Agenda packet — Madera City Council, December 17, 2025 (part 1 of 5)

Update 12/11/25 10:30 p.m. Madera City Council Agenda Page 1 of 6 December 17, 2025

REGULAR MEETING OF THE MADERA CITY COUNCIL
205 W. 4th Street, Madera, California 93637

NOTICE AND AGENDA
Wednesday, December 17, 2025 Council Chambers
6:00 p.m. City Hall
The Madera City Council meetings are open to the public. This meeting will also be available for public viewing and participation through Zoom. Members of the public may also observe the live-streamed meeting on the City’s website at www.madera.gov/live. Members of the public may comment on agenda items at the meeting or remotely through an electronic meeting via phone by dialing (669) 900- 6833 enter ID: 822 7230 8749 #. Press *9 to raise your hand to comment and *6 to unmute yourself to speak. Comments will also be accepted via email at [email protected] or by regular mail at 205 W. 4th Street, Madera, CA 93637.
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Update 12/11/25 10:30 p.m. Madera City Council Agenda Page 2 of 6 December 17, 2025
CALL TO ORDER:

ROLL CALL: Mayor Cece Gallegos
Mayor Pro Tem Rohi Zacharia, District 1
Councilmember Jose Rodriguez, District 2
Councilmember Steve Montes, District 3
Councilmember Anita Evans, District 4
Councilmember Elsa Mejia, District 5
Councilmember Artemio Villegas, District 6
INVOCATION: Daniel Martinez, Fourth Street Church
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

APPROVAL OF AGENDA:

PRESENTATIONS:

1. Proclamation Recognizing the Retirement of Fire Apparatus Engineer Alberto Guzman PUBLIC COMMENT:

The first 15 minutes of the meeting are reserved for members of the public to address the Council on items which are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Council. Speakers shall be limited to three minutes.

Speakers will be asked, but are not required, to identify themselves and state the subject of their comments. If the subject is an item on the Agenda, the Mayor has the option of asking the speaker to hold the comment until that item is called. Comments on items listed as a Public Hearing on the Agenda should be held until the hearing is opened. The Council is prohibited by law from taking any action on matters discussed that are not on the agenda, and no adverse conclusions should be drawn if the Council does not respond to public comment at this time.

A. PUBLIC HEARINGS:

A-1 Consideration of the Mitigated Negative Declaration prepared for Environmental Assessment (EA) No. SCH 2025090413 for the Northeast Water Storage Tank, Booster Pump Station, and Transmission Main Project, City Project W-T-001
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Madera adopting the Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program prepared for the Northeast Water Storage Tank, Booster Pump Station and Transmission Main Project, City Project W-T-0001 (EA No.

SCH 2025090413) (Report by Will Tackett)
B. CONSENT CALENDAR:

Matters listed under the Consent Calendar are considered routine and will be enacted by one motion and one vote. There will be no separate discussion of these items. If discussion is desired, a member of the public or a member of the Council may request an item be removed from the Consent Calendar and it will be considered separately.

B-1 Minutes – December 3, 2025
Recommendation: Approve the City Council Minutes of December 3, 2025 (Report by Alicia Gonzales)
Update 12/11/25 10:30 p.m. Madera City Council Agenda Page 3 of 6 December 17, 2025
B-2 Informational Report on Register of Audited Demands Recommendation: Review Register of Audited Demands Report for November 22 to December 5, 2025 (Report by Michael Lima)
B-3 Informational Report on Personnel Activity
Recommendation: This report is submitted for informational purposes only and there is no action requested from the City Council (Council) (Report by Wendy Silva) B-4 Temporary Overfill of Animal Control Officer Budgeted Positions Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution Approving a Temporary Overfill for the Animal Control Officer Classification due to a Long-term Absence (Report by Wendy Silva)
B-5 Request for Certificate of Recognition Honoring Christian Johnson Recommendation: Adopt a Minute Order Approving a Certificate of Recognition Honoring Christian Johnson (Report by Alicia Gonzales)
B-6 Request for Proclamation Recognizing January as National Mentoring Month and honor Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central California
Recommendation: Adopt a Minute Order Approving a Proclamation Recognizing January as National Mentoring Month and honor Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central California (Report by Alicia Gonzales)
B-7 Second Reading and Adoption of an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Madera Adjusting the Compensation for the City Council by Amending Madera Municipal Code Section 2.1.05
Recommendation: Waive Full Reading and Adopt an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Madera Adjusting the Compensation for the City Council by Amending Madera Municipal Code Section 2.1.05 by Title Only (Report by Alicia Gonzales)
B-8 Appointment of City Representative to the Board of Trustees of the Madera County Mosquito and Vector Control District
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution Appointing Donald Horal to the Board of Trustees of the Madera County Mosquito and Vector Control District for an additional two-year term (Report by Alicia Gonzales)
B-9 Treatment of Customer Payments Requiring Penny Denominations Adopt a Minute Order Authorizing Staff to Issue a Credit on a Future City Bill to Customers where a Customer’s Payment would require Providing Change in Penny Denominations (Report by Michael Lima)
B-10 Budget Amendment to Appropriate Highway Bridge Program Funds to the 2025/26 Fiscal Year Budget
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution to Appropriate Highway Bridge Program Funds to the 2025/26 Fiscal Year Budget (Report by Keith Helmuth)
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B-11 Consider an Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Fire Safety Solutions Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution Approving a Fourth Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Fire Safety Solutions, Inc. for Building and Fire Plan Review and Inspection Services (Report by Will Tackett) B-12 Agreement with David J. Boyle Electric Shop, LLC for Construction Services on the Transit Center
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution Approving an Agreement with David J. Boyle Electric Shop, LLC for the Construction of an Entrance Canopy at Madera Transit Center for $76,100 plus a 10 percent contingency amount for potential extra services with a not to exceed amount of $83,710 (Report by Michael Lima)
B-13 Appointment to the Transit Advisory Board
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution Approving the Appointment of Alvina Miguel-Leon to the Transit Advisory Board (Report by Michael Lima)
B-14 2022-23 SB-1 (3R & ADA) Seals and Overlays, City Project No. R-81 Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution:

1. Approving the contract award for 2022-23 SB-1 (3R & ADA) Seals and Overlays, City Project No. R-81, in the amount of $956,074 to Avison Construction, Inc.; and

2. Determining the project is Categorically Exempt pursuant to Section 15301, Class 1 (Existing Facilities) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (Report by Keith Helmuth) B-15 Grant from the California Department of Justice authorized under the California Healthcare, Research and Prevention Tobacco Tax Act of 2016 in the amount of $394,197 Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to execute the Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Justice and related documents accepting grant award in the amount of $394,197 (Report by Giachino Chiaramonte)
B-16 Acceptance of $83,794.84 to reimburse the City of Madera for January 2023 winter storm road and storm drain damage
Recommendation: Adopt a Minute Order Accepting $83,794.84 in Federal and State of California funds as reimbursement under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act and California Disaster Assistance Act for City-incurred expenses for road and storm drain repairs after the 2023 California Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides Event (Report by Wendy Silva)
B-17 Agreement with Alliant Insurances Services, Inc.

Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution Approving a Consulting Services Agreement with Alliant Insurance Services, Inc., for employee benefits consulting and broker services (Report by Wendy Silva)
Update 12/11/25 10:30 p.m. Madera City Council Agenda Page 5 of 6 December 17, 2025
B-18 Reject the bids received for Ready Mix - Concrete Materials Recommendation: Approve a Minute Order rejecting the bids received for IFB 202526-05 Furnish and Delivery of Ready Mix - Concrete Materials (Report by Arnoldo Rodriguez)
C. WORKSHOP: None
D. PETITIONS, BIDS, RESOLUTIONS, ORDINANCES, AND AGREEMENTS:

D-1 Irrigation System Assessment at the Madera Municipal Golf Course Recommendation: This item is being presented at the request of the Golf Course Advisory Committee (GCAC) which is recommending that the City enter into a consultant service agreement for an irrigation system assessment at the Madera Municipal Golf Course and a budget amendment to appropriate existing funds within the golf course capital expense account (Report by Joseph Hebert)
D-2 Purchase of Two Replacement Gearboxes for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Aeration System
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of two (2) Replacement Gearboxes for the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Aeration System from WesTech Engineering, LLC for $145,065.25 (Report by Arnoldo Rodriguez)
D-3 Accept QA Constructors Inc. bid for the Invitation for Bid (IFB) 202526-01B Asphalt Concrete Patching and Slurry Seal Type II Application On- Call Services Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution Approving an Agreement with QA Constructors Inc. for Asphalt Concrete Patching and Slurry Seal Type II Application On-Call Services not to exceed $1,066,480 (Report by Arnoldo Rodriguez) D-4 Preparation of the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution Approving a Budget Amendment to the Water Maintenance and Operation Fund in the Amount of $45,000 for the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP) Update (Report by Arnoldo Rodriguez)
E. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS:

E-1 2026 List of Annual Proclamations
Recommendation: Provide Direction and Adopt a Minute Order Approving the 2026 List of Annual Proclamations (Report by Alicia Gonzales)
F. COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS/FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:

This portion of the meeting is reserved for the Mayor and Councilmembers (i) to make brief reports on boards, committees, and other public agencies, and at public events, (ii) to request updates, (iii) to initiate future agenda items, and (iv) to take action on matters initiated under this section of the agenda. Under this section, the Council may take action only on items specifically agendized and which meet other requirements for action.

Update 12/11/25 10:30 p.m. Madera City Council Agenda Page 6 of 6 December 17, 2025
G. CLOSED SESSION:

G-1 Public Employee Performance Evaluation - Pursuant to Government Code Section §54957(b)(1)
Title: City Manager
G-2 Conference with Labor Negotiators - Pursuant to Government Code §54957.6 Unrepresented Employee: City Manager
FUTURE MEETING DATES:
 Wednesday, January 14, 2026 (Special Meeting)
 Wednesday, February 4, 2026
ADJOURNMENT:
 The meeting room is accessible to the physically disabled. Requests for accommodations for persons with disabilities such as signing services, assistive listening devices, or alternative format agendas and reports needed to assist participation in this public meeting may be made by calling the City Clerk’s Office at (559) 661-5405 or emailing [email protected] . Those who are hearing impaired may call 711 or 1-800-735-2929 for TTY Relay Service. Requests should be made as soon as practicable as additional time may be required for the City to arrange or provide the requested accommodation.

Requests may also be delivered/mailed to: City of Madera, Attn: City Clerk, 205 W. 4th Street, Madera, CA 93637. At least seventy-two (72) hours’ notice prior to the meeting is requested but not required.

When making a request, please provide sufficient details that the City may evaluate the nature of the request and available accommodations to support meeting participation. Please also provide appropriate contact information should the City need to engage in an interactive discussion regarding the requested accommodation.
 Please silence or turn off cell phones and electronic devices while the meeting is in session.  Regular meetings of the Madera City Council are held the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
 Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the City Council within 72 hours of the meeting regarding any item on this agenda will be made available for public inspection at the City Clerk’s office located at 205 W. 4th Street, Madera, CA 93637 and on the City website at www.madera.gov  Questions regarding the meeting agenda or conduct of the meeting, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (559) 661-5405.
 Para asistencia en español sobre este aviso, por favor llame al (559) 661-5405.

I, Alicia Gonzales, City Clerk for the City of Madera, declare under penalty of perjury that I posted the above agenda for the Regular Meeting of the Madera City Council for December 17, 2025, near the front entrances of City Hall and on the City’s website www.madera.gov at 10:30 p.m. on December 11, 2025. _______________________
Alicia Gonzales, City Clerk

REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL
Approved by: Council Meeting of: December 17, 2025
_________________________________ Agenda Number:

Will Tackett, Community Development Director
Arnoldo Rodriguez, City Manager
SUBJECT:

Consideration of the Mitigated Negative Declaration prepared for Environmental Assessment (EA) No. SCH 2025090413 for the Northeast Water Storage Tank, Booster Pump Station, and Transmission Main Project, City Project W-T-001.

RECOMMENDATION:

Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Madera adopting the Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program prepared for the Northeast Water Storage Tank, Booster Pump Station and Transmission Main Project, City Project W-T-0001 (EA No. SCH 2025090413).

SUMMARY:

This matter involves consideration of the Environmental Assessment, including the associated initial study, analyses, mitigation measures and resultant findings of the Mitigated Negative Declaration (EA No. SCH 2025090413) prepared for the proposed Northeast Water Storage Tank, Booster Pump Station, and Transmission Main Project, City Project W-T-001 (Project), in accordance with the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

The tank site property is owned by the City of Madera but is located in the County of Madera.

The transmission main traverses both City and County jurisdictions. Section 15051 of the CEQA Guidelines sets forth the criteria for identifying the Lead Agency where two or more public agencies will be involved with a project. If the project will be carried out by a public agency, that agency shall be the Lead Agency even if the project would be located within the jurisdiction of another public agency. The Northeast Water Storage Tank, Booster Pump Station and Transmission Main Project (City Project W-T-0001) will be carried out by the City of Madera with the City acting as the Lead Agency in accordance with CEQA § 15051.

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 15074(b) of the CEQA Guidelines, prior to approving a A-1

RETURN TO AGENDA
project, the decision-making body of the lead agency shall consider the proposed mitigated negative declaration together with any commentsreceived during the public review process. The decision-making body shall adopt the proposed mitigated negative declaration only if it finds, on the basis of the whole record before it (including the initial study and any comments received), that there is no substantial evidence that the project will have a significant effect on the environment and that the negative declaration reflects the lead agency’s independent judgment and analysis.

Based upon the attached Environmental Assessment and applicable mitigation measures, staff has determined that there is no evidence in the record that the project may have a significant effect on the environment and recommends the Mitigated Negative Declaration (EA No. SCH 2025090413) and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program prepared by Quad Knoff Consulting Group, dated August 2025 (see Attachment 1, Exhibit A) be adopted for this project.

BACKGROUND:

The proposed water tank and pump station property is located on ±2.89 acres of vacant land located on the west side of Lake Street approximately 800 feet north of Ellis Street. A 24-inch water main trunk line will be constructed running from the project site south on Lake Street, then west on Ellis Street to the UPRR railroad, then northwest along the Sharon Avenue alignment adjacent to the UPRR right of way to existing Well 38 adjacent to the Loves Travel Center. The water main is approximately 2.5 miles in length.

City Council (Council) approved a contract with Carollo Engineers, Inc, on September 5, 2018 to perform preliminary engineering and environmental studies of the project. The contract was subsequently amended to include final design, permitting applications/support, and additional services to complete the environmental documents. QK Consulting Group, Inc., working as a subconsultant to Carollo Engineers, Inc, performed an Environmental Assessment which included studies pursuant to the provisions of the CEQA for purposes of the Project. An Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (EA No. SCH 2025090413) was prepared by QK Consulting Group, Inc.

CEQA applies to governmental action. This action may involve: (1) Activities directly undertaken by a governmental agency; (2) Activities financed in whole or in part by a governmental agency; or (3) Private activities which require approval from a governmental agency. A “project,” as defined at Section 15378 et seq. of the CEQA Guidelines, is an activity subject to CEQA, and means the whole of an action which has potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment, and that is any of the following:
1) An activity directly undertaken by any public agency including but not limited to public works construction and related activities clearing or grading of land, improvements to existing public structures, enactment and amendment of zoning ordinances, and the adoption and amendment of local General Plans or elements thereof pursuant to Government Code Sections 65100–65700.

2) An activity undertaken by a person which is supported in whole or in part through public agency contacts, grants, subsidies, loans, or other forms of assistance from one or more public agencies.
3) An activity involving the issuance to a person of a lease, permit, license, certificate, or other entitlement for use by one or more public agencies.

As such, the proposed construction of the Project is a project subject to the requirements of CEQA. Those requirements include preparation of detailed and comprehensive research, studies and analyses of various environmental criteria defined by CEQA and as necessary to ensure the project will not have the potential to substantially degrade the quality of the environment; will not have impacts that are cumulatively considerable; and will not have environmental effects which cause substantial adverse effects on human beings or wildlife species either directly or indirectly.

A Draft Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration was prepared and a public notice of intent to adopt the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration was subsequently posted at the Madera County Clerk on September 3, 2025, published in the Madera Tribune on September 6, 2025 and submitted to appropriate state agencies through the State Clearinghouse with the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research on September 10, 2025; initiating and providing a public and state agency review period through October 9, 2025 in accordance with Section 15105 of the CEQA Guidelines and Section 21091(c)(1) of the California Public Resources Code.

DISCUSSION:

The agency and public review period as required by CEQA ended on October 9, 2025.

The City of Madera received the attached comment letter from the State of California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) dated October 8, 2025. In its capacity as California’s Trustee Agency for fish and wildlife resources, CDFW offered the comments and recommendations included in its memorandum to assist the City in adequately identifying and/or mitigating the Project’s significant, or potentially significant, direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts on fish and wildlife (biological) resources.

Comments received from CDFW include concerns about the ability of some of the proposed measures to reduce impacts to less than significant and avoid unauthorized take for certain special-status animal species. Accordingly, in its letter, CDFW proposes more specific mitigation measures to reduce impacts to less than significant. These recommended measures may be generally summarized as pertaining to Protocol or Focused Surveys (including consultation with CDFW, in certain circumstances), Avoidance Buffers and Take Authorizations for respective species identified. Editorial comments and other suggestions are also included to improve the MND prepared for this Project.

It must also be noted that the Mitigated Negative Declaration prepared states the possibility the Project could disturb the bed or bank of the canal west of Road 26 and permits might be required.

As a Responsible Agency under CEQA (Pub. Resources Code, § 21069; CEQA Guidelines, § 15381) with regulatory authority as provided by the Fish and Game Code, CDFW is required to comply with CEQA prior to issuance of a Lake or Streambed Alteration Agreement; therefore, if the CEQA document approved for the Project does not adequately describe the Project and its impacts to lakes or streams, a subsequent CEQA analysis may be necessary for Lake or Streambed Alteration Agreement issuance.

In accordance with the provisions of Public Resources Code § 21091(d), the lead agency shall consider comments it receives on a proposed mitigated negative declaration if the comments are received within the public review period. Although CEQA does not require the preparation of a written response(s) with respect to consideration of the comments received on a proposed mitigated negative declaration, City staff forwarded the comments received from CDFW to the project CEQA sub-consultant for evaluation and preparation of a response. This response memorandum dated November 24, 2025 is included as Exhibit C to Attachment 1 (Resolution) of this report. It should be noted that while the response memorandum accurately reflects the 30- day public comment period began on September 5, 2025, Public Resources Code § 21091(c)(1) provides when a proposed mitigated negative declaration is submitted to the State Clearinghouse for review and the period of review by the State Clearinghouse is longer than the public review period, the public review period shall be at least as long as the period of review and comment by state agencies as established by the State Clearinghouse. The period of review and comment by state agencies established by the State Clearinghouse ended October 9, 2025; therefore, the comments received from CDFW are considered to have been delivered and received timely.

Based upon review of the CDFW’s comments and consideration of the Consultant response, it is staff’s opinion that no new avoidable significant effect is identified, and no new mitigation measures or project revisions must be added in order to reduce an effect to insignificance. In addition, it is staff’s opinion that the proposed mitigation measures will reduce potential effects to less than significance. Supplemental reporting requirements are not deemed to be required by CEQA and are not necessary to mitigate an avoidable significant effect; no new measures or revisions must be required and recirculation of the Final Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Report is therefore not warranted pursuant to the provisions of Section 15073.5 of the CEQA Guidelines.

Pursuant to the provisions of Public Resources Code § 21092, the lead agency shall notify any public agency which comments on a negative declaration, of the public hearing or hearings, if any, on the project for which the negative declaration was prepared. If notice to the commenting public agency is provided pursuant to Section 21092, the notice shall satisfy the requirement of this subdivision; this required notice was given by posting notice on the City website and by publication in the Madera Tribune on November 8, 2025.

Minor modifications have also been made to the Final Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration which were limited to ensuring internal consistency with respect to references or terminology within the documentation. These minor modifications were not added in response to written or verbal comments on the project’s effects. These modifications do not alter the project description or scope and therefore no new avoidable significant effects are identified.

The proposed mitigation measures will reduce potential effects to less than significance and no new mitigation measures are required or proposed to be added or replaced. Therefore, the analyses originally prepared as well as the respective conclusions and findings of the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration which was circulated for agency and public review remain valid; recirculation is not required pursuant to the provisions of Section 15073.5 of the CEQA Guidelines.

Based on the analyses included in the initial study, the findings of the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration and with the mitigation measures incorporated within the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program proposed for adoption, staff recommends the Council find on the basis of the whole record before it that there is no substantial evidence that the Project will have a significant effect on the environment and that the Mitigated Negative Declaration reflects the lead agency’s independent judgment and analysis.

FISCAL IMPACT:

There is no impact on the General Fund. The cost for the preparation of the Report is included in the contract with Carollo Engineers, Inc
ALTERNATIVES:

Delay the adoption of the Report. Delay could prevent the City from having the ability to pursue entitlements through the County of Madera and/or certain State and/or Federal permits prior to approval and commencement of construction activities as well as hinder the City’s ability to pursue certain funding opportunities that may be available.

Adoption of the environmental findings does not constitute an approval to commence construction. While circumstances may change between the time at which environmental studies and analyses are performed and the adoption date of an environmental finding, it should be noted that CEQA regulations do require the lead agency to consider any substantial changes in projects, or circumstances (under which the project is undertaken) which may have occurred, or new information of substantial importance which may become available prior to subsequent discretionary actions pertaining to the project being approved; including those action necessary to approve commencement of construction.

ATTACHMENTS:

1. Resolution adopting the Final Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
Exhibit A: Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (SCH 2025090413).

Exhibit B: State of California Department of Fish and Game comment letter dated October 8, 2025.

Exhibit C: Memorandum: Response to Comments for the proposed Northeast Water Storage Tank, Booster Pump Station and Transmission Main Project (SCH# 2025090413) dated November 24, 2025.

ATTACHMENT 1
Resolution adopting the Final Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
Including:

Exhibit A: Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (SCH 2025090413)
Exhibit B: State of California Department of Fish and Game comment letter dated October 8, 2025.

Exhibit C: Memorandum: Response to Comments for the proposed Northeast Water Storage Tank, Booster Pump Station and Transmission Main Project (SCH# 2025090413) dated November 24, 2025.

RESOLUTION NO.25-

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MADERA

ADOPTING THE MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION AND

MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM

PREPARED FOR THE NORTHEAST WATER STORAGE TANK,

BOOSTER PUMP STATION AND TRANSMISSION MAIN PROJECT,
CITY PROJECT W-T-0001 (EA NO. SCH 2025090413)
WHEREAS, the City of Madera proposes to construct water supply and associated distribution infrastructure and facilities in the City and County of Madera for City drinking water and fire protection purposes, consisting of a new 2.5 million-gallon water storage tank, a booster pump station and installation of ±13,200 linear feet of transmission main to connect the project site to City Well Station 38 transmission main (City Project W-T-0001); and WHEREAS, an Environmental Assessment (EA), which includes an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration and a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (State Clearinghouse No. SCH 2025090413), has been prepared for City Project W-T-0001, circulated, and made available for public comment pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Public Resources Code, sections 21000, et seq., the Guidelines for implementation of CEQA, Title 14 California Code of Regulations, Chapter 3, Section 15000, et seq., and the Madera Municipal Code; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of Section 15074(b) of the CEQA Guidelines and prior to approving a project, the City Council as the elected decision-making body of the lead agency shall consider the proposed mitigated negative declaration together with any comments received during the public review process; and
WHEREAS, the City Council shall adopt the proposed mitigated negative declaration only if it finds on the basis of the whole record before it (including the initial study and any comments received), that there is no substantial evidence that the project will have a significant effect on the environment and that the mitigated negative declaration reflects the lead agency’s independent judgment and analysis; and
WHEREAS, the City, as lead agency, provided a notice of intent to adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration to the public, responsible agencies, trustee agencies, and the Madera County Clerk sufficiently prior to adoption by the lead agency of the Mitigated Negative Declaration to allow the public and agencies the review period provided under Section 15105 of the CEQA Guidelines; and
WHEREAS, the City provided notice of the City Council hearing on December 17, 2025, as required by law; and
WHEREAS, the City Council received and independently reviewed and considered the Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program prepared for City Project W-T-0001 (EA No. SCH 2025090413) at the duly noticed meeting on December 17, 2025; and
WHEREAS, a public hearing was held, the public was provided an opportunity to comment, and evidence, both written and oral, was considered by the City Council; and WHEREAS, the City Council completed its review of the documents prepared, evaluated the information contained, and considered testimony received as a part of the public hearing process and after due consideration of the items before it, the City Council now desires to adopt the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (EA No. SCH 2025090413) for City Project W-T-0001.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MADERA HEREBY finds, orders and resolves as follows:

1. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and made a part of this resolution.

2. The proceedings and all evidence introduced before the City Council at the public hearing, including staff reports, attachments, and presentations, are hereby incorporated into the record of this proceeding. These documents, along with any reports, documents, testimony, or evidence submitted to the City Council, including all documents specified under applicable State law including Public Resources Code section 21167.6(e), shall comprise the entire record of proceedings for any claims under CEQA.

3. The City of Madera City Council finds an environmental assessment initial study and mitigation monitoring and reporting program were prepared for this project in accordance with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines. This process included the distribution of requests for comment from other responsible or affected agencies and interested organizations. Preparation of the environmental assessment necessitated a thorough review of the proposed project and relevant environmental issues.

Based on this review and assessment, the City Council independently finds, that although the project could have a significant effect on the environment, there will not be a significant effect because mitigation measures have been identified to reduce the significant direct, indirect or cumulative effects on the environment, and that a Mitigated Negative Declaration is appropriate for this project. The City Council further affirms and independently finds, the Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration were timely and properly published and noticed as required by CEQA.

The City Council has fully considered the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (State Clearinghouse No. SCH 2025090413) for the City Project W-T-0001 (MND), and finds that the proposed project is consistent with, and has been fully assessed by the MND, and that adoption of said MND is likewise consistent and appropriate. Based on its independent judgement and analysis and record before it, the City Council finds and determines that there is substantial evidence in the administrative record to support the determination that the project has been adequately environmentally assessed as required by CEQA per the MND. Additionally, the City Council also finds and determines that in light of the entire administrative record and the substantial evidence before it, the project has been adequately environmentally assessed as required by CEQA per the MND.

Based on the foregoing, the City Council independently adopts the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (State Clearinghouse No. SCH 2025090413) for City Project W-T-0001, including the associated mitigation monitoring and reporting program, as the project will not result in any significant, adverse, environmental impacts with the mitigation imposed.

The City of Madera Engineering Department located at 428 East Yosemite Avenue, Madera, CA 93638 shall serve as the custodian of all documents or other material which constitutes the record of proceedings upon which the Council's affirmation and adoption of this Mitigated Negative Declaration is based. The Council authorizes and directs the Director of the Engineering Department, or designee, to execute and file with the Madera County Clerk, a Notice of Determination for the approval of the project that complies with the CEQA Guidelines.

4. This Resolution shall become effective immediately.
*******
EXHIBITS:

Exhibit A: Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (SCH 2025090413).

Exhibit B: State of California Department of Fish and Game comment letter dated October 8, 2025.

Exhibit C: Memorandum: Response to Comments for the proposed Northeast Water Storage Tank, Booster Pump Station and Transmission Main Project (SCH# 2025090413) dated November 24, 2025.

EXHIBIT A
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (SCH 2025090413)

INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION

CITY OF MADERA

NORTHEAST WATER STORAGE TANK,

BOOSTER PUMP STATION, AND

TRANSMISSION MAIN PROJECT
AUGUST 2025

INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION

CITY OF MADERA

NORTHEAST WATER STORAGE TANK,

BOOSTER PUMP STATION, AND

TRANSMISSION MAIN PROJECT
Prepared for:

City of Madera
428 E. Yosemite Ave.

Madera, California 93638
Will Tackett – Director of Community Development
(559) 661-3688
[email protected]
Consultant:
5080 California Avenue, Suite 220
Bakersfield, CA 93309
Contact: Jaymie L. Brauer
Phone: (661) 616-2600
August 2025
Project #180483
Water Tank and Pipeline Project August 2025
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Mitigated Negative Declaration ....................................................................................................................... 1 SECTION 1 - Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 1-1

1.1 - Overview........................................................................................................................................................1-1

1.2 - California Environmental Quality Act ...............................................................................................1-1

1.3 - Impact Terminology..................................................................................................................................1-1

1.4 - Document Organization and Contents..............................................................................................1-2

1.5 - Regulation Incorporated by Reference.............................................................................................1-2 SECTION 2 - Project Description ................................................................................................................. 2-1

2.1 - Introduction/Background......................................................................................................................2-1

2.2 - Project Location..........................................................................................................................................2-1

2.3 - Project Environment.................................................................................................................................2-1

2.4 - Proposed Project........................................................................................................................................2-1

2.5 - Project Components..................................................................................................................................2-2 Phase 1........................................................................................................................................................2-2 Phase 2........................................................................................................................................................2-3 Phase 3........................................................................................................................................................2-3 Conditional Use Permit .......................................................................................................................2-3

2.6 - Alternatives...................................................................................................................................................2-4

2.7 - Comprehensive Response to Climate Change................................................................................2-4 SECTION 3 - Initial Study ............................................................................................................................... 3-1

3.1 - Environmental Checklist.........................................................................................................................3-1

3.2 - Environmental Factors Potentially Affected ..................................................................................3-3

3.3 - Determination..............................................................................................................................................3-3

3.4 - Evaluation of Environmental Impacts...............................................................................................3-5

3.4.1 - Aesthetics ....................................................................................................................................3-7

3.4.2 - Agriculture and Forestry Resources.............................................................................3-11

3.4.3 - Air Quality ................................................................................................................................3-15

3.4.4 - Biological Resources............................................................................................................3-23

3.4.5 - Cultural resources ................................................................................................................3-39

3.4.6 - Energy........................................................................................................................................3-43

3.4.7 - Geology and Soils ..................................................................................................................3-46

3.4.8 - Greenhouse Gas Emissions...............................................................................................3-53

3.4.9 - Hazards and Hazardous Materials.................................................................................3-58

3.4.10 - Hydrology and Water Quality.......................................................................................3-64

3.4.11 - Land Use and Planning.....................................................................................................3-71

3.4.12 - Mineral Resources .............................................................................................................3-73 Water Tank and Pipeline Project August 2025
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3.4.13 - Noise ........................................................................................................................................3-75

3.4.14 - Population and Housing..................................................................................................3-79

3.4.15 - Public Services.....................................................................................................................3-81

3.4.16 - Recreation .............................................................................................................................3-84

3.4.17 - Transportation ....................................................................................................................3-86

3.4.18 - Tribal Cultural Resources...............................................................................................3-89

3.4.19 - Utilities and Service Systems ........................................................................................3-91

3.4.20 - Wildfire...................................................................................................................................3-95

3.4.21 - Mandatory Findings of Significance...........................................................................3-98 SECTION 4 - Mitigation, Monitoring and Reporting Plan .................................................................. 4-1 SECTION 5 - List of Preparers ...................................................................................................................... 5-1 SECTION 6 - References .................................................................................................................................. 6-2

LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 2-1 Regional Map ...................................................................................................................................2-2 Figure 2-2 City Limits and SOI........................................................................................................................2-3 Figure 2-3 Water Tank and Pump Station Area ......................................................................................2-1 Figure 3.4.4-1 NHD and NWI........................................................................................................................3-38

LIST OF TABLES
Table 3.4.3-1 NAAQS and CAAQS Thresholds .......................................................................................3-16 Table 3.4.3-2 SJVAPCD Air Quality Thresholds of Significance – Criteria Pollutants ..........3-17 Table 3.4.3-3 Short-Term Project Emissions.........................................................................................3-18 Table 3.4.3-4 Potential Maximum Impacts Predicted by HARP....................................................3-20 Table 3.4.4-1 Federal and State Listed, Proposed, and Candidate Plant and Wildlife Species Evaluated for Their Potential to Occur within the Project Area ...................................................3-24 Table 3.4.8-1 Estimated Annual GHG Emissions (MT/yr)...............................................................3-54 Table 3.4.3-3 Typical Construction Equipment Vibration Source Levels .................................3-77

LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix A: Conceptual Site Plan
Appendix B: Focused Air Quality Study
Appendix C: Biological Assessment
Appendix D: Cultural Resources Assessment Report
Mitigated Negative Declaration

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MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION
As Lead Agency under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the City of Madera has reviewed the proposed Project described below to determine whether it could have a significant effect on the environment because of its development. In accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15382: “Significant effect on the environment” means a substantial, or potentially substantial, adverse change in any of the physical conditions within the area affected by the Project, including land, air, water, minerals, flora, fauna, ambient noise, and objects of historic or aesthetic significance. Pursuant to § 21067. “Lead agency” means the public agency that has the principal responsibility for carrying out or approving a project that may have a significant effect on the environment. Therefore, the City of Madera will act as the lead agency for the Project.

Project Name
Northeast Water Storage Tank, Booster Pump Station, and Transmission Main Project Project Location
The Project is generally bounded by Lake Street to the east, Ellis Street to the south, and Martin Street to the north.

The proposed water tanks and other infrastructure will be located on a parcel (APN- 038- 030-031) on North Lake Street, which is within unincorporated Madera County and the City of Madera Sphere of Influence (SOI).

The water tank site is proposed to connect via a pipeline that will be placed within the City’s road rights-of-way (ROW). The pipeline route will follow the ROW south along Lake Street, west along Ellis Street, and northwest along Sharon Boulevard. This pipeline will connect to an existing well site located at on Sharon Boulevard (APN 013-280-001).

Project Description
The Project will include construction of a water supply and associated distribution infrastructure and facilities to meet the City’s water demand conditions identified by hydraulic modeling demands and projections. Provisions for future facility expansion to meet Year 2044 and Year 2058 will be incorporated into the design documents. The initial phase (Phase 1) includes the development of water storage tanks and a pipeline connection to an existing water well site. The conceptual plan for the proposed Project is provided as Appendix A.

Mitigated Negative Declaration

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Phase 1
Phase 1 includes the following major components:

WATER STORAGE TANK SITE
• Install a 2.5 mg prestressed concrete water storage tank outfitted with inlet and outlet piping at opposite ends of the tank to promote thorough tank mixing, tank overflow and drain piping compliant with Division of Drinking Water (DDW) requirements, mechanical mixer to further promote reservoir mixing, two access manways at the exterior of the tank for operations and maintenance access at ground level, roof access hatch and interior ladder, intrusion alarms on access manways and roof access hatch, level monitoring equipment, and a water sampling station. • A 3,500-gpm firm capacity (maximum flow rate) booster pump station consisting of three 125-horsepower (hp) horizontal-split case booster pumps and associated equipment located on a concrete slab foundation. Space for a fourth identically sized pump will be provided for future expansion at a later phase.

Further tank site improvements will include:
• New 30-inch drainage piping to convey tank overflow and drainage to the City-owned retention basin.
• Perforated leak detection pipeline at the perimeter of the tank. • Above-ground reservoir control valve assembly, including inlet flow meter. • Cement masonry unit (CMU) chemical and electrical building with two separate rooms dedicated to housing electrical and chemical equipment. • Onsite hypochlorite generation, storage, and feed equipment. • Water quality analyzers and four chemical injection/analysis points. • Electrical distribution equipment, service transformer, variable frequency drives (VFD), and programmable logic controller (PLC).
• Standby generator sized for emergency operation of all pumps and critical site equipment.
• Asphalt pavement across approximately half of the tank site with crushed rock across the remaining half of the site, where future installation of a second tank is anticipated. • CMU wall at the North Lake Street frontage extending 75 feet along the north and south site limit.
• Perimeter fencing around the remainder of the site.
• Onsite fire hydrant, hose bibbs, and equipment washdown facilities. • Light fixtures with photocells and motion sensors in compliance with Title 24 requirements.
• Provisions for future installation of security cameras.

Mitigated Negative Declaration

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WATER DISTRIBUTION
• Approximately 13,200 linear feet (LF) of 24-inch transmission main will connect the tank site to the City-owned Well 38. The transmission main will cross below a jointuse irrigation and drainage canal approximately 300 feet west of Ellis Street. The canal crossing will be approximately 200 linear feet and will be completed via trenchless bore and jack construction.

Phase 2
Based on current projections, the initial phase of this project should be sufficient to meet drinking water demands and fire protection requirements through 2043. To meet future system demands, provisions for the following improvements have been incorporated into the preliminary design for the Year 2044 (Phase 2):
• Install an additional 2.5 mg prestressed concrete water storage tank that will be of similar dimensions, character, and configuration as the Phase 1 tank. Yard piping and valves will be installed under Phase 1 to facilitate construction of the future tank with both the Phase 1 tank and pump station remaining in service. • Increase the firm pumping capacity to 7,000 gpm from 3,500 gpm. The 2044 capacity will be accomplished by adding an identically sized pump and VFD to the Phase 1 pumping station. The Phase 1 pumping station will be developed to accommodate Phase 2 pump equipment.

Phase 3
To meet additional future system demands, provisions for the following improvements have been incorporated into the preliminary design for the Year 2058 (Phase 3):
• Future demand analysis will be required to confirm actual capacity expansion requirements; however, it is anticipated that the firm pumping capacity will be increased to 9,500 gpm. Additionally, at the time of Phase 3 development, the pump station and equipment will be over 30 years old and may require replacement of existing pumps and equipment. Future equipment replacement may increase discharge capacity and meet future demands without complete pump replacement.

Conditional Use Permit
The proposed Project will require the approval of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) by the County of Madera, pursuant to Section 18.94.160 of the County of Madera Ordinance Code, which states public facilities and emergency services shall be permitted in any zone district subject to approval of a CUP.

Mitigated Negative Declaration

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Mailing Address and Phone Number of Contact Person
City of Madera
428 E. Yosemite Ave.

Madera, California 93638
Will Tackett – Director of Community Development
(559) 661-3688
[email protected]
Findings
As Lead Agency, the City of Madera finds that the Project will not have a significant adverse effect on the environment. The Initial Study (IS) (see Section 3 - Environmental Checklist) identified one or more potentially significant effects on the environment, but revisions to the Project have been made before the release of this Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND), or mitigation measures would be implemented that reduce all potentially significant impacts to less-than-significant levels. The County further finds that there is no substantial evidence that this Project would have a significant effect on the environment.

Mitigation Measures Included in the Project to Avoid Potentially Significant Effects
BIO-1: A preconstruction survey shall be conducted 14-30 days prior to Project construction activities to verify if special-status or sensitive species are present within 500 feet of the Project. The focal species shall include Swainson’s hawk and other migratory nesting birds.

A report outlining the results of the survey shall be prepared and submitted to the lead agency as evidence of compliance.

BIO-2: If construction activities occur between February 1 and September 15, predisturbance surveys for active raptor and migratory bird nests shall be conducted no more than 10 days prior to the commencement of disturbance. Surveys shall follow USFWS and CDFW guidance and/or protocols, as applicable. If no active nests or nesting birds are identified, then Project construction activities may proceed, and no further mitigation measures for nesting birds are required. If active nest(s) are identified, the active nest(s) should be continuously surveyed for the first 24 hours after detection to establish a behavioral baseline prior to any construction-related activities.

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care for survival, and any adult birds are no longer occupying the nest. Deviations from these no-disturbance buffers may be implemented if the qualified biologist concludes that work within the buffer area would not cause nest avoidance or abandonment (e.g., when the disturbance area would be concealed from a nest site by topography) provided that notification of this determination of a deviation in the no-disturbance buffer is provided by the qualified biologist no less than 15 days in advance to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the United States Fish and Wildlife.

BIO-3: If an active raptor nest is identified, and when construction activities occur within the avoidance buffer of the nest, a qualified biologist shall conduct a daily site visit to observe all construction-related activities and or activity near an active nest. If construction activities are not occurring within the avoidance buffer of a nest, these resources shall be checked during a weekly site visit to observe activity. The qualified biologist shall be familiar with all potential species and their sign (i.e., tracks, scat, etc.) that have the potential to occur within the proposed Project site. The qualified biologist shall prepare a daily datasheet to record all construction-related activities that occurred and activity at an active nest or den, and document the progress of the project with photographs. Copies of daily datasheets and photographs shall be submitted to the lead agency as evidence of compliance.

BIO-4: If construction work occurs after August 30 and ends before March 1 (outside of the breeding season), impacts to the Swainson's hawk would be avoided. Surveys would not be required for work conducted during this part of the year, and no further mitigation for nest disturbance is required.
a. Protocol Surveys. For work that begins between March 1 and August 30, a qualified biologist with expertise in Swainson's hawk shall conduct protocol surveys of potential nesting habitat within 0.5 miles of any construction activities prior to initiation of such activities. The project proponent shall conduct a protocol-level survey in conformance with the "Recommended Timing and Methodology for Swainson's Hawk Nesting Surveys in California's Central Valley," Swainson's Hawk Technical Advisory Committee (TAC)
(https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/conservation/survey-protocols#377281284-birds) (May 31, 2000), which is hereby incorporated by reference. This protocol prescribes minimum standards for survey equipment, mode of survey, angle and distance to tree, speed, visual and audible clues, distractions, notes and observations, and timing of surveys.

A written report with the pre-construction survey results shall be provided to the lead agency and CDFW within 30 days of the commencement of construction-related activities. The report shall include: the date of the report, authors and affiliations, contact information, introduction, methods, study location, including a map, results, discussion, and literature cited.

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Swainson's hawk nests within 10 miles of the site, then no further mitigation for foraging impacts will be required.
b. Nest Avoidance. If nesting Swainson's hawks are observed within 0.5 miles of the project site during the protocol surveys, the project proponent shall implement CDFW pre-approved mitigation measures to avoid nest impacts during construction.

These measures include:
• All Project-related activities with the potential to cause nest abandonment or forced fledging of young shall be avoided until the young have fledged. • If disturbances, habitat conversions, or other Project-related activities that may cause nest abandonment or forced fledging are necessary, within the nest protection buffer zone (0.5-mile), monitoring of the nest site by a qualified raptor biologist, funded by the project proponent, shall be required to determine if the nest is abandoned. If the nest is abandoned, but the nestlings are still alive, the project developer /contractor is required to fund the recovery and hacking, that is, the controlled release of captive-reared young of the nestling. • The project proponent shall be required to coordinate with CDFW to determine if project activities with the potential to cause disturbance to nesting Swainson's hawks within the 0.5-mile buffer may proceed with a reduced nest buffer and an approved biological monitor. CDFW may authorize a reduced nest buffer with the presence of a monitoring biologist during construction activities to ensure that the nest is not disturbed. Routine disturbances such as agricultural activities, commuter traffic, and routine maintenance activities within 0.5 miles of an active nest are not prohibited.

BIO-5. Prior to the initiation of construction activities, all construction personnel shall attend a Worker Environmental Awareness Training program developed by a qualified biologist.

Any personnel associated with construction that did not attend the initial training shall be trained by the authorized biologist or authorized construction personnel prior to working within the Action Area. Any employee responsible for the operations, maintenance, or decommissioning of Project facilities shall attend the Worker Environmental Awareness Training program prior to starting work on the Project. All on-site workers shall attend training on an annual basis. The Program shall be developed and presented by the Project qualified biologist(s) or designee approved by the qualified biologist(s). The program shall include information about the life histories of State or federally listed species with potential to occur on the Action area, their legal status, course of action should these species be encountered on-site, and avoidance and minimization measures to protect these species. The training shall include the following components:
a. Information about the life history and identification of federally listed plant and wildlife species, as well as other special-status plant and wildlife species that may be affected by project activities. The program shall present the legal protection status of each such species, the definition of “take” under the Federal Endangered Species Act and California Endangered Species Act, measures the Project proponent/operator shall implement to protect the species, reporting requirements, specific measures for Mitigated Negative Declaration

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workers to avoid take of special-status plant and wildlife species, and penalties for violation of Project permits or other Project-related environmental measures. b. An acknowledgment form signed by each worker indicating that the Worker Environmental Awareness Training and Education program has been completed shall be kept on file at the construction site.
c. A copy of the training transcript and/or training video, as well as a list of the names of all personnel who attended the Worker Environmental Awareness Training and Education program, and signed acknowledgment forms, shall be submitted to the contractor’s construction manager or on-site superintendent. d. A copy of the training transcript, training video or informational binder for specific procedures shall be kept available for all personnel to review and be familiar with, as necessary.

The construction crews and contractor(s) shall be responsible for preventing unauthorized impacts from Project activities to sensitive biological resources that are outside the areas defined as subject to impacts by Project permits. Unauthorized impacts may result in Project stoppage, and/or fines, depending on the impact and coordination with the appropriate State or federal biological agency.

BIO-6: Prior to any ground disturbance in this area on Ellis Street, if Lateral 24.2 canal cannot be avoided, the Project proponent/developer shall submit a final Delineation report to the City of Madera. A copy of this report shall also be provided to the Bureau of Reclamation. The report shall include information as shown below as a plan, if necessary, and shall outline compliance with the following:
a. Delineation of all jurisdictional features at the project site. Potential jurisdictional features within the project boundary identified in the jurisdictional delineation report may be shown in plan form.
b. If the Project has a potential to directly or indirectly impact jurisdictional aquatic resources, a formal aquatic resource delineation of these areas shall be performed by a qualified professional to determine the extent of agency jurisdiction and permits/authorizations from the appropriate regulating agencies (United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR)., Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) and CDFW shall be obtained prior to disturbance to jurisdictional features.

If impacts to the jurisdictional Lateral 24.2 canal cannot be avoided, the Project developer/contractor shall consult with USBR staff to obtain the appropriate permit(s).

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Monitoring Plan to address implementation and monitoring requirements under the permit to ensure that the Project would result in no net loss of habitat functions and values. The Plan shall contain, at a minimum, mitigation goals and objectives, mitigation location, a discussion of actions to be implemented to mitigate the impact, monitoring methods and performance criteria, extent of monitoring to be conducted, actions to be taken in the event that the mitigation is not successful, and reporting requirements. The Plan shall be approved by the appropriate regulating agencies, and compensatory mitigation shall take place either on-site or at an appropriate off-site location.
c. Any material/spoils generated from project activities containing hazardous materials shall be located away from jurisdictional areas or special-status habitat and protected from storm water run-off using temporary perimeter sediment barriers such as berms, silt fences, fiber rolls, covers, sand/gravel bags, and straw bale barriers, as appropriate. Protection measures should follow project-specific criteria as developed in a Stormwater Pollution Prevention and Protection Plan (SWPPP). d. Equipment containing hazardous liquid materials shall be stored on impervious surfaces or plastic ground covers to prevent any spills or leakage from contaminating the ground and at least 50 feet outside the delineated boundary of jurisdictional water features.
e. Any spillage of material shall be stopped if it can be done safely. The contaminated area shall be cleaned, and any contaminated materials properly disposed. For all spills, the project foreman or designated environmental representative shall be notified.

BIO-7: If the Project does not impact the Lateral 24.2 canal by using the jack and bore method to install the pipeline underneath the canal, prior to commencing activities at the canal, the Project developer/contractor shall obtain an Encroachment Permit from the USBR. A copy of that approved permit, or communication from the USBR indicating a permit is not required, shall be submitted to the lead agency before the work commences.

CUL-1: If prehistoric or historic-era cultural materials are encountered during construction activities, all work within 50 feet of the find shall halt until a qualified professional archaeologist, meeting the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards for prehistoric and historic archaeologists, can evaluate the significance of the find and make recommendations. Cultural resource materials may include prehistoric resources such as flaked and ground stone tools and debris, shell, bone, ceramics, and fire-affected rock, as well as historic resources such as glass, metal, wood, brick, or structural remnants. If the qualified professional archaeologist determines that the discovery represents a potentially significant cultural resource, additional investigations may be required to mitigate adverse impacts from Project implementation. These additional studies may include avoidance, testing, and evaluation, or data recovery excavation.

Mitigated Negative Declaration

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If a potentially eligible resource is encountered, then the qualified professional archaeologist, the Lead Agency shall arrange for either, (1) total avoidance of the resource or (2) test excavations to evaluate eligibility and, if eligible, total data recovery. The determination shall be formally documented in writing and submitted to the Lead Agency as verification that the provisions for managing unanticipated discoveries have been met.

CUL-2: If human remains are discovered during construction or operational activities, further excavation or disturbance shall be prohibited pursuant to Section 7050.5 of the California Health and Safety Code. The specific protocol, guidelines, and channels of communication outlined by the Native American Heritage Commission, in accordance with Section 7050.5 of the Health and Safety Code, Section 5097.98 of the Public Resources Code (Chapter 1492, Statutes of 1982, Senate Bill 297), and Senate Bill 447 (Chapter 44, Statutes of 1987), shall be followed. Section 7050.5(c) shall guide the potential Native American involvement, in the event of discovery of human remains, at the direction of the Tulare County Coroner. All reports, correspondence, and determinations regarding the discovery of human remains on the Project site shall be submitted to the City of Madera.

According to the California Health and Safety Code, six or more human burials at one location constitute a cemetery (Section 8100), and willful disturbance of human remains is a felony (Section 7052).

GEO-1: If any paleontological resources are encountered during ground disturbance activities, all work within 25 feet of the find shall halt until a qualified paleontologist, as defined by the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology Standard Procedures for the Assessment and Mitigation of Adverse Impacts to Paleontological Resources (2010), can evaluate the find and make recommendations regarding treatment. Paleontological resource materials may include resources such as fossils, plant impressions, or animal tracks preserved in rock. The qualified paleontologist shall contact the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County or other appropriate facility regarding any discoveries of paleontological resources.

If the qualified paleontologist determines that the discovery represents a potentially significant paleontological resource, additional investigations and fossil recovery may be required to mitigate adverse impacts from Project implementation. If avoidance is not feasible, the paleontological resources shall be evaluated for their significance. If the resources are not significant, avoidance is not necessary. If the resources are significant, they shall be avoided to ensure no adverse effects, or such effects must be mitigated. Construction in that area shall not resume until the resource appropriate measures are recommended or the materials are determined to be less than significant. If the resource is significant and fossil recovery is the identified form of treatment, then the fossil shall be deposited in an accredited and permanent scientific institution. Copies of all correspondence and reports shall be submitted to the Lead Agency.

Introduction

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SECTION 1 - INTRODUCTION

1.1 - Overview
The proposed Project will include construction of a water supply and associated distribution infrastructure and facilities to meet the City’s water demand. It will be completed in phases over several years.

The proposed water tank site is located in the County of Madera, within the City of Madera Sphere of Influence (SOI); therefore, pursuant to Section 18.94.160 of the County of Madera Ordinance Code, public facilities and emergency services shall be permitted in any zone district subject to approval of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP).

1.2 - California Environmental Quality Act
This IS/MND examines the potential environmental effects of the Project. The Project site is located in the County of Madera, within the City of Madera SOI.

The City of Madera is the Lead Agency for this Project pursuant to the CEQA Guidelines (Public Resources Code Section 15000 et seq.). Section 15063 of the CEQA Guidelines requires the Lead Agency to prepare an IS to determine whether a discretionary project will have a significant effect on the environment. A Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) is appropriate when an IS has been prepared and a determination can be made that no significant environmental effects will occur because revisions to the project have been made or mitigation measures will be implemented that reduce all potentially significant impacts to less-than-significant levels. The content of an MND is similar to a Negative Declaration, but also includes mitigation measures and a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) (see Section 4 - Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program).

Based on the IS, the Lead Agency has determined that CEQA compliance in the form of an MND can be achieved to satisfy the environmental review process for the proposed.

1.3 - Impact Terminology
The following terminology is used to describe the level of significance of impacts. • A finding of no impact is appropriate if the analysis concludes that the project would not affect the particular topic area in any way.
• An impact is considered less than significant if the analysis concludes that it would cause no substantial adverse change to the environment and requires no mitigation. • An impact is considered less than significant with mitigation incorporated if the analysis concludes that it would cause no substantial adverse change to the environment with the inclusion of environmental commitments that have been agreed to by the applicant.
• An impact is considered potentially significant if the analysis concludes that it could have a substantial adverse effect on the environment.

Introduction

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1.4 - Document Organization and Contents
The content and format of this IS/MND is designed to meet the requirements of CEQA. The report contains the following sections:
• Section 1 – Introduction: This section provides an overview of CEQA requirements, intended uses of the IS/MND, document organization, and a list of regulations that have been incorporated by reference.
• Section 2 – Project Description: This section describes the Project and provides data on the site’s location.
• Section 3 – Initial Study: This section contains the evaluation of 21 different environmental resource factors contained in Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines. Each environmental resource factor is analyzed to determine whether the proposed Project would have an impact. One of four findings is made, which includes no impact, less-than-significant impact, less than significant with mitigation, or significant and unavoidable. If the evaluation results in a finding of significant and unavoidable impacts for any of the 21 environmental resource factors, then an Environmental Impact Report will be required.
• Section 4 – Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program: This section contains a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program that summarizes the impacts, mitigation measures, and level of significance after mitigation. • Section 5 – List of Preparers: This section identifies the individuals who prepared the IS/MND.
• Section 6 – References: This section contains a full list of references that were used in the preparation of this IS/MND.

1.5 - Regulation Incorporated by Reference
The following regulation is incorporated into this IS/MND by reference. Other applicable federal, State, and regional regulations are referenced throughout this document:
• City of Madera Urban Water Management Plan 2020 Update • City of Madera Water System Master Plan
• City of Madera General Plan
• City of Madera General Plan EIR
• City of Madera Ordinance Code
• County of Madera General Plan
• County of Madera Ordinance Code
• County of Madera General Plan Background Report
• Madera Countywide Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan Project Description

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SECTION 2 - PROJECT DESCRIPTION

2.1 - Introduction/Background
The proposed Project will include the construction of a water supply and associated distribution infrastructure and facilities to meet the demand conditions identified by hydraulic modeling and projections. The Project will be completed in phases over a number of years. The conceptual plan for the proposed Project is provided as Appendix A.

2.2 - Project Location
The Project is generally bounded by Lake Street to the east, Ellis Street to the south, and Martin Street to the north. See Figure 2-2 and Figure 2-3.

2.3 - Project Environment
The proposed pipeline will be located within public rights-of-way along Lake Street, Ellis Street, and Sharon Boulevard. The proposed water tank site is located in proximity to rural areas that are mostly comprised of rural residential uses and vacant land. The areas to the north, south, and east of the Project sites are comprised of rural residential uses, and land directly west is vacant. The proposed pipeline is anticipated to be located within public rightof-way along Lake Street, Ellis Street, and Sharon Boulevard.

2.4 - Proposed Project
The Project will include construction of a water supply and associated distribution infrastructure and distribution facilities to meet the City’s water demands. The Project will be completed in phases over a number of years. The initial phase (Phase 1) includes the development of water storage tanks and a pipeline connection to an existing water well site.

The conceptual plan for the proposed Project is provided as Appendix A.

Project Description

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Figure 2-1
Regional Map
Project Description

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Figure 2-2
City Limits and SOI
Project Description

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Figure 2-3
Water Tank and Pump Station Area
Project Description

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2.5 - Project Components
PHASE 1
Phase 1 includes the following major components:

Further tank site improvements will include:
• New 30-inch drainage piping to convey tank overflow and drainage to the City-owned retention basin.
• Perforated leak detection pipeline at the perimeter of the tank. • Above ground reservoir control valve assembly, including inlet flow meter. • Cement masonry unit (CMU) chemical and electrical building with two separate rooms dedicated to housing electrical and chemical equipment. • Onsite hypochlorite generation, storage, and feed equipment. • Water quality analyzers and four chemical injection/analysis points. • Electrical distribution equipment, service transformer, variable frequency drives (VFD), and programmable logic controller (PLC).
• Standby generator sized for emergency operation all pumps and critical site equipment.
• Asphalt pavement across approximately half of tank site with crushed rock across the remaining half of the site where future installation of a second tank is anticipated. • CMU wall at the North Lake Street frontage extending 75 feet along the north and south site limit.
• Perimeter fencing around the remainder of the site.
• Onsite fire hydrant, hose bibbs, and equipment washdown facilities. • Light fixtures with photocells and motion sensors in compliance with Title 24 requirements.
• Provisions for future installation of security cameras.

Project Description

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WATER DISTRIBUTION
• Approximately 13,200 linear feet (LF) of 24-inch transmission main will connect the tank site to the City-owned Well 38. The transmission main will cross below a jointuse irrigation and drainage canal approximately 300 feet west of Ellis Street. The canal crossing will be approximately 200 linear feet and be completed via trenchless bore and jack construction.

PHASE 2
Based on current projections, the initial phase of this project should be sufficient to meet drinking water demands and fire protection requirements through 2043. To meet future system demands, provisions for the following improvements have been incorporated to the preliminary design for the Year 2044 (Phase 2):
• Install an additional 2.5 mg prestressed concrete water storage tank that will be of similar dimensions, character, and configuration as the Phase 1 tank. Yard piping and valves will be installed under Phase 1 to facilitate construction of the future tank with both the Phase 1 tank and pump station remaining in service. • Increase the firm pumping (maximum flow) capacity to 7,000 gpm from 3,500 gpm.

The 2044 capacity will be accomplished by adding an identically sized pump and VFD to the Phase 1 pumping station. The Phase 1 pumping station will be developed to accommodate Phase 2 pump equipment.

PHASE 3
To meet additional future system demands, provisions for the following improvements have been incorporated to the preliminary design for the Year 2058 (Phase 3):
• Future demand analysis will be required to confirm actual capacity expansion requirements; however, it is anticipated that the firm pumping capacity will be increased to 9,500 gpm. Additionally, at the time of Phase 3 development, the pump station and equipment will be over 30 years old and may require replacement of existing pumps and equipment. Future equipment replacement may increase discharge capacity and meet future demands without complete pump replacement.

CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
The proposed Project will include application and approval of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) by the County of Madera. As the proposed tank site is located within the County of Madera, pursuant to Section 18.94.160 of the County of Madera Ordinance Code, public facilities and emergency services shall be permitted in any zone district subject to approval of a conditional use permit (CUP).

Project Description

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2.6 - Alternatives
The City of Madera has an adopted Water System Master Plan (WSMP), which outlines the need for the phased and orderly growth of water infrastructure to meet the development needs of the General Plan (City of Madera, 2014). WSMP evaluated two alternatives:

Alternative 1: Continue to place wells where development occurs and treat wells that have adverse water quality conditions.

Alternative 2: Construct two new tanks on the east side of the system and utilize booster stations to meet the demands of a new east pressure zone. This alternative was selected as the “Preferred” alternative for servicing future development.

2.7 - Comprehensive Response to Climate Change
As part of the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, identification of Project vulnerabilities to climate change and the impact the Project may have on climate change is requested. As shown, the Project is vulnerable to climate change impacts, however adaptations and mitigation are associated with the Project that will combat climate change factors facing the City of Madera.

Vulnerability:
• Water Supply Availability: The City operates a 1-million-gallon elevated water storage tank located in downtown Madera; however, the aquifer provides the vast majority of storage volume required to maintain service levels. In the past, the City has had difficulty meeting peak demands with the existing wellfield during extended dry periods, and the stress on the system has resulted in well failures and low system pressures. The proposed Project will improve the reliability of the water supply for the City and its service area while also providing for capacity expansion as growth continues.
• Drought: The proposed Project relies on groundwater. As such, the proposed water distribution system could be adversely impacted if a drought lowers the groundwater elevation in the area below the depth of the well.

Adaptation:
• Additional Storage: The proposed Project will provide additional water storge tanks to the City’s water distribution system. This will allow the City to effectively manage groundwater resources, reduce vulnerability to and from impacts of long-term drought conditions, and provide fire suppression storage capacity for the City service area and potential growth.

Project Description

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• Fire Resistance: The proposed Project will provide new water storage tanks capable of supplying adequate flows to meet Fire Code requirements and provide redundancy capabilities should existing equipment become inoperable.

Mitigation:
• Water Conservation: The proposed Project will provide reliable water supplies during peak hour demands and provide redundancy should existing equipment go offline. The Project is not intended to result in direct urban growth where increases to water consumption would occur. Water conservation methods as provided in the City General Plan and other applicable adopted plans and programs would be applied to all existing and future water consumers.

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SECTION 3 - INITIAL STUDY

3.1 - Environmental Checklist

1. Project Title:

2. Northeast Water Storage Tank, Booster Pump Station, and Transmission Main Project

3. Lead Agency Name and Address:

City of Madera
428 Yosemite Ave.

Madera, California 93638
3 Contact Person and Phone Number:

Will Tackett – Director of Community Development
(559) 661-3688
[email protected]
4 Project Location:

The Project is generally bounded by Lake Street to the east, Ellis Street to the south, and Martin Street to the north. See Figure 2-2 and Figure 2-3.

The proposed water tanks and other infrastructure will be located on a parcel (APN038-030-031) on North Lake Street, which is within unincorporated Madera County and the City of Madera Sphere of Influence (SOI).

City of Madera
428 Yosemite Ave.

Madera, California 93638
Will Tackett – Director of Community Development
(559) 661-3688
[email protected]
6 General Plan Designation:

The proposed water tank site is located within the County of Madera and within the City of Madera SOI.

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County of Madera: Low Density Residential
City of Madera: Low Density Residential
The proposed pipeline is anticipated to be developed within public road rights-of-way. 7 Zoning:

County of Madera: AR-5
8 Description of Project:

The Project will include the construction of water supply and distribution facilities to meet the demand conditions identified by the hydraulic model demands and projections.

Provisions for future facility expansion to meet Year 2044 (Phase 2) and Year 2058 (Phase 3) will be incorporated into the design documents. The initial phase (Phase 1) includes the development of water storage tanks and a pipeline connection to an existing water well site. The conceptual plan for the proposed Project is provided as Appendix A. 9 Surrounding Land Uses and Setting:

Proposed water tank and pumping station site
The proposed water tank and pumping site is generally bounded by Lake Street to the east, Ellis Street to the south, and Martin Street to the north. Surrounding land uses include rural residences to the north, east, and south, and vacant land to the west.

Proposed pipeline connecting the tank site to the City of Madera well site The water tank site is proposed to be connected via a pipeline that will be placed within the City of Madera right-of-way (ROW). The pipeline route will follow ROW south along Lake Street, west along Ellis Street, and northwest along Sharon Boulevard. This pipeline will connect to an existing well site located west of Sharon Boulevard, south of Avenue

17. The pipeline is located in ROW with a mixture of residential, rural residential, agricultural, and vacant uses.
10 Other Public Agencies Whose Approval May be Required:
• County of Madera
• California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC)
• United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR)
• State Water Resources Control Board- Division of Drinking Water and Water Quality Control
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3.2 - Environmental Factors Potentially Affected
The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this Project, involving at least one impact that is a “Potentially Significant Impact” as indicated by the checklist on the following pages.

Aesthetics Agriculture and Forestry
Resources
Air Quality
Biological Resources Cultural Resources Energy
Geology / Soils Greenhouse Gas Emissions Hazards & Hazardous Materials
Hydrology / Water
Quality
Land Use / Planning Mineral Resources
Noise Population / Housing Public Services
Recreation Transportation Tribal Cultural Resources
Utilities / Service
Systems
Wildfire Mandatory Findings of
Significance

3.3 - Determination
On the basis of this initial evaluation:

I find that the proposed Project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.

I find that although the proposed Project could have a significant effect on the environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because revisions in the Project have been made by or agreed to by the Project proponent. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.

I find that the proposed Project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required.

I find that the proposed Project MAY have a “potentially significant impact” or “potentially significant unless mitigated” impact on the environment, but at least one effect (a) has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and (b) has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described on attached sheets. An ENVIRONMENT IMPACT REPORT is required, but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed.

I find that although the proposed Project could have a significant effect on the environment, because all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed Initial Study

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adequately in an earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION pursuant to applicable standards, and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed Project, nothing further is required.

Signature:Will Tackett Date: August 27, 2025
Printed Name: Will Tackett Title: Director of Community Development Initial Study

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3.4 - Evaluation of Environmental Impacts

1. A brief explanation is required for all answers except “No Impact” answers that are adequately supported by the information sources a Lead Agency cites in the parentheses following each question. A “No Impact” answer is adequately supported if the referenced information sources show that the impact simply does not apply to projects like the one involved (e.g., the Project falls outside a fault rupture zone). A “No Impact” answer should be explained where it is based on Project-specific factors as well as general standards (e.g., the Project will not expose sensitive receptors to pollutants, based on a Projectspecific screening analysis).

2. All answers must take account of the whole action involved, including offsite as well as onsite, cumulative as well as Project-level, indirect as well as direct, and construction as well as operational impacts.

3. Once the Lead Agency has determined that a particular physical impact may occur, then the checklist answers must indicate whether the impact is potentially significant, less than significant with mitigation, or less than significant. “Potentially Significant Impact” is appropriate if there is substantial evidence that an effect may be significant. If there is one or more “Potentially Significant Impact” entries when the determination is made, an EIR is required.

4. “Negative Declaration: Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated” applies where the incorporation of mitigation measures has reduced an effect from “Potentially Significant Impact” to a “Less-Than-Significant Impact.” The Lead Agency must describe the mitigation measures, and briefly explain how they reduce the effect to a less-thansignificant level (mitigation measures from “Earlier Analyses,” as described in (5) below, may be cross-referenced).

5. Earlier analyses may be used where, pursuant to the tiering, program EIR, or other CEQA process, an effect has been adequately analyzed in an earlier EIR or negative declaration.

Section 15063(c)(3)(D). In this case, a brief discussion should identify the following:
a. Earlier Analysis Used. Identify and state where they are available for review. b. Impacts Adequately Addressed. Identify which effects from the above checklist were within the scope of and adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and state whether such effects were addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis.
c. Mitigation Measures. For effects that are "Less than Significant with Mitigation Measures Incorporated,” describe the mitigation measures which were incorporated or refined from the earlier document and the extent to which they address sitespecific conditions for the Project.

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6. Lead agencies are encouraged to incorporate into the checklist references to information sources for potential impacts (e.g., general plans, zoning ordinances). Reference to a previously prepared or outside document should, where appropriate, include a reference to the page or pages where the statement is substantiated.

7. Supporting Information Sources: A source list should be attached, and other sources used, or individuals contacted should be cited in the discussion.

8. This is only a suggested form, and lead agencies are free to use different formats; however, lead agencies should normally address the questions from this checklist that are relevant to a project's environmental effects in whatever format is selected.

9. The explanation of each issue should identify:
a. The significance criteria or threshold, if any, used to evaluate each question; and b. The mitigation measure identified, if any, to reduce the impact to less than significant.

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Discussion
Impact #3.4.1a – Would the Project have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? The proposed Project is located in a generally rural area that is predominantly comprised of residential, rural residential, agricultural production, and vacant land. The proposed tank site will specifically be surrounded by rural residential and vacant land uses and is not located in or near any designated scenic vistas. The City General Plan identifies significant visual resources, including the Fresno River, Cottonwood Creek, Schmidt Creek, and Dry Creek. Additionally, the City General Plan EIR (City of Madera, 2009a) notes that General Plan buildout would also affect existing visual characteristics of agricultural land to urban uses and potentially distant views of the Sierra Nevada Mountain ranges to the east and Coast Range to the west. The Project will not impact or impede residents from enjoying these identified resources. No known scenic resources exist on or near the Project area.

The majority of the proposed Project components will consist of pipelines that will be installed underground. There are also proposed water storage tanks and a pump station site.

Construction-related activities of the new water storage tanks and pump station will have a Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated

Less-thanSignificant
Impact
No
Impact

3.4.1 - AESTHETICS
Except as provided in Public Resources Code
Section 21099, would the Project:
a. Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic
vista?
b. Substantially damage scenic resources,
including, but not limited to, trees, rock
outcroppings, and historic buildings within a
State scenic highway?
c. In non-urbanized area, substantially degrade
the existing visual character or quality of
public views of the site and its surroundings?
(Public views are those that are experienced
from publicly accessible vantage point.) If the
Project is in an urbanized area, would the
Project conflict with applicable zoning and
other regulations governing scenic quality?
d. Create a new source of substantial light or
glare that would adversely affect day or
nighttime views in the area?
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short-term, temporary, and intermittent impact and may obstruct public views of agricultural fields and/or neighboring buildings. However, when completed and operational, the Project will not block or preclude views to any area containing important or what would be considered visually appealing landforms. The proposed Project will not have an adverse effect on known scenic vistas. Therefore, the proposed Project will have no impact on a scenic vista.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
There would be no impact.

Impact #3.4.1b – Would the Project substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a State scenic highway? See Impact #3.4.1a, above.

The Project area does not contain any scenic highways (California Department of Transportation, 2018). Pursuant to the California Streets and Highways Code, Sections 260 through 263, certain elements make a highway scenic, which include the amount of natural landscape that can be seen by drivers, the scenic quality of the landscape, and the extent of development. If a highway meets these criteria, then it becomes eligible to become an officially designated scenic highway. The closest eligible scenic highway is State Route (SR) 168, approximately 21 miles southeast of the Project site.

The area around the proposed Project is improved with agricultural, rural residential, and residential uses. There are no known historic buildings, trees, rock outcroppings, historic buildings, or scenic highways that have been identified near the proposed Project area.

Therefore, the proposed Project would have no impact on scenic resources or a scenic highway.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
There would be no impact.

Impact #3.4.1c – Would the Project substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of public views of the site and its surroundings? (Public views are those that are experienced from a publicly accessible vantage point.) If the Project is in an urbanized area, would the Project conflict with applicable zoning and other regulations governing scenic quality?
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See discussion of Impacts #3.4.1a and #3.4.1b.

The Project pipelines will all be placed underground within the public rights-of-way in rural residential areas with single-family homes, commercial properties, and agricultural lands.

All construction-related work may temporarily alter or obstruct the views along the subject streets with each section/component of work.

The proposed tank and pump station site is located in a rural residential area on larger lots.

Although the site will be visibly altered with the installation of the water tanks and associated infrastructure, as shown on the conceptual site plan included as Appendix A, there will be a 60-foot setback from the street and the Project fence line, as well as a required landscaping strip that will soften, and in some ways obstruct, the view of the equipment from the street and neighboring properties. Although the visual aspect of the currently undeveloped site will be altered, with the implementation of setbacks and landscaping, the Project will not substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of public views of the site and its surroundings.

The proposed Project will comply with City development codes and requirements related to setbacks and landscaping. Therefore, the Project will not conflict with local zoning or other regulations governing visual quality of the area. Therefore, the proposed Project will have a less-than-significant impact.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
Impacts would be less than significant.

Impact #3.4.1d – Would the Project create a new source of substantial light or glare that would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area? Construction
Construction-related activities on the proposed Project would typically be conducted during daylight hours, that is, from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Increased truck traffic and the transport of construction materials to the Project site could temporarily increase glare conditions during construction-related activities. In the event that work is performed between dusk and 6:00 a.m., construction crews will use minimal illumination to perform the work safely. All construction lighting would be directed downward and shielded to focus illumination on the desired work areas only and prevent light spillage onto adjacent properties.

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Operation
Once operational, the Project may require the use of permanent security lighting at the tank site, and there is potential for light spillage onto adjacent properties. Outdoor lighting will be shielded and directed downward to minimize off-site light spill.

There are several General Plan policies that include comprehensive design guidelines to establish basic design standards (Action CD-2.1) and criteria for public and private development projects (Policy CON-38). These policies and actions are implemented through the City Ordinance Code, specifically Title IX of the Ordinance Code, adopting California Building Code standards, and Title X, requiring review and approval of exterior lighting.

Compliance with established City design and construction guidelines would ensure that potential outdoor lighting would conform to adopted standards, would avoid and minimize impacts of light spillage onto adjacent properties, and would reduce the impact to a level below significant. Based on adopted General Plan policies and development standards, the minimization of light and glare impacts would be reduced to a less-than-significant level.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
Impacts would be less than significant.

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Discussion
Impact #3.4.2a – Would the Project convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to nonagricultural use?

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated

Less-thanSignificant
Impact

No
Impact

3.4.2 - AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY RESOURCES
In determining whether impacts to agricultural resources are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to the California Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site Assessment Model (1997) prepared by the California Department of Conservation as an optional model to use in assessing impacts on agriculture and farmland. In determining whether impacts to forest resources, including timberland, are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to information compiled by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection regarding the State’s inventory of forest land, including the Forest and Range Assessment Project and the Forest Legacy Assessment Project; and forest carbon measurement methodology provided in Forest Protocols adopted by the California Air Resources Board. Would the Project:
a. Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland,
or Farmland of Statewide Importance
(Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared
pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and
Monitoring Program of the California
Resources Agency, to non-agricultural use?
b. Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural
use or a Williamson Act contract?
c. Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause
rezoning of, forest land (as defined in Public
Resources Code Section 12220(g)),
timberland (as defined by Public Resources
Code Section 4526), or timberland zoned
Timberland Production (as defined by
Government Code Section 51104(g))?
d. Result in the loss of forest land or conversion
of forest land to non-forest use?
e. Involve other changes in the existing
environment which, due to their location or
nature, could result in conversion of
Farmland, to non-agricultural use or
conversion of forest land to non-forest use?
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The proposed water storage tanks and pump station site is located on North Lake Street. This site is in an area that is developed with rural residences and designated as Vacant or Disturbed Land per the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program (FMMP) (California Department of Conservation, 2022). As noted, the pipeline portion of the Project will be located within existing public road ROW; therefore, the pipeline component of the wellsite will not impact Farmland. Therefore, the Project will have no impact.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
There would be no impact.

Impact #3.4.2b – Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use or a Williamson Act contract?
See Impact #3.4.2a.

The water storage tanks, pump station, and proposed pipeline route are not located on a parcel subject to a Williamson Act Contract. Under both the County of Madera General Plan and the City of Madera General Plan (City of Madera, 2009b), the site is designated for Low Density Residential and is zoned AR-5 (Agricultural, Rural 5-acres) under the Madera County zoning ordinance. As previously noted, the proposed pipeline is anticipated to be located along the existing public ROW and would not conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use.

Therefore, the Project does not conflict with a Williamson Contract or existing zoning for agricultural use, and there would be no impact.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
There would be no impact.

Impact #3.4.2c – Would the Project conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code Section 12220(g), timberland (as defined by Public Resources Code Section 4526), or timberland zoned Timberland Production (as defined by Government Code Section 51104(g))?
The California Public Resources Code Section 12220(g) defines “Forest Land” as “land that can support 10-percent native tree cover of any species, including hardwoods, under natural conditions, and that allows for management of one or more forest resources, including Initial Study

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timber, aesthetics, fish and wildlife, biodiversity, water quality, recreation, and other public benefits.” There are no forest lands identified on the proposed Project site or within its vicinity; therefore, there would be no conflict with or impacts to zoning for forest land or timberland. The proposed Project would not result in the loss or conversion of forest land to a non-forest use.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
There would be no impact.

Impact #3.4.2d – Would the Project result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to non-forest use?
See discussion of Impact #3.4.2c.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
There would be no impact.

Impact #3.4.2e – Would the Project involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland, to non-agricultural use or conversion of forest land to non-forest use?
See discussion of Impacts #3.4.2a through #3.4.2c.

As discussed above, the water tank site is designated for low density residential under both the County and City of Madera General Plans. The proposed pipeline is anticipated to be developed within public ROW and does not result in the conversion of Farmland at surrounding sites. The Project does not involve other changes in the existing environment where additional farmland would be converted. There is no impact related to farmland, agricultural uses, or forestlands.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
There would be no impact.

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Initial Study

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Discussion
The following analysis is based on the Focused Air Quality Study prepared for this Project (QK, 2025a) attached as Appendix B.

Impact #3.4.3a – Would the Project conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan?
A potentially significant impact to air quality, as defined by CEQA, would occur if the project caused one or more of the following to occur:
• Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan. • Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is non-attainment under an applicable federal or State ambient air quality standard.
• Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations. • Result in other emissions (such as those leading to odors) adversely affecting a substantial number of people.

CEQA Guidelines state that a project that would “violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation” would create significant impacts on air quality. Therefore, should the emissions from a project exceed

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less-thanSignificant
Impact
No
Impact

3.4.3 - AIR QUALITY

Where available, the significance criteria established by the applicable air quality management or air pollution control district may be relied upon to make the following determinations. Would the Project:
a. Conflict with or obstruct implementation of
the applicable air quality plan?
b. Result in a cumulatively considerable net
increase of any criteria pollutant for which
the Project region is non-attainment under
an applicable federal or State ambient air
quality standard?
c. Expose sensitive receptors to substantial
pollutant concentrations?
d. Result in other emissions (such as those
leading to odor) adversely affecting a
substantial number of people?
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National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) or California Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS), then the project would cause or contribute significantly to violations of the NAAQS or CAAQS when added to existing ambient concentrations. The thresholds of significance for NAAQS and CAAQS are provided in Table 3.4.3-1 below.

Table 3.4.3-1
NAAQS and CAAQS Thresholds
Pollutant Averaging Time NAAQS CAAQS
Concentration
O3
8-hour 0.070 ppm (137 µg/m3)a 0.070 ppm (137 µg/m3)
1-hour 0.09 ppm (180 µg/m3)
CO
8-hour 9 ppm (10 µg/m3) 9 ppm (10 µg/m3)
1-hour 35 ppm (40 µg/m3) 20 ppm (23 µg/m3)
NO2
Annual Average 53 ppb (100 µg/m3) 0.030 ppm (57 µg/m3)
1-Hour 100 ppb (188.68 µg/m3) 0.18 ppm (339 µg/m3)
SO2
3-Hour 0.5 ppm (1,300 µg/m3)
24 Hour 0.14 ppm (365 µg/m3) 0.04 ppm (105 µg/m3)
1-Hour 75 ppb (196 µg/m3) 0.25 ppm (655 µg/m3)
Particulate Matter
(PM10)
Annual Arithmetic
Mean 20 µg/m3
24-Hour 150 µg/m3 50 µg/m3
Fine Particulate
Matter (PM2.5)
Annual Arithmetic
Mean 12 µg/m3 12 µg/m3
24-Hour 35 µg/m3
Sulfates 24-Hour 25 µg/m3
Pbd
Rolling Three-Month
Average 0.15 µg/m3
30 Day Average 1.5 µg/m3
H2S 1-Hour 0.03 ppm (42 µg/m3)
Vinyl Chloride
(chloroethene) 24-Hour 0.010 ppm (26 µg/m3)
Visibility Reducing
particles
8 Hour (1000 to 1800
PST)
b
ppm = parts per
million
ppb = parts per billion
mg/m3 = milligrams per cubic
meter
µg/m3 = micrograms per cubic
meter
Source: CARB 2024
a. On October 1, 2015, the national 8-hour ozone primary and secondary standards were lowered from 0.075 to 0.070 ppm
b. In 1989, CARB converted both the general statewide 10-mile visibility standards and the Lake Tahoe 30-mile visibility standard to instrumental equivalents, which are “extinction of 0.23 per kilometer” and “extinction of 0.07 per kilometer” for the statewide and Lake Tahoe Air Basin standards, respectively.

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The Project is located within the jurisdiction of the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (District or SJVACPD) and the San Joaquin Valley Air Basin. The District is responsible for controlling emissions primarily from stationary sources. The SJVAPCD has also established emission thresholds in their Guidance for Assessing and Mitigating Air Quality Impacts (GAMAQI) to determine whether a project would create any potential air quality impacts that would require further analysis in an Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The SJVAPCD air quality thresholds from GAMAQI are presented in Table 3.4.3-2.

Construction and operation of the Project are expected to comply with applicable rules and regulations required by the SJVAPCD. The following examples of SJVAPCD rules and regulations that may be applicable to the proposed Project are described below:
• Rule 2010 (Permits Required)
• Rule 4002 (National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants) • Regulation VIII (Fugitive PM10 Prohibitions)
• Rule 9510 Indirect Source Review
Table 3.4.3-2
SJVAPCD Air Quality Thresholds of Significance – Criteria Pollutants Pollutant/Precursor Construction
Emissions
Operational Emissions

Permitted
Equipment and
Activities
Non-permitted
Equipment and
Activities
Emissions (tons per
year; tpy)
Emissions (tpy) Emissions (tpy)
CO 100 100 100
NOx 10 10 10
ROG 10 10 10
SOx 27 27 27
PM10 15 15 15
PM2.5 15 15 15
Source: Appendix B
Project-related criteria pollutant emissions were estimated using the California Emissions Estimator Model (CalEEMod) version 2020.4.0. Short-term emissions are primarily from the construction of a Project and would have temporary impacts on air quality. CalEEMod was used to estimate emissions from construction worker vehicles and on-site construction equipment. CalEEMod default construction schedule and equipment were used to estimated Project emissions. The Project also must comply with the required SJVAPCD’s mitigation measures to limit fugitive dust emissions.

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Table 3.4.3-3
Short-Term Project Emissions
Emissions Source Pollutant (tons/year)
ROG NOX CO SO2 PM10 PM2.5
2025 0.05 0.42 0.46 <0.005 0.06 0.04
2026 0.12 0.87 1.36 <0.005 0.07 0.04
2027 0.06 0.49 0.81 <0.005 0.04 0.03
Total 0.23 1.78 2.63 <0.015 0.17 0.11
Significance Threshold 25 25 NA 27 15 15
Is Threshold Exceeded After
Mitigation? No No No No No No
Source: Appendix B
The following measures were applied in CalEEMod, resulting in emissions shown in Table

3.4.3-3:
• Water exposed area three times per day.
• Reduce vehicle speed on unpaved roads.

As shown in Table 3.4.3-3, the Project’s short-term construction emissions are presented, demonstrating that the Project’s construction activities would not exceed construction significance thresholds. Therefore, construction emissions were found to be less than significant, and no further evaluation is required.

Long-term emissions are caused by operational mobile sources and area source emissions from the Project. Because the Project qualifies for the use of a SPAL under the SJVAPCD guidelines, the Project's operational emissions are expected to be less than significant. Once operational, the water pumps will be run by electricity and will not result in an increase in any operational emission sources above a negligible level. Other emissions from other sources, such as from staff work trucks, would be nominal. Therefore, operational emissions were found to be less than significant, and no further evaluation is required.

An ambient air quality analysis, when required, determines if a proposed project has the potential to cause a violation of the ambient air quality standards or a substantial contribution to an existing or projected air quality standard. As stated in the GAMAQI, SJVAPCD has developed screening levels for requiring an Ambient Air Quality Analysis (AAQA). The SJVAPCD recommends that an AAQA be performed for all criteria pollutants when emissions of any criteria pollutant resulting from project construction or operational activities exceed the 100 pounds per day screening level, after compliance with Rule 9510 requirements and implementation of all enforceable mitigation measures.

As demonstrated in Table 3.4.3-3, short-term construction emissions will be minimal, and there will be negligible emissions associated with long-term operational emissions.

Therefore, the Project’s potential to increase any criteria pollutant’s average daily emissions during construction and operational activities associated with it would not exceed 100 pounds per day. Therefore, an AAQA is not required for this Project. In consideration of both Initial Study

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short-term construction emissions and long-term operational emissions, the Project is not anticipated to exceed established thresholds and would result in a less-than-significant impact.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
Impacts would be less than significant.

Impact #3.4.3b –Would the Project result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the Project region is non-attainment under an applicable federal or State ambient air quality standard?
As discussed, the District has adopted thresholds of significance where it can be assumed that if a project does exceed the criteria pollutant emission thresholds, then the project would be considered to have a significant impact if not adequately mitigated to below the thresholds. The Air District separates construction emissions from operational emissions and further separates permitted operational emissions from non-permitted operational emissions to determine significance thresholds for air pollutant emissions.

Owing to the inherently cumulative nature of air quality impacts, the threshold for whether a project would make a cumulatively considerable contribution to a significant cumulative impact is currently based on whether the proposed Project would exceed established project-level thresholds. As such, a qualitative evaluation of the Project’s cumulative emissions supports a finding that the Project’s contribution would not be cumulatively considerable because the proposed Project’s incremental emissions do not exceed the established thresholds, and therefore, impacts would be less than significant.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
Impacts would be less than significant.

Impact #3.4.3c – Would the Project expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations?
Sensitive receptors are defined as locations where young children, chronically ill individuals, the elderly, or people who are more sensitive than the general population reside, such as schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and daycare centers. The nearest residential sensitive receptor to the proposed tank site is located adjacent to the north, south, and east of the Project site. Residences are also located along portions of the pipeline route.

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The closest schools are James Monroe Elementary School and Nishimoto Elementary School, which are located 0.30 miles south and west, respectively, of the Project site. The closest hospital is 3.23 miles south, and the closest assisted living facility is 0.78 miles south. The nearest daycare facility is 0.46 miles southwest of the Project.

Projects are considered for potential health risks wherein a new or modified source of Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) is proposed for a location near an existing residential area or other sensitive receptor when evaluating potential impacts related to HAPs.

The proposed Project would result in emissions of HAPs during construction and would be located near existing residents; therefore, an assessment of the potential risk to the population attributable to emissions of hazardous air pollutants from the proposed Project is required. To predict the potential health risk to the population attributable to emissions of HAPs from the proposed Project, ambient air concentrations were predicted with dispersion modeling to arrive at a conservative estimate of increased individual carcinogenic risk that might occur as a result of continuous exposure over the construction period for construction emissions. Similarly, predicted concentrations were used to calculate noncancer chronic and acute hazard indices, which are the ratio of expected exposure to acceptable exposure. The basis for evaluating potential health risks is the identification of sources with increased HAPs. HAP emissions from anticipated on-site construction activities were evaluated. Health risk is determined using the Hotspots Analysis and Reporting Program (HARP) software distributed by the CARB. HARP2 requires peak 1-hour emission rates and annual-averaged emission rates for all pollutants for each modeling source.

SJVAPCD has set the level of significance for carcinogenic risk at twenty in one million, which is understood as the possibility of causing 20 additional cancer cases in a population of one million people. The level of significance for chronic non-cancer risk is a hazard index of 1.0.

All receptors were modeled with a two-year exposure to construction activities.

The carcinogenic risk and the health hazard index (HI) for chronic non-cancer risk at the point of maximum impact (PMI) do not exceed the significance levels of 20 x 10-6 and 1.0, respectively, for the proposed Project. The PMIs are identified by receptor location and risk and are provided in Table 3.4.3-4.

Table 3.4.3-4
Potential Maximum Impacts Predicted by HARP
Cancer Risk Chronic Hazard
Index
Total Construction 11.42E-06 6.68E-03
SJVAPCD Threshold 20.0E-06 1.0
Exceedance? No No
Receptor # 4361 4361
UTM Easting (m) 762021.86 762021.86
UTM Northing (m) 4097727.45 4097727.45
Note: UTM = Universal Transverse Mercator
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As shown above in Table 3.4.3-4, the maximum predicted cancer risk for the proposed Project is 11.42E-06. The maximum chronic non-cancer hazard index for the proposed Project is 6.68E-03. Since the PMI remained below the significance threshold for cancer and chronic risk, this Project would not have an adverse effect on any of the surrounding communities.

The potential health risk attributable to the proposed Project is determined to be less than significant based on the following conclusions:
• Potential carcinogenic risk from the proposed Project is below the significance level of twenty in a million at each of the modeled receptors. • The hazard index for the potential chronic non-cancer risk from the proposed Project is below the significance level of 1.0 at each of the modeled receptors. • The hazard index for the potential acute non-cancer risk was not calculated since there is no acute risk associated with DPM emission; therefore, the proposed Project is considered below the significance level.

Therefore, the potential risk to the population attributable to emissions of HAPs from the proposed Project would be less than significant. Based on the predicted operational emissions and activity types, the proposed Project is not expected to affect any on-site or offsite sensitive receptors and is not expected to have any adverse impacts on any known sensitive receptors.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
Impacts would be less than significant.

Impact #3.4.3d – Would the Project result in emissions (such as those leading to odors) adversely affecting a substantial number of people?
An evaluation is typically conducted for both of the following situations: 1) a potential source of objectionable odors is proposed for a location near existing sensitive receptors, and 2) sensitive receptors are proposed to be located near an existing source of objectionable odors.

The criteria for this evaluation are based on the Lead Agency’s determination of the proximity to one another of the proposed project and the sensitive receptors. A sensitive receptor is a location where human populations, especially children, senior citizens, and sick persons, are present, and where there is a reasonable expectation of continuous human exposure to pollutants, according to the averaging period for ambient air quality standards, i.e., the 24-hour, 8-hour, or 1-hour standards. Commercial and industrial sources are not considered sensitive receptors.

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The proposed Project is not considered a source of objectionable odors or odorous compounds. As such, the proposed Project will not be a source of any odorous compounds nor will it likely be impacted by any odorous source.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
Impacts would be less than significant.

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Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated

Less-thanSignificant
Impact
No
Impact

3.4.4 - BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
Would the Project:
a. Have a substantial adverse effect, either
directly or through habitat modifications, on
any species identified as a candidate, sensitive,
or special-status species in local or regional
plans, policies, or regulations or by the
California Department of Fish and Wildlife or
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?
b. Have a substantial adverse effect on any
riparian habitat or other sensitive natural
community identified in local or regional
plans, policies, regulations, or by the California
Department of Fish and Wildlife or U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service?
c. Have a substantial adverse effect on State or
federally protected wetlands (including, but
not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.)
through direct removal, filling, hydrological
interruption, or other means?
d. Interfere substantially with the movement of
any native resident or migratory fish or
wildlife species, or with established native
resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or
impede the use of native wildlife nursery
sites?
e. Conflict with any local policies or ordinances
protecting biological resources, such as a tree
preservation policy or ordinance?
f. Conflict with the provisions of an adopted
habitat conservation plan, natural community
conservation plan, or other approved local,
regional, or State habitat conservation plan?
Discussion
The following analysis is based on the Biological Assessment prepared for this Project (QK, 2025b) attached as Appendix C.

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Impact #3.4.4a – Would the Project have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or specialstatus species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations or by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? Qualified biologists conducted a reconnaissance level survey of the Project. The survey included the Project area and a 500-foot survey buffer surrounding the Project area (Biological Survey Area [BSA]). Habitat within the BSA include urban, and non-native annual grassland and was assessed to evaluate the presence of federally and State protected plant and wildlife species and their habitat.

The California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB), the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) database, and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Information for Planning and Conservation (IPaC) database were reviewed to assess whether occurrences of federally listed species or USFWS Critical Habitat Units have been documented within the Action Area and USGS nine-quadrangles surrounding the Project.

There were 13 federally listed plants and wildlife identified in the CNDDB, CNPS, and IPaC database searches of the nine quadrangles surrounding the Project. There is no suitable habitat that could support federally listed and protected plant or wildlife species within the Project area.

In addition, there are 15 State-listed wildlife species identified in the CNDDB, CNPS, and IPaC database searches of the nine quadrangles surrounding the Project, 10 of which are also federally listed. The identified federal and State-listed special-status plant and wildlife species with the potential to occur based on database research and survey are summarized in Table 3.4.4-1 below.

Table 3.4.4-1
Federal and State Listed, Proposed, and Candidate Plant and Wildlife Species Evaluated for Their Potential to Occur within the Project Area

Scientific Name Status
Federal/State

CRPR/CDFW
General Location/ Habitat Requirements Potential to
Occur
Plants
Castilleja campestris
succulenta
succulent owl'sclover
FT/SE
1B.2/-
Vernal pool No
Orcuttia inaequalis
San Joaquin Valley
Orcutt grass
FT/SE
1B.1/-
Vernal pool No
Orcuttia Pilosa
hairy Orcutt grass
FE/SE
1B.1/-
Vernal pool No
Tuctoria greenei
Greene's tuctoria
FE/SR
1B.1/-
Small or shallow vernal pools No
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Scientific Name Status
Federal/State

CRPR/CDFW
General Location/ Habitat Requirements Potential to
Occur
Wildlife
Danaus Plexippus
monarch butterflyoverwintering
population
FPT/-
-/-
Fields, meadows, weedy areas, marshes,
and roadsides
No
Desmocerus
californicus
dimorphus
valley elderberry
longhorn beetle
FT/-
-/-
Riparian areas and within elderberry
shrubs
No
Branchinecta lynchi
vernal pool fairy
shrimp
FT/-
-/-
Vernal pool No
Ambystoma
californiense
California tiger
salamander
FT/ST
-/WL
Breeding: ephemeral pools or artificial
ponds
Upland habitat: valley and foothill
grassland, oak woodlands, and
uncommonly riparian
No
Spea hammondii
western spadefoot
FPT/-
-/SSC
Breeding: vernal pools
Non-breeding habitat: grasslands, coastal
scrub, woodlands, chaparral, sandy washes,
lowland river floodplains, alkali flats,
foothills, and mountains
No
Actinemys
marmorata
Northwestern pond
turtle
FPT/-
-/SSC
Ponds, lakes, rivers, streams, creeks,
marshes, and irrigation ditches
No
Gambelia sila
blunt-nosed leopard
lizard
FE/SE
-/FP
Open, dry scrub habitats No
Dipodomys
nitratoides exilis
Fresno kangaroo rat
FE/SE
-/-
Open dry scrub and grassland habitats No
Vulpes macrotis
mutica
San Joaquin kit fox
FE/ST
-/-
Grasslands, shrublands, fallow fields, dry
grain fields, and urban areas
No
Phrynosoma
blainvillii
coast horned lizard
-/-
-/SSC
Loose soils in grasslands, forests,
woodlands, and open chaparral
No
Agelaius tricolor
tricolored blackbird
-/ST
-/SSC
Wetland and agricultural habitat No
Athene cunicularia
western burrowing
owl
-/SC
-/SSC
Grasslands, shrublands, fallow fields, dry
grain fields
No
Buteo swainsoni
Swainson's hawk
-/ST
-/-
Occurs in open country habitats such as
deserts, grasslands, or agricultural areas
containing scattered large trees or small
groves
Present
Taxidea taxus
American badger
-/-
-/SSC
Grasslands, forest glades, meadows,
marshes, brushy areas, deserts, mountain
No
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Federal Status:

FE - Federal Endangered Species
FPT - Federal Proposed Threatened
FT - Federal Threatened Species
California Status
SCE - California Candidate Endangered
SR - California State Listed - Rare
SE - California Endangered Species
ST - California Threatened Species
CDFW Status
SSC - CDFW Species of Special Concern
WL - CDFW Watch List
Based on the initial literature review and reconnaissance level survey, the prepared BA indicated that there is a potential for one special-status species to occur at the Project sites.

An evaluation of the potentially occurring special-status species, which included habitat requirements, likelihood of required habitat to occur within the Project area, and a comparison to the CNDDB records was conducted. The results of this evaluation concluded that no sensitive natural community or special-status plant species are anticipated to occur on or near the Project area and that one wildlife species has a reasonable potential to occur on or near the Project area.

Scientific Name Status
Federal/State

CRPR/CDFW
General Location/ Habitat Requirements Potential to
Occur
meadows, prairie, and sandy loam soil
habitats
Additional State Listed, Proposed, and Candidate Wildlife Species Evaluated for Their Potential to Occur within the Project Area
Phrynosoma
blainvillii
coast horned lizard
-/-
-/SSC
Loose soils in grasslands, forests,
woodlands, and open chaparral
No
Agelaius tricolor
tricolored blackbird
-/ST
-/SSC
Wetland and agricultural habitat No
Athene cunicularia
western burrowing
owl
-/SC
-/SSC
Grasslands, shrublands, fallow fields, dry
grain fields,
No
Buteo swainsoni
Swainson's hawk
-/ST
-/-
Occurs in open country habitats such as
deserts, grasslands, or agriculture areas
containing scattered large trees or small
groves
Present
Taxidea taxus
American badger
-/-
-/SSC
Grasslands, forest glades, meadows,
marshes, brushy areas, deserts, mountain
meadows, prairie and sandy loam soil
habitats
No
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Sensitive Natural Communities and Special-Status Species

SENSITIVE NATURAL COMMUNITIES AND SPECIAL-STATUS PLANTS Habitat within the Project area is classified as Annual Grassland and Urban. The three-acre Project tank site consists of a previously tilled, undeveloped parcel surrounded by residential development and undeveloped pastures/non-native grassland. Historical satellite imagery shows that this lot has been regularly disturbed by tilling or disking since as early as 1998. The BSA was dominated by nonnative grasses and forbs that did not contain native habitat.

Annual Grassland is composed primarily of annual plant species, many of which occur as understory plants in valley oak woodland and other habitats. It is dominated by introduced annual grasses that include wild oats, soft chess, ripgut brome, red brome, wild barley, and foxtail fescue. Many wildlife species use Annual Grasslands for foraging, but some require special habitat features such as cliffs, caves, ponds, or habitats with woody plants for breeding, resting, and escape cover. Species associated with this community include western fence lizard, common garter snake, western rattlesnake, burrowing owl, short-eared owl, horned lark, western meadowlark, black-tailed jackrabbit, California ground squirrel, Botta's pocket gopher, western harvest mouse, California vole, badger, coyote, and the San Joaquin kit fox. This habitat also provides important foraging habitat for the turkey vulture, northern harrier, American kestrel, black-shouldered kite, and prairie falcon. Annual Grassland habitat occurs mostly on flat plains to gently rolling foothills. Common soil orders include Entisols and Alfisols. This habitat occurs in various-sized patches throughout the State.

Urban is described as a developed habitat with five types of vegetative structure, including tree grove, street strip, shade tree/lawn, lawn, and shrub cover. Common in city parks, green belts, and cemeteries, tree groves vary in height, tree spacing, crown shape, and understory conditions, depending on species planted and landscape design. Street tree strips show variation in spacing of trees, depending upon species and design considerations, and are typically planted in grass. Shade trees/lawns are typical of residential areas and reminiscent of natural savannas. Lawns are structurally the most uniform vegetative units of the Urban habitat and shrub cover, including hedges, is more limited in distribution. Species composition in Urban habitats varies with planting design and climate, and monoculture is commonly observed in tree groves and street tree strips. Three urban categories relevant to wildlife are distinguished: downtown, urban residential, and suburbia. Downtown has the lowest diversity, comprised of over 90 percent avian density and biomass, including rock dove, European starling, and house sparrow. Wildlife that utilize urban residential scrub jay, mockingbird, house finch, raccoon, opossum, striped skunk, and California slender salamander. Wrentits, bushtits, plain titmouse, chestnut-backed chickadee, California quail, black-tailed deer, ringtail, black-tailed jackrabbit, gopher snake, and western fence lizard typically occur in suburban areas. Urban habitat is the result of modifying pre-settlement vegetation and introducing new species. They are not limited to any particular physical setting and occur throughout California.

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The BSA consists predominantly of residences with various urban settings and ruderal plants such as ornamental trees, plants, and grass lawns. These species include non-native grasses such as wild oat (Avena fatua), and ripgut brome (Bromus diandrus) and forbs such as curly dock (Rumex crispus), field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis), red-stem filaree (Erodium cicutarium), sorrel (Rumex acetosa), short-pod mustard (Hirschfeldia incana), and Jimson weed (Datura wrightii). Within the BSA, numerous ornamental trees were present on private residential development. There were no special-status plants or habitats capable of supporting special-status plants observed.

SPECIAL-STATUS WILDLIFE
Species present within the BSA were typical for urban habitat, and nonnative grassland included European starling (Sturnus vulgaris), mourning dove (Zenaida macroura), white crowned sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys), red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), Swainson’s hawk (Buteo swainsoni), turkey vulture (Cathartes aura), common crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos), garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis), and various domesticated livestock.

The BSA is heavily disturbed by urban development. Several small mammal burrows were found within the BSA, likely belonging to California ground squirrel (Otostermophilus beecheyi) and Botta’s pocket gopher (Thomomys bottae). No raptor, passerine, or ground nests were identified, but the BSA contains suitable habitat for nesting bird species. No nesting migratory birds were present in the BSA. However, there is potential for migratory birds to nest within the BSA in ornamental trees in nearby residential properties and the nonnative grassland in undeveloped lots throughout the BSA. Of the fourteen special-status species, one species, the Swainson’s hawk, was identified as having the potential to occur within the Project area and one adult Swainson’s hawk was observed during the survey.

However, no nest was located in the vicinity of the Project site. A discussion of the Swainson’s hawk is provided below.

Swainson’s Hawk
Swainson’s hawks occur in grassland, desert, and agricultural landscapes throughout the Central Valley and Antelope Valley. Some hawks may be resident, especially in the southern portion of their range, while others may migrate between winter and breeding habitats. They prefer larger isolated trees or small woodlots for nesting, usually with grassland or dryland grain fields nearby for foraging, and have been known to nest in large eucalyptus trees (Eucalyptus sp.) along heavily traveled freeway corridors. Swainson’s hawks forage in grassland, open scrub, pasture, and dryland grain agricultural habitats, primarily for rodents.

Swainson’s hawks exhibit moderate to high nest site fidelity for successful nest sites. The primary threat to Swainson’s hawk is loss of native foraging and breeding grounds due to habitat conversion. Other threats include climate change, drought, infrastructure placement, wind turbine strikes, nest tree trimming, vehicle collisions, disease, pesticide poisoning, and electrocution.

There are four CNDDB records within 10 miles of the BSA. The closest CNDDB record (EONDX 103593) is approximately 2.5 miles southwest of the BSA and is presumed extant.

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As noted above, one adult Swainson’s hawk was observed during the survey, but no nest was located in the vicinity. The individual did not display any nest-building behaviors; most likely, the individual was flying over in search of foraging habitat. Suitable nesting habitat is present within 0.5 miles of the BSA, specifically in areas with large trees. However, the few open non-native grasslands present within the BSA provide very low-quality foraging opportunities for the species. Several California ground squirrel burrows were identified within the Project area, but it is unlikely that they could provide an adequate prey base to support the species. One other raptor species, the red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), was observed during the survey

CONCLUSION
The overall Project and surrounding areas have been disturbed for years by ongoing agriculture and residential development. The Project area and vicinity do not provide suitable habitat for any special-status plant species, and no mitigation measures to protect, avoid, or minimize impacts to special-status plant species are warranted.

The Project area and vicinity have a lack of sufficient prey base and provide low-quality foraging habitat for Swainson’s hawk and other raptor species. There is the potential for nesting migratory birds and raptors, including the Swainson’s hawk, which are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, to nest on or near the Project area. To account for potential impacts, implementation of Mitigation Measures (MM) BIO-1 through BIO-5 as recommended in the BA would protect, avoid, and minimize impacts to potential nesting migratory birds and raptors, including the Swainson’s hawk. MM BIO-1 will require a preconstruction survey to be conducted, and MM BIO-2 requires that pre-disturbance surveys be conducted if construction occurs during nesting season, and additional measures should nests be identified. MM BIO-3 establishes procedures for active raptor nests, MM BIO4 provides for Swainson’s hawk-specific protocol surveys and avoidance measures, and MM BIO-5 requires training for all construction personnel for biological resources.

Compliance with Mitigation Measures BIO-1 through BIO-5 would protect, avoid, and minimize impacts to special-status wildlife species. When implemented, these measures would reduce impacts to these species to below significant levels.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
BIO-1: A preconstruction survey shall be conducted 14-30 days prior to Project construction activities to verify if special-status or sensitive species are present within 500 feet of the Project. The focal species shall include Swainson’s hawk and other migratory nesting birds.

A report outlining the results of the survey shall be prepared and submitted to the lead agency as evidence of compliance.

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identified, then Project construction activities may proceed, and no further mitigation measures for nesting birds are required. If active nest(s) are identified, the active nest(s) should be continuously surveyed for the first 24 hours after detection to establish a behavioral baseline prior to any construction-related activities.

Once construction commences, all nests shall be continuously monitored to detect any behavioral changes because of the Project (i.e., nest avoidance or abandonment). If behavioral changes are observed, the work causing that change shall cease until the qualified biologist consults with the CDFW and/or the USFWS and the qualified biologist implements the recommended measures. During such times as the qualified biological monitor is not on site while construction workers are on site, a minimum non-disturbance buffer of 250 feet shall be established around active nests and a 500-foot no-disturbance buffer around the nests of raptors until the breeding season has ended or until a qualified biologist has determined that the birds have fledged and are no longer reliant upon the nest or parental care for survival, and any adult birds are no longer occupying the nest. Deviations from these no-disturbance buffers may be implemented if the qualified biologist concludes that work within the buffer area would not cause nest avoidance or abandonment (e.g., when the disturbance area would be concealed from a nest site by topography) provided that notification of this determination of a deviation in the no-disturbance buffer is provided by the qualified biologist no less than 15 days in advance to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the United States Fish and Wildlife.

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(https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/conservation/survey-protocols#377281284-birds) (May 31, 2000), which is hereby incorporated by reference. This protocol prescribes minimum standards for survey equipment, mode of survey, angle and distance to tree, speed, visual and audible clues, distractions, notes and observations, and timing of surveys.

BIO-5. Prior to the initiation of construction activities, all construction personnel shall attend a Worker Environmental Awareness Training program developed by a qualified biologist.

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decommissioning of Project facilities shall attend the Worker Environmental Awareness Training program prior to starting work on the Project. All on-site workers shall attend training on an annual basis. The Program shall be developed and presented by the Project qualified biologist(s) or designee approved by the qualified biologist(s). The program shall include information about the life histories of State or federally listed species with potential to occur on the Action area, their legal status, course of action should these species be encountered on-site, and avoidance and minimization measures to protect these species. The training shall include the following components:
a. Information about the life history and identification of federally listed plant and wildlife species, as well as other special-status plant and wildlife species that may be affected by project activities. The program shall present the legal protection status of each such species, the definition of “take” under the Federal Endangered Species Act and California Endangered Species Act, measures the Project proponent/operator shall implement to protect the species, reporting requirements, specific measures for workers to avoid take of special-status plant and wildlife species, and penalties for violation of Project permits or other Project-related environmental measures. b. An acknowledgment form signed by each worker indicating that the Worker Environmental Awareness Training and Education program has been completed shall be kept on file at the construction site.
c. A copy of the training transcript and/or training video, as well as a list of the names of all personnel who attended the Worker Environmental Awareness Training and Education program, and signed acknowledgment forms, shall be submitted to the contractor’s construction manager or on-site superintendent. d. A copy of the training transcript, training video or informational binder for specific procedures shall be kept available for all personnel to review and be familiar with, as necessary.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
Impacts would be less than significant with mitigation incorporated.

Impact #3.4.4b – Would the Project have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?
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As discussed above, the Project site consists of land classified as Annual Grassland and Urban with both habitats not considered sensitive or a riparian habitat. The water tank and pump site is located on an undeveloped but disturbed parcel surrounded by residential development and vacant land. The pipeline is anticipated to be developed within public ROW and is not located within riparian habitat or a sensitive natural community. Therefore, the Project would result in no impact.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
The Project would result in no impact.

Impact #3.4.4c – Would the Project have a substantial adverse effect on State or federally protected wetlands (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means? The National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) and National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) datasets show one historical water feature that intersects the BSA west of Road 26 (Figure 3.4.4-1) along the pipeline route. There are no water features identified within the water tank and pump station site.

The NHD identified the feature as a canal ditch, and NWI identified the feature as a riverine feature (R4SBCx and R5UBFx). This is the Lateral 24.2 canal that is operated by the Madera Irrigation District and under the jurisdiction of the United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR). Should the Project impact the canal ditch, implementation of MM BIO-6 would require that specific impacts be identified by a water delineation and the appropriate regulatory permit be obtained, or through confirmation that regulatory permits are not required.

As noted, the Project proposes the pipeline to cross underneath the canal via the trenchless jack and bore method. Through the use of the jack and bore, the Project anticipates no impacts to the canal bed or bank. However, an encroachment permit would be required from USBR in order to install the pipeline, as outlined in MM BIO-7. With implementation of MM BIO-7, impacts to water features such as Lateral 24.2 would be less than significant.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) dataset shows the Action Area to be in an area of minimal flood hazard.

Therefore, with implementation of MM BIO-6 and MM BIO-7, the Project will result in a lessthan-significant impact.

Initial Study

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MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
BIO-6: Prior to any ground disturbance in this area on Ellis Street, if Lateral 24.2 canal cannot be avoided, the Project proponent/developer shall submit a final Delineation report to the City of Madera. A copy of this report shall also be provided to the Bureau of Reclamation. The report shall include information as shown below as a plan, if necessary, and shall outline compliance with the following:
a. Delineation of all jurisdictional features at the project site. Potential jurisdictional features within the project boundary identified in the jurisdictional delineation report may be shown in plan form.
b. If the Project has a potential to directly or indirectly impact jurisdictional aquatic resources, a formal aquatic resource delineation of these areas shall be performed by a qualified professional to determine the extent of agency jurisdiction and permits/authorizations from the appropriate regulating agencies (United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR)., Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) and CDFW shall be obtained prior to disturbance to jurisdictional features.

If impacts to the jurisdictional Lateral 24.2 canal cannot be avoided, the Project developer/contractor shall consult with USBR staff to obtain the appropriate permit(s).

As part of these authorizations, compensatory mitigation may be required by the regulating agencies to offset the loss of aquatic resources. If so, and as part of the permit application process, a qualified professional shall draft a Mitigation and Monitoring Plan to address implementation and monitoring requirements under the permit to ensure that the Project would result in no net loss of habitat functions and values. The Plan shall contain, at a minimum, mitigation goals and objectives, mitigation location, a discussion of actions to be implemented to mitigate the impact, monitoring methods and performance criteria, extent of monitoring to be conducted, actions to be taken in the event that the mitigation is not successful, and reporting requirements. The Plan shall be approved by the appropriate regulating agencies, and compensatory mitigation shall take place either on-site or at an appropriate off-site location.
c. Any material/spoils generated from project activities containing hazardous materials shall be located away from jurisdictional areas or special-status habitat and protected from storm water run-off using temporary perimeter sediment barriers such as berms, silt fences, fiber rolls, covers, sand/gravel bags, and straw bale barriers, as appropriate. Protection measures should follow project-specific criteria as developed in a Stormwater Pollution Prevention and Protection Plan (SWPPP). d. Equipment containing hazardous liquid materials shall be stored on impervious surfaces or plastic ground covers to prevent any spills or leakage from contaminating Initial Study

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the ground and at least 50 feet outside the delineated boundary of jurisdictional water features.
e. Any spillage of material shall be stopped if it can be done safely. The contaminated area shall be cleaned, and any contaminated materials properly disposed. For all spills, the project foreman or designated environmental representative shall be notified.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
Impacts would be less than significant with mitigation incorporated.

Impact #3.4.4d – Would the Project interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species, or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites? Wildlife migratory corridors are described as a linear stretch of land that connects two open pieces of habitat that would otherwise be unconnected. These routes provide shelter and sufficient food resources to support wildlife species during migratory movements.

Movement corridors generally consist of riparian, woodlands, or forested habitats that span contiguous acres of undisturbed habitat and are important elements of resident species’ home ranges.

The Project area and surrounding areas do not overlap any wildlife linkages or movement corridors identified by the Essential Habitat Connectivity Project (QK, 2025b). The proposed Project does not occur within any terrestrial migration route, significant wildlife corridor, or wildlife linkage area as identified in the Recovery Plan for Upland Species in the San Joaquin Valley. The survey conducted for the Project did not find any evidence of a wildlife nursery or important migratory habitat being present within the Project area. Migratory birds and raptors could use habitat on or near the Project area for foraging and/or as stopover sites during migrations or movement between local areas. As discussed in Impact #3.4.4a, implementation of MM BIO1 through BIO-5 would address potential impacts to migratory birds and raptors that could utilize the Project area for foraging or nesting and would result in a less-than-significant impact.

The Project would not substantially affect migrating birds or other wildlife. The Project will not restrict, eliminate, or significantly alter a wildlife movement corridor, wildlife core area, or essential habitat connectivity area, either during construction-related activities or after the Project construction has been completed. Project construction-related activities will not substantially interfere with wildlife movements or reduce breeding opportunities.

Initial Study

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The land surrounding the Project area has been developed for both rural- and urban-type uses and agricultural-related uses, and thus is generally a low-quality habitat for many species. There would be little opportunity for wildlife to pass through the Project area to travel between these low-quality habitats. As noted in Impact #3.4.4a, the proposed Project has the potential to affect migratory nesting birds and raptors, however, the potential impacts are reduced to a less-than-significant level with the implementation of MM BIO-1 through BIO-5. There is no impact on established wildlife corridors or on the use of native wildlife nursery sites. Therefore, the Project would have a less-than-significant impact on wildlife movements, would not affect movement corridors, or impede a nursery site.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
Implementation of Mitigation Measures BIO-1 through BIO-5.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
Impacts would be less than significant with mitigation incorporated.

Impact #3.4.4e – Would the Project conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance? Both the County and City of Madera General Plans have adopted a number of policies and implementation measures that aim to preserve biological resources within the County and City limits. The proposed Project is designed to be in compliance with both General Plans.

There are no additional adopted local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources that would apply to this Project area. Therefore, implementation of the proposed Project would not conflict with any adopted local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
The Project would result in no impact.

Impact #3.4.4f – Would the Project conflict with the provisions of an adopted habitat conservation plan, natural community conservation plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan?
The Recovery Plan for Upland Species of the San Joaquin Valley covers 34 species of plants and animals that occur in the San Joaquin Valley. The USFWS is responsible for the implementation of the recovery plan. Of the species covered, eleven species are federal and/or State listed as endangered or threatened (six plants and five animals), and 23 species are candidate species or species of concern. The goal of this recovery plan is to delist the eleven endangered (of which one has been delisted) and threatened species and ensure the Initial Study

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long-term conservation of 23 candidate species and species of special concern. An interim goal is to down-list the endangered species to threatened status. The proposed Project, as analyzed above, would not result in a significant impact on special-status species. Therefore, the Project does not conflict with the provisions of the Recovery Plan for Upland Species of the San Joaquin Valley, or any other adopted habitat conservation plan, natural community conservation plan, or other approved local, regional, or State habitat conservation plan.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
Impacts would be less than significant.

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Figure 3.4.4-1
NHD and NWI
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Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated

Less-thanSignificant
Impact

No
Impact

3.4.5 - CULTURAL RESOURCES
Would the Project:
a. Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of a historical resource pursuant
to CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5?
b. Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of an archaeological resource
pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5?
c. Disturb any human remains, including those
interred outside of formal cemeteries?
Discussion
The impact analyses in this section are based on a Cultural Resources Assessment Report (Cogstone, 2025) which is attached as Appendix D.

Impact #3.4.5a – Would the Project cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5? A cultural resources records search was conducted by the Southern San Joaquin Valley Archaeological Information Center (SJVAIC), California State University, Bakersfield, for the Project. The purpose of the search was to determine whether any known cultural resources or previously conducted cultural resource surveys were located on or near the proposed Project area. Additionally, a Sacred Lands File (SLF) search was requested from the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) on April 29, 2025. On April 30, 2025, the NAHC responded that the SLF search was completed with negative results.

The records search covered an area within a one-mile buffer of the Project site’s Area of Potential Effect (APE) and included a review of the National Register of Historic Places, California Points of Historical Interest, California Registry of Historic Resources, California Historical Landmarks, California State Historic Resources Inventory, and a review of cultural resource reports on file.

Results of the record search were received on May 12, 2025, and indicated that 11 previous studies have been completed within the APE, while an additional 21 studies have been completed previously within a one-mile radius of the APE. One cultural resource, Madera Canal (P-20-002308/CA-MAD-2649H), has been previously recorded within the APE. An additional resource, Madera Irrigation District (M.I.D.), outside of the APE, a total of seven cultural resources have been previously documented within the one-mile search radius from Initial Study

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the APE. These consist of two cultural resources within a quarter-mile of the APE, two cultural resources within a quarter to half-mile of the APE, and three cultural resources within a half-mile to one mile of the APE. The proposed Project would not impact any of these off-site resources.

A pedestrian survey of the APE was conducted on May 14, 2025. All undeveloped ground surface areas within the ground disturbance portion of the Project area were examined for artifacts (e.g., flaked stone tools, tool-making debris, stone milling tools, or fire-affected rock), soil discoloration that might indicate the presence of a cultural midden, soil depressions and features indicative of the former presence of structures or buildings (e.g., postholes, foundations), or historic-era debris (e.g., metal, glass, ceramics). Existing ground disturbances (e.g., cutbanks, ditches, animal burrows, etc.) were visually inspected. The built environment resources survey identified and verified the location of all structures and buildings within the Project area aged 45 years or older. Once identified, historic built environment resources were examined to ascertain if they are recommended for listing as a historical resource at the local, state, or national level and if the original integrity of the resource remains intact. The seven aspects of integrity that are considered as part of a determination of eligibility include: location, design, setting, materials, feeling, workmanship, and association.

A segment of the Madera Canal, Lateral 24.2 (P-20-002308/CA-MAD-2649H) and the M.I.D.

Canal Bridge (41C0132) are present within the APE.

P-20-002308/CA-MAD-2649H, Segment of Madera Canal, Lateral 24.2 This segment of the Madera Canal’s Lateral 24.2 is earthen-lined and intersects with the M.I.D. Canal Bridge (41C0132) on Ellis Street. Lateral 24.2 transports water from Dry Creek to the north. The flow of Dry Creek into the canal is controlled by the Diversion Dam.

M.I.D. Canal Bridge (41C0132)
Built in 1975, this concrete beam bridge is located on Ellis Street and crosses over the Madera Canal. The bridge is simple in its design with concrete wing walls, a girder, an asphalted deck, and galvanized steel guardrails.

Both cultural resources were documented and evaluated for historic significance. Due to a lack of historic significance, these resources are recommended not eligible for listing at the national, State, or local level (Cogstone, 2025). Although Lateral 24.2 is not considered a historic resource, it should be noted that the Project intends to install the pipeline underneath the canal, which would not impact on the integrity of the canal itself.

Since there is no indication of any historic resources in the Project area, subsurface construction-related activities associated with the proposed Project could potentially damage or destroy previously undiscovered historic resources. This is considered to be a potentially significant impact. To reduce the potential impacts of the Project on unknown cultural resources, Mitigation Measure CUL-1 shall be implemented as applicable.

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Although it is unlikely, due to the possible presence of undocumented tribal or cultural resources within the Project area, construction-related impacts on tribal or cultural resources could be potentially significant prior to mitigation. Implementation of the following mitigation measure would require appropriate steps to preserve and/or document any previously undiscovered resources that may be encountered during constructionrelated activities, including human remains. With implementation of Mitigation Measure CUL-1, impacts to cultural resources would be less than significant.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
CUL-1: If prehistoric or historic-era cultural materials are encountered during construction activities, all work within 50 feet of the find shall halt until a qualified professional archaeologist, meeting the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards for prehistoric and historic archaeologists, can evaluate the significance of the find and make recommendations. Cultural resource materials may include prehistoric resources such as flaked and ground stone tools and debris, shell, bone, ceramics, and fire-affected rock, as well as historic resources such as glass, metal, wood, brick, or structural remnants. If the qualified professional archaeologist determines that the discovery represents a potentially significant cultural resource, additional investigations may be required to mitigate adverse impacts from Project implementation. These additional studies may include avoidance, testing, and evaluation, or data recovery excavation.

If a potentially eligible resource is encountered, then the qualified professional archaeologist, the Lead Agency shall arrange for either, (1) total avoidance of the resource or (2) test excavations to evaluate eligibility and, if eligible, total data recovery. The determination shall be formally documented in writing and submitted to the Lead Agency as verification that the provisions for managing unanticipated discoveries have been met.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
Impacts would be less than significant with mitigation incorporated.

Impact #3.4.5b – Would the Project cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5? See discussion for Impact #3.4.5a.

Although considered unlikely since there is no indication of any historical or archaeological resources in the Project area, subsurface construction-related activities associated with the proposed Project could potentially damage or destroy previously undiscovered archaeological resources. This is considered to have a potentially significant impact.

Mitigation is proposed, requiring implementation of standard inadvertent discovery procedures to reduce potential impacts to previously undiscovered subsurface historical and archaeological resources.

Initial Study

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MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
Implementation of Mitigation Measure CUL-1.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
Impacts would be less than significant with mitigation incorporated.

Impact #3.4.5c – Would the Project disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries?
The records searches did not indicate the presence of any human remains, burials, or cemeteries within the Project area. No human remains have been discovered within the Project area, and no burials or cemeteries are known to occur within the \ Project area.

However, construction-related activities would involve earth-disturbing actions, and it is still possible that human remains may be inadvertently discovered, possibly in association with archaeological sites. Mitigation Measure CUL-2 has been included in the unlikely event that human remains are found during ground-disturbing activities. Accordingly, this is a potentially significant impact. Implementation of Mitigation Measure CUL-2 would reduce this potentially significant impact to less than significant.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
CUL-2: If human remains are discovered during construction or operational activities, further excavation or disturbance shall be prohibited pursuant to Section 7050.5 of the California Health and Safety Code. The specific protocol, guidelines, and channels of communication outlined by the Native American Heritage Commission, in accordance with Section 7050.5 of the Health and Safety Code, Section 5097.98 of the Public Resources Code (Chapter 1492, Statutes of 1982, Senate Bill 297), and Senate Bill 447 (Chapter 44, Statutes of 1987), shall be followed. Section 7050.5(c) shall guide the potential Native American involvement, in the event of discovery of human remains, at the direction of the Tulare County Coroner. All reports, correspondence, and determinations regarding the discovery of human remains on the Project site shall be submitted to the City of Madera.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
Impacts would be less than significant with mitigation incorporated.

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Discussion
Impact #3.4.6a – Would the Project result in a potentially significant environmental impact due to wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resources, during Project construction or operation?
Construction-related activities of the proposed Project would increase energy (in the form of fuel) consumption due to the operation of construction-related equipment. Constructionrelated activities will be short-duration and temporary in nature regarding gasoline and diesel fuel consumption. The increase in fuel (energy) consumption associated with construction-related activities would be minimal in comparison to Statewide and regional fuel consumption. Construction-related equipment and vehicles would be operated in accordance with energy efficiency standards required under the California Energy Code and State level policies adopted by the California Energy Commission (CEC) including the Energy Action Plan that prioritizes energy resources efficiency for California’s future energy needs, thereby minimizing energy consumption associated with the construction-related equipment and vehicles primarily powered by non-renewable fuels. This includes limiting idling time, ensuring that all equipment is maintained as recommended by manufacturer manuals, using electric equipment whenever possible in lieu of diesel- or gasoline-powered equipment, etc.

The County of Madera is currently connected to the utility grid and obtains electricity services from the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E). In 2023, Madera County consumed 1,548 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity. Non-residential users were responsible for about 69 percent of all electricity consumption, or approximately 1,067 GWh, in the County. The total consumption of energy within the State is approximately 276,213 GWh (California Energy Commission, 2025). In the CalEEMod outputs prepared as part of the FAQS, the estimated construction energy usage is less than one kilowatt-hour for the construction period. This indicates that construction-related energy use would be minimal

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated

Less-thanSignificant
Impact

No
Impact

3.4.6 - ENERGY
Would the Project:
a. Result in a potentially significant
environmental impact due to wasteful,
inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of
energy resources, during Project construction
or operation?
b. Conflict with or obstruct a State or local plan
for renewable energy or energy efficiency?
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and result in a less-than-significant consumption of energy resources. Once operational, the pumps at the tank site will be operated using electricity as needed. A 3,500-gpm firm capacity (maximum flow rate) booster pump is proposed in Phase 1, and an additional pump is proposed in Phase 2. The new pumps will be as energy efficient as is feasible, and the amount of electricity used by these pumps will be considered a less-than-significant impact.

It is noted in the City General Plan EIR, that implementation of Policy CI-49 ensures that adequate public utility services are timed with development and Action Item CON-37.3 would ensure that City energy use is efficient. It is also stated in the General Plan EIR that the electricity service provider will continue to meet demand within the Planning Area as growth occurs.

With consideration of anticipated construction and operational energy use, the Project is expected to comply with General Plan Policy and Action Items for energy efficiency and result in a less-than-significant impact.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
There would be a less-than-significant impact.

Impact #3.4.6b – Would the Project conflict with or obstruct a State or local plan for renewable energy or energy efficiency?
Assembly Bill 32 (Health and Safety Code Sections 38500–38599), also known as the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, commits the State to achieving year 2000 GHG emission levels by 2010 and year 1990 levels by 2020. To achieve these goals, AB 32 tasked the California Public Utilities Commission and the California Energy Commission with providing information, analysis, and recommendations to the California Air Resources Board regarding ways to reduce GHG emissions in the electricity and natural gas utility sectors.

In 2009, the SJVAPCD (Air District) adopted the following guidance documents applicable to projects within the San Joaquin Valley:
• Guidance for Valley Land Use Agencies in Addressing GHG Emission Impacts for New Projects under CEQA.
• District Policy: Addressing GHG Emission Impacts for Stationary Source Projects Under CEQA When Serving as the Lead Agency.

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• If a project complies with an approved GHG emission reduction plan or GHG mitigation program, which avoids or substantially reduces GHG emissions within the geographic area in which the project is located, then the project would be determined to have a less-than-significant individual and cumulative impact for GHG emissions. • If a project does not comply with an approved GHG emission reduction plan or mitigation program, then it would be required to implement Best Performance Standards (BPS).
• If a project is not implementing BPS, then it should demonstrate that its GHG emissions would be reduced or mitigated by at least 29 percent compared to Business as Usual (BAU).

In the decade after SJVAPCD adopted its Guidance for Valley Land-use Agencies in Addressing GHG Emission Impacts for New Projects under CEQA, several new laws and executive orders were adopted that require additional reductions in years after 2020. For instance, Senate Bill 32 requires that GHG emissions be 40 percent less than 1990 levels by 2030. More drastic still, Senate Bill 100, which was signed by the Governor recently, requires 100 percent zero-carbon electricity by 2045. On the day SB 100 was signed into law, the Governor also signed Executive Order B-55-18, which commits California to total, economywide carbon neutrality by 2045. Clearly, the 2009 Guidance may be somewhat inadequate in producing a meaningful comparison by today’s standards, which propose a grand vision that, if achieved, would fundamentally change how business is conducted and how citizens live in the State. Thus, as discussed in the most recent updates to the Scoping Plan, the objectives of the Scoping Plan affect all sectors of the economy, and it no longer makes sense to evaluate GHG emissions on a Project-level. The Project would generate GHGs from electricity use and combustion of gasoline/diesel fuels, each of which is regulated near the top of the supply chain. As such, each citizen of California (including those creating emissions of this Project) will have no choice but to purchase electricity and fuels produced in a way that is acceptable to the California market. Thus, Project GHG emissions will be consistent with the relevant plan (i.e., AB 32 Scoping Plan). The Project would meet its fair share of the cost to mitigate the cumulative impact of global climate change based on energy purchases from the California market. Thus, consumers of electricity and transportation fuels are in effect regulated by higher-level emissions restrictions on the producers of these energy sources.

The proposed Project will not conflict with or obstruct a State or local plan for renewable energy or energy efficiency. The proposed Project will not significantly increase energy consumption associated with long-term (operational) activities and would be within existing growth levels as provided in the General Plan EIR.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
Impacts would be less than significant.

Initial Study

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Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated

Less-thanSignificant
Impact
No
Impact

3.4.7 - GEOLOGY AND SOILS
Would the Project:
a. Directly or indirectly cause potential
substantial adverse effects, including the risk
of loss, injury, or death involving:
(i) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as
delineated on the most recent AlquistPriolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area
or based on other substantial evidence of
a known fault? Refer to Division of Mines
and Geology Special Publication 42.
(ii) Strong seismic ground shaking?
(iii) Seismic-related ground failure, including
liquefaction?
(iv) Landslides?
b. Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of
topsoil?
c. Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is
unstable, or that would become unstable as a
result of the Project, and potentially result in
onsite or offsite landslide, lateral spreading,
subsidence, liquefaction, or collapse?
d. Be located on expansive soil, as defined in
Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code
(1994), creating substantial risks to life or
property?
e. Have soils incapable of adequately supporting
the use of septic tanks or alternative
wastewater disposal systems in areas where
sewers are not available for the disposal of
wastewater?
f. Directly or indirectly destroy a unique
paleontological resource or site or unique
geologic feature?
Initial Study

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Discussion
Impact #3.4.7a – Would the Project directly or indirectly cause potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving:
(i) – Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault? Refer to Division of Mines and Geology Special Publication 42.

The Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act (formerly the Alquist-Priolo Special Studies Zone Act) requires the delineation of zones along active faults in California. The purpose of the Alquist-Priolo Act is to regulate development on or near active fault traces to reduce the hazard of fault rupture; however, surface fault rupture is not necessarily restricted to the area within the Alquist-Priolo Zone. The Alquist-Priolo Act prohibits the location of most structures for human occupancy across active fault traces. Within these zones, cities and counties must regulate certain developments, which include withholding permits until geologic investigations demonstrate that development sites are not threatened by future surface displacement. The Project is not located within an Alquist-Priolo seismic hazard zone and does not propose to construct any habitable structures. City staff will visit the site on an as-needed basis to conduct maintenance and other routine activities.

The majority of the proposed Project will consist of trenching to install water transmission pipelines, above-ground water storage tanks, and a pump station facility. The proposed Project would not expose any people or structures to adverse effects associated with fault rupture. Therefore, there will be no impact.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
There would be no impact.
(ii) – Strong seismic ground shaking?
See Impact #3.4.7a (i) above. Ground movement during an earthquake can vary depending on the overall moment magnitude, distance to the fault, focus of earthquake energy, and type of geologic material. As a rule, the greater the earthquake magnitude and the closer the fault rupture to the site, the greater the intensity of ground shaking. However, different geologic materials respond differently to earthquake waves. The composition of underlying soils, even those relatively distant from faults, can intensify ground shaking.

In the event of an earthquake on one of the nearby faults, it is likely that the Project sites would experience ground shaking. However, the Project does not propose to construct any habitable structures that might be damaged during a seismic event. The proposed Project Initial Study

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will construct water storage tanks and a pump station facility and install a water transmission pipeline to an existing City wellsite. These improvements are expected to comply with the adopted design requirements under City improvement standards. The proposed Project would not expose any people or structures to adverse effects associated with seismic ground shaking; therefore, there would be no impact.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
There would be no impact.
(iii) – Seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction? See discussions for Impact #3.4.7a(i) and Impact #3.4.7a(ii).

The Madera County General Plan Background Report states that areas most prone to liquefaction are those that are water-saturated (specifically where the water table is less than 30 feet below the surface) and consist of relatively uniform sands that are of loose to medium density. Of particular concern in terms of developed and developing areas are fill areas that have been poorly consolidated. Although there are areas of Madera County where the water table is at 30 feet or less below the surface, soil types in the area are not conducive to liquefaction because they are either too coarse in texture or too high in clay content. In other words, the soil types mitigate against the potential for liquefaction. This is further reinforced in the City General Plan EIR. Therefore, the proposed Project-specific effects would be less than significant.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
Impacts would be less than significant.
(iv) – Landslides?
The Five County Seismic Safety Element identified four "risk categories." Areas of "no risk" are mainly flatlands, valley bottoms, and "areas of minimal topographic relief." "Low risk" areas consist of "hillside and mountainous terrain of competent igneous and metamorphic rocks and sedimentary rocks with favorable bedding and composition." This is a relatively stable category that includes much of the Sierras. The "moderate risk" zone includes dip slopes (natural slopes parallel to bedding in sedimentary rocks), complexly folded metamorphic rocks, and zones of fractured rock. The "high risk" zone includes several areas of the Sierras, which consist of weak, landslide-prone rock and existing landslides.

Initial Study

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The Project site is located within the SOI of the City of Madera in an area that is relatively flat and does not have a high potential for landslides. Therefore, the Project is not likely to directly or indirectly cause potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving landslides and result in a less-than-significant impact.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
Impacts would be less than significant.

Impact #3.4.7b – Would the Project result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil? The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) stormwater permitting programs regulate stormwater quality from construction sites, which includes erosion and sedimentation. Under the NPDES permitting program, the preparation and implementation of a standard Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) for projects that disturb one acre of land or above. (California Water Board, 2018). A SWPPP must identify potential sources of erosion or sedimentation that may be reasonably expected to affect the quality of stormwater discharges, as well as identify and implement Best Management Practices (BMPs) that ensure the reduction of these pollutants during stormwater discharges. Typical BMPs intended to control erosion include sandbags, detention basins, silt fencing, storm drain inlet protection, street sweeping, and monitoring of water bodies. In addition to a standard SWPPP for projects that disturb more than one acre, a Type 1Linear Underground/Overhead Projects (LUP) SWPPP are required for construction activities where greater than 30 percent of construction activities occur within the non-paved shoulders or land immediately adjacent to paved surfaces, or where construction occurs on unpaved improved roads, including their shoulders or land immediately adjacent to them.

The site for the water storage tanks and pump station will be built on an approximately 2.89- acre parcel and must comply with all rules and regulations of a SWPPP for constructionrelated activities, and the proposed pipelines would be subject to the rules and regulations stipulated under LUP SWPPP requirements. Regulations include, but are not limited to, the following BMP requirements to minimize the potential for pollution related to material spills:
• Soil stabilization BMPs
• Sediment control BMPs
• Temporary gravel construction entrance/exit
• Run-on control
No soil erosion or loss of topsoil will result from the installation of the proposed Project’s underground pipeline distribution system. However, construction activities associated with the proposed water storage tanks and pump station would disrupt surface vegetation and Initial Study

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soils and would expose these disturbed areas to erosion by wind and water. Therefore, the proposed Project impacts would be less than significant with the incorporation of mitigation measures.

In the long term, and after construction activities have been completed on the proposed water storage tanks and pump station site, the ground surface will have impermeable surfaces. The impermeable surface would include the concrete pad for the storage tank and pump station. The storage tank and pump station will be constructed on the 2.89-acre site and will impact an area larger than one acre. Development of the proposed Project would result in conditions where substantial surface soils would be exposed to wind and water erosion; however, this would be mitigated through implementation of the SWPPP. The proposed Project would not result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil. Impacts would be less than significant with the incorporation of mitigation measures.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
Impacts would be less than significant.

Impact #3.4.7c – Would the Project be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the Project, and potentially result in onsite or offsite landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction, or collapse? Both the County and City of Madera, pursuant to their respective General Plan, indicate that adoption of the Uniform Building Code and the California Building Code provides for common engineering practices requiring special design and construction methods that reduce or eliminate potential expansive soil-related impacts. Compliance with CBC regulations ensures the adequate design and construction of building foundations to resist soil movement. With regard to the pipeline, standards under the California Plumbing Code and City adopted Standard Specifications, Section 22 for water distribution infrastructure would be applicable to the development of the water distribution pipeline.

The County General Plan found that compliance with CBC regulations ensures that adequate design and construction of building foundations will be installed to resist soil movement in addition to control surface drainage and reduce seasonal fluctuations in soil moisture content.

With adherence to all applicable State and local building codes and regulations, impacts associated with onsite or offsite landslide, subsidence, liquefaction, or collapse will be minimized. The City of Madera General Plan policies designed to minimize geologic hazard impacts to people and structures in the County include the following:
• County – Implementation Program 6.1: The County shall continue to enforce provisions of the California Building Code that address seismic concerns.

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• City - HS-8: The City shall seek to ensure that new structures are protected from damage caused by earthquakes, geologic conditions, or soil conditions.

The proposed Project sites for the new water storage tanks and pump station, and pipeline will be designed in conformance with adopted UBC and CBC requirements, as applicable.

Therefore, the proposed Project will have a less-than-significant impact.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
Impacts would be less than significant.

Impact #3.4.7d – Would the Project be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating substantial risks to life or property? See Impact #3.4.7c.

As noted above, both the County and City of Madera General Plan EIR found that new construction that abides by the design and construction standards adopted under the CBC and UBC reduces or eliminates potential expansive soil-related impacts. The proposed Project will comply with all applicable requirements of the California Code of Regulations and the most recent California Building Standards Code, which provides criteria for developing buildings with appropriate design and safety standards. Therefore, the proposed Project would have a less-than-significant impact with mitigations.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
Impacts would be less than significant.

Impact #3.4.7e – Would the Project have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems in areas where sewers are not available for the disposal of wastewater?
The proposed Project will not include septic tank installation or alternative wastewater disposal systems. Therefore, the proposed Project would have no impact.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

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LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
There would be no impact.

Impact #3.4.7f – Would the Project directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature?
Activities will involve trenching and ground disturbance, and could potentially reveal undiscovered paleontological resources, although it is highly unlikely due to past ground disturbance throughout the Project area. Project-related potential impacts to paleontological resources would be less than significant with the implementation of MM GEO-1. MM GEO-1 would require the establishment of a procedure should paleontological resources be encountered during the construction of the Project. Potential paleontological resources would be reduced to a less-than-significant impact.

Implementation of Mitigation Measure GEO-1 would reduce potential impacts to a less-thansignificant level and is in compliance with County of Madera General Plan Policy 4.D.3 and City of Madera General Plan Action Item HC-9.2 that require the protection of paleontological resources.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
GEO-1: If any paleontological resources are encountered during ground disturbance activities, all work within 25 feet of the find shall halt until a qualified paleontologist, as defined by the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology Standard Procedures for the Assessment and Mitigation of Adverse Impacts to Paleontological Resources (2010), can evaluate the find and make recommendations regarding treatment. Paleontological resource materials may include resources such as fossils, plant impressions, or animal tracks preserved in rock. The qualified paleontologist shall contact the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County or other appropriate facility regarding any discoveries of paleontological resources.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
Impacts would be less than significant with mitigation incorporated.

Initial Study

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Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact

3.4.8 - GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
Would the Project:
a. Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either
directly or indirectly, that may have a
significant impact on the environment?
b. Conflict with any applicable plan, policy, or
regulation adopted for the purpose of
reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases?
The following analysis is based on the Focused Air Quality Study prepared for this Project (QK, 2025a) attached as Appendix B.

Discussion
Impact #3.4.8a – Would the Project generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment? On December 17, 2009, SJVAPCD adopted Guidance for Valley Land-use Agencies in Addressing GHG Emission Impacts for New Projects under CEQA (SJVAPCD 2009), which outlined the SJVAPCD’s methodology for assessing a project’s significance for GHGs under CEQA. The following criteria was outlined in the document to determine whether a project could have a significant impact:
• Projects determined to be exempt from the requirements of CEQA would be determined to have a less-than-significant individual and cumulative impact for GHG emissions and would not require further environmental review, including analysis of project-specific GHG emissions. Projects exempt under CEQA would be evaluated consistent with established rules and regulations governing project approval and would not be required to implement BPS.
• Projects complying with an approved GHG emission reduction plan or GHG mitigation program that avoids or substantially reduces GHG emissions within the geographic area in which the project is located would be determined to have a less-than-significant individual and cumulative impact for GHG emissions. Such plans or programs must be specified in law or approved by the lead agency with jurisdiction over the affected resource and supported by a CEQA-compliant environmental review document adopted by the lead agency. Projects complying with an approved GHG emission reduction plan or GHG mitigation program would not be required to implement BPS.

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• Projects implementing Best Performance Standards would not require quantification of project-specific GHG emissions. Consistent with CEQA Guidelines, such projects would be determined to have a less-than-significant individual and cumulative impact for GHG emissions.
• Projects not implementing Best Performance Standards would require quantification of project-specific GHG emissions and demonstration that projectspecific GHG emissions would be reduced or mitigated by at least 29%, compared to Business-as-Usual (BAU), including GHG emission reductions achieved since the 2002-2004 baseline period. Projects achieving at least a 29% GHG emission reduction compared to BAU would be determined to have a less-than-significant individual and cumulative impact for GHG.
• Notwithstanding any of the above provisions, projects requiring preparation of an Environmental Impact Report for any other reason would require quantification of project-specific GHG emissions. Projects implementing BPS or achieving at least a 29% GHG emission reduction compared to BAU would be determined to have a less-than-significant individual and cumulative impact for GHG.

The City has not adopted specific thresholds for GHGs. The SJVAPCD has developed thresholds to determine the significance of a proposed project – either implement Best Performance Standards or achieve a 29 percent reduction from BAU (a specific numerical threshold). However, the SJVAPCD has established their BAU and baseline emissions based on the years 2002-2004 and 2020, respectively. Since the 2020 projected baseline has passed, no new guidance has been approved for determining the BAU and projected baseline for the next target year. Therefore, the 29 percent reduction from BAU cannot be applied to the subject Project in order to determine significance. Additionally, a Best Performance Standards threshold has not been established.

For this Project, compliance with locally adopted climate plans will be used to determine the level of significance for GHG. Therefore, the GHG analysis for this Project follows the suggestions from the Court’s ruling on the Newhall Ranch development project in order to determine significance using the project design features.

The Project’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are primarily from construction equipment source activities and operational mobile and energy sources. Not all GHGs exhibit the same ability to induce climate change; as a result, GHG contributions are commonly quantified as carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e). The proposed Project’s operational CO2e emissions were estimated using CalEEMod. These emissions are summarized in Table 3.4.8-1.

Table 3.4.8-1
Estimated Annual GHG Emissions (MT/yr)
Source CO2 CH4 N2O CO2e
Total Construction Emissions 596 0.02 0.02 601
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In the decade after SJVAPCD adopted their Guidance for Valley Land-use Agencies in Addressing GHG Emission Impacts for New Projects under CEQA, several new laws and executive orders were adopted that require additional reductions in years after 2020. For instance, Senate Bill 32 requires that GHG emissions be 40 percent less than 1990 levels by 2030. More drastic still, Senate Bill 100, which was signed by the Governor recently, requires 100 percent zero-carbon electricity by 2045. On the day SB 100 was signed into law, the Governor also signed Executive Order B-55-18, which commits California to total, economywide carbon neutrality by 2045. Clearly, the 2009 Guidance may be somewhat inadequate in producing a meaningful comparison by today’s standards, which propose a grand vision that, if achieved, would fundamentally change how business is conducted, and citizens live in the State. Thus, as discussed in the most recent updates to the Scoping Plan, objectives of the Scoping Plan affect all sectors of the economy, and it no longer makes sense to evaluate GHG emissions on a project-level.

For these reasons, the Project GHG emissions levels presented in Table 3.4.8-1 are primarily for disclosure purposes. The Project’s largest contributors to GHG emissions are from construction activities. Transportation fuels are, in effect, regulated by requiring providers and importers of fuel to participate in the GHG Cap-and-Trade Program and other Programs (e.g., low carbon fuel standard, renewable portfolio standard, etc.). Each sector-wide program exists within the framework of AB 32 and its descendant laws the purpose of which is to achieve GHG emissions reductions consistent with the AB 32 Scoping Plan.

The Project would generate GHGs from the combustion of gasoline/diesel fuels, each of which is regulated near the top of the supply chain. As such, each consumer in California (including those creating emissions of this Project) will have no choice but to purchase fuels produced in a way that is acceptable to the California market. Thus, Project GHG emissions will be consistent with the relevant plan (i.e., AB 32 Scoping Plan). The Project would meet its fair share of the cost to mitigate the cumulative impact of global climate change based on fuel purchases from the California market. Thus, consumers of transportation fuels are in effect regulated by higher-level emissions restrictions on the producers of these fuels.

Therefore, the Project would have a less-than-significant impact on applicable GHG reduction plans, and the Project’s contribution to cumulative global climate change impacts would not be cumulatively considerable.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
Impacts would be less than significant.

Impact #3.4.8b – Would the Project conflict with any applicable plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases? Initial Study

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Assembly Bill (AB) 32 (Health and Safety Code Sections 38500–38599), also known as the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, commits the State to achieving year 2000 greenhouse gas (GHG) emission levels by 2010 and year 1990 levels by 2020. To achieve these goals, AB 32 tasked the California Public Utilities Commission and the California Energy Commission with providing information, analysis, and recommendations to the California Air Resources Board regarding ways to reduce GHG emissions in the electricity and natural gas utility sectors.

This guidance and policy are the documents referenced in the Air District’s Guidance for Assessing and Mitigating Air Quality Impacts, adopted in March 2015. Consistent with the District guidance and District policy above, the Air District acknowledges the current absence of numerical thresholds and recommends a tiered approach to establish the significance of the GHG impacts on the environment:
• If a project complies with an approved GHG emission reduction plan or GHG mitigation program, which avoids or substantially reduces GHG emissions within the geographic area in which the project is located, then the project would be determined to have a less-than-significant individual and cumulative impact for GHG emissions. • If a project does not comply with an approved GHG emission reduction plan or mitigation program, then it would be required to implement Best Performance Standards (BPS).
• If a project is not implementing BPS, then it should demonstrate that its GHG emissions would be reduced or mitigated by at least 29 percent compared to Business as Usual (BAU).

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combustion of gasoline/diesel fuels, each of which is regulated near the top of the supply chain. As such, each citizen of California (including those creating emissions of this Project) will have no choice but to purchase electricity and fuels produced in a way that is acceptable to the California market. Thus, Project GHG emissions will be consistent with the relevant plan (i.e., AB 32 Scoping Plan). The Project would meet its fair share of the cost to mitigate the cumulative impact of global climate change based on energy purchases from the California market. Thus, consumers of electricity and transportation fuels are in effect regulated by higher-level emissions restrictions on the producers of these energy sources.

The City adopted its Climate Action Plan (CAP) in December 2015. The CAP provides a strategy for reducing GHG emissions and includes objectives and policies from the General Plan that address long-term emissions reduction efforts. The timeframe for the CAP extends from the date of adoption through the year 2030. The CAP reduction targets are based on AB 32, Executive Order S-3-05, and Executive Order B-30-15. The State has since adopted updated emission targets for 2030 and an additional 2045 (codified by AB 1279); therefore, additional reductions would be required.

As discussed in Impact #3.4.8a, GHG emissions resulting from the Project are generally regulated at the top of the supply chain, providing for compliance with State emission reduction goals adopted under the AB 32 Scoping Plan and any subsequent plan/goal.

Therefore, the Project is also compliant with the City CAP for the purpose of reducing GHG emissions. The proposed Project will not conflict with or obstruct a State or local plan for greenhouse gas emission reduction and will have a less-than-significant impact.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
Impacts would be less than significant.

Initial Study

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Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated

Less-thanSignificant
Impact

No
Impact

3.4.9 - HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
Would the Project:
a. Create a significant hazard to the public or the
environment through the routine transport,
use, or disposal of hazardous materials?
b. Create a significant hazard to the public or the
environment through reasonably foreseeable
upset and accident conditions involving the
release of hazardous materials into the
environment?
c. Emit hazardous emissions or involve
handling hazardous or acutely hazardous
materials, substances, or waste within onequarter mile of an existing or proposed school?
d. Be located on a site that is included on a list of
hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant
to Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as
a result, would it create a significant hazard
to the public or the environment?
e. For a project located within an airport land
use plan or, where such a plan has not been
adopted, within two miles of a public airport
or public use airport, would the Project result
in a safety hazard or excessive noise for
people residing or working in the Project
area?
f. Impair implementation of, or physically
interfere with, an adopted emergency
response plan or emergency evacuation plan?
g. Expose people or structures, either directly
or indirectly, to a significant risk of loss,
injury, or death involving wildland fires?
Discussion
Impact #3.4.9a – Would the Project create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials? Initial Study

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The construction-related activities and operation of the water system connection to the existing wellsite and proposed water storage tanks and pump station would not involve the transport or use of large quantities of hazardous materials. The quantity threshold is typically 55 gallons for liquids, 500 pounds for solids, and 200 cubic feet for compressed gases. Although construction of the proposed Project would involve the transport and use of minor quantities of hazardous materials, such materials would be limited to fuels, oils, lubricants, hydraulic fluids, paints, and solvents utilized at the Project areas for construction purposes. Moreover, the use of such materials would be temporary in nature and would cease upon completion of the Project construction.

The presence and use of these materials, which can be classified as hazardous materials, create the potential for accidental spillage and exposure of workers to these substances.

Regulatory compliance, including preparation of a hazardous materials business plan (HMBP), would be applicable to the Project should hazardous materials be handled or stored in excess quantity thresholds. The HMBP would be reviewed and approved by the local Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA), which is the Madera County Environmental Health Department. Hazardous and non-hazardous wastes would likely be transported to and from the proposed Project site during the construction phase of the proposed Project.

Construction-related activities could involve the use of some hazardous materials, such as diesel fuel, hydraulic oil, grease, solvents, adhesives, paints, and other petroleum-based products, although these materials are commonly used during construction-related activities and would not be disposed of on any site within the Project area. Installation of the proposed new water storage tanks and pump station, and pipelines will occur in accordance with all applicable regulations to minimize potential public exposure.

The Project does not propose to construct any habitable structures. Once constructed, City staff will visit the tank and pump station site on an as-needed basis to conduct maintenance and other routine activities. Operational activities are not anticipated to handle hazardous materials in excess of quantity thresholds; however, should a hazardous material be utilized in excess of quantity thresholds, the Project will be required to receive approval of an HMBP and follow the standards of the approved HMBP. The Project will not result in a significant hazard to the public and would result in a less-than-significant impact.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
Impacts would be less than significant.

Impact #3.4.9b – Would the Project create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment?
See discussion on Impact #3.4.9a, above.

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During the installation of the new water storage tanks and pump station, pipeline, and associated improvements, applicable precautions will be taken to reduce the likelihood of an accident resulting in the release of hazardous materials into the environment. Facility design includes the development of two catch basins to handle stormwater. All contractors shall transport, store, handle, and dispose of construction-related hazardous materials consistent with relevant regulations and guidelines, including those recommended and enforced by Caltrans, the Central Valley RWQCB, and Madera County Environmental Health Department standards. Regulatory requirements related to preparation of an HMBP will be required should the Project handle hazardous materials at or in excess of reporting thresholds, and will address material handling requirements and procedures for reporting and handling any accidental spills. With the implementation of State and local hazardous materials handling requirements, the Project will not result in a significant hazard to the environment through an upset or accident and would result in a less-than-significant impact.

The proposed Project would not create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment. Therefore, the proposed Project would have a less-than-significant impact.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
Impacts would be less than significant.

Impact #3.4.9c – Would the Project emit hazardous emissions or involve handling hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school?
The proposed water storage tanks and pump station are not located within 0.25 miles of an existing or proposed school. The nearest school is the water storage tanks and pump station, which is a middle school approximately 0.3 miles west of the Project site.

The proposed pipeline route is located along the developed public ROW. The pipeline route runs within a quarter mile of a charter school. As discussed above, temporary constructionrelated activities could involve the use of some small amounts of hazardous materials, such as diesel fuel, hydraulic oil, grease, solvents, adhesives, paints, and other petroleum-based products. The use of these materials would comply with State and local handling and accidental release standards. Construction of the Project would be temporary, and the potential of hazardous materials near the existing school would be removed once construction is completed. Operation of the pipeline would not result in hazardous emissions from the use of hazardous materials, substances, or waste.

Therefore, the proposed Project would have a less-than-significant impact.

Initial Study

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MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
Impacts would be less than significant.

Impact #3.4.9d – Would the Project be located on a site that is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5, and, as a result, would it create a significant hazard to the public or the environment? The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) Envirostor website determined Cortese Act locations on or near the Project site (California Department of Toxic Substances Control, 2025). The DTSC indicated that there are no listed hazardous material sites or cleanup actions within the proposed water storage tanks and pump station site or adjacent to the pipeline route.

The proposed Project does not involve land that is listed as a hazardous materials site pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 and is not included on a list compiled by the Department of Toxic Substances Control. Therefore, the proposed Project would have no impact.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
There will be no impact.

Impact #3.4.9e – For a Project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the Project result in a safety hazard or excessive noise for people residing or working in the Project area?
There are no public or private airports within two miles of the proposed water storage tanks and pump station site, and it is outside of the Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (ALUCP) compatibility zones. The pipeline route is approximately 0.77 miles east of the Madera Municipal Airport and is located within Compatibility Zone D pursuant to the ALUCP.

Although located within two miles of an airport, construction activities will be temporary and will not result in a significant safety hazard or excessive noise.

Once construction is complete, the operation of the pipeline is below ground and would not be a potential safety hazard to aircraft or generate excessive noise. The proposed water storage tanks site is located outside of the ALUCP compatibility zones and safety zones of the Madera Municipal Airport and would not result in a safety hazard. Therefore, there would be Initial Study

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a less-than-significant impact on people residing or working in the proposed Project area due to excessive noise or a safety hazard from an airport.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
Impacts would be less than significant.

Impact #3.4.9f – Would the Project impair implementation of, or physically interfere with, an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan? The City of Madera General Plan EIR found that the General Plan buildout does not conflict with the City’s emergency response and/or evacuation plans. It is further stated that an efficient roadway and circulation system is vital for the evacuation of residents and the mobility of fire suppression, emergency response, and law enforcement vehicles.

Implementation of the General Plan will add additional traffic and residences requiring evacuation in case of an emergency. Implementation of the proposed roadway system under the proposed General Plan Update would provide for a “modified grid” roadway system, particularly for new development, and encourage pedestrian circulation access around the city and at the neighborhood level through the design of roadways and pedestrian facilities.

Implementation of the proposed roadway system within the General Plan Update would improve city roadway connectivity, allowing for better emergency vehicle access to residences as well as evacuation routes for area residents. Adopted General Plan policies and action plans related to an emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan include the following:
• Action HS-8.1: Adopt an All Hazards (natural and manmade) Disaster Plan. The Plan should be sufficiently broad in scope to include the designation of evacuation routes, staging areas, shelters, PODs (points of distribution), and protocols for coordinating all local government and volunteer agencies in assisting local residents in the event of a major earthquake, large-scale fire or explosion, or hazardous chemical spill or release of hazardous airborne gas.
• Policy HS-34: The City shall continue to maintain and update emergency service plans, including the Madera City Fire Department Emergency Operations Plan and the Hazardous Material Spills Emergency Response Plan.

The proposed Project will comply with all guidelines required by the City of Madera General Plan policy and action. The proposed Project would not significantly impair the implementation of, or physically interfere with, an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan. Therefore, the proposed Project would have a less-thansignificant impact.

Initial Study

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MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
Impacts would be less than significant.

Impact #3.4.9g – Would the Project expose people or structures, either directly or indirectly, to a significant risk of loss, injury, or death involving wildland fires? The proposed Project is surrounded by a mix of urban commercial uses, rural residences, and agricultural-related uses, and does not consist of any wildlands. According to CAL FIRE’s Fire Hazard Severity Zones Maps, the proposed Project site is not located within a hazard zone classified as Very High, High, or Moderate for wildland fires (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, 2025). Construction and operation of the proposed Project is not expected to increase the risk of wildfires on and adjacent to the proposed Project site.

However, the proposed Project will provide new water storage tanks capable of supplying adequate flows to meet Fire Code requirements and provide redundancy capabilities should existing equipment become inoperable.

The proposed Project would not expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury, or death involving wildland fire. Therefore, the proposed Project would have no impact.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
There would be no impact.

Initial Study

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Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated

Less-thanSignificant
Impact
No
Impact

3.4.10 - HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY
Would the Project:
a. Violate any water quality standards or
waste discharge requirements or otherwise
substantially degrade surface water quality?
b. Substantially decrease groundwater
supplies or interfere substantially with
groundwater recharge such that the Project
may impede sustainable groundwater
management of the basin?
c. Substantially alter the existing drainage
pattern of the site or area, including through
the alteration of the course of a stream or
river or through the addition of impervious
surfaces, in a manner which would:
(i) Result in substantial erosion or
siltation onsite or offsite?
(ii) Substantially increase the rate of
amount of surface runoff in a manner
which would result flooding onsite or
offsite?
(iii) Create or contribute runoff water
which would exceed the capacity of
existing or planned stormwater
drainage systems or provide
substantial additional sources of
polluted runoff; or
(iv) Impede or redirect flood flows?
d. In flood hazard, tsunami, or seiche zones,
risk release of pollutants due to Project
inundation?
e. Conflict with or obstruct implementation of
a water quality control plan or sustainable
groundwater management plan?
Initial Study

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Discussion
Impact #3.4.10a – Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements or otherwise substantially degrade surface water quality?
The proposed Project will result in the development of water storage tanks and pump station site, and the installation of underground water pipelines. Accidental spills or disposal of potentially harmful materials used during construction could wash into and pollute surface water runoff. Materials that could potentially contaminate the construction area are spills, leaks, diesel fuel, gasoline, lubrication oil, hydraulic fluid, antifreeze, transmission fluid, lubricating grease, and other fluids.

As noted in Impact #3.4.7b, the construction of the water storage tanks and pump station site is anticipated to require the grading of more than one acre of soil, which would require the filing of a Notice of Intent (NOI) to comply with the NPDES General Construction Permit and prepare a SWPPP. The proposed Project SWPPP (tanks site) and LUP SWPPP (pipeline) would include BMPs targeted at minimizing and controlling the construction runoff and erosion to the maximum extent practicable.

Once constructed, the pipeline would be below ground level and would not degrade or impact surface water quality. Once constructed, the water storage tanks and pump station site would maintain stormwater on site within a proposed retention basin. As the water storage tanks site will be paved, there will be catch basins (retention basins) that will filter debris and allow captured stormwater to be diverted to public stormwater drainage facilities. Under Phase I of the Project, the remaining portions of the site are proposed to be layered with crushed rock surfacing in addition to the landscaping buffer around the site to provide for a pervious surface to allow stormwater to percolate. The retention basins will provide stormwater filtering and diversion for impervious surfaces onsite, and the remaining portions of the Project site will have pervious surfaces to allow stormwater to percolate onsite. All improvements associated with stormwater drainage, including connection to City infrastructure, will be developed to City of Madera standards.

The proposed Project is not anticipated to violate any water quality standards or result in significant impacts to the waste discharge requirements or otherwise substantially degrade surface water quality. Therefore, the proposed Project would have a less-than-significant impact.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
Impacts would be less than significant.

Initial Study

Water Tank and Pipeline Project August 2025
City of Madera Page 3-66
Impact #3.4.10b – Would the Project substantially decrease groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that the Project may impede sustainable groundwater management of the basin?
The proposed Project includes the development of new water storage tanks and a pump station facility to improve the available City water supply. Pursuant to the 2020 City of Madera Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP) (City of Madera, 2022) and City of Madera Water System Master Plan (City of Madera, 2014). The proposed Capital Improvement Programs for the City would include 114 miles of pipeline improvements, 24 new wells (22 of which are planned from 2020 through 2050), two new storage reservoirs, and two new booster stations to meet the future water supply demands of the City. Under the 2020 City of Madera UWMP, water supply and demands will be met through the year 2040 under the normal year, single-dry year, and multiple-dry year scenarios.

The proposed Project will not expand the size of the community beyond what is projected with the full buildout of the General Plan or involve any elements that require excessive water use outside of the estimated supply and demand scenarios anticipated in the 2020 City of Madera UWMP. The proposed water storage tanks and pump station facility and its connection to the existing City well site will implement the planned water infrastructure development consistent with the City’s UWMP and WSMP. Therefore, the proposed Project would not substantially decrease groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge. Impacts would be less than significant.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
Impacts would be less than significant.

Would the Project substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river or through the addition of impervious surfaces, in a manner which would:
(i) – Result in substantial erosion or siltation onsite or offsite? The water storage tanks and pump station facility site is flat and has no water features such as a stream or river. Construction activities would be subject to the requirements and implementation of BMPs of an approved SWPPP. The proposed Project’s new water storage tanks and pump station will alter the existing drainage pattern by constructing a concrete pad and impermeable surfaces. Although the proposed new tank and pump station will change the drainage pattern, the proposed Project site is not anticipated to substantially alter the drainage pattern of the area, including the alteration of the course of a stream or river, in a manner that would result in substantial erosion or siltation onsite or offsite. As discussed, the water tanks site includes stormwater retention basins and a landscaped buffer Initial Study

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City of Madera Page 3-67
to provide additional stormwater percolation. These improvements would follow City of Madera development standards and reduce the potential for substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site.

The proposed pipeline route will be located within the existing road ROW and underground; it will not impact drainage patterns. Along Ellis Street, the pipeline intersects with an existing canal, Lateral 24.2. Installation of the pipeline underneath the canal will utilize the jack and bore construction method. This construction method is anticipated to have no impact on the existing canal and would not alter its water course. There would be no risk of erosion or siltation from the construction of the water pipeline.

Development of the Project would be subject to the requirements of the approved SWPPP and City design standards. A new 30-inch drainage pipe will be installed to convey tank overflow and stormwater drainage to the City-owned retention basin. Therefore, the proposed Project would have a less than significant impact with compliance of regulatory requirements, as applicable.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
Impacts would be less than significant.
(ii) – Substantially increase the rate of amount of surface runoff in a manner which would result flooding onsite or offsite?
The proposed water pipeline, the new water storage tanks, and the pump station facility would not result in increased runoff where flooding onsite or offsite would occur. The proposed pipeline would be constructed within existing road rights-of-way. Following construction, the trenches would be backfilled and restored to roadways and gravel roadway shoulders. The water storage tanks and pump station facility would be developed to City of Madera standards for stormwater drainage improvements. Therefore, the proposed Project would not alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, in a manner that would result in substantial erosion or siltation onsite or offsite. Therefore, the proposed Project would have a less-thansignificant impact.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
Impacts would be less than significant.

Initial Study

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City of Madera Page 3-68
(iii) – Create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff?
The extent of erosion on specific locations would typically vary depending upon slope steepness and stability, vegetation, percentage of cover, concentration of runoff, and weather conditions. No streams or rivers exist within the proposed water storage tanks and pump station site vicinity that would result in substantial erosion or siltation onsite or offsite. The proposed pipeline route will intersect with an existing canal and proposes to utilize jack and bore construction methods to install the pipeline under the canal. This construction method is anticipated to have no impact on the existing canal and would not alter its water course.

The proposed water storage tanks and pump station facility site will alter the existing drainage pattern of the site by the construction and increase in impervious surfaces; however, drainage impacts are expected to be minimal. Construction activities would be required to comply with regulatory requirements, including approval and implementation of a SWPPP and BMPs to minimize impacts from construction-related water runoff. The proposed Project sites would require grading for a concrete foundation for the storage tank and various other proposed Project-related items.

The proposed Project would alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area but would not alter the course of a stream or river, substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner that would result in flooding onsite or offsite, contribute runoff water that would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems, nor provide additional sources of polluted runoff.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
Impacts would be less than significant.
(iv) – Impede or redirect flood flows?
As noted in Impact #3.4.4c, the entire Project is within a FEMA-identified minimal flood hazard area.

As noted in Impact # 3.4.10c(i) through Impact #3.4.10c(iii), the proposed Project will not impede or redirect floodwaters and will not change the drainage pattern of the site or the area through the alteration of the course of a stream or river or through the addition of impervious surfaces, in a manner that would impede or redirect flood flows. Therefore, the proposed Project will have a less-than-significant impact.

Initial Study

Water Tank and Pipeline Project August 2025
City of Madera Page 3-69

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
Impacts would be less than significant.

Impact #3.4.10d – Woul the Project in flood hazard, tsunami, or seiche zones, risk release of pollutants due to Project inundation?
As noted, the Project is not located within a special flood hazard zone. Additionally, the Project is generally flat, as is the surrounding area, and the City is not located near any body of water where a tsunami or seiche would have the potential to significantly impact the Project sites.

The City General Plan EIR indicates that the Hidden Dam located at Hensley Lake could potentially result in the inundation of properties within the City. The probability is not considered to be a reasonably foreseeable event, and impacts are considered less than significant under the City General Plan EIR. As the Project is not within a special flood hazard area, is not located in an area where tsunami or seiche risks are present, and inundation due to a dam failure is not likely to occur, the Project is anticipated to result in a less-thansignificant impact.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
Impacts would be less than significant.

Impact #3.4.10e – Would the Project conflict with or obstruct implementation of a water quality control plan or sustainable groundwater management plan? See Impact #3.4.10b. The California Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) was enacted by the State of California in 2014 and provides a guideline for regulating groundwater production. SGMA also gives local agencies the ability to manage groundwater and create Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSA). The GSA is responsible for developing and implementing a Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP). The purpose of the GSP is to provide measurable goals to prevent unreasonable physical harm to the basin or the water resource. The Project is located within the Madera Subbasin and is associated with the Madera Subbasin Joint Groundwater Sustainability Plan.

The proposed Project will not conflict with or obstruct the implementation of the Madera Subbasin Joint Groundwater Sustainability Plan. The proposed Project is associated with planned improvements to continue to provide water and fire protection services as Initial Study

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identified in the City WSMP and UWMP. The proposed Project will not conflict with any water quality and sustainable groundwater management plans.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
Impacts would be less than significant.

Initial Study

Water Tank and Pipeline Project August 2025
City of Madera Page 3-71
Discussion
Impact #3.4.11a – Would the Project physically divide an established community? The proposed water storage tanks and pump station facility site is small and surrounded by predominantly rural residences, vacant land and agricultural uses directly west of Lake Street. The proposed pipeline will be installed underground within existing public ROW.

Therefore, the proposed Project would not physically divide an established community and result in no impact.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
There would be no impact.

Impact #3.4.11b – Would the Project cause a significant environmental impact due to a conflict with any land use plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect?
As previously discussed, the water storage tanks and pump station facility site is located within the unincorporated County but within the SOI of the City. Pursuant to Section

18.94.160 of the County Municipal Code, the proposed water storage tanks and pump station are subject to approval of a Conditional Use Permit. Therefore, consideration to both the County and City with regard to General Plan Goals, Policies, and Actions is listed below.

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated

Less-thanSignificant
Impact

No
Impact

3.4.11 - LAND USE AND PLANNING
Would the Project:
a. Physically divide an established
community?
b. Cause a significant environmental impact
due to a conflict with any land use plan,
policy, or regulation adopted for the
purpose of avoiding or mitigating an
environmental effect?
Initial Study

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City of Madera Page 3-72
Madera County General Plan
Policy 1.J.1: The County will coordinate land use, infrastructure, and public facility planning with cities in the county, regional planning agencies, neighboring jurisdictions, and state and federal agencies, and shall comment on land use and transportation plans concerning Madera County.

City of Madera General Plan
Policy CI-56: The City shall require that water flow and pressure be provided at sufficient levels to meet domestic, commercial, industrial, and firefighting needs.

Policy LU-12: The City shall plan and install infrastructure to serve only the area inside the Growth Boundary. The expansion of urban services (specifically including residential sewer service) outside this boundary shall not be permitted unless the City Council finds that:
1) The extension is needed to address a clear public health or safety need; and 2) The infrastructure provided is sized to the minimum level necessary in order to reduce any excess capacity that could be used to support additional growth outside the boundary.

Action Item LU-13.1: Maintain and periodically update a set of Facility Master Plans for major municipal infrastructure and public facilities, including, at a minimum, wastewater, water, storm drainage, and parks and recreation facilities.

The proposed new water storage tanks and pump station facility is within the County and as such will be subject to the approval of a Conditional Use Permit. As found in the identified General Plan policies of both the County and City, the development of public facilities and infrastructure does not conflict with the growth management and public facility development policies.

As shown in Figure 2-2, the tank and pump station facility and the pipeline route are located within the SOI of the City, so these services can be provided for under City General Plan Policy LU-12 with coordination with the County. The proposed Project does not consist of elements that would cause a significant environmental impact. Therefore, the Project will have a lessthan-significant impact.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
Impacts would be less than significant.

Initial Study

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City of Madera Page 3-73
Discussion
Impact #3.4.12a – Would the Project result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of value to the region and the residents of the State? No current mineral extraction activities exist on the proposed Project site nor are any mineral extraction activities included in the proposed Project design. The City of Madera General Plan EIR found that General Plan implementation would not have the potential to affect the availability or any State or locally designated mineral resource. Therefore, the proposed Project would not result in the loss of availability of mineral resources as the proposed Project does not propose the extraction of mineral resources. Additionally, the proposed Project would not restrict the ability of mineral rights holders in the area to exercise their legal rights to access surrounding sites for the exploration and/or extraction of underlying oil resources or other natural resources.

The proposed Project would not result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of value to the region and the residents of the State. Therefore, the proposed Project would have no impacts.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
There would be no impact.

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated

Less-thanSignificant
Impact

No
Impact

3.4.12 - MINERAL RESOURCES
Would the Project:

a. Result in the loss of availability of a known
mineral resource that would be of value to
the region and the residents of the State?
b. Result in the loss of availability of a locally
important mineral resource recovery site
delineated on a local general plan, specific
plan, or other land use plan?
Initial Study

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City of Madera Page 3-74
Impact #3.4.12b – Would the Project result in the loss of availability of a locally important mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local general plan, specific plan, or other land use plan?
Pursuant to the City of Madera General Plan EIR, the General Plan Planning Area does not have the potential to affect the availability of any State or locally designated mineral resource. Therefore, as the Project sites are located within the Planning Area of the City of Madera, it can be seen that Project development would not impact any locally important mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local general plan or other land use plans.

Therefore, there would be no impact.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
The Project would result in no impact.

Initial Study

Water Tank and Pipeline Project August 2025
City of Madera Page 3-75
Discussion
Impact #3.4.13a –Would the Project result in generation of a substantial temporary or permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the vicinity of the Project in excess of standards established in a local general plan or noise ordinance or applicable standards of other agencies?
Proposed Project construction-related activities would involve temporary and intermittent noise sources, including site preparation; activities related to the installation of the new pipeline system, and construction of the new water storage tanks and pump station.

Construction-related noise levels would be higher than existing ambient noise levels in the proposed Project area, but would not occur after construction-related activities are completed. Operation and maintenance noise would be similar in character to existing noise in the area, resulting from existing neighboring agricultural-related operations.

The Noise Element of the City General Plan has adopted several policies to establish exterior noise thresholds and design considerations to mitigate noise generation. Specifically, Policy N-5 provides for the maximum 24-hour exterior noise levels for land designated by the General Plan for residential, commercial/retail, and public parks. Additionally, Policy N-6 provides for maximum exterior non-transportation noise levels for land designated residential for any 30-minute period on any day. Based on these thresholds, the established

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated

Less-thanSignificant
Impact

No
Impact

3.4.13 - NOISE
Would the Project result in:
a. Generation of a substantial temporary or
permanent increase in ambient noise levels
in the vicinity of the Project in excess of
standards established in a local general plan
or noise ordinance or applicable standards
of other agencies?
b. Generation of excessive groundborne
vibration or groundborne noise levels?
c. For a Project located within the vicinity of a
private airstrip or an airport land use plan
or, where such a plan has not been adopted,
within two miles of a public airport or public
use airport, would the Project expose people
residing or working in the Project area to
excessive noise levels?
Initial Study

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City of Madera Page 3-76
noise standards for non-transportation noise measured as dBA Leq (30 minutes) is 60 dBA from 7 AM to 10 PM and 50 dBA from 10 PM to 7 AM.

Under the City Municipal Code, Section 3-11.02, between the hours of 8 PM and 6 AM of the following day, noise sources associated with operating or causing the operation of any tools or equipment used in construction, drilling, repair, alteration, remodeling, paving, or grading of any real property or demolition work which creates sound is prohibited. Constructionrelated activities would be restricted to daytime hours and would be short-term, temporary, and intermittent in nature.

Operation of the facility and pipeline is not anticipated to result in a significant generation of noise. The majority of the noise would originate from running equipment, including the pump station. The facility is designed to minimize noise generation through the use of landscape buffers and equipment setbacks from the existing residences. The pump station is would have approximately 180 feet of separation from the nearest residence. Noise generated from facility equipment would dissipate and not adversely affect sensitive noise receptors in the vicinity of the water storage tanks and pump station site. By complying with City of Madera General Plan Policies and Municipal Code for noise generation, the proposed Project would have a less-than-significant impact.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
Impacts would be less than significant.

Impact #3.4.13b – Would the Project result in generation of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels?
There are no federal or State standards that address construction noise or vibration.

Additionally, the City does not have regulations that define acceptable levels of vibration.

One reference suggesting vibration standards is the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) publication concerning noise and vibration impact assessment from transit activities.

Although the FTA guidelines are to be applied to transit activities and construction, they may be reasonably applied to the assessment of the potential for annoyance or structural damage resulting from other activities. To prevent vibration annoyance in residences, a level of 80 VdB (vibration velocity level in dB) or less is suggested when there are fewer than 70 vibration events per day.

A level of 100 VdB or less is suggested by the FTA guidelines to prevent damage to fragile buildings. Table 3.4.13-1 describes the typical construction equipment vibration levels.

While these construction-related activities would result in groundborne vibration, such groundborne noise or vibration, would attenuate rapidly from the source and would not be generally perceptible outside of the construction-related areas. In addition, there would not Initial Study

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City of Madera Page 3-77
be any vibrational impacts from operation and maintenance activities at the tank and pump station facility.

Table 3.4.13-2
Typical Construction Equipment Vibration Source Levels
Equipment PPV at 25 ft.
(in/sec)
Approximate
Lv*at25 ft.

Large bulldozer 0.089 87
Caissson drilling 0.089 87
Loaded trucks 0.076 86
Jackhammer 0.035 79
Small bulldozer 0.003 58 a From NRS Table 3-5, included in Appendix “D” of this draft EIR. * RMS velocity in decibels (VdB) re 1 minch/second
Construction-related activities in general can have the potential to create groundborne vibrations. However, based on the soil types found in the general proposed Project vicinity, it is unlikely that any blasting or pile-driving would be required in connection with construction of the proposed Project. Therefore, the potential for groundborne vibrations to occur as part of construction-related activities of the proposed Project will be considered excessive. Furthermore, the operation of the proposed Project would not contain any activities that would create excessive groundborne vibrations. The proposed Project would not result in excessive vibratory exposure to residents or generate excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels. Therefore, the proposed Project would have a lessthan-significant impact.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
Impacts would be less than significant.

Impact #3.4.13c – For a Project located within the vicinity of a private airstrip or an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the Project expose people residing or working in the Project area to excessive noise levels?
The proposed water storage tanks and pump station site is not within two miles of a public use airport. The pipeline route is approximately 0.77 miles east of the Madera Municipal Airport. Although located within two miles of an airport, the pipeline is not within an identified ALUCP noise hazard zone. Construction activities will be temporary and will not result in significant safety or excessive noise exposure. Once construction is complete, the operation of the pipeline does not have a permanent structure or staff. Therefore, there Initial Study

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would be a less-than-significant impact on people residing or working in the proposed Project area due to excessive noise from an airport.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
The Project would result in no impact.

Initial Study

Water Tank and Pipeline Project August 2025
City of Madera Page 3-79

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated

Less-thanSignificant
Impact

No
Impact

3.4.14 - POPULATION AND HOUSING
Would the Project
a. Induce substantial unplanned population
growth in an area, either directly (for
example, by proposing new homes and
businesses) or indirectly (for example,
through extension of roads or other
infrastructure)?
b. Displace substantial numbers of existing
people or housing, necessitating the
construction of replacement housing
elsewhere?
Discussion
Impact #3.4.14a – Would the Project induce substantial unplanned population growth in an area, either directly (for example, by proposing new homes and businesses) or indirectly (for example, through extension of roads or other infrastructure)? The proposed Project will allow the City to meet existing and future water supply and fire protection requirements. As noted in Impact #3.4.10b, the proposed Project will not generate unplanned population growth beyond what is projected with the full buildout of the General Plan.

The proposed Project would not induce any population growth in the area, either directly (for example, by proposing new homes and businesses) or indirectly (for example, through extension of roads or other infrastructure). Therefore, the proposed Project would result in a less than significant impact.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
Impacts would be less than significant.

Impact #3.4.14b – Would the Project displace substantial numbers of existing people or housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? Initial Study

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The proposed Project would result in the construction of a new water storage tank and pump station on a currently undeveloped property located on the west side of Lake Street. The pipeline would be constructed within the road rights-of-way within Lake Street, Ellis Street, and Sharon Boulevard. No residences would be affected by the proposed Project-related activities.

In addition, it is anticipated that construction-related workers would come from the surrounding area and would not require new housing. The proposed Project would not displace substantial numbers of existing people or housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere. Therefore, the proposed Project would have no impact.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
There would be no impact.

Initial Study

Water Tank and Pipeline Project August 2025
City of Madera Page 3-81

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated

Less-thanSignificant
Impact

No
Impact

3.4.15 - PUBLIC SERVICES
Would the Project:
a. Result in substantial adverse physical
impacts associated with the provision of new
or physically altered governmental facilities,
need for new or physically altered
governmental facilities, the construction of
which could cause significant environmental
impacts, in order to maintain acceptable
service ratios, response times, or to other
performance objectives for any of the public
services:
(i) Fire protection?
(ii) Police protection?
(iii) Schools?
(iv) Parks?
(v) Other public facilities?
Discussion
Impact #3.4.15a - Would the Project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times, or to other performance objectives for any of the public services:
(i) - Fire Protection?
Fire protection and emergency medical services are provided by the City Fire Department, which is administered by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire) through a cooperative fire protection agreement (City of Madera, 2009a). The Project will not construct any habitable structures that would increase the need for fire protection services. The proposed underground water pipeline system will not require electricity or flammable materials that could ignite a fire. The potential for a fire to ignite at the new water storage tanks and pump station is highly unlikely and would not pose a significant threat to nearby properties. The intent of the Project is to provide water storage tanks to continue to provide for current and future water demand and fire protection requirements.

Initial Study

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City of Madera Page 3-82
There are two City fire stations, one located at 317 North Lake Street and the other located at 200 South Schnoor Avenue. The closest station is located approximately 1.4 miles south of the proposed water storage tanks and pump station site. Because the Project is not constructing habitable structures that would be considered susceptible to or create fire hazards, it is not anticipated to result in substantial or adverse impacts to or cause an increase in fire protection services. The proposed Project would result in no impact.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
There would be no impact.
(ii) – Police Protection?
The proposed Project will not significantly impact police protection services. The City Police Department provides law enforcement services for the City of Madera. A 2024 Annual Report for the City of Madera Police Department indicates that the Police Department has 74 sworn officers with an average emergency response time of four minutes and 40 seconds (Madera Police Department, 2024).

While the City Police Department may be contacted for non-emergency situations (such as vandalism), the proposed Project is not anticipated to require increased police protection.

Therefore, the proposed Project would result in no impact.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
There would be no impact.
(iii) – Schools?
The Project does not include any new City employees. The existing City staff will maintain the pipeline, the water tank, and the pump station facility. As such, the proposed Project would not increase the student population and would have no impact on school facilities.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

Initial Study

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City of Madera Page 3-83

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
There would be no impact.
(iv) – Parks?
The proposed Project does not include construction of homes or habitable structures that have permanent residents. It will not provide or physically alter any parks, nor does it increase the need for new parks or use of existing parks.. Therefore, the proposed Project would result in no impact.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
There would be no impact.
(v) – Other Public Facilities?
The proposed Project does not involve creating any new residential development or other new facilities that could result in an influx of population such that additional libraries, medical services, or other public facilities would be needed. Therefore, the proposed Project would result in no impact.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
There would be no impact.

Initial Study

Water Tank and Pipeline Project August 2025
City of Madera Page 3-84

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated

Less-thanSignificant
Impact

No
Impact

3.4.16 - RECREATION
Would the Project:
a. Increase the use of existing neighborhood
and regional parks or other recreational
facilities such that substantial physical
deterioration of the facility would occur or be
accelerated?
b. Include recreational facilities or require the
construction or expansion of recreational
facilities that might have an adverse physical
effect on the environment?
Discussion
Impact #3.4.16a – Would the Project increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated?
See Impact #3.4.15a(iv). The proposed Project’s new water storage tanks, pump station, and pipeline are intended to provide for the current and future water needs of the City service area. These improvements generate unplanned population growth or residential development. No new housing is proposed as part of the proposed Project. Therefore, the proposed Project would have no impact.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
The Project would result in no impact.

Impact #3.4.16b – Include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities that might have an adverse physical effect on the environment? See Impact #3.4.15a(iv) and Impact #3.4.16a. No new housing is proposed as part of the proposed Project. Therefore, the proposed Project would have no impact.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

Initial Study

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City of Madera Page 3-85

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
The Project would result in no impact.

Initial Study

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City of Madera Page 3-86
Discussion
Impact #3.4.17a – Would the Project conflict with a program, plan, ordinance or policy addressing the circulation system, including transit, roadway, bicycle and pedestrian facilities?
The proposed Project will not construct any new circulation (transit) systems, roadways, or bicycle and pedestrian facilities. The proposed Project would result in short-term, temporary, and intermittent traffic impacts during construction-related activities of the pipeline within the existing road ROW. The construction of the new storage tank and pump station facility will not impact traffic or other types of transit operations.

Following completion, the Project would not increase traffic on City streets. The typical maintenance activities at the tank facility will be completed by existing City staff and would occur on an as need basis. Therefore, the proposed Project would not conflict with an applicable plan, ordinance, or policy establishing measures of effectiveness for the performance of the circulation system, taking into account all modes of transportation including mass transit and non-motorized travel and relevant components of the circulation system, including but not limited to intersections, streets, highways and freeways, pedestrian and bicycle paths, and mass transit. Therefore, the proposed Project would have no impact.

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated

Less-thanSignificant
Impact

No
Impact

3.4.17 - TRANSPORTATION
Would the Project:
a. Conflict with a program, plan, ordinance or
policy addressing the circulation system,
including transit, roadway, bicycle and
pedestrian facilities?
b. Conflict or be inconsistent with CEQA
Guidelines Section 15064.3, subdivision
(b)?
c. Substantially increase hazards due to a
geometric design feature (e.g., sharp curves
or dangerous intersections) or incompatible
uses (e.g., farm equipment)?
d. Result in inadequate emergency access?
Initial Study

Water Tank and Pipeline Project August 2025
City of Madera Page 3-87

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
The Project would result in no impact.

Impact #3.4.17b – Would the Project conflict or be inconsistent with CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.3, subdivision (b)?
See Impact #3.4.17a.

As of July 1, 2020, SB 743 requires that lead agencies analyze the transportation impacts of new projects regarding the new metric of vehicle miles traveled (VMT). VMT measures how much actual auto travel (additional miles driven) a proposed project would create on California roadways. If a project adds car travel roads beyond an established threshold, the project may cause a significant transportation impact.

The Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) developed guidance for implementation of SB 743. However, CEQA allows lead agencies the ability to provide their own methodologies and significance thresholds for CEQA technical studies. The Madera County Transportation Commission provides for general guidelines, mapping, and modeling for SB 743 implementation.

Pursuant to SB 743, construction-related traffic is not subject to Vehicle Miles Travelled thresholds. Once operational, the Project would generate routine maintenance or other operation-related trips by the existing staff who regularly monitor the City’s infrastructure.

Therefore, the proposed Project will have a less-than-significant impact.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
Impacts would be less than significant.

Impact #3.4.17c – Would the Project substantially increase hazards due to a geometric design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment)?
The proposed Project would not introduce new curves and/or hazardous intersections into the proposed Project area. No new roads are proposed as part of the Project. No new design or features would be introduced that would result in transportation-related hazards or safety concerns. The proposed Project does not consist of any elements that would add a geometric design feature that would substantially increase hazards or have incompatible Initial Study

Water Tank and Pipeline Project August 2025
City of Madera Page 3-88
uses (e.g., farm equipment). The majority of the proposed Project’s components (i.e., pipelines) will be installed underground. The new water storage tanks, pump station, and accessory infrastructure will be located within the confines of the property, and the new driveway entrance will be constructed to meet City standards. Therefore, the proposed Project impacts would be less than significant.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
Impacts would be less than significant.

Impact #3.4.17d – Would the Project result in inadequate emergency access? The proposed Project will be staged to allow emergency vehicles to have access to all public streets and properties. The construction team will backfill trenches as they move or will use steel plates to allow access to all properties during construction-related activities that may impede the ability to access roadways. Therefore, the Project will have a less-than-significant impact on emergency access.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
Impacts would be less than significant.

Initial Study

Water Tank and Pipeline Project August 2025
City of Madera Page 3-89

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated

Less-thanSignificant
Impact

No
Impact

3.4.18 - TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES
Would the Project:
a. Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of a tribal cultural resource,
defined in Public Resources Code Section
21074 as either a site, feature, place, cultural
landscape that is geographically defined in
terms of the size and scope of the landscape,
sacred place, or object with cultural value to
a California Native American tribe, and that
is:
(i) Listed or eligible for listing in the
California Register of Historical
Resources, or in a local register of
historical resources as defined in Public
Resources Code Section 5020.1(k), or
(ii) A resource determined by the Lead
Agency, in its discretion and supported
by substantial evidence, to be significant
pursuant to criteria set forth in
subdivision (c) of Public Resources Code
Section 5024.1. In applying the criteria
set forth in subdivision (c) of Public
Resource Code Section 5024.1, the Lead
Agency shall consider the significance of
the resource to a California Native
American tribe.

Discussion
Impact #3.4.18a – Would the Project cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a tribal cultural resource, defined in Public Resources Code Section 21074 as either a site, feature, place, cultural landscape that is geographically defined in terms of the size and scope of the landscape, sacred place, or object with cultural value to a California Native American tribe, and that is:
(i) Listed or eligible for listing in the California Register of Historical Resources, or in a local register of historical resources as defined in Public Resources Code Section 5020.1(k)? Initial Study

Water Tank and Pipeline Project August 2025
City of Madera Page 3-90
The Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) was contacted with a request that they conduct a sacred lands files search. The NAHC provided the results of its search dated April 30, 2025, indicating negative results.

Native American tribes who have asked to consult with the City were contacted in order to solicit their interest regarding tribal consultation: No responses have been received to date (see Appendix D).

The Project includes ground disturbance and trenching where there is minimal potential of a cultural or tribal cultural resource. Mitigation measures CUL-1 and CUL-2 have been included as an abundance of caution in the unlikely event that subsurface resources are discovered. These mitigation measures establish a procedure in the event a cultural resource is discovered during Project construction activities. Therefore, impacts are considered less than significant with mitigation incorporated.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
Implementation of Mitigation Measures CUL-1 and CUL-2.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
Impacts would be less than significant with mitigation incorporated. (ii) A resource determined by the Lead Agency, in its discretion and supported by substantial evidence, to be significant pursuant to criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resources Code Section 5024.1. In applying the criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resources Code Section 5024.1, the Lead Agency shall consider the significance of the resource to a California Native American tribe?
See discussion for Impacts #3.4.5a through#3.4.5c and Impact #3.4.18a(i).

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
Implementation of Mitigation Measures CUL-1 and CUL-2.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
Impacts would be less than significant with mitigation incorporated.

Initial Study

Water Tank and Pipeline Project August 2025
City of Madera Page 3-91

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated

Less-thanSignificant
Impact

No
Impact

3.4.19 - UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS
Would the Project:
a. Require or result in the relocation or
construction of new or expanded water,
wastewater treatment, or stormwater
drainage, electric power, natural gas, or
telecommunications facilities, the
construction or relocation of which could
cause significant environmental effects?
b. Have sufficient water supplies available to
serve the Project and reasonably foreseeable
future development during normal, dry and
multiple dry years?
c. Result in a determination by the wastewater
treatment provider that serves or may serve
the Project that it has adequate capacity to
serve the Project’s projected demand in
addition to the provider’s existing
commitments?
d. Generate solid waste in excess of State or
local standards, or in excess of the capacity of
local infrastructure, or otherwise impair the
attainment of solid waste reduction goals?
e. Comply with federal, State, and local
management and reduction statutes and
regulations related to solid waste?
Discussion
Impact #3.4.19a – Would the Project require or result in the relocation or construction of new or expanded water, wastewater treatment, or stormwater drainage, electric power, natural gas, or telecommunications facilities, the construction or relocation of which could cause significant environmental effects?
The proposed Project will result in the construction of new water infrastructure to meet water supply and fire protection requirements within the City’s water service area. The Project proposes the construction of water storage tanks, a pump station, and a pipeline connecting the station to an existing well site.

Initial Study

Water Tank and Pipeline Project August 2025
City of Madera Page 3-92
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) oversees certain aspects of water infrastructure, including rates and service quality for investor-owned water utilities. The California State Water Resources Control Board may also be involved in water quality and infrastructure improvements.

The proposed improvements will be located on site that are not considered environmentally sensitive, will comply with City General Plan policies and regulatory requirements including SWPPP implementation during construction of the Project. The development of new water facilities would not result in a significant environmental effect. Therefore, impacts related to the Project would be less than significant.

The Project does not result in a addition wastewater treatment, stormwater drainage, electric, natural gas, or telecommunications facilities that could cause a significant environmental effect.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
Impacts would be less than significant.

Impact #3.4.19b – Would the Project have sufficient water supplies available to serve the Project and reasonably foreseeable future development during normal, dry, and multiple dry years?
As discussed in Impact #3.4.10b, both the City UWMP and WSMP provide for potential service improvements to meet current and future demands based on estimated growth within the City service area. With these improvements provided in the UWMP and Water System Master Plan, the anticipated water supplies and demand of the City are accounted for with the determination of the 2020 UWMP, indicating available water supplies for the normal year, single-dry year, and multiple-dry year scenarios. The Project proposes to connect to an existing well to meet current and future demands for water service and fire protection. There is no intent to expand service or increase the number of connections of water service as a direct result of the Project. The proposed Project is not contributing to future development in the area. Therefore, the proposed Project will have a less-thansignificant impact.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
Impacts would be less than significant.

Initial Study

Water Tank and Pipeline Project August 2025
City of Madera Page 3-93
Impact #3.4.19c – Would the Project result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider that serves or may serve the Project that it has adequate capacity to serve the Project’s projected demand in addition to the provider’s existing commitments? The proposed Project’s new water storage tanks and pump station, and pipelines are not a part of the wastewater system and will not add or connect to the wastewater pipelines. The proposed Project does not include an increase in population and will not expand the current local wastewater system service requirements. Therefore, the proposed Project would have no impact.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
The Project would result in no impact.

Impact #3.4.19d – Would the Project generate solid waste in excess of State or local standards, or in excess of the capacity of local infrastructure, or otherwise impair the attainment of solid waste reduction goals?
Solid waste generated from the City of Madera is disposed of at the Fairmead Solid Waste Disposal Site, which is located at Avenue 22 and Road 19 in the City of Chowchilla (City of Madera, 2009b). This proposed Project would generate small amounts of solid waste from construction-related activities as a result of site preparation for the new storage tank and pump station, and the pipeline. All solid waste will be collected and removed from the sites and will be disposed of at the Fairmead Solid Waste Disposal Site (which is located approximately 9 miles northwest of the proposed Project area).

The Fairmead Solid Waste Disposal Site has an estimated maximum permitted capacity of

9.4 million cubic yards of which approximately 5.5 million cubic yards, or 59.1 percent, remains (CalRecycle, 2025). The proposed Project will comply with State and local standards by picking up and properly disposing of any proposed Project-related solid waste. The proposed Project is not expected to result in excessive amounts of solid waste that would be in excess of State or local standards or be in excess of the capacity of local infrastructure or otherwise impair the attainment of solid waste reduction goals. Any proposed Projectrelated solid waste will be disposed of following State and local standards. Therefore, the proposed Project will have no impact.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
The Project would result in no impact.

Initial Study

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City of Madera Page 3-94
Impact #3.4.19e – Would the Project comply with federal, State, and local management and reduction statutes and regulations related to solid waste? See discussion for Impact #3.4.19d.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
The Project would result in no impact.

Initial Study

Water Tank and Pipeline Project August 2025
City of Madera Page 3-95

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated

Less-thanSignificant
Impact

No
Impact

3.4.20 - WILDFIRE
If located in or near State responsibility areas or
lands classified as very high fire hazard severity
zones, would the Project:
a. Substantially impair an adopted emergency
response plan or emergency evacuation plan?
b. Due to slope, prevailing winds, and other
factors, exacerbate wildfire risks, and thereby
expose Project occupants to, pollutant
concentration from a wildfire or the
uncontrolled spread of a wildfire?
c. Require the installation or maintenance of
associated infrastructure (such as roads, fuel
breaks, emergency water sources, power lines
or other utilities) that may exacerbate fire risk
or that may result in temporary or ongoing
impacts to the environment?
d. Expose people or structures to significant
risks, including downslope or downstream
flooding or landslides, as a result of runoff,
post-fire slope instability, or drainage
changes?
Discussion
Impact #3.4.20– If located in or near State responsibility areas or lands classified as very high fire hazard severity zones, would the Project:
(a) Substantially impair an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan?
See also Impact #3.4.9g and Impact #3.4.9f. Per the CalFire Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps for Madera County, the Project site and pipeline route are designated as unzoned and Local Responsibility Area (LRA) (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, 2025).

The nearest moderate severity zone is approximately 4.4 miles southeast of the water storage tanks and pump station facility site.

The Project will not impair the City Fire Department Emergency Operations Plan, and other guidance as identified in the General Plan (City of Madera, 2009b).

Initial Study

Water Tank and Pipeline Project August 2025
City of Madera Page 3-96
The proposed Project would not impair an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan. Therefore, the proposed Project would have result in no impact.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
The Project would result in no impact.
(b) Due to slope, prevailing winds, and other factors, exacerbate wildfire risks, and thereby expose Project occupants to, pollutant concentration from a wildfire or the uncontrolled spread of a wildfire?
As previously mentioned, the proposed Project is not located in a high fire hazard severity zone. The area is flat with no slopes, and there are no prevailing winds or other factors in the proposed Project area that would exacerbate wildfire risks, exposing occupants to pollutant concentration from a wildfire or the uncontrolled spread of a wildfire. Therefore, the proposed Project would have no impact.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
The Project would result in no impact.
(c) Require the installation or maintenance of associated infrastructure (such as roads, fuel breaks, emergency water sources, power lines or other utilities) that may exacerbate fire risk or that may result in temporary or ongoing impacts to the environment? See also Impact #3.4.9g, Impact #3.4.9f, and Impact #3.4.20a, above. The proposed Project would not require the installation or maintenance of associated infrastructure (roads, fuel breaks, emergency water sources, power lines, or other utilities) that may exacerbate fire risk or that may result in temporary or ongoing impacts to the environment. Therefore, the proposed Project will have no impact.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
The Project would result in no impact.

Initial Study

Water Tank and Pipeline Project August 2025
City of Madera Page 3-97
(d) Expose people or structures to significant risks, including downslope or downstream flooding or landslides, as a result of runoff, post-fire slope instability, or drainage changes? See also Impact #3.4.9g, Impact #3.4.9f, and Impacts #3.4.20a-c. The proposed Project is not located in or near an SRA or lands classified as a very high fire hazard severity zone. It is not expected that Project-related activities would result in a fire hazard or expose people or structures to significant risks, including downslope or downstream flooding or landslides, as a result of runoff, post-fire slope instability, or drainage change. Therefore, the proposed Project would have no impact.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
No mitigation is required.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
The Project would result in no impact.

Initial Study

Water Tank and Pipeline Project August 2025
City of Madera Page 3-98
Discussion
Impact #3.4.21a – Does the Project have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, substantially reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal, or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory?
As evaluated in this IS/MND, the proposed Project is not anticipated to result in or substantially degrade the quality of the environment; substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species; cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining levels; threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community; reduce the number or restrict the range of an endangered, rare, or threatened species; or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory. With implementation of mitigation

Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated

Less-thanSignificant
Impact

No
Impact

3.4.21 - MANDATORY FINDINGS OF

SIGNIFICANCE
a. Does the Project have the potential to
degrade the quality of the environment,
substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or
wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife
population to drop below self-sustaining
levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or
animal community, substantially reduce the
number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal, or eliminate important examples of the major periods of
California history or prehistory?
b. Does the Project have impacts that are
individually limited, but cumulatively
considerable? (“Cumulatively considerable”
means that the incremental effects of a
Project are significant when viewed in
connection with the effects of past Projects,
the effects of other current Projects, and the
effects of probable future Projects.)
c. Does the Project have environmental effects
that would cause substantial adverse effects
on human beings, either directly or
indirectly?
Initial Study

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City of Madera Page 3-99
measures, the proposed Project would not have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal, or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory. Therefore, the proposed Project would have a less-than-significant impact with implementation of mitigation measures, as applicable.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
Mitigation Measures BIO-1 through BIO-6 and CUL-1 through CUL-2, and GEO-1.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
The Project would have a less-than-significant impact with mitigation incorporated.

Impact #3.4.21b - Does the Project have impacts that are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable? (“Cumulatively considerable” means that the incremental effects of a Project are significant when viewed in connection with the effects of past Projects, the effects of other current Projects, and the effects of probable future Projects.)? As noted earlier, the Project’s impacts will be short-term, temporary, and intermittent during construction-related activities and below significant levels during operation/maintenancerelated activities. As described in the impact analyses in Sections 3.4.1 through 3.4.20 of this IS/MND, potentially significant impacts of the proposed Project would be reduced to a lessthan-significant level following implementation of the mitigation measures listed in Section 4, Mitigation, Monitoring and Reporting Program, as applicable. Previously completed projects have also implemented mitigation as necessary. Accordingly, the proposed Project would not otherwise combine with impacts of related development to add considerably to any cumulative impacts in the region. With mitigation, the proposed Project would not have impacts that are individually limited but cumulatively considerable. Therefore, the proposed Project would have a less than cumulatively considerable impact with implementation of mitigation measures, as applicable.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
Implementation of Mitigation Measures BIO-1 through BIO-6, CUL-1 through CUL-2, and GEO-1.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
The Project would have a less-than-significant impact with mitigation incorporated.

Impact #3.4.21c - Does the Project have environmental effects that would cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly? Initial Study

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City of Madera Page 3-100
All of the proposed Project’s impacts, both direct and indirect, that are attributable to the Project were identified and will be mitigated, as applicable. As shown in Section 4, Mitigation, Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP), the project proponent is aware of the significance of implementing the mitigation measures contained in the MMRP, as applicable, to substantially reduce, minimize, or eliminate impacts resulting from the proposed Project.

Therefore, the proposed Project would not either directly or indirectly cause substantial adverse effects on human beings because all potentially adverse direct impacts of the proposed Project are identified as having no impact, less-than-significant impact, or lessthan-significant impact with implementation of mitigation measures.

MITIGATION MEASURE(S)
Implementation of Mitigation Measures BIO-1 through BIO-6, CUL-1 through CUL-2, and GEO-1.

LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
The Project would have a less-than-significant impact with mitigation incorporated.

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Aesthetics
No Mitigation required.

Agriculture and Forest Resources
No Mitigation required.

Air Quality
No Mitigation required.

Biological Resources
#1 BIO-1: A preconstruction survey shall be conducted 14-30 days prior to Project construction activities to verify if special-status or sensitive species are present within 500 feet of the Project. The focal species shall include Swainson’s hawk and other migratory nesting birds. A report outlining the results of the survey shall be prepared and submitted to the lead agency as evidence of compliance.

Within 14 to 30 days
prior to any
construction-related
activities.

Project contractor, Project
developer, Lead Agency
Steps to Compliance:

A. A qualified biologist shall be responsible for a preconstruction survey.

B. If necessary, the qualified biologist shall contact CDFW and USFWS to determine next steps.

C. If necessary, the qualified biologist shall implement next steps in consultation with the wildlife agencies.

D. The qualified biologist shall prepare a brief report to be submitted to the wildlife agencies within 5 days of completion of the preconstruction survey.

E. Lead Agency shall verify compliance.
#2 BIO-2: If construction activities occur between February 1 and September 15, pre-disturbance surveys for active raptor and migratory bird nests shall be conducted no more than 10 days prior to the commencement of disturbance. Surveys shall follow USFWS and CDFW guidance and/or protocols, as applicable. If no active nests or nesting birds are identified, then Project construction activities may proceed, and no further mitigation measures for nesting birds are required. If active nest(s) are identified, the active nest(s) should be continuously surveyed for the first 24 hours after detection to During construction
activities between
February 15 and
August 31 and within
10 days prior to any
construction-related
activities.

Project contractor, Project
developer, Lead Agency
Steps to Compliance:

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establish a behavioral baseline prior to any construction-related activities.

Once construction commences, all nests shall be continuously monitored to detect any behavioral changes because of the Project (i.e., nest avoidance or abandonment). If behavioral changes are observed, the work causing that change shall cease until the qualified biologist consults with the CDFW and/or the USFWS and the qualified biologist implements the recommended measures. During such times as the qualified biological monitor is not on site while construction workers are on site, a minimum non-disturbance buffer of 250 feet shall be established around active nests and a 500-foot nodisturbance buffer around the nests of raptors until the breeding season has ended or until a qualified biologist has determined that the birds have fledged and are no longer reliant upon the nest or parental care for survival, and any adult birds are no longer occupying the nest. Deviations from these no-disturbance buffers may be implemented if the qualified biologist concludes that work within the buffer area would not cause nest avoidance or abandonment (e.g., when the disturbance area would be concealed from a nest site by topography) provided that notification of this determination of a deviation in the no-disturbance buffer is provided by the qualified biologist no less than 15 days in advance to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the United States Fish and Wildlife..

A. A preconstruction nesting bird survey shall be conducted within 10 days prior to the start of construction.

B. If active nests are found during the survey or at any time during construction of the Project, an avoidance buffer ranging from 50 feet to 500 feet may be required, with the avoidance buffer from any specific nest being determined by a qualified biologist. Work is to continue under approval and guidance of qualified biologist.

C. If necessary, the qualified biologist shall contact CDFW and USFWS to determine next steps.

D. If necessary, the qualified biologist shall implement next steps in consultation with the wildlife agencies.

E. The qualified biologist shall prepare a brief report to be submitted to the wildlife agencies within 5 days of completion of the preconstruction survey.

F. Lead Agency shall verify compliance.
#3 BIO-3: If an active raptor nest is identified, and when construction activities occur within the avoidance buffer of the nest, a qualified biologist shall conduct a daily site visit to observe all constructionrelated activities and or activity near an active nest. If construction activities are not occurring within the avoidance buffer of a nest, these resources shall be checked during a weekly site visit to observe activity. The qualified biologist shall be familiar with all potential species and their sign (i.e., tracks, scat, etc.) that have the During construction
activities between
February 15 and
August 31
Project contractor, Project
developer, Lead Agency
Steps to Compliance:

A. A preconstruction nesting bird survey shall be conducted within 10 days prior to the start of construction.

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potential to occur within the proposed Project site. The qualified biologist shall prepare a daily datasheet to record all constructionrelated activities that occurred and activity at an active nest or den, and document the progress of the project with photographs. Copies of daily datasheets and photographs shall be submitted to the lead agency as evidence of compliance.

B. If active raptor nests are found during the survey or at any time during construction of the Project, an avoidance buffer ranging from 50 feet to 500 feet may be required, with the avoidance buffer from any specific nest being determined by a qualified biologist.

C. If construction activities occur within the avoidance buffer, the qualified biologist shall conduct daily site visits to observe construction activity. If construction activities are outside the avoidance buffer, the qualified biologist shall conduct weekly site visits to observe construction activity.

D. The qualified biologist shall prepare a daily datasheet to record all construction related activities and copies shall be submitted to the lead agency to verify compliance.
#4 BIO-4: If construction work occurs after August 30 and ends before March 1 (outside of the breeding season), impacts to the Swainson's hawk would be avoided. Surveys would not be required for work conducted during this part of the year, and no further mitigation for nest disturbance is required.
a. Protocol Surveys. For work that begins between March 1 and August 30, a qualified biologist with expertise in Swainson's hawk shall conduct protocol surveys of potential nesting habitat within 0.5 miles of any construction activities prior to initiation of such activities. The project proponent shall conduct a protocol-level survey in conformance with the "Recommended Timing and Methodology for Swainson's
Hawk Nesting Surveys in California's Central Valley,"
Swainson's Hawk Technical Advisory Committee (TAC)
(https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/conservation/surveyprotocols#377281284-birds) (May 31, 2000), which is hereby incorporated by reference. This protocol prescribes minimum During construction
activities between
March 1 and August 30
Project contractor, Project
developer, Lead Agency
Steps to Compliance:

A. A preconstruction protocolsurvey shall be conducted within 10 days prior to the start of construction. The results of the survey shall be submitted to CDFW and the lead agency within 30 days of the commencement of construction.

B. If active Swainson Hawk nests are found during the survey or at any time during construction of the Project, the qualified biologist shall implement the appropriate measures.

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standards for survey equipment, mode of survey, angle and distance to tree, speed, visual and audible clues, distractions, notes and observations, and timing of surveys.

If the required protocol surveys show there are no active Swainson's hawk nests within 0.5 miles of construction
activities, then no further mitigation for nest disturbance shall be required. If protocol surveys show that there are no active Swainson's hawk nests within 10 miles of the site, then no further mitigation for foraging impacts will be required. b. Nest Avoidance. If nesting Swainson's hawks are observed within 0.5 miles of the project site during the protocol surveys, the project proponent shall implement CDFW preapproved mitigation measures to avoid nest impacts during construction. These measures include:
• All Project-related activities with the potential to cause nest abandonment or forced fledging of young shall be
avoided until the young have fledged.
• If disturbances, habitat conversions, or other Projectrelated activities that may cause nest abandonment or forced fledging are necessary, within the nest protection buffer zone (0.5-mile), monitoring of the nest site by a qualified raptor biologist, funded by the project
proponent, shall be required to determine if the nest is Draft Mitigation Measure and Reporting Program November 2025 Northeast Water Storage Tank, Booster Pump Station, and Transmission Main Project Page 5 of 12 Mitigation Monitoring Program
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abandoned. If the nest is abandoned, but the nestlings
are still alive, the project developer /contractor is
required to fund the recovery and hacking, that is, the controlled release of captive-reared young of the
nestling.
• The project proponent shall be required to coordinate with CDFW to determine if project activities with the
potential to cause disturbance to nesting Swainson's
hawks within the 0.5-mile buffer may proceed with a
reduced nest buffer and an approved biological monitor.

CDFW may authorize a reduced nest buffer with the
presence of a monitoring biologist during construction
activities to ensure that the nest is not disturbed. Routine disturbances such as agricultural activities, commuter
traffic, and routine maintenance activities within 0.5
miles of an active nest are not prohibited.
#5 BIO-5: Prior to the initiation of construction activities, all construction personnel shall attend a Worker Environmental Awareness Training program developed by a qualified biologist. Any personnel associated with construction that did not attend the initial training shall be trained by the authorized biologist or authorized construction personnel prior to working within the Action Area. Any employee responsible for the operations, maintenance, or decommissioning of Project facilities shall attend the Worker Environmental Awareness Training program prior to starting work on the Project. All on-site workers shall attend training on an annual basis. The Program shall be developed and presented by the Project qualified biologist(s) or designee approved by the qualified biologist(s). The program shall include information about the life histories of State or federally listed species with potential to occur Prior to grounddisturbing activities or
within one week of
being deployed to the
Project site
Project contractor, Project
developer, Lead Agency
A. A Worker Environmental Awareness Training and Education Program will be developed and presented to all construction works prior to them starting work on the site.

B. A sign-in sheet will be submitted to the lead agency as evidence of compliance.

C. A copy of the training will be maintained on the project site throughout construction.

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on the Action area, their legal status, course of action should these species be encountered on-site, and avoidance and minimization measures to protect these species. The training shall include the following components:
a. Information about the life history and identification of federally listed plant and wildlife species, as well as other special-status plant and wildlife species that may be affected by project activities. The program shall present the legal protection status of each such species, the definition of “take” under the Federal Endangered Species Act and
California Endangered Species Act, measures the Project proponent/operator shall implement to protect the species, reporting requirements, specific measures for workers to avoid take of special-status plant and wildlife species, and penalties for violation of Project permits or other Projectrelated environmental measures. b. An acknowledgment form signed by each worker indicating that the Worker Environmental Awareness Training and
Education program has been completed shall be kept on file at the construction site.
c. A copy of the training transcript and/or training video, as well as a list of the names of all personnel who attended the Worker Environmental Awareness Training and Education
program, and signed acknowledgment forms, shall be
submitted to the contractor’s construction manager or onsite superintendent. d. A copy of the training transcript, training video or informational binder for specific procedures shall be kept available for all personnel to review and be familiar with, as necessary.

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The construction crews and contractor(s) shall be responsible for preventing unauthorized impacts from Project activities to sensitive biological resources that are outside the areas defined as subject to impacts by Project permits. Unauthorized impacts may result in Project stoppage, and/or fines, depending on the impact and coordination with the appropriate State or federal biological agency. #6 BIO-6: Prior to any ground disturbance in this area on Ellis Street, if Lateral 24.2 canal cannot be avoided, the Project
proponent/developer shall submit a final Delineation report to the City of Madera. A copy of this report shall also be provided to the Bureau of Reclamation. The report shall include information as shown below as a plan, if necessary, and shall outline compliance with the following:
a. Delineation of all jurisdictional features at the project site.

Potential jurisdictional features within the project boundary identified in the jurisdictional delineation report may be shown in plan form.
b. If the Project has a potential to directly or indirectly impact jurisdictional aquatic resources, a formal aquatic resource delineation of these areas shall be performed by a qualified professional to determine the extent of agency jurisdiction and permits/authorizations from the appropriate regulating agencies (United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR).,
Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board
(RWQCB) and CDFW shall be obtained prior to disturbance to jurisdictional features.
c. If impacts to the jurisdictional Lateral 24.2 canal cannot be avoided, the Project developer/contractor shall consult with USBR staff to obtain the appropriate permit(s).

Prior to ground
disturbance
Project contractor, Project
developer, Lead Agency
Steps to Compliance:

A. A Delineation Report shall be prepared by a qualified individual and submitted to the lead agency and Bureau of Reclamation to verify compliance.

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d. As part of these authorizations, compensatory mitigation may be required by the regulating agencies to offset the loss of aquatic resources. If so, and as part of the permit
application process, a qualified professional shall draft a Mitigation and Monitoring Plan to address implementation and monitoring requirements under the permit to ensure
that the Project would result in no net loss of habitat functions and values. The Plan shall contain, at a minimum, mitigation goals and objectives, mitigation location, a discussion of actions to be implemented to mitigate the impact, monitoring methods and performance criteria,
extent of monitoring to be conducted, actions to be taken in the event that the mitigation is not successful, and reporting requirements. The Plan shall be approved by the appropriate regulating agencies, and compensatory mitigation shall take place either on-site or at an appropriate off-site location. e. Any material/spoils generated from project activities containing hazardous materials shall be located away from jurisdictional areas or special-status habitat and protected from storm water run-off using temporary perimeter
sediment barriers such as berms, silt fences, fiber rolls, covers, sand/gravel bags, and straw bale barriers, as
appropriate. Protection measures should follow projectspecific criteria as developed in a Stormwater Pollution Prevention and Protection Plan (SWPPP).
f. Equipment containing hazardous liquid materials shall be stored on impervious surfaces or plastic ground covers to prevent any spills or leakage from contaminating the ground and at least 50 feet outside the delineated boundary of jurisdictional water features.

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g. Any spillage of material shall be stopped if it can be done safely. The contaminated area shall be cleaned, and any contaminated materials properly disposed. For all spills, the project foreman or designated environmental representative shall be notified.
#7 BIO-7: If the Project does not impact the Lateral 24.2 canal by using the jack and bore method to install the pipeline underneath the canal, prior to commencing activities at the canal, the Project developer/contractor shall obtain an Encroachment Permit from the USBR. A copy of that approved permit, or communication from the USBR indicating a permit is not required, shall be submitted to the lead agency before the work commences.

Prior to ground
disturbance
Project contractor, Project
developer, Lead Agency
Steps to Compliance:

A. The Project proponents shall receive an approved encroachment permit or evidence from USBR indicating no requirement shall be obtained.

B. A copy of the approved permit or correspondence indicating no requirement shall be submitted to the lead agency to verify compliance.

Cultural Resources
#8 CUL-1: If prehistoric or historic-era cultural materials are encountered during construction activities, all work within 50 feet of the find shall halt until a qualified professional archaeologist, meeting the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards for prehistoric and historic archaeologists, can evaluate the significance of the find and make recommendations. Cultural resource materials may include prehistoric resources such as flaked and ground stone tools and debris, shell, bone, ceramics, and fire-affected rock, as well as historic resources such as glass, metal, wood, brick, or structural remnants. If the qualified professional archaeologist determines that the discovery represents a potentially significant cultural resource, additional investigations may be required to mitigate adverse impacts from Project implementation. These additional studies may include avoidance, testing, and evaluation, or data recovery excavation.

During construction Project contractor, Project
developer, Lead Agency
Steps to Compliance:

A. If necessary, work shall cease and the project proponent shall retain a qualified archaeologist and/or paleontologist to assess finds and recommended procedures.

B. The qualified cultural resources specialist shall assess the significance of the find and determine next steps.

C. A copy of the additional studies shall be submitted to the Lead Agency to verify compliance.

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If a potentially eligible resource is encountered, then the qualified professional archaeologist, the Lead Agency shall arrange for either, (1) total avoidance of the resource or (2) test excavations to evaluate eligibility and, if eligible, total data recovery. The determination shall be formally documented in writing and submitted to the Lead Agency as verification that the provisions for managing unanticipated discoveries have been met.
#9 MM CUL-2: If human remains are discovered during construction or operational activities, further excavation or disturbance shall be prohibited pursuant to Section 7050.5 of the California Health and Safety Code. The specific protocol, guidelines, and channels of communication outlined by the Native American Heritage
Commission, in accordance with Section 7050.5 of the Health and Safety Code, Section 5097.98 of the Public Resources Code (Chapter 1492, Statutes of 1982, Senate Bill 297), and Senate Bill 447 (Chapter 44, Statutes of 1987), shall be followed. Section 7050.5(c) shall guide the potential Native American involvement, in the event of discovery of human remains, at the direction of the Tulare County Coroner. All reports, correspondence, and determinations regarding the discovery of human remains on the Project site shall be submitted to the City of Madera.

During construction and
operational activities
Project Operator, Lead
Agency
Steps to Compliance:

A. If necessary, work shall cease and the project proponent shall retain a qualified archaeologist to assess finds and recommended procedures.

B. The qualified cultural resources specialist shall assess the significance of the find and determine next steps.

C. The Lead Agency shall verify compliance.

Energy
No Mitigation required.

Geology and Soils
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#10 GEO-1: If any paleontological resources are encountered during ground disturbance activities, all work within 25 feet of the find shall halt until a qualified paleontologist, as defined by the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology Standard Procedures for the Assessment and Mitigation of Adverse Impacts to Paleontological Resources (2010), can evaluate the find and make recommendations regarding treatment. Paleontological resource materials may include resources such as fossils, plant impressions, or animal tracks preserved in rock.

The qualified paleontologist shall contact the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County or other appropriate facility regarding any discoveries of paleontological resources.

Construction in that area shall not resume until the resource appropriate measures are recommended or the materials are determined to be less than significant. If the resource is significant and fossil recovery is the identified form of treatment, then the fossil shall be deposited in an accredited and permanent scientific institution. Copies of all correspondence and reports shall be submitted to the Lead Agency.

During ground
disturbance activities
Project contractor, Project
developer Lead Agency
Steps to Compliance:

A. In the event that paleontological resources are encountered during ground disturbance activities, all work within 25 feet shall halt.

B. If required, the project proponent shall contact the qualified paleontologist to assess the find.

C. The operator shall include a standard inadvertent discovery clause in every construction contract to inform contractors of this requirement.

D. The Lead Agency shall verify compliance with the mitigation measure.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions
No Mitigation required.

Hazardous Materials
No Mitigation required.

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Hydrology and Water Quality
No mitigation required
Land Use and Planning
No Mitigation required.

Mineral Resources
No Mitigation required.

Noise
No Mitigation required.

Population and Housing
No Mitigation required.

Public Services
No Mitigation required.

Recreation
No Mitigation required.

Traffic and Transportation
No Mitigation is required.

Tribal Cultural Resources
Implement Mitigation Measures MM CUL-1 and MM CUL-2.

Utilities and Service Systems
No mitigation is required.

Wildfire
No Mitigation required.

List of Preparers

Water Tank and Pump Station Project August 2025
City of Madera Page 5-1
SECTION 5 - LIST OF PREPARERS
This document was prepared by QK’s Environmental Planning group.

LEAD AGENCY – CITY OF MADERA
• Will Tackett, Planning Director
• Steven Bennencourt- City Engineer
QK
• Jaymie L. Brauer, Principal Planner – Project Manager • Thomas Kobayashi, Senior Associate Planner – Lead Author • Davey Dayton, Principal Environmental Scientist
• Matthew Daniel, Senior Air Quality Engineer

Cogstone
• Alison Bryson-Deveraux, M.A
• Shannon Lopez, M.A.

References

Water Tank and Pump Station Project August 2025
City of Madera Page 6-2
SECTION 6 - REFERENCES
California Department of Conservation. (2022). California Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program. Retrieved from California Important Farmland Finder:
https://maps.conservation.ca.gov/DLRP/CIFF/
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. (2025). Madera County, Local Responsibility Area Fire Hazard Severity Zones.

California Department of Toxic Substances Control. (2025). California Department of Toxic Substances Control, Envirorstor. Retrieved from California Department of Toxic Substances Control, Envirorstor:
https://www.envirostor.dtsc.ca.gov/public/map/?myaddress=Search California Department of Transportation. (2018). California State Scenic Highway Systems Map. Retrieved from Caltrans Scenic Highways:
https://caltrans.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=465dfd3d80 7c46cc8e8057116f1aacaa
California Energy Commission. (2025). California Energy Commission, Electricity Consumption. Retrieved July 2025, from California Electricity Consumption Dashboard: https://www.energy.ca.gov/data-reports/energy-almanac/californiaelectricity-data/california-energy-consumption-dashboards-0 California Water Board. (2018). Attachment A Linear Underground/ Overhead Requirements. Retrieved from
https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/stormwater/docs/const permits/wqo_2009_0009_att_a.pdf
CalRecycle. (2025). CalRecycle SWIS Facility/Site Summary. Retrieved July 2025, from Fairmead Solid Waste Disposal Site (290-AA-0002):
https://www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/SolidWaste/Site/Summary/1701 City of Madera. (2009). City of Madera, General Plan.

City of Madera. (2009). City of Madera, General Plan Update Draft EIR.

City of Madera. (2014). City of Madera Water System Master Plan.

City of Madera. (2022). City of Madera, Urban Water Management Plan 2020 Update.

Cogstone. (2025). Cultural Resources Assessment Report for the City of Madera Water Storage Tank, Pump Station and Transmission Main Project.

Madera Police Department. (2024). 2024 Annual Report. Retrieved from https://www.madera.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2024-Annual-report.pdf References

Water Tank and Pump Station Project August 2025
City of Madera Page 6-3
QK. (2025a). Focused Air Quality Study, City of Madera Water Tank and Pump Station Project.

QK. (2025b). Biological Assessment, Madera Water Storage Tank Project.

1" = 50'
0 50
N
6-FT PERIMETER CHAIN LINK FENCE W/ PRIVACY SLATS
(FENCE INSTALLED ON PROPERTY LINE)
N. LAKE STREET

OVERHEAD UTILITY POWER

ACROSS STREET

DRAINAGE PIPELINE TO

STORM DRAIN DETENTION BASIN
24" W
20' WIDE ACCESS DRIVEWAY
50' OFFSET FROM STREET CL TO

RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE
20' LANDSCAPE WIDTH
(INSIDE FENCE ON NORTH, EAST, AND SOUTH)
50 ft
20' ROLLING GATE

CONCRETE LANDING AND
3' PERSONNEL GATE
M

ELECTRICAL & CHEMICAL BLDG

GENERATOR

CRUSHED ROCK SURFACING

SITE CATCH BASIN

TANK DRAIN AND

OVERFLOW CATCH BASIN

HYPOCHLORITE INJECTION

SLEEVES TO FUTURE TANK RESIDUAL ANALYZER
20' LANDSCAPE WIDTH
(OUTSIDE OF WALL ON WEST FRONTAGE)

INLET METER AND RESERVOIR CONTROL VALVE
25 ft 25 ft
120 ft
TANK 1

2.5 MG
120 ft
(F) TANK 2

2.5 MG

ASPHALT SURFACING
M
75 ft
TRANSFORMER 6-FT TALL CMU WALL

PUMP STATION

DISCHARGE METER

RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE
D
D

FOCUSED AIR QUALITY STUDY

CITY OF MADERA

WATER TANK AND PUMP STATION

PROJECT
JULY 2025

FOCUSED AIR QUALITY STUDY

CITY OF MADERA

WATER TANK AND PUMP STATION

PROJECT
Prepared for:

City of Madera, Engineering Division
428 E. Yosemite Ave.

Madera, California 93638
Will Tackett – Director of Community Development
(559) 661-3688
[email protected]
Consultant:
5080 California Avenue, Suite 220
Bakersfield, CA 93309
Contact: Jaymie Brauer
Phone: (661) 616-2600
Fax: (559) 733-7821
July 2025
© Copyright by Quad Knopf, Inc.

Unauthorized use prohibited.

Project #180483
City of Madera Water Tank and Pump Station Project – FAQS July 2025 Page i
Table of Contents
SECTION 1 - Executive Summary .......................................................................................................... 1-1 SECTION 2 - Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 2-1

2.1 - Purpose ..............................................................................................................................................................2-1

2.2 - General Project Description.....................................................................................................................2-1 SECTION 3 - Impact Assessment ........................................................................................................... 3-1

3.1 - Significance Criteria .....................................................................................................................................3-1

3.1.1 - Threshold for Ambient Air Quality Impacts ..................................................................3-1

3.1.2 - Thresholds for Hazardous Air Pollutants .......................................................................3-3

3.1.3 - Global Climate Change Thresholds of Significance ....................................................3-3

3.2 - Project Related Emissions.........................................................................................................................3-4

3.2.1 - Short-Term Emissions..............................................................................................................3-4

3.2.2 - Long-Term Operational Emissions ....................................................................................3-5

3.2.3 - Greenhouse Gas Emissions ....................................................................................................3-5

3.3 - Potential Impacts on Sensitive Receptors .........................................................................................3-6

3.4 - Potential Impacts to Visibility to Nearby Class 1 Areas..............................................................3-7

3.5 - Predicted Health Impacts ..........................................................................................................................3-7

3.6 - Odor Impacts and Mitigation................................................................................................................ 3-10

3.7 - Impacts to Ambient Air Quality........................................................................................................... 3-10

3.8 - Cumulative Impacts................................................................................................................................... 3-10 SECTION 4 - Conclusions ......................................................................................................................... 4-1 SECTION 5 - References ........................................................................................................................... 5-1 Appendices
Appendix A – Project Emission Calculations
Appendix B –Health Risk Assessment Modeling Files
List of Figures
Figure 2-1 Regional Location 2-4
Figure 2-2 Project Location 2-5
Figure 2-3 Facility Site Plan 2-6
List of Tables
Table 3-1 SJVAPCD CEQA Thresholds of Significance 3-1
Table 3-2 Federal and California Standards 3-2
City of Madera Water Tank and Pump Station Project – FAQS July 2025 Page ii
Table 3-3 Measures of Significance – Toxic Air Contaminants 3-3 Table 3-4 Short-Term Project Emissions 3-5
Table 3-5 Estimated Annual GHG Emissions (MT/Year) 3-6
Table 3-6 Potential Maximum Impacts Predicted by HARP 3-9

City of Madera Water Tank and Pump Station Project – FAQS July 2025

Page 1 ends

Madera City CouncilDecember 17, 2025

Madera City Council
December 17, 2025