Environmental Compliance
Waters and Wetlands: The proposed project will cross multiple unnamed streams to Lake Thunderbird. The proposed stream and river crossings will incorporate water quality protection best management practices to prevent erosion and keep sediment and unwanted materials out of streams. As proposed, the project will be permitted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act with a Nationwide General Permit. No significant, permanent adverse impacts to waterbodies are expected.
Threatened and Endangered Species: Habitat surveys were conducted for federally listed threatened and endangered species, as well as for protected bird species. Due to the proximity to the existing highway and development of the area, high-quality preferred habitat for threatened and endangered species was not observed within the proposed project area. There was low-quality potential habitat for several protected species, including several bird species. As such, consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was conducted, and avoidance and minimization measures, like construction timing near potential habitat, will be implemented. Overall, there will likely be no significant adverse impacts to protected species.
Cultural Resources: A cultural resources survey was conducted, which considers the potential to impact significant historic and archaeological resources. No significant cultural artifacts or materials were found during the survey. No significant adverse impacts to cultural resources are anticipated.
Hazardous Materials: An Environmental Site Assessment was conducted to determine the potential impact from hazardous materials or contaminants. No areas were identified that could pose an environmental risk within the proposed project footprint, but some were in the adjoining areas (e.g., gas stations at 18th Avenue). No significant adverse impacts are anticipated.
