CONTENTS

1 CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT PROCESS 3

1.1 Introduction 3
1.2 Discretionary Action Subject to CEQA review 3
1.3 Purpose and Objective 3
1.4 Approach 3

2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION 4
2.1 Background 4
2.2 Proposed Project Location 4
2.3 Proposed Project Description 5
2.4 System Installation 6
2.5 Project Alternatives Evaluated and Rejected 7
2.6 Regulatory Approvals and Permit Requirements 8

3 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS 9
3.1 Aesthetics 10
3.2 Agricultural Resources 11
3.3 Air Quality 12
3.4 Biological Resources 17
3.5 Cultural Resources 20
3.6 Geology and Soils 22
3.7 Hazards and Hazardous Materials 24
3.8 Hydrology and Water Quality 26
3.9 Land Use Planning 29
3.10 Mineral Resources 31
3.11 Noise32
3.12 Impacts 33
3.13 Population and Housing 34
3.14 Public Services 35
3.15 Recreation 36
3.16 Transportation and Traffic 37
3.17 Utilities and Service Systems 39
3.18 Mandatory Findings of Significance 40
4 REFERENCES 43
4.1 Bibliography 43
4.2 Persons Consulted 43
4.3 Document Preparers 43

FIGURES

TABLES

APPENDICES
1 CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT PROCESS

1.1 INTRODUCTION
Whenever a public agency undertakes a discretionary action, it must determine whether the action is
subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”). A discretionary action is one where a
governmental agency can use its judgment in deciding whether and how to carry out or approve a project.
A project subject to such judgmental controls is called a “discretionary project” (Title 14. California Code
of Regulations, Section 15357). If CEQA applies to the project, the agency must evaluate the potential
effects of the project on the environment.

An Initial Study provides the Lead Agency with a basis for deciding whether to prepare an Environmental
Impact Report or a Negative Declaration for a proposed project. The Initial Study process also enables the
applicant or Lead Agency to modify the project to avoid or reduce adverse impacts, thereby enabling the
project to qualify for a Negative Declaration. When mitigation measures proposed in the Initial Study are
incorporated into the project, before the Lead Agency’s approval and before circulation to the public, a
Mitigated Negative Declaration may be adopted by the agency.

1.2 DISCRETIONARY ACTION SUBJECT TO CEQA REVIEW

Ohlone College proposes to (1) repair and rehabilitate water damage to campus facilities; and (2) install
subsurface hydrologic improvements to improve groundwater flow in the subsurface to alleviate flooding
of campus facilities.

The proposed repairs to existing facilities and replacement of damaged or non-functioning drainage and
related structures would not change the function of the facilities, would not create any expansions or
alterations to the existing uses and, would pose no impact on the environment. Consequently, the
proposed repairs, replacement and reconstruction activities are exempt from CEQA review by sections
15301 (Existing Facilities), 15302 (Replacement or Reconstruction) and 15304 (Minor Alterations to
Land) of Article 19, Categorical Exemptions, of the CEQA guidelines and are not included in the scope of
this document.

therefore, the primary focus subject of this document.

2.3 PROPOSED PROJECT DESCRIPTION
aged by water infiltration and intrusion and replace or repair damaged or non-functioning subsurface
drainage systems. The repairs are exempt from CEQA review as discusde proposed subsurface hydrologic
improvements would reduce the potential for groundwater intrusion into the College buildings by routing
a portion of the groundwater past the buildings that are vulnerable to subsurface water intrusion. The
proposed system would include a northern and southern drain, each consisting of non-perforated and
perforated pipe segments installed at 80 to 100 feet below grade, and connecting to an infiltration gallery
to transport groundwater around the campus structures via gravity. The perforated and non-perforated
drain pipes would most likely be high-density polyethylene (HDPE) of a thickness that can withstand the
stress of drawing them into placeinstalling them via the horizontal directional drilling (HDD). Alterve
sufficient rigidity and strength to withstand the pressures at the depth of 80 to 100 feet of theation

2.

A horizontal drain consi

A horizontal drain consi

2.3.2 Access Ports

 2.4.4 Trenching

2.6 REGULATORY APPROVALS AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS

Activities within Agency's Agency Action/Requirement

Jurisdiction
Ohlone College Board of Trustees Project approval. CEQA
compliance.
Project approval
Approval.
Enforce of air quality plans and
compliance with CEQA
Guidelines.
Plan review and approval

Review and approval

Consultation. Compliance with
State Historic Preservation Act.
3 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

Potential Impact(s) Mitigation Measure(s)

No significant impacts None required

were identified.
2. Agriculture No impacts were identified None required
Resources
3. Air Quality for detailed discussion) No A2.1
other significant impacts
were identified
No impacts were identified None required
5. Cultural Resources No significant impacts None required
were identified.
6. Geology / Soils No significant impacts None required
were identified.
7. Hazards & Hazardous No impacts were identified None required
Materials
8. Hydrology and Water No significant impacts None required
Quality were identified.
9. Land Use Planning No impacts were None required
identified.
10. Mineral Resources No impacts were None required
identified.
11. Noise No significant impacts None required
were identified.
12. Population / Housing No impacts were None required
identified.
13. Public Services No impacts were None required
identified.
14. Recreation No impacts were None required
identified.
15. Transportation/Traffic No impacts were None required
identified.
16. Utilities / Service No impacts were None required
Systems identified.
17. Mandatory Findings No significant impacts None required
of Significance were identified.
 Less-Than-
Significant
with Less-Than-
Mitigation Significant
Incorporated Impact No Impact

2. Substantially damage scenic resources,

including, but not limited to, trees, rock
outcroppings, and historic buildings within a
state scenic highway?
3. Substantially degrade the existing visual
character or quality of the site and its
surroundings?
4. Create a new source of substantial light or
glare, which would adversely affect day or
nighttime views in the area?

Substantan-Significant Impact.

Item 4. No Impact.

3.2 AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES

Less-Than-
Significant
with Less-Than-
Mitigation Significant
Incorporated Impact No Impact

2. Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural

use, or a Williamson Act contract?
3. Involve other changes in the existing
 environment which, due to their location or
nature, could result in conversion of
Farmland, to non-agricultural use?

Less-Than-
Significant
with Less-Than-
Mitigation Significant
Incorporated Impact No Impact

2. Violate any air quality standard or contribute

substantially to an existing or projected air
quality violation?
3. Result in a cumulatively considerable net
increase of any criteria pollutant for which
the project region is non-attainment under an
applicable federal or state ambient air quality
standard (including releasing emissions
which exceed quantitative thresholds for
ozone precursors)?
4. Expose sensitive receptors to substantial
pollutant concentrations?
5. Create objectionable odors affecting a
substantial number of people?

3.3.2 Impacts
or obst
Violate n-Significant Impact with Mitigation Incorporated.

PM 10 Emissions
utant of greatest concern with respect to construction activities. There are a number of feasible control
measures that can be reasonably implemeedol measures rather than detailed quantification of emissions
(BAAQMD, 1999, p.14). The BAAQMD has identified a set of feasible PM10 control measures for
construction activities. The determatQMD CEQA Guidelines (as appropriate, depending on the size of
the project area) are implemented, then air pollutant emissions from construction activities would be
considered a less than significant impact (BAAQMD, 1999, p.15). Table 3-2 provides the Basic Control
Measures (from Table 2 ofhe10

Applicable to Proposed Project?

Yes
Cover all trucks hauling soil, sand, and other loose materials or Yes
require all trucks to maintain at least two feet of freeboard.
Pave, apply water three times daily, or apply (non-toxic) soil No—Site is paved
stabilizers on all unpaved access roads, parking areas and staging
areas at construction sites.
Sweep daily (with water sweepers) all paved access roads, parking Yes
areas and staging areas at construction sites.
Sweep streets daily (with water sweepers) if visible soil material is Yes (however, no visible soil is expected on
carried onto adjacent public streets. adjacent streets)

No. Applicable to construction areas greater

than 4 acres
Enclose, cover, water twice daily or apply (non-toxic) soil binders No. Applicable to construction areas greater
to exposed stockpiles (dirt, sand, etc.). than 4 acres
Limit traffic speeds on unpaved roads to 15 mph. No. Applicable to construction areas greater
than 4 acres
Install sandbags or other erosion control measures to prevent silt No. Applicable to construction areas greater
runoff to public roadways. than 4 acres
Replant vegetation in disturbed areas as quickly as possible. No. Applicable to construction areas greater
than 4 acres

No.
Suspend excavation and grading activity when winds No.
(instantaneous gusts) exceed 25 mph.
Limit the area subject to excavation, grading and other Yes—Construction activities will be
construction activity at any one time. conducted one pipe segment at a time.

Implementation of BAAQMD Fa

x (BAAQMD, 1999, p. 16). Table 3-3 compares the total project emissions to these emission thresholds.
Table 3-3. Air Emissions from Construction Operations Compared to BAAQMD CEQA
Significance Thresholds

Total Project Operation Emissions BAAQMD Significance Threshold

(lbs/day)
3.6 80
ROG 15 80
NO 80
B
B
Construction emissions will not reach the significance thresholds established in the BAAQMD CEQA
Guidelines; thus, the project will not substantially contribute to an existing or projected air quality
violation. Likewise the project will not violate any air quality standard, as it will be conducted in
compliance with all applicable BAAQMD regulations, permit conditions and will include appropriate
controls during construction activities.

Expose san-Significant Impact with Mitigation.

nit equipment idling to minimize air emissions.

MITIGATION MEASURE A2: Stage equipment exhaust away from building air intakes.

ns.

Create oan-Significant Impact with Mitigation.

Stage equipment exhau

Instruct equipment op

Less-Than-
Significant
with Less-Than-
Mitigation Significant
Incorporated Impact No Impact

2. Have a substantial adverse effect on any

riparian habitat or other sensitive natural
community identified in local or regional
 plans, policies, or regulations or by the
California Dept. of Fish and Game or U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service?
3. Have a substantial adverse effect on federally
protected wetlands as defined by Section 404
of the Clean Water Act (including, but not
limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.)
through direct removal, filling, hydrological
interruption, or other means?
4. Interfere substantially with the movement of
any native resident or migratory fish or
wildlife species or with established native
resident or migratory wildlife corridors or
impede the use of native wildlife nursery
sites?
5. Conflict with any local policies or ordinances
protecting biological resources, such as a tree
preservation policy or ordinance?
6. Conflict with the provisions of an adopted
Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural
Community Conservation Plan, or other
approved local, regional, or state habitat
conservation plan?

are located near the east portion of the project site. Vegetation communities present along the lower
portions of the drainages include Freshwater Spring, Coastal Freshwater Marsh, and remnant elements of
Central Coast Cottonwood-Sycamore Riparian Forest. A small pond (the “Upper Pond”) bordered by a
Coastal Freshwater Marsh and surrounded by a Coast Live Oak Woodland is located immediately east of
campus Buildings 5 (Figure 2). The Coastal Freshwater Marsh vegetation community includes a variety
of obligate and facultative wetland plant species. Depending on the local soils and hydrology, this
vegetation community may be classified as jurisdictional wetlands pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean
Water Act. Wetland vegetation communities are also defined and protected as sensitive wildlife habitat by
the California Department Fish and Game.

Wildlife

Special-Status Species

). Loggerhead shrikwer
Agelaius tricolor). Trds were not obser on
Have a san-Significant Impact.

rikirke, listed as an endangered species in California, has been identified as having a potential presence in
the general vicinity of the proposed project based on available on foode and t been observed on the site ;
however, the activity footprint would be limited to an opening with a diameter of 36 inches (Figure 5) and
would be of short duration. While the activity may create a short-term disturbance during installation of
the drainage pipe, it is not likely to have a significant effect on the avian species, which would avoid the
small area for a short duration.

Three additional species (California Red-legged Frog, California Tiger Salamander, and Western Pond
Turtle) may be foud 100 feet from the Upper Pond and 500 feet from the South Pond and would be of
short duration, therefore, these activities would not impact these species.s, policies, or regulations or by
the California Dept. of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. No Impact.

of Ripa

Interferct.

No Impact.

CiIt is not anticipated that any such classification of tree will be removed during the project. Therefore
the proposed project would have no impact on such plans or ordinances.

Conflictct.

prd therefore it will not conflict with any adopted protection plansa

Less-Than-
Significant
with Less-Than-
Mitigation Significant
Incorporated Impact No Impact

2. Cause a substantial adverse change in the

significance of an archaeological resource
pursuant to §15064.5?
3. Directly or indirectly destroy a unique
paleontological resource or site or unique
geologic feature?
4. Disturb any human remains, including those
interred outside of formal cemeteries?
nmgle and Colonial Revival styles. This house is on the City of Fremont list of primary historic resources.
A "planted alameda" of olive trees (Olive Alley) runs perpendicular from Mission Boulevard eastward to
and just past the historic structure. These trees are probably roughly contemporaneous with the house and
thus about 100 years old.

Although no surface manifestations have been reported, there is evidence that a buried archaeological site
may exist on Ohlone College property, in an orchard near Mission Boev

a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource as defined in §15064.5. Less-
Than-Significant with Mitigation Incorporated

ystem (Figure 2). No modifications to the structure aould occur asation.

MITIGATION MEASURE C1: Obtain approval for trenching in the "planted alameda" historic
landscape from the State Historic Preservation Officer prior to beginning of construction activities.

verse ch

surface, they aresubsurface are unlikely to be found at these depths, therefore the project would not cause
disturbanc

f trenchingate

If archaeological res

Item 3. Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic
feature. No Impact.

Disturb an-Significant Impact with Mitigation Incorporated.

f trenching

If human remains are tact the State Historic Preservation Officer and consult with the BbtaA as
necessary prior to

Less-Than-
Significant
with Less-Than-
Mitigation Significant
Incorporated Impact No Impact

i. Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as

 delineated on the most recent Alquist-
Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map
issued by the State Geologist for the area
or based on other substantial evidence of
a known fault? Refer to Division of
Mines and Geology Special Publication
42.
ii.Strong seismic ground shaking?
iii. Seismic-related ground failure, including
liquefaction?
iv. Landslides?
2. Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss
of topsoil?
3. Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is
unstable, or that would become unstable as a
result of the project, and potentially result in
on- or off-site landslide, lateral spreading,
subsidence, liquefaction, or collapse?
4. Be located on expansive soil, as defined in
Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code
(1994), creating substantial risk to life or
property?
5. Have soils incapable of adequately
supporting the use of septic tanks or
alternative wastewater disposal systems
where sewers are not available for the
disposal of waste water?

3.5.2 Impacts

3.6 HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

Less-Than-
Significant
with Less-Than-
Mitigation Significant
Incorporated Impact No Impact

2. Create a significant hazard to the public or

the environment through reasonably
 foreseeable upset and accident conditions
involving the release of hazardous materials
into the environment?
3. Emit hazardous emissions or handle
hazardous or acutely hazardous materials,
substances, or waste within ¼ mile of an
existing or proposed school?
4. Be located on a site which is included on a
list of hazardous materials sites compiled
pursuant to Government Code Section
65962.5 and, as a result, would it create a
significant hazard to the public or the
environment?
5. For a project located within an airport land
use plan or, where such a plan has not been
adopted, within 2 miles of a public airport or
public use airport, would the project result in
a safety hazard for people residing or
working in the project area?
6. For a project within the vicinity of a private
airstrip, would the project result in a safety
hazard for people residing or working in the
project area?
7. Impair implementation of or physically
interfere with an adopted emergency
response plan or emergency evacuation plan?
8. Expose people or structures to a significant
risk of loss, injury or death involving
wildland fires, including where wildlands are
adjacent to urbanized areas or where
residences are intermixed with wildlands?

Create act

Create a

Emit hazct.

acutely hazardous materials or substances.

Be located No Impact.

The proposed project would not be located on sited listed pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5,
is not within an airport land use plan or within 2 miles of a public airport or public use airport, and is not
within the vicinity of a private airstrip.

Expose pct.

Less-Than-
Significant
with Less-Than-
Mitigation Significant
Incorporated Impact No Impact

2. Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or

interfere substantially with groundwater
recharge such that there would be a net
deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of the
local groundwater table level (e.g., the
production rate of pre-existing nearby wells
would drop to a level which would not
support existing land uses or planned uses for
which permits have been granted?
3. Substantially alter the existing drainage
pattern of the site or area, including through
the alteration of the course of a stream or
river, or substantially increase the rate or
amount of surface runoff in a manner which
would result in erosion and/or sedimentation
on- or off-site?
4. Substantially alter the existing drainage
pattern of the site or area, including through
the alteration of the course of a stream or
river, or substantially increase the rate or
amount of surface runoff in a manner which
would result in flooding on- or off-site?
5. Create or contribute runoff water which
would exceed the capacity of existing or
planned stormwater drainage systems or
provide substantial additional sources of
polluted runoff?
6. Otherwise substantially degrade water
 quality?
7. Place housing within a 100-year flood hazard
area as mapped on a Federal Flood Hazard
Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate Map or
other flood hazard delineation map?

Groundwater

3.7.2 Impacts
ater qualImpact with Mitigation.

eant practices would be implemented to ensure that construction soil and drilling fluids do not enter
stormwater conveyances. All drilling fluids would be containerized and recirculated. Soil cuttings would
be coaiRegional Water Quality Control Board )R(RWQCB) if the construction area were to exceed the
threshold for notification (1 acre).

THIS SHOULD BE A MITIGATIONllwould develop and a Storm WaLess-Than-Significant Impact.

ined to alter the flow pattern of the subsurface water flow so as to reduce the potential infiltration of water
into the building structures of the College, the resulting change in pattern is not anticipated to have any
effect outside the boundaries of the College campus. There would be no net increase or decrease in the
volume of groundwater flowing throughing nearby wells would not experience any decrease in
production rates.

Createct

tormwater drainageewer system.

Otherwisn-Significant Impact.

Place ho
 Less-Than-
Significant
with Less-Than-
Mitigation Significant
Incorporated Impact No Impact

2. Conflict with applicable environmental plan,

policy, or regulation of an agency with
jurisdiction over the project (including, but
not limited to the general plan, specific plan,
local coastal program, or zoning ordinance)
adopted for the purpose of avoiding or
mitigating an environmental effect?
3. Conflict with any applicable habitat
conservation plan or natural community
conservation plan?

3.8.2 Impacts

Less-Than-
Significant
with Less-Than-
Mitigation Significant
Incorporated Impact No Impact

2. Result in the loss of availability of a locally-

important mineral resource recovery site
delineated on a local general plan, specific
plan, or other land use plan?
 Less-Than-
Significant
with Less-Than-
Mitigation Significant
Incorporated Impact No Impact

2. Exposure of persons to or generation of

excessive groundborne vibration or
groundborne noise levels?
3. A substantial permanent increase in ambient
noise levels in the project vicinity above
levels existing without the project?
4. A substantial temporary or periodic increase
in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity
above levels existing without the project?
5. For a project located within an airport land
use plan or, where such a plan has not been
adopted, within 2 miles of a public airport or
public use airport, would the project expose
people residing or working in the project area
to excessive noise levels?
6. For a project within the vicinity of a private
airstrip, would the project expose people
residing or working in the project area to
excessive noise levels?
shall be would be implemented where practicable: (1) all construction equipment to be powered by
internal combustion engines that are properly muffled and maintained; (2) prohibit unnecessary idling of
internal combustion engines, and (3) selected quiet construction equipment whenever possible.

(1) all construction equipment powered by internal com

No Impact.

Less-Than-
Significant
with Less-Than-
Mitigation Significant
Incorporated Impact No Impact

2. Displace substantial numbers of existing

housing, necessitating the construction of
replacement housing elsewhere?
3. Displace substantial numbers of people,
necessitating the construction of replacement
housing elsewhere?
 Less-Than-
Significant
with Less-Than-
Mitigation Significant
Incorporated Impact No Impact

2. Police protection?
3. Schools?
4. Parks?
5. Other public facilities?

Schools? Pa

Less-Than-
Significant
with Less-Than-
Mitigation Significant
Incorporated Impact No Impact

2. Does the project include recreational

facilities or require the construction or
expansion of recreational facilities which
 might have an adverse physical effect on the
environment?

Would thn Significant Impact.

Does then Significant Impact.

 Less-Than-
Significant
with Less-Than-
Mitigation Significant
Incorporated Impact No Impact

2. Exceed, either individually or cumulatively, a

level of service standard established by the
county congestion management agency for
designated road or highways?
3. Result in a change in air traffic patterns,
including either an increase in traffic levels
or a change in location that results in
substantial safety risks?
4. Substantially increase hazards due to a design
feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous
intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm
equipment)?
5. Result in inadequate emergency access?
6. Result in inadequate parking capacity?
7. Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or
programs supporting alternative
transportation (e.g., bus turnouts, bicycle
racks)?

Cause an in

During the construction phase of the project, additional vehicles would be entering the project site,
including a drilling rig, a water truck, forklifts, bulldozers, two or more diesel trucks or gasoline trucks
and a number of passenger automobiles. All vehicles, excluding the trucks and automobiles, would
remain at the site during the construction activities and would not impact traffic on the nearby roadways
and intersections. The remaining trucks and vehicles would be used for project support and may make
limited day trips during the construction phase of the project. The increase in traffic due to the project
vehicles would be minimal and would not result in a change in traffic patterns or levels. The proposed
project would cause no change in local air traffic patterns.
3.16 UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS
Less-Than-
Significant
with Less-Than-
Mitigation Significant
Incorporated Impact No Impact

2. Require or result in the construction of new

water or wastewater treatment facilities
or expansion of existing facilities, the
construction of which could cause
significant environmental effects?
3. Require or result in the construction of new
stormwater drainage facilities or expansion
of existing facilities, the construction of
which could cause significant environmental
effects?
4. Have sufficient water supplies available
to serve the project from existing
entitlements and resources, or are new
or expanded entitlements needed?
5. Be served by a landfill with sufficient
permitted capacity to accommodate the
project’s solid waste disposal needs?
6. Comply with federal, state, and local statutes
and regulations related to solid waste?

No Impact.

Require
No Impact.

Be serven-significant Impact.

Complyct.

Less-Than-
Significant
with Less-Than-
Mitigation Significant
Incorporated Impact No Impact

3. Does the project have environmental effects

which will cause substantial adverse effects
on human beings, either directly or
indirectly?

Does thehan Significant Impact.

eironment, including These impacts would be temporary in nature and would be mitigated to less than
ctions xx and xx. to a level of non-significance.

Item 2. Less-Than-Significant Impact.

te problems associated with rain infiltration into campus facilities. These repairs would complement the
proposed project, as they would return the facilities to their intended conditions, while the subsurface
improvements would prevent future water damage.
4.2 PERSONS CONSULTED

4.3.1 Connection to infiltration gallery.