Fortuna City Council
March 20, 2023

621 11th Street, Fortuna CA
Zoom Option: 1-669-900-9128 User ID: 858 2147 6640 Password: 290277 We May Disagree, But We Will Be Respectful of One Another All Comments Will Be Directed to the Issue at Hand, and Addressed to the City Council Personal Attacks are Unacceptable
The City Council May Take Action on any Item on this Agenda.

1. CALL TO ORDER / FLAG SALUTE / ROLL CALL
Council
Council Member Kyle Conley
Council Member Mike Losey
Council Member Kris Mobley
Mayor Pro Tem Mike Johnson
Mayor Tami Trent
Staff
City Manager Merritt Perry
City Clerk Siana L. Emmons

2. PRESENTATIONS / PROCLAMATIONS
a. General Aviation Appreciation Month Proclamation

3. ORAL COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Members of the Public may be heard at this time on any item within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City that is not on the Public Meeting Agenda. It is the practice of this Council to hold public comment for every item of business on the agenda at the time that item is heard. If a speaker cannot Regular Meeting Agenda
Monday, March 20, 2023 at 6:00 pm
stay for a particular item of business, they may be heard during this time. Comments concerning the Consent Calendar may also be heard at this time. Speakers addressing the Council will be limited to 3 minutes per speaker. Be advised that, by law, the City Council can only deliberate or take action on items that are included on the agenda.

4. CONSENT CALENDAR
These matters are routine in nature and are usually approved by a single vote. Any member of the Council may pull a particular item for further discussion. a. City Council Minutes –March 6, 2023 (Regular Meeting) b. Administrative Department Monthly Report
c. Community Development Department Monthly Report
d. Finance Department Monthly Report
e. Parks & Recreation Monthly Report
f. Police Department Monthly Report
g. Public Works Monthly Report
h. River Lodge Monthly Report
i. Report of Disbursements
j. Approve Cost Sharing Agreement with Fortuna Mill Commerce Center LLC and Approve Supplemental Budget Request for $63,000 to Provide Additional Planning Assistance for the Mill Site Specific Plan

5. CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS
a. Public Hearing to Consider Adoption of a Mitigated Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact, Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, and Approval of the Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project; Lead Agency/Project Proponent:

City of Fortuna; Location: Kenmar Road/US 101 Interchange; Resolution 2023-08

6. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

7. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
At this time, members of the Council may consider or request items to be placed on a future agenda through a consensus of the majority.

8. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS AND COMMENTS
a. Council Member Kyle Conley
Redwood Region Economic Development Corporation (RREDC), Parks & Recreation Commission Alternate
b. Council Member Mike Losey
Redwood Region Economic Development Corporation (RREDC) Alternate, Redwood Coast Energy Authority Alternate, Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO), Humboldt Transit Authority Alternate, Parks & Recreation Commission
c. Council Member Kris Mobley
Humboldt County Association of Governments (HCAOG) Alternate, Fortuna Business Improvement District (FBID), Historical Commission Alternate, Redwood Coast Energy Authority
d. Mayor Pro Tem Mike Johnson
Humboldt County Association of Governments (HCAOG), Historical Commission, League of California Cities Transportation, Communication, & Public Works Commission, Indian Gaming Commission Alternate
e. Mayor Tami Trent
Humboldt Transit Authority (HTA), Indian Gaming Commission, League of California Cities Public Safety Commission, Fortuna Business Improvement District (FBID) Alternate

9. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance, a disabilityrelated modification or accommodation, agenda materials in an alternative format, or auxiliary aids to participate in this meeting, please contact the Office of the City Clerk at 707-725-7600 or [email protected] as soon as possible. Providing at least 72 hours’ notice will help ensure that reasonable arrangements can be made.
a. PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT, pursuant Section 54957of the California Government Code.

Title: Police Officer

10. REPORT OUT AND ADJOURN
Contact: Siana L. Emmons, City Clerk ([email protected] 707-725-1409) | Agenda published on 03/16/2023 at 2:08 PM

of the Fortuna City Council
in Recognition of
General Aviation Appreciation Month
MARCH 2023
WHEREAS, The City of Fortuna in the state of California has a significant interest in the continued vitality of general aviation, aircraft manufacturing, aviation educational institutions, aviation organizations, and community airports; and
WHEREAS, general aviation and the Rohnerville Airport have a significant economic impact on the City of Fortuna; and
WHEREAS, the PricewaterhouseCoopers study, Contribution of General Aviation to the US Economy in 2018, found that general aviation airports in the state support an annual economic impact of over $32.7 billion, over 148,000 jobs, and a total payroll of over $11.3 billion; and
WHEREAS, according to the 2018 Aviation in California: Fact Sheet, the state has 214 public-use airports serving general aviation. According to the FAA, these airports serve almost 69,000 pilots and almost 25,000 registered aircraft; and
WHEREAS, according to the FAA, the state is home to 555 repair stations, 65 FAA-approved pilot schools, over 25,000 student pilots, and over 10,000 flight instructors; and WHEREAS, general aviation not only supports California's economy, it improves overall quality of life by supporting emergency medical and healthcare services, law enforcement, firefighting and disaster relief, investments in sustainable fuels and technologies, and investments in innovative experimental technology like Vertical Takeoff and Landing vehicles, and by transporting business travelers to their destinations quickly and safely; and WHEREAS, the United States faces a shortage of aviation professionals, leaders should invest in this critical infrastructure to ensure future economic growth and our next generation of aviation professionals and pilots; NOW, THEREFORE, I, Tami Trent, Mayor of the City of Fortuna do hereby proclaim March 2023 as General Aviation Appreciation Month.

SIGNED this 20th day of March 2023 at the City of Fortuna, in the State of California, and in witness thereof, the seal of Fortuna.

Mayor Tami Trent, City of Fortuna
621 11th Street, Fortuna CA
Zoom Option: 1-669-900-9128 User ID: 886 7698 1276 Password: 613994 We May Disagree, But We Will Be Respectful of One Another All Comments Will Be Directed to the Issue at Hand, and Addressed to the City Council Personal Attacks are Unacceptable
The City Council May Take Action on any Item on this Agenda.

1. CALL TO ORDER / FLAG SALUTE / ROLL CALL
Minutes:

Mayor Trent called the public meeting to order at 6:00 pm and led the flag salute. ROLL CALL:

Council Member Conley - Present, Council Member Losey - Present, Council Member Mobley - Present, Mayor Pro Tem Johnson - Present, Mayor Trent - Present

2. PRESENTATIONS / PROCLAMATIONS
a. Fortuna Library Day Proclamation
Minutes:

Mayor Trent presented the Fortuna Library Day Proclamation to the Friends of the Library Secretary, Sandie Marlow.
b. Measure E Report to Council, presented by Measure E Chair Joseph Hardcastle Minutes:

Measure E Committee Chair Joe Hardcastle presented the Measure E Report to Council.

3. ORAL COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Minutes:

Fortuna K9 Officer D. Stevens spoke in opposition of AB 742. Walt Wilson - Fortuna Resident - spoke in opposition of AB 742 and questioned how members of the public could best support opposing AB 742.

Regular Meeting Agenda
Minutes
Monday, March 6, 2023 at 6:00 pm
There being no additional public comments, Mayor Trent close the oral comment section.

4. CONSENT CALENDAR
Minutes:

Council Member Losey pulled consent item g and expressed support for the loan as long as the City implemented a lien or security on the loan. Mayor Trent pulled consent items c, d and g. She requested Police Chief Casey Day provide the public with more information on AB 742, and the Chief presented background and general information on the Assembly Bill. On consent item d, Mayor Trent expressed her appreciation for the volunteers on the Fortuna Business Improvement District (FBID) Advisory Committee. Mayor Trent agreed with Council Member Losey's assessment and request that the City ensures Eric Allen's City loan is secured by and lien or promissory note.

PUBLIC COMMENTS: There being no public comments, Mayor Trent closed the public comment section.

Council Member Losey moved, seconded by Council Member Johnson to approve Consent Calendar items a-h. AYES: Council Members Conley, Losey, Mobley, Mayor Pro Tem Johnson, Mayor Trent NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: None MOTION CARRIED: 5/0 a. City Council Minutes – February 21, 2023 (Regular Meeting) b. Report of Disbursements
c. Resolution of the City Council of the City of Fortuna Publicly Opposing California Assembly Bill 742
d. Consideration of Appointment to Fortuna Business Improvement District Advisory Committee
e. Supplemental Budget Request for $20,000 to the Building Division’s Engineering Services Account for Earthquake-related Expenses
f. Adopt Resolution Appointing Police Chief/City Manager to Make Determinations of Public Convenience or Necessity for Certain ABC Licenses within the City g. Business Loan to Eric Allen for 1434 Rohnerville Road h. Lease Agreement Between City of Fortuna and Humboldt County for Library Building

5. CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS
a. Authorize the City Manager to award the Water Tank Recoating Project (CIP 0925) to Simpson Sandblasting and Coating and establish a maximum contract amount of $955,000, and approve a Supplemental Budget Request for $780,000 Minutes:

STAFF REPORT: Assistant City Engineer Mat Nyberg provided a staff report on the award of a contract for the Water Tank Recoating Project.

PUBLIC COMMENTS: There being no public comments, Mayor Trent closed the public comment section.

CITY COUNCIL ACTION: Council Member Mobley moved, seconded by Council Member Conley to authorize the City Manager to award the Water Tank Recoating Project (CIP 0925) to Simpson Sandblasting and Coating and establish a maximum contract amount of $955,000, and approve a Supplemental Budget Request for $783,000. Voice vote. AYES:

Council Members Conley, Losey, Mobley, Mayor Pro Tem Johnson, Mayor Trent NOES:

None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: None MOTION CARRIED: 5/0
b. Authorization to Award the Contract for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Percolation Pond Rehabilitation Project 2023
Minutes:

STAFF REPORT: Director of Public Works Brendan Byrd provided a staff report on the award of a contract for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Percolation Pond Rehabilitation Project 2023.

PUBLIC COMMENTS: There being no public comments, Mayor Trent closed the public comment section.

CITY COUNCIL ACTION: Council Member Johnson moved, seconded by Council Member Losey to award the contract to Wallace Structures for $107,650.00 and establish a maximum contract amount of $114,000.00, and authorize City Manager to execute the contract and other related documents. Voice vote. AYES: Council Members Conley, Losey, Mobley, Mayor Pro Tem Johnson, Mayor Trent NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT:

None MOTION CARRIED: 5/0

6. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
Minutes:

City Manager Merritt Perry provided a verbal report.

7. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Minutes:

None at this time.

8. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS AND COMMENTS
a. Council Member Kyle Conley
b. Council Member Mike Losey
c. Council Member Kris Mobley
d. Mayor Pro Tem Mike Johnson
e. Mayor Tami Trent

9. ADJOURN
Minutes:

CITY COUNCIL ACTION: Mayor Pro Tem Johnson moved, seconded by Council Member Mobley to adjourn the meeting at 7:06 pm. MOTION CARRIED 5/0
Contact: Siana L. Emmons, City Clerk ([email protected] 707-725-1409) Consent Item 4b

STAFF REPORT
City Council Consent Item
DATE: March 20, 2023
TO: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
FROM: Siana L. Emmons, City Clerk
THROUGH: Merritt Perry, City Manager
SUBJECT: Administrative Department Monthly Report
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:

Receive report as an informational item.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

The Administration Department monthly report encompasses the following divisions: City Attorney, City Clerk, Risk Management/Human Resources and Information Technology.

CITY ATTORNEY
The City Attorney billing was 6.70 hours for the month of February 2023 for the Mitchell Law Firm, LLC. Project support for this month included agenda and staff report review, bid proposal review, contract review, and various email and telephone calls.

CITY CLERK DIVISION
For the month of February, the Clerk’s Office prepared and published two agendas for Regular City Council meetings, one agenda for the Rohner Community Recreation & Park District meeting, and published one agenda for the Parks & Recreation Commission.

City Council Meetings
Council Meeting Date Agenda Items
February 6, 2023 Regular Meeting 11
February 21, 2023 Regular Meeting 15
Totals 26
City Clerk’s Office Key Duties February
Public Records Act Requests 4
General Information Requests 25 – 30 per day, average
Ordinances 0
Resolutions 3
Minutes Prepared 3
Notary Services Provided 1
Consent Item 4b

Claims for Damages Filed 2
FPPC Filings: 0
Legal Publications 0
Notices Posted (Public Hearing, Agenda, Ordinance, etc.) 6 Participation of Clerk staff in the City Clerk Association of California’s (CCAC’s) Educational Committee to aid in restructuring the CCAC’s educational offerings is nearing an end. A Request for Proposal (RFP) to develop a new Clerk Educational Institute is done, and following ranking and due consideration by the Committee and Executive Committee, California State University San Marcos was selected. On March 21, 2023, the Committee will present findings to the CCAC Board of Directors for approval. The Educational Committee will work with UC San Marcos in developing curriculum in hopes of launching the new institute in 2024. As a Municipal Clerk working to obtain these prestigious designations, I am pleased to have participated in this process and I look forward to the implementation of this new learning institute! As part of this process, I became better acquainted with some of the members of the CCAC Board of Directors, including President, Marc Donoho, MMC, 1st Vice President, Jessica Blair, MMC, 2 nd Vice President, Ashton Arrocho, MMC, CPMC, Director of Professional Development, Holley Charlety, MMC, MPA, Director of Networking, Roxanne Breceda, CMC, and Director of Legislative Affairs, Randi Johl-Olson, JD, MMC. I was asked to serve as the CCAC Region 1 Representative. CCAC Region 1 consists of the following entities: Ukiah Valley Fire Authority, Town of Fort Jones, City of Angels Camp, McKinleyville Community Services District, City of Lakeport, City of Arcata, City of Rio Dell, City of Clear Lake, City of Redding, City of Ukiah, City of Fort Bragg, City of Eureka, and the Redwood Coast Energy Authority, and of course, Fortuna! Part of being a Regional Representative includes:
• Providing Networking Events within your region
• Official Word Articles, which includes Regional event updates, association members, spotlights, etc.
• Regional Support
• Professional Development within your region to include educational workshops • Assistance with update the Clerk Handbook
• Mentor Development Assistance
While I am unable to attend this year’s CCAC Annual Conference, as part of their program I hope to work with representatives from these agencies to send a gift basket that represents our region for one of the conference fundraisers. Representation for Region 1 is imperative due to our demographics alone. Finding and sharing educational opportunities, training and networking for Clerks in agencies more remote areas like ours, comes with its own unique set of challenges. I hope that by taking on this role, and can help bring opportunities closer to agencies that otherwise may be too far or not have the funding to send their Clerks!

RISK MANAGEMENT / HUMAN RESOURCES DIVISION
Risk Management
There were no new Worker’s Compensation claims and no new liability/tort claims filed as of March 1, 2023. The City is working closely with our risk pool, California Intergovernmental Risk Authority (CIRA), legal counsel and our Worker’s Compensation Third Party Administrator LWP, to move claims toward closure of all claims.

Consent Item 4b

Date of Claim Type of Claim Status
03/10/2022 Civil Claim In progress
09/29/2022 Civil Claim In progress
CIRA provided two training sessions in Eureka and Fortuna on March 7 and 8. The sessions included Lockout/Tagout and Confined Space practices and procedures. Lockout/Tagout training is taught to safeguard workers from hazardous energy releases and attendees learned necessary procedures to disable machinery or equipment to prevent hazardous energy release. Confined Spaces training taught attendees to recognize and evaluate hazards and possible solutions related to confined spaces. The trainings were well attended and we hope to see more CIRA safety training come to our region.

On March 9, city staff throughout various departments met with CIRA’s Risk team, Thor Benzig and Erike Young. They spent two days reviewing City policies and procedures as well as practices and facilities. They spent time with HR/Risk, Public Works including Water/Wastewater, Parks and Recreation, Police and Animal Control, Code Enforcement and Transit. Because of their assessment, many helpful risk resources are now available to each department. The City will start the process of updating all Personnel Rules and Regulations, as well as policies, update the current Injury, Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) as well as launch new safety training software, and online liability waiver platform for Parks and Recreation, Contract insurance and indemnification language review, as well as a number of other helpful and necessary risk process improvements.

Human Resources
Human Resource staff continue to meet weekly with trainers from NEOGOV, to learn the “Insight” platform. Staff’s goal is to work in the training module throughout the month of March and part of April with hopes of launching the new recruitment and hiring software in late April.

On February 23, HR and Finance Staff attended a Leibert, Cassidy and Whitmore (LCW) training, “Human Resources Academy I”. The workshop provided an introduction and overview of basic human resource program areas for public agencies including:
 Public Sector Governance
 Personnel File Management
 Public Record Keeping
 Classification & Compensation
 Recruitment & Selection
 Labor Relations
 Overview of Leaves of Absence
 Key state and federal laws pertaining to compliance programs The class was a good refresher for staff currently providing HR services and support to City employees.

The City continues to search for and recruit qualified staff for open positions. For more information about employment with the City of Fortuna, visit the City’s website www.friendlyfortuna.com, send e-mail to the Deputy City Clerk at [email protected], or call 707-725-7600.

Consent Item 4b

Current Recruitments:

Parks & Recreation:

Park Maintenance Worker I: Candidate is currently in background.

Conference Center Coordinator: Candidate is currently in background.

Police Department:

Police Dispatcher Full-time: Candidate is currently in background.

Police Officer (Lateral): Candidate is currently in background.

Kennel Attendant Part-time: Karlee Humphrey started her new position on February 27th.

Public Works:

Treatment Plant Operator I/II Full-time: Ross Williams starts his new position on March 13th.

Assistant City Engineer II: Interviews are set for March 14th.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DIVISION
City Website Statistics (www.friendlyfortuna.com)
We encourage all citizens who are interested in receiving updates from the City to go on to the Fortuna’s website and sign up for e-notifications! 2022 Election information will be coming to the City’s website soon!
Anyone who would like to receive public notices from Public Works, Community Development/Planning, the Police Department or Citywide Press Releases, please visit the website at https://www.friendlyfortuna.com/enotify/index.php and sign up for e-notifications.

Computer/Network
IT staff met with Ubeo (used to be Ray Morgan) representative, David Thorwaldson, on February 22 for an account review. The large Ricoh Copier in the common area of City Hall has reached the end of its lease life. Staff was able to work with Ubeo for a new Cannon Copier, which will save the City approximately $40/month moving forward. The machine should be installed the end of March or first week of April.

IT staff also worked with Infinite Consulting, who assists in maintaining our City phone system.

The week of March 6, we launched and automated phone service for members of the public to reach their desired department more expeditiously. This will also allow for those employees accepting utility payments at the front counter, more time for public assistance and less time routing calls. So far, the phone triage has proved successful and we look forward to meeting public service expectations in a more efficient manner.

On March 1, IT staff met with TecHOME and Juan Carillo, with Access Humboldt. The purpose of the meeting was to participate in a demonstration of Tricasters, which is the device we currently use to provide a feed to Access Humboldt to stream our live public meetings. Our current Tricaster will soon reach the end of its expected life, and to avoid reacting to a loss, which would be Consent Item 4b

detrimental to our broadcast, we are taking measures to be proactive about sourcing and budgeting the device for our next fiscal year.

IT staff is working closely with Nylex and the Police Department to migrate the City’s wireless provide from Verizon to FirstNET. FirstNet is a public safety network contracted with the federal government with commitment to public safety to deliver deployable assets in support of emergencies. They are the only provider that has access to High Power User Equipment that can expand the range of coverage. By transitioning to FirstNet, the City will have priority and preemption instantly, which will allow for uninterrupted service at all times, specifically during emergencies.

RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:

Receive Administration Division Monthly Report. Consent agenda vote.

Consent Item 4c

STAFF REPORT
City Council Consent Item
DATE: March 20, 2023
TO: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
FROM: Liz Shorey, Deputy Director of Community Development THROUGH: Merritt Perry, City Manager
SUBJECT: Community Development Department Monthly Report for February 2023 STAFF RECOMMENDATION:

Receive report as an informational item.

SIGNIFICANT ACTIVITIES:
 The Building Department’s permit summary for February 2023 is attached.  Recent Planning Commission activity includes:
o Humboldt Veterinary Medical Group Conditional Use Permit and Design Review for a New Veterinary Clinic approved by the Planning Commission on 3/14/23; Applicant: Humboldt Veterinary Medical Group; Location: Riverwalk Drive; Building permit submitted.
 In-process long-range planning activities for Community Development include:
o Mill District Specific Plan for infrastructure, design standards, and land use planning is in process, funded by HCD’s LEAP grant and Headwaters grant. Alternative land use scenarios are being designed for presentation at stakeholder and public meetings. Staff is coordinating with the new owner of the Mill Site to create a plan that matches the owner’s development interests with General Plan policies, public interest, and economic development. o SB2 Planning Grant to implement housing element programs, including ADU, multifamily, design review standards, GIS mapping, improvement standards, and infrastructure. ADU standards were adopted by the City Council on November 1, 2021. o Staff is developing a competitive solicitation process by which it can proceed with the negotiation for the sale of the lots at Drake and Penn for the purposes of creating low-income housing. The lots are held by the City as an asset with the specific purpose of creating low income under its Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule as a part of the City’s Redevelopment Agency. The draft solicitation will be placed on a future Council agenda for approval prior to publication.
o A draft noise ordinance is being prepared to establish Municipal Code noise standards to make it easier for Fortuna police officers to respond to and enforce to noise complaints, and to facilitate implementation and enforcement of the existing General Plan noise standards.  Planning Permits Under Review:
o CLK Kenmar Phase 2 Subdivision for Eight Single Family Parcel and a Remainder; Applicant:

Tina Christensen; Location: Kenmar Road.

Consent Item 4c

RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:

Receive Finance Department Monthly Report. Consent agenda vote.

Subdivision Status Report
(Approved projects, not yet completed)
3/13/23
Project: Approved: Expires: Status:

Adams Major Subdivision
(6 multifamily lots; 36 units)
12/16/19 Recorded Final map has been recorded, drainage, maintenance and construction agreements
recorded and being tracked.

Tanferani Minor Subdivision
(2 lots Alamar Way)
11/12/19 11/11/2021
extension
expires
5/11/23
Next step: Parcel Map review; Improvement
plans being reviewed by RWQCB. 18 month
Parcel Map extension approved 12/14/21.

Twin Creeks Planned Unit
Development
(59 Lots/Units; Redwood Way)
7/15/19 Phase 1
Recorded Phase 1 Final Map has been recorded.

Fitze Minor Subdivision 12th Street 11/9/2021 Recorded Mylar recorded.

Mildbrandt Subdivision
(2 lots; Angel Heights Drive)
10/23/2018 Mylar
submitted;
automatic
extension.

Next step: Mylar signed, City working with
applicant on requirements for recording.

Campbell Minor Subdivision
(4 lots and a remainder; Berry Creek
and Second Ave)
1/26/2021 7/25/2024 Improvement plans approved; applicant obtaining utility signatures. Map extension
approved by the Planning Commission 10/25/22.

White Circle Subdivision
(Riverwalk; 2 lots)
3/27/2018 Recorded Parcel map recorded. Subdivision Construction Agreement and maintenance bond tracked.

The Subdivision Map Act and Fortuna Municipal Code places responsibility for tracking expiration dates with the applicant.

Extension requests must be made by the applicant by written submittal to the City Community Development Department. *The Subdivision Map Act grants automatic extension upon timely submittal of a Final Map for imminent recordation.

Consent Item 4c

Consent Item 4d

STAFF REPORT
City Council Consent Item
DATE: March 20, 2023
TO: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
FROM: Aaron Felmlee, Finance Director
THROUGH: Merritt Perry, City Manager
SUBJECT: Finance Department Monthly Report
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:

Receive report as an informational item.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

Fiscal Year 2023-24 Budget:

Staff presented the mid-year budget review at the February 6 Council Meeting. Conducting this review is the first step in preparing the FY 2023-24 budget. The next steps include staff compiling preliminary revenue estimates and soliciting each departments FY 2023-24 budget requests. Staff continues to work diligently on compiling the information and data necessary to put together a comprehensive budget for the Council to review at a special budget workshop. Staff anticipates conducting the first special budget workshop in late April.

Sales Tax Update:

Finance staff continue to closely monitor the City’s sales tax revenue streams. Sales tax revenue is the largest General Fund revenue source for the City and as such fluctuations in sales tax have the largest effect on the City’s finances.

For sales tax receipts between July and September 2022 the City of Fortuna actual receipts, excluding reporting aberrations, were down 6.6% as compared to July to September 2021. For comparison the County realized a 6.9% decrease and the State of California realized an 8.0% increase. The reason the state far outpaced the City was because the state had much larger decreases at the onset of the pandemic as compared to the City and the County which did not realize significant decreases last July to September 2021. Restaurants was the only segment which realized increases quarter over quarter, all other segments realized loses quarter over quarter.

Additional information about how the City’s sales tax performed during the months of July to September 2022 can be found in attachment ‘B’. Staff will be meeting with our Sales Tax consultant again in early April and will make final adjustments to the FY 2023-24 proposed budget based on data received at that meeting.

Consent Item 4d

Measure E Update:

The Measure E committee’s next regularly scheduled meeting is set for March 21, 2023 at 5:30pm.

The primary purpose of this meeting will be for the committee to receive funding proposals from City Departments.

The committee will then have a follow up meeting on April 4, 2023 at 5:30pm. The primary purpose of this meeting will be for the committee to approve a list of recommended projects to be funded by Measure E. The complete list will then be presented to the City Council at a special budget workshop in late April or early May.

List of Measure E items funded this month:
 (2) Police Detective Positions
 Police Community Services Officer Position
 Police Records Clerk Position
 Parks and Recreation Director Position
 Recreation Program Supervisor Position
 Transit Trips to Eureka for Seniors
 PT Code Compliance Officer Position
 K-9 Program
 Storm Drain Infrastructure Vulnerability Assessment Project  Prop 1 LID 12th St Project
 Rohner Park Basketball Expansion Project
 Monday Club Sponsorship for the Senior Jam
An activity log displaying important Finance data is attached for informational purposes.

RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:

Receive Finance Department Monthly Report. Consent agenda vote.

ATTACHMENTS:
 Finance Staff Activity Log for February 2023
 Q3 2022 City of Fortuna Sales Tax Newsletter
City of Fortuna
Finance Department
Fiscal Year 2022/23
Finance Department September October November December January February Activity Log 2022 2022 2022 2022 2023 2023
Payroll Checks Issued: 334 219 223 255 250 225
Accounts Payable Checks Issued: 233 194 243 210 248 205 Number of Invoices Processed: 437 416 522 454 516 465
CDBG Loan Payments/Payoff 0 0 0 0 0 1
# Telephone Calls 1935 1866 1829 2233 2347 2134
Avg Daily 92 89 91 112 117 112
Daily Walk-in Customers
Utility 589 622 560 713 758 685
Bldg 57 44 43 58 66 57
Plan 22 23 34 40 35 23
Other 39 37 37 48 57 31
Total: 707 726 674 859 916 796
Average Daily Walk-in Customers 34 35 34 43 46 42
Monthly Bills 4596 4602 4599 4602 4598 4600
Reminder Notices 434 484 427 433 473 437
Shut Off Notices Mailed 239 267 250 270 262 280
Shut Offs 23 31 18 26 22 22
Ebills - Bills sent via email 374 377 392 398 401 408
Utility Bills paid online 1184 1183 1172 1171 1224 1199 % of Utility bills paid in person 13% 14% 12% 15% 16% 15% Public Works Calls Dispatched: 114 71 86 70 116 104
Avg Service Calls 93.5
Utility Billing Aging Report Total Bal Current 30 Days 60 Days 90 Days $ 632,410 $ 472,264 $ 99,626 $ 25,422 $ 35,097

74.7% 15.8% 4.0% 5.5%
75%
16%
4% 5%
Utility Accounts Aging
Current
30 Days
60 Days
90 Days
www.hdlcompanies.com | 888.861.0220
Q3 2021*
Q3 2022*
Legend
$0
$20,000
$40,000
$60,000
$80,000
$100,000
$120,000
SALES TAX BY MAJOR BUSINESS GROUP *Allocation aberrations have been adjusted to reflect sales activity County
and State
Pools
Fuel and
Service
Stations
Building
and
Construction
Restaurants
and
Hotels
Business
and
Industry
Food
and
Drugs
Autos
and
Transportation
General
Consumer
Goods
CITY OF FORTUNA HIGHLIGHTS TOP 25 PRODUCERS
Published by HdL Companies in Winter 2023
Ace Hardware & Garden
Beverage Plus Foods
Cigarette Payless
Eel River Brewing
Forbusco Lumber
Fortuna Chevron
Fortuna Gas 4 Less
Grocery Outlet
Hummel Tire & Wheel
Les Schwab Tire Center
McDonalds
Mercer Fraser
O’Reilly Auto Parts
Peterson Tractor
Ray’s Quality Cars
Rite Aid
Safeway
Sequoia Gas
Sunbelt Rentals
Tractor Supply
United Petrol
Valley Pacific Petroleum
Services
Village Sport & Cycle
Walgreens
Wyckoff Plumbing

SALES TAX UPDATE

CITY OF FORTUNA
3Q 2022 (JULY - SEPTEMBER)
Fortuna’s receipts from July through
September were 12.6% below the third
sales period in 2021. Excluding reporting
aberrations, actual sales were down

6.6%.

Sales weakened in multiple sectors due
to pricing pressures on essentials such
as food and fuel as Fed policy makers
take action to cool consumer demand.

Compared to last year, the countywide
pool reported lower sales. General
consumer goods sales had another
quarter of sluggish sales including in
electronics/appliance purchases.

The business-industry group sales
suffered as garden/ag suppliers didn’t
see the same level of sales as last year
with stimulus dollars available. Drought
conditions and small ag operators are
making tough decisions as higher input
costs affect operations.

Recent reports indicate some slowdown
in restaurant visits with consumer
concerns about inflation impacting their
spending choices.

Voter approved Measure E’s collected
fewer receipts on vehicles purchased
and registered within the city, garden/
ag supplies and visits to quick service
restaurants.

Net of aberrations, taxable sales for the
Far North region was up 0.9%.

TOTAL:
-7.2%
$492,750
Measure E
TOTAL: $ 567,465
-6.6% -6.9% 8.0%

COUNTY STATE

FORTUNA
3Q2022

TOP NON-CONFIDENTIAL BUSINESS TYPES
Q3 '22
Fortuna
Business Type Change Change Change
County HdL State
Service Stations 69,702 -10.0% -3.5% 18.5%
Casual Dining 48,080 4.4% -2.1% 10.3%
Automotive Supply Stores 33,995 -3.8% -5.6% 5.3%
Contractors 27,990 -3.9% -10.6% 15.5%
Garden/Agricultural Supplies 24,849 -26.1% -26.7% -2.2% Quick-Service Restaurants 22,559 -8.7% -7.6% 3.9%
Convenience Stores/Liquor 14,335 -11.4% -9.8% 2.0%
Electronics/Appliance Stores 14,263 -12.3% -15.1% 3.7%
Auto Repair Shops 13,725 3.3% -10.1% 10.7%
Second-Hand Stores 2,233 -10.9% -1.4% -9.1%
*Allocation aberrations have been adjusted to reflect sales activity

REVENUE BY BUSINESS GROUP
Fortuna This Quarter*
18%
Pools
13%
Restaurants
11%
Autos/Trans.
14%
Building
11%
Bus./Ind.
8%
Cons.Goods
11%
Food/Drug
15%
Fuel
*ADJUSTED FOR

ECONOMIC DATA
3Q 2022 CITY OF FORTUNA SALES TAX UPDATE

STATEWIDE RESULTS
Local one cent sales and use tax for sales
occurring July through September was 8%
higher than the same quarter one year ago
after adjusting for accounting anomalies
and back payments from previous quarters.

These returns mark another strong period
of growth for the California spending
economy.

Even as the Federal Reserve Board
continued ramping up interest rates in
an effort to curb the larger concern of
inflation, consumers maintained purchases
on multiple fronts, especially automobiles.

Surprisingly, new car dealers experienced
10% gains over the comparable period
in 2021. Limited inventory and demand
for higher mileage vehicles including
electric and hybrid models helped support
growth. In addition, the increased cost of
used vehicles has pushed many into the
new vehicle market; in contrast, sales of
recreation vehicles and auto leasing activity
remained soft.

For Californians, the summer of 2022
had the highest gas prices on record;
subsequently fuel and service stations
receipts jumped 21%. Commuters and
summer travel remained steady, yet overall
consumption still trails pre-pandemic
levels by approximately 13%. Although the
Russia-Ukraine conflict initially caused a
dramatic shift in global crude oil markets,
prices have begun to pull back closer to
historical norms.

Restaurants experienced a strong uptick as
increased menu prices, consistent desire to
dine out and strong tourism contributed
to this favorable news. Just as important,
theme parks, leisure-entertainment venues
and hotels pushed positive momentum
back to 2019 levels. With tightening profit
margins and sustained labor concerns,
future improvement could be slowed
compared to the last two years.

Busy contractors and plumbing-electrical
suppliers boosted the building-construction
sector. Solid residential and commercial
housing prices persisted despite recent
interest rate hikes. Tenant improvements
further support spending activity as
businesses assess future office needs.

With statewide new housing requirements
and federal infrastructure funding on the
horizon, current forecasts stay optimistic.

Steady investment in capital equipment
coupled with the overall increased price of
goods enhanced both business-industry and
countywide use tax pool allocations.

For the second straight quarter, fuel sales
linked to discount department stores
propped up general consumer goods
results. Otherwise, retailers experienced
flat to decreased receipts as many apparel
categories, home furnishings and sporting
goods struggled to keep pace with the
prior year. As consumers balanced summer
opportunities and higher prices, in-store
shopping appears to have taken a temporary
back seat.

Sustained price increases and interest
rate hikes certainly have consumers
contemplating where to spend their
dollars. However, historically low statewide
unemployment rates and the recovery of the
national stock markets from declines earlier
this year leave modest optimism heading
into 2023.

Consent Item 4e

STAFF REPORT
City Council Consent Item
DATE: March 20, 2023
TO: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
FROM: Cameron Mull, Director of Parks & Recreation
THROUGH: Merritt Perry, City Manager
SUBJECT: Parks & Recreation Monthly Report for February 2023 STAFF RECOMMENDATION:

Receive report as an informational item.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

Director’s Report
 The City completed all submittals for the Rohner Park Basketball Court Rehabilitation Project with contractor Mercer-Fraser, in which the Notice to Proceed/ project is scheduled to begin on 3/20/23, with a completion date of 4/24/23 (weather dependent). This project will replace the single court with two newly paved and painted fenced-in courts, and is being funded by Measure E.
 The Rohner Community Recreation and Park District (RCRPD) held their regularly scheduled monthly meeting on 2/1/23. The City Manager gave a presentation on the current status of the swimming pool (construction, expense/revenue, loan, donors) projection financials, as well as the next steps in completing a pre-loan application with the USDA which could fund the construction of the aquatic center. Additionally. Once the/a loan is approved, a marketing effort of a Benefit Assessment to the taxpayers/ parcel owners in the RCRPD boundary will follow.

Parks & Facility Maintenance
 Logs from downed or fallen branches during storms that were blocking trails in the Rohner Park forest were removed, debris cleared
 Prep work and equipment training was completed for the start of the Hot Shots basketball program
 A load of infield red-rock was delivered and spread on Hardball Field #1 at Newburg Park  English Ivy growing on the Poplar trees in the Rodeo Grounds were removed and growing suckers were trimmed
 Due to continued leaks in the Firemen’s Pavilion roof (due to earthquakes, heavy rains), measures were made to mitigate multiple locations
 Infield prep work was completed on both softball fields at Newburg Park in preparation for a high-school softball jamboree, including infield red rock being spread on Softball #2  String-trimming around trees and valve boxes was completed on the Fortuna Blvd. medians Consent Item 4e

 Three replacement LED lights were installed at the Firemen’s Pavilion entry for security purposes
 Bleacher repairs were completed in the Rodeo grandstands  A water line and valve box was removed/ discontinued in Rohner Park in preparation for the new basketball courts project
 Graffiti was covered on the backside of the Rohner Park cookshack and the fireplace  Leaks in a supplies shipping container were patched
 All fire extinguishers received annual inspections and refills or replacements, as necessary, for all parks, Monday Club, and River Lodge facilities
 Theft and damage occurred in the storage pen behind the Firemen’s Pavilion, with most stolen items being recovered and an estimated $1,700 in losses  The rain gutters were cleared at the Firemen’s Pavilion  Chairs, electronic waste, hazardous waste, and other janitorial items were removed from the POD in preparation for the rebuild
 The cushions on all folding chairs at the Monday Club were steam-cleaned Depot Museum
February’s visitor total at the Fortuna Depot Museum was 239 people. This is at the high end of our recent Pre-COVID February visitor totals; in fact, it is our second-highest February visitation total in the past ten years. Recent years’ February visitor totals were: 2022: 168, 2021 (open for four days in the month): 22, 2020:213, 2019: 133, 2018: 264, 2017: 180, 2016: 148, 2015: 205, 2014: 162, 2013: 215. In February 2023 we welcomed California visitors from Arcata, Carlotta, Dillon Beach, Eureka, Fortuna, Hydesville, Garberville, Loleta, McKinleyville, Oakland, Redding, Rio Dell and Santa Rosa. We also welcomed out-of-state visitors from Maine, Montana, Ohio and Oregon, as well as foreign visitors from Argentina and Venezuela.

Fortuna Transit
Passengers on the Fortuna Transit Bus totaled 685 trips during the month of February 2023. The lift was used for non-wheelchair riders 53 times and 65 times for wheelchair trips. The Fortuna Transit had 15 new riders during the month of February. The Eureka medical trips on Tuesdays have been going well averaging around three-six medical appointments per week.

February 2022 February 2023 YTD ~ July 2021 –
June 2022
YTD ~ July 2022 –
June 2023
# of passengers 610 685 7713 4793
Total Miles 1867 2031 24885 14689
Service Miles 1755 1908 22710 13528
Hours Worked 203.25 269 3183.5 1828.25
Service Hours
Worked 176.5 232 2671 1661.5
Consent Item 4e

Sports, Classes and Facility Rentals
Results Fit Camp continues holding classes in the Pavilion, the Rohner Rec Hall was used 11 times during the month of February, and Fortuna High Baseball started practices and games at Newburg Park.

Recreation Programs
The 2023 Hot Shots Youth Basketball program for youth in Kindergarten through Fourth grade kicked off their first games of the season on the first Saturday in February, and games continued Saturdays throughout the month. This year’s program has 307 children registered across 42 teams.

Our program utilizes volunteer coaches, assistant coaches, and referees when able. In the month of February, our volunteer hours totaled 233.5 hours.

February was also spent planning and implementing our Presidents’ Week Break Camp, which took place February 21 – 24th. We had 44 children registered for the four-day camp, which included walking field trips to the Fortuna Library for a story time.

Drop-in volleyball on Sunday evenings & drop-in basketball on Thursday evenings continued throughout February, with attendance ranging from 3-16 players per night at volleyball & 12-25 players per night at basketball.

Our playgroup is for families with children age’s newborn-five and their caregivers, in partnership with First-5 Humboldt, also continued through February, every Thursday and Sunday from 10:30am – 12:30pm. Attendance ranged from 2-14 children at each session.

Skating
The Fortuna Skating Rink was open for Friday, and Sunday Public Skate in February, but was closed all day on Saturdays due to the facility being in use by our Hot Shots basketball program.

In February the skating rink hosted five private parties with 188 attendees, and in addition to the 931 skaters that attended public skate, hosted an overall total of 1,119 skaters over the course of the month. We also hosted a special donation night in February, and were able to collect donations or requested items for Miranda’s Rescue and the Fortuna Family Resource Center that were dropped off at their respective organizations following the event.

Community Service
The Parks & Recreation Department had two people signed up to perform Community Service, and workers completed 13.75 hours throughout the months of February. The Community Service Work Program is a big part of the parks’ success. The workers help with trash pickup and various basic maintenance projects in Rohner and Newburg Parks, the River Lodge, and other Parksmaintained spaces throughout the City. Since the program started in 1997, there have been 53,228.5 service hours completed in the throughout the City of Fortuna.

RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:

Receive Parks & Recreation Department Monthly Report. Consent agenda vote.

Consent Item 4f

STAFF REPORT
City Council Consent Item
DATE: March 20, 2023
TO: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
FROM: Casey J. Day, Chief of Police
THROUGH: Merritt Perry, City Manager
SUBJECT: Police Department Monthly Report for February 2023 STAFF RECOMMENDATION:

Receive report as an informational item.

Patrol Statistics:

During the month of February 2023, the Fortuna Police handled 1,264 calls for service. Sixty-eight arrests were made including 18 felony arrests and 50 misdemeanor arrests. Sixty-nine citations were issued for traffic offenses or other miscellaneous violations. Crime statistics and information on calls for service are available at forpd.crimegraphics.com.

Staffing:

The Police Department is attempting to fill the following vacancies:
 One Public Safety Dispatcher – Lateral Candidate currently in background  One Sworn Police Officer – Lateral Candidate currently in background *Command Staff is currently considering a recommendation for the addition of a second lieutenants position to the organizational chart.

Grant Awards:

During the Month of February, the police department received a $5,000.00 dollar grant from The McLean Foundation and a $3,000.00 dollar grant from Redwood Capital Bank. Both grants were provided in support of the K-9 program.

Noteworthy Case(s):

Minor Decoy Operations were conducted throughout February utilizing Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) grant funds. On February 3, Officer’s arrested one adult for furnishing alcohol to a minor.

On February 24, Fortuna Police arrested two male subjects responsible for stealing City property from Rohner Park. Within hours of the theft, all property was recovered and the two responsible subjects were booked into the Humboldt County Jail.

Community Engagement Piece:

Through an ongoing collaboration with the Fortuna Kiwanis Club, the School Resource Officer participated in a multi-campus reading program throughout the month of February. The SRO has been reading to kindergarteners on Thursday’s. This program will continue into the month of March.

RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:

Receive Police Department Monthly Report. Consent agenda vote.

Consent Item 4g

STAFF REPORT
City Council Consent Item
DATE: March 20, 2023
TO: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
FROM: Brendan Byrd, Public Works Director/City Engineer SUBJECT: Public Works/Engineering Department Monthly Report STAFF RECOMMENDATION:

Receive report as an informational item.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

Public Works Director/City Engineer
Police Facility Remodel Project
On March 12th Sequoia
Construction mobilized to the site
and began project work. In the
beginning, the contractor is focusing
on building demolition, and filling
the pool, hot tub, and pool
equipment room with gravel (see
photo inset right).

Over the next month, the contractor
plans to continue demolition
activities, and to install the new
plumbing in the existing floor.

Additionally, the contractor hopes
to have the new concrete floors
poured over the pool area.

Staff are also working on the PG&E application for the project, which is being modified to include a future solar panel interconnection. Additionally, public works and police department staff are working with Silke, the City’s radio communications contractor, to finalize a scope and fee to relocate and upgrade the radio communications infrastructure for the new facility. Staff anticipate bringing a contract with Silke to the Council for approval in April. 2022 Pavement Management Plan Update
In March the 2022 Update to the City’s Pavement Management Plan was completed by the consultant retained by the Humboldt County Association of Governments (HCOAG). In short, while the City’s Pavement Condition Index (PCI) did increase from 63 to 65 over the past fiveyears, the City’s deferred maintenance liability did as well. Based on the analysis performed by the consultant, the City’s existing deferred maintenance liability is $24.2 Million, and the average annual funding amount required to maintain the City’s existing road condition (PCI of 65) is $2.73 Consent Item 4g

Million over the next 10-years. Staff plan to present the findings and implications of the report in detail at a coming council meeting.

Water Tank Coating Project
Since approval of the project at the March 6th Council meeting, staff have been working on contracting and bonding with the contractor. Staff anticipate being under contract within the next week. The City’s engineering consultant GHD, who is acting as the construction manager for the project, is working to set up a pre-construction meeting, and currently staff believe that the contractor will mobilize to Fortuna in late April or early May.

Concurrently, public works staff are working to develop a temporary water storage plan, as each tank will be taken off line during construction. Also, staff are working on flyers and other messaging for a voluntary citizen water use reduction plan during construction, as the available water storage within the City will be reduced while the main tanks are taken offline for the project. 12th Street LID Project
Bids will be opened for the project on March 16, and staff anticipate bringing this item to the Council for an award recommendation in April if bids come back within budget. Currently, the engineers estimate for the project matches the construction budget available. Should bids come in higher than the available budget, staff will have to consider additional funding sources, which could include additional grant funding from the state as they have indicated some additional capacity for gap funding.

Corp Yard Generator, Corp Yard Roof, and Percolation Pond Project Staff is currently working on contracting, bonding, and insurance for each of these projects. Staff anticipate that each of these projects should being in April or May.

Utilities Division- Utility Lead
Service Call Summary
 In the month of February the utilities division completed 103 service calls by operators.

Figure 1 below shows the distribution of service calls by type.  Underground Service Alert (USA) has changed their format and the Utilities crew can no longer track how many mark and locates have been completed. There were zero missmarks, resulting in zero broken utilities.

Figure 1. Utility division service calls by type in February.

Water Distribution System
 Read water meters and completed meter worksheet.
0 10
20 30
40 50
60 Number of Calls
Connect Disconnect Occupant Change Service Action
Service Call Type
Consent Item 4g

 In the month of February the utilities crew changed out 22 dead water meters.  Continued to check service lines for lead.
 Continued to perform regulatory backflow testing.
 In February the City had two water leaks. There was an estimated water loss of 18,045 gallons.
 The crew repaired the hydrant hit on Redwood Way at Rohnerville Road. The estimated water loss for this is 37,800 gallons.
 Rebuilt 15 water meters to put back into the system. Also finally received 30 new water meters.
 Repaired hydrant burry that was damaged on Mathew Lane.

Table 1. Water leak rate and water loss estimates for 2023.

Wastewater Collections System
 Utilities cleaned 20,000 feet of sewer main.
 Repaired 22 feet of sewer lateral on St Joseph Dr. that was hit by an underground boring crew (see photo
inset right).

Miscellaneous Tasks
 The utilities division performed monthly
maintenance on the division’s heavy equipment,
including greasing and checking all fluids.

Water Treatment/Wastewater Division- Chief Plant Operator Date Location Pipe
Information
Estimated
Leak Rate
(Gallons per
Minute)
Leak
Duration
Total
Estimate
Leak
Volume
(Gallons)
2/9/2023 Newell Dr. 2’’ Cast Iron 0.5 20 Days 14,400
2/25/2023 Acacia 2.5’’ PVC 81 45 Min. 3,645
2/25/2023 Rohnerville @
Redwood Way
Fire Hydrant 1080 35 Min. 37,800
Consent Item 4g

Table 2. February wastewater plant effluent flows for the past five years in Million Gallons (MG) and Million Gallons per Day (MGD).

Figure 2. February wastewater plant effluent flows for the past five years in Million Gallons (MG) and Million Gallons per Day (MGD).

Wastewater Events & Maintenance Tasks Completed:
 Staff assisted Engineering with measuring the
depths of sewer pipes at various manholes
throughout the City. Consultant engineers
needed field verification for the Sewer
System Model and Master Plan CIP project.
(See photo inset right).
 Staff spent significant time during this past
month troubleshooting wastewater treatment
plant problems, including poor pump
performance from a heat exchanger
recirculation pump, and similar pump issues
on one of the two plant sump pumps. Staff
also tackled an electrical control problem at
the Headworks stair-screen press unit.
 Staff removed one of the three primary
clarifiers from service due to poor sludge
pump performance and a rising sludge blanket. In the process of cleaning the clarifier, staff discovered a dislodged rubber wheel in the opening of the pump sump inlet pipe. This wheel had fallen off the scum skimmer device on the clarifier’s surface. Staff returned the unit to service upon removing the obstruction.
 Staff compiled and submitted compost samples to contract laboratories for analysis. Once results come back clear, staff hope to announce a free compost giveaway to the community in mid-March.
0 10
20 30
40 50
60 70
80 90
0 1
2 3
4 5
6 7
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Total Flow, MG
Flow, MGD
Total Monthly Flow, MG MAX Daily Flow, MGD AVG Daily Flow, MGD Year 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Total Monthly Flow, MG 80.056 39.242 57.689 25.530 46.620 Maximum Daily Flow, MGD 5.988 2.101 3.623 1.240 3.260
Average Monthly Flow, MGD 2.859 1.353 2.060 0.912 1.665 Consent Item 4g

 Staff completed final preparations on multiple shafts, sprockets and drive-chain to re-install in the grit channel. Staff had removed this equipment last year after a catastrophic failure.

Supply lead times and weather-related delays prolonged the time-line of this project, but staff plan to finalize it in March.
 The Utilities crew assisted staff with cleaning out the wet-well at the Strongs Creek lift station. This regular preventive maintenance task is required to remove grease, trash, and other solids buildup that can harm the pumps at the station.

Water Treatment
Table 3. February potable water production for the past five years in Million Gallons (MG).

Table 3. February potable water production for the past five years in Million Gallons (MG).

Table 4. Average February depth-to-groundwater static levels in the City’s active wells for the past five years in feet.

Figure 4. Average February depth-to-groundwater static levels in the City’s active wells for the past five years in feet.

Water Events & Maintenance Tasks Completed:
0 0.5
1 1.5
23 24
25 26
27 28
29 30
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Flow, MGD
Production, MG
Production Max Daily Avg Daily
0 20
40 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Static Level, ft
Well #1 Well #2 Well #4 Well #5
Year 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Total Production, MG 25.329 29.410 27.218 26.947 25.740 Maximum Daily, MG 1.045 1.106 1.425 1.355 1.171
Average Daily, MG 0.905 1.014 0.972 0.962 0.919
Year 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Well #1 19.0 22.9 26.6 27.3 24.4
Well #2 16.0 20.0 23.5 24.4 21.4
Well #4 21.3 25.6 29.3 29.9 27.0
Well #5 23.2 27.4 31.1 31.7 28.8
Consent Item 4g

 Tesla and PG&E contractors conducted functionality testing on the battery power system at the water wells site (Corrosion Control Facility) this past month. This was the next-tolast step in the process before commissioning of the energy storage device. Once the unit is given permission to operate, it will provide electricity to the site during times of peak energy demand on the grid. Plans are to finalize this process within a month.

General Services and Streets - General Services Superintendent The following is a list of scheduled assignments completed by the General Services staff in February:
 Staff replaced and repaired asphalt in multiple locations. The majority of the locations were due to damaged water mains from the earthquake in late December.  Staff removed the remaining fence post from the north and the east side of Vancil Reservoir.
 Staff assisted a consultant in collecting roadway core samples on Fortuna Boulevard in preparation of resurfacing project. The project will be on Fortuna Boulevard in between Redwood Way and Newburg Road.
 Staff relocated the office area of the Engineer Technician to the Administration Building.

The former Tech Building will be a small meeting and training area.  Staff mowed small City owned lots in between winter storms.  Staff was called out after hours for fallen trees, inappropriate language on city signs (graffiti), and traffic collisions.
 Staff prepared vehicles and equipment for winter storm conditions.

In addition to the special tasks noted above, staff also engaged in the following regular routine maintenance activities including USA’s, street sweeping, recycling and trash management, road maintenance, vegetation management, and safety training and inspections. Staff is available for questions, requests, and emergency responses to the community.

RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:

Receive Public Works Department Monthly Report. Consent agenda vote.

Consent Item 4h

STAFF REPORT
City Council Consent Item
DATE: March 20, 2023
TO: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
FROM: Jennifer Lourenzo, Conference Center Manager
THROUGH: Merritt Perry, City Manager
SUBJECT: River Lodge Conference Center and Fortuna Monday Club Monthly Report for February 2023
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:

Receive report as an informational item.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

The River Lodge and Monday Club held 28 events in the month of February.

There were four scheduled monthly meetings between the two facilities. Rotary has been holding their weekly meetings at the Monday Club, due to the River Lodge becoming increasingly less available on Thursdays.

The Fortuna Volunteer Fire Department held their annual dinner at River Lodge.

CalFire held one training this month and CalTrans was at River Lodge for a two-day meeting.

One wedding took place at River Lodge. The backdrop was exquisite with the snow covered mountains in the background. Yes, the couple held the ceremony outside, on a sunny, brisk Saturday afternoon.

The Scottish Rite held their annual Shrimp Feed and raised money to go towards building a language center for children in Fortuna.

There were two other large events at River Lodge in FebruaryAn employee retreat, hosted by St. Joseph’s / Providence and the Native Sons annual dinner.

The State of the City Breakfast took place at River Lodge and was well attended.

There were other events at Monday Club that included LifeLine screenings, a Rotary training, a birthday party, a celebration of life and a baby shower.

RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:

Receive River Lodge & Monday Club Monthly Report. Consent agenda vote.

River Lodge
Monday Club
February
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 30-Jan 31-Jan 1-Feb 2-Feb 3-Feb 4-Feb
CalTrout Luncheon Amer Ag Credit FVFD Annual Dinner
Rotary
5-Feb 6-Feb 7-Feb 8-Feb 9-Feb 10-Feb 11-Feb
CalFire St. Joe's Retreat Flint Cooper Native Sons Mixer Native Sons Dinner Garden Club Life Line Concert Series
12-Feb 13-Feb 14-Feb 15-Feb 16-Feb 17-Feb 18-Feb
ERV Civics State of the City Breakfast Scottish Rt Shrimp Feed Freisen Party Birthday Party
19-Feb 20-Feb 21-Feb 22-Feb 23-Feb 24-Feb 25-Feb
CalTrans CalTrans Rehearsal Wedding
Downtown Merch Baby Shower
26-Feb 27-Feb 28-Feb
Senior Jam
Consent Item 4i

STAFF REPORT
City Council Consent Item
DATE: March 20, 2023
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Merritt Perry, City Manager
SUBJECT: Report of Disbursements for March 9, 2023 & March 15, 2023 STAFF RECOMMENDATION:

Receive staff report of disbursements that were processed for the City of Fortuna and the Successor Agency (Fortuna Redevelopment Agency) if applicable, as an informational item only.

REPORT OF DISBURSEMENTS:

Disbursement was processed as follows:

March 9, 2023 $159,602.82
March 15, 2023 $74,163.20
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:

Informational Item. Receive report by Consent Agenda vote.

ATTACHMENTS:
 Disbursements Detail Report for March 9, 2023
 Disbursements Detail Report for March 15, 2023
Amount
75867 03/09/2023 FORTUNA ACE HARDWARE 356511 Supplies - Utilities 87.62 3/9/2023 9:04:40 AM Page 1 of 9
75866 03/09/2023 FORBUSCO LUMBER 223673 Building Maintenance - PD 49.93 75866 03/09/2023 FORBUSCO LUMBER 223673 Building Maintenance - PD -3.5 75867 03/09/2023 FORTUNA ACE HARDWARE 356416 Supplies - Engineering 33.81 75866 03/09/2023 FORBUSCO LUMBER 222209 Supplies - Streets -2.82 75866 03/09/2023 FORBUSCO LUMBER 223251 Sign Post 33.1
75866 03/09/2023 FORBUSCO LUMBER 223251 Sign Post -2.29 75866 03/09/2023 FORBUSCO LUMBER 221920 Supplies - WWTP -0.33 75866 03/09/2023 FORBUSCO LUMBER 221920 Supplies - WWTP 4.78 75866 03/09/2023 FORBUSCO LUMBER 222209 Supplies - Streets 40.25 75864 03/09/2023 EUREKA OXYGEN CO DM00843054 Monthly Cylinder Rental - Public Works FY 22/23 104.25 75864 03/09/2023 EUREKA OXYGEN CO DM00843054 Monthly Cylinder Rental - Public Works FY 22/23 104.25 75865 03/09/2023 FERGUSON WATERWORKS #3011 1179193 Water Meters 4554.66 75864 03/09/2023 EUREKA OXYGEN CO 489601 Fire Extinguisher Service - PD 459.68 75864 03/09/2023 EUREKA OXYGEN CO DM00843054 Monthly Cylinder Rental - Public Works FY 22/23 104.25 75864 03/09/2023 EUREKA OXYGEN CO DM00843054 Monthly Cylinder Rental - Public Works FY 22/23 104.25 75864 03/09/2023 EUREKA OXYGEN CO 486100 Fire Extinguisher Service - Parks 385.78 75864 03/09/2023 EUREKA OXYGEN CO 486100 Fire Extinguisher Service - Parks 385.77 75864 03/09/2023 EUREKA OXYGEN CO 489601 Fire Extinguisher Service - PD 459.68 75864 03/09/2023 EUREKA OXYGEN CO 486097 Fire Extinguisher Service - WWTP 502.08 75864 03/09/2023 EUREKA OXYGEN CO 486098 Fire Extinguisher Service - CH 214.83 75864 03/09/2023 EUREKA OXYGEN CO 486099 Fire Extinguisher Service - River Lodge 257.98 75864 03/09/2023 EUREKA OXYGEN CO 486096 Fire Extinguisher Service - Shop 188.89 75864 03/09/2023 EUREKA OXYGEN CO 486096 Fire Extinguisher Service - Shop 188.89 75864 03/09/2023 EUREKA OXYGEN CO 486097 Fire Extinguisher Service - WWTP 502.09 75864 03/09/2023 EUREKA OXYGEN CO 486096 Fire Extinguisher Service - Shop 188.89 75864 03/09/2023 EUREKA OXYGEN CO 486096 Fire Extinguisher Service - Shop 188.89 75864 03/09/2023 EUREKA OXYGEN CO 486096 Fire Extinguisher Service - Shop 188.89 75863 03/09/2023 ENTERPRISE-RECORD, MERCURY-REGISTER 1367810 CDBG Public Notice 377.49 75864 03/09/2023 EUREKA OXYGEN CO 486096 Fire Extinguisher Service - Shop 188.89 75864 03/09/2023 EUREKA OXYGEN CO 486096 Fire Extinguisher Service - Shop 188.89 75860 03/09/2023 ECOLAB 6336613610 Dishmachine Rental - River Lodge FY 22/23 125.56 75861 03/09/2023 EDGE ANALYTICAL INC 23-04265 Lab Testing 402 75862 03/09/2023 ENGINEERED FIRE SYSTEMS, INC 19379 Fire Plan Review 250 75858 03/09/2023 DIKES, BUCKLEY D. 2023-02-011 February K9 Training 175 75858 03/09/2023 DIKES, BUCKLEY D. 2023-02-011 February K9 Training 175 75859 03/09/2023 DOWNTOWN MERCHANTS 030223 Downtown BID Assessments 21/22 & 22/23 15537.69 75856 03/09/2023 CWEA 030123 Lab Analyst Grade 2 Cert Renewal - J Jones 50 75856 03/09/2023 CWEA 030123 Lab Analyst Grade 2 Cert Renewal - J Jones 50 75857 03/09/2023 DAY, CASEY 012323 Per Diem 3.12 - 3.17 (Command Course 6) 409 75855 03/09/2023 CRYSTAL SPRINGS BOTTLED W 39001 Water Delivery - Parks 18 75855 03/09/2023 CRYSTAL SPRINGS BOTTLED W MAR23PW Water Cooler Rental - Public Works FY 22/23 5 75855 03/09/2023 CRYSTAL SPRINGS BOTTLED W MAR23PW Water Cooler Rental - Public Works FY 22/23 5 75854 03/09/2023 COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT 022823 February Parking Fees 67.5 75854 03/09/2023 COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT 022823 February Parking Fees 37.5 75855 03/09/2023 CRYSTAL SPRINGS BOTTLED W 38968 Water Delivery - Public Works 9 75853 03/09/2023 CAMPTON ELECTRIC SUPPLY 1033886 Street Light Maintenance -1.55 75854 03/09/2023 COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT 013123 January Parking Fees 14 75854 03/09/2023 COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT 013123 January Parking Fees 30 75852 03/09/2023 ADVANCED SECURITY SYSTEM 638853 Security Service - Lab FY 22/23 91.5 75852 03/09/2023 ADVANCED SECURITY SYSTEM 638912 Security Service - Wells Building FY 22/23 136.5 75853 03/09/2023 CAMPTON ELECTRIC SUPPLY 1033886 Street Light Maintenance 84.91 Expense Approval Report
CITY OF FORTUNA By (None)
Payment Dates 3/9/2023 - 3/9/2023
Payment Number Payment Date Vendor Name Payable Number Description (Item) 75850 03/09/2023 ABSOLUTE SOFTWARE INC I0068509 License Renewal x26 - PD 2629.9 75851 03/09/2023 ACCESS HUMBOLDT 1952 Council Televised Meetings FY 22/23 203.35 Amount
75888 03/09/2023 NORTH COAST JOURNAL 2023110126 Police Officer Recruitment Advertising 122 75888 03/09/2023 NORTH COAST JOURNAL 2023110170 Police Officer Recruitment Advertising 122 3/9/2023 9:04:40 AM Page 2 of 9
75888 03/09/2023 NORTH COAST JOURNAL 2023110050 Assistant City Engineer Recruitment Advertising 122 75888 03/09/2023 NORTH COAST JOURNAL 2023110124 Police Officer Recrutiment Advertising 50 75888 03/09/2023 NORTH COAST JOURNAL 2023110125 Police Officer Recruitment Advertising 50 75887 03/09/2023 NATT, ROMALDO 12623 Per Diem 3.15 - 3.16 (PAPA Conference) 37.5 75887 03/09/2023 NATT, ROMALDO 12623 Per Diem 3.15 - 3.16 (PAPA Conference) 37.5 75888 03/09/2023 NORTH COAST JOURNAL 2023110046 Assistant City Engineer Recruitment Advertising 50 75885 03/09/2023 MISSION LINEN INDUS SERV 518819839 River Lodge Linen Service 4.86 75885 03/09/2023 MISSION LINEN INDUS SERV 518826706 Janitorial Supplies - River Lodge 32.75 75886 03/09/2023 MITCHELL, BRISSO, DELANEY 51873 Attorney Services FY 22/23 1239.5 75885 03/09/2023 MISSION LINEN INDUS SERV 518796751 Wastewater Linen Service 74.19 75885 03/09/2023 MISSION LINEN INDUS SERV 518796761 Parks/Rink Linen Service 68.51 75885 03/09/2023 MISSION LINEN INDUS SERV 518819839 River Lodge Linen Service 176.01 75885 03/09/2023 MISSION LINEN INDUS SERV 518770324 PD Mat Cleaning Service FY 22/23 39.28 75885 03/09/2023 MISSION LINEN INDUS SERV 518796750 Corp Yard Linen Service 65.37 75885 03/09/2023 MISSION LINEN INDUS SERV 518796750 Corp Yard Linen Service 47.27 75882 03/09/2023 MAD RIVER COMMUNITY HOSPITAL A0108302 Humphrey Pre-employment Physical 685 75883 03/09/2023 MAPLESERVICE INC 133425 Sprinkler Inspection - River Lodge 780 75884 03/09/2023 MIRANDA'S RESCUE 030123 Animal Care Services FY 22/23 500 75880 03/09/2023 LACO ASSOCIATES 51283 RCRPD Benefit Assessment Dist Formation Plan 195 75881 03/09/2023 LESMAN PSI234716 Digester Shut Off Valve - WWTP -523.94 75881 03/09/2023 LESMAN PSI234716 Digester Shut Off Valve - WWTP 7023.84 75877 03/09/2023 IDEXX DISTRIBUTION, INC 3123627520 Lab Supplies 1950.91 75878 03/09/2023 IKIGAI PHYSICIAN GROUP INC 030823 Sewer Repair Claim Reimbursement (Optimum) 895 75879 03/09/2023 INDUSTRIAL ELECTRIC ARCATA INC IN46425 Pump Booster Repair - WWTP 6376.67 75876 03/09/2023 HUMBOLDT VETERINARY MEDICAL GRP1120295 Vet Services 88.77 75876 03/09/2023 HUMBOLDT VETERINARY MEDICAL GRP1120296 Vet Services 6.77 75876 03/09/2023 HUMBOLDT VETERINARY MEDICAL GRP1120297 Vet Services 3.86 75875 03/09/2023 HUMBOLDT PETROLEUM 103774 Car Wash Services - PD 14 75876 03/09/2023 HUMBOLDT VETERINARY MEDICAL GRP1119686 Vet Services 160 75876 03/09/2023 HUMBOLDT VETERINARY MEDICAL GRP1120122 Vet Services 200 75873 03/09/2023 HELIX LABORATORIES INC 90828 Chemicals 4167.5 75873 03/09/2023 HELIX LABORATORIES INC 90848 Chemicals 6340.47 75874 03/09/2023 HORIZON BUSINESS PRODUCTS 260092 Supplies - Building 7.58 75872 03/09/2023 HEALTHSPORT 030123 March Gym Memberships 47 75872 03/09/2023 HEALTHSPORT 030123 March Gym Memberships 47 75872 03/09/2023 HEALTHSPORT 030123 March Gym Memberships 23.5 75872 03/09/2023 HEALTHSPORT 030123 March Gym Memberships 23.5 75872 03/09/2023 HEALTHSPORT 030123 March Gym Memberships 23.5 75872 03/09/2023 HEALTHSPORT 030123 March Gym Memberships 47 75871 03/09/2023 GROCERY OUTLET 022223 Supplies - Playgroup/School Break Camp 57.2 75871 03/09/2023 GROCERY OUTLET 022823 Kennel Supplies 13.77 75872 03/09/2023 HEALTHSPORT 030123 March Gym Memberships 23.5 75870 03/09/2023 GHD INC 380-0028373 Kenmar/101 Interchange Improvement Project 10432.56 75870 03/09/2023 GHD INC 380-0028385 US 101/12th Street Interchange PA & ED 6019.95 75871 03/09/2023 GROCERY OUTLET 022223 Supplies - Playgroup/School Break Camp 9.27 75870 03/09/2023 GHD INC 380-0027837 Fortuna VMT Analysis 1377.5 75870 03/09/2023 GHD INC 380-0027904 2600 Newburg Reno ASB Assessment 3408.72 75870 03/09/2023 GHD INC 380-0027905 Well 5B Evaluation Service 206 75870 03/09/2023 GHD INC 380-0027835 12th Street Stormwater Enhancement Project 635.94 75870 03/09/2023 GHD INC 380-0027835 12th Street Stormwater Enhancement Project 1907.81 75870 03/09/2023 GHD INC 380-0027836 Sewer Master Plan 3181.25 75869 03/09/2023 FRASCO PROFILES 2023020148 Pre-employment Background Service 141.53 75869 03/09/2023 FRASCO PROFILES 2023020148 Pre-employment Background Service 70.76 75869 03/09/2023 FRASCO PROFILES 2023020148 Pre-employment Background Service 70.77 75867 03/09/2023 FORTUNA ACE HARDWARE 356644 Key Copies - PD 9.4 75868 03/09/2023 FORTUNA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2-14-0394 FBID Event Services 6894.46 75869 03/09/2023 FRASCO PROFILES 2023020148 Pre-employment Background Service 141.53 Expense Approval Report Payment Dates: 3/9/2023 - 3/9/2023 Payment Number Payment Date Vendor Name Payable Number Description (Item) 75867 03/09/2023 FORTUNA ACE HARDWARE 356609 Janitorial Supplies - Parks 85.4 Amount
75910 03/09/2023 U.S. BANK 022223 February Cal Card Exenses 370.32 3/9/2023 9:04:40 AM Page 3 of 9
75908 03/09/2023 THOMAS R BESS INC 4865 Asphalt 244.38
75908 03/09/2023 THOMAS R BESS INC 4865 Asphalt 244.37
75909 03/09/2023 TOWN, JESSE 030723 Per Diem 3.15 - 3.16 (PAPA Conference) 75 75907 03/09/2023 THATCHER COMPANY INC 2023100108352 Chemicals 9165.5 75907 03/09/2023 THATCHER COMPANY INC 2023100904165 Chemical Deposit Refund -5000 75907 03/09/2023 THATCHER COMPANY INC 2023100904165 Chemical Deposit Refund -425 75905 03/09/2023 SYSCO SACRAMENTO 431220659 Catering/Kitchen Supplies - River Lodge 100.79 75906 03/09/2023 TAYLOR, BRIAN 022823 Monday Club Deposit Refund 250 75907 03/09/2023 THATCHER COMPANY INC 2023100108352 Chemicals 5000 75903 03/09/2023 SHERLOCK RECORDS MANAGEMENT3825 Finance Record Storage FY 22/23 50 75904 03/09/2023 SHRED AWARE 49112 Shredding Services - FBID 160.06 75905 03/09/2023 SYSCO SACRAMENTO 431220659 Catering/Kitchen Supplies - River Lodge 74.55 75900 03/09/2023 RECOLOGY EEL RIVER 595870 Debris Disposal - PD 109.2 75901 03/09/2023 SCOTTY'S CUTTERS EDGE 149953 Equipment Maintenance - Parks 157.38 75902 03/09/2023 SHERLOCK MINI STORAGE 030223 FBID Storage Rental 3.1.23 140 75898 03/09/2023 PEOPLEFACTS LLC 2023020192 Pre-employment Credit Check 13.16 75899 03/09/2023 PETERSON PR030022825 Credit Return -549.85 75899 03/09/2023 PETERSON SW020063512 Equipment Maintenance - Utilities 2717.85 75897 03/09/2023 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC CO 02238481 42737528481 8.11 75897 03/09/2023 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC CO 02238568 41487528568 1466.13 75897 03/09/2023 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC CO 02238897 65641318897 14.78 75897 03/09/2023 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC CO 02234560 74193064560 264.01 75897 03/09/2023 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC CO 02235284 40654195284 698 75897 03/09/2023 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC CO 02236009 33454186009 15.31 75897 03/09/2023 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC CO 02233322 79545763322 73.64 75897 03/09/2023 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC CO 02234197 34609744197 1097.37 75897 03/09/2023 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC CO 02234490 91564484490 341.94 75897 03/09/2023 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC CO 02230527 59188610527 1806.97 75897 03/09/2023 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC CO 02231921 41070861921 823.46 75897 03/09/2023 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC CO 02232987 61444662987 66.68 75896 03/09/2023 PACE SUPPLY CORP 28127350-8 Supplies - Utilities 398.08 75896 03/09/2023 PACE SUPPLY CORP 28386603 Supplies - Utilities 1009.97 75896 03/09/2023 PACE SUPPLY CORP 28409759 Supplies - Utilities 1156.78 75893 03/09/2023 O'REILLY AUTOMOTIVE STORE EB32584921 January First Call EB Credit -17.82 75894 03/09/2023 OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY 100401076131 Lift Service/Maintenance Contract - River Lodge 725.76 75895 03/09/2023 OWSLEY ELECTRIC 9727 Generator Replacement Switch - River Lodge 9619.8 75892 03/09/2023 OPTIMUM MAR23RL Internet Service - River Lodge FY 22/23 134.7 75893 03/09/2023 O'REILLY AUTOMOTIVE STORE 159959 Vehicle Repair - PD/WWTP 214.01 75893 03/09/2023 O'REILLY AUTOMOTIVE STORE 159959 Vehicle Repair - PD/WWTP 23.86 75892 03/09/2023 OPTIMUM MAR23CH Internet Service - CH/PD/PW FY 22/23 58.36 75892 03/09/2023 OPTIMUM MAR23CH Internet Service - CH/PD/PW FY 22/23 58.36 75892 03/09/2023 OPTIMUM MAR23PO Internet Service - Parks/Rodeo Grounds FY 22/23 236.37 75891 03/09/2023 ONTIVEROS & ASSOCIATES IN 5373 Civil Design/Drainage - Newburg Park 9403.75 75892 03/09/2023 OPTIMUM MAR23CH Internet Service - CH/PD/PW FY 22/23 58.37 75892 03/09/2023 OPTIMUM MAR23CH Internet Service - CH/PD/PW FY 22/23 58.36 75890 03/09/2023 NYLEX.NET 13344 IT Services - PD 2000
75890 03/09/2023 NYLEX.NET 13346 PC Installation - Lab 46.63 75890 03/09/2023 NYLEX.NET 13352 IT Services - PD 562.5 75890 03/09/2023 NYLEX.NET 13342 IT Services - Tech Building 133.67 75890 03/09/2023 NYLEX.NET 13342 IT Services - Tech Building 133.67 75890 03/09/2023 NYLEX.NET 13344 IT Services - PD 81.35 75889 03/09/2023 NORTH COAST LABORATORIES 169067 Lab Testing 490 75889 03/09/2023 NORTH COAST LABORATORIES 169126 Lab Testing 755 75890 03/09/2023 NYLEX.NET 13342 IT Services - Tech Building 133.67 75888 03/09/2023 NORTH COAST JOURNAL 202311049 Assistant City Engineer Recruitment Advertising 122 75888 03/09/2023 NORTH COAST JOURNAL 2023ci-4368 Notice Inviting Bids - 12th Street Stormwater 473.04 75888 03/09/2023 NORTH COAST JOURNAL 2023ci-4368 Notice Inviting Bids - 12th Street Stormwater 342.96 Payment Number Payment Date Vendor Name Payable Number Description (Item) 75888 03/09/2023 NORTH COAST JOURNAL 2023110379 Notice of Adoption - Ordinance 2023-758 119 75888 03/09/2023 NORTH COAST JOURNAL 202311045 Assistant City Engineer Recruitment Advertising 50 Expense Approval Report Payment Dates: 3/9/2023 - 3/9/2023 Amount
75916 03/09/2023 WYCKOFF'S 73162 Supplies - WWTP 174.51 75916 03/09/2023 WYCKOFF'S 73164 Supplies - Utilities 45.56 3/9/2023 9:04:40 AM Page 4 of 9
75914 03/09/2023 VERIZON WIRELESS 9928296973 February Cell Service 235.13 75915 03/09/2023 WOODS PEST CONTROL 1203281 Monday Club Pest Services FY 22/23 125 75916 03/09/2023 WYCKOFF'S 72327 Supplies - Parks 81.34 75914 03/09/2023 VERIZON WIRELESS 9928296973 February Cell Service 2.08 75914 03/09/2023 VERIZON WIRELESS 9928296973 February Cell Service 61.87 75914 03/09/2023 VERIZON WIRELESS 9928296973 February Cell Service 169.33 75914 03/09/2023 VERIZON WIRELESS 9928296973 February Cell Service 608.16 75914 03/09/2023 VERIZON WIRELESS 9928296973 February Cell Service 31.59 75914 03/09/2023 VERIZON WIRELESS 9928296973 February Cell Service 65.87 75914 03/09/2023 VERIZON WIRELESS 9928296973 February Cell Service 46.78 75914 03/09/2023 VERIZON WIRELESS 9928296973 February Cell Service 118.67 75914 03/09/2023 VERIZON WIRELESS 9928296973 February Cell Service 304.39 75914 03/09/2023 VERIZON WIRELESS 9928296973 February Cell Service 88.72 75914 03/09/2023 VERIZON WIRELESS 9928296973 February Cell Service 724.71 75914 03/09/2023 VERIZON WIRELESS 9928296973 February Cell Service 39.25 75912 03/09/2023 USABLUEBOOK 273096 Lab Supplies 168.75 75913 03/09/2023 VERIZON WIRELESS 9928646003 Monthly SCADA Messaging Service - WWTP FY 22/235.92 75914 03/09/2023 VERIZON WIRELESS 9928296973 February Cell Service 43.09 75911 03/09/2023 US BANK EQUIPMENT FINANCE 495232134 Copier Lease FY 22/23 171.68 75911 03/09/2023 US BANK EQUIPMENT FINANCE 495232134 Copier Lease FY 22/23 66.93 75911 03/09/2023 US BANK EQUIPMENT FINANCE 495232134 Copier Lease FY 22/23 52.38 75911 03/09/2023 US BANK EQUIPMENT FINANCE 495231888 Copier Lease FY 22/23 188.52 75911 03/09/2023 US BANK EQUIPMENT FINANCE 495231888 Copier Lease FY 22/23 73.49 75911 03/09/2023 US BANK EQUIPMENT FINANCE 495231888 Copier Lease FY 22/23 57.51 75910 03/09/2023 U.S. BANK 022223 February Cal Card Exenses 250 75910 03/09/2023 U.S. BANK 022223 February Cal Card Exenses 12.42 75910 03/09/2023 U.S. BANK 022223 February Cal Card Exenses 625 75910 03/09/2023 U.S. BANK 022223 February Cal Card Exenses 100 75910 03/09/2023 U.S. BANK 022223 February Cal Card Exenses 29.98 75910 03/09/2023 U.S. BANK 022223 February Cal Card Exenses 75 75910 03/09/2023 U.S. BANK 022223 February Cal Card Exenses 716.91 75910 03/09/2023 U.S. BANK 022223 February Cal Card Exenses 11.76 75910 03/09/2023 U.S. BANK 022223 February Cal Card Exenses 17.1 75910 03/09/2023 U.S. BANK 022223 February Cal Card Exenses 225 75910 03/09/2023 U.S. BANK 022223 February Cal Card Exenses 14 75910 03/09/2023 U.S. BANK 022223 February Cal Card Exenses 225 75910 03/09/2023 U.S. BANK 022223 February Cal Card Exenses 9.99 75910 03/09/2023 U.S. BANK 022223 February Cal Card Exenses 73.44 75910 03/09/2023 U.S. BANK 022223 February Cal Card Exenses 395.31 75910 03/09/2023 U.S. BANK 022223 February Cal Card Exenses 638.99 75910 03/09/2023 U.S. BANK 022223 February Cal Card Exenses 144.57 75910 03/09/2023 U.S. BANK 022223 February Cal Card Exenses 154.51 75910 03/09/2023 U.S. BANK 022223 February Cal Card Exenses 152.9 75910 03/09/2023 U.S. BANK 022223 February Cal Card Exenses 22.48 75910 03/09/2023 U.S. BANK 022223 February Cal Card Exenses 22.49 75910 03/09/2023 U.S. BANK 022223 February Cal Card Exenses 2060.43 75910 03/09/2023 U.S. BANK 022223 February Cal Card Exenses 3292.57 75910 03/09/2023 U.S. BANK 022223 February Cal Card Exenses 100 75910 03/09/2023 U.S. BANK 022223 February Cal Card Exenses 66.11 75910 03/09/2023 U.S. BANK 022223 February Cal Card Exenses 94.18 75910 03/09/2023 U.S. BANK 022223 February Cal Card Exenses 20 75910 03/09/2023 U.S. BANK 022223 February Cal Card Exenses 305.65 75910 03/09/2023 U.S. BANK 022223 February Cal Card Exenses 83.5 75910 03/09/2023 U.S. BANK 022223 February Cal Card Exenses 341.25 75910 03/09/2023 U.S. BANK 022223 February Cal Card Exenses 18.21 75910 03/09/2023 U.S. BANK 022223 February Cal Card Exenses -70.51 75910 03/09/2023 U.S. BANK 022223 February Cal Card Exenses -141.02 Expense Approval Report Payment Dates: 3/9/2023 - 3/9/2023 Payment Number Payment Date Vendor Name Payable Number Description (Item) 75910 03/09/2023 U.S. BANK 022223 February Cal Card Exenses 811.55 Amount
Grand Total: 159602.82
3/9/2023 9:04:40 AM Page 5 of 9
Payment Number Payment Date Vendor Name Payable Number Description (Item) 75916 03/09/2023 WYCKOFF'S 73187 Supplies - Parks 19.36 75916 03/09/2023 WYCKOFF'S 73256 Supplies - Parks 83.48 Expense Approval Report Payment Dates: 3/9/2023 - 3/9/2023 100-5740-4100 Building Repair and Maintenance 133.67
100-5740-5500 Building Repair and Maintenance 94.18
100-5775-2000 Network Support 2562.5
100-6020-1300 Legal Services 1239.5
100-6025-1200 Professional Services 50
3/9/2023 9:04:40 AM Page 6 of 9
100-5705-5450 Equipment Maintenance 109.89
100-5715-2000 Vehicle Repairs 669.87
100-5715-4100 Vehicle Repairs 188.89
100-5715-5450 Vehicle Repairs 385.77
100-5720-5450 Equipment Repair 223.49
100-5740-2000 Building Repair and Maintenance 155.63
100-5500-5450 Department Supplies 962.12
100-5500-5500 Department Supplies 83.5
100-5515-2000 Ammunition & Range Supplies 341.25
100-5565-5450 Janitorial Supplies 85.4
100-5705-1500 Equipment Maintenance 360.2
100-5705-2000 Equipment Maintenance 140.42
100-5500-2000 Department Supplies 1361.98
100-5500-2800 Department Supplies 31.98
100-5500-3200 Department Supplies -70.51
100-5500-4000 Department Supplies 38.81
100-5500-4100 Department Supplies 217.49
100-5500-5400 Department Supplies 9.27
100-5265-1200 Miscellaneous Benefits 23.5
100-5265-2000 Miscellaneous Benefits 47
100-5265-4000 Miscellaneous Benefits 47
100-5265-4100 Miscellaneous Benefits 47
100-5500-1100 Department Supplies 370.32
100-5500-1500 Department Supplies 214.83
100-1683 Distributed Utilities 1439.31
100-2405 Parking Fund-County 81.5
100-2410 Parking Fund-State 67.5
100-2460 Sales Tax Payable -523.94
100-5265-1100 Miscellaneous Benefits 23.5
100-5265-1150 Miscellaneous Benefits 23.5
352 - DWR-State Water Fund 342.96
500 - Water Fund 17709.1
510 - Water Capital Fund 206
550 - Wastewater Fund 32765.94
560 - Wastewater Capital Fund 3181.25
590 - TDA Transit Fund 637.42
Grand Total: 159602.82
Account Summary
Account Number Account Name Payment Amount
110 - Rohner Rec District Fund 195
120 - Development & Building Fund 1032.33
140 - Citywide Traffic Impact Fund 1377.5
160 - Riverlodge Fund 14945.48
200 - Storm Drainage Fund 37.43
250 - FBID Fund 22811.18
270 - STIP/TEA Fund 16452.51
280 - Gas Tax Fund 281.76
351 - FEMA Fund 1907.81
Expense Approval Report Payment Dates: 3/9/2023 - 3/9/2023 Report Summary
Fund Summary
Fund Payment Amount
100 - General Fund 34360.83
101 - Transaction and Use Tax Fund 10944.32
105 - Donations Fund 414
3/9/2023 9:04:40 AM Page 7 of 9
160-2221 Monday Club Deposits 250
160-5500-5800 Department Supplies 974.89
160-5539-5800 Kitchen Supplies 11.76
160-5540-5800 Catering - Food 74.55
160-5547-5800 User Group Linen 176.01
160-5565-5800 Janitorial Supplies 37.61
120-5500-3000 Department Supplies 7.58
120-5715-3000 Vehicle Repairs 188.89
120-6005-3000 Engineering Services 250
120-6205-3000 Cell Phones 65.87
120-6300-3100 Advertising 496.49
140-6005-9500 Engineering Services 1377.5
101-7000-2000 Travel, Conferences & Training 225
101-7000-2850 Travel, Conferences & Training 175
105-5500-2850 Department Supplies 14
105-7000-2850 Travel, Conferences & Training 400
110-6025-5450 Professional Services 195
120-5265-3000 Miscellaneous Benefits 23.5
100-7612-2000 Contingency 73.44
100-7616-1000 Televised Meetings 598.66
101-6005-9100 Engineering Services 635.94
101-6005-9101 Engineering Services 473.04
101-6005-9379 Engineering Services 9403.75
101-6205-2000 Cell Phones 31.59
100-7015-2000 Dues & Subscriptions 3268.89
100-7220-5400 Summer Fun 144.57
100-7221-5400 School Recreation Program 211.71
100-7230-5400 Skating/Pavilion 9.99
100-7400-2800 Miranda's Rescue 860
100-7455-2800 Veterinary Expenses 99.4
100-7000-1100 Travel, Conferences & Training 2060.43
100-7000-2000 Travel, Conferences & Training 3701.57
100-7000-4100 Travel, Conferences & Training 137.5
100-7000-5450 Travel, Conferences & Training 227.9
100-7015-1100 Dues & Subscriptions 22.48
100-7015-1150 Dues & Subscriptions 22.49
100-6360-1600 Claims/Settlement 895
100-6505-4000 Utility - General & Electric 66.68
100-6505-5400 Utility - General & Electric 823.46
100-6505-5450 Utility - General & Electric 1474.24
100-6505-5500 Utility - General & Electric 264.01
100-6505-5600 Utility - General & Electric 698
100-6205-4000 Cell Phones 46.78
100-6205-4100 Cell Phones 118.67
100-6205-5450 Cell Phones 304.39
100-6210-1500 Internet Service 58.37
100-6210-2000 Internet Service 666.52
100-6210-5450 Internet Service 236.37
100-6035-4000 Personnel Services 364
100-6035-5450 Personnel Services 141.53
100-6205-1100 Cell Phones 43.09
100-6205-1500 Cell Phones 88.72
100-6205-2000 Cell Phones 724.71
100-6205-3200 Cell Phones 39.25
Expense Approval Report Payment Dates: 3/9/2023 - 3/9/2023 Account Summary
Account Number Account Name Payment Amount
100-6025-2000 Professional Services 52.44
100-6025-9104 Professional Services 3408.72
100-6035-2000 Personnel Services 485.53
100-6035-2800 Personnel Services 685
590-5500-5000 Department Supplies 12.42
3/9/2023 9:04:40 AM Page 8 of 9
550-6205-6700 Cell Phones 241.05
550-6210-6700 Internet Service 58.36
550-6505-6600 Utility - General & Electric 73.64
550-7000-6600 Travel, Conferences & Training 250
550-7012-6600 Certification 50
560-6005-9110 Engineering Services 3181.25
550-5720-6600 Equipment Repair 7023.84
550-5730-6600 Alarm System Maintenance 91.5
550-5740-6700 Building Repair and Maintenance 133.67
550-5766-6600 Bio solids Management 892
550-6035-6500 Personnel Services 70.77
550-6045-6600 Laboratory Services 755
550-5500-6600 Department Supplies 694.53
550-5525-6500 Asphalt 244.37
550-5555-6600 Plant Chemicals 19248.47
550-5557-6600 Lab Supplies 2119.66
550-5715-6500 Vehicle Repairs 188.89
550-5715-6600 Vehicle Repairs 525.94
500-6210-6300 Internet Service 58.36
500-7000-6100 Travel, Conferences & Training 75
500-7012-6000 Certification 50
510-6005-9066 Engineering Services 206
550-1310 Chemical Tank Deposits 0
550-5500-6500 Department Supplies 104.25
500-5720-6100 Equipment Repair 2356.89
500-5730-6000 Alarm System Maintenance 136.5
500-5740-6300 Building Repair and Maintenance 133.67
500-5760-6100 Water Meters 4554.66
500-6035-6100 Personnel Services 70.76
500-6205-6300 Cell Phones 169.33
500-5500-6100 Department Supplies 3038.42
500-5500-6300 Department Supplies 29.98
500-5525-6100 Asphalt 244.38
500-5715-6100 Vehicle Repairs 188.89
500-5719-6000 Information Technology 46.63
500-5720-6000 Equipment Repair 6376.67
280-5726-4200 Street Light Maintenance 83.36
280-6505-4200 Utility - General & Electric 30.09
280-7000-4200 Travel, Conferences & Training 137.5
351-6005-9100 Engineering Services 1907.81
352-6005-9101 Engineering Services 342.96
500-5500-6000 Department Supplies 178.96
250-5500-1800 Department Supplies 17.1
250-6025-1800 Professional Services 22732.21
250-6205-1800 Cell Phones 61.87
270-6005-9112 Engineering Services 6019.95
270-6005-9978 Engineering Services 10432.56
280-5500-4200 Department Supplies 30.81
160-5740-5700 Building Repair and Maintenance 125
160-5740-5800 Building Repair and Maintenance 10399.8
160-6205-5800 Cell Phones 2.08
160-6210-5800 Internet Service 134.7
160-6505-5800 Utility - General & Electric 1806.97
200-5500-4300 Department Supplies 37.43
Expense Approval Report Payment Dates: 3/9/2023 - 3/9/2023 Account Summary
Account Number Account Name Payment Amount
160-5575-5800 Kitchen Chemical 100.79
160-5706-5800 Equipment Lease 125.56
160-5720-5800 Equipment Repair 725.76
Project Account Summary
Project Account Key Payment Amount
**None** 159188.82
Exp DONATION-K9 414
Grand Total: 159602.82
3/9/2023 9:04:40 AM Page 9 of 9
Expense Approval Report Payment Dates: 3/9/2023 - 3/9/2023 Account Summary
Account Number Account Name Payment Amount
590-7000-5000 Travel, Conferences & Training 625
Grand Total: 159602.82
Amount
75932 03/15/2023 HUMMEL TIRE & WHEEL 2168760 Tires - PD 664.39 3/15/2023 3:22:46 PM Page 1 of 5
75929 03/15/2023 GROCERY OUTLET 030223 Supplies - Playgroup/Break Camp 9.85 75930 03/15/2023 HARDING, ALEX 022823 River Lodge 400
75931 03/15/2023 HUMBOLDT VETERINARY MEDICAL GRP1121139 Vet Services 190 75928 03/15/2023 GHD INC 380-0028758 12th Street Integrated Sewer Project 1004.25 75928 03/15/2023 GHD INC 380-0028758 12th Street Integrated Sewer Project 4900 75929 03/15/2023 GROCERY OUTLET 030223 Supplies - Playgroup/Break Camp 14.13 75926 03/15/2023 FORTUNA ACE HARDWARE 356972 Supplies - Parks 72.19 75926 03/15/2023 FORTUNA ACE HARDWARE 357066 Supplies - Utilities 155.13 75927 03/15/2023 FRIESEN DESIGN BUILD LLC 030923 Monday Club Deposit Refund 250 75926 03/15/2023 FORTUNA ACE HARDWARE 356826 Supplies - General Services 19.51 75926 03/15/2023 FORTUNA ACE HARDWARE 356900 Supplies - Streets 24.94 75926 03/15/2023 FORTUNA ACE HARDWARE 356905 Supplies - WWTP 34.71 75925 03/15/2023 FARNSWORTH, BRITTANY 030823 Park Deposit Refund 250 75926 03/15/2023 FORTUNA ACE HARDWARE 356726 Supplies - Utilities 28.19 75926 03/15/2023 FORTUNA ACE HARDWARE 356823 Equipment Maintenance - Streets 25.39 75922 03/15/2023 COPWARE 86319 Digital Legal Sourcebook - PD 460 75923 03/15/2023 CRYSTAL SPRINGS BOTTLED W MAR23PO Water Cooler Rental - Parks FY 22/23 14 75924 03/15/2023 DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE 640554 February Livescan Services 784 75918 03/15/2023 AT&T 9011 19614215 9391061228 83.71
75920 03/15/2023 BICOASTAL MEDIA GROUP 15696-2 Advertising - Recreation 200 75921 03/15/2023 COLLINGS, RILEY 030323 Class B License Reimbursement 89 75918 03/15/2023 AT&T 9011 19610911 9391062012 42.48
75918 03/15/2023 AT&T 9011 19614214 9391061226 167.43
75918 03/15/2023 AT&T 9011 19614215 9391061228 83.72
75918 03/15/2023 AT&T 9011 19610909 9391062010 75.53
75918 03/15/2023 AT&T 9011 19610909 9391062010 140.28
75918 03/15/2023 AT&T 9011 19610910 9391062011 32.91
75918 03/15/2023 AT&T 9011 19610882 9391061252 253.38
75918 03/15/2023 AT&T 9011 19610908 9391062009 83.64
75918 03/15/2023 AT&T 9011 19610908 9391062009 155.33
75918 03/15/2023 AT&T 9011 19610879 9391061249 37.32
75918 03/15/2023 AT&T 9011 19610880 9391061250 16.55
75918 03/15/2023 AT&T 9011 19610881 9391061251 105.78
75918 03/15/2023 AT&T 9011 19610874 9391061219 26.27
75918 03/15/2023 AT&T 9011 19610875 9391061220 52.55
75918 03/15/2023 AT&T 9011 19610876 9391061221 27.11
75918 03/15/2023 AT&T 9011 19610872 9391061217 27.11
75918 03/15/2023 AT&T 9011 19610873 9391061218 77.99
75918 03/15/2023 AT&T 9011 19610874 9391061219 26.28
75918 03/15/2023 AT&T 9011 19610868 9391061212 27.11
75918 03/15/2023 AT&T 9011 19610869 9391061213 257.4
75918 03/15/2023 AT&T 9011 19610870 9391061214 27.11
75918 03/15/2023 AT&T 9011 19603250 9391069537 1026.82
75918 03/15/2023 AT&T 9011 19610864 9391061208 27.11
75918 03/15/2023 AT&T 9011 19610865 9391061209 179.73
75918 03/15/2023 AT&T 9011 19600928 9391061238 167.43
75918 03/15/2023 AT&T 9011 19600931 9391061243 158.23
75918 03/15/2023 AT&T 9011 19601190 9391062358 69.11
75918 03/15/2023 AT&T 9011 1910883 9391061253 17.09
75918 03/15/2023 AT&T 9011 19600927 9391061237 58.6
75918 03/15/2023 AT&T 9011 19600927 9391061237 108.83
Expense Approval Report
CITY OF FORTUNA By (None)
Payment Dates 3/15/2023 - 3/15/2023
Payment Number Payment Date Vendor Name Payable Number Description (Item) 75917 03/15/2023 AMERICAN AGCREDIT 030923 River Lodge Deposit Refund 200 75918 03/15/2023 AT&T 9011 1910883 9391061253 85.45
Amount
75953 03/15/2023 TRACTOR SUPPLY CREDIT PLA 709375 Dog Food - K9 Blitz 123.67 75953 03/15/2023 TRACTOR SUPPLY CREDIT PLA 709741 Kennel Supplies 16.26 3/15/2023 3:22:46 PM Page 2 of 5
75951 03/15/2023 SWRCB 031023 WW TPO Operator Cert Renewal - J Jones 150 75952 03/15/2023 TIMES-STANDARD 1367809 Advertising - River Lodge 814.91 75953 03/15/2023 TRACTOR SUPPLY CREDIT PLA 709374 Dog Food - K9 Cain 61.83 75948 03/15/2023 RON DUPRATT FORD 381227 Vehicle Repair - PD 68.72 75949 03/15/2023 SHN CONSULTING ENG & GEOL 116443 P Street Sewer Project 1105 75950 03/15/2023 STATEWIDE TRAFFIC SAFETY 9008458 Street Signs 806.97 75946 03/15/2023 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC CO 02239662 43566719662 120.22 75946 03/15/2023 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC CO 02239729 17524449729 391.16 75948 03/15/2023 RON DUPRATT FORD 380261 Vehicle Repair - PD 102.33 75946 03/15/2023 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC CO 02236357 27889626357 27412.7 75946 03/15/2023 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC CO 02238379 51382078379 360.24 75946 03/15/2023 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC CO 02239507 47733469507 1074.35 75946 03/15/2023 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC CO 02235127 43154195127 47.12 75946 03/15/2023 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC CO 02235729 75033105729 533.51 75946 03/15/2023 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC CO 02236230 40689526230 328.88 75946 03/15/2023 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC CO 02233994 28883393994 5.78 75946 03/15/2023 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC CO 02234050 33381924050 23.4 75946 03/15/2023 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC CO 02235020 63983385020 43.55 75946 03/15/2023 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC CO 02233045 45859733045 75.66 75946 03/15/2023 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC CO 02233473 69711643473 518.34 75946 03/15/2023 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC CO 02233881 58771943881 1980.91 75946 03/15/2023 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC CO 02232501 10129392501 226.46 75946 03/15/2023 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC CO 02232716 23664592716 2.48 75946 03/15/2023 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC CO 02232970 93570722970 253.73 75946 03/15/2023 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC CO 02230906 78346610906 17.73 75946 03/15/2023 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC CO 02231200 81934311200 87.27 75946 03/15/2023 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC CO 02231965 88771941965 19.93 75944 03/15/2023 O'REILLY AUTOMOTIVE STORE 162058 Equipment Maintenance - General Services 31.24 75945 03/15/2023 OWEN EQUIPMENT SALES 59169 Equipment Maintenance - Streets 1642.84 75946 03/15/2023 PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC CO 02230729 95900010729 89.16 75944 03/15/2023 O'REILLY AUTOMOTIVE STORE 161551 Vehicle Repair - Utilities 23.86 75944 03/15/2023 O'REILLY AUTOMOTIVE STORE 161588 Core Return -97.65 75944 03/15/2023 O'REILLY AUTOMOTIVE STORE 161987 Vehicle Repair - Utilities 17.34 75944 03/15/2023 O'REILLY AUTOMOTIVE STORE 161311 Vehicle Repair - PD 309.25 75944 03/15/2023 O'REILLY AUTOMOTIVE STORE 161380 Vehicle Repair - PD 27.33 75944 03/15/2023 O'REILLY AUTOMOTIVE STORE 161414 Lift Repairs - Parks 48.96 75942 03/15/2023 ONTIVEROS & ASSOCIATES IN 5379 St Josep/Renner Ln - Lot Line Adjustment 130 75943 03/15/2023 OPENGOV INC INV00010068 Planning Software Application Add-on 9945 75944 03/15/2023 O'REILLY AUTOMOTIVE STORE 160938 Vehicle Repair - PD 112.33 75940 03/15/2023 NYLEX.NET 13392 Switch Replacement - River Lodge 1899.09 75941 03/15/2023 O&M INDUSTRIES 3561 Heather Diagnostics - Public Works 104 75941 03/15/2023 O&M INDUSTRIES 3561 Heather Diagnostics - Public Works 104 75938 03/15/2023 NORCAL AUTOBODY INC 5387 Vehicle Repair - Parks 300.93 75938 03/15/2023 NORCAL AUTOBODY INC 5388 Vehicle Repair - General Services 4778.78 75939 03/15/2023 NORMAN'S DRY CLEANERS 76149 River Lodge Linen Service 32.45 75936 03/15/2023 NAPA AUTO PARTS FORTUNA 35268 Vehicle Repair - Utilities 35.12 75937 03/15/2023 NCL OF WISCONSIN INC 484046 Lab Supplies -13.46 75937 03/15/2023 NCL OF WISCONSIN INC 484046 Lab Supplies 186.02 75934 03/15/2023 MISSION LINEN INDUS SERV 518864998 River Lodge Linen Service 81.03 75935 03/15/2023 MUNICIPAL MAINTENANCE EQU 6384 Vehicle Repair - Utilities 608.46 75936 03/15/2023 NAPA AUTO PARTS FORTUNA 35246 Vehicle Repair - PD 77.13 75934 03/15/2023 MISSION LINEN INDUS SERV 518837817 Parks/Rink Linen Service 72.31 75934 03/15/2023 MISSION LINEN INDUS SERV 518856025 PD Mat Cleaning Service FY 22/23 39.28 75934 03/15/2023 MISSION LINEN INDUS SERV 518864998 River Lodge Linen Service 232.77 75934 03/15/2023 MISSION LINEN INDUS SERV 518837807 Corp Yard Linen Service 65.55 75934 03/15/2023 MISSION LINEN INDUS SERV 518837807 Corp Yard Linen Service 47.44 75934 03/15/2023 MISSION LINEN INDUS SERV 518837808 Wastewater Linen Service 83.13 Expense Approval Report Payment Dates: 3/15/2023 - 3/15/2023 Payment Number Payment Date Vendor Name Payable Number Description (Item) 75933 03/15/2023 MERCER FRASER COMPANY 109191 Asphalt Concrete 799.75 Amount
75956 03/15/2023 US BANK EQUIPMENT FINANCE 496195975 MFP Lease FY 22/23 55.32 75957 03/15/2023 USABLUEBOOK 279132 Supplies - WWTP 293.41 Grand Total: 74163.2
3/15/2023 3:22:46 PM Page 3 of 5
75956 03/15/2023 US BANK EQUIPMENT FINANCE 496195975 MFP Lease FY 22/23 18.44 75956 03/15/2023 US BANK EQUIPMENT FINANCE 496195975 MFP Lease FY 22/23 18.44 75956 03/15/2023 US BANK EQUIPMENT FINANCE 496195975 MFP Lease FY 22/23 55.32 75956 03/15/2023 US BANK EQUIPMENT FINANCE 496195975 MFP Lease FY 22/23 165.95 75956 03/15/2023 US BANK EQUIPMENT FINANCE 496195975 MFP Lease FY 22/23 129.08 75956 03/15/2023 US BANK EQUIPMENT FINANCE 496195975 MFP Lease FY 22/23 18.44 75954 03/15/2023 UBEO BUSINESS SERVICES 4022457 Print Services FY 22/23 143.65 75954 03/15/2023 UBEO BUSINESS SERVICES 4022457 Print Services FY 22/23 143.65 75955 03/15/2023 ULINE 160343276 Lab Supplies 110.06
75954 03/15/2023 UBEO BUSINESS SERVICES 4022457 Print Services FY 22/23 47.88 75954 03/15/2023 UBEO BUSINESS SERVICES 4022457 Print Services FY 22/23 47.88 75954 03/15/2023 UBEO BUSINESS SERVICES 4022457 Print Services FY 22/23 47.88 Payment Number Payment Date Vendor Name Payable Number Description (Item) 75954 03/15/2023 UBEO BUSINESS SERVICES 4022457 Print Services FY 22/23 430.99 75954 03/15/2023 UBEO BUSINESS SERVICES 4022457 Print Services FY 22/23 335.19 Expense Approval Report Payment Dates: 3/15/2023 - 3/15/2023 160-2221 Monday Club Deposits 250
160-2222 River Lodge Deposits 600
160-5547-5800 User Group Linen 232.77
160-5565-5800 Janitorial Supplies 113.48
3/15/2023 3:22:46 PM Page 4 of 5
100-7400-2800 Miranda's Rescue 190
100-8000-3200 Capital Outlay 9945
101-5500-2850 Department Supplies 61.83
101-6005-9101 Engineering Services 1004.25
105-5500-2850 Department Supplies 123.67
120-6200-3000 Telephone 17.09
100-6505-2800 Utility - General & Electric 391.16
100-6505-5450 Utility - General & Electric 349.24
100-6625-2000 Livescan Fees 784
100-7000-4100 Travel, Conferences & Training 89
100-7015-2000 Dues & Subscriptions 460
100-7221-5400 School Recreation Program 9.85
100-6025-2000 Professional Services 39.28
100-6025-3200 Professional Services 130
100-6200-2000 Telephone 1722.38
100-6200-5400 Telephone 474.2
100-6300-5400 Advertising 200
100-6505-2000 Utility - General & Electric 518.34
100-5705-5450 Equipment Maintenance 66.32
100-5715-2000 Vehicle Repairs 1263.83
100-5715-4100 Vehicle Repairs 4778.78
100-5715-5450 Vehicle Repairs 300.93
100-5720-4100 Equipment Repair 31.24
100-5745-5450 Vandalism Repair 48.96
100-5500-5400 Department Supplies 14.13
100-5500-5450 Department Supplies 86.19
100-5565-5450 Janitorial Supplies 72.31
100-5705-1500 Equipment Maintenance 596.94
100-5705-2000 Equipment Maintenance 464.27
100-5705-4000 Equipment Maintenance 66.32
Account Summary
Account Number Account Name Payment Amount
100-1684 Distributed Telephone 483.15
100-2220 Refundable Park Deposits 250
100-2460 Sales Tax Payable -13.46
100-5500-2800 Department Supplies 16.26
100-5500-4100 Department Supplies 85.06
352 - DWR-State Water Fund 4900
500 - Water Fund 3050.01
550 - Wastewater Fund 29117.57
560 - Wastewater Capital Fund 1105
590 - TDA Transit Fund 26.27
670 - Rancho Bueno Vista Fund 5.78
671 - Kenwood Meadows Fund 253.73
677 - Astor Sewer District Fund 23.4
Grand Total: 74163.2
Expense Approval Report Payment Dates: 3/15/2023 - 3/15/2023 Report Summary
Fund Summary
Fund Payment Amount
100 - General Fund 23913.68
101 - Transaction and Use Tax Fund 1066.08
105 - Donations Fund 123.67
120 - Development & Building Fund 17.09
160 - Riverlodge Fund 7018.64
280 - Gas Tax Fund 3542.28
3/15/2023 3:22:46 PM Page 5 of 5
671-6505-6510 Utility - General & Electric 253.73
677-6505-6526 Utility - General & Electric 23.4
Grand Total: 74163.2
Project Account Summary
Project Account Key Payment Amount
**None** 74039.53
Exp DONATION-K9 123.67
Grand Total: 74163.2
550-6200-6500 Telephone 378.43
550-6505-6600 Utility - General & Electric 27550.65
550-7012-6600 Certification 150
560-6025-9121 Professional Services 1105
590-6200-5000 Telephone 26.27
670-6505-6505 Utility - General & Electric 5.78
500-6505-6000 Utility - General & Electric 1763.47
550-5500-6500 Department Supplies 28.19
550-5500-6600 Department Supplies 411.25
550-5557-6600 Lab Supplies 296.08
550-5705-6700 Equipment Maintenance 198.97
550-5740-6700 Building Repair and Maintenance 104
352-6005-9101 Engineering Services 4900
500-5500-6100 Department Supplies 202.57
500-5705-6300 Equipment Maintenance 198.97
500-5715-6100 Vehicle Repairs 684.78
500-5740-6300 Building Repair and Maintenance 104
500-6200-6100 Telephone 96.22
160-6505-5700 Utility - General & Electric 533.51
160-6505-5800 Utility - General & Electric 1980.91
280-5500-4200 Department Supplies 831.91
280-5525-4200 Asphalt 799.75
280-5720-4200 Equipment Repair 1668.23
280-6505-4200 Utility - General & Electric 242.39
Account Summary
Account Number Account Name Payment Amount
160-5705-5800 Equipment Maintenance 66.32
160-5775-5800 Network Support 1899.09
160-6200-5700 Telephone 27.11
160-6200-5800 Telephone 500.54
160-6300-5800 Advertising 814.91
Expense Approval Report Payment Dates: 3/15/2023 - 3/15/2023 Consent Item 4j

STAFF REPORT
City Council Consent Item
DATE: March 20, 2023
TO: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
FROM: Merritt Perry, City Manager
SUBJECT: Approve Cost Sharing Agreement with Fortuna Mill Commerce Center LLC and Approve Supplemental Budget Request for $63,000 to Provide Additional Planning Assistance for the Mill Site Specific Plan
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:

Authorize the City Manager to execute a cost sharing agreement with the Fortuna Mill Commerce Center LLC, approve Supplemental Budget Request for $63,000, and authorize the City Manager to execute a contract amendment with Planwest Partners to provide additional planning assistance for the Mill Site Specific Plan.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

City staff is underway with planning of the Mill District Specific Plan for infrastructure, design standards, land use, and zoning of the Palco mill site, funded by a LEAP grant from HCD ($65,000) and a Headwaters grant ($75,000 plus a $25,000 City match). Alternative land use scenarios are being designed for presentation at stakeholder and public meetings, with the goal of a preferred alternative to be presented to the Planning Commission for review, and the City Council for adoption. The first stakeholder meeting was held on 9/20/22, and numerous collaborative meetings have subsequently been held with representatives from the Fortuna Mill Commerce Center LLC, which has purchased remaining available parcels of the former Palco Mill Site property. The specific plan will identify integrated infrastructure throughout the 75-acre site, and land uses and zoning that are market-competitive and economically viable.

Staff have been discussing their vision for the development of the property that is generally consistent with the City’s economic and land use goals of the site with some exceptions that conflict with the City’s General Plan, including allowing development of the lower portion of the Mill Site within the Strongs Creek flood plain and increasing the densities of development on the site. Staff supports analyzing the proposed changes and incorporating them into the specific that is being prepared, as it is felt that both changes would result be a benefit to the development of the City.

Allowing development within the Strongs Creek flood plain at the southerly end of the site could open up potential for additional freeway commercial uses with excellent exposure to Highway 101.

Increasing development density on this site would focus development in a previously developed area and allow consideration for other potential uses in other areas designated for commercial and industrial use.

Because of additional planning efforts in responding to developer input and an expanded scope, staff has identified extra steps needed to complete the planning project. These efforts include updating maps and analysis for the revised concepts, changes to land use and zoning, increased allowable commercial and industrial square footage that exceed the General Plan area limits, flood Consent Item 4j

plain analysis, drainage analysis, and analyzing for CEQA and General Plan conformance for the changes. Due to the modified scope, the degree of analysis under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) will increase as well. The detailed scope of work and cost proposal by Planwest Partners is attached to this staff report outlining the additional work beyond that originally contemplated and as amended by the Council on December 19, 2022.

The additional planning work is in direct request by the developer for the City to modify its approach to the specific plan process already underway. Therefore, staff requested that the developer compensate the City for the full amount of the contract amendment with Planwest Partners. The City Attorney developed a cost sharing agreement that was presented to the developer, and they agreed to execute the agreement and compensate the City for the planning work contemplated in advance. Therefore, if approved the City will proceed with the work upon receipt of the funds from the developer. A copy of the cost sharing agreement is attached.

FINANCIAL IMPACT:

The total cost increase to the specific planning project will be $63,000. The developer has agreed to compensate the City that amount; therefore, there will be no additional cost to the City for this requested change. The total project budget will increase to $239,880. This includes HCD and Headwaters grants, and the prior approved city match to complete the project.

RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:

Authorize the City Manager to execute a cost sharing agreement with the Fortuna Mill Commerce Center LLC, approve Supplemental Budget Request for $63,000, and authorize the City Manager to execute a contract amendment with Planwest Partners to provide additional planning assistance for the Mill Site Specific Plan. Consent agenda vote.

ATTACHMENTS:
 Supplemental Budget Request
 Planwest Partners Scope of Services and Cost Schedule  Cost Sharing Agreement with Fortuna Mill Commerce Center Requesting Department: Packet #
JV #
Fund Name/s Amended: Prepared By
Checked By
Fund #/s Amended: Post Date
New Budget Appropriation Intra‐Department Budget Transfer Additional Budget Appropriation Other Budget Transfer

REVENUES
Account Description Account Number Current Budget  Proposed Amendments
Amended
Budgets
TOTAL

EXPENDITURES
Account Description Account Number Current Budget  Proposed Amendments
Amended
Budgets
TOTAL

PURPOSE
Department Head: Date:

Finance Director: Date:

City Manager: Date:

CITY OF FORTUNA
SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET REQUEST
TEL: (707) 825-8260 P.O. Box 4581 [email protected] FAX: (707) 825-9181 Arcata, CA 95518 www.planwestpartners.com

SCOPE OF SERVICES
Planwest Partner’s is under contract with the City of Fortuna to complete the “City of Fortuna Mill District Specific Plan.” The City of Fortuna (City) is working with the new purchaser of the former mill site located east of Highway 101, south of Newburg Road, and west of Fortuna Boulevard, a property that comprises the majority of the Fortuna General Plan Mill District.

The City is seeking to modify the Fortuna General Plan Mill District land use designation to:
 Remove reference to the prior Draft Mill District Area Plan and to limit the applicability of the areas where pedestrian‐friendly and is connected with surrounding neighborhoods and districts is applicable.
 Allow small- and large-scale industrial as a compatible use.  Modify LU‐14.2, Community Interaction to limit applicability to Newburg Rd and S.

Fortuna Blvd potential commercial areas.
 Modify LU‐14.4, Balanced Transportation, to refer to Newburg Rd and S. Fortuna Blvd commercial areas and connection to Great Redwood Trail.  Modify LU‐14.3 Open Space and Parkland to specify riparian protection and allow development within 100-yr floodplain of Strongs Creek.

The new property owner seeks to modify the Fortuna General Plan relating to the Mill District to  Remove the caps on commercial and add industrial development without caps that can occur within the Mill District.
 Allow development within floodplain consistent with City standards.

In order to carry out the above, the consulting team proposes the following additional tasks:

Task 1 – Floodplain Encroachment Analysis
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requires communities participating in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to adopt FEMA floodplain maps and limit flooding caused by new development. The goal of performing the floodplain encroachment analysis is to identify the limits of allowable encroachment within the Mill District on Strongs Creek, consistent with the City’s participation in the NFIP and City standards. GHD will complete a floodplain encroachment analysis using the City’s existing HEC-RAS model that was developed based on FEMA’s HEC2 model files for the Flood Insurance Rate Study and updated using the most recent topographic information. GHD will identify the extents of floodplain encroachment that results in a 1-foot rise (the maximum allowable for conformance with NFIP) within the Mill District and associated rise upstream of Fortuna Boulevard, downstream of Highway 101 and south of Kenmar Road. GHD will also identify the extents of floodplain encroachments that results in no rise to developed areas upstream of Fortuna Boulevard, downstream of Highway 101, or south of Kenmar Road. GHD will conduct one (1) site visit to verify current topography supports the modeled water surface elevations and extents within the floodplain.

TEL: (707) 825-8260 P.O. Box 4581 [email protected] FAX: (707) 825-9181 Arcata, CA 95518 www.planwestpartners.com Deliverables:
 Draft electronic copies in MS Word format of the Floodplain Encroachment Analysis Technical Memorandum and accompanying figures
 Final electronic copies in pdf format of the Floodplain Encroachment Analysis Technical Memorandum and accompanying figures
Task 2 – Drainage Infrastructure Analysis
The City of Fortuna requires that all development comply with the requirements of the City’s MS4 NPDES permit as outlined in the Humboldt County Low Impact Development (LID) Stormwater Manual. Projects other than Single-Family Homes that create or replace greater than or equal to 5,000 square feet of impervious surface are considered to be Regulated Projects. The postproject runoff rate(s) shall not exceed the pre-project runoff rate(s) for the 25-year 24-hour storm event. GHD will provide preliminary sizing and siting of stormwater LID facilities to achieve the post-project runoff rate(s) requirements for development within the floodplain, based on proposed land use and the encroachment footprints developed in Task 1. GHD will also summarize the additional requirements of the Humboldt County LID Stormwater Manual, MS4 NPDES permit, and other relevant City requirements.

Deliverables:
 Draft electronic copies in MS Word format of the Drainage Infrastructure Analysis Technical Memorandum and accompanying figures
 Final electronic copies in pdf format of the Drainage Infrastructure Analysis Technical Memorandum and accompanying figures
Task 3 – Economic Analysis
The City and developer seek to remove the caps on commercial and add industrial development without caps that can occur within the Mill District. The Fortuna General Plan EIR relied upon the caps in its finding that development within the Mill District would not result in urban decay within the City or region. Amendments to General Plan policy that removes square footage caps would trigger the need for the following additional CEQA analysis. a. Review the assumptions contained in the Fortuna General Plan Economic Analysis and Environmental Impact Report to determine if there is substantial evidence that the removal of the cap on commercial/industrial square footage in the Mill district will result in local and regional urban decay or blight and evaluate General Plan policies and programs relating to commercial district preservation/revitalization and commercial / industrial use levels and caps.
b. Evaluate the effectiveness/need for Fortuna General Plan policies and programs relating to commercial and industrial use levels and caps, including:
a. potential modifications to policies and programs, to include objective criteria for the monitoring of Main Street, to allow the removal of use caps, TEL: (707) 825-8260 P.O. Box 4581 [email protected] FAX: (707) 825-9181 Arcata, CA 95518 www.planwestpartners.com b. modifications to policies to better address the urban decay/blight conditions that the caps are indirectly intended to reduce.
c. Evaluate other local or similarly situated city General Plans to determine if they contain similar conclusions regarding urban decay or include commercial/industrial square footage policy capsto reduce urban decay. Prepare a memo summarizing the analysis and findings.
d. Seek the review of this analysis and its conclusions by a land use economist with experience in CEQA-related urban decay and blight analysis if necessary. e. Prepare draft revisions to the Fortuna General Plan, as necessary, and revisions to Fortuna General Plan EIR Section 3.3 for environmental compliance.

Task 4 – CEQA Compliance
The existing agreement assumed that the existing General Plan Programmatic Environmental Impact Report evaluating the Mill District Specific Plan was adequate for the approval of a Mill District Specific Plan that did not trigger General Plan policy changes without modification or circulation. The City and developer seek to modify Fortuna General Plan and Mill District policy, triggering the need for additional CEQA analysis.
a) Prepare a supplement to the Fortuna General Plan Programmatic Environmental Impact Report evaluating the Mill District Specific Plan, including the modifications to the Specific Plan described in the tasks above, and that contains the following:
i) Revised project description.
ii) Summary of the effects found not to be significant to allow the CEQA review to concentrate on potentially significant environmental effects. The determination of which impacts would be potentially significant and evaluated in detail in the supplement to the Fortuna General Plan PEIR will be made based on an Initial Study or the review of applicable planning documents, analysis/fieldwork, feedback from public and agency consultation, comments received on the NOP, research, and analysis of relevant project data.
iii) Analysis of the potentially significant effects, most likely relating to Biological Resources; Energy; Greenhouse Gas Emissions; Land Use and Planning; Economic Impacts; Transportation and Circulation; Hydrology and Water Resources; Parks, Recreation and Open Space; Public Facilities and Services; and Flooding. iv) Cumulative and other CEQA considerations.
b) Prepare and circulate Notice of Availability (NOA) of Supplemental EIR. Assist City with SCH submittal, agency, and public noticing and review.
c) Respond to comments and prepare final CEQA document. d) Assist City with staff report and resolution for adoption.

Task 5 – General Plan Amendment Support
Planwest will assist the City with staff reports, resolutions, support at Planning Commission and/or City Council meetings and other required information to prepare and present the proposed General Plan Amendments to City decision-makers.

TEL: (707) 825-8260 P.O. Box 4581 [email protected] FAX: (707) 825-9181 Arcata, CA 95518 www.planwestpartners.com Task 6 – Project Management, Coordination, and Outreach Planwest will continue to collaborate with the City and property owner representatives to attend and schedule meetings on a regular basis throughout the project. This may include additional meetings with agency representatives, property owners, stakeholders, and the public. The cost estimate below includes biweekly meetings with the City, up to two agency/stakeholder meetings, and one public meeting.

Cost Estimates
Task Cost
Task 1 – Floodplain Encroachment Analysis $15,000
Task 2 – Drainage Infrastructure Analysis $13,500
Task 3 – Economic Analysis $12,000
Task 4 – CEQA Compliance $ 9,000
Task 5 – General Plan Amendment Support $ 4,500
Task 6 – Project Management & Outreach $ 9,000
TOTAL $63,000
The cost for the above work will be on a time and materials basis at current charge rates.

City of Fortuna and ___________, LLC City of Fortuna
Mill District Specific Plan Cost Reimbursement Agreement THIS COST-SHARING AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is made as of _______________, 2023, by and between the City of Fortuna (“City”) and ____________, LLC (“Owner”) with reference to the following facts and circumstances. The City and Owner are referred to individually as “Party” and collectively as “Parties.

RECITALS
A. The City planning staff is currently working with Planwest Partners, Inc. to develop a specific plan (“Specific Plan”) for the Fortuna General Plan Mill District (the “Mill District”) for later presentation and potential adoption by the City Council.

B. Owner recently acquired a fee interest to most of the parcels within the Fortuna Mill District for future development.

C. As part of the City’s specific plan preparation process for the Mill District, Owner has requested that the City consider certain modifications to the Specific Plan and applicable zoning regulations to (i) remove caps on commercial development and add industrial development without caps within the Mill District, and (ii) allow development within floodplain consistent with City standards (collectively, the “Owner Modifications”).

D. In order to consider Owner’s Modifications, Planwest Partner, Inc. will need to prepare additional studies, analysis, and other materials necessary for the City to consider whether to incorporate the Owner’s Modifications, as more particularly detailed in the Scope of Services attached hereto as Attachment “A” and incorporated herein by this reference (the “Scope of Work”).

E. Absent the Owner’s request, the City would not have undertaken the Scope of Work as part of the Specific Plan preparation process.

F. The Parties agree that it would be a more efficient use of resources to consider the Owner’s Modifications as part of the Specific Plan preparation process already underway, instead of waiting for adoption of a Specific plan and considering Owner’s application for post-adoption amendments thereto.

G. Owner agrees to reimburse the City for the Scope of Work as set forth below.

ACCORDINGLY, in consideration of the recitals and the agreements contained in this Agreement, the Parties agree as follows:

1. Reimbursement of Costs to Perform the Scope of Work. a. Subject to Owner’s compliance with this Agreement. the City will retain Planwest Partners, Inc. to complete the Scope of Work necessary for the City to consider the Owner Modifications.
b. By March ___, 2023, Owner will deposit Sixty-Three Thousand Dollars ($63,000.00) with the City to be applied to the cost for consultants to perform the Scope of Work.

Owner understands that this deposit amount is a deposit of the estimated cost for the

Scope of Work. One or more additional deposits may be required if the initial deposit is not sufficient to cover the costs of the consultants. The City will notify Owner if the deposit amount drops below $10,000 and City staff determines that additional funds are required. The notice will include an accounting of consultant costs through the month preceding the notice. Owner will provide the additional amount requested by the City to cover the additional costs necessary to complete the Scope of Work. c. Any deposit funds not used will be returned to Owner by the City within 60 days of the completion of the Scope of Work. Returned funds will be provided together with an accounting of consultant costs through the end of the process.

2. Retention of Discretion. This Agreement regarding the Owner Modifications in no way obligates or limits the City Council’s discretion to: (1) determine the level of environmental review (i.e., exemption, negative declaration, mitigated negative declaration, or EIR); (2) adopt, approve, certify or decline to adopt, approve, or certify any environmental document required by the California Environmental Quality Act; and (3) approve, approve with conditions, or disapprove any component of the specific plan; (4) approve, approve with conditions, or disapprove any component of the Fortuna General Plan Mill District; (5) adopt any amendments to the City’s zoning regulations; (6) approve, approve with conditions, or disapprove any Owner Modifications; or (7) approve, approve with conditions, or disapprove any development related applications for permits or other entitlements that Owner (or any of Owner’s agents, tenants, subtenants, licensees, or successor) has filed or may file in the future to develop any real property within the City. The City Council will review and consider any such action in the same manner and to the same extent that the City Council would have such discretion in the absence of this Agreement. Owner retains full discretion to support, protest, or vote against any City Council action if it determines at any time, in its sole and absolute discretion, that the subject action would not be in the best interest of Owner.

3. Termination of Agreement. Either Party may terminate this agreement at any time upon 30 days’ notice to the other Party. If Owner chooses to terminate this Agreement in accordance with the foregoing sentence, City shall immediately terminate the Scope of Work with Planwest Partners, Inc., in which case Owner shall be obligated to pay any costs associated with the Scope of Work through the termination thereof.

4. General Matters.
a. Legal Action. Any Party may, in addition to any other rights or remedies herein provided, institute legal action to cure, correct, or remedy any default, enforce any covenant or agreement herein, enjoin any threatened or attempted violation hereof, enforce by specific performance the obligations and rights of the Parties or obtain any other remedy consistent with this Agreement. In no event shall any Party be entitled to monetary damages for any action or inaction of another Party, including breach of contract. Nothing in this Section shall be deemed to limit any Party's rights under the Tort Claims Act or the City's right to collect fees allowable and otherwise due and payable or to impose penalties for violations of City Ordinances.
b. Attorney’s Fees and Costs. If legal action by any Party is brought because of a breach of this Agreement, or to enforce a provision of this Agreement, each Party shall bear its own attorney’s fees and costs.

c. Controlling Law. This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accord with the laws of the State of California.
d. No Joint Venture or Partnership. The Parties renounce the existence of any form of joint venture or partnership between any or all of the Parties and agree that nothing contained in this Agreement or in any document executed in connection with it shall be construed as making any or all of the Parties joint ventures or partners. Further, Owner is not an agent of the City.
e. Third-Party Challenges. Each Party shall bear its own attorneys’ fees and costs in the defense of any third-party action or proceeding to attack, set aside, void or annul any action by the City on the Specific Plan, or any of the proceedings, acts or determinations taken, done or made prior to or concurrently with the Specific Plan. f. Cooperation in the Event of Legal Challenge. In the event of any administrative, legal, or equitable action or other proceeding instituted by a third party, governmental agency, or official challenging the validity of any provision of this Agreement or the Specific Plan and related proceedings, the Parties shall cooperate in defending the action or proceeding. g. Notices. All notices or communications required between the Parties by this Agreement shall be in writing and may be given either personally, electronically, by overnight carrier, or by first class mail, addressed to the Party intended to be notified. The notice shall be deemed to have been given and received on the date delivered in person or electronically, or the date of delivery receipt from the overnight carrier, or five days after deposit with the United States Post Office. Any Party, by giving ten days written notice to the other, may designate any other address as substitution of the address to which the notice or communication shall be given. Notices or communications shall be given to the Parties at the addresses below until duly changed as described above.

City of Fortuna [INSERT NAME OF LLC]
City Manager
City of Fortuna
P.O. Box 545
Fortuna, CA 95540
[email protected]
Vincent M. Rizzo, CCIM
Rizzo & Associates LLC
Real Estate Development
Phone (707) 799-0170
Copy to:

Ryan T. Plotz
City Attorney
The Mitchell Law Firm, LLP 426 1st
Street
Eureka, CA 95501
[email protected]
h. Successor and Assigns. The covenants, terms, conditions and restrictions of this Agreement shall apply to, bind, and inure to the benefit of successors in interest of the Parties, including heirs, assigns, representatives, executors, administrators, and all other parties, whether they succeed by operation of law or voluntary acts of the City or Owner . All such heirs, representatives, successors, executors, or assigns shall be bound to every provision in this Agreement, whether or not this Agreement is referred to in the

instrument by which such heirs, representatives, successors, executors, or assigns acquire an interest in Owner’s properties or any thereof.
i. Parties in Interest. This Agreement is entered only for the benefit of the Parties executing this Agreement and not for the benefit of any other individual, entity or person. j. Amendment of Agreement. This Agreement may be amended in writing by mutual agreement of the original Parties or their successors in interest. k. Severability. If any term, provision, covenant, or condition of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect, unless the provision held invalid forms a material consideration of this Agreement. l. Change in Law. If a subsequent change occurs in federal or state laws or the regulations of a federal or state agency which prevents or precludes compliance with a provision of this Agreement, that provision shall be modified or suspended only to the extent necessary to comply with the federal or state law or regulation. m. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitute the entire understanding and agreement of the Parties and supersede all negotiations or previous agreement of the Parties with respect to all or part of the subject matter of the Agreement. No alteration or variation of this instrument shall be valid or binding unless contained in an amendment to this Agreement.
n. Captions. The captions in this Agreement have been inserted solely for convenience or reference and are not a part of this instrument and shall have no effect upon construction or interpretation.

SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS THIS PAGE

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed by their respective representatives, as follows.

CITY OF FORTUNA, a Municipal Corporation
By: Merritt Perry, City Manager
Approved as to Form:

Ryan T. Plotz, City Attorney
_________________, LLC
By:

Vincent M. Rizzo, CCIM, its authorized Member

Attachment “A”

SCOPE OF SERVICES
Planwest Partner’s is under contract with the City of Fortuna to complete the “City of Fortuna Mill District Specific Plan.” The City of Fortuna (City) is working with the new purchaser of the former mill site located east of Highway 101, south of Newburg Road, and west of Fortuna Boulevard, a property that comprises the majority of the Fortuna General Plan Mill District.

The new property owner seeks to modify the Fortuna General Plan relating to the Mill District to  Remove the caps on commercial and add industrial development without caps that can occur within the Mill District.
 Allow development within floodplain consistent with City standards.

In order to carry out the above, the consulting team proposes the following additional tasks:

Task 1 – Floodplain Encroachment Analysis
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requires communities participating in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to adopt FEMA floodplain maps and limit flooding caused by new development. The goal of performing the floodplain encroachment analysis is to identify the limits of allowable encroachment within the Mill District on Strongs Creek, consistent with the City’s participation in the NFIP and City standards. GHD will complete a floodplain encroachment analysis using the City’s existing HEC-RAS model that was developed based on FEMA’s HEC2 model files for the Flood Insurance Rate Study and updated using the most recent topographic information. GHD will identify the extents of floodplain encroachment that results in a 1-foot rise (the maximum allowable for conformance with NFIP) within the Mill District and associated rise upstream of Fortuna Boulevard, downstream of Highway 101 and south of Kenmar Road. GHD will also identify the extents of floodplain encroachments that results in no rise to developed areas upstream of Fortuna Boulevard, downstream of Highway 101, or south of Kenmar Road. GHD will conduct one (1) site visit to verify current topography supports the modeled water surface elevations and extents within the floodplain.

Deliverables:
 Draft electronic copies in MS Word format of the Floodplain Encroachment Analysis Technical Memorandum and accompanying figures
 Final electronic copies in pdf format of the Floodplain Encroachment Analysis Technical Memorandum and accompanying figures
Task 2 – Drainage Infrastructure Analysis
The City of Fortuna requires that all development comply with the requirements of the City’s MS4 NPDES permit as outlined in the Humboldt County Low Impact Development (LID) Stormwater Manual. Projects other than Single-Family Homes that create or replace greater than or equal to 5,000 square feet of impervious surface are considered to be Regulated Projects. The post-

project runoff rate(s) shall not exceed the pre-project runoff rate(s) for the 25-year 24-hour storm event. GHD will provide preliminary sizing and siting of stormwater LID facilities to achieve the post-project runoff rate(s) requirements for development within the floodplain, based on proposed land use and the encroachment footprints developed in Task 1. GHD will also summarize the additional requirements of the Humboldt County LID Stormwater Manual, MS4 NPDES permit, and other relevant City requirements.

Deliverables:
 Draft electronic copies in MS Word format of the Drainage Infrastructure Analysis Technical Memorandum and accompanying figures
 Final electronic copies in pdf format of the Drainage Infrastructure Analysis Technical Memorandum and accompanying figures
Task 3 – Economic Analysis
The City and developer seek to remove the caps on commercial and add industrial development without caps that can occur within the Mill District. The Fortuna General Plan EIR relied upon the caps in its finding that development within the Mill District would not result in urban decay within the City or region. Amendments to General Plan policy that removes square footage caps would trigger the need for the following additional CEQA analysis. a. Review the assumptions contained in the Fortuna General Plan Economic Analysis and Environmental Impact Report to determine if there is substantial evidence that the removal of the cap on commercial/industrial square footage in the Mill district will result in local and regional urban decay or blight and evaluate General Plan policies and programs relating to commercial district preservation/revitalization and commercial / industrial use levels and caps.
b. Evaluate the effectiveness/need for Fortuna General Plan policies and programs relating to commercial and industrial use levels and caps, including:
a. potential modifications to policies and programs, to include objective criteria for the monitoring of Main Street, to allow the removal of use caps, b. modifications to policies to better address the urban decay/blight conditions that the caps are indirectly intended to reduce.
c. Evaluate other local or similarly situated city General Plans to determine if they contain similar conclusions regarding urban decay or include commercial/industrial square footage policy caps to reduce urban decay. Prepare a memo summarizing the analysis and findings.
d. Seek the review of this analysis and its conclusions by a land use economist with experience in CEQA-related urban decay and blight analysis. e. Prepare draft revisions to the Fortuna General Plan, as necessary, and revisions to Fortuna General Plan EIR Section 3.3 for environmental compliance.

Task 4 – CEQA Compliance
The existing agreement assumed that the existing General Plan Programmatic Environmental Impact Report evaluating the Mill District Specific Plan was adequate for the approval of a Mill

District Specific Plan that did not trigger General Plan policy changes without modification or circulation. The City and developer seek to modify Fortuna General Plan and Mill District policy, triggering the need for additional CEQA analysis.
a) Prepare a supplement to the Fortuna General Plan Programmatic Environmental Impact Report evaluating the Mill District Specific Plan, including the modifications to the Specific Plan described in the tasks above, and that contains the following:
i) Revised project description.
ii) Summary of the effects found not to be significant to allow the CEQA review to concentrate on potentially significant environmental effects. The determination of which impacts would be potentially significant and evaluated in detail in the supplement to the Fortuna General Plan PEIR will be made based on an Initial Study or the review of applicable planning documents, analysis/fieldwork, feedback from public and agency consultation, comments received on the NOP, research, and analysis of relevant project data.
iii) Analysis of the potentially significant effects, most likely relating to Biological Resources; Energy; Greenhouse Gas Emissions; Land Use and Planning; Economic Impacts; Transportation and Circulation; Hydrology and Water Resources; Parks, Recreation and Open Space; Public Facilities and Services; and Flooding. iv) Cumulative and other CEQA considerations.
b) Prepare and circulate Notice of Availability (NOA) of Supplemental EIR. Assist City with SCH submittal, agency, and public noticing and review.
c) Respond to comments and prepare final CEQA document. d) Assist City with staff report and resolution for adoption.

Task 5 – General Plan Amendment Support
Planwest will assist the City with staff reports, resolutions, support at Planning Commission and/or City Council meetings and other required information to prepare and present the proposed General Plan Amendments to City decision-makers.

Task 6 – Project Management, Coordination, and Outreach Planwest will continue to collaborate with the City and property owner representatives to attend and schedule meetings on a regular basis throughout the project. This may include additional meetings with agency representatives, property owners, stakeholders, and the public. The cost estimate below includes biweekly meetings with the City, up to two agency/stakeholder meetings, and one public meeting.

Cost Estimates
Task Cost
Task 1 – Floodplain Encroachment Analysis $15,000
Task 2 – Drainage Infrastructure Analysis $13,500
Task 3 – Economic Analysis $12,000
Task 4 – CEQA Compliance $ 9,000

Task 5 – General Plan Amendment Support $ 4,500
Task 6 – Project Management & Outreach $ 9,000
TOTAL $63,000
The cost for the above work will be on a time and materials basis at current charge rates.

Business Item 5a

STAFF REPORT
City Council Business Item
DATE: March 20, 2023
TO: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
FROM: Liz Shorey, Deputy Director of Community Development THRU: Merritt Perry, City Manager
SUBJECT: Public Hearing to Consider Adoption of a Mitigated Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact, Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, and Approval of the Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project, Resolution 2023- 08 PROJECT INFORMATION
Project Title: Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project Lead Agency: City of Fortuna
Project Location: The Project Area is located approximately 1,000 feet east of the Eel River near the southwestern corner of the City of Fortuna, primarily made of existing Caltrans, City of Fortuna, and County of Humboldt right-of-way.

Project Description: The purpose of the project is to improve traffic on Kenmar Road and Eel River Drive, and at the Kenmar Road and U.S. 101 interchange.

Improvements include roundabouts, modifications to the on- and offramps, relocation of the park and ride facility, Kenmar Road lane improvements, and realignment of Eel River Drive and Riverwalk Drive. The project may also include traffic signal and lane improvements on the western Kenmar leg of the Ross Hill Road intersection.

General Plan Land Use: Fortuna: Commercial (COM), Mill District (MD), Agriculture (AG); Humboldt County: Agriculture Exclusive (AE), and Residential Agriculture (AG)
Zoning Designations: The northwest of the Project Area (Fortuna jurisdiction) is zoned Freeway Commercial (FC), and the northeast is zoned Heavy Industrial (M-2) as sourced from the Fortuna General Plan. The southwest of the Project Area (County of Humboldt jurisdiction) is zoned Agriculture Exclusive, and the southeast is zoned Residential Agriculture.

I. STAFF RECOMMENDATION:

Business Item 5a

Approve Resolution 2023-08 (Exhibit 1) adopting a Mitigated Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, and approving the Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project.

II. PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

US 101 serves as the primary regional roadway in Humboldt County and is critically important to the residents and economy of Fortuna. The existing intersection controls, roadway geometry, and the high volumes of local and regional traffic on Kenmar Road result in poor traffic operation and safety issues at and near the interchange (Exhibit 2a—Vicinity Map). Under existing conditions, the project area experiences traffic delays during peak hours and crash rates above the statewide average. Additionally, the existing facilities lack bicycle and pedestrian facilities, resulting in a barrier to bicycle and pedestrian circulation between the City’s downtown and Riverwalk areas. The project need was first formally identified during the City’s 2010 General Plan update, and again in the City’s 2022 Local Road Safety Plan.

In 2016, the City completed the Highway 101, Fortuna Downtown and Riverwalk Area Complete Streets and Connectivity Planning Study. This study was a multi-agency effort with the goal of determining how to best modify the City’s interchanges with US 101 to allow for non-motorized connectivity. In addition to improving the general connectivity for multi-model transportation, another goal of the assessment was also to identify projects that would increase the level of service for the US Highway 101 interchanges. The study identified several alternative concept designs for the reconfiguration of the intersection of Kenmar Road and US Highway 101, and ultimately a roundabout configuration on either side of the freeway was selected as the safest and most cost effective solution.

This configuration would also provide for the best overall traffic operation over time.

With a preferred design alternative selected, in 2017 the City completed a Project Study Report to request funding from the state to complete the Project Approval and Environmental Documentation (PA&ED) phase of work. The project was subsequently recommended for award in the 2018 State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). In 2020, staff began the PA&ED phase of work with the City’s selected engineering consultant, GHD. At the onset of the PA&ED phase of work, the City specifically identified the following goals:
 Simplify and improve navigation and traffic operations on Kenmar Road between Riverwalk Drive and Eel River Drive, including the Kenmar Road/US 101 interchange;  Improve traffic operations, reduce congestion, and minimize conflicts at the Kenmar Road intersections;
 Improve safety at Kenmar Road intersections; and
 Improve the local and regional bicycle and pedestrian facilities through the Kenmar Road/US 101 interchange area.

Over the past two-years the project has advanced to the 30% design stage. As currently designed, the proposed Project would replace the existing intersections of US 101 and Kenmar Road at the interchange with two roundabouts (Exhibit 2b – Project Overview Map). The Project also includes modifications to the US 101 on- and off-ramps, relocation of the park and ride facility, lane improvements on Kenmar road, three retaining walls, various lighting, signage and drainage improvements, and the realignment of Eel River Drive and Riverwalk Drive. In addition to the proposed motor vehicle-related roadway safety improvements, the Project includes a segment of Class I bike path through the project area, in addition to other at-grade pedestrian and bicycle improvements to enhance Business Item 5a

pedestrian connections and promote regional bicycle network continuity. The Class I bike path would be integrated into the developing Great Redwood Trail. As currently proposed, the Project would simplify and improve navigation and traffic operations on Kenmar Road and Eel River Drive, including the Kenmar Road and US 101 interchange.

It should be noted that although this project is being led by the City, the majority of the facilities and rights of way involved in the project belongs to Caltrans. As such, this project is considered a Capital Oversight project with Caltrans, and they have been involved in each step of the project development and design that has taken place over the past two-plus years. All facilities included in the current project have been designed in accordance with the Caltrans Highway Design Manual, 7th Edition (2020) and the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Report 672 entitled “Roundabouts:

An Information Guide, 2nd Edition”. Caltrans has provided concurrence on the current 30% design as proposed in the CEQA document.

III.ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:

Since the Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project is defined as a “project” under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the potential for environmental impacts must be considered by the lead agency prior to approving the project. Staff and consultants have prepared an Initial Study (IS) and Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) (Exhibit 3) and Appendices (Exhibit 4) to document the environmental determination for the project, as required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (Public Resources Code, Div 13, Section 21000-21177), and the State CEQA Guidelines (California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 15000-15387)). The initial study’s purpose is to consider the project’s physical changes to the environment, and to provide a basis for deciding whether to prepare an Environmental Impact Report (EIR), a Mitigated Negative Declaration or a Negative Declaration. CEQA encourages lead agencies to modify their projects to avoid significant adverse impacts or to identify mitigation measures that may be implemented during project construction or operations in order to reduce impacts to less than significant. During preparation of the Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project Initial Study, mitigation measures were identified that reduce the level of impact to less than significant, compiled in a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan (Exhibit 2c).

Public Review
The Draft Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) was completed and released for public review on January 21, 2023, initiating a 30-day public review period. During the public review period, the City received one written comment on the project. The Great Redwood Trail Agency (GRTA) submitted a letter dated February 17, 2023 (Exhibit 2d), expressing concerns that the project would pose a risk to possibly severing the rail right-of-way (maintaining its use for future rail), jeopardize railbanking, and create safety issues to future trail users crossing multiple lanes. The City has prepared a response to the GRTA, acknowledging the City’s intent to incorporate pedestrian and bicycle safety measures during final design, identifying that the project itself improves pedestrian and bicycle safety over existing conditions, and ensuring that project design will retain possible future railroad operations. The City will work with the Trail Agency during final design to demonstrate the City’s response to the Agency’s concerns, and will obtain applicable permits from that agency during final design. The City’s detailed response to the GRTA is included in the Final Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (Exhibit 5), along with additional text changes to the circulated Draft ISMND.

The letter does not alter any conclusions reached in the Draft IS/MND or provide new information of substantial importance relative to the draft document that would require recirculation of the Draft IS/MND pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15073.5.

Summary of Mitigation Measures
Business Item 5a

The project review provided in the Draft IS/MND for each of the environmental check list items determines if a project has no “Potentially Significant Impacts” , or if it has potential significant impacts that may be mitigated to a less-than-significant impact. The environmental categories which have no chance of potentially significant impact and for which mitigation measures are not required include the following:

Aesthetics, Agriculture, Energy Resources, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Hazards, Land use, Mineral Resources, Noise, Population and Housing, Public Services, Recreation Transportation, Tribal Cultural Resources, Utilities, and Wildfire.

Detailed discussion and analysis of each of these categories can be found in the attached IS/MND.

Environmental factors potentially affected by the project have been identified in the ISMND, and as demonstrated in the analysis, will be reduced to a level less than significant with project revisions incorporated or with mitigation adopted. The mitigation measures that were identified for these categories to reduce impacts to “Less than Significant” are summarized as follows:
 AQ-1: Reduce Air Pollution
To avoid dust emissions, the contractor will implement BMPs, including watering of staging areas, soil piles, active graded areas, excavations, and unpaved access roads; sweeping adjacent public roads; reducing vehicle speeds on unpaved roads, and shutting equipment off when not in use.
 BIO-1: Protect Special Status Amphibians and Reptiles.

Prior to ground disturbance within 50 feet of mapped wetlands, riparian habitat and Sensitive Natural Communities, a biologist shall perform a pre-construction survey and relocate any individuals of Northern Red-legged Frog, Yellow-legged Frog, or Western Pond Turtle or egg masses of Northern Red-legged Frog to nearby suitable habitat. If any of these species is observed in an active construction zone, construction will halt and the frogs or turtles shall be moved.  BIO-2: Protect Special Status, Migratory, and Nesting Birds Nesting surveys shall be done if construction falls within avian nesting season, and protection measures will be implemented if nests are documented, per the terms of the mitigation measure.  BIO-3: Compensatory Mitigation for Sensitive Natural Communities Construction within mapped Sensitive Natural Communities will be avoided to the greatest extent practicable. If impacts are unavoidable and Shining willow groves are removed or detrimentally impacted, mitigation will be at a rate of 1:1. A Plan will be prepared in coordination with State resource agencies with jurisdiction over sensitive natural communities prior to commencement of any construction activities.
 BIO-4: Avoidance and Minimization Measures to Protect Juxtaposed Wetlands The City shall implement measures for Waters of the United States and Waters of the State adjacent to areas of planned disturbance that will not be impacted (filled or excavated) during Project construction: The City shall attempt to avoid or minimize impacts to wetlands/waters in the final design plans. Adjacent wetlands shall be clearly identified in the construction documents and reviewed by the City prior to issuing for bid to ensure they are clearly marked as equipment exclusion zones during construction. Suitable perimeter control BMPs will be installed prior to any clearing or grading activities.
 BIO-5: Compensate for Loss of Wetlands and Waters
Business Item 5a

If fill cannot be avoided, the City shall compensate for the loss of seasonal wetland habitat so that there is no net loss in wetlands at a ratio of no less than 1:1.2, and in consultation with the NCRWQCB and regulatory agencies with jurisdiction over wetlands and waters.  CR-1: Protect Archaeological or Tribal Cultural Resources during Construction All recommendations resulting from the Extended Phase 1 investigation shall be implemented.

This measure includes cultural resource awareness training of construction personnel prior to construction activities. Initial ground-disturbing activities near the previously recorded prehistoric resource shall be monitored by a Tribal Cultural Resource Monitor within 1,000 ft. and action taken per the terms of the measure.
 CR-2: Inadvertent Discovery of Archaeological Material Work shall be stopped within 66 feet of cultural materials (for example: chipped or ground stone, historic debris, building foundations, or bone), per the requirements of CEQA (Revised Guidelines, Title 14 CCR 15064.5 (f)). Work near the archaeological finds shall not resume until a professional archaeologist has evaluated the materials and offered recommendations for further action and tribal representatives be notified.
 CR-3: Inadvertent Discovery of Human Remains.

If human remains are discovered within 66 feet at a minimum, the Humboldt County Coroner will be contacted to determine if the cause of death must be investigated. If the Coroner determines that the remains are of Native American origin, compliance with State laws relating to the disposition of Native American burials will be followed, including NAHC (PRC, Section 5097).

Descendants of the deceased will be contacted, and work will not resume until they have made a recommendation to the landowner or the person responsible for the excavation work for means of treatment and disposition of the human remains
 GEO-1: Inadvertent Discovery of Paleontological Resources.

If fossils are found during excavation, construction activities shall be halted until a professional palaeontologist evaluates the find, and make recommendations for any necessary treatment that is consistent with currently accepted scientific practices.  HAZ-1: Inadvertent Discovery of Hazardous Soils
A Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI) will evaluate soils and groundwater prior to construction to identify contaminants and identification of appropriate measures.  NOI-1: Reduce Construction Noise Levels
Best management practices will reduce construction noise levels and minimize disruption the Riverwalk Drive RV Park, including scheduling work and locating stored equipment.  TR-1: Maintain Emergency Access and Notify Emergency Responders Contractors will provide adequate emergency access to all properties along the corridor during construction, shall plate over excavations, and shall notify emergency responders in advance of any temporary lane closures.

Detailed descriptions of these mitigation measures to be adopted are provided in the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP). In addition, detailed analysis for each area of environmental concern listed above is provided in the “Environmental Analysis” section of the ISMND.

The MMRP also describes how the mitigation measures will be implemented during project design and/or construction, the timing of implementation, and the responsible party.

Based on the Findings of the IS/MND, staff recommends that the MND be adopted, since the project has been designed to avoid impacts, and the MND provides adequate mitigation to reduce the impacts to a less-than-significant level.

Business Item 5a

FINANCIAL IMPACT:

In 2018, the City received $550,000 in STIP funding to cover the costs associated with the PA&ED phase of work. This includes the development of the 30% engineering design as noted above, in addition to all of the special studies and other Caltrans studies required as part of the Project Report and Initial Study. There is no additional financial impact as a result of approving the project environmental document.

Currently, the project has no funding identified for future phases of work, however, staff are continuously evaluating grant funding sources.

RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:

1. Receive staff presentation and review Council questions with staff;

2. Open Public Hearing;

3. Close Public Hearing;

4. Motion to adopt Resolution 2023-08 and read by title only. Roll call vote.

ATTACHMENTS:

1. Resolution 2023-08, Adopting a Mitigated Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact a Mitigation, Monitoring, and Reporting Program, and Approving the Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project

2. Staff Report Exhibits: 2a. Vicinity Map; 2b. Project Overview Map; 2c. Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan; 2d. Great Redwood Trail Agency letter, Karyn Gear, Interim Executive Director, February 17, 2023

3. Exhibit 3: Draft Initial Study & Mitigated Negative Declaration (ISMND) for the Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project

4. Exhibit 4: Draft ISMND Appendices for the Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project

5. Exhibit 5: Final ISMND for the Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project Business Item 5a

EXHIBIT 1
RESOLUTION 2023-08

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORTUNA

ADOPTING A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL

IMPACT, A MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM, AND APPROVING THE KENMAR ROAD AND U.S. 101 INTERCHANGE PROJECT WHEREAS, the purpose of the Kenmar Road and U.S. 101 Interchange Project is to improve traffic at the Kenmar Road and U.S. 101 interchange by creating roundabouts, modifications to the on- and offramps, relocation of the park and ride facility, Kenmar Road lane improvements, and realignment of Eel River Drive and Riverwalk Drive;
WHEREAS, the City of Fortuna Community Development Department Planning Division had prepared an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration, incorporated herein by reference, for the project which determined that potential impacts can be avoided or mitigated to a point where no significant effects would occur because revisions in the project plans and construction activities have been made and there is no evidence that the project may have a significant effect on the environment; WHEREAS, a Mitigation, Monitoring and Reporting Program has been prepared for the project, and implementation of mitigation measures incorporated into the project will be monitored pursuant to the Mitigation, Monitoring and Reporting Program;
WHEREAS, on January 21st, a Notice of Intent to Adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration was completed and submitted to the Office of Planning and Research/State Clearinghouse and Humboldt County Recorder’s Office to commence a 30-day public review period for review and comment on the Mitigated Negative Declaration, and a Notice of the public review period to consider approval of the Mitigated Negative Declaration was published in a general circulation newspaper pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA);
WHEREAS, one public comment was received during the public review period from the Great Redwood Trail Agency, dated February 17, 2023, and the concerns raised were adequately responded to in the City’s response as provided in the Final Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration dated March 8, 2023, incorporated herein by reference, and any new, avoidable significant effects were not identified during the public review period;
WHEREAS, changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the approval for the project, and these changes or alterations mitigate to a less-than-significant level or avoid the potentially significant environmental effects of the project as identified in the Initial Study and Proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration, and there is no substantial evidence in the record as a whole that the project as proposed and mitigated may have a significant effect on the environment; WHEREAS, the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact identified no potentially significant effects on the environment, reflects the independent judgment and analysis of the City of Fortuna, has been prepared in compliance with CEQA and the State CEQA Guidelines; WHEREAS, these determinations and findings are based on the analysis and reports as described in the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Fortuna City Council hereby:

Business Item 5a

1) Adopts the Mitigated Negative Declaration for the project as described in the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration dated October 18, 2022, circulated on January 21, 2023, and; 2) Approves and incorporates into the project all design elements, project-specific environmental protection actions, and the Mitigation, Monitoring and Reporting Program; and 3) Approves the Kenmar Road and U.S. Interchange Project.

PASSED AND ADOPTED on this 20th day of March, 2023 by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:
________________________
Tami Trent, Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________
Siana Emmons, City Clerk
2 3
Draft In
Draft In
EXHIBIT 3
Draft Initial Study & Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project
Provided under separate cover
EXHIBIT 5
Draft Initial Study & Mitigated Negative Declaration Appendices for the Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project
Provided under separate cover
Exhibit 7
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan

EXHIBIT 8
Final ISMND for
the Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project
Provided under separate cover
Kenmar Road and US
101 Interchange
Project
Public Circulation Initial Study & Proposed
Mitigated Negative Declaration
City of Fortuna
5 December 2022
Public Circulation IS/ Proposed MND
Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange
Project
This document has been prepared by:

City of Fortuna
P.O. Box 545
Fortuna, CA 95540
In collaboration with:

GHD
718 Third Street
Eureka, CA 95501
5 December, 2022
Table of Contents
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project i Contents
Contents .....................................................................................................................................................i

1. Project Information.......................................................................................................................1-1

1.1 CEQA Requirements ........................................................................................................1-1

1.2 Purpose ............................................................................................................................1-2

1.3 Implementing Agency .......................................................................................................1-2

1.4 Proposed Project Summary..............................................................................................1-2

1.5 Project Location ................................................................................................................1-3

1.6 Surrounding Land Uses and Existing Setting ...................................................................1-3

1.7 Project Description............................................................................................................1-4 Roadway Paving..............................................................................................................................1-4 Striping and Signage........................................................................................................................1-4 US 101 Ramps.................................................................................................................................1-4 Roundabouts, and Approaches on Kenmar Road...........................................................................1-4 Park and Ride ..................................................................................................................................1-5 Ross Hill Road Intersection Improvements......................................................................................1-5 Retaining Wall..................................................................................................................................1-5 Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities .....................................................................................................1-5 Drainage Improvements...................................................................................................................1-5 Utilities .............................................................................................................................................1-6 Vegetation........................................................................................................................................1-6 Lighting ............................................................................................................................................1-6

1.8 Project Construction .........................................................................................................1-7 Construction Schedule.....................................................................................................................1-7 Construction Staging, Activities, and Equipment.............................................................................1-7 Traffic and Access Control...............................................................................................................1-7 Establish Exclusion Areas and Erosion Control ..............................................................................1-7 Vegetation Removal.........................................................................................................................1-8 Stockpiling and Staging ...................................................................................................................1-8 Groundwater Dewatering.................................................................................................................1-8

1.9 Maintenance and Operation .............................................................................................1-8

1.10 Regulatory Permits, CEQA, and NEPA ............................................................................1-8

1.11 Environmental Protection Actions Incorporated into the Project.......................................1-9 Environmental Protection Action 1 – Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)..................1-9

1.12 Required Agency Approvals .............................................................................................1-9

1.13 Tribal Consultation............................................................................................................1-9

2. Environmental Factors Potentially Affected ..............................................................................2-1

3. Environmental Analysis...............................................................................................................3-1

3.1 Aesthetics .........................................................................................................................3-1

3.2 Agriculture and Forest Resources ....................................................................................3-5 Eel River Area Local Coastal Plan...................................................................................................3-5 Table of Contents
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project ii Humboldt County .............................................................................................................................3-6

3.3 Air Quality .......................................................................................................................3-10 Mitigation........................................................................................................................................3-11 Construction...................................................................................................................................3-12 Operation .......................................................................................................................................3-13

3.4 Biological Resources ......................................................................................................3-16 Special-status Plant Species .........................................................................................................3-17 Special-status Terrestrial Mammal Species ..................................................................................3-17 Special Status Invertebrate Species..............................................................................................3-18 Special-status Fish Species...........................................................................................................3-18 Special-status Amphibian and Reptiles Species ...........................................................................3-20 Mitigation........................................................................................................................................3-21 Special Status, Migratory, and Nesting Birds ................................................................................3-21 Mitigation........................................................................................................................................3-21 Bats................................................................................................................................................3-22 Sensitive Natural Communities......................................................................................................3-23 Mitigation........................................................................................................................................3-23 Wetlands ........................................................................................................................................3-24 Mitigation........................................................................................................................................3-25 City of Fortuna ...............................................................................................................................3-26 Eel River Area Local Coastal Plan.................................................................................................3-27 Humboldt County ...........................................................................................................................3-28

3.5 Cultural Resources .........................................................................................................3-29 Mitigation........................................................................................................................................3-30

3.6 Energy Resources ..........................................................................................................3-31

3.7 Geology and Soils...........................................................................................................3-35 Mitigation........................................................................................................................................3-38

3.8 Greenhouse Gas Emissions ...........................................................................................3-39

3.9 Hazards and Hazardous Materials .................................................................................3-43 Mitigation........................................................................................................................................3-46

3.10 Hydrology and Water Quality..........................................................................................3-48

3.11 Land Use and Planning ..................................................................................................3-53

3.12 Mineral Resources..........................................................................................................3-54

3.13 Noise...............................................................................................................................3-55 Noise Ordinance Compatibility ......................................................................................................3-55 Construction...................................................................................................................................3-59 Mitigation........................................................................................................................................3-60 Operation .......................................................................................................................................3-61

3.14 Population and Housing..................................................................................................3-64

3.15 Public Services ...............................................................................................................3-65

3.16 Recreation ......................................................................................................................3-66

3.17 Transportation.................................................................................................................3-67 Transportation Ordinance Compatibility ........................................................................................3-67 Mitigation........................................................................................................................................3-70

3.18 Tribal Cultural Resources ...............................................................................................3-71

3.19 Utilities and Service Systems .........................................................................................3-72 Table of Contents
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project iii

3.20 Wildfire............................................................................................................................3-74

3.21 Mandatory Findings of Significance................................................................................3-76

4. References ....................................................................................................................................4-1

5. Report Preparers ..........................................................................................................................5-3

5.1 City of Fortuna ..................................................................................................................5-3

5.2 GHD..................................................................................................................................5-3

5.3 Sub-consultants ................................................................................................................5-3 DZC Archaeology & Cultural Resource Management ......................................................5-3 Table index
Table 3.3-1 Annual Construction Regional Pollutant Emissions ...................................................3-13 Table 3.3-2 Daily Construction Regional Pollutant Emissions ......................................................3-13 Table 3.4-1 Approximate Estimated Project Wetland Impacts ......................................................3-24 Table 3.8-1 Consistency analysis between Project and Climate Change Scoping Plan...............3-41 Table 3.13-1 City of Fortuna General Plan Construction Noise Compatibility Standards ...............3-56 Table 3.13-2 City of Fortuna General Plan Traffic and Stationary Source Noise Compatibility Standards...................................................................................................................3-56 Table 3.13-3 Land Use/Noise Compatibility Standards...................................................................3-57 Table 3.13-4 Short-term Noise Standards in Lmax ...........................................................................3-59 Table 3.13-5 Construction Equipment Reference Noise Levels as Measured at 50’ ......................3-59 Table 3.13-6 Estimated Construction Noise Levels at Sensitive Receptors ...................................3-60 Table 3.13-7 Typical vibration levels for construction equipment used during Project construction (Caltrans 2020). .........................................................................................................3-63 Table 3.21-1 Cumulative Projects Summary..................................................................................3-77 Appendices
Appendix A Figures
Figure 1 Vicinity Map
Figure 2 Project Overview
Figure 3 Off-Site Mitigation
Appendix B Mitigation, Monitoring, and Reporting Program Appendix C Air Quality Modeling Results
Appendix D Visual Impact Assessment
Appendix E Natural Environment Study
Appendix F Wetland Delineation Report
Appendix G Botanical Report
Project Information
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 1-1

1. Project Information
Project Title Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project Lead Agency Name & Address City of Fortuna
621 11th Street
P.O. Box 545
Fortuna, CA 95540
Lead Agency Contact Information for
Key Staff
Merritt Perry, City Manager, (707) 725-1410
[email protected]
Brendan Byrd, Public Works Director (707) 725-1469
[email protected]
Liz Shorey, Deputy Director of Community
Development, (707) 725-1408
[email protected]
Project Location Fortuna and Humboldt County, CA
Project Sponsor’s Name & Address City of Fortuna
621 11th Street
P.O. Box 545
Fortuna, CA 95540
General Plan Land Use Designation Agriculture (AG)
Commercial (COM)
Mill District (MD)
Residential Low (RL)
Zoning FC: Freeway Commercial
M2: Heavy Industrial
R-1-6: Residential Single Family

1.1 CEQA Requirements
This Project is subject to the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The lead agency is the City of Fortuna (City). The purpose of this Initial Study is to provide a basis for deciding whether to prepare an Environmental Impact Report, a Mitigated Negative Declaration, or a Negative Declaration. This Initial Study is intended to satisfy the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act, CEQA, (Public Resources Code, Div 13, § 21000-21177), and the CEQA Guidelines (California Code of Regulations, Title 14, § 15000-15387). CEQA encourages lead agencies and applicants to modify their Projects to avoid significant adverse impacts.
§ 15063(d) of the State CEQA Guidelines states the content requirements of an Initial Study as follows:

1. A description of the Project including the location of the Project; Project Information
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 1-2

2. An identification of the environmental setting;

3. An identification of environmental effects by use of a checklist, matrix, or other method, provided that entries on a checklist or other form are briefly explained to indicate that there is some evidence to support the entries;

4. A discussion of the ways to mitigate the significant effects identified, if any;

5. An examination of whether the Project would be consistent with existing zoning, plans; and other applicable land use controls; and

6. The name of the person or persons who prepared or participated in the Initial Study.

1.2 Purpose
The Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project (Project) would improve traffic operation and safety at a key highway interchange in Fortuna, California. US 101 serves as the primary regional roadway in Humboldt County and is critically important to the residents and economy of Fortuna. The existing intersection controls, roadway geometry, and the high volumes of local and regional traffic on Kenmar Road result in poor traffic operation and safety issues at and near the interchange. Under existing conditions, the Project Area experiences traffic delays during peak hours, experiences crash rates above the statewide average, and lacks bicycle and pedestrian facilities, resulting in a barrier to bicycle and pedestrian circulation. Project goals include:
- Simplify and improve navigation and traffic operations on Kenmar Road between Riverwalk Drive and Eel River Drive, including the Kenmar Road/US 101 interchange; - Improve operations, reduce congestion, and minimize conflicts at the Kenmar Road intersections; - Improve safety at Kenmar Road intersections; and
- Improve the local and regional bicycle and pedestrian facilities through the Kenmar Road/US 101 interchange area.

1.3 Implementing Agency
This ISMND assumes the Project would be implemented by the City. However, if the Project is ultimately implemented by Caltrans, the Project Description as described herein would remain. Environmental impact analysis herein would also remain accurate, independent of which of the two agencies oversees construction of the Project. Required mitigation measures as established in this ISMND would not change but would be implemented by Caltrans, in cooperation with the City.

1.4 Proposed Project Summary
The proposed Project would replace the existing intersections of US 101 and Kenmar Road at the interchange with two roundabouts, improving traffic, pedestrian, and bicycle operations (see Figure 1 – Vicinity Map). The Project also includes modifications to the US 101 on-ramps and off-ramps, relocation of the park and ride facility, lane improvements on Kenmar road, and the realignment of Eel River Drive and Riverwalk Drive. The Project may also include traffic signal and lane improvements on the western Kenmar leg of the Ross Hill Road intersection. In addition to the proposed motor vehicle-related roadway safety improvements, the Project includes a segment of Class I bike path through the Project Area in addition to other at-grade pedestrian and bicycle improvements to enhance pedestrian connections and promote regional bicycle network continuity. The Class I bike path would be integrated into the developing Great Project Information
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 1-3 Redwood Trail. The Project would simplify and improve navigation and traffic operations on Kenmar Road and Eel River Drive, including the Kenmar Road and US 101 interchange.

The Project is being designed in accordance with the Caltrans Highway Design Manual, 7th Edition (2020) and the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Report 672 entitled “Roundabouts: An Information Guide, 2nd Edition”. In addition, the Project would be designed in accordance with other specific applicable standards, including the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (Caltrans 2021); the 2010 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards for Accessible Design; and portions of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets, 7th Edition (2018).

The Project is being designed to accommodate the expected volume and diversity of users, and mobility modes. The Project includes pavement reconstruction, a paved shared use path, sidewalks/walkways and curb ramps, crosswalks, roundabouts, lighting, landscaping, signage, retaining walls, and stormwater drain facilities, utility adjustments/relocations and other ancillary infrastructure improvements. Particular constraints within the Project alignment and locations for compensatory mitigation may warrant adjustments to the standards to address site specific issues.

1.5 Project Location
The Project Area is located approximately 1,000 feet east of the Eel River near the southwestern corner of the City of Fortuna. The Project Area is approximately 16 acres in size and is primarily comprised of existing Caltrans, City of Fortuna, and County of Humboldt right-of-way (Figure 2 – Project Overview).

West of the US 101 right-of-way, the Project is located largely within the existing City of Fortuna right-ofway that contains Riverwalk Drive. The Project would include small areas of encroachment into portions of APN 201-152-013 (agricultural field); APN 201-152-015 (an existing 87-space RV park) would be temporarily or permanently occupied by the realigned roadway, and other parcels in the vicinity.

East of the US 101 right-of-way, the Project is located within City, County, Caltrans, and railroad right-ofway. The Project would include an area of encroachment into APN 202-022-001 in order to accommodate the proposed shared use path and the driveway conform to the parcel.

The Project Area also includes a non-operational railroad corridor and anadromous Mill Creek, which crosses under Kenmar Road. The Project Area is located partially within the city limits of Fortuna and partially within unincorporated Humboldt County. Portions of the Project Area are located in the Coastal Zone, including Riverwalk Drive and both southbound and northbound lanes of US 101 to the south of the interchange (Humboldt County, 2022g). Of the portions of the Project Area located within the Coastal Zone, all Project activities are located within the jurisdiction of the Humboldt County Local Coastal Program (Eel River Area Plan). No portions are located within the State retained Coastal Zone jurisdiction.

1.6 Surrounding Land Uses and Existing Setting
The general setting for the surrounding area can be characterized as rural residential to the north and east, and landscapes intermixed with grazing and agricultural lands to the south and west. Urban development is concentrated in the northern portion of the surrounding area and along US 101.

Project Information
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 1-4

1.7 Project Description
Roadway Paving
The existing roadway, including ramps, would be improved using a variable thickness overlay, or by replacing the existing structural pavement section with new aggregate base and hot mix asphalt pavement.

Excavation would extend into the native subgrade where required to remediate poor soil/subgrade conditions, in order to accommodate any widening/realignments, or changes in the roadway profiles. Any material that cannot be recycled onsite for the Project would be removed and hauled off-site for recycling or legal disposal by the contractor. Project elements necessary for construction are summarized below and shown in Figure 2 – Project Overview.

Striping and Signage
The repaved segments would include required striping, pavement markings, and signage in order to comply with California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD) requirements. Existing regulatory, advisory, and guide signage would be upgraded and replaced to reflect new traffic flow patterns resulting from the roundabouts and other improvements.

US 101 Ramps
The existing northbound and southbound off-ramps and on-ramps would be realigned to support the new roundabout configuration proposed for both sides of US 101. In the southbound direction, the off-ramp alignment would shift approximately 60 feet to the west toward the RV park. The southbound on-ramp would also shift approximately 50 feet to the west. In the northbound direction, the off-ramp would shift approximately 60 feet to the east, while the. northbound on-ramp would shift approximately 70 feet to the east (Figure 2 – Project Overview).

Roundabouts, and Approaches on Kenmar Road
A new roundabout is proposed for each side of US 101 (two new roundabouts in total) to improve traffic operations and safety (Figure 2 – Project Overview). Excavation to accommodate the roundabout and roadway approaches is expected to be approximately 2 to 4 feet, although some isolated deeper excavations may be required to remediate poor soil/subgrade conditions, or to accommodate the installation of underground utilities and structure foundations.

Concrete improvements associated with the roundabout include the roundabout aprons, splitter islands, shared use paths, sidewalks/walkways/paths, and curbs. The truck aprons would include integral color to provide contrast from the other concrete features while avoiding a stark visual alteration. The roundabout center island and splitter islands would be landscaped or hardscaped and designed to blend into the existing community aesthetic and character.

Both travel lanes of Kenmar Road on either side of US 101 would be realigned and widened as necessary to support the new roundabouts.

The Project would include five new roundabout splitter islands in the following locations:
– West of the southbound ramp roundabout on Riverwalk Drive, in front of the RV park – Between the two roundabouts on Kenmar Road, under US 101 – East of the northbound ramp roundabout on Kenmar Road between east- and west-bound travel lanes, and between the westbound lane and northbound ramp turn lane Project Information
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 1-5 – On Eel River Drive, near the Park and Ride
Splitter islands would include pedestrian refuge islands and provide connectivity with new crosswalks (Figure 2 – Project Overview)
Park and Ride
The existing Park and Ride would be relocated, reconfigured, and reconstructed. The overall footprint of the facility would be similar in size to the existing footprint. As a result of contemporary Caltrans design standards for parking and striping, the number of spaces would reduce from the existing 18 spaces to 15 spaces, including two ADA accessible parking stalls. However, three additional parallel parking stalls that would be installed on Eel River Drive would bring the total parking stalls back to 18. Crosswalks would extend from the Park and Ride across both Eel River Drive and Kenmar Road (Figure 2 – Project Overview). The Park and Ride could accommodate a public bus stop in the future. A shared use path and vegetated buffer would separate the Park and Ride from Kenmar Road and Eel River Drive.

Ross Hill Road Intersection Improvements
To prevent eastbound traffic from backing up into the roundabout and in support of other operational improvements, the Project may also include traffic signal and lane improvements on the western Kenmar leg of the Ross Hill Road intersection.

Retaining Wall
Beneath the overpass, a retaining wall (RW #1) would be constructed on the north side of Kenmar Road beneath the US 101 bridge to accommodate the entire width of the shared use path. A second retaining wall (RW #2) would be constructed on the south side of Kenmar Road just west of the US 101 undercrossing. A third retaining wall (RW #3) would be constructed along the northbound side of Eel River Drive, which would span the length of the Fortuna Park and Ride lot. Retaining walls #1 and #2 are anticipated to be combination of ground anchored and soil nail walls. Retaining wall #3 may differ slightly in the structure as it would be retaining a natural hillside rather than a highway bridge embankment. Retaining wall #3 is expected to consist of either a soil nail retaining wall or a cantilevered soldier pile wall. Further site assessments need to take place to determine the preferred construction and placement of the walls. All retaining walls would be colorized and texturized to have similar facings to maintain conformity and enhance the visual aesthetic throughout the interchange corridor.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities
New shared use paths, and curb ramps would be constructed on the north side of Kenmar Road, providing improved pedestrian and bicycle safety and enhanced connectivity across US 101. Beneath the highway bridge, a retaining wall would be constructed to accommodate the entire width of the shared use path.

Through signing and striping, cyclists may also proceed through the interchange by taking the full traveled way. The new shared use paths would connect to new crosswalks across the US 101 southbound offramp and northbound onramp to allow for future connectivity to planned trail improvements, including the Great Redwood Trail.

Drainage Improvements
The project would include new drainage facilities, including gutters, inlets, pipes, and rock energy dissipaters. Existing watershed drainage patterns would be maintained to the maximum extent practicable.

Project Information
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 1-6 Modification or alteration of the Mill Creek box culvert under Kenmar Road would not occur. Excavation depths to install drainage facilities may vary but would typically be limited to 6 feet below existing grade.

Utilities
The following is a preliminary list of utilities within the construction limits:
– Natural Gas
– Overhead and Underground Electric
– Overhead and Underground Communications
– Potable Water
– Storm Drainage
Constructing the Project would require the relocation of both above and below ground utilities that conflict with planned Project elements.

Vegetation
The two roundabouts would include vegetated or hardscaped medians, splitter islands, and truck aprons, and the Park and Ride would also include vegetation on either side of the sidewalk separating the facility from Eel River Drive and Kenmar Road. In addition, a vegetated buffer strip or concrete barrier would separate the new shared use path from the north side of Kenmar Road. Any vegetation incorporated into the Project is anticipated to include low-maintenance planting designed to blend into the surrounding environment without blocking visibility.

Lighting
The Project would provide enhanced lighting to improve roadway visibility for drivers during nighttime hours.

Lighting is anticipated to be installed at ramp merges and diverges along the shoulders of US 101 as well as at conflict points in and out of the roundabout and at pedestrian crossings. Lighting would also be provided at approaches to the intersection to improve visibility of the changing roadway features.

Excavation depths would range from approximately 6-10 feet for each light pole.

Lighting would be designed to protect wildlife and nighttime views, including views of the night sky. The Project would be designed to be consistent with the City’s and Caltrans design guidelines. To comply with these requirements, lighting for the Project would be directed downward and shielded except in situations where requirements of lighting for construction or traffic safety may take priority. This would ensure lighting is contained within the site and does not cause significant lighting and glare impacts for surrounding land uses.

Off-Site Mitigation
If compensatory mitigation for one-parameter wetlands and other regulated habitats cannot be achieved within the established Project Area, off-site mitigation would occur at suitable locations deemed acceptable to jurisdictional agencies. Off-site mitigation would occur at the following locations as shown in Figure 3:
- In various locations within the southern portion of the former Palco Mill site, along the Mill Creek and Strongs Creek riparian corridor.
- APN 202-051-008, proximal to the Strongs Creek riparian corridor.

Project Information
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 1-7 Implementation of compensatory mitigation would be limited to planting willows and other native species via hand labor only. Deep excavation beyond 24 inches would not occur, and ground disturbance would be minimal.

1.8 Project Construction
Construction Schedule
The construction is anticipated to begin in 2025 or later and would occur over two construction seasons. If feasible, vegetation clearing outside of the nesting bird season would occur first, by March 15. Construction would require approximately 18 months, commencing in Spring.

Construction Staging, Activities, and Equipment
All construction activities would be accompanied by both temporary and permanent erosion and sediment control implementation. Project construction would include the following activities:
– Clearing and grubbing
– Grading and excavation
– Paving (concrete and asphalt)
– Retaining wall construction
– Utility trenching, relocation, and installation
– RSP installation
– Temporary detour routes and temporary traffic control – Planting, irrigation, and landscaping installation
– Striping, lighting, and signage installation
– Hauling
Equipment required for construction would include, but is not limited to tracked excavators, backhoes, graders, bulldozers, dump trucks, water trucks, skid steers, concrete truck, drill rigs, concrete pump trucks, changeable message signs, cranes, compactors, and pick-up trucks. It is not anticipated that any temporary utility extensions, such as electric power or water, would be required for construction. Water from legal sources would be used for dust control and compaction and re-vegetation.

Traffic and Access Control
The Project Area would be accessed via Riverwalk Drive, Kenmar Road and US 101. Temporary detours including temporary detour roads would be required throughout construction. Temporary detours would follow City and Caltrans requirements for temporary roadway closures, including signage and public noticing. Construction would be phased in order to maintain local access to US 101.

Establish Exclusion Areas and Erosion Control
Areas identified by biological studies as wetlands or sensitive habitats near the Project Area would be excluded with protective fencing prior to construction. Erosion control BMPs would also be installed prior to construction.

Project Information
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 1-8 Vegetation Removal
Vegetation removal would include mowing and brush removal. Tree removal may also be required. The ground would also be grubbed to remove roots. The disturbed roadside areas would be restored to preconstruction conditions or stabilized with a combination of grass seed, straw mulch, rolled erosion control fabric, and other plantings/revegetation. If required, revegetation would include replanting and any potential compliance monitoring in support of mitigation required by resource agencies for impacts to regulated habitats, such as wetlands or Sensitive Natural Communities.

Stockpiling and Staging
Temporary disturbance for stockpiling and staging would occur within the limits of temporary disturbance of the Project Area or in approved industrial or paved areas outside the project limits. Within the stockpiling and staging area, Best Management Practices (BMPs) would be utilized to control erosion and prevent sediment and hazardous materials from impacting the environment.

Excess soils, aggregate road base, RSP, and construction materials would be stored within designated stockpiling and staging areas. Excess materials may be re-used onsite for backfill and finished grading.

Excess materials would not be stockpiled on-site once the Project is complete. The contractor would haul additional excess materials off site for beneficial re-use, recycling, or legal disposal.

Groundwater Dewatering
Groundwater dewatering is generally not expected to be necessary. However, if needed, temporary groundwater dewatering would involve pumping water out of a trench or excavation. Groundwater would typically be pumped into a settling pond, Baker tanks (or other similar type of settling tank), dewatering bags, or discharged to upland areas. Discharge to the City’s stormwater network or Mill Creek would not occur.

1.9 Maintenance and Operation
Following construction, general operation and maintenance activities associated with the proposed Project would be limited to typical roadway maintenance, including annual inspections, trash/debris removal, vegetation management, repaving, and striping, similar to what is occurring under existing conditions.

1.10 Regulatory Permits, CEQA, and NEPA
The City of Fortuna is the CEQA lead agency for the Project. This Initial Study with a Mitigated Negative Declaration is the proposed CEQA pathway. Caltrans is the NEPA lead agency; a Categorical Exclusion is the proposed NEPA pathway.

Project activities in the Coastal Zone would require coverage under a Coastal Development Permit. The Project is located in both the Local and Appeal Zone jurisdiction of the Coastal Zone; thus, the Coastal Development Permit application would be submitted to the Humboldt County Planning Department but subject to appeal by the State.

Temporary and permanent impacts to wetlands would require permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineering (USACE) under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA). A corresponding Water Quality Certification from the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (Region Board) Under Section 401 of the CWA would be required.

Project Information
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 1-9 The Mill Creek crossing under Kenmar Road would not be modified. Thus, a requirement to obtain a California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Streambed Alteration Agreement is not anticipated.

Similarly, consultation with CDFW for California Endangered Species Act (CESA) and the National Marine Fishery Service/NOAA Fisheries (NMFS) under the Endangered Species Act would not be required.

1.11 Environmental Protection Actions Incorporated into the Project The following actions are included as part of the Project to reduce or avoid potential adverse effects that could result from construction or operation of the Project Mitigation measures are presented in the following analysis sections in Chapter 3, Environmental Analysis. Environmental protection actions and mitigation measures, together, would be included in a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (Appendix B) at the time that the Project is considered for approval.

Environmental Protection Action 1 – Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) The Project will obtain coverage under State Water Resources Control Board (Water Board) Construction General Permit associated with construction. The lead agency for construction will submit permit registration documents (notice of intent, risk assessment, site maps, SWPPP, annual fee, and certifications) to the Water Board. The SWPPP will address pollutant sources, best management practices, and other requirements specified in the Order. The SWPPP will include erosion and sediment control measures, and dust control practices to prevent wind erosion, sediment tracking, and dust generation by construction equipment. A Qualified SWPPP Practitioner will oversee implementation of the Project SWPPP, including visual inspections, sampling, and analysis, and ensuring overall compliance.

1.12 Required Agency Approvals
The following permits and approvals are likely to be required prior to construction:
– Caltrans Encroachment Permit
– County of Humboldt Encroachment Permit
– North Coast Regional Water Board (NCRWB, or Regional Board) Clean Water Act Section 401 certification
– Construction stormwater discharge permit (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) from the State Water Resources Control Board
– U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Clean Water Act Section 404 permit – Humboldt County Coastal Development permit

1.13 Tribal Consultation
The City has received requests for notification of proposed Projects from California Native American tribes pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.3.1. Under Assembly Bill (AB) 52, notification letters were sent to the Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria and the Wiyot Tribe on June 24, 2022. A response was received from the Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria on July 8, 2022, requesting on-site cultural monitoring during ground disturbing activities within 1,000 feet of recorded resources.

Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-1

3. Environmental Analysis

3.1 Aesthetics
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less-thanSignificant w/
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less-thanSignificant
Impact
No
Impact
Except as provided in Public Resources Code Section 21099, would the project:
a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic
vista? 
b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including,
but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and
historic buildings within a state scenic highway?

c) In non-urbanized areas, substantially degrade the
existing visual character or quality of public view
of the site and its surroundings? (Public Views are
those that are experienced from publicly
accessible vantage point). If the project is in an
urbanized area, would the project conflict with
applicable zoning and other regulations governing
scenic quality?

d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare
which would adversely affect day or nighttime
views in the area?

Existing Aesthetic Environment
Aesthetic impact assessment is based on the Visual Resource Assessment prepared for the project (Appendix D – Visual Impact Assessment). The visual setting within the Project Area includes existing roads within Caltrans and Humboldt County right-of-way, including US 101, and views of local landmarks and resources from the Project corridor. These areas include Riverwalk RV Park, Eel River, a motel (Best Western Country Inn), the Fortuna Park and Ride, and out of service railroad tracks crossing Kenmar Road.

The Project Area is located in a relatively rural setting characterized by the existing roadway corridor bordered by tall trees, open grassy areas, and dense vegetation. The Project Area is located approximately 1,000 feet east of the Eel River but is visually independent from the Eel River. Roads that can be seen from the Project area include Kenmar Road, Eel River Drive, Riverwalk Drive, and US 101. The Project would be accessed via these roads, and no new access roads would need to be constructed to implement the Project.

Viewers of the Project include the general public traveling the corridor, including vehicle users, pedestrian, and cyclists. Viewers of the Project also include local residents living adjacent to or near the Project corridor and individuals employed at places of work based in or near the Project corridor. Visual changes may be more noticeable to local residents and non-vehicular users than vehicle-based users.

Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-2 a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? (Less Than Significant Impact) For purposes of determining significance under CEQA, a scenic vista is defined as a viewpoint that provides expansive views of a highly valued landscape for the benefit of the general public. The visual setting within which the proposed Project is in consists of a rural roadway corridor with some scenic views of the nearby Eel River. The Project Area and Eel River are visually independent, as the Eel River cannot be seen from the Project Area and vice versa due to elevational differences between the two features.

None of the proposed Project features would obstruct the available scenic views of the Eel River or other rural scenic areas that surround the Project area.

Construction activities or operation of the Project would not obstruct scenic views. The visual impacts of the proposed Project would be compatible with the existing rural visual character of the corridor. Any vegetation incorporated into the Project would include low-maintenance planting designed to blend into the surrounding environment without blocking visibility for safe vehicular operation. The disturbed roadside areas would be restored/stabilized with a combination of grass seed (broadcast or hydroseed), straw mulch, rolled erosion control fabric, and, if needed, other plantings/revegetation. On- and off-site planting of willows and other native species associated with mitigatory plantings would result in additional vegetative screening, creating a visual benefit. Though the Project would expand the footprint of the interchange, the Project would be designed in to minimize removal of trees/densely forested areas and established vegetation.

The opportunity for new greenspace would enhance the visual character of the interchange while maintaining composition and unity of the site as well as providing safety improvements to better manage the levels of vehicular traffic. Center medians on Kenmar Road east of the northbound roundabout and Eel River Drive would also serve as pedestrian refuge islands and provide connectivity with new crosswalks.

Furthermore, the proposed at-grade pedestrian improvements and installation of a Class I bike path through the Project Area would enhance multi-modal connectivity, thus increasing accessibility for the public while improving the visual appearance of the interchange.

Visual impacts of improvements in the Fortuna Park and Ride would be temporary during construction and upon completion of the Project, the overall aesthetic and visual quality and continuity of the facility would be enhanced due to enhanced landscaping and improved pedestrian and recreational access around the interchange and to nearby trails. The repaved and restriped parking lot would provide safe and convenient parking and access for vehicles while maintaining consistency with the existing rural visual character of the existing interchange area. Finally, the reconfigured Fortuna Park and Ride would not impede views of or diminish the visual character of nearby landmarks or natural resources.

New shared use paths, and curb ramps would be constructed on the north side of Kenmar Road, providing improved pedestrian and bicycle safety and enhanced connectivity to the opposite side of US 101. All retaining walls would be colorized and texturized to have similar facings to maintain conformity and enhance the visual aesthetic throughout the interchange corridor. The enhanced pedestrian access would improve public access through this interchange while maintaining the rustic/natural aesthetic of the area and safety improvements to better manage the levels of pedestrian and bicycle traffic.

The Project would not impair views of the adjacent Eel River and nearby rural areas as the proposed interchange improvements are consistent with the current land use of the area within and near the Project.

The Project would improve the visual setting of the existing dilapidated roadway and interchange. The Project includes incorporation of greenspace into the improved roadway corridor, which would enhance the overall aesthetic of the Project Area. As such, there would be a less than significant impact to scenic vistas and visual resources.

Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-3 b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway? (Less Than Significant Impact)
The Project is not located within or near a state scenic highway (Caltrans 2019). US 101 that runs through the Project area is eligible for listing on the California State Scenic Highway list. Though the proposed Project would result in temporary construction impacts to improve and expand the interchange, the Project once complete, would result in an aesthetically improved roadway and improved traffic flow. As such, impacts to the aesthetic environment or scenic roadway resources would not result. Additionally, the Project Area does not include any historic trees or rock outcroppings. There are no historic buildings within the Project Area. There would be a less then significant impact on scenic resources. c) In non-urbanized areas, substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of public view of the site and its surroundings? (Public Views are those that are experienced from publicly accessible vantage point). If the Project is in an urbanized area, would the Project conflict with applicable zoning and other regulations governing scenic quality? (Less Than Significant Impact)
The visual quality of the roadway corridor would not be significantly altered by the Project. Views of local landmarks and resources from the Project corridor include Riverwalk RV Park, Eel River, a motel (Best Western Country Inn), the Fortuna Park and Ride, out of service railroad tracks crossing Kenmar Road, the Mill Creek riparian corridor, and a mix of open green space and forested areas (Appendix D – Visual Impact Assessment). On- and off-site planting of willow and other native species associated with mitigatory plantings would enhance visual character and scenic quality. Views of and access to these local landmarks and resources would not be negatively impacted by the proposed Project. The visual quality resulting from the Project would not be diminished or be inconsistent with the existing visual character of pre-Project viewsheds from local landmarks.

Although there would be visual modifications to the interchange as compared to existing conditions, the overall view-scape surrounding the Project area would not be impeded or altered by structures or other Project elements. As such, impacts to the visual character or quality of public view of the Project area and surrounding environment would be less than significant. d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area? (Less Than Significant Impact) The Project does include some temporary and permanent sources of light. The Project would provide enhanced lighting to improve roadway visibility for drivers during night-time hours. Lighting is anticipated to be installed at ramp merges and diverges along the shoulders of US 101 as well as at conflict points in and out of the roundabout and at pedestrian crossings. Lighting would also be provided at approaches to the intersection to improve visibility of the changing roadway features.

Lighting would be designed to protect wildlife and night-time views, including views of the night sky. The Project would be designed to be consistent with the City’s design guidelines, which includes standards for fixtures, shielding, wattage, placement, height, and illumination levels. To comply with these requirements, lighting for the Project would be directed downward and shielded except in situations where requirements of lighting for construction or traffic safety may take priority. This would ensure lighting is contained within the Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-4 site and does not cause significant lighting and glare impacts for surrounding land uses. The proposed Project would enhance and improve the existing lighting within the roadway corridor with the intention of improving safety of the interchange for pedestrians as well as motorists. However, the new lighting improvements would not substantially degrade the environment within/near the roadway corridor, nor should these improvements have a substantial impact on glare for nighttime driving. As such, impacts associated with light, glare and nighttime views in the area would be less than significant.

Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-5

3.2 Agriculture and Forest Resources
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less-thanSignificant w/
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less-thanSignificant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or
Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as
shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the
Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the
California Resources Agency, to non-agricultural
use?

b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act contract? 
c) Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code
section 12220(g)), timberland (as defined by Public
Resources Code section 4526), or timberland zoned
Timberland Production (as defined by Government
Code section 51104(g))?

d) Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of
forest land to non-forest use? 
e) Involve other changes in the existing environment
which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland, to non-agricultural use or
conversion of forest land to non-forest use?

Within the Project Area, areas to the south of Kenmar road and buffered along US 101 are zoned as Agriculture Exclusive (Humboldt County 2020a). The Project Area within the City of Fortuna does not include agricultural or forest resources.

Eel River Area Local Coastal Plan
The Eel River Area Local Coastal Plan (Humboldt County 2014) includes the following applicable policies regarding agricultural lands:
– 30241: The maximum amount of prime agricultural land shall be maintained in agricultural production to assure the protection of the areas' agricultural economy and conflicts shall be minimized between agricultural and urban land uses through all of the following:
• (b): By limiting conversions of agricultural lands around the periphery of urban areas to the lands where the viability of existing agricultural use is already severely limited by conflicts with urban uses and where the conversion of the lands would complete a logical and viable neighborhood and contribute to the establishment of a stable limit to urban development. • (c): By developing available lands not suited for agriculture prior to the conversion of agricultural lands.
• (d): By assuring that public service and facility expansions and nonagricultural development do not impair agricultural viability, either through increased assessment costs or degraded air and water quality.

Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-6 Prime Agricultural land per California Government Code Section 51201(c) means:

A. All land which qualifies for rating as Class I or Class II in the Soil Conservation Service land use capability classifications.

B. Land which qualifies for rating 80 through 100 in the Storie Index Rating.

C. Land which supports livestock used for the production of food and fiber and which has an annual carrying capacity equivalent to at least one animal unit per acre as defined by the U.S.D.A.

D. Land planted with fruit or nut bearing trees, vines, bushes, or crops which have a non- bearing period of less than five years, and which would normally return during the commercial bearing period on an annual basis from the production of unprocessed agricultural plant production not less than $200.00 per acre. Humboldt County General Plan Adopted October 23, 2017, Part 2, Chapter 4. Land Use Element 4-32
E. Land which has returned from the production of unprocessed agricultural plant products on an annual gross value of not less than $200.00 per acre for three of the five previous years.

Humboldt County
The Humboldt County General Plan (2017) includes the following applicable policies regarding agricultural lands:

AG-G2. Preservation of Agricultural Lands
Agricultural land preserved to the maximum extent possible for continued agricultural use in parcel sizes that support economically feasible agricultural operations.

AG-P5. Conservation of Agricultural Lands
Agricultural lands shall be conserved, and conflicts minimized between agricultural and non-agricultural uses through all of the following:

A. By establishing stable zoning boundaries and buffer areas that separate urban and rural areas to minimize land use conflicts.

B. By establishing stable Urban Development, Urban Expansion and Community Planning Areas and promoting residential in-filling of Urban Development Areas, with phased urban expansion within Community Planning Areas.

C. By developing lands within Urban Development, Urban Expansion and Community Planning Areas prior to the conversion of agricultural resource production lands (AE, AG) within Urban Expansion Areas.

D. By not allowing the conversion of agricultural resource production lands (AE, AG) to other land use designations outside of Urban Expansion Areas.

E. By assuring that public service facility expansions and non-agricultural development do not inhibit agricultural viability, either through increased assessment costs, degradation of the environment, land fragmentation or conflicts in use.

F. By increasing the effectiveness of the Williamson Act Program.

Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-7 G. By allowing historical structures and/or sensitive habitats to be split off from productive agricultural lands where it acts to conserve working lands and structures.

H. By allowing lot-line adjustments for agriculturally designated lands only where planned densities are met and there is no resulting increase in the number of building sites.

AG-P6. Agricultural Land Conversion – No Net Loss
Lands planned for agriculture (AE, AG) shall not be converted to non-agricultural uses unless the Planning Commission makes the following findings:

A. There are no feasible alternatives that would prevent or minimize conversion; B. The facts support an overriding public interest in the conversion; and C. For lands outside of designated Urban Development Boundaries, sufficient off-setting mitigation has been provided to prevent a net reduction in the agricultural land base and agricultural production. This requirement shall be known as the “No Net Loss” agricultural lands policy. “No Net Loss” mitigation is limited to one or more of the following:

1. Re-planning of vacant agricultural lands from a non-agricultural land use designation to an agricultural plan designation along with the recordation of a permanent conservation easement on this land for continued agricultural use; or

2. The retirement of non-agricultural uses on lands planned for agriculture and recordation of a permanent conservation easement on this land for continued agricultural use; or

3. Financial contribution to an agricultural land fund in an amount sufficient to fully offset the agricultural land conversion for those uses enumerated in subsections a and b. The operational details of the land fund, including the process for setting the amount of the financial contribution, shall be established by ordinance.

AG-P16. Protect Productive Agricultural Soils
Development on lands planned for agriculture (AE, AG) shall be designed to the maximum extent feasible to minimize the placement of buildings, impermeable surfaces or nonagricultural uses on land as defined in Government Code Section 51201(c) 1- 5 as prime agricultural lands. a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance)? (Less than Significant Impact)
Lands within the Project Area have not been formally analyzed by the Department of Conservation to determine if they meet the criteria for being designated as Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance, because the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program has not been completed for Humboldt County. Potential impacts would be related to construction operations, and not operations, thus operations are not discussed further. An operational impact would not result.

For this analysis, “agricultural soils” and “prime agricultural soils” designations via the Humboldt County WebGIS online mapping tool were utilized, which utilizes soils data from the Natural Resources Conservation Service [NRCS]. According to the Humboldt County WebGIS, the Project Area does include Prime Agricultural Soil along US 101 and Kenmar road (Humboldt County 2022b). This is located within parcel APN 201-152-013, zoned as agriculture exclusive, which the Project could affect with encroachment from widening of the southbound US 101 onramp slope.

Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-8 Soil profile indicates a 1010 Urban land-Friendlycity association with 0 to 2 percent slopes, 210 Dungan with 0 to 2 percent slopes, and a 340 Fiedler-Petellen-Nanningcreek complex with 15 to 30 percent slopes are present within the Project Area (Appendix F of Appendix F – Wetland Delineation Report). The 210 Dungan soil is categorized as prime farmland if irrigated. The 210 Dungan soils located along the southbound onramp to US 101 ramp, and within parcel APN 201-152-103, are sloped above 2 percent grade, therefore not Dungan soils. It is also covered by shrubbery, thus not productive and not suitable for agricultural revenues. The toe of the slope that would be permanently converted to a non-agricultural use is currently excluded from grazing and other agrarian uses by an existing barbed wire fence at the bottom of the embankment. Per the definition of Prime Agricultural Land from the Eel River Area Local Coastal Plan, lands must be used for the three out of the past five years to qualify as prime farmland. The portion of the Project Area between the barbed wire fence and the guardrail has not been used for agricultural purposes during the past five years and therefore does not meet this criterion. Thus, this area is not Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance. However, the Project would expand the toe beyond the existing fence line, resulting in approximately 3,028 ft2 (0.07 acres) of temporary impacts, and 2,196 ft2 (0.05 acres) of permanent impacts into parcel APN 201-152-013. This area is 210 Dungan soils within the 0 to 2 percent slopes and, assuming the field is irrigated, is prime farmland. This parcel is 30.02 acres, and a fill of 0.05 acres would be 0.17% of the parcel and therefore di minimus. Therefore, the impact would be less than significant.
b) Conflict with Agricultural Zoning or Williamson Act Contract? (Less than Significant Impact) The Project would not be located on lands under a Williamson Act contract (Humboldt County 2022f).

Within the Humboldt County jurisdiction south of Kenmar road, the western area of the Project is zoned as agricultural exclusive, and the area east of US 101 is residential agriculture (Humboldt County 2022a). The areas zoned as residential agriculture is wooded, and not currently used. The Project would require modification to the toe of the slope along Riverwalk Drive and the southbound onramp for US 101, resulting in areas of encroachment into parcel APN 201-152-013, zoned as agriculture exclusive. As analyzed above in section a), the toe would be expanded beyond the existing barbed wire fence, resulting in approximately 3,028 ft2 (0.07 acres) of temporary impacts, and 2,196 ft2 (0.05 acres) of permanent impacts. The parcel is used for agricultural grazing and a fill of 0.07 acres would be 0.17%, and therefore di minimus. Since the areas of encroachment would result in only 0.17% conversion of the parcel to a non-agricultural use, a less than significant impact would result.
c, d) Conflict with Forest Land Zoning or Convert Forest Land? (No Impact) There are no forest lands, timberland, or timberland zoned Timberland Production in the Project Area; therefore, no forest land or timberland would be converted to non-forest or non-timberland use. No impact would result.
e) Convert Farmland or Forest? (Less than Significant Impact) The Project would include the removal of some small trees. However, these trees not considered forest resources. Potential biological impacts associated with tree removal are discussed in Section 3.4 (Biological Resources). The Project involves a portion of a parcel zoned as agricultural exclusive. The parcel is generally used for grazing. As mentioned above, the 0.05 Acres that would be converted would result in

0.17% conversion of the parcel APN 201-152-013. There are no other changes in the existing environment Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-9 related to the Project that would impact farmland or forest land in or adjacent to the study area. The potential impact would be less than significant.

Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-10

3.3 Air Quality
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less-thanSignificant w/
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less-thanSignificant
Impact
No Impact
Where available, the significance criteria established by the applicable air quality management district or air pollution control district may be relied upon to make the following determinations. Would the project:
a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the
applicable air quality plan? 
b) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase
in any criteria pollutant for which the project region
is non-attainment under an applicable federal or
state ambient air quality standard?

c) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant
concentrations? 
d) Result in other emissions (such as those leading to
odors) adversely affecting a substantial number of
people?

The Project is located within the North Coast Air Basin (Air Basin) which is managed by the North Coast Unified Air Quality Management District (NCUAQMD). The NCUAQMD monitors air quality; enforces local, State, and federal air quality regulations for counties within its jurisdiction; inventories and assesses the health risks of Toxic Air Contaminants (TACs); and adopts rules that limit pollution.

For construction emissions, the NCUAQMD has indicated that emissions are not considered regionally significant for Projects whose construction would be relatively short in duration, lasting less than one year.

For Project construction lasting more than one year or that involves above average construction intensity in volume of equipment or area disturbed, construction emissions may be compared to the stationary source thresholds. Construction is anticipated to last for approximately eighteen months. Since construction is anticipated to last more than one year, construction-related emissions were calculated using the Road Construction Emissions Model, (RCEM) version 9.0.0. See Appendix C for air quality modeling results. a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan? (Less than Significant with Mitigation)
This impact relates to consistency with an adopted attainment plan. The NCUAQMD is responsible for monitoring and enforcing local, State, and federal air quality standards. Humboldt County is designated ‘attainment’ for all National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Pursuant to California Ambient Air Quality Standards, Humboldt County is designated attainment for all criteria air pollutants except PM10. Humboldt County is designated as “non-attainment” for the State’s PM10 standard.

PM10 refers to inhalable particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 10 microns. PM10 includes emission of small particles that consist of dry solid fragments, droplets of water, or solid cores with liquid coatings. The particles vary in shape, size, and composition. PM10 emissions include unpaved road dust, smoke from wood stoves, construction dust, open burning of vegetation, and airborne salts and other particulate matter naturally generated by ocean surf. Therefore, any use or activity that generates airborne particulate matter may be of concern to the NCUAQMD. The proposed Project would create PM10 Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-11 emissions in part through vehicles coming and going to the Project Area and the construction activity associated with the Project.

To address non-attainment for PM10, the NCUAQMD adopted a Particulate Matter Attainment Plan in 1995.

This plan presents available information about the nature and causes of PM10 standard exceedances and identifies cost-effective control measures to reduce PM10 emissions to levels necessary to meet California Ambient Air Quality Standards. However, the NCUAQMD states that the plan, “should be used cautiously as it is not a document that is required in order for the [NCUAQMD] to come into attainment for the state standard” (NCUAQMD 2022). Therefore, compliance with applicable NCUAQMD PM10 rules is applied as the threshold of significance for the purposes of analysis. NCUAQMD Rule 104 Section D, Fugitive Dust Emissions, is applicable to the Project.

Rule 104, Section D – Fugitive Dust Emissions is used by the NCUAQMD to address non-attainment for PM10. Pursuant to Rule 104 Section D, the handling, transporting, or open storage of materials in such a manner, which allows or may allow unnecessary amounts of particulate matter to become airborne, shall not be permitted. Reasonable precautions shall be taken to prevent particulate matter from becoming airborne, including, but not limited to covering open bodied trucks when used for transporting materials likely to give rise to airborne dust and the use of water during the grading of roads or the clearing of land.

During earth moving activities, fugitive dust (PM10) would be generated. The amount of dust generated at any given time would be highly variable and is dependent on the size of the area disturbed at any given time, amount of activity, soil conditions, and meteorological conditions. Unless controlled, fugitive dust emissions during construction of the Project could be a potentially significant impact, therefore, Mitigation Measure AQ-1 would be incorporated to comply with NCUAQMD’s Rule 104 Section D.

Operation of the Project would not include the handling, transporting, or open storage of materials in which particulate matter may become airborne. Due to the absence of handling, transport, or open storage of materials that would generate particulate matter, operation of the Project is not expected to conflict with NCUAQMD’s Rule 104 Section D. No impact from operation of the Project would result.

Mitigation
Implementation of Mitigation Measures AQ-1 is proposed to reduce the potential impact related to PM10 fugitive dust by requiring BMPs.

Mitigation Measure AQ-1: BMPs to Reduce Air Pollution
The contractor shall implement the following BMPs during construction:
- Disturbed surfaces (e.g., staging areas, soil piles, active graded areas, excavations, and unpaved access roads) shall be watered as needed for dust suppression. - All visible mud or dirt track-out onto adjacent public roads shall be removed using street sweepers at least once per day, or as needed to alleviate dust and debris on the roadway. - All vehicle speeds on unpaved roads shall be limited to 15 miles per hour, unless the unpaved road surface has been treated for dust suppression with water, rock, wood chip mulch, or other dust prevention measures.
- All areas to be paved shall be completed as soon as practical. - Idling times shall be minimized either by shutting equipment off when not in use or reducing the maximum idling time to five minutes.

Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-12 With implementation of Mitigation Measure AQ-1, the Project would implement relevant fugitive dust (PM10) controls during construction and would not conflict with applicable air quality plans. This impact would be reduced to a less-than-significant level with mitigation. b) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase in any criteria pollutant for which the Project region is non-attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard? (Less than Significant with Mitigation)
This impact is related to regional criteria pollutant impacts. As identified in Section 3.3 Impact (a), Humboldt County is designated nonattainment of the State’s PM10 standard. The Project Area is designated attainment for all other State and federal standards. Potential impacts of concern would be exceedances of State standards for PM10. Localized PM10 is of concern during construction because of the potential to emit fugitive dust during earth-disturbing activities.

Construction
Localized PM10
The Project would include clearing and grubbing, grading, and paving activity to replace the existing intersection of US 101 and Kenmar Road. Generally, the most substantial localized air pollutant emissions would be dust generated from site clearing, demolition, grading, placement of subgrade and paving. If uncontrolled, these emissions could lead to both health and nuisance impacts. Construction activities would also temporarily generate emissions of equipment exhaust and other air contaminants. The Project’s potential impacts from equipment exhaust are assessed separately below.

The NCUAQMD does not have formally adopted thresholds of significance for fugitive, dust-related particulate matter emissions above and beyond Rule 104, Section D which does not provide quantitative standards. For the purposes of analysis, this document uses the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) approach to determining significance for fugitive dust emissions from Project construction. The BAAQMD bases the determination of significance for fugitive dust on a consideration of the control measures to be implemented. If all appropriate emissions control measures recommended by BAAQMD are implemented for a project, then fugitive dust emissions during construction are not considered significant.

BAAQMD recommends a specific set of “Basic Construction Measures” to reduce emissions of construction generated PM10 to less than significant. Without incorporation of these Basic Construction Measures, the Project’s construction-generated fugitive PM10 (dust) would result in a potentially significant impact.

The Basic Construction Measure controls recommended by the BAAQMD are incorporated into Mitigation Measure AQ-1. These controls are consistent with NCUAQMD Rule 104 Section D, Fugitive Dust Emission and provide supplemental, additional control of fugitive dust emissions beyond that which would occur with Rule 104 Section D compliance alone. Therefore, with incorporation of Mitigation Measure AQ-1, the Project would result in a less than significant impact for construction-period PM10 generation and would not violate or substantially contribute to an existing or projected air quality violation.

Regional Criteria Pollutants
For construction emissions, the NCUAQMD has indicated that emissions are not considered regionally significant for projects whose construction would be of relatively short duration, lasting less than one year.

For project construction lasting more than one year or that involves above average construction intensity in volume of equipment or area disturbed, construction emissions may be compared to the stationary source Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-13 thresholds. Since this Project’s construction is anticipated to last longer than one year, comparison to stationary sources would be used as the threshold of significance.

The NCUAQMD does not have established CEQA significance criteria to determine the significance of impacts that would result from projects such as the proposed Project; however, the NCUAQMD does have criteria pollutant significance thresholds for new or modified stationary source projects proposed within the NCUAQMD’s jurisdiction. NCUAQMD has indicated that it is appropriate for lead agencies to compare proposed construction emissions that last more than one year to its Best Available Control Technology (BACT) thresholds for stationary sources identified in Rule 110(E)(1), which are:
– Nitrogen Oxides – 40.0 tons per year, 50.0 pounds per day – Reactive Organic Gases – 40.0 tons per year, 50.0 pounds per day – PM10 – 15.0 tons per year, 80.0 pounds per day
– Carbon Monoxide – 100 tons per year, 50.0 pounds per day RCEM v. 9.0.0 was used to estimate air pollutant emissions from Project construction (Appendix C – Air Quality Modeling Results). Detailed construction equipment activity and material hauling volumes were provided by the Project’s Design Team. The Project’s estimated construction emissions are provided in Table 3.3-1 and 3.3-2 for annual and daily emission rates, respectively. As shown in the tables, the Project would not exceed the NCUAQMD’s thresholds of significance. Therefore, the Project’s construction emissions are considered to have a less than significant impact.

Table 3.3-1 Annual Construction Regional Pollutant Emissions Parameter Total Emissions (tons/project)
ROG NOX CO PM10
Project Construction 0.54 5.40 5.67 0.49
NCUAQMD Stationary Source Thresholds 40.0 40.0 100 15.0 Table 3.3-2 Daily Construction Regional Pollutant Emissions Parameter Maximum Daily Emissions (pounds/day)
ROG NOX CO PM10
Project Construction 3.55 36.71 36.44 3.11
NCUAQMD Stationary Source Thresholds 50.0 50.0 80.0 50.0 Operation
Following construction, the Project would not include any stationary sources of air emissions, traffic capacity enhancements, or result in an increase in traffic volumes or increased delay over existing conditions. The proposed roadway improvements would likely increase multi-modal use of the roadway which may decrease vehicle trips and associated emissions. Traffic flow would improve; thus, the Project would result in less vehicle idling and an associated reduction in exhaust emissions. Vehicle trips associated with operation and maintenance of the road would be the same as under existing conditions, include annual inspections, repaving, painting, and repairs as needed. Operation and maintenance of the Project would generate less than one traffic trip per week on average. However, larger repairs to the road or Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-14 sidewalk facilities may take several weeks to complete depending on the extent of damage and other circumstances. However, the potential need for larger repair would remain the same as under existing conditions. The Project would not result in an increase in operational emissions of criteria air pollutants above existing conditions. Therefore, the Project would not result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the region is in non-attainment. The Project’s operational impact would be less than significant.
c) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations? (Less than Significant) Sensitive receptors include school-aged children (schools, daycare, playgrounds), the elderly (retirement community, nursing homes), the infirm (medical facilities and offices), and those who exercise outdoors regularly (public and private exercise facilities, parks). The nearest residence to the Project site is an RV park adjacent to the western side of the Project, several residences approximately 500 feet to 1,000 feet south, southeast and 900 feet northeast of the Project, and Fortuna Junior Academy approximately 900 feet east of the Project.

Construction of the Project would be short in duration and would vary in location, thus not resulting in concentrated pollutants in any one area. Because of the distance to potential sensitive receptors, limited construction period, and geographical distribution of construction activities, exposure of sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations during Project construction would be less than significant.

For Project operations, the Project would modify the path of travel for vehicles. For reference, the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) Air Quality and Land Use Handbook: A Community Health Perspective (Land Use Handbook) provides CARB’s recommendations regarding the siting of new sensitive land uses near facilities that are associated with health risks, particularly from air toxic emissions. The Land Use Handbook has siting guidance for freeways, distribution centers, rail yards, ports, refineries, chrome plating facilities, dry cleaners, and gasoline dispensing facilities. Although this guidance is for siting new locations of sensitive receptors, the facility distance and size guidance may be used as a screening level to identify when additional analysis is warranted during environmental review, including CEQA.

The Land Use Handbook advisory recommendation for freeways and high traffic roads are:
• Avoid siting new sensitive land uses within 500 feet of a freeway, urban roads with 100,000 vehicles/day, or rural roads with 50,000 vehicles/day.

The nearest sensitive receptors are homes located approximately 500 feet south of the Project alignment.

The Traffic Operations & Intersection Control Evaluation (TOAR & ICE) Report prepared for the Project includes daily roadway volume counts conducted in 2016. At the Kenmar Road and Eel River Drive intersection, the Project component closest to the residences south of the Project, the daily volume was 13,720, or 27 percent of the rural road screening volume provided in the CARB Land Use Handbook. The Project would not substantially reduce the distance between travel lanes and sensitive receptors, would not exceed the CARB’s screening volume for rural roads, and would provide the CARB-recommended minimum separation of 500 feet between the roadway and sensitive receptors. Additionally, the Project would have no effect on vehicle mix through the Project area. The Project meets the Land Use Handbook’s advisory guidance for an appropriate separation of the Project location and sensitive receptors. Therefore, additional analysis is not warranted.

Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-15 d) Result in other emissions (such as those leading to odors) adversely affecting a substantial number of people? (Less than Significant)
Implementation of the Project would not result in major sources of odor. The Project type is not one of the common types of facilities known to produce odors (i.e., landfill, coffee roaster, wastewater treatment facility, etc.). Minor odors from the use of equipment during construction activities would be intermittent and temporary and would dissipate rapidly from the source with an increase in distance. This impact would be less than significant.

Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-16

3.4 Biological Resources
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less-thanSignificant w/
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less-thanSignificant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species
identified as a candidate, sensitive, or specialstatus species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of
Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?

b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian
habitat or other sensitive natural community
identified in local or regional plans, policies,
regulations or by the California Department of Fish
and Game or US Fish and Wildlife Service?

c) Have a substantial adverse effect on state or
federally protected wetlands (including, but not
limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.)
through direct removal, filling, hydrological
interruption, or other means?

d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any
native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species
or with established native resident or migratory
wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native
wildlife nursery sites?

e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances
protecting biological resources, such as a tree
preservation policy or ordinance?

f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat
Conservation Plan, Natural Community
Conservation Plan, or other approved local,
regional, or state habitat conservation plan?

A Natural Environment Study (NES), Wetland Delineation Report, and Botanical Report were prepared to assess baseline environmental conditions within the Project Area and are included as Appendix E, F, and G, respectively. These studies evaluate the potential for any special status plants, wildlife species, or any sensitive natural communities (SNCs) or aquatic resources to occur. Under Section 7 of the ESA, critical habitat should be evaluated if designated for federally listed species that may be present in the Biological Study Area (BSA). The BSA, or the area directly or indirectly impacted by the proposed Project, encompasses a 0.25-mile radius around the Project Area. a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special-status species in local or regional Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-17 plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? (Less Than Significant with Mitigation) Special-status Plant Species
Special status plant species under State jurisdiction include those listed as endangered, threatened, or as candidate species by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA). Plant species on CNPS California Rare Plant Ranking (CRPR) Lists 1A, 1B and 2A and 2B are considered eligible for state listing as endangered or threatened pursuant to the California Fish and Game Code and CDFW has oversite of these special status plant species as a trustee agency. As part of the CEQA process, such species should be considered as they meet the definition of Threatened or Endangered under Sections 2062 and 2067 of the California Fish and Game Code. There are occasions where CRPR List 3 or 4 species might be considered of special concern particularly for the type locality of a plant, for populations at the periphery of a species range, or in areas where the taxon is especially uncommon or has sustained heavy losses, or from populations exhibiting unusual morphology.

Two seasonally appropriate floristic surveys for special status plants were conducted in the Project Area.

No special status plants were detected in the Project Area. GHD conducted surveys for special status plant species and vegetation assessments during the spring and summer of 2021 (April 7 and July 30).

Based on database searches, historical records, and an overview of the primary literature, only two special status species had a moderate potential of occurring in the Project Area. Howell’s montia (Montia howellii) has a CRPR of 2B.2 and Siskiyou checkerbloom (Sidalcea malviflora ssp. patula) has a CRPR of 1B.2.

Both had a moderate likelihood of occurring within the Project Area. Fifteen additional special status species were thought to have a low likelihood of occurring within the Project Area (Appendix G – Botanical Report). On- and off-site planting of willow and other native species associated with mitigatory plantings would enhance and expand suitable habitat for special status species and would not result in a significant impact to sensitive plant species. Given that required protocol level plant surveys are completed with no detections of sensitive plant species, the impact on special-status plants is considered less than significant.

Special-status Terrestrial Mammal Species
The only special status terrestrial mammal species with the potential to occur in the Project Area is the North American Porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum), which is a State Special Status Species and whose potential to occur in the Project Area was assessed in the Natural Environment Study (Appendix E). North American Porcupines are primarily nocturnal but can sometimes be seen during the day. Their range extends across mainland Canada, Alaska, and the western and northeastern United States. They use a wide variety of habitats, but are most common in montane conifer, Douglas fir, alpine dwarf‐shrub. A population in Del Norte County, centered in Tolowa Dunes State Park, is especially known to concentrate in riparian areas. Porcupines are herbivores and feed on a variety of plant materials depending on the season.

They feed on berries, seeds, grasses, leaves, roots and stems during the spring and summer. In contrast, they primarily feed on evergreen needles and tree bark during the winter.

The closest known record is from 2016 along US 101, approximately 4.75 miles south of the Project Area (Appendix E – Natural Environment Study). Suitable habitat for this species is limited in the Project Area to narrow strip of riparian vegetation near Mill Creek; however, they may to occur in the greater BSA. With the incorporation of avoidance and minimization measures, the potential impact to North American Porcupine would be less than significant.

The Project Area does not provide suitable foraging or denning habitat for the North American Porcupine.

However, habitat within the greater BSA may serve as suitable habitat for these species. With the Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-18 implementation of avoidance and minimization measures, potential impacts to the North American Porcupine would remain less than significant.

Special Status Invertebrate Species
There are three special status invertebrate species recorded in the CNDDB as known to occur nearby and that the BSA likely provides suitable habitat: California Floater (Anodonta californiensis), Western Ridged Mussel (Gonidea angulata), and Western Pearlshell (Margaritifera falcata). Special status mollusks and insects were evaluated in the Natural Environment Study (Appendix E). The Project does not involve the waters of Mill Creek where the three invertebrate species are found. Given that no in-water work, culvert replacement or modification, or channel alteration within Mill Creek would occur, direct impacts to mollusks would not result. Erosion control required under Environmental Protection Action 1 (SWPPP) and spill prevention would be implemented to avoid indirect impacts associated with sedimentation and accidental spills. Impacts to special status invertebrates would be less than significant.

Obscure Bumble Bee (Bombus caliginosus) occur in coastal habitat within the fog-belt from British Columbia to southern California. Preferred plants for foraging include the following genera: Baccharis, Cirsium, Lupinus, Lotus, Grindelia, Phacelia. The closest known record is from 1968 in Ferndale, approximately 6 miles west of the Project Area (Appendix E – Natural Environment Study). Recent records are from 2014 near Pamplin Grove, approximately 10 miles southeast of the Project Area. The Project Area and BSA fall within the species current range. In addition, the Project Area and BSA are within the coastal fog belt and includes several of the species' food plants.

Western Bumble Bees (Bombus occidentalis) were historically widespread in coastal valleys and foothills throughout western North America. However, the species has experienced precipitous declines and they are now regionally rare. Western Bumble Bees are habitat generalists but require reliable sources of nectar plants and pollen resources (blooming periods from spring through fall). The closest known record is from 1970 in Fortuna, within 1 mile of the Project Area (Appendix E – Natural Environment Study). There are no recent documented occurrences of this species within the BSA or nearby. Although the Project Area and BSA fall within the species’ pre-2002 range, the range has contracted significantly in the last decade and now primarily includes the intermountain west and cascade regions of the US. This being the case, the species is not expected to occur in the Project Area or BSA during construction.

Some nectar sources that could be utilized by Obscure Bumble Bee and Western Bumble Bee were observed. Vegetation removal would be limited to minor roadside vegetation and would include minor mowing and minor brush removal. No impacts to large areas of nectar sources or open meadow are expected. Project design (including staging and stockpile locations) considered minimization of impacts to vegetation and sensitive wildlife habitat during design. Impacts to special status insects would be less than significant.

Special-status Fish Species
The Project Area contains suitable habitat for federally and state listed anadromous salmonids as well as state special status Pacific Lamprey, Western Brook Lamprey, and summer-run Steelhead Trout within Mill Creek. Special-status fish species were evaluated in the Natural Environment Study (Appendix E).

Federally listed Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch), Northern California Steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss irideus), and Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) are known to occur nearby in the Eel River. The Eel River supports populations of all three of these species. Additional species which could be nearby include Pacific Lamprey (Entosphenus tridentatus) and Western Brook Lamprey (Lampetra Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-19 richardsoni), which are a State Species of Special Concern, and Coastal Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkia clarkia), also a State Species of Special Concern.

Coho Salmon, Chinook Salmon, and Northern California Steelhead may occur in the Strongs Creek watershed. The existing culvert under Kenmar Road within the Project Area is passable for anadromous salmonids and would not be modified as part of the Project.

Pacific Lamprey range from the Japan to the Bering Sea in Alaska and along the west coast of North America to central Baja, California. Pacific Lamprey are anadromous with typical spawning from March through July. Pacific Lamprey are common in the Eel River year-round and are known to occur in the Strongs Creek watershed (Appendix E – Natural Environment Study). Suitable rearing and migratory habitat and potentially spawning habitat are present for Pacific Lamprey in Mill Creek within the BSA. Based on suitable aquatic habitat, the species may be present in the BSA within Mill Creek, although no suitable habitat is present in the Project Area.

The Western Brook Lamprey is a small non-migratory lamprey that resides in freshwater. They inhabit coastal streams along the Pacific Coast from Alaska to California, with spawning typically occurring MarchJuly. Western Brook Lamprey are known to occur in the Strongs Creek watershed. Suitable rearing and migratory habitat and potentially spawning habitat are present for Western Brook Lamprey in Mill Creek within the BSA (Appendix E – Natural Environment Study). Based on suitable aquatic habitat, the species may be present in the BSA within Mill Creek, although no suitable habitat is present in the Project Area.

Coastal Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkia clarkia) ranges from the southernmost extent of its range in the Eel River (California) to Prince Williams Sound in Alaska. Coastal Cutthroat Trout usually occupy smaller tributary streams. Spawning can occur from December through May. Despite widespread decline throughout its range, Coastal Cutthroat Trout populations are present in the Eel River as well as lower Eel River tributaries. Additionally, the species is known to occur in the Strongs Creek watershed. The closest known occurrence record is from 1990 in the Eel River (0.35 miles west of the Project Area) and its tributaries (Appendix E – Natural Environment Study). Suitable rearing and migratory habitat are present for Coastal Cutthroat Trout in Mill Creek within the BSA. However, no spawning habitat (based on lack of graveled stream bottom in Mill Creek) is present in the BSA. Based on suitable aquatic habitat, the species may be present in the BSA within Mill Creek, although no suitable habitat is present in the Project Area.

The Northern California Steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss irideus) occupies river basins from Redwood Creek in Humboldt County to the Gualala River (near the Mendocino/Sonoma County line). Both summer and winter-run Steelhead are included in this DPS. Steelhead spend their adult lives in marine environments, returning to freshwater at the age of four or five to spawn, usually in their stream of origin.

Juveniles remain in fresh water for one or two years before returning to saltwater, with emigration typically occurring from March through June. Juvenile Steelhead (not distinguishable to run type) have been documented in Strongs Creek as recently as 2009 (Appendix E – Natural Environment Study). Both winterrun and summer-run Steelhead are found in the Eel River. Recreational fishermen have reported four catches of this species in nearby Jameson Creek, another tributary to Strongs Creek. Suitable rearing and migratory habitat are present for Steelhead in Mill Creek within the BSA. However, no spawning habitat (based on lack of graveled stream bottom in Mill Creek) is present in the BSA. Based on suitable aquatic habitat, the species may be present in the BSA within Mill Creek, although no suitable habitat is present in the Project Area.

Given that no in-water work, culvert replacement or modification, or channel alteration within Mill Creek would occur, direct impacts to anadromous fish would not result. Erosion control required under Environmental Protection Action 1 (SWPPP) and spill prevention would be implemented to avoid indirect Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-20 impacts associated with sedimentation and accidental spills. Impacts to special status fish would be less than significant.

Special-status Amphibian and Reptiles Species
There are two special status amphibian species recorded in the CNDDB as known to occur nearby and that the BSA likely provides suitable habitat for: the Northern Red-legged Frog and Foothill Yellow-legged Frog.

Northern Red-legged Frogs (Rana aurora) are a State Species of Concern and occur along the west coast of North America from British Columbia to California and were evaluated in the Natural Environment Study (Appendix E). The geographic range split between the Northern and California Red-legged Frog species occurs just south of Elk Creek in Mendocino County where both species overlap. Northern Red-legged Frogs are typically found near freshwater sources (e.g., wetlands, ponds, streams, etc.). However, they can range widely and inhabit damp places far from water. Northern Red-legged Frogs reproduce in water from December to February in Humboldt County, with some breeding occurring as late as March. Preferred egg laying locations are in “vegetated shallows with little water flow in permanent wetlands and temporary pools.” Northern Red-legged Frogs are relatively common in and near coastal portions of Humboldt County and the closest known occurrence record is from 1993 on private timberlands, approximately 4.15 miles south of the Project Area (Appendix E – Natural Environment Study). The BSA includes suitable breeding, foraging, and overwintering habitat, especially within the riparian habitat and wetlands surrounding Mill Creek. Northern Red-legged Frogs have a moderate chance of occurring within the Project Area. Therefore, the potential impact on Northern Red-legged frogs is considered potentially significant.

Foothill Yellow-legged Frogs occur from sea level to elevations of 7,000 feet and range from the Willamette River in Oregon south to the Upper San Gabriel River in California, including the coast ranges and Sierra Nevada Foothills. The species prefers open to partially shaded, perennial streams with rocky substrate, often near riffles. These rivers and streams are typically bordered by chaparral, riparian habitat, mixed conifer forest, or wet meadows. Streams are usually small to mid-size with shallow pools and slow-moving water. They are also found at river edges, in calm pools, and vegetated backwaters. Rocky, cobble substrate (3 in or larger) is preferred, particularly for egg laying sites. Breeding activity typically occurs from March through May with some regional variation (breeding in northern California is reported to occur from April through June). The closest known occurrence record, including adults, juveniles, and young of the year, is from 2018 at the mouth of Strongs Creek on the Eel River near the Fortuna Wastewater Treatment Plant, approximately one mile northwest of the Project Area (Appendix E – Natural Environment Study).

The BSA includes requisite foraging and overwintering habitat within Mill Creek. However, no breeding habitat (e.g., sunny gravel/cobble river bars) occurs. The potential impact on Yellow-legged frogs is considered potentially significant.

Western Pond Turtles (Emys marmorata) are a State Species of Concern and occur in a variety of permanent and semi-permanent freshwater aquatic habitats including lakes, rivers, ponds, creeks, and marshes and were also assessed in the Natural Environment Study (Appendix E). Nesting occurs on land in areas of loose to hard-packed soils on south or west facing slopes. The species is frequently observed basking on exposed banks, logs, and rocks. Winter activity is possible but limited to unusually warm, sunny days. Normally pond turtles are dormant during winter months on the north coast, which typically involves the turtle burrowing into loose substrate above the high-water mark. The closest known record is from 2020 approximately 3 miles north of the Project Area (Appendix E – Natural Environment Study). The Project Area and BSA include suitable aquatic habitat within the Mill Creek and a potentially significant impact exists.

Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-21 Mitigation
Mitigation Measure BIO-1: Protect Special Status Amphibians and Reptiles No more than one week prior to commencement of ground disturbance within 50 feet of mapped wetlands, riparian habitat associated with Mill Creek, and Sensitive Natural Communities within the Project Area, a qualified biologist shall perform a pre-construction survey and shall relocate any individuals of Northern Red-legged Frog, Yellow-legged Frog, or Western Pond Turtle or egg masses of Northern Red-legged Frog that occur within the work-impact zone to nearby suitable habitat.

In the event that a Northern Red-legged Frog, Yellow-legged Frog, or Western Pond Turtle is observed in an active construction zone, the contractor shall halt construction activities in the area where observed and the frogs or turtles shall be moved to a safe location in similar habitat outside of the construction zone.

Additionally, mitigation Measure BIO-1 would reduce the impact of the Project on special status amphibians and reptiles to less-than-significant levels by requiring pre-construction surveys by qualified biologists prior to work in applicable habitats, and measures to avoid take of species.

Special Status, Migratory, and Nesting Birds
In support of the NES (Appendix E), reconnaissance-level bird surveys occurred at the Project Area. There are seven state special status avian species recorded in the CNDDB as known to occur nearby and that the BSA likely provides suitable habitat for: Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperi), Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus), Great Egret (Ardea alba), Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias), Bank Swallows (Riparia riparia), Snowy egret (Egretta thula), and Black-crowned Night-heron (Nycticorax nycticorax).

In addition, native migratory birds may also be present at the Project Area. Mill Creek within the Project Area and BSA includes suitable foraging habitat for numerous avian species including Great Egrets, Great Blue Herons, and Bank Swallows among others. The riparian habitat surrounding Mill Creek although narrow likely provides suitable nesting habitat for various avian species such as Cooper’s Hawks or Sharpshinned Hawks as well as other common bird species. Most nearby habitat was low, mowed fields. If nesting passerines or raptors were present in trees in the Project Area, construction noise and/or tree removals would have the potential to impact the species. The impact is considered potentially significant.

Mitigation Measure BIO-2 would reduce the potential impacts to special status, migratory, and nesting birds to less-than-significant levels by requiring pre-construction surveys by qualified biologists prior to work in applicable habitats, and measures to avoid take of species.

Mitigation
Mitigation Measure BIO-2: Protect Special Status, Migratory, and Nesting Birds Ground disturbance and vegetation clearing shall be conducted, if possible, during the fall and/or winter months and outside of the avian nesting season (March 15 – August 15) to avoid any direct effects to special status and protected birds. If ground disturbance cannot be confined to work outside of the nesting season, a qualified biologist shall conduct pre-construction surveys within the vicinity of the Project Area, to check for nesting activity of native birds and to evaluate the site for presence of raptors and special status bird species. The biologist shall conduct at minimum a oneday pre-construction survey within the 7-day period prior to vegetation removal and grounddisturbing activities. If ground disturbance and vegetation removal work lapses for seven days or Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-22 longer during the breeding season, a qualified biologist shall conduct a supplemental avian preconstruction survey before Project work is reinitiated.

If active nests are detected within the construction footprint or within the construction buffer established by the Project biologist, the biologist shall flag a buffer around each nest. Construction activities shall avoid nest sites until the biologist determines that the young have fledged, or nesting activity has ceased. If nests are documented outside of the construction (disturbance) footprint, but within the construction buffer, nest buffers will be implemented as needed. In general, the buffer size for common species will be determined on a case-by-case basis in consultation with CDFW.

Buffer sizes will take into account factors such as (1) noise and human disturbance levels at the construction site at the time of the survey and the noise and disturbance expected during the construction activity; (2) distance and amount of vegetation or other screening between the construction site and the nest; and (3) sensitivity of individual nesting species and behaviors of the nesting birds.

If active nests are detected during the survey, the qualified biologist shall monitor all nests at least once per week to determine whether birds are being disturbed. Activities that might, in the opinion of the qualified biologist, disturb nesting activities (e.g., excessive noise), shall be prohibited within the buffer zone until such a determination is made. If signs of disturbance or distress are observed, the qualified biologist shall immediately implement adaptive measures to reduce disturbance. These measures may include, but are not limited to, increasing buffer size, halting disruptive construction activities in the vicinity of the nest until fledging is confirmed or nesting activity has ceased, placement of visual screens or sound dampening structures between the nest and construction activity, reducing speed limits, replacing and updating noisy equipment, queuing trucks to distribute idling noise, locating vehicle access points and loading and shipping facilities away from noisesensitive receptors, reducing the number of noisy construction activities occurring simultaneously, and/or reorienting and/or relocating construction equipment to minimize noise at noise-sensitive receptors.

With implementation of avoidance and minimization measures, any potential Project-related impacts to special status and nesting migratory bird species and with the implementation of Mitigation Measure BIO-2, would be less than significant.

Bats
There are three special status bat species recorded in the CNDDB as known to occur nearby and have the potential to be present at or near the Project Area: Townsend’s Big-eared Bat (Corynorhinus townsendii), Hoary Bat (Lasiurus cinereus), and Yuma myotis (Myotis yumanensis). These species and their potential to occur in the Project Area were assessed in the NES (Appendix E).

The Project Area is unlikely to provide high-quality foraging and roosting habitat for sensitive bat species.

However, the greater BSA is likely to provide foraging and roosting habitat for bats. As only small trees (<12-inch diameter at breast height [dbh]) would be removed during Project implementation, it is unlikely that any physical impacts to bat or bat roosting sites would occur. Additional BMP avoidance and minimization measures for sensitive bat species and roosts include minimizing Project-related lighting should nighttime work occur and focusing light on active construction areas and areas needed for safety, security, or other essential requirements. With the incorporation of avoidance and minimization measures, potential impacts to special status bats would remain less than significant.

Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-23 b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations or by the California Department of Fish and Game or US Fish and Wildlife Service? (Less Than Significant with Mitigation)
Sensitive Natural Communities
Protocol level vegetation assessments and mapping of sensitive natural communities occurred on April 7 and July 30 of 2021. One vegetation association qualified as a Sensitive Natural Community (SNC), and vegetation communities within the Project Area were comprehensively assessed in the NES (Appendix E).

Shining willow groves (Salix lasiandra var. lasiandra), a SNC, occur to the west of US 101. This community was observed along the boundary of the agriculture pasture concentrated near the intersection of Riverwalk Drive and the US 101 southbound on ramp, located along the western extent of the Project Area. The alliance was concentrated along the slope above the wet pasture and around a ditch where stormwater runoff collects from southern Riverwalk Drive and US 101.

Shining willow groves alliance has a state ranking of S3.2 and is considered Sensitive by CDFW. The vegetation mapped as Shining willow grove alliance is dominated by wetland indicator species and is within the Coastal Zone. As such, it was mapped as a Coastal Commission one-parameter wetland. Please see the Wetland Delineation Report (Appendix F) for additional details on wetlands that may be subject to Coastal Commission, state water board, and United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) jurisdiction.

Mapped sensitive natural communities would be avoided to the greatest extent practicable; however, the Project would result in approximately 1,239 ft2 (0.03 acres) of temporary impacts, and approximately 9,405 ft2 (0.2 acres) of permanent impacts within the Project Area. This impact to the Shining willow grove SNC would be potentially significant.

Mitigation
Mitigation Measure BIO-3: Compensatory Mitigation for Sensitive Natural Communities Construction within mapped Sensitive Natural Communities (Shining willow groves) shall be avoided to the greatest extent practicable. If impacts are unavoidable and Shining willow groves are removed or detrimentally impacted, mitigation will occur at a minimum ratio of 1:1. A Mitigation and Monitoring Plan shall be prepared in coordination with State resource agencies. Onsite locations for wetland mitigation shall be prioritized. If suitable locations for onsite mitigation is not sufficiently available, offsite mitigation shall occur at locations identified in Figure 3 The Plan shall be acceptable to State agencies with jurisdiction and include the following elements:
proposed mitigation ratios; description and size of the restoration or compensatory area; site preparation and design; plant species; planting design and techniques; maintenance activities; plant storage; irrigation requirements; success criteria; monitoring schedule; and remedial measures. The ratio and conditions of mitigation will be negotiated in consultation with the City and State resource agencies with jurisdiction over sensitive natural communities. The Plan shall be implemented by the City.

Mitigation Measure BIO-3 requires avoidance and minimization of permanent impacts and temporary impacts to sensitive natural communities during construction, restoration of pre-Project conditions at the conclusion of construction, and compensation (replacement) of sensitive natural communities, thereby reducing potential impacts to natural communities to a less-than-significant level.

Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-24 c) Have a substantial adverse effect on state or federally protected wetlands (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means? (Less Than Significant with Mitigation) Wetlands
A wetland delineation was completed in 2021 (Appendix F) to determine the extent of wetlands and other waters within the Project Area based on hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and wetland hydrology using methods and indicators outlined in the Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coast Region. The Project Area falls both within and outside of the Coastal Zone, and potential three-parameter and one-parameter wetlands were documented.

Mill Creek, a perennial water of the U.S. and state, flows through a bridge under Kenmar Road within the Project Area. A total of 14,772 ft2 (0.34 acres) of three-parameter wetlands occur within the Project Area, all likely under the jurisdiction of the RWQCB, with 13,644ft2 regulated by the USACE. A small patch of three-parameter wetlands was observed in the northern portion of the Project Area (“W1”), and a larger patch of three-parameter wetlands observed in the western extent of the Project Area (“W3”) (Appendix F – Wetland Delineation Report).

Vegetation communities with FAC or wetter dominant vegetation are subject to Humboldt County and CCC jurisdiction as one-parameter wetlands under the Coastal Act and the Eel River Area Plan. One-parameter wetlands include Shining willow groves, and non-native pasture. Two intermittently flowing ditches that exhibited Ordinary High Water features were identified within the Project Area. The two ditches appear to flow seasonally alongside Riverwalk Drive and through a culvert under Riverwalk Drive to the wet pasture below. Ditch 1 (northern) and Ditch 2 (southern) appeared to have been constructed to convey stormwater around the intersection of Riverwalk Drive and US 101, and they drain into the agricultural field associated with Wetland 3. A total of approximately 28,760 ft2 (0.66 acres) of one-parameter wetlands and approximately 560 ft2 (0.01 acres) of intermittent waters (Ditch 1 and Ditch 2) occur within the Coastal Zone. Data forms are attached to the Wetland Delineation Report showing sample plot data collected in transects across wetland boundaries and additional upland sampling points (Appendix F – Wetland Delineation Report).

Table 3.4-3.1 Approximate Estimated Project Wetland Impacts Impact Type Total Within Project Area
Square Feet
Temporary Impact
Square Feet
Permanent Impact
Square Feet
One Parameter
Wetlands
28,760 3,960 14,180
Three Parameter
Wetlands
14,770 790 0
Other Waters of the US
(Two ditches)
730 6201 0
1 Ditches would be reconstructed in-kind in the same general location. If final design plans do not allow for replacement, the impact would be determined to be permanent and mitigated within the Project Area or at offsite locations (Figure 3).

Potential impacts to seasonal wetland and other jurisdictional waters would be significant. Mitigation Measures BIO-4 and BIO-5 would be incorporated into the Project to reduce impacts to wetlands to a less than significant level.

Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-25 Mitigation
Mitigation Measure BIO-4: Avoidance and Minimization Measures to Protect Adjacent Wetlands
The City shall implement the following avoidance and protection measures for Waters of the United States and Waters of the State adjacent to areas of planned disturbance that will not be impacted (filled or excavated) during Project construction:
- The City shall attempt to avoid or minimize impacts to wetlands/waters to the greatest extent feasible in the final design plans.
- Adjacent wetlands shall be clearly identified in the construction documents and reviewed by the City prior to issuing for bid to ensure they are clearly marked as equipment exclusion zones during construction.
- Suitable perimeter control BMPs, such as silt fences, or straw wattles shall be placed below all construction activities at the edge of surface water features to intercept sediment before it reaches the waterway. These BMPs shall be installed prior to any clearing or grading activities.

Mitigation Measure BIO-5: Compensate for Loss of Wetlands and Waters The City shall avoid fill of seasonal wetlands and waters, to the extent feasible. If fill cannot be avoided, the City shall compensate for the loss of seasonal wetland habitat so that there is no net loss in wetlands. The City shall compensate for impacts to identified wetlands through restoration, rehabilitation, and/or creation of wetland at a ratio of no less than 1:1.2. A Mitigation and Monitoring Plan shall be prepared in coordination with the NCRWQB, the USACE, and Humboldt County.

Compensation for wetlands shall occur so there is no net loss of wetland habitat at ratios to be determined in consultation with the NCRWQCB. Onsite locations for wetland mitigation shall be prioritized. If suitable locations for onsite mitigation is not sufficiently available, offsite mitigation shall occur at locations identified in Figure 3. The Plan shall be acceptable to the regulatory agencies with jurisdiction over wetlands and waters and include the following elements: proposed mitigation ratios; description and size of the restoration or compensatory area; site preparation and design; plant species; planting design and techniques; maintenance activities; plant storage; irrigation requirements; success criteria; monitoring schedule; and remedial measures. The Plan shall be implemented by the City.

The City shall also compensate for impacts to other waters by obtaining required permits from the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, and Humboldt County shall be received prior to the start of any on-site construction activity. The City shall ensure any additional measures outlined in the permits are implemented.

Mitigation Measures BIO-4 and BIO-5 require avoidance and minimization of permanent impacts and temporary impacts to wetlands during construction, restoration of pre-Project conditions at the conclusion of construction, and compensation of regulated wetlands. Implementation of Mitigation Measures BIO-3 through BIO-5 would reduce potential impacts to wetlands to a less-than-significant level.

Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-26 d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites? (No Impact)
Project construction and operations do not include in-water work or any other activity that might impede fish migration. Terrestrial Project construction and operations do not include construction of any barriers to wildlife migration (e.g., fencing, highly developed roadway, or large structures). No impact would result. e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance? (Less Than Significant) City of Fortuna
The majority of the Project is within the jurisdiction of the City of Fortuna. The City of Fortuna General Plan’s Resource Management and Conservation Element establishes policies to protect biological resources within City limits including protected streams and wetlands (City of Fortuna 2010). Applicable policies include:

Policy NCR-2.1: Riparian Corridor Protection
The City shall establish riparian buffers to provide for fish and terrestrial wildlife habitat protection, enhancement, and movement along riparian corridors through the Planning Area. Activities within these buffers shall be limited to passive recreational uses (hiking, biking, sightseeing, horseback riding) and the movement of wildlife.

Policy NCR-2.8: Native Vegetation
The City shall coordinate with resource agencies to require the preservation of native vegetation, while managing areas with high concentrations of invasive species and/or noxious weeds and preventing their encroachment into new areas.

Policy NCR-2.10: Wetland Identification and Protection
In considering new development projects, the City shall conduct an initial screening, as described in Policy NCR‐2.6 in order to determine whether the proposal would have the potential to impact wetlands. If the initial screening indicates the potential presence of wetlands, a wetland assessment/ delineation shall be prepared to determine the presence of jurisdictional wetlands. The assessment/delineation, with proposed mitigation, shall be submitted to the City, and appropriate state (CDF&G) and federal (USCOE) agencies for concurrence prior to permitting. Mitigation may include, but may not be limited to, avoidance, minimization of impacts, restoration, off‐site replacement, and/or the use of buffers.

Policy NCR-2.12: Permitted Activities with ESHAs
The following activities shall be permitted in ESHAs with approval from the Fortuna Planning Department and after consultation with Responsible and Trustee agencies: THPs; removal of dead, dying or diseased trees or downed vegetation within the streambed or streambank; the removal of vegetation obstructing streamflow or causing streambed or streambank erosion; and road crossings.

Policy NCR-15b: Streamside Management and Wetland Protection New development/activities within SMAs shall be limited to: (1) activities for wildlife enhancement/ restoration, flood control or drainage, new fencing so long as it would not impede natural drainage or wildlife, and bank protection; (2) commercial timber management and harvest activities regulated by the Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-27 Forest Practices Act; (3) road and bridge replacement or construction, when it can be demonstrated that it would not degrade fish and wildlife resources or water quality; (4) removal of vegetation for disease control or public safety; and (5) management and maintenance of trees, shrubs and other plant life.

Policy NC-2.13: Watercourse, Wetland and Riparian Buffers The City shall require appropriate watercourse, wetland, and riparian area buffers to protect water quality and biologic values.

Section 17.06.171 (B) (Removal of natural materials) of the City’s Zoning Code address tree removal and states that the removal of trees shall occur in accordance with applicable sections of the California Forest Practices Act. If the Forest Practices Act is applicable, a Use Permit must be obtained from the planning commission prior to any removal of trees. The Project Area does not include forest resources; thus, the Forest Practices Act is not applicable.

The Project is consistent with the biological policies NCR-2.1, NCR-2.8, NCR-2.10, NCR-2.12, NCR-2.13, and NCR-15 in the City of Fortuna General Plan. No in-water work, culvert replacement or modification, or channel alteration within Mill Creek would occur. Primary construction activities would not occur within riparian corridors, and standard BMPs would be implemented to avoid indirect impacts associated with sedimentation and accidental spills. In addition, no upland ESHAs exist within the Project Area (Appendix G – Botanical Report). The only ESHAs were the delineated wetlands, which are addressed under Policy NCR-2.10 Wetland identification and Protection. See Section 3.4 – c) for discussion on potential wetland impacts.

A delineation of all potential aquatic resources within the Project Area was conducted (Appendix F – Wetland Delineation Report). Potential jurisdictional three-parameter wetlands, one-parameter wetlands, and Other Waters were documented in the Project Area. Mitigation Measures BIO-4 and BIO-5 require avoidance and minimization of permanent impacts and temporary impacts to wetlands during construction, appropriate buffers, restoration of pre-Project conditions at the conclusion of construction, and compensation of regulated wetlands, thereby reducing potential impacts to wetlands to a less-thansignificant level, and therefor conforming to NCR-15.

There was no upland ESHA identified in the Project Area (Appendix G – Botanical Report). Within the Coastal Zone, a SNC characterized as a Shining willow grove Alliance comprised a portion of a potential one-parameter wetland, which are addressed under Policy NCR-2.10 Wetland identification and Protection.

Any impacts to wetlands (and SNC) would be mitigated as required under Mitigation Measure BIO-4 and BIO-5.

Eel River Area Local Coastal Plan
The Eel River Area Local Coastal Plan (Humboldt County 2014) identifies land uses and standards by which development would be evaluated within the Coastal Zone. Applicable policies include:
– 3.41: Protection of Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas • 3.41 B: Wetland Identification and Development Policies • 3.41 F-4: Development and Uses within the Riparian Corridor • 3.41 F-5: Development and Uses within the Riparian Forest (located outside of the riparian corridor)
• 3.41 F-6: Other Riparian Protection Measures
Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-28 Mitigation Measures BIO-4 and BIO-5 require avoidance and minimization of permanent impacts and temporary impacts to wetlands during construction, restoration of pre-Project conditions at the conclusion of construction, and compensation of regulated wetlands, thereby reducing potential impacts to wetlands to a less-than-significant level. Mitigation is consistent with policies outlined in the Eel River Area Local Coastal Plan and the Project does not conflict with the biological policies defined therein.

Humboldt County
The Humboldt County General Plan does not apply inside the Coastal Zone.

The Open Space and Conservation Element of the Humboldt County General Plan (2017) summarizes policies germane to the protection of biological resources. Applicable policies include:
– BR-P1: Wetland Identification,
– BR-S10: Development Standards for Wetlands, and
– BR-S11: Wetlands Defined.

Policy BR-S10 established that development standards for wetlands shall be consistent with the standards for Streamside Management Areas (SMA). The SMA width applied to wetlands is designated as 50 feet for seasonal wetlands and 150 feet for perennial wetlands. The setback begins at the edge of the delineated wetland.

Humboldt County does regulate tree removal for trees larger than 12 inches in diameter that are in residential zones through a Special Permit. As all potential tree removal associated with the Project would occur outside a residential zone, Humboldt County’s tree removal policy does not apply.

As the Project would obtain a Use Permit from Humboldt County for construction and operations to occur in eastern Project Areas, the Project would be required to be consistent with all applicable provisions of both the Eel River Area Local Coastal Plan and the Humboldt County General Plan as a condition of the permit.

The Project would obtain any necessary resource agency permits and would avoid and/or compensate for any impacts to wetlands and waters to ensure that no net loss occurs, ensuring adherence to City of Fortuna policies NCR-2.1, NCR-2.10, NCR-2.12, and NCR-2.13. No conflicts with policies or ordinances protecting biological resources have been identified. Therefore, the impact would be less than significant.

The Project does not conflict with the biological policies in the Humboldt County General Plan. f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan? (No Impact)
There are no adopted Habitat Conservation, Community Conservation, or approval local, regional, or state habitat conservation plans that apply to the Project Area. No impact would result.

Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-29

3.5 Cultural Resources
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less-thanSignificant w/
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less-thanSignificant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of a historical resource pursuant to
§15064.5?

b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of an archaeological resource
pursuant to §15064.5?

c) Disturb any human remains, including those
interred outside of formal cemeteries? 
The cultural resources study area is described as the Area of Potential Effect (APE). A Historic Property Survey Report (HPSR) and Archaeological Resources Study (ASR) were prepared for the project by DZC Archaeology & Cultural Resource Consulting (DZC 2022a, DZC 2022b). The studies assessed the potential for surficial and/or buried archaeological and historical resources in the proposed improvement area through the completion of the following:
– Records and literature search at the Northwest Information Center (NWIC) of the California Historical Resources Information Center (CHRIS);
– Further literature review of publications, files, and maps for ethnographic, historic-era, and prehistoric resources and background information;
– Communication with the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) to request a review of the Sacred Lands File and contact information for the appropriate tribal communities; – Contact with the appropriate local Native American Tribes; and – Pedestrian survey of the project area.

Study results were used as a technical basis for evaluating potential impacts to historic and cultural resources under CEQA.
a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource pursuant to §15064.5? (No Impact)
A Historic Property Survey Report was completed in August 2022 by DZC Archaeology & Cultural Resource Consulting (DZC 2022a). Two potential historic resources, properties or structures were identified within

0.25-mile of the Project APE. A segment of the Northwest Pacific Railroad/Eel River & Eureka Railroad was found to be exempt from the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and not considered a historic property. An abandoned alignment of US 101, also known as the Redwood Highway, was also found to be exempt from evaluation in the NRHP, and not considered a historic property. Based on the findings of the HPSR, there are no historic resources within the Project Area. Thus, no impact would result.

Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-30 b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to §15064.5? (Less than Significant Impact with Mitigation) An ASR was completed in August 2022 by DZC Archaeology & Cultural Resource Consulting (DZC 2022b).

One previously recorded documented archaeological site was identified immediately adjacent to the APE and has not been evaluated by the NRHP. During the DZC site visit in 2021, the western half of the archaeological site appears relatively undisturbed since the flood in 1964, while the east side has incurred extensive mechanical impacts. They report that there is a sparse, but clear, surface component present.

Subsurface depth, if any, is unknown. The resource is outside the APE; however, the potential for inadvertent discovery remains, resulting in a potentially significant impact. On- and off-site willow planting associated with mitigatory plantings would occur by hand labor only in limited locations and would not include deep excavation beyond 24 inches to accommodate planting. On- and off-site mitigation implementation would not result in a significant impact to archaeological resources.

Native American tribes and individuals and the NAHC were contacted by to discuss the proposed Project through the City’s AB 52 consultation process (see Section 3.18 – Tribal Cultural Resources). Consultation between the City, the Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria, and the Wiyot Tribe, determined that a Tribal Cultural Resource Monitor would observe all ground disturbances within 1,000 feet of a prehistoric resource. This request has been incorporated into Mitigation Measures specific to cultural resources.

Additionally, Caltrans District 1 qualified archaeological staff would complete an Extended Phase 1 archaeological investigation to confirm archaeological resources are protected from ground disturbance.

The City would be required to implement recommendations resulting from the Extended Phase 1 investigation, if any, as included in Mitigation Measure CR-1. As a requirement under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, all cultural resource documents prepared for the Project, including required measures to protect archaeological resources, would be reviewed, and approved by the State Historic Preservation Officer prior to commencement of the Project. To ensure potential impacts to cultural resources remain less than significant, Mitigation Measure CR-1 would be implemented to establish protocols from DZC and Native American consultation, and Mitigation Measure CR-2 would be implemented for inadvertent archaeological discovery.

Mitigation
Implementation of Mitigation Measure CR-1 and Mitigation Measure CR-2 would reduce the potential impact to archaeological resources by requiring procedures that follow tribal consultation, and what shall occur in the event of inadvertent discovery
Mitigation Measure CR-1: Protect Archaeological or Tribal Cultural Resources during Construction
All recommendations resulting from the Extended Phase 1 investigation shall be implemented by the City prior to, during and following construction, as appropriate. The City shall document how Phase 1 each recommendation was implemented by recording the date, action taken, and responsible party.

Prior to the ground-disturbing construction activities (on the first day of work), construction personnel shall receive Cultural Resources Awareness Training to ensure that construction activities are conducted in a manner that is protective of known and unknown cultural resources. The training shall include information on the location and lateral extent of potential nearby cultural resources sites, avoidance of those areas, laws protecting such resources, and procedures for responding to inadvertent discovery situations. Avoidance of known cultural resources sites shall be determined Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-31 by a professional archaeologist or Native American monitor and include establishing a nodisturbance buffer zone around known resources.

Initial ground-disturbing activities near the previously recorded prehistoric resource shall be monitored by a Tribal Cultural Resource Monitor within 1,000 ft. If archaeological remains or potential tribal cultural resources are encountered during initial-ground disturbing activities, all work shall halt within a 50-foot radius of a discovery. Construction personnel shall not collect cultural materials. A qualified professional archaeologist shall be retained to evaluate the find, and the Tribal Cultural Resource Monitor shall be notified. If the find qualifies as a historical resource or unique archaeological resource as defined by CEQA, the archaeologist shall develop appropriate measures to protect the integrity of the resource in coordination with appropriate tribal representatives and ensure that no additional resources are affected. If the find qualifies as a tribal cultural resource as defined by CEQA, the City shall ensure that appropriate actions to protect the resource are taken and that no additional resources are affected.

Mitigation Measure CR-2: Inadvertent Discovery of Archaeological Material If cultural materials for example: chipped or ground stone, historic debris, building foundations, or bone are discovered during ground-disturbance activities, work shall be stopped within 66 feet of the discovery, per the requirements of CEQA (Revised Guidelines, Title 14 CCR 15064.5 (f)). Work near the archaeological finds shall not resume until a professional archaeologist, who meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines, has evaluated the materials, and offered recommendations for further action. Tribal representatives shall be notified.

Implementation of Mitigation Measure CR-1 and CR-2 would reduce the potential impacts to a less-thansignificant level during construction because a plan would be implemented to address discovery of unanticipated archaeological resources and to preserve and/or record those resources consistent with appropriate laws and requirements.
c) Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries? (Less than Significant Impact with Mitigation)
While the Archaeological Survey Report did not determine archaeological resources were likely to be present within the APE, inadvertent discovery of human remains may still occur (DZC 2022b). In the event that human remains are encountered during construction, Mitigation Measure CR-3 would be implemented to ensure any potential impact would be less than significant.

Mitigation
Implementation of Mitigation Measure CR-3 would reduce the potential impact to archaeological resources or human remains by requiring procedures that shall be taken in the event of inadvertent discovery.

Mitigation Measure CR-3: Inadvertent Discovery of Human Remains If human remains are discovered during project construction, work will stop at the discovery location, within 66 feet, and any nearby area reasonably suspected to overlie adjacent to human remains (PRC, Section 7050.5). The Humboldt County Coroner will be contacted to determine if the cause of death must be investigated. If the Coroner determines that the remains are of Native American origin, it is necessary to comply with State laws relating to the disposition of Native American burials, which fall within the jurisdiction of the NAHC (PRC, Section 5097). The Coroner will contact the NAHC. The descendants or most likely descendants of the deceased will be contacted, and work Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-32 will not resume until they have made a recommendation to the landowner or the person responsible for the excavation work for means of treatment and disposition, with appropriate dignity, of the human remains and any associated grave goods, as provided in PRC, Section 5097.98.

Implementation of Mitigation Measure CR-3 would reduce the potential impacts to a less-than-significant level during construction because a plan would be implemented to address discovery of unanticipated human remains and to preserve and/or record those resources consistent with appropriate laws and requirements.

Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-33

3.6 Energy Resources
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less-thanSignificant w/
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less-thanSignificant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a) Result in potentially significant environmental
impacts due to wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary
consumption of energy resources, during project
construction or operation?

b) Conflict with or obstruct a state or local plan for
renewable energy or energy efficiency? 
a) Result in potentially significant environmental impacts due to wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources, during Project construction or operation? (Less than Significant with Mitigation)
Construction
Temporary energy use in connection with Project construction would entail consumption of diesel fuel and gasoline by construction equipment and by the transportation of earth moving equipment, construction materials, supplies, and construction personnel. Given the short construction period and implementation of State regulations regarding vehicle emission and fuels standards, such as the Low Carbon Fuel Standard and anti-idling regulations, energy use related to construction would not be wasteful or inefficient.

Inefficient construction-related fuels use would also be avoided due to the measures in Mitigation Measure AQ-1 (BMPs to Reduce Air Pollution). 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 Mitigation Measure AQ-1). Because construction would not encourage activities that would result in the use of large amounts of fuel and energy in a wasteful manner, and the incorporation of Mitigation Measure AQ-1 would reduce idling time, impacts related to the inefficient use of construction-related fuels would be less than significant with mitigation.

Operation
Operation of the Project would include periodic maintenance. These activities would generally be supported by vehicles and use of hand-held tools. The use of fossil-fuel powered equipment to support these operational and maintenance activities would be periodic and short-term (occurring intermittently). However, the potential need for larger repair and maintenance would remain the same as under existing conditions, as would the types of equipment and equipment use. These activities would not result in a substantial increase in energy use, and would not result in inefficient, wasteful, or unnecessary consumption of fuels or other energy resources.

Lighting enhancements would be installed to improve visibility for drivers during nighttime hours. As identified in Section 1.7, lighting for the Project would be the minimum lumens necessary. Lighting fixtures would be energy efficient, and as they are being installed for driver and pedestrian safety, would not be wasteful.

The Project would not result in an increase in vehicle trips, traffic volumes or increased delay over existing conditions. The proposed roadway improvements would likely increase multi-modal use of the roadway Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-34 which may decrease vehicle trips and associated fuel consumption. Traffic flow would improve; thus, the Project would result in less vehicle idling and an associated reduction in fuel consumption. Vehicle trips associated with operation and maintenance of the road would be the same as under existing conditions and would include annual inspections, repaving, painting, and repairs as needed. The Project would not result in an increase in operational energy consumption above existing conditions. Operation of the Project would not result in wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources; the impact would be less than significant.
b) Conflict with or obstruct a state or local plan for renewable energy or energy efficiency? (No Impact)
There are no local plans for renewable energy that would apply to the Project. Implementation of the Project would not obstruct a state plan for renewable energy. The Project would not conflict with or inhibit the implementation of the State Energy Action Plan, or other State regulations. The Project would not inefficiently utilize energy due to incorporation of Mitigation Measure AQ-1, which limits idling time and provides measures to protect air quality. The Project would temporarily require the use of equipment to construct the components of the Project; however, these activities would be temporary and would not interfere with the broader energy goals of the State. Operationally, the Project would not adversely impact operational automobile-related energy consumption. Project lighting would be limited and energy efficiency.

The majority of California’s energy-related plans are not directly applicable to the Project or its operations; however, the vehicles that would utilize the Project alignment would comply with plan requirements applicable to vehicles. The Project would therefore not conflict with or obstruct a State or local plan for renewable energy or energy efficiency. No impact would result.

Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-35

3.7 Geology and Soils
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less-thanSignificant w/
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less-thanSignificant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a) Directly or indirectly cause potential substantial
adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving:
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?

ii. Strong seismic ground shaking? 
iii. Seismic related ground failure, including
liquefaction? 
iv. Landslides? 
b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of
topsoil? 
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?

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?

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?

f) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique
paleontological resource or site or unique geologic
feature?

The Project is located on generally flat and gently sloping Eel River valley. Regional geology is likely influenced by seismic activity as a result of the relatively close proximity of the Mendocino Triple Junction to the Project. The Project is located near the Little Salmon Fault Zone (CGS 2022). The Project Area is predominantly comprised of Urban land-Friendlycity association with 0 to 2 percent slopes; two other soil associations that each cover less than 10% of the Project Area are listed in the Custom Soil Resource Report located within Appendix F of Appendix F.

Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-36 a, 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. (No Impact)
According to the California Geological Survey (CGS), there are no Alquist Priolo Fault Zones in the Project Area (CGS 2022). The Project would have no impact with regard to the rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map. The nearest fault zone is the Holocene-age Little Salmon Fault Zone approximately 1.7 miles east of the Project (CGS 2022). Project activities, which include shallow excavation and repaving, would not rupture faults in any known fault.

Additionally, the Project does not include structures designed for human occupancy. No impact related to fault rupture would result.
a, ii) Strong seismic ground shaking? (Less Than Significant) The Project is situated within a seismically active area close to several seismic sources capable of generating moderate to strong ground motions. Because the Project is located within a seismically active area, the probability that strong ground shaking associated with large magnitude earthquakes would occur during the design life of the Project is high. The Humboldt County coast is a highly active tectonic region that has been subjected to numerous earthquakes of low to moderate strength and occasionally to very strong earthquakes. Seismicity in the region is attributed primarily to the Mendocino Triple Junction, or the interaction between the Pacific, Gorda, and North American plates. Project implementation would not increase risk of strong seismic ground shaking above existing conditions.

Project implementation would not increase risk of strong seismic ground shaking or exposure to strong seismic ground shaking above existing conditions. If strong seismic ground shaking were to damage the proposed Project, it is unlikely that human lives would be put at risk because the Project does not involve the construction of habitable structures. The project would be designed and constructed in conformance with the site-specific recommendations contained in the geotechnical report prepared for the project, and any subsequent project-related geotechnical reports. The geotechnical report would reference California seismic requirements applicable to specific Project structural elements such as retaining walls. These recommendations would include, but not be limited to, reinforced road embankment, limited subdrainage elements, and slope toe protection. By following the recommendations contained in the geotechnical report, the construction and operation of the project would meet Caltrans standards and would result in a less than significant impact. Therefore, the impact to people and structures from strong seismic ground shaking would be less than significant.
a.iii, a.iv, c, d) Liquefaction, landslides, or otherwise unstable soils? (Less Than Significant Impact) Liquefaction is a phenomenon involving loss of soil strength and resulting in fluid mobility through the soil.

Liquefaction typically occurs when loose, uniformly sized, saturated sands or silts are subjected to repeated shaking in areas where the groundwater is less than 50 feet below ground surface. In addition to the necessary soil and groundwater conditions, the ground acceleration must be high enough, and the duration of the shaking must be sufficient, for liquefaction to occur. The Project is located in a mapped liquefaction hazard zone (Humboldt County 2022c). Project implementation would not increase risk of liquefaction or exposure to liquefaction above existing conditions and no impact would occur.

Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-37 The Project Area includes embankments for the US 101 overpass. Beneath the overpass, a retaining wall (RW #1) would be constructed on the north side of Kenmar Road beneath the US 101 bridge to accommodate the entire width of the shared use path. A second retaining wall (RW #2) would be constructed on the south side of Kenmar Road just west of the US 101 undercrossing. A third retaining wall (RW #3) would be constructed along the northbound side of the Eel River Drive, which would span the length of the Fortuna Park and Ride lot. Retaining walls #1 and #2 would be combination of ground anchored and soil nail walls. Retaining wall #3 may differ slightly in the structure as it would be retaining a natural hillside rather than a highway bridge embankment. Retaining wall #3 would either consist of a soil nail retaining wall or a cantilevered soldier pile wall, which is a retaining wall constructed without ground anchoring and is embedded into the hillside. Further site assessments need to take place to determine the preferred construction and placement of RW #3. Thus, landslides within or near the Project are unlikely to occur, and the potential for landslide occurrence is not increased by the Project.

Expansive soils can cause considerable distress to roads and building foundations as they “rise-and-fall” in accordance with the cycles of soil wetting (swelling) and drying (shrinking). Soils with high percentages of silicate clays are those that have the potential for shrinking and swelling. Mapping by the NRCS shows the Project area to have the highest percentage of clay content ranging between 15 percent and 23 percent with Plasticity Index values of 8. Thus, those soils are considered to have a low to medium potential for expansion. Implementation of the Project would not exacerbate potential liquefaction or landslides, rather the potential for liquefaction or landslides would decrease.

The Project would comply with the seismic requirements of the Caltrans Highway Design Manual, 7th Edition (Caltrans 2020a). The Project would be designed and constructed in conformance with the sitespecific recommendations contained in the geotechnical report prepared for the Project and any subsequent project-related geotechnical reports. Project adherence to the recommendations in the geotechnical report during construction and operation would result in a less than significant impact with mitigation in regard to landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, or collapse. b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil? (Less Than Significant Impact) Construction activities, including cut, fill, removal of vegetation, directional drilling, wetland mitigation (e.g., willow planting), and operation of heavy machinery would disturb soil and, therefore, have the potential to cause erosion. Erosion and sediment control provisions prescribed in the Fortuna Municipal Code, Humboldt County Code, and NCRWQCB regulations would be required as part of the Project. BMPs may include: silt fences, straw wattles, soil stabilization controls, site watering for controlling dust, and sediment detention basins. Environmental Protection Action 1 requires development and implementation of a SWPPP in accordance with the State General Construction Permit. These mandatory ordinance requirements and permits are designed to maintain potential water quality impacts at a less than significant level during and post construction. Therefore, the potential soil erosion impact would be less than significant. 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? (No Impact)
The Project does not propose the installation or modification of septic tanks or wastewater disposal systems. Therefore, construction and operation of the Project would have no impact.

Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-38 f) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature? (Less Than Significant with Mitigation)
Paleontological resources are the remains or traces of prehistoric animals and plants. Paleontological resources, which include fossil remains and geologic sites with fossil-bearing strata are non-renewable and scarce and are a sensitive resource afforded protection under environmental legislation in California. Under California PRC § 5097.5, unauthorized disturbance or removal of a fossil locality or remains on public land is a misdemeanor. State law also requires reasonable mitigation of adverse environmental impacts that result from development of public land and affect paleontological resources (PRC § 30244).

It is unlikely that Project construction would impact potentially significant paleontological resources because most of the Project occurs in relatively recently deposited alluvium or involves simply the disturbance of recently placed fill materials. However, the possibility of encountering a paleontological resource during construction cannot be completely discounted, therefore, the impact related to the potential disturbance or damage of previously undiscovered paleontological resources, if present, is considered potentially significant.

Mitigation
Implementation of Mitigation Measure GEO-1 would reduce the impact of construction activities on potentially unknown paleontological resources to a less-than-significant level by addressing discovery of unanticipated buried resources and preserving and/or recording those resources consistent with appropriate laws and requirements.

Mitigation Measure GEO-1: Inadvertent Discovery of Paleontological Resources In the event that fossils are encountered during construction (i.e., bones, teeth, or unusually abundant and well-preserved invertebrates or plants), construction activities shall be diverted away from the discovery within 50 feet of the find, and a professional paleontologist shall be notified to document the discovery as needed, to evaluate the potential resource, and to assess the nature and importance of the find. Based on the scientific value or uniqueness of the find, the paleontologist may record the find and allow work to continue, or recommend salvage and recovery of the material, if it is determined that the find cannot be avoided. The paleontologist shall make recommendations for any necessary treatment that is consistent with currently accepted scientific practices. Any fossils collected from the area shall then be deposited in an accredited and permanent scientific institution where they will be properly curated and preserved.

Therefore, implementation of Mitigation Measure GEO-1 would reduce this impact to a less-than-significant level for both construction and operation because a plan to address discovery of unanticipated paleontological resources and to preserve and/or record those resources consistent with appropriate laws and requirements would be implemented.

Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-39

3.8 Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less-thanSignificant w/
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less-thanSignificant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a) Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either
directly or indirectly, that may have a significant
impact on the environment?

b) Conflict with an applicable plan, policy or
regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the
emissions of greenhouse gases?

a) Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment? (Less than Significant)
NCUAQMD has not adopted regulations regarding the evaluation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in a CEQA document and has not established CEQA significance criteria to determine the significance of impacts with regard to GHGs. The NCUAQMD has stated that they would not comment adversely on the use of thresholds of significance from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) for projects within Humboldt County. However, the BAAQMD has recently revised their adopted recommended CEQA thresholds of significance for GHG. The BAAQMD’s Justification Report for the newly adopted greenhouse gas thresholds identify the thresholds as specific for ‘development projects’ of commercial/residential development and other projects. Per the Draft Justification Report:

The Air District has developed these thresholds of significance based on typical residential and commercial land use projects and typical long-term communitywide planning documents such as general plans and similar long-range development plans. As such, these thresholds may not be appropriate for other types of projects that do not fit into the mold of a typical residential or commercial project or general plan update.

Lead agencies should keep this point in mind when evaluating other types of projects. A lead agency does not necessarily need to use a threshold of significance if the analysis and justifications that were used to develop the threshold do not reflect the particular circumstances of the project under review. Accordingly, a lead agency should not use these thresholds if it is faced with a unique or unusual project for which the analyses supporting the thresholds as described in this report do not squarely apply. In such cases, the lead agency should develop an alternative approach that would be more appropriate for the particular project before it, considering all of the facts and circumstances of the project on a case-by-case basis. (emphasis added) Additionally, the BAAQMD’s Justification Report states:

There is no proposed construction-related climate impact threshold at this time. Greenhouse gas emissions from construction represent a very small portion of a project’s lifetime GHG emissions.

The proposed thresholds for land use projects are designed to address operational GHG emissions which represent the vast majority of project GHG emissions. (BAAQMD 2022) Therefore, as the BAAQMD and NCUAQMD do not have recommended thresholds of significance to apply to construction-period emissions or roadway/infrastructure projects, the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-40 Quality Management District’s (SMAQMD) and South Coast Air Quality Management District’s (SCAQMD) recommended GHG methodology and thresholds for construction impacts were applied. For project construction, SMAQMD has a threshold of 1,100 metric tons of carbon dioxide (MTCO2e) per year threshold of significance (SMAQMD 2020). SCAQMD recommends a threshold of 1,100 MTCO2e applied to construction and operation; SCAQMD recommends that construction emissions be amortized over the life of the project, defined as 30 years, and added to the operational emissions for comparison against the threshold of significance.

In order to assess the potential impact of construction-generated emissions, the construction GHG emissions are annualized over an assumed 30-year project lifespan, added to operational emissions, and compared against a threshold of 1,100 MTCO2e.

Project construction activities would result in exhaust emissions from on-road trucks, worker commute vehicles, and off-road heavy-duty equipment. Construction would require clearing, earthmoving, and delivery equipment, as used for similar Projects. Construction emissions were estimated using RCEM v.9.0.0 and were estimated to be approximately 1,336.49 MTCO2e from all construction activities, or 44.5 MTCO2e per year when annualized over the assumed 30-year lifespan of the Project. The Project is not capacity enhancing and would not result in an increase in vehicle trips. Additionally, improved traffic flow through the roundabouts would reduce vehicular idling and therefore result in a reduction in GHG emissions compared to existing conditions. Required maintenance of the Project would be similar to existing conditions. Therefore, the Project would not generate an increase in operation-related emissions.

Project emissions of 44.5 MTCO2e per year (annualized construction) would be less than the 1,100 MTCO2e threshold. Therefore, the Project’s impact would be less than significant. b) Conflict with an applicable plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases? (No Impact)
The California Air Resource Board (CARB) 2017 Climate Change Scoping Plan provides California’s climate policy portfolio and recommended strategies to put the State on a pathway to achieve the 2030 target. The scenario includes ongoing and statutorily required programs, continuing the Cap-and-Trade Program, and high-level objectives and goals to reduce GHGs across multiple economic sectors. Existing programs, also known as “known commitments,” identified by the 2017 Climate Change Scoping Plan include: SB 350, the Low Carbon Fuel Standard, CARB’s Mobile Source Strategy, SB 1383 for short-lived climate pollutants and California’s Sustainable Freight Action Plan. The high-level objective and goals recommendations cover the energy, transportation, industry, water, waste management, agriculture, and natural and working lands, and are to be implemented by a variety of State agencies.

Project construction would cause a temporary increase in GHGs; however, as discussed above Project emissions would not exceed the identified emission thresholds. The Project is analyzed for consistency with the 2017 Climate Change Scoping Plan in Table 3.8-1 – Consistency Analysis Between Project and Climate Change Scoping Plan. As shown in the table, the Project is consistent with AB 32, as outlined in the 2017 Climate Change Scoping Plans. Therefore, the Project would not conflict with AB 32 or the 2017 Climate Change Scoping Plan and would result no impact.

Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-41 Table 3.8-1 Consistency analysis between Project and Climate Change Scoping Plan.

Scoping Plan Reduction Measures Consistency/Applicability Determination California Cap‐and‐Trade Program Linked to
Western Climate Initiative. Implement a broad‐
based California Cap‐and‐Trade program to provide
a firm limit on emissions. Link the California cap‐and‐ trade program with other Western Climate Initiative
Partner programs to create a regional market system
to achieve greater environmental and economic
benefits for California. Ensure California’s program
meets all applicable AB 32 requirements for market‐
based mechanisms.

Not Applicable. This is a statewide measure
that cannot be implemented by the Project or
lead agency.

California Light‐Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas
Standards. Implement adopted standards and
planned second phase of the program. Align zero‐
emission vehicle, alternative and renewable fuel, and
vehicle technology programs with long‐term climate
change goals.

Consistent. This is a statewide measure that
cannot be implemented by the Project or lead
agency. However, the standards would be
applicable to the light‐duty vehicles that would
access the Project Area during construction and
operation.

Energy Efficiency. Maximize energy efficiency
building and appliance standards; pursue additional
efficiency including new technologies, policy, and
implementation mechanisms. Pursue comparable
investment in energy efficiency from all retail
providers of electricity in California.

Not Applicable. This is a measure for the state
to increase its energy efficiency standards in new
buildings. The Project would not result in new
habitable buildings subject to the energy
efficiency standards.

Renewable Portfolio Standard. Achieve 33 percent
renewable energy mix statewide. Renewable energy
sources include (but are not limited to) wind, solar,
geothermal, small hydroelectric, biomass, anaerobic
digestion, and landfill gas.

Not Applicable. This is a statewide measure
that cannot be implemented by the Project or
lead agency.

Low Carbon Fuel Standard. Develop and adopt the
Low Carbon Fuel Standard.

Consistent. This is a statewide measure that
cannot be implemented by the Project or lead
agency. The standard would be applicable to the
fuel used by vehicles that would access the
Project Area during construction and operation.

Regional Transportation-Related Greenhouse
Gas Targets. Develop regional greenhouse gas
emissions reduction targets for passenger vehicles.

This measure refers to SB 375.

Not applicable. This is a statewide measure
calling for the development of GHG emission
reduction targets.

Vehicle Efficiency Measures. Implement light-duty
vehicle efficiency measures.

Not applicable. This is a statewide measure that
cannot be implemented by the Project or lead
agency.

Goods Movement. Implement adopted regulations
for the use of shore power for ships at berth. Improve
efficiency in goods movement activities.

Not applicable. The Project does not propose
any changes to modes of transportation of
goods.

Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-42 Scoping Plan Reduction Measures Consistency/Applicability Determination Million Solar Roofs Program. Install 3,000 MW of
solar‐electric capacity under California’s existing
solar programs.

Not Applicable. The Project does not involve
structures with roofs.

Medium/Heavy‐Duty Vehicles. Adopt medium and
heavy‐duty vehicle efficiency measures.

Not applicable. This is a statewide measure that
cannot be implemented by the Project or lead
agency.

Industrial Emissions. Require assessment of large
industrial sources to determine whether individual
sources within a facility can cost‐ effectively reduce
greenhouse gas emissions and provide other
pollution reduction co‐benefits. Reduce greenhouse
gas emissions from fugitive emissions from oil and
gas extraction and gas transmission. Adopt and
implement regulations to control fugitive methane
emissions and reduce flaring at refineries.

Not applicable. This measure would apply to the
direct GHG emissions at major industrial
facilities. The Project is not industrial.

High Speed Rail. Support implementation of a high‐
speed rail system.

Not applicable. This is a statewide measure that
cannot be implemented by the Project or lead
agency. The Project does not involve a highspeed rail system.

Green Building Strategy. Expand the use of green
building practices to reduce the carbon footprint of
California’s new and existing inventory of buildings.

Not Applicable. This is a measure for the state
to increase its energy efficiency standards in new
buildings. The Project would not result in new
habitable buildings subject to the energy
efficiency standards.

High Global Warming Potential Gases. Adopt
measures to reduce high global warming potential
gases.

Not Applicable. The Project would not include
air conditioners or commercial refrigerators.

Recycling and Waste. Reduce methane emissions
at landfills. Increase waste diversion, composting,
and commercial recycling. Move toward zero‐waste.

Consistent. The Project does not include a
landfill. The Project would reduce construction
waste with implementation of state mandated
recycling and reuse mandates.

Sustainable Forests. Preserve forest sequestration
and encourage the use of forest biomass for
sustainable energy generation.

Not Applicable. Although the Project is located
in a rural setting, it would not adversely affect
forestland. Additionally, the Project would not
include areas suitable for reforestation. The
Project would replant most native trees removed
during construction.

Water. Continue efficiency programs and use
cleaner energy sources to move and treat water.

Not Applicable. The Project would not include
an increase in water consumption or energy use
associated with water treatment or transport.

Agriculture. In the near‐term, encourage investment
in manure digesters and at the five‐ year Scoping
Plan update determine if the program should be
made mandatory by 2020.

Not applicable. The Project does not include
agricultural production.

Source of Scoping Plan Reduction Measures: CARB 2017
Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-43

3.9 Hazards and Hazardous Materials
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less-thanSignificant w/
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less-thanSignificant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the
environment through the routine transport, use, or
disposal of hazardous materials?

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?

c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or
acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste
within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed
school?

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?

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
or excessive noise for people residing or working
in the project area?

f) Impair implementation of or physically interfere
with an adopted emergency response plan or
emergency evacuation plan?

g) Expose people or structures, either directly or
indirectly, to a significant risk of loss, injury or
death involving wildland fires?

To evaluate the Project Area with respect to the presence and location of existing and/or historical soil and groundwater contamination, GHD completed an initial site assessment (ISA) and regulatory database review of available online government records (GHD 2022). The ISA was completed to identify areas of potentially impacted soil and/or groundwater within and near the Project Area that could potentially pose an exposure risk to humans and/or the environment during construction of the Project. a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials? (Less Than Significant Impact) Construction of the Project would include the transport and use of common hazardous materials inherent to the construction process, including petroleum products such as fuel and lubricants for construction equipment and vehicles, paints, concrete curing compounds, and solvents for construction of Project Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-44 improvements. These materials are commonly used during construction, are not acutely hazardous, and would be used in relatively small quantities.

Hazardous materials storage, handling, and transportation must comply with an interconnected matrix of local, state, and federal laws. Hazardous materials used during construction of the Project would be subject to applicable regulations, including California Health and Safety Code Section 25531, Division 20, Chapter

6.5, and other standards enforced by the various departments and boards under the California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA). The Project would be subject to Cal/EPA hazardous materials regulations consolidated under the state’s Unified Program enforced by the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (Regional Board), NCUAQMD, and the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle). The Cal/EPA administers the Unified Program via local Certified Unified Program Agencies (CUPAs). The CUPA for Humboldt County is the Humboldt County Division of Environmental Health (HCDEH). The HCDEH Hazardous Materials Unit has jurisdiction over the Project area and is tasked with local CUPA inspections and compliance. Project activities involving the transport, use, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials would be in accordance with established rules and regulations.

Worker exposure to hazardous materials is regulated by California Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) and requires worker safety protections. Cal/OSHA enforces hazard communication regulations which require worker training and hazard information (signage/postings) compliance. In addition, hazard communication compliance includes procedures for identifying and labeling hazardous substances, communicating information related to hazardous substances storage, handling, and transportation; and preparation of health and safety plans to protect employees.

Project construction specifications would require the management of hazardous materials to comply with applicable laws, rules, and regulations. During Project construction, the contractor would be required to contain hazardous materials and avoid exposure to workers, the public, and surrounding environment during construction. An appropriate facility would be utilized for legal disposal of any hazardous materials generated.

Project construction would be required to implement stormwater management requirements during construction in accordance with the State Water Resources Control Board General Construction Storm Water Permit (Section 1.10 – Environmental Protection Action 1). Stormwater management requirements for addressing materials management would be required, including proper material delivery and storage, spill prevention and control, and management of concrete and other wastes, as described in Section 3.10 (Hydrology and Water Quality).

The established regulatory framework, BMPs, and requisite construction protocols provide appropriate risk mitigation and hazard protections, thus the Project would not create a significant hazard to the public or environment from hazardous materials. Because the City and its contractors would be required to comply with existing and future hazardous materials laws and regulations addressing the transport, storage, use, and disposal of hazardous materials, the potential to create a significant hazard to the public or the environment during Project construction would be less than significant.

Following construction, operation of the Project would require intermittent maintenance and repair, which could involve hazardous materials. The operational risk posed by intermittent maintenance and repair of the road specific to hazardous materials is low. The potential to create a significant hazard to the public or the environment during Project operation would be less than significant.

Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-45 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?? (Less Than Significant Impact)
The Project would utilize heavy machinery to perform some construction-related tasks including grading, drilling, excavation, and transportation of materials. There is always the possibility when equipment is operating that an accident could occur, and fuel could be released onto the soil. Equipment on site during construction would be required to have emergency spill cleanup kits immediately accessible in the case of any fuel or oil spills. Equipment would not be refueled near the Eel River or any perennial wetland. If equipment must be washed, it would be washed off-site. The potential impact would be less than significant.
c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school? (Less Than Significant Impact)
The Fortuna Junior Academy is located approximately 0.15 miles east, and the New Life Christian School is approximately 0.2 miles east of the Project. Construction activities are assumed to include the use of hazardous materials such as fuels, lubricants, degreasers, paints, and solvents. These materials are commonly used during construction, are not acutely hazardous, and would be used in small quantities.

Numerous laws and regulations ensure the safe transportation, use, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials (see Impact discussion in Section 3.9 (a) and (b) above). Although construction activities could result in the inadvertent release of small quantities of hazardous substances, a spill or release at a construction area is not expected to endanger individuals at nearby schools given the nature of the materials, the small quantities that would be used, and the distance of the schools from the Project Area.

Therefore, because the City and its contractors would be required to comply with existing and future hazardous materials laws and regulations covering the transport, use, and disposal of hazardous materials, and because of the nature and quantity of the hazardous materials to be potentially used by the Project, the impact related to the use of hazardous materials during construction adjacent to the schools would be less than significant. Project operations would have a less than significant impact on Fortuna Junior Academy, New Life Christian School, or any other school.
d) Be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code § 65962.5 and, as a result, would it create a significant hazard to the public or the environment? (Less Than Significant with Mitigation) The Project Area is not located on, or within one mile of a site listed in the DTSC EnviroStor database (DTSC 2022). The Project is also not located on a cleanup site as mapped in the GeoTracker database, though there are sixteen closed sites within one mile of the Project, the closest being a Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) approximately 0.3 miles north (Strong's Creek Lift, T0602300362) (SWRCB 2022). Off-site construction activities are not planned, and impacts related to these two off-site closed cleanup sites would not occur.

The ISA identified one Sites of Interest (SOI’s) with a hazard rank of 2 (remnant railroad corridor) within the immediate Project Area that may be contaminated. This SOI warrants subsequent pre-construction soil and groundwater sampling near the SOI. Additionally, this ISA identified the Project Area (hazard rank of 3) to potentially contain aerial deposited lead (ADL) located at roadway intersections where soil excavation and road widening to occur. Pre-construction sampling along the railroad corridor and Project Area for waste Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-46 characterization determines where excavation and or special handling activities are required. All other identified SOI’s were classified a hazard rank value of 4 based upon proximity to the Project Area and groundwater flow direction (GHD 2022). Thus, the potential impact associated with hazardous materials sites would be potentially significant.

Mitigation
Implementation of Mitigation Measure HAZ-1 would reduce the impact of construction activities to ensure currently present hazardous materials do not inadvertently impact the public or environment.

Mitigation Measure HAZ-1: Inadvertent Discovery of Hazardous Soils A Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI) will be required within the Project Area, including:
- Pre-characterization of soil and groundwater for potential CAM 17 Metals, TPHg, TPHd, and VOC impacts will happen prior to the start of construction activities, specifically at locations along the remnant railroad corridor anticipated to be impacted during Project construction activities.
- Pre-characterization for ADL in near surface soil will occur prior to initiation of construction activities, specifically at representative locations along the Project Area intersecting with Kenmar Road, Riverwalk Drive, Eel River Road, and US Highway 101 ramps. The ADL precharacterization sampling will be conducted at discreet locations generally representative of soil conditions anticipated to be impacted during Project construction activities.

If construction activities include demolition of concrete infrastructure (bridges, overpasses, box culverts), a hazardous materials assessment will be completed to maintain compliance with National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutant (NESHAP) as promulged under 40 CFR Part 61 and/or 40 CFR Part 63.

If construction activities include dewatering, and if laboratory analysis of pre-construction soil borings indicate elevated total and STLC concentrations of ADL and CAM-17 Metals of 1,000 ppm and 5 mg/L, respectively, pre-construction characterization of groundwater will be required.

If sampled soil is found to be impacted by constituents of concern above established Solubility Threshold Limit Concentration (STLC) and/or Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) thresholds applicable to roadway land uses (ADL, CAM-17 Metals, TPHg, TPHd, VOC’s, etc.), preparation of a Construction Soil Groundwater Monitoring Plan (SGMP) and/or Lead Compliance Plan be required prior to any construction activities. The Construction SGMP and/or Lead Compliance Plan will proactively plan and manage potentially encountered hazardous materials affected soils throughout the Project Area. The SGMP and/or Lead Compliance Plan will identify protocols that will be utilized to proactively manage potentially impacted soil and groundwater within the Project Area and reduce exposure to site workers.

If pre-construction characterization indicates constituent of concern impacts above STLC levels to soil and/or groundwater, it is required that site workers involved in excavation activities be Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) trained (Occupational Safety and Health Administration [OSHA] 1910.120
Implementation of Mitigation Measure HAZ-1 would reduce this impact to a less-than-significant level for both construction and operation because a plan to address discovery of impacted hazardous soil would be enacted.

Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-47 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 or excessive noise for people residing or working in the Project Area? (Less Than Significant Impact)
The nearest airport is the Rohnerville Airport (KFOT), which is located approximately 1.3 miles southeast from the Project Area. The KFOT is covered by the 2021 Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (ALUCP) prepared for the Humboldt County Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC) by ESA. Per the ALUCP, the Project Area is located within Safety Zone 6 of the Airport Influence Areas (AIA) (ESA 2021). However, no aspect of the project would result in an airport-related safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area. Therefore, a less than significant impact would occur. f) Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan? (No Impact)
The City does not have an independent emergency response plan. However, the City does have hazardous material response plans associated with the regulatory requirements for their wastewater treatment, water treatment plant facilities and operations, and an emergency response plan that establishes chain-ofcommand and response procedures between the emergency services, public works, City staff and board, and other essential departments and outside organizations. The proposed Project does not conflict with these plans.

The Humboldt County Emergency Operations Plan (Humboldt County 2015) does not designate specific evacuation routes or emergency shelter locations or include policies or procedures with which the Project would conflict. Therefore, the Project would not impair implementation of or physically interfere with the plan. Additionally, the Project would not increase public use, significantly increase risk of hazard occurrence, or construct facilities that may pose a hazard to people or the environment. No impact would occur.
g) Expose people or structures, either directly or indirectly, to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving wildland fires? (Less Than Significant Impact) Wildland fire is addressed in Section 3.20 (Wildfire). As noted in Section 3.20, the Project would not expose people or structures to a significant risk from wildland fires, thus a less than significant impact would result.

Please see Section 3.20 for further discussion of the Project as it relates to wildland fire risks.

Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-48

3.10 Hydrology and Water Quality
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less-thanSignificant w/
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less-thanSignificant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a) Violate any water quality standards or waste
discharge requirements or otherwise substantially
degrade surface or ground water quality?

b) Substantially decrease groundwater supplies or
interfere substantially with groundwater recharge
such that the project may impede sustainable
groundwater management of the basin?

c) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of
the course of a stream or river or through the
addition of impervious surfaces, 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 off-site?

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?

iv. Impede or redirect flood flows? 
d) In flood hazard, tsunami, or seiche zones, risk
release of pollutants due to project inundation? 
e) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of a water
quality control plan or sustainable groundwater
management plan?

The Project is located in the Lower Eel River watershed, adjacent to Strongs Creek and the Eel River, and the Project Area contains portions of Mill Creek. Mill Creek originates on private timberlands and is a tributary to Strong’s Creek which drains into the Eel River and ultimately into the Pacific Ocean. Mill Creek is considered a first order stream (CDFG 2004). The majority of the approximately 2.04-mile-long creek is within urban habitat, with a small portion of the headwaters in forested habitats (CDFG 2004). In-water work would not occur.

Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-49 a) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements or otherwise substantially degrade surface or ground water quality? (Less Than Significant with Mitigation)
The Project is required to obtain and comply with necessary Clean Water Act permits requirements from the Regional Board and USACE, to ensure the Project does not violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements.

Construction activities such as site clearing, grading, excavation, and material stockpiling, placement of aggregate base, and related construction activities could leave soils exposed to rain or surface water runoff that may carry soil contaminants (e.g., nutrients or other pollutants) into waterways adjacent to the site, degrade water quality, and potentially violate water quality standards for specific chemicals, dissolved oxygen, suspended sediment, or nutrients to surface waters. The greatest potential Project impacts to water quality would result from sediment mobilization during construction. This impact is considered to be potentially significant without mitigation.

The proposed Project is anticipated to disturb over one (1) acre of land, therefore compliance with State Water Board Order No. 2009-0009 would be required which would regulate stormwater runoff from Project construction activities. Project operations would obtain coverage under State Water Resources Control Board Order No. 2009-0009-DWQ, Waste Discharge Requirements for Discharges of Storm Water Runoff Associated with Construction and Land Disturbance Activities, as amended by Order No. 2012-0006. In compliance with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System requirements, a Notice of Intent would be prepared and submitted to the North Coastal Regional Water Board prior to undertaking construction, providing notification and intent to comply with the State of California Construction General Permit (CGP).

In addition, a SWPPP would be prepared for pollution prevention and control prior to initiating site construction activities.

The Construction SWPPP would be written by a Qualified SWPPP Developer (QSD); would identify and specify the use of best management practices (BMPs) erosion control, sediment control, off-site tracking control, wind erosion control, non-stormwater management control, and waste management and materials pollution control. A sampling and monitoring program would be included in the Construction SWPPP that meets the requirements of the CGP to ensure the BMPs are effective. A Qualified SWPPP Practitioner (QSP) would oversee implementation of the Plan, including visual inspections, sampling and analysis, and overall compliance with the SWPPP and CGP.

Implementation of Environmental Protection Action 1, combined with Mitigation Measures BIO-4 and BIO-5 would reduce potential water quality impacts during Project construction activities to a less-than-significant level by requiring measures to minimize erosion, sediment, and pollutant contribution to surface waters.

Following construction, operation and maintenance of the Project would not result in a new point discharge or a substantial increase in impervious surfaces relative to the surrounding area. Therefore, less than significant operational impact would result.
b) Substantially decrease groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that the Project may impede sustainable groundwater management of the basin? (No Impact)
The Project is located in the Eel River Valley Groundwater Basin 1-010, which has a SGMA Basin Priority of Medium and is not listed as Critically Overdrafted (DWR 2004). Contractor-supplied water would be used during construction for dust suppression on local roadways and work areas. Use of groundwater is not Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-50 anticipated for construction of the Project. Similarly, the Project would not decrease groundwater supplies or interfere with groundwater management. During roadway construction, isolated and short-duration groundwater dewatering may occur as needed and would be small in scale and limited to shallow groundwater only. The construction-related impact on groundwater levels would not result. Following construction, the Project would not utilize groundwater and would not result in an increase in population or employment that would indirectly increase groundwater demand. The Project would not alter groundwater recharge. Therefore, the Project would not create a deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of water levels.

Additionally, the amount of impervious surface created by the Project is minimal since the current road is paved, and the Project road would be consistent with the previous conditions in the area. The Project is not expected to result in any change in the use or recharge of groundwater. No construction or operational impact to groundwater resources would result.
c, i) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river or through the addition of impervious surfaces, in a manner which would result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site? (Less Than Significant Impact)
The Project would add approximately 0.58 acres of impervious surfaces to the Project Area through the road realignment and paving, roundabout installation, and park and ride reconfiguration. Existing roadway drainage patterns would be maintained to the maximum extent practicable. Replacement, extension, or alteration of the Mill Creek channel or culvert along Kenmar Road would not occur. Excavation depths to install drainage facilities may vary but would typically be limited to six feet below existing grade. The Project design will include post-construction stormwater facilities to the degree required by the City’s MS4 permit and Caltrans operational stormwater requirements.

Erosion and sediment prevention would be implemented during construction to avoid impacts to water quality, including those related to siltation (see impact “a”, above). The Project would be required to adhere to BMPs and conditions to be included in a SWPPP and Clean Water Act Section 401 and 404 permits to prevent erosion-related impacts during construction. Substantial on- or off-site erosion and siltation would not result, and the potential construction-related impact with regard to erosion and siltation would be less than significant. Therefore, the impact would also be less than significant. c, ii) Substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner which would result in flooding on- or off-site? (No Impact)
The Project would have a net increase of approximately 0.58 acres impervious surface, though beneficial environmental impacts of the Project include neutral or better effect on existing local drainage, flooding, and implementation of stormwater design to contemporary standards to, or near, the Eel River, Strongs Creek, Mill Creek, or any other tributary. The Project would not alter topography or drainage patterns in a manner that would increase on- or off-site flooding. Aside from the increase impervious surface area, the Project does not include elements that would increase stormwater drainage or necessitate significant design features to accommodate stormwater management. New vegetated medians incorporated into the Project design and existing ruderal and forested open spaces bordering the roadway would support stormwater infiltration. Additionally, in compliance with Environmental Protection Action 1, the Project would develop a SWPPP to be approved by the NCRWCB, and the Project would be designed to meet NCRQWB storm water requirements. The Project would not cause on- or off-site flooding. The impact would be less than significant.

Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-51 c, 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? (Less Than Significant)
The project would include new drainage facilities, including gutters, inlets, pipes, and rock energy dissipaters. Existing watershed drainage patterns would be maintained to the maximum extent practicable.

Modification or alteration of the Mill Creek box culvert under Kenmar Road would not occur. The Project also does not include elements that would increase stormwater drainage or necessitate significant design features to accommodate stormwater management. Additionally, in compliance with Environmental Protection Action 1, the Project would develop a SWPPP to be approved by the NCRWCB, and the Project would be designed to meet NCRQWB storm water requirements. The Project would not cause on- or offsite flooding. The impact would be less than significant. c, iv) Impede or redirect flood flows? (Less Than Significant) The majority of the Project Area is located within the FEMA 100-year flood zone (Appendix F – Wetland Delineation Report). However, the Project design does not include any features that would impede or redirect flood flows. Existing topography would not be significantly altered in such a manner as to redirect flood flows. Any potential impact on the impediment or redirection of flood flows would be less than significant.
d) In flood hazard, tsunami, or seiche zones, risk release of pollutants due to Project inundation? (Less Than Significant)
The majority of the Project Area is located within the FEMA 100-year flood zone (Appendix F – Wetland Delineation Report). Construction would not occur during flood conditions (see Section 1.7 – Construction Schedule). Thus, there would be no potential for a flood-related release of pollutants during construction.

The Project does not include unsecured elements that could be washed away during a flood. Any potential construction related impact would be less than significant.

The Project Area is not located near a larger isolated body of water that may be affected by a seiche. The Project Area is not located within a tsunami hazard zone (Humboldt County 2022d). No impact from a seiche or tsunami would result.

Operational maintenance of the road may involve occasional repair, trash/debris removal, and vegetation maintenance (e.g., mowing), which could involve hazardous materials (e.g., small equipment fuel).

However, these materials would not be stored within the Project Area and thus would not be released into the environment in the event of a flood event. Any potential operational related impact would be less than significant.
e) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of a water quality control plan or sustainable groundwater management plan? (No Impact)
The relevant water quality control plan is the NCRWQCB’s Basin Plan which establishes thresholds for key water resource protection objectives for both surface waters and groundwater. The Project does not involve the use of groundwater resources and would not impact the quantity or quality of groundwater availability in the Eel River Valley Groundwater Basin.

Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-52 The Project would be required to obtain coverage under SWRCB’s Construction General Permit, which would include development and implementation of a SWPPP. The Project is also required to obtain and adhere to Clean Water Act Section 401 and Clean Water Act Section 404 permits (see Section 1.9 – Required Regulatory Permits). Adherence to these regulatory requirements and associated requisite monitoring would ensure a conflict with the Basin Plan does not occur.

The Project would meet and/or support the following Humboldt County General Plan Water Resource Element goals and policies that regulate hydrology and water quality during construction and operation of the Project: Storm Drainage (Policy WR-G10), Erosion and Sediment Discharge (Policy WR-P10), County Facilities Management (Policy WR-P11), Implementation of NPDES Permit (Policy WR-P35), Natural Stormwater Drainage Courses (Policy WR-P36), Erosion and Sediment Control Measures (Policy WR-P42), Storm Drainage Design Standards (Policy WR-P43), Storm Drainage Impact Reduction (Policy WR-P44), and Reduce Toxic Runoff (Policy WR-P45). It also would meet and/pr support the following City of Fortuna General Plan goals and policies that regulate water resources during construction and operation of the Project: Watershed Protection (Policy NCR-1.1), Stormwater Runoff (Policy NCR-1.5), Polluted Runoff (Policy NCR-1.6), and Clean Water Act Requirements (Policy NCR-1.8). No impact would result.

Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-53

3.11 Land Use and Planning
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less-thanSignificant w/
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less-thanSignificant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a) Physically divide an established community? 
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?

This section evaluates the potential impacts related to land use, as it applies to construction and operation of the Project. The Project spans the jurisdiction of both the City of Fortuna and Humboldt County. a) Physically divide an established community? (No Impact) The proposed Project would not divide an existing neighborhood or community. Rather, the Project would enhance community connectivity by promoting bicycle and pedestrian use and providing enhanced safety for all modes of transportation. Temporary detours would be required throughout construction. Temporary detours would follow City and Caltrans requirements for temporary roadway closures, including signage and public noticing. Construction would be phased in order to maintain local access to US 101. No impact would result.
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? (No Impact)
The Project Area is located partially within the city limits of Fortuna and partially within unincorporated Humboldt County. Portions of the Project Area are located in the Coastal Zone, including Riverwalk Drive and both southbound and northbound lanes of US 101 to the south of the interchange. This portion is within, and regulated by, the Eel River Area Local Coastal Plan of which Humboldt County has the primary permitting authority. The Project is located on both the Local and Appeal Zone jurisdiction of the Coastal Zone; thus, the Coastal Development Permit would be submitted to the Humboldt County Planning Department but subject to appeal by the State. Applicable land use plans covering the project area include the City of Fortuna General Plan, the Humboldt County General Plan, and the Eel River Area Local Coastal Plan.

The northwest of the Project Area (Fortuna jurisdiction) is zoned Freeway Commercial (FC), and the northeast is zoned Heavy Industrial (M-2) as sourced from the Fortuna General Plan. The southwest of the Project Area (County of Humboldt jurisdiction) is zoned Agriculture Exclusive, and the southeast is zoned Residential Agriculture.

The Project is consistent with the City of Fortuna and Humboldt County land use and zoning designations.

The portion of the Project within the Coastal Zone would be subject to the requirements of a Coastal Development Permit, to be issued under the County of Humboldt via their Local Coastal Program.

Therefore, the proposed Project would not conflict with any land use plan, policy, or regulation. No impact would result.

Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-54

3.12 Mineral Resources
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less-thanSignificant w/
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less-thanSignificant
Impact
No
Impact
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?

b) Result in the loss of availability of a locallyimportant mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local general plan, specific plan or
other land use plan?

This section evaluates the potential impacts related to mineral resources associated with the Project. a, b) 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, or a locally-important mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local general plan, specific plan or other land use plan? (Less than Significant)
The Project would require minor use of rock, gravel, sand, and other similar materials for construction, but is not expected to have any significant impact on locally available minerals or mineral resources valuable to the region or the State. Additionally, the Project Area is also not designated by the Humboldt County General Plan, or other local land use plan as having locally important mineral resources within the Project Area (Humboldt County 2017). The impact would be less than significant.

Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-55

3.13 Noise
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less-thanSignificant w/
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less-thanSignificant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a) Result in generation of a substantial temporary or
permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the
vicinity of the project in excess of standards
established in the local general plan or noise
ordinance, or applicable standards of other
agencies?

b) Result in generation of excessive groundborne
vibration or noise levels? 
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 area to excessive noise levels?

Current noise conditions on the Project Area consist of road noise associated with vehicles on US 101, Kenmar Road, Riverwalk Drive, and Eel River Drive, as well as recreational / residential noise from the Riverwalk RV Park. The nearest sensitive receptors are all located within the City of Fortuna’s jurisdiction:
the Riverwalk RV Park is immediately adjacent north of Riverwalk Drive, a residential home at 1325 Ross Hill Road is approximately 400 ft east of the southern extent of the Project Area, the Fortuna Junior Academy approximately 0.15 miles east of the eastern leg of Kenmar Road, and the New Life Christian School approximately 0.2 miles east of the southern extent of the Project Area. There are no sensitive receptors on Humboldt County land near the Project, as they are largely agricultural.

Noise Ordinance Compatibility
Applicable policies from the City of Fortuna and Humboldt County general plans are summarized below.

City Fortuna General Plan
Policy HS-4.7: Noise Barriers
The City shall consider the use of noise barriers (as a means of achieving the noise standards) only if all other practical design‐related noise mitigation measures have been insufficient.

Policy HS-4.8: Noise Reduction/Design
The City shall lessen noise increases along the city’s arterial and collector roads through project design of streets (including providing buffers to the extent feasible and screening), coordination of routing, and other traffic control measures.

Policy HS-6: Hours of Construction
The City shall limit the hours and days of major construction activities throughout the city to the hours between 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, except for emergencies and other special permitted circumstances.

Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-56 Policy HS-7: Noise Compatibility Standards by Land Use Type The City shall adopt the noise compatibility standards by land use type identified in Tables 3.13‐1 and 3.13‐

2. Table 3.13-1 City of Fortuna General Plan Construction Noise Compatibility Standards Zoning District Maximum Noise Level (dBA Lmax)
Daytime Exterior
(7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.)
Nighttime Exterior
(8:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.)
Residential 65 60
Hotels, motels, transient lodging 70 60
Schools, libraries, churches,
hospitals, nursing homes
75 65
Commercial, office buildings 80 70
Industrial, manufacturing,
agriculture
85 75
Table 3.13-2 City of Fortuna General Plan Traffic and Stationary Source Noise Compatibility Standards
Zoning District Maximum Noise Level (dBA Lmax)
Daytime Exterior
(7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.)
Nighttime Exterior
(8:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.)
Residential 45 60
Hotels, motels, transient lodging 45 60
Schools, libraries, churches,
hospitals, nursing homes
45 60
Commercial, office buildings 50 70
Industrial, manufacturing,
agriculture
60 75
Humboldt County General Plan
Policy N-P1: Minimize Noise from Stationary and Mobile Sources Minimize stationary noise sources and noise emanating from temporary activities by applying appropriate standards for average and short-term noise levels during permit review and subsequent monitoring.

Policy N-P4: Protection from Excessive Noise
Protect persons from existing or future excessive levels of noise which interfere with sleep, communication, relaxation, health, or legally permitted use of property.

Policy N-S1: Land Use/Noise Compatibility Matrix
The Land Use/Noise Compatibility Standards (Table 3.13-1) shall be used as a guide to ensure compatibility of land uses. Development may occur in areas identified as “normally unacceptable” if Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-57 mitigation measures can reduce indoor noise levels to “Maximum Interior Noise Levels” and outdoor noise levels to the maximum “Normally Acceptable” value for the given Land Use Category.

Policy N-S4: Noise Study Requirements
When a discretionary project has the potential to generate noise levels in excess of Plan standards, a noise study together with acceptable plans to assure compliance with the standards shall be required. The noise study shall measure or model as appropriate, Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) and Maximum Noise Level (Lmax) levels at property lines and, if feasible, receptor locations. Noise studies shall be prepared by qualified individuals using calibrated equipment under currently accepted professional standards and include an analysis of the characteristics of the project in relation to noise levels, all feasible mitigations, and projected noise impacts. The Noise Guidebook published by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or its equivalent, shall be used to guide analysis and mitigation recommendations.

Policy N-S7: Short-term Noise Performance Standards (Lmax) The following noise standards (Table 3.13-3), unless otherwise specifically indicated, shall apply to all property within their assigned noise zones and such standards shall constitute the maximum permissible noise level within the respective zones.

Table 3.13-3 Land Use/Noise Compatibility Standards
Land Use
Category
Maximum
Interior
Exposure
(Ldn1)
Land Use Interpretation for Day-Night Average Sound Level (Ldn) Value
Clearly
Acceptable
Normally
Acceptable
Normally
Unacceptable
Clearly
Unacceptable
Residential
Single-Family,
Duple, Mobile
Homes
45 Under 55 55-60 60-75 Above 75
ResidentialMulti-Family,
Dormitories,
etc.
45 Under 55 55-60 60-75 Above 75
Transient
Lodging
45 Under 65 65-70 70-80 Above 80
School
Classrooms,
Libraries,
Churches
45 Under 60 60-65 65-75 Above 75
Hospitals,
Nursing
Homes
45 Under 60 60-65 65-75 Above 75
Auditoriums,
Concert Halls,
Music Shells
35 Under 50 50-60 60-70 Above 70
Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-58 Sports Arenas,
Outdoor
Spectator
Sports
N/A Under 60 60-65 65-75 Above 75
Playgrounds,
Neighborhood
Parks
N/A Under 55 55-65 65-75 Above 75
Golf Courses,
Riding Stables,
Water Rec.,
Cemeteries
N/A Under 60 60-70 70-80 Above 80
Office
Buildings,
Personal,
Business,
Professional
50 Under 65 65-75 75-80 Above 80
CommercialRetail, Movie
Theatres,
Restaurants
50 Under 65 65-75 75-80 Above 80
CommercialWholesale,
Some Retail,
Ind. Mfg., Util.

N/A Under 70 70-80 80-85 Above 85
Manufacturing
Communicatio
ns (Noise
Sensitive)
N/A Under 55 55-70 70-80 Above 80
Livestock
Farming,
Animal
Breeding
N/A Under 60 60-75 75-80 Above 80
Agriculture
(except
Livestock),
Mining, Fishing
N/A Under 75 Above 75 N/A N/A
Public Right-ofWayN/A Under 75 75-85 Above 85 N/A
Extensive
Natural
Recreation
Areas
N/A Under 60 60-75 75-85 Above 85
Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-59 Table 3.13-4 Short-term Noise Standards in Lmax
SHORT-TERM NOISE STANDARDS (Lmax)
Zoning Classification Day (maximum)
6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. dBA
Night (maximum)
10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. dBA

MG, MC, AE, TPZ, TC, AG, FP,
FR, MH
80 70
CN, MB, ML, RRA, CG, CR 75 65
C-1, C-2. C-3, RM, R-3, R-4 65 60
RS, R-1, R-2, NR 65 60
a) Result in generation of a substantial temporary or permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the vicinity of the Project in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies? (Less Than Significant Impact)
Construction
Construction of the project would result in a temporary noise increase associated with the use of construction equipment. Construction is expected to require approximately 18 months to complete and would occur in 2025. Construction activities would be limited to daytime work hours between 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday with occasional work on Saturdays. Construction noise levels would vary based on the type of equipment as summarized in Table 3.13-5 below.

Table 3.13-5 Construction Equipment Reference Noise Levels as Measured at 50’ Equipment Noise Level
(dB1)
Equipment Noise Level
(dB)
Drill rig truck 84 Jackhammer 85
Horizontal Boring Hydraulic Jack 80 Large Generator 82
Front end loader or Backhoe 80 Paver or Roller 85
Excavator 85 Dump truck 84
Source: Federal Highway Administration, 2006
Sound from a point source is known to attenuate at a rate of -6 dB for each doubling of the distance to the receptor. For example, a noise Equivalent Continuous Level (Leq) of 84 dB as measured at 50 feet from the noise source would attenuate to 78 dB Leq at 100 feet from the source and to 72 dB Leq at 200 feet from the source to the receptor. Based on the reference noise levels in Table 3.13-1, the noise levels generated by construction equipment at the Project site may reach a maximum of approximately 85 dB Leq at 50 feet during site excavation and construction.
1 “dB” is a weighted decibel measurement for assessing hearing risk and, therefore, is used by most regulatory compliance.

Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-60 City of Fortuna
City Policy HS-6 limits the hours of construction between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Planned construction hours are consistent with the City of Fortuna Policy HS‐6. City Policy HS-7 establishes construction noise standards that vary by land use (Table 3.13-1). Construction noise standards have been applied to the four sensitive receptors in proximity to the Project (Table 3.13-6) to evaluate consistency with City Policy HS-7.

Table 3.13-6 Estimated Construction Noise Levels at Sensitive Receptors Sensitive Receptor Proximity to
Construction
Estimated Max.

Noise Level (dB)
Consistent with City
General Plan Policy HS-7?
Fortuna Junior
Academy

0.15 east of east of the
eastern leg of Kenmar
Road
61dB Yes
New Life Christian
School

0.2 miles east of the
southern extent of
Project Area
58 dB Yes
Residence at 1325
Ross Hill Road
Approx. 400 feet east of
the southern extent of
Project Area
67dB Yes
Riverwalk Drive RV
Park
Adjacent to construction
on Riverwalk Drive
No (above the 70 dBA Lmax
limit)
The residential home approximately 400 ft east would experience approximately 67 dB. However, construction near the residence would be short-term in duration and, with BMP construction techniques, would be lower than the instantaneous maximum of 67 dB and consistent with the City’s established 65 dBA Lmax under Policy HS-7. Thus, the average noise level expected at the residential home would be lower than the instantaneous maximum of 67 dB and consistent with the City’s established 65 dBA Lmax under Policy HS-7.

Though the Riverwalk RV Park is zoned Freeway Commercial, with a max of 80 dBA Lmax, impact analysis applies the more conservative hotels, motels, transient lodging threshold 70 dBA Lmax due to the RV Park’s functional use. The Riverwalk RV Park is immediately adjacent to the Project Area; therefore, reference noises from Table 3.13-1 are not diminished by distance. These impacts are potentially significant to occupants of the Riverwalk RV Park nearest Riverwalk Drive and the US 101 southbound offramp during periods when construction is occurring near the property. To reduce this potential impact to a less than significant level, Mitigation Measure NOI-1 has been incorporated into the Project.

Mitigation
Implementation of Mitigation Measure NOI-1 would reduce the impact of construction activities to ensure noise does not inadvertently impact the public or the environment.

Mitigation Measure NOI-1: Reduce Construction Noise Levels The City and its contractor shall implement best management practices to reduce construction noise levels emanating from construction activities and minimize disruption and annoyance at the Riverwalk Drive RV Park. Specific measures that can be feasibly implemented to include, but are not limited to, the following:

Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-61 - Provide advance notice to nearby residents and those within the Riverwalk Drive RV Park within 250 feet prior to starting work, with information regarding anticipated schedule, hours of operation and a project contact person.
- Best available noise control practices (including mufflers, intake silencers, ducts, engine enclosures, and acoustically attenuating shields or shrouds) shall be used for equipment and trucks to minimize construction noise impacts.
- Stationary noise sources shall be located as far from sensitive noise receptors as feasible. If they must be located near receptors, adequate muffling (with enclosures where feasible and appropriate) shall be used. Enclosure openings or venting shall face away from sensitive noise receptors.
- Schedule work and deliveries to minimize noise-generating activities near the Riverwalk Drive RV Park.

With implementation of Mitigation Measure NOI-1, construction noise levels would be reduced to a lessthan-significant level.

Humboldt County
Short-term noise performance standards during daytime hours for Humboldt County range from a maximum of 65 dB – 85 dB, depending on the land use. Land uses are predominantly undeveloped agricultural areas adjacent to Riverwalk Drive, on the margin of the project boundary and US 10. Humboldt County provides exceptions to construction-related noise limits, which include the use of heavy machinery and tools used during construction of permitted structures when conforming to the terms of the approved permit (Humboldt County 2017). The Project would be fully permitted and would comply with terms of approved permits, including those that specifically address noise limitations. The Project would not conflict with Humboldt County’s General Plan Noise Element and a construction-related impact associated noise impact within the jurisdiction of the Humboldt County would not result. There would be no impact.

Operation
City of Fortuna
City Policy HS-4.7 allows the use of noise barriers only if all other practical design-related noise mitigation measure have been insufficient. The Project does not result in an operational noise impact. Therefore, a noise barrier is not required.

City Policy HS-4.8 requires strategies to lessen noise along arterial and collector roads through project design elements, such as buffers. The Project’s design does include an enhanced sidewalk between Riverwalk Drive and the Riverwalk Drive RV park. Additionally, operational noise near the Riverwalk Drive RV Park is expected to decrease due to a quieter, smoother roadway surface. The proposed roundabout would further decrease operational noise by reducing the amount of acceleration and braking associated with stopping, turning, and reaccelerating at the current intersection, including near Riverwalk Drive RV Park. Therefore, the Project is consistent with City Policy HS-4.8.

City Policy HS-7 establishes operational noise standards that vary by land use (Table 3.13-2). The Project would reduce operational noise as a result of a quieter, smoother roadway and reduced breaking / acceleration. Therefore, there Project is consistent with City Policy HS-7.

Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-62 Given the Project is consistent with the City’s operational noise-related General Plan policies and would not increase operational noise in the vicinity of sensitive receptors, any potential impact would be less than significant.

Humboldt County
The Humboldt County General Plan includes Policy N-S1, which specifies that the Land Use/Noise Compatibility Standards shall be used as a guide to ensure compatibility of land uses. Once the Project is constructed, users would not generate a significant amount of noise in excess County standards. Noise associated with the operation of the road would be generally consistent with the previous conditions, in fact the associated noise would be reduced due to the roundabouts limiting stop-and-go engine noise.

Therefore, Project operation would not result in noise levels exceeding the County’s noise standards for public right of way land uses and would not generate a substantial temporary, or permanent, increase in ambient noise levels in the vicinity of the Project. A less than significant impact would result. b) Result in generation of excessive groundborne vibration or noise levels? (Less Than Significant Impact)
The City and County have not established vibration limits to minimize the potential for cosmetic damage to buildings. However, Caltrans recommends a vibration limit of 0.5 inches/second peak particle velocity (PPV) for buildings structurally sound and designed to modern engineering standards, 0.3 inches/second PPV for buildings that are found to be structurally sound but where structural damage is a major concern, and a conservative limit of 0.08 inches/second PPV for ancient buildings or buildings that are documented to be structurally weakened. No known buildings that are documented to be structurally weakened or ancient adjoin the Project Area. Therefore, the 0.5 inches/second PPV limit would apply when considering the potential for groundborne vibration levels to result in a significant vibration impact.

The noise and vibration evaluation assessed typical vibration levels that could be expected from construction equipment at a distance of 25 feet, inclusive of required equipment and methods for all four potential construction options. Project construction activities, such as drilling, the use of jackhammers, and other high-power or vibratory tools, and rolling stock equipment (tracked vehicles, compactors, etc.) may generate substantial vibration in the immediate vicinity.

Table 3.13-7 presents typical vibration levels that could be expected from construction equipment at a distance of 25 feet (Caltrans 2020). High-power or vibratory tools and rolling stock equipment (e.g., tracked vehicles, compactors), may generate substantial vibration in the immediate vicinity. Vibratory rollers typically generate vibration levels of 0.210 inches/second PPV at a distance of 25 feet. Vibration levels are highest close to the source and attenuate with increasing distance. Vibration levels would vary depending on soil conditions, construction methods, and equipment used.

Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-63 Table 3.13-7 Typical vibration levels for construction equipment used during Project construction (Caltrans 2020).

Equipment Reference PPV at 25 ft. (in/sec)
Vibratory Roller 0.210
Large Bulldozer 0.089
Caisson drilling 0.089
Loaded trucks 0.076
Jackhammer 0.035
Small bulldozer 0.003
Crack-and-seat operations
(specific pavement rehabilitation process)

2.4 Project-related activities would not involve the use of explosives or other intensive construction techniques that could generate significant ground borne vibration or noise. The Project may also utilize a vibratory roller, large bulldozer, and jackhammer.

The proposed Project would comply with Fortuna General Plan Policy HS-6 and Humboldt County General Plan policy N-IM6, which requires limiting construction activity to specified daytime hours and regulate vibration sources.

Vibration impacts to residences are anticipated to be minor as the closest residences are located approximately 400 feet away from the Project Area. Minor vibration adjacent to mechanized equipment and road treatments during construction work would be generated only on a short-term basis. Therefore, groundborne vibration and noise would have a less than significant impact.

Following construction, operation of the Project would not result in groundborne vibration or groundborne noise consistent with current use. Project operation would not generate vibration, except in instances where larger repairs to the road might be required. These conditions would be short-term and temporary (taking from one to several weeks to complete depending on the extent of damage or other circumstances); therefore, no operational impact would result.

The proposed Project would comply with Fortuna General Plan Policy HS-6 and Humboldt County General Plan policy N-IM6, which requires limiting construction activity to specified daytime hours and regulate vibration sources
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 Area to excessive noise levels? (No Impact)
The nearest airport is the Rohnerville Airport (KFOT), which is located approximately 1.3 miles southeast from the Project Area. The KFOT is covered by the 2021 Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (ALUCP) prepared for the Humboldt County Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC) by ESA. The Project is not located within the ALUCP Noise Contours for KFOT (ESA 2021). Therefore, Project construction would not exacerbate existing airport noise. No impact would result.

Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-64

3.14 Population and Housing
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less-thanSignificant w/
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less-thanSignificant
Impact
No
Impact
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)?

b) Displace substantial numbers of existing people or
housing, necessitating the construction of
replacement housing elsewhere?

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)? (No Impact)
The key elements of the Project are the addition of the two roundabouts and the reconfiguration of the US 101 ramps to enhance traffic operations and safety. New shared use paths, and curb ramps would be constructed on the north side of Kenmar Road, providing improved pedestrian and bicycle safety and enhanced connectivity to the opposite side of US 101. The Park and Ride would also be reconfigured, though the total number of parking spaces would not be changed.

The project does not include the construction of new homes or businesses in the area. The project would not indirectly induce population growth because it would not extend infrastructure into new areas not already served by the communities of Fortuna. It would not result in the extension of utilities or roads or other infrastructure into outlying areas and would not directly or indirectly lead to the development of new sites that would induce population growth. In addition, implementation of the project would not result in a direct or indirect increase in employment opportunities that could lead to an increase in the local population.

No impact would result.
b) Displace substantial numbers of existing people or housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? (No Impact)
The proposed Project would not displace people or housing or otherwise effect housing because there is no housing located in the immediate vicinity of the Project Area and the Project does not include modification or construction of housing. No impact would result.

Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-65

3.15 Public Services
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less-thanSignificant w/
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less-thanSignificant
Impact
No
Impact
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:

Fire Protection? 
Police protection? 
Schools? 
Parks? 
Other public facilities? 
The Project would result in an overall benefit to public services by improving traffic safety for vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians within the Project Area.
a) Would the project 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 public services? (No Impact) While the Project would alter Kenmar Road with the addition of two roundabouts, such actions would not increase the need for additional public services in the Project Area. This would enhance public service capabilities in the surrounding area by enhancing connectivity and safety. The Project Area currently receives fire protection services from the Fortuna Volunteer Fire Department consistent with the rest of Fortuna. The Project would not result in the need to increase staffing, create new hazardous conditions, or result in a modification to the road system that would restrict access for emergency services. The Project would not result in an increase in student population, and therefore, no new or expanded schools would be required. The Project would not necessitate any related new or altered public service facilities. Overall, there would be no impact.

Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-66

3.16 Recreation
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less-thanSignificant w/
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less-thanSignificant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a) 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?

b) Include recreational facilities or require the
construction or expansion of recreational facilities,
which might have an adverse physical effect on the
environment?

Recreational facilities near the Project Area include the Riverwalk RV Park, Riverwalk Trail, and the Fortuna Dog Park.
a) 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? (Less Than Significant Impact)
The proposed Project would create new shared use paths to enhance safety for all transit, including pedestrian and bicycle. Any minimal increases in pedestrian and bicycle use would be attributed to a reduction in vehicle use due to the shared use paths increasing accessibility. The Fortuna Park and Ride, though not a recreational point itself, can be utilized for carpooling to recreation. The existing Fortuna Park and Ride would be reconfigured, though the total number of parking spaces would remain the same at 18.

The Fortuna Dog Park is an established park located near the northern terminus of the River Walk Trail and north of the Project. The Riverwalk RV Park, which hosts RV and tent camping, pool, spa, and a barbeque area, is directly adjacent to the Project; right-of-way acquisition of a small portion of the Riverwalk RV park would not affect or diminish use of the facility for recreational purposes. Because the Project would not increase residential uses in the vicinity of the Project, the Park and Ride, Fortuna Dog Park, River Walk Trail, and Riverwalk RV Park would not experience an increase in usage as a result of the Project. There would be a less than significant impact.
b) Include or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities, which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment? (No Impact) The construction or expansion of recreational facilities would not be required by the Project or included in the Project. There would be no impact.

Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-67

3.17 Transportation
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less-thanSignificant w/
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less-thanSignificant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a) Conflict with a program plan, ordinance or policy
addressing the circulation system, including transit,
roadway, bicycle and pedestrian facilities?

b) Conflict or be inconsistent with CEQA Guidelines
section 15064.3, subdivision (b)? 
c) Substantially increase hazards due to a geometric
design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous
intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm
equipment)?

d) Result in inadequate emergency access? 
The Project consists of the installation of two roundabouts and the installation of new shared use paths.

Both travel lanes of Kenmar Road on either side of US 101 would be realigned and widened as necessary to support the new roundabouts.
a) Conflict with a program plan, ordinance or policy addressing the circulation system, including transit, roadway, bicycle and pedestrian facilities? (No Impact) Transportation Ordinance Compatibility
City of Fortuna General Plan
Goal TC-1: Roadways & Highways
To develop a safe, convenient, and uncongested road network.

Policy TC‐1.1: Reducing Mode Conflicts.

The City shall seek to minimize conflicts between pedestrians, automobiles, and bicycles.

Policy TC‐1.3: Balanced Transportation System.

The City shall strive to meet the LOS standards through a balanced transportation system that provides alternatives to the automobile and by promoting pedestrian, bicycle, and transit connections between employment areas and major residential and commercial areas.

Goal TC-4: Pedestrian Facilities
To develop safe and pleasant pedestrian ways that provide recreation opportunities as well as alternatives to the automobile.

Program TC‐13:

The City shall create and maintain a comprehensive list of specific corridors throughout Fortuna in need of sidewalks. This list should include, but not be limited to:
– Kenmar Road from Fortuna Boulevard westerly to Riverwalk Drive; Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-68 – Riverwalk Drive easterly from existing improvements to Kenmar Road; Goal TC-5: Bicycle and Trail Facilities
To provide an interconnected and effective system of bikeways, bicycle parking facilities, and trails for people wishing to walk or bicycle for commuting and/or recreational trips.

Policy TC‐5.4: Bicyclists’ Needs. The City shall consider bicyclist needs in new roadways construction and existing roadway upgrades
Policy TC‐5.6 Bicycle and Pedestrian Linkages.

The City shall seek opportunities to strengthen and expand bicycle and pedestrian linkages across US 101.

The Project would install two roundabouts and new shared use paths for pedestrians and bicycles. These activities do not conflict with a circulation-related program plan, ordinance, or policy of the City of Fortuna.

In fact, they are in line with the City’s to develop pedestrian and bicycle connectivity on Kenmar Road.

Humboldt County General Plan:

Policy C-P5. Level of Service Criteria.

The County shall strive to maintain Level of Service C operation on all roadway segments and intersections, except for US 101, where Level of Service D shall be acceptable. Level of Service improvements for automobiles should not adversely affect Level of Service and/or Quality of Service for other modes of transportation, if possible.

Policy C-P17. Highway Improvements.

Encourage state and federal highway improvements that promote safety and connectivity for all users, especially for communities with highway arterials. The County supports a strategy for safety and operational improvements to the US 101 Safety Corridor that is implemented in a manner consistent with the General Plan.

The existing northbound and southbound off-ramps and on-ramps would be realigned to support the new roundabout configuration proposed for either side of US 101. These activities do not conflict with any of the goals or policies contained in the Humboldt County General Plan Circulation Element. In addition, the Humboldt County Association of Governments regional bike plan lists Kenmar Road as a proposed Class II bike path, and the Project would not conflict with this.

The Project Area would be accessed via Riverwalk Drive, Kenmar Road, and US 101. Temporary detours roads and temporary traffic control would be required throughout construction which would follow City and Caltrans requirements for temporary roadway closures, including signage and public noticing. No impact would occur.
b) Conflict or be inconsistent with CEQA Guidelines § 15064.3, subdivision (b)? (Less Than Significant Impact)
Pursuant to SB 743 and the current CEQA Guidelines, evaluation of a project's potential transportation impact requires consideration of vehicle miles traveled (VMT), which refers to the amount and distance of automobile travel attributable to a project. Section 15064.3, subdivision (b), of the CEQA Guidelines lists the criteria for analyzing transportation impacts from proposed projects. The criteria are broken into four categories, including land use projects, transportation projects, qualitative analysis, and methodology.

Transportation projects that reduce, or have no impact on, VMT should be presumed to cause a less than Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-69 significant transportation impact. This section was recently added by the state legislature in an attempt to separate CEQA’s purpose and role from traffic or other issues related to ease of use of single occupancy vehicles.

Examples of projects that result in the potential to increase VMT include:
– Changes in land use
– Expanded roadways (e.g., new roads, additional lanes) – Private development
– Expanded public service facilities, such as new police stations, new fire stations, or new administrative buildings
– Residential development, such as a new sub-division
The proposed Project includes none of the above listed elements, as it would be installing two roundabouts to the existing roadway and does not include any component that could be characterized as resulting in a potential increase to VMT. Per the California Office of Planning and Research’s guidelines for evaluating transportation impacts in CEQA, for roadway capacity projects, agencies have discretion to determine the appropriate measure of transportation impact consistent with CEQA and other applicable requirements (OPR 2019).

Other applicable considerations in the OPR guidance note the criteria for determining the significance to transportation impacts must promote the development of multimodal transportation networks. This Project would restore access to safe pedestrian use, including walking a biking, by repairing the road and road shoulder.

Because the proposed Project would not increase the length of roadway, add new roadways, or increase the number of travel lanes outside of historic conditions, there would be no increase in VMT. The impact would be less than significant.
c) Substantially increase hazards due to a geometric design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment)? (No Impact) The Project would change the geometry of the of the existing northbound and southbound off-ramps and on-ramps of US 101 to support the new roundabout configuration proposed. The geometry along Kenmar Road would also be minimally adjusted for the two roundabouts. These adjustments would minimize sharp curves entering the roundabouts and would enhance safety within the Project Area.

The Project is being designed in accordance with the Caltrans Highway Design Manual, 7th Edition (2020) and the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Report 672 entitled “Roundabouts: An Information Guide, 2nd Edition”. In addition, the Project would be designed in accordance with other specific applicable standards, including the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (Caltrans 2021); the 2010 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards for Accessible Design; the 2019 California Building Code and portions of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets, 7th Edition (2018). No impact would result.

Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-70 d) Result in inadequate emergency access? (Less Than Significant with Mitigation) The Project would involve modification to Kenmar road, a principal arterial road within the City of Fortuna (City of Fortuna 2010). Principal Arterial roadways emphasize mobility with limited access. These include freeways, expressways, and those arterials specifically designed to provide a high level of mobility with limited access to adjoining properties. Emergency access to the Project Area already exists and would continue to exist under the proposed Project during both construction and operation. Temporary detours would be required throughout construction which would follow City and Caltrans requirements for temporary roadway closures, including signage and public noticing. Construction would be phased in order to maintain local access to US 101, though lane and/or roadway closures could result in delays for emergency response vehicles.

Since the Project Area is already served by emergency and law enforcement personnel, the proposed Project would not slow or hinder emergency response, would not require additional emergency services, though emergency access though lane and/or roadway closures could result in delays during construction.

Following construction, the surrounding area would continue to have emergency access. No operational impact on emergency access would result. The construction impact could be potentially significant.

Mitigation Measure TR-1 has been incorporated into the Project to reduce the potential impact to emergency access to a less than significant level.

Mitigation
Mitigation Measure TR-1 would reduce the temporary impact of construction activities on emergency access to a less than significant level by requiring the City and its contractors to have ready at all times the means necessary to accommodate access by emergency vehicles, as well as to notify emergency responders in advance of construction activities.

Mitigation Measure TR-1: Maintain Emergency Access and Notify Emergency Responders
The City shall require contractors to provide adequate emergency access to all properties along the corridor during the construction process. At locations where the access to a nearby property is temporarily blocked, the contractor shall be required to have ready the means necessary to accommodate access by emergency vehicles to such properties, such as plating over excavations.

As construction progresses, emergency providers shall be notified in advance of the timing, location, and duration of construction activities and the locations and durations of any temporary lane closures.

With implementation of Mitigation Measure TR-1, any potential impact to emergency access during construction would be less than significant.

Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-71

3.18 Tribal Cultural Resources
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less-thanSignificant w/
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less-thanSignificant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of a tribal cultural resource listed or
eligible for listing in the California Register of
Historic Resources, or in a local register of historic
resources as defined in Public Resources Code
section 5020.1(k)?

b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of a tribal cultural resource that is a
resource determined by the lead agency, in its
discretion and supported by substantial evidence,
to be significant pursuant to the criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of the Public Resources Code
section 5024.1? In applying the criteria set forth in
subdivision (c) of the Public Resources Code
section 5024.1, the lead agency shall consider the
significance of the resource to a California Native
American Tribe.

a, b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a tribal cultural resource? (Less Than Significant with Mitigation)
CEQA requires lead agencies to determine if a proposed Project would have a significant effect on tribal cultural resources. The CEQA Guidelines define tribal cultural resources as: (1) a site, feature, place, cultural landscape, sacred place, or object with cultural value to a California Native American Tribe that is listed or eligible for listing on the California Register of Historical Resources, or on a local register of historical resources as defined in Public Resources Code Section 5020.1(k); or (2) a resource determined by the lead agency, in its discretion and supported by substantial evidence, to be significant according to the historical register criteria in Public Resources Code Section 5024.1(c), and considering the significance of the resource to a California Native American tribe.

Under Assembly Bill (AB) 52, notification letters were sent to the Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria and the Wiyot Tribe on June 24, 2022. The Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria responded on July 8, 2022, with a request to have a cultural monitor on-site during the ground disturbing activities of this project, within 1,000 ft of recorded resources. No specific tribal cultural resources were identified within the APE, but the area is known to be culturally sensitive (DZC 2022b), resulting in a potentially significant impact to tribal cultural resources. Implementation of Mitigation Measures CR-1, CR2, and CR-3 (see Section 3.5 – Cultural Resources) would reduce the potential impact to tribal cultural resources to a less than significant level.

Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-72

3.19 Utilities and Service Systems
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less-thanSignificant w/
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less-thanSignificant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a) Require or result in the relocation or construction
of new or expanded water, wastewater treatment
or storm water drainage, electrical power, natural
gas, or telecommunications facilities, the
construction or relocation of which could cause
significant environmental effects?

b) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve
the project and reasonably foreseeable future
development during normal, dry and multiple dry
years?

c) Result in a determination by the wastewater
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?

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?

e) Comply with federal, state, and local management
and reduction statutes and regulations related to
solid waste?

a) Require or result in the relocation or construction of new or expanded water, wastewater treatment or storm water drainage, electrical power, natural gas, or telecommunications facilities, the construction or relocation of which could cause significant environmental effects? (Less than Significant Impact)
The following is a preliminary list of utilities within the construction limits:
– Natural Gas
– Overhead and Underground Electric
– Overhead and Underground Communications
– Potable Water
– Storm Drainage
The project involves the installation of two roundabouts on Kenmar Road. Both travel lanes of Kenmar Road on either side of US 101 would be realigned and widened as necessary to support the new roundabouts. This would require relocations of both above and below ground utilities that conflict with work.

This Project does not involve the construction of new water, electrical, natural gas, or telecommunications infrastructure/facilities. A less than significant result would occur.

Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-73 b) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the Project and reasonably foreseeable future development during normal, dry and multiple dry years? (No Impact) The proposed Project would not create an increased demand for domestic water service. The Project would require relatively small quantities of water during the construction phase (e.g., for dust control and concrete/asphalt applications). The Project’s water demands would not be substantial and can be met by existing entitlements and resources. The Project would not induce population growth or result in land uses that would increase demand for water supplies. Therefore, the Project would not result in the need for the construction of new water facilities, or the expansion of existing facilities. No impact would result. c) Result in a determination by the wastewater 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? (Less than Significant Impact) The Project does not involve sewerage facilities or wastewater treatment and would not result in a demand increase on existing wastewater treatment capacity. The project would potentially require minor relocations of existing municipal sewerage covers to final grade during construction, but it would not significantly impact existing municipal sewerage infrastructure. A less than significant impact would result. d, e) 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? (Less Than Significant)
The solid waste providers in the area are Recology Eel River (Recology) and the Humboldt Waste Management Authority (HWMA). The Project is not expected to generate a significant increase of services for solid waste disposal needs. The proposed Project would generate limited solid waste during construction and no waste during operation. Construction solid waste would include the one-time temporary generation of construction waste associated with the proposed construction. Excess soils, aggregate road base, RSP, and construction materials would be stored within designated staging areas. Excess materials may be re-used on site for backfill and finished grading. Excess materials would not be stockpiled on-site once the project is complete. The contractor would haul additional excess materials off site for beneficial reuse, recycling, or legal disposal. Solid waste collected as a part of the Project would be disposed of via Recology or HWMA. Solid waste produced in the County is trucked to State licensed landfills located in Anderson, California and Medford, Oregon in compliance with local, State, and federal regulations pertaining to solid waste disposal. These facilities have sufficient capacity to serve the Project’s solid waste disposal needs; therefore, a less than significant impact is anticipated Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-74

3.20 Wildfire
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less-thanSignificant w/
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less-thanSignificant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a) Substantially impair an adopted emergency
response plan or emergency evacuation plan? 
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?

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?

d) Expose people or structures to significant risks,
including downslope or downstream flooding or
landslides as a result of runoff, post-fire slop
instability, or drainage changes?

This section evaluates potential impacts related to wildfire risk; no portion of the Project Area is located within or near a State Responsibility Area (SRA) where Cal Fire is the primary emergency response agency responsible for fire suppression and prevention. The Project is located approximately 0.9 mile from the nearest SRA. Therefore, the CEQA Guidelines Appendix G Checklist section for wildfire is not applicable to the Project, but the section below is provided for additional context. The Project is located within a Local Responsibility Area (LRA) rated as either unzoned or moderate Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) (Humboldt County 2022e, CAL FIRE 2007). There are no very high fire hazard severity zones within the LRA. Fortuna Volunteer Fire Department serves the Project Area located within the LRA. The nearest land classified as a very high fire hazard severity zone is approximately 1 mile east of the Project Area (CAL FIRE 2007).

The closest fire station to the Project Area is the Campton Heights Station located approximately 0.8 mile southeast of the Project, and the Fortuna Fire Station located approximately 1.0 mile north. a) Substantially impair an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan (No Impact)
A review of the Humboldt County EOP (Humboldt County 2015) and the Tsunami Inundation Map for Emergency Planning – County of Humboldt (CGS 2021) indicates that the Project would not permanently impair emergency response activities nor established evacuation routes. The Project operation would not impair implementation or physically interfere with an established emergency response or evacuation plan; see Section 3.9 (Hazards and Hazardous Materials, Impact (f)) for discussion of the Project’s effect on emergency response and evacuation plans.) Once constructed, the Project would enhance transportation safety along Kenmar Road, thus emergency response or evacuation would not be impeded. The Project Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-75 would not permanently impede access to any existing roads or pedestrian ways within the Project Area. No impact would result.
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? (Less than Significant Impact)
The Project Area includes topography that is relatively flat and where windy conditions are common. Fire ignition risk associated with construction activities is low and limited to accidental ignition associated with a potential heavy machinery-related incident. The majority of work is planned to occur within paved areas, further reducing the potential for fire ignition. The Project would not otherwise increase exposure to wildlife fire above existing conditions. The impact would be less than significant. 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? (No Impact) Development of the Project would not result in a need to expand infrastructure to the Project Area or in the immediate vicinity of the Project. New roads for fire defense, expanded water sources, or new power lines would not be required. No impact would result.
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? (Less than Significant Impact)
Project construction would not expose people or structures to significant risk. The Project is located in the low-lying, generally flat developed lands adjacent to the Eel River. The immediate Project Area is not forested, although some vegetation is present. Fire ignition risk associated with construction activities is low. Because the Project is located in flat lands and due to low fire ignition risk, the risk of flooding or landslides associated with post-fire slope instability or changes in drainage is low. The impact is less than significant.

Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-76

3.21 Mandatory Findings of Significance
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less-thanSignificant w/
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less-thanSignificant
Impact
No
Impact
Does the project:
a) 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?

b) 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)?

c) Have environmental effects which would cause
substantial adverse effects on human beings,
either directly or indirectly?

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? (Less Than Significant with Mitigation)
As evaluated in this IS/MND, the Project would not 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; reduce the number or restrict the range of an endangered, rare, or threatened species; or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory
Mitigation measures are listed herein to reduce impacts related to Air Quality, Biological resources, Cultural Resources, Energy Resources, Geology and Soils, Hazards and Hazardous Materials, Hydrology and Water Quality, Noise, Transportation, and Tribal Cultural Resources. With implementation of the required mitigation measures, impacts would be less than significant. b) Does the Project have impacts that are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable? (“Cumulatively considerable” means that the incremental effects of a Project are Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-77 considerable when viewed in connection with the effects of past Projects, the effects of other current Projects, and the effects of probable future Projects)? (Less than Significant) Cumulative impacts are defined as “two or more individual effects which, when considered together, are considerable or which compound or increase other environmental impacts” (CEQA Guidelines § 15355).

Cumulative impacts can result from individually minor but collectively significant actions taking place over a period of time.

Table 3.21-1 provides a list of past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future projects within and near the Project Area, including their anticipated construction schedules (if known). Efforts to identify cumulative projects included outreach to the Humboldt County Planning and Building Department, Humboldt County Department of Public Works, Caltrans, and the City of Fortuna.

Table 3.21-1 Cumulative Projects Summary
Agency Project Construction Year In-Water Work?
Caltrans Construct Materials Lab 2023 No
Caltrans Fortuna Median Paving/Fortuna
Median Roadside Safety Project
2026 No
Caltrans Rehabilitate Drainage/HUM-101
Drainage North
2026 No
Caltrans Fortuna Maintenance Station
Crane/Hoist
Not programmed for
construction
No
City of Fortuna Secondary Entry to Old Mill Site Long-term future No City of Fortuna Expired Approved Subdivision for 39
Homes on 23 acres
Unknown No
City of Fortuna Generator Repair Shop in Commercial
Zone
TBD, Building Permit
Pending
No
City of Fortuna Brewery Expansion in Commercial
Zone
Unknown No
The impacts associated with the proposed Project analyzed in this IS/MND would not add appreciably to any existing or foreseeable future significant cumulative impact, such as visual quality, cultural resources, biological, traffic impacts, or air quality degradation. Incremental impacts, if any, would be negligible and undetectable. Any applicable cumulative impacts to which this Project would contribute would be mitigated to a less-than-significant level. Incremental impacts, if any, would be very small, and the cumulative impact would be less than significant. Because the proposed Project would not result in significant impacts after mitigation, and because the proposed Project is a road repair rather than a development project that could add to existing and future population growth and development in the area, the proposed Project would not contribute to any significant cumulative impacts which may occur in the area in the future. Therefore, the impact would be less than significant.

Environmental Analysis
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 3-78 c) Does the Project have environmental effects which would cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly? (Less Than Significant) The Project has been planned and designed to avoid significant environmental impacts. As discussed in the analysis throughout Section 3 of this IS/MND, the Project would not have environmental effects that would cause substantial adverse direct or indirect effects on human beings. The impact would be less than significant.

Report Preparers
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 4-1

4. References
Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD). 202217. Justification Report: CEQA Thresholds for Evaluating the Significance of Climate Impacts From Land Use Projects and Plans. Accessed August 2022. Available at https://www.baaqmd.gov/plans-and-climate/california-environmentalquality-act-ceqa/updated-ceqa-guidelines California Environmental Quality Act Air Quality Guidelines.

California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG). 2004. Stream Inventory Report: Strongs Creek. State of California, Natural Resources Agency, Department of Fish and Game, Fortuna, California, USA.

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). 2007. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). 2007. Humboldt County Draft Fire Hazard Severity Zones in LRA.

California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC). 2022. EnviroStor Hazardous Waste and Substances Site List (Cortese). Accessed: June 2022. https://www.envirostor.dtsc.ca.gov California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). 2019. State Scenic Highway List. Available online:
https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/design/documents/2017-03desigandeligiblea11y.xlsx California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). 2020. Transportation and Construction Vibration Guidance Manual.

California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). 2020a. Highway Design Manual, 7th Edition.

California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). 2021. California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD) 2014 Edition Revision 6.

California Geological Survey (CGS). 2022. Earthquake Zones of Required Investigation. Accessed: July 2022. https://maps.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/EQZApp/app/
City of Fortuna. 2010. General Plan.

Department of Water Resources (DWR). 2004. Department of Water Resources Bulletin 118 Alluvial Groundwater Basins/Subbasins Humboldt County, California. Eel River Valley Groundwater Basin.

DZC Archaeology & Cultural Resource Consulting, LLC (DZC). 2022a. Historic Property Survey Report for the Kenmar Road and Highway 101 Interchange PA & ED Project. Arcata, Ca. CONFIDENTIAL.

DZC Archaeology & Cultural Resource Consulting, LLC (DZC). 2022b. Archaeological Survey Report for the Kenmar Road and Highway 101 Interchange PA & ED Project. Arcata, Ca. CONFIDENTIAL.

ESA. 2021. Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan. Prepared for the Humboldt County Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC). https://humboldtgov.org/DocumentCenter/View/95080/2021-Airport-Land-UseCompatibility-Plan-adopted-04132021-33-MB.

GHD Inc. (GHD). 2022. US101 at Kenmar Road Interchange Initial Site Assessment. Prepared for the City of Fortuna. GHD, Eureka, California, USA.

Humboldt County. 2014. Eel River Area Local Coastal Plan.

Humboldt County. 2015. Emergency Operations Plan, Humboldt Operational Area. Humboldt County, CA https://humboldtgov.org/DocumentCenter/View/51861/Humboldt-County-Emergency-OperationsPlan-2015 Report Preparers
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 4-2 Humboldt County. 2017. Humboldt County General Plan.

Humboldt County. 2022a. Humboldt County WebGIS. Layers Accessed: Current General Plan Land Use.

Accessed: June 2022. https://webgis.co.humboldt.ca.us/HCEGIS2.0/ Humboldt County. 2022b. Humboldt County WebGIS. Layers Accessed: Prime Agricultural Soils. Accessed:

June 2022. https://webgis.co.humboldt.ca.us/HCEGIS2.0/
Humboldt County. 2022c. Humboldt County WebGIS. Layers Accessed: Area of Potential Liquefaction.

Accessed: June 2022. https://webgis.co.humboldt.ca.us/HCEGIS2.0/ Humboldt County. 2022d. Humboldt County WebGIS. Layers Accessed: Tsunami Hazard Area. Accessed:

June 2022. https://webgis.co.humboldt.ca.us/HCEGIS2.0/
Humboldt County. 2022e. Humboldt County WebGIS. Layers Accessed: Fire Hazard Severity. Accessed:

June 2022. https://webgis.co.humboldt.ca.us/HCEGIS2.0/
Humboldt County. 2022f. Humboldt County WebGIS. Layers Accessed: Williamson AG Preserves.

Accessed: June 2022. https://webgis.co.humboldt.ca.us/HCEGIS2.0/ Humboldt County. 2022g. Humboldt County WebGIS. Layers Accessed: Coastal Zone Boundary.

Accessed: October 2022. https://webgis.co.humboldt.ca.us/HCEGIS2.0/ NCUAMCD. 2022. NCUAQCMD “Planning and CEQA” website. https://www.ncuaqmd.org/planning-ceqa Office of Planning and Research (OPR). 2019. Technical Advisory on Evaluating Transportation Impacts in CEQA. December. Available online at: https://opr.ca.gov/docs/20190122- 743_Technical_Advisory.pdf
Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District. (SMAQMD) 2021. SMAQMD Thresholds of Significance Table. Accessed August 2022. Available at https://www.airquality.org/residents/ceqaland-use-planning/ceqa-guidance-tools State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). 2022. GeoTracker. Accessed: July 2022. https://geotracker.waterboards.ca.gov/map/
Report Preparers
GHD | City of Fortuna | 11214735 | Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project 5-3

5. Report Preparers

5.1 City of Fortuna
Merritt Perry, City Manager
Brendan Byrd, Deputy City Engineer

5.2 GHD
Andrea Hilton, Environmental Planner
Misha Schwarz, Senior Scientist
Christian Hernandez, Environmental Scientist
Sam Moose, Environmental Scientist
Kolby Lundgren, Botanist

5.3 Sub-consultants
DZC Archaeology & Cultural Resource Management
Dimitra Zalarvis-Chase, Principal Investigator Historical & Prehistoric Archaeology Kelly Hollreiser, Archaeologist
Appendices
City of Fortuna Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project This document is in draft form. The contents, including any opinions, conclusions or recommendations contained in, or which may be implied from, this draft document must not be relied upon. GHD reserves the right, at any time, without notice, to modify or retract any part or all of the draft document. To the maximum extent permitted by law, GHD disclaims any responsibility or liability arising from or in connection with this draft document.

Appendices
Appendices
City of Fortuna Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project This document is in draft form. The contents, including any opinions, conclusions or recommendations contained in, or which may be implied from, this draft document must not be relied upon. GHD reserves the right, at any time, without notice, to modify or retract any part or all of the draft document. To the maximum extent permitted by law, GHD disclaims any responsibility or liability arising from or in connection with this draft document.

Appendix A
Figures
Figure 1 Vicinity Map
Figure 2 Project Overview
Figure 3 Off-Site Mitigation
Paper Size ANSI A
500 1,000 1,500
Feet
Map Projection: Lambert Conformal Conic
Horizontal Datum: NorthAmencan 1983
Grid: NAD 1983 StatePiane California I FIPS 0401 Feet
N
$ \~\EIXeka Proj8cts\5611 4735\G S\Maps\OeltVer'ables\ 12 4735 CE!l'I\ 11 21 735 QA~ • 11214735_01_'/icftty Pril1 date: 16 Sep 2022- 17:24
City of Fortuna
Kenmar Road/ US 1011nterchange Project mii
§ it
Sep 2022
Vicinity Map
Project No.

Revision No.

Date
11214735
FIGURE 1 Data source: W::rid Imagery (Ciari1y): Ttlsw:xt.Giicensed IK'defthe Esti Master Uc:enseAgeemeot.IIWMSI..mmai)'IVteNTermsol UseExport: Thislayef is notlntindetJ lObe used to export ties for oft'lile. Data Collection ~ 8iting: This tayer may be used il varioosArcGIS apps to stWOJt data c::olectKw1 and e<itl)g, \Wh h resultS used ilterrliity 01 Shaled witt'~ Ohfs, as desaibed fcc these use cases.; transpOI'Iatoo: USGS The National Map: Nabonal Transportation Dataset U.S. Census Bureau- TIGERI\.Ine; U.S. Forest Ser.ice. Data Refreshed -Uy, 2022.; Road Names: Esri Comm.Jnrty MapsCootribUiofs, Paper Size ANSI A
50 100 150 200 250
US Feet
Map Projection: Lambert ConfOflTlal Con1c
Horizontal Datum: North American 1983
Gnd: NAD 1983 StatePiane California I FIPS 0401 Feet
<a:li § it
c:::J Project
Boundary
I2S2S2l Colorized Concrete
Pavement
Vegetation
c:::J Sidewalk/ SUP
City of Fortuna Ken mar Road/ US 101 Interchange
Project Overview
- Asphalt Concrete
Yellow Road Stripe
- RSP
-~
Stom Drain Pipe
Drainage Inlets
Manhole
Project No. 11214735
Revision No. -
Date September 2022
FIGURE 1 \\ghmet\gld\US\Eureka'Projects\5(i1\11214735l.GIS\Maps'Velivefable-s\11214735_CEQA\11214735_CEQA.aprx Data scuce. Wortj lmagety(Clarity). TlVs wort. IS licensed under he Esri Master LkenseA!JeementViewSoownary IView Tef'IT"5of UseExport. Tlis layeres not inended to be usedtoexp:lrttiles lor Pool: date: 20 Sep 2022 · 10:34 omM. Data Collectoo aod EdiWlg: This ~er may be used il vanousArcGlS apps to s~ data colection and e<!Mg, 'Nih lhe restAts used iltemally Of shared 'Mth ~.as desal>ed for these use cases Wort! Hlshade: Solrces: Esri, Aittls OS, USGS, NGA. NASA, CGIAR, N Robinsoo, NCEAS, NLS, OS, NMA, Geodatas!)'rel:sen, Rijkswaterstaat, GSA, Gedand, FEMA, ntermap aod the GIS user COOll1'llRt)' Cfeatedby:Jopez4
Paper SIZe ANSI A
150 300 450 600
Feet
Map Pro)ect<m: Lambert Conformal Conic
Honzontal Datum: North American 1983
Gnd: NAD 1983 StalePiane Cal1forma I FIPS 0401 Feet
\'ghdneC\ghd'I S\Eureka\Profeds\561\ 11214735\GIS~aps\Oett'erables\1 4735 CEQA\ 214735 CEOAaprK Prmt date: 15 Nov 2022· 17:00
la:l1
§ f1
Potential MitigiationMill Site (Approx.
452,740 sqft)
Parcels
Creeks
Potential MitigiationNewburg Park
Expansion Area
(Approx. 2,060 sqft)
c::::J Parcels
City of Fortuna
Kenmar Road/ US 101 Interchange
Potential Locations for
Project No. 11214735
Revision No.

Date Nov 2022
Off-Site Mitigation FIGURE 3 Data sourte: WO!kl lmagefy (Oanty): ThiS wed iS liCensed under the Esti Master l.kenseAgreemeni.ViewSUmmart 1 View Terms cA UseExport: ThiS layer iS not ilteoood to be used to export tiles lor otfWle. Data COIJeclion and E*'9· ThJs layer may be used in various ArcGIS apps to support data colecbon and edrtng, vrith the resultsusediltemally or sharedwithotllers,asdescribedloctheseusecases.

World_ Transportation: Esri.I£RE, GeoTedloologies, loc.

World H~: Sources: Esti, Allbus OS, USGS, NOA, NASA, CGIAR, N Robinson, NCEAS. NLS, OS, NMA. Geodatastyrelsen, Rijkswatl!f'Staat, GSA, Geoland, FEMA, lfltermap and lt\e GIS user communi!)'. Created by· jfopez4 Appendices
City of Fortuna Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project This document is in draft form. The contents, including any opinions, conclusions or recommendations contained in, or which may be implied from, this draft document must not be relied upon. GHD reserves the right, at any time, without notice, to modify or retract any part or all of the draft document. To the maximum extent permitted by law, GHD disclaims any responsibility or liability arising from or in connection with this draft document.

Appendix B
Mitigation, Monitoring, and Reporting
Program
City of Fortuna - Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project | Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program 1 Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
City of Fortuna - Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project SCH No. To be assigned
Environmental Protections Actions (EPA) and Mitigation Measures (MM) Monitoring Responsibility Monitoring/Reporting Action & Schedule
Verification
(Initials/Date)
EPA 1 – Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)
The Project will obtain coverage under State Water Resources Control Board (Water Board) Construction General Permit associated with construction. The lead agency for construction will submit permit registration documents (notice of intent, risk assessment, site maps, SWPPP, annual fee, and certifications) to the Water Board. The SWPPP will address pollutant sources, best management practices, and other requirements specified in the Order. The SWPPP will include erosion and sediment control measures, and dust control practices to prevent wind erosion, sediment tracking, and dust generation by construction equipment. A Qualified SWPPP Practitioner will oversee implementation of the Project SWPPP, including visual inspections, sampling and analysis, and ensuring overall compliance.

City’s contractor, to be verified
by a SWPPP practitioner
Performance criteria – North
Coast Regional Water
Quality Control Board and
City standards
Reporting actions – As
required by the state permit
Schedule - During project
construction activities,
including work and non-work
times
Air Quality
MM AQ-1: BMPs to Reduce Air Pollution
The contractor shall implement the following BMPs during construction:
– Disturbed surfaces (e.g., staging areas, soil piles, active graded areas, excavations, and unpaved access roads) shall be watered as needed for dust suppression. – All visible mud or dirt track-out onto adjacent public roads shall be removed using street sweepers at least once per day, or as needed to alleviate dust and debris on the roadway. – All vehicle speeds on unpaved roads shall be limited to 15 miles per hour, unless the unpaved road surface has been treated for dust suppression with water, rock, wood chip mulch, or other dust prevention measures.
– All areas to be paved shall be completed as soon as practical. – Idling times shall be minimized either by shutting equipment off when not in use or reducing the maximum idling time to five minutes.

City and City’s contractor Performance criteria – North Coast Unified Air Quality
Management District
standards
Reporting actions – Verify
requirements are included in
final plans and specifications
Schedule – During
construction, check jobsite
compliance as necessary
City of Fortuna - Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project | Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program 2 Environmental Protections Actions (EPA) and Mitigation Measures (MM) Monitoring Responsibility Monitoring/Reporting Action & Schedule
Verification
(Initials/Date)
Biological Resources
MM BIO-1: Mitigation Measure BIO-1: Protect Special Status Amphibians and Reptiles
No more than one week prior to commencement of ground disturbance within 50 feet of mapped wetlands, riparian habitat associated with Mill Creek, and Sensitive Natural Communities within the Project Area, a qualified biologist shall perform a pre-construction survey and shall relocate any individuals of Northern Red-legged Frog, Yellow-legged Frog, or Western Pond Turtle or egg masses of Northern Red-legged Frog that occur within the work-impact zone to nearby suitable habitat.

In the event that a Northern Red-legged Frog, Yellow-legged Frog, or Western Pond Turtle is observed in an active construction zone, the contractor shall halt construction activities in the area where observed and the frogs or turtles shall be moved to a safe location in similar habitat outside of the construction zone.

City and City’s biologist and
contractor
Performance criteria –
California Department of Fish
and Wildlife (CDFW)
standards
Reporting actions – Verify
requirements are in final
specifications; verify
completion and
documentation of surveys, if
necessary
Schedule – Pre-construction
and during construction;
verify applicable protection
measures are implemented
MM BIO-2: Protect Special Status, Migratory, and Nesting Birds Ground disturbance and vegetation clearing shall be conducted, if possible, during the fall and/or winter months and outside of the avian nesting season (March 15 – August 15) to avoid any direct effects to special status and protected birds. If ground disturbance cannot be confined to work outside of the nesting season, a qualified biologist shall conduct preconstruction surveys within the vicinity of the Project Area, to check for nesting activity of native birds and to evaluate the site for presence of raptors and special status bird species.

The biologist shall conduct at minimum a one-day pre-construction survey within the 7-day period prior to vegetation removal and ground-disturbing activities. If ground disturbance and vegetation removal work lapses for seven days or longer during the breeding season, a qualified biologist shall conduct a supplemental avian pre-construction survey before Project work is reinitiated.

If active nests are detected within the construction footprint or within the construction buffer established by the Project biologist, the biologist shall flag a buffer around each nest.

Construction activities shall avoid nest sites until the biologist determines that the young have fledged, or nesting activity has ceased. If nests are documented outside of the construction (disturbance) footprint, but within the construction buffer, nest buffers will be implemented as needed. In general, the buffer size for common species will be determined on a case-by-case basis in consultation with CDFW. Buffer sizes will take into account factors such as (1) noise and human disturbance levels at the construction site at the time of the survey and the noise and disturbance expected during the construction activity; (2) City and City’s biologist and
contractor
Performance criteria –
California Department of Fish
and Wildlife (CDFW)
standards
Reporting actions – Verify
that protection and
avoidance measures are in
final specifications; verify
completion and
documentation of surveys, if
necessary
Schedule – Pre-construction
and during construction;
verify applicable disturbance
buffers and protection
measures are implemented
City of Fortuna - Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project | Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program 3 Environmental Protections Actions (EPA) and Mitigation Measures (MM) Monitoring Responsibility Monitoring/Reporting Action & Schedule
Verification
(Initials/Date)
distance and amount of vegetation or other screening between the construction site and the nest; and (3) sensitivity of individual nesting species and behaviors of the nesting birds.

If active nests are detected during the survey, the qualified biologist shall monitor all nests at least once per week to determine whether birds are being disturbed. Activities that might, in the opinion of the qualified biologist, disturb nesting activities (e.g., excessive noise), shall be prohibited within the buffer zone until such a determination is made. If signs of disturbance or distress are observed, the qualified biologist shall immediately implement adaptive measures to reduce disturbance. These measures may include, but are not limited to, increasing buffer size, halting disruptive construction activities in the vicinity of the nest until fledging is confirmed or nesting activity has ceased, placement of visual screens or sound dampening structures between the nest and construction activity, reducing speed limits, replacing and updating noisy equipment, queuing trucks to distribute idling noise, locating vehicle access points and loading and shipping facilities away from noise-sensitive receptors, reducing the number of noisy construction activities occurring simultaneously, and/or reorienting and/or relocating construction equipment to minimize noise at noisesensitive receptors.

MM BIO-3: Compensatory Mitigation for Sensitive Natural Communities Construction within mapped Sensitive Natural Communities (Shining willow groves) shall be avoided to the greatest extent practicable. If impacts are unavoidable and Shining willow groves are removed or detrimentally impacted, mitigation will occur at a minimum ratio of 1:1. A Mitigation and Monitoring Plan shall be prepared in coordination with State resource agencies. Onsite locations for wetland mitigation shall be prioritized. If suitable locations for onsite mitigation is not sufficiently available, offsite mitigation shall occur at locations identified in Figure 3
The Plan shall be acceptable to State agencies with jurisdiction and include the following elements: proposed mitigation ratios; description and size of the restoration or compensatory area; site preparation and design; plant species; planting design and techniques; maintenance activities; plant storage; irrigation requirements; success criteria; monitoring schedule; and remedial measures. The ratio and conditions of mitigation will be negotiated in consultation with the City and State resource agencies with jurisdiction over sensitive natural communities. The Plan shall be implemented by the City.

City and City’s contractor Performance criteria –
California Department of Fish
and Wildlife (CDFW)
standards
Reporting actions –
Completion and
documentation of surveys, if
necessary
Schedule – Pre-construction
and during construction;
verify applicable disturbance
buffers and protection
measures are implemented
MM BIO-4: Avoidance and Minimization Measures to Protect Juxtaposed Wetlands The City shall implement the following avoidance and protection measures for Waters of the United States and Waters of the State adjacent to areas of planned disturbance that will not be impacted (filled or excavated) during Project construction:

City and City’s contractor Performance criteria –
County, state, and federal
standards, consistent with
the project’s permits
Reporting actions – Verify
that protection and
City of Fortuna - Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project | Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program 4 Environmental Protections Actions (EPA) and Mitigation Measures (MM) Monitoring Responsibility Monitoring/Reporting Action & Schedule
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– The City shall attempt to avoid or minimize impacts to wetlands/waters to the greatest extent feasible in the final design plans.
– Adjacent wetlands shall be clearly identified in the construction documents and reviewed by the City prior to issuing for bid to ensure they are clearly marked as equipment exclusion zones during construction.
– Suitable perimeter control BMPs, such as silt fences, or straw wattles shall be placed below all construction activities at the edge of surface water features to intercept sediment before it reaches the waterway. These BMPs shall be installed prior to any clearing or grading activities.
avoidance measures are in
final specifications
Schedule – During
construction; check jobsite
compliance as necessary
MM BIO-5: Compensate for Loss of Wetlands and Waters
The City shall avoid fill of seasonal wetlands and waters, to the extent feasible. If fill cannot be avoided, the City shall compensate for the loss of seasonal wetland habitat so that there is no net loss in wetlands. The City shall compensate for impacts to identified wetlands through restoration, rehabilitation, and/or creation of wetland at a ratio of no less than 1:1.2.

A Mitigation and Monitoring Plan shall be prepared in coordination with the NCRWQB, the USACE, and Humboldt County. Compensation for wetlands shall occur so there is no net loss of wetland habitat at ratios to be determined in consultation with the NCRWQCB.

Onsite locations for wetland mitigation shall be prioritized. If suitable locations for onsite mitigation is not sufficiently available, offsite mitigation shall occur at locations identified in Figure 3. The Plan shall be acceptable to the regulatory agencies with jurisdiction over wetlands and waters and include the following elements: proposed mitigation ratios; description and size of the restoration or compensatory area; site preparation and design; plant species; planting design and techniques; maintenance activities; plant storage; irrigation requirements; success criteria; monitoring schedule; and remedial measures. The Plan shall be implemented by the City.

The City shall also compensate for impacts to other waters by obtaining required permits from the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, and Humboldt County shall be received prior to the start of any on-site construction activity. The City shall ensure any additional measures outlined in the permits are implemented.

City and City’s biologist and
contractor
Performance criteria – City,
state, and federal standards,
consistent with the project’s
permits
Reporting actions – Verify
requirements are in final
specifications; verify
completion of HMMP
Schedule – Pre-construction,
during construction, and
post-construction; verify
applicable compensatory
mitigation is implemented;
check jobsite compliance as
necessary
Cultural Resources
MM CR-1: Protect Archaeological or Tribal Cultural Resources during Construction All recommendations resulting from the Extended Phase 1 investigation shall be implemented by the City prior to, during and following construction, as appropriate. The City shall document how Phase 1 each recommendation was implemented by recording the date, action taken, and responsible party.

City and City’s archaeologist
and contractor, Tribal Cultural
Resource Monitor
Performance criteria – City,
state, and federal standards
Reporting actions – Verify
requirements are in final
plans and specifications;
City of Fortuna - Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project | Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program 5 Environmental Protections Actions (EPA) and Mitigation Measures (MM) Monitoring Responsibility Monitoring/Reporting Action & Schedule
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Prior to the ground-disturbing construction activities (on the first day of work), construction personnel shall receive Cultural Resources Awareness Training to ensure that construction activities are conducted in a manner that is protective of known and unknown cultural resources. The training shall include information on the location and lateral extent of potential nearby cultural resources sites, avoidance of those areas, laws protecting such resources, and procedures for responding to inadvertent discovery situations. Avoidance of known cultural resources sites shall be determined by a professional archaeologist or Native American monitor and include establishing a no-disturbance buffer zone around known resources.

Initial ground-disturbing activities near the previously recorded prehistoric resource shall be monitored by a Tribal Cultural Resource Monitor within 1,000 ft. If archaeological remains or potential tribal cultural resources are encountered during initial-ground disturbing activities, all work shall halt within a 50-foot radius of a discovery. Construction personnel shall not collect cultural materials. A qualified professional archaeologist shall be retained to evaluate the find, and the Tribal Cultural Resource Monitor shall be notified. If the find qualifies as a historical resource or unique archaeological resource as defined by CEQA, the archaeologist shall develop appropriate measures to protect the integrity of the resource in coordination with appropriate tribal representatives and ensure that no additional resources are affected. If the find qualifies as a tribal cultural resource as defined by CEQA, the City shall ensure that appropriate actions to protect the resource are taken and that no additional resources are affected.
verify completion of DPR 513
forms, if necessary
Schedule – Pre-construction
and during construction;
verify applicable protection
measures are implemented
MM CR-2: Inadvertent Discovery of Archaeological Material If cultural materials for example: chipped or ground stone, historic debris, building foundations, or bone are discovered during ground-disturbance activities, work shall be stopped within 66 feet of the discovery, per the requirements of CEQA (Revised Guidelines, Title 14 CCR 15064.5 (f)). Work near the archaeological finds shall not resume until a professional archaeologist, who meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines, has evaluated the materials and offered recommendations for further action.

Tribal representatives shall be notified.

City and City’s archaeologist
and contractor
Performance criteria – City,
state, and federal standards
Reporting actions – Verify
requirements are in final
specifications; verify
completion of archaeological
monitoring; verify completion
of noticing as detailed in MM
CR-2 upon inadvertent
discovery
Schedule – During
construction; verify
completion of archaeological
monitoring as detailed in MM
CR-2
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(Initials/Date)
MM CR-3: Inadvertent Discovery of Human Remains
If human remains are discovered during project construction, work will stop at the discovery location, within 66 feet, and any nearby area reasonably suspected to overlie adjacent to human remains (PRC, Section 7050.5). The Humboldt County Coroner will be contacted to determine if the cause of death must be investigated. If the Coroner determines that the remains are of Native American origin, it is necessary to comply with State laws relating to the disposition of Native American burials, which fall within the jurisdiction of the NAHC (PRC, Section 5097). The Coroner will contact the NAHC. The descendants or most likely descendants of the deceased will be contacted, and work will not resume until they have made a recommendation to the landowner or the person responsible for the excavation work for means of treatment and disposition, with appropriate dignity, of the human remains and any associated grave goods, as provided in PRC, Section 5097.98.

City and City’s archaeologist
and contractor
Performance criteria – City,
state, and federal standards
Reporting actions – Verify
inclusion of language in final
plans and specifications
Schedule – During
construction; verify
completion of protection
measures and notifications if
inadvertent discovery
Geology and Soils
MM GEO-1: Inadvertent Discovery of Paleontological Resources In the event that fossils are encountered during construction (i.e., bones, teeth, or unusually abundant and well-preserved invertebrates or plants), construction activities shall be diverted away from the discovery within 50 feet of the find, and a professional paleontologist shall be notified to document the discovery as needed, to evaluate the potential resource, and to assess the nature and importance of the find. Based on the scientific value or uniqueness of the find, the paleontologist may record the find and allow work to continue, or recommend salvage and recovery of the material, if it is determined that the find cannot be avoided. The paleontologist shall make recommendations for any necessary treatment that is consistent with currently accepted scientific practices. Any fossils collected from the area shall then be deposited in an accredited and permanent scientific institution where they will be properly curated and preserved.

City and City’s contractor Performance criteria – City, state, and federal standards
Reporting actions – Verify
inclusion of language in final
plans and specifications
Schedule – During
construction; verify
completion of protection
measures and notifications if
inadvertent discovery
Hazards and Hazardous Materials
MM HAZ-1: Inadvertent Discovery of Hazardous Soils
A Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI) will be required within the Project Area, including:
– Pre-characterization of soil and groundwater for potential CAM 17 Metals, TPHg, TPHd, and VOC impacts will happen prior to the start of construction activities, specifically at locations along the remnant railroad corridor anticipated to be impacted during Project construction activities.
– Pre-characterization for ADL in near surface soil will occur prior to initiation of construction activities, specifically at representative locations along the Project Area intersecting with Kenmar Road, Riverwalk Drive, Eel River Road, and US Highway 101 ramps. The ADL preCity and City’s contractor Performance criteria – City and state standards
Reporting actions – Verify
requirements are in final
specifications; verify
completion of SAP; verify
completion of SGMP and
SESTP, if applicable
City of Fortuna - Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project | Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program 7 Environmental Protections Actions (EPA) and Mitigation Measures (MM) Monitoring Responsibility Monitoring/Reporting Action & Schedule
Verification
(Initials/Date)
characterization sampling will be conducted at discreet locations generally representative of soil conditions anticipated to be impacted during Project construction activities.

If construction activities include demolition of concrete infrastructure (bridges, overpasses, box culverts), a hazardous materials assessment will be completed to maintain compliance with National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutant (NESHAP) as promulged under 40 CFR Part 61 and/or 40 CFR Part 63.

If construction activities include dewatering, and if laboratory analysis of pre-construction soil borings indicate elevated total and STLC concentrations of ADL and CAM-17 Metals of 1,000 ppm and 5 mg/L, respectively, pre-construction characterization of groundwater will be required.

If sampled soil is found to be impacted by constituents of concern above established Solubility Threshold Limit Concentration (STLC) and/or Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) thresholds applicable to roadway land uses (ADL, CAM-17 Metals, TPHg, TPHd, VOC’s, etc.), preparation of a Construction Soil Groundwater Monitoring Plan (SGMP) and/or Lead Compliance Plan be required prior to any construction activities. The Construction SGMP and/or Lead Compliance Plan will proactively plan and manage potentially encountered hazardous materials affected soils throughout the Project Area. The SGMP and/or Lead Compliance Plan will identify protocols that will be utilized to proactively manage potentially impacted soil and groundwater within the Project Area and reduce exposure to site workers.

If pre-construction characterization indicates constituent of concern impacts above STLC levels to soil and/or groundwater, it is required that site workers involved in excavation activities be Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) trained (Occupational Safety and Health Administration [OSHA] 1910.120 Schedule – Pre- and during
construction; verify
requirements are
implemented; check jobsite
compliance as necessary
Noise
MM NOI-1: Reduce Construction Noise Levels
The City and its contractor shall implement best management practices to reduce construction noise levels emanating from construction activities and minimize disruption and annoyance at the Riverwalk Drive RV Park. Specific measures that can be feasibly implemented to include, but are not limited to, the following:
– Provide advance notice to nearby residents and those within the Riverwalk Drive RV Park within 250 feet prior to starting work, with information regarding anticipated schedule, hours of operation and a project contact person.
– Best available noise control practices (including mufflers, intake silencers, ducts, engine enclosures, and acoustically attenuating shields or shrouds) shall be used for equipment and trucks to minimize construction noise impacts.

City and City’s contractor Performance criteria – City
standards
Reporting actions – Verify
requirements are in final
specifications; verify
completion of noticing as
detailed in MM NOI-1
Schedule – Pre- and during
construction; verify
applicable best management
practices are implemented;
City of Fortuna - Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project | Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program 8 Environmental Protections Actions (EPA) and Mitigation Measures (MM) Monitoring Responsibility Monitoring/Reporting Action & Schedule
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(Initials/Date)
– Stationary noise sources shall be located as far from sensitive noise receptors as feasible. If they must be located near receptors, adequate muffling (with enclosures where feasible and appropriate) shall be used. Enclosure openings or venting shall face away from sensitive noise receptors.
– Schedule work and deliveries to minimize noise-generating activities near the Riverwalk Drive RV Park.
check jobsite compliance as
necessary
Transportation
MM TR-1: Maintain Emergency Access and Notify Emergency Responders The City shall require contractors to provide adequate emergency access to all properties along the corridor during the construction process. At locations where the access to a nearby property is temporarily blocked, the contractor shall be required to have ready the means necessary to accommodate access by emergency vehicles to such properties, such as plating over excavations. As construction progresses, emergency providers shall be notified in advance of the timing, location, and duration of construction activities and the locations and durations of any temporary lane closures.

City and City’s contractor Performance criteria – City
and county standards
Reporting actions – Verify
requirements are in final
specifications; verify
completion
Schedule – Pre- and during
construction; verify jobsite
compliance as necessary
Appendices
City of Fortuna Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project This document is in draft form. The contents, including any opinions, conclusions or recommendations contained in, or which may be implied from, this draft document must not be relied upon. GHD reserves the right, at any time, without notice, to modify or retract any part or all of the draft document. To the maximum extent permitted by law, GHD disclaims any responsibility or liability arising from or in connection with this draft document.

Appendix C
Air Quality Modeling Results
Road Construction Emissions Model, Version 9.0.0
Daily Emission Estimates for -> Total Exhaust Fugitive 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 0.68 6.40 6.28 1.87 0.27 1.60 0.57 0.24 0.33 0.02 1,637.43 0.42 0.04 1,659.42Grading/Excavation 3.55 36.44 36.71 3.11 1.51 1.60 1.62 1.29 0.33 0.10 10,278.04 2.46 0.42 10,464.26 Drainage/Utilities/Sub-Grade 3.03 30.92 28.15 2.74 1.14 1.60 1.37 1.03 0.33 0.07 6,915.11 1.55 0.10 6,984.66 Paving 1.20 17.34 14.06 0.65 0.65 0.00 0.52 0.52 0.00 0.04 4,194.31 0.73 0.28 4,294.62 Maximum (pounds/day) 3.55 36.44 36.71 3.11 1.51 1.60 1.62 1.29 0.33 0.10 10,278.04 2.46 0.42 10,464.26 Total (tons/construction project) 0.54 5.67 5.40 0.49 0.22 0.27 0.25 0.19 0.06 0.01 1,450.23 0.33 0.05 1,473.21 Notes: Project Start Year -> 2025
Project Length (months) -> 18
Total Project Area (acres) -> 4
Maximum Area Disturbed/Day (acres) -> 0
Water Truck Used? -> Yes
Phase Soil Asphalt Soil Hauling Asphalt Hauling Worker Commute Water Truck Grubbing/Land Clearing 0 000 200 40
Grading/Excavation 359 0 540 0 720 40
Drainage/Utilities/Sub-Grade 13 0 30 0 600 40
Paving 0 256 0 390 480 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 0.01 0.13 0.12 0.04 0.01 0.03 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.00 32.42 0.01 0.00 29.81Grading/Excavation 0.28 2.89 2.91 0.25 0.12 0.13 0.13 0.10 0.03 0.01 814.02 0.20 0.03 751.85 Drainage/Utilities/Sub-Grade 0.21 2.14 1.95 0.19 0.08 0.11 0.09 0.07 0.02 0.00 479.22 0.11 0.01 439.12 Paving 0.04 0.52 0.42 0.02 0.02 0.00 0.02 0.02 0.00 0.00 124.57 0.02 0.01 115.71 Maximum (tons/phase) 0.28 2.89 2.91 0.25 0.12 0.13 0.13 0.10 0.03 0.01 814.02 0.20 0.03 751.85 Total (tons/construction project) 0.54 5.67 5.40 0.49 0.22 0.27 0.25 0.19 0.06 0.01 1450.23 0.33 0.05 1,336.49 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.

US 101 Kenmar Interchage
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.

US 101 Kenmar Interchage
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)
Appendices
City of Fortuna Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project This document is in draft form. The contents, including any opinions, conclusions or recommendations contained in, or which may be implied from, this draft document must not be relied upon. GHD reserves the right, at any time, without notice, to modify or retract any part or all of the draft document. To the maximum extent permitted by law, GHD disclaims any responsibility or liability arising from or in connection with this draft document.

Appendix D
Visual Impact Assessment
Technical Memorandum
This Technical Memorandum is provided as an interim output under our agreement with City of Fortuna. It is provided to foster discussion in relation to technical matters associated with the Project and should not be relied upon in any way.

The Power of Commitment
11214735 1
May 17, 2022
To California Department of
Transportation – District 1
Contact No. (916) 918-0626
Copy to City of Fortuna Email [email protected]
From Lucas Piper, PLA – Landscape
Architect
Josh Wolf, PE – Project Manager
GHD Project
No.
11214735
Project Name Kenmar Road and Highway 101 Interchange Project Subject Visual Resources Technical Memorandum for the Kenmar Road Highway 101 Interchange Project – Humboldt County CA

1. Purpose of Scenic Resource Evaluation and Visual
Impact Assessment
The purpose of this visual resource technical memorandum is to document potential visual changes anticipated from the Kenmar Road and Highway 101 Interchange Project (Project). Visual changes and associated effects are demonstrated by identifying visual resources in the Project area and measuring the amount and type of change that would occur as a result of the Project.

1.1 Project Location
The Project area is located approximately 1,000 feet east of the Eel River near the southwestern corner of the City of Fortuna. The Project area is approximately 16 acres in size and is primarily comprised of existing Caltrans right-of-way. West of the US 101 right-of-way, the Project is located largely within the existing Humboldt County right-of-way that contains Riverwalk Drive. The Project would include small areas of encroachment into portions of APN 201-152-013 (agricultural field); APN 201-152-015 (an existing 87- space RV park) will be temporarily or permanently occupied by the realigned roadway, and other parcels in the vicinity (Appendix A – Figure 1).

The Project area also includes non-operational railroad tracks and anadromous Mill Creek, which crosses under Kenmar Road. The Project area is located partially within the city limits of Fortuna and partially within unincorporated Humboldt County. Portions of the Project area are located in the Coastal Zone, including Riverwalk Drive and both southbound and northbound lanes of US 101 to the south of the interchange undercrossing. Of the portions of the Project area located within the Coastal Zone, all Project activities are located within the jurisdiction of the Humboldt County Local Coastal Program (Eel River Area Plan). No portions are located within the State retained Coastal Zone jurisdiction.

1.2 Project Description
The Project is intended to improve traffic operation and safety at a key highway interchange in Fortuna, California. Highway 101 serves as the primary regional roadway in Humboldt County and is critically important to the residents and economy of Fortuna. The existing intersection controls, roadway geometry, and the high volumes of local and regional traffic on Kenmar Road result in poor traffic operation at and This Technical Memorandum is provided as an interim output under our agreement with City of Fortuna. It is provided to foster discussion in relation to technical matters associated with the Project and should not be relied upon in any way. 11214735 2
near the interchange. The proposed Project will replace the existing intersections of US 101 and Kenmar Road at the interchange with two roundabouts, improving traffic, pedestrian, and bicycle operations. The Project also includes modifications to the US 101 on-ramps and off-ramps, relocation of the park and ride facility, lane improvements on Kenmar road, and the realignment of Eel River Drive and Riverwalk Drive (Appendix A – Figure 2). The Project may also include traffic signal and lane improvements on the western Kenmar leg of the Ross Hill Road intersection. In addition to the proposed motor vehicle-related roadway safety improvements, the Project includes a segment of Class I bike path through the Project area in addition to other at-grade pedestrian and bicycle improvements to enhance pedestrian connections and promote regional bicycle network continuity. The Project will simplify and improve navigation and traffic operations on Kenmar Road and Eel River Drive, including the Kenmar Road and US 101 interchange.

1.3 Visual Resource Components
Viewers of the Project include the general public traveling the corridor, including vehicle users, pedestrian, and cyclists. Viewers of the Project also include local residents living adjacent to or near the Project corridor and individuals employed at places of work based in or near the Project corridor. Visual changes may be more impactful to local residents and non-vehicular users than vehicle-based users.

Kenmar Road and US Highway 101 are not classified as All-America Roads in the National Scenic Byway system or as Designated State Scenic Highways. The Project area would be accessed via Kenmar Road, Eel River Drive, Riverwalk Drive, and US 101. No new access roads would need to be constructed to implement the Project. The Eel River is located approximately 0.15 miles west of the Project area can been seen from Highway 101 along most of the length of the Project area. The Eel River has received both state and federal Wild and Scenic River designation. The Project is in both the Local and Appeal Zone jurisdiction of the Coastal Zone and impacts to the coastal visual environment are addressed. Views of coastal resources are considered scenic resources to be protected. Once implemented, the Project would not impair views of the adjacent coastal resources as the proposed interchange improvements are consistent with the current land use of the Project area and as such, there would be a less than significant impact to scenic vistas/resources.

The visual quality of the existing corridor will not be significantly altered by the proposed Project. Views of local landmarks and resources from the Project corridor include Riverwalk RV Park, Eel River, Best Western Country Inn, Fortuna Park and Ride, out of service railroad tracks crossing Kenmar Road, and a mix of open green space and forested areas (see Exhibit1). Views of and access to these local landmarks and resources are not negatively impacted by the proposed Project. Existing roadway drainage patterns would be maintained to the maximum extent practicable. Replacement, extension, or alteration of the Mill Creek at Kenmar Road culvert would not occur. The visual quality of viewsheds from local landmarks will change because of the Project; however, visual quality will not diminish or be inconsistent with the existing visual character of pre-Project viewsheds from local landmarks.

This Technical Memorandum is provided as an interim output under our agreement with City of Fortuna. It is provided to foster discussion in relation to technical matters associated with the Project and should not be relied upon in any way. 11214735 3
Exhibit 1 – General existing site conditions showing current roadways, striping, and vegetated areas around the Project areas. Aerial view of the Project area looking north from the southern limits of the Project area. Local landmarks, existing roads and resources are shown.

Exhibit 2 – Aerial view of the Project area looking west from the eastern portion of the Project area. Views of the Eel River to the west and abandoned railroad tracks and Fortuna Park and Ride to the east of the Project area.

Riverwalk RV Park
Best Western County Inn
Fortuna Park
and Ride
Abandoned
Railroad Tracks
Highway 101
Riverwalk Drive
Kenmar Road
Eel River Drive
Riverwalk Drive Eel River
Fortuna Park
and Ride
Abandoned
Railroad Tracks
Kenmar Road
Highway 101
Proposed Roundabout
Location #1
Proposed Roundabout
Location #2 Proposed
Retaining Wall #1
Proposed Retaining Wall #2
(Spans beneath US 101 overpass)
Proposed
Retaining Wall #3
This Technical Memorandum is provided as an interim output under our agreement with City of Fortuna. It is provided to foster discussion in relation to technical matters associated with the Project and should not be relied upon in any way. 11214735 4

1.4 Visual Impacts of Proposed Project
The Project would have a less than significant impact to the visual character or quality of public views. A questionnaire to determine Visual Impact Assessment (VIA) level was completed in reference to this Project and the calculated VIA level score result was 14. As defined by Caltrans, this score level is reflective of negligible visual changes to the environment and as a result, only a belief memorandum addressing visual issues is required in lieu of a technical study.

Visual impacts due to Project construction would be short-term and would cease upon Project completion.

Vegetated areas temporarily disturbed by construction would be reseeded/restored to pre-construction conditions if needed. Any vegetation incorporated into the Project is anticipated to include low-maintenance planting designed to blend into the surrounding environment without blocking visibility for safe vehicular operation. The disturbed roadside areas would be restored/stabilized with a combination of grass seed (broadcast or hydroseed), straw mulch, rolled erosion control fabric, and, if needed, other plantings/revegetation. If required, revegetation would include replanting. Though the Project will expand the footprint of the interchange, the Project will be designed in to minimize removal of trees/densely forested areas and established vegetation.

The Project would provide enhanced lighting to improve roadway visibility for drivers during night-time hours. Lighting is anticipated to be installed at ramp merges and diverges along the shoulders of US 101 as well as at conflict points in and out of the roundabout and at pedestrian crossings. Lighting will also be provided at approaches to the intersection to improve visibility of the changing roadway features.

Lighting would be designed to protect wildlife and night-time views, including views of the night sky. The Project will be designed to be consistent with the City’s design guidelines and the recommendations of the International Dark-Sky Association, which includes standards for fixtures, shielding, wattage, placement, height, and illumination levels. To comply with these requirements, lighting for the Project will be the minimum lumens necessary, directed downward, and shielded. This will ensure lighting is contained within the site and does not cause significant lighting and glare impacts for surrounding land uses.

The existing roadways in the Project area would be rehabilitated by overlaying the existing surface and/or replaced with new pavement. The Project would include required striping and signage to comply with California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD) requirements. Existing directional and safety signage would be upgrade and replaced to reflect new traffic flow patterns resulting from the roundabouts. The visual character of the proposed Project will be compatible with the existing visual character of the corridor and impacts to the site or quality of public views are not anticipated.

1.4.1 Roundabouts and Road Realignments
The Project includes proposed roundabouts on either side of US 101, which will expand and reconfigure the existing northbound and southbound off-ramps and on-ramps. Additionally, Kenmar Road, Eel River Drive, and Riverwalk Drive will be realigned and widened to accommodate the roundabouts as well as pedestrian and bicycle lane improvements. To prevent backup into the roundabout and in support of other operational improvements, the Project may also include traffic signal and lane improvements on the western Kenmar leg of the Ross Hill Road intersection. Recreational views from the Riverwalk RV Park would be temporarily altered due to the realignment of Kenmar Road and Riverwalk Drive to accommodate a new roundabout.

New plantings or other visual improvements would be integrated into the Project to minimize significant visual changes.

The Project design will change the character of the interchange; however, these improvements will improve traffic operations and safety of the corridor while also providing opportunity in the roundabouts central islands and off-ramp median areas for greenspace and vegetation.

The opportunity for new greenspace will enhance the visual character of the interchange while maintaining composition and unity of the site as well as providing safety improvements to better manage the levels of vehicular traffic. Center medians on Kenmar Road east of the northbound roundabout and Eel River Drive would also serve as pedestrian refuge islands and provide connectivity with new crosswalks. Furthermore, the proposed at-grade pedestrian improvements and installation of a Class I bike path through the Project This Technical Memorandum is provided as an interim output under our agreement with City of Fortuna. It is provided to foster discussion in relation to technical matters associated with the Project and should not be relied upon in any way. 11214735 5
area will enhance multi-modal connectivity, thus increasing accessibility for the public while improving the visual appearance of the interchange.

1.4.2 Fortuna Park and Ride Reconfiguration
The existing Fortuna Park and Ride would be reconfigured, resurfaced and restriped. The overall footprint of the facility would be similar in size to the existing footprint. As a result of contemporary Caltrans design standards for parking and striping, the number of spaces would reduce from the existing 18 spaces to 15 spaces, including two accessible parking stalls. However, three additional parallel parking stalls are located across from Eel River Drive to bring the total parking stalls back to 18. Crosswalks would extend from the Fortuna Park and Ride across both Eel River Drive and Kenmar Road. The Park and Ride would provide parking for nearby trail access and could accommodate a public bus stop in the future. A shared use path and vegetated buffer would separate the Fortuna Park and Ride from Kenmar Road and Eel River Drive.

Visual impacts of the proposed Project would be temporary during construction and upon completion of the Project, the overall aesthetic and visual quality and continuity of the Fortuna Park and Ride would be enhanced due to enhanced landscaping and improved pedestrian and recreational access around the interchange and to nearby trails. The repaved and restriped parking lot will provide safe and convenient parking and access for vehicles while maintaining consistency with the existing rural visual character of the existing interchange area. Finally, the reconfigured Fortuna Park and Ride will not impede views of or diminish the visual character of nearby landmarks or natural resources.

1.4.3 Pedestrian, Bicycle Lane, and Roadway Improvements New shared use paths, and curb ramps would be constructed on the north side of Kenmar Road, providing improved pedestrian and bicycle safety and enhanced connectivity to the opposite side of US 101. Beneath the underpass, a retaining wall (RW #1) will be constructed on the southbound side of Kenmar Road beneath the US 101 overpass to accommodate the entire width of the shared use path. A second retaining wall (RW #2) will be constructed on the northbound side of Kenmar Road just before the US 101 overpass and adjacent to the roundabout at Riverwalk Drive (Proposed Roundabout #1). At the Fortuna Park and Ride a third retaining wall (RW #3) will be constructed along the northbound side of the Eel River Drive, which will span the length of the Fortuna Park and Ride lot (See Exhibit 1). Retaining walls #1 and #2 will be ground anchored walls comprised of soil nailing, which is an economical and feasible technique used to construct retaining walls and stabilize existing slopes. Soil nail retaining walls use steel tendons, which are grouted and drilled into the ground to create a composite wall along a highway embankment. Retaining wall #3 may differ slightly in the structure as it will be retaining a natural hillside rather than a highway embankment. Retaining wall #3 will either consist of a soil nail retaining wall or a cantilevered soldier pile wall, which is a retaining wall constructed without ground anchoring and is embedded into the hillside.

Further site assessments need to take place to determine the preferred construction and placement of RW #3. All retaining walls will be colorized and texturized to have similar facings to maintain conformity and enhance the visual aesthetic throughout the interchange corridor.

Through signing and striping, cyclists may also proceed through the interchange by taking the full travelled way. The new shared use paths would connect to new crosswalks across the US 101 southbound offramp and US 101 northbound onramp to allow access across the ramps. The roundabout design will allow for future connectivity to the Great Redwood Trail.

The visual impacts of the proposed Project will be compatible with the existing rural visual character of the corridor. The enhanced pedestrian access will improve public access through this interchange while maintaining the rustic/natural aesthetic of the area and safety improvements to better manage the levels of pedestrian and bicycle traffic. Implementation of the Project will not block or alter the existing views or the rural composition of Project corridor.

1.5 Summary
Review of the Project area and Project plans indicate that the Project would not result in substantial adverse impacts to the visual environment. The Project aims to improve operations, safety, and multi-modal This Technical Memorandum is provided as an interim output under our agreement with City of Fortuna. It is provided to foster discussion in relation to technical matters associated with the Project and should not be relied upon in any way. 11214735 6
access along the Kenmar Road and US Highway 101 corridor. As described above, the materials, form, line, and texture would be altered along the Project alignment, as a result of the widened roadway, road resurfacing, a paved walkway, sidewalks and curb ramps, crosswalks, roundabouts, lighting, landscaping, signage, a retaining wall, and stormwater drainage and infrastructure improvements. Although the Project will expand the existing interchange footprint, the proposed enhancements are consistent with the current land use, function, visual quality, and character of the area.

As a result of the proposed Project, visual aesthetics of the natural environment would be increased through the improved traffic corridor, pedestrian considerations, and bicycle access around the Kenmar Road and US Highway 101 interchange. Although there will be visual modifications to the interchange as compared to existing conditions, the overall view-scape surrounding the Project area will not be impeded or altered by structures or other Project elements. Furthermore, Project plans include expanding greenspace areas with native vegetation, thus adding to the rural visual composition and character of the interchange area.

The Project corridor is frequented by recreational viewers, as well as vehicle viewers utilizing the roadway.

The proposed Project components would not negatively impact the visual character of the site and would not obstructed views of nearby landmarks or resources. As such, the Project operation is anticipated to have a low impact on viewers in the area and negligible visual changes to the environment are proposed.

Regards,
Lucas Piper
Landscape Architect
Attachments: Appendix A – Graphics
APPENDIX A – GRAPHICS
Paper Size ANSI A
500 1.000
Feet
1,500
Map Projection: Lambert Confonnal Conic Horizontal Oarum: Nonh American 1983 Grid: NAO 1983 StatePiane California t1 FIPS 0402 Feet
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City of Fortuna
Kenmar Road/ US 1011nterchange Project
Vicinity Map
Project No. 11214735
Revision No. •
Dale Apr 2022
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Filename: N:\US\Eureka\Projects\561\11214735\Digital_Design\ACAD 2020\Figures\2132EX001-Figure 2.dwg Plot Date: 28 April 2022 - 2:10 PM

CITY OF FORTUNA
KENMAR Rd/US 101 IC PROJECT
11214735
2132
SEP 2021

PROJECT FOOTPRINT
0 100' 200' N
781 3rd St
Eureka, CA 95501 USA
T 1 707 443 8326 W www.ghd.com
LEGEND:

AREA OF POTENTIAL EFFECTS
KENMAR Rd
201-331-05
202-131-49
201-152-13
201-152-15
EEL RIVER Dr
RIVERWALK Dr

RAILROAD
FIGURE 2

MARK ARSENAULT
CALTRANS DISTRICT 1

NORTH REGION ARCHAEOLOGIST

DATE SUZANNE TREISS
CALTRANS DISTRICT 1

PROJECT LOCAL ASSISTANCE ENGINEER

DATE BRENDAN BYRD

CITY OF FORTUNA

DEPUTY CITY ENGINEER
DATE
Appendices
City of Fortuna Kenmar Road and US 101 Interchange Project This document is in draft form. The contents, including any opinions, conclusions or recommendations contained in, or which may be implied from, this draft document must not be relied upon. GHD reserves the right, at any time, without notice, to modify or retract any part or all of the draft document. To the maximum extent permitted by law, GHD disclaims any responsibility or liability arising from or in connection with this draft document.

Appendix E
Natural Environment Study
Kenmar Road and Highway 101 Interchange Project
Natural Environment Study
Kenmar Road and Highway 101 Interchange,
Fortuna, Humboldt County, California
HUM-101-59.2/59.7
CTIPS 1D: 13000003108
EFIS 01 2000 0056
June 2022
Natural Environment Study
Kenmar Road and Highway 101 Interchange,
Fortuna, Humboldt County, California
HUM-101-59.2/59.7
CTIPS 1D: 13000003108
EFIS 01 2000 0056
June 2022

STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Department of Transportation
Humboldt County Department of Public Works
Prepared By: ______________________________________ Date: ___________ Andrea Hilton, Environmental Planner
707-267-2279718 Third Street, Eureka, CA, 95501
GHD Inc.

Prepared By: ____________________________________ Date: ___________ Brendan Byrd, City Engineer
707-725-1469
City of Fortuna
Approved By: ____________________________________ Date: ___________ Darrell Cardiff, Senior Environmental Planner
707-298-0904
Local Assistance
Caltrans District 1
Approved By: ____________________________________ Date: ___________ Coady Reynolds, Associate Environmental Planner
707-684-6988
Local Assistance
Caltrans District 1
The public can obtain this document in an alternative format by contacting the City of Fortuna at (707) 725-1469 or use the California Relay Service 1 (800) 735-2929 (Voice) or 711 for further information.

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NES i April 2022
Table of Contents
Summary......................................................................................................................... v Chapter 1: Introduction................................................................................................... 1 Project History.............................................................................................................. 1 Project Description....................................................................................................... 1 Chapter 2 – Study Methods............................................................................................. 3 Regulatory Requirements ............................................................................................ 3 Studies Required ....................................................................................................... 10 Personnel and Survey Dates ..................................................................................... 12 Agency Coordination and Professional Contacts ....................................................... 12 Limitations That May Influence Results ..................................................................... 13 Chapter 3 – Results: Environmental Setting.................................................................. 13 Description of the Existing Physical and Biological Conditions .................................. 13 Chapter 4 – Results: Biological Resources, Discussion of Impacts, and Mitigation ..... 36 Habitats and Natural Communities of Special Concern ............................................. 36 Special Status Plant Species ..................................................................................... 40 Special Status Animal Species .................................................................................. 46 Chapter 5 – Conclusions and Regulatory Determinations............................................. 72 Federal Endangered Species Act Consultation Summary ......................................... 72 Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) Consultation Summary................................................. 72 California Endangered Species Act Consultation Summary ...................................... 73 Wetlands and Other Waters Coordination Summary ................................................. 74 Invasive Species ........................................................................................................ 74 Other.......................................................................................................................... 74 Chapter 6 – References ................................................................................................ 75 Appendix A - Figures ................................................................................................... 86 Appendix B - CNDDB Database Search Results......................................................... 87 Appendix C - CNPS Database Search Results............................................................ 88 Appendix D - NOAA FISHERIES Official Species List................................................. 89 Appendix E - USFWS IPAC Official Species List......................................................... 90 Appendix F – Site Visit Photographs............................................................................ 91 Appendix G - On-site Wildlife Species List................................................................... 92 Natural Environment Study
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List of Tables
Table 1: Cumulative Projects Summary................................................................. 2 Table 2: NatureServe Conservation Status Ranks................................................ 8 Table 3: Habitats and Natural Communities of Special Concern Potentially Occurring or Known to Occur in the Project BSA .............................................. 16 Table 4: Special Status Plant Species Potentially Occurring or Known to Occur in the Project BSA.................................................................................................. 17 Table 5 Special Status Invertebrate Species Potentially Occurring or Known to Occur in the Project BSA ...................................................................................... 22 Table 6: Special Status Fish Species Potentially Occurring or Known to Occur in the Project BSA.................................................................................................. 24 Table 7: Special Status Amphibian Species Potentially Occurring or Known to Occur in the Project BSA ...................................................................................... 26 Table 8: Special Status Reptile Species Potentially Occurring or Known to Occur in the Project BSA ...................................................................................... 28 Table 9: Special Status Bird Species Potentially Occurring or Known to Occur in the Project BSA.................................................................................................. 29 Table 10: Special Status Mammal Species Potentially Occurring or Known to Occur in the Project BSA ...................................................................................... 33 Table 11: Wetlands and Other Waters within the Delineated Area and Potential Jurisdiction ............................................................................................................ 38 Table 12: Impacts to Fish and Habitat Resources .............................................. 56 Table 13: Wildlife Species Detected On-site........................................................ 92 Acronyms List
API Area of Potential Impact
BMPs Best Management Practices
BIOS Biogeographic Information and Observation System
BSA Biological Study Area
CC California Coast
CCR California Code of Regulations
CDFG California Department of Fish and Game
CDFW California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Caltrans California Department of Transportation
CESA California Endangered Species Act
CEQA California Environmental Quality Act
FGC California Fish and Game Code
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FP California fully protected
CNPS California Native Plant Society
CNDDB California Natural Diversity Database
CRPR California Rare Plant Ranking
SAL CDFW Special Animals List
CWA Clean Water Act
cfs cubic feet per second
dbh diameter at breast height
DPS Distinct Population Segment
ECOS Environmental Conservation Online System
EPA Environmental Protection Agency
ESHA Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas
EFH Essential Fish Habitat
ESU Evolutionarily Significant Unit
F Fahrenheit
ESA federal Endangered Species Act
GPS Global Positioning System
HCP Habitat Conservation Plan
HBAP Humboldt Bay Area Plan
HCPW Humboldt County Department of Public Works
in inch/inches
IPaC Information for Planning and Consultation
LSAA Lake or Streambed Alteration Agreement
LCP Local Coastal Program
MSFCMA Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and
Management Act
MBPA Migratory Bird Protection Act
MBTA Migratory Bird Treaty Act
NEPA National Environmental Protection Act
NOAA Fisheries National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries
NPPA Native Plant Protection Act
NES Natural Environment Study
NCRWQCB North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board OHWM Ordinary High Water
PM Post Mile
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RWQCB Regional Water Quality Control Board
ROW right of way
RSP Rock Slope Protection
SNC Sensitive Natural Community
SONCC southern Oregon/northern California coast
SSC Species of Special Concern
ft² square feet
SC State candidate for listing
SE State endangered
SR State Rare
ST State threatened
SFA Sustainable Fisheries Act
USACE U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
EEZ U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone
USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
USGS U.S. Geological Survey
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Summary
The Kenmar Road and Highway 101 Interchange Project (hereafter “Project”) is intended to improve traffic operation and safety at a key highway interchange in Fortuna, California. Highway 101 serves as the primary regional roadway in Humboldt County and is critically important to the residents and economy of Fortuna. The existing intersection controls, roadway geometry, and the high volumes of local and regional traffic on Kenmar Road result in poor traffic operation at and near the interchange. ..

Six federally threatened, endangered, or candidate wildlife species, including one threatened mammal (Pacific Marten), four threatened bird species (Marbled Murrelet, Northern Spotted Owl, Western Snowy Plover, Yellow-billed Cuckoo), and one candidate insect (Monarch Butterfly) have the potential to occur in the Area of Potential Impact (API). Four fish species and their associated critical habitat were indicated as having potential presence in the Project vicinity (9-quad search area): Green Sturgeon (southern DPS), Coho Salmon (southern Oregon / northern California ESU, Chinook Salmon (Coastal California ESU) and Steelhead (northern California DPS). The proposed Project will have no effect on these species and their associated critical habitat. Additionally, impacts to Essential Fish Habitat (EFH), designated for anadromous fish species in Mill Creek, would not occur, as the Project does not involve in-water work or channel modification.

State listed threatened and endangered species include with the potential to occur in the API include Coho Salmon, Tricolored Blackbird, Marbled Murrelet, Western Yellowbilled Cuckoo, Bald Eagle, Bank Swallow, Northern Spotted Owl, and Pacific Martin.

The project would have no impact or a less than significant impact on these state-listed species.

Three special status plant species listed as both federally and state endangered were identified in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) official species list and California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) RareFind 5 query; Menzies wallflower, Beach layia, and Western lily. The Project would not impact or effect federally and/or state listed special status plants or upland Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas (ESHA), as neither was identified within the API or would be likely to occur given habitat conditions.

With the incorporation of standard avoidance and minimization efforts, potential impacts to other state special status wildlife species would also not result.

The Project would result in temporary and permanent impacts to delineated one- and three-parameter wetlands (see accompanying Wetland Delineation Report for additional details; GHD 2021a). The Project would also result in temporary and permanent impacts to shining willow groves (Salix lasiandra var. lasiandra Alliance, G4 S3.2), a Sensitive Natural Community (SNC), which are co-located with delineated wetlands.

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NES vi April 2022
The area of one-parameter, three-parameter, and SNC impacts will be determined in the future, as the design progresses. Required compensatory mitigation for impacts to wetlands would be determined in coordination with jurisdictional resource agencies at ratios to be no less than 1:1.2, to the satisfaction of each agency (North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board [NCRWQCB], County of Humboldt, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers [USACE]).

Invasive plant species including Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus) and French broom (Genista monspessulana) were noted throughout the Project’s Biological Study Area (BSA; see accompanying Botanical Report for additional details; GHD 2021b).

Removal of these invasive species is recommended for incorporation into the compensatory wetland mitigation that will be required of the Project.

The Project will require permits from the County of Humboldt (Coastal Development Permit), State Water Board (Construction General Permit), NCRWQCB (Clean Water Act [CWA] Section 401 Water Quality Certification), and the USACE (CWA Section 404 Permit).

Beneficial environmental impacts of the Project include neutral or better effect on existing local drainage, flooding, and implementation of stormwater design to contemporary standards, as well as invasive species removal.

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Chapter 1: Introduction
Project History
Project Purpose and Need
The Project is intended to improve traffic operation and safety at a key highway interchange in Fortuna, California (Appendix A, Figure 1 – Vicinity Map).

Highway 101 serves as the primary regional roadway in Humboldt County and is critically important to the residents and economy of Fortuna. The existing intersection controls, roadway geometry, and the high volumes of local and regional traffic on Kenmar Road result in poor traffic operation at and near the interchange.

Project Description
The proposed Project would replace the existing intersections of Highway 101 and Kenmar Road with two roundabouts at the interchange, improving traffic, pedestrian, and bicycle operations (Appendix A, Figure 2 – Area of Potential Impact). The Project also includes modifications to the Highway 101 on-ramps and off-ramps and the realignment of Eel River Drive. In addition to the proposed motor vehicle-related roadway safety improvements, the Project includes a segment of Class I bike path through the Project in addition to other at-grade pedestrian and bicycle improvements to enhance pedestrian connections and promote regional bicycle network continuity. The Project would simplify and improve navigation and traffic operations on Kenmar Road and Eel River Drive, including the Kenmar Road and Highway 101 interchange.

The Project is being designed to accommodate the expected volume and diversity of users, and mobility modes. As described in more detail below, the Project includes road resurfacing, a paved walkway, sidewalks and curb ramps, crosswalks, roundabouts, lighting, landscaping, signage, retaining walls, and stormwater drainage and infrastructure improvements. Particular constraints within the Project alignment may warrant adjustments to the standards to address site specific issues. Primary construction activities would include clearing and grubbing to remove vegetation, grading, excavation, paving, installation of Rock Slope Protection (RSP), and hauling. Please see the associated Project Description for additional Project details (GHD 2021c).

The Project is located along an urban portion of Kenmar Road in Fortuna, Humboldt County, California (Appendix A, Figure 1 – Vicinity Map). The location is included on the Fortuna U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5” quadrangle. There is adequate available shoulder area for staging areas. Access to the Project and staging areas is via paved roads, and all work will occur within the City’s right of way (ROW).

Area of Potential Impact (API)
The Project area, or area of potential impact (API) for the purposes of this Natural Environment Study (NES), includes all areas where Project-related Natural Environment Study
NES 2 June 2022
ground disturbances are anticipated to occur. This encompasses the roadway and the proposed staging area(s), a total area of approximately 16.14 acres (Appendix A, Figure 2 – Area of Potential Impact). Approximately 30% the API consists of an existing paved roadway (construction area) and adjacent road shoulder (staging areas).

Cumulative Projects
To evaluate potentially cumulative projects, outreach to the following local and state agencies was completed to identify any recent, current, or planned projects within 0.5 to 1.0 mile of the Project:
• Humboldt County Planning and Building Department (0.5-mile radius) • Humboldt County Department of Public Works (0.5-mile radius) • Caltrans (1-mile radius)
• City of Fortuna (0.5-mile radius)
A cumulative project summary is provided in Table 1. The Humboldt County Planning and Building Department reported they did not have records of projects within a 0.5-mile radius.

The Humboldt County Department of Public Works Department did not report any applicable projects within a 0.5-mile radius.

Caltrans responded and indicated they were aware of four projects within a 1- mile radius of the Project. The projects are located on and off the highway system.

Additional City of Fortuna projects within a 0.5-mile radius are included in Table

1. Table 1: Cumulative Projects Summary
Agency Project Construction
Year
In-Water
Work?
Caltrans Construct Materials Lab 2023 No
Caltrans Fortuna Median Paving/Fortuna
Median Roadside Safety Project
2026 No
Caltrans Rehabilitate Drainage/HUM-101
Drainage North
2026 No
Caltrans Fortuna Maintenance Station
Crane/Hoist
Not programmed
for construction
No
City of Fortuna Secondary Entry to Old Mill Site Long-term future No City of Fortuna Expired Approved Subdivision for
39 Homes on 23 acres
Unknown No
City of Fortuna Generator Repair Shop in
Commercial Zone
TBD, Building
Permit Pending
No
City of Fortuna Brewery Expansion in Commercial
Zone
Unknown No
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Chapter 2 – Study Methods
Regulatory Requirements
Federal Jurisdiction
Endangered Species Act (ESA)
The ESA of 1973 (16 USC 1531 et seq.) establishes a national policy that all federal departments and agencies provide for the conservation of threatened and endangered species and their ecosystems. The Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce are designated in the ESA as responsible for: (1) maintaining a list of species likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of their range (threatened) and that are currently in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of their range (endangered); (2) carrying out programs for the conservation of these species; and (3) rendering opinions regarding the impact of proposed federal actions on listed species. The ESA also outlines what constitutes unlawful taking, importation, sale, and possession of listed species and specifies civil and criminal penalties for unlawful activities.

Pursuant to the requirements of the ESA, an agency reviewing a proposed Project within its jurisdiction must determine whether any federally-listed or proposed species may be present in the Project region, and whether the proposed Project would result in a “take” of such species. The ESA prohibits “take” of a single threatened and endangered species except under certain circumstances and only with authorization from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries through a permit under Section 7 (for federal entities or federal actions) or 10(a) (for non-federal entities) of the Act. “Take” under the ESA includes activities such as “harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct.” USFWS regulations define harm to include “significant habitat modification or degradation.” On June 29, 1995, a U.S. Supreme Court ruling further defined harm to include habitat modification “…where it actually kills or injures wildlife by significantly impairing essential behavioral patterns, including breeding, feeding, or sheltering.” In addition, the agency is required to determine whether the project is likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any species proposed to be listed under the ESA, or result in the destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat for such species (16 USC 1536[3][4]). If it is determined that a project may result in the "take" of a federally-listed species, consultation would be required under Section 7 or Section 10 of the ESA.

Critical habitat is defined by the ESA as a specific geographic area containing features essential for the conservation of an endangered or threatened species.

Under Section 7 of the ESA, critical habitat should be evaluated if designated for federally-listed species that may be present in a project’s Action Area (federally designated term for a BSA).

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Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs)
Conservation plans were incorporated into the ESA in 1982 (sections 10(a)(1)(B) and 10(a)(2)(A) of the ESA, as amended) to create a pathway for take exemptions under the Act for federal and non-federal entities (previously prohibited under Section 9 of the Act). HCPs are planning documents that provide measures to minimize or mitigate Project impacts to listed or candidate species (as well as eagles, following 2011 guidance) at an ecosystem versus single-species level. An HCP provides a degree of assurance for private entities that measures agreed upon in the HCP by federal regulators and the entity would be upheld and not altered for the lifespan of the document, and no additional obligations (financial, land use, or other) would be required at a later date with respect to the species covered in the HCP (referred to as the “No Surprises Rule”; 63 FR 8859). Requirements for issuance of an HCP require that all take is incidental, that take would be minimized and mitigated to the maximum extent practical, that adequate funds are available to implement the plan, and that the incidental take would not appreciably reduce the survival and recovery potential of the species, among others. HCPs also must comply with the Five Point Policy (65 FR 35242) that requires the incorporation of biological goals and objectives for each species in the document, adaptive management, monitoring, a set time frame for implementation, and public participation through the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) process.

The Project does not overlap any HCPs (Data Basin 2021a). The nearest HCP covers Humboldt Redwood Company property industrial timberlands and is located several miles northwest of the API (USFWS 2015).

Clean Water Act (CWA)
The CWA of 1977 as amended establishes the basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants into waters of the U.S. It gives the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the authority to implement pollution control programs, including setting wastewater standards for industry and water quality standards for contaminants in surface waters. The CWA makes it unlawful for any person to discharge any pollutant from a point source into navigable waters, without a permit under its provisions.

Discharge of fill material into “waters of the U.S.,” including wetlands, is regulated by the USACE under Section 404 of the CWA (33 USC 1251-1376). USACE regulations implementing Section 404 define “waters of the U.S.” to include intrastate waters (such as lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands, and natural ponds) that the use, degradation, or destruction of could affect interstate or foreign commerce. Wetlands are defined for regulatory purposes as “areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions” (33 CFR 328.3; 40 CFR 230.3). The placement of structures in “navigable waters of the U.S.” is also regulated by the USACE under Section 10 of the Federal Rivers and Harbors Act (33 USC 401 et seq.). Projects are approved by USACE under standard (i.e., individual) or general (i.e., nationwide, programmatic, or regional) Natural Environment Study
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permits. The type of permit is determined by the USACE and based on project parameters.

The Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act requires consultation with the USFWS, NOAA Fisheries, and responsible state wildlife agency for any federally authorized action to control or modify surface waters. Therefore, any Project proposed or permitted by the USACE under the CWA Section 404 must also be reviewed by the federal wildlife agencies and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW).

Section 401 of the CWA requires any applicant for a federal license or permit, which involves an activity that may result in a discharge of a pollutant into waters of the U.S., obtain a certification that the discharge will comply with applicable effluent limitations and water quality standards. CWA 401 certifications are issued by Regional Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCBs) under the California Environmental Protection Agency.

Executive Order 11990 – Protection of Wetlands
Executive Order 11990 of 1977 furthers the protection of wetlands under NEPA through avoidance of long- and short-term adverse impacts associated with the destruction or modification of wetlands where practicable. The order requires all federal agencies managing federal lands, sponsoring federal projects, or funding state or local projects to assess the effects of their actions on wetlands. The agencies are required to follow avoidance, mitigation, and preservation procedures. The Presidential Wetland Policy of 1993 and subsequent reaffirmation of the policy in 1995 supports effective protection and restoration of wetlands, while advocating for increased fairness of federal regulatory programs.

Executive Order 13112 – Invasive Species
Executive Order 13112 directs federal agencies to use relevant programs and authorities to:
• Prevent the introduction of invasive species;
• Detect and respond rapidly to and control populations of such species in a cost-effective and environmentally sound manner;
• Monitor invasive species populations accurately and reliably; • Provide for restoration of native species and habitat conditions in ecosystems that have been invaded;
• Conduct research on invasive species and develop technologies to prevent introduction and provide for environmentally sound control of invasive species;
• Promote public education on invasive species and the means to address them; and
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• Not authorize, fund, or carry out actions that it believes are likely to cause or promote the introduction or spread of invasive species in the United States or elsewhere unless, in accordance with guidelines that it has prescribed, the agency has determined and made public its determination that the benefits of such actions clearly outweigh the potential harm caused by invasive species; and that all feasible and prudent measures to minimize risk of harm will be taken in conjunction with the actions.

Executive Order 11988 (Floodplain Management)
Executive Order 11988 requires federal agencies to avoid the long- and shortterm adverse impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of floodplains and avoid direct and indirect support of floodplain development.

Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA)
The MBTA of 1918 (16 USC 703-712) as amended established federal responsibilities for the protection of nearly all species of birds, their eggs, and nests. A migratory bird is defined as any species or family of birds that live, reproduce, or migrate within or across international borders at some point during their annual life cycle. The MBTA prohibits the take, possession, buying, selling, purchasing, or bartering of any migratory bird listed in 50 CFR Part 10, including feathers or other parts, nests, eggs, or products, except as allowed by implementing regulations (50 CFR 21). Only exotic species such as Rock Pigeons (Columba livia), House Sparrows (Passer domesticus), and European Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) are exempt from protection.

Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSFCMA)
The MSFCMA of 1976 (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.) as amended provides the federal government with the authority to manage fisheries in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) (from state waters which end three nautical miles offshore to a distance of 200 nautical miles). In addition, the Act mandates inter-agency cooperation in achieving protection, conservation, and enhancement of EFH. The Act defines EFH as "Those waters and substrate necessary to fish for spawning, breeding, feeding, or growth to maturity. For the purpose of interpreting the definition of EFH: 'waters' include aquatic areas and their associated physical, chemical, and biological properties that are used by fish and may include aquatic areas historically used by fish where appropriate; 'substrate' includes sediment, hard bottom, structures underlying the waters, and associated biological communities; 'necessary' means the habitat required to support a sustainable fishery and the managed species' contribution to a healthy ecosystem; and “spawning, breeding, feeding, or growth to maturity” covers a species' full life cycle" (50 CFR 600.10).

EFH relates directly to the physical fish habitat and indirectly to factors that contribute to degradation of this habitat. Important features of EFH that deserve attention are adequate water quality, temperature, food source, water depth, and cover/vegetation. Adverse effects to EFH are considered to be “any impact that reduces quality and/or quantity of EFH. Adverse effects may include direct or Natural Environment Study
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indirect physical, chemical, or biological alterations of the waters or substrate and loss of, or injury to, benthic organisms, prey species and their habitat, and other ecosystem components, if such modifications reduce the quality and/or quantity of EFH. Adverse effects to EFH may result from actions occurring within EFH or outside of EFH and may include site-specific or habitat-wide impacts, including individual, cumulative, or synergistic consequences of actions” (50 CFR 600.10).

Federal agencies are required to consult with NOAA Fisheries regarding any actions (may include funding, permitting, or activities) that may adversely impact EFH.

Sustainable Fisheries Act (SFA)
The SFA of 1996 (Public Law 104-107) serves as an amendment to the MSFCMA to “authorize appropriations, to provide for sustainable fisheries, and for other purposes”. The SFA includes requirements for describing EFH in Fishery Management Plans (FMP) and also mandates the protection EFH.

According to the SFA, “[o]ne of the greatest long-term threats to the viability of commercial and recreational fisheries is the continuing loss of marine, estuarine, and other aquatic habitats. Habitat considerations should receive increased attention for the conservation and management of fishery resources of the United States.” This act also mandates the delineation of EFH for all managed species.

State Jurisdiction
Porter-Cologne Water Quality Act
The Porter-Cologne Act provides for statewide coordination of water quality regulations by establishing the California State Water Resources Control Board.

The State Board is the statewide authority that oversees nine separate RWQCBs that collectively oversee water quality at regional and local levels. California RWQCBs issue CWA Section 401 Water Quality Certifications for possible pollutant discharges into waters of the U.S. or state. On April 2, 2019 the California State Water Resources Control Board adopted new definitions and procedures for discharges of dredged or fill material to Waters of the State.

California Endangered Species Act (CESA)
The CESA includes provisions for the protection and management of species listed by the State of California as endangered, threatened, or designated as candidates for such listing (California Fish and Game Code [FGC] Sections 2050 through 2085). The CESA generally parallels the main provisions of the ESA and is administered by the CDFW, who maintains a list of state threatened and endangered species as well as candidate species. The CESA prohibits the “take” of any species listed as threatened or endangered unless authorized by the CDFW in the form of an Incidental Take Permit. Under the FGC, “take” is defined as to “hunt, pursue, catch, capture, or kill, or attempt to hunt, pursue, catch, capture, or kill.”
Other State Special Status Species and Communities
The CDFW maintains a list of species of special concern (CDFW 2022). These are broadly defined as species that are of concern to the CDFW because of Natural Environment Study
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population declines and restricted distributions, and/or they are associated with habitats that are declining in California. The criteria used to define special status species are described by the CDFW. Impacts to special status plants, animals, and SNCs may be considered significant under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

State Species of Special Concern (SSC) include those plants and wildlife species that have not been formally listed yet are proposed or may qualify as endangered or threatened. In addition, USFWS Birds of Conservation Concern, and CDFW special status invertebrates are considered special status species by CDFW.

Sensitive Natural Communities (SNCs)
CDFW provides oversight of habitats (i.e., plant communities) listed as Sensitive in the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) and on the California Sensitive Natural Communities List, based on global and state rarity rankings.

The natural communities are broken down to alliance and association levels for vegetation types affiliated with ecological sections in California. The alliances on the California Sensitive Natural Communities List coincide with A Manual of California Vegetation (Sawyer et al. 2009, CNPS 2021a). CDFW considers alliances and associations with a state rank of S1 to S3 to be Sensitive. The application of ranking for determination of Sensitive Communities is summarized as follows in Table 2 (NatureServe 2021):

Table 2: NatureServe Conservation Status Ranks
Name Calculated Status Rank Status Description
Score ≤ 1.5 G1, N1, S1 Critically Imperiled

1.5 ≤ Score ≤ 2.5 G2, N2, S2 Imperiled

2.5 ≤ Score ≤ 3.5 G3, N3, S3 Vulnerable

3.5 ≤ Score ≤ 4.5 G4, N4, S4 Apparently Secure
Score > 4.5 G5, N5, S5 Secure
California Fish and Game Code (FGC)
Native Plant Protection Act (NPPA)
The CDFW administers the NPPA (Sections 1900–1913 of the FGC). These sections allow the California Fish and Game Commission to designate endangered and rare plant species and to notify landowners of the presence of such species. Plant species on California Native Plant Society’s (CNPS) California Rare Plant Ranking (CRPR) Lists 1 and 2 are considered eligible for state listing as Endangered or Threatened pursuant to the FGC and CDFW has oversite of these special status plant species as a trustee agency. As part of the CEQA process, such species should be considered as they meet the definition of Natural Environment Study
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Threatened or Endangered under Sections 2062 and 2067 of the FGC. CRPR List 3 and 4 plants may warrant protection under CEQA Guidelines 15380 only in special circumstances. CDFW publishes and periodically updates lists of special status species which include, for the most part, the above categories.

Additionally, there are 64 plant species designated as “rare” which is a special designation created before plants were rolled into CESA in the 1980s. The CESA and the NPPA required a Project to have a “Scientific, Educational, or Management Permit” from CDFW for activities that would result in “take,” possession, import, or export of state-listed plant species including research, seed banking, reintroduction efforts, habitat restoration, and other activities relating to any plant designated SE (State endangered), ST (State threatened), SR (State rare), or SC (State candidate for listing).

Birds of Prey and Native Nesting Birds
Sections 3503 and 3513 of the FGC prohibits the take, possession, or needless destruction of the nest or eggs of any bird. Subsection 3503.5 specifically prohibits the take, possession, or destruction of any birds in the orders Falconiformes (hawks and eagles) or Strigiformes (owls) and their eggs or nests.

These provisions, along with the federal MBTA, essentially serve to protect nesting native birds. Non-native species, including the European Starling, Rock Pigeon, and House Sparrow, are not afforded protection under the MBTA or FGC.

Fully Protected Species
The CDFW enforces the FGC, which provides protection for “fully protected birds” (Section 3511), “fully protected mammals” (Section 4700), “fully protected reptiles and amphibians” (Section 5050), and “fully protected fish” (Section 5515).

As fully protected (FP) species, the CDFW cannot authorize any Project or action that would result in “take” of these species, even with an incidental take permit.

Migratory Bird Protection Act (MBPA)
The California MBPA (FGC Section 3513, as amended) was introduced in the California State Assembly 2019 by Assembly Member Ash Kalra and cosponsored by the National Audubon Society. The text of the Act specifies that it is unlawful to take or possess any migratory nongame bird as designated in the federal MBTA (16 USC 703-712) before January 1, 2017. This upholds the interpretation of the MBTA under Clinton’s Executive Order 13166, where “take” was defined as both “unintentional as well as intentional.” Governor Gavin Newson signed the Act into law on September 27, 2019. The MBPA effectively closes the federal MBTA loophole on incidental take of migratory birds in California.

Regional Jurisdiction
The Project would not be required to obtain a Humboldt County Grading Permit.

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Humboldt County Local Coastal Program
The API is partially within and regulated by the Humboldt Bay Area Plan (HBAP) of the Humboldt County Local Coastal Program (LCP), of which Humboldt County has the primary permitting authority. LCPs can be adopted by local governments and serve as the regulatory equivalent of the Coastal Act. The HBAP extends from the Mad River in the north to Table Bluff/Hookton Road in the south, excluding the cities of Eureka and Arcata, and identifies land uses and standards by which development will be evaluated within the Coastal Zone as defined by the Coastal Act. The HBAP was certified by the California Coastal Commission in 1982.

Studies Required
Biological Study Area (BSA)
The BSA, or the area directly or indirectly impacted by the proposed Project, encompasses a 500-foot radius around the API (construction area and staging area[s]) (Appendix A, Figure 3 – Biological Study Area). The BSA encompasses approximately 111.3 acres around the 16.14-acre API. The BSA boundary was determined based on the scope of work and includes all potential areas of impact (physical impacts such as sediment discharge and habitat loss, as well as potential for visual and auditory disturbance) to sensitive biological resources.

Literature Search
The following information or sources pertaining to biological resources within the BSA reviewed during this analysis, includes (but is not limited to):
• Bat Acoustic Monitoring Visualization Tool (BAMVT 2021); • Bumble Bee Watch - Bumblebee Sightings Map (Bumble Bee Watch 2021);
• CDFW Biogeographic Information and Observation System (BIOS) (CDFW 2021a);
• CDFW CNDDB RareFind5 (CDFW 2021b) (see Appendix A, Figure 4 – CNDDB Occurrences in 3-mile radius, and Appendix B);
• CDFW Special Animals List (SAL) as of January 2022 (CDFW 2022); • CNPS Online Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants (8th Edition) (CNPS 2021b; Appendix C);
• eBird Hot Spot Data (eBird 2021);
• iNaturalist Occurrence Data (iNaturalist 2021);
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• NOAA Fisheries West Coast Region California Species List (NOAA Fisheries 2020; Appendix D);
• NOAA Fisheries EFH mapper (NOAA Fisheries 2021a);
• NOAA Fisheries Critical Habitat-Salmon and Steelhead (NOAA Fisheries 2021b);
• Satellite imagery of the proposed BSA and surrounding area; • USFWS Information for Planning and Consultation (IPaC) tool (USFWS 2022; Appendix E);
• USFWS Environmental Conservation Online System (ECOS; USFWS 2021a);
• USFWS Wetlands Mapper (USFWS 2021b; Appendix A, Figure 5 – NWI Wetlands);
Field Reviews
Below follows a summary of field reviews by other organizations in the Project vicinity. An Environmental Constraints Analysis was conducted in 2016 by GHD for the Fortuna Highway 101/Riverwalk Connectivity Planning Study focusing on the 12th Street and Kenmar Road crossings of Highway 101 (GHD 2016).

A stream inventory survey was completed in 2004 by the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG, now CDFW) along Mill Creek, a tributary to Strongs Creek, from upstream of the BSA at the footbridge approximately 300 feet downstream of Rohnerville Road to 0.2 miles upstream (CDFG 2004). At the time of the survey, the culvert passing underneath Rohnerville Road did not meet CDFG or NOAA Fisheries fish passage criteria (CDFG 2004), and was considered a partial barrier in the California Fish Passage Assessment Database (CDFW 2021b). The survey reach was upstream of the Project and no barriers to fish passage have been documented below the Rohnerville Road culvert that would inhibit fish passage to the API. The Rohnerville Road culvert was replaced in 2020 as part of a separate project and is no longer a barrier to fish passage.

Although no biological inventory (i.e., fish sampling) was completed, the CDFG recommended Mill Creek be managed as an anadromous stream.

Additionally, a stream inventory survey was completed in 2009 along Strongs Creek, a tributary to the Eel River, from the confluence with the Eel River to 5.8 miles upstream (CDFG 2009). This survey included a biological inventory which documented juvenile Steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss irideus). The CDFG recommended Strongs Creek be managed as an anadromous stream.

A field reconnaissance survey of the BSA was conducted by GHD in February 2021 and is described further.

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Survey Methods
GHD performed pedestrian reconnaissance surveys of the BSA by walking the full Project footprint (API) as well as adjacent accessible areas. Field investigations included a general inspection to characterize existing habitat with emphasis on areas having the potential to support special status species or sensitive habitats. The survey methods were intended to identify vegetation communities and sensitive habitat, and to determine the potential for sensitive species presence. Where the habitat allowed the surveyor to walk without risk of damaging nests or dens and surrounding vegetation, the survey included a physical search of the area. This included inspecting the ground, shrubs, culverts, holes, etc. for the presence of any wildlife species or special status plants. This reconnaissance-level survey was conducted to identify general wildlife resources, plants, and habitat in the BSA. No protocol-level surveys for special status wildlife were conducted at this time. A formal wetland delineation was conducted. Protocol-level surveys for rare plants were completed (see separate Botanical Report; GHD 2021b).

Personnel and Survey Dates
A reconnaissance-level site visit was conducted by GHD field staff in support of Project development on February 20, 2016 (GHD 2016).

A reconnaissance-level biological field survey was conducted by Kelsey McDonald, GHD Botanist (hereafter surveyor), on February 24, 2021, 09:00- 16:00, and March 10, 2021, 09:00-12:00. The weather was mostly clear on February 24, with a few high strata clouds, and the temperature was 45 degrees Fahrenheit (°F) with variable wind (Beaufort scale 2-4). The survey concluded with similar weather conditions, and the temperature at 50°F. The weather on March 10 was overcast, 45 °F with low wind (Beaufort scale 2), with a slight drizzle as the survey ended. The survey included an assessment of the entire API. The surrounding BSA, including adjacent private property, was assessed visually from the Kenmar Road ROW. The surveyor walked throughout the API and within the creek bed.

Wetland delineation field work was completed on February 24, 2021 and April 8, 2021 by Kelsey McDonald and Rose Dana, GHD Botanists.

Seasonally appropriate rare plant and botanical surveys were completed on April 7, 2021 and July 30, 2021, also by Kelsey McDonald and Rose Dana.

Agency Coordination and Professional Contacts
Official Species Lists for the proposed Project were obtained from 1) NOAA Fisheries for the Project quad (Fortuna) and the surrounding eight quads (NFMS 2020; Appendix D; December 2020), and 2) the Arcata Fish and Wildlife Office for the API (USFWS 2022; Appendix E; March 2022).

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Additional agency coordination has yet to occur but is anticipated as part of the permitting phase. Local agency permits from the City of Fortuna will not be required. The following permits are anticipated to be required for the Project:
• County of Humboldt – Coastal Development Permit
• State Water Board – Construction General Permit
• NCRWQCB – CWA Section 401 Water Quality Certification • USACE – CWA Section 404 Permit
• Caltrans Encroachment Permit
• County of Humboldt Encroachment Permit
Limitations That May Influence Results
The API was defined based on preliminary design and is subject to modification pending final design. Determinations reached in this NES are based on historic surveys and studies, as well as web-based sensitive species database and literature searches. Protocol-level surveys for rare plants have been conducted.

However, no protocol-level surveys or studies were conducted to determine the presence or absence of listed or sensitive wildlife species within the BSA; only relatively brief reconnaissance-level site visits were conducted. As the historic studies/surveys may not accurately reflect actual occurrence of species presence in the BSA at this time, conclusions were based on the assumption of presence or non-presence based on existing habitat conditions, and impact and minimization measures have been developed accordingly.

Chapter 3 – Results: Environmental Setting
Description of the Existing Physical and Biological Conditions Information regarding existing biological and physical conditions presented in this section is based on literature review of known resources within the vicinity of the BSA and on-site investigations.

Study Area
The study area is limited to the BSA as defined above. A description of physical and biological conditions within the BSA and API is provided in the following sections. Representative photographs of the BSA are provided in Appendix F.

Physical Conditions
Climate
The Mediterranean climate is relatively mild and cool due to year-around coastal influences, including fog in the summer months. Precipitation primarily falls in the form of rain at this low elevation. Annual rainfall averages 49 inches per year in Natural Environment Study
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Fortuna (BestPlaces 2021). Air temperatures vary, with winter/summer highs in the 50s (degrees Fahrenheit) and high 60s, respectively.

Topographic Conditions
The topography of the BSA is generally composed of a flat road and highway, and relatively flat pasturelands and industrial or residential areas (Appendix A, Figure 6 – Topography). The climate is mild and cool due to year-round coastal influences, including fog in the summer months. The elevation at the API is approximately 28 to 72 feet above mean sea level. Steep slopes are present to the southeast of Highway 101.

Hydrological Resources
The Project will take place adjacent to Mill Creek (Appendix A, Figure 5 – NWI Wetlands). Mill Creek originates on private timberlands and is tributary to Strong’s Creek which drains into the Eel River and ultimately into the Pacific Ocean. Mill Creek is considered a first order stream (CDFG 2004). The majority of the approximately 2.04-mile-long creek is within urban habitat, with a small portion of the headwaters in forested habitats (CDFG 2004). Additionally, the API/BSA is located approximately a quarter mile east of the Eel River.

Biological Conditions
A portion of the BSA located east of Highway 101 includes a steep slope with non-native eucalyptus at the extreme east end, and a parking lot immediately to the west. Continuing west, an inactive rail line runs through a series of mostly open areas of low herbaceous growth with scattered coastal redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) and Monterey pines (Pinus radiata). West of Highway 101 and associated ramps, ditches and runoff around the intersection drain through mixed willow thickets along the western slope and collect in ephemerally ponding wet pasture below. Redwoods of moderate size occur near the intersection of Kenmar Road and the Highway 101 ramps. Primary habitat features include several large individual redwoods and eucalyptus trees, the Mill Creek riparian area, willow thickets, and emergent wetlands. While these habitat features are not extensive, they could harbor sensitive wildlife species and have habitat and aesthetic value.

Aquatic resources in the BSA include delineated one- and three-parameter wetlands as well as Mill Creek, an anadromous tributary to the Eel River.

Invasive botanic species present include English ivy (Hedera helix), widespread Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus), French broom (Genista monspessulana), and pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana). Other habitat communities include invasive Himalayan blackberry and French broom thickets, landscaped Monterey pine and coastal redwood, arroyo willow riparian thickets, and shining willow groves (an SNC).

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Habitat Connectivity
Wildlife corridors refer to established migration routes commonly used by resident and migratory species for passage from one geographic location to another. Maintaining the continuity of established wildlife corridors is important to:
a) sustain species with specific foraging requirements, b) preserve a species’ distribution potential, and c) retain diversity among many wildlife populations.

Therefore, resource agencies consider wildlife corridors to be a sensitive resource.

No wildlife movement corridors or regional wildlife linkages have been identified within the BSA. The BSA is not located within or near a high-integrity forest habitat “natural landscape block” identified in the California Essential Habitat Connectivity Project (Spencer et al. 2010, Data Basin 2021b).

The Mill Creek riparian area consists of a narrow alder-dominated riparian corridor that runs north under Kenmar Road and along the north side of Kenmar Road. General dispersal of terrestrial wildlife may occur along the Mill Creek corridor through the BSA. This would occur as random movement of species throughout a normal home range. The Mill Creek crossing consists of two box culverts that are suitable for fish passage. Low flows and high sedimentation were observed in Mill Creek during the February 24 and March 10 site visits (see Appendix F). Habitats are fragmented by the interchange and other development in the area.

Regional Species and Habitats and Natural Communities of Concern Habitats and Natural Communities of Special Concern
A list of regionally occurring habitats and natural communities of special concern was compiled based on a review of the CNDDB (Appendix B) database records and the February, March, April, and July 2021 site visits. Three locations of SNCs were documented in the Project vicinity (within the 9-quad search, all specifically mapped in the Cannibal Island 7.5” quadrangle; CDFW 2021b). One SNC was documented in the BSA: shining willow groves (GHD 2021b).

A discussion of the potential for habitat occurrence, avoidance and minimization measures, and potential Project-related impacts to habitats and natural communities of special concern is provided in Chapter 4 – Discussion of Shining Willow Groves SNC. Mill Creek was identified as an aquatic feature and is discussed in Chapter 4 – Discussion of Aquatic Habitat, Regulated Waters, and Wetlands. Habitats and natural communities of special concern potentially occurring or known to occur in the BSA are listed in the following table.

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Table 3: Habitats and Natural Communities of Special Concern Potentially Occurring or Known to Occur in the Project BSA
Name Global
Rank1
State
Rank2 General Habitat3
Habitat
Present/
Absent4
Rationale
Arroyo Willow Riparian G4 S4 Fresh emergent wetland P Documented within the BSA during field surveys.

Not considered an SNC
because SNCs are defined
as S1 through S3; excluded
from further consideration.

Shining Willow Groves G4 S3.2 Valley foothill riparian P Documented within the BSA during field surveys.

Footnotes:
1 Global Ranks: G4 = Apparently Secure – Uncommon but not rare; some cause for long-term concern due to declines or other factors; G3 [Vulnerable] – At moderate risk of extinction or elimination due to a fairly restricted range, relatively few populations or occurrences, recent and widespread declines, threats, or other factors; G4 [Apparently Secure] – At fairly low risk of extinction or elimination due to an extensive range and/or many populations or occurrences, but with possible cause for some concern as a result of local recent declines, threats, or other factors (NatureServe 2020). 2 State Ranks: S4 = Apparently Secure – Uncommon but not rare in the state; S3 [Vulnerable] – At moderate risk of extirpation in the jurisdiction due to a fairly restricted range, relatively few populations or occurrences, recent and widespread declines, threats, or other factors (NatureServe 2020). 3 Reprinted from CNPS Manual of California Vegetation Online (February 2021; CNPS 2021a). 4 Habitat Present/Absent: Present [P] - the sensitive natural community is present.

Special Status Plant Species
For the purpose of this study, special status plant species include plants that are (1) listed as threatened or endangered under the CESA or the ESA; (2) designated as rare by the CDFW; (3) state or federal candidate or proposed species for listing as threatened or endangered; and/or (4) have a California Rare Plant Rank of 1 or 2. Additionally, locally significant plants (CEQA Guidelines, § 15125, subd. (c)), or as designated in local or regional plans, policies, or ordinances) are considered special status plant species (CDFW 2018).

A list of regionally occurring special status plant species was compiled based on a review of the USFWS official species list (generated for the API; Appendix E; March 2022), CNDDB RareFind 5 (generated for the Fortuna 7.5” quadrangle and surrounding 8 quads; Appendix B; February 2021), and CNPS (generated for the Fortuna 7.5” quadrangle and surrounding 8 quads; Appendix C; February 2021) database records. Three federally-listed and state-listed plant species (also CNPS-ranked) have been documented in the Project vicinity (9-quad search). Twenty-six CRPR rank 1 and 2 plant species have also been documented.

Habitat requirements for each species were assessed and compared to the habitats within the BSA in order to evaluate the potential for species presence. A discussion of the habitat requirements, potential for species occurrence, Natural Environment Study
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avoidance and minimization measures, and potential Project-related impacts to special status plant species is provided in Section 4.2. Special status plant species potentially occurring or known to occur in the BSA are listed in the following table. Effects determinations have been provided for all federally-listed species.

Table 4: Special Status Plant Species Potentially Occurring or Known to Occur in the Project BSA
Common Name Scientific Name Status1 CRPR2 General
Habitat3
Habitat
Present/
Absent4
Rationale
pink sandverbenaAbronia
umbellata var.
breviflora
--/-- 1B.1 Coastal dunes A No known occurrences in API or BSA. No suitable habitat (e.g.,
coastal dunes) present in API or
BSA; excluded from further
consideration.
coastal marsh
milk-vetch
Astragalus
pycnostachyus
var.
pycnostachyus
--/-- 1B.2 Coastal dunes
(mesic),
Coastal scrub,
Marshes and
swamps
(coastal salt,
streamsides)
A No known occurrences in API or
BSA. No suitable habitat (e.g.,
coastal dunes, salt marsh)
present in API or BSA; excluded
from further consideration.
seaside
bittercress
Cardamine
angulata
--/-- 2B.1 North coast
coniferous
forest, lower
montane
coniferous
forest. Wet
areas,
streambanks.

HP Marginal wet areas may occur in
the API. See Chapter 4 –
Discussion of Special Status
Plants.
bristle-stalked
sedge
Carex leptalea --/-- 2B.2 Bogs and fens,
Meadows and
seeps (mesic),
Marshes and
swamps
HP Marginal wet areas may occur in
the API. See Chapter 4 –
Discussion of Special Status
Plants.

Lyngbye's sedge Carex lyngbyei --/-- 2B.2 Marshes and
swamps
(brackish or
freshwater)
A No known occurrences in API or
BSA. No suitable habitat (e.g.,
coastal marshes) present in API
or BSA; excluded from further
consideration.

Humboldt Bay
owl's-clover
Castilleja
ambigua var.
humboldtiensis
--/-- 1B.2 Marshes and
swamps
(coastal salt)
A No known occurrences in API or
BSA. No suitable habitat (e.g.,
coastal salt marshes) present in
API or BSA; excluded from
further consideration.

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Common Name Scientific Name Status1 CRPR2 General
Habitat3
Habitat
Present/
Absent4
Rationale
Oregon coast
paintbrush
Castilleja litoralis --/-- 2B.2 Coastal bluff
scrub, Coastal
dunes, Coastal
scrub; sandy
A No known occurrences in API or
BSA. No suitable habitat (e.g.,
sandy coastal bluff and dune
habitats) present in API or BSA;
excluded from further
consideration.

Point Reyes
bird's-beak
Chloropyron
maritimum ssp.
palustre
--/-- 1B.2 Marshes and
swamps
(coastal salt)
A No known occurrences in API or
BSA. No suitable habitat (e.g.,
coastal salt marshes) present in
API or BSA; excluded from
further consideration.

Whitney's
farewell-to-spring
Clarkia amoena
ssp. whitneyi
--/-- 1B.1 Coastal bluff
scrub, Coastal
scrub
HP Marginal scrub habitat may
occur in the API. See Chapter 4
– Discussion of Special
Status Plants.

Cascade
downingia
Downingia
willamettensis
--/-- 2B.2 Cismontane
woodland (lake
margins),
Valley and
foothill
grassland (lake
margins),
Vernal pools
HP Marginal seasonally wet areas
and grasslands may occur in the
API. See Chapter 4 –
Discussion of Special Status
Plants.

Menzies
wallflower
Erysimum
menziesii
FE/SE 1B.1 Coastal dunes A No known occurrences in API or BSA. No critical habitat has
been designated (USFWS
2022). No suitable habitat (e.g.,
coastal dunes) present in API or
BSA; excluded from further
consideration.

No effect.
giant fawn lily Erythronium
oregonum
--/-- 2B.2 Cismontane
woodland,
Meadows and
seeps;
sometimes
serpentinite,
rocky, openings
HP Marginal wet meadows, seeps,
and woodlands may occur in the
API. See Chapter 4 –
Discussion of Special Status
Plants.
coast fawn lily Erythronium
revolutum
--/-- 2B.2 Bogs and fens,
Broadleafed
upland forest,
North Coast
coniferous
forest; Mesic,
streambanks
HP Marginal wet and mesic areas
may occur in the API. See
Chapter 4 – Discussion of
Special Status Plants.

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Common Name Scientific Name Status1 CRPR2 General
Habitat3
Habitat
Present/
Absent4
Rationale
minute pocket
moss
Fissidens
pauperculus
--/-- 1B.2 North Coast
coniferous
forest (damp
coastal soil)
A No known occurrences in API or
BSA. No suitable habitat (e.g.,
North Coast coniferous forest)
present in API or BSA; excluded
from further consideration.

Pacific gilia Gilia capitata ssp.
pacifica
--/-- 1B.2 Coastal bluff
scrub,
Chaparral
(openings),
Coastal prairie,
Valley and
foothill
grassland
HP Marginal scrub and grassland
habitat may occur in the API.

See Chapter 4 – Discussion of
Special Status Plants.
dark-eyed gilia Gilia millefoliata --/-- 1B.2 Coastal dunes A No known occurrences in API or BSA. No suitable habitat (e.g.,
coastal dunes) present in API or
BSA; excluded from further
consideration.
short-leaved evax Hesperevax
sparsiflora var.
brevifolia
--/-- 1B.2 Coastal bluff
scrub (sandy),
Coastal dunes,
Coastal prairie
HP Marginal scrub habitat may
occur in the API. See Chapter 4
– Discussion of Special
Status Plants.
glandular western
flax
Hesperolinon
adenophyllum
--/-- 1B.2 Chaparral,
Cismontane
woodland,
Valley and
foothill
grassland;
usually
serpentinite
A No known occurrences in API or
BSA. No suitable habitat (e.g.,
serpentine habitat) present in
API or BSA; excluded from
further consideration.
beach layia Layia carnosa FE/SE 1B.1 Coastal dunes,
Coastal scrub
(sandy)
A No known occurrences in API or
BSA. No critical habitat has
been designated (USFWS
2022). No suitable habitat (e.g.,
coastal dunes or scrub) present
in API or BSA; excluded from
further consideration.

No effect.
western lily Lilium
occidentale
FE/SE 1B.1 Bogs and fens,
Coastal bluff
scrub, Coastal
prairie, Coastal
scrub, Marshes
and swamps
(freshwater),
North Coast
A No known occurrences in API or
BSA. No critical habitat has
been designated (USFWS
2022). Marginal scrub and
wetland habitat may occur in the
API but is not expected to
support the species.

Natural Environment Study
NES 20 June 2022
Common Name Scientific Name Status1 CRPR2 General
Habitat3
Habitat
Present/
Absent4
Rationale
coniferous
forest
(openings)
No effect.

Howell's montia Montia howellii --/-- 2B.2 Meadows and
seeps, North
Coast
coniferous
forest, Vernal
pools; vernally
mesic,
sometimes
roadsides
HP Seasonally wet roadsides may
occur in the API. See Chapter 4
– Discussion of Special
Status Plants.

Wolf's eveningprimrose
Oenothera wolfii --/-- 1B.1 Coastal bluff
scrub, Coastal
dunes, Coastal
prairie, Lower
montane
coniferous
forest; sandy,
usually mesic
HP Marginal scrub and grassland
habitat may occur in the API.

See Chapter 4 – Discussion of
Special Status Plants.
seacoast ragwort Packera
bolanderi var.
bolanderi
--/-- 2B.2 Coastal scrub,
North Coast
coniferous
forest;
Sometimes
roadsides
HP Marginal scrub and roadside
habitat may occur in the API.

See Chapter 4 – Discussion of
Special Status Plants.
white-flowered
rein orchid
Piperia candida --/-- 1B.2 Broadleafed
upland forest,
Lower montane
coniferous
forest, North
Coast
coniferous
forest;
sometimes
serpentinite
A No known occurrences within
API or BSA. The BSA is largely
developed and there is no
suitable pristine habitat present
in API or BSA; excluded from
further consideration.

Oregon
polemonium
Polemonium
carneum
--/-- 2B.2 Coastal prairie,
Coastal scrub,
Lower montane
coniferous
forest
HP Marginal scrub and grassland
habitat occurs within API and
BSA. Chapter 4 – Discussion
of Special Status Plants.
dwarf alkali grass Puccinellia
pumila
--/-- 2B.2 Marshes and
swamps
(coastal salt)
A No known occurrences in API or
BSA. No suitable habitat (e.g.,
coastal salt marshes) present in
API or BSA; excluded from
further consideration.

Natural Environment Study
NES 21 June 2022
Common Name Scientific Name Status1 CRPR2 General
Habitat3
Habitat
Present/
Absent4
Rationale
Siskiyou
checkerbloom
Sidalcea
malviflora ssp.
patula
--/-- 1B.2 Coastal bluff
scrub, Coastal
prairie, North
Coast
coniferous
forest; often
roadcuts
HP Scrub and open roadside
habitats may occur within the
API. See Chapter 4 –
Discussion of Special Status
Plants.
coast
checkerbloom
Sidalcea oregana
ssp. eximia
--/-- 1B.2 Lower montane
coniferous
forest,
Meadows and
seeps, North
Coast
coniferous
forest
HP Marginal seeps may occur in
API. See Chapter 4 –
Discussion of Special Status
Plants.

Hitchcock's blueeyed grassSisyrinchium
hitchcockii
--/-- 1B.1 Cismontane
woodland
(openings),
Valley and
foothill
grassland
HP Marginal habitat (e.g.,
grasslands and openings) may
occur in API. See Chapter 4 –
Discussion of Special Status
Plants.
western sandspurreySpergularia
canadensis var.
occidentalis
--/-- 2B.1 Marshes and
swamps
(coastal salt)
A No known occurrences in API or
BSA. No suitable habitat (e.g.,
coastal salt marshes) present in
API or BSA; excluded from
further consideration.

Footnotes:
1 Status: FE = Federal Endangered; SE = State Endangered. 2 California Rare Plant Ranking: 1A = Plants presumed extinct in California; 1B = Plants rare, threatened or endangered in California and elsewhere; 2 = Plants rare, threatened, or endangered in California, but more common elsewhere; Threat Code extensions and their meanings:” .1 - Seriously threatened in California (over 80% of occurrences threatened / high degree and immediacy of threat); .2 – Moderately threatened in California (20-80% of occurrences threatened / moderate degree and immediacy of threat); .3 – Not very threatened in California (<20% of occurrences threatened / low degree and immediacy of threat or no current threats known)” (CNPS 2021). 3 General habitat column information reprinted from CNDDB (February 2021; CDFW 2021c). 4 Habitat Present/Absent: Absent [A] - no habitat present and no further work needed. Habitat Present [HP] -habitat is or may be present. The species may be present. Present [P] - the species is present.

Special Status Invertebrate Species
Special status invertebrate species include species that are (1) listed as threatened or endangered under the CESA or the ESA; (2) proposed for federal listing as threatened or endangered; (3) state or federal candidates for listing as Natural Environment Study
NES 22 June 2022
threatened or endangered; and/or (4) identified by the CDFW as SSC, California FP species, or species on their SAL (CDFW 2022).

The USFWS IPaC official species list (generated for the API; Appendix E; March 2022) did not identify any federally-listed invertebrate species in the Project vicinity. The CNDDB RareFind 5 (generated for the Fortuna 7.5” quadrangle and surrounding 8 quads; Appendix B; February 2021) indicates five special status invertebrate species potentially occurring within the 9-quad search area. A discussion of the habitat requirements, potential for species occurrence, avoidance and minimization measures, and potential Project-related impacts to special status invertebrate species is provided in Chapter 4 – Discussion of Special Status Invertebrates of this document. Special status invertebrate species potentially occurring or known to occur in the BSA are listed in the following table.

Table 5 Special Status Invertebrate Species Potentially Occurring or Known to Occur in the Project BSA
Common Name Scientific Name Status1 General Habitat2
Habitat
Present/
Absent3
Rationale
Mollusks
California Floater Anodonta
californiensis
--/--/SAL Freshwater lakes and
slow-moving streams
and rivers. Taxonomy
under review by
specialists. Generally
in shallow water.

HP No known occurrences within API
or BSA or surrounding 5 miles.

Marginal habitat present in Mill
Creek within API and BSA. See
Chapter 4 – Discussion of
Special Status Invertebrates.

Western Ridged
Mussel
Gonidea
angulata
--/--/SAL Primarily creeks &
rivers & less often
lakes. Originally in
most of state, now
extirpated from Central
& Southern Calif.

HP No known occurrences within API
or BSA or surrounding 5 miles.

Marginal habitat present in Mill
Creek within API and BSA. See
Chapter 4 – Discussion of
Special Status Invertebrates.

Western
Pearlshell
Margaritifera
falcata
--/--/SAL Aquatic. Prefers lower
velocity waters.

HP No known occurrences within API
or BSA or surrounding 5 miles.

Marginal habitat present in Mill
Creek within API and BSA. See
Chapter 4 – Discussion of
Special Status Invertebrates.

Insects
Obscure Bumble
Bee
Bombus
caliginosus
--/--/SAL Coastal areas from
Santa Barbara county
north to Washington
state. Food plant
genera include
Baccharis ssp.,
Cirsium ssp., Lupinus
ssp., Lotus ssp.,
HP Suitable habitat present; see
Chapter 4 – Discussion of
Special Status Invertebrates
Natural Environment Study
NES 23 June 2022
Common Name Scientific Name Status1 General Habitat2
Habitat
Present/
Absent3
Rationale
Grindelia ssp., and
Phacelia ssp.

Western Bumble
Bee
Bombus
occidentalis
UR/--
/SAL
Once common &
widespread, species
has declined
precipitously from
central California to
southern British
Columbia, perhaps
from disease.

HP Suitable habitat present; see
Chapter 4 – Discussion of
Special Status Invertebrates
Monarch Butterfly
- California
overwintering
population (pop. 1)
FC/--
/SAL
Winter roost sites
extend along the coast
from northern
Mendocino to Baja
California, Mexico.

Roosts located in
wind-protected tree
groves (eucalyptus,
Monterey pine,
cypress), with nectar
and water sources
nearby.

HP Suitable habitat present; see
Chapter 4 – Discussion of
Special Status Invertebrates
Footnotes:
1 Status: FC = Federal Candidate; SAL = CDFW Special Animals List; UR = federally under review for listing (CDFW 2021a). 2 General habitat column information reprinted from CNDDB (February 2021; CDFW 2021c). 3 Habitat Present/Absent: Absent [A] - no habitat present and no further work needed. Habitat Present [HP] -habitat is or may be present. The species may be present.

Special Status Fish Species
Special status fish species include species that are (1) listed as threatened or endangered under the CESA or the ESA; (2) proposed for federal listing as threatened or endangered; (3) state or federal candidates for listing as threatened or endangered; and/or (4) identified by the CDFW as SSC, California FP species, or species on their SAL.

The USFWS IPaC official species list (generated for the API; Appendix E; March 2022), NOAA Fisheries West Coast Region California Species List (generated for the Fortuna 7.5” quadrangle and surrounding 8 quads; Appendix D; February 2021), and CNDDB RareFind 5 (generated for the Fortuna 7.5” quadrangle and surrounding 8 quads; Appendix B; February 2021) identified six federally-listed species, one federal candidate species, and three state SSC with potential to occur in the 9-quad search area. Mill Creek within the BSA contains requisite aquatic habitat for several special status fish species. See Chapter 4 – Discussion of Special Status Fish for general aquatic habitat conservation Natural Environment Study
NES 24 June 2022
measures. Special status fish species potentially occurring or known to occur in the BSA are listed in the following table. Effects determinations have been provided for all federally-listed species.

Table 6: Special Status Fish Species Potentially Occurring or Known to Occur in the Project BSA
Common Name Scientific Name Status1 General Habitat2 Habitat Present/
Absent3
Rationale
Green Sturgeon Acipenser
medirostris
FT/--
/SSC
These are the most marine
species of sturgeon.

Abundance increases
northward of Point
Conception. Spawns in the
Sacramento, Klamath, &
Trinity Rivers. Spawns at
temps between 8-14 C.

Preferred spawning substrate
is large cobble, but can range
from clean sand to bedrock.

A No known occurrences
within API or BSA. No
suitable habitat present
(Mill Creek is a small
tributary lacking deep
pool habitat required by
this species); excluded
from further
consideration.

No effect.

No in-water work or
channel modification will
occur.

Pacific Lamprey Entosphenus
tridentatus
--/--
/SSC
Found in Pacific Coast
streams north of San Luis
Obispo County, however
regular runs in Santa Clara
River. Size of runs is
declining. Swift-current
gravel-bottomed areas for
spawning with water temps
between 12-18 C.

Ammocoetes need soft sand
or mud.

HP Suitable habitat present;
see Chapter 4 –
Discussion of Special
Status Fish.

Tidewater Goby Eucyclogobius
newberryi
FE/SE/-- Brackish water habitats along
the California coast from
Agua Hedionda Lagoon, San
Diego County to the mouth of
the Smith River. Found in
shallow lagoons and lower
stream reaches, they need
fairly still but not stagnant
water and high oxygen levels.

A BSA is located at an
inland location. No known
occurrences within API or
BSA. BSA does not
overlap designated
critical habitat (USFWS
2020b). No suitable
habitat (e.g., brackish
water) present in BSA;
excluded from further
consideration.

No effect.

Estuarine habitat absent
in the BSA.

Natural Environment Study
NES 25 June 2022
Common Name Scientific Name Status1 General Habitat2 Habitat Present/
Absent3
Rationale
Western Brook
Lamprey
Lampetra
richardsoni
--/--
/SSC
Aquatic | Freshwater rivers
and streams.

HP Suitable habitat present;
see Chapter 4 –
Discussion of Special
Status Fish.

Coast Cutthroat
Trout
Oncorhynchus
clarkii clarkii
--/--
/SSC
Small coastal streams from
the Eel River to the Oregon
border. Small, low gradient
coastal streams and
estuaries. Needs shaded
streams with water
temperatures <18C, and
small gravel for spawning.

HP Suitable habitat present;
see Chapter 4 –
Discussion of Special
Status Fish.

Coho Salmon -
southern
Oregon /
northern
California ESU
Oncorhynchus
kisutch pop. 2
FT/ST/-- Federal listing refers to
populations between Cape
Blanco, Oregon and Punta
Gorda, Humboldt County,
California. State listing refers
to populations between the
Oregon border and Punta
Gorda, California.

HP Suitable habitat present;
see Chapter 4 –
Discussion of Special
Status Fish.

No effect.

No in-water work or
channel modification will
occur.

Chinook Salmon
- California
coastal ESU
Oncorhynchus
tshawytscha pop.
17 FT/--/-- Federal listing refers to wild
spawned, coastal, spring &
fall runs between Redwood
Cr, Humboldt Co & Russian
River, Sonoma Co
HP Suitable habitat present;
see Chapter 4 –
Discussion of Special
Status Fish.

No effect.

No in-water work or
channel modification will
occur.

Steelhead -
northern
California DPS
Oncorhynchus
mykiss irideus
pop. 16
FT/--/-- Coastal basins from
Redwood Creek south to the
Gualala River, inclusive.

Does not include summer-run
steelhead.

HP Suitable habitat present;
see Chapter 4 –
Discussion of Special
Status Fish.

No effect.

No in-water work or
channel modification will
occur.

Longfin Smelt Spirinchus
thaleichthys
FC/ST/-- Euryhaline, nektonic &
anadromous. Found in open
waters of estuaries, mostly in
middle or bottom of water
column. Prefer salinities of
15-30 ppt, but can be found in
completely freshwater to
almost pure seawater.

A No effect.

Estuarine habitat absent
in the BSA.

Natural Environment Study
NES 26 June 2022
Common Name Scientific Name Status1 General Habitat2 Habitat Present/
Absent3
Rationale
Eulachon Thaleichthys
pacificus
FT/--/-- Found in Klamath River, Mad
River, Redwood Creek, and
in small numbers in Smith
River and Humboldt Bay
tributaries. Spawn in lower
reaches of coastal rivers with
moderate water velocities and
bottom of pea-sized gravel,
sand, and woody debris.

A The BSA contains
requisite foraging habitat
within Mill Creek.

However, this species is
believed to be extirpated
south of the Klamath
River. This species has
no potential to occur in
the API or BSA; excluded
from further
consideration.

Footnotes:
1 Status: FC = Federal Candidate; FE = Federal Endangered; FE = Federal Threatened; SE = State Endangered; ST = State Threatened; SSC = State Special Status Species.
2 General habitat column information reprinted from CNDDB (February 2021; CDFW 2021c). 3 Habitat Present/Absent: Absent [A] - no habitat present and no further work needed. Habitat Present [HP] -habitat is or may be present. The species may be present.

Special Status Amphibian Species
Special status amphibian species include species that are (1) listed as threatened or endangered under the CESA or the ESA; (2) proposed for federal listing as threatened or endangered; (3) state or federal candidates for listing as threatened or endangered; and/or (4) identified by the CDFW as SSC, California FP species, or species on their SAL.

The USFWS IPaC official species list (generated for the API; Appendix E; March 2022) did not identify any federally-listed amphibian species in the Project vicinity. The CNDDB RareFind 5 (generated for the Fortuna 7.5” quadrangle and surrounding 8 quads; Appendix B; February 2021) indicates there are four special status amphibian species potentially occurring within the 9-quad search area. A discussion of the habitat requirements, potential for species occurrence, avoidance and minimization measures, and potential Project-related impacts to special status amphibian species is provided in Chapter 4 – Discussion of Special Status Amphibians of this document. Special status amphibian species potentially occurring or known to occur in the BSA are listed in the following table.

Table 7: Special Status Amphibian Species Potentially Occurring or Known to Occur in the Project BSA
Common Name Scientific Name Status1 General Habitat2
Habitat
Present/
Absent3
Rationale
Pacific Tailed
Frog
Ascaphus truei --/--/SSC Occurs in montane
hardwood-conifer, redwood,
A No known occurrences
within the API or BSA. No
Natural Environment Study
NES 27 June 2022
Common Name Scientific Name Status1 General Habitat2
Habitat
Present/
Absent3
Rationale
Douglas-fir & ponderosa
pine habitats. Restricted to
perennial montane streams.

Tadpoles require water
below 15 degrees C.
suitable habitat (e.g.,
high-gradient rocky
streams) present in BSA;
excluded from further
consideration.

Northern Redlegged Frog
Rana aurora --/--/SSC Humid forests, woodlands,
grasslands, and streamsides
in northwestern California,
usually near dense riparian
cover. Generally near
permanent water, but can be
found far from water, in
damp woods and meadows,
during non-breeding season.

HP Suitable habitat present;
see Chapter 4 –
Discussion of Special
Status Amphibians.

Foothill Yellowlegged FrogRana boylii --/--/SSC Partly-shaded, shallow streams and riffles with a
rocky substrate in a variety
of habitats. Needs at least
some cobble-sized substrate
for egg-laying. Needs at
least 15 weeks to attain
metamorphosis.

HP Suitable habitat present;
see Chapter 4 –
Discussion of Special
Status Amphibians.

Southern
Torrent
Salamander
Rhyacotriton
variegatus
--/--/SSC Coastal redwood, Douglasfir, mixed conifer, montane riparian, and montane
hardwood-conifer habitats.

Old growth forest. Cold, wellshaded, permanent streams and seepages, or within
splash zone or on mosscovered rocks within trickling
water.

A No known occurrences
within the API or BSA. No
suitable habitat (e.g.,
high-gradient rocky
streams) present in BSA;
excluded from further
consideration.

Footnotes:
1 Status: SSC = State Species of Special Concern.
2 General habitat column information reprinted from CNDDB (February 2021; CDFW 2021c). 3 Habitat Present/Absent: Absent [A] - no habitat present and no further work needed. Habitat Present [HP] -habitat is or may be present. The species may be present.

Special Status Reptile Species
Special status reptile species include species that are (1) listed as threatened or endangered under the CESA or the ESA; (2) proposed for federal listing as threatened or endangered; (3) state or federal candidates for listing as threatened or endangered; and/or (4) identified by the CDFW as SSC, California FP species, or species on their SAL.

Natural Environment Study
NES 28 June 2022
The USFWS IPaC official species list (generated for the API; Appendix E; March 2022) did not identify any federally-listed invertebrate species in the Project vicinity. The CNDDB RareFind 5 (generated for the Fortuna 7.5” quadrangle and surrounding 8 quads; Appendix B; February 2021) indicates one additional special status reptile species potentially occurring within the 9-quad search area.

Marine reptiles (i.e., sea turtles) indicated as potentially occurring within the 9- quad search area by the NOAA Fisheries West Coast Region California Species List (generated for the Fortuna 7.5” quadrangle and surrounding 8 quads; Appendix D; February 2021) are not included as there is no suitable marine habitat within the API or BSA. A discussion of the habitat requirements, potential for species occurrence, avoidance and minimization measures, and potential Project-related impacts to special status amphibian species is provided in Chapter 4 – Discussion of Special Status Reptiles of this document. Special status reptile species potentially occurring or known to occur in the BSA are listed in the following table.

Table 8: Special Status Reptile Species Potentially Occurring or Known to Occur in the Project BSA
Common
Name
Scientific
Name
Status1 General Habitat2 Habitat
Present/
Absent3
Rationale
Western Pond
Turtle
Emys
marmorata
--/--/SSC A thoroughly aquatic turtle of
ponds, marshes, rivers,
streams and irrigation
ditches, usually with aquatic
vegetation, below 6000 ft
elevation.

HP Suitable habitat present;
see Chapter 4 –
Discussion of Special
Status Reptiles.

Footnotes:
1 Status: State Species of Special Concern (SSC).
2 General habitat column information reprinted from CNDDB (February 2021; CDFW 2021c). 3 Habitat Present/Absent: Habitat Present [HP] -habitat is or may be present. The species may be present.

Special Status Bird Species
Special status bird species include species that are (1) listed as threatened or endangered under the CESA or the ESA; (2) proposed for federal listing as threatened or endangered; (3) state or federal candidates for listing as threatened or endangered; and/or (4) identified by the CDFW as SSC, California FP species, or species on their SAL.

The USFWS IPaC official species list (generated for the API; Appendix E; March 2022) identified seven species with potential to occur in the Project vicinity. The CNDDB RareFind 5 (generated for the Fortuna 7.5” quadrangle and surrounding 8 quads Appendix B; February 2021) indicates there are 14 additional special status bird species potentially occurring within the 9-quad search area. A discussion of the habitat requirements, potential for species occurrence, avoidance and minimization measures, and potential Project-related impacts to special status bird species is provided in Chapter 4 – Discussion of Special Natural Environment Study
NES 29 June 2022
Status Birds of this document. Special status bird species potentially occurring or known to occur in the BSA are listed in the following table.

Table 9: Special Status Bird Species Potentially Occurring or Known to Occur in the Project BSA
Common Name Scientific
Name Status1 General Habitat2
Habitat
Present/
Absent3
Rationale
Cooper's Hawk Accipiter
cooperii
--/--/WL Woodland, chiefly of open,
interrupted or marginal
type. Nest sites mainly in
riparian growths of
deciduous trees, as in
canyon bottoms on river
flood-plains; also, live oaks.

HP Suitable habitat present;
see Chapter 4 –
Discussion of Special
Status Birds.

Sharp-shinned
Hawk
Accipiter striatus --/--/WL Ponderosa pine, black oak,
riparian deciduous, mixed
conifer, and Jeffrey pine
habitats. Prefers riparian
areas. North-facing slopes
with plucking perches are
critical requirements. Nests
usually within 275 ft of
water.

HP Suitable habitat present;
see Chapter 4 –
Discussion of Special
Status Birds.

Tricolored
Blackbird
Agelaius tricolor --/ST/SSC Highly colonial species,
most numerous in Central
Valley & vicinity. Largely
endemic to California.

Requires open water,
protected nesting substrate,
and foraging area with
insect prey within a few km
of the colony.

A Closest known record is of
an extirpated colony in
Fortuna, within 1 mile of
the API (CDFW 2021b).

No known occurrences
within the API or BSA.

Rare seasonal visitor to
Humboldt County. No
suitable habitat (e.g., open
water and emergent
vegetation) in the BSA;
excluded from further
consideration.

Grasshopper
Sparrow
Ammodramus
savannarum
--/--/SSC Dense grasslands on rolling
hills, lowland plains, in
valleys and on hillsides on
lower mountain slopes.

Favors native grasslands
with a mix of grasses, forbs
and scattered shrubs.

Loosely colonial when
nesting.

A No known occurrences
within the API or BSA.

Rare seasonal visitor to
Humboldt County. No
suitable habitat (e.g.,
native grasslands) in the
BSA; excluded from
further consideration.

Golden Eagle Aquila
chrysaetos
--/--/FP,
WL
Rolling foothills, mountain
areas, sage-juniper flats,
and desert. Cliff-walled
canyons provide nesting
habitat in most parts of
range; also, large trees in
open areas.