Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutSTATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS.TEMENT -01FI-QUAL'i FICATIONS Leonard Charles & Associates a LEONARD CHARLES & ASSOCIATES Environmental Analysis & Planning 7 ROBLE.COURT SAN ANSELMO, CALIFORNIA 94960 PHONE (415) 454-4575 FAX (415) 454-2585 March 31, 2009 Stacey Jolliffe, Planning Supervisor Butte Co. Dept. of Development Services, Planning Division 7 County Center Drive Oroville, CA 95965 Dear Stacey, It was pleasure to meet and speak with you last week. To follow up on our discussion, I. am sending you an SOQ and a couple of examples of recent EIRs. I mentioned that we prepare a wide range of resource and land management plans as well as CEQA/NEPA reports on all types of projects. To give you some ,idea of the range of reports we prepare, we are currently under contract to prepare the following: City of Ukiah Water Rights EIR. We are preparing' an EIR on the City's proposal to amend its water rights license and permit to divert additional water from the Russian River. MMWD Vegetation Management Plan Update. We are preparing a new vegetation management and fire management plan for the three watersheds (22,000 acres) owned 'by the Marin Municipal Water District; we will prepare the EIR for that plan once it .is completed. The Mt. Tamalpais Watershed abuts seven cities in southern Marin County, and the fire hazard in the wildland/urban interface is a major concern for local jurisdictions and the public. We are updating a plan that we prepared in the early 1990s — that plan was awarded the Theodore Roosevelt Award for excellence by the California. Water Agencies Council. Harris Quarry EIR. We are preparing an EIR for Mendocino County on.an expansion of an existing hard rock quarry plus the addition of a concrete plant and asphalt plant. This is an extremely controversial project. Mark West Quarry EIR. We were preparing an EIR on expansion of this quarry in Sonoma County. After several months of preparation, the applicant revised the project and allowed the EIR contract to lapse part-way through the process. The applicant is submitting revised plans, and we'expect to proceed on this EIR later this year. Parente Vista EIR. We are completing an addendum to an EIR we prepared earlier on a small subdivision in Tiburon. -. '1. Ukiah Valley Area Plan Program EIR: We -are preparing a Program EIR on the proposed Ukiah Valley Area Plan that addresses future land use in the 40+ square mile Ukiah - Valley area of Mendocino County. The plan is very controversial due to the potential for substantial new growth. Crest Water Tank MND. We are preparing a Mitigated Negative Declaration on a new water tank in the Bahia area of Marin County. Stafford Treatment 'Plant Photovoltaic System MND. We are preparing a Mitigated Negative Declaration on a 3 -acre photo -voltaic system to be installed on propertyowned by the North Marin Water District. Gallagher Wells and Pipeline MND. We are preparing a Mitigated Negative Declaration on a proposal by the North Marin Water District to develop a new well and abandon an old well on Lagunitas Creek;, construct a new pipeline; and amend its water permit to allow certain allowed diversions to be used for fish and wildlife use. The MND is being carefully reviewed as Lagunitas Creek has the largest remaining native coho salmon run in the state. Garden's Gate Subdivision EIR. We are preparing the Final EIR on a proposed 200 - unit subdivision, in Mendocino County. RCHDC Housing EIR. We are negotiating the contract to prepare an EIR on a proposed 150 -unit affordable housing.project in Mendocino County. Butte County Individual On -Site Wastewater Ordinance. We are preparing the EIR for the County's proposed ordinance. You can visit our website for additional information on our firm (the website .is quite old and is currently being updated). The website address is www.leonardchadesandassdciates.com. We are a small group of very experienced CEQA practitioners. If you hire us, you can be sure that the project will be managed and the report written by a principal with over 30 years of experience. We put together teams of specialists depending on the'type of job, the important issues; and the location. We have worked for most of the firms and individuals we use for many years and have an excellent working relationship with them. We have not worked in Butte County before beginning the current on-site wastewater EIR. We like to use local technical experts when feasible, as they. tend to -know the resources and issues better and are typically less expensive than larger firms orfirms from more distant'locations. If we receive RFPs from you in the future, we would ask whether there are specific technical consultants that you recommend or like, and include them on the team N it seemed appropriate. Because we are a small firm with low overhead, our rates aretypically considerably less expensive than larger firms. , As I mentioned at our meeting, we work on. very controversial projects and are fully conversant with the most recent CEQA requirements and legal cases. In 30 years, we have had one EIR challenged in the courts, and the court upheld the adequacy of,the EIR. el, d" rio rill amelgomc; „ Yr,,nhsge:q gme sVV AG rnmpol': auto SSA foils\Jf slulili! 54m S'wupe -Q>r 9rii rlt e?u bnsl siu;ul eozasi be. Jsrit nsi9 691A Vellf.V HriAU b9,er.agoiq art; of oub isl t9vo*gno;, 4n9v'e! (,,clq all; kln uo3 oniaobriaM 10 s9�s yelleV deiAtj Alk,, :-nor► i0ris,te due lot lef r:oJoq vier; r, no noit nsl3loO evt'speA beispifilm a trrfnsyg3q BIG rAly .01VA ii Anr>T -ifolaV4 iZ9,13 Ylnvo3 njiisM to eels siriad sill rtt Ane=''t9isw betcgitir:i s prmi�>;q 'tq 9ms elft; .flVti►J1 tzte'ta�2 mi9slovcm'tsr.�i 4nsl'I 1-�emcnsre�+ bm;itvi2 btinwo yhegoiq no botislani 9d of rnsive 3!st!Dv-oJor4q was -c^ B rfo noilaislas'a evilepOO l;, taiO iN n tsrA ritioi#1 sill yd noiJsislo9 eWepeV b91sq'JIM a griiisq,3iq ems e`Pj .QWA sttitsglg bras eliew zedpelteo nn nobrsds bns ils3•w wart s got9c sb of tah,4ia i016VV nils;`,j?rlt jo�4 s:fJ yid Isac�aiq e no of Jlm;eq ielmw zli brie;nr brt9 ;snolegq. wen s inmicnoz aslirttupt:.! no Ilew bio gn+9ri ai Gl�i`v3 f,�tT .d+2Lt elilbiiw txie del loi b9Yu ed tat enoit:-i9vtt) b -ow clfu (iism:) w- olls- rw7 nornme orlc; f30n eri murnsi ja5pisl 9rU ezri knln:) $moi-riuQ j as be""';6 0) yi141t91133 ^3sly 5ti! rtt -OOSg bwogOici P, no ;11 3 16mi=1 Sri) pnhzq!5iq ems 9W .19vi rrpialvilldug elrC. a'n9bwr-) yMuo") ormiopbn9tt4 -Y. nui'Z' Mbduz ilnu y no RiB no -,4irq 'tq oT tD'SIMoo erti gnitsitogen eiG eVV "At 3 i�niz«atl ?QM�� .;'ntjoO 063opt'tsINA ni ,atajoiq prtizuOd 91dabsiolln firth-O� t b5acgc jq 5�i ' erJJ ,nilsr9m 9-1e, 00 .e3*:nrtit'a'iO iowvatesW e:iu•ri:) lsul::�ri'w►m1 �lnimo otr�s�3 .93nsnlbio,, b9aogo7q 2''1Jriuo3 ,3dt moi NO 9Jiup ei 931edaw grit) rriltil 7uo no no;Jsrrnldtni lenobibba loft ehadlew m;.tu fiaiv ansa uoy $i easibbs wiedew Offf .;b9tsbqu enied Y."In011uz) ei tna . .r;mt1�.�6jsi�0�uf;fir<6o.�tl�ti��79n0'.�l.L•�/�,Yv+r nF,3 UoY ,2U ecoid ucly 41 1M- Moil-t6i(; A030 ')sape-i'lsqxe yisv to Bump I rma G em, $ltv' m9vo dliw tsgionnq s yd no-Viwi ziog9i ndt tisk bei?ersm ed ilttiv 139jolci :ailf jf?dl slug: ed to sgyJ em no 9sibnocIpb ataitsioYgc jo errmss4'lra isp^! it)C, flip-53ri9t19QX9 to 8;69'1 0£ brs smi:1 9r11 to Jxom iut bq>;iow evad .7Vj .noifraol 9rii has .esus:;1fisf:oWni ori; ,dol .nivii rttiw tttrlafmoiJslgl gnillov -tri9iisaxs ns 9vsrl bits eir>ey + rtr .n 'iol 9zu t;w elsubivibn; let-weteisr; wl)e-rlo 1 nt iwo Brit grtr meed 9io=ed YJnuo3 9thM ni be)4inw ton 9vsri eW crit wonA of onel yar1J as ;:IL :t a9i r78riitd al-reaiC9 l lnfio! t J5ut3t fi2t`! t?J 3ilil 9V"1 ;Its B cfnft •ta Vn,t't leyisl ivAl 6vian9gt9 e891 yllsoigyl 91r, ;ants: i,+tJed asuepi bre roxtjoesi etas bluoar qwra-lujul silt Ili UoY molt 2979 avi9351 OW A .anotMoot J:msseib 9mom molt abulani tm .,eAd Yo bri9mrnoo,1 Uoy twit alne4luenoo isaintiosJ ;Ai:�9ge :airy sienj lerft6dw lrOi l-.hv., mid itrsmv s eis 9% -vs,-; swell el9hgoigqc b9msea ii ti ma9J grit no mei,41 .;icon 99CIBI nsriJ e'>iafl-vgx3 aae! Vldslebienoo wobeerlievo yllul, e'tW bns ai3opq leleievaltn4a y,,ev no Aiow ow ,gmisern itio is h3nof+nem I a.A 9v, .mey Q£ nl ,%: m -:r !spet tris wrismetiop m AQ33 m --*9i icor; er!J rst� snsalevnao eld to Yasup: bs eril blsriqu t:uua erO bras .2Jiuoa erH ni bsprt31tsOo R3 stno bsri evert We hope that you will consider sending us RFPs in the future.. You mentioned that Granite Construction might be submitting a quarry application. We would appreciate receiving the RFP for that project so that we can submit a proposal for your consideration. Thank you again for meeting with me; and I look forward to working with you on some project in the future. Regards, Leonard Charles INTRODUCTION Leonard Charles and Associates (LCA) is an environmental and land use consulting firm providing both specialized and comprehensive environmental services to governmental, public, and non -profit -agencies and groups. LCA does not work for developers or other private interests. Since 1977, our services have included the preparation of Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs), all other CEQA-required and NEPA-required documents, General Plans, Land Management Plans, Resource Management Plans, and Environmental Assessments. Many of the projects we have worked on have been highly controversial and therefore subject to the intense scrutiny of public agencies and the general public. In each case, our work has been praised for its thoroughness, total objectivity, and creative and practical approach to developing alternatives and mitigation measures. The following attributes best distinguish LCA: • LCA maintains a small permanent staff; most members of the staff have twenty years' experience in preparing EIRs and similar. analyses. The advantage of a small, core staff is that the client is assured that reports are prepared only by experienced professionals who are principals in the firm. • We augment the skills of our staff with a select group of technical experts. We have worked with this group of subconsultants on dozens of projects over a period ranging from five to twenty-five years and maintain a coordinated working relationship with them. The use of these subconsultants ensures that, when necessary, we have experts in the appropriate field addressing technical issues. • Our staff includes professional writers who ensure that technical reports are well written and can be easily understood by laypeople. • . Our thirty years of experience means that our staff is familiar with the range of impacts that can be expected from most types of projects. We are also well acquainted with most of the geographic regions of Northern California, and we know many of the staff members of pertinent State and County reviewing agencies. • The fact that LCA does not seek work in the private sector ensures our objectivity in assessing projects. Over the years, this objectivity has helped us earn a solid reputation for the unbiased nature of our reports. Our approach and reputation .are especially beneficial when an agency is confronted with a highly controversial project. LCA is commonly awarded contracts to prepare EIRs on the most controversial projects, often projects where the court has ordered the preparation of an EIR. • Given our experience with many controversial projects, we are very familiar with the legal requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Our EIRs are often prepared as the result of lawsuits. Though many of our EIRs have been scrutinized for their legal adequacy, only one has been challenged in the courts, and the court found that the EIR met all CEQA requirements and dismissed the challenge. Statement of Qualifications Leonard Charles and Associates r ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES 'Using the skills of staff ecologists and planners in conjunction with specialized consultants, Leonard Charles and Associates provides the following services: Environmental Assessment and Impact Report Preparation • Residential projects: residential developments in both urban and rural settings • Industrial development: mineral extraction, geothermal and energy facilities, and all types of industrial .development . • Commercial projects: shopping centers, office parks, business parks, downtown redevelopment, and all other types of commercial development • General Plans: preparation of general plan and specific plan environmental assessments and EIRs • Public infrastructure: schools, jails; wastewater facilities, potable water systems, roads, pipelines, solid waste facilities, and fire management plans • Natural -resources: analysis of riparian ecosystems, development. of erosion control programs, watershed. rehabilitation, and biotic impacts • Parks and recreation: site design assessment and master plans • Open space: development of open space -land use plans CEQA-Analysis • CEQA reports: Initial Studies, constraints analyses, existing conditions reports, Negative Declarations, EIRs, Findings, and all CEQA-required noticing and reporting elements on all public and private projects • NEPA reports: •Environmental Assessments, FONSls, and EISs • Monitoring: Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Programs and on-site monitoring • Resource management plans: fire and vegetation management plans, park and open space master plans, and management plans for specific resources Ecological Investigations • Biological- resource analysis: wildlife surveys, habitat evaluation, vegetation analysis and mapping, and botanical surveys r • Ecological baseline studies and monitoring: plant and animal population studies and measurement of vegetation succession and recovery Fire hazard reduction: studies of fire hazards and development of complete vegetation and fire management plans Statement of Qualifications Leonard Charles and Associates I Natural Resource Planning • Watershed rehabilitation: erosion control programs, reclamation planning, and revegetation and reforestation analysis and plans' • Vegetation management: plans to manage vegetation to control critical fire . danger and maintain biodiversity and other natural resources of the area • Fish and wildlife management: habitat mitigation plans, habitat and species management plans, and habitat rehabilitation • Natural resource plans: riparian and waterway management plans, forest management plans, and land capability and constraints analyses Land Use Planning General plans and specific plans: preparation, revision, and evaluation of general and specific plans • Area studies: analysis of projects in conjunction with area -wide development, public infrastructure analysis for area development, environmental analysis, and development of area plans • Implementation programs: development plans, subdivision ordinances, zoning ordinances, and other implementing programs Park and open space planning:. planning of local and regional parks, resource planning, and analysis of private proposals Mineral Production • Aggregate management plans: development of gravel management plans Reclamation plans: development of plans to meet SMARA and local reclamation regulations AWARDS In 2008, the Mount Tamalpais Area Vegetation Management Plan prepared by LCA was awarded the Theodore Roosevelt Environmental Award for Excellence by the California Association of California Water Agencies. CLIENTS Past clients have included. • State of California,• Department of General Services • County of Sonoma • County of. Lake • County of. Butte • County of Mendocino • County of Marin . • County of Santa Cruz • County of Calaveras • City of Dixon • City of Lafayette • City of Cloverdale • City of Cotati • City of Healdsburg • City of Petaluma . • City of Sebastopol • City of Sonoma • City of Lakeport • City of Clearlake • City of Ukiah • City of Willits • City of Fort Bragg • City of Novato • City of San Rafael Town of Mill Valley Town of Tiburon • Lake County Special Districts • Mendocino Council of Governments • Marin Municipal Water District • North Marin Water -District • Marin County Open Space District • Harmony Union School District • Monte Rio Union School District • Piner-Olivet Union School District • Ukiah Valley Sanitation District • Mendocino County Water Agency • Calpella County Water District • Willow County Water District • Millview County Water District • Russian River Parks and Recreation District • Mendocino Transit Authority • Numerous non-profit and neighborhood groups Any of these past clients may be contacted for references. Specific contacts for references will be supplied upon request. Statement of Qualifications Leonard Charles and Associates RECENT PROJECTS: NATURAL RESOURCES PLANNING LCA prepares resource and land management plans for parks, open space preserves, watersheds, and private properties.' We have prepared *a model fire management plan for the urban/wildland interface. We also conduct all types of ecological analyses of wildlife, vegetation,'and other natural resources. Some of these types of studies are summarized below.,. 2009 Vecietation Manaaement Plan Update for the'Mount Tamalpais Area 4 LCA is currently preparing the Vegetation Management Plan.Update for the Marina Municipal Water District. It addresses the three watersheds owned by the District. This plan will'address managing vegetation to reduce fire hazard„given that the district borders hundreds of homes in southern Marin County. The fire hazard element is an update -of the 1995 plan that we prepared (see the following project - t example). This plan update focuses on the District's aim'to control French broom and other invasive weeds. Broom currently inhabits about 1,500 acres of the main watershed and is expanding. The District was using herbicide to control the spread of the weed, but decided in the light of public opposition to suspend use of herbicides:' A major purpose of this plan is to examine the environmental hazards - and impacts of herbicide use and to compare these impacts and costs to control techniques that do not include the use of herbicides. This project is undergoing ' substantial public scrutiny. The team includes biologist, environmental -chemists, pest control advisors; and weed control'experts.. The plan will be completed in -2009,' and we will then prepare an EIR on the plan.. r 1995 Vegetation Manaaement Plan for the Mount Tarvtalpais Area re LCA was hired to prepare a detailed Vegetation Management Plan and the EIR for that Plan on 21,000 acres belonging to the Marin Municipal Water District and the Marin County Open Space District. A primary goal of this Plan was to determine measures required to decrease the fire hazard on the Study Area,which includes over seven miles of interface with residential areas. The Districts were extremely. concemed about the potential for wildfire starting on or crossing their property and destroying expensive residences in the interface. Additional concerns addressed in the Plan include potential wildfire damage to the'watershed, water quality,'sensitive plant and wildlife species, views, and recreational resources. The Plan was prepared by a team of 16 specialists in the areas of fire ecology, forestry, botany, wildlife biology, geology, hydrology, etc. The,Pla6 includes detailed recommendations (with working maps`showing the locations of recommended actions) on ways to decrease the existing fire hazard, remove exotic species like broom, restore native grasslands and oak woodlands, and other vegetation -related concerns. The Plan includes a full legal review of liability issues,,further development of the'GIS installed -as part of the'Baseline Studies (see above), and preparation of anew digitized orthophoto for the Study Area. A full EIR on the Plan was prepared conterminously with Plan preparation. A full, formal public participation process including interviews, newsletters, press -releases, community workshops,, and, a community survey were included due to the controversial nature of certain fire hazard reduction methods (e.g., prescribed burning). In December, 1998, this plan was awarded the -Theodore Roosevelt Environmental Award for -Excellence. by the California Association -of California Water Agencies. Statement of Qualifications W Leonard Charles and Associates Sea Ranch Fire Plan LCA teamed with Wildland Resource Management to prepared an update to the fire ' management plan for the unincorporated community of Sea Ranch on the northern Sonoma County coast. The plan identified fuelbreaks and other vegetation ' management needed to reduce fire hazard in this world-renowned community. Mount Tamalpais Road Study. 1 We prepared a Program EIR for a road and trail erosion control plan for the Marin Municipal Water District. This plan identifies needed erosion -control improvements for about 100 miles of fire roads and 105 miles of trails. The EIR assessed the impacts of hundreds of distinct projects to the level where additional CEQA work is not required for almost all the projects. ' Pacific Marine Farms Aquaculture Project. prepared much of an EIR for the largest abalone aquaculture project in the U.S. LCA p epa g q P 1 as well as one of the largest in the world. The applicant proposed to produce shrimp, ' salmon, and abalone on a parcel adjacent to the sea in Fort Bragg. The EIR included a full assessment of methods of withdrawing and circulating seawater (over 12,000,000 gallons per day will be used), impacts to sea life from water withdrawals ' and discharges, disease control, pollution control, and impacts to kelp and wild fish stocks, noise, odors, aesthetics, and land use. The EIR was never circulated as the applicant withdrew the project. ` Veaetation and Fire Management Baseline Studies for the Mount Tamalpais .Area LCA was the prime contractor for conducting a multi-year study of vegetation and fire management on lands belonging to the Marin Municipal Water District and the Marin County Open Space District in the Mount Tamalpais area. The first phase of this study involved gathering baseline data on vegetation, wildlife, wildfire hazard, and ' potential impacts of alternative vegetation management scenarios. The studies were conducted by several well-known experts in the fields of chaparral ecology, fire ecology, and wildlife management. LCA, as prime contractor, directed this research ' and acted as liaison with public agencies and the community. This study was quite controversial due to the opposition of many segments of the local community to any proposal for controlled burning on Mount Tamalpais. Upon adoption of this study, the Districts proceeded to authorize a second phase of the study aimed at developing a specific plan for decreasing fire hazards on the lands.- ands.Feral FeralPia Study This eight-month study was conducted for the Marin Municipal Water District, the Marin Open Space District, and the Audubon Canyon Ranch. These districts ' manage over 27,000 acres of land in west Marin County. These lands were suffering rooting damage from.feral pigs. To assist the districts in determining what measures should be adopted for controlling the pig population, we conducted some basic research on pig, damage. This included setting up plots to measure sedimentation. off of rooted and non -rooted areas and establishing vegetation survey plots (where we measured species diversity and spread of vegetative recovery). The study also 1 Statement Qualifications of Leonard Charles and Associates ' defined pig ethology in the area and compiled data about where pigs had rooted and where they had been captured in the past five years. Two years after completion of the study, we were hired to resurvey Marin Water District lands to determine the range and numbers of wild pigs in the Mount Tamalpais area. The study included resurveying vegetation plots established in prior years to determine the rate of revegetation. Land Use and Agricultural Proposal for the lu Mien Cultural Association The lu Mien Cultural Association (lu Mien are a group of Laotian refugee people) made a proposal to the San Francisco Foundation to receive a 1,700 -acre property owned by the Foundation to use for an agricultural community of 500 people. We were engaged to prepare a land use study, an agricultural feasibility study and a cultural impact study for the proposal. Our studies showed the feasibility of the project and included numerous interviews with the local community to determine ' social problems that might result from the resettlement. 1 Dubrava Village Redwoods LCA prepared an earlier full EIR on this mixed-use project; however, at a later stage, the project was altered so that one-third of the large redwood trees on the site were to be removed. This was a very controversial proposal given the area and the ' previous history of the project. LCA conducted a tree -by -tree analysis to determine which trees had to be removed because of health, crowding, or other natural causes. The site plans were examined to determine what changes could be made to save trees. In addition to mapping those trees that had to be removed, LCA provided a complete, detailed listing of measures to be taken during logging to insure the long- term health of the remaining trees. Cypress Hills Cemetery This study was a biotic resources survey of a portion of a cemetery in the City of I Petaluma that was slated for residential development. The City wished to know if there were significant populations of plants or animals on the site before approving the rezoning of the land. LCA performed a complete biological survey of the site. ' The report included a complete mapping of all trees on the site. Sycamore Heights 1 LCA was contracted to review a residential development proposal for its impact on site trees. Our recommendation was that trees should and could be preserved. We worked with the project planners and engineers to redesign the project to preserve ' as many trees as possible. A second phase of this project had us conduct on-site monitoring to insure tree preservation. This included making on -the -spot recommendations regarding grading, drainage systems, and pruning. This monitoring phase lasted for more than three months. ' Statement of Qualifications Leonard Charles and Associates 'OPENSPACE RECENT PROJECTS. PARKS AND ' LCA prepares Land Management Plans for all types of parks and open space - preserves. This includes identification of trail routes and trail construction techniques. Cascade Canvon and White Hill Open Space Preserves Land Management Plan LCA prepared a land management plan and EIR for these two adjacent preserves owned and operated by the Marin County Open Space District. In addition to assessing the condition of natural resources on the preserves, the plan contains a detailed fire management plan, since the,preserves border the Town of Fairfax which includes hundreds of homes in the wildland/urban. interface. The plan also provides considerable detail on current and future trail use because of the significant, controversy over bicycle use on the preserves. The preserves include Repack Road which is considered the birthplace of mountain biking.. Lafferty Ranch Park `LCA was contracted to prepare a Constraints and Opportunities Report for the potential development of a regional park on a 280-acre.parcel on the west slope of Sonoma Mountain. We then prepared a Draft Management Plan for the proposed park and completed an EIR on that Draft Plan. -This park was an extremely controversial project as a number of the neighboring landowners were opposed to public access to the area. The City hired us with the understanding that legal challenges to the project were likely. As such, we prepared detailed analyses of golden eagle use of the site, other. Special Status animals and plants, geologic hazards, water quality impacts, traffic safety, the potential for crimes, fire hazard, and aesthetics. Our plan included development of cost estimates for trail construction and other infrastructure improvements. Terra Linda/SleepyHollow Divide Open Space Management Plan LCA prepared a comprehensive Master Plan for managing.a 1,500 -acre open space . preserve jointly owned by the City of San Rafael and the Marin County Open Space District. The plan investigated all areas of management and the impacts resulting from several management options. Particular attention was given to. fire management (including a Fire Management Plan), grazing (including a Grazing Management Plan), slope stability, and public access•and use. A full cost analysis was prepared for all Plan recommendations. The Plan was adopted and is currently being used to guide land uses and implementation of improvements on the property. McInnis Park LCA prepared a Mitigated Negative Declaration for proposed improvements (including a skateboard park) to an existing park in Marin County. The report was prepared for the Marin County'Open Space District: Statement of Qualifications Leonard Charles and Associates Russian River Recreation and Parks Master Plan LCA prepared a comprehensive update of the Master Plan for this special district. The plan identified what facilities and programs were needed and how they could be developed and funded. Sonoma Mountain Regional Park Screenin We surveyed all properties in the Sonoma Mountain area west of the City of Petaluma to identify potential regional park sites. Sites were assessed and ranked for their suitability for a future regional park. Sandbanks Recreational Vehicle Park This was a focused EIR which was prepared for Sonoma County on a recreational park (campground, recreational vehicle park, and day use) Iocated on the Russian River north of Cloverdale. Major factors were sewage treatment and disposal, traffic and internal circulation, geologic stability, and fire management. Re -design recommendations were made based on geologic findings, traffic, and sewage disposal. Polo Grounds Regional Park LCA was engaged by the County of Santa Cruz to prepare an EIR on a proposed regional park in the Aptos area. We conducted detailed analyses of site biotic impacts, drainage, and slope stability. Particular attention was paid to park impacts on the surrounding neighborhood, including traffic, noise, and visual quality. A full assessment of alternatives was provided. 11 it 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 RECENT PROJECTS: MINERAL AND ENERGY RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT LCA prepares_ environmental analyses of all types of mineral development, including aggregate resources, gold mines, quarries,,and other mining projects. We also . prepare analyses of geothermal and other energy-related projects. Mark West Quarry We are currently preparing a full EIR for the County of Sonoma on the proposed expansion of a hard rock quarry in central Sonoma County. The EIR will contain a full analysis of impacts to on -site --and off-site natural resources. Particular emphases - are loss of biotic habitat, sedimentation and water pollutant impacts to steelhead, traffic impacts, diesel particulate impacts; visual impacts, and noise. Harris Quarry We are currently completing a full EIR for the County of Mendocino on expansion of a large quarry adjacent to Highway 101 between Ukiah and Willits. The proposed project also includes developing a concrete plant and asphalt plant on the site. The .project is near a rural residential development and is very controversial. The EIR will include a full analysis of water quality impacts to a salmonid stream, impacts on groundwater and nearby wells and springs, loss of biological habitat, traffic impacts, noise. impacts, air and odor impacts, visual impacts (includes preparationof photo - simulations), and fire impacts. An extensive range of project alternatives is being assessed. Blue Rock Quarry We prepared an EIR on the proposed expansion of a hard rock quarry near Forestville, Sonoma County. This was a very controversial project., and the EIR was forced by a legal challenge. The EIR contained a full analysis of impacts to on-site and off-site natural resources. Particular emphases were sedimentation and water pollutant impacts to steelhead and salmon, traffic impacts, diesel particulate impacts on Forestville residents, and noise. A full assessment of cumulative impacts was required due to the proposed expansion of another large quarry across Highway 116. The EIR was certified and not legally challenged, unlike the EIR prepared at the same time for the neighboring quarry. Sheep Ranch.Mine . This mining proposal was to process the tailings from an old mine; the tailings pile was estimated to contain over twenty million dollars worth of gold. As the tailings pile was in the middle of the small town of Sheep Ranch, the proposal was quite controversial. The EIR was ordered by the'Court as the Calaveras County Board of Supervisors had originally approved the project without an EIR. LCA prepared a complete EIR which withstood the. scrutiny.:of the Court and the public. The report detailed site geology, drainage, dam safety (tailings pond), placement of tailings reclamation, erosion control, biotic resources, air quality, noise, visual quality, public services, and land use. Statement of Qualifications Leonard Charles and Associates Garcia River Gravel Mana ementPlan We worked as a subcontractor to Philip Williams & Associates in preparing a gravel . ' management plan for the Garcia River for the County of Mendocino. We were responsible for determining market area, past and present demand, non -stream ' aggregate sources, and resource conservation. Upper Russian River Gravel Mana ement Plan We worked as a subcontractor to Philip Williams & Associates in preparing this gravel management plan for the County of Mendocino. We were responsible for determining market area, past and present demand, non -stream aggregate sources, and resource conservation. Santa Fe Geothermal, Inc. Use Permit We prepared an Initial Study and Negative Declaration on a proposal to develop a new geothermal drill pad and a steam transmission line from that drill pad to the existing power plant. The new drill pad is located near the top of Cobb Mountain in We Lake County in an area previously not used for geothermal wells. provided a complete environmental review of the consequences of development of this new well site focusing on effects on plants and animals, views, public safety, and land use. ' Statement Qualifications , of Leonard Charles and Associates ' ' City Fort Bragg General Plan RECENT PROJECTS: GENERAL AND SPECIFIC PLANS LCA prepared the City's.Draft General Plan update, including preparation of a new LCA prepares General Plans and,EIRs on those plans. Some examples of General Local Coastal Element. Preparing the plan required attendance at numerous Plans we have worked on are summarized below. workshops, meetings, and hearings. We then prepared the Program EIR for the Ukiah Valley Area Plan draft plan. The EIR was certified and the plan adopted in late 2002. The plan and We are currently completing the Program EIR for the Ukiah Valley Area Plan. We EIR particularly focused on land use issues, including future uses of the coastal completed a Draft EIR on this plan in 2006. The EIR described the -amount of growth, ' the plan would allow, which ignited a storm of opposition to the plan. The County and visual resources. decided to revisit the plan prior to certifying the EIR. We then rewrote the EIR to Cloverdale Housing Element address the new plan that was developed. The EIR addresses all areas of impacts at a level that is more detailed than is typically found in general plan EIRs. LCA prepared the Negative Declaration. for the. City of Cloverdale's Update of its City of Lafayette General Plan Housing Element. LCA prepared the EIR on the new General Plan for the City of Lafayette. This Statement of Qualifications included an assessment of growth potential and the effects of projected growth. We originally prepared an Existing Conditions report. This report.was used by other consultants to prepare the Draft General Plan. The EIR focused on development of vacant hillside lands around the edges of.the city as well as redevelopment of the city's central business area. Because the City revised its Draft General Plan three ' times over ten years, we. prepared three separate EIRs. The plan was adopted in 2002. We are currently working on a follow-up EIR that investigates increasing density in low density hillside areas. ' City of Novato General Plan We prepared the EIR for the new Novato General Plan. Because there were numerous controversial projects in the City, the City was quite concerned that the General Plan would be challenged by certain parties challenging the adequacy of the EIR. As such, we prepared a full, detailed EIR that assessed cumulative impacts that would result from buildout. of the City and its Sphere of Influence. We also prepared all the background work used to develop the Public Facilities Chapter of the Plan. The EIR was not challenged, and the Plan has been adopted. ' City Fort Bragg General Plan of LCA prepared the City's.Draft General Plan update, including preparation of a new Local Coastal Element. Preparing the plan required attendance at numerous workshops, meetings, and hearings. We then prepared the Program EIR for the draft plan. The EIR was certified and the plan adopted in late 2002. The plan and ' EIR particularly focused on land use issues, including future uses of the coastal zone, traffic and circulation, provision of public services, and. -protection of natural and visual resources. ' Cloverdale Housing Element LCA prepared the Negative Declaration. for the. City of Cloverdale's Update of its ' Housing Element. ' Statement of Qualifications Leonard Charles and Associates 1 11 .1 RECENT PROJECTS: AREA STUDIES LCA prepares specific plans, redevelopment. plans, area plans, and EIRs on those plans. Southwest Dixon Specific Plan LCA prepared an EIR on a specific plan that would allow 1,200 new homes, major commercial development, and a large employment center on 500 acres on the southwest edge of the City of Dixon. The EIR was both a Program EIR on buildout of the plan area and a project -specific EIR for five development proposals within the plan area. The EIR assessed all areas of impact with particular attention on circulation and public services. Lovers Lane Specific Plan LCA prepared an Environmental Constraints Analysis for a 250 -acre area located north of Ukiah. Based on this ECA, a Specific Plan to develop the area with 1,000- 1,360 residences was developed. LCA then prepared a full EIR on that Specific Plan. The EIR included detailed analyses of geologic hazards, drainage, air quality, public service improvements, housing, agricultural impacts, noise, and visual quality. This project was the largest residential project ever proposed in Mendocino County. There was extensive public input that we addressed in the Final EIR. South Fitch Mountain Road Corridor Study. This study was a master EIR for possible residential development of nearly 40 acres of land on the edge of the City of Healdsburg; the acreage was in several different ownerships, and there was no firm development proposal for any of the properties. Our report laid out the environmental impacts that could be expected at a variety of levels of residential density. The alternatives were compared, and the least impacting alternative was determined. In addition, for the trafficanalysis, we considered the future development of the entire South Fitch Mountain Road Corridor (an additional 735 undeveloped lots) in determining impacts to the road system. Citv of Cotati Specific Plan LCA prepared a full EIR on a Specific Plan to annex approximately .400 acres to the City of Cotati. The EIR particularly focused on the impacts resulting from a proposed 300 -unit residential development on 160 acres of the Study Area; this proposed development would expand the City's housing stock by 25 percent. Emphases were the public service infrastructure, drainage, traffic, visual quality, land use, growth - inducement, and alternatives. Based on concerns raised in the Draft EIR, the applicant determined to abandon the project. The development rights to the site were purchased by the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District. Statement of Qualifications Leonard Charles and Associates Ukiah Western Hills Study LCA prepared a constraints analysis and recommendations for new development in the hills bordering the west side of the City of Ukiah.. The City will use this report to revise its Zoning Ordinance and reduce the allowable new development in this hillside area. Ukiah Housing Element LCA prepared a Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Update of the City of Ukiah's Housing Element. ' •RECENT PROJECTS: MIXED LAND USES ' LCA prepares EIRs and all other types of environmental reviews for complex projects that may include commercial, industrial, and single -family and multi-family residential development. Some examples of this type of project are summarized below. ' Parducci's Vintners Village This was a full EIR prepared for Mendocino County on a large motel, restaurant, and shopping center complex located on Highway 101 north of Ukiah. The project - . included a 200-unit motel, a restaurant/convention center, and a 40,000 square foot shopping center. The project was to have been the first development in an area in ' traditionally reserved for agricultural use, and the long-term effects on agriculture the area were a major focus of the report. At the time, there were several planning options for the area prepared by the Planning Department, the City of Ukiah, and a ' Citizens Advisory Committee. The report examined the project relative to the different land use patterns that could result from the implementation of these various plans. The report was a full EIR with detailed investigations of drainage, air quality, traffic, land use, noise, public services, visual quality, and community impacts. The report included a major analysis of the extension of public services, especially sewers, into ' the area. The base data in the report were used to guide further growth in the area. Dubrava Village This was a full EIR prepared for the County of Sonoma on a Iarge, mixed-use project on the Russian River west of Guerneville. The project included 91 condominiums, a 20,000 square foot commercial center, and a large resort inn/restaurant complex. Critical areas that were assessed were hydrology (the site was within the 100-year floodplain), geology, biotic resources, noise, visual quality, traffic, and recreation. Land use and public services were assessed in great detail as there was being ' considerable controversy surrounding the project; a new sewer system was installed, and we had to determine if the project would use up the surplus in the not- yet-completed system. This necessitated a determination of area demographics; ' these demographics were a surprise to the local community and formed the basis for further debate over area development. Much of the data developed in this report .was later used as base environmental data for the area. ' Crinella Subdivision This was a full EIR prepared for Sonoma County on a residential/commercial project t located in Forestville. The project included 89 single -family residences, 12 multi- family units, and 20,000 square feet of commercial development. The project site was one of the last large acreages in the area, and development of the site was the ' focus of considerable public controversy. The EIR addressed all areas. of impact with special emphasis placed on public services, visual impacts, and impacts on community character. Statement Qualifications of Leonard Charles and Associates LJ London Lake Village ' LCA first prepared a constraints analysis for the proposed development of a 30,000 square foot shopping center, 160 multi -family units, 50 rental units, and an on-site , lake. The project was designed using this analysis. Then, an EIR was prepared ' which focused on hydrology, the design of the lake, traffic, noise, land use, retention of landmark oaks, and public services. The County of Sonoma, for whom this report was prepared, was especially concerned that the project be -well designed; as it was 1 the last large development in the Boyes Springs area of the Sonoma Valley. The two-stage development of a constraints analysis. and EIR was well received by the County, the developer, and the public alike. Hillcrest Ranch LCA prepared a full EIR on a proposed residential (209 units) and commercial development located in Lake County. Given the site's location between two communities, the EIR focused on growth -including impacts and effects on agriculture. The EIR included detailed analyses of drainage, traffic, visual quality, and 'public services. ' Statement of Qualifications Leonard Charles and Associates Hillcrest Ranch Fiscal Analysis The Hillcrest Ranch subdivision was downsized from the original proposal after. the . EIR prepared by LCA was presented. The new proposal included 130 single-family residences for senior citizens and 4,000 square feet of commercial space compared to the original 209 residences and 3.6 acres of commercial usage. The Lake County Planning Department requested that LCA prepare a fiscal analysis of the reduced - size subdivision. The report analyzed and compared project revenues, both one-. fire time and ongoing, and costs to the County for public services, such as police and protection, education, health and sanitation, etc. 1 West Gravenstein Corridor Specific Plan This was a full EIR prepared on a Specific Plan for an area in west Cot ti (Sonoma County). This Specific Plan included a mix of commercial development along the Gravenstein Highway and office and residential uses behind the commercial strip. We assessed three alternative land use mixes presented in the Specific Plan. Particular emphasis was given to traffic, visual effects, and wetlands. Orr Creek Bridge and Orchard Avenue Extension LCA.prepared an EIR on a bridge and roadway widening project that opened up 100 acres of land adjacent to Highway 101 for development. LCA assessed the cumulative impacts of future commercial development on this 100 -acre property. The ElR was prepared for the City of Ukiah. The data presented in the EIR will be used byAhe City and/or the County to guide annexation and development of the study area ' Statement of Qualifications Leonard Charles and Associates RECENT PROJECTS: COMMERCIAL. LCA prepares EIRs and other environmental assessments for all types of commercial and office development, including office and business parks, shopping centers, downtown redevelopment projects, .targe discount stores, and all other types of development. Some examples of this type of work are summarized below. Caprice Restaurant LCA is completing a Mitigated Negative Declaration on the rebuilding of a historic waterfront restaurant in Tiburon. The existing restaurant would be demolished -and removed by barge. A new restaurant would be constructed off-site, barged to the site, and lifted in place by a derrick on another barge:: We assessed all impacts of this project, including concerns raised by °BCDC. Congregation Kol Shofar Use Permit The congregation proposed to construct a new, large multi -use facility at the site of the existing synagogue. The site was once a public school and is surrounded by residences. We prepared a full EIR on the project. The project was very controversial as many neighbors objected to increased use, especially at night. The Town of Tiburon certified the EIR. A group of neighbors filed a CEQA lawsuit, 1 making various claims about inadequacies of our EIR. The Marin County Superior Court found that the EIR met all CEQA requirements, and found in favor of the Town.. The neighbors then filed an appeal with the Appeals Court, but dropped"that appeal. Shopping Center Clearlake This was a full EIR prepared on a proposed 250,000 square foot shopping center in the town of Clear lake. The project is the largest commercial center in the county. The EIR focused on hydrologic, traffic, visual, public service, economic, -and airport safety impacts. Maxwell Village Shopping Center This was a full EIR prepared on a proposed 94,000 square foot shopping center located on Highway 12 outside the City of Sonoma. The EIR included a full assessment of site biota, drainage, air quality, visual quality, public services, noise, traffic, and community impacts. A fiscal analysis was prepared since the project included annexation to the City. This analysis was extended to included several adjacent developments that the.City was also considering annexing. A basic economic assessment of the project's impacts on existing businesses was included. Finally, a detailed assessment of how the project -It" with an adjacent .regional park was prepared. A full range of project alternatives was analyzed. Fort Branca Shopping Center (Kmart) LCA prepared a full EIR on a proposed shopping center in Fort Bragg. The project included over 130,000 square feet of commercial space anchored by a Kmart Store, 33,000 square feet of motel space, and 60 residential units. The EIR included a full fiscal/economic analysis and a visual analysis that incorporated photomontage techniques. All other areas of potential impact were addressed. Statement of Qualifications Leonard Charles and Associates Unocal Service Station and Car Wash We prepared a full EIR on a proposed remodeling of a gas station to include a car wash. The project was within the City of Mill Valley, Marin County. Particular emphasis was given to traffic and aesthetic effects since the site is adjacent to the City's. proposed new Community Center. Hare Creek Inn 1 We prepared a full EIR on a proposed 52 unit motel located off Highway 20 in Fort Wal-Mart Store and Airport Industrial Park Planned Development Bragg. The EIR focused on biotic, traffic, public service, aesthetic, and land use LCA was engaged to prepare an EIR on a proposed Wal-Mart Store (130,000 square impacts. feet) on a commercial/ industrial planned development.: This was a very controversial project, and the EIR was prepared as a result of a lawsuit. The EIR Dolphin Inn included three levels of analysis: a full analysis of the proposed Wal-Mart Store, an Emerald analysis of the changes in impacts due to proposed -land use changes in the We prepared a full EIR on a proposed 42 unit motel on Highway One in Fort Bragg. The EIR focused on aesthetics (the site is within the Coastal Zone), traffic, public services, hydrology, and land use impacts. the 150 -acre industrial park. The EIR included a major traffic analysis and Beachcomber Motel assessment of public service problems. On the request of the City, a full economic .We prepared a full EIR on a proposed 48 unit motel addition on Highway One in Fort assessment of the impact of buildout on the existing downtown commercial center Bragg. The EIR focused on archeology, traffic, aesthetics (the site is within the Coastal Zone), water, and effects on an adjacent State park. Wal-Mart Store and Airport Industrial Park Planned Development LCA was engaged to prepare an EIR on a proposed Wal-Mart Store (130,000 square feet) on a commercial/ industrial planned development.: This was a very controversial project, and the EIR was prepared as a result of a lawsuit. The EIR included three levels of analysis: a full analysis of the proposed Wal-Mart Store, an analysis of the changes in impacts due to proposed -land use changes in the surrounding industrial park, and an analysis of the cumulative impacts of buildout of the 150 -acre industrial park. The EIR included a major traffic analysis and assessment of public service problems. On the request of the City, a full economic assessment of the impact of buildout on the existing downtown commercial center was conducted, including community surveys to determine retail "leakage." Redwood Business.Park This EIR assessed impacts from development of the business park that is adjacent to the Wal-Mart Store in Ukiah described above. The EIR addressed environmental impacts from development of over 800,000 square feet of commercial and industrial development on the 100 -acre business park. It was a full EIR that incorporated much of the analysis done for the Wal-Mart Store. Airport Business Park This EIR assessed impacts resulting from development of the proposed Mendocino j Brewing Company's new brewing and bottling facility as well as additional industrial . development on a 27 -acre industrial park in Ukiah. The full range of impacts were analyzed; wetlands and traffic were particularly sensitive areas. tStatement of Qualifications Leonard Charles and Associates ' RECENT PROJECTS: SCHOOLS LCA works with school districts in selecting potential new school sites, and working with Citizen Advisory Committees in the selection process. We provide constraints analysis of potential sites as well as conducting the full CEQA process, including Initial Studies, Negative Declarations, and EIRs. We can complete the:entire CEQA process for districts not familiar with State environmental requirements. Some examples of this type of work are summarized below. iMonte Rio School 1 'I 17 1L LCA prepared a Negative Declaration fora proposed new school site for the Monte Rio School District, Sonoma County. The Negative Declaration and the expanded Initial Study assessed all possible significant impacts and recommended mitigation measures. In addition, LCA guided the district through the CEQA review process. Harmony Union School District LCA was hired to assist a Citizens Advisory- Committee to identify, rank, and select a new school site for the Harmony School District in Occidental. The search for a new site was very controversial; LCA used 45 different criteria to rank 22 different sites. Upon selection of the best site, LCA prepared a full EIR on the proposed new 450 - student school on that site. The EIR focused especially on biota (due to the presence of an endangered species), sewage disposal (on-site disposal), water, drainage, traffic, land use, and project alternatives. The investigation of alternatives included an assessment of alternative sites, year-round schooling, expansion of the existing campus, deannexation of a portion of the district, and unification with ,neighboring districts. After approval of the project, LCA was engaged to monitor project construction to ensure compliance with the mitigation monitoring plan. . City of 10,000 Buddhas Training Academy LCA was engaged to prepare a full EIR on a proposal to construct an 850,000 square foot private university on agricultural land in Mendocino County. The project included numerous 5-10 story buildings. The EIR focused on impacts of agriculture, views, public services, geology, and biota. Needless to say, this project was controversial given the size and proposed use of the buildings in a rural, agricultural setting. The initial project was rejected by the County due to visual and other impacts. The applicant submitted a new proposal five years later, and we prepared a full EIR on that second proposal. The applicant again revised the project, and we prepared a third EIR on that project. This final EIR was certified, and a modified project was approved. Jack London Elementary School We assisted the Piner-Olivet Union School District in selecting a new school site. We prepared a full EIR for the proposed new elementary and charter school. Our work included preparation of a mitigation, monitoring program and preparation of draft Findings for the project. Statement of Qualifications Leonard Charles and Associates RECENT PROJECTS: JAILS LCA is experienced in assessing the environmental effects of new jails. We are familiar with the unique effects of such projects and the parameters such as . bedspace projections and alternative jail designs. Some.examples of jail projects we have worked on are summarized below. San Quentin Prison Correctional Treatment Center LCA prepared an Initial Study for a proposed new medical facility on San Quentin State Prison. The State Board of Corrections withdrew this project before a final CEQA document was prepared. Sonoma County Jail LCA prepared an EIR on the new Sonoma County Jail - a Court-ordered forty million dollar project. The EIR on this controversial facility focused on a review of bedspace projections for the facility; long-term impacts on land use at the County Administrative Center, future use of the existing jail, visual quality, and traffic. A detailed. assessment of alternatives was presented including alternative types of jails and alternative locations: . Sonoma County Jail Supplementary EIR . Following the certification of the original EIR on. this project, the building design was completely changed. LCA prepared an in-depth visual analysis of the new design. In addition, the County requested that we assess the.impacts.of the project on the adjacent neighborhood - impacts assessed included noise,traffic, dust, and change `in neighborhood character. Lake County Sheriff s Department and Jail Complex This EIR was prepared on the proposed jail/sheriffs department complex for the County of Lake. The site was in a rural location outside the City of Lakeport. The report focused on site constraints -geology, drainage, public services, and impacts as regards traffic, visual quality (the site is located in a Scenic Corridor), and community character. ' Lake County Jail Supplementary EIR Prior to the certification of the EIR on the Lake County Jail, the County altered the project by acquiring an adjacent parcel and redesigning the project to use that 1 parcel. The Supplementary EIR assessed the same issues assessed in the original EIR for the expanded site and new design. Statement of Qualifications Leonard Charles and Associates t RECENT PROJECT: PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE. ' LCA assesses all types of public service projects, including transportation projects, pipeline projects, wastewater treatment and disposal facilities, water storage and " treatment facilities, flood control projects,and storm drain systems. We work with public works departments and special districts to assist these agencies in completing the environmental review process; including preparation of site selection criteria, feasibility and nexus studies, initial studies, Negative Declarations, and EIRs. Examples of these types of projects are summarized below. East Shore Wastewater Pollution Control Project LCA prepared an EIR to address the impacts of developing a new wastewater collection and disposal system serving a. portion of the east shore of Tomales Bay. The EIR addressed all impacts as well as, concerns of the Coastal Commission. The EIR assessed potential growth -inducing impacts in an area where additional growth is a significant'public concern ' Butte County On -Site Wastewater Ordinance LCA is currently preparing'a Program EIR to address a proposed County ordinance that would, among other things, allow the use of new types of on-site disposal techniques., This could result in induced growth, since some sites with constrained soil or groundwater conditions would now be able to develop. City of Ukiah Water Rights LCA is under contract to prepare an. EIR for amendments to the City's water right permit and license. The EIR will address impacts to the Russian River fishery. It will also address growth -inducing impacts. Mendocino County Regional Transportation Plan LCA prepared a Program EIR for the 2001 Mendocino County Regional Transportation Plan. The EIR addressed the growth -inducing and cumulative impacts that could result from a range of projects including two major bypasses on Highway 101, numerous road improvement projects, new road. projects; airport. improvement projects, mass transit projects, and bicycle and pedestrian projects. Ukiah Solid Waste Transfer Station LCA prepared a full EIR'on anew solid waste transfer station in the City of Ukiah. This solid waste transfer station will replace the existing City landfill which disposes of waste for the City and the remainder of the Ukiah Valley. The transfer station was sized large enough to potentially transfer all solid waste from the County of Mendocino. As is the case with all solid waste projects, the project was very controversial. We examined the full range of impacts regarding water quality, . aesthetics, odors,- traffic, land use compatibility, and other areas of impact. Statement Qualifications of . Leonard Charles and Associates 1 n 1 1 t Monte Rio Wastewater Pollution Control Program LCA prepared a full EIR on a new community wastewater system for the community of Monte Rio_ on the Russian River in Sonoma County. Due to Federal funding, the project was also.an Environmental Assessment under NEPA. The new facility includes a community collection system, a treatment plant, and a community leachfield for disposal. The project was very controversial because the proposed disposal site was a scenic meadow adjacent to the river plus some residents' concerns about growth -inducing impacts. The EIR assessed impacts to water quality, biotic resources, aesthetics, air contamination, and the growth -inducing impacts of lifting a growth moratorium once the _project is completed.. A full range of alternative means of providing public wastewater services was conducted. Lake County Sanitation District Northwest Facility We prepared an EIR on new facilities proposed for this existing wastewater treatment.and disposal plant. This included a geotechnical and environmental analysis of a new storage reservoir, expansion of spray irrigation fields, and additions to the treatment system. We assessed a wide range of disposal alternatives as there was insufficient sprayfield area to accommodate long-term disposal requirements. Stafford Lake Solar Proiect We are currently preparing a Mitigated Negative Declaration of a photo -voltaic installation that North Marin Water District plans to use to operate.its water treatment facility. The site occupies much of a 3 -acre property adjacent to recreational trails. Crest Tank.No. 2 LCA is currently preparing a Mitigated Negative Declaration for North Marin Water District on a water storage tank in the Bahia; neighborhood of Novato. Gallagher Wells LCA is currently prepared a Mitigated Negative Declaration on developing a well site on Lagunitas Creek near Point Reyes Station. The project includes- relocating the points of diversion that the North Marin Water District has on this creek, abandoning a downstream diversion well, and transferring some of the District's water right on the creek to fish and wildlife use. The stream supports a large population of Coho salmon as well as steelhead, and the project is being scrutinized by state and federal agencies as well as environmental groups. Olema Water Tank Replacement Proiect LCA prepared a Mitigated Negative Declaration for the proposed construction of two new water tanks to serve the community of Olema in Marin County. The tank site is located within Point Reyes National Seashore. Throckmorton Puma Station. LCA prepared a Mitigated Negative Declaration on construction of a new water pumping station in Mill Valley. The client was. the Marin Municipal Water. District. Statement of Qualifications Leonard Charles and Associates Wlldhorse Tank No. 2 We prepared a Mitigated Negative Declaration for the North Marin Water District on a new water tank on a site near Novato. The MND also addressed constructing a new water supply line across land owned by the Marin County Open Space District. Wilson Wav Tank Replacement LCA prepared an Initial Study and Negative Declaration for a new 100,000 gallon water tank that will replace an older 50,000 gallon tank adjacent to the City. of Larkspur in Marin County. This Negative Declaration was prepared for the Marin Municipal Water District. Andersen Drive Pipeline Marin Terrace Water Tank . transmission line crossing of a creek in San Rafael. The client was the Marin We prepared a Negative Declaration for a new water tank located on a small parcel of land surrounded by residential. development. This project was done for the Marin Municipal Water District. l Ammo Hill Water Tank l LCA prepared an Initial Study and Negative Declaration for a 4.5 million gallon water tank on a site near Novato for the North Marin Water District. The site was very sensitive due to the presence of wetlands, wildlife habitat, and visual resources. Preparation of the Initial Study included our facilitation of scoping meetings with environmental groups and public agencies. Wlldhorse Tank No. 2 We prepared a Mitigated Negative Declaration for the North Marin Water District on a new water tank on a site near Novato. The MND also addressed constructing a new water supply line across land owned by the Marin County Open Space District. Wilson Wav Tank Replacement LCA prepared an Initial Study and Negative Declaration for a new 100,000 gallon water tank that will replace an older 50,000 gallon tank adjacent to the City. of Larkspur in Marin County. This Negative Declaration was prepared for the Marin Municipal Water District. LCA prepared a Negative Declaration fora proposed annexation of land to the Calpella County Water District. The properties proposed for annexation were being sewed through an out -of -area service agreement. The client was the Calpella County Water District. Statement of Qualifications Leonard Charles and Associates Andersen Drive Pipeline We prepared an Initial Study and Negative. Declaration for a proposed water transmission line crossing of a creek in San Rafael. The client was the Marin Municipal Water District. Fort Bragg Bus Yard LCA prepared 'a Negative Declaration for a proposed bus yard in the,City of Fort Bragg. The client was the Mendocino Transit Authority. Calpella Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements LCA prepared a Mitigated Negative Declaration on proposed improvements to the Calpella Wastewater Treatment Plant. This study included assessment of potential growth -inducing impacts that might result from the project. The client was the Calpella County Water District. - Calpella County Water District Northwest Annexation LCA prepared a Negative Declaration fora proposed annexation of land to the Calpella County Water District. The properties proposed for annexation were being sewed through an out -of -area service agreement. The client was the Calpella County Water District. Statement of Qualifications Leonard Charles and Associates Ukiah Valley Sanitation District We prepared an Initial Study and Negative Declaration for the addition of Advanced Wastewater Treatment components and other minor treatment components to an existing facility. Foss Creek Flood Control Master Plan The City of Healdsburg was required to construct a flood retention pond next to Foss Creek to withhold peak flows. LCA assessed a variety of detention pond and channel designs, including channel improvements downstream of the retention pond. The report focused on the impacts on wildlife and vegetation. Detailed analysis determined the best designs. A full reclamation plan was designed for the retention pond area. In addition, LCA assessed the recreational possibilities of the pond and downstream area. A basic riparian ordinance for the downstream area was designed. Following the completion of this report, LCA was contracted to supervise the revegetation and reclamation of the retention basin, and the basin levee. 1 Fircrest Water Tank We prepared a Mitigated. Negative Declaration for Willow County Water District on a new water tank southwest of the City of Ukiah. Statement of Qualifications Leonard Charles and Associates RECENT PROJECTS: RESIDENTIAL 1 LCA prepared an Initial Study for this affordable housing project adjacent to Ukiah. The project was stopped while the client redesigned it. LCA is currently in contract discussions to re -start the project and complete an EIR and NEPA study for the project. The project includes a major grading and tree removal of the adjacent Orr Creek to provide additional storm capacity. I� Lincoln Creek Apartments. LCA prepared a full EIR on an affordable housing project adjacent to Interstate 80 in the City of Dixon. The main issues were traffic safety, noise, and crime. We .prepared a complete assessment of the relationship of affordable housing projects to criminal activity. . Sorokko Residential Development LCA prepared a full EIR on a small subdivision along the bay on the Tiburon Peninsula. The County required us to first prepare an Environmental Assessment of the site. This EA went through a complete round of public review and comment. The applicant completed the design, and we then prepared a full EIR on that design. The project involved the removal of hundreds of oak andother trees. We expended significant time to assessing impacts to trees and other biological resources. We. developed and compared seven project alternatives, Ling Subdivision We prepared an EIR for the Town of Tiburon on this subdivision. The project required removing much of the hillslope to repair landslides. The massive grading required was very controversial for neighbors. LCA also prepared an Addendum to the EIR to address a subsequent redesign of the project. . Statement of Qualifications Leonard Charles and Associates LCA prepares EIRs and other environmental analyses on all types of residential developments. This includes typical single-family projects in both urban and rural settings as well as multi -family projects. Some examples of these types of projects are summarized below. Garden's Gate Subdivision LCA has completed the FEIR for a 197 -unit subdivision adjacent to the City of Ukiah. The project includes affordable housing units. The FEIR is awaiting certification. Sanguinetti Estates LCA prepared an EIR for this 150 -unit subdivision in Copperopolis, Calaveras County. Subsequent to submittal of the ADEIR, the applicant redesigned the project. ' LCA was nearly complete with the revisions to -the EIR in 2009 when the applicant withdrew the project. The EIR assessed all impacts of the project including oak tree removal and recreation impacts on nearby Lake Tulloch. RCHDC Brush Street Housin 1 LCA prepared an Initial Study for this affordable housing project adjacent to Ukiah. The project was stopped while the client redesigned it. LCA is currently in contract discussions to re -start the project and complete an EIR and NEPA study for the project. The project includes a major grading and tree removal of the adjacent Orr Creek to provide additional storm capacity. I� Lincoln Creek Apartments. LCA prepared a full EIR on an affordable housing project adjacent to Interstate 80 in the City of Dixon. The main issues were traffic safety, noise, and crime. We .prepared a complete assessment of the relationship of affordable housing projects to criminal activity. . Sorokko Residential Development LCA prepared a full EIR on a small subdivision along the bay on the Tiburon Peninsula. The County required us to first prepare an Environmental Assessment of the site. This EA went through a complete round of public review and comment. The applicant completed the design, and we then prepared a full EIR on that design. The project involved the removal of hundreds of oak andother trees. We expended significant time to assessing impacts to trees and other biological resources. We. developed and compared seven project alternatives, Ling Subdivision We prepared an EIR for the Town of Tiburon on this subdivision. The project required removing much of the hillslope to repair landslides. The massive grading required was very controversial for neighbors. LCA also prepared an Addendum to the EIR to address a subsequent redesign of the project. . Statement of Qualifications Leonard Charles and Associates t Armstrong Heights LCA prepared a full EIR on the proposed subdivision located in the 100 -year i floodplain of the Russian River, Sonoma County. The EIR focused on hydrologic, biotic, and neighborhood impacts. Due to community concern, a detailed analysis of project alternatives was conducted. The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors eventually approved one of the project alternatives. t t Palm Terrace and Saddleburr Subdivision LCA prepared a full EIR on two controversial subdivisions located adjacent to the Laguna de Santa Rosa in Sebastopol. This EIR was ordered. by the court. Detailed. analyses of project impacts on the. sensitive: Laguna ecosystem were included. In addition, the EIR included detailed assessments of public services, traffic and noise. A full fiscal analysis was included. Broadmoor Estates Subdivision This full EIR focused on the effects of this Sonoma County subdivision on vernal pools. The site included numerous vernal pools and populations of rare plants. Pools and plant population were accurately mapped and described. The EIR also focused on traffic, public services, and community impacts. The proposal was abandoned, and the site was eventually purchased for�permanent open space. Consani Promrty. Creekside Meadows, and Hembree Meadows This was a focused EIR done for Sonoma County on three contiguous residential developments in the Windsor area. The projects included 174 dwelling units, combining single-family residences with condominiums. In addition to examining the. speck impacts relative to the projects, the report examined the impacts that would result from further development of this area, and more generally in all of the Windsor area. This analysis was used to guide growth in the area pending the completion of a new Specific Plan for the community. The EIR included detailed analyses of drainage and hydrology, wildlife and vegetation, land use, public services, visual quality, traffic, and community. Ginesi Rentals This was a full EIR on a proposed 70 -unit multi -family project in the Sonoma Valley. Particular attention was given to the areas of traffic, hydrology, loss of agricultural land, and public services. Thysen Planned United Development LCA was engaged by the.City of.Cotati to prepare a full EIR on a proposed planned unit development that included 114 apartment units and 24,000 square feet of i offices. The EIR focused on traffic, visual; and biotic impacts. 1 Statement of Qualifications Leonard Charles and Associates Gravenstein Hiahway North Annexation This EIR assessed a proposed single-family and multi -family residential development in Sebastopol. Particular areas of focus included agricultural, traffic, visual quality, drainage, and public service impacts. Statement of Qualifications Leonard Charles and Associates Oak Park Estates LCA prepared a full EIR on a proposed subdivision near Lakeport in Lake County. Particular attention was focused on site contamination since the site was once used for the Lakeport Sanitation District's wastewater ponds. Extensive soil testing was conducted. Other areas of focus included hydrology, traffic, fiscal, and public service Iimpacts. Harris Hills Subdivision LCA prepared a focused EIR addressing the traffic and growth -inducing impacts resulting from a 9 -lot rural residential subdivision north of Sebastopol. �. Vichy Sprincis Subdivision LCA prepared a full EIR on a proposed 30 -acre subdivision near the City of Ukiah in 1 Mendocino County. The principal issues were wildlife and vegetation, traffic, geology, and hydrology. 1 Crocker Ranch Estates We prepared a full EIR on a proposed 18 -lot rural subdivision located on 277 acres near the Russian River in Sonoma County. The site consisted of steep topography ' so a thorough geotechnical analysis was conducted. Other important areas of impact included traffic, effects on oaks and other vegetation, water availability, and fire danger. Hill Subdivision Round This was a full EIR on a subdivision located in the Town of Tiburon. Particular ' emphasis was.give to geologic constraints, runoff from the site, loss of oak trees, and effects on public services. ' Creek View Estates We prepared -a full EIR on a proposed 75 -unit subdivision on 60 acres in Willits (Mendocino County). The site Was a hillside property so emphasis was given to geologic concerns and visual effects. Cherry Avenue Planned Development We prepared a Constraints Analysis for development of a 50 -acre site in the Sonoma ' Valley. The analysis was used to develop a site plan. The project was done for the County of Sonoma. Statement of Qualifications Leonard Charles and Associates t Old Corporation Yard - Senior'Housing Proiect LCA prepared a complete EIR on a proposed 40 -unit low income senior housing . project. in Healdsburg. The site was adjacent to the..Russian River.and required a full hydrologic analysis for flooding impacts. Other areas of particular concern that were addressed included geology; recreational access, visual effects, and housing impacts. Quietwater Subdivision We prepared a full EIR on a proposed 17 -lot rural subdivision on an 85 -acre parcel in Sonoma County. Site access was a principal concern since it required bridging a major stream. Other areas of concern that were addressed included biotic effects, hydrology, traffic, visual quality, and fire hazard. Page Park Estates This was a full EIR prepared on a proposed 24 -lot subdivision in the City of Lakeport. Particular attention was paid to site design alternatives, traffic and impacts on public services. Orchard Park LCA prepared a full EIR on a 48 -tot subdivision in Sebastopol. Particular attention was given to hydrology, vegetation, traffic, visual effects, public services, and proximity to a propane storage facility. Harris Hills Subdivision ' This was a focused EIR prepared for a proposed 94ot rural subdivision. The EIR focused on traffic impacts and a detailed'analysis of project alternatives. Leth-Nissen Maior Subdivision This was a focused EIR prepared for Sonoma County on a proposed residential lot split in the Dry Creek Valley, a prime viticultural area. The focus of the report was on ' the project's compatibility with the goals and policies of the County's General Plan, particularly as regards the preservation of agriculture. Major factors addressed included the agricultural capabilities of the site, vineyard management practices, ' residential/agricultural interface problems, acreage necessary to support full-time farming in the area, economic impacts, and the long-term impacts of residential subdivision on Valley agriculture. Parente Residential Development LCA prepared an EIR for a proposed hillside subdivision. in Tiburon for the Town of Tiburon. The project site contained a portion of a Town -designated ridgeline. The EIR focused on traffic, noise, and visual impacts. A lengthy assessment of alternatives was developed to minimize impact to the visual resources of the ' ridgeline. Prior to final certification of the. EIR, the applicant withdrew the project. The applicant then submitted a new site plan, -and we are currently competing an Addendum to the EIR on this revision. Statement of Qualifications Leonard Charles and Associates LEONARD CHARLES, Ph.D. Mr. Charles is a professional environmental planner and cultural ecologist with more than twenty-five years of experience in environmental and sociocultural consulting. He is a founding partner of Leonard Charles and Associates. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE 1977 to Project Manager, Leonard Charles and Associates Present Professional Responsibilities: Project management; analysis of public service infrastructure; land use analysis; community surveying;. assessment of agricultural and land use strategy for resource areas in Northern California; environmental planner; reclamation analysis; and park and recreation analyst. 1986 to Lecturer in Anthropology and History, Cazadero Academy 1989. Professional Responsibilities: Taught courses in anthropology and history. 1977 Lecturer in Anthropology, Sonoma State University Professional Responsibilities: Taught course on the ecology of hunting and gathering societies. 1970 to Lecturer in Anthropology and Sociology, Santa Rosa Junior College 1971 Professional Responsibilities: Taught introductory courses in cultural anthropology and sociology. 1968 to Researcher, Department of Anthropology, University 1976 of California, Berkeley . Professional Responsibilities: Conducted research for U.C: professors on a variety of subjects and projects including: the cultural ecology of the Philippine Islands; intermediation in the Philippines; social organization in the Gilbert Islands; the ecology of home gardens in Southeast Asia; trade patterns in Malaysia; and the sociology of corruption. 1971 to Sheeprancher; Charles Ranch, Sonoma County 1982 Professional Responsibilities: Operation of a sheep ranch on 800 acres in Northern California. 1969 to Lecturer in Anthropology and Sociology, Santa Rosa 1970 Junior College Professional Responsibilities:. Taught introductory courses in cultural anthropology and sociology in the Evening College. Statement of Qualifications Leonard Charles and Associates EDUCATION • Ph.D. Anthropology, University of California at Berkeley, 1976; (field emphases ' were cultural ecology, demography, and rural'American•society). ' M.A. and B.A., Anthropology, University of California at Berkeley, 1968 and 1969. • Independent Study in Systematics (ten-month course), International Academy for Continuous Education, Sherborne, England, 1974-75. . 1 ASSOCIATIONS ' Full member of the Society of American Foresters. • Full member of the Association of Environmental Professionals. ' . Full member of the American Anthropological Association. • Associate member of the State Bar of California, Environmental Section • Member of the Town of San Anselmo'Open Space Committee, 1994 to present. PUBLICATIONS • Author of over 100 El Rs plus numerous other consulting reports. • Rural Life in Northern California: A Study of Communal Life Patterns, 1976. U.C. ' Berkeley (Ph. D. Thesis, 550 pp.). • "Simple Poisons," 1980. UpriverlDownriver, No. 2 (article on herbicide use in Mendocino County). • "Home on the Range,". 1981. First printed in Upriver/Downriver, No. 4; reprinted in Rain magazine, 1981; reprinted in City/Country Miner, 1982 (an anthology of Northern California writers), (article on problems of coyotes and sheepranching). • "Observations on the Concept of Place," 1982. Impressions, No. 6 (article on ' ecological implications of the concept of place). "Where You At?" 1981. CoEvolution Quarterly, No. 32; reprinted in over 90 other magazines and journals. Co -written with Jim Dodge, Victoria Stockley, and Lynn ' Milliman. Recently described as the most reprinted article on bioregionalism ever written. • "Social and Environmental Issues in Developing Vegetation and Fire Management Plans:" 1995. The Biswell Symposium; Fire Issues and Solutions . in the Urban Interface and WiIdland Ecosystems,. David Weise and Robert Martin, (technical coordinators); Gen. Tech. Report BW -GTR -158, Albany, CA, 1.99 pp. . ' Statement of Qualifications Leonard Charles and Associates 1 J 1 .1 �I U LYNN MILLIMAN Lynn Milliman is a professional environmental planner and anthropologist: She has twenty five years of experience preparing environmental and planning reports. She is a founding partner of Leonard Charles and Associates. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE 1977 to Project Manager, Leonard Charles and Associates. Present Professional Responsibilities: Project management; community surveying; environmental assessment; public schools analyst; visual quality analyst; computer mapping, and graphics. } 1968 to Researcher, University of California, Berkeley. 1970 Professional Responsibilities: Conducted research on a variety of projects including social structure in Vietnam. 1964 to Computer Programmer, Systems Analyst, and Assistant 1966 Manager, Glen Slaughter and Associates, Computer Processing Division, Oakland. Professional Responsibilities: In charge of devising computer programs for numerous projects. As assistant manager oversaw work of computer programmers: EDUCATION • M.A., Anthropology, University of California at Berkeley, 1969 (completed doctoral orals but has not submitted thesis). • B.A., Anthropology, University of California at Berkeley, 1968. • Two -years' graphics training, California College of Arts and Crafts, 1957-58. PUBLICATIONS • "Mono Lake Drainage, 1981. Upriver/Downriver, No. 4 (article on ecology of Mono Lake). "Where You At?". 1981. CoEvolution Quarterly, No. 32; reprinted in over 90 other magazines and journals. Co -written with Jim Dodge, Victoria Stockley, and Lynn Milliman. Recently described as the most reprinted article on bioregionalism ever written. Statement of Qualifications Leonard Charles and Associates JACOBA MARIA CHARLES , Jacoba Charles is a professional ecologist and science writer. She rejoined LCA as a full-time associate in December 2008 EXPERIENCE • Leonard Charles and Associates, San Anselmo, Calif.: 2000-2003 and January 2008 — present Data collection, environmental analysis and writing/editing. • Point Reyes Light, Point Reyes Station, Calif.: June 2007 - November 2008 Reporter focused on science and natural resources issues. • Restoration Logistics, Seattle, Wash.: 2003— 2005 Project manager and wetland, ecologist. Designed restoration projects; developed bid proposals and .project reports; represented company at . meetings and conferences; directed field crew. • Independent Biological Consultant, Seattle, Wash.: 2001 — 2005 Provided botanical assessments on contract to environmental consulting firms in California and Washington. Experience includes vegetation mapping for fire management plans, species inventories using Rarefind software, and technical editing of Environmental Impact Statements. • University of Washington Fisheries Department, Aleknagik, Alaska: June - August 2000 - Field Scientist. Collected sockeye salmon run data beginning in a cannery on the Alaska Peninsula. Rugged fieldwork, living in a tent accessible only by boat and bush plane. ; • Center for Urban Horticulture, Seattle, Wash.:' 199&-1999 Restoration Coordinator. Maintained and developed urban natural area; coordinated volunteers; collected and planted native seed. EDUCATION • Columbia University Departmentof Earth and:Environmental Sciences M.A, May 2007. • Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism M.S., May 2007. University of Washington Department of Botany B.S., March 2003. Emphasis on ecology, with a minor in wildlife science • Awards for Scholarship Horgan Prize for excellence in critical science writing, 2007 (Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism); scholarship for academic achievement in earth and environmental science, 2006 (Columbia University Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences); Mary Garrett Hayes Statement of Qualifications Leonard Charles and Associates scholarship for academic achievement in botany, 2003 (University of Washington). : PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS • Society of Environmental Journalists • Ecological Society of America. PUBLICATIONS • Point Reyes Light. 184 articles published, 2007-2008. • What happened to our Salmon? Role of ocean conditions in the salmon collapse. Salon:com Magazine. 2009. • Asphalt as a source of solar energy. Plenty Magazine. 2009. • San Francisco closes the lid on garbage. Plenty Magazine.. 2008. • To zero gravity and beyond. Theme Magazine. 2008. The effects of Elymus virginicus seeding versus weed -control fabricon the recovery of native vegetation in an urban restoration project. Ecological Society.of America poster, 2007. • Ways of a desert. Camas Literary Magazine. 2007. • Longtime emblems of city roofs, still going strong. New York Times. 2007. From family to flames, and home again: how household garbage becomes electricity. Horgan Science Writing award winner. 2007. • From family to flames, and home again: how household garbage becomes electricity. Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism Masters Thesis. 2007. • Down and dirty. A marine engineer redefines "gid work." Columbia Journalist. 2007. • A comparison of the effects of:Elymus virginicus seeding versus installation of weed -control fabric on Polygonum cuspidatum control, understory species richness and growth of planted materials in an urban restoration project in the Bronx. Masters Thesis, Columbia University Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences. 2006. • Forms of falling. Lichton Springs Review. 2005. • . Distribution of the Podocarpaceae within the Northern Pacific Rim. Mary Gates .Undergraduate Research Symposium Presentation, 2003.. Statement of Qualifications Leonard Charles and Associates