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HomeMy WebLinkAbout16 - Rhine Channel Contaminated Sediment Cleanup Project- MNDCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT Agenda Item No. 16 July 27, 2010 TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL FROM: City Manager's Office Chris Miller, Harbor Resources Manager (949) 644 -3043, cmiller @newportbeachca.gov SUBJECT: Rhine Channel Contaminated Sediment Cleanup Project: Mitigated Negative Declaration ISSUE: Should the City Council adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) prepared for the proposed Rhine Channel Contaminated Sediment Cleanup Project, and conceptually approve the Project which includes: 1) removing contaminated sediments along the main channel and under a portion of the docks in the Rhine Channel; and 2) depositing those sediments in the Port of Long Beach (POLB) Middle Harbor Redevelopment Project confined disposal facility (Middle Harbor CDF)? RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. Conduct the public hearing. 2. Adopt a resolution (Exhibit 1) approving the Mitigated Negative Declaration, and the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program on the basis of the environmental record. 3. Conceptually approve the project which includes removing contaminated sediments in the Rhine Channel and depositing those sediments in the Port of Long Beach. Rhine Channel MND July 27, 2010 Page 2 DISCUSSION: Vicinity Map SOURCE: Basemap prepared from City of Newport Beach GIS files. LEGEND: N - Temporary moorage areas are located throughout Lower Propesed Pnrp&Area Newport Bay, - -.- Piemead Unes(Apprcdmate) p 1000 $aein eel ANCHOR Proposed Project e Area QEA vw Rhine Channel Contaminated Sediment Cleanup Proiect Description The purpose of this project is to remove contaminated sediments found unsuitable for unconfined ocean disposal under Regional General Permit 54 issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USAGE) from the Rhine Channel in Lower Newport Bay as well as from other nearby areas as shown on the vicinity map above. Overall, this project will remove contaminated sediments to restore and enhance state - designated impaired beneficial uses of the Rhine Channel, dispose of the impacted material in an environmentally responsible and cost - effective manner, and improve navigation. The City proposes to beneficially reuse approximately 150,000 cubic yards of dredged material at the POLB Middle Harbor CDF which is a project designed to increase the capacity of a shipping container terminal. This will be achieved by filling the open -water area between two existing terminals to create a longer wharf and additional space for upland infrastructure. The sediment from the Rhine Channel will be used as the base layer for this fill project because of its fine grain size. Rhine Channel MND July 27, 2010 Page 3 The USACE is also planning to conduct a maintenance dredging effort in the Federal Channel of the LNB which would potentially result in additional sediment that would be beneficially reused at the Middle Harbor CDF. If possible, the City's project would be coordinated with the USACE dredging effort to take advantage of potential cost savings through economies of scale, decreased mobilization costs, and contractor availability. The sediment management alternative of using the POLB Middle Harbor CDF is the preferred approach for the City because it: 1) permanently removes contaminated sediments from the aquatic environment so that beneficial uses can be restored to the Rhine Channel; 2) does not require upland sediment rehandling, thus eliminating potentially significant traffic impacts; 3) is the most cost - effective sediment management method; and 4) uses proven technology to contain contaminants. Construction activities within the Project area are anticipated to occur over a 4 -5 month period, potentially starting as early as January 2011. Dredging can occur weekdays between the hours of 7 AM and 6:30 PM and Saturdays between the hours of 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Transport of sediments via tugboat and barge to the POLB may occur outside of these time frames because work would occur away from residents and would not be disruptive to harbor operations. While negotiations with the contractor will ultimately determine the sequence of activities, it is likely that dredging will begin at the north end of the Rhine Channel. Potential Project Impacts and Best Management Practices Potential impacts from the proposed Project include: 1) water quality; 2) air quality; 3) noise; and 4) navigation. To avoid and minimize potential impacts, several design features have been incorporated into the project. These operational requirements, or BMPs, are summarized below. General BMPs: No dredging work will be conducted from land -based equipment. Floating debris will be removed from the water and disposed of properly. Water Quality BMPs: • Silt curtains will be placed around the perimeter of the active dredging area. • A Water Quality Monitoring Plan will be submitted by the contractor for approval by the City prior to construction. • Various construction techniques will be employed to avoid overfilling the bucket and causing spillage. • A Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasures Plan will be submitted by the contractor for approval by the City prior to construction. The contractor will be required to follow the Plan which will require, among other things, following established refueling, spill containment and countermeasures, and good housekeeping procedures. • All dredged material will be handled and transported such that it does not re -enter surface waters outside the protected immediate work area. • The load line on disposal barges will be predetermined, and the barge will not be filled above this predetermined level. Before each disposal barge is transported to the Middle Harbor CDF, the dredging contractor and a site inspector must certify that it is filled correctly. Rhine Channel MND July 27, 2010 Page 4 Air Quality BMPs: • Dredge equipment will be required to meet current South Coast Air Quality Management District requirements. Noise BMPs: • Work will be conducted during times allowable by City Code as describe above. Navigation BMPs: A communication protocol will be implemented to minimize disruption to recreational and commercial operations within the Project Area. Dredging activities will be required to accommodate access for emergency vessels at any time. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: A Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) has been prepared by Anchor QEA L.P. in accordance with the implementing guidelines of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the State CEQA Guidelines, and City Council Policy K -3. The MND was routed to the City Council in advance of this staff report to allow additional time to review the report. A copy of the MND is available on the City's website, at each Newport Beach Public Library, and at the Harbor Resources office at 829 Harbor Island Drive. The MND was made available for public review for a 30 day comment period from June 11 to July 13, 2010. Comment letters were received from the Department of Transportation, Department of Toxic Substances Control, South Coast Air Quality Management District, the County of Orange and the California Regional Water Quality Control Board — Santa Ana Region. Response to Comments Department of Transportation, June 29, 2010 1. "The California Department of Transportation (Department), District 12 is a commenting agency on this project and we have no comment at this time. However, in the event of any activity within the Department's right -of -way, an encroachment permit will be required." Comment noted. Project construction will occur entirely within the waterbody, with the exception of staging which will occur in an upland area outside the Department of Transportation's right -of -way. It is not anticipated that an encroachment permit will be required, though one will be obtained if it is later determined necessary. Department of Toxic Substances Control, July 2, 2010 "The ND should identify and determine whether current or historic uses at the project area may have resulted in any release of hazardous wastes/substances. " Rhine Channel MND July 27, 2010 Page 5 Historic and existing uses of the site have likely contributed contamination to sediments within the project area. The Draft ISMND identifies these contamination sources within the project description on page vii, as follows: "From the 1930s through the 1950s, shipyard and cannery operations, boat - building activities, and metal - plating facilities were located in the Rhine Channel and other portions of LNB, resulting in a legacy of sediment contamination. Stormwater runoff from the watershed has also contributed contaminants to LNB." Sampling has shown that these sediments contain several contaminants of concern (COCs), including elevated concentrations of metals, pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), mercury, and 4,4 -DDE. For each of these COCs, the levels detected are below the hazardous waste threshold levels. A detailed discussion of hazardous materials is included in Section VIII. of the Draft ISMND. It is unlikely that any significant releases of hazardous waste have occurred in the project area given the results of sediment sampling. The possible exception is a localized area within the Rhine Channel found to contain lead concentrations above California Hazardous Waste threshold levels; however, this material will be removed as part of a separate project (i.e., ETCO Development, Inc.'s [ETCO] proposed Newport Bay Marina redevelopment project) prior to commencing dredging in the project area. Should ETCO be unable to complete the dredging and hazardous waste removal prior to the start of this proposed project, the City will include removal of this material as part of the project. The Newport Bay Marina project has undergone separate environmental review; the sediment removal would be accomplished using the methods and practices identified in the ETCO EIR certified by the City in 2006. 2. "The document states that the ND would identify any known or potentially contaminated sites within the proposed project area. For all identified sites, the ND should evaluate whether conditions at the site may pose a threat to human health or the environment. Following are the databases of some of the regulatory agencies: National Priorities List ... EnviroStor ... Resource Conservation and Recovery Information System... Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Information System... Solid Waste Information System... GeoTracker... Local Counties and Cities... United States Army Corps of Engineers..." The proposed project occurs entirely within the waterbody of Lower Newport Bay. Given that the site contains no upland elements, it is unlikely that it would be included within the databases listed. The dredge area is a known site of contamination currently included as an impaired waterbody on the state of California's 303(d) List. It is targeted as a priority for cleanup by the California State Water Resources Control Board. Conditions at the site, including contaminated sediment, pose an ecological threat to wildlife and are known to be toxic to benthic organisms. 3. "The ND should identify the mechanism to initiate any required investigation and /or remediation for any site that may be contaminated, and the government agency to provide appropriate regulatory oversight. If hazardous materials or wastes were stored at the site, an environmental assessment should be conducted to determine if a release has occurred. If so, further studies should be carried out to delineate the nature and Rhine Channel MND July 27, 2010 Page 6 extent of the contamination, and the potential threat to public health and /or the environment should be evaluated. It may be necessary to determine if an expedited response action is required to reduce existing or potential threats to public health or the environment. If no immediate threat exists, the final remedy should be implemented in compliance with state laws, regulations and policies." The project area has already been identified as a contaminated site, as confirmed by sediment investigations. The project action area is located entirely within the waterbody of Lower Newport Bay, a navigable channel unsuitable for materials storage, hazardous or otherwise. As discussed in the Draft ISMND project description, the Rhine Channel is currently included as an impaired waterbody on the state of California's 303(d) List, and has been targeted as a priority for cleanup by the California State Water Resources Control Board. Without immediate action by the City, the Regional Water Board may apply a number of administrative and enforcement options, including issuance of a Cleanup and Abatement Order, which would require the improvement or restoration of the Rhine Channel to a level that achieves water quality standards. Project actions are exclusively related to removal of contaminated sediment. The project itself is therefore considered to be a mechanism for remediation. 4. "The project construction may require soil excavation and soil filling in certain areas. Appropriate sampling is required prior to disposal of the excavated soil. if the soil is contaminated, properly dispose of it rather than placing it in another location. Land Disposal Restrictions (LDRs) may be applicable to these soils. Also, if the project proposes to import soil to backfill the areas excavated, proper sampling should be conducted to make sure that the imported soil is free of contamination" Sediment sampling of the dredge area has already occurred. Sediments proposed for dredging have been identified as containing elevated concentrations of metals, pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), mercury, and 4,4 -DDE. The Middle Harbor CDF is an appropriate disposal facility for sediments of this nature. The application for disposal is currently under review by the Port of Long Beach. The project does not include any backfilling or import of soil. 5. "Human health and the environment of sensitive receptors should be protected during the construction or demolition activities. A study of the site overseen by the appropriate government agency might have to be conducted to determine if there are, have been, or will be, any releases of hazardous materials that may pose a risk to human health or the environment." As discussed, the project exclusively involves excavation of sediment and incidental infrastructure repairs. Project disturbances to the physical environment are entirely limited to removal of sediment. This sediment has already been sampled and identified as contaminated. While contaminated, sediments do not meet the definition of hazardous materials per the State of California Hazardous Waste threshold levels. The project includes numerous BMPs to minimize the potential for exposure to contaminants. Rhine Channel MND July 27, 2010 Page 7 6. "If during construction /demolition of the project, soil and /or groundwater contamination is suspected, construction /demolition in the area should cease and appropriate health and safety procedures should be implemented. If it is determined that contaminated soil and /or groundwater exist, the ND should identify how any required investigation and /or remediation will be conducted, and the appropriate government agency to provide regulatory oversight." Please refer to the response to comment number 3 for a discussion of soil contamination at the site. Project actions are exclusively related to removal of contaminated sediment, and are considered to be a mechanism for remediation. Project activities will not encounter or affect groundwater. 7. As stated in your document, Rhine Channel sediment investigations have revealed elevated concentrations of metals, pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) as well as significant toxicity to representative benthic organisms. If the excavated sediments are hazardous wastes, such wastes must be managed in accordance with the California Hazardous Waste Control Law (California Health and Safety Code, Division 20, Chapter 6.5) and the Hazardous Waste Control Regulations (California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 4.5). It is the generator's responsibility to determine whether wastes are hazardous_ If it is determined that hazardous wastes will be generated, the generator must obtain an United States Environmental Protection Agency Identification Number by contacting (800) 698 -6942. Hazardous wastes may only be disposed of at authorized hazardous waste facilities." While contaminated, sediments do not meet the definition of hazardous materials per the State of California Hazardous Waste threshold levels. 8. "DTSC can provide guidance for cleanup oversight through an Environmental Oversight Agreement (EOA) for government agencies that are not responsible parties, or a Voluntary Cleanup Agreement (VCA) for private parties." Comment noted. Orange County Public Works, July 8, 2010 "Page 45 indicates that during dredging behind silt curtains, monitoring of Total Suspended Solids (TSS) and possibly Dissolved Oxygen (DO), salinity, pH, temperature and light transmissivity would occur to determine if dissolved or suspended pollutants are getting past the silt curtains. The MND continues noting many more parameters would be monitored as the Regional Water Board deemed necessary. It seems that enough is known of the contamination of Rhine Channel for the MND to make a more definitive statement on specifically what monitoring will be necessary in connection with construction BMPs to reduce potential water quality impacts to a level of insignificance." The Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board will issue a certification of waste discharge requirements (WDR) for the dredging project as part of the necessary permits the City must obtain. Included in the WDR will be specific monitoring requirements. The parameters mentioned in the document are typical for recent similar projects. Any further speculation regarding the Board's planned requirements should be made by Board staff. Rhine Channel MND July 27, 2010 Page 8 South Coast Air Quality Management District, July 9, 2010 "...to ensure less than significant air quality impacts from the proposed project AQMD staff recommends that the lead agency clarify AQ -2 to include, All emission credits used to mitigate significant air quality impacts from the construction of the proposed project shall be consistent with AQMD's CEQA policies and procedures document titled: Revised CEQA Policy and Procedures in Allowing the Use of Emissions Credits to Mitigate Significant Air Quality Impacts from Construction. "' Comment noted. Mitigation Measure AQ -2 has been revised to address this comment. This language will be included in the Final ISMND. California Regional Water Quality Control Board Santa Ana Region, July 12, 2010 "The 303(d) discussion on pg. viii should include that Section 303(d) is a Clean Water Act (CWA) requirement applicable to waters that are not attaining water quality standards, even after the installation of technology controls on point source discharges. CWA Section 303(d) requires the identification of such waters, and the establishment of total maximum daily loads (TMDLs). In 2006, the CWA Section 303(d) list of Water Quality Limited Segments requiring TMDLs included the Rhine Channel due to the following stressors: copper, lead, mercury, PCBs, sediment toxicity and zinc." Comment noted. The Draft ISMND has been revised to address this comment. 2. "The statement on pg. viii that the Regional Board will issue a Cleanup and Abatement Order to the Rhine Channel unless the city acts immediately is not necessarily accurate and should be corrected. As noted in Comment #1, CWA Section 303(d) designation generally requires the development of a TMDL. TMDLs for the Rhine Channel were established by the US Environmental Protection Agency ( USEPA) on June 14, 2002. While the USEPA TMDLs do not include implementation plans, they do require that the allocations and numeric targets be incorporated into any permit issued for discharges to the Rhine Channel. in addition, under the California Water Code, the Regional Water Board may apply a number of administrative and enforcement options, including issuance of a Cleanup and Abatement Order, which would require the improvement or restoration of the Rhine Channel to a level that achieves water quality standards." Comment noted. The Draft ISMND has been revised to address this comment. 3. "On pg. xx, the draft MND discusses the restoration of beneficial uses in the Rhine Channel. The MND should include the full list of beneficial uses for Lower Newport Bay, including the Rhine Channel, as listed in the Water Quality Control plan for the Santa Ana River Basin (Basin Plan), that is, navigation; contact and non - contact recreation; commercial and sportfishing; wildlife habitat; rare threatened or endangered species; spawning, reproduction, and development; and shellfish harvesting." Comment noted. The Draft ISMND has been revised to address this comment. 4. "On pg. xx, the draft MND states that one of the long -term benefits of the Project will be the restoration of beneficial uses in the Rhine Channel. However, the contaminated sediment that will be left adjacent to seawalls and piles and on private property may Rhine Channel MND July 27, 2010 Page 9 have short- and long -term water quality effects that will not be known until adequate water quality data is collected from the locations. For that reason, the accuracy of this statement will depend of the findings from post- dredging monitoring, and should be qualified accordingly." Comment noted. The Draft ISMND has been revised to address this comment. 5. "The discussion of TMDLs on pg. 43 is inaccurate and should be corrected. State TMDLs adopted for the San Diego Creek and Newport Bay Watershed by the Regional Board, and approved by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), California Office of Administrative Law and USEPA include sediment, fecal coliform, diazinon, chlopyrifos, and nutrients. USEPA established TMDLs for selenium, metals and organochlorine compounds in the San Diego Creek and Newport Bay Watershed, and also the Rhine Channel TMDLs. Implementation of the State TMDLs is currently underway. Board staff are working with the local stakeholders and other agencies to develop and adopt State TMDLs for selenium, organochlorine compounds, metals, and the Rhine Channel that will include implementation plans." Comment noted. The Draft ISMND has been revised to address this comment. 6. "CWA 409 water quality certification or waste discharge requirements will be issued by the Regional Board or Board staff for the Project. An adequate monitoring program will be incorporated as part of the certification conditions or waste discharge requirements" Comment noted. An application for 401 Certification was submitted in July, 2010. 7. "The final MND should include specific details (and /or propose a plan) of requisite monitoring to be conducted during dredge activities, and also pre- and post- dredging. The monitoring should be comprehensive in evaluating water quality conditions within, and proximate to, Project boundaries to demonstrate improvement(s). Minimum parameters to be sampled in water, tissue, and sediment include dissolved oxygen (DO), turbidity, and the CWA Section 303(d) pollutants listed in Comment #9. The plan should consider relevant guidance from the Water Quality Control Policy for Developing California's Clean Water Act Section 303(d) List, SWRCB, to evaluate immediate, short - term and long -term effects resulting from the Project... Pre - dredge monitoring should assess the baseline characteristics and conditions of the project area... The Basin Plan includes water quality objectives (WQOs) for dissolved oxygen (DO) and turbidity. The Basin Plan has a full discussion of the WAOs... DO and turbidity should be monitored daily during dredging. To ensure that water quality objectives are met at all times, the MND should specify the additional best management practices that will be employed if any WQOs are exceeded" Comment noted. The Draft ISMND has been revised to include a more detailed monitoring plan. 8. A Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) and possibly a sampling and analysis plan (SAP) will be required to be developed prior to the initiation of sampling. The monitoring program and sampling protocols should be SWAMP - compatible." Rhine Channel MND July 27, 2010 Page 10 Comment noted. The Draft ISMND has been revised to include a more detailed monitoring plan that includes development of a Quality Assurance Project Plan prior to construction, as well as a Sampling and Analysis Plan if needed. 9. `Pg. xv of the draft MND states that mechanical dredging will occur to a depth where clean, uncontaminated material is found. This statement is unclear. The final MND should specify the methodology and data the City will use to determine whether or not the new surface layer is clean." In lieu of developing site specific, risk -based clean up targets for the Rhine Channel, the City has chosen to use very conservative and readily available screening values (Effects Range Low values — ERLs) to estimate removal volumes and dredge depths. Sediment sampling will occur after dredging to compare post construction chemical concentrations to these screening values as a way to measure successful removal. Because mechanical dredging typically leaves a fair amount of fine grained residual material behind on the sediment surface, it is unlikely that the remaining surface layer will have chemical concentrations below these conservative screening values. Using them as a target to facilitate the successful removal of adequate material to restore beneficial uses to the site, however, is an appropriate approach. The MND does not identify any component of the project that would result in a "potentially significant impact' on the environment per CEQA guidelines. However, the document does identify components of the project that would result in effects that are "less than significant with mitigation incorporated" as a result of construction of the project. The document recommends the adoption of eleven mitigation measures to mitigate the effects to a point where clearly no significant effects would occur. These mitigation measures are identified in the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, which is attached after the Resolution (Exhibit 1). PUBLIC NOTICE: Notice of this hearing was published in the Daily Pilot and mailed to property owners within 300 feet of the property (excluding roadways and waterways). The environmental assessment process has also been noticed in a similar manner and all mandatory notices per the California Environmental Quality Act have been given. Finally, this agenda item has been noticed according to the Ralph M. Brown Act (72 hours in advance of the public meeting at which the City Council considers the item). Submitted by: 4 is Miller Harbor Resources Manager Attachments: 1. Resolution with Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program 2. Mitigated Negative Declaration 3. Comment Letters Rhine Channel MND July 27, 2010 Page 11 RESOLUTION NO. 2010- A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH ADOPTING A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR THE RHINE CHANNEL CONTAMINATED SEDIMENT CLEANUP PROJECT WHEREAS, An Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration (MIND) have been prepared in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the State CEQA Guidelines, and City Council Policy K -3. The Draft MND was circulated for public comment between June 11 and July 13, 2010. The contents of the environmental document, including comments on the document, have been considered on this project; and WHEREAS, on the basis of the entire environmental review record, the proposed project, with mitigation measures, will have a less than significant impact upon the environment and there are no known substantial adverse effects on human beings that would be caused. Additionally, there are no long -term environmental goals that would be compromised by the project, nor cumulative impacts anticipated in connection with the project. The mitigation measures identified and incorporated in the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program are feasible and will reduce the potential environmental impacts to a less than significant level; and therefore be it RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Newport Beach does hereby find, on the basis of the whole record, that there is no substantial evidence that the project, with mitigation measures, will have a significant effect on the environment, and that the Mitigated Negative Declaration reflects the City Council's independent judgment and analysis. The City Council hereby adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program attached as Exhibit "A." The document and all material, which constitute the record upon which this decision was based, are on file with the Harbor Resources Division, 829 Harbor Island Drive, Newport Beach, California. PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 27TH DAY OF JULY, 2010 Keith D. Curry Mayor ATTEST: Leilani Brown City Clerk Rhine Channel MND July 27, 2010 Page 12 Exhibit A Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program n'gan'on Mona o gaud R 'J�rnng P "gram /.1,2010 Rhine Channel ContaminatedSedun o, Cleanup 1 090243 -01 Method of Timing of MMNq. Mitigation Measure Verification Implementation Responsibility Air Quality Push tugboat/tenders and work /crew boats shall use Tier Plans and Construction 3 main engines. Tugboats used to tow disposal barges to Specifications Check, Prior to and During Contractor, City of AQ -I Middle Harbor CDF during both Phases 1 and 2 shall use Equipment Check, Dredging and Newport Beach Harbor Tier 2 main engines. Monitoring Construction Resources and Public Works Departments The City shall purchase credits to offset an estimated 3,969 pounds of NOx emissions credits to mitigate the exceeds nce of the significance threshold for NOx emissions from this project, The offset credits will meet the following criteria: • Emission credits have been derived from emission reduction project(s) through existing SCAOMD protocols. City of Newport Beach • Emission credits will be current for the time the Plans and Prior to Dredging and Harbor Resources and AQ -2 project takes place, meaning the MSERCs have not Specifca[ions Check, Construction Public Works pire expired before or during the period when the Proof of Purchase Departments emissions from the project would occur. • Al l emission credits used to mitiga to significant a it quality impacts from the constr ucuion of the proposed project shall be consistent with the AOM D's CEQA policies and procedures document titled: Revised CEQA Policy and Procedures in Allowing the Use of Emissions Credits to Mitigate Significant Air Quality Impacts from Construction. Plans and Construction All diesel -powered equipment shall be equipped with a Prior to and During Contractor, City of AQ-3 meter to record hourly usage (not including worker SpedfPlann Check, Dredging and Newport Beach Harbor vehicles, haul trucks, or delivery trucks). Equipment Check, Construction Resources and Public Monitoring Works Depanments n'gan'on Mona o gaud R 'J�rnng P "gram /.1,2010 Rhine Channel ContaminatedSedun o, Cleanup 1 090243 -01 Rhine Channel MND July 27, 2010 Page 13 Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program M -gallon Monitoring vnd Reporring Prog am /v/y2010 Rhine Channel(ac wvmv.Jsidrment Cleennp 2 090247 -01 Method of Timing of MM No. Mitigation Measure Verification Implementation Responsibility Construction Contractor, Plans and Independent The meter on each piece of equipment shall be verified Specifications Check, Monitor, Aq -4 by an independent construction monitor who shall certify Equipment Check, prior to construction City of Newport Beach City that it is working properly. Monitoring Harbor Resources and Public Works Departments Construction To demonstrate that measures and Al Contractor, be Plansand Independent have audit ofe equipment enttor AQ -5 prepared red by an independent n an independent construction monitor and construction coon and pea Specifications Check, Prior to Construction Construction Monitor, o provided [o the SCAQMD for review prior to dredging Equipment Check, City Newport Beach Monitoring Harbor Resources and activities. Public Works Departments Plans and Specifications Check Prior to Construction The hourly meter reading for each piece of equipment Plans and Construction, Contractor, City AO.-6 shall be recorded. Specifications Check, Implementation During h arb Newport Beach Harbor Monitoring Resources and Public Dredging and Works Departments ti Construcon Construction Plans and 5padfications Contractor, Equipment use and hours of operators shall be recorded Plans and Check Prior to Independent Aq -7 Ey the contractor and verified on a weekly basis by an Specifications Check, Construction, Construction Monitor, Implementation During City of Newport Beach independent monitor. Monitoring Dredging and Harbor Resources and Construction Public Works Departments M -gallon Monitoring vnd Reporring Prog am /v/y2010 Rhine Channel(ac wvmv.Jsidrment Cleennp 2 090247 -01 Rhine Channel MND July 27, 2010 Page 14 Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program Metigation MoatoringandRsporo'g Prog'am /,11,2010 Rhine Channel Contaminatal Sediment Cleanup 3 09(1243 -01 Method of Timing of MM No. Mitigation Measure Verification Implementation Responsibility A monthly report shall be submitted to the SCAQMD to demonstrate that measures AQ -b and AC-7 have been met. The monthly report shall summarize equipment Plans and Specifications Construction used., hours of operation, NOx emissions as well as Plans and Check Prior to Contractor, SCAQMD, Identify any problems that occur and corrective actions Specifications Check, Construction, City of Newport Beach AQ -8 implemented by the contractor. If NOx emissions exceed the original estimation, the report should also include Moni[orin Card Implementation Monthly Harbor Resources and Submittal During Dredging and Public Works additional Reactive Organic Gases (ROG), CO, and SO. emissions emitted to ensure no exceedance of SCAQMD'S Construction Departments California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) NOx construction significance threshold. Within 15 days after the end of each construction month,. NOx emissions exceeding [he original estimation as Plans and iori cations Construction identified in AQ -8 shall be reconciled and reported to the plans and Check k Pr Prior to Contactor, SCQAMO, Specifications Check., Construction, City of Newport Beach AQ -9 SCAQMD. NOx emission credits shall be purchased to reconcile actual emissions with the previously purchased Monitoring and Implementation Monthly Harbor Resources and Submittal During Dredging and Public Works NOx emission credits, if necessary, at the completion of the project. Construction Departments A final report summarizing all construction actidtiez, NOx Plans and Specifications Construction emissions, and reconciliation of NOx emission credits for Plans and Check Prior to Contractor, SCOAMD, the entire construction period shall be prepared by an Specifications Check, Construction, Report CityoFNewport Beach AQ 10 independent construction monitor and provided to the Monitoringand Submittals 20 Days After Harbor Resources and SCAQMD within 20 days after the completion of the Submittal Completion of Public Works cons he Con of the project. Construction Departments A sign shall be posted at the project boundary along Lido The Ciry of Newport Park Drive a t the terminus of the Rhine One n nel, The sign Plans and Beach Harbor AQ -11 should contain City contact information far people with Speci fications Check, Prior to Construction Resources and Public questions of comments regardingconstruc[ion activities. Monitoring Works Departments, Metigation MoatoringandRsporo'g Prog'am /,11,2010 Rhine Channel Contaminatal Sediment Cleanup 3 09(1243 -01 Rhine Channel MND July 27, 2010 Page 15 Exhibit 2 Mitigated Negative Declaration A copy of the MND is available on the City's website: hftp://www.newportbeachca.gov/index.aspx?page=1 347 as well as at each of the Newport Beach Public Libraries, and at the Harbor Resources office at 829 Harbor Island Drive. Rhine Channel MND July 27, 2010 Page 16 Exhibit 3 Comment Letters STATE OF CALF — RTA A �uj �/N�nBBFryryYCryY e/� �]p R'111. HWAR]I'Nf�r9ER C, ovcma. DEPARTMENT OF TRA -NSPORTATIONARDVR RESOURCES 3337 Denier l2 CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH 33D7 Michelson Drive, Suite 380 hvine, CA 92612 4896 Tel (949) 724.2267 nrron II11 ArY 9R1fl Flec}roaryower! Faro (749) 724 -2592 aemelgy �creau June 29,2010 Chris Miller File: IGR/CEQA City of Newport Beach SCH #:2010061035 3300 Newport Boulevard Log #: 2550 Newport Beach, CA 92658 SR -1 and SR -73 Subject: Rhine Channel Contaminated Sediment Cleanup Dear Mr. Miller, Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on the Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Rhine Channel Contaminated Sediment Cleanup. The project proposes to dredge 150,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediments from the Rhine Channel area of Lower Newport Harbor and transport these sediments via ocean barge for disposal and beneficial reuse with the approved Port of Long Beach Middle Harbor Redevelopment Project. The nearest State mute to the project site is SR -I and SR -73. The California Department of Transportation (Department), District 12 is a commenting agency on this .project and we have no comment at this time. However, in the event of any activity, within the Department's right -of- -way, an encroachment permit will be required.. Please continue to keep us informed of this project and any future developments, which could potentially impact State transportation facilities. If you have any questions or need to contact us, please do not hesitate to call Damon Davis at (949) 440 -3487. S /in rc�lg Chris Herre, rlChief Local Development /Intergovernmental Review C- Terry Roberts, Office of Planning and Research Cal <rautiapraves mobtfiryacross Gll rain ". Linda S. Adams secretary for Environmental Protection Department of Toxic Substances Control Maziar. Movassaghi, Acting Director 5796 Corporate Avenue Cypress, California 90630 Rhine Channel MND July 27, 2010 Page 17 -s: Arnold Sc6warzenegger Governor HARBOR RESOURCES DIV. July 2, 2010 CITY OF N EWPORT BEACH feCc IY erR `7 / / g & CH Mr. Chris Miller City of Newport Beach 3300 Newport Boulevard Newport Beach, California 92658 DRAFT MITIGATED. NEGATIVE DECLARATION (ND) FOR RHINE CHANNEL CONAMINATED SEDIMENT CLEANUP (SCH# 2010061035) Dear Mr. Miller: The Department of Toxic Substances Control (DISC) has received your submitted document for the above - mentioned project. As stated in your document: "The purpose of this project is to remove approximately 150,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediments from the Rhine Channel in Lower Newport Bay (LNB) as well as from other nearby areas found unsuitable for unconfined ocean disposal under Regional General Permit (RGP) 54 issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USAGE). Overall, this project will remove contaminated sediments to restore and enhance state - designated impaired beneficial uses of the Rhine Channel, dispose of the impacted material in an environmentally responsible and cost- effective manner, and improve navigation ". Based on the review of the submitted document DTSC has the following comments: 1} The ND:should identify and determine whether current or historic uses at the project area may have resulted in any release of hazardous wastes/substances- 2). The document states that the ND would identify, any known or potentially contaminated sites within the proposed project area. For all identified sites, the ND should evaluate whether conditions at the site may pose a threat to human health or the environment. Following are the databases of some of the regulatory agencies; National Priorities List(NPL): A list maintained by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S.EPA). • EnviroStor, a database primarily used by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, at www. Envirostor.dtse:ca.gov. a. Printed on Recycled Paper Rhine Channel MND July 27, 2010 Page 18 Mr. Chris Miller July 2, 2010 Page 2 • Resource Conservation and Recovery Information System (RCRIS): A database of RCRA facilities that is maintained by U.S. EPA. Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Information System (CERCLIS): A database of CERCLA sites that is maintained by U.S.EPA. • Solid Waste Information System (SWIS): A database provided by the California Integrated Waste Management Board which consists of both open as well as closed and inactive solid waste disposal facilities and transfer stations. • GeoTracker. A List that is maintained by Regional Water Quality Control Boards. • Local Counties and Cities maintain lists for hazardous substances cleanup sites and leaking underground storage tanks. • The United States Army Corps of Engineers, 911 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, California, 90017, (213)452 -3908, maintains a list of Formerly Used Defense Sites (FUDS). 3) The ND should identify the mechanism to initiate any required investigation and /or remediation for any site that may be contaminated, and the government agency to provide appropriate regulatory oversight. If hazardous materials or wastes were stored at the site, an environmental assessment should be conducted to determine if a release has occurred. If sojurther studies should be carried out to delineate the nature and extent of the contamination, and the potential threat to public health and /or the environment should be evaluated. It may be necessary to determine if an expedited response action is required to reduce existing or potential threats to public health or the environment. If no immediate threat exists, the final remedy should be implemented in compliance with state laws, regulations and policies. 4) The project construction may require soil excavation and soil filling in certain areas. Appropriate sampling is required prior to disposal of the excavated soil. If the soil is contaminated, properly dispose of it rather than placing it in another location. land Disposal Restrictions (LDRs) may be applicable to these soils. Also, if the project proposes to import soil to backfill the areas excavated, proper sampling should be conducted to make sure that-the imported soil is free of contamination. Rhine Channel MND July 27, 2010 Page 19 Mr. Chris Miller July 2, 2010 Page 2 5) Human health and the environment of sensitive receptors should be protected during the construction or demolition activities. A study of the site overseen by the appropriate government agency might have to be conducted to determine if there are, have been, or will be, any releases of hazardous materials . that may pose a risk to human health or the environment. 6) If during construction /demolition of the project, soil and /or groundwater contamination is suspected, construction /demolition in the area should cease and appropriate health and safety procedures should be implemented. If it is determined that contaminated soil and /or groundwater exist, the ND should identify how any required investigation and/or remediation will be conducted, and the appropriate government agency to provide regulatory oversight. 7) As stated in your document, Rhine Channel sediment investigations have revealed elevated concentrations of metals, pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) as well as significant toxicity to representative benthic organisms. If the excavated sediments are hazardous wastes, such wastes must be managed in accordance with the California Hazardous Waste Control Law (California Health and Safety Code, Division 20, Chapter 6:5) and the Hazardous Waste Control Regulations (California Code of Regulations, Titfe j 22, Division 4.5). It is the generator's responsibility to determine whether wastes are hazardous. If it is determined that hazardous wastes will be generated, the generator must obtain a United States Environmental Protection Agency Identification Number by contacting (800) 618 -6942. Hazardous wastes may only be disposed of at authorized hazardous waste facilities. 8) DTSC can provide guidance for cleanup oversight through an Environmental Oversight Agreement (EOA) for government agencies that are not responsible parties, or a Voluntary Cleanup Agreement (VCA) for private parties. For additional _ information on the EOA or VCA,.please see. - www. dtsc. ca.gov /SiteC[ean6p /Brownfields, . or contact Ms. Maryam Tasnif- Abbasi, . DTSC's Voluntary Cleanup Coordinator, at (714) 484 -5489. If you have any questions regarding this letter, please contact me at (714) 484 -5472 or at ashaminDTSC.ca.gov Sinceret r Project Manager Brownfields and Environmental Restoration Program Rhine Channel MND July 27, 2010 Page 20 Mr. Chris Miller July 2, 2010 Page 2 cc: Governor's Office of Planning and Research State Clearinghouse P.O. Box 3044 Sacramento, California 95812 -3044 CEQA Tracking Center Department of Toxic Substances Control Office of Environmental Planning and Analysis 1001 1 Street, 22nd Floor, M.S. 22 -2 Sacramento, California 95814 ADelacrl (a)dtsc.ca.gov CEQA # 2960 Rhine Channel MND July 27, 2010 Page 21 HARBOR RESOURCES DIV CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH oeee laed '7A /ia om South Coast Air Quality Management District 21865 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 917654182 (909) 396 -2000 • vmw.agmd.gov E- mailed: Julv 9- 2010 July 9, 2010 cmiller @newportbeachca.gov Mr. Chris Miller Harbor Resources 829 Harbor Island Drive Newport Beach, CA 92660 Review of the Mitigated Neeative Declaration (MND) for the Rhine Channel Cmtaminated Sediment Cleanun.Praiect The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) appreciates the opportunity to comment on the above- mentioned document. The following comments are intended to provide . guidance to the lead agency and should be incorporated into the :Final California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) document as appropriate. Based on the air quality analysis in Appendix A of the MND the proposed project would have significant regional air quality impacts without mitigation, therefore, the effectiveness of each air quality mitigation measure is crucial. Specifically, the lead agency relies on mitigation measures AQ -2 through AQ -11 in the M1,11) to reduce the project's air quality impacts toa less than significant level. These measures require the purchase and use of Mobile Source Emissions Reduction Credits (MSERCs). Therefore, to ensure less than. significant air quality impacts from the proposed project AQMD staff recommends that the lead agency clarify AQ 2 to include, "All emission credits used to mitigate significant air quality impacts from the construction of the proposed project shall . be consistent with the AQMD's CEQA policies and procedures document titled: Revised CEQA Policy and Procedures in Allowing the Use of Emissions Credits to. Mitigate . Significant Air,Quality Impacts from Construction." Rhine Channel MND July 27, 2010 Page 22 Mr, Chris Miller 2 f my 9, 2010 Harbor Resources Manager AQMD staff is available to work with the lead agency to address these issues and any other questions that may arise. Please contact Dan Garcia, Air Quality Specialist CEQA Section, at (909) 396 -3304, if you have any questions regarding the enclosed comments. Sincerely,, Aar er� V / Ian MacMillan Program Supervisor, CEQA Inter - Governmental Review Planning, Rule Development & Area Sources Attachment IM:DG ORC100615 -02 Control Number RECD JUL 12 2010 Eallir O R A N G E C O U N T Y r Public orks our Communit, our Commltm , July 8, 2010 Mr. Chris Miller Harbor Resources Manager City of Newport Beach 829 Harbor Island Drive. Newport Beach, CA 92660 SUBJECT: Rhine Channel Contaminated Sediment Cleanup Dear Mr. Miller Rhine Channel MND July 27, 2010 Page 23 Jess A. Cal a%al, Oireolor 300 N. Flov r Street Santa Ana, CA P.O. Box 4048 Santa Ana CA 92702-4048 Telephone (714) 834-2300 Fax (714)834 -5188 NCL 10 -022 The County of Orange has reviewed the Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Rhine Channel Contaminated Sediment Cleanup located in the City of Newport Beach and recommends the following be addressed in the final Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND): Page 45 indicates that during dredging behind silt curtains, monitoring of Total Suspended Solids (TSS) and possibly Dissolved Oxygen (DO), salinity, pH, temperature and light transmissivity would occur to determine if dissolved or suspended pollutants are getting past the silt curtains. The MND continues noting many more parameters would be monitored as the Regional Water Board deemed necessary. It seems that enough is known of the contamination of Rhine Channel for this MND to make a more definitive statement on specifically what !, monitoring will be necessary in connection with construction BMPs to reduce potential water quality impacts to a level of insignificance. If you have any questions, please contact Chris Uzo Diribe. at(714)667- 8845. - Sincerely, Michael Balsamo, . Manager Land Use Planning Rhine Channel MND July 27, 2010 Page 24 California Regional Water Quality Control Board Santa Ana Region 3737Maln Str", Suit 5W. Rivcnidb, Calif is 925013348 Lind. S. Adams Phouc (95 1) 7824130 - FAX (951) 781fi288• TUD(9 5 1) 782 -3221 Arnold Schwaruneggcr Sea[mryjor ww.w.watrbaards.ca %ov /santazra Governo. Environmenml Prorecrien Sent via electronic mail and regular mail HARBOR RESOURCES DIV. July 12, 2010 CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Mr. Chris Miller - City of Newport Beach Harbor Resources Division RECD JUL 3300 Newport Boulevard 1 PO Box 1768 Newport Beach, CA 92658 -8915 DRAFT INITIAL STUDY AND MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION, RHINE CHANNEL CONTAMINATED SEDIMENT CLEANUP, CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Dear Mr, Miller Staff of the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board (Regional Board) have reviewed the Draft Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) for the proposed Rhine Channel Contaminated Sediment Cleanup Project ( "Project") to be located in specific locations of Lower Newport Bay, The project involves dredging approximately 150,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediments from the Rhine Channel and areas . bayward of Manna Park, the American Legion, and 15" Street. Dredge . spoils will be transported via ocean barge for beneficial reuse at the Port of Long Beach. The final MND for the Project should incorporate the following . comments do adequately discuss the protection of the water quality standards (water quality objectives and beneficial uses) contained in the Water Quality Control Plan for the Santa Ana River Basin (Basin Plan). The 303(d) discussion on pg. viii should include that Section 303(d) is a Clean Water Act (CWA) requirement applicable to waters that are not attaining water quality standards, even after the installation of technology controls on point source discharges. CWA Section 303(d) requires the identification of such waters, and the establishment of total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) .. In 2006, the CWA Section 303(d) list of Water Quality Limited Segments requiring TMDLs included the Rhine Channel due to the followingstressors: copper, lead, mercury, PCBs, sediment . toxicity and zinc. 2. The statement on pg, viii that the Regional Board will issue a Cleanup and Abatement Order to the Rhine Channel unless the city acts immediately is not necessarily accurate and should be corrected. As noted in Comment #1,'CWA Section 303(d) designation generally requires the development of a TMDL. TMDLs ....Mr.fhP Rhin Al hannM wArn oA fehricH. fit. v. fhn- rd4- CmeirnnmuMa6 O.nto.tir.n -A—"' on June '14, 2002. While the USEPA TMDLs. do California Gwironmental Protection.Ageocy .a RecyckdPacer Rhine Channel MND July 27, 2090 Page 25 Mr, Chris Miller -2- July 12, 2010 plans, they do require that the allocations and numeric targets be incorporated into any permit issued for discharges to the Rhine Channel. In addition, under the California Water Code, the Regional Water Board may apply a number of administrative and enforcement options, including issuance of a Cleanup and Abatement Order, which would require the improvement or restoration of the Rhine Channel to a level that achieves water quality standards. 3. On pg. xx, the draft MND discusses the restoration of beneficial uses in the Rhine Channel. The MND should include the full list of beneficial uses for Lower Newport Bay, including the Rhine Channel, as listed in the Water Quality Control plan for the Santa Ana River Basin (Basin Plan), that is, navigation; contact and non - contact recreation; commercial and sportfishing; wildlife habitat; rare threatened or endangered species; spawning, reproduction, and development; and shellfish harvesting. 4. On pg. xx, the draft MIND states that one of the long-term benefits of the Project will be the restoration of beneficial uses in the Rhine Channel. However, the contaminated sediment that will be left adjacent to seawalls and piles and on private .property may have short- and long -term water quality effects that will not be known until adequate water quality data is collected from the locations. For that reason, the accuracy of this statement will depend on the findings from post- dredging monitoring, and should be qualified accordingly. 5. The discussion of TMDLs on pg. 43 is inaccurate and should be corrected. State TMDLs adopted for the San Diego Creek and Newport Bay Watershed by the Regional Board; and approved by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB),.California Office of Administrative Law and USEPA include sediment, fecal coliform, diazinon, chlorpyrifos, and nutrients. USEPA established TMDLS.for selenium, metals and organochlorine compounds in the San Diego Creek and Newport Bay Watershed, and also the Rhine Channel TMDLs. Implementation of the State TMDLs is currently underway. Board staff are working with the local stakeholders and other agencies to develop and adopt State TMDLs for selenium, organochlorine compounds, metals, and the Rhine Channel that will include implementation plans.. 6. CWA401 water quality certification orwaste discharge requirements will be issued by the Regional Board or Board staff for the Project. An adequate monitoring program will be incorporated as part of the certification conditions or waste discharge requirements. 7. The final MND should include specific details. (and/or propose a plan) of requisite monitoring to be conducted during dredge activities, and also pre- and post- dredging. The monitoring should be comprehensive in evaluating water quality conditions within, and proximate to, Project boundaries to demonstrate improvement(s). Minimum parameters to be sampled in water, tissue, and sediment include dissolved oxygen (00), turbidity, and the GWA Section 303(d) pollutants listed in Comment #1. lurorma's clean Water Act Section 303(d) List SWRCB; to )rt-term and long -term effects resulting from the Project. CaUfornia iron mental Protection Agency •v AeryerMPeg,er Rhine Channel MND July 27,'2010 Page 26 Mr. Chris Miller -3- July 12, 2010 a. Pre - dredge monitoring should assess the baseline characteristics and conditions of the project area.. b. The Basin Plan includes water quality objectives (WQOs) for dissolved oxygen (DO) and turbidity. The Basin Plan has a full . discussion of the WQOs, the requirements state: i, DO should beat or above 5.0 mg /L or baseline conditions, whichever is lower, at all times. ii. Turbidity must be controlled to certain levels according to baseline conditions: Baseline 0 -50 NTU 50-100 NTU Greater than 100 NTU Maximum Increase 20% 10 NTU 10% DO and turbidity should be monitored daily during dredging. To ensure that water quality objectives are met at all times, the MND should specify the additional best management practices that will be employed if any WQOs are exceeded. 8. A Quality Assurance Project Plan (CAPP). and possibly a sampling and analysis plan (SAP) will be required to be developed prior to the initiation of sampling. The monitoring, program and sampling protocols should be SWAMP - compatible. 9. Pg. xv of the draft MND states that mechanical dredging will occur to a depth where clean., uncontaminated material is found. This statement is unclear. The final MND should specify the methodology and data the City will use to determine whether or not the new surface layer is clean. If you have any questions regarding our comments., please contact Brandt Outwin at (951) 321 -4585, boutwin @waterboards,ca.gov, Sincerely, Wanda Cross Chief, Coastal Planning Section cc: State Clearinghouse U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles — Stephanie Hail California Coastal Commission FernieSy California Department of Fish and Game, Los Alamitos office. Erinn Wilson U,S Fjsh apd.Wildiife Service,.Carlsbad - William Miller, ­­­- California a iroamentalProtection Agency Aeryc&dPope: