Appendix B
Botanical Memorandum
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
1530 Monterey Street, Suite D
San Luis Obispo, California 93401
805-547-0900
www.rinconcons ultants.com
June 18, 2024
Project No: 24-15910
Shawna Scott
Special Projects Manager
City of San Luis Obispo
Public Utilities Department
879 Morro Street
San Luis Obispo, California 93401
Via email: [email protected]
Subject: Botanical Survey Memorandum for the PCE Plume Characterization Project, City of San Luis Obispo, California
Dear Ms. Scott,
Rincon Consultants, Inc. (Rincon) is pleased to submit this Botanical Survey Memorandum (memo) for the Tetrachloroethylene (PCE) Plume Characterization Project (Project) to the City of San Luis Obispo (City). Rincon biologist Frances McKechnie conducted protocol-level botanical surveys to determine presence or absence of federally and/or State-listed or other special-status plant species within the Project site. This memo summarizes the methodology and results of the botanical survey effort.
Project Location
The Project is located within the City of San Luis Obispo in San Luis Obispo County, California. The Project site is located in the southern portion of the City along U.S. Highway 101 (US 101) between Prado Road and Los Osos Valley Road within Assessor’s Parcel Numbers 053-051-045, 053-052-045, 053-131-013, 053-141-012, 053-152-006, 053-152-008, 053-153-014, and 053-153-008 (Figure 1). The Project occurs within the San Luis Obispo, California and Pismo Beach, California United States Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5-minute topographic quadrangles and is associated with Township 31S, Range 12E, Sections 3 and 10, Mt. Diablo Meridian. The study area for this Project encompasses approximately 18.1 acres and includes the entirety of the Project site except for the California Department of Transportation right-of-way (Figure 1).
Methodology
Literature Review
Rincon conducted a literature review to determine the potential for federally and State-listed, as well as special-status plant species, to occur within the study area. Queries of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB; 2024) and California Native Plant Society (CNPS) Rare Plant Inventory (2024) were conducted to obtain comprehensive information regarding federally and State-listed species, and other special-status species, considered to have potential to occur within the San Luis Obispo, California and Pismo Beach, California USGS
7.5-minute topographic quadrangles and the surrounding eight quadrangles (Port San Luis, Morro Bay South, Morro Bay North, Atascadero, Santa Margarita, Lopez Mountain, Arroyo Grande NE, and Oceano). The final list of special-status plant species with potential to occur on-site was evaluated RINCON CONSULTANTS, INC. SINCE 1994
City of San Luis Obispo
PCE Plume Characterization Project
2 based on presence of suitable habitat and documented occurrences within the eight-quadrangle search area. The evaluation results and justification were compiled into a table (Attachment 1).
Surveys
Rincon conducted protocol-level botanical surveys to determine presence or absence of any federally and/or State-listed or other special-status plant species in accordance with Botanical Survey Guidelines (CNPS 2001) and Protocols for Surveying and Evaluating Impacts to Special Status Native Plant Populations and Natural Communities (CDFW 2018). Rincon biologist Frances McKechnie conducted the botanical surveys on April 26 and June 5, 2024. The details regarding the weather conditions on-site during these surveys are provided in Table 1 below.
Table 1 Botanical Survey Conditions
Date Time
Temperature Range
(°Fahrenheit)
Average Wind Speed
(miles per hour)
Average Cloud Cover
(%)
April 26, 2024 0900-1330 60-64 1-15 50
June 5, 2024 0900-1200 64-78 2-8 0
The botanical surveys were floristic in nature; meaning that all vascular plant species encountered onsite were identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level required to determine the presence or absence and phenological stage (e.g., vegetative, flowering, fruiting) of special-status plant species.
The botanical surveys were timed to capture the flowering periods of all special-status plant species determined to have a low, moderate, or high potential to occur on-site based on the literature review and regionally specific knowledge. The surveys were conducted using systematic field techniques by walking parallel transects through the entire study area. Special attention was given to areas with a high potential to support special-status species (e.g., north-facing slopes, vegetation community interfaces, areas with unique soils, and other attributes required of species that have been previously documented). Locations of special-status plant species, if encountered, were recorded using a Geode Global Positioning System unit with sub-meter accuracy. The Jepson Manual: Vascular Plants of California, Second Edition (Baldwin et al. 2012), Vascular Plants of San Luis Obispo County, California, Second Edition (Keil and Hoover 2022), and a 10x hand lens aided in confirmation of species identity in the field. Identification of collected specimens was confirmed in the laboratory with a dissecting microscope. The results of the botanical surveys are discussed below.
Results
No federally or State-listed or other special-status plant species were observed during the appropriately-timed botanical surveys. A floral compendium including all vascular plant species observed during the botanical surveys is provided in Attachment 2. Site photographs taken during the botanical surveys are included in Attachment 3.
Thank you for the continued opportunity to work with you on this Project. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns regarding the information presented herein.
Sincerely,
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Frances McKechnie Michael Tom, MS
Biologist Senior Biologist
City of San Luis Obispo
PCE Plume Characterization Project
3 Attachments
Figure 1 Project Site and Study Area
Attachment 1 Special-Status Plant Species Evaluation Table Attachment 2 Floral Compendium
Attachment 3 Site Photographs
City of San Luis Obispo
PCE Plume Characterization Project
4 References
Baldwin, B.G., D.H. Goldman, D.J. Keil, R.W. Patterson, T.J. Rosatti, and D.H. Wilkin (eds). 2012. The Jepson Manual: Vascular Plants of California, Second Edition. University of California Press.
Berkeley, California.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). 2018. Protocols for Surveying and Evaluating Impacts to Special Status Native Plant Populations and Natural Communities. Available at:
https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=18959&inline. Accessed April 2024. ______. 2024. California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB), Rarefind V. Accessed April 2024.
California Native Plant Society (CNPS). 2001. Botanical Survey Guidelines. Available at:
http://www.cnps.org/cnps/rareplants/pdf/cnps_survey_guidelines.pdf. Accessed April 2024.
_______. 2024. Rare Plant Inventory (v9.5). Available at: https://www.rareplants.cnps.org. Accessed April 2024.
Keil, D.J., and R.F Hoover. 2022. Vascular Plants of San Luis Obispo County, California, Second Edition. Pacific Street Publishing. San Luis Obispo, California.
City of San Luis Obispo
PCE Plume Characterization Project
5 Figure 1 Project Site and Study Area
Fig X Project Site
Attachment 1
Special-Status Plant Species Evaluation Table
City of San Luis Obispo
PCE Plume Characterization Project
1-1
Scientific Name
Common Name Status Habitat Requirements
Potential to Occur in Project Site Habitat Suitability/Observations Abronia maritimared sand-verbena
None/NoneG4/S3?4.2
Perennial herb. Coastal dunes. Dune plant. Elevations: 0-330ft. (0-100m.) Blooms Feb-Nov. Does Not Occur No suitable habitat is present within the study area.
Agrostis hooveriHoover's bent grass
None/NoneG2/S21B.2
Perennial herb. Chaparral, cismontane woodland, closed-cone coniferous forest, valley and foothill grassland. Sandy (usually). Elevations: 20-2000ft. (6-610m.) Blooms Apr-Jul.
Low Potential Potentially suitable valley and foothill grassland habitat is present within the study area. The closest CNDDB record is from 1980 and is located approximately 3.5 miles south of the study area. This species was not observed within the study area during April or June botanical surveys. This species is not expected to occur on site.
Amsinckia douglasianaDouglas' fiddleneck
None/NoneG4/S44.2
Annual herb. Cismontane woodland, valley and foothill grassland. Dry. Elevations: 0-6400ft. (0-1950m.) Blooms Mar-May.
Low Potential Potentially suitable valley and foothill grassland habitat is present within the study area. No CNDDB or CNPS records occur within 5 miles of the study area. This species was not observed within the study area during April or June botanical surveys. This species is not expected to occur on site.
Arctostaphylos lucianaSanta Lucia manzanita
None/NoneG2/S21B.2
Perennial evergreen shrub. Chaparral, cismontane woodland. Shale. Elevations: 1150-2790ft. (350-850m.) Blooms Dec-Mar.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known elevation range of this species.
Arctostaphylos morroensisMorro manzanita
FT/NoneG1/S1
1B.1
Perennial evergreen shrub. Chaparral, cismontane woodland, coastal dunes, coastal scrub. On baywood sands, usually with chaparral associates. Elevations: 15-675ft. (5-205m.) Blooms Dec-Mar.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known range of this species.
Arctostaphylos obispoensisBishop manzanita
None/NoneG3/S34.3
Perennial evergreen shrub. Chaparral, cismontane woodland, closed-cone coniferous forest. Rocky, serpentinite. Elevations: 490-3295ft. (150-1005m.) Blooms Feb-Jun.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known elevation range of this species.
Arctostaphylos osoensisOso manzanita
None/NoneG1/S1
1B.2
Perennial evergreen shrub. Chaparral, cismontane woodland. Usually occurs in openings w/in oak woodland on dacite porphyry buttes. Elevations: 310-1640ft. (95-500m.) Blooms Feb-Mar.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known elevation range of this species.
Arctostaphylos pechoensisPecho manzanita
None/NoneG2/S2
1B.2
Perennial evergreen shrub. Chaparral, closed-cone coniferous forest, coastal scrub. Grows on siliceous shale with other chaparral associates. Elevations: 410-2790ft. (125-850m.) Blooms Nov-Mar.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known elevation range of this species.
Arctostaphylos pilosulaSanta Margarita manzanita
None/NoneG2?/S2?1B.2
Perennial evergreen shrub. Broadleafed upland forest, chaparral, cismontane woodland, closed-cone coniferous forest. Sandstone (sometimes). Elevations: 245-3610ft. (75-1100m.) Blooms Dec-May.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known elevation range of this species.
Arctostaphylos rudissand mesa manzanita
None/NoneG2/S21B.2
Perennial evergreen shrub. Chaparral, coastal scrub. Sandy. Elevations: 80-1055ft. (25-322m.) Blooms Nov-Feb.
Low Potential Marginally suitable coastal scrub habitat is present within the study area. No CNDDB or CNPS records occur within 5 miles of the study area. This species was not observed within the study area during April or June botanical surveys. This species is not expected to occur on site.
Arctostaphylos tomentosa ssp. daciticoladacite manzanita None/NoneG4T1/S11B.1
Perennial evergreen shrub. Chaparral, cismontane woodland. Only known from one site in SLO County on dacite porphyry buttes. About 120m. Elevations: 330-985ft. (100-300m.) Blooms Mar-May.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known elevation range of this species.
Arenaria paludicolamarsh sandwort
FE/SEG1/S1
1B.1
Perennial stoloniferous herb. Marshes and swamps. Openings, sandy. Elevations: 10-560ft. (3-170m.) Blooms May-Aug.
Does Not Occur No suitable habitat is present within the study area.
Aspidotis carlotta-halliaeCarlotta Hall's lace fern
None/NoneG3/S3
4.2 Perennial rhizomatous herb. Chaparral, cismontane woodland. Serpentinite (usually). Elevations: 330-4595ft. (100-1400m.) Blooms Jan-Dec.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known elevation range of this species.
Astragalus didymocarpus var. milesianusMiles' milk-vetch None/NoneG5T2/S21B.2
Annual herb. Coastal scrub. Clay soils. Elevations: 65-295ft. (20-90m.) Blooms Mar-Jun. Low Potential Marginally suitable coastal scrub habitat is present within the study area. The closest CNDDB record is from 2016 and is located approximately 1.1 miles northeast of the study area. This species was not observed within the study area during April or June botanical surveys. This species is not expected to occur on site.
Astragalus nuttallii var. nuttalliiocean bluff milk-vetch None/NoneG4T4/S4
4.2 Perennial herb. Coastal bluff scrub, coastal dunes. Elevations: 10-395ft. (3-120m.) Blooms Jan-Nov.
Does Not Occur No suitable habitat is present within the study area.
City of San Luis Obispo
PCE Plume Characterization Project
1-2
Scientific Name
Common Name Status Habitat Requirements
Potential to Occur in Project Site Habitat Suitability/Observations Atriplex coulteriCoulter's saltbush
None/NoneG3/S1S2
1B.2
Perennial herb. Coastal bluff scrub, coastal dunes, coastal scrub, valley and foothill grassland. Alkaline (sometimes), clay (sometimes). Elevations: 10-1510ft. (3-460m.) Blooms Mar-Oct.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known range of this species.
Calandrinia breweriBrewer's calandrinia
None/NoneG4/S44.2
Annual herb. Chaparral, coastal scrub. Burned areas, disturbed areas, loam (sometimes), sandy (sometimes). Elevations: 35-4005ft. (10-1220m.) Blooms (Jan)Mar-Jun.
Low Potential Marginally suitable coastal scrub habitat is present within the study area. The closest CNPS record is from 1995 and is located approximately 4.6 miles northeast of the study area. This species was not observed within the study area during April or June botanical surveys. This species is not expected to occur on site.
Calochortus clavatus var. clavatusclub-haired mariposa-lily None/NoneG4T3/S34.3
Perennial bulbiferous herb. Chaparral, cismontane woodland, coastal scrub, valley and foothill grassland. Clay, Rocky, serpentinite (usually). Elevations: 100-4265ft. (30-1300m.) Blooms (Mar)May-Jun.
Low Potential Potentially suitable valley and foothill grassland habitat is present within the study area.
Several CNPS records are known from the vicinity of the study area, the nearest of which is from 2023 and is located approximately 0.7-mile west of the study area. This species was not observed within the study area during April or June botanical surveys. This species is not expected to occur on site.
Calochortus obispoensisSan Luis mariposa-lily
None/NoneG2/S21B.2
Perennial bulbiferous herb. Chaparral, cismontane woodland, coastal scrub, valley and foothill grassland. Serpentinite (often). Elevations: 165-2395ft. (50-730m.) Blooms May-Jul.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known elevation range of this species.
Calochortus simulansLa Panza mariposa-lily
None/NoneG2/S2
1B.3
Perennial bulbiferous herb. Chaparral, cismontane woodland, lower montane coniferous forest, valley and foothill grassland. Granitic (often), sandy, serpentinite (sometimes). Elevations: 1065-3775ft. (325-1150m.) Blooms Apr-Jun.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known elevation range of this species.
Calystegia subacaulis ssp. episcopalisCambria morning-glory None/NoneG3T2?/S2?4.2
Perennial rhizomatous herb. Chaparral, cismontane woodland, coastal prairie, valley and foothill grassland. Clay (usually). Elevations: 100-1640ft. (30-500m.) Blooms (Mar)AprJun(Jul).
Low Potential Potentially suitable valley and foothill grassland habitat is present within the study area. The closest CNDDB record is from 2003 and is located approximately 1.3 miles east of the study area. This species was not observed within the study area during April or June botanical surveys. This species is not expected to occur on site. .
Camissoniopsis hardhamiaeHardham's evening-primrose
None/NoneG2/S21B.2
Annual herb. Chaparral, cismontane woodland. Burned areas (sometimes), carbonate, disturbed areas (sometimes), sandy. Elevations: 460-3100ft. (140-945m.) Blooms MarMay.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known elevation range of this species.
Carex obispoensisSan Luis Obispo sedge
None/NoneG3?/S3?1B.2
Perennial cespitose herb. Chaparral, closed-cone coniferous forest, coastal prairie, coastal scrub, valley and foothill grassland. Usually in transition zone on sand, clay, serpentine, or gabbro. In seeps. Elevations: 35-2690ft. (10-820m.) Blooms Apr-Jun.
Low Potential Potentially suitable closed-cone coniferous forest, coastal scrub, and valley and foothill grassland habitats are present within the study area. The closest CNDDB record is from 2011 and is located approximately 1.2 miles west of the study area. This species was not observed within the study area during April or June botanical surveys. This species is not expected to occur on site.
Castilleja densiflora var. obispoensisSan Luis Obispo owl's-clover None/NoneG5T2/S21B.2
Annual herb (hemiparasitic). Meadows and seeps, valley and foothill grassland. Serpentinite (sometimes). Elevations: 35-1410ft. (10-430m.) Blooms Mar-May.
Low Potential Potentially suitable valley and foothill grassland habitat is present within the study area.
Several CNDDB records are known from the vicinity of the study area, the nearest of which is from 2008 and is located approximately 1.1 mile east of the study area. This species was not observed within the study area during April or June botanical surveys. This species is not expected to occur on site.
Ceanothus cuneatus var. fascicularisLompoc ceanothus
None/NoneG5T4/S44.2
Perennial evergreen shrub. Chaparral. Sandy soils. Elevations: 15-1310ft. (5-400m.) Blooms Feb-Apr.
Does Not Occur No suitable habitat is present within the study area.
Ceanothus impressus var. nipomensisNipomo Mesa ceanothus None/NoneG3T2/S21B.2
Perennial shrub. Chaparral. Sandy. Elevations: 100-805ft. (30-245m.) Blooms Feb-Apr. Does Not Occur No suitable habitat is present within the study area.
Ceanothus thyrsiflorus var. obispoensisSan Luis Obispo ceanothus None/NoneG5T1/S11B.1
Perennial shrub. Chaparral, cismontane woodland. Dacite. Elevations: 460-740ft. (140-225m.) Blooms Jun.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known elevation range of this species.
Centromadia parryi ssp. congdoniiCongdon's tarplant
None/NoneG3T2/S21B.1
Annual herb. Valley and foothill grassland. Alkaline soils, sometimes described as heavy white clay. Elevations: 0-755ft. (0-230m.) Blooms May-Oct(Nov).
Low Potential Potentially suitable valley and foothill grassland habitat is present within the study area. The closest CNDDB record is from 2002 and is located approximately 0.6 mile east of the study area. This species was not observed within the study area during April or June botanical surveys. This species is not expected to occur on site.
Cercocarpus betuloides var. blancheaeisland mountain-mahogany None/NoneG5T4/S44.3
Perennial evergreen shrub. Chaparral, closed-cone coniferous forest. Elevations: 100-1970ft. (30-600m.) Blooms Feb-May.
Low Potential Marginally suitable closed-cone coniferous forest habitat is present within the study area. The closest CNPS record is from 1975 and is located approximately 2.2 miles northwest of the study area. This species was not observed within the study area during April or June botanical surveys. This species is not expected to occur on site.
City of San Luis Obispo
PCE Plume Characterization Project
1-3
Scientific Name
Common Name Status Habitat Requirements
Potential to Occur in Project Site Habitat Suitability/Observations Chenopodium littoreumcoastal goosefoot
None/NoneG1/S1
1B.2
Annual herb. Coastal dunes. Generally on sandy soils, and on dunes. Elevations: 35-100ft. (10-30m.) Blooms Apr-Aug.
Does Not Occur No suitable habitat is present within the study area.
Chlorogalum pomeridianum var. minusdwarf soaproot
None/NoneG5T3/S31B.2
Perennial bulbiferous herb. Chaparral. Serpentine. Elevations: 1000-3280ft. (305-1000m.) Blooms May-Aug.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known elevation range of this species.
Chloropyron maritimum ssp. maritimumsalt marsh bird's-beak FE/SEG4?T1/S11B.2
Annual herb (hemiparasitic). Coastal dunes, marshes and swamps. Limited to the higher zones of salt marsh habitat. Elevations: 0-100ft. (0-30m.) Blooms May-Oct(Nov).
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known elevation range of this species.
Chloropyron maritimum ssp. palustrePoint Reyes salty bird's-beak None/NoneG4?T2/S21B.2
Annual herb (hemiparasitic). Marshes and swamps. Usually in coastal salt marsh with Salicornia, Distichlis, Jaumea, Spartina, etc. Elevations: 0-35ft. (0-10m.) Blooms Jun-Oct.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known elevation range of this species.
Chorizanthe aphananthaIrish Hills spineflower
None/NoneG1/S1
1B.1
Annual herb. Chaparral, coastal scrub. Gravelly, rocky, serpentinite. Elevations: 330-1215ft. (100-370m.) Blooms Apr-Jun.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known elevation range of this species.
Chorizanthe breweriBrewer's spineflower
None/NoneG3/S3
1B.3
Annual herb. Chaparral, cismontane woodland, closed-cone coniferous forest, coastal scrub. Gravelly (sometimes), rocky (sometimes), serpentinite. Elevations: 150-2625ft. (45-800m.) Blooms Apr-Aug.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known elevation range of this species.
Chorizanthe douglasiiDouglas' spineflower
None/NoneG4/S44.3
Annual herb. Chaparral, cismontane woodland, coastal scrub, lower montane coniferous forest, valley and foothill grassland. Gravelly (sometimes), sandy (sometimes). Elevations: 180-5250ft. (55-1600m.) Blooms Apr-Jul.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known elevation range of this species.
Chorizanthe palmeriPalmer's spineflower
None/NoneG4/S4
4.2 Annual herb. Chaparral, cismontane woodland, valley and foothill grassland. Rocky, serpentinite. Elevations: 180-3100ft. (55-945m.) Blooms Apr-Aug.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known elevation range of this species.
Chorizanthe rectispinastraight-awned spineflower
None/NoneG2/S21B.2
Annual herb. Chaparral, cismontane woodland, coastal scrub. Often on granite in chaparral. Elevations: 280-3395ft. (85-1035m.) Blooms Apr-Jul.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known elevation range of this species.
Chorizanthe ventricosapotbellied spineflower
None/NoneG3/S3
4.3 Annual herb. Cismontane woodland, valley and foothill grassland. Serpentinite. Elevations: 215-4050ft. (65-1235m.) Blooms May-Sep.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known elevation range of this species.
Cirsium fontinale var. obispoenseChorro Creek bog thistle FE/SEG2T2/S21B.2
Perennial herb. Chaparral, cismontane woodland, coastal scrub, valley and foothill grassland. Drainages, seeps, serpentinite. Elevations: 115-1265ft. (35-385m.) Blooms FebJul(Aug-Sep).
Low Potential Potentially suitable coastal scrub, cismontane woodland, and valley and foothill grassland habitats are present within the study area. The closest CNDDB record is from 2015 and is located approximately 1.1 mile northeast of the study area. This species was not observed within the study area during April or June botanical surveys. This species is not expected to occur on site.
Cirsium occidentale var. lucianumCuesta Ridge thistle
None/NoneG3G4T2/S21B.2
Perennial herb. Chaparral. Disturbed areas, roadsides, rocky (often), serpentinite, slopes (often). Elevations: 1640-2460ft. (500-750m.) Blooms Apr-Jun.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known elevation range of this species.
Cirsium rhothophilumsurf thistle
None/STG1/S1
1B.2
Perennial herb. Coastal bluff scrub, coastal dunes. Open areas in central dune scrub; usually in coastal dunes. Elevations: 10-195ft. (3-60m.) Blooms Apr-Jun.
Does Not Occur No suitable habitat is present within the study area.
Cirsium scariosum var. loncholepisLa Graciosa thistle
FE/STG5T1/S11B.1
Perennial herb. Cismontane woodland, coastal dunes, coastal scrub, marshes and swamps, valley and foothill grassland. Mesic, sandy. Elevations: 15-720ft. (4-220m.) Blooms MayAug.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known range of this species.
Cladium californicumCalifornia saw-grass
None/NoneG4/S2
2B.2
Perennial rhizomatous herb. Marshes and swamps, meadows and seeps. Freshwater or alkaline moist habitats. Elevations: 195-5250ft. (60-1600m.) Blooms Jun-Sep.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known elevation range of this species.
Cladonia firmapopcorn lichen
None/NoneG4/S1
2B.1
Squamulose lichen (terricolous). Coastal dunes, coastal scrub. On soil and detritus on stabilized sand dunes, in pure stands or intermixed with other lichens and mosses forming biotic soil crusts, covering areas up to several meters. Elevations: 100-245ft. (30-75m.) Does Not Occur No suitable habitat is present within the study area.
City of San Luis Obispo
PCE Plume Characterization Project
1-4
Scientific Name
Common Name Status Habitat Requirements
Potential to Occur in Project Site Habitat Suitability/Observations Clarkia speciosa ssp. immaculataPismo clarkia
FE/SRG4T1/S11B.1
Annual herb. Chaparral, cismontane woodland, valley and foothill grassland. Sandy. Elevations: 80-605ft. (25-185m.) Blooms May-Jul.
Low Potential Potentially suitable cismontane woodland and valley and foothill grassland habitats are present within the study area. The closest CNDDB record is from 2015 and is located approximately 3.1 miles southeast of the study area. This species was not observed within the study area during April or June botanical surveys. This species is not expected to occur on site.
Clinopodium mimuloidesmonkey-flower savory
None/NoneG3/S34.2
Perennial herb. Chaparral, north coast coniferous forest. Mesic, streambanks. Elevations: 1000-5905ft. (305-1800m.) Blooms Jun-Oct.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known elevation range of this species.
Deinandra paniculatapaniculate tarplant
None/NoneG4/S44.2
Annual herb. Coastal scrub, valley and foothill grassland, vernal pools. Usually in vernally mesic sites. Sometimes in vernal pools or on mima mounds near them. Elevations: 80-3085ft. (25-940m.) Blooms (Mar)Apr-Nov.
Low Potential Potentially suitable coastal scrub and valley and foothill grassland habitats are present within the study area. The closest CNDDB record is from 1969 and is located approximately 3.8 miles northwest of the study area. This species was not observed within the study area during April or June botanical surveys. This species is not expected to occur on site.
Delphinium hutchinsoniaeHutchinson's larkspur
None/NoneG2/S2
1B.2
Perennial herb. Broadleafed upland forest, chaparral, coastal prairie, coastal scrub. On semi-shaded, slightly moist slopes, usually west-facing. Elevations: 0-1400ft. (0-427m.) Blooms Mar-Jun.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known range of this species.
Delphinium parryi ssp. blochmaniaedune larkspur
None/NoneG4T2/S2
1B.2
Perennial herb. Chaparral, coastal dunes. On rocky areas and dunes. Elevations: 0-655ft. (0-200m.) Blooms Apr-Jun.
Does Not Occur No suitable habitat is present within the study area.
Delphinium parryi ssp. eastwoodiaeEastwood's larkspur
None/NoneG4T2/S2
1B.2
Perennial herb. Chaparral, valley and foothill grassland. Serpentine. Openings. Elevations: 245-1640ft. (75-500m.) Blooms (Feb)Mar-Apr.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known elevation range of this species.
Delphinium umbraculorumumbrella larkspur
None/NoneG3/S31B.3
Perennial herb. Chaparral, cismontane woodland. Mesic sites. Elevations: 1310-5250ft. (400-1600m.) Blooms Apr-Jun.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known elevation range of this species.
Dithyrea maritimabeach spectaclepod
None/STG1/S1
1B.1
Perennial rhizomatous herb. Coastal dunes, coastal scrub. Sea shores, on sand dunes, and sandy places near the shore. Elevations: 10-165ft. (3-50m.) Blooms Mar-May.
Does Not Occur No suitable habitat is present within the study area.
Dudleya abramsii ssp. bettinaeBetty's dudleya
None/NoneG4T2/S21B.2
Perennial herb. Chaparral, coastal scrub, valley and foothill grassland. On rocky, barren exposures of serpentine within scrub vegetation. Elevations: 65-590ft. (20-180m.) Blooms May-Jul.
Low Potential Marginally suitable coastal scrub and valley and foothill grassland habitats are present within the study area. The closest CNDDB record is from 2008 and is located approximately 1.6 mile east of the study area. This species was not observed within the study area during April or June botanical surveys. This species is not expected to occur on site.
Dudleya abramsii ssp. murinamouse-gray dudleya
None/NoneG4T2/S2
1B.1
Perennial leaf. Chaparral, cismontane woodland, valley and foothill grassland. Serpentine outcrops. Elevations: 295-1725ft. (90-525m.) Blooms May-Jun.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known elevation range of this species.
Dudleya blochmaniae ssp. blochmaniaeBlochman's dudleya
None/NoneG3T2/S21B.1
Perennial herb. Chaparral, coastal bluff scrub, coastal scrub, valley and foothill grassland. Open, rocky slopes; often in shallow clays over serpentine or in rocky areas with little soil. Elevations: 15-1475ft. (5-450m.) Blooms Apr-Jun.
Low Potential Marginally suitable coastal scrub and valley and foothill grassland habitats are present within the study area. The closest CNDDB record is from 1987 and is located approximately 0.75 mile southwest of the study area. This species was not observed within the study area during April or June botanical surveys. This species is not expected to occur on site.
Eleocharis parvulasmall spikerush
None/NoneG5/S34.3
Perennial herb. Marshes and swamps. In coastal salt marshes. Elevations: 5-9910ft. (1-3020m.) Blooms (Apr)Jun-Aug(Sep).
Does Not Occur No suitable habitat is present within the study area.
Eriastrum luteumyellow-flowered eriastrum
None/NoneG2/S2
1B.2
Annual herb. Broadleafed upland forest, chaparral, cismontane woodland. On bare sandy decomposed granite slopes. Elevations: 950-3280ft. (290-1000m.) Blooms May-Jun.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known elevation range of this species.
Erigeron blochmaniaeBlochman's leafy daisy
None/NoneG2/S2
1B.2
Perennial rhizomatous herb. Coastal dunes, coastal scrub. Sand dunes and hills. Elevations: 10-150ft. (3-45m.) Blooms Jun-Aug.
Does Not Occur No suitable habitat is present within the study area.
Erigeron sanctarumsaints' daisy
None/NoneG3/S34.2
Perennial rhizomatous herb. Chaparral, cismontane woodland, coastal scrub. Elevations: 245-1150ft. (75-350m.) Blooms Mar-Jul.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known elevation range of this species.
City of San Luis Obispo
PCE Plume Characterization Project
1-5
Scientific Name
Common Name Status Habitat Requirements
Potential to Occur in Project Site Habitat Suitability/Observations Eriodictyon altissimumIndian Knob mountainbalm
FE/SEG1/S1
1B.1
Perennial evergreen shrub. Chaparral, cismontane woodland, coastal scrub. Ridges in open, disturbed areas within chaparral on Pismo sandstone. Elevations: 260-885ft. (80-270m.) Blooms Mar-Jun.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known elevation range of this species.
Eryngium aristulatum var. hooveriHoover's button-celery None/NoneG5T1/S11B.1
Annual/perennial herb. Vernal pools. Alkaline depressions, vernal pools, roadside ditches and other wet places near the coast. Elevations: 10-150ft. (3-45m.) Blooms (Jun)Jul(Aug).
Does Not Occur No suitable habitat is present within the study area.
Erysimum capitatum var. lompocenseSan Luis Obispo wallflower None/NoneG5T3/S34.2
Perennial herb. Chaparral, coastal scrub. Sandy hillsides and mesas. Elevations: 195-1640ft. (60-500m.) Blooms Feb-May.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known elevation range of this species.
Erysimum suffrutescenssuffrutescent wallflower
None/NoneG3/S34.2
Perennial herb. Chaparral, coastal bluff scrub, coastal dunes, coastal scrub. Coastal dunes and bluffs. Elevations: 0-490ft. (0-150m.) Blooms Jan-Jul(Aug).
Does Not Occur No suitable habitat is present within the study area.
Erythranthe serpentinicolaIrish Hills monkeyflower
None/NoneG1/S1
1B.1
Annual herb. Chaparral (openings), meadows and seeps (edges). Serpentine, rocky, openings, mesic. 60-360m. Blooms Feb-May.
Does Not Occur No suitable habitat is present within the study area.
Eschscholzia hypecoidesSan Benito poppy
None/NoneG4/S4
4.3 Annual herb. Chaparral, cismontane woodland, valley and foothill grassland. Serpentine clay. Elevations: 655-4920ft. (200-1500m.) Blooms Mar-Jun.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known elevation range of this species.
Extriplex joaquinanaSan Joaquin spearscale
None/NoneG2/S21B.2
Annual herb. Chenopod scrub, meadows and seeps, playas, valley and foothill grassland. In seasonal alkali wetlands or alkali sink scrub with Distichlis spicata, Frankenia, etc. Elevations: 5-2740ft. (1-835m.) Blooms Apr-Oct.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known range of this species.
Fritillaria agrestisstinkbells
None/NoneG3/S34.2
Perennial bulbiferous herb. Chaparral, cismontane woodland, pinyon and juniper woodland, valley and foothill grassland. Sometimes on serpentine; mostly found in nonnative grassland or in grassy openings in clay soil. Elevations: 35-5100ft. (10-1555m.) Blooms Mar-Jun.
Low Potential Potentially suitable cismontane woodland and valley and foothill grassland habitats are present within the study area. No CNDDB or CNPS records occur within 5 miles of the study area. This species was not observed within the study area during April or June botanical surveys. This species is not expected to occur on site.
Fritillaria ojaiensisOjai fritillary
None/NoneG3/S31B.2
Perennial bulbiferous herb. Broadleafed upland forest, chaparral, cismontane woodland, lower montane coniferous forest. Rocky sites. Sometimes on serpentine; sometimes along roadsides. Elevations: 740-3275ft. (225-998m.) Blooms Feb-May.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known elevation range of this species.
Galium cliftonsmithiiSanta Barbara bedstraw
None/NoneG4/S4
4.3 Perennial herb. Cismontane woodland. Light shade, coastal canyons, dry banks. Elevations: 655-4005ft. (200-1220m.) Blooms May-Jul.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known elevation range of this species.
Gilia tenuiflora ssp. amplifaucalistrumpet-throated gilia None/NoneG3G4T3/S3
4.3 Annual herb. Cismontane woodland, valley and foothill grassland. Sandy soils. Elevations: 1280-2955ft. (390-900m.) Blooms Mar-Apr.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known elevation range of this species.
Grindelia hirsutula var. maritimaSan Francisco gumplant None/NoneG5T1Q/S13.2
Perennial herb. Coastal bluff scrub, coastal scrub, valley and foothill grassland. Sandy or serpentine slopes, sea bluffs. Elevations: 50-1310ft. (15-400m.) Blooms Jun-Sep.
Low Potential Marginally suitable coastal scrub and valley and foothill grassland habitats are present within the study area. No CNDDB or CNPS records occur within 5 miles of the study area. This species was not observed within the study area during April or June botanical surveys. This species is not expected to occur on site.
Horkelia cuneata var. puberulamesa horkelia
None/NoneG4T1/S1
1B.1
Perennial herb. Chaparral, cismontane woodland, coastal scrub. Sandy or gravelly sites. Elevations: 230-2660ft. (70-810m.) Blooms Feb-Jul(Sep).
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known elevation range of this species.
Horkelia cuneata var. sericeaKellogg's horkelia
None/NoneG4T1?/S1?
1B.1
Perennial herb. Chaparral, closed-cone coniferous forest, coastal dunes, coastal scrub. Old dunes, coastal sandhills; openings. Sandy or gravelly soils. Elevations: 35-655ft. (10-200m.) Blooms Apr-Sep.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known range of this species.
Horkelia yadoniiSanta Lucia horkelia
None/NoneG3/S34.2
Perennial rhizomatous herb. Broadleafed upland forest, chaparral, cismontane woodland, meadows and seeps, riparian woodland. Sandy meadow edges, seasonal streambeds. Granitic soils. Elevations: 985-6235ft. (300-1900m.) Blooms Apr-Jul.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known elevation range of this species.
Juncus acutus ssp. leopoldiisouthwestern spiny rush
None/NoneG5T5/S44.2
Perennial rhizomatous herb. Coastal dunes, marshes and swamps, meadows and seeps. Moist saline places. Elevations: 10-2955ft. (3-900m.) Blooms (Mar)May-Jun.
Does Not Occur No suitable habitat is present within the study area.
City of San Luis Obispo
PCE Plume Characterization Project
1-6
Scientific Name
Common Name Status Habitat Requirements
Potential to Occur in Project Site Habitat Suitability/Observations Lasthenia californica ssp. macranthaperennial goldfields None/NoneG3T2/S21B.2
Perennial herb. Coastal bluff scrub, coastal dunes, coastal scrub. Elevations: 15-1705ft. (5-520m.) Blooms Jan-Nov.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known range of this species.
Lasthenia glabrata ssp. coulteriCoulter's goldfields
None/NoneG4T2/S21B.1
Annual herb. Marshes and swamps, playas, vernal pools. Usually found on alkaline soils in playas, sinks, and grasslands. 1-. Elevations: 5-4005ft. (1-1220m.) Blooms Feb-Jun.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known range of this species.
Lasthenia leptaleaSalinas Valley goldfields
None/NoneG3/S3
4.3 Annual herb. Cismontane woodland, valley and foothill grassland. Elevations: 195-3495ft. (60-1065m.) Blooms Feb-Apr.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known elevation range of this species.
Layia erubescensblushing layia
None/NoneG2/S21B.2
Coastal dunes, coastal scrub. Prefers loose, fine sand of stabilized dunes and sandhills. 10-245m. Blooms (Feb)Mar-May(Jun).
Does Not Occur No suitable habitat is present within the study area.
Layia jonesiiJones' layia
None/NoneG2/S21B.2
Annual herb. Chaparral, valley and foothill grassland. Clay soils and serpentine outcrops. Elevations: 15-1310ft. (5-400m.) Blooms Mar-May.
Low Potential Potentially suitable valley and foothill grassland habitat is present within the study area. The closest CNPS record is from 1988 and is located approximately 0.5 mile west of the study area. This species was not observed within the study area during April or June botanical surveys. This species is not expected to occur on site.
Leptosiphon grandifloruslarge-flowered leptosiphon
None/NoneG3G4/S3S44.2
Annual herb. Cismontane woodland, closed-cone coniferous forest, coastal bluff scrub, coastal dunes, coastal prairie, coastal scrub, valley and foothill grassland. Open, grassy flats, generally sandy soil. 5-. Elevations: 15-4005ft. (5-1220m.) Blooms Apr-Aug.
Low Potential Potentially suitable closed-cone coniferous forest, cismontane woodland, coastal scrub, and valley and foothill grassland habitats are present within the study area. The closest CNPS record is from 1982 and is located approximately 1.6 miles northwest of the study area. This species was not observed within the study area during April or June botanical surveys. This species is not expected to occur on site.
Lessingia tenuisspring lessingia
None/NoneG4/S44.3
Annual herb. Chaparral, cismontane woodland, lower montane coniferous forest. Openings. Elevations: 985-7055ft. (300-2150m.) Blooms May-Jul.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known elevation range of this species.
Linanthus californicus ssp. tomentosusfuzzy prickly-phlox None/NoneG5T3/S34.2
Perennial deciduous shrub. Coastal dunes. Elevations: 5-605ft. (1-185m.) Blooms Mar-Aug. Does Not Occur No suitable habitat is present within the study area.
Lomatium parvifoliumsmall-leaved lomatium
None/NoneG3/S34.2
Perennial herb. Chaparral, closed-cone coniferous forest, coastal scrub, riparian woodland. On serpentine. Elevations: 65-2295ft. (20-700m.) Blooms Jan-Jun.
Low Potential Marginally suitable closed-cone coniferous forest habitat is present within the study area. The closest CNPS record is from 1988 and is located approximately 0.5 mile southwest of the study area. This species was not observed within the study area during April or June botanical surveys. This species is not expected to occur on site.
Lupinus ludovicianusSan Luis Obispo County lupine
None/NoneG1/S11B.2
Perennial herb. Chaparral, cismontane woodland. Open areas in sandy soil, Santa Margarita formation. Elevations: 165-1725ft. (50-525m.) Blooms Apr-Jul.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known elevation range of this species.
Lupinus nipomensisNipomo Mesa lupine
FE/SEG1/S1
1B.1
Annual herb. Coastal dunes. Dry sandy flats, restricted to back dunes, associated with central dune scrub habitat - a rare community type. Elevations: 35-165ft. (10-50m.) Blooms Dec-May.
Does Not Occur No suitable habitat is present within the study area.
Malacothamnus gracilisslender bush-mallow
None/NoneG1Q/S11B.1
Perennial deciduous shrub. Chaparral. Dry, rocky slopes. Elevations: 625-1885ft. (190-575m.) Blooms May-Oct.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known elevation range of this species.
Malacothamnus jonesiiJones' bush-mallow
None/NoneG4/S4
4.3 Perennial deciduous shrub. Chaparral, cismontane woodland. Elevations: 525-3525ft. (160-1075m.) Blooms (Mar)Apr-Oct.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known elevation range of this species.
Malacothamnus palmeri var. palmeriSanta Lucia bush-mallow None/NoneG3T2Q/S21B.2
Perennial deciduous shrub. Chaparral. Dry rocky slopes, mostly near summits, but occasionally extending down canyons to the sea. Elevations: 195-1180ft. (60-360m.) Blooms May-Jul.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known elevation range of this species.
Malacothrix incanadunedelion
None/NoneG3G4/S3S44.3
Perennial herb. Coastal dunes, coastal scrub. On flats and slopes, as well as unstabilized dunes near the ocean. Elevations: 5-115ft. (2-35m.) Blooms (Jan)Apr-Oct.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known range of this species.
City of San Luis Obispo
PCE Plume Characterization Project
1-7
Scientific Name
Common Name Status Habitat Requirements
Potential to Occur in Project Site Habitat Suitability/Observations Mielichhoferia elongataelongate copper moss
None/NoneG5/S3S44.3
Moss. Broadleafed upland forest, chaparral, cismontane woodland, coastal scrub, lower montane coniferous forest, meadows and seeps, subalpine coniferous forest. Moss growing on very acidic, metamorphic rock or substrate; usually in higher portions in fens. Often on substrates naturally enriched with heavy metals (e.g. copper) such as mine tailings. 5-. Elevations: 0-6430ft. (0-1960m.) Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known range of this species.
Monardella palmeriPalmer's monardella
None/NoneG2/S21B.2
Perennial rhizomatous herb. Chaparral, cismontane woodland. On serpentine, often found associated with Sargent cypress forests. Elevations: 655-2625ft. (200-800m.) Blooms JunAug.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known elevation range of this species.
Monardella sinuata ssp. sinuatasouthern curly-leaved monardella None/NoneG3T2/S2
1B.2
Annual herb. Chaparral, cismontane woodland, coastal dunes, coastal scrub. Sandy soils. Elevations: 0-985ft. (0-300m.) Blooms Apr-Sep.
Does Not Occur No suitable habitat is present within the study area.
Monardella undulata ssp. crispacrisp monardella
None/NoneG3T2/S2
1B.2
Perennial rhizomatous herb. Coastal dunes, coastal scrub. Often on the borders of open, sand areas, usually adjacent to typical backdune scrub vegetation. Elevations: 35-395ft. (10-120m.) Blooms Apr-Aug(Dec).
Does Not Occur No suitable habitat is present within the study area.
Monardella undulata ssp. undulataSan Luis Obispo monardella None/NoneG2/S21B.2
Perennial rhizomatous herb. Coastal dunes, coastal scrub. Stabilized sand of the immediate coast. Elevations: 35-655ft. (10-200m.) Blooms May-Sep.
Does Not Occur No suitable habitat is present within the study area.
Monolopia gracilenswoodland woollythreads
None/NoneG3/S31B.2
Annual herb. Broadleafed upland forest, chaparral, cismontane woodland, north coast coniferous forest, valley and foothill grassland. Grassy sites, in openings; sandy to rocky soils. Often seen on serpentine after burns, but may have only weak affinity to serpentine. Elevations: 330-3935ft. (100-1200m.) Blooms (Feb)Mar-Jul.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known elevation range of this species.
Mucronea californicaCalifornia spineflower
None/NoneG3/S34.2
Annual herb. Chaparral, cismontane woodland, coastal dunes, coastal scrub, valley and foothill grassland. Sandy soil. Elevations: 0-4595ft. (0-1400m.) Blooms Mar-Jul(Aug).
Low Potential Potentially suitable cismontane woodland, coastal scrub, and valley and foothill grassland habitats are present within the study area. The closest CNPS record is from 1885 and is located approximately 1.6 miles northwest of the study area. This species was not observed within the study area during April or June botanical surveys. This species is not expected to occur on site.
Muhlenbergia utilisaparejo grass
None/NoneG4/S2S32B.2
Perennial rhizomatous herb. Chaparral, cismontane woodland, coastal scrub, marshes and swamps, meadows and seeps. Alkaline (sometimes), Serpentinite (sometimes).Elevations: 80-7630ft. (25-2325m.) Blooms Mar-Oct.
Low Potential Marginally suitable coastal scrub, cismontane woodland, and valley and foothill grassland habitat is present within the study area. The closest CNPS record is from 2021 and is located approximately 2.2 miles west of the study area. This species was not observed within the study area during April or June botanical surveys. This species is not expected to occur on site.
Nasturtium gambeliiGambel's water cress
FE/STG1/S11B.1
Perennial rhizomatous herb. Marshes and swamps. Freshwater and brackish marshes at the margins of lakes and along streams, in or just above the water level. Elevations: 15-1085ft. (5-330m.) Blooms Apr-Oct.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known range of this species.
Navarretia nigelliformis ssp. radiansshining navarretia None/NoneG4T2/S21B.2
Annual herb. Cismontane woodland, valley and foothill grassland, vernal pools. Apparently in grassland, and not necessarily in vernal pools. Elevations: 215-3280ft. (65-1000m.) Blooms (Mar)Apr-Jul.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known elevation range of this species.
Nemacaulis denudata var. denudatacoast woolly-heads
None/NoneG3G4T2/S21B.2
Annual herb. Coastal dunes. Elevations: 0-330ft. (0-100m.) Blooms Apr-Sep. Does Not Occur No suitable habitat is present within the study area.
Perideridia pringleiadobe yampah
None/NoneG4/S4
4.3 Perennial herb. Chaparral, cismontane woodland, coastal scrub, pinyon and juniper woodland. Serpentine, clay soils. Grassland hillsides; seasonally wet sites. Elevations: 985-5905ft. (300-1800m.) Blooms Apr-Jun(Jul).
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known elevation range of this species.
Piperia michaeliiMichael's rein orchid
None/NoneG3/S34.2
Perennial herb. Chaparral, cismontane woodland, closed-cone coniferous forest, coastal bluff scrub, coastal scrub, lower montane coniferous forest. Mudstone and humus, generally dry sites. Elevations: 10-3000ft. (3-915m.) Blooms Apr-Aug.
Low Potential Marginally suitable cismontane woodland, closed-cone coniferous forest, and coastal scrub habitats are present within the study area. The closest CNPS record is from 1886 and is located approximately 2.5 miles northeast of the study area. This species was not observed within the study area during April or June botanical surveys. This species is not expected to occur on site.
Plagiobothrys uncinatushooked popcornflower
None/NoneG2/S2
1B.2
Annual herb. Chaparral, cismontane woodland, valley and foothill grassland. Sandstone outcrops and canyon sides; often in burned or disturbed areas. Elevations: 985-2495ft. (300-760m.) Blooms Apr-May.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known elevation range of this species.
City of San Luis Obispo
PCE Plume Characterization Project
1-8
Scientific Name
Common Name Status Habitat Requirements
Potential to Occur in Project Site Habitat Suitability/Observations Poa diaboliDiablo Canyon blue grass
None/NoneG2/S2
1B.2
Perennial rhizomatous herb. Chaparral, cismontane woodland, closed-cone coniferous forest, coastal scrub. Shale, sometimes burned areas. Elevations: 395-1310ft. (120-400m.) Blooms Mar-Apr.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known elevation range of this species.
Prunus fasciculata var. punctatasand almond
None/NoneG5T4/S44.3
Perennial deciduous shrub. Chaparral, cismontane woodland, coastal dunes, coastal scrub. Sandy flats. Elevations: 50-655ft. (15-200m.) Blooms Mar-Apr.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known range of this species.
Ribes sericeumSanta Lucia gooseberry
None/NoneG4/S4
4.3 Perennial deciduous shrub. Broadleafed upland forest, cismontane woodland, coastal bluff scrub, north coast coniferous forest. Along streams in redwood forests and on the coastal slopes of the Santa Lucia Mtns. Elevations: 1000-4005ft. (305-1220m.) Blooms Feb-Apr.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known elevation range of this species.
Sanicula hoffmanniiHoffmann's sanicle
None/NoneG3/S34.3
Perennial herb. Broadleafed upland forest, chaparral, cismontane woodland, coastal bluff scrub, coastal scrub, lower montane coniferous forest. Cool slopes in deep soil, often in moist shaded serpentine soils, or in clay soils. Elevations: 100-985ft. (30-300m.) Blooms Mar-May.
Low Potential Marginally suitable cismontane woodland and coastal scrub habitats are present within the study area. The closest CNPS record is from 2015 and is located approximately 0.6 mile southwest of the study area. This species was not observed within the study area during April or June botanical surveys. This species is not expected to occur on site.
Sanicula maritimaadobe sanicle
None/SRG2/S21B.1
Perennial herb. Chaparral, coastal prairie, meadows and seeps, valley and foothill grassland. Moist clay or ultramafic soils. Elevations: 100-785ft. (30-240m.) Blooms FebMay.
Low Potential Potentially suitable valley and foothill grassland habitat is present within the study area. The closest CNPS record is from 2016 and is located approximately 1 mile northeast of the study area. This species was not observed within the study area during April or June botanical surveys. This species is not expected to occur on site.
Scrophularia atratablack-flowered figwort
None/NoneG2?/S2?1B.2
Perennial herb. Chaparral, closed-cone coniferous forest, coastal dunes, coastal scrub, riparian scrub. Sand, diatomaceous shales, and soils derived from other parent material; around swales and in sand dunes. Elevations: 35-1640ft. (10-500m.) Blooms Mar-Jul.
Low Potential Marginally suitable closed-cone coniferous forest and coastal scrub habitats are present within the study area. The closest CNDDB record is from 2012 and is located approximately 3.5 miles southeast of the study area. This species was not observed within the study area during April or June botanical surveys. This species is not expected to occur on site.
Senecio aphanactischaparral ragwort
None/NoneG3/S22B.2
Annual herb. Chaparral, cismontane woodland, coastal scrub. Drying alkaline flats. Elevations: 50-2625ft. (15-800m.) Blooms Jan-Apr(May).
Low Potential Marginally suitable cismontane woodland and coastal scrub habitats are present within the study area. The closest CNDDB record is from 1927 and is located approximately 1.1 miles northeast of the study area. This species was not observed within the study area during April or June botanical surveys. This species is not expected to occur on site.
Senecio astephanusSan Gabriel ragwort
None/NoneG3/S3
4.3 Perennial herb. Chaparral, coastal bluff scrub. Rocky slopes. Elevations: 1310-4920ft. (400-1500m.) Blooms May-Jul.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known elevation range of this species.
Senecio blochmaniaeBlochman's ragwort
None/NoneG3/S3
4.2 Perennial herb. Coastal dunes. Elevations: 0-330ft. (0-100m.) Blooms May-Oct. Does Not Occur No suitable habitat is present within the study area.
Sidalcea hickmanii ssp. anomalaCuesta Pass checkerbloom None/SRG3T1/S11B.2
Perennial herb. Chaparral, closed-cone coniferous forest. Rocky serpentine soil; associated with Sargent cypress forest. Elevations: 1970-2625ft. (600-800m.) Blooms May-Jun.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known elevation range of this species.
Streptanthus albidus ssp. peramoenusmost beautiful jewelflower None/NoneG2T2/S21B.2
Annual herb. Chaparral, cismontane woodland, valley and foothill grassland. Serpentine outcrops, on ridges and slopes. Elevations: 310-3280ft. (95-1000m.) Blooms (Mar)AprSep(Oct).
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known elevation range of this species.
Suaeda californicaCalifornia seablite
FE/NoneG1/S11B.1
Perennial evergreen shrub. Marshes and swamps. Margins of coastal salt marshes. Elevations: 0-50ft. (0-15m.) Blooms Jul-Oct.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known elevation range of this species.
Sulcaria isidiiferasplitting yarn lichen
None/NoneG1/S1
1B.1
Fruticose lichen (epiphytic). Coastal scrub. On branches of oaks and shrubs in old growth coastal scrub. Elevations: 65-100ft. (20-30m.) Does Not Occur No suitable habitat is present within the study area.
Sulcaria spiraliferatwisted horsehair lichen
None/NoneG3G4/S2
1B.2
Fruticose lichen (epiphytic). Coastal dunes, north coast coniferous forest. Usually on conifers. Elevations: 0-295ft. (0-90m.) Does Not Occur No suitable habitat is present within the study area.
Symphyotrichum defoliatumSan Bernardino aster
None/NoneG2/S21B.2
Perennial rhizomatous herb. Cismontane woodland, coastal scrub, lower montane coniferous forest, marshes and swamps, meadows and seeps, valley and foothill grassland. Vernally mesic grassland or near ditches, streams and springs; disturbed areas. Elevations: 5-6695ft. (2-2040m.) Blooms Jul-Nov.
Does Not Occur The study area is located outside the known range of this species.
City of San Luis Obispo
PCE Plume Characterization Project
1-9
Scientific Name
Common Name Status Habitat Requirements
Potential to Occur in Project Site Habitat Suitability/Observations Trifolium hydrophilumsaline clover
None/NoneG2/S21B.2
Annual herb. Marshes and swamps, valley and foothill grassland, vernal pools. Mesic, alkaline sites. Elevations: 0-985ft. (0-300m.) Blooms Apr-Jun.
Low Potential Potentially suitable valley and foothill grassland habitat is present within the study area. The closest CNDDB record is from 1998 and is located approximately 1.1 miles northwest of the study area. This species was not observed within the study area during April or June botanical surveys. This species is not expected to occur on site.
Tropidocarpum capparideumcaper-fruited tropidocarpum
None/NoneG1/S11B.1
Annual herb. Valley and foothill grassland. Alkaline clay. Elevations: 5-1495ft. (1-455m.) Blooms Mar-Apr.
Low Potential Potentially suitable valley and foothill grassland habitat is present within the study area. No CNDDB or CNPS records occur within 5 miles of the study area. This species was not observed within the study area during April or June botanical surveys. This species is not expected to occur on site.
Status (Federal/State)FE = Federal EndangeredFT = Federal ThreatenedSE = State EndangeredST = State ThreatenedSR = State Rare CRPR (California Native Plant Society California Rare Plant Rank)1B = Rare, Threatened, or Endangered in California and elsewhere2B= Rare, Threatened, or Endangered in California, but more common elsewhereCRPR Threat Code Extension.1 = Seriously endangered in California (>80% of occurrences threatened/high degree and immediacy of threat).2 = Moderately threatened in California (20-80% of occurrences threatened/moderate degree and immediacy of threat).3 = Not very endangered in California (<20% of occurrences threatened/low degree and immediacy of threat) Other StatusesG1 or S1 Critically Imperiled Globally or Subnationally (state)G2 or S2 Imperiled Globally or Subnationally (state)G3 or S3 Vulnerable to extirpation or extinction Globally or Subnationally (state)G4/5 or S4/5 Apparently secure, common and abundantAdditional notations may be provided as followsT – Intraspecific Taxon (subspecies, varieties, and other designations below the level of species)Q – Questionable taxonomy that may reduce conservation priority? – Inexact numeric rank
Attachment 2
Floral Compendium
City of San Luis Obispo
PCE Plume Characterization Project
2-1
Common Name1 Scientific Name Native/Non-native Status
Wattle Acacia sp. Non-native --
Box elder Acer negundo Native --
American bird’s foot trefoil Acmispon americanus Native -- Buckeye Aesculus californica Native --
Ragweed Ambrosia psilostachya Native --
Narrow leaf milkweed Asclepias fascicularis Native --
Slender oat Avena barbata Non-native; Cal-IPC moderate -- Wild oat Avena fatua Non-native; Cal-IPC moderate --
Coyote brush Baccharis pilularis Native
Black mustard Brassica nigra Non-native; Cal-IPC moderate -- Rescue grass Bromus catharticus Non-native --
Ripgut brome Bromus diandrus Non-native; Cal-IPC moderate -- Soft brome Bromus hordeaceus Non-native; Cal-IPC limited -- California brome Bromus stichensis var. carinatus Native -- Incense cedar Calocedrus decurrens Native --
Italian thistle Carduus pycnocephalus Non-native; Cal-IPC moderate -- Yellow star thistle Centaurea solstitialis Non-native; Cal-IPC high -- Bull thistle Cirsium vulgare Non-native; Cal-IPC moderate -- Poison hemlock Conium maculatum Non-native; Cal-IPC moderate -- Field bindweed Convulvulus arvensis Non-native --
Bermuda grass Cynodon dactylon Non-native; Cal-IPC moderate -- Tall flatsedge Cyperus eragrostis Native --
Creeping wildrye Elymus triticoides Native --
Perennial veldt grass Ehrharta calycina Non-native; Cal-IPC high -- Canada horseweed Erigeron canadensis Native --
Coastal heron’s bill Erodium cicutarium Non-native; Cal-IPC limited -- California poppy Eschscholzia californica Native --
Fringed willowherb Epilobium ciliatum Native --
Blue gum Eucalyptus globulus Non-native; Cal-IPC limited -- Petty spurge Euphorbia peplus Non-native --
Italian rye grass Festuca perennis Non-native; Cal-IPC moderate -- Sweet fennel Foeniculum vulgare Non-native; Cal-IPC moderate -- Coffeeberry Frangula californica Native --
White ramping fumitory Fumaria capreolata Non-native -- Common bedstraw Galium aparine Native --
French broom Genista monspessulana Non-native; Cal-IPC high -- Cutleaf geranum Geranium dissectum Non-native; Cal-IPC limited -- Bristly ox-tongue Helminthotheca echioides Non-native; Cal-IPC limited -- Monterey cypress Hesperocyparis macrocarpa Native 1B.23 Toyon Heteromeles arbutifolia Native --
Foxtail barley Hordeum murinum Non-native; Cal-IPC moderate --
City of San Luis Obispo
PCE Plume Characterization Project
2-2
Common Name1 Scientific Name Native/Non-native Status
Common barley Hordeum vulgare Non-native --
Northern California black
walnut
Juglans hindsii Native --
Prickly lettuce Lactuca serriola Non-native --
Glossy privet Ligustrum lucidum Non-native; Cal-IPC limited -- Santa Cruz Island ironwood Lyonothamnus floribundus ssp. aspleniifolius
Native 1B.23
Cheeseweed mallow Malva parviflora Non-native --
Bur clover Medicago polymorpha Non-native; Cal-IPC limited -- Annual yellow sweetclover Melilotus indicus Non-native -- California wax myrtle Morella californica Native --
Mexican evening primrose Oenothera speciosa Non-native -- Olive Olea europaea Non-native; Cal-IPC limited --
Kikuyu grass Pennisetum clanedestinum Non-native; Cal-IPC limited -- Avocado Persea americana Non-native --
Harding grass Phalaris aquatica Non-native; Cal-IPC moderate -- Monterey pine Pinus radiata Native --
English plantain Plantago lanceolata Non-native; Cal-IPC limited -- Prostrate knotweed Polygonum aviculare Non-native --
Rabbitsfoot grass Polypogon monspeliensis Non-native; Cal-IPC limited -- Fremont cottonwood Populus fremontii Native --
Apricot Prunus armeniaca Non-native --
Jersey cudweed Pseudognaphalium luteoalbum Non-native -- Wild radish Raphanus sativus Non-native; Cal-IPC limited -- Coast live oak Quercus agrifolia Native --
Valley oak Quercus lobata Native --
Wild radish Raphanus sativus Non-native; Cal-IPC limited -- Lemonade berry Rhus integrifolia Native --
Castor bean Ricinus communis Non-native; Cal-IPC limited -- California rose Rosa californica Native --
Himalayan blackberry Rubus armeniacus Non-native; Cal-IPC high -- California blackberry Rubus ursinus Native --
Curly dock Rumex crispus Non-native; Cal-IPC limited -- Red willow Salix laevigata Native --
Arroyo willow Salix lasiolepis Native --
Blue elderberry Sambucas nexicana Native --
Peruvian pepper tree Schinus molle Non-native; Cal-IPC limited -- Coast redwood Sequoia sempervirens Native --
Milk thistle Silybum marianum Non-native; Cal-IPC limited -- Common nightshade Solanum americanum Native --
Spiny sowthistle Sonchus asper Non-native --
City of San Luis Obispo
PCE Plume Characterization Project
2-3
Common Name1 Scientific Name Native/Non-native Status
Smilo grass Stipa miliacea Non-native --
Purple needlegrass Stipa pulchra Native --
Purple salsify Tragopogon porrifolius Non-native --
Rose clover Trifolium hirtum Non-native; Cal-IPC limited -- Common wheat Triticum aestivum Non-native --
Garden nasturtium Tropaeolum majus Non-native --
Spring vetch Vicia sativa Non-native --
Mexican fan palm Washingtonia robusta Non-native; Cal-IPC moderate -- Cal-IPC = California Invasive Plant Council
1Calflora 2024
2California Invasive Plant Council 2006. California Invasive Plant Inventory. Cal-IPC Publication 2006-02. California Invasive Plant Council: Berkeley, CA. www.cal-ipc.org. Accessed June 2024. 3Not naturally occurring within the study area (i.e., ornamentally planted stands); as such, these individuals are not considered specialstatus.
Attachment 3
Site Photographs
City of San Luis Obispo
PCE Plume Characterization Project
3-1
Photograph 1. View of the study area east of Highway 101, facing west. Taken April 26, 2024.
Photograph 2. View of the study area east of Highway 101, facing northeast. Taken April 26, 2024.
City of San Luis Obispo
PCE Plume Characterization Project
3-2
Photograph 3. View of the study area east of Highway 101, facing northeast. Taken April 26, 2024.
Photograph 4. View of the study area east of Highway 101, facing northwest. Taken April 26, 2024.
City of San Luis Obispo
PCE Plume Characterization Project
3-3
Photograph 5. View of the study area east of Highway 101, facing east. Taken April 26, 2024.
Photograph 6. View of the study area east of Highway 101, facing north. Taken April 26, 2024.
City of San Luis Obispo
PCE Plume Characterization Project
3-4
Photograph 7. View of the study area west of Highway 101, facing northeast. Taken April 26, 2024.
Photograph 8. View of the study area east of Highway 101, facing northeast. Taken June 5, 2024.
City of San Luis Obispo
PCE Plume Characterization Project
3-5
Photograph 9. View of the study area east of Highway 101, facing south. Taken June 5, 2024.
Photograph 10. View of the study area east of Highway 101, facing southwest. Taken June 5, 2024.
Appendix C
Noise and Vibration Calculations
Roadway Construction Noise Model (RCNM),Version 1.1
Report date:8/13/2024
Case Description: Treatment Wells
---- Receptor #1 ----
Baselines (dBA)
DescriptionLand Use Daytime Evening Night
ResidencesResidential 65 60 55
Equipment
Spec Actual Receptor Estimated
Impact Lmax Lmax Distance Shielding
Description Device Usage(%) (dBA) (dBA) (feet) (dBA)
Backhoe No 40 80 245 0
Concrete Pump Truck No 20 82 245 0
Crane No 16 85 245 0
Rock Drill No 20 85 245 0
Results
Calculated (dBA) Noise Limits (dBA)
Day Evening Night
Equipment *Lmax Leq Lmax Leq Lmax Leq Lmax
Backhoe 66.2 62.2 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Concrete Pump Truck 68.2 61.2 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Crane 71.2 63.2 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Rock Drill 71.2 64.2 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Total 71.2 68.9 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
*Calculated Lmax is the Loudest value.
Noise Limit Exceedance (dBA)
Day Evening Night
Leq Lmax Leq Lmax Leq Lmax Leq
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Roadway Construction Noise Model (RCNM),Version 1.1
Report date:8/13/2024
Case Description:
---- Receptor #1 ----
Baselines (dBA)
DescriptionLand Use Daytime Evening Night
Residence Residential 65 60 55
Equipment
Spec Actual Receptor Estimated
Impact Lmax Lmax Distance Shielding
Description Device Usage(%) (dBA) (dBA) (feet) (dBA)
Backhoe No 40 80 150 0
Concrete Pump Truck No 20 82 150 0
Crane No 16 85 150 0
Rock Drill No 20 85 150 0
Results
Calculated (dBA) Noise Limits (dBA)
Day Evening Night
Equipment *Lmax Leq Lmax Leq Lmax Leq Lmax
Backhoe 70.5 66.5 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Concrete Pump Truck 72.5 65.5 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Crane 75.5 67.5 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Rock Drill 75.5 68.5 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Total 75.5 73.1 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
*Calculated Lmax is the Loudest value.
Noise Limit Exceedance (dBA)
Day Evening Night
Leq Lmax Leq Lmax Leq Lmax Leq
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
MTSJ-02 Vibration @ 25 ft Residential Area (15 feet) Residential Area (45 feet) Phase 1 15 45
Cassion Drilling 0.089 0.191 0.037
Appendix D
Draft IS-MND Comment Letters
State of California – The Natural Resources Agency GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE CHARLTON H. BONHAM, Director Central Region
1234 East Shaw Avenue
Fresno, California 93710
(559) 243-4005
www.wildlife.ca.gov
Conserving California’s Wildlife Since 1870
January 9, 2025
Shawna Scott, Special Projects Manager
City of San Luis Obispo
Public Utilities Department
879 Morro Street
San Luis Obispo, California 93401-3218
[email protected]
Subject: Groundwater Contamination Characterization Project (Project) Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND)
SCH Number: 2024120528
Dear Shawna Scott:
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) received a Notice of Intent to Adopt an Initial Study (IS)/MND from the City of San Luis Obispo for the Project pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and CEQA Guidelines.1 Thank you for the opportunity to provide recommendations regarding the activities proposed at the Project site that may affect California fish and wildlife. Likewise, CDFW appreciates the opportunity to provide comments regarding those aspects of the Project that CDFW, by law, may be required to carry out or approve through the exercise of its own regulatory authority under Fish and Game Code.
CDFW ROLE
CDFW is California’s Trustee Agency for fish and wildlife resources and holds those resources in trust by statue for all the people of the State (Fish and Game Code, §§ 711.7, subd. (a) & 1802; Pub. Resources Code, § 21070; CEQA Guidelines § 15386, subd. (a)). CDFW, in its trustee capacity, has jurisdiction over the conservation, protection, and management of fish, wildlife, native plants, and habitat necessary for biologically sustainable populations of those species (Id., § 1802). Similarly, for purposes of CEQA, CDFW is charged by law to provide, as available, biological
1 CEQA is codified in the California Public Resources Code in section 21000 et seq. The “CEQA Guidelines” are found in Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, commencing with section 15000.
Docusign Envelope ID: 663EC30D-06F5-40D9-AF49-1C1803FE0F6E
Shawna Scott
City of San Luis Obispo
January 9, 2025
expertise during public agency environmental review efforts, focusing specifically on projects and related activities that have the potential to adversely affect fish and wildlife resources.
CDFW is also submitting comments as a Responsible Agency under CEQA (Pub.
Resources Code, § 21069; CEQA Guidelines, § 15381). CDFW may need to exercise regulatory authority as provided by the Fish and Game Code. For example, the Project may be subject to CDFW’s lake and streambed alteration regulatory authority (Fish & G.
Code, § 1600 et seq.). Likewise, to the extent implementation of the Project as proposed may result in “take” as defined by State law of any species protected under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA) (Fish & Game Code, § 2050 et seq.), related authorized as provided by the Fish and Game Code will be required.
In this role, CDFW is responsible for providing, as available, biological expertise during public agency environmental review efforts (e.g., CEQA), focusing specifically on project activities that have the potential to adversely affect fish and wildlife resources. CDFW provides recommendations to identify potential impacts and possible measures to avoid or reduce those impacts.
Bird Protection: CDFW has jurisdiction over actions with potential to result in the disturbance or destruction of active nest sites or the unauthorized take of birds. Fish and Game Code sections that protect birds, their eggs and nests include sections 3503 (regarding unlawful take, possession or needless destruction of the nest or eggs of any bird), 3503.5 (regarding the take, possession or destruction of any birds-of-prey or their nests or eggs), and 3513 (regarding unlawful take of any migratory nongame bird).
Federally Listed Species: CDFW recommends consulting with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) on potential impacts to anadromous Federally listed species.
Take under the Federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) is more broadly defined than CESA; take under ESA also includes significant habitat modification or degradation that could result in death or injury to a listed species by interfering with essential behavioral patterns such as breeding, foraging, or nesting. Consultation with the NMFS to comply with ESA is advised well in advance of any ground disturbing activities.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION SUMMARY
Proponent: City of San Luis Obispo (City)
Objective and Project Description: The City of San Luis Obispo is proposing to construct monitoring and treatment wells to clean-up and prevent tetrachloroethylene (PCE) contamination in drinking water supply wells. A maximum of 12 monitoring wells will be constructed on developed locations that are paved and have exiting infrastructure and be approximately 60 to 160 feet deep with a maximum depth of 200 Docusign Envelope ID: 663EC30D-06F5-40D9-AF49-1C1803FE0F6E
Shawna Scott
City of San Luis Obispo
January 9, 2025
feet. Two groundwater extraction and treatment wells with associated water conveyance pipeline and infrastructure will be constructed on a 22-acre undeveloped site. One treatment well (TW-3) was constructed in February 2003 but has since been capped.
Construction of the treatment wells and associated infrastructure includes the following:
Constructing a 650 square foot building at TW-3 site, to secure the well and electrical panels, and to serve as the centralized treatment system for both wells. Installing new treatment well TW-4, to a depth of 205 feet below ground surface. Constructing a 250 square foot building at TW-4 site, to secure the well and electrical panels.
Installing a new 6-inch sewer line to connect the backwash storage tank to the City’s sanitary sewer system.
Installing a new 12-inch water line connecting the treatment infrastructure to the City’s water distribution system.
Installing a new 8-inch water line connecting TW-4 to TW-3. Installing perimeter security fencing, utility infrastructure, and access roads at both sites.
Location: The Project is located within the City of San Luis Obispo, in the southern portion of the City along U.S. Highway 101 between Prado Road and Los Osos Valley Road, in San Luis Obispo County, within Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN) 053-051- 045, 053-052-045, 053-131-013, 053-141-012, 053-152-006, 053-152-008, 053-153- 014, and 053-153-008. The centroid for the treatment well location is approximately
35.24845 °N, -120.67869 °W.
Timeframe: Approximately beginning April of 2025 through October 2025.
COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
CDFW offers the following recommendations 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 resources. Editorial comments or other suggestions may also be included to improve the document.
Currently, the IS/MND acknowledges that the Project site is within the geographic range of several special-status animal species and proposes general mitigation measures to reduce impacts to less than significant; however, CDFW has concerns about the ability of some proposed mitigation measures to reduce impacts to less than significant and to avoid unauthorized take for special-status species including, but not limited to, the State Candidate western burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia hypugaea) and Crotch’s bumble bee (Bombus crotchii), and the State species of special concern and federally threatened South-Central California Coast steelhead (S-CCC steelhead) Docusign Envelope ID: 663EC30D-06F5-40D9-AF49-1C1803FE0F6E
Shawna Scott
City of San Luis Obispo
January 9, 2025
(Oncorhynchus mykiss irideus pop. 9). In addition, CDFW has concerns regarding potential Project related impacts to water and riparian resources, including interconnected surface waters and groundwater dependent ecosystems.
CDFW recommends that the following modifications and/or edits be incorporated into the IS/MND, including proposed avoidance and minimization measures, prior to its adoption by the City.
Western Burrowing Owl (BUOW)
The California Fish and Game Commission approved western burrowing owl (BUOW) as a candidate for potential listing as a protected species under CESA on October 10, 2024, and published these findings in the California Regulatory Notice Register on October 25, 2024. As such, BUOW is now a candidate under CESA and receives the same legal protection afforded to an endangered or threatened species (Fish & G.
Code, §§ 2074.2 & 2085).
The Project is within known geographic range of BUOW (CDFW 2024) and the IS/MND indicates that the proposed treatment well area contains suitable habitat for the species, however, the IS/MND does not include a description of potential impacts to this species.
The IS/MND includes mitigation measures for general special-status species surveys (BIO-2) and general nesting bird surveys (BIO-3), however, BUOW specific mitigation measures are not included. As BUOW is now a candidate under CESA, CDFW recommends that the Project’s mitigation measures be updated to reflect the species updated status and recommends the following measures be incorporated into the Project to avoid unauthorized take.
Recommended Mitigation Measure 1: BUOW Surveys Prior to Construction CDFW recommends that surveys, following the “Burrowing Owl Survey Protocol and Mitigation Guidelines” (CBOC 1993) and CDFW’s “Staff Report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation” (CDFG 2012) be conducted within areas of suitable habitat the survey season immediately prior to construction.
Recommended Mitigation Measure 2: BUOW Buffers
If BUOW burrows known to be currently or previously occupied by BUOW are found, either during surveys or Project activities, CDFW recommends implementing a 500- meter no-disturbance buffer around each burrow.
Recommended Mitigation Measure 3: BUOW Take Authorization If BUOW or burrows known to be currently or previously occupied by BUOW are found, either during surveys or Project activities, consultation with CDFW is warranted to discuss how to implement the Project and avoid take. If avoidance is not feasible, acquisition of a State Incidental Take Permit pursuant Fish and Game Docusign Envelope ID: 663EC30D-06F5-40D9-AF49-1C1803FE0F6E
Shawna Scott
City of San Luis Obispo
January 9, 2025
Code section 2081 subdivision (b), prior to any ground disturbing activities, would be necessary in order to comply with CESA.
Crotch’s Bumble Bee (CBB)
The Project is within known geographic range of CBB and CBB have been recently found in the area (CDFW 2024). The IS/MND indicates that proposed treatment well area contains suitable habitat for the species, however, the IS/MND does not include any evaluation for the species. The IS/MND includes a mitigation measure for general special-status species surveys (BIO-2), however, CBB specific mitigation measures are not included. CBB are known to inhabit areas of grasslands and scrub that contain requisite habitat elements for nesting, such as small mammal burrows and bunch/thatched grasses (Xerces Society et al. 2018; CDFW 2024), and these habitat elements appear to be present within the Project site. The Project has the potential to impact CBB nesting habitat, overwintering queen refugia, and result in direct mortality of individuals. Without appropriate avoidance and minimization measures for CBB, potentially significant impacts associated with the Project’s activities include burrow collapse, inadvertent entrapment, reduced reproductive success, reduction in health and vigor of bumble bee nests, and direct mortality of individuals. As such, CDFW recommends the following:
Recommended Mitigation Measure 4: CBB Habitat Assessment CDFW recommends a qualified biologist conduct a habitat assessment to determine if the Project area and the immediate surrounding vicinity contain habitat suitable to support CBB. Potential nesting sites, which include all small mammal burrows, perennial bunch grasses, thatched annual grasses, brush piles, old bird nests, dead trees, and hollow logs would need to be documented as part of the assessment.
Recommended Mitigation Measure 5: CBB Surveys
If potentially suitable habitat is identified, CDFW recommends that a qualified biologist conduct focused surveys for CBB, and their requisite habitat features following the methodology outlined in the Survey Considerations for California Endangered Species Act Candidate Bumble Bee Species (CDFW 2023).
Recommended Mitigation Measure 6: CBB Buffers
If CBB is detected, then CDFW recommends that all small mammal burrows and thatched/bunch grasses be avoided by a minimum of 50 feet to avoid take and potentially significant impacts. If ground-disturbing activities will occur during the overwintering period (October through February), consultation with CDFW is warranted to discuss how to implement Project activities and avoid take. Any detection of CBB prior to or during Project implementation warrants consultation with CDFW to discuss how to avoid take.
Docusign Envelope ID: 663EC30D-06F5-40D9-AF49-1C1803FE0F6E
Shawna Scott
City of San Luis Obispo
January 9, 2025
Recommended Mitigation Measure 7: CBB Take Authorization If avoidance is not feasible, acquisition of a State Incidental Take Permit pursuant Fish and Game Code section 2081 subdivision (b), prior to any ground disturbing activities, would be necessary in order to comply with CESA.
South-Central California Coast (S-CCC) Steelhead
The locations of the proposed treatment wells are within approximately 300 feet of San Luis Obispo Creek, which is occupied by S-CCC steelhead. It is unclear how much groundwater will be extracted from the treatment wells, and if an analysis of impacts to San Luis Obispo Creek, including impacts to steelhead, was conducted. Data from Groundwater Sustainability Plans (GSP) groundwater monitoring sites within this area indicate depth to groundwater is approximately less than 20 feet (DWR 2025). The proposed treatment wells may be hydrologically connected to San Luis Creek. CDFW recommends the IS/MND include an analysis of Project-related activities in relation to potential impacts to San Luis Obispo Creek, including potential impacts to steelhead.
Editorial Comments and/or Suggestions
Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), Interconnected Surface Waters, and Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems (GDE):
Groundwater Sustainability Plans were prepared for the San Luis Obispo Valley. The San Luis Obispo Valley Groundwater Basin (No. 3-009) is designated as a high priority basin by the Department of Water Resources (DWR). SGMA defines sustainable groundwater management as, “management and use of groundwater in a manner that can be maintained during the planning and implementation horizon without causing undesirable results (Water Code, § 10721 (v)).” The IS/MND states the proposed wells are within the City of San Luis Obispo Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA), and groundwater extraction would occur in compliance with SGMA and the approved San Luis Obispo Valley Basin GSP, however, further details are not provided. It is unclear how much groundwater will be extracted from the treatment wells and if an analysis of impacts to interconnected surface waters and groundwater dependent ecosystems was conducted in relation to the operation of the proposed treatment wells.
As stated above, both treatment wells are within approximately 300 feet of San Luis Obispo Creek, and Figure 5-17 of the San Luis Obispo Valley Basin GSP (page 5-33) indicates this location is an area identified as having potential GDEs with an estimated depth to groundwater of less than or equal to 30 feet (SLO GSA 2021). Data from GSP groundwater monitoring sites within this area also indicate depth to groundwater is within this range (DWR 2025). CDFW recommends that the IS/MND include an analysis of Project-related activities in relation to the San Luis Obispo Valley Basin GSP, including analysis of potential undesirable results and adverse impacts to groundwater dependent ecosystems including the biological resources listed above.
Docusign Envelope ID: 663EC30D-06F5-40D9-AF49-1C1803FE0F6E
Shawna Scott
City of San Luis Obispo
January 9, 2025
Lake and Streambed Alteration (LSA): Based on GSP groundwater monitoring sites, depth to groundwater in the area of the proposed treatment wells is less than 20 to 30 feet (DWR 2025). The proposed treatment wells may be hydrologically connected to San Luis Creek, and it is unclear if operation of the treatment wells may impact the natural flow of San Luis Creek. These Project activities may be subject to the notification requirement of Fish and Game Code section 1602, which requires an entity to notify CDFW prior to commencing any activity that may (a) substantially divert or obstruct the natural flow of any river, stream, or lake; (b) substantially change or use any material from the bed, bank, or channel of any river, stream, or lake (including the removal of riparian vegetation); (c) deposit debris, waste or other materials that could pass into any river, stream, or lake. “Any river, stream, or lake” includes those that are ephemeral or intermittent as well as those that are perennial.
CDFW recommends coordination with CDFW staff prior to groundbreaking activities onsite or submission of a Lake or Streambed Alteration (LSA) Notification to determine if the activities proposed within the streams are subject to CDFW’s jurisdiction. CDFW is required to comply with CEQA in the issuance of a LSA Agreement; therefore, if the CEQA document approved for this Project does not adequately describe the Project and its impacts, a subsequent CEQA analysis may be necessary for LSA Agreement issuance. For additional information on notification requirements, please contact staff in the Central Region Lake and Streambed Alteration Program at (559) 243-4593 or [email protected], or the Program website:
https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/LSA.
Nesting birds: CDFW recommends that Project ground-disturbing activities occur during the bird non-nesting season; however, if ground-disturbing or vegetationdisturbing activities must occur during the nesting season (February 1st through September 15th), the Project applicant is responsible for ensuring that implementation of the Project does not result in violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act or relevant Fish and Game Code sections as referenced above.
CDFW further recommends that a qualified biologist conduct a pre-construction survey for active nests no more than 10 days prior to the start of ground or vegetation disturbance to maximize the probability that nests that could potentially be impacted are detected. CDFW also advises that surveys cover a sufficient area around the Project site to identify nests and determine their status. A sufficient area means any area potentially affected, either directly or indirectly, by the Project. In addition to direct impacts (i.e., nest destruction), noise, vibration, and movement of workers or equipment could also affect nests. CDFW recommends that a qualified biologist establish a behavioral baseline of all identified nests. Once Project activities begin, CDFW recommends having a qualified biologist continuously monitor nests to detect behavioral changes resulting from the Project. If behavioral changes occur, CDFW recommends Docusign Envelope ID: 663EC30D-06F5-40D9-AF49-1C1803FE0F6E
Shawna Scott
City of San Luis Obispo
January 9, 2025
halting the work causing that change and consulting with CDFW for additional avoidance and minimization measures.
If continuous monitoring of identified nests by a qualified biologist is not feasible, CDFW recommends a minimum no-disturbance buffer of 250 feet around active nests of nonlisted bird species and a 500-foot no-disturbance buffer around active nests of nonlisted raptors. These buffers are advised to remain in place until the breeding season has ended or until a qualified biologist has determined the birds have fledged and are no longer reliant upon the nest or on-site parental care for survival. Variance from these no-disturbance buffers is possible when there is a compelling biological or ecological reason to do so, such as when the Project site would be concealed from a nest site by topography. CDFW recommends that a qualified biologist advise and support any variance from these buffers and notify CDFW in advance of implementing a variance.
ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
CEQA requires that information developed in environmental impact reports and negative declarations be incorporated into a database, which may be used to make subsequent or supplemental environmental determinations (Pub. Resources Code, § 21003, subd. (e)). Accordingly, please report any special-status species and natural communities detected during Project surveys to CNDDB. The CNNDB field survey form can be found at the following link: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CNDDB/Submitting-Data. The completed form can be mailed electronically to CNDDB at the following email address:
[email protected]. The types of information reported to CNDDB can be found at the following link: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CNDDB/Plants-and-Animals.
FILING FEES
The Project, as proposed, could have an impact on biological resources, and an assessment of filing fees will be necessary. Fees are payable upon filing of the Notice of Determination by the Lead Agency and serve to help defray the cost of environmental review by CDFW. Payment of the fee is required in order for the underlying project approval to be operative, vested, and final (Cal. Code Regs, tit. 14, § 753.5; Fish & Game Code, § 711.4; Pub. Resources Code, § 21089).
CONCLUSION
CDFW appreciates the opportunity to comment on the IS/MND to assist the City of San Luis Obispo in identifying and mitigating Project impacts on biological resources.
More information on survey and monitoring protocols for sensitive species can be found at CDFW’s website (https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Survey-Protocols). Please see the enclosed Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) table which corresponds with recommended mitigation measures in this comment letter.
Docusign Envelope ID: 663EC30D-06F5-40D9-AF49-1C1803FE0F6E
Shawna Scott
City of San Luis Obispo
January 9, 2025
If you have any questions regarding this letter or further coordination, please contact Jackson Powell, Environmental Scientist, at the (559) 899-9758 by electronic mail at [email protected].
Sincerely,
Julie A. Vance
Regional Manager
ec: State Clearinghouse
Governor’s office of planning and Research
[email protected]
Docusign Envelope ID: 663EC30D-06F5-40D9-AF49-1C1803FE0F6E
Shawna Scott
City of San Luis Obispo
January 9, 2025
REFERENCES
California Burrowing Owl Consortium. 1993. Burrowing owl survey protocol and mitigation guidelines. Pages 171-177 in Lincer, J. and K. Steenhof (editors). 1993. The burrowing owl, its biology and management. Raptor Research Report Number 9.
California Department of Fish and Game. 2012. Staff report on burrowing owl mitigation.
California Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento, California, USA.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife. 2024. Biogeographic information and observation system (BIOS). https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Data/BIOS. Accessed December 31, 2024.
California Department of Water Resources (DWR). 2025. Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) Data Viewer. Accessed January 3, 2025. https://sgma.water.ca.gov/webgis/?appid=SGMADataViewer#currentconditions Hatfield, R., S. Jepsen, R. Thorp, L. Richardson, and S. Colla. 2015. Bombus crotchii.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature red list of threatened Species. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/44937582/46440211
San Luis Obispo Valley Groundwater Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (SLO GSA). 2021. San Luis Obispo Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Plan.
October 2021.
Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, Defenders of Wildlife, and Center for Food Safety. 2018. A petition to the state of California fish and game commission to list the Crotch’s bumble bee (Bombus crotchii), Franklin’s bumble bee (Bombus franklini), Suckley cuckoo bumble bee (Bombus suckleyi), and western bumble bee (Bombus occidentalis occidentalis) as Endangered under the California Endangered Species Act. October 2018.
Docusign Envelope ID: 663EC30D-06F5-40D9-AF49-1C1803FE0F6E
Attachment 1
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE
RECOMMENDED MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM (MMRP)
PROJECT: Groundwater Contamination Characterization Project (Project) STATE CLEARINGHOUSE NO.: 2024120528
RECOMMENDED MITIGATION MEASURE STATUS/DATE/INITIALS
Before Disturbing Soil or Vegetation
BUOW
Mitigation Measure 1: BUOW Surveys Prior to
Construction
Mitigation Measure 3: BUOW Take Authorization
CBB
Mitigation Measure 4: CBB Habitat Assessment
Mitigation Measure 5: CBB Surveys
Mitigation Measure 7: CBB Take Authorization
During Construction
BUOW
Mitigation Measure 2: BUOW Buffers
CBB
Mitigation Measure 6: CBB Buffers
Docusign Envelope ID: 663EC30D-06F5-40D9-AF49-1C1803FE0F6E
State Water Resources Control Board
January 10, 2025
Shawna Scott
City of San Luis Obispo
879 Morro Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
SAN LUIS OBISPO (CITY), INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION (IS/MND), FOR THE GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATION CHARACTERIZATION PROJECT (PROJECT); STATE CLEARINGHOUSE #2024120528
Dear Shawna Scott:
Thank you for the opportunity to review the IS/MND for the proposed Project. The State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water (State Water Board, DDW) is responsible for issuing water supply permits pursuant to the Safe Drinking Water Act.
This Project is within the jurisdiction of the State Water Board, DDW’s Santa Barbara District. DDW Santa Barbara District issues domestic water supply permit amendments to public water systems pursuant to Waterworks Standards (Title 22 California Code of Regulations [Cal Code Regs.] chapter 16 et. seq.). A public water system requires a water supply permit amendment when changes are made to a domestic water supply source, storage, or treatment and for the operation of new water system componentsas specified in the Cal. Code Regs. § 64556. The City will need to apply for a water supply permit amendment for approval of a new source and operation of new treatment.
The State Water Board, DDW, as a responsible agency under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), has the following comments on the City’s IS/MND:
· In the IS/MND, under section 6 Description of the Project, please discuss the operation of the wells and treatment system and implementation of the monitoring program.
· When discussing the Project’s operational impacts for possible hazardous materials, please discuss the granulated activated carbon replacement timeline, testing, transportation, and disposal (PDF page 58).
· According to the Department of Water Resources (DWR), Sustainable Groundwater Management Act Prioritization dashboard, the Project falls within the San Luis Valley Groundwater Basin, which has been designated by the DWR as a high priority basin under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act. o DWR’s April 27, 2023, approval letter for the 2022 Groundwater Sustainability Plan talks about “a goal to maintain groundwater levels at
Shawna Scott - 2 - January 10, 2025
historical low conditions minus a small margin of operational flexibility designed to account for future drought conditions.” Please discuss the City’s historical use of groundwater, how it compares to the two new wells, and if this continued use has been considered as part of the longterm sustainable management of the basin. o Please discuss the amount of water that will be pumped per year and if pumping will be seasonal and/or strategic. Please also discuss the City’s requirement to monitor (PDF page 63). If changes will be made to pumping based on monitoring results, please discuss the thresholds that will trigger them and what actions will be taken.
When the CEQA review process is completed, please forward the following items with the permit application to the State Water Board, DDW Santa Barbara District Office at [email protected]:
· Copy of the IS/MND and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan (MMRP); · Copy of all comment letters received and the lead agency responses as appropriate;
· Copy of the Resolution or Board Minutes adopting the IS/MND and MMRP; and · Copy of the date stamped Notice of Determination filed at the San Luis Obispo County Clerk’s Office and the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation, State Clearinghouse.
Please contact Lori Schmitz of the State Water Board at (916) 449-5285 or [email protected], for questions regarding this comment letter.
Sincerely,
Lori Schmitz
Environmental Scientist
Division of Financial Assistance
Special Project Review Unit
1001 I Street, 16th floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
Cc:
Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation, State Clearinghouse Jason Cunningham
District Engineer
Santa Barbara District
CALTRANS DISTRICT 5
50 HIGUERA STREET | SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA 93401-5415
(805) 549-3101 | FAX (805) 549-3329 TTY 711
www.dot.ca.gov
January 9, 2025
Attn: Shawna Scott, Special Projects Manager
City of San Luis Obispo
Sent via email: [email protected]
RE: Caltrans Comments on the Groundwater Contamination Characterization Project MND – SCH # 2024120528
Dear Ms. Scott,
Caltrans has reviewed the December 2024 Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) for the proposed groundwater contamination characterization project and offers the following comments:
Any work within the State Right of Way will require an encroachment permit. Any right of way and environmental issues (including stormwater) must be resolved prior to submittal of the permit application.
Per the MND, the proposed work would place a water conveyance line within an existing sewer conduit under Route 101, which would require a Caltrans encroachment permit. The following items will be required as part of the encroachment permit application package:
• An engineered plan and profile (signed, stamped, and dated by a CA civil engineer) will be required for the proposed work. The plan and profile should show the Route number, State right of way lines, edge of pavement, edge of traveled way, and all existing utilities.
• Encasement is required for all utilities (except gravity flow sewer lines) that cross the State highway right of way. Please refer to Section 603.3C of the Encroachment Permit Manual for encasement requirements (it is doubtful that the existing sewer conduit meets these requirements).
• By policy, trenchless technology is required for all underground utility installations.
Please refer to Section 603.6A of the Encroachment Permit Manual for trenchless installation requirements. Please note Section 603.6A-2 “Geotechnical Investigation,” which is required for all trenchless technology work, and Section 603.6A-3 “Geotechnical Design Report,” which is required if the bore diameter is greater than 10” and the minimum clearance is less than eight times the bore diameter.
• Any open excavation 5’ or greater in depth will require engineered shoring plans.
The encroachment permit application form, directions to complete the form, and plan requirements can be found at the following web address:
https://dot.ca.gov/programs/traffic-operations/ep/applications. Completed application packages may either be emailed to [email protected] or submitted through the Caltrans Encroachment Permit System (CEPS) public portal.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide comment, and Caltrans looks forward to continued coordination with the City of San Luis Obispo on this and future projects.
Sincerely,
Shelby Fredrick
Local Development Review Coordinator
Caltrans, District 5
Cc: Veronica Lezama, Branch Chief, Caltrans D5 Regional Planning South Cc: Chris Bjornstad, Local Development Review Coordinator, District 5
Appendix E
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
Groundwater Contamination Characterization Project - Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program Mitigation Measures Monitoring Program
Implementation
Responsibility
Monitoring and
Reporting Action
Monitoring
Responsibility
Monitoring
Schedule
Aesthetics
AES-1 Nighttime Work Requirements
In the event nighttime work is
necessary during the project
construction phase, any portable
lighting shall be shielded and/or
directed away from adjacent
properties. Night lighting for
construction activities shall be the
minimum necessary to ensure safety
and security for nighttime activities
and operations. Lighting at the project
site shall consist of light-emitting
diode lights in all areas where
nighttime construction activities will
occur and be either motion-activated
or use timers to ensure safety and
security and reduce the impact of
additional light pollution at night. The
City shall verify compliance with the
construction night lighting
requirements via an inspection during
nighttime construction activities.
City of San Luis
Obispo
Construction
Contractor
Incorporate measure into
plans and specifications.
City staff conduct
inspection to confirm
compliance.
City of San Luis
Obispo
During
construction,
if nightwork is
conducted.
Mitigation Measures Monitoring Program
Implementation
Responsibility
Monitoring and
Reporting Action
Monitoring
Responsibility
Monitoring
Schedule
Air Quality
AQ-1 Odor Reduction
Where construction activities occur
within 50 feet of a sensitive receptor,
the construction contractor shall
implement the following additional
idling restrictions, which shall be
shown on grading and construction
plans:
• Idling Restrictions Near Sensitive
Receptors for Both On- and OffRoad Equipment
• Staging and queuing areas shall
be located at the greatest
distance feasible from sensitive
receptor locations;
• Diesel idling while equipment is
not in use is not permitted;
• Use of alternative-fueled
equipment is recommended
whenever possible; and
• Signs that specify the no-idling
requirements shall be posted and
enforced at the construction site.
The City Utilities Department shall
verify these measures are located on
construction plans prior to the start of
construction. Once during
City of San Luis
Obispo
Construction
Contractor
Incorporate measure into
plans and specifications.
City staff conduct
inspection to confirm
compliance.
City of San Luis
Obispo
During
construction
within 50 feet
of a sensitive
receptor.
Mitigation Measures Monitoring Program
Implementation
Responsibility
Monitoring and
Reporting Action
Monitoring
Responsibility
Monitoring
Schedule
construction, City Inspector shall visit
the project site to verify these idling
restrictions have been implemented.
Biological Resources
BIO-1 Worker Environmental
Awareness Program
Prior to initiation of construction
activities at the treatment well site, all
personnel associated with project
construction shall attend a Worker
Environmental Awareness Program
(WEAP) training, conducted by a
qualified biologist, to aid workers in
recognizing special-status species
and nesting birds that may occur
within the project site. The specifics of
this program shall include
identification of special-status species
with potential to occur, a description
of their regulatory status and habitat
requirements, general ecological
characteristics of any other sensitive
resources, and a review of the limits
of construction and measures
required to avoid and/or reduce
impacts to biological resources within
the project site. A fact sheet
conveying this information shall also
be prepared for distribution to the
City of San Luis
Obispo
Construction
Contractor
Consulting Biologist
Incorporate measure into
plans and specifications.
Provide WEAP training
and provide materials at
pre-construction
meeting(s).
City of San Luis
Obispo
Prior to
construction
(preconstruction
meeting).
Mitigation Measures Monitoring Program
Implementation
Responsibility
Monitoring and
Reporting Action
Monitoring
Responsibility
Monitoring
Schedule
construction contractor. All employees
shall sign a form provided by the
biologist indicating they have
attended the WEAP training and
understand the information presented
to them. The construction foreman
shall ensure crew members are
aware of project boundaries and
adhere to the mitigation measures
designed to avoid or minimize effects
to listed species, nesting birds, and
other special-status species.
BIO-2 Pre-Construction Survey for
Special-Status Wildlife Species
A qualified biologist shall conduct a
pre-construction survey of the
treatment well site and adjacent
habitat no more than two weeks prior
to the start of construction at the
treatment well site. The biologist shall
document the presence or absence of
any special-status wildlife species
with potential to occur within the
treatment well site plus a 50-foot
buffer. The pre-construction survey
shall include surveys for burrowing
owl that follow the “Burrowing Owl
Survey Protocol and Mitigation
Guidelines” (California Burrowing Owl
Consortium [CBOC] 1993) and
City of San Luis
Obispo
Construction
Contractor
Consulting Biologist
Incorporate measure into
plans and specifications.
Consulting biologist to
conduct pre-construction
surveys, provide
documentation of surveys
and any additional
actions.
City of San Luis
Obispo
Prior to
construction
(no more than
two weeks
prior to start
of
construction)
and
immediately
prior to
construction.
Mitigation Measures Monitoring Program
Implementation
Responsibility
Monitoring and
Reporting Action
Monitoring
Responsibility
Monitoring
Schedule
CDFW’s “Staff Report on Burrowing
Owl Mitigation” (California
Department of Fish and Game
[CDFG] 2012) within areas of suitable
habitat during the survey season
immediately prior to construction.
If special-status species are observed
onsite during the pre-construction
surveys, they shall be allowed time to
leave or be relocated prior to the
initiation of construction activities. If
special-status species are present
during construction activities, they
shall be handled in accordance with
Mitigation Measure BIO-7.
BIO-3 Burrowing Owl Buffers
If burrows known to be currently or
previously occupied by burrowing owl
are found, either during surveys or
project activities, a 500-meter nodisturbance buffer shall be established around each burrow.
City of San Luis
Obispo
Construction
Contractor
Consulting Biologist
Incorporate measure into
plans and specifications.
Comply with nodisturbance buffer
requirements.
City of San Luis
Obispo
Prior to
construction
and during
construction.
BIO-4 Burrowing Owl Take
Authorization
If burrowing owl individuals or
burrows known to be currently or
previously occupied by burrowing owl
are found, either during surveys or
City of San Luis
Obispo
Construction
Contractor
Consulting Biologist
Incorporate measure into
plans and specifications.
Consult with CDFW if
individuals or burrows are
observed.
City of San Luis
Obispo
Prior to
construction
and during
construction.
Mitigation Measures Monitoring Program
Implementation
Responsibility
Monitoring and
Reporting Action
Monitoring
Responsibility
Monitoring
Schedule
project activities, the City of San Luis
Obispo shall consult with CDFW to
discuss how to implement the project
and avoid take. If avoidance is not
feasible, acquisition of a State
Incidental Take Permit pursuant to
California Fish and Game Code
Section 2081 subdivision (b), prior to
any ground disturbing activities, shall
be required in order to comply with
the California Endangered Species
Act.
BIO-5 Crotch’s Bumble Bee Habitat
Assessment and Surveys
A qualified biologist shall conduct a
habitat assessment to determine if the
project area and the immediate
surrounding vicinity contain habitat
suitable to support Crotch’s bumble
bee. The assessment shall document
potential nesting sites, which include
all small mammal burrows, perennial
bunch grasses, thatched annual
grasses, brush piles, old bird nests,
dead trees, and hollow logs.
If potentially suitable habitat for
Crotch’s bumble bee is identified in
the habitat assessment, the qualified
biologist shall conduct focused
surveys for Crotch’s bumble bee and
City of San Luis
Obispo
Construction
Contractor
Consulting Biologist
Incorporate measure into
plans and specifications.
Complete habitat
assessment and comply
with CDFW requirements
for focused surveys.
Provide documentation of
assessment and surveys.
City of San Luis
Obispo
Prior to
construction.
Mitigation Measures Monitoring Program
Implementation
Responsibility
Monitoring and
Reporting Action
Monitoring
Responsibility
Monitoring
Schedule
their requisite habitat features,
following the methodology outlined in
the Survey Considerations for
California Endangered Species Act
Candidate Bumble Bee Species
(CDFW 2023).
BIO-6 Crotch’s Bumble Bee Buffers
and Take Authorization
If Crotch’s bumble bee is detected
during the required habitat
assessment and surveys, all small
mammal burrows and thatched/bunch
grasses shall be avoided by a
minimum of 50 feet to avoid take of
Crotch’s bumble bee. If grounddisturbing activities would occur during the overwintering period
(October through February), the City
of San Luis Obispo shall consult with
CDFW to discuss how to implement
project activities and avoid take. Any
detection of Crotch’s bumble bee prior
to or during project implementation
warrants consultation with CDFW to
discuss how to avoid take.
If avoidance is not feasible,
acquisition of a State Incidental Take
Permit pursuant to California Fish and
Game Code Section 2081 subdivision
(b), prior to any ground disturbing
City of San Luis
Obispo
Construction
Contractor
Consulting Biologist
Incorporate measure into
plans and specifications.
Comply with avoidance
requirements and consult
with CDFW if species is
detected.
City of San Luis
Obispo
Prior to
construction
and during
construction.
Mitigation Measures Monitoring Program
Implementation
Responsibility
Monitoring and
Reporting Action
Monitoring
Responsibility
Monitoring
Schedule
activities, would be required in order
to comply with the California
Endangered Species Act.
BIO-7 Biological Monitoring and
Special-Status Species Relocation
A qualified biologist shall be onsite at
the treatment well site during all
vegetation removal, initial ground
disturbing activities, and/or during any
construction activities that may impact
sensitive biological resources. If the
biologist discovers special-status
animal species on the project site, the
biologist shall have the authority to
temporarily halt or redirect work to
avoid potential impacts. If avoidance
is not feasible, the biologist shall be
responsible for relocating wildlife
species out of the treatment well site
in accordance with the requirements
of applicable regulatory agencies,
such as CDFW or the United States
Fish and Wildlife Service. Specialstatus wildlife shall not be handled without prior permission from the
necessary regulatory agencies.
Species-specific monitoring
requirements may be superseded or
added to by resource agency permits
and/or incidental take authorizations.
City of San Luis
Obispo
Construction
Contractor
Consulting Biologist
Incorporate measure into
plans and specifications.
Conduct biological
monitoring as specified
and provide monitoring
documentation.
Comply with
avoidance/relocation
requirements, and
consult with applicable
regulatory agencies prior
to species handling.
City of San Luis
Obispo
During
construction.
Mitigation Measures Monitoring Program
Implementation
Responsibility
Monitoring and
Reporting Action
Monitoring
Responsibility
Monitoring
Schedule
Following the relocation of wildlife, the
biologist shall submit a report to the
City confirming the methodology and
results of relocating the wildlife.
BIO-8 Nesting Bird Surveys
A preconstruction nesting bird survey
shall be conducted by a qualified
biologist no more than 14 days prior
to initiation of project construction
activities. The survey shall be
conducted within the treatment well
site and include a 50-foot buffer for
passerines and a 500-foot buffer for
raptors. The survey shall be
conducted by a biologist familiar with
the identification of avian species
known to occur in the region and shall
focus on trees, vegetated areas, and
other potential nesting within the
vicinity of the treatment well site. If
active nests are identified in the
survey, an appropriate avoidance
buffer (typically 50 feet for passerine
species and 500 feet for raptors) shall
be determined and demarcated by the
biologist with high visibility material
located within or adjacent to the
treatment well site. All project
personnel shall be notified as to the
existence of the buffer zones and to
City of San Luis
Obispo
Construction
Contractor
Consulting Biologist
Incorporate measure into
plans and specifications.
Consulting biologist to
conduct pre-construction
surveys, provide
documentation of surveys
and any additional
actions.
Comply with avoidance
requirements.
City of San Luis
Obispo
Prior to
construction
(no more than
two weeks
prior to start
of
construction).
Mitigation Measures Monitoring Program
Implementation
Responsibility
Monitoring and
Reporting Action
Monitoring
Responsibility
Monitoring
Schedule
avoid entering buffer zones during the
nesting season. No project
construction activities shall occur
within the buffer until the biologist has
confirmed that breeding/nesting is
complete, and the young have
fledged the nest. Encroachment into
the buffer shall occur only at the
discretion of the qualified biologist.
Cultural Resources
CUL-1 Workers Environmental
Awareness Program Training
All construction personnel and
monitors who are not trained
archaeologists shall be briefed
regarding unanticipated discoveries
prior to the start of construction
activities. A basic presentation shall
be prepared and presented by a
qualified archaeologist and Chumash
Tribal Representative to inform all
personnel working on the project
about the archaeological sensitivity of
the area. The purpose of the WEAP
training is to provide specific details
on the kinds of archaeological
materials that may be identified during
construction of the project and explain
the importance of and legal basis for
City of San Luis
Obispo
Construction
Contractor
Consulting
Archaeologist
Incorporate measure into
plans and specifications.
Consulting archaeologist
and Native American
tribal representative to
conduct WEAP training.
Complete and retain
documentation.
City of San Luis
Obispo
Prior to
construction
(preconstruction
meeting).
Mitigation Measures Monitoring Program
Implementation
Responsibility
Monitoring and
Reporting Action
Monitoring
Responsibility
Monitoring
Schedule
the protection of significant
archaeological resources. Each
worker shall also learn the proper
procedures to follow in the event that
archaeological resources or human
remains are uncovered during
ground-disturbing activities. These
procedures include work curtailment
or redirection, and the immediate
contact of the on-call archaeologist
and if appropriate, Native American
representatives. The necessity of
training attendance shall be stated on
all construction plans and the City of
San Luis Obispo shall maintain
records demonstrating construction
worker WEAP participation.
CUL-2 Archaeological and Native
American Monitoring
Prior to any ground disturbing
activities, the project proponent shall
retain an archaeologist meeting the
Secretary of the Interior’s
Qualifications Standards (NPS 1983)
(Qualified Archaeologist) to oversee
the implementation of this measure.
Prior to any ground disturbing
activities, the archaeologist shall
provide a Cultural Resources
Mitigation and Monitoring Plan
City of San Luis
Obispo
Construction
Contractor
Consulting
Archaeologist
Incorporate measure into
plans and specifications.
Prepare and implement
CRMMP, and comply with
monitoring, notification,
and
reporting/documentation
requirements.
City of San Luis
Obispo
Prior to and
during
construction.
Mitigation Measures Monitoring Program
Implementation
Responsibility
Monitoring and
Reporting Action
Monitoring
Responsibility
Monitoring
Schedule
(CRMMP) for review and approval by
the City of San Luis Obispo. The
CRMMP should include, but not be
limited to, the following:
a. A list of personnel involved in the
monitoring activities;
b. Description of Native American
involvement;
c. Description of how the monitoring
shall occur;
d. Description of location and
frequency of monitoring (e.g., full
time, part time, spot checking);
e. Description of what resources
may be encountered;
f. Description of circumstances that
would result in the halting of work
at the project site;
g. Description of procedures for
halting work on the site and
notification procedures;
h. Description of monitoring
reporting procedures; and
i. Provide specific, detailed
protocols for what to do in the
event of the discovery of human
remains.
Mitigation Measures Monitoring Program
Implementation
Responsibility
Monitoring and
Reporting Action
Monitoring
Responsibility
Monitoring
Schedule
The Qualified Archaeologist shall
provide conditional monitoring as well
as on call response in the case of an
inadvertent discovery of
archaeological resources. Given the
developed nature of monitoring well
locations MW-01 through MW-08 and
MW-10 through MW-12, and the
method of construction activities
proposed (i.e., drilling), monitoring at
these locations should be limited to
spot-checking and periodic
examination of soils through selective
sampling of soils brought to the
surface as a result of the drilling
activities. All construction-related
ground disturbances, including
clearing/grubbing and drilling, within
the treatment well site, west and east
of U.S. 101) and west of San Luis
Obispo Creek be monitored by an
archaeologist and a Native American
representative. In general,
archaeological, and Native American
monitoring shall be limited to initial
ground disturbance, which is defined
as construction-related earthmoving
of sediments from their native place of
deposition and does not include any
secondary movement of sediment
that might be required for the project.
Mitigation Measures Monitoring Program
Implementation
Responsibility
Monitoring and
Reporting Action
Monitoring
Responsibility
Monitoring
Schedule
The Qualified Archaeologist may
adjust monitoring efforts as needed
(increase, decrease, or discontinue
monitoring frequency) based on the
observed potential for construction
activities to encounter archaeological
deposits. The Qualified Archaeologist
shall be responsible for maintaining
daily monitoring logs.
Throughout the course of project
construction activities, if a discovery is
made by construction personnel and
a monitor is not present, the protocols
and procedures outlined in the
Mitigation Measure CUL-3,
Unanticipated Discovery of
Archaeological Resources, shall be
followed. Following the completion of
construction, the Qualified
Archaeologist shall prepare an
archaeological monitoring report for
submittal to the City and the CCIC
with the results of the archaeological
monitoring program.
CUL-3 Unanticipated Discovery of
Archaeological Resources
In the event that archaeological
remains are encountered during
construction, City staff shall be
notified and all work within 50 feet of
City of San Luis
Obispo
Construction
Contractor
Incorporate measure into
plans and specifications.
Comply with avoidance,
monitoring, notification,
evaluation, and reporting/
City of San Luis
Obispo
During
construction.
Mitigation Measures Monitoring Program
Implementation
Responsibility
Monitoring and
Reporting Action
Monitoring
Responsibility
Monitoring
Schedule
the find shall be halted until the find is
evaluated by the Qualified
Archaeologist or other designated
archaeologist working under the
direction of the Qualified
Archaeologist and appropriate
mitigation, if necessary, is
implemented. Native American tribal
representatives shall be notified. If
archaeological remains are identified,
the resource shall be evaluated for
significance under City Archaeological
Resource Preservation Program
Guidelines, and further treatment
measures, including but not limited to
avoidance consistent with City
General Plan Policies, Phase 2
Subsurface Archaeological Resource
Evaluation, or Phase 3 Archaeological
Data Recovery Excavation may be
required. Work within 50 feet of the
find shall not resume until
authorization is received from the
City. This measure shall be included
on all construction plans.
Consulting
Archaeologist
documentation
requirements.
Geology and Soils
GEO-1 Unanticipated Discovery of
Paleontological Resources
City of San Luis
Obispo
Incorporate measure into
plans and specifications.
City of San Luis
Obispo
During
construction.
Mitigation Measures Monitoring Program
Implementation
Responsibility
Monitoring and
Reporting Action
Monitoring
Responsibility
Monitoring
Schedule
In the event of a fossil discovery by
construction personnel at the
treatment well site, the construction
contractor shall halt all construction
activities within the 50 feet of the
fossil, and a Qualified Professional
Paleontologist shall be retained to
evaluate the find prior to resuming
construction activity. If it is determined
the fossil(s) is (are) scientifically
significant, the Qualified Professional
Paleontologist shall complete the
following conditions to mitigate
impacts to significant fossil resources:
• Fossil Salvage. If fossils are
discovered, the Qualified
Professional Paleontologist shall
have the authority to halt or
temporarily divert construction
equipment within 50 feet of the
find until the Qualified
Professional Paleontologist
evaluate the discovery and
determine if the fossil may be
considered significant. Bulk
matrix sampling may be
necessary to recover small
invertebrates or microvertebrates
from within paleontologically
sensitive deposits.
Construction
Contractor
Consulting
Paleontologist
Comply with avoidance,
notification, evaluation,
and reporting/
documentation
requirements.
Mitigation Measures Monitoring Program
Implementation
Responsibility
Monitoring and
Reporting Action
Monitoring
Responsibility
Monitoring
Schedule
• Fossil Preparation and Curation.
Once salvaged, significant fossils
shall be identified to the lowest
possible taxonomic level,
prepared to a curation-ready
condition, and curated in a
scientific institution with a
permanent paleontological
collection along with all pertinent
field notes, photos, data, and
maps. Fossils of undetermined
significance at the time of
collection may also warrant
curation at the discretion of the
Qualified Professional
Paleontologist.
• Final Paleontological Report. The
Qualified Professional
Paleontologist shall submit a
report describing the results of
the paleontological monitoring
efforts associated with the
project. The report shall include a
summary of the field and
laboratory methods, an overview
of the project geology and
paleontology, a list of taxa
recovered (if any), an analysis of
fossils recovered (if any) and their
scientific significance, and
Mitigation Measures Monitoring Program
Implementation
Responsibility
Monitoring and
Reporting Action
Monitoring
Responsibility
Monitoring
Schedule
recommendations. The report
shall be submitted to the City.
Noise
N-1 Noise Reducing Best
Management Practices
During monitoring well installation at
MW-01, MW-02, MW-03, MW-06, and
MW-10, the following construction
noise best management practices
shall be adhered to:
• Stationary construction
equipment that generates noise
that exceeds 60 dBA shall be
shielded with the most modern
noise control devices (i.e.
mufflers, lagging, and/or motor
enclosures).
• Impact tools (e.g., drills) used for
project construction shall be
hydraulically or electrically
powered wherever possible to
avoid noise associated with
compressed-air exhaust from
pneumatically powered tools.
• Where use of pneumatic tools is
unavoidable, an exhaust muffler
on the compressed-air exhaust
shall be used.
City of San Luis
Obispo
Construction
Contractor
Incorporate measure into
plans and specifications.
Comply with notification
and noise reduction
measures at specified
monitoring well sites.
City of San Luis
Obispo
Prior to (no
less than 21
days prior to
construction)
and during
construction.
Mitigation Measures Monitoring Program
Implementation
Responsibility
Monitoring and
Reporting Action
Monitoring
Responsibility
Monitoring
Schedule
• All construction equipment shall
have the manufacturers’
recommended noise abatement
methods installed, such as
mufflers, engine enclosures, and
engine vibration insulators, intact
and operational.
• All construction equipment shall
undergo inspection at periodic
intervals to ensure proper
maintenance and presence of
noise control devices (e.g.,
mufflers, shrouding, etc.).
• At least 21 days prior to the start
of construction, notify off-site
businesses and residents within
150 feet of construction of
planned construction activities.
The notification shall provide brief
description of the project,
activities that would occur, hours
of construction, the duration of
construction, and a phone
number to the City Community
Development Department for the
public to direct noise-related
complaints.
N-2 City Approval and Personnel
Briefing
City of San Luis
Obispo
Incorporate measure into
plans and specifications.
City of San Luis
Obispo
Prior to (preconstruction
meeting) and
Mitigation Measures Monitoring Program
Implementation
Responsibility
Monitoring and
Reporting Action
Monitoring
Responsibility
Monitoring
Schedule
Construction plans shall note
construction hours, truck routes, and
all construction noise best
management practices, and shall be
reviewed and approved by the City
Utilities Department prior to
advertisement of the construction
request for bids. All construction
workers shall be briefed at a
preconstruction meeting on
construction hour limitations and how,
why, and where best management
practices are to be implemented.
Construction
Contractor
Comply with briefing
requirements.
during
construction.
Tribal Cultural Resources
Implement CUL-1, CUL-2, and CUL3.City of San Luis
Obispo
Construction
Contractor
Consulting
Archaeologist
See above See above See above
Item 5e
Department: Administration
Cost Center: 1001
For Agenda of: 3/4/2025
Placement: Consent
Estimated Time: N/A
FROM: Greg Hermann, Deputy City Manager
Prepared By: Whitney Szentesi, Public Communications Manager SUBJECT: APPROVE RELEASE OF A REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR ONCALL COMMUNICATION SUPPORT SERVICES
RECOMMENDATION
Approve the release of a Request for Qualifications to establish a new list of prequalified on-call consultants to support public information and communications efforts for up to five years and authorize the City Manager authority to execute on-call agreements with selected consultants.
POLICY CONTEXT
The City’s Purchasing Policy outlines the City’s purchasing process and requires approval of different purchases (including Professional Services) based on tiers determined by the purchase type and value. For example, professional services under $10,000 would require that a purchase requisition be approved by the Fiscal Officer and a purchase order approved by the Purchasing program in the Finance Department (Tier 1). Likewise, professional services estimated at $150,000 or more would require City Council approval and the issuance of a Request for Proposal (RFP), which would start a formal bidding process for the work needed (Tier 5). There are other tiers in between that require staff to obtain quotes from at least 3 businesses or engage in a formal bidding process, which can take considerable time.
However, if Council approves a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) under Municipal Code
3.24.070-C, the City can create a list of pre-qualified on-call consultants to create greater operational flexibility than seeking quotes and bids for each and every project. The purchase orders for individual contracts with on-call consultants cannot exceed the authorized project budget without the appropriate additional approval given the amount and project.
With that in mind, using the attached RFQ, the City’s Communications Manager will create a prequalified list of on-call consultants that staff would be authorized to work with based on the on-call agreements, up to allocated budget amounts by project, for the fiveyear agreement period. This expedites the purchasing process for this type of service to allow for cost-effective, accurate, timely and consistent public communications and information.
Item 5e
DISCUSSION
Background
Since 2021, the City’s Administration and IT Department has had a growing in-house public communications program that supports City communications channels, provides communications support and strategic advice to other City Departments, and focuses on keeping the community informed of and engaged in City services, projects, and programs.
This program currently has 2 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions and often does not have the staffing resources to provide all communications support needed or for significant, long-term projects such as the Cultural Arts District Parking Structure.
Prior to 2021, the purchasing process of contracting with a communications firm or freelancer took considerable time due to the purchasing policy and requirements. To reduce costs and ensure that public information was provided in a timely manner, the City Council approved the release of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for communications supports services and video/photography services in 2021. This helped the City establish a pre-qualified list of on-call contractors that staff could quickly work with to support public communications and information efforts. The on-call agreements with those venders were for a period up to three years, starting in January 2021.
During this time, City staff were able to work with the vendors on the on-call list without having to get additional quotes or issue Requests for Proposals each time they needed communications support services that could not be provided in-house. As a result, staff were able to expedite the contract process and ensure that public information and communications were provided in a consistent, timely, professional manner for important public projects, services, or programs. The existing service agreements with vendors on that on-call list will expire in early 2025.
Should the Council approve release of the RFQ (Attachment A) and Authorize the City Manager to execute on-call agreements with selected consultants, the City’s Communications Program will create an approved list of on-call consultants that is established by a formal RFQ process. The Finance Department will then execute and amend purchase orders for individual consultant services contracts in an amount not to exceed the authorized project budget. The on-call consultant lists shall be renewed at least every five years by a new RFQ process.
It is important to note that City programs, projects and services are not required to work exclusively with agencies or businesses on the on-call list. However, use of the on-call list will streamline the purchasing process and help keep communications consistent if they choose to do so. Should City staff need to work with a vendor that is not on the oncall list, they would simply need to follow the tiered purchasing process related to various approval thresholds for professional services based on estimated costs.
Public Engagement
This item will be before Council during public session on March 4, 2025. The public can provide comments at or before the meeting.
Item 5e
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The California Environmental Quality Act does not apply to the recommended action in this report, because the action does not constitute a “Project” under CEQA Guidelines Sec. 15378.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no Fiscal Impact associated with the recommendation. By issuing an RFQ, the City hopes to establish service agreements with qualified agencies and businesses to create an on-call list of pre-qualified, on-call communications consultants. Any fiscal impact will occur following the creation of the on-call list, and any contracts with consultants on this list will be subject to existing Council-approved budget appropriations.
Budgeted: N/A Budget Year: 2024-25
Funding Identified: N/A
Fiscal Analysis:
Funding
Sources
Total Budget
Available
Current
Funding
Request
Remaining
Balance
Annual
Ongoing
Cost
General Fund $ 0 $ $ $ 0
State
Federal
Fees
Other:
Total $ 0 $ $ $ 0
ALTERNATIVES
Do not approve the release of an RFQ. Under this alternative, the City would not have an on-call list of prequalified communications service providers that departments can work with when needed. Instead, every time City staff needs communications support or assistance outside of what the internal communications program can provide, staff would be required to follow the tiered purchasing process related to various approval thresholds for professional services based on estimated costs. This could delay important project- or program-related communications and marketing services that are estimated at above $10,000 because staff will be required to either get three informal quotes (Tier 2), issue an RFP and start a formal bidding process (Tier 3), receive City Manager approval through a City Manager Report and issue an RFP (Tier 4), or request Council approval and issue an RFP (Tier 5).
ATTACHMENTS
A - RFQ On-Call Communication Support 2025
The City of San Luis Obispo is committed to including disabled persons in all of our services, programs and activities.
Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (805) 781-7410.
3 Notice Requesting Proposals / Qualifications for Communications Support Services Notice requesting qualifications (RFQ) for on-call consulting for communications support services.
The City of San Luis Obispo is requesting proposals from qualified vendors to furnish communications support services. All firms interested in receiving further correspondence regarding this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) will be required to complete a free registration using BidNet [Fill Link]. All proposals must be on BidSync at or before 3:00 PM on [Date], when they are opened electronically on BidNet.
The preferred method for bid submission is electronic via BidSync. However, if you wish to submit a paper copy, please submit it in a sealed envelope to the Department of Finance, City of San Luis Obispo, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401.
Specification packages and additional information may be obtained at the City's BidSync website at www.BidSync.com. Please contact Dan Clancy at [email protected] with questions.
Project packages and additional information may be obtained at the City’s BidSync website at www.BidSync.com. Please contact Dan Clancy at [email protected]; or Whitney Szentesi with any questions.
For technical help with BidSync please contact BidSync tech support at 800-990-9339.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
B. SCOPE OF WORK ....................................................................................................................................... 1 C. PROJECT SCHEDULE .................................................................................................................................. 2 D. PROJECT BUDGET ...................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
E. GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS ......................................................................................................... 2 F. SPECIAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS....................................................ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
G. FORM OF AGREEMENT........................................................................................................................... 14 H. INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS............................................................ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
I. PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL FORMS..........................................................ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
- 1 -
A. SCOPE OF WORK
The City of San Luis Obispo ("City") seeks qualifications for services to support public communications and enhance community outreach and engagement.
I. GENERAL
The goal is to ensure mutually beneficial, two-way communication with external (such as residents, nonprofit service providers, business owners and operators, business community representatives, other governmental agencies, among others) and internal audiences about City issues and services, leading to a more responsive government and a high level of public confidence. The expected outcome is higher community satisfaction with City communication.
Currently, the use of contract services helps to streamline the City’s communication processes to get important information to community members more quickly and, internally, to ensure effective and efficient exchange of information between City departments and employees. The focus of the consultant work will continue to be on communication planning, content creation, community and media outreach training, strategic communications counsel, and support on emergent communications issues as needed, and in a way that aligns with the City’s official Public Engagement and Noticing Manual.
If selected to provide on-call consulting services, the Consultant will be expected to sign a service provider agreement with the City. For this agreement or any subsequential amendments, the Consultant will work with a single point of contact in the City’s Administration Department, such as the Public Communications Manager or their designee.
While there, once placed on the City’s on-call service provider list, the Consultant will have the opportunity to work with the City on a project-by-project basis. The Consultant will have a single point of contact per project and will be provided with a sample scope of work; however, the final scopes of work will be determined with the selected Consultant as part of any contract during negotiations.
II. SAMPLE SCOPE OF WORK
1. Strategic public outreach, information and engagement planning
2. Public information distribution
3. Emergency or crisis communications services
4. Brand awareness strategies
5. Media planning and buying
6. Content creation for smaller assignments, including
a. Graphic design
b. Website content design
c. Social media content production
d. Video and photography production
e. Key messages development
f. Speechwriting and editorial content
g. Media relations and news releases
h. Informational, educational, social media posts
i. Special event planning and promotions
7. Construction project information facilitation
8. Public engagement and information gathering
- 2 -
B. PROJECT SCHEDULE
Advertise RFQ January 2025
Optional Pre-Conference February 2025
Question / Answer Deadline February 2025
Closing of RFQ February 2025
Interviews March 2025
Award Contracts March/April 2025
C. GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS
1. Requirement to Meet All Provisions. Each individual or firm submitting a proposal (bidder) shall meet all the terms, and conditions of the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) project package. By virtue of its proposal submittal, the bidder acknowledges agreement with and acceptance of all provisions of the RFQ specifications.
2. Proposal Submittal. Each proposal must be submitted on the form(s) provided in the specifications and accompanied by any other required submittals or supplemental materials.
Proposal documents shall be submitted electronically via BidNet. However, if you can’t submit electronically, please email a copy to the contacts listed in the RFQ package, if you can’t email it, please send a copy in a sealed envelope to the Department of Finance, City of San Luis Obispo, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401. To guard against premature opening, the proposal should be clearly labeled with the proposal title, project number, name of bidder, and date and time of proposal opening.
3. Insurance Certificate. Each proposal must include a certificate of insurance showing:
a. The insurance carrier and its A.M. Best rating.
b. Scope of coverage and limits.
c. Deductibles and self-insured retention.
The purpose of this submittal is to generally assess the adequacy of the bidder’s insurance coverage during proposal evaluation; as discussed under paragraph 12 below, endorsements are not required until contract award. The City’s insurance requirements are detailed in Exhibit C to the Agreement (Exhibit A to the RFQ)
4. Proposal Quotes and Unit Price Extension. The extension of unit prices for the quantities indicated and the lump sum prices quoted by the bidder must be entered in figures in the spaces provided on the Proposal Submittal Form(s). Any lump sum bid shall be stated in figures. The Proposal Submittal Form(s) must be totally completed. If the unit price and the total amount stated by any bidder for any item are not in agreement, the unit price alone will be considered as representing the bidder’s intention and the proposal total will be corrected to conform to the specified unit price.
- 3 -
5. Proposal Withdrawal and Opening. A bidder may withdraw its proposal, without prejudice prior to the time specified for the proposal opening, by submitting a written request to the Director of Finance for its withdrawal, in which event the proposal will be returned to the bidder unopened.
No proposal received after the time specified or at any place other than that stated in the “Notice Inviting Bids/Requesting Proposals” will be considered.
6. Submittal of One Proposal Only. No individual or business entity of any kind shall be allowed to make or file, or to be interested as the primary submitter in more than one proposal, except an alternative proposal when specifically requested; however, an individual or business entity that has submitted a sub-proposal to a bidder submitting a proposal, or who has quoted prices on materials to such bidder, is not thereby disqualified from submitting a sub-proposal or from quoting prices to other bidders submitting proposals.
7. Communications. All timely requests for information submitted in writing will receive a written response from the City and all questions and answers on the bid shall be posted publicly on BidNet. Telephone communications with City staff are not encouraged but will be permitted.
However, any such oral communication shall not be binding on the City.
CONTRACT AWARD AND EXECUTION
8. Proposal Retention and Award. The City reserves the right to retain all proposals for a period of 60 days for examination and comparison. The City also reserves the right to waive non-substantial irregularities in any proposal, to reject any or all proposals, to reject or delete one part of a proposal, and to accept the other, except to the extent that proposals are qualified by specific limitations. See the “special terms and conditions” of these specifications for proposal evaluation and contract award criteria.
9. Competency and Responsibility of Bidder. The City reserves full discretion to determine the competence and responsibility, professionally and/or financially, of bidders. Bidders will provide, in a timely manner, all information that the City deems necessary to make such a decision.
10. Contract Requirement. The bidder to whom the award is made (Consultant) shall execute a written contract with the City within ten (10) calendar days after notice of the award. The contract shall be made in the form adopted by the City and incorporated in these specifications.
CONTRACT PERFORMANCE
11. The City’s contract terms and conditions that Consultant will be expected to execute and be bound by are attached hereto as Exhibit A.
D. SPECIAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
1. Contract Award. On-Call contracts will be awarded to the most qualified bidders that, in the City’s sole discretion in accordance with the Proposal Evaluation and Selection criteria set forth herein (if applicable), provides the best proposal.
2. Sales Tax Reimbursement.
For sales occurring within the City of San Luis Obispo, the City receives sales tax revenues.
Therefore, for bids from retail firms located in the City at the time of proposal closing for which
- 4 -
sales tax is allocated to the City, 1% of the taxable amount of the bid will be deducted from the proposal by the City in calculating and determining the most qualified lowest cost bidder.
3. Labor Actions.
In the event that the successful proposer is experiencing a labor action at the time of contract award (or if its suppliers or sub-consultants are experiencing such a labor action), the City reserves the right to declare said proposer is no longer the most qualified, responsive proposer and to accept the next acceptable proposal from a proposer that is not experiencing a labor action, and to declare it to be the most qualified, responsive proposer.
5. Contract Term.
The supplies or services identified in this specification will be used by the City for communications purposes. The prices quoted for these items must be valid for the entire period indicated above unless otherwise conditioned by the proposer in its proposal.
6. Supplemental Purchases
Supplemental purchases may be made from the successful proposer during the contract term in addition to the items listed in the Detail Proposal Submittal Form. For these supplemental purchases, the proposer shall not offer prices to the City in excess of the amounts offered to other similar customers for the same item. If the proposer is willing to offer the City a standard discount on all supplemental purchases from its generally prevailing or published price structure during the contract term, this offer and the amount of discount on a percentage basis should be provided with the proposal submittal.
7. Consultant Invoices.
The Consultant may deliver either a monthly invoice to the City with attached copies of detail invoices as supporting detail, or in one lump-sum upon completion.
8. Non-Exclusive Contract. The City reserves the right to purchase the items listed in the Detail Proposal Submittal Form, as well as any supplemental items, from other vendors during the contract term.
9. Unrestrictive Brand Names. Any manufacturer's names, trade names, brand names or catalog numbers used in the specifications are for the purpose of describing and establishing general quality levels. Such references are not intended to be restrictive. Proposals will be considered for any brand that meets or exceeds the quality of the specifications given for any item. In the event an alternate brand name is proposed, supplemental documentation shall be provided demonstrating that the alternate brand name meets or exceeds the requirements specified herein. The burden of proof as to the suitability of any proposed alternatives is upon the proposer, and the City shall be the sole judge in making this determination.
10. Delivery. Prices quoted for all supplies or equipment to be provided under the terms and conditions of this RFQ package shall include delivery charges, to be delivered F.O.B. San Luis Obispo by the successful proposer and received by the City within 90 days after authorization to proceed by the City.
11. Submittal of References. Each proposer shall submit a statement of qualifications and references on the form provided in the RFQ package.
12. Statement of Contract Disqualifications. Each proposer shall submit a statement regarding any
- 5 -
past governmental agency bidding or contract disqualifications on the form provided in the RFQ package.
- 6 -
E. SUBMITTAL CONTENT
1. Letter of Interest (5-page maximum). Please include in the submittal a letter introducing the Consultant and expressing the Consultant's interest in being considered for on-call consulting services, clearly identifying the applicable sub-area(s) of interest. The letter of interest should also include the following:
a. Provide the name of the entity, its mailing address, telephone, facsimile number. Please describe the organization.
b. Indicate that the Consultant has the availability and time to dedicate the personnel and resources necessary to provide on-call consulting services. Indicate the intention of the Consultant to adhere to the provisions described in the RFQ. c. Please identify the contact person responsible for the submittal, specifying the name, title, and contact information.
d. Please note that the person signing the letter of interest must be a legal representative of the Consultant authorized to bind the Consultant to an agreement in the event of an award.
2. Relevant Experience of Key Personnel and the Firm (10-page maximum). a. Key Personnel Experience. The submittal must identify the key personnel that is to be assigned if awarded a contract, detailing their qualifications, areas of expertise, a summary of their past experience performing similar services for other jurisdictions, and a resume of each key personnel, including experience working with City staff, local Sa n Luis Obis po community groups and decision-makers, and regional partner agencies. b. Firm Experience. The submittal must describe the Firm's pertinent project experience, including a list of performed relevant projects, past performance, individual or team accomplishments, and examples of similar work for San Luis Obispo or neighboring jurisdictions in California, including experience working with City staff, local San Luis Obispo community groups and decision-makers, and regional partner agencies. c. General Firm Information. General firm information including the number of employees, location of firm headquarters, branch offices, and the number of years in business may also be provided. Please note that general firm information is not a substitute for the specific information requested in sections a and b above.
3. Fee Structure. Please include a clear and comprehensive fee schedule, including a detailed statement of hourly rates for all positions and classifications of individuals involved and reimbursable expenses. Please also include the rates for a project-by-project basis, as noted in the Sample Scope of Work above.
4. Client References. Consultants must provide a minimum of three (3) client references.
F. ADDITIONAL SERVICES
If there are related services not otherwise identified in the City's RFQ, the Proposer may offer those to the City. Proposals are not required to address any additional services in order to be considered an acceptable proposal. However, the final selection of the successful Proposer may be based on the desirability of the additional services offered.
- 7 -
G. SELECTION PROCESS
Submittals received by the deadline will be reviewed by a selection panel comprised of City staff who have relevant knowledge and experience. The panel will score the proposals based upon the qualification materials submitted according to the following criteria:
1. Letter of Interest. Availability demonstrated the capacity and qualifications necessary to provide the consulting services specified in the RFQ. Ability to meet standard City contract and insurance requirements.
2. Relevant Experience.
a. Demonstrated ability, based on consultant experience and specific experience of key personnel, to provide technical assistance on the types of tasks listed in the RFQ. b. Expertise. Consultants should have an area of expertise but need not necessarily be experts in every task in each sub-area to achieve a favorable score. For example, a Consultant may be an expert in video production services only and still could achieve a favorable score.
a. Prior experience, including the ability to work with City staff, local San Luis Obispo community groups and decision-makers, and regional partner agencies. (30 Points Maximum)
3. Responsiveness to the RFQ. Presentation, completeness, and clarity of information provided.
4. Fee Structure. The Consultant's cost competitiveness and reasonableness. (20 Points Maximum)
5. Client References. (Pass/Fail)
The submittals will be scored on a zero to 100-point scale, excluding bonus points. Consultants who qualify will be placed on the list of qualified on-call consultants for each subarea. Placement on the list of qualified on-call consultants is not a guarantee of work and does not constitute a commitment by the City to enter into a contract with the Consultant. As appropriate, the City may conduct an additional competitive process (e.g., solicit bids or issue Requests for Proposals) prior to awarding contracts. The City anticipates that all services will be on an as-needed or on-call basis.
H. ADDITIONAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
A. Nondiscrimination. The City will not discriminate against any interested consultant on the grounds of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, handicap, disability, marital status, pregnancy, sex, age, or sexual orientation.
B. City's Right to Modify RFQ. The City reserves the right at its sole discretion to modify this RFQ (including but not limited to the selection criteria) should the City deem that it is in its best interests to do so. Any changes to the proposal requirements will be made by written addendum. The failure of a consultant to read the latest addendums shall have no effect on the validity of such modification.
C. City's Right to Cancel RFQ. The City reserves the right at its sole discretion to cancel this RFQ in part or in its entirety should the City deem that it is in the City's best interests to do so.
D. City's Right to Reject All Submittals. The City reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to reject all submittals should the City deem that it is in its best interests to do so.
- 8 -
E. City's Right to Extend RFQ Deadlines. The City reserves the right to extend the deadline for submittals by written addendum should the City deem that it is in its best interests to do so.
F. City Right to Negotiate With Consultants. The City reserves the right to negotiate with the consultants on the list of qualified on-call consultants regarding their exceptions to the standard service provider agreement, if any, or regarding other price and terms in their submittals and to require the selected Consultant to submit such technical, price, or other revisions of their submittals as may result from negotiations.
G. Standard Form Service Provider Contract. Consultants acknowledge that placement on the list of qualified on-call consultants does not commit the City to award a contract. For any project, the City reserves the right to award a contract to consultants (1) that are on the list of qualified oncall consultants; (2) that have an existing contract with the City, or (3) that are selected through a separate competitive process.
Consultants on the list of qualified on-call consultants who are awarded a contract will be expected to sign a service provider agreement with the City. The standard service provider agreement and associated insurance requirements are attached as Attachment B.
Comments or exceptions, if any, to the standard service provider agreement and/or insurance requirements must be noted in the Letter of Interest. It is understood that consultants have reviewed the service provider agreement (Attachment B) and will take exception only to those items identified in their Letter of Interest.
Neither review of the submittal by the City nor placement on the list of qualified on-call consultants constitutes an acceptance by the City of the Proposer's recommended changes to the service provider agreement. If there are any concerns or proposed exceptions requested to the standard service provider agreement, these issues will be discussed at the time the City awards a contract, if any.
H. Cost of Submittals. All costs incurred during submittal preparation or in any way associated with the Consultant's preparations or submission shall be the sole responsibility of the Consultant.
I. Liability for Submittal Errors. Consultants are liable for all errors and omissions contained in their submittals.
J. Permits and Licenses. Consultants, at their sole expense, shall obtain and maintain during the term of any agreement all appropriate permits, certificates, and licenses including, but not limited to, a City Business License, which will be required in connection with the performance of on-call consulting services.
I. ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS AND ASSUMPTIONS
1. All works submitted to and accepted by the City must be an original piece created by the Consultant.
2. All works submitted by the Consultant must be in standard U.S. English and adhere to the Branding and Style Guide.
3. All works must be submitted in Microsoft Word format and include a headline pertaining to the work in bold. The work should appear in a non-bolded Calibri, 12-point font.
- 9 -
4. The City reserves the right to use all submitted works in current and/or future forms of current media and/or media to be developed.
- 10 -
I: PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL FORM - Sample
The undersigned declares that she or he:
◼ Has carefully examined [____________], which is hereby made a part of this proposal. ◼ Is thoroughly familiar with its contents.
◼ Is authorized to represent the proposing firm.
◼ Agrees to perform the work as set forth in this proposal. q Certificate of insurance attached; insurance company’s A.M. Best rating: __________________.
Firm Name and Address
Contact Phone
Signature of Authorized Representative
Date
-11-
J. REFERENCES
Number of years engaged in providing the services included within the scope of the specifications under the present business name: .
Describe fully the last three contracts performed by your firm that demonstrate your ability to provide the services included with the scope of the specifications. Attach additional pages if required. The City reserves the right to contact each of the references listed for additional information regarding your firm's qualifications.
Reference No. 1:
Agency Name
Contact Name
Telephone & Email
Street Address
City, State, Zip Code
Description of services provided
including contract amount, when
provided and project outcome
Reference No. 2:
Agency Name
Contact Name
Telephone & Email
Street Address
City, State, Zip Code
Description of services provided
including contract amount, when
provided and project outcome
-12-
Reference No. 3
Agency Name
Contact Name
Telephone & Email
Street Address
City, State, Zip Code
Description of services provided
including contract amount, when
provided and project outcome
-13-
K. STATEMENT OF PAST CONTRACT DISQUALIFICATIONS
The proposer shall state whether it or any of its officers or employees who have a proprietary interest in it, has ever been disqualified, removed, or otherwise prevented from bidding on, or completing a federal, state, or local government project because of the violation of law, a safety regulation, or for any other reason, including but not limited to financial difficulties, project delays, or disputes regarding work or product quality, and if so to explain the circumstances. ◼ Do you have any disqualification as described in the above paragraph to declare? Yes No
◼ If yes, explain the circumstances.
Executed on at _______________________________________ under penalty of perjury of the laws of the State of California, that the foregoing is true and correct. ______________________________________
Signature of Authorized Proposer Representative
-14-
EXHIBIT A : FORM OF AGREEMENT
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
This agreement (Agreement) is made and entered into in the City of San Luis Obispo on [DATE], by and between the City of San Luis Obispo, a municipal corporation and charter city (City) and [FILL] hereinafter referred to as Consultant (collectively referred to as the “Parties”).
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, on [date], City requested qualifications for communications support services, (the “Project”); and
WHEREAS, the City wants to engage Consultant for on-call, as-needed communication services (the “Services”); and
WHEREAS, Consultant is qualified to perform this type of Services and has submitted a written proposal to do so, which has been accepted by City; and NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of their mutual promises, obligations, and covenants hereinafter contained, the Parties hereto agree as follows:
1. TERM. The term of this Agreement shall be from the date this Agreement is made and entered, as first written above, for three years, with the option to extend for an additional two years.
2. INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE. Notice Requesting Qualifications for Communications Services and Consultant's proposal dated [date] are hereby incorporated in and made a part of this Agreement, attached as Exhibit A. The City’s insurance requirements are hereby incorporated in and made part of this Agreement, attached as Exhibit B. To the extent that there are any conflicts between the Consultant’s fees and scope of work and the City’s terms and conditions as stated herein, the City’s terms and conditions shall prevail unless specifically agreed otherwise in writing signed by both Parties.
3. CITY’S OBLIGATIONS. For providing services as specified in this Agreement, and upon receipt of an invoice, City will pay and Consultantshall receive compensation as set forth in Consultant’s proposal and pursuant to the Payment Terms set forth in Exhibit B.
4. CONSULTANT’S OBLIGATIONS. For and in consideration of the payments and agreements herein before mentioned to be made and performed by City, Consultant agrees with City to do everything required by this Agreement including that work as set forth in Exhibit A.
5. PAYMENT OF TAXES. The contract prices shall include full compensation for all taxes that Consultant is required to pay.
6. LICENSES AND PERMITS. At all times during the term of this Agreement, Consultant shall have in full force and effect, all licenses required of it by law for the performance of the Services described in this Agreement. The Consultant shall procure all permits and licenses, pay all charges and fees, and give all notices necessary under this Agreement.
-15-
7. COMPLIANCE WITH LAW. The Consultant shall keep itself informed of and shall observe and comply with all applicable State and Federal laws and regulations, and county and City of San Luis Obispo ordinances, regulations and adopted codes, which in any manner affect those employed by Consultant or in any way affect the performance of the Services pursuant to this Agreement.
The City, and its officers and employees, shall not be liable at law or in equity occasioned by failure of the Consultant to comply with this Section. Failure to comply with local ordinances may result in monetary fines and cancellation of this Agreement.
8. COMPLIANCE WITH INDUSTRY STANDARD. Consultant shall provide services acceptable to City in strict conformance with the Agreement. Consultantshall also provide in accordance with the standards customarily called for under this Agreement using the degree of care and skill ordinarily exercised by reputable providers of such services. Where approval by the City, the City Manager, the Mayor, or other representative of City is required, it is understood to be general approval only and does not relieve Consultant of responsibility for complying with all applicable laws, codes, policies, regulations, and good business practices.
9. INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT.
a. Consultant is and shall at all times remain as to the City a wholly independent Consultant.
The personnel performing the Services under this Agreement on behalf of Consultant shall at all times be under Consultant's exclusive direction and control. Neither City nor any of its officers, employees, or agents shall have control over the conduct of Consultant or any of Consultant's officers, employees, or agents, except as set forth in this Agreement. Consultant shall not at any time or in any manner represent that it or any of its officers, employees, or agents are in any manner officers, employees, or agents of the City. Consultant shall not incur or have the power to incur any debt, obligation, or liability whatsoever against City, or bind City in any manner.
b. No employee benefits shall be available to Consultant in connection with the performance of this Agreement. Except for the fees paid to Consultant as provided in the Agreement, City shall not pay salaries, wages, or other compensation to Consultant for performing the Services hereunder for City. City shall not be liable for compensation or indemnification to Consultant for injury or sickness arising out of performing services hereunder.
c. Consultant’s duties and services under this agreement shall not include preparing or assisting the public entity with any portion of the public entity’s preparation of a request for proposals, request for qualifications, or any other solicitation regarding a subsequent or additional contract with the public entity. The public entity entering this agreement shall at all times retain responsibility for public contracting, including with respect to any subsequent phase of this project. Consultant/Consultant’s participation in the planning, discussions, or drawing of project plans or specifications shall be limited to conceptual, preliminary, or initial plans or specifications. Consultant/Consultant shall cooperate with the public entity to ensure that all bidders for a subsequent contract on any subsequent phase of this project have access to the same information, including all conceptual, preliminary, or initial plans or specifications prepared by Consultant pursuant to this agreement.”
-16-
10. PRESERVATION OF CITY PROPERTY. The Consultant shall provide and install suitable safeguards, approved by the City, to protect City property from injury or damage. If City property is injured or damaged resulting from Consultant’s operations, it shall be replaced or restored at Consultant’s expense. The City’s facilities shall be replaced or restored to a condition as good as when the Consultant began the work.
11. IMMIGRATION ACT OF 1986. The Consultant warrants on behalf of itself and all subConsultants engaged for the performance of the Services that only persons authorized to work in the United States pursuant to the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 and other applicable laws shall be employed in the performance of the Services hereunder.
12. NON-DISCRIMINATION. In the performance of the Services, the Consultant agrees that it will not engage in, nor permit such subConsultants as it may employ, to engage in discrimination in employment of persons because of age, race, color, sex, national origin or ancestry, sexual orientation, or religion of such persons.
13. PAYMENT TERMS. The City’s payment terms are 30 days from the receipt of an original invoice and acceptance by the City of the materials, supplies, equipment, or services provided by the Consultant (Net 30). Consultant will submit invoices monthly for actual services performed.
Invoices shall be submitted on or about the first business day of each month, or as soon thereafter as practical, for services provided in the previous month. Final June invoices shall be received no later than the 5th business day of July to meet City fiscal year-end deadlines. Payment shall be made within thirty (30) days of receipt of each invoice as to all non-disputed fees. If the City disputes any of Consultant's fees it shall give written notice to Consultant within thirty (30) days of receipt of an invoice of any disputed fees set forth on the invoice. Any final payment under this Agreement shall be made within forty-five (45) days of receipt of an invoice, therefore.
14. INSPECTION. City shall at all times have the right to inspect the work being done under this Agreement and Consultant shall furnish City with every reasonable opportunity and assistance required for City to ascertain that the Services of the Consultant are being performed in accordance with the requirements and intentions of this Agreement. All work done, and all materials furnished, if any, shall be subject to the City’s inspection and approval. The inspection of such work shall not relieve Consultant of any of its obligations under the Agreement.
15. RELEASE OF INFORMATION.
a. All information gained by Consultant in performance of this Agreement shall be considered confidential and shall not be released by Consultant without City's prior written authorization. Consultant, its officers, employees, agents, or subConsultants, shall not, without written authorization from the City Manager or unless requested by the City Attorney, voluntarily provide declarations, letters of support, testimony at depositions, response to interrogatories, or other information concerning the work performed under this Agreement. Response to a subpoena or court order shall not be considered "voluntary" provided Consultant gives City notice of such court order or subpoena. b. Consultant shall promptly notify City should Consultant, its officers, employees, agents, or subConsultants be served with any summons, complaint, subpoena, notice of deposition, request for documents, interrogatories, request for admissions, or other discovery request (“Discovery”), court order, or subpoena from any person or party regarding this Agreement, unless the City is a party to any lawsuit, arbitration, or
-17-
administrative proceeding connected to such Discovery, or unless Consultant is prohibited by law from informing the City of such Discovery. City retains the right, but has no obligation, to represent Consultant and/or be present at any deposition, hearing, or similar proceeding as allowed by law. Unless City is a party to the lawsuit, arbitration, or administrative proceeding and is averse to Consultant in such proceeding, Consultant agrees to cooperate fully with City and to provide the opportunity to review any response to Discovery requests provided by Consultant. However, City's right to review any such response does not imply or mean the right by City to control, direct, or rewrite said response.
16. OWNERSHIP OF DOCUMENTS.
a. Consultant shall maintain complete and accurate records with respect to sales, costs, expenses, receipts, and other such information required by City that relate to the performance of the Services under this Agreement. Consultant shall maintain adequate records of services provided in sufficient detail to permit an evaluation of services. All such records shall be maintained in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and shall be clearly identified and readily accessible. Consultant shall provide free access to the representatives of City or its designees at reasonable times to such books and records; shall give City the right to examine and audit said books and records; shall permit City to make transcripts or copies therefrom as necessary; and shall allow inspection of all work, data, documents, proceedings, and activities related to this Agreement. Such records, together with supporting documents, shall be maintained for a period of three (3) years after receipt of final payment. b. Upon completion of, or in the event of termination or suspension of this Agreement, all original documents, designs, drawings, maps, models, computer files, surveys, notes, and other documents prepared in the course of providing the Services under this Agreement shall become the sole property of the City and may be used, reused, or otherwise disposed of by the City without the permission of the Consultant. With respect to computer files, Consultant shall make available to the City, at the Consultant's office and upon reasonable written request by the City, the necessary computer software and hardware for purposes of accessing, compiling, transferring, copying and/or printing computer files. Consultant hereby grants to City all right, title, and interest, including any copyright, in and to the documents, designs, drawings, maps, models, computer files, surveys, notes, and other documents prepared by Consultant in the course of providing the Services under this Agreement.
17. INDEMNIFICATION AND DEFENSE. To the fullest extent permitted by law (including, but not limited to California Civil Code Sections 2782 and 2782.8), Consultant shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the City, and its elected officials, officers, employees, volunteers, and agents (“City Indemnitees”), from and against any and all causes of action, claims, liabilities, obligations, judgments, or damages, including reasonable legal counsels’ fees and costs of litigation (“claims”), arising out of the Consultant’s performance or Consultant’s failure to perform its obligations under this Agreement or out of the operations conducted by Consultant, including the City’s passive negligence, except for such loss or damage arising from the sole or active negligence or willful misconduct of the City. In the event the City Indemnitees are made a party to any action, lawsuit, or other adversarial proceeding arising from Consultant’s
-18-
performance of this Agreement, the Consultant shall provide a defense to the City Indemnitees or at the City’s option, reimburse the City Indemnitees the ir costs of defense, including reasonable legal fees, incurred in defense of such claims. The review, acceptance or approval of the Consultant’s work or work product by any indemnified party shall not affect, relieve or reduce the Consultant’s indemnification or defense obligations. This Section survives the completion of the services or the termination of this contract. The provisions of this section are not limited by and do not affect the provisions of this contract relating to insurance.
Consultant’s indemnification obligations under this section extend to any claims arising out of or related to the negligence, recklessness, or willful misconduct of any sub-consultants/ subConsultants.
18. SUSPENSION OR TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT WITHOUT CAUSE. a. The City may at any time, for any reason, with or without cause, suspend or terminate this Agreement, or any portion hereof, by serving upon the Consultant at least thirty (30) days prior written notice. Upon receipt of said notice, the Consultant shall immediately cease all work under this Agreement, unless the notice provides otherwise. If the City suspends or terminates a portion of this Agreement such suspension or termination shall not make void or invalidate the remainder of this Agreement.
b. In the event this Agreement is terminated pursuant to this Section, the City shall pay to Consultant the actual value of the work performed up to the time of termination, provided that the work performed is of value to the City. Upon termination of the Agreement pursuant to this Section, the Consultant will submit an invoice to the City pursuant to Section 14.
19. TERMINATION FOR CAUSE. If, during the term of the Agreement, the City determines the Consultant is not faithfully abiding by any term or condition contained herein, the City may notify the Consultant in writing of such defect or failure to perform. This notice must give the Consultant a ten (10) calendar day notice of time thereafter in which to perform said work or cure the deficiency.
a. If the Consultant has not performed the work or cured the deficiency within the ten (10) days specified in the notice, such shall constitute a breach of the Agreement and the City may terminate the Agreement immediately by written notice to the Consultant to said effect (“Notice of Termination”). Thereafter, neither party shall have any further duties, obligations, responsibilities, or rights under the Agreement except to comply with the obligations upon termination.
b. In said event, the Consultant shall be entitled to the reasonable value of its services performed from the beginning date in which the breach occurs up to the day it received the City’s Notice of Termination, minus any offset from such payment representing the City’s damages from such breach. “Reasonable value” includes fees or charges for goods or services as of the last milestone or task satisfactorily delivered or completed by the Consultant as may be set forth in the Agreement payment schedule; compensation for any other work or services performed or provided by the Consultant shall be based solely on the City’s assessment of the value of the work-in-progress in completing the overall scope.
c. The City reserves the right to delay such payment until completion or confirmed abandonment of the project, as may be determined in the City’s sole discretion, so as to
-19-
permit a full and complete accounting of costs. In no event, however, shall the Consultant be entitled to receive in excess of the not to exceed amount shown in this Agreement.
20. INSURANCE. Consultantshall maintain prior to the beginning of and for the duration of this Agreement insurance coverage as specified in Exhibit B attached to and made part of this Agreement.
21. BUSINESS LICENSE & TAX. The Consultant must have a valid City of San Luis Obispo business license & tax certificate before execution of the contract. Additional information regarding the City’s business tax program may be obtained by calling (805) 781-7134.
22. SAFETY PROVISIONS. The Consultant shall conform to the rules and regulations pertaining to safety established by OSHA and the California Division of Industrial Safety.
23. PUBLIC AND EMPLOYEE SAFETY. Whenever the Consultant operations create a condition hazardous to the public or City employees, it shall, at its expense and without cost to the City, furnish, erect and maintain such fences, temporary railings, barricades, lights, signs and other devices and take such other protective measures as are necessary to prevent accidents or damage or injury to the public and employees.
24. UNDUE INFLUENCE. Consultant declares and warrants that no undue influence or pressure was used against or in concert with any officer or employee of the City in connection with the award, terms or implementation of this Agreement, including any method of coercion, confidential financial arrangement, or financial inducement. No officer or employee of the City has or will receive compensation, directly or indirectly, from Consultant, or from any officer, employee or agent of Consultant, in connection with the award of this Agreement or any work to be conducted as a result of this Agreement. Violation of this Section shall be a material breach of this Agreement entitling the City to any and all remedies at law or in equity.
25. ASSIGNMENT. The Consultant shall not assign, transfer, convey or otherwise dispose of the contract, or its right, title or interest, or its power to execute such a contract to any individual or business entity of any kind without the previous written consent of the City. As required above, before retaining or contracting with any subConsultantfor any services under this Agreement, City must consent to such assignment of performance in writing. For City to evaluate such proposed assignment, Consultant shall provide City with the identity of the proposed subConsultant, a copy of the proposed written contract between Consultant and such subConsultant, which shall include an indemnity provision similar to the one provided herein and identifying City as an indemnified party, or an incorporation of the indemnity provision provided herein, and proof that such proposed subConsultant carries insurance at least equal to that required by this Agreement or obtain a written waiver from City for such insurance.
26. AMENDMENT. Any amendment, modification, or variation from the terms of this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be effective only upon approval by the appropriate review authority according to the City’s Financial Management Manual. Consultant shall not be compensated for any services rendered in connection with its performance of this Agreement which are in addition to those set forth herein, unless such additional services are authorized by the City in advance and in writing.
27. COMPLETE AGREEMENT. This written Agreement, including all writings specifically incorporated herein by reference, shall constitute the complete Agreement between the Parties hereto. No oral agreement, understanding, or representation not reduced to writing and specifically incorporated herein shall be of any force or effect, nor shall any such oral Agreement, understanding, or representation be binding upon the Parties hereto. Each party is entering into this Agreement based solely upon the
-20-
representations set forth herein and upon each party's own independent investigation of any and all facts such party deems material.
28. NOTICE. All notices to the Parties hereto under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be sent either by (i) personal service, (ii) delivery by a reputable document delivery service, such as, but not limited to, Federal Express, which provides a receipt showing date and time of delivery, or (iii) United States Mail, certified, postage prepaid, return receipt requested. All such notices shall be delivered to the addressee or addressed as set forth below:
To City: [DEPT]
City of San Luis Obispo
[ADDRESS]
Attention:
To Consultant: Name
Mailing Address
29. GOVERNING LAW. Any action arising out of this Agreement shall be brought in the Superior Court of San Luis Obispo County, California, regardless of where else venue may lie. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement, and all acts and transactions pursuant hereto and the rights and obligations of the Parties hereto shall be governed, construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of California, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law.
30. AUTHORITY TO EXECUTE AGREEMENT. Both City and Consultant do covenant that each individual executing this Agreement on behalf of each party is a person duly authorized and empowered to execute Agreements for such party.
-21-
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have caused this instrument to be executed the day and year first above written.
CITY CONSULTANT
_______________________________
By: [Name]
Its: [Title of City Manager or Department Head]
_______________________________
By: [Name]
Its: [Title]
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_______________________________
By: J. Christine Dietrick, City Attorney
-22-
EXHIBIT C
INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Without limiting CONSULTANT’s indemnification of CITY, and prior to commencement of Work, CONSULTANT shall obtain, provide and maintain at its own expense during the term of this AGREEMENT, policies of insurance of the type and amounts described below, and in a form satisfactory to CITY.
General liability insurance. CONSULTANT shall maintain commercial general liability insurance with coverage at least as broad as Insurance Services Office form CG 00 01, in an amount not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence, $2,000,000 general aggregate, for bodily injury, personal injury, and property damage.
The policy must include contractual liability that has not been amended. Any endorsement restricting standard ISO “insured contract” language will not be accepted.
Automobile liability insurance. CONSULTANT shall maintain automobile insurance at least as broad as Insurance Services Office form CA 00 01 covering bodily injury and property damage for all activities of the Consultant arising out of or in connection with Work to be performed under this AGREEMENT, including coverage for any owned, hired, non-owned or rented vehicles, in an amount not less than $1,000,000 combined single limit for each accident.
Workers’ compensation insurance. CONSULTANT shall maintain Workers’ Compensation Insurance (Statutory Limits) and Employer’s Liability Insurance (with limits of at least $1,000,000). CONSULTANT shall submit to CITY, along with the certificate of insurance, a Waiver of Subrogation endorsement in favor of CITY, its officers, agents, employees, and volunteers.
Umbrella or excess liability insurance. CONSULTANT shall obtain and maintain an umbrella or excess liability insurance policy with limits that will provide bodily injury, personal injury and property damage liability coverage at least as broad as the primary coverages set forth above, including commercial general liability, automobile liability, and employer’s liability. Such policy or policies shall include the following terms and conditions:
• A drop-down feature requiring the policy to respond if any primary insurance that would otherwise have applied proves to be uncollectible in whole or in part for any reason; • Pay on behalf of wording as opposed to reimbursement; • Concurrency of effective dates with primary policies; • Policies shall “follow form” to the underlying primary policies; and • Insureds under primary policies shall also be insureds under the umbrella or excess policies.
Proof of insurance. CONSULTANT shall provide certificates of insurance to CITY as evidence of the insurance coverage required herein, along with a waiver of subrogation endorsement for workers’ compensation. Insurance certificates and endorsements must be approved by CITY’s Risk Manager prior to commencement of performance. Current certification of insurance shall be kept on file with CITY at all times during the term of this contract. CITY reserves the right to require complete, certified copies of all required insurance policies, at any time.
Duration of coverage. CONSULTANT shall procure and maintain for the duration of the contract insurance against claims for injuries to persons or damages to property, which may arise from or in connection with the performance of the Work hereunder by CONSULTANT, his agents, representatives, employees or subconsultants.
Primary/noncontributing. Coverage provided by CONSULTANT shall be primary and any insurance or selfinsurance procured or maintained by CITY shall not be required to contribute with it. The limits of insurance required herein may be satisfied by a combination of primary and umbrella or excess insurance.
Any umbrella or excess insurance shall contain or be endorsed to contain a provision that such coverage
-23-
shall also apply on a primary and non-contributory basis for the benefit of CITY before the CITY’s own insurance or self-insurance shall be called upon to protect it as a named insured.
CITY’s rights of enforcement. In the event any policy of insurance required under this AGREEMENT does not comply with these specifications or is canceled and not replaced, CITY has the right but not the duty to obtain the insurance it deems necessary, and any premium paid by CITY will be promptly reimbursed by CONSULTANT or CITY will withhold amounts sufficient to pay premium from CONSULTANT payments.
In the alternative, CITY may cancel this AGREEMENT.
Acceptable insurers. All insurance policies shall be issued by an insurance company currently authorized by the Insurance Commissioner to transact business of insurance or is on the List of Approved Surplus Line Insurers in the State of California, with an assigned policyholders’ Rating of A- (or higher) and Financial Size Category Class VII (or larger) in accordance with the latest edition of Best’s Key Rating Guide, unless otherwise approved by the CITY’s Risk Manager.
Waiver of subrogation. All insurance coverage maintained or procured pursuant to this AGREEMENT shall be endorsed to waive subrogation against CITY, its elected or appointed officers, agents, officials, employees and volunteers or shall specifically allow CONSULTANT or others providing insurance evidence in compliance with these specifications to waive their right of recovery prior to a loss. CONSULTANT hereby waives its own right of recovery against CITY and shall require similar written express waivers and insurance clauses from each of its subconsultants.
Enforcement of contract provisions (non estoppel). CONSULTANT acknowledges and agrees that any actual or alleged failure on the part of the CITY to inform CONSULTANT of non-compliance with any requirement imposes no additional obligations on the CITY nor does it waive any rights hereunder.
Requirements not limiting. Requirements of specific coverage features or limits contained in this Section are not intended as a limitation on coverage, limits or other requirements, or a waiver of any coverage normally provided by any insurance. Specific reference to a given coverage feature is for purposes of clarification only as it pertains to a given issue and is not intended by any party or insured to be all inclusive, or to the exclusion of other coverage, or a waiver of any type. If the CONSULTANT maintains higher limits than the minimums shown above, the CITY requires and shall be entitled to coverage for the higher limits maintained by the CONSULTANT. Any available insurance proceeds in excess of the specified minimum limits of insurance and coverage shall be available to the CITY.
Notice of cancellation. CONSULTANT agrees to oblige its insurance agent or broker and insurers to provide to CITY with a thirty (30) day notice of cancellation (except for nonpayment for which a ten (10) day notice is required) or nonrenewal of coverage for each required coverage.
Additional insured status. General liability policies shall provide or be endorsed to provide that CITY and its officers, officials, employees, and agents, and volunteers shall be additional insureds under such policies. This provision shall also apply to any excess/umbrella liability policies.
Prohibition of undisclosed coverage limitations. None of the coverages required herein will be in compliance with these requirements if they include any limiting endorsement of any kind that has not been first submitted to CITY and approved of in writing.
Separation of insureds. A severability of interests provision must apply for all additional insureds ensuring that CONSULTANT’s insurance shall apply separately to each insured against whom claim is made or suit is brought, except with respect to the insurer’s limits of liability. The policy(ies) shall not contain any cross-liability exclusions.
Pass through clause. CONSULTANT agrees to ensure that its subconsultants, subConsultants, and any other party involved with the project who is brought onto or involved in the project by CONSULTANT, provide the same minimum insurance coverage and endorsements required of CONSULTANT.
CONSULTANT agrees to monitor and review all such coverage and assumes all responsibility for ensuring that such coverage is provided in conformity with the requirements of this section. CONSULTANT agrees that upon request, all agreements with consultants, subConsultants, and others engaged in the project will be submitted to CITY for review.
-24-
CITY’s right to revise specifications. The CITY reserves the right at any time during the term of the contract to change the amounts and types of insurance required by giving the CONSULTANT ninety (90) days advance written notice of such change. If such change results in substantial additional cost to the CONSULTANT, the CITY and CONSULTANT may renegotiate CONSULTANT’s compensation.
Self-insured retentions. Any self-insured retentions must be declared to and approved by CITY. CITY reserves the right to require that self-insured retentions be eliminated, lowered, or replaced by a deductible. Self-insurance will not be considered to comply with these specifications unless approved by CITY.
Timely notice of claims. CONSULTANT shall give CITY prompt and timely notice of claims made or suits instituted that arise out of or result from CONSULTANT’s performance under this AGREEMENT, and that involve or may involve coverage under any of the required liability policies.
Additional insurance. CONSULTANT shall also procure and maintain, at its own cost and expense, any additional kinds of insurance, which in its own judgment may be necessary for its proper protection and prosecution of the work.
Verification of Coverage. Consultant shall furnish the City with a certificate of insurance showing maintenance of the required insurance coverage, as well as endorsements effecting general liability coverage. All endorsements are to be received and approved by the City before work commences.
-25
- Page 369 of 727
City of San Luis Obispo, Council Memorandum
City of San Luis Obispo
Council Agenda Correspondence
DATE: March 4, 2025
TO: Mayor and Council
FROM: Aaron Floyd, Utilities Director
Prepared by: Chris Lehman, Deputy Director - Wastewater VIA: Whitney McDonald, City Manager
SUBJECT: ITEM 5F – 2025 SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN UPDATE,
ADOPTION AND RECERTIFICATION
Staff received the following question, regarding Item 5f: Sewer System Management Plan. The questions are below with staff’s response shown in italics:
1. The following question was received “On page 372 of the staff report, it describes that the SSMP undergoes internal audit at minimum, every 2 years and is updated every 5. However, on page 334 of the packet, in the SSMP itself, it states that the SSMP requires update every 6 years and is audited every three. Can you explain this discrepancy, or did I read something incorrectly?”
The dates listed in the Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) document are correct. The requirements of the State’s General Order are to (at a minimum) update the SSMP every six years and to perform an internal audit every three years. There is a discrepancy in the staff report, which listed a five-year update requirement and a two-year audit requirement.
Item 5f
Department: Utilities
Cost Center: 6002
For Agenda of: 3/4/2024
Placement: Consent
Estimated Time: NA
FROM: Aaron Floyd, Utilities Director
Prepared By: Chris Lehman, Deputy Director - Wastewater Ryan Beech, Wastewater Collection System Supervisor
SUBJECT: 2025 SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN UPDATE, ADOPTION AND
RECERTIFICATION
RECOMMENDATION
1. Adopt a Draft Resolution entitled, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo, California, adopting the 2025 Sewer System Management Plan Update,” approving the 2025 Sanitary Sewer Management Plan; and
2. Authorize the City’s Director of Utilities, or designee, to recertify the 2025 Sanitary Sewer Management Plan with the State Water Resources Control Board.
POLICY CONTEXT
The City updates the Sanitary Sewer Management Plan (SSMP) to maintain its applicability, consistent with General Plan, Water and Wastewater Management Element, and other General Plan policies related to the provision of wastewater service, and to comply with statewide General Waste Discharge Requirements (GWDR.)
DISCUSSION
Background
To provide a consistent, statewide regulatory approach to address sanitary sewer spills, the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) adopted statewide General Waste Discharge Requirements for Sanitary Sewer Systems, Water Quality Order No. 2022- 0103-DWQ (Sanitary Sewer Systems General Order) on December 6, 2022. The Sanitary Sewer Systems General Order (Order), made effective by the SWRCB on June 5, 2023, requires public agencies that own or operate sanitary sewer systems to develop and implement sewer system management plans and report all sanitary sewer spills to the State Water Board’s online California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) Sanitary Sewer System Database.The City is required to comply with these requirement, which indicate that an updated and approved SSMP must be adopted by August 4, 2025. City Council adopted the original SSMP on May 5, 2009 (Resolution No. 10077), an updated version on May 20, 2014 (Resolution No. 10522), and another update on May 7, 2019 (Resolution No. 11006).
Item 5f
The 2025 SSMP (Attachment B) was completed by City staff, which is a complete overhaul of the 2019 SSMP to comply with the new Order. The SSMP undergoes an internal audit at a minimum of every two years and requires approval by Council (Attachment A) every five years, or when the audit identifies a major change is needed.
The SSMP (Attachment B) is comprised of the following sections:
Section Description
1. Introduction & Goals
Introduction to regulatory requirements of SSMP, an
update schedule and overview of the City’s sewer
assets.
2. Organization Staffing responsibilities, information and authority.
Chain of communication for sewer spill reporting.
3. Legal Authority
Municipal code and City General Plan considerations,
and agreements with satellite agencies (California
Polytechnic State University and San Luis Obispo
County Regional Airport).
4. Operation and
Maintenance
Overview of the City’s Wastewater Collection System’s
Operation and Maintenance Programs, including
inspections, monitoring, maintenance, repairs, training and inventory management.
5. Design and
Performance
Provisions
Overview and City Engineering standards and
specifications, and standards for inspection and testing of new or rehabilitated facilities.
6. Sewer Emergency
Response Plan
History of sewer stoppages and overflow events and the
City’s associate Sanitary Sewer Overflow Emergency
Response Plan.
7. Fats, Oils, and Grease
Control Program
Fats, oils, and grease control program overview,
guidelines for control and the City’s education program for food service establishments. This program is carried out to limit grease discharges into the City’s sewer
system, which may cause sewer spills.
8. System Evaluation and
Capacity Control
Program
Sewer system capacity assessment program, capital
improvement planning, and discussion of private sewer
lateral programs.
9. Monitoring,
Measurement &
Program Modifications
Key performance indicators for the City’s wastewater
collection system.
10.Program Audits Discussion of how the SSMP is updated and audited.
11.Communication
Program
Discussion of public education and stakeholder
outreach.
The SSMP is an effective tool for the ongoing management of the City’s wastewater collection system and preventing sanitary sewer overflows. With the support of the City Council, activities and program elements identified in the SSMP ensure the City’s ongoing compliance with State regulations. The next SSMP update is anticipated in 2030.
Item 5f
Previous Council or Advisory Body Action
City Council adopted the original SSMP on May 5, 2009 (Resolution No. 10077), an updated version on May 20, 2014 (Resolution No. 10522), and another update on May 7, 2019 (Resolution No. 11006).
Public Engagement
The City maintains a copy of the SSMP on the City’s Utilities Department website.
Outreach on components of the SSMP is also performed through various City programs including the Environmental Compliance (Pretreatment) Program, the department’s Capital Improvement Program, and Private Sewer Lateral Programs.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Adoption of the proposed Resolution is not a "project" under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), because the action does not involve any commitment to a specific project which may result in a potentially significant physical impact on the environment, as contemplated by Title 14, California Code of Regulations, Section 15378.
FISCAL IMPACT
Budgeted: NA Budget Year: 2024-25
Funding Identified: NA
Fiscal Analysis:
Funding Sources
Total
Budget
Available
Current
Funding
Request
Remaining
Balance
Annual
Ongoing
Cost
General Fund N/A
State
Federal
Fees
Other: Sewer Fund
Total $0 $0 $0 $0
There is no fiscal impact related to the adoption of the 2025 SSMP. Ongoing costs for the management, operation, and maintenance of the City’s wastewater collection system are identified in the Financial Plan and paid for through sewer rates.
Item 5f
ALTERNATIVES
The City Council could elect not to approve the SSMP at this time and provide direction to staff to make modifications to the SSMP. TheSSMP meets the GWDR requirements, and the City must adopt an SSMP every five years to remain in compliance with the GWDR adopted by the SWRCB. If the City Council elected not to approve the SSMP, the City would be subject to fines, penalties, and violations.
ATTACHMENTS
A - Draft Resolution adopting the 2025 Sewer System Management Plan Update B - City of SLO 2025 Sewer System Management Plan
R ________
RESOLUTION NO. _____ (2025 SERIES)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING THE 2025 SEWER SYSTEM
MANAGEMENT PLAN UPDATE
WHEREAS, the State Water Resources Control Board adopted Statewide General Waste Discharge Requirements for publicly owned sanitary sewer systems requiring the development and implementation of a system-specific local Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) that documents a comprehensive program for sewer system operation, maintenance and repair; and
WHEREAS, the City Council approved the City’s first SSMP at a public meeting on May 5, 2009 (Resolution No. 10077); and
WHEREAS, the City Council approved an update to the SSMP at a public meeting on May 20, 2014 (Resolution No. 10522); and
WHEREAS, the City Council approved an update to the SSMP at a public meeting on May 7, 2019 (Resolution No. 11006); and
WHEREAS; the SSMP shall be updated every five years, must include any significant changes and be approved by the City Council; and WHEREAS; the City has therefore prepared an updated SSMP for public review and a properly noticed public meeting regarding the SSMP update was held by the City Council on March 4, 2025; and
WHEREAS, the City of San Luis Obispo did prepare and shall file a recertification after the adoption of the SSMP update with the State Water Resources Control Board.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo as follows:
SECTION 1. The 2025 Sewer System Management Plan for the City of San Luis Obispo, consisting of a comprehensive update of the existing 2019 SSMP to comply with the adopted statewide General Waste Discharge Requirements for Sanitary Sewer Systems, Water Quality Order No. 2022-0103-DWQ, presented to the Council on March 4, 2025, attached as Exhibit A is hereby adopted.
Resolution No. _____ (2025 Series) Page 2
R _______
SECTION 2. The adoption of the 2025 Sewer System Management Plan is hereby determined to be exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Section 21000 et seq. of the California Public Resources Code, pursuant to Section 21150 of the California Environmental Quality Act and Section 15262 of the CEQA Guidelines. Further, adoption of the Plan is exempt from environmental review because the action does not involve any commitment to a specific project which may result in a potentially significant physical impact on the environment, as contemplated by Title 14, California Code of Regulations, Section 15378.
Upon motion of Council Member ___________, seconded by Council Member ___________, and on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
The foregoing resolution was adopted this _____ day of _______________ 2025. ___________________________
Mayor Erica A. Stewart
ATTEST:
______________________
Teresa Purrington
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
______________________
J. Christine Dietrick
City Attorney
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City of San Luis Obispo, California, on ______________________. ___________________________
Teresa Purrington
City Clerk
EXHIBIT A
[Placeholder for the City of San Luis Obispo 2025
Sewer System Management Plan]
City of San Luis Obispo
2025 Sewer System Management Plan
March 4, 2025
City of San Luis Obispo
2025 Sewer System Management Plan
ii
Table of Contents
Section 1: Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Regulatory Context............................................................................................................. 1
1.2 Sewer System Management Plan Update Schedule.......................................................... 1
1.3. Sewer System Asset Overview ......................................................................................... 2 Section 2: Organization ........................................................................................................................ 8 Section 3: Legal Authority............................................................................................................... 11
3.1 San Luis Obispo Municipal Code & General Plan ............................................................ 11
3.2 Agreements with Satellite Agencies ................................................................................. 11 Section 4. Operation & Maintenance............................................................................................... 14
4.1 Operation and Maitenance Program ............................................................................... 14
4.2 Scheduling Inspection and Maintenance Activities..............Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.3 Computerized Control and Monitoring.............................................................................. 16
4.4 Preventive Maintenance and Area Maintenance Programs ............................................. 17
4.5 Visual/CCTV Inspections.................................................................................................. 18
4.6 Lift Station Maintenance................................................................................................... 19
4.7 Repairs............................................................................................................................. 20
4.8 Staff Safety & Professional Development......................................................................... 21
4.9 Maintenance Equipment & Replacement Inventories....................................................... 23 Section 5: Design & Performance Provisions ................................................................................ 27
5.1 Standards for Installation, Rehabilitation and Repair........................................................ 27
5.2 Standards for Inspection and Testing of New and Rehabilitated Facilities ....................... 28 Section 6. Sewer Emergency Response Plan ................................................................................ 28
6.1 History of Stoppages and Overflow Events ...................................................................... 29
6.2 City Sanitary Sewer Overflow Emergency Response Plan .............................................. 29 Section 7. Fats, Oils, & Grease Control Program........................................................................... 36
7.1 Program Background ....................................................................................................... 36
7.2 Guidelines for the Control of Fats, Oil & Grease .............................................................. 38
7.3 FOG Program Education.................................................................................................. 39 Section 8: System Evaluation & Capacity Assurance Plan........................................................... 40
8.1 Capacity Assessment & Enhancement ............................................................................ 41
8.2 Capital Improvement Program ......................................................................................... 42
8.3 Private Sewer Laterals ..................................................................................................... 43 Section 9. Monitoring, Measurement & Program Modifications ................................................... 45
9.1 Performance Measures .................................................................................................... 45
9.2 Historical and Baseline Performance ............................................................................... 45
9.3 Performance Monitoring and Program Changes .............................................................. 46
9.4 SSMP Updates................................................................................................................. 46 Section 10: Program Audits............................................................................................................. 47 Section 11. Communication Program............................................................................................. 51
11.1 Communication with the Public 51
Appendix A: Sample CCTV Inspection Report............................................................................... 52 Appendix B: California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Certification Requirements .. 53 Appendix C: Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) Reporting Guidelines ............................................ 54
City of San Luis Obispo
2025 Sewer System Management Plan
iii
Appendix D: Sample Sewer Spill Report ........................................................................................ 56 Appendix E: Spill Reporting Guidelines (>50,000 gal)................................................................... 64 Appendix F: Capital Improvement Plan.......................................................................................... 66 List of Tables
Table 1: SSMP Audit/Update Schedule............................................................................................ 2 Table 2: Collection System Components ................................................................................... 4 Table 3: Lift Station Summary ...................................................................................................... 9 Table 4: SSMP Implementation Responsibilities ................................................................... 12 Table 5: Legal Authority from San Luis Obispo Municipal Code & General Plan............ 17 Table 6: Collection System Database........................................................................................ 19 Table 7: Annual Maintenance Summary ................................................................................... 21 Table 8: Predictive Maintenance Frequency............................................................................ 21 Table 9: Problem Coding for CCTV Inspections ..................................................................... 24 Table 10: Wastewater Collection System Repairs.................................................................. 26 Table 11: Staff Certifications....................................................................................................... 27 Table 12: Wastewater Collection Safety Training................................................................... 27 Table 13: Wastewater Collection Equipment........................................................................... 30 Table 14: Replacement Parts Inventory.................................................................................... 31 Table 15: Annual Stoppages and Sanitary Sewer Overflows, 2015-2024 ......................... 39 Table 16: Regulatory Agency Contacts .................................................................................... 43 Table 17: Sewer Line Installations, 1999-2024......................................................................... 51 Table 18: Service Lateral Reimbursements ............................................................................. 53 Table 19: Historic Data on Sanitary Sewer Overflows ........................................................... 55 Table 20: SSMP Audit Checklist................................................................................................. 57 List of Figures
Figure 1: Lift Station Flow Basins...........................................................................................6 Figure 2: Sewer Predictive Maintenance Frequency .............................................................7 Figure 3: Organizational Chart ..............................................................................................14
City of San Luis Obispo
2025 Sewer System Management Plan
iv
Preface – City Sewer History
In 1888, there were no sewers in San Luis Obispo. Minor, scanty trenches took human and other waste from town to San Luis Obispo Creek, carrying muck and disease through the waters where children played and dumping it into the ocean. During that year, many children became ill. According to an April 24 newspaper article, “Nearly every family residing in the west portion of the city near the San Luis Obispo Creek have two to three sick children to look after. The sewer (the creek) is suspect, yet the majority of residents still oppose construction of proper sewers.”
City leaders took a first step in February 1890 by installing the first sewer pipe along Chorro Street to the corner of Palm Street. The pipe, however, still emptied into San Luis Obispo Creek. “There is no doubt but that the creek is a natural sewer and should be used as such, but before being used for that purpose, a little work should be done as not to allow the filth of the upper end of the City to be deposited at the lower end,” according to newspaper reports.
The problem of disease continued in April 1890 when diphtheria ravaged the community. Open trenches were still used to rid households of waste. All household trenches connected to creeks or adjoining tributaries, providing “a fine arrangement for breeding microbes, bacteria and kindred horrors which eventually found entrance into houses through traps and sinks,” the newspaper reported. For that reason, rain became a sacred event by flushing the creeks clean.
City leaders and residents were torn; they knew the meager system needed improvement but couldn’t agree on a plan. Ideas weren’t scarce, however. One group of citizens wanted to install three additional sewer lines through town that terminated outside of city limits at a “dumping ground.” Engineers had concluded one acre of land could handle waste from 1,000 people. San Luis Obispo, however, proposed to play it safe and utilize five acres.
A second proposal by Col. Waring of San Luis Obispo included detailed drawings showing a system of mains and conduits that led to a “sewage farm” to be located adjacent to the cemetery on South Higuera Street. This system would have included a 15-inch main pipe to a 1,000-gallon tank. That tank would then overflow into a 10,000-gallon tank, with the contents later used for crop fertilization.
A prominent San Francisco engineer proposed a third plan that would again use “dumping grounds” south of the City, but the cost of building the system was too expensive at the time.
By the end of the 1890, Col. Waring’s wastewater collection system design was approved and used to rid downtown San Luis Obispo of sewage. Again, all of the effluent from his project still flowed into San Luis Obispo Creek.
But in September 1895, a local resident sued the City, claiming the creek should only be used as the city sewer during the wet season, June 1 to Dec. 1. “The gravity of such a condition of affairs must at once be apparent to every citizen,” the newspaper reported. “To make provision for this conation of affairs… we immediately began to seek for a means of disposing of the sewage of the city.” After contacting landowner after landowner, the City purchased 10 acres at “the Schow Place” along San Luis Obispo Creek for $2,000 to be used as space for a sewer farm. It was used during the summer months when fertilized disposal fields were dry enough to absorb the sewage. Suitable shallow ditches that wound back and forth were dug long enough to receive all of the water flowing from the sewer in three days. The existing Water Resource Recovery Facility stands on the property today. -Researched & Compiled in 2007 by Jim Autry, Water Reclamation Facility Manager (retired)
City of San Luis Obispo
2025 Sewer System Management Plan
1 Section 1: Introduction
Sewer spills are identified as a major threat to public health and water quality because of the pathogens, toxic pollutants and nutrients they contain and have become a focus of State water quality regulators over the past several years. On May 2, 2006, the State adopted General Waste Discharge Requirements for sanitary sewer systems to provide a consistent, statewide regulatory approach to address these sewer spills (State Water Resources Control Board, Order No. 2006-003-DWQ). This was updated in 2013 (Order No. WQ 2013-0058-EXEC) followed by a reissuance of Order No. WQ 2022-0103-DWQ (Order), which was made effective on June 5, 2023. Public agencies, like the City of San Luis Obispo (City), that own or operate a sanitary sewer system comprised of one mile or more of pipeline to transport sewage to a treatment facility are regulated under this Order.
1.1 Regulatory Context
The General Waste Discharge Requirements for the Regulatory Context section of the Sewer System Management Plan include:
(a) The Plan Introduction section must provide a general description of the local sewer management program and discuss Plan implementation and updates.
In order to minimize sewer spills) and mitigate the effects of the spills that may occur, the goals of the City Sewer System Management Plan are to:
1. Maintain uninterrupted sewage flow without health hazard, effluent leakage, or water infiltration and inflow.
2. Operate a sanitary sewer system that meets all regulatory requirements.
3. Avoid sewer spills and respond to sanitary sewer spills quickly and mitigate any impact of the spill.
4. Maintain standards and specifications for the installation of new wastewater systems.
5. Verify the wastewater collection system has adequate capacity to convey sewage during peak flows.
6. Provide training for Wastewater Collection System staff.
7. Maintain the Fats, Oil, and Grease program (FOG program) to limit fats, oils, grease, and other debris that may cause blockages in the wastewater collection system.
8. Identify and prioritize structural deficiencies and implement short-term and longterm maintenance and rehabilitation actions to address each deficiency.
9. Meet all applicable regulatory notification and reporting requirements.
10.Provide excellent customer service through efficient system operation and effective communication strategies.
1.2 Sewer System Management Plan Update Schedule
The General Waste Discharge Requirements for the Update Schedule section of the Sewer System Management Plan are:
City of San Luis Obispo
2025 Sewer System Management Plan
2 (a) The Plan Introduction section must include a schedule for the Enrollee to update the Plan, including the schedule for conducting internal audits. The schedule must include milestones for incorporation of activities addressing prevention of sewer spills.
The schedule for the Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) updates and required audits is carried over from the previous Order and adjusted for the new SSMP update and SSMP audit intervals. SSMP updates are required every six (6) years and audits every three (3) years. The Water Board provides a tool that lists the required update and audit dates for each agency. Table 1, below, presents the schedules for the City.
Table 1: SSMP Audit/Update Schedule
Sewer System Management Plan Update Due Dates1
System Name
WDID
Number Update Update Update Update
San Luis Obispo CS 3SSO10320 08/02/2025 08/02/2031 08/02/2037 08/02/2043 Audit Due Dates1
System Name
WDID
Number Audit Audit Audit Audit
San Luis Obispo CS 3SSO10320 04/02/2029 04/02/2035 04/02/2041 04/02/2047 1 SSMP updates address audit findings and any significant milestones that have been reached such as implementation of new maintenance strategies or completion of Capital Improvement projects.
1.3. Sewer System Asset Overview
The General Waste Discharge Requirements for the Sewer System Asset Overview section of the Sewer System Management Plan must provide a description of the Enrollee-owned assets and service area, including but not limited to:
a) Location, including county;
b) Service area boundary;
c) Population and community served;
d) System size, including total length in miles, length of gravity mainlines, length of pressurized (force) mains, and number of pump stations and siphons; e) Structures diverting stormwater to the sewer system; f) Data management systems;
g) Sewer system ownership and operation responsibilities between Enrollee and private entities for upper and lower sewer laterals;
h) Estimated number or percent of residential, commercial, and industrial service connections; and
i) Unique service boundary conditions and challenge(s).
City of San Luis Obispo
2025 Sewer System Management Plan
3 Located in San Luis Obispo County on
State Highway 101, about mid-way
between San Francisco and Los
Angeles, the City has a population of
49,928 (2024 census data) and covers
about 12.93 square miles. The first
sanitary sewers were built in San Luis
Obispo in the late 1800s. Today, the
collection system includes 145 miles
(766,562 feet) of gravity sewer line
ranging from six-inch to 48-inch pipe. The
system includes 3.4 miles of force main
ranging from four- to 16-inch pipe.
Approximately 3,184 maintenance
covers provide access to the collection
system (see Table 1, Collection System
Components). The sewer lines are made
of a variety of materials, including highdensity polyethylene (HDPE), terra cotta salt-glazed pipe, vitrified clay pipe (VCP),
polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and asbestos
concrete. Portions of the sewer system
are over 100 years old.
The City’s collection system serves
consist of 90% residential, 9%
commercial, and 1% industrial
customers. Sewer service is provided
only to properties within the city limits,
except for the San Luis Obispo campus
of California Polytechnic State University
(Cal Poly) and the County of San Luis
Obispo Regional Airport. The City is
navigating significant changes with Cal
Poly’s system, which include
construction on an on-campus Water
Reclamation Facility (WRF) that may treat and recycle as much as 100% of sewer flows onsite.
The Cal Poly WRF is anticipated to be commissioned in the summer of 2026, and sewer discharges to the city will be dependent upon the long-term campus housing buildout schedules.
The number of service connections, or private sewer laterals, is estimated to be approximately 13,000. In San Luis Obispo, the entire sewer lateral to the service connection in the street is owned by the property owner. In some areas of the City, stormwater inflow and infiltration (I&I) may enter the sewer system due to older city infrastructure and privately owned sewer laterals that are in poor condition. However, the City operates a separate sewer system, meaning that stormwater is directed to storm drains rather than the sewer system. The collection system is divided into maintenance areas with nine lift stations, as shown in Figure 1, Lift Stations and Flow Basins, and Figure 2, Sewer Predictive Maintenance Frequency.
Table 2: Collection System Components
GRAVITY SEWER LINES
Pipe Size Length
(in feet)
Length
(in miles) Pipe Type Percent of System
6 inch 331,525 62.7 VCP/
PVC/HDPE 45.7 %
8 inch 286,007 54 VCP/
PVC/HDPE 37 %
10 inch 53,536 10.1 VCP/
PVC/HDPE 6.5%
12 inch 26,410 5 VCP/
PVC/HDPE 3.3%
15 inch 20,648 3.9 VCP/ PVC 3.0%
16 inch 2,361 0.44 VCP/ PVC 0.4%
18 inch 19,905 3.8 VCP/
PVC/HDPE 2.8%
20 inch 267 0.1 HDPE 0.0%
21 inch 3,282 0.6 VCP/ PVC 0.5%
24 inch 8,054 1.5 VCP/ PVC 0.9%
27 inch 2,098 0.4 PVC 0.3%
30 inch 5,687 1.1 PVC 0.8%
36 inch 5,182 1.0 PVC 0.7%
48 inch 1,600 0.3 PVC 0.2%
Total 766,562 145.18 100%
SEWER FORCE MAINS
Pipe Size Length (in
feet) Pipe Type Lift Station
16 inch 2,232 PVC Laguna
14 inch 3,772 Ductile Iron Pipe Tank Farm
8 inch 3,656 PVC/HDPE Calle
Joaquin
8 inch 839 Ductile Iron Pipe Airport
6 inch 764 Asbestos Concrete Silver City
6 inch 231 HDPE Margarita
4 inch 440 Cast Iron Pipe Foothill
4 inch 595 Ductile Iron Pipe Prefumo
6 inch 5,549 HDPE Buckley
Total 18,080
Length
(in miles) 3.4
Source: City Utilities Department, Wastewater Collections, 2024.
City of San Luis Obispo
2025 Sewer System Management Plan
4 Over the past 35 years, the City’s Utilities Department staff have created a comprehensive database that includes nearly all components of the city-owned collection system, and much of the privately owned infrastructure. The Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS), known as Cityworks, provides detailed asset information for all gravity lines, force mains, flow basins, lift stations, and their corresponding service areas. Additionally, private sewer systems and sewer lateral data is collected as information is made available. Wastewater Collection System staff utilize and update the database daily as part of their work (work order development/history, standardization of record keeping, organization, communication with the public, development/prioritization of future system upgrades). This database is connected to the City’s geographic information system (GIS). The condition of approximately 140 miles (95 %) of the publicly owned collection system has been documented by video inspection, as described later in this SSMP.
City of San Luis Obispo
2025 Sewer System Management Plan
5 Figure 1.
City of San Luis Obispo
2025 Sewer System Management Plan
6 Figure 2.
City of San Luis Obispo
2025 Sewer System Management Plan
7 Table 3: Lift Station Summary
Lift Stations
# Pumps / Pump Capacity (gpm) /
Total Dynamic Head (feet) / Horsepower
(hp)
Notes
Foothill 2 pumps / 300 gpm / 65 feet / 15 hp Installed in 1986. Planned for a future upgrade.
Calle Joaquin 2 pumps / 500 gpm / 60 feet / 11.7 hp
In 2023, the station was replaced as part of a
Capital Improvement Project (CIP) and
outfitted with new submersible pumps,
significantly enhancing its overall
functionality. The upgrades also included an
onsite natural gas backup generator and
bypass capabilities, ensuring continuous
operation during emergencies. The inlet pipe,
a siphon upstream from the station, was also
replaced as part of the project.
Laguna 3 pumps / 1500 gpm / 45 feet / 40 hp
The lift station was replaced in 2013 with a
new wet well and Wemco Hidrostal pumps. It
is the largest of the collection system’s
pumping stations. (Silver City, Calle Joaquin
and Prefumo pump to it and it receives gravity
flow from the City’s Laguna Lake area).
Margarita 2 pumps / 400 gpm / 31 feet / 5 hp
Replaced in 2019 with a new wet well and
Wemco Hidrostal pumps. Includes on-site
backup generator.
Silver City 2 pumps/ 450 gpm / 43 feet / 18.5 hp
Installed in 1971 within the adjacent trailer
park. Station needs back up controllers or an
auxiliary power system. It will serve future
annexation areas. Planned for a future
upgrade.
Tank Farm 4 pumps / 1,000 gpm / 74 feet / 35 hp
Installed in 2009. The lift station is planned to
serve development in the Airport, Orcutt,
Margarita, and Avila Ranch Specific Plan
Areas. Includes on-site backup generator.
Prefumo 2 pumps / 35 gpm / 23 feet / 3.9 hp
Serves limited population/area. No backup
power available due to limited availability of
service from PG&E.
Airport 2 pumps / 240 gpm / NA / 5 hp
The Airport Lift Station was constructed by the
County. The City took over maintenance and
operation of the lift station in 2000. Serves the
airport, adjacent development, and planned
annexation areas. Planned for a future
upgrade.
Buckley 2 pumps /739 gpm / 147 feet / 25 HP
The Buckley lift station was installed in 2021
as part of the Avila Ranch development
project. It was designed to support new
development including the Avila Ranch
project.
Source: City Utilities Department, 2024
The City periodically reviews operations and maintenance work plans to ensure staff are implementing each plan as intended and to achieve the desired outcomes. Supervisory and managerial-level employees perform these reviews with assistance from qualified field personnel. If areas for improvement are identified, the work plans are updated, and affected staff are trained, if necessary, on any new procedures.
City of San Luis Obispo
2025 Sewer System Management Plan
8 Section 2: Organization
The General Waste Discharge Requirements for the Organization section of the Sewer System Management Plan state that the Enrollee must identify organizational staffing responsible and integral for implementing the local Sewer System Management Plan through an organization chart or similar narrative documentation that includes:
a) The name of the Legally Responsible Official (Designation of a Legally Responsible Official) of this General Order;
b) The position titles, telephone numbers, and email addresses for management, administrative, and maintenance positions responsible for implementing specific Sewer System Management Plan elements;
c) Organizational lines of authority; and
d) Chain of communication for reporting spills from receipt of complaint or other information, including the person responsible for reporting spills to the State and Regional Water Boards and other agencies, as applicable. (For example, county health officer, county environmental health agency, and State Office of Emergency Services.)
Within the City’s Utilities Department, the Wastewater Collection Section oversees the operation and maintenance of the system with a Wastewater Collection System Supervisor, Wastewater Collection System Chief Operator, and eight operators (two operators are dedicated to storm system maintenance). The staff are organized into three main (two-person) crews to conduct hydro cleaning maintenance, CCTV inspection, and lift station construction and repair operations. Wastewater Collection System staff respond to all sewage spills, seven days a week, 24-hours a day.
The authorized representative, or Legally Responsible Official (LRO), for the implementation and administration of the City’s SSMP is Ryan Beech, Wastewater Collection System Supervisor.
Mr. Beech is responsible for the development and oversight of this program and for ensuring that the City is in compliance with the General Order. Figure 2, Organizational Chart, identifies the line of authority for the implementation of the SSMP.
Two additional City staff, Jarrett Rucker, Chief Collection System Operator, and Chris Lehman, Wastewater Deputy Director of Utilities, are identified as alternative LROs for reporting on the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) to ensure that a staff person is always available to meet the legal reporting requirements. Appendix C, Sanitary Sewer Overflow Reporting Guidelines includes “Spill Reporting Responsibilities,” the chain of communication for responding and reporting spills. This flow chart is taken from the Utilities Department’s Sewer Emergency Response Plan, described further in Section 6.
Table 3 includes one City staff member (Miguel Barcenas) not included in the Organizational Chart, the Deputy Director of Engineering and Planning from the Utilities Department, whose responsibilities include design, modeling and long-range capital planning efforts for the wastewater collection system.
City of San Luis Obispo
2025 Sewer System Management Plan
9 Table 4: SSMP Implementation Responsibilities
SSMP Measure Responsible
Person Role
Goals
Implementation and management of
the SSMP
Ryan Beech
Provides oversight of the SSMP.
Ensure that the collection system is
maintained and operated to reduce
or eliminate sewer spill
Oversight of all aspects of the collection
system.
Organization
Chain of Communication Ryan Beech Determines the chain of command for responding to sewer spills.
Organization Chart Ryan Beech Keeps organization chart up to date.
SOP for SSO Reporting Guidelines Ryan Beech Keeps reporting guidelines up to date to ensure compliance with the GWDR.
SSO Reporting (See Figure 2,
Organizational Chart)
WWC Staff Responds to sewage spills seven days a
week, 24 hours a day.
Ryan Beech
Ensures that reporting guidelines are
followed and updated.
Reports spills on CIWQS, LRO Lead.
Jarrett Rucker LRO Alternative 1 for reporting on CIWQS Chris Lehman LRO Alternative 2 for reporting on CIWQS
Legal Authority
Ensure the Municipal Code is
updated and provides the authority
to prevent illicit discharges, requires
proper design and construction, and
allows for inspection and
maintenance and enforcement of
infractions of the code.
Ryan Beech
Review Municipal Code and update as
needed.
Chris Lehman
Ensure the Municipal Code provides
the authority to prevent the
discharge of fats, oils and grease
and other debris. Chris Lehman
Reviews the Municipal Code and updates
code as needed.
Enforcement of non-permitted
discharges to the sewer.
Investigates illicit discharges to the collection
system, Issues Notice of violations or takes
legal action violators.
Operations & Maintenance Program
Maintaining collection system maps Ryan Beech/
WWC staff
Works with WWC staff and GIS staff to
maintain maps.
Preventative operation and
maintenance
Ryan Beech/
Jarrett Rucker
Updates the description of the program as
needed.
Development of a rehabilitation and
replacement plan Ryan
Beech/Jarrett
Rucker
Continues the current program in place and
improves as needed. Provide training to WWC staff
Provide equipment & replacement
part inventories
Design & Performance Provisions
Design and construction standards
for all aspects of the collection
system
Ryan Beech/
Miguel Barcenas
Works together to update design and
construction standards.
Inspection and testing standards Ryan Beech/
Miguel Barcenas
Continues current inspection and testing
practices and improves as needed.
City of San Luis Obispo
2025 Sewer System Management Plan
10 Figure 3: Organizational Chart1
Ryan Beech (LRO 1)
Wastewater Collection System
Supervisor
[email protected]
805-781-7033
Matt Anderson
Laboratory Manager
[email protected]
805-781-7242
Chris Lehman
Wastewater Division Manager
[email protected]
805-781-7039
Daren Kersey (Data Submitter)
Wastewater Collection Operator
805-431-2207
John Humphrey
Wastewater Collection Operator
805-431-2206
Mitchell Brimage
Wastewater Collection Operator
805-431-7141
Rolando Lopez
Wastewater Collection Operator
805-431-4745
Greg Elianow
Wastewater Collection Operator
805-540-9217
Jeff Jenkins
Wastewater Collection Operator
805-540-9189
John Staley
Wastewater Collection Operator
805-431-7148
Jordan Melby
Environmental Compliance
Inspector
805-434-8324
Geraldine Seng
Environmental Compliance
Inspector
805-805-0036
Charlie Lester
Wastewater Collection Operator
805-431-3188
Jarrett Rucker (LRO 2)
Chief Wastewater Collection
Operator
[email protected]
805-431-7145
City of San Luis Obispo
2025 Sewer System Management Plan
11 Section 3: Legal Authority
The General Waste Discharge Requirements for the Legal Authority section of the Sewer System Management Plan must include copies or an electronic link to the Enrollee’s current sewer system use ordinances, and service agreements and/or other legally binding procedures to demonstrate the Enrollee possesses the necessary legal authority to:
a) Prevent illicit discharges into its sanitary sewer system from inflow and infiltration (I&I); unauthorized stormwater; chemical dumping; unauthorized debris; roots; fats, oils, and grease; and trash, including rags and other debris that may cause blockages;
b) Collaborate with storm sewer agencies to coordinate emergency spill responses, ensure access to storm sewer systems during spill events, and prevent unintentional cross connections of sanitary sewer infrastructure to storm sewer infrastructure;
c) Require that sewer system components and connections be properly designed and constructed;
d) Ensure access for maintenance, inspection, and/or repairs for portions of the service lateral owned and/or operated by the Enrollee;
e) Enforce any violation of its sewer ordinances, service agreements, or other legally binding procedures; and
f) Obtain easement accessibility agreements for locations requiring sewer system operations and maintenance, as applicable.
3.1 San Luis Obispo Municipal Code & General Plan
As the purveyor of sanitary sewer service within the City, the Utilities Department is responsible for the preparation and implementation of the Sewer System Management Plan. The City possesses legal authority through its Municipal Code as described in Table 5, Legal Authority, from San Luis Obispo Municipal Code.
Title 13, Public Services, Section 13.08, Sewers, of the City’s Municipal Code includes requirements for sewer connections, discharges, charges and fees, disposal of septic tank cleanings, enforcement, abatement and penalties. The Municipal Code is available on the City’s website through the following link:
https://sanluisobispo.municipal.codes/
Chapter 8 of the City’s General Plan, the Water and Wastewater Element, includes policies and programs related to the provision of wastewater collection services, and is available on the City’s website through the following link:
https://www.slocity.org/home/showdocument?id=19965
3.2 Agreements with Satellite Agencies
The Cal Poly wastewater collection system discharges to the City’s collection system from Mustang Drive, which is southwest of the campus’ stadium, through a 15-inch sewer line. The City does not maintain Cal Poly’s collection system or provide input on the design of campus facilities. The City has a Pretreatment Agreement with the campus providing the legal authority
City of San Luis Obispo
2025 Sewer System Management Plan
12 to enforce Title 13, Public Services, Section 13.08, Sewers, of the City’s Municipal Code within the campus dated January 6, 2009. The City has a service agreement with Cal Poly for water and sewer rates that was originally completed in 2012, with the latest revision completed in 2021.
The City and Cal Poly meet annually to review these agreements and have committed to an open line of communication for wastewater collection and pretreatment issues.
The City also provides wastewater treatment services and has pretreatment authority for the San Luis Obispo County Airport, located south of the City, consistent with a 1977 Sewer and Water Agreement (amended in April 1988, July 1988, 1993, and 2000). The County Airport discharges to the City’s wastewater collection system at the maintenance over located upstream of the Airport lift station on Broad Street (SMH M17-8).
City of San Luis Obispo
2025 Sewer System Management Plan
13 Table 5: Legal Authority from San Luis Obispo Municipal Code & General Plan Order Requirement City Municipal Code
Reference1
City General Plan
Reference2
Meets Order
Requirements?
General
Prevent illicit discharges
into the wastewater
collection system
Municipal Code 13.08.030;
13.08.040; 13.08.430
General Plan
Program B 4.3.7 Yes
Limit the discharge of
fats, oils, and grease
and other debris that
may cause blockages
Municipal Code 13.08.040;
13.08.050; 13.08.080;
13.08.090
General Plan
Program B 4.3.7 Yes
Require that sewers and
connections be properly
designed and
constructed
Municipal Code 13.08.380 Yes
Require proper
installation, testing, and
inspection of new and
rehabilitated sewers
Municipal Code 13.08.380 Yes
Prohibiting crossconnections of the
sanitary sewer system to
the storm sewer
infrastructure
Municipal Code 12.08.110;
13.08.030 Yes
Laterals
Clearly define City
responsibility and
policies
Municipal Code 13.08.010;
13.08.080 Yes
Ensure access for
maintenance, inspection,
or repairs for portions of
the service lateral owned
or maintained by the City
Does not apply;
maintenance of service
lateral is responsibility of
property owner
Yes
Control infiltration and
inflow (I/I) from private
service laterals
Municipal Code 13.08.040;
13.08.390
General Plan
Policy B4.2.2,
Program B4.3.1, and
B4.3.2
Yes
FOG Source Control
Requirements to install
grease removal devices,
design standards for the
grease removal devices,
maintenance
requirements, BMP
requirements, record
keeping and reporting
requirements
Municipal Code 13.08.090 Yes
Authority to inspect
grease producing
facilities
Municipal Code 13.08.140 Yes
Enforcement
Enforce any violation of
its sewer ordinances Municipal Code 13.08.140 Yes
1 City, Municipal Code, 2024 2
General Plan, Chapter 8, Water & Wastewater, Adopted: February 24, 1987, Last Revised: May 15, 2018; Council Resolution No. 10893, 2018.
City of San Luis Obispo
2025 Sewer System Management Plan
14 Section 4. Operation and Maintenance
The General Waste Discharge Requirements for the Operation and Maintenance section of the Sewer System Management Plan are:
a) Maintain an up-to-date map of the sanitary sewer system, showing all gravity line segments and maintenance covers, pumping facilities, pressure pipes and valves, and applicable storm water conveyance facilities;
b) Describe routine preventive operation and maintenance activities by staff and contractors, including a system for scheduling regular maintenance and cleaning of the sanitary sewer system with more frequent cleaning and maintenance targeted at known problem areas. The Preventative Maintenance (PM) program should have a system to document scheduled and conducted activities, such as work orders;
c) Develop a rehabilitation and replacement plan to identify and prioritize system deficiencies and implement short-term and long-term rehabilitation actions to address each deficiency. The program should include regular visual and TV inspections of maintenance covers and sewer pipes, and a system for ranking the condition of sewer pipes and scheduling rehabilitation. Rehabilitation and replacement should focus on sewer pipes that are at risk of collapse or prone to more frequent blockages due to pipe defects. Finally, the rehabilitation and replacement plan should include a capital improvement plan that addresses proper management and protection of the infrastructure assets. The plan shall include a time schedule for implementing the short- and long-term plans plus a schedule for developing the funds needed for the capital improvement plan; d) Provide training on a regular basis for staff in sanitary sewer system operations and maintenance, and require contractors to be appropriately trained; and e) Provide equipment and replacement part inventories, including identification of critical replacement parts.
4.1 Operation and Maintenance Program Additional GWDR requirements for this section include providing up-to-date map(s) of the sanitary sewer system, and procedures for maintaining and providing State and Regional Water Board staff access to the map(s). The map(s) must show gravity line segments and maintenance covers, pumping facilities, pressure pipes and valves, and applicable stormwater conveyance facilities within the sewer system service area boundaries.
This section of the SSMP describes the programs utilized to operate and maintain the City’s wastewater collection system including sewer lines, maintenance covers, force mains, and lift stations. This section also describes the on-going training required for staff to comply with State Regulations, which are designed to help minimize and prevent sanitary sewer overflows.
Maps of all components of the City’s sewer system are maintained in the City’s geographic information system (GIS). The information contained in this system is presented in Table 6. In addition to these electronic files, the City also maintains a digital library of record drawings for public improvements.
City of San Luis Obispo
2025 Sewer System Management Plan
15 Table 6: Collection System Database
Facility
Type Basic Map Information Additional Map Information
Maintenance
Covers
ID number
Location, with reference to
streets and property lines
Size
Material type (brick or precast)
Cover type
Condition rating
GPS coordinates (for buried maintenance covers and
those in easements)
Rim and invert elevation
Pipes Location, with reference to
streets and property lines
Flow basin
X, Y, Z coordinates
Size of pipe and distance between maintenance covers
Structural material (HDPE, PVC, VCP, CPP liner, DIP)
Mainline type (force main, siphon, surface cover, parallel pipe, trunk line/interceptor)
Lift Stations Location, with reference to
streets and property lines
Type of station
Type, number, capacity, discharge size of pump
Wet well and overflow elevation
Source: City Utilities Department, Wastewater Collection, 2024.
Wastewater Collection System staff logs minor updates that are required to system maps daily and holds biweekly meetings with the City’s GIS team to implement the updates. During these meetings, staff reviews recent changes, discusses required map revisions, and coordinates additional updates needed for accuracy and completeness.
The city has provided maps (Figures 1 and 2) as part of the 2025 SSMP and will supply any additional maps or information as needed upon request from the Water Board. Access to the maps will be granted promptly, ensuring the Water Board staff have the necessary resources to support their work.
4.2. Scheduling Inspection and Maintenance Activities
GWDR requirements for this section include presenting the scheduling system and a data collection system used by the Enrollee for preventive operation and maintenance activities conducted by staff and contractors. The scheduling system must include:
a) Inspection and maintenance activities;
b) Higher-frequency inspections and maintenance of known problem areas, including areas with tree root problems; and
c) Regular visual and closed-circuit television (CCTV) inspections of maintenance covers and sewer pipes.
The data collection system must document data from system inspection and maintenance activities, including system areas/components prone to root-intrusion potentially resulting in system backup and/or failure.
Knowledge of the wastewater collection system facilities is essential to effective management.
In 1990, Wastewater Collection System staff developed a comprehensive operations and maintenance program that integrated a CMMS (Hansen v7.7). This program was integrated with
City of San Luis Obispo
2025 Sewer System Management Plan
16 the City’s GIS in 1997. In 2013, the City implemented a new CMMS called Cityworks, which also integrates an asset management system with GIS. This software enables maintenance crews to utilize mobile computers to organize predictive and preventative maintenance work orders.
Mobile computers enable field staff to query historical system information, continually evaluate the system, update the data base, and improve work efficiency to eliminate stoppages and sanitary sewer overflows.
Wastewater Collection System staff can access and display multi-year inspection results to identify critical trends that may impact important design and construction considerations.
Additionally, Wastewater Collection System staff use the operations and maintenance program to evaluate and prioritize Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) inspections, assess capacity, establish capital project priorities, evaluate program effectiveness, and store and retrieve historical data about the collection system. It has allowed the section to efficiently manage resources, resulting in increased productivity and decreased sanitary sewer overflows, stoppages, overtime, and customer service interruptions.
4.3 Computerized Control and Monitoring
All the City’s nine lift stations are monitored by a telemetry system. Telemetry, meaning “measuring at a distance”, became part of the Utilities Department’s operations in 1988 when the Regional Water Quality Control Board required the installation of alarms on the City’s wastewater collection lift stations. Since that time the telemetry system has evolved into complex computer network of interconnected distributed process controllers and personal computers. In 2013, the Human Machine Interface (HMI) systems was upgraded from Fix32 to the latest generation of the software, iFix 5.1. The upgrade to iFix has greater capability to collect, store, aggregate and trend data than the existing Fix 32 system. Staff can use this data to generate daily, monthly and yearly reports, as well as historical analysis of pump run times and operational and maintenance optimization. In 2025, the City is using version 5.5 of the iFix software, with plans to upgrade to Ignition SCADA Software in 2025/2026.
The telemetry system communicates via radios and fiber optic cable and sends information to a data concentrator at the Wastewater Collection shop within the City Corporation Yard located at 25 Prado Road. The system continually communicates and monitors lift station functions and operations, providing Wastewater Collection System staff the ability to remotely monitor pump run times, set pump level on and off points, and alarm high and low levels. In the event of a failure, the system notifies standby Wastewater Collection System personnel through an alarm dialing system. The alarm system is activated in the event of a power failure, high or low levels in the wet well and extended communication failures. The system has resulted in advance notice of pending problems, which has decreased overflows. The City has also invested in the installation of “Smart (maintenance covers) Covers”, which are installed to monitor levels in areas with known issues, including those with capacity limitations. In 2025, staff anticipate expanding the Smart Cover network from 10 to 15 devices. This secondary network includes a monitoring dashboard, and configurable text alerts to staff.
City of San Luis Obispo
2025 Sewer System Management Plan
17 4.4 Preventive Maintenance and Area Maintenance Programs The City’s wastewater collection system is aging and requires an aggressive maintenance schedule. To ensure uninterrupted wastewater flows and to reduce or eliminate stoppages or sanitary sewer overflows, preventive and area maintenance is scheduled and completed in each of the City’s 14 flow basins. Extensive review of the effectiveness of past maintenance practices has led to the area and preventive maintenance programs that are in place today. These maintenance programs are continually evaluated
by Wastewater Collection System staff to avoid
sewer spills.
The predictive and preventative maintenance
activities are performed by two Wastewater
Collection operators (See Table 7, Annual
Maintenance Summary). As a target, the entire
collection system is cleaned as part of the
preventative maintenance program every three to
five years. Preventative maintenance has been
successful program in operation and maintenance
of the wastewater collection system. Hydrocleaning the entire collection system on a routine maintenance frequency is a major component in
the reduction of sanitary sewer overflows. As
shown in Table 8, Predictive Maintenance
Frequency, over 200,000 feet of the City’s
collection system is on periodic predictive
maintenance schedules with a frequency ranging
from two to 24 months. Approximately 182,000 feet
(over 34.5 miles), or 25 percent, of the City’s
collection system, is cleaned on the Predictive
Maintenance program.
In addition to the maintenance schedules to
eliminate blockages and sanitary sewer overflows,
contractors are required to follow the latest City’s
Standard Specification and Engineering Standards1
to ensure that no debris or construction material
enters the collection system. These standards
require contractors to install sand-traps in
maintenance covers where street adjustment grade
rings are installed on paving operations and new
public sewer mains to prevent debris from entering
the collection system during construction. Sand
traps are required to stay in place throughout
construction and are removed only after nonsewage debris is removed from affected sewer lines. 1 The City’s 2020 Standard Specifications and Engineering Standards, effective on August 31, 2020, are available at the link below:
https://www.slocity.org/home/showpublisheddocument/27919/637341402080900000 Table 8: Predictive Maintenance
Frequency
Frequency Length of Pipe
(in feet)
2 month * 10,379
3 month 4,577
4 month 6,284
6 month 78,848
8 month 1,112
9 month 3,660
12 month 73,998
18 month 1,022
24 month 2,227
Total: 182,107
* Includes 7,747 feet of sewer lines located in
the City’s downtown that require hydrocleaning every two months due to grease build up.
Table 7: Annual Maintenance Summary
Year
Preventative
Maintenance
(in feet)
Area
Maintenance
(in feet)
Total
(in feet)
2014 330,216 65,271 395,487
2015 330,854 51,749 382,603
2016 338,827 135,048 473,875
2017 341,748 13,139 354,887
2018 343,578 88,915 432,493
2019 339,329 48,765 388,094
2020 335,445 163,646 499,091
2021 335,043 29,921 364,964
2022 334,829 136,735 471,564
2023 345,321 253,012 598,333
2024 282,496 227,906 510,402
Source: City Utilities Department, Wastewater Collection, 2024.
City of San Luis Obispo
2025 Sewer System Management Plan
18 Wastewater Collection System staff routinely respond to mainline failures to conduct point repairs, schedule wye installations, complete maintenance cover rehabilitation and maintenance cover ring and cover replacements.
4.5 Visual/CCTV Inspections
The City’s wastewater collection system is inspected using closed-circuit television (CCTV) by two Wastewater Collection System staff that are Pipeline Assessment and Certification Program (PACP) certified. Staff inspect and evaluate the system to manage several CCTV programs, these programs are:
• Sanitary sewer spill inspections
• Predictive/ Preventative maintenance inspections
• I/I investigations
• Basin inspections
• CIP mainline replacement program
• New construction
In 2016, the City Utilities Department upgraded to a new closed-circuit television (CCTV) inspection program. ITpipes was selected as the software, which interfaces with the asset management program found in the Cityworks database. ITpipes is a (PACP) compliant CCTV inspection system. The system integrates the CCTV sewer inspection data, displays digital video recordings and generates a PACP condition rating from CCTV data. Data gathered during CCTV inspections is critical for scheduling predictive and preventative maintenance activities to avoid sanitary sewer spills. Staff place the CCTV camera into a gravity sewer line and transmit video of the sewer line to a nearby service vehicle, where operators can inspect and evaluate the system. Problem coding (see Table 8) entered as part of the inspection includes:
• Structural Rating
• Condition Rating
• Joint Condition
• Root Intrusion
• Debris / Grease
• Inflow / Infiltration
• Alignment
• Leak Size
• Leak Description
• Crack Coding
Wastewater Collection System operators enter CCTV data utilizing ITpipes, which interfaces with the Cityworks (CMMS) database. A sample CCTV inspection report is provided in Appendix A. Based on the data recorded by Wastewater Collection System staff, the PACP formula-based CCTV software evaluates and prioritizes problems areas. This information is utilized by staff to determine maintenance schedules, overall mainline condition, and inflow/infiltration (I/I) condition. The asset management program uses this information in optimizing future replacement capital improvement projects.
Table 9: Problem Coding for CCTV Inspections
City of San Luis Obispo
2025 Sewer System Management Plan
19 4.6 Lift Station Maintenance
The City maintains nine sewer lift stations (See Table 3) that are inspected and maintained on a bi-monthly basis. The stations are continuously monitored by a telemetry system. The telemetry system communicates via radios and fiber optic cables, and it sends information to a data concentrator at the wastewater collection shop at 25 Prado Road. The data concentrator then sends alarm signals to the auto alarm dialer for staff to respond to pump station failures.
City of San Luis Obispo
2025 Sewer System Management Plan
20 In the event of a power outages or pump failure, the station's telemetry system has a backup uninterruptable power supply (UPS), which allows for continuous monitoring of each of the City’s pump stations while staff work to install or restore power, and/or configure by-pass pumping at the affected stations.
The telemetry system provides staff the ability to remotely monitor pump run times, set pump level on and off points, and alarm high and low levels. In the event of a pump station failure, the system notifies staff through the alarm dialing system. The alarm system is activated in the event of a power failure, high or low levels in the wet well and extended communication failures.
Wastewater Collection System staff assist two Utilities Control Systems Technician staff in the maintenance of telemetry systems, and perform bi-annual operation and alarm testing. The testing ensures reliability of the system and provides staff the technical experience required to maintain the system. The telemetry system also provides staff with a reliable operational system to efficiently operate and maintain the wastewater collection system lift station pumping system.
The city operates a network of nine lift stations, each designed to ensure reliable wastewater management. While some stations are equipped with both onsite generators and auxiliary power capabilities, four of these stations feature stationary generators to provide emergency power during outages. Specifically, the Laguna lift station utilizes the auxiliary power generator from the Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) for backup power. In addition to this, six lift stations are fitted with connections for emergency auxiliary power, bolstering resilience in critical situations. Furthermore, five lift stations are equipped with a pump by-pass manifold, offering an alternative solution to bypass the lift station entirely, ensuring uninterrupted service in the event of any issues.
4.7 Repairs
As part of the Wastewater Collection Department's predictive and preventive maintenance programs, staff identifies, prioritizes, and performs a variety of necessary repairs on the collections system (Table 10). These repairs include maintenance cover repairs, channel repairs, raising clean-outs, and main line point repairs. Major sewer line repairs identified through maintenance or inspection activities are evaluated and prioritized through the Department’s Capital Improvement Program, which is described further in Section 8.
Table 10: Wastewater Collection System Repairs
Completed Repairs
Year Raise
Cleanout
Mainline
Repair Lining
Maintena
nce cover
repair
Replace
Frame and
Cover
Wye
Abandon
ment
Wye
Replacemen
t
Wye
Installation
2015 7 41 0 2 0 7 61 12
2016 6 8 0 21 0 4 59 5
2017 0 3 2 4 4 4 55 9
2018 0 13 0 3 4 2 68 14
2019 1 15 0 2 22 0 81 13
2020 0 21 0 7 1 6 115 23
2021 3 18 0 1 0 2 136 17
2022 1 10 0 0 2 2 108 10
2023 1 10 0 4 15 2 87 13
2024 1 10 0 1 3 3 93 17
Total: 26 149 2 45 51 32 863 133
Pending Repairs
City of San Luis Obispo
2025 Sewer System Management Plan
21 Maintenance cover repair Replace Frame and
Cover
Raise CleanOut Main Line Point Repair
12 30 0 13
Source: City Utilities Department, Wastewater Collection, 2024.
4.8 Staff Safety & Professional Development
General Waste Discharge Requirements (GWDR) requirements for this section include presentation of in-house and external training provided on a regular basis for sanitary sewer system operations and maintenance staff and contractors. The training must cover:
a) The Enrollee’s Spill Emergency Response Plan procedures and practice drills; b) Skilled estimation of spill volume for field operators; and c) Electronic CIWQS reporting procedures for staff submitting data.
The City holds an annual spill estimation and reporting training, as well as hands-on drills to practice spill estimation methods and reporting. After a spill has occurred, staff also review the Spill Emergency Response Plan (SERP) for effectiveness to help correct discrepancies and address any additional need for training. The City has three LRO’s and multiple data submitters to ensure that spill reports are updated in CIWQS in a timely manner. Once a report has been completed by trained staff, it is then sent to a data submitter and LRO for submission to CWIQS within the deadlines required by the Order.
The City’s Utilities Department maintains a budget for annual training that is consistent with the requirements placed on the City by the State Water Resources Control Board in the Statewide GWDR’s for Sanitary Sewer Systems. This training ensures that the Wastewater Collection System section and Pretreatment section staff maintain their California Water Environment Association (CWEA) certifications, and provides the opportunity to achieve advanced competency in the profession. In 2017, the City hired a Safety and Technical Training Engineer to implement the Utilities Department's safety programs and safety-related training programs in compliance with federal, state and local safety, health and environmental laws and regulations.
Each of the City’s Wastewater Collection and Environmental Compliance staff members have earned certification from the CWEA, as shown in Table 11. Job duties, knowledge, skills and abilities associated with each CWEA certification level are identified in Appendix B. Staff are required to participate in at least 12 hours of continuing education or training every two years to maintain their certifications. Staff also attend numerous safety training workshops at the frequency described in Table 12.
Table 11: Staff Certifications
Name Title Certification
Wastewater Collection System staff
Ryan Beech Wastewater Collection System
Supervisor
CWEA - Collection System Technologist - Grade IV
Jarrett Rucker Wastewater Collection System
Chief Operator
CWEA - Collection System Technologist - Grade III
Daren Kersey Wastewater Collection System
Operator
CWEA - Collection System Technologist - Grade III
City of San Luis Obispo
2025 Sewer System Management Plan
22 Name Title Certification
John Humphrey Wastewater Collection System
Operator
CWEA - Collection System Technologist - Grade III
Mitchell Brimage Wastewater Collection System
Operator
CWEA - Collection System Technologist - Grade III
Jeffery Jenkins Wastewater Collection System
Operator
CWEA - Collection System Technologist - Grade III
Johnny Staley Wastewater Collection System
Operator
CWEA - Collection System Technologist - Grade II
Charles Lester Wastewater Collection System
Operator
CWEA - Collection System Technologist - Grade II
Greg Elianow Wastewater Collection System
Operator
CWEA - Collection System Technologist - Grade II
Rolando Lopez Wastewater Collection System
Operator
CWEA - Collection System Technologist - Grade I
Environmental Compliance Staff
Jordan Melby Environmental Compliance
Inspector
CWEA - Environmental Compliance Inspector –
Grade I
Geraldine Seng Environmental Compliance
Inspector CWEA - Environmental Compliance Inspector – N/A Source: City Utilities Department, Wastewater Collection, 2024.
Table 12: Wastewater Collection Safety Training
Training Workshop Frequency
Environmental Safety Required Annually
Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response - Operations Level Required Annually Bloodborne Pathogens Required Annually
Fire Extinguisher Operation Required Annually
Heat Stress Required Annually
Hearing Conservation Required Annually
Respirator Protection Required Annually
Trench Safety Competent Person Initial/As Needed
Aerial Lift Operator Training Initial/As Needed
Hand and Portable Power Tool Safety Initial/As Needed
Supervisor Safety Training Initial/As Needed
Fall Protection Awareness Initial/As Needed
Hazard Communication Initial/As Needed
Lockout/Tagout Initial/As Needed
Confined Space Entry Initial/As Needed
Emergency Action Plan Initial/As Needed
Ergonomics - Field and Transit Personnel Initial/As Needed Ergonomics - Office Personnel Initial/As Needed
Basic Electrical Safety Initial/As Needed
CPR Required Every 2 Years
First Aid Required Every 2 Years
Forklift Operator Training Required Every 3 Years
City of San Luis Obispo
2025 Sewer System Management Plan
23 NFPA 70 E - Live Exposed Electrical Required Every 3 Years Driver Awareness Initial/Recommended
Every 3 Years
Backhoe Operator Training Initial/Recommended
Every 3 Years
Crane Operator Training Initial/Recommended
Every 3 Years
Flagging Safety Initial/Recommended
Every 3 Years
Safety through Maintenance and Construction Zones Initial/Recommended Every 3 Years
Preventing Substance Abuse in the Workplace Recommended Every 2 Years Safe Workplaces - When Being Nice Isn't Working Recommended Every 2 Years Technology - Managing Risks in Email, Internet, Blogs, and Cell Phones Recommended Every 2 Years Source: City, Utilities Department, 2024.
4.9 Maintenance Equipment & Replacement Inventories
GWDR requirements for this section include presenting an inventory of sewer system equipment, including the identification of critical replacement and spare parts.
Contingency equipment (e.g. portable pumps and generators) supports an effective response to emergency conditions. Spare and replacement parts are kept in inventory to minimize equipment and facility downtime in the event of a failure. Replacement parts for pumps, motors, and vehicles along with appropriately maintained emergency response equipment and accessories allow field crews to effectively respond to incidents and efficiently perform routine maintenance.
Maintaining an adequate inventory of replacement parts is key to preventing extended overflow events associated with equipment breakdown or malfunction.
The equipment identified in Table 13 is utilized during response to emergency conditions, such as an SSO, as well as for conducting area and preventive maintenance activities, pump station maintenance and CCTV inspections. Wastewater Collection System staff also maintain an inventory of replacement parts, which is presented in Table 14. These materials are kept on hand to address unscheduled maintenance activities and overflows. Staff’s experience and knowledge of the local availability of critical parts needed for system operation and maintenance contributes to the maintenance of this inventory. Although these specific numbers vary throughout the year depending on unplanned events, the listed values are a baseline average for staff to maintain. For the fiscal year 25-27 financial plan, approximately $71,000 is budgeted annually for maintaining this inventory.
Table 13: Wastewater Collection Equipment
City of San Luis Obispo
2025 Sewer System Management Plan
24 Manufacturer Type Year Specifications Use
Freightliner Vac-Con 2014 3000 psi @ 30/50 gpm Hydro-Cleaner / Combination Unit
Hydrocleaner/
combination
unit
5-yard debris tank
Freightliner Vactor 2023 3000 psi @ 40-60 gpm Hydro-Cleaner / Combination Unit
Hydrocleaner/
combination
unit
10- yard debris tank
Ford Transit 2016 CCTV Mainline inspections
Ford / F-550 Service
Truck 2018 1 ½ ton Maintenance
Ford / F-550 Service
Truck 2018 1 ½ ton Maintenance
International Dump truck 2008 5 yards Construction/
Maintenance
Caterpillar 304CR 2006 Excavator Construction/
Maintenance
Cummins Generator 2016 200 KVA Emergency
Auxiliary Power
Cummins Generator 2020 200 KVA Emergency
Auxiliary Power
Power
Prime
Trash
Pump 2008 6-inch, 2,750 gpm @ 195 TDH
Emergency ByPassing
Pioneer
Pump
Trash
Pump 2022 6-inch 2,750 gpm @ 195 TDH
Emergency ByPassing Source: City Utilities Department, Wastewater Collection, 2024.
Table 14: Replacement Parts Inventory
Pipe Fittings:
Size Manufacturer Description Location Stock Critical
4" Mission 45° Socket to
Socket Shop 4 Yes
4" Mission 22.5° Socket to
Socket Shop 4 Yes
4" Mission Coupling Shop 4 Yes
6" Mission 45° Socket to
Socket Shop 6 Yes
6" Mission 22.5° Socket to
Socket Shop 6 Yes
6" Mission Coupling Shop 4 Yes
6"x 4" Mission Concentric Reducer Shop 2 Yes
6"x 4" Mission Eccentric Reducer Shop 2 Yes
6"x 4" Mission Wye Shop 24 Yes
6"x 6" Mission Wye Shop 6 Yes
8" Mission 45˚ Socket to
Socket Shop 4 Yes
City of San Luis Obispo
2025 Sewer System Management Plan
25 8" Mission 22.5˚ Socket to
Socket Shop 4 Yes
8" Mission Coupling Shop 2 Yes
8"x 6" Mission Concentric Reducer Shop 2 Yes
8"x 6" Mission Eccentric Reducer Shop 2 Yes
8" x 4" Mission Wye Shop 4 Yes
8" x 6" Mission Wye Shop 4 Yes
Couplings:
Size Manufacturer Description Location Stock Critical
4" Mission Clay to PVC Shop 8 Yes
4" Mission PVC to PVC Shop 8 Yes
6" Mission Clay to PVC Shop 18 Yes
6" Mission PVC to PVC Shop 8 Yes
8" Mission Clay to PVC Shop 4 Yes
8" Mission PVC to PVC Shop 4 Yes
10" Mission Clay to PVC Shop 4 Yes
10" Mission PVC to PVC Shop 4 Yes
12" Mission Clay to PVC Shop 4 Yes
12 Mission PVC to PVC Shop 4 Yes
6" Mission Concrete to PVC Shop 18 Yes
PVC Pipe:
Size Manufacturer Description Location Stock Critical
4" JM SDR 35 Shop 20' Yes
6" JM SDR 35 Shop 80' Yes
8" JM SDR 35 Shop 40' Yes
10" JM SDR 35 Shop 20' Yes
12" JM SDR 35 Shop 10' Yes
4" Inserta-Tee:
Size Manufacturer Description Location Stock
12" Inserta-Tee 4P3512P35 Shop 2
15" Inserta-Tee 4P3515P35 Shop 2
18" Inserta-Tee 4P3518P35 Shop 2
21" Inserta-Tee 4P3521P35 Shop 2
24" Inserta-Tee 4P3524P35 Shop 2
27" Inserta-Tee 4P3527P35 Shop 2
30" Inserta-Tee 4P3530SL40 Shop 2
33" Inserta-Tee 4P3533SL40 Shop 2
36" Inserta-Tee 4P3536SL40 Shop 2
48" Inserta-Tee 4P3548SL40 Shop 2
6" Inserta-Tee:
Size Manufacturer Description Location Stock
12" Inserta-Tee 6P3512P35 Shop 2
15" Inserta-Tee 6P3515P35 Shop 2
18" Inserta-Tee 6P3518P35 Shop 2
21" Inserta-Tee 6P3521P35 Shop 2
24" Inserta-Tee 6P3524P35 Shop 2
27" Inserta-Tee 6P3527P35 Shop 2
30" Inserta-Tee 6P3530SL40 Shop 2
33" Inserta-Tee 6P3533SL40 Shop 2
36" Inserta-Tee 6P3536SL40 Shop 2
Filters:
Type Area Quantity Critical
30 micron WWC shop 12 Yes
City of San Luis Obispo
2025 Sewer System Management Plan
26 Lift Station Equipment:
Item Area Quantity Output/size Direction Critical
Transducer head Shop 2 4-20 MA N/A Yes
Transducer cable Shop 2 0.5-0.45 MA N/A Yes
Support Cable Shop 100 SS 1/4 cable N/A Yes
Batteries Shop 2 12v 12amp N/A Yes
Batteries Shop 2 24v 18amp N/A Yes
Chargers Shop 3 N/A N/A Yes
Pump seal Shop 1 1.375 N/A Yes
Pump seal Shop 5 1 7/8 N/A Yes
Pump seal Shop 2 2 1/8 N/A Yes
Impellers Shop 1 9 1/8 x 1 7/8 Counter Yes
Impellers Shop 1 9 1/8 x 1 7/8 Clockwise Yes
Impellers Shop 1 8 1/2 x 1 7/8 Clockwise Yes
Impellers Shop 2 10 1/2 x 2 1/2 Counter Yes
Impellers Shop 1 10 1/2 x 2 1/2 Clockwise Yes
Impellers Shop 1 2 7/8 x 1 7/8 Clockwise Yes
Impellers Shop 1 2 7/8 x 1 7/8 Counter Yes
Impellers Shop 2 8.78 x 1 7/8 Counter Yes
Impellers Shop 1 8.78 x 1 7/8 Clockwise Yes
Houghton pella Shop 20gal pump oil N/A Yes
HDPE Electrofusion Fittings:
Size Manufacturer Description Location Stock Critical
6" Tega Coupler Shop 2 Yes
6"x 4" Tega Saddle shop 2 Yes
8" x 4" Tega Saddle Shop 2 Yes
8" x 6" Tega Saddle Shop 1 Yes
10" x 4" Tega Saddle Shop 1 Yes
10" x 6" Tega Saddle Shop 1 Yes
4" Tega Coupler shop 2 Yes
4" Tega Cap Shop 2 Yes
HDPE PIPE DR17:
Size Manufacturer Description Location Stock Critical
4" BD HDPE Shop 20' Yes
6" BD HDPE Shop 20' Yes
Construction Materials:
Size Manufacturer Description Location Stock Critical
24" Mission Concrete Cast iron MH Shop 6 Yes
24" Mission Concrete 3" Riser ring Shop 6 No
24" Mission Concrete 6" Riser ring Shop 4 No
24" x 32" Mission Concrete Reduction ring Shop 2 No
8" Mission Concrete G5 Shop 6 No
Twist Tee:
Size Manufacturer Description Location Stock
4" Mission 8"- 10" Shop 6
4" Mission 12" - 15" Shop 4
4" Mission 18" - 27" Shop 2
4" Mission 30" - Larger Shop 2
6" Mission 8" - 10" Shop 4
6" Mission 12" - 15" Shop 2
6" Mission 18" - 27" Shop 2
6" Mission 30" - Larger Shop 2
City of San Luis Obispo
2025 Sewer System Management Plan
27 Source: City Utilities Department, Wastewater Collection, 2024.
Section 5: Design & Performance Provisions
The General Waste Discharge Requirements for the Design and Performance Provisions section of the Sewer System Management Plan include discussion of:
(a) Design and construction standards and specifications for the installation of new sanitary sewer systems, pump stations and other appurtenances, and for the rehabilitation and repair of existing sanitary sewer systems; and (b) Procedures and standards for inspecting and testing the installation of new sewers, pumps, and other appurtenances and for rehabilitation and repair projects.
Additional GWDR requirements include discussion of updated design criteria, and construction standards and specifications, for the construction, installation, repair, and rehabilitation of existing and proposed system infrastructure components, including but not limited to pipelines, pump stations, and other system appurtenances. If existing design criteria and construction standards are deficient to address the necessary componentspecific hydraulic capacity as specified in Section 8 (System Evaluation, Capacity Assurance and Capital Improvements) of the SSMP, the procedures must include component-specific evaluation of the design criteria.
5.1 Standards for Installation, Rehabilitation and Repair Sanitary sewer overflows and operating problems are in some cases attributable to poor design and/or improper construction of newly constructed or rehabilitated sewer lines. An effective program that ensures that new sewers are properly designed and installed can minimize system deficiencies that could create or contribute to future overflows or operation and maintenance problems.
The City requires specific standards for new construction and for rehabilitation of existing sewer lines. Design criteria include specifications such as pipe materials, minimum sizes, minimum cover, strength, minimum slope, trench excavation and backfill, structure standards, and other factors. These are communicated through the City’s Standard Specifications & Engineering Standards, updated in August 2020. Section 77 of the Standard Specifications includes design and construction requirements related to the City’s wastewater collection system. Engineering Standards are provided for utilities location, trench details, utility covers, pipeline abandonment, sewer maintenance covers, sewer lateral, sewer cleanouts, and separation criteria for water and sewer lines.
The City Utilities Department and Engineering and Inspection staff from the City’s Public Works Department work cooperatively to develop and improve design standards and specifications for new construction to ensure the most up to date and effective construction plans and specifications possible. The City’s Standard Specifications & Engineering Standards are updated bi-annually as needed, most recently in 2020, and are available through the City’s Public Works Department website through the following link:
https://www.slocity.org/home/showpublisheddocument/27919/637341402080900000
City of San Luis Obispo
2025 Sewer System Management Plan
28 5.2 Standards for Inspection and Testing of New and Rehabilitated Facilities
The General Waste Discharge Requirements for this section of the Sewer System Management Plan include discussion of procedures, and standards for the inspection and testing of newly constructed, newly installed, repaired, and rehabilitated system pipelines, pumps, and other equipment and appurtenances.
Inspection and testing of new facilities are important to ensure that the City’s established standards are implemented in the field. Using the legal authority described earlier in the SSMP, completed construction is not accepted by the City until inspection and testing have been completed. This approach helps ensure proper operation and maximize lifecycle expectancy.
Acceptance testing for gravity sewers can include:
• Low pressure air test or water test to identify leakage • Mandrel test to identify deflection in flexible pipe
• Water of vacuum test of maintenance covers to identify leakage • CCTV inspection to identify grade variations or other construction defects Inspection and testing of new wastewater collection facilities may be conducted by Wastewater Collection System staff or by the contractor, while a Public Works inspector ensures the installation and testing meets the City’s standards. Inspections are performed during, and at the completion of construction.
Section 6. Sewer Emergency Response Plan
The General Waste Discharge Requirements for this section state that the City shall develop and implement an overflow emergency response plan that identifies measures to protect public health and the environment. At a minimum, overflow emergency response plan must include the following:
(a) Proper notification procedures so that the primary responders and regulatory agencies are informed of all Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs) in a timely manner; (b) A program to ensure appropriate response to all overflows; (c) Procedures to ensure prompt notification to appropriate regulatory agencies and other potentially affected entities (e.g. health agencies, regional water boards, water suppliers, etc.) of all SSOs that potentially affect public health or reach the waters of the State in accordance with the Monitoring and Reporting Program (MRP). All SSOs shall be reported in accordance with this MRP, the California Water Code, other State Law, and other applicable Regional Water Board Waste Discharge Requirements or National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements. The Sewer System Management Plan should identify the officials who will receive immediate notification;
(d) Procedures to ensure that appropriate staff and contractor personnel are aware of and follow the Emergency Response Plan and are appropriately trained;
City of San Luis Obispo
2025 Sewer System Management Plan
29 (e) Procedures to address emergency operations, such as traffic and crowd control and other necessary response activities; and
(f) A program to ensure that all reasonable steps are taken to contain untreated wastewater and prevent discharge of untreated wastewater to Waters of the United States and minimize or correct any adverse impact on the environment resulting from the SSOs, including such accelerated or additional monitoring as may be necessary to determine the nature and impact of the discharge.
A stoppage may occur in the collection system when a buildup of debris (typically roots or grease) stops the flow of wastewater, which may result in a sanitary sewer overflow. An overflow may reach the surface through maintenance cover covers in the street or from clean-outs servicing commercial and residential properties. Sanitary sewer overflows are caused by flat grades, root intrusion, deteriorating pipes, poorly functioning grease interceptors, or debris in the line. Stoppages and overflows need immediate attention to restore flow and to minimize the effects of the overflow. Preventative maintenance on public and private systems can help minimize stoppages and overflows.
6.1 History of Stoppages and Overflow Events
Wastewater Collection System and Environmental Programs staff record data on both stoppages and sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) that occur in the City’s wastewater collection system. The City has kept data on sanitary sewer stoppages since the late 1980s. Since 2015, the City has averaged seven sanitary sewer overflows per year, as shown in Table 15.
6.2 City Sewer Emergency Response Plan
The City’s sewer emergency response plan (SERP)
procedures provide a standardized course of action for
Wastewater Collection System and Environmental
Programs staff to follow in the event of an SSO. Within the SERP, SSO reporting guidelines have been
established, to standardize staff response to sewer spills (see Appendix C). City SSO response and reporting
requirements were revised to conform with the June 5,
2023 State Water Board’s General Waste Discharge
Requirements for sanitary sewer systems. As stated
previously, Wastewater Collection System staff are
available to respond to a reported sewage spill seven
days a week, 24-hours a day. Overflows are stopped as
soon as possible, and steps are taken to mitigate the
impacts of the spill. Spills from the City’s wastewater collection system are investigated to determine the
cause, and corrective actions are taken to prevent
additional spills at that location. This may include
corrective actions related to the City’s infrastructure as well as enforcement actions required by privately
maintained systems and private sewer laterals.
Dispatch to Site of Sewer Overflow
Failure of any element within the wastewater collection system that threatens to cause or causes a sanitary sewer overflow will trigger an immediate response by staff to isolate and correct the Table 15: Annual
Sanitary Sewer Overflows,
2015-2024
Year # of
SSOs
# SSOs to Reach
Surface Water
2015 12 2
2016 7 3
2017 10 8
2018 2 2
2019 6 6
2020 7 5
2021 10 4
2022 13 4
2023 4 0
2024 1 1
Average: 7.2 3.5
Source: California Integrated Water Quality System
(CIWQS), 2024.