EIS/EIR East Cliff Drive Bluff Protection and Parkway

Document Cover
Cover Letter
Summary Sheet
ES		EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
			Introduction
			Purpose and Need (Chapter 1)
			Public Involvement Process
			Proposed Projects and Alternatives Considered (Chapter 2)
				No Action Alternative
				Alternative 1: Full Bluff Armoring (Preferred Alternative)
				Alternative 2: Partial Bluff Armoring with Full Parkway Improvements
				Alternative 3: Partial Bluff Armoring with Limited Parkway Improvements
				Alternative 4: Groins and Notch Infilling
				Environmentally Preferable/Superior Alternative
			Permit and Review Requirements
			Comparison of Alternatives, Including Impacts and Mitigation
			Affected Environment (Chapters 3 through 14)
			Environmental Consequences (Chapters 3 through 14)
			Cumulative Impacts (Chapter 15)
			Consultation and Coordination (Chapter 16)
			References, List of Preparers, Glossary and Index (Chapters 17, 18 and 19)
			Summary of Potential Significant Environmental Consequences and Mitigation Measures

1.		PURPOSE OF AND NEED FOR ACTION
	1.1		Introduction
	1.2		Projects
	1.3		Purpose and Need
		1.3.1		Physical Integrity of the Bluffs
		1.3.2		Geologic Background
	1.4		Project Area
	1.5		Project History
	1.6		Use of a Joint NEPA/CEQA Document
	1.7		Public Involvement Process

2.		PROPOSED PROJECT AND ALTERNATIVES
	2.1		Proposed Project Overview
	2.2		Overview of Alternatives
		2.2.1		Alternative 1: Full Bluff Armoring (Preferred Alternative)
		2.2.2		Alternative 2: Partial Bluff Armoring with Full Parkway
		2.2.3		Alternative 3: Partial Bluff Armoring with Limited Parkway
		2.2.4		Alternative 4: Groins and Notch Infilling
	2.3		No Action Alternative
	2.4		Alternatives and Alternative Components Considered but Eliminated
		2.4.1		Bluff Protection Measures
		2.4.2		Road and Parkway Improvements
	2.5		Alternatives Development
	2.6		Comparison of Alternatives
		2.6.1		Alternative 1: Full Bluff Armoring (Preferred Alternative)
		2.6.2		Stairs and Abandoned Restroom (Projects 1 and 3)
		2.6.3		Removal of Existing Concrete Rubble and Riprap and Excavation (Projects 1 and 2)
		2.6.4		Road Improvements (Projects 2 and 3)
		2.6.5		Pedestrian and Bicycle Improvements (Projects 2 and 3)
		2.6.6		Parking Improvements (Project 2)
		2.6.7		Park Development (Project 2)
		2.6.8		Storm Drainage (Projects 2 and 3)
		2.6.9		Construction Actions for Proposed Project
	2.7		Alternative 2: Partial Bluff Armoring with Full Parkway Improvements
	2.8		Alternative 3: Partial Bluff Armoring with Limited Parkway Improvement
	2.9		Alternative 4: Groins and Notch Infilling
	2.10		Environmentally Preferable /Environmentally Superior Alternative
	2.11		Permit and Review Requirements

3A.		INTRODUCTION TO RESOURCE CHAPTERS 3 THROUGH 14
	3A.1		Introduction to Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

3.		LAND USE
	3.1		Affected Environment
		3.1.1		Introduction/Region of Influence
		3.1.2		Regulatory Considerations
		3.1.3		Current Land Use
	3.2		Environmental Consequences
		3.2.1		Full Bluff Armoring (Alternative 1)
		3.2.2		Partial Bluff Armoring with Full Improvements (Alternative 2)
		3.2.3		Partial Bluff Armoring with Limited Improvements (Alternative 3)
		3.2.4		Groins and Notch Infilling (Alternative 4)
		3.2.5		No Action Alternative

4.		RECREATION
	4.1		Affected Environment
		4.1.1		Introduction/Region of Influence
		4.1.2		Regulations and Permitting Requirements
		4.1.3		Existing Recreational Uses (see Section 6.1.6 for detailed discussion of waves, wave properties, and recreational waves)
	4.2		Environmental Consequences (See Section 6.2 for detailed discussion of impacts on Recreational Wave Breaks)
		4.2.1		Full Bluff Armoring (Alternative 1)
		4.2.2		Partial Bluff Armoring with Full Improvements (Alternative 2)
		4.2.3		Partial Bluff Armoring with Limited Improvements (Alternative 3)
		4.2.4		Groins and Notch Infilling (Alternative 4)
		4.2.5		No Action Alternative

5.		VISUAL RESOURCES
	5.1		Affected Environment
		5.1.1		Introduction/Region of Influence
		5.1.2		Regulatory Considerations
		5.1.3		Significant Visual Features, Scenic Corridors, and Public Views/Vistas
		5.1.4		Visual Landscape
	5.2		Environmental Consequences
		5.2.1		Full Bluff Armoring (Alternative 1)
		5.2.2		Partial Bluff Armoring with Full Improvements (Alternative 2)
		5.2.3		Partial Bluff Armoring with Limited Improvements (Alternative 3)
		5.2.4		Groins and Notch Infilling (Alternative 4)
		5.2.5		No Action Alternative

6.		GEOLOGICAL RESOURCES AND COASTAL PROCESSES
	6.1		Affected Environment
		6.1.1		Introduction/Region of Influence
		6.1.2		Regulatory Considerations
		6.1.3		Geologic Setting
		6.1.4		Soils
		6.1.5		Seismicity
		6.1.6		Waves and Currents
		6.1.7		Bluff Erosion
		6.1.8		Project Area Bluff Conditions
		6.1.9		Sand Movement (Sources and Transport)
		6.1.10		Beach Formation
		6.1.11		Issues That May Affect Bluff Protection Structures
	6.2		Environmental Consequences
		6.2.1		Full Bluff Armoring (Alternative 1)
		6.2.2		Partial Bluff Armoring with Full Improvements (Alternative 2)
		6.2.3		Partial Bluff Armoring with Limited Improvements (Alternative 3)
		6.2.4		Groins and Notch Infilling (Alternative 4)
		6.2.5		No Action Alternative

7.		WATER RESOURCES
	7.1		Affected Environment
		7.1.1		Introduction/Region of Influence
		7.1.2		Regulatory Considerations
		7.1.3		Climate
		7.1.4		Storm Waves
		7.1.5		Surface Water Features and Drainage (Onshore)
		7.1.6		Surface Water Quality
		7.1.7		Hydrodynamics and Circulation (Monterey Bay and Nearshore)
		7.1.8		Groundwater Occurrence and Movement
	7.2		Environmental Consequences
		7.2.1		Full Bluff Armoring (Alternative 1)
		7.2.2		Partial Bluff Armoring with Full Improvements (Alternative 2)
		7.2.3		Partial Bluff Armoring with Limited Improvements (Alternative 3)
		7.2.4		Groins and Notch Infilling (Alternative 4)
		7.2.5		No Action Alternative

8.		BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
	8.1		Affected Environment
		8.1.1		Introduction/Region of Influence
		8.1.2		Regulatory Considerations
		8.1.3		Biological Setting
		8.1.4		Vegetation/Habitat Types
		8.1.5		Wildlife Resources
	8.2		Environmental Consequences
		8.2.1		Full Bluff Armoring (Alternative 1)
		8.2.2		Partial Bluff Armoring with Full Improvements (Alternative 2)
		8.2.3		Partial Bluff Armoring with Limited Improvements (Alternative 3)
		8.2.4		Groins and Notch Infilling (Alternative 4)
		8.2.5		No Action Alternative

9.		TRANSPORTATION
	9.1		Affected Environment
		9.1.1		Introduction/Region of Influence
		9.1.2		Regulatory Considerations
		9.1.3		Roadways
		9.1.4		Sidewalks and Crosswalks
		9.1.5		Pathways and Bikeways
		9.1.6		Circulation and Access Provisions
		9.1.7		Traffic Volumes
		9.1.8		Parking Conditions
		9.1.9		Transit Service
	9.2		Environmental Consequences
		9.2.1		Full Bluff Armoring (Alternative 1)
		9.2.2		Partial Bluff Armoring with Full Improvements (Alternative 2)
		9.2.3		Partial Bluff Armoring with Limited Improvements (Alternative 3)
		9.2.4		Groins and Notch Infilling (Alternative 4)
		9.2.5		No Action Alternative

10.		EMERGENCY SERVICES
	10.1		Affected Environment
		10.1.1		Introduction/Region of Influence
		10.1.2		Regulatory Considerations
		10.1.3		Existing Emergency Services
	10.2		Environmental Consequences
		10.2.1		Full Bluff Armoring (Alternative 1)
		10.2.2		Partial Bluff Armoring with Full Improvements (Alternative 2)
		10.2.3		Partial Bluff Armoring with Limited Improvements (Alternative 3)
		10.2.4		Groins and Notch Infilling (Alternative 4)
		10.2.5		No Action Alternative

11.		CULTURAL AND PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES
	11.1		Affected Environment
		11.1.1		Introduction/Region of Influence
		11.1.2		Regulatory Considerations
		11.1.3		Cultural Resources Overview
		11.1.4		Cultural Resources in the Project Area
		11.1.5		Paleontology
		11.1.6		Project Area Paleontology
	11.2		Environmental Consequences
		11.2.1		Full Bluff Armoring (Alternative 1)
		11.2.2		Partial Bluff Armoring with Full Improvements (Alternative 2)
		11.2.3		Partial Bluff Armoring with Limited Improvements (Alternative 3)
		11.2.4		Groins and Notch Infilling (Alternative 4)
		11.2.5		No Action Alternative

12.		AIR QUALITY
	12.1		Affected Environment
		12.1.1		Introduction/Region of Influence
		12.1.2		Regulatory Considerations
		12.1.3		Existing Air Quality Conditions
		12.1.4		Sensitive Receptors
	12.2		Environmental Consequences
		12.2.1		Full Bluff Armoring (Alternative 1)
		12.2.2		Partial Bluff Armoring with Full Improvements (Alternative 2)
		12.2.3		Partial Bluff Armoring with Limited Improvements (Alternative 3)
		12.2.4		Groins and Notch Infilling (Alternative 4)
		12.2.5		No Action Alternative

13.		NOISE
	13.1		Affected Environment
		13.1.1		Introduction/Region of Influence
		13.1.2		Regulatory Considerations
		13.1.3		Existing Noise Environment
	13.2		Environmental Consequences
		13.2.1		Full Bluff Armoring (Alternative 1)
		13.2.2		Partial Bluff Armoring with Full Improvements (Alternative 2)
		13.2.3		Partial Bluff Armoring with Limited Improvements (Alternative 3)
		13.2.4		Groins and Notch Infilling (Alternative 4)
		13.2.5		No Action Alternative

14.		UTILITIES
	14.1		Affected Environment
		14.1.1		Introduction/Region of Influence
		14.1.2		Regulatory Considerations
		14.1.3		Existing Utility Infrastructure
	14.2		Environmental Consequences
		14.2.1		Full Bluff Armoring (Alternative 1)
		14.2.2		Partial Bluff Armoring with Full Improvements (Alternative 2)
		14.2.3		Partial Bluff Armoring with Limited Improvements (Alternative 3)
		14.2.4		Groins and Notch Infilling (Alternative 4)
		14.2.5		No Action Alternative

15.		OTHER REQUIRED ANALYSES
	15.1		Introduction
	15.2		Cumulative Projects and Impacts
		15.2.1		Cumulative Impact Analysis Methodology
		15.2.2		Land Use
		15.2.3		Recreation
		15.2.4		Visual Resources
		15.2.5		Geological Resources and Coastal Process
		15.2.6		Water Resources
		15.2.7		Biological Resources
		15.2.8		Transportation and Safety
		15.2.9		Emergency Services
		15.2.10		Paleontological and Cultural Resources
		15.2.11		Air Quality
		15.2.12		Noise
		15.2.13		Utilities
	15.3		Growth-Inducing Impact (CEQA)
	15.4		Relationship Between Local Short-term Uses of the Environment and Long-term Productivity (NEPA)
	15.5		Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitments of Resources
	15.6		Environmental Justice and Environmental Health Safety Risks to Children
		15.6.1		Environmental Justice
		15.6.2		Environmental Health and Safety Risks to Children

16.		CONSULTATION AND COORDINATION
	16.1		Agencies and Representatives Contacted
	16.2		Scoping
	16.3		Mailing List

17.		REFERENCES

18.		LIST OF PREPARERS
	18.1		County of Santa Cruz
	18.2		US Army Corps of Engineers, San Francisco District
	18.3		Tetra Tech (Contractor)
	18.4		Subconsultants

19.		GLOSSARY

20.		INDEX

**APPENDICES**
A		Photo Appendix (PDF file 7 MB)
B		Public Involvement (PDF file 8 MB)
C		Public Scoping Letters (PDF file 3 MB)
D		Traffic Counts (PDF file 2 MB)
E		Biological Resources (PDF file <1 MB)
F		Parcel Maps (PDF file <1 MB)
G		Coastal Bluff Evaluation (PDF file 15 MB)

**FIGURES**
ES-1		50-Year Summary
1-1		Regional Location Map
1-2		Projected Erosion Rates
1-3		Project Area
2-1a		Project Overview
2-1b		Shoreline Change Rate
2-2		Existing Traffic Volumes in Vicinity of East Cliff Drive
2-3		Expected Traffic Volumes Following Reversal of One-way Traffic
2-4		Soil Nail Wall Construction
2-5		MSE Reinforcement
2-6		Soil Nail Assembly
2-7		Soil Nail Construction Method
2-8		Map Legend for Figures 2-9a-c
2-9a		Project Site Map-Sheet 1
2-9b		Project Site Map-Sheet 2
2-9c		Project Site Map-Sheet 3
2-10		Representative Cross Section of Bluff Protection Structure and Parkway Improvements
2-11		Stairway Beach Acces
5-1a		Existing Conditions-Bluff View
5-1b		Existing Conditions-Ocean View
5-2a		Alternative 1 Visual Simulation-Bluff View
5-2b		Alternative 1 Visual Simulation-Ocean View
5-3a		Alternative 2 Visual Simulation-Bluff View
5-3b		Alternative 2 Visual Simulation-Ocean View
5-4a		Alternative 3 Visual Simulation-Bluff View
5-4b		Alternative 3 Visual Simulation-Ocean View
5-5a		Alternative 4 Visual Simulation-Bluff View
5-5b		Alternative 4 Visual Simulation-Ocean View
6-1		Alternative 1 Erosion Estimates
6-2		Alternative 2 Erosion Estimates
6-3		Alternative 3 Erosion Estimates
6-4		Alternative 4 Erosion Estimates
6-5		No Action Time Sequence of Erosion

**TABLES**
ES-1		Stairway Locations
ES-2		Summary of Project Alternatives
ES-3		East Cliff Drive Bluff Protection and Parkway Project Permit and Approval Requirements
ES-4		Summary of Significant Impacts from Project Alternatives
ES-5		Summary of Potential Significant Impacts and Mitigations
2-1		Projected Increases in Residential Traffic Under One-Way Reversal
2-2		Summary of Project Alternatives
2-3		Stairway Locations
2-4		Proposed Drainage Improvements
2-5		East Cliff Drive Bluff Protection and Parkway Project Permit and Approval Requirements
8-1		East Cliff Drive Project Area Observed Species List
8-2		Likelihood of Occurrence of Santa Cruz County’s Special Status Plants in the Project ROI
8-3		MBTA and MMPA Species Potentially occurring within the ROI
8-4		Likelihood of Occurrence of Special Status Wildlife Species in the Project ROI
9-1		Peak Hour East Cliff Drive Traffic Volumes, November 2005
9-2		Peak Hour Pedestrian and Bicycle Volumes, November 2005
12-1		Federal and State Ambient Air Quality Standards
12-2		Project-Related Vehicle Emissions and Thresholds of Significance
13-1		Typical Construction Site Noise Levels
15-1		Past, Present, and Future Armoring Projects in Santa Cruz County

List of Acronyms
Acronym	Full Phrase
CAA	Clean Air Act
Caltrans	California Department of Transportation
Cal.Pub.Res.	California Public Resources Code.
CARB	California Air Resources Board
CCR	California Code of Regulations
CCS	California Current System
CDFG	California Department of Fish and Game
CEQ	Council on Environmental Quality
CEQA	California Environmental Quality Act
CESA	California Endangered Species Act
CFR	Code of Federal Regulations
cfs	cubic feet per second
cm/s	centimeters per second
CNEL	community noise equivalent level
CNDDB	California Natural Diversity Data Base
CNPS	California Native Plant Society
CO	carbon monoxide
Corps	Army Corps of Engineers
CSC	California species of special concern

dB	Logarithmic decibel scale
dBA	A-weighted decibel
DPR	Detailed Project Report

EIR	Environmental Impact Report
EIS	Environmental Impact Statement
EPA	US Environmental Protection Agency
ESA	Endangered Species Act
ESHA	environmentally sensitive habitat area
ESU	Evolutionary Significant Unit

° F	degrees Fahrenheit
FE	federally endangered
FEMA	Federal Emergency Management Agency
FSC	federal species of concern

g	Gravity

HKA	Haro, Kasunich and Associates

LCP	Local Coastal Program

m	meter
MBNMS	Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
MBUAPCD	Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District
Metro	Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transportation District
mht	mean high tide
MLLW	Mean Lower Low Water
MLPA	Marine Life Protection Act
Acronym	Full Phrase
MMPA	Marine Mammal Protection Act
MPA	Marine Protected Area
MPCB	Santa Cruz County 's Master Bikeway Plan
MSE	Mechanically Stabilized Earth
msl	Mean Sea Level

NAGPRA	Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act
NDDB	Natural Diversity Data Base
NEPA	National Environmental Policy Act
NGVD	National Geodetic Vertical Datum
NHPA	National Historic Preservation Act
nm	Nautical Mile
NMFS	National Marine Fisheries Service
NOA	Notice of Availability
NOAA	National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NOI	Notice of Intent
NOP	Notice of Preparation
NRHP	National Register of Historic Places

PR	Parks and Recreation

Quad	USGS 7.5 minute quadrangle map

ROD	Record of Decision
ROI	Region of Influence

SAGE	Sanders Engineering and Associates
SMCA	State Marine Conservation Area

TCP	Traditional Cultural Properties

USC	United States Code
USFWS	US Fish and Wildlife Service
USGS	US Geological Survey

VMT	vehicle miles traveled