Record of Decision 

Folsom Dam Safety of Dams 

and Security Upgrades 

Projects 

Folsom, California 

Mid-Pacific Region 

U.S. Department of the Interior 

Bureau of Reclamation 

Mid-Pacific Region 

Sacramento, California May 2007 

Mission Statements 

The mission of the Department of the Interior is to protect and 

provide access to our Nation’s natural and cultural heritage 

and honor our trust responsibilities to Indian Tribes and our 

commitment to island communities. 

The mission of the Bureau of Reclamation is to manage, 

develop, and protect water and related resources in an 

environmentally and economically sound manner in the 

interest of the American public. 



Contents

Section Page

I Introduction ..................................................................................................... 1 

II Decision ............................................................................................................ 2 

 Dam Safety Improvements.................................................................... 2 

Dam Security Improvements................................................................. 4 

Auxiliary Spillway Fuseplug Control Structure.................................... 4 

III Background and Alternatives Considered ................................................... 4 

Alternative 1 – Fuseplug Auxiliary Spillway........................................ 5 

Alternative 2 – Fuseplug Auxiliary Spillway with 

Tunnel.................................................................................................... 5 

Alternative 3 (Preferred Alternative) – JFP Gated 

Auxiliary Spillway ................................................................................ 6 

Alternative 4 – 7-ft Raise with JFP Gated Auxiliary 

Spillway (removed from consideration between the 

Draft and Final EIS/EIR)....................................................................... 6 

Alternative 5 – 17-ft Raise (removed from

consideration between the Draft and Final EIS/EIR)............................ 6 

IV Basis of Decision and Issues Evaluated ......................................................... 7 

V Compliance with Federal Regulations........................................................... 8 

VI Implementing Decision and Environmental Commitments........................ 9 

Hydrology, Water Quality, and Groundwater..................................... 10 

 Water Supply....................................................................................... 12 

 Air Quality........................................................................................... 12 

 Aquatic Resources............................................................................... 15 

 Terrestrial Vegetation and Wildlife..................................................... 16 

Soils, Minerals, and Geological Resources......................................... 22 

 Visual Resources................................................................................. 22 

 Agricultural Resources........................................................................ 23 

Transportation and Circulation............................................................ 23 

 Noise.................................................................................................... 24 

 Cultural Resources .............................................................................. 25 

Land Use, Planning, and Zoning......................................................... 26 

 Recreation............................................................................................ 26 

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Public Services and Utilities ............................................................... 28 

 Hydropower......................................................................................... 28 

 Population and Housing ...................................................................... 28 

Public Health and Safety ..................................................................... 29 

Indian Trust Assets.............................................................................. 31 

 Environmental Justice ......................................................................... 31 

VII Supplemental Environmental Documentation ........................................... 31 

Appendices 

Appendix A – Comments on the Folsom DS/FDR Final EIS/EIR 

Appendix B – Environmental Commitments Checklist 

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Glossary 

These terms have the following meaning for the purposes of the Safety of Dams

ROD: 

Auxiliary Spillway A man-made channel, usually located in a saddle or 

depression in the reservoir rim which leads to a natural 

or excavated waterway, located away from the dam 

which permits the planned release of excess floodflow 

beyond the capacity of the service spillway. A control 

structure is seldom furnished. A crest is set at the 

maximum water surface elevation for a 100-year flood, 

or some specific frequency flood. The auxiliary 

spillway thus only has infrequent use.

Folsom Facility Refers to Folsom Dam and Appurtenant Facilities 

including the Main Concrete Dam, Left Wing Dam

(LWD), Right Wing Dam (RWD), Dikes 1 through 8, 

and Mormon Island Auxiliary Dam (MIAD). 

Preferred Alternative The Preferred Alternative incorporates all four 

components of the Folsom Dam Safety and Flood 

Damage Reduction action. This includes: (1) the new 

JFP Auxiliary Spillway addressing Reclamation’s Dam

Safety hydrologic risk reduction objective and the 

Corps’ flood damage risk reduction objective; (2) 

Reclamation’s Dam Safety seismic and static risk

reduction features; (3) Reclamation’s Dam Security 

enhancements; and (4) the Corps’ flood damage 

reduction objectives. 

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List of Acronyms 

ADT Average Daily Traffic 

APE Area of Potential Effect 

BACT Best Available Control Technology 

BMP Best Management Practice 

BO U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Biological Opinion 

CARB California Air Resources Board 

CCAO Central California Area Office 

CDFG California Department of Fish and Game

CDPR California Department of Parks and Recreation 

CEQA California Environmental Quality Act 

Corps Department of the Army, Office of the Secretary of the Army 

(Civil Works) (Corps) 

CRHR California Register of Historical Resources 

CVRWQCB Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board 

CWA Clean Water Act 

DS/FDR Dam Safety and Flood Damage Reduction 

EGR Exhaust Gas Recirculation 

EIS/EIR Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact 

Report 

FDR Flood Damage Reduction 

FLSRA Folsom Lake State Recreation Area 

FWCAR U.S. Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act Report 

HTRW Hazardous, toxic, and radioactive wastes 

JFP Joint Federal Project 

LOS Level of Service 

LWD Left Wing Dam

MBTA Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 

MIAD Mormon Island Auxiliary Dam

MMRP Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program 

NEPA National Environmental Policy Act 

NOI Notice of Intent 

NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System

NRHP National Register of Historic Places 

O&M Operation and Maintenance 

Partner Agencies Reclamation, Corps, State Reclamation Board/California 

Department of Water Resources, and Sacramento Area Flood 

Control Agency 

Reclamation U.S. Bureau of Reclamation 

Reclamation Board State Reclamation Board 

ROD Record of Decision 

RWD Right Wing Dam

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USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service 

SAFCA Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency 

SHPO State Historic Preservation Officer 

SMAQMD Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District 

SOD Safety of Dams

SWPPP Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan 

VELB Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle 

VOC Volatile organic compounds 

6STG Six submerged tainter gates 

List of Abbreviations 

 

CO carbon monoxide 

ft foot 

NOx nitrogen oxides 

PM2.5 fine particulate matter of 2.5 microns in size 

PM10 inhalable particulate matter of 10 microns in size 

V/C volume to capacity ratio

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Record of Decision 

Folsom Dam Safety of Dams and 

Security Upgrades Projects 

I. Introduction 

This document is the Record of Decision (ROD) of the United States Department of 

the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation), Mid-Pacific Region, for the 

Safety of Dams and Dam Security aspects of the Folsom Dam Safety and Flood 

Damage Reduction (DS/FDR) project. The project is the subject of a Draft 

Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (EIS/EIR) [DES-06-

53, State Clearinghouse #2006022091] dated December 2006, and a Final EIS/EIR 

[FES-07-01] dated March 2007, developed in compliance with the National 

Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and the California Environmental Quality Act 

(CEQA). 

The Folsom DS/FDR EIS/EIR addressed four separate actions to be implemented 

and constructed jointly and separately by Reclamation and the Department of the 

Army, Office of the Secretary of the Army (Civil Works) (Corps). These include: 

1. The Joint Federal Project (JFP) Auxiliary Spillway to be constructed jointly by 

Reclamation and the Corps to address hydrologic dam safety and flood damage 

reduction issues; 

2. Folsom Facility modifications to be constructed by Reclamation to address dam

safety issues related to seismic, hydrologic and static concerns; 

3. Security upgrades to Folsom facilities to be implemented by Reclamation; and, 

4. Additional modifications to Folsom facilities to be constructed by the Corps to 

address flood damage reduction issues. 

The Preferred Alternative discussed in the Final EIS/EIR incorporates aspects of 

both the Dam Safety and Dam Security elements of the Folsom DS/FDR project. 

This Safety of Dams/Dam Security ROD addresses only those actions that 

Reclamation can solely implement under its Safety of Dams and Dam Security 

authorities. Those actions are included within features #2 and #3 above. The JFP 

Auxiliary Spillway action (feature #1) is being addressed under a separate ROD to be 

signed by Reclamation and the Corps. The Corps will address flood damage 

reduction issues (feature #4) in a third ROD developed under its Authorities. 

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II. Decision 

Reclamation’s decision is to proceed with the dam safety and security measures 

outlined in the Preferred Alternative (Alternative 3), as identified in the Final 

EIS/EIR. Elements of this decision are highlighted below. Should the Corps 

experience unforeseen delays in funding or in completing the design of the JFP 

spillway, to the extent that such delays jeopardize completion of the JFP spillway 

within established schedules, Reclamation will revisit the fuseplug spillway 

alternative under existing information, in coordination with the Corps, Sacramento 

Area Flood Control Agency (SAFCA), and the State Reclamation Board/California 

Department of Water Resources (Partner Agencies) and a subsequent ROD may be 

issued. 

Dam Safety Improvements 

To address seismic, hydrologic and static concerns for structures comprising the 

Folsom Facility, Reclamation will implement planned modifications for the Main 

Concrete Dam, the Right Wing Dam (RWD), the Left Wing Dam (LWD), Dikes 4, 

5, and 6, and Mormon Island Auxiliary Dam (MIAD). All of these modifications 

will be designed and constructed independently by Reclamation. 

Main Concrete Dam 

To address seismic concerns allowing the Main Concrete Dam to withstand a major 

earthquake, three types of improvements will be implemented. These include 

anchoring of the spillway pier monoliths and installation of reinforcements to the 

existing spillway gates and piers. The concrete monoliths forming the main dam

could potentially slip along the joints of adjacent blocks during an earthquake. 

Deformation of the gate piers and during earthquake loading could result in failure of

several spillway gates. These failures could release significant quantities of water 

that could cause flooding and possible failure of the downstream levees. The three 

types of improvements proposed to enhance main dam safety include: 

a) Pier Tendon Installation – This project will anchor the concrete monoliths that 

form the spillway piers to prevent movement of the piers during a major 

earthquake. Tendons will be installed into the piers by drilling a borehole into 

the concrete blocks, inserting the tendon, and grouting the tendon in place. The 

tendon and hole will then be grouted to the surface. There are six tendons 

anticipated per pier block with seven piers identified for anchoring. 

b) Pier Wrap - This improvement to the main dam involves placement of a steel 

plate wrapped around the downstream portion of the piers and anchored with 

bolts on both sides that extend completely through the pier, upstream of the area 

of concern. The steel plate would carry the load placed on it if the pier tends to 

shear and displace during an earthquake. 

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c) Spillway Gate Modifications - Spillway gates could be overstressed during large 

seismic events and could fail from buckling of the gate arms. Failure of several 

spillway gates could release significant quantities of water that could cause

flooding and failure of the downstream levees. The proposed modifications will 

strengthen the gate arms through installation of metal plate bracing. This 

strengthening could be performed with the gate in place. During construction, a 

bulkhead would be installed upstream of the gate to eliminate loading on the gate 

and the reinforcement installed. 

LWD, RWD, Dikes 4, 5, and 6, MIAD Static Control 

To address seepage concerns due to static and hydrologic loading for the LWD, 

RWD, Dikes 4, 5, and 6, and MIAD, Reclamation will install full height filters, toe 

drains and overlays on the downstream face of each earthen structure. The filter 

material will be comprised of processed sand and gravel material that will be 

delivered to each individual facility from offsite and/or processed on-site in a rock 

crushing plant. The processing plants will be located near the LWD/Overlook 

Parking Lot, D2, and/or Beal’s Point staging area. These would use materials 

excavated from the JFP Auxiliary Spillway or excavated southeast of Mooney Ridge 

as the feedstock. 

The construction improvements to the earthen facilities will involve stripping a layer 

of shell material from the downstream face of the wing dams and dikes, placement of 

the filter material, and replacing the shell. Additional material needed to rebuild the 

shell will either be excavated from the JFP Auxiliary Spillway site or from 

supplemental borrow sites. Shell material processing plants may be sited at the 

Overlook Parking Lot, Beal’s Point staging area, and at the D2 location, if necessary. 

Borrow for shell production may include material stockpiled from the spillway 

excavation at the LWD, Overlook Parking Lot, Dike 7, Dike 8 and D1/D2. In 

addition, borrow may be developed at a site southeast of Mooney Ridge. Staging 

areas will be developed near each of the facilities subject to static work (Dikes 4, 5, 

6, LWD and RWD). A primary staging area will be developed south and/or north of 

Beal’s Point using material excavated from the JFP Auxiliary Spillway site and/or 

Mooney Ridge site. 

MIAD Seismic Improvements 

To address seismic concerns for MIAD, two types of improvements will be 

implemented. 

a) Jet Grouting of MIAD Foundation. The first improvement to MIAD will 

involve stabilization of its foundation using a subsurface jet grout injection 

process. A cement-grout mixture would be formed in an on-site batch plant 

using raw cement material hauled to the project site and water obtained from

the reservoir. The cement-water mixture would be injected into the 

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subsurface using a drilling method. The grout mixture will solidify the 

historic river cobble/dredged stream bed materials beneath MIAD forming a 

stable foundation. 

b) MIAD Overlay. Following jet grouting, material excavated from the new JFP 

Auxiliary Spillway site that was temporarily stockpiled at the D1/D2 area, 

along with processed sand and gravel material, will be placed as an overlay 

on the downstream face of MIAD. This overlay is intended to add additional 

stability to the downstream face of the earthen structure. 

Dam Security Improvements 

To improve security measures for this National Critical Infrastructure Facility, 

Reclamation will install security cameras at access points to the Main Concrete Dam,

Dikes 4 through 7, and at MIAD. The cameras will be placed on 30-ft high steel 

poles. To the extent practicable, poles will be situated adjacent to or within 

surrounding vegetation and topography, or include artificial covering, in order to 

minimize visual impacts to nearby residents and the visiting public. The electrical 

and cable connections will be buried and/or integrated with above ground power 

lines. To improve the night visibility at the Main Concrete Dam and control gates, 

Reclamation will install lighting to focus on the critical aspects of this structure. To 

the extent practicable, lighting will be installed in a manner that meets security 

mission requirements and minimizes glare or reflection impacts to homes and other 

private property surrounding the reservoir. 

Auxiliary Spillway Fuseplug Control Structure 

Under the JFP ROD, Reclamation and the Corps identified a six submerged tainter 

gate (6STG) structure as their preferred method of improving hydrologic control of 

releases from Folsom Reservoir. During the evaluation of control structures, 

Reclamation also evaluated the construction of a fuseplug control structure as an 

alternative means of hydrologic control during emergency storm events. The 

fuseplug control structure would address Reclamation’s dam safety objectives but 

not the Corps flood damage reduction objectives. Reclamation would construct the 

fuseplug control structure only if the Corps experienced significant delays in design 

and construction of the 6STG control structure or other elements of their assigned 

work package, and only after consultation with the Corps and other Partner 

Agencies. 

III. Background and Alternatives Considered 

Folsom Facility (the concrete dam and 11 earthen dams/dikes) impound waters of the 

American River forming Folsom Reservoir. Reclamation under its Safety of Dams

Program evaluated the Folsom Facility for hydrologic (flood flow), seismic 

(earthquake), and static (seepage) risks. In addition to the seismic, hydrologic and 

static issues addressed in this ROD, Reclamation has determined that the facility is at

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risk of overtopping during extreme flood events due to the operational limitations of 

the existing spillway. Reclamation’s dam safety objectives are to protect public 

safety by ensuring that Folsom Dam and its appurtenant structures can safely contain 

water during normal operations and the structures can safely withstand a major 

earthquake. 

Under its Safety, Security, and Law Enforcement Program, Reclamation identified 

Folsom Dam as a National Critical Infrastructure Facility, particularly in light of the 

dam and reservoir being upstream of a major metropolitan center. Any compromise 

of the facility could result in grave property damage and loss of life. Reclamation's 

Security Program objectives are to protect public safety by securing Folsom Dam

and its appurtenant structures and other Reclamation facilities, including the Folsom

Powerplant, from attack or damage. 

Reclamation is the lead agency for the Dam Safety and Dam Security actions and 

was responsible for the preparation of the EIS/EIR pursuant to NEPA. Reclamation 

identified and analyzed six alternatives in the Draft EIS/EIR including the No Action 

Alternative, which is required under NEPA. The No Action Alternative would result 

in no construction to improve the structures at the Folsom Facility and thereby would 

achieve no reduction in static, hydrologic or seismic risk. 

In addition to the No Action Alternative, Reclamation considered five action 

alternatives that meet hydrologic control, and static and seismic safety objectives 

described in the purpose and need statement in the Draft EIS/EIR. These five 

alternatives primarily focused on alternate means of reducing hydrologic risks, not 

static or seismic risks. The five alternatives are: 

Alternative 1 –Fuseplug Auxiliary Spillway 

Alternative 1 would involve construction of an Auxiliary Spillway using a fuseplug 

as the control structure. This alternative addressed Reclamation’s dam safety 

hydrologic objectives and remains a portion of this Safety of Dams ROD. 

Reclamation would implement construction of the fuseplug spillway only should the 

Corps be unable to complete construction of the 6STG control structure or other 

elements of their assigned work package, within established schedules, and only after 

consultation with the Corps and other Partner Agencies. Alternative 1 includes all of 

the static, hydrologic and seismic improvements for the Main Concrete Dam, RWD, 

LWD, Dikes 4, 5, and 6, and MIAD described above. 

 

Alternative 2 –Fuseplug Auxiliary Spillway with Tunnel 

Alternative 2 included a Fuseplug Auxiliary Spillway with a gated tunnel. 

Alternative 2 primarily addressed Reclamation dam safety hydrologic risk reduction 

objectives. Alternative 2 includes all of the static, hydrologic and seismic 

improvements for the Main Concrete Dam, RWD, LWD, Dikes 4, 5, and 6, and 

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MIAD, with the exception that the seismic risk of the foundation of MIAD failing 

would be addressed through excavation and replacement of the downstream 

foundation, and not through jet grouting. 

Alternative 3 (Preferred Alternative) – JFP Gated Auxiliary Spillway 

Alternative 3 was identified in the Final EIS/EIR as Reclamation’s Preferred 

Alternative to address hydrologic, static, and dam safety risk and by the Corps as a 

component of its Selected Plan. Alternative 3 includes the construction of a new 

6STG Auxiliary Spillway. Alternative 3 includes all of the static, hydrologic and 

seismic improvements to the Main Concrete Dam, RWD, LWD, Dikes 4, 5, and 6, 

and MIAD as described for Alternative 1. 

Alternative 4 – 7-ft Raise with JFP Gated Auxiliary Spillway (removed from 

consideration between the Draft and Final EIS/EIR) 

Alternative 4 included a JFP gated Auxiliary Spillway along with a 7-ft raise of all 

12 Folsom Dam structures. Alternative 4 would address both Reclamation’s and the 

Corps’ hydrologic control objectives for the Folsom Facility. Alternative 4 includes 

all of the static, hydrologic and seismic improvements Main Concrete Dam, RWD, 

LWD, Dikes 4, 5, and 6, and MIAD described for Alternative 1. 

Alternative 5 – 17-ft Raise (removed from consideration between the Draft and 

Final EIS/EIR) 

Alternative 5 used a 17-ft raise to contain flood waters and did not involve 

construction of a new Auxiliary Spillway. Alternative 2 includes all of the static, 

hydrologic and seismic improvements for the Main Concrete Dam, RWD, LWD, 

Dikes 4, 5, and 6, and MIAD, with the exception that foundation issues for MIAD 

would be addressed through excavation and replacement of the downstream 

foundation, and not through jet grouting. 

In addition to the alternatives described above, several alternatives addressing static, 

hydrologic and seismic concerns for all 12 structures comprising the Folsom Facility 

were considered during the screening process. These include installation of shear 

keys for the main dam foundation and placement of filters of various configurations 

for the earthen structures. These alternative measures were eliminated from further 

consideration for various reasons including technical and economic reasons. Section 

2.1.4 of the Draft EIS/EIR presents the measures that were evaluated for 

incorporation into the alternatives and the rationale for their elimination. Alternative 

3 is the environmentally preferred/least environmentally damaging practicable 

alternative. 

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Folsom Dam Safety of Dams and Security Upgrade Projects 

IV. Basis of Decision and Issues Evaluated 

The purpose and need for the Federal Action takes into consideration Reclamation’s 

statutory, regulatory, contractual, policies, mission and authority for the operation, 

maintenance, safety and security associated with the Folsom Facility. In the 

EIS/EIR, the five action alternatives were evaluated on how well they met the 

project’s purpose and need as well as their environmental consequences. 

Public input received during the scoping process, comments at the public hearings, 

and comments on the Draft EIS/EIR were considered by Reclamation and the Corps 

during the revision of Alternative 3 as described in the Final EIS/EIR. Alternative 3 

was identified as the Preferred Alternative in the Final EIS/EIR and as a component 

of both the Selected Plan by the Corps and planned Safety of Dams modifications by 

Reclamation. Public comments were received following the circulation of the Final 

EIS/EIR on March 30, 2007. The issues raised in these public comments are 

summarized in Appendix A. 

The impacts of each of the alternatives were evaluated in the EIS/EIR in the 

following environmental resource areas: 

• Hydrology, Water Quality, and Groundwater 

• Water Supply 

• Air Quality 

• Aquatic Resources 

• Terrestrial Vegetation and Wildlife 

• Soils, Minerals, and Geological Resources 

• Visual Resources 

• Agricultural Resources 

• Transportation and Circulation 

• Noise 

• Cultural Resources 

• Land Use, Planning, and Zoning 

• Recreation 

• Public Services and Utilities 

• Hydropower 

• Population and Housing 

• Public Health and Safety 

• Indian Trust Assets 

• Environmental Justice 

Based upon the analysis contained in the Draft EIS/EIR, Reclamation concluded that 

Alternative 3 is the environmentally preferred alternative. This alternative best 

protects businesses and properties and maintains historic, cultural, and natural 

resources. The No Action Alternative is the least environmentally damaging of all 

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the alternatives, but the No Action Alternative does not meet any of the requirements 

in the Purpose and Need Statement for the Folsom DS/FDR actions. Based on the 

comparative analysis, Alternatives 1 and 3 scored equally as the environmentally 

preferred alternative for Reclamation’s dam safety objectives. Both alternatives

include essentially the same dam safety elements. Alternative 2 with the excavation 

and replacement of the MIAD foundation, and Alternatives 4 and 5 with their 

significant earthen raises, would have substantially greater impacts than Alternative 

3. 

The primary impact issue addressed in the Final EIS/EIR was minimizing adverse 

effects to recreational opportunities at Folsom Reservoir. Based upon comments 

received from the public on the Draft EIS/EIR, Alternative 3 (the Preferred 

Alternative) was revised to incorporate measures that improve public access and 

enjoyment of recreation sites during construction. The Draft EIS/EIR introduced 

mitigation measures reducing other impacts and there was no change in mitigation 

strategy except for recreation in the Final EIS/EIR. 

V. Compliance with Federal Regulations 

In accordance with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, Reclamation requested 

formal consultation with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) on 

November 28, 2006. The Biological Opinion for this project was received from the 

USFWS on April 5, 2007. In compliance with the Incidental Take Statement, the 

non-discretionary mitigation measures listed in the BO will be implemented by 

Reclamation and the Corps. Reclamation has determined that the proposed action 

will have no effect on listed species or critical habitat under the jurisdiction of

National Marine Fisheries Service. 

In compliance with the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, USFWS submitted the 

Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act Report (FWCAR) for the Folsom Dam Safety 

and Flood Damage Reduction project to Reclamation on April 6, 2007. All 

recommendations from the FWCAR were adopted with the following exceptions: 

1. The USFWS recommended that Reclamation monitor the wetlands adjacent to 

the jet grout work at MIAD. Reclamation will monitor surface and subsurface 

water quality during the jet grout work at MIAD and for 6 months after the 

completion of work. If there is a change in surface or subsurface water quality 

during this time, Reclamation will continue to monitor site conditions as well as 

develop a plan to address any impacts to water quality. 

2. In its FWCAR, the USFWS recommended that the responsible Federal Agencies 

develop a monitoring and adaptive management plan to monitor vegetation 

around the reservoir over the life of the project. Baseline conditions would be 

established and updated at intervals (10 years). 

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Folsom Dam Safety of Dams and Security Upgrade Projects 

3. In addition, the USFWS recommended compensatory mitigation for the loss of 

any habitat from unavoidable impacts resulting from a raise and/or inundation 

impacts. 

The three recommendations are not being adopted by this ROD. It is not anticipated 

that the jet grout work would have long-term or short-term impacts to water quality 

within the action area. Construction of the Preferred Alternative will not result in 

inundation of the reservoir beyond existing conditions. 

In compliance with the Clean Air Act, Reclamation completed a de minimus 

emissions conformity evaluation of the project, demonstrating that the project can 

conform to the Clean Air Act. 

In compliance with the Clean Water Act, Reclamation and the Corps will obtain any 

necessary discharge permits, ensure compliance with permit requirements, and 

require their respective construction contractors to develop and adhere to respective 

Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans. 

In compliance with the National Historic Preservation Action, Section 106, 

Reclamation has initiated consultation with the State Historic Preservation Officer 

(SHPO). Reclamation will complete consultation with the SHPO prior to award of

construction contracts related to this ROD. 

VI. Implementing Decision and Environmental Commitments 

Project planning, as described in the Final EIS/EIR, included all practicable means of 

avoiding adverse environmental impacts. Where avoidance is not possible, 

Reclamation has committed to the following environmental mitigation measures, 

where appropriate and necessary, to ensure the protection of environmental resources 

and to implement the appropriate level of mitigation for impacts resulting from the 

project. All applicable mitigation measures pertaining to construction of the dam

safety features of the Preferred Alternative in the Final EIS/EIR have been adopted 

in this ROD as environmental commitments. The Environmental Commitments 

Checklist in Appendix B of this ROD briefly summarizes the following: 

• Each of the environmental commitments contained in the JFP as well as Safety of

Dams RODs; 

• The corresponding impact(s) being mitigated; 

• The entity(s) responsible for implementing the mitigation; 

• The mitigation implementation and monitoring phase(s); 

• The monitoring action(s) or plan(s) to be followed; 

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• The entity(s) responsible for enforcing mitigation; 

• The entity(s) responsible for mitigation monitoring; and 

• The compliance completion date. 

The Folsom Safety of Dams and Joint Federal Project (SOD/JFP) Mitigation 

Monitoring and Reporting Plan (MMRP) is under parallel development with the 

SOD and JFP RODs; specific mitigation and monitoring plans and responsible 

entities are described in detail in the Folsom SOD/JFP MMRP. 

With implementation of Alternative 3, impacts could occur related to excavation, 

hauling, disposal, and stockpiling of materials, and overlay and jet grouting at 

MIAD. Mitigation measures proposed in the Final EIS/EIR and carried forward in 

this SOD ROD are discussed below. 

The Central California Area Office (CCAO) Area Manager will establish and 

facilitate a continuing forum to promote communication, coordination and 

cooperation among the Partner Agencies and local government throughout the 

construction of the SOD, FDR and other projects and improvements at the Folsom

Facility. The primary objective of this forum will be to facilitate timely completion 

of all projects on an integrated basis with minimum impact on Reclamation’s 

continuing obligation to deliver water, generate power and manage and perform

related programs and activities. 

Hydrology, Water Quality, and Groundwater 

The Preferred Alternative will not alter regional hydrology. To reduce potential 

effects on water quality as a result of (1) increased sedimentation; (2) spills of 

construction-related chemicals; (3) filling of waters of the state; (4) water source 

reduction for a portion of the wetlands associated with MIAD, and (5) degradation of 

surface and groundwater quality due to jet grouting at the downstream foundation of 

MIAD, the following commitments are incorporated into the project. 

1. Reclamation working with its construction contractor will obtain a National 

Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit prior to construction 

activities, commencing by filing a Notice of Intent (NOI) with the Central Valley 

Regional Water Quality Control Board (CVRWQCB) and preparing a 

Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). 

2. Reclamation working with its construction contractor, and in coordination with 

CCAO, will incorporate measures in the SWPPP to control sediment and on-site 

spills. In addition to the environmentally friendly Best Management Practices 

(BMPs that avoid wildlife entrapment issues, such as flexible joint netting), and 

spill prevention recommended in the FWCAR, the SWPPP will contain a visual 

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monitoring program as well as a chemical monitoring program for pollutants that 

are non-visible to be implemented if there is a failure of BMPs. 

3. Reclamation will prepare and obtain permits as stated in Sections 401 and 

Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA) regarding dredging or filling of

waters of the United States, and activities involving discharging into those 

waters, which include wetlands, respectively. 

4. Reclamation will obtain guidance from the CVRWQCB for testing earthen 

materials before constructing work area platforms within or adjacent to the 

reservoir. This is to ensure that any potentially-associated pollutants will not be 

introduced into the reservoir that would violate water quality standards or 

substantially degrade existing water quality. Fill material will be placed and 

compacted in the reservoir during periods of lower water elevation, when 

possible. BMPs will be adhered to in order to minimize water quality impacts 

during the placement of fill in the reservoir. 

5. Reclamation, in conjunction with the construction contractor, will develop a 

water quality monitoring plan for review by the CVRWQCB prior to any inreservoir construction work. The plan will address sampling requirements during 

blasting, excavation, and placement of fill within the reservoir. To address 

methyl mercury dispersal concerns, turbidity readings will be taken during 

construction. If turbidity readings exceed action level values established by the 

CVRWQCB, corrective actions will be implemented in accordance with the plan. 

As determined by the water quality monitoring plan, routine water samples will 

be collected at appropriate locations (construction site and downstream of dam), 

at the start and completion of each blasting period. Assessment of metals in 

freshwater sediment will be based on recommendations stated in the FWCAR. 

Sediment containing elevated concentrations of metals including mercury and 

nickel will be controlled using a variety of methods, including, but not limited to, 

silt curtains, silt fences, as well as other BMPs and construction methods 

approved by the CVRWQCB. 

6. Reclamation will perform jet grouting tests at MIAD prior to implementing the 

full jet grouting action, including the monitoring for any grout leakages as well 

as the testing of groundwater and surface water for impacts to water quality. If 

the findings of the jet grout test section monitoring indicate that grout leakages 

are probable, then the Reclamation contractor will be directed to construct a 

cutoff wall, or provide another suitable solution, before they jet grout the 

foundation at MIAD. This measure should eliminate the migration of grout that 

could potentially introduce metals and elevate the pH of water within the project 

area. 

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7. As per the FWCAR recommendations, Reclamation in coordination with CCAO, 

will develop a monitoring and adaptive management plan with the USFWS to 

monitor the hydrology and vegetation at Mormon Island Preserve. Baseline 

conditions would be established before construction begins in the area and would 

continue for six months after construction has been completed. Post construction 

surveys would monitor for potential changes in wetland hydrology, water quality, 

and vegetation. If changes in wetland hydrologic function are detected from the 

baseline condition, Reclamation will implement adaptive management mitigation 

to return effected systems to baseline conditions considering the long-term

conservation of the Mormon Island Preserve. 

8. Reclamation will monitor surface and groundwater levels and water quality prior 

to, during, and after jet grouting of MIAD. 

9. Reclamation’s construction contractor will be instructed to cease work should jet 

grout daylight more than 50 ft from the point of construction or until it can be 

determined that the grout will remain localized. 

10. During the jet grouting program, Reclamation will visually inspect all wetlands 

near jet grout injection that could be impacted by construction for the presence of 

grout at a frequency of twice per day. 

11. Reclamation’s construction contractor will line all temporary jet grout 

solidification areas with an impervious material that does not allow the migration 

of any construction-related wastes. 

Water Supply 

The Safety of Dams actions addressed in this ROD will not have any impacts to 

existing water supply resources. 

Air Quality 

On March 28, 2007, Reclamation consulted with Region 9 U.S. Environmental 

Protection Agency Regional Officer on general conformity applicability analysis for 

Clean Air Act compliance. The project in this ROD can conform to the Clean Air 

Act requirements. Nevertheless, construction of the Preferred Alternative may have 

potentially significant effects on air quality. These effects may include: (1) increase 

in stationary source emissions from concrete batch plant(s) and/or materials 

processing facilities, (2) increase in construction equipment emissions, (3) increase 

in NOx emissions, and (4) increase in fugitive dust. The following mitigation 

measures will be implemented by the construction contractor to reduce potential air 

quality effects and comply with air quality standards. 

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1. Reclamation (working with its construction contractors as appropriate) will 

provide a plan for approval by the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality 

Management District (SMAQMD), demonstrating that the heavy-duty (> 50 

horsepower) off-road vehicles to be used in the construction project, including 

owned, leased and subcontractor vehicles, will achieve a project wide fleetaverage 20 percent NOx reduction and 45 percent particulate reduction compared 

to the most recent California Air Resources Board (CARB) fleet average at the 

time of construction. 

2. The construction contractor working under the direction of Reclamation will 

submit to the SMAQMD a comprehensive inventory of all off-road construction 

equipment, equal to or greater than 50 horsepower, that will be used an aggregate 

of 40 or more hours during any portion of the construction project. The 

inventory shall include the horsepower rating, engine production year, and 

projected hours of use of fuel throughput for each piece of equipment. The 

inventory shall be updated and submitted monthly throughout the duration of the 

project, except that an inventory shall not be required for any 30-day period in 

which no construction activity occurs. At least 48 hours prior to the use of 

subject heavy-duty off-road equipment, the Mid-Pacific Construction Office 

(MPCO) construction engineer shall provide SMAQMD and the CCAO Area 

Manager with the anticipated construction timeline including start date, and name

and phone number of the project manager and on-site foreman. 

3. The Preferred Alternative has been demonstrated to meet air quality conformity 

(de minimus) under current assumptions regarding construction schedule and 

equipment. Should the construction schedule change or the contractor require use 

of equipment comprising an inventory different from that used to in the 

assessment of general conformity, the contractor shall conduct a full conformity 

analysis, based on those changes, to verify that the schedule and/or new 

equipment stays below de minimus levels. Demonstration of conformity with 

NOx de minimus threshold levels requires the following information: 

• Identification of the fleet of equipment and machines that will be used to 

construct the project; 

• Identification of the engine type, horsepower size, and emission factor for 

each piece of equipment; 

• Identification of the number of hours of operation for each typical work day 

for each piece of equipment; 

• Identification of the number of days the equipment/machine will be used each 

calendar year; 

 

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• Calculation of total emissions by multiplying emission factors by hours of 

operations for each piece of equipment; and 

• Summing all emissions of all machines used for the construction project, both 

daily and annually. 

4. Reclamation working with their construction contractors will apply fugitive dust 

control on roadways, processing plants, and concrete batch plants to reduce PM10

and PM2.5 emissions at or below required levels. Typical dust mitigation

measures may include: 

• Wet suppression and soil stabilization; 

• Palliative approved by USFWS; 

• Wind fencing around active area; 

• Paving on-site roadways; 

• Truck wheel washing facilities at site exits onto public roadways; and/or 

• Maintaining minimum truck bed freeboard or covering haul truck beds. 

5. Facility power for the concrete batch plants and rock/material screening facilities 

will come from the electric utility grid, not diesel-driven generators and pumps. 

Using grid power eliminates both the gaseous pollutants associated with diesel 

engines, as well as diesel particulates, which are listed toxic air contaminants in 

California. 

6. In addition to the measures outlined above, the construction contractor will be 

encouraged to incorporate the following additional control measures as part of 

off-sets of emissions. 

• Reclamation working with their construction contractors will evaluate the use 

of equipment with engines that incorporate exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) 

systems. EGR systems may need to be part of the engine design for a 

substantial portion of the existing construction equipment fleet in the region 

to be effective. While EGR systems can provide reductions of NOx, PM10, 

CO, and VOC emissions, the availability of construction equipment with 

EGR systems will need to be reviewed in detail prior to the final decision to 

incorporate this option in the Air Quality Management Plan for the Preferred 

Alternative. 

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• Reclamation working with their construction contractors will evaluate the 

installation of a lean NOx catalyst in the engine exhaust system. Lean NOx 

catalyst filters may be available for construction equipment exhaust. These 

units would need to be certified by CARB before being installed on specific 

construction equipment engines. In addition, other add-in exhaust filters are 

not compatible with aqueous diesel fuel. A detailed review of applicable 

catalysts and compatibility with different fuels will need to be conducted 

before a final decision can be made to incorporate this option in the Air 

Quality Management Plan. 

• Construction contractor will be encouraged to accelerate turnover of

equipment to decrease emissions to be below 85 pounds per day of NOx. 

• Construction contractor will seek opportunities to install electric-driven 

conveyors on portions of the material haul routes to reduce on-site truck 

emissions and road dust. 

• Construction contractor will seek opportunities to upgrade all off-road 

equipment to meet Tier 3 standards. 

• Construction contractor will look for opportunities to install ARB-verified 

control devices for off-road diesel engineer NOx emissions where the device 

can be installed in a safe manner and the emissions reduction associated with 

the installing the device is cost-effective. 

Aquatic Resources 

Construction of the Preferred Alternative may have several potentially significant 

effects on aquatic resources. These effects may include: (1) alteration of habitat for 

protected vernal pool invertebrates or direct impacts to these species and (2) direct or

indirect impacts to adjacent wetland ecosystems. 

The following mitigation measures will reduce potential effects of construction of

the Preferred Alternative on aquatic resources: 

1. Reclamation will complete protocol surveys for special-status branchiopods prior 

to any grading or other construction activities in potential habitat for these 

species. 

2. Reclamation, working with its construction contractor will avoid (preserve) 

potential vernal pool habitat by placing fencing around a 250-ft buffer area from

the vernal pool edge to prevent effects from vehicle compaction and other 

construction-related activities. For vernal pool habitat that is to be avoided, an 

approved biologist (monitor) will inspect construction-related activities to ensure 

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that no unnecessary take or destruction of habitat occurs. The biologist will 

contact the construction representative who has the authority to stop activities 

that may result in such take or destruction until corrective measures have been 

taken. The biologist will also be required to report immediately any 

unauthorized effects to Reclamation’s CCAO Area Manager and MPCO 

Construction Engineer, and to the USFWS and California Department of Fish 

and Game (CDFG). 

3. Adverse impacts to Federally listed vernal pool species and their designated 

habitat in the Folsom DS/FDR footprint will be compensated in a manner 

outlined in the April 5, 2007 USFWS Biological Opinion and Incidental Take 

Statement for the project. Any vernal pool habitat that is directly or indirectly 

affected by the proposed project will be compensated for by purchasing credits at 

a USFWS-approved conservation bank. Measures to offset the loss of vernal 

pool crustacean habitat include a 2:1 preservation and 1:1 creation compensation 

ratio. Per the Biological Opinion, Reclamation shall provide proof of purchase 

(payment receipts) of vernal pool preservation and creation/restoration credits to 

the USFWS prior to the commencement of ground-disturbing activities. 

4. The uppermost layer of soil in seasonally ponded habitat may contain cysts of 

vernal pool crustaceans as well as seeds of vernal pool plants. Therefore, before 

these wetlands are disturbed per the USFWS Biological Opinion, Reclamation 

will make the top layer of soil available to any vernal pool creation bank that 

requests it, with the USFWS approval, for inoculating newly created ponds. Soil 

stockpiled for this purpose shall be shielded from rain with a water-proof cover 

to ensure that it remains completely dry. 

5. To monitor the health of the wetlands downstream of the construction at MIAD, 

Reclamation will conduct bioassessment studies prior to, during, and after jet 

grouting of the MIAD foundation. 

Terrestrial Vegetation and Wildlife 

Construction of the Preferred Alternative may have several potentially significant 

effects on terrestrial vegetation and wildlife resources. These effects may include: 

(1) impacts to special-status plant and wildlife species, (2) impacts to protected oak 

woodlands, (3) increase in sedimentation in streams, creeks, and seasonal wetlands, 

(4) potential impacts to nesting birds protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act 

(MBTA), (5) loss of native vegetation, (6) loss and/or disturbance of wetlands and 

other waters of the U.S., and (7) adverse effects to host plants for the valley 

elderberry longhorn beetle. The following mitigation measures will reduce potential 

effects of construction of the Preferred Alternative on terrestrial vegetation and 

wildlife: 

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1. Reclamation will employ biologists with appropriate experience and expertise to 

conduct pre-construction surveys within the project footprint in all areas that may 

contain suitable habitat for special-status plant, invertebrate, or wildlife species 

(amphibian, reptile, bird, and mammal). The biologists would identify locations 

of special status plant, invertebrate, or wildlife species and take necessary 

measures to provide protection. 

2. To the extent consistent with project implementation needs, Reclamation 

working with its construction contractors will avoid any populations of specialstatus plant, habitat types (oak-grey pine woodland, chaparral, riparian areas, and 

seasonal wetlands), invertebrate, or wildlife species by placing fencing around 

the population and a suitable buffer area. Environmental monitors employed 

either by Reclamation or its construction contractor will regularly inspect any 

fenced sensitive biological resources to ensure no disturbance. Special status 

populations that cannot be avoided will be fully mitigated for per the Biological 

Opinion. 

3. Reclamation will employ qualified biologists (monitors) throughout the 

construction period to identify any at-risk special-status plant or animal species. 

The biologist will consult with the appropriate agency and CCAO to remove 

individuals of special-status species from the project area, according to USFWS 

and CDFG laws, handling guidelines, licenses, and permits. 

4. Reclamation will consult with USFWS, CDFG and coordinate with CCAO, 

should populations of special-status plant, invertebrate, or wildlife species be 

found that cannot be avoided; special mitigation measures may need to be

developed for those populations. 

5. To minimize the potential for incidental take of listed species resulting from

project-related activities, the nondiscretionary measures for listed species 

described in this section from the project’s Biological Opinion must be 

implemented by the responsible Federal agency. The responsible Federal 

Agency is required to adhere to the conservation measures described in the 

Project Description, Terms and Conditions, and Reporting Requirements of the 

project BO per the Endangered Species Act. The procedures outlined in the 

Guidelines for the Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle (dated July 9, 1999) shall 

be followed unless otherwise stated below. If the responsible Federal agency 

fails to ensure compliance with these measures, the protective coverage of the 

incidental take statement may lapse. The responsible Federal agency will include 

a copy of the USFWS’ Biological Opinion within its solicitations for 

construction of the project and provide a copy of these solicitations to the 

USFWS per the BO. Should project features change from those described in the 

BO, then re-consultation with the USFWS and CDFG will be required. 

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6. All construction personnel at the Folsom DS/FDR construction site will receive 

environmental awareness training from Reclamation biologist(s) associated with 

the project, or suitably trained representative(s), regarding the potential presence 

of listed, special-status, and protected (e.g., oak trees) species in the project area 

and the importance of avoiding impacts to these species and/or habitats and 

reporting sightings. Special emphasis will be given to the identification of

elderberry shrubs and the need to avoid damaging these shrubs and possible 

penalties of non-compliance. Per the USFWS Biological Opinion, proof of 

environmental training shall be delivered by Reclamation to the Chief of the 

Endangered Species Division of the USFWS. 

7. To the extent possible, Reclamation will direct its construction contractor to 

initiate excavation and construction activities during non-breeding seasons for 

special-status and protected wildlife. Habitat for special status and protected 

species will be removed during the non-breeding season if practicable to preclude 

return to the project area by the species during construction activities. 

8. To the extent possible, Reclamation will direct its construction contractor to 

remove vegetation and potential bird breeding habitat in the Folsom DS/FDR 

project area between September 1 and February 28, when birds are not expected 

to be nesting within the project area, in order to comply with the MBTA and 

Executive Order 13186. Impacts to non-breeding birds still may occur between 

September 1 and February 28, because they are not reproductively constricted to 

the project area during that period. During the period from March 1 to August 

31, bird reproduction is occurring and therefore the potential for impacts to 

nesting birds exists. 

9. For appropriate phases of work, prior to bringing in equipment from other sites, 

construction contractors will clean all mud, soil, and plant/animal material from

the equipment. This will help prevent the importation of plants or animals that 

are exotic, non-native, or invasive. 

10. The Construction contractor will be required to implement eco-friendly erosion 

and sedimentation control measures (BMPs that avoid wildlife entrapment 

issues) for all grading, filling, clearing of vegetation, or excavating that occurs as 

part of site and haul road construction. 

11. The construction contractor will be required to minimize dust impacts to 

vegetation, wetlands, and breeding wildlife. Unpaved access roads will be 

frequently watered with raw water using a sprayer truck during periods when 

trucks and other construction vehicles are using the roads, except during periods 

when precipitation has dampened the soil enough to inhibit dust. The speed limit 

on unpaved roads in the construction footprint will be reduced appropriately to 

avoid visible dust. A dust palliative would need to be approved by the USFWS. 

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12. Reclamation will develop a Revegetation Plan to address potential losses to all 

habitats impacted within the project footprint. The Plan will specify the native 

plant and seed mixture for reestablishment of habitats in disturbed areas. The 

Revegetation Plan will be implemented immediately following construction in 

accordance with requirements in the SWPPP, FWCAR, and MMRP. The 

Revegetation Plan will include operations and maintenance (O&M) procedures 

for all mitigations sites developed for the project. The Revegetation Plan will be 

developed in coordination with the USFWS. 

13. Reclamation will monitor all revegetated or disturbed areas for invasive nonnative plant species, particularly star thistle, French broom and pampas grass, for 

five years following completion of construction, with the assistance of a qualified 

botanist. If invasive species are becoming established on areas disturbed by 

project activities during the five year period, invasive species will be removed at 

times that preclude the plants from setting new seed. 

14. Reclamation will follow recommendations in the FWCAR and complete 

mitigation in the FWCAR for all affected habitats. The extent of the mitigation 

will be determined and documented in the MMRP prior to commencement of

construction activities. Reclamation will develop a Habitat Mitigation Plan as a 

component of the MMRP that will include O&M procedures for establishing and 

monitoring the success of mitigation sites. The Habitat Mitigation Plan will 

address the compensatory mitigation requirements for native oaks-grey pine, 

riparian, chaparral, wetlands, and elderberry conservation sites. The Plan and 

procedures will be developed in coordination with USFWS. 

15. Reclamation will mitigate for native oaks and oak-grey pine woodlands impacted 

by construction at the ratio stipulated in the FWCAR. 

16. Reclamation will mitigate for riparian vegetation impacted by construction at the 

ratio stipulated in the FWCAR. 

17. Reclamation will mitigate for chaparral vegetation impacted by construction at 

the ratio stipulated in the FWCAR. 

18. Reclamation will mitigate for wetlands impacted by construction at the ratio 

stipulated in the FWCAR. 

19. Reclamation will develop and implement a Bird Monitoring Plan to monitor and 

mitigate construction-related impacts to birds during the breeding season, in 

compliance with the MBTA and Executive Order 13186. Mitigation will 

include, but is not limited to, a nest monitoring zone of an adequate size to avoid 

or significantly reduce impacts to breeding birds at active construction sites. 

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Also, methods to either deter nesting or acclimate birds to construction noise and 

activities will be employed. Also, an appropriate buffer zone around active nests 

of special status bird species will be implemented. Nest monitoring will be 

conducted by a qualified and experienced biologist. 

20. Reclamation will avoid, minimize, or mitigate for impacts to elderberry shrubs. 

Where shrubs cannot be avoided for the Folsom DS/FDR action, Reclamation, 

working with its construction contractor and CCAO, will establish with high 

visibility fencing prior to construction and maintain a 100-foot buffer zone 

around all elderberry plants containing stems measuring 1.0 inches or greater in 

diameter at ground level per the details in the USFWS BO. If shrubs cannot be 

avoided or fenced at 100’, Reclamation will consult with the USFWS to fence 

the shrubs at 20’ from the dripline of the shrub. Shrubs that are located within 

the project action area will be transplanted per the BO. Also, informational signs 

will be erected every 50 ft along the edge of the avoidance area and maintained 

throughout the construction period. Firebreaks will not be included in the buffer 

zone. In addition, the USFWS will be provided with a map identifying 

avoidance area(s) and written details describing avoidance measures including 

those in the BO. A biological monitor will be present on site when work will 

encroach on the elderberry buffer. The USFWS will be consulted before any 

disturbances within the buffer area occur; any adverse effects to the buffer area 

will be reported immediately to the USFWS and corrected by restoration and 

maintenance measures outlined in the BO. After construction is complete, if

appropriate, buffer areas will continue to be protected from the adverse effects of

the project as per appropriate restoration and maintenance measures outlined in 

the Biological Opinion. 

21. Reclamation, in coordination with the USFWS, will transplant each elderberry 

plant that cannot be avoided during Folsom DS/FDR construction to a 

conservation area approved by the USFWS. All elderberry plants containing 

stems measuring 1.0 inches or greater in diameter at ground level will be

transplanted to a conservation area if technically feasible, per the USFWS BO as 

well as the Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle (VELB) conservation guidelines 

(USFWS 1999). Elderberry shrub transplantation will be completed between 

November 1, 2007 and February 15, 2008; if transplantation is not completed 

during this period, Reclamation will re-initiate consultation with USFWS if 

appropriate. Should the project affect a lesser or greater number of stems than 

discussed in the BO, then Reclamation will reinitiate consultation with the 

USFWS. 

22. Reclamation will compensate for each elderberry stem measuring 1.0 inch or 

greater in diameter at ground level that is adversely affected during Folsom 

DS/FDR construction with elderberry seedlings and associated native plant 

seedlings in the conservation area, per the Biological Opinion for the Project and 

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the USFWS 1999 VELB Conservation Guidelines. A minimum survival rate of 

at least 60 percent of the elderberry plants will be maintained throughout the 

monitoring period. If survival drops below this level, additional seedlings or 

cuttings will be planted. Stock for plantings will be obtained from local sources. 

Compensation shall be completed within six months after construction begins on 

the project, per the Biological Opinion. 

23. CCAO will be responsible for planting native plants associated with elderberry 

plants at the Folsom DS/FDR Action site, or at similar reference sites, at ratios 

provided in the BO for the Project. A minimum survival rate of at least 60

percent of the associated native plants must be maintained throughout the 

monitoring period. If survival drops below this level, additional seedlings or 

cuttings will be planted. Only stock from local sources will be used. 

24. Per the USFWS direction in the April 2007 BO, Reclamation in conjunction with 

CCAO, will establish a conservation area of no less than 15.91 acres, or an 

approved conservation bank, distinct from the project area that will be protected 

in perpetuity as a compensation site for transplanted elderberry plants and 

associated native vegetation. This area will provide at least 1,800 square feet for 

each transplanted elderberry plant. An O&M manual will be developed for the 

site in coordination with USFWS. The condition of the valley elderberry 

longhorn beetle, elderberry shrubs, and general condition of the conservation 

area will be monitored per the O&M manual over a period of ten consecutive 

years or for seven years over a 15-year period occurring on the first, second, 

third, fourth, fifth, seventh, tenth, and fifteenth years. Fulfillment of

compensation requirements shall be delivered to the Chief of the Endangered 

Species Division of the USFWS, per the April 2007 BO. 

25. During jet grouting of the foundation at MIAD, Reclamation will be responsible 

for delineating wetlands downstream of MIAD using flagging. All wetlands will 

be fenced with construction fencing to maintain a minimum distance for staging 

equipment and construction work. A distance of 25’ will be maintained to the 

extent possible. 

26. As per the FWCAR recommendations, Reclamation will develop a monitoring 

and adaptive management plan with the USFWS to monitor the hydrology and 

vegetation at Mormon Island Preserve. Baseline conditions would be established 

before construction begins in the area and would continue during the four years 

of construction and six months following project completion. Surveys during 

and post-construction would monitor for potential changes in wetland hydrology, 

water quality, and vegetation. If changes in wetland hydrologic function are 

detected from the baseline condition Reclamation will implement adaptive 

management mitigation to return effected systems to baseline conditions

considering the long-term conservation of the Mormon Island Preserve. 

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Soils, Minerals, and Geological Resources 

Construction of the Preferred Alternative may have several potentially significant 

effects on soils, minerals, and geological resources. These effects may include: (1) 

asbestos disturbance due to construction activities near D1/D2, MIAD, and Dike 8 

and (2) an increase in soil erosion due to construction activities. 

The following mitigation measures will reduce potential effects of construction of

the Preferred Alternative on soils, minerals, and geological resources: 

1. In order to obtain air quality permits from Sacramento and El Dorado Counties, 

Reclamation will prepare a geologic site characterization report (signed by a 

California Registered Geologist) and a county approved Dust Mitigation Plan. 

The geologic site characterization report will be useful for mitigation purposes by 

identifying areas of naturally-occurring asbestos. The Dust Mitigation Plan will 

specify the activities and BMPs required to minimize airborne naturallyoccurring asbestos. These activities and BMPs are specified in the Airborne 

Toxic Control Measure regulation as well as the more restrictive county 

requirements. These include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Pre-wet work area and keep area sufficiently wet during construction 

operations. An approved palliative material may also be used to seal loose 

fibers to the parent material; 

• Limit vehicle access and speed on serpentine and other materials potentially 

containing asbestos; 

• Cover areas that are exposed to vehicle travel; 

• Material transfers and stockpiles of loose material must be covered, kept 

adequately wet, or sealed by an approved palliative; and 

• Worker safety precautions and monitoring. Written employee notifications 

should be provided, notifying employees of the potential health risk and 

requirements of the asbestos Dust Mitigation Plan (El Dorado County 2003). 

Visual Resources 

Construction of the Preferred Alternative may affect visual resources with the 

introduction of color and form changes to the landscape. Visual resource impacts 

during construction are not mitigable. The restoration of disturbed areas following 

construction will reduce any form or color impacts due to construction. 

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Agricultural Resources

Construction of the Preferred Alternative would not affect agricultural resources as 

there are no agricultural resources within the footprint of the Folsom DS/FDR 

actions. 

Transportation and Circulation 

Construction of the Preferred Alternative may have potentially significant effects on 

transportation and circulation. These effects may include: (1) Level of Service 

(LOS) deterioration; (2) an Average Daily Traffic (ADT) Increase >2%; (3) and LOS 

F volume to capacity ratio (V/C) Increase >0.05. 

The following mitigation measures will reduce potential effects of construction of

the Preferred Alternative on transportation and circulation: 

1. In conjunction with the development and review of more detailed project design 

and construction specifications, Reclamation, including CCAO and the CCAO 

Area Manager, will prepare a peak hour capacity analysis on specific 

intersections to evaluate the need for changes to traffic signal timing, phasing 

modification, provision of additional turn lanes through re-striping or physical 

improvements, as necessary and appropriate to reduce project-related impacts to 

an acceptable level. In conjunction with that assessment, the potential need for 

roadway improvements or operation modifications (i.e., temporary restrictions on 

turning movements, on-street parking, etc.) to enhance roadway capacity in light 

of additional traffic from the project will be evaluated. The completion of these 

evaluations and the identification of specific traffic improvement measures, as 

deemed necessary and appropriate in light of the temporary nature of impacts, 

will be coordinated with the transportation departments of the affected 

jurisdictions. 

2. Reclamation, including CCAO and the CCAO Area Manager, working with its 

construction contractor, will prepare a transportation management plan, outlining 

proposed routes to be approved by the appropriate local entity, and implement it. 

High collision intersections will be identified and avoided if possible. Drivers 

will be informed and trained on the various types of haul routes, and areas that 

are more sensitive (e.g., high level of residential or education centers, or narrow 

roadways). To the extent practicable, deliveries will be restricted to noncommute hours. 

3. Reclamation, including CCAO and the CCAO Area Manager, working with its 

construction contractor, will develop and utilize appropriate signage to inform

the general public of the haul routes and route changes, if applicable. 

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Noise 

Construction of the Preferred Alternative may have potentially significant effects on 

noise levels. These effects may include increased night time noise levels as a result 

of the Folsom DS/FDR activities. The following mitigation measures will reduce 

potential effects of construction of the Preferred Alternative on noise levels: 

1. To comply with applicable noise ordinances, Reclamation will direct its 

construction contractor to incorporate the appropriate level of sound attenuation 

on equipment that will attenuate sound at sensitive receptors to comply with local 

noise ordinances. Potential sound attenuation measures that could be considered 

include, but are not limited to, temporary sound barriers near the noise source, 

such as those considered in the impacts analysis relative to BACT for 

stationary/quasi-stationary equipment, or otherwise placed between the source(s) 

of construction noise and noise-sensitive receptors, as appropriate. 

2. The construction contractor will be responsible for maintaining equipment to 

comply with noise standards (e.g., exhaust mufflers, acoustically attenuating 

shields, shrouds, or enclosures). 

3. The construction contractor will be required to enclose above-ground conveyor 

systems in acoustically-treated enclosures. 

4. The construction contractor will be required to line or cover hoppers, conveyor 

transfer points, storage bins and chutes with sound-deadening material. 

5. The construction contractor will be required to schedule truck loading, 

unloading, and hauling operations so as to reduce nighttime noise impacts to 

comply with local noise ordinances. 

6. Reclamation and its construction contractor will schedule blasting to daylight 

hours only and will adhere to restrictions on blasting as stated per Reclamation’s 

safety regulations. 

7. Blasting vibration monitoring will be implemented as per Reclamation safety 

guidelines. 

8. Reclamation, with its construction contractor, will examine any properties, 

structures and conditions where complaints of damages have been filed. 

Inspections will be performed within three weeks of rock excavation and blasting 

work. 

Cultural Resources 

Reclamation completed cultural resources inventories within the proposed and final 

area of potential effects (APE) for the Folsom Dam DS/JFP Projects. As engineering 

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Folsom Dam Safety of Dams and Security Upgrade Projects 

and design efforts focused the footprint of proposed impact areas, the potential to 

adversely affect historic properties was reduced. In March 2007, pursuant to Section 

106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), Reclamation initiated 

consultation with the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) for the Preferred 

Alternative. At present, Folsom Dam (including the adjacent RWD and LWD) is the 

sole historic property identified within the APE. 

Reclamation has determined that the other cultural resources within the APE, the 

Folsom Lake Dikes and three historic sites, are not eligible for inclusion in the 

National Register of Historic Places. Reclamation has concluded that 

implementation of the Preferred Alternative will result in no adverse effect to 

Folsom Dam. The documentation for these determinations is in the final stages of 

preparation and Reclamation will submit the documentation package to SHPO once 

it is complete and seek their concurrence. 

Reclamation’s responsibility to comply with section 106 of the NHPA will be 

complete once the State Historic Preservation Officer concurs with these 

determinations. If SHPO does not concur, Reclamation will consult with SHPO to 

resolve the disagreement and, if necessary, develop a memorandum of agreement to 

mitigate any unforeseen adverse effects. Reclamation is required to complete the 

section 106 process prior to the award of any construction contract for the proposed 

project. 

If human remains are discovered during project implementation, procedures outlined 

in Reclamation’s Directives and Standards for the Inadvertent Discovery of Human 

Remains on Reclamation Lands (LND 07-01) will be followed. The discovery of

Native American human remains is subject to the provisions of the Native American 

Graves Protection and Repatriation Act and regulations found at 43 CFR Part 10. 

The standard contract specifications contain directions to follow in the unlikely event 

of the discovery of other cultural resources during the construction phase of this 

project. Any such discovery will also be considered under the provisions of 36 CFR 

Part 800.13. 

Construction of the Preferred Alternative may have potentially significant effects on 

cultural resources. These effects may include: (1) adverse impacts to historic 

properties and/or historical resources, (2) adverse impacts to previously unknown 

historic properties and/or historical resources, and (3) adverse impacts upon 

previously undiscovered and potential historic properties and/or historical resources 

within the area of the increased reservoir elevation, and locations of new 

embankment, or footprints of construction work at existing Folsom Facilities. 

25
Record of Decision 

Folsom Dam Safety of Dams and Security Upgrade Projects 

Land Use, Planning, and Zoning 

There will be no changes to land use under the Preferred Alternative for 

the Folsom DS/FDR actions. 

Recreation

The public will have nearly continuous access to main recreation facilities at Folsom

Lake throughout the construction period. However, construction of the Preferred 

Alternative will temporarily impact recreational opportunities at Folsom Point and 

Beal’s Point during construction or modification of roads, grade separation facilities 

and related features for purposes of providing continuous access. Although not 

anticipated, other more extended closures may be necessary as a result of unforeseen 

project circumstances. Trails associated with Folsom Point and Beal’s Point may 

also be interrupted. Effects may include: (1) occasional temporary loss of 

recreational use (2) periodic interruptions to recreation at Beal’s Point due to 

construction traffic, (3) loss of recreational use on trails at Beal’s Point, and (4) lost

recreation on the Folsom Point-Brown’s Ravine Trail. Reclamation, in coordination 

with CCAO, will implement the following mitigation measures to reduce potential 

effects on recreation: 

1. All construction-related damages to recreation facilities including improved trails 

will be replaced in kind by Reclamation in accordance with agency policies and 

guidance. 

2. Reclamation in coordination with CCAO and their recreation managing partner 

will post signage and public announcements to inform the public of construction 

activities, and recreation facility closures, and provide instructions as to where 

alternative access to Folsom Lake will be possible. The selected alternative is to 

construct a grade separation at Folsom Point. Traffic will be separated either 

through a tunnel that creates a grade separation or via a controlled, secured 

intersection with a flag person or other engineered mechanism. In any case, the 

public will have continuous access to Folsom Point during the construction 

period. The public access entrances at Beal’s Point will be reconstructed as 

necessary to allow concurrent construction traffic and public access. This will 

significantly reduce the impacts on the recreation facilities. 

3. To the extent practicable, material processing and batch operations will be 

consolidated at the Overlook and LWD areas. Any necessary borrow or staging 

areas at or near Beal’s Point, Folsom Point or other developed recreation areas 

will be sited as far away as practicable from parking lots, boat launches, beaches, 

picnic areas and other facilities in order to minimize recreation impacts, as 

determined by Reclamation. When a material processing or stockpiling cannot 

be located sufficiently distant from developed recreation areas, appropriate 

measures would be taken for noise and safety considerations. 

26
Record of Decision 

Folsom Dam Safety of Dams and Security Upgrade Projects 

4. Reclamation will ensure that sites used for borrow development, staging and 

construction activities will be re-contoured by the constructing contractor, as 

appropriate, to pre-construction conditions, or to contours which do not pose a 

safety hazard. 

5. Reclamation will include in the plans and specifications, as appropriate, details 

necessary to ensure that the entrance stations at Folsom Point and Beal’s Point 

will meet public safety and traffic requirements during construction. The 

measures will provide nearly continuous access to all recreation sites at Folsom

Reservoir through grade separation, detours, traffic controls, reconfiguration of 

roadways, or other actions. 

6. Reclamation, including CCAO and the CCAO Area Manager, will ensure that 

construction activities and any temporary or more extended closures will be 

scheduled to minimize impacts during peak recreation use periods, holidays, and 

special events so as to allow public access to the extent practical. 

7. Reclamation, including the construction contractor, CCAO, and the CCAO Area 

Manager, will develop a traffic management plan for all public roads and trails 

within the recreation areas where both public and construction traffic occur. The 

plan would include measures such as flagmen and appropriate signage. The 

traffic plan would be submitted to the appropriate entities, or included in the 

Plans and Specifications for construction. An appropriate mile per hour speed 

limit would be imposed in all public areas close to construction. Construction 

crews and traffic will utilize internal haul routes, to the extent practical. The 

construction contractor will finalize and comply with the plan. 

8. Reclamation working with CCAO and their managing recreation partner will 

identify suitable detours, with appropriate signage, for any bike, equestrian, or 

pedestrian trails that are interrupted by construction, per agency guidance and 

policy. Public service announcements would also be distributed and posted to 

inform the public of route changes. Where possible to ensure public safety, the 

recreational trails affected by the truck traffic will be relocated to allow the trails 

to stay open during construction. 

9. Reclamation will consult with CCAO and the CCAO Area Manager on any 

proposal for more extended closures due to unforeseen project circumstances. 

CCAO, working with the City of Folsom and other local municipalities, will 

notify the public and provide the opportunity for public input prior to any 

extended closure. 

27
Record of Decision 

Folsom Dam Safety of Dams and Security Upgrade Projects 

Public Services and Utilities 

Construction of the Preferred Alternative may have potentially significant effects on 

public services and utilities. These effects may include: (1) the relocation of 

electricity infrastructure, (2) a need for electricity to power processing and concrete 

batch plants, (3) the relocation of existing water and wastewater infrastructure, (4) an 

increase in solid waste, (5) a potential increase in emergency response times to the 

Folsom Facility, and (6) the relocation of telecommunication infrastructure. 

The following mitigation measures will reduce potential effects of construction of

the Preferred Alternative on public services and utilities: 

1. Reclamation, including CCAO and the CCAO Area Manager, working with its 

construction contractor, will coordinate with utility companies and other relevant

agencies before construction to locate existing utilities and avoid damage. 

Reclamation will avoid the relocation of utilities whenever possible and will 

provide notification of any potential interruptions in services to the appropriate 

agencies. 

2. Reclamation, including CCAO and CCAO Area Manager, working with its 

construction contractor and local power utility will stage utility relocations to 

minimize interruptions in service. 

3. The construction contractor will be instructed to select licensed landfills with 

adequate capacity to receive the wastes. 

4. The construction contractor will be instructed to recycle construction wastes 

whenever possible. 

5. The construction contractor will be directed to dispose of hazardous wastes at 

licensed hazardous waste facilities. 

6. Prior to construction, Reclamation with its construction contractor will consult 

with local police, fire, CCAO and CCAO Area Manager, and CDPR staff to 

develop and implement emergency response plans and establish emergency 

vehicle routes. 

Hydropower

The Folsom DS/FDR actions will not change current power operations; therefore, 

there will be no changes to hydropower under the Preferred Alternative. 

Population and Housing 

The Folsom DS/FDR actions will not require new housing construction; therefore, 

there will be no effects to population and housing under the Preferred Alternative. 

28
Record of Decision 

Folsom Dam Safety of Dams and Security Upgrade Projects 

Public Health and Safety 

Implementation of the Preferred Alternative may have potentially significant effects 

on public health and safety. These effects may include: (1) an increase in hazards by 

the placement of construction equipment in waterways, roadways, or other areas 

potentially accessible by park visitors, (2) an increase in the risk of fire, (3) health 

and safety effects to workers from exposed buried chemical materials, and (4) 

exposure of hazardous materials to workers. 

The following mitigation measures will reduce potential effects of construction of

the Preferred Alternative on public health and safety: 

1. A Public Safety Management Plan will be prepared and implemented in 

coordination with CCAO to maintain public safety during all phases of 

construction. Components of the plan will address: 

• Public notification of the location and duration of construction activities, 

pedestrian/bicycle path/trail closures, and restrictions on reservoir use (i.e., 

boating, water skiing, fishing, swimming); 

• Verification with local jurisdictions that construction blockage of existing 

roadways will not interfere with existing emergency evacuation plans; 

• Adequate signage regarding the location of construction sites and warning of 

the presence of construction equipment; 

• Fencing of construction staging areas and of construction areas if dangerous 

conditions exist when construction is not occurring; and 

• Temporary walkways (with appropriate markings, barriers, and signs to 

safely separate pedestrians from vehicular traffic) and detour signage where 

an existing sidewalk or pedestrian/bicycle path/trail will be closed during 

construction. 

2. Prior to initiating construction activities, Reclamation in consultation with

CCAO and the CCAO Area Manager and the appropriate city, county and State 

fire suppression agencies will prepare and implement a Fire Management Plan. 

The plan will include fire prevention and response methods including fire 

precaution, pre-suppression, and suppression measures consistent with the 

policies and standards in the affected jurisdictions. 

3. The construction contractor will prepare and implement a Worker Health and 

Safety Plan prior to the start of construction activities that will, at a minimum,

identify: 

29
Record of Decision 

Folsom Dam Safety of Dams and Security Upgrade Projects 

• All contaminants that could be encountered during excavation activities (e.g., 

potential for asbestos, TPH in soil); 

• All appropriate worker, public health, and environmental protection 

equipment and procedures; 

• Emergency response procedures; 

• Most direct route to a hospital; and 

• Site Safety Officer. 

4. Prior to initiation of construction activities, the construction contractor will be 

required to prepare a Hazardous Material Management Plan for review by 

Reclamation. The purpose of this plan is to have an established plan of action if 

hazardous materials are encountered during construction and to establish BMPs 

to reduce the potential for exposure to hazardous wastes. The plan will: 

• Define a protocol for proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials if 

they are encountered during construction, 

• Define a protocol for proper emergency procedures and handling and 

disposal of hazardous materials if an accidental spill occurs during 

construction, and

• Establish BMPs to reduce the potential for spills of Hazardous, Toxic, and 

Radioactive Wastes (HTRW). 

Typical BMPs to reduce the potential for spills may include, but are not 

limited to: 

• Have a spill prevention and control plan with a designated supervisor to 

oversee and enforce proper spill prevention measures; 

• Provide spill response and prevention education for employees and 

subcontractors; 

• Stocking appropriate clean-up materials onsite near material storage, 

unloading and use areas; 

• Designate hazardous waste storage areas away from storm drains or 

watercourses;

• Minimize production or generation of hazardous materials onsite or

substituting chemicals used onsite with less hazardous chemicals; 

30
Record of Decision 

Folsom Dam Safety of Dams and Security Upgrade Projects 

• Designate areas for construction vehicle and equipment maintenance and 

fueling with appropriate control measures for run-on and runoff; and 

• Arrange for regular hazardous waste removal to minimize onsite storage. 

5. The construction contractor will be directed to use, as appropriate, blasting mats 

to cover blasts in order to minimize the possibility of fly rock. 

Indian Trust Assets 

There are no Indian Trust Assets within the Folsom DS/FDR project footprint. 

Environmental Justice 

The Folsom DS/FDR actions will not cause disproportional adverse human health or

environmental impacts to low income or minority populations. 

VII. Supplemental Environmental Documentation 

There are several actions that had insufficient engineering details at the time of 

release of the Folsom DS/FDR EIS/EIR. Supplemental environmental 

documentation may be necessary in order for the project to meet NEPA/CEQA 

disclosure requirements. In addition, consultation with the National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric Administration's National Marine Fisheries Service and the USFWS 

will occur as needed, once action details are known. 

• Any unforeseen impacts. In the event that unforeseen impacts to the human 

environment should arise due to construction of the JFP auxiliary spillway, 

additional supplemental environmental documentation will be provided. An 

example includes the possibility of a temporary or permanent traffic light at Dike 

5 for construction access to Dikes 4, 5, and 6, RWD, and Beal’s Point. 

• Folsom Reoperations. Under a separate process from the Folsom DS/FDR 

actions, an analysis of environmental effects due to changes in operations of the 

Folsom Facility will be addressed in a subsequent environmental document. 

• Grade Separation Activities. Grade separation activities at Beal’s Point could 

occur to maintain access for recreational activities. Currently, a technique for 

grade separation, including the route and alignment are not known. 

Supplemental NEPA/CEQA documentation may be necessary to evaluate 

environmental impacts of grade separation actions. 

• Haul Routes. Realignment of haul routes or the addition of new haul routes may 

require supplemental NEPA documentation and consultation with the USFWS. 

31
Record of Decision 

Folsom Dam Safety of Dams and Security Upgrade Projects 

• Auxiliary Spillway Stilling Basin. Construction of the final spillway design 

may require consultation with one or more regulatory agencies as well as permits 

for in-water work. 

32
Appendix A 

Comments on the Folsom DS/FDR 

Final EIS/EIR 

Appendix A - Comments on the Folsom DS/FDR Final 

EIS/EIR 

The Final Folsom DS/FDR EIS/EIR was released for a 30-day review period on 

March 30, 2007. Comments received during the 30 days that were originally 

responded to in the Final EIS/EIR were not summarized in Appendix A. Comments

received on the dam raise will be addressed in the ROD for the dam raise. 

Five sets of comments were received during the review period. Because the Final 

EIS/EIR addressed four projects that have interrelated features and the commenters 

did not specify which project their comment pertains to, Reclamation has separated 

the comments for each project. The comments related to the Safety of Dams project 

work received are summarized below. Comments Specific to the Joint Federal 

Project work are summarized in Appendix A of the JFP ROD. 

Many of the comments received did not raise substantive issues, or new issues that 

have not been addressed in the Final Folsom DS/FDR EIS/EIR, therefore, no 

additional response is provided to those comments. 

The comments that were not addressed in the EIS/EIR are summarized below: 

1. Seismic earthquake loadings – the commenter requested information on 

the design earthquake used to determine the stability of the dam and 

improvements. 

Response: Information provided to commenter. 

2. MIAD engineering study – the commenter requested information 

regarding the stability of the foundation of MIAD. 

Response: Information provided to commenter. 

3. Dust control suggestion – the commenter suggested using spray irrigation 

in lieu of water trucks to control fugitive dust. 

Response: Alternative methods of dust control have been considered. The most 

appropriate methods will be used based upon specific site locations. 

4. Mooney Ridge construction activities – the commenters are concerned 

about construction proximity and request that the Mooney Ridge area not 

be used for borrow, project staging, hauling or other project uses. 

A-1
Record of Decision 

Folsom Dam Safety of Dams and Security Upgrade Projects 

Response: The project will be implemented to avoid, minimize or reduce impacts 

to the Mooney Ridge area. 

5. The City of Folsom would like clarifications on impacts to wildlife from

night work, in particular, lights and noise. 

Response: In general site preparation for construction will take place in highly 

disturbed areas with minimal impacts to wildlife. 

6. The City of Folsom requested that an arborist be available throughout 

construction period to minimize impacts to trees. 

Response: This is a normal Reclamation requirement for this type of a 

construction project. 

A-2
Appendix B 

Environmental Commitments Checklist 

Appendix B: Environmental Commitments Checklist 

Reclamation and the Corps (as applicable) have adopted the mitigation measures outlined 

in Section V of the ROD that are within their respective responsibilities to implement as 

binding conditions of approval. Project-specific mitigation measures will be implemented 

as part of design development of the project, during project construction, and/or after 

completion of construction of the project. These mitigation measures have been described 

in the Folsom Dam Safety/Flood Damage Reduction (DS/FDR) Final EIS/EIR, dated 

March 2007. 

Under NEPA, the ROD must identify the proposed monitoring and enforcement program

for each mitigation measure (40 CFR Section 1505.2(c)). The Council on Environmental 

Quality (CEQ) Regulations for NEPA state that, “Agencies may provide for monitoring 

to assure that their decisions are carried out and should do so in important cases. 

Mitigation and other conditions established in the environmental impact statement or 

during its review and committed as part of the decision shall be implemented by the lead 

agency or other appropriate consenting agency. The lead agency shall: 

(a) Include appropriate conditions in grants, permits or other approvals. 

(b) Condition funding of actions on mitigation. 

(c) Upon request, inform cooperating or commenting agencies on progress in carrying 

out mitigation measures which they have proposed and which were adopted by 

the agency making the decision. 

(d) Upon request, make available to the public the results of relevant monitoring” (40 

CFR Section 1505.3). 

Although none of the actions proposed under the Safety of Dams (SOD) and Joint 

Federal Project (JFP) RODs will be implemented by a State agency, approvals and 

permits from State agencies will be necessary for some construction actions. 

Consequently, commitments in these RODs include measures to comply with the 

California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Section 21081.6 of CEQA requires 

public agencies to adopt a reporting and monitoring program for the changes to the 

project that have been adopted to mitigate or avoid significant effects on the environment. 

A Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) is implemented to ensure that 

a project complies with all environmental commitments and mitigation measures 

proposed in its Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) or Environmental Impact Report 

(EIR), and as adopted in the project’s ROD. 

This Environmental Commitments Checklist (ECC), which provides an overview of the 

Folsom SOD/JFP MMRP, contains the elements required by NEPA and CEQA for the 

Folsom SOD and JFP actions. The ECC briefly summarizes the following: 

B-1 
Appendix B 

Environmental Commitments Checklist 

• A summary of the environmental commitment statement for each measure contained 

in the JFP as well as Safety of Dams RODs, 

• The corresponding impact(s) being mitigated, 

• The entity(s) responsible for implementing the mitigation, 

• The time frame for the mitigation implementation and monitoring phase(s), 

• The monitoring action(s), plan(s), and/or regulations to be followed, 

• The entity(s) responsible for enforcing mitigation, 

• The entity(s) responsible for monitoring adherence to the mitigation requirement, and 

• The compliance completion date (note this column will be completed at the time the 

mitigation measure is successful or no longer needed). 

The ECC identifies Reclamation’s and the Corps’ (as applicable) mitigation and 

monitoring commitments as part of these agencies’ responsibilities related the Folsom

JFP, SOD, and Security Upgrade Project actions. Reclamation is the responsible Federal 

agency for impacts and all corresponding mitigation related to construction of the JFP 

Auxiliary Spillway, SOD, and Security Upgrade Project actions with the exception that 

the Corps is the responsible Federal agency for impacts and corresponding permits 

related to its efforts leading to the construction of the JFP Auxiliary Spillway control 

structure that addressed the flood damage reduction portion of the JFP. Environmental 

commitments for additional flood damage reduction construction activities, including the 

3.5-ft raise and emergency spillway gate replacements, will be addressed separately by 

the Corps. 

The Folsom SOD/JFP MMRP is under parallel development with the SOD and JFP 

RODs; specific mitigation and monitoring plans and responsible entities will be described 

in detail in the Folsom SOD/JFP MMRP. The purpose of the Folsom SOD/JFP MMRP 

is to provide sufficient detail for each measure, as described in the Final EIS/EIR and

adopted in the ROD, to ensure successful mitigation of significant adverse environmental 

impacts resulting from the project. The MMRP will also provide feedback to agency staff

and decision makers about the effectiveness of the mitigation measures and will help to 

identify the need for action before irreversible environmental damage occurs. 

Specifically, the intent of this program is to: 

• Provide guidance to document and implement the required mitigation;

• Identify the agency(s) responsible for monitoring/reporting; 

• Identify the frequency and duration of monitoring/reporting; 

• Establish a record of the monitoring/reporting; and 

B-2 
Appendix B 

Environmental Commitments Checklist 

B-3 

• Ensure compliance with those mitigation measures that are within the responsibility 

of Reclamation and/or the Corps to implement. 
Folsom Safety of Dams and Joint Federal Project Environmental Commitments Checklist

Environmental Commitment/Mitigation Measure1 Impact(s) being Mitigated Implementation Responsibility Project Phase of Mitigation Monitoring Action or Plan Enforcem

Responsib

Hydrology, Water Quality, and Groundwater1: Obtain a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, file a Notice of Intent (NOI) with the Central Valley Regional WaterQuality Control Board (CVRWQCB), and prepare a Stormwater PollutionPrevention Plan (SWPPP). 

Potential water qualityimpacts within thereservoir or small localtributaries that dischargeinto the reservoir.

Reclamation/Contractor for Phase 1 and 2spillway construction and all SOD workCorps/Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work

Before, during andfollowingconstruction until site restoration

NPDES Permitrequirements,SWPPP and Water Quality MonitoringPlan,Plans andSpecifications

CVRWQCB 

2: Incorporate SWPPP measures to control sediment and on-site spills, use

eco-friendly Best Management Practices (BMPs) and prevent spills. If there is a failure of BMPs, the SWPPP will contain provisions for a visual monitoring program and a chemical monitoring program for pollutants that are non-visible.

Potential impacts on drainages and waterways.

Reclamation/Contractor for Phase 1 and 2spillway construction and all SOD workCorps/Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work

During construction 

SWPPP and Water Quality MonitoringPlan,Plans andSpecifications

CVRWQCB 

3: Prepare and obtain permits abided by as stated in Section 401 andSection 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA).

Potential impacts on waterquality due to soil erosionassociated with materialbeing excavated and placed in reservoir. Loss of wetlands.

Reclamation for Phase 1 and 2 auxiliaryspillway construction and all SOD workCorps for Phase 3 auxiliary spillway work

Before and duringconstruction

Section 401 andSection 404approvals

Corps,CVRWQCB

4: Obtain guidance from the CVRWQCB for testing earthen materials beforeconstructing work area platforms within or adjacent to the reservoir. BMPs will be adhered to in order to minimize water quality impacts during the placement of fill in the reservoir.

Potential impacts to waterquality from stockpiling of materials in reservoir.

Reclamation obtain guidanceContractor implements BMPs 

Before and duringplacement of fillbelow typicalmaximum reservoirwater level

Water QualityMonitoring Plan,Plans andSpecifications

CVRWQCB 

5: Develop a Water Quality Monitoring Plan for review by the CVRWQCBprior to any in reservoir construction work. The plan will address samplingrequirements during dredging, blasting, excavation, and placement of fill within the reservoir. Assessment of metals in freshwater sediment will bebased on recommendations stated in the Fish and Wildlife Coordination ActReport (FWCAR). Sediment containing elevated concentrations of metals willbe controlled using BMPs and construction methods approved by the CVRWQCB.

In-reservoir constructionwork could cause adversewater quality effects.

Reclamation develops planContractor implements BMPs Reclamation/Contractor for Phase 1 and 2spillway construction and all SOD workCorps/Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work

Before and duringall constructionwork

Water QualityMonitoring Plan,FWCAR,Plans andSpecifications

CVRWQCB 

6: Obtain a dewatering permit from CVRWQCB and implement water quality

monitoring during construction of the approach channel.

Potential to impact waterquality from constructionof the approach channel.

Corps obtains permitContractor implements BMPs for Phase 3spillway work

Before and duringapproach channelconstruction work

Water Quality permit,Plans andSpecifications

CVRWQCB 

7: Perform jet grouting tests at Mormon Island Auxiliary Dam (MIAD) prior to implementing the full jet grouting action. If leakages are expected to occurand could cause adverse water quality effects, a cutoff wall will beconstructed before jet grouting occurs at MIAD. 

Potential to impact waterquality and water levelsdownstream of MIAD. 

Reclamation

During andimmediatelyfollowing jetgrouting

EnvironmentalCommitments Plan 

CVRWQCB,ReclamationMPCO

8: Monitor surface and groundwater levels and water quality prior to, during,and after jet grouting of MIAD. 

Potential to reduce the water source and qualityand result in adversewater quality effects for the wetlands downstreamof MIAD. 

Reclamation/Construction Contractor

Before, during, and6 months followingjet grouting

EnvironmentalCommitments Plan, FWCAR,Plans andSpecifications

CVRWQCB,USFWS

9: Cease work should jet grout daylight more than 50 ft from the point of 

construction or until it can be determined that the grout will remain localized.

Potential to impact waterquality downstream ofMIAD.

Reclamation/Construction Contractor During jet grouting

EnvironmentalCommitments Plan, Plans andSpecifications

ReclamationMPCO

10: Inspect all wetlands near jet grout injection that could be impacted byconstruction for the presence of grout at a frequency of once per hour. 

Potential to impact waterquality downstream ofMIAD.

Reclamation/Construction Contractor During jet grouting

EnvironmentalCommitments Plan, Plans andSpecifications

ReclamationMPCO

1 For complete text of the environmental commitment/mitigation measures, see Environmental Commitments section of this ROD. 
Folsom Safety of Dams and Joint Federal Project Environmental Commitments Checklist

Environmental Commitment/Mitigation Measure1 Impact(s) being Mitigated Implementation Responsibility Project Phase of Mitigation Monitoring Action or Plan Enforcem

Responsib

11: Line all temporary jet grout solidification areas with an imperviousmaterial that does not allow the migration of any construction-related wastes.

Potential to impact waterquality downstream ofMIAD.

Reclamation/Construction Contractor During jet grouting

EnvironmentalCommitments Plan, Construction Plansand Specifications

ReclamationMPCO

Water Supply1: Construct a temporary bypass using means that will not disrupt watersupply. These means will be discussed with the affected parties prior to implementation.

Potential interruption of water supplies to local purveyors from relocationof Natomas Pipeline.

Reclamation/Construction Contractor

During bypassconnection and reconnection to existing service line

EnvironmentalCommitments Plan, Plans andSpecifications

ReclamationMPCO,City of FolsomDepartment oCorrections

Air Quality1: Submit a plan for approval by Sacramento Metropolitan Air QualityManagement District (SMAQMD), demonstrating that the heavy-duty off-roadvehicles will achieve a project wide fleet-average 20 percent NOx reductionand 45 percent particulate reduction.

Potential adverse air quality impacts from construction activities. 

Reclamation/ Construction Contractor for Phase1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD workCorps/Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work

Submittal prior toinitiation of construction

SMAQMD Emissions Reduction Plan,Plans andSpecifications

SMAQMD 

2: Submit to the SMAQMD a comprehensive inventory of all off-road 

construction equipment, equal to or greater than 50 horsepower, that will be

used an aggregate of 40 or more hours during any portion of the construction project. At least 48 hours prior to the use of subject heavy-duty off-roadequipment, submit to SMAQMD the anticipated construction timeline.

Potential adverse air quality impacts from construction activities. 

Construction Contractor for Phase 1 and 2spillway construction and all SOD workConstruction Contractor for Phase 3 spillwaywork

Submittal prior toinitiation of construction

SMAQMD Off-RoadEquipment Inventory,Plans andSpecifications

SMAQMD 

3: Demonstration of Conformity with NOx de minimus threshold levels. Potential adverse air quality impacts from 

construction activities. 

Reclamation/Construction Contractor for Phase1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD workCorps/Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work

Prior to initiation ofconstruction

NOx de minimusdemonstration,Plans andSpecifications

USEPA 

4: Apply fugitive dust control on roadways, processing plants, and concretebatch plants to reduce PM10 and PM2.5 emissions at or below required levels.

Potential adverse air quality impacts from construction activities. 

Reclamation/Construction Contractor for Phase1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD workCorps/Construction contractor for Phase 3spillway work

During construction 

Fugitive Dust ControlPlan,Plans andSpecifications

SMAQMD 

5: Obtain power for the concrete batch plants and rock/material screeningfacilities from the electric utility grid, not diesel-driven generators and pumps.

Potential adverse air quality impacts from construction activities. 

Reclamation/Construction Contractor for Phase1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD workCorps/Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work

Prior to and duringconstruction

SMAQMD Emissions Reduction Plan/ NOx de minimusDemonstration,Plans andSpecifications

SMAQMD,ReclamationMPCO

6: Encourage contractors to seek additional control measures as part of emissions off-sets.

Potential adverse air quality impacts from construction activities. 

Construction Contractor for Phase 1 and 2spillway construction and all SOD workConstruction Contractor for Phase 3 spillwaywork

Prior to construction

SMAQMD Emissions Reduction Plan,Plans andSpecifications

ReclamationMPCO

Aquatic Resources1: Complete protocol surveys for special-status branchiopods prior to anygrading or other construction activities in potential habitat for these species.

Potential impacts on habitat for protected vernal pool invertebratesor direct impacts to these species.

Reclamation Prior to construction Environmental Commitments Plan USFWS 

2: Avoid (preserve) and monitor potential vernal pool habitat by placingfencing and a suitable buffer area around the vernal pool area to prevent effects from vehicle compaction and other construction-related activities.Report and stop activities that may result in such take or destruction untilcorrective measures have been taken.

Potential impacts on habitat for protected vernal pool invertebratesor direct impacts to these species.

Reclamation/Construction Contractor for Phase1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD workCorps/Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work

Prior to and duringconstruction

EnvironmentalCommitments Plan, Plans andSpecifications

USFWS 
Folsom Safety of Dams and Joint Federal Project Environmental Commitments Checklist

Environmental Commitment/Mitigation Measure1 Impact(s) being Mitigated Implementation Responsibility Project Phase of Mitigation Monitoring Action or Plan Enforcem

Responsib

3: Compensate for loss of vernal pool habitat in a manner outlined in the USFWS Biological Opinion for the project. Provide proof of purchase(payment receipts) of vernal pool preservation and creation/restoration creditsto the USFWS prior to the commencement of ground-disturbing activities.

Potential impacts on habitat for protected vernal pool invertebratesor direct impacts to these species.

Reclamation Prior to construction

Habitat Mitigation Plan,EnvironmentalCommitments Plan 

USFWS 

4: Make the top layer of soil available to any vernal pool creation bank thatrequests it, with USFWS approval, for inoculating newly created ponds.

Potential impacts on habitat for protected vernal pool invertebratesor direct impacts to these species.

Reclamation/Construction Contractor During construction

EnvironmentalCommitments Plan, Plans andSpecifications

USFWS 

5: Develop and implement a fish removal plan prior to construction of theapproach channel.

Construction of the approach channel woulddisplace and potentiallyharm fish.

Corps Before and during construction

Approach ChannelDewatering Permit, Fish ManagementPlan

CDFG,CVRWQCB 

6: Conduct bioassessment studies prior to, during, and after jet grouting of

the MIAD foundation.

Potential impacts to wetlands. Reclamation

Prior to, during, and 4 years following jetgrouting

EnvironmentalCommitment Plan CVRWQCB 

Terrestrial Vegetation and Wildlife1: Conduct pre-construction surveys within the project footprint in all areasthat may contain suitable habitat for special-status plant, invertebrate, or wildlife species. Identify locations of special status plant, invertebrate, or wildlife species and take necessary measures to provide protection.

Potential alteration of terrestrial habitat for special-status plants, invertebrates, or wildlifespecies.

Reclamation Prior to construction

EnvironmentalCommitment Plan,FWCAR

USFWS, CD

2: Avoid and monitor any populations of special-status plant, invertebrate, or wildlife species by placing fencing around the population and a suitable bufferarea. Ensure no disturbance.

Potential impacts to special-status plants, invertebrates, or wildlifespecies.

Reclamation/Construction Contractor for Phase1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD workCorps/Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work

Prior to and duringconstruction

EnvironmentalCommitment Plan,FWCAR,Plans andSpecifications

USFWS, CD

3: During the construction period, consult with the appropriate agency toremove individuals of special-status species from the project area, accordingto USFWS and CDFG laws, handling guidelines, licenses, and permits.

Potential impacts to special-status plants, invertebrates, or wildlifespecies.

Reclamation for Phase 1 and 2 spillwayconstruction and all SOD workCorps for Phase 3 spillway work

During construction 

EnvironmentalCommitment Plan,needs to inform

USFWS, CD

4: Consult with USFWS and CDFG should populations of special-status

plant, invertebrate, or wildlife species be found that cannot be avoided;special mitigation measures may need to be developed for those populations.

Potential impacts to special-status plants, invertebrates, or wildlifespecies.

Reclamation will consultConstruction Contractor needs to informReclamation in Phase 1 and 2 spillwayconstruction and all SOD workConstruction Contractor needs to inform Corpsin Phase 3 spillway work

Prior to and duringconstruction

EnvironmentalCommitment Plan,FWCAR

USFWS, CD

5: The nondiscretionary measures for listed species from the project’sBiological Opinion described in the Environmental Commitments section of the ROD must be implemented by the responsible Federal agency. (See Environmental Commitments for Terrestrial Vegetation and Wildlife 20, 21,22, 23, and 24 as well as Aquatics 1, 2, 3, and 4.) Should project features change from those described in the BO, then the responsible Federal agencywill be required to re-consult with the USFWS.

Potential alteration andloss of terrestrial habitat or impacts to special-statusplants, invertebrates, or wildlife species.

Reclamation/Construction Contractor for Phase1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD workCorps/Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work

Prior to, during, and after construction

EnvironmentalCommitment Plan,Biological Opinion

USFWS

6: Conduct environmental awareness training for all on-site construction personnel regarding the potential presence of listed, special-status, and protected (e.g., oak trees) species in the project area and the importance ofavoiding impacts to these species and/or habitats and reporting sightings.Provide the USFWS with proof of environmental training.

Potential alteration andloss of terrestrial habitat or impacts to special-statusplants, invertebrates, or wildlife species.

Reclamation/Construction Contractor for Phase1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD workCorps/Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work

Prior to and duringconstruction

EnvironmentalCommitment Plan,Biological Opinion,Plans andSpecifications

USFWS, CD
Folsom Safety of Dams and Joint Federal Project Environmental Commitments Checklist

Environmental Commitment/Mitigation Measure1 Impact(s) being Mitigated Implementation Responsibility Project Phase of Mitigation Monitoring Action or Plan Enforcem

Responsib

7: Initiate excavation and construction activities, to the extent possible,during non-breeding seasons for special-status and protected wildlife.Habitat will be removed during the non-breeding season if practicable to preclude return to the project area by the species during constructionactivities.

Potential impacts to special status wildlifehabitat during constructionactivities.

Reclamation Prior to construction Environmental Commitment Plan USFWS, CD

8: Remove vegetation and potential bird breeding habitat, to the extentpractical, between September 1 and February 28, when birds are not expected to be nesting within the project area.

Potential impacts to bird breeding habitat duringconstruction activities. 

Reclamation Prior to construction

EnvironmentalCommitment Plan,MBTA, ExecutiveOrder 13186

USFWS, CD

9: Clean all mud, soil, and plant/animal material from the equipment prior to bringing it on the project site.

Impact of importation of non-native plants or animals.

Construction Contractor for Phase 1 and 2spillway construction and all SOD workConstruction Contractor for Phase 3 spillwaywork

Prior to and duringConstruction

EnvironmentalCommitment Plan,Plans andSpecifications

ReclamationMPCOCorps

10: Implement eco-friendly erosion and sedimentation control measures for all grading, filling, clearing of vegetation, or excavating that occurs as part of site and haul road construction.

Potential impacts to special-status plants, invertebrates, or wildlifespecies.

Reclamation/Construction Contractor for Phase1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD workCorps/Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work

During construction 

EnvironmentalCommitment Plan,FWCAR,Plans andSpecifications

USFWS,ReclamationMPCO

11: Minimize dust impacts to vegetation, wetlands, and breeding wildlife.Use dust palliative approved by the USFWS. Control truck speed to avoidvisible dust.

Potential impacts to special-status plants, invertebrates, or wildlifespecies and habitats.

Reclamation will consult on dust palliativeReclamation’s Construction Contractor forPhase 1 and 2 spillway construction and allSOD workCorps’ Construction Contractor for Phase 3spillway work

During construction 

Fugitive Dust ControlPlan, BiologicalOpinion,EnvironmentalCommitment Plan,Plans andSpecifications

ReclamationMPCO, USFW

12: Develop a Revegetation Plan in coordination with USFWS to address

potential losses to all habitats impacted within the project footprint.

Potential alteration or loss of habitat for specialstatus plants, invertebrates, or wildlifespecies.

Reclamation Prior to construction Revegetation Plan, FWCAR USFWS 

13: Monitor all revegetated or disturbed areas for invasive non-native plantspecies for three to five years following completion of construction.

Impact of competition byinvasive non-native plants. Reclamation

Followingconstructiondisturbance

Revegetation Plan Reclamation CCAO 

14: Follow recommendations in the FWCAR and complete mitigation in theFWCAR for all affected habitats. The extent of mitigation will be determinedand documented in the MMRP prior to the commencement of constructionactivities.

Potential alteration or loss of habitat or impacts to special-status plants, invertebrates, or wildlifespecies.

Reclamation

Prior to, during and followingconstruction

EnvironmentalCommitment Plan,Habitat Mitigation Plan, FWCAR 

USFWS 

15: Compensate for native oaks and oak-grey pine woodlands impacted byconstruction at the ratio stipulated in the FWCAR.

Potential alteration or loss of native oaks and oakgrey pine woodlands. Reclamation During and following construction Habitat Mitigation Plan, FWCAR USFWS 

16: Compensate for riparian vegetation impacted by construction at the ratiostipulated in the FWCAR.

Potential alteration or loss of riparian vegetation. Reclamation

During andfollowingconstruction

Habitat Mitigation Plan, FWCAR USFWS 

17: Compensate for chaparral vegetation impacted by construction at theratio stipulated in the FWCAR.

Potential alteration or loss of chaparral vegetation. Reclamation

During andfollowingconstruction

Habitat Mitigation Plan, FWCAR USFWS 

18: Compensate for wetlands impacted by construction at the ratio stipulatedin the FWCAR. 

Loss of wetlands from construction-relatedactivities.

Reclamation

During andfollowingconstruction

Habitat Mitigation Plan, FWCAR USFWS 
Folsom Safety of Dams and Joint Federal Project Environmental Commitments Checklist

Environmental Commitment/Mitigation Measure1 Impact(s) being Mitigated Implementation Responsibility Project Phase of Mitigation Monitoring Action or Plan Enforcem

Responsib

19: Develop and implement a Bird Monitoring Plan to monitor and mitigateconstruction-related impacts to birds during the breeding season. Nest monitoring will be conducted by a biologist qualified and experienced in suchmethods. Establish a nest buffer zone; implement acoustic hazing.

Potential impacts to breeding birds duringconstruction activities. 

Reclamation Prior to and during construction Bird Monitoring Plan, MBTA, Executive Order 13186 Reclamation CCAO 

20: Establish with high visibility fencing around all elderberry plantscontaining stems measuring 1.0 inches or greater in diameter at ground levelprior to construction and maintain a 100-foot buffer zone. Informational signswill be erected every 50 ft along the edge of the buffer. Provide the USFWSwith a map identifying avoidance area(s) and written details describingavoidance measures. Consult with USFWS before any disturbances withinthe buffer area can occur; report any adverse effects to the buffer area to the USFWS. Restore and maintain affected area.

Potential impacts to host plants for the valleyelderberry longhornbeetle.

Reclamation/Contractor for Phase 1 and 2spillway construction and all SOD workCorps/Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work

Prior to and duringconstruction

Habitat Mitigation Plan, BiologicalOpinion,Plans andSpecifications

USFWS, MP

21: Transplant each elderberry plant that cannot be avoided during FolsomSOD/JFP construction to a conservation area approved by USFWS. Should the project affect a lesser or greater number of stems than discussed in theBiological Opinion, then Reclamation will reinitiate consultation with the USFWS.

Potential impacts to host plants for the valleyelderberry longhornbeetle.

Reclamation

Prior to constructionand followingtransplanting

Habitat Mitigation Plan, BiologicalOpinion, VELBConservationGuidelines

USFWS 

22: Compensate for each elderberry stem measuring 1.0 inch or greater indiameter at ground level that is adversely affected during Folsom SOD/JFPconstruction with elderberry seedlings and associated native plant seedlingsin the conservation area Compensation shall be completed within six monthsafter construction begins on the project.

Potential impacts to host plants for the valleyelderberry longhornbeetle.

Reclamation

During andfollowingtransplanting

Habitat Mitigation Plan, BiologicalOpinion, VELBConservationGuidelines

USFWS 

23: Plant native plants associated with elderberry plants at the FolsomSOD/JFP actions, or at similar reference sites.

Potential impacts to host plants for the valleyelderberry longhornbeetle.

Reclamation

During andfollowingtransplanting

Habitat Mitigation Plan, BiologicalOpinion, VELBConservationGuidelines

USFWS 

24: Establish a conservation area distinct from the project area that will beprotected in perpetuity as a compensation site for transplanted elderberryplants and associated native vegetation. Provide at least 1,800 square feetfor each transplanted elderberry plant Monitor for a period of up to 15 years.Deliver to the Chief of the Endangered Species Division of the USFWS,fulfillment of compensation requirements.

Potential impacts to host plants for the valleyelderberry longhornbeetle.

Reclamation Prior to transplanting

Habitat Mitigation Plan, BiologicalOpinion, VELBConservationGuidelines

USFWS 

25: Delineate wetlands downstream of MIAD prior to jet grouting usingflagging. No equipment will be staged within 25 ft of a wetland, nor will worktake place within 25 ft of a wetland.

Potential impacts to wetlands

Reclamation delineates wetlandsConstruction Contractor avoid wetlands

Prior to and duringjet grouting

Habitat Mitigation Plan,Plans andSpecifications

ReclamationMPCO

26: Develop a monitoring and adaptive management plan with the USFWSto monitor the hydrology and vegetation at Mormon Island Preserve.Establish baseline and monitor for 6 months following construction.Implement adaptive management mitigation to return effected systems to 

baseline conditions if necessary.

Potential impacts to wetlands Reclamation

Prior to, during, and following jetgrouting

Habitat Mitigation Plan, FWCAR USFWS 

Soils, Minerals, and Geological Resources1: Prepare a geologic site characterization report (signed by a California

Registered Geologist) to address asbestos concerns and a county approvedDust Mitigation Plan. Implement measures in Dust Mitigation Plan.

Potential adverse air quality impacts from construction.

Reclamation prepares reportConstruction Contractor implements dust planin Phase 1 and 2 spillway construction and allSOD workCorps’ Construction Contractor implements in Phase 3 spillway work

Prior to and duringConstruction

Geologic Site CharacterizationReport, Fugitive Dust Control Plan,Plans andSpecifications

Sacramento El Doradocounties,ReclamationMPCO, Corp
Folsom Safety of Dams and Joint Federal Project Environmental Commitments Checklist

Environmental Commitment/Mitigation Measure1 Impact(s) being Mitigated Implementation Responsibility Project Phase of Mitigation Monitoring Action or Plan Enforcem

Responsib

2: Comply with Hydrology, Water Quality, and Groundwater Measure #1.

Potential sedimentationimpacts within thereservoir or small localtributaries that dischargeinto the reservoir.

Reclamation/Construction Contractor for Phase1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD workCorps/Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work

Before, during andfollowingconstruction until site restoration

NPDES Permitrequirements,SWPPP and Water Quality MonitoringPlan,Plans andSpecifications

CVRWQCB 

Visual ResourcesNone.Agricultural ResourcesNone.Transportation and Circulation1: Prepare a Peak Hour Capacity analysis (as a section of a TrafficManagement/Circulation Plan) on specific intersections to evaluate the needfor traffic improvement measures, in coordination with the transportationdepartments of the affected jurisdictions.

Transportation effects from construction. 

Reclamation for Phase 1 and 2 spillwayconstruction and all SOD workCorps for Phase 3 spillway work

Prior to and duringconstruction

Traffic Management/Circulation Plan

ReclamationMPCO, CCACity of FolsomCity of RosevPlacer Count

2: Prepare a transportation management plan, outlining proposed routes to be approved by the appropriate local entity, and implement it. To the extentpracticable, deliveries will be restricted to non-commute hours.

Transportation effects from construction. 

Reclamation/Construction Contractor for Phase1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD workCorps/Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work

Prior to and duringconstruction

Traffic Management/Circulation Plan, Plans andSpecifications

ReclamationMPCO, CCACity of FolsomCity of RosevPlacer Count

3: Develop and utilize appropriate signage to inform the general public of the haul routes and route changes, if applicable.

Transportation effects from construction. 

Reclamation/Construction Contractor for Phase1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD workCorps/Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work

Prior to and duringconstruction

Traffic Management/Circulation Plan, Plans andSpecifications

ReclamationMPCO, CCACity of FolsomCity of RosevPlacer Count

Noise1: Incorporate the appropriate level of sound attenuation on equipment or 

near facilities that will attenuate sound at sensitive receptors to comply withlocal noise ordinances.

Noise impacts generatedby construction activities.

Reclamation/Construction Contractor for Phase1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD workCorps/Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work

During construction 

Noise MonitoringPlan,Plans andSpecifications

ReclamationMPCO, CCA

2: Maintain equipment to comply with noise standards (e.g., exhaustmufflers, acoustically attenuating shields, shrouds, or enclosures).

Noise impacts generatedby construction activities. Construction Contractor All construction

Noise MonitoringPlan,Plans andSpecifications

ReclamationMPCO,Corps

3: Enclose above-ground conveyor systems in acoustically-treated

enclosures, if necessary.

Noise impacts generatedby construction activities. Construction Contractor All construction

Noise MonitoringPlan,Plans andSpecifications

ReclamationMPCO,Corps

4: Line or cover hoppers, conveyor transfer points, storage bins and chutes

with sound-deadening material.

Noise impacts generatedby construction activities. Construction Contractor During construction

Noise MonitoringPlan,Plans andSpecifications

ReclamationMPCO,Corps

5: Schedule truck loading, unloading, and hauling operations so as to reduce

nighttime noise impacts to comply with local noise ordinances.

Nighttime noise impacts generated by constructionactivities.

Construction Contractor During construction

Noise MonitoringPlan,Plans andSpecifications

ReclamationMPCO,Corps

6: Schedule blasting to daylight hours only and will adhere to restrictions onblasting as stated per Reclamation and Corps’ safety regulations.

Noise impacts generatedby blasting activities.

Reclamation/Construction Contractor for Phase1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD workCorps/Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work

During blastingperiods

Noise MonitoringPlan,Plans andSpecifications

ReclamationMPCO,Corps
Folsom Safety of Dams and Joint Federal Project Environmental Commitments Checklist

Environmental Commitment/Mitigation Measure1 Impact(s) being Mitigated Implementation Responsibility Project Phase of Mitigation Monitoring Action or Plan Enforcem

Responsib

7: Monitor blasting vibration per Reclamation and Corps safety guidelines. Noise impacts generated by blasting activities.

Reclamation/Construction Contractor for Phase1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD workCorps/Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work

During blastingperiods

Noise MonitoringPlan,Plans andSpecifications

ReclamationMPCO,Corps

8: Examination of any properties, structures and conditions where

complaints of damages have been filed will be performed within three weeksof rock excavation and blasting work.

Noise impacts generatedby blasting activities.

Reclamation/Construction Contractor for Phase1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD workCorps/Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work

During blastingperiods

Noise MonitoringPlan,Plans andSpecifications

ReclamationMPCO,Corps

Cultural Resources1: Complete the Section 106 process prior to the award of any construction

contract for the proposed project.

Potential impacts to historic properties and/orhistorical resources. 

Reclamation Prior to award of contract Section 106 SHPO 

2: Develop a memorandum of agreement or a programmatic agreement withSHPO to mitigate impacts to any identified historic properties or historic resources. Implement mitigation measures per agreement.

Potential impacts to historic properties and/orhistorical resources. 

Reclamation

Prior toconstruction/duringconstruction if additional culturalresources are found

SHPO Programmatic Agreement SHPO 

3: Include in the standard contract specifications directions to follow in the unlikely event of the discovery of human remains or other cultural resourcesduring the construction phase of this project.

Potential impacts to historic properties and/orhistorical resources. 

Reclamation/Construction Contractor for Phase1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD workCorps/Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work

Prior toconstruction/duringconstruction if additional culturalresources are found

SHPO Programmatic Agreement, 36 CFRPart 800.13, Inadvertent Discoveryof Human Remains(LND 07-01),Plans andSpecifications

SHPO 

Land Use, Planning, and ZoningNone.Recreation1: Damages to recreation facilities will be replaced in kind, in accordancewith agency policies and guidance.

Potential constructionrelated damages to recreation facilities. 

Reclamation/Construction Contractor for Phase1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD workCorps/Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work

During andfollowingconstruction

RecreationManagement Plan, Plans andSpecifications

ReclamationMPCO,Corps,RecreationManagementPartner

2: Post signage and public announcements to inform the public of construction activities and recreational facility closures. Provide instructionsas to where alternative access to Folsom Reservoir will be possible.

Potential loss ofrecreational use at FolsomReservoir.

Reclamation/Construction Contractor for Phase1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD workCorps/Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway workRecreation Management Partner

Prior to and duringconstruction

RecreationManagement Plan, Plans andSpecifications

ReclamationMPCOCorps

3: Consolidate to the extent practicable, material processing and batchoperations at the Overlook and Left Wing Dam areas. When materials processing or stockpiling cannot be located sufficiently distant from developed recreation areas, appropriate measures would be taken for noiseand safety considerations.

Decline of recreationalexperience at FolsomReservoir.

Reclamation/Construction Contractor for Phase1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD workCorps/Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work

During construction 

RecreationManagement Plan, Plans andSpecifications

ReclamationMPCO,Corps

4: Re-contour sites used for stockpiling, disposal, staging and constructionactivities, as appropriate, to pre-construction conditions or to contours whichdo not pose a safety hazard.

Potential public recreationsafety hazard.

Reclamation/Construction Contractor for Phase1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD workCorps/Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work

During andfollowingconstruction

RecreationManagement Plan, Plans andSpecifications

ReclamationMPCO,Corps
Folsom Safety of Dams and Joint Federal Project Environmental Commitments Checklist

Environmental Commitment/Mitigation Measure1 Impact(s) being Mitigated Implementation Responsibility Project Phase of Mitigation Monitoring Action or Plan Enforcem

Responsib

5: Provide nearly continuous access to all recreation sites at FolsomReservoir through grade separation, detours, traffic controls, reconfigurationof roadways or other measures. Ensure that the entrance stations at FolsomPoint and Beal’s Point will meet public safety and traffic requirements duringconstruction.

Potential loss ofrecreational use at FolsomReservoir.

Reclamation/Construction Contractor for Phase1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD workCorps/Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work

During construction 

RecreationManagement Plan, Plans andSpecifications

ReclamationMPCO,Corps

6: Ensure that construction activities and any temporary or more extendedclosures will be scheduled to minimize impacts during peak recreation useperiods, holidays, and special events so as to allow public access to the extent practical.

Potential loss ofrecreational use at FolsomReservoir.

Reclamation/Construction Contractor for Phase1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD workCorps/Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work

During construction 

RecreationManagement Plan, Plans andSpecifications

ReclamationMPCO,Corps

7: Develop a Traffic Management Plan (as a chapter of the RecreationManagement Plan) for all public roads and trails within the recreation areas where both public and construction traffic occur. An appropriate mile per hour speed limit would be imposed in all public areas close to or intersectingconstruction. Construction crews and traffic will utilize internal haul routes, to the extent practicable.

Construction traffic could result in substantialinterruptions to recreation.

Reclamation/Construction Contractor for Phase1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD workCorps/Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work

During construction 

RecreationManagement Plan, Plans andSpecifications

ReclamationMPCO,Corps,RecreationManagementPartner

8: Identify suitable detours, with appropriate signage, for any bike,

equestrian, or pedestrian trails that are interrupted by construction, per agency guidance and policy. Post public service announcements to informthe public of route changes. Relocate trails where possible to allow trail access during construction.

Loss of recreational trail use.

Reclamation/Construction Contractor for Phase1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD workCorps/Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work

Prior to and duringconstruction

RecreationManagement Plan 

ReclamationMPCO,Corps,RecreationManagementPartner

9: Notify the public and provide the opportunity for public input prior to anyextended closure of any recreational facility.

Potential loss ofrecreational use.

Reclamation for Phase 1 and 2 spillwayconstruction and all SOD workCorps for Phase 3 spillway work

During construction Recreation Management Plan 

ReclamationMPCO,Corps,RecreationManagementPartner

Public Services and Utilities1: Coordinate with utility companies and other relevant agencies beforeconstruction to locate existing utilities and avoid damage. Avoid the relocation of utilities whenever possible. Provide notification of any potentialinterruptions in services to the appropriate agencies.

Potentialdisruption/relocation of infrastructure.

Reclamation/Construction Contractor for Phase1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD workCorps/Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work

Prior to and duringconstruction

Plans andSpecifications,EnvironmentalCommitments Plan 

ReclamationMPCO,Corps,Local Utilities appropriateagencies

2: Stage utility relocations to minimize interruptions in service. Potential effects to infrastructure.

Reclamation/Construction Contractor for Phase1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD workCorps/Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work

Prior to and duringconstruction

Plans andSpecifications,EnvironmentalCommitments Plan 

ReclamationMPCO,Corps,Local Utilities appropriateagencies

3: The Construction Contractor will be instructed to select licensed landfills

with adequate capacity to receive the wastes.

Construction activitieswould generate solid waste.

Construction Contractor Prior to and during construction Plans and Specifications

ReclamationMPCO,Corps

4: The Construction Contractor will be instructed to recycle constructionwastes whenever possible.

Construction activitieswould generate solid waste.

Construction Contractor During construction Plans and Specifications

ReclamationMPCO,Corps
Folsom Safety of Dams and Joint Federal Project Environmental Commitments Checklist

Environmental Commitment/Mitigation Measure1 Impact(s) being Mitigated Implementation Responsibility Project Phase of Mitigation Monitoring Action or Plan Enforcem

Responsib

5: The Construction Contractor will be directed to dispose of hazardouswastes at licensed hazardous waste facilities.

Construction activitieswould generate hazardouswaste.

Construction Contractor During construction Plans and Specifications

ReclamationMPCO,Corps

6: Consult with local police, fire, and recreation managing partner to developand implement emergency response plans and establish emergency vehicleroutes.

Potential increase in emergency responsetimes to the Folsom Facility.

Reclamation/Construction Contractor for Phase1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD workCorps/Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work

Prior to construction

EmergencyResponse Section of Worker Health andSafety Plan, Plans andSpecifications

ReclamationMPCO,Corps

Hydropower ResourcesNone.Population and HousingNone.Public Health and Safety1: Prepare a Recreation Management Plan to maintain public safety duringall phases of construction. Components of the plan will address publicnotification of recreation facilities closure duration, location, restrictions,signage, safety fencing requirements, and coordination with local jurisdictions.

Construction activitiescould result in heath andsafety impacts to the public.

Reclamation/Construction Contractor for Phase1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD workCorps/Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work

Prior to and duringconstruction

RecreationManagement Plan, Plans andSpecifications

ReclamationMPCO,Corps,RecreationManagementPartner

2: Prepare and implement a Fire Management Plan as part of the WorkerHealth and Safety Plan. The plan will include fire prevention and responsemethods including fire precaution, pre-suppression, and suppressionmeasures consistent with the policies and standards in the affectedjurisdictions.

Potential for fire hazardsduring constructionactivities.

Reclamation/Construction Contractor for Phase1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD workCorps/Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work

Prior to construction

Worker Health andSafety Plan (FireManagementsection),Plans andSpecifications

ReclamationMPCO,Corps,Appropriate cand countyofficials

3: Prepare and implement a Worker Health and Safety Plan in compliancewith Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) construction standards prior to the start of construction activities.

Construction activitiescould result in exposure to hazardous materials or other health and safetyissues.

Construction Contractor for Phase 1 and 2spillway construction and all SOD workCorps’ Construction Contractor for Phase 3spillway work

Prior to construction

Worker Health andSafety Plan, Plans andSpecifications

ReclamationMPCO,Corps,OSHA

4: Prepare a Hazardous Materials Management Plan that establishes theplan of action if hazardous materials are encountered during construction.Establish BMPs to reduce the potential for exposure to hazardous wastes.

Construction activitiescould result in exposure to hazardous materials.

Construction Contractor for Phase 1 and 2spillway construction and all SOD workCorps’ Construction Contractor for Phase 3spillway work

Prior to and duringconstruction

Hazardous MaterialsManagement Plan, Plans andSpecifications

ReclamationMPCO,DTSC,Local agenci

5: Use as appropriate blasting mats to cover blasts in order to minimize the 

possibility of fly rock. 

Safety concern duringblasting.

Construction Contractor for Phase 1 and 2spillway construction and all SOD workCorps’ Construction Contractor for Phase 3spillway work

During blastingperiods

Worker Health andSafety Plan, Plans andSpecifications

ReclamationMPCO,Corps

Indian Trust AssetsNone.Environmental JusticeNone.