California High-Speed Rail Authority 

Fresno to Bakersfield 

Section 

Draft Supplemental 

Environmental Impact 

Report/Environmental 

Impact Statement 

Appendix 2-H 

Functions of Impact Avoidance and 

Minimization Measures 

November 2017 
Appendix 2-H 

Functions of Impact Avoidance and Minimization Measures 

November 2017 California High-Speed Rail Authority 

Fresno to Bakersfield Section 

Administrative Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS 

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Table of Contents

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ....................................................................................... 2-H-iii 

APPENDIX 2-H: FUNCTIONS OF IMPACT AVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION 

MEASURES .............................................................................................................................. 2-H-1

2-H-1 Descriptions of How Impact Avoidance and Minimization Measures (IAMMs)

Avoid or Minimize Effects ...................................................................................... 2-H-1
Table of Contents

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Acronyms and Abbreviations 

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ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS 

AASHTO American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 

AG agricultural 

AQ air quality 

ASCE American Society of Civil Engineers 

ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials 

Authority California High-Speed Rail Authority 

AVR aesthetics and visual quality 

BIO biological resources 

BMP best management practice 

Caltrans California Department of Transportation 

CCR California Code of Regulations 

CDSM cement deep soil mixing 

CFR Code of Federal Regulations 

CHA collision hazard analysis 

CIDH cast-in-drilled hole 

CMP compensatory mitigation plan 

or

Construction Management Plan 

CMS Changeable message signs 

CTP Construction Transportation Plan 

CUL cultural resources 

CVFPB Central Valley Flood Protection Board 

EMCPP Electromagnetic Compatibility Program Plan 

EMF electromagnetic field 

EMI electromagnetic interference 

EQ earthquake 

FPP Flood Protection Plan 

FRA Federal Railroad Administration 

GEO geologic resources 

HMW hazardous materials and waste 

HSR high-speed rail 

HST high-speed train 

HYD hydrology and water resources 

IAMM impact avoidance and minimization measures 

IBC International Building Code 
Acronyms and Abbreviations 

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ISEP Implementation Stage Electromagnetic Compatibility Program Plan 

LU land use and development, station planning 

MOA Memorandum of Agreement 

NV noise and vibration 

OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration 

PHA preliminary hazard analysis 

PRO parks, recreation and open space 

PUE public utilities and energy 

RWQCB Regional Water Quality Control Board 

SHPO State Historic Preservation Officer 

SOCIO socioeconomics and communities 

SR State Route 

SS safety and security 

SSMP Safety and Security Management Plan 

SWMTP Stormwater Management and Treatment Plan 

SWPPP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan 

TR transportation 

TVA threat and vulnerability assessment 

Uniform Act Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act, 

as amended 

UPRR Union Pacific Railroad 

U.S. United States 

U.S.C. United States Code 

USACE United States Army Corps of Engineers 

VOC volatile organic compound 
Appendix 2-H 

Functions of Impact Avoidance and Minimization Measures

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APPENDIX 2-H: FUNCTIONS OF IMPACT AVOIDANCE AND 

MINIMIZATION MEASURES 

2-H-1 Descriptions of How Impact Avoidance and Minimization Measures 

(IAMMs) Avoid or Minimize Effects 

This table describes measures that would avoid or minimize potential impacts to construct and 

operate the Fresno to Bakersfield Locally Generated Alternative (F-B LGA) of the High Speed 

Rail (HSR) Project. These measures were developed by the Federal Railroad Administration 

(FRA) and the California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) in consultation with appropriate 

agencies, as well as with input from the public, to meet the requirements of National 

Environmental Policy Act and the California Environmental Quality Act. 

The HSR project incorporates design features and Best Management Practices (BMPs) identified 

in this Supplemental Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS) 

and described in detail in a series of technical reports that accompany preparation of the 

environmental document. As a result of applying these design features and BMPs, the F-B LGA 

will avoid potential adverse environmental impacts in several resource areas, including 

electromagnetic interference/electromagnetic fields (EMI/EMF), hydrology and water resources, 

geology and soils, and hazardous materials and wastes. In addition, the project’s compliance with 

the regulatory requirements, including permitting and coordination with regulatory agencies for 

many project-related activities, provide additional assurance that potential adverse environmental 

impacts will not occur. Representative agencies include the United States (U.S.) Fish and Wildlife 

Service, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and the U.S. Environmental Protection 

Agency with jurisdiction under the Federal Endangered Species Act and the Clean Water Act, 

respectively. Like the mitigation measures described in Technical Appendix 2-G of this 

Supplemental EIR/EIS, the project design features (below) and compliance with regulatory 

requirements are a condition of project approval and must be implemented by the Authority 

during design, construction, and operation of the HSR project. 

These measures are listed by resource, and resources are listed alphabetically for ease of 

reference. 

IAMM Description

AGRICULTURAL FARMLAND AND FOREST LAND

AG-IAMM#1: Restoration of Land 

Used for Temporary Staging 

Areas

This action reduces temporary impacts on Important Farmland by conserving 

agricultural land top soil through temporary stockpiling and then using that soil to 

restore agricultural lands to pre-project conditions after construction is completed. 

By stockpiling topsoil (the rich upper layer in which most plants have their roots) 

the agricultural productivity of the restored agricultural lands would be comparable 

to pre-project conditions.

AG-IAMM#2: Farmland 

Consolidation Program

This measure reduces impacts on agricultural farmland by administering a 

farmland consolidation program to sell remnant agricultural parcels to neighboring 

landowners for combining with adjacent farmland properties and continued 

agricultural productivity. Program implementation will reduce the amount of 

agricultural lands affected by HSR construction and operation.

AG-IAMM#3: Permit Assistance This commitment reduces permanent impacts to agricultural operations (confined 

animal facility) by providing land use and regulatory agency permit assistance to 

landowners needing to obtain new or amended permits to continue operation of a 

confined animal facility whose operations would modified or facilities relocated 

resulting from high-speed rail (HSR) construction and operation. Obtaining land 

use and regulatory permits for modified or relocated confined animal facilities can 

be a lengthy and arduous process that can result in the inability to modify or 

relocate such facilities in a timely manner. By providing permitting assistance, the 

Authority can reduce potential impacts on agricultural operations.
Appendix 2-H 

Functions of Impact Avoidance and Minimization Measures 

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IAMM Description

AIR QUALITY

AQ-IAMM#1 Truck Equipment This action reduces construction related air quality emissions by requiring the

covering of all materials (truck beds) transported on public roads.

AQ-IAMM#2: Fugitive Dust 

Emissions 

This action reduces construction related air quality emissions by requiring the 

preparation of a fugitive dust control plan. This plan identifies the minimum features

that will be implemented during ground disturbing activities. Examples of these 

include covering all materials (truck beds) transported on public roads, watering 

exposed graded surfaces, limiting vehicle speed on the construction site, 

suspending operations during high wind events, stabilizing all disturbed graded 

areas, wetting of exterior surfaces of structures during demolition, and removing 

any accumulation of mud or dirt from adjacent public streets. These types of 

construction best management practices are proven methods of minimizing fugitive 

dust generation associated with ground disturbing and demolition construction 

activities. Each air district traversed by the HSR has adopted rules and/or 

regulations requiring dust control plans for construction activities. These dust 

control plans are a part of each district’s overall strategy for compliance with 

federal and state air quality standards.

AQ-IAMM#3: Trackouts This action reduces construction related air quality emissions by requiring the

removal of any accumulation of mud or dirt from adjacent public streets.

AQ-IAMM#:4 Material Selection This commitment reduces overall construction emissions by limiting the type of 

paint to those containing volatile organic compound (VOC) of less than 10 percent 

(low) to be used during construction. Using paint that releases fewer organic 

compounds into the air after application is an air quality management measure 

effective in reducing construction emissions and achieving federal and state air 

quality standards.

AESTHETICS AND VISUAL QUALITY

AVR-IAMM#1: Design Standards This measure reduces the aesthetic and visual impacts of the HSR infrastructure 

components, including stations and elevated guideways, by applying design 

approaches to integrate structures within a community and to reduce the 

intrusiveness of large, elevated structures. It will also provide some consistency in 

the HSR design throughout the program.

This action reduces the aesthetic and visual impacts of the HSR by providing urban 

design guidelines to be evaluated and applied increasing the compatibility of the 

HSR infrastructure within an existing, specific local design context.

BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES

BIO-IAMM #1 Environmental 

Design

At multiple locations, the route of the alternative alignments was altered to avoid 

impacts and effects to biological resources. 

During project design and construction, the Authority and FRA would implement 

measures to reduce impacts on air quality and hydrology based on applicable 

design standards. Implementation of these measures would also reduce impacts to 

biological resources. The design standards applicable to the project are listed in 

Appendix 2-D and the measures to be applied are summarized in Section 3.3, Air 

Quality and Global Climate Change and Section 3.8, Hydrology and Water 

Resources.
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IAMM Description

CULTURAL RESOURCES

CUL-IAMM#1:

Measures

Protective This measure reduces potential cultural resource impacts by providing training on 

measures to avoid or protect built historic resources, and to recognize 

archaeological resources that may be encountered, and mandatory procedures to 

follow should potential cultural resources be exposed during construction. The 

training also provides project avoidance and mitigation features to project 

construction crews. Regularly updated mandatory training reduces potential 

impacts on cultural resources by producing a well- informed construction crew 

versed in operational procedures that must be followed during construction activity. 

This reduces the potential for unplanned impacts to cultural resources during 

construction activities.

This measure calling for a Pre-Construction Conditions Assessment, Plan for 

Protection of Historic Built Resources and Repair of Inadvertent Damage reduces 

potential impacts on historic cultural resources by identifying techniques to 

minimize inadvertent damage. If damage occurs, the plan calls for establishing 

standards of repair consistent with Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the 

Treatment of Historic Properties.

This commitment to stabilize and protect historic buildings and structures 

susceptible to damage during construction reduces potential impacts on cultural 

resources. Temporary stabilization and protection measures will be removed after 

construction is completed. Properties will be restored to their pre-construction 

condition.

Committing to prepare an archaeological sensitivity monitoring plan that identifies

and maps areas of archaeological sensitivity reduces impacts on cultural resources 

by developing a systematic approach to cultural resource monitoring. The 

sensitivity of such areas is based on one or a combination of any of the following:

known locations of archaeological sites, tribal consultation, landforms, depositional 

processes, distance to water, or historic mapping. This commitment to implement 

the plan by conducting archaeological and tribal monitoring during construction 

activities reduces impacts to cultural resources by providing assurances that 

construction activities will be conducted in a manner consistent with HSR cultural 

resource protocols procedures. Oversight by the Cultural Resource Compliance 

Manager and monitoring by qualified cultural resource and tribal monitors of 

construction activities near archaeologically sensitive areas reduces the potential 

for inadvertent construction impacts to cultural resources.

This commitment to prepare and implement a built environment monitoring plan will 

reduce potential impacts on cultural resources by detailing an implementation 

strategy for monitoring historic structures and tying implementation of the 

measures to discrete steps in the construction process. The monitoring plan will 

define responsibilities and timing (spot check versus full time monitoring) to verify

that monitoring occurs in an appropriate manner consistent with HSR cultural 

resource protocols and procedures.

CUL-IAMM#2: PA The PA established the framework for the development and implementation of 

measures to avoid, minimize, and/or mitigate adverse effects on historic properties 

caused by the HSR System, in compliance with Section 106 and NEPA. 

As stipulated in the Section 106 programmatic agreement for the HSR program, 

implementation of a MOA is required for each project section, to be negotiated and 

agreed upon among the Authority, Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), and 

State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO), and other signatories and consulting 

parties. The purpose is to reduce impacts on cultural resources by identifying 

agreed upon resources that will or may be adversely affected by the project. The 

MOA requires archaeological and built environment treatment plans to be prepared 

and include requirements that specify how commitments to the protection of 
Appendix 2-H 

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IAMM Description

cultural resources will be implemented for each HSR construction segment.

EMI/EMF STANDARDS

EMI/EMF-IAMM

Design Features

#1: EMCPP This measure reduces potential exceedances to electromagnetic interference/ 

electromagnetic field (EMI/EMF) standards by requiring the Contractor to work with 

railroad engineering departments and apply standard design practices to prevent 

interference with the electronic equipment operated on parallel railroad facilities.

This measure reduces potential exceedances to EMI/EMF standards by requiring 

the Contractor to design the HSR to international guidelines and comply with 

federal and state laws and regulations related to electromagnetic

fields/electromagnetic interference. Prior to construction, the Contractor will 

prepare an electromagnetic field/electromagnetic interference technical 

memorandum for review and approval by the Authority. Project design will follow 

the Implementation Stage Electromagnetic Compatibility Program Plan (ISEP) to 

avoid EMI and to provide for HSR operational safety.

Similarly, project design will follow the EMCPP to avoid EMI and to ensure HST 

operational safety. Some features of the EMCPP include:

 During the planning stage through system design, the Authority will perform

EMC/EMI safety analyses, which will include identification of existing nearby

radio systems, design of systems to prevent EMI with identified neighboring

uses, and incorporation of these design requirements into bid specifications

used to procure radio systems.

 Pipelines and other linear metallic objects that are not sufficiently grounded

through the direct contact with earth would be separately grounded in

coordination with the affected owner or utility to avoid possible shock hazards.

For cases where metallic fences are purposely electrified to inhibit livestock or

wildlife from traversing the barrier, specific insulation design measures would be

implemented.

 HST standard corrosion protection measures would be implemented to eliminate

risk of substantial corrosion of nearby metal objects.

GEOLOGIC RESOURCES

GEO-IAMM #1: General 

Guidelines to be Followed







2010 American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 

(AASHTO) Load and Resistance Factor Design Bridge Design Specifications 

and the 2009 AASHTO Guide Specifications for Load and Resistance Factor 

Design Seismic Bridge Design: These documents provide guidance for 

characterization of soils, as well as methods to be used in the design of bridge 

foundations and structures, retaining walls, and buried structures. These design 

specifications will provide minimum specifications for evaluating the seismic 

response of the soil and structures. 

Federal Highway Administration Circulars and Reference Manuals: These 

documents provide detailed guidance on the characterization of geotechnical 

conditions at sites, methods for performing foundation design, and 

recommendations on foundation construction. These guidance documents 

include methods for designing retaining walls used for retained cuts and 

retained fills, foundations for elevated structures, and at-grade segments. Some 

of the documents include guidance on methods of mitigating geologic hazards 

that are encountered during design. 

American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association Manual: 

These guidelines deal with rail systems. Although they cover many of the same 

general topics as AASHTO, they are more focused on best practices for rail 

systems. The manual includes principles, data, specifications, plans, and 

economics pertaining to the engineering, design, and construction of railways. 
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IAMM Description











California Building Code: The code is based on 2009 International Building 

Code (IBC). This code contains general building design and construction 

requirements relating to fire and life safety, structural safety, and access 

compliance.

IBC and American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)-7: These codes and 

standards provide minimum design loads for buildings and other structures. 

They would be used for the design of the maintenance facilities and stations. 

Sections in IBC and ASCE-7 provide minimum requirements for geotechnical 

investigations, levels of earthquake ground shaking, minimum standards for 

structural design, and inspection and testing requirements. 

Caltrans Design Standards: Caltrans has specific minimum design and 

construction standards for all aspects of transportation system design, ranging 

from geotechnical explorations to construction practices. These amendments 

provide specific guidance for the design of deep foundations that are used to 

support elevated structures, for design of mechanically stabilized earth walls 

used for retained fills, and for design of various types of cantilever (e.g., soldier 

pile, secant pile, and tangent pile) and tie-back walls used for retained cuts. 

Caltrans Construction Manuals: Caltrans has a number of manuals including 

Field Guide to Construction Dewatering, Caltrans Construction Site Best 

Management Practices (BMPs) Manual and Construction Site Best 

Management Practice (BMP) Field Manual and Troubleshooting Guide that 

provide guidance and Best Management Practices for dewatering options and 

management, erosion control and soil stabilization, non-storm water 

management, and waste management at construction sites.

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM): ASTM has developed 

standards and guidelines for all types of material testing- from soil compaction 

testing to concrete-strength testing. The ASTM standards also include minimum 

performance requirements for materials. Most of the guidelines and standards 

cited above use ASTM or a corresponding series of standards from AASHTO to 

assure that quality is achieved in the constructed project.

GEO-IAMM#2:

Withdrawal

Groundwater This measure reduces potential impacts on geologic resources by requiring the 

Contractor to prepare a Construction Management Plan (CMP) which would 

address groundwater withdrawal. The CMP outlines how HSR engineering design 

appropriately addresses these geologic constraints.

GEO-IAMM#3: Monitor Slopes The measure calls for slope monitoring that will reduce potential impacts from 

geologic conditions by establishing an operation and maintenance procedure for 

locations identified in the CMP where potential for long-term instability exists. Such 

instability could result in loss of track support or where slope failure could result in 

additional earth loading to foundations supporting elevated structures. The 

monitoring program will provide a mechanism supplying early detection of potential 

slope instability.

GEO-IAMM#4:

Inspections

Geotechnical Prior to and throughout construction, conduct geotechnical inspections to verify that 

no new, unanticipated conditions are encountered, and to determine the locations 

of unstable soils in need of improvement.

GEO-IAMM#5:

Soils

Improve Unstable The CMP would address unstable soils. The CMP outlines how HSR engineering 

design appropriately addresses these geologic constraints.

This measure reduces impacts to geologic resources by requiring the Contractor to 

incorporate established engineering design guidelines and standards during the 

HSR design phase so HSR facilities are constructed to accepted engineering 

standards.
Appendix 2-H 

Functions of Impact Avoidance and Minimization Measures 

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IAMM Description

GEO-IAMM#6: Improve 

Settlement-Prone Soils

The CMP would address subsidence. The CMP outlines how HSR engineering 

design appropriately addresses these geologic constraints.

This measure provides for subsidence monitoring as part of HSR design and will 

reduce potential impacts resulting from geologic conditions by providing a remote 

monitoring program. Trains with autonomous equipment for daily track surveys will 

monitor and detect reduced track tolerance resulting in changed operations until 

track tolerances are restored to design specifications.

GEO-IAMM#7: Prevent Water 

and Wind Erosion

The CMP would address water and wind. The CMP outlines how HSR engineering 

design appropriately addresses these geologic constraints.

GEO-IAMM#8: Modify or Remove 

and Replace Soils with ShrinkSwell Potential and Corrosion 

Characteristics

The CMP would address soils with shrink-swell potential. The CMP outlines how 

HSR engineering design appropriately addresses these geologic constraints.

GEO-IAMM#9: Evaluate and 

Design for Large Seismic Ground 

Shaking

This measure reduces impacts from geologic conditions by requiring evaluation 

and design for large seismic ground shaking in the engineering of all HSR 

components.

GEO-IAMM#10: Secondary 

Seismic Hazards

As discussed above, various ground improvement methods can be implemented to 

mitigate the potential for liquefaction, liquefaction-induced lateral spreading or flow 

of slopes, or post-earthquake settlement. Ground improvement around CIDH piles 

improves the lateral capacity of the CIDH during seismic loading. CDSM, stone 

columns, EQ drains or jet-grouting develop resistance to lateral flow or spreading 

of liquefied soils.

GEO-IAMM#11: Suspend 

Operations During or After an 

Earthquake

This commitment requires motion-sensing instruments be part of HSR design and 

will reduce potential impacts resulting from geologic conditions by providing a 

control system to shut down HSR operations temporarily during or after a 

potentially damaging earthquake.

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AND WASTE

HMW-IAMM#1: Transportation of 

Materials

This action reduces potential impacts because of hazardous materials and waste 

by requiring a written hazardous materials and waste plan describing responsible 

parties and procedures for hazard waste transport. This reduces the likelihood of 

hazardous waste spills.

HMW-IAMM#2: Property 

Acquisition

This action reduces potential impacts resulting from hazardous materials and 

waste by requiring completion of a Phase 1 environmental site assessment during 

the right-of-way acquisition phase. If documentation exists about potential 

hazardous waste on any parcel to be acquired, appropriate testing and remediation 

(if necessary) will be conducted in coordination with state and local agency 

officials.

HMW-IAMM#3: Landfill This measure reduces potential impacts resulting from hazardous materials and 

waste by requiring additional methane protection construction procedures for work 

within 1,000 feet of a landfill including detection systems and personnel training. 

HMW-IAMM#4: Work Barriers This action reduces potential impacts resulting from hazardous materials and 

waste by requiring additional construction procedures that limit the potential 

release of subsurface containments during construction.

HMW-IAMM#5: Undocumented 

Contamination 

This measure reduces potential impacts because of hazardous materials and 

waste by requiring preparation of a CMP addressing procedures for disturbing

undocumented contaminated soil. The Contractor will work closely with state and 

local agencies to resolve any such encounters and address necessary clean-up or 

disposal.
Appendix 2-H 

Functions of Impact Avoidance and Minimization Measures

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IAMM Description

HMW-IAMM#6: Demolition Plans This commitment reduces potential impacts resulting from hazardous materials and 

waste by requiring a demolition plan for the safe dismantling and removal of 

building components and debris including a plan for lead and asbestos abatement 

which can be prevalent in older structures.

This measure reduces potential impacts resulting from hazardous materials and 

waste through preparation of a hazardous materials business plan addressing HSR 

operations.

HMW-IAMM#7: Spill Prevention This measure reduces potential impacts because of hazardous materials and 

waste by requiring a written CMP including a construction period spill prevention 

plan. The plan will identify construction best management procedures designed to 

contain and prevent accidental spills, including procedures to clean up any 

accidental hazardous material release.

This measure reduces potential impacts resulting from hazardous materials and 

waste through preparation of a spill prevention, control and countermeasure plan 

addressing HSR operations.

HMW-IAMM#8: Storage of

Hazardous Materials

This measure reduces potential impacts resulting from hazardous materials and 

waste by requiring a written hazardous materials and waste plan describing 

responsible parties and procedures for hazard waste transport containment and 

storage best management practices. This reduces the likelihood of hazardous 

waste spills.

HMW-IAMM#9: Material Selection This requirement reduces potential impacts resulting from hazardous materials and 

waste through implementation of an annual review of hazardous materials used 

during construction and operation, and determining if there are acceptable 

nonhazardous materials substitutes.

HYDROLOGY AND WATER RESOURCES

HYD-IAMM#1: Storm Water 

Management and Treatment

This obligation reduces potential impacts to hydrology and water resources by 

requiring the preparation of a stormwater management and treatment plan 

(SWMTP). Implementation of the SWMTP reduces potential stormwater 

management impacts by evaluating each receiving storm water system’s capacity 

to accommodate project runoff and identifying stormwater management designed 

to capture runoff and provide treatment prior to discharge of pollutant-generating 

surfaces. Such surfaces include station parking areas, access roads, new road 

over- and underpasses, reconstructed interchanges, and new or relocated roads 

and highways. Constructed wetland systems, biofiltration and bioretention systems, 

wet ponds, organic mulch layers, planting soil beds, and vegetated systems 

(biofilters), vegetated swales and grass filter strips, will be used where appropriate. 

If needed storm water infiltration or detention facilities will be built in compliance 

with the design standards.

HYD-IAMM#2: Flood Protection This measure reduces potential impacts to hydrology and water resources by 

requiring the Contractor to prepare a Flood Protection Plan (FPP) for Authority 

review and approval. Through implementation of the FPP the project will be 

designed to both remain operational during flood events and to minimize increases 

in 100-year or 200-year flood elevations, as applicable to locale.

HYD-IAMM#3: Construction 

Stormwater Pollution Prevention 

Plan 

This action reduces potential impacts to hydrology and water resources by 

requiring the Contractor to prepare a construction period Stormwater Pollution 

Prevention Plan (SWPPP). Implementation of the SWPPP will provide BMPs to 

minimize potential short-term increases in sediment transport caused by 

construction, including erosion control requirements, stormwater management, and 

channel dewatering for affected stream crossings. These BMPs will include 

measures to provide permeable surfaces where feasible and to retain or detain and 

treat stormwater onsite.
Appendix 2-H 

Functions of Impact Avoidance and Minimization Measures 

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IAMM Description

HYD-IAMM #4: Regional 

Dewatering Permit

The Central Valley RWQCB, Order No. R5-2008-0081, Waste Discharge 

Requirements General Order for Dewatering and Other Low Threat Discharges to 

Surface Waters, is a permit that covers construction dewatering discharges and 

some other listed discharges that do not contain significant quantities of pollutants, 

and that either (1) are 4 months, or less, in duration, or (2) have an average dryweather discharge that does not exceed 0.25 million gallons per day.

HYD-IAMM #5: Flood Protection The CVFPB regulates specific river, creek, and slough crossings for flood 

protection. These crossings must meet the provisions of Title 23 of the CCR. Title 

23 requires that new crossings maintain hydraulic capacity through such measures 

as in-line piers, adequate streambank height (freeboard), and measures to protect 

against streambank and channel erosion. Section 208.10 requires that 

improvements, including crossings, be constructed in a manner that does not 

reduce the channel’s capacity or functionality, or that of any federal flood control 

project. The CVFPB reviews applications for encroachment permits for approval of 

a new channel crossing or other channel modification. For a proposed crossing or 

placement of a structure near a federal flood control project, the CVFPB 

coordinates review of the encroachment permit application with USACE pursuant 

to assurance agreements with USACE and the USACE Operation and 

Maintenance Manuals under Title 33 CFR, Section 208.10 and Title 33 U.S.C., 

Section 408. Under Section 408 of the Rivers and Harbors Act, the USACE must 

approve any proposed modification that involves a federal flood control project. A 

Section 408 permit would be required if construction modifies a federal levee. A 

Section 208.10 permit would be required where the project encroaches on a 

federal facility but does not modify it.

HYD-IAMM#6: Industrial 

Stormwater Pollution Prevention 

Plan 

This commitment reduces potential impacts to hydrology and water resources by 

requiring the Contractor to prepare an industrial facility SWPPP. The industrial 

facility SWPPP will include best management practices to control stormwater runoff 

from HSR industrial facilities such as vehicle maintenance yards. The SWPPP will 

include a monitoring plan for stormwater discharged from industrial facilities. 

STATION PLANNING, LAND USE, AND DEVELOPMENT

LU-IAMM#1: Zone of 

Responsibility

This measure will reduce potential land use impacts by implementing sound design 

principles within the “zone of responsibility” around each HSR station. The 

Authority prepared Urban Design Guidelines (2011) to provide urban planning 

assistance to achieve great place making in the station areas. The application of 

sound urban design principles to the HSR system will help to maximize the 

performance of the transportation investment, enhance the livability of the 

communities it serves, create long-term value, and sensitively integrate the project 

into the communities along the HSR system corridor.

LU-IAMM #2: Construction 

Management Plan

Project design features would reduce some of the temporary land use impacts from 

project construction. These features are described in Section 3.12.6, 

Socioeconomics, Communities, and Environmental Justice, and in Section 3.3.8, 

Air Quality and Global Climate Change. They include implementation of a 

construction management plan to minimize temporary impacts on adjacent land 

uses and implementation of dust control measures during project construction.

NOISE AND VIBRATION 

NV-IAMM#1: General 

Construction Guidelines – Noise

and Vibration

This measure will reduce potential noise and vibration impacts from construction by 

requiring the Contractor to document how federal guidelines for minimizing noise 

and vibration will be employed when construction is occurring near sensitive 

receptors (such as hospitals, residential neighborhoods and schools).
Appendix 2-H 

Functions of Impact Avoidance and Minimization Measures

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IAMM Description

PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE

PRO-IAMM#1: Design Standards This measure will reduce potential impacts on parks, recreation and open space by 

requiring the Contractor to incorporate design features into HSR design that 

provide for safe and attractive access to present park and recreation facilities. It 

also requires the Contractor to provide sufficient separation of the HSR guideway 

system to maintain the intended user experience (passive or active recreation or 

wilderness experience) to the extent feasible.

PUBLIC UTILITIES AND ENERGY

PUE-IAMM#1: Minimization of 

Utility Interruption 

This measure requires that when relocating an irrigation facility is necessary, if 

feasible the Contractor will provide a new operational facility prior to disconnecting 

the original facility where feasible. Irrigation facility relocation preferences are 

included in the design-build contract and reduce unnecessary impacts to continued 

operation of irrigation facilities.

This obligation reduces impacts to public utility interruptions by coordinating 

planned interruptions providing utility users an opportunity to plan appropriately for 

the service interruption. Prior to construction in areas where utility service 

interruptions are unavoidable, the Contractor will notify the public through a 

combination of communication media (e.g., by phone, email, mail, newspaper 

notices, or other means) within that jurisdiction and the affected service providers 

of the planned outage. The notification will specify the estimated duration of the 

planned outage and would be published no less than seven days prior to the 

outage. Construction will be coordinated to avoid interruptions of utility service to 

hospitals and other critical users. The Contractor will submit the public 

communication plan to the Authority in advance of the work for verification that 

appropriate notification was provided.

This measure reduces impacts to public utility interruptions by coordinating planned

interruptions providing utility providers an opportunity to plan appropriately for the 

service interruption. Prior to construction the Contractor shall prepare a technical 

memorandum documenting how construction activities will be coordinated with 

service providers to minimize or avoid interruptions, including upgrades of existing 

power lines to connect the HSR System to existing utility substations.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

SS-IAMM#1: Emergency Vehicle This action reduces potential safety and security impacts by requiring the 

Access Contractor to prepare a construction transportation plan that describes the 

Contractor’s coordination efforts with local jurisdictions for maintaining emergency 

vehicle access during HSR construction.

SS-IAMM#2: Operation and This action reduces potential safety and security impacts by requiring the 

Transportation Hazards Contractor to prepare a preliminary hazard analysis (PHA), collision hazard 

analysis (CHA), and threat and vulnerability assessment (TVA). The PHA follows 

the U.S. Department of Defense’s System Safety Program Plan Requirements 

(MIL-STD-882) to identify and determine the facility hazards and vulnerabilities so 

that they can be addressed by and either eliminated or minimized through system

design. CHAs follow the FRA’s Collision Hazard Analysis Guide: Commuter and 

Intercity Passenger Service (FRA 2007) which provides a step-by-step procedure 

on how to perform a hazard analysis and how to develop effective mitigation 

strategies that will improve passenger rail safety. TVAs establish provisions for the 

deterrence and detection of, as well as the response to, criminal and terrorist acts 

for rail facilities and system operations.

SS-IAMM#3: Criminal and 

Terrorist Acts

TVAs establish provisions for the deterrence and detection of, as well as the 

response to, criminal and terrorist acts for rail facilities and system operations.
Appendix 2-H 

Functions of Impact Avoidance and Minimization Measures 

November 2017 California High-Speed Rail Authority 

2-H-10 | Page Fresno to Bakersfield Section 

Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS 

IAMM Description

SS-IAMM#4: Construction Safety 

Plan

The SSMP will include construction safety and security plans to establish minimum 

safety and security guidelines during construction and security programs that 

address the safety of passengers and employees during emergency response.

SS-IAMM#5: Fire/Life Safety 

Programs

The SSMP will include construction safety and security plans to establish minimum 

safety and security guidelines during construction and fire/life safety and security 

programs that address the safety of passengers and employees during emergency 

response.

SS-IAMM#6: System Security 

Plans

The PHA follows the U.S. Department of Defense’s System Safety Program Plan 

Requirements (MIL-STD-882) to identify and determine the facility hazards and 

vulnerabilities so that they can be addressed by and either eliminated or minimized

through system design. CHAs follow the FRA’s Collision Hazard Analysis Guide: 

Commuter and Intercity Passenger Service (FRA 2007) which provides a step-bystep procedure on how to perform a hazard analysis and how to develop effective 

mitigation strategies that will improve passenger rail safety. 

SS-IAMM#7: Operating 

Procedure

The SSMP will reduce potential impacts on safety and security by requiring the 

Contractor to document how various federal (FRA), state Occupational Safety and 

Health Administration (OSHA) and Authority (design guidelines), plans, programs 

and guidelines were considered in HSR design, construction and eventual 

operation to protect the safety and security of construction workers and users of 

the HSR.

SS-IAMM#8: FRA Requirements The SSMP will reduce potential impacts on safety and security by requiring the 

Contractor to document how various FRA plans, programs and guidelines were 

considered in HSR design, construction and eventual operation to protect the 

safety and security of construction workers and users of the HSR.

SS-IAMM#9: Worker Safety This measure requires the Contractor to prepare a Safety and Security 

Management Plan (SSMP). It will reduce potential impacts on safety and security 

by requiring the Contractor to document how various federal (FRA), state 

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Authority (design 

guidelines), plans, programs and guidelines were considered in HSR design, 

construction and eventual operation to protect the safety and security of 

construction workers and users of the HSR.

SS-IAMM#10: Environmental 

Design

PHAs identify and determine the facility hazards and vulnerabilities so that they can 

be addressed by and either eliminated or minimized through system design; CHAs 

follow the FRA’s Collision Hazard Analysis Guide: Commuter and Intercity 

Passenger Service (FRA 2007) which provides a step-by-step procedure on how to 

perform a hazard analysis and how to develop effective mitigation strategies that 

will improve passenger rail safety. TVAs establish provisions for the deterrence and 

detection of, as well as the response to, criminal and terrorist acts for rail facilities 

and system operations.

SOCIOECONOMICS AND COMMUNITIES

SOCIO-IAMM#1: Construction 

Management Plan

This measure will reduce potential impacts to neighborhoods and communities by 

requiring the Contractor to prepare a Construction Management Plan that includes 

measures that minimize impacts on community residents and businesses. The plan 

will include actions pertaining to communications, visual protection, air quality, 

safety controls, noise controls, and traffic controls.

SOCIO-IAMM#2: Uniform 

Relocation Assistance and Real 

Property Acquisition Policies Act. 

Compliance

This action identifies how compliance with the Uniform Relocation Assistance and 

Real Property Acquisition Policies Act, as amended (Uniform Act) would reduce 

potential impacts to socioeconomics and communities. The provisions of the 

Uniform Act, a federally mandated program, would apply to all acquisitions of real 

property or displacements of persons resulting from this federally assisted project. 

The Uniform Act requires provision of relocation benefits to all eligible persons 
Appendix 2-H 

Functions of Impact Avoidance and Minimization Measures

California High-Speed Rail Authority November 2017 

Fresno to Bakersfield Section Page | 2-H-11

Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS 

IAMM Description

regardless of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Benefits to which eligible 

owners or tenants may be entitled are determined on an individual basis and 

explained in detail by an assigned right-of-way specialist. Implementation of the 

Uniform Act reduces potential socioeconomic impacts by providing relocation 

assistance for people displaced through right of way acquisition.

This measure will reduce potential impacts to property owners by requiring the 

Authority to develop a relocation mitigation plan, specific to the issues of each 

project section, to minimize the economic disruption related to relocation.

TRANSPORTATION

TR-IAMM#1: Off-Street Parking This measure will reduce potential impacts to transportation by requiring the 

for Construction-Related Vehicles Contractor to identify adequate off-street parking for all construction-related 

vehicles and use these spaces throughout the construction period thereby reducing 

impacts to local on-street parking supply.

TR-IAMM#2: Maintenance of 

Pedestrian Access

This action will reduce potential impacts to transportation by requiring the 

Contractor to prepare and implement specific construction management plans to 

address maintenance of pedestrian access during the construction period. 

TR-IAMM#3: Maintenance of 

Bicycle Access 

This measure will reduce potential impacts to transportation by requiring the 

Contractor to prepare and implement specific construction management plans to 

address maintenance of bicycle access during the construction period.

TR–IAMM#4: Restriction on This commitment will reduce potential impacts to transportation by limiting

Construction Hours construction material deliveries and the number of construction employees arriving 

or departing the site during peak period travel resulting in reduced impacts on 

roadway performance levels.

TR-IAMM#5: Construction Truck This measure will reduce potential impacts to transportation by requiring the 

Routes Contractor to deliver all construction-related equipment and materials on the 

appropriate truck routes avoiding impacts on streets not designed to accommodate 

truck traffic.

TR-IAMM#6: Protection of Public This obligation will reduce potential impacts to transportation by requiring the 

Roadways during Construction Contractor to provide a photographic survey documenting the condition of the 

public roadways along truck routes providing access to the construction sites. The 

Contractor shall be responsible for the repair of any structural damage to public 

roadways caused by HSR construction or construction access, returning any 

damaged sections to their original pre HSR construction structural condition, or 

better.

TR-IAMM#7: Maintenance of This action will reduce potential impacts to transportation by requiring the 

Public Transit Access and Routes Contractor to prepare and implement specific construction management plans to 

address maintenance of public transit access during the construction period, 

including bus and rail transit service, stops, stations, and layover facilities.

TR-IAMM#8: Construction This commitment will reduce potential impacts to transportation by requiring the 

Transportation Plan Contractor to prepare a detailed Construction Transportation Plan (CTP) for 

minimizing the impact of construction and construction traffic on adjoining and 

nearby roadways. The CTP will address, in detail, the activities to be executed in 

each construction phase, with the requirement of maintaining traffic flow during 

peak travel periods. Such activities include, but are not limited to, the routing and 

scheduling of materials deliveries, materials staging and storage areas, 

construction employee arrival and departure schedules, employee parking 

locations, and temporary road closures, if any.
Appendix 2-H 

Functions of Impact Avoidance and Minimization Measures 

November 2017 California High-Speed Rail Authority 

2-H-12 | Page Fresno to Bakersfield Section 

Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS 

IAMM Description

TR-IAMM#9: Construction during 

Special Events

This action will reduce potential impacts to transportation by requiring the 

Contractor provide a mechanism to prevent roadway construction activities from 

reducing roadway capacity during major athletic or other special events that 

substantially (10 percent or more) increase traffic on roadways affect by Project 

construction activities.

TR-IAMM#10: Protection of This measure will reduce potential impacts to transportation by requiring the 

Freight and Passenger Rail Contractor to repair any structural damage to freight or public railways, and return 

during Construction. any damaged sections to their original structural condition. If necessary, during 

construction, a “shoofly” track would be constructed to allow existing train lines to 

bypass any areas closed for construction activities.

TR-IAMM #11: Additional 

Features in the Cities of Fresno 

and Bakersfield

In addition to the measures listed above, the Authority will also perform the 

following in the cities of Fresno and Bakersfield: 

 Maintain detection at signalized intersections where alignment changes or

widening is necessary, in order that the traffic signal does not need to be placed

on recall (fixed timing).

 Changeable message signs (CMS) will be employed to advise motorists of lane

closures or detours ahead. The CMSs will be deployed seven days before the

start of construction at that location.

 Where project construction would cause delays on major roadways during the

construction period, the project will provide for a network of CMS locations to

provide adequate driver notification. For example, construction-related delays at

the railroad grade separations that lead to SR 99 interchanges will require CMS

placement to the east to allow drivers to make alternate route decisions. In the

case of work on Shaw Avenue, recommended placement would be a CMS at

Shaw Avenue just east of SR 41 and a CMS at Shaw Avenue just east of Palm

Avenue. Similar CMS usage will be required along Ashlan Avenue, Clinton

Avenue, McKinley Avenue, Olive Avenue, and Belmont Avenue.

 The Authority, in conjunction with the City of Fresno Public Works Department

and City of Bakersfield Public Works Department, will develop a traffic

management plan for the surface transportation network to minimize potential

impacts on public safety services.

 During project construction, alignment of roadways to be grade-separated and

freeway overpasses to be reconstructed will be offset from the existing

alignment to facilitate staged construction, wherever possible.

The Authority will also include the following measures specific to the city of

Fresno:

– Clinton Avenue over SR 99 and Ashlan Avenue over the Union Pacific

Railroad (UPRR) will be offset from their existing alignments to allow the

existing roadway to remain open while the new structure is being built. It is

recognized by the city that this type of staging may necessitate temporary

ramps to and from SR 99 during various phases of construction. Four

travel lanes will be maintained from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 6

p.m. on Shaw Avenue from Cornelia to Blythe Avenue (at UPRR), on

Ashlan Avenue from Parkway to Valentine Avenue (at UPRR), and on

Clinton Avenue from Marks Avenue to Weber Avenue (at SR 99).

– The Veterans Boulevard overpass and construction of new alignments of

Golden State Boulevard and Bullard Avenue will be completed and open to

traffic prior to the closure of the Carnegie Avenue at-grade railroad

crossing.

– One lane of traffic in each direction must be maintained at all times for

Olive Avenue and McKinley Avenue for construction of the proposed grade

separations. No full closures of these crossings will occur, with the
Appendix 2-H 

Functions of Impact Avoidance and Minimization Measures

California High-Speed Rail Authority November 2017 

Fresno to Bakersfield Section Page | 2-H-13

Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS 

IAMM Description

exception of short duration closures of less than 72 hours not more than 

once per month. 

– During any Belmont Avenue closures that are determined to be necessary,

the adjacent crossings of Olive Avenue and Divisadero Street will remain

open with no lane closures at the two crossings.

– Two of the three crossings will remain open at any given time at the

existing railroad crossings at Divisadero, Tuolumne, and Stanislaus

AASHTO = American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 

ASCE = American Society of Civil Engineers 

ASTM = American Society for Testing and Materials 

Authority = California High-Speed Rail Authority 

BMP = Best Management Practices 

Caltrans = California Department of Transportation 

CCR = California Code of Regulations 

CDSM = cement deep soil mixing 

CFR = Code of Federal Regulations 

CHA = collision hazard analysis 

CIDH = cast-in-drilled hole 

CMP = Construction Management Plan 

CMS = Changeable message sign 

CTP = Construction Transportation Plan 

CVFPB = Central Valley Flood Protection Board 

EMCPP = Electromagnetic Compatibility Program Plan 

EMI = electromagnetic interference 

EMF = electromagnetic fields 

EQ = earthquake 

FPP = Flood Protection Plan 

FRA = Federal Railroad Administration 

HSR = high-speed rail 

HST = high-speed train 

IBC = International Building Code 

ISEP = Implementation Stage Electromagnetic Compatibility Program Plan 

MOA = Memorandum of Agreement 

OSHA = Occupational Safety and Health Administration 

PHA = preliminary hazard analysis 

RWQCB = Regional Water Quality Control Board 

SHPO = State Historic Preservation Officer 

SR = State Route 

SSMP = Safety and Security Management Plan 

SWMTP = stormwater management and treatment plan 

SWPPP = Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan 

TVA = threat and vulnerability assessment 

Uniform Act = Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act, as amended 

UPRR = Union Pacific Railroad 

U.S. = United States 

USACE = United States Army Corps of Engineers 

U.S.C. = United States Code 

VOC = volatile organic compound 
Appendix 2-H 

Functions of Impact Avoidance and Minimization Measures 

November 2017 California High-Speed Rail Authority 

2-H-14 | Page Fresno to Bakersfield Section 

Draft Supplemental EIR/EIS 

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