MARCH 19, 2025
PL-24-25-17 ON-CALL
ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING
SERVICES
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
CA DGS
CERTIFIED
CGI
SBE
AN EMPLOYEE-
OWNED COMPANY
CGI
ESOP
PL-24-25-17 On-Call Environmental Planning Services
City of Santa Clarita
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Table of Contents
1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................................ 1
2. Qualifications ...................................................................................................................................................................... 2
3. Experience on Similar Projects .................................................................................................................................. 11
4. References ........................................................................................................................................................................ 15
5. Program Management and QA/QC .......................................................................................................................... 15
6. Personnel, Equipment and Facilities .......................................................................................................................... 19
Cost File Submitted Separately
Appendix A: Resumes
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1. Introduction
March 19, 2025
Purchasing Department
Santa Clarita City Hall
23920 Valencia Blvd.,
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
Subject: PL-24-25-17 On-Call Environmental Planning Services Dear Members of the Selection Committee:
For over 45 years Chambers Group’s focus has been helping public government agencies keep their projects in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and other environmental impact regulations. In the last 10 years, we’ve held over 200 on-call contracts with public agencies.
Drawing from this experience and the firm’s proven and streamlined on -call project management process, Chambers Group is prepared to provide the City of San ta Clarita (City) with on-call environmental consulting services. Chambers Group is eager to provide on-call CEQA and NEPA consulting services to the City including:
• Scope of Services: Chambers Group has prepared this statement of qualifications to provide the City with qualified environmental planning services including preparation of initial studies, negative declarations, mitigated negative declarations (MNDs) and environmental impact reports (EIRs), environmental impact statements (EISs), technical studies, and related CEQA and NEPA documentation for proposed development projects within the City. • Proven Track Record of Innovative Solutions Working Under On-Call Contracts: Chambers Group has developed a systematic approach to project management of on-call contracts. In the last 10 years, Chambers Group has held on-call contracts with various cities, counties, and agencies throughout Southern California valued at over $20 million in contract fees.
• Past Success with Applicable Regulatory Agencies: Our wide range of experience throughout Southern California has led to solid relationships and successful projects permitted through regulatory agencies such as California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB), California Coastal Commission, United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), to name a few.
• Current, Local Experience in Los Angeles County: Chambers Group and its team of professionals have a strong experience and understanding of local laws, ordinances, regulations, and policies. We are committed to ensuring that all planning and permitting activities remain in compliance with jurisdictional regulations and related expenditure guidelines. We have On-Calls and Master Service Agreements (MSAs) with the City of Los Angeles, the County of Los Angeles Public Works along with several MSAs for similar-sized cities throughout Southern California.
Project Manager with a Thorough Understanding of the Planning and Environmental Processes: Chambers Group’s Project Manager, Thomas Strand, has wide-ranging experience successfully managing the planning and CEQA and NEPA processes for our clients. Thomas has over 11 years of experience performing the tasks identified in the Scope Requirements and has worked specifically and extensively on On -Call contracts and projects throughout Southern California.
We are eager to discuss our proposal in more detail and answer any questions you may have. Please contact me by email at [email protected] or Thomas Strand, at (949) 261-5414 or [email protected].
As Chief Executive Officer, I have the authority to bind Chambers Group. Our headquarters and the office from which this Project will be managed are located at 3151 Airway Avenue, Suite F208, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.
Sincerely,
CHAMBERS GROUP, INC.
Mike McEntee, CEO
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2. Qualifications
Chambers Group understands we may be asked to provide any number of services pertaining to the City’s implementation of CEQA and NEPA, including, but not limited to, the following:
• Conduct a preliminary review of projects for CEQA purposes • Prepare CEQA documents for the City, including, but not limited to:
o Initial Studies in support of Negative Declaration/M ND/ Mitigation, Monitoring, and Reporting Plan (ND/MND/MMRP)
o Conduct technical studies required for CEQA documents including, but not limited to, traffic studies, air quality studies, etc.
o Addendums to EIRs
o Required studies and letters to support a sought CEQA Exemption o Notices of Intent/Preparation/Determination/Exemption (NOI/NOP/NOD/NOE) o State and County noticing requirements such as posting to CEQAnet and at the County Recorder’s Office on behalf of the City
o ND/MND/MMRP/EIR
o Peer Review
o Required consultations (i.e., Native American Heritage Commission [NAHC]) Scope of Services
CEQA
Chambers Group’s experienced group of environmental planning staff has an in -depth understanding of CEQA that ensures that we can determine the correct CEQA document for the project. Our approach to CEQA is always tailored to each individual project; so, based on the project, level of controversy/complexity, and environmental impacts, we choose the correct document to be good stewards of public funds.
The environmental factors outlined in the CEQA checklist include:
Aesthetics Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Public Services Agricultural and Forestry Resources Hazards and Hazardous Materials Recreation Air Quality Hydrology and Water Quality Transportation
Biological Resources Land Use and Planning Tribal Cultural Resources (TCRs) Cultural Resources Mineral Resources Utilities and Service Systems Energy Noise Wildfire
Geology and Soils Population and Housing Mandatory Findings of Significance The following scope highlights the CEQA environmental document process. Detailed scope and deliverables will be provided on a project -by-project basis. Chambers Group understands it is expected that the majority of services will involve the preparation of environmental documents and peer -review of Applicant -prepared environmental documents.
Kick-Off and Scoping Meetings
After receiving a Notice to Proceed (NTP) for a project from the City, Chambers Group will be prepared to meet with the City and other relevant parties such as the City consultants and project applicant(s), at a Project Initiation/Kick-off Meeting to discuss the project and receive all available project information. Chambers Group will work closely with the City to determine what additional data, if any, must be collected in support of the appropriate CEQA document.
Scoping Meeting(s) and/or consultations with agencies are not required by CEQA but can be a useful tool to supplement required scoping periods. Chambers Group will coordinate with the appropriate organizations and agencies to discuss PL-24-25-17 On-Call Environmental Planning Services
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the project, approach to the analyses, and environmental areas. Services include preparing presentations and providing flyers and handouts of public workshops. Information obtained from these meetings would be used to supplement the environmental document.
CEQA Document Preparation
Chambers Group will provide the City with a tailored approach that adapts to changes in CEQA case law and any CEQA Guideline updates. Our experienced group of environmental planning staff has an in-depth understanding of CEQA that ensures that we can determine the correct CEQA document for the project. For example, the Berkeley Hillside Preservation v. City of Berkeley case gives deference to the lead agency for determining when a project may be exempt from CEQA. The summaries below highlight the gene ral approach of CEQA, other technical services, and general administrative support to the City. In addition to CEQA documents, Chambers Group will provide additional related tasks to assist the City such as collaboration with various consultants, State and local agencies, and coordination with other City departments.
Preparing the Initial Study (IS)
Preparation of an IS Checklist will be completed to confirm the appropriate environmental documentation for a given project. The IS will be prepared using the most recent revision of the IS Environmental Checklist Form suggested in the CEQA Guidelines Appendix G in compliance with CEQA Section 15063. Chambers Group will identify issue areas where no impacts, less than significant impacts, or potentially significant impacts would result from the proposed project.
Further analyses will be provided for specific resource areas that may be of concern based on the project area or based on technical analyses provided by outside consultants. These include analyses of a project’s consistency and applicability to the City’s General Plan policies, zoning, and specific plans. The IS will be used as a guide in the decision as to the appropriate environmental documentation to prepare for the project. Chambers Group will prov ide a recommendation for the appropriate level of CEQA documentation. We understand the importance of being good stewards of public funds and will use our CEQA expertise to ensure that the City is preparing the appropriate CEQA document based on the project impacts and project type.
Categorical or Statutory Exemption
Chambers Group, in consultation with the City, will determine if there is an appropriate exemption for a project. A project will be analyzed whether it would qualify for a Statutory Exemption (per Article 18) or a Categorical Exemption under the CEQA Guidelines. Exemptions granted by the Legislature would be considered statutorily exempt. An IS may be prepared to confirm the preparation of an exemption or provide supplemental environmental analysis for the project. The exemption may also include other techn ical studies if required by the project. After receipt of one set of integrated comments on the Administrative Draft NOE and supplemental information from the City, Chambers Group will revise the documents accordingly. Chambers Group will file the NOE with the City Clerk Recorder.
Negative Declaration/Mitigated Negative Declaration (ND/MND) The process for preparing an ND is the same as an MND with the exception that a Mitigation, Monitoring, and Reporting Plan (MMRP) is not required under an ND. Therefore, only the MND process is described below. An MND will be prepared when a project has a significant effect on the environment, but such effects can be mitigated to a less than significant level.
If after preparation of the IS, it is identified that one or more significant impacts would occur, CEQA allows the preparation of an MND when those impacts can be mitigated to a less than significant level. Based on CEQA -defined significance criteria, Chambers Group will determine the potential for any adverse or significant adverse impacts and present mitigation measures to reduce any such impacts to a level below significance.
Environmental Impact Report (EIR)
Preparation of an EIR is a more detailed process and requires more effort than the preparation of an MND. An EIR would be prepared if there is a potential for significant impacts which cannot be mitigated to a level less than significant or if significant public controversy or scrutiny exists. In this case, an EIR would be the more legally defensible document.
Preparing an EIR will require the completion of several important steps, from study initiation through development of the project description and Draft EIR, to attendance at public hearings and Final EIR preparation. The process for a more PL-24-25-17 On-Call Environmental Planning Services
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complex EIR would likely include additional scoping meetings (if the project is deemed to be controversial), the complexity of technical issues, the number of alternatives assessed, the possibility of extra internal review cycles, more complexity in responding to public comments for the final document, a more in-depth mitigation monitoring plan, and additional public meetings.
Response to Comments
Any Final EIRs will include each comment letter received, which will be followed by a response to each comment.
Responses to comments received by the City will be prepared. Chambers Group will provide City staff with a complete draft copy of the Response t o Comments for review and will modify the Response to Comments. The Response to Comments will be contained within the Final EIR. Chambers Group will distribute a complete and final set of Response to Comments from each public and private organization commenting on the Draft EIR.
MMRP
The MMRP will Include all mitigation measures, identification of all responsible parties, timing, and enforcement. The MMRP would be prepared, as required by CEQA. Chambers Group will work with the technical staff and the City to develop the MMRP.
Noticing
Chambers Group can prepare all notices including but not limited to, the NOP , Notice of availability (NOA), Notice of Completion (NOC), NOD, Summary Forms for Office of Planning and Research (OPR) submittal, and notices for newspaper submittal.
CEQA Findings/Findings
The Findings of Fact and, if required, Statement of Overriding Considerations, are important documents for Project approval. Chambers Group has experience in preparing these for the City and is able to provide these documents as needed.
Preparing Staff Reports, Drafting Conditions of Approval (COA’s), Resolutions Staff reports, COA’s, and Resolutions are all key parts to project approval. We know that while typically the City prepares these documents, we understand the need to meet project schedules and therefore the City may need help with drafting these documents. Our team of planners has worked on both sides of the counter and therefore understands the importance of these documents and what they need to include and can assist in drafting as needed.
Other Resources and Technical Reports
The following studies and services were tailored to directly respond to the resources typically found in the City, however, if additional studies are required as part of completing CEQA compliance and documentation, we would be happy to provide those services through a combination of in-house and subconsultant personnel.
Biological Resources
Our Biological Resources Department consists of wildlife biologists, botanists, permitting specialists, and restoration ecologists—augmented by project managers to address issues relevant to task order assignments. Chambers Group’s biologists provide:
• Evaluation of habitats
• Wildlife corridor analysis
• Threatened and Endangered Focused Surveys
• Small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) surveys and
imagery analysis
• Presence/absence surveys
• Vegetation Mapping
• Exotic Species Mapping and Removal
• Pre-Construction Surveys
• Constraints Analysis
• Biological Technical Reports
• Environmental Assessments (EAs)
• Habitat Restoration Plans
• Revegetation Plans
• MMRP Compliance Support
• Agency Consultations
• Permit Compliance Monitoring and Documentation
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Chambers Group’s biology department may utilize our deep bench of well -rounded biologists allowing for scheduling of simultaneous tasks at multiple sites. Our biological resources staff hold permits from the USFWS and CDFW for collecting select species, conducting protocol surveys for sensitive species, and following specialized habitat evaluation procedures. The biology staff includes botanists and restoration ecologists who survey sensitive plant species as well as specialize in restoration, revegetation, and soil analysis.
Chambers Group biologists will prepare biological technical documents, develop mitigation measures during the final design to avoid, minimize, and/or compensate for impacts to biological resources, and prepare any required restoration and mitigation monitoring plans. Chambers Group biologists will coordinate with wildlife agencies and assist in a full range of consultant services under federal and state endangered species acts. Our staff provides permit assistance for all project aspects (including a USACE Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 404 permit, CDFW Section 1602 Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement (SAA), and RWQCB Section 401 Water Quality Certification). In addition, our staff will communicate and coordinate with the City’s engineer and environmental staff, resource agencies, and construction contractors regarding project schedules and the effects of design changes on the environment. Our staff will anticipate issues and provide solutions to avoid conflict.
sUAS Supported Surveys
Chambers Group has successfully utilized sUAS technology for pre - and post -maintenance activities, constraints analysis, nesting bird surveys, vegetation mapping, native and nonnative vegetation assessments, and success criteria monitoring. Chambers Group proposes to utilize a sUAS to assist our boots on the ground where needed. The utilization of sUAS technology allows for multiple aspects that set us apart from our competitors. Being as part of the City has open space, this technology could be an asset.
By utilizing sUAS technology, we provide the following:
• Increased safety during surveys
• High resolution aerial documentation for reporting
• Rapid assessment of the survey area
• Precise calculations for temporary and permanent impacts By utilizing sUAS imaging techniques, we decrease overall disturbance to the citizens of the affected cities, while decreasing overall safety risk associated with channels, topographic challenges (e.g., slips, trips, and falls, snakes, bees, exposure to ur ban pollution), etc. Additionally, the high- resolution base map that is created through our survey methods allows for increased ground-truthing efficiency by focusing efforts where problems are known to exist while minimizing survey time in low-risk areas as determined by the initial flight. Additionally, optical data algorithms can be used to view emergent growing vegetation, wetland/riparian vegetation, and water connectivity in arid environments.
Chambers Group has sUAS pilots that are also trained botanists by profession to expedite our analysis of the vegetation.
We also trained our sUAS pilots to quickly view nests to determine status and when the nest is expected to become inactive. Through the use of our Drone Services Department, not only can we provide high -resolution imagery with a guaranteed 1.0 inches per pixel (in/px) final image resolution, but we can also provide an objective view of project success criteria.
Surveys are often conducted in less than 30 minutes with approximately 20 minutes of flight time that can map an area approximately 50 acres in size. By creating a static image of the storm drain networks before maintenance operations, we can help the Coun ty maintain requirements in regard to identifying invasive vegetation, trash, and other obstructions that require removal from stormwater infrastructure.
Cultural, Historical, and Paleontological Resources and Technical Reports Chambers Group can provide Cultural Site Evaluations, Cultural Resource Mitigation, Ethnographic Studies, and Paleontological Resource Recovery, Analysis, and Restoration.
Our archaeologists conduct cultural resources studies in accordance with the Secretary of Interior Standards for archaeological investigation.
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In addition, they:
• Manage large programs and multiple concurrent task orders in compliance with Sections 106 and 110 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA), and Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA)
• Perform National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) evaluations • Prepare Historic Property Management Plans
• Work with California State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) to determine the eligibility of historic buildings Additionally, Chambers Group paleontologists have extensive experience in providing services involving initial surveys, mitigation plans, surface collection, construction monitoring, fossil salvage, laboratory preparation, cataloguing , and transferring technical reports, and exhibits.
Cultural/Paleontological Assessments
The Chambers Group team has extensive experience in cultural resources management services including archaeology (both historic and prehistoric), historic structures, and ethnography, and has extensive experience throughout Southern California. This experience includes:
• Conducting small to large-scale record searches and archival research • Cultural inventory surveys, preliminary site assessments • Significant resource evaluations, mitigation, and treatment programs • Preparing and implementing cultural resources awareness training • Conducting consultation with Native American tribes in accordance with Assembly Bill 52 (AB 52) Consultation • Construction monitoring
• The development and implementation of monitoring and mitigation plans, and agreement documents Chambers Group brings experience in coordinating with SHPO, Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC), Native American groups, and other land management agencies such as the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Caltrans, United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), USACE, USFWS, and United States Forest Service (USFS). Additionally, the team has an excellent working relationship with tribal representatives throughout California. The Chambers Group team is prepared to support the City in all areas of cultural resources as required under CEQA, and/or Section 106 of the NHPA, as amended.
We understand that project -specific services will vary and will be determined on a project -by-project basis. As such, Chambers Group presents a list of services below that can be offered together, separately, or as a combination based on the City’s current and future needs.
Archaeological Reconnaissance Surveys
To satisfy state requirements, Chambers Group archaeologists will conduct Archaeological Reconnaissance Surveys (if necessary) of project areas. The minimum scope required to comply with CEQA will be provided specific to each Project.
Our archaeologists ar e equipped with sub -meter accurate GPS units that can have proposed project boundaries delineated ahead of time to document areas assessed, and areas with limited access/visibility, and to develop a sensitivity map based on the literature review and survey. Survey notes include descriptions of the survey area(s), site conditions, and other relevant observations.
Archaeological/Paleontological Technical Reports
After completing Archaeological Literature Reviews and Archaeological Reconnaissance Surveys, Chambers Group will prepare project-specific CEQA Archaeological Technical Reports which summarize literature reviews, survey results, and will include the follow ing sections: (a) introduction, (b) proposed project description, (c) Summary of literature reviews, (d) methods used to conduct the surveys, (e) results of the existing conditions of cultural resources on the site, (f) recommendations, and (g) references cited. The reports will include current photographs and maps documenting a site conditions summary of any archaeological resources findings observed.
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Archaeological/Paleontological Monitoring
Chambers Group will provide a qualified archaeological/paleontological monitor to inspect all ground- disturbing activities, including the removal of asphalt, for the duration of the project. In the event of discovery, the monitor shall have the authority to halt ground-disturbing activities and redirect work elsewhere within the project area while the find is assessed. The monitor will maintain notes through monitoring logs and photographs that will be available to the Client upon request. If further monitoring is required, a change order will be provided using the daily and half-day rates.
If ground- disturbance concludes prior to 30 days, Chambers Group will provide a retroactive change order.
Any significant archaeological findings shall be preserved as determined necessary by the qualified archaeologist and any significant resources shall be offered to the appropriate federally recognized curation facility. Any resulting reports and/or site forms shall be filed with the California Historical Resources Information System (CHRIS).
If human remains are discovered during monitoring, the find will be treated with respect and in accordance with the procedures defined by the California Health and Safety Code Section (H&S) 7050.5 and Public Resource Code (PRC) Section 5097.98. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner and Coroner Office will be notified immediately to determine if the find is prehistoric or modern. If the Coroner determines that the remains are of Native American descent, they will comply with the procedures required for such findings as outlined in H&S Code Section 7050.50 and PRC Section 5097.98.
AB 52 and Senate Bill 18 (SB 18) Consultation
Chambers Group will perform AB 52 and SB 18 Tribal Consultation Support on behalf of the City. As the Lead Agency, the City is required to provide formal notification to the designated contact or tribal representative of traditionally and culturally affiliated Native American tribes within the geographic area(s).
Chambers Group is available to support the City with AB 52 and SB 18 consultations as part of the as-needed contract.
In summary, TCRs may be defined as either:
• Sites, features, places, cultural landscapes, sacred places, and objects with cultural value to a Tribe that is either on or eligible for inclusion in the California Register of Historic Resources (CRHR) or a local historic register; or Resources which the lead agency, at its discretion and supported by substantial evidence, chooses to treat as a TCR. • Chambers Group will coordinate with the City and Tribes to organize meetings and/or teleconferences to facilitate consultation efforts. The results of such consultation will be incorporated into the respective environmental document (ex. MND, EIR) as authorized by the tribe(s). If no consultation is requested from tribe(s), but TCRs have been identified through other research (ex. cultural resources pedestrian survey) then Chambers Group will work with the City to analyze whether the project would cause a substantial, adverse change in the significance of a TCR.
If a significant impact is identified, and tribe(s) have requested consultation then Chambers Group will support the City with that effort; alternatively, if no tribes have requested consultatio n Chambers Group will aid the City in developing appropriate mitigation and/or avoidance measures to avoid or reduce adverse impacts to less than significant levels.
Our team will prepare notification letters that include a brief project description and a map of the proposed project.
Then, we will consult with the tribes to develop appropriate mitigation measures to avoid or minimize impacts TCRs.
Historic Period Resources Survey and Documentation
As needed, Chambers Group will conduct historical built environmental surveys to photo document and assess the current condition of historical resources. The historical resources will be recorded on appropriate Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) 523 series forms. In preparing the DPR 523 forms, the existing condition of the resources will be photographed and described in detail.
Historical Resources Studies
As needed, Chambers Group will prepare technical reports in compliance with CEQA standards. The reports will include historic contexts, a summary of field methods and results, significance evaluations of historical resources under appropriate criteria, and an analysis of potential effects to historic resources.
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Regulatory Permitting
Chambers Group’s wide range of experience has led to reliable relationships and successful projects permitted through regulatory agencies such as CDFW, USFWS, Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB), USACE, BLM, USFS, and California State Lands Commission (CSLC), and California Coastal Commission (CCC), to name a few. Chambers Group currently has On-Call agreements with government agencies such as Los Angeles County Department of Public Works (LACDPW) and Los Angeles County Department of Flood Control (for over two decades) in which we assist in the management of 174 debris basins (and counting), reservoir cleanouts, and concrete channels via CDFW/RWQCB/USACE permit application packages, inspections and surveys, focused surveys for sensitive fish, threatened and endangered animals, rare plants, and nesting birds. The regulatory environment in California is ever-evolving and our in-house staff of environmental planners and technical experts are equipped with the most up-to-date regulatory guidance. Whether implementing the revisions to the Waters of the U.S. definition or implementing the new State Water Resources Control Board definition of what constitutes a wetland, our team can help the City.
GIS
Chambers Group has a dedicated team of GIS analysts as well as many cross-trained planners, to fully support our GIS services including, but not limited to:
• Full enterprise-level Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) mapping software suite (ArcMap 10.6 and other associated products)
• Integrated use of Collector and Survey 123 mobile apps in the field • Sub-meter GPS units
• Robust in-house database of publicly available data on flood hazards, biological resources, parcels, etc. • Dedicated team of trained drone pilots to capture high-resolution aerial imagery for analysis and map production.
Public Scoping, Meetings, Hearings, and Participation and Presentation Chambers Group has been involved in a variety of different types of meetings and hearings. For City meetings, we have pulled together PowerPoint presentations and presented them in front of Scoping Meeting Participants. We have answered questions and been able to ease any concerns about the projects.
For typical projects, Chambers Group plans to attend the following:
• Project Kick-off meeting with City staff, and other required project attendees • Scoping Meeting (if required)
• Public Comment Meeting (if elected)
• Public/Community Outreach
• Internal meeting prior to Planning Commission meeting • Planning Commission meeting
• City Council hearing for a decision on the project (if necessary) A Public Scoping Meeting may be held to present the proposed project to the public and provide them with an opportunity to relay their concerns and suggestions for environmental studies. A record of these meetings and consultations will be included in the CEQA document. Prior to each meeting, a flyer will be distributed notifying interested people of the workshop. The focus of these meetings will be to gather concerns of the:
• Project stakeholders;
• property owners/occupants adjacent to the project site, and • public interest groups, and other concerned individuals.
The information gathered during scoping meetings and public comment meetings are helpful in gathering the required information to properly analyze the environmental document for a project.
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NEPA Approach
The NEPA climate has had a lot of changes in recent years, with NEPA regulations being updated more in the past few years than they have since enaction in 1970. Chambers Group staff work hard to stay up to date on the changing regulatory environment surrounding NEPA in order to utilize streamlining opportunities t o deliver more concise documents, faster timelines, and lower costs than their competitors.
Below is a brief summary of the recent updates to the NEPA regulations and how Chambers Group has adapted.
The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) is currently considering revisions to regulations implementing NEPA. This Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) initiates “Phase 1” of CEQ’s two -part effort to reconsider the comprehensive modification of the NEPA regulations issued during the Trump administration. The 2020 regulations were the first and only significant revisions of the NEPA regulations since the regulations were first issued in 1978. In his first day in office, President Biden directed the CEQ to reassess the 2020 regulations by Executive Order 13990.
This “Phase 1” rulemaking has previously been described by CEQ as including a “narrow” set of changes to address the Biden administration’s overarching goals of improving our nation’s resilience to the impacts of climate change and prioritizing environmental justice, as well as addressing near -term “interpretive and implementation problems” with the 2020 regulations.
The second phase of CEQ’s intended revisions to NEPA regulations will also address these goals but will be “broader” in nature. In the preamble to the Phase 1 Revisions, the CEQ states plainly that the agency intends to “generally restore” NEPA regulations that had been in place since the 1970s until they were revised under the previous administration.
The Phase 1 Revisions address three main areas within current NEPA regulations: (1) the formulation of an agency’s purpose and need statement; (2) formulation of agency specific NEPA procedures; and (3) the definition of the “effects” of a federal proposal. CEQ has initiated a 45-day public comment period on the Phase 1 Revisions.
The Phase 1 NPRM proposes only a limited number of changes to the 2020 Regulations to facilitate compliance with NEPA given the clear change in direction planned by CEQ. However, the preamble to the NPRM telegraphs what is likely to come. CEQ clearly looks with favor on the 1978 Regulations. Almost all of the cases interpreting NEPA rely on these older regulations. The preamble also signals that CEQ intends to address climate change and environmental justice in a more explicit way than has been the case her etofore. It is expected that there will be significant interest in this first phase of revisions to CEQ’s regulations. That interest will likely include legal challenges once the final rules are issued.
NEPA Documents
NEPA Literature Review and Scoping Meeting(s)
After receiving NTP from the City, Chambers Group will be prepared to meet with the City’s Project Manager and staff, when applicable, at a Project Initiation/Kick -off Meeting to discuss the project. Chambers Group will receive project plans, and other project -related information and studies. This information will be reviewed to determine the appropriate NEPA documentation to be prepared. Chambers Group will assist City Staff in developing scoping meetings and identify the appropriate responsible/trustee agencies and other relevant stakeholders should the project require these meetings (such as during the preparation of an EIS). While it is not necessary to conduct scoping meetings during the preparation of an EA, this could be helpful in data collection for a project.
NEPA Categorical Exclusion (CE)
There are certain conditions under which NEPA does not apply to an action. These conditions include, but are not limited to statutory exemptions, emergencies, and classified information. Any of these, and some additional exempted actions, may involve the City to some degree, by way of location of the action within the City. Thus, the City may have a role in the NEPA process as a Review Agency, or as a Lead or Co -Lead Agency. As such, the City may be responsible for the preparation of some type of record of environmental consideration, documenting the applicability of the NEPA CE.
EA/ Findings of No Significant Impacts (FONSI)
An EA is to be a concise public document that focuses on those environmental areas where potential adverse impacts are anticipated. It will provide sufficient evidence and analysis to determine whether or not an EIS is required. The EA PL-24-25-17 On-Call Environmental Planning Services
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would be limited to an analysis of potential significant environmental issues that are identified through a scoping process with the public and review agencies. The EA will include brief descriptions of the need for the proposed project, alternatives to the proposed project, the environmental impacts of the proposed project and its alter natives, and a listing of agencies and persons consulted. Based on the Final EA, Chambers Group will prepare the FONSI that outlines the reasons why the federal agency has concluded that no significant environmental impacts would result from implementation of the proposed action. The FONSI will inform the decision record for the federal agency.
EIS
An EIS would be required if a federal action would result in significant effects on the quality of the human environment.
If the need for an EIS is identified, Chambers Group would follow a similar approach as applicable for an EA. Chambers Group would prepare the NOI for publication in the Federal Register for the project. The comments r eceived on the NOI will be used to further refine those impact areas that will be analyzed in the EIS if needed. The comments reviewed will be discussed with the City and federal agency to determine whether the scope of the EIS should be expanded. The NOI, comments received, and all correspondence will be included in the EIS appendices. The EIS will addre ss direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts relevant to the proposed action. Following the public review period, the Final EIS would incorporate comments, responses, and changes to the Draft EIS (DEIS). The EIS process ends with a Record of Decision that o utlines that federal agency’s decision, describes alternatives considered, and discusses any necessary mitigation or monitoring plans.
Use of Subconsultants
Should any issues arise beyond what Chambers Group provides in -house, we have worked with many subconsultants including the trusted subconsultants below on a variety of projects in the past five years. These subconsultants provide Traffic Analysis, Air/Noise Analysis, Energy and GHG, as well as Architectural History.
Vista Environmental: Air Quality, Energy, GHGs, and Noise Analyses Vista Environmental specializes in air quality, energy, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and noise impact analyses for governmental agencies and the business community and has completed numerous complex studies that conform to both CEQA and NEPA requirements. Vista utilizes California Emissions Estimator Model® (CalEEMod) (Version 2020.4.0) to calculate air quality and GHG emissions and to estimate energy usage. Vista Environmental’s experience includes a wide range of project types, including residential, c ommercial, industrial, and recreational projects as well as public projects that include specific plans and general plans. Greg Tonkovich with Vista has prepared studies to specific standards and formats such as Caltrans Air Quality and Noise Study Reports and has completed air quality and/or noise analyses in over 200 different local jurisdictions throughout California.
General Technologies and Solutions (GTS) Services: Traffic and Transportation Impact Analysis GTS provides mobility solutions for all road uses: pedestrian, bicycle, transit, auto, and freight modes. They employ state-of-the-art technologies to provide innovation in:
• traffic engineering • parking
• multi-modal planning • systems engineering
GTS was established with the goal of helping public agencies leverage advanced technology in transportation. They believe in the power of technology to effect meaningful change in local neighborhoods and communities. Smart cities are the future, offering u nlimited opportunities for smart government technology. GTS brings together their understanding of smart technology solutions (what’s on the horizon) with community needs and goals (what’s in demand).
They support clients throughout the whole project lifecycle, including communicating mobility initiatives, technology goals, and strategies to stakeholders at all levels.
Golden State: Architectural History
Golden State is a professional services firm providing architectural history, history, and cultural resources management services. Founded by Justin Castells, who has over 17 years of professional experience in cultural resources PL-24-25-17 On-Call Environmental Planning Services
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management and historic preservation, Golden State provides technically sound and legally defensible analysis of historic period-built environmental resources to ensure clients’ regulatory obligations are met.
3. Experience on Similar Projects
Projects that are representative of the required services listed in the RFP:
The project descriptions provided below describe our record of performance and relevant work/project experience providing CEQA and NEPA documentation, supporting technical studies, and coordination with municipalities, and counties in Southern California.
On-Call Planning Environmental CEQA Services, City of San Fernando, San Fernando, CA Chambers Group is working with the City of San Fernando to assist in the preparation of CEQA documentsfor private or public development projects , planning projects , and initiatives. The work will also include preparing NOEs, ISs, NDs/MNDs, and EIRs in San Fernando. Some of these projects include:
• CEQA Services for 319 N. Hagar Street – Class 32 CE
• CEQA Support for a 12-unit Multi-Family Complex – Class 32 CE • Griswold Avenue – Class 32 CE
• 228 Jessie Street – Class 32 CE
On-Call for Environmental Consulting Services, City of Moorpark, Ventura County, Moorpark, CA Scope of Work: Commencing in September 2019, Chambers Group is working on a series of task orders to support the City with the peer review of project applications and CEQA documents. Chambers Group provides guidance and assistance through the peer review of environmental reports and technical analyses (traffic studies, noise studies, geologic assessments, biological studies, cultural assessments, etc.).
Project Descriptions: The following are examples of task orders under this contract:
Pentair Expansion CEQA Documentation and Peer Review, Moorpark, CA Chambers Group provided CEQA services to the City of Moorpark for the development of a 5.65-acre expansion of the Pentair Pool Products facility. The proposed industrial building would be occupied by Pentair for warehousing and storage of raw materials and distribution of finished goods including pool equipment and accessories. A Mitigated Negative Declaration was prepared for the City, and Chambers Group also assisted with the preparation of technical studies, as well as peer review of some of the applicant-prepared studies.
Hitch Ranch Peer Review Project, Moorpark, CA
The City of Moorpark requested the assistance of Chambers Group to support the City for the Hitch Ranch Project. The Project involved the development of approximately 271.8 acres of land housing a maximum of 755 residential units (approximately 261 single-family units and 494 multiple-family units). An EIR was completed. Chambers Group provided support to City Staff in reviewing the Biological Resources Assessment, Cultural Resources Assessment, Geological Assessment, Hydrology Study, and Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) conducted for the Project.
High Street Station Mixed-Use Project, Moorpark, CA
The City of Moorpark requested assistance from Chambers Group to support the City for the High Street Station Mixed- Use Project. The Project involve d the development of approximately 2.15 acres including 91 multi -family residential units, 13,656 s quare feet of commercial development, and associated surface parking spaces within the Moorpark Downtown Specific Plan Area. As part of Project construction, the existing vacant granary, restaurant, and industrial buildings on-site were proposed to be demolished. An IS/MND was prepared for the City for this Project.
Chambers Group provided support to City Staff in providing peer review of the Traffic and Noise Study conducted for the Project. Chambers Group staff and selected subconsultants reviewed these technical studies for CEQA consistency as well as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) review of the technical analysis.
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6000 Condor Drive Warehouse CEQA Documentation, Moorpark, CA Chambers Group provided CEQA services to the City of Moorpark for a Project that involves the conversion of an existing 200,668 square foot warehouse building with 176,044 square feet of warehouse space at 6000 Condor Drive as a future local distribution center as well as the development of an adjacent, vacant parcel as a parking lot. The Project entails a lot merger, construction of a new parking lot, and tenant improvements for the conversion of the existing warehouse building on site for use as a distribution center. Chambers Group initially conducted a peer review of Applicant-prepared technical studies as an extension of City staff and provided comments on analysis that needed updating. Chambers Group subsequently provided CEQA documentation support including an IS/MND, as well as technical studies including air quality and GHG analysis and biological resources assessment. A Draft IS/MND was circulated for public review in February 2020, and Chambers Group prepared the Final MND for the City including responses to comments received during the public review period.
City of Beaumont On-Call for Environmental Consulting Services, Riverside County, Beaumont, CA Scope of Work: Commencing in July 2016, Chambers Group has completed a series of task orders to support the City with general CEQA compliance as well as conduct peer review of Project applications and CEQA documents. Chambers Group has provided guidance and assistance with the preparation of all required environmental impact documentation (including CEQA documents, Consistency Evaluations, Environmental Check Lists, etc.); preparation and/or peer review of technical environmental reports and analyses (GHG s tudies, traffic studies, noise studies, surveys, water supply assessments, etc.); participation and testimony in public meetings; consultation on CEQA processes and requirements.
Project Descriptions: The following are examples of task orders under this contract:
High Sands IS/MND Peer Review CUP2020-0049, Beaumont, CA Chambers Group conducted peer reviews and Assembly Bill (AB) 52 consultation for the development of a drive-thru- restaurant and a 6,400 square foot office building, and the remodel of an existing car wash on a 2.38-acre on Highland Springs Avenue, in the City of Beaumont, Riverside County. Highland Springs Avenue will be widened to 55 feet along the vacant parcels, thereby reducing the buildable area of the Project site to 2.31 acres.
Legacy Highlands Partially Recirculated Draft EIR (PRDEIR) Peer Review, Beaumont, CA Legacy Highlands PRDEIR Peer Review. The City of Beaumont certified the Legacy Highlands Specific Plan Project EIR , SCH No. 2005031155 (the 2008 EIR), and approved the Legacy Highlands Specific Plan Project. The 2008 EIR evaluated potential environmental impacts of the Project. The Project, as approved by the City, would provide for a total of up to 2,868 dwelling uni ts (1,107 single -family residential units and 1,761 active adult, low-density residential units), 100 acres (approximately 1.20 million square feet) of commercial/industrial uses, a 20-acre school site, various neighborhood parks, undeveloped open space, and all supporting infrastructure and utilities. The EIR was published in 2007. In 2009, the Superior Court of California, County of Riverside released a Statement of Decision to revise portions of the EIR, thus, a Recirculated Draft EIR has been prepared.
General Plan Update (GPU) EIR Peer Review and AB 52 Consultation, Beaumont, CA Chambers Group contributed to the preparation of all 20 resource areas of the City of Beaumont’s EIR for the GPU 2040. This included the Executive Summary, Introduction, Project Description, Environmental Impact Analysis, Consistency with Regional Plans, Alternatives, and other CEQA Considerations sections. The EIR included a discussion of the City’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) fair share of regional housing needs. The RHNA was a mandated State Housing law that is part of periodic process of updating the housing elements of the General Plan. On behalf of the City, Chambers Group reviewed and edited the GPU EIR to ensure it would meet all of the requirements of as outlined in the CEQA’s guidelines, Section 15166, for preparing an EIR for a general plan. Chambers Group also assisted the City in conducting AB 52 and Senate Bill (SB) 18 consultation, which requires public agencies to consult with Native American tribes that are traditionally and culturally affiliated to a project area or geographic area of jurisdiction.
Following consultation, Chambers Group successfully completed an expedited review of all sections of the EIR within the requested timeframe which allowed the document to be circulated for public review and be approved by City Council within the year.
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Beaumont Sixth Street Sewer Peer Review, Beaumont, CA
Chambers Group provided a Peer Review of an IS/ND and technical studies (air quality, biological resources, and cultural resources) for a sewer line Project.
Hidden Canyon Industrial Park Plot Specific Plan Updated Site Plan Review, Beaumont, CA The City of Beaumont requested the assistance of Chambers Group to support the City for the Hidden Canyon Industrial Park Plot Plan. The Project proposes to construct a 2.89 million square foot warehouse project in two buildings. A CEQA review was conducted for the Hidden Canyon Specific Plan in 1995. The EIR was prepared and certified. An Addendum was prepared and certified to the EIR by the City in 2012 during plan modifications. Chambers Group provided support to City Staff in reviewing the proposed Project plot plan and preparing s taff reports and presentations. Further, Chambers Group attended and answered questions from elected officials and the public at planning commission and City Council meetings.
Southwest Corner 8th and Highland, Beaumont, CA
Chambers Group conducted a peer review of the CEQA document and associated technical reports for the development of a 3,500-square-foot quick service restaurant, gas station, and convenience store. Chambers Group also worked with the City to conduct an AB 52 consultation to discuss the Project’s potential impacts on TCRs.
Elm/Olive Storage Yard Project, Beaumont, CA
The Project is the construction of a storage yard for freeway construction maintenance materials on an industrial site in the City. The site included an abandoned/unused residence that would be used for storage of additional equipment.
Chambers Group conducted a peer review of the IS/MND for the Project, including assisting the City in conducting an AB 52 consultation to discuss the Project’s potential impacts on TCRs.
Civic Center Complete Streets Project, Palmdale, CA
Chambers Group prepared an IS/MND and MMRP for the Civic Center Complete Streets Project located in the City of Palmdale. The Project was the development of a complete streets neighborhood in the City designed to operate and enable safe access for its users from pedestrians, motorists, and public transit. Improvements included sidewalks, bike lanes, safe crossings, median islands, roundabouts, and curb extensions. The Planning Commission approved the Project in March 2019.
Quikrete Plant, Initial Study Addendum, City of Palmdale, CA The Proposed Project is located in a vacant lot in the City of Palmdale with an Industrial land use designation. A previous MND and Conditional Use Permit (CUP) were prepared for the Project site to be developed as a bagging facility in 2002 and 2009, respectively. Due to Project use changes, the Client prepared an updated entitlement application for the use of 14 of the 20 acres of the Project site and constructed a paver plant facility instead of the previously proposed bagging facility. The Chambers Group team aided the Client in completing the requested entitlement application for the Proposed Project. Chambers Group conducted a site visit with the Client, prepared an addendum summary to the previous MND, and reviewed and incorporated the results from the following technical studies into the addendum: Air Quality, Cultural Resources Study, Biological Resources Report, Phase I Environmental Assessment, Acoustical Report, and Geotechnical Engineering Report. The Proposed Project and entitlement application were approved by the City of Palmdale Planning Commission Staff.
On-Call Environmental Services for Los Angeles County Public Works (LACPW), CA Example Task Orders are as follows:
• Big Tujunga Mitigation Area August to December 2023
• Big Dalton Dam Washout Repair Year 5
• As-Needed Biological and Environment Support Contract • 198 Debris Basin Maintenance for 2023-2024
Scope of Work: Chambers Group has provided on -call environmental services to LACPW since 1993 for Programs Development Division, Water Resources Division, Flood Maintenance Division, Flood Control District, including PL-24-25-17 On-Call Environmental Planning Services
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biological studies and functional analysis, threatened and endangered species surveys, wetlands delineations, streambed bioassessment procedures, habitat restoration and revegetation plans and implementation, CEQA compliance, cultural, air quality, noise, and aesthetics, and providing environmental analysis and reports for specialized flood control projects, bridge repair/replacement projects, and road improvements/repairs, soft-bottom flood channels clean-out, and decommissioning of historic flood control dams.
Projects have included:
• Conducting a variety of technical studies including cultural, biological, water quality, air quality, noise, aesthetics, and other environmental topics
• Providing CEQA compliance by preparing EIRs, MNDs, and CEs • Preparing documents for Public Works projects
• Decommissioning of historic flood control dams
• Providing environmental analysis and reports for specialized flood control projects, bridge repair/replacement projects, reservoir and basin cleanout projects, and road improvements/repairs Chambers Group continues to provide services to Public Works, frequently providing quick turnaround to meet Public Works scheduling requirements. Types of services provided by Chambers Group include:
• CEQA and NEPA analysis
• Biological studies
• Nesting bird management plans
• Nesting bird surveys
• Nesting bird and bat survey training for Public Works employees • Focused surveys for state and federally listed species • Sensitive species relocation plans and relocations.
• Vegetation mapping
• Constraints analysis
• Wetlands and waters delineations
• Native tree and tree health assessments
• Permit applications
• Compliance monitoring
• Mitigation and Monitoring Plans
• Best Management Practice (BMP) and Water Quality Plans • Habitat restoration and revegetation plans and implementation • Small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) analysis
Superior Avenue Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge CEQA/NEPA, Newport Beach, CA Scope of Work: The City of Newport Beach proposed the construction of a pedestrian and bicycle bridge overcrossing Superior Avenue, a new larger parking lot with a range of 100 to 128 parking spaces , and a small passive recreational area on an approximately 3.4 -acre site in the City of Newport Beach. The proposed bridge will connect Sunset Ridge Park to the new asphalt parking lot located at the northeast corner of West Coast Highway and Superior Avenue. One of the goals of the Project was to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety and access to Sunset Ridge Park. The proposed bridge would allow pedestrians and bicyclists to access the park without needing to cross Superior Avenue via the existing at-grade crosswalk. Another goal of this Project was to provide additional parking to better serve organized sporting events at Sunset Ridge Park. The last goal was to include a small recreational component in the undeveloped area.
Chambers Group prepared all environmental documents to satisfy CEQA. Since construction of the bridge would be partially funded with federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) funds, federal environmental clearance, PL-24-25-17 On-Call Environmental Planning Services
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mandated by the NEPA, was also required. Technical Studies (biological studies, jurisdictional water and wetland delineation, air quality, GHGs, energy and noise analyses, initial site assessments, hazardous materials analysis, California gnatcatcher (CAGN) focused surveys, visual assessment, and photo simulations) and an IS/MND were prepared as an appropriate CEQA documentation to provide the public and responsible agencies with information about the potential environmental impacts associated with implemen tation of the Proposed Project. This IS/MND included a Project -level analysis of the potential effects associated with the Project. As a part of the NEPA documentation, Chambers Group was responsible for coordination with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Local District and the resulting preparation of a C ategorical Exclusion as the appropriate form of documentation.
Due to deadlines tied to Project funding, Chambers Group and the City worked in tandem regarding deliverables and review times to make sure the Project was kept on schedule. Chambers Group was able to quickly mobilize to provide the requested Coastal C AGN focused surveys and Jurisdictional Delineation based on agency input. In addition, after working closely with both Caltrans and the City, Chambers Group was able to provide reasoning that supported the preparation of a visual technical memo rather than a full visual impact assessment, which kept the Project on track.
Challenges: California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) thought a detailed visual IS should be conducted, but with the lack of project controversy (for the bridge) at the time, they agreed with our assessment that a memo discussion of visual impacts would suffice.
A listed avian species, Coastal CAGN, was found in adjacent areas. A detailed assessment of the vegetation on site showed that the off -site adjacent habitat was higher in biological value than the more disturbed habitat on site.
Therefore, we presumed no nesting would occur on-site and no formal consultation with the agencies was required as long as seasonal constraints were incorporated into the technical documents.
Wetlands were found on- site that require a 100 -ft avoidance buffer. Chambers worked with the design engineers to avoid the buffer and the need for agency permitting and costly mitigation.
Due to expedited deadlines tied to Project funding, Chambers Group allocated additional staff dedicated to the Project, and worked in tandem with the City regarding deliverables and review times to make sure the Project was kept on schedule. Due to deadlines tied to Project funding, Chambers Group and the City worked in tandem.
4. References
References submitted separately.
5. Program Management and QA/QC
Company Ownership:
Chambers Group is a S -Corporation (#C1610973) incorporated in the State of California on May 25, 1979. Chambers Group is owned by Chambers Group Employee Stock Ownership Trust and governed by a Board of Directors. Chambers Group is an employee -owned Department of General Services -certified Small Business Enterprise (SBE) with project work throughout the United States. Chambers Group has been providing Environmental Services for almost 45 years.
Firm Name,
Location
Addresses &
Phone
Numbers
Chambers Group, Inc.
Headquarters – 3151 Airway Ave., Suite F208, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, (949) 261-5414, (866) 261-3100 (fax)
Los Angeles County Office - 201 North Brand, Suite 200, Glendale, CA 91203 , (213) 623-1859, (866) 261-3100 (fax)
San Diego County Office - 9620 Chesapeake Drive, Suite 202, San Diego, CA 92123, (858) 541 -2800, (866) 261-3100 (fax)
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Chambers Group has a Demonstrated Capacity to perform the Required Services Conducting environmental analyses and documentation for development projects, including complex and sensitive projects, is Chambers Group’s specialty. We are experienced in preparing appropriate CEQA documents and technical studies. Chambers Group’s staff has ongoing relationships with many state and local agencies, and the firm maintains an understanding of evolving environmental legislation and meets the stringent requirements of federal, state, and local regulatory agencies. Our team of technical experts will provide scientific objectivity, environmental expertise, defensible environmental analysis, and technical documentation to support the City in meeting its project goals.
Chambers Group’s environmental planners in association with other members of our team have decades of experience providing CEQA compliance services on both publicly and privately initiated development such as residential development, commercial development , mixed -use development, energy and communications , and also agency - sponsored projects such as transportation upgrades and improvements, parks, stormwater, and municipal planning projects. We have extensive experience in general plan amendments, rezones, design reviews, conditional use permits, and specific plans. Many of our planners currently serve on their respective Chapters of the Association of Environmental Professionals (AEP) Board, which allows our planning team to stay informed of the rapidly changing regulatory environment. This also gives our team immediate access to the AEP Legislative Committee which closely tracks and responds to pending legislation. We use this access and knowledge to help our clients stay ahead of upcoming changes and hot buttons as we navigate the CEQA process. Our team combines our experience with proven management techniques that focus on flexibility, responsiveness, and accountability. We work seamlessly with project Applicants and City staff to meet schedules, work with in budget, and produce environmental documentation that is thorough and complete. Our team offers experience from being on both sides of the counter.
Chambers Group is known for providing SMEs who are exceptionally responsive and communicative with our clients.
Chambers Group has built this reputation on decades of experience preparing appropriate CEQA and NEPA documents for complex projects; preparing required resource agency permit applicatio ns, preparing mitigation plans , and monitoring construction activities for compliance.
Local, State, and Regional Experience
Chambers Group has experience in completing services listed in the Environmental Planning category for a variety of clients on Master Service Agreements, On-Call, and As-Needed contracts. Chambers Group currently holds the Master Services Agreements contracts for providing environmental consultant services to the following municipalities and agencies:
California Water Service Company
City of Anaheim
City of Beaumont
City of Carlsbad
City of Chino Hills
City of Commerce
City of Desert Hot Springs
City of Eastvale
City of Goleta
City of Irvine
City of Lake Forest
City of Los Angeles
City of Moorpark
City of Redlands
City of San Juan Capistrano
City of Santa Ana
City of San Fernando
County of Riverside Flood Control
County of Santa Barbara Public Works
Imperial Irrigation District – CEQA NEPA Compliance Services Imperial Irrigation District – Pre-construction and
Construction Monitoring
Long Beach Unified School District
Los Angeles Community College District
Los Angeles County- Flood Maintenance Division
Los Angeles County Sanitation District
Los Angeles County-Programs Department
Los Angeles County-Water Resources Department
Los Angeles Unified School District Facilities
Marblehead Development Partners LLC
Metropolitan Water District
Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District
Rancho Santiago Community College District
San Bernardino County Department of Public Works – On-
Call Biological Services
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City, County, Port Rotation List of San Diego – Biological, Cultural, and Environmental General Services
County of Imperial-Public Works
County of Orange
County of Orange A-E Permitting and Restoration
County of Orange Flood Control District
County of Orange Parks
County of Orange Public Works
County of Riverside Flood Control
County of Santa Barbara Public Works
SDG&E Major Project Master Service Agreement
SDG&E Operations & Maintenance Master
Service Agreement
SDG&E Restoration Master Service Agreement
San Diego Unified Port District Master Service Agreement San Diego Unified School District On-Call CEQA Services Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County
Southern California Edison Master Service Agreement
Our approach to CEQA is always tailored to each individual project; so, based on the project and level of controversy, we pick the right document to be good stewards of public funds. Our firm has decades of experience cultivating relationships with regulat ory agencies and local Native American tribes not just to comply with the necessary environmental regulations, but to assure their concerns are addressed while moving the project forward. Chambers Group will ensure projects comply with the City’s procedure s and standards for its projects. In addition to technical experience, our Project Managers are provided training in project planning, project management, and budgeting to ensure that projects are managed to our clients’ expectations.
Project Management
Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC)
Chambers Group has a well-established QA/QC program ensuring the quality of our work. We evaluate all deliverables based on the scope of work, contract, and client expectations. Quality assurance will document the quality control program, outlining any concerns, issues, and reporting on any corrective steps taken to guarantee a quality deliverable.
All deliverables, including daily monitoring forms, will undergo QA/QC by key staff members.
Chambers Group has a detailed QA/QC process that:
• Articulates goals for deliverables that are understandable and achievable to the project team; • Clearly defines the roles, responsibilities, and authorities for project QC; and • Develops consensus on what strategies to use to reach project goals.
Our QA/QC process is consistent and effective in its procedures:
• The designated staff member provides a copy of the draft document, and scope of work to a technical reviewer. • After the review, modifications are made, and the report is submitted to the Chambers Group Project Manager. • The Project Manager compares the document to the task objectives. If the document does not meet the technical objectives, the technical staff member makes necessary changes to correct the document and the Project Manager accepts the track changes as appropriate.
• The final steps are a review for grammar and readability by a Technical Editor and word processor for the correct format.
• After completing the QC process, the document is prepared for submittal to the project team.
Project Schedules and Reviews
Chambers Group uses Microsoft Project to develop its work schedules. The exact schedule of any task will be based upon the individual project. Schedules include time for review and meetings for the City’s documents.
As the project progresses, the schedule will be updated and revised as needed, to respond to changing conditions, and only at the City’s direction. In response to any conditional changes, Chambers Group will work with the City to determine the cause of any delay and take corrective actions to readjust the schedule. Schedule changes due to circumstances beyond participants’ control will be immediately brought to the attention of the City and readjusted with the City’s approval. Actions to ensure schedule adherence may include adding additional technical professionals to PL-24-25-17 On-Call Environmental Planning Services
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complete the task or reassess the direction of the task and utilizing new personnel. Chambers Group does not anticipate schedule delays on projects; however, the firm is prepared to address them.
Chambers Group is available to provide support during all stages of CEQA document development and would look to further our approach that engaging early in the process will help shape the scope of the analysis provided and prevent timely and costly re-work during the later stages of project development. The most effective time to bring a third-party reviewer into the project is with the preparation of a thorough project description. Providing an intensive review of the project description before analysis is done reduces re -work later in the process. A third- party reviewer will identify deficiencies in a project description that would prevent effective and efficient analysis for any resource area.
Project Understanding, Overview, and Approach
Public agencies and businesses have been relying on Chambers Group to keep them in compliance with applicable federal, state, and/or local environmental laws, regulations, and guidelines for four decades and counting. The majority of our work is from repeat clients who trust us to deliver scientific objectivity, environmental expertise, and defensible technical documentation to meet stringent agency compliance regulations.
Chambers Group has successfully provided On -Call services on MSAs for public agencies throughout Southern California. We know the sensitive resources, regulations, physical environment, and agency staff involved with development and public works projects. Our experienced team members will provide valuable assistance in protecting sensitive resources while allowing projects to proceed without delay.
The Chambers Group team delivers results, not surprises: Because our business includes regularly renewed On-Call/As- Needed contracts, we have access to multi -disciplinary staff resources who manage simultaneous tasks at multiple sites. This expedites project schedules and provides consistent, high-quality delivery from conducting technical surveys and preparing environmental documentation to permit application preparation and mitigation monitoring.
Resources: Maximizing project schedules and cost efficiencies, Chambers Group is a one -stop source for a full complement of in-house environmental technical staff. We can prepare the biological resources reports and regulatory permits, as well as appropriate CEQA or NEPA documents, including other technical reports. Services include:
• Environmental planning and analysis for CEQA and NEPA • Cultural resources surveys
• Paleontological monitoring
• Native American consultation
• Biological surveys
• Marine and aquatic resources Assessments
• Regulatory permitting/coordination/consultation
• Permit compliance monitoring
• Agency consultations
• Restoration (creation, enhancement, and
revegetation)
• Mitigation planning strategies and implementation
• Sensitive species relocation plan development and
implementation
• GIS
Environmental Planning Services Offered by Chambers Group Our CEQA and NEPA practitioners are backed by a team of archaeologists, biologists, permitting experts, and site restoration and monitoring professionals at the top of their respective fields. By having these services in-house, we can provide a full range of environmental compliance services in a time- and cost-effective manner. Specifically, Chambers Group’s team is qualified to provide the following:
CEQA Process Support
Consultation under AB 52 and SB 18
Categorical and Statutory Exemptions
Exemptions under the General Rule
Exemptions under Section 15183
IS
15183 Checklists
ND/MND
Analyses/Studies
Cultural Resources
Archeological
Paleontological
Architectural History
Historical
Critical Issues Assessments/Fatal Flaw Analyses
Due Diligence Studies
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Project, Program, Subsequent, Supplemental, and other EIRs Addenda to Previous CEQA Documents
Subsequent/Supplemental Environmental Documents
CEQA Plus Documentation
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP)
Statements of Overriding Concern
Findings of Fact/Consistency
NOI
NOP
NOA
NOD
NOE
Public Engagement
Public meetings, hearings, and Board updates
Consultation under Section 106
Interfacing with Public agencies
Staff Reports
Aesthetics
Air Quality
Agricultural Resources
Biological Resources
Geology and Soils
GHG / Global Climate Change
Noise Studies
Hazards and Hazardous Materials
Hazards Consequences Analyses
Hydrology and Water Quality
Land Use and Planning
Mineral Resources
Noise
Phase 1 and 2 ESAs
Population and Housing
Public Services and Notifications
TRCs
Transportation and Traffic
Parking and Circulation
Wildfire
Climate Impact Analyses
sUAS analysis
Visual Simulations and Lighting Studies
Other Applicable Studies
6. Personnel Equipment and Facilities
Staff and Project Functionality
Staff and project functionality will not be compromised. We have several proven systems in place to prevent project delays due to unforeseen staff changes. Our staffing plan for each project will identify staff members qualified to serve as back-up for key personnel, if ever needed. These staff members will already be part of the team and have current knowledge of the project. Our team knows how to mobilize on very short notice.
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Our staff is cross-trained to perform multiple tasks, making the transition to new tasks swift and efficient.
Our terrestrial and marine biologists and planning staff write technical reports and CEQA/NEPA documents. We make sure we have enough permitted biologists in -house for scheduling multiple projects and rapid mobility. Permits are consistently managed and updated.
We are constantly training to keep permitted biologists current and maintain their ability to jump in when needed.
We encourage our staff to establish and maintain agency and client relationships, making transitions easier.
Summary of Key Team Qualifications * Full Resumes included in the Appendix Name Position/Role Education Licenses/
Certifications
Years
of Exp.
Thomas Strand Project Manager /
Environmental
Planner
MS, Watershed Science, San Diego
State University
BA, Geography, San Diego State
University
11 Eunice Bagwan Environmental
Planner
MS, Environmental Management and
Planning, Johns Hopkins University,
Baltimore, MD
BS, Environmental and Occupational
Health and Safety, CA State University,
Northridge
9 Heather Clayton Restoration Lead/
Ecologist/
Arborist
MS, Biology, California State
University, Fullerton
BA, Biology, Environmental Emphasis,
Occidental College, Los Angeles
ISA Certified Arborist WE-13716A
California Native Plant Society
Certified Field Botanist CFB-0012.
No. 2081(a) 16 129 V.
CDFW Scientific Collection Permit
No. SC-009907.
20 Heather Madera Biologist MS, Biology, California State University, Fullerton
BS, Wildlife Biology Colorado State
University, Fort Collins, CO
USWFS Recovery Permit, Coastal
California Gnatcatcher, California
Rapid Assessment Method (CRAM)
Training,
15 Lisa Louie Permitting MS, Marine Science, University of San Diego
BS, General Biology, University of
California, San Diego
CRAM – Southern California
Research Project
24 Lucas Tutschulte Cultural
Resources Lead
BS, Anthropology emphasis in
Archaeology; University of Kansas,
2006 Minor - Geography emphasis in
Cultural Geography
Huaca de la Luna y Sol Project, Field
School Program, 2005; Pontificia
Universidad Catolica, Trujillo, Peru
GPS Hardware: Highly fluent with
Trimble HT/XT, and Yuma models
using TerraSync, ArcPad, and ESRI
software.
17 Richard Shultz,
MA, RPA
Principal
Investigator
MA, Cultural Resources Management,
Sonoma State University
BA, Anthropology, San Diego State
University
Registered Professional
Archaeologist (RPA), #15841
30+
Phillip Carlos GIS Analyst BA, Geography, Sonoma State
University
6 PL-24-25-17 On-Call Environmental Planning Services
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21 64660
Name Position/Role Education Licenses/
Certifications
Years
of Exp.
Greg Tonkovich,
AICP, INCE
Air Quality,
Greenhouse Gas,
Noise Impacts
MS, Electrical Engineering, University
of Southern California
BS, Planning and Development,
University of Southern California
American Institute of Certified
Planners (AICP)
American Planning Association
(APA)
Institute of Noise Control
Engineering (INCE)
State of California General ‘B’
Contractors License
20+
Rawad Hani, PE,
TE, PTOE, PTP
Traffic MS, Civil Engineering, Focus Area
Transportation Planning and
Engineering, American University
Registrations
Civil Engineer in CA, PE #83730
Traffic Engineer in CA, TE #2817
PTOE - Professional Traffic
Operations Engineer
PTP - Professional Transportation
Planner
RSP1 - Road Safety Professional 1
20+
Justin Castells Architectural
History
MA, University of South Florida, 2009
BA, University of South Florida, 2006
15 Facilities and Equipment
Chambers Group's production staff produces professional reports and documentation. We maintain full-time dedicated staff for word processing/technical editing, document production, and graphic design. The firm’s document processing center can accommodate revisions with rapid turnaround.
Our word processing staff utilizes Microsoft Word. The production department utilizes Adobe Creative Cloud Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, and Acrobat) for documents that require layout and graphics design. The firm uses Microsoft Office 365 which includes Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. For scheduling, we use Microsoft Project.
All technical staff members have their terminals, laptops, tablets, and mifi running on Windows 10 operating systems loaded with the full Microsoft Office suite of programs. Staff provides draft copy to word processing and graphics production team for final formatting, which saves time and expe nse in document preparation and assures accuracy, consistency, and visual appeal in output.
We have multiple black and white/color printers that increase the efficiency of report production. The copiers are fully- networked for high-speed printing and have duplex capabilities that use a variety of media up to 11 x 17 inches . The production staff photocopies assembles, and binds the documents with in-house laminating and binding equipment.
The staff is supported by several top-quality print shops proximate to the firm’s offices.
GIS Capacity and Workstations
Chambers Group currently uses the most up -to-date ESRI’s ArcGIS software. We carry licenses for Spatial Analyst, 3D Analyst, and Network Analyst Extensions. We use 3 Thales MobileMapper CE GPS units that provide real- time sub- meter accuracy and have the capability to provide sub- foot accuracy with post -processing. Through the use of these tools, we can provide a wide range of analyses using GIS. The analysis can include but is not limited to, habitat and jurisdictional water mapping, cultural resource sites, shade/shadow analysis, 3D simulations, remote sensing feature extraction, spatial analysis, and geodatabase design and implementation.
7. Subconsultants
Subconsultant form submitted separately.
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Appendix A – Resumes
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Thomas Strand
Environmental Planner
Professional Experience
Thomas Strand is an Environmental Planner/Project Manager with Chambers with 11 years of experience involving the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Thomas’ experience involves large - and small-scale project management on CEQA documents and primary author on a number of CEQA and NEPA documents. Thomas has prepared numerous Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs), Initial Studies (ISs), Mitigated Negative Declarations (MNDs), and Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) for both public and private clients.
Project Experience
City of Beaumont On-Call for Environmental Services, Task Order Beaumont Brookside, Beaumont, CA
Project Manager . The proposed project consists of drafting an Initial Study for an existing RV storage facility in the City of Beaumont. The existing RV storage facility, located on a 24.77 acre -site, was constructed prior to the annexation of the project area, and was not issued a Conditional Use Permit. Chambers Group reviewed the Initial Study supporting the adoption of an MND and technical studies such as a Trip Generation Analysis, Biological Resources Study, Cultural-Archaeological Study, and Air Quality, Greenhouse Gas, and Noise models.
City of San Fernando, On-Call Planning Environmental CEQA Services, San Fernando, CA Project Manager: Chambers Group is working with the City of San Fernando to assist in the preparation of EA s under CEQA, and NEPA for private or public development projects, planning projects, and initiatives. The work will also include preparing NOEs, ISs, NDs/MNDs, and EIRs in San Fernando. Some of these projects include:
• CEQA Services for 319 N. Hagar Street
• CEQA Support for a 12-Unit Multi-Family Complex
• Griswold Avenue – A Categorical Exemption (CE) for a 10,000 -square-foot extension to an existing residential treatment center in the City of San Fernando.
• 228 Jessie Street – Provided Project coordination and management and prepared a CE report and technical studies that included an Air Quality report, Noise report, and Water Quality Analysis for the new construction of a 17-unit apartment
Lincoln-Fairhaven Access Trail Addendum, City of Santa Ana Project Manager. Chambers Group was retained by the City to provide CEQA environmental services. Chambers Group provided the City with two options for how to prepare environmental documentation for the project. After the City selected the CEQA Addendum option, Chambers Group prepared a high quality CEQA Addendum to the Second Main Track Project Final EIR that analyzed potential impacts associated with construction of a pedestrian/bicycle pathway.
Chambers Group completed the CEQA Environmental Checklist and determined that the proposed project would not result in any new environmental impacts that had not been identified in the Second Main Track Final EIR and would not require a supplemental EIR.
CEQA On-Call Services, City of Palm Springs, CA.
Project Manager. Managed numerous CEQA projects for the City of Palm Springs. Thomas worked with Staff and City Council to help streamline the CEQA approach. All the task orders identified below were unanimously approved and Thomas was often acknowledged for his thorough work at City Council meetings. Task Orders include:
• 2700 East Alejo Road IS/MND
• Desert AIDS Campus Expansion IS/MND
Education
MS, Watershed Science, San
Diego State University, 2016
BA, Geography, San Diego State
University, 2014
Training
AEP Advanced CEQA Workshop,
2018-2022
AEP Legislative Update 2018-2022
AEP Institute, 2018-2019
NEPA Essentials Workshop, 2019
Affiliations
Association of Environmental
Professionals, Vice President of
Membership, 2018-2020
American Planning Association,
Member
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• Desert Flower Farm IS/MND
Contract Planning Services, San Jacinto, CA
Project Manager. Acting as an extension of Planning Staff, Thomas managed various residential entitlement projects and oversaw the development application and review process. Worked directly with Applicants from submittal to approval. Attended and presented at Design Review Meetings and Public Hearings.
Contract Planning Services, City of Moreno Valley, CA
Project Manager. Tasks include review of architectural site plans, elevations, technical reports, environmental technical studies, landscape plans, subdivision maps and other documentation routinely associated with applications for land use entitlements. The focus of the reviews is to evaluate compliance with the City of Moreno Valley General Plan, all local ordinances, and state and federal laws pertaining to planning, zoning, and environmental quality.
CEQA Peer Review On-Call Services, City of Rancho Cucamonga, CA.
Project Manager. Managed and conducted peer review of CEQA documents and associated technical studies for private development projects The following documents were reviewed for CEQA adequacy and legal defensibility. Task Order include:
• Arapaho Road IS/MND
• Speedway Commerce Center EIR
• East Avenue IS/MND
• Banyan 9 IS/MND.
Program EIR, City of Huntington Beach General Plan Update, Huntington Beach, CA Project Manager. Responsible for the development of the Technical Background Reports and management of the Quality Control process for the General Plan Update EIR. Additionally, authored the transportation and traffic, hydrology and water quality, population and housing, air quality, and greenhouse gas emissions section of the Program EIR (PEIR). The project prescribed overall development capacity for the City of Huntington Beach and serves as a policy guide for determining the appropriate physical development and character of Huntington Beach over an approximate 25-year planning horizon (to 2040).
Subsequent Environmental Impact Report, San Diego County General Plan Update, Property Specific Requests, County of San Diego, San Diego, CA
Project Manager. Responsible for managing the environmental document. The County of San Diego proposes to revise the adopted general plan land use map by redistricting and rezoning 43 Property Specific Requests consisting of private properties and surrounding study areas. The Proposed Project also includes the annexation of the former Champagne Gardens Specific Plan Area into the Surrounding Community Planning Areas.
Environmental Impact Report, South Glendale Community Plan, City of Glendale, Glendale, CA Project Manager. Responsible for managing the environmental document and authoring the biological resources, hydrology and water quality, population and housing, noise, air quality, and greenhouse gas sections of the environmental impact report. Also, modeled air quality and greenhouse gas impacts and prepared the air quality report, the health risk assessment, the greenhouse gas report, and the noise report. This project involves the preparation of a South Glendale Community Plan.
Big Horn Sheep Mitigation, NEPA Compliance, SDG&E, San Diego, San Diego County, CA Environmental Planner. Thomas is assisting with the preparation of an Environmental Assessment for the invasive species vegetation management in portions of Myer Creek and Devils Canyon Creek to satisfy the Peninsular bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni; PBS) mitigation requirements for the Sunrise Powerlink (SRPL) Project. The writing of the EA includes incorporation of technical studies including a Biological Technical Report, an Archaeological Survey Report, and a Historical Resources Compliance Report.
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Eunice Bagwan
Environmental Planner
Professional Experience
Eunice Bagwan has a background in CEQA and NEPA environmental impact assessments as well as technical writing and editing. She has assisted with the preparation, writing, and editing of environmental documents, such as IS/MNDs, Categorical Exemptions, EIRs and safety related documents such as job hazard safety forms and safety plans.
Eunice has also managed and co-managed various projects as a Deputy Project Manager and Project Manager.
Project Experience
Superior Avenue Pedestrian and Bike Bridge and Parking Lot, City of Newport Beach, Orange County, CA
Environmental Planner. Eunice aided the project team as an Environmental Planner for the Superior Avenue Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge and Parking Lot project. The project intended to expand recreational options in the City as well as provide improved safety and access to Sunset Ridge Park for pedestrians and bicyclists. The entire project site is located within the boundary of the coastal zone as established by the California Coastal Act and is therefore under the land use planning and regulatory jurisdiction not only of local government agencies, but also the California Coastal Commission. The project required consideration of two architectural design options, application for a Coastal Development Permit, as well as completion of a Visual Assessment, a Haz ards Assessment, a Jurisdictional Delineation under Section 404 of the Clear Water Act, a NEPA categorical exclusion, a Biological Technical Report, and various documents for the California Department of Transportation. Eunice assisted the project team by preparing and analyzing sections of the IS/MND and incorporated technical information from the NES and Hazardous Materials Assessment. She also assisted in preparing a Visual Technical Memo to evaluate the potential impacts to visual resources of the project. Eunice also drafted the Final MND as well as assisted the Project Manager in drafting Responses to Comments received during the public review period.
City of Beaumont, Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Peer Review, Beaumont, CA Assistant Planner. Chambers Group was selected to provide on -call environmental services to the City of Beaumont.
Services include peer review of previously prepared IS/MND for various City projects. Eunice assisted in peer review of the environmental documents focusing on technical sections such as Aesthetics, Agricultural Resources, Geology/Soils, Hazardous Materials, Hydrology, Land Use, Mineral Resources, Public Services, Recreation, and Utilities/Servic e Systems.
Oakridge RV Storage, City of Beaumont, Beaumont, CA
Environmental Planner. The proposed project would develop a recreational vehicle storage facility on a 2.67-acre parcel in the City of Beaumont east of Maple Avenue and north for First Street. The project site is located on a privately owned, undeveloped property in the City of Beaumont. Chambers Group evaluated the Cultural Resources Report, Biological Survey Report, Draft IS/MND, and Air Quality and Noise analyses.
Hidden Canyon Industrial Park Plot Plan, City of Beaumont, Beaumont, CA Assistant Environmental Planner. Eunice supported the City for the Hidden Canyon Industrial Park Plot Plan. The project proposed to construct a 2.89 million square foot warehouse project in two buildings. Amendments to the plan were processed in 2005 and 2012 utilizing addendums to the EIR. The City proposed to approve an update to the project plot plan, however, delays were met due to responses from LIUNA that the project required a new CEQA review due to plot changes from the original project. Chambers Gr oup provided the City guidance by identifying CEQA guidelines that applied to the project on identifying whether a new CEQA process was required.
Education
MS, Environmental Management
and Planning, Johns Hopkins
University, Baltimore, MD 2015
BS, Environmental and
Occupational Health and Safety,
California State University,
Northridge, CA 2011
Training
NEPA Basics – Fundamentals:2018
Advanced CEQA Essentials: 2019
SCE’s EDGE Program Safety First
Workshop 2016
Affiliations
Association of Environmental
Professionals: Inland Empire Vice
President of Membership
Conservation Steward: North
Etiwanda Preserve
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IS/MND for Commercial Center, City of Beaumont, Beaumont, CA Assistant Environmental Planner. Eunice evaluated the permit application for compliance with the City’s General and Specific Plan and conducted peer review of the applicant prepared IS/MND to evaluate impacts associated with the project and ensure compliance with CEQA. The proposed comme rcial shopping center consisted of approximately 37,800 square feet of shopping center, a 4,300 square foot bread/donut/bagel shop, a 4,370 square foot car wash, and an 8-service bay tire store. The proposed project site covers a total of 7.07 acres. The remaining area of the project site would consist of 56,991 square feet of landscaping and 188,947 square feet of roads and walkways.
Beaumont Brookside, City of Beaumont, Beaumont, CA
Environmental Planner. The proposed project consisted of drafting an IS for an existing RV storage facility in the City of Beaumont. The existing RV storage facility, located on a 24.77 acre-site, was constructed prior to the annexation of the project area, and was not issued a Conditional Use Permit. Chambers Group reviewed the I S supporting the adoption of an MND and technical studies such as a Trip Generation Analysis, Biological Resources Study, Cultural-Archaeological Study, and Air Quality, GHG, and Noise models.
Environmental Services On-Call, Coachillin Anaerobic Digester Peer Review, Desert Hot Springs, Riverside County, CA
Deputy Project Manager. Chambers Group provided peer review services for the Coachillin Anaerobic Digester Project for the City of Desert Hot Springs. The Project is the development of an approximately 9.6 -acre anaerobic digester facility that will take organic waste from local jurisdictions in the Coachella Valley and convert it to electricity. An IS/MND was prepared to tier from the Program Environmental Impact Report completed by the California Department of Resources, Recycling and Recovery assessing th e potential environmental effects of Anaerobic Digester facilities in California. Chambers Group staff and selected subconsultants reviewed the IS/MND and associated technical studies for CEQA consistency as well as technical accuracy. As the Deputy Projec t Manager, Eunice developed the comment review matrix and coordinated with the team on reviewing the IS/MND and associated technical studies. 22-Unit Condominium Project, EIR, La Puente, CA
Environmental Planner. Eunice worked on preparation of CEQA documentation for the 22 -unit condominium project that would include the demolition of a historic theater. The Project included technical analysis for air quality, GHG emissions, and a historical assessment.
City of San Juan Capistrano, Initial Study/Negative Declaration for General Plan Amendment 16-002 for Moving and Storage Facility, San Juan Capistrano, CA
Project Environmental Planner. Eunice assisted in the development of the project description and analysis of the IS Checklist section of the project. The project consisted of amending the General Plan Land Use Element to allow an increase in interior storage use without making changes to the exterior or any building.
Sewer Repair Bio Monitoring, Tidewater Inc., Lake Arrowhead, San Bernardino, CA Environmental Planner. Chambers Group provided immediate monitoring services for a sewer repair project for LACSD.
LACSD requested to water quality monitoring and general biological monitoring services while conducting sewer repairs within their service area. Eunice coordinated with LACSD and the biological team to provide monitoring services, in addition to providing guidance on best management practices for water quality during the repair process.
Hillside Ponds Indirect Potable Reuse (IPR) Biological Survey Assessment, Lake Arrowhead Community Services District, Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County, Tidewater, Inc., Lake Arrowhead, San Bernardino County, CA
Project Manager. Eunice provided general management and coordination for the preparation of the Biological Survey Assessment along with Heather Clayton for the Project. The Project proposed a biological survey assessment including a focused plant survey for Parish’s daisy ( Erigeron parishii) on the Hillside Ponds IPR project (Project) located in Lake Arrowhead, San Bernardino County, California. The purpose of the survey was to assist in the determination with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation if the development of a pond was feasible for the area. A reconnaissance-level survey and focused plant survey was prepared along with a final Biological Assessment submitted to the District.
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Owen Baer
Environmental Planner
Professional Experience
Owen Baer is an early career environmental planner. He has worked on a variety of CEQA projects related to education and development. He assists the project management team with writing technical documents such as ISs and EIR’s and provides administrative support by filing documents with various counties.
Project Experience
• Palmdale Market Place EIR-CEQA, Palmdale, CA
• Addams Elementary School Modernization Plus Project, Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD), Long Beach, CA
• 32nd St/USC Magnets Modernization Project , Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), Los Angeles, CA
• Henry Elementary School HVAC Project, LBUSD, Long Beach, CA • Polytechnic High School Transformation Project, LBUSD, Long Beach, CA • Citrus CCD-2020-2030 Master Plan CEQA, Glendora, CA
Education
Bachelor’s degree in
environmental management and
Protection, 2022
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Aliya Glick
Environmental Planner
Professional Experience
Aliya Glick has a background in CEQA environmental impact assessments as well as technical writing and editing. She has assisted with the preparation, writing, and editing of environmental documents.
Project Experience
• Cherry Channel Drainage, City of Beaumont, CA
• Taylor Storage, Idemitsu Renewables Americas Development, San Diego, CA • 32nd St/USC Magnets Modernization Project, LAUSD, Los Angeles, CA • Polytechnic High School Transformation Project, LBUSD, Long Beach, CA • WWTP Recycled Water Reservoir, City of Redlands, CA
Education
BA, Environmental Studies,
University of CA Santa Barbara,
2024
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Heather Clayton
Restoration Lead/Ecologist/Arborist
Professional Experience
Heather Clayton has over 20 years of experience and serves as project manager and lead botanist/restoration ecologist on numerous habitat restoration and monitoring projects. She is responsive to stringent deadlines and works with her field team to see that tasks are handled efficiently and effectively at each project site. As a certified field botanist through the California Native Plant Society, and experienced in conducting rare plant surveys throughout California, Heather is an excellent asset to any pr oject involving special status plant species. She can tailor an in-depth habitat mitigation and monitoring plan for a variety of habitats in southern California including habitats along the coast within wetland communities and has been instrumental in implementing and monitoring the restoration effort for sites with unproductive/problematic soils, for sites in environmentally sensitive areas with special status plant species and for sites overrun with invasive weeds. She recognizes the early signs of site d ecline and knows what remedial actions to take before problems escalate. She communicates effectively with landscape contractors and agencies and is incredibly adept at maintaining budgets.
Project Experience
Superior Avenue Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge, Newport Beach, Orange County, CA
Biological Services Lead. Chambers Group is working with the City of Newport Beach in the construction of a pedestrian and bicycle bridge overcrossing Superior Avenue, a new larger parking lot with a range of 100 to 128 parking spaces and a fenced dog park on an approximately 3.4 -acre site in the City of Newport Beach. The proposed bridge will connect Sunset Ridge Park to the new asphalt parking lot located at the northeast corner of West Coast Highway and Superior Avenue. Due to the location of the project and being partially funded by federal funding, Chambers Group is responsible for preparing CEQA documentation, NEPA documentation and California Coastal Development Permits for the project. Technical Studies (air quality, GHG emissions, energy and noise a nalyses, initial site assessments, hazardous materials analysis, Coastal California Gnatcatcher focused surveys, visual assessment) and a subsequent IS/MND were prepared as an appropriate CEQA documentation to provide the public and responsible agencies with information about the potential environmental impacts associated with implementation of the proposed Project. This IS/MND includes a project-level analysis of the potential effects associated with the Project. As a part of the NEPA documentation, Chambers Group was responsible for coordination with the Caltrans Local District and the resulting preparation of a Categorical Exclusion as the appropriate form of NEPA documentation.
Sea Summit at Marblehead Coastal Development and Outlets Center, SunCal Companies/Lehman Bros./Taylor Morrison/Craig Realty, San Clemente, Orange County, CA Senior Botanist, Restoration Ecologist, Project Manager. Heather conducted vegetation sampling and rare plant surveys on-site and within reference populations to determine appropriate species composition and planting densities for the Habitat Mitigation Plan. She provided restoration tasks, including plant and seed acquisition, nursery and resource agency coordination, annua l performance monitoring within coastal sage scrub and riparian habitats (for nearly 10 years), coastal California gnatcatcher monitoring, and general oversight of the 100-acre preserve to ensure the success criteria could be achieved. Her close communication with the California Coastal Commission (CCC), the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) as well as the Center Education
MS, Biology, California State
University, Fullerton, 2003
BA, Biology, Environmental
Emphasis, Occidental College, Los
Angeles, CA, 1999
Training
California Native Plant Society
Vegetation Rapid Assessment
Protocol for Vegetation Sampling
Workshop
Certifications
ISA Certified Arborist WE-13716A
California Native Plant Society
Certified Field Botanist CFB-0012
Plant Voucher Collecting Permit
to Collect Voucher Specimens of
State-Listed Endangered,
Threatened and Rare Plants. No.
2081(a) 16 129 V.
CDFW Scientific Collection Permit
No. SC-009907
California Native Plant Society
Member
Southern California Botanists
Member
California Society for Ecological
Restoration Member
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for Natural Lands Management kept construction progressing smoothly within this Environmentally Sensitive Habitat area. Meeting stringent performance standards, successful approval by the resource agencies, and subsequent turnover to the conservancy is a testament to the high quality of habitat that was created.
Pacific Street Bridge Restoration Project, City of Oceanside, Oceanside, San Diego County, CA Senior Biologist/Restoration Ecologist. Heather coordinated and oversaw the restoration of a saltwater marsh habitat for onsite mitigation. She conducted vegetation surveys to comply with annual and maintenance monitoring requirements for offsite restoration and analyzed the data to compare agai nst the performance standards for the mitigation effort. Heather reviewed all reports and provided recommendations to correct project deficiencies and put the project on track for agency sign-off.
On-Call Biological Services, Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County, Los Angeles, CA Senior Biologist. Heather served as the lead botanist during work on the 24 task orders under the Master Services Agreement with the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts. She surveyed for special status plants, mapped vegetation, and assessed the potential for restoration efforts at multiple sites under the jurisdiction of the Sanitation Districts. Her role in coordinating with the client to ensure projects adhered to agency requirements and were conducted to minimize impacts to native species was critical and also minimized schedule delays.
Biological Resource Services for Newport Coast, General Assessment, City of Newport Beach, Newport Beach, Orange County, CA
Staff Biologist. Heather performed a general assessment of eight canyons in the Newport Coast watershed area, including Buck Gully, Morning Canyon, Pelican Point Creek, Pelican Point Middle Creek, Pelican Point Waterfall Creek, Los Trancos Creek (Crystal Cove Creek), Mudd y Creek, and Moro Creek. The assessment provided the City with information on the jurisdiction of state and federal regulatory agencies including USACE, CDFW, and USFWS.
Big Tujunga Wash Mitigation Bank Area, Monitoring and Restoration, Los Angeles County Public Works (LACPW), Sunland, Los Angeles County, CA
Field Manager, Senior Botanist. Heather monitored the revegetation enhancement of upland and riparian habitat in the 200-acre mitigation bank for Public Works. The revegetation components of the master plan included the restoration of existing riparian habitat by removing non-native plant species and revegetating with native plant species. The plan provided for creation of coastal sage scrub and oak woodland habitats, and programs were designed to reduce the impact of exotic wildlife species on the native communities. A comprehensive monitoring program was developed for the site in which data were collected for a complete functional analysis, based on the USACE Hydrogeomorphic Analysis and Habitat Evaluation Procedures. She submitted a report summarizing the survey results after each inspection or combined with larger annual reports. Currently Heather meets regularly with the Chambers Group field crew maintaining the site and oversees the restoration effort to ensure the riparian habitat at the mitigation ban k is recovering after the Creek Fire in 2017.
I-405 Sepulveda Pass Widening, Sensitive Plant Surveys, Kiewit Pacific, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, CA
Staff Biologist. Heather performed sensitive plant surveys to determine the presence or absence of Braunton’s milk - vetch, Davidson’s bush mallow, and mesa horkelia throughout the project corridor; mapped vegetation communities, including the major noxious weed populations ; and conducted a tree survey in which all native trees were identified and mapped and diameter at breast height (dbh) was recorded for each individual. Surveys were conducted in 2009 and 2010 on both sides of I -405. She worked with Califor nia Department of Transportation (Caltrans) biologists and planners to develop a Revegetation Mitigation and Monitoring Plan for the project in accordance with the Streambed Alteration Agreement and NES. Heather performed a series of point -intercept line t ransects through intact native habitats within the vicinity of the project site to determine vegetative cover and species composition of undisturbed reference populations similar to those habitats on site. This data was used to develop the planting palette and performance standards for the restoration effort following construction.
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Heather Madera
Biologist/Wildlife Lead
Professional Experience
Heather Madera has a diverse background in wildlife biology including over ten years of experience in a variety of habitats including coastal sage scrub, desert, marine, and riparian. Heather holds a USFWS Section 10(a)(1)(A) recovery permit to survey for coastal California gnatcatcher. She has followed survey protocols to perform vegetation and wildlife inventories and functional analysis surveys. She is a project manager, environmental compliance monitor and is knowledgeable in field identification of avian species, small mammals, and fish. Her strengths include conducting regulatory compliance, reconnaissance -level biological surveys, preconstruction surveys, and construction mitigation monitoring for federal - and state-listed species and California special-concern species (e.g., California gnatcatcher, least Bell’s vireo, snowy plover, burrowing owl, and desert tortoise).
Project Experience
Superior Avenue Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge, Newport Beach, Orange County, CA
Project Biologist. Chambers Group is working with the City of Newport Beach in the construction of a pedestrian and bicycle bridge overcrossing Superior Avenue, a new larger parking lot with a range of 100 to 128 parking spaces and a fenced dog park on an approximately 3.4-acre site in the City of Newport Beach. The proposed bridge will connect Sunset Ridge Park to the new asphalt parking lot located at the northeast corner of West Coast Highway and Superior Avenue. Due to the location of the project and being partially funded by federal funding, Chambers Group is responsible for preparing CEQA documentation, NEPA documentation and California Coastal Development Permits for the project. Technical Studies (air quality, GHG emissions, energy and noise analyses, initial site assessments, hazardous materials analysis, Coastal California Gnatcatcher focused surveys, visual assessment) and a subsequent IS/MND were prepared as an appropriate CEQA documentation to provide the public and responsible agencies with information about the potential environmental impacts associated with implementation of the proposed Project. This IS/MND includes a project -level analysis of the potential effects associated with the Project. As a part of the NEPA documentation, Chambers Group was responsible for coordination with the Caltrans Local District and the resulting preparation of a Categorical Exclusion as the appropriate form of NEPA documentation.
SunCal Marblehead Coastal Development Project, San Clemente, Orange County, CA Project Biologist. Heather conducted habitat assessments and focused presence/absence and nesting surveys for coastal California gnatcatcher over approximately 31 acres of coastal bluff habitat.
Debris Basin Monitoring Project, Pre- and Post-Construction Surveys, Biological Monitoring, and Water Quality Sampling, Flood Maintenance Division (FMD), Los Angeles County, CA Project Biologist/Project Manager. Heather managed a $246,000/year contract since 2016 for pre - and post - construction surveys, nesting bird surveys, biological monitoring, and as needed water quality sampling for 177 debris basins maintained by the LACFCD FMD throughout portions of Los Ang eles County, California. The surveys and monitoring were required under permits from the USACE and RWQCB for maintenance activities including mowing/trimming of vegetation and potential sediment removal within the debris basins. Heather oversees permit compliance, conducts field surveys and water quality testing, as well as supported all technical efforts and field activities by coordinating and developing maintenance schedules for various debris basins and provided logistical support to staff Education
MS, Biology, California State
University, Fullerton, 2010
BS, Wildlife Biology Colorado
State University, Fort Collins, CO,
2006
Certifications
USWFS Recovery Permit, Coastal
California Gnatcatcher
Training
California Rapid Assessment
Method (CRAM) Training, April
15-19, 2019
San Diego Sensitive Butterflies
Workshop
Biology and Management of the
California Red-Legged Frog
Workshop
Sea and Sage Audubon
Introduction to Birding by Sound
Workshop
Desert Tortoise Introduction to
Surveying, Monitoring, and
Handling Techniques Workshop
Sea and Sage Audubon
Introduction to Southern
California Birds Workshop
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in the field. Heather also manages and provides oversight for the preparation of pre- and post-maintenance summary reports and oversaw aspects of project and contract management including budget management, scheduling, quality control, and coordination of internal field staff.
On-Call Biology Contract, Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County, Los Angeles County, CA Project Manager. Heather works as the project manager for the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County ’s On-Call in charge of budgets, scheduling, and report review for a variety of projects throughout Los Angeles County. Her responsibilities also involved conference calls and answering questions or concerns prior to and following fieldwork.
Heather’s duties included environmental awareness trainings for multiple sensitive and listed species, biological assessments, jurisdictional waters and wetland delineations, American badger and burrowing owl surveys and reporting, coastal California gnatcatcher surveys and reporting, and nesting bird surveys and reporting. She coordinates staff, tracking progress and milestones, and tracking project budget and invoicing.
Debris Basin Monitoring Project, Pre- and Post-construction Surveys, Biological Monitoring, and Water Quality Sampling, Los Angeles County Flood Control District (LACFCD) Flood Maintenance Division (FMD), Los Angeles County, CA
Project Manager/Biologist. Heather managed a $246,000 contract for pre- and post-construction surveys, nesting bird surveys, biological monitoring, and as needed water quality sampling for 172 debris basins maintained by the LACFCD FMD throughout portions of Los Angeles County, California.
The surveys and monitoring were required under permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Regional Water Quality Control Board for maintenance activities including mowing/trimming of vegetation and potential sediment removal within the debris basins. Heather oversaw permit compliance, conducts field surveys and water quality testing, as well as supported all technical efforts and field activities by coordinating and developing maintenance schedules for various debris basins and provided logistical support to staff in the field. She also manages and provides oversight for the preparation of pre - and post -maintenance summary reports and oversaw aspects of project and contract management including budget management, scheduling, quality control, and coordination of internal field staff.
Rustic and Rivas Canyon Reach 118 and 119 Improvement Project, Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles County, CA
Staff Biologist/Project Manager. Heather conducted a Biological Reconnaissance Survey, calculated impacts to riparian vs nonnative vegetation in channel (for removal under the RGP-45 permit) and assisted with the preparation for state and federal permit applications. In addition, Heather was charge of coordinating with the County of Los Angeles project manager and project personnel, supervising and staffing biological monitors, tracking the cleanout progress, and tracking project budget and invoicing.
I-405 Sepulveda Pass Widening Project, Metropolitan Transportation Authority – Sub to Kiewit Pacific, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, CA
Staff Biologist. Heather performed preconstruction nesting bird surveys and monitored nesting birds during construction activities to verify compliance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The right of way (ROW) for this project is approximately 10 miles long and 200 to 500 feet wide.
CEQA/ NEPA Compliance Services for Willey Reservoir Bank Stabilization Project, Imperial Irrigation District, San Diego County, CA
Biologist. Chambers Group managed the preparation of the IS and MND and associated technical studies for the project; additionally, Chambers Group prepared the 401, 404 permit application and 1602 notification letter. The project involves the stabilization of 525 linear feet of the embankment separating the New River from Willey Reservoir.
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Lisa Louie
Regulating Permitting
Professional Experience
Lisa Louie is a Senior Project Manager with more than 23 years of experience in marine, estuarine, and freshwater environmental management. She has prepared or supported in the preparation of multiple NEPA and CEQA documents. Her experience includes both NEPA and CEQA documents: environmental impact statements a nd reports (EIS/EIR), environmental assessments (EA), initial studies (IS), and negative declarations (ND), Categorical Exemptions and Exclusions (CatEx) as well as integrated NEPA/CEQA documents. Li sa also has coordinated with state and federal resource agencies, including the successful negotiation of mitigation and conservation requirements. In addition, Lisa has coordinated and managed mitigation and monitoring plans as well as permit applications that include Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 404 (individual and nationwide) permits and 404(b)(1) evaluations for United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), CWA Section 401 water quality certifications for the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQC B), Section 1600 streambed alteration agreement applications for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), coastal development permits and consistency determinations for the California Coastal Commission (CCC), and essential fish habitat (EFH) for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries).
Project Experience
Superior Avenue Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge, Newport Beach, Orange County, CA
Regulatory Permitting. Chambers Group is working with the City of Newport Beach in the construction of a pedestrian and bicycle bridge overcrossing Superior Avenue, a new larger parking lot with a range of 100 to 128 parking spaces and a fenced dog park on an approximately 3.4-acre site in the City of Newport Beach. The proposed bridge will connect Sunset Ridge Park to the new asphalt parking lot located at the northeast corner of West Coast Highway and Superior Avenue. Due to the location of the project and being partially funded by federal funding, Chambers Group is responsible for preparing CEQA documentation, NEPA documentation and California Coastal Development Permits for the project. Technical Studies (air quality, GHG emissions, energy and noise analyses, initial site ass essments, hazardous materials analysis, Coastal California Gnatcatcher focused surveys, visual assessment) and a subsequent IS/MND were prepared as an appropriate CEQA documentation to provide the public and responsible agencies with information about the potential environmental impacts associated with implementation of the proposed Project. This IS/MND includes a project -level analysis of the potential effects associated with the Project. As a part of the NEPA documentation, Chambers Group was responsible for coordination with the Caltrans Local District and the resulting preparation of a Categorical Exclusion as the appropriate form of NEPA documentation.
On-Call Environmental Services, Los Angeles County Public Works (LACPW), Los Angeles County, CA
Senior Project Manager/Biologist/Permitting Specialist. Lisa was responsible for coordination with LACPW regarding biological resource surveys for sensitive species/habitat, protocol -level surveys, jurisdictional waters and wetlands delineations, environmental documentation, and construction monitoring in supp ort of regulatory permits in Los Angeles County and the Angeles National Forest. Over 100 task orders have been completed on the on -call contract over the past decade.
Education
MS, Marine Science, University of
San Diego, 2005
BS, General Biology, University of
California, San Diego, 1999
Training
California Rapid Assessment
Method (CRAM) – Southern
California Research Project (May
2009)
Wetland Delineation – Wetland
Training Institute (August 2007)
Wetland Riverine Functional
Assessment/Ecology for Project
Managers – USACE
Environmental Considerations in
Planning – USACE
Hydrologic & Hydraulic
Considerations in Planning
Planning (Principles and
Procedures) Workshop – USACE
Environmental Impact
Assessment – USACE
Public Involvement and Teaming
In Planning – USACE
Planning (Civil Works) Orientation
Workshop – USACE
Introduction To Planning – USACE
Plan Formulation Workshop –
USACE
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On-Call Environmental Services, Orange County Public Works (OCPW), Orange County, CA Senior Project Manager/Biologist/Permitting Specialist. Lisa was responsible for coordination with OCPW regarding regulatory permits, including coastal permits, biological resource surveys for sensitive species/habitat, protocol- level surveys, environmental documentation, jurisdictional delineations of waters and wetlands, and construction monitoring in support of regulatory permits in Orange County Mitigation Implementation Monitoring Services for the Sunset/Huntington Harbour Maintenance Dredging, Orange County Parks, Seal Beach, Orange County, CA Senior Project Manager , Biologist, Permitting Specialist. Lisa managed the mitigation implementation and monitoring services for the Project, which included the successful transplant of eelgrass (Zostera marina) at a 1.38 to 1 ratio (mitigation to impact ratio). In addition, Lisa assisted with the coordination w ith CDFW to obtain a Letter of Authorization to conduct the collection of donor material as well as the transplant of the eelgrass. The transplant was conducted in compliance with the National Marine Fisheries Service California Eelgrass Mitigation Policy, the Project- specific Eelgrass Mitigation Plan, and project permits from USACE 404 permit, RWQCB 401 certification, CCC coastal development permit. Lisa coordinated with the divers for plan execution and participated in the preparation of the eelgrass bundles to be transplanted. Chambers Group is currently conducting monitoring for a five -year post - construction mitigation monitoring plan.
Valido Trail Repair, Orange County Parks, Laguna Beach, Orange County, CA Lisa is managing the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) related services, including a Notice of Exemption (NOE), focused plant surveys, hydraulic analysis, Section 7 consultation, and regulatory permits to OC Parks for the Valido Trail Repair Project (Project) located in the Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park in Laguna Beach, California.
The Project involves the repair to approximately 65 lineal feet of the eroded segment of the Valido Trail to reestablish the original design trail width. The Proposed Project would remove the existing vegetation along the eroded slope and would install innovative structures to stabilize the trail and reestablish a Type 2 single track trail with a 4 -foot tread width. The Chambers Group team has met with USFWS and CDFW with the County to discuss potential impacts to big- leaved crownbeard, which was observed at the Project site during the focused surveys. In addition, Chambers Group has submitted the applications for a CDFW 1602 SAA and Coastal Development Permit with the City of Laguna Beach.
Debris Basins Maintenance Program Project, Regulatory Permitting, Technical Studies, and Construction Monitoring, Los Angeles County, Throughout Los Angeles County CA Regulatory Permitting Specialist. Lisa managed the preparation of the renewal applications for the USACE Regional General Permit (RGP) 45 and RWQCB Section 401 permits for the Debris Basin Maintenance Program that was expiring in 2020 as well as amendment to the CDFW Section 1602 Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement. The renewal application included the notification forms, addition of new debris basins to be included, review of prior permit conditions and incorporation of relevant avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures. Currently, Lisa is assisting the County with the preparation of the permit amendments to add additional debris basins that have been transferred from other entities to the Maintenance Program.
Big T Mitigation Trail Realignment LSAA, County of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, CA Regulatory Permitting Specialist. Lisa prepared the CDFW Section 1602 Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement for the project , which involved the existing trail maintenance effort in compliance and adherence to mitigation and avoidance measures set forth in the Master Mitigation Plan (MMP). The Creek Fire in 2017 damaged or destroyed nearly all vegetation present onsite, providing an opportunity to realign some of the trails to better accommodate habitat recovery and regrowth as well as pedestrian and equestrian traffic before natural regrowth.
Magnolia Street Widening, Biological Survey and Permitting, City of Huntington Beach, GC Environmental, Huntington Beach, Orange County, CA
Regulatory Permitting Specialist. Lisa was responsible for preparing applications for environmental permits, including a Section 404 nationwide permit for USACE, Section 401 water quality certification for RWQCB, and 1602 streambed alteration agreement for CDFW. She assisted with the preparation of the CEQA IS/MND. The project also included a wetlands delineation, biological analysis, and report for the widening of Magnolia Street adjacent to the Huntington Beach Wetlands for a bike path and pedestrian pathway.
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Lucas Tutschulte
Cultural Resources Director
Professional Experience
Lucas Tutschulte has 15 years of cultural resource management experience including prehistoric and historic period archeological sites. Lucas has extensive experience leading archaeological field surveys, conducting cultural resources literature searches, historic/archival research, Native American coordination, site recordation and mapping, and construction monitoring. He has experience creating and implementing archaeological resource treatment plans; and is familiar with both laboratory, field testing and data recovery procedures throughout North America with the majority of experience within California. Lucas meets the Secretary of the Interior Professional Qualifications Standards for History. He maintains an understanding of relevant regulations and ordinances that affect cultural resources and historic properties. He has applied his understanding to a breadth of impacts assessments and determinations of eligibility across a range of administrative levels including local, state, and National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Additionally, he has performed and directed cultural and historic resource investigations under Section 106 and 110 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), NEPA, CEQA, and the Secretary of Interior Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. Among the agencies served by Lucas are the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Department of Defense (DOD), BLM, National Park Service (NPS), California Energy Commission (CEC), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Caltrans, California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), and the State Historic Preservation Offices of several different states throughout North America.
Project Experience
Collier Park Archaeological Testing Project, La Mesa, San Diego County, CA
Field Director. Lucas served as the Field director for the systematic subsurface testing conducted for the City of La Mesas’ Collier Park Historic District. The project actions included the design and implementation of a subsurface testing plan to determine the nature of subsurface deposits encountered in earlier studies of the Historic District.
Orange County Fire Authority Station 10 Project, Yorba Linda, Orange County, CA Associate Historian. Lucas conducted background historical research and provided an assessment of the history and physical integrity of the subject property. He conducted the intensive field survey of the existing Fire Station 10, capturing photo documentation and recording findings with the appropriate DPR523 Series forms. Lucas performed an evaluation of the resource in accordance with Section 15064.5(a)(2) -(3) of CEQA. Additionally, he compiled the associated historical resources report, submitted to Orange County Fire Authority.
Temecula Public Library Parking Lot Expansion Project, Temecula, Riverside County, CA Cultural Resources Specialist. Lucas conducted cultural resources management tasks related to the parking lot expansion project. As the scope of work for the project proposed expansion into a previously undisturbed portion of the adjacent property, tasks included background research, an arch ival records search, a field survey , and a technical report to document the findings. This study was done quickly but thoroughly, allowing the project to move forward with the appropriate CEQA-level analysis.
Cleveland High School Historic Resource Evaluation, Los Angeles Unified School District, Reseda, City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, CA
Associate Historian. Lucas provided an initial assessment of the history and physical integrity of the subject property.
He conducted the intensive field survey of the existing Cleveland High School with specific focus on structures called Education
BS, Anthropology emphasis in
Archaeology; University of
Kansas, 2006 Minor - Geography
emphasis in Cultural Geography
Huaca de la Luna y Sol Project,
Field School Program, 2005;
Pontificia Universidad Catolica,
Trujillo, Peru
Training
GIS Software: Working applicable
knowledge of ESRI ArcMap
GPS Hardware: Highly fluent with
Trimble HT/XT, and Yuma models
using TerraSync, ArcPad, and ESRI
software. Various Garmin
handheld model
Affiliations
Society for American Archaeology
Society for California Archaeology
Association of Environmental
Professionals
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out for modification or demolition in the current project description. The survey included capturing photo documentation and recording findings with the appropriate DPR523 Series forms. Lucas assisted in the resources evaluation in accordance with Section 15064.5(a)(2) -(3) of CEQA. Co -authored the associated historical resources report, submitted to Los Angeles Unified School District.
Environmental Programs Contractor Support- Cultural Resources, SDG&E, San Diego, CA Cultural Resources Contractor Support. Lucas has been providing direct support to SDG&E Environmental Programs as an archaeologist and cultural resources contractor for over three years. Lucas conducts cultural resources reviews; including background research, conducts field surveys, monitoring and determining appropriate mitigation measures to prevent unnecessary impacts to new or previously recorded archaeological and historical resources. This task also includes the use of ESRI ArcMap GIS to research and generate appropriate map documents to support the necessary mitigation and/or coordination with local, state, and federal agencies. Lucas assists in delegating survey and monitoring tasks to many cultural resources consultants working under contract with SDG&E. He supports management of ongoing operations and maintenance activity throughout the northern districts of SDG&E service area. Lucas has assisted the cultural resources team in reviewing and supporting management of hundreds of individual operations and maintenance projects to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations pertaining to cultural resources.
CEQA and NEPA Compliance Services for Willey Reservoir Bank Stabilization Project, Imperial Irrigation District, San Diego County, CA
Cultural Resources Specialist. Chambers Group managed the preparation of the IS/MND and associated technical studies for the project; additionally, Chambers Group prepared the 401, 404 permit application and 1602 notification letter.
The project involves the stabilization of 525 linear feet of the embankment separating the New River from Willey Reservoir.
Santa Ana and Garden Grove Fixed Guideway, Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (EIS/EIR), Orange County Transit Authority and Cities of Santa Ana and Garden Grove, Orange County, CA
Assistant Architectural Historian. Lucas served as survey lead for an approximately four-mile proposed streetcar line in the City of Santa Ana, capturing photo documentation and recording findings with the appropriate DPR523 Series forms.
He completed initial assessment of eligibility, analysis of integrity, and identification of effect for over 100 resources in accordance with the NHPA, NEPA, CEQA and Federal Transit Administration guidelines. Architectural history resources recorded ranged from late ninet eenth to late -1970s commercial, residential, institutional, and industrial properties, including a National Register of Historic Places (NRHP)-eligible steel-truss bridge and two NRHP-listed historic districts along with numerous local landmarks and individually NRHP-eligible buildings.
Long Beach Polytechnic High School Auditorium Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) Level III and Construction Monitoring, Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD), Long Beach, Los Angeles County, CA
Assistant Architectural Historian. Lucas assisted in the preparation of a Level III HABS based on the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines that included a sketch plan, photographs with large -format negatives of exterior and interior views, and a detailed historical context to record the subject property in its proper context.
After the Polytechnic Auditorium HABS document was completed, Lucas continued to provide support to the LBUSD for the project by creating design guidelines, identifying character -defining features and vulnerable historic materials, monitoring construction activities at the Auditorium. In addition, Lucas coordinated the ongoing construction monitoring and assisted in the creating and implementation of mitigation procedures to facilitate construction tasks and avoid unnecessary impacts to historic materials. The result of this collaboration was a thoughtful and effective approach to modernizing a historic structure.
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Richard Shultz, MA, RPA
Principal Investigator
Professional Summary
Richard Shultz is a Secretary of the Interior Qualified historic and prehistoric archaeologist, with an interest in architecture and architectural history. He maintains a Caltrans PQS Equivalent certification as Principal Investigator in Prehistoric Archaeology and Principal Architectural Historian. As a Principal Investigator and Senior Archaeologist, he has over 30 years of practical experience. Richard’s experience emphasizes California planning, CEQA NEPA, the N HPA, and associated orders and legislation. He has documented and evaluated historical resources for local, state, and federal jurisdictions, leading to both local and federal agenc ies, the State Historic Preservation Office ( SHPO), concurrence with several evaluations and recommendations for various buildings, sites, and objects. Richard has experience with the BLM Bureau of Reclamation for projects associated with Western Area Power Administration and Sempra Energy, RWQCB and various national telecommunications companies, as well as for Federal E nergy Regulatory Commission, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, Department of Homeland Security, USACE, and the FAA.
Project Experience
Desert Hot Springs 109 Industrial Park, City of Desert Hot Springs, Riverside County, CA
Cultural Resources Specialist . Richard performed project management, CEQA peer review, and consultation and coordination services to the City of Desert Hot Springs for the proposed development project. Chambers Group performed CEQA Initial Studies for a proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration. Unique challenges on this project included coordinating with interested parties during Covid-19 shut down and precautions, while successfully concluding AB 52 consultation between requesting tribal governments and the City of Desert Hot Springs.
Desert Hot Springs Dreamfields, City of Desert Hot Springs, Riverside County, CA Cultural Resources Specialist . Richard performed project management, CEQA peer review, and consultation and coordination services to the City of Desert Hot Springs for the proposed development project. Chambers Group performed CEQA Initial Studies for a proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration. Unique challenges on this project included coordinating with interested parties during Covid-19 shut down and precautions, while successfully concluding AB 52 consultation between requesting tribal governments and the City of Desert Hot Springs.
Cal Meadows Cannabis Peer Review, City of Desert Hot Springs, Riverside County, CA Cultural Resources Specialist . Richard performed project management, CEQA peer review, and consultation and coordination services to the City of Desert Hot Springs for the proposed development project. Chambers Group performed CEQA Initial Studies for a proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration. Unique challenges on this project included coordinating with interested parties during Covid-19 shut down and precautions, while successfully concluding AB 52 consultation between requesting tribal governments and the City of Desert Hot Springs G Guild Cultivation Project Peer Review, City of Desert Hot Springs, Riverside County, CA Cultural Resources Specialist . Richard performed project management, CEQA peer review, and consultation and coordination services to the City of Desert Hot Springs for the proposed development project. Chambers Group performed CEQA Initial Studies for a proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration. Unique challenges on this project included coordinating with interested parties during Covid-19 shut down and precautions, while successfully concluding AB 52 consultation between requesting tribal governments and the City of Desert Hot Springs.
Education
MA, Cultural Resources
Management, Sonoma State
University
BA, Anthropology, San Diego
State University
Registrations
Register of Professional
Archaeologist, 15841
Affiliations
Society for California
Archaeology
Training
OSHA 10-Hour Training Course
in Construction Safety and
Health
OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER
Unexploded Ordnance Safety
Training for Archaeological
Survey and Excavation
Programs, MCAGCC 29 Palms,
MCB Camp Pendleton, Fort
Irwin, and Naval Air Facility, El
Centro
ARC-GIS 9.x - BLM Cultural
Tool Database System
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General Plan Update EIR, City of Beaumont, Riverside County, CA Cultural Resources Specialist . Richard performed CEQA peer review on the proposed City of Beaumont General Plan.
Chambers Group performed CEQA review and comment for a proposed General Plan.
Pennsylvania Street Commercial Peer Review, City of Beaumont, Riverside County, CA Cultural Resources Specialist . Richard performed project management, CEQA peer review, and consultation and coordination services to the City of Beaumont for the proposed development project. Chambers Group performed CEQA Initial Studies for a proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration. Unique challenges on this project included coordinating with interested parties during Covid-19 shut down and precautions.
Southwest Corner 8th and Highland, City of Beaumont, Riverside County, CA Cultural Resources Specialist . Richard performed project management, CEQA peer review, and consultation and coordination services to the City of Beaumont for the proposed development project. Chambers Group performed CEQA Initial Studies for a proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration. Unique challenges on this project included coordinating with interested parties during Covid-19 shut down and precautions.
Boy Scouts of America, Camp Bashor, San Diego County, CA Principal Investigator. Richard performed project management and evaluative services for the Camp Bashor development project. Chambers Group performed cultural and biological coordination and monitoring service. Richard coordinated Chambers Group staff archaeologists, providing advice on findings, and liaising with the Tribal Historic Preservation Office and County staff regarding cultural repatriation of artifacts and remains. He coordinates with project staff evaluating identified resources, providing guidance to project. Unique challenges on this project included a compressed construction timeframe and on-going project design changes.
Woodcrest-Reinhart Acres Drainage Plan, Riverside County Flood Control & Water Conservation District, Riverside, CA
Principal Investigator. Richard performed a cultural resources assessment services for the Woodcrest -Reinhart Acres drainage plan project. Chambers Group provided environmental and regulatory support services to the Riverside County Flood Control & Water Conservation District. Ri chard requested the necessary records search data and conducted an initial desktop review of residential properties using assessor’s parcel number data from Riverside County to identify age -appropriate built environment features in assessing potential adverse effects to historical cultural resources. Richard conducted field survey for surficial and potentially buried cultural resources and field evaluated the previously identified potentially eligible built environment resources. Ric hard documented all findings and field - evaluated resources in a report to the District as part of the overall CEQA document package
Vidal Energy Project, Core Development Group LLC, San Diego, CA Principal Investigator / Field Director. Richard performed survey and evaluative services for the Vidal battery storage and solar project. Directed field crew in identifying and recording complex cultural resource deposit, illustrating methodological approaches to expedite recordings while maintaining efficiencies necessary for cost -limited projects.
Chambers Group performed cultural resources inventory survey and evaluation recommendation to the project client.
Richard authored the draft findings report, and over 50 cultural resource site forms. Unique challenges on this project included contextualizing historical land use following decades of subsequent disturbance by various public and private off-highway activities.
Valley Center Battery Storage, Terra-Gen Power, San Diego, CA Principal Investigator / Field Director. Richard performed management and field direction for Phase II testing of four loci of an archaeological deposit in Valley Center, California. Chambers Group performed survey and testing (Phase I and II) for a proposed battery storage facility that will aug ment power supply, and tie into, SDG&E power service. Richard coordinated monitoring staff and Native American Monitors for daily monitoring operations and provided on- site analysis and direction when issues were encountered. Richard coordinated with Tribal Historic Preservation Officer on all issues encountered during fieldwork. Unique challenges on this project included adapting to rapid changes in schedule, project design and footprint, and developing a testing program satisfying County of San Diego requirements and Native American consultation requests.
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Phillip Carlos
GIS Analyst
Professional Summary
Phillip Carlos has 5 years of experience in the GIS field. His GIS expertise includes aerial imagery analysis, spatial analyses of potential project impacts to biological resources, incorporating field-collected GPS data into GIS for report mapping and analysis, and natural resource mapping. He is familiar with industry data standards and cartographic requirements to produce figures and maps for reports. He is proficient in his use of Esri’s ArcGIS 10.X software including Desktop, Server, ArcGIS Online, Collector, and Survey123. He has regularly been part of a multidisciplinary team and is experienced in working with public agencies and on projects involving interagency coordination.
Project Experience
Big Tujunga Dam and Reservoir Cleanout Project, Phase II, Monitoring, Los Angeles County of Public Works (LACPW), Sunland, Los Angeles County, CA
GIS Analyst. Phillip managed GIS databases and supported mapping of the revegetation enhancement of upland and riparian habitat in the 200-acre mitigation bank for LACPW.
The revegetation components of the master plan included the restoration of existing riparian habitat by removing exotic plant species and revegetating with native plant species.
Big Tujunga Dam and Reservoir Cleanout Project, Phase II, Monitoring, County of Los Angeles, Sunland, Los Angeles County, CA
GIS Analyst. Phillip managed GIS databases and supported mapping of the revegetation enhancement of upland and riparian habitat in the 200 -acre mitigation bank for LACDPW. The revegetation components of the master plan included the restoration of existing riparian habitat by removing exotic plant species and revegetating with native plant species.
CEQA-NEPA Compliance Services for Willey Reservoir Bank Stabilization Project, Imperial Irrigation District, San Diego County, CA GIS Analyst. Managed GIS for the preparation of the I S/MND and associated technical studies for the project; additionally, Chambers Group prepared the 401, 404 permit application and 1602 notification letter. The project involves the stabilization of 525 linear feet of the embankment separating the New River from Willey Reservoir.
Potential Well Sites Investigation CEQA, Lake Arrowhead Community Services District, Tidewater Inc., Lake Arrowhead, San Bernardino County, CA
GIS Analyst. A draft IS was prepared to analyze the environmental impacts of the construction and operation of the wells in five locations within the District’s service area. Recommendations were also provided to provide further analysis on impacts to biological resources, cultural resources, noise, and Tribal Cultural resources.
Marblehead Coastal Development, SunCal Marblehead, LLC, San Clemente, Orange County, CA
GIS Analyst. Supported team with mapping for protocol-level focused surveys and nest monitoring for coastal California gnatcatcher during the breeding season. Mapped Education
BA, Geography, Sonoma State
University, 2017
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active coastal California gnatcatcher nests at various stages and the buffer/foraging area during vegetation removal in the vicinity.
Boy Scouts of America, Otay Lakes Campground, San Diego County, CA GIS Analyst. Chambers Group performed cultural resources technical study for the development of an EIR for a campground development in Otay Mesa.
Phillip conducted a desktop analysis, led archaeological survey, recorded new sites, and submitted DPR Site Forms, and prepared cultural resources report following CEQA and San Diego County guidelines.
Heber 1 Repower Project IS/MND, County of Imperial, CA
GIS Analyst. Chambers Group scope includes the preparation and submittal of forms associated with an Imperial County Conditional Use Permit (CUP), preparation of technical studies, and document preparation and noticing in compliance with CEQA.
Operations and Maintenance, Major Projects, and Restoration MSA, SDG&E, San Diego, CA GIS Analyst. Chambers Group performs Environmental reviews and releases, record searches, cultural resource surveys and reporting, subsurface testing, and construction monitoring to help meet project goals for this MSA. Phillip supports the team as a GIS Analyst.
Skookumchuck Wind Project and Eagle/Large Avian Use Studies, RES America Developments Inc, Lewis & Thurston Counties, WA
GIS Analyst. Phillip managed an Enterprise GIS system for this multi-disciplinary team in support of a proposed 100 mW wind energy in Washington state. Phillip managed our in-house web app viewer to view project data, planning and land use data among other pertinent da ta. This viewer allowed the project team to access project -related data from their desktops, or from mobile devices in the field, and allowed project design update changes to be streamlined immediately throughout the team. Phillip was also relied upon by the project team as a point-of-contact for a variety of site-specific concerns regarding access, site safety, among other project-related needs.
Truckhaven Geothermal Exploratory Wells EA/MND, Ormat Technologies, Inc., Imperial County, CA GIS Analyst. Chambers Group contracted with Imperial County to prepare an IS/MND for the Truckhaven Geothermal Exploratory Wells Project in accordance with CEQA. Portions of the Project are located on land managed by the U.S.
BLM; therefore, there is a federal nexus for the Project. Chambers Group is also contracted through Ormat Technologies, Inc. to prepare the NEPA document (EA) for the Project.
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Greg Tonkovich, AICP, INCE
Air Quality, Greenhouse Gas, Noise Impacts |Vista Environmental Project Experience
Mr. Tonkovich has over 15 years of environmental consulting experience and over 1 3 years of air quality and noise analysis experience. He specializes in air quality and noise impact analyses for governmental agencies and the business community and has completed numerous complex air and noise studies that conform to both the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements.
Mr. Tonkovich’s air quality analysis experience includes global climate change analyses and health risk assessments. He is proficient in utilizing CalEEMod, URBEMIS2007, CALINE4, ISCST3, AERMOD, EMFAC2014, and OFFROAD2011 models, in order to quantify emissions impacts as well as to assess the efficacy of proposed mitigation.
Mr. Tonkovich is also e xperienced in noise analyses and is proficient in utilizing FHWA Traffic Noise Model (TNM), FHWA Roadway Construction Noise Model (RCNM), FAA Integrated Noise Model (INM), and SoundPlan. In addition he has created and implemented a noise program based on the FHWA Standa rd. Through the use of the above models he is able to efficiently determine noise impacts to nearby sensitive land uses and assess the efficacy of proposed mitigation.
He has successfully ran an environmental consulting business for over 10 years and has been responsible in managing costs, scheduling, and accounting. Mr. Tonkovich has a proven record of preparing air quality and noise impact analyses to successful completion. During his 14 year career he has p repared more than 400 environmental documents with a 100 percent success rate.
Mr. Tonkovich is experienced in a wide range of project types, including: residential, commercial, industrial, and recreational projects as well as public projects that include specific plans and general plans. He has experience in preparing studies to specific standards and formats such as Caltrans Air Quality and Noise Study Reports and has completed air quality and/or noise analyses in over 150 different local jurisdictions throughout California.
Project Experience
Devil’s Gate Reservoir Sediment Removal and Management Project, Pasadena, CA.
Principal. Mr. Tonkovich prepared a health risk assessment (HRA) and noise impact analysis for the removal of approximately 2.9 million cubic yards of sediment plus a maintenance plan that would include the annual removal of 13,000 cubic yards of sediment. The HRA utilized emission rates calculated from the EMFAC2011 model and AERMOD View to calculate the diesel particulate matter (DPM) concentrations from four construction alternatives and operations at the nearby sensitive receptors. No significant construction or operational health risks were found. The noise analysis utilized the FHWA’s RCNM model to analyze the noise impacts from onsite construction activities and utilized the FHWA RD -77-108 model to analyze the noise impacts associated with the haul trucks on the roads to the sediment depository locations. The analysis found that a significant noise impact may occur due to the differing jurisdictions allowable construction times and the analysis provided mitigation limiting the time construction activities m ay occur. The analysis also found that a significant vibration impact may occur and provided mitigation that limited the type of equipment that can Education
MS, Electrical Engineering,
University of Southern California
BS, Planning and Development,
University of Southern California
Certifications
American Institute of Certified
Planners (AICP)
American Planning Association
(APA)
Institute of Noise Control
Engineering (INCE)
State of California General ‘B’
Contractors License
Training
Stays up to date with modeling
techniques and regulations
through continuing education
courses
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operate within 180 feet of an offsite structure. With incorporation of the proposed mitigation all noise and vibration impacts were reduced to less than significant levels.
Peck Water Conservation Improvement Project, Arcadia, CA Mr. Tonkovich prepared an air quality, HRA, and global climate change analysis and a noise impact analysis for the removal of 94,000 cubic yards of sediment, a maintenance plan for the annual removal of 2,000 cubic yards of sediment, and the construction of a pump station and a 7,000 -foot long pipeline. The air quality analysis utilized the CalEEMod model to calculate the criteria pollutant and GHG emissions from construction of the proposed project, utilized the SCAQMD Look -Up Tables to calculate the local concentrations at the nearby homes, and the AERMOD model to calculated the DPM concentrations and associated cancer risks at the nearby homes. No significant construction or operational air quality, GHG, or health risks were found. The noise analysis utilized the FHWA’s RCNM model to analyze the noise impacts from onsite construction activities and utilized the FHWA RD -77-108 model to analyze the noise impacts associated with the haul trucks on the roads to the sediment depository locations. No significant construction or operational noise or vibration impacts were found.
Surprise Valley Geothermal Project, Modoc County
Mr. Tonkovich prepared an air quality and global climate change analysis and noise impact analysis for the development of six exploratory wells located in Surprise Valley. The air quality analysis utilized URBEMIS2007 to analyze the project’s regional criteria pollutant and GHG emissions. The air quality analysis found less than significant emissions during the construction of the proposed project and no operational emissions. The noise analysis utilized the FHWA RCNM model to calculate the noise levels from construction activities at the nearby homes. The noise analysis found that a significant construction noise impact would occur at the closest well to the nearby homes and provided mitigation that required the use of mufflers on all equipment as well as placement of storage containers between the well drilling activities and the nearest home.
Pacoima Spreading Grounds Improvement Project, Los Angeles County Mr. Tonkovich prepared an Air Quality, Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Health Risk Assessment and Noise Impact Analysis for BonTerra Psomas that analyzed the removal of up to 1.6 million cubic yards of sediment and reconfiguration of the spreading grounds. The air quality analysis utilized the CalEEMod model to calculate the criteria pollutant and GHG emissions from construction of the proposed project, utilized the SCAQMD Look -Up Tables and AERMOD to calculate the local concentrations at the nearby homes, and the AERMOD model to calculated the DPM concentrations and associated cancer risks at the nearby homes. No significant construction or operational air quality, GHG, or health risks were found. The noise analysis utilized the FHWA’s RCNM model to analyze th e noise impacts from onsite construction activities and utilized the FHWA RD-77-108 model to analyze the noise impacts associated with the haul trucks on the roads to the sediment depository locations. No significant construction or operational noise or vibration impacts were found.
PL-24-25-17 On-Call Environmental Planning Services
City of Santa Clarita
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Rawad Hani PE, TE, PTOE, PTP
Traffic Studies | General Technology Solutions (GTS)
Professional Summary
Rawad Hani is a traffic engineer and transportation planner with over 20 years of experience. He specializes in traffic engineering, parking analysis, demand modeling, and technology applications. Rawad has managed engineering design projects in the US and internationally where he advised public, private, and institutional clients. His recent experience includes assisting local governments across Southern California with transportation plans, traffic studies, parking management strategies, and signal and street lighting designs. His project experience includes the cities of Hermosa Beach, Irvine, Buena Park, Commerce, Santa Monica, and Glendora among others. Rawad understands the importance of striking the right balance between engineering (mobility and safety) and planning (livability and sustainability) considerations. He has worked on context -sensitive design projects and has helped planning and transportation agencies achieve effective solutions.
Project Experience
City of Moorpark Environmental On-Call, Moorpark, CA
Traffic Engineer. Traffic Impact Studies Peer Review - Conducted a peer review of the TIS for the Everett Street Terraces project in the City of Moorpark J-90 Energy Storage Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Analysis, Los Angeles, CA
Traffic Engineer. Carried out the VMT analysis for the proposed energy storage facility in Los Angeles County Transport Street Self Storage VMT Analysis, Ventura, CA. Carried out the VMT analysis for the proposed Transport Street Self Storage in the City of Ventura.
Hudson Ranch Mineral Recovery, Imperial County, CA
Traffic Engineer. As part of the Chambers Group team, GTS provided a review of the traffic study submitted by the applicant on behalf of Imperial County. The review advised on VMT considerations that were then incorporated in the environmental document.
VMT Analysis, Rancho Vista Industrial Park, Palmdale, CA Traffic Engineer. Rawad managed the VMT analysis for the proposed industrial park in the City of Palmdale. The VMT analysis used the Los Angeles County Public Works Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) Guidelines and the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Regio nal Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS) Travel Demand Model.
VMT Analysis, Seneca Villas, Victorville, CA
Traffic Engineer. Rawad led the VMT analysis for this 310-unit multifamily housing project. The study utilized the City’s VMT Analysis Guidelines and the San Bernardino Transportation Analysis Model (SBTAM) model to estimate the VMT per capita and evaluate the project impact for the opening and horizon years.
Education
MS, Civil Engineering, Focus Area
Transportation Planning and
Engineering, American University
Registrations
Civil Engineer in CA, PE #83730
Traffic Engineer in CA, TE #2817
PTOE - Professional Traffic Operations
Engineer
PTP - Professional Transportation
Planner
RSP1 - Road Safety Professional 1
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City of Santa Clarita
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Environmental Impact Report (EIR) Transportation Analysis, Glendale Community College District, Glendale, CA
Traffic Engineer. Rawad lead the traffic/transportation analysis for the campus Master Plan which includes three campuses across the City: the Verdugo Campus, the Garfield Campus, and the Montrose Campus. The project includes scoping with the City, parking analysis, and transportation analysis using both VMT Senate Bill 743 (SB 743) and level of service (LOS) methodologies.
Government Campus Master Plan, San Bernardino County, CA Traffic Engineer. Provided parking and traffic circulation analysis for the update campus master plan. The parking component includes access considerations for visitors and employees.
Traffic and Parking Analysis, CSU Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) VMT, Carson, CA Traffic Engineer. As an on -call traffic engineer, Rawad supports CSUDH on various projects that aim at enhancing campus circulation and accessibility. He carried out VMT analysis to support the feasibility of new on- campus developments, managed a campus-wide parking needs assessment, carried out signal warrants and traffic analysis and advised on various transit and parking projects.
Traffic Analysis, Nature’s Medicines, Moreno Valley, CA Traffic Engineer. Rawad managed this TIA that identified the development’s potential traffic -related impacts per the City’s Traffic Impact Analysis Preparation Guides. The project was developed in two phases with the second phase consisting of medical offices.
Traffic Analysis, Clean Harbors, Westmoreland, CA
Traffic Engineer. As part of a Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (SEIR), Rawad provided traffic analysis services to the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) in reviewing the project’s application for a renewed Hazardous Waste Management Permit. The analysis focused on vehicle miles travel considerations and the changes from the previous EIR.
Pomona Emergency Shelter Parking, Pomona, CA
Traffic Engineer. Rawad led the lighting design for the emergency shelter parking lot. The design utilized the City’s standards and included photometric analysis and electrical designs.
Parking and Traffic Analysis, Notre Dame High School, Los Angeles, CA Traffic Engineer. Rawad led the traffic and parking analysis for the school’s master plan which included a 183 -spaces parking structure among other developments and renovations. He carried out the analysis per the City of Los Angeles guidelines and assisted with the planning commission meetings.
EIR Transportation Analysis, Santa Monica-Malibu John Adams Middle School (JAMS), CA Traffic Engineer. As part of the environmental team, Rawad led the traffic/TIA to identify potential transportation- related impacts associated with the construction activities of the John Adams Middle School auditorium replacement project. The analysis focused on construction traffic and followed the City of Santa Monica guidelines.
PL-24-25-17 On-Call Environmental Planning Services
City of Santa Clarita
Appendix
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Justin Castells
Architectural Historian| Golden State
Professional Summary
Justin Castells is an Architectural Historian who exceeds the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards in Architectural History and History. Justin has a M.A. in History and over thirteen years of professional experience in historic preservation and cultural resources management. Justin has worked on assessments for properties based on local, California Register of Historic Resources (CRHR), and National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) criteria. He has prepared technical reports in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (Section 106) including Environmental Impact Studies/Environmental Impact Reports, Cal ifornia Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) 523 series forms, HABS/HAER Documentation, historic preservation plans, and cultural landscape reports.
He has completed work for various Federal, state, and local agencies, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), California High Speed Rail Authority, California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), as well as numerous private clients.
Project Experience
Star Theater Historical Assessment and Mitigation, City of La Puente, CA Senior Architectural Historian. Responsible for historic resources assessment of a historic-period movie theater, conducting field survey and archival research, and recording historic buildings on appropriate DPR 523 series forms, including the preparation of a CEQA level assessment rep ort and mitigation measures. Presented finding to the City Council and the Planning Commission on behalf of the City of La Puente. Prepared HABS -level documentation of the CRHR -eligible Star Theater and development of an inte rpretive display in compliance with mitigation measures developed with the City of La Puente.
Altadena Library District Architectural History Studies, Altadena Library District, Altadena, CA
Senior Architectural Historian. Responsible for historic resources assessment of a historic-period buildings, including conducting field survey and archival research, recording historic buildings on appropriate DPR 523 series forms, and the preparation of an historical assessment report in compliance with state and local regulations.
Determined potential effects to the character defining features the proposed project may have on the NRHP/CRHR eligible library. Reviewed project plans and worked with design t eam to ensure Secretary of the Interior’s Standards compliance and made management recommendations as necessary.
Sierra Avenue Widening Project, City of Fontana, City of Fontana, CA Senior Architectural Historian. Responsible for historic resources assessment of historic-period buildings and structures, conducted archaeological and built environment field survey and archival research, recorded historic resources on appropriate DPR 523 series forms, and prepared the Historical Resources Assessment Report in compliance with CEQA standards.
Village South Specific Plan, City of Claremont, Claremont, CA Responsible for conducting cultural and architectural resources field survey and archival research, recording historic buildings on appropriate DPR 523 series forms, and the Education
MA, University of South Florida,
2009
BA, University of South Florida,
2006
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City of Santa Clarita
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preparation of the cultural resources assessment report in compliance with state and local regulations.
District-Wide Cultural and Paleontological Resources Assessment Update, Long Beach Unified School District, Los Angeles County, CA
Responsible for preparing the update for the 2017 District -Wide Cultural Resources Assessment. This includes a reconnaissance survey of all historic -period campuses, updates to the archaeological and paleontological resources studies which address all District facilities, and an intensive architectural history survey of NRHP and CRHR eli gible school campuses. Prepared District-Wide historical and archaeological contexts. The reports will provide guidance on the regulatory obligations as they apply to the treatment of archaeological, paleontological, and historic resources.
Citrus College 2020–2030 Educational and Facilities Master Plan Project, Citrus College District, Glendora, CA
Responsible for historical resources assessment, finding of effect, and mitigation measure development in compliance with CEQA. Conducted field surveys, archival research, and recorded historic buildings on appropriate DPR 523 series forms. Prepared CEQA level assessment report.
Historical Resources Assessment of Glendale Community College Verdugo Campus in Support of the 2019 Glendale Community College District Facilities Master Plan Update, Glendale Community College District, Glendale, Los Angeles County, CA
Responsible for Historic Resources Assessment of historic -period buildings in compliance with CEQA. Conducted field surveys, archival research, and recorded historic buildings on appropriate DPR 523 series forms. Prepared a CEQA level assessment report.
Flintridge Preparatory School Historic Building Assessment, Flintridge Preparatory School, Los Angeles County, CA
Responsible for Historic Resources Assessment of a historic -period school campus. Conducted field surveys, archival research, and recorded historic buildings on appropriate DPR 523 series forms. Prepared a CEQA level assessment report.
Cultural Resources Assessment Report for the North Chico Residential Development Project, Meridian Consultants, Los Angeles County, CA
Responsible for historic resources assessment of historic -period buildings and structures, conducted field survey and archival research, recorded historic resources on appropriate DPR 523 series forms, and prepared the historical resources assessment in compliance with CEQA standards.
Historical Resources Assessment Report of Seven Buildings Located on the Los Angeles Valley College Campus, Los Angeles Community College District, Los Angeles County, CA Responsible for Historic Resources Assessment of seven historic-period buildings in compliance with CEQA. Conducted field surveys, archival research, and recorded historic buildings on appropriate DPR 523 series forms. Prepared a CEQA level assessment report.
Paradise Ranch Chino Hills Project EIR, City of Chino Hills, Chino Hills, CA Responsible for documentation and evaluation of historic- period buildings located within the project area for a residential development project. Directed field survey and archival research, drafted historic context, prepared DPR 523 series forms, prepared historical resources assessment in compliance with CEQA, completed assessment of effect, and drafted architectural history sections of the final report. www.chambersgroupinc.com
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