May 2007 

 

 US Army Corps of Engineers U.S. Department of the Interior 

 Bureau of Reclamation 

 

Record of Decision 

Folsom Dam Safety and Flood 

Damage Reduction Joint 

Federal Project 

Folsom, California 

Mid-Pacific Region 
Mission Statements 

Department of the Interior and Bureau of Reclamation 

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. 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 

The mission of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is to serve the Armed Forces and 

the Nation by providing quality, responsive engineering services including: 

planning, designing, building and operating water resources and other civil works 

projects; designing and managing the construction of military facilities for the 

Army and Air Force; and providing design and construction management support 

for other Defense and federal agencies, to meet national security, emergency and 

other national requirements. 


i

Contents 

Section Page

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

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

 Joint Federal Project – Auxiliary Spillway ........................................... 2 

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 ................................................................................ 5 

 Alternative 4 – 7-ft Raise with JFP Gated Auxiliary 

Spillway (removed from consideration between the 

Draft and Final EIS/EIR)....................................................................... 5 

 Alternative 5 – 17-ft Raise (removed from 

consideration between the Draft and Final EIS/EIR)............................ 5 

IV Basis of Decision and Issues Evaluated ......................................................... 6 

V Compliance with Federal Regulations........................................................... 7 

VI Implementing Decision and Environmental Commitments ........................ 8 

 Hydrology, Water Quality, and Groundwater....................................... 9 

 Water Supply....................................................................................... 10 

 Air Quality........................................................................................... 11 

 Aquatic Resources............................................................................... 13 

 Terrestrial Vegetation and Wildlife..................................................... 14 

 Soils, Minerals, and Geological Resources......................................... 19 

 Visual Resources ................................................................................. 20 

 Agricultural Resources........................................................................ 20 

 Transportation and Circulation............................................................ 20 

 Noise.................................................................................................... 21 

 Cultural Resources .............................................................................. 22 

 Land Use, Planning, and Zoning......................................................... 23 

 Recreation............................................................................................ 23 

 Public Services and Utilities ............................................................... 25 

 Hydropower......................................................................................... 26 
Record of Decision 

Folsom Dam Safety and Flood Damage Reduction Joint Federal Project 

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 Population and Housing ...................................................................... 26 

 Public Health and Safety ..................................................................... 26 

 Indian Trust Assets.............................................................................. 27 

 Environmental Justice ......................................................................... 27 

VII Supplemental Environmental Documentation ........................................... 27 

Appendices 

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

Appendix B – Environmental Commitments Checklist 

 
Record of Decision 

Folsom Dam Safety and Flood Damage Reduction Joint Federal Project 

iii

Glossary 

These terms have the following meaning for the purposes of the JFP 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. 

 
Record of Decision 

Folsom Dam Safety and Flood Damage Reduction Joint Federal Project 

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List of Acronyms 

ADT Average daily traffic 

APE Area of Potential Effect 

AQMD Air Quality Management District 

BMP Best Management Practice 

BO 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 

DWR California Department of Water Resources 

EGR Exhaust Gas Recirculation 

EIS/EIR Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact 

Report 

FDR Flood Damage Reduction 

FWCAR U.S. Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act Report 

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 

OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Association 

PAC Post Authorization Change 

Partner Agencies Reclamation, Corps, State Reclamation Board/California 

Department of Water Resources, and Sacramento Area Flood 

Control Agency 

PL Public Law 

Reclamation U.S. Bureau of Reclamation 

Reclamation Board State Reclamation Board 

ROD Record of Decision 
Record of Decision 

Folsom Dam Safety and Flood Damage Reduction Joint Federal Project 

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RWD Right Wing Dam 

SAFCA Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency 

SHPO State Historic Preservation Officer 

SMAQMD Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District 

SWPPP Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan 

USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service 

VELB Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle 

VOC Volatile organic compounds 

6STG Six submerged tainter gates 

List of Abbreviations 

cy cubic yards 

CO carbon monoxide 

ft foot/feet 

Ldn day-night average level 

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 

 1 

Record of Decision 

Folsom Dam Safety and Flood Damage 

Reduction Joint Federal Project 

I. Introduction 

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

Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation), Mid-Pacific 

Region, the lead federal agency, and the Department of the Army, Office of the 

Secretary of the Army (Civil Works) (Corps), cooperating federal agency, for the 

Folsom Dam Safety and Flood Damage Reduction (DS/FDR) action. Both agencies 

have reviewed the Folsom DS/FDR Draft Environmental Impact Statement/ 

Environmental Impact Report (EIS/EIR) [DES-06-53, State Clearing House # 

2006022091] dated December 2006 and Final EIS/EIR [FES-07-10] dated March 

2007, addressing dam safety and flood damage reduction components of the Folsom 

DS/FDR actions at Folsom, California. The EIS/EIR was developed in compliance 

with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the California 

Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The Corps has developed separately the 

American River Watershed Project/Folsom Modifications Post Authorization 

Change (PAC) Report addressing flood damage reduction issues for the watershed. 

This ROD is consistent with the PAC Report presentation of issues. 

The Corps non-federal sponsors include the State Reclamation Board (Reclamation 

Board)/California Department of Water Resources (DWR) the lead CEQA agency 

and the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency (SAFCA) the responsible agency 

under CEQA. 

Based upon this review and the views of other agencies and the public the Corps 

finds that the equivalent features authorized by Congress in Section 101 (a) (6) of 

Public Law 106-53, the Water Resources Development Act of 1999, and the features 

described in Section 128(a) of Public Law 108-137, the Energy and Water 

Development Appropriations Act of 2004, and further described in Section 128 of 

Public Law 109-103, the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act of 

2006, to be economically justified, technically feasible, in accordance with 

environmental statutes, and in the public interest. The Corps finds the Joint Federal 

Project (JFP) Auxiliary Spillway to be a reasonable refinement to the Folsom 

Modification Project and approves the plan for implementation. 

The Preferred Alternative discussed in the Final EIS/EIR, and the Corp’s Selected 

Plan presented in its Post Authorization Change (PAC) Report, addressed four 

separate projects to be implemented and constructed jointly and separately by 

Reclamation and the Corps. 
Record of Decision 

Folsom Dam Safety and Flood Damage Reduction Joint Federal Project 

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The Preferred Alternative, discussed in the Final EIS/EIR and in Reclamation’s 

Safety of Dams (SOD) Modification Report, meets the dam safety objective for 

reducing hydrologic risk. Thus, Reclamation approves the Joint Federal Project 

(JFP) as functionally equivalent to the least cost dam safety modification alternative 

described in its Safety of Dams Modification Report for Folsom Dam dated May 

2007. 

II. Decision 

Reclamation and the Corps’ decision is to proceed with the environmentally 

Preferred Alternative as identified in the Final EIS/EIR. This alternative includes the 

JFP auxiliary spillway as well as dam safety and security features, which 

Reclamation will address in a separate ROD; and flood damage reduction features 

including a 3.5 foot embankment raise and replacement of the emergency gates on 

the main dam, which the Corps will address in a separate ROD. This joint ROD 

addresses only the JFP Auxiliary Spillway feature of the Preferred Alternative. 

Should the Corps experience unforeseen delays in funding or in completing the 

design of the JFP auxiliary 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 and the Corps nonfederal sponsors (Reclamation Board/DWR and SAFCA). 

A subsequent ROD may be issued. 

The major features associated with the JFP Auxiliary Spillway are discussed below. 

Joint Federal Project - Auxiliary Spillway 

The JFP involves the construction of a new Auxiliary Spillway controlled by six 

submerged tainter gates (6STG) and including an approach channel, concrete-lined 

chute, and stilling basin. This new spillway will provide the operational capability 

for improved hydrologic control (controlled sustained discharge earlier and for 

longer durations and prevention of dam or embankment overtopping) of storm 

induced floods in excess of reservoir storage capacity in advance of and during 

extreme storm events. 

The new Auxiliary Spillway will be constructed jointly by Reclamation and the 

Corps in three separate phases. Reclamation in Phases 1 and 2 will initiate 

excavation of the spillway chute and stilling basin and the Corps as part of Phase 3 

will complete excavation of the chute including the approach channel, and will 

construct the control structure and concrete lining of the chute, approach channel, 

and stilling basin. The Final EIS/EIR addresses the impacts of all phases of spillway 

construction. 
Record of Decision 

Folsom Dam Safety and Flood Damage Reduction Joint Federal Project 

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The JFP Auxiliary Spillway will include the following actions and features: 

1. Excavation of approximately 3.5 million cubic yards (cy) of soil and rock 

material to create the approach channel, control structure, and spillway 

chute. 

2. Lining of the approach channel, spillway chute, and stilling basin with 

concrete. 

3. Construction of a new stilling basin at the downstream end of the 

Auxiliary Spillway chute. 

4. Construction of a haul road, entirely on federal property, for the transport 

and stockpiling/disposal of excavated material. 

5. Stockpiling/disposal of excavated material at the toe of the Left Wing 

Dam (LWD), Observation Point, Dike 7, Beal’s Point (creation of staging 

areas), the right abutment of Mormon Island Auxiliary Dam (MIAD right 

groin), and the D1/D2 location southwest of MIAD. 

6. Staging of contractor materials and equipment at the spillway excavation 

site, Observation Point, and D1/D2 location. 

7. Construction of grade separation features or roadway modifications near 

the entries of Folsom Point and Beal’s Point together with traffic control 

measures to allow nearly continuous access by the public to Folsom Point 

and Beal’s Point throughout the construction period. 

Although not part of the JFP ROD, the stockpiled material that is excavated from the 

spillway is intended for use in the construction of proposed dam safety 

improvements, including the placement of a downstream overlay at MIAD and 

construction of contractor staging platforms. The Safety of Dams and security 

upgrade features are being addressed under a separate ROD to be signed by 

Reclamation. 

The Final EIS/EIR provides the necessary NEPA and CEQA documentation to 

undertake this Federal Action. It is anticipated that it will take up to 7 years, starting 

in the Fall of 2007 and ending in 2014, to complete all three phases of construction 

of the new JFP Auxiliary Spillway. 

Technical and economic criteria used in the formulation of alternative plans were 

those specified in the Water Resources Council’s Principles and Guidelines, dated 

March 10, 1983. All applicable laws, regulations, Executive Orders, guidelines, and 

local governmental plans were considered in evaluating the alternatives. Based on 
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Folsom Dam Safety and Flood Damage Reduction Joint Federal Project 

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review of these evaluations, we find that the overall benefits gained by construction 

of the authorized project outweigh any adverse effects. 

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 Dam Safety 

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

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

issues, which are addressed in a separate Dam Safety ROD, Reclamation determined 

that the Folsom Facility is at risk of overtopping during extreme flood events due to 

operational limitations of the existing spillway. The Corps determined under its 

American River Watershed Investigation authorizations that improvements to 

Folsom Dam release mechanisms would be required in order to increase the level of 

flood damage reduction for the lower American River. The purpose and need for the 

Folsom Dam JFP is a structural solution meeting the hydrologic risk reduction and 

flood damage reduction objectives of both agencies. 

The JFP Auxiliary Spillway reflects a collaborative effort by Reclamation and the 

Corps in accordance with their National Partnership Agreement, together with the 

Corps’ non-federal sponsors, the Reclamation Board/DWR, and SAFCA. 

Reclamation’s Central Valley Project (CVP) water and power contractors have been 

informed and involved throughout the project development process in accordance 

with the Reclamation Safety of Dams Act (as amended). The JFP addresses a 

common hydrologic control solution that addresses Reclamation’s dam safety 

hydrologic risk reduction and the Corps’ flood damage reduction objectives for 

Folsom Dam. 

Reclamations Dam Safety objectives are to protect public safety by ensuring that 

Folsom Dam and its appurtenant structures can safely control and pass the Probable 

Maximum Flood (PMF) and other extreme flood events. The Corps' flood damage 

reduction objective is to provide at least 1/200 flood protection to the lower 

American River corridor. As the Corps’ cost share partners, SAFCA and DWR 

likewise seek to improve the level of flood protection for the Sacramento region. 

Reclamation assumed the lead agency role and was responsible for the preparation of 

the EIS/EIR pursuant to NEPA. The Corps is a Cooperating Federal Agency and 

provided technical input and review for the Draft and Final EIS/EIR. The Corps has 

independently reviewed the Final EIS/EIR and concluded that all of its comments 

and suggestions have been satisfied. Therefore, the Corps, as a cooperating agency, 

has adopted the portions of the Final EIS/EIR that describe and analyze flood 

damage reduction actions at Folsom Dam to include: JFP Auxiliary Spillway; 3.5 

foot embankment raise; and emergency gate replacement. 
Record of Decision 

Folsom Dam Safety and Flood Damage Reduction Joint Federal Project 

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Reclamation and the Corps 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 hydrologic risk and 

no improvements to flood damage reduction potential for the lower American River. 

In addition to the No Action Alternative, Reclamation and the Corps considered five 

action alternatives that meet the purpose and need in the Draft EIS/EIR: 

Alternative 1 – Fuseplug Auxiliary Spillway 

Alternative 1 would involve construction of an Auxiliary Spillway using an 

embankment fuseplug as the control structure. This alternative addressed 

Reclamation’s Dam Safety hydrologic risk reduction objectives, but not the Corps 

flood damage reduction objectives. 

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 with the fuseplug auxiliary spillway and Corps concerns for flood damage 

reduction with a low level outlet works/tunnel. 

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 dam safety risk reduction objective and by the 

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

a new 6STG Auxiliary Spillway. 

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 Facility structures. Alternative 4 would address both Reclamations and 

the Corps’ hydrologic control objectives for the Folsom Facility. 

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. 

In addition to the alternatives described above, several alternatives were considered 

during the screening process but were eliminated from further consideration for 

various reasons including technical, economic, and institutional infeasibility, 

significant environmental adverse effects, and inability to meet the purpose and need 
Record of Decision 

Folsom Dam Safety and Flood Damage Reduction Joint Federal Project 

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statement of the project. 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. Additionally, Alternative 3 is preferred by the Reclamation Board and 

SAFCA; and is the environmentally preferred/least environmentally damaging 

practicable alternative. 

IV. Basis of Decision and Issues Evaluated 

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

statutory mission and authority for the operation, maintenance, safety and security 

associated with the Folsom Facility and the Corp’s flood damage reduction 

objectives for the Folsom Facility and the Sacramento region. Five alternatives were 

evaluated in the EIS/EIR on how well they met the project’s purpose and need, and 

their environmental consequences. Alternative 3 was identified as the Preferred 

Alternative because it best met both Reclamation’s and the Corps’ objectives. 

Alternative 1 would not meet the purpose and need objectives as thoroughly 

Alternative 3. Alternative 2 introduced greater environmental impacts as a result of 

construction of the gated tunnel (greater earthwork and construction underwater). 

Alternative 3 was assessed to have the least impacts of any alternative meeting all 

project objectives. Alternative 4, due to its raise component which was deemed 

unnecessary to meet hydrologic control objectives, introduced greater environmental 

impacts than Alternative 3. Alternative 5 was assessed to have the greatest and 

potentially non-mitigable impacts of the alternatives evaluated. 

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. 

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 
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Folsom Dam Safety and Flood Damage Reduction Joint Federal Project 

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• 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 

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 of the JFP Auxiliary Spillway. 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 (BO) 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 and the Corps have 

determined that the proposed action will have no effect on listed species or critical 

habitat at under the jurisdiction of National Marines 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 to Reclamation on April 6, 2007. All 

recommendations from the FWCAR were adopted with the following exceptions. 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). 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 two recommendations are not 

being adopted by this ROD. Construction of the Preferred Alternative will not result 

in inundation of the reservoir beyond existing conditions. 
Record of Decision 

Folsom Dam Safety and Flood Damage Reduction Joint Federal Project 

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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 and the Corps have committed to the following environmental 

mitigation programs, 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 JFP feature 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, 

• the entity(s) responsible for enforcing mitigation, 

• the entity(s) responsible for mitigation monitoring, and 

• the compliance completion date. 
Record of Decision 

Folsom Dam Safety and Flood Damage Reduction Joint Federal Project 

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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 (JFP Auxiliary Spillway) impacts could occur 

related to excavation, hauling, disposal, and stockpiling of materials, and 

construction of the JFP Auxiliary Spillway structure. Mitigation measures proposed 

in the Final EIS/EIR and carried forward in this JFP 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 (Corps, Reclamation Board (Reclamation 

Board)/DWR and SAFCA) and local government throughout the construction of the 

dam safety, 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 JFP auxiliary spillway will not alter regional hydrology or groundwater. To 

reduce potential effects on water quality as a result of (1) increased sedimentation 

from stormwater runoff, (2) spills of construction-related chemicals, (3) filling of 

waters of the state, and (4) increased mercury and metals in the reservoir due to 

dredging, the following commitments are incorporated into the project. 

1. The responsible Federal Agency1

 working with their 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. The responsible Federal Agency working with their construction contractor in 

coordination with Reclamation’s 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 Final Fish and 

Wildlife Coordination Act Report, the SWPPP will contain a visual monitoring 

program as well as a chemical monitoring program for pollutants that are nonvisible to be implemented if there is a failure of BMPs. 

 

1

 Reclamation or the Corps, depending upon construction phase. 
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Folsom Dam Safety and Flood Damage Reduction Joint Federal Project 

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3. The responsible Federal Agency will prepare and obtain permits as stated in 

Section 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. The responsible Federal Agency 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. Best management practices will be adhered to in order 

to minimize water quality impacts during the placement of fill in the reservoir. 

5. The responsible Federal Agencies working with their respective construction 

contractors will develop water quality monitoring plans for review by the 

CVRWQCB prior to any in-reservoir construction work. The plan will address 

sampling requirements during dredging, 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 

dredging and/or 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. 

Dredged material will be placed on the downstream side of the reservoir in a 

contained area for drying and processing. 

6. The Corps and its construction contractor will obtain a dewatering permit from 

CVRWQCB and will implement applicable water quality monitoring during 

construction of the approach channel. 

Water Supply 

The construction of the JFP Auxiliary Spillway will require the relocation of a 300-ft 

segment of the Natomas Pipeline to an above ground pipeline. Reclamation and its 

construction contractor will work closely through CCAO with City of Folsom for the 

timing of connection of a temporary intake so that there will not be an interruption to 

the City’s water supply. These means will be determined in conformance with 

Reclamation’s water service contracts as administered by CCAO and the CCAO Area 

Manager and will be coordinated by CCAO with the City of Folsom, and California 
Record of Decision 

Folsom Dam Safety and Flood Damage Reduction Joint Federal Project 

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Department of Corrections prior to implementation. Therefore, there will be no 

adverse affects to water supply due to the construction of the JFP auxiliary spillway. 

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 JFP Auxiliary Spillway 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. 

1. The responsible Federal Agencies (working with their construction contractors as 

appropriate) will provide a plan for approval by 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 the responsible 

Federal Agencies 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 
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Folsom Dam Safety and Flood Damage Reduction Joint Federal Project 

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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 

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

operations for each piece of equipment 

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

both daily and annually. 

4. The responsible Federal Agencies 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 

• 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. 

• The responsible Federal Agencies 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 
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Folsom Dam Safety and Flood Damage Reduction Joint Federal Project 

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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. 

• The responsible Federal Agencies 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 will 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 ARBverified 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 JFP Auxiliary Spillway 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, (2) direct or 

indirect impacts to adjacent wetland ecosystems. The responsible Federal Agencies 

will implement the following mitigation measures to reduce potential effects of the 

JFP Auxiliary Spillway 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. 
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Folsom Dam Safety and Flood Damage Reduction Joint Federal Project 

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2. The responsible Federal Agency 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 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 or the Corps, CCAO Area 

Manager, the 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 

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

outlined in the April 5, 2007 USFWS BO 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 BO, 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 BO, Reclamation will make the top 

layer of soil available to any vernal pool creation bank that requests it, with 

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. The responsible Federal Agency will develop a fish removal plan prior to 

dewatering the approach channel and implement the plan at the time of 

dewatering. 

Terrestrial Vegetation and Wildlife 

Construction of the JFP Auxiliary Spillway 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, and (6) loss and/or disturbance of wetlands 
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Folsom Dam Safety and Flood Damage Reduction Joint Federal Project 

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and other waters of the U.S. The responsible Federal Agencies will implement the 

following measures. 

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 will 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, the responsible 

Federal Agency working with its construction contractors will avoid any 

populations of special-status 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 the responsible Federal Agency 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 BO. 

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 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 the 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. 

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 BO must be implemented by the 

responsible Federal agency. The responsible Federal Agency will address 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’ BO 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 
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Folsom Dam Safety and Flood Damage Reduction Joint Federal Project 

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those described in the BO, then re-consultation with the USFWS and CDFG will 

be required. 

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

environmental awareness training from the responsible Federal Agency 

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 BO, proof of 

environmental training shall be delivered by the responsible Federal Agency 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 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 
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Folsom Dam Safety and Flood Damage Reduction Joint Federal Project 

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

on unpaved roads in the construction footprint will be limited to avoid visible 

dust. A dust palliative will need to be approved by the USFWS. 

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 the USFWS. 

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

by construction at the ration 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 be required to develop and implement a bird monitoring plan as 

part of the MMRP to monitor and mitigate construction-related impacts to birds 
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Folsom Dam Safety and Flood Damage Reduction Joint Federal Project 

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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. Also, methods to either deter nesting or habituate 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 biologist qualified and experienced in such 

methods. 

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 BO. 

21. Reclamation 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 USFWSs’ 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 reinitiate consultation with USFWS if appropriate. Should the project affect a 

lesser or greater number of stems than discussed in the BO, then Reclamation 

will re-initiate consultation with the USFWS. 
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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 BO for the Project and 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 BO. 

23. Reclamation 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. Reclamation will establish a conservation area distinct from the project area of 

no less than 15.91 acres, or an approved conservation bank, 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 the 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 BO. 

Soils, Minerals, and Geological Resources 

Construction of the JFP auxiliary spillway will affect soils, minerals, and geological 

resources. These effects include: (1) asbestos disturbance due to haul road 

construction and stockpiling activities at D1/D2 and (2) a potential increase in soil 

erosion due to construction activities. The responsible Federal Agencies will 

implement the following mitigation measures. 

1. The responsible Federal Agency will prepare a geologic site characterization 

report (signed by a California Registered Geologist) and a county approved Dust 

Mitigation Plan for submittal to Sacramento and El Dorado Counties. The 

geologic site characterization report will identify areas of naturally-occurring 

asbestos. The Dust Mitigation Plan will specify the activities allowed in areas 
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Folsom Dam Safety and Flood Damage Reduction Joint Federal Project 

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with asbestos and the BMPs required to minimize airborne naturally-occurring 

asbestos. These BMPs may 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 should be considered. 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 JFP auxiliary spillway may affect visual resources with the 

introduction of color and form changes to the landscape. Temporary 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. 

Agricultural Resources 

Construction of the JFP Auxiliary Spillway will 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 JFP auxiliary spillway may have potentially significant 

temporary 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 responsible Federal Agency in coordination with their construction contractor, 

CCAO, and City of Folsom engineer will implement the following actions to 

minimize transportation impacts to a less than significant level. 

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

and construction specifications, the responsible Federal Agency, including 

CCAO and 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 
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Folsom Dam Safety and Flood Damage Reduction Joint Federal Project 

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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. The responsible Federal Agency, including CCAO and CCAO Area Manager, 

working with their respective 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 non-commute hours. 

3. The responsible Federal Agency, including CCAO and the CCAO Area 

Manager, working with their respective construction contractor will develop and 

utilize appropriate signage to inform the general public of the haul routes and 

route changes, if applicable. 

Noise 

Construction of the JFP auxiliary spillway may have potentially significant 

temporary effects on noise levels. These effects may include increased night time 

noise levels as a result of the Folsom DS/FDR activities. The responsible Federal 

Agency will implement the following noise mitigation measures to reduce potential 

effects to sensitive receptors: 

1. To comply with applicable noise ordinances, the responsible Federal Agency in 

coordination with CCAO will direct their construction contractor to incorporate 

the appropriate level of sound attenuation on equipment and near facilities that 

will attenuate sound at sensitive receptors. Potential sound attenuation measures 

that could be considered include temporary sound barriers near the noise source. 

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. 
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Folsom Dam Safety and Flood Damage Reduction Joint Federal Project 

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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. The responsible Federal Agency will schedule blasting to daylight hours only and 

will adhere to restrictions on blasting as stated per Reclamation and Corps’ safety 

regulations. 

7. Blasting vibration monitoring will be implemented as per Reclamation and Corps 

safety guidelines. 

8. The responsible Federal Agency along with their respective 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 

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 Right and Left Wing 

Dams) 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. 
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Folsom Dam Safety and Flood Damage Reduction Joint Federal Project 

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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 JFP auxiliary spillway 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. 

Land Use, Planning, and Zoning 

There will be no changes to land use under the JFP auxiliary spillway 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 JFP 

Auxiliary Spillway 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 planned or 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. Overall, effects may include: (1) occasional 

temporary loss of recreational use (2) loss of recreational use on trails at Beal’s 

Point, and (3) lost recreation on the Folsom Point-Brown’s Ravine Trail. The 

responsible Federal Agencies 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 the appropriate Federal Agency, in accordance with 

their respective policies and guidance. 

2. The responsible Federal Agency in coordination with CCAO and their recreation 

managing partner will post signage and public announcements to inform the 
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Folsom Dam Safety and Flood Damage Reduction Joint Federal Project 

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public of construction activities and recreation facility closures and provide 

instructions as to where alternative access to Folsom Reservoir 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. 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 Left Wing Dam 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 the responsible Federal Agency in 

coordination with CCAO. When materials processing or stockpiling cannot be 

located sufficiently distant from developed recreation areas, appropriate 

measures will be taken for noise and safety considerations. 

4. The responsible Federal Agency will ensure that sites used for stockpiling, 

disposal, staging and construction activities will be re-contoured by the lead 

constructing agency, as appropriate, to pre-construction conditions, or to 

contours which do not pose a safety hazard. 

5. The responsible Federal Agency will include in the plans and specifications, as 

appropriate, details necessary to ensure that the entrance stations at Folsom 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. The responsible Federal Agencies 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. The responsible Federal Agencies working with 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 will include measures such as flagmen and 

appropriate signage. The traffic plan will be submitted to the appropriate 

entities, or included in the Plans and Specifications for construction. An 

appropriate mile per hour speed limit will be imposed in all public areas close to 
Record of Decision 

Folsom Dam Safety and Flood Damage Reduction Joint Federal Project 

 25 

or intersecting construction. Construction crews and traffic will utilize internal 

haul routes, to the extent practicable. The construction contractor will finalize 

and comply with the plan. 

8. The responsible Federal Agency working with CCAO and their recreation 

managing partner at Folsom Reservoir 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 will 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. The responsible Federal Agency 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. 

Public Services and Utilities 

Construction of the JFP Auxiliary Spillway 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 responsible Federal Agency will implement the following mitigation measures 

to reduce potential effects on public services and utilities: 

1. The responsible Federal Agency, including CCAO and the CCAO Area 

Manager, working with their respective construction contractor will coordinate 

with utility companies and other relevant agencies before construction to locate 

existing utilities and avoid damage. Avoid the relocation of utilities whenever 

possible. Provide notification of any potential interruptions in services to the 

appropriate agencies. 

2. The responsible Federal Agency, including CCAO and CCAO Area Manager, 

working with their respective 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 construction wastes. 
Record of Decision 

Folsom Dam Safety and Flood Damage Reduction Joint Federal Project 

 26 

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, the responsible Federal Agency in conjunction with its 

respective 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 JFP auxiliary spillway. 

Population and Housing 

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

there will be no effects to population and housing due to construction of the JFP 

Auxiliary Spillway 

Public Health and Safety 

Construction of the JFP Auxiliary Spillway 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 JFP Auxiliary Spillway on public health and safety: 

1. The responsible Federal Agency working with CCAO and Reclamation’s 

recreation managing partner will develop a Public Safety Management Plan to 

ensure safety of all visitors to Folsom Reservoir. 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; 
Record of Decision 

Folsom Dam Safety and Flood Damage Reduction Joint Federal Project 

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• 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, the responsible Federal Agency in 

consultation with CCAO and 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 in compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration 

(OSHA) construction standards prior to the start of construction activities. 

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

required to prepare a Hazardous Materials Management Plan for review by the 

responsible Federal Agency. 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. 

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 document 

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

requirements. In addition, consultation with NMFS and the USFWS will occur as 

needed once action details are known. 
Record of Decision 

Folsom Dam Safety and Flood Damage Reduction Joint Federal Project 

 28 

• Auxiliary Spillway Approach Channel Construction. Construction of the 

approach channel for the new Auxiliary Spillway will require activities within 

the reservoir. The dredging mechanism for the channel is still under evaluation 

as part of engineering optimization by the Corps. The impacts of channel 

construction will need to be evaluated once the construction details are defined.. 

• Auxiliary Spillway Stilling Basin Construction. The JFP Auxiliary Spillway 

will require a new stilling basin at the point where the spillway will enter the 

American River. Details regarding the stilling basin and how it will be 

constructed are currently being refined by Reclamation. 

• 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. 
 

Appendix A 

Comments on the Folsom DS/FDR 

Final EIS/EIR 

 A-1 

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 

out the comments for each project. The comments related to the Safety of Dams 

project work are summarized in the SOD ROD. Comments Specific to the Joint 

Federal Project work are summarized below. 

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. 

2. MIAD engineering study – the commenter requested information regarding 

the stability of the foundation of MIAD. 

3. Dust control suggestion – the commenter suggested using spray irrigation in 

lieu of water trucks to control fugitive dust. 

4. Construction activities at Mooney Ridge – the commenters have construction 

proximity concerns and request that the Mooney Ridge area not be used for 

construction purposes. 

5. The City of Folsom expressed concern that the EIS/EIR did not have an 

alternative for an underground relocation for the raw water intake or pipeline. 

6. The City of Folsom requested that a future auxiliary intake and pipeline be 

incorporated into the spillway structure. 
Record of Decision 

Folsom Dam Safety and Flood Damage Reduction Joint Federal Project 

 2 

7. The City of Folsom would like clarification on how the Folsom Bridge 

Project affects the replacement of the section of the pipeline affected by the 

auxiliary spillway. 

8. The City of Folsom requested that Mitigation Measure WS-1 be rewritten to 

include language that any temporary disruptions to water supply be 

coordinated with the City, and that the Cities concurrence would be required 

for any scheduled disruptions. 

9. The City of Folsom would like clarifications on impacts to wildlife from 

night work, in particular, lights and noise. 

10. The City of Folsom requested that an arborist be available throughout 

construction period to minimize impacts to trees. 

Several responses to comments contained in the Final EIS/EIR, Appendix A, are 

hereby clarified below:

Response to comment # 312-21 states in part, "Until a decision has been made to 

implement...the Corps decision regarding the 3.5-ft raise." This portion of the 

response should be deleted. 

Response to comment # 315-6 should be deleted and revised to, “The refinements to 

the Preferred Alternative as described in the FEIS/EIR have eliminated a materials 

processing plant near Folsom Point and opposite to Mooney Ridge, reducing impacts 

at those locations.” 

Response to comment # 392-5 should be deleted and revised to, “The engineering for 

the raise, either a 3.5-ft parapet wall or earthen raise to all embankment structures, is 

not completely refined. If a 3.5-ft parapet wall is constructed, maintenance of this 

structure would be discussed in the Corps’ Operation and Maintenance (O&M) 

Manual. The Corps intends to adopt the Final EIS/EIR to satisfy the requirements of 

NEPA for the flood damage reduction features of the proposed action (JFP, 3.5’ raise 

and emergency gate replacement) that would be accomplished under the Corps’ 

Folsom Dam Modifications and Folsom Dam Raise Projects. A Record of Decision 

(ROD) for the flood damage reduction only features of the Selected Plan (3.5’ Raise 

and emergency gate replacement) would be completed separate from the Joint 

Federal Project ROD. Supplemental environmental compliance documentation will 

be completed as necessary. The Corps and Reclamation will continue coordination 

with the public during implementation of the Raise project. 
 

Appendix B 

Environmental Commitments Checklist 

 B-1 

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. 
Appendix B 

Environmental Commitments Checklist 

 B-2 

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: 

• 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: 
Appendix B 

Environmental Commitments Checklist 

 B-3 

• 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 

• 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 Measure2 Impact(s) being Mitigated Implementation Responsibility Project Phase of Mitigation Monitoring Action or Plan Enfor

Respo

Hydrology, Water Quality, and Groundwater 1: Obtain a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, file a Notice of Intent (NOI) with the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board (CVRWQCB), and prepare a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). 

Potential water quality impacts within the reservoir or small local tributaries that discharge into the reservoir. 

Reclamation/Contractor for Phase 1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD work Corps/Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work 

Before, during and following construction until site restoration 

NPDES Permit requirements, SWPPP and Water Quality Monitoring Plan,Plans and Specifications 

CVRWQ

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 2 spillway construction and all SOD work Corps/Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work 

During construction 

SWPPP and Water Quality Monitoring Plan,Plans and Specifications 

CVRWQ

3: Prepare and obtain permits abided by as stated in Section 401 and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA). 

Potential impacts on water quality due to soil erosion associated with material being excavated and placed in reservoir. Loss of wetlands. 

Reclamation Secs. 404/401 permit/cert for Phase 1 and 2 auxiliary spillway construction and all SOD work Corps Sec. 401 cert for Phase 3 auxiliary spillway work 

Before and during construction

Section 401 and Section 404 approvals 

Corps, CVRWQ

4: Obtain guidance from the CVRWQCB for testing earthen materials before constructing 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 water quality from stockpiling of materials in reservoir. 

Reclamation obtain guidance Contractor implements BMPs 

Before and during placement of fill below typical maximum reservoir water level 

Water Quality Monitoring Plan, Plans and Specifications 

CVRWQ

5: Develop a Water Quality Monitoring Plan for review by the CVRWQCB prior to any in reservoir construction work. The plan will address sampling requirements during dredging, blasting, excavation, and placement of fill within the reservoir. Assessment of metals in freshwater sediment will be based on recommendations stated in the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act Report (FWCAR). Sediment containing elevated concentrations of metals will be controlled using BMPs and construction methods approved by the CVRWQCB.

In-reservoir construction work could cause adverse water quality effects. 

Reclamation develops plan Contractor implements BMPs Reclamation/Contractor for Phase 1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD work Corps/Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work 

Before and during all construction work 

Water Quality Monitoring Plan, FWCAR,Plans and Specifications 

CVRWQ

6: Obtain a dewatering permit from CVRWQCB and implement water quality 

monitoring during construction of the approach channel. 

Potential to impact water quality from construction of the approach channel. 

Corps/Contractor obtains permit Contractor implements BMPs for Phase 3 spillway work 

Before and during approach channel construction work 

Water Quality permit, Plans and Specifications 

CVRWQ

7: Perform jet grouting tests at Mormon Island Auxiliary Dam (MIAD) prior to implementing the full jet grouting action. If leakages are expected to occur and could cause adverse water quality effects, a cutoff wall will be constructed before jet grouting occurs at MIAD. 

Potential to impact water quality and water levels downstream of MIAD. 

Reclamation 

During and immediately following jet grouting 

Environmental Commitments Plan 

CVRWQReclamaMPCO

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 quality and result in adverse water quality effects for the wetlands downstream of MIAD. 

Reclamation/Construction Contractor 

Before, during, and 6 months following jet grouting 

Environmental Commitments Plan, FWCAR,Plans and Specifications 

CVRWQUSFWS

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 water quality downstream of MIAD.

Reclamation/Construction Contractor During jet grouting 

Environmental Commitments Plan, Plans and Specifications 

ReclamaMPCO

2 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 Measure2 Impact(s) being Mitigated Implementation Responsibility Project Phase of Mitigation Monitoring Action or Plan Enfor

Respo

10: Inspect all wetlands near jet grout injection that could be impacted by construction for the presence of grout at a frequency of once per hour. 

Potential to impact water quality downstream of MIAD.

Reclamation/Construction Contractor During jet grouting 

Environmental Commitments Plan, Plans and Specifications 

ReclamaMPCO

11: Line all temporary jet grout solidification areas with an impervious material that does not allow the migration of any construction-related wastes. 

Potential to impact water quality downstream of MIAD.

Reclamation/Construction Contractor During jet grouting 

Environmental Commitments Plan, Construction Plans and Specifications 

ReclamaMPCO

Water Supply 1: Construct a temporary bypass using means that will not disrupt water supply. These means will be discussed with the affected parties prior to implementation. 

Potential interruption of water supplies to local purveyors from relocation of Natomas Pipeline. 

Reclamation/Construction Contractor 

During bypass connection and reconnection to existing service line 

Environmental Commitments Plan, Plans and Specifications 

ReclamaMPCO,City of FDepartmCorrectio

Air Quality 1: Submit a plan for approval by Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District (SMAQMD), demonstrating that the heavy-duty off-road vehicles will achieve a project wide fleet-average 20 percent NOx reduction and 45 percent particulate reduction. 

Potential adverse air quality impacts from construction activities. 

Reclamation/ Construction Contractor for Phase 1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD work Corps/Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work 

Submittal prior to initiation of construction

SMAQMD Emissions Reduction Plan, Plans and Specifications 

SMAQM

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-road equipment, submit to SMAQMD the anticipated construction timeline.

Potential adverse air quality impacts from construction activities. 

Construction Contractor for Phase 1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD work Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work 

Submittal prior to initiation of construction

SMAQMD Off-Road Equipment Inventory, Plans and Specifications 

SMAQM

3: Demonstration of Conformity with NOx de minimus threshold levels. Potential adverse air quality impacts from 

construction activities. 

Reclamation/Construction Contractor for Phase 1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD work Corps/Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work 

Prior to initiation of construction

NOx de minimus demonstration, Plans and Specifications 

USEPA 

4: Apply fugitive dust control on roadways, processing plants, and concrete batch 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 Phase 1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD work Corps/Construction contractor for Phase 3 spillway work 

During construction 

Fugitive Dust Control Plan,Plans and Specifications 

SMAQM

5: Obtain power for the concrete batch plants and rock/material screening facilities from the electric utility grid, not diesel-driven generators and pumps. 

Potential adverse air quality impacts from construction activities. 

Reclamation/Construction Contractor for Phase 1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD work Corps/Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work 

Prior to and during construction

SMAQMD Emissions Reduction Plan/ NOx de minimus Demonstration, Plans and Specifications 

SMAQMReclamaMPCO

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 2 spillway construction and all SOD work Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work 

Prior to construction 

SMAQMD Emissions Reduction Plan, Plans and Specifications 

ReclamaMPCO

Aquatic Resources 1: Complete protocol surveys for special-status branchiopods prior to any grading or other construction activities in potential habitat for these species. 

Potential impacts on habitat for protected vernal pool invertebrates or direct impacts to these species.

Reclamation Prior to construction Environmental Commitments Plan USFWS 
Folsom Safety of Dams and Joint Federal Project Environmental Commitments Checklist 

Environmental Commitment/Mitigation Measure2 Impact(s) being Mitigated Implementation Responsibility Project Phase of Mitigation Monitoring Action or Plan Enfor

Respo

2: Avoid (preserve) and monitor potential vernal pool habitat by placing fencing 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 until corrective measures have been taken. 

Potential impacts on habitat for protected vernal pool invertebrates or direct impacts to these species.

Reclamation/Construction Contractor for Phase 1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD work Corps/Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work 

Prior to and during construction

Environmental Commitments Plan, Plans and Specifications 

USFWS 

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

Potential impacts on habitat for protected vernal pool invertebrates or direct impacts to these species.

Reclamation Prior to construction 

Habitat Mitigation Plan,Environmental Commitments Plan 

USFWS 

4: Make the top layer of soil available to any vernal pool creation bank that requests it, with USFWS approval, for inoculating newly created ponds. 

Potential impacts on habitat for protected vernal pool invertebrates or direct impacts to these species.

Reclamation/Construction Contractor During construction 

Environmental Commitments Plan, Plans and Specifications 

USFWS 

5: Develop and implement a fish removal plan prior to construction of the approach channel. 

Construction of the approach channel would displace and potentially harm fish.

Corps Before and during construction

Approach Channel Dewatering Permit, Fish Management Plan

CDFG,CVRWQ

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 jet grouting 

Environmental Commitment Plan CVRWQ

Terrestrial Vegetation and Wildlife 1: Conduct pre-construction surveys within the project footprint in all areas that 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 wildlife species.

Reclamation Prior to construction 

Environmental Commitment Plan, FWCAR

USFWS

2: Avoid and monitor any populations of special-status plant, invertebrate, or 

wildlife species by placing fencing around the population and a suitable buffer area. Ensure no disturbance. 

Potential impacts to special-status plants, invertebrates, or wildlife species.

Reclamation/Construction Contractor for Phase 1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD work Corps/Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work 

Prior to and during construction

Environmental Commitment Plan, FWCAR,Plans and Specifications 

USFWS

3: During the construction period, consult with the appropriate agency to remove individuals of special-status species from the project area, according to USFWS and CDFG laws, handling guidelines, licenses, and permits. 

Potential impacts to special-status plants, invertebrates, or wildlife species.

Reclamation for Phase 1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD work Corps for Phase 3 spillway work 

During construction 

Environmental Commitment Plan, needs to inform 

USFWS

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 wildlife species.

Reclamation will consult Construction Contractor needs to inform Reclamation in Phase 1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD work Construction Contractor needs to inform Corps in Phase 3 spillway work 

Prior to and during construction

Environmental Commitment Plan, FWCAR

USFWS

5: The nondiscretionary measures for listed species from the project’s Biological 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 agency will be required to re-consult with the USFWS. 

Potential alteration and loss of terrestrial habitat or impacts to special-status plants, invertebrates, or wildlife species. 

Reclamation/Construction Contractor for Phase 1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD work Corps/Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work 

Prior to, during, and after construction 

Environmental Commitment Plan, Biological Opinion 

USFWS
Folsom Safety of Dams and Joint Federal Project Environmental Commitments Checklist 

Environmental Commitment/Mitigation Measure2 Impact(s) being Mitigated Implementation Responsibility Project Phase of Mitigation Monitoring Action or Plan Enfor

Respo

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 of avoiding impacts to these species and/or habitats and reporting sightings. Provide the USFWS with proof of environmental training. 

Potential alteration and loss of terrestrial habitat or impacts to special-status plants, invertebrates, or wildlife species. 

Reclamation/Construction Contractor for Phase 1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD work Corps/Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work 

Prior to and during construction

Environmental Commitment Plan, Biological Opinion, Plans and Specifications 

USFWS

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 construction activities.

Potential impacts to special status wildlife habitat during construction activities.

Reclamation Prior to construction Environmental Commitment Plan USFWS

8: Remove vegetation and potential bird breeding habitat, to the extent 

practical, between September 1 and February 28, when birds are not expected to be nesting within the project area. 

Potential impacts to bird breeding habitat during construction activities. 

Reclamation Prior to construction 

Environmental Commitment Plan, MBTA, Executive Order 13186 

USFWS

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 2 spillway construction and all SOD work Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work 

Prior to and during Construction 

Environmental Commitment Plan, Plans and Specifications 

ReclamaMPCOCorps 

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 wildlife species.

Reclamation/Construction Contractor for Phase 1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD work Corps/Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work 

During construction 

Environmental Commitment Plan, FWCAR,Plans and Specifications 

USFWSReclamaMPCO

11: Minimize dust impacts to vegetation, wetlands, and breeding wildlife. Use dust palliative approved by the USFWS. Control truck speed to avoid visible dust. 

Potential impacts to special-status plants, invertebrates, or wildlife species and habitats. 

Reclamation will consult on dust palliative Reclamation’s Construction Contractor for Phase 1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD work Corps’ Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work 

During construction 

Fugitive Dust Control Plan, Biological Opinion, Environmental Commitment Plan, Plans and Specifications 

ReclamaMPCO, 

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 wildlife species.

Reclamation Prior to construction Revegetation Plan, FWCAR USFWS 

13: Monitor all revegetated or disturbed areas for invasive non-native plant species for three to five years following completion of construction. 

Impact of competition by invasive non-native plants. Reclamation 

Following constructiondisturbance 

Revegetation Plan Reclama

CCAO 

14: Follow recommendations in the FWCAR and complete mitigation in the FWCAR for all affected habitats. The extent of mitigation will be determined and documented in the MMRP prior to the commencement of construction activities.

Potential alteration or loss of habitat or impacts to special-status plants, invertebrates, or wildlife species.

Reclamation 

Prior to, during and following construction

Environmental Commitment Plan, Habitat Mitigation Plan, FWCAR 

USFWS 

15: Compensate for native oaks and oak-grey pine woodlands impacted by construction 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 ratio stipulated in the FWCAR. 

Potential alteration or loss of riparian vegetation. Reclamation 

During and following construction

Habitat Mitigation Plan, FWCAR USFWS 
Folsom Safety of Dams and Joint Federal Project Environmental Commitments Checklist 

Environmental Commitment/Mitigation Measure2 Impact(s) being Mitigated Implementation Responsibility Project Phase of Mitigation Monitoring Action or Plan Enfor

Respo

17: Compensate for chaparral vegetation impacted by construction at the ratio stipulated in the FWCAR. 

Potential alteration or loss of chaparral vegetation. Reclamation 

During and following construction

Habitat Mitigation Plan, FWCAR USFWS 

18: Compensate for wetlands impacted by construction at the ratio stipulated in the FWCAR. 

Loss of wetlands from construction-related activities.

Reclamation 

During and following construction

Habitat Mitigation Plan, FWCAR USFWS 

19: Develop and implement a Bird Monitoring Plan to monitor and mitigate construction-related impacts to birds during the breeding season. Nest monitoring will be conducted by a biologist qualified and experienced in such methods. Establish a nest buffer zone; implement acoustic hazing. 

Potential impacts to breeding birds during construction activities. 

Reclamation Prior to and during construction Bird Monitoring Plan, MBTA, Executive Order 13186 Reclama

CCAO 

20: Establish with high visibility fencing around all elderberry plants containing stems measuring 1.0 inches or greater in diameter at ground level prior to construction and maintain a 100-foot buffer zone. Informational signs will be erected every 50 ft along the edge of the buffer. Provide the USFWS with a map identifying avoidance area(s) and written details describing avoidance measures. Consult with USFWS before any disturbances within the 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 valley elderberry longhorn beetle. 

Reclamation/Contractor for Phase 1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD work Corps/Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work 

Prior to and during construction

Habitat Mitigation Plan, Biological Opinion, Plans and Specifications 

USFWS

21: Transplant each elderberry plant that cannot be avoided during Folsom SOD/JFP construction to a conservation area approved by USFWS. Should the project affect a lesser or greater number of stems than discussed in the Biological Opinion, then Reclamation will reinitiate consultation with the USFWS.

Potential impacts to host plants for the valley elderberry longhorn beetle. 

Reclamation 

Prior to construction and following transplanting 

Habitat Mitigation Plan, Biological Opinion, VELB Conservation Guidelines 

USFWS 

22: Compensate for each elderberry stem measuring 1.0 inch or greater in diameter at ground level that is adversely affected during Folsom SOD/JFP construction with elderberry seedlings and associated native plant seedlings in the conservation area Compensation shall be completed within six months after construction begins on the project. 

Potential impacts to host plants for the valley elderberry longhorn beetle. 

Reclamation 

During and following transplanting 

Habitat Mitigation Plan, Biological Opinion, VELB Conservation Guidelines 

USFWS 

23: Plant native plants associated with elderberry plants at the Folsom SOD/JFP actions, or at similar reference sites. 

Potential impacts to host plants for the valley elderberry longhorn beetle. 

Reclamation 

During and following transplanting 

Habitat Mitigation Plan, Biological Opinion, VELB Conservation Guidelines 

USFWS 

24: Establish a conservation area distinct from the project area that will be protected in perpetuity as a compensation site for transplanted elderberry plants and associated native vegetation. Provide at least 1,800 square feet for 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 valley elderberry longhorn beetle. 

Reclamation Prior to transplanting 

Habitat Mitigation Plan, Biological Opinion, VELB Conservation Guidelines 

USFWS 

25: Delineate wetlands downstream of MIAD prior to jet grouting using flagging. No equipment will be staged within 25 ft of a wetland, nor will work take place within 25 ft of a wetland. 

Potential impacts to wetlands 

Reclamation delineates wetlands Construction Contractor avoid wetlands 

Prior to and during jet grouting 

Habitat Mitigation Plan,Plans and Specifications 

ReclamaMPCO

26: Develop a monitoring and adaptive management plan with the USFWS to 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 jet grouting 

Habitat Mitigation Plan, FWCAR USFWS 
Folsom Safety of Dams and Joint Federal Project Environmental Commitments Checklist 

Environmental Commitment/Mitigation Measure2 Impact(s) being Mitigated Implementation Responsibility Project Phase of Mitigation Monitoring Action or Plan Enfor

Respo

Soils, Minerals, and Geological Resources 1: Prepare a geologic site characterization report (signed by a California Registered Geologist) to address asbestos concerns and a county approved Dust Mitigation Plan. Implement measures in Dust Mitigation Plan. 

Potential adverse air quality impacts from construction.

Reclamation prepares report Construction Contractor implements dust plan in Phase 1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD work Corps’ Construction Contractor implements in Phase 3 spillway work 

Prior to and during Construction 

Geologic Site Characterization Report, Fugitive Dust Control Plan, Plans and Specifications 

SacrameEl DoradcountiesReclamaMPCO, 

2: Comply with Hydrology, Water Quality, and Groundwater Measure #1. 

Potential sedimentation impacts within the reservoir or small local tributaries that discharge into the reservoir. 

Reclamation/Construction Contractor for Phase 1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD work Corps/Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work 

Before, during and following construction until site restoration 

NPDES Permit requirements, SWPPP and Water Quality Monitoring Plan,Plans and Specifications 

CVRWQ

Visual Resources None.Agricultural Resources None.Transportation and Circulation 1: Prepare a Peak Hour Capacity analysis (as a section of a Traffic Management/Circulation Plan) on specific intersections to evaluate the need for traffic improvement measures, in coordination with the transportation departments of the affected jurisdictions. 

Transportation effects from construction. 

Reclamation for Phase 1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD work Corps for Phase 3 spillway work 

Prior to and during construction

Traffic Management/ Circulation Plan 

ReclamaMPCO, City of FCity of RPlacer C

2: Prepare a transportation management plan, outlining proposed routes to 

be approved by the appropriate local entity, and implement it. To the extent practicable, deliveries will be restricted to non-commute hours. 

Transportation effects from construction. 

Reclamation/Construction Contractor for Phase 1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD work Corps/Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work 

Prior to and during construction

Traffic Management/ Circulation Plan, Plans and Specifications 

ReclamaMPCO, City of FCity of RPlacer C

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 Phase 1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD work Corps/Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work 

Prior to and during construction

Traffic Management/ Circulation Plan, Plans and Specifications 

ReclamaMPCO, City of FCity of RPlacer C

Noise 1: Incorporate the appropriate level of sound attenuation on equipment or 

near facilities that will attenuate sound at sensitive receptors to comply with local noise ordinances. 

Noise impacts generated by construction activities. 

Reclamation/Construction Contractor for Phase 1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD work Corps/Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work 

During construction 

Noise Monitoring Plan,Plans and Specifications 

ReclamaMPCO, 

2: Maintain equipment to comply with noise standards (e.g., exhaust mufflers, acoustically attenuating shields, shrouds, or enclosures). 

Noise impacts generated by construction activities. Construction Contractor All construction 

Noise Monitoring Plan,Plans and Specifications 

ReclamaMPCO,Corps 

3: Enclose above-ground conveyor systems in acoustically-treated 

enclosures, if necessary. 

Noise impacts generated by construction activities. Construction Contractor All construction 

Noise Monitoring Plan,Plans and Specifications 

ReclamaMPCO,Corps 

4: Line or cover hoppers, conveyor transfer points, storage bins and chutes with sound-deadening material. 

Noise impacts generated by construction activities. Construction Contractor During construction 

Noise Monitoring Plan,Plans and Specifications 

ReclamaMPCO,Corps 
Folsom Safety of Dams and Joint Federal Project Environmental Commitments Checklist 

Environmental Commitment/Mitigation Measure2 Impact(s) being Mitigated Implementation Responsibility Project Phase of Mitigation Monitoring Action or Plan Enfor

Respo

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 construction activities.

Construction Contractor During construction 

Noise Monitoring Plan,Plans and Specifications 

ReclamaMPCO,Corps 

6: Schedule blasting to daylight hours only and will adhere to restrictions on blasting as stated per Reclamation and Corps’ safety regulations. 

Noise impacts generated by blasting activities. 

Reclamation/Construction Contractor for Phase 1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD work Corps/Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work 

During blasting periods 

Noise Monitoring Plan,Plans and Specifications 

ReclamaMPCO,Corps 

7: Monitor blasting vibration per Reclamation and Corps safety guidelines. Noise impacts generated by blasting activities. 

Reclamation/Construction Contractor for Phase 1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD work Corps/Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work 

During blasting periods 

Noise Monitoring Plan,Plans and Specifications 

ReclamaMPCO,Corps 

8: Examination of any properties, structures and conditions where 

complaints of damages have been filed will be performed within three weeks of rock excavation and blasting work. 

Noise impacts generated by blasting activities. 

Reclamation/Construction Contractor for Phase 1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD work Corps/Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work 

During blasting periods 

Noise Monitoring Plan,Plans and Specifications 

ReclamaMPCO,Corps 

Cultural Resources 1: Complete the Section 106 process prior to the award of any construction 

contract for the proposed project.

Potential impacts to historic properties and/or historical resources. 

Reclamation Prior to award of contract Section 106 SHPO 

2: Develop a memorandum of agreement or a programmatic agreement with SHPO to mitigate impacts to any identified historic properties or historic resources. Implement mitigation measures per agreement. 

Potential impacts to historic properties and/or historical resources. 

Reclamation 

Prior to construction/during construction if additional cultural resources 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 resources during the construction phase of this project. 

Potential impacts to historic properties and/or historical resources. 

Reclamation/Construction Contractor for Phase 1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD work Corps/Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work 

Prior to construction/during construction if additional cultural resources are found 

SHPO Programmatic Agreement, 36 CFR Part 800.13, Inadvertent Discovery of Human Remains (LND 07-01), Plans and Specifications 

SHPO 

Land Use, Planning, and Zoning None.Recreation 1: Damages to recreation facilities will be replaced in kind, in accordance with agency policies and guidance. 

Potential constructionrelated damages to recreation facilities. 

Reclamation/Construction Contractor for Phase 1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD work Corps/Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work 

During and following construction

Recreation Management Plan, Plans and Specifications 

ReclamaMPCO,Corps, RecreatiManagePartner 

2: Post signage and public announcements to inform the public of construction activities and recreational facility closures. Provide instructions as to where alternative access to Folsom Reservoir will be possible. 

Potential loss of recreational use at Folsom Reservoir.

Reclamation/Construction Contractor for Phase 1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD work Corps/Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work Recreation Management Partner 

Prior to and during construction

Recreation Management Plan, Plans and Specifications 

ReclamaMPCOCorps 
Folsom Safety of Dams and Joint Federal Project Environmental Commitments Checklist 

Environmental Commitment/Mitigation Measure2 Impact(s) being Mitigated Implementation Responsibility Project Phase of Mitigation Monitoring Action or Plan Enfor

Respo

3: Consolidate to the extent practicable, material processing and batch operations 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 noise and safety considerations. 

Decline of recreational experience at Folsom Reservoir.

Reclamation/Construction Contractor for Phase 1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD work Corps/Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work 

During construction 

Recreation Management Plan, Plans and Specifications 

ReclamaMPCO,Corps 

4: Re-contour sites used for stockpiling, disposal, staging and construction activities, as appropriate, to pre-construction conditions or to contours which do not pose a safety hazard. 

Potential public recreation safety hazard. 

Reclamation/Construction Contractor for Phase 1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD work Corps/Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work 

During and following construction

Recreation Management Plan, Plans and Specifications 

ReclamaMPCO,Corps 

5: Provide nearly continuous access to all recreation sites at Folsom Reservoir through grade separation, detours, traffic controls, reconfiguration of roadways or other measures. Ensure that the entrance stations at Folsom Point and Beal’s Point will meet public safety and traffic requirements during construction.

Potential loss of recreational use at Folsom Reservoir.

Reclamation/Construction Contractor for Phase 1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD work Corps/Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work 

During construction 

Recreation Management Plan, Plans and Specifications 

ReclamaMPCO,Corps 

6: 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. 

Potential loss of recreational use at Folsom Reservoir.

Reclamation/Construction Contractor for Phase 1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD work Corps/Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work 

During construction 

Recreation Management Plan, Plans and Specifications 

ReclamaMPCO,Corps 

7: Develop a Traffic Management Plan (as a chapter of the Recreation Management 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 intersecting construction. Construction crews and traffic will utilize internal haul routes, to the extent practicable. 

Construction traffic could result in substantial interruptions to recreation. 

Reclamation/Construction Contractor for Phase 1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD work Corps/Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work 

During construction 

Recreation Management Plan, Plans and Specifications 

ReclamaMPCO,Corps, RecreatiManagePartner 

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 inform the public of route changes. Relocate trails where possible to allow trail access during construction. 

Loss of recreational trail use.

Reclamation/Construction Contractor for Phase 1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD work Corps/Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work 

Prior to and during construction

Recreation Management Plan 

ReclamaMPCO,Corps, RecreatiManagePartner 

9: Notify the public and provide the opportunity for public input prior to any extended closure of any recreational facility. 

Potential loss of recreational use. 

Reclamation for Phase 1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD work Corps for Phase 3 spillway work 

During construction Recreation Management Plan 

ReclamaMPCO,Corps, RecreatiManagePartner 

Public Services and Utilities 1: Coordinate with utility companies and other relevant agencies before construction to locate existing utilities and avoid damage. Avoid the relocation of utilities whenever possible. Provide notification of any potential interruptions in services to the appropriate agencies. 

Potential disruption/relocation of infrastructure.

Reclamation/Construction Contractor for Phase 1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD work Corps/Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work 

Prior to and during construction

Plans and Specifications, Environmental Commitments Plan 

ReclamaMPCO,Corps, Local Utappropriagencies 
Folsom Safety of Dams and Joint Federal Project Environmental Commitments Checklist 

Environmental Commitment/Mitigation Measure2 Impact(s) being Mitigated Implementation Responsibility Project Phase of Mitigation Monitoring Action or Plan Enfor

Respo

2: Stage utility relocations to minimize interruptions in service. Potential effects to infrastructure.

Reclamation/Construction Contractor for Phase 1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD work Corps/Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work 

Prior to and during construction

Plans and Specifications, Environmental Commitments Plan 

ReclamaMPCO,Corps, Local Utappropriagencies 

3: The Construction Contractor will be instructed to select licensed landfills 

with adequate capacity to receive the wastes. 

Construction activities would generate solid waste. 

Construction Contractor Prior to and during construction Plans and Specifications 

ReclamaMPCO,Corps 

4: The Construction Contractor will be instructed to recycle construction wastes whenever possible. 

Construction activities would generate solid waste. 

Construction Contractor During construction Plans and Specifications 

ReclamaMPCO,Corps 

5: The Construction Contractor will be directed to dispose of hazardous wastes at licensed hazardous waste facilities. 

Construction activities would generate hazardous waste. 

Construction Contractor During construction Plans and Specifications 

ReclamaMPCO,Corps 

6: Consult with local police, fire, and recreation managing partner to develop and implement emergency response plans and establish emergency vehicle routes.

Potential increase in emergency response times to the Folsom Facility. 

Reclamation/Construction Contractor for Phase 1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD work Corps/Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work 

Prior to construction 

Emergency Response Section of Worker Health and Safety Plan, Plans and Specifications 

ReclamaMPCO,Corps 

Hydropower Resources None.Population and Housing None.Public Health and Safety 1: Prepare a Recreation Management Plan to maintain public safety during all phases of construction. Components of the plan will address public notification of recreation facilities closure duration, location, restrictions, signage, safety fencing requirements, and coordination with local jurisdictions. 

Construction activities could result in heath and safety impacts to the public. 

Reclamation/Construction Contractor for Phase 1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD work Corps/Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work 

Prior to and during construction

Recreation Management Plan, Plans and Specifications 

ReclamaMPCO,Corps, RecreatiManagePartner 

2: Prepare and implement a Fire Management Plan as part of the Worker Health and Safety 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. 

Potential for fire hazards during construction activities.

Reclamation/Construction Contractor for Phase 1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD work Corps/Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work 

Prior to construction 

Worker Health and Safety Plan (Fire Management section),Plans and Specifications 

ReclamaMPCO,Corps, Approprand couofficials

3: Prepare and implement a Worker Health and Safety Plan in compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) construction standards prior to the start of construction activities. 

Construction activities could result in exposure to hazardous materials or other health and safety issues.

Construction Contractor for Phase 1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD work Corps’ Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work 

Prior to construction 

Worker Health and Safety Plan, Plans and Specifications 

ReclamaMPCO,Corps, OSHA
Folsom Safety of Dams and Joint Federal Project Environmental Commitments Checklist 

Environmental Commitment/Mitigation Measure2 Impact(s) being Mitigated Implementation Responsibility Project Phase of Mitigation Monitoring Action or Plan Enfor

Respo

4: Prepare a Hazardous Materials Management Plan that establishes the plan of action if hazardous materials are encountered during construction. Establish BMPs to reduce the potential for exposure to hazardous wastes. 

Construction activities could result in exposure to hazardous materials. 

Construction Contractor for Phase 1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD work Corps’ Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work 

Prior to and during construction

Hazardous Materials Management Plan, Plans and Specifications 

ReclamaMPCO,DTSC, Local ag

5: Use as appropriate blasting mats to cover blasts in order to minimize the 

possibility of fly rock. 

Safety concern during blasting. 

Construction Contractor for Phase 1 and 2 spillway construction and all SOD work Corps’ Construction Contractor for Phase 3 spillway work 

During blasting periods 

Worker Health and Safety Plan, Plans and Specifications 

ReclamaMPCO,Corps 

Indian Trust Assets None.Environmental Justice None.