Title
Adopt a Resolution to Adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) for the San Leandro Water Pollution Control Plant Treatment Wetland and Shoreline Resilience Project in Accordance with the Requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
Staffreport
COUNCIL PRIORITY
• Infrastructure
• Sustainability & Resiliency
SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff prepared and circulated an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) (Exhibit A) for the City of San Leandro’s Water Pollution Control Plant Treatment Wetland and Shoreline Resilience Project (Project) in accordance with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The project would involve repurposing an underutilized 6.9-acre wastewater retention pond at the Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP) into a multi-benefit treatment wetland.
Staff recommends that the City Council, as lead agency, adopt the IS/MND for the San Leandro Water Pollution Control Plant Treatment Wetland and Shoreline Resilience Project. This approval will allow the project to advance to the subsequent phase of authorization and construction.
BACKGROUND
In April 2018, the San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority (SFBRA) awarded a Measure AA grant to the City to plan, design and permit the Project.
The purpose of the Project is to remove nitrogen and other contaminants from a portion of the WPCP discharge water. In addition, the Project will include enhancement of wetland habitat along the San Francisco Bay Trail for educational opportunities, and demonstration of cost-effective nature-based solutions for contaminant removal. The Project involves installing a modular nitrification system to convert ammonia from secondary treated wastewater into nitrate. Additionally, it involves repurposing an underutilized 6.9-acre wastewater retention pond into a multi-benefit treatment wetland. The nitrified effluent will undergo polishing in the treatment wetland to remove the nitrate and other pollutants before being discharged into San Francisco Bay via an existing discharge pipe.
In accordance with the requirements of CEQA, an IS/MND was prepared, published with the State Clearinghouse, and circulated for public review on February 23, 2024. The 30-day comment period ended on March 25, 2024. Three public agencies submitted comments with one minor clarification requested. The updated IS/MND document is attached.
Analysis
The IS/MND evaluated the potential environmental impacts of the proposed Project and determined that the Project would not result in any significant impacts with the incorporation of mitigation measures. The mitigation measures are summarized in a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP), integrated into the IS/MND, attached as Exhibit A. With the incorporation of mitigation measures, potential impacts to Air Quality, Biological Resources, Cultural Resources, and Hazards and Hazardous Materials would be reduced below a level of significance.
The adoption of the MND is a CEQA requirement prior to approval and acquiring permits for the project.
Previous Actions
October 15, 2018: Resolution No. 2018-130 of the City of San Leandro City Council to Accept Grant Funds of $538,926 from the San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority for San Leandro's Treatment Wetland for Pollution Reduction, Habitat Enhancement, and Shoreline Resiliency Project (Project No. RA-007).
October 7, 2019: Resolution No. 19-508 of the City of San Leandro City Council to Approve and Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Consulting Services Agreement with Terraphase Engineering, Inc., for an amount not to exceed $789,036 for Design and Permitting Services of a New Treatment Wetland at the Water Pollution Control Plant; Authorize the City Manager to Execute Contract Amendments Up to 20% (or $157,807) and an Appropriation of the Water Pollution Control Plant Enterprise Fund Balance in the Amount of $501,917 for Fiscal Year 2019-2020.
Applicable General Plan Policies
Policy EH-1.8 Sea Level Rise. Consider the effects of projected sea level rise in the design and planning of all development, recreational improvements, and infrastructure along the San Leandro shoreline.
o Action EH-1.8. A: Adaptation Plans. Develop long-term adaptation plans which minimize the potential for coastal flooding on public and private properties near the San Leandro Shoreline. Periodically evaluate the risk to homes, businesses, parks, and other features and take steps to protect or fortify these areas to reduce damage potential.
Summary of Public Outreach Efforts
The Proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration was circulated for a 30-day review and comment period from February 23, 2024, to March 25, 2024, for public review and comments. Three public agencies submitted comments.
Financial Impacts
Completion of environmental review pursuant to CEQA is a requirement for receiving grants for the Project.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Resolution for Adopting a Mitigated Negative Declaration for The San Leandro Water Pollution Control Plant Treatment Wetland and Shoreline Resilience Project
Exhibit A: Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration
Attachment B: Notice of Availability and Intent to Adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration
PREPARED BY: Ramya Sankar, Management Analyst II, Water Pollution Control