APPENDIX A

Memorandum of Agreement 

for the Treatment of Adverse Effects 

on Historic Properties under 

Section 106 of the National Historic 

Preservation Act

Page 1

MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT 

AMONG THE FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION, THE CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED RAIL 

AUTHORITY, AND THE CALIFORNIA STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICER REGARDING 

THE MERCED-FRESNO SECTION OF THE CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN SYSTEM IN 

MERCED, MADERA, AND FRESNO COUNTIES 

WHEREAS the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and the California High-Speed Rail Authority 

(Authority) propose to construct a high-speed train (HST) system in California and have completed a Final 

Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS) for the Merced to Fresno 

Section of the HST Project (Undertaking); and 

WHEREAS a Programmatic Agreement (PA) among FRA, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation 

(ACHP), the California State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO), and the Authority regarding compliance 

with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (16 United States Code [U.S.C.] § 470f) and in 

accordance with its implementing regulations (36 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] Part 800), as it 

pertains to the California High-Speed Train Project, was executed on June 15, 2011 (Attachment 1); 

and 

WHEREAS the Undertaking consists of constructing a new rail alignment, stations, maintenance 

facilities, electrical substations, and other appurtenant facilities between Merced and Fresno; and 

WHEREAS FRA has concluded that the Undertaking will have an adverse effect on historic properties, as 

documented in the Findings of Effect report for the Merced to Fresno Section of the high-speed rail 

system; and 

WHEREAS FRA and the Authority have consulted with the SHPO and the ACHP pursuant to the PA and 

to 36 CFR Part 800 regulations regarding the Undertaking’s adverse effects on historic properties, and 

have notified the ACHP of the adverse effect finding pursuant to 36 CFR § 800.6(a)(1). The FRA and the 

Authority have invited the ACHP to participate in this Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), and in a letter 

dated April 23, 2012, the ACHP declined to participate. 

WHEREAS FRA and the Authority have determined that the character of the proposed Undertaking’s 

operation and maintenance constrains the Undertaking’s design in a manner that precludes the possibility 

of avoiding adverse effects on the subject historic properties as a result of the Undertaking’s 

implementation, and have further determined that they will resolve such effects through the execution 

and implementation of this MOA, as well as the Archaeological Treatment Plan (ATP; Attachment 2)

and the Built Environment Treatment Plan (BETP; Attachment 3); and 

WHEREAS, FRA and the Authority propose to phase identification of archaeological properties as 

provided for in Stipulation VI.E of the PA; 

WHEREAS, in accordance with Stipulation V.A and V.B of the PA, the FRA and Authority have consulted 

with affected local governments and other interested parties about the Undertaking and its effects on 

historic properties and have taken into account all comments received from them. The City of Madera, 

the City of Fresno, and Fresno County have participated in the consultation and have accepted FRA’s and 

the Authority’s invitation to be consulting parties to the development of this MOA, the ATP, and the BETP; 

and 

WHEREAS in accordance with Stipulation IV.A.5 and IV.C.2 of the PA, FRA has formally consulted with 

or has made a good faith effort to formally consult with the following federally recognized Native 

American tribes with ancestral ties to Madera, Merced, or Fresno counties and has invited them to 

participate as consulting parties in the development of this MOA and the ATP: Big Sandy Rancheria of 

Mono Indians, Cold Springs Rancheria of Mono Indians, Santa Rosa Rancheria Tachi Tribe, the North Fork 
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Rancheria of Mono Indians, the California Valley Miwok Tribe, the Table Mountain Rancheria, and the 

Picayune Rancheria of Chuckchansi; and 

WHEREAS the California Valley Miwok Tribe, the Cold Springs Rancheria of Mono Indians, the North 

Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians, and the Santa Rosa Rancheria Tachi Tribe have accepted FRA’s 

invitation to be consulting parties to the development of this MOA and the ATP; and 

WHEREAS in accordance with Stipulation IV.B.5, IV.C.1, and IV.C.2 of the PA, the Authority has 

consulted with or made a good faith effort to consult with the following non-federally recognized Native 

American tribes with ancestral ties to Madera, Merced, or Fresno counties and has invited them to 

participate as consulting parties in the development of this MOA and the ATP: Kings River Choinumni 

Farm Tribe, Dunlap Band of Mono, Choinumni Tribe of Yokuts, the Choinumne Tribe, the Traditional 

Choinumni Tribe, the North Fork Mono Tribe, the Sierra Nevada Native American Coalition, the Southern 

Sierra Miwuk Nation, the North Valley Yokuts Tribe, and the Chowchilla Tribe of Yokuts; and 

WHEREAS the North Fork Mono Tribe and the Chowchilla Tribe of Yokuts have accepted the Authority’s 

invitation to be consulting parties to the development of this MOA and the ATP; and 

WHEREAS a list of abbreviations and acronyms, of which shall apply to this MOA, is included in 

Attachment 5; 

NOW, THEREFORE FRA, the Authority, and SHPO agree the Undertaking will be implemented in 

accordance with the following stipulations in order to resolve the effects of the Undertaking on historic 

properties, and further agree that these stipulations shall govern the Undertaking and all its parts until 

this MOA expires or is terminated. 

STIPULATIONS 

The FRA shall ensure that the following stipulations of this MOA are carried out as follows: 

I. MODIFICATIONS TO THE AREA OF POTENTIAL EFFECTS 

The Area of Potential Effects (APE) for the Undertaking consists of both a Built Environment and 

Archaeological APE and is described and depicted in Attachment 4 (Figures 1 to 3) of this MOA. The 

APE consists of approximately 60 linear miles of track on new alignment, with a right-of-way anticipated 

to average about 100 feet. The APE represents the maximum extent of any potential direct ground 

disturbance and of any indirect effects from the construction of the Undertaking. The APE was developed 

and agreed upon among FRA, the Authority, and the SHPO, and accounts for potential impacts on both 

archaeological and built-environment resources that may result from the construction and operation of 

the Undertaking. 

If modifications to the Undertaking, subsequent to the execution of this MOA, necessitate the revision of 

the APE, FRA and the Authority shall submit the revised proposed APE to SHPO. SHPO will have 15 days 

to review and concur on the APE. If SHPO does not concur, FRA and the Authority will revise the APE 

based upon SHPO comment and resubmit for concurrence. SHPO will have 15 days to review and concur 

on this revised APE. Actions to be taken after any such modification shall be conducted in accordance 

with Stipulations VI.A and IX of the PA. 

II. COMPLETION OF HISTORIC PROPERTIES IDENTIFICATION EFFORT FOR THE 

ARCHAEOLOGICAL APE PRIOR TO CONSTRUCTION 

FRA and the Authority acknowledge that approximately 80% of the land in the Undertaking’s APE has yet 

to be surveyed for archaeological resources at the time of the execution of this MOA, due to a lack of 

legal access to that land. As provided for in Stipulation VI.E of the PA, this MOA addresses the 
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development and implementation of a post-review identification and evaluation effort for the 

Undertaking. Completion of the historic properties identification effort will be consistent with 

Stipulation VI of the PA. FRA and the Authority shall provide the SHPO with the information necessary to 

document that efforts to identify and evaluate historic properties in the Undertaking’s APE are sufficient 

to comply with 36 CFR § 800.4(b) and (c). 

The completion of the phased historic properties identification effort may occur incrementally throughout 

the APE and will entail pedestrian archaeological survey of the as-yet unsurveyed portions of the APE and 

testing and evaluation of archaeological sites within the APE that cannot be avoided. For any 

archaeological site (except those identified as exempt from evaluation, per Attachment D of the PA) 

identified as a result of the post-review archaeological identification effort, the FRA and the Authority 

shall provide the SHPO with the information necessary to document that efforts to evaluate resources in 

the Undertaking’s APE are sufficient to comply with 36 CFR § 800.4(c). The ATP describes the methods 

that will be employed to conduct archaeological site evaluations and specifies where and under what 

circumstances further efforts to identify significant archaeological deposits will take place within the areas 

of direct impact. 

If testing is not combined with data recovery, the results of testing and evaluation work will be 

documented in an Archaeological Evaluation Report or Reports (AER). The results of the investigation will 

provide the basis for National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and California Register of Historic Places 

(CRHR) eligibility recommendations. After review and concurrence of the findings by the Authority and 

FRA, the AER will be submitted to the SHPO and consulting parties for a concurrent 15-day review and 

comment period. If no objection is made within the 15-day review period, the AER will become final. Any 

disputes will be addressed under Stipulation V.C of this MOA. 

As allowed under Stipulation VI.C of the PA, this MOA includes provisions for treatment plans that include 

use of a combined archaeological testing and data recovery program. When this approach is 

implemented, within 14 days of completion of the testing field work within a designated portion of the 

APE, the Principal Investigator will prepare a Field Summary Letter Report that describes the testing 

efforts and results within the designated area. The report will include recommendations regarding site 

eligibility based on the site integrity and the ability to address relevant research questions. With approval 

from the Authority and FRA, the letter will be submitted to SHPO with a request for concurrence within 

15 days. If there is a disagreement, SHPO may conduct a field visit. If a disagreement remains after a 

field visit, then under Stipulation VI.D of the PA, FRA may forward a Determination of Eligibility 

documentation to the Secretary of the Interior for resolution in accordance with 36 CFR 800.4(c)(2). 

Upon SHPO concurrence, treatment will move into the data recovery phase for those resources identified 

as eligible properties. Where testing and data recovery are combined within a designated portion of the 

APE, the results of the treatment will be documented in a combined testing and data recovery report for 

the designated area. After completion of the analysis, a report will be submitted to SHPO and consulting 

parties for a concurrent 15-day review. If no objection is made within the 15-day review period, the 

report will become final. Any disputes will be addressed under Stipulation V.C of this MOA. 

III. TREATMENT OF HISTORIC PROPERTIES IDENTIFIED IN THE APE 

This MOA outlines FRA’s and the Authority’s commitments regarding the treatment of all historic 

properties, both currently known and yet-to-be-identified, that will be affected by the Undertaking. Two 

detailed historic property treatment plans have been prepared for the Undertaking. The ATP, 

Attachment 2, describes treatments for effects on archaeological properties and Native American 

traditional cultural properties. The BETP, Attachment 3, describes the treatments for effects on the 

built environment resources. The work described in the treatment plans will be conducted prior to 

construction, during construction, and/or after construction of the Undertaking. The treatments to historic 

properties known at the time of execution of this MOA are summarized in an impact/treatment table, 

organized by historic property, in Attachment 6. The treatment measures listed will be applied to 
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historic properties affected in order to avoid, minimize, and/or mitigate impacts of the Undertaking. The 

Authority shall implement and complete the treatment measures within 2 years of completion of 

construction of the Undertaking, or earlier if so specified. 

The Authority shall ensure that sufficient time and funding are provided to complete all necessary 

preconstruction commitments before disturbances related to the Undertaking occur. The contractor will 

consult with the Authority on each portion of the Undertaking to ensure that ground-disturbing activities 

are approved to proceed before any such activities occur. 

A. Archaeological Treatment Plan 

The ATP describes in detail the methods that will be employed to complete the historic properties 

identification effort within the Undertaking’s APE as part of the phased identification of 

archaeological resources. More specifically, the ATP builds upon the identification efforts 

completed to date and specifies where and under what circumstances further efforts to identify 

significant archaeological deposits will take place within the Undertaking’s areas of direct impact. 

The ATP also describes in detail the avoidance, minimization, and/or mitigation treatment 

measures for all currently known and yet-to-be-identified significant archaeological resources and 

Native American cultural resources affected by the Undertaking. FRA and the Authority commit to 

implementing the terms of the ATP. The major elements and commitments in the ATP include the 

following: 

 Project Personnel Roles and Responsibilities

 Archaeological survey/identification 

 Archaeological evaluations/eligibility determinations 

 Findings of effect determinations 

 Establishment of environmentally sensitive areas (ESAs), where feasible 

 Intentional site capping for preservation in place of significant archaeological 

sites, where feasible

 Data recovery excavations 

 Procedures and protocols for archaeological monitoring during construction 

 Procedures and protocols for unanticipated discoveries during construction

 Protocols for the treatment of human remains of Native American origin 

 Responsibilities for consultation and coordination with Indian tribes 

 Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) 

compliance (where applicable) 

 Ownership and curation of archaeological materials 

As described in the Project Roles and Responsibilities section of the ATP, the cultural resources 

Principal Investigator (PI) is responsible for the preparation of all technical reports/deliverables 

necessary to satisfy the commitments of the ATP and for the submittal of those reports and 
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deliverables to the Authority and FRA for review and approval. Upon review and approval by the 

Authority and FRA, the Authority is responsible for submitting the documentation to the SHPO 

and the consulting parties to this MOA. The SHPO and the consulting parties to this MOA shall 

have the opportunity to review and comment on all cultural resources documentation prepared 

under the terms of the ATP within 15 days, unless otherwise stated in the ATP. The documents 

and deliverables associated with the commitments detailed in the ATP are listed in Section 14.0 

of the ATP. If the SHPO does not comment with 15 days, then the documentation will be 

considered final and work will proceed. Electronic submittals of draft documents for review and 

comment are acceptable. 

B. Built Environment Treatment Plan

The BETP provides detailed descriptions of treatment measures for built environment historic 

properties located within the APE that will be affected by the Undertaking and are listed in 

Attachment 6. The treatments will be carried out by qualified professionals (see Section V.A, 

below). The treatment measures are included in the BETP and are intended to avoid, minimize, 

and/or mitigate adverse effects caused by the Undertaking. FRA and the Authority commit to 

implementing the terms of the BETP. The major elements and commitments in the BETP include 

the following: 

 Roles and Responsibilities 

 Reporting, Monitoring, and Scheduling Procedures 

 Pre- and Post-Construction Conditions Assessments 

 Protection and Stabilization Plans 

 Response Plan for Unanticipated Effects and Inadvertent Damage 

 Historic American Landscape Survey /Historic American Engineering Record 

(HALS/HAER) Documentation Procedures 

 Avoidance of Vibration Effects 

 Avoidance and Mitigation of Noise Effects 

 Historic Preservation Design Review 

 Salvage of Architectural Details 

 Preparation of Interpretive Materials and Exhibits 

As described in the Roles and Responsibilities section of the BETP, the Architectural History 

Principal Investigator is responsible for the preparation of all reports/deliverables necessary to 

satisfy the commitments of the BETP and for the submittal of those reports and deliverables to 

the Authority and FRA for review. Upon review and concurrence by the Authority and FRA, the 

Authority is responsible for submitting the documentation to the SHPO and consulting parties for 

review and comment. The SHPO and consulting parties to this MOA shall have 15 days to review 

and comment on all cultural resources documentation prepared under the terms of the attached 

BETP, unless otherwise stated in the BETP. If the SHPO does not comment within 15 days, then 

the documentation will be considered final and work will proceed. Electronic submittals of draft 

documents for review and comment are acceptable. 
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IV. Unanticipated Discoveries During Construction 

As described in the ATP, it is possible that previously unknown archaeological resources could be 

discovered during ground-disturbing construction activities associated with the Undertaking. The 

following protocols, which are also presented in the ATP, will be implemented in the event of such 

discoveries. 

A. Protocols for Discoveries 

If any potential archaeological resources are observed or suspected during construction, the 

onsite archaeological monitor will issue a temporary work stoppage to the equipment operator to 

allow for a closer inspection of the discovery. Work will be stopped within 50 feet of the 

discovery, or other such distance that is determined by the archaeological monitor to be 

necessary to avoid or minimize harm to the discovered archaeological resources. Construction 

activities may continue outside the area of the discovery, but the area of the discovery will 

remain undisturbed by construction activities until the archaeological monitor can complete an 

inspection. If the archaeological monitor determines that further investigation may be necessary, 

the archaeological monitor will notify and consult with the PI regarding the discovery. In 

accordance with Stipulation XI.B of the PA, if the PI determines that adverse effects on the 

resource can be avoided, no consultation with MOA signatories and consulting parties is 

necessary. If the PI determines that the archaeological discovery appears NRHP-eligible and 

adverse effects cannot be avoided, the PI will issue a stop work order and will notify the 

Authority Representative (AR) of the discovery. 

B. MOA Signatory Consultation 

In accordance with Stipulation XI.B of the PA, the Authority will consult with the FRA within 

24 hours of a discovery for which a stop work order has been issued to determine whether the 

unanticipated discovery is an eligible or potentially eligible property that will be adversely affected 

by the Undertaking. If the Authority and FRA determine that the property is likely an eligible or 

potentially eligible property that would be adversely affected by the Undertaking, they will 

develop recommendations regarding the proposed treatment measures to minimize adverse 

effects on the discovered resource. Within 48 hours of the discovery, the Authority will notify the 

SHPO of the discovery by phone or email. The Authority, in consultation with the FRA, will 

provide the SHPO with the recommended approach to treating the discovery. Consultation with 

the SHPO on the discovery will be conducted via email and phone, with hard copy documentation 

on the treatment to follow. If the Authority and FRA determine, in consultation with the SHPO, 

that the unanticipated discovery is not eligible and no further investigation is warranted, the AR 

will notify the resident engineer that clearance has been granted to resume work in the area. 

C. Consultation with Native American Tribes 

In accordance with Stipulation XI.C of the PA, the Authority shall notify the FRA and then the 

Authority shall notify local affiliated Native American tribes (see recitals above) of any discoveries 

that have the potential to adversely affect properties of religious or cultural significance to them 

within 24 hours of the discovery. After reviewing such discoveries, the aforementioned Native 

American tribes can request further consultation on the Undertaking by notifying the FRA in 

writing within 48 hours of FRA providing notice of the discovery. For interested Native American 

groups that are not federally recognized, the Authority shall notify them of any discoveries that 

have the potential to adversely affect properties of religious or cultural significance to them 

within 24 hours of the discovery. After reviewing such discoveries, the interested Native American 
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groups can request further consultation on the Undertaking by notifying the Authority in writing 

within 48 hours of the Authority providing notice of the discovery. 

D. Evaluation and Treatment of Unanticipated Discoveries 

Upon agreement between the signatories to this MOA regarding the appropriate treatment for an 

unanticipated discovery, the Authority will direct that data recovery be conducted in accordance 

with an Unanticipated Discovery Memorandum, as described in the ATP. As soon as the data 

recovery fieldwork is completed, work in the area of the discovery can resume. An Archaeological 

Data Recovery Report will be prepared subsequently in accordance with the ATP. 

V. ADMINISTRATIVE STIPULATIONS 

A. Professional Standards and Report Dissemination 

All activities regarding history, collections management, historical archaeology and prehistoric 

archaeology, architecture, landscape architecture, and architectural history that are accomplished 

pursuant to this MOA will be carried out by or under the direct supervision of persons meeting 

the “Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards” (36 CFR Part 61). 

The Authority and FRA will ensure that any additional professionals required to implement any of 

the provisions in this MOA, the ATP, and/or the BETP will be appropriately qualified to undertake 

such tasks. 

The Authority and FRA shall ensure that all reports resulting from implementation of the ATP and 

the BETP meet contemporary professional standards as specified in “The Secretary of the 

Interiors Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties” (National Park Service 1995 and 

updates); the “Secretary of the Interior's Standards and Guidelines for Archaeological 

Documentation” (National Park Service 1983 and updates); and “The Secretary of the Interior's 

Standards and Guidelines for Architectural and Engineering Documentation” (Federal Register

2003) as well as applicable standards and guidelines outlined in the California Office of Historic 

Preservation’s Archaeological Resource Management Reports (ARMR): Recommended Contents 

and Format (OHP 1990) and California Office of Historic Preservation’s Guidelines For 

Archaeological Research Designs (OHP 1991). Copies of all final reports will be provided to the 

SHPO, the Central California Information Center and the consulting parties. 

FRA and the Authority shall ensure that the materials and records resulting from the activities 

prescribed by this MOA are curated in accordance with 36 CFR Part 79 to the extent feasible. 

B. Confidentiality 

The signatories to this MOA acknowledge that the handling of documentation regarding historic 

properties covered by this MOA are subject to the provisions of § 304 of the National Historic 

Preservation Act of 1966, where federal land is involved and § 6254.10 of the California 

Government Code (Public Records Act), relating to the disclosure of archeological site 

information, where non-federal land is involved. Having so acknowledged, the signatories will 

ensure that all actions and documentation prescribed by this MOA are consistent with said 

sections, as applicable. Stipulation XII of the PA regarding confidentiality remains in effect and 

also applies to actions and documentation prescribed by the MOA. 

C. Dispute Resolution 

Should any signatory to this MOA object at any time to any actions proposed or the manner in 

which the terms of this MOA are implemented, FRA shall consult with such party to resolve the 
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objection. If FRA determines that such objection cannot be resolved within fifteen (15) calendar 

days, FRA shall forward all documentation relevant to the dispute, including the FRA’s proposed 

resolution, to the ACHP. FRA will also provide a copy to all signatories and concurring parties. 

The ACHP shall provide FRA with its advice on the resolution of the objection within thirty (30) 

days of receiving adequate documentation. Prior to reaching a final decision on the dispute, FRA 

shall prepare a written response that takes into account any timely advice or comments 

regarding the dispute from the ACHP, signatories and concurring parties, and provide them with 

a copy of this written response. FRA will then proceed according to its final decision. 

If the ACHP does not provide its advice regarding the dispute within the thirty-day (30-day) time 

period, FRA may make a final decision on the dispute and proceed accordingly. Prior to reaching 

such a final decision, FRA shall prepare a written response that takes into account any timely 

comments regarding the dispute from the signatories and concurring parties to the MOA, and 

provide them and the ACHP with a copy of such written response. 

FRA's responsibility to carry out all other actions subject to the terms of this MOA that are not the 

subject of the dispute remains unchanged. 

D. Amendment 

Any signatory party to this MOA may propose that this MOA be amended, whereupon all 

signatory parties shall consult for no more than 15 days to consider such an amendment. The 

amendment will be effective on the last date a copy of it is signed by all of the signatories in 

counterpart. If the signatories cannot agree to appropriate terms to amend the MOA, any 

signatory may terminate the MOA in accordance with Stipulation V.E, below. 

To address changes in the Undertaking or the treatment of historic properties affected by the 

Undertaking, the Authority may propose revisions to one or both historic property treatment 

plans to the other parties to this MOA. Upon the written concurrence of the SHPO, the Authority 

in coordination with FRA may revise the plan(s) to incorporate the agreed-upon changes without 

executing a formal amendment to this MOA. 

E. Termination 

If any signatory believes that the terms of this MOA are not being carried out or cannot be 

carried out, that party shall immediately consult with the other parties for a period of at least 

30 days to attempt to develop an amendment per Stipulation V.D above. Should such 

consultation result in an agreement on an alternative to termination, the signatory parties shall 

proceed in accordance with the terms of that agreement. 

If within thirty (30) days, or another time period agreed to by all signatories, an agreement for 

the amendment to the MOA cannot be reached, any signatory may terminate the MOA upon 

written notification to the other signatories. Termination hereunder shall render this MOA without 

further force or effect. 

If this MOA is terminated for any reason, and FRA determines that the Undertaking will proceed, 

FRA will either execute a new MOA with the signatories under 36 CFR § 800.6(c)(1), or request, 

take into account, and respond to, the comments of the ACHP pursuant to 36 CFR § 800.7. 

FRA shall notify the signatories as to the course of action it will pursue. 

F. Resolution of Public Objections 

At any time during implementation of the measures stipulated in this MOA, should a member of 

the public raise an objection in writing pertaining to such implementation to any signatory party 
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to this MOA, that signatory party shall immediately notify the other signatory parties in writing of 

the objection. FRA shall consult with the objecting party and with the other signatories for no 

more than thirty (30) days. FRA will take all comments from the other signatory parties into 

account. Within fifteen (15) days following closure of the consultation period, FRA shall render a 

decision regarding the objection and notify all parties of this decision in writing, including a copy 

of the response to the objecting party. FRA’s decision regarding resolution of the objection will be 

final. Following issuance of its final decision, FRA may authorize the action subject to the 

objection to proceed in accordance with the terms of that decision. 

G. Notice to Proceed 

Upon completion of reviews without objection, or with resolution of objections under 

Stipulation V.C or V.F of this MOA, the Authority will issue a notice to proceed in areas where 

adverse effects on historic properties have been addressed through this MOA and supporting 

documentation.

H. Duration 

If FRA determines that construction of the Undertaking has not been initiated within 

ten (10) years following execution of this MOA, the signatories shall consult to reconsider its 

terms. Reconsideration may include continuation of the MOA as originally executed, amendment, 

or termination. 

This MOA will be in effect through the Authority’s implementation of the Undertaking and will 

terminate and have no further force or effect when FRA, in consultation with the other 

signatories, determines that the terms of this MOA have been fulfilled in a satisfactory manner. 

FRA shall provide the other signatories with written notice of its determination and of termination 

of this MOA 

I. Reporting 

Electronic submittals are acceptable to expedite reviews. 

1. Annual Report 

An annual report (Report) shall be prepared by the Authority, in consultation with FRA, 

documenting the implementation of this MOA. The reporting period shall begin on the 

date the Notice to Proceed is given to the contractor, and shall end for that reporting 

year 365 days after that date. Annual reporting will be required so long as this MOA is in 

effect. 

The Report shall include, at a minimum: 

 List of all studies, reports, actions, evaluations, or monitoring reviewed or generated 

under the Stipulations of this MOA. 

 Record of all consultation and outreach efforts related to the implementation of this 

MOA. 

 Record of all efforts to identify and/or evaluate potential historic properties, 

monitoring efforts, archaeological management assessments or research designs, 

and treatment of historic properties. 
Page 10

 Any recommendations to amend this MOA or improve communications among 

the parties. 

The Authority shall submit the Report to FRA, and after review by FRA, the report will be 

provided to the SHPO, the signatories and the consulting parties, and the Authority shall 

ensure that the Report is made available to the public, upon request. At the request of 

the SHPO or the signatories and consulting parties, the Authority, in consultation with 

FRA, shall supplement this process through meeting(s) to address comments and/or 

questions. 

The Authority shall submit an annual report to the FRA, the SHPO, and the ACHP no later 

than three (3) months following the end of the State fiscal year until all treatment is 

completed. There will be a thirty-day (30-day) period to review and comment on the 

report. The Annual Report will be finalized after the close of the thirty-day (30-day) 

comment period. 

The Authority shall provide that the report herein prescribed is available for public 

inspection. The report will be sent to signatories and consulting parties of this 

Agreement, including Native American tribes, and a copy made available to members of 

the public for comment, upon request. 

2. Monthly Progress Reports 

Monthly progress reports documenting the implementation of the ATP and BETP will be 

prepared by the implementing contractor and submitted to the cultural resources point of 

contact at the Authority and FRA. Upon request, the monthly report will be provided to 

the SHPO and consulting parties to this MOA. The progress report may be submitted in 

digital form and will at a minimum include the following: 

 Name of project segment. 

 Reference to the specific treatment(s) and historic properties being treated. 

 Date, person, professional area of qualification, and entity/firm preparing and 

submitting the report. 

 Activities conducted since the previous progress report, including the status of any 

field work, analysis, or document preparation. Report of inadvertent discoveries or 

effects, and the result of any response activities implemented. 

 Activities planned for the upcoming month. 

 Known issues affecting the implementation of the ATP, BETP, or project schedule. 

 Potential issues that could affect the implementation of the ATP, BETP, or project 

schedule. 

VI. EFFECTIVE DATE AND EXECUTION 

This MOA will take effect on the date that it has been executed by the Authority, FRA, and the SHPO. 

Execution of this MOA by FRA and the Authority, its filing with the ACHP in accordance with 36 CFR 

800.6(b)(1)(i), and subsequent implementation of its terms, shall evidence, pursuant to 36 CFR 800.6(c), 

that this MOA is an agreement with the ACHP for purposes of Section 106 of the National Historic 

Preservation Act (NHPA), and shall further evidence that FRA and the Authority has afforded the ACHP an 
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opportunity to comment on the Undertaking and its effects on historic properties, and that FRA and the 

Authority has taken into account the effects of the Undertaking on historic properties. 

Page 13

CONCURRING PARTIES 

 

CALIFORNIA VALLEY MIWOK TRIBE 

By: Date: 

Name: 

Title: 

COLD SPRINGS RANCHERIA OF MONO INDIANS 

By: Date: 

Name: 

Title: 

NORTH FORK RANCHERIA OF MONO INDIANS 

By: Date: 

Name: 

Title: 

SANTA ROSA RANCHERIA TACHI TRIBE 

By: Date: 

Name: 

Title: 

NORTH FORK MONO TRIBE 

By: Date: 

Name: 

Title: 

CHOWCHILLA TRIBE OF YOKUTS 

By: Date: 

Name: 

Title: 
Page 14

CITY OF MADERA 

By: Date: 

Name: 

Title: 

CITY OF FRESNO 

By: Date: 

Name: 

Title: 

COUNTY OF FRESNO 

By: Date: 

Name: 

Title:
APPENDIX B

Biological Opinion (USFWS and NMFS)

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service









































































































National Marine Fisheries Service



































































APPENDIX C

Mitigation Monitoring and 

Enforcement Plan (MMEP)

CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT EIR/EIS MITIGATION MONITORING AND 

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

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F

Mitigation Monitoring 

and Enforcement Plan

Merced to Fresno Section

September 2012

Sacramento

Stockton

Modesto

Merced

Transbay Transit Center

Fresno

Kings/Tulare

(Potential Station)

Gilroy

San Jose Redwood City or Palo Alto 

(Potential Station)

Millbrae-SFO

Bakersfield

Palmdale 

San Fernando/Burbank

Ontario Airport

Norwalk Riverside/Corona

Murrieta

Escondido

San Diego

East

San Gabriel

Valley

Los Angeles

Anaheim

CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

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Contents

Introduction ................................................................................................................... 1

Mitigation Monitoring and Enforcement Plan ................................................................ 2

Environmental Management System (EMS)...................................................................4

Tables

1 Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan ................................................. 5

2 Voluntary Mitigation Measures per CEQA.......................................................119

Appendix A

A Project Design Features

CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

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1.0 Introduction

In February 2012, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and California High-Speed Rail Authority

(Authority) prepared a joint Final Project Environmental Impact Report/ Environmental Impact Statement 

(EIR/EIS) for the Merced to Fresno Section of the California High-Speed Train (HST) Project (Project). 

The Final Project EIR/EIS satisfies the requirements of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and is 

the basis for the FRA’s Record of Decision (ROD). As part of the ROD, FRA has selected the north-south 

Hybrid Alternative and the Downtown Merced Station and Downtown Fresno Mariposa Street Station 

alternatives. 

This Mitigation Monitoring and Enforcement Plan (MMEP) has been prepared for the Merced to Fresno 

Section of the HST Project and adheres to the Council on Environmental Quality’s (CEQ) regulations 

(40 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] Section 1505) and FRA Procedures for Considering Environmental 

Impacts (64 Federal Register 28545, May 26, 1999). Additionally, the FRA must adopt a monitoring and 

enforcement program where applicable for mitigation. On January 14, 2011, the CEQ finalized guidance 

entitled Appropriate Use of Mitigation and Monitoring and Clarifying the Appropriate Use of Mitigated 

Findings of No Significant Impact (CEQ Guidance). The CEQ Guidance is intended to assist federal 

agencies to develop mitigation programs that provide effective documentation, implementation, and 

monitoring of mitigation commitments and was considered in the preparation of this MMEP. 

Table 1 of the MMEP describes mitigation measures that would avoid, minimize, or compensate for 

potential adverse environmental impacts to construct and operate the HST Project. These measures were 

developed by the FRA and the Authority in consultation with appropriate agencies, as well as with input 

from the public, to meet the requirements of NEPA and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

The Final EIR/EIS identified certain mitigation measures required to comply with CEQA. Since such 

measures might not otherwise be required under NEPA, they are described in this MMEP as “voluntary” 

(Table 2). These “voluntary” mitigation measures are included in FRA’s MMEP to provide a comprehensive 

mitigation strategy for the HST Project. The Authority is required to comply with all mitigation measures 

adopted with the ROD, including those specific to CEQA and those addressing federal laws and 

requirements. As a result, the measures described as “voluntary” in this MMEP will be implemented by 

the Authority as mitigation measures necessary to comply with CEQA. The HST Project incorporates 

design features and best management practices (BMPs) identified in the Final Project EIR/EIS and 

described in detail in a series of technical reports that accompanied preparation of the environmental 

document. As a result of applying these design features and BMPs, the HST Project 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 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 U.S. Fish 

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

Agency1 with jurisdiction under the Endangered Species Act and the Clean Water Act, respectively. Like 

the mitigation measures listed in Tables 1 and 2, the project design features (see Appendix A) 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 Project.

The laws and orders the project is subject to and the design features that are part of the HST Project are 

described for the following resource areas in more detail in the corresponding chapters of the Final 

Project EIR/EIS:

• Transportation – Chapter 3.2, section 3.2.2, section 3.2.6

 1 EPA delegated authority under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act to the State of California. 
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

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• Air Quality and Global Climate Change – Chapter 3.3, section 3.3.2, section 3.3.8

• Noise and Vibration – Chapter 3.4, section 3.4.2, section 3.4.6

• Public Utilities and Energy – Chapter 3.6, section 3.6.2, section 3.6.6

• Biological Resources and Wetlands – Chapter 3.7, section 3.7.2, section 3.7.6

• Hydrology and Water Resources – Chapter 3.8, section 3.8.2, section 3.8.6

• Geology and Soils – Chapter 3.9, section 3.9.2, section 3.9.6

• Hazardous Materials and Wastes – Chapter 3.10, section 3.10.2, section 3.10.6

• Safety and Security – Chapter 3.11, section 3.11.2, section 3.11.6

• Socioeconomics, Communities, and Environmental Justice – Chapter 3.12, section 3.12.2, 

section 3.12.6

• Station Planning, Land Use, and Development –Chapter 3.13, section 3.13.2, section 3.13.16

• Agricultural Lands – Chapter 3.14, section 3.14.2, section 3.14.6

• Parks, Recreation, and Open Space, Chapter 3.15, section 3.15.2

• Aesthetics and Visual Resources – Chapter 3.16, section 3.16.2, section 3.16.6

• Cultural and Paleontological Resources – Chapter 3.17, section 3.17.2, section 3.17.6

2.0 Mitigation Monitoring and Enforcement 

Plan

The environmental effects of the Hybrid Alternative and station locations for the Merced to Fresno Section 

of the HST Project would result in effects that would be considered significant under NEPA. Mitigation 

measures that would reduce or eliminate potential adverse environmental effects are described in 

Chapter 3 of Volume 1 of the Final Project EIR/EIS. The specific provisions contained in the MMEP are

presented as a table and include the mitigation measures identified in the Final Project EIR/EIS,

organized by environmental issue and topical areas addressed in the EIR/EIS. In collaboration with FRA 

and the appropriate agencies, the Authority may refine the means by which it will implement a mitigation 

measure, as long as the alternative means ensure compliance during project implementation. The MMEP 

describes implementation and monitoring procedural guidance, responsibilities, and timing for each 

mitigation measure identified in the Final Project EIR/EIS, including:

• Significant Impact: Provides a brief description of the impact expected to occur from the proposed 

HST Project as identified in the Final Project EIR/EIS.

• Mitigation Measure: Provides the mitigation measure and monitoring requirements as identified

the Final Project EIR/EIS. 

• Implementing Party/Monitoring/Reporting Party: Identifies the entity that will be responsible

for directly implementing the mitigation measures, monitoring, and reporting. Implementation can be 

the responsibility of the Authority or its Contractor. When project work is undertaken by the 

Authority’s Contractor, the Contractor shall implement the mitigation measures that are pertinent to 
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

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their scope of work. The Contractor shall monitor construction activities to ensure that the mitigation 

measures are being properly implemented and accurately report their activity and results to the 

Authority. The Authority will periodically check the Contractor’s activity, reports, and effectiveness of 

mitigation activities with oversight provided by the Authority during construction. Long-term 

mitigation monitoring responsibilities will be transferred from the Contractor to the Authority upon 

final contract acceptance. The following roles are described in the MMEP:

− Authority: A designated Authority representative will be responsible for implementing or 

monitoring and reporting mitigation measures as specified in this MMEP. As the state lead agency 

and proponent of this project, the Authority will implement the mitigation measures through its 

own actions, those of its contractors, and actions taken in cooperation with other agencies and 

entities. The Authority, in coordination with FRA, defines the mitigation measures required for the 

project. The Authority will periodically check the Contractor’s activity, reports, and effectiveness 

of mitigation. 

− FRA: CEQ regulations (40 CFR 1505.2(c)) and guidance allow federal agencies to monitor the 

implementation of environmental conditions and commitments established in an EIS. Consistent 

with this obligation, FRA will monitor the implementation of environmental commitments in the 

MMEP. In addition, implementation of these measures will be required as conditions of permits, 

licenses, and funding agreements. For example, the Authority is required to implement the 

mitigation strategy contained in this MMEP as a condition of the cooperative agreement between 

the FRA and the Authority.

− Mitigation Manager: The Contractor’s representative will be responsible for overseeing HST 

Project mitigation to verify that mitigation is carried out as specified in the MMEP. When project 

work is undertaken by the Authority’s Contractor, the Contractor shall implement the mitigation 

measures that are pertinent to their scope of work. The Contractor shall monitor construction 

activities to ensure that the mitigation measures are being properly implemented and accurately 

report their activity and results to the Authority. The Mitigation Manager will report the status of 

each mitigation measure to the Authority in accordance with the MMEP.

− Project Biologist: The Project Biologist will represent the construction management team, 

report directly to the construction management team, and be responsible for reporting and 

overseeing implementation of the biological resources mitigation measures.

− Project Biological Monitor: The Project Biological Monitor will be approved by and report 

directly to the Project Biologist. The Project Biological Monitor will be onsite during all grounddisturbing activities that have the potential to affect biological resources and will be the principal 

agent(s) in the direct implementation of the MMEP and compliance assurance. 

− Contractor’s Biologist: The Contractor’s Biologist is responsible for implementing mitigation 

measures in compliance with the terms and conditions outlined in the MMEP and permits issued 

by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife (USFWS), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), State Water 

Resource Control Board (SWRCB), and California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG).

− Qualified Professional Archaeologist: The Qualified Professional Archaeologist will be the 

Contractor’s archaeologist and will meet the Secretary of the Interior’s (SOI) Professional 

Qualifications Standards for Archaeology. The Contractor’s Archaeologist shall be responsible for 

training Contractor’s staff, implementing mitigation, and coordinating the status of the 

archaeological mitigation with the Authority in accordance with the MMEP. 

− Archaeological Monitor: The Archaeological Monitor(s) will be members of Contractor’s field 

crew responsible for field monitoring of archaeological mitigation in accordance with the MMEP. 

The Contractor shall determine how many Archaeological Monitors are needed to satisfy the 

mitigation requirements.
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

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• Post-Construction Contractor: The Post-Construction Contractor will be hired by the Authority to 

perform post-construction activities associated with traffic monitoring and implementing defined 

additional measures if traffic congestion thresholds are met. Mitigation Timing (Implementation 

Schedule/Reporting Schedule): Not all mitigation actions will occur at the same time. Depending 

upon the measure, it may be undertaken prior to, during, or following project construction and 

initiation of operations. Measures may also be undertaken in conjunction with different construction 

packages or at such time as project operations reach a certain level. This column of the MMEP table 

identifies the stage of the project during which the mitigation action will be taken and when reporting 

is to occur, if reporting is required.

• Implementation Mechanism or Tool: Identifies the actions required to implement the measures, 

including any required agreements and/or conditions. 

3.0 Environmental Management System 

(EMS)

The Authority will implement an Environmental Management System (EMS) consisting of strategic 

planning, policies and procedures, organizational structure, staffing and responsibilities, milestones, 

schedule, and resources devoted to achieving the Authority’s environmental commitments. The EMS will 

also include a component that tracks the implementation of mitigation measures (as well as

environmental commitments, BMPs, and design features) and can produce reports on compliance. FRA 

will receive periodic reports on compliance and may request additional reports as necessary to ensure 

that the MMEP is fully implemented. This system will rely on data provided by the design-build contractor, 

regional consultants, and others to produce status reports regarding construction status, permitting 

activities, monitoring, inspections, and other compliance activities. 
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

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Table 1

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

Transportation

TR #1: Permanent 

Road Closures.

TR MM#1: Access Maintenance for Property Owners. Maintain access for 

owners to property within the construction area to a level that maintains preproject viability of the property for its pre-project use. If a proposed road 

closure restricts current access to a property, provide alternative access via 

connections to existing roadways. If adjacent road access is not available, 

prepare new road connections, if feasible. If alternative road access is not 

feasible, the property will be acquired.

Implementing Party: Contractor will prepare construction 

plans and provide copies to affected jurisdictions. The 

Contractor will meet with the applicable property owner to 

identify their preferred location for the new access on their 

property.

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager will verify 

noticing obligations are met.

X Prepare advanced noticing 

prior to 

construction/maintain 

weekly reporting schedule

Contract 

Requirements/Specifications

TR #2: Fresno Area 

between Herndon 

Avenue and Shaw 

Avenue Intersection 

Impacts –Existing 

Plus Project.

TR MM#4: Add Signal to Intersection to Improve LOS/Operation. Add 

traffic signals to affected unsignalized intersections in order to improve LOS and 

intersection operation. 

• Cornelia Avenue/Shaw Avenue

Implementing Party: Authority.

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Authority

X Annual intersection LOS 

analysis. Installation of 

signal when warrant 

criteria are met.

Memorandum of Understanding 

with the City of Fresno

TR MM#7: Widen Approaches to Intersections. Widen approaches in 

order to improve LOS and intersection operation.

• Blythe Avenue/Shaw Avenue – eastbound approach 

Implementing Party: Contractor will prepare construction 

plans and provide copies to affected jurisdictions.

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager will verify 

compliance as identified in construction plans.

X Prepare construction 

management 

plan/maintain weekly 

reporting schedule

Contract 

Requirements/Specifications

TR MM#8: Add Exclusive Turn Lanes to Intersections. Add exclusive 

turn lanes at specific intersections in order to improve LOS and intersection 

operations. The traffic impacts associated at the identified intersections would 

be addressed by:

• Signalizing the intersection at Cornelia Ave./Shaw Ave. and widening the 

approach at Blythe Avenue/Shaw Avenue to provide second left-turn lane

Implementing Party: Contractor will prepare construction 

plans and provide copies to affected jurisdictions.

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager will verify 

compliance as identified in construction plans.

X Prepare construction 

management 

plan/maintain weekly 

reporting schedule

Contract 

Requirements/Specifications

TR #2: Fresno Area 

between Herndon 

Avenue and Shaw 

Avenue 

Intersection 

Impacts – Future 

(2035) Plus 

Project.

TR MM#3: Modify Signal Phasing. Modify traffic signal phasing sequence to 

improve operations at a signalized intersection. 

• Veterans Boulevard/Golden State Boulevard Connector – modify 

northbound and southbound right-turn as free movements

Implementing Party: Contractor will prepare construction 

plans and provide copies to affected jurisdiction.

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager will verify 

compliance as identified in construction plans.

X Prepare construction

management 

plan/maintain weekly 

reporting schedule

Contract 

Requirements/Specifications
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

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Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

TR MM#4: Add Signal to Intersection to Improve LOS/Operation. 

This mitigation is only necessary when signal warrants are met, and such 

warrants for certain of the intersections requiring this mitigation are met after 

2020, as described in the Final EIR/EIS. Such intersections shall be monitored 

on an annual basis and signal installed when warrants are met. 

• Golden State Boulevard/Santa Ana Avenue 

• Cornelia Avenue/Shaw Avenue 

• Cornelia Avenue/Golden State Boulevard 

Implementing Party: Authority.

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Authority.

X Annual signal warrant 

analysis. Installation of 

signal when warrant 

criteria are met.

Memorandum of Understanding 

with the City of Fresno

TR MM#5: Restripe Intersections. Restripe specific intersections 

surrounding proposed HST station locations in order to improve LOS and 

intersection operations.

• Figarden Drive/Bullard Avenue – westbound approach to provide two leftturn lanes, one through lane and one right-turn lane

• Veterans Boulevard/Bullard Avenue – eastbound approach to provide one 

left-turn lane and two right-turn lanes; northbound approach to provide 

three left-turn lanes and one through lane

• Veterans Boulevard/Golden State Boulevard Connector – eastbound 

approach to provide one left-turn lane and four through lanes

Implementing Party: Contractor will prepare construction 

plans and provide copies to affected jurisdictions.

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager will verify 

compliance as identified in construction plans.

X Prepare construction 

management 

plan/maintain weekly 

reporting schedule

Contract 

Requirements/Specifications

TR MM#6: Modify Signal Timing. Modify signal timing (to optimize cycle 

length and/or splits) at specific intersections surrounding proposed HST station 

locations in order to improve LOS and intersection operations.

• Veterans Boulevard/Bullard Avenue

• Veterans Boulevard/Golden State Boulevard Connector

Implementing Party: Contractor will prepare construction 

plans and provide copies to affected jurisdictions.

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager will verify 

compliance as identified in construction plans.

X Prepare construction 

management 

plan/maintain weekly 

reporting schedule

Contract 

Requirements/Specifications

TR MM#7: Widen Approaches to Intersections. Widen approaches in 

order to improve LOS and intersection operation.

• Golden State Boulevard/Santa Ana Avenue – northbound approach on 

Golden State Boulevard and widen downstream on Santa Ana Avenue 

• Cornelia Avenue/Shaw Avenue – westbound approach, northbound 

approach, and southbound approach; widen downstream on Cornelia 

Avenue 

• Blythe Avenue/Shaw Avenue – eastbound approach

• Veterans Boulevard/Golden State Boulevard Connector – westbound 

approach

Implementing Party: Contractor will prepare construction 

plans and provide copies to affected jurisdictions.

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager will verify 

compliance as identified in construction plans.

X Prepare construction 

management 

plan/maintain weekly 

reporting schedule

Contract 

Requirements/Specifications

TR MM#8: Add Exclusive Turn Lanes to Intersections. Add exclusive 

turn lanes at specific intersections in order to improve LOS and intersection 

operations. The traffic impacts associated at the identified intersections would 

be addressed as follows:

• Golden State Boulevard/Santa Ana Avenue – northbound approach on 

Golden State Boulevard to provide dual left-turn lanes and one through lane; 

widen downstream on Santa Ana Avenue to two receiving lanes from one 

receiving lane

• Cornelia Avenue/Shaw Avenue – restripe eastbound approach to provide one 

Implementing Party: Contractor will prepare construction 

plans and provide copies to affected jurisdictions.

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager will verify 

compliance as identified in construction plans.

X Prepare construction 

management 

plan/maintain weekly 

reporting schedule

Contract 

Requirements/Specifications
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

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Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

left-turn lane, two through lanes, and one right-turn lane; westbound 

approach to provide two left-turn lanes, two through lanes, and one rightturn lane; northbound approach to provide one left-turn lane, one through 

lane, and one channelized right-turn; and southbound approach to provide 

one left-turn lane, one through lane, and one right-turn lane; downstream 

on Cornelia Avenue to two receiving lanes from one receiving lane

• Blythe Avenue/Shaw Avenue – eastbound approach to provide a second leftturn lane

• Veterans Boulevard/Golden State Boulevard Connector – westbound 

approach to provide additional left-turn lane and a through lane

TR-MM#9: Convert Two-Way- Stop to Four-Way Stop. Convert two-way 

stop controlled intersection to an all-way stop controlled intersection. 

Implementing Party: Contractor will prepare construction 

plans and provide copies to affected jurisdictions.

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager will 

verify compliance as identified in construction plans.

X Prepare construction 

management 

plan/maintain weekly 

reporting schedule

TR MM#10: Grade Separate Through Movements. Modify the intersection 

to provide an overpass for through movements to improve LOS and 

intersection operations.

The traffic impacts associated at the identified intersections would be 

addressed by (per Final Project EIR/EIS Table 3.2-53): 

• Signalizing the intersection, widening the northbound approach to provide 

dual left-turn lanes and one through lane, and widening downstream of 

Santa Ana Avenue from one receiving lane to two receiving lanes to 

accommodate the dual left-turn lanes from northbound approach on 

Golden State Boulevard for the Golden State Boulevard/Santa Ana Avenue 

intersection

• Signalizing the intersection, restriping eastbound approach to provide one 

left-turn lane, two through lanes, and one right-turn lane, widening 

westbound approach to provide two left-turn lanes, two through lanes and 

one right-turn lane, widening northbound approach to provide one leftturn lane, one through lane, and one channelized right-turn, widening 

southbound approach to provide one left-turn lane, one through lane, and 

one right-turn lane, and widening downstream on Cornelia Avenue form 

one receiving lane to two receiving lanes to accommodate the second lefttune lane from westbound approach on Shaw Avenue for the Cornelia 

Avenue/Shaw Avenue intersection

• Widening eastbound approach to provide a second left-turn lane at Blythe 

Avenue/Shaw Avenue

• Signalizing the intersection at Cornelia Avenue/Golden State Boulevard

• restriping westbound approach to provide two left-turn lanes, one through 

lane and one right-turn lane for the Figarden Drive/Bullard Avenue 

intersection

• Grade separating through movement on Veterans Boulevard, restriping 

eastbound approach to provide one left-turn lane and two right-turn lanes, 

restriping northbound approach to provide three left-turn lanes and one 

Implementing Party: Contractor will prepare construction 

plans and provide copies to affected jurisdictions.

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager will 

verify compliance as identified in construction plans.

X Prepare construction 

management 

plan/maintain weekly 

reporting schedule

Contract 

Requirements/Specifications
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

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Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

through lane, and modifying the signal timing at the Veterans 

Boulevard/Bullard Avenue intersection 

• Restriping eastbound approach to provide one left-turn lane and four 

through lanes, widening westbound approach to provide additional leftturn lane and a through lane, and modify northbound and southbound 

right-turn as free movements at the Veterans Boulevard/Golden State 

Boulevard connector.

TR #3: Fresno Area 

between Herndon

Avenue and Shaw 

Avenue Roadway 

Impacts – Future 

(2035) Plus 

Project.

TR MM#11: Add Lanes to the Segment. Add travel lanes to the roadway 

segment in order to increase capacity and improve roadway operations.

• Veterans Boulevard between Golden State Boulevard and Bullard Avenue –

one lane in each direction

Implementing Party: Contractor will prepare construction 

plans and provide copies to affected jurisdiction.

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager will verify 

compliance as identified in construction plans.

X Prepare construction 

management 

plan/maintain weekly 

reporting schedule

Contract 

Requirements/Specifications

TR #4: Fresno Area 

between McKinley 

Avenue and SR 180 

Roadway Impacts –

Future (2035) Plus 

Project.

TR MM#11: Add Lanes to the Segment. Add travel lanes to the roadway 

segment in order to increase capacity and improve roadway operations.

The traffic impacts associated at the identified roadway segments would be 

addressed by (per Final Project EIR/EIS Table 3.2-55):

• Adding one lane in each direction along West Olive Avenue between SR 99 

ramps and North West Avenue

• Adding one lane in each direction along West Belmont Avenue between 

North Arthur Avenue and SR 99 ramps

Implementing Party: Contractor will prepare construction 

plans and provide copies to affected jurisdiction.

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager will verify 

compliance as identified in construction plans.

X Prepare construction 

management 

plan/maintain weekly 

reporting schedule

Contract 

Requirements/Specifications

TR #5: Fresno Area 

between McKinley 

Avenue and SR 180 

Intersection Impacts 

– Existing Plus 

Project.

TR MM#4: Add Signal to Intersection to Improve LOS/Operation.

The traffic impacts associated at the identified roadway segments would be 

addressed by (per Final Project EIR/EIS Table 3.2-55):

• Signalizing the intersection at the West Olive Avenue/SR 99 southbound 

ramps 

• Signalizing the intersection and providing at West Belmont Avenue/SR 99 

southbound ramps a protected phasing for westbound left-turn movement

• Signalizing the intersection at West Belmont Avenue/SR 99 northbound 

ramps

Implementing Party: Contractor will prepare construction 

plans and provide copies to affected jurisdiction.

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager will verify 

compliance as identified in construction plans.

X Prepare construction 

management 

plan/maintain weekly 

reporting schedule

Contract 

Requirements/Specifications

TR #5: Fresno Area 

between McKinley 

Avenue and SR 180 

Intersection Impacts 

– Future (2035) Plus 

Project.

TR MM#4: Add Signal to Intersection to Improve LOS/Operation.

Signalize and improve the following intersections as described above for TR 

MM#4: 

• West Olive Avenue/North West Avenue

• West Belmont Avenue/ SR 99 southbound ramps

• West Belmont Avenue/ SR 99 northbound ramps

Implementing Party: Contractor will prepare construction 

plans and provide copies to affected jurisdiction.

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager will verify 

compliance as identified in construction plans.

X Prepare construction 

management 

plan/maintain weekly 

reporting schedule

Contract 

Requirements/Specifications

TR MM#7: Widen Approaches to Intersections.

Widen approaches in order to improve LOS and intersection operation.

• West Olive Avenue/SR 99 southbound ramps – southbound approach 

• West Olive Avenue/SR 99 northbound ramps – northbound approach

Implementing Party: Contractor will prepare construction 

plans and provide copies to affected jurisdiction.

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager will verify 

compliance as identified in construction plans.

X Prepare construction 

management 

plan/maintain weekly 

reporting schedule

Contract 

Requirements/Specifications

TR MM#8: Add Exclusive Turn Lanes to Intersections. Implementing Party: Contractor will prepare construction X Prepare construction Contract 
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

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Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

The traffic impacts associated at the identified intersections would be 

addressed by (per Final Project EIR/EIS Table 3.2-55): 

• Widening the southbound approach to provide additional left-turn lane at 

West Olive Avenue/SR 99 southbound ramps

• Widening the northbound approach to provide exclusive left-turn lane at 

West Olive Avenue/SR 99 northbound ramps

• Signalizing the intersection at West Olive Avenue/North West Avenue

• Signalizing the intersection at West Belmont Avenue/ SR 99 southbound 

ramps

• Signalizing the intersection at West Belmont Avenue/ SR 99 northbound 

ramps

plans and provide copies to affected jurisdiction.

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager will verify 

compliance as identified in construction plans.

management 

plan/maintain weekly 

reporting schedule

Requirements/Specifications

TR #6: SR 99 

Relocation Freeway 

Impacts – Future 

(2035) Plus Project.

TR MM#2: Add Southbound Auxiliary Lane to SR 99.

Add southbound auxiliary lane south of the Clinton Avenue on-ramp to Olive 

Avenue.

Implementing Party: Contractor will prepare construction 

plans and provide copies to affected jurisdictions and Caltrans.

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager will verify 

compliance as identified in construction plans.

X Prepare construction 

management 

plan/maintain weekly 

reporting schedule

Contract 

Requirements/Specifications

TR #7: SR 99 

Relocation 

Intersection Impacts 

– Existing Plus 

Project.

TR MM#4: Add Signal to Intersection to Improve LOS/Operation

Signalize and improve the following intersection as described above for TR 

MM#4:

• Dakota Avenue/Brawley Avenue

Implementing Party: Contractor will prepare construction 

plans and provide copies to affected jurisdictions 

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager will verify 

compliance as identified in construction plans.

X Prepare construction 

management 

plan/maintain weekly 

reporting schedule

Contract 

Requirements/Specifications

TR MM#5: Restripe Intersections. 

Restripe the following intersection as described above for TR MM#5:

• Dakota Avenue/Brawley Avenue – northbound approach include exclusive 

left-turn lane and shared through-right-turn lane

Implementing Party: Contractor will prepare construction 

plans and provide copies to affected jurisdictions.

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager will verify 

compliance as identified in construction plans.

X Prepare construction 

management 

plan/maintain weekly 

reporting schedule

Contract 

Requirements/Specifications

TR MM#7: Widen Approaches to Intersections.

Widen the following intersections as described above for TR MM#7:

• Clinton Avenue/Weber Avenue – southbound approach; eastbound 

approach

• Dakota Avenue/Brawley Avenue – southbound approach

Implementing Party: Contractor will prepare construction 

plans and provide copies to affected jurisdiction.

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager will verify 

compliance as identified in construction plans.

X Prepare construction 

management 

plan/maintain weekly 

reporting schedule

Contract 

Requirements/Specifications

TR MM#8: Add Exclusive Turn Lanes to Intersections.

The traffic impacts associated at the identified intersections associated with the 

SR 99 realignment would be addressed by (per Final Project EIR/EIS

Table 3.2-56):

• Widening southbound approach to provide second left-turn lane and 

widening northbound approach to provide second left-turn lane for the 

Clinton Avenue/Weber Avenue intersection

• Signalizing the intersection, restriping northbound approach to include 

exclusive left-turn lane and shared through-right-turn lane, and widening 

southbound approach to include exclusive left-turn, through, and exclusive 

right-turn lanes for the Dakota Avenue/Brawley Avenue intersection

Implementing Party: Contractor will prepare construction 

plans and provide copies to affected jurisdiction.

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager will verify 

compliance as identified in construction plans.

X Prepare construction 

management 

plan/maintain weekly 

reporting schedule

Contract 

Requirements/Specifications
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 10

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

TR #7: SR 99 

Relocation 

Intersection Impacts 

– Future (2035) Plus 

Project.

TR MM#4: Add Signal to Intersection to Improve LOS/Operation

Signalize and improve the following intersections as described above for TR 

MM#4:

• Shields Avenue/Brawley Avenue

• Dakota Avenue/Brawley Avenue -

Implementing Party: Contractor will prepare construction 

plans and provide copies to affected jurisdictions 

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager will verify 

compliance as identified in construction plans.

X Prepare construction 

management 

plan/maintain weekly 

reporting schedule

Contract 

Requirements/Specifications

TR MM#5: Restripe Intersections.

Restripe the following intersections as described above for TR MM#5:

• Clinton Avenue/Marks Avenue – southbound approach to include two leftturn lanes and one shared through-right-turn lane

• Dakota Avenue/Brawley Avenue – northbound approach to include 

exclusive left-turn lane and shared through-right-turn lane; westbound 

approach to include exclusive left-turn lane and shared through-right-turn 

lane

Implementing Party: Contractor will prepare construction 

plans and provide copies to affected jurisdictions 

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager will verify 

compliance as identified in construction plans.

X Prepare construction 

management 

plan/maintain weekly 

reporting schedule

Contract 

Requirements/Specifications

TR MM#7: Widen Approaches to Intersections.

Widen approaches in order to improve LOS and intersection operation.

• Clinton Avenue/Brawley Avenue – southbound approach

• Clinton Avenue/Marks Avenue – southbound approach 

• Clinton Avenue/SR 99 southbound ramps – eastbound approach 

• Clinton Avenue/Weber Avenue – southbound approach; eastbound 

approach

• Dakota Avenue/Brawley Avenue – southbound approach; eastbound 

approach

• Ashlan Avenue - SR 99 southbound ramps/Parkway Drive – northbound 

approach

Implementing Party: Contractor will prepare construction 

plans and provide copies to affected jurisdictions.

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager will verify 

compliance as identified in construction plans.

X Prepare construction 

management 

plan/maintain weekly 

reporting schedule

Contract 

Requirements/Specifications

TR MM#8: Add Exclusive Turn Lanes to Intersections.

The traffic impacts associated at the identified intersections would be 

addressed by (per Final Project EIR/EIS Table 3.2-57): 

• Widening southbound approach to provide second left-turn lane at the 

Clinton Avenue/Brawley Avenue intersection

• Widening northbound approach to provide exclusive northbound right-turn 

lane and restriping southbound approach to include two left-turn lanes and 

one shared through-right-turn lane at the Clinton Avenue/Marks Avenue 

intersection

• Widening eastbound approach to provide exclusive eastbound right-turn 

lane at the Clinton Avenue/SR 99 southbound ramps intersection

• Widening southbound approach to provide second left-turn lane and 

widening eastbound approach to provide second left-turn lane at the 

Clinton Avenue/Weber Avenue intersection

• Signalizing the intersection at Shields Avenue/Brawley Avenue

• Signalizing the intersection, restriping northbound approach to include 

exclusive left-turn lane and shared through-right-turn lane, restriping 

westbound approach to include exclusive left-turn lane and shared 

through-right-turn lane, widening southbound approach to include 

Implementing Party: Contractor will prepare construction 

plans and provide copies to affected jurisdictions. 

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager will verify 

compliance as identified in construction plans.

X Prepare construction 

management 

plan/maintain weekly 

reporting schedule

Contract 

Requirements/Specifications
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 11

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

exclusive left-turn, through, and exclusive right-turn lanes, and widening 

eastbound approach to include exclusive left-turn and shared throughright-turn lane at the Dakota Avenue/Brawley Avenue intersection

• Adding second northbound right-turn lane at Ashland Avenue – SR 99 

southbound ramps/Parkway Drive

TR #8: HST Station 

Area Roadway 

Impacts – Existing 

Plus Project.

TR MM#11: Add Lanes to the Segment.

Merced Station 

• M Street between 13th Street and 16th Street – adding one travel lane in 

each direction

• V Street west of 13th Street (Option A only) - adding one travel lane in 

each direction

Fresno Station 

• n/a

Implementing Party: Contractor will prepare construction 

plans and provide copies to affected jurisdictions. 

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager will verify 

compliance as identified in construction plans.

X Prepare construction 

management 

plan/maintain weekly 

reporting schedule

Contract 

Requirements/Specifications

TR #8: HST Station 

Area Roadway 

Impacts – Future 

(2035) Plus Project.

TR MM#11: Add Lanes to the Segment.

Merced Station

• Main Street between Yosemite Parkway and G Street – add one travel lane 

in each direction 

• 16th Street between R Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Way – add one 

travel lane in each direction

• V Street west of 13th Street to 16th Street (Option B only) – add one 

travel lane in each direction

• M Street between 13st Street and 16th Street – add one travel lane in 

each direction

• Martin Luther King Jr. Way between Childs Avenue and 13th Street – add

one travel lane in each direction

• S Street between 13th Street and 16th Street – add one travel lane in each 

direction

Fresno Station

• H Street between East Divisadero Street and Stanislaus Street – add one 

travel lane in each direction

• Stanislaus Street between Broadway Street and E Street – add one travel 

lane in each direction

• Fresno Street between Van Ness Avenue and Broadway Street (Tulare 

Street Overpass Option only) – add one travel lane in each direction

• Fresno Street between G Street and SR 99 northbound ramps – add one

travel lane in each direction

• Tulare Street between Broadway Street and Van Ness Avenue (Tulare 

Street Underpass Option only) – add one travel lane in each direction

• Divisadero Street between North Fresno Street and SR 41 ramps – add one 

travel lane in each direction

• Van Ness Avenue between Ventura Avenue and SR 41 ramps (Tulare 

Street Overpass Option only) – add one travel lane in each direction

• Stanislaus Street between E Street and F Street (Tulare Street Overpass 

Option only) – add one travel lane in each direction

Implementing Party: Contractor will prepare construction 

plans and provide copies to affected jurisdictions. 

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager will verify 

compliance as identified in construction plans.

X X Prepare construction 

management 

plan/maintain weekly 

reporting schedule

Contract 

Requirements/Specifications
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 12

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

• F Street between Stanislaus Street and Tuolumne Street (Tulare Street 

Overpass Option only) – add one travel lane in each direction

• Stanislaus Street between G Street and H Street (Tulare Street Overpass 

Option only) – add one travel lane in each direction

• Stanislaus Street between Broadway Street and Fulton Street – add one 

travel lane in each direction

• Stanislaus Street between L Street and M Street (Tulare Street Underpass 

Option only) – add one travel lane in each direction

TR #9: HST Station 

Area Intersection 

Impacts – Existing 

Plus Project.

TR MM#4: Add Signal to Intersection to Improve LOS/Operation.

Signalize and improve the following intersections as described above for TR 

MM#4:

Merced Station 

• 16th/SR 59

• 13th Street/G Street

• SR 99 northbound off-ramps/SR 140

Fresno Station 

• H Street/Ventura Street (Tulare Street Underpass Option Only)

• Stanislaus Street/F Street 

• Stanislaus Street/N Street

Implementing Party: Contractor (post-construction 

contractor)

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Authority will monitor and 

report intersection monitoring and signal construction

X X Contractor (postconstruction contractor) 

will monitor intersection 

and then construct new 

signal based on warrant, 

in coordination with local 

jurisdictions.

Authority will monitor 

signal construction and 

coordinate with local 

jurisdictions.

Memorandum of Understanding 

with the City of Fresno

TR MM#5: Restripe Intersections.

Restripe the following intersections as described above for TR MM#5:

Merced Station 

• 16th Street/Canal Street – eastbound approach from one shared-through 

left lane and one exclusive right-turn lane to one exclusive left-turn lane 

and a shared through-right lane

Fresno Station 

• SR 99 northbound ramps/Ventura Avenue – northbound approach to 

provide one exclusive left-turn lane and one shared through/right-turn lane 

at the intersection

Implementing Party: Contractor will prepare construction 

plans and provide copies to affected jurisdictions.

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager will verify 

compliance as identified in construction plans.

X X Construction Contract 

Requirements/Specifications

TR MM#6: Modify Signal Timing.

Modify signal timing at the following intersections as described above for TR 

MM#6:

Merced Station 

• n/a

Fresno Station

• Divisadero Street/SR 41 northbound ramps/Tulare Street – re-time existing 

signal

• H Street/Divisadero Street – re-time existing signal in AM 

• North Blackstone Avenue/SR 180 westbound ramps – re-time existing 

signal in AM

Implementing Party: Contractor in coordination with 

affected jurisdiction. 

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager will verify 

compliance as identified in construction plans.

X X Prepare construction 

management 

plan/maintain weekly 

reporting schedule

Contract 

Requirements/Specifications

TR MM#7: Widen Approaches to Intersections. Implementing Party: Contractor will prepare construction 

plans and provide copies to affected jurisdictions.

X X Prepare construction 

management 

Contract 

Requirements/Specifications
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 13

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

Widen approaches as described above for TR MM#7:

Merced Station 

• 15th Street/M Street intersection (Option A only) – eastbound approach; 

westbound approach

• 14th Street/Martin Luther King Jr. Way intersection – southbound 

approach

Fresno Station 

• n/a

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager will verify 

compliance as identified in construction plans.

plan/maintain weekly 

reporting schedule

TR MM#8: Add Exclusive Turn Lanes to Intersections.

Merced Station 

The traffic impacts associated with the Merced Station at the identified 

roadway segments would be addressed by (per Table 3.2-59):

• Adding one travel lane in each direction on Main Street between Yosemite 

Parkway and G Street

• Adding one travel lane in each direction on 16th Street between R Street 

and Martin Luther King Jr. Way

• Adding one travel lane in each direction on V Street west of 13th Street to 

16th Street (Option B only)

• Adding one travel lane in each direction on M Street between 13st Street 

and 16th Street

• Adding one travel lane in each direction on Martin Luther King Jr. Way 

between Childs Avenue and 13th Street 

• Adding one travel lane in each direction on S Street between 13th Street 

and 16th Street

Fresno Station 

The traffic impacts associated with the Fresno Station at the identified roadway 

segments would be addressed by (per Final Project EIR/EIS Table 3.2-60):

• Adding one travel lane in each direction on H Street between East 

Divisadero Street and Stanislaus Street

• Adding one travel lane in each direction on Stanislaus Street between 

Broadway Street and E Street

• Adding one travel lane in each direction on Fresno Street between Van 

Ness Avenue and Broadway Street (Tulare Street Underpass Option only)

• Adding one travel lane in each direction on Fresno Street between G Street 

and SR 99 northbound ramps

• Adding one travel lane in each direction on Tulare Street between 

Broadway Street and Van Ness Avenue (Tulare Street Underpass Option 

only)

• Adding one travel lane in each direction on Divisadero Street between 

North Fresno Street and SR 41 ramps

• Adding one travel lane in each direction on Van Ness Avenue between 

Ventura Avenue and SR 41 ramps (Tulare Street Overpass Option only)

Implementing Party: Contractor will prepare construction 

plans and provide copies to affected jurisdictions

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager will verify 

compliance as identified in construction plans.

X X Prepare construction 

management 

plan/maintain weekly 

reporting schedule

Contract 

Requirements/Specifications
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 14

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

• Adding one travel lane in each direction on Stanislaus Street between E 

Street and F Street (Tulare Street Overpass Option only)

• Adding one travel lane in each direction on F Street between Stanislaus 

Street and Tuolumne Street (Tulare Street Overpass Option only)

• Adding one travel lane in each direction on Stanislaus Street between G 

Street and H Street (Tulare Street Overpass Option only)

• Adding one travel lane in each direction on Stanislaus Street between 

Broadway Street and Fulton Street

• Adding one travel lane in each direction on Stanislaus Street between L 

Street and M Street (Tulare Street Underpass Option only)

TR MM#9: Convert Two-Way Stop to Four-Way Stop. Convert two-way 

stop controlled intersection to an all-way stop controlled intersection.

• Signalizing the intersection, widening northbound approach to add second 

right-turn lane, widening westbound approach to add second left-turn 

lane, providing signal phasing to “overlap” northbound right-turn 

movement with westbound left-turn movement and westbound right-turn 

with southbound left-turn movement at 16th Street/SR 59 

• Restriping the southbound approach from left-turn, through, shared 

through-right-turn lane to left-turn lane, and shared through-right-turn 

lane and widening SR 99 southbound off-ramp to add exclusive right-turn 

lane at 13th Street – SR 99 southbound off-ramp/V Street

• Modifying the signal timing at 16th Street/V Street

• Signalizing the intersection at 15th Street/M Street (meets signal warrant 

between 2020 and 2025)

• Widening the southbound approach on Childs Avenue to provide exclusive 

right-turn lane at Childs Avenue/Martin Luther King Jr. Way

• Signalizing the intersection at SR 99 southbound ramps/Martin Luther King 

Jr. Way

• Signalizing the intersection at SR 99 northbound ramps/Martin Luther King 

Jr. Way

• Signalizing the intersection at 14th Street/Martin Luther King Jr. Way

• Signalizing the intersection, restriping northbound approach from single 

lane to shared left-through and right-turn lane, widening eastbound 

approach to provide a second through lane, and restriping westbound 

approach from an exclusive right-turn lane to a shared through-right-turn 

lane at 13th Street/G Street

• Signalizing the intersection at SR 99 southbound off-ramp/14st Street/G 

Street

• Signalizing the intersection, restriping eastbound approach to provide a 

second through lane, and widening westbound approach to add a second 

through lane at SR 99 northbound off-ramp/Yosemite Parkway

• Restriping southbound approach to provide exclusive right-turn lane and 

restriping eastbound approach from exclusive right-turn lane to a shared 

though-right-turn lane at Motel Drive/Glen Avenue/Yosemite Parkway

• Converting two-way stop controlled intersection to an all-way stop 

Implementing Party: Contractor will prepare construction 

plans and provide copies to affected jurisdictions.

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager will verify 

compliance as identified in construction plans.

X Prepare construction 

management 

plan/maintain weekly 

reporting schedule

Contract 

Requirements/Specifications
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 15

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

controlled intersection at 14th Street/O Street (Option A only)

• Signalizing the intersection at 13th Street/M Street (meets signal warrant 

between 2020 and 2025)

• Signalizing the intersection at 14th Street/M Street (meets signal warrant 

between 2020 and 2025)

• Signalizing the intersection at 15th Street/Canal Street (meets signal 

warrant between 2020 and 2025)

• Signalizing the intersection at 11th Street/Martin Luther King Jr. Way 

(meets signal warrant between 2020 and 2025)

• Signalizing the intersection at Main Street/H Street (meets signal warrant 

between 2020 and 2025)

• Optimizing cycle length at Main Street/G Street

The traffic impacts associated with the Fresno Station at the identified 

intersections would be addressed by:

• Restriping the eastbound approach to provide one exclusive left-turn lane 

and on shared left/through/right-turn lane at the intersection of Van Ness 

Avenue/SR 41 northbound ramp

• Signalizing the intersection at SR 99 northbound ramps/Ventura Avenue

• Signalizing the intersection at Broadway Avenue/Ventura Avenue

• Widening the northbound approach to add one exclusive right-turn, one

left-turn lane, and one through lane and modifying the signal phasing to 

provide protected left-turn phases for the northbound and southbound 

approaches for Broadway Avenue/Ventura Avenue (Tulare Street 

Underpass Option)

• Widening the eastbound approach to add two exclusive left-turn lanes, two 

through lanes, and one exclusive right-turn lane and modifying the signal 

phasing to provide protected left-turn phases for the northbound and 

southbound approaches for Broadway Avenue/Ventura Avenue (Tulare 

Street Overpass Option)

• Modifying the existing traffic signal phasing to provide protected left-turn 

phases for the northbound and southbound approaches for Van Ness 

Avenue/Ventura Street intersection

• Widening the east bound approach to provide one exclusive left-turn lane 

and one exclusive right-turn lane at the intersection at H Street/Kern 

Street (Tulare Street Underpass Option only)

• Widening the southbound approach to provide one exclusive left-turn lane 

and one shared through/right-turn lane; widening the westbound approach 

to provide one exclusive left-turn lane, one through lane, and one 

exclusive right-turn lane; and modifying the signal phasing to provide 

protected left-turn phases for the eastbound and westbound approaches 

for E Street/Tulare Street intersection (Tulare Street Overpass Option only)

• Widening the northbound approach to provide one exclusive left-turn, and 

one shared through/right-turn lane; widening the southbound approaches 

to provide one exclusive left-turn lane, and one shared through/right-turn 

lane; widening the westbound approach to provide one exclusive right-turn 

lane, one exclusive left-turn lane, and one through lane; and modifying the 
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 16

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

signal phasing to provide protected left-turn phases for all approaches for 

F Street/Tulare Street (Tulare Street Underpass Option only)

• Widening westbound approach to provide one exclusive right-turn lane, on 

exclusive left-turn lane, and two through lanes; widening northbound 

approach to provide one exclusive right-turn lane, one exclusive left-turn 

lane, and two through lanes; and widening southbound approach to 

provide one exclusive right-turn lane, one exclusive left-turn lane, and two 

through lanes for H Street/Tulare Street (Tulare Street Underpass Option 

only)

• Widening the westbound approach to provide one exclusive left-turn lane, 

two through lanes, and one exclusive right-turn lane at the intersection of 

Van Ness Avenue/Tulare Street (Tulare Street Underpass Option only)

• Modifying the existing traffic signal phasing to provide protected left0turn 

phases for the eastbound and westbound approaches at U Street/Tulare 

Street

• Widening the eastbound approach to provide two exclusive through lanes 

and one exclusive through lanes and one exclusive right-turn lane at the 

intersection of SR 99 southbound ramps/Fresno Street

• Restriping the eastbound approach to provide two exclusive left-turn lanes 

and one exclusive through lane at SR 99 northbound ramps/Fresno Street 

(Tulare Street Underpass Option)

• Restriping the westbound approach to provide one through lane, one 

shared through/right-turn lane, and one exclusive right-turn lane at SR 99 

northbound ramps/Fresno Street (Tulare Street Overpass Option)

• Widening the southbound approach to provide one exclusive left-turn lane, 

one exclusive through lane, and one exclusive right turn lane at the 

intersection of Van Ness Avenue/Fresno Street (Tulare Street Underpass 

Option)

• Widening the northbound approach to provide two exclusive left-turn 

lanes, one through lane, and one shared through/right-turn lane and 

widening the eastbound approach to provide two exclusive left-turn lanes, 

one through lane, and one shared through/right-turn lane at the 

intersection of Van Ness Avenue/Fresno Street (Tulare Street Overpass 

Option)

• Modifying the existing traffic signal to provide split phases for the 

eastbound and westbound approaches at the intersection of Fresno 

Street/Divisadero Street

• Widening eastbound approach to provide one exclusive left-turn lane, one

through lane and one exclusive right-turn lane at Van Ness 

Avenue/Tuolumne Street

• Restriping the westbound approach to provide one shared left/though 

lane, one through lane, and one shared through/right-turn lane; restriping 

the southbound approach to provide one shared left/through lane and one 

exclusive right-turn lane; and modifying signal phasing to provide split 

phasing on eastbound and westbound approaches at E Street/Stanislaus 

Street (Tulare Street Overpass Option only)

• Restriping the southbound approach to provide shared left/through lane 
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 17

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

and one exclusive right-turn lane and modifying the signal phasing to 

provide permissive phase on northbound and southbound approaches at 

Broadway Street/Stanislaus Street (Tulare Street Overpass Option only)

• Widening westbound approach to provide one exclusive left turn lane, one 

through lane and one shared through/right-turn lane at Van Ness 

Avenue/Stanislaus Street (Tulare street Underpass Option only)

• Signalizing the intersection at H Street/San Joaquin Street

• Signalizing the intersection and widening southbound approach to provide 

on exclusive left-turn lane and one through lane at H Street/Amador Street

• Restriping the westbound approach to provide one shared 

through/right/left-turn lane and two exclusive right-turn lanes; widening 

the northbound approach to provide two exclusive left-turn lanes and one 

shared through/right-turn lane; and widening the southbound approach to 

provide additional left turn lane (on H Street) at H Street/Divisadero Street

• Widening the eastbound approaches to provide one shared left/through 

lane, one exclusive through lane, and one exclusive right-turn lane and 

widening the westbound approach to provide one shared left/through lane, 

one exclusive through lane, and one exclusive right-turn lane at the 

intersection of Van Ness Avenue/Divisadero Street

• Widening the westbound approach (S Street) to provide one shared 

through/right-turn lane, one exclusive through lane, and one exclusive 

left0turn lane at H Street/Roosevelt Street

• Widening the westbound approach to provide one exclusive left turn lane 

and one exclusive through lane at North Blackstone Avenue/East McKenzie 

Avenue

• Restriping the northbound approach to provide one exclusive through lane, 

one shared through/right0turn lane, and one exclusive right-turn lane at 

the intersection of Van Ness Avenue/SR 180 eastbound ramps

• Widening the eastbound approach to provide one additional exclusive leftturn lane at the intersection of Van Ness Avenue/SR 180 westbound ramps

• Widening the southbound approach to provide one exclusive left-turn lane, 

two exclusive through lanes, and one shared through/right-turn lane at the 

intersection of North Blackstone Avenue/East Belmont Avenue

• Restriping the northbound approach to provide one shared left/through 

lane, one exclusive through lane, one shared through/right-turn lane, and 

one exclusive right-turn lane at the intersection of North Abby Street/SR 

180 eastbound ramps

• Widening the eastbound approach to provide one additional exclusive 

right-turn lane at the intersection of North Blackstone Avenue/SR 180 

westbound ramps

• Signalizing the intersection at Broadway Street/Amador Street

• Restriping the northbound approach to provide one exclusive left-turn 

lane, on exclusive through lane, and one shared through/right-turn lane; 

widening the westbound approach to provide one exclusive left-turn lane, 

two through lanes and one exclusive right-turn lane; and widening the 

eastbound approach to provide two exclusive left-turn lanes, one through 

lane, and one shared through/right-turn lane at Fresno Street/F Street 
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 18

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

(Tulare Street Underpass Option)

• Restriping the northbound approach to provide one exclusive left-turn 

lane, one exclusive through lane, and one shared through/right-turn lane; 

widening the westbound approach to provide one exclusive left-turn lane, 

one through lane, one shared through/right-turn lane, and one exclusive 

right-turn lane; widening the eastbound approach to provide two exclusive 

left-turn lanes, one through lane, and one shared through/right-turn lane 

at Fresno Street/F Street (Tulare Street Overpass Option)

• Signalizing the intersection at H Street/Ventura Street (Tulare Street 

Underpass Option only)

• Signalizing the intersection at G Street/Mono Street (Tulare Street 

Underpass Option only)

• Signalizing the intersection; widening northbound approach to provide 

exclusive left-turn lane; widening southbound approach to provide 

exclusive left-turn lane; and modifying signal phasing on northbound and 

southbound approaches to provide protected plus permissive left-turn 

phasing at the intersection of South Van Ness Avenue/East California 

Street 

• Providing an exclusive right-turn lane in the northbound direction and 

modifying signal phasing on all approaches to provide protected plus 

permissive left turn phase at Golden State Boulevard/East Church Avenue

• Increasing the cycle length (in the PM Peak Hour only) at South East 

Avenue/Golden State Boulevard

• Providing an exclusive right-turn lane for both northbound and southbound 

approaches at Golden State Boulevard/East Jensen Avenue

• Widening the northbound approach to provide one exclusive left-turn lane 

and two exclusive right-turn lanes at Stanislaus Street/F Street (Tulare 

Street Overpass Option only)

• Restriping the eastbound approach to provide one exclusive left-turn lane, 

one shared left/through lane and one exclusive right0turn lane at 

Tuolumne Street/F Street (Tulare Street Overpass Option only)

• Widening the northbound approach to provide one exclusive left-turn lane 

and one shared through/right-turn lane at Stanislaus Street/L Street

• Widening the southbound approach to provide one shared left/through 

lane and one exclusive right-turn lane at Stanislaus Street/M Street

• Widening the westbound approach to provide one exclusive left-turn lane, 

one through lane and one shared through/right-turn lane at Stanislaus 

Street/N Street 
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 19

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

TR #9: HST Station 

Area Intersection 

Impacts – Future 

(2035) Plus Project.

TR MM#3: Modify Signal Phasing.

Modify signal phasing as described in TR MM#3 above: 

Merced Station

• 16th Street/Martin Luther King Jr. Way – change northbound/southbound 

split phasing to protected phasing

Fresno Station

• Broadway Avenue/Ventura Avenue - provide protected left turn phases for 

the northbound and southbound approaches

• Van Ness Avenue/Ventura Street - provide protected left-turn phases for

the northbound and southbound approaches

• E Street/Tulare Street (Tulare Street Overpass Option only) – provide 

protected left-turn phases for the eastbound and westbound approaches

• F Street/Tulare Street (Tulare Street Underpass Option only) – provide 

protected left-turn phases for all approaches

• H Street/Tulare Street (Tulare Street Underpass Option only) – provide 

protected left-turn phases for all approaches

• U Street/Tulare Street – provide protected left-turn phases for the 

eastbound and westbound approaches

• Fresno Street/Divisadero Street – provide split phases for the eastbound 

and westbound approaches

• E Street/Stanislaus Street (Tulare Street Overpass Option only) – provide 

split phasing on eastbound and westbound approaches

• Broadway Street/Stanislaus Street (Tulare Street Overpass Option only) –

provide permissive phase on northbound and southbound approaches

• South Van Ness Avenue/East California Avenue – provide protected plus 

permissive left-turn phasing for northbound and southbound approaches

• Golden State Boulevard/East Church Avenue – provide protected plus 

permissive left-turn phase on all approaches

Implementing Party: Contractor will prepare construction 

plans and provide copies to affected jurisdictions.

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager will verify 

compliance as identified in construction plans.

X X Prepare construction 

management 

plan/maintain weekly 

reporting schedule

Contract 

Requirements/Specifications

TR MM#4: Add Signal to Intersection to Improve LOS/Operation.

Add signals as described in TR MM#4 above: 

Merced Station

• 16th Street/SR 59 – providing signal phasing to “overlap” northbound 

right-turn movement with westbound left-turn movement and westbound 

right-turn with southbound left-turn movement

• 15th Street/M Street – meets signal warrant between 2020 and 2025

• SR 99 southbound ramps/Martin Luther King Jr. Way

• SR 99 northbound ramps/Martin Luther King Jr. Way

• 14th Street/Martin Luther King Jr. Way

• 13th Street/G Street

• SR 99 southbound off-ramp/14st Street/G Street

• SR 99 northbound off-ramp/Yosemite Parkway

• 13th Street/M Street – meets signal warrant between 2020 and 2025

• 14th Street/M Street – meets signal warrant between 2020 and 2025

Implementing Party: Contractor (post-construction 

contractor)

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Authority will monitor and 

report intersection monitoring and signal construction

X X Contractor (postconstruction contractor) 

will monitor intersection 

and then construct new 

signal based on warrant, 

in coordination with local 

jurisdictions. 

Weekly/monthly reporting 

as needed to document 

completion of 

improvements.

Intersections will have to be 

monitored once a year to 

determine if/when the warrant is 

met.
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 20

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

• 15th Street/Canal Street – meets signal warrant between 2020 and 2025

• 11th Street/Martin Luther King Jr. Way – meets signal warrant between 

2020 and 2025

• Main Street/H Street – meets signal warrant between 2020 and 2025

Fresno Station

• SR 99 northbound ramps/Ventura Avenue

• E Street/Ventura Avenue 

• H Street/San Joaquin Street

• H Street/Amador Street

• Broadway Street/Amador Street

• H Street/Ventura Street (Tulare Street Underpass Option only)

• G Street/Mono Street (Tulare Street Underpass Option only)

• South Van Ness Avenue/East California Street

TR MM#5: Restripe Intersections.

Restripe intersections as described in TR MM#5 above:

Merced Station

• 13th Street - SR 99 southbound off-ramp/V Street – southbound approach 

from left-turn, through, shared through-right-turn lane to left-turn lane, 

and shared through-right-turn lane

• 13th Street/G Street – northbound approach from single lane to shared 

left-through and right-turn lane; westbound approach from an exclusive 

right-turn lane to a shared through-right-turn lane

• SR 99 northbound off-ramp/Yosemite Parkway – eastbound approach to 

provide a second through lane

• Motel Drive/Glen Avenue/Yosemite Parkway – southbound approach to 

provide exclusive right-turn lane and restriping eastbound approach from 

exclusive right-turn lane to a shared though-right-turn lane; eastbound 

approach from exclusive right-turn lane to a shared though-right-turn lane

Fresno Station

• Van Ness Avenue/SR 41 northbound ramp – eastbound approach to 

provide one exclusive left-turn lane and on shared left/through/right-turn 

lane 

• SR 99 northbound ramps/Fresno Street (Tulare Street Underpass Option) –

eastbound approach to provide two exclusive left-turn lanes and one 

exclusive through lane 

• SR 99 northbound ramps/Fresno Street (Tulare Street Overpass Option) –

westbound approach to provide one through lane, one shared 

through/right-turn lane, and one exclusive right-turn lane 

• E Street/Stanislaus Street (Tulare Street Overpass Option only) –

westbound approach to provide one shared left/though lane, one through 

lane, and one shared through/right-turn lane; southbound approach to 

provide one shared left/through lane and one exclusive right-turn lane 

• Broadway Street/Stanislaus Street (Tulare Street Overpass Option only) –

Implementing Party: Contractor will prepare construction 

plans and provide copies to affected jurisdictions.

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager will verify 

compliance as identified in construction plans.

X X Prepare construction 

management 

plan/maintain weekly 

reporting schedule

Contract 

Requirements/Specifications
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 21

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

southbound approach to provide shared left/through lane and on exclusive 

right-turn lane 

• H Street/Divisadero Street – westbound approach to provide one shared 

through/right/left-turn lane and two exclusive right-turn lanes

• Van Ness Avenue/SR 180 eastbound ramps – northbound approach to 

provide one exclusive through lane, one shared through/right-turn lane, 

and one exclusive right-turn lane

• North Abby Street/SR 180 eastbound ramps – northbound approach to 

provide one shared left/through lane, one exclusive through lane, one 

shared through/right-turn lane, and one exclusive right-turn lane 

• Fresno Street/F Street (Tulare Street Underpass Option) – northbound 

approach to provide one exclusive left-turn lane, on exclusive through 

lane, and one shared through/right-turn lane

• Fresno Street/F Street (Tulare Street Overpass Option) – northbound 

approach to provide one exclusive left-turn lane, one exclusive through 

lane, and one shared through/right-turn lane

• Tuolumne Street/F Street (Tulare Street Overpass Option only) –

eastbound approach to provide one exclusive left-turn lane, one shared 

left/through lane and one exclusive right-turn lane

TR MM#6: Modify Signal Timing.

Modify signal timing as described in TR MM#6 above:

Merced Station

• 16th Street/V Street

• Main Street/G Street - optimizing cycle length

Fresno Station

• South East Avenue/Golden State Boulevard - increasing the cycle length 

(in the PM Peak Hour only)

Implementing Party: Contractor in coordination with 

affected jurisdiction. 

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager will verify 

compliance as identified in construction plans.

X X Prepare construction 

management 

plan/maintain weekly 

reporting schedule

Contract 

Requirements/Specifications

TR MM#7: Widen Approaches to Intersections.

Widen approaches as described in TR MM#7 above:

Merced Station

• 16th Street/SR 59 – northbound approach; westbound approach

• 13th Street – SR 99 southbound off-ramp/V Street – SR 99 southbound 

off-ramp

• Childs Avenue/Martin Luther King Jr. Way – southbound approach

• 13th Street/G Street – eastbound approach

• SR 99 northbound off-ramp/Yosemite Parkway – westbound approach 

Fresno Station

• Broadway Avenue/Ventura Avenue (Tulare Street Underpass Option) -

northbound approach 

• Broadway Avenue/Ventura Avenue (Tulare Street Overpass Option) -

eastbound approach 

• H Street/Kern Street (Tulare Street Underpass Option only) – eastbound 

Implementing Party: Contractor will prepare construction 

plans and provide copies to affected jurisdictions.

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager will verify 

compliance as identified in construction plans.

X X Prepare construction 

management 

plan/maintain weekly 

reporting schedule

Contract 

Requirements/Specifications
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 22

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

approach 

• E Street/Tulare Street intersection (Tulare Street Overpass Option only) –

southbound approach; westbound approach 

• F Street/Tulare Street (Tulare Street Underpass Option only) – northbound 

approach; southbound approach; westbound approach 

• H Street/Tulare Street (Tulare Street Underpass Option only) – westbound 

approach; northbound approach; southbound approach 

• Van Ness Avenue/Tulare Street (Tulare Street Underpass Option only) –

westbound approach

• SR 99 southbound ramps/Fresno Street – eastbound approach 

• Van Ness Avenue/Fresno Street (Tulare Street Underpass Option) –

southbound approach 

• Van Ness Avenue/Fresno Street (Tulare Street Overpass Option) –

northbound approach; eastbound approach 

• Van Ness Avenue/Tuolumne Street –eastbound approach

• Van Ness Avenue/Stanislaus Street (Tulare Street Underpass Option only)

– westbound approach 

• H Street/Amador Street – southbound approach

• H Street/Divisadero Street –northbound approach; southbound approach 

• Van Ness Avenue/Divisadero Street – eastbound approaches; westbound 

approach 

• H Street/Roosevelt Street – westbound approach (H Street)

• North Blackstone Avenue/East McKenzie Avenue – westbound approach

• Van Ness Avenue/SR 180 westbound ramps – eastbound approach

• North Blackstone Avenue/East Belmont Avenue – southbound approach

• North Blackstone Avenue/SR 180 westbound ramps – eastbound approach

• Fresno Street/F Street (Tulare Street Underpass Option) – westbound 

approach; eastbound approach

• Fresno Street/F Street (Tulare Street Overpass Option) –westbound 

approach; eastbound approach

• South Van Ness Avenue/East California Street – northbound approach; 

southbound approach

• Stanislaus Street/F Street (Tulare Street Overpass Option only) –

northbound approach

• Stanislaus Street/L Street – northbound approach

• Stanislaus Street/M Street – southbound approach

• Stanislaus Street/N Street – westbound approach

TR MM#8: Add Exclusive Turn Lanes to Intersections.

Add turn lanes as described in TR MM#8 above:

Merced Station

• 16th Street/SR 59 - northbound approach to add second right-turn lane;

westbound approach to add second left-turn lane

• 13th Street – SR 99 southbound off-ramp/V Street – SR 99 southbound 

Implementing Party: Contractor will prepare construction 

plans and provide copies to affected jurisdictions

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager will verify 

compliance as identified in construction plans.

X X Prepare construction 

management 

plan/maintain weekly 

reporting schedule

Contract 

Requirements/Specifications
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 23

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

off-ramp to add exclusive right-turn lane

• Childs Avenue/Martin Luther King Jr. Way – southbound approach on 

Childs Avenue to provide exclusive right-turn lane

• 13th Street/G Street – northbound approach from single lane to shared 

left-through and right-turn lane; westbound approach from an exclusive 

right-turn lane to a shared through-right-turn lane; eastbound approach to 

provide a second through lane

• Motel Drive/Glen Avenue/Yosemite Parkway – southbound approach to 

provide exclusive right-turn lane and restriping eastbound approach from 

exclusive right-turn lane to a shared though-right-turn lane; eastbound 

approach from exclusive right-turn lane to a shared though-right-turn lane

Fresno Station

• Van Ness Avenue/SR 41 northbound ramp – eastbound approach to 

provide one exclusive left-turn lane and on shared left/through/right-turn 

lane 

• Broadway Avenue/Ventura Avenue (Tulare Street Underpass Option) –

northbound approach to add one exclusive right-turn, one left-turn lane, 

and one through lane

• Broadway Avenue/Ventura Avenue (Tulare Street Overpass Option) –

eastbound approach to add two exclusive left-turn lanes, two through 

lanes, and one exclusive right-turn lane; provide protected left-turn phases 

for the northbound and southbound approaches

• H Street/Kern Street (Tulare Street Underpass Option only) – eastbound 

approach to provide one exclusive left-turn lane and one exclusive rightturn lane

• E Street/Tulare Street intersection (Tulare Street Overpass Option only) –

southbound approach to provide one exclusive left-turn lane and one 

shared through/right-turn lane; westbound approach to provide one 

exclusive left-turn lane, one through lane, and one exclusive right-turn 

lane

• F Street/Tulare Street (Tulare Street Underpass Option only) – northbound 

approach to provide one exclusive left-turn and one shared through/rightturn lane; southbound approaches to provide one exclusive left-turn lane 

and one shared through/right-turn lane; westbound approach to provide 

one exclusive right-turn lane, one exclusive left-turn lane, and one through 

lane

• H Street/Tulare Street (Tulare Street Underpass Option only) –westbound 

approach to provide one exclusive right-turn lane, on exclusive left-turn 

lane, and two through lanes; northbound approach to provide one 

exclusive right-turn lane, one exclusive left-turn lane, and two through 

lanes; and southbound approach to provide one exclusive right-turn lane, 

one exclusive left-turn lane, and two through lanes

• Van Ness Avenue/Tulare Street (Tulare Street Underpass Option only) –

westbound approach to provide one exclusive left-turn lane, two through 
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 24

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

lanes, and one exclusive right-turn lane

• SR 99 southbound ramps/Fresno Street – eastbound approach to provide 

two exclusive through lanes and one exclusive through lanes and one 

exclusive right-turn lane

• SR 99 northbound ramps/Fresno Street (Tulare Street Underpass Option) –

eastbound approach to provide two exclusive left-turn lanes and one 

exclusive through lane 

• SR 99 northbound ramps/Fresno Street (Tulare Street Overpass Option) –

westbound approach to provide one through lane, one shared 

through/right-turn lane, and one exclusive right-turn lane 

• Van Ness Avenue/Fresno Street (Tulare Street Underpass Option) –

southbound approach to provide one exclusive left-turn lane, one exclusive 

through lane, and one exclusive right turn lane 

• Van Ness Avenue/Fresno Street (Tulare Street Overpass Option) –

northbound approach to provide two exclusive left-turn lanes, one through 

lane, and one shared through/right-turn lane; eastbound approach to 

provide two exclusive left-turn lanes, one through lane, and one shared 

through/right-turn lane

• Van Ness Avenue/Tuolumne Street –eastbound approach to provide one 

exclusive left-turn lane, one through lane and one exclusive right-turn lane

• E Street/Stanislaus Street (Tulare Street Overpass Option only) –

westbound approach to provide one shared left/though lane, one through 

lane, and one shared through/right-turn lane; southbound approach to 

provide one shared left/through lane and one exclusive right-turn lane

• Broadway Street/Stanislaus Street (Tulare Street Overpass Option only) –

southbound approach to provide shared left/through lane and on exclusive 

right-turn lane 

• Van Ness Avenue/Stanislaus Street (Tulare Street Underpass Option only)

– westbound approach to provide one exclusive left-turn lane, one through 

lane and one shared through/right-turn lane

• H Street/Amador Street – southbound approach to provide on exclusive 

left-turn lane and one through lane

• H Street/Divisadero Street –northbound approach to provide two exclusive 

left-turn lanes and one shared through/right-turn lane; southbound 

approach to provide additional left-turn lane (on H Street)

• Van Ness Avenue/Divisadero Street – eastbound approaches to provide 

one shared left/through lane, one exclusive through lane, and one 

exclusive right-turn lane; westbound approach to provide one shared 

left/through lane, one exclusive through lane, and one exclusive right-turn 

lane

• H Street/Roosevelt Street – westbound approach (H Street) to provide one 

shared through/right-turn lane, one exclusive through lane, and one 

exclusive left-turn lane

• North Blackstone Avenue/East McKenzie Avenue – westbound approach to 

provide one exclusive left0turn lane and one exclusive through lane

• Van Ness Avenue/SR 180 eastbound ramps – northbound approach to 
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 25

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

provide one exclusive through lane, one shared through/right-turn lane, 

and one exclusive right-turn lane 

• Van Ness Avenue/SR 180 westbound ramps – eastbound approach to 

provide one additional exclusive left-turn lane

• North Blackstone Avenue/East Belmont Avenue – southbound approach to 

provide one exclusive left-turn lane, two exclusive through lanes, and one 

shared through/right-turn lane

• North Abby Street/SR 180 eastbound ramps – northbound approach to 

provide one shared left/through lane, one exclusive through lane, one 

shared through/right-turn lane, and one exclusive right-turn lane 

• North Blackstone Avenue/SR 180 westbound ramps – eastbound approach 

to provide one additional exclusive right-turn lane

• Fresno Street/F Street (Tulare Street Underpass Option) – northbound 

approach to provide one exclusive left-turn lane, on exclusive through 

lane, and one shared through/right-turn lane; westbound approach to 

provide one exclusive left-turn lane, two through lanes and one exclusive 

right-turn lane; and eastbound approach to provide two exclusive left-turn 

lanes, one through lane, and one shared through/right-turn lane 

• Fresno Street/F Street (Tulare Street Overpass Option) – northbound 

approach to provide one exclusive left-turn lane, one exclusive through 

lane, and one shared through/right-turn lane; westbound approach to 

provide one exclusive left-turn lane, one through lane, one shared 

through/right-turn lane, and one exclusive right-turn lane; eastbound 

approach to provide two exclusive left-turn lanes, one through lane, and 

one shared through/right-turn lane 

• South Van Ness Avenue/East California Street – northbound approach to 

provide exclusive left-turn lane; southbound approach to provide exclusive 

left-turn lane

• Golden State Boulevard/East Church Avenue – exclusive right-turn lane in 

the northbound direction 

• Golden State Boulevard/East Jensen Avenue – exclusive right-turn lane for 

both northbound and southbound approaches 

• Stanislaus Street/F Street (Tulare Street Overpass Option only) –

northbound approach to provide one exclusive left-turn lane and two 

exclusive right-turn lanes

• Tuolumne Street/F Street (Tulare Street Overpass Option only) –

eastbound approach to provide one exclusive left-turn lane, one shared 

left/through lane and one exclusive right-turn lane

• Stanislaus Street/L Street – northbound approach to provide one exclusive 

left-turn lane and one shared through/right-turn lane

• Stanislaus Street/M Street – southbound approach to provide one shared 

left/through lane and one exclusive right-turn lane 

• Stanislaus Street/N Street – westbound approach to provide one exclusive 

left-turn lane, one through lane and one shared through/right-turn lane

TR MM#9: Convert Two-Way Stop to Four-Way Stop. Convert two-way 

stop controlled intersection to an all-way stop controlled intersection.

Implementing Party: Contractor will prepare construction 

plans and provide copies to affected jurisdictions.

X Prepare construction 

management 

Contract 

Requirements/Specifications
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 26

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

• Signalizing the intersection, widening northbound approach to add second 

right-turn lane, widening westbound approach to add second left-turn 

lane, providing signal phasing to “overlap” northbound right-turn 

movement with westbound left-turn movement and westbound right-turn 

with southbound left-turn movement at 16th Street/SR 59 

• Restriping the southbound approach from left-turn, through, shared 

through-right-turn lane to left-turn lane, and shared through-right-turn 

lane and widening SR 99 southbound off-ramp to add exclusive right-turn 

lane at 13th Street – SR 99 southbound off-ramp/V Street

• Modifying the signal timing at 16th Street/V Street

• Signalizing the intersection at 15th Street/M Street (meets signal warrant 

between 2020 and 2025)

• Widening the southbound approach on Childs Avenue to provide exclusive 

right-turn lane at Childs Avenue/Martin Luther King Jr. Way

• Signalizing the intersection at SR 99 southbound ramps/Martin Luther King 

Jr. Way

• Signalizing the intersection at SR 99 northbound ramps/Martin Luther King 

Jr. Way

• Signalizing the intersection at 14th Street/Martin Luther King Jr. Way

• Signalizing the intersection, restriping northbound approach from single 

lane to shared left-through and right-turn lane, widening eastbound 

approach to provide a second through lane, and restriping westbound 

approach from an exclusive right-turn lane to a shared through-right-turn 

lane at 13th Street/G Street

• Signalizing the intersection at SR 99 southbound off-ramp/14st Street/G 

Street

• Signalizing the intersection, restriping eastbound approach to provide a 

second through lane, and widening westbound approach to add a second 

through lane at SR 99 northbound off-ramp/Yosemite Parkway

• Restriping southbound approach to provide exclusive right-turn lane and 

restriping eastbound approach from exclusive right-turn lane to a shared 

though-right-turn lane at Motel Drive/Glen Avenue/Yosemite Parkway

• Converting two-way stop controlled intersection to an all-way stop 

controlled intersection at 14th Street/O Street (Option A only)

• Signalizing the intersection at 13th Street/M Street (meets signal warrant 

between 2020 and 2025)

• Signalizing the intersection at 14th Street/M Street (meets signal warrant 

between 2020 and 2025)

• Signalizing the intersection at 15th Street/Canal Street (meets signal 

warrant between 2020 and 2025)

• Signalizing the intersection at 11th Street/Martin Luther King Jr. Way 

(meets signal warrant between 2020 and 2025)

• Signalizing the intersection at Main Street/H Street (meets signal warrant 

between 2020 and 2025)

• Optimizing cycle length at Main Street/G Street

The traffic impacts associated with the Fresno Station at the identified 

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager will verify 

compliance as identified in construction plans.

plan/maintain weekly 

reporting schedule
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 27

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

intersections would be addressed by:

• Restriping the eastbound approach to provide one exclusive left-turn lane 

and on shared left/through/right-turn lane at the intersection of Van Ness 

Avenue/SR 41 northbound ramp

• Signalizing the intersection at SR 99 northbound ramps/Ventura Avenue

• Signalizing the intersection at Broadway Avenue/Ventura Avenue

• Widening the northbound approach to add one exclusive right-turn, one

left-turn lane, and one through lane and modifying the signal phasing to 

provide protected left-turn phases for the northbound and southbound 

approaches for Broadway Avenue/Ventura Avenue (Tulare Street 

Underpass Option)

• Widening the eastbound approach to add two exclusive left-turn lanes, two 

through lanes, and one exclusive right-turn lane and modifying the signal 

phasing to provide protected left-turn phases for the northbound and 

southbound approaches for Broadway Avenue/Ventura Avenue (Tulare 

Street Overpass Option)

• Modifying the existing traffic signal phasing to provide protected left-turn 

phases for the northbound and southbound approaches for Van Ness 

Avenue/Ventura Street intersection

• Widening the east bound approach to provide one exclusive left-turn lane 

and one exclusive right-turn lane at the intersection at H Street/Kern 

Street (Tulare Street Underpass Option only)

• Widening the southbound approach to provide one exclusive left-turn lane 

and one shared through/right-turn lane; widening the westbound approach 

to provide one exclusive left-turn lane, one through lane, and one 

exclusive right-turn lane; and modifying the signal phasing to provide 

protected left-turn phases for the eastbound and westbound approaches 

for E Street/Tulare Street intersection (Tulare Street Overpass Option only)

• Widening the northbound approach to provide one exclusive left-turn, and 

one shared through/right-turn lane; widening the southbound approaches 

to provide one exclusive left-turn lane, and one shared through/right-turn 

lane; widening the westbound approach to provide one exclusive right-turn 

lane, one exclusive left-turn lane, and one through lane; and modifying the 

signal phasing to provide protected left-turn phases for all approaches for 

F Street/Tulare Street (Tulare Street Underpass Option only)

• Widening westbound approach to provide one exclusive right-turn lane, on 

exclusive left-turn lane, and two through lanes; widening northbound 

approach to provide one exclusive right-turn lane, one exclusive left-turn 

lane, and two through lanes; and widening southbound approach to 

provide one exclusive right-turn lane, one exclusive left-turn lane, and two 

through lanes for H Street/Tulare Street (Tulare Street Underpass Option 

only)

• Widening the westbound approach to provide one exclusive left-turn lane, 

two through lanes, and one exclusive right-turn lane at the intersection of 

Van Ness Avenue/Tulare Street (Tulare Street Underpass Option only)

• Modifying the existing traffic signal phasing to provide protected left0turn 
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 28

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

phases for the eastbound and westbound approaches at U Street/Tulare 

Street

• Widening the eastbound approach to provide two exclusive through lanes 

and one exclusive through lanes and one exclusive right-turn lane at the 

intersection of SR 99 southbound ramps/Fresno Street

• Restriping the eastbound approach to provide two exclusive left-turn lanes 

and one exclusive through lane at SR 99 northbound ramps/Fresno Street 

(Tulare Street Underpass Option)

• Restriping the westbound approach to provide one through lane, one 

shared through/right-turn lane, and one exclusive right-turn lane at SR 99 

northbound ramps/Fresno Street (Tulare Street Overpass Option)

• Widening the southbound approach to provide one exclusive left-turn lane, 

one exclusive through lane, and one exclusive right turn lane at the 

intersection of Van Ness Avenue/Fresno Street (Tulare Street Underpass 

Option)

• Widening the northbound approach to provide two exclusive left-turn 

lanes, one through lane, and one shared through/right-turn lane and 

widening the eastbound approach to provide two exclusive left-turn lanes, 

one through lane, and one shared through/right-turn lane at the 

intersection of Van Ness Avenue/Fresno Street (Tulare Street Overpass 

Option)

• Modifying the existing traffic signal to provide split phases for the 

eastbound and westbound approaches at the intersection of Fresno 

Street/Divisadero Street

• Widening eastbound approach to provide one exclusive left-turn lane, one

through lane and one exclusive right-turn lane at Van Ness 

Avenue/Tuolumne Street

• Restriping the westbound approach to provide one shared left/though 

lane, one through lane, and one shared through/right-turn lane; restriping 

the southbound approach to provide one shared left/through lane and one 

exclusive right-turn lane; and modifying signal phasing to provide split 

phasing on eastbound and westbound approaches at E Street/Stanislaus 

Street (Tulare Street Overpass Option only)

• Restriping the southbound approach to provide shared left/through lane 

and one exclusive right-turn lane and modifying the signal phasing to 

provide permissive phase on northbound and southbound approaches at 

Broadway Street/Stanislaus Street (Tulare Street Overpass Option only)

• Widening westbound approach to provide one exclusive left turn lane, one 

through lane and one shared through/right-turn lane at Van Ness 

Avenue/Stanislaus Street (Tulare street Underpass Option only)

• Signalizing the intersection at H Street/San Joaquin Street

• Signalizing the intersection and widening southbound approach to provide 

on exclusive left-turn lane and one through lane at H Street/Amador Street

• Restriping the westbound approach to provide one shared 

through/right/left-turn lane and two exclusive right-turn lanes; widening 

the northbound approach to provide two exclusive left-turn lanes and one 

shared through/right-turn lane; and widening the southbound approach to 
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 29

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

provide additional left turn lane (on H Street) at H Street/Divisadero Street

• Widening the eastbound approaches to provide one shared left/through 

lane, one exclusive through lane, and one exclusive right-turn lane and 

widening the westbound approach to provide one shared left/through lane, 

one exclusive through lane, and one exclusive right-turn lane at the 

intersection of Van Ness Avenue/Divisadero Street

• Widening the westbound approach (S Street) to provide one shared 

through/right-turn lane, one exclusive through lane, and one exclusive 

left0turn lane at H Street/Roosevelt Street

• Widening the westbound approach to provide one exclusive left turn lane 

and one exclusive through lane at North Blackstone Avenue/East McKenzie 

Avenue

• Restriping the northbound approach to provide one exclusive through lane, 

one shared through/right0turn lane, and one exclusive right-turn lane at 

the intersection of Van Ness Avenue/SR 180 eastbound ramps

• Widening the eastbound approach to provide one additional exclusive leftturn lane at the intersection of Van Ness Avenue/SR 180 westbound ramps

• Widening the southbound approach to provide one exclusive left-turn lane, 

two exclusive through lanes, and one shared through/right-turn lane at the 

intersection of North Blackstone Avenue/East Belmont Avenue

• Restriping the northbound approach to provide one shared left/through 

lane, one exclusive through lane, one shared through/right-turn lane, and 

one exclusive right-turn lane at the intersection of North Abby 

Street/SR 180 eastbound ramps

• Widening the eastbound approach to provide one additional exclusive 

right-turn lane at the intersection of North Blackstone Avenue/SR 180 

westbound ramps

• Signalizing the intersection at Broadway Street/Amador Street

• Restriping the northbound approach to provide one exclusive left-turn 

lane, on exclusive through lane, and one shared through/right-turn lane; 

widening the westbound approach to provide one exclusive left-turn lane, 

two through lanes and one exclusive right-turn lane; and widening the 

eastbound approach to provide two exclusive left-turn lanes, one through 

lane, and one shared through/right-turn lane at Fresno Street/F Street 

(Tulare Street Underpass Option)

• Restriping the northbound approach to provide one exclusive left-turn 

lane, one exclusive through lane, and one shared through/right-turn lane; 

widening the westbound approach to provide one exclusive left-turn lane, 

one through lane, one shared through/right-turn lane, and one exclusive 

right-turn lane; widening the eastbound approach to provide two exclusive 

left-turn lanes, one through lane, and one shared through/right-turn lane 

at Fresno Street/F Street (Tulare Street Overpass Option)

• Signalizing the intersection at H Street/Ventura Street (Tulare Street 

Underpass Option only)

• Signalizing the intersection at G Street/Mono Street (Tulare Street 

Underpass Option only)

• Signalizing the intersection; widening northbound approach to provide 
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 30

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

exclusive left-turn lane; widening southbound approach to provide 

exclusive left-turn lane; and modifying signal phasing on northbound and 

southbound approaches to provide protected plus permissive left-turn 

phasing at the intersection of South Van Ness Avenue/East California 

Street 

• Providing an exclusive right-turn lane in the northbound direction and 

modifying signal phasing on all approaches to provide protected plus 

permissive left turn phase at Golden State Boulevard/East Church Avenue

• Increasing the cycle length (in the PM Peak Hour only) at South East 

Avenue/Golden State Boulevard

• Providing an exclusive right-turn lane for both northbound and southbound 

approaches at Golden State Boulevard/East Jensen Avenue

• Widening the northbound approach to provide one exclusive left-turn lane 

and two exclusive right-turn lanes at Stanislaus Street/F Street (Tulare 

Street Overpass Option only)

• Restriping the eastbound approach to provide one exclusive left-turn lane, 

one shared left/through lane and one exclusive right0turn lane at 

Tuolumne Street/F Street (Tulare Street Overpass Option only)

• Widening the northbound approach to provide one exclusive left-turn lane 

and one shared through/right-turn lane at Stanislaus Street/L Street

• Widening the southbound approach to provide one shared left/through 

lane and one exclusive right-turn lane at Stanislaus Street/M Street

• Widening the westbound approach to provide one exclusive left-turn lane, 

one through lane and one shared through/right-turn lane at Stanislaus 

Street/N Street 

TR MM#9: Convert Two-Way Stop to Four-Way Stop. Convert two-way 

stop controlled intersection to an all-way stop controlled intersection.

Merced Station

• 14th Street/O Street (Option A only)

Fresno Station

• n/a

Implementing Party: Contractor will prepare construction 

plans and provide copies to affected jurisdictions.

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager will verify 

compliance as identified in construction plans.

X Prepare construction 

management 

plan/maintain weekly 

reporting schedule

Contract 

Requirements/Specifications

Air Quality and Global Climate Change

AQ#1: Regional 

Impacts.

Construction of the 

HST alternatives 

would exceed the 

emissions thresholds 

for volatile organic 

compound (VOC) and 

nitrogen oxide (NOx). 

Therefore, it could 

potentially cause 

violations of nitrogen 

AQ-MM#1: Reduce Criteria Exhaust Emissions from Construction 

Equipment. This mitigation measure will apply to heavy-duty construction 

equipment used during the construction phase. All off-road construction diesel 

equipment will use the cleanest reasonably available equipment (including 

newer equipment and/or tailpipe retrofits), but in no case less clean than the 

average fleet mix, as set forth in CARB’s Non-Road/Off-Road 2007 database. 

The contractor will document efforts it undertook to locate newer equipment 

(such as, in order of priority, Tier 4, Tier 3 or Tier 2 equipment) and/or tailpipe 

retrofit equivalents. The contractor shall provide documentation of such efforts, 

including correspondence with at least two construction equipment rental 

companies. A copy of each unit’s certified tier specification and any required 

CARB or SJVAPCD operating permit will be made available at the time of 

Implementing Party: Contractor 

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager will 

verify that appropriate measures are incorporated into 

construction specifications.

X Daily Recording/Weekly 

Reporting

A copy of each unit’s certified tier 

specification and any required 

California Air Resources Board 

(CARB) or San Joaquin valley Air 

Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) 

operating permit will be made 

available at the time of mobilization 

of each piece of equipment.

When non-retrofitted Tier 3 engines 

are utilized, the contractor will 

document that no Tier 4 equipment 
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 31

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

dioxide (NO2) and 

ozone (O3) air quality 

standards or 

contribute 

substantially to NO2

and O3 existing or 

projected air quality 

violations

VOC and NOx

emissions would 

exceed GC 

applicability 

thresholds for most of 

the construction 

phase with or without 

onsite mitigation 

(such as AQ-MM #1), 

and CO, PM10 and 

PM2.5, and SO2

emissions would be 

below the GC 

thresholds for all 

construction years. As 

such, with 

implementation of 

AQ-MM#4, which will 

offset construction 

phase VOC and NOx

emissions through the 

VERA program, the 

project would have 

impacts of negligible 

intensity for all 

pollutants.

mobilization of each piece of equipment. The contractor shall keep a written 

record (supported by equipment hours meters where available) of equipment 

usage during project construction for each piece of equipment.

or emissions equivalent retrofit 

equipment is available or 

practicable for a particular 

equipment type. Documentation 

will be provided in such instances 

by the contractors and at least two 

construction equipment rental 

companies.

AQ-MM#2: Reduce Criteria Exhaust Emissions from On-Road 

Construction Equipment. This mitigation measure applies to on-road trucks 

used to haul construction materials, including fill, ballast, rail ties, and steel. 

Material hauling trucks will consist of an average fleet mix of equipment model

year 2010 or newer, to the extent reasonably practicable. The contractor shall 

provide documentation of efforts to secure such fleet mix. The contractor shall 

keep a written record of equipment usage during project construction for each 

piece of equipment.

Implementing Party: Contractor 

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager will 

verify compliance of this measure during construction.

X Prior to 

construction/weekly 

reporting

Contract Requirements/

Specifications

AQ-MM#4: Offset Project Construction Emissions through a SJVAPCD 

Voluntary Emission Reduction Agreement (VERA). The Authority and 

SJVAPCD will enter into a contractual agreement to mitigate the project’s 

actual emissions that exceed thresholds by providing funds for the district’s 

Emission Reduction Incentive Program2 (SJVAPCD, 2011) to fund grants for 

projects that achieve emission reductions, thus offsetting project-related 

impacts on air quality. The project will reduce actual construction emissions

that exceed significance/General Conformity thresholds for NOx and VOC 

through the VERA program. At a minimum, mitigation/offsets shall occur in the 

year of impact, or as otherwise permitted by 40 CFR Part 93 Section 93.163.

Implementing Party: Contractor and Authority

Monitoring/Reporting Parties: Authority & SJVAPCD

X Prior to 

construction/weekly 

reporting

The Authority and SJVAPCD will 

enter into a contractual agreement 

to mitigate the project’s emissions 

by providing funds for the district’s 

Emission Reduction Incentive 

Program to fund grants for projects 

that achieve emission reductions, 

thus offsetting project-related 

impacts on air quality.

AQ#2: Regional 

Impacts. Material 

hauling outside the 

SJVAB would exceed 

CEQA emission 

thresholds for NOx in 

the Bay Area Air 

Quality Management 

District (AQMD), East 

Kern APCD, Mojave 

AQ-MM#2: Reduce Criteria Exhaust Emissions from On-Road Construction 

Equipment.

This measure is described above. 

Implementing Party: Contractor 

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager will verify 

this measure is implemented during construction. 

X Construction/Weekly 

reporting

Contract Requirements/

Specifications

AQ-MM#5: Purchase Offsets and Offsite Emissions Mitigation 

Associated with Hauling Ballast Material in certain air districts. Actual 

NOX emissions from ballast hauling shall be reported to the South Coast AQMD 

and offsets purchased from the South Coast AQMD for actual emissions 

exceeding the thresholds. In the Bay Area AQMD, actual NOX emissions above 

the district’s significance threshold will be mitigated through an offsite emission 

Implementing Party: The Authority

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager will 

review plans to confirm compliance with this measure. 

X X Prior to 

construction/weekly 

reporting

Authority to coordinate the 

purchase of offsets with pertinent 

AQMDs.

 2 See San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD). 2011. Grant and Incentive Programs. Available at www.valleyair.org/Grant_Programs/GrantPrograms.htm.
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 32

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

Desert AQMD, and 

the SCAQMD for 

certain hauling 

scenarios. Therefore, 

it could potentially 

cause violations of 

NO2 and O3 air quality 

standards or 

contribute 

substantially to NO2

and O3 existing or 

projected air quality 

violations in those air 

districts.

mitigation program to achieve emission reduction due to material hauling in 

Bay Area AQMD. Potential offsite mitigation programs include the Bay Area 

AQMD’s Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment Program (CMP) 

or other air district emission reduction incentive programs. 

AQ#3: Compliance 

with Air Quality 

Plans. Construction 

of the HST 

alternatives would 

exceed the emissions 

thresholds for VOC 

and NOx. Therefore, it 

would conflict with 

the 1-hour Ozone 

Attainment Plan and 

the 8-hour Ozone 

Attainment Plan.

AQ-MM#1: Reduce Criteria Exhaust Emissions from Construction Equipment

This measure is described above.

Implementing Party: Contractor will incorporate 

appropriate measures into construction specifications.

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager will 

verify compliance during construction. 

X Construction/weekly 

reporting

A copy of each unit’s certified tier 

specification and any required 

California Air Resources Board 

(CARB) or San Joaquin valley Air 

Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) 

operating permit will be made 

available at the time of mobilization 

of each piece of equipment.

When non-retrofitted Tier 3 engines 

are utilized, the contractor will 

document that no Tier 4 equipment 

or emissions equivalent retrofit 

equipment is available or practicable 

for a particular equipment type. 

Documentation will be provided in 

such instances by the contractors 

and at least two construction 

equipment rental companies.

AQ-MM#2: Reduce Criteria Exhaust Emissions from On-Road 

Construction Equipment

This measure is described above.

Implementing Party: Contractor will incorporate appropriate 

measures into construction specifications.

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager will verify 

compliance during construction. 

X Construction/weekly 

reporting

Contract 

Requirements/Specifications

AQ-MM#4: Offset Project Construction Emissions through a SJVAPCD 

Voluntary Emission Reduction Agreement (VERA).

This measure is described above.

Implementing Party: Contractor 

Monitoring/Reporting Parties: Authority & SJVAPCD

X Construction/weekly 

reporting

The Authority and SJVAPCD will 

enter into a contractual agreement 

to mitigate the project’s emissions 

by providing funds for the district’s 

Emission Reduction Incentive 

Program to fund grants for projects 

that achieve emission reductions, 

thus offsetting project-related 

impacts on air quality.
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 33

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

AQ-MM#3: Reduce the Potential Impact of Concrete Batch Plants.

Concrete batch plants will be sited at least 1,000 feet from sensitive receptors, 

including daycare centers, hospitals, senior care facilities, residences, parks, 

and other areas where people may congregate.

Implementing Party: Contractor will identify location of 

concrete batch plants on construction plans and verify 

location is away from sensitive receptors. 

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager will 

verify compliance during construction.

X X Construction/weekly 

reporting

Contract 

Requirements/Specifications

AQ# 4: Local 

Impacts. 

Construction of the 

alignment may 

expose sensitive 

receptors to 

temporary substantial 

pollutant 

concentrations from 

concrete batch plants.

AQ-MM#3: Reduce the Potential Impact of Concrete Batch Plants.

Concrete batch plants will be sited at least 1,000 feet from sensitive receptors, 

including daycare centers, hospitals, senior care facilities, residences, parks, 

and other areas where people may congregate.

Implementing Party: Contractor will identify location of 

concrete batch plants on construction plans and verify 

location is away from sensitive receptors. 

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager will 

verify compliance during construction.

X X Construction/weekly 

reporting

Contract 

Requirements/Specifications

Noise and Vibration

N&V#1: Construction 

Noise

Construction impacts 

would have moderate 

intensity under NEPA, 

but due to the 

temporary nature and 

adherence to local 

noise ordinances, 

construction noise 

and vibration impacts 

would not be 

significant under 

NEPA. FRA may 

choose to implement 

these mitigation 

measures.

N&V-MM#1: Construction noise mitigation measures. Monitor 

construction noise to verify compliance with the limits. Provide the contractor 

the flexibility to meet the FTA construction noise limits in the most efficient and 

cost-effective manner. The contractor would have the flexibility of either 

prohibiting certain noise-generating activities during nighttime hours or 

providing additional noise control measures to meet the noise limits. To meet 

required noise limits, the following noise control mitigation measures will be 

implemented as necessary, for nighttime and daytime:

• Install a temporary construction site sound barrier near a noise source.

• Avoid nighttime construction in residential neighborhoods.

• Locate stationary construction equipment as far as possible from noisesensitive sites.

• Re-route construction-related truck traffic along roadways that will cause the 

least disturbance to residents.

• During nighttime work, use smart back-up alarms, which automatically 

adjust the alarm level based on the background noise level, or switch off 

back-up alarms and replace with spotters.

• Use low-noise emission equipment.

• Implement noise-deadening measures for truck loading and operations.

• Monitor and maintain equipment to meet noise limits.

• Line or cover storage bins, conveyors, and chutes with sound-deadening 

material.

• Use acoustic enclosures, shields, or shrouds for equipment and facilities.

• Use high-grade engine exhaust silencers and engine-casing sound insulation.

• Prohibit aboveground jackhammering and impact pile driving during 

Implementing Party: Contractor to incorporate measures 

into specifications.

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager will 

verify compliance during construction. 

X Construction/weekly 

reporting

Contract Requirements/

Specifications
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 34

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

nighttime hours.

• Minimize the use of generators to power equipment.

• Limit use of public address systems.

• Grade surface irregularities on construction sites.

• Use moveable sound barriers at the source of the construction activity.

• Limit or avoid certain noisy activities during nighttime hours.

To mitigate noise related to pile driving, the use of an augur to install the piles 

instead of a pile driver would reduce noise levels substantially. If pile driving is 

necessary, limit the time of day that the activity can occur. 

N&V#3: Severe 

Operational Noise 

Impacts

N&V-MM#3: Implement California High-Speed Train Project Noise 

and Vibration Mitigation Guidelines. California High-Speed Train Project 

Noise and Vibration Mitigation Guidelines (Guidelines) will be applied for ballast 

and tie track along the alignment. These Noise Guidelines will also be applied 

for slab track along the alignment. Various options exist to address the 

potentially severe noise effects from HSTs and from shifting SR 99. With input 

from local jurisdictions and balancing technological factors, such as structural 

and seismic safety, cost, number of affected receptors, and effectiveness, 

mitigation measures from among those identified in the Guidelines and 

summarized below will be selected and implemented. The mitigation measure 

or suite of mitigation measures for severe noise impacts will be designed to 

reduce the noise level from HST operations from "severe" to "moderate" 

according to the provisions of the FRA noise and vibration manual (FRA 2005). 

The Guidelines include the following mitigation measures for severe operational 

noise impacts:

• Install sound barriers. Depending on the height and location relative to the 

tracks, sound barriers can achieve between 5 and 15 dB of noise reduction. 

The primary requirements for an effective sound barrier are that the barrier 

must (1) be high enough and long enough to break the line-of-sight 

between the sound source and the receiver, (2) be of an impervious material 

with a minimum surface density of 4 pounds per square foot, and (3) not 

have any gaps or holes between the panels or at the bottom. Because many 

materials meet these requirements, aesthetics, durability, cost, and 

maintenance considerations usually determine the selection of materials for 

sound barriers. Depending on the situation, sound barriers can become 

visually intrusive. Typically, the sound barriers style is selected with input 

from the local jurisdiction to reduce the visual effect of barriers on adjacent 

lands uses. For example, sound barriers could be solid or transparent, of 

various colors, materials, and surface treatments. 

• The maximum sound barrier height would be 14 feet for at-grade sections; 

however, all sound barriers would be designed to be as low as possible while 

still achieving a substantial noise reduction. Berm and berm/wall 

combinations are the preferred types of sound barriers where space and 

other environmental constraints permit. Work with the communities to 

Implementing Party: Contractor to identify noise barriers 

in construction plans. Where noise barriers are not 

applicable, the Contractor will identify and document 

mitigation to be implemented for individual properties in 

consultation with the Authority’s right-of-way team and the 

property owner. The post-construction contractor will address 

remaining mitigation implementation.

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager will 

review construction plans and identified mitigation 

documentation to verify compliance with measure.

X X X Construction/weekly 

reporting

Noise and Vibration Mitigation 

Guidelines
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 35

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

determine how the use and height of sound barriers would be determined 

using jointly developed performance criteria. Other solutions may result in 

higher numbers of residual impacts than reported herein. Options may be to 

reduce the height of sound barriers and combine barriers with sound 

insulation or to accept higher than the FRA’s current noise thresholds. 

• Install building sound insulation. Sound insulation of residences and 

institutional buildings to improve the outdoor-to-indoor noise reduction is a 

mitigation measure that can be provided when the use of sound barriers is 

not feasible in providing a reasonable level (5 to 7 dB) of noise reduction. 

Although this approach has no effect on noise in exterior areas, it may be 

the best choice for sites where sound barriers are not feasible or desirable 

and for buildings where indoor sensitivity is of most concern. Substantial 

improvements in building sound insulation (on the order of 5 to 10 dB) can 

often be achieved by adding an extra layer of glazing to windows, by sealing 

holes in exterior surfaces that act as sound leaks, and by providing forced 

ventilation and air conditioning so that windows do not need to be opened. 

Establish performance criteria to balance existing noise events and ambient 

roadway noise conditions as factors for determining mitigation measures.

• Acquire easements on properties severely affected by noise. Another option 

for mitigating noise impacts is for the Authority to acquire easements on 

residences likely to be affected by HST operations in which the homeowners 

would accept the future noise conditions. This approach is usually taken only 

in isolated cases where other mitigation options are infeasible, impractical, or 

too costly.

N&V-MM#4: Vehicle Noise Specification. In the procurement of an HST 

vehicle technology, the Authority will require bidders to meet the federal 

regulations (40 CFR Part 201.12/13 or other applicable) at the time of 

procurement for locomotives (currently a 90-dB level standard) and rail cars 

(currently a 93-dB level standard for cars operating at speeds of greater than 

45 mph). Depending on the available technology, this could significantly reduce 

the number of impacts throughout the corridor.

Implementing Party: Contractor

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager and 

Authority 

X Prior to 

construction/weekly 

reporting

HST vehicle technology 

procurement

N&V-MM#5: Special Trackwork at Crossovers and Turnouts. Because 

the impacts of HST wheels over rail gaps at turnouts increases HST noise by 

approximately 6 dB over typical operations, turnouts can be a major source of 

noise impact. If the turnouts cannot be moved from sensitive areas, the project 

can use special types of trackwork that eliminate the gap.

Implementing Party: Contractor/Authority

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager to report 

noncompliance/noise issues 

X Post 

Construction/Operations 

Monitoring. Authority to 

coordinate with local 

jurisdictions to address 

noise-related issues.

N&V-MM#6: Additional Noise Analysis During Final Design. If final 

design of the track base or final vehicle specifications results in changes to the 

assumptions underlying the noise analysis, reassess noise impacts and 

recommendations for mitigation and provide supplemental environmental 

documentation, as required by CEQA and NEPA.

Implementing Party: Final Design Team

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager in 

coordination with Authority.

X X Prepare construction 

management plan/weekly 

reporting

Noise impact re-assessment during 

final project design
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 36

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

Biological Resources

The following 

mitigation measures 

will be implemented, 

as applicable, during 

the construction 

period and the 

project period to 

avoid and or minimize 

impacts and effects 

on biological 

resources. 

Bio-MM#3: Prepare and Implement a Worker Environmental 

Awareness Program. Prior to ground-disturbing activities, the Mitigation 

Manager or designee will prepare and implement a WEAP for construction 

crews. WEAP training materials will include the following: discussion of the 

federal ESA, CESA, BGEPA, and the MBTA; consequences and penalties for 

violation or noncompliance with these laws and regulations and project 

permits; identification and value of special-status plants, special-status wildlife, 

jurisdictional waters, and special-status plant communities; hazardous 

substance spill prevention and containment measures; the contact person in 

the event of the discovery of a dead or injured wildlife species; and review of 

mitigation measures. In the WEAP, the Mitigation Manager will detail 

construction timing in relation to habitat and species’ life stage requirements 

and discuss project maps, showing areas of planned minimization and 

avoidance measures.

A fact sheet prepared by the Mitigation Manager conveying this information will 

be prepared for distribution to the construction crews and to other individuals 

who enter the construction footprint. Upon completion of the WEAP training, 

construction crews will sign a form stating that they attended the training and 

understand and will comply with the information presented. Construction crews 

will be informed during the WEAP training that, to the extent possible, travel 

within the marked project site will be restricted to established roadbeds. 

Established roadbeds include all pre-existing and project-constructed 

unimproved, as well as improved roads.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist and Mitigation 

Manager

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager to 

maintain records of Worker Environmental Awareness 

training and provide written documentation to the Authority.

X X Training of all 

crew/construction 

personnel prior to start of 

construction. Provide 

weekly/monthly reporting 

as required by permit 

conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#4: Prepare and Implement a Weed Control Plan. Prior to 

ground-disturbing activities, the Contractor will prepare and implement a Weed 

Control Plan to minimize or avoid the spread of weeds during ground-disturbing 

activities. The Weed Control Plan will address the following:

• Schedule for conducting noxious weed surveys to be conducted in 

coordination with the Biological Resources Management Plan (BRMP).

• Success criteria for noxious and invasive weed control as established by a 

qualified biologist. The success criteria will be linked to the Habitat Mitigation 

and Monitoring Plan (HMMP) for compensatory mitigation sites, and the 

standards for onsite work during construction will limit invasive species to 

less than 5% and non-native herbaceous species to less than 25%. If these 

success criteria have not been met by the end of the BRMP monitoring and 

implementation period, monitoring and control efforts will continue and 

remedial actions will be identified and implemented until success criteria are 

met. Based on monitoring results, additional or revised measures may be 

needed to ensure the introduction and spread of noxious weeds is not 

promoted by the construction and operation of the HST.

• Provisions to ensure that the development of the Weed Control Plan will be 

coordinated with development of the Restoration and Revegetation Plan 

(RRP) so that the RRP incorporates measures to reduce the spread and 

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party/Monitoring Party: Project Biologist in 

coordination with the Authority

X X Prior to 

construction/monthly 

memorandum to 

document the progress of 

the Weed Control Plan and 

implementation

Condition of Design/Build Contract
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 37

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

establishment of noxious weeds and incorporates percent cover of noxious 

weeds into revegetation performance standards. Identify weed control 

treatments including permitted herbicides, and manual and mechanical 

methods for application. Restrict herbicide application from use in 

environmentally sensitive areas (ESAs).

• Determine timing of the weed control treatment for each plant species.

• Identify fire prevention measures.

The Contractor will implement the Weed Control Plan during the construction 

period and require that maintenance crews follow the guidelines in the Weed 

Control Plan during the project period. The Authority or its designee will 

appoint the responsible party during the operations period. A monthly 

memorandum will be prepared by the Project Biologist to document the 

progress of the Plan and its implementation.

Bio-MM#5: Prepare and Implement a Biological Resources 

Management Plan. During final design, and prior to construction, the Project 

Biologist will prepare the Biological Resources Management Plan (BRMP), and 

assemble the biological resources mitigation measures. In the BRMP, the Project 

Biologist will include terms and conditions from applicable permits and 

agreements and make provisions for monitoring assignments, scheduling, and 

responsibility. The BRMP will also include habitat replacement and revegetation, 

protection during ground-disturbing activities, performance (growth) standards, 

maintenance criteria, and monitoring requirements for temporary and permanent 

native plant community impacts. The BRMP will form the parameters for the 

biology mitigation measures from this EIR/EIS, including terms and conditions as 

applicable from the USFWS, USACE, SWRCB, and CDFG permits.

The BRMP will be prepared for all phases of project implementation, but may be 

exclusively prepared for each construction package. 

The goal of the BRMP is to assist the Project Biologist with an organized reporting 

tool to ensure the mitigation measures and terms and conditions are 

implemented in a timely manner and are reported on. These include all 

avoidance, minimization, repair, mitigation, and compensatory actions stated in 

the mitigation measures or terms and conditions from the permits referenced 

above. These measures and conditions are tracked through final design, 

implementation, and post-construction phases. Specific performance standards 

are habitat-based and are related to success of onsite or offsite repair of 

temporary impacts, or more permanent impacts that are compensated at an 

offsite location. Habitat based mitigation applies to compensatory mitigation or 

permittee-responsible mitigation for impacts on special-status plants, specialstatus wildlife, special-status plant communities, or jurisdictional waters and are 

generally addressed in the Bio-MM#58 as part of the HMMP. Performance 

standards are targets for determining the effectiveness of the mitigation and 

assessing the need for adaptive management (e.g., mitigation design or 

maintenance revisions). Success criteria are formal criteria that must be met after 

a specific timeframe to meet regulatory requirements of the permitting agencies. 

These are habitat-based performance standards that include consideration for the 

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Project Biologist to verify 

completion of the BRMP and provide written documentation 

to the Authority.

X Following implementation 

and reporting schedule as 

established by agency 

permit conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract.

BRMP and construction plans 
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 38

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

establishment of a species or habitat. Since species are nested within habitats, 

the performance standards are primarily based on vegetation, substrate, and 

hydrology conditions. The performance standards for the establishment of any 

temporary or permanent impacts on these resources are recognized in those 

resource categories, but are more specifically covered in the specific performance 

standards/guidelines shown in Bio-MM#56. The overarching goal is to neutralize 

the impacts with respect to species and habitat impacted. The BRMP will help the 

long-term perpetuation of biological resources within the temporarily disturbed 

areas, as well as protect adjacent targeted habitats. The BRMP will contain but 

not be limited to the following information:

a. Specific measures for the protection of special-status species.

b. Identification (on construction plans) of the locations and quantity of habitats 

to be avoided or removed, including locations where habitats are to be 

restored.

c. Procedures for vegetation analyses of temporarily impacted habitats to 

approximate their relative composition, as well as procedures for site 

preparation, irrigation, planting, and maintenance. This information may be 

used to determine the requirements of the revegetation areas for both onsite 

temporary impacts and offsite compensatory sites.

d. Sources of plant materials and methods of propagation.

e. Specific parameters for determining the amount of replacement habitat for 

temporary disturbance areas identified consistent with mitigation ratios and 

permit conditions.

f. Specification of parameters for maintenance and monitoring of re-established 

habitats, including weed control measures, frequency of field checks, and 

monitoring reports for temporary disturbance areas.

g. Specification of performance standards for the re-established plant 

communities within the construction limits.

h. Remedial measures, such as a form of adaptive management, to be taken if 

performance standards are not met.

i. Methodologies and requirements for monitoring the restoration/replacement 

efforts, which will be a combination of qualitative and quantitative data 

consistent with mitigation measures and permit conditions.

j. Measures to preserve topsoil and control erosion.

k. Design of protective fencing around ESAs and ERAs and the construction 

staging areas.

l. Specification of location and quantities of gallinaceous guzzlers (catch 

basin/artificial watering structures) if needed; specification of monitoring of 

water levels in guzzlers.

m. Location of trees to be protected as wildlife habitat (roosting sites) and 

locations for planting replacement trees.

n. Specification of the purpose, type, frequency, and extent of chemical use for 

insect and disease control operations as part of vegetative maintenance 

within sensitive habitat areas.
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 39

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

o. Specific construction monitoring programs for habitats of concern and 

special-status species, as needed.

p. Specific measures for the protection of vernal pool habitat and riparian areas. 

These measures may include but are not limited to: erosion and siltation 

control measures, protective fencing guidelines, dust control measures, 

grading techniques, construction area limits, and biological monitoring 

requirements.

q. Provisions for biological monitoring during ground-disturbing activities to 

confirm compliance and success of protective measures. The monitoring 

procedures will: (1) identify specific locations of wildlife habitat and sensitive 

species to be monitored, (2) identify the frequency of monitoring and the 

monitoring methodology (for each habitat and sensitive species to be 

monitored), (3) list required qualifications of biological monitor(s), and (4) 

identify reporting requirements.

Bio-MM#6: Prepare and Implement a Restoration and Revegetation 

Plan. During final design, the Contractor’s Biologist will prepare a restoration 

and revegetation plan (RRP) for upland communities and verified by the Project 

Biologist. This is a complement for site restoration in addition to the temporary 

effects for riparian plant communities (Bio-MM#15) and for jurisdictional waters 

(Bio-MM#43). In the RRP, address impacts on habitat subject to temporary 

ground disturbances that will require decompaction or regrading, if appropriate. 

The standards for onsite work during construction will limit invasive species to 

less than 5% and nonnative herbaceous species to less than 25% unless 

otherwise called out in the final approved seed mix. The Project Biologist will 

approve the seed mix.

During ground-disturbing activities, the Contractor will implement the RRP in 

temporarily disturbed areas. The Project Biologist will prepare and submit 

compliance reports to document implementation. The RRP compliance reports 

will be prepared and submitted to the Mitigation Manager.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X Prior to construction.

Follow reporting 

requirements as 

established by agency 

permit conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract.

Restoration and Revegetation Plan 

(RRP) for upland communities and 

Compliance reports to document 

implementation and performance 

standards

Bio-MM#7: Delineate Environmentally Sensitive Areas and 

Environmentally Restricted Areas (on plans and in-field). Prior to 

ground-disturbing activities, to the extent practicable, the Project Biologist will 

verify that environmentally sensitive areas (ESAs) and environmentally 

restricted areas (ERAs) are delineated as appropriate. ESAs are areas within 

the construction zones containing suitable habitat for special-status species and 

habitats of concern that may allow construction activities, but have restrictions 

based on the presence of special-status species or habitats of concern at the 

time of construction. ERAs are areas outside the construction footprint that 

must be protected in-place during all construction activities. 

Prior to ground-disturbing activities, the Contractor’s Biologist will include all 

ESAs and ERAs on final construction plans (including grading and landscape 

plans). Prepare, review and approve the map of all ESAs and ERAs on the 

design drawings and work to update the map as necessary.

Prior to ground-disturbing activities, the Contractor will mark ESAs and ERAs 

with high visibility temporary fencing to prevent encroachment of construction 

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Prior to construction/Post 

construction. Follow 

reporting requirements as 

established by agency 

permit conditions

Condition of Design/Build Contract
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 40

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

personnel and equipment onto sensitive areas. Designate the two categories, 

ESA and ERA, differently in the field (e.g., different colored flagging/fencing). 

Use sub-meter accurate GPS equipment to delineate all ESAs and ERAs. 

Remove ESA and ERA fencing when construction is complete or the resource 

has been cleared according to agency permit conditions and construction 

drawings and specifications. The Project Biologist will submit memoranda 

regarding the field delineation of all ESAs/ERAs to the Mitigation Manager. 

These areas will receive ongoing monitoring during site preparation and 

construction activities.

Bio-MM#8: Equipment Staging Areas. Prior to ground-disturbing activities, 

the Contractor will locate staging areas for construction equipment outside 

sensitive biological resources including habitat for special-status species, 

habitats of concern(e.g., wetlands, waters of the U.S., riparian communities), 

and wildlife movement corridors, to the maximum extent possible. The Project 

Biologist will submit memoranda to the Mitigation Manager documenting 

compliance. Where avoidance is not feasible the permitting authorities need to 

be contacted for modification to permits, as required by law.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Prior to construction 

Follow reporting 

requirements as 

established by agency 

permit conditions

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#9: Mono-Filament Netting. During ground-disturbing activities, 

the Project Biologist will verify that plastic mono-filament netting (erosioncontrol matting) or similar material is not used in erosion control materials; 

substitutes include coconut hair matting or tackified hydroseeding compounds. 

The Project Biologist will submit memoranda to the Mitigation Manager 

documenting compliance monthly, or as appropriate, through the life of the 

project construction.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X During ground-disturbing 

activities and 

Construction. Follow 

reporting requirements as 

established by agency 

permit conditions

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#10: Vehicle Traffic. During ground-disturbing activities, the 

Contractor will restrict project-related vehicle traffic, within the construction 

area, to established roads, construction areas, and other designated areas. 

Establish vehicle traffic locations disturbed by previous activities to prevent 

further adverse effects. Observe a 20 mph speed limit for construction areas 

with potential special-status species habitat. Clearly flag and mark access 

routes and prohibit off-road traffic. The Project Biologist will submit a 

memorandum to the Mitigation Manager documenting compliance on a weekly 

basis.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X During ground-disturbing 

activities. Report on 

weekly basis.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#11: Entrapment Prevention. The Contractor’s biologist will cover 

all excavated, steep-sided holes or trenches, more than 8 inches deep, at the 

close of each working day with plywood or similar materials, or provide a 

minimum of one escape ramp per 10 feet of trenching constructed of earth fill. 

The Contractor’s Biologist will thoroughly inspect such holes or trenches for 

trapped animals before leaving the construction site each day. 

Prior to construction, the Contractor’s Biologist will screen all culverts, or similar 

enclosed structures, with a diameter of 4 inches or greater to prevent use by 

wildlife. The Contractor’s Biologist will ensure that cleared and stored material 

at the construction site for common and special-status wildlife species before 

the material is subsequently used or moved. The Project Biologist will submit a 

memorandum to the Mitigation Manager documenting compliance on a weekly 

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X During 

construction/submit 

weekly reports.

Condition of Design/Build Contract
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 41

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

basis.

Bio-MM#12: Work Stoppage. During ground-disturbing activities, the 

Project Biologist or Biological Monitor will halt work in the event that a specialstatus wildlife species gains access to the construction footprint. This work 

stoppage will be coordinated with the resident engineer and/or the Authority or 

its designee. At this direction the Contractor will suspend ground-disturbing 

activities in the immediate construction area that could reasonably result in a 

“take” of special-status wildlife species. The Contractor will continue the 

suspension until the individual leaves voluntarily, is relocated to a release area 

using USFWS- and/or CDFG-approved handling techniques and relocation 

methods, or as required by USFWS or CDFG. The Project Biologist will submit a 

memorandum to the Mitigation Manager documenting compliance within 1 day 

of the work stoppage and subsequent action.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist or Project Biological 

Monitor 

Reporting Party: Project Biologist in coordination with the 

Authority

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X During ground-disturbing 

activities. Submit a 

memorandum to the 

Mitigation Manager 

documenting compliance 

within 1 day of the work 

stoppage and subsequent 

action.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#13: ‘Take’ Notification and Reporting. The Contractor’s Biologist 

in coordination with the Project Biologist and Mitigation Manager will notify the 

USFWS and/or CDFG immediately in the case of an accidental death or injury to 

a federal or state listed species during project-related activities. The Authority 

or its designee will be notified prior to the notification to the agencies. The 

Project Biologist will submit a memorandum to the Mitigation Manager 

documenting compliance.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist, Mitigation Manager

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Following incident, 

immediately report to 

USFWS and/or CDFG.

Prepare report and 

document in 

weekly/monthly report.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#14: Post-Construction Compliance Reports. After each 

construction period is completed, the Project Biologist will submit postconstruction compliance reports consistent with the appropriate agency (e.g., 

UFSWS, NMFS and CDFG) protocols, including compliance with resource agency 

permits (i.e., Section 7 of FESA, Section 2081 of CESA and Section 401 and 404 

of FCWA and 1600 of Fish and Game Code). The Project Biologist will submit a 

memorandum to the Mitigation Manager documenting compliance. The 

frequency of the memorandum compilation and submission will be consistent 

with regulatory compliance permits.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Post-construction. Follow 

reporting requirements as 

established by regulatory 

compliance permits.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio#1: 

Construction of the 

HST alternatives 

would introduce 

noxious weeds.

Bio-MM#4: Prepare and Implement a Weed Control Plan. Prior to 

ground-disturbing activities, the Contractor will prepare and implement a Weed 

Control Plan to minimize or avoid the spread of weeds during ground-disturbing 

activities. The Weed Control Plan will address the following:

• Schedule for conducting noxious weed surveys to be conducted in 

coordination with the BRMP.

• Success criteria for noxious and invasive weed control as established by a 

qualified biologist. The success criteria will be linked to the HMMP for 

compensatory mitigation sites, and the standards for onsite work during 

construction will limit invasive species to less than 5% and non-native 

herbaceous species to less than 25%. If these success criteria have not been 

met by the end of the BRMP monitoring and implementation period, 

monitoring and control efforts will continue and remedial actions will be 

identified and implemented until success criteria are met. Based on 

monitoring results, additional or revised measures may be needed to ensure 

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager to verify completion 

of this measure and provide written documentation to

Authority

X X Prior to 

construction/monthly 

memorandum to 

document the progress of 

the Weed Control Plan and 

implementation

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Weed Control Plan
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 42

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

the introduction and spread of noxious weeds is not promoted by the 

construction and operation of the HST.

• Provisions to ensure that the development of the Weed Control Plan will be 

coordinated with development of the Restoration and Revegetation Plan 

(RRP) so that the RRP incorporates measures to reduce the spread and 

establishment of noxious weeds and incorporates percent cover of noxious 

weeds into revegetation performance standards. Identify weed control 

treatments including permitted herbicides, and manual and mechanical 

methods for application. Restrict herbicide application from use in 

environmentally sensitive areas (ESAs).

• Determine timing of the weed control treatment for each plant species.

• Identify fire prevention measures.

The Contractor will implement the Weed Control Plan during the construction 

period and require that maintenance crews follow the guidelines in the Weed 

Control Plan during the project period. The Authority or its designee will 

appoint the responsible party during the operations period. A monthly 

memorandum will be prepared by the Project Biologist to document the 

progress of the Plan and its implementation.

Bio-MM#5: Prepare and Implement a Biological Resources 

Management Plan. During final design, and prior to construction, the Project 

Biologist will prepare the BRMP, and assemble the biological resources mitigation 

measures. In the BRMP, the Project Biologist will include terms and conditions 

from applicable permits and agreements and make provisions for monitoring 

assignments, scheduling, and responsibility. The BRMP will also include habitat 

replacement and revegetation, protection during ground-disturbing activities, 

performance (growth) standards, maintenance criteria, and monitoring 

requirements for temporary and permanent native plant community impacts. The 

BRMP will form the parameters for the biology mitigation measures from this 

EIR/EIS, including terms and conditions as applicable from the USFWS, USACE, 

SWRCB, and CDFG permits.

The BRMP will be prepared for all phases of project implementation, but may be 

exclusively prepared for each construction package. 

The goal of the BRMP is to assist the Project Biologist with an organized reporting 

tool to ensure the mitigation measures and terms and conditions are 

implemented in a timely manner and are reported on. These include all 

avoidance, minimization, repair, mitigation, and compensatory actions stated in 

the mitigation measures or terms and conditions from the permits referenced 

above. These measures and conditions are tracked through final design, 

implementation, and post-construction phases. Specific performance standards 

are habitat-based and are related to success of onsite or offsite repair of 

temporary impacts, or more permanent impacts that are compensated at an 

offsite location. Habitat-based mitigation applies to compensatory mitigation or 

permittee-responsible mitigation for impacts on special-status plants, specialstatus wildlife, special-status plant communities, or jurisdictional waters and are 

generally addressed in the Bio-MM#58 as part of the HMMP. Performance 

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager to verify 

completion of the BRMP and provide written documentation 

to Authority.

X Following implementation 

and reporting schedule as 

established by agency 

permit conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract.

Biological Resources Management 

Plan (BRMP) and Construction plans 
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 43

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

standards are targets for determining the effectiveness of the mitigation and

assessing the need for adaptive management (e.g., mitigation design or 

maintenance revisions). Success criteria are formal criteria that must be met after 

a specific timeframe to meet regulatory requirements of the permitting agencies. 

These are habitat-based performance standards that include consideration for the 

establishment of a species or habitat. Since species are nested within habitats, 

the performance standards are primarily based on vegetation, substrate, and 

hydrology conditions. The performance standards for the establishment of any 

temporary or permanent impacts on these resources are recognized in those 

resource categories, but are more specifically covered in the specific performance 

standards/guidelines shown in Bio-MM#56. The overarching goal is to neutralize 

the impacts with respect to species and habitat impacted. The BRMP will help the 

long-term perpetuation of biological resources within the temporarily disturbed 

areas, as well as protect adjacent targeted habitats. The BRMP will contain but 

not be limited to the following information:

a. Specific measures for the protection of special-status species.

b. Identification (on construction plans) of the locations and quantity of habitats 

to be avoided or removed, including locations where habitats are to be 

restored.

c. Procedures for vegetation analyses of temporarily impacted habitats to 

approximate their relative composition, as well as procedures for site 

preparation, irrigation, planting, and maintenance. This information may be 

used to determine the requirements of the revegetation areas for both onsite 

temporary impacts and offsite compensatory sites.

d. Sources of plant materials and methods of propagation.

e. Specific parameters for determining the amount of replacement habitat for 

temporary disturbance areas identified consistent with mitigation ratios and 

permit conditions.

f. Specification of parameters for maintenance and monitoring of re-established 

habitats, including weed control measures, frequency of field checks, and 

monitoring reports for temporary disturbance areas.

g. Specification of performance standards for the re-established plant 

communities within the construction limits.

h. Remedial measures, such as a form of adaptive management, to be taken if 

performance standards are not met.

i. Methodologies and requirements for monitoring the restoration/replacement 

efforts, which will be a combination of qualitative and quantitative data 

consistent with mitigation measures and permit conditions.

j. Measures to preserve topsoil and control erosion.

k. Design of protective fencing around ESAs and ERAs and the construction 

staging areas.

l. Specification of location and quantities of gallinaceous guzzlers (catch 

basin/artificial watering structures) if needed; specification of monitoring of 

water levels in guzzlers.
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 44

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

m. Location of trees to be protected as wildlife habitat (roosting sites) and 

locations for planting replacement trees.

n. Specification of the purpose, type, frequency, and extent of chemical use for 

insect and disease control operations as part of vegetative maintenance 

within sensitive habitat areas.

o. Specific construction monitoring programs for habitats of concern and 

special-status species, as needed.

p. Specific measures for the protection of vernal pool habitat and riparian areas. 

These measures may include but are not limited to: erosion and siltation 

control measures, protective fencing guidelines, dust control measures, 

grading techniques, construction area limits, and biological monitoring 

requirements.

q. Provisions for biological monitoring during ground-disturbing activities to 

confirm compliance and success of protective measures. The monitoring 

procedures will: (1) identify specific locations of wildlife habitat and sensitive 

species to be monitored, (2) identify the frequency of monitoring and the 

monitoring methodology (for each habitat and sensitive species to be monitored), 

(3) list required qualifications of biological monitor(s), and (4) identify reporting 

requirements.

Bio#2: 

Construction of the 

HST alternatives 

would disturb 

Great Valley mixed 

riparian forest and 

other riparian 

habitat.

Bio-MM#4: Prepare and Implement a Weed Control Plan.

See description above in Comment Bio#1.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Prior to 

construction/monthly 

memorandum to 

document the progress of 

the Weed Control Plan and 

implementation

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Weed Control Plan

Bio-MM#5: Prepare and Implement a Biological Resources 

Management Plan.

See description above in Comment Bio#1.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager to verify 

completion of this measure and provide written 

documentation to Authority

X Following implementation 

and reporting schedule as 

established by agency 

permit conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Biological Resources Management 

Plan (BRMP) and Construction plans 

Bio-MM#6: Prepare and Implement a Restoration and Revegetation 

Plan. During final design, the Contractor’s Biologist will prepare a restoration 

and revegetation plan (RRP) for upland communities and verified by the Project 

Biologist. This is a complement for site restoration in addition to the temporary 

effects for riparian plant communities (Bio-MM#15) and for jurisdictional waters 

(Bio-MM#43). In the RRP, address impacts on habitat subject to temporary 

ground disturbances that will require decompaction or regrading, if appropriate. 

The standards for onsite work during construction will limit invasive species to 

less than 5% and nonnative herbaceous species to less than 25% unless 

otherwise called out in the final approved seed mix. The Project Biologist will 

approve the seed mix.

During ground-disturbing activities, the Contractor will implement the RRP in 

temporarily disturbed areas. The Project Biologist will prepare and submit 

compliance reports to document implementation. The RRP compliance reports 

will be prepared and submitted to the Mitigation Manager.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X Prior to construction.

Follow reporting 

requirements as 

established by agency 

permit conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract.

Restoration and Revegetation Plan 

(RRP) for upland communities and 

Compliance reports to document 

implementation and performance 

standards
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 45

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

Bio-MM#7: Delineate Environmentally Sensitive Areas and 

Environmentally Restricted Areas (on plans and in-field). Prior to 

ground-disturbing activities, to the extent practicable, the Project Biologist will 

verify that environmentally sensitive areas (ESAs) and environmentally 

restricted areas (ERAs) are delineated as appropriate. ESAs are areas within 

the construction zones containing suitable habitat for special-status species and 

habitats of concern that may allow construction activities, but have restrictions 

based on the presence of special-status species or habitats of concern at the 

time of construction. ERAs are areas outside the construction footprint that 

must be protected in-place during all construction activities. 

Prior to ground-disturbing activities, the Contractor’s Biologist will include all 

ESAs and ERAs on final construction plans (including grading and landscape 

plans). Prepare, review and approve the map of all ESAs and ERAs on the 

design drawings and work to update the map as necessary.

Prior to ground-disturbing activities, the Contractor will mark ESAs and ERAs 

with high visibility temporary fencing to prevent encroachment of construction 

personnel and equipment onto sensitive areas. Designate the two categories, 

ESA and ERA, differently in the field (e.g., different colored flagging/fencing). 

Use sub-meter accurate GPS equipment to delineate all ESAs and ERAs. 

Remove ESA and ERA fencing when construction is complete or the resource

has been cleared according to agency permit conditions and construction 

drawings and specifications. The Project Biologist will submit memoranda 

regarding the field delineation of all ESAs/ERAs to the Mitigation Manager. 

These areas will receive ongoing monitoring during site preparation and 

construction activities.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist,

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Prior to construction/Post 

construction. Follow 

reporting requirements as 

established by agency 

permit conditions

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#8: Equipment Staging Areas. Prior to ground-disturbing activities, 

the Contractor will locate staging areas for construction equipment outside 

sensitive biological resources including habitat for special-status species, 

habitats of concern(e.g., wetlands, waters of the U.S., riparian communities), 

and wildlife movement corridors, to the maximum extent possible. The Project 

Biologist will submit memoranda to the Mitigation Manager documenting 

compliance. Where avoidance is not feasible the permitting authorities need to 

be contacted for modification to permits, as required by law.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Prior to construction 

Follow reporting 

requirements as 

established by agency 

permit conditions

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#10: Vehicle Traffic. During ground-disturbing activities, the 

Contractor will restrict project-related vehicle traffic, within the construction 

area, to established roads, construction areas, and other designated areas. 

Establish vehicle traffic locations disturbed by previous activities to prevent 

further adverse effects. Observe a 20 mph speed limit for construction areas 

with potential special-status species habitat. Clearly flag and mark access 

routes and prohibit off-road traffic. The Project Biologist will submit a 

memorandum to the Mitigation Manager documenting compliance on a weekly 

basis.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X During ground-disturbing 

activities. Report on 

weekly basis.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#15: Restore Temporary Riparian Impacts. During postconstruction, the Contractor’s Biologist will revegetate all disturbed riparian 

areas using appropriate native plants and seed mixes. The Project Biologist will 

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

X Post-construction. Follow 

reporting requirements as 

established by agency 

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 46

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

monitor restoration activities consistent with provisions in the HMMP. The

Project Biologist will submit a memorandum to the Mitigation Manager 

documenting compliance and other reporting requirements in the 1600 

Streambed Alteration Agreement. 

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

permit conditions Plan (HMMP) and Memorandum 

documenting compliance and other 

reporting requirements in the 1600 

Streambed Alteration Agreement.

Bio#3: 

Construction of the 

HST alternatives 

would disturb 

suitable habitat 

that has potential 

to support specialstatus plant 

species.

Bio-MM#3: Prepare and Implement a Worker Environmental 

Awareness Program. Prior to ground-disturbing activities, the Mitigation 

Manager or designee will prepare and implement a WEAP for construction 

crews. WEAP training materials will include the following: discussion of the 

federal ESA, CESA, BGEPA, and the MBTA; consequences and penalties for 

violation or noncompliance with these laws and regulations and project 

permits; identification and value of special-status plants, special-status wildlife, 

jurisdictional waters, and special-status plant communities; hazardous 

substance spill prevention and containment measures; the contact person in 

the event of the discovery of a dead or injured wildlife species; and review of 

mitigation measures. In the WEAP, the Mitigation Manager will detail 

construction timing in relation to habitat and species’ life stage requirements 

and discuss project maps, showing areas of planned minimization and 

avoidance measures.

A fact sheet prepared by the Mitigation Manager conveying this information will 

be prepared for distribution to the construction crews and to other individuals 

who enter the construction footprint. Upon completion of the WEAP training, 

construction crews will sign a form stating that they attended the training and 

understand and will comply with the information presented. Construction crews 

will be informed during the WEAP training that, to the extent possible, travel 

within the marked project site will be restricted to established roadbeds. 

Established roadbeds include all pre-existing and project-constructed 

unimproved, as well as improved roads.

Implementing Party: Mitigation Manager

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager to verify 

completion of this measure and provide written documentation 

to the Authority

X X Training of all 

crew/construction 

personnel prior to start of 

construction. Provide 

weekly/monthly reporting 

as required by permit 

conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#4: Prepare and Implement a Weed Control Plan.

See description above in Comment Bio #1.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager to verify completion of 

this measure and provide written documentation to Authority

X X Prior to 

construction/monthly 

memorandum to 

document the progress of 

the Weed Control Plan and 

implementation

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#5: Prepare and Implement a Biological Resources 

Management Plan.

See description above in Comment Bio #1.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager to verify 

completion of the BRMP and provide written documentation 

to Authority.

X Following implementation 

and reporting schedule as 

established by agency 

permit conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract.

Biological Resources Management 

Plan (BRMP) and Construction plans 
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 47

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

Bio-MM#6: Prepare and Implement a Restoration and Revegetation 

Plan.

See description above in Comment Bio#2.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X Prior to construction.

Follow reporting 

requirements as 

established by agency 

permit conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract.

Restoration and Revegetation Plan 

(RRP) for upland communities and 

Compliance reports to document 

implementation and performance 

standards

Bio-MM#7: Delineate Environmentally Sensitive Areas and 

Environmentally Restricted Areas (on plans and in-field).

See description above in Comment Bio#2.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Prior to construction/Post 

construction. Follow 

reporting requirements as 

established by agency 

permit conditions

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#8: Equipment Staging Areas.

See description above in Comment Bio#2.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Prior to construction 

Follow reporting 

requirements as 

established by agency 

permit conditions

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#10: Vehicle Traffic.

See description above in Comment Bio#2.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X During ground-disturbing 

activities. Report on 

weekly basis.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#14: Post-Construction Compliance Reports. After each 

construction period is completed, the Project Biologist will submit postconstruction compliance reports consistent with the appropriate agency (e.g., 

UFSWS, NMFS and CDFG) protocols, including compliance with resource agency 

permits (i.e., Section 7 of FESA, Section 2081 of CESA and Section 401 and 404 

of FCWA and 1600 of Fish and Game Code). The Project Biologist will submit a 

memorandum to the Mitigation Manager documenting compliance. The 

frequency of the memorandum compilation and submission will be consistent 

with regulatory compliance permits.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Post-construction. Follow 

reporting requirements as 

established by regulatory 

compliance permits.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#17: Conduct Pre-Construction Surveys for Special-Status 

Plant Species. The Project Biologist will conduct pre-construction surveys for 

special-status plant species in suitable habitat areas, subject to grounddisturbing activities. The surveys will be conducted in the appropriate season 

prior to ground-disturbing activities for salvage and relocation opportunities. 

The Project Biologist will use the results of the Special-Status Plants Survey 

Report (prepared as part of the Biological Resources Technical Report), 

including mapping of locations of special-status plant species, to determine 

focused locations for the pre-construction surveys, as appropriate. The Project 

Biologist will work with the Contractor’s Biologist to mark and avoid locations of 

all special-status plant species observed where feasible or incorporate the 

species into the relocation/compensation program defined in Bio-MM#50: 

Compensate for Impacts on Special-Status Plant Species.

Prior to ground-disturbing activities, the Contractor will protect any populations 

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Prior to ground-disturbing 

activities for salvage and 

relocation activities.

Report on weekly basis.

Condition of Design/Build Contract
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 48

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

of special-status plant species identified during the surveys within 100 feet of 

the construction footprint as ERAs. As appropriate, the Contractor’s Biologist 

will update the special-status or habitats of concern mapping within the 

construction limits, based upon resource agency permits. The Contractor’s 

Biologist will determine the locations of special-status plant species on 

construction drawings and identified as ESAs within the construction footprint. 

Plant populations within 100 feet of the construction limits will be fenced as 

ERAs by the Contractor’s Biologist. Terms and conditions from Section 7 and 

Section 2081 agreements will be incorporated as appropriate. The Project 

Biologist will provide verification and report through memorandum to the 

Mitigation Manager.

Bio-MM#18: Prepare and Implement Plan for Salvage, Relocation, 

and/or Propagation of Special-Status Plant Species. The Contractor’s 

Biologist will prepare a plan prior to ground-disturbing activities to address 

monitoring, salvage, relocation, and propagation of special-status plant species. 

The plan will be submitted to the Project Biologist for concurrence. The 

relocation or propagation of plants and seed will be performed at a suitable 

mitigation site, as appropriate per species. Documentation will include 

provisions that address the techniques, location, and procedures required for 

the successful establishment of the plant populations. The plan will include 

provisions for performance that address survivability requirements, 

maintenance, monitoring, implementation, and the annual reporting 

requirements. Permit conditions issued by the appropriate resource agencies 

(e.g., USFWS, CDFG) will guide the development of the plan and performance 

standards. The Project Biologist will submit a memorandum to the Mitigation 

Manager documenting compliance.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Pre-construction and prior 

to ground-disturbing 

activities. Follow reporting 

requirements as 

established by regulatory 

compliance permits.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio#4: 

Construction of the 

HST alternatives 

would disturb 

suitable habitat 

that has potential 

to support vernal 

pool branchiopods

Bio-MM#3: Prepare and Implement a Worker Environmental 

Awareness Program.

See description above in Comment Bio#3.

Implementing Party: Mitigation Manager

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager to verify 

completion of this measure and provide written 

documentation to Authority

X X Training of all 

crew/construction 

personnel prior to start of 

construction. Provide 

weekly/monthly reporting 

as required by permit 

conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#4: Prepare and Implement a Weed Control Plan.

See description above in Comment Bio #1.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager to verify completion 

of this measure and provide written documentation to

Authority

X X Prior to 

construction/monthly 

memorandum to 

document the progress of 

the Weed Control Plan and

implementation

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#5: Prepare and Implement a Biological Resources 

Management Plan.

See description above in Comment Bio #1.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager to verify 

completion of the BRMP and provide written documentation 

to Authority.

X Following implementation 

and reporting schedule as 

established by agency 

permit conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract.

Biological Resources Management 

Plan (BRMP) and Construction plans 
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 49

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

Bio-MM#6: Prepare and Implement a Restoration and Revegetation 

Plan.

See description above in Comment Bio #2.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X Prior to construction.

Follow reporting 

requirements as 

established by agency 

permit conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract.

Restoration and Revegetation Plan 

(RRP) for upland communities and 

Compliance reports to document 

implementation and performance 

standards

Bio-MM#7: Delineate Environmentally Sensitive Areas and 

Environmentally Restricted Areas (on plans and in-field).

See description above in Comment Bio #2.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Prior to construction/Post 

construction. Follow 

reporting requirements as 

established by agency 

permit conditions

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#8: Equipment Staging Areas.

See description above in Comment Bio #2.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Prior to construction 

Follow reporting 

requirements as 

established by agency 

permit conditions

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#10: Vehicle Traffic.

See description above in Comment Bio #2.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X During ground-disturbing 

activities. Report on 

weekly basis.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#12: Work Stoppage. During ground-disturbing activities, the 

Project Biologist or Biological Monitor will halt work in the event that a specialstatus wildlife species gains access to the construction footprint. This work 

stoppage will be coordinated with the resident engineer and/or the Authority or 

its designee. At this direction the Contractor will suspend ground-disturbing 

activities in the immediate construction area that could reasonably result in a 

“take” of special-status wildlife species. The Contractor will continue the 

suspension until the individual leaves voluntarily, is relocated to a release area 

using USFWS- and/or CDFG-approved handling techniques and relocation 

methods, or as required by USFWS or CDFG. The Project Biologist will submit a 

memorandum to the Mitigation Manager documenting compliance within 1 day 

of the work stoppage and subsequent action.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist or Project Biological 

Monitor 

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X During ground-disturbing 

activities. Submit a 

memorandum to the 

Mitigation Manager 

documenting compliance 

within 1 day of the work 

stoppage and subsequent 

action.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#14: Post-Construction Compliance Reports.

See description above in Comment Bio #3.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Post-construction. Follow 

reporting requirements as 

established by regulatory 

compliance permits.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#19: Conduct Pre-Construction Sampling and Assessment for 

Vernal Pool Fauna. Prior to ground-disturbing activities, the Project Biologist 

will conduct pre-construction, non-protocol surveys in seasonally inundated 

habitats (seasonal wetland, non-inundated wetlands) within the construction 

footprint. The Project Biologist will conduct general aquatic surveys at a suitable 

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist 

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X Prior to ground-disturbing 

activities

Follow reporting 

requirements as 

established by regulatory 

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Plan for monitoring, salvage, 

relocation, and propagation of 

special-status plant species and 
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 50

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

interval after the first significant storm event of the rainy season (October 15 to 

June 1), as feasible prior to ground-disturbing activities. The sampling is an 

assessment of the hydrological, biological and ecological conditions of each 

seasonal wetland and open waters. This assessment will determine the quality 

and suitability of seasonal wetlands for special-status species (e.g., vernal pool 

branchiopods, western spadefoot toads, and California tiger salamanders) and 

later assist in determining which materials (e.g., soils, viable plant seeds, vernal 

pool cysts) may be collected. The sampling is an assessment that will be useful in 

understanding the species present and will help guide the implementation of 

performance standards to be consistent with Bio-MM#20: Implement and 

Monitor Vernal Pool Protection, for vernal pool special-status species (e.g., vernal 

pool branchiopods, western spadefoot toads, and California tiger 

salamanders).The Project Biologist will submit a report within 1 month of 

completing the field work and submit to the Mitigation Manager and Authority or 

its designee. The report will provide the documentation and the results of the 

sampling, including the results of the data collected and compared with the

performance standards.

All project construction personnel will be trained to recognize and avoid specialstatus species and their habitat (Bio-MM#3). The Weed Control Plan prepared 

and implemented (Bio-MM#4) will ensure that noxious weeds to not invade areas 

disturbed by project construction activities. The Plan will have specific success 

criteria in terms of future presence of invasive and non-native plant species in 

restored areas. Implementation of The Weed Control Plan will be integrated with 

the RRP (Bio-MM#6), and will be implemented and reported as part of the overall 

BRMP (Bio-MM#5). Prior to project construction ESAs and ERAs, which will 

include riparian areas adjacent to project construction, will be identified and 

delineated (Bio-MM#7) to prevent impacts to sensitive areas outside the 

approved project footprint. Construction equipment will be staged in nonsensitive areas (Bio-MM#8). During project construction vehicle routes and 

speeds will be controlled to minimize impact on sensitive habitats (Bio-MM#10). 

Riparian areas temporarily impacted through construction will be through a longterm restoration and monitoring program (Bio-MM#15). A plan will be 

implemented within the construction footprint and other areas potentially 

affected by construction activity to guide the salvage, relocation, and propagation 

special-status plant species (Bio-MM#18). This examination will include sampling 

and assessment of vernal pools (Bio-MM#19), which will provide baseline data 

necessary for formulation of performance standards necessary for subsequent 

mitigation of impacts to vernal pools and other aquatic resources. All of these 

activities will be documented though post-construction compliance reports (BioMM#14).

compliance permits. Memorandum documenting 

compliance

Bio-MM#20: Seasonal Vernal Pool Work Restriction. For seasonal 

avoidance of special-status vernal pool branchiopods and vernal pooldependent species (e.g., California tiger salamander), the Contractor will not 

work within 250 feet of aquatic habitats suitable for these species (e.g., vernal 

pools and other seasonal wetlands) from October 15 to June 1 (corresponding 

to the rainy season), or as determined through informal or formal consultation 

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Pre-construction and 

during construction. 

Seasonal restrictions: 

October 15 to June 1 

(corresponding to the 

rainy season), or as 

Condition of Design/Build Contract
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 51

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

with the USFWS or USACE. Ground-disturbing activities may begin once the 

habitat is no longer inundated for the season. If any work remains to be 

completed after October 15, exclusion fencing and erosion control measures 

will be placed at the vernal pools and other seasonal wetlands by the 

Contractor’s Biologist. The fencing will act as a buffer between grounddisturbing activities and the vernal pools and other seasonal wetlands as 

determined through consultations with USFWS/USACE. The Project Biologist 

will document compliance through a memorandum to the Mitigation Manager 

during the establishment of the fencing activities. 

determined through 

informal or formal 

consultation with the 

USFWS or USACE.

Report within 1 month of 

completing the field work

Bio-MM#21: Implement and Monitor Vernal Pool Protection. If 

construction impacts can be avoided, the vernal pool(s) will be protected by 

erecting exclusion fencing. The Contractor’s Biologist, under the supervision of 

the Project Biologist, will erect and maintain the exclusion fencing. For 

construction impacts on vernal pools and other seasonal wetlands that cannot 

be avoided, the Contractor’s Biologist will apply geotextile fabric and a layer of 

gravel over the affected vernal pool(s) prior to ground-disturbing activities to 

protect the contours in cases where the pool is not directly and permanently 

impacted from the construction footprint. The Contractor will implement this 

measure within the construction areas during one dry season period. Resource 

agency consultations with the USFWS/USACE will occur as needed and based 

on permit conditions. 

• If temporary impacts occur over a full wet-dry season cycle and the vernal 

pool(s) cannot be avoided, the vernal pool(s) will be protected by erecting 

exclusion fencing by the Contractor’s Biologist.

• If temporary impacts occur beyond the dry season (approximately June 1 

to October 15) and the vernal pool(s) cannot be fenced, the Contractor’s 

Biologist in coordination with the Project Biologist will collect a 

representative sampling of soils from the vernal pool(s) prior to initiating 

ground-disturbing activities within vernal pools. The representative soil 

sample(s) will contain viable plant seeds and vernal pool branchiopod cysts 

to be preserved from the vernal pool(s). These samples may be 

incorporated into other vernal pools, as applicable, with USFWS and/or 

CDFG consultation. If construction impacts take more than one full wet-dry 

season cycles, the offsite mitigation will be implemented.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X Prior to construction/Post 

Construction monitoring 

and reporting as 

determined by regulatory 

agency permit conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#44: Restore Temporary Impacts on Jurisdictional Waters. 

During or post-construction, the Contractor will restore disturbed jurisdictional 

waters using stockpiled and segregated soils. The Contractor’s Biologist will 

conduct revegetation using appropriate plants and seed mixes, and conduct 

maintenance monitoring consistent with the provisions in the HMMP. The 

Project Biologist will document compliance with memorandum submitted to the 

Mitigation Manager. 

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Construction and Postconstruction

Follow reporting as 

determined by regulatory 

agency permit conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#45: Monitor Construction Activities within Jurisdictional 

Waters. During ground-disturbing activities, the Project Biological Monitor will 

conduct monitoring within jurisdictional waters, including monitoring of the 

installation of protective devices (silt fencing, sandbags, fencing, etc.), installation 

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

X X During ground-disturbing 

activities and Construction

Follow reporting as 

determined by regulatory 

Condition of Design/Build Contract
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 52

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

and/or removal of creek crossing fill, construction of access roads, vegetation 

removal, and other associated construction activities. The Project Biological 

Monitor will conduct biological monitoring to document adherence to habitat 

avoidance and minimization measures addressed in the project mitigation 

measures and as listed in the USFWS, CDFG, SWRCB, and USACE permits 

conditions. The Project Biological Monitor will report and document compliance 

consistent with requirements in the permitting documents, including frequency 

and timing and submittals.

All project construction personnel will be trained to recognize and avoid specialstatus species and their habitat (Bio-MM#3). The Weed Control Plan prepared 

and implemented (Bio-MM#4) will ensure that noxious weeds to not invade areas 

disturbed by project construction activities. The Plan will have specific success 

criteria in terms of future presence of invasive and non-native plant species in 

restored areas. Implementation of The Weed Control Plan will be integrated with 

the RRP (Bio-MM#6), and will be implemented and reported as part of the overall 

BRMP (Bio-MM#5). Prior to project construction ESAs and ERAs, which will 

include riparian areas adjacent to project construction, will be identified and 

delineated (Bio-MM#7) to prevent impacts to sensitive areas outside the 

approved project footprint. Construction equipment will be staged in nonsensitive areas (Bio-MM#8). During project construction vehicle routes and 

speeds will be controlled to minimize impact on sensitive habitats (Bio-MM#10). 

During construction, biological monitors will be empowered to temporarily halt 

construction activity to prevent impacts to observed special-status species (BioMM#12). Construction activity will be restricted in the vicinity of vernal pools 

during the period in which they are inundated (Bio-MM#19). In those instances 

where work must occur in proximity to pools, fencing and sedimentation 

protection will be installed. In instances where temporary impacts to vernal pools 

are unavoidable, soil from the pool will be collected to salvage viable plant seeds 

and vernal pool branchiopod cysts for use in subsequent mitigation (Bio-MM#20). 

Temporarily impacted wetlands will be restored using salvaged, stockpiled soils 

and appropriate seed mixes. Construction activity in wetland areas will be 

monitored to ensure that measures are taken to prevent impacts to adjacent 

wetlands and to assure adherence to relevant conditions of Resource Agencyissued permits (Bio-MM#44). All of these activities will be documented though 

post-construction compliance reports (Bio-MM#14).

the Authority agency permit conditions.

Bio#5: 

Construction of the 

HST alternatives 

would disturb 

suitable habitat 

that has potential 

to support the 

Bio-MM#3: Prepare and Implement a Worker Environmental 

Awareness Program.

See description above in comment Bio #3.

Implementing Party: Mitigation Manager

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager to verify 

completion of this measure and provide written 

documentation to Authority

X X Training of all 

crew/construction 

personnel prior to start of 

construction. Provide 

weekly/monthly reporting 

as required by permit 

conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 53

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

valley elderberry 

longhorn beetle.

Bio-MM#4: Prepare and Implement a Weed Control Plan.

See description above in comment Bio #1.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager to verify completion 

of this measure and provide written documentation to

Authority

X X Prior to 

construction/monthly 

memorandum to 

document the progress of 

the Weed Control Plan and 

implementation

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#5: Prepare and Implement a Biological Resources 

Management Plan.

See description above in Comment Bio #1.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager to verify 

completion of the BRMP and provide written documentation 

to Authority.

X Following implementation 

and reporting schedule as 

established by agency 

permit conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract.

Biological Resources Management 

Plan (BRMP) and Construction plans 

Bio-MM#6: Prepare and Implement a Restoration and Revegetation 

Plan.

See description above in Comment Bio #2.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X Prior to construction.

Follow reporting 

requirements as 

established by agency 

permit conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract.

Restoration and Revegetation Plan 

(RRP) for upland communities and 

Compliance reports to document 

implementation and performance 

standards

Bio-MM#7: Delineate Environmentally Sensitive Areas and 

Environmentally Restricted Areas (on plans and in-field).

See description above in Comment Bio #2.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Prior to construction/Post 

construction. Follow 

reporting requirements as 

established by agency 

permit conditions

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#8: Equipment Staging Areas.

See description above in Comment Bio #2.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Prior to construction 

Follow reporting 

requirements as 

established by agency 

permit conditions

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#10: Vehicle Traffic.

See description above in Comment Bio #2.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X During ground-disturbing 

activities. Report on 

weekly basis.

Condition of Design/Build Contract
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 54

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

Bio-MM#11: Entrapment Prevention. The Contractor’s Biologist will cover 

all excavated, steep-sided holes or trenches, more than 8 inches deep, at the 

close of each working day with plywood or similar materials, or provide a 

minimum of one escape ramp per 10 feet of trenching constructed of earth fill. 

The Contractor’s Biologist will thoroughly inspect such holes or trenches for 

trapped animals before leaving the construction site each day. 

Prior to construction, the Contractor’s Biologist will screen all culverts, or similar 

enclosed structures, with a diameter of 4 inches or greater to prevent use by 

wildlife. The Contractor’s Biologist will ensure that cleared and stored material 

at the construction site for common and special-status wildlife species before 

the material is subsequently used or moved. The Project Biologist will submit a 

memorandum to the Mitigation Manager documenting compliance on a weekly 

basis.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X During ground-disturbing 

activities. Report on 

weekly basis.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#12: Work Stoppage. During ground-disturbing activities, the 

Project Biologist or Biological Monitor will halt work in the event that a specialstatus wildlife species gains access to the construction footprint. This work 

stoppage will be coordinated with the resident engineer and/or the Authority or 

its designee. At this direction the Contractor will suspend ground-disturbing 

activities in the immediate construction area that could reasonably result in a 

“take” of special-status wildlife species. The Contractor will continue the 

suspension until the individual leaves voluntarily, is relocated to a release area 

using USFWS- and/or CDFG-approved handling techniques and relocation 

methods, or as required by USFWS or CDFG. The Project Biologist will submit a 

memorandum to the Mitigation Manager documenting compliance within 1 day 

of the work stoppage and subsequent action.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist or Project Biological 

Monitor

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X During ground-disturbing 

activities. Submit a 

memorandum to the 

Mitigation Manager 

documenting compliance 

within 1 day of the work 

stoppage and subsequent 

action.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#13: ‘Take’ Notification and Reporting. The Contractor’s Biologist 

in coordination with the Project Biologist and Mitigation Manager will notify the 

USFWS and/or CDFG immediately in the case of an accidental death or injury to 

a federal or state-listed species during project-related activities. The Authority 

or its designee will be notified prior to the notification to the agencies. The 

Project Biologist will submit a memorandum to the Mitigation Manager 

documenting compliance.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist, Mitigation Manager

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Following incident, 

immediately report to 

USFWS and/or CDFG.

Prepare report and 

document in 

weekly/monthly report.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#14: Post-Construction Compliance Reports.

See description above Comment Bio # 3. 

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Post-construction. Follow 

reporting requirements as 

established by regulatory 

compliance permits.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#22: Implement Conservation Guidelines During the 

Construction Period for Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle. Prior to and 

during ground-disturbing activities, the Contractor will implement the avoidance 

and minimization measures. These measures include establishing and 

maintaining appropriate buffer areas around elderberry plants, surveying for 

beetle boreholes in affected shrubs, restricting the use of chemicals that might 

harm beetles, and mowing. After ground-disturbing activities are completed, 

restore any damage to buffer areas containing elderberry shrubs.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Prior to ground-disturbing 

activities, during grounddisturbing activities, and 

after ground-disturbing 

activities.

Follow reporting 

requirements as 

Condition of Design/Build Contract
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 55

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

In areas where encroachment on the 100-foot buffer has been approved by 

USFWS, the Contractor will provide a minimum setback of at least 20 feet from 

the dripline of each Mexican elderberry plant. In buffer areas, ground-disturbing 

activities should be minimized, and any damaged area should be restored 

following construction by the Contractor.

The Contractor will erect signage every 50 feet along the edge of the avoidance 

area with the following information: "This area is habitat of the valley elderberry 

longhorn beetle, a federally threatened species, and must not be disturbed. This 

species is protected by the Federal ESA of 1973, as amended. Violators are 

subject to prosecution, fines, and imprisonment.” The signs should be clearly 

readable from a distance of 20 feet, and must be maintained by the Contractor 

for the duration of ground-disturbing activities.

To prevent encroachment, these buffer areas must continue to be protected per 

USFWS protocol (after ground-disturbing activities) from adverse effects of the 

project during the construction phase. The Contractor will include protective 

measures such as fencing, signage, weeding, and trash removal to enforce the 

protection of the valley elderberry longhorn beetle and its associated habitat. The 

Project Biologist will submit a memorandum to the Mitigation Manager 

documenting compliance on a weekly basis or at other appropriate intervals. 

established by regulatory 

compliance permits.

Bio#6:

Construction of the 

HST alternatives 

would disturb 

California tiger 

salamander 

habitat.

Bio-MM#3: Prepare and Implement a Worker Environmental 

Awareness Program.

See description above in Comment Bio #3.

Implementing Party: Mitigation Manager

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager to verify 

completion of this measure and provide written 

documentation to the Authority

X X Training of all 

crew/construction 

personnel prior to start of 

construction. Provide 

weekly/monthly reporting 

as required by permit 

conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#4: Prepare and Implement a Weed Control Plan.

See description above in Comment Bio #1.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager to verify completion 

of this measure and provide written documentation to

Authority

X X Prior to 

construction/monthly 

memorandum to 

document the progress of 

the Weed Control Plan and 

implementation

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#6: Prepare and Implement a Restoration and Revegetation 

Plan.

See description above in Comment Bio #2.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X Prior to construction.

Follow reporting 

requirements as 

established by agency 

permit conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract.

Restoration and Revegetation Plan 

(RRP) for upland communities and 

Compliance reports to document 

implementation and performance 

standards

Bio-MM#7: Delineate Environmentally Sensitive Areas and 

Environmentally Restricted Areas (on plans and in-field).

See description above in Comment Bio #2.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Prior to construction/Post 

construction. Follow 

reporting requirements as 

established by agency 

permit conditions

Condition of Design/Build Contract
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 56

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

Bio-MM#8: Equipment Staging Areas.

See description above in Comment Bio #2. 

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Prior to construction 

Follow reporting 

requirements as 

established by agency 

permit conditions

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#9: Mono-Filament Netting. During ground-disturbing activities, 

the Project Biologist will verify that plastic mono-filament netting (erosioncontrol matting) or similar material is not used in erosion control materials; 

substitutes include coconut hair matting or tackified hydroseeding compounds. 

The Project Biologist will submit memoranda to the Mitigation Manager 

documenting compliance monthly, or as appropriate, through the life of the 

project construction.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X During ground-disturbing 

activities and 

Construction. Follow 

reporting requirements as 

established by agency 

permit conditions

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#10: Vehicle Traffic.

See description above in Comment Bio#2.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X During ground-disturbing 

activities. Report on 

weekly basis.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#11: Entrapment Prevention. 

See description above in Comment Bio#5.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X During ground-disturbing 

activities. Report on 

weekly basis.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#12: Work Stoppage.

See description above in Comment Bio#5.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist or Project Biological 

Monitor

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X During ground-disturbing 

activities. Submit a 

memorandum to the 

Mitigation Manager 

documenting compliance 

within 1 day of the work 

stoppage and subsequent 

action.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#13: ‘Take’ Notification and Reporting. 

See description above in Comment Bio#5.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist, Mitigation Manager

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Following incident, 

immediately report to 

USFWS and/or CDFG.

Prepare report and 

document in 

weekly/monthly report.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#14: Post-Construction Compliance Reports.

See description above in Comment Bio#3.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Post-construction. Follow 

reporting requirements as 

established by regulatory 

compliance permits.

Condition of Design/Build Contract
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 57

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

Bio-MM#15: Restore Temporary Riparian Impacts.

See description above in Comment Bio #2.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Post-construction. Follow 

reporting requirements as 

established by regulatory 

compliance permits.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring 

Plan (HMMP) 

1600 Streambed Alteration 

Agreement.

Bio-MM#19: Conduct Pre-Construction Sampling and Assessment for 

Vernal Pool Fauna.

See description above in Comment Bio#4.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist 

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X Prior to ground-disturbing 

activities

Follow reporting 

requirements as 

established by regulatory 

compliance permits.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Plan for monitoring, salvage, 

relocation, and propagation of 

special-status plant species and 

Memorandum documenting 

compliance

Bio-MM#20: Seasonal Vernal Pool Work Restriction. 

See description above in Comment Bio#4.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Pre-construction and 

during construction. 

Seasonal restrictions: 

October 15 to June 1 

(corresponding to the 

rainy season), or as 

determined through 

informal or formal 

consultation with the 

USFWS or USACE.

Report within 1 month of 

completing the field work

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#21: Implement and Monitor Vernal Pool Protection. 

See description above in Comment Bio #4.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X Prior to construction/Post 

Construction monitoring 

and reporting as 

determined by regulatory 

agency permit conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#23: Translocation of California Tiger Salamanders. Prior to 

ground-disturbing activities, the Project Biologist or designee will conduct a 

pre-construction survey and relocate any California tiger salamanders from 

within the construction footprint in accordance with the Interim Guidance on 

Site Assessment and Field Surveys for Determining Presence or a Negative 

Finding of the California Tiger Salamander (USFWS 2003). The relocation will 

occur for any individuals within the construction footprint per coordination with 

the USFWS. The Project Biologist will conduct pit trapping. The Contractor’s 

Biologist will work in coordination with the Project Biologist when installing 

amphibian exclusion fencing specified in Bio-MM#24. The Project Biologist will 

submit a memorandum to the Mitigation Manager documenting compliance on 

a weekly basis or at other appropriate intervals.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Pre-construction surveys.

Prior to ground-disturbing 

activities. Follow reporting 

as determined by 

regulatory permit 

conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Interim Guidance on Site 

Assessment and Field Surveys for 

Determining Presence or a Negative 

Finding of the California Tiger 

Salamander

Bio-MM#24: Erect Amphibian Exclusion Fencing. The Contractor’s 

Biologist will install exclusion barriers (i.e. silt fences) to influence the 

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

X X Pre-construction. Prior to 

ground-disturbing 

Condition of Design/Build Contract
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 58

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

movement of California tiger salamander, including other amphibian species, 

within impacted areas. They can be used to both exclude California tiger 

salamander, including other amphibian species, from ground-disturbing areas 

as well as to guide breeding adults toward pre-identified mitigation ponds. 

Exclusion fencing will be maintained by the Contractor throughout the 

California tiger salamander’s entire active period (November to April) or until all 

ground-disturbing activities are completed, whichever occurs first. Exclusion 

fencing must be trenched into the soil at least 4 inches in depth with the soil 

compacted against both sides of the fence for its entire length to prevent 

amphibians from passing under the fence. Barriers must be inspected by the 

Contractor’s Biologist at least twice weekly on non-consecutive days and after 

any significant rain event (defined as a 0.75 inch downpour or 1.5 inches of 

rain in any 24-hour period). Barriers will be installed by the Contractor with 

turn-arounds at any access openings needed in the fencing, in order to redirect 

amphibians away from openings. The Project Biologist will submit a 

memorandum to the Mitigation Manager documenting compliance.

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

activities. Follow reporting 

as determined by 

regulatory permit 

conditions.

Bio-MM#44: Restore Temporary Impacts on Jurisdictional Waters. 

See description above in Comment Bio #4.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Construction and Postconstruction

Follow reporting as 

determined by regulatory 

agency permit conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#45: Monitor Construction Activities within Jurisdictional 

Waters. 

See description above in Comment Bio #4.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X During ground-disturbing 

activities and Construction

Follow reporting as 

determined by regulatory 

agency permit conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio#7: 

Construction of the 

HST alternatives 

would disturb 

western spadefoot 

toad habitat.

Bio-MM#3: Prepare and Implement a Worker Environmental 

Awareness Program.

See description above in Comment Bio #3.

Implementing Party: Mitigation Manager

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager to verify 

completion of this measure and provide written 

documentation to Authority

X X Training of all 

crew/construction 

personnel prior to start of 

construction. Provide 

weekly/monthly reporting 

as required by permit 

conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#4: Prepare and Implement a Weed Control Plan.

See description above in Comment Bio #1.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager to verify completion 

of this measure and provide written documentation to

Authority

X X Prior to 

construction/monthly 

memorandum to 

document the progress of 

the Weed Control Plan and 

implementation

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#5: Prepare and Implement a Biological Resources 

Management Plan.

See description above in Comment Bio #1.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager to verify 

completion of the BRMP and provide written documentation 

to Authority.

X Following implementation 

and reporting schedule as 

established by agency 

permit conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract.

Biological Resources Management 

Plan (BRMP) and Construction plans 
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 59

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

Bio-MM#6: Prepare and Implement a Restoration and Revegetation 

Plan.

See description above in Comment Bio #2.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X Prior to construction.

Follow reporting 

requirements as 

established by agency 

permit conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract.

Restoration and Revegetation Plan 

(RRP) for upland communities and 

Compliance reports to document 

implementation and performance 

standards

Bio-MM#7: Delineate Environmentally Sensitive Areas and 

Environmentally Restricted Areas (on plans and in-field).

See description above in Comment Bio #2.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Prior to construction/Post 

construction. Follow 

reporting requirements as 

established by agency 

permit conditions

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#8: Equipment Staging Areas.

See description above in Comment Bio #2.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Prior to construction 

Follow reporting 

requirements as 

established by agency 

permit conditions

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#9: Mono-Filament Netting.

See description above in Comment Bio #5.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X During ground-disturbing 

activities and 

Construction. Follow 

reporting requirements as 

established by agency 

permit conditions

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#10: Vehicle Traffic.

See description above in Comment Bio #2.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X During ground-disturbing 

activities. Report on 

weekly basis.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#11: Entrapment Prevention.

See description above in Comment Bio #5

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X During ground-disturbing 

activities. Report on 

weekly basis.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#12: Work Stoppage.

See description above in Comment Bio #4.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist or Project Biological 

Monitor 

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X During ground-disturbing 

activities. Submit a 

memorandum to the 

Mitigation Manager 

documenting compliance 

within 1 day of the work 

stoppage and subsequent 

action.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#13: ‘Take’ Notification and Reporting. Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist, Mitigation Manager

X X Following incident, 

immediately report to 

Condition of Design/Build Contract
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 60

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

See description above in Comment Bio#5. Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

USFWS and/or CDFG.

Prepare report and 

document in 

weekly/monthly report.

Bio-MM#14: Post-Construction Compliance Reports.

See description above in Comment Bio #3.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Post-construction. Follow 

reporting requirements as 

established by regulatory 

compliance permits.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#15: Restore Temporary Riparian Impacts.

See description above in Comment Bio #2.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Post-construction. Follow 

reporting requirements as 

established by regulatory 

compliance permits.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring 

Plan (HMMP) 

1600 Streambed Alteration 

Agreement.

Bio-MM#19: Conduct Pre-Construction Sampling and Assessment for 

Vernal Pool Fauna.

See description above in Comment Bio #4.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X Prior to ground-disturbing 

activities

Follow reporting 

requirements as 

established by regulatory 

compliance permits.

Bio-MM#20: Seasonal Vernal Pool Work Restriction.

See description above in Comment Bio #4.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Pre-construction and 

during construction. 

Seasonal restrictions: 

October 15 to June 1 

(corresponding to the 

rainy season), or as 

determined through 

informal or formal 

consultation with the 

USFWS or USACE.

Report within 1 month of 

completing the field work

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#21: Implement and Monitor Vernal Pool Protection.

See description above in Comment Bio #4.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X Prior to construction/Post 

Construction monitoring 

and reporting as 

determined by regulatory 

agency permit conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#24: Erect Amphibian Exclusion Fencing.

See description above in Comment Bio #6.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Pre-construction surveys.

Prior to ground-disturbing 

activities. Follow reporting 

as determined by 

regulatory permit 

conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Interim Guidance on Site 

Assessment and Field Surveys for 

Determining Presence or a Negative 

Finding of the California Tiger 
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 61

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

Salamander

Bio-MM#25: Conduct Emergence and Larval Surveys for Western 

Spadefoot Toad. The Project Biologist or designee (qualified herpetologist) 

will conduct pre-construction emergence and larval surveys for western 

spadefoot toad during the fall and winter rainy season. Emergence surveys will 

be conducted within the appropriate time period(s) after precipitation events as 

evaluated by a qualified herpetologist and will be partially in tandem with 

California tiger salamander surveys. Potential breeding depressions, including 

vernal pools, will be surveyed for western spadefoot toad larvae concurrently 

with special-status vernal pool branchiopod and California tiger salamander 

pre-construction surveys. Adults found within the construction footprint during 

emergence surveys will be relocated to an appropriate area adjacent to another 

pool suitable for breeding. Pre-construction surveys will help identify the proper 

implementation of mitigation measures, identify state and federal permit 

requirements, and inform the accurate implementation of mitigation 

requirements. The Project Biologist will submit a memorandum to the 

Mitigation Manager documenting compliance after surveys are complete.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Pre-construction surveys.

Prior to ground-disturbing 

activities. Follow reporting 

as determined by 

regulatory permit 

conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#44: Restore Temporary Impacts on Jurisdictional Waters. 

See description above in Comment Bio #4.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Construction and Postconstruction

Follow reporting as 

determined by regulatory 

agency permit conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#45: Monitor Construction Activities within Jurisdictional 

Waters. 

See description above in Comment Bio #4.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X During ground-disturbing 

activities and Construction

Follow reporting as 

determined by regulatory 

agency permit conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio#8: 

Construction of the 

HST alternatives 

would disturb 

habitat that 

supports the 

western pond 

turtle.

Bio-MM#3: Prepare and Implement a Worker Environmental 

Awareness Program.

See description above in Comment Bio #3.

Implementing Party: Mitigation Manager

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager to verify 

completion of this measure and provide written 

documentation to Authority

X X Training of all 

crew/construction 

personnel prior to start of 

construction. Provide 

weekly/monthly reporting 

as required by permit 

conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#5: Prepare and Implement a Biological Resources 

Management Plan.

See description above in Comment Bio #1.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager to verify 

completion of the BRMP and provide written documentation 

to Authority

X Following implementation 

and reporting schedule as 

established by agency 

permit conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract.

Biological Resources Management 

Plan (BRMP) and Construction plans 

Bio-MM#6: Prepare and Implement a Restoration and Revegetation 

Plan.

See description above in Comment Bio #2.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X Prior to construction.

Follow reporting 

requirements as 

established by agency 

Condition of Design/Build Contract.

Restoration and Revegetation Plan 

(RRP) for upland communities and 
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 62

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

permit conditions. Compliance reports to document 

implementation and performance 

standards

Bio-MM#7: Delineate Environmentally Sensitive Areas and 

Environmentally Restricted Areas (on plans and in-field).

See description above in Comment Bio #2.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Prior to construction/Post 

construction. Follow 

reporting requirements as 

established by agency 

permit conditions

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#8: Equipment Staging Areas.

See description above in Comment Bio #2.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Prior to construction 

Follow reporting 

requirements as 

established by agency 

permit conditions

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#9: Mono-Filament Netting.

See description above in Comment Bio #5.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X During ground-disturbing 

activities and 

Construction. Follow 

reporting requirements as 

established by agency 

permit conditions

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#10: Vehicle Traffic.

See description above in Comment Bio #2.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X During ground-disturbing 

activities. Report on 

weekly basis.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#12: Work Stoppage.

See description above in Comment Bio #4.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist or Project Biological 

Monitor 

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X During ground-disturbing 

activities. Submit a 

memorandum to the 

Mitigation Manager 

documenting compliance 

within 1 day of the work 

stoppage and subsequent 

action.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#13: ‘Take’ Notification and Reporting. 

See description above in Comment Bio #5.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist, Mitigation Manager

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Following incident, 

immediately report to 

USFWS and/or CDFG.

Prepare report and 

document in 

weekly/monthly report.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#14: Post-Construction Compliance Reports.

See description above in Comment Bio #3.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Post-construction. Follow 

reporting requirements as 

established by regulatory 

compliance permits.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#15: Restore Temporary Riparian Impacts. Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project Biologist X Post-construction. Follow Condition of Design/Build Contract
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 63

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

See description above in Comment Bio #2. Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

reporting requirements as 

established by agency 

permit conditions

Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring 

Plan (HMMP) and Memorandum 

documenting compliance and other 

reporting requirements in the 1600 

Streambed Alteration Agreement.

Bio-MM#26: Conduct Western Pond Turtle Pre-Construction Surveys 

and Relocation. Prior to ground-disturbing activities, conduct pre-construction 

surveys for western pond turtles to determine the presence or absence of 

western pond turtles within the construction footprint. If western pond turtles 

are found within the construction footprint, conduct daily clearance surveys 

prior to the initiation of any construction activities. 

If a western pond turtle nest will be affected by ground-disturbing activities, 

relocate the eggs according to relocation protocol coordinated with CDFG for all 

life stages of western pond turtles. Relocate hatchling and adult turtles outside 

of the construction footprint in suitable habitat. The Project Biologist will submit 

a memorandum to the Mitigation Manager documenting compliance.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Pre-construction surveys.

Prior to ground-disturbing 

activities. Clearance 

surveys during 

construction. Follow 

reporting as determined 

by regulatory permit 

conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#27: Conduct Western Pond Turtle Monitoring. During grounddisturbing activities, the Project Biologist will observe all construction activities 

within habitat that supports populations of western pond turtles. If ESAs are 

deemed necessary, the Project Biologist will conduct a clearance survey for 

western pond turtles prior to the time the fence is installed. If necessary, 

conduct daily clearance surveys prior to construction. The Project Biologist will 

submit a memorandum to the Mitigation Manager documenting compliance.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X During ground-disturbing 

activities and Daily 

clearance surveys during 

construction. Follow 

reporting as determined 

by regulatory permit 

conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#28: Implement Western Pond Turtle Avoidance and 

Relocation. Prior to ground-disturbing activities, if a western pond turtle 

nesting area is present and will be affected by ground-disturbing activities as 

determined by the Project Biologist, the Contractor will avoid western pond 

turtle nesting areas. If avoidance is not feasible, as determined by the 

Authority or its designee, the Project Biologist will coordinate with CDFG to 

identify where to relocate western pond turtles. The Project Biologist will 

coordinate specific trapping and relocation protocols with CDFG for adults, 

hatchlings, and eggs prior to ground-disturbing activities. The Contractor will 

not move eggs or hatchlings without prior coordination with the Project 

Biologist and concurrence from CDFG. The Project Biologist will submit a 

memorandum to the Mitigation Manager documenting compliance on a weekly 

basis or as determined appropriate pending construction progress.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Prior to ground-disturbing 

activities and during 

ground-disturbing 

activities and construction. 

Follow reporting as 

determined by regulatory 

permit conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#44: Restore Temporary Impacts on Jurisdictional Waters. 

See description above in Comment Bio #4.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Construction and Postconstruction

Follow reporting as 

determined by regulatory 

agency permit conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#45: Monitor Construction Activities within Jurisdictional 

Waters. 

See description above in Comment Bio #4.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

X X During ground-disturbing 

activities and Construction

Follow reporting as 

Condition of Design/Build Contract
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 64

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

the Authority determined by regulatory 

agency permit conditions.

Bio#10:

Construction of the 

HST alternatives 

would disturb 

nesting Swainson’s 

hawk.

Bio-MM#3: Prepare and Implement a Worker Environmental 

Awareness Program.

See description above in Comment Bio #3.

Implementing Party: Mitigation Manager

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager to verify 

completion of this measure and provide written 

documentation to Authority

X X Training of all 

crew/construction 

personnel prior to start of 

construction. Provide 

weekly/monthly reporting 

as required by permit 

conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#5: Prepare and Implement a Biological Resources 

Management Plan.

See description above in Comment Bio #1.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager to verify 

completion of the BRMP and provide written documentation 

to Authority.

X Following implementation 

and reporting schedule as 

established by agency 

permit conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract.

Biological Resources Management 

Plan (BRMP) and Construction plans 

Bio-MM#7: Delineate Environmentally Sensitive Areas and 

Environmentally Restricted Areas (on plans and in-field).

See description above in Comment Bio #2.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Prior to construction/Post 

construction. Follow 

reporting requirements as 

established by agency 

permit conditions

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#8: Equipment Staging Areas.

See description above in Comment Bio #2.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Prior to construction 

Follow reporting 

requirements as 

established by agency 

permit conditions

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#10: Vehicle Traffic.

See description above in Comment Bio # 2.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X During ground-disturbing 

activities. Report on 

weekly basis.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#12: Work Stoppage.

See description above in Comment Bio #4.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist or Project Biological 

Monitor 

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X During ground-disturbing 

activities. Submit a 

memorandum to the 

Mitigation Manager 

documenting compliance 

within 1 day of the work 

stoppage and subsequent 

action.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#13: ‘Take’ Notification and Reporting.

See description above in Comment Bio #5.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist, Mitigation Manager

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Following incident, 

immediately report to 

USFWS and/or CDFG.

Prepare report and 

document in 

weekly/monthly report.

Condition of Design/Build Contract
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 65

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

Bio-MM#14: Post-Construction Compliance Reports.

See description above in Comment Bio #3.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Post-construction. Follow 

reporting requirements as 

established by regulatory 

compliance permits.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#29: Conduct Pre-Construction Surveys and Monitoring for 

Raptors. Prior to ground-disturbing activities, the Project Biologist or designee 

will conduct pre-construction surveys for nesting raptors if construction and 

habitat removal activities are scheduled to occur during the breeding season 

(February 1 to August 15). The Project Biologist or designee will conduct 

surveys in areas within 300 feet of the construction footprint. Modify the 

required survey dates based on local conditions. If breeding raptors with active 

nests are found, establish a 300-foot buffer around the nest and phase 

construction activities within the buffer(s) until the young have fledged from 

the nest or the nest is abandoned. Approve construction activities within the 

buffer area, pending site conditions that will not jeopardize the nest.

The Project biologist will conduct pre-construction surveys for bald and golden 

eagle nests within 1⁄4 mile of the construction footprint. If nesting bald or 

golden eagles are identified, the Contractor’s Biologist in coordination with the 

Project Biologist will establish a 1,000-foot buffer area. The Project Biologist or 

designee will adjust the 1,000-foot buffer as needed to reflect existing 

conditions including ambient noise, topography, and disturbance with the 

approval of the USFWS or CDFG, as appropriate. The Project Biologist or 

designee will conduct regular monitoring of the nest to determine 

success/failure and to confirm that project activities are not conducted within 

the buffer(s) until the nesting cycle is complete or the nest fails. The Project 

Biologist or designee will document the results of the surveys and the ongoing 

monitoring, and provide a copy of the monitoring reports for impact areas to 

the respective agencies. The Project Biologist or designee will approve grounddisturbing activities within the buffer area, pending site conditions that will not 

jeopardize the nest. The Project Biologist will submit a memorandum to the 

Mitigation Manager documenting compliance.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Pre-construction surveys, 

prior to ground-disturbing 

activities, and during 

construction

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#31: Raptor Protection on Power Lines. During final design, the 

Contractor will verify that the catenary system and masts are designed to be 

raptor-safe, in accordance with the Suggested Practices for Raptor Protection 

on Power Lines: The State of the Art in 2006 (Avian Power Line Interaction 

Committee 2006). The Project Biologist will check the final design drawings and 

submit a memorandum to the Mitigation Manager documenting compliance

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Final design, completed 

prior to construction.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#32: Conduct Pre-Construction Surveys for Swainson’s 

Hawks. The Project Biologist or designee will conduct pre-construction surveys 

for Swainson’s hawks during the nesting season (March 1 through September 

15) within the construction footprint and within a 0.5-mile buffer. The Project 

Biologist or designee will conduct the pre-construction nest surveys at least 30 

days prior to ground-disturbing activities and phase with project construction. 

The pre-construction surveys will determine the status (i.e., active, inactive) of 

the nest and then will be used to set up nest avoidance strategies (BioImplementing Party: Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Pre-construction surveys 

at least 30 days prior to 

ground-disturbing 

activities and construction

Condition of Design/Build Contract
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 66

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

MM#33). The Project Biologist will submit a memorandum to the Mitigation 

Manager documenting compliance with the measure. 

Bio-MM#33: Swainson’s Hawk Nest Avoidance. If active Swainson’s 

hawk nests (defined as a nest used one or more times in the last 5 years) are 

found within 0.5 mile of the construction footprint during the nesting season 

(March 1 to September 15), the Contractor’s Biologist will implement buffers 

restricting construction activities, following CDFG’s Staff Report Regarding 

Mitigation for Impacts to Swainson’s Hawks (Buteo swainsoni) in the Central 

Valley of California (CDFG 1994). Adjustments to the buffer(s) will require prior 

approval by CDFG as coordinated by the Project Biologist. The buffers and nest 

condition will then be monitored (see Bio-MM#34). The Project Biologist will 

submit a memorandum to the Mitigation Manager documenting compliance on 

a weekly basis.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Nesting season (March 1 –

September 15)

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#34: Monitor Removal of Nest Trees for Swainson’s Hawks.

Prior to ground-disturbing activities, the Project Biologist or designee will 

monitor nest trees for Swainson’s hawks in the construction footprint that are 

not removed. If a nest tree for a Swainson’s hawk must be removed, the 

Contractor will obtain a Management Authorization (including conditions to 

offset the loss of the nest tree) from the CDFG, as described in CDFG’s Staff 

Reporting Regarding Mitigation for Impacts to Swainson’s Hawks (Buteo 

swainsoni) in the Central Valley of California (CDFG 1994). The Management 

Authorization will specify the tree removal period, generally between October 1 

and February 1. If ground-disturbing activities or other project-related activities 

may cause nest abandonment by a Swainson’s hawk or forced fledging within 

the specified buffer area, monitoring of the nest site (funded by the Authority) 

by the Project Biologist will be required to determine if the nest is abandoned. 

The Project Biologist will submit a memorandum to the Mitigation Manager 

documenting compliance on a weekly basis during the appropriate season.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Prior to ground-disturbing 

activities, during 

construction.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio#11: 

Construction of the 

HST alternatives 

would disturb 

breeding birds, 

including raptors.

Bio-MM#3: Prepare and Implement a Worker Environmental 

Awareness Program.

See description above in Comment Bio #3.

Implementing Party: Mitigation Manager

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager to verify 

completion of this measure and provide written 

documentation to Authority

X X Training of all 

crew/construction 

personnel prior to start of 

construction. Provide 

weekly/monthly reporting 

as required by permit 

conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#5: Prepare and Implement a Biological Resources 

Management Plan.

See description above in Comment Bio #1.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager to verify 

completion of the BRMP and provide written documentation 

to Authority

X Following implementation 

and reporting schedule as 

established by agency 

permit conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract.

Biological Resources Management 

Plan (BRMP) and Construction plans 

Bio-MM#7: Delineate Environmentally Sensitive Areas and 

Environmentally Restricted Areas (on plans and in-field).

See description above in Comment Bio #2.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

X X Prior to construction/Post 

construction. Follow 

reporting requirements as 

established by agency 

Condition of Design/Build Contract
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 67

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

the Authority permit conditions

Bio-MM#8: Equipment Staging Areas.

See description above in Comment Bio #2.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Prior to construction 

Follow reporting 

requirements as 

established by agency 

permit conditions

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#10: Vehicle Traffic.

See description above in Comment Bio #2.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X During ground-disturbing 

activities. Report on 

weekly basis.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#12: Work Stoppage.

See description above in Comment Bio #4.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist or Project Biological 

Monitor 

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X During ground-disturbing 

activities. Submit a 

memorandum to the 

Mitigation Manager 

documenting compliance 

within 1 day of the work 

stoppage and subsequent 

action.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#13: ‘Take’ Notification and Reporting.

See description above in Comment Bio #5.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist, Mitigation Manager

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Following incident, 

immediately report to 

USFWS and/or CDFG.

Prepare report and 

document in 

weekly/monthly report.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#14: Post-Construction Compliance Reports.

See description above in Comment Bio #3.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Post-construction. Follow 

reporting requirements as 

established by regulatory 

compliance permits.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#29: Conduct Pre-Construction Surveys and Monitoring for 

Raptors.

See description above in Comment Bio #10.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Pre-construction surveys, 

prior to ground-disturbing 

activities, and during 

construction

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#30: Conduct Pre-Construction Surveys and Delineate Active 

Nest Exclusion Areas For Other Breeding Birds. In the event active bird 

nests are encountered during the pre-construction survey, the Project Biologist or 

designee will determine the nest avoidance buffer zones as appropriate. The 

Project Biologist or designee will coordinate with the Contractor’s Biologist to 

establish the suitable buffers consistent with the intent of the MBTA and as 

determined by the Project Biologist. The Project Biologist or designee will 

delineate nest avoidance buffers established for ground nesting birds in a manner 

that does not create predatory bird perch points in close proximity (150 feet) to 

the active nest site. The Project Biological Monitor will monitor active bird nests 

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist, Project Biological Monitor, Mitigation Manager

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Pre-construction surveys 

and during construction

Condition of Design/Build Contract
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 68

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

weekly or more frequently pending status of nest and status of fledgling 

development. The Contractor’s Biologist will maintain the nest avoidance buffer 

zone until nestlings have fledged or the nest is abandoned. The Project Biologist 

will submit a memorandum to the Mitigation Manager documenting compliance.

Bio-MM#31: Raptor Protection on Power Lines.

See description above in Comment Bio #10.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Final design, completed 

prior to construction.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio#12: 

Construction of the 

HST alternatives 

would disturb or 

cause the loss of 

burrowing owls 

and their habitat.

Bio-MM#3: Prepare and Implement a Worker Environmental 

Awareness Program.

See description above in Comment Bio #3.

Implementing Party: Mitigation Manager

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager to verify 

completion of this measure and provide written 

documentation to Authority

X X Training of all 

crew/construction 

personnel prior to start of 

construction. Provide 

weekly/monthly reporting 

as required by permit 

conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#5: Prepare and Implement a Biological Resources 

Management Plan.

See description above in Comment Bio #1.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager to verify 

completion of the BRMP and provide written documentation 

to Authority

X Following implementation 

and reporting schedule as 

established by agency 

permit conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract.

Biological Resources Management 

Plan (BRMP) and Construction plans 

Bio-MM#7: Delineate Environmentally Sensitive Areas and 

Environmentally Restricted Areas (on plans and in-field).

See description above in Comment Bio #2.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Prior to construction/Post 

construction. Follow 

reporting requirements as 

established by agency 

permit conditions

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#8: Equipment Staging Areas.

See description above in Comment Bio #2.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Prior to construction 

Follow reporting 

requirements as 

established by agency 

permit conditions

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#10: Vehicle Traffic.

See description above in Comment Bio #2.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X During ground-disturbing 

activities. Report on 

weekly basis.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#13: ‘Take’ Notification and Reporting.

See description above in Comment Bio #5.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist, Mitigation Manager

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Following incident, 

immediately report to 

USFWS and/or CDFG.

Prepare report and 

document in 

weekly/monthly report.

Condition of Design/Build Contract
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 69

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

Bio-MM#14: Post-Construction Compliance Reports.

See description above in Comment Bio #3.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Post-construction. Follow 

reporting requirements as 

established by regulatory 

compliance permits.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#35: Conduct Pre-Construction Surveys for Burrowing Owls.

Prior to ground-disturbing activities, the Project Biologist or designee will 

conduct pre-construction surveys in accordance with CDFG’s Staff Report on 

Burrowing Owl Mitigation (CDFG 1995). The Project Biologist or designee will 

conduct these surveys at appropriate timeframes within suitable habitat located 

in the construction footprint and a 500-foot buffer. Results of the surveys will 

be used to inform Bio-MM#36. The Project Biologist will submit a memorandum 

to the Mitigation Manager documenting compliance on a weekly basis.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Prior to ground-disturbing 

activities, the winter 

(December 1 through 

January 31) and breeding 

season (April 15 through 

July 15)

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#36: Burrowing Owl Avoidance and Minimization. Implement 

burrowing owl avoidance and minimization measures following CDFG’s Staff 

Report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation (CDFG 1995).

• The Contractor will not disturb occupied burrowing owl burrows during the 

nesting season (February 1 through August 31) unless it is verified that 

either the birds have not begun egg-laying and incubation, or that juveniles 

from the occupied burrows are foraging independently and are capable of 

independent survival as determined by the Project Biologist or designee. 

Eviction outside the nesting season may be permitted pending evaluation of 

eviction plans and receipt of formal written approval from the CDFG 

authorizing the eviction.

• Unless otherwise authorized by CDFG, the Contractor’s Biologist will establish 

a 250-foot buffer (as an environmentally sensitive area) between the 

construction work area and nesting burrowing owls during the nesting 

season. The Contractor will maintain this protected area until August 31 or a 

time set at CDFG’s discretion and based upon monitoring evidence, until the 

young owls are foraging independently.

• Unless otherwise authorized by CDFG, the Contractor’s Biologist will establish 

a 160-foot buffer (as an environmentally sensitive area) between the 

construction work area and occupied burrows during the non-breeding 

season (September 1 through January 31). The Contractor will maintain this 

protected area until January 31 or at CDFG’s discretion and based upon 

monitoring evidence, until the young owls are foraging independently.

If burrowing owls must be moved away from the construction footprint, the 

Contractor’s Biologist will undertake the passive relocation measures in 

accordance with CDFG’s (1995) guidelines. The Project Biologist will submit a 

memorandum to the Mitigation Manager documenting compliance on a weekly 

basis.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Preconstruction burrow 

identification, during 

construction.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio#13: 

Construction of the 

HST alternatives 

would disturb 

Bio-MM#3: Prepare and Implement a Worker Environmental 

Awareness Program.

See description above in Comment Bio #3.

Implementing Party: Mitigation Manager

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager to verify 

completion of this measure and provide written 

X X Training of all 

crew/construction 

personnel prior to start of 

construction. Provide 

Condition of Design/Build Contract
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 70

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

breeding or 

nonbreeding bats.

documentation to Authority weekly/monthly reporting 

as required by permit 

conditions.

Bio-MM#5: Prepare and Implement a Biological Resources 

Management Plan.

See description above in Comment Bio #1.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager to verify 

completion of the BRMP and provide written documentation 

to Authority

X Following implementation 

and reporting schedule as 

established by agency 

permit conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract.

Biological Resources Management 

Plan (BRMP) and Construction plans 

Bio-MM#7: Delineate Environmentally Sensitive Areas and 

Environmentally Restricted Areas (on plans and in-field).

See description above in Comment Bio #2.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Prior to construction/Post 

construction. Follow 

reporting requirements as 

established by agency 

permit conditions

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#8: Equipment Staging Areas.

See description above in Comment Bio #2.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Prior to construction 

Follow reporting 

requirements as 

established by agency 

permit conditions

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#10: Vehicle Traffic.

See description above in Comment Bio #2.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X During ground-disturbing 

activities. Report on 

weekly basis.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#12: Work Stoppage.

See description above in Comment Bio #4.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist or Project Biological 

Monitor 

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X During ground-disturbing 

activities. Submit a 

memorandum to the 

Mitigation Manager 

documenting compliance 

within 1 day of the work 

stoppage and subsequent 

action.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#13: ‘Take’ Notification and Reporting.

See description above in Comment Bio #5.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist, Mitigation Manager

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Following incident, 

immediately report to 

USFWS and/or CDFG.

Prepare report and 

document in 

weekly/monthly report.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#14: Post-Construction Compliance Reports.

See description above in Comment Bio #3.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Post-construction. Follow 

reporting requirements as 

established by regulatory 

compliance permits.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#37: Conduct Pre-Construction Surveys for Special-Status Bat 

Species. Prior to any ground-disturbing activities, the Project Biological 

Monitor or designee will conduct a visual and acoustic pre-construction survey 

Implementing Party: Project Biological Monitor, Project 

Biologist, Mitigation Manager

X X X Pre-construction surveys, 

prior to ground-disturbing 

activities

Condition of Design/Build Contract
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 71

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

for roosting bats. Include a minimum of one day and one evening in the visual 

pre-construction survey. The Project Biologist, in coordination with the 

Mitigation Manager, will contact CDFG if any hibernation roosts or active 

nurseries are identified within the construction footprint, as appropriate. The 

Project Biologist will submit a memorandum to the Mitigation Manager 

documenting compliance.

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

Bio-MM#38: Bat Avoidance and Relocation. During ground-disturbing 

activities, the Contractor will avoid active hibernation roosts. If avoidance of the 

hibernation roost is not feasible, the Contractor’s Biologist will prepare a 

relocation plan and coordinate the construction of an alternative bat roost with 

CDFG. The Contractor will implement the Bat Roost Relocation Plan prior to the 

commencement of construction activities. 

Remove roosts with approval from CDFG before hibernation begins (October 31), 

or after young are flying (July 31), using exclusion and deterrence techniques 

described in Bio-MM#39 below. The timeline to remove vacated roosts is 

between August 1 and October 31. All effort to avoid disturbance to maternity 

roosts will be made during construction activities. The Project Biologist will submit 

a memorandum to the Mitigation Manager documenting compliance.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X Ground-disturbing 

activities

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#39: Bat Exclusion and Deterrence. During ground-disturbing 

activities, if non-breeding or non-hibernating individuals or groups of bats are 

found within the construction footprint, the bats will be safely excluded by 

either opening the roosting area to change lighting and airflow conditions, or 

by installing one-way doors, or other appropriate methods specified by CDFG. 

The Contractor will leave the roost undisturbed by project-related activities for 

a minimum of one week after implementing exclusion and/or eviction activities. 

The Contractor will not implement exclusion measures to evict bats from 

established maternity roosts or occupied hibernation roosts. The Project 

Biologist will submit a memorandum to the Mitigation Manager documenting 

compliance.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X During ground-disturbing 

activities

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio#14: 

Construction of the 

HST alternatives 

would disturb 

American badger 

dens.

Bio-MM#3: Prepare and Implement a Worker Environmental 

Awareness Program.

See description above in Comment Bio #3.

Implementing Party: Mitigation Manager

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager to verify 

completion of this measure and provide written 

documentation to Authority

X X Training of all 

crew/construction 

personnel prior to start of 

construction. Provide 

weekly/monthly reporting 

as required by permit 

conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#5: Prepare and Implement a Biological Resources 

Management Plan.

See description above in Comment Bio #1.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager to verify 

completion of the BRMP and provide written documentation 

to Authority

X Following implementation 

and reporting schedule as 

established by agency 

permit conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract.

Biological Resources Management 

Plan (BRMP) and Construction plans 

Bio-MM#6: Prepare and Implement a Restoration and Revegetation 

Plan.

See description above in Comment Bio #2.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

X X X Prior to construction.

Follow reporting 

requirements as 

established by agency 

Condition of Design/Build Contract.

Restoration and Revegetation Plan 

(RRP) for upland communities and 

Compliance reports to document 
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 72

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

the Authority permit conditions. implementation and performance 

standards

Bio-MM#7: Delineate Environmentally Sensitive Areas and 

Environmentally Restricted Areas (on plans and in-field).

See description above in Comment Bio #2.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Prior to construction/Post 

construction. Follow 

reporting requirements as 

established by agency 

permit conditions

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#8: Equipment Staging Areas.

See description above in Comment Bio #2.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Prior to construction 

Follow reporting 

requirements as 

established by agency 

permit conditions

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#10: Vehicle Traffic.

See description above in Comment Bio #2.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X During ground-disturbing 

activities. Report on 

weekly basis.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#11: Entrapment Prevention.

See description above in Comment Bio #5.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X During ground-disturbing 

activities. Report on 

weekly basis.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#12: Work Stoppage.

See description above in Comment Bio #4.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist or Project Biological 

Monitor 

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X During ground-disturbing 

activities. Submit a 

memorandum to the 

Mitigation Manager 

documenting compliance 

within 1 day of the work 

stoppage and subsequent 

action.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#40: Conduct Pre-Construction Surveys for American Badger. 

Prior to ground-disturbing activities, the Project Biologist or designee will 

conduct pre-construction surveys for American badger den sites within suitable 

habitats in the construction footprint. The Project Biologist will conduct these 

surveys no more than 30 days before the start of ground-disturbing activities 

and phase with project build out. The Project Biologist will submit a 

memorandum to the Mitigation Manager documenting compliance.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist 

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Prior to ground-disturbing 

activities

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#41: American Badger Avoidance. The Contractor’s Biologist will 

establish a 50-foot buffer around occupied American badger dens. The 

Contractor will establish a 200-foot buffer around badger maternity dens 

through the pup-rearing season (February 15 through July 1). Adjustments to 

the buffer(s) will require prior approval by CDFG as coordinated by the Project 

Biologist. The Project Biologist will submit a memorandum to the Mitigation 

Manager documenting compliance.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Prior to construction per 

approval by CDFG

Condition of Design/Build Contract
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 73

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

Bio-MM#44: Restore Temporary Impacts on Jurisdictional Waters. 

See description above in Comment Bio #4.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Construction and Postconstruction

Follow reporting as 

determined by regulatory 

agency permit conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#45: Monitor Construction Activities within Jurisdictional 

Waters. 

See description above in Comment Bio #4.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X During ground-disturbing 

activities and Construction

Follow reporting as 

determined by regulatory 

agency permit conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio#15: 

Construction of the 

HST alternatives 

would disturb San 

Joaquin kit fox 

dens.

Bio-MM#3: Prepare and Implement a Worker Environmental 

Awareness Program.

See description above in Comment Bio #3.

Implementing Party: Mitigation Manager

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager to verify 

completion of this measure and provide written 

documentation to Authority

X X Training of all 

crew/construction 

personnel prior to start of 

construction. Provide 

weekly/monthly reporting 

as required by permit 

conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#5: Prepare and Implement a Biological Resources 

Management Plan.

See description above in Comment Bio #1.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager to verify 

completion of the BRMP and provide written documentation 

to Authority

X Following implementation 

and reporting schedule as 

established by agency 

permit conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract.

Biological Resources Management 

Plan (BRMP) and Construction plans 

Bio-MM#7: Delineate Environmentally Sensitive Areas and 

Environmentally Restricted Areas (on plans and in-field).

See description above in Comment Bio #2.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Prior to construction/Post 

construction. Follow 

reporting requirements as 

established by agency 

permit conditions

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#8: Equipment Staging Areas.

See description above in Comment Bio #2.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Prior to construction 

Follow reporting 

requirements as 

established by agency 

permit conditions

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#10: Vehicle Traffic.

See description above in Comment Bio #2. 

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X During ground-disturbing 

activities. Report on 

weekly basis.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#11: Entrapment Prevention.

See description above in Comment Bio #5.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X During ground-disturbing 

activities. Report on 

weekly basis.

Condition of Design/Build Contract
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 74

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

Bio-MM#12: Work Stoppage.

See description above in Comment Bio #4.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist or Project Biological 

Monitor 

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X During ground-disturbing 

activities. Submit a 

memorandum to the 

Mitigation Manager 

documenting compliance 

within 1 day of the work 

stoppage and subsequent 

action.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#13: ‘Take’ Notification and Reporting.

See description above in Comment Bio #5.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist, Mitigation Manager

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Following incident, 

immediately report to 

USFWS and/or CDFG.

Prepare report and 

document in 

weekly/monthly report.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#14: Post-Construction Compliance Reports.

See description above in Comment Bio #3.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Post-construction Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#42: Conduct Pre-Construction Surveys for San Joaquin Kit 

Fox. The USFWS’ Standardized Recommendations for Protection of the San 

Joaquin Kit Fox Prior to or During Ground Disturbance (USFWS 1999b) will be 

implemented as follows for construction related impacts. 

Prior to the start of ground-disturbing activities, the Project Biologist or 

designee will conduct pre-construction surveys in accordance with the USFWS’ 

San Joaquin Kit Fox Survey Protocol for the Northern Range (USFWS 1999c). 

The Project Biologist will submit a memorandum to the Mitigation Manager 

documenting compliance.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Pre-construction surveys 

and prior to grounddisturbing activities

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#43: Minimize Impacts on San Joaquin Kit Fox. The Contractor’s 

Biologist will Implement USFWS’ Standard Measures for Protection of the San 

Joaquin Kit Fox Prior to or During Ground Disturbance (USFWS 1999b) to 

minimize ground disturbance-related impacts on this species. The Project 

Biologist will submit a memorandum to the Mitigation Manager documenting 

compliance.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Pre-construction surveys 

and prior to grounddisturbing activities

Condition of Design/Build Contract

USFWS’ Standard Measures for 

Protection of the San Joaquin Kit 

Fox 

Bio-MM#44: Restore Temporary Impacts on Jurisdictional Waters. 

See description above in Comment Bio #4.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Construction and Postconstruction

Follow reporting as 

determined by regulatory 

agency permit conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#45: Monitor Construction Activities within Jurisdictional 

Waters. 

See description above in Comment Bio #4.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X During ground-disturbing 

activities and Construction

Follow reporting as 

determined by regulatory 

agency permit conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 75

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

Bio#16: 

Construction of the 

HST alternatives 

would temporarily 

convert specialstatus plant 

communities (e.g., 

Great Valley mixed 

riparian forest, 

coastal and valley 

freshwater marsh, 

vernal pools).

Bio-MM#4: Prepare and Implement a Weed Control Plan.

See description above in Comment Bio #1.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager to verify completion 

of this measure and provide written documentation to

Authority

X X Prior to 

construction/monthly 

memorandum to 

document the progress of 

the Weed Control Plan and 

implementation

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#5: Prepare and Implement a Biological Resources 

Management Plan.

See description above in Comment Bio #1.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager to verify 

completion of the BRMP and provide written documentation 

to Authority

X Following implementation 

and reporting schedule as 

established by agency 

permit conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract.

Biological Resources Management 

Plan (BRMP) and Construction plans 

Bio-MM#6: Prepare and Implement a Restoration and Revegetation 

Plan.

See description above in Comment Bio #2.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X Prior to construction.

Follow reporting 

requirements as 

established by agency 

permit conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract.

Restoration and Revegetation Plan 

(RRP) for upland communities and 

Compliance reports to document 

implementation and performance 

standards

Bio-MM#7: Delineate Environmentally Sensitive Areas and 

Environmentally Restricted Areas (on plans and in-field).

See description above in Comment Bio #2.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X Prior to construction and 

Construction

Final construction plans (including 

grading and landscape plans) and 

Memorandum regarding the field 

delineation of all ESAs/ERAs

Bio-MM#8: Equipment Staging Areas.

See description above in Comment Bio #2.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Prior to construction 

Follow reporting 

requirements as 

established by agency 

permit conditions

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#10: Vehicle Traffic.

See description above in Comment Bio #2.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X During ground-disturbing 

activities. Report on 

weekly basis.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#19: Conduct Pre-Construction Sampling and Assessment for 

Vernal Pool Fauna. 

See description above in Comment Bio #4.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X Prior to ground-disturbing 

activities

Follow reporting 

requirements as 

established by regulatory 

compliance permits.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Plan for monitoring, salvage, 

relocation, and propagation of 

special-status plant species and 

Memorandum documenting 

compliance

Bio-MM#20: Seasonal Vernal Pool Work Restriction.

See description above in Comment Bio #4.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Pre-construction and 

during construction. 

Seasonal restrictions: 

October 15 to June 1 

(corresponding to the 

rainy season), or as 

Condition of Design/Build Contract
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 76

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

determined through 

informal or formal 

consultation with the 

USFWS or USACE.

Report within 1 month of 

completing the field work

Bio-MM#21: Implement and Monitor Vernal Pool Protection. 

See description above in Comment Bio #4.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X Prior to construction/Post 

Construction monitoring 

and reporting as 

determined by regulatory 

agency permit conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#44: Restore Temporary Impacts on Jurisdictional Waters. 

See description above in Comment Bio #4.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Construction and Postconstruction

Follow reporting as 

determined by regulatory 

agency permit conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#45: Monitor Construction Activities within Jurisdictional 

Waters.

See description above in Comment Bio #4.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X During ground-disturbing 

activities and Construction

Follow reporting as 

determined by regulatory 

agency permit conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio#17: 

Construction of the 

HST alternatives 

would have 

indirect impacts on 

jurisdictional 

waters.

Bio-MM#3: Prepare and Implement a Worker Environmental 

Awareness Program.

See description above in Comment Bio #3.

Implementing Party: Mitigation Manager

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager to verify 

completion of this measure and provide written 

documentation to Authority

X X Training of all 

crew/construction 

personnel prior to start of 

construction. Provide 

weekly/monthly reporting 

as required by permit 

conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#4: Prepare and Implement a Weed Control Plan.

See description above in Comment Bio #1.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager to verify completion 

of this measure and provide written documentation to

Authority

X X Prior to 

construction/monthly 

memorandum to 

document the progress of 

the Weed Control Plan and 

implementation

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#5: Prepare and Implement a Biological Resources 

Management Plan.

See description above in Comment Bio #1.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager to verify 

completion of the BRMP and provide written documentation 

to Authority

X Following implementation 

and reporting schedule as 

established by agency 

permit conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract.

Biological Resources Management 

Plan (BRMP) and Construction plans 

Bio-MM#6: Prepare and Implement a Restoration and Revegetation 

Plan.

See description above in Comment Bio #2.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X Prior to construction.

Follow reporting 

requirements as 

established by agency 

Condition of Design/Build Contract.

Restoration and Revegetation Plan 

(RRP) for upland communities and 

Compliance reports to document 
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 77

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

permit conditions. implementation and performance 

standards

Bio-MM#7: Delineate Environmentally Sensitive Areas and 

Environmentally Restricted Areas (on plans and in-field)

See description above in Comment Bio #2.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X Prior to construction and 

Construction

Memorandum documenting 

compliance

Bio-MM#8: Equipment Staging Areas.

See description above in Comment Bio #2.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Prior to construction 

Follow reporting 

requirements as 

established by agency 

permit conditions

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#10: Vehicle Traffic.

See description above in Comment Bio #2.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X During ground-disturbing 

activities. Report on 

weekly basis.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#15: Restore Temporary Riparian Impacts.

See description above in Comment Bio #2.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Post-construction. Follow 

reporting requirements as 

established by agency 

permit conditions

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring 

Plan (HMMP) and Memorandum 

documenting compliance and other 

reporting requirements in the 1600 

Streambed Alteration Agreement.

Bio-MM#19: Conduct Pre-Construction Sampling and Assessment for 

Vernal Pool Fauna.

See description above in Comment Bio #4.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X Prior to ground-disturbing 

activities

Follow reporting 

requirements as 

established by regulatory 

compliance permits.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Plan for monitoring, salvage, 

relocation, and propagation of 

special-status plant species and 

Memorandum documenting 

compliance

Bio-MM#20: Seasonal Vernal Pool Work Restriction.

See description above in Comment Bio #4.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Pre-construction and 

during construction. 

Seasonal restrictions: 

October 15 to June 1 

(corresponding to the 

rainy season), or as 

determined through 

informal or formal 

consultation with the 

USFWS or USACE.

Report within 1 month of 

completing the field work

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#21: Implement and Monitor Vernal Pool Protection. Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist X X X Prior to construction/Post Condition of Design/Build Contract
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 78

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

See description above in Comment Bio #4. Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

Construction monitoring 

and reporting as 

determined by regulatory 

agency permit conditions.

Bio-MM#44: Restore Temporary Impacts on Jurisdictional Waters. 

See description above in Comment Bio #4.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Construction and Postconstruction

Follow reporting as 

determined by regulatory 

agency permit conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#45: Monitor Construction Activities within Jurisdictional 

Waters. 

See description above in Comment Bio #4.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X During ground-disturbing 

activities and Construction

Follow reporting as 

determined by regulatory 

agency permit conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio#21: 

Construction of the 

HST alternatives 

would disturb 

Camp Pashayan 

(San Joaquin River 

Ecological 

Reserve).

Bio-MM#15: Restore Temporary Riparian Impacts.

See description above in Comment Bio #2.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Post-construction. Follow 

reporting requirements as 

established by agency 

permit conditions

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring 

Plan (HMMP) and Memorandum 

documenting compliance and other 

reporting requirements in the 1600 

Streambed Alteration Agreement.

Bio-MM#17: Conduct Pre-Construction Surveys for Special-Status 

Plant Species. The Project Biologist will conduct pre-construction surveys for 

special-status plant species in suitable habitat areas, subject to grounddisturbing activities. The surveys will be conducted in the appropriate season 

prior to ground-disturbing activities for salvage and relocation activities. The 

Project Biologist will use the results of the Special-Status Plants Survey Report 

(prepared as part of the Biological Resources Technical Report), including 

mapping of locations of special-status plant species, to determine focused 

locations for the pre-construction surveys, as appropriate. The Project Biologist 

will work with the Contractor’s Biologist to mark and avoid locations of all 

special-status plant species observed where feasible or incorporate the species 

into the relocation/compensation program defined in Bio-MM#50: Compensate 

for Impacts on Special-Status Plant Species.

Prior to ground-disturbing activities, the Contractor will protect any populations 

of special-status plant species identified during the surveys within 100 feet of 

the construction footprint as ERAs. As appropriate, the Contractor’s Biologist 

will update the special-status or habitats of concern mapping within the 

construction limits, based upon resource agency permits.

The Contractor’s Biologist will determine the locations of special-status plant 

species on construction drawings and identified as ESAs within the construction 

footprint. Plant populations within 100 feet of the construction limits will be 

fenced as ERAs by the Contractor’s Biologist. Terms and conditions from 

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Pre-construction and Prior 

to ground-disturbing 

activities

Plan for monitoring, salvage, 

relocation, and propagation of

special-status plant species and 

Memorandum documenting 

compliance
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 79

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

Section 7 and Section 2081 agreements will be incorporated as appropriate. 

The Project Biologist will provide verification and report through memorandum 

to the Mitigation Manager.

Bio-MM#18: Prepare and Implement Plan for Salvage, Relocation 

and/or Propagation of Special-Status Plant Species.

See description above in Comment Bio #3.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Pre-construction and prior 

to ground-disturbing 

activities. Follow reporting 

requirements as 

established by regulatory 

compliance permits.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#19: Conduct Pre-Construction Sampling and Assessment for 

Vernal Pool Fauna.

See description above in Comment Bio #4.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X Prior to ground-disturbing 

activities

Follow reporting 

requirements as 

established by regulatory 

compliance permits.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Plan for monitoring, salvage, 

relocation, and propagation of 

special-status plant species and 

Memorandum documenting 

compliance

Bio-MM#20: Seasonal Vernal Pool Work Restriction.

See description above in Comment Bio #4.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Pre-construction and 

during construction. 

Seasonal restrictions: 

October 15 to June 1 

(corresponding to the 

rainy season), or as 

determined through 

informal or formal 

consultation with the 

USFWS or USACE.

Report within 1 month of 

completing the field work

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#21: Implement and Monitor Vernal Pool Protection.

See description above in Comment Bio #4.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X Prior to construction/Post 

Construction monitoring 

and reporting as 

determined by regulatory 

agency permit conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#44: Restore Temporary Impacts on Jurisdictional Waters.

See description above in Comment Bio #4.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Construction and Postconstruction

Follow reporting as 

determined by regulatory 

agency permit conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#45: Monitor Construction Activities within Jurisdictional 

Waters.

See description above in Comment Bio #4.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X During ground-disturbing 

activities and Construction

Follow reporting as 

determined by regulatory 

Condition of Design/Build Contract
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 80

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

agency permit conditions.

PK-MM#4: Acquire Park Property for Camp Pashayan. Final design will 

continue to seek to minimize right-of-way impacts and pier placement in Camp 

Pashayan. Mitigation will include in-lieu fee for property impacts associated 

with pier installation as well as revegetation of disturbed areas with native 

plantings (consistent with CDFG vegetation/landscaping plans for the reserve). 

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist and Authority

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager in 

coordination with the Authority

X Prior to 

construction/monthly 

reporting

The Authority will work with the 

California Department of Fish and 

Game to prepare and execute an 

agreement to acquire the property.

Bio#22: Project 

period impacts 

from the HST 

would permanently 

convert Great 

Valley mixed 

riparian forest and 

other riparian 

habitat (Coastal 

and Valley 

Freshwater Marsh 

and vernal pools 

addressed in BioIMPACT#16).

Bio-MM#4: Prepare and Implement a Weed Control Plan. 

See description above in Comment Bio #1.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager to verify completion 

of this measure and provide written documentation to

Authority

X X Prior to 

construction/monthly 

memorandum to 

document the progress of 

the Weed Control Plan and 

implementation

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#14: Post-Construction Compliance Reports. 

See description above in Comment Bio #3.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Post-construction Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#49: Compensate for Permanent Riparian Impacts. The Authority 

will compensate for permanent impacts on Great Valley mixed riparian forest and 

other riparian habitats, determined in consultation with the appropriate agencies 

(e.g., CDFG), by restoring nearby areas to suitable habitat through permitteeresponsible mitigation and/or by purchasing credits in a mitigation bank. Other 

relevant regulatory permits addressing riparian impacts include the CDFG 1600 

Streambed Alteration Agreement, the USACE Section 404 Permit, and the SWRCB 

401 Permit. The HMMP will provide the planning details as referenced in BioMM#58. Bio-MM#56 provides documentation and reporting requirements.

Compensation will be based on the following ratios (acres of mitigation to acres 

of impact):

• Great Valley Mixed Riparian Forest: 2:1

• Other Riparian: 2:1

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Prior to operation Post-construction compliance 

reports consistent with the 

appropriate agency-issued permits

Bio-MM#57: Conduct Delineation of Jurisdictional Waters and 

State Streambeds. The Authority or its designee, prior to final design, will 

conduct a jurisdictional delineation, documenting jurisdictional waters and state 

streambeds consistent with USACE, SWRCB, and CDFG guidance. As part of the 

delineation, determine the functions and values of the jurisdictional waters 

using accepted methods such as the CRAM so that the functions and values 

have been replaced and that no net loss of jurisdictional waters and state 

streambed values occurs. Develop habitat replacement guidelines to identify 

and quantify habitats that are to be removed and identify the locations for 

restoring or relocating habitats. The Project Biologist will submit a 

memorandum to the Mitigation Manager documenting compliance.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Prior to ground-disturbing 

activities

Condition of Design/Build Contract
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 81

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

Bio-MM#58: Prepare and Implement a Habitat Mitigation and 

Monitoring Plan. As part of the USFWS, USACE, SWRCB, and CDFG permit 

applications and prior to ground-disturbing activities, the Authority or its designee 

will prepare an HMMP to mitigate for temporary and permanent impacts on 

jurisdictional waters and state streambeds. The HMMP will detail performance 

standards, including percent cover of native species, survivability, canopy cover 

requirements, wildlife utilization, the acreage basis, restoration ratios, and the 

combination of onsite and/or offsite mitigation. Preference shall be given to 

conduct the mitigation within the same watershed where the impact occurs. The 

Authority or its designee will conduct work with the USACE, SWQCB, and CDFG 

to develop appropriate avoidance, minimization, mitigation, and monitoring 

measures to be incorporated into the HMMP. The intent of the HMMP is to 

mitigate for the lost functions and values of impacts on jurisdictional waters and 

state streambeds consistent with resource agency requirements and conditions 

presented in Sections 404 and 401 of the CWA and Section 1600 of the CFGC. It 

is also anticipated that since listed species such as California tiger salamander, 

colusa grass, and vernal pool branchiopods are nested within these habitats, the 

HMMP will also serve to mitigate for listed species through Section 7 of ESA and 

CESA 2081. The Project Biologist will submit a memorandum to the Mitigation 

Manager documenting compliance. In the HMMP, the applicant or its designee 

shall incorporate the following standard requirements consistent with USACE, 

SWRCB, and CDFG guidelines:

• Description of the project impact/site.

• Goal(s) (i.e., functions and values) of the compensatory mitigation project.

• Description of the proposed compensatory mitigation site.

• Implementation plan for the proposed compensatory mitigation site.

• Maintenance activities during the monitoring period.

• Monitoring plan for the compensatory mitigation site.

• Completion of compensatory mitigation.

• Contingency measures.

Additionally, the following will be included at a minimum for the implementation 

plan: 

• Site analysis for appropriate soils and hydrology.

• Site preparation specifications based on site analysis, including but not 

limited to grading and weeding.

• Soil and plant material salvage from impact areas, as appropriate to the 

timing of impact and restoration as well as the location of restoration sites.

• Specifications for plant and seed material appropriate to the locality of the 

mitigation site.

• Specifications for site maintenance to establish the habitats, including but 

not limited to weeding and temporary irrigation.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X X Annual monitoring reports 

for 5 years (or less if 

success criteria are met as 

described earlier) and/or 

other documentation 

prescribed in the resource 

agency permits.

Documentation Reports 

demonstrating compliance with 

HMMP
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 82

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

Habitat restoration, enhancement, and/or establishment activities will be 

conducted on some of the compensatory (i.e., selected permittee-responsible) 

mitigation sites to achieve the mitigation goals. A detailed design of the 

mitigation habitats will be created in coordination with the permitting agencies 

and be described in the HMMP. It is recognized that several HMMPs will be 

developed consistent with the selected mitigation sites and the resources 

mitigated at each. The primary engineering and construction contractors will 

ensure, through coordination with the Project Biologist, that construction is 

implemented in a manner that minimizes disturbance of such areas to the extent 

feasible. Temporary fencing will be used during construction to avoid sensitive 

biological resources that are adjacent to construction areas and can be avoided.

Performance standards are targets for determining the effectiveness of the 

mitigation and assessing the need for adaptive management (e.g., mitigation 

design or maintenance revisions). Success criteria are formal criteria that must be 

met after a specific timeframe to meet regulatory requirements of the permitting 

agencies. Where applicable, replacement planting/seeding will be implemented if 

monitoring demonstrates that performance goals or success criteria are not met 

during a particular monitoring interval. 

The criteria for measuring performance will be used to determine whether the 

habitat improvement is trending toward sustainability (i.e., reduced human 

intervention) and to assess the need for adaptive management. These criteria 

must be met for the habitat improvement to be declared successful, both during 

a particular monitoring year and at the end of the establishment period. These 

performance criteria will be developed in consultation with the permitting 

agencies. The criteria include: 

• Percent survival of planted trees (65–85%).

• Percent survival of transplanted trees (60–85%).

• Percent relative canopy cover (5–35%).

• Percent cover of invasive species (<1%).

• Percent cover of nonnative herbaceous plants (<10–25%). 

• Percent absolute cover of native species (>50–80%).

• Percent relative cover of native species (>50%).

• Percent total cover of plant species (20–75%).

• Percent relative cover of wetland indicator species (75–90%). 

• Water level within +/-6 inches (or other measurement) of design.

• Species composition and community diversity, relative to reference sites, 

and/or as described in the guidelines issued by permitting agencies (e.g., 

USFWS conservation guidelines for valley elderberry longhorn beetle). 

Performance goals and success criteria will be provided for each of the years of 

monitoring and will be specific to habitat types at each permittee-responsible 

mitigation site. The monitoring schedule will be detailed in the site-specific 

HMMPs. To be deemed successful, the site may be required to meet the success 
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 83

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

criteria only in selected years. However, if success criteria are not met in specific 

years, remedial measures, including regrading, adjustment to modify the 

hydrological regime, and/or replacement planting or seeding, must be 

implemented and that year’s monitoring must be repeated the following year 

until the success criteria are met. The success criteria specified must be reached 

without human intervention (e.g., irrigation, replacement plantings) aside from 

maintenance practices described in the site-specific HMMPs for maintenance 

during the establishment period.

Where the HST alignment affects an existing mitigation bank, the Authority or its 

designee will modify the mitigation ratio to meet the vernal pool mitigation 

requirement. The Authority or its designee will relocate the affected portion of 

the mitigation bank or compensate the landowner in accordance with the 

Uniform Relocation and Real Property Policy Act of 1970, as amended.

The Project Biologist will oversee the implementation of all HMMP elements and 

monitor consistent with the prescribed maintenance and performance monitoring 

requirements. 

The Project Biologist will prepare annual monitoring reports for 5 years (or less if 

success criteria are met as described earlier) and/or other documentation 

prescribed in the resource agency permits. In addition, the Project Biologist will 

document compliance and submit to the Mitigation Manager.

Bio-MM#59: Compensate for Permanent Impacts on Jurisdictional 

Waters. The Authority or its designee will mitigate permanent wetland impacts 

through compensation determined in consultation with the USACE, SWRCB, 

USFWS, and CDFG, in order to be consistent with the HMMP (Bio-MM#56). 

Regulatory compliance for jurisdictional waters includes relevant terms and 

conditions from the USACE 404 Permit, SWRCB 401 Permit, and CDFG 1600 

Streambed Alteration Agreement. The Project Biologist will submit a 

memorandum to the Mitigation Manager documenting compliance. 

Performance standards for jurisdictional waters are generally described in BioMM#56. It is important to recognize that Bio-MM#56 includes standards that 

apply to several resource areas (e.g., jurisdictional waters, riparian habitat, 

California tiger salamander habitat). 

Compensation could include one of the following:

• Purchase of credits from an agency-approved mitigation bank.

• Fee-title-acquisition of natural resource agency-related property.

• Purchase or establishment of a conservation easement with an endowment 

for long-term management of the property-specific conservation values.

• In-lieu fee contribution determined through negotiation and consultation 

with the various natural resource regulatory agencies. 

Base compensation for permanent impacts on the following ratios (acres of

mitigation to acres of impact), pending agency confirmation:

• Vernal pools and other seasonal wetlands: 2:1 Preservation and 1:1 

Creation.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X Prior to Operation Documentation of compliance with 

permit conditions
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 84

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

• Coastal and Valley Freshwater Marsh: 1:1.

• Other Wetlands: Between 1.1:1 and 1.5:1 (1:1 onsite and 0.1 to 0.5:1 

offsite), based on function and values lost.

• Ratios determined in consultation with the appropriate agencies.

Bio-MM#60: Offsite Habitat Restoration, Enhancement, and 

Preservation. Prior to site preparation at the mitigation site, the Authority or its 

designee will consider the offsite habitat restoration, enhancement, or 

preservation program, and identify short-term temporary and/or long-term 

permanent effects on the natural landscape. A determination will be made on any 

effects from the physical alteration of the site to onsite biological resources, 

including plant communities, land cover types, and the distribution of specialstatus plants and wildlife. 

Appropriate seasonal restrictions (e.g., breeding season) may be applicable if 

appropriate habitats exist onsite. Activities resulting in the physical alteration of 

the site include grading/modifications to onsite topography, stockpiling, storage 

of equipment, installation of temporary irrigation, removal of invasive species, 

and drainage feature treatments. In general, the long-term improvements to 

habitat functions and values will offset temporary effects during restoration, 

enhancement, or preservation activities.

The offsite habitat restoration, enhancement, and preservation program will be 

designed, implemented, and monitored consistent with the terms and conditions 

of the USACE Section 404 Permit, CDFG 1600 Streambed Alteration Agreement, 

and CESA and federal ESA as they apply to their jurisdiction and resources onsite. 

Potential effects on site-specific hydrology and the downstream resources will be 

evaluated as a result of implementation of the restoration-related activity. Sitespecific BMPs and an SWPPP will be implemented as appropriate.

The Authority or its designee will report on compliance with permitting 

requirements. The Project Biologist will be responsible for the monitoring and 

tracking of the program and will prepare a memorandum of compliance and 

submit to the Mitigation Manager.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X Pre-Construction, 

Construction, PostConstruction

Offsite habitat restoration, 

enhancement, and preservation 

program will be designed, 

implemented, and monitored 

consistent with the terms and 

conditions of the USACE Section 

404 Permit, CDFG 1600 Streambed 

Alteration Agreement, and CESA 

and federal ESA as they apply to 

their jurisdiction and resources 

onsite

Bio#23: Project 

period impacts 

from the HST 

alternatives would 

permanently 

convert suitable 

habitat that has 

potential to 

support specialstatus plant 

species.

Bio-MM#4: Prepare and Implement a Weed Control Plan.

See description above in Comment Bio #1.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager to verify completion 

of this measure and provide written documentation to

Authority

X X Prior to 

construction/monthly 

memorandum to 

document the progress of 

the Weed Control Plan and 

implementation

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#14: Post-Construction Compliance Reports.

See description above in Comment Bio #3.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Post-construction Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#50: Compensate for Impacts on Special-Status Plant 

Species. Prior to Final Design and during the permitting process, the Authority 

will comply with CESA and the federal ESA by implementing the following 

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist in coordination 

with the Authority

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

X X X Prior to final design Memorandum documenting 

compliance
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 85

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

measures:

Purchase credits from an existing mitigation bank or conduct a special-status 

plant re-establishment program within the same watershed or in proximity to 

the impact area at a 1:1 ratio. The success of the special status plant species 

program is related to the success of the vernal pools. Restored areas must be 

similar in species composition and ecosystem function to the reference habitat 

to be considered completed and successful at the end of the monitoring period. 

In general, this means that data collected on restored or enhanced pools must 

fall within the range of data obtained from reference pools. General 

performance standards and guidelines are presented in Bio-MM#58.

Mitigate the impacts on special-status plants in accordance with the USFWS 

Biological Opinion and/or CDFG 2081(b). 

The Project Biologist will submit a memorandum to the Mitigation Manager

documenting compliance.

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

Bio-MM#51: Implement Conservation Guidelines During the Project 

Period for Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle. The Authority or its designee 

will conduct compensatory mitigation for the valley elderberry longhorn beetle, 

including transplantation and replacement of elderberry shrubs, and maintenance 

for replacement shrubs, following the USFWS’ Conservation Guidelines for the 

Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle (USFWS 1999a). Performance standards for 

valley elderberry longhorn beetle habitat are generally described in Bio-MM#58. 

It is important to recognize that Bio-MM#58 includes standards that apply to 

several resource areas (e.g., jurisdictional waters, riparian habitat, California tiger 

salamander habitat).The Project Biologist will submit a memorandum to the 

Mitigation Manager documenting compliance.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist in coordination 

with the Authority

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Prior to Operations Memorandum documenting 

compliance

Bio-MM#57: Conduct Delineation of Jurisdictional Waters and State 

Streambeds.

See description above in Comment Bio #22.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Prior to ground-disturbing

activities

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#58: Prepare and Implement a Habitat Mitigation and 

Monitoring Plan.

See description above in Comment Bio #22.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X X Annual monitoring reports 

for 5 years (or less if 

success criteria are met as 

described earlier) and/or 

other documentation 

prescribed in the resource 

agency permits.

Documentation Reports 

demonstrating compliance with 

HMMP

Bio-MM#59: Compensate for Permanent Impacts on Jurisdictional 

Waters.

See description above in Comment Bio #22.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X Prior to Operation Documentation of compliance with 

permit conditions
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 86

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

Bio-MM#60: Offsite Habitat Restoration, Enhancement and 

Preservation.

See description above in Comment Bio #22.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X Pre-Construction, 

Construction, PostConstruction

Offsite habitat restoration, 

enhancement, and preservation 

program will be designed, 

implemented, and monitored 

consistent with the terms and 

conditions of the USACE Section 

404 Permit, CDFG 1600 Streambed 

Alteration Agreement, and CESA 

and federal ESA as they apply to 

their jurisdiction and resources 

onsite

Bio#24: Project 

period impacts 

from the HST 

alternatives would 

permanently 

convert suitable 

habitat that has 

the potential to 

support vernal pool 

branchiopods.

Bio-MM#4: Prepare and Implement a Weed Control Plan.

See description above in Comment Bio #1.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Prior to 

construction/monthly 

memorandum to 

document the progress of 

the Weed Control Plan and 

implementation

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#14: Post-Construction Compliance Reports.

See description above in Comment Bio #3.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Post-construction Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#57: Conduct Delineation of Jurisdictional Waters and State 

Streambeds.

See description above Comment Bio #22.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Prior to ground-disturbing 

activities

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#58: Prepare and Implement a Habitat Mitigation and 

Monitoring Plan.

See description above Comment Bio #22.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X X Annual monitoring reports 

for 5 years (or less if 

success criteria are met as 

described earlier) and/or 

other documentation 

prescribed in the resource 

agency permits.

Documentation Reports 

demonstrating compliance with 

HMMP

Bio-MM#59: Compensate for Permanent Impacts on Jurisdictional 

Waters.

See description above in Comment Bio #22

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X Prior to Operation Documentation of compliance with 

permit conditions

Bio-MM#60: Offsite Habitat Restoration, Enhancement and 

Preservation.

See description above in Comment Bio #22.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

X X X Pre-Construction, 

Construction, PostConstruction

Offsite habitat restoration, 

enhancement, and preservation 

program will be designed, 

implemented, and monitored 
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 87

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

the Authority consistent with the terms and 

conditions of the USACE Section 

404 Permit, CDFG 1600 Streambed 

Alteration Agreement, and CESA 

and federal ESA as they apply to 

their jurisdiction and resources 

onsite

Bio#25: Project 

period impacts 

from the HST 

alternatives would 

permanently 

convert suitable 

habitat that has the 

potential to support 

valley elderberry 

longhorn beetle.

Bio-MM#4: Prepare and Implement a Weed Control Plan.

See description above in Comment Bio #1.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Prior to 

construction/monthly 

memorandum to 

document the progress of 

the Weed Control Plan and 

implementation

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#14: Post-Construction Compliance Reports.

See description above in Comment Bio #3.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Post-construction Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#51: Implement Conservation Guidelines During the Project 

Period for Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle.

See description above in Comment Bio #23.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist in coordination 

with the Authority

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Memorandum documenting 

compliance

Bio-MM#60: Offsite Habitat Restoration, Enhancement and 

Preservation.

See description above in Comment Bio #22.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X Pre-Construction, 

Construction, PostConstruction

Offsite habitat restoration, 

enhancement, and preservation 

program will be designed, 

implemented, and monitored 

consistent with the terms and 

conditions of the USACE Section 

404 Permit, CDFG 1600 Streambed 

Alteration Agreement, and CESA 

and federal ESA as they apply to 

their jurisdiction and resources 

onsite

Bio#26: Project 

period impacts 

from the HST 

alternatives would 

permanently 

convert suitable 

habitat that has 

the potential to 

support California 

Bio-MM#4: Prepare and Implement a Weed Control Plan.

See description above in Comment Bio #1

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Prior to 

construction/monthly 

memorandum to 

document the progress of 

the Weed Control Plan and 

implementation

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#14: Post-Construction Compliance Reports.

See description above in Comment Bio #3.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

X Post-construction Condition of Design/Build Contract
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 88

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

tiger salamander. the Authority

Bio-MM#52: Compensate for Impacts on California Tiger Salamander.

The Authority or its designee will determine compensatory mitigation for the 

temporary and permanent loss of suitable upland and aquatic breeding habitat 

through agency consultation with the USFWS and CDFG. Compensatory 

mitigation could include one of the following:

• Purchase of credits from an agency-approved mitigation bank.

• Fee-title-acquisition of natural resource regulatory agency-approved 

property.

• Purchase or establishment of a conservation easement with an endowment 

for long-term management of the property-specific conservation values.

• In-lieu fee contribution determined through negotiation and consultation 

with the various natural resource regulatory agencies.

• Implementation of USFWS Biological Opinion and/or CDFG 2081(b). 

The Project Biologist will submit a memorandum documenting compliance to 

the Mitigation Manager.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist in coordination 

with the Authority

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X Prior to Operation Memorandum documenting 

compliance with agency-issued BO 

and 2081 Determination.

Bio-MM#57: Conduct Delineation of Jurisdictional Waters and State 

Streambeds.

See description above in Comment Bio #22.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Prior to ground-disturbing 

activities

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#58: Prepare and Implement a Habitat Mitigation and 

Monitoring Plan.

See description above in Comment Bio #22.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X X Annual monitoring reports 

for 5 years (or less if 

success criteria are met as 

described earlier) and/or 

other documentation 

prescribed in the resource 

agency permits.

Documentation Reports 

demonstrating compliance with 

HMMP

Bio-MM#59: Compensate for Permanent Impacts on Jurisdictional 

Waters.

See description above in Comment Bio #22.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X Prior to Operation Documentation of compliance with 

permit conditions

Bio-MM#60: Offsite Habitat Restoration, Enhancement and 

Preservation.

See description above in Comment Bio #22.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X Pre-Construction, 

Construction, PostConstruction

Offsite habitat restoration, 

enhancement, and preservation 

program will be designed, 

implemented, and monitored 

consistent with the terms and 

conditions of the USACE Section 

404 Permit, CDFG 1600 Streambed 

Alteration Agreement, and CESA 

and federal ESA as they apply to 
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 89

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

their jurisdiction and resources 

onsite

Bio#27: Project 

period impacts 

from the HST 

alternatives would 

permanently 

convert suitable 

habitat that has 

the potential to 

support western 

spadefoot toad.

Bio-MM#4: Prepare and Implement a Weed Control Plan.

See description above in Comment Bio #1.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Prior to construction/

monthly memorandum to 

document the progress of 

the Weed Control Plan and 

implementation

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#14: Post-Construction Compliance Reports.

See description above in Comment Bio #3.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Post-construction Memorandum documenting 

compliance

Bio-MM#25: Conduct Emergence and Larval Surveys for Western 

Spadefoot Toad. The Project Biologist or designee (qualified herpetologist) 

will conduct pre-construction emergence and larval surveys for western 

spadefoot toad during the fall and winter rainy season. Emergence surveys will 

be conducted within the appropriate time period(s) after precipitation events as 

evaluated by a qualified herpetologist and will be partially in tandem with 

California tiger salamander surveys. Potential breeding depressions, including 

vernal pools, will be surveyed for western spadefoot toad larvae concurrently 

with special-status vernal pool branchiopod and California tiger salamander 

pre-construction surveys. Adults found within the construction footprint during 

emergence surveys will be relocated to an appropriate area adjacent to another 

pool suitable for breeding. Pre-construction surveys will help identify the proper 

implementation of mitigation measures, identify state and federal permit 

requirements, and inform the accurate implementation of mitigation 

requirements. The Project Biologist will submit a memorandum to the 

Mitigation Manager documenting compliance after surveys are complete.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Pre-construction surveys.

Prior to ground-disturbing 

activities. Follow reporting 

as determined by 

regulatory permit 

conditions.

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#52: Compensate for Impacts on California Tiger Salamander.

See description above in Comment Bio #26.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist in coordination 

with the Authority

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X Prior to Operation Memorandum documenting 

compliance with agency-issued B) 

and 2081 Determination.

Bio-MM#57: Conduct Delineation of Jurisdictional Waters and State 

Streambeds.

See description above in Comment Bio #22.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Prior to ground-disturbing 

activities

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#58: Prepare and Implement a Habitat Mitigation and 

Monitoring Plan.

See description above in Comment Bio #22.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X X Annual monitoring reports 

for 5 years (or less if 

success criteria are met as 

described earlier) and/or 

other documentation 

prescribed in the resource 

Documentation Reports 

demonstrating compliance with 

HMMP
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 90

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

agency permits.

Bio-MM#59: Compensate for Permanent Impacts on Jurisdictional 

Waters.

See description above in Comment Bio #22.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X Prior to Operation Documentation of compliance with 

permit conditions

Bio-MM#60: Offsite Habitat Restoration, Enhancement and 

Preservation.

See description above in Comment Bio #22.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X Pre-Construction, 

Construction, PostConstruction

Offsite habitat restoration, 

enhancement, and preservation 

program will be designed, 

implemented, and monitored 

consistent with the terms and 

conditions of the USACE Section 

404 Permit, CDFG 1600 Streambed 

Alteration Agreement, and CESA 

and federal ESA as they apply to 

their jurisdiction and resources 

onsite

Bio#28: Project 

period impacts

from the HST 

alternatives would 

permanently 

convert suitable 

habitat that has 

the potential to 

support western 

pond turtle.

Bio-MM#4: Prepare and Implement a Weed Control Plan.

See description above in Comment Bio #1.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Prior to 

construction/monthly 

memorandum to 

document the progress of 

the Weed Control Plan and 

implementation

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#14: Post-Construction Compliance Reports.

See description above in Comment Bio #3.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Post-construction Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#49: Compensate for Permanent Riparian Impacts.

See description above in Comment Bio #22.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Prior to operation Post-construction compliance 

reports consistent with the 

appropriate agency-issued permits

Bio-MM#53: Implement Western Pond Turtle Mitigation Measures.

The Authority or its designee will mitigate the impacts on western pond turtle 

in accordance with the USFWS Biological Opinion and/or CDFG 2081(b). The 

Project Biologist will submit a memorandum documenting compliance to the 

Mitigation Manager.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X Memorandum documenting 

compliance with BO and 2081 

Determination

Bio-MM#57: Conduct Delineation of Jurisdictional Waters and State 

Streambeds.

See description above in Comment Bio #22.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Prior to ground-disturbing 

activities

Condition of Design/Build Contract
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 91

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

Bio-MM#58: Prepare and Implement a Habitat Mitigation and 

Monitoring Plan.

See description above in Comment Bio #22.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X X Annual monitoring reports 

for 5 years (or less if 

success criteria are met as 

described earlier) and/or 

other documentation 

prescribed in the resource 

agency permits.

Documentation Reports 

demonstrating compliance with 

HMMP

Bio-MM#59: Compensate for Permanent Impacts on Jurisdictional 

Waters.

See description above in Comment Bio #22.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X Prior to Operation Documentation of compliance with 

permit conditions

Bio-MM#60: Offsite Habitat Restoration, Enhancement and 

Preservation.

See description above in Comment Bio #22.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X Pre-Construction, 

Construction, PostConstruction

Offsite habitat restoration, 

enhancement, and preservation 

program will be designed, 

implemented, and monitored 

consistent with the terms and 

conditions of the USACE Section 

404 Permit, CDFG 1600 Streambed 

Alteration Agreement, and CESA 

and federal ESA as they apply to 

their jurisdiction and resources 

onsite

Bio#30: Project 

period impacts 

from the HST 

alternatives would 

permanently 

convert suitable 

habitat that has 

the potential to 

support nesting 

Swainson’s hawk.

Bio-MM#4: Prepare and Implement a Weed Control Plan.

See description above in Comment Bio #1.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Prior to 

construction/monthly 

memorandum to 

document the progress of 

the Weed Control Plan and 

implementation

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#14: Post-Construction Compliance Reports.

See description above in Comment Bio #3.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Post-construction Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#49: Compensate for Permanent Riparian Impacts.

See description above in Comment Bio #22.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Prior to operation Post-construction compliance 

reports consistent with the 

appropriate agency-issued permits

Bio-MM#54: Compensate for Loss of Swainson’s Hawk Foraging 

Habitat.

• To compensate for the loss of Swainson’s hawk foraging habitat, the 

Authority or its designee will provide compensatory mitigation that follows 

the ratios recommended by CDFG’s (1994) Staff Report Regarding Mitigation 

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist in coordination 

with the Authority

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X Prior to operation Memorandum documenting 

compliance
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 92

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

for Impacts to Swainson’s hawks in the Central Valley. The Project Biologist 

will submit a memorandum documenting compliance to the Mitigation 

Manager. The ratios are based on the distance from the construction 

footprint to the closest active nest site (which for this species is defined as a 

nest used one or more times in the last 5 years), as follows:

• Compensate where impacts on foraging habitat occur within 1 mile of an 

active nest tree, at a 1:1 ratio on agricultural lands or other suitable foraging 

habitat; or at a 0.5:1 ratio where habitat can be managed for prey 

production.

• Compensate where impacts on foraging habitat occur within 5 miles, but 

more than 1 mile from an active nest tree, at a 0.75:1 ratio.

• Compensate where impacts on foraging habitat occur within 10 miles, but 

more than 5 miles from an active nest tree, at a 0.5:1 ratio.

Mitigate the impacts on special-status plants in accordance with the USFWS 

Biological Opinion and/or CDFG 2081(b).

Bio-MM#57: Conduct Delineation of Jurisdictional Waters and State 

Streambeds.

See description above in Comment Bio #22.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Prior to ground-disturbing 

activities

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#58: Prepare and Implement a Habitat Mitigation and 

Monitoring Plan.

See description above in Comment Bio #22.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X X Annual monitoring reports 

for 5 years (or less if 

success criteria are met as 

described earlier) and/or 

other documentation 

prescribed in the resource 

agency permits.

Documentation Reports 

demonstrating compliance with 

HMMP

Bio-MM#59: Compensate for Permanent Impacts on Jurisdictional 

Waters.

See description above in Comment Bio #22.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X Prior to Operation Documentation of compliance with 

permit conditions

Bio-MM#60: Offsite Habitat Restoration, Enhancement and 

Preservation.

See description above in Comment Bio #22.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X Pre-Construction, 

Construction, PostConstruction

Offsite habitat restoration, 

enhancement, and preservation 

program will be designed, 

implemented, and monitored 

consistent with the terms and 

conditions of the USACE Section 

404 Permit, CDFG 1600 Streambed 

Alteration Agreement, and CESA 

and federal ESA as they apply to 

their jurisdiction and resources 

onsite
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 93

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

Bio#31: Project 

period impacts 

from the HST 

alternatives would 

permanently 

convert suitable 

habitat that has 

the potential to 

support burrowing 

owls.

Bio-MM#14: Post-Construction Compliance Reports.

See description above. in Comment Bio #3.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Post-construction Memorandum documenting 

compliance

Bio-MM#55: Compensate for Loss of Burrowing Owl Foraging and 

Breeding Habitat. The Authority or its designee will provide base 

compensatory mitigation for the temporary and permanent loss of foraging and 

breeding habitat on the number of western burrowing owl pairs or individuals 

affected. Compensation will be at a 6.5:1 ratio (acres of habitat: number of 

pairs or individuals). Mitigate each occupied burrow destroyed by enlarging or 

enhancing existing unsuitable burrows at a 2:1 ratio based on CDFG’s (1995) 

Staff Report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation. The Project Biologist will submit a 

memorandum to the Mitigation Manager documenting compliance.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist in coordination 

with the Authority

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X Prior to Operation Memorandum documenting 

compliance with CDFG guidance

Bio#32: Project 

period impacts 

from the HST 

alternatives would 

permanently 

convert suitable 

habitat that has 

the potential to 

support breeding 

birds, including 

raptors and 

burrowing owls.

Bio-MM#4: Prepare and Implement a Weed Control Plan.

See description above in Comment Bio #1.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Prior to 

construction/monthly 

memorandum to 

document the progress of 

the Weed Control Plan and 

implementation

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#14: Post-Construction Compliance Reports.

See description above in Comment Bio #3.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Post-construction Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#49: Compensate for Permanent Riparian Impacts.

See description above in Comment Bio #22.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Prior to operation Post-construction compliance 

reports consistent with the 

appropriate agency-issued permits

Bio-MM#54: Compensate for Loss of Swainson’s Hawk Foraging 

Habitat.

See description above in Comment Bio #30.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist in coordination 

with the Authority

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X Prior to Operation Memorandum documenting 

compliance

Bio-MM#55: Compensate for Loss of Burrowing Owl Foraging and 

Breeding Habitat. The Authority or its designee will provide base 

compensatory mitigation for the temporary and permanent loss of foraging and 

breeding habitat on the number of western burrowing owl pairs or individuals 

affected. Compensation will be at a 6.5:1 ratio (acres of habitat: number of 

pairs or individuals). Mitigate each occupied burrow destroyed by enlarging or 

enhancing existing unsuitable burrows at a 2:1 ratio based on CDFG’s (1995) 

Staff Report on Burrowing Owl Mitigation. The Project Biologist will submit a

memorandum to the Mitigation Manager documenting compliance.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist in coordination 

with the Authority

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X Prior to Operation Memorandum documenting 

compliance with CDFG guidance
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 94

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

Bio-MM#57: Conduct Delineation of Jurisdictional Waters and State 

Streambeds.

See description above in Comment Bio #22.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Prior to ground-disturbing 

activities

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#58: Prepare and Implement a Habitat Mitigation and 

Monitoring Plan.

See description above in Comment Bio #22.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X X Annual monitoring reports 

for 5 years (or less if 

success criteria are met as 

described earlier) and/or 

other documentation 

prescribed in the resource 

agency permits.

Documentation Reports 

demonstrating compliance with 

HMMP

Bio-MM#59: Compensate for Permanent Impacts on Jurisdictional 

Waters.

See description above in Comment Bio #22.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X Prior to Operation Documentation of compliance with 

permit conditions

Bio-MM#60: Offsite Habitat Restoration, Enhancement and 

Preservation.

See description above in Comment Bio #22.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X Pre-Construction, 

Construction, PostConstruction

Offsite habitat restoration, 

enhancement, and preservation 

program will be designed, 

implemented, and monitored 

consistent with the terms and 

conditions of the USACE Section 

404 Permit, CDFG 1600 Streambed 

Alteration Agreement, and CESA 

and federal ESA as they apply to 

their jurisdiction and resources 

onsite

Bio#33: Project 

period impacts

from the HST 

alternatives would 

permanently 

convert suitable 

habitat that has 

the potential to 

support specialstatus bats.

Bio-MM#4: Prepare and Implement a Weed Control Plan.

See description above in Comment Bio #1.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Prior to construction/

monthly memorandum to 

document the progress of 

the Weed Control Plan and 

implementation

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#14: Post-Construction Compliance Reports.

See description above in Comment Bio #3.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Post-construction HMMP

Bio-MM#49: Compensate for Permanent Riparian Impacts.

See description above in Comment Bio #22.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Prior to operation Post-construction compliance 

reports consistent with the 

appropriate agency-issued permits
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 95

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

Bio-MM#57: Conduct Delineation of Jurisdictional Waters and State 

Streambeds.

See description above in Comment Bio #22.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Prior to ground-disturbing 

activities

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#58: Prepare and Implement a Habitat Mitigation and 

Monitoring Plan.

See description above in Comment Bio #22.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X X Annual monitoring reports 

for 5 years (or less if 

success criteria are met as 

described earlier) and/or 

other documentation 

prescribed in the resource 

agency permits.

Documentation Reports 

demonstrating compliance with 

HMMP

Bio-MM#59: Compensate for Permanent Impacts on Jurisdictional 

Waters.

See description above in Comment Bio #22.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X Prior to Operation Documentation of compliance with 

permit conditions

Bio-MM#60: Offsite Habitat Restoration, Enhancement and 

Preservation.

See description above in Comment Bio #22.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X Pre-Construction, 

Construction, PostConstruction

Offsite habitat restoration, 

enhancement, and preservation 

program will be designed, 

implemented, and monitored 

consistent with the terms and 

conditions of the USACE Section 

404 Permit, CDFG 1600 Streambed 

Alteration Agreement, and CESA 

and federal ESA as they apply to 

their jurisdiction and resources 

onsite

Bio#34: Project 

period impacts 

from the HST 

alternatives would 

permanently 

convert suitable 

habitat that has 

the potential to 

support American 

badger dens.

Bio-MM#4: Prepare and Implement a Weed Control Plan.

See description above in Comment Bio #1.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Prior to 

construction/monthly 

memorandum to 

document the progress of 

the Weed Control Plan and 

implementation

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#14: Post-Construction Compliance Reports.

See description above in Comment Bio #3.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Post-construction Memorandum documenting 

compliance

Bio-MM#47: Install Wildlife Fencing Prior to operation of the HST, the 

Contractor’s Biologist will install free-ranging mammal-proof fencing along 

portions of the proposed project consistent with final design. The Project 

Biologist will verify that the installation is consistent with the designated terms 

and conditions in the applicable permits. The Project Biologist will prepare and 

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X Post-construction Memorandum documenting 

compliance
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 96

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

submit a memorandum to the Mitigation Manager documenting compliance.

Bio-MM#48: Construction in Wildlife Movement Corridors. Before 

ground-disturbing activities, the Contractor’s Biologist will submit a construction 

avoidance and minimization plan for the Eastman Lake-Bear Creek ECA to the 

Project Biologist for concurrence. During ground-disturbing activities, the 

Contractor will keep the Eastman Lake-Bear Creek ECA riparian corridors 

(including Deadman and Dutchman creeks) free of all equipment, storage 

materials, construction materials, and any significant potential impediments. 

The Contractor will minimize ground-disturbing activities within the Eastman 

Lake-Bear Creek ECA riparian corridors (Deadman and Dutchman creeks) 

during nighttime hours to the extent practicable. In addition, keep nighttime 

illumination (e.g., for security) from spilling into the ECA or shield nighttime 

lighting to avoid illumination spilling into the ECA. Inspections will verify 

compliance and the Project Biologist will report through an appropriate 

memorandum to the Mitigation Manager.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Post-construction Memorandum documenting 

compliance

Bio-MM#57: Conduct Delineation of Jurisdictional Waters and State 

Streambeds.

See description above in Comment Bio #22.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with

the Authority

X Prior to ground-disturbing 

activities

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#58: Prepare and Implement a Habitat Mitigation and 

Monitoring Plan.

See description above in Comment Bio #22.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X X Annual monitoring reports 

for 5 years (or less if 

success criteria are met as 

described earlier) and/or 

other documentation 

prescribed in the resource 

agency permits.

Documentation Reports 

demonstrating compliance with 

HMMP

Bio-MM#59: Compensate for Permanent Impacts on Jurisdictional 

Waters.

See description above in Comment Bio #22.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X Prior to Operation Documentation of compliance with 

permit conditions

Bio-MM#60: Offsite Habitat Restoration, Enhancement and 

Preservation.

See description above in Comment Bio #22.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X Pre-Construction, 

Construction, PostConstruction

Offsite habitat restoration, 

enhancement, and preservation 

program will be designed, 

implemented, and monitored 

consistent with the terms and 

conditions of the USACE Section 

404 Permit, CDFG 1600 Streambed 

Alteration Agreement, and CESA 

and federal ESA as they apply to 

their jurisdiction and resources 

onsite
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 97

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

Bio#35: Project 

period impacts 

from the HST 

alternatives would 

permanently 

convert suitable 

habitat that has 

the potential to 

support San 

Joaquin kit fox 

dens.

Bio-MM#4: Prepare and Implement a Weed Control Plan.

See description above in Comment Bio #1.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Prior to 

construction/monthly 

memorandum to 

document the progress of 

the Weed Control Plan and 

implementation

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#14: Post-Construction Compliance Reports.

See description above in Comment Bio #3.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Post-construction Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#47: Install Wildlife Fencing. 

See description above in Comment Bio #34.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Post-construction Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#48: Construction in Wildlife Movement Corridors. 

See description above in Comment Bio #34.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Pre-construction and 

during construction

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#56: Compensate for Destruction of Natal Dens. The Authority or 

its designee will mitigate the destruction of kit fox natal dens by the purchase of 

suitable, approved habitat (USFWS and CDFG). Replace habitat at a minimum of 

1:1 acre of habitat in order to provide additional protection and habitat in a 

location consistent with the recovery of the species. Mitigate the impacts on San 

Joaquin kit fox in accordance with the USFWS Biological Opinion and/or CDFG 

2081(b). The Project Biologist will submit a memorandum to the Mitigation 

Manager documenting compliance.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist in coordination 

with the Authority

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Prior to operation Memorandum documenting 

compliance with BO and 2081 

Determination

Bio-MM#57: Conduct Delineation of Jurisdictional Waters and State 

Streambeds.

See description above in Comment Bio #22.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Prior to ground-disturbing 

activities

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#58: Prepare and Implement a Habitat Mitigation and 

Monitoring Plan.

See description above in Comment Bio #22.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X X Annual monitoring reports 

for 5 years (or less if 

success criteria are met as 

described earlier) and/or 

other documentation 

prescribed in the resource 

agency permits.

Documentation Reports 

demonstrating compliance with 

HMMP

Bio-MM#59: Compensate for Permanent Impacts on Jurisdictional 

Waters.

See description above in Comment Bio #22.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

X X X Prior to Operation Documentation of compliance with 

permit conditions
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 98

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

the Authority

Bio-MM#60: Offsite Habitat Restoration, Enhancement and 

Preservation.

See description above in Comment Bio #22.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X Pre-Construction, 

Construction, PostConstruction

Offsite habitat restoration, 

enhancement, and preservation 

program will be designed, 

implemented, and monitored 

consistent with the terms and 

conditions of the USACE Section 

404 Permit, CDFG 1600 Streambed 

Alteration Agreement, and CESA 

and federal ESA as they apply to 

their jurisdiction and resources 

onsite

Bio#36: Project 

period impacts 

from the HST 

alternatives would 

permanently 

convert specialstatus plant 

communities 

(Great Valley 

Mixed Riparian and 

other riparian 

addressed in 

Bio#22).

Bio-MM#4: Prepare and Implement a Weed Control Plan.

See description above in Comment Bio #1.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Prior to 

construction/monthly 

memorandum to 

document the progress of 

the Weed Control Plan and 

implementation

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#14: Post-Construction Compliance Reports.

See description above in Comment Bio #3.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Post-construction Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#49: Compensate for Permanent Riparian Impacts.

See description above in Comment Bio #22.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Prior to operation Post-construction compliance 

reports consistent with the 

appropriate agency-issued permits

Bio-MM#51: Implement Conservation Guidelines During the Project 

Period for Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle.

See description above in Comment Bio #23.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist in coordination 

with the Authority

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X During construction Memorandum documenting 

compliance

Bio-MM#57: Conduct Delineation of Jurisdictional Waters and State 

Streambeds.

See description above in Comment Bio #22.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Prior to ground-disturbing

activities

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#58: Prepare and Implement a Habitat Mitigation and 

Monitoring Plan.

See description above in Comment Bio #22.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X X Annual monitoring reports 

for 5 years (or less if 

success criteria are met as 

described earlier) and/or 

other documentation 

prescribed in the resource 

Documentation Reports 

demonstrating compliance with 

HMMP
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 99

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

agency permits.

Bio-MM#59: Compensate for Permanent Impacts on Jurisdictional 

Waters.

See description above in Comment Bio #22

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X Prior to Operation Documentation of compliance with 

permit conditions

Bio-MM#60: Offsite Habitat Restoration, Enhancement and 

Preservation.

See description above in Comment Bio #22.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X Pre-Construction, 

Construction, PostConstruction

Offsite habitat restoration, 

enhancement, and preservation 

program will be designed, 

implemented, and monitored 

consistent with the terms and 

conditions of the USACE Section 

404 Permit, CDFG 1600 Streambed 

Alteration Agreement, and CESA 

and federal ESA as they apply to 

their jurisdiction and resources 

onsite

Bio#37: Project 

period impacts 

from the HST 

alternatives would 

permanently 

convert 

jurisdictional 

waters.

Bio-MM#4: Prepare and Implement a Weed Control Plan.

See description above in Comment Bio #1.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X Prior to 

construction/monthly 

memorandum to 

document the progress of 

the Weed Control Plan and 

implementation

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#14: Post-Construction Compliance Reports.

See description above in Comment Bio #3.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Post-construction Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#49: Compensate for Permanent Riparian Impacts.

See description above in Comment Bio #22.

Implementing Party: Project Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Prior to operation Post-construction compliance 

reports consistent with the 

appropriate agency-issued permits

Bio-MM#57: Conduct Delineation of Jurisdictional Waters and State 

Streambeds.

See description above in Comment Bio #22.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X Prior to ground-disturbing 

activities

Condition of Design/Build Contract

Bio-MM#58: Prepare and Implement a Habitat Mitigation and 

Monitoring Plan.

See description above in Comment Bio #22.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X X Annual monitoring reports 

for 5 years (or less if 

success criteria are met as 

described earlier) and/or 

other documentation 

prescribed in the resource 

Documentation Reports 

demonstrating compliance with 

HMMP
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

Page 100

Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

agency permits.

Bio-MM#59: Compensate for Permanent Impacts on Jurisdictional 

Waters.

See description above in Comment Bio #22.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X Prior to Operation Documentation of compliance with 

permit conditions

Bio-MM#60: Offsite Habitat Restoration, Enhancement and 

Preservation.

See description above in Comment Bio #22.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist, Project 

Biologist

Reporting Party: Project Biologist

Monitoring Party: Mitigation Manager in coordination with 

the Authority

X X X Pre-Construction, 

Construction, PostConstruction

Offsite habitat restoration, 

enhancement, and preservation 

program will be designed, 

implemented, and monitored 

consistent with the terms and 

conditions of the USACE Section 

404 Permit, CDFG 1600 Streambed 

Alteration Agreement, and CESA 

and federal ESA as they apply to 

their jurisdiction and resources 

onsite

Bio#40: All of the 

HST alternatives 

would affect Camp 

Pashayan (within 

the San Joaquin 

River Ecological 

Reserve).

PK-MM#1: Compensate for Staging in Park Property for Construction. 

See description below in Impact PK #4.

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager in 

coordination with the Authority

X X X Prior to construction/Post 

construction. Authority to

coordinate with local 

jurisdictions.

The Authority and contractor will 

work with respective jurisdictions to 

develop a staging plan.

PK-MM#4: Acquire Park Property for Camp Pashayan. Final design will 

continue to seek to minimize right-of-way impacts and pier placement in Camp 

Pashayan. Mitigation will include in-lieu fee for property impacts associated 

with pier installation as well as revegetation of disturbed areas with native 

plantings (consistent with CDFG vegetation/landscaping plans for the reserve). 

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist and Authority

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager in 

coordination with the Authority

X Prior to 

construction/monthly 

reporting

The Authority will work with the 

California Department of Fish and 

Game to prepare and execute an 

agreement to acquire the property.

NMFS Biological Opinion Measures

NMFS#1 Bridge 

Construction 

would negatively 

impact special 

status 

anadromous fish 

populations and 

their migration(s)

NMFS-MM#1: Conduct Pre Construction Snorkel Surveys. Preconstruction fish surveys (snorkel surveys following CDFG Salmonid Restoration 

Manual techniques) will be conducted by qualified fisheries biologist to 

determine the presence and density of salmonids utilizing the Resource Study 

Area (RSA). 

During construction a qualified fisheries biologist with experience in snorkel 

surveys and salmonid identification will be conducting fish presence surveys 

immediately prior to any in-water work (e.g. installation of temporary sheet piles 

to isolate work area) and surveys will be conducted again if there is a multi-day 

pause or lapse in construction activities. 

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager in 

coordination with the Authority

X Prior to bridge 

construction or ground 

disturbing activities 

affecting the buffer area 

under the jurisdiction of 

NMFS

Condition of Design/Build Contract 

and Condition of NMFS Biological 

Opinion
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Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

NMFS#2 

Dewatering of the 

San Joaquin River 

will cause 

mortality to fish 

stocks, including 

special status 

anadromous fish 

NMFS-MM#2 Prepare a Fish Rescue Plan. Implement Fish Rescue Plan to 

minimize fish stranding and mortality inside the cofferdam that will be 

dewatered for bridge construction. The contractor's fishery will develop and 

implement a fish rescue plan acceptable to the CDFG, USFWS, and NMFS. 

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager in 

coordination with Authority

X Prior to bridge 

construction or ground 

disturbing activities 

affecting the buffer area 

under the jurisdiction of 

NMFS

Condition of Design/Build Contract 

and Condition of NMFS Biological 

Opinion

NMFS-MM#3: Conduct Fish Relocation and Monitoring During and 

After Dewatering. The contractor will ensure that a qualified fisheries biologist 

with a current CDFG collection permit conducts the fish rescue and relocation 

efforts behind the cofferdam. The fish rescue effort will be implemented during 

the dewatering of the areas behind the cofferdam(s) and involve capture and 

return of those fish to suitable habitat within the adjacent waterways. The area 

will first be seined, followed by electrofishing to remove fish that are behind the 

cofferdam. A fisheries biologist will be on-site during initial pumping 

(dewatering) to ensure compliance with the plan. 

Monitoring/Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist 

and Authority

X X During bridge construction NMFS-MM#3: Conduct Fish 

Relocation and Monitoring 

During and After Dewatering. 

The contractor will ensure that a 

qualified fisheries biologist with a 

current CDFG collection permit 

conducts the fish rescue and 

relocation efforts behind the 

cofferdam. The fish rescue effort 

will be implemented during the 

dewatering of the areas behind the 

cofferdam(s) and involve capture 

and return of those fish to suitable 

habitat within the adjacent 

waterways. The area will first be 

seined, followed by electrofishing to 

remove fish that are behind the 

cofferdam. A fisheries biologist will 

be on-site during initial pumping 

(dewatering) to ensure compliance 

with the plan. 

Hydrology and Water Resources

No significant impacts on hydrology and water resources have been identified.

Geology, Soils, and Seismicity

With implementation of standard engineering design measures and BMPs, impacts for elevated structures, retained cuts, retained fills, and at-grade segments of each alternative would be less than significant. Therefore, mitigation measures are not required.

Hazardous Materials and Wastes

HMW#1: Handling 

of Extremely 

Hazardous 

Materials within 

0.25 mile of a 

School

HMW-MM#1: Limit use of extremely hazardous materials near 

schools. The contractor shall not handle an extremely hazardous substance 

(as defined in California Public Resources Code Section 21151.4) or a mixture 

containing extremely hazardous substances in a quantity equal to or greater 

than the state threshold quantity specified pursuant to subdivision (j) of 

Section 25532 of the Health and Safety Code within 0.25 mile of a school. 

Signage would be used to delimit all work areas within 0.25 mile of a school 

and the contractor would be required to monitor all use of extremely 

hazardous substances.

Implementing Party: Contractor

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager to verify 

compliance during construction.

X Construction/Monthly 

reporting 

Contract 

Requirements/Specifications
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Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

Station Planning, Land Use, and Development

No impacts on land use have been identified that would be significant under NEPA. All three alternatives and the HMF sites are consistent with local and regional land use plans, policies, and regulations adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental 

effect. The alternatives and the HMF sites would not cause significant changes in land use patterns or intensities that would be incompatible with adjacent land uses. Station effects related to increased density and TOD are considered beneficial and would result in infill 

development and redevelopment of the downtown centers, which would reduce pressures on the surrounding agricultural lands.

Agricultural Lands

Ag#1: Permanent 

Conversion of 

Agricultural Land to 

Nonagricultural Use.

Ag-MM#1: Preserve the Total Amount of Prime Farmland, Farmland 

of Statewide Importance, Farmland of Local Importance, and Unique 

Farmland. The Authority will enter into an agreement with the DOC California 

Farmland Conservancy Program to implement the preservation of farmland. 

The Authority will fund the California Farmland Conservancy Program’s work to 

identify suitable agricultural land for mitigation of impacts and to fund the 

purchase of agricultural conservation easements from willing sellers. The 

performance standards for this measure are to preserve Important Farmland in 

an amount commensurate with the quantity and quality of the converted 

farmlands, within the same agricultural regions as the impacts occur, at a 

replacement ratio of not less than 1:1. The California Farmland Conservancy 

Program will work with local, regional, or statewide entities whose purpose 

includes the acquisition and stewardship of agricultural conservation 

easements.

The Authority and California Farmland Conservancy Program will develop 

selection criteria under this agreement to guide the pursuit and purchase of 

conservation easements. These will include, but are not limited to, provisions to 

ensure that the easements will conform to the requirements of Public 

Resources Code Section 10252 and to prioritize the acquisition of willing seller 

easements on lands that are adjacent to other protected agricultural lands or 

that would support the establishment of greenbelts and urban separators.

This mitigation measure would be effective given the nationwide and local 

success of farmland preservation programs using agricultural conservation 

easements and the experience of the DOC California Farmland Conservancy 

program. However, because the mitigation does not anticipate the creation of 

new farmland (conversion of natural lands to agriculture), the Authority and 

FRA are not claiming that the mitigation measure would reduce impacts to a 

less than significant level.

Implementing Party: Authority & California Farmland 

Conservancy

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Authority

X Prior to 

construction/Monthly 

reporting

Prior to construction

The Authority will enter into an 

agreement with the DOC California 

Farmland Conservancy Program to 

implement the preservation of 

farmland. The Authority and 

California Farmland Conservancy 

Program will develop selection 

criteria under this agreement to 

guide the pursuit and purchase of 

conservation easements.

Electromagnetic Fields and Electromagnetic Interference

The project would comply with applicable federal and state regulations and implement design strategies as outlined in the Final Statewide Program EIR/EIS (Authority and FRA 2005). No significant impacts would occur during construction nor operation of the Project 

Alternatives or HMFs.

Parks, Recreation, and Open Space

PK#4: Camp 

Pashayan (City of 

Fresno) Construction 

Impacts

PK-MM#1: Compensate for Staging in Park Property for Construction. 

The Authority will coordinate with the respective jurisdictions to establish 

appropriate compensation in terms of allowance or additional property to 

accommodate for displaced park use during construction. This will includes 

screening stockpiled material and construction excavations through the use of 

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager in 

coordination with the Authority

X X X Prior to construction/Post 

construction. Authority to 

coordinate with local 

jurisdictions.

The Authority and contractor will 

work with respective jurisdictions to 

develop a staging plan.
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Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

temporary construction barriers and other screens, where they are exposed to 

park users; and restoring affected portions of the property after construction 

and use native plant materials for revegetation where appropriate. The 

temporary impacts will be restored in place, to its natural state before 

construction. This restoration plan will be developed and described in the work 

plan prepared by the contractor and approved by CDFG. The construction 

would be coordinated activities to avoid scheduled weekend activities, when 

appropriate. For example, existing access entry points to Camp Pashayan will 

remain open during construction, since project construction would occur along 

the southern boundary of the property and vehicle/bicycle/pedestrian access 

entry points are well north of the construction zone; visitors would continue to 

be able to access Camp Pashayan as they do currently. Only the southern end 

of Camp Pashayan in the construction zone would be access-restricted during 

construction.If any additional CDFG management and maintenance resources 

are needed to accommodate the work, such as use of public restrooms, or onsite assistance, there will be compensation for those resources. 

Construction activities would be coordinated with the CDFG to plan for using 

the area under the elevated tracks as available Ecological Reserve land, 

contingent upon consistency with the Authority’s policy on air-rights with 

restrictions related to HST operations and maintenance, as well as 

approval/acceptance by FRA Office of Safety and the Department of Homeland 

Security. 

PK#7: Camp 

Pashayan Park. At 

Camp Pashayan, 0.6 

acre of park area 

would be acquired for 

support columns and 

easement for 

elevated structure.

PK-MM#4: Acquire Park Property for Camp Pashayan. Final design will 

continue to seek to minimize right-of-way impacts and pier placement in Camp 

Pashayan. Mitigation will fully compensate for the permanent loss of any land, 

whether by way of acquisition of available sites along the San Joaquin River, or 

other comparable mitigation and include the revegetation of disturbed areas 

with native plantings (consistent with CDFG vegetation/landscaping plans for 

the reserve). 

Implementing Party: Contractor’s Biologist and Authority

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager in 

coordination with the Authority

X Prior to 

construction/monthly 

reporting

The Authority will work with the 

California Department of Fish and 

Game to prepare and execute an 

agreement to acquire the property.

PK#8: Roeding Park 

(City of Fresno) Noise 

Impacts on the 

eastern portions of 

the park

PK-MM#5: Address Noise at Roeding Park with City of Fresno. To 

mitigate the noise impacts, a sound barrier approximately 2,800 feet in length 

will be constructed. It is assumed that a sound barrier will be 10 to 14 feet tall 

and have aesthetic treatment. A 10-foot-high sound barrier will reduce noise to 

64 dBA at 250 feet inside the park and residual noise effects will occur. A 14-

foot-high sound barrier will reduce noise effects to within 1 dB of no impact. 

Aesthetic treatment of the sound barrier will be selected with input from the 

community. 

Implementing Party: Contractor to identify sound barriers 

in construction plans.

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager to 

review plans to verify compliance with this measure.

X Design and Construction The Authority will work with the 

City of Fresno as the resource 

owner to address noise impacts. It 

is possible that the City of Fresno 

would view the projected noise 

levels as acceptable and preferable 

to the implementation of mitigation 

measures. 

Aesthetics and Visual Resources

During final design of 

elevated guideways 

VQ-MM#3: Incorporate Design Criteria for Elevated and Station 

Elements That Can Adapt to Local Context. During final design of elevated 

Implementing Party: Contractor

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager to 

X Final design and 

Construction/Monthly 

Established local consultation 

process with City of Merced and 
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

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Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

and the Merced and 

Fresno stations, the 

Authority will 

coordinate with local 

jurisdictions on the 

design of these 

facilities so that they 

are designed 

appropriately to fit in 

with the visual 

context of the areas 

near them.

guideways and the Merced and Fresno stations, the Authority will coordinate 

with local jurisdictions on the design of these facilities so that they are 

designed appropriately to fit in with the visual context of the areas near them. 

This will include the following activities: 

• For stations: During the station design process, establish a local consultation 

process with the City of Merced and the City of Fresno to identify and 

integrate local design features into the station design through a collaborative 

context-sensitive solutions approach. The process will include activities to 

solicit community input in their respective station areas. This effort will be 

coordinated with the station area planning process that will be undertaken 

by those cities under their station area planning grants. 

• For elevated guideways in cities or unincorporated communities: During the 

elevated guideway design process, establish a process with the city or 

county with jurisdiction over the land along the elevated guideway to 

advance the final design through a collaborative context-sensitive solutions 

approach. Participants in the consultation process will meet on a regular 

basis to develop a consensus on the urban design elements to be 

incorporated into the final guideway designs. The process will include 

activities to solicit community input in the affected neighborhoods.

Actions taken to help achieve integration with the local design context during 

the context-sensitive solutions process will include the following: 

• Design HST stations and associated structures such as elevators, escalators, 

and walkways to be attractive architectural elements or features that add 

visual interest to the streetscapes near them. 

• Design HST station parking structures and adjacent areas to integrate 

visually into the areas where they would be located. Where the city has 

adopted applicable downtown design guidelines, the parking structures and 

adjacent areas will be designed to be compatible with the policies and 

principles of those guidelines. 

• For the elevated guideways and columns, incorporate architectural elements, 

such as graceful curved or tapered sculptural forms and decorative surfaces, 

to provide visual interest. Include decorative texture treatments on largescale concrete surfaces such as parapets and other portions of elevated 

guideways. Include a variety of texture, shadow lines, and other surface 

articulation to add visual and thematic interest. Closely coordinate the design 

of guideway columns and parapets with station and platform architecture to 

promote unity and coherence where guideways lie adjacent to stations.

• Integrate trees and landscaping into the station streetscape and plaza plans 

where possible to soften and buffer the appearance of guideways, columns, 

and elevated stations. This will be consistent with the principles of crime 

prevention through environmental design. 

For the stations, structures, and related open spaces: incorporate design 

features that provide interest and reflect the local design context. These 

review plans to verify compliance with measure. reporting City of Fresno
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

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Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

features could include landscaping, lighting, and public art.

VQ-MM#3a: Integrate the Elevated Guideways with Affected City 

Parks, Trails, and Urban Core Design Guidelines. During development of 

the final design, the Authority will work with the affected cities and counties to 

develop a project site and landscape design plan for the areas disturbed by the 

project. As a result of following these plans, the design features identified in 

VQ-MM#3 and the park mitigation measure PK-MM#3 will be implemented. 

Implementing Party: Contractor

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager to 

review plans to verify compliance with measure.

X X Final design and 

Construction/Monthly 

reporting

Established local consultation 

process with City of Merced and 

City of Fresno

VQ-MM#3b: Screen Elevated Guideways Adjacent to Residential 

Areas. Consistent with the design features developed under VQ-MM#3, the 

Authority will plant trees along the edges of the rights-of way in locations 

adjacent to residential areas. This will help reduce the visual contrast between 

the elevated guideway and the residential area. The species of trees to be 

installed will be selected on the basis of their mature size and shape, growth 

rate, hardiness, and drought tolerance. No species that is listed on the Invasive 

Species Council of California’s list of invasive species will be planted. The 

crowns of trees used should ultimately be tall enough so that upon maturity 

they will partially, or fully, block or screen views of the elevated guideway from 

adjacent at-grade areas. Trees should allow ground-level views under the 

crowns (with pruning if necessary) while not interfering with the 15-foot 

clearance requirement for the guideway. The trees will be continuously 

maintained and appropriate irrigation systems will be installed within the tree 

planting areas. Invasive Species Council of California’s list of invasive species 

will be planted. The landscaped areas will be continuously maintained and 

appropriate irrigation systems will be installed.

Implementing Party: Contractor

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager to 

review plans to verify compliance with measure.

X X Final design and 

Construction/Monthly 

reporting

Established local consultation 

process with City of Merced and 

City of Fresno

VQ #11. Sound 

Barrier and 

Retaining Wall 

Would Block 

Views.

VQ-MM#5: Provide Landscape Treatments along the HST Project 

Overcrossings and Retained Fill Elements of the HST. Upon the 

completion of construction, the Authority will plant the surface of the ground 

supporting the overpasses (slope-fill overpasses) and retained fill elements with 

vegetation consistent with the surrounding landscape in terms of vegetative 

type, color, texture, and form. During final design, the Authority will consult 

with the affected cities and counties regarding the landscaping program for 

planting the slopes of the overcrossings and retained fill. Plant species will be 

selected on the basis of their mature size and shape, growth rate, and drought 

tolerance. No species that is listed on the Invasive Species Council of 

California’s list of invasive species will be planted. The landscaping will be 

continuously maintained and appropriate irrigation systems will be installed, if 

needed. Where wall structures supporting the overpasses or retained fill are 

proposed, the structure will employ architectural details and low-maintenance 

trees and other vegetation to screen the structure, minimize graffiti, and 

reduce the effects of large walls. Surface coatings will be applied on wood and 

concrete to facilitate cleaning and the removal of graffiti. Any graffiti or visual 

defacement or damage of fencing and walls will be painted over or repaired 

within a reasonable time after notification.

Implementing Party: Contractor/Authority

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager to 

review plans to verify compliance with measure.

X Pre and Post 

Construction/monthly 

reporting

Contract Requirements/

Specifications
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Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

VQ-MM#6: Provide Sound Barrier Treatments. The Authority will design a 

range of sound barrier treatments for visually sensitive areas, such as those 

where residential views of open landscaped areas would change or in urban 

areas where sound barriers would adversely affect the existing character and

setting. The Authority will develop the treatments during final design and 

integrate them into the final project design. The treatments will include, but 

are not limited to, the following: 

• Sound barriers along elevated guideways may incorporate transparent 

materials, where sensitive views would be adversely affected by solid sound 

barriers. 

• Sound barriers will use non-reflective materials and will be of a neutral color. 

• Surface design enhancements and vegetation appropriate to the visual 

context of the area will be installed with the sound barriers. Vegetation will 

be installed consistent with the provisions of VQ-MM#5. Surface 

enhancements will be consistent with the design features and will include 

architectural elements (i.e. stamped pattern, surface articulation, and 

decorative texture treatment as determined acceptable to the local 

jurisdiction. Surface coatings will be used on wood and concrete sound 

barriers to facilitate cleaning and the removal of graffiti. 

Implementing Party: Contractor

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager to 

review construction plans to verify compliance with this 

measure.

X Construction/monthly 

reporting

Contract Requirements/

Specifications

VQ-MM#7: Screen Traction Power Distribution Station. Upon completion 

of station construction, the Authority will screen the traction power substations 

(located at approximately 30-mile intervals along any of the HST alternatives) 

from public view through the use of landscaping or solid walls/fences. This will 

consist of context-appropriate landscaping of a type and scale that does not draw 

attention to the station. Plant species will be selected on the basis of their mature 

size and shape, growth rate, hardiness, and drought tolerance. No species that is 

listed on the Invasive Species Council of California’s list of invasive species will be 

planted. The landscaping will be continuously maintained and appropriate 

irrigation systems will be installed within the landscaped areas. Walls will be 

constructed of cinder-block or similar material and will be painted a neutral color 

to blend in with the surrounding context. If a chain-link or cyclone fence is used, 

it will include wood slats in the fencing. Any graffiti or visual defacement or 

damage of fencing and walls will be painted over or repaired within a reasonable 

period as agreed between the Authority and local jurisdiction.

Implementing Party: Contractor/Authority

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager to 

review construction plans to verify compliance with this 

measure.

X Post Construction Contract Requirements/

Specifications
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Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

VQ IMPACT #12. 

Traction Power 

Distribution 

Stations Would 

Alter Visual 

Character or Block 

Views.

VQ-MM#7: Screen Traction Power Distribution Station. Upon completion 

of station construction, the Authority will screen the traction power substations 

(located at approximately 30-mile intervals along any of the HST alternatives) 

from public view through the use of landscaping or solid walls/fences. This will 

consist of context-appropriate landscaping of a type and scale that does not draw 

attention to the station. Plant species will be selected on the basis of their mature 

size and shape, growth rate, hardiness, and drought tolerance. No species that is 

listed on the Invasive Species Council of California’s list of invasive species will be 

planted. The landscaping will be continuously maintained and appropriate 

irrigation systems will be installed within the landscaped areas. Walls will be 

constructed of cinder-block or similar material and will be painted a neutral color 

to blend in with the surrounding context. If a chain-link or cyclone fence is used, 

it will include wood slats in the fencing. Any graffiti or visual defacement or 

damage of fencing and walls will be painted over or repaired within a reasonable 

period as agreed between the Authority and local jurisdiction.

Implementing Party: Contractor/Authority

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager to 

review construction plans to verify compliance with this 

measure.

X Post Construction Contract Requirements/

Specifications

Cultural and Paleontological Resources

Archaeological Resources

Arch#1: Effect on 

Significant Prehistoric

and Historic-Era 

Archaeological 

Resources During 

Construction

Arch-MM#1: Conduct Archaeological Training. Prior to ground-disturbing 

activities within the project alternatives, a qualified professional archaeologist, 

who meets the SOI’s Standards for Archaeology, will develop a training 

program and printed material to be presented to construction personnel. The 

purpose of this training and accompanying materials will be to familiarize 

construction personnel with the relevant legal (Section 106/NEPA/CEQA) 

context for cultural resources of the project and with the types of cultural sites, 

features, and artifacts that could be uncovered during construction activities. 

These training sessions will be conducted prior to commencing construction 

within discrete portions of the project alternatives or as needed as construction 

crews and supervisors may change. The archaeological training program is 

further detailed in the ATP, which was developed with input from all consulting 

parties, including:

• Merced County

• City of Merced

• City of Merced Design Review Board/Commission and Historic Preservation 

Commission

• Fresno County

• City of Fresno

• City of Fresno Historic Preservation Program

• Fresno County Landmarks and Records Advisory Commission

• Madera County

• City of Madera

• California SHPO

Implementing Party: Qualified Professional Archaeologist 

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Qualified Professional 

Archaeologist

X Prior to ground-disturbing 

activities/weekly 

monitoring

See below for Section 106 

MOA Reporting 

Requirements

Worker Environmental Awareness 

Program training

ATP

MOA

An Unanticipated Discoveries Plan 

is a part of the ATP and has been 

developed, in coordination with the 

consulting parties, to detail the 

specific procedures to be followed if 

archaeological materials are found 

during construction. 

Implement an ADRP if the 

circumstances warrant an ADRP. 

The Authority will provide the 

ADRP, as an element of the 

treatment plan prepared for the 

section, to the MOA signatories and 

MOA concurring parties for review 

and comment. 

Programmatic Agreement (PA)
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Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

• ACHP

In addition, consultation is being undertaken with participating parties and 

entities that have expressed a formal interest in being involved with the 

project, including Native American tribes. The ATP reflects the input of all 

parties. The ATP is a living document, monitored by all of the consulting parties 

so that compliance activities and mitigation commitments can be tracked. The 

ATP is tied to the MOA, which contains compliance and tracking stipulations 

tied to each specific mitigation item. The combination of the ATP and the MOA, 

along with ongoing coordination with the consulting parties, tracks and 

measures the commitments.

Arch-MM#2: Halt Work in the Event of an Archaeological Discovery. If 

any cultural resources are discovered during ground-disturbing activities, all work 

within 50 feet of the resources will halt, and the project proponent will consult 

with a qualified archaeologist to assess the significance of the find and any work 

may proceed on other parts of the project site while mitigation for historical 

resources or unique archaeological resources is being carried out. An 

Unanticipated Discoveries Plan will be developed in coordination with the 

consulting parties to detail the specific procedures to be followed if archaeological 

materials are found during construction. This plan is a part of the ATP, which is 

also being developed through a consultative process.

The California State Lands Commission (CSLC) will be notified if the find is a 

cultural resource on or in the submerged lands of California, consequently under 

the jurisdiction of the CSLC. The project proponent will comply with all applicable 

rules and regulations promulgated by CSLC with respect to cultural resources 

located in submerged lands, and in accordance with the Programmatic 

Agreement (PA) and the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).

If human remains are encountered, the project proponent will comply with 

applicable laws and regulations regarding notification and disposition of the 

remains. If the coroner determines that the remains are Native American, the 

coroner will notify the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC). 

If any find is determined to be significant, the project proponent and the 

archaeologist will meet to determine the appropriate avoidance measures or 

other appropriate mitigation in conjunction with the State Historic Preservation 

Officer (SHPO) and the MOA signatories. All significant cultural materials 

recovered will be, as necessary and at the discretion of the consulting 

archaeologist, subject to scientific analysis, professional museum curation, and 

documentation according to current professional standards as determined in the 

MOA. In considering any suggested mitigation proposed by the consulting 

archaeologist to mitigate impacts on historical resources or unique archaeological 

resources, a determination will be made whether avoidance is necessary and 

feasible in light of factors such as the nature of the find, project design, costs, 

and other considerations. 

If, in consultation with the consulting archaeologist, it is determined that a 

Implementing Party: Qualified Professional Archaeologist, 

in consultation with the California State Lands Commission, 

the Native American Heritage Commission, and the State 

Historic Preservation Office, as appropriate.

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Archaeological Monitor, in 

coordination with Authority, SHPO and appropriate consulting 

agencies

X Construction

See below for Section 106 

MOA Reporting 

Requirements

ATP

MOA
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Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

significant archaeological resource is present and that the resource could be 

adversely affected by the proposed project, one of the following actions may be 

followed, as feasible: 

• If prudent and feasible, redesign the project to avoid any adverse effect on 

the significant archaeological resource.

• Implement Arch-MM#3, Intentional Site Burial for Site Preservation.

• Implement an archaeological data recovery program (ADRP) (unless the 

archaeologist determines that the archaeological resource is of greater 

interpretive use than research significance and that interpretive use of the 

resource is feasible). If the circumstances warrant an ADRP, such a program 

will be conducted. Together with a project archaeologist, the scope of the 

ADRP will be determined. The archaeologist will prepare a draft ADRP, which 

will identify the scientific/historical research questions that are applicable to 

the expected resource, the data classes the resource is expected to possess, 

and how the expected data classes will address the applicable research 

questions. The Authority will provide the ADRP, as an element of the 

treatment plan prepared for the section, to the MOA signatories and MOA 

concurring parties for review and comment. Data recovery, in general, 

should be limited to the portions of the historical property that could be 

adversely affected by the proposed project. Destructive data recovery 

methods will not be applied to portions of the archaeological resources if 

nondestructive methods are practical. 

Performance tracking of this mitigation measure will be based upon successful 

implementation and approval of the documentation by the SHPO and appropriate 

consulting parties.

Arch-MM#3: Plan an Intentional Site Burial Preservation In-Place. If 

project engineering concludes that avoidance is not feasible, a process to 

determine whether the site can be preserved through intentional site burial will 

be considered. When complete avoidance is not possible, preservation in-place 

is the preferred form of mitigation for an “historical resource of an 

archaeological nature” because it retains the relationships between artifact and 

context, and may avoid conflicts with groups associated with the site. The 

process, presented in overview below, is specified in detail in the ATP, which is 

being developed in coordination with all of the project’s consulting parties.

To intentionally bury a site, it will be necessary to conduct test excavations to 

determine the vertical and horizontal extent of the identified resources 

discovered as planning proceeds or through accidental discovery. If excavations 

have not yet been conducted for the purpose of evaluating the site for 

eligibility in accordance with Section 106 of the NHPA, the Authority will 

contract with a qualified archaeologist to conduct a formal excavation of the 

site to delineate the site boundaries and to determine the site’s eligibility for 

Implementing Party: Qualified Professional Archaeologist 

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Qualified Professional 

Archaeologist, in coordination with the Authority, SHPO and 

appropriate consulting agencies

X X X Prior to 

construction/Weekly 

reporting

See below for Section 106 

MOA Reporting 

Requirements

ATP

MOA
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Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

the CRHR or NRHP. 

If found to be eligible and avoidance is not possible, consideration will be given 

to intentional site burial. The contracted archaeologist will, in addition to the 

formal delineation of the site boundaries, prepare and implement a design plan 

to dictate the conditions of the intentional site burial according to the 

recommendations discussed in the National Park Service Technical Brief 

Number 5, Intentional Site Burial: A Technique to Protect Against National or 

Mechanical Loss (Thorne 1991). 

Among the requirements of an effective capping, the mechanical process of 

burying the site must be designed in a manner that will make sure that the site 

matrix is protected during the placement process and during the operation of 

the HST. Preconstruction testing can be used to determine the construction 

equipment and fill material load limits that are allowable without causing 

compression or warpage of the artifact and feature components of the site. 

If the preconstruction testing determines that compression or warpage of the 

site is probable and the mitigation will not effectively reduce the effects of the 

project to less than significant levels, additional mitigation, such as data 

recovery, will be necessary. Furthermore, if it is determined that the 

engineering requirements of the construction and operation of the HST at the 

location of the site prohibit the effective avoidance of the site, or if the 

surrounding conditions prohibit the protection or preservation of the 

archaeological components, the mitigation of data recovery will be the only 

feasible mitigation (see Arch-MM#2). In addition, the Authority will make 

provisions with the contracted archaeologist to monitor the site after the burial 

process is completed.

Performance tracking of this mitigation measure will be based upon successful 

implementation and the approval of the documentation by the SHPO and 

appropriate consulting parties.
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Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

Arch-MM#4: Conduct Archaeological Monitoring in Proximity to 

Identified Sites or Areas of Sensitivity. Ground-disturbing activities that 

have the potential to affect archaeological remains may occur in areas that 

have been identified as either the location of a known archaeological site, or in 

an area known to be sensitive for the presence of buried cultural resources. 

The Authority will retain the services of a qualified archaeological monitor who 

will be present during all ground-disturbing construction activities occurring in 

native sediments/soils. The process for archaeological monitoring, presented in 

overview below, is specified in the ATP, developed in coordination with all of 

the project’s consulting parties.

In the event that cultural resources are exposed during construction, following 

guidelines presented in the ATP, the archaeological monitors will be 

empowered to temporarily halt activities in the immediate vicinity of the 

discovery while it is evaluated for significance. If it is determined that the 

cultural resources exposed appear to be eligible for the National Register of 

Historic Places or the California Register of Historical Resources, then the 

archaeologist will conduct additional investigation to avoid impacts to or 

develop a plan for treatment of these resources. The Authority will seek Native 

American input and consultation under terms and conditions specified in the 

ATP and MOA. Performance tracking of this mitigation measure is based upon 

successful implementation and approval of the documentation by the SHPO 

and appropriate consulting parties. 

Implementing Party: Qualified Professional Archaeologist 

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Archaeological Monitor, in 

coordination with the Authority, FRA, SHPO, and appropriate 

consulting agencies

X X X Construction/Weekly 

reporting

See below for Section 106 

MOA Reporting 

Requirements

ATP

MOA

Section 106 MOA Reporting Requirements

See Description for Arch MM#1-4 Implementing Party: Contractor and Qualified Professional 

Archaeologist 

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Archaeological Monitor, in 

coordination with the Authority, FRA, SHPO and appropriate 

consulting agencies

Monthly progress reports 

documenting the 

implementation of the ATP 

and BETP to be prepared 

by the implementing 

contractor, to the cultural 

resources point of contact 

at the Authority and FRA. 

Annual Report prepared 

by the Authority, in 

consultation with FRA, 

documenting the 

implementation of the 

MOA

ATP

Section 106 MOA

Paleontological Resources

Pale#2: Effect on 

Paleontological 

Resources during 

Pale-MM#1: Engage a Paleontological Resources Specialist to Direct 

Monitoring during Construction. At least 120 days prior to construction, a 

paleontological resources specialist (PRS) will be designated for the project and 

will be responsible for determining where and when paleontological resources 

Implementing Party: A paleontological resources specialist 

(PRS) & paleontological resources monitors 

• Monitoring/Reporting Party: Authority 

X X Identify PRS at least 120 

days prior to construction

The PRS will document 

any discoveries, as 

Paleontological Resource 

Monitoring and Mitigation Plan 

(PRMMP)
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Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

Construction monitoring should be conducted. Paleontological resources monitors (PRMs) will 

be selected by the PRS based on their qualifications, and the scope and nature of 

their monitoring will be determined and directed based on the Paleontological 

Resource Monitoring and Mitigation Plan (PRMMP). The PRS will be responsible 

for developing and implementing the Worker Environmental Awareness Program 

training. All management and supervisory personnel and construction workers 

involved with ground-disturbing activities will be required to take this training 

prior to beginning work on the project and will be provided with the necessary 

resources for response in case paleontological resources are found during 

construction. The PRS will document any discoveries, as needed, evaluate the 

potential resource, and assess the significance of the find.

needed, evaluate the 

potential resource, and 

assess the significance of 

the find.

Pale-MM#2: Prepare and Implement a PRMMP. Paleontological 

monitoring and mitigation measures are restricted to those construction-related 

activities that will result in the disturbance of paleontologically sensitive 

sediments. The PRMMP will include a description of when and where 

construction monitoring will be required; emergency discovery procedures; 

sampling and data recovery procedures; procedures for the preparation, 

identification, analysis, and curation of fossil specimens and data recovered; 

preconstruction coordination procedures; and procedures for reporting the 

results of the monitoring and mitigation program. 

In general, the monitoring program will reflect site-specific construction of the 

selected option. The PRMMP will be consistent with Society of Vertebrate 

Paleontology guidelines (SVP 1995) for the mitigation of construction-related 

impacts on paleontological resources. The PRMMP will also be consistent with 

the SVP (1996a, b) conditions for receivership of paleontological collections and 

any specific requirements of the designated repository for any fossils collected. 

Implementing Party: Paleontological resources monitor

• Monitoring/Reporting Party: Authority 

X X Construction PRMMP

Worker Environmental Awareness 

Program training

Pale-MM#3: Halt Construction when Paleontological Resources Are 

Found. If fossil or fossil-bearing deposits are discovered during construction, 

regardless of the individual making a paleontological discovery, construction 

activity in the immediate vicinity of the discovery will cease. This requirement 

will be spelled out in both the PRMMP and the Worker Environmental 

Awareness Program. Construction activity may continue elsewhere provided 

that it continues to be monitored as appropriate. If the discovery is made by 

someone other than a PRM or the PRS, a PRM or the PRS will immediately be 

notified.

Implementing Party: The person that makes a 

paleontological discovery and/or the PRM or PRS 

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager and 

PRM/PRS to halt construction and notify Authority of 

discovery.

X X Construction/weekly 

reporting

A Built Environment Treatment Plan 

(BETP) provides additional detail on 

the methodology for the avoidance 

of adverse vibration effects, and 

how that will be implemented 

during the project.

Historic Architectural Resources

Hist#1: Effect on 

Historically Significant 

Built-Environment 

Resources During 

Construction

Hist-MM#1: Avoid Adverse Vibration Effects. The HST Project will 

develop construction methods to avoid indirect adverse effects or substantial 

adverse change to historic properties from vibration caused by construction 

activities. Vibration from impact pile-driving during construction could cause the 

physical destruction, damage, or alteration of historic properties or historical 

resources if the pile-driving is within 25 to 50 feet of the building. Because this 

impact pile-driving could cause adverse effects or substantial adverse changes, 

alternative construction methods causing less than 0.12 peak particle velocity 

of one inch per second (0.12 PPV in/sec) measured at the receptor would be 

Implementing Party: Contractor

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Authority, in consultation 

with the SHPO and appropriate consulting agencies. 

X X X Preconstruction surveys 

and Construction

BETP 

PA

MOA
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Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

developed for construction activities near historic properties or historical 

resources if they are determined to be extremely susceptible to vibration 

damage. If piling is more than 50 feet from buildings, or if alternative methods 

such as push piling or auger piling can be used, damage from construction 

vibration should not be an issue. Preconstruction surveys conducted at 

locations within 50 feet of piling would document existing condition of buildings 

in case there is an issue during or after construction. The mitigation measure 

described above is consistent with FRA’s High-Speed Ground Transportation 

Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment (2005) for evaluation of noise and 

vibration impacts associated with HSTs. 

A BETP has been prepared that provides additional detail on the methodology 

for the avoidance of adverse vibration effects, and how that will be 

implemented during the project. The BETP has been developed in coordination 

with the project’s consulting parties to verify that all parties have a role in the 

generation of this plan. Performance tracking of this mitigation measure is 

based upon successful implementation and the approval of the documentation 

by the SHPO and appropriate consulting parties.

Hist-MM#2: Develop Protection and Stabilization Measures. The BETP 

identifies historic properties/historical resources that require protection and/or 

stabilization prior to the start of construction of the project. Properties subject 

to this mitigation activity include any that are physically affected, and/or 

relocated, and/or in close enough proximity to require protection. This 

mitigation will be used to confirm that adverse effects on historic 

properties/historical resources will be either avoided entirely, or minimized to 

the extent possible. This mitigation was developed in consultation with the 

SHPO and the MOA signatories, as required by the PA. Such measures will 

include, but will not be limited to, vibration monitoring of construction in the 

vicinity of historic properties; cordoning off of resources, such as traffic, 

equipment storage, and personnel, from construction activities; shielding of 

resources from dust or debris; and stabilization of buildings adjacent to 

construction. For buildings that are to be moved, such measures will include 

stabilization of buildings and structures before, during, and after relocation; 

protection of buildings and structures during temporary storage; and relocation 

at a new site and during subsequent rehabilitation. Moving buildings could 

result in minor impacts on air emissions from equipment and vehicles and 

minor effects on developed or undeveloped sites. 

Protection and stabilization measures proposed for impacted resources are 

presented in the BETP, a plan that is being developed with critical input from 

all of the project’s consulting parties. Performance tracking of this mitigation 

measure is based upon successful implementation and the approval of the 

documentation by the SHPO and appropriate consulting parties

Implementing Party: Contractor and Authority, in 

consultation with the landowner, land-owning agencies, 

SHPO, and the MOA signatories, as required by the 

Programmatic Agreement (PA).

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Authority, in consultation 

with the SHPO and appropriate consulting agencies

X X Preconstruction surveys 

and Construction/weekly 

reporting

BETP 

PA 

Historic Structure Report (HSR) and 

the relocation plan

MOA

Hist-MM#3: Minimize Adverse Effects through Relocation of Historic 

Structures. The BETP identifies historic properties/historical resources that will 

be relocated to help avoid destruction and minimize the direct adverse effect of 

their physical damage or alteration. The plan for relocation and implementation 

Implementing Party: Contractor

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Authority, in consultation 

with the SHPO and appropriate consulting agencies

X X Preconstruction surveys 

and Construction/weekly 

reporting

BETP

Photographs and nomination 

document
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Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

of relocation will take place prior to construction. The relocation of the historic 

properties/historical resources will take into account the historic site and layout 

(i.e., the orientation of the buildings to the cardinal directions), as well as their 

potential re-use. All structures will be thoroughly recorded in a Historic 

Structure Report (HSR) (see below), and the relocation plan will provide for 

stabilization of the structures before, during, and after the move.

The project’s consulting parties provided input to develop the relocation of 

historic structures section of the BETP in an effort to provide a comprehensive 

and thorough approach that would best meet the needs of the parties as well 

as the resources. Relocating historic structures has proven to be effective in 

achieving the stewardship goals of Section 106 and CEQA review. Performance 

tracking of this mitigation measure is based upon successful relocation of 

resources and the approval of the process by the SHPO and appropriate 

consulting parties.

Hist-MM#5: Prepare and Submit NRHP Nominations. The BETP 

identifies specific historic properties/historical resources for nomination to the 

NRHP Program of the National Park Service (NPS). Properties subject to this 

mitigation will be treated in consultation with the landowner, or land-owning 

agencies, and the Authority. Current photographs of the property used in the 

nomination(s) will be taken prior to the start of project construction. The 

nomination document may also use other current and/or historic images 

prepared as part of other mitigation activities. 

Preparing and submitting NRHP nominations has proven to be effective in 

achieving the stewardship goals of Section 106 and CEQA review. Performance 

tracking of this mitigation measure is based upon successful implementation 

and approval of the documentation by the SHPO and appropriate consulting 

parties.

Implementing Party: Authority

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Authority, in consultation 

with the SHPO and appropriate consulting agencies

X X Prior to 

construction/monthly 

reporting

BETP

Photographs and nomination 

document

Hist-MM#6: Prepare and Submit CRHR Nominations. The BETP 

identifies specific historical resources for nomination to the CRHR Program at 

the California OHP. Current photographs of the resource used in the 

nomination(s) will be made prior to the start of construction. The nomination 

document may also use current and/or historic images prepared as part of 

other mitigation activities. Properties subject to this mitigation will be treated in 

consultation with the landowner, or land-owning agencies, and the Authority.

Preparing and submitting CRHR nominations has proven to be effective in 

achieving the stewardship goals of Section 106 and CEQA review. Performance 

tracking of this mitigation measure is based upon successful implementation 

and approval of the documentation by the SHPO and appropriate consulting 

parties.

Implementing Party: Authority

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Authority, in consultation 

with the SHPO and appropriate consulting agencies

X X Prior to construction BETP

Photographs and recordation 

document per National Parks 

Service (NPS) HABS/HAER/HALS 

guidelines (up to Level II HABS 

written data standards)

Hist-MM#7: Prepare and Submit HABS/ HAER/ HALS Documentation.

The BETP identifies specific historical resources that would be physically 

altered, damaged, relocated, or destroyed by the project and that may be 

documented in compliance with the HABS/HAER/HALS programs. Consultation 

with the SHPO, NPS, and the consulting parties will be required if any of the 

resources must be documented to these standards.

Implementing Party: Authority, in consultation with the 

Western Regional Office of the NPS

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Authority, in consultation 

with the SHPO and appropriate consulting agencies

X Prior to construction BETP

HSR 
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Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

Prior to the start of construction, in consultation with the Western Regional 

Office of the NPS, Oakland, California, large-format (4-inch by 5-inch, or larger, 

negative-size) black and white photographs will be taken of these historic 

properties/historical resources showing them in context, as well as details of 

character-defining features. The photographs will be processed for archival 

permanence in accordance with HABS/HAER/HALS photographic specifications. 

Each view will be fully captioned and, if necessary, perspective corrected. 

Oblique aerial photography will be considered as a photographic recordation 

option in these coordination efforts.

The recordation will follow the NPS HABS/HAER/HALS guidelines, and the 

report format, views, and other documentation details will be coordinated with 

the NPS. It is anticipated that the recordation of historic properties will be 

completed to Level II HABS written data standards and will include archival and 

digital reproduction of historic images, plans, and drawings, if available. Copies 

of the documentation will be offered to the appropriate local governments, 

historical societies and agencies, and libraries. The documentation will also be 

offered in printed and electronic form to any repository or organization upon 

which SHPO, the Authority, and local agency with jurisdiction over the 

property, through consultation, may agree. The electronic copy of the report 

may also be placed on an agency or organization’s web site.

Preparing and submitting HABS/HAER/HALS documentation has proven to be 

effective in achieving the stewardship goals of Section 106 and CEQA review. 

Performance tracking of this mitigation measure is based upon successful 

implementation and approval of the documentation by the SHPO and 

appropriate consulting parties.

Hist-MM#8: Prepare Historic Structure Reports. The BETP identifies 

historic properties/historical resources that would be physically altered, 

damaged, or relocated that would be subject to an HSR. The HSR will be 

prepared prior to the start of construction. The HSR will follow the general 

guidelines for such reports as described in the California OHP publication, 

Historic Structure Report Format.3 The scope of each HSR will be developed in 

consultation with the land-owning agencies, the SHPO, and appropriate 

consulting parties. The HSR will include documentation of existing landscaping, 

if appropriate. The HSRs may be used in the ongoing planning process and reuse of the properties, and may be coordinated with the other mitigation 

documentation activities, such as HABS/HAER records. Preparing HSRs has 

proven to be effective in achieving the stewardship goals of Section 106 and 

CEQA review. Performance tracking of this mitigation measure is based upon 

successful implementation and approval of the documentation by the SHPO 

and appropriate consulting parties.

Implementing Party: Authority

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Authority, in consultation 

with the SHPO and appropriate consulting agencies

X Prior to construction BETP

Interpretive exhibits

Informative permanent metal 

plaques

 3 California Office of Historic Preservation. 2012. Historic Structure Report Format. Available at http://ohp.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1069. Accessed June 2012. Sacramento, CA.
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

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Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

Hist-MM#9: Prepare Interpretive Exhibits. Some historic 

properties/historical resources are in the BETP for historic interpretation. 

Interpretive exhibits will provide information regarding the specific historic 

property or historical resource. The interpretive exhibits will utilize images, 

narrative history, drawings, or other material produced for the mitigation 

described above, including the HABS/HAER reports, NRHP and CRHR 

nominations, or other archival sources. The interpretive exhibits may be in the 

form of, but are not limited to, interpretive display panels and/or printed material 

for dissemination to the public. The interpretive exhibits may be installed at local 

libraries, historical societies, or public buildings. 

All historic properties/historical resources demolished by the project will be the 

subject of informative permanent metal plaques that will be installed at the site 

of the demolished historic property, or at nearby public locations. The plaques 

will provide a brief history of the property, its engineering/architectural features 

and characteristics, and the reasons for and date of its demolition. Preparing 

interpretive exhibits has proven to be effective in achieving the stewardship goals 

of Section 106 and CEQA review. Performance tracking of this mitigation measure 

is based upon successful implementation and approval of the documentation by 

the SHPO and appropriate consulting parties

Implementing Party: Authority

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Authority, in consultation 

with the SHPO and appropriate consulting agencies

X Post-construction/annual 

reporting

BETP

Photographic documentation

Plan for repairs to historic 

properties

Hist-MM#10: Plan Repair of Inadvertent Damage. The BETP provides a 

plan for the treatment of inadvertent damage to historic properties/historical 

resources. The plan states that damage resulting from the project to any of the 

historic properties/historical resources near construction activities will be 

treated in accordance with the SOI’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic 

Properties. The HSR, and/or HABS/HAER, recordation will photographically 

document the condition of historic properties/historical resources prior to the 

start of construction to establish the baseline condition for assessing damage. A 

copy of this photographic documentation will be provided to the landowner or 

land-owning agencies. Prior to implementation, plans for any repairs to historic 

properties will be submitted for SHPO review and comment. Performance 

tracking of this mitigation measure is based upon successful treatment of any 

damage to historic properties/historical resources and approval of that work by 

the SHPO and appropriate consulting parties.

Implementing Party: Authority

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Authority, in consultation 

with the SHPO and appropriate consulting agencies

X X Prior to construction Historic American Building Survey 

(HABS)/Historic American 

Engineering Record (HAER)/

Conformance with SOI’s Standards 

of Rehabilitation

PK-MM#5: Address Noise at Roeding Park with City of Fresno. To 

mitigate the noise impacts, a sound barrier approximately 2,800 feet in length 

will be constructed. It is assumed that a sound barrier will be 10 to 14 feet tall 

and have aesthetic treatment. A 10-foot-high sound barrier will reduce noise to 

64 dBA at 250 feet inside the park and residual noise effects will occur. A 14-

foot-high sound barrier will reduce noise effects to within 1 dB of no impact. 

Aesthetic treatment of the sound barrier will be selected with input from the 

community. 

Implementing Party: Contractor to identify sound barriers 

in construction plans.

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager to 

review plans to verify compliance with this measure.

X Design and Construction The Authority will continue to work 

with the City of Fresno as the 

resource owner to address noise 

impacts. It is possible that the City 

of Fresno would view the projected 

noise levels as acceptable and 

preferable to the implementation of 

mitigation measures. 
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

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Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

Hist#2: Effect on 

Historically Significant 

Built-Environment 

Resources During 

Operation

Hist MM#4: Minimize Adverse Operational Noise Effects. The BETP will 

identify historic properties/historical resources that will be subject to treatment to 

help minimize indirect adverse effects caused by operational noise of the HST 

Project. Properties subject to this mitigation will be identified in the BETP and will 

be treated in consultation with the landowner, or land-owning agencies, and the 

CEQA lead agency (Authority). Preliminary project design options, such as noise 

walls, have been developed to help reduce noise impacts and follow FRA 

methodologies for noise abatement. 

The measures proposed to help minimize adverse effects caused by operational 

noise will be presented in more detail in the BETP, a plan that is being developed 

with critical input from all of the project’s consulting parties. Performance 

tracking of this mitigation measure is based upon successful implementation and 

approval of the documentation by the SHPO and appropriate consulting parties. 

Design options implemented as part of mitigation measures, such as noise walls, 

have the potential to cause additional impacts, such as visual and setting 

alterations. Additional environmental studies will be conducted to address these 

potential impacts as necessary.

These options will be further developed during project design and will be 

implemented during construction. Historic properties historical resources subject 

to this mitigation measure will be thoroughly recorded in the appropriate format 

of the Historic American Building Survey (HABS)/Historic American Engineering 

Record (HAER)/ Historic American Landscape Survey (HALS) programs (see HistMM#7) prior to construction of the HST Project. The mitigation measure 

described above is consistent with FRA’s High-Speed Ground Transportation 

Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment (2005) for evaluation of noise and 

vibration impacts associated with HSTs.

Implementing Party: Contractor, in consultation with the 

landowner, or land-owning agencies, and the CEQA lead 

agency.

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Authority 

X X X Preconstruction and 

Construction

BETP 

PA 

Historic American Building Survey 

(HABS)/Historic American 

Engineering Record (HAER)/ 

Historic American Landscape 

Survey (HALS) programs

N&V-MM#1: Construction noise mitigation measures. Monitor 

construction noise to verify compliance with the limits. Provide the contractor 

the flexibility to meet the FTA construction noise limits in the most efficient and 

cost-effective manner. The contractor would have the flexibility of either 

prohibiting certain noise-generating activities during nighttime hours or 

providing additional noise control measures to meet the noise limits. To meet 

required noise limits, the following noise control mitigation measures will be 

implemented as necessary, for nighttime and daytime:

• Install a temporary construction site sound barrier near a noise source.

• Avoid nighttime construction in residential neighborhoods.

• Locate stationary construction equipment as far as possible from noisesensitive sites.

• Re-route construction-related truck traffic along roadways that will cause the 

least disturbance to residents.

• During nighttime work, use smart back-up alarms, which automatically 

adjust the alarm level based on the background noise level, or switch off 

back-up alarms and replace with spotters.

Implementing Party: Contractor to incorporate measures 

into specifications.

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager will verify 

compliance during construction.

X Construction/weekly 

reporting

Contract Requirements/

Specifications
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

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Table 1, Continued

Mitigation Measures and Implementation Plan

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstructionConstructionPostConstructionOperations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

• Use low-noise emission equipment.

• Implement noise-deadening measures for truck loading and operations.

• Monitor and maintain equipment to meet noise limits.

• Line or cover storage bins, conveyors, and chutes with sound-deadening 

material.

• Use acoustic enclosures, shields, or shrouds for equipment and facilities.

• Use high-grade engine exhaust silencers and engine-casing sound insulation.

• Prohibit aboveground jackhammering and impact pile driving during 

nighttime hours.

• Minimize the use of generators to power equipment.

• Limit use of public address systems.

• Grade surface irregularities on construction sites.

• Use moveable sound barriers at the source of the construction activity.

• Limit or avoid certain noisy activities during nighttime hours.

To mitigate noise related to pile driving, the use of an augur to install the piles 

instead of a pile driver would reduce noise levels substantially. If pile driving is 

necessary, limit the time of day that the activity can occur. 

Hist#3: Effect on 

Historically

Significant BuiltEnvironment

Resources During 

Operation

The Hybrid

Alternative would 

cause substantial

adverse change to 1 

historical

resource.

PK-MM#5: Address Noise at Roeding Park with City of Fresno To 

mitigate the noise impacts, a sound barrier approximately 2,800 feet in length 

will be constructed. It is assumed that a sound barrier will be 10 to 14 feet tall 

and have aesthetic treatment. A 10-foot-high sound barrier will reduce noise to 

64 dBA at 250 feet inside the park and residual noise effects will occur. A 14-

foot-high sound barrier will reduce noise effects to within 1 dB of no impact. 

Aesthetic treatment of the sound barrier will be selected with input from the 

community. 

Implementing Party: Contractor to identify sound barriers 

in construction plans.

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager to 

review plans to verify compliance with this measure.

X Design and Construction The Authority will work with the 

City of Fresno as the resource 

owner to address noise impacts. It 

is possible that the City of Fresno 

would view the projected noise 

levels as acceptable and preferable 

to the implementation of mitigation 

measures.

N&V-MM#1: Construction noise mitigation measures. See description 

above. 

Implementing Party: Contractor to incorporate measures 

into specifications.

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager will verify 

compliance during construction.

X Construction/weekly 

reporting

Contract Requirements/

Specifications
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

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Table 2

Voluntary Mitigation Measures per CEQA

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstruction

Construction

PostConstruction

Operations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

Noise and Vibration

N&V#2: Construction 

Vibration

Construction impacts 

would have moderate 

intensity under NEPA, 

but due to the 

temporary nature and 

adherence to local 

noise ordinances, 

construction noise 

and vibration impacts 

would not be 

significant under 

NEPA.

N&V-MM#2: Construction vibration mitigation measures. Building 

damage from construction vibration is only anticipated from impact pile driving 

at very close distances to buildings. If piling is more than 25 to 50 feet from 

buildings, or if alternative methods such as push piling or augur piling can be 

used, damage from construction vibration is not expected to occur. Other 

sources of construction vibration do not generate high enough vibration levels 

for damage to occur. When a construction scenario has been established, 

preconstruction surveys will be conducted at locations within 50 feet of piling to 

document the existing condition of buildings in case damage is reported during 

or after construction. Damaged buildings would be repaired or compensation 

paid.

Implementing Party: Contractor to incorporate measure 

into specifications.

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager will 

verify compliance during construction.

X X X Ongoing monitoring during 

construction/postconstruction monitoring as 

needed to assess damage 

to buildings 

Contract 

Requirements/Specifications

N&V#3: Severe 

Operational 

Vibration Impacts

Vibration levels from 

HST operations are 

not projected to 

exceed the threshold 

outside the right-ofway along the Hybrid 

alternative, and this 

impact would not be 

significant under 

NEPA.

N&V-MM#7: Implement Proposed California High-Speed Train Project 

Noise and Vibration Mitigation Guidelines.

Implement vibration-reducing measures such as those listed in Table 3.4-28 [of 

the Final Project EIR/EIS]. The table lists where the mitigation procedure will

be applied, such as at the source, sensitive receiver, or along the propagation 

path from the source to the sensitive receiver.

Implementing Party: Contractor to identify noise barriers 

in construction plans.

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager will 

review construction plans to verify compliance with measure.

X X X Construction/weekly 

reporting

Noise and Vibration Mitigation 

Guidelines

Public Utilities and Energy

PUE #1: Conflicts 

with Existing 

Substations.

The impacts on public 

utilities during 

operation of the HST 

would not be 

significant under 

NEPA.

PUE-MM#1: Redesign to avoid substation. Roadway modifications 

associated with the Hybrid Alternative would affect a substation. The final 

project design will avoid these conflicts through refinements of project 

features. 

Implementing Party: Contractor

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation 

Manager/Authority in coordination with affected utility 

provider.

X Prepare construction 

management plan/weekly 

reporting

Condition of Design/Build Contract
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

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Table 2, Continued

Voluntary Mitigation Measures per CEQA

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstruction

Construction

PostConstruction

Operations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

Safety and Security

S&S #2: Increased 

demand for fire, 

rescue, and 

emergency services 

at stations and HMF.

No significant impacts 

were identified under 

NEPA.

S&S-MM#2: Monitor response of local fire, rescue, and emergency 

service providers to incidents at stations and the HMF and provide a 

fair share of cost of service. Upon approval of the Merced to Fresno 

Section, the Authority will monitor service levels in the vicinity of the Merced 

and Fresno stations, in order to determine baseline service demands. “Service 

levels” consist of the monthly volume of calls for fire and police protection, as 

well as city- or fire protection district-funded EMT/ambulance calls that occur 

within the station and HMF site service areas. Prior to operation of the stations 

for HST service, the Authority will enter into an agreement with the public 

service providers of fire, police, and emergency services to fund the Authority’s 

fair share of services above the average baseline service demand level for the 

station and HMF service areas (as established during the monitoring period). 

The fair share will be based on projected passenger use for the first year of 

operations, with a growth factor for the first 5 years of operation. This costsharing agreement will include provisions for ongoing monitoring and future 

negotiated amendments as the stations are expanded or passenger use 

increases. Such amendments will be made on a regular basis for the first 5 

years of station operation, as will be provided in the agreement. To make sure 

that services are made available, impact fees will not constitute the sole 

funding mechanism, although impact fees may be used to fund capital 

improvements or fixtures (for example, police substation, additional fire 

vehicles, onsite defibrillators) necessary to service delivery. 

After the first 5 years of operation, the Authority will enter into a new or 

revised agreement with the public service providers of fire, police, and 

emergency services to fund the Authority’s fair share of services. The fair share 

will take into account the volume of ridership, past record and trends in service 

demand at the stations and HMF site, new local revenues derived from station 

area development, and any services that the Authority may be providing at the 

station.

Implementing Party: Authority

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Authority

X X X X Monitoring of service 

levels during construction 

in the vicinity of the 

Merced and Fresno 

stations to determine 

baseline service demands. 

Prior to operation of the 

stations for HST service

Authority to fund through fair share 

of services agreement.
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

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Table 2, Continued

Voluntary Mitigation Measures per CEQA

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstruction

Construction

PostConstruction

Operations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

Socioeconomics, Communities, and Environmental Justice

SO: The Project 

would result in 

impacts on property 

owners and 

businesses, including 

low income 

households and 

minority populations, 

and to maintain 

access to local 

businesses, 

residences, and 

emergency services.

The impacts related 

to displaced 

residential and 

business properties 

and the impacts on 

school district funding 

would not be 

considered significant 

under NEPA.

SO-MM#7: Develop measures to minimize the potential for physical 

deterioration. The Authority will work with the communities on the design of 

these features consistent with Technical Memorandum 200.6, Aesthetic 

Guidelines for Non-Station Structures (Authority 2012). Local communities will 

provide input on the use of the area underneath the elevated guideway, which 

could be used as a trail or for business parking for new and existing 

businesses, making the area underneath the guideway an attractive setting for 

economic development or recreational uses. Where the elevated guideway is 

adjacent to residential areas, the Authority will plant trees along the edges of 

the rights-of-way to help reduce the visual contrast. The Authority will also 

plant vegetation within lands acquired for the project after construction is 

complete.

Implementing Party: Contractor and Authority in 

coordination with affected jurisdictions.

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Authority

X X During Final 

Design/monthly and 

annual reporting

SO-MM#8: Provide access modifications to affected farmlands. In cases 

where partial property acquisitions result in the division of farmlands, the 

Authority will provide overcrossings or undercrossings of the HST guideway to 

allow continued access and use of farmlands. This would include the design of 

overcrossings or undercrossings to allow the passage of farm equipment. Refer 

to Section 3.14, Agricultural Lands, for additional information. This mitigation 

measure will be effective because it will maintain access to farmlands for 

farmers whose property is bisected.

Implementing Party: Contractor and Authority in 

coordination with affected jurisdictions.

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Authority

X Prior to 

acquisitions/monthly 

reporting

SO#3: 

Displacement of 

Community 

Facility. Acquisition 

of a homeless shelter 

in the City of Merced.

Impacts on 

community facilities 

in the cities of Merced 

and Fresno would be 

of moderate intensity. 

Also adequate 

available replacement 

sites currently exist 

for affected facilities 

and design could 

further avoid the 

impacts. The impacts 

would not be 

considered significant 

under NEPA.

SO-MM#4: Implement measures to reduce impacts associated with 

the relocation of community facilities. Minimize impacts associated with 

the acquisition of the homeless shelter in Merced by conducting outreach and 

coordinating with the facility prior to acquisition. Coordinate with the respective 

parties prior to land acquisition to reconfigure or relocate facilities, as 

necessary, to minimize disruption to activities. To reduce disruption to the use 

of these community facilities, the Authority will make sure that reconfiguring of 

land uses or buildings or relocating of community facilities is completed before 

the demolition of any existing structures. Work with the City of Merced and 

Merced City School District to facilitate the construction of the facilities prior to 

demolition of the existing structures. During the design process, the Outreach 

Team will conduct targeted outreach efforts for these facilities to understand 

and determine their needs for siting criteria. This mitigation measure will be 

effective in minimizing the impacts of the project by completing new facilities 

prior to relocation being necessary, and by involving affected facilities in the 

process of identifying new locations for their facilities.

Implementing Party: Authority

Monitoring/Reporting Party: N/A

X X Final design and Prior to 

acquisitions/monthly 

reporting

Outreach efforts - recruitment, 

training, and job set-aside 

programs

SO-MM#5: Continue outreach to disproportionately and negatively 

affected environmental justice communities of concern. The Authority will 

continue to conduct substantial environmental justice outreach activities in 

adversely affected neighborhoods to obtain resident feedback on potential 

Implementing Party: Contractor and Authority in 

coordination with affected agencies

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Authority

X Prior to 

acquisitions/monthly 

reporting

Relocation Mitigation Plan
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

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Table 2, Continued

Voluntary Mitigation Measures per CEQA

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstruction

Construction

PostConstruction

Operations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

impacts and suggestions for mitigation measures. Input from these communities 

will be used to refine project features during the design phase and facilitate the 

identification of the highest priority mitigation measures developed for the 

Merced to Fresno section. In addition, to offset any disproportionate effects, the 

Authority will develop special recruitment, training, and job set-aside programs so 

that minority and low-income populations are able to benefit from the jobs 

created by the project. This type of outreach is common for large infrastructure 

projects with long construction periods and has been found to be effective.

Aesthetics and Visual Resources

VQ#1: Visual 

Disturbance during 

Construction.

Construction activities 

would cause visual 

impacts in urban 

areas. Under NEPA, 

construction impacts 

were determined to 

be of moderate 

intensity. 

VQ-MM#1: Minimize Visual Disruption During Construction and from 

Construction Activities. Adhere to local jurisdiction construction 

requirements (if applicable) regarding construction-related visual/aesthetic 

disruption. In order to minimize visual disruption, construction will employ the 

following activities: 

• Minimize pre-construction clearing to that necessary for construction.  

Limit the removal of buildings to those that would obstruct project 

components. 

• When possible, preserve existing vegetation, particularly vegetation along 

the edge of construction areas that may help screen views. 

• After construction, regrade areas disturbed by construction, staging, and 

storage to original contours and revegetate with plant material similar in 

replacement numbers and type to that which was removed upon 

completion of construction, based upon local jurisdictional requirements. If 

there are no local jurisdictional requirements to follow, replace removed 

vegetation at a 1:1 replacement ratio for shrubs and small trees, and 2:1 

replacement ratio for mature trees. For example, if 10 mature trees in an 

area are removed, replant 20 younger trees that after 5 to 15 years

(depending upon the growth rates of the trees) would provide coverage 

that was similar to the coverage provided by the trees that were removed 

for construction. 

• To the extent feasible, do not locate construction staging sites within 

immediate foreground distance (0 to 500 feet) of existing residential, 

recreational, or other high-sensitivity receptors. Where such siting is 

unavoidable, staging sites will be screened from sensitive receptors using 

appropriate solid screening materials such as temporary fencing and walls. 

Any graffiti or visual defacement of temporary fencing and walls will be 

painted over or removed within 5 business days.

Implementing Party: Contractor

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager to verify 

compliance during construction.

X X Construction/Weekly 

reporting

Contract Requirements/

Specifications

VQ-MM#3: Incorporate Design Criteria for Elevated and Station 

Elements That Can Adapt to Local Context. 

During final design of elevated guideways and the Merced and Fresno stations, 

the Authority will coordinate with local jurisdictions on the design of these 

facilities so that they are designed appropriately to fit in with the visual context 

of the areas near them. This will include the following activities: 

For stations: During the station design process, establish a local consultation 

Implementing Party: Contractor

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager to 

review plans to verify compliance with measure.

X X Final design and 

Construction/Monthly 

reporting

Established local consultation 

process with City of Merced and 

City of Fresno
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

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Page 123

Table 2, Continued

Voluntary Mitigation Measures per CEQA

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstruction

Construction

PostConstruction

Operations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

process with the City of Merced and the City of Fresno to identify and integrate 

local design features into the station design through a collaborative contextsensitive solutions approach. The process will include activities to solicit 

community input in their respective station areas. This effort will be 

coordinated with the station area planning process that will be undertaken by 

those cities under their station area planning grants. 

For elevated guideways in cities or unincorporated communities: During the 

elevated guideway design process, establish a process with the city or county 

with jurisdiction over the land along the elevated guideway to advance the final 

design through a collaborative context-sensitive solutions approach. 

Participants in the consultation process will meet on a regular basis to develop 

a consensus on the urban design elements to be incorporated into the final 

guideway designs. The process will include activities to solicit community input 

in the affected neighborhoods.

Actions taken to help achieve integration with the local design context during 

the context-sensitive solutions process will include the following: 

Design HST stations and associated structures such as elevators, escalators, 

and walkways to be attractive architectural elements or features that add visual 

interest to the streetscapes near them. 

Design HST station parking structures and adjacent areas to integrate visually 

into the areas where they would be located. Where the city has adopted 

applicable downtown design guidelines, the parking structures and adjacent 

areas will be designed to be compatible with the policies and principles of those 

guidelines. 

For the elevated guideways and columns, incorporate architectural elements, 

such as graceful curved or tapered sculptural forms and decorative surfaces, to 

provide visual interest. Include decorative texture treatments on large-scale 

concrete surfaces such as parapets and other portions of elevated guideways. 

Include a variety of texture, shadow lines, and other surface articulation to add 

visual and thematic interest. Closely coordinate the design of guideway 

columns and parapets with station and platform architecture to promote unity 

and coherence where guideways lie adjacent to stations.

Integrate trees and landscaping into the station streetscape and plaza plans 

where possible to soften and buffer the appearance of guideways, columns, 

and elevated stations. This will be consistent with the principles of crime 

prevention through environmental design. 

For the stations, structures, and related open spaces: incorporate design 

features that provide interest and reflect the local design context. These 

features could include landscaping, lighting, and public art.
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT MITIGATION MONITORING AND

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Page 124

Table 2, Continued

Voluntary Mitigation Measures per CEQA

Significant 

Impact Mitigation Measure

Implementing Party and

Monitoring /Reporting Party

Mitigation Timing 

Implementation Mechanism 

or Tool

PreConstruction

Construction

PostConstruction

Operations

Implementation 

Schedule/ Reporting 

Schedule

VQ#2: Nighttime 

Lighting during 

Construction.

Nighttime lighting 

would affect Merced 

and Fresno urban 

areas. Under NEPA, 

construction impacts 

were determined to 

be of negligible 

intensity.

VQ-MM#2: Minimize Light Disturbance During Construction. Where 

construction lighting will be required during nighttime construction, shield such 

lighting and direct it downward in such a manner that the light source is not 

visible offsite, and so that the light does not fall outside the boundaries of the 

project site to avoid light spillage offsite.

Implementing Party: Contractor

Monitoring/Reporting Party: Mitigation Manager to verify 

compliance during construction.

X X Construction/Weekly 

reporting

Contract Requirements/

Specifications
APPENDIX A

Project Design Features

CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT APPENDIX A

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION PROJECT DESIGN FEATURES

Page A-1

This section includes project design features, as of September 2012, that are incorporated into, and 

considered a part of, the Selected Alternative4 for the Merced to Fresno Section of the California HST 

System, described generally in Chapter 2 of the Merced to Fresno Section Project EIR/EIS (referred to 

hereafter as the Draft or Final EIS). These design features are organized by the Final EIS resource topics

and include design features described in the Final EIS chapters, as modified by the Errata (see 

Appendix E of the Record of Decision). 

1.0 Transportation Design Features

During project design and construction, the California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) and Federal 

Railroad Administration (FRA) will implement the following design features to reduce impacts on 

transportation. 

1. Off-Street Parking for Construction-Related Vehicles. Provide adequate off-street parking

for all construction-related vehicles throughout the construction period. If adequate parking 

cannot be provided on the construction sites, designate a remote parking area and use a shuttle 

bus to transfer construction workers to the job site. 

2. Maintenance of Pedestrian Access. Prepare specific construction management plans to 

address maintenance of pedestrian access during the construction period. Pedestrian accesslimiting actions will include, but not be limited to, sidewalk closures, bridge closures, crosswalk 

closures or pedestrian rerouting at intersections, placement of construction-related material 

within pedestrian pathways or sidewalks, and other actions that may affect the mobility or safety 

of pedestrians during the construction period. If sidewalks are maintained along the construction 

site frontage, provide covered walkways. Pedestrian access should be maintained unless 

maintaining access will be unsafe for pedestrians. 

3. Maintenance of Bicycle Access. Prepare specific construction management plans to address 

maintenance of bicycle access during the construction period. Bicycle access-limiting actions will

include, but not be limited to, bike lane closures or narrowing, closure or narrowing of streets 

that are designated bike routes, bridge closures, placement of construction-related materials 

within designated bike lanes or along bike routes, and other actions that may affect the mobility 

or safety of bicyclists during the construction period. Bicycle access should be maintained unless 

maintaining access will be unsafe for bicyclists. 

4. Restriction on Construction Hours. Construction activities, such as material deliveries and 

construction employees arriving and departing the site, will generally occur outside peak periods 

of travel on weekdays in areas that experience congestion during those hours. 

5. Construction Truck Routes. Deliver all construction-related equipment and materials on the 

local- government-designated truck routes. Prohibit heavy construction vehicles from accessing 

the site via other routes. 

6. Protection of Public Roadways and Railways (freight and passenger rail) during 

Construction. Repair any structural damage to public roadways and railways (freight and 

passenger rail), returning any damaged sections to their original structural condition. Survey the 

condition of the public roadways along truck routes providing access to the proposed project site 

both before construction and after construction is complete. For railways, a “shoofly” track will be 

constructed within the right-of-way, where necessary, to allow existing train lines to bypass any 

areas closed for construction activities. Upon completion, tracks will be opened and repaired; or 

new mainline track will be constructed, and the “shoofly” will be removed. Complete a before-

 4 The Selected Alternative includes the Hybrid Alternative, Merced Downtown Station, and Fresno Mariposa Street Station 

Alternative, as described in the Record of Decision and Chapter 2 of the Merced to Fresno Section Final EIR/EIS.
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT APPENDIX A

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION PROJECT DESIGN FEATURES

Page A-2

and-after survey report and submit to the Authority for review, indicating the location and extent 

of any damage. 

7. Maintenance of Public Transit Access and Routes. Coordinate with the appropriate transit 

jurisdiction before limiting access to public transit or limiting movement of public transit vehicles. 

Potential actions that will affect access to transit include, but are not limited to, relocating or 

removing bus stops, limiting access to bus stops or transfer facilities, or otherwise restricting or 

constraining public transit operations. Public transit access and routing will be maintained where 

feasible.

8. Construction Transportation Plan. The design-builder will prepare a detailed construction 

transportation plan for the purpose of minimizing the impact of construction and construction 

traffic on adjoining and nearby roadways. The construction transportation plan will be prepared 

in close consultation with the pertinent city or county, and will be reviewed and approved by the 

Authority prior to commencing any construction activities. This plan will address in detail the 

activities to be carried out 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. 

The plan will provide traffic controls pursuant to the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control 

Devices5 sections on temporary traffic controls and will include a traffic control plan that includes, 

at minimum, the following elements: 

• Temporary signage to alert drivers and pedestrians to the construction zone. 

• Flag persons or other methods of traffic control. 

• Traffic speed limitations in the construction zone. 

• Temporary road closures and provisions for alternative access during the closure. 

• Detour provisions for temporary road closures. Alternating one-way traffic will be considered 

as an alternative to temporary closures where practical and where it will result in better 

traffic flow than a detour. 

• Identified routes for construction traffic. 

• Provisions for safe pedestrian and bicycle passage, or convenient detour. 

• Provisions to minimize access disruption to residents, businesses, customers, delivery 

vehicles, and buses to the extent practical. Where road closures are required during 

construction, limit to the hours that are least disruptive to access for the adjacent land uses. 

• Provisions for farm equipment access. 

• Provisions for 24-hour access by emergency vehicles. 

• Safe vehicular and pedestrian access to local businesses and residences during construction. 

The plan will provide for scheduled transit access where construction will otherwise impede 

such access. Where an existing bus stop is within the work zone, the design-builder will 

provide a temporary bus stop at a convenient location away from where construction is 

occurring. Adequate measures will be taken to separate students and parents walking to and 

from the temporary bus stop from the construction zone. 

 5 California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). 2012. California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT APPENDIX A

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION PROJECT DESIGN FEATURES

Page A-3

• Advance notification to the local school district of construction activities and rigorously 

maintained traffic control at all school bus loading zones, to ensure the safety of school 

children 

• Project Design Features 1-7 and 9-10.

9. Construction during Special Events. Provide a mechanism to prevent roadway construction 

activities from reducing roadway capacity below pre-project capacity during major athletic events 

or other special events that attract a substantial number of visitors. Mechanisms to maintain 

roadway capacity include police officers directing traffic, special event parking, and use of traffic 

cones and within-the-curb parking or shoulder lanes for through traffic.

10. Additional Features in the Cities of Merced and Fresno. In addition to the measures listed 

above, the Authority will also perform the following in the cities of Merced and Fresno: 

• During construction, vehicle detection will be maintained on the existing, temporary, or new 

roadway alignment for all intersection approaches that have existing detection. 

• Changeable message signs (CMSs) will be employed to advise motorists of lane closures or 

detours ahead. The CMSs will be deployed 7 days prior to the start of construction at that 

location. 

• Where project construction will cause delays on major roadways during the construction 

period, the Selected Alternative 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 State Route (SR) 99 freeway interchanges will require CMS

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

on Shaw Avenue in Fresno, recommended placement will 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 the City 

of Merced, will develop a traffic management plan on the surface transportation network to 

ensure minimum public safety service levels. 

• During project construction, the alignment of roadways will be grade-separated and freeway 

overpasses to be reconstructed will be offset from the existing alignment to facilitate staged 

construction wherever possible. 

• In Fresno in particular, Clinton Avenue over SR 99 and Ashlan Avenue over UPRR will be 

offset from their existing alignments to allow for the existing roadway to remain open while 

the new structure is being built. 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.

• 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. 
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT APPENDIX A

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION PROJECT DESIGN FEATURES

Page A-4

• With regard to the existing railroad crossings at Divisadero, Tuolumne, and Stanislaus 

streets, two of the three crossings will remain open during construction.

2.0 Air Quality and Global Climate Change 

Design Features

During project design and construction, the Authority and FRA will implement the following design 

features to reduce impacts on air quality:

• Trucks will be covered to reduce significant fugitive dust emissions while hauling soil and other 

similar material.

• All trucks and equipment will be washed before exiting the construction site.

• Exposed surfaces and unpaved roads will be watered three times daily.

• Vehicle travel speed on unpaved roads will be reduced to 15 miles per hour (mph).

• Any dust-generating activities will be suspended when wind speed exceeds 25 mph.

• All disturbed areas, including storage piles, that are not being actively used for construction purposes 

will be effectively stabilized for dust emissions using water or a chemical stabilizer/suppressant, or 

covered with a tarp or other suitable cover or vegetative ground cover.

• All onsite unpaved roads and offsite unpaved access roads will be effectively stabilized for dust 

emissions using water or a chemical stabilizer/suppressant.

• All land clearing, grubbing, scraping, excavation, land leveling, grading, cut and fill, and demolition 

activities will be effectively controlled for fugitive dust emissions by an application of water or by 

presoaking. With the demolition of buildings up to six stories in height, all exterior surfaces of the 

buildings will be wetted during demolition.

• All materials transported offsite will be covered or effectively wetted to limit visible dust emissions, 

and at least 6 inches of freeboard space from the top of the container will be maintained.

• All operations will limit or expeditiously remove the accumulation of mud or dirt from adjacent public 

streets at the end of each workday. The use of dry rotary brushes is expressly prohibited except 

where preceded or accompanied by sufficient wetting to limit the visible dust emissions. Use of 

blower devices is expressly forbidden.

• Following the addition of materials to, or the removal of materials from, the surface of outdoor 

storage piles, piles will be effectively stabilized for fugitive dust emissions using sufficient water or a 

chemical stabilizer/suppressant.

• Within urban areas, trackout will be immediately removed when it extends 50 or more feet from the 

site and at the end of each workday.

• Any site with 150 or more vehicle trips per day will prevent carryout and trackout.

• Use of low-volatile organic compound (VOC) paint that contains less than 10% of VOC contents.

(VOC, 10%). A Super-compliant or Clean Air paint that has a lower VOC content than those required 

by South Coast Air Quality Monitoring District Rule 1113, will also be used when available.
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT APPENDIX A

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3.0 Noise and Vibration Design Features

During construction, the Authority will follow FRA and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) guidelines for 

minimizing noise and vibration impacts at sensitive receptors.

4.0 Electromagnetic Fields/

Electromagnetic Interference Design 

Features

The California HST Project will comply with applicable federal and state laws and regulations related to 

electromagnetic fields/electromagnetic interference (EMF/EMI). Project design includes an 

electromagnetic compatibility program plan (EMCPP), which provides for electromagnetic compatibility of 

HST equipment and facilities with themselves, with equipment and facilities of the HST’s neighbors, and 

with passengers, workers, and neighbors of the HST. The EMCPP also will guide and coordinate the EMC 

design, analysis, test, documentation, and certification activities among HST project management, 

systems, and sections through the project phases; conform with the EMC-related HST system 

requirements; and comply with applicable regulatory requirements, including EMC requirements in Title 

49 Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) Sections 200–299 for the HST systems and sections will follow 

the EMCPP to avoid EMF/EMI conflicts with HST operational safety.

5.0 Public Utilities/Energy Design Features

The project design incorporates precautions to avoid existing utilities and design elements that minimize 

electricity consumption (e.g., using regenerative braking, and energy saving equipment and facilities). 

To enhance the benefits of the HST, the Authority has set a goal to procure renewable electricity to 

provide power for HST operations. The Authority is a member of the Sustainability Partnership with FRA, 

the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (Region 9), FTA (Region 9), and the U.S. 

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (Region 9), established by a memorandum of understanding 

(MOU). The MOU serves as an umbrella agreement covering broad efforts to promote sustainability for 

the HST System, including implementing the renewable energy policy goal for HST operations. The 

Authority accessed technical assistance from the Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy 

Laboratory through the EPA as part of this partnership. The laboratory developed a strategic energy plan 

that provides signatory agencies and the Authority with guidelines to meet the goals established in the 

MOU. The plan recommended a net-zero approach to powering operations with 100% renewable energy. 

HST Project buildings will conform to U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental 

Design (i.e., LEED) rating standards for environmentally sustainable new construction; HST facilities, 

including HST stations and a heavy maintenance facility (HMF), will be certified, at minimum, at the Silver 

Level, and will be required to meet or exceed energy efficiency targets with the goal of zero net energy 

use for facilities. Achieving the Authority’s policy goal of using up to 100% renewable energy sources for 

the HST System would result in a total estimated reduction in fossil fuel energy resources for the HST 

System of up to 12.7 million barrels of oil annually by 2030.6

 6 Authority. 2008. The Use of Renewable Energy Sources to Provide Power to California’s High Speed Rail. Prepared by Navigant 

Consulting, Inc. Rancho Cordova, CA. September 3, 2008.
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT APPENDIX A

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4.0 Biological Resources Design Features

The Selected Alternative includes project design features such as those that minimize effects from 

crossing the San Joaquin River, effectively manage and reduce runoff and discharges, and facilitate 

wildlife movement.

4.1 Project Design Options for the San Joaquin River

A program-level environmental document (Draft Program EIS/EIR for the San Joaquin River Restoration 

Program7) for the San Joaquin River Remediation Project (SJRRP) has been prepared. The location of the 

project crossing is in Reach 1, which has been identified as the reach where spawning may occur. During 

an initial coordination meeting with Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) and the Department of Water 

Resources (DWR) on June 6, 2011, it was determined that the project design will not conflict with the 

SJRRP; however, this will be further evaluated as part of the permitting process, including Endangered 

Species Act Section 7 consultation with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). The Authority will

continue to coordinate with the SJRRP.

Since the release of the Merced to Fresno Section Draft EIS, additional coordination has occurred under 

Section 7 of the Federal Endangered Species Act with the USFWS and NMFS for the preparation and 

submittal of the Biological Assessments. This coordination, particularly with NMFS, has resulted in two 

project design options for the crossing of the San Joaquin River.

• One design option for the river crossing utilizes a continuation (as on upland areas) of the spacing of 

the columns of the elevated structure as it approaches the river crossing within the inundated river 

channel. The proposed configuration or span arrangement utilizes piers/foundations at a spacing of 

110 feet and results in the placement of three piers within the wetted perimeter of the typical low 

flow channel of the river. Construction will require work in the river channel for placement of the 

piers.

• A second design option has a configuration that uses a combination of the typical precast segmental 

construction up to the north bank of the river with a two-span (320- to 160-foot) steel truss 

superstructure spanning the main portion of the low flow channel. This second design minimizes the 

need to enter the wetted perimeter of the low-flow river channel. Construction will require temporary 

work in the river channel, including for placement of temporary piers.

As required, the construction of foundations within the edge of the active waterway will use construction

methods such as the installation of sheet pile cofferdams to isolate the activity from the water column to

minimize the potential for adverse effects on anadromous fish within the construction footprint. In

addition, for the installation of both temporary and permanent steel casings for cast-in-drilled-hole pile

construction, sheet piling for cofferdams, and pipe or H-piling for falsework, vibratory pile hammers will

be used to minimize underwater acoustic impacts.

The number of foundation elements is directly related to the span arrangement necessary to meet the

requirements for bridge hydraulics. Since the future crossing will be located upstream from the two

existing bridge structures that carry SR 99 and the UPRR, the hydraulic effect of the placement of new

piers within the river corridor on downstream structures and the geomorphology of the channel will be

considered during the design of the final configuration of the structure. The HST crossing will be

designed with the planned increase in river flows and will not conflict with the goals of the restoration

flows.

 7 Reclamation and DWR. 2011. Draft Program Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report for the San Joaquin 

River Restoration Program, California – Executive Summary. April 2011.
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Regardless of the design option, the HST crossing will be designed with due consideration for the

anticipated increases in river flows resulting from the implementation of the SJRRP and to minimize any

appreciable changes in scour, sediment transport and deposition, or changes in geomorphic processes

that could alter habitat conditions in a manner that will impede the reestablishment of these species. The

Authority, in partnership with the design-build team, will design and conduct a hydraulics/hydrology

analysis with appropriate modeling tools and incorporate site-specific data including the needed

geotechnical investigations, to establish the design requirements, including sizing and siting of features as 

well as construction techniques, that are compatible with habitat conditions that support salmonid

utilization of the San Joaquin River within the area affected by the proposed HST crossing.

The design will be evaluated in consultation with NMFS, the California Department of Fish and Game, 

Reclamation, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).

4.2 Project Design Features for Stormwater Management 

and Treatment

During the detailed design phase, the design-build team will evaluate each receiving stormwater system’s

capacity to accommodate project runoff. As necessary, this phase will include the following:

• Design onsite stormwater management measures, such as detention or selected upgrades to the 

receiving system, to provide adequate capacity.

• Design and construct onsite stormwater management facilities to capture runoff and provide 

treatment prior to discharge for pollutant-generating surfaces, including station parking areas, access 

roads, new road overpasses and underpasses, reconstructed interchanges, and new or relocated 

roads and highways.

• Consider the use of constructed wetland systems, biofiltration and bioretention systems, wet ponds, 

organic mulch layers, planting soil beds, and vegetated systems (biofilters) such as vegetated swales 

and grass filter strips.

• Use portions of the HMF site for onsite infiltration of runoff, if feasible, or for stormwater detention if 

not. Incorporate vegetated setbacks from streams.

4.3 Project Design Features for Flood Protection

Design of the Selected Alternative will allow the HST to remain operational during flood events and will 

minimize increases in 100-year flood elevations, including the following:

• In Special Flood Hazard Areas, raise the track at least 4 feet above the 100-year flood elevation.

• Minimize development within the floodplain as appropriate. Avoid placement of facilities in the 

floodplain (e.g., at the Castle Commerce Center HMF site and the Gordon-Shaw HMF) or raise the 

ground with fill above the base-flood elevation.

Crossing design will maintain a floodwater surface elevation of no greater than 0.1 foot above current

levels (zero rise within designated floodways). The following design considerations will minimize the

effects of pier placement in the floodways:

• Design site crossings to be as nearly perpendicular to the channel as feasible to minimize bridge 

length. 

• Orient piers to be parallel to the expected high water flow direction to minimize flow disturbance.
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT APPENDIX A

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Page A-8

• Elevate bridge crossings at least 3 feet above the high water surface elevation to provide adequate 

clearance for floating debris or as required by local agencies. (The Central Valley Flood Protection 

Board requires that the bottom members [soffit] of a proposed bridge be at least 3 feet above the

calculated water surface elevation for the design flood. The required clearance may be reduced to 

2 feet on minor streams at sites where significant amounts of stream debris are unlikely.)

• Conduct engineering analyses of channel scour depths at each crossing to evaluate the necessary 

embedment depth for bridge piers. Implement scour-control measures to reduce erosion potential.

• Use quarry stone, cobblestone, or their equivalent for erosion control along rivers and streams, 

complemented with native riparian plantings or other natural stabilization alternatives that will restore 

and maintain a natural riparian corridor, where feasible.

• Place bedding materials under stone protection at locations where the underlying soils require 

stabilization resulting from streamflow velocity.

4.4 Construction Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan

The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Construction General Permit (2009-0009-DWQ)8

establishes three erosion risk levels that are based on site erosion and receiving-water risk factors. 

A preliminary analysis indicates that most of the Selected Alternative will fall under Erosion Risk Level 1, 

the lowest risk level. The portion of the project vicinity draining to the San Joaquin River will fall under 

Erosion Risk Level 2. Erosion Risk Level 2 measures also will be carried out anywhere in the project 

vicinity where construction activities are conducted within or immediately adjacent to sensitive 

environmental areas such as streams, wetlands, and vernal pools.

The Construction General Permit requires preparation and implementation of a stormwater pollution 

prevention plan (SWPPP), which will identify best management practices (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 could include measures to provide permeable surfaces where feasible and to retain and treat 

stormwater on site. Other BMPs include strategies to manage the overall amount and quality of 

stormwater runoff. Typical BMPs include:

• Practices to minimize the contact of construction materials, equipment, and maintenance supplies 

with stormwater.

• Limiting fueling and other activities using hazardous materials to areas distant from surface water, 

providing drip pans under equipment, and daily checks for vehicle condition.

• Practices to reduce erosion of exposed soil, including soil stabilization, watering for dust control, 

perimeter silt fences, placement of rice straw bales, and sediment basins.

• Practices to maintain water quality including silt fences, stabilized construction entrances, grass 

buffer strips, ponding areas, organic mulch layers, inlet protection, and Baker tanks and sediment 

traps to settle sediment.

 8 SWRCB. 2009.National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit for Storm Water Discharges associated 

with Construction and Land Disturbance Activities. Order No. 2009-0009-DWQ. Adopted September 2, 2009. Sacramento, CA.

Available at 

http://www.swrcb.ca.gov/board_decisions/adopted_orders/water_quality/2009/wqo/wqo2

009_00 09_dwq.pdf. 

Accessed September 6, 2010. 
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT APPENDIX A

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Page A-9

• Practices to capture and provide proper offsite disposal of concrete washwater, including isolation of 

runoff from fresh concrete during curing to prevent it from reaching the local drainage system, and 

possible treatment with dry ice or other acceptable means to reduce the alkaline character of the 

runoff (high pH) that typically results from new concrete.

• Development of a spill prevention and emergency response plan to manage potential fuel or other 

spills.

• Use of diversion ditches to intercept offsite surface runoff.

• Where feasible, avoidance of areas that may have substantial erosion risk, including areas with 

erosive soils and steep slopes.

• Where feasible, limiting construction to dry periods when flows in water bodies are low or absent.

4.5 Central Valley Regional Water Quality Board, Order 

No. 5-00-175, Waste Discharge Requirements 

General Order for Dewatering and Other Low Threat 

Discharges to Surface Waters

This order 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 dry-weather discharge that does not exceed 0.25 million gallons per

day.

4.6 Maintain Pre-Project Hydrology

Avoid increasing existing peak stormwater flows from the project site. This will be accomplished by

emphasizing onsite retention of stormwater runoff using measures such as flow dispersion, infiltration,

and evaporation, supplemented by detention, where required. Additional flow control measures could be

implemented where local regulations or drainage requirements dictate.

4.7 Industrial Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan

The stormwater general permit (97-03-DWQ)9 requires the preparation of an SWPPP and a monitoring 

plan for industrial facilities, including vehicle maintenance facilities associated with transportation 

operations. The permit includes performance standards for pollution control.

4.8 Air Quality Fugitive Dust Control

Fugitive dust control measures are administered through Rule 8011. According to Rule 8011, the San 

Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District requires the implementation of control measures for fugitive 

dust emission sources. These measures are not considered mitigation measures because they are 

required by law.

 9 State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). 2000. Water Quality Order No. 97-03-DWQ National Pollutant Discharge 

Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit No. CAS000001 (General Permit). Waste Discharge Requirements (WDRS) for 

Discharges of Storm Water Associated with Industrial Activities Excluding Construction Activities. Sacramento, CA. Available at 

http://www.swrcb.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/stormwater/docs/induspmt.pdf. 
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT APPENDIX A

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Page A-10

4.9 Wildlife-dedicated Crossings

Crossing structures dedicated to facilitating wildlife movement will be included in the design, as discussed

in Chapter 2 of the Final EIS.

5.0 Hydrology and Water Quality Design 

Features

During project design and construction, the Authority will ensure the measures outlined below are 

implemented to reduce and avoid impacts on water resources as discussed in the Final EIS Section 3.8.5, 

Environmental Consequences. Appendix C of the Merced to Fresno Section Hydraulics and Floodplain 

Technical Report10 provides a matrix that lists relevant standards and regulations for these impacts. 

These measures and standards are discussed in greater detail in support documents prepared for the 

preliminary design, including the following: 

• HST Technical Memorandum 2.6.5, Hydraulics and Hydrology Design Guidelines.11

• Hydraulics and Floodplain Technical Report, California High-Speed Train Project EIR/EIS, Merced to 

Fresno Section12 (project-wide, and for Construction Package 1A).

• Merced to Fresno Section Stormwater Management Plan, California High-Speed Train Project EIR/EIS, 

Merced to Fresno Section13 (project-wide, and for Construction Package 1A). 

These measures are considered to be part of the Selected Alternative and are described in the following 

text. Additionally, the Selected Alternative will require an Individual Section 404 Permit from USACE. This 

permit will have conditions to further minimize water quality impacts.

5.1 Project Design Features for Stormwater Management 

and Treatment

During the detailed design phase, evaluate each receiving stormwater system’s capacity to accommodate 

project runoff. As necessary, design onsite stormwater management measures, such as detention or 

selected upgrades to the receiving system, to provide adequate capacity. Design and construct onsite 

stormwater management facilities to capture runoff and provide treatment prior to discharge for 

pollutant-generating surfaces, including station parking areas, access roads, new road overpasses and 

underpasses, reconstructed interchanges, and new or relocated roads and highways. Use low-impact 

development techniques to retain runoff onsite and to reduce offsite runoff, to the extent practical. 

Consider the use of constructed wetland systems, biofiltration and bioretention systems, wet ponds, 

organic mulch layers, planting soil beds, and vegetated systems (biofilters) such as vegetated swales and 

grass filter strips. Use portions of the HMF site for onsite infiltration of runoff, if feasible, or for 

stormwater detention, if not. Incorporate vegetated set-backs from streams, such as Canal Creek and 

Berenda Creek.

 10 Authority and FRA. 2012. Hydraulics and Floodplain Technical Report, California High-Speed Train Project EIR/EIS, Merced to 

Fresno Section. Prepared by AECOM and CH2M HILL. Sacramento, CA, and Washington, DC. April 2012.

11 Authority. 2010. Technical Memorandum 2.6.5, Hydraulics and Hydrology Design Guidelines. Available at

http://www.cahighspeedrail.ca.gov/. Prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff. Sacramento, CA. June 10, 2010.

12 Authority and FRA. 2012. Hydraulics and Floodplain Technical Report, California High-Speed Train Project EIR/EIS, Merced to 

Fresno Section. Prepared by AECOM and CH2M HILL. Sacramento, CA, and Washington, DC. April 2012.

13 Authority and FRA. 2012. Stormwater Management Plan, California High-Speed Train Project EIR/EIS, Merced to Fresno 

Section. Sacramento, CA. April 2012.
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5.2 Project Design Features for Flood Protection

Design the Selected Alternative, both to remain operational during flood events and to minimize increases 

in 100-year flood elevations, including the following: 

• Establish track elevation to prevent saturation and infiltration of stormwater into the sub-ballast. 

During the design storm, maintain 2 feet of freeboard between the sub-ballast and the water surface 

elevation. 

• Minimize development within the floodplain as appropriate. Avoid placement of facilities in the 

floodplain (e.g., at the Castle Commerce Center HMF site or the Gordon-Shaw HMF site) or raise the 

ground with fill above the base-flood elevation. 

Design of the crossings will maintain a floodwater surface elevation of no greater than 0.1 foot above 

current levels (zero rise within designated floodways). The following design considerations will minimize 

the effects of pier placement in the floodways: 

• Design site crossings to be as nearly perpendicular to the channel as feasible to minimize bridge 

length.

• Orient piers to be parallel to the expected high water flow direction to minimize flow disturbance. 

• Elevate bridge crossings at least 3 feet above the high water surface elevation to provide adequate 

clearance for floating debris or as required by local agencies. (The Central Valley Flood Protection 

Board [CVFPB] requires that the bottom members [soffit] of a proposed bridge be at least 3 feet

above the design floodplain. The required clearance may be reduced to 2 feet on minor streams at 

sites where significant amounts of stream debris are unlikely.) 

• Conduct engineering analyses of channel scour depths at each crossing to evaluate the depth for 

burying the bridge piers and abutments. Implement scour-control measures to reduce erosion 

potential.

• Use quarry stone, cobblestone, or their equivalent for erosion control along rivers and streams, 

complemented with native riparian plantings or other natural stabilization alternatives that will restore 

and maintain a natural riparian corridor, where feasible. 

• Place bedding materials under the stone protection at locations where the underlying soils require 

stabilization resulting from streamflow velocity.

5.3 Construction Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan

The SWRCB Construction General Permit (Order No. 2009-0009-DWQ, National Pollutant Discharge 

Elimination System [NPDES] No. CAS000002) establishes three erosion risk levels that are based on site 

erosion and receiving-water risk factors. A preliminary analysis indicates that most of the Selected 

Alternative will fall under Erosion Risk Level 1, the lowest risk level. The portion of the project vicinity 

draining to the San Joaquin River will fall under Erosion Risk Level 2. Erosion Risk Level 2 measures also 

will be carried out anywhere in the project vicinity where construction activities are conducted within or 

immediately adjacent to sensitive environmental areas such as streams, wetlands, and vernal pools. 

The Construction General Permit requires preparation and implementation of an SWPPP, which 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 could include measures to provide permeable surfaces where feasible and 

to retain and treat stormwater onsite. Other BMPs include strategies to manage the overall amount and 

quality of stormwater runoff. The construction SWPPP will include measures to address the following:
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT APPENDIX A

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Page A-12

• Hydromodification management to ensure maintenance of pre-project hydrology by emphasizing 

onsite retention of stormwater runoff using measures such as flow dispersion, infiltration, and 

evaporation, supplemented by detention, where required. Additional flow control measures could be 

implemented where local regulations or drainage requirements dictate.

• Practices to minimize the contact of construction materials, equipment, and maintenance supplies 

with stormwater. 

• Limiting fueling and other activities using hazardous materials to areas distant from surface water, 

providing drip pans under equipment, and daily checks for vehicle condition. 

• Practices to reduce erosion of exposed soil, including soil stabilization, watering for dust control, 

perimeter silt fences, placement of rice straw bales, and sediment basins. 

• Practices to maintain water quality including silt fences, stabilized construction entrances, grass 

buffer strips, ponding areas, organic mulch layers, inlet protection, and Baker tanks and sediment 

traps to settle sediment. 

• Practices to capture and provide proper offsite disposal of concrete washwater, including isolation of 

runoff from fresh concrete during curing to prevent it from reaching the local drainage system, and 

possible treatment with dry ice or other acceptable means to reduce the alkaline character of the 

runoff (high pH) that typically results from new concrete. 

• Development of a spill prevention and emergency response plan to handle potential fuel or other 

spills. 

• Use of diversion ditches to intercept offsite surface runoff. 

• Where feasible, avoidance of areas that may have substantial erosion risk, including areas with 

erosive soils and steep slopes. 

• Where feasible, limit construction to dry periods when flows in water bodies are low or absent.

5.4 Central Valley Regional Water Quality Board, Order 

No. 5-00-175 (NPDES No. CAG995001), Waste 

Discharge Requirements General Order for 

Dewatering and Other Low Threat Discharges to 

Surface Waters

This order 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 dry-weather discharge that does not exceed 0.25 million gallons per 

day. 

The CVFPB regulates specific river, creek, and slough crossings for flood protection. These crossings must 

meet the provisions of Title 23 of the California Code of Regulations. 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 encroachment 

permit applications 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 
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT APPENDIX A

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USACE operation and maintenance manuals under Title 33 C.F.R., Section 208.10 and Title 33 United 

States Code, Section 408. Under Section 408 of the Rivers and Harbors Act, 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 

Selected Alternative encroaches on a federal facility but does not modify it.

Industrial Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan. The stormwater general permit (Order No. 97-

03-DWQ, NPDES No. CAS000001) requires preparation of an SWPPP and a monitoring plan for industrial 

facilities, including vehicle maintenance facilities associated with transportation operations. The permit 

includes performance standards for pollution control. The HMF will meet the stormwater treatment 

requirements of the Industrial General Permit.

6.0 Geology, Soils, and Seismicity Design 

Features

Project design will incorporate existing design measures and BMPs based on federal and state regulations 

and based on the Program EIR/EIS documents. Table 5-1 in the Merced to Fresno Section Geology and 

Soils Technical Report14 provides a matrix that lists relevant standards and regulations for the impacts 

identified in the Final EIS Section 3.9.5, Environmental Consequences. Site-specific explorations will be 

carried out as design work progresses so that the Authority can incorporate site-specific engineering 

solutions that adhere to standard engineering design practices and codes into the design to reduce risks 

associated with geology, soils, and seismicity. Versions of the standard engineering design guidelines and 

standards applicable at the time this document was prepared (2011) are described below; the versions of 

these guidelines and standards applicable at the time of final design and construction will be used:

• American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Manuals:

2010 AASHTO Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) Bridge Design Specifications (5th Edition)15

and the 2009 AASHTO Guide Specifications for LRFD Seismic Bridge Design16 provide guidance for 

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

structures, retained cuts and retained fills, at-grade segments, 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.17

 14 Authority and FRA. 2012. Geology, Soils, and Seismicity Technical Report, Merced to Fresno Section Project EIR/EIS. April 

2012.

15 AASHTO. 2010. 2010 AASHTO Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) Bridge Design Specifications (5th Edition).

Washington, DC.

16 AASHTO. 2009. 2009 AASHTO Guide Specifications for LRFD Seismic Bridge Design. Washington, DC.

17 American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association. 2009. Manual for Railway Engineering. January 1, 2009.
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT APPENDIX A

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• California Building Code (CBC): The CBC is based on the 2006 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 will be used for the design of the 

maintenance facilities and stations. Sections in the 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.18,19

• 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. Caltrans design standards include state-specific amendments to the AASHTO LRFD Bridge 

Design Specifications20 and Guide Specifications for LRFD Seismic Bridge Design.21 These 

amendments provide specific guidance for the design of deep foundations 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. 

• ASTM International (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 so that quality is achieved in 

the constructed project.22

To manage geologic, soils, and seismic hazards, projects implement specific design measures to reduce 

and avoid impacts during construction and operation. These practices include the following: 

• Limit Groundwater Withdrawal: Control the amount of groundwater withdrawal, re-inject 

groundwater at specific locations, or use alternate foundations to offset the potential for settlement. 

This control is important for locations with retained cuts in areas of high groundwater and where 

existing buildings are located near the depressed track section. 

• Monitor Slopes: Incorporate slope monitoring into final design where a potential for long-term 

instability exists from gravity or seismic loading. This practice is important near at-grade sections 

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

additional earth loading to foundations supporting elevated structures. 

• Suspend Operations before and after Earthquake: Use motion-sensing instruments to provide 

ground-motion data; implement a control system to shut down HST operations temporarily during or 

after an earthquake to reduce risks. Monitoring is appropriate for any location where high ground 

motions could damage the HST track system. Candidate locations include elevated guideways, 

retained earth, retained cut, and at-grade segments. 

 

18 IBC. 2006. 2006 International Building Code (IBC). Washington, DC.

19 ASCE. 2010. Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures ASCE 7-10. May 12, 2010.

20 AASHTO. 2010. 2010 AASHTO Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) Bridge Design Specifications (5th Edition).

Washington, DC.

21 AASHTO. 2009. 2009 AASHTO Guide Specifications for LRFD Seismic Bridge Design. Washington, DC.

22 ASTM. 2012. Annual Book of ASTM Standards. Volume 4.02 Concrete and Aggregate; Volume 4.08 Soil and Rock; Volume 4.09 

Soil and Rock II; Volume 4.03 Geosynthetics. West Conshohocken, PA.
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT APPENDIX A

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• Conduct Geotechnical Inspections: 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.

• Improve Unstable Soils: For unstable soils the risk of ground failure can be minimized or avoided 

by various methods. If the soft or loose soils are shallow, they can be excavated and replaced with 

competent soils. Where unsuitable soils are deeper, ground improvement methods such as stone 

columns, cement deep soil mixing (CDSM), or jet grouting could be used. Alternately, if sufficient 

construction time is available, preloading in combination with prefabricated vertical drains (wicks) and 

staged construction can be used to gradually improve the strength of the soil without causing bearing 

capacity failures. Both over-excavation and ground improvement methods have been successfully 

used to improve similar soft or loose soils. The application of these methods is most likely at stream 

and river crossings, where soft soils could occur; however, localized deposits could occur at other 

locations along the alignment. The ground improvement or over-excavation methods may also be 

necessary at the start of approach fills for elevated track sections or retained earth segments of the 

alignment if the earth loads exceed the bearing capacity of the soil. Alternately, at these locations 

earth fills might be replaced by light-weight fill such as extruded polystyrene (geofoam), or short 

columns and cast-in-drill hole (CIDH) piles might be used to support the transition from the elevated 

track to the at-grade alignment.

• Improve Settlement-Prone Soils: Settlement-prone soils are improved prior to facility 

construction. Ground improvement is used to transfer new earth loads to deeper, more competent 

soils. Another alternative is to use preloads and surcharges with wick drains to accelerate settlement 

within areas that are predicted to undergo excessive settlement. By using the preload and surcharge 

with wick drains, settlement would be forced to occur. The application of these methods is most likely 

at stream and river crossings, where soft soils are more likely to occur. Where groundwater is 

potentially within 50 feet of the ground surface, any below-ground excavations use well points in 

combination with sheetpile walls to limit the amount of settlement of adjacent properties from 

temporary water drawdown. Alternately, water can be re-injected to make up for localized water 

withdrawal. 

• Prevent Water and Wind Erosion: Many engineering methods exist for controlling water and wind 

erosion of soils. These include use of straw bales and mulches, revegetation, and covering areas with 

geotextiles. Where the rate of water runoff could be high, rip rap and rip rap check dams could be 

used to slow down the rate of water runoffs. Other BMPs for water are discussed in the Final EIS 

Section 3.8, Hydrology and Water Resources. Implementation of these methods is important where 

large sections of earth is exposed during construction, such as for retained-cut segments. 

• Modify or Remove and Replace Soils with Shrink-Swell Potential and Corrosion 

Characteristics: One option is to excavate and replace soils that represent the highest risk. In 

locations where shrink-swell potential is marginally unacceptable, soil additives would be mixed with 

existing soil to reduce the shrink-swell potential. The decision whether to remove or treat the soil is 

made on the basis of specific shrink-swell potential or corrosivity characteristics of the soil, the 

additional costs for treatment versus excavation and replacement, as well as the long-term 

performance characteristics of the treated soil. This practice is important for at-grade segments of 

the alignment because these are most likely to be affected by shrink-swell potential or corrosive soils. 

• Evaluate and Design for Large Seismic Ground Shaking: Conduct detailed seismic studies to 

establish the most up-to-date estimation of levels of ground motion. Use updated Caltrans seismic 

design criteria in the design of any structures supported in or on the ground. These design 

procedures and features reduce the potential that moments, shear forces, and displacements that 

result from inertial response of the structure lead to collapse of the structure. In critical locations, 

pendulum base isolators can reduce the levels of inertial forces. New composite materials can 

enhance seismic performance.
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT APPENDIX A

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• Secondary Seismic Hazards: As discussed above, various ground improvement methods can be 

implemented to reduce 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 or jet grouting develop resistance to lateral flow 

or spreading of liquefied soils.

7.0 Hazardous Materials and Wastes Design 

Features

As part of the Selected Alternative, materials and wastes will be handled, transported, and disposed of in 

accordance with applicable state and federal regulations, such as the Resource Conservation and 

Recovery Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, the 

Hazardous Materials Release Response Plans and Inventory Law, and the Hazardous Waste Control Act

(see the Final EIS Section 3.3, Air Quality and Global Climate Change, for regulations applying to 

hazardous air pollutants). During the property acquisition process, analysis of properties acquired for 

construction of the HST will be conducted, including title searches and determination of which properties 

require further assessment for hazardous material contamination. Where current site conditions or 

documented past land use practices provide a reason to believe that an unusual buildup of potentially 

hazardous materials has occurred, the Authority will conduct a Phase 1 environmental site assessment in 

accordance with standard ASTM methodologies to characterize the site. The determination of which 

parcels require soil testing and where sampling should occur will be informed by the Phase 1 

environmental site assessment and made in conjunction with state and local agency officials. Testing and 

appropriate remediation will be conducted prior to construction. Remediation activities may include 

removal of contamination, in situ treatment, or soil capping. Nominal design variances, such as the 

addition of a plastic barrier beneath the ballast material to limit the potential release of volatile 

subsurface contaminants, may be implemented in conjunction with site investigation and remediation. All 

work within 1,000 feet of a landfill will require methane protection measures, including gas detection 

systems and personnel training, pursuant to Title 27, the hazardous materials contingency plan, and 

BMPs.

Undocumented contamination could be encountered during construction activities and the Authority will

work closely with local agencies to resolve any such conflicts. A construction management plan will be 

developed that will include provisions for the disturbance of undocumented contamination. In addition, 

demolition plans will be prepared for the safe dismantling and removal of building components and 

debris. The demolition plans will include a plan for lead and asbestos abatement. Further, a spill 

prevention, control, and countermeasures (SPCC) plan or, for smaller quantities, a spill prevention and

response plan, will be implemented that prescribes BMPs to follow to clean up any hazardous material 

release. During operation of the HST, hazardous materials monitoring plans, such as a hazardous 

materials business plan and an SPCC plan, will be implemented.

To the extent feasible, the Authority is committed to identifying, avoiding, and minimizing hazardous

substances in the material selection process for construction, operation, and maintenance of the HST

System. Moreover, the Authority will evaluate the full inventory of hazardous materials employed on an

annual basis and replace hazardous substances with nonhazardous materials to the extent possible.

These standards and material specifications will aid in promoting safety for passengers and employees.
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT APPENDIX A

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Page A-17

Existing standards and regulations address many of the impacts identified in this analysis. Table 6-4 in

the Merced to Fresno Section Hazardous Materials/Wastes Technical Report23 provides a matrix that 

indicates relevant standards and regulations for these impacts.

8.0 Safety and Security Design Features

Project design will incorporate engineering measures and best management practices based on federal 

and state regulations and on Program EIR/EIS documents. The standard engineering design guidelines 

and regulatory requirements include the following: 

• Final design includes development of a detailed construction transportation plan that will involve 

coordination with local jurisdictions on emergency vehicle access. The plan will also include a traffic 

control plan that addresses temporary road closures, detour provisions, allowable routes, and 

alternative access. Engineering design and construction phases include preliminary hazard analysis, 

collision hazard analysis, and threat and vulnerability assessment methods. 

• Preliminary hazard analyses follow the U.S. Department of Defense System Safety Program Plan 

Requirements (MIL-STD-882D)24 to identify and evaluate the facility hazards and vulnerabilities so 

that the design can address and either eliminate or minimize them. 

• Threat and vulnerability assessments establish provisions for the deterrence and detection of, as well 

as the response to, criminal and terrorist acts for rail facilities and system operations. Provisions 

include security education and employee training specific to terrorism awareness, right-of-way 

fencing, intrusion detection, closed-circuit televisions, and other design features to reduce criminal 

and terrorist activities. Intrusion detection technology could also alert to the presence of inert 

objects, such as toppled tall structures or derailed freight trains, and could stop HST operations to 

avoid collisions. 

• Construction safety and health plans (CSHPs) establish the minimum safety and health guidelines for 

contractors of, and visitors to, construction projects. CSHPs require contractors to develop and 

implement site-specific measures that address regulatory requirements to protect human health and 

property at construction sites.

• CSHPs establish the minimum safety and health guidelines for contractors of, and visitors to, 

construction projects. CSHPs require contractors to develop and implement site-specific measures 

that address regulatory requirements to protect human health and property at construction sites. 

• Fire/life safety programs (FLSPs) implement the requirements set forth in the Federal Rail Safety Act. 

FLSPs address the safety of passengers and employees during emergency response. The FLSPs also 

address the needs of disabled persons. The FLSPs are coordinated with local emergency response 

organizations to provide them with an understanding of the rail system, facilities, and operations, and 

to obtain their input for modifications to emergency response operations and facilities, such as 

evacuation routes. 

• System security plans address design features intended to maintain security at the stations within the 

track right-of-way, at stations, and onboard trains. The design standards and guidelines require 

emergency walkways on both sides of the tracks for both elevated and at-grade sections. Adequate 

space will be provided along at-grade sections of the alignment to allow emergency response access. 

Ground access will be available from elevated tracks where access to ground equipment is required. 

 23 Authority and FRA. 2012. Hazardous Materials/ Wastes Technical Report, California High-Speed Train Project EIR/EIS, Merced 

to Fresno Section. Prepared by AECOM, CH2M HILL, and Parus Consulting, Inc. Sacramento, CA, and Washington, DC. April 

2012.

24 U.S. Department of Defense. 2000. Standard Practice for System Safety. MIL-STD-882D. Washington, DC. February 10, 2000.
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT APPENDIX A

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Page A-18

This ground access could be used in the event of an emergency. Additional ground access will be

considered, consistent with fire and rescue procedures and where practical operational standards 

include a system-specific police force. 

• Standard operating procedures and emergency operating procedures include industry best practices, 

such as the FRA-mandated Roadway Worker Protection Program. They address the day-to-day 

operation and emergency situations to maintain the safety of employees, passengers, and the public. 

• System safety program plans (SSPPs) incorporate FRA requirements and are implemented upon FRA 

approval. These plans are based on the principles outlined in the Manual for Development of System 

Safety Program Plans for Commuter Railroads25 and address project design, construction, testing, 

and operation.

• Rail systems must comply with the Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Guidelines for High-Speed Passenger 

Rail26 and future safety regulations the FRA develops for high-speed passenger rail. 

• Worker safety in the workplace is generally governed by the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 

1970, which established the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The State of

California, under an agreement with OSHA, operates an occupational safety and health program in 

accordance with Section 18 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. In California, OSHA 

enforcement of workplace requirements is performed by the California Department of Industrial 

Relations, Division of Occupational Safety and Health (better known as Cal/OSHA). Under Cal/OSHA 

regulations, as of July 1, 1991, every employer in California must establish, implement, and maintain 

an injury and illness prevention program.

• HST urban design guidelines27 require implementing the principles of crime prevention through 

environmental design. This is a design method that focuses on reducing opportunities for crime 

through the design and management of the physical environment. Four basic principles of crime 

prevention through environmental design will be considered during station and site planning: (1) 

territoriality (designing physical elements that express ownership of the station or site); (2) natural 

surveillance (arranging physical features to maximize visibility); (3) improve sightlines (provide clear 

views of surrounding areas); and (4) access control (physical guidance of people coming and going 

from a space).

9.0 Socioeconomics, Communities, and 

Environmental Justice Design Features

The Authority must comply with the Uniform Relocation Act in implementing the Selected Alternative. The 

provisions of the Uniform Relocation Act apply to all acquisitions of real property or displacements of 

persons resulting from federal or federally assisted programs and projects. The Uniform Relocation Act 

provides for the fair and equitable treatment of those displaced persons. The Uniform Relocation Act 

requires that the owning agency notify all affected owners of the acquiring agency’s intent to acquire an 

interest in their property, including a written offer letter of just compensation specifically describing those 

property interests and assign a right-of-way specialist to each property owner to assist them with the 

process. The Uniform Relocation Act also provides for benefits to displaced individuals to assist them both 

financially and with advisory services to help them relocate their residences or businesses. Benefits are 

available to both owner occupants and tenants of either residential or business properties. 

 25 American Public Transportation Association. 2006. Manual for the Development of System Safety Program Plans for Commuter 

Railroads. Washington, DC. May 15, 2006.

26 FRA. 2009. Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Guidelines for High-Speed Passenger Rail. Version 1.0. Washington, DC. November 

2009.

27 Authority. 2011. Urban Design Guidelines. Prepared by PB’s Placemaking Group. Sacramento, CA. March 2011.
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT APPENDIX A

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The Uniform Relocation Act requires provision of relocation benefits to all eligible persons regardless of 

race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Benefits to which eligible owners or tenants may be entitled 

will be determined on an individual basis and explained in detail by an assigned right-of-way specialist. 

Similarly, the Selected Alternative must adhere to California Relocation Assistance Act requirements. Just 

compensation is measured by the “fair market value” of the property, which is considered to be “the 

highest price on the date of valuation that would be agreed to by a seller, being willing to sell, but under 

no particular or urgent necessity for so doing, nor obliged to sell; and a buyer, being ready, willing and 

able to buy but under no particular necessity for so doing, each dealing with the other with the full 

knowledge of all the uses and purposes for which the property is reasonably adaptable and available.” 

(Code of Civil Procedure, Section 1263.320a). 

The Authority has developed more detailed information about how it plans to comply with the Uniform 

Act and the California Relocation Assistance Act. The Authority has developed three detailed relocation 

assistance documents modeled after Caltrans versions. The documents are listed below and included in 

Appendix 3.12-A of the Final EIS:

• Your Rights and Benefits as a Displacee under the Uniform Relocation Assistance Program 

(Residential). 

• Your Rights and Benefits as a Displacee under the Uniform Relocation Assistance Program (Mobile 

Home).

• Your Rights and Benefits as a Displaced Business, Farm or Nonprofit Organization under the Uniform 

Relocation Assistance Program.

In addition, the following are incorporated into the Selected Alternative as design features:

• Develop and implement a construction management plan. The design-build contractor will 

develop and implement a construction management plan, for approval by the Authority, to address 

communications, community impacts, visual protection, air quality, safety controls, noise controls, 

and traffic controls to minimize impacts on property owners and businesses, including low income 

households and minority populations, and to maintain access to local businesses, residences, and 

emergency services. Communications to the public will be consistent with the ongoing outreach 

efforts and providing in other languages, as required, including Spanish, Lao, and Hmong. The plan 

will maintain access to local businesses during construction and use signs to instruct customers 

regarding access to businesses during construction. In addition, the plan will include efforts to 

coordinate with local transit providers to minimize impacts on local and regional bus routes in 

affected communities. Construction management plans are standard for large infrastructure projects 

such as this one and are considered effective in minimizing community impacts. 

• Develop a relocation mitigation plan. Before any acquisitions occur, the Authority will develop a 

relocation mitigation plan, in consultation with affected cities and counties. In addition to establishing 

a program to minimize the economic disruption related to relocation, the relocation mitigation plan 

will be written in a style that also enables it to be used as a public information document. The plan 

will be intended to meet the following objectives:

− Provide affected property and business owners and tenants a high level of individualized 

assistance in situations when relocation is necessary. 

− Make a best effort to minimize the permanent closure of displaced businesses and non-profit 

agencies as a result of relocations. 

− Within the limits established by law and regulation, minimize the economic disruption caused to 

tenants and residents by relocation. 
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT APPENDIX A

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− In individual situations where warranted, consider the cost of obtaining the entitlement permits 

necessary to relocate to a suitable location and take those costs into account when establishing 

the fair market value of the property. 

− Provide those business owners who require complex permitting (such as dairies) with regulatory 

compliance assistance.

The relocation mitigation plan will include the following components: 

• A description of the appraisal, acquisition, and relocation process that describes the activities of the 

appraisal and relocation specialists, for the benefit of the reader. 

• A means of assigning appraisal and relocation staff to affected property owners, tenants, or other 

residents on an individual basis. 

• Individualized assistance to affected property owners, tenants, or other residents in applying for 

funding, including research to summarize loans, grants, and federal aid available, and research of 

demographically similar areas for relocation. 

• Creation of an ombudsman’s position to act as a single point of contact for property owners, 

residents, and tenants with questions about the relocation process. The ombudsman will also act to 

address property owners’, tenants’, and other residents’ concerns about the relocation process as it 

applies to their situations.

10.0 Station Planning, Land Use, and 

Development Design Features

Between the Program EIR/EIS documents and the project EIS Documents, refined planning (i.e., HST 

Station Area Development: General Principles and Guidelines28) has resulted in fewer anticipated conflicts 

regarding land use and planning. The program design strategies of involving the local jurisdictions in the 

development of station planning and alignment design considerations, identification of issues, and 

avoidance measures and solutions, as well as providing information to assist the local jurisdictions to 

accommodate the proposed HST and transportation-oriented development (TOD) opportunities around 

stations in the updates of local general plans, collectively reduce the potential for land use conflicts. By 

working with the local jurisdictions it is possible to identify any potential land use conflicts and work to 

avoid or minimize the issues. The Authority will continue to engage the local jurisdictions in continued 

planning and TOD opportunities. The Authority is assisting the cities of Merced and Fresno with funding 

for station area planning, and will work cooperatively with these jurisdictions as part of that process.

11.0 Agricultural Land Design Features

Single Point of Contact: The Authority will assign a representative to act as a single point of contact to 

assist each confined animal facility owner during the process of obtaining new or amended permits or 

other regulatory compliance necessary for the continued operation or relocation of the facility. The 

Authority will consider and may provide compensation when acquisition of confined animal site will either 

require relocation of the facility or amendment of its existing regulatory permits.

Research: During the HST testing phase, the Authority will fund a program to undertake original 

research on the wind and noise effects of HST operations on agricultural activities. The Authority will 

engage qualified researchers within the University of California or California State University systems to 

undertake this research. The researcher will be selected by the Authority through a request for proposal 

process. The research will include monitoring of noise and wind effects at representative points along the 

 28 Authority. 2008. HST Station Development Policies. May 14, 2008, Board Meeting. Sacramento, CA. May 14, 2008.
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT APPENDIX A

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test track. The research period will include the testing phase and extend 2 years after commencement of 

revenue service. The Authority will publicly distribute a report of the findings of the research program.

The research will include, but is not limited to, the following subjects:

• Generated wind speed, duration, and area of influence from HST trainsets at typical operational 

speeds.

• Effects of HST-generated wind on the effectiveness of honeybee pollination.

• Dust production as a result of typical HST operations, including entrainment and dispersal patterns of 

dust in the HST slipstream.

• Generated noise levels and duration from HST trainsets at typical operational speeds.

• Noise contours depicting modeled noise levels at distance from the tracks.

• Practical methods for reducing effects on agriculture.

Farmland Consolidation Program. The Authority will establish and administer a farmland 

consolidation program to sell remnant parcels to neighboring landowners for consolidation with adjacent 

farmland properties. In addition, the program will assist the owners of remnant parcels in selling those 

remnants to adjacent landowners, upon request. The goal of the program is to provide for continued 

agricultural use on the maximum feasible amount of remnant parcels that otherwise may not

uneconomical to farm. The program will focus on severed remainder parcels, including those that were

under Williamson Act or Farmland Security Act contract at the time of right-of-way acquisition and have

become too small to remain in the local Williamson Act or Farmland Security Act program. The program

will assist landowners in obtaining lot line adjustments where appropriate to incorporate remnant parcels

into a larger parcel that is consistent with size requirements under the local government general plan.

The program will operate for a minimum of 5 years after construction of the section is completed.

The Authority and FRA expect that productive farmland will be farmed in some manner, and not left idle 

in perpetuity. However, the Authority and FRA recognize that constructing the Selected Alternative will

have a disruptive effect on farm ownership that will temporarily idle some remainder parcels. The intent 

of this mitigation measure is to take responsibility for the disruptive effects and proactively work to 

restore remainder parcels to productive agricultural use (and not rely on market forces to accomplish the 

same result). This process will be a series of real estate transactions, and the Authority will use the same 

real property transaction processes used by Caltrans; this process features the use of Authority right-ofway agents who generally follow Caltrans procedures. The State of California has a long history of 

managing real estate transactions through Caltrans and other state entities (e.g., Department of General 

Services), which helps promote the success of the Authority’s farmland consolidation program.

12.0 Parks, Recreation, and Open Space 

Design Features

None.

13.0 Aesthetics and Visual Quality Design 

Features

The Authority has adopted design standards and Design Guidelines that are established to create a 

minimum aesthetic quality to a long lasting infrastructure. Many of these elements are articulated in 

Table 3.16-2 in the Final EIS, Section 3.16.5.3, High-Speed Train Alternatives. The Urban Design 
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT APPENDIX A

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Guidelines 29 for the California High-Speed Train Project briefly discusses the principles of contextsensitive solutions to guide the design of stations. This approach is equally applicable to elevated 

guideways and will be employed to mitigate visual impacts through context-sensitive design. Aesthetic 

Guidelines for Non-Station Structures (TM 200-06)30 will also guide design of the HST components. 

These standards and guidelines work to minimize and avoid aesthetic effects on the adjacent 

surroundings where possible.

14.0 Cultural and Paleontological Resources 

Design Features

The California HST Project has considered avoidance and minimization measures consistent with 

commitments in the Program EIR/EIS documents. Under Section 106 there are several regulatory 

requirements that must be followed during construction of any federal- and state-funded project, such as 

halting work in the event of an unanticipated discovery. In addition, mitigation measures have been

developed for treatment of adverse effects on compensate for impacts that cannot be avoided. Cultural 

resources mitigation measures and commitments could occur prior to, during, and following construction. 

Protective measures, such as conducting archaeological training, building stabilization or archaeological 

site capping, and recordation of resources will take place prior to construction; other protective measures 

such as vibration monitoring for built resources or monitoring for archaeological resources during ground 

disturbing activities will occur during construction. Examples of measures that could take place after 

construction include interpretive programs, including displays, and interpretive signage.

The Programmatic Agreement (PA) established the framework for the development and implementation 

of measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects on historic properties caused by the California 

HST System, in compliance with Section 106 and the National Environmental Policy Act. In accordance

with the PA, an Archaeological Treatment Plan (ATP) and a Built Environment Treatment Plan (BETP) 

have been prepared for the Merced to Fresno Section. The ATP and BETP provide detailed descriptions of 

treatment measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects caused by the Selected Alternative on 

historic properties (Section 106) and historical resources (California Environmental Quality Act). The ATP 

focuses on completion of the identification-level survey, the treatment of known buried historic 

properties, archaeological monitoring during construction, and provides guidance for unanticipated 

discoveries. The BETP contains recommended treatments that include, but are not limited to, conditions 

assessments; research and documentation studies; vibration and noise avoidance measures; and 

protection and stabilization measures. The ATP and BETP also outline the provisions of the other 

treatment measures to be implemented for the Selected Alternative, such as responses to unanticipated 

effects, inadvertent damage or interpretation mitigation.

The ATP and BETP were finalized and approved by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) in a 

Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Authority, FRA, and SHPO on August 31, 2012. The MOA 

is tiered from the PA and the Program EIR/EIS documents, and it is an enforceable tool. The MOA was 

developed in consultation with the SHPO and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and includes 

input from signatories, consulting and concurring parties, and other interested members of the public.

15.0 Regional Growth

None.

 29 Authority. 2011. Urban Design Guidelines. Prepared by PB’s Placemaking Group. Sacramento, CA. March 2011

30 Authority. 2011. TM 200.06. Aesthetic Guidelines for Non-Station Structures. Sacramento, CA. November 3, 2011.
APPENDIX D

Corrections to the Final EIS 

(Errata Sheet)

CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT EIR/EIS 

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION California High-Speed Train Merced to Fresno Section Final EErrata Sheet The errata listed below are herewith corrected in the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR)/Environmental Impact Stateassociated technical reports for the Merced to Fresno section of the California High-Speed Train System. The following errors are herewith corrected (note corrected text in underline and strikethrough). 

Table 1 

Errata in Final EIR/EIS, Volume I 

# Reference Incorrect Final EIR/EIS Text Correction to Final EIR/EIS 

Cover Sheet 

1 USACE Address Correction 650 Capitol Mall, Suite 5-200 650 Capitol Mall, Suite 5-200 

1325 J Street

Signature Page 

2 Signature page with signatures 

Executive Summary 

3 All changes in this table, Table 1 – Errata in Final 

EIR/EIS, are herewith deemed reflected in the Executive Summary. 

4 Page S-1 

Third paragraph 

Phase 2 will connect the Central Valley to the state’s capital, Sacramento, and will extend the system from Los Angeles to San Diego. 

Phase 2 will connect the Sacramento with the rest 

of the Central Valley and will extend the system from Los Angeles to San Diego 

5 Page S-27 During the comment period, there were 

895 comment submittals on the Merced 

During the comment period, there were approximately 700 comment submittals on the 
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT EIR/EIS 

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION 

# Reference Incorrect Final EIR/EIS Text Correction to Final EIR/EIS 

Section S.10.1 First and Second Paragraph 

to Fresno Section Draft EIR/EIS.Of the 895 submittals, approximately 107 generally supported and 127 were generally opposed to the project. 

Merced to Fresno Section Draft EIR/EIS.Of the approximately 700 submittals, 

approximately 107 generally supported and 127 were generally opposed to the project.

6 Page S-50 

Table S-5 Impact TR#9, Existing Plus Project 

TR-MM#4, TR-MM#5, TR-MM#6, TR-MM#7, TR-MM#8: These mitigation measures propose to improve intersections and modify stops, traffic lights, and lane movement. 

TR-MM#4, TR-MM#5, TR-MM#6, TR-MM#7, TR-MM#8, TR-MM#9: 

These mitigation measures propose to improve intersections and modify stops, traffic lights, and lane movement. 

7 Page S-62 

Table S-5 Impact Bio#23

Entry under CEQA Level of Significance after Mitigation currently states: “Significant” 

CEQA Level of Significance after Mitigation changed to: “Less than significant” 

8 Page S-68 

Table S-5 Impact Bio#40 

The mitigation measures currently reference PK-MM#2. 

The mitigation measures herewith reference PKMM#24. 

9 Page S-69 

Table S-5 

Impact: Ag#2: Permanent conversion of agricultural land form parcel splits. Significance after mitigation:Significant Mitigation Measure: Ag-MM#2: Consolidate non-economic remnants and create a farmland consolidation program. Significance after mitigation: less 

than Significant

Impact: Ag#2: Permanent conversion of 

agricultural land form parcel splits. Significance after mitigation: Significant Mitigation Measure: Ag-MM#2: Consolidate noneconomic remnants and create a farmland consolidation program. Significance after mitigation: less than Significant 

10 Page S-11 

Section S.7 Last paragraph 

 Emergency response times and access would likely be enhanced from transportation improvements but challenged by dispersed development.

 “Emergency response times and access would 

likely be enhanced from transportation improvements but challenged by dispersed development.”
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT EIR/EIS 

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11 Page S-53 

Table S-5 Bio#3 

Bio MM#16, Bio MM#19 MM#17, Bio-MM#18 : 

12 Page S-54 

Table S-5 Bio#3Bio#4 

Bio-MM#18, Bio-MM#19, BioMM#20, Bio-MM#43, Bio-MM#19, Bio-MM#20, Bio-MM#21, Bio- MM#44, 

13 Page S-54 

Table S-5 Bio#3 

Bio-MM#21 Bio-MM#22 

14 Page S-54 

Table S-5 Bio#6 

Bio-MM#18, Bio-MM#19, BioMM#20, Bio-MM#22, Bio-MM#23, Bio-MM#43, Bio-MM#44: 

Bio-MM#19, Bio-MM#20, Bio-MM#21, BioMM#23, Bio-MM#24, Bio-MM#44, BioMM#45 

15 Page S-55 

Table S-5 Bio#7 

Bio-MM#18, Bio-MM#19, BioMM#20, Bio-MM#23, BioMM#24,Bio-MM#43 Bio-MM#19, Bio-MM#20, Bio-MM#21, Bio- MM#24, Bio-MM#25, Bio-MM#44 

16 Page S-55 

Table S-5 Bio#8 

Bio-MM#43, Bio-MM#44, BioMM#51: Bio-MM#44, Bio-MM#45, Bio-MM#53: 

17 Page S-56 

Table S-5 Bio#9 

Bio-MM#43, Bio-MM#44 Bio-MM#44, Bio-MM#45 

18 Page S-56 

Table S-5 Bio#10 

Bio-MM#28, Bio-MM#30, BioMM#31, Bio-MM#32, Bio-MM#33 Bio-MM#29, Bio-MM#31, Bio-MM#32, Bio- MM#33, Bio-MM#34 
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19 Page S-57 

Table S-5 Bio #11 

Bio-MM#28, Bio-MM#29, BioMM#30 Bio-MM#29, Bio-MM#30, Bio-MM#31: 

20 Page S-57 

Table S-5 Bio#12 

Bio-MM#34, Bio-MM#35 Bio-MM#35, Bio-MM#36 

21 Page S-57 

Table S-5 Bio#13 

Bio-MM#36, Bio-MM#37, BioMM#38 Bio-MM#37, Bio-MM#38, Bio-MM#39 

22 Page S-58 

Table S-5 Bio#14 

Bio-MM#39, Bio-MM#40, BioMM#43, Bio-MM#44 Bio-MM#40, Bio-MM#41, Bio-MM#44, Bio- MM#45 

23 Page S-58 

Table S-5 Bio#15 

Bio-MM#41, Bio-MM#42, BioMM#43, Bio-MM#44 Bio-MM#42, Bio-MM#43, Bio-MM#44, Bio- MM#45 

24 Page S-59 

Table S-5 Bio#16 

Bio-MM#18, Bio-MM#19, BioMM#20, Bio-MM#43, Bio-MM#44 Bio-MM#19, Bio-MM#20, Bio-MM#21, Bio- MM#44, Bio-MM#45 

25 Page S-59 

Table S-5 Bio#17 

Bio-MM#18, Bio-MM#19, BioMM#20, Bio-MM#43, Bio-MM#44 Bio-MM#19, Bio-MM#20, Bio-MM#21, Bio- MM#44, Bio-MM#45: 

26 Page S-60 

Table S-5 Bio#18 

Bio-MM#16, Bio-MM#17, BioMM#18, Bio-MM#19, Bio-MM#20, Bio-MM#43, Bio-MM#44 

Bio-MM#17, Bio-MM#18, Bio-MM#19, BioMM#20, Bio-MM#21, Bio-MM#44, BioMM#45 
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27 Page S-60 

Table S-5 Bio#19 

Bio-MM#43, Bio-MM#44 Bio-MM#44, Bio-MM#45 

28 Page S-61 

Table S-5 Bio#20 

Bio-MM#16, Bio-MM#17, BioMM#18, Bio-MM#19, Bio-MM#20, Bio-MM#43, Bio-MM#44 

Bio-MM#17, Bio-MM#18, Bio-MM#19, BioMM#20, Bio-MM#21, Bio-MM#44, BioMM#45 

29 Page S-61 

Table S-5 Bio#21 

Bio-MM#16, Bio-MM#17, BioMM#18, Bio-MM#19, Bio-MM#20, Bio-MM#43, Bio-MM#44 

Bio-MM#17, Bio-MM#18, Bio-MM#19, BioMM#20, Bio-MM#21, Bio-MM#44, BioMM#45 

30 Page S-62 

Table S-5 Bio#22 

Bio-MM#47, Bio-MM#55, BioMM#56, Bio-MM#57, Bio-MM#58 Bio-MM#49, Bio-MM#57, Bio-MM#58, Bio- MM#59, Bio-MM#60 

31 Page S-62 

Table S-5 Bio#23 

Bio-MM#48, Bio-MM#49, BioMM#55, Bio-MM#56, Bio-MM#57, Bio-MM#58 

Bio-MM#50, Bio-MM#51, Bio-MM#57, BioMM#58, Bio-MM#59, Bio-MM#60 

32 Page S-62 

Table S-5 Bio#24 

Bio-MM#55, Bio-MM#56, BioMM#57, Bio-MM#58 Bio-MM#57, Bio-MM#58, Bio-MM#59, Bio- MM#60 

33 Page S-63 

Table S-5 Bio#25 

Bio-MM#49, Bio-MM#58 Bio-MM#51, Bio-MM#60 

34 Page S-63 

Table S-5 Bio#26 

Bio-MM#50, Bio-MM#55, BioMM#56, Bio-MM#57, Bio-MM#58 Bio-MM#52, Bio-MM#57, Bio-MM#58, Bio- MM#59, Bio-MM#60 
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35 Page S-63 

Table S-5 Bio#27 

Bio-MM#24, Bio-MM#50, BioMM#55, Bio-MM#56, Bio-MM#57, Bio-MM#58: 

Bio-MM#25, Bio-MM#52, Bio-MM#57, BioMM#58, Bio-MM#59, Bio-MM#60: 

36 Page S-64 

Table S-5 Bio#28 

Bio-MM#47, Bio-MM#51, BioMM#55, Bio-MM#56, Bio-MM#57, Bio-MM#58 

Bio-MM#49, Bio-MM#53, Bio-MM#57, BioMM#58, Bio-MM#59, Bio-MM#60 

37 Page S-64 

Table S-5 Bio#29 

Bio-MM#47, Bio-MM#55, BioMM#56, Bio-MM#57, Bio-MM#58 Bio-MM#49, Bio-MM#57, Bio-MM#58, Bio- MM#59, Bio-MM#60 

38 Page S-64 

Table S-5 Bio#30 

Bio-MM#47, Bio-MM#52, BioMM#55, Bio-MM#56, Bio-MM#57, Bio-MM#58 

Bio-MM#49, Bio-MM#54, Bio-MM#57, BioMM#58, Bio-MM#59, Bio-MM#60 

39 Page S-65 

Table S-5 Bio#31 

Bio-MM#53 Bio-MM#55 

40 Page S-65 

Table S-5 Bio#32 

Bio-MM#47, Bio-MM#52, BioMM#53, Bio-MM#55, Bio-MM#56, Bio-MM#57, Bio-MM#58 

Bio-MM#49, Bio-MM#54, Bio-MM#55, BioMM#57, Bio-MM#58, Bio-MM#59, BioMM#60 

41 Page S-65 

Table S-5 Bio#33 

Bio-MM#47, Bio-MM#55, BioMM#56, Bio-MM#57, Bio-MM#58 Bio-MM#49, Bio-MM#57, Bio-MM#58, Bio- MM#59, Bio-MM#60 

42 Page S-66 

Table S-5 Bio#34 

Bio-MM#55, Bio-MM#56, BioMM#57, Bio-MM#58 Bio-MM#57, Bio-MM#58, Bio-MM#59, Bio- MM#60 
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43 Page S-66 

Table S-5 Bio#35 

Bio-MM#54, Bio-MM#55, BioMM#56, Bio-MM#57, Bio-MM#58 Bio-MM#56, Bio-MM#57, Bio-MM#58, Bio- MM#59, Bio-MM#60 

44 Page S-67 

Table S-5 Bio#36 

Bio-MM#47, Bio-MM#49, BioMM#55, Bio-MM#56, Bio-MM#57, Bio-MM#58 

Bio-MM#49, Bio-MM#51, Bio-MM#57, BioMM#58, Bio-MM#59, Bio-MM#60 

45 Page S-67 

Table S-5 Bio#37 

Bio-MM#48, Bio-MM#55, BioMM#56, Bio-MM#57, Bio-MM#58 Bio-MM#49, Bio-MM#57, Bio-MM#58, Bio- MM#59, Bio-MM#60 

46 Page S-67 

Table S-5 Bio#38 

Bio-MM#47, Bio-MM#48, BioMM#55, Bio-MM#56, Bio-MM#57, Bio-MM#58 

Bio-MM#49, Bio-MM#50, Bio-MM#57, BioMM#58, Bio-MM#59, Bio-MM#60 

47 Page S-68 

Table S-5 Bio#41 

Bio-MM#47, Bio-MM#48, BioMM#55, Bio-MM#56, Bio-MM#57 Bio-MM#58 

Bio-MM#49, Bio-MM#50, Bio-MM#57, BioMM#58, Bio-MM#59 Bio-MM#60, 

48 Page S-68 

Table S-5 

Row “Wildlife Movement Corridor” Delete Row Wildlife Movement Corridor 

49 Page S-72 

Table S-5 Hist#2 

Hist-MM#4 Hist-MM#4 

N&V-MM#1 

50 Page S-72 

Table S-5 Hist#3 

PK-MM#4 PK-MM#45 

Chapter 2 

51 Page 2-83 Adding to the table: 
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Table 2-12 

Last rows of table before table notes 

No.: 32

Dist-County-Hwy-PM: 13.09 Merced CountyLocation: SR99, on/off ramp to Childs Road interchangeRequirements: EncroachmentHST Alternative: All No.: 33Dist-County-Hwy-PM: 0.99 Madera CountyLocation: SR99, on/off ramp to Avenue 7 interchangeRequirements: EncroachmentHST Alternative: All 

Section 3.2 Transportation

52 Page 3.2-80 

Text preceding Table 3.2-34 

It can be noted from the table that seven roadway segments (#4, #7, #17, #20, #22, #50, and #54) would either have a further reduction in LOS below D, or the V/C ratio would increase by 0.04 or more. 

 It can be noted from the table that seven roadway segments (#4, #7, #11, #17, #20, #22, #50, and 

#54) would either have a further reduction in LOS below D, or the V/C ratio would increase by 0.04 omore. 

53 Page 3.2-84 

Text preceding Table 3.2-35 

 It can be noted from the table that nine roadway segments (#4, #11, #16, #17, #22, #31, #45, #46, and #50) would either have a further reduction in LOS below D, or the V/C ratio would increase by 0.04 or more. 

It can be noted from the table that nine ten 

roadway segments (#4, #11, #16, #17, #22, #31#45, #46, #48, and #50) would either have a further reduction in LOS below D, or the V/C ratio would increase by 0.04 or more. 

54 Page 3.2-86 No (Note: highlight the row yellow to show impacted 
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Table 3.2-35 

Row No. 48, Impact Column 

location)No Yes 

55 Page 3.2-131 

Section 3.2.7 Mitigation Measures 

First paragraph, last two sentences. In each sentence, delete each parenthetical that begins with: (the mitigation would be based on...) Mitigation would be based on the future plus project analysis scenario; two intersections only impacted under the existing plus project scenario also would be mitigated. 

56 Page 3.2-134 

Table 3.2-53 15- Veterans Blvd/Golden State Blvd Connector row, in Mitigation Measure(s) Column 

TR MM#3: Modify Signal Phasing; TR MM#5: Restripe Intersections. 

TR MM#3: Modify Signal Phasing; TR MM#5: Restripe Intersections; TR MM#7: Widen Approaches to Intersections; 

TR MM#8: Add Exclusive Turn Lanes to Intersections. 

57 Page 3.2-141 

Table 3.2-60 Row for Intersection 80 

TR MM#15: Modify signal timing TR MM#15: Modify signal timing 

TR MM#6: Modify signal timing 

58 59 Page 3.2-160 

Table 3.2-72 Row for Impact TR#9, Existing Plus Project, , Mitigation Measure column 

TR MM#4: Add Signal to Intersection to Improve LOS/Operation; TR MM#5: Restripe Intersections; TR MM#6: Modify Signal Timing; TR MM#7: Widen Approaches to Intersections; TR MM#8: Add Exclusive 

TR MM#4: Add Signal to Intersection to Improve LOS/Operation; TR MM#5: Restripe Intersections; TR MM#6: Modify Signal Timing; TR MM#7: Widen Approaches to Intersections; TR MM#8: Add Exclusive Turn Lanes to 
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Turn Lanes to Intersections Intersections; 

TR MM#9: Convert Two-Way Stop to Four-Way Stop. 

60 Page 3.2-160 

Table 3.2-72 Row for Impact TR#9- HST Station Area Impacts, Future (2035) Plus Project, Impact Column 

Future (2035) plus Project Merced – 20 intersections (Option A), 19 intersections (Option B) Fresno – 32 intersections (Tulare St Underpass Option), 30 intersections (Tulare St Overpass Option) 

Future (2035) plus Project Merced – 20 intersections (Option A), 19 intersections (Option B) Fresno – 32 38 intersections (Tulare St 

Underpass Option), 30,36 intersections (Tulare St Overpass Option) 

Section 3.3 Air Quality and Global Climate Change 

61 Page 3.3-38 

Second paragraph after Table 3.3-7: add reference to 2014 and 2015 in the CEQA Impacts paragraph 

CEQA Impacts: NOx CEQA thresholds 

would be exceeded from 2013 through 2020. VOC CEQA thresholds would be exceeded in 2019. Impacts would be significant for these pollutants in these years, respectively. All other emission rates are predicted to be below the CEQA thresholds for all years of analysis, so impacts would be less than significant. 

CEQA Impacts: NOx CEQA thresholds would be 

exceeded from 2013 through 2020. VOC CEQA thresholds would be exceeded in 2014, 2015, and 

2019. Impacts would be significant for these pollutants in these years, respectively. All other emission rates are predicted to be below the CEQA thresholds for all years of analysis, so impacts would be less than significant. 

62 Page 3.3-47 

Table 3.3-13 

In Row “Changes in VMT emissions”/Column “S02” add negative 

sign to 5.1 In Row “Total”/Column “S02” add 

negative sign to 0.5 

-5.1 -0.5 

63 Page 3.3-75 

Section 3.3-9 Section for AQ-MM#6 

AQ-MM#6: Reduce the Potential Impacts of Toxics 

AQ-MM#6: Reduce the Potential Impacts of Air Toxics 

64 Page 3.3-78 

 Table 3.3.29 Row for Impact AQ#2, 

AQ-MM#5: Purchase offsets for emissions associated with hauling 

AQ-MM#5: Purchase offsets and offsite emissions mitigation associated with hauling ballast materials in BAAQMD and SCAQMD certain air districts 
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Mitigation Measure Column 

ballast material inBAAQMD and SCAQMD. 

65 Page 3.3-75, 

Section 3.3.9 

Construction-phase emissions were estimated with these three mitigation measures and the result is that the mitigated emissions for NOx and VOCs for certain construction years would still be greater than the GC significant impact thresholds. As such, construction phase emissions would be offset as follows:

Replace the first sentence of paragraph between AQ-MM#3 and AQ-MM#4 should read: With AQ-MM#1 and AQ-MM#2, emissions for NOx and VOCs for certain construction years could still be greater than the GC and CEQA significance thresholds. As such, construction phase emissions would be offset as follows: 

66 Page 3.3-75 

Table 3.3-29 

Impact AQ#1 row AQ-MM#3: Reduce the Potential Impact of Concrete Batch Plants. 

Section 3.6 Public Utilities & Energy

67 Page 3.6-34 

First sentence of first paragraph after Table 3.6-13 

The UPRR/SR 99 Alternative would cross approximately 164 to 220 utilities; approximately 44 to 57 of these utilities are high risk.” 

The UPRR/SR 99 Alternative would cross approximately 168 to 224 utilities; approximately 44 to 57 of these utilities are high risk.” 

Section 3.7 Biological Resources 

68 Page 3.7-114 

Section 3.7.6.1 Project Design Options for the San Joaquin River Third paragraph from the 

The number of foundation elements is directly related to the span arrangement necessary to meet the requirements for bridge hydraulics. Since the future crossing would be located upstream of the two existing bridge structures that carry SR 99 and the UPRR, the hydraulic 

Replaced with the following text: 

The number of foundation elements is directly related to the span arrangement necessary to meethe requirements for bridge hydraulics. Since the future crossing would be located upstream of the two existing bridge structures that carry SR 99 and the UPRR, the hydraulic effect of the placement of 
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end of the section. effect of the placement of new piers 

within the river corridor on downstream structures and the geomorphology of the channel will be considered during the design of the final configuration of the structure. The HST crossing would be designed with the planned increase in river flows and would not conflict with the goals of the restoration flows. 

new piers within the river corridor on downstream structures and the geomorphology of the channel will be considered during the design of the final configuration of the structure. The HST crossing would be designed with the planned increase in river flows and would not conflict with the goals of the restoration flows. The San Joaquin River Crossing Plans and Final Design will incorporate a series of checkpoints (please refer to the series of bullets below). The California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) and FRA will coordinate with NMFS, USFWS, CDFG, CVFPB, USACE, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation), and California Department of Water Resources (DWR) to provide additional crosssectional and profile data of the proposed San Joaquin River crossing as further refinement of the planning and design process continues. The checkpoints will include specific product deliverables and data that could then be used to conduct hydraulic modeling to demonstrate how bridge design might influence in-river processes, such as scour. These analyses will address velocityturbidity, and fluvial processes, such as sediment scour and deposition. These checkpoints will be developed in concert with the resource agencies to obligate the Design-Build Team to work with NMFS systematically on the design of the crossing. The anticipated design-build phases are itemized belowThe first four action items are a part of the preliminary design process to be performed by the Design-Build Team, with the final design completion following NMFS concurrence. The checkpoints are presented below: • Establish Design Hydrology (peak design flow 

rate): Collect, review and summarize available hydrology. 
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Consult with CVFPB and USACE.Develop original hydrology, if required. 

• Obtain Existing Conditions Field Data (can start 

concurrent with the first checkpoint): Aerial and field reconnaissance – field plans. Channel cross-section survey and processing. Geotechnical sampling, testing, and data reportThis will include a general evaluation of fill material including potential contaminants. 

• Establish Existing Conditions Hydraulics (HECRAS model): 

Develop HEC-RAS model for each crossing. Calibrate or validate the model. Establish design water surface elevation and freeboard. Consult with CVFPB and USACE. 

• Demonstrate Minimal Hydraulic Impacts from 

Design: 

Incremental flood rise. Freeboard. Setbacks and levee clearance. Environmental Questionnaire. Scour and channel Stability; considerations for 

changes in geomorphology. 

• Final Design incorporating any potential design 

modifications consistent with findings during the preliminary design process. 

The Authority will closely coordinate with the Design-Build Team, NMFS, USFWS, and other appropriate agencies during the final design process. Requirements of the design and placement will continue to include compatibility with the intent of the San Joaquin River 
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Restoration Program and the habitat needs of Central Valley steelhead and Central Valley springrun Chinook salmon. The HST crossing shall be designed with the planned increase in upstream flow releases to maintain or effectively minimize any appreciable changes in scour, sediment transport, and deposition, or changes in geomorphic processes that could alter habitat conditions in a manner that would impede the reestablishment of these species. The Authority, in partnership with the Design-Build Team, will design and conduct a hydraulics/hydrology analysis with appropriate modeling tools and incorporate sitespecific data, including the needed geotechnical investigations to develop design (including sizing and location of piers) and construction techniques that are compatible with habitat conditions that support salmonid utilization of the San Joaquin River within the area impacted by the proposed HST crossing. The Authority will coordinate with NMFS, Reclamation, USACE, DWR, CVFPB, and CDFG on the study design methods, hydraulic and geomorphology criteria, and follow-up post construction monitoring to ensure crossing location biological integrity is maintained for habitat primary constituent elements and the compatibility with the goals of the San Joaquin River Restoration Program for the reintroduction of spring-run Chinook salmon and recovering populations of the DPS of Central Valley steelhead. Depending on the results of the hydraulic and hydrologic analyses, the Authority and the DesignBuild Team may be required to implement design changes to further avoid and minimize adverse affects to aquatic habitat, where appropriate, and/or make other design changes. Design changes would be evaluated and considered in consultation with NMFS, Reclamation, USACE, 
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DWR, CVFPB, and CDFG. Possible design changes that could be evaluated and considered include the following: • Minor reconfiguration of piers and pier 

foundations to minimize hydraulic forces and associated potential for scour; and/or 

• Providing additional armoring along the bed and 

banks to minimize scour. 

The Authority, along with the Design-Build Team, will present a detailed San Joaquin River Crossing Plan to NMFS, Reclamation, USACE, DWR, CVFPB, and CDFG that considers the hydraulic and hydrology analyses and that addresses the issues presented above prior to any site preparation or mobilization of work at the San Joaquin River. If the design revisions or refinements are deemed to be substantial changes from the original project description, NMFS or USFWS may reinitiate Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7 consultation. Design changes or refinements will be further addressed with the appropriate permitting for USACE, DWR, CVFPB, and CDFG.

69 Page 3.7-123 

Section 3.7.6 Mitigation Measures 

Bio-MM#16: Mitigation and Monitoring of Protected Trees 

Bio-MM#16: Mitigation and Monitoring of 

Protected Trees 

70 Page 3.7-125 & 126 Bio-MM#21: Implement and Monitor 

Vernal Pool Protection. If temporary impacts can be avoided, the vernal pool(s) will be protected by erecting exclusion fencing. The Contractor’s Biologist, under the supervision of the Project Biologist, will erect and maintain the exclusion fencing. For temporary impacts on vernal pools and other seasonal wetlands that cannot be avoided, the Contractor’s Biologist will 

The following text has been updated from the EIR/EIS. Bio-MM#21: Implement and Monitor Vernal Pool Protection. If construction impacts can be avoided, vernal pool(s) will be protected by erecting exclusion fencing. The Contractor’s Biologist, under the supervision of the Project Biologist, will erect and maintain the exclusion fencing. For construction impacts on vernal pools and other seasonal wetlands that cannot be avoided the Contractor’s Biologist will apply geotextile fabric 
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apply geotextile fabric and a layer of gravel over the affected vernal pool(s) prior to ground-disturbing activities to protect the contours in cases where the area may be excluded from the permanent construction footprint. The Contractor will implement this measure within temporary impact areas within the construction footprint. Resource agency consultations with the USFWS/USACE will occur as needed and based on permit conditions. If temporary impacts occur over a full wet-dry season cycle and the vernal pool(s) cannot be avoided, the vernal pool(s) will be protected by erecting exclusion fencing by the Contractor’s Biologist. If temporary impacts occur within the dry season (approximately June 1 to October 15) and the vernal pool(s) cannot be fenced, geotextile fabric and rinsed gravel should be placed within and cover the vernal pool(s) to minimize damage to the soils. The Contractor’s Biologist in coordination with the Project Biologist will collect a representative sampling of soils from the vernal pool(s) prior to initiating ground-disturbing activities within vernal pools. The representative soil sample(s) will contain viable plant seeds and vernal pool branchiopod cysts to be preserved from the vernal pool(s). These samples may be incorporated into other vernal pools, as applicable, with USFWS and/or CDFG consultation. If temporary impacts take more than two full wet-dry season cycles, the above-described soil storage 

and a layer of gravel over the affected vernal pool(s) prior to ground-disturbing activities to protect the contours in cases where the pool is not 

direct permanently impacted from the area may be excluded from the permanent construction footprint. The Contractor will implement this measure within temporary impact areas within the construction footprint during areas during one dry season period. Resource agency consultations with the USFWS/USACE will occur as needed to determine impacts per construction schedules and based on permit conditions.· If temporary impacts occur over a full wet-dry season cycle and the vernal pool(s) cannot be avoided, the vernal pool(s) will be protected by erecting exclusion fencing by the Contractor’s Biologist. If temporary impacts occur beyond within the dry season (approximately June 1 to October 15) and the vernal pool(s) cannot be fenced, geotextile fabric and rinsed gravel should be placed within and cover the vernal pool(s) to minimize damage to the soils. the Contractor’s Biologist in coordination with the Project Biologist will collect a representative sampling of soils from the vernal pool(s) prior to initiating ground-disturbing activities within vernal pools as applicable per USFWS and/or CDFG consultation. The representative soil sample(s) will contain viable plant seeds and vernal pool branchiopod cysts to be preserved from the vernal pool(s). These samples may be incorporated into the same pool oother specified vernal pools. as applicable, with USFWS and/or CDFG consultation If construction temporary impacts take more than two one full wet-dry season cycles, the above-described soil storage and/or offsite mitigation will be implemented. 
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and/or offsite mitigation will be implemented. 

71 Page 3.7-139 

Section 3.7.6 Mitigation Measures 

Bio-MM#46: Wildlife Undercrossings (Implementation) 

Bio-MM#46: Wildlife Undercrossings 

(Implementation) 

72 Page 3.7-149 

Section 3.7.6 Mitigation Measures 

Bio-MM#61: Wildlife Corridor Artificial Dens 

Bio-MM#61: Wildlife Corridor Artificial Dens 

73 Page 3.7-149 

Section 3.7.6 Mitigation Measures 

Bio-MM#62: Monitoring and Reporting of Wildlife Corridor Undercrossings 

Bio-MM#62: Monitoring and Reporting of Wildlife 

Corridor Undercrossings 

74 Page 3.7-149 

Section 3.7.6 Mitigation Measures 

Bio-MM#63: Compensate for Impacts on Protected Trees

Bio-MM#63: Compensate for Impacts on 

Protected Trees 

75 Page 3.7-160 

Table 3.7-30 Summary of Significant Biological Resource Impacts and Mitigation Measures 

Impact: Bio#9: Construction of the HST alternatives would disturb specialstatus fish due to potential for turbidity, sediment deposition, and noise exposure. Level of Significance before Mitigation: Significant Mitigation: Bio-MM#3: Prepare and Implement a Worker Environmental Awareness Program; Bio-MM#5: Prepare and Implement a Biological Resources Management Plan; Bio-MM#7: Delineate Environmentally Sensitive Areas and Environmentally Restricted Areas (on plans and in-field); Bio-MM#8: Equipment Staging Areas; Bio-MM#10: Vehicle Traffic; 

Impact: Bio#9: Construction of the HST 

alternatives would disturb special-status fish due to potential for turbidity, sediment deposition, and noise exposure. Level of Significance before Mitigation: Significant Mitigation: Bio-MM#3: Prepare and Implement a Worker Environmental Awareness Program; Bio-MM#5: Prepare and Implement a Biological Resources Management Plan; Bio-MM#7: Delineate Environmentally Sensitive Areas and Environmentally Restricted Areas (on plans and in-field); Bio-MM#8: Equipment Staging Areas; Bio-MM#10: Vehicle Traffic; Bio-MM#12: Work Stoppage; Bio-MM#14: Post-Construction Compliance Reports; 
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Bio-MM#12: Work Stoppage; Bio-MM#14: Post-Construction Compliance Reports; Bio-MM#15: Restore Temporary Riparian Impacts; Bio-MM#44: Restore Temporary Impacts on Jurisdictional Waters; Bio-MM#45: Monitor Construction Activities within Jurisdictional Waters; Level of Significance After Mitigation: Less than Significant

Bio-MM#15: Restore Temporary Riparian 

Impacts; Bio-MM#44: Restore Temporary Impacts on Jurisdictional Waters; Bio-MM#45: Monitor Construction Activities within Jurisdictional Waters; Level of Significance After Mitigation: Less than Significant

76 Page 3.7-165 

Table 3.7-30

Summary of Significant Biological Resource Impacts and Mitigation Measures 

Impact: Bio#19: Construction of the 

HST alternatives would disturb Essential Fish Habitat. Level of Significance before Mitigation: Significant Mitigation:Bio-MM#3: Prepare and Implement a Worker Environmental Awareness Program; Bio-MM#5: Prepare and Implement a Biological Resources Management Plan; Bio-MM#6: Prepare and Implement a Restoration and Revegetation Plan; Bio-MM#7: Delineate Environmentally Sensitive Areas and Environmentally Restricted Areas (on plans and in-field); Bio-MM#8: Equipment Staging Areas; Bio-MM#10: Vehicle Traffic; Bio-MM#14: Post-Construction Compliance Reports; Bio-MM#15: Restore Temporary Riparian Impacts; Bio-MM#44: Restore Temporary 

Impact: Bio#19: Construction of the HST 

alternatives would disturb Essential Fish Habitat. Level of Significance before Mitigation: Significant Mitigation:Bio-MM#3: Prepare and Implement a Worker Environmental Awareness Program; Bio-MM#5: Prepare and Implement a Biological Resources Management Plan; Bio-MM#6: Prepare and Implement a Restoration and Revegetation Plan; Bio-MM#7: Delineate Environmentally Sensitive Areas and Environmentally Restricted Areas (on plans and in-field); Bio-MM#8: Equipment Staging Areas; Bio-MM#10: Vehicle Traffic; Bio-MM#14: Post-Construction Compliance Reports; Bio-MM#15: Restore Temporary Riparian Impacts; Bio-MM#44: Restore Temporary Impacts on Jurisdictional Waters; Bio-MM#45: Monitor Construction Activities 
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Impacts on Jurisdictional Waters;Bio-MM#45: Monitor Construction Activities within Jurisdictional Waters Level of Significance After Mitigation: Less than Significant

within Jurisdictional Waters 

Level of Significance After Mitigation: Less than Significant

77 Page 3.7-169 

Table 3.7-30

Summary of Significant Biological Resource Impacts and Mitigation Measures 

Impact: Bio#29: Project period impacts 

from the HST alternatives would permanently convert suitable habitat that has the potential to support specialstatus fish. Level of Significance before Mitigation: Significant Mitigation Measures: Bio-MM#4: Prepare and Implement a Weed Control Plan; Bio-MM#14: Post-Construction Compliance Reports; Bio-MM#49: Compensate for Permanent Riparian Impacts; Bio-MM#57: Conduct Delineation of Jurisdictional Waters and State Streambeds; Bio-MM#58: Prepare and Implement a Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Plan; Bio-MM#59: Compensate for Permanent Impacts on Jurisdictional Waters; Bio-MM#60: Off-Site Habitat Restoration, Enhancement and Preservation. Level of Significance After Mitigation: Less than Significant

Impact: Bio#29: Project period impacts from the 

HST alternatives would permanently convert suitable habitat that has the potential to support special-status fish. Level of Significance before Mitigation: Significant Mitigation Measures: Bio-MM#4: Prepare and Implement a Weed Control Plan; Bio-MM#14: Post-Construction Compliance Reports; Bio-MM#49: Compensate for Permanent Riparian Impacts; Bio-MM#57: Conduct Delineation of JurisdictionaWaters and State Streambeds; Bio-MM#58: Prepare and Implement a Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Plan; Bio-MM#59: Compensate for Permanent Impacts on Jurisdictional Waters; Bio-MM#60: Off-Site Habitat Restoration, Enhancement and Preservation. Level of Significance After Mitigation: Less than Significant

78 Page 3.7-172 

Table 3.7-30

Impact: Bio#39: Project period impacts from the HST alternatives would require construction in Essential Fish Habitat. 

Impact: Bio#39: Project period impacts from the 

HST alternatives would require construction in Essential Fish Habitat. 
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Summary of Significant Biological Resource Impacts and Mitigation Measures 

Level of Significance before Mitigation: Significant Mitigation Measures: Construction period mitigation measures address impacts associated with EFH. There would be no impacts related to project period impacts. Bio-MM#14: Post-Construction Compliance Reports. Level of Significance After Mitigation: Less than Significant

Level of Significance before Mitigation: 

Significant Mitigation Measures: Construction period mitigation measures address impacts associated with EFH. There would be no impacts related to project period impacts. Bio-MM#14: Post-Construction Compliance Reports. Level of Significance After Mitigation: Less than Significant

Section 3.10 Hazardous Materials and Wastes

79 Page 3.10-28 

Section 3.10.6 Project Design Features Second to last paragraph in section. 

 “To the extent feasible, the Authority is committed to identifying, avoiding, and minimizing hazardous substances in the material selection process for construction, operation, and maintenance of the HST System. Moreover, the Authority will evaluate the full inventory of hazardous materials employed on an annual basis and replace hazardous substances with nonhazardous materials to the extent possible. These standards and material specifications would aid in promoting safety for passengers and employees.”

“To the extent feasible, the Authority is committed to identifying, avoiding, and minimizing hazardous substances in the material selection process for construction, operation, and maintenance of the HST System. Moreover, using an Environmental 

Management System, the Authority will evaluate the full inventory of hazardous materials employed on an annual basis and replace hazardous substances with nonhazardous materials to the extent possible. These standards and material specifications would aid in promoting safety for passengers and employees.”

Section 3.12 Socioeconomic, Communities and Environmental Justice 

80 Page 3.12-44 

Section 3.12.5 Project Impacts Last sentence of first paragraph after table 3.12-11 

 “Without mitigation the acquisition of the homeless shelter and any impacts on the Children’s Wraparound Program would have substantial intensity under NEPA and would be significant under CEQA.”

“Without mitigation the acquisition of the homeless shelter would have substantial intensity under NEPA and would be significant under CEQA and any impacts on the Children’s Wraparound Program are minimized through design modifications and the impacts would have substantial intensity under NEPA and would be 

significant moderate intensity under NEPA and less 
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than significant under CEQA.”

81 Page 3.12-65 

Section 3.12.5 Project Impacts, Environmental Justice Effects Conclusion subsection Fifth sentence of last paragraph of page: 

The Authority and FRA, along with EPA, U.S. Housing and Urban Development, and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), have also entered into a Interagency Partnership and established a “Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Achieving an Environmentally Sustainable High-Speed Train System in California,” which includes a common goal of integrating HST station access and amenities into the fabric of surrounding neighborhoods (Authority and FRA 2011b).

The Authority and FRA, along with EPA, U.S. Housing and Urban Development, and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), have also entered into a Interagency Partnership and established a “Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Achieving an Environmentally Sustainable HighSpeed Train System in California,” (see Appendix 

3.12-D) which includes a common goal of integrating HST station access and amenities into the fabric of surrounding neighborhoods (Authority and FRA 2011b). 

82 Page 3.12-67 

Section 3.12.6 Design Features 

Section 3.12.6 Design Features The Authority will require that the design- build contractor will develop and implement a 

construction management plan, for approval by the Authority, to address communications, community impacts, visual protection, air quality, safety controls, noise controls, and traffic controls to minimize impacts on property owners and businesses, including low-income households and minority populations, and to maintain access to local businesses, residences, and emergency services. Communications to the public will be consistent with the ongoing outreach efforts and providing in other languages, as requiredincluding Spanish, Lao, and Hmong. The plan will maintain access to local businesses during construction and use signs to instruct customers regarding access to businesses during construction. In addition, the plan will include efforts to coordinate with local transit providers to minimize impacts on local and regional bus routes in affected communities. 
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Construction management plans are standard for large infrastructure projects such as this one and are considered effective in minimizing community impacts. In order to facilitate relocation processes, before acquisitions occur, the Authority will develop a relocation mitigation plan, in consultation with affected cities and counties. In addition to establishing a program to minimize the economic disruption related to relocation, the relocation mitigation plan will be written in a style that also enables it to be used as a public information document. The plan will be intended to meet the following objectives:  Provide affected property and business 

owners and tenants a high level of individualized assistance in situations when relocation is necessary. 

 Make a best effort to minimize the 

permanent closure of displaced businesses and non-profit agencies as a result of relocations. 

 Within the limits established by law and 

regulation, minimize the economic disruption caused to tenants and residents by relocation. 

 In individual situations where warranted, 

consider the cost of obtaining the entitlement permits necessary to relocate to a suitable location and take those costs 
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into account when establishing the fair market value of the property. 

 Provide those business owners who 

require complex permitting (such as dairies) with regulatory compliance assistance. 

The relocation mitigation plan will include the following components:  A description of the appraisal, acquisition, 

and relocation process that describes the activities of the appraisal and relocation specialists, for the benefit of the reader. 

 A means of assigning appraisal and 

relocation staff to affected property owners, tenants, or other residents on an individual basis. 

 Individualized assistance to affected 

property owners, tenants, or other residents in applying for funding, including research to summarize loans, grants, and federal aid available, and research of demographically similar areas for relocation. 

 Creation of an ombudsman’s position to 

act as a single point of contact for property owners, residents, and tenants with questions about the relocation process. The ombudsman would also act to address property owners’, tenants’, and other residents’ concerns about the 
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relocation process as it applies to their situations. 

Relocation mitigation plans are commonly used for large infrastructure projects that remove a large number of residences and businesses, such as this project, and are considered successful in minimizing the impact to individual property owners. 

83 Page 3.12-67 

Section 3.12.7 Construction Period Mitigation Measures 

SO-MM#1: Develop and implement a construction management plan. The designbuild contractor will develop and implement a construction management plan, for approval by the Authority, to address communications, community impacts, visual protection, air quality, safety controls, noise controls, and traffic controls to minimize impacts on property owners and businesses, including low-income households and minority populations, and to maintain access to local businesses, residences, and emergency services. Communications to the public will be consistent with the ongoing outreach efforts and providing in other languages, as required, including Spanish, Lao, and Hmong. The plan will maintain access to local businesses during construction and use signs to instruct customers regarding access to businesses during construction. In addition, the 

SO-MM#1: Develop and implement a 

construction management plan. The design-build contractor will develop and implement a construction management plan, for approval by the Authority, to address communications, community impacts, visual protection, air quality, safety controls, noise controls, and traffic controls to minimize impacts on property owners and businesses, including low-income households and minority populations, and to maintain access to local businesses, residences, and emergency services. Communications to the public will be consistent with the ongoing outreach efforts and providing in other languages, as requiredincluding Spanish, Lao, and Hmong. The plan will maintain access to local businesses during construction and use signs to instruct customers regarding access to businesses during construction. In addition, the plan will include efforts to coordinate with local transit providers to minimize impacts on local and regional bus routes in affected communities. Construction management plans are standard for large infrastructure projects such as this one and are considered effective in 
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plan will include efforts to coordinate with local transit providers to minimize impacts on local and regional bus routes in affected communities. Construction management plans are standard for large infrastructure projects such as this one and are considered effective in minimizing community impacts. SO-MM#2: Develop a relocation mitigation plan. Before any acquisitions occur, the Authority will develop a relocation mitigation plan, in consultation with affected cities and counties. In addition to establishing a program to minimize the economic disruption related to relocation, the relocation mitigation plan will be written in a style that also enables it to be used as a public information document. The plan will be intended to meet the following objectives:  Provide affected property and 

business owners and tenants a high level of individualized assistance in situations when relocation is necessary. 

 Make a best effort to minimize 

the permanent closure of displaced businesses and nonprofit agencies as a result of 

minimizin

g community impacts. 

SO-MM#2: Develop a relocation mitigation plan. Before any acquisitions occur, the Authority will develop a relocation mitigation plan, in consultation with affected cities and counties. In addition to establishing a program to minimize the economic disruption related to relocation, the relocation mitigation plan will be written in a style that also enables it to be used as a public information document. The plan will be intended to meet the following objectives:  Provide affected property and business 

owners and tenants a high level of individualized assistance in situations when relocation is necessary. 

 Make a best effort to minimize the 

permanent closure of displaced businesses and non-profit agencies as a result of relocations. 

 Within the limits established by law and 

regulation, minimize the economic disruption caused to tenants and residents by relocation. 

 In individual situations where warranted, 

consider the cost of obtaining the entitlement permits necessary to relocate to a suitable location and take those costs into account when establishing the fair market value of the property. 
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relocations. 

 Within the limits established by 

law and regulation, minimize the economic disruption caused to tenants and residents by relocation. 

 In individual situations where 

warranted, consider the cost of obtaining the entitlement permits necessary to relocate to a suitable location and take those costs into account when establishing the fair market value of the property. 

 Provide those business owners 

who require complex permitting (such as dairies) with regulatory compliance assistance. 

The relocation mitigation plan will include the following components:  A description of the appraisal, 

acquisition, and relocation process that describes the activities of the appraisal and relocation specialists, for the benefit of the reader. 

 A means of assigning appraisal 

and relocation staff to affected property owners, tenants, or other residents on an individual 

 Provide those business owners who 

require complex permitting (such as dairies) with regulatory compliance assistance. 

The relocation mitigation plan will include the following components:  A description of the appraisal, acquisition, 

and relocation process that describes the activities of the appraisal and relocation specialists, for the benefit of the reader. 

 A means of assigning appraisal and 

relocation staff to affected property owners, tenants, or other residents on an individual basis. 

 Individualized assistance to affected 

property owners, tenants, or other residents in applying for funding, including research to summarize loans, grants, and federal aid available, and research of demographically similar areas for relocation. 

 Creation of an ombudsman’s position to 

act as a single point of contact for property owners, residents, and tenants with questions about the relocation process. The ombudsman would also act to address property owners’, tenants’, and other residents’ concerns about the relocation process as it applies to their situations. 

Relocation mitigation plans are commonly used for 
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basis. 

 Individualized assistance to 

affected property owners, tenants, or other residents in applying for funding, including research to summarize loans, grants, and federal aid available, and research of demographically similar areas for relocation. 

 Creation of an ombudsman’s 

position to act as a single point of contact for property owners, residents, and tenants with questions about the relocation process. The ombudsman would also act to address property owners’, tenants’, and other residents’ concerns about the relocation process as it applies to their situations. 

Relocation mitigation plans are commonly used for large infrastructure projects that remove a large number of residences and businesses, such as this project, and are considered successful in minimizing the impact to individual property owners. 

large infrastructure projects that remove a large number of residences and businesses, such as this project, and are considered successful in minimizing the impact to individual property owners. 

Section 3.14 Agricultural Lands 

84 Page 3.14-20 

3.14.7 Mitigation 

Ag-MM # 2: Consolidate Remnant Farmlands. The Authority will establish and administer a farmland consolidation 

Ag-MM # 2: Consolidate Remnant 

Farmlands. The Authority will establish and administer a farmland consolidation program to sel
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Measures program to sell remnant parcels to 

neighboring landowners for consolidation with adjacent farmland properties. In addition, the program will assist the owners of remnant parcels in selling those remnants to adjacent landowners, upon request. The goal of the program is to provide for continued agricultural use on the maximum feasible amount of remnant parcels that otherwise may not uneconomical to farm. The program will focus on severed remainder parcels, including those that were under Williamson Act or Farmland Security Act contract at the time of right-of-way acquisition and have become too small to remain in the local Williamson Act or Farmland Security Act program. The program will assist landowners in obtaining lot line adjustments where appropriate to incorporate remnant parcels into a larger parcel that is consistent with size requirements under the local government general plan. The program will operate for a minimum of 5 years after construction of the section is completed. The Authority and FRA expect that productive farmland would be farmed in some manner, and not left idle in perpetuity. However, the Authority and FRA recognize that constructing the Merced to Fresno section of the HST Project would have a disruptive effect on farm ownership that would temporarily idle some remainder parcels. The intent of this mitigation measure is to take responsibility for the disruptive effects and proactively work to restore 

remnant parcels to neighboring landowners for 

consolidation with adjacent farmland properties. In addition, the program will assist the owners of remnant parcels in selling those remnants to adjacent landowners, upon request. The goal of the program is to provide for continued agriculturause on the maximum feasible amount of remnant parcels that otherwise may not uneconomical to farm. The program will focus on severed remaindeparcels, including those that were under Williamson Act or Farmland Security Act contract athe time of right-of-way acquisition and have become too small to remain in the local Williamson Act or Farmland Security Act program. The program will assist landowners in obtaining lot line adjustments where appropriate to incorporate remnant parcels into a larger parcel that is consistent with size requirements under the local government general plan. The program will operate for a minimum of 5 years after construction of the section is completed. The Authority and FRA expect that productive farmland would be farmed in some manner, and not left idle in perpetuity. However, the Authority and FRA recognize that constructing the Merced to Fresno section of the HST Project would have a disruptive effect on farm ownership that would temporarily idle some remainder parcels. The intent of this mitigation measure is to take responsibility for the disruptive effects and proactively work to restore remainder parcels to productive agricultural use (and not rely on market forces to accomplish the same result). This process would be a series of real estate transactions, and the Authority would be using the same real property transaction processes used by Caltrans; this process features the use of Authority right-ofway agents who generally follow Caltrans procedures. The State of California has a long 
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remainder parcels to productive agricultural use (and not rely on market forces to accomplish the same result). This process would be a series of real estate transactions, and the Authority would be using the same real property transaction processes used by Caltrans; this process features the use of Authority right-of-way agents who generally follow Caltrans procedures. The State of California has a long history of managing real estate transactions through Caltrans and other state entities (e.g., Department of General Services), which helps promote the success of the Authority’s farmland consolidation program. 

history of managing real estate transactions 

through Caltrans and other state entities (e.g., Department of General Services), which helps promote the success of the Authority’s farmland consolidation program. 

85 Page 3.14-40 

3.14.6 Project Design Features 

The Authority and FRA expect that severance 

parcels of productive farmland would be farmed in some manner, and not left idle in perpetuity. The Authority and FRA would take responsibility for restoring remainder parcels to productive agricultural use (and not rely on market forces to accomplish the same result). This process would be a series of real estate transactions, and the Authority would be using the same real property transaction processes used by Caltrans; this process features the use of Authority right-of-way agents who generally follow Caltrans procedures. The State of California has a long history of managing real estate transactions through Caltrans and other state entities (e.g., Department of General Services), which helps promote the success of the Authority’s farmland consolidation program. 
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Section 3.14.9 CEQA Significance Conclusions, Table 3.14-16 Ag#2: Permanent Conversion of Agricultural Land from Parcel Splits 

The UPRR/SR 99 Alternative would sever 52 large farm parcels along the Ave 24 Wye with the East Chowchilla design option, 34 large farm parcels along the Ave 24 Wye with the West Chowchilla design option, and 32 large farm parcels along the Ave 21 Wye. The BNSF Alternative would sever from 80 to 120 large farm parcels with the Mission Ave design options and from 90 to 124 large farm parcels with the Mariposa Way design options. The Hybrid Alternative would sever approximately 80 large farm parcels. 

The UPRR/SR 99 Alternative would sever 52 large 

farm parcels along the Ave 24 Wye with the East Chowchilla design option, 34 large farm parcels along the Ave 24 Wye with the West Chowchilla design option, and 32 large farm parcels along the Ave 21 Wye. The BNSF Alternative would sever from 80 to 120 large farm parcels with the Mission Ave design options and from 90 to 124 large farm parcels with the Mariposa Way design options. The Hybrid Alternative would sever approximately 80 large farm parcels. 

86 Page 3.14-41 - 42 

Section 3.14.8 NEPA Impacts Summary, 4th

bullet 

Mitigation measures AG-MM#1 and AGMM#2 will ensure that land is preserved for agriculture and that remnant parcels are consolidated so that they remain in agricultural production. Mitigation Measures Ag-MM#1 and Ag-MM#2 will not replace the farmlands in an area of highly production agricultural soils that are threatened by development encroachment; therefore, would be considered a significant impact under NEPA. 

Mitigation measures AG-MM#1 and AG-MM#2 will 

ensure that land is preserved for agriculture and that remnant parcels are consolidated so that they remain in agricultural production. Mitigation Measures Ag-MM#1 and Ag-MM#2 will not replace the farmlands in an area of highly production agricultural soils that are threatened by development encroachment; therefore, would be considered a significant impact under NEPA. 

Section 3.15 Parks, Recreation, and Open Space

87 Page 3.15-47 

Section 3.15.7 Mitigation Measures PK-MM#4 at top of page 

 “... CDFG agreed to a Resolution of Necessity on March 2, 2012, to accommodate the HST Project under Title 14 (Gibson 2012).”

“... CDFG agreed to a Resolution of Necessity on 

March 2, 2012, to accommodate the HST Project under Title 14 (Gibson 2012).”“...The Authority would prepare and issue a Resolution of Necessity and submit it to the Public Works Boards as part of the right-of-way acquisition process.” 
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Section 3.16 Aesthetics and Visual Resources 

88 Page 3.16-29 

Section 3.16.5.3, Construction Period Impacts, Common Aesthetics and Visual Quality Impacts, Visual Impacts on Adjacent Land Uses subsection, second paragraph. 

 “Construction activities would cease after completion; therefore, impacts from these activities are considered temporary and therefore would have negligible intensity under NEPA and would be less than significant under CEQA.” 

 “Construction activities would cease after completion; therefore, impacts from these activities are considered temporary and therefore would have negligible intensity under NEPA and would be less than significant under CEQA.” “Under all alternatives construction activities would cause visual impacts in urban areas, therefore they would have a moderate intensity under NEPA and would be significant under CEQA.”

Section 3.17 Cultural and Paleontological Resources 

89 Page 3.17-84 

Section 3.17.6.1 Arch-MM#3 subsection, first paragraph 

If project engineering concludes that avoidance is not feasible, a process to determine whether the site can be preserved through intentional site burial will be considered. When complete avoidance is not possible, preservation in-place is the preferred form of mitigation for an “historical resource of an archaeological nature” because it retains the relationships between artifact and context, and may avoid conflicts with groups associated with the site, pursuant to PRC 15126.4(b)(3)(A). The process, presented in overview below, is specified in detail in the ATP, which is being developed in coordination with all of the project’s consulting parties (noted above).

If project engineering concludes that avoidance is not feasible, a process to determine whether the site can be preserved through intentional site buriawill be considered. When complete avoidance is not possible, preservation in-place is the preferred form of mitigation for an “historical resource of an archaeological nature” because it retains the relationships between artifact and context, and may avoid conflicts with groups associated with the site, pursuant to PRC CEQA Guidelines 

15126.4(b)(3)(A). The process, presented in overview below, is specified in detail in the ATP, which is being developed in coordination with all of the project’s consulting parties (noted above). 

90 Page 3.17-93 

Table 3.17-11 Row for Impact Hist#3 

PK-MM#4: Address Noise at Roeding Park with City of Fresno Hist-MM#4: Minimize Adverse Noise Effects

PK-MM#4 5: Address Noise at Roeding Park with 

City of Fresno Hist-MM#4: Minimize Adverse Noise Effects
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Table 3.17-11 Row for Impact Hist#2 

Hist-MM#4: Minimize Adverse Noise Effects;

Hist-MM#4: Minimize Adverse Noise Effects

N&V-MM#1: Construction Noise Mitigation Measures 

92 Page 3.17-93 

Table 3.17-11 Row for Impact Hist#2, first column 

Hist#2: Effects on Historically Significant Built-Environment Resources during Construction UPRR/SR 99 alternative would cause substantial adverse change to Roeding Park. 

Hist#2: Effects on Historically Significant Built-Environment Resources during Construction UPRR/SR 99, BNSF, and Hybrid alternatives would 

cause substantial adverse change to Roeding Park. 

93 Page 3.17.92 

Table 3.17-11 Row for Impact Hist#1, Mitigation Measures column 

Hist-MM#4: Minimize Adverse Noise Effects; 

Hist-MM#4: Minimize Adverse Noise Effects; 

94 Page 3.17.93 

Table 3.17-11 Row for Impact Hist#1, first column, last line of row 

 “moto’s Department Store” “- Komoto’s Department Store and Hotel” 

Section 3.19 Cumulative Impacts 

95 Page 3.19-8 

Section 3.19.3.2 Air Quality and Global Climate Change, page 3.19.8 

Construction emission impacts would be temporary, and would not contribute to air quality degradation and impede the region’s ability to attain air quality standards. GHG emissions associated with project construction would be offset by the emission reduction during HST operation. 

Construction emission impacts would be temporary, and would not contribute to air and as mitigated/offset would not contribute to air quality degradation and impede the region's ability to attain air quality standards. 
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Chapter 7 Preferred Alternative

96 Page 7.2 

Section 7.2 First Paragraph 

During the comment period, there were 895 comment submittals on the Merced to Fresno Section Draft EIR/EIS. 

During the comment period, there were 895 

approximately 700 comment submittals on the Merced to Fresno Section Draft EIR/EIS. 

97 Page 7.2 

Section 7.2 Second Paragraph 

Of the 895 submittals, approximately 107 generally supported and 127 were generally opposed to the project. 

Of the approximately 895 700 submittals, 

approximately 107 generally supported and 127 were generally opposed to the project. 

Chapter 8 Public and Agency Involvement 

98 Page 8-9 

Section 8.6.2 Second Paragraph 

During the comment period, there were 895 comment submittals on the Merced to Fresno Section Draft EIR/EIS. 

During the comment period, there were approximately 700 comment submittals on the 

Merced to Fresno Section Draft EIR/EIS. 
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Table 2 

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Appendix 3.14-B 99 Page 3.14-B5 AJ Dairy Description of impacts to confined animal 

agriculture identifies the dairy at 23468 Road 12 as the AJ Dairy.

All references to this dairy will now use the name Fugendes Dairy. All references to the AJ Dairy are herewith deleted and replaced with Fagundes Dairy.

100 Page 3.14-B7 Valley Calf contains both feedlot and poultry operations.3The facility, located at 10654 Avenue 

24, would be affected by all alternatives using the Ave 24 Wye. The alignment would require acquisition of the northern portion of the property, approximately 220 feet into the property from Avenue 24. This would require the acquisition of the entire poultry operation Footnote 3: In the EIR/EIS and in the original version of this memorandum, the poultry operation was not shown. It appears to have been recently installed. 

The following text has been removed or changed: Valley Calf contains both feedlot and poultry 

operations.3 The Valley Calf facility, located at 10654 Avenue24, would be affected by all alternatives using the Ave 24 Wye. The alignment would require acquisition of the northern portion of the property, approximately 220 feet into the property from Avenue 24. This would require the acquisition of the entire poultry operation portion of the property that fronts Ave 24. Footnote 3: In the EIR/EIS and in the original version of this memorandum, the poultry operation was not shown. It appears to have been recently installed 

101 Page 3.14-B7 The HST alignment itself would require acquisition of the northern portion of the property, which in 

turn would require acquisition of the entire poultry operation. 

The following text has been removed: The HST alignment itself would require acquisition of the northern portion of the property., which in turn would require acquisition 

of the entire poultry operation. 

102 Page 3.14-B17 AJ Dairy Description of impacts to confined animal 

agriculture identifies the dairy at 23468 Road 12 as the AJ Dairy.

Description of impacts to confined animal agriculture identifies the dairy at 23468 Road 12 as the AJ Dairy. All references to this dairy will now use the name Fagundes Dairy. All 

references to the AJ Dairy will be removed.
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT EIR/EIS 

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# Reference Incorrect Volume II Text Correction to Volume II Text 

Appendix 5-B, Operating Cost Memorandum 

103 Page 5-B-2 The cost per route mile to maintain the 

infrastructure is estimated at $200,000, based on U.S. labor costs. 

The cost per route mile to maintain the infrastructure is estimated at $206,000 based on 

U.S. labor costs. 

Table 3 

Errata in Response to Comments, Volume IV 

# Reference Incorect Volume IV Text Correction to Volume IV Text 

Chapter 16. Standard Responses 

104 Chapter 16, 

Standard Responses MF-ResponseGENERAL-14 

The Authority is committed to working with agricultural property owners to resolve or mitigate, if possible, acquisitions that result in the division of farmlands. Mitigation measures include creation of a farmland consolidation program to sell these uneconomic remnant parcels to neighboring landowners (see Mitigation Measure AG-MM#2 in Section 3.14.6 of the EIR/EIS) and creation of overcrossings or undercrossings at reasonable intervals to preserve access across the HST rightof-way (see Mitigation Measure S0-MM#8 in Section 3.12.7 of the EIR/EIS).

The Authority is committed to working with agricultural property owners to resolve or mitigate, if possible, acquisitions that result in the division of farmlands. The Authority has therefore incorporated a farmland consolidation program into the project and will work to ensure that remnant parcels can remain in productive agricultural use. In addition, the Authority will create overcrossings or undercrossings at reasonable intervals to preserve access across the HST right-of-way (see Mitigation Measure S0-MM#8 in Section 3.12.7 of the EIR/EIS).

105 Chapter 16, 

Standard Responses MF-ResponseLAND USE-2 

The project’s impacts on agricultural lands as a result of conversion and parcel severance would be significant (see Section 3.14.5). Mitigation measures Ag-MM#1 (preserve farmland), AgMM#2 (consolidating remnant parcels), and SOMM#8 (providing access to farmland) will reduce these impacts, but not below the level of significance.

The project’s impacts on agricultural lands as a result of conversion to non-agricultural use and parcel severance would be significant (see Section 3.14.5). Design features and mitigation measure Ag MM# 1 and Ag-MM#1 (preserve farmland), Ag-MM#2 (consolidating remnant parcels), and SO-MM#8 (providing access to farmland) will reduce these impacts, but not below the level of significance.
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT EIR/EIS 

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# Reference Incorect Volume IV Text Correction to Volume IV Text 

106 Chapter 16, 

Standard Responses MF-ResponseAGRICULTURE3 

The EIR/EIS discusses a subset of severed parcels called unusable remainders or non-economic 

remainders. These parcels were included in the 

project acquisition area, and their acreage counted as part of the direct impact area (the construction 

footprint). The rationale is that there would be no 

apparent use of these remainders, and so they should be acquired by the Authority even though they would not be needed for any project use (HST alignments, road modifications, etc.). It is possible that these remainders may have some use during construction (e.g., material storage), and would be available for use by the construction contractors. After construction, it is possible that these remainders could be consolidated with other nearby parcels – that is the intent of Ag-MM#2. The proposed consolidation measure is a realistic commitment for mitigating severance impacts, and is consistent with programs used for other linear transportation facilities (e.g., Caltrans projects).

The EIR/EIS discusses a subset of severed parcels called unusable remainders or noneconomic remainders. These parcels were 

included in the project acquisition area, and their acreage counted as part of the direct impact area (the construction footprint). The rationale 

is that there would be no apparent use of these remainders, and so they should be acquired by the Authority even though they would not be needed for any project use (HST alignments, road modifications, etc.). It is possible that these remainders may have some use during construction (e.g., material storage), and would be available for use by the construction contractors. After construction, it is possible that these remainders could be consolidated with other nearby parcels – that is the intent of AgMM#2 see Section 3.14.6, Project Design 

Features. The farmland consolidation program will contribute to ensuring that the maximum amount of agricultural land is available for and continued in agricultural use. The program is a realistic commitment for ensuring continuing agricultural use on remainder parcels and is consistent with programs used for other linear transportation facilities (e.g., Caltrans projects).

107 Chapter 16, 

Standard Responses MF-ResponseGENERAL-14 

The Authority is committed to working with agricultural property owners to resolve or mitigate, if possible, acquisitions that result in the division of farmlands. Mitigation measures include creation of a farmland consolidation program to sell these uneconomic remnant parcels to neighboring landowners (see Mitigation Measure AG-MM#2 in Section 3.14.6 of the EIR/EIS) and creation of overcrossings or undercrossings at reasonable intervals to preserve access across the HST rightThe Authority is committed to working with agricultural property owners to resolve or mitigate, if possible, acquisitions that result in the division of farmlands. . The Authority has therefore incorporated a farmland consolidation program into the project and will work to ensure that remnant parcels can remain in productive agricultural use. (In addition, the Authority will create overcrossings or undercrossings at reasonable intervals to preserve access across 
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT EIR/EIS 

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION 

# Reference Incorect Volume IV Text Correction to Volume IV Text 

of-way (see Mitigation Measure S0-MM#8 in Section 3.12.7 of the EIR/EIS).

the HST right-of-way (see Mitigation Measure S0-MM#8 in Section 3.12.7 of the EIR/EIS).

108 Chapter 16, 

Standard Responses MFResponseLAND USE-2 

The project’s impacts on agricultural lands as a result of conversion and parcel severance would be significant (see Section 3.14.5). Mitigation measures Ag-MM#1 (preserve farmland), AgMM#2 (consolidating remnant parcels), and SOMM#8 (providing access to farmland) will reduce these impacts, but not below the level of significance.

The project’s impacts on agricultural lands as a result of agricultural land conversion to non agricultural use and parcel severance would be significant (see Section 3.14.5). Design Features and the mitigation measures Ag MM#1 AgMM#1 (preserve farmland), Ag-MM#2 (consolidating remnant parcels), and SO-MM#8 (providing access to farmland) will reduce these impacts, but not below the level of significance.

109 Chapter 16, 

Standard Responses MFResponseAGRICULTURE3 

The EIR/EIS discusses a subset of severed parcels called unusable remainders or non-economic 

remainders. These parcels were included in the 

project acquisition area, and their acreage counted as part of the direct impact area (the construction 

footprint). The rationale is that there would be no 

apparent use of these remainders, and so they should be acquired by the Authority even though they would not be needed for any project use (HST alignments, road modifications, etc.). It is possible that these remainders may have some use during construction (e.g., material storage), and would be available for use by the construction contractors. After construction, it is possible that these remainders could be consolidated with other nearby parcels – that is the intent of Ag-MM#2 see Section 3.14.6, Project Design Features. The proposed consolidation measure is a realistic commitment for mitigating severance impacts, and is consistent with programs used for other linear transportation facilities (e.g., Caltrans projects).

The EIR/EIS discusses a subset of severed parcels called unusable remainders or noneconomic remainders. These parcels were 

included in the project acquisition area, and their acreage counted as part of the direct impact area (the construction footprint). The rationale 

is that there would be no apparent use of these remainders, and so they should be acquired by the Authority even though they would not be needed for any project use (HST alignments, road modifications, etc.). It is possible that these remainders may have some use during construction (e.g., material storage), and would be available for use by the construction contractors. After construction, it is possible that these remainders could be consolidated with other nearby parcels – that is the intent of AgMM#2 see Section 3.14.6, Project Design 

Features. The farmland consolidation program will contribute to ensuring that the maximum amount of agricultural land is available for and continued in agricultural use. The consolidation program is a realistic commitment for ensuring continuing agricultural use on remainder parcels, and is consistent with programs used for other 
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT EIR/EIS 

MERCED TO FRESNO SECTION 

# Reference Incorect Volume IV Text Correction to Volume IV Text 

linear transportation facilities (e.g., Caltrans projects).

Table 4 

Errata in Technical Reports and Other Materials 

# Reference Incorect Text Correction to Text 

Air Quality Technical Report 

110 Appendix C, 

Table of Contents, page i 

C.1-8 Regional Emissions: Vehicle Miles Traveled C.1-9 Statewide Emissions: Vehicle Miles Traveled C.1-10 Regional and Statewide Emissions: Power and Flight Demands

C.1-8 Regional and Statewide Emissions: Vehicle 

Miles Traveled, 50% Fare Scenario C.1-9 Regional and Statewide Emissions: Vehicle Miles Traveled, 83% Fare Scenario C.1-10 Regional and Statewide Emissions: Power and Flight Demands

Hydraulics and Floodplain Technical Report 

111 Tables 6-3 

(page 6-12) and 6-5 (page 6-21)

Note 6: Since 1981, there have been three restudies and revisions for the San Joaquin River (1996, 1998, and 2000). The 2000 study of the San Joaquin is reported in the Madera County FIS (2008) and Fresno County FIS (2009). Note 7: ... USACE orally indicated flow is valid upstream to Friant Dam.

Note 6: Since 1981, there have been three restudies and revisions for the San Joaquin River hydrology that occurred in 1996, 1998, and 

2000. All three studies are referenced in the Madera County FIS (FEMA 2008b) and Fresno County FIS (2009a). Note 7: ... USACE orally indicated flow is valid upstream to Friant Dam (Larson 2010b).

112 Table 6-4 

Page 6-17 

Note 7: Since 1981, there have been three restudies and revisions for the San Joaquin River (1996, 1998, and 2000). The 2000 study of the San Joaquin is reported in the Madera County FIS (2008) and Fresno County FIS (2009). Note 8: ... USACE orally indicated flow is valid upstream to Friant Dam.

Omission corrected as follows:Note 6: Since 1981, there have been three restudies and revisions for the San Joaquin River hydrology that occurred in 1996, 1998, and 

2000. All three studies are referenced in the Madera County FIS (FEMA 2008b) and Fresno County FIS (2009a). 
CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED TRAIN PROJECT EIR/EIS 

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# Reference Incorect Text Correction to Text 

Note 8: ... USACE orally indicated flow is valid upstream to Friant Dam (Larson 2010b).

113 Section 

3.1.2.1, p. 3-4, last paragraph, 2nd line

Larson 2010 References has been updated to read Larson 

2010a

114 Section 6.5.2, 

1st paragraph

Larson 2010 Omitted references has been updated to read 

Larson 2010a

115 Section 7, p. 7-

2

Larson, Ryan. 2010. Section 208.10. USACE. April 21, 2010. Personal communication regarding application review.

Omitted reference has been updated to read Larson 2010a. Section 208.10. USACE. April 21, 

2010. Personal communication regarding application review. New citation added: Larson, Ryan. 2010b. Section 208.10. USACE. May 26, 2010. Personal communication during meeting at Ryan’s office to discuss regulatory flow rates from project O&M Manuals and other requirements for Section 208.10 reviews and Encroachment permits.

APPENDIX E 

CDFG Concurrence of FRA’s 

Section 4(f) Finding of De Minimis

Impact on Camp Pashayan