The Project is deemed compliant with CEQA as follows: Existing Facilities - Class I Categorical Exemption, CEQA Guidelines, Cal. Code Regs. tit. 14 § 15301 (c): The Project will replace and modify a portion of an existing trail network that has reached the end of its useful life. Relocation of informal parking at the entrance will provide pedestrian and bicycle access, which is currently co-mingled with vehicular traffic along Marsh Rd. The Project is a component of an existing publicly owned recreational space and does not propose significant expansion. The Project is an
approved Capital Improvement Project consisting of minor alteration and maintenance of an existing trail network for public safety and welfare; it will be implemented by the City of Menlo Park for continuous protected access to the park.
Minor Alterations to Land Class IV Categorical Exemption, CEQA Guidelines, Cal. Code Regs. tit. 14 § 15304 (a), (b), (h):
(a) The alternative parking location near the restrooms is a project component that is not currently part of the existing conditions within the park, as it is not currently used for access or parking. The parking area will consist of gravel parking and the number
of spaces provided in this location will replace the spaces lost at the entrance of the park with a 1:1 ratio. There is no increase in designated parking from the certified EIR. The gravel parking will follow existing topography, sloping at less than 10% toward
Marsh Rd.
(b) The Project includes revegetation with native landscaping and potential addition of trees.
(h) The 10-foot trail along Bayfront Expressway is located within the existing Caltrans right-of-way. This portion of the Project will be subject to a Caltrans encroachment permit. The trail improvements along Bayfront Expressway are located within existing rights-of-way and align with the Class 4 exemption (Subsection H of Section 15304).
The City evaluated the Exceptions to Exemptions criteria outlined in Cal. Code Regs. tit. 14, Section 15300.2 and determined that the project is ordinarily insignificant in its impact on the environment.
The Project will implement the following environmental commitments to comply with local, state, and federal regulations:
Environmental Commitments
Nesting Migratory Birds and Raptors Best Management Practices:
- Nesting bird surveys are required for construction activities involving heavy equipment, ground disturbance, or vegetation removal that are scheduled during the nesting season (March 15 to August 31 for smaller bird species such as passerines;
February 15 to September 15 for raptors), a focused survey for active bird nests shall be conducted by a qualified biologist within 7 days prior to the beginning of Project. Nests will be protected in place according to applicable CDFW and USFW
laws by the Citys qualified biologist.
Protection of Salt Marsh Harvest Mouse Best Management Practices:
- All vegetation within potential habitat for the salt marsh harvest mouse within the project site and within a 2-foot buffer around the project footprint shall be removed by hand using only non-mechanized hand tools (i.e., trowel, hoe, rake, and shovel) prior to the initiation of work within these areas. Pickleweed stands will be removed by hand or weedwhacker. Vegetation shall be removed to bare ground or stubble no higher than 1 inch. Vegetation shall be removed under the supervision of a Service-approved biologist. Vegetation removal may begin when no mice are observed and shall start at the edge farthest from the salt marsh or the poorest habitat and work its way towards better salt marsh habitat, and from center of project outward.
- Other measures are to be implemented according to USFW project conditions, and the City of Menlo Parks Connect Menlo measures.
Cultural Resources Best Management Practices:
- Pre-construction Worker Environmental Awareness (WEAP) Training is recommended for the contractor/crew regarding
potential historic, pre-historic and human remains that could be found during excavation.
- The Citys archaeologist may stop or divert construction excavation until a significance determination is made for cultural finds and eligibility for listing on the California Register or the National Register of Historic Places.
- Significant cultural finds require additional plans for cultural resources treatment, evaluation, and mitigation pursuant to CEQA.
- State Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5 requires no further disturbance until the County Coroner determines origin and disposition under Public Resources Code Section 5097.98 if human remains are found. The County Coroner must be notified of
the find immediately.
- Other measures are to be implemented according to USFW project conditions, and the City of Menlo Parks Connect Menlo measures.
Hazardous Materials and Spill Prevention Best Management Practices:
- Prior to start of work, the contractor will develop and implement a Health and Safety Plan to be reviewed and approved by San Mateo County Environmental Health.
- In the event of a spill, appropriate spill response procedures will be initiated as soon as the incident is discovered.
- Other measures are to be implemented according to USFW project conditions, and the City of Menlo Parks Connect Menlo measures.
Traffic Control Plan and Emergency Access Best Management Practices:
- Work within existing streets will comply with a traffic control plan that has been approved by the City and Caltrans.
- Equipment and trucks will utilize designated routes to access the site.
- Access routes will remain open and unimpeded to vehicle traffic, including emergency access.
- Staging will take place within staging limits designated on plans (within paved and fenced area).
The contractor must coordinate with Cargill to maintain continuous access throughout construction.
- Other measures are to be implemented according to USFW project conditions, and the City of Menlo Parks Connect Menlo
measures.
Air Quality Best Management Practices:
- Equipment and trucks will use only designated and paved routes to access the site.
- Trucks hauling soil, sand, and other loose materials will be covered.
- Track out area will be swept as needed, at a minimum of once daily, to remove loose soils.
- Other measures are to be implemented according to USFW project conditions, and the City of Menlo Parks Connect Menlo measures.
Noise Reduction Best Management Practices:
- Project activities will remain consistent with specifications/ notes on engineering plans in accordance with City Ordinance No.
8.06, since noise levels have the potential to exceed 85 Dba (measures at 50 feet from the source) during the hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.
- Equipment will be rigged with manufacturers standard noise control devices or mufflers, or with equally effective replacement devices consistent with manufacturer specifications.
- Excessive idling of vehicles will be prohibited.
- Other measures are to be implemented according to USFW project conditions, and the City of Menlo Parks Connect Menlo measures.
Water Quality Best Management Practices:
- During Project construction, limit disturbance footprint; use paved areas to park/ store equipment and materials; use spill
prevention kits in place if servicing or refueling is necessary; limit operations during wet weather conditions; install road drainage control structures; follow an erosion control plan; do not dispose of vegetation or maintenance related sediment in
drainage paths; take suitable measures to avoid the spread of invasive weeds; discharge of water; comply with the Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit for discharge water.
- Other measures are to be implemented according to USFW project conditions, and the City of Menlo Parks Connect Menlo measures.
Wildfire Prevention Best Management Practices:
- An approved construction phase fire plan and procedure will be implemented during construction, which includes either no
smoking requirements or designated smoking areas equipped with fire extinguishers, appropriate trash receptacles, and
adequate buffers from flammable vegetation and structures.
- Construction will implement good housekeeping procedures and a waste disposal plan.
