County Coroner must be notified of the find immediately. If the remains are determined to be prehistoric, the Coroner would notify the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC), which would determine and notify a Most Likely Descendant (MLD). With the per mission of the landowner or his/her authorized representative, the MLD may inspect the site of the discovery. The MLD shall complete the inspection within 48 hours of notification by the NAHC. The MLD may recommend scientific removal and nondestructive analysis of human remains and items associated with Native American burials.

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54 CR-4: In the event that Native American cultural resources are inadvertently discovered during the course of construction, the City shall relinquish ownership of all Native American cultural resources, including sacred items, burial goods, and all archaeological artifacts and non-human remains as part of the required mitigation for impacts to Native American cultural resources. Prior to relinquishment, all discovered archaeological resources should be documented by field notation, photography, and GPS mapping. Af ter consultation with the appropriate Native American Tribe(s), non -destructive analysis may be conducted.

Significance Determination with Mitigation Measures
Less than significant with mitigation incorporated.

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55 Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
VI. ENERGY - Would the project:
a. Result in potentially significant environmental
impact due to wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary
consumption of energy resources, during project
construction or operation?
X
b. Conflict with or obstruct a state or local plan for
renewable energy or energy efficiency? X

SMUD provides electrical service to the planning area. SMUD generates, transmits, and distributes electric power to a 900-square-mile service area that includes Sacramento County and a small portion of Placer County. SMUD receives its electricity from diverse and competitively priced resources, including hydro generation; cogeneration plants; advanced and renewable technologies such as wind, solar and biomass/landfill gas power; and power purchased on the wholesale market.

Several General Plan policies were specifically designed to lower per-capita energy consumption in the City, including Policy 40.1, Policy 40.2, and Policy 41.1 in the Energy Element. It is also consistent with Policy

29.1 of the Transportation and Mobility Element, which is to strive to provide for the movement of vehicles, commercial trucks, alternative and low energy vehicles, transit, bicyclists and pedestrians appropriate for the road classification and adjacent land use when constructing or modifying transportation facilities (CCHGP EIR 2011b).

Discussion

a. No Impact. The Proposed Project will not result in a potentially significant environmental impact due to wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources, during project construction or operation.

Implementation of the proposed project is consistent with the approved CCHGP EIR and the Bikeway Master Plan. By design, proposed improvements include consistency with the goals and actions identified by the City’s General Plan pertaining to sustainability and an overall strategy for reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and air quality improvement. Reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and air quality emissions integrally reduce energy consumption and improve energy efficiency.

This analysis evaluates the use of energy resources (e.g., fuel and electricity) associated with the construction and operation of the project. For construction, the analysis considers whether construction activities would use large amounts of fuels or energy, and whether they would be used in a wasteful manner. For energy used during operation and maintenance, the analysis identifies energy use that would occur with implementation of the project to determine whether large amounts would be used and whether they would be used in a wasteful manner.

Construction of the project would require the use of fossil fuels (primarily gas, diesel, and motor oil) for a variety of activities, such as excavation, grading, demolition, and vehicle travel. The precise amount of construction-related energy consumption is uncertain. Construction would not require a large amount of fuel or energy usage because of the moderate number of construction vehicles and equipment, worker trips, and truck trips that would be required for a project of this scale. In addition, equipment idling times would be minimized either by shutting equipment off when not in use or reducing the maximum idling time to five minutes or less (as required by the California airborne toxics Item 16
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56 control measure Title 13, Section 2485 of the California Code of Regulations [CCR]). Therefore, project construction would not encourage activities that would result in the use of large amounts of fuel and energy in a wasteful manner; the impact would be less than significant, and no mitigation is required.

Project operation consists of intersection enhancements such as roundabouts, as well as the installation of pedestrian and bicycle facilities such as multi -use pathways, Class IV bikeways, crosswalks, sidewalks, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) -compliant curb ramps. Additional LED bulb streetlights are consistent with the CCHGP EIR action 4-5.C.A which directs that all street and traffic lights are to be converted to LED bulbs or LED-Solar combined systems and 4-5.C.B which directs the installation of high-efficiency lighting in all City -owned or funded facilities. Therefore, operation of the project would not use large amounts of energy and would not use it in a wasteful manner. The project’s operational impact would be less than significant, and no mitigation is required. b. No Impact. The Project supports several General Plan transportation goals and actions aimed at expanding multi-modal transportation options, improving bicycle accessibility, and bridging gaps in the existing bicycle network including Policy 3.5, Policy 7.6, Policy 29.1, Policy 29.2, Policy 29.4, Policy 53.2, Action 29.1.D, and Action 29.4.D . By enhancing energy -efficient transportation choices within the County, the Project would have a positive impact on overall energy efficiency. As a result, the Project would not conflict with or hinder any state or local renewable energy plans, and no impact would occur.

Mitigation Measures from City of Citrus Heights General Plan EIR that apply to the Project None.

Additional Project-Level Mitigation Measures
None required.

Significance Determination with Mitigation Measures
Less than significant with mitigation incorporated.

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57 Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
VII. GEOLOGY AND SOILS - Would the project:
a. Directly or indirectly cause potential substantial
adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury,
or death involving:

X
i. Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as
delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo
Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the
State Geologist for the area or based on
other substantial evidence of a known fault?
Refer to Division of Mines and Geology
Special Publication 42.

X
ii. Strong seismic ground shaking? X
iii. Seismic-related ground failure, including
liquefaction? X
iv. Landslides? X
b. Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of
topsoil? X
c. Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is
unstable, or that would become unstable as a result
of the project, and potentially result in on- or off-
site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence,
liquefaction or collapse?
X
d. Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table
18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1994),
creating substantial direct or indirect risks to life
or property?
X
e. Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the
use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater
disposal systems where sewers are not available
for the disposal of wastewater?
X
f. Directly or indirectly destroy a unique
paleontological resource or site or unique
geological feature.

Regulatory Setting
For geologic and topographic features, the key federal law is the Historic Sites Act of 1935, which establishes a national registry of natural landmarks and protects “outstanding examples of major geological features.” Topographic and geologic features are also protected under the CEQA. This section also discusses geology, soils, and seismic concerns as they relate to public safety and project design. Earthquakes are prime considerations in the design and retrofit of structures.

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58 Setting
Geology and Topography
The Project area is situated within two geomorphic provinces: the Great Valley Geomorphic Province to the west and Sierra Nevada Geomorphic Province to the east (California Geological Survey 2002). The Great Valley of California, also called the Central Valley, is a nearly flat alluvial plain extending from the Tehachapi Mountains in the south to the Klamath Mountains in the north, and from the Sierra Nevada in the east to the Coast Ranges in the west. The Proposed Project is located in the transition area between the Sacramento Valley and the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The Project area is located on the Turlock Lake geological unit which has been found to contain fossils in other areas of the Central Valley ( Citrus Heights 2011b).

Elevation for the project area is ranges from approximately 185 feet above msl at the northern project limit on Old Auburn Road to 215 feet at the southern end of the project limits on Wachtel Way. The overall topography of the City of Citrus Heights, as w ell as the Proposed Project sites, is relatively flat. As a result, no landslides or landslide deposits have been mapped within the City.

Soil
Soil composition within the BSA consists of Xerofluvents, frequently flooded (~1.1% of the BSA), Fiddyment- Orangevale-Urban land complex (~48.8% of the BSA), Urban land-Xerarents-Fiddyment complex (~46.2% of the BSA), and Xerofluvents, flooded (~3.9% of the BSA) (Dokken 2025).

Discussion

a.i-iv. No Impact. The project would not expose people or structures to potential substantial or adverse effects.

i. California Department of Conservation (CDC) California Geological Survey does not list Sacramento County as affected by the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone. According to the Fault Activity Map of California and Adjacent Areas, no active faults are located within the project area.
ii. The proposed project would not expose people or structures to seismic ground shaking due to the lack of active faults within the City and the nature of the proposed project activities. iii. The project would not create ground failure or liquefaction. Given the soil types and depth to bedrock, the ground at this site is not prone to liquefaction. In addition, the project does not involve the construction of structures which would regularly be occupied by people. iv. The CDC does not list Sacramento County as an area at risk for Landslides as identified in the California Department of Transportation’s (Caltrans) Highway Corridor Mapping project (CDC 2007). The project would not expose people or structures to substantial risk of landslides.

b. Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated. Stormwater discharges within portions of Sacramento County, including the City, are permitted under Phase II of the NPDES small Municipal Separate S torm Sewer System ( MS4) (General Order No. R5-2016-040 / NPDES Permit No.

CAS0085324) . The program is part of the Federal Clean Water Act, administered in California by the Regional Water Quality Control Boards. The NPDES regulations require permitted areas to implement specific activities and actions to protect water quality by eliminatin g non-stormwater discharges and controlling stormwater pollution ( CVRWQCB 2025). As a requirement, the Proposed Project would comply with the City’s MS4 permit for discharges of urban runoff from, including the implementation of Low Impact Development (LID) practices, where applicable. The Proposed Project would comply with the City’s Design and Construction Standards on standard erosion control and BMPs. The Proposed Project will comply with the City’s Stormwater Discharge Control Measures, listed in the City’s Municipal Code (Chapter 98. Article V), which will adequately control erosion and effectively prohibit non-stormwater discharges (City of Citrus Heights 2025b). The project would comply with the Item 16
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59 Sacramento Stormwater Quality Partnership’s Stormwater Quality Design Manual for the Sacramento Region (SQDM), which will adequately control all erosion. Implementation of Mitigation Measure GEO-1 would reduce potential impacts from soil erosion to a less-than-significant level.

Project construction would not generate soil erosion concerns or the loss of topsoil . Standard BMPs will be implemented during construction. To prevent the substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil during construction, the Project will implement Mitigation Measure HYD-1, which requires the Project to obtain coverage under the Construction General Permit and the preparation of a SWPPP. c. No Impact. The project is not located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on - or off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse.
d. No Impact. The project is not located on expansive soil. Special design considerations are not required for expansive soils, as they are not located within the project area. e. No Impact. The proposed projects would not use a septic tank system. In addition, sewage is not required for proposed project; therefore, the project will have no impacts related to septic systems. f. Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated. Unique paleontological resources or unique geologic features are not documented within the Project Area. There is a possibility of unanticipated and accidental paleontological discoveries during subsurface excavation. Implementation of CCHGP EIR Mitigation Measure 4.7 -7 would reduce impacts related to potential damage to unique paleontological resources to a less-than-significant level by ensuring that earth disturbing activities cease if any possible resources are uncovered, minimizing potential adverse impacts on unique, scientifically important paleontological resources.

Mitigation Measures from City of Citrus Heights General Plan EIR that apply to the Project City of Citrus Heights General Plan EIR Mitigation Measure 4.7-7 is applicable to the Proposed Project.

Mitigation Measure 4.7-7: Discovery of Potential Paleontological Resources If potential paleontological resources are detected by construction workers or City staff during construction of future land uses, work shall stop immediately, and consultation is required to avoid further impacts. Actions after work stoppage will be designed to avoid significant impacts to the greatest extent feasible. These measures could include, but are not limited to, construction worker personnel education, consultation with a qualified paleontologist, coordination with experts on resource recovery and curation of specimens, and/or other measures considered appropriate after further consultation.

Additional Project-Level Mitigation Measures
GEO-1: The Proposed Project will comply with the City’s Stormwater Discharge Control Measures, listed in the City’s Municipal Code (Chapter 98. Article V), which will adequately control erosion and effectively prohibit non -stormwater discharges (City of Citrus Heights 2025 b). To prevent the substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil post -construction, the Project design will comply with the Sacramento Stormwater Quality Partnership’s Stormwater Quality Design Manual for the Sacramento Region (SQDM) to adequately control erosion.

HYD-1: The proposed Project would require coverage under the NPDES General Construction Permit for Discharges of storm water associated with construction activities (2022 Construction Stormwater General Permit, Order 2022-0057-DWQ). A SWPPP would also be develop ed and implemented as part of the Construction General Permit. This SWPPP will incorporate all applicable BMPs to ensure that adequate measures are taken during construction to minimize impacts to water quality.

Significance Determination with Mitigation Measures
Not applicable.

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60 Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
VIII. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS - Would
the project:
a. Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either
directly or indirectly, that may have a significant
impact on the environment?
X
b. Conflict with an applicable plan, policy or
regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing
the emissions of greenhouse gases?
X

Setting

As part of its action in approving the City of Citrus Heights General Plan, the City Council certified the General Plan EIR that evaluated the environmental effects of development that is reasonably anticipated under the new General Plan. The General Plan EIR includes extensive discussion of the potential effects of greenhouse gas emissions. The General Plan EIR discussions regarding climate change are incorporated here by reference. See, for example:

Final EIR: Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan
This document is available at http://www.citrusheights.net/203/Greenhouse-Gas-Reduction-Plan and at the offices of City of Citrus Heights at 6237 Fountain Square Drive, Citrus Heights, California.

The proposed project is consistent with the land use designations for the project site. The project would result in the generation of greenhouse gases during construction and operation, as discussed below.

Environmental Consequences

Short-Term Construction Emissions

During construction of the proposed project, temporary GHG emissions would be emitted from the operation of construction equipment and from worker supply vendor vehicles. Emissions from construction equipment are not expected to exceed the threshold of significance.

Long-Term Construction Emissions

Because the proposed project consists of road improvements, and does not increase capacity of the roadway, there are no long-term operational activities associated with the project. The project would not lead to changes in vehicular operations and associat ed emissions. While there may be maintenance visits to the project site, these visits are expected to be infrequent, and occur for emergency repair or for repaving, which occurs after the lifetime of the installed pavement has been reached. Long term opera tional emissions are thus expected to be negligible.

Ongoing Activities

City of Citrus Heights
The General Plan includes a Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan for the City. The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan Item 16
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61 provided additional guidance, strategies and measures for the City’s ongoing efforts to reduce GHG emissions.

To prevent the continued escalation of GHG emissions, the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan establishes a 2020 target (10 to 15 percent below 2005 lev els) to reduce annual emissions levels consistent with state laws and guidelines. According to the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan, the actions that could be quantified along with those that could not outline a path to meet the City’s 2020 reduction target, consistent with state laws and guidelines. When combined with quantified state and federal legislative reductions, primary actions contained in the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan offer a potential reduction of about 145,677 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) annually. This level of reduction will meet the City’s 2020 target of 10 to 15 percent and is consistent with state laws.

State and Federal Levels
In addition to the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan, GHG-reduction strategies continue at the state and federal level to combat climate change. In December 2009, the EPA listed GHG as harmful emissions under the Clean Air Act. This action could eventually result in regulations with a purpose of reducing such emissions.

The General Plan EIR concluded that GHG emissions that could be emitted by development that is consistent with the General Plan would be less than significant. The General Plan EIR includes a full analysis of GHG emissions and climate change and adequately addresses these issues. As indicated in the General Plan EIR, future development within the City of Citrus Heights will be required to comply with Assembly Bill (AB) 32 and with the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) 2035 Metropolit an transpor tation Plan (MTP). The 2035 MTP is anticipated to meet the AB 32 goal of reaching 1990 transportation emissions by 2020. The City is not anticipating an increase in GHG emission with the incorporation of reduction measures.

The proposed project must comply with the General Plan policies and measures for the reduction of GHGs to comply with the 2035 MTP and AB 32. Because the traffic from the proposed project was assumed in the 2035 MTP, and the 2035 MTP is anticipated to meet the goals of AB 32, the proposed project would comply with the 2035 MTP. AB 32 requires an approximate 29 percent reduction from existing emissions on a statewide level in order to achieve the goal of reducing GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020.

The General Plan EIR for the City of Citrus Heights allows for periodic maintenance on e stablished arterial streets, such as Old Auburn Road and Wachtel Way, therefore the GHG emissions increase that would occur with implementation of the project has been accounted for in the General Plan. The project would not impede the City’s efforts to comply with AB 32 requirements. Therefore, the projects cumulative imp acts related to construction and operation of the proposed project conflicting with applicable plans , policies, or regulations adopted for the purpose of reducing GHG emissions would be less than significant. The project would not have any significant additional environmental effects relating to GHG emissions or climate change.

Discussion

a. Less than Significant. GHG emissions produced during construction operations are those that result from potentially increased traffic volumes or changes in automobile speeds. The Proposed Project would not increase the number of automobiles in the traffic system or permanently influence automobile speeds. Overall traffic flow is not expected to change; thus, the project is not anticipated to increase CO2 emissions. Lower speeds, such as those experienced in congested areas, generally result in higher CO 2 emissions rates. The construction activities are temporary and traffic impacts during construction would not result in a potentially significant impact. Traffic delays would be further minimized by implementing traffic control measures as described in Measure TRA-1 discussed in the Transportation Section. Although the Proposed Project would contribute to GHG levels during construction, construction activities would only be short-term, resulting in negligible GHG emissions from the construction equipment and worker vehicles which would have a less-than-significant impact to generation of GHG emissions in the region. No permanent impacts from GHG emissions or climate change would result from long term operation of the storm drain system . Therefore, the Proposed Item 16
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62 Project’s contribution to global climate change through GHG emissions would be considered a Less Than Significant Impact.

b. Less than Significant . The proposed project would not conflict with the City of Citrus Heights Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan. The proposed project would not conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases.

Mitigation Measures from City of Citrus Heights General Plan EIR that apply to the Project None.

Additional Project-Level Mitigation Measures
None required.

Significance Determination with Mitigation Measures
Less than significant.

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63 Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
IX. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS
MATERIALS - Would the project:
a. Create a significant hazard to the public or the
environment through the routine transport, use, or
disposal of hazardous materials?
X
b. Create a significant hazard to the public or the
environment through reasonably foreseeable upset
and accident conditions involving the release of
hazardous materials into the environment?
X
c. Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous
or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or
waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or
proposed school?
X
d. Be located on a site which is included on a list
of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to
Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a
result, would it create a significant hazard to the
public or the environment?
X
e. For a project located within an airport land use
plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted,
within two miles of a public airport or public use
airport, would the project result in a safety hazard
for people residing or working in the project
area?
X
f. Impair implementation of or physically interfere
with an adopted emergency response plan or
emergency evacuation plan?
X
g. Expose people or structures , either directly or
indirectly, to a significant risk of loss, injury or
death involving wildland fires?
X

Regulatory Setting

Hazardous materials and hazardous wastes are regulated by many state and federal laws. These include not only specific statutes governing hazardous waste, but also a variety of laws regulating air and water quality, human health and land use.

Federal law covers a number of different activities involving asbestos, including demolition and renovation of structures (40 CFR § 61.145). Federal regulations and regulations adopted by the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District Management District (SMAQMD) apply to the identification and treatment of hazardous materials during demolition and construction activities. Failure to comply with these regulations respecting asbestos may result in a Notice of Violation being issued by the AQMD and civil penalties under Item 16
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64 state and/or federal law, in addition to possible action by U.S. EPA under federal law.

Hazardous waste in California is regulated primarily under the authority of the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, and the California Health and Safety Code. Other California laws that affect hazardous waste are specific to handling, storage, transportation, disposal, treatment, reduction, cleanup and emergency planning.

Worker health and safety and public safety are key issues when dealing with hazardous materials that may affect human health and the environment. Proper disposal of hazardous material is vital if it is disturbed during project construction.

SMAQMD Rule 902 and Commercial Structures and Asbestos Demolition Requirements

The work practices and administrative requirements of Rule 902 apply to all commercial renovations and demolitions where the amount of Regulated Asbestos-Containing Material (RACM) is greater than:

• 260 lineal feet of RACM on pipes, or
• 160 square feet of RACM on other facility components, or • 35 cubic feet of RACM that could not be measured otherwise.

The administrative requirements of Rule 902 apply to any demolition of commercial structures, regardless of the amount of RACM.

Asbestos Surveys

To determine the amount of RACM in a structure, Rule 902 and PCAPCD requirements state that a survey be conducted prior to demolition or renovation unless:

• the structure is otherwise exempt from the rule, or
• any material that has a propensity to contain asbestos (so-called "suspect material") is treated as if it is RACM.

Surveys must be done by a licensed asbestos consultant and require laboratory analysis. Asbestos consultants are listed in the phone book under "Asbestos Consultants." Large industrial facilities may use non -licensed employees if those employees are traine d by the U.S. EPA. Questions regarding the use of non -licensed employees should be directed to the AQMD and PCAPCD.

Removal Practices, Removal Plans/Notification and Disposal

If the survey shows that there are asbestos -containing materials present, the SMAQMD and PCAPCD recommends leaving it in place.

If it is necessary to disturb the asbestos as part of a renovation, remodel, repair or demolition, Cal OSHA and the Contractors State License Board require a licensed asbestos abatement contractor be used to remove the asbestos-containing material.

There are sp ecific disposal requirements for friable asbestos -containing material, including disposal at a licensed landfill. If the material is non -friable asbestos, any landfill willing to accept asbestos -containing material may be used to dispose of the material.

Setting
The provisions in Government Code Section 65962.5 are commonly referred to as the “Cortese List” (after the Item 16
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65 Legislator who authored the legislation that enacted it). The Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC) maintains the EnviroStor website, pursuant to Subsection 65962.5(a). EnviroStor is the DTSC data management system for the Cortese List to track the cleanup, permitting, enforcement, and investigation of hazardous waste facilities and sites with known contamination was queried to determine if there were any sites within one mile of the Project area. The State Water Resources Control Board’s GeoTracker tracks sites that require cleanup, such as Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) Sites, Department of Defense Sites, and Cleanup Program Sites as required by Subsection 65962.5(c). . GeoTracker also contains records for various unregulated projects as well as permitted facilities including Irrigated Lands, Oil and Gas production, operating Permitted USTs, and Land Disposal Sites.

A review of the information available through the EnviroStor and Geotracker (2025) indicated that there are numerous current and/or historical clean-up sites within City limits. No current or historical cleanup sites are located within a 1-mile buffer of the Project area.

Naturally Occurring Asbestos (NOA) can occur in serpentine rock. The most common forms of NOA minerals are chrysotile, actinolite, and tremolite. A review of the “General Location Guide for Ultramafic Rocks in California – Areas likely to Contain Naturally Occurring Asbestos” (CGS Open-file Report 2000-19) indicated that NOA was not mapped on, or in the near vicinity of the project site. The nearest ultramafic rock formation which may be associated with naturally occurring asbestos is approximately 7.5 miles east of the project area, along the eastern banks of Folsom Lake (USGS 2015).

Discussion

a-b. Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated . Based on the site reconnaissance, potential sources of hazardous materials on properties adjacent to the project boundaries include the following:

• Potential for PCBs with existing pole-mounted electrical transformers • Electrical substation , and
• Lead or chromium in yellow thermoplastic traffic striping.

Pole-mounted electrical transformers were observed on poles both on Old Auburn Road and Wachtel Way. Impacts related to emissions of hazardous materials are significant but can be mitigated to a less than significant level by following the precautions required for construction and demolition activities in areas where contamination may be present.

The proposed roadway improvements on Old Auburn Road and Wachtel Way may involve removal of yellow thermoplastic traffic striping from the existing roadway surface. Yellow traffic stripes may contain heavy metals such as lead and chromium at concentrations in excess of hazardous waste thresholds established by the CCR and may produce toxic fumes when heated. See Mitigation Measures HM-1 through HM-4.

c. Less than Significant. The proposed Project would not emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school The closest public school s to the project area are the Crestmont Elementary School located approximately 0.44-mile northwest of Old Auburn Road and the Woodside K -8 School located over

0.5 mile southwest of Wachtel Way.

d. Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated . No hazardous waste facilities or sites with known contamination were within identified within one mile of the Project area per the EnviroStor and GeoTracker websites.

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66 e. No Impact. The project is not located near an airport or airstrip. Since the project site is not located within two miles of an airport or an area for which an Airport Land Use Plan has been prepared, and no public or private airfields are within two miles of the project area, users of the proposed project would not be exposed to hazards due to over flight aircraft. Thus, no significant impact would occur, and no mitigation would be necessary.

f. No Impact. The project is not expected to impair the implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan for the City of Citrus Heights. The proposed project would not result in an increased concentration of large numbers of persons in any at- risk location, and the proposed project would not have a significant impact on any emergency plans.

Thus, no significant impact would occur, and no mitigation would be necessary.

g. No Impact. The proposed project does not present conditions that are subject to wildland fires. There is no potential to e xpose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving wildland fires, including where wildlands are adjacent to urbanized areas or where residences are intermixed with wildlands. Therefore, no impacts are potential or expected.

Mitigation Measures from the City of Citrus Heights General Plan EIR that apply to the Project

None.

Additional Project Level Mitigation Measures

HM-1: Any leaking transformers observed during the course of the project should be considered a potential polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) hazard. Should leaks from electrical transformers (that will either remain within the construction limits or require removal and/or relocation) be encountered during construction, the transformer fluid should be sampled and analyzed by qualified personnel for detectable levels of PCBs. Should PCBs be detected, the transformer should be removed and disposed of in accordance with Title 22, Division 4.5 of the California Code of Regulations and any other appropriate regulatory agency. Any stained soil encountered below electrical transformers with detectable levels of PCB's should also be handled and disposed of in accordance with Title 22, Division

4.5 of the California Code of Regulations and any other appropriate regulatory agency.

HM-2: To avoid impacts from pavement striping during construction it is recommended that removal requirements for yellow striping and pavement marking materials be performed in accordance with Caltrans Standard Special Provision 14 -11.07 REMOVE YELLOW TRAFFIC S TRIPE AND PAVEMENT MARKING WITH HAZARDOUS WASTE RESIDUE.

HM-3: As is the case for any project that proposes excavation, the potential exists for unknown hazardous contamination to be revealed during project construction (such as previously undetected petroleum hydrocarbon contamination from nearby gas stations). Shou ld any previously unknown hazardous waste/material be encountered during construction, the procedures outlined in Caltrans Hazards Procedures for Construction shall be followed.

HM-4: If the project area change s (due to a change in the proposed project design or staging area), further investigation for potential hazardous waste generators would be required to determine their impact to the revised project limits.

Significance Determination with Mitigation Measures

Less than significant with mitigation incorporated.

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67 Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
X. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY -
Would the project:
a. Violate any water quality standards or waste
discharge requirements or otherwise substantially
degrade surface or ground water quality?
X
b. Substantially decrease groundwater supplies or
interfere substantially with groundwater recharge
such that the project may impede sustainable
groundwater management of the basin?
X
c. Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern
of the site or area, including through the alteration
of the course of a stream or river, in a manner
which would:
i) result in substantial erosion or siltation on-
or off-site;
ii) substantially increase the rate or amount of
surface runoff in a manner which would
result in flooding on- or offsite;
iii) create or contribute runoff water which
would exceed the capacity of existing or
planned stormwater drainage systems or
provide substantial additional sources of
polluted runoff; or
iv) impede or redirect flood flows?
X
d. In flood hazard, tsunami, or seiche zones, risk
release of pollutants due to project inundation ? X
e. Conflict with or obstruct implementation of a
water quality control plan or sustainable
groundwater management plan ?
X

Background

The project area is located within the American River watershed hydrologic unit which feeds into Sacramento County’s River Flood Control System. There are no streams or waters within the project area. Two creeks, Cripple Creek and Linda Creek, are in the vicinity of the Project. Cripple Creek flows under Old Auburn Road approximately 200-ft southwest of the southern project limits. Linda Creek originates near the western bank of Folsom Lake in Placer County and flows southwest into Sacramento County. Passing under Hazel Avenue, Linda Creek flows northwest, crossing back into Placer County approximately 700-feet east of Old Auburn Avenue at the county line. Linda Creek is a Regulated Stream under the jurisdiction of the Central Valley Flood Protection Board. A significant source of the summertime flow in both creeks is urban runoff.

Sacramento County is not located within one of California’s four sole source aquifers.

Standards of Significance

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68 For purposes of this Initial Study, impacts to hydrology and water quality may be considered significant if construction and/or implementation of the Proposed Project would result in the following impacts that remain significant after implementation of General Plan policies or mitigation from the General Plan EIR:

• Substantially degrade water quality and violate any water quality objectives set by the State Water Resources Control Board, due to increases in sediments and other contaminants generated by construction and/or development of the Project, or
• Substantially increase the exposure of people and/or property to the risk of injury and damage in the event of a 100-year flood.

Summary of Analysis under the City of Citrus Heights General Plan EIR

Chapter 4.5 of the General Plan EIR evaluates the potential effects of the General Plan as they relate to surface water, groundwater, flooding, stormwater and water quality. Potential effects include water quality degradation due to construction activities and exposure of people to flood risks (Impacts 4.5 -2 through 4.5 -6). Policies included in the General Plan, including a directive for regional cooperation, comprehensive flood management, and construction of adequate drainage facilities with new development (Policies 34.2-49.8) were identified that reduced all impacts to a less-than-significant level.

Discussion

a. Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated. Construction would consist of activities on landscaped and hardscape environments. Construction activities would not substantially degrade water quality and would not violate any water quality objectives by the State Water Resources Control Board.

Drainage facilities are located at several locations along Old Auburn Road and Wachtel Way. BMPs will be put in place to prevent sediment and other contaminants generated by construction from impacting the drainages. Mitigation measure HYD-1will be incorporated to further reduce the risk of violating any water quality or waste discharge standards.

b. No Impact. No groundwater wells would be drilled as part of the proposed project. The proposed project would not deplete groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge that would result in a net deficit in aquifer volume or lowering of the local groundwater table level.

c. Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated. The proposed project would not substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, in a manner which would result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site. Construction of the proposed Project will cause vegetation loss and general soil disturbance within the Project area.

Up to approximately 0.7 acres of impervious surface will be added through the installation of the intersection improvements, sidewalks and multiuse trail. Construction activities have the potential to degrade water quality by increasing soil erosion and resulting in increased sedimentation of receiving waterbodies, and from accident al spills or discharges of construction -related substances such as solvents, oils, and fuels. In turn, these activities have the potential to violate water quality standards and waste discharge requirements. Mitigation measures GEO-1 and HYD-1 will be incorporated to further reduce the risk of altering the existing drainage patterns.

d. No Impact. The FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer FIRMette map (Appendix E) for the Project area was obtained from FEMA’s online Flood Map Service Center ( FEMA 2025). Old Auburn Road is located on panel number 06067C0084J, effective February 22, 2024. Wachtel Way serves at the border between panel number 06067C0084J on the west side and panel number 06067C00103J, effective February 22, 2024. While flood hazard areas are mapped along both creeks, no flood hazard areas are located in the Project area.

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69 e. Less than Significant. There will be an increase in impervious surface due to the project. This will result in more runoff water; however, the project includes drainage improvements. The existing drainage facilities within the project have adequate capacity for additional runoff. With adherence to the NPDES General Construction Permit, NPDES area-wide MS4 permit, the City’s Design/Construction Standards, and the City’s Drainage Policy, the proposed project would not conflict with any water quality control plan or sustainable groundwater management plan. Furthermore, By minimizing disruption to natural drainage systems and implementing proper stormwater controls, the Project will not conflict with the County’s SWMP, which outlines strategies for controlling runoff and protecting water quality. With the proposed design features and adherence to regulatory requirements, the Project will not conflict with or obstruct the implementation of any water quality control or stormwater management plans. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant.

Mitigation Measures from City of Citrus Heights General Plan EIR that apply to the Project None.

HYD-1: The proposed Project would require coverage under the NPDES General Construction Permit for Discharges of storm water associated with construction activities ( 2022 Construction Stormwater General Permit, Order 2022-0057-DWQ). A SWPPP would also be developed and implemented as part of the Construction General Permit. This SWPPP will incorporate all applicable BMPs to ensure that adequate measures are taken during construction to minimize impacts to water quality.

Significance Determination with Mitigation Measures
Less than significant with mitigation incorporated.

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70 Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
XI. LAND USE AND PLANNING - Would the
project:
a. Physically divide an established community? X
b. Cause a significant environmental impact due to
a conflict with any land use plan, policy, or
regulation adopted for the purpose of avoiding or
mitigating an environmental effect?
X

Setting
The Proposed Project lies with Neighborhoods 7 and 8 in the northeastern portion of the City of Citrus Heights within Sacramento County. According to the City’s 2011 General Plan the project area land uses designations are categorized as low to medium residential areas, general commercial, business professional, public and open areas. Currently, Citrus Heights is about 98% built out, meaning little vacant land remains to be developed. The General Plan Land Use Map was last updated in April 2022 (Citrus Heights 2022). The City of Citrus Heights Land Use Designation is show on Figure 6 and the zoning is shown on Figure 7. The residential zoning along Old Auburn Road and Wachtel Way in the Project area is RD2, RD3, RD4, and RD5; recreational zoning is present on Wachtel Way south of Pitalo Way.

Discussion

a. No Impact. The proposed project will take place on and adjacent to an existing transportation facility.

The proposed project would not physically divide an established community .

b. No Impact. The proposed project will not affect the roadway designation. The proposed project would not change the zoning ordinance within the project area.

Mitigation Measures from City of Citrus Heights General Plan EIR that apply to the Project None.

Additional Project-Level Mitigation Measures
None required.

Significance Determination with Mitigation Measures
Not applicable.

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WACHTEL WAY

OLD AUBURN RD

ARGO DR

TALBOT WAY

CONOVER DR

CHRIS LN

AVALOS WAY

AMNA LN

PITALO WAY

BIG OAK DR

LONGDEN CIR

LINDA CREEK CT

PHOEBE WAY

THETHYS WAY

OAKWOOD HILLS CIR

PHEASANT RIDGE LN

CEDARWOOD LN

ZIEGLER CT

CITRUSWOOD LN

PONTICELLI WAY

SHOEMAKER WAY

MCCRONE CT

ROBERT CREEK CT

LA BOUNTY CT

NEWBRIDGE WAY

WEDDELL CT

GALENA WAY

ACORN CREEK CT

AHRENTZEN CT

CRUTCHFIELD CT

AUBURN OAKS VILLA
GE LN

BANNOCK CT

ARCARO CT

SILVER ROCK CT

TALBOT WAY
Figure 6
Land Use Designation
Citrus Heights Gateway Activation Project
Citrus Heights, Sacramento County
, California
Dokken Engineering 11/6/2025; Created By: ahale
I
0 125 250
Feet
V:\3273_Citrus Heights Gateway Activation\Env_Doc\Env_Doc.aprx Microsoft, Vantor, County of Sacramento, Bureau of Land Management, Esri, HERE, Garmin, NGA, USGS, NPS Project Area
Citrus Heights City Limits
Citrus Heights Land Use
Very Low Density Residential
Low Density Residential
Medium Density Residential
Open Space
Sacramento County Land Use
Agricultural-Residential
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WACHTEL WAY

OLD AUBURN RD

ARGO DR

TALBOT WAY

CONOVER DR

CHRIS LN

AVALOS WAY

AMNA LN

PITALO WAY

BIG OAK DR

LONGDEN CIR

LINDA CREEK CT

PHEASANT RIDGE LN

PHOEBE WAY

THETHYS WAY

OAKWOOD HILLS CIR

CEDARWOOD LN

ZIEGLER CT

CITRUSWOOD LN

PONTICELLI WAY

SHOEMAKER WAY

MCCRONE CT

GALENA WAY

ROBERT CREEK CT

LA BOUNTY CT

WEDDELL CT

ACORN CREEK CT

AHRENTZEN CT

CRUTCHFIELD CT

NEWBRIDGE WAY
AUBU

RN OAKS VILLAGE LN

BANNOCK CT

ARCARO CT

SILVER ROCK CT

TALBOT WAY
Figure 7
Zoning
Citrus Heights Gateway Activation Project
Citrus Heights, Sacramento County
, California
Dokken Engineering 11/6/2025; Created By: ahale
I
0 125 250
Feet
V:\3273_Citrus Heights Gateway Activation\Env_Doc\Env_Doc.aprx County of Sacramento, Bureau of Land Management, Esri, HERE, Garmin, INCREMENT P, NGA, USGS, Microsoft, Vantor Project Area
Citrus Heights City Limits
Citrus Heights Zoning
Mobile Home (MH)
Recreation (O)
Residential District 2 (RD2)
Residential District 3 (RD3)
Residential District 4 (RD4)
Residential District 5 (RD5)
Sacramento County Zoning
General Agricultural, Planned Development (A-2 (PD))
Agricultural-Residential-2 acres (AR-2)
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73 Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
XII. MINERAL RESOURCES - Would the
project:
a. Result in the loss of availability of a known
mineral resource that would be of value to the
region and the residents of the state?
X
b. Result in the loss of availability of a locally -
important mineral resource recovery site
delineated on a local general plan, specific plan
or other land use plan?
X

Discussion

a-b. No Impact. No mineral resources are currently being mined or produced in the planning area. The project site has not been identified as containing mineral resources. The City of Citrus Heights planning area is an area where adequate information indicates that no significant mineral deposits are present, or where it is judged that little likelihood exists for their presence. (Citrus Heights 2011b).

Mitigation Measures from City of Citrus Heights General Plan EIR that apply to the Project None.

Additional Project-Level Mitigation Measures
None required.

Significance Determination with Mitigation Measures
Not applicable.

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74 Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
XIII. NOISE - Would the project result in:
a. Exposure of persons to or generation of noise
levels in excess of standards established in the
local general plan or noise ordinance, or
applicable standards of other agencies?
X
b. Generation of excessive groundborne vibration or
groundborne noise levels? X
c. For a project located within the vicinity of a
private airstrip or an airport land use plan or,
where such a plan has not been adopted, within
two miles of a public airport or public use airport,
would the project expose people residing or
working in the project to excessive noise levels?
X

Regulatory Setting

Federal Regulations
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Office of Noise Abatement and Control was originally established to coordinate federal noise control activities. After its inception, EPA’s Office of Noise Abatement and Control issued the Federal Noise Control Act of 1972, establishing programs and guidelines to identify and address the effects of noise on public health, welfare, and the environment. In 1981, EPA administrators determined that subjective issues such as noise would be better addressed at lower levels of government.

Consequently, in 1982 responsibilities for regulating noise control policies were transferred to state and local governments. Noise control guidelines and regulations contained in EPA rulings in prior years remain in place by designated federal agencies, allowing more individualized control for specific issues by designated federal, state, and local government agencies.

State Regulations
The State of California has adopted noise standards in areas of regulation not preempted by the federal government. State standards regulate noise levels of motor vehicles, sound transmission through buildings, occupational noise control, and noise insulation.

Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, also known as the California Building Standards Code, establishes building standards applicable to all occupancies throughout the state. The code provides acoustical regulations for both exterior-to-interior sound insulation as well as sound and impact isolation between adjacent spaces of various occupied units. Title 24 regulations state that interior noise levels generated by exterior noise sources shall not exceed 45 dBA Ldn, with windows closed, in any habitable room for general residential uses.

The State of California General Plan Guidelines , published by the California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR), provides guidance for the compatibility of projects within areas of specific noise exposure.

Table 4.4 -1 presents acceptable and unacceptable community noise exposure limits for various land use categories. The guidelines also present adjustment factors that may be used to arrive at noise acceptability standards that reflect the noise control goals of the community, the particular community’s sensitivity to noise, and the community’s assessment of the relative importance of noise pollution.

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75 City of Citrus Heights General Plan
The General Plan identifies the City’s intent to protect city residents from the harmful and annoying effects of exposure to excessive noise. Goal 51, Policy 51.6 is relevant for transportation projects. The Policy says: “Use techniques such as roadway design, traffic signalization and other traffic management techniques (such as limiting heavy truck traffic in residential areas and requiting alternative paving material) to reduce noise caused by speed or acceleration of vehicles.”

City of Citrus Heights Noise Ordinance
The City of Citrus Heights Noise Ordinance (Citrus Heights Municipal Code, Chapter 34, Article III) contains performance standards for the purpose of prohibiting unnecessary, excessive, annoying sounds that, at certain levels and frequencies, are detrimental to the health and welfare of the City’s residents. The following provisions of the City’s Noise Ordinance are applicable to the Draft General Plan.

The exterior noise standards applicable to the Proposed Project for Noise Area 1, which covers the RD2, RD3, RD4, and RD5 land use zones abutting the Proposed Project, are for exterior noise limits of 55 dBA between 7:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 50 dBA between 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.

The Noise Ordinance provides exemptions from the above standards for outdoor school events; outdoor gatherings conducted pursuant to a City permit; activities in parks, playgrounds and school grounds; machinery used in connection with emergency activities; daytime construction noise; daytime agricultural noise; agricultural noise to salvage crops or perform pest control; daytime residential property maintenance; and airport operations and maintenance.

Specifically, the following exemption is provided for daytime construction noise.

Noise sources associated with construction, repair, remodeling, demolition, paving or grading of any real property, provided the activities do not take place between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. on weekdays and Friday commencing at 8:00 p.m. through and including 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, Saturdays commencing at 8:00 p.m. through and including 7:00 a.m. on the next following Sunday, and on each Sunday after the hour of 8:00 p.m. However, when an unforeseen or unavoidable condition occurs during a construction project and the nature of the project necessitates that work in process be continued until a specific phase is completed, the contractor or owner shall be allowed to continue work after 8:00 p.m. and to operate machinery and equipment necessary until completion of the specific work in progress can be brought to conclusion under conditions which will not jeopardize inspection acceptance or create undue financial hardships for the contractor or owner.

Setting

The project area within the City of Citrus Heights is located in areas designated for Low and Medium Density Residential land uses (Citrus Heights 2011b). Noise sources that contribute to ambient noise levels in and adjacent to the project site include traffic from local streets. As a way to characterize noise levels, Table 7 summarizes typical ambient noise levels based on population density.

Table 7. Population Density and Associated Ambient Noise Levels Population Density dBA, Ldn
Rural Suburban 40–50
Quiet suburban residential or small town 45–50
Normal suburban residential urban 50–55

Normal urban residential 60
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76 Population Density dBA, Ldn
Noisy urban residential 65
Very noisy urban residential 70
Downtown, major metropolis 75–80
Under flight path at major airport, 0.5 to 1 mile from runway 78–85 Adjoining freeway or near a major airport 80–90
Sources: Cowan 1984, Hoover and Keith 2000

The vicinity of the project area is most similar to that of “normal urban residential.” Normal Urban Residential has a typical noise level of 60 dBA. Sound is a mechanical form of radiant energy, transmitted by a pressure wave through a solid, liquid, or gaseous medium. Sound that is loud, disagreeable, unexpected, or unwanted is generally defined as noise; consequently, the perception of sound is subjective in nature, and can vary substantially from person to person (CCHGP EIR 2011b).

Noise sensitive land-uses include residences, schools, hospitals, churches, and parks. The project would take place near Low Density Residential and Medium Density Residential land uses (Citrus Heights 20 11b). Open Space, which includes the Woodside Oaks Park segment of the Arcade -Cripple Creek Trail , is south of the project footprint; however, no impacts to this noise sensitive land-use is anticipated.

Noise levels at construction sites can vary from 55 dBA to a maximum of nearly 96 dBA when heavy equipment is used. Construction noise of this project would be intermittent, and noise levels would vary depending on the type of construction activity. For this project, lowest construction equipment-related noise levels would be 55 dBA at a distance of 50 ft for sound from a pick -up truck. Highest noise levels would be up to 90 dBA (at a distance of 50 ft) for a concrete saw for pavement removal. A jackhammer, which would be up to 89 dBA at a distance of 50 ft, would also be utilized during the proposed project.

Standards of Significance

For purposes of this Initial Study, impacts due to noise may be considered significant if construction and/or implementation of the Proposed Project would result in the following impacts that remain significant after implementation of General Plan policies or mitigation from the General Plan EIR:

• Result in exterior noise levels in the project area that are above the upper value of the normally acceptable category for various land uses due to the project’s noise level increases; • Result in residential interior noise levels of 45 dBA L dn or greater caused by noise level increases due to the project;
• Result in construction noise levels that exceed the standards in the City of Citrus Heights ’ Noise Ordinance;
• Permit existing and/or planned residential and commercial areas to be exposed to vibration -peak- particle velocities greater than 0.5 inches per second due to project construction; • Permit adjacent residential and commercial areas to be exposed to vibration peak particle velocities greater than 0.5 inches per second due to highway traffic and rail operations; or • Permit historic buildings and archaeological sites to be exposed to vibration -peak-particle velocities greater than 0.2 inches per second due to project construction and highway traffic.

Summary of Analysis under the City of Citrus Heights General Plan EIR General Plan

The General Plan EIR evaluated the potential for development under the General Plan to increase noise levels in the community. New noise sources include vehicular traffic, railways, and stationary sources. The general plan policies establish exterior and interior noise standards (Policy 51.1). A variety of policies provide standards Item 16
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77 for the types of development envisioned in the general plan. See Policy 52.2 through 52.5, which requires new mixed-use, commercial and industrial development to mitigate the effects of noise from operations on adjoining sensitive land use, and Policy 52.4 , which calls for the City to limit hours of operations for parks and active recreation areas to minimize disturbance to nearby residences. Notwithstanding application of the general plan policies, noise impacts for exterior and interior noise levels, and vibration impacts, were found to be significant and unavoidable.

Discussion

a. Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated. The City of Citrus Heights Municipal Code contains Standards that apply to noise levels allowed within a residential area (City of Citrus Heights, 2008. Section 34-86 of the Municipal Code identifies noise standards of 55 dBA between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and 50 dBA between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.

Construction Noise Impacts
Implementation of the Proposed would include the construction of intersection enhancements such as roundabouts, as well as the installation of pedestrian and bicycle facilities such as multi-use pathways, Class IV bikeways, crosswalks, sidewalks, and ADA-compliant curb ramps. Construction activities will generate noise, including ground born vibration resulting from the use of heavy construction vehicles and equipment. Construction noise is regulated by the Citrus Heights Noise Ordinance and by Caltrans Standard Specifications Section 14 -8.02, “Noise Control,” which stat es that noise levels generated during construction shall comply with applicable local, state, and federal regulations, and that all equipment shall be fitted with adequate mufflers according to the manufacturers’ specifications.

The Noise Ordinance represents the community standard for acceptable levels of noise, it follows that bikeway construction noise, although above ambient levels, is not considered to have a substantial effect upon surrounding land uses. This determination is made in consideration of the temporary nature of construction activities. Therefore, this impact is also less than significant.

No adverse noise impacts from construction are anticipated because construction would be conducted in accordance with the Citrus Heights Noise Ordinance and Caltrans Standard Specifications Section 14-8.02. Construction noise would be short-term and intermittent. Further, implementing the measures below would minimize the temporary noise impacts from construction.

The project is exempt from City of Citrus Heights code pertaining to noise regulation due to the Section 34-88 which states that activities involving “Noise sources associated with construction, repair, remodeling, demolition, paving or grading of any real property, provided the activities do not take place between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. on weekdays and Friday commencing at 8:00 p.m. through and including 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, Saturdays commencing at 8:00 p.m. through and including 7:00 a.m. on the next following Sunday, and on each Sunday after the hour of 8:00 p.m. However, when an unforeseen or unavoidable condition occurs during a construction project and the nature of the project necessitates that work in process be continued until a spec ific phase is completed, the contractor or owner shall be allowed to continue work after 8:00 p.m. and to operate machinery and equipment necessary until completion of the specific work in progress can be brought to conclusion under conditions which will not jeopardize inspection acceptance or create undue financial hardships for the contractor or owner” are exempt from the provisions of the city code.

The proposed project would have a less than significant impact on noise based on: 1) the project is not a capacity increasing project ; 2) Proposed construction duration is temporary; and 3) construction of the project would use proposed minimization methods. No adverse noise impacts from construction are anticipated because construction would be conducted in accordance with the Citrus Heights Noise Item 16
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78 Ordinance and would be short term and intermittent. Mitigation measure NOI-1 will be implemented to further reduce any noise specific impacts.

Long-Term Operational Noise Impacts
The Project would include the construction of intersection enhancements such as roundabouts, as well as the installation of pedestrian and bicycle facilities such as multi -use pathways, Class IV bikeways, crosswalks, sidewalks, and ADA-compliant curb ramps. The project would not add new travel lanes or increase roadway capacity. As a result, it would not induce additional traffic volumes or alter long-term traffic patterns in a way that would elevate operational noise levels. The roundabouts and associated improvements are designed to accommodate existing traffic demand and maintain traffic flows similar to current conditions. Accordingly, long -term operational noise levels would remain consistent with baseline conditions, and no significant operational noise impacts or noise-related mitigation measures are required.

b. Less than significant. The project site is level and does not include buildings or structures that would require unusual construction techniques that would cause substantial vibration. Substantial levels of vibration are not anticipated during operation of the new intersections because traffic volumes will be similar to the existing situation.

The project would generate some vibration due to construction activities, but it would not include construction activities that could generate significant ground vibration, such as pile driving. There are no historic structures within the project area that would be affected by construction-related vibration; therefore, this impact would not exceed the impact disclosed in the City of Citrus Heights General Plan EIR.

c. No Impact. The project site is not located near an existing airport and is not within an area covered by an existing airport land use plan. Therefore, no impact would occur.

Mitigation Measures from City of Citrus Heights General Plan EIR that apply to the Project None.

Additional Project-Level Mitigation Measures
NOI-1: The Contractor shall follow City of Citrus Heights noise ordinance for construction activities:
• Do not exceed 65 dBA at 50 feet from the job site activities from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. • Use an alternative waiting method instead of a sound signal unless required by safety laws. • Equip an internal combustion engine with the manufacturer-recommended muffler. • Do not operate an internal combustion engine on the job site without the appropriate muffler.

Significance Determination with Mitigation Measures
Less than significant with mitigation incorporated.

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79 Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
XIV. POPULATION AND HOUSING - Would
the project:
a. Induce substantial unplanned population growth
in an area, either directly (for example, by
proposing new homes and businesses) or
indirectly (for example, through extension of
roads or other infrastructure)?
X
b. Displace substantial numbers of existing people
or housing, necessitating the construction of
replacement housing elsewhere?
X

Discussion

a-b Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated. The proposed Project will not affect population and housing. The project is not capacity enhancing ; therefore, it is not growth inducing . The Project does not result in the loss of housing. The Project would not displace housing or necessitate construction of replacement housing. The Project requires the partial acquisition of right-of-way from the following residential parcels. The Sacramento County Assessor’s Parcel Numbers (APNs) are identified in Table 8 below. Implementation of Mitigation Measures PH-1 will reduce the impact to less-than-significant.

Table 8. Parcels with Partial Acquisition
APN Intersection Partial Acquisition (Y/N)
224-0413-001 Argo Drive Y
224-0780-070 Argo Drive Y
224-0411-045 Argo Drive Y
224-0780-071 Argo Drive Y
224-0152-021 Argo Drive Y
224-0152-001 Wachtel Way Y
224-0970-027 Oakwood Hills Circle/Wachtel Way Y
224-0970-026 Oakwood Hills Circle/Wachtel Way Y
224-0200-033 Oakwood Hills Circle/Wachtel Way Y
224-0580-007 Oakwood Hills Circle/Wachtel Way Y
224-0970-011 Oakwood Hills Circle/ Linda Creek Ct Y
224-0970-032 Oakwood Hills Circle/ Linda Creek Ct Y
224-0580-006 Linda Creek Ct Y
224-0210-010 Linda Creek Ct Y
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80 Mitigation Measures from City of Citrus Heights General Plan EIR that apply to the Project None.

Additional Project-Level Mitigation Measures
PH-1: Property Compensation: All real property transactions shall comply with the property acquisition and relocation standards of the State of California. Property owners shall be compensated in accordance with fair market values based on appraisals.

Significance Determination with Mitigation Measures
Less than significant with mitigation incorporated.

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81 Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
XV. PUBLIC SERVICES - Would the project:
a. Result in substantial adverse physical impacts
associated with the provision of new or physically
altered governmental facilities, need for new or
physically altered governmental facilities, the
construction of which could cause significant
environmental impacts, in order to maintain
acceptable service ratios, response times, or other
performance objectives for any of the public
services:

X
Fire protection? X
Police protection? X
Schools? X
Parks? X
Other public facilities? X

Setting

The Sacramento Metro Fire Station 28 at 8189 Oak Avenue, Citrus Heights, is approximately 0.9 miles southwest of the southern limits of the Wachtel Way Project area. The Roseville Fire Department Station 4 is approximately 1.4 miles north of Old Auburn Road on the county line. The Citrus Heights Civil Police Station is located 2.17 miles west of the Project area. The Roseville Police Station on 5 th Street is located 2 miles northwest of Old Auburn Road on the county line. The Kaiser Permanente Roseville Medical Center is located

1.8 miles north Old Auburn Road at the county line.

The utility providers located in the Project area include the following:
• AT&T,
• City of Citrus Heights,
• Citrus Heights Water District,
• Comcast,
• Consolidated Communications,
• County of Sacramento – Traffic Signal and Street Lighting, • Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E),
• Sacramento Area Sewer District,
• Sacramento Regional Sanitation District, and
• Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD).

Schools and parks in the vicinity of the Project area include the following:
• Woodside Oaks Park segment of the Arcade-Cripple Creek Trail which connects to Wachtel Way, • Edgecliff & Cripple Creek Open Space, Sacramento County, 0.15 miles north of Old Auburn Rd, • Woodside Oaks/ Olivine Drive Open Space, Sacramento County, 0.2 miles west of Wachtel Way, • Woodside K-8 School, Sacramento County, 0.7 miles west, • C-Bar-C Park. Sacramento County 0.7-miles southwest,
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82 • Oakview Community Elementary School, Sacramento County, 1.1-miles southeast, • Crestmont Park, Placer County. 0.6-miles northwest,
• Crestmont Elementary School, Placer County. 0.6-miles northwest, • Maidu Regional Park, Placer County, 1.2-miles north, and • Granite Bay Montessori, Placer County. 1.1-miles northeast.

Discussion

a. Less than Significant . The project will not adversely affect public services in the area. The project would not contribute to any change in population, traffic circulation, or other land use modifications that would impact local fire or police protection. There will be no permanent road closures during construction. The project improvements will not affect parks or other services. Coordination with utility providers has taken place and will continue throughout construction with the following utility companies: AT&T, City of Citrus Heights, Citrus Heights Water District, Comcast, Consolidated Communications, County of Sacramento – Traffic Signal and Street Lighting, Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), Sacramento Area Sewer District, Sacramento Regional Sanitation District, and Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD). No mitigation will be required.

Mitigation Measures from City of Citrus Heights General Plan EIR that apply to the Project None.

Additional Project-Level Mitigation Measures
None required.

Significance Determination with Mitigation Measures
Not applicable.

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83 Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
XVI. RECREATION
a. Would the project increase the use of existing
neighborhood and regional parks or other
recreational facilities such that substantial
physical deterioration of the facility would occur
or be accelerated?
X
b. Does the project include recreational facilities or
require the construction or expansion of
recreational facilities which might have an
adverse physical effect on the environment?
X

Setting

The Public Services section above lists the recreational facilities in the vicinity of the Project area.

Discussion

a-b. Less than significant . The Proposed Project will construct multimodal and roadway improvements that will serve bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorists by closing gaps in the City’s pedestrian and bicycle network. The purpose of the Project is to enhance connectivity to existing bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure and provide future linkages to planned facilities in neighboring jurisdictions, including the City of Roseville and Sacramento County. The project would likely result in additional residents and visitors utilizing existing parks because the planned bikeways are intended to provide connections to parks. It would be expected that many of these users would already be utilizing the park and recreation facilities and would simply be using a non-motorized transportation alternative to reach the parks and open spaces.

The project does not propose new residential or commercial developments creating a need for construction or expansion of recreational facilities. The proposed project would increase the use of existing parks and recreation facilities to the extent that the expanded bikeway system will encourage park and open space use for residents who were not previously using these recreational facilities, or additional use by those already using the recreational facilities. This increased use would not be expected to substantially impact the parks and facilities to the extent that physical deterioration would occur, nor would these facilities need to be expanded. Therefore, the project would have a less than significant impact on recreation facilities
Mitigation Measures from City of Citrus Heights General Plan EIR that apply to the Project None.

Additional Project-Level Mitigation Measures
None required.

Significance Determination with Mitigation Measures
Not applicable.

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84 Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
XVII. TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC - Would
the project:
a. Conflict with a program, plan, ordinance, or
policy addressing the circulation system
including transit, roadway, bicycle and pedestrian
facilities?
X
b. Conflict or be inconsistent with CEQA
Guidelines Section 15064.3, subdivision (b) ? X
c. Substantially increase hazards due to a design
feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous
intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm
equipment)?
X
d. Result in inadequate emergency access? X

Setting
The Proposed Project locations are within Citrus Heights residential Neighborhoods 7 and 8. Project locations occur within developed Neighborhoods that contain medium to highly populated areas. Old Auburn Road east of Auburn Boulevard and Wachtel Way are not approved Citrus Heights truck routes (Citrus Heights n.d.).

There are no Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982 truck routes in the Project area. Old Auburn Road is classified as a m ajor collector street and a low access control facility (CCHGP EIR 2011b).

Fehr & Peers, a traffic engineer firm, conducted an existing conditions analysis and evaluated traffic control and pedestrian crossing for the proposed Project . The analysis included traffic data collection to determine existing conditions. The Average Daily Traffic (ADT) Data for Old Auburn Road east of Wachtel Way is estimated at 14,200 vehicles (Fehr & Peers 2025). The volume of cars on Old Auburn Road drops considerably west of Wachtel Way, indicating that a number of vehicular trips originate or are destined to/from the south of Wachtel Way towards unincorporated Sacramento County.

For the Old Auburn Road/Argo Drive intersection improvements, Fehr & Peers evaluated the applicability of a traffic signal, a pedestrian hybrid beacon, and a single-lane roundabout. A single-lane roundabout would result in reduced travel speeds, improved pedestrian crossing, acceptable traffic operations and improved corridor safety (Fehr & Peers 2025).

The remaining two study intersections, Old Auburn Road/Wachtel Way and Old Auburn Road/Oakwood Hills Circle East, were analyzed as a pair due to their proximity to each other and the upstream/downstream effects that each control type has on the other intersection . The analysis evaluated the proposed Project with roundabouts at each intersection . The study includes a t able that compares the LOS and delay results for the proposed Project versus existing conditions. It is included below as Table 9.

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85 Table 9. Wachtel Way and Oakwood Hills Circle East Intersections Configuration Analysis Configuration
Traffic Control
at Wachtel Way Peak Hour LOS/Delay (s)
Traffic Control at
Oakwood Hills
Circle East
LOS/Delay
(s)
Existing
Conditions
All-Way
Stop-Controlled
AM
PM
F / 56
B / 14
All-Way
Stop-Controlled
E / 38
F / 75
Proposed
Project
Roundabout AM
PM
B / 13
B / 10
Roundabout A / 9
A / 8
Bolded numbers indicate deficient operations per City of Citrus Heights General Plan Policy 29.2.

Source: Fehr & Peers, 2025

The proposed Project would provide a level of service (LOS) A or B operations at each intersection during the AM and PM peak hours and reduces the maximum queues and delays as compared to the existing.

The corridor travel times and average speeds for the study intersections are presented in Table 10 below. The proposed Project has the least amount of overall travel time on both corridors.

Table 10. Corridor Speeds
Scenario
AM Peak Hour PM Peak Hour
Eastbound (From Wintergreen
Drive to Linda Creek Ct)
Westbound (from South
Cirby Way to Argo Drive)
Existing Conditions 185 seconds / 11 mph 184.8 seconds / 12 mph Proposed Project 87.3 seconds / 17 mph 82.4 seconds / 24 mph Source: Fehr & Peers, 2025

Discussion

a. Less than Significant. The project will not conflict with any applicable plans, ordinances or policies.

The project will implement several goals of the General Plan, the Bikeway Master Plan (Citrus Heights 2015), and the Draft Pedestrian Master Plan (Citrus Heights 2016). The Proposed Project does not conflict with the City’s Neighborhood Traffic Management Program.

b. Less than Significant. The Proposed project is not a capacity increasing project and does not increase vehicle miles traveled. Transportation projects that reduce, or have no impact on, vehicle miles traveled are presumed to cause a less than significant transportation impact.

c. No Impact. The d esign features of the proposed Project would comply with City standards, or as appropriate, would be approved as non-standard features. The project would not increase hazards due to design features or incompatible uses. The project would not substantially increase hazards due to a design features (e.g. sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment).

d. Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated. During construction, the project may have a less- than-significant impact on emergency access. Residential roadways near designated problem locations would remain open throughout construction for through traffic but the reduction to single -lane traffic may cause delays. Response times are not anticipated to be significantly affected during construction.

Post-construction, it is anticipated that the improved multi -modal facilities would better serve Item 16
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86 emergency vehicles by reducing road hazard conditions. Implementation of TRA-1 would minimize any potential impacts to emergency access during construction activities.

Mitigation Measures from City of Citrus Heights General Plan EIR that apply to the Project None.

Additional Project-Level Mitigation Measures
TRA-1: Temporary impacts to traffic flow as a result of construction activities would be minimized through construction phasing, signage, and a traffic control plan.

Significance Determination with Mitigation Measures
Less than significant with mitigation incorporated.

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87 Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
XVIII. TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES -
a. Would the project cause a substantial adverse
change in the significance of a tribal cultural
resource, defined in Public Resources Code section
21074 as either a site, feature, place, cultural
landscape that is geographically defined in terms of
the size and scope of the landscape, sacred place,
or object with cultural value to a California Native
American tribe, and that is:
i. Listed or eligible for listing in the
California Register of Historical Resources,
or in a local register of historical resources
as defined in Public Resources Code section
5020.1(k), or
X
ii. A resource determined by the lead agency,
in its discretion and supported by
substantial evidence, to be significant
pursuant to criteria set forth in subdivision
(c) of Public Resources Code Section
5024.1. In applying the criteria set forth in
subdivision (c) of Public Resource Code
Section 5024.1, the lead agency shall
consider the significance of the resource to
a California Native American tribe.

Regulatory Setting
Effective July 1, 2015, CEQA was revised to include early consultation with California Native American tribes and consideration of tribal cultural resources (TCRs). These changes were enacted through Assembly Bill 52 (AB 52). By including TCRs early in the CEQA process, AB 52 intends to ensure that local and Tribal governments, public agencies, and project proponents would have information available, early in the project planning process, to identify and address potential adverse impacts to TCRs. CEQA now e stablishes that a “project with an effect that may cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a TCR is a project that may have a significant effect on the environment” (PRC § 21084.2).

To help determine whether a project may have such an adverse effect, the PRC requires a lead agency to consult with any California Native American tribe that requests consultation and is traditionally and culturally affiliated with the geographic area of a proposed project. That consultation must take place prior to the determination of whether a negative declaration, mitigated negative declaration, or environmental impact report is required for a project (PRC § 21080.3.1). Consultation must consist of the lead agency providing formal notification, in writing, to the tribes that have requested notification or proposed projects within their traditionally and culturally affiliated area. AB 52 stipulates that the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) shall assist the lead agency in identifying the California Native American tribes that are traditionally and culturally affiliated within the project area. If the tribe wishes to engage in consultation on the project, the tribe must respond to the lead agency within 30 days of receipt of the formal notification. Once the lead agency receives the tribe’s request to consult, the lead agency must then begin the consultation process within 30 days. If a lead Item 16
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88 agency determines that a project may cause a substantial adverse change to TCRs, the lead agency must consider measures to mitigate that impact. Consultation concludes when either: 1) the parties agree to measures to mitigate or avoid a significant effect, if a significant effect exists, on a TCR, or 2) a party, acting in good faith and after reasonable effort, concludes that mutual agreement cannot be reached (PRC § 21080.3.2). Under existing law, environmental documents must not include information about the locations of an archaeological site or sacred lands or any o ther information that is exempt from public disclosure pursuant to the Public Records act. TCRs are also exempt from disclosure.

For purposes of this study, the term “tribal cultural resource” refers to either of the following:

1. Sites, features, places, cultural landscapes, sacred places, and objects with cultural value to a California Native American tribe that are either of the following:
b. Included or determined to be eligible for inclusion in the California Register of Historical Resources
c. Included in a local register of historical resources as defined in subdivision (k) of California Public Resources Code (PRC) Section 5020.1

2. A resource determined by a California lead agency, in its discretion and supported by substantial evidence, to be significant pursuant to criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of the PRC Section 5024.1.

Setting
In April 2025, the City of Citrus Heights obtained a list of California Native American tribes traditionally and culturally affiliated with the project area from the NAHC. The City then sent initial letters inviting to the tribes detailed on the NAHC list to consult under AB 52 for the proposed project. This initial letter provided a brief project description, project location, lead agency contact information, and a notification that the tribe has 30 days to request consultation. No TCRs were identified within the project area.

Efforts to identify potential cultural resources in the Project area included background research, a search of previously recorded archaeological site records and cultural resource identification reports on file at the California Historical Resources Information System NCIC, coordination with Native American representatives, efforts to coordinate with local historical organizations, and a pedestrian ground surface survey.

The City conducted consultation with Native American tribes under PRC §21080.3.1 (also referred to as AB 52) via certified letter on April 29, 2025. For the United Auburn Indian Community (UAIC), the letter was submitted on April 29, 2025, to the tribe’s website portal. The City notified the following tribes of an opportunity to consult with the City regarding the potential for this Project to impact Native American cultural resources: Buena Vista Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians, Colfax-Todds Valley Consolidated Tribe, Ione Band of Miwok Indians, Nashville Enterprise Miwok-Maidu-Nishinam Tribe, Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians, Tsi Akim Maidu, United Auburn Indian Community, and Wilton Rancheria. The UAIC responded to the City via email regarding initial AB 52 consultation, including scheduling a field survey attended by the UAIC and the City’s consultant archaeologist.

A pedestrian survey of the APE was conducted by archaeologist from Dokken Engineering on June 12, 2025, for the purpose of identifying and recording archaeological resources. A representative from the United Auburn Indian Community participated in the pedestrian survey. No constraints to the survey were encountered as full access was obtained prior to completing the survey. No indigenous resources were identified as a result of the identification efforts.

Impacts to unknown archaeological deposits, which could qualify as tribal historic resources under CEQA , could result in a significant impact under CEQA. Implementation of mitigation measures CR-1 through CR-4 will reduce these potential impacts to a less-than-significant level.

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89 Discussion

a.i. Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated. No tribal cultural resources (TCRs) were identified during the tribal consultation. While the APE location is within an area of older Pleistocene aged soils with very low sensitivity for buried archaeological resources, there remains a possibility that an unanticipated discovery of buried cultural materials could be encountered during con struction.

Impacts to unknown archaeological deposits, which could qualify as tribal cultural resources under CEQA, could result in a significant impact under CEQA. Implementation of mitigation measures CR- 1 through CR-will reduce these potential impacts to a less-than-significant level.

a.ii. Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated. The Project is not anticipated to cause a substantial adverse change to a TCR pursuant to criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resources Code Section 5024.1. As described in response to question a), while no impacts to TCRs are anticipated for the Project, with any Project requiring ground disturbance, there is always the possibility that unmarked cultural resources may be unearthed during construction. Furthermore, the United Auburn Indian Community identified the APE as sensitive for tribal cultural resources and recommend that archaeological and tribal monitoring occur during Project -related ground disturbance within native sediments and that interpretive panels be erected along the proposed trail. This impact would be considered potentially significant. Implementation of Mitigation Measures CR-1 and CR-4 (listed in section V. Cultural Resources) would reduce this impact to a less than significant level.

Mitigation Measures from City of Citrus Heights General Plan EIR that apply to the Project None.

Additional Project-Level Mitigation Measures
CR-1: Prior to construction, cultural resource awareness and sensitivity training shall be provided to all construction crew members to ensure that the crew members are aware of the potential for sensitive cultural resources to be present onsite. The awareness and sensitivity training would also include an established protocol for informing the resident engineer of any accidentally discovered cultural resources.

Treatment of Discoveries:

Disposition of Discoveries:

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90 CR-4: In the event that Native American cultural resources are inadvertently discovered during the course of construction, the City shall relinquish ownership of all Native American cultural resources, including sacred items, burial goods, and all archaeological artifacts and non-human remains as part of the required mitigation for impacts to Native American cultural resources. Prior to relinquishment, all discovered archaeological resources should be documented by field notation, photography, and GPS mapping. After consultation with the appropriate Native American Tribe(s), non -destructive analysis may be conducted.

Significance Determination with Mitigation Measures
Less-than-significant.

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91 Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
XIX. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS -
Would the project:
a. Require or result in the relocation or
construction of new or expanded water,
wastewater treatment or storm water drainage,
electric power, natural gas, or
telecommunications facilities, the construction
or relocation of which could cause significant
environmental effects ?
X
b. Have sufficient water supplies available to serve
the project and reasonably foreseeable future
development during normal, dry and multiple dry
years?
X
c. Result in a determination by the waste water
treatment provider, which serves or may serve
the project that it has adequate capacity to serve
the project's projected demand in addition to the
provider's existing commitments?
X
d. Generate solid waste in excess of state or local
standards, or in excess of the capacity of local
infrastructure, or otherwise impair the attainment
of solid waste reduction goals?
X
e. Comply with federal, state, and local
management and reduction statutes and
regulations related to solid waste?
X

Regulatory Settings
Federal and State Regulations

Clean Water Act and State Water Resources Control Board With regard to wastewater, the Federal CWA and regulations set forth by the California Department of Health Services (CDHS) and SWRCB are aimed primarily at discharges of effluent to surface waters. Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 503, Title 23 California Code of Regulations, and standards established by the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board regulate the disposal of biosolids generated by wastewater treatment plants. Under the CWA, the Regional Water Quality Control Board administers programs related to wastewater treatment.

Local Regulations
Sacramento County and the City of Citrus Heights submitted Notices of Intent (NOIs) to obtain coverage under the General Permit for Discharges from MS4 s, Order R5 -2016-0040 issued by the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board (CVRWQCB 2016). After review of the NOIs, CVRWQCB determined that the Cities and County qualify for coverage under the General Order.

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92 The Cities and County submitted a proposed Annual Work Plan with the NOI, which serves as an interim Work Plan until the updated Storm Water Management Plan is adopted by the CVRWQCB. Pursuant to Part V.C.9.c of the General Permit, a Permittee is required to continue implementation of its existing Storm Water Management Program between receipt of an NOA and final approval of a Storm Water Management Plan that meets the requirements laid out in the General Permit.

The City participates in the Sacramento Stormwater Quality Partnership (SSQP) with Sacramento County and the cities of Elk Grove, Folsom, Galt, Rancho Cordova, and Sacramento to coordinate regional drainage strategies. The SSQP has a Stormwater Quality Des ign Manual (SSQP 2018) that identifies the requirements that apply to land development projects, including roads and paved pathway projects. Streets and roads with an increase of impervious surfaces less than five acres are required to provide source control stormwater quality control measures.

Settings
As discussed in Public Services section, a number of parks and open space areas are located in the vicinity of the Project area. Water, sewer, electric, fiber optic and gas lines are currently located in the project areas.

Utility providers include the Citrus Heights Water District, Cal American Water Company, Sacramento Suburban Water District, SMUD, Pacific Gas and Electric, and the Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District.

Discussion

a. Less than Significant. The project does not involve the relocation or construction of new or expanded water or wastewater facilities. Therefore, the impacts to water and wastewater facilities would be less than significant.

SMUD overhead and underground electrical facilities are located along Old Auburn Road and Wachtel Way. The City and its contractor would maintain applicable CalOSHA and State of California Public Utilities Commission safety clearances during construction and operation of the project.

Storm water in Citrus Heights is directed via drain inlets into a series of underground pipes within roadways and other public parcels. These pipes outfall into the City creek system, at which point the water flows downstream. The amount of stormwater that enters the creek system increases as undeveloped ground is replaced by impervious surfaces such as paved trails and sidewalks. New or modified drain inlets and pipes will be required because there will be an increase in the amount of impervious surfaces and because existing inlets/outfalls at the intersections are located in area s proposed for widening. The Project’s design will ensure that stormwater flows are neither impeded nor redirected by the new paved surfaces.

The Project will increase the amount of impervious surfaces through the construction of road improvements, sidewalks and pathways. With three roundabouts, the Project would increase the area of impervious surfaces by approximately 30, 300 square feet. The increase is not expected to substantially alter existing drainage patterns. The Project will co mply with applicable stormwater management regulations and the use of BMPs will further minimize potential impacts. The City Construction Standards include Best Manage ment Practices intended to mitigate the environmental effects associated with storm water drainage and would mitigate this potential impact to a less than significant level.

b. Less than Significant. The project would not increase water supply demand.

c. Less than Significant. The Proposed Project does not produce wastewater that need to be treated.

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93 d. Less than Significant . The construction and operation of the Proposed Project will not generate excessive solid waste . The project would generate solid waste during construction, mostly roadway materials (earthwork and asphalt concrete). The solid waste would be disposed of at a waste handling facility, which complies with all federal, state, and local regulations. Active permitted regional landfills include the Forward Landfill, Kiefer Landfill, L&D Landfill, and Western Regional Sanitary Landfill.

Solid waste generated during construction and operation of the project would represent a small fraction of the daily permitted tonnage of these facilities. The Project would not generate solid waste during operation. The impact would be less than significant.

e. Less than Significant. The project would comply with federal, state, and local statutes and regulations related to solid waste.

Mitigation Measures from City of Citrus Heights General Plan EIR that apply to the Project None.

Additional Project-Level Mitigation Measures
None required.

Significance Determination with Mitigation Measures
Less than significant with mitigation incorporated.

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94 Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
XX. WILDFIRE – If located in or near state
responsibility areas or lands classified as very
high fire hazard severity zones, w ould the
project:

a. Substantially impair an adopted emergency
response plan or emergency evacuation plan? X
b. Due to slope, prevailing winds, and other factors,
exacerbate wildfire risks, and thereby expose
project occupants to pollutant concentrations
from a wildfire or the uncontrolled spread of a
wildfire?
X
c. Require the installation or maintenance of
associated infrastructure (such as roads, fuel
breaks, emergency water sources, power lines or
other utilities) that may exacerbate fire risk or
that may result in temporary or ongoing impacts
to the environment?
X
d. Expose people or structures to significant risks,
including downslope or downstream flooding or
landslides, as a result of runoff, post-fire slope
instability, or drainage changes?
X

Discussion

a-d. No Impact. The proposed Project is not located in a California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) designated moderate, high, or very high Fire Hazard Severity Zone (CAL FIRE 2025). The proposed Project is not subject to risk of downslope or downstream flooding or landslides as a result of runoff, post-fire slope instability, or drainage changes.

Mitigation Measures from City of Citrus Heights General Plan EIR that apply to the Project None.

Additional Project-Level Mitigation Measures
None required.

Significance Determination with Mitigation Measures
Not applicable.

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95 Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
XXI. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF

SIGNIFICANCE
a. Does the project have the potential to
substantially degrade the quality of the
environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a
fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife
population to drop below self-sustaining levels,
threaten to eliminate a plant or animal
community, substantially reduce the number or
restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or
animal or eliminate important examples of the
major periods of California history or prehistory?
X
b. Does the project have impacts that are
individually limited, but cumulatively
considerable? (“Cumulatively considerable”
means that the incremental effects of a project are
considerable when viewed in connection with the
effects of past projects, the effects of other
current projects, and the effects of probable
future projects).

X
c. Does the project have environmental effects
which will cause substantial adverse effects on
human beings, either directly or indirectly?
X

Discussion

a. Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated. As discussed in this study, the proposed project could result in impacts on biological and cultural resources. There is no potential for Federal or State threatened or endangered species to occur within the project are and no designated Critical Habitat occurs within the project vicinity. Mitigation measures included in this study would reduce the impacts to less-than-significant levels.

b. No Impact. The project does not directly or indirectly contribute to cumulative impacts associated with increased urban development because the impacts have previously been evaluated by the City and considered in development of the City’s General Plan.

c. Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated. As discussed in this study, the proposed project could result in impacts on human beings indirectly due to air quality, geology/soils, hazards and hazardous materials, hydrology/water quality, noise, population/housing, and transportation impacts.

Mitigation measures included in this study would reduce impacts to less-than-significant levels.

Mitigation Measures from City of Citrus Heights General Plan EIR that apply to the Project

None.

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96 Additional Project Level Mitigation Measures

None required.

Significance Determination with Mitigation Measures

Less than significant with mitigation incorporated.

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97 Item 16
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98 SECTION 5.0 - COMMENTS AND COORDINATION

This section summarizes the City of Citrus Heights’ efforts to identify, address and resolve Project -related issues through early and continuing coordination.

Consultation and Coordination with Public Agencies

Coordination with the following agencies was initiated for the Citrus Heights Gateway Activation Plan:

• Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC).

Public Participation

The public comment period for the Project provides the opportunity for public comment and participation. The comment period will be properly noticed in the local newspaper and this Initial Study/Proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration will be available at public facilities.

The City has conducted public outreach in the form of public meetings, workshops, on -line surveys, and a project specific webpage on the City’s website. On April 29, 2025, a public meeting was held at Big Oak Mobile Home Park. The outreach included a project -specific feedback form with three questions and space for additional comments. More than 48 community members participated in the meeting. A twelve page summary of the meeting is available on the project website.

From June 1 through June 17, 2025, the City of Citrus Heights conducted an online feedback survey to collect input for the Gateway Activation Project (GAP). The survey invited community members to share their ideas, preferences, and priorities for improving the Old Auburn Road and Wachtel Way corridor. The feedback survey generated 86 responses from six zip codes. The two most important project goals were “increasing safety” and “trail connectivity.”

In conjunction with the online survey, a “pop-up” event held on the Old Auburn Multi-Use Trail, located across from the Big Oak Mobile Home Park in Citrus Heights, on June 14, 2025. The goal of this event was to meet community members directly in their neighborhood at the project location to share information and encourage participation in the feedback survey, which closes on June 17, 2025. Four display boards were presented: a project overview board, the Wachtel Way intersection board, the Oakwood Hills Circle East intersection board, and a plan view of the Class I pedestrian and bicycle crossing concepts at three locations.

The results of the public outreach were summarized and presented at the City Council meeting on June 25, 2025. Staff recommended roundabouts at Argo Drive, Wachtel Way, and Oakwood Hills Circle. Staff recommended a trail crossing at Argo Drive. The City Council favored staff’s recommendation and directed staff to begin environmental review for the project.

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99 SECTION 6.0 - REFERENCES

California Air Resources Board (CARB). CARB. 2005. Air Quality and Land Use Handbook: A Community Health Perspective.

CARB. 2008. Climate Change Scoping Plan.

CARB. 2024a. Overview: Diesel and Exhaust Health. https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/overview-diesel- exhaust-and-health. (Accessed 10/15/2025).

CARB. 2024b. Sacramento Region Air Quality Plans. https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/california- state-implementation-plans/nonattainment-area-plans/sacramento-region. (Accessed 10/15/2025).

CARB. 2024c. Ambient Air Quality Standards. https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/background-air-quality- standards. (Accessed 10/15/2025).

CARB. 2023a. Sacramento Regional 2015 NAAQS 8-Hour Ozone Attainment and Reasonable Further Progress Plan. https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/2023-09/CARB%20Staff%20Report%20- %202023%20Sac%20Ozone%20SIP.pdf. (Accessed 10/15/2025).

CARB. 2020. SMAQMD Thresholds of Significance Table.
https://www.airquality.org/LandUseTransportation/Documents/CH2ThresholdsTable4-2020.pdf. (Accessed 10/15/2025).

CARB. 2015. Triennial Report and Air Quality Plan Update. https://www.airquality.org/ProgramCoordination/Documents/2015%20Triennial%20Report%20comb ined%202015-05-28.pdf. (Accessed 10/15/2025)
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). 2025. Fire Hazard Severity Zone. https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/community-wildfire-preparedness-and-mitigation/fire-hazard- severity-zones. (Accessed 10/13/2025).

California Department of Toxic Substances Control. 2025. EnviroStor Map. https://www.envirostor.dtsc.ca.gov/public/map/. (Accessed 10/13/2025) California Department of Transportation: Division of Environmental Analysis. April 2020. Traffic Noise Analysis Protocol: For New Highway Construction, Reconstruction, and Retrofit Barrier Projects. 2020 Update. https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/environmental- analysis/documents/env/traffic-noise-protocol-april-2020-a11y.pdf. (Accessed 10/13/2025).

Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board. 2016. Notice Of Applicability; General Permit For Discharges From Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems, Order R5-2016-0040. www.waterboards.ca.gov/centralvalley/board_decisions/adopted_orders/general_orders/r5-2016- 0040/r5-2016-0040-004-010_amend.pdf. (Accessed 10/13/2025).

City of Citrus Heights. 2011a: General Plan. https://www.citrusheights.net/202/General-Plan. (Accessed 10/13/2025).

City of Citrus Heights. 2011b: Final Environmental Impact Report. City of Citrus Heights General Plan Update and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan. https://www.citrusheights.net/204/Environmental- Impact-Report. (Accessed 10/13/2025).

City of Citrus Heights. 2015. Citrus Heights Bikeway Master Plan Update. www.citrusheights.net/DocumentCenter/View/4246/Bikeway-Master-Plan-2015Council- Approved121015?bidId=. (Accessed 10/13/2025).

City of Citrus Heights. 2016. Citrus Heights Pedestrian Master Plan Update. www.citrusheights.net/DocumentCenter/View/5289/City-Council-DRAFT-Pedestrian-Master-Plan- PDF. (Accessed 10/13/2025).

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100
City of Citrus Heights. 2022. City of Citrus Heights General Plan Land Use Map. www.citrusheights.net/DocumentCenter/View/250. (Accessed 10/13/2025).

City of Citrus Heights. 2025a. Citrus Heights Municipal Code: Chapter 106.39. Tree Preservation and Protection.
https://library.municode.com/ca/citrus_heights/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH106ZO _CH106.39TRPRPR. (Accessed 10/14/2025).

City of Citrus Heights. 2025b. Citrus Heights Municipal Code: Chapter 98. Article V. Stormwater Discharge. https://library.municode.com/ca/citrus_heights/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH98UT_ ARTVSTDI. (Accessed 10/14/2025).

City of Citrus Heights, no date. Truck Routes. Truck Routes | Citrus Heights, CA - Official Website. (accessed 10/13/2025).

Cowan, J. P. 1984. Handbook of Environmental Acoustics. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CNDDB). 2025. California Natural Diversity Database. https://wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CNDDB. (Accessed 4/14/2025).

California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region (CVRWQCB). 2016. www.waterboards.ca.gov/centralvalley/board_decisions/adopted_orders/general_orders/r5-2016- 0040_ms4.pdf
Cogstone. 2025. Historic Build Environment Assessment for the Gateway Activation Project. Sacramento, CA.

Dokken Engineering. 2025a. Archaeological Survey Report .Citrus Heights Gateway Activation Project.

Folsom, CA
Dokken Engineering. 2025b. Natural Environment Study (Minimal Impacts) Citrus Heights Gateway Activation Project. Folsom, CA.

FEMA. 2025. National Flood Insurance Rate Map FIRMette; Sacramento County, California and Incorporated Areas Map No. 06067C0103J. https://msc.fema.gov/portal. (Accessed 10/15/2025).

Fehr & Peers. 2025. Technical Memorandum. Project Alternatives Analysis and Recommendations for the Gateway Activation Project in Citrus Heights, CA.

Hoover, R.M., and R.H. Keith. 2000. Noise Control for Buildings, Manufacturing Plants, Equipment and Products.

Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District (SMAQMD). 2009. Guide to Air Quality Assessment in Sacramento County.
www.airquality.org/LandUseTransportation/Documents/TitleTOCFINAL2-2021.pdf. (Accessed 10/14/25).

SMAQMD. 2018. Road Construction Emissions Model, Version 9.0.0. https://www.airquality.org/LandUseTransportation/Documents/RoadConstructionEmissionsModelVe r9_0_0_locked.zip. (Accessed 10/14/2025).

Sacramento Stormwater Quality Partnership (SSQP). 2018. Stormwater Quality Design Manual. www.beriverfriendly.net/stormwater-quality-design-manual/. (Accessed 10/14/2025).

State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). 2025. GeoTracker Map. https:// geotracker.waterboards.ca.gov/map/#. (Accessed 10/14/25).

SWRCB. 2025. USAEPA 303(d) List.
https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/tmdl/2023_2024state_ir_reports/apx-a-2024- 303d-list-final.xlsx. (Accessed 10/14/25).

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101
USFWS. 2025. Official Species List: U.S. Department of the Interior – Fish and Wildlife Service: Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office. (requested: 4/14/2025).

USFWS. 1973. Endangered Species Act. Section 16 of the U.S. Code (1531-1544), as amended.

USFWS. 1918. Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Section 16 of U.S. Code (703-712), as amended 1989.

Wagner, D.L, Jennings, C.W., Bedrossian, T.L., and Bortugno, E.J. 1981. California Geological Survey, Regional Geologic Map No. 1A, 1:250,000 scale: Geological Map of the Sacramento Quadrangle California. California Department of Conservation.
www.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/Documents/Publications/Regional-Geologic- Maps/RGM_001A/RGM_001A_Sacramento_1981_Sheet1of4.pdf. (Accessed 6/26/25).

Western Regional Climate Center. 2025. Station: (047630) Sacramento FAA Arpt—General Climate Summary Tables. http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/cgi-bin/cliMAIN.pl?ca7630. (Accessed 10/14/25).

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APPENDIX A: Mitigation Monitoring Plan
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MITIGATION MONITORING PLAN CHECKLIST FOR THE

CITRUS HEIGHTS GATEWAY ACTIVATION PROJECT

Mitigation Measure Reporting
Milestone
Reporting /
Responsible
Party

VERIFICATION
OF

COMPLIANCE
Initials Date
City of Citrus Heights General Plan (CCHGP)
MM

4.7-7:

Discovery of Potential Paleontological Resources
If potential paleontological resources are detected by construction workers or City staff during construction of future land uses, work shall stop immediately, and consultation is required to avoid further impacts. Actions after work stoppage will be designed to avoid significant impacts to the greatest extent feasible. These measures could include, but are not limited to, construction worker personnel education, consultation with a qualified paleontologist, coordination with experts on resource recovery an d curation of specimens, and/or other measures considered appropriate after further consultation.

During
Construction
City of Citrus
Heights and
Contractor

AIR QUALITY
AQ-1: Implement SMAQMD Basic Construction Emission Control Practices, where feasible:
• Water all exposed surfaces two times daily. Exposed surfaces include (but are not limited to) soil piles, graded areas, unpaved parking areas, staging areas, and access roads. • Cover or maintain at least 2 feet of freeboard space on haul trucks transporting soil, sand, or other loose material on the site. Any haul trucks that would be traveling along freeways or major roadways shall be covered.
• Use wet power vacuum street sweepers to remove any visible trackout mud or dirt onto adjacent public roads at least once a day. Use of dry power sweeping is prohibited. • Limit vehicle speeds on unpaved roads to 15 miles per hour. • All roadway, driveway, sidewalk, and parking lot paving should be completed as soon as possible. In addition, building pads should be laid as soon as possible after grading unless seeding or soil binders are used.
• Minimize idling time either by shutting equipment off when not in use or reducing the time of idling to 5 minutes [required by California Code of Regulations, Title 13, sections 2449(d)(3) and 2485]. Provide clear signage that posts this requirement for workers at the entrances to the site.
• Provide current certificate(s) of compliance for CARB’s In-Use Off-Road Diesel-Fueled Fleets Regulation [California Code of Regulations, Title 13, sections 2249 and 2449.1].

During
Construction
City of Citrus
Heights and
Contractor

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Mitigation Measure Reporting
Milestone
Reporting /
Responsible
Party

VERIFICATION
OF

COMPLIANCE
Initials Date

BIOLOGY
BIO-1: Prior to the start of construction activities, the Project limits within environmentally sensitive areas (oak woodlands), will be marked with high visibility Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) fencing or staking to ensure construction will not further encroach into sensitive resources.

Prior to
Construction
City of Citrus
Heights and
Contractor

BIO-2: Contract specifications will include the following Best Management Practices (BMPs), where applicable, to reduce erosion during construction:

1. Exposed soils and material stockpiles would be stabilized, through watering or other measures, to prevent the movement of dust at the Project site caused by wind and construction activities such as traffic and grading activities;

2. All vehicle and equipment fueling/maintenance would be conducted outside of oak woodland habitat;

3. Equipment used in and around oak woodland habitat must be in good working order and free of dripping or leaking contaminants;

4. Raw cement, concrete or concrete washings, asphalt, paint or other coating material, oil or other petroleum products, or any other substances that could be hazardous to wildlife shall be prevented from contaminating the soil;

5. All erosion control measures would be properly maintained throughout construction;

6. All construction materials would be hauled off-site after completion of construction.

Prior to
Construction
City of Citrus
Heights and
Contractor

BIO-3: All onsite refueling and maintenance must occur over plastic sheeting, drip pans, or other secondary containment measures to capture accidental spills before they can contaminate the soil. Secondary containment must have a raised edge (e.g. sheeting wrapped around wattles).

Prior to
Construction
City of Citrus
Heights and
Contractor

BIO-4: A chemical spill kit must be kept onsite at all times during work and must be easily accessible for use in the event of a spill.

Prior to
Construction
City of Citrus
Heights and
Contractor

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Mitigation Measure Reporting
Milestone
Reporting /
Responsible
Party

VERIFICATION
OF

COMPLIANCE
Initials Date
BIO-5: In accordance with the City of Citrus Heights Tree Preservation and Protection Regulations, protected trees within the Project footprint will be preserved to the extent feasible. For trees removed for the multiuse trail, a tree permit will be obtained from the City prior to construction. Tree impact and avoidance measures shall be incorporated into the final design of the improvement plans. A certified arborist shall consult and make recommendations for design treatments, modifications, and construction techniques to minimize tree removal and construction impacts.

Prior to and
During
Construction
City of Citrus
Heights and
Contractor

BIO-6: Prior to arrival at the Project site and prior to leaving the Project site, construction equipment that may contain invasive plants and/or seeds will be cleaned to reduce the spreading of noxious weeds.

During
Construction
City of Citrus
Heights and
Contractor

BIO-7: If project-related activities, including vegetation removal or initial ground disturbance, are scheduled during the nesting bird season (February 1 – August 31) a pre-construction nesting bird survey must be conducted by a biologist prior to the start of work. The nesting bird survey must include the Project area plus a 100-foot buffer. Within 2 weeks of the nesting bird survey, all areas surveyed by the biologist must be cleared by the contractor or a supplemental nesting bird survey is required.

An approximate 100-foot no-disturbance buffer will be established around any active nest of migratory birds, and an approximate 300-foot no-disturbance buffer will be established around any nesting birds of prey species. The contractor must immediately stop work in the buffer area until the appropriate buffer is established and is prohibited from conducting work within the buffer until the biologist has determined that the nestlings have fledged and are foraging independently. A reduced buffer, or other avoidance strategies, can be established if deemed appropriate by the City and biologist.

Prior to and
during
construction
– Mitigation
measures
shall be
included in
all
construction
documents
for
implementati
on during
construction.

City of Citrus
Heights and
Contractor

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Mitigation Measure Reporting
Milestone
Reporting /
Responsible
Party

VERIFICATION
OF

COMPLIANCE
Initials Date
BIO-8: All food-related trash must be disposed of into closed containers and must be removed from the Project area daily. Construction personnel must not feed or otherwise attract wildlife or feral animals to the Project area.

During
construction -
- Mitigation
measures
shall be
included in
all
construction
documents
for
implementati
on during
construction.

City of Citrus
Heights and
Contractor

BIO-9: If any wildlife (e.g., amphibians, birds, mammals, reptiles, etc.) are encountered during the course of construction, said wildlife shall be allowed to leave the construction area unharmed.

Prior to and
during
construction -
- Mitigation
measures
shall be
included in
all
construction
documents
for
implementati
on during
construction
City of Citrus
Heights and
Contractor

CULTURAL RESOURCES
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Mitigation Measure Reporting
Milestone
Reporting /
Responsible
Party

VERIFICATION
OF

COMPLIANCE
Initials Date
CR-1: Prior to construction, cultural resource awareness and sensitivity training shall be provided to all construction crew members to ensure that the crew members are aware of the potential for sensitive cultural resources to be present onsite. The awareness a nd sensitivity training would also include an established protocol for informing the resident engineer of any accidentally discovered cultural resources.

Prior to
Construction
City of Citrus
Heights and
Contractor

CR-2: Treatment of Discoveries:

If significant historical, paleontological, archaeological, or tribal cultural resources are discovered within the APE, ground disturbing activities shall be suspended 100 feet around the resource(s). The archaeological monitor, a representative of the appropriate Native American Tribe(s) (if discovery is prehistoric), and the City shall confer regarding mitigation of the discovered resource(s). All discovered archaeological resources should be documented by field notation, analysis, photography, and GPS mapping. Work shall not resume in the area until mitigation has been completed, or it has been determined that the archaeological resource(s) is not significant.

During
Construction
City of Citrus
Heights

CR-3: Disposition of Discoveries:

If human remains are encountered, State Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5 states that no further disturbance shall occur until the County Coroner has made a determination of origin and disposition pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 5097.98. The County Coroner must be notified of the find immediately. If the remains are determined to be prehistoric, the Coroner would notify the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC), which would determine and notify a Most Likely Descendant (MLD). With the per mission of the landowner or his/her authorized representative, the MLD may inspect the site of the discovery. The MLD shall complete the inspection within 48 hours of notification by the NAHC. The MLD may recommend scientific removal and nondestructive ana lysis of human remains and items associated with Native American burials.

During
Construction
City of Citrus
Heights

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Mitigation Measure Reporting
Milestone
Reporting /
Responsible
Party

VERIFICATION
OF

COMPLIANCE
Initials Date
CR-4: In the event that Native American cultural resources are inadvertently discovered during the course of construction, the City shall relinquish ownership of all Native American cultural resources, including sacred items, burial goods, and all archaeological artifacts and non-human remains as part of the required mitigation for impacts to Native American cultural resources.

Prior to relinquishment, all discovered archaeological resources should be documented by field notation, photography, and GPS mapping. After consultation with the appropriate Native American Tribe(s), non-destructive analysis may be conducted.

During
Construction
City of Citrus
Heights

GEOLOGY AND SOILS
GEO-
1:

The Proposed Project will comply with the City’s Stormwater Discharge Control Measures, listed in the City’s Municipal Code (Chapter 98. Article V), which will adequately control erosion and effectively prohibit non-stormwater discharges (City of Citrus Heights 2025b). To prevent the substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil post-construction, the Project design will comply with the Sacramento Stormwater Quality Partnership’s Stormwater Quality Design Manual for the Sacramento Region (SQDM) to adequately control erosion.

Prior to
Construction
City of Citrus
Heights

HAZARDS
HM-1: Any leaking transformers observed during the course of the project should be considered a potential polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) hazard. Should leaks from electrical transformers (that will either remain within the construction limits or require removal and/or relocation) be encountered during construction, the transformer fluid should be sampled and analyzed by qualified personnel for detectable levels of PCBs. Should PCBs be detected, the transformer should be removed and disposed of in accordance with Title 22, Division 4.5 of the California Code of Regulations and any other appropriate regulatory agency. Any stained soil encountered below electrical transformers with detectable levels of PCB's should also be handled and disposed of in accordance with Title 22, Division 4.5 of the California Code of Regulations and any other appropriate regulatory agency.

Prior to
Construction
City of Citrus
Heights

HM-2: To avoid impacts from pavement striping during construction it is recommended that removal requirements for yellow striping and pavement marking materials be performed in accordance with Caltrans Standard Special Provision 14-11.07 REMOVE YELLOW TRAFFIC STRIPE AND PAVEMENT MARKING WITH HAZARDOUS WASTE RESIDUE.

Prior to
Construction
City of Citrus
Heights

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DOKKEN ENGINEERING INITIAL STUDY/PROPOSED MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION APRIL 2026 CITRUS HEIGHTS GATEWAY ACTIVATION PROJECT

Mitigation Measure Reporting
Milestone
Reporting /
Responsible
Party

VERIFICATION
OF

COMPLIANCE
Initials Date
HM-3: As is the case for any project that proposes excavation, the potential exists for unknown hazardous contamination to be revealed during project construction (such as previously undetected petroleum hydrocarbon contamination from nearby gas stations). Should any previously unknown hazardous waste/material be encountered during construction, the procedures outlined in Caltrans Hazards Procedures for Construction shall be followed.

During
Construction
City of Citrus
Heights and
Contractor

HM-4: If the project area changes (due to a change in the project design or staging area), further investigation for potential hazardous waste generators would be required to determine their impact to the revised project limits.

Prior to and
During
Construction
City of Citrus
Heights and
Contractor

HYDROLOGY
HYD-1: The proposed Project would require coverage under the NPDES General Construction Permit for Discharges of storm water associated with construction activities (2022 Construction Stormwater General Permit, Order 2022-0057-DWQ). A SWPPP would also be developed and implemented as part of the Construction General Permit. This SWPPP will incorporate all applicable BMPs to ensure that adequate measures are taken during construction to minimize impacts to water quality.

During
Construction
City of Citrus
Heights and
Contractor

NOISE
NOI-1: The Contractor shall follow City of Citrus Heights noise ordinance for construction activities:
• Do not exceed 65 dBA at 50 feet from the job site activities from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. • Use an alternative waiting method instead of a sound signal unless required by safety laws. • Equip an internal combustion engine with the manufacturer-recommended muffler. • Do not operate an internal combustion engine on the job site without the appropriate muffler.

During
Construction
City of Citrus
Heights and
Contractor

POPULATION AND HOUSING
PH-1: Property Compensation: All real property transactions shall comply with the property acquisition and relocation standards of the State of California. Property owners shall be compensated in accordance with fair market values based on appraisals.

Prior to
Construction
City of Citrus
Heights and
Contractor

TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC
TRA-1: Temporary impacts to traffic flow as a result of construction activities would be minimized through construction phasing, signage, and a traffic control plan.

Prior to
Construction
City of Citrus
Heights

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DOKKEN ENGINEERING INITIAL STUDY/PROPOSED MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION APRIL 2026 CITRUS HEIGHTS GATEWAY ACTIVATION PROJECT

Mitigation Measure Reporting
Milestone
Reporting /
Responsible
Party

VERIFICATION
OF

COMPLIANCE
Initials Date

TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES
CR-1: Prior to construction, cultural resource awareness and sensitivity training shall be provided to all construction crew members to ensure that the crew members are aware of the potential for sensitive cultural resources to be present onsite. The awareness and sensitivity training would also include an established protocol for informing the resident engineer of any accidentally discovered cultural resources.

Prior to
Construction
City of Citrus
Heights and
Contractor

CR-2: Treatment of Discoveries:

During
Construction
City of Citrus
Heights

CR-3: Disposition of Discoveries:

During
Construction
City of Citrus
Heights

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DOKKEN ENGINEERING INITIAL STUDY/PROPOSED MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION APRIL 2026 CITRUS HEIGHTS GATEWAY ACTIVATION PROJECT

Mitigation Measure Reporting
Milestone
Reporting /
Responsible
Party

VERIFICATION
OF

COMPLIANCE
Initials Date
CR-4: In the event that Native American cultural resources are inadvertently discovered during the course of construction, the City shall relinquish ownership of all Native American cultural resources, including sacred items, burial goods, and all archaeological artifacts and no n-human remains as part of the required mitigation for impacts to Native American cultural resources.

During
Construction
City of Citrus
Heights

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DOKKEN ENGINEERING INITIAL STUDY/PROPOSED MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION APRIL 2026 CITRUS HEIGHTS GATEWAY ACTIVATION PROJECT

APPENDIX B: Road Construction Emissions Model

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Agenda Packet Page #213
The maximum pounds per day in row 11 is summed over overlapping phases, but the maximum tons per phase in row 34 is not summed over overlapping phases.

Road Construction Emissions Model, Version 9.0.0
Daily Emission Estimates for -> Total Exhaust Fug itive Dust Total Exhaust Fugitive Dust Project Phases (Pounds) ROG (lbs/day) CO (lbs/day) NOx (lbs/day) PM10 (lbs/day) PM10 (lbs/day) PM10 (lbs/day) PM2.5 (lbs/day) PM2.5 (lbs/day) PM2.5 (lbs/day) SOx (lbs/day) CO2 (lbs/day) CH4 (lbs/day) N2O (lbs/day) CO2e (lbs/day) Grubbing/Land Clearing 0.67 14.18 2.87 10.18 0. 18 10.00 2.22 0.14 2.08 0.02 2,247.83 0.59 0.04 2,275.62 Grading/Excavation 2.97 59.11 8.05 10.48 0.48 10.00 2.46 0.38 2.08 0.10 9,980.05 2.87 0.17 10,101.36 Drainage/Utilities/Sub-Grade 1.66 34.94 5.09 10.32 0.32 10.00 2.34 0.26 2.08 0.06 5,714.91 1.18 0.08 5,766.84 Paving 0.87 20.36 4.72 0.26 0.26 0.00 0.19 0.19 0.00 0.04 3,630.02 0.75 0.17 3,699.41 Maximum (pounds/day) 4.63 94.05 13.14 20.81 0.81 20.00 4.80 0.64 4.16 0.16 15,694.96 4.05 0.24 15,868.19 Total (tons/construction project) 0.13 2.74 0.41 0.59 0.02 0.56 0.14 0.02 0.12 0.00 460.34 0.12 0.01 465.84 Notes: Project Start Year -> 2027
Project Length (months) -> 6
Total Project Area (acres) -> 11
Maximum Area Disturbed/Day (acres) -> 1
Water Truck Used? -> Yes
Phase Soil Asphalt Soil Hauling Asphalt Hauling Worker Commute Water Truck Grubbing/Land Clearing 0 0 0 0 320 40
Grading/Excavation 11 35 30 60 920 40
Drainage/Utilities/Sub-Grade 0 0 0 0 680 40
Paving 0 134 0 210 520 40
CO2e emissions are estimated by multiplying mass emissions for each GHG by its global warming potential (GWP), 1 , 25 and 298 for CO2, CH4 and N2O, respectively. Total CO2e is then estimated by summing CO2e estimates over all GHGs.

Total Emission Estimates by Phase for -> Total Exhaust Fugitive Dust Total Exhaust Fugitive Dust Project Phases
(Tons for all except CO2e. Metric tonnes for CO2e) ROG (tons/phase) CO (tons/phase) NOx (tons/phase) PM10 (tons/phase) PM10 (tons/phase) PM10 (tons/phase) PM2.5 (tons/phase) PM2.5 (tons/phase) PM2.5 (tons/phase) SOx (tons/phase) CO2 (tons/phase) CH4 (tons/phase) N2O (tons/phase) CO2e (MT/phase) Grubbing/Land Clearing 0.00 0.09 0.02 0.07 0. 00 0.07 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.00 14.84 0.00 0.00 13.63 Grading/Excavation 0.09 1.76 0.24 0.31 0.01 0.30 0.07 0.01 0.06 0.00 296.41 0.09 0.00 272.17 Drainage/Utilities/Sub-Grade 0.03 0.69 0.10 0.20 0.01 0.20 0.05 0.01 0.04 0.00 113.16 0.02 0.00 103.59 Paving 0.01 0.20 0.05 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 35.94 0.01 0.00 33.23 Maximum (tons/phase) 0.09 1.76 0.24 0.31 0.01 0.30 0.07 0.01 0.06 0.00 296.41 0.09 0.00 272.17 Total (tons/construction project) 0.13 2.74 0.41 0.59 0.02 0.56 0.14 0.02 0.12 0.00 460.34 0.12 0.01 422.60 CO2e emissions are estimated by multiplying mass emissions for each GHG by its global warming potential (GWP), 1 , 25 and 298 for CO2, CH4 and N2O, respectively. Total CO2e is then estimated by summing CO2e estimates over all GHGs.

The CO2e emissions are reported as metric tons per phase.

Daily VMT (miles/day)
Total PM10 emissions shown in column F are the sum of exhaust and fugitive dust emissions shown in columns G and H. Total PM2.5 emissions shown in Column I are the sum of exhaust and fugitive dust emissions shown in columns J and K.

Citrus Heights GAP Alt 2
PM10 and PM2.5 estimates assume 50% control of fugitive dust from watering and associated dust control measures if a minimum number of water trucks are specified.

Total PM10 emissions shown in column F are the sum of exhaust and fugitive dust emissions shown in columns G and H. Total PM2.5 emissions shown in Column I are the sum of exhaust and fugitive dust emissions shown in columns J and K.

Total Material Imported/Exported
Volume (yd3/day)
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DOKKEN ENGINEERING INITIAL STUDY/PROPOSED MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION APRIL 2026 CITRUS HEIGHTS GATEWAY ACTIVATION PROJECT

APPENDIX C: Natural Environment Study Minimal
Impacts

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Natural Environment Study (Minimal Impacts)
NES(MI) i January 2026
Natural Environment Study (Minimal Impacts)
Citrus Heights Gateway Activation Project
City of Citrus Heights, Sacramento County, California

January 2026

STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Department of Transportation, District 3
City of Citrus Heights

Prepared By: ________________________________________ Date: ___________ Jeff Harris, Environmental Planner/Biologist
(916) 858-0642
110 Blue Ravine Road, Suite 200, Folsom, CA 95630
Dokken Engineering

Submitted By: _________________________________________ Date: ___________ Leslie Blomquist, City Engineer
916-727-4770
6360 Fountain Square Drive
Citrus Heights, CA 95621
City of Citrus Heights General Services Department

For individuals with sensory disabilities, this document can be made available in Braille, in large print, on audiocassette, or on computer disk. To obtain a copy in one of these alternate formats, please call or write to Department of Transportation, Dennis Keaton, Caltrans District 3 Public Information Director, 703 B Street, Marysville, CA 95901; (916) 825-5252 (Voice) or use the California Relay Service (800) 735-2929 (TTY to Voice), (800) 735-2922 (Voice to TTY) or 711.

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Natural Environment Study (Minimal Impacts)
NES(MI) ii January 2026
Table of Contents

1. Introduction .............................................................................................................. 1

1.1 Project History ................................................................................................... 1

1.1.1 Project Purpose and Need ......................................................................... 1

1.2 Project Description ............................................................................................ 4

2. Study Methods ......................................................................................................... 6

2.1 Regulatory Requirements ................................................................................. 6

2.2 Studies Required ............................................................................................ 10

2.2.1 Literature Search ..................................................................................... 10

2.2.2 Field Reviews .......................................................................................... 10

2.2.3 Survey Methods ....................................................................................... 11

2.3 Personnel and Survey Dates .......................................................................... 11

2.4 Agency Coordination and Professional Contacts ............................................ 11

2.5 Limitations That May Influence Results .......................................................... 11

3. Results: Environmental Setting .............................................................................. 12

3.1 Description of the Existing Physical and Biological Conditions ....................... 12

3.1.1 Study Area ............................................................................................... 12

3.1.2 Physical Conditions ................................................................................. 12

3.1.3 Biological Conditions ............................................................................... 13

3.1.4 Habitat Connectivity ................................................................................. 22

3.2 Regional Species and Habitats and Natural Communities of Concern ........... 22

4. Results: Biological Resources, Discussion of Impacts, and Mitigation ................... 34

4.1 Habitats and Natural Communities of Special Concern .................................. 34

4.2 Special Status Plant Species .......................................................................... 37

4.3 Special Status Animal Species ....................................................................... 37

5. Conclusions and Regulatory Determinations ......................................................... 38

5.1 Federal Endangered Species Act Consultation Summary .............................. 38

5.2 California Endangered Species Act Summary ................................................ 38

5.3 Essential Fish Habitat Consultation Summary ................................................ 38

5.4 Wetlands and Other Waters Coordination Summary ...................................... 38

5.5 Invasive Species ............................................................................................. 39

5.6 Other ............................................................................................................... 39

5.6.1 Migratory Birds ......................................................................................... 39

5.6.2 General Wildlife ....................................................................................... 39

6. References ............................................................................................................. 41

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Natural Environment Study (Minimal Impacts)
NES(MI) iii January 2026
Appendices
Appendix A. USFWS Species List
Appendix B. CDFW CNDDB Species List
Appendix C. CNPS Species List
Appendix D. NRCS Soil Survey Report
Appendix E. Representative Photographs

Tables
Table 1. Soil Characteristics within the BSA ................................................................. 13 Table 2. Species Observed During Biological Surveys ................................................. 21 Table 3. Listed, Proposed Species, Natural Communities, and Critical Habitat Potentially Occurring or Known to Occur in the Project Area ........................................ 23 Table 4. Federal Endangered Species Act (FESA) Determinations .............................. 38

Figures
Figure 1. Project Vicinity .................................................................................................. 2 Figure 2. Project Location ............................................................................................... 3 Figure 3. Project Features ............................................................................................... 5 Figure 4. Vegetation Communities ................................................................................ 14 Figure 5. Project Impacts .............................................................................................. 36

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Agenda Packet Page #218
Natural Environment Study (Minimal Impacts)
NES(MI) 1 January 2026

1. Introduction
The City of Citrus Heights (City) proposes to construct multimodal and roadway improvements along Old Auburn Road and Wachtel Way in northern Sacramento County as part of the Citrus Heights Gateway Activation Project (Project). The Project is intended to provide Complete Street elements to serve bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorists as well as intersection improvements to facilitate traffic circulation along these roads.

The Project is located in the City of Citrus Heights, within the Folsom United States Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5-minute quadrangle, in Sacramento County, specifically in Sections 17, 18, 19, and 20, Township 10 North, Range 7 East (Figure 1. Project Vicinity and Figure 2. Project Location). This Natural Environment Study - Minimal Impacts (NES(MI)) was prepared for the proposed Project and describes the existing biological environment within the Project area of the proposed Project.

1.1 Project History

1.1.1 Project Purpose and Need
Purpose
The purpose of the Project is to address traffic congestion and strengthen connectivity along Old Auburn Road and Wachtel Way by improving intersection operations, linking to existing bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, and establishing future connections to planned facilities in nearby jurisdictions, such as the City of Roseville and Sacramento County. The Project aims to improve vehicular traffic circulation, enhance safety, accessibility, and mobility for all users by incorporating complete street elements that promote convenient and comfortable travel to key destinations, including neighborhoods, parks, open spaces, and regional trail systems. Planned improvements will improve traffic circulation and close gaps in pedestrian and bicycle networks along both roads by installing roundabouts, upgrading intersections, adding pedestrian crossings, enhancing streetscapes, and creating connections to current and future local and regional multi-use paths.

Need
In the City’s northeast residential area, ongoing efforts have focused on expanding the bicycle and pedestrian network through new trails, bike lanes, and safer roadway crossings. Aligned with the City’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plans, the Project aims to enhance accessibility and safety along key corridors and improve the broader transportation system. Currently, the area has gaps in the regional trail network and limited links between existing and planned bikeways. This Project will address these deficiencies by closing infrastructure gaps, improving mobility and safety, and encouraging non-motorized travel for both commuters and recreational users.

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I
0 5 10 15
Miles
Source: ESRI 2008; Dokken Engineering8/12/2025; Created By: jharris

Y O L O

S A C R A M E N T O

S O L A N O

S A N J O A Q U I N

P L A C E RS U T T E R

E L D O R A D O

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A M A D O R
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50 UV160
UV99
UV84
UV16
UV113
UV104
UV12
UV26
UV88
UV4
UV45
UV128
UV65 UV49
UV70
UV4
UV99
UV113
UV99
UV12
UV160
UV88
UV99
UV16
UV113
UV12
Folsom Lake State Rec AreaFolsom Lake State Rec Area
Auburn State Recreation AreaAuburn State Recreation Area Brannan Island State Rec AreaBrannan Island State Rec Area Franks Tract State Recreation AreaFranks Tract State Recreation Area Old Sacramento State Historic ParkOld Sacramento State Historic Park Woodland Opera House State Historic ParkWoodland Opera House State Historic Park V:\3273_Citrus Heights Gateway Activation\F1_Vicinity.mxd FIGURE 1
Project Vicinity
Gateway Activation Project
Citrus Heights, Sacramento County, California

PACIFIC
OCEAN
Sacramento
County
CA
NV
AZ
UT
OR ID
^_
Project Location
Citrus Heights City Limits
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OrangevaleOrangevale
Oak Ave
CR E3
Sunrise Blvd
Old Auburn Rd
Cirby Way
Wachtel Way
Kenneth Ave
S
Cirby
W
ay
Sunrise Ave
Sierra College Blvd
Antelope Rd
E Roseville Pky
Old Auburn Rd
Sunrise
A
ve
Sunrise Blvd Hickory Ave
Elm Ave
Beech Ave
Almond Ave
V
ista
CreekDr
Twin Oaks Ave
N Cirby Way
St
Cross Dr
Fair Oaks Blvd
Mclaren Dr
Crestmont Ave
G
len
Tree
Dr
O
ld
RanchR d
Larwin
Dr
Excelsior Ave
Garry Oak Dr
Woodmore Oaks Dr
No el Dr
Olivine Ave
Villa Oak Dr
Sheridan
Ave
ChampionOaks
Dr
Wonder St
Pecan Ave
E
Roseville PkyOak Ridge Dr
Central Ave
Annabelle Ave
Wringer Dr
Melva St
Yarrow Way
Petite
Creek
Dr
Country Creek Dr
Larkspur Ln
Ridgecrest Way
M
allard
Ln
Crux Dr
Parkhill Dr
Argo Dr
Wintergreen Dr
ConoverD
r
Lobata St
Parkview Dr
Canyon Oa k Dr
Blossom Hill Way
Menke Way
Canelo
Hills
Dr
Balb oaDr
Putcie Ln
Kingsmi ll Way
Talbot Way
Old A u burn Rd
Tilden Dr
Copperwood D r
E
ColonialPky
Little Creek Dr
Steven Ave
Quanah Way
O
lga
W
ay
LeeWay
Chris Ln
Big Oak DrHolly Oak St
Ridgeview
Dr
Haskell Way
Bonnie Oak Way
Hardy St
Nipawin Way
Claypool W
ay
Garryanna Dr
Tad
Ln
Emerson Dr
Woodmint Way
Single
W
ay
Eden Oaks Ave
Meadowlark Way
Mcconnel Dr
Alba Ct
Daggett Dr
C Bar C Ln
Moss OakAve
Lonicera Dr
Jonquil W
ay
Indian CreekDr
Biruta Ave
Marye Ave
Trimble Way
Muirfield Dr
Strong Ave
Mother Lode Dr
Pied mont Way
Mckinley Dr
Barret Dr
Red Maple Way
Highwood Way
Oakmont Dr
Blue Jay Way
Potts Ct
Chippendale Way
Colonial Pky
Mhp Rd
Mavis Ave
Crossoak Way
Weston Way
Jordell Ct
Pleasant View Dr
Saginaw
W
ay
Beckwith Way
Aster Ct
Hillside Ln
Pittman Ln
Sugar Maple
W
ay Wade Ct
Leue Ave Poulson S t
Linda Creek Ct
Blue Jay Dr
Pardillo Ave
Ash Hill Ct
Westin Ln
Shoshone Way Kyle Ct
Crail Ct
Tangors Way
Gabrielli Dr
Hill Dr
Nickens Ct
Carrick Ct
St
St
St
St
Elm Ave
St
St
St
St
S t
St
St
Cripple Creek
Linda Creek
Cirby Cre ek
Arcade Creek
LindaCreek
Linda Creek
Linda Creek
Cripple C reek
Maidu Regional
Park
C Bar
C Park
0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1
Miles
I
Source: ESRI World Street Maps Online; Dokken Engineering 9/4/2025; Created By: jharris Project Area
Citrus Heights City Limits
Project Location
FIGURE 2
Project Location
Citrus Heights Gateway Activation Project
Citrus Heights, Sacramento County, California
Document Path: V:\3273_Citrus Heights Gateway Activation\F2_Location.mxd Item 16
Agenda Packet Page #221
Natural Environment Study (Minimal Impacts)
NES(MI) 4 January 2026

1.2 Project Description
The City proposes to construct multimodal and roadway improvements along Old Auburn Road and Wachtel Way in Citrus Heights. The purpose of the Project is to address traffic congestion along Old Auburn Road, enhance connectivity to existing bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, and provide future linkages to planned facilities in neighboring jurisdictions, including the City of Roseville and Sacramento County.

The proposed improvements include intersection enhancements such as roundabouts, as well as the installation of pedestrian and bicycle facilities such as multi-use pathways, Class IV bikeways, crosswalks, sidewalks, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant curb ramps. The Project includes amending the Bikeway Master Plan, Pedestrian Master Plan, and the General Plan Bikeway Map to incorporate these new bicycle and pedestrian segments. These improvements are needed to address traffic congestion along Old Auburn Road as well as current deficiencies in pedestrian and bicycle access along Old Auburn Road and Wachtel Way.

The proposed Project includes bicycle and pedestrian improvements along Wachtel Way, extending from the Arcade-Cripple Creek Trail just south of Pitalo Way to Old Auburn Road. Along Old Auburn Road, improvements will extend from Robert Creek Court to the boundary line with the City of Roseville. The Project also includes intersection improvements at Argo Drive and Old Auburn Road, focusing on the addition of a pedestrian crossing and enhanced safety features. Additionally, safety and traffic flow improvements have been evaluated at three closely spaced intersections— Oakwood Hills Circle, Wachtel Way, and Oakwood Hills Circle/Linda Creek Court— addressing issues such as intersection interactions and the difficulty of making a left turn from Oakwood Hills Circle onto Old Auburn Road.

The Project consists of constructing roundabouts at the Argo Drive, Wachtel Way, and Oakwood Hills Circle/Linda Creek Court intersections. (Figure 3. Project Features). The proposed improvements would involve excavation, limited to areas necessary for constructing a roundabout, street lighting, a retaining wall, and sidewalks, ADA- compliant curb ramps, and bicycle facilities. Partial road closures are anticipated during construction; however, access to all residences will be maintained at all times. The Project will require permanent right-of-way (ROW) acquisitions where existing ROW is insufficient to accommodate new facilities. Temporary construction easements will be required to support construction activities. Utility relocations will be necessary where existing infrastructure conflicts with the proposed improvements. Construction is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2027 and is expected to take approximately six months to complete.

The Project is locally funded through the City, and as such it requires compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The lead agency for the CEQA compliance is the City.

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YIELD
YIELD
YIELD
YIELD
YIELD
YIELD
YIELD
YIELD
YIELD
YIELD
YIELD

STOP STOP
STOP

CONOVER DRCONOVER DR

ROBERT CREEK CTROBERT CREEK CT OLD AUBURN RDOLD AUBURN RD MATCHLINE - "OAR LINE" STA 26+50
"OAR LINE"
"WW LINE"

WACHTEL WAYWACHTEL WAY
MATCHLINE - "OAR LINE" STA 26+50

MATCHLINE -
"WW LINE"
STA 21+50
SCALE 1" = 30'
SCALE 1" = 30'

OLD AUBURN RDOLD AUBURN RD

WACHTEL WAYWACHTEL WAY

OAKWOODHILLS CIROAKWOODHILLS CIR

PONTICELLI
WAY

LINDACREEK CTLINDACREEK CT
SCALE 1" = 30'

ARGO DRARGO DR
YIELD
Feet
60300

MATCHLINE -
"WW LINE" STA 21+50

MATCHLINE -
"WW LINE" STA XX+XX

MATCHLINE -
"WW LINE" STA XX+XX
SCALE 1" = 30'
"WW LINE"
Figure 3. Project Features
Citrus Heights Gateway Activation Project
Citrus Heights, Sacramento County, Califronia
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Natural Environment Study (Minimal Impacts)
NES(MI) 6 January 2026

2. Study Methods

2.1 Regulatory Requirements
This section describes the general Federal, State, and local plans, policies, and laws that are relevant to biological resources within the Project area. Applicable approvals that could be required before the construction of the Project are provided in Chapter 5.

Federal Regulations
National Environmental Policy Act
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) provides an interdisciplinary framework for environmental planning by Federal agencies and contains action-forcing procedures to ensure that Federal agency decision makers take environmental factors into account.

NEPA applies when a Federal agency proposes an action, grants a permit, or agrees to fund or otherwise authorize any other entity to undertake an action that could possibly affect environmental resources. The City may pursue federal funding for the Project; therefore, environmental clearance under the NEPA, including compliance with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) District 3 standards, may be required.

Executive Order 13112: Prevention and Control of Invasive Species Executive Order (EO) 13112 (signed February 3, 1999) directs all Federal agencies to prevent and control the introduction of invasive species in a cost-effective and environmentally sound manner. The EO and directives from the Federal Highway Administration require consideration of invasive species in NEPA analyses, including their identification and distribution, their potential impacts, and measures to prevent or eradicate them.

Executive Order 13186: Migratory Bird Treaty Act
EO 13186 (signed January 10, 2001) directs each Federal agency taking actions that could adversely affect migratory bird populations to work with United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to develop a Memorandum of Understanding that will promote the conservation of migratory bird populations. Protocols developed under the Memorandum of Understanding will include the following agency responsibilities:
• avoid and minimize, to the maximum extent practicable, adverse impacts on migratory bird resources when conducting agency actions; • restore and enhance habitat of migratory birds, as practicable; and • prevent or abate the pollution or detrimental alteration of the environment for the benefit of migratory birds, as practicable.

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Natural Environment Study (Minimal Impacts)
NES(MI) 7 January 2026
The EO is designed to assist Federal agencies in their efforts to comply with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) (50 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] 10 and 21) and does not constitute any legal authorization to take migratory birds. Take is defined under the MBTA as “the action of or attempt to pursue, hunt, shoot, capture, collect, or kill” (50 CFR 10.12) and includes intentional take (i.e., take that is the purpose of the activity in question) and unintentional take (i.e., take that results from, but is not the purpose of, the activity in question).

Clean Water Act
The Clean Water Act (CWA) was enacted as an amendment to the Federal Water Pollutant Control Act of 1972, which outlined the basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants to Waters of the United States (WOTUS). The CWA is the primary federal law protecting the quality of the nation’s surface waters, including lakes, rivers, and coastal wetlands. The CWA empowers the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set national water quality standards and effluent limitations and includes programs addressing point-source and non-point-source pollution for all WOTUS.

On May 25, 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its ruling on the Sackett v. EPA case redefining WOTUS. The Court’s decision holds that “only those relatively permanent, standing or continuously flowing bodies of water forming geographic features that are described in ordinary parlance as streams, oceans, river, and lakes” are considered WOTUS. The ruling limits the scope of WOTUS to those “wetlands with a continuous surface connection to bodies that are WOTUS in their own right.” Section 401
The Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) has jurisdiction under Section 401 of the CWA and regulates any activity which may result in a discharge to surface waters. Typically, the areas subject to jurisdiction of the RWQCB coincide with WOTUS, including any wetlands. The RWQCB also asserts authority over “waters of the State” under waste discharge requirements pursuant to the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act.

Section 402
The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) regulates construction projects that involve ground disturbance of one acre or greater. These projects must obtain coverage under the SWRCB General Permit for Storm Water Discharges Associated with Construction Activity. Operators of regulated construction sites are required to develop a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan; to implement sediment, erosion, and pollution prevention control measures; and to obtain coverage under the General Construction Permit.

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Because the Project will result in ground disturbance of one acre or more, the permittee must obtain coverage under the SWRCB’s Construction General Permit and prepare a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan.

Section 404
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) regulates discharges of dredged or fill material into WOTUS. These waters include wetlands and non-wetland bodies of water that meet specific criteria, including a direct or indirect connection to interstate commerce. The USACE regulatory jurisdiction pursuant to Section 404 of the CWA is founded on a connection, or nexus, between the water body in question and interstate commerce. This connection may be direct (through a tributary system linking a stream channel with traditional navigable waters used in interstate or foreign commerce) or may be indirect (through a nexus identified in USACE regulations).

Nationwide Permits are a set of streamlined permits issued by the USACE under Section 404 of the CWA, designed to authorize specific activities that have minimal environmental impact on WOTUS. These permits cover a range of activities, such as construction, dredging, and filling, and are subject to general conditions to ensure they do not significantly degrade aquatic resources.

The Project area was evaluated for the presence of jurisdictional WOTUS and Waters of the State. No such features were identified within the Project footprint. As such, permitting under Section 404 of the CWA is not warranted State Regulations
California Environmental Quality Act
CEQA (California Public Resource Code [PRC] § 21000 et seq) is a statute that requires state and local agencies to identify the significant environmental impacts of their actions and to avoid or mitigate those impacts, if feasible. CEQA applies to certain activities of state and local public agencies. A public agency must comply with CEQA when it undertakes an activity defined by CEQA as a "project." A project is an activity undertaken by a public agency or a private activity which must receive some discretionary approval (meaning that the agency has the authority to deny the requested permit or approval) from a government agency which may cause either a direct physical change in the environment or a reasonably foreseeable indirect change in the environment. The City is the CEQA lead agency for the proposed Project.

Section 1602: Streambed Alteration Agreement
Under California Fish and Game Code (CFG) Section 1602, public agencies are required to notify California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) before undertaking any project that will divert, obstruct, or change the natural flow, bed, channel, or bank of any river, stream, or lake. Preliminary notification and project review generally occur during the environmental process. When an existing fish or wildlife resource may be substantially adversely affected, CDFW is required to propose reasonable project Item 16
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changes to protect the resources. These modifications are formalized in a Streambed Alteration Agreement that becomes part of the plans, specifications, and bid documents for the project. As the Project will not divert, obstruct or change the natural flow, bed, channel, or bank of any river, stream or lake, a Streambed Alteration Agreement will not be required.

Porter Cologne Water Quality Control Act
California’s Porter-Cologne Act, enacted in 1969, provides the legal basis for water quality regulation within California. The act requires a “Report of Waste Discharge” for any discharge of waste (liquid, solid, or gaseous) to land or surface waters that may impair beneficial uses for surface and/or groundwater of the State. It predates the CWA and regulates discharges to waters of the state. Waters of the state include more than just WOTUS, such as groundwater and surface waters not considered WOTUS.

Additionally, it prohibits discharges of “waste” as defined, and this definition is broader than the CWA definition of “pollutant”. Discharges under the Porter-Cologne Act are permitted by Waste Discharge Requirements and may be required even when the discharge is already permitted or exempt under the CWA.

The RWQCBs are responsible for establishing the water quality standards (objectives and beneficial uses) required by the CWA and regulating discharges to ensure compliance with the water quality standards. Details regarding water quality standards in an Action Area are contained in the applicable RWQCB Basin Plan. In California, RWQCBs designate beneficial uses for all water body segments in their jurisdictions, and then set criteria necessary to protect these uses. Consequently, the water quality standards developed for particular water segments are based on the designated use and vary depending on such use. In addition, the SWRCB identifies waters failing to meet standards for specific pollutants, which are then state-listed in accordance with CWA Section 303(d). If a state determines that waters are impaired, and the standards cannot be met through point source or non-source point controls (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System [NPDES] permits or Waste Discharge Requirements), the CWA requires the establishment of total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) which specify allowable pollutant loads from all sources (point, non-point, and natural) for a given watershed.

As there are no Waters of the State within the Project area, the Project will not require a Report of Waste Discharge.

Regional Water Quality Control Boards
The SWRCB adjudicates water rights, sets water pollution control policy, and issues water board orders on matters of statewide application, and oversees water quality functions throughout the state by approving Basin Plans, TMDLs, and NPDES permits.

RWQCBs are responsible for protecting beneficial uses of water resources within their regional jurisdiction using planning, permitting, and enforcement authorities to meet this responsibility.

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Section 3503 and 3503.5: Birds and Birds of Prey
CFG Code Section 3503 prohibits the destruction of bird nests and Section 3503.5 prohibits the killing of birds of prey and destruction of their nests. Trees and shrubs are present in and adjacent to the study area and could contain nesting sites.

Section 3513: Migratory Birds
CFG Code Section 3513 prohibits the take or possession of any migratory non-game bird as designated in the MBTA or any part of such migratory non-game bird except as provided by rules and regulations adopted by the Secretary of the Interior under provisions of the MBTA.

Local Regulations
City of Citrus Heights Municipal Code – Tree Preservation and Protection Regulations The City has adopted Tree Preservation and Protection Regulations to conserve its urban forest, with a particular focus on native oak trees. These regulations require permits for the removal or substantial pruning of protected trees and are intended to balance development with long-term environmental stewardship (City of Citrus Heights 2025). Pursuant to thew City’s Municipal Code Section 106.39.020(c)(5), street widening projects are exempt from these requirements; therefore, the Project does not require tree removal permits or off-site mitigation for the removal of native oak trees.

2.2 Studies Required

2.2.1 Literature Search
Prior to field work, literature research was conducted through the USFWS Information for Planning and Consultation (IPaC) official species list generator (Appendix A:

USFWS Species List), the CDFW California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) (Appendix B: CDFW CNDDB Species List), and the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) Electronic Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants (Appendix C: CNPS Species List), to identify habitats and special status species having the potential to occur within the Biological Study Area (BSA).

2.2.2 Field Reviews
The BSA was defined as the area of direct effects from construction activities, including potential staging/access areas with an approximate 50-foot buffer to account for adjacent biological resources that may be affected by the Project. A field assessment was completed within the BSA to identify and map vegetation communities and identify if habitat for special status species was present.

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2.2.3 Survey Methods
Biological surveys were conducted within the BSA on April 24, 2025. Survey methods included walking meandering transects, observing vegetation communities, compiling notes on observed flora and fauna, and assessing the potential for existing habitat to support sensitive plants and wildlife. All plant and wildlife observations were recorded and are discussed in Chapter 3.

2.3 Personnel and Survey Dates
On April 24, 2025, Dokken biologists Jeff Harris and Katie Jacobson conducted a general biological survey to document biological resources within the BSA. Surveys were performed to document existing biological conditions within the BSA and to assess the potential presence of special-status species and sensitive habitats.

2.4 Agency Coordination and Professional Contacts
United States Fish and Wildlife Service
On January 23, 2026, an official species list was obtained from USFWS of federally listed species that could occur in the vicinity of the Project (Appendix A).

California Department of Fish and Wildlife
On January 23, 2026, a four-quadrangle list of species with potential to occur in the Project vicinity was obtained from CDFW’s CNDDB (Appendix B).

California Native Plant Society
On January 23, 2026, a four-quadrangle list of plant species with potential to occur in the Project vicinity was obtained from the CNPS Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants of California (Appendix C).

2.5 Limitations That May Influence Results
The collection of biological field data is normally subject to environmental factors that cannot be controlled or reliably predicted. Consequently, the interpretation of field data must be conservative and consider the uncertainties and limitations imposed by the environment. Biological surveys were conducted in April, which is within the blooming period for most special status plant species. No limitations were present that could influence the results of this document. All surveys were conducted during appropriate weather and temperature conditions.

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3. Results: Environmental Setting

3.1 Description of the Existing Physical and Biological Conditions

3.1.1 Study Area
The Project area, defined as the area of direct impact, is approximately 11.36 acres.

Prior to field surveys, the BSA was defined as the Project area, plus an approximate 50- foot buffer to account for adjacent biological resources. The BSA was delineated to include the existing roadway footprint along Old Auburn Road and Wachtel Way. The BSA extends from the northern City limit at the northern terminus of the Project, southward along Wachtel Way to Pitalo Way, terminating just before the Arcade-Cripple Creek Trail. The eastern and western boundary of the BSA extends along Old Auburn Road from the City line to Robert Creek Court, respectively, ending just before Cripple Creek. The BSA encompasses all areas where direct and indirect impacts from the proposed Project may occur, including areas subject to vegetation removal, excavation, grading, and staging.

From east to west, the BSA measures approximately 1,900 feet long and measures approximately 60 feet at its widest point. The total area of the BSA is 25.47 acres.

3.1.2 Physical Conditions
Regionally, the BSA is located in the northeastern portion of the City of Citrus Heights, California, along the north-central extent of Sacramento County. The BSA lies within the Sacramento Valley Subregion of the Central Western California Floristic Province (Jepson 2025).

Climate
The City experiences Mediterranean conditions including warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The average annual high temperature is approximately 80 degrees Fahrenheit (°F), and the average annual lows reach approximately 52°F, with up to 23 inches of precipitation annually (Weather Spark 2025).

Topography & Drainage Patterns
The BSA ranges between 185 to 215 feet in elevation. The surrounding landscape is entirely developed with residential homes and small patches of annual grasslands between parcels. There are no natural drainage courses within the BSA. No aquatic resources were identified during the biological survey.

Soils
Soil composition within the BSA consists of Xerofluvents, frequently flooded (~1.1% of the BSA), Fiddyment-Orangevale-Urban land complex (~48.8% of the BSA), Urban land-Xerarents-Fiddyment complex (~46.2% of the BSA), and Xerofluvents, flooded Item 16
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(~3.9% of the BSA) (Natural Resource Conservation Service [NRCS] 2025; Appendix D.

NRCS Soil Report). The characteristics of these soils are listed below in Table 1.

Table 1. Soil Characteristics within the BSA
Soil Type Slopes (%) Drainage Depth to
Water Table
Depth to
Restrictive
Feature
Hydric
(Yes/No)
Xerofluvents,
frequently
flooded
0 to 2% Somewhat
poorly drained
30 to 57
inches >80 inches Yes
Fiddyment-
Orangevale-
Urban land
complex
2 to 8% Well drained >80 inches

28 to 40
inches to
duripan; 40 to
44 inches to
densic
material
No
Urban land-
Xerarents-
Fiddyment
complex
0 to 8% Well drained >80 inches >80 inches No
Xerofluvents,
flooded 0 to 2%
Somewhat
excessively
drained
>80 inches >80 inches Yes

3.1.3 Biological Conditions
Land cover within the BSA includes urban/developed, oak woodland, ruderal, and annual grasslands (Figure 4. Vegetation Communities; Appendix E. Representative Photographs). Plant and wildlife species observed within the BSA during the April 2025 biological survey were used to define habitat types based on composition, abundance, and cover (Table 2. Species Observed During Biological Surveys).

Urban/developed
Urban/developed areas comprise the majority of the land cover within the BSA. This land cover type includes portions of various roadways including Old Auburn Road, Wachtel Way, Linda Creek Court, Oakwood Hills Circle, Argo Drive, Conover Drive and Robert Creek Court. These roadways are paved, heavily trafficked and devoid of vegetation. Also included in this land cover type are residential homes and associated landscaping, including planted ornamental vegetation and lawns. Ornamental vegetation observed within urban/developed areas during the biological survey includes Item 16
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Wachtel Way
Old Auburn Rd
Argo Dr
Conover Dr
Olivine Ave
Chris Ln
Avalos Way
Pitalo Way
Old Hart Ranch Rd
Northvale Way
Big Oak Dr
Phoebe Way
Linda Creek Ct
Longden Cir
Talbot Way
Thethys Way
Oakwood Hills Cir
Indian Springs Way
Galena Way
Weddell Ct
Ponticelli Way
Cedarwood Ln
Ziegler Ct
Citruswood Ln
Spahn Ranch Rd
Shoemaker Way
Edgecliff Ct
Mccrone Ct
Feldspar Ct
Robert Creek Ct
La Bounty Ct
Crutchfield Ct Arcaro Ct
Bannock Ct Talbot Way
Figure 4
Vegetation Communities
Cirtus Heights Gateway Activation Project
Cirtus Heights, Sacramento County, California
Source: ESRI Maps Online; Dokken Engineering 9/4/2025; Created By: jharrisV:\3273_Citrus Heights Gateway Activation\Biology\F4_VegComm.mxd I
0 150 300 450 600
Feet
1 inch = 300 feet
Biological Study Area (25.47 acres)
Citrus Heights City Limits
Vegetation Communities
Annual grassland (0.68 acres)
Oak woodland (0.76 acres)
Ruderal (0.40 acres)
Urban/developed (23.63 acres)

Page 1 of 6 ends

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Matchline - See Page 5
Matchline - See Page 3
Old Auburn Rd
Wachtel Way
Chris Ln
Linda Creek Ct
Oakwood Hills Cir
Spahn Ranch Rd
Acorn Creek Ct
Figure 4
Vegetation Communities
Cirtus Heights Gateway Activation Project
Cirtus Heights, Sacramento County, California
Source: ESRI Maps Online; Dokken Engineering 8/20/2025; Created By: jharrisV:\3273_Citrus Heights Gateway Activation\Biology\F4_VegComm.mxd I
0 50 100 150 200
Feet
1 inch = 100 feet
Biological Study Area (25.47 acres)
Vegetation Communities
Annual grassland (0.68 acres)
Oak woodland (0.76 acres)
Ruderal (0.40 acres)
Urban/developed (23.63 acres)

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Matchline - See Page 5
Matchline - See Page 4
Matchline - See Page 2
Old Auburn Rd
Argo Dr
Longden Cir
Talbot Way
Oakwood Hills Cir
Weddell Ct
Phoebe Way
Acorn Creek Ct
Silver Rock Ct
Figure 4
Vegetation Communities
Cirtus Heights Gateway Activation Project
Cirtus Heights, Sacramento County, California
Source: ESRI Maps Online; Dokken Engineering 8/20/2025; Created By: jharrisV:\3273_Citrus Heights Gateway Activation\Biology\F4_VegComm.mxd I
0 50 100 150 200
Feet
1 inch = 100 feet
Biological Study Area (25.47 acres)
Vegetation Communities
Annual grassland (0.68 acres)
Oak woodland (0.76 acres)
Ruderal (0.40 acres)
Urban/developed (23.63 acres)

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Matchline - See Page 3
Old Auburn Rd
Argo Dr
Conover Dr
Phoebe Way
Thethys Way
Weddell Ct
Longden Cir
Newbridge Way
Robert Creek Ct
Phoebe Way
Figure 4
Vegetation Communities
Cirtus Heights Gateway Activation Project
Cirtus Heights, Sacramento County, California
Source: ESRI Maps Online; Dokken Engineering 8/20/2025; Created By: jharrisV:\3273_Citrus Heights Gateway Activation\Biology\F4_VegComm.mxd I
0 50 100 150 200
Feet
1 inch = 100 feet
Biological Study Area (25.47 acres)
Vegetation Communities
Annual grassland (0.68 acres)
Oak woodland (0.76 acres)
Ruderal (0.40 acres)
Urban/developed (23.63 acres)

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Matchline - See Page 6
Matchline - See Page 3
Matchline - See Page 2
Wachtel Way
Chris Ln
Talbot Way
Ponticelli Way
Bannock Ct
Silver Rock Ct
Avalos Way
Talbot Way
Figure 4
Vegetation Communities
Cirtus Heights Gateway Activation Project
Cirtus Heights, Sacramento County, California
Source: ESRI Maps Online; Dokken Engineering 8/20/2025; Created By: jharrisV:\3273_Citrus Heights Gateway Activation\Biology\F4_VegComm.mxd I
0 50 100 150 200
Feet
1 inch = 100 feet
Biological Study Area (25.47 acres)
Vegetation Communities
Annual grassland (0.68 acres)
Oak woodland (0.76 acres)
Ruderal (0.40 acres)
Urban/developed (23.63 acres)

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Matchline - See Page 5
Wachtel Way
Talbot Way
Pitalo Way
Bannock Ct
Figure 4
Vegetation Communities
Cirtus Heights Gateway Activation Project
Cirtus Heights, Sacramento County, California
Source: ESRI Maps Online; Dokken Engineering 8/20/2025; Created By: jharrisV:\3273_Citrus Heights Gateway Activation\Biology\F4_VegComm.mxd I
0 50 100 150 200
Feet
1 inch = 100 feet
Biological Study Area (25.47 acres)
Vegetation Communities
Annual grassland (0.68 acres)
Oak woodland (0.76 acres)
Ruderal (0.40 acres)
Urban/developed (23.63 acres)

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crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), Japanese cheesewood (Pittosporum tobira), Japanese privet (Ligustrum japonicum), sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), and oriental arborvitae (Platycladus orientalis). Additionally, this land cover includes isolated oak trees (Quercus sp.), remnants of the oak woodlands that historically covered the area before extensive residential development in the City. Private residential homes are present along both sides of Old Auburn Road and Wachtel Way along the entire alignment of the Project. Urban/developed areas encompass approximately 23.63 acres (94%) of the BSA.

Oak Woodland
Oak woodland habitat is present along the edges of Old Auburn Road in the northeast and southwest corners of the BSA. This habitat type is comprised of a variety of mature oak species including valley oak (Quercus lobata), interior live oak (Quercus wislizeni), and blue oak (Quercus douglasii) trees. The understory is comprised of Himalayan blackberry and various annual grass species including wild oat (Avena fatua), ripgut brome (Bromus diandrus), and foxtail barley (Hordeum murinum). Oak woodlands provide food, habitat and cover for many species of wildlife, including birds and mammals. Within the BSA, oak woodlands comprise approximately 0.76 acres (2%) of the BSA.

Ruderal
Ruderal, primarily composed of non-native weed species, thrives in disturbed areas where natural plant communities have been altered by human or natural disturbances.

Within the BSA, it is found in small strips along the edges of the roadway, adjacent to residential parcels. Common ruderal species found in the BSA include white-stemmed filaree (Erodium brachycarpum), common bedstraw (Galium aparine) ripgut brome, bur chervil (Anthriscus caucalis) and common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale). Ruderal vegetation covers 0.40 acres (2%) of the BSA.

Annual Grassland
Annual grassland habitats are open grasslands composed primarily of annual plant species. This habitat type is found in five small patches within the BSA, along Wachtel Way. These areas are comprised of various annual grasses and herbaceous species including hairy vetch (Vicia villosa), Italian rye grass (Carduus tenuiflorus), wild oat, foxtail barley, and Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon). Annual grassland habitat could provide suitable foraging habitat for a variety of wildlife including birds, mammals and reptiles. Annual grasslands comprise approximately 0.68 acres (3%) of the BSA.

Wildlife
Wildlife observed within the BSA consisted of locally common bird species such as bushtit (Psaltriparus minimus), cedar waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) and mourning dove (Zenaida macroura). Bird activity was mainly observed within large trees within the BSA, where suitable nesting and foraging habitat is available for local bird species.

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Table 2. Species Observed During Biological Surveys
Common Name Scientific Name Native (N) / Non-Native (X) Plant Species
Agave Agave deserti N
Bermuda grass Cynodon dactylon X [Moderate]
Blue oak Quercus douglasii N
Bur chervil Anthriscus caucalis X
Coast redwood Sequoia sempervirens N
Common bedstraw Galium aparine N
Common dandelion Taraxacum officinale X
Common vetch Vicia sativa ssp. nigra X
Crape myrtle Lagerstroemia indica X
Curly dock Rumex crispus X [Limited]
Cutleaf geranium Geranium dissectum X [Limited]
Deodar cedar Cedrus deodara X
Foxtail barley Hordeum murinum X [Moderate]
Hairy vetch Vicia villosa X
Heavenly bamboo Juglans hindsii N
Himalayan blackberry Rubus armeniacus X [High]
Interior live oak Quercus wislizeni N
Italian thistle Carduus tenuiflorus X [Limited]
Japanese cheesewood Pittosporum tobira X
Japanese privet Ligustrum japonicum X
Lupine Lupinus bicolor N
Oriental arborvitae Platycladus orientalis X
Ripgut brome Bromus diandrus X [Moderate]
Rose clover Trifolium hirtum X [Limited]
Soft brome Bromus hordeaceus X [Limited]
Sweetgum Liquidambar styraciflua X
Tree of heaven Ailanthus altissima X [Moderate]
Turkey mullein Croton setiger N
Valley oak Quercus lobata N
White stemmed filaree Erodium brachycarpum X
Wild oat Avena fatua X [Moderate]
Wild radish Raphanus sativus X [Limited]
Wildlife Species
Acorn woodpecker Melanerpes formicivorus N
Bushtit Psaltriparus minimus N
Cedar waxwing Bombycilla cedrorum N
Mourning dove Zenaida macroura N
Red-shouldered hawk Buteo lineatus N
Spotted towhee Pipilo maculatus N
1 California Invasive Plant Council (Cal-IPC) Rating

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3.1.4 Habitat Connectivity
The CDFW Biogeographic Information & Observation System (CDFW 2025a) was reviewed to determine if the BSA is located within an Essential Connectivity Area. The BSA is within an area of Terrestrial Connectivity Rank 1 – Limited Connectivity Opportunity. This ranking includes areas where land use may limit options for providing connectivity (e.g., agriculture, urban) or no connectivity importance has been identified in models.

Old Auburn Road and Wachtel Way are located within developed residential areas and do not serve as effective corridors for terrestrial wildlife movement. The Project involves modifications to existing roadways only, with no conversion or disturbance of undeveloped land that could support wildlife habitat. As a result, the Project will not cause permanent fragmentation of natural habitats or disrupt existing habitat connectivity networks.

3.2 Regional Species and Habitats and Natural Communities of Concern Plant and animal species have special status if they have been listed as such by Federal or State agencies or by one or more special interest groups, such as CNPS.

Prior to the field survey, literature searches were conducted using USFWS IPaC, CDFW CNDDB, CNPS, and NMFS databases to identify regionally sensitive species with potential to occur within the BSA.

Table 3. Special Status Species with Potential to Occur in the Project Vicinity provides the list of regional special status species returned by the database searches, describes the habitat requirements for each species, and states if the species was determined to have potential to occur within the BSA. It was determined that no special status plant or wildlife species have the potential to occur within the BSA, due to a lack of suitable habitat communities and/or lack of local occurrences. No special status plant or wildlife species were observed during the April 24, 2025, biological survey.

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Table 3. Listed, Proposed Species, Natural Communities, and Critical Habitat Potentially Occurring or Known to Occur in the Project Area
Common Name Species Name Status General Habitat Description Habitat Present
Potential for Occurrence and
Rationale
Amphibian Species
Western spadefoot Spea hamomondii
Fed:

State:

CDFW:

PT
--
SSC
Inhabits open areas with sandy or
gravelly soils within mixed
woodlands, grasslands, coastal sage
scrub, chaparral, sandy washes,
lowlands, river floodplains, alluvial
fans, playas, alkali flats, foothills, and
mountains. Burrows underground for
most of the year and is active above
ground during rainfall. Requires
vernal, shallow, temporary pools
formed by heavy winter rains for
reproduction. These pools must be
free of bullfrogs, fish, and crayfish.

Breeds from late winter to March.

A
Presumed Absent: The BSA lacks
open areas with sandy or gravelly soils
that the species can burrow in.

Additionally, it lacks seasonal pools for
breeding. The species is presumed
absent due to a lack of necessary habitat
features.

Bird Species
Bank swallow Riparia riparia
Fed:

State:

CDFW:
--
T
SSC
A migratory colonial nester inhabiting
lowland and riparian habitats west of
the deserts during spring through fall.

Majority of current breeding
populations occur along the
Sacramento and Feather Rivers in
the north Central Valley. Forages in
grassland, b rushland, wetlands, and
cropland during migration. Requires
vertical banks or cliffs with fine
textured/sandy soils for nesting
(tunnel and burrow excavations).

Nests exclusively near streams,
rivers, lakes, or the ocean. Breeds
from May through July.

A
Presumed Absent: The BSA lacks
vertical banks or cliffs that are required
for nesting. The species is presumed
absent due to a lack of potentially
suitable nesting habitat.

Burrowing owl Athene cunicularia
Fed:

State:

CDFW:
--
CE
SSC
The species inhabits arid, open areas
with sparse vegetation cover such as
deserts, abandoned agricultural
areas, grasslands, and disturbed
A
Presumed Absent: The BSA lacks arid
open areas with sparse vegetation
cover. No burrows were observed during
the biological survey conducted on April
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Common Name Species Name Status General Habitat Description Habitat Present
Potential for Occurrence and
Rationale
open habitats. Can be associated
with open shrub stages of pinyon -
juniper and ponderosa pine habitats.

Nests in old small mammal burrows
but may dig own burrow in soft soil.

Nests are lined with excrement,
pellets, debris, grass, and feathers.

The species may use pipes, culverts,
and nest boxes, and even buildings
where burrows are scarce. Breeding
occurs March through August (below
5,300 feet).
24, 2025. The species is presumed
absent due to a lack of necessary habitat
features.

California black rail
Laterallus
jamaicensis
coturniculus
Fed:

State:

CDFW:
--
T
FP
A rare, yearlong California resident of
brackish and freshwater emergent
wetlands in delta and coastal
locations including the San Francisco
Bay area, Sacramento -San Joaquin
Delta, Morro Bay, the Salton Sea, and
lower Colorado River. More than 90%
of the species are found in the tidal
salt marshes of the northern San
Francisco Bay region, predominantly
in San Pablo and Suisun Bays.

Smaller populations occur in the San
Francisco Bay, the Outer Coast of
Marin County, and freshwater
marshes in the foothills o f the Sierra
Nevada. The species is extirpated
from San Diego County and the
majority of coastal southern
California. Occurs in tidal emergent
wetlands dominated by pickleweed,
in brackish marshes dominated by
bulrushes with pickleweed, and in
freshwater w etlands dominated by
bulrushes, cattails, and salt grass.

Species prefers high wetland areas,
away from areas experiencing
A
Presumed Absent: The BSA lacks
emergent wetlands and tidal marshes.

The species is presumed absent due to
a lack of necessary habitat features.

Item 16
Agenda Packet Page #242
Natural Environment Study (Minimal Impacts)
NES(MI) 25 January 2026
Common Name Species Name Status General Habitat Description Habitat Present
Potential for Occurrence and
Rationale
fluctuating water levels. Requires
vegetation providing adequate
overhead cover for nesting. Eggs are
laid from March through June.

Grasshopper
sparrow
Ammodramus
savannarum
Fed:

State:

CDFW:
--
--
SSC
Inhabits foothills and lowlands with
dry, dense, well -drained grasslands
with a variety of grasses, tall forbs,
and shrubs for perches. In southern
California largely utilizes hillsides,
and lower mountain slopes. Nests are
composed of grasses and forbs on
slight depressions in the ground.

Species may form small groups when
nesting. Breeds April through July (0-
5,000 feet).

A
Presumed Absent: The BSA contains a
small patch of annual grasslands.

However, there are no CNDDB
occurrences of the species within a 10 -
mile radius of the BSA. The species is
presumed absent due to a lack of recent
local occurrences.

Purple martin Progne subis
Fed:

State:

CDFW:
--
--
SSC
Present in California as a summer
migrant, arriving in March and
departing by late September. Inhabits
valley foothill and montane
hardwood/hardwood-conifer,
coniferous habitats, and riparian
habitats. Associated with closed-cone
pine-cypress, pondorosa pi ne,
Douglas-fir, and redwood. Nests in
tall, old, isolated trees or snags in
open forest or woodland and in
proximity to a body of water.

Frequently nests within former
woodpecker cavities; may nest in
human-made structures such as
nesting boxes, under bri dges and in
culverts. Needs abundant aerial
insect prey. Breeds April through
August.

A
Presumed Absent: The BSA lacks
woodlands and riparian habitat as well
as nesting boxes, bridges and culverts.

The species is presumed absent due to
a lack of necessary habitat features.

Swainson’s hawk Buteo swainsoni
Fed:

State:

CDFW:
--
T
--
Inhabits grasslands with scattered
trees, juniper -sage flats, riparian
areas, savannahs, and agricultural or
ranch lands with groves or lines of
A
Presumed Absent: The BSA contains a
small patch of annual grassland that is
not large enough to support a stable
rodent prey base. All CNDDB
Item 16
Agenda Packet Page #243
Natural Environment Study (Minimal Impacts)
NES(MI) 26 January 2026
Common Name Species Name Status General Habitat Description Habitat Present
Potential for Occurrence and
Rationale
trees. Requires adjacent suitable
foraging areas such as grasslands,
alfalfa or grain fields that support a
stable rodent prey base. Breeds
March to late August.
occurrences of the species within a 10 -
mile radius of the BSA are located within
large patches of annual grasslands with
nearby potentially suitable nesting trees.

The species is presumed absent due to
a lack of potentially suitable nesting
habitat adjacen t to annual grassland
habitat.

Tricolored
blackbird Agelaius tricolor
Fed:

State:

CDFW:
--
T
SSC
Inhabits freshwater marsh, swamp
and wetland communities, but may
utilize agricultural or upland habitats
that can support large colonies, often
in the Central Valley area. Requires
dense nesting habitat that is
protected from predators, is within 3 -
5 miles from a suitable foraging area
containing insect prey and is within

0.3 miles of open water. Suitable
foraging includes wetland,
pastureland, rangeland, at dairy
farms, and some irrigated croplands
(silage, alfalfa, etc.). Nests in dense
cattails, tules, willow, blackberry, wild
rose, or tall herbs. Nests mid -March
to early August, but may extend until
October or November in the
Sacramento Valley region.

A
Presumed Absent: The BSA lacks
freshwater marsh, swamp and wetland
communities that could support a large
colony of this species. The species is
presumed absent due to a lack of
potentially suitable nesting habitat.

White-tailed kite Elanus leucurus
Fed:

State:

CDFW:
--
--
FP
Inhabits rolling foothills and valley
margins with scattered oaks and river
bottomlands or marshes next to
deciduous woodland. Prefers open
grasslands, meadows or marshes for
foraging close to isolated, dense -
topped trees for nesting and
perching. In south ern California, will
roost in saltgrass and Bermuda
grass. Often found near agricultural
lands. Nests are placed near the tops
A
Presumed Absent: The BSA lacks
rolling foothills, river bottomlands,
marshes, meadows, and grasslands.

The species is presumed absent due to
a lack of potentially suitable habitat.

Item 16
Agenda Packet Page #244
Natural Environment Study (Minimal Impacts)
NES(MI) 27 January 2026
Common Name Species Name Status General Habitat Description Habitat Present
Potential for Occurrence and
Rationale
of dense oak, willow, or other tree
stands. Breeds February through
October.

Fish Species
Central Valley
spring run -
Chinook salmon
(Oncorhynchus
tshawytscha pop. 11
Fed:

State:

CDFW:

T
T
--
Spring-run Chinook enter the
Sacramento-San Joaquin River
system to spawn, requiring larger
gravel particle size and more water
flow through their redds than other
salmonids. Remaining runs occur in
Butte, Mill, Deer, Antelope, and
Beegum Creeks, tributari es to the
Sacramento River. Known to occur in
Siskiyou and Trinity counties.

A
Presumed Absent: The BSA lacks
aquatic features that could support this
species.

Steelhead –
Central Valley
DPS
Oncorhynchus
mykiss irideus pop.
11 Fed:

State:

CDFW:

T
--
SSC
This species is known to occur along
most of the California coast line and
inhabits freshwater streams and
tributaries in northern and central
California. The preferred habitat
consists of estuaries, freshwater
streams and near shore habitat with
productive costal oceans. Spawning
occurs in small freshwater streams
and tributaries occurs from January
through March and could extend into
spring. Spawning occurs where cool,
well oxygenated water is available
year-round. Approximately 550-1,300
eggs are deposit ed in an area with
good intergravel flow. The fry emerge
from the gravel about 4 -6 six weeks
after hatching and remain in shallow
protected areas associated with
stream margin. Juveniles may remain
in freshwater for the rest of their life
cycle or return t o the ocean. The
principal remaining wild populations
spawn annually in Deer and Mill
A
Presumed Absent: The BSA lacks
aquatic features that could support this
species.

Item 16
Agenda Packet Page #245
Natural Environment Study (Minimal Impacts)
NES(MI) 28 January 2026
Common Name Species Name Status General Habitat Description Habitat Present
Potential for Occurrence and
Rationale
Creeks in Tehama County, in the
lower Yuba River, and a small
population in the lower Stanislaus
River.

Invertebrate Species
Conservancy fairy
shrimp
Branchinecta
conservatio
Fed:

State:

CDFW:

E
--
--
Inhabits relatively large and turbid
clay bottomed playa vernal pools.

Species requires pools to
continuously hold water for a
minimum of 19 days and must remain
inundated into the summer months.

Occupied playa pools typically are 1
to 88 acres in size, but species may
utilize smaller, less turbid pools.

Juveniles are most abundant where
there are deep (0.5 to 1+ m), well -
shaded pools with plenty of overhead
cover.

A
Presumed Absent: The BSA lacks
vernal pools which are required for the
species to persist.

Crotch’s bumble
bee Bombus crotchii
Fed:

State:

CDFW:
--
CE
--
This species is known to occur in
central California, Nevada south to
Baja California and into Mexico.

Inhabits coastal areas, deserts and
the Central Valley. The species nests
underground in grassland, shrubland
and chaparral habitats. The species
has a s hort tongue and primarily
feeds on the following plants
Asclepias, Chaenactis, Lupinus,
Medicago, Phacelia and Salvia.

A
Presumed Abs ent: Although the BSA
features marginally suitable habitat
within patches of annual grassland
habitat, CNDDB occurrences of the
species within a 10 -mile radius of the
BSA are located in large contiguous
patches of annual grassland habitat. The
species is presumed absent due to a
lack of local occurrences and the fact
that annual grasslands within the BSA
are dominated by non -native grasses
and lack the floral resources necessary
to support this species.

Monarch butterfly Danuas Plexippus
Fed:

State:

CDFW:

PT
--
--
Winter roosts along the coast from
northern Mendocino to Baja
California. Utilizes wind protected
tree groves in proximity to nectar and
water sources. Host plants include
milkweed species such as Asclepias
syriaca, A. incarnara, and A.

A
Presumed Absent: The BSA lacks wind
protected tree groves and large
populations of nectar producing plants
for the species to feed on. No species
from the genus Asclepias were observed
during the biological survey. The species
Item 16
Agenda Packet Page #246
Natural Environment Study (Minimal Impacts)
NES(MI) 29 January 2026
Common Name Species Name Status General Habitat Description Habitat Present
Potential for Occurrence and
Rationale
speciosa. Suitable habitat includes
fields, meadows, weedy areas,
marshes, and roadsides. Mass adult
migrations occur from August to
October.
is presumed absent due to a lack of host
plants and other nectar producing plants.

Valley elderberry
longhorn beetle
Desmocerus
californicus
dimorphus
Fed:

State:

CDFW:

T
--
--
Species requires red or blue
elderberry (Sambucus sp.) as host
plants. Typically occurs in moist
valley oak woodlands associated with
riparian corridors in the lower
Sacramento River and upper San
Joaquin River drainages. Adults are
active, feeding, and breeding from
March until June (sea level -3,000
feet).

A
Presumed Absent: The BSA lacks
elderberry shrubs which are required for
the larval development of this species.

The species is presumed absent due to
a lack of suitable host plants within the
BSA.

Vernal pool fairy
shrimp Branchinecta lynchi
Fed:

State:

CDFW:

T
--
--
In California, species inhabits
portions of Tehama County, south
through the Central Valley, and
scattered locations in Riverside
County and the Coast Ranges.

Species is associated with smaller
and shallower cool-water vernal pools
approximately 6 inches d eep and
short periods of inundation. In the
southernmost extremes of the range,
the species occurs in large, deep
cool-water pools. Inhabited pools
have low to moderate levels of
alkalinity and total dissolved solids.

The shrimp are temperature
sensitive, requiring pools below 50 F
to hatch and dying within pools
reaching 75 F. Young emerge during
cold-weather winter storms.

A
Presumed Absent: The BSA lacks
vernal pools which are required for the
species to persist.

Vernal pool
tadpole shrimp Lepidurus packardi
Fed:

State:

CDFW:

E
--
--
Inhabits vernal pools and swales
containing clear to highly turbid
waters such as pools located in grass
bottomed swales of unplowed
A
Presumed Absent: The BSA lacks
vernal pools which are required for the
species to persist.

Item 16
Agenda Packet Page #247
Natural Environment Study (Minimal Impacts)
NES(MI) 30 January 2026
Common Name Species Name Status General Habitat Description Habitat Present
Potential for Occurrence and
Rationale
grasslands, old alluvial soils underlain
by hardpan, and mud-bottomed pools
with highly turbid water.

Mammal Species
American badger Taxidea taxus
Fed:

State:

CDFW:
--
--
SSC
Prefers treeless, dry, open stages of
most shrub and herbaceous habitats
with friable soils and a supply of
rodent prey. Species also inhabits
forest glades, meadows, marshes,
brushy areas, hot deserts, and
mountain meadows. Species
maintains burrows withi n home
ranges estimated between 338-1,700
acres, dependent on seasonal
activity. Burrows are frequently re -
used, but new burrows may be
created nightly. Young are born in
March and April within burrows dug in
relatively dry, often sandy, soil,
usually in areas with sparse overstory
cover. Species is somewhat tolerant
of human activity, but is sensitive to
automobile mortality, trapping, and
persistent poisons (up to 12,000 feet).

A
Presumed Absent: The BSA lacks
treeless, dry, open meadow habitat,
forest glades, meadows, marshes, and
deserts. The species is presumed
absent due to a lack of potentially
suitable habitat.

Pallid bat Antrozous pallidus
Fed:

State:

CDFW:
--
--
SSC
Inhabits low elevations of deserts,
grasslands, shrub lands, woodlands
and forests year round. Most
common in open, dry habitats with
rocky areas for roosting. Forages
over open ground within 1 -3 miles of
day roosts. Prefers caves, crevices,
and mines for day roosts, but may
utilize hollow trees, bridges and
buildings. Roosts must protect bats
from high temperatures. Very
sensitive to disturbance of roosting
sites. Maternity colonies form early
A
Presumed Absent: The BSA lacks dry,
rocky desert, shrubland, woodland and
forest habitats. The BSA does contain a
small patch of annual grassland habitat.

However, there are no recent
occurrences of the species within a 10 -
mile radius of the BSA. The species is
presumed absent due to a lack of recent
occurrences and potentially suitable
habitat.

Item 16
Agenda Packet Page #248
Natural Environment Study (Minimal Impacts)
NES(MI) 31 January 2026
Common Name Species Name Status General Habitat Description Habitat Present
Potential for Occurrence and
Rationale
April and young are born April -July
(below 10,000 feet).

Reptile Species
Northwestern pond
turtle
Actinemys
marmorata
Fed:

State:

CDFW:

PT
--
SSC
A fully aquatic turtle of ponds, lakes,
rivers, streams, creeks, marshes, and
irrigation ditches with aquatic
vegetation. Suitable habitat includes
woodland, forests, and grasslands.

Requires logs, rocks, cattail mats,
and exposed banks for basking.

Suitable upland habitat (sandy banks
or grassy open field) is required for
reproduction, which begins in April
and ends with egg laying as late as
August (sea level to 4,700 feet).

A
Presumed Absent: The BSA lacks
aquatic habitat which is necessary for
the persistence of this species. The
species is presumed absent due to a
lack of aquatic features within the BSA.

Plant Species
Big-scale
balsamroot
Balsamorhiza
macrolepis
Fed:

State:

CNPS:
--
--
1B.2
A perennial herb inhabiting open
grassy or rocky slopes and valleys
within chaparral, cismontane
woodland, valley and foothill
grassland communities; sometimes
occurs in serpentinite soils. Flowers
March-June (300-5,100 feet).

A
Presumed Absent: The BSA lacks
open grassy or rocky slopes within
chaparral, woodlands and grasslands.

The species is presumed absent due to
the absence of suitable habitat features.

Boggs Lake
hedge-hyssop Gratiola heterosepala
Fed:

State:

CNPS:
--
E
1B.2
An annual herb inhabiting clay soils
and shallow waters of marshes,
swamps, lake margins, and vernal
pools. Flowers April -August (30 -
7,800 feet).

A
Presumed Absent: The BSA lacks
marshes, swamps, lake margins and
vernal pools. The species is presumed
absent due to the absence of suitable
habitat communities.

Dwarf downingia Downingia pusilla
Fed:

State:

CNPS:
--
--
2B.2
An annual herb inhabiting vernal
pools and mesic soils in valley and
foothill grassland communities.

Flowers March-May (0-1,500 feet).

A
Presumed Absent: The BSA lacks
vernal pools. The species is presumed
absent due to the absence of suitable
habitat features.

Hispid salty bird’s-
beak
Chloropyron molle
ssp. hispidum
Fed:

State:

CNPS:
--
--
1B.1
An annual herb inhabiting moist
alkaline soils of saline marshes and
flats, meadows and seeps, playas,
and valley and foothill grassland
communities. Flowers June -July (0 -
500 feet).

A
Presumed Absent: The BSA lacks
marshes, flats, meadows, and playas.

The annual grasslands within the BSA
may support the species. However,
there are no recent occurrences of the
species within a 10 -mile radius of the
Item 16
Agenda Packet Page #249
Natural Environment Study (Minimal Impacts)
NES(MI) 32 January 2026
Common Name Species Name Status General Habitat Description Habitat Present
Potential for Occurrence and
Rationale
BSA. The species is presumed absent
due to a lack of recent occurrences.

Legenere Legenere limosa
Fed:

State:

CNPS:
--
--
1B.1
An annual herb inhabiting wet areas,
vernal pools, and ponds. Flowers
April-June (0-2,900 feet).

A
Presumed Absent: The BSA lacks wet
areas, vernal pools and ponds. The
species is presumed absent due to the
absence of suitable habitat communities.

Pincushion
navarretia
Navarretia myersii
ssp. myersii
Fed:

State:

CNPS:
--
--
1B.1
An annual herb native to California
inhabiting vernal pool communities,
often in acidic soil conditions. Flowers
April-May (65-1,080 feet).

A
Presumed Absent: The BSA lacks
vernal pools. The species is presumed
absent due to the absence of suitable
habitat communities.

Red bluff dwarf
rush
Juncus leiospermus
var. leiospermus
Fed:

State:

CNPS:
--
--
1B.1
An annual herb inhabiting vernally
mesic soils of chaparral, cismontane
woodland, meadows and seeps,
valley and foothill grassland, and
vernal pool communities. Flowers
April-June (100-4,100 feet).

A
Presumed Absent: The BSA lacks
chaparral, woodlands, meadows and
seeps. The annual grasslands within the
BSA may support the species. However,
there are no recent occurrences of the
species within a 10 -mile radius of the
BSA. The species is presumed absent
due to a lack of recent occurrences.

Sacramento Orcutt
grass Orcuttia viscida
Fed:

State:

CNPS:

E
E
1B.1
An annual herb inhabiting vernal
pools. Flowers April -July (100 -330
feet).

A
Presumed Absent: The BSA lacks
vernal pools. The species is presumed
absent due to the absence of suitable
habitat communities.

Sanford’s
arrowhead Sagittaria sanfordii
Fed:

State:

CNPS:
--
--
1B.2
A perennial rhizomatous herb
inhabiting freshwater marshes,
swamps, ponds, and ditches. Flowers
May-October (0-2,130 feet).

A
Presumed Absent: The BSA lacks
marshes, swamps ponds, and ditches.

The species is presumed absent due to
the absence of suitable habitat
communities.

Spicate
calycadenia Calycadenia spicata
Fed:

State:

CNPS:
--
--
1B.3
An annual herb found in dry, open
meadows, hillsides, grasslands, and
openings in foothill woodland habitat
communities. Flowers March -
September (150-4200 feet).

A
Presumed Absent: The BSA lacks dry,
open meadows, hillsides, grasslands
and woodlands. The species is
presumed absent due to the absence of
suitable habitat communities.

Item 16
Agenda Packet Page #250
Natural Environment Study (Minimal Impacts)
NES(MI) 33 January 2026

Federal Designations (Fed):
(FESA, USFWS)
E: Federally listed, endangered
T: Federally listed, threatened
DL: Federally listed, delisted
C: Candidate
State Designations (CA):
(CESA, CDFW)
E: State-listed, endangered
T: State-listed, threatened
CE: Candidate Endangered
Other Designations
CDFW_SSC: CDFW Species of Special Concern
CDFW_FP: CDFW Fully Protected
California Native Plant Society (CNPS) Designations:
*Note: according to CNPS (Skinner and Pavlik 1994), plants on Lists 1B and 2 meet definitions for listing as threatened or endangered under Section 1901, Chapter 10 of the California Fish and Game Code. This interpretation is inconsistent with other definitions. 1A: Plants presumed extinct in California.
1B: Plants rare and endangered in California and throughout their range. 2: Plants rare, threatened, or endangered in California but more common elsewhere in their range. 3: Plants about which need more information; a review list.

Plants 1B, 2, and 4 extension meanings:
_.1 Seriously endangered in California (over 80% of occurrences threatened / high degree and immediacy of threat) _.2 Fairly endangered in California (20-80% occurrences threatened) _.3 Not very endangered in California (<20% of occurrences threatened or no current threats known) Habitat Potential
Absent [A] - No habitat present and no further work needed.

Habitat Present [HP] - Habitat is or may be present. The species may be present.

Critical Habitat [CH] – Project is within designated Critical Habitat.

Potential for Occurrence Criteria:

Present: Species was observed on site during a site visit or focused survey.

High: Habitat (including soils and elevation factors) for the species occurs on site and a known occurrence has been recorded wit hin 5 miles of the site.

Low-Moderate: Either low quality habitat (including soils and elevation factors) for the species occurs on site and a known occurrence ex ists within 5 miles of the site; or suitable habitat strongly associated with the species occurs on site, but no records were found within the database search.

Presumed Absent: Focused surveys were conducted, and the species was not found, or species was found within the database search but habitat (including soils and elevation factors) do not exist on site, or the known geographic range of the species does not include the survey area.

Source: (CDFW 2025b), (CNPS 2025), (Jepson 2025), (USFWS 2025), (NMFS 2025).

Item 16
Agenda Packet Page #251
Natural Environment Study (Minimal Impacts)
NES(MI) 34 January 2026

4. Results: Biological Resources, Discussion of Impacts, and Mitigation

4.1 Habitats and Natural Communities of Special Concern Habitats are considered to be of special concern based on federal, State, or local laws regulating their development; limited distributions; and/or the habitat requirements of special-status plants or animals occurring on site. Wetlands and waters of the United States are also considered sensitive by both federal and State agencies. The biological survey conducted on April 24, 2025, did not identify any jurisdictional waters or wetlands within the BSA; therefore, no impacts to jurisdictional aquatic features are anticipated.

One habitat of special concern—oak woodlands—was observed at the eastern and western extents of the BSA. The Project is expected to result in minor permanent impacts to oak woodlands. No other habitats of special concern were identified within the BSA or will be affected by Project activities. A discussion of oak woodland habitat, survey findings, and applicable avoidance and minimization measures is provided below.

4.1.1 Discussion of Oak Woodlands
Oak woodland is a sensitive natural community of regional importance in California, particularly in the Sierra Nevada foothills and Central Valley margins. In Citrus Heights, oak woodland habitat is primarily characterized by remnant patches of native oaks interspersed with residential, commercial, and roadway development. Along Old Auburn Road, oak woodlands are generally confined to roadside corridors, larger residential lots, and undeveloped parcels, where valley oak and interior live oak are the dominant native tree species. While no large stands of oak woodland remain within the BSA, the remaining mature oaks contribute to local habitat complexity and biological diversity.

4.1.2 Survey Results
Oak woodland habitat is present along the edges of Old Auburn Road in the eastern and westernmost extents of the BSA. This habitat type is comprised of a variety of mature oak species including valley oak, interior live oak, and blue oak trees. The understory is comprised of Himalayan blackberry and various annual grass species including wild oat, ripgut brome, and foxtail barley.

Patches of oak woodlands within the BSA exhibit a relatively open canopy and are on the edge of nearby riparian corridors of Linda Creek and Cripple Creek, although these riparian corridors are outside of the boundaries of the BSA. Oak trees located on City parcels within urban or developed land cover, but outside the mapped boundaries of oak woodland habitat, are not considered part of that habitat.

Item 16
Agenda Packet Page #252
Natural Environment Study (Minimal Impacts)
NES(MI) 35 January 2026

4.1.3 Project Impacts on Oak Woodlands
Minor impacts to oak woodland are anticipated as a result of the Project. The Project would permanently impact 0.19 acres of oak woodland habitat (Figure 5. Project Impacts). These impacts may include the removal or trimming of individual oak trees for safety improvements, roadway widening, or installation of new pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure. Any potential tree removal will be minimized to the greatest extent practicable. In accordance with the City of Citrus Heights Tree Preservation and Protection Regulations, protected trees within the Project footprint will be preserved to the extent feasible. Per the City’s Municipal Code Section 106.39.020(c)(5), street widening projects are exempt from the tree ordinance, as such, tree removal permits will not be required for the Project.

4.1.1 Avoidance and Minimization Efforts for Oak Woodlands The implementation of the following avoidance and minimization measures will minimize disturbance to oak woodland habitat.

BIO-1: Prior to the start of construction activities, the Project limits within environmentally sensitive areas (oak woodlands), will be marked with high visibility Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) fencing or staking to ensure construction will not further encroach into sensitive resources.

BIO-2: Contract specifications will include the following Best Management Practices (BMPs), where applicable, to reduce erosion during construction:
- Exposed soils and material stockpiles would be stabilized, through watering or other measures, to prevent the movement of dust at the Project site caused by wind and construction activities such as traffic and grading activities;
- All vehicle and equipment fueling/maintenance would be conducted outside of oak woodland habitat;
- Equipment used in and around oak woodland habitat must be in good working order and free of dripping or leaking contaminants; - Raw cement, concrete or concrete washings, asphalt, paint or other coating material, oil or other petroleum products, or any other substances that could be hazardous to wildlife shall be prevented from contaminating the soil; - All erosion control measures would be properly maintained throughout construction;
- All construction materials would be hauled off -site after completion of construction.

Item 16
Agenda Packet Page #253
Figure 5
Project Impacts

Page 1 of 2 ends

Citrus Heights Gateway Activation Project
Citrus Heights, Sacramento County, California
Source: ESRI Maps Online; Dokken Engineering 9/4/2025; Created By: jharrisV:\3273_Citrus Heights Gateway Activation\Biology\F5_Project Impacts.mxd I
0 75 150 225 300 375
Feet
1 inch = 75 feet
Wachtel Way
Project Area (11.36 acres)
Biological Study Area (25.47 acres)
Citrus Heights City Limits
Project Features
Curb/Gutter
Pavement Marker
Sidewalk Curb
Bike Lane Symbol
Permanent Impacts
Oak Woodlands (0.19 acres)
Habitat
Annual grassland
Oak woodland
Ruderal
Urban/barren
Old Auburn Road
Oakwood Hills Circle
Linda Creek Court
Item 16
Agenda Packet Page #254
Natural Environment Study (Minimal Impacts)
NES(MI) 37 January 2026
BIO-3: All onsite refueling and maintenance must occur over plastic sheeting, drip pans, or other secondary containment measures to capture accidental spills before they can contaminate the soil. Secondary containment must have a raised edge (e.g. sheeting wrapped around wattles).

BIO-4: A chemical spill kit must be kept onsite at all times during work and must be easily accessible for use in the event of a spill.

BIO-5: In accordance with the City of Citrus Heights Tree Preservation and Protection Regulations, protected trees within the Project footprint will be preserved to the extent feasible. Tree impact and avoidance measures shall be incorporated into the final design of the improvement plans. A Licensed Arborist shall consult and make recommendations for design treatments, modifications, and construction techniques to minimize tree removal and construction impacts.

4.2 Special Status Plant Species
Plants are considered to be of special concern based on (1) federal, state, or local laws regulating their development; (2) limited distributions; and/or (3) the presence of habitat required by the special-status plants occurring on site. Prior to field surveys, a list of regional special status plant species was compiled from database searches and the potential for each species to occur within the BSA was evaluated. It was determined that no special-status plant species have potential to occur within the BSA, and no impacts to special status plant species are anticipated. Please see Table 3 for rational of why each species is presumed absent.

4.3 Special Status Animal Species
Animals are considered to be of special concern based on (1) federal, state, or local laws regulating their development; (2) limited distributions; and/or (3) the habitat requirements of special-status animals occurring on site. Prior to field surveys, a list of regional special status animal species was compiled from database searches and potential for each species to occur within the BSA was evaluated. It was determined that no special-status wildlife species have potential to occur within the BSA, and no impacts to special status animal species are anticipated. Please see Table 3 for rational of why each species is presumed absent.

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5. Conclusions and Regulatory Determinations

5.1 Federal Endangered Species Act Consultation Summary Table 4 lists the eight federally listed species that were returned via database searches and the effect determinations made for each species. No federally listed species were found to have potential habitat within the BSA, nor were any observed during the April 24, 2025, biological survey. As a result, the Project would have No Effect on federally listed species, and consultation with USFWS or NMFS is not required.

Table 4. Federal Endangered Species Act (FESA) Determinations Species Name Federal Status Potential Determination
Northwestern pond turtle
(Actinemys marmorata)
Proposed
Threatened Absent No Effect
Western spadefoot
(Spea hammondii)
Proposed
Threatened Absent No Effect
Monarch butterfly
(Danaus plexippus)
Proposed
Threatened Absent No Effect
Valley elderberry longhorn beetle
(Desmocerus californicus dimorphus) Threatened Absent No Effect Conservancy Fairy Shrimp (Branchinecta
conservatio) Endangered Absent No Effect
Vernal pool fairy shrimp
(Branchinecta lynchi) Threatened Absent No Effect
Vernal pool tadpole shrimp
(Lepidurus packardi) Endangered Absent No Effect
Sacramento Orcutt grass
(Orcuttia viscida) Endangered Absent No Effect

5.2 California Endangered Species Act Summary
The Project will not have any anticipated impact to state-listed species covered under California Endangered Species Act (CESA). With avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures, the Project will not have take of these species and coordination with CDFW under Fish and Game Code Section 2081 is not anticipated.

5.3 Essential Fish Habitat Consultation Summary
The BSA does not include aquatic resources that provide Essential Fish Habitat (EFH).

Consultation with NMFS regarding EFH is not required.

5.4 Wetlands and Other Waters Coordination Summary
Land cover types within the Project area include urban and disturbed grassland habitat.

No wetlands or other jurisdictional water features were observed within the Project area Item 16
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during the biological survey conducted on April 24, 2025. As such, the Project will not impact jurisdictional waters and regulatory permits are not required.

5.5 Invasive Species
In February 1999, EO 13112 was signed, requiring Federal agencies to work on preventing and controlling the introduction and spread of invasive species. Measure BIO-6 will be incorporated into the Project plans to ensure invasive species are not introduced or spread at the Project site:

5.6 Other

5.6.1 Migratory Birds
A number of bird species have the potential to nest within the BSA within the oak woodland habitat as well as within the ornamental trees along the roadway. Migratory birds are protected during their nesting periods under the provisions of the federal MBTA and CFG Code Sections 3503, 3503.5 and 3513. Measure BIO-7 will be incorporated into the Project to avoid and minimize potential Project related impacts to nesting birds. The Project will comply with the MBTA and CFG Code Sections 3503, 3503.5 and 3513.

An approximate 100-foot no-disturbance buffer will be established around any active nest of migratory birds and an approximate 300-foot no-disturbance buffer will be established around any nesting birds of prey species. The contractor must immediately stop work in the buffer area until the appropriate buffer is established and is prohibited from conducting work within the buffer until the biologist has determined that the nestlings have fledged and are foraging independently. A reduced buffer, or other avoidance strategies, can be established if deemed appropriate by the City and biologist.

5.6.2 General Wildlife
To minimize and avoid potential effects to local wildlife during Project construction, measures BIO-8 and BIO-9 will be incorporated into the Project:

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BIO-8: All food-related trash must be disposed of into closed containers and must be removed from the Project area daily. Construction personnel must not feed or otherwise attract wildlife or feral animals to the Project area.

BIO-9: If any wildlife (e.g., amphibians, birds, mammals, reptiles, etc.) are encountered during the course of construction, said wildlife shall be allowed to leave the construction area unharmed.

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6. References
CDFW 2026a California Department of Fish and Wildlife. 2026. Biogeographic Information and Observation System Habitat Connectivity Viewer. Available at: <https://wildlife.ca.gov/Data/BIOS> (accessed 1/23/2026).

CDFW 2026b California Department of Fish and Wildlife. 2026. California Natural Diversity Database. Available at:
<http://www.dfg.ca.gov/biogeodata/cnddb/> (accessed 1/23/2026).

City of Citrus
Heights 2025
City of Citrus Heights Municipal Code. 2025. Tree Preservation and Protection Regulations. Available at:
<https://www.citrusheights.net/224/Tree-Protection-Regulations> (accessed 5/8/2025).

CNPS 2026 California Native Plant Society. 2026. Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants of California. Available at: <http://www.rareplants.cnps.org/> (accessed 1/23/2026).

Jepson 2025 Jepson eFlora. 2025. Geographic subdivisions. Available at:
<https://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/eflora/geography.html> (accessed 5/8/2025).

NMFS 2025 National Marine Fisheries Service. 2025. NMFS Species List for the Citrus Heights Gap Closure Project (requested: 5/8/2025).

NRCS 2025 Natural Resource Conservation Service. 2025. Custom Soil Resources Report for Sacramento County, California. Available at:
<https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/HomePage.htm> (accessed 5/8/2025).

USFWS 2026 United States Fish and Wildlife Service. 2025. Official Species List: U.S.

Department of the Interior – Fish and Wildlife Service: Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office. (requested: 1/23/2026).

Weather Spark
2025
Weather Spark 2025. Climate and Average Weather Year Round in Citrus Heights. Available at: <https://weatherspark.com/y/1116/Average-Weather- in-Citrus-Heights-California-United-States-Year-Round> (accessed 5/12/2025).

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Appendix A. USFWS Species List
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United States Department of the Interior

FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Sacramento Fish And Wildlife Office
Federal Building
2800 Cottage Way, Room W-2605
Sacramento, CA 95825-1846
Phone: (916) 414-6600 Fax: (916) 414-6713
In Reply Refer To:

Project Code: 2025-0083206
Project Name: 3273 Citrus Heights GAP

Subject: List of threatened and endangered species that may occur in your proposed project location or may be affected by your proposed project
To Whom It May Concern:

The enclosed species list identifies threatened, endangered, proposed and candidate species, as well as proposed and final designated critical habitat, that may occur within the boundary of your proposed project and/or may be affected by your proposed project. The species list fulfills the requirements of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) under section 7(c) of the Endangered Species Act (Act) of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).

New information based on updated surveys, changes in the abundance and distribution of species, changed habitat conditions, or other factors could change this list. Please feel free to contact us if you need more current information or assistance regarding the potential impacts to federally proposed, listed, and candidate species and federally designated and proposed critical habitat. Please note that under 50 CFR 402.12(e) of the regulations implementing section 7 of the Act, the accuracy of this species list should be verified after 90 days. This verification can be completed formally or informally as desired. The Service recommends that verification be completed by visiting the IPaC website at regular intervals during project planning and implementation for updates to species lists and information. An updated list may be requested through the IPaC system by completing the same process used to receive the enclosed list.

The purpose of the Act is to provide a means whereby threatened and endangered species and the ecosystems upon which they depend may be conserved. Under sections 7(a)(1) and 7(a)(2) of the Act and its implementing regulations (50 CFR 402 et seq.), Federal agencies are required to utilize their authorities to carry out programs for the conservation of threatened and endangered species and to determine whether projects may affect threatened and endangered species and/or designated critical habitat.

A Biological Assessment is required for construction projects (or other undertakings having similar physical impacts) that are major Federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the human environment as defined in the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4332(2) Item 16
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(c)). For projects other than major construction activities, the Service suggests that a biological evaluation similar to a Biological Assessment be prepared to determine whether the project may affect listed or proposed species and/or designated or proposed critical habitat. Recommended contents of a Biological Assessment are described at 50 CFR 402.12.

If a Federal agency determines, based on the Biological Assessment or biological evaluation, that listed species and/or designated critical habitat may be affected by the proposed project, the agency is required to consult with the Service pursuant to 50 CFR 402. In addition, the Service recommends that candidate species, proposed species and proposed critical habitat be addressed within the consultation. More information on the regulations and procedures for section 7 consultation, including the role of permit or license applicants, can be found in the "Endangered Species Consultation Handbook" at:
https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/endangered-species-consultation- handbook.pdf
Migratory Birds: In addition to responsibilities to protect threatened and endangered species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), there are additional responsibilities under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA) to protect native birds from project-related impacts. Any activity resulting in take of migratory birds, including eagles, is prohibited unless otherwise permitted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (50 C.F.R. Sec. 10.12 and 16 U.S.C. Sec. 668(a)). For more information regarding these Acts, see https://www.fws.gov/program/migratory-bird-permit/what-we-do.

It is the responsibility of the project proponent to comply with these Acts by identifying potential impacts to migratory birds and eagles within applicable NEPA documents (when there is a federal nexus) or a Bird/Eagle Conservation Plan (when there is no federal nexus). Proponents should implement conservation measures to avoid or minimize the production of project-related stressors or minimize the exposure of birds and their resources to the project-related stressors.

For more information on avian stressors and recommended conservation measures, see https:// www.fws.gov/library/collections/threats-birds.

In addition to MBTA and BGEPA, Executive Order 13186: Responsibilities of Federal Agencies to Protect Migratory Birds, obligates all Federal agencies that engage in or authorize activities that might affect migratory birds, to minimize those effects and encourage conservation measures that will improve bird populations. Executive Order 13186 provides for the protection of both migratory birds and migratory bird habitat. For information regarding the implementation of Executive Order 13186, please visit https://www.fws.gov/partner/council-conservation- migratory-birds.

We appreciate your concern for threatened and endangered species. The Service encourages Federal agencies to include conservation of threatened and endangered species into their project planning to further the purposes of the Act. Please include the Consultation Code in the header of this letter with any request for consultation or correspondence about your project that you submit to our office.

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▪
Attachment(s):

Official Species List

OFFICIAL SPECIES LIST
This list is provided pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, and fulfills the requirement for Federal agencies to "request of the Secretary of the Interior information whether any species which is listed or proposed to be listed may be present in the area of a proposed action".

This species list is provided by:

Sacramento Fish And Wildlife Office
Federal Building
2800 Cottage Way, Room W-2605
Sacramento, CA 95825-1846
(916) 414-6600
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PROJECT SUMMARY
Project Code: 2025-0083206
Project Name: 3273 Citrus Heights GAP
Project Type: Road/Hwy - New Construction
Project Description: Complete Streets Project
Project Location:

The approximate location of the project can be viewed in Google Maps: https:// www.google.com/maps/@38.71302935,-121.24451789999631,14z Counties: Placer and Sacramento counties, California
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1. ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT SPECIES
There is a total of 8 threatened, endangered, or candidate species on this species list.

Species on this list should be considered in an effects analysis for your project and could include species that exist in another geographic area. For example, certain fish may appear on the species list because a project could affect downstream species.

IPaC does not display listed species or critical habitats under the sole jurisdiction of NOAA Fisheries , as USFWS does not have the authority to speak on behalf of NOAA and the Department of Commerce.

See the "Critical habitats" section below for those critical habitats that lie wholly or partially within your project area under this office's jurisdiction. Please contact the designated FWS office if you have questions.

NOAA Fisheries, also known as the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), is an office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration within the Department of Commerce.
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REPTILES

NAME STATUS
Northwestern Pond Turtle Actinemys marmorata
No critical habitat has been designated for this species.

Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/1111
General project design guidelines:
https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/project/KJEN6JN3QZBBZG3V76QIKZG2DA/documents/ generated/11271.pdf
Proposed
Threatened

AMPHIBIANS

NAME STATUS
Western Spadefoot Spea hammondii
Population: Northern DPS
No critical habitat has been designated for this species.

Species profile:
https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/5425
General project design guidelines:
https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/project/KJEN6JN3QZBBZG3V76QIKZG2DA/documents/ generated/11271.pdf
Proposed
Threatened

INSECTS

NAME STATUS
Monarch Butterfly Danaus plexippus
There is proposed critical habitat for this species. Your location does not overlap the critical habitat.

Species profile:
https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/9743
General project design guidelines:
https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/project/KJEN6JN3QZBBZG3V76QIKZG2DA/documents/ generated/11271.pdf
Proposed
Threatened
Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle Desmocerus californicus dimorphus There is final critical habitat for this species. Your location does not overlap the critical habitat.

Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/7850
Threatened

CRUSTACEANS

NAME STATUS
Conservancy Fairy Shrimp Branchinecta conservatio
There is final critical habitat for this species. Your location does not overlap the critical habitat.

Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/8246
General project design guidelines:
https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/project/KJEN6JN3QZBBZG3V76QIKZG2DA/documents/ generated/11271.pdf
Endangered
Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp Branchinecta lynchi
There is final critical habitat for this species. Your location does not overlap the critical habitat.

Species profile:
https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/498
Threatened
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NAME STATUS
General project design guidelines:
https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/project/KJEN6JN3QZBBZG3V76QIKZG2DA/documents/ generated/11271.pdf
Vernal Pool Tadpole Shrimp Lepidurus packardi
There is final critical habitat for this species. Your location does not overlap the critical habitat.

Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/2246
General project design guidelines:
https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/project/KJEN6JN3QZBBZG3V76QIKZG2DA/documents/ generated/11271.pdf
Endangered

FLOWERING PLANTS

NAME STATUS
Sacramento Orcutt Grass Orcuttia viscida
There is final critical habitat for this species. Your location does not overlap the critical habitat.

Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/5507
Endangered

CRITICAL HABITATS

THERE ARE NO CRITICAL HABITATS WITHIN YOUR PROJECT AREA UNDER THIS OFFICE'S JURISDICTION.

YOU ARE STILL REQUIRED TO DETERMINE IF YOUR PROJECT(S) MAY HA VE EFFECTS ON ALL ABOVE LISTED SPECIES.

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IPAC USER CONTACT INFORMATION
Agency: Dokken Engineering
Name: Jeffrey Harris
Address: 110 Blue Ravine Rd #200
City: Folsom
State: CA
Zip: 95630
Email [email protected]
Phone: 9167651015
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Appendix B. CDFW CNDDB Species List
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Species Element Code Federal Status State Status Global Rank State Rank Rare Plant
Rank/CDFW
SSC or FP
Alkali Meadow
Alkali Meadow
CTT45310CA None None G3 S2.1
Alkali Seep
Alkali Seep
CTT45320CA None None G3 S2.1
American badger
Taxidea taxus
AMAJF04010 None None G5 S3 SSC
American bumble bee
Bombus pensylvanicus
IIHYM24260 None None G3G4 S2
An andrenid bee
Andrena subapasta
IIHYM35210 None None G1G2 S1S2
bank swallow
Riparia riparia
ABPAU08010 None Threatened G5 S3
big-scale balsamroot
Balsamorhiza macrolepis
PDAST11061 None None G2 S2 1B.2
Boggs Lake hedge-hyssop
Gratiola heterosepala
PDSCR0R060 None Endangered G2G3 S2 1B.2
Brandegee's clarkia
Clarkia biloba ssp. brandegeeae
PDONA05053 None None G4G5T4 S4 4.2
burrowing owl
Athene cunicularia
ABNSB10010 None Candidate
Endangered
G4 S2 SSC
California black rail
Laterallus jamaicensis coturniculus
ABNME03041 None Threatened G3T1 S2 FP
California linderiella
Linderiella occidentalis
ICBRA06010 None None G2G3 S2S3
Cooper's hawk
Astur cooperii
ABNKC12040 None None G5 S4 WL
Crotch's bumble bee
Bombus crotchii
IIHYM24480 None Candidate
Endangered
G2 S2
double-crested cormorant
Nannopterum auritum
ABNFD01020 None None G5 S4 WL
dwarf downingia
Downingia pusilla
PDCAM060C0 None None GU S2 2B.2
grasshopper sparrow
Ammodramus savannarum
ABPBXA0020 None None G5 S3 SSC
great blue heron
Ardea herodias
ABNGA04010 None None G5 S4
great egret
Ardea alba
ABNGA04040 None None G5 S4
Query Criteria: Quad IS (Folsom (3812162) OR Citrus Heights (3812163) OR Rocklin (3812172) OR Roseville (3812173)) Report Printed on Friday, January 23, 2026

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Information Expires 7/2/2026
Selected Elements by Common Name
California Department of Fish and Wildlife
California Natural Diversity Database
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Species Element Code Federal Status State Status Global Rank State Rank Rare Plant
Rank/CDFW
SSC or FP
hispid salty bird's-beak
Chloropyron molle ssp. hispidum
PDSCR0J0D1 None None G2T1 S1 1B.1
legenere
Legenere limosa
PDCAM0C010 None None G2 S2 1B.1
merlin
Falco columbarius
ABNKD06030 None None G5 S3S4 WL
Northern Hardpan Vernal Pool
Northern Hardpan Vernal Pool
CTT44110CA None None G3 S3.1
Northern Volcanic Mud Flow Vernal Pool
Northern Volcanic Mud Flow Vernal Pool
CTT44132CA None None G1 S1.1
northwestern pond turtle
Actinemys marmorata
ARAAD02031 Proposed
Threatened
None G2 SNR SSC
osprey
Pandion haliaetus
ABNKC01010 None None G5 S4 WL
pallid bat
Antrozous pallidus
AMACC10010 None None G4 S3 SSC
pincushion navarretia
Navarretia myersii ssp. myersii
PDPLM0C0X1 None None G2T2 S2 1B.1
purple martin
Progne subis
ABPAU01010 None None G5 S3 SSC
Red Bluff dwarf rush
Juncus leiospermus var. leiospermus
PMJUN011L2 None None G2T2 S2 1B.1
Ricksecker's water scavenger beetle
Hydrochara rickseckeri
IICOL5V010 None None G2? S2?
Sacramento Orcutt grass
Orcuttia viscida
PMPOA4G070 Endangered Endangered G1 S1 1B.1
Sanford's arrowhead
Sagittaria sanfordii
PMALI040Q0 None None G3 S3 1B.2
silver-haired bat
Lasionycteris noctivagans
AMACC02010 None None G4 S3S4
spicate calycadenia
Calycadenia spicata
PDAST1P090 None None G3? S3 1B.3
steelhead - Central Valley DPS
Oncorhynchus mykiss irideus pop. 11
AFCHA0209K Threatened None G5T2Q S2 SSC
stinkbells
Fritillaria agrestis
PMLIL0V010 None None G3 S3 4.2
Swainson's hawk
Buteo swainsoni
ABNKC19070 None Threatened G5 S4
tricolored blackbird
Agelaius tricolor
ABPBXB0020 None Threatened G1G2 S2 SSC
valley elderberry longhorn beetle
Desmocerus californicus dimorphus
IICOL48011 Threatened None G3T3 S3
Report Printed on Friday, January 23, 2026

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Information Expires 7/2/2026
Selected Elements by Common Name
California Department of Fish and Wildlife
California Natural Diversity Database
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Appendix C. CNPS Species List
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Search Results
13 matches found. Click on scientific name for details
Search Criteria: , Quad is one of [3812173:3812162:3812163] ▲ COMMON
NAME

SCIENTIFIC

NAME FAMILY LIFEFORM

BLOOMING
PERIOD
FED
LIST
STATE
LIST
GLOBAL
RANK
STATE
RANK
CA
RARE
PLANT
RANK
CA

ENDEMIC
DATE

ADDED PHOTO
big-scale
balsamroot
Balsamorhiza
macrolepis
Asteraceae perennial herb Mar-Jun None None G2 S2 1B.2 Yes 1974- 01-01
©1998
Dean Wm.

Taylor
Boggs Lake
hedge-
hyssop
Gratiola
heterosepala
Plantaginaceae annual herb Apr-Aug None CE G2G3 S2 1B.2 1974- 01-01
©2004
Carol W.

Witham
Brandegee's
clarkia
Clarkia
biloba ssp.
brandegeeae
Onagraceae annual herb (Mar)May-
Jul
None None G4G5T4 S4 4.2 Yes 2001-
01-01 No Photo
Available
dwarf
downingia
Downingia
pusilla
Campanulaceae annual herb Mar-May None None GU S2 2B.2 1980- 01-01
© 2013
Aaron
Arthur
hispid salty
bird's-beak
Chloropyron
molle ssp.
hispidum
Orobanchaceae annual herb
(hemiparasitic)
Jun-Sep None None G2T1 S1 1B.1 Yes 1974-
01-01 No Photo
Available
legenere Legenere
limosa
Campanulaceae annual herb Apr-Jun None None G2 S2 1B.1 Yes 1974- 01-01
© 2025
Adam
Searcy
CNPS Rare Plant Inventory
1/23/26, 4:09 PM CNPS Rare Plant Inventory | Search Results https://rareplants.cnps.org/Search/result?frm=T&sl=1&quad=3812173:3812162:3812163:&elev=:m:o 1/3 Item 16
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pincushion
navarretia
Navarretia
myersii ssp.
myersii
Polemoniaceae annual herb Apr-May None None G2T2 S2 1B.1 Yes 1994- 01-01
© 2020
Leigh
Johnson
Red Bluff
dwarf rush
Juncus
leiospermus
var.
leiospermus
Juncaceae annual herb Mar-Jun None None G2T2 S2 1B.1 Yes 1974- 01-01
©2016
Dylan
Neubauer
Sacramento
Orcutt grass
Orcuttia
viscida
Poaceae annual herb Apr-
Jul(Sep)
FE CE G1 S1 1B.1 Yes 1974-
01-01
© Rick York
and CNPS
Sanford's
arrowhead
Sagittaria
sanfordii
Alismataceae perennial
rhizomatous
herb
(emergent)
May-
Oct(Nov)
None None G3 S3 1B.2 Yes 1984-
01-01
©2013
Debra L.

Cook
spicate
calycadenia
Calycadenia
spicata
Asteraceae annual herb May-Sep None None G3? S3 1B.3 2023- 04-05
© 2023
Christopher
Bronny
stinkbells Fritillaria
agrestis
Liliaceae perennial
bulbiferous
herb
Mar-Jun None None G3 S3 4.2 Yes 1980-
01-01
© 2016
Aaron
Schusteff
valley
brodiaea
Brodiaea
rosea ssp.
vallicola
Themidaceae perennial
bulbiferous
herb
Apr-
May(Jun)
None None G4G5T3 S3 4.2 Yes 2019-
01-07
© 2011
Steven
Perry
1/23/26, 4:09 PM CNPS Rare Plant Inventory | Search Results https://rareplants.cnps.org/Search/result?frm=T&sl=1&quad=3812173:3812162:3812163:&elev=:m:o 2/3 Item 16
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}
Showing 1 to 13 of 13 entries
Go to top
Suggested Citation:

California Native Plant Society, Rare Plant Program. 2026. Rare Plant Inventory (online edition, v9.5.1). Website https://www.rareplants.cnps.org [accessed 24 January 2026].
1/23/26, 4:09 PM CNPS Rare Plant Inventory | Search Results https://rareplants.cnps.org/Search/result?frm=T&sl=1&quad=3812173:3812162:3812163:&elev=:m:o 3/3 Item 16
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Appendix D. NRCS Soil Survey Report
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United States
Department of
Agriculture
A product of the National
Cooperative Soil Survey,
a joint effort of the United
States Department of
Agriculture and other
Federal agencies, State
agencies including the
Agricultural Experiment
Stations, and local
participants
Custom Soil Resource
Report for
Placer County, California,
Western Part; and
Sacramento County,
California
Natural
Resources
Conservation
Service
May 8, 2025
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Preface
Soil surveys contain information that affects land use planning in survey areas.

They highlight soil limitations that affect various land uses and provide information about the properties of the soils in the survey areas. Soil surveys are designed for many different users, including farmers, ranchers, foresters, agronomists, urban planners, community of
ficials, engineers, developers, builders, and home buyers.

Also, conservationists, teachers, students, and specialists in recreation, waste disposal, and pollution control can use the surveys to help them understand, protect, or enhance the environment.

Various land use regulations of Federal, State, and local governments may impose special restrictions on land use or land treatment. Soil surveys identify soil properties that are used in making various land use or land treatment decisions.

The information is intended to help the land users identify and reduce the effects of soil limitations on various land uses. The landowner or user is responsible for identifying and complying with existing laws and regulations.

Although soil survey information can be used for general farm, local, and wider area planning, onsite investigation is needed to supplement this information in some cases. Examples include soil quality assessments (http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/ portal/nrcs/main/soils/health/) and certain conservation and engineering applications. For more detailed information, contact your local USDA Service Center (
https://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app?agency=nrcs) or your NRCS State Soil Scientist (http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/contactus/? cid=nrcs142p2_053951).

Great differences in soil properties can occur within short distances. Some soils are seasonally wet or subject to flooding. Some are too unstable to be used as a foundation for buildings or roads. Clayey or wet soils are poorly suited to use as septic tank absorption fields. A high water table makes a soil poorly suited to basements or underground installations.

The National Cooperative Soil Survey is a joint effort of the United States Department of Agriculture and other Federal agencies, State agencies including the Agricultural Experiment Stations, and local agencies. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has leadership for the Federal part of the National Cooperative Soil Survey.

Information about soils is updated periodically. Updated information is available through the NRCS Web Soil Survey, the site for of
ficial soil survey information.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require 2 Item 16
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alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director , Office of
Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
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Contents
Preface.................................................................................................................... 2 How Soil Surveys Are Made..................................................................................5 Soil Map.................................................................................................................. 8 Soil Map................................................................................................................9 Legend................................................................................................................10 Map Unit Legend................................................................................................ 12 Map Unit Descriptions........................................................................................ 12 Placer County, California, Western Part..........................................................14 194—Xerofluvents, frequently flooded........................................................ 14 Sacramento County, California....................................................................... 16 148—Fiddyment-Orangevale-Urban land complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes..16 229—Urban land-Xerarents-Fiddyment complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes.....18 242—Xerofluvents, 0 to 2 percent slopes, flooded......................................21 References............................................................................................................23 4 Item 16
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How Soil Surveys Are Made
Soil surveys are made to provide information about the soils and miscellaneous areas in a specific area. They include a description of the soils and miscellaneous areas and their location on the landscape and tables that show soil properties and limitations affecting various uses. Soil scientists observed the steepness, length, and shape of the slopes; the general pattern of drainage; the kinds of crops and native plants; and the kinds of bedrock. They observed and described many soil profiles. A soil profile is the sequence of natural layers, or horizons, in a soil. The profile extends from the surface down into the unconsolidated material in which the soil formed or from the surface down to bedrock. The unconsolidated material is devoid of roots and other living organisms and has not been changed by other biological activity.

Currently
, soils are mapped according to the boundaries of major land resource areas (MLRAs). MLRAs are geographically associated land resource units that share common characteristics related to physiography, geology, climate, water resources, soils, biological resources, and land uses (USDA, 2006). Soil survey areas typically consist of parts of one or more MLRA.

The soils and miscellaneous areas in a survey area occur in an orderly pattern that is related to the geology
, landforms, relief, climate, and natural vegetation of the area. Each kind of soil and miscellaneous area is associated with a particular kind of landform or with a segment of the landform. By observing the soils and miscellaneous areas in the survey area and relating their position to specific segments of the landform, a soil scientist develops a concept, or model, of how they were formed. Thus, during mapping, this model enables the soil scientist to predict with a considerable degree of accuracy the kind of soil or miscellaneous area at a specific location on the landscape.

Commonly, individual soils on the landscape merge into one another as their characteristics gradually change. T
o construct an accurate soil map, however, soil
scientists must determine the boundaries between the soils. They can observe only a limited number of soil profiles. Nevertheless, these observations, supplemented by an understanding of the soil-vegetation-landscape relationship, are suf ficient to
verify predictions of the kinds of soil in an area and to determine the boundaries.

Soil scientists recorded the characteristics of the soil profiles that they studied. They noted soil color, texture, size and shape of soil aggregates, kind and amount of rock fragments, distribution of plant roots, reaction, and other features that enable them to identify soils. After describing the soils in the survey area and determining their properties, the soil scientists assigned the soils to taxonomic classes (units).

Taxonomic classes are concepts. Each taxonomic class has a set of soil characteristics with precisely defined limits. The classes are used as a basis for comparison to classify soils systematically
. Soil taxonomy, the system of taxonomic
classification used in the United States, is based mainly on the kind and character of soil properties and the arrangement of horizons within the profile. After the soil 5 Item 16
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scientists classified and named the soils in the survey area, they compared the individual soils with similar soils in the same taxonomic class in other areas so that they could confirm data and assemble additional data based on experience and research.

The objective of soil mapping is not to delineate pure map unit components; the objective is to separate the landscape into landforms or landform segments that have similar use and management requirements. Each map unit is defined by a unique combination of soil components and/or miscellaneous areas in predictable proportions. Some components may be highly contrasting to the other components of the map unit. The presence of minor components in a map unit in no way diminishes the usefulness or accuracy of the data. The delineation of such landforms and landform segments on the map provides sufficient information for the development of resource plans. If intensive use of small areas is planned, onsite investigation is needed to define and locate the soils and miscellaneous areas.

Soil scientists make many field observations in the process of producing a soil map.

The frequency of observation is dependent upon several factors, including scale of mapping, intensity of mapping, design of map units, complexity of the landscape, and experience of the soil scientist. Observations are made to test and refine the soil-landscape model and predictions and to verify the classification of the soils at specific locations. Once the soil-landscape model is refined, a significantly smaller number of measurements of individual soil properties are made and recorded.

These measurements may include field measurements, such as those for color, depth to bedrock, and texture, and laboratory measurements, such as those for content of sand, silt, clay, salt, and other components. Properties of each soil typically vary from one point to another across the landscape.

Observations for map unit components are aggregated to develop ranges of characteristics for the components. The aggregated values are presented. Direct measurements do not exist for every property presented for every map unit component. V
alues for some properties are estimated from combinations of other properties.

While a soil survey is in progress, samples of some of the soils in the area generally are collected for laboratory analyses and for engineering tests. Soil scientists interpret the data from these analyses and tests as well as the field-observed characteristics and the soil properties to determine the expected behavior of the soils under different uses. Interpretations for all of the soils are field tested through observation of the soils in different uses and under dif ferent levels of management.

Some interpretations are modified to fit local conditions, and some new interpretations are developed to meet local needs. Data are assembled from other sources, such as research information, production records, and field experience of specialists. For example, data on crop yields under defined levels of management are assembled from farm records and from field or plot experiments on the same kinds of soil.

Predictions about soil behavior are based not only on soil properties but also on such variables as climate and biological activity. Soil conditions are predictable over long periods of time, but they are not predictable from year to year. For example, soil scientists can predict with a fairly high degree of accuracy that a given soil will have a high water table within certain depths in most years, but they cannot predict that a high water table will always be at a specific level in the soil on a specific date.

After soil scientists located and identified the significant natural bodies of soil in the survey area, they drew the boundaries of these bodies on aerial photographs and Custom Soil Resource Report
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identified each as a specific map unit. Aerial photographs show trees, buildings, fields, roads, and rivers, all of which help in locating boundaries accurately.

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Soil Map
The soil map section includes the soil map for the defined area of interest, a list of soil map units on the map and extent of each map unit, and cartographic symbols displayed on the map. Also presented are various metadata about data used to produce the map, and a description of each soil map unit. 8 Item 16
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9 Custom Soil Resource Report
Soil Map
4285700 4285800 4285900 4286000 4286100 4286200 4286300 4286400 4286500 4286600 4286700 4286800 4286900 4287000 4285700 4285800 4285900 4286000 4286100 4286200 4286300 4286400 4286500 4286600 4286700 4286800 4286900 4287000 4287100 652000 652100 652200 652300 652400 652500 652600 652700 652800 652900 653000 652000 652100 652200 652300 652400 652500 652600 652700 652800 652900 653000 38° 43' 10'' N
121° 15' 7'' W
38° 43' 10'' N
121° 14' 22'' W
38° 42' 23'' N
121° 15' 7'' W
38° 42' 23'' N
121° 14' 22'' WN
Map projection: Web Mercator Corner coordinates: WGS84 Edge tics: UTM Zone 10N WGS84 0 300 600 1200 1800
Feet
0 100 200 400 600
Meters
Map Scale: 1:6,980 if printed on A portrait (8.5" x 11") sheet.

Soil Map may not be valid at this scale.

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MAP LEGEND MAP INFORMATION
Area of Interest (AOI)
Area of Interest (AOI)
Soils
Soil Map Unit Polygons
Soil Map Unit Lines
Soil Map Unit Points
Special Point Features
Blowout
Borrow Pit
Clay Spot
Closed Depression
Gravel Pit
Gravelly Spot
Landfill
Lava Flow
Marsh or swamp
Mine or Quarry
Miscellaneous Water
Perennial Water
Rock Outcrop
Saline Spot
Sandy Spot
Severely Eroded Spot
Sinkhole
Slide or Slip
Sodic Spot
Spoil Area
Stony Spot
Very Stony Spot
Wet Spot
Other
Special Line Features
Water Features
Streams and Canals
Transportation
Rails
Interstate Highways
US Routes
Major Roads
Local Roads
Background
Aerial Photography
The soil surveys that comprise your AOI were mapped at
1:24,000.

Warning: Soil Map may not be valid at this scale.

Enlargement of maps beyond the scale of mapping can cause misunderstanding of the detail of mapping and accuracy of soil line placement. The maps do not show the small areas of contrasting soils that could have been shown at a more detailed scale.

Please rely on the bar scale on each map sheet for map
measurements.

Source of Map: Natural Resources Conservation Service
Web Soil Survey URL:

Coordinate System: Web Mercator (EPSG:3857)
Maps from the Web Soil Survey are based on the Web Mercator projection, which preserves direction and shape but distorts distance and area. A projection that preserves area, such as the Albers equal-area conic projection, should be used if more accurate calculations of distance or area are required.

This product is generated from the USDA-NRCS certified data as of the version date(s) listed below.

Soil Survey Area: Placer County, California, W
estern Part
Survey Area Data: Version 16, Aug 30, 2024
Soil Survey Area: Sacramento County, California
Survey Area Data: Version 25, Sep 8, 2024
Your area of interest (AOI) includes more than one soil survey area. These survey areas may have been mapped at different scales, with a different land use in mind, at dif
ferent times, or at
different levels of detail. This may result in map unit symbols, soil properties, and interpretations that do not completely agree across soil survey area boundaries.

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MAP LEGEND MAP INFORMATION
Soil map units are labeled (as space allows) for map scales 1:50,000 or larger.

Date(s) aerial images were photographed: Apr 23, 2022—Apr 24, 2022
The orthophoto or other base map on which the soil lines were compiled and digitized probably differs from the background imagery displayed on these maps. As a result, some minor shifting of map unit boundaries may be evident.

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Map Unit Legend
Map Unit Symbol Map Unit Name Acres in AOI Percent of AOI 194 Xerofluvents, frequently flooded 0.3 1.1%
Subtotals for Soil Survey Area 0.3 1.1%
Totals for Area of Interest 25.5 100.0%
Map Unit Symbol Map Unit Name Acres in AOI Percent of AOI 148 Fiddyment-Orangevale-Urban
land complex, 2 to 8 percent
slopes

12.4 48.8%
229 Urban land-Xerarents-
Fiddyment complex, 0 to 8
percent slopes

11.8 46.2%
242 Xerofluvents, 0 to 2 percent
slopes, flooded

1.0 3.9%
Subtotals for Soil Survey Area 25.2 98.9%
Totals for Area of Interest 25.5 100.0%
Map Unit Descriptions
The map units delineated on the detailed soil maps in a soil survey represent the soils or miscellaneous areas in the survey area. The map unit descriptions, along with the maps, can be used to determine the composition and properties of a unit.

A map unit delineation on a soil map represents an area dominated by one or more major kinds of soil or miscellaneous areas. A map unit is identified and named according to the taxonomic classification of the dominant soils. Within a taxonomic class there are precisely defined limits for the properties of the soils. On the landscape, however, the soils are natural phenomena, and they have the characteristic variability of all natural phenomena. Thus, the range of some observed properties may extend beyond the limits defined for a taxonomic class.

Areas of soils of a single taxonomic class rarely, if ever , can be mapped without
including areas of other taxonomic classes. Consequently, every map unit is made up of the soils or miscellaneous areas for which it is named and some minor components that belong to taxonomic classes other than those of the major soils.

Most minor soils have properties similar to those of the dominant soil or soils in the map unit, and thus they do not affect use and management. These are called noncontrasting, or similar, components. They may or may not be mentioned in a particular map unit description. Other minor components, however , have properties
and behavioral characteristics divergent enough to affect use or to require different management. These are called contrasting, or dissimilar, components. They generally are in small areas and could not be mapped separately because of the scale used. Some small areas of strongly contrasting soils or miscellaneous areas are identified by a special symbol on the maps. If included in the database for a Custom Soil Resource Report
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given area, the contrasting minor components are identified in the map unit descriptions along with some characteristics of each. A few areas of minor components may not have been observed, and consequently they are not mentioned in the descriptions, especially where the pattern was so complex that it was impractical to make enough observations to identify all the soils and miscellaneous areas on the landscape.

The presence of minor components in a map unit in no way diminishes the usefulness or accuracy of the data. The objective of mapping is not to delineate pure taxonomic classes but rather to separate the landscape into landforms or landform segments that have similar use and management requirements. The delineation of such segments on the map provides sufficient information for the development of resource plans. If intensive use of small areas is planned, however, onsite investigation is needed to define and locate the soils and miscellaneous areas.

An identifying symbol precedes the map unit name in the map unit descriptions.

Each description includes general facts about the unit and gives important soil properties and qualities.

Soils that have profiles that are almost alike make up a soil series. Except for dif
ferences in texture of the surface layer, all the soils of a series have major horizons that are similar in composition, thickness, and arrangement.

Soils of one series can dif
fer in texture of the surface layer, slope, stoniness,
salinity, degree of erosion, and other characteristics that affect their use. On the basis of such dif
ferences, a soil series is divided into soil phases. Most of the areas shown on the detailed soil maps are phases of soil series. The name of a soil phase commonly indicates a feature that affects use or management. For example, Alpha silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, is a phase of the Alpha series.

Some map units are made up of two or more major soils or miscellaneous areas.

These map units are complexes, associations, or undifferentiated groups.

A
complex consists of two or more soils or miscellaneous areas in such an intricate pattern or in such small areas that they cannot be shown separately on the maps.

The pattern and proportion of the soils or miscellaneous areas are somewhat similar in all areas. Alpha-Beta complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes, is an example.

An
association is made up of two or more geographically associated soils or miscellaneous areas that are shown as one unit on the maps. Because of present or anticipated uses of the map units in the survey area, it was not considered practical or necessary to map the soils or miscellaneous areas separately. The pattern and relative proportion of the soils or miscellaneous areas are somewhat similar. Alpha-Beta association, 0 to 2 percent slopes, is an example.

An
undifferentiated group is made up of two or more soils or miscellaneous areas that could be mapped individually but are mapped as one unit because similar interpretations can be made for use and management. The pattern and proportion of the soils or miscellaneous areas in a mapped area are not uniform. An area can be made up of only one of the major soils or miscellaneous areas, or it can be made up of all of them. Alpha and Beta soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes, is an example.

Some surveys include miscellaneous areas. Such areas have little or no soil material and support little or no vegetation. Rock outcrop is an example.

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Placer County, California, Western Part
194—Xerofluvents, frequently flooded
Map Unit Setting
National map unit symbol: hg18
Elevation: 0 to 1,500 feet
Mean annual precipitation: 14 to 20 inches
Mean annual air temperature: 61 to 64 degrees F
Frost-free period: 250 to 270 days
Farmland classification: Not prime farmland
Map Unit Composition
Xerofluvents, frequently flooded, and similar soils: 90 percent Minor components: 10 percent
Estimates are based on observations, descriptions, and transects of the mapunit.

Description of Xerofluvents, Frequently Flooded
Setting
Landform: Flood plains, flood plains, flood plains
Landform position (three-dimensional): Tread
Down-slope shape: Linear
Across-slope shape: Linear
Parent material: Alluvium
Typical profile
H1 - 0 to 15 inches: stratified loamy sand to fine sandy loam H2 - 15 to 37 inches: stratified loamy sand to fine sandy loam to silt loam H3 - 37 to 55 inches: stratified loam to silty clay loam to clay Properties and qualities
Slope: 0 to 2 percent
Depth to restrictive feature: More than 80 inches
Drainage class: Somewhat poorly drained
Runoff class: Very low
Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat): Moderately high to high (0.20 to 1.98 in/hr)
Depth to water table: About 30 to 57 inches
Frequency of flooding: Frequent
Frequency of ponding: None
Calcium carbonate, maximum content: 5 percent
Available water supply, 0 to 60 inches: Moderate (about 8.1 inches) Interpretive groups
Land capability classification (irrigated): 4w
Land capability classification (nonirrigated): 4w
Hydrologic Soil Group: B
Ecological site: R017XY903CA - Stream Channels and Floodplains Hydric soil rating: Yes
Minor Components
Unnamed
Percent of map unit: 10 percent
Landform: Channels, channels, channels
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Landform position (three-dimensional): Tread
Down-slope shape: Linear
Across-slope shape: Linear
Hydric soil rating: Yes
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Sacramento County, California
148—Fiddyment-Orangevale-Urban land complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes Map Unit Setting
National map unit symbol: hhmr
Elevation: 50 to 280 feet
Mean annual precipitation: 19 to 22 inches
Mean annual air temperature: 61 degrees F
Frost-free period: 230 to 300 days
Farmland classification: Not prime farmland
Map Unit Composition
Fiddyment and similar soils: 40 percent
Orangevale and similar soils: 25 percent
Urban land: 20 percent
Minor components: 15 percent
Estimates are based on observations, descriptions, and transects of the mapunit.

Description of Fiddyment
Setting
Landform: Fan remnants
Landform position (two-dimensional): Summit, backslope
Landform position (three-dimensional): Riser, tread
Down-slope shape: Linear
Across-slope shape: Linear
Parent material: Alluvium derived from igneous and metamorphic rock over dense alluvium derived from igneous and metamorphic rock
Typical profile
H1 - 0 to 8 inches: fine sandy loam
H2 - 8 to 15 inches: loam
H3 - 15 to 28 inches: sandy clay loam
H4 - 28 to 40 inches: indurated
H5 - 40 to 44 inches: material
Properties and qualities
Slope: 2 to 8 percent
Depth to restrictive feature: 28 to 40 inches to duripan; 40 to 44 inches to densic material
Drainage class: Well drained
Runoff class: Very high
Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat): Very low (0.00 to 0.00 in/hr)
Depth to water table: More than 80 inches
Frequency of flooding: None
Frequency of ponding: None
Available water supply, 0 to 60 inches: Very low (about 2.7 inches) Interpretive groups
Land capability classification (irrigated): None specified Land capability classification (nonirrigated): 4e
Hydrologic Soil Group: D
Ecological site: R017XY902CA - Duripan Vernal Pools
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Hydric soil rating: No
Description of Orangevale
Setting
Landform: Fan remnants
Landform position (two-dimensional): Summit, backslope
Landform position (three-dimensional): Riser, tread
Down-slope shape: Linear
Across-slope shape: Convex
Parent material: Alluvium derived from granite
Typical profile
H1 - 0 to 15 inches: coarse sandy loam
H2 - 15 to 20 inches: coarse sandy loam
H3 - 20 to 72 inches: sandy clay loam
H4 - 72 to 80 inches: coarse sandy loam
Properties and qualities
Slope: 2 to 8 percent
Depth to restrictive feature: More than 80 inches
Drainage class: Well drained
Runoff class: Medium
Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat): Moderately high to high (0.57 to 1.98 in/hr)
Depth to water table: More than 80 inches
Frequency of flooding: None
Frequency of ponding: None
Available water supply, 0 to 60 inches: Low (about 5.8 inches) Interpretive groups
Land capability classification (irrigated): None specified Land capability classification (nonirrigated): 4e
Hydrologic Soil Group: B
Ecological site: R017XY904CA - Subirrigated Deep Alluvial Fans Hydric soil rating: No
Description of Urban Land
Setting
Landform: Fan remnants
Landform position (two-dimensional): Summit, backslope
Landform position (three-dimensional): Riser, tread
Down-slope shape: Linear
Across-slope shape: Linear
Typical profile
H1 - 0 to 6 inches: variable
Interpretive groups
Land capability classification (irrigated): None specified Land capability classification (nonirrigated): 8
Hydric soil rating: No
Minor Components
Xerarents
Percent of map unit: 6 percent
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Landform: Fan remnants
Landform position (two-dimensional): Summit, backslope
Landform position (three-dimensional): Riser, tread
Down-slope shape: Linear
Across-slope shape: Linear
Hydric soil rating: No
Kaseberg
Percent of map unit: 6 percent
Landform: Fan remnants
Landform position (two-dimensional): Summit
Landform position (three-dimensional): Tread
Down-slope shape: Linear
Across-slope shape: Linear
Hydric soil rating: No
Unnamed, steeper slopes
Percent of map unit: 3 percent
Landform: Fan remnants
Landform position (two-dimensional): Backslope
Landform position (three-dimensional): Riser
Down-slope shape: Linear
Across-slope shape: Concave
Hydric soil rating: No
229—Urban land-Xerarents-Fiddyment complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes Map Unit Setting
National map unit symbol: hhqc
Elevation: 0 to 2,500 feet
Mean annual precipitation: 19 inches
Mean annual air temperature: 61 degrees F
Frost-free period: 230 to 300 days
Farmland classification: Not prime farmland
Map Unit Composition
Urban land: 40 percent
Xerarents and similar soils: 30 percent
Fiddyment and similar soils: 15 percent
Minor components: 15 percent
Estimates are based on observations, descriptions, and transects of the mapunit.

Description of Urban Land
Setting
Landform: Fan remnants
Landform position (two-dimensional): Summit
Landform position (three-dimensional): Tread
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Down-slope shape: Linear
Across-slope shape: Linear
Typical profile
H1 - 0 to 6 inches: variable
Interpretive groups
Land capability classification (irrigated): None specified Land capability classification (nonirrigated): 8
Hydric soil rating: No
Description of Xerarents
Setting
Landform: Fan remnants
Landform position (two-dimensional): Backslope
Landform position (three-dimensional): Riser
Down-slope shape: Linear
Across-slope shape: Linear
Parent material: Alluvium derived from granite
Typical profile
H1 - 0 to 60 inches: variable
Properties and qualities
Slope: 0 to 8 percent
Depth to restrictive feature: More than 80 inches
Drainage class: Well drained
Depth to water table: More than 80 inches
Frequency of flooding: None
Frequency of ponding: None
Available water supply, 0 to 60 inches: Very low (about 0.0 inches) Interpretive groups
Land capability classification (irrigated): None specified Land capability classification (nonirrigated): 7e
Ecological site: R017XY905CA - Dry Alluvial Fans and Terraces Hydric soil rating: No
Description of Fiddyment
Setting
Landform: Fan remnants
Landform position (two-dimensional): Summit
Landform position (three-dimensional): Tread
Down-slope shape: Linear
Across-slope shape: Linear
Parent material: Alluvium derived from granite
Typical profile
H1 - 0 to 8 inches: fine sandy loam
H2 - 8 to 15 inches: loam
H3 - 15 to 28 inches: sandy clay loam
H4 - 28 to 40 inches: indurated
H5 - 40 to 50 inches: weathered bedrock
Properties and qualities
Slope: 1 to 8 percent
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Depth to restrictive feature: 28 to 40 inches to duripan; 40 to 50 inches to paralithic bedrock
Drainage class: Well drained
Runoff class: Very high
Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat): Very low to moderately low (0.00 to 0.06 in/hr)
Depth to water table: More than 80 inches
Frequency of flooding: None
Frequency of ponding: None
Available water supply, 0 to 60 inches: Very low (about 2.7 inches) Interpretive groups
Land capability classification (irrigated): None specified Land capability classification (nonirrigated): 4e
Hydrologic Soil Group: D
Ecological site: R017XY902CA - Duripan Vernal Pools
Hydric soil rating: No
Minor Components
Kaseberg
Percent of map unit: 7 percent
Landform: Fan remnants
Landform position (two-dimensional): Summit
Landform position (three-dimensional): Tread
Down-slope shape: Linear
Across-slope shape: Linear
Hydric soil rating: No
Orangevale
Percent of map unit: 6 percent
Landform: Fan remnants
Landform position (two-dimensional): Summit
Landform position (three-dimensional): Tread
Down-slope shape: Linear
Across-slope shape: Linear
Hydric soil rating: No
Unnamed, shallow
Percent of map unit: 2 percent
Landform: Fan remnants
Landform position (two-dimensional): Backslope
Landform position (three-dimensional): Riser
Down-slope shape: Convex
Across-slope shape: Convex
Hydric soil rating: No
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242—Xerofluvents, 0 to 2 percent slopes, flooded
Map Unit Setting
National map unit symbol: hhqs
Elevation: 20 to 140 feet
Mean annual precipitation: 14 inches
Mean annual air temperature: 61 degrees F
Frost-free period: 250 to 300 days
Farmland classification: Not prime farmland
Map Unit Composition
Xerofluvents and similar soils: 90 percent
Minor components: 10 percent
Estimates are based on observations, descriptions, and transects of the mapunit.

Description of Xerofluvents
Setting
Landform: Flood plains
Landform position (three-dimensional): Tread
Down-slope shape: Linear
Across-slope shape: Linear
Parent material: Alluvium
Typical profile
H1 - 0 to 60 inches: variable
Properties and qualities
Slope: 0 to 2 percent
Depth to restrictive feature: More than 80 inches
Drainage class: Somewhat excessively drained
Runoff class: Very low
Depth to water table: More than 80 inches
Frequency of flooding: Occasional
Frequency of ponding: None
Interpretive groups
Land capability classification (irrigated): None specified Land capability classification (nonirrigated): 6w
Ecological site: R017XY903CA - Stream Channels and Floodplains Hydric soil rating: Yes
Minor Components
Riverwash
Percent of map unit: 4 percent
Landform: Flood plains
Landform position (three-dimensional): Tread
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Down-slope shape: Linear
Across-slope shape: Linear
Ecological site: R017XY903CA - Stream Channels and Floodplains Hydric soil rating: Yes
Xerorthents
Percent of map unit: 3 percent
Landform: Fan remnants
Landform position (two-dimensional): Summit
Landform position (three-dimensional): Tread, riser
Down-slope shape: Linear, convex
Across-slope shape: Linear, convex
Hydric soil rating: No
Rossmoor
Percent of map unit: 3 percent
Landform: Flood-plain steps
Landform position (three-dimensional): Tread
Down-slope shape: Linear
Across-slope shape: Linear
Ecological site: R017XY903CA - Stream Channels and Floodplains Hydric soil rating: No
Custom Soil Resource Report
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References
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). 2004. Standard specifications for transportation materials and methods of sampling and testing. 24th edition.

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). 2005. Standard classification of soils for engineering purposes. ASTM Standard D2487-00.

Cowardin, L.M., V. Carter, F.C. Golet, and E.T. LaRoe. 1979. Classification of wetlands and deep-water habitats of the United States. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service FWS/OBS-79/31.

Federal Register. July 13, 1994. Changes in hydric soils of the United States.

Federal Register. September 18, 2002. Hydric soils of the United States.

Hurt, G.W., and L.M. Vasilas, editors. Version 6.0, 2006. Field indicators of hydric soils in the United States.

National Research Council. 1995. Wetlands: Characteristics and boundaries.

Soil Survey Division Staff. 1993. Soil survey manual. Soil Conservation Service.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook 18. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/ nrcs/detail/national/soils/?cid=nrcs142p2_054262
Soil Survey Staff. 1999. Soil taxonomy: A basic system of soil classification for making and interpreting soil surveys. 2nd edition. Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook 436. http:// www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/soils/?cid=nrcs142p2_053577 Soil Survey Staff. 2010. Keys to soil taxonomy
. 11th edition. U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. http:// www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/soils/?cid=nrcs142p2_053580 Tiner
, R.W., Jr. 1985. Wetlands of Delaware. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Wetlands Section.

United States Army Corps of Engineers, Environmental Laboratory. 1987. Corps of Engineers wetlands delineation manual. Waterways Experiment Station Technical Report Y
-87-1.

United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service.

National forestry manual. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/ home/?cid=nrcs142p2_053374
United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service.

National range and pasture handbook. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/ detail/national/landuse/rangepasture/?cid=stelprdb1043084 23 Item 16
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United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service.

National soil survey handbook, title 430-VI. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/ nrcs/detail/soils/scientists/?cid=nrcs142p2_054242
United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2006. Land resource regions and major land resource areas of the United States, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin. U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook 296. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/soils/? cid=nrcs142p2_053624
United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service. 1961. Land capability classification. U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook 210. http:// www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/nrcs142p2_052290.pdf Custom Soil Resource Report
24 Item 16
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Appendix E. Representative Photographs
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Photograph 1. Representative photograph of Old Auburn Way with adjacent oak woodland habitat. Taken facing northeast (4/25/2025).

Photograph 2. Representative photograph of the oak woodland habitat present in the northeastern portion of the BSA. Taken facing northwest (4/25/2025).

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Photograph 3. Representative photograph of the annual grassland habitat adjacent to Wachtel Way. Taken facing northwest (4/25/2025).

Photograph 4. Representative photograph of Wachtel Way with ruderal vegetation along the roadway shoulders. Taken facing north (4/25/2025).

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Photograph 5. Representative photograph of the urban/developed land cover within the BSA featuring residential homes and landscaping. Taken facing south (4/25/2025).

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APPENDIX D: Representative Site Photos

Photograph 1. Representative photograph of Old Auburn Road with adjacent oak woodland habitat.

Taken facing northeast near the county line (4/25/2025).

Photograph 2. Representative photograph of the oak woodland habitat present in the northeastern portion of the BSA. Taken facing northwest (4/25/2025).

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Photograph 3. Representative photograph of the annual grassland habitat adjacent to Wachtel Way.

Taken facing northwest (4/25/2025).

Photograph 4. Representative photograph of Wachtel Way with ruderal vegetation along the roadway shoulders. Taken facing north (4/25/2025).

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APPENDIX E: FEMA FIRMette Map

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National Flood Hazard Layer FIRMette
0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000250
Feet
Ü

SEE FIS REPORT FOR DETAILED LEGEND AND INDEX MAP FOR FIRM PANEL LAYOUT

SPECIAL FLOOD

HAZARD AREAS
Without Base Flood Ele
vation (BFE)
Zone A, V, A99
With BFE or Depth Zone AE, AO, AH, VE, AR
Regulatory Floodway

0.2% Annual Chance Flood Hazard, Areas
of 1% annual chance f
lood with average
depth less than one foot or with drainage
areas of less than one square mile Zone X
Future Conditions 1% Annual
Chance Flood Hazard Zone X
Area with Reduced Flood Risk due to
Levee. See Notes. Zone X
Area with Flood Risk due to LeveeZone D
NO SCREEN Area of Minimal Flood Hazard Zone X
Area of Undetermined Flood Hazard Zone D
Channel, Culvert, or Storm Sewer
Levee, Dike, or Floodwall
Cross Sections with 1% Annual Chance

17.5 Wat er Surface Elevation
Coastal Transect
Coastal Transect Baseline
Profile Baseline
Hydrographic Feature
Base Flood Elev
ation Line (BFE)
Effective LOMRs
Limit of Study
Jurisdiction Boundary
Digital Data A
vailable
No Digital Data Available
Unmapped
This map complies with FEMA's standards for the use of
digital flood maps if it is not void as described below.

The basemap shown complies with FEMA's basemap
accuracy standards
The flood hazard information is derived directly from the authoritative NFHL web services provided by FEMA. This map was exported on 10/15/2025 at 7:38 PM and does not
reflect changes or amendments subsequent to this date and time. The NFHL and effective information may change or
become superseded by new data over time.

This map image is void if the one or more of the following map elements do not appear: basemap imagery, flood zone labels, legend, scale bar, map creation date, community identifiers, FIRM panel number, and FIRM effective date. Map images for unmapped and unmodernized areas cannot be used for
regulatory purposes.

Legend

OTHER AREAS OF

FLOOD HAZARD

OTHER AREAS

GENERAL

STRUCTURES
OTHER

FEATURES

MAP PANELS
8 B 20.2
The pin displa
yed on the map is an approximate
point selected b
y the user and does not represent
an authoritative property location.
1:6,000
121°15'5"W 38°43'12"N
121°14'28"W 38°42'44"N
Basemap Imager
y Source: USGS National Map 2023
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APPENDIX F: Public Comments Received

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YIELD
YIELD
YIELD

YIELDSTOP
JP
YIELD
YIELD
YIELD
YIELD
YIELD
YIELD
YIELD
STOP
JP
JP
P
STOP
STOP
STOP

CONOVER DRCONOVER DR

ROBERT CREEK CTROBERT CREEK CT

OLD AUBURN RDOLD AUBURN RD
MATCHLINE - "OAR LINE" STA 26+50

WACHTEL WAYWACHTEL WAY
MATCHLINE - "OAR LINE" STA 26+50

MATCHLINE -
"WW LINE"
STA 21+50
SCALE 1" = 30'
SCALE 1" = 30'

OLD AUBURN RDOLD AUBURN RD

WACHTEL WAYWACHTEL WAY

OAKWOODHILLS CIROAKWOODHILLS CIR

PONTICELLI
WAY

LINDACREEK CTLINDACREEK CT
SCALE 1" = 30'

ARGO DRARGO DR
Feet
60300

MATCHLINE -
"WW LINE" STA 21+50

MATCHLINE -
"WW LINE" STA 36+00

MATCHLINE -
"WW LINE" STA 36+00
SCALE 1" = 30'
PITALO
WAY
PITALO
WAY

WACHTEL WAYWACHTEL WAY
A
C
D
2 E
G
3 4
H
I
J
F
5 6 7 8 9
10 11
12 13
14 15 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24
16 224-0413-001
B
1 224-0411-045
224-0780-070 224-0780-071
224-0411-046 224-0411-047
224-0152-019
224-0152-019 224-0152-017 224-0152-001
224-0580-007
224-0580-006
224-0210-010
224-0152-002 224-0152-004
224-0152-006 224-0152-007 224-0152-008 224-0152-009 224-0152-010 224-0152-019
SCALE 1" = 30'
25 224-0970-011
224-0970-032
224-0200-033
K 26
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Technical Memorandum
Date: January 22, 2026
To: Pamela Dalcin-Walling, PE, QSD/P, Dokken Engineering From: John Gard, and Mari Ramones, Fehr & Peers
Subject: Project Alternatives Analysis and Recommendations for the Gateway Activation Project in Citrus Heights, CA

Purpose
This technical memorandum recaps the project kickoff, initial community outreach, and intersection a
lternatives analysis for the Gateway Activation Project (GAP) in Citrus Heights, CA. The City of Citrus Heights staff identified project build alternatives to be evaluated for the primary study intersections at Old Auburn Road/Argo Drive, Old Auburn Road/Wachtel Way, and Old Auburn Road/Oakwood Hills Circle East.

Background
The Citrus Heights Gateway Activation Project (GAP) proposes to extend multi-modal connections a
long Old Auburn Road from the eastern border of the City of Citrus Heights for about 0.55 miles west. The proposed improvements will connect with existing and planned bicycle and pedestrian improvements to the west and east.

The objectives of the GAP project are to:
• Extend multimodal facilities on Old Auburn Road from the City’s eastern boundary to the existing Class I trail to the west (Robert Creek Court) • Extend multimodal facilities on Wachtel Way south to the Arcade-Cripple Creek Trail • Upgrade intersections at Old Auburn Road/Wachtel Way and Old Auburn Road/Oakwood Hills Circle East
• Improve pedestrian safety and crossings at multiple points within the study corridor An existing conditions analysis was conducted in early 2025 to document key characteristics such as existing roadway, bicycle and pedestrian networks, vehicle queuing, vehicle speeds, cut-through travel, and safety. The Existing Conditions Analysis Memorandum can be found in Appendix A.

Following the existing conditions analysis, the project team conducted a preliminary analysis of intersection alternatives for the following three study intersections:

1. Old Auburn Road/Argo Drive
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Project Alternatives Analysis and Recommendations for the Gateway Activation Project | 2

2. Old Auburn Road/Wachtel Way

3. Old Auburn Road/Oakwood Hills Circle East
Alternatives at Old Auburn Road/Argo Drive were evaluated based on improving pedestrian safety and creating a crossing to connect the existing Class I trail to the west and the proposed trail to the east. Secondary considerations included traffic control devices that could reduce corridor speeds.

Several intersection controls were evaluated for the Old Auburn Road/Wachtel Way and Old Auburn Road/Oakwood Hills Circle East intersection. After a preliminary alternatives analysis, the project team narrowed down the alternatives to present at a community meeting. The alternatives that were chosen for a more focused analysis are discussed below.

Community Outreach
The project team hosted a kickoff community meeting on April 29, 2025 to introduce the project and g
ather community input on preliminary design concepts. The meeting began with the project team presenting the project overview and objectives. During the presentation, the team introduced the following geometric options for community input:

1. Two options for a pedestrian crossing at Argo Drive: a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) and a roundabout alternative.

2. Two options for the Old Auburn Road/Wachtel Way intersection: Traffic Signal and Roundabout.

3. Two options for the Old Auburn Road/Oakwood Hills Circle East intersection: Maintain existing All-Way Stop-Control (AWSC) and Roundabout.

The project team presented the safety and operational benefits and drawbacks of each alternative along with various other engineering design aspects.

Community members expressed interest in both the pedestrian hybrid beacon and roundabout options for Argo Drive. For the intersection improvements at Wachtel Way, community members preferred the roundabout alternative over the signal alternative. However, several attendees expressed concerns about the roundabout and the ability for residents to use it safely. At Oakwood Hills Circle East, residents preferred the roundabout to the existing condition of All-Way Stop- Control.

For a detailed description of the community workshop and project alternative exhibits, see the project website at https://www.citrusheights.net/1343/Gateway-Activatio n -Project-GAP.

Argo Drive Pedestrian Crossing
Fehr & Peers evaluated the appropriate type of traffic control and pedestrian crossing at the Old A
uburn Road/Argo Drive intersection. Fehr & Peers documented existing conditions and evaluated potential improvements.

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Project Alternatives Analysis and Recommendations for the Gateway Activation Project | 3 Existing Conditions
The Old Auburn Road/Argo Drive intersection is controlled by stop signs on the two side-street a
pproaches. In this area, Old Auburn Road features one travel lane in each direction separated by a two-way left-turn lane (TWLTL). There are also wide Class II (on-street) bike lanes present in each direction (may have accommodated on-street parking at one time). Just west of the intersection, Old Auburn Road is 71 feet wide, measured from face of curb.

No crosswalks are located at the intersection and the posted speed limit on this section of Old Auburn Road is 40 miles per hour. The nearest crosswalk to this intersection across Old Auburn Road is at Wachtel Way, 900 feet to the east. There are not continuous sidewalks along Old Auburn Road between Argo Drive and Wachtel Way, which requires pedestrians to walk in the shoulder or bike lane. The next closest crossing is 2,300 feet to the west at Wintergreen Drive.

Figure 1 shows the existing AM and PM peak hour traffic volumes at the study intersection based on counts collected on Wednesday, October 30, 2024.

Image 1 is a photo taken in March 2025 of a group of pedestrians beginning to cross Old Auburn Road at Argo Drive. Halfway across, they began jogging/running across the road as vehicles were approaching.

Figure 1: Existing AM (PM) peak hour traffic volumes.

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Image 1: View of pedestrians crossing Old Auburn Road at Argo Drive Warrants Analysis
The C alifornia Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (Caltrans, 2014) contains several different types of warrants or installation guidelines applicable to the study intersection. They include:
• Traffic Signal Warrants
• Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon Guidelines for Installation
Traffic Signal Warrant Analysis
There are nine (9) traffic signal warrants as shown in I mage 2. Of these nine, warrants 1, 2, 3, 4, and 7 would be applicable to the study intersection. Warrant 5 is not applicable because the intersection is not an established school crossing. Warrants 6, 8, and 9 are also not applicable for various reasons.

Image 2: List of all signal warrants contained in CA MUTCD.

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Project Alternatives Analysis and Recommendations for the Gateway Activation Project | 5 The following conclusions were reached regarding whether the study intersection satisfies any of the applicable CA MUTCD signal warrants:
• None of the traffic volume-based signal warrants would be satisfied. This is because the largest hourly side-street traffic volume is 40 vehicles, half of the minimum required for the 4-hour warrant and only 40% of the required volume for the peak hour warrant. • The pedestrian volume warrant would not be met. During the October 2024 counts, only a single pedestrian crossed Old Auburn Road during the five-hour count window. • The crash experience warrant would not be met. Between 2018 and 2023, two reported crashes occurred at the study intersection. This warrant requires five collisions in a 12-month period of a type susceptible to correction by a traffic signal.

Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon Warrant Analysis

Page 973 ends

Citrus Heights City Council MeetingsMay 13, 2026

Citrus Heights City Council Meetings
May 13, 2026