Burleson completed the Initial Study (IS) environmental analysis for the Rancho Seco wastewater treatment wetland. The purpose of the wetland is to treat wastewater onsite and prevent offsite surface water discharge to the local creeks. The project included analysis of current groundwater conditions, and wastewater and storm water permits and systems for the Rancho Seco Power Plant, and impacts from the proposed project to these systems. The project also included an evaluation of the hazardous and radiological materials and existing remediation taking place. Once the project is completed, SMUD will no longer be required to maintain a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for surface water discharge and would instead apply for Waste Discharge to land with the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB). The project was complicated by the nearby presence of California Tiger Salamander (CTS). Burleson met with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and presented a report of findings that documented how unlikely the movement of the CTS to this area would be.

Burleson worked with SMUD's engineers on the design of a salamander barrier to ensure that once the wetland was constructed, that the salamander could not enter the prime habitat. Burleson's biologists were insightful and found a solution that protected the CTS and met the needs USFWS and SMUD engineers.

Burleson completed the IS environmental assessment (EA) for the construct a 69-kV line to connect to the East Bay Municipal Utilities District (EBMUD) Folsom South Canal pumping plant, as part of the Freeport Regional Water Project. The project included negotiations with local farmers for property rights, access, and impacts to farm traffic and aerial crop dusting of vineyards. The project involved access to Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) land along the Folsom South Canal, and obtaining a right-of-way (ROW) for construction on their land. Burleson reviewed SMUD's Avian Protection Plan for bird electrocution for applicability with this site. Protocol rare plant surveys were completed and confirmed that no sensitive species were present.

Burleson completed IS EA for two projects for SMUD's subtransmission line installation for OptiSolar and the Advanced Data Center, both located in McClellan Business Park, within the City and County of Sacramento, California. Each project consisted of constructing and rebuilding approximately 1 to 2 miles of overhead double-circuit 69-kV subtransmission power line, and removing up to existing subtransmission line. Issues included evaluation of City and County requirements, McClellan Air Force Base (AFB) Superfund groundwater and soil data, and compatibility with the McClellan Airport Comprehensive Land Use Plan for air traffic safety, and noise and height restrictions.

Burleson is assisting SMUD in their implementation of construction and maintenance activities that comply with agreements outlined in USFWS technical assistance letter (No effect Letter). We have developed construction and survey monitoring protocol and document our findings in an ACCESS database. SMUD is intending to link all information applicable by tower or transmission line to this database for easy referral for sensitive species and plants.

Coordination, Consultation, Permitting
Burleson completed informal consulation with USFWS and USACE.

Experience with Environmental Regulators and Local Governments
Burleson met with local planners and regulators as part of these projects. The also coordinated with the local Wetland Preserve representatives.

Knowledge of CEQA "Legally and Technically Adequate"
For these projects, the California Envinromental Quality Act (CEQA) process met or exceeded typical timelines. All environmental documents were legally and technically adequate. The projects have moved forward to construction phase.