NEPA/CEQA Compliance
Seismic Retrofit of Pacific Avenue Bridge
City of Stockton, California

Burleson completed the National Environmental Policy Act/California Environmental Quality Act (NEPA/CEQA) compliance assessment for erosion repair, seismic retrofit and construction of a low flow channel for the Pacific Avenue Bridge in Stockton, California. Burleson worked with the City of Stockton and Caltrans to complete environmental documents for the project. Burleson completed informal consultation with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to ensure that environmental documents and permits were approved in a timely manner to keep the project on schedule.

To be compliant with NEPA and CEQA, Caltrans, the authorized lead agency for this project, completed a Preliminary Environmental Study requiring completion of technical studies for biology, wetlands, water quality, floodplains, and historic property.

Burleson reviewed the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) Natural Diversity Data Base (NDDB), USFWS and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) endangered and threatened species lists, and coordinated the project and site-specific findings with these agencies. Burleson's fisheries biologist completed an essential fish habitat study to determine impacts to Chinook salmon. Because the project involved work within a navigable waterway, Burleson obtained a streambed alteration permit from the CDFG and Water Quality Certification from the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB).

Burleson completed the Vegetation Restoration Plan and assisted with the development of bid specification for the city of Stockton's construction contact. The project was completed on schedule and within budget.

Coordination, Consultation, Permitting
Burleson consulted with USFWS, CDFG and NOAA Fisheries. Permits and approvals were obtained for the construction in a low flow channel that had anadromous fish. Permits included: Nationwide Permit 25 from USACE, 401 Water Quality Certification from the RWQCB, Encroachment Permit, and Section 1602 from CDFG.

Experience with Environmental Regulators and Local Governments
Burleson assisted the City of Stockton with the environmental process. Burleson interfaced with local entities Caltrans, Board of Reclamation, City Planners and Engineers, and representatives from the USACE, RWQCB, NOAA Fisheries, and CDFG.

Knowledge of CEQA "Legally and Technically Adequate"
This project was exempt from CEQA due to the severity of the safety concern for the bridge. Burleson worked with the City and assisted with the determination.