The project proposes removal of 1 residence and 11 accessory structures (1 modular trailer unit, 1 garage, and 9 sheds) along Lydia Lane in Round Valley Regional Preserve, outlined in the attached map. The building demolition will primarily occur above ground. All foundations and footings will be removed. Below ground activities will include backfilling the approximately 500 cubic yard unfinished basement at the 301 Lydia Lane residence. Utilities will be capped and abandoned in place. Septic tanks will be removed or abandoned, based on input from Sanitation Unit staff after demolition. Debris piles across the property will be removed. The project does not include tree or vegetation removal. The project may be phased, depending on funding availability. The project will retain a carport, a shed, and a porch for operational reuse.
The buildings to be demolished were built variously from 1950 to 2009 and are no longer needed for operational purposes. They are located at 300 Lydia Lane (APN 007-060-019) and 301 Lydia Lane (APN 007-060-020).
Demolition is anticipated to begin in January 2027 and take up to four months. Demolition activities, including waste disposal and recycling of materials, will be implemented in accordance with applicable protocols and East Bay Regional Park District (Park District) technical specifications for demolition to reduce temporary noise, air quality, and traffic impacts. The Park District will follow Bay Area Air District regulations for dust control and waste disposal at certified disposal locations. Demolition activities would be limited to standard work hours. Demolition would include a laydown and staging area for equipment. Typical equipment used for demolition can include a dumpster, backhoe, bulldozer, wheel loader and skid steer. Access to the project site would be along Lydia Lane via Marsh Creek Road.
A biological survey was conducted and noted that the proposed project site is located within potential habitat for Alameda whipsnake (AWS), California red-legged frog (CRLF), and California tiger salamander (CTS). Ground disturbance may impact CRLF and CTS individuals occupying ground squirrel burrows along Lydia Lane. Removal of porches and debris may impact AWS individuals using these features for refugia. Structures along Lydia Lane may offer bat roosting habitat and bird nesting habitat. The project site is near Marsh Creek but would not enter the riparian corridor, and the project is not within an area of special ecological concern.
An historical resources evaluation was conducted, including an architectural survey and evaluation, which determined that the buildings and structures are not eligible for the California Register of Historical Resources, the National Register of Historic Places, nor Local Register, and that the project area does not appear to contain historical resources as defined in CEQA § 15064.5. However, an archeological survey revealed three archeological resources near the proposed project activities, and there is potential for unrecorded subsurface deposits.
Avoidance and minimization of impacts to both biological and potential unrecorded archeological resources are incorporated into the project.
Avoidance and Minimization Measures Incorporated into Project
Avoidance and minimization measures have been incorporated into the project. These measures are sufficient to avoid harm to special-status plant and wildlife species, other sensitive biological resources, and archeological resources. The measures are provided below:
Bat Survey. The Park District shall conduct a bat roosting survey within 7 days prior to the start of demolition to ensure no bats are present.
Nesting Bird Survey. If the project will be constructed during the nesting bird season (February 1 to August 31), a nesting bird survey shall be conducted within seven days of construction. If an active nest(s) is found, a qualified biologist will establish appropriate no disturbance buffers or construction will be delayed until nesting is complete.
Debris. Debris piles shall be removed by hand to avoid AWS impact.
Biological Monitoring. A qualified biological monitor shall be present during any construction activities that may impact special-status species including CTS, CRLF, and AWS. The monitor will have the authority to stop any work that may result in harm to wildlife. Contact information for a qualified biologist will be provided to the onsite work crew if a special-status species is observed or suspected.
The qualified biologist will provide a Worker Environmental Awareness Training (WEAT) to all construction personnel and crew at the start of project activities. At a minimum, the WEAT will consist of a brief presentation about the biology of sensitive species with potential to occur in the project footprint (CTS, CRLF, AWS, nesting birds, and roosting bats). The biologist will provide a description of the species, their status and habitat requirements, nearby occurrences, and a list of measures being taken to reduce impacts to these species during demolition.
Archaeological Monitoring. A Secretary of the Interior (SOI)-qualified Archaeologist shall be retained to create an archaeological monitoring plan, which will include the Districts Inadvertent Discovery protocols, before demolition can start. An archaeological monitor under the supervision of a SOI-qualified archaeologist shall be present during any ground disturbing activities and will give a cultural resources tailboard at the start of project activities.
Speed Limits. Project-associated vehicle traffic shall travel at no more than 10 miles per hour on Lydia Lane to allow time to see and avoid wildlife.
Work Area and Work Hours. Project activities will be restricted to the smallest area possible, and all work will occur during daylight hours.
Rain Work Restrictions. Work may only proceed when there is no rain in the forecast (greater than 20 percent chance of precipitation based on National Weather Service) for the following 24 hours. Any rain event greater than one quarter inch or more will trigger a 24 hour dry out period. No work will be conducted during or immediately following a rain event.
Tree Removal. If any trees, such as those close to the buildings to be demolished, are to be removed, the project manager should seek additional guidance from the Park Districts Stewardship department. Trees may be trimmed as needed to provide construction equipment access.
