Black Rascal Flood Control Project

This proposed project involves the construction of a flood detention basin, realignment of 1700-foot section of Black Rascal Creek, a basin outlet structure, a 350-foot-long spillway constructed adjacent to the basin outlet, drainage facilities (culverts, headwalls, and end treatments at three locations within the Project), access road work, staging areas, and aquatic, riparian and upland habitat enhancements within the Project footprint. Following the completion of all Project activities, all remaining work areas will be graded and restored to as close to pre-project contours as feasible. All areas subject to ground disturbance will be revegetated with hydroseeding or hand seeding with a weed-free native seed mix unless otherwise required by the property landowner. Construction of the detention basin will take approximately 18 months to complete and will occur over a 2-year period during the dry season (April 1 through October 31). It is assumed that all work will be conducted during the day within a normal 8-hour shift between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. The Project will result in impacts to 1.794 acres of California tiger salamander (Ambystoma californiense, CTS) habitat and 40.69 acres of Swainson’s hawk (Buteo swainsoni) habitat, including temporary impacts to 1.6 acres of CTS upland habitat and 40.69 acres of Swainson’s hawk foraging habitat; the Project will permanently remove 0.194 acres of CTS breeding habitat. The Project is expected to result in incidental take of CTS and Swainson’s hawk, which are both designated as threatened species under the California Endangered Species Act. The ITP referenced above as issued by CDFW authorizes incidental take of species listed under CESA that may occur as a result of Project implementation. Minor Amendment No. 1 extends the expiration date from January 31, 2027, to January 31, 2032. The Project is delayed pending the approval of the following permits associated with the Project: (1) U.S. Army Corps of Engineering (USACE) Section 404 permit No. SPK-2021-00278; (2) USACE Section 408 permit No. 19653; and (3) Central Valley Flood Protection Board Encroachment Permit No. 19643.