FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

Carlsbad Village 

Double Track Project 

Pursuant to 64 FR 28545 by

Federal Railroad Administration

and

San Diego Association of Governments

May 2019
Carlsbad Village Double Track Project 2 May 2019 

Finding of No Significant Impact

Table of Contents

1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 3

2 Purpose and Need.................................................................................................................................. 3

3 Description of Alternatives ................................................................................................................... 4

3.1 Evaluated Alternatives .................................................................................................................. 4

3.1.1 Proposed Action.................................................................................................................. 4

3.1.2 No Action Alternative........................................................................................................... 5

3.2 Alternatives Dismissed.................................................................................................................. 5

3.2.1 Alternative A ........................................................................................................................ 5

3.2.2 Alternative C ........................................................................................................................ 5

3.2.3 Alternative D ........................................................................................................................ 5

3.2.4 Alternative E ........................................................................................................................ 6

3.2.5 Alternative F ........................................................................................................................ 6

3.2.6 Trenching Alternative .......................................................................................................... 6

4 Summary of Environmental Effects ..................................................................................................... 7

4.1 Aesthetics and Scenic Resources................................................................................................. 7

4.2 Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emissions................................................................................. 7

4.3 Biological Resources and Wetlands ............................................................................................. 7

4.4 Community Impacts and Environmental Justice........................................................................... 9

4.5 Cultural and Historical Resources...............................................................................................10

4.6 Geology/Soils ..............................................................................................................................10

4.7 Hazardous Materials/Hazardous Waste .....................................................................................11

4.8 Hydrology/Floodplains.................................................................................................................11

4.9 Land Use, Zoning, and Property Acquisitions .............................................................................12

4.10 Noise and Vibration.....................................................................................................................12

4.11 Parks and Recreational Areas ....................................................................................................13

4.12 Public Health and Safety.............................................................................................................13

4.13 Relocation Impacts......................................................................................................................14

4.14 Water Quality and Water Resources ..........................................................................................14

4.15 Section 4(f) and Section 6(f) Evaluation .....................................................................................14

4.16 Construction Impacts ..................................................................................................................15

5 Cumulative Effects...............................................................................................................................16

6 Public Involvement...............................................................................................................................16

7 Environmental Commitments .............................................................................................................17

8 Conclusion............................................................................................................................................29

Appendix A – U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Section 7 Biological Opinion

Appendix B – State Historic Preservation Office Section 106 Concurrence
Carlsbad Village Double Track Project 3 May 2019 

Finding of No Significant Impact

1 Introduction

The Carlsbad Village Double Track Project (the “Proposed Action”) involves the construction of a second 

main track along the Oceanside-to-Carlsbad segment of the Los Angeles—San Diego—San Luis Obispo 

(LOSSAN) Rail Corridor. The Proposed Action is located in the northwestern portion of San Diego

County, California, within the cities of Oceanside and Carlsbad along the Pacific Coastline west of 

Interstate 5 (I-5). This segment includes a 1.1-mile second main track to connect two adjacent 

double-track segments, and includes a new double-track bridge over Buena Vista Lagoon.

The Proposed Action is located within the existing North County Transit District (NCTD) railroad right-ofway (ROW) between Mile Post (MP) 228.0 in Oceanside to MP 229.6 in Carlsbad. Double-tracking this 

section of the LOSSAN Rail Corridor would improve commuter rail and intercity train service schedules, 

improve operational reliability, increase flexibility for freight operations, and provide capacity to meet 

future increased demand for rail services in the corridor.

In 2007, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) published the LOSSAN Rail Corridor Program 

Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (PEIR/PEIS) and issued a Record of 

Decision in March 2009). FRA served as the Lead Federal Agency for purposes of the National 

Environmental Policy Act (NEPA, 42 U.S.C § 4321 et seq.), while the Caltrans Division of Rail served as 

the Lead State Agency for purposes of the California Environmental Quality Act. The PEIR/PEIS was a 

Tier 1 environmental review document that evaluated conceptual corridors, alignments, and station 

options of improvements to the entire LOSSAN Rail Corridor, including the Proposed Action. 

FRA funded the preparation of a Tier 2 Environmental Assessment (EA) and associated preliminary 

engineering, addressing site-specific environmental effects associated with the Proposed Action. The EA 

included the required analysis under NEPA and other applicable environmental and historic review 

requirements, including Executive Order 12898, “Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in 

Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations” and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation 

Act and its implementing regulations (Section 106) (36 CFR Part 800).This Finding of No Significant 

Impact (FONSI) is based on the information and analysis provided in the EA. The final version of the EA is 

available to the public on the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) website at 

keepsandiegomoving.com/lossan/carlsbad_village_double_track_docs.aspx. 

At this time, FRA does not have funding or other approvals related to construction of the Proposed Action.

2 Purpose and Need

The Carlsbad Village Double Track Project is being proposed to achieve the following purposes:

• Improve rail operations

• Improve rail reliability

• Improve passenger and freight train speed

• Increase passenger and freight rail capacity

The Proposed Action was identified in a 1987 LOSSAN State Rail Corridor Study as a priority project 

essential to improving the reliability of rail service. The primary purpose of the Proposed Action is to 

contribute to reduced travel time and enhanced operations in terms of reliability, efficiency, and safety. 
Carlsbad Village Double Track Project 4 May 2019 

Finding of No Significant Impact

The project is needed to meet projected future ridership and freight-service needs of the San Diego

region (Infrastructure Development Plan for the LOSSAN Rail Corridor in San Diego County, August 

2013).

The objective of the Proposed Action is to connect two adjacent double-track segments. This would

achieve the Proposed Action’s purpose of improving operations for both passengers and freight in terms 

of reliability, efficiency, and safety; improving commuter rail and intercity train service travel times; 

increasing flexibility for freight operations; and providing capacity to meet future increased demand for all 

rail services in the LOSSAN Rail Corridor. 

3 Description of Alternatives

In 2011, a Project Study Report (RailPros, 2011) recommended that the second track alignment be 

constructed to the east of the existing track, maintaining 18-foot track centers through the station area, 

Grand Avenue, and Carlsbad Village Drive. In 2014, SANDAG conducted an independent evaluation of 

potential alternatives (T.Y. Lin, 2014a) to provide recommended alternatives to carry forward into 

preliminary engineering and environmental clearance that could potentially achieve the purposes of the 

rail improvements and avoid and/or minimize environmental impacts. Six alternatives and engineering 

designs were analyzed and evaluated. Alternatives were eliminated for reasons that are discussed in 

detail in Section 3.2 and, therefore, are not further evaluated in the EA.

3.1 Evaluated Alternatives

3.1.1 Proposed Action 

The Proposed Action would install a second main track within the existing railroad ROW between 

MP 228.0 and MP 229.6. The Proposed Action would relocate the existing Main Track alignment 

(MT2) 3 feet to the west of its existing location and add 1.1 miles of new second track (MT1) 

varying from 15 to 20 feet east of the existing track alignment. The Proposed Action, identified as 

Alternative B in the EA, includes the replacement of an existing single-track bridge across 

Buena Vista Lagoon with a double-track bridge at a higher elevation (about 5 feet) to 

accommodate floods and anticipated sea level rise. The new track would pass under the existing 

Carlsbad Boulevard Bridge through the existing east bay. 

Construction of the new pre-cast concrete double-track bridge in Buena Vista Lagoon would 

include additional fill material to be placed on both sides of the existing embankment to widen the 

embankment width from approximately 65 feet to approximately 106 feet at the base of the berm

north of the Carlsbad Boulevard Bridge. The wider embankment allows for the construction of the 

second track approximately 20 feet east of the existing tracks (centerline to centerline). The new 

bridge would be approximately the same length as the existing bridge.

South of the Carlsbad Boulevard Bridge, the new track improvements would gradually return to 

the existing elevation. The existing at-grade pedestrian crossing at the Carlsbad Village Station 

would be eliminated and a new pedestrian undercrossing would be located within the railroad 

ROW north of the station building (in the vicinity of Beech Avenue [MP 229.0]). Additional project 

elements include at-grade-crossing improvements, wayside signals, a maintenance road, and 

drainage features.
Carlsbad Village Double Track Project 5 May 2019 

Finding of No Significant Impact

3.1.2 No Action Alternative

Under the No Action Alternative, this section would continue to be single railroad track alignment. 

Under this alternative, rail operations and reliability would not be improved, and passenger and 

freight rail capacity would not be increased. 

3.2 Alternatives Dismissed

As discussed above, SANDAG conducted an independent evaluation of potential alternatives (T.Y. Lin, 

2014a) to carry forward for environmental review. The Proposed Action in the EA was identified as 

Alternative B in the report. This section briefly describes the five alternatives (Alternatives A, C, D, E, and 

F) that were considered but not carried forward for analysis in the EA. This section also describes the 

Trenching Alternative considered in the 2007 Tier 1 LOSSAN Rail Corridor PEIR/PEIS, which was 

eliminated from further review in the EA. Trenching through downtown Carlsbad is not consistent with 

SANDAG’s Regional Plan, as it was not identified as a high-priority project because of the associated 

high cost. 

3.2.1 Alternative A 

Alternative A proposed to maintain the existing track as MT2 (west) and to construct a new MT1 

(east) track with an offset to the east side of the existing tracks. Alternative A was eliminated from 

further review because a section of the existing Carlsbad Village Station building would need to be 

removed to provide adequate clearances. Approximately 17 parking stalls would be lost to 

improvements at the existing station under this alternative. 

3.2.2 Alternative C

Alternative C proposed to offset the tracks at the station, similar to Alternative B. Along the 

Lagoon Segment, the existing tracks would be maintained as MT1 (east) and MT2 would be built 

20 feet to the west of MT1. In offsetting the MT2 track to the west, the new alignment for MT2 

would require the tracks to travel through the Carlsbad Boulevard Bridge under the west bay. The 

west bay was not previously configured to accommodate tracks. Grading of the existing slope, 

construction of retaining walls, and improvement to the bridge pier would be required in order to 

utilize the west bay. This Alternative also required a 20-foot linear encroachment in Rotary Park, 

resulting in additional impacts to the existing bus station and affecting an existing tennis court 

north and west of the lagoon. Alternative C was eliminated from further review because of the 

need for retaining walls and bridge piers due to impacts on adjacent bus station, Rotary Park, and 

tennis court.

3.2.3 Alternative D 

Alternative D proposed to push the tracks along the Lagoon Segment 30 feet east of the existing 

track along the Lagoon Segment and construct the new MT1 track along the station east of the 

existing tracks. The alignment would utilize the east bay of Carlsbad Boulevard Bridge to run the 

new track alignment under the existing bridge. Alternative D was eliminated from further review 

because a section of the existing Carlsbad Village Station building would need to be removed to 

provide adequate clearances.
Carlsbad Village Double Track Project 6 May 2019 

Finding of No Significant Impact

3.2.4 Alternative E 

Alternative E proposed to offset MT2 to the west of the existing tracks for both segments, aligning 

the second track with the existing double track at Control Point (CP) Longboard. The new track 

alignment would require the tracks to travel through the westerly bay of the Carlsbad Village Bridge, 

requiring grading and retaining wall improvements to make the bay accessible to the new track 

alignment. The 18-foot offset of the track along the station would place the portions of the proposed 

platform/underpass improvements outside of the NCTD ROW, thus requiring additional ROW. 

Alternative E was eliminated from further review because of property acquisition takes and 

concerns for community/stakeholder acceptance. 

3.2.5 Alternative F 

Alternative F proposed to utilize the existing station’s configuration for future double-tracking 

within the Developed Segment and proposed to shift both tracks to the east within the Lagoon 

Segment. The alignment would have utilized the east bay for access through the Carlsbad 

Boulevard Bridge. The rail geometry requires two reverse curves and one broken-back curve on 

MT1 and two reverse curves and two broken-back curves on MT2. Therefore, the tracks would 

have too many curves back and forth, which would provide for a less comfortable ride for 

passengers and would create additional maintenance issues for the railroad. In addition, a section 

of the existing Carlsbad Village Station building would need to be removed to provide adequate 

clearances; therefore, Alternative F was eliminated from further review. 

3.2.6 Trenching Alternative

Caltrans and the FRA considered trenching in the City of Carlsbad as part of the Tier 1 LOSSAN 

Rail Corridor PEIR/PEIS. In a letter addressed to the California Coastal Commission on July 17, 

2014, the City of Carlsbad provided comments on the draft North Coast Corridor Public Works 

Plan and Transportation and Resource Enhancement Program (PWP/TREP). The comment letter 

included a request that SANDAG evaluate both an at-grade railroad option and a trench 

alternative. The City of Carlsbad, in cooperation with SANDAG, initiated preparation of a 

Feasibility Study for the grade separation of the railroad tracks and construction of the second 

track (Carlsbad Village Double Track – Railroad Trench Alternative Economic Analysis and 

Feasibility Study, January 2017).

The Feasibility Study considered two trench alternatives that consisted of a Short Trench and 

Long Trench. The Short Trench Alternative would construct the double-track railroad lowered in a 

trench passing under new vehicular overpasses at Grand Avenue, Carlsbad Village Drive, and 

Oak Avenue, with new pedestrian overpasses at the Beech Ave/Carlsbad Village Station and 

Chestnut Avenue. The Long Trench Alternative would construct a railroad trench passing under 

new vehicular overpasses at Grand Avenue, Carlsbad Village Drive, Oak Avenue, Chestnut 

Avenue, and Tamarack Avenue, with a new pedestrian overpass at the Beech Avenue/Carlsbad 

Village Station. Both trench options would require replacement of Carlsbad Boulevard 

Overcrossing with a new bridge spanning the tracks. 

The Proposed Action of at-grade double-tracking would not preclude trenching in the future. 

SANDAG considers projects on a regional basis and prioritizes them in San Diego Forward: The 

Regional Plan (2015 Regional Plan). Trenching through downtown Carlsbad is not consistent with 

the 2015 Regional Plan, as it was not identified as a high-priority project because of the associated 
Carlsbad Village Double Track Project 7 May 2019 

Finding of No Significant Impact

high cost. The Railroad Trench Alternative Economic Analysis and Feasibility Study identified that

the Short Trench would have an estimated cost of between $215 million and $235 million, while the 

Long Trench would have an estimated cost of between $320 million and $350 million. For 

comparison, the Proposed Action is estimated to cost approximately $53.6 million. SANDAG will

continue to study the possibility of trenching in the future; however, the trenching alternative was 

eliminated from further review in the EA.

4 Summary of Environmental Effects

Environmental effects of the Proposed Action are summarized in this section.

4.1 Aesthetics and Scenic Resources

The Proposed Action would not cause a substantial adverse change to the overall existing visual impact 

because the Proposed Action would be located within the existing railroad ROW and not change the 

overall use in the Project area.

FRA finds that the Proposed Action would not result in any significant impacts to aesthetics or scenic 

resources.

4.2 Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Implementation of the Proposed Action would be in conformity with Clean Air Act requirements and would 

not exceed National Ambient Air Quality Standards. The Proposed Action would result in negligible 

adverse impacts and potentially beneficial long-term impacts to regional air quality and greenhouse gas 

emissions through reductions in vehicle miles traveled on regional roadways and locomotive idling time 

along the corridor, improvements at two at-grade crossings where vehicular traffic delays now occur, and 

replacement of an at-grade pedestrian crossing at the Carlsbad Village Coaster Station with a pedestrian 

underpass. The Proposed Action would not result in adverse impacts associated with toxic air 

contaminants or odors.

No mitigation measures are required as a result of implementation of the Proposed Action. However, 

SANDAG would implement the avoidance and minimization measures described in Section 7 to further 

reduce air quality impacts, as well as those measures identified in the LOSSAN Rail Corridor PEIR/PEIS. 

FRA finds that the Proposed Action would not result in any significant impacts to air quality or greenhouse 

gas emissions.

4.3 Biological Resources and Wetlands

Permanent impacts would occur to vegetation communities within the Buena Vista Lagoon and south of 

the lagoon where creation of a second track is proposed. Temporary impacts to vegetation communities

would result from use of access paths, staging areas, and areas necessary to construct the bridge over 

the lagoon. Direct impacts to open water and coastal and valley freshwater marsh, regardless of 

classification as permanent or temporary, would be adverse. Direct impacts to disturbed Diegan coastal 

sage scrub and non-native grassland, regardless of classification as permanent or temporary, would be 

adverse, since these vegetation communities are regionally considered to be sensitive habitat types. 

Impacts to the following upland communities, regardless of classification as permanent or temporary, 

would not be considered adverse, since these habitats are not regionally considered to have high 

conservation value: non-native vegetation, eucalyptus woodland, disturbed habitat, and urban/developed 
Carlsbad Village Double Track Project 8 May 2019 

Finding of No Significant Impact

land. However, implementation of avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures by SANDAG would 

reduce impacts to a negligible level.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) was consulted as required by Section 7 of the Endangered 

Species Act. On May 8, 2018, the USFWS completed the consultation and approved a Biological Opinion 

(BO) for the project. Based on the lack of suitable habitat and/or lack of detection during project surveys, 

SANDAG/FRA determined that the Proposed Action would not affect the federally endangered least Bell’s 

vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus), southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus), San Diego fairy 

shrimp (Branchineta sandiegonensis), Riverside fairy shrimp (Streptocephalus woottoni), or federally 

threatened coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica). Updated surveys for the 

San Diego fairy shrimp and Riverside fairy shrimp would be completed within one year prior to project 

construction. The BO addressed impacts of the Proposed Action on the federally endangered light-footed 

Ridgway’s rail (Rallus obsoletus levipes) and included measures to avoid, minimize, and offset impacts to 

the species, identified in Section 7. The Proposed Action would likely result in take of Ridgway’s rails 

through the permanent and temporary loss of habitat, elevated noise levels during construction, and 

temporary night lighting during construction. Indirect impacts to the Ridgway’s rail are expected from 

increasing noise generated through additional train trips accommodated by a second track. However, due 

to the length of time over which noise would increase, Ridgway’s rails are expected to become acclimated 

to the increased ambient noise conditions. Additionally, the BO included an incidental take statement for 

the Proposed Action with reasonable and prudent measures and terms and conditions detailed in Section 

7 below. The BO concluded that the Proposed Action is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of 

the Ridgway’s rail.

The Proposed Action would not result in impacts to federally listed floral species, as none are present 

within the project area.

Indirect impacts could occur to the California least tern (Sternula antillarum browni) from a temporary loss 

of foraging habitat. Additionally, direct permanent impacts would occur through a decrease in available 

open water as a result of the addition of the second track. However, based on conservation measures 

committed by SANDAG/FRA (BO, Appendix A) in the BO, USFWS concurs with the SANDAG/FRA 

determination that the Proposed Action is not likely to adversely affect the federally endangered California 

least tern. The Proposed Action would likely result in take of the light-footed Ridgway’s rail (Rallus 

obsoletus levipes) as a result of permanent and temporary loss of habitat, elevated noise levels during 

construction, and temporary night lighting during construction. However, SANDAG and FRA agreed to 

implement conservation measures (BO, Appendix A) as part of the Proposed Action to avoid, minimize, 

and offset impacts to the light-footed Ridgway’s rail.

Construction of the Proposed Action within the vicinity of Buena Vista Lagoon would result in direct, 

permanent, and long-term temporary impacts to federally regulated waters. All direct impacts to federal 

waters, regardless of classification as permanent or long-term temporary, would be adverse. Construction 

of the Proposed Action also would be expected to result in indirect impacts to federally regulated waters 

and would be considered adverse. However, SANDAG’s implementation of avoidance, minimization, and 

mitigation measures would ensure that no net loss of jurisdictional functions and values would occur. 

Therefore, the Proposed Action would not result in significant impacts to federally regulated wetlands.

Due to the limited corridors for wildlife within the project area, the Proposed Action is not expected to 

result in adverse impacts to wildlife movement patterns or intensity. Although the Proposed Action could 
Carlsbad Village Double Track Project 9 May 2019 

Finding of No Significant Impact

result in direct permanent and temporary impacts to habitat of marsh nesting birds, these impacts are not 

considered to be impacts to nursery sites, due to the absence of colonial nesting areas, rookeries, or 

other established nursery sites. Therefore, there are no anticipated adverse impacts to wildlife corridors 

or nursery sites through implementation of the Proposed Action. 

The project area has the potential to be utilized by regionally common migratory birds and raptors that are 

not federally listed species but are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Since avian 

species could potentially nest in the project area, the Proposed Action could result in adverse impacts to 

active bird and/or raptor nests. SANDAG and FRA are constructing a number of railroad projects within 

similar habitats and have negotiated standard biological protection measures to protect threatened and 

endangered (T&E) species, avoid and minimize impacts to T&E species habitats, and compensate for 

impacts that are unavoidable. These measures are referred to as “conservation measures, reasonable 

and prudent measures, and terms and conditions” in the Biological Opinion issued for the Carlsbad 

Village Double Track Project. Through past projects, SANDAG has demonstrated the effectiveness of 

these measures to reduce impacts to a negligible level.

Based on the effectiveness of the standard measures to be implemented by SANDAG, FRA finds that no 

significant impacts to biological resources would occur. 

4.4 Community Impacts and Environmental Justice

Under the Proposed Action, existing railroad crossings would continue to operate, although one 

pedestrian crossing within the station would be closed and replaced with an underpass. The Proposed 

Action would not isolate any portion of a neighborhood or ethnic group, nor would it separate residences 

from community facilities near the project area. No general social group would specifically benefit or be 

harmed by the Proposed Action, as the project would not disrupt existing developments or communities. 

The Proposed Action does not propose any features that would alter the existing demographic or 

socioeconomic makeup of the surrounding communities.

The Proposed Action would not cause disproportionately high and adverse impacts to minority or lowincome populations. There are no minority population criteria in the project area, but the project area 

includes low-income populations. No adverse impacts were identified in the EA that would affect the 

public or human populations and therefore, the Proposed Action could not cause disproportionately high 

and adverse impacts to low-income populations. 

The Proposed Action would result in temporary and permanent benefits from increased jobs and demand 

for goods and services in the project area. The Proposed Action is not expected to cause any substantial 

temporary adverse effect to businesses in the project area. Construction-related congestion in the 

downtown area during construction would be minimized through the preparation and implementation of a 

traffic control plan. 

The Proposed Action would improve operational reliability and railroad capacity, which would reduce 

freeway congestion and greenhouse gas emissions and provide employment opportunities within the 

railroad operations and maintenance field.

FRA finds that the Proposed Action would not result in any significant community or environmental justice 

impacts.
Carlsbad Village Double Track Project 10 May 2019 

Finding of No Significant Impact

4.5 Cultural and Historic Resources

No previously recorded cultural resources were identified within the direct or indirect effects Area of 

Potential Effect (APE). However, seven historic resources were identified within the APE. The Santa Fe 

Railroad is the only historic property within the direct effects of the APE. FRA determined the segment of 

railroad within the direct effect of the APE is not eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic 

Places (NRHP) due to a lack of integrity. However, six historic properties located within the indirect effects 

APE were determined eligible for the NRHP. 

FRA determined that the Proposed Action would not result in adverse direct impacts or indirect visual or 

auditory effects. However, it is possible that vibration during construction could damage some of the 

historic fabric of the Carlsbad Santa Fe Depot. SANDAG will take measures to minimize or avoid this 

potential impact. 

The Proposed Action would not result in long-term operational impacts to historic properties. 

FRA has obtained concurrence on the determination that the Proposed Action, as proposed, results in no 

adverse effects to historic properties. 

4.6 Geology/Soils

Groundwater was encountered during investigative borings within the developed portion of the project 

area. However, it is not anticipated that implementation of the Proposed Action would result in any 

adverse impacts associated with groundwater. Artesian groundwater was encountered during 

investigative borings within the area comprising the lagoon and adjacent undeveloped area. These

conditions would need to be investigated further and quantified in a future geotechnical investigation, as 

they could present construction issues for the proposed replacement structure foundation. As such, 

potential impacts associated with groundwater would be considered adverse. However, with SANDAG’s 

implementation of geology/soils standard engineering design measures identified in Section 7, it is 

anticipated that impacts would be reduced to a negligible level. In addition, groundwater monitoring wells 

are recommended to be installed as part of a supplemental geotechnical investigation performed during 

final design to provide the contractors with the necessary information to determine the appropriate 

Cast-In-Drilled-Hole pile excavation methods.

The onsite soils of the developed portion of the project area are classified to be non-corrosive while onsite 

soils in the Lagoon Segment are classified to be corrosive. As such, potential impacts associated with 

corrosive soils would be considered adverse. However, with SANDAG’s implementation of geology/soils 

standard engineering design measures identified in Section 7, it is anticipated that impacts would be 

reduced to a negligible level.

No major faults are known to extend through the project site; therefore, the potential for surface rupture is 

considered low. However, the Proposed Action is located in seismically active southern California and 

would be subject to shaking from both local and distant earthquakes. The possibility of large seismic 

events on the nearby Newport Inglewood–Rose Canyon fault zone would have the potential to result in 

adverse impacts to the project site.

Due to the very dense nature of the coarse-grained site soils within the developed portion of the project 

area, the liquefaction potential of site soils is considered low. However, the near-surface marine and 

estuary deposits in the Lagoon Segment were observed to be loose to medium dense and potentially 
Carlsbad Village Double Track Project 11 May 2019 

Finding of No Significant Impact

liquefiable. As such, potential impacts would be considered adverse. However, with SANDAG’s 

implementation of geology/soils standard engineering design measures identified in Section 7, it is 

anticipated that impacts associated with liquefaction and seismically induced settlement would be 

reduced to a negligible level.

Under existing conditions, there are no existing significant issues with scour in the project site since the 

Buena Vista Lagoon is protected from tidal influence by a weir located at the lagoon mouth (SANDAG, 

2013d). However, a scour evaluation currently is being conducted as part of the Buena Vista Lagoon 

Enhancement Project. The enhancement project is evaluating four potential alternatives, all of which are 

expected to increase the current scour potential. The results of the scour analysis would be incorporated 

into the geotechnical recommendations during final design for improvements with the lagoon and 

adjacent undeveloped area. 

FRA finds that no significant impacts to geology and soils would occur with implementation of the 

standard engineering design measures identified in Section 7.

4.7 Hazardous Materials/Hazardous Waste

The project site was not identified on the environmental database search report obtained for the project. A 

number of surrounding sites were identified in the environmental database search report and documented 

releases affecting soil and groundwater have been identified. Based on review and analysis of the 

database listings, two of the surrounding sites were determined to pose a potential Recognized 

Environmental Condition to the project site because of their open status, reported releases, and location 

in relation to the subject property. Therefore, the Proposed Action could have an adverse impact related 

to hazardous materials/hazardous waste. However, with SANDAG’s implementation of hazardous 

materials/hazardous waste standard engineering design measures identified in Section 7, the Proposed 

Action will minimize potential adverse impacts. 

FRA finds that the Proposed Action would not result in any significant hazardous materials or hazardous 

waste impacts with the implementation of standard engineering design measures identified in Section 7. 

4.8 Hydrology/Floodplains

The Proposed Action would increase the total impervious area on the project site by 0.02 acres. However, 

the existing overall drainage patterns in the area would be maintained and the peak flows in the existing 

storm drain system would not increase – thus, no adverse impacts to the system would occur. 

The Proposed Action involves construction of a new double-tracked bridge that would remove the tracks 

from within the Special Flood Hazard Area and eliminate potential flood hazard impacts to rail service. 

The new bridge also would be sufficiently high to avoid flood risks associated with the 100-year storm 

event and the increase in mean sea level projected for the year 2100. This also would be sufficiently high 

to accommodate the additional risk associated with flow changes attributed to the currently anticipated 

future improvements to the two other Buena Vista Lagoon bridges (the I-5 bridge and the Coast Highway 

bridge). Additionally, the proposed bridge would not cause adverse flooding impacts during either 

construction or operation.

FRA finds that the Proposed Action would not result in any significant hydrology and floodplains impacts. 
Carlsbad Village Double Track Project 12 May 2019 

Finding of No Significant Impact

4.9 Land Use, Zoning, and Property Acquisitions 

The Proposed Action would demonstrate Coastal Consistency through a Federal Coastal Consistency 

Certification. It is expected that the California Coastal Commission would consider the City of Carlsbad’s 

and City of Oceanside’s Local Coastal Program during hearing for the certification that would be required 

for a future Clean Water Act Section 404 permit.

The Proposed Action is consistent with the City of Carlsbad and City of Oceanside General Plan goals 

and policies that are applicable to the Proposed Action. The Proposed Action is consistent with the goals 

of the Carlsbad Village Master Plan that are applicable to the Proposed Action. The project site lies within 

multiple City of Carlsbad and City of Oceanside zoning districts. The Proposed Action is consistent with 

the City of Carlsbad zoning, as the project site occurs entirely within the existing railroad ROW presently 

located in a Transportation Corridor zone. Railroads are not specifically addressed as an allowable use 

within the City of Oceanside Zoning Ordinance but would be deemed allowable because railroads are an 

existing use.

The Proposed Action is consistent with the objectives of the Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan (HMP). 

SANDAG would implement the objectives of the Carlsbad HMP by avoiding impacts to habitat to the 

extent practicable, minimizing unavoidable impacts, and mitigating any impacts that cannot be avoided or 

minimized. The Proposed Action is consistent with the goals and objectives of the Oceanside Subarea 

Habitat Conservation Plan (SHCP). SANDAG would implement the objectives of the Oceanside SHCP by 

avoiding impacts to habitat to the extent practicable, minimizing unavoidable impacts, and mitigating any 

impacts that cannot be avoided or minimized.

The Proposed Action is an element of the LOSSAN Rail Corridor project identified in the 2015 Regional 

Plan. Therefore, implementation of the Proposed Action would meet the goals and objectives of the 2015 

Regional Plan without conflict.

There are no property acquisitions associated with the Proposed Action. All work will occur within the 

existing ROW. Therefore, there are no adverse impacts associated with property acquisitions. 

FRA finds that the Proposed Action would not result in any significant land use, zoning, and property 

acquisitions impacts. 

4.10 Noise and Vibration

As reported in the 2014 Draft Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment for the Pacific Surfliner Carlsbad 

Village Double-Track Project prepared by ATS Consulting the increase in noise levels associated with 

implementation of the Proposed Action when compared to noise levels that would occur without 

implementation of the Proposed Action, would be below the FRA thresholds for allowable increase and 

would not result in any moderate or severe noise impacts. 

The potential vibration impact from rail operations was assessed based on the increase in the future train 

operations with the Proposed Action as compared to the existing conditions. At some locations, there 

would be an increase in vibration levels with implementation of the Proposed Action. At other locations, 

there is either no change or a decrease in vibration levels. These changes are due to the change in 

distance between the proposed double track and the existing residences. Since the vibration levels do not 

exceed the existing levels of the FRA threshold at any of the residential or recreational receivers, 
Carlsbad Village Double Track Project 13 May 2019 

Finding of No Significant Impact

implementation of the Proposed Action would not result in any adverse long-term operational vibration 

impacts.

FRA finds that the Proposed Action would not result in any significant noise or vibration impacts.

4.11 Parks and Recreational Areas

All park and recreational lands are outside the Proposed Action’s permanent and temporary impact area.

Construction of the new Proposed Action would be limited to the NCTD ROW. Temporary construction 

noise impacts could adversely affect utilization of open space by recreationalists within the Buena Vista 

Lagoon Ecological Reserve., SANDAG’s implementation of standard biological protection measures 

outlined in Section 7 for Biological Resources will minimize adverse impacts to the open space and its 

recreational users by restricting construction operations during certain seasons and maintaining access to 

the limited allowable uses.

FRA finds that the Proposed Action would not result in any significant impacts to parks or recreational 

areas with the implementation of standard biological protection measures identified in Section 7. 

4.12 Public Health and Safety

The Proposed Action would not increase the area’s population and would therefore not increase the need 

for additional fire or police protection services. Additionally, the Proposed Action includes improvements to 

medians and the installation of pedestrian crossing gates to improve public safety in this area of downtown 

Carlsbad. For these reasons, fire emergency service and police service response times would not be 

affected substantially by construction or operation of the Proposed Action. Furthermore, the Sheriff’s 

COASTER/Railroad Enforcement Unit would continue to provide law enforcement to the railroad ROW. The 

Proposed Action would not increase the need for additional medical facilities. The Carlsbad and Mission 

Urgent Care centers would continue to provide medical services to the project area located within the City 

of Carlsbad. Therefore, there would be no impact to hospitals, or other medical facilities resulting from 

implementation of the Proposed Action. Therefore, no substantial adverse impacts to fire, police, or medical

services would occur as a result of the Proposed Action.

Although the expansion of service of the railroad track would result in a minor increase in total wastewater 

generation aboard trains, it is not expected to be a noticeable change regionally because the total 

population served by regional wastewater treatment facilities would not change. In addition, the project

area would continue to be provided with water, electricity, and communications by the same utility 

companies that currently service the cities of Carlsbad and Oceanside. A number of utility lines (i.e., 

sewer, gas, storm drain, transmission) would need to be relocated to accommodate some of the 

components of the Proposed Action. However, it can be expected that all affected utility lines would be 

relocated within the project APE. Therefore, implementation of the Proposed Action would not result in 

adverse impacts to utilities. 

The Proposed Action does not contain a residential component that would increase population in the area 

and consequently increase the need for additional school facilities. There are no Carlsbad or Oceanside 

Unified School District schools located within a half-mile of the Proposed Action. Therefore, there would 

be no impact to schools resulting from implementation of the Proposed Action.

FRA finds that the Proposed Action would not result in any significant impact to public health and safety.
Carlsbad Village Double Track Project 14 May 2019 

Finding of No Significant Impact

4.13 Relocation Impacts

Implementation of the Proposed Action would not result in adverse relocation impacts, since no property 

acquisition is required.

FRA finds that the Proposed Action would not result in any significant relocation impacts.

4.14 Water Quality and Water Resources

The Proposed Action would not substantially alter the drainage patterns in the project area but may 

generate pollutants of concern. A preliminary analysis revealed that a bioswale could be constructed 

along the north end of the east platform and the track and a bioretention swale could be constructed 

along the curb and sidewalk on the northeast side of the parking lot. To help ensure optimal water quality 

during project construction and operation, SANDAG would implement Best Management Practices 

(BMPs) consistent with the requirements of the State of California construction general permit for storm 

water discharges. 

The drainage flows in the project site north of Oak Avenue in Carlsbad would drain into the Buena Vista 

Lagoon, which exists in a freshwater condition due to a weir located at the mouth of the lagoon. The site 

runoff reaching the lagoon would also be freshwater and thus would not impact the freshwater/saltwater 

balance of the lagoon. Additionally, there is heavy vegetation along the banks of the lagoon that would 

provide protection from erosion, and riprap energy dissipators would be constructed by SANDAG at the 

discharge points to address 100-year storm water runoff velocities. The drainage flows in the project site 

south of Oak Avenue would flow within a storm drain to Agua Hedionda Lagoon. There is no anticipated 

increase in runoff to Agua Hedionda Lagoon and therefore, there would be no impact to the salinity of the 

lagoon.

FRA finds that the Proposed Action would not result in any significant water quality or water resources 

impacts. 

4.15 Section 4(f) and Section 6(f) Evaluation

The Proposed Action will not result in the use of any resources protected by Section 4(f) of the 

Department of Transportation Act of 1966. No public parkland or recreation areas would be permanently 

incorporated into the Proposed Action as these resources are outside the Proposed Action’s permanent 

and temporary impact area and will not be directly impacted. Additionally, Section 4(f) protected

parklands will not be indirectly impacted through disruption of park access, increase in noise/vibration, or 

visual changes.

The Buena Vista Lagoon Ecological Reserve qualifies for protection under Section 4(f). However, the 

Proposed Action would not permanently incorporate any portion of the Reserve and the minor temporary 

impacts associated with noise during construction do not substantially impair the activities, features, or 

attributes making the Reserve eligible for protection under Section 4(f) (i.e., The resource: (1) is publicly 

owned, (2) is being used as a refuge, and (3) is considered significant by the authority with jurisdiction. 

There are seven historic properties within the APE that are either listed or eligible for listing in the NRHP. 

These resources could be subject to indirect effects from the Proposed Action. Although no significant 

visual, auditory, or atmospheric effects were identified as a result of the evaluation of indirect effects on 

the resource sites, the Proposed Action has the potential to result in a temporary vibration impact during 
Carlsbad Village Double Track Project 15 May 2019 

Finding of No Significant Impact

construction to the Carlsbad Santa Fe Depot, which is within close proximity to the Proposed Action. 

SANDAG proposes to protect the Depot during construction and will implement a vibration monitoring 

plan to ensure vibrational impacts do no adversely affect the Depot. SHPO has concurred that no historic 

properties will be affected by the project (SHPO letter to FRA dated May 14, 2015). 

The Buena Vista Lagoon Ecological Reserve qualifies as a Section 6(f) resource. However, all potential 

impacts would be within the rail ROW and would not convert any portion of the property that has received 

Land and Water Conservation Fund Act funding. 

FRA finds that the Proposed Action would not use a Section 4(f) resource or convert a Section 6(f) 

resource. 

4.16 Construction Impacts

The proposed construction schedule would be Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Weekend 

work and night work also would be required when work must be done near or on the existing track and 

train traffic must be stopped for work to proceed. Limited nighttime construction would be necessary 

within the existing ROW where the existing track would be realigned and where new track would connect 

to the existing track. Construction access routes and staging areas would be provided along the length of 

the project.

Impacts associated with construction of the Proposed Action would be local and temporary. Most 

construction impacts cease once construction activity in a specific location is completed. 

Construction-related activities would generally result in impacts to air quality, biological resources, historic 

resources, geology and soils, hazardous materials and hazardous waste, hydrology, noise and vibration,

water quality and water resources, Section 4(f) resources, and paleontological resources. Noise 

monitoring would occur during construction to ensure compliance with applicable local noise regulations. 

Furthermore, measures identified in Section 7 would be implemented as needed to meet the noise limit 

standards.

Potential vibrations generated during construction have the potential to damage the historic Carlsbad 

Santa Fe Depot, which is adjacent to the Proposed Action. However, potential impacts of the Proposed 

Action would be reduced through implementation of an approved Vibration Monitoring Plan. 

Since the Proposed Action is located in seismically active southern California, it would be subject to 

shaking from both local and distant earthquakes, and seismically induced settlement could pose a 

potential adverse geologic hazard in the Lagoon Segment. However, the Proposed Action would be 

required to incorporate the seismic design criteria provided in the American Railway Engineering and 

Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA) Manual pursuant to 49 CFR 237 and the National Earthquake 

Hazards Reduction Program Recommended Seismic Provisions Manual pursuant to the provisions of the 

Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977. In addition, through implementation of standard engineering 

design measures identified in Section 7, the Proposed Action would not result in adverse impacts.

Potential impacts to human and/or environmental health resulting from exposure to contaminants 

potentially present on the Proposed Action site would be considered adverse. However, preliminary 

media sampling would identify the location of potential contaminants, and measures to reduce their 

exposure would be developed at that time.
Carlsbad Village Double Track Project 16 May 2019 

Finding of No Significant Impact

BMPs would be implemented to suppress dust and noise as well as to protect water quality from 

sedimentation and runoff. Discharges of sediment into waterways would be minimized during construction 

by preparing a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and implementing the BMPs identified 

within. Erosion-control methods would follow all governing regulations and permits.

The Proposed Action is located in an area of moderate paleontological sensitivity, and excavation 

associated with construction would have the potential to uncover significant paleontological resources. 

Therefore, prior to site grading, a qualified paleontologist would be retained by SANDAG to carry out a

standard program to minimize any potential impacts.

FRA finds that the Proposed Action would not result in any significant construction impacts with the

implementation of the measures identified in Section 7. 

5 Cumulative Effects

Under Council on Environmental Quality regulations, cumulative effects are defined as “the impact on the 

environment which results from the incremental impact of the action when added to other past, present, and 

reasonably foreseeable future actions regardless of what agency (Federal or non-Federal) or person 

undertakes such other actions. Cumulative effects can result from individually minor but collectively 

significant actions take place over a period of time” (40 CFR § 1508.7).

The EA identified six projects within close proximity to the Proposed Action, which were analyzed for 

potential cumulative impacts, including the CP North Oceanside Double Track Project, Carlsbad Double 

Track Project, Poinsettia Station Improvements, Batiquitos Lagoon Double Track Project, replacement of 

the Buena Vista Lagoon I-5 bridge as part of the I-5 North Coast Corridor Project, and the proposed 

Buena Vista Lagoon Enhancement Project, which is an existing project under review. Cumulative impacts 

associated with air quality, biological resources, and geology and soils were analyzed in detail in Section 

3.17, “Cumulative Impacts,” of the EA. As further detailed in the EA, there are no unmitigated impacts 

anticipated for four of the cumulative projects. The Environmental Impact Report for the Buena Vista 

Lagoon Enhancement Project has not been certified; however, the preferred alternative would result in 

significant unavoidable environmental impacts and the design for the I-5 Bridge Replacement in Buena 

Vista Lagoon has not been finalized. There are no unmitigated impacts associated with the Proposed 

Action with implementation of measures identified in Section 7. 

6 Public Involvement

SANDAG established communication objectives in order to ensure that all of the interested and affected 

stakeholders were informed of the status of the project and were able to provide input throughout the 

project development process. Public outreach techniques included informational public meetings, project 

update presentation meetings, web-based media, media coordination, resource agency consultation, 

stakeholder outreach, collateral materials development, materials translation, and video/multimedia. The 

public outreach process began in May 2013 with developing and maintaining a stakeholder database. 

The EA was released for a 30-day public comment period between May 18, 2018, and 

June 17, 2018. The EA was made available on the Keep San Diego Moving Website at 

keepsandiegomoving.com/lossan/carlsbad_village_double_track.aspx. No public comments 

were received.
Carlsbad Village Double Track Project 17 May 2019 

Finding of No Significant Impact

7 Environmental Commitments

SANDAG will secure all required permits, which may include a combination of some or all of the following 

permits/certifications/consultations: 

• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Clean Water Act Section 404 and Rivers and Harbors Act 

Section 10. Impact to wetlands and waters of the U.S.; 

• Regional Water Quality Control Board – Clean Water Act Section 401. Required for a Section 404 

permit;

• California Coastal Commission – Coastal Zone Management Act Federal Consistency 

Certification;

FRA has identified the following environmental commitments as a practicable means to avoid 

and minimize impacts of the Proposed Action on the environment. SANDAG might also implement 

additional measures, as necessary, and may also modify or replace the measures below for consistency 

with required permits.

Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emissions

1. It has been determined that operational air quality and greenhouse gas emission impacts resulting 

from implementation of the Proposed Action would be beneficial. However, the following avoidance 

and minimization measures will be implemented, as feasible, to further reduce air quality impacts; the 

measures listed below are derived from the LOSSAN Rail Corridor PEIR/PEIS. NCTD, as the railroad 

operator, will implement the following avoidance and minimization measures during operations:

• Install diesel particulate filters on locomotives

• Use liquefied natural gas for engines

• Reduce idling time to reduce diesel particulate matter and other emissions

• Install anti-idling devices on locomotives, designed to automatically shut off the main diesel 

internal combustion engine used for locomotive motive power after a specified time period when 

specified parameters (e.g., engine water temperature, ambient temperature, battery charge, 

railcar brake pressure, etc.) are at acceptable levels and automatically restart the engine when 

parameters are no longer at acceptable levels

• Retrofit head-end power sources in passenger locomotives with after-treatment technologies to 

reduce emissions

• Use a combination of lean-NOx catalyst and diesel particulate matter filter

• Design stations and associated ingress/egress to provide efficient vehicle movements to reduce 

idling time and congestion (SANDAG)

2. It also has been determined that construction of the Proposed Action will not exceed de minimis

thresholds for pollutant emissions. Therefore, no mitigation measures are required during 

construction of the Proposed Action. However, the following avoidance and minimization measures 

will be implemented by SANDAG to further reduce air quality impacts during construction; the 

measures listed below are derived from the LOSSAN Rail Corridor PEIR/PEIS: 
Carlsbad Village Double Track Project 18 May 2019 

Finding of No Significant Impact

• Water all active construction areas at least twice daily

• Cover all trucks hauling soil, sand, and other loose materials or require that all trucks maintain at 

least two feet of freeboard

• Pave, apply water three times daily, or apply (non-toxic) soil stabilizers on all unpaved access 

roads, parking areas, and staging areas at construction sites

• Sweep daily (with water sweepers) all paved access roads, parking areas, and staging areas at 

construction sites

• Sweep streets daily (with water sweepers) if visible soil material is carried onto adjacent public 

streets

• Hydroseed or apply (non-toxic) soil stabilizers to inactive construction areas (previously graded

areas inactive for ten days or more)

• Enclose, cover, water twice daily, or apply (non-toxic) soil binders to exposed stockpiles (dirt, 

sand, etc.)

• Limit traffic speeds on unpaved roads to 15 miles per hour

• Install sandbags or other erosion-control measures to prevent silt runoff to public roadways

• Replant vegetation in disturbed areas as quickly as possible

• Use alternative fuels for construction equipment when feasible

• Minimize equipment idling time

• Maintain properly tuned equipment

Biological Resources

The following standard biological protection measures will be implemented by SANDAG and are referred 

to as “conservation measures, reasonable and prudent measures, and terms and conditions” in the BO

dated May 8, 2018 (Appendix A). 

3. SANDAG will conduct updated surveys for San Diego fairy shrimp and Riverside fairy shrimp within 1 

year prior to initiating project construction. If any listed fairy shrimp are detected within the project 

site, SANDAG/FRA will reinitiate consultation to address potential impacts to these species that may 

result from the project.

4. Construction of the I-5 North Coast Corridor Bridge over Buena Vista Lagoon must be constructed 

concurrently with the Carlsbad Village Double Track Project unless there is an environmentally 

superior reason to proceed with construction of one project first.

5. Impacts to 1.14 acres coastal and valley freshwater marsh will be offset by creation/restoration/

enhancement of 3.42 acres of Ridgway’s rail habitat at the W19 restoration site in San Dieguito 

Lagoon or another location approved by the Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office (CFWO). SANDAG will 

submit a draft wetland creation/restoration/enhancement plan to the CFWO for review and approval 

prior to initiating project impacts. SANDAG will provide the final plans to the CFWO for approval prior 

to initiating creation/restoration/enhancement. The draft plan will conform to the following 

requirements and conditions:
Carlsbad Village Double Track Project 19 May 2019 

Finding of No Significant Impact

a. All final specifications and topographic-based grading, planting, and irrigation plans with one-foot 

contours for the creation/restoration/enhancement sites. All wetland creation areas will be graded 

to the same elevation as adjacent existing U.S. Army Corps of Engineers jurisdictional wetlands 

areas and/or to within one foot of the groundwater table and will be left in a rough-grade state 

with microtopographic relief (including channels for wetlands) that mimics natural topography. 

Planting and irrigation will not be installed until the CFWO has approved of the 

creation/restoration site grading and preparation. All plantings will be installed in a way that 

mimics natural plant distribution, not in rows.

b. Planting palettes (plant species, size, and number/acre) and seed mix (plant species and 

pounds/acre). The plant palettes proposed in the draft plans will include native species 

specifically associated with the habitat type(s). Unless otherwise approved by the CFWO, only 

locally native species (no cultivars) obtained within San Diego County available from as close to 

the project area as possible will be used. The source and proof of locally native status of all plant 

material and seed will be provided.

c. Container plant survival will be 80 percent of the initial plantings for the first two years. At the first 

and second anniversary of plant installation, all dead plants will be replaced unless their function 

has been replaced by natural recruitment.

d. A final implementation schedule that indicates when all native habitat impacts, as well as offsite 

creation/restoration/enhancement grading, planting, and irrigation, will begin and end. Offsite 

creation/restoration/enhancement will begin before project impacts occur or during the concurrent or 

next planting season (i.e., late fall to early spring) after receiving the CFWO’s approval of grading. 

Any temporal loss of native habitat caused by delays in restoration/enhancement will be offset 

through additional creation/restoration/enhancement at a 1:1 ratio for every year of delay. In the 

event that SANDAG is wholly or partly prevented from performing obligations under the final plans 

(causing temporal losses due to delays) because of unforeseeable circumstances or causes 

beyond the reasonable control of SANDAG, including but not limited to natural disasters, labor 

disputes, or actions by Federal or State agencies or other governments, SANDAG will be excused 

by such unforeseeable cause(s).

e. Five years of success criteria for creation/restoration/enhancement areas, including separate 

percent cover criteria for herbaceous understory, shrub midstory, and tree overstory and a total 

percent absolute cover for all three layers at the end of five years for wetlands; evidence of 

natural recruitment of multiple species for all habitat types; 0 percent cover for weed species 

categorized as High or Moderate in the California Invasive Plant Council (Cal-IPC) Invasive Plant

Inventory; and no more than 15 percent relative coverage for other weed species.

f. A minimum of five years of maintenance and monitoring of creation/restoration/

enhancement areas unless success criteria are met earlier, and all artificial water supplies have 

been off for at least two years.

g. A qualitative and quantitative vegetation-monitoring plan with a map of proposed sampling 

locations. Photo points will be used for qualitative monitoring and stratified random sampling will 

be used for all quantitative monitoring.
Carlsbad Village Double Track Project 20 May 2019 

Finding of No Significant Impact

h. Contingency measures in the event of creation/restoration/enhancement failure.

i. Annual maintenance and monitoring reports submitted to the CFWO no later than January 31 of 

each year.

j. If maintenance of a wetland creation/restoration/enhancement area potentially occupied by 

Ridgway’s rails is necessary between March 15 and September 15, a biologist with at least 

40 hours of independent Ridgway’s rail observation in the field and documented experience of at 

least 20 hours of locating and monitoring Ridgway’s rail nests will survey for these species within 

the creation/restoration/enhancement area, access paths to it, and other areas susceptible to 

disturbances by creation/restoration/enhancement site maintenance. More than one biologist may 

be used if necessary. Surveys will consist of three visits separated by two weeks starting March 

15 of each maintenance/monitoring year. Restoration work will be allowed to continue on the site 

during the survey period. However, if Ridgway’s rails are found during any of the visits, SANDAG 

will notify and coordinate with the CFWO to identify measures to avoid and/or minimize effects to 

the species (e.g., nests and an appropriate buffer will be flagged by the biologist and avoided by

the maintenance work).

6. Bridge 228.6 will be designed to accommodate a channel with a bottom elevation of at least -6 feet, 

National Geodetic Vertical Datum, consistent with recommendations in the I-5 Bridge Study at Buena 

Vista Lagoon Fluvial Hydraulics and Residence Time Analysis (Everest, 2012) to allow for future 

restoration of Buena Vista Lagoon.

7. If feasible, SANDAG will incorporate a permanent wildlife movement corridor level with existing 

Ridgway’s rail habitat on both the northern and southern abutments underneath Bridge 228.6. 

SANDAG will submit the draft design for the corridor to the CFWO for approval at least 30 days prior 

to initiating project construction.

8. All areas of temporary impact will be revegetated with native species, excluding existing ornamental and 

developed areas. These areas will be returned to original grade as feasible. Prior to initiating project 

impacts, a revegetation plan will be developed for the temporary impact areas. The plan will be 

submitted to the CFWO for review and approval. Following the completion of construction activities 

within each area of impact, the revegetation plan will be implemented for two years. Temporary impact 

areas will be planted as soon as possible following regrading after completion of construction to prevent 

encroachment by non-native plants.

9. All native or sensitive habitats outside and adjacent to the permanent and temporary impact limits will 

be designated as Environmentally Sensitive Areas on project maps. Environmentally Sensitive Areas 

will be temporarily fenced during construction with clearly demarcated fencing such as orange plastic 

snow fence, orange silt fencing, or, in areas of flowing water, with stakes and flagging. No personnel, 

equipment, or debris will be allowed within the Environmentally Sensitive Areas. Fencing and flagging 

will be installed in a manner that does not impact habitats to be avoided and such that it is clearly 

visible to personnel on foot and operating heavy equipment. SANDAG will submit to the CFWO for 

approval, at least five days prior to initiating project impacts (except for impacts resulting from 

clearing to install temporary fencing), the final plans for initial clearing and grubbing of habitat and 

project construction. These final plans will include photographs that show the fenced and flagged 

limits of impact and all areas to be impacted or avoided. If work occurs within Ridgway’s rail habitat 
Carlsbad Village Double Track Project 21 May 2019 

Finding of No Significant Impact

beyond the fenced or demarcated limits of impact, all work will cease until the problem has been 

remedied to the satisfaction of the CFWO. Temporary construction fencing and markers will be 

maintained in good repair until the completion of each phase of project construction and removed 

upon completion of each project phase. This fencing can be combined with the Ridgway’s rail 

exclusionary fencing required by EC 13A where applicable.

10. Clearing and grubbing of wetland habitat will occur between September 16 and March 14 to avoid the 

Ridgway’s rail nesting season. Clearing and grubbing may occur before September 16 if the 

Biological Monitor described in EC 12 determines that all nesting is complete in coordination with the 

CFWO.

11. All construction within Buena Vista Lagoon will occur between September 16 and March 14 to avoid 

the Ridgway’s rail nesting season. Construction may occur before September 16 if the Biological 

Monitor described in EC 12 determines that all nesting is complete in coordination with the CFWO.

12. A CFWO-approved biologist (Biological Monitor) will be on site: a) during clearing and grubbing; and 

b) weekly during all project construction within 500 feet of Ridgway’s rail habitat to ensure overall 

compliance with all conservation measures. SANDAG will submit the biologist’s name, address, 

telephone number, and work schedule on the project to the CFWO at least five working days prior to 

initiating project impacts. The contract of the Biological Monitor will allow direct communication with 

the CFWO at any time regarding the proposed project. The Biological Monitor will be provided with a 

copy of this consultation. The Biological Monitor will be available during pre-construction and 

construction phases to review grading plans, address protection of sensitive biological resources, 

monitor ongoing work, and maintain communications with the Resident Engineer to ensure that 

issues relating to biological resources are appropriately and lawfully managed. The Biological Monitor 

will perform the following duties:

a. Perform a minimum of three focused surveys on separate days to determine the presence of 

Ridgway’s rail nest building activities, egg incubation activities, or brood rearing activities within 

500 feet of project construction that will occur outside of Buena Vista Lagoon during the breeding 

season. The surveys will begin a maximum of seven days prior to project construction and one 

survey will be conducted the day immediately prior to the initiation of work. Additional surveys will 

be done once a week during project construction in the breeding season. These additional 

surveys may be suspended as approved by the CFWO. SANDAG will notify the CFWO at least 

seven days prior to the initiation of surveys and within 24 hours of locating any Ridgway’s rails.

b. If an active Ridgway’s rail nest is found within 500 feet of project construction outside of Buena 

Vista Lagoon, the Biological Monitor will contact the CFWO to discuss: 1) the best approach to 

avoid/minimize impacts to nesting birds (e.g., sound walls, noise monitoring); and 2) a nest 

monitoring program acceptable to the CFWO. Nest monitoring will occur according to a schedule 

approved by the CFWO. The Biological Monitor will determine whether bird activity is being 

disrupted. If the Biological Monitor determines that bird activity is being disrupted, SANDAG will 

coordinate with the CFWO to review the avoidance/minimization approach. Nest monitoring will 

continue until fledglings have dispersed or the nest naturally fails.

c. For vegetation clearing/grubbing outside the Ridgway’s rail breeding season, perform a minimum 

of three focused preconstruction surveys on separate days to determine the presence of 
Carlsbad Village Double Track Project 22 May 2019 

Finding of No Significant Impact

Ridgway’s rails in the project impact footprint. Surveys will begin a maximum of 30 days prior to 

performing vegetation clearing/grubbing and one survey will be conducted the day immediately 

prior to the initiation of vegetation clearing. If any Ridgway’s rails are found in the project impact 

footprint, the Biological Monitor will direct construction personnel to begin vegetation 

clearing/grubbing in an area away from the Ridgway’s rails. It will be the responsibility of the 

Biological Monitor to ensure that Ridgway’s rails will not be injured or killed by vegetation 

clearing/grubbing. The Biological Monitor will also record the number and location of Ridgway’s 

rails disturbed by vegetation clearing/grubbing. SANDAG will notify the CFWO at least 

seven days prior to vegetation clearing/grubbing to allow the CFWO to coordinate with the 

Biological Monitor on potential bird flushing activities.

d. Before each workday begins, check to see if Ridgway’s rails have entered the fenced project site.

SANDAG will notify the CFWO within 24 hours of detecting any Ridgway’s rails in the project site.

e. If any Ridgway’s rails are found within the project site, direct construction personnel to begin in an 

area away from the Ridgway’s rails and flush birds towards habitat to be avoided. It will be the 

responsibility of the Biological Monitor to ensure that Ridgway’s rails will not be injured or killed by 

project construction. The Biological Monitor will also record the number and location of Ridgway’s 

rails disturbed by project construction.

f. Oversee installation of and inspect the Ridgway’s rail exclusionary fencing required by EC 13A a 

minimum of once per day to help ensure that any breaks in the fence are repaired immediately.

g. Oversee installation of and inspect the temporary Ridgway’s rail movement path under the 

Bridge 228.6 required by EC 13B. 

h. Oversee installation of and inspect erosion control measures a minimum of once per week to 

ensure that any breaks in erosion control measures are repaired immediately.

i. Periodically monitor the work area to ensure that work activities do not generate excessive 

amounts of dust.

j. Train all contractors and construction personnel on the biological resources associated with the 

project and ensure that training is implemented by construction personnel. At a minimum, training 

will include: 1) the purpose for resource protection; 2) a description of the Ridgway’s rail and its 

habitats; 3) the conservation measures that should be implemented during project construction to 

conserve the Ridgway’s rail, including strictly limiting activities, vehicles, equipment, and 

construction materials to the fenced project footprint to avoid sensitive resource areas in the field 

(i.e., avoided areas delineated on maps or on the project site by fencing); 4) environmentally 

responsible construction practices; 5) the protocol to resolve conflicts that may arise at any time 

during the construction process; and 6) the general provisions of the [Endangered Species] Act, the 

need to adhere to the provisions of the Act, and the penalties associated with non-compliance with 

the Act.

k. Request that the Resident Engineer halt work, if necessary, until SANDAG confers with the 

CFWO to ensure the proper implementation of species- and habitat-protection measures. The 
Carlsbad Village Double Track Project 23 May 2019 

Finding of No Significant Impact

Biological Monitor will report any noncompliance issue to the CFWO within 24 hours of its 

occurrence.

l. Monitor the project site immediately prior to and during construction to identify the presence of 

invasive weeds and recommend measures to avoid their inadvertent spread in association with 

the project. Such measures may include inspection and cleaning of construction equipment and 

use of eradication strategies. All heavy equipment will be washed and cleaned of debris prior to 

entering sensitive habitat areas to minimize the spread of invasive weeds.

m. Submit weekly email reports (including photographs of impact areas) to the CFWO during 

clearing of and construction within 500 feet of Ridgway’s rail habitats. The weekly reports will 

document that authorized impacts were not exceeded and that general compliance with all 

conditions was observed. The reports also will outline the location of construction activities, the 

type of construction that occurred, and the equipment used. These reports will specify numbers, 

locations, and sex of Ridgway’s rails (if observed), their observed behavior (especially in relation 

to construction activities), remedial measures employed to avoid and minimize impacts to these 

species, and the suspected outcome of all nests within 500 feet of construction. Raw field notes 

should be available upon request by the CFWO.

n. Submit a final report to the CFWO within 60 days of project construction completion that includes 

photographs of habitat areas that were to be avoided and other relevant summary information 

documenting that authorized impacts were not exceeded and that general compliance with all 

conservation measures was achieved. Once they have been completed, as-built construction 

drawings with an overlay of habitat that was impacted and avoided will be provided as well.

13. SANDAG will implement the following measures during construction within Buena Vista Lagoon (i.e., 

vegetation clearing, pile driving, temporary bridge construction and demolition, embankment 

expansion):

a. Immediately after each area of the project construction footprint is surveyed by the Biological 

Monitor as required in EC 12C, a three- to five-foot tall exclusionary fence with a maximum of 

two-inch mesh openings will be installed to inhibit entry of Ridgway’s rails into the construction 

footprint where construction will occur adjacent to Ridgway’s rail habitat. Instead of fencing, 

stacked straw bales may be used in some areas adjacent to Ridgway’s rail nesting habitat to 

minimize impacts to nesting birds as a result of construction noise and activity. If necessary, 

exclusionary fencing under the Bridge 228.6 may be left open during construction that will not 

take place directly in the lagoon to maintain the movement corridor required by EC 13B. 

Exclusionary fencing can be combined with the fencing required by EC 9 where applicable.

b. A temporary path for Ridgway’s rail movement under Bridge 228.6 will be maintained 

throughout the project construction period except during periods of active project construction 

near the bridge (if necessary to keep Ridgway’s rails out of active construction areas). The path 

for Ridgway’s rail movement will always include a portion that is not submerged. Prior to 

initiation of impacts for construction of the bridge, SANDAG will submit a plan to the CFWO for 

maintaining a path for Ridgway’s rail movement under the bridge.
Carlsbad Village Double Track Project 24 May 2019 

Finding of No Significant Impact

14. If maintenance of onsite revegetation areas potentially occupied by Ridgway’s rails is necessary 

between March 15 and September 15, the Biological Monitor will survey for Ridgway’s rails within the 

revegetation area, access paths to it, and other areas susceptible to disturbances by revegetation site 

maintenance. Surveys will consist of three visits separated by two weeks starting April 1 of each 

maintenance year revegetation. Revegetation work will be allowed to continue on the site during the 

survey period. However, if Ridgway’s rails are found during any of the visits, SANDAG will notify and 

coordinate with the CFWO to identify measures to avoid and/or minimize effects to the Ridgway’s rail 

(e.g., nests and an appropriate buffer will be flagged by the biologist and avoided by the maintenance 

work).

15. Cut and fill slopes adjacent to native habitats will be revegetated with native habitats with similar 

composition to those within the project study area as feasible. Duff and rare plants may be salvaged 

from the project impact footprint to the extent practicable to aid in revegetating slopes with native 

habitats (excluding areas with invasive non-native species). The revegetated areas will be seeded 

with seeds selected in coordination with the Biological Monitor. At least two years of weeding to 

control non-native plants on these slopes will be conducted.

16. During project construction, all invasive species included on National Invasive Species Management 

Plan, the State of California Noxious Weed List, and the Cal-IPC Invasive Plant Inventory List found 

growing within the project alignment will be removed. Weed removal will be conducted within the 

alignment at least once per year during the construction period just prior to seed set. Special care will 

be taken during transport, use, and disposal of soils containing invasive weed seeds, and all weedy 

vegetation removed during construction will be properly disposed of to prevent spread into areas 

outside of the construction area.

17. All construction equipment used for the project will be equipped with properly operating and 

maintained mufflers. 

18. If nighttime construction is necessary, all lighting used at night for project construction (e.g., staging 

areas, equipment storage sites, roadway) will be selectively placed and directed onto the roadway or 

construction site and away from sensitive habitats. Light glare shields will be used to reduce the 

extent of illumination into sensitive habitats.

19. Appropriate BMPs will be used to control erosion and sedimentation and to capture debris and 

contaminants from bridge construction to prevent their deposition in waterways. Sediment and debris 

will not be allowed to enter lagoons, creeks, rivers, or other drainages to the maximum extent 

practicable. All debris from construction of bridges will be contained so that it does not fall into the 

lagoon. Appropriate BMPs will be used during construction to limit the spread of resuspended 

sediment and contain debris.

20. Erosion- and sediment-control devices used for the proposed project, including fiber rolls and bonded 

fiber matrix, will be made from biodegradable materials, such as jute, with no plastic mesh to avoid 

creating a wildlife entanglement hazard.

21. FRA and/or SANDAG will monitor and report on compliance with the established take exemptions for 

Ridgway’s rails associated with the proposed action.
Carlsbad Village Double Track Project 25 May 2019 

Finding of No Significant Impact

a. Take of Ridgway’s rails is exempted as follows: harm resulting in death of one pair of Ridgway’s 

rails or injury to up to three pairs of Ridgway’s rails due to the direct loss of approximately 1.19 

acres of primary breeding, feeding, and sheltering habitat at the project site. The take will be 

exceeded if more than 1.19 acres of occupied coastal and valley freshwater marsh are removed 

during vegetation clearing/project construction or if more than three Ridgway’s rail pairs are 

observed within the weir/railroad basins prior to vegetation clearing/project construction. 

22. FRA and/or SANDAG will notify the CFWO within 30 days of completing removal of Ridgway’s 

rail-occupied habitat. The purpose of this notification is to ensure that impacts to Ridgway’s 

rail-occupied habitat from the proposed project do not exceed the take exemptions.

23. FRA and/or SANDAG will submit a report to the CFWO documenting that surveys required by 

EC 12A and EC 12C have detected no more than three Ridgway’s rail pairs within the weir/railroad 

basins.

24. It is recommended that FRA/SANDAG conduct protocol surveys throughout the project construction 

period to determine the number of Ridgway’s rail pairs within the weir/railroad basins. These surveys 

may be combined with ongoing rangewide Ridgway’s rail survey effort.

25. Reinitiation of formal consultation with the USFWS is required where discretionary Federal agency 

involvement or control over the action has been retained (or is authorized by law) and if 1) the amount 

or extent of incidental take is exceeded; 2) new information reveals effects of the agency action that 

may affect listed species or critical habitat in a manner or to an extent not considered in the BO; 3) 

the agency action is subsequently modified in a manner that causes an effect to the listed species or 

critical habitat not consider in the BO; or, 4) a new species is listed or critical habitat designated that 

may be affected by the action. In instances where the amount or extent of incidental take is 

exceeded, any operations causing take must cease pending reinitiation of the BO. 

The Section 7 consultation was completed after the EA was finalized. Therefore, avoidance, minimization, 

and mitigation measures originally detailed in the EA, that are similar to measures committed to in the 

BO, have been replaced with the Environmental Commitments above. The following are avoidance, 

minimization, and mitigation measures from the EA that were not accounted for in the BO and will be 

completed by SANDAG during project implementation.

26. Prior to construction activities, a hazardous spill response plan would be developed and implemented 

by the Contractor. At a minimum for all construction within 100 feet of the lagoon, an adequately sized 

petroleum spill response kit would be onsite and available for deployment to avoid, or avoid or contain 

accidental discharges to the lagoon.

27. Prior to construction activities, a Revegetation Plan for erosion control purposes shall be required to 

prevent erosion over those areas that would not be permanently converted to urban use and/or 

restored in place. The plan shall be consistent with similar SANDAG plans and include details 

regarding installation, maintenance and monitoring, success criteria, and remedial measures if 

warranted. The planting palette shall consist of native species similar to those species currently onsite 

as directed by the project biologist. The planting palette shall not include those species listed by the 

California Invasive Plant Council (Cal-IPC) in the California Invasive Plant Inventory (Cal-IPC 2007). 

All native seed and plant stock shall be from seed and propagules collected from the project footprint 
Carlsbad Village Double Track Project 26 May 2019 

Finding of No Significant Impact

or within a five-mile radius of the work area to the extent practicable. Seed sources outside of the 

five-mile radius shall be approved by the project biologist. Maintenance and monitoring shall be 

required for a minimum of 90 days and for compliance with the General Construction Stormwater 

Pollution Prevention Plan. Supplemental irrigation would be turned off a minimum of two years prior to 

the termination/completion of the monitoring program.

28. The following shall be made a part of project requirements: a) employees should strictly limit their 

activities, vehicles, equipment, and construction materials to the fenced project footprint; b) the 

project site shall be kept as clean of debris as possible (all food related trash items should be 

enclosed in sealed containers and regularly removed from the site); c) disposal or temporary 

placement of excess fill, brush or other debris shall not be allowed in adjacent waters or wetlands; 

and d) all equipment maintenance, staging, and dispensing of fuel, oil, coolant or any other such 

activities shall occur in designated staging areas outside of waters or wetlands within the fenced 

project impact limits. Fueling of equipment shall take place within existing paved/urban areas greater 

than 100 feet from waters or wetlands. Contractor equipment shall be checked for leaks each 

morning and mid-day prior to operation and shall be repaired as necessary or removed from the site.

29. All environmental permits and authorizations for work shall be kept onsite and fully reviewed and 

complied with by the contractor and all subcontractors.

Historic Resources

30. Vibration measurements at the Carlsbad Santa Fe Historic Depot will be conducted during all 

construction activities at this location. The contractor will be required to submit a Vibration Monitoring 

Plan prepared, stamped, and administered by an acoustical engineer. The Vibration Monitoring Plan 

will include the vibration instrumentation, location of vibration monitors, data acquisition, and 

exceedance notification and reporting procedures, as identified in the Noise and Vibration Impact 

Assessment prepared by ATS Consulting, Inc.

Geology and Soils

31. Following bridge type selection, a supplemental geotechnical field investigation will be performed 

once the final foundation type has been determined. The supplemental investigation will include one 

geotechnical boring near the northern abutment that will be converted over to a monitoring well at the 

completion of the boring to record groundwater pressures. A set of fully grouted vibrating wire 

piezometers will be installed at a location that can be protected through design and construction. 

Properly located, the piezometers will be used by SANDAG and the contractor to determine the 

groundwater conditions prior to and continuously throughout construction to determine necessary 

measures in the Cast-In-Drilled-Hole pile installation plan and to resolve potential differing site 

condition claims.

32. A Cone Penetration Test sounding near the northern abutment will be performed as needed for the 

Designer to evaluate the in-situ density of the soils within the pressurized aquifer and to provide 

continuous information throughout the profile to further evaluate the liquefaction potential of materials 

that were identified as potentially liquefiable.

33. Soil corrosivity issues will be addressed in conformance with AREMA during subsequent design 

efforts by the designer. Possible design measures to be implemented by SANDAG will include 
Carlsbad Village Double Track Project 27 May 2019 

Finding of No Significant Impact

increased cover for reinforcing steel and corrosion resistant cement (for concrete piles), and sacrificial 

steel will be provided for steel surfaces in contact with site soils.

34. All future grading and construction of the project site by the contractor will comply with the geotechnical 

recommendations contained in the Preliminary Foundation Reports prepared for the Carlsbad Village 

Station Pedestrian Undercrossing and the Buena Vista Lagoon Bridge (Earth Mechanics, Inc., 2014a 

and 2014b). These reports identify specific geotechnical recommendations that will be implemented 

during the design and construction of the project.

Hazardous Materials/Hazardous Waste

35. Conduct preliminary media sampling (surface and near-surface soils in particular) prior to any 

intrusive work at the site to confirm whether or not contaminants are present at the subject property. 

Hydrology

36. To ensure that no permanent impacts to hydrology occur, a hydromodification management plan and 

a SWPPP detailing BMPs will be prepared during final design. 

Noise and Vibration

37. Vibration measurements at the Carlsbad Santa Fe Historic Depot will be conducted during all 

construction activities at this location. The contractor will be required to submit a Vibration Monitoring 

Plan prepared, stamped, and administered by an acoustical engineer. The Vibration Monitoring Plan 

will include the vibration instrumentation, location of vibration monitors, data acquisition, and 

exceedance notification and reporting procedures, as identified in Appendix C of the EA. 

38. Construction activities will be carried out in compliance with all applicable local noise-level standards. 

In addition, specific residential property line noise limits will be developed during final design and 

included in the construction specifications for the Proposed Action, and noise monitoring will be 

performed during construction to verify compliance with the limits. Furthermore, the contractor will 

implement the following noise control measures as needed to meet the noise limit standards: 

• Avoiding nighttime construction in residential neighborhoods

• Using specially quieted equipment with enclosed engines and/or high-performance mufflers

• Locating stationary construction equipment as far as possible from noise-sensitive sites

• Constructing noise barriers, such as temporary walls or piles of excavated material, between 

noisy activities and noise-sensitive receivers

• Rerouting construction-related truck traffic along roadways that will cause the least disturbance to 

residents

• Avoiding impact pile driving near noise-sensitive areas, where possible. Drilled piles or the use of 

a sonic or vibratory pile driver are quieter alternatives where the geological conditions permit their 

use

39. A complaint-resolution procedure will also be put in place to rapidly address any noise issues that 

may develop during construction.
Carlsbad Village Double Track Project 28 May 2019 

Finding of No Significant Impact

40. Construction of the Proposed Action poses the potential for vibration-related impacts to occur to the 

Carlsbad Santa Fe Historic Depot structure. SANDAG will monitor any potential adverse indirect 

construction-related vibration impacts to the Carlsbad Santa Fe Depot and will include notification and 

reporting procedures. In addition, any potential construction-related vibration impacts to any other 

sensitive receivers will be avoided by implementing numeric limits in the construction specifications 

(ATS Consulting, 2013).

Water Quality and Water Resources

41. With the implementation of a SWPPP and construction BMPs, including Standard Site Design BMPs 

(e.g., minimize impervious surfaces, drain into vegetated ditches, prevent erosion control), Source 

Control BMPs (e.g., mark storm drain inlets, landscape with and preserve existing native vegetation), 

low-impact development BMPs (e.g., preserve natural drainage features, use pervious surfaces), and 

Treatment Control BMPs (e.g., construction of bioretention swale), water quality impacts to 

downstream receiving waters as a result of the Proposed Action will be avoided or minimized. 

Paleontological Resources

42. Prior to site grading, a qualified paleontologist will be retained by SANDAG to carry out an 

appropriate monitoring and recovery program. A qualified paleontologist is defined as an individual 

with a minimum of an MS or PhD in paleontology or geology who is familiar with paleontological 

procedures and techniques. In addition, the following will be implemented:

• The qualified paleontologist will be present at the pre-construction meeting to consult with the 

grading and excavation contractors.

• A paleontological monitor will be on site a minimum of half-time during the original cutting of 

previously undisturbed sediments to inspect cuts for contained fossils. In the event that fossils are 

discovered, it may be necessary to increase the per-day-in-field monitoring time. Conversely, if 

fossils are not found, then the monitoring should be reduced. A paleontological monitor is defined 

as an individual who has experience in the collection and salvage of fossil materials. The 

paleontological monitor will work under the direction of a qualified paleontologist.

• When fossils are discovered, the paleontologist (or paleontological monitor) will recover them. In 

most cases, this fossil salvage can be completed in a short period of time. However, some fossil 

specimens, such as complete large mammal skeletons, may require an extended salvage period. 

In these instances, the paleontologist (or paleontological monitor) will be allowed to temporarily 

direct, divert, or halt grading to allow recovery of fossil remains in a timely manner subject to 

railroad safety requirements. Because of the potential for the recovery of small fossil remains, 

such as isolated mammal teeth, it may be necessary in certain instances to set up a 

screen-washing operation on the site.

• Fossil remains collected during the monitoring and salvage portion of the monitoring and recovery 

program will be cleaned, repaired, sorted, and catalogued by SANDAG’s paleontologist. 

• Prepared fossils, along with copies of all pertinent field notes, photos, and maps, will either be 

deposited (as a donation) in a scientific institution with permanent paleontological collections, 

such as the San Diego Natural History Museum, or retained by SANDAG and displayed for the 

public at an appropriate location, such as the SANDAG offices.

Carlsbad Village Double Track Project 30 May 2019 

Finding of No Significant Impact

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