JOHN VANG
Senior Associate
[email protected]
• Ontario General Plan Update EIR | Ontario CA
• Puente Hills Intermodal Facility EIR | Industry CA
• Logistics Terminals, Inc., Development Plan & Zone Exception IS | Industry CA • 109th Street Pool & Bathhouse Replacement Project EIR | Los Angeles CA Technical Studies
• 506 Brookside Drive Industrial Project Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas | North Richmond CA
• Greenleaf Business Center, Air Quality, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, and Operational Health Risk Assessment | Santa Fe Springs CA • Rancho Cucamonga Fire Protection District Fire Training Center, Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emissions | Rancho Cucamonga CA
• Anaheim Energy Organic Waste to Energy Facility Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emissions | Anaheim CA
• Serramonte Shopping Center Expansion Construction Health Risk Assessment | Daly City CA
• Landmark Hotel Construction Health Risk Assessment | San Carlos CA • Torrance Memorial Medical Center | Torrance CA
• Noise Monitoring for Specific Highways, Noise Memorandum | Cerritos CA • Coca-Cola Warehouse Expansion Air Quality Memorandum | Orange CA • Carlsbad New High School No. 2 Noise Impacts on Least Bell’s Vireo and California Gnatcatcher Habitat, Carlsbad USD | Carlsbad CA • Distrito La Novia San Juan Meadows Planned Community Air Quality and Noise | San Juan Capistrano CA
• Green Dot Public Schools High School Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emissions | Los Angeles County CA
• Sycamore Academy Greenhouse Gas Emissions | Wildomar CA School Facilities Planning
• UC Berkeley Long Range Development Plan EIR, University of California | Berkeley CA
• Southwest Campus EIR, Mt. San Jacinto Community College District | Wildomar CA
• Menifee Valley Campus EIR, Mt. San Jacinto Community College District | Menifee CA
• SAUSD Sports Complex EIR, Santa Ana USD | Santa Ana CA • Ontario High School Improvements EIR | Chaffey Joint Union High School District | Ontario CA
• Wiseburn High School Sports Complex, Wiseburn USD | El Segundo CA • School Upgrade Program EIR, Los Angeles USD | Los Angeles CA • Castaic High School EIR, William S. Hart Union High School District | Castaic CA • Middle School No. 8.75 IS/MND, Fontana USD | Fontana CA • Citrus Continuation High School IS/MND, Fontana USD | Fontana CA • Jurupa Hills Adult Education Center Conversion IS/MND, Fontana USD | Fontana CA
• New High School at College and Cannon EIR, Carlsbad USD | Carlsbad CA • South Region Elementary School No. 12 EIR, Los Angeles USD | Los Angeles CA
KRISTIE NGUYEN
Senior Associate, Air Quality/GHG/Energy
Kristie has experience with research, data analysis, and writing for technical reports and is familiar with climate and air quality monitoring, computer modeling, and CEQA and NEPA compliance. She is a member of the Air Quality, GHG & Noise Group and prepares air quality and greenhouse gas analyses for California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance documents.
Kristie is certified in Environmental Assessment and Environmental Sampling and Analysis, and she has completed courses through CARB’s Air Quality Training System. Before joining PlaceWorks, Kristie served at UC San Diego as a teaching assistant in the chemistry department and a master’s program representative for the Chemistry Student Council.
HIGHLIGHTS OF EXPERIENCE
• Westminster Mall Specific Plan EIR | Westminster CA
• Brea Mall Mixed-Use Project EIR | Brea CA
• Norwalk Entertainment District-Civic Center EIR | Norwalk CA • Laguna Niguel City Center Mixed-Use Project EIR | Laguna Niguel CA • Hub Fullerton Student-Oriented Mixed-Use Facility Initial Study | Fullerton CA • Mercury Residential Project EIR | Brea CA
• San Juan Capistrano Downtown Playhouse Specific Plan EIR | San Juan Capistrano CA
• The Mosaic Project Outdoor Recreational Facility EIR | Alameda County CA • IS/MND for new Giant RV Facility | Colton CA
• Proposition 68 Aquatics and Recreational Center Project Addendum | Yucca Valley CA
• Addendum to the 2004 Industry Business Center EIR | City of Industry CA • Santa Ana General Plan Update EIR | Santa Ana CA
• Town of Colma General Plan Update Support | Colma CA
• CEQA for 66-Unit Residential at 126 N. New Avenue | Monterey Park CA • CEQA Environmental Assessment for SCAQMD Rule Projects | South Coast Air Quality Management District
• Planning & CEQA Staff Augmentation Services | Wildomar CA • IS/MND for New Industrial Building at 20922 Currier Road | City of Industry CA • Creekside Planned Community EIR | San Juan Capistrano • San Leandro 1188 East 14th Street CEQA Review | San Leandro CA • San Leandro Shoreline Development Project | San Leandro CA • McCabe Hall Supplemental EIR | San Jose CA
• Cupertino 22690 Stevens Creek Boulevard Environmental Review | Cupertino CA School Facilities Projects
• UC Berkeley Long Range Development Plan EIR | Berkeley CA • Fourth Addendum to the LAHC Facilities Master Plan EIR | Los Angeles Community College District CA
EDUCATION
• MS, Chemistry, University of
California, San Diego
• BS, Biological Sciences, University
of California, Irvine
AFFILIATIONS
• UCI Environmental Management
Certification
» Environmental Sampling and
Analysis
» Environmental Assessment
Team member since 2019
KRISTIE NGUYEN
Senior Associate
[email protected]
• Desert Trails Preparatory Academy CEQA and Technical Studies | Adelanto CA • Grand View Elementary School Renovation EIR | Manhattan Beach USD • K–8 STEAM Academy Initial Study | Temecula Valley USD • Hamilton High School Expansion Air Quality and GHG Study | Hamilton USD • Wedgeworth ES Reconstruction & Residential Development | Hacienda-La Puente Unified School District | CA
• Promenade High School EIR | Dublin Unified School District CA • Beaumont HS Expansion CEQA | Beaumont Unified School District CA • Saddleback High School EIR | Santa Ana Unified School District CA • Richmond Elementary School Replacement | Sierra Sands USD • CEQA/Tech for Arbor View School | Rancho Cucamonga CA • Malibu MS and HS Campus Master Plan EIR | Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District CA
• Coastside Land Trust Wavecrest Coastal Trail, Section 2 | Half Moon Bay CA • CEQA for Crescenta Valley HS Football Field/Track | Glendale Unified School District CA
• Mar Vista HS Aquatics NOE & Tech Studies | Chula Vista CA
LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNITY
• Master’s Program Representative, Chemistry Graduate Student Council of UC San Diego, November 2017–December 2018
• Tutor for elementary and high school students in chemistry, biology, and mathematics, 2018 to present
EMILY PARKS
Associate, Air Quality/GHG/Energy and Noise
Emily is a member of the Environmental Team’s air quality and greenhouse gas analysis group, and this year she started gaining experience in noise modeling and documentation. She works on a broad array of environmental planning projects and components of projects— from mixed-use, industrial, and transit-oriented design projects to school facilities projects to comprehensive planning projects such as general plans and specific plans.
Emily joined PlaceWorks while earning her master’s degree in environmental and ocean sciences. As part of her graduate work, she developed a controlled laboratory study of California killifish and was awarded a grant in 2020 to help fund equipment and lab costs. She received additional funds to support a second summer of research on killifish.
Emily gained experience with public policy as an intern with the San Diego chapter of the Audubon Society. Here she led a team to gather resources and make specific recommendations to improve the climate strategy in the City of San Diego’s Climate Action Plan.
Recommendations added to the CAP included measurable goals for the benefits of wetland restoration and riparian forest habitat as carbon sinks.
HIGHLIGHTS OF EXPERIENCE
• The Ontario Plan Update EIR | Ontario CA
• Linbrook Villas CEQA Class 32 Categorical Exemption | Anaheim CA • Cornerstone Bible Church Expansion IS/MND and Tech Studies | Glendora CA • Compton High School EIR Remedial Action Workplan Addendum | Compton USD
• VP1 Apple Office Project Initial Study | Cupertino CA • CEQA for 1655 South De Anza Boulevard Mixed-Use Project | Cupertino CA • Livermore General Plan Update EIR | Livermore CA
AWARDS
• 2021 Stephen Sullivan Memorial Scholarship, University of San Diego • 2020 George Maier Fund Grant, University of San Diego
LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNITY
• Audubon Advocacy Training Internship, SD Audubon Society Chapter
EDUCATION
• MS, Environmental and Ocean
Sciences, University of San Diego
• BS, Biological Sciences, University
of California, Santa Barbara
AFFILIATIONS
• Association of Environmental
Professionals
Team member since 2021
TONY CHUNG PhD, INCE-USA
Associate Principal, Noise, Vibration & Acoustics
With 33+ years of experience, Dr. Chung has performed more than 2,200 CEQA/NEPA–related and/or stand-alone n oise studies for community and transportation noise analyses. He conducted and/ or supervised tasks such as field measurement, modeling, and data analysis. Noise impacts from construction, vehicular traffic, and longterm stationary source operations were evaluated. Other types of noise sources evaluated include trains, airplanes, industrial operations, and gun range noise.
Dr. Chung performed and/or supervised the preparation of more than 1,200 air quality studies for projects, including transportation facilities, landfills, warehouses, office buildings, and ocean bay enhancement or sediment management projects.
PRIOR EXPERIENCE
• Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) Operation Next, Los Angeles, CA. Noise Task Manager. Supervision and management of the noise and vibration impact analysis for the LADWP Operation Next Noise and Vibration Impact Analysis in Los Angeles County.
• Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) On-Call Environmental Services, Los Angeles County, CA. Noise Task Manager.
Supervision and management of the noise impact analysis and recommended noise abatement measures for the MWD On-Call Environmental Services contract in Los Angeles County.
• Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Long Range Transportation Planning, Orange County, CA. Noise Task Manager. Supervision and management of the noise impact analysis and recommended noise abatement measures for the proposed OCTA Long Range Transportation Planning project in Orange County.
• Riverside County General Plan Update, Riverside County, CA. Noise Task Manager. Supervision and management of the noise impact analysis and recommended noise abatement measures for the proposed General Plan Update project in the county of Riverside.
• County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation On-Call Environmental Services Contract, San Diego County, CA. Noise Task Manager. Preparation and management of the noise impact analysis and recommended noise abatement measures for the proposed Towncrest Park/ Fallbrook Park project in the County of San Diego.
OTHER PRIOR EXPERIENCE
• Environmental Studies, Environmental Science Associates Inc., Irvine, CA.
Principal Acoustical Engineer.
EDUCATION
• PhD, Mechanical Engineering,
University of California Los Angeles
• Engineer Degree in Mechanical
Engineering, University of California
Los Angeles
• MS, Mechanical Engineering,
University of Mississippi
• BS, Mechanical Engineering,
National Tsing-Hua University
CERTIFICATIONS
• Board Certified Member Institute of
Noise Control Engineering, INCE-USA
• UAM Regional Air Quality Modeling,
University of California, Irvine
• FHWA Highway Noise Analysis
Certificate, University of Louisville
• Noise Control for Building and
Manufacturing Plants Certificate,
BBN/San Francisco
• Certified Acoustical Consultant,
County of Orange
• Approved Acoustical Consultant,
County of San Diego
AFFILIATIONS
• American Physics Society
• Acoustical Society of America
Team member since 2023
TONY CHUNG
Associate Principal
[email protected]
• Environmental Planning and Traffic Engineering, LSA Associates Inc., Irvine, CA. Principal, Director of Acoustical and Air Quality Services. • Planning and Environmental Impact Report Consultants, The Planning Center, Newport Beach, CA. Director of Technical Services.
• Environmental and Planning Consultants, Michael Brandman Associates, Inc., Santa Ana/ Irvine, CA. Manager for Air Quality and Acoustic Services. • County of Orange Environmental Management Agency. Acoustical Specialist. • Smith, Fause & Associates, Inc. Project Manager, Acoustical Specialist.
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
• Conversion and Compliance, Building Noise and Vibration STC/IIC Analysis, Noise-Con 2020, “Jazzin” up Noise Control, Virtual Conference | 2020 • Building Interior Noise and Vibration Isolation Measurement, Inter-Noise 2018, Impact of Noise Control Engineering, Chicago | 2018 • The Characteristics of Noise Due to Tramway Passing through Small Radius Section, Inter-Noise 2018, Impact of Noise Control Engineering, Chicago | 2018 • A New Type of Sound Absorbing and Isolation Material - Microck Sound Insulation Board, Inter-Noise 2018, Impact of Noise Control Engineering, Chicago | 2018
• Noise and Vibration Regulations in the United States of America, 14th China National Conference on Noise and Vibration Control Engineering | 2015 • Noise Standards, Control, and Market Outlook, Chinese American Professional Society Technical Conference, Environmental Forum | 1996, • Noise Impacts on People and Wildlife, and Governmental Regulations, Guest Speaker, University of Southern California Environmental Engineering Seminar | 1994
• Noise and the Environment - Impacts and Regulations, Chinese American Professional Society Annual Conference, Environmental Forum | 1993
ABDUL KHAN
Project Planner
Abdul is a member of PlaceWorks Environmental Team in Orange County where he assists with conducting CEQA/NEPA environmental noise and vibration impact assessments, noise monitoring, modeling (including GIS noise contour mapping) and other stand-alone technical studies.
Prior to joining PlaceWorks, Abdul served as a Noise Analyst I at Ascent Environmental where he conducted noise measurements for projects; prepared initial studies, mitigated negative declarations, administrative draft EIRs, and addendum checklists for review by principal and clients; and carried out research for projects. He also served as an Assistant Noise Analyst at Urban Crossroads, Inc. where he performed GIS analysis, queries, searches, and data manipulation; produced GIS maps and other representations of data for clients; prepared initial studies documents to mitigate traffic-related noise based on FHWA guidelines; and conducted fieldwork to collect noise levels then compiled and processed the data into spreadsheets and other visuals to be used in final acoustic mitigation reports.
While attending UCI, Abdul served as a Research Assistant where he compiled current land usage for the University and its surroundings through the usage of Google products and physical data to create an ArcGIS map for UCI/UCI Urban Planning Public Policy faculty. For a GIS academic project, Abdul worked with The Kennedy Commission, a community-based non-profit, where he reviewed and Geocoded data for input into ArcGIS to create presentations and maps that displayed housing inequality for low income populations in Santa Ana.
HIGHLIGHTS OF EXPERIENCE
• Patrick Henry Elementary School Rebuild Project IS/MND, Anaheim Elementary School District | Anaheim CA
• High School Parking Structure and Tennis Courts Environmental Consulting Services, Berkeley Unified School District | Berkeley CA • 6268 E. Rio Grande Drive Project Initial Study/MND | Anaheim CA • City of Redding General Plan Update EIR | Redding CA
• CEQA for Mission MS Improvement Project, Escondido Union School District | Escondido CA
• Glen Paul School Modernization Project Initial Study, Humboldt County Office of Education | Eureka CA
• Norm Ross Sports Park Joint Use Project IS/MND | Stanton-CA • El Dorado High School Sports Facilities Lighting Project EIR, Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District | Placentia CA
• District Office Replacement Project Initial Study, Roseville Joint Union High School District | Roseville CA
• Rosedale & Coffee Commercial, Retail, and Warehouse/Distribution Development Project Technical Studies | Bakersfield CA
• San Bernardino High School Cardinal Child Development Center NOE, San Bernardino City Unified School District | San Bernardino CA
EDUCATION
• BA, Urban Studies, Specialization
in Geographic Information Systems
(GIS), Minor in Anthropology
Team member since 2022
DINA ELCHAMMAS GASS PE,QSD
Senior Engineer
Dina is a member of the Environmental Planning team and Technical Services Group. She provides technical support related to hydrology, water quality, and utilities, including third-party peer reviews, water supply assessments, written verifications of supply, and utility capacity reports. Dina also performs quantitative health risk assessments and pipeline safety hazard assessments.
Dina processes, oversees, and manages CEQA projects as project manager or assistant project manager. She also contributes research, analysis, and review—particularly in the fields of water quality, hydrology, utilities, and hazards and hazardous materials—and prepares CEQA-compliant documents.
Dina came to PlaceWorks with eclectic experience in the fields of sustainability, environmental engineering, and sustainable watershed management. She was an assistant professor of sustainability and an environmental engineer in the Gulf and Caspian regions, where she prepared and implemented environmental management plans; pollution prevention plans; and management plans for waste, water, and wastewater.
HIGHLIGHTS OF EXPERIENCE
Hydrology/Water Quality, and Utilities
• On-Call Services for Water Supply Assessments and Written Verifications | Ontario CA
• Merrill Commerce Center Specific Plan; Water Supply Assessment | Ontario CA • Ontario Ranch Business Park Specific Plan; Water Supply Assessment | Ontario CA
• Jackson Ranch Specific Plan; Water Supply Assessment | Kettleman City CA • Westminster Mall Specific Plan; Water Supply Assessment | Westminster CA • Disneyland Resort Four Diamond Hotel Project; Third Party Peer Review Hydrology Report, WQMP, and WSA |Anaheim CA
• Aqua Mansa Specific Plan; Third Party Peer Review Utility Report and WSA | Jurupa Valley CA
• 4416 Azusa Canyon Road Project; Third Party Peer Review Hydrology Report, Hydraulics Report, and WQMP | Irwindale CA
Environmental and Health Risk Assessments
• Etiwanda Avenue/Country Village Road Truck Restriction Ordinance Health Risk Assessment | Jurupa Valley CA
• Temecula Valley Charter School Health Risk Assessment | County of Riverside CA • Villa Park High School Modernization Pipeline Risk Assessment | Orange CA
EDUCATION
• Master of Engineering,
Environmental and Water
Resources Engineer, American
University of Beirut, Lebanon
• Bachelor of Engineering, Civil
Engineering, American University of
Beirut, Lebanon
• MA, East Asian Studies, Maharishi
University of Management,
Fairfield, Iowa
AFFILIATIONS
• California Stormwater Association
(CASQA)
REGISTRATIONS
• State of California Professional
Engineer No. 91182
• State Water Resources Board’s
Qualified Storm Water Pollution
Prevention Plan Developer (QSD)
Team member since 2018
DINA EL CHAMMAS GASS
Senior Engineer
[email protected]
• Solana Vista Elementary School Reconstruction Pipeline Risk Assessment | Solana Beach CA
• Brownwell Middle School Project Pipeline Risk Assessment | Gilroy CA CEQA
• 4416 Azusa Canyon Road Project IS/MND | Irwindale CA
• Whitmore Villa Residential Development IS/MND | Monterey Park CA • San Bernardino Countywide Plan EIR | San Bernardino County CA • Agua Mansa Commerce Park Specific Plan EIR | Jurupa Valley CA • Etiwanda Avenue/Country Village Road Truck Restriction Ordinance EIR | Jurupa Valley CA
• Proposed Rule 2305; Warehouse Indirect Source Rule Environmental Assessment | South Coast Air Basin CA
• New City Center Mixed-Use Project EIR | Laguna Niguel CA • Newport Crossings Mixed Use Project EIR | Newport Beach CA
PRIOR EXPERIENCE
• Crowe Creek State Revolving Fund Project | Fairfield IA • Baku Tbilisi Cheyhan Pipeline | Republic of Georgia
• Crescent New Gas Processing Plant | United Arab Emirates • Mitigation of NGL Plants Flares and RAG Utilization Project | Qatar • Dorood Project Onshore Facilities | Iran
• Expansion and Development of the Harweel Miscible Gas Injection Enhanced Oil Recovery Project| Oman
• Kashagan Field Development Project | Kazakhstan
PUBLICATIONS
• “Immerse in Your Watershed: Problem Based, Service Learning for Undergraduate Sustainability Education,” The Journal of Sustainability Education, January 2017.
• “Potentiality of Wastewater Reclamation and Reuse in the Lebanon: A Case Study,” Master’s Thesis, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon, 2003.
AWARDS
• 2002 Abd El Aal Research Award for the Advancement of Water Resource Engineering Research
STEVE BUSH PE
Senior Engineer
Steve Bush, PE, Senior Associate is member of both the Environmental Sciences and the CEQA teams, Steve’s skill set covers a wide range of technical services. He leads our Title 5 risk assessment practice for school construction and modernization projects (Air Toxics/ Health Risk, Pipeline Safety, Railroad Safety, EMF), and applies his knowledge and skills to sampling and data analysis for Phase I environmental site assessments (ESA), and site investigations. He has also done extensive work with soil and groundwater sampling, air monitoring, and stormwater analysis and management. As a member of the Environmental Sciences team, Steve has completed numerous Hydrology and Water Quality analyses for a variety of projects, including proposed school sites and commercial properties.
HIGHLIGHTS OF EXPERIENCE
Environmental and Health Risk Assessments
• Wiseburn New High School EIR | Hawthorne CA
• Health Risk Assessment, Pipeline Safety Hazard Assessment, and Railroad Safety Study for Pioneer High School | Whittier CA
• Health Risk Assessments for Central Region Elementary School and South Region Span K–8 #1 | Los Angeles CA
• Rail and Pipeline Safety Studies, San Luis Coastal USD | San Luis Obispo CA • Aboveground Water Tank Safety Hazard Assessment, Waterstone Environmental, Inc.
• Health Risk Assessment for Irvine Technology Center | Irvine CA • CNG and Propane Risk Assessment for Ramona Elementary | Moreno Valley CA • UC Berkeley 2021 Long Range Development Plan EIR | Berkeley CA • UC Berkeley Long Range Campus Plan Update and 201-247 Golden Gate Avenue Mixed-Use Project EIR, UC Hastings College of Law | San Francisco CA • The Gateway New Academic Building Project Addendum, UC Berkeley | Berkeley CA
• Measure E Bond Program CEQA and Site Assessment Services | Fremont CA • Napa Valley Unified School District Measure H CEQA Review | Napa CA • 4840/4950 Mission Street Mixed Use EIR | San Francisco CA • Hayward Unified School District Master CEQA Services | Hayward CA • Tennyson and Hayward High Schools CEQA Services | Hayward CA • 2016 CEQA Economic Benefits Study
• BART to Livermore Program EIR, Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) • BART to Livermore Project EIR, Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) • Measure H Bond Program CEQA Consultant Services, Napa USD | Napa CA • Water Pipeline Safety Hazard Assessment for New Court Community School, Napa County Office of Education | Napa CA
EDUCATION
• MS, Chemical Engineering,
University of California, Los Angeles
• BS, Chemical Engineering,
University of California, Santa
Barbara CA
REGISTRATIONS
• State of California Professional
Engineer No. 83997
CERTIFICATIONS
• 40 Hour HAZWOPER
Team member since 2007
STEVE BUSH
Senior Engineer
[email protected]
• Borello Elementary School EMF Survey and Field Management Plan, Morgan Hill USD | Morgan Hill CA
• Martin Luther King Jr Middle School Health Risk Assessment and Railroad Safety Study | Hayward CA
• Clayton Valley Charter High School Preliminary Fatal Flaw Analysis | Concord CA • Pittsburg School Campus Rail Safety Study and Pipeline Safety Hazard Assessment | Pittsburg CA
• New Elementary School Hydrology -FEMA Zone D Determination | Gilroy CA • New Elementary School Site Dam Inundation Study | Gilroy CA • Lomita Park Elementary School Health Risk Assessment, Pipeline Safety Hazard Assessment, and Rail Safety Study | Millbrae CA
Air Quality/GHG and CEQA
• Valhalla Inn by the Bay Initial Study | Sausalito CA
• The Landing at Walnut Creek Apartments EIR | Walnut Creek CA • Ocean Outlets Maintenance Manual Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Analyses, Orange County Flood Control District | Orange County CA • Breuner Marsh Restoration Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Analyses | Richmond CA
Site Investigation
• Central Region Elementary School No. 20 Environmental Oversight of Remedial Action Plan, LAUSD | Los Angeles CA
• Site Remediation for former Sargent Industries Property | Huntington Park CA • Phase I Environmental Site Assessments for City Recreation and Parks | Los Angeles CA
• High School Site No. 5, Fontana USD | Fontana CA
• Alessandro Boulevard and Kitching Street Alternative High School Site | Moreno Valley CA
• High School No. 5 Alternate Sites EIR | Moreno Valley CA • Citrus Heritage Middle School IS/MND | Riverside CA
• Tri-City Community Day School IS/MND, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools | San Bernardino County CA
• AZ Winter Mesa Towing Site Subdivision EIR | Malibu CA • Crummer Site Subdivision EIR | Malibu CA
PUBLICATIONS
• With J. Curren, S. Ha, M. Stenstrom, S. Lau, and I.H. Suffet, “Identification of subwatershed sources for chlorinated pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in the Ballona Creek watershed,” Science of The Total Environment 403, no. 13 (2011): 2525–33
• With M. Philibert, F. L. Rosario-Ortiz, and I. H. Suffet, “Advances in the characterization of the polarity of DOM under ambient water quality conditions using the polarity rapid assessment method,” Water Science & Technology: Water Supply 8, no. 6 (2008): 725–733
AWARDS
• Engineering Honor Society, Tau Beta Pi, 2002
CATHY FITZGERALD DEnv, PE, QSP/D
Principal Engineer
Cathy has over 30 years of academic and professional experience in the areas of hydrology studies, health risk assessments, safety hazard assessments, air quality studies, hazardous waste investigations, remedial action plans, and installation of groundwater and soil vapor extraction systems. She also has over 15 years of experience preparing drainage studies, stormwater management, permitting, and preparation of Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans and Water Quality Management Plans.
Cathy maintains current knowledge of the latest stormwater regulations in various counties and municipalities. She performs computer modeling to determine the impact of best management practices and low impact development on stormwater runoff for both construction and operation phases. Cathy performs hydrology and hydraulic studies and incorporates the results into CEQA and NEPA documents, and she has performed several studies evaluating the effect of dam or reservoir inundation and flooding.
Cathy is a Qualified Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan Developer with the State of California and also prepares and implements construction and postconstruction water quality monitoring. She has also worked on numerous water projects in Africa, South America, and Central America.
HIGHLIGHTS OF EXPERIENCE
Hydrology Studies and NPDES Permitting
• Water Supply Assessment for Harbor Boulevard Mixed-Use Corridor Water Supply Assessment | Santa Ana CA
• Water Management Plan for Avenal General Plan Update and Sustainability Implementation Programs | Avenal CA
• Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) | Mission Viejo CA • Water Quality Management Plan, Mixed-Use Development Project | Huntington Park CA
• Storm Water Management Plan and Drainage Study | Rancho Santa Fe CA • Hydrology Calculations and Report, Flying M Ranch | Long Beach CA • Hydrology Study | San Marcos USD
• AZ Winter Mesa Towing Site Subdivision EIR, Hydrology Section | Malibu CA • Third Party Review Santiago Creek Study | City of Orange, CA • NPDES Permit Wastewater Discharge, Clairol Facility | Camarillo CA • Report of Waste Discharge, Rancho Seco Nuclear Power Plant | Sacramento Municipal Utility District
EDUCATION
• DEnv, Environmental Science
& Engineering, University of
California, Los Angeles
• MA, Marine Biology, University of
California, Santa Barbara
• BA, Biology, University of California,
Los Angeles
REGISTRATIONS
• State of California Professional
Engineer No. 39541
• Registered Hazardous Substances
Professional
• State of California Qualified SWPPP
Developer/Practitioner No. 20222
CERTIFICATIONS
• State of Nevada Certified
Environmental Manager
AFFILIATIONS
• Air Pollution Control Hearing Board,
Washoe County, Nevada
Team member since 1986
CATHY FITZGERALD
Principal Engineer
[email protected]
Regulatory Compliance, Air Quality Permitting, and Health Risk Assessments
• Construction Risk Assessment for Breuner Marsh Restoration | Richmond, CA • West Roseville High School Health Risk Assessment | Roseville CA • Permit Acquisition and Compliance Evaluation for Cogeneration and Wasteto-Energy Projects | Bechtel Power Corporation • Licensing and Permitting Acquisition for Nuclear and Fossil Fuel Power Plants in the United States and International Clients | Bechtel Power Corporation • South Coast AQMD Permit to Construct/Permit to Operate Application for Chemical Fixation of Hyperion Treatment Plant Sludge | Submitted to SCAQMD
• Numerous Air Emission Risk Assessments | Los Angeles Unified School District
CEQA/NEPA Environmental Services
• State Superfund Site Third-Party Review of field investigations, removal actions, and groundwater remediation activities | Nevada • Walltown Quarry, Air Quality Impact Analysis EIR Review | Sacramento CA • Puente Hills Intermodal Facility EIR | Industry CA
• AZ Winter Mesa Towing Site Subdivision EIR, Hydrology Section | Malibu CA • Crummer Site Subdivision EIR | Malibu CA
Hazard Safety Assessments
• Palo Alto USD Pipeline Safety Hazard Assessment | Palo Alto CA • 5th Street Alternative School Rail Safety Study | Redwood City CA • Numerous Pipeline Safety Hazard Assessments | Los Angeles USD • Rail Safety Study, Fresno El Paseo EIR | Fresno CA
• Ramona Elementary School CNG and Propane Risk Assessment | Moreno Valley USD
• Former ordnance facility, soil cleanup (for explosives) and screening level health risk assessment | Chino Hills CA
Site Investigation
• Phase I ESAs and field investigations at numerous commercial and industrial sites | Reno and Sparks NV
• Water Quality Management Plan, Mixed Use Development Project | Huntington Park CA
• Hydrology Calculations and Report, Flying M Ranch | Long Beach CA • Hydrology Report | San Marcos USD
• Vadose zone and groundwater modeling to support closure of a former UST site | Lancaster CA
• Soil vapor extraction pilot test | Huntington Park CA • Vacuum-enhanced recovery pilot test | Los Angeles CA
• Former oil field site, development of risk-based cleanup levels | Bakersfield CA • Site removal action, excavation and disposal of lead-impacted soil | Commerce CA
PUBLICATIONS
• A Practical Guide to Environmental Risk: Perception, Assessment, Communication, The Planning Center, 2009.
ISABEL VEGA
Scientist
Isabel will assist our project teams by performing site visits/field work to collect, analyze, and process data for environmental site assessments, geohazard studies, and site investigations, and by assisting in the preparation and processing of environmental documents and with other aspects of the CEQA process for a variety of private and public sector projects.
Prior to joining PlaceWorks, Isabel served as a Field Scout at G.W. Osteen and Associates. In this role, she scouted fields for agricultural pests and diseases in the Southern Central Valley, collected field data/samples, and recorded and processed this data to assess the health of agricultural sites. She interned with and served as a HoneyCode Instructor at Dream Enrichment Classes which provides supplemental education on STEAM {science, technology, engineering, art, and math) related activities to children. As a HoneyCode Instructor, she taught computer coding classes to elementary school students using HoneyCode programming and Scratch, an MIT-designed block programming language. She also interned with the Food Literacy Center where she obtained experience teaching elementary school students on the topics of food culture, healthy recipes, and nutrition.
While pursuing her bachelor’s degree, she served as a Student Researcher on a riparian corridor restoration project in the Sacramento area (Bushy Lake) under supervision of Dr. Michelle Stevens, a professor at Sacramento State. Isabel gained hands-on experience with restoration efforts and data collection and conducted research on native California plants, invasive plant species, and addressing environmental impacts on migratory species.
HIGHLIGHTS OF EXPERIENCE
• Mountain View ES Addendum to The Ontario Plan Supplemental EIR for Mountain View School District | Ontario CA
• Geologic and Environmental Hazards Assessment Report for 7111 Winnetka Avenue for Magnolia Public Schools | Los Angeles CA
• Hull MS Inspection/Monitoring Reporting for Tustin USD | Tustin CA • PEA for JW North HS New Science Building for Riverside USD | Riverside CA • IS/MND and Soils Studies for Early Education Center and District Office Relocation Project for Lemon Grove USD | Lemon Grove CA • Gossamer ES Geologic and Environmental Hazards Assessment for Norris School District | Bakersfield CA
• Nicholas ES Rebuild Project - DTSC and Title 5 Documentation for Sacramento City USD | Sacramento CA
• Kemble-Chavez ES DTSC/Title 5 Studies for Sacramento City USD | Sacramento CA
EDUCATION
• BS, Environmental Studies,
California State University,
Sacramento
Team member since 2023
SCOTT ASHLOCK ASLA
Associate Principal
Scott’s background in architecture and landscape architecture combined with his savvy technological skills make him well versed in the nuts and bolts of design. His vigorous desire to expand his knowledge and his extensive travels make his approach to any project exciting and remarkable. He helps develop creative design solutions and carries them forward from concept to project completion.
Scott’s skill with Adobe Creative Suite, ArcGIS, AutoCAD, 3DS Max, and SketchUp has made him a “wearer of many hats.” He also has extensive experience handling construction documents, planting plans, and site designs and has worked with contractors and crews to ensure that the design intent and vision of a project are captured. Scott develops creative design solutions and carries them forward from concept to project completion. For CEQA/NEPA documentation, he leads his group’s efforts in Visual Impact Analysis, which consists of visual simulations and shade & shadow and light & glare analyses, with capabilities in drone photography and videography.
HIGHLIGHTS OF EXPERIENCE
Lighting and Viewshed Studies
• Visual Simulations of Proposed Solar Array Installations at Various High Schools and District Office | Capistrano Unified School District • Yorba Linda High School Pool Lighting | Yorba Linda CA • The Forum Lighting and View Shed Analysis | Inglewood CA • The Forum Sign Project | Inglewood CA
• Indian Springs High School Stadium Lighting Study | Indian Springs CA • Corona del Mar High School Stadium Lighting Study | Corona del Mar CA • Target at Hillsdale Shopping Center EIR | San Mateo CA • West Carson TOD Specific Plan | Los Angeles County CA • CalWater Water Tank Assessment View Simulations
• Rosewood Park Elementary School Billboard Project | Montebello CA • Crummer Site Subdivision | Malibu CA
• El Toro High School Lighting & Bleachers Lighting Study | Laguna Hills CA Master Plans
• Irvine Company Community Master Planning | Irvine CA
• Tesoro Viejo Master Plan | Madera CA
• Skyline Ranch Master Plan | Los Angeles County CA
• Berge Val Vista Master Plan | Gilbert AZ
• Waterston Master Plan | Gilbert AZ
• Brookside Master Plan | Walnut CA
• Lost Canyon Master Plan and video modeling simulation | Simi Valley CA • Daybreak Reno Master Plan and video modeling simulation | Reno NV
EDUCATION
• BS, Landscape Architecture,
California State Polytechnic
University, Pomona
REGISTRATIONS
• Licensed Landscape Architect in
California, No. 6177
AFFILIATIONS
• Urban Land Institute
• American Society of Landscape
Architects
Team member since 2011
SCOTT ASHLOCK
Associate Principal
[email protected]
• Natomas Meadows Master Plan | Natomas CA
• Hawks Ridge Master Plan | Duvall WA
• Tesoro Del Valle Master Plan | Los Angeles County CA
• Mission Bay Park Master Plan Amendment | San Diego CA • Centennial New Town Master Plan | County of Los Angeles CA • Newhall Ranch Master Plan | County of Los Angeles CA
• Calimesa Creek Master Plan | Calimesa CA
Specific Plans and Other Planning Services
• Westminster Mall Specific Plan | Westminster CA
• Millerton Lake Specific Plan | Fresno County CA
• West Ming Specific Plan | Bakersfield CA
• Meadowood Specific Plan | San Diego County CA
• Angels Crossing Specific Plan | Stanislaus County CA
• Butterfield Specific Plan | Banning CA
• South West Village Specific Plan | San Diego CA
• NorthLake Specific Plan | Los Angeles County CA
• De Anza Park Revitalization Plan | San Diego CA
• Tesoro Viejo Site Planning| Madera CA
• Greenspot Specific Plan | Highland CA
• CollegeTown Specific Plan | Fullerton CA
• French Valley Specific Plan | County of Riverside CA
• Garrett Ranch Specific Plan | Hemet CA
• Mill Creek Specific Plan | Chino CA
• Arbor Vista Specific Plan | Temecula CA
• Renaissance Specific Plan | Rialto CA
• Seven Oaks Business Park Design Guidelines | Bakersfield CA • March Airforce Base Joint Powers Association Design Charrette | Riverside CA • Carmenita Truck Center Planning Services | Santa Fe Springs CA • Desert Horizons Community Amenity Planning | Indian Wells CA Corridor Planning and Transit-Oriented Development
• San Bernardino Transportation-Oriented Development | San Bernardino CA • Beach Boulevard Corridor Fly-through Model | Buena Park CA • Highland Baseline Corridor Fly-through Model | Highland CA • Harbor Boulevard Corridor Plan and Vision | Santa Ana CA AWARDS
• Tesoro Viejo Master Plan | 2023 Master Planned Community of the Year, National Association of Home Builders; 2016 Innovation in Green Community Planning, APACA, Central Section
• Westminster Mall Specific Plan | 2023 Economic Planning and Development Award of Excellence, APACA, Orange
• Aquatic Technologies | 2010 Water Feature Design Competition
ALEX REYES
Associate
Alex’s passion is for creating spaces that people enjoy. His keen observation of how people of all ages interact with spaces allows him to put together the individual pieces that create a great community.
Working with PlaceWorks’ planning and design teams, he prepares graphics and models to convey design concepts to clients and the public. His diverse knowledge of computer programs allows him to quickly create a working product and adapt it to individual client needs.
Alex also contributes to PlaceWorks’ environmental team by preparing visual simulations, light and glare studies, and shade/shadow analyses for environmental documents.
Alex is an expert in using drones and drone scanning technology that integrates with GIS, creating base maps, 3D visual simulations, and engaging presentation materials. This was particularly useful for a project in Capistrano Beach, when Google Earth and GIS did not have up to date imagery. Drone use for a Moorpark project created engaging presentation material by placing a conceptual 3D model into a drone video, conveying our concept with context and movement.
HIGHLIGHTS OF EXPERIENCE
Lighting Analyses and Visual Simulations
School Projects
• Corona Del Mar High School Stadium EIR | Corona Del Mar CA • Wilson Middle School Multi-Purpose Field EIR | Glendale CA • Estancia High School New 50-Meter Pool Facility NOE | Costa Mesa CA • Norwalk High School Norwalk High School Proposed New Stadium and Athletic Fields Improvement Project EIR | Norwalk CA
• Crescenta Valley High Schools Football Field/Track Project EIR | Glendale CA • Promenade High School EIR | Dublin CA
Drone
• San Juan Hills High School Solar panels | 3d model video rendering • Capistrano Valley High School Solar Panels | 3d model video rendering • San Clemente High School Solar Panels | 3d model video rendering • Moorpark Proposal | 3d model video rendering
• Fountain Valley Proposal | 3d model video rendering
• Capistrano Beach | Site Scanning
• Kings River Harris Estate | Coalinga CA |Photography
Other Projects
• Las Palmas Park and Pioneer Park Lighting Analysis | San Fernando CA • River Street Market Place IS/MND and EIR | San Juan Capistrano CA • Heritage Fields | Irvine CA
EDUCATION
• BS, Landscape Architecture,
California State Polytechnic
University, Pomona
REGISTRATIONS
• Part 107 Commercial Drone
License, Certificate #4330763
Team member since 2016
ALEX REYES
Associate
[email protected]
• Age Qualified Community English Road | Chino Hills CA • Carroll Canyon Master Plan | San Diego CA
• Centennial Specific Plan | Gorman CA
• Desert Landscape in Palm Desert
• Trilogy - On Call Support Graphics for Shea Homes | Corona CA Design and Planning
• Butterfield Specific Plan | Banning CA
• Skyline Ranch Specific Plan | Los Angeles County CA
• North Lake Specific Plan | Castaic CA
• Tesoro Del Valle Specific Plan | Santa Clarita CA
• Tesoro Viejo Master Plan | Madera CA
• De Anza Revitalization Plan | San Diego CA
• The Brookside | Walnut CA
• Downtown Livermore Facilitation Services | Livermore CA • West Carson TOD Specific Plan and EIR | Los Angeles County CA • Hawk Ridge Community Planning | Kings County WA
• Meadowood Community Design | Fallbrook CA
• South Otay Mesa Specific Plan | San Diego CA
• North Lake Site Planning | Santa Clarita CA
• Palm Desert Property at Gerald Ford Drive Site Planning | Palm Desert CA • Tejon Outlets Re-imagined | Gorman CA
• Due Diligence Environmental and Entitlement Services for Westside Community Properties | Newhall CA
• Seven Oaks Master Plan | Bakersfield CA
• Westminster Mall Redevelopment Specific Plan | Westminster CA • Daybreak Master Plan | Reno NV
• Middle Ranch Land Planning | Sylmar CA
• Waterston-Master Plan Berge Val Vista Phase 1 | Gilbert CA • Airport Gateway Specific Plan | San Bernardino CA
KIM HERKEWITZ
GIS Manager
As GIS Manager, Kim participates in nearly every PlaceWorks project.
She has significant experience combining and analyzing information from a variety of perspectives, and she is adept at mapping and analyzing that data for planning projects and online applications.
Kim’s design work is deceptively simple and always unique, distinguished by the accuracy of her eye and her rigorous aesthetic logic. Her meticulous attention to detail and balance are particularly evident in her mapping and online applications. She has worked on site and grading plans, illustrative and land use plans, 3D visualization and modeling, web design, and various types of presentations. She is proficient with the entire ArcGIS suite of programs as well as ArcGIS Online, SketchUp, Google Earth, Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator. She is experienced with Python programming and Javascript/HTML5.
HIGHLIGHTS OF EXPERIENCE
GIS/Urban Planning
• San Bernardino Web-Based Countywide Plan and Program EIR | San Bernardino County CA
• Anaheim First Community Assessment | Anaheim CA
• City of Moorpark General Plan Update and EIR | Moorpark CA • Palm Springs 2019 Limited General Plan Update and EIR | Palm Springs CA • Santa Ana 2019 General Plan Update | Santa Ana CA
• Long Beach SEADIP Specific Plan, LCP Amendment | Long Beach CA • City of San Clemente General Plan Update | San Clemente CA • City of Fountain Valley 2040 General Plan Update and EIR | Fountain Valley • City of Ontario 2019-20 General Plan Update and EIR | Ontario CA • County of San Bernardino Strategic Visioning | San Bernardino County CA • New Jersey Highlands Council Fiscal Impact Assessment | Chester NJ • San Bernardino County Visioning, Phase 3 | San Bernardino County CA • Renaissance Rialto Specific Plan | Rialto CA
• North Fontana Specific Plan | Fontana CA
• Temple City General Plan Update and EIR | Temple City CA • Yucaipa 2035 General Plan Update and PEIR | Yucaipa CA • Newhall Ranch Open Space and Land Use Analysis | Valencia CA • City of Redondo Beach Focused General Plan Update | Redondo Beach CA • City of Menifee General Plan and EIR | Menifee CA
• La Habra General Plan Update | La Habra CA
• Bloomington Community Plan Update |San Bernardino CA
• Sierra Madre General Plan Update and EIR | Sierra Madre CA • Westminster General Plan Update and EIR | Westminster CA • Town of Yucca Valley General Plan Update | Yucca Valley CA • Los Alamitos General Plan and EIR | Los Alamitos CA
EDUCATION
• BS, Geography, California State
University, Long Beach
Team member since 2006
KIM HERKEWITZ
GIS Manager
[email protected]
• City of San Bernardino General Plan Update and EIR | San Bernardino CA • County of San Bernardino Underutilized Land Analysis | San Bernardino County CA
• City of Industry General Plan Update | City of Industry CA • City of Irvine Climate Action Plan | Irvine CA
• City of Irvine Climate Action Plan Phase 2| Irvine CA • Anthem Master Plan | United Arab Emirates
• La Mesa Downtown Village Specific Plan | La Mesa CA
• Rialto Airport Land Use Study | Rialto CA
• Mammoth Crossings Planning Study & Specific Plan | Mammoth Lakes CA • Palm Springs General Plan Update and Downtown Urban Design Program | Palm Springs CA
• Shafter-Lerdo Specific Plan | Bakersfield CA
• Winchester Crossroads Specific Plan | Riverside County CA • Greenspot Village and Marketplace Specific Plan EIR | Highland CA • Hemet Stock Farm Specific Plan | Hemet CA
• Thomas Winery Retail Center Redevelopment | Rancho Cucamonga CA Graphic Design
• The Arboretum Specific Plan Project Branding and Graphics Package | Fontana CA
• Artesia Corridor Specific Plan, Project Branding | Gardena CA • Clovis General Plan Update & EIR | Clovis CA
• El Monte General Plan & Development Code Update Graphics Package | El Monte CA
• Centennial Specific Plan Graphics Package, Tejon Ranch | Los Angeles County CA • The Meadows at Cummings Valley Master Plan Graphics Package | Tehachapi CA • Renaissance Rialto Specific Plan Graphics Package | Rialto CA • Valley Trails Specific Plan Graphics Package | Fontana CA • Santa Ana General Plan Housing Element Update Graphics Package | Santa Ana CA
• University Heights Specific Plan & Annexation Graphics Package | San Marcos CA • SCAG 2% Compass Blueprint Strategy Implementation Demonstration Projects: 3D Modeling and Visualization | Southern California
PlaceWorks - Santa Ana (Corporate Headquarters)
3 MacArthur Place, Suite 1100, Santa Ana, CA 92707
714.966.9220
Additional Offices
Los Angeles | Inland Empire | Bay Area | Sacramento | Central Coast placeworks.com
Los Angeles, California • November 29, 2023
City of Fountain Valley
Statement of Qualifications for RFQ No. 23-012
As-Needed CEQA Consulting Services
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
250 East 1st Street, Suite 1400
Los Angeles, California 90012
213-788-4842
www.rinconconsultants.com
November 29, 2023
Amanda McCall, Management Analyst/Purchasing Officer
Purchasing Department
City of Fountain Valley
10200 Slater Avenue
Fountain Valley, California 92708
Subject: Statement of Qualifications for As-Needed California Environmental Quality Act Consulting Services
Dear Amanda McCall:
Rincon Consultants, Inc. appreciates this opportunity to submit this statement of qualifications to the City of Fountain Valley (City) to provide as-needed California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) consulting services in support of upcoming development projects within the City. We have successfully completed numerous development projects requiring CEQA consulting services in Orange County. For this proposal, we have assembled a team of highly skilled environmental science and planning professionals who combine extensive technical qualifications and knowledge of CEQA in the area.
Rincon has a long history of collaboration with municipalities and agencies throughout Orange County, as well as San Diego County and Los Angeles County, and in the larger Southern California region. We are one of the only mid-size environmental consulting firms with a full suite of technical experts, throughout California, offering an unparalleled comprehension of the technical challenges, community considerations, and requirements of local organizations. We are entrusted by our clients with the oversight and execution of development initiatives and implementation of environmental compliance conditions. Another distinct advantage lies in our exceptional team, featuring extensively qualified local professionals, a thorough expertise in California environmental planning, policy formulation and permitting, technical proficiency, and a proven ability to oversee environmental programs of any scale.
For this contract, our proposed leadership team includes Project Manager and Senior Environmental Planner Vanessa Villanueva, who will be the primary contact for the City, Deputy Project Manager and Environmental Planner Lauren Reese, and Principal-in-Charge Danielle Griffith, all of whom have successfully led various projects under previous and current CEQA on-call contracts within municipalities and agencies in Orange County and nearby communities in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Riverside counties.
Through our on-call as needed contracts, our team understands the necessity to become a practical extension of City and County staff, as we have performed on-call contracts for various public agencies throughout our 29- year history, including City of Santa Ana, City of Laguna Beach, and Los Angeles County Development Authority.
The combination of highly qualified staff, depth of environmental planning, policy development and permitting experience, technical expertise, and ability to manage all sizes of environmental programs makes the Rincon team uniquely suited for this on-call contract.
Sincerely,
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Vanessa Villanueva | Project Manager and
Primary Contact
213-444-3482
[email protected]
Contact for Clarification
Danielle Griffith, JD | Principal-in-Charge
213-986-9904
[email protected]
Authorized to contractually obligate and negotiate on
behalf of Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Table of Contents
Rincon Consultants, Inc. i
Table of Contents
1 Firm Qualifications .............................................................................................................................................. 1 About Rincon ....................................................................................................................................................... 1 Qualifications for Key Personnel ........................................................................................................................ 2 Team Organization .............................................................................................................................................. 8 History of On-Call Project Experience................................................................................................................. 9 Project Experience & References.....................................................................................................................10 2 Understanding of and Proposed Approach......................................................................................................12 Overall Approach...............................................................................................................................................12 Approach to CEQA Document Preparation ......................................................................................................13 Technical Studies..............................................................................................................................................15 Quality Control...................................................................................................................................................18 Appendices
Appendix A Resumes
Appendix B Non-Collusion Form
Cost Proposal
Uploaded separately
Firm Qualifications
Rincon Consultants, Inc. 1
1 Firm Qualifications
About Rincon
Rincon Consultants, Inc. is a multi-disciplinary environmental science, planning, and engineering consulting firm that provides quality professional services to government and industry. Rincon prides itself on the considerable depth of its staff, which includes professional archaeologists and architectural historians; geologists, including a certified engineering geologist and geochemists; biologists, including certified wetland specialists, arborists, and botanists; noise and air quality experts; accredited LEED professionals; and certified urban planners. For this contract, we have identified Rincon staff experienced in technical analyses (i.e., air quality/greenhouse gas [GHG] emissions, health risk, noise), biological resources, cultural and historic resources, hazards and hazardous materials, and other related disciplines, including problem-solving services in specializing in energy
efficiency/sustainability solutions, hydrology and water quality solutions and land use planning innovations. Our approach to projects is centered upon developing well-designed and creative solutions that respond to our clients’ specific needs cost-effectively.
Firm Services
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance is a core business area for Rincon, and our firm has provided environmental consulting services and contract planning for various projects for 29 years. Our philosophy on all projects is to encourage early agency and public scoping and to develop and maintain close communication between the local lead agency, engineering consultants, and other stakeholders, as appropriate, to ensure technical adequacy and timely review of required project deliverables. This approach has enabled us to identify and avoid costly and time-consuming constraints early in the environmental review process and to minimize or avoid potential conflicts with funding deadlines.
One of our key strengths is our involvement in projects from “inception-to-implementation,” which spans from pre-planning activities (alternative analyses, environmental constraints analysis, and technical report preparation) to project analysis (CEQA/NEPA compliance, regulatory permitting) through project implementation (hazards remediation, construction monitoring, stormwater compliance services) to post-construction activities (habitat restoration, mitigation). As a result, we fully understand the demands of large- and small-scale projects, the interaction between different environmental issues, and the directives of the responsible regulatory agencies. We have been providing services throughout Orange County since 2004, and as a result, Rincon offers definitive experience and in-depth knowledge of the City’s current environmental and planning laws, regulations, and standards of the City.
Legal Name:
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Legal Form:
California “S” Corporation
Founded: 1994
Professional Staff: 450+
California Offices: 13
Headquarters:
180 North Ashwood Avenue
Ventura, California 93003
Firm’s Address Serving the
City of Fountain Valley:
250 East 1st Street, Suite 1400
Los Angeles, California 90012
Number of Employees Working
Directly on this Contract: 16
Primary Contact/
Project Manager:
Vanessa Villanueva
213-444-3482
[email protected]
Website:
www.rinconconsultants.com
Company Highlights:
• Received one APA award in
2023
• Received three AEP awards in
2019
• Named one of the “Best Places
to Work” by Zweig-White (2021,
2019, 2017, 2015, and 2009)
• Named 2021 “Best
Environmental Services Firm to
Work For” by Zweig Group
• Named Hot 100 Firm list,
recognizing revenue growth over
Firm Qualifications
Rincon Consultants, Inc. 2
Services
We have categorized our planning and environmental consulting services into the following core areas:
We also maintain Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Graphics Communications, and In-House Counsel groups to enhance our documents and support our data analyses for projects addressing issues in these service areas.
Qualifications for Key Personnel
Rincon has assembled a team of highly qualified individuals with extensive experience preparing CEQA documentation services. Leading the team will be Principal-in-Charge Danielle Griffith. She has over 20 years of experience directing urban planning projects, including planning and policy document preparation and CEQA analyses. Rincon’s Project Manager, Vanessa Villanueva, has over seven years of experience preparing and editing environmental analyses under CEQA for infrastructure, housing, urban development, and long-range planning projects. Rincon’s Deputy Project Manager, Lauren Reese, has over seven years of experience managing and preparing CEQA documents for various residential, commercial, mixed-use, and industrial projects.
Rincon has expertise in all CEQA compliance technical areas, allowing the firm to cover categories in-house. For scopes of work that require detailed transportation analyses, Rincon subcontracts with transportation engineering firms to augment our environmental analysis. Moreover, for these issue areas, we have “redundant” expertise in-house, which means in most cases, we do not need to rely on a single individual to address any specific issue of concern. If Rincon encounters a unique technical issue that requires external support, we have access to many technical experts in a range of fields that can augment Rincon’s team for individual assignments.
Use of any inside or outside technical experts, such as for geotechnical studies, utility/sewer studies, and traffic studies, will be subject to the City’s approval, as would any staff changes. Our key CEQA development team are located within 5 miles of the City of Fountain Valley, and our proximity to the City allows us to immediately respond to the City’s as-needed services, including on-site meetings and public meetings as requested. Rincon key staff bios and responsibilities for our proposed key personnel are provided on the following pages. Complete staff resumes are included in Appendix A.
Firm Qualifications
Rincon Consultants, Inc. 3
Management Team
Danielle Griffith | Principal-in-Charge
Danielle has over 20 years of progressively responsible experience in planning, environmental planning, environmental policy, and analysis. Additionally, Danielle worked for environmental regulation and land use transactional law firms for several years. Her experience includes working as a project manager leading large, interdisciplinary consultant teams in environmental planning efforts for a variety of residential, commercial, industrial and mixed-use land development projects throughout Orange County and Southern California. She also has experience in developing long- and short-term plans for land use, growth and revitalization of urban, suburban, and rural communities. Additionally, she has written and reviewed a variety of environmental planning documents, including technical reports. She has worked for both public agencies and private companies. She is currently the team/management lead for Laguna Beach, Long Beach, North County San Diego Fire District, Los Angeles City and County, Calabasas, Malibu, and Thousand Oaks on-call contracts among others.
Vanessa Villanueva | Project Manager/Primary Contact
Vanessa is responsible for preparing environmental and planning documents, assisting with public and private sector contract planning services, and providing technical impact analyses for a variety of projects. She has seven years of experience preparing and editing environmental analyses in accordance with CEQA and NEPA for infrastructure, housing and urban development, and long-range planning projects. Her recent experience includes projects located in the cities of Bell, Beverly Hills, Burbank, Los Angeles, Santa Ana, and West Hollywood. Her responsibilities include performing research and analysis and/or completing assignments within agency offices and for private sector clients; preparing CEQA and NEPA environmental analyses and technical studies; assisting with the preparation of other comprehensive planning documents; conducting field work necessary to complete high-quality technical noise studies; assisting with in-house English-to-Spanish translations of environmental notices and other public outreach materials; and interacting with various members of public agency and private client staff on matters related to land use planning, CEQA/NEPA compliance, and land development application processing.
Lauren Reese | Deputy Project Manager
Lauren has over 7 years of experience successfully managing and preparing environmental documents for a wide variety of projects with varying levels of complexity pursuant to CEQA. Her expertise in CEQA has allowed her to prepare environmental documents that are technically accurate and legally defensible as well as provide clients and subconsultants’ insight and guidance to inform decisionmaking. Specifically, she specializes in managing and preparing IS-MNDs, EIRs, ISNDs, SCPEs, and CEs for industrial, residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects across southern California, including Orange County, Los Angeles County, Inland Empire, and Coachella Valley. Lauren also assists with managing water and wastewater agencies to prepare CEQA documentation and provide grant tracking for infrastructure projects. Recently, Lauren has worked on several projects in Orange County including the Bluff Overlay District IS in Laguna Beach and Residences at Newport Center EIR in Newport Beach.
Firm Qualifications
Rincon Consultants, Inc. 4
Technical Team
Annaliese Torres | Senior Environmental Planner
Annaliese has over 6 years of experience in managing environmental assessments, technical studies, and grant tracking and writing services for water and wastewater infrastructure projects. She has experience preparing and managing CEQA and CEQA-Plus documentation, including Categorical Exemptions, ISs, NDs, MNDs, and EIRs. She also has experience managing the preparation of cross-disciplinary technical studies in support of CEQA, CEQA-Plus, and regulatory permitting processes, including biological resources assessments, jurisdictional delineations, cultural resources assessments, paleontological resources assessments, air quality/greenhouse gas studies, and noise studies. She has worked with a number of water and wastewater agencies, including South Coast Water District, Mesa Water District, The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Three Valleys Municipal Water District, and Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency, to prepare CEQA and NEPA documentation and provide grant tracking and writing services for infrastructure projects such as potable and non-potable water pipelines, groundwater wells, pump stations, treatment facilities, and reservoirs. Annaliese has worked on other projects throughout Orange County, including projects for the City of Laguna Beach and private developers.
Karolina Gorska, PhD, AICP | Planner
Karolina is a detail-oriented professional with supervisory and training experience in private and public-sector planning, as well as academia. Dr. Gorska has six years of research experience in the field of city planning and more than six years of work experience in current and long-range planning. She has exceptional communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills, and strong analytical, fact-finding, and qualitative skills to develop reports, presentations, and uncover useful information for policy recommendations. Dr. Gorska is adept at meeting deadlines and managing multiple projects simultaneously from inception to completion. Karolina has worked as a contract planner for Rincon since 2019.
Heather Dubois | Air Quality/Greenhouse Gas Emissions/Health Risk Assessment Heather has over 20 years of experience in the environmental field with 16 years focused on air quality impact analysis, including health risk assessments and global climate change impacts in compliance with NEPA and CEQA processes and regulations. She has a wide range of environmental experience, including air and noise monitoring, air and soil testing, and composition of complex planning documents that require comprehensive knowledge of land use planning, transit and transportation planning, and environmental planning.
Heather has prepared numerous air quality, health risk, GHG emissions, noise, and energy studies for smaller project-level developments and larger programmatic-level developments. She has also prepared transportation-related air quality analysis for the California Department of Transportation. In addition, Heather specializes in health risk assessments, having prepared numerous construction and operational health risk assessments to estimate health risks and hazards from projects. Her experience with technical analyses has made her well versed with California Air Resource Board and local air district regulations and guidance. She is experienced with the CalEEMod, AMS/EPA Regulatory Air Dispersion Model, Hotspots Analysis and Reporting Program (HARP), Caltrans Emission FACtor, and Road Construction Emission Model.
Firm Qualifications
Rincon Consultants, Inc. 5
Michael Stewart | Air Quality/Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Michael has over 11 years of experience preparing air quality and greenhouse gas analyses in accordance with CEQA and NEPA, as well as for air permitting purposes.
His experience covers a variety of project sizes and complexities across a wide range of land use development types and industrial clients, including residential developments, airports, warehouses, refineries, aerospace companies, data centers, etc. Michael is proficient with various emissions models (e.g., CalEEMod and EMission FACtors [EMFAC] Model series) and the AERMOD air dispersion modeling software. He is experienced performing health risk assessments using the CARB HARP2 model or with Excel spreadsheets. Michael has experience managing technical staff, supporting client communication and project needs and providing quality assurance reviews.
Brenna Vredeveld | Biological Resources
Brenna has 16 years of experience managing projects for local, State, and federal agencies across southern California and is experienced in ecosystem monitoring and reporting, federal and local regulatory processes, compliance requirements for biological resources on construction projects, California Environmental Quality Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act, and Clean Water Act.
She has managed a breadth of projects in various sectors including development, public infrastructure, water, and energy, for a variety of clients in southern California, especially Los Angeles and Orange Counties. She oversees preparation of complex technical reports and agency permitting packages; manages environmental compliance monitoring; and coordinates with regulatory agencies on behalf of clients. She advises clients on developing the most appropriate biological resources assessment, compliance, and mitigation strategies for their projects. She also performs technical quality assurance/ quality control of biological resources deliverables.
Gayle Bufo McDermott| Biological Resources
Gayle is a Biologist with Rincon Consultants. Her duties at Rincon include project management; construction and mitigation monitoring for biological resources; biological resources field surveys; nesting bird surveys and management; water quality sampling and monitoring; and preparation of biological resources and SWPPP reports. Gayle has been an environmental compliance monitor since joining Rincon and is now managing projects, particularly for multiple, high priority construction projects throughout Central and Southern California, including for Southern California Gas Company Pipeline Safety Enhancement Plan (PSEP) and Operations and Maintenance (O&M) projects, Los Angeles Department of Beaches and Harbors, the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, and Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. In her role as an environmental compliance monitor, she has conducted pre-construction clearance surveys, organized compliance documentation including noise, traffic, and hazardous waste disposal reports, performed both full-time monitoring and regular spot checks to document project compliance with relevant permits and authorizations, and developed Worker Environmental Awareness Trainings. She also has a breadth of species-specific monitoring and survey experience for both marine and terrestrial environments, as detailed below. Other duties at Rincon have included: project and assistant management, marine mammal monitoring, beach biodiversity studies, construction and mitigation monitoring for biological resources, water quality testing, biological resource field surveys, nesting bird surveys and management.
Firm Qualifications
Rincon Consultants, Inc. 6
Shannon Carmack | Historical Resources
Shannon has more than 21 years of professional experience providing cultural resources management and historic preservation planning for large-scale and highprofile projects. She has worked throughout southern California, including Orange County, Los Angeles County, and San Diego County, in numerous sectors including local planning, development/construction, public utilities, Department of Defense, transportation, recreation, and education. Shannon prepares documentation to satisfy CEQA/NEPA, Section 106, and Local Historic Preservation Ordinances. She also provides reports and studies that are in compliance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties and the California Historic Building Code. She has developed and implemented successful mitigation
for countless projects that included Historic American Building Survey documentation, oral histories, and interpretive programs. Shannon meets and exceeds requirements in the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards in Architectural History and History. Her experience includes being the Principal Architectural Historian on the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California On-Call and Senior Architectural Historian on several projects such as the City of Laguna Beach 31727 Coast Highway Civic Site MND, City of Long Beach 3655 N. Norwalk Boulevard Project, and City of West Hollywood Perry Hotel and Residences Cultural Resources Report.
Christopher W. Purtell | Historical Resources
Chris has over 18 years of professional experience in project management, environmental compliance, subcontracting, archaeological survey, excavation, monitoring, data recovery, laboratory analysis, and the development of mitigation and treatment plans, as well as over 15 years of experience as a Principal Investigator in a decision-making capacity on cultural resources projects in California, Washington, and Oregon. Chris exceeds the California Department of Transportation’s (Caltrans) Professionally Qualified Staff requirements and is approved by Caltrans District Offices 7, 8, and 9. He has undertaken and contributed to work efforts for prehistoric and historic archaeological and paleontological investigations in the Great Basin, Mojave Desert, Central, Southern, and Northern California pursuant to CEQA, NEPA, and Sections 106 and 110 of the National Historic Preservation Act. Christopher’s training and background exceeds the U.S. Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards as a Principal Investigator and Field Director for prehistoric and historic archaeology.
Ryan Thacher, PhD, PE | Hazards and Hazardous Materials Dr. Thacher is an environmental engineer with over 12 years of experience in developing strategic, creative solutions to complex environmental issues in support of brownfield redevelopment projects throughout California. He provides senior level technical and regulatory support to Rincon’s environmental due diligence team, environmental land use and community planning team, and oversees a wide variety of site assessment and remediation projects. Dr. Thacher supports public agencies and private clients with site assessment, remediation, and technical studies in support of housing, transportation, open space, and commercial redevelopment projects. He is highly knowledgeable on the environmental regulatory frameworks apply to and may constrain brownfield redevelopment, including experience with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) and Regional Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCBs). Furthermore, he is experienced in mitigation and remediation approaches to address environmental issues associated with California Environmental Quality Act and National Environmental Policy Act frameworks.
Firm Qualifications
Rincon Consultants, Inc. 7
Kiernan Brtalik | Hydrology and Water Quality
With over 13 years’ experience, Kiernan oversees the implementation of various monitoring and assessment studies, permitting and compliance projects, and consultation for an array of watershed-scale programs. This includes the implementation of surface and groundwater monitoring programs driven by the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) and basin-specific Groundwater Sustainability Plans (GSPs), Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs), 303(d) listing status evaluations, and Best Management Practice (BMP) water treatment efficacy studies. Kiernan also supports numerous water quality NPDES permit compliance programs including Waste Discharge and Water Recycling Requirements for discharges for wastewater treatment facilities, Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) discharges (Phase I, Phase II, and Caltrans MS4 permits), and stormwater discharge from construction sites and industrial facilities (Statewide IGP and CGP). He has participated in regional studies such as the Southern California Stormwater Monitoring Coalition (SMC) Regional Watershed Monitoring Program and Southern California Bight Regional Monitoring Program. Furthermore, he supports clients in developing environmental planning documents to meet CEQA and other regulatory agency requirements.
Bill Vosti | Noise
Bill has 10 years of experience preparing air quality, greenhouse gas (GHG), and noise technical analyses in accordance with CEQA and NEPA. Bill is proficient with various noise prediction models (e.g., CadnaA, SoundPLAN, and FHWA TNM) and air quality and GHG models (e.g., California Line Source Model series, EMission FACtors Model series, American Meteorological Society/Environmental Protection Agency Regulatory Model, Hotspots Analysis and Reporting Program, and California Emissions Estimator Model [CalEEMod] series). Bill also leads Rincon’s Air Quality, GHG Emissions, and Noise Program by managing technical staff and providing quality assurance reviews.
Tracy Popiel | GIS
For over 16 years, Tracy has been working with geographic information systems (GIS) in the environmental field, in both the private and research sectors. Coming from a biology background, Tracy loves being the communicative bridge between disciplines, and her clients and coworkers appreciate that. Tracy has compiled, managed, and analyzed large spatial datasets that span multiple states, including electrical infrastructure, access roads, and natural resource datasets. Tracy thrives when working as part of a team and excels as a project lead.
Working with Technical Subconsultants
Rincon’s breadth of expertise allows us to perform most of the tasks necessary to prepare environmental documents in-house, but Rincon also works with various subconsultants to provide additional expertise on special topics. We may consider using the following subconsultants if necessary:
• Fehr & Peers, www.fehrandpeers.com– transportation and traffic studies 101 Pacifica, Suite 300, Irvine, California 92618 | 949-308-6318 • Linscott Law & Greenspan, www.llgengineers.com – transportation and traffic studies 2 Executive Circle, Suite 250, Irvine, California 92614 | 949-825-6175 • Ganddini Group, www.ganddini.com – transportation and traffic studies 550 Parkcenter Drive, Suite 225, Santa Ana, California 92705 | 714-795-3100 x101 • Fuscoe Engineering, www.fuscoe.com – utility/sewer studies 15535 Sand Canyon, Suite 100, Irvine, California 92618 | 949-474-1960 • Geocon West, www.geoconinc.com – geotechnical studies 2807 McGaw Avenue, Irvine, California 92614 | 949-346-1109
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Team Organization
Illustrated below is the composition of our team.
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History of On-Call Project Experience
Rincon has 29 years of experience in California and has provided consulting services to local government clients and regional and State agencies. We are on numerous on-call consultant lists for environmental services, including CEQA and NEPA documentation, biological studies, permitting, and technical studies (air quality, cultural resources, noise, GHG emissions, etc.). The following list highlights current and former clients.
Project Description
City of Santa Ana Housing Division CEQA/NEPA Services, Site Assessment City of Santa Ana Planning Division Environmental and Planning Services City of Laguna Beach CEQA Services
City of Malibu Contract Planning, Biological Consulting City of Fullerton CEQA Services, Technical Studies
City of Long Beach CEQA Services
City of Los Angeles – Bureau of Engineering Environmental Services and Technical Studies City of Los Angeles – City Planning Three contracts for CEQA services for: Long-Range Planning Documents, Development Projects, Technical Studies
City of Los Angeles – City Planning Department and Office of Historic Resources
Cultural Resources Studies
City of Los Angeles – Housing Authority CEQA/National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Services City of Calabasas CEQA Services, Technical Studies
California State University System CEQA Services
County of Los Angeles – Department of Beaches and
Harbors
Environmental, Permitting and Biological Services
County of Los Angeles – Community Development Authority CEQA/NEPA Services, Site Assessment City of Ventura CEQA Services, Contract Planning
City of Eastvale CEQA Services, Technical Studies
Metropolitan Water District of Southern California Environmental, Permitting and Biological Services Southern California Gas Company Environmental, Permitting, and Biological Services United Water Conservation District Water Resources
South Coast Water District CEQA Services
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Project Experience & References
City of Santa Ana
Environmental, Planning and Redevelopment and Rehabilitation On-Call Services
Santa Ana, California
Rincon has been providing environmental services to the City of Santa Ana since 2004, starting with Phase I ESA, Phase II ESA, and hazardous materials services. Between 2006 and 2015, Rincon was responsible for preparing over 50 documents, including Phase I ESA and surveys for asbestos-containing materials (ACM) and lead-based paint (LBP). In 2014, Rincon was selected for CEQA/NEPA documentation and consulting services to the City of Santa Ana's Planning Division. During this three-year on-call contract, Rincon produced EAs and Categorical Exclusions under the NEPA for three affordable housing developments, two parks, and one community center. In August 2017, Rincon was again chosen for a three-year on-call contract, this time by the City's Housing Division, to provide CEQA/NEPA documentation, ESAs, soil testing, and surveys for ACM/LBP. Our staff worked closely with the City's Housing Division on these documents and another three-year on-call contract was authorized by the City in August 2021, which is still in effect. In November 2023, Rincon was chosen for another three-year on-call contract with the City’s Planning Division to provide environmental and planning services. Collectively, Rincon has conducted more than 60 individual projects within the City of Santa Ana, with 25 of those projects completed within the last five years.
Reference Info:
Ali Pezeshkpour, AICP – Senior Planner
City of Santa Ana Planning Division
20 Civic Center Plaza
Santa Ana, California 92701
714-647-5882 | [email protected]
Dates: 2004 - Current
Staff: Deanna Hansen (Principal-in-Charge)
Vanessa Villanueva (Project Manager)
Shannon Carmack (Historic Resources)
City of Laguna Beach
On-Call CEQA Services
Laguna Beach, California
Rincon has held an open services contract with the City of Laguna Beach since 2022 to provide environmental documentation for development projects. Projects include Initial Studies and MNDs for various commercial and residential developments, as well as City projects such as a replacement fire station. In addition to documentation, Rincon has also performed technical studies for such issues as noise, air quality, historical, and hazards. The following are projects under the current contract:
• 31796 Coast Highway – Fire Station No. 4
Relocation IS-MND
• 32051 Coast Highway IS-MND
• 150 Vista Del Sol IS-MND
• Reservoir 2B Replacement IS-MND
• 31727 and 31735 Coast Highway Civic Site
IS-MND
• Laguna Beach Civic Site IS-MND
• Pacific Edge Hotel Remodel IS-MND
Reference Info:
Anthony Viera – Principal Planner
City of Laguna Beach
Community Development Dept
505 Forest Avenue
Laguna Beach, California 92651
949-497-0398 | [email protected]
Dates: 2022-2025
Staff: Danielle Griffith (Principal-in-Charge)
Lauren Reese (Project Manager)
Shannon Carmack (Historic Resources)
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Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA)
Environmental Documentation Consulting Services
Los Angeles, California
For the past 20 years (under seven consecutive three-year contracts), Rincon has provided CEQA/NEPA documentation and consulting services to the LACDA. Routinely, Rincon is tasked with preparing NEPA-required environmental documentation for projects proposed under the Community Development Block Grant Program in unincorporated Los Angeles County and 48 cooperating cities in the County of Los Angeles. Typical projects include small-scale housing, commercial, and industrial development, senior centers, recreational facility upgrades, and improvements to public infrastructure. Staff have also directed numerous Phase I ESAs and provided human health risk assessment and expert review of technical reports for a variety of CDCs projects, including those involving reuse of former oil refinery, gas station, mixed use industrial, and chemical factory sites.
This has involved preparing over 100 categorical exemptions under the program.
Reference Info:
Donald Dean – Environmental Officer
Los Angeles County Development Authority
700 West Main Street
Alhambra, California 91801
626-586-1740 | [email protected]
Dates: 2002 - Current
Staff: Deanna Hansen (Principal-in-Charge)
Vanessa Villanueva (Project Manager)
City of Long Beach
On-Call Environmental Services
Long Beach, California
Rincon has worked with the City of Long Beach since 2005 and has held an open services contract with the City of Long Beach since 2008 to provide environmental documentation for development projects. Projects include EIR, Initial Studies, MNDs, EAs, and SCPEs for various commercial and residential developments, as well as City projects such as a new courthouse and the new Civic Center. In addition to documentation, Rincon has also performed technical studies for such issues as noise, air quality, historical, and hazards. The following are projects under the current contract:
• Fountain Street and Wehrle Court Family Housing
Project SCPE and EA
• North Village Center Redevelopment Project EIR
• Dorado Residential Development Project EIR
• Civic Center Supplemental EIR
• Cerritos Bahia Marina IS-MND
• 3655 North Norwalk Boulevard Residential
Development EIR
• Riverwalk Residential Development EIR
• Studebaker Tank Removal Project EIR
• The Pike Outlets Remodel IS-MND
• Pacific Pointe East Development EIR
• Press-Telegram Mixed Use Project EIR
• Thomas Safran Senior Housing Project EIR
• 2nd & PCH Development Project EIR
• Auto Nation Automobile Auction EIR
• Plastic Bag Carryout Ordinance Addendum
• Long Beach Police Department Tunnel IS-MND
• Downtown Plan Final EIR Peer Review
• Pier S Marine Terminal and Backchannel
Improvement Project EIR Peer Review
• Southern California International Gateway EIR
Peer Review
Reference Info:
Christopher Koontz– Deputy Director
City of Long Beach
Development Services Dept
411 West Ocean Boulevard
Long Beach, California 90802
562-570-6288 | [email protected]
Dates: 2008 - Current
Staff: Danielle Griffith (Principal-in-Charge)
Vanessa Villanueva (Senior Environmental
Planner)
Lauren Reese (Lead CEQA Analyst)
Shannon Carmack (Historic Resources)
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2 Understanding of and Proposed
Approach
Overall Approach
At Rincon, we take a solution-oriented approach to the environmental review process that focuses on resolving problems. This is accomplished in a variety of ways, including:
• Effectively engaging stakeholder groups and the general public • Participating in the City's development review process • Developing a familiarity with the City's various development codes and unique approaches to CEQA • Conducting efficient kickoff meetings that identify potential issues or critical data needs for early discussion • Developing effective mitigation measures for identified impacts • Devising alternatives that respond to environmental conditions and good planning principles Rincon project managers and analysts are skilled at assisting agencies in not only meeting the legal requirements of the CEQA processes, but also in ensuring a project is consistent with the City’s ordinances, codes, Fountain Valley General Plan, and the relevant standards of other local or State agencies (e.g. the California Department of Transportation [Caltrans], John Wayne Airport, City and County of Orange, the Regional Water Quality Control Board [RWQCB], United States Army Corp of Engineers [USACE), and California Department of Fish and Wildlife [CDFW]).
At Rincon, we understand the need to become an extension of City staff in conducting the environmental review process. We will provide the City with regular progress reports on work status, as well as the budget. Our teamwork approach will ensure that the City has direct access to strong technical expertise, and our local experience helps to ensure understanding of community issues and local political concerns.
Our firm has successfully prepared hundreds of CEQA documents for agencies throughout California, including Orange County and Los Angeles County. We can assist the City with preparation and processing of environmental review documents including the following:
• Initial Study (IS) addressing all the environmental impact categories listed on the City’s IS checklist • Required CEQA notices (Notice of Preparation [NOP], Notice of Intent [NOI], Notice of Availability [NOA], Notice of Determination [NOD], Notice of Exemption [NOE]) • Categorical Exemption, Affordable Housing Exemption, Sustainable Communities Project Exemption • Negative Declaration (ND)/Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) • Sustainable Communities Environmental Assessment (SCPE) • Draft and Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) (Project, Program, Focused, Master, Staged) • EIR Addendum, Supplemental EIR, Subsequent EIR
• Infill Streamlining under Appendices M and N of the CEQA Guidelines • Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP)
• Response to Comments
• Statement of Overriding Considerations
• CEQA Findings
• Statutory Worksheets
• Assistance with analysis of telecommunication facility applications and economic issues Our work products will meet the requirements of the State CEQA Guidelines, the City of Fountain Valley CEQA Thresholds of Significance, State planning and zoning law, and the National Historic Preservation Act. We have been involved in numerous projects In Orange County and Los Angeles County from inception to implementation;
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therefore, we can prepare environmental review documents for development projects expeditiously and efficiently.
Preparing CEQA documentation commonly involves reviewing documents, attending meetings with the lead agency and project applicant, interacting with regulatory agencies, preparing reports, and attending public meetings and hearings. For the CEQA process, this task typically starts with a review of the CEQA Guidelines to assess whether a project is exempt from more detailed environmental review. Categorical Exemptions are well defined in the CEQA Guidelines and include the categories of projects that would not likely result in significant environmental effects (e.g., repairs or replacements of existing facilities, infill development). In non-exempt cases, we would complete an IS checklist to determine the appropriate environmental clearance document under CEQA. For projects where all impacts can clearly be mitigated and where there is not a strong base of public controversy, an ND or MND is prepared. For projects that may result in a significant environmental impact, an EIR is typically the appropriate CEQA document. When an EIR is required, we utilize the IS and scoping process to focus the document on impacts that can potentially result in significant impacts.
In addition to assisting our clients with the CEQA process, our environmental planning group regularly prepares a broad range of technical studies (such as air quality, GHG emissions, health risk, noise, biology, and cultural resources) to help design teams develop projects that avoid or minimize significant environmental effects. As described below in Technical Studies, our team members have prepared many of these studies in the Orange County area, and therefore, we are highly familiar with both local and broader agency requirements. Our environmental planning team also supports developing and implementing MMRPs, including revegetation and habitat restoration, that may be required through the environmental planning process.
The scope of work for any environmental document or specialized technical study would depend upon the nature of the project being analyzed and will vary from project to project. We have assumed that most documentation will involve CEQA review, and that a range of specialized studies will also be requested. The following briefly describes our approach to preparing the documents required under this contract.
Approach to CEQA Document Preparation
Upon receiving an inquiry from the City on a particular project, an early step will be determining what level of CEQA review will be required. Rincon’s project manager will obtain a detailed project description from the City staff members and consider the location, scale, and implementation timeframe. Preliminary site research will be conducted, and CEQA Guidelines for all technical studies and environmental documentation will be consulted.
The following are the typical procedures for an IS-MND and EIR.
IS-MND Process
• Task 1 - Kickoff Meeting. A kickoff meeting will be held with City staff to confirm study objectives and approaches, communication protocol, and schedule.
• Task 2 - Project Description. The project description will be submitted within approximately two weeks of the kickoff meeting and receipt of information regarding the project. • Task 3 - Administrative Draft IS-MND. The Administrative Draft IS-MND will be prepared typically between four and six weeks, depending on the complexity of the project and the types of accompanying technical studies required.
• Task 4 - Public Review Draft IS-MND. Rincon will typically deliver the Public Review Draft IS-MND within one to two weeks of receipt of comments on the Administrative Draft IS-MND. The Public Review Draft EIR will circulate for a period of 20 to 30 days. Rincon will also assist with preparing and filing the Notice of Intent, Notice of Completion, and Summary Form with the State Clearinghouse and the Notice of Intent with the County Clerk.
• Task 5 - Final IS-MND. Rincon will prepare written responses and submit them to staff for review within one to two weeks of receipt of all comments received by close of the public review period. Corrections will be made as necessary, and a final set of responses will be provided to enclose with the Final IS-MND to be considered for approval. The Final IS-MND will typically be provided within one week of receipt of all City comments regarding the responses. The Final IS-MND will be in the form of a single document that includes the Draft IS-MND, mitigation measures and MMRP as well as all agency and public comments and responses to comments. If desired, we can also prepare CEQA findings for the project in conjunction with the Final ISMND. Once the Final IS-MND is approved, Rincon will assist with preparing and filing the NOD.
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EIR Process
• Task 1 –Kickoff Meeting. A kickoff meeting will be held with City staff to confirm study objectives and approaches, communication protocol, and schedule.
• Task 2 - EIR Project Description. Rincon will prepare a description of the proposal being analyzed in the EIR, including descriptions of the site and its location, project characteristics relevant to the EIR analysis, project objectives, and required discretionary approvals. This typically includes textual, tabular, and graphic presentation.
• Task 3 – IS-NOP. Rincon will prepare an IS checklist with supporting discussion, typically within three to four weeks. The IS will cover all items on the City’s environmental checklist and will include facts and analysis to support all conclusions. Upon City approval of the IS, we will circulate a NOP of a Draft EIR. • Task 4 –EIR Scoping Meeting. If required, a scoping meeting will be held during the 30-day NOP period to introduce the community to the proposed project and obtain input on the EIR scope of work (note: scoping meetings are required only for “regionally significant” projects). • Task 5 - Administrative Draft EIR. Rincon will prepare an Administrative Draft EIR within six to eight weeks of release of the NOP. The EIR will include the following:
o Executive Summary. Summary of the proposed project and associated environmental consequences presented in tabular format to simplify review by decision-makers and the public. o Introduction and Environmental Setting. Introductory sections (required by CEQA) that lay the groundwork for and summarize the substantive analysis to follow; the introduction describes the purpose and legal authority of the study, and provide a discussion of lead, responsible and trustee agencies; and the environmental setting provides a general description of the existing urban geographic character of the City and the site vicinity.
o Environmental Impact Analysis. Analysis of impacts determined in the IS to be potentially significant; includes four main components:
− Setting. Description of current conditions with respect to the issue in question, including the existing regulatory environment.
− Impact Analysis. Discussion of potentially significant effects of the proposed project, impacts are typically compared to established “thresholds of significance.” − Mitigation Measures. Methods by which significant effects can be reduced or eliminated. − Level of Significance after Mitigation. Discussion of whether proposed mitigation measures reduce impacts to below the adopted significance threshold. − Other CEQA-Required Discussions. EIRs also include other discussions required by the CEQA Guidelines, including an analysis of potential growth-inducing impacts, a listing of significant irreversible changes, and a discussion of areas of public controversy. − Alternatives. See discussion below.
• Task 6 - Draft EIR. Rincon will incorporate City comments on the Draft EIR and complete the Draft EIR, typically within two to three weeks. The Draft EIR will circulate for a period of 30 to 45 days. Rincon will also assist with preparing and filing the Notice of Availability, Notice of Completion, and Summary Form with the State Clearinghouse and the Notice of Availability with the County Clerk. • Task 7 - Final EIR. Rincon will complete the Final EIR after the receipt of all written comments received during the review period. The Final EIR will consist of the comments, responses, and corrections to the Draft EIR (if any are warranted), and the MMRP. If desired and required, we will also prepare CEQA Findings and a Statement of Overriding Consideration for the project. o Response to Comments. Within two to three weeks of receipt of all comment letters on the Draft EIR, Rincon will submit draft Response to Comments. Within one week of receipt of City comments on the draft report, Rincon will prepare the final Responses to Comments. o MMRP. Concurrent with the Responses to Comments report, Rincon will prepare an MMRP, which will be included in the Final EIR.
o NOD. Within five days of EIR certification and project approval (if any), Rincon will submit the draft NOD to the City for delivery to the County Clerk and/or State Clearinghouse along with the California Fish and Wildlife fee.
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Alternatives
For EIRs, a reasonable range of alternatives will be identified during the study in concert with City staff.
Alternatives will typically be evaluated in less detail than that for the proposed project. However, the analysis will give decision-makers and the public adequate information to decide between alternatives. This section will also identify the "environmentally superior alternative." If the "no project - no building" alternative is deemed environmentally superior, the EIR will identify the alternative among the remaining scenarios.
Public Hearings/Meetings
From Rincon’s experience working on many public works development projects and long-range planning programs, we understand the need to effectively engage the public in the planning and environmental analysis process. Communication with the stakeholders will ensure the success of most large-scale EIRs. Rincon will prepare materials for, attend, and participate, as needed, in all major public meetings, including public workshops, open houses, and public hearings leading up to certification of the EIRs. Depending on the City’s preference, noticing, public circulation, and filing notices with the County Clerk and State Clearinghouse are also part of Rincon’s scope of work.
Technical Studies
In addition to assisting our clients with the CEQA process, our environmental planners and scientists are skilled in the preparation of a broad range of technical studies,
including air quality, aesthetics, biological resources (wetland delineation, special status species analysis), cultural resources, health risk assessments, noise, GHG emissions, and water supply assessments. Often, these
studies are performed before finalizing a proposed project to assist project design teams in developing a project that avoids or minimizes significant environmental effects
during the design phase. These studies have included
simple special-status species surveys used in site
selection and feasibility, and more detailed protocol level surveys to meet specific ordinance and permitting agency requirements (Caltrans, RWQCB, USACE, CDFW, etc.). Our
environmental team also supports our clients with
developing and implementing MMRPs, including
revegetation and habitat restoration, that may arise
through the environmental planning process. Rincon has
extensive experience preparing the various types of
technical reports that the City might require under a
contract for environment and impact analysis.
As stated previously, when detailed studies for such
issues as transportation/traffic, utility/sewer, and
geotechnical concerns are required, we have excellent
and long-standing relationships with subconsultants specifically qualified for those reports, including those with extensive regional and local experience, such as Fehr & Peers, Linscott Law & Greenspan, Ganddini Group, Fuscoe Engineering, and Geocon West.
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Acoustical/Noise Studies
Noise analyses begin with ambient noise measurements
taken in the field to characterize the existing noise conditions using an ANSI Type II sound level meter. These
measurements involve 15-minute samples at the individual locations selected to assess noise levels from existing roadway and/or stationary sources on or near the project site.
Depending on the needs of the analysis, we can also conduct 24-hour noise measurements. Our analysis includes evaluations of temporary impacts associated with construction and long-term impacts associated with project operation. Operational impacts may include both increased noise due to the proposed project (typically, due to traffic increases) and/or exposure of new sensitive uses to high ambient levels (most typically a concern for new noise-sensitive uses such as residences, parks, and schools adjacent to noisy roadways or commercial/industrial facilities).
Temporary noise impacts associated with construction are typically estimated based on noise levels reported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and standard noise attenuation factors. Noise levels associated with construction activities are quantified and projected at sensitive use areas and compared to Noise Ordinance standards.
Operational impact analysis involves an estimation of noise on-site based on a combination of field measurements and modeling, an estimation of post-project noise both on-site and at nearby sensitive receptor locations, and a comparison of post-project noise levels to applicable thresholds.
For projects that exceed applicable noise standards or thresholds, noise reduction requirements are identified.
Mitigation measures may include restrictions on construction equipment use, the construction of temporary sound barriers, recommendations for the re-routing of traffic, and the use of noise attenuation features and sound barriers to reduce long term traffic and operational noise levels.
Air Quality/Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Air quality and greenhouse gas emissions impact analysis is regularly required to comply with CEQA and local requirements. Rincon’s services range from quantifying short-term construction emissions and long-term operational, stationary, and mobile source emissions for individual project emissions from a variety of sources to conducting air quality modeling and health risk analyses to quantify emissions of diesel particulate matter from project-related activities. We consistently track the periodic updates of federal and local guidelines and air quality plans for jurisdictions throughout California. We can also conduct source control analyses and Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Mitigation Fee Calculations.
To quantify the potential air quality and
greenhouse gas emissions impacts of
projects, Rincon uses state-of-the-art
computer models and assessment protocols
developed by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, California Air Resources
Board, Caltrans, Federal Aviation
Administration, local air quality management
and air pollution control districts. Rincon
presents analytical information in clear, nontechnical language that is easy for decision makers and the public to understand.
Our professionals have years of experience preparing air quality and greenhouse gas emissions studies as required by CEQA and/or as separate technical studies. As greenhouse gases have become an important factor in environmental studies, Rincon has grown the practice to encompass these services. Rincon is one of a few select firms in California that are accredited by CARB as a GHG Verification Body (Executive Order H-10-176) and a GHG Offset Verification Body (Executive Order H-10-176). In addition, the Rincon technical team includes three staff members who are individually accredited by CARB as Lead GHG Verifiers and Lead GHG Offset Verifiers.
Models that we regularly use include:
• California Emissions Estimator Model (CalEEMod)
• California Line Source Dispersion Model (Caline 4)
• Industrial Source Complex Short Term (ISCST3) Model
• Hotspots Analysis and Reporting Program (HARP)
• SCREEN3
• USEPA AMS/EPA Regulatory Model (AERMOD)
The criteria used to determine the
significance of any impacts will be from CEQA
Guidelines, the General Plan Noise Element,
and the City’s Noise Ordinance.
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Historic Preservation
Rincon has seven in-house historians/historical archaeologists located in the Los Angeles office to assist with historic preservation as needed. Rincon offers extensive experience providing on-call cultural resources and staff extension services to California municipalities, and our team brings unique qualifications to assist with ensuring that projects will be managed in an efficient and legally defensible manner. Our staff has experience managing, processing, and reviewing various projects, from simple to complex. We have direct experience working as inhouse staff to review plans, prepare certificates of appropriateness, address potential impacts on historical resources, and assist with preservation planning, including ordinance updates, Mills Act applications, and design guidelines.
Tribal Consultation Assistance
Under AB 52 (California Government Code Section 21080.3.1 (a)) and SB 18 (California Government Code Sections 65352.3 and 65352.4), the CEQA lead agency (in this case the City of Fountain Valley), is required to begin consultation with California Native American Tribes that are traditionally and culturally affiliated with the project site prior to the release of a negative declaration, mitigated negative declaration, or environmental impact report. Rincon typically requests an AB 52 and SB 18 consultation list from the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC), as described above, then assists the lead agency with consultation under AB 52 and SB 18 by providing the lead agency with letter templates, checklists, and detailed instructions to help ensure meaningful consultation with interested Native American groups. Typically, NAHC list requests are fulfilled within four weeks. After receipt of letters, Native American Tribes have 30 days to reply to a request for consultation under AB 52 and 90 days under SB 18; the 30-day wait period for AB 52 is subsumed in the 90-day wait period for SB 18. Rincon's AB 52/SB 18 assistance typically does not include meetings, outreach, consultation or mailing letters to Tribal governments. Rincon assumes the City of Fountain Valley will officially contact all applicable Tribes. Rincon would summarize the results of this tribal consultation in the cultural resources and tribal cultural resources sections of the relevant CEQA document.
Biological Resources and Arboriculture
Rincon routinely assists public and private clients with biological and arboricultural resource issues related to federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, regulations, and statutes. We specialize in compliance with the requirements of CEQA, Clean Water Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, federal and state Endangered Species Acts, California Fish and Game Code, Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act, and California Coastal Act.
Furthermore, our biologists are well-versed with local regulations addressing biological resources within Orange County and Los Angeles County. Rincon biologists and arborists hold the following permits, qualifications, and certifications:
• Federal 10(a)(1)(A) permit for Coastal California Gnatcatcher • Federal 10(a)(1)(A) permit for Southwestern Willow Fly Catcher • Federal 10(a)(1)(A) permit for Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp Qualified Herpetologists for Western Pond Turtle • Qualified Biologist for Bats
• Qualified Avian Biologists for Least Bell’s Vireo, and Tricolored Blackbird • CDFW Scientific Collecting Permit for Amphibians, Reptiles, Mammals, and Birds • CDFW Rare, Threatened and Endangered Plant Voucher Collecting Permit • Trained Wetland Delineation and California Rapid Assessment Method Practitioners • International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborists Our biological and arboricultural resources staff is supported by GIS and graphics staff, technical editors, and document production specialists. Rincon is committed to providing high quality and timely services for independent studies in support of the City’s environmental reviews for private projects. A summary of our biological and arboricultural resources services is as follows:
• Objective Peer Reviews of Biological and Tree Reports • Baseline Biological Resources Inventories and Vegetation Mapping
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• Biological Resources Effects/Impacts Analyses: Biological Assessments, Biological Evaluations, Natural Environment Studies
• Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Plant and Wildlife Species Surveys • Nesting Bird and Raptor Surveys
• Jurisdictional Delineations: USACE, RWQCB, CDFW, and CCC Methodologies • California Rapid Assessment Method for Wetlands
• Regulatory Compliance, Mitigation, and Conservation Planning • Regulatory Permitting: USACE CWA Section 404, RWQCB CWA Section 401, CDFW CFGC Section 1602, CCC CCA Section 30233
• FESA Section 7 Consultations and Section 10 Habitat Conservation Plans • CESA Section 2081 Permits/MOUs and Natural Community Conservation Plans • Wetland, Riparian, and Upland Habitat Revegetation and Restoration Planning • Construction and Mitigation Monitoring
• ISA Certified Arborist Tree Surveys, Health Assessments, and Impacts Evaluation Quality Control
In every project that Rincon manages, we endeavor to provide each client with a high-quality product that meets or exceeds expectations and for which all applicable professional standards and regulatory requirements are met. To meet this quality standard, QA/QC procedures are developed for each project at the planning stage, outlining the management techniques to be used. Adherence to these standard methods is particularly important due to the variety of properties, locations, and projects that may be included in this program. Consistency in project implementation can provide the City with confidence that the same quality and rigor of analysis will be delivered on each and every project regardless of the location, size, scope, or technical complexity. Ms. Griffith and Ms. Villanueva will be the Primary Contacts for the City and oversee the Rincon team to ensure consistency in project implementation and effective communication with regulatory agency personnel and other stakeholders, as appropriate.
Rincon takes pride in the structured management of all assessment and remediation projects. The major components of our management program are as follows:
• Technical Direction and Control
• Communication and Documentation Procedures
• Cost and Schedule Control
• Project Reporting and Editorial Review
• Problem Anticipation and Management
Technical Direction and Control
The consistent and effective application of QA/QC procedures is central to successful project/program delivery.
The following sections discuss the primary principles and practices Rincon routinely implements to ensure that our contractual obligations to the client are met, our work is conducted in a safe, efficient, and defensible manner, and that the final product of our efforts satisfy the needs of our clients. With our attention to the following key factors in the performance of environmental site assessments and remediation tasks, Rincon will provide the City with cost-effective, technically sound, and sustainable solutions to your environmental needs.
Communication and Documentation Procedures
Clear, concise, and thorough communication among team members is a critical component in the successful implementation of every project, regardless of size. Rincon’s project management communication procedures are designed to accomplish the following objectives:
Understanding of and Proposed Approach
Rincon Consultants, Inc. 19
• Specify the formal communication and documentation procedures to be used by the team • Institute a uniform method of recording actions and maintaining reference files • Assure appropriate data flow to and between team members • Control the flow of data from the field to the project manager Each project manager is responsible for coordinating internal communication among the in-house team, as well as with the client. To facilitate coordination and communication among staff members, we will convene focused weekly planning and coordination meetings/teleconferences using an agenda developed and circulated in advance. The project manager will convene these meetings to review work in progress, plans, and schedules, and to ensure effective communication among the project team and with the client. The objective of these meetings is to ensure that communication—internal and external—is clear and consistent.
Rincon has a formal process for tracking and disseminating information and data for all of our projects. We employ an electronic, centralized recordkeeping system for all data relevant to the projects. The database is maintained by housing all the information in the central file dedicated to the project, with data back-up and security measures in place. Our method of electronic file organization allows team members to easily and remotely access the most up-to-date project information.
Project Reporting and Editorial Review
In-house, Rincon holds formal monthly status review meetings in which project analysts meet with the project manager for a technical, schedule, and budgetary assessment of progress. Monthly status reviews provide a continuing forum for mutual discussion and peer review of the quality of our work, often leading to important improvements in performance that results from the widest possible sharing of information. In addition to discussion of project issues, project managers conduct editorial reviews of the work produced to ensure concise and effective delivery of information.
Management of Subcontractors
Rincon has a long history of using subcontractors on assignments for any transportation/traffic, utility/sewer, and geotechnical analysis beyond our internal capacity. We have developed a comprehensive system for managing our subcontractors. Each subcontractor is issued a purchase order that states the scope of their work, the deliverables and due dates, and the associated cost estimate. The purchase order also contains the required billing and progress reporting instructions. These purchase orders serve as our contracts with each of the subcontractors.
In addition, project managers monitor the performance of each subcontractor. The monitoring activities include daily communication and monthly meetings—a combination of activities which will both assess progress relative to schedule and budget and forecast work activities expected to occur during the next month.
Project Contact
Vanessa Villanueva will serve as the primary Project Manager under this on-call contract and will also be the primary contact person for the City.
Vanessa Villanueva, Senior Environmental Planner
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
250 East 1st Street, Suite 1400
Los Angeles, California 90012
213-444-3482 | [email protected]
Appendix A
Resumes
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Environmental Scientists · Planners · Engineers
EDUCATION
Juris Doctor, Western State
University College of Law
MA, Political Science,
Specializing Public Policy,
San Diego State University
BA, Political Science, Sonoma
State University
AFFILIATIONS
Association of Environmental
Professionals
California Lawyers
Association, Environmental
Law Division
YEARS OF
EXPERIENCE
20 Danielle T. Griffith, JD
Director of Environmental Planning
Danielle has over 20 years of progressively responsible experience in planning, environmental planning, environmental policy and analysis. Additionally, Danielle worked for environmental regulation and land use transactional law firms for several years. Danielle’s experience includes working as a project manager leading large, interdisciplinary consultant teams in environmental planning efforts for a variety of residential, commercial, industrial and mixed-use land development projects throughout Southern California. She also has experience in developing long- and short-term plans for land use, growth and revitalization of urban, suburban, and rural communities. Additionally, she has written and reviewed a variety of environmental planning documents, including technical reports. She has worked for both public agencies and private companies.
SELECT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
CEQA Project Manager, City of Newport Beach – Big Canyon Wetland and Creek Restoration Project IS/MND, Newport Beach
ESA provided CEQA approval, permitting and hydrology analysis for the project. The proposed project grant of for the design, permitting and implementation of a treatment wetland in the Big Canyon Preserve off of Jamboree Drive in Newport Beach. ESA is supporting project partner Burns & McDonald on the preparation of this project including the development of the restoration plan, CEQA approval, and permitting approval for the City of Newport Beach. The treatment wetlands will be designed to treat dry weather flows for selenium and storm water runoff from the roadway for metals.
CEQA Project Manager, Orange County Sanitation District – J-112 Outfall Land Section and OOBS Pipeline, Huntington Beach
The Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD) rehabilitated aging components of the land portion of the ocean outfall system. The project consists of inspection, condition assessment, and rehabilitation of corroded areas within the land section of the 120-inch diameter primary, 5-mile outfall (Long Outfall) System extending from the Surge Tower No. 2 in Treatment Plant No. 2 to the Ocean Outfall Beach Junction Box located on Huntington State Beach. The project is located in Huntington Beach. As the EIR project manager, Danielle assisted in the environmental clearance process for an emergency repair to rehabilitate aging components of the land-side portion of the ocean outfall system in Huntington Beach. The project consisted of inspection, condition assessment, and rehabilitation of corroded areas within the land-side section of the 120-inch diameter primary, 5-mile outfall (Long Outfall) System extending from the Surge Tower No. 2 in Treatment Plant No. 2 to the Ocean Outfall Beach Junction Box. The EIR analyzed two Alternatives at equal level to provide OCSD with information to implement the least impactful project.
Project Manager, City of Laguna Beach – Civic Site Projects, Laguna Beach Danielle assisted the City in support of CEQA analyses for two property acquisition projects in Laguna Beach for development of a replacement fire station or potential other civic use such as a park. Ms. Hansen coordinated with the City Planning, along with the City Attorney and other City agencies in order to maintain project timelines and provide guidance regarding the CEQA process. She also provided principal-level review of the CEQA documents.
Danielle T. Griffith, JD, Page 2
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Environmental Scientists · Planners · Engineers
CEQA Project Manager, Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) – Michelson and Los Alisos Water Recycling Plants Biosolids Handling and Energy Recovery Facility Project, Irvine Danielle served as the project manager for the IRWD Michelson and Los Alisos Water Recycling Plants (WRP) Biosolids Handling and Energy Recovery Facility Project. IRWD is proposing to implement solids handling facilities at the Michelson WRP rather than continuing to transport sludge to Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD). Since 1988 all residuals from the Michelson WRP have been conveyed to OCSD for processing and disposal. The proposed project would provide a complete biosolids process, biogas management, and energy generation system for the Michelson and Los Alisos WRPs. ESA is preparing the EIR for the proposed project. The Notice of Preparation was released in March 2011.
Project Director, City of Laguna Beach – City of Laguna Beach Civic Site IS/MND (Confidential), Orange County Rincon provided services in response to The City of Laguna Beach’s request for a scope of services for CEQA compliance to support the acquisition of the property located at 31526 and 31532 Pacific Coast Highway (undeveloped APNs: 658-091-06 and 658-091-05). The parcels are zoned R-1 (Low-Density Residential) and would require a conditional use permit to develop the site with a civic use. Rincon prepared a technical evaluation to account for the proposed substantial grade modifications and existing powerlines on the property. A Mitigated Negative Declaration was prepared for the City to allow for potential develop of the site with a variety of civic related uses, including a parking lot, a public restroom, a community park or a fire station.
Supervising Planner, City of Long Beach – 3917 Long Beach Boulevard Focused EIR, Long Beach Rincon is assisting the City of Long Beach with the preparation of a Focused Environmental Impact Report (EIR) in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for the demolition of the fire station located at 3917 Long Beach Boulevard and installation of a temporary/modular structure on-site for around approximately five years while a larger permanent replacement structure is built (site not yet identified and not a part of this project). The station has been closed due to toxic mold that cannot be remediated. However, because the fire station appears to be eligible for designation as a Long Beach Historic Landmark, the preparation of an EIR will be required.
Project Manager, HACLA – One San Pedro, Los Angeles
The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA), and its partner, One San Pedro Collaborative, which is made up of the following three development partners, Richmond Group, Century Housing, and National Community Renaissance, contracted with Rincon Consultants to prepare the requisite environmental documentation to support the vision for the Rancho San Pedro redevelopment project. We are successfully assisting the client to meet environmental review objectives in a manner that is both technically comprehensive and fully compliant with all applicable provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970 (CEQA) for Rancho San Pedro.
Project Manager, City of Laguna Beach – Aliso Creek Area Specific Plan EIR, Laguna Beach Danielle was the Project Manager for an EIR for the development of 325-acres in the southern portion of the City of Laguna Beach, east of South Coast Highway and Aliso Beach Park, in Orange County. The project will improve the existing golf course, provide visitor-serving amenities, and subdivide an 8.1-acre area for nine lots. The project also consists of the dedication of 250-acres of open space and would complete the necessary linkage for a mountains to sea trail connection from the existing Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park to Aliso Beach Park. The project also proposes a number of methods to achieve bank stability and restore riparian habitat in Aliso Creek, creating a net increase to jurisdictional wetland and riparian habitat. Issues included alteration of the floodplain, sensitive habitat/species concerns, fire and safety, water quality and hydrology impacts, land use compatibility of proposed trail with golf course, traffic impacts along South Coast Highway, and strong community opposition.
Project Manager, City of Placentia – Westgate Specific Plan, Multimodal EIR, Placentia Prepared a Specific Plan, related General Plan and Zoning Ordinance amendments and preparation of the CEQA documentation (EIR). Danielle managed the preparation of the EIR. The planning area encompasses approximately 112-acres of the City. The Westgate Specific Plan area faces ongoing blighting conditions and a planning framework which does not incorporate current methods used to address redevelopment goals. The existing planning framework is geared towards single-purpose, segregated land use. The Specific Plan focuses on current land use trends including Transit Oriented Design, Infill Development, and Form Based Codes. These methods seek to address the advent of commuter rail the lack of vacant land, and the need to provide integrated use patterns where design is strictly controlled.
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Environmental Scientists · Planners · Engineers
EDUCATION
BS, Environmental Science,
University of California,
Los Angeles
YEARS OF
EXPERIENCE
7 Vanessa Villanueva
Senior Environmental Planner
Vanessa is responsible for preparing environmental and planning documents, assisting with public and private sector contract planning services, and providing technical impact analyses for a variety of projects. She has seven years of experience preparing and editing environmental analyses in accordance with CEQA and NEPA for infrastructure, housing and urban development, and long-range planning projects. Her recent experience includes projects located in the cities of Bell, Beverly Hills, Burbank, Los Angeles, Santa Ana, and West Hollywood. Her responsibilities include performing research and analysis and/or completing assignments within agency offices and for private sector clients; preparing CEQA and NEPA environmental analyses and technical studies; assisting with the preparation of other comprehensive planning documents; conducting field work necessary to complete high-quality technical noise studies; assisting with in-house English-to-Spanish translations of environmental notices and other public outreach materials; and interacting with various members of public agency and private client staff on matters related to land use planning, CEQA/NEPA compliance, and land development application processing.
SELECT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Project Manager, Los Angeles County Development Authority – On-Call Environmental Services, Los Angeles County
Since 2017, Vanessa has overseen the preparation of several Environmental Assessments for the Los Angeles County Development Authority for affordable housing projects receiving federal funding from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Projects have included, but are not limited to, the Essex Tower Project in the City of Lancaster and the Corazon Del Valle Affordable Housing Project in the Panorama City neighborhood of the City of Los Angeles. She is currently managing the preparation of EAs for affordable housing projects in the cities of Alhambra, Santa Fe Springs, and the unincorporated Florence-Graham area.
Project Manager, City of Santa Ana – On-Call Environmental Review Services for the Housing Division, Santa Ana
Since 2019, Vanessa has been the primary project manager for NEPA analyses under Rincon’s on-call contract with the City’s Housing Division. She has managed the preparation of 22 EA/FONSIs and Categorical Exclusions receiving federal funding from HUD. Projects under this on-call have consisted of affordable housing and infrastructure/public facility improvements projects in the city. Recently, Vanessa assisted the City with preparation of an EA/FONSI for the WISEPlace Permanent Supportive Housing Project, which was completed in March 2023, and is currently working on another EA/FONSI for the City for a residential rehabilitation project.
Project Manager, Green Dot Public Schools California – Green Dot-Animo Compton Project Initial Study-Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS-MND), Los Angeles County
Vanessa is currently serving as Project Manager for an IS-MND for development of a public charter school that would be a combined charter middle school and high school for grades 6 through 12 on 2.2 acres located in the unincorporated West Rancho Dominguez-Victoria neighborhood of Los Angeles County. The project has completed its public review period and is being considered for review and approval by the County’s Regional Planning Commission on November 29, 2023.
Vanessa Villanueva, Page 2
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Environmental Scientists · Planners · Engineers
Project Manager, The Salvation Army – The Salvation Army Bell Oasis Apartments II Project IS-MND, Bell Vanessa is currently serving as Project Manager for an IS-MND for development of a permanent supportive housing project in the City of Bell that would involve construction of a three-story, 39,690-square-foot apartment building consisting of 57 studio units of permanent support housing and a two-bedroom staff unit for an on-site manager, for a total of 58 apartment units. Her responsibilities included conducting noise-monitoring and coordinating a team of technical analysts, environmental scientists, archaeologist and historians, and environmental planners to prepare technical analysis and the IS-MND. Vanessa regularly coordinated with the applicant team and City Staff to maintain project progress. The project has completed its public review period and is awaiting a second public hearing to be scheduled in December 2023.
Project Manager, City of West Hollywood – 1000 North La Brea Avenue Initial Study, West Hollywood Vanessa is currently serving as Project Manager for an Initial Study and Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the demolition of a commercial building and concrete batch plant for construction and operation of a new 34-story (approximately 352-foot-tall) mixed-use residential and commercial building with 514 apartment units; 30,000 square feet of commercial/retail use on the ground floor; and a total of 667 parking spaces. The project would also integrate seven billboards with varied dimensions throughout all facades of the building. Vanessa managed a team of analysts for preparation of an Initial Study, which was circulated for review on November 24, 2023. She will soon be conducting a Scoping Meeting for the project in preparation of commencing work on the Public Review Draft EIR, which is scheduled for release in early 2024.
Project Manager, City of Beverly Hills – Class 32 Categorical Exemptions for In-Fill Development, Beverly Hills Vanessa managed various Class 32 Categorical Exemptions for hotel, commercial, residential, and mixed-use developments throughout Beverly Hills. Her responsibilities included conducting noise-monitoring and coordinating a team to prepare CE documents, including supporting technical memorandums analyzing a project’s air quality, GHG emissions, historic resources, and noise impacts.
Project Manager, Bright Star Schools – Valor Elementary School Project IS-MND, Los Angeles Vanessa served as Project Manager for an IS-MND for development of an elementary school project located in the North Hills neighborhood of the City of Los Angeles. The project involved redevelopment of a historic on-site residence into administrative space for the proposed school. She managed a team of arborists, historians, archaeologists, and technical analysts and coordinated frequently with the applicant team and City Planning Staff.
The Notice of Determination was recently filed for the project in June 2023.
Project Manager, City of Fontana – Ventana at Duncan Canyon Specific Plan Amendment Update Supplemental EIR, Fontana
Vanessa served as Project Manager for the preparation of a Supplemental EIR for the proposed Specific Plan Amendment to the Ventana at Duncan Canyon Specific Plan, which was analyzed in a previous certified EIR (State Clearinghouse No. 2005111048) approved by the City of Fontana on March 27, 2007. The proposed Specific Plan Amendment involved a comprehensive modification and update to the overall development plan under the existing Specific Plan. The proposed project included the development of up to 476,500 square feet of commercial uses and 1,671 dwelling units. Vanessa managed a team of biologists, historians, archaeologists, and analysts to prepare a Draft EIR and Final EIR, which was approved by the City in September 2022.
CEQA/Noise Analyst and Assistant Project Manager, City of West Hollywood – 7985 Santa Monica Boulevard Project EIR, West Hollywood
The project involves construction of a 79,000-square foot commercial building with creative office, retail, and restaurant spaces, and a subterranean nightclub. The project would also include three levels of subterranean parking containing 267 spaces. Vanessa’s responsibilities included completing the noise analysis for the project and serving as assistant Project Manager for preparation of the Draft and Final EIR. Most recently, Vanessa prepared a consistency analysis to evaluate applicant-proposed revisions to Mitigation Measure N-10 (Temporary Sound Barrier) identified in the EIR. Based on the Rincon’s peer review of the methodology and findings of the applicant’s Noise Assessment, Rincon determined that the applicant’s proposed revisions, in combination with the other noise mitigation measures presented in the EIR, would adequately reduce the project’s construction noise levels to a less-than-significant level and would maintain consistency with the significance determination of the original EIR.
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Environmental Scientists · Planners · Engineers
EDUCATION
BS, Environmental Systems:
Ecology, Behavior, and
Evolution, University of
California, San Diego
YEARS OF
EXPERIENCE
7 Lauren Reese
Environmental Planner
Lauren has over 7 years of experience preparing and managing environmental documents for a wide variety of projects with varying levels of complexity pursuant to CEQA. Her expertise in CEQA has allowed her to prepare environmental documents that are technically accurate and legally defensible as well as provide clients and subconsultants’ insight and guidance to inform decision-making.
Specifically, she specializes in preparing and managing IS-MNDs, EIRs, IS-NDs, and CEs for industrial, residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects across southern California, including Orange County, Los Angeles County, Inland Empire, and Coachella Valley. Lauren also assists with managing water and wastewater agencies to prepare CEQA documentation and provide grant tracking for infrastructure projects. Recently, Lauren has worked on the Bluff Overlay District IS in Laguna Beach and Residences at Newport Center EIR in Newport Beach.
SELECT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Project Manager, City of Laguna Beach – Bluff Overlay District IS, Orange County Lauren is leading the CEQA team in preparation of the Bluff Overlay District IS. The project consists of a Zoning Ordinance Amendment to establish new standards for oceanfront development and clarify the methodology for recalculating major remodels. The project also includes a General Plan Amendment to the City’s Land Use Element and Open Space and Conservation Element to maintain consistency with the proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment. Lauren is working closely with the City and project team to adequately address local concerns regarding potential biological and cultural resource impacts from future development projects along the Laguna Beach coastline.
CEQA Lead, City of Newport Beach – Residences at Newport Center EIR, Orange County
Lauren served as the primary author for the Residences at Newport Center EIR, which involved the redevelopment of a 1.26-acre site with a four-story structure containing 28 luxury condominium units and common space areas over a two-level subterranean parking garage. Key issues for the project included potential impacts to aesthetics regarding the height of the proposed building, temporary constructionrelated impacts on the Newport Center area, and the existing noise environment surrounding the site that may affect future project site residents.
Project Manager, City of Los Angeles Bureau of Engineering – Asphalt Plant No. 1 Phase 2 Improvements IS-MND, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County Lauren led the CEQA team in preparation of the Asphalt Plant No. 1 Phase 2 Improvements IS-MND and associated technical analyses. The project involved development of an asphalt production plant consisting of a 22,500-sf canopy and a 600-sf office building at 2601 East 25th Street. Lauren worked closely with the project team to ensure the IS-MND satisfied the client’s expectations. Additional duties included preparing the Notice of Intent, Notice of Completion, Summary Form, distribution list, and filing with the State Clearinghouse.
CEQA Lead, City of Long Beach – 4151 Fountain Street/4220 Wehrle Court SCPE, Long Beach
Lauren served as the primary author for the 4151 Fountain Street/4220 Wehrle Court Sustainable Communities Project Exemption (SCPE). The project involved demolition of three vacant buildings and the construction of a 73-unit 100 percent affordable multi-family housing complex. Additional duties included coordinating with project team members and in-house graphic team to create SCPE exhibits.
Lauren Reese, Page 2
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Environmental Scientists · Planners · Engineers
CEQA/NEPA Lead, Los Angeles County Development Authority – Mariposa on 2nd Apartments EA, Alhambra Lauren served as the primary author for the Mariposa on 2nd Apartments Environmental Assessment (EA). The project involved the construction of a seven-story, 78,600-sf apartment building on a 0.4-acre site. The apartment building would consist of 50 residential units, a cultural space, and residential amenities (recreation space, community room, computer room). Of the 50 units, 24 would be permanent supportive housing, 25 would be affordable units, and one would be occupied by a property manager.
CEQA Lead, City of El Monte – Paseo Santa Fe IS-MND, El Monte Lauren is serving as the lead analyst for the Paseo Santa Fe IS-MND in El Monte. Responsibilities include:
preparation of the IS-MND, coordination with project team leaders, and peer review for technical studies. The project involves construction of 18 three-story, 40-foot-tall, multi-family residential buildings, totaling 87 apartment units located at 3700 Monterey Avenue on a 4.95-acre site. The project requires DTSC oversight for guidance during remedial activities to ensure the site meets residential redevelopment criteria.
CEQA Lead, City of Beverly Hills – 55 North La Cienega Boulevard Class 32 CE, Beverly Hills Lauren served as the primary author for the 55 North La Cienega Boulevard Class 32 CE. The project involved the demolition of the existing 15,535-square-foot restaurant building and associated parking lot for the construction of a five-story mixed-use building consisting of 19,414 square feet of commercial space and 105 multi-family residential units (11 of which are affordable units). Additional duties included coordinating with project team members and in-house graphic team.
CEQA Analyst, Los Angeles County Natural History Museum – La Brea Tarpits Master Plan EIR, Los Angeles County
Lauren served as a CEQA analyst for the La Brea Tarpits Master Plan EIR. She prepared the biology, hazards, land use, and utilities EIR sections as well as coordinated with subconsultants and public agencies for technical studies and will-serve letters. The project involves renovation of the existing La Brea Tarpits (13 acres) in the County of Los Angeles, which includes the addition of a new 40,000 square foot museum building, expansion of the existing parking lot, addition of a pedestrian path, enhanced landscaping and recreation areas with additional seating, and new site entry plazas at Wilshire Boulevard/South Curson Avenue and West 6th Street.
CEQA Lead, Scannell Properties – Chino Parcel Delivery (FedEx Ground) EIR, Chino Lauren served as the primary author for the Chino Parcel Delivery EIR. The project involved development of a distribution hub facility, which comprises a 476,285-square foot sorting distribution building and four ancillary buildings for FedEx Ground on an approximately 74.4-acre property in the City of Chino. The state-of-the-art facility includes sustainable features such as solar panels, electric switchers, a biodiesel fueling system, and electric vehicle charging capabilities for vehicles.
FedEx Ground also committed this facility to be the first of its kind in the U.S. to use all electric yard trucks. Additional duties included preparing the Initial Study, MMRP, and Findings and Statement of Overriding Considerations, peerreviewing technical studies, assembling all documents for printing and publication to the City of Chino and State Clearinghouse, and coordinating with project team members and in-house graphic team.
CEQA Lead, Majestic Freeway Business Center, LLC – Majestic Freeway Business Center Specific Plan Buildings 21 & 22, Riverside County
Lauren served as the primary author for the Majestic Freeway Business Center Specific Plan Buildings 21 & 22 EIR Addendum. The project consisted of a plot plan to allow for the construction of two approximately 108,000 square foot warehouse buildings on a 13.9-acre property in the County of Riverside. Additional duties included preparing the MMRP, peer-reviewing technical studies, and coordinating with project team members and in-house graphic team.
CEQA Lead, Hillwood – Moreno Valley Trade Center EIR, Moreno Valley Lauren served as the primary author for the Moreno Valley Trade Center EIR. The project involved development of a 1,328,853-square foot light industrial building on an 80-acre property in the City of Moreno Valley. Key issues included air quality, noise, and transportation impacts to adjacent residential development and roadway. Additional duties included preparing the Initial Study, peer-reviewing technical studies, and coordinating with project team members and in-house graphic team.
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Environmental Scientists · Planners · Engineers
EDUCATION
BS, Environmental Science,
Texas Christian University
CEQA Practice Certificate,
University of California,
San Diego Extension
AFFILIATIONS
WateReuse Association,
California Section, Orange
County Chapter
YEARS OF
EXPERIENCE
6 Annaliese Torres
Senior Environmental Planner
Annaliese has over six years of experience in managing environmental assessments, technical studies, and grant tracking and writing services for water and wastewater infrastructure projects. She has experience preparing and managing CEQA and CEQA-Plus documentation, including Categorical Exemptions, Initial Studies (IS), Negative Declarations (ND), Mitigated Negative Declarations (MND), and Environmental Impact Reports (EIR). She also has experience managing the preparation of cross-disciplinary technical studies in support of CEQA, CEQAPlus, and regulatory permitting processes, including biological resources assessments, jurisdictional delineations, cultural resources assessments, paleontological resources assessments, air quality/greenhouse gas studies, and noise studies. She has worked with a number of water and wastewater agencies, including South Coast Water District, Mesa Water District, The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Three Valleys Municipal Water District, and Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency, to prepare CEQA and NEPA documentation and provide grant tracking and writing services for infrastructure projects such as potable and non-potable water pipelines, groundwater wells, pump stations, treatment facilities, and reservoirs. Annaliese has worked on other projects throughout Orange County, including projects for the City of Laguna Beach and private developers.
SELECT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Project Manager, South Coast Water District – Reservoir 2B Replacement Project IS-MND and Coastal Development Permitting Assistance, Laguna Beach, Orange County
Annaliese served as the Project Manager for the preparation of technical studies and an IS-MND as well as provision of coastal development permitting support for the proposed Reservoir 2B Replacement project. The project involves replacing the South Coast Water District’s existing Reservoir 2B with two new reservoirs to double the current storage capacity on site in an effort to improve fire flow. Key issues consisted of special status plant and wildlife species (including coastal California gnatcatcher), archaeological and paleontological resources due to the project site’s sensitivity for such resources, noise due to the proximity of nearby residences, and wildfire hazards due to the project site’s location within a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. The District’s Board of Directors adopted the Final IS-MND in July 2022, and Rincon supported the District in obtaining a coastal development permit from the City of Laguna Beach for the project. In addition, during the feasibility design stage, Annaliese oversaw preparation of an environmental considerations and constraints analysis for several design options that were under consideration for the replacement of South Coast Water District's Reservoirs 2B and 3B. The report identified constraints related to biological resources, cultural resources, hazards and hazardous materials, and land use permitting and provided recommended pathways CEQA compliance and environmental/land use permitting.
Project Manager, South Coast Water District – Victoria Warehouse Site Improvements and Los Monteros Recycled Water Pipeline Replacement Projects, Dana Point, Orange County
Annaliese served as the Project Manager for preparation of two Notices of Exemption and Classes 1 and 2 Categorical Exemption memoranda for the Victoria Warehouse Site Improvements and Los Monteros Recycled Water Pipeline Replacement Projects. The projects involve 1) several improvements to the District’s existing Victoria Warehouse and 2) replacement of approximately610 linear feet
Annaliese Torres, Page 2
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Environmental Scientists · Planners · Engineers
of pipeline as well as installation of a pipe liner system on approximately 340 linear feet of pipeline. Because the existing Victoria Warehouse structure is greater than 45 years of age (i.e., of historic age), one of the key issues to ensuring the applicability of a Class 1 Categorical Exemption involved demonstrating the project would not involve changes to the structures on the project site and would thereby avoid resulting in a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource.
Project Manager, Mesa Water – Wilson Street Pipeline Replacement Project Categorical Exemption, Environmental Impact Analysis, and Contaminated Soil Contingency Plan, Orange County Annaliese served as Project Manager for the preparation of Categorical Exemption documentation for Mesa Water’s Wilson Street Pipeline Replacement Project, which consists of an approximately 4,580-foot linear pipeline alignment extending along Wilson Street between Newport Boulevard and Harbor Boulevard. Rincon prepared a Notice of Exemption along with a memorandum details the applicability of the Class 1 and Class 2 Categorical Exemptions to the project and an abbreviated Initial Study to demonstrate the project would not result in significant environmental impacts due to an unusual circumstance. As part of this process, Rincon recommended appropriate avoidance and minimization measures to incorporate into the project, include pre-construction nesting bird surveys, procedures for unanticipated discoveries of cultural resources, a Contaminated Soil Contingency Plan, restrictions on the use of vibratory rollers, and a traffic control plan. Rincon also prepared the Contaminated Soil Contingency Plan for Mesa Water prior to the start of construction.
Project Manager and Noise Analyst, Genie Car Wash – Tustin Car Wash Project Noise Report, Orange County Annaliese oversaw preparation of a noise report for a car wash project in Tustin to support compliance with the project’s land use permit conditions of approval. As part of the effort, Annaleise conducted a comprehensive set of noise measurements during car wash operations to verify project noise levels were in compliance with the City of Tustin’s noise standards and to demonstrate the effectiveness of a noise barrier wall constructed on site.
Noise Measurement Technician, City of Laguna Beach – 32051 Coast Highway Project, Orange County Annaliese conducted noise measurements for the 32051 Coast Highway Project, which involves demolition of an existing, 1,300-square-foot single-family residence and construction of a new, three-story, 6,800-square-foot singlefamily residence in Laguna Beach. Key issues included high construction noise levels in close proximity to adjacent residences.
Project Manager, University of California, Riverside (UCR) – Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education Center EIR, Riverside County Annaliese is serving as the Project Manager for preparation of an EIR for the construction of a STEM Education Center by Riverside Unified School District on the UCR campus. Key issues for the project include the comprehensive evaluation of off-site impacts due to the need to re-locate an existing cell tower and install an electrical line upgrade to serve the proposed project, the analysis of recreational impacts to the existing fields located on the project site that are utilized by City of Riverside and UCR sports teams, and local concerns over the siting of a new high school near residential neighborhoods.
Program Manager, The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California – Environmental Planning Services (On-Call), Southern California
Annaliese is responsible for managing Rincon’s on-call contract with Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, which includes assignments in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego counties.
Under this contract, Annaliese has and is overseeing several assignments, including a Program EIR for the F.E.
Weymouth Water Treatment Plant and La Verne Site Improvements Program with multiple technical studies prepared by subconsultants, an EIR for the Garvey Reservoir Rehabilitation project, and an IS-MND and technical studies for the Colorado River Aqueduct Master Reclamation Plan for San Bernardino and Riverside Counties.
Project Manager, Broadview Holdings SV – The Enclave Project IS-MND, Ventura County Annaliese served as Project Manager and lead analyst for the preparation of environmental documentation for a mixed-use residential/commercial infill project in the city of Simi Valley. Annaliese prepared technical studies for air quality, greenhouse gas emissions and energy and worked closely with the applicant team to re-design the project to include additional sustainability features to reduce the project’s greenhouse gas emissions. She also led a team to prepare the IS-MND for the project, in which key issues included aesthetics, land use, and transportation.
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Environmental Scientists · Planners · Engineers
EDUCATION
PhD, Urban Planning,
University of California,
Los Angeles
MUP, Urban Planning, Harvard
University, Cambridge,
Massachusetts
BA, Architecture, Wellesley
College, Wellesley,
Massachusetts
CERTIFICATIONS/
REGISTRATIONS
American Planning Association
(AICP certified planner), 2017
Project Management: The
Basics for Success (Coursera
Verified Certificate), 2015
YEARS OF
EXPERIENCE
7 Karolina Maria Gorska, PhD, AICP
Contract Planner
Karolina Maria Gorska is a detail-oriented professional with supervisory and training experience in private and public-sector planning, as well as academia. Dr. Gorska has six years of research experience in the field of city planning and more than seven years of work experience in current and long-range planning. She has exceptional communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills, and strong analytical, fact-finding, and qualitative skills to develop reports, presentations, and uncover useful information for policy recommendations. Dr.
Gorska is adept at meeting deadlines and managing multiple projects simultaneously from inception to completion. Karolina has worked as a contract planner for Rincon since 2019.
SELECT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Contract Planner, City of Culver City – Current Planning Division, Los Angeles County
Dr. Gorska is part of the Subdivision Code Update project team for Culver City. She is the process of working on objective design standards updates to the subdivision code that will allow for Small Lot Subdivision projects. Dr. Gorska has collaborated on written memos and presentations for Culver City. She draws on her expertise from her work on the Small Lot Subdivision update she worked on for the City of Los Angeles where she was the lead on the Small Lot Design Standards and Small Lot Subdivision Ordinance. Dr. Gorska prepared the staff report and City Planning Commission presentation for Small Lot Design Standards.
Contract Planner, City of Malibu – Contract Planning Services, Malibu Dr. Gorska serves as a contract planner for the Malibu Planning Department where she processes complex coastal development permits for the construction of new single-family residences, as well as commercial/hotel projects, in Malibu. This assignment requires an understanding of both the Malibu Zoning Code and the Local Coastal Program, as well as CEQA requirements. Dr. Gorska’s projects often deal with issues such as coastal view protection or site constraints such as encroachments into Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas or steep slopes that requires in-depth and detailed analysis of technical reports. She reviews applications for completeness and prepares Planning Commission agenda reports and resolutions in coordination with City staff. Her projects have included a wide range of complex entitlements including General Plan Amendments, Zoning Map Amendments, Variances for Construction on slopes over 2.5 to 1, Site Plan Review for Excess Height, Minor Modifications for Reduced Setbacks, and Conditional Use Permits, among others. Dr. Gorska has also worked on Appeals of Planning Commission Resolutions.
Planner, The Latigo Group, LLC – Hillcrest Specific Plan, Thousand Oaks Dr. Gorska prepared design and development standards for the Thousand Oaks Hillcrest Specific Plan that includes up to 333 dwelling units on an approximately
8.19-net acre site. Dr. Gorska focused on objective design standards, which encompassed the design requirements of the open spaces, interior access roads, and building massing, as a means to create a walkable, human-scale development.
Additionally, the standards for the residential and mixed-use developments focused on architectural design requirements, such as, window recesses, façade articulation, and roof and height variation, among others, which would ensure an attractive, non-monolithic design within the Specific Plan.
Karolina Maria Gorska, PhD, AICP, Page 2
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Environmental Scientists · Planners · Engineers
Contract Planner, City of Santa Monica – Contract Planning Services, Santa Monica As a Contract Planner for the Santa Monica Planning Department Dr. Gorska was responsible for online plan check reviews for a variety of projects (ADUs, single-family residential projects, wireless telecommunication projects) conducted via ProjectDox (online plan review program), as well as review and processing of administrative permits.
The online review process required efficient turnaround times and necessitated attention to detail and thorough knowledge of the Single-Family and ADU Zoning Code. Additional tasks included coordination with City Staff, review and processing of business license applications and responses to email inquiries as needed.
Contract Planner and Senior Level Planner, City of South Pasadena – Contract Planning Services, South Pasadena
Dr. Gorska worked as a Contract Planner and Senior Level Planner at the Planning Department of South Pasadena.
She was the lead planner on multiple entitlement (Hillside Development Permits, Design Review, Administrative Use Permit, Certificate of Appropriateness) review projects that went before the Design Review Board, Planning Commission, and Cultural Heritage Commission. She worked directly with the Planning Manager on various projects, such as Zoning Code Interpretations, for instance how to process Guest Parking Requirements for Hillside Development Permits for Single-Family Homes under the City’s new Zoning Code Streamlining Process. Dr. Gorska assisted with design reviews, DRB Chair reviews, and numerous plan check projects.
Contract Planner, Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles – One San Pedro Specific Plan, San Pedro Dr. Gorska reviewed specific plans to help the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) process the One San Pedro specific plan project. She evaluated the application materials, developed a comprehensive list of submittal materials, and identified missing pieces in order to assist in the development of a clean project description for the Project EIR for the CEQA analysts team. Dr. Gorska drafted a memo that focused on: 1) additional items needed for the EIR Project Description document in order to assist in the completion of a Project EIR and 2) items that are needed or should to be clarified for the Specific Plan in order to support the EIR project description.
City Planning Assistant & Associate, Los Angeles Department of City Planning – Various Projects, Los Angeles Dr. Gorska worked for the City of Los Angeles in the Urban Design Studio and the Expedited Processing Services section. She was responsible for CEQA analysis and case processing on a wide range of entitlement requests. Within the Urban Design Studio she coordinated and conducted design reviews for major development projects. She managed and lead design discussions in coordination with the American Institute of Architects. She was the lead on the Small Lot Design Standards and Small Lot Subdivision Ordinance. Dr. Gorska prepared the staff report and City Planning Commission presentation for Small Lot Design Standards. She conducted Small Lot Update training and outreach for staff and members of the public.
Regional Planning Assistant II, Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning – Various Projects, Los Angeles
Dr. Gorska worked at the public counter and responded to inquiries from the public on relevant planning policies, subdivision and zoning regulations. She reviewed and processed by-right projects for consistency with the zoning code. Dr. Gorska also worked in the Community Studies East Area Section within the Advance Planning Division.
Managed various projects: East L.A. Zoning Consistency Project; Hacienda Heights Community Plan Implementation Guide; and the La Crescenta-Montrose Community Standards District update. She performed research; prepared tables, reports, and other documents; and interacted on a regular basis with stakeholders.
Planning Analyst, UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies – Various Projects, Los Angeles Dr. Gorska was a planning analyst on a Performance Monitoring Tool for SCAG’s Sustainable Communities Strategy.
She advised how regional-level data could be utilized to study neighborhood-level change and how data should be interpreted and assisted in final data selection decision-making. Dr. Gorska wrote reports and white papers based on research, which included descriptions of the physical site, description of adjacent land uses and structures, detail of proposed uses, descriptions of socio-economic conditions, population, traffic, transportation, and future trends to provide information to the local educators, private and public sector planners, and SCAG.
Project Manager, UCLA Department of Urban Planning – California Air Resources Board Research Project, Los Angeles
Dr. Gorska managed a California Air Resources Board research project by acquiring and assembling data from government institutions, managed individual tasks, coordinated team meetings between UCLA and UC Berkeley.
She co-authored report entitled Gentrification Displacement, and the Role of Public Investment that is a Federal Reserve working paper, as well as a published article in the Journal of Planning Literature.
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Environmental Scientists · Planners · Engineers
EDUCATION
Masters, Business
administration, Clarkson
University
BS, Biology, Clarkson
University
BS, Chemistry, Clarkson
University
AFFILIATIONS
AEP Inland Empire Chapter
Board Member, 2014 –
Present.
YEARS OF
EXPERIENCE
21 Heather Dubois
Senior Air Quality and Noise Specialist
Heather Dubois has over 21 years of experience in the environmental field with 17 years focused on air quality impact analysis, including health risk assessments and global climate change impacts in compliance with NEPA and CEQA processes and regulations. She has a wide range of environmental experience, including air and noise monitoring, air and soil testing, and composition of complex planning documents that require comprehensive knowledge of land use planning, transit and transportation planning, and environmental planning.
Heather has prepared numerous air quality, health risk, greenhouse, noise, and energy studies for smaller project-level developments and larger programmatic-level developments. She has also prepared transportation-related air quality analysis for the California Department of Transportation. In addition, Heather specializes in health risk assessments, having prepared numerous construction and operational health risk assessments to estimate health risks and hazards from projects. Her experience with technical analyses has made her well versed with California Air Resource Board and local air district regulations and guidance. She is experienced with the California Emissions Estimator Model (CalEEMod), AMS/EPA Regulatory Air Dispersion Model (AERMOD), Hotspots Analysis and Reporting Program (HARP), Caltrans Emission FACtor (CT-EMFAC), and Road Construction Emission Model (RCEM).
SELECT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Air Quality, Health Risk and Greenhouse Gas Analyst, Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) – Syphon Reservoir Geotechnical Investigations MND, Orange County Technical Analyst. The Project would use exploratory test pits, borings, and geophysical surveys to characterize the subsurface conditions of the soil and bedrock at each exploration location. IRWD is conducting the Project to support potential future enlargement of the existing Syphon Reservoir. The analysis for the geotechnical investigations also included a health risk assessment, which would be an important consideration for evaluating the combined health risks from potential future enlargement of the reservoir.
Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Analyst, City of Santa Ana – Heritage Mixed Use Project, Orange County
Prepared the air quality and climate change analysis in support of the implementation of a mixed use development in the City of Santa Ana. The project consisted of the development of 1,221 residential uses and 18,090 square feet of commercial development within a five-story building. The analysis of air quality impacts followed South Coast Air Quality Management District methodology and thresholds and used CalEEMod to determine the impacts from the implementation of the proposed project. The analysis included a health risk analysis for the development of residential uses adjacent to an existing commercial rail line.
Air Quality and Health Risk Analyst, City of Los Angeles – Westside Purple Line Extension Project, Los Angeles
Preparing an updated emissions inventory and health risk analysis for Section 2 of the Westside Purple Line Extension Project. The analysis will evaluate both the localized emission as well as the potential health risk for sensitive receptors in the vicinity of the expansion activities. Localized as well as health risk will be conducted using dispersion modeling through the AERMOD model.
Heather Dubois, Page 2
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Environmental Scientists · Planners · Engineers
Health Risk Analyst, City of Los Angeles – Mariners Village Renovation Project, Los Angeles Prepared a health risk analysis for construction activities related associated with the renovation of Mariner’s Village and the increase in retail uses and the addition of recreational boating uses. The health risk analysis used AERSCREEN to perform a conservative screening level analysis of the construction risk estimated for the 10-year renovation project. In addition, a sequestration analysis was prepared to determine the impacts from the removal of existing older growth trees, bushes and scrub and the replacement with new growth trees. The purpose of removing the old growth trees is to provide a more balanced and climate specific variation of trees and bushes for the project site that would result in less crowding and better health of the new vegetation.
Air Quality, Health Risk and Greenhouse Gas Analyst, West Basin Ocean Water Desalination Project, El Segundo Provided air quality analysis in support of the EIR for the West Basin Ocean Water Desalination Project’s EIR. The project consisted of the demolition of the existing onsite facilities and the construction of an ocean water desalination facility with water intake and brine discharge systems and a desalinated water conveyance system.
The analysis included emissions quantifications from ocean going vessels as well as land-based and vessel-based construction equipment. A health risk assessment with respect to construction related DPM emissions was conducted for the residents nearby the facility as well as long the conveyance pipeline using AERMOD.
Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Analyst, Rose Bowl Music Festival, Los Angeles County Conducted the air quality and greenhouse gas analysis for the Rose Bowl Music Festival. The project analyzed the impacts of hosting a 3-day music and arts festival at the Rose Bowl Stadium complex.
Air Quality Analyst, City of Pomona – 811 South White Avenue, Pomona Prepared an air quality technical study for the development of 41 low-rise apartment buildings on a site surrounding a single-family residential home on three sides. The air quality analysis included potential impacts from regional and local pollutant as well as potential impacts to neighboring sensitive receptors in support of a categorical exemption.
Air Quality, Greenhouse Gas, and Energy Analyst, City of Baldwin Park – Downtown Baldwin Park Specific Plan, Baldwin Park
Prepared the air quality and greenhouse gas analysis in support of an Addendum to the City of Baldwin Park Downtown Transit-Oriented Development Specific Plan Project Final Environmental Impact Report. The analysis compared the potential impacts due to the changes from the original Specific Plan EIR with respect to air quality, greenhouse gas, and energy while ensuring the analytical methodology and models used were the most current available.
Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Analyst, City of Baldwin Park – Downtown Transit Oriented Development Specific Plan EIR, Baldwin Park
Conducted an air quality and climate change impact analysis in support of the proposed Downtown Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Specific Plan EIR for the City of Baldwin Park. The analysis of air quality and climate change impacts followed South Coast Air Quality Management District methodology and used CalEEMod to determine the impacts from the implementation of the Specific Plan. The Project analyzed the issue of balancing greenhouse gas emissions reductions through transit-oriented development with the increased exposure of sensitive receptors to diesel emissions from transit, specifically diesel trains, trucks, and vehicles.
Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Analyst, KW Commercial Investment Group – Del Mar/Los Robles Condominium Project, Los Angeles
Prepared Air Quality technical reports in support of the Del Mar/Los Robles Condominium Project environmental process. The project consists of the development of a 55-unit residential building that includes two subterranean parking levels with a total of 244 parking spaces. The analysis of air quality impacts followed South Coast Air Quality Management District methodology and thresholds and used CalEEMod to determine the impacts from the implementation of the proposed project.
Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Analyst, City of Escondido – MFRO Facility for Agriculture Project, San Diego Prepared the air quality and climate change analysis in support of the implementation of a Microfiltration/Reverse Osmosis Facility to provide agricultural water for the City of Escondido. The IS/MND analysis was a CEQA plus analysis that included the FCAA general conformity analysis in addition to the typical CEQA requirements. The analysis followed the methodology and significance thresholds developed by the City of Escondido for the construction and operation of the project.
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Environmental Scientists · Planners · Engineers
EDUCATION
BS, Chemical Engineering,
University of California,
Los Angeles
CERTIFICATIONS/
REGISTRATIONS
Professional Engineer (PE),
Chemical Engineering,
License No. 6833
YEARS OF
EXPERIENCE
11+
Michael Stewart, PE
Senior Air Quality Specialist
Michael Stewart has over 11 years of experience preparing air quality and greenhouse gas analyses in accordance with CEQA and NEPA, as well as for air permitting purposes. His experience covers a variety of project sizes and complexities across a wide range of land use development types and industrial clients, including residential developments, airports, warehouses, refineries, aerospace companies, data centers, etc. Michael is proficient with various emissions models (e.g., CalEEMod and EMission FACtors [EMFAC] Model series) and the AERMOD air dispersion modeling software. He is experienced performing health risk assessments using the CARB HARP2 model or with Excel spreadsheets. Michael has experience managing technical staff, supporting client communication and project needs and providing quality assurance reviews.
SELECT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Air Quality Specialist, Clippers Stadium – Inglewood Basketball and Entertainment Center Air Quality Technical Studies, Inglewood This project required air quality technical studies, including operation emission calculations, air dispersion modeling and health risk assessments for the development of the IBEC project as part of the EIR process. The project included an approximately 19,000-person event center for the new home of the Los Angeles Clippers, which was expecting large emissions from vehicle traffic and other operational activities. Many challenges were overcome to demonstrate compliance with ambient air quality standards and health risk thresholds. Managed the development team for the photochemical modeling for a quantitative health impact analysis in response to the recent Friant Ranch decision at the time.
Air Quality Specialist, Highland Fairview World Logistics Center EIR Air Quality Study and Health Risk Assessment, Moreno Valley, Riverside County This project involved an operational health risk assessment for the 40.6 million square foot warehouse and logistics center project. The HRA analyzed multiple pollutants using vehicle emission factors gathered from EMFAC for multiple years studied. The study was able to pass below significance thresholds despite the challenges associated with the sheer number of heavy-duty diesel trucks from a warehouse project of this magnitude. Also supported the construction HRA, emissions calculations and technical writing for the EIR air quality section.
Air Quality Specialist, HollyFrontier Refinery – PSD Modeling Study, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Performed the computer modeling of 250 emission sources in approximately 15 unique modeling analyses to complete air pollution engineering analyses for a refinery expansion and interconnection project. These rigorous efforts allowed the client to demonstrate compliance with air quality standards and requirements while expanding operational capabilities. The technical work was reviewed and approved by the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Air Quality Specialist, Pacific Steel Mojave Micro Mill Development Project, Mojave Desert
Developed the construction analysis associated with the project, including the CalEEMod emissions modeling, EMFAC2021 mobile emissions modeling, air dispersion modeling and health risk assessments. Provided support to the operational emissions calculations and dispersion modeling.
Michael Stewart, PE, Page 2
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Environmental Scientists · Planners · Engineers
Air Quality Specialist, San Bernardino International Airport – Eastgate Air Cargo Facility Project, San Bernardino County
Completed air dispersion modeling for the project by developing sources to represent landside construction and operations. Applied the airside operation sources generated from the Aviation Environmental Design Tool (AEDT) model into AERMOD. Implemented a series of technical refinements to demonstrate the project passes below the threshold for the 1-hr NO2 NAAQS, which is notoriously difficult to demonstrate. Supported the NEPA process and helped author the air quality sections of the EA, including the air dispersion modeling protocol, Affected Environment, Environmental Consequences, and the General Conformity Determination.
Air Quality Specialist, Qualcomm Inc. – New Source Review, Air Permitting and Emission Reduction Credits, San Diego County
Secured air permits for several sources including a cogeneration plant, multiple emergency standby diesel engines, and temporary engines. Each unit required multiple engineering analyses, including emission calculations, air dispersion modeling, and cancer risk quantification to demonstrate that the project would not violate any regulations or cause harm to human health. Helped develop the application for Emission Reduction Credits from the shutdown and removal of gas turbines, worth over $100,000.
Air Quality Specialist, Google LLC – Downtown West San Jose Mixed-Use Project EIR, San Jose, Santa Clarita County
The applicant proposed to develop a mixed-use project within an approximately 80-acre area including commercial office, residential, entertainment, district systems, and parking in Downtown San Jose. Developed operational emission inventories, perform air dispersion modeling and health risk assessments for the project. The HRA required many refinements to be less than significant due to the size of the project and proximity to nearby sensitive receptors. Developed the approach for an HIA and managed the photochemical modeling subcontractor.
Air Quality Specialist, Google LLC – Multiple Other Google Development Projects, Bay Area Supported the air quality technical analyses for multiple other Google Development projects in the Bay Area, which included construction and operational emissions calculations as well as combined construction and operational health risk assessments.
Air Quality Specialist, County of Los Angeles – Revised Draft 2045 Climate Action Plan, Los Angeles Supported the development of the air quality section of the draft program environmental impact report (PEIR) of the LA CAP. This document required extensive updates and modernization for recent regulations, as well as an increased focus on potential windblown dust events that occur in unincorporated areas of LA County, primarily associated with solar farm developments.
Air Quality Specialist, City of Carson – The District at South Bay Specific Plan Amendment Air Quality Studies, Carson
Performed localized significance threshold air dispersion modeling analysis for the supplemental EIR for The District at South Bay Specific Plan Amendment project. The air dispersion modeling analysis was conducted to compare proposed project construction and operational emissions impacts relative to the NAAQS and other significant thresholds to confirm that the proposed project would not produce significant air quality impacts. Additionally, performed senior technical review of the emissions calculations and health risk assessment.
Air Quality Specialist, City of Burbank – 2311 N Hollywood Burbank SCEA Health Risk Assessments, Los Angeles County
Performed a construction health risk assessment to determine potential impacts on nearby sensitive receptors and demonstrate that said impacts were less than significant. Additionally, the proposed residential development project was nearby major transportation sources, including a railroad and Hollywood Burbank Airport. As a result, an HRA was required to demonstrate that the impacts of these transportation sources would not significantly impact the potential future residents. Supported these analyses as technical lead review to demonstrate that the impacts of the railroad and airport would not negatively impact potential future residents. This project was given an award at AEP’s annual conference in 2022.
Air Quality Specialist, DWR Salton Sea Monitoring Implementation Plan, Salton Sea Supported the development of an air quality monitoring plan for the Salton Sea. The plan focused on potential fugitive emissions and releases of other potential toxic air contaminants as the Sea continues to recede and expose more of the lakebed to dust events.
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Environmental Scientists · Planners · Engineers
EDUCATION
MESc, Yale University, The
School of Forestry &
Environmental Studies
BA, Environmental Studies,
Wellesley College
Professional Certificate in
Spanish/English Translation,
UC San Diego Extension
MEMBERSHIPS/
TRAININGS
Member, Association of
Women in Water, Energy, and
the Environment
Member, Association of
Environmental Professionals
Training: Applying the NEPA
Process and NEPA Cumulative
Effects Analysis and
Documentation, The Shipley
Group (2015)
American Planning
Association National
Conference, Phoenix, AZ
(2016)
YEARS OF
EXPERIENCE
16 Brenna Vredeveld, MESc
Supervising Biologist/ Project Manager
Brenna Vredeveld has 16 years of experience managing projects for local, State, and federal agencies across southern California and is experienced in ecosystem monitoring and reporting, federal and local regulatory processes, compliance requirements for biological resources on construction projects, California Environmental Quality Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act, and Clean Water Act. She has managed a breadth of projects in various sectors including development, public infrastructure, water, and energy, for a variety of clients in southern California, especially Los Angeles and Orange Counties. She oversees preparation of complex technical reports and agency permitting packages; manages environmental compliance monitoring; and coordinates with regulatory agencies on behalf of clients. She advises clients on developing the most appropriate biological resources assessment, compliance, and mitigation strategies for their projects. She also performs technical quality assurance/ quality control of biological resources deliverables. She is fluent in Spanish.
SELECT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Program Manager, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (subconsultant to Prime) - Prestressed Concrete Cylinder Pipe Rehabilitation Program, Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino Counties Brenna served as the Program Manager for the program’s suite of task orders. She was responsible for coordinating development of environmental documentation (e.g., technical studies, CEQA analyses, and permitting applications) for biological, cultural, and paleontological resources, and hazardous materials, as well as overseeing general construction monitoring (for the above topics in addition to air quality, surface and stormwater control, noise, and transportation/traffic) for rehabilitation projects along more than 100 miles of five prestressed concrete cylinder pipelines extending through over 30 jurisdictions in Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino Counties in both dense urban and remote rural regions, including Allen-McColloch Pipeline work within the Orange County Central-Coastal Natural Community Conservation Plan (NCCP)/ Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) area. Sixteen task orders have been awarded to date.
Senior Biologist, South Coast Water District (subconsultant to MKN Associates, Inc.) – Reservoirs 2-B and 3-B Replacement Project Environmental Considerations and Constraints Analysis, Laguna Beach and Laguna Niguel, Orange County
Brenna was the Senior Biologist responsible for analyzing potential biological resources constraints to replacement options for Reservoirs 2-B and 3-B. The detailed analysis evaluated sensitive plant and wildlife species potential to occur in and adjacent to the project footprint in the context of requirements in multiple jurisdictions spanned by the project (City of Laguna Beach, City of Laguna Niguel, County of Orange), California Coastal Act, and applicability of the Orange County Central-Coastal Natural Community Conservation Plan/Habitat Conservation Plan.
She tailored recommendations to the design and construction options considered by the South Coast Water District, including insight into biological resources regulatory requirements and pathways, timelines, and estimated costs.
Brenna Vredeveld, MESc, Page 2
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Environmental Scientists · Planners · Engineers
Project Manager, City of Los Angeles (subconsultant to Prime) – North Atwater Non-motorized Multimodal Bridge Project, Los Angeles
Brenna was the Project Manager responsible for writing the Biological Resources Assessment for this pedestrian, bicycle, and equestrian bridge over a soft-bottom portion of the Los Angeles River. She managed compliance monitoring for the project’s United States Army Corps of Engineers 404 and 408 permits, Regional Water Quality Control Board 401 permit, and California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) permit, including full-time biological monitoring during vegetation removal and initial in-water work, fish surveys and placement of fish exclusion block nets around in-water work areas, nesting bird surveys, and periodic monitoring throughout the project. She collaborated closely with the City of Los Angeles Bureau of Engineering, the construction contractor, and project design team to facilitate implementation of permit conditions and provided guidance on regulatory agency communication. She coordinated directly with CDFW on behalf of the City regarding project compliance. She managed preparation of the project’s Avian Protection Plan, Nesting Bird Management Plan, and Restoration Plan.
She also managed post-construction reporting and restoration activities including re-planting of the temporary impact area and restoration monitoring to meet agency requirements and established success criteria.
Senior Biologist/Lead Author, Various Clients – Biological Resources Assessments and Biological Resources Sections of Environmental Impact Reports, Los Angeles County Brenna was the Senior Biologist and Lead Author responsible for coordinating and writing biological resources assessments and biological resources sections of Environmental Impact Reports for various projects throughout Los Angeles County, including the cities and communities of Walnut, Compton, South Pasadena, Agoura Hills, Rolling Hills, Los Angeles, and Hacienda Heights, among others. Projects analyzed include mixed use development, singlefamily residential, and a monastery, including evaluation of required fuel modification zones compliant with city and/or Los Angeles County standards. In particular, Brenna advised City clients on sensitive biological resources considerations, including required analyses, permitting, and design and/or mitigation options.
Senior Biologist, City of Whittier (subconsultant to Prime) – Murphy Reservoir Replacement Project Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration, Whittier
Brenna oversaw completion of fieldwork and preparation of the biological resources section of the IS-MND, including in -depth analysis and successful mitigation of potential project impacts to federally threatened coastal California gnatcatcher documented in the vicinity of the project site, located in the foothills of the Puente Hills. She worked closely with the Rincon Project Manager to support the City of Whittier in their coordination with the Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority, which owns and manages the undeveloped open space surrounding the Murphy Reservoir. The IS-MND successfully addressed the Authority’s concerns and requests regarding sensitive species and habitat adjacent to the project site, including best management practices for construction and design that avoided and minimized potential impacts while still meeting the purpose and need of the reservoir replacement.
Senior Biologist, City of Los Angeles – Los Angeles Citywide Housing Element 2022-2029 Update Environmental Impact Report, Los Angeles
Brenna prepared the Biological Resources sections of the IS-MND and EIR for the Housing Element Update, including specific regulatory measures and mitigation requested by the City to address potential impacts to biological resources at a programmatic level of analysis.
Senior Biologist, Various Clients – Biological Resources Assessments, Fullerton/Laguna Beach, Orange County Brenna oversaw preparation of the Biological Resources Assessments in support of Environmental Impact Reports and Initial Study-Mitigated Negative Declarations for the California State University, Fullerton (CSUF), Educational and Facilities Master Plan Update and two development projects in Laguna Beach. Brenna managed the biological resources surveys and technical writing to assess potential impacts to regulated biological resources for the approximate 240-acre CSUF campus, and evaluation of regulatory compliance with the Clean Water Act, California Coastal Act, and Orange County Central-Coastal NCCP/HCP for the projects in Laguna Beach.
Biological Resources Project Manager, City of Long Beach – 300 North Studebaker Road Industrial Park Project, Long Beach
Brenna was responsible for overseeing fieldwork for and preparation of the Biological Resources Assessment, Jurisdictional Delineation, Burrowing Owl Habitat Assessment and Survey Report, and Rare Plant Survey Report for an industrial park development in the Coastal Zone. She guided the City and project applicant in successfully addressing requests and comments of an appeal to the California Coastal Commission (CCC) regarding the potential presence of burrowing owl, wetlands, and rare plants on the project site. She also facilitated communication with the CCC, including attending a site visit with CCC representatives.
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Environmental Scientists · Planners · Engineers
EDUCATION
BS, Biology, Concentration in
Marine Science, California
Polytechnic State University,
San Luis Obispo
CERTIFICATIONS/
REGISTRATIONS
TWIC Card
(Expires March 2026)
AED and CPR Certified
(September 2022)
OSHA 10-hour training
(July 2019)
QSP training course for
SWPPP (June 2018)
YEARS OF
EXPERIENCE
10 Gayle Bufo McDermott
Biologist
Gayle is a Biologist with Rincon Consultants. Her duties at Rincon include project management; construction and mitigation monitoring for biological resources; biological resources field surveys; nesting bird surveys and management; water quality sampling and monitoring; and preparation of biological resources and SWPPP reports. Gayle has been an environmental compliance monitor since joining Rincon and is now managing projects, particularly for multiple, high priority construction projects throughout Central and Southern California, including for Southern California Gas Company Pipeline Safety Enhancement Plan (PSEP) and Operations and Maintenance (O&M) projects, Los Angeles Department of Beaches and Harbors, the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, and Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. In her role as an environmental compliance monitor, she has conducted pre-construction clearance surveys, organized compliance documentation including noise, traffic, and hazardous waste disposal reports, performed both full-time monitoring and regular spot checks to document project compliance with relevant permits and authorizations, and developed Worker Environmental Awareness Trainings. She also has a breadth of species-specific monitoring and survey experience for both marine and terrestrial environments, as detailed below. Other duties at Rincon have included: project and assistant management, marine mammal monitoring, beach biodiversity studies, construction and mitigation monitoring for biological resources, water quality testing, biological resource field surveys, nesting bird surveys and management.
SELECT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Project Manager, Los Angeles Department of Beaches and Harbors – Marina del Rey Annual Nesting Bird Survey, Marina del Rey
Gayle is currently the project manager for this ongoing project. Gayle has worked as the monitor/surveyor, assistant project manager, and now the manager for this project for the last four years. She helps with schedule coordination, survey effort, and reporting. Her duties include proposal writing, scheduling, monitor and client coordination, reporting, and report reviewing.
Project Manager, Southern California Gas Company – Line 3003 and Line 407 Pipeline Protection Plan, Encino
Gayle is currently the project manager for this ongoing project. She has worked as the assistant PM, monitor, surveyor, and report writer for the annual trimming and construction activities within Sullivan Canyon for the last four years. Her duties include assisting with permitting, compliance monitoring, species surveys, coordination, and reporting. This is a long-term project with highly sensitive resources including: least Bell’s vireo, coastal California gnatcatcher, California legless lizard, coast horned lizard, protected native trees, jurisdictional waters, and habitat restoration areas. Gayle helps with schedule coordination, restoration coordination, and overall permit compliance for SoCalGas.
Monitor, City of Los Angeles – Atwater Multimodal Bridge Project Compliance Monitoring, Atwater Village
Gayle conducted compliance monitoring and assistant project management duties.
This included compliance with the CDFW LSAA, USACE 404 and 408, and RWQCB 401, including nesting bird management and restoration activities.
Gayle Bufo McDermott, Page 2
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Environmental Scientists · Planners · Engineers
ADDITIONAL PROJECT EXPERIENCE
• Project Manager and Lead Marine Mammal Monitor, Carnival Cruise Lines – Gangway Project, Long Beach • Project Manager, Surveyor, and Report Writer, Los Angeles Department of Beaches and Harbors – Beach Berm Construction and Removal Project, Los Angeles County
• Lead Compliance and Marine Mammal Monitor, Jilk Construction – Shell Motem Project, Port of Los Angeles • Project Manager, GHD – Long Beach Water District Intake Removal Project, Long Beach • Project Manager, Coptic Orthodox Church Nesting Bird Surveys, Chino Hills • Surveyor and Assistant Project Management, Port of Long Beach – Caspian Tern Surveys and Deterrence, Long Beach
• Project Manager, Terry A Hayes & Associates – Shoreline Village Drive Project, Long Beach • Compliance Monitor, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California – Weymouth Water Treatment Plant, La Verne
• Lead Surveyor, Private Client – Beach Biodiversity Study to Support Festival Effort, El Segundo • Lead Surveyor and Report Writer, City of Corona Public Works – Wastewater Treatment Facility Communications Tower, Corona
• Environmental Clearance Surveys, Nesting Bird Surveys, and Compliance Monitoring, Southern California Gas Company – Multiple PSEP Valve and Actuator Automation Projects throughout Los Angeles County, San Luis Obispo County, Orange County, and Santa Barbara County including Sence Ranch, Rising Canyon, Dyer-Pullman, Cajon Pass, Lyons, Montecito, and Rincon Locations
• Compliance Monitor, City of Visalia – St. John’s River Trail Project, Visalia • Surveyor and Report Writer, Coast Guard – Navy Pier Project, Monterey • Surveyor, Caltrans – High Speed Rail, California Tiger Salamander Burrow Identification and Excavation, Madera • Surveyor and Report Writer, Private Client – Jurisdictional Delineation, including Western Riverside Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) Requirements, Riverside • Surveyor and Report Writer, City of Compton – Artesia Transit Oriented Development Environmental Impact Report, Biological Resources Section, Compton
• Surveyor and Report Writer, Rancon Group – Ranch Storage Temescal Canyon Road Improvement Project, RWQCB 401 Certification, CDFW LSAA, and USACE 404 Permit Applications, Lake Elsinore • Lead Monitor and Report Writer, Southern California Gas Company – Line 404-4a Weekly SWPPP Reporting, Somis
• Lead Monitor and Report Writer, Private Client – Bishop Street Weekly SWPPP, San Luis Obispo
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Environmental Scientists · Planners · Engineers
EDUCATION
BA, History, emphasis in
American History, California
State University, Long Beach
AA, Anthropology, Orange
Coast College; California
CERTIFICATIONS/
REGISTRATIONS
Green Strategies for Historic
Buildings, National
Preservation Institute
CEQA Workshop Training, AEP
Oral History Methods, CSU
Long Beach
Identification and Evaluation
of Mid-20th Century Buildings,
National Preservation Institute
Section 4(f) Cultural
Resources Compliance for
Transportation Projects,
National Preservation Institute
YEARS OF
EXPERIENCE
21+
Shannon Carmack
Principal/Architectural History Program Manager
Shannon Carmack has more than 21 years of professional experience providing cultural resources management and historic preservation planning for large-scale and high-profile projects. She has worked throughout southern California, including Orange County, Los Angeles County, and San Diego County, in numerous sectors including local planning, development/construction, public utilities, Department of Defense, transportation, recreation, and education. Shannon prepares documentation to satisfy CEQA/NEPA, Section 106, and Local Historic Preservation Ordinances. She also provides reports and studies that are in compliance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties and the California Historic Building Code. She has developed and implemented successful mitigation for countless projects that included Historic American Building Survey documentation, oral histories, and interpretive programs. Shannon meets and exceeds requirements in the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards in Architectural History and History. Her experience includes being the Principal Architectural Historian on the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California On-Call and Senior Architectural Historian on several projects such as the City of Laguna Beach 31727 Coast Highway Civic Site MND, City of Long Beach 3655 N. Norwalk Boulevard Project, and City of West Hollywood Perry Hotel and Residences Cultural Resources Report.
SELECT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Senior Architectural Historian, City of Laguna Beach – 31727 Coast Highway Civic Site MND, Laguna Beach
This MND was prepared to consider the City’s potential acquisition of real property located at 31727 Coast Highway. To determine whether the project would result in impacts to historical resources, Rincon completed a Cultural Resources Assessment of the site. Led by Shannon, the assessment included a cultural resources records search, cultural resources site survey, Native American consultation, archival research, and a historical evaluation, and found that development of the site would not result in impacts to historical resources on the project site or in known historic districts located adjacent to the site.
Principal Architectural Historian, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California – On-Call Environmental Services, Various Counties Shannon has served as Principal Architectural Historian for multiple historic building documentation packages for Metropolitan. These documents were completed as part of the cultural resources mitigation adopted for various site and facilities improvements projects and documented significant properties such as filter buildings and washwater reclamation plants. For these efforts, Shannon served in a senior oversight capacity, coordinating with staff to gather historical photographs, documents, and other materials on behalf of Metropolitan. Reports were subsequently prepared presenting the as-built and existing conditions of the properties, narrative statements of significance, and compiled historical documentation.
• F.E. Weymouth Treatment Plant Various Projects. Shannon has completed historic building documentation packages for the Filter Rehabilitation and Chemical Upgrades projects at the F.E. Weymouth Water Treatment Plant. Most recently, Shannon has led the preparation of a Preliminary Historic Design Review of the Plant Administration and Control Buildings Seismic Upgrades Project to help inform the appropriate CEQA documentation for the project.
Shannon Carmack, Page 2
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Environmental Scientists · Planners · Engineers
Senior Architectural Historian, City of Long Beach – 3655 N. Norwalk Boulevard Project, Los Angeles County Shannon served as Senior Architectural Historian for the project to redevelop a church property constructed in 1969 into a residential development. Shannon conducted a survey of the subject property, historic research, significance evaluation and preparation of a historic assessment report. The results of the analysis found that the chapel appeared individually eligible for listing as a City of Long Beach Landmark and considered a historical resource for the purposes of CEQA. Mitigation measures were developed to mitigate the demolition of the chapel and reduce significant impacts to the historical resource.
Senior Architectural Historian, City of Long Beach – Long Beach Civic Center Project, Los Angeles County Shannon served as the Senior Architectural Historian for the Long Beach Civic Center Project, to redevelop the 16- acre Civic Center site. The study included a cultural resources records search, Native American scoping, an intensive pedestrian survey of the Project Site, evaluation of historic built environment resources, and preparation of the technical report. The study found that the site, which included the City Hall-Library Complex was eligible for local historic designation as a City Landmark and is considered a historical resource under CEQA. Demolition of site would result in a significant and unavoidable impact under CEQA and mitigation was developed to reduce impacts to cultural resources.
Senior Architectural Historian, City of West Hollywood – Perry Hotel and Residences Cultural Resources Report, West Hollywood
Shannon served as the senior architectural historian for the cultural resources assessment prepared for the project, which included the development of three parcels, including the former Herman Miller Showroom at 8806 Beverly Boulevard which was previously found eligible for historic designation. The study included a cultural resource records search, Native American consultation, archival research, and a historic resources field survey and evaluation. Ms.
Carmack provided cultural resources oversight for the project analysis.
Project Manager, City and County of Los Angeles – Woodland Hills Fire Station 84 Environmental Impact Report and Mitigation, Los Angeles County
Shannon served as Project Manager for a historical structures evaluation of the Woodland Hills Fire Station No. 84.
Located in the Woodland Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles. The post-war fire station was found to be historically significant at the local level, in accordance with SurveyLA. Shannon also assisted in the preparation of the cultural resources section of the Environmental Impact Report and conducted HABS documentation of the building for submittal to local repositories.
ADDITIONAL PROJECT EXPERIENCE
• Senior Architectural Historian, City of Placentia – HABS Documentation, Placentia Growers Association, Orange County
• Senior Architectural Historian, City of San Juan Capistrano – Roger Y. Williams Residence, National Register of Historic Places Nomination, Orange County
• Senior Architectural Historian, County of Orange– HABS Level 3 Documentation, Ray C. Lambert Ranch, Irvine • Senior Architectural Historian, County of Orange – Susan Street Exit Ramp Improvement Project, Costa Mesa • Senior Architectural Historian, County of Orange – Mountain Park Specific Plan Amendment EIR, Anaheim • Senior Architectural Historian, County of Los Angeles – Orange County Gateway Project, Placentia, Anaheim, and Yorba Linda
• Principal-in-Charge, Michael Baker – Fullerton Goodman Logistics Center CR Study, Orange County • Architectural Historian, County of San Diego – Del Mar Fairgrounds Master Plan Environmental Impact Report; San Diego County
• Architectural Historian, City of Escondido – Historic Evaluation and HABS Level 3 Documentation, 302-310 South Maple Street and 151-153 West Third Avenue, San Diego County • Principal-in-Charge, Bejan Arfaa – 3951-57 Goldfinch Street Cultural Resources Assessment, San Diego County
EDUCATION
MA, Anthropology, Emphasis
in Archaeology, California
State University, Fullerton
BA, Archaeology-California
State University, Dominguez
Hills
CERTIFICATIONS/
REGISTRATIONS
Registered Professional
Archaeologist (ID #990027)
Society for American
Archaeology
Society for California
Archeology
TRAINING
OSHA 8-hr Annual HazWaste
Operations Refresher
Certification, March 2023
OSHA 40-hr HazWaste
Operations Certification
January 2014
5-Phase Project Management,
UCLA, Department of
Engineering, Information
Systems, and Technical
Management, April 2008
YEARS OF
EXPERIENCE
18+
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Environmental Scientists · Planners · Engineers
Christopher W. Purtell, RPA
Senior Archaeologist/Project Manager
Christopher W. Purtell is a senior archaeologist and cultural resources project manager with over eighteen years of professional experience in project management, environmental compliance, subcontracting, archaeological survey, excavation, monitoring, data recovery, laboratory analysis, and in the development of mitigation and treatment plans; as well as over fifteen years of experience as a Principle Investigator in a decision-making capacity on cultural resources projects in California, Washington, and Oregon. Christopher exceeds the California Department of Transportation’s (Caltrans) Professionally Qualified Staff (PQS) requirements and is approved by Caltrans District Offices 7, 8, and 9. He has undertaken and contributed to work efforts for prehistoric and historic archaeological and paleontological investigations in the Great Basin, Mojave Desert, Central, Southern, and Northern California pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and Sections 106 and 110 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).
Christopher has authored and co-authored Cultural Resources Management Plans, developed Workers Environmental Awareness Programs (WEAP), AB 52 administrative and consultation management assistance, tribal and non-tribal treatment plans, preserved in-place burials, monitoring agreements, and, cultural analyses for Fatal Flaw studies as well as environmental compliance documents, such as Initial Studies, General and Specific Plans, Environmental Assessments, Environmental Impact Reports, and Cultural Resources Management Plans, Cultural Resources Technical Reports, and has compiled California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) site records. As a field director, he has hired and managed field crews in intensive pedestrian surveys, surface collections, shovel test pits, excavations, and the curation of artifacts.
Christopher has successfully coordinated cultural resource mitigation recommendations with a variety of lead and regulatory agencies, including California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, Los Angeles County Fire Department’s Vegetation Management Unit, Los Angeles County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, Ventura County, Orange County, Kern County, Inyo County, Alameda County, Shasta County, Yolo County, Santa Clara County, and San Mateo County; and he has obtained Field Permits under the Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) from the U.S. Department of Interior, U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Cultural Field Permits and Field Authorizations, with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM Permit: CA-21-10), among others. Christopher is a Registered Professional Archaeologist (RPA), and his training and background exceeds the U.S. Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards as a Principal Investigator and Field Director for prehistoric and historic archaeology.
SELECT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Senior Archaeologist/Program Manager, Caltrans District 12 – State Route 71/State Route 91 Interchange Improvement Project, Orange County As Senior Archaeologist and Project Manager, Christopher was responsible for the CHRIS Record Search, Sacred Lands File Search, Native American Scoping, archaeological field survey, project scheduling, budgeting, and coordination with Caltrans personnel, pursuant to Section 106 and CEQA regulations.
Christopher W. Purtell, RPA, Page 2
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Environmental Scientists · Planners · Engineers
Senior Archaeologist/Program Manager, City of Seal Beach – LA Fitness Health Club Project, City of Seal Beach, Orange County
As Senior Archaeologist and Manager, Christopher was responsible for tribal notification, AB 52 administration, and City consult in support of the 37,000 square-foot private health club, in the City of Seal Beach, pursuant to PRC 21080.1(d) of the AB 52 Regulations.
Senior Archaeologist/Program Manager, Conservation Concierges – 14 Project Specific Analysis (PSA), to provide Fire Prevention Services to the residences of Ventura County and Los Angeles County, as specified in CalFire’s California Fire Vegetation Treatment Program’s (CALVTP) PEIR, dated 2019, Various Counties/Cities, California
As Senior Archaeologist and Program Manager, Christopher prepared the Archaeological Report and was responsible for the CHRIS Record Search, Sacred Lands File Search, Native American Scoping, archaeological field surveys, project scheduling, budgeting, and coordination with CalFire Archaeologist, and the County of Los Angeles Fire Department’s Vegetation Management Unit, as pursuant to CALVTP’s PEIR’s Standard Project Requirements for Cultural Resources mitigation measures SPR-CUL-1 through SPR-CUL-8.
Senior Archaeologist/Program Manager, Murphey Bowl LLC – Inglewood Basketball and Entertainment Center, Inglewood, Los Angeles County
As Senior Archaeologist and Program Manager, Christopher prepared the Cultural Resources Management and Monitoring Plan (CRMMP), XPI/Phase II Research Design, conducted and managed Phase II fieldwork, coordinated field technicians, provided continuous consultations with the City of Inglewood, Ownership, and Native American Tribal Governments, pursuant to the Project’s CRMMP and CEQA.
Senior Archaeologist/Project Manager, Los Angeles County Regional Planning – Chiquita Canyon Landfill Southern California Cell 8 and Cell 7 Project, Los Angeles County As Senior Archaeologist and Project Manager, Christopher prepared the Cultural Resources Management Plan (CRMP), coordinated field technicians, provided continuous consultations with the County of Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning, and Native American Tribal Governments, pursuant to the project’s CRMMP and CEQA.
Senior Archaeologist/Project Manager, Lennar Homes – Tract 5671-2M, Ventura County As Senior Archaeologist and Project Manager, Christopher supervised the compliance of the Cultural Resources Monitoring Plan (CRMP), provided senior cultural resources management duties throughout the project, coordinated field technicians, provided continuous consultations with the City of Camarillo and Lennar Homes, pursuant to the project’s CRMP and CEQA.
Senior Archaeologist/Project Manager, BLM Bakersfield Office & AT&T R.O. W. Department – Renewal Application of an Existing AT&T Line, Kern County
As Senior Archaeologist and Project Manager, Christopher assisted AT&T in a cultural resources assessment and archaeological survey that meets the requirements of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA; 36 CFR 800), and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA).
Senior Archaeologist and Task Manager, EDF Renewables (formerly enXco) –Catalina Renewable Energy Project (6,739-acres), Kern County
As Senior Archaeologist and Task Manager, Christopher prepared a comprehensive Phase I Cultural Assessment, technical report, field survey, and archaeological construction monitoring to reduce potential impacts to known and unknow cultural resources for the purpose of complying with the National Historic Preservation Act (Section 106) and CEQA.
Archaeologist, City of San Gabriel – Alameda Corridor East Trench Project (ACE), Los Angeles As the Cultural Resources Field Specialist, Christopher was responsible for the humane excavation, removal, and repatriation of human remains and grave goods discovered during the construction of a sewer line associated with the ACE Trench Project. The human burials were in an unmapped cemetery area associated with the San Gabriel Mission. The human remains consisted of both Native Americans and Europeans, with grave goods ranging from shell and glass beads and necklaces, various sizes and types of buttons, metal buckles, and clothing fragments. As a result of these efforts, over 135 human remains were humanely and respectful removed, analyzed, and repatriated into the San Gabriel Mission cemetery.
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Environmental Scientists · Planners · Engineers
EDUCATION
PhD, Environmental
Engineering, University of
Southern California
BS, Chemical Engineering,
University of California,
Santa Barbara
CERTIFICATIONS/
REGISTRATIONS
Licensed Professional Civil
Engineer (California), #87757
Certified 40-hr HAZWOPER
YEARS OF
EXPERIENCE
12+
Ryan Thacher, PhD, PE
Director of Site Assessment and Remediation
Dr. Thacher is an environmental engineer with over 12 years of experience in developing strategic, creative solutions to complex environmental issues in support of brownfield redevelopment projects throughout California. He provides senior level technical and regulatory support to Rincon’s environmental due diligence team, environmental land use and community planning team, and oversees a wide variety of site assessment and remediation projects. Dr. Thacher supports public agencies and private clients with site assessment, remediation, and technical studies in support of housing, transportation, open space, and commercial redevelopment projects. He is highly knowledgeable on the environmental regulatory frameworks apply to and may constrain brownfield redevelopment, including experience with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) and Regional Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCBs).
Furthermore, he is experienced in mitigation and remediation approaches to address environmental issues associated with California Environmental Quality Act and National Environmental Policy Act frameworks.
SELECT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Director-in-Charge, City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works Bureau of Sanitation (LASAN) – Slauson Corridor Area-Wide Assessment (AWA) and Phase I ESAs, Los Angeles
Dr. Thacher is overseeing the comprehensive Area-Wide Assessment for affordable housing subareas in the Slauson Corridor Transit Neighborhood Plan. The project team prepared a GIS data package and accompanying report to analyze 876 properties within the study area for potential environmental issues that may require further investigation, and to support the determination of future developmental feasibility of the study area. The GIS database is of commercial, industrial, and affordable housing sites and prioritizing sites for additional assessment.
Director-in-Charge, City of Norwalk – Norwalk Transit Village Center Brownfield Redevelopment, Norwalk
Dr. Thacher is overseeing brownfield assessment for a large-scale mixed-use redevelopment project in the City of Norwalk. Rincon has performed a Phase I ESA, Phase II ESA, and is performing additional assessments to delineate impacted soil identified onsite. This project will be going under DTSC oversight for guidance during remedial activities to ensure the site meets residential redevelopment criteria.
Director-in-Charge, City of Redlands – Site Investigation for PFAS Impacts Under RWQCB Oversight, Alabama Street Septage Ponds, Redlands Dr. Thacher is conducting a soil and groundwater assessment of potential PFAS impacts at a former septage disposal site. Actively engaged with the City of Redlands and the Santa Ana RWQCB to conduct additional assessment and develop a remedial approach.
Director-in-Charge, Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles – Environmental Assessment and Regulatory Compliance for the Jordan Downs Redevelopment Project, Los Angeles
Dr. Thacher oversaw the completion of four Phase I ESAs, four Phase II ESAs, and a post-rough grading soil assessment to confirm that multiple subject sites were suitable for residential redevelopment; supported with environmental construction compliance during excavation and grading activities.
Ryan Thacher, PhD, PE, Page 2
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Environmental Scientists · Planners · Engineers
Director-in-Charge, Jan-Kens Enameling Facility – Site Assessment and Remediation, Los Angeles Dr. Thacher provided site assessment activities at a former enameling and chrome plating facility under LA RWQCB oversight. Initial investigations performed by Rincon identified tetrachloroethene (PCE) in soil vapor, and lead, hexavalent chromium, and PFAS in the soil matrix. He also completed additional assessment activities to delineate site impacts prior to developing a remedial approach.
Director-in-Charge, AMCAL Multi-Housing, LLC – Brownfield Site Redevelopment Under Regulatory Oversight, Los Angeles and Long Beach
Dr. Thacher is overseeing several housing redevelopment projects on Brownfield sites throughout southern California. Providing technical guidance from Phase I ESAs through remediation and mitigation strategies and serving as a client advocate in discussions with regulatory oversight agencies. • 200 East Washington Boulevard, Los Angeles – Multi-family housing mixed use redevelopment project under DTSC oversight. Environmental issues include impacted soil vapor, lead impacted soil, and a UST at 20 feet below ground surface. Successfully remediated impacted soil and removed UST, and developed a low-cost mitigation strategy for impacted soil vapor, all approved by the DTSC. • 1795 Long Beach Boulevard, Long Beach - Multi-family housing mixed use redevelopment project under DTSC oversight. Impacted soil vapor onsite was remediated by soil vapor extraction, and mitigated through use of a soil vapor barrier. Site successfully closed with a No Further Action letter in 2019.
Technical Advisor, Los Angeles Community Development Authority – Environmental Compliance Oversight at Magic Johnson Park, Los Angeles
Dr. Thacher provided technical project oversight for the environmental construction compliance program at Magic Johnson Park. He worked directly with Rincon field staff and contractors to ensure impacted soils on site were managed in accordance with the Soil Management Plan that was prepared for the site by Rincon, as well as with the site-specific South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 1166 permit, which required soil vapor monitoring during earth moving activities for volatile organic compounds.
Technical Advisor, Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles – Rancho San Pedro Environmental Impact Report (EIR)-Environmental Impact Study (EIS), Los Angeles County Dr. Thacher performed a review of hazards documentation and data for the proposed redevelopment site and identified data gaps and mitigation strategies to support the hazards analysis in the EIR. He consulted client on risks associated with known contamination onsite and provided recommendations for additional assessment.
Technical Advisor, City of Los Angeles – EIR for the Cornfield Arroyo Seco Specific Plan Update, Los Angeles County
Dr. Thacher oversaw the development of the hazards and hazardous materials section and provided senior level technical review for a large-scale redevelopment project in Los Angeles. Evaluated mitigation measures for a wide range of potential hazards at the site.
Technical Advisor, Los Angeles Community Development Authority – Environmental Compliance Oversight at Magic Johnson Park, Los Angeles
Dr. Thacher oversaw environmental construction compliance, including soil management plan development and implementation and air quality compliance monitoring for redevelopment efforts on behalf of LACDA at MJP in central Los Angeles. The site is a former tank farm that was impacted by petroleum hydrocarbons and other volatile organic compounds. Rincon worked with contractors at the site throughout all ground-disturbance activities (e.g., grading and excavation) to confirm compliance with applicable environmental permits and regulations.
Director-in-Charge, Crimson Midstream – Multiple Petroleum Release Sites, Ventura County Rincon, under Dr. Thacher’s supervision, is supporting Crimson Midstream with two petroleum cleanup sites in Ventura County under LA RWQCB oversight. Both sites were subject to emergency response actions and subsequent investigations are underway to delineate petroleum impacts and develop/implement remedial approaches.
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Environmental Scientists · Planners · Engineers
EDUCATION
MESM, Water Resources and
Conservation Planning,
University of California,
Santa Barbara. Bren School of
Environmental Science &
Management
BA, Philosophy and Business
Management, Stony Brook
University
CERTIFICATIONS/
REGISTRATIONS
Qualified SWPPP
Practitioner/Developer
(QSP/D) #26402
Certified Professional of Storm
Water Quality (CPSWQ) #1110
OSHA 40 Hour HAZWOPER
#91237
YEARS OF
EXPERIENCE
13 Kiernan Brtalik, CPSWQ, QSD/P
Director, Watershed Sciences
With over 13 years’ experience, Kiernan oversees the implementation of various monitoring and assessment studies, permitting and compliance projects, and consultation for an array of watershed-scale programs. This includes the implementation of surface and groundwater monitoring programs driven by the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) and basin-specific Groundwater Sustainability Plans (GSPs), Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs), 303(d) listing status evaluations, and Best Management Practice (BMP) water treatment efficacy studies. Kiernan also supports numerous water quality NPDES permit compliance programs including Waste Discharge and Water Recycling Requirements for discharges for wastewater treatment facilities, Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) discharges (Phase I, Phase II, and Caltrans MS4 permits), and stormwater discharge from construction sites and industrial facilities (Statewide IGP and CGP). He has participated in regional studies such as the Southern California Stormwater Monitoring Coalition (SMC) Regional Watershed Monitoring Program and Southern California Bight Regional Monitoring Program. Furthermore, he supports clients in developing environmental planning documents to meet CEQA and other regulatory agency requirements.
SELECT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Project Manager/Director, City of Malibu – On-Call Environmental Consulting Services, Malibu
Kiernan manages the environmental consulting services for stormwater management, water quality, and spill response. To date, Rincon has provided stormwater monitoring and reporting services for a structural stormwater BMP efficacy study; supported MS4 permit annual reporting activities; evaluated funding opportunities through the Safe, Clean Water Program; and evaluated monitoring program efficiencies for a concurrent groundwater and surface water WDR/WRR monitoring and reporting program. Kiernan worked closely with the team to provide program management support to the City’s implementation of the North Santa Monica Bay Coastal Watersheds (NSMBCW) Enhanced Watershed Management Program (EWMP) projects. This work has included development of formal comment tables to the State Water Resources Control Board; input to the City on EWMP implementation strategy; and comment letters to address Basin Plan Amendments related to TMDL implementation deadlines.
Director, City of Malibu – Malibu Civic Center Wastewater Treatment Facility, Groundwater/Surface Water Monitoring and Reporting Program, Malibu Kiernan oversees the groundwater and surface water quality compliance monitoring program driven by a Waste Discharge Requirements/ Water Recycling Requirements, Salt and Nutrient Management Plan, and Memorandum of Understanding. This program addresses the long-term regulatory requirements associated with the development of the treatment facility, distribution of Title 22 Recycled Water, and protection of the Malibu Valley Groundwater Basin, Malibu Creek, Malibu Lagoon, and the near shore environment of Santa Monica Bay. A longterm dataset is maintained and analyzed quarterly and annually to identify potential impacts of land disposal of treated wastewater via injection and landscape irrigation or percolation on the receiving water quality of groundwater aquifers and surface waters. Compliance reports are prepared and submitted via Geotracker to the LARWQCB.
Kiernan Brtalik, CPSWQ, QSD/P, Page 2
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Environmental Scientists · Planners · Engineers
Subject Matter Expert and Task Lead, Southern California Gas Company – Project, Various Counties/Cities, California
Kiernan leads a team of environmental scientists and water quality specialists to support stormwater compliance related to: Construction Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) development and implementation; oversight, training, and facilitation of post-development stormwater treatment control best management practices; development of detailed environmental review documents for projects throughout southern California to assess project-specific stormwater compliance requirements; compliance inspection, monitoring, and water quality sampling and reporting.
Project Manager, Confidential Client – Stormwater BMP Effectiveness Study for Bacteria Water Quality Objectives, Los Angeles County
Kiernan coordinated and conducted storm event and dry weather monitoring activities for Low Impact Development BMPs for a confidential client in Los Angeles County. The purpose of the monitoring program is to evaluate water quality treatment effectiveness for meeting receiving water quality objectives. Components of this program included continuous flow monitoring using flow metering equipment, dry weather observations, and storm event sample collection and analysis for fecal indicator bacteria. Analytical, flow, and field data were managed and analyzed to assess water quality conditions related to receiving water limits driven by TMDLs, the Ocean Plan, and MS4 permit.
Project Scientist, City of San Diego – Los Peñasquitos Lagoon Sediment TMDL Compliance Monitoring and Special Study, San Diego
Kiernan planned, coordinated, and implemented the TMDL-driven water quality monitoring programs. Key achievements during this project include: Monitoring site selection, flow and water quality equipment installation, and station maintenance at eleven (11) riverine sampling locations; Development and maintenance of rating curves for low and high flow conditions using area velocity bubbler systems and field instruments including handheld velocity meters and acoustic doppler current profilers; Management of hydrological and lab analytical data to estimate flow and sediment transport; Calculation of event mean concentrations, and estimation of annual sediment load based on hydrologic data, which were used to demonstrate TMDL compliance; and annual compliance reporting to meet MS4 permit and TMDL requirements.
Project Scientist, County of San Diego – MS4 Outfall Screening and Source Identification, San Diego To characterize non-stormwater (NSW) discharges from the County’s MS4 outfalls and to assess sources of illicit discharges from various land uses, Kiernan worked with a team of hydrologists and scientists to establish over 10 low flow surface water monitoring locations, which were geographically rotated to assess discharge characteristics.
Site specific challenges were overcome using various flow monitoring equipment, including thin-plate weirs, and trapezoidal and portable Parshall flumes. Level and flow data were collected using pressure transducers, area velocity bubblers, and ultrasonic sensors. Based on site-specific limitations, monitoring equipment was selected and installed to address natural creek geometry, end of storm drainpipe diameter and configuration, and other considerations such as access and safety. In addition to flow monitoring, Kiernan supported an investigation program comprised of driving routes through residential, commercial, and industrial land use areas to document NSW and illicit discharges. Data evaluations were completed regularly to complete QA/QC checks of the field data, develop and maintain rating curves for natural channel stations, and assess relationships between flows and NSW discharges. As part of a larger team, he conducted outreach activities with residents and business owners.
Project Scientist, Caltrans – Stormwater BMP Efficacy Study and TMDL Compliance Monitoring and Reporting, Various Counties/Cities, California
Kiernan assessed the efficacy of Caltrans’ stormwater BMP technologies, as well as compliance with various TMDLs, he worked with a team of hydrologists and environmental scientists to monitor storm events and the receding hydrographs at treatment facilities in Caltrans District 8, 11, and 12. Caltrans’ stormwater facilities collect and treat discharge from subdrainages within their right-of-way prior to discharge to receiving water bodies. In accordance with the MS4 Permit, monitoring activities include flow-weighted composite sampling at the influent and effluent of these systems. The various technologies included biofiltration systems and infiltration devices (including multichamber treatment trains). To accurately measure flows, Kiernan installed and maintained monitoring equipment and devices and collected continuous level/flow data. Typical monitoring equipment included H-Flumes and V-notch weirs, bubblers, pressure transducers, and ultrasonic sensors. Post-event technical memorandums were developed to evaluate data completeness and perform quality assurance measures prior to submittal to Caltrans.
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Environmental Scientists · Planners · Engineers
EDUCATION
MA, Geography and GIS,
California State University,
Northridge
BS, Biological Science,
California State University,
Fullerton
CERTIFICATIONS/
REGISTRATIONS
GIS Professional (GISP), 2018
Member, Women in GIS
YEARS OF
EXPERIENCE
13+
Tracy Popiel, GISP
Senior GIS Specialist
For over 13 years, Tracy has been working with geographic information systems (GIS) in the environmental field, in both the private and research sectors. With a background in biological science as well as GIS, Tracy excels at being the communicative bridge between disciplines, and her clients and coworkers appreciate that. Tracy has compiled, managed, and analyzed large spatial datasets that span multiple states, including electrical infrastructure, access roads, and natural resource datasets. Tracy thrives when working as part of any interdisciplinary team and shines as a project lead.
SELECT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Lead GIS Specialist, Southern California Edison – Biological and Archaeological Resources (BAR) Operations and Maintenance Program, Various Counties/Cities, California
As the primary GIS specialist on this project, Tracy worked with a small team of biologists to assist SCE with their annual O&M permits. Tracy was able to add a spatial component to SCE’s workflow, utilizing existing SCE project footprint data in conjunction with a variety of species distribution data sources to create a refined GIS layer that allows biologists to complete their annual compliance reports more efficiently. This project was dynamic and required frequent communication with the client.
GIS Specialist, Waste Connections, Inc. – Chiquita Canyon Landfill Master Plan Revision, Los Angeles County
In support of permitting for enhancements to an existing landfill, Tracy provided technical geospatial analysis of impacts to jurisdictional waters and biological resources throughout the project site. This included modifying existing GIS data, assisting with field data collection via ArcGIS Online, and creating figures for documents in a variety of formats for different agencies.
GIS Specialist, County of Los Angeles Department of Beaches and Harbors. – Marina del Rey Annual Nesting Bird Surveys, Los Angeles County Tracy worked with field biologists to created field data collections tools in support of annual nesting bird surveys at repeat locations in Marina del Rey. This project required managing multi-year datasets of trees and nest points that were revisited and updated each year, and then compiled to create summarized maps for the annual reports. Tracy paid close attention to assuring the delivery of high-quality data packages to the client each year.
GIS Specialist, Upper Ventura River Groundwater Agency – Groundwater Sustainability Plan Support Services, Ojai
Tracy provided GIS support to an interdisciplinary team of professional hydrogeologists, biologists, and fisheries biologists to support GSP development and implementation. This included spatial analysis of raster model outputs related to Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem (GDE) characterization, sustainability criteria development, monitoring plan development, and projects and studies to address data gaps (per SGMA requirements). Tracy used output data on groundwater depths from MODFLOW in conjunction with known rooting depth data of local plant communities to identify areas within the river basin where water pumping conservation should be prioritized. Tracy also created the figures associated with the project publications.
Tracy Popiel, GISP, Page 2
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Environmental Scientists · Planners · Engineers
Biologist/GIS Specialist, Various Clients – Various Projects, Agoura Hills Tracy progressed from the role of biologist to biologist/GIS-user to full-time senior GIS specialist. She successfully bridged the communication gap between biologists collecting field data and the GIS department responsible for analyzing and representing that data. After working on over 75 projects, she has become fluent in the GIS mapping and analysis needs of all sections of CEQA/NEPA and permitting reports, including EIR/EIS documents, jurisdictional delineations, archaeological records searches, and sensitive species research for various biological reports. I successfully work across multiple projects to meet project needs and ensure timely outcomes.
On-Call Biologist, Various Clients – Various Projects, Irvine As an on-call biologist, Tracy gained experience in biological monitoring, general animal and plant species surveys, and focused surveys for desert tortoise, burrowing owl and rare plants. She supported team biologists with GISrelated tasks such as data acquisition and post-processing, and cartography in support of botanical survey reports and jurisdictional delineation reports. She was also part of a large team of botanists who surveyed over 100 miles in the Cleveland National Forest for rare plants.
GIS Research Assistant, Various Clients – Various Projects, Menlo Park As a GIS research assistant to USGS geologist, David M. Miller, Tracy worked on projects that focused on the arid regions of the US Southwest. She performed field work and digital cartographic preparation of 100k quad surficial geology maps, as well as climate-related research in the Mojave and Great Basin Desert.
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Environmental Scientists · Planners · Engineers
EDUCATION
MESM, Environmental
Science and Management,
University of California,
Santa Barbara
BA, Journalism, California
State University, Chico
AS, GIS, San Diego Mesa
College
YEARS OF
EXPERIENCE
10 Bill Vosti
Program Manager – Air Quality, GHG Emissions, and Noise Bill Vosti has 10 years of experience preparing air quality, greenhouse gas (GHG), and noise technical analyses in accordance with CEQA and NEPA. Bill is proficient with various noise prediction models (e.g., CadnaA, SoundPLAN, and FHWA TNM) and air quality and GHG models (e.g., California Line Source Model series, EMission FACtors Model series, American Meteorological Society/Environmental Protection Agency Regulatory Model, Hotspots Analysis and Reporting Program, and California Emissions Estimator Model [CalEEMod] series). Bill also leads Rincon’s Air Quality, GHG Emissions, and Noise Program by managing technical staff and providing quality assurance reviews.
SELECT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Air Quality and Noise Analyst, California State University, Fullerton – Master Plan Update PEIR, Orange County
Air Quality and Noise Analyst for a PEIR for California State University, Fullerton’s Master Plan Update. The project outlined the campus’ development plan for the next two decades. Tasks included providing a programmatic analysis of the project’s air quality and GHG emissions through an analysis directly into air quality and GHG sections of the EIR. Key issues included operational air quality and GHG emissions that exceeded South Coast Air Quality Management District thresholds and freeway noise to future dormitories; mitigation proposed for the exceedances included a GHG Reduction Plan and measures to control volatile organic compound emissions and noise-reducing architectural materials.
Air Quality, GHG, and Noise Analyst, California State University, Fullerton – Eastside 2 Parking Structure Initial Study-Mitigated Negative Declaration, Orange County
Air Quality, GHG, and Noise Analyst for the proposed parking structure on the CSU Fullerton campus. The project involved the demolition of an existing parking structure on one project site and the construction of a new parking structure on a separate site on the campus. Tasks included modeling greenhouse gas and criteria air pollutant emissions (using CalEEMod) and construction and operational noise and inputting the results directly into the IS-MND.
Air Quality/Noise Analyst, Orange County Sanitation District - NewhopePlacentia TSR No. 2-72 B, Anaheim The project proposed the replacement of 20,679 feet of existing sewer pipes with larger pipes within an existing alignment. The air quality analysis included modeling of pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions from construction work. The noise analysis included construction noise modeling to nearby noise-sensitive land uses, such as single- and multi-family residential.
Project Manager/Air Quality, GHG/Noise Analyst, Moulton Niguel Water District - Oso Creek/I-5 Pipeline Improvements IS-MND, Orange County The project involved replacing an existing pipeline underneath the Interstate 5 freeway in a biologically sensitive area. Managed the project from start to IS-MND adoption. Air quality and GHG issues included emissions from construction equipment. Noise issues included construction noise to nearby single-family residences.
Bill Vosti, Page 2
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Environmental Scientists · Planners · Engineers
Noise Analyst, City of Lake Forest – Saddleback Community Church Expansion IS-MND, Lake Forest Noise analyst for the IS-MND for a proposed church expansion in the City of Lake Forest. The project would involve the construction of a two-story 92,391 square foot Worship Center Building with a capacity of 3,219 seats and a 290-voice choir for a total assembly occupancy of 3,509, an increase from an existing occupancy of 3,153 seats at the existing Worship Center Building. Noise issues included the increase in traffic noise and mechanical equipment noise from the project, and exposure of church users to freeway noise.
Air Quality, GHG, and Noise Analyst, Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) – Rancho San Pedro EIR/EIS, Los Angeles
Technical specialist and quality assurance reviewer on the One San Pedro Specific Plan EIR/EIS, which includes the redevelopment of the 21-acre, 478-unit Rancho San Pedro public housing complex. The redevelopment would positively transform the community while reducing potential displacement of existing residents by expanding housing opportunities. Technical issues included air quality health risk and noise exposure from a long construction period.
Air Quality Analyst, A & S Engineering – 5005 Long Beach Boulevard Project, Long Beach Air quality analyst for a car wash addition to a gas station in Long Beach. Key technical issues included quantifying the project’s air quality emissions from construction activities and idling cars during operation to the adjacent elementary school. Emissions were compared to both local and regional South Coast Air Quality Management District thresholds.
Air Quality, GHG, and Noise Peer Reviewer, City of Long Beach – 2400 E. Artesia Boulevard Warehouse/Distribution Facility Project, Long Beach
Peer review analyst for the Air Quality Impact Analysis, Health Risk Assessment, and Noise Technical Report for an approximately 416,160-sf, 48-foot-high, concrete tilt-up building on a 17.2-acre project site. Peer review tasks included ensuring the reports complied with City of Long Beach and South Coast Air Quality Management District standards, and providing a written memorandum for the report preparers to address deficiencies so that the reports would be CEQA defensible.
Noise Peer Reviewer, City of Long Beach – 5900 Cherry Avenue Project, Long Beach Peer review analyst for the Noise Technical Report for a 303,927 square-foot warehouse with a cold storage use.
Peer review tasks included ensuring the noise report complied with City of Long Beach noise standards, and providing a written memorandum for the report preparers to address deficiencies so that the reports would be CEQA defensible.
Project Manager, Nayssan Properties – Beloit Terraces Multi-Family Residential Project, Los Angeles Project Manager and quality assurance reviewer for Air Quality and GHG Emissions Study, Health Risk Assessment, and Noise Study for a multi-family residential project adjacent to the 405 freeway. Key issues included health risk exposure and traffic noise from the freeway to future occupants of the project. Reduction measures included highquality filters and soundwalls for the project’s rooftop lounge area.
Noise Analyst, Salem Engineering – 1563 Second Street Project Noise and Vibration Study, Norco Noise Analyst for a commercial development in the city of Norco. The project involved demolition of seven single family residences and construction of retail space, convenience store, fuel pumps, and a car wash. Tasks included preparation of a Noise and Vibration Study to analyze the project’s noise impacts to adjacent single-family residences.
Noise Analyst, The Club at Big Bear Village – Project Noise and Vibration Study, San Bernardino Noise Analyst for a timeshare expansion project located near downtown Big Bear Lake. Tasks included preparation of a Noise and Vibration study using 3D modeling (SoundPLAN) to determine traffic noise at the project site and to determine potential impacts of the project’s mechanical equipment on adjacent residences. With the advanced modeling accounting for topography and building attenuation, noise levels were within Noise Ordinance limits and no mitigation was required.
Air Quality and GHG Analyst, Core States Group – Lake Elsinore Gas Station Technical Studies, Lake Elsinore Air Quality and GHG Analyst for a proposed gas station and car wash in Lake Elsinore. Tasks included modeling greenhouse gas and criteria air pollutant emissions (using CalEEMod) and inputting the results into technical reports. Key issues included GHG emissions from mobile trips associated with the project.
Appendix B
Non-Collusion Form
NON-COLLUSION DECLARATION
The undersigned declares:
I am the_________________ of ________________, the party making the foregoing bid.
The bid is not made in the interest of, or on behalf of, any undisclosed person, partnership, company, association, organization, or corporation. The bid is genuine and not collusive or sham. The bidder has not directly or indirectly induced or solicited any other bidder to put in a false or sham bid. The bidder has not directly or indirectly colluded, conspired, connived, or agreed with any bidder or anyone else to put in a sham bid, or to refrain from bidding. The bidder has not in any manner, directly or indirectly, sought by agreement, communication, or conference with anyone to fix the bid price of the bidder or any other bidder, or to fix any overhead, profit, or cost element of the bid price, or of that of any other bidder. All statements contained in the bid are true. The bidder has not, directly or indirectly, submitted his or her bid price or any breakdown thereof, or the contents thereof, or divulged information or data relative thereto, to any corporation, partnership, company association, organization, bid depository, or to any member or agent thereof to effectuate a collusive or sham bid, and has not paid, and will not pay, any person or entity for such purpose.
Any person executing this declaration on behalf of a bidder that is a corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, limited liability partnership, or any other entity, hereby represents that he or she has full power to execute, and does execute, this declaration on behalf of the bidder.
I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing is true and correct, and that this declaration is executed on _____________ (date) at _______________(city), California.
_____________________________ ____________________________
SIGNATURE TITLE
Carlsbad
2215 Faraday Avenue
Suite A
Carlsbad, California 92008
760-918-9444
Fresno
7080 North Whitney Avenue
Suite 101
Fresno, California 93720
559-228-9925
Los Angeles
250 East 1st Street
Suite 1400
Los Angeles, California 90012
213-788-4842
Monterey
80 Garden Court
Suite 240
Monterey, California 93940
831-333-0310
Oakland
449 15th Street
Suite 303
Oakland, California 94612
510-834-4455
Palm Springs
777 East Tahquitz Canyon Way
Suite 200-127
Palm Springs, California 92262
760-203-5120
Riverside
11801 Pierce Street
Suite 200
Riverside, California 92505
951-405-0979
Sacramento
4825 J Street
Suite 200
Sacramento, California 95819
916-706-1374
San Diego
8825 Aero Drive
Suite 120
San Diego, California 92123
760-918-9444
San José
99 South Almaden Boulevard
San José, California 95113
408-577-3008
San Luis Obispo
1530 Monterey Street
Suite D
San Luis Obispo, California 93401
805-547-0900
Santa Barbara
319 East Carrillo Street
Suite 105
Santa Barbara, California 93101
805-319-4092
Ventura (headquarters)
180 North Ashwood Avenue
Ventura, California 93003
805-644-4455
Office Locations
As-Needed CEQA
Consulting Services
CITY OF FOUNTAIN VALLEY
Qualifications | November 29, 2023
1650 Spruce Street, Suite 106 | Riverside, CA 92507
(951) 787-9222 | www.migcom.com
In association with:
CRM Tech | Fehr & Peers | Ganddini Group, Inc.
PLANNING / DESIGN / COMMUNICATIONS / MANAGEMENT / TECHNOLOGY / SCIENCE November 29, 2023
Amanda McCall, Mgmt. Analyst/Purchasing Officer
City of Fountain Valley
10200 Slater Avenue
Fountain Valley, California 92708
RE: Request for Qualifications (“RFQ”) to Provide As-Needed California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) Consulting Services
Dear Amanda McCall,
MIG, Inc. (MIG), is pleased to submit our qualifications to the city of Fountain Valley (“city”) to provide professional environmental consulting services for private development projects in the city, including preparation of environmental documents and related studies needed to comply with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). We understand the city is compiling a list of pre-screened, qualified environmental consulting firms that may be selected by staff when a project requires the preparation of environmental documentation in compliance with CEQA.
MIG’s team of seasoned CEQA/NEPA practitioners and technical subject matter experts has prepared or peer-reviewed hundreds of CEQA documents and associated technical studies, and our highly capable environmental professionals have analyzed all manner of projects throughout California and the greater Los Angeles-Orange county area. We can ensure that all environmental documents will be prepared to meet legal requirements and withstand public scrutiny. Our staff can provide a fullrange of services, including document processing and notifications; thus, easing the entire process for city staff. Our environmental staff also performs mitigation monitoring, field monitoring, and related services. Director of Environmental Services Bob Prasse has extensive experience with all types of environmental projects, including industrial parks and warehouses, large-scale mixed-use developments, infill residential developments, General Plans, Specific Plans, and “big box” commercial centers.
Our proposal has been organized in accordance with the requirements of the RFQ. We look forward to helping the city of Fountain Valley ensure that the environmental impacts of projects are thoroughly and cost-effectively addressed in a manner tailored specifically to the city’s vision and standards. As Principal-in-Charge, I am authorized to represent MIG, negotiate on its behalf, and bind MIG to all commitments made in our proposal. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Bob Prasse or me at 909-519-5871, or email us at [email protected] or [email protected], respectively.
Sincerely,
Pamela D. Steele, Principal, MIG Inc.
1650 Spruce Street, Suite 106
Riverside, California 92507
1650 Spruce Street, #106
Riverside, CA 92507
(951) 787-9222
www.migcom.com
CALIFORNIA
BERKELEY, FULLERTON,
LOS ANGELES, PASADENA,
RIVERSIDE, SACRAMENTO,
SAN DIEGO, SAN JOSE,
AND SONOMA
COLORADO
DENVER
NEW YORK
BROOKLYN
OREGON
PORTLAND
TEXAS
SAN ANTONIO
WASHINGTON
SEATTLE
PLANNING / DESIGN / COMMUNICATIONS / MANAGEMENT / TECHNOLOGY / SCIENCE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Overview of the Firm 1
Key Personnel 2
Current Relevant Projects 4
References 10
Understanding of and Proposed
Approach to the RFQ Scope of Work 11
Appendix: Resumes 13
Image Caption Page 349
City of Fountain Valley | As-Needed CEQA Consulting Services 1 Overview of the Firm
Organization, Areas of Practice, and
Current Staffing Levels
MIG is a California Corporation comprised of 263
employees across 14 offices in California, Colorado,
Oregon, Texas, New York, and Washington.
MIG improves, adapts, and creates organizations,
environments, and tools for human development. We
are a community of designers, planners, engineers,
scientists, and storytellers who engage people in
creative problem-solving and collective action. We
believe that the physical and social environment around us have a profound impact on our lives, and this belief shapes the principles that guide our work:
» Communities can plan their own futures.
» The world needs an ecological perspective.
» Great projects work for everyone.
» Elegant design inspires new thinking.
» Every project presents an opportunity to advance
racial and social equity.
» All work must be context driven.
MIG is at the forefront of innovation. We are leading
local, regional, and national planning and design
initiatives to ensure accessibility and equity; engage, educate, and empower people through participatory
processes; facilitate strategy development for social
change; create playful and inclusive communities;
reimagine streets and repurpose infrastructure;
revitalize cities and restore ecosystems; and promote
environmental stewardship by recognizing that
the health of the natural and built world is mutually
dependent.
Firm Information
MIG has been providing services for 41 years since its
founding in 1982. During this time, MIG has engaged
top professionals in planning, design, communications,
management, and technology who work together to
ensure our clients achieve the results they seek. We
look beyond convention to produce meaningful plans
and durable solutions that meet our world’s increasing
social, economic, and environmental challenges.
MIG provides a sophisticated, integrated, and interactive approach to producing environmental documents. MIG’s
environmental team consists of highly experienced
planners with expertise and qualifications needed
to prepare and process thorough, technically sound,
and legally defensible environmental documents in
accordance with the requirements of the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). MIG staff has
experience managing and preparing all types of
environmental documents, from simple Initial Studies
and Addendums to complex, multiphase EIRs. Our
staff has experience in environmental analysis of many
forms of proposed land use and development, including
transit-oriented development, and all types of residential development and industrial, office, and commercial
projects.
Services Offered
» Environmental Services (CEQA/NEPA)
» Environmetal technical studies in the areas of Air
Quality, Health Risk Assessments,Climate Change,
Energy, Noise, Biological Resources, and Regulatory
Permitting
» Visual Impact Assessments
» Landscape Architecture & Ecological Design
» Land Planning
» General Plans/Development Codes/Specific Plans
» Urban Planning & Design
» Geographic Information Systems
» Graphics/Visual Simulations and Analyses
» Entitlement Processing
» Contract Planning (On-site and On-call)
2 City of Fountain Valley | As-Needed CEQA Consulting Services Key Personnel
Pamela Steele, Principal-in-Charge
Bob Prasse, Project Manager
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
CEQA
ANALSIS
Kent Norton
Kevin Shannon
Cameron Hile
Duncan Edwards
AIR QUALITY, GREENHOUSE
GAS, AND NOISE ANALYSIS
Chris Dugan
Phil Gleason
Kasey Kitowski
William Deeman
BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
ANALYSIS
Todd Easley
Betty Kempton
City of Fountain Valley | As-Needed CEQA Consulting Services 3 MIG Staff
Pam Steele will serve as the Principal-In-Charge. She
has over 30 years of public-sector planning experience, including entitlement processing, advanced planning
projects, land use, policy planning and implementation, and CEQA project management. Working with our staff
or the public, Pam can address conflicts and challenges, finding intelligent and well-communicated solutions.
Bob Prasse is Director of Environmental Services and
brings over 30 years of experience in environmental
planning. Bob has prepared numerous complex and
controversial EIRs and other environmental documents.
He has also prepared specific and general plans, and
zoning ordinances. Bob’s professional experience
includes working for city, county, and regional planning agencies, as well as private-sector developers.
Kent Norton, AICP, REPA, will be the lead CEQA/
NEPA practitioner in the preparation of environmental
documents. He has 42 years of experience in CEQA
and NEPA compliance for public- and private-sector
clients encompassing transportation, aviation, public
works, schools, parks, residential, recreational, and
mixed-use land developments. Kevin Shannon, Senior
Planner, has over 30 years of experience in municipal
planning and environmental review, having worked for
cities, counties, councils of governments, and a local
agency formation commission. He has served on several
technical and advisory committees and has experience
with residential, commercial, institutional , and
infrastructure projects. Kent and Kevin will be supported by Cameron Hile, Senior Environmental Analyst, who
has over 10 years of experience performing CEQA
analyses and preparing environmental documents, and
Duncan Edwards, Assistant Planner, will also assist in
the preparation of environmental documents.
Our biological resources and regulatory permitting
efforts will be led by our Director of Biological Services, Todd Easley, and our Senior Biologist, Betty Kempton,
PhD, who is a biologist and a botanist. Their efforts will include General Biological Resources Assessments,
focused surveys for sensitive species, and MSHCP
documentation (consistency determination, DBESP,
HANS, etc.). They will also provide the technical support required for Endangered Species Act Section 7 or
Section 10 consultations and California Fish and Wildlife Endangered Species Act 2081 permits.
Chris Dugan, Director of Air Quality, Greenhouse Gas,
and Noise Services, will manage the preparation of Air
Quality, Energy, Greenhouse Gas, and Noise studies
for the city. Chris Dugan will be supported by Phil
Gleason, Project Manager, and Air Quality and Noise
Analysts Kasey Kitowski and William Deeman. They
each have extensive experience planning, preparing,
and managing environmental compliance documents,
including air quality and greenhouse gas studies; health risk assessments; and energy, noise, and vibration
studies.
4 City of Fountain Valley | As-Needed CEQA Consulting Services Current Relevant Projects
Relevant Environmental Experience
MIG has a proven track record of preparing legally
sound CEQA documents, as well as third-party
peer review and biological services, for all types of
environmental projects.
MIG SELECT CEQA DOCUMENTSIS/MNDEIRADDENDUMAIR QUALITY/ENERGY/GHGNOISE IMPACTSBIOLOGICAL RESOURCESCULTURAL RESOURCESVISUAL IMPACT/ AESTHETICSTHIRD-PARTY REVIEW El Camino Industrial Project EIR, Rancho Cucamonga City of Whittier General Plan Update EIR
City of Santa Fe Springs General Plan Update EIR City of Monterey Park General Plan Update EIR
City of Walnut General Plan Update EIR
City of Desert Hot Springs General Plan Update EIR City of Cudahy General Plan Update EIR
City of Garden Grove General Plan Update EIR
Smoky Hollow Specific Plan EIR, El Segundo
Duke Realty Warehouse EIR, San Bernardino County Duarte Station Specific Plan EIR, Duarte
Walnut Ranch Park EIR and HCP, Walnut
Garvey Avenue Specific Plan EIR, Rosemead
Covina Town Center Specific Plan EIR, Covina
Poway Road Specific Plan Amendment EIR, Poway
Positive Investments, Krameria Tentative Tract Map IS/MND, Moreno Valley Olympic Holdings Inland Center Dr. Warehouse IS/MND, San Bernardino 7-Eleven at Perris Boulevard/Rider Street IS/MND, Perris Meredith Specific Plan EIR Addendum, Ontario
Memorial Park Improvements IS/MND, Upland
Condor Battery Energy Storage Facility IS/MND, Grand Terrace Cutter Way Residential IS/MND, Covina
Sheila Street Warehouse EIR Peer Review, Commerce
Costco Expansion IS/MND Addendum, Chino Hills
Alere Telegraph Commerce Center IS/MND, Pico Rivera Outfront Media Digital Billboard IS/MND, Garden Grove South Alhambra Ave Multifamily Residential Project IS/MND, Monterey Park Blue Mountain Spruce Street Warehouse IS/MND, Riverside Eastern Municipal Water District Water Well 204 IS/MND, Perris S2A Modular Home Factory IS/MND, Hemet
7400 Slauson Avenue Warehouse EIR Peer Review, Commerce 123 Pomona Avenue Residential IS/MND, Monrovia
Dhammakaya Meditation Center EIR Addendum, Azusa
City of Fountain Valley | As-Needed CEQA Consulting Services 5
PROJECT DETAILS
Firm: MIG, Inc.
Client: City of Rancho Cucamonga
Location: Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Dates: 2023 – Ongoing
MIG has been contracted to complete technical studies and an EIR for expansion of operations of an existing beverage facility to allow for the production, bottling, and distribution of beverage products (distribution is a continuation of the current operations on site). The project includes the demolition of existing industrial warehouse buildings, one existing office building, parking lots, and associated infrastructure and redevelopment of eight parcels for the construction of a new Production Center, Distribution Center, an Automated Storage and Retrieval System, and a parking structure.
The project requires a Master Plan, a Conditional Use Permit, a Tentative Parcel Map, and a Development Agreement. MIG’s services include preparation of Air Quality, Energy, GHG, Noise, and Traffic impact analyses in support of an EIR.
El Camino Industrial Park EIR
6 City of Fountain Valley | As-Needed CEQA Consulting Services
PROJECT DETAILS
Firm: MIG, Inc.
Client: City of La Palma
Location: La Palma, CA
Dates: 2023 – Ongoing
MIG has been contracted to complete technical studies and an Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration for construction of a double-sided digital LED billboard adjacent to State Route 91 in the city of La Palma, California.
The project requires permits for removal of trees along the Caltrans rightof-way. MIG’s services include preparation of Air Quality modeling, visual simulations, and an IS/MND.
Walker Street Digital Billboard Project IS/MND
City of Fountain Valley | As-Needed CEQA Consulting Services 7
PROJECT DETAILS
Firm: MIG, Inc.
Client: City of Azusa
Location: Azusa, CA
Dates: 2016 – 2017
MIG was contracted to complete technical studies and an EIR Addendum for expansion and renovation of the existing Dhammakaya Meditation Center in Azusa, California. The project includes expansion of the existing meditation center building, construction of dormitories, and upgrades to existing facilities.
The project is currently in its third redesign, making this the third addendum prepared for this project by MIG. MIG’s services include preparation of AQ, Energy, GHG, Noise, and Traffic impact analyses in support of the EIR Addendum.
Dhammakaya Meditation Center EIR Addendum
8 City of Fountain Valley | As-Needed CEQA Consulting Services
PROJECT DETAILS
Firm: MIG, Inc.
Client: City of Temple City
Location: Temple City, CA
Dates: 2023 – Ongoing
MIG is preparing technical studies and a Categorical Exemption for a 16-unit residential condominium development in the city of Temple City, California.
Services included preparation of Air Quality, Biological Resources, Noise and Vibration, and VMT Screening Analysis studies in support of a Class 32 (Infill Development) Exemption.
6119 Temple City Boulevard Residential Project Categorical Exemption
City of Fountain Valley | As-Needed CEQA Consulting Services 9
PROJECT DETAILS
Firm: MIG, Inc.
Client: City of Commerce
Location: Commerce, CA
Dates: 2023 – Ongoing
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BORING LOCATION MAP
Proposed Warehouse Building
7400 Slauson Avenue
City of Commerce, California
e:
Map: Google Earth, 2022.
1 " = 100 '
ct: 13747.001 Eng/Geol: JDH/SGO
: (mmurphy)
Date: December 2022
MIG was contracted to perform third-party review for a warehouse project in the city of Commerce, California. The project required adoption of a Conditional Use Permit, Development Plan, and Plot Plan Review to redevelop the Project site with a 292,029-square-foot (sf) speculative warehouse/distribution facility with 15,000 sf of office, 33 dock high-loading doors, 63 truck trailer parking stalls, and 224 vehicle parking spaces. MIG’s services included review of technical studies, an Initial Study, the EIR, and public notices.
7400 Slauson Avenue Warehouse Project Third-Party Review
10 City of Fountain Valley | As-Needed CEQA Consulting Services References
Orlando Hernandez, Planning Manager
City of Menifee
29844 Haun Road
Menifee, California 92586
(951) 723-3737
[email protected]
MIG has provided on-call environmental planning
services for the city of Menifee for the last 12 years, including residential subdivisions, commercial
projects, specific plan amendments, wireless
communication facilities, and a movie theater.
Services included IS/NDs and IS/MNDs, EIRs, EIR
Addenda, technical analyses, and CEQA peer
review.
Key Staff: Bob Prasse (Project Manager), Cameron
Hile, Betty Kempton, Chris Dugan, Kasey Kitowski
Sonia Griego, Associate Planner
City of Commerce
2535 Commerce Way
Commerce, California 90040
(323) 722-4805
[email protected]
MIG has provided environmental services on
several projects for the city of Commerce over
the last 10 years, including the city’s warehouse
projects, infrastructure/circulation projects, the
AltaMed corporate headquarters relocation
project, LED billboard projects, and a mausoleum.
Services included IS/NDs and IS/MNDs, Categorical
Exemptions, EIR Addenda, technical analyses, and
CEQA peer review.
Key Staff: Bob Prasse (Project Manager), Cameron
Hile, Kent Norton, Phil Gleason, William Deeman
Wayne Morrell, Director of Planning
City of Santa Fe Springs
11710 Telegraph Road
Santa Fe Springs, California 90670
(562) 868-0511 Ext. 7362
[email protected]
MIG recently prepared the city’s 2040 General
Plan Update and Program EIR. This work involved
a complete overhaul of the General Plan, including
preparation of a new Environmental Justice Element
and updating the Housing Element for the 6th Cycle
Regional Housing Needs Allocation. This work
also included preparation of air quality, energy,
greenhouse gas, noise, and vibration technical
reports.
Key Staff: Bob Prasse (Project Manager), Kent
Norton, Kevin Shannon, Chris Dugan, Todd Easley,
William Deeman
Ryan Murphy, Senior Planner
City of Redlands
35 Cajon Street, Suite 20
Redlands, California 92373
(909) 798-7555 Ext. 7308
[email protected]
MIG currently provides on-call environmental
planning services for the city of Redlands, including
a warehouse project, a residential subdivision, and a
mixed-use development project. Services included
preparation of technical studies and IS/MNDs.
Key Staff: Bob Prasse (Project Manager), Cameron
Hile, Kent Norton, Cameron Hile, Betty Kempton, Phil
Gleason, Duncan Edwards
City of Fountain Valley | As-Needed CEQA Consulting Services 11 Understanding of and Proposed Approach to the RFQ
Scope of Work
Quality Assurance/Quality Control
MIG’s Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC)
process begins with the preparation of the scope
of services and staff assignments. The MIG Project
Manager will closely match staff skills and experience
with each project assignment. Once the city signs off
on the project description, scope of work, and content
and format of required technical studies, the Project
Manager would have an internal kick-off meeting
to review the project assignments. MIG staff are
provided clear guidance on deliverables, and senior
subject matter experts are assigned to review these
deliverables prior to finalizing them and sending them to the client. MIG’s Project Manager will oversee all work products.
The Project Manager will regularly keep the city and the applicant updated on the project's progress. If potential issues start to develop, the Project Manager will inform the city and the applicant and recommend a corrective
course of action before any issues become problems.
Following these QA/QC procedures ensures that
projects remain on schedule and on budget, and that
client expectations are met.
Budget and Schedule
Proactive project management and client service are
paramount to our success. Our strategies for successful budget and schedule control include: communication,
advance planning, and early establishment (and
communication) of agreed-upon scope, budgets,
milestones, and deadlines for each task, taking into
consideration report and review cycles required by
the city and various other agencies and stakeholders
involved. MIG's Project Manager carefully monitors
project costs and schedule on a regular basis to meet
the agreed-upon budget and milestone deliverable due
dates. In addition, MIG does not overcommit our staff
and will maintain city projects as a high priority for the designated staff.
MIG is extremely well qualified to provide the
environmental services desired by the city of Fountain
Valley. We have the necessary experience and expertise
to effectively handle all CEQA and NEPA projects
including industrial, commercial, office, multifamily
residential, and transit-oriented development, as well as peer reviews of environmental documents.
MIG’s staff is familiar with the city’s planning and zoning regulations from previous work with the city. In addition to our environmental services, we provide land use
entitlement processing and policy planning services
(i.e., general plans, specific plans, zoning codes, etc.), giving us a deeper understanding of land development
and regulatory processes. Our Project Manager, Bob
Prasse, has wide ranging experience in the preparation
of zoning ordinances, general plans, specific plans,
and similar policy documents, which allows him to
understand environmental impacts and mitigation within
a broader planning and regulatory context.
In the following sections, we identify the key features of the collaborative, thorough, and efficient approach MIG takes with all of its environmental projects. The specific approach taken for a given project would always be
tailored to the specific characteristics of such project.
However, the two core elements that are intrinsic to the MIG approach to all projects are Quality Assurance/
Quality Control (QA/QC) and adhering to the project
budget and schedule. No project will be successful if
these core elements are not thoroughly addressed.
12 City of Fountain Valley | As-Needed CEQA Consulting Services » Review available technical studies for the project;
» Flesh out the CEQA Project Description and
Environmental Setting Sections of the IS;
» Review the project against the General Plan to
identify any directly applicable General Plan policies
and assess project consistency with such policies;
» Evaluate the project with respect to the certified
General Plan EIR to identify opportunities for tiering
IS analysis off the EIR. To the extent a given project
can be tiered off of the General Plan EIR, a more
streamlined analysis can be provided.
As individual sections of the IS are prepared, special
attention would be given to specific issues critical to a given project. These critical issues typically would be analyzed through a technical study, either prepared
by MIG or an applicant’s consultant. MIG staff that
either prepare or peer review technical studies would
also be responsible for preparing or overseeing
the corresponding narrative and analysis for the
corresponding IS checklist items. Taking this approach
provides continuity within the IS and allows for our
technical staff to fully concentrate their expertise on key project issues.
Once the administrative draft of the IS/MND is
completed, revised based on city comments, and
finalized, it would be circulated for public review.
Following the close of the public review period, MIG
would prepare and/or assist city staff with responding
to any written comments received during the public
review period. MIG would assist the city in any way that they desire to ensure that comments are fully addressed in an effective and expeditious manner. MIG senior
staff would also be available for all project meetings
and public hearings necessary to prepare, process, and
approve the IS/MND. MIG would also be responsible
for preparing all required project CEQA/NEPA noticing
forms.
If requested by the city, MIG would provide support
and advice with respect to Tribal Cultural Resources
consultation for AB 52 and SB 18, as needed. MIG, in
a consultative capacity, advises our clients regarding
cost-effective options to avoid or reduce project
impacts. The MIG tailored approach also includes the
documentary procedures concerning Native American
Consultation and/or Coordination as specified in SB 18
and AB 52 to ensure their involvement in protecting
Tribal Cultural Resources, properties, and sensitive
archaeological sites.
Our streamlined project team will include only essential staff in project execution. Maintaining a streamlined
project team helps facilitate smoother project
management, simplify communications with clients
and key stakeholders, and control costs. We will create an integrated working relationship with the city and
will provide you and the applicant with: status updates regarding schedule and budget, monthly progress
reports, and regular informal communication. We are
proactive with our clients in communicating project
status, issues to be resolved, the need for meetings, and project updates and news.
MIG Focused Approach for Preparing IS/
MNDs
To further illustrate our approach to environmental
documentation, we have outlined the general steps
that we would take to prepare and process an Initial
Study for a Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND).
We selected an IS/MND as an example because it is the
most common type of CEQA document.
Once a project is awarded, MIG will initiate work project assignments with the following activities, which typically include a project initiation/kick-off meeting with city staff and the applicant.
» Verify/confirm the Project Description and project
details.
» Identify additional information needs.
» Confirm the technical studies to be provided and
when they will be available.
» Identify upfront any unique or special issues
associated with the project and determine how best
to address such issues.
» Develop a refined/revised project schedule, including estimated turnaround times for city staff review.
Once project initiation has been completed, MIG staff
would begin work on a draft of the Initial Study (IS). Key initial steps in the preparation of the IS would be to:
City of Fountain Valley | As-Needed CEQA Consulting Services 13 Appendix: Resumes
Pamela Steele
PRINCIPAL-IN-CHARGE | MIG
Pamela Steele has extensive experience on “both
sides of the counter” offering a full range of planning, environmental, and development consulting services
to public agencies and private-sector clients. Early in her 30-year career, she was a Building Department
employee whose frequent interaction with planners
shifted her path toward contributing to a project from
beginning to end—from due diligence to entitlement
and permit approval to occupancy. Having served
as a Planning Director and as a development project
manager, Pam’s strength lies in bringing people and
perspectives together to create projects that provide
public and private benefits. She has prepared and
managed specific plans and amendments, community
and master plans, and multilayered environmental
reviews and clearances for industrial, commercial,
residential, and medical projects. Pam distills and
articulates the needs of public agencies and private
developers to foster collaboration and mutual
understanding. In doing so, she helps them navigate
the entire process to successfully achieve their common goals.
EDUCATION
» University of California, Riverside
» Brigham Young University, Utah
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
» 30 years
SELECTED PROJECT EXPERIENCE
» City of Twentynine Palms Planning Director,
Twentynine Palms, CA
» City of Cypress Assistant Planning Director,
Cypress, CA
» City of Canyon Lake Planning Director,
Canyon Lake, CA
» City of Murrieta Planning Staff, Murrieta, CA
» City of Diamond Bar Consultant Staff,
Diamond Bar, CA
Bob Prasse
DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES,
PROJECT MANAGER | MIG
Bob Prasse is a fountain of knowledge and expertise in
urban planning and environmental analyses. A college
class on the economics of environment peaked Bob’s
interest in the factors affecting the built environment, which led to a 35+-year career working with public
agencies and developers throughout Southern
California. With his analysis, communications, and
writing skills, Bob helps clients anticipate and adjust to changing conditions while still meeting project goals
related to general and specific plans, zoning ordinances, development reviews, and entitlement services. In
addition, he has managed, prepared, and processed
CEQA and NEPA documentation for a wide range of
planning projects, including large-scale mixed-use
communities, public facilities, general plans, retail
centers, and warehouse/logistics complexes. Even with
all his experience, Bob enjoys the continued learning
associated with finding new ways to assist clients and to improve the environment.
EDUCATION
» MURP, University of Southern California
» BA, Public Affairs (Urban Planning), University of
Southern California
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
» 35 years
SELECTED PROJECT EXPERIENCE
» El Camino Industrial Project EIR,
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
» Duke Realty Logistics Warehouse EIR,
Redlands area of San Bernardino County, CA
» City of Whittier General Plan Update EIR, Whittier, CA » City of Santa Fe Springs General Plan Update EIR,
Santa Fe Springs, CA
» City of Monterey Park GPU EIR, Monterey Park, CA
» City of Desert Hot Springs General Plan Update EIR,
Desert Hot Springs, CA
14 City of Fountain Valley | As-Needed CEQA Consulting Services Kent Norton, AICP, REPA
SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER | MIG
Kent Norton has 44 years of experience in CEQA/
NEPA compliance for public- and private-sector clients
encompassing transportation, aviation, public works,
schools, residential, recreational, and mixed-use land
developments. He has authored and managed a
wide variety of environmental compliance documents
for projects ranging from an Initial Study/Mitigated
Negative Declaration for relocation of aviation uses at a regional airport and road widening/improvements, to a
subdivision of 13,000 acres in the San Bernardino desert and the World Logistics Center Specific Plan EIR that
addressed 41-plus million square feet of warehousing
on 2,600 acres in the City of Moreno Valley. He is a
past state president of the Association of Environmental Professionals in California and a member of the
American Institute of Certified Planners. In addition, he is a Registered Environmental Property Assessor and
has prepared dozens of Phase I Environmental Site
Assessments.
EDUCATION
» MS, Environmental Studies, California State University, Fullerton
» BA, Biology, California State University, Fullerton
CERTIFICATIONS/REGISTRATIONS
» American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)
» Registered Environmental Property Assessor (REPA)
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
» 44 years
SELECTED PROJECT EXPERIENCE
» Starpoint 6th Street Warehouse MND,
San Bernardino County, CA
» Memorial Park Master Plan MND, Upland, CA
» Farmstay Ordinance Amendment,
Santa Barbara County, CA
» Hemet Modular Home Factory MND,
Hemet, CA
» Housing Element Update ND, Downey, CA
» General Plan Update EIR, Whittier, CA
» Queen of the Valley Hospital Specific Plan EIR,
West Covina, CA
Chris Dugan
DIRECTOR OF AIR QUALITY, GREENHOUSE
GAS, AND NOISE SERVICES | MIG
Chris Dugan’s knowledge of local, state, and federal
environmental regulations contributes to the successful preparation of required documentation and appropriate
mitigation measures. His undergraduate studies drew
him to investigate how human development affects
people and the planet. His specialization in air quality, noise, and greenhouse gases ensures that development
proceeds in a responsible manner to protect critical
resources. Chris skillfully takes complex information
from engineers, scientists, and other data sources
and clearly conveys it in a way that is meaningful and
helpful for decision-makers and the public. He uses the latest technology to make the process more efficient,
accurate, and comprehensive–resulting in better
outputs as well as enhanced reporting and presentation.
Chris has developed and tailored emissions inventories
using CalEEMOD, EMFAC, OFFROAD, etc.; performed
screening and refined dispersion modeling (e.g.,
SCREEN, AERMOD); and developed mitigation
measures to control and reduce stationary, area,
fugitive, and mobile source emissions.
EDUCATION
» BS, Natural Resource Management Cook College,
Rutgers University, New Jersey
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
» 15 years
SELECTED PROJECT EXPERIENCE
» Veterans Home of California, Yountville Skilled
Nursing Facility EIR/EA, Yountville, CA
» San Mateo County Government Center, Campus
Development Project EIR, San Mateo County, CA
» New Yolo Branch Library Building Project EIR,
Yolo County, CA
» Bear Gulch Pump Station 13 Improvement Project IS/
MND, Portola Valley, CA
» Cal Water MPS Station 6 Water Tank Replacement IS/
MND, Hillsborough, CA
» Carlmont High School Usher Field Lights Project IS/
MND, Belmont, CA
» Guadalupe Landfill Gas to Energy Facility Relocation
Project EIR, San José, CA
City of Fountain Valley | As-Needed CEQA Consulting Services 15 Kevin Shannon
SENIOR PLANNER | MIG
Kevin Shannon has over 30 years of experience in
planning and environmental review. He is experienced
in processing entitlement projects, including surface
mining permits, and in managing a broad spectrum
of environmental documentation for private and
public sector clients. He has worked with project
sponsors, stakeholders, and subconsultants regarding
entitlements, scope of work preparation, schedules and
fees, and technical study peer reviews.
Kevin's accomplishments include providing entitlement
to private applicants; producing compelling
environmental documentation for relocation of a radio
station transmitting tower array and other projects;
preparing an entitlement feasibility study for a proposed interstate freeway media sign, and developing
environmental documentation for a controversial
proposed ready-mix cement plant in an urban infill site.
EDUCATION
» BA, Economic Geography, California State
University, Northridge
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
» 31 years
SELECTED PROJECT EXPERIENCE
» Orange County Development Services,
Orange County, CA
» Michael Brandman Associates, Irvine, CA
» RGP Planning and Development Services, Irvine, CA
» Chamber Group, Irvine, CA
» Tulare County Resources Management Agency,
Tulare County, CA
» Tulare County Planning Department,
Tulare County, CA
» City of Madera, Madera, CA
» City of Los Angeles Planning Department,
Los Angeles, CA
Todd Easley
DIRECTOR OF BIOLOGICAL SERVICES | MIG
With over 24 years of experience, Todd Easley is a
seasoned biological and natural resources specialist
who has been responsible for biological surveys, habitat restoration, project management, and compliance related to myriad state and federal environmental legislation and guidelines. His expertise has been honed by working
with a broad range of clients including the military, local municipalities, utilities, public works agencies, nonprofits, developers, and contractors at every level—city, county, regional, state, and federal. Todd applies his knowledge to help clients and communities successfully navigate
environmental regulations and policies (e.g., Endangered Species Act, California Environmental Quality Act,
National Environmental Policy Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, Clean Water
Act, etc.) to preserve and improve the environment for all species.
EDUCATION
» MS, Environmental Management, Griffith University,
Australia
» BA, Environmental Studies, Economics, University of
California, Santa Cruz, CA
» AA, Ventura College, Ventura, CA
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
» 25 years
SELECTED PROJECT EXPERIENCE
» Fairview Park Master Plan and Biological Surveys,
Costa Mesa, CA
» Tennessee Village Biological Assessment and
Burrowing Owl Survey, Redlands, CA
» Di Capri Biological Assessment Report Peer Review,
Menifee, CA
» Biological and Arroyo toad surveys in support of the
SDGE South Orange County Reliability Enhancement
Project, San Clemente, CA
» LA County Parks and Recreation Needs Assessment
Implementation, Los Angeles County, CA
» Redding Riverfront Biological Constraints Analysis,
Redding CA
» Housing Element EIR Biological Resources Section,
Hillsborough, CA
16 City of Fountain Valley | As-Needed CEQA Consulting Services Betty Kempton, PhD
SENIOR BIOLOGIST | MIG
A highly versatile biologist and botanist, Betty
Kempton offers a depth of experience and expertise
applicable to a variety of environmental planning and
consulting projects. An undergraduate botany class
sparked her interest in plants and led to a lifelong
passion. Betty views each project as an opportunity
to discover something beautiful while planning for
the benefit of both people and the planet. From
biological assessments and surveys to monitoring and
jurisdictional delineations, her extensive knowledge,
GIS mapping skills, and fluid communication style allow her to convey complex information to project sponsors,
partners, and stakeholders efficiently and accurately.
Betty has worked with local, state, and federal agencies on a variety of projects, including public utilities,
transportation, water districts, and residential and
commercial developments. Through her work, she
helps balance environmental protection with project
implementation, allowing projects to move forward
without significantly impacting biological and other
important natural and cultural resources.
EDUCATION
» PhD, Botany, Claremont Graduate University,
Claremont
» Certification, Geographic Information Systems (GIS),
California State University, San Bernardino
» BS, Biology, California State University, San
Bernardino
REGISTRATIONS
» Wetland Training Institute Wetland Delineation
Certificate, 2011
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
» 18 years
SELECTED PROJECT EXPERIENCE
» North Hills Jurisdictional Delineation, Brea, CA
» Star Pointe Properties 6th St Commerce Center,
Biological Surveys, San Bernardino, CA
» Santa Fe Springs General Plan, Santa Fe Springs, CA
» Keizer, Sherwood, and the LA City Regional Needs
RRNA, CA
Phil Gleason
SENIOR AIR QUALITY AND NOISE
ANALYST | MIG
Phil Gleason specializes in the preparation of Air Quality, Greenhouse Gas, and Noise technical environmental
analyses. In his time at MIG, Phil has prepared emissions estimates and CEQA impact assessments in accordance
with U.S. EPA guidance (e.g., AP-42) and regional air
agency permit handbooks. In his analyses, he often
uses mass emissions modeling programs and emission
factor databases, as well as dispersion modeling
programs, for comparison of pollutant concentrations
to ambient air quality standards. Phil is also versed in the preparation of human health risk assessments using
model data for toxic air contaminants and hazardous
air pollutants. In addition to his knowledge of air
quality models and assessment techniques, Phil has
also utilized the SoundPLAN noise modeling software
to determine the significance of noise generated at
industrial sites.
EDUCATION
» BS, Atmospheric Science, University of California,
Davis, California
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
» 9 years
SELECTED PROJECT EXPERIENCE
» Tustin Downtown Commercial Core Plan
Environmental Studies, Tustin, CA
» Smoky Hollow Specific Plan EIR, El Segundo, CA
» Crowe Vincent Ave CEQA Analysis, Azusa, CA
» Cudahy General Plan and Zoning Code Update EIR,
Cudahy, CA
» Del Amo Neighborhood Park IS/MD,
Los Angeles County, CA
» Meadowood Estates EIR, Hillsborough, CA
» Menlo Park Small High School EIR, Menlo Park, CA
» Palo Alto Parks and Recreation Master Plan IS/MND,
Palo Alto, CA
» Palo Alto Public Service Building EIR, Palo Alto, CA
» Rossmoor Health Club EIR, Seal Beach, CA
» San Mateo County Government Center Campus
Development Project EIR, San Mateo County, CA
City of Fountain Valley | As-Needed CEQA Consulting Services 17 Cameron Hile
SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYST | MIG
Cameron Hile is an accomplished environmental
planner and analyst who integrates his knowledge
of public and environmental policy and planning to
support responsible development and improve the
interface between human and natural environments.
Cameron has successfully applied his expertise and
writing skills to develop and prepare a variety of
environmental documents, such as Initial Studies,
Negative Declarations, Mitigated Negative Declarations, EIR Addenda, and Air Quality Analyses. Understanding
that his work can have positive impacts on communities
for decades, he constantly seeks to learn and find
new ways to innovate and contribute to project
success. With over 10 years of experience, Cameron
communicates easily with all project stakeholders
and carefully plans for contingencies to ensure a
smooth and straightforward planning process. Along
with his knowledge and skills, he brings integrity and
diligence to each project—preparing legally defensible
documents through an efficient, open, and meticulous
process of research, analysis, and feedback.
EDUCATION
» MA, Political Science, Colorado State University,
Fort Collins, CO
» MSURP, California State Polytechnic University,
Pomona, CA
» BA, Political Science, San Diego State University,
San Diego, CA
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
» American Planning Association
» Association of Environmental Professionals
» Cal Poly Pomona Graduate Planning Student
Association
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
» 11 years
SELECTED PROJECT EXPERIENCE
» Rosemead Garvey Avenue Specific Plan EIR,
Rosemead, CA
» Whittier General Plan Update EIR, Whittier, CA
» South Alhambra Blvd. Senior Housing IS/MND,
Monterey Park, CA
Kasey Kitowski
ASSOCIATE ANALYST | MIG
Kasey Kitowski is a highly skilled environmental
planner and analyst who has contributed their
specialized expertise in air quality and noise to a
wide range of projects from public infrastructure and
transportation to parks and open space. An abiding
interest in environmental issues led to their degree in environmental policy and continues to motivate their
work in a fast-paced and ever-changing field. Kasey’s
in-depth knowledge and meticulous attention to detail
result in meeting client objectives for compliance while protecting community air and noise resources in the
context of a changing climate. Their ability to analyze and synthesize data from multiple sources produces
clear, well-articulated air quality, climate change, and noise analyses. Kasey is inspired by opportunities
to work on projects that have tangible, measurable
impacts—developing feasible resource protection
strategies that provide environmental benefits and
facilitate effective project implementation.
EDUCATION
» BS, Environmental Policy Analysis and Planning,
University of California, Davis
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
» 2 years
SELECTED PROJECT EXPERIENCE
» Costco Expansion IS/MND, City of Chino Hills, CA
» West Hollywood Climate Action Plan Update and
CEQA Review, West Hollywood, CA
» Standard Works Project, El Segundo, CA
» San Carlos 405 Industrial Road CEQA, San Carlos, CA
» San Carlos General Plan Update and Zoning
Amendment, San Carlos, CA
» Lake Elsinore General Plan Update EIR,
Lake Elsinore, CA
» Watsonville–Ohlone Parkway East/West,
Watsonville, CA
» Oxnard Campus Park Design, Oxnard, CA
» San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan Update,
El Cerrito, CA