Laserfiche WebLink
Mackviile Road and across the Mackville Bridge between the <br /> propose: quarry area and the processing facility woald be the <br /> best alternative . In the discussion of the "ido River Crossing " <br /> alternative in the FEIR there are very confused and illogical <br /> conclusions formed about access , easements and ricilit-of-ways . <br /> Why were not these considerations pursued to ser if they could <br /> possibly be worked out . <br /> 4 . The input arid reco,ilmendat.ions provided by Fete Bontade'_ 1i , <br /> Director of CDFG, were not sufficiently considered . He makes <br /> very direct references to the bridge relocation issue and clearly <br /> demonstrates his support for the ''No River Crossing" alternative . <br /> He identifies the " significant wildlife habitats" and the well <br /> developed riparian wetland corridor , ' affected by this proposed <br /> project . He points out , that there are , "Several unresolved <br /> issues raised by the DFG in its response to the Notice of <br /> Preparation : " 1 . "Projects potential for siltation , pollution , <br /> entrapment of fish, and changes in the course of the Mokelumne <br /> River brought on by high stream flows . 2 . Relocation of the <br /> bridge poses serious threats of pollution and siltation of the <br /> Mokelumne River . " He states , "We recommend the adoption of the <br /> "No River Crossing" alternative_ . " It "represents the least <br /> environmentally damaging alterIiative aIid avoids loss of r 1.Dar _an <br /> wetland habitat. " In response to his comments the Planning <br /> Division dismisses the potential impacts noted , as being small <br /> and mitigated . If you refer to Section ( 3 . 2 . 3 ) it mentions that <br /> efforts should be undertaken to minimize affects of high stream <br /> flow, but does not explain how this will be accomplished . The <br /> possibility of siltation , pollution and changing the course of <br /> the river is very significant and I feel unresolved . There is no <br /> real mitigation to offset the impact , just suggestions about <br /> bridge construction. I offer the suggestion , that appropriate- <br /> mitigation <br /> ppropriatemitigation might be , as I mentioned above , the creation of <br /> spawning beds on the north . bank. The proposed solution of <br /> dealing with groundwater in the excavation site is very <br /> disturbing . I do not think that adding water to surface waters <br /> (ponds ) is an acceptable alternative . This would increase their <br /> susceptibility to overflow into the Mokelumne- , especially during <br /> wet periods. Why was CDFG not given the opportunity to comment <br /> further and recommend alternatives on this issue? The FEIR, <br /> Planning Division Staff and the Planning Commission dismissed too <br /> easily the very insistent recommendations on the affects of <br /> bridge relocation. The suggested mitigations do not go far <br /> enough in assuring environmental safeguards. The CDFG <br /> ..recommends that the "No River Crossing" alternative be adopted . <br /> They, further , suggest they "would not oppose certification . . . <br /> if the above-mentioned ( "No River Crossing" ) recommendations are <br /> incorporated into the document ( EIR ) and made conditions of the <br /> permit approved . " In other words , they are opposed to the <br /> project as approved . In the response to comment section <br /> following , it mentions that the lead agency, the County, may <br /> require the applicant to further investigate one or more of the <br /> project alternatives . Was this required? If not, why not , <br /> considering the critical nature of this stretch of the river . <br /> -11- <br />